Philippine News Today by Philippine News Today

1 June 4-10, 2021

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

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Vol. 60 No. 43 June 3-9, 2021

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

DUTERTE-DUTERTE TANDEM IN 2022 POLLS LOOMS Pacquiao, Go, Robredo out of race? Governor Newsom: Get vaccinated, win a prize

By ALFRED GABOT Editor in Chief

DAVAO CITY Mayor Sara Duterte (center) meets Sen. Imee Marcos and brother Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Pols back FilAm vice mayor in race for State Assembly

By JO ERLINDA MAUFIT

DAVAO CITY/CEBU CITY/MANILA – Exactly one year before President Rodrigo Duterte ends his six-year term, signs from all over point to his staying in power as vice president as his lawyer-daughter, Davao City ConGen Ferrer Mayor Sara “Inday” DuterteCarpio was reported to be GOV NEWSOM consolidating silently her SACRAMENTO – Get vacforces for a presidential run on May 9, 2022. Page 9 cinated and get a chance to win

he launched “Vax for the Win,” a new multi-faceted vaccine incentive program designed to motivate Californians to get their vaccination leading up to the state’s reopening on June 15. The incentives aim to give an extra nudge to those who still need to get vaccinated against COVID-19, especially those in hard-to-reach communities, while also thanking everyone who has already been vaccinated, the Oﬃce of the Governor cash incentives. This in gist was what Gov- said in a statement sent to PhilipPage 8 ernor Gavin Newsom said as pine News Today.

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Bonta focuses on hate crimes vs API community

By Cherie M. Querol Moreno

MALIA VELLA

SAN FRANCISCO - Alameda Vice Mayor Malia Vella enjoys the support of key Filipino American politicos who say she is ideal to preserve FilAm representation in the California Assembly. A June 29 special election will decide the successor of former District 18 representative, Attorney General Rob Bonta, the ﬁrst Filipino American ever elected to the California Legislature. Page 26

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

Rachelle Arizmendi is the Mayor of City of Sierra Madre and Vice President & Chief Opera�ng Officer of Pacific Asian Consor�um in Employment (PACE), one of the largest Asian Pacific Islander (API) community development corpora�on in the na�on. Story on page 8

SAN FRANCISCO - “I see you. I value you. I am you.” With these words, newlyappointed California Attorney General (AG)Rob Bonta assured the Asian-American and Paciﬁc Islander (API) community that he would focus on ways to stop the rise in hate crimes against them. AG ROB BONTA Bonta held an online press He said one of the most disconference over the weekend with Philippine News Today in turbing things he found out about the hate crimes since Page 9 attendance.

Ex-Camarines Sur solon survives ambush

American priest with McArthur dies at 95 VIEWS & COMMENTS

SHOWBIZ

New Relief for those who were deported in Absentia

John Lloyd Cruz signs up with GMA in showbiz return

FilAm Donaire Jr. world champ again

Page 14 By A�y. Lozano

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 NATIONAL NEWS

June 3-9, 2021

Duterte joins prayers for recovery from ‘difﬁcult, challenging’ pandemic

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, May 30, joined the nation in praying for the Philippines to fully overcome the Covid-19 pandemic. In a pre-recorded speech during the virtual Interfaith Prayer Meeting, Duterte sought divine guidance as the country grapples with the health crisis that has claimed the lives of over 20,860 Filipinos so far. “The present Covid-19 pandemic has truly been a difficult and challenging time for all of us. In this time of trial, it is only right that we look to the Lord Almighty to guide us not only towards the path of righteousness but also to full recovery,” he said. Duterte lauded organizers of the event for bringing together Filipinos of different faiths to pray for the nation. “I, therefore, commend everyone who has organized this event for inviting the Filipinos from different faiths to come together and pray for the healing

and salvation of our people,” he said. He urged Filipinos to put their trust in the Lord’s ability to heal and perform miracles. “As a resilient, strong, and faithful nation, let us put our trust in the Lord Almighty and hope that through our fervent prayers, he will heal our land,” he added. In a separate pre-recorded speech, Duterte sought healing and fortitude amid the prevailing pandemic. “To the Lord Almighty, we humbly seek your grace and blessing. Please heal our land from the illness caused by Covid-19 and you are our only hope and strength amidst these trying times,” he said. He also prayed that the Lord would bless front-liners in the ﬁght against Covid-19. “Bless our medical front-liners and our health workers, bless our essential workers. Bless the workers in government and in the private sector who are

PRESIDENT DUTERTE joins prayer for the na�on

helping our people to cope with this crisis. We are placing our future into your hands, we trust in you. Amen,” he added. “The Whole Nation: Pray As One! Heal As One! Interfaith Prayer Meeting

for the Nation” was held after Duterte’s call for religious groups to hold a national prayer as the country deals with the pandemic and other pressing issues facing the nation.

Region 6; and Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte in Region 9; Cagayan de Oro City in Region 10; and Butuan City and Agusan del Sur in Caraga will be placed under the second most strict modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) classification from June 1 to 15. The rest of the country shall be put under modiﬁed general community quarantine (MGCQ) until June 30. The OCTA Research Group recommended retaining the GCQ status in NCR Plus in June to avoid a situation where people become “very compla-

cent.” OCTA Research fellow Guido David said the “with heightened restrictions” part of the quarantine classiﬁcation can now be relaxed. Meanwhile, Duterte also approved the extension of restrictions currently imposed on inbound travelers coming from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates until June 15. The travel restrictions were imposed after two overseas Filipino workers who returned from the Arab states tested positive for India’s “double mutant” B.1.617 variant.

CAMP CRAME, Quezon cITY – A police oﬃcer from Zamboanga City is the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) latest fatality from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), raising its death toll to 66. PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said the patient, a 52-year-old police captain, tested positive for Covid-19 on May (New York / US Court of Appeals [9th Cir.] / Philippines) 1 and was immediately brought to a hospital. He was transferred to the intensive care unit on May 18 and was intubated Family/Employment Immigration, due to diﬃculty in breathing. He died on Sunday. Working & Fiancé Visas, DACA, “Nakalulungkot po na halos arawCitizenship, & Deportation Defense araw ay may namamatay sa ating hanay, kaya naman patuloy po ang ating paalala sa mga pulis na magdoble ingat. Hindi lamang para sa kanilang pansariling proteksyon kundi maging sa kanilang pamilya (Unfortunately, someone from our ranks dies almost everyday. This is why we continue to remind the police to be doubly careful, not only for their personal protection but also for their families),” Eleazar said.

He added that the PNP continues to provide assistance to cops who contract Covid-19 and their families. “Libre pa rin ang ating pagpapa-check up kaya sana naman ay huwag magdalawang isip ang ating mga pulis na pumunta sa pinakamalapit na clinic kung mayroong silang nararamdamang sintomas ng Covid-19 (We provide free medical checkup so I hope our police oﬃcers will not hesitate to go to the nearest clinic if they feel any symptoms of Covid-19),” Eleazar said. As of Sunday, the PNP Health Service logged 116 new cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 1,850. Another 73 police oﬃcers have recovered, pushing the recovery count to 22,067 out of a total of 23,983 infections since the start of the health crisis last year. As this developed, Eleazar reminded police commanders to closely supervise their respective areas of responsibility to help curb a surge in Covid-19 cases.

GCQ status in NCR Plus extended until June 15 MANILA – The general community quarantine (GCQ) quarantine classiﬁcation in Metro Manila and other areas has been extended until June 15. President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) to extend the GCQ status in the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal (NCR Plus) for 15 more days to prevent a surge in Covid-19 cases in the country. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said some restrictions shall remain in place in NCR Plus limiting the

capacities of certain industries. Areas under the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), such as Abra, Baguio City, Kalinga, Mountain Province; Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino in Region 2; Batangas and Quezon in Region 4-A; Iligan City in Region 10, Davao City in Region 11, and Lanao del Sur and Cotabato City in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are also placed under GCQ until June 30. Meanwhile, the City of Santiago and Cagayan in Region 2; Apayao, Benguet, and Ifugao in CAR; Puerto Princesa in Region 4-B; Iloilo City in

PNP records 66th death from Covid-19

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3 June 3-9, 2021

 NATIONAL NEWS

Creation of 2 legislative districts in Bulacan, Caloocan City and 2 Maguindanao provinces OKd MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has approved three new measures granting additional legislative districts in Bulacan province and Caloocan City and dividing Maguindanao into two provinces. The Republic Act No. 11546 which Duterte signed divides Bulacan into six districts, from five before. The increase will take effect in the 2022 elections. The new law also states that all incumbent representatives of Bulacan shall continue to hold office until their terms expire. Republic Act No. 11545, on the other hand, reapportions Caloocan City’s first legislative district into two separate dis-

tricts, also eﬀective in next year’s polls. The Commission on Elections shall issue the rules and regulations for both measures, according to both documents. President Duterte also signed into law a bill seeking to divide Maguindanao, part of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), into two provinces. Republic Act No. (RA) 11550, signed by Duterte on Thursday, divides the province of Maguindanao into two distinct and independent provinces known as Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur. Maguindanao del Norte will be com-

posed of the municipalities of Barira, Buldon, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Kabuntalan, Matanog, Northern Kabuntalan, Parang, North Upi, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, and Talitay. Its seat of government will be Datu Odin Sinsuat. Maguindanao del Sur will be composed of Ampatuan, Buluan, Datu Abdulla Sangki, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoﬀer Ampatuan, Datu Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Guindulungan, Mamasapano, Mangudadatu, Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, Rajah Buayan, Sharif

Aguak, Sharif Saydona Mustafa, Sultan sa Barongis, Talayan, and South Upi. Its seat of government will be Buluan. The capital towns and seats of government of the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur shall be the municipalities of Datu Odin Sinsuat and Buluan, respectively. Both provinces will have corporate powers and general powers that include having a common seal and having the power to create its sources of revenue and to levy taxes, fees, and charges among others. Maguindanao has a population of 1,173,933, according to the 2015 census.

14 more Filipinos abroad die of COVID-19, cases rise to 12,037 PASAY CITY - The number of Filipinos abroad who have contracted COVID-19 rose to 18,765 as 11 new cases were recorded on June 1, according to the Department of Foreign Aﬀairs (DFA). The DFA also reported 16 new recoveries and 14 new fatalities, the highest since May 7, when DFA reported 12 new COVID-19 deaths among Filipinos abroad. Those currently being treated abroad for the disease is at 6,534, while 12,037 have recovered, and 1,194 have died, DFA said. There are currently 94 countries/territories with Filipinos stricken with COVID-19. Those undergoing treatment are broken down as follows by region: 1,317 in the Asia Paciﬁc, 930 in Europe, 4,172 in the Middle East and Africa, and 115 in the Americas. In the Philippines, COVID-19 has so far sickened 1,235,467 people.

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The tally includes 21,012 deaths, 1,161,252 recoveries, and 53,203 active cases. The new coronavirus is believed to have ﬁrst emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. Variants of the virus have since emerged in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, India and the Philippines.

 METRO NEWS

June 3-9, 2021

Manila readies mall vax sites for A4 group vaccination American priest MANILA – The city government of Manila began using four big malls in the city as its vaccination sites as part of the preparation for the vaccination of the A4 or the essential workers. Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso visited the newly-opened vaccination site at the Robinsons Place in Ermita during the issuance of the Safety Seal Certiﬁcation to the mall. “Today is the ﬁrst day in preparation for your city government inoculating A4, hopefully soon, because, on top of our 18 regular vaccination sites, we added four

mega sites, which are the four malls in the city of Manila,” Domagoso said. “Ongoing na nagbabakunahan dito sa mall para sa paghahanda natin sa A4 (vaccination is now ongoing here at the mall as part of our preparation for the A4).” Aside from Robinsons Place Manila, other malls that have partnered with the city where mega vaccination sites have been opened on Wednesday are SM San Lazaro, SM Manila, and Lucky Chinatown. Domagoso oﬀered free coronavirus disease (Covid-19) jabs to non-Manila

residents, as long as they work or have business in the city. He reiterated that the Covid-19 pandemic is a universal problem that must be confronted in a non-exclusive manner. He assured that as soon as the national government gives them the go signal to start inoculating the A4 priority group, Manila is ready. “Kaya ‘wag kayo magdadalawangisip na baka kayo’y hindi taga Maynila ay hindi kayo mabakunahan (Do not hesitate that because you are not from Manila, you will not be vaccinated).

‘Drunk’ cop faces raps for shooting woman dead in QC QUEZON CITY – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has ordered the filing of murder and appropriate criminall and administrative charges against a police officer who shot dead a 52-year-old woman in Quezon City while allegedly under the influence of liquor. “Nagbigay ako ng instruction sa ating district director ng QCPD (Quezon City Police District) dahil lahat

naman ng ebidensya na kailangan natin para ma-file ng kasong murder is mafile agad natin. I have directed already our IAS (Internal Affairs Service), I even forwarded a copy of the video to Atty. (Alfegar) Triambulo (IAS head) as well as his deputy, Maj. Gen. Gerry Galvan for the immediate investigation and filing of appropriate administrative cases para matanggal na itong pulis na ito sa aming organization na nagbibigay ng kahihiyan sa amin sa organization,” Eleazar said. Charged was , 42, and assigned at the PNP Police Security and Protection Group. Eleazar also condoled with the family of victim Lilibeth Valdez, adding

that they are doing everything to rid the police force of misfits and scalawags. Initial investigation indicated that Zinampan and the victim’s son had a fistfight last May 1, where the cop issued a threat after the incident. Zinampan confronted the victim who was then outside her house along Sitio Ruby Street, Barangay Greater Fairview, Quezon City at around 9:30 p.m. In a video that went viral on social media, Zinampan grabbed the victim by the hair and shot her at close range. Responding police officers from the QCPD immediately arrested and disarmed the cop.

who arrived in Philippines with MacArthur dies

MARIKINA CITY - Rev. Fr. James Jay Timothy Thomas Patrick Paul Ferry, who ﬁrst came in the Philippines with the legendary American general Douglas MacArthur, passed away last May 28 due to pneumonia. Fr. Ferry was later laid to rest at the tombs of the Religious of the Virgin Mary congregation in Marikina City. He was 95 years old. Fr. Jim Ferry, a native of New York, was a corpsman of the US Navy during the Second World War when he ﬁrst arrived in the Philippines, and then later became a surgical nurse. He left the country for a few years and came back in 1956 after he was ordained a priest of the Maryknoll Congregation. The American priest spent 50 years of his life in the Philippines doing various ministries for the Catholic Church, including teaching in seminaries. Fr. Jim Ferry served as the vicar for religious men and women in the Archdiocese of Manila. In his homily at the funeral mass, Manila Apostolic Administrator Bioshop Broderick Pabillo hailed the priest’s contribution to the Church.

5 June 3-9, 2021

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Ex-CamSur solon survives ambush, says not running for governor NAGA CITY – Former Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. survived an ambush staged by still unidentified riding in tandem suspects in Barangay Palestina, Pili town on May 31. In an interview, Andaya said he was driving his sport utility vehicle (SUV) along with several companions when the gunmen overtook and fired at his SUV. A witness has come forward to testify on the ambush. Andaya, meanwhile, clarified that he was not running for governor in the 2022 elections. He said he will be supporting Vice President Leni

Robredo in case she runs for governor of Camarines Sur. Andaya, a former House majority leader and close Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, Police Regional Oﬃce 5 ally of former president and Speaker Gloria Macapagal (PRO5) director, said Andaya and his companions sur- Arroyo, is reportedly eyeing an elective seat in the provvived the attack unscathed. ince. Police investigators recovered from the crime scene two spent shells from a .45 caliber pistol. Estomo said he has directed the police provincial director of Camarines Sur to conduct a thorough investigation. He said a Special Provincial Investigation Team was formed to probe the incident.

West Point graduate vice mayor of Dumaguete dies at bike fest DUMAGUETE CITY – Dumaguete Vice Mayor Alan Gel Cordova died on May 30 after collapsing during the charity bike run event organized by the Philippine Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade. Doctors at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital attempted to revive Cordova but he succumbed to what was initially believed to be cardiac arrest which led to fatal arrhythmia. Cordova was a lawyer and a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point in Virginia. He was 53. He earlier was found positive for COVID-19 but later recovered. Cordova served the Philippine Army’s Scout Ranger before entering politics Cordova joined the Bike-For-A-Cause headed by Col. Leonardo Peña, commander of the 302nd IBde, and collapsed while riding a bicycle along the national highway near St. Paul University in this city. He and other participants arrived here from Tanjay City, about 30 kilometers north of this capital. Regional Director Leocadio Trovela of the Depart-

ment of the Interior and Local Government in Central Visayas, in an interview reassured there will be no vacuum left at the city council following Cordova’s death. This, as the city council has suspended its sessions since last week after many of its members tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), and are “incapacitated” at the moment as they are under isolation. Cordova was the ﬁrst to have contracted the virus but returned to work last Thursday after he already tested negative of Covid-19. However, six other councilors tested positive afterward while three other regular personnel of the Sangguniang Panlalagiwan were also infected, said lawyer Arthur Fran Tolcidas, secretary to the SP. The SP continues to work on a skeleton force but is awaiting word as to who will replace Cordova as the presiding oﬃcer of the city council. Cordova is survived by his wife, Marife Ligon, a barangay councilor of Piapi in this capital city, and their three daughters.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

June 3-9, 2021

House approves P401-B Bayanihan 3 for added aid to Pinoys

QUEZON CITY – The House of Representatives approved on June 1 on third and ﬁnal reading the Bayanihan to Arise as One bill (Bayanihan 3) that will provide additional P401 billion aid to Filipinos amid the Covid-19 pandemic. With 238 aﬃrmative votes, no negative votes, and one abstention, the chamber passed House Bill 9411, which proposes a stimulus package amounting to P401 billion. The Senate will have to approve its counterpart bill but Senate President Vicente Sotto III, said in a television interview that they are unlikely to approve the measure this week before Congress adjourns. “Bayanihan 3 for this last week might not be able to hurdle it before the Senate. We have barely four days and there is a

lot on our plate,” Sotto said. Bayanihan 3 is divided into three phases, with a budget breakdown of P165.9 billion for Phase 1, P186 billion for Phase 2, and P48.6 for Phase 3. Two rounds of financial aid worth P1,000 shall be granted to each Filipino. The cash subsidy program shall have a total funding of P216 billion. Pandemic-affected households shall receive a one-time cash subsidy worth P5,000 to P10,000 to be implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The bill also offers wage subsidies with a funding of P20 billion, assistance to displaced workers at P25 billion, assistance to the agri-fishery sector and cooperatives at P30, medical assistance to indigents at P9 billion, and local govern-

ment support fund at P3 billion. Other assistance in the measure are for national nutrition, cooperatives, basic education, and pension and gratuity fund. It states that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas may make additional advances, with or without interest, to the national government of up to 10 percent of the average income of the government for ﬁscal years 2018 to 2020 to ﬁnance expenditures authorized by law to address the pandemic. Mandatory dividend remittances by government-owned and controlled corporations will also be increased from 50 percent to 75 percent, while the President will have the power to withdraw capital from overcapitalized GOCCs.

QC to crackdown on drinking sessions, superspreader events

QUEZON CITY – Drinking sessions among families, friends and neighbors are superspreader events that contribute to an increase in the number of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said. Belmonte made the statement as she ordered the local law enforcers in diﬀerent barangays to regularly patrol alleys and inner roads and monitor social gatherings such as drinking sessions, among others. “We are doing our best to control our numbers and yet some individuals con-

tinue to violate our protocols. We do not condone this disastrous behavior and will immediately impose legal sanctions on all those involved,” Belmonte said. At a wedding in Barangay Matandang Balara, she said 69 persons have been infected with Covid-19 while 25 individuals are still waiting for their results. She added that the index cases in eight out of the 28 areas now under special concern lockdown (SCL) were found to have been involved and infected during a drinking session. From the drinking session, these individuals either went to other places or went to their homes and infect family members. Belmonte said these are superspreader events and reminded residents that social gatherings, including drinking sessions,

are still strictly prohibited. “This is what we want to prevent - Covid 19 positive individuals infecting others in social gatherings without minimum health standards being observed,” Belmonte said. Data from the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Disease Unit showed that a total of 88 index cases have been conﬁrmed in the following areas: Del Mundo St. in Barangay Talipapa; an area in K10th St. in Barangay East Kamias; an area in Harvard St. in Barangay E. Rodriquez; Manggahan Citizen St., Interville III in Barangay San Agustin; Area 5 in Barangay Capri; Labordo Compound in Barangay Tandang Sora; Area 7, Luzon Ave., in Barangay Matandang Balara; and an area in Geronimo St., in Barangay Sta. Monica. There are around 1,017 families who are now being subjected to swab tests. Belmonte urged residents to report their neighbors or any erring individuals who hold gatherings to Quezon City Hotline 122. She reiterated that gatherings of more than 10 people are strictly prohibited except for essential or work-related gatherings such as business meetings, government services, and humanitarian services.

Rotating brownouts hit parts of Luzon, red alert extended MAKATI CITY – The Department of Energy (DOE) said the longer period for raising the red alert status over the Luzon grid is due to additional power plant outages. The Luzon grid on June 1 was placed under red alert from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and yellow alert status from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. to midnight, DOE said. In a separate advisory, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines listed scheduled MLD or rotating brownouts in parts of Isabela, parts of Nueva Ecija, parts of Pangasinan, parts of Bataan, parts

of Batangas, parts of Camarines Sur, parts of Metro Manila, and the province of Ifugao. The agency said the 316-megawatt GMEC Coal-Fired Power Plant Unit 2 went oﬄine at 3:56 a.m. Tuesday due to a suspected boiler tube leak. “The plant is expected to be back online by 8 June 2021,” it said. This is on top of the reported power plants that were on outage Monday including the GNPower Dinginin CoalFired Power Plant Unit 1, San Roque Hydroelectric Power Plant, and Sual Coal-Fired Power Plant Unit 2.

From 1,285 MW forced outages on Monday, this has increased to 1,579 MW Tuesday. The available power capacity on Tuesday also declined to 11,408 MW from the previous day’s reserve of 11,729 MW, while peak demand is slightly higher from Monday’s 11,514 MW to this day’s 11,593 MW power requirement. “In order to maintain a balanced system, NGCP (National Grid Corporation of the Philippines) may implement manual load dropping (MLD) in parts of Luzon today to maintain the integrity of the power system,” DOE added.

3 dead, 2 hurt, 1 missing due to typhoon ‘Dante’ QUEZON CITY – At least three persons were reported dead, another two hurt, and one missing during the ongoing onslaught of Tropical Storm Dante, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said. In its report, the agency said that two of the dead are from Region 11 while the other one recorded is in Region 12. Meanwhile, the two injured were reported in Region 11 while the missing person is from Region 12, the NDRRMC added. These figures are still subject to verification and validation. Affected families so far totaled 566 which is equivalent to 2,642 persons residing in 18 barangays in Regions 11 and 12. Of this number, 158 families or 604 individuals are taking temporary shelter in 10 evacuation centers. The NDRRMC also reported that Tropical Storm Dante has also affected 10 road sections and three bridges in Regions 7, 11, 12, and the CARAGA, of which two roads and three bridges are not yet passable.

New Covid-19 infections in NCR down by half MANILA – The current average of daily new cases reported in the National Capital Region (NCR) has decreased by half from the peak of infections in April but a slowdown in the decline of cases was seen starting mid-May. During an online media forum, Department of Health-Epidemiology Bureau OIC-Director Althea de Guzman reported that the average new daily Covid-19 cases from May 15 to 19 is at 5,130 which is half of the peak at 10,839 from April 9 to 15. Citing the average infections from May 12 to 18 was at 5,848, she said a slowdown in the decline of cases started in the middle of May. “The goal is to bring the new cases to around 2,000 per day, similar to the numbers before the infection started to surge in March,” she added. Meanwhile, the average of new daily cases in provinces within the NCR Plus is at 865 from May 19 to 25. During the peak from April 9 to 15, these areas logged an average of 2,297 cases. “The goal for these “Plus areas” is for cases to decrease to around 198 per day like what was reported from January to February,” de Guzman said. NCR Plus, which is composed Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, is under general community quarantine with “heightened restrictions.” “After consistent decrease in cases, “Plus areas” are now exhibiting a plateau, and Laguna showed some upward trend around the ﬁrst week of May,” she said.

7 June 3-9, 2021

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

Dagupan City, 2 areas scorch with over 50°C heat index tion of the country and weathermen predicting an early onset of the rainy season. The three are Dagupan City which recorded a heat index of 51°C, Sangley Point in Cavite and Aparri in Cagayan which both had 50°C. State weather bureau PAGASA defines heat index as the “apparent” temperature, or what humans perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their body. Dagupan City earlier recorded the highest heat index level this year atd 53°C last May 14. The three places hit PAGASA’s “danger” heat index classification, where areas have a heat index of 41°C to 54°C. People can experience heat cramps and heat exhaustion under those temperature, adding that heat stroke is also “probable DAGUPAN CITY – Three areas in above heat index on June 1, despite a with continued activity” in these areas. Meanwhile, 15 other places in the Luzon sizzled with dangerous 50°C and tropical storm affecting the eastern por-

country reached the “danger” heat index level. Tuguegarao City in Cagayan province and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City registered a 46°C heat index, while Ambulong in Batangas tallied 45°C. Alabat town in Quezon province and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte experienced a heat index of 44°C. Those places where heat index reached 43°C are Clark Airport in Pampanga, Cubi Point in Subic Bay in Olongapo City, Iba town in Zambales, Itbayat in Batanes, Legazpi City in Albay, and PAGASA Science Garden in Quezon City. Three places also recorded a 42°C heat index. They are Casiguran town in Aurora province, Infanta town in Quezon, and Sinait town in Ilocos Sur. Port Area in Manila completes the list of places with “danger” heat index with 41°C.

Covid-19 recoveries among overseas Pinoys hits 12,004, deaths at 1,168 PASAY CITY – At least 115 Filipinos are undergoing going treatment of COVID-19 infections in the Americas as of last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs reported. This as the death toll rose by 11 from 1,168 (May 16 to 22) to 1,179 last week. The DFA also reported that a total

of 12,004 Filipinos overseas have so far survived from the coronavirus disease 2019 after 604 more recovered last week. The DFA, meanwhile, said at least 6,537 are undergoing treatment, of which, 4,185 are in the Middle East/Africa region, 115 in the Americas, 1,307 in the Asia Paciﬁc region, and 930 in Eu-

rope. Based on the available DFA data from May 23 to May 29, some 186 Filipinos were infected by the virus last week, the highest of which was from May 25 when a total of 143 were added to the case count after an update from a country in Europe. The DFA did not

release its regular reports from May 26 to 28. Since the pandemic started, a total of 19,720 Filipinos overseas have been afﬂicted by respiratory disease, of which 60.87 percent are recoveries, 33.15 percent are active cases, and 5.98 percent are fatalities.

Former VP Binay rallies youth to be vigilant, cites P10.7 trillion gov’t loans for pandemic MAKATI CITY - Former Vice President Jejomar C. Binay urged youth and students to remain vigilant and demand accountability from government, especially for its programs to ﬁght the pandemic. Speaking before students of San Beda College, Binay said government’s pandemic response is being funded by P10.77 trillion in foreign loans “to be paid for by you, and the future generations.” “It is therefore only proper that we ask government, or rather, demand from government that they spend every peso wisely, that they ensure that these borrowings go to programs that address the needs of mil-

lions of Filipinos and help our economy recover,” he said. “In short, we should expect and demand accountability. This is not the time to be silent,” he said. Binay was asked to speak on the national situation in an online forum organized by Republic, an organization of San Beda political science students. Binay said the pandemic will deﬁne the country’s national situation in the months to come. “Our national and local economies continue to suﬀer losses. Businesses are closing down, with millions of Filipinos

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losing their jobs,” he said. The former vice president warned that unless government improves the country’s health system, upgrades contact tracing and mass testing, and vaccinates a large segment of the population, the country will go through “a prolonged period of hard and loose lockdowns, or peaks and drops in infections and the number of recoveries and deaths.” “Not only will this strain the economy but it will impact negatively on the physical and mental well-being of our citizens,” he said. But despite the importance of focusing on the pandemic, Binay said government continues redtagging certain groups and even undertakings like the community pantries. He added that harassment and acts of violence against activists persist even during the pandemic. “More than ever, we must continue to keep the government in check - for larger national goals of sovereignty, economic recovery, and pandemic response, all the way to the smallest aspects of governance,” he said. “Ultimately, this gov-

ernment will be judged by the way it has handled this pandemic, and how people’s lives fare as we collectively and individually navigate the challenges of this crisis,” he added.

June 3-9, 2021

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Citizens Watchdog Committee (CWC) for the 2000 Measure A Transit Sales Tax Program will hold its annual public hearing on Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 2000 Measure A expenditures on: Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 6:00 p.m., via Zoom video and teleconference only Public hearing access details are available at bit.ly/vta-cac-cwc-agendas The public is encouraged to provide their input. Verbal public comments will be accepted through the video and teleconference meeting. Written comments are accepted until 10:00 a.m. on June 9 by email to: board.secretary@vta.org. Sign language and additional interpreter services will be provided upon request by contacting VTA Customer Service at least five days prior to the meeting at (408) 321-2300, TTY (408) 321-2330. INDEPENDENT COMPLIANCE AUDIT RESULTS FOR 2000 Measure A Program Expenditures FY 2020 The CWC commissioned an audit of the Measure A Program financial records and schedule for FY 2020 (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020). Crowe LLP, independent certified public accountants, conducted the compliance audit in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. They issued an unqualified (“clean”) opinion on Measure A Program compliance with the ballot, making this the 14th consecutive audit receiving a clean opinion. VTA provides "Solutions that Move You." In November 2000, Santa Clara County voters approved Measure A, a 30-year half cent sales tax for specific public transit capital improvement projects and operations. In FY 2020, the 14th year of the 30-year program, VTA has achieved significant results toward meeting Measure A goals including: • Extended BART to the Santa Clara County cities of Milpitas and San Jose and continuing efforts to extend service into Downtown San Jose and Santa Clara – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension Project’s System Safety Certification on June 3, 2020. The project entered Revenue Service on June 13, 2020. The BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project design and participation in the Federal Governments Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Funding Program continues to advance. • Extend Light Rail 2.4 miles from the Alum Rock Light Rail Station to the Eastridge Transit Center in East San Jose – Final design and right-of-way activities continued for the Eastridge to BART Regional Connector (EBRC) Project and utility relocation design also continued through the fiscal year. • Improve Bus Service in Major Corridors – Installation of shelters to enhance customer experience along the Stevens Creek Rapid 523 was completed in November 2019. The 2000 Measure A Program documents and the audit results are available on VTA’s Website at vta.org/cwc-fy20audit and are also available at the VTA Administrative Office at 3331 N. First Street, San Jose, CA in the Building B Main Lobby. Please contact the Office of the Board Secretary at (408) 321-5680 or to board.secretary@vta.org for questions or to confirm the meeting date, time, and location.

www.vta.org • (408) 321-2300 • TTY (408) 321-2330

Affordable... (From page 1)

With over 4 million people in the United States, Filipino Americans are the 3rd largest Asian American group in the county. In California, we are the largest Asian American group with 1.6 million. Although Filipino Americans have an average household income higher than the average US household income, there are many Filipinos living in poverty. The pandemic showed us how stark the digital divide really is in our community. We have to close the digital divide and get all California Filipino households connected to Home Internet Service. Now there is a limited-time program offered by FCC that eligible households can get Home Internet service for free or as low as $23 per month. Those that are living in a home with a low household income may be eligible to get a discount on Home Internet (up to $50 a month off the bill), making many services significantly cheaper or even free in some cases. The Emergency Broadband Benefit, a new temporary federal program, may only last a few months so don’t wait, learn if you or a community you support are eligible and apply today. https://internetforallnow. org/applytoday Here are some tips to find out if you may be eligible and if so, how to apply. This program is designed to help get more people connected to the Internet at home for online learning, for work, for job training, for healthcare, for engaging with people in your life and your community. You must

Governor...

(From page 1)

“Getting every eligible Californian vaccinated is how we bring our state roaring back from this pandemic,” said Governor Newsom. “California has already made incredible progress in the ﬁght against COVID-19, with the lowest case rates in the country, while administering millions more vaccines than any other state.” “ But we aren’t stopping there, we’re doing everything it takes to get Californians vaccinated as we approach June 15 to help us fully reopen safely,” the governor said. More than 62.8 percent of Californians aged 12+ are at least partially vaccinated, but an estimated 12 million people who are eligible still have not gotten a vaccine to protect their health and the well-being of their communities, it was reported. “Some Californians weren’t ready to get their COVID-19 vaccine on day one, and that’s okay. This program is designed to encourage those who need extra support to get vaccinated and help keep California safe,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Oﬃcer. “The State will work closely with our partners at local health departments and community-based organizations to ensure the program reaches families living in communities with the lowest vaccination rates, who might face language barriers and other obstacles,” he said. According to the governor’s announcement, all Californians aged 12+ who are at least partially vaccinated are automatically eligible for the cash prize drawings taking place in June. Thirty winners in total will be selected for the “$50,000 Fridays” cash prize drawings on June 4 and June 11, totaling

act fast because the offer may only last for a few months: ● It is easy to qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit if you or a household member is already enrolled in another government-backed program, including the Lifeline Program, National School Lunch Program (NSLP), CalFresh (food stamp), Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or a college student with a Pell Grant, and more. The benefit is up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal Lands. ● Eligibility also extends to households where someone in the household lost income during the pandemic due to job loss or furlough. ● It will take just minutes to sign up, if you are already enrolled in an Internet Service Provider’s discount program for households with low-incomes. ● For households in the Lifeline program already receiving a discount for mobile phone service, you can keep that service and still be eligible to use the new up-to-$50 a month discount to pay for a better home Internet plan or more data on your mobile phone. Please share this information about this important benefit with your family, friends, neighbors and school and community leaders. Don’t wait, learn if you or a community you support are eligible and apply today. https://internetforallnow.org/applytoday or call 844-841-INFO.

$1.5 million. On June 15, $1.5 million will be awarded to 10 lucky Californians – for a grand total of $15 million in cash prizes. Winners(Continued on page 9) must complete their vaccination in order to claim their prize. If someone under 18 wins, the cash will be put in a savings account for them until they turn 18. Beginning on May 27, the next two million people who begin and complete their COVID-19 vaccination will automatically be eligible to receive a $50 prepaid or grocery card, worth a total of $100 million. It gives them the option to select from a $50 Virtual Prepaid Card (which can be spent online, in-store where major debit cards are accepted, or added to a mobile wallet to be used to shop in stores that accept mobile wallets), or a $50 grocery gift card from Kroger (which includes Ralphs, Food 4 Less and Foods Co.) or Albertsons (which includes Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and Andronico’s Community Markets), while supplies last. Californians will receive a text message with an electronic prepaid card redemption code sent to their mobile phone or email address 7-10 days after their two-dose series of Pﬁzer or Moderna, or single dose of Johnson and Johnson. An incentive card will be held for those who start their vaccination at the launch of the program. Those who do not have a mobile phone or email address can receive a physical card by calling 1-833-993-3873, 7-10 days after receiving their ﬁnal dose. Those without a permanent address can also call to coordinate delivery. For more information, visit COVID19.ca.gov/vax-for-the-win. To schedule an appointment to be vaccinated, visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call the CA COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-422-4255.

9 June 3-9, 2021 Duterte...

(From page 1)

Bonta...

(From page 1)

This as the ruling party PDP-Laban ofﬁcially endorsed in a national assembly in Cebu City President Duterte as the party’s oﬃcial candidate for vice president with the sole authority to pick his presidential candidate. The PDP-Laban endorsement indicated a crack in the administration as the holding of the Cebu meeting was opposed by some party leaders headed by their president Sen. Emmanuel Pacquiao who is perceived to be preparing also for a presidential run. Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, who has been mentioned by President Duterte as his possible successor, meanwhile, reiterated that he was not interested in running for a higher position in 2020, but hinted that Mr. Duterte may accept their party’s endorsement and that

assuming the post of AG a little more than a month ago was that half of them were not being investigated. One of Bonta’s solutions was to make sure that the Racial Justice Bureau will have a supervising attorney. This, he said, could serve as “a permanent defense” against violence done to Asian Americans. The various acts of violence against Asian Americans cannot be eradicated without help from the media and the community itself, according to Bonta. “We must stop being invisible,” he said. While it is not clear if the recent mass

he could run with his support. Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo at the same time said she has not decided on a presidential run as some supporters like former Camarines Sur congressman and budget secretary Rolando Andaya said he will support Robredo if she runs for governor of their home province. Observers said this indicated that the opposition is weak and may not be able to field a strong and winnable presidential bet. The PDP-Laban endorsement of Mr. Duterte immediately drew flak from opposition leaders and other sectors, including Sen. Panfilo Lacson, himself a possible presidential candidate, saying the country was not ready for a Davao Citystyle Duterte-Duterte tandem. Should Mayor Duterte decide to run for president and she gets picked by President Duterte for the 2022 elections, the ruling PDP-Laban will “toe the line” and

will endorse the Duterte-Duterte tandem, said lawyer Melvin Matibag, an appointee of the president in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines who is acting PDP-Laban secretary general. Matibag said the ruling party will “commit” and “deﬁnitely support” the candidacy of the President’s daughter who is the head of another party, the Hugpong Pagbabago In another development, Mayor Duterte met with Sen. Maria Imelda “Imee” Marcos and her brother, former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in Davao City a day before she celebrated her birthday where they talked also about politics. A possible Duterte-Marcos or MarcosDuterte tandem is being discussed by their followers, but with the endorsement of President Marcos, the team up maybe set aside. Marcos ran for vice president in the 2016 elections but lost to Robredo. After meeting Marcos, congressional

leaders led by Speaker Lord Alan Velasco, Majority Leader Martin Romualdez and other key ﬁgures of the Chamber, including Reps. Bernadette Herrera Dy, Kristine Singson-Meehan, Stella Luz Quimbo, Wes Gatchalian and Mark Enverga, called on Mayor Duterte. Political analysts said a DuterteDuterte tandem would be unbeatable in 2022. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda conﬁrmed that Mayor Duterte has been consolidating forces to mount her presidential bid in next year’s national elections. For Salceda, the handwriting on the wall has been all too clear with only Duterte-Carpio’s choice of running mate still undecided. Duterte’s spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque, meanwhile, said the President shall think of what is best for the country before deciding whether to heed the call of PDP-Laban’s national council.

shooting in San Jose was a hate crime, Bonta noted that it was still one of the biggest such incident in California history. Beyond oﬀering his condolences to the families of the victims, the CA Attorney General said more needed to be done in the state as well as federal levels to stop the seemingly non-stop series of mass shootings. He agrees with the calls to ban assault weapons from being sold to the public, as such weapons were never intended for civilian use. In calling for more steps to address gun violence, Bonta said he would also like to have more background checks on gun buyers. The San Jose shooting, he said, “is a

bitter reminder that we have fallen behind in keeping citizens safe.” One sad statistic about hate crimes perpetrated against the API community is the sheer number recorded thus far, pegged at around 6,000, “with more unrecorded,” said Bonta. He blamed the “former occupant of the White House” for attacks vs Asian Americans, and added that he is happy that the current POTUS is not as divisive. The current administration is supportive of the Hate Crimes Act, a federal bill which puts more teeth in the ﬁght against hate crimes against minorities once passed into law. During the presscon, Bonta mentioned

a Ponzi scheme targeting FilAms which is currently under investigation. Unfortunately, it is a case of FilAms targeting elderly Filipinos and FilAms, he said. Bonta said that as the API Heritage Month comes to an end, “we must continue momentum as we combat the forces of hate.” The month sends the message that the API community and all other minority groups “should celebrate, not just tolerate, diversity,” he said. In these diﬃcult times, the Filipino who migrated to the US when he was less than a year old to reach one of the highest government posts ever attained by a FilAm had a ﬁnal message.

 NATIONAL NEWS

June 3-9, 2021

Lifting Covid-19 restrictions under study: DOH

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) has started studying the possibility of lifting restrictions such as the mandatory wearing of face masks and physical distancing. DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said health experts, together with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), are looking at the possibility of lifting restrictions in specific bubbles. “Ito ho ngayon ang ginagawa natin, tayo po ay nagaaral na nitong sinasabi na rekomendasyon na ito para makita na natin if we can apply this in specific bubbles (This is what we’re doing now, we are studying this recommendation so we can see if we can apply this in specific bubbles),” Vergeire said. She said the study would look beyond the number of vaccinated people and would consider the current state of Covid-19 infections in the country.

However, she said it is too early to say when the easing of restrictions would happen. “Kailangan natin tignan ano na po ba ang estado ng ating mga kaso dito sa NCR (National Capital Region) or healthcare utilization rate kung nakakaluwag-luwag na tayo. Kailangan din ho natin tignan ‘yung compliance ng tao sa minimum health protocols (We need to look at the state of cases here in NCR or whether we have room based on our healthcare utilization rate. We also need to look at the public’s compliance with minimum health protocols),” Vergeire said. Despite the one million individuals who have received their full doses of a Covid-19 vaccine in the country, she noted that the number is still relatively small compared to the total population of the country— around 109 million based on 2019 data. “They say we can achieve this through herd immunity pero alam naman natin na matagal pa ho natin ‘yan

makakamit (but we know it would take a long time before we achieve this),” Vergeire said. She said the lifting of restrictions currently being rolled out across the United States is not yet possible in the country. “Hindi pa rin ho natin ‘yan makonsidera dahil ‘yung rate ng vaccination natin hindi naman po pareho dun sa Estados Unidos. Marami na Silang nabakunahan na kababayan nila (We cannot consider that yet because our rate of vaccination is not similar with the United States. They have vaccinated many of their people),” Vergeire said. She noted that some places in the country still experience increases in Covid-19 infections. “So, pag-aaralan po lahat ‘yan kasama ng ibang factors (So, we will study this along with other factors), not just vaccination, then we will inform the public,” Vergeire said.

Administration party, opposition groups gear up for 2022 elections By Claire Morales True MANILA – With the May 2022 presidential, national and local elections one year away, the political cauldron continues to heat up. This as the administration and opposition parties flex their muscles as they prepare for the elections which will pick the successors of President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Ma. Leonor Robredo, new senators and congressmen and local officials. Filing of certificates of candidacy will be this October 1 to 8, according to the Commission on Elections. Meanwhile, some incumbent government officials are already appearing on various infomercials on televi-

sion less than a year before the May 9, 2022 elections. First to oﬃcially work was the opposition group as retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and opposition leaders organized 1Sambayan to pick their common candidates for president and vice president. This week, the ruling PDP-Laban party was set to convene a national assembly to oﬃcially discuss the forthcoming elections, among others, but its president, Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao, who is believed to be gunning to be the successor of President Duterte, advised members to wait for the meeting duly called by the party chairman and president. PDP-Laban leaders headed by Energy Secretary

Alfonso Cusi, the party vice chairman, however, deﬁed Pacquiao’s call, indicating a brewing tension in the party. This as propaganda machine of the opposition started to work by claiming that Robredo was the runaway leader in a survey with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Pacquiao coming in faraway second and third, which is in wide contrast with the known Pulse Asia survey which put Mayor Sara the runaway winner and Robredo in the cellar of presidentials like Pacquiao, former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Senator Christopher Lawrence Bong Go, among others. Meanwhile, a Comelec oﬃcial claimed that there is no such thing as “premature campaigning.”

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11 June 3-9, 2021

 OPINION Confronting elder abuse

EDITORIAL

An insult to all police ofﬁcers

magine yourself as a close relative or friend of a policeman whose only wish was to protect and to serve the people of the city he called home. That cop took pride in his work. He believed in law and order, and he and his family were lifetime Republicans, and proud of it. He knew the risks entailed in his work, and that anytime a hardened criminal could draw a gun or pull a knife on him. But he knew he was one of the good guys. On the 6th day of January this year, that cop was given the task of protecting the nation’s Capitol building against a loud and unruly mob that had been incited to violence by no less than the president of the United States, who has just been voted out of office. Little did he know that when he left home that morning, it would be for the last time. That cop’s name was Brian Sicknick. He died in the line of duty in the worst way possible that fateful day. The rioters who had laid siege to the Capitol forced their way in, rushing past the police who were protecting the lawmakers inside. Those who put up a fight, like Sicknick, were beaten mercilessly. Many of the defenders were injured, none more seriously than Sicknick who succumbed to his injuries. After all, he had apparently been struck on the head again and again with a fire extinguisher. He was one of five fatalities in that siege, but was the only lawman. Immediately after the event, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle vowed to get to the bottom of the siege. Democrats and Republicans said they would conduct an investigation. The lives lost because of that siege will never be returned, but at least a way should be found to make sure it does not happen again. One way of doing this would be to create an independent, bi-partisan commission, properly funded and given sufficient time to guarantee a complete and impartial investigation. Last week, the majority of Republicans in the House and in the Senate ate their words, and voted against forming the proposed commission that they themselves had supported mere months ago. Their reasons varied, from the ridiculous to the illogical. The real reason was clear as day. They were all doing it at the behest of the twice impeached 45th POTUS. Whether it was done out of fear of recrimination or of losing the support of his followers is irrelevant. What they did was, in the words of Senate leader Chuck Schumer, shameful. But more than bringing great shame to the party of Lincoln, their refusal to learn the truth behind the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol was a huge disservice and an insult to all policemen in all 50 states. When midterm elections are held next year, all those policemen, their friends, and their families, will remember the cowardly act committed by GOP senators and congressmen last week. Many of them will pay the price when they are voted out of office. Indeed, shame on the Republican lawmakers who opted to hide from the truth, thereby guaranteeing that Sicknick died in vain.

Upside

ilipinos all over the world celebrate independence from Spain on June 12. June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a time for Filipinos everywhere to gather and learn ways to be free from isolation and abuse that often beset people in their autumn years. Fittingly, ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment is staging its annual elder care and elder abuse prevention event in a virtual setting 5:30 - 7 pm, Tuesday, June 29. Free and open to the public, the allvolunteer team’s 13th annual Our Family, Our Future is CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO a collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General, Asian American Recovery Services - Healthright 360 and the County of Marin Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization launched WEAAD as an annual initiative on June 15, 2006. The United National General Assembly then officially designated the date for rejecting any and all forms of abuse against the older population. The UN International Plan of Action described elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue due to the lack of understanding and investigation of elder abuse. While 4 to 6 percent of the world’s older adults suffer from some kind of abuse, most are often in- Long�me ALLICE Kumpare Dr. Jei Africa heads Marin flicted by family or care- County BHRS, a co-presenter of June 29 virtual event givers and often go unre- “13th Our Family, Our Future.” ported. “Our Family, Our Future” aims to: * Promote healthy interaction with older adults; * Break stereotypes of older adults; * Connect the community with resources; * Familiarize the larger community with the Filipino and FilAm culture, and * Decry and call to action to stop hate crimes against Asian Americans particularly the older population. Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer and San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President David Canepa will keynote address from the Philippine/FilAm and US/local perspectives. Some 20 community-(Continued on page 27)

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 OPINION

PerryScope

n the first five months of 2021, more than 7,500 Americans died from gun violence. Why? What’s causing the pandemic on gun violence? Gun control advocates say that background checks are not effective. Gun ownership advocates insist that guns don’t kill; it’s the people that kill people, which is convoluted PERRY DIAZ logic. But according to a gun control advocacy group, the number of gun sales along with the disruption to normal life by the covid-19 pandemic has contributed to a 25% surge in homicides and non-suiciderelated shootings in 2020. The group also found there were nearly 4,000 more firearm deaths and more than 9,000 firearmrelated injuries in 2020 than in 2019. Some experts say that “stress levels were high, opportunities for employment were lower,” which makes sense. However, could it be that fear has contributed to the rise in gun violence? Fear of whom? But what I noticed is that while gun violence is on the rise, the National Rifle Association (NRA) keeps on defending gun ownership based on the Second Amendment, which says: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” But there are no militias in cities. A shooter in a supermarket is not a militia. A militia is an organized group; and those who committed homicides are mostly the “lone wolf” types who oftentimes are mentally unbalanced. Records show that a good number of mass murderers bought their firearms as recent as a day or few days before committing the crime without the statutory waiting period. Massacre Last May 26, a man went on the rampage in San Jose, California killing eight people. He then shot himself to death. The gunman, a 57-year-old man was an employee of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and his victims were also employees of VTA. A search of the man’s house revealed an arsenal of assault rifles, handguns, magazines, and thousands of ammunition. The massacre in San Jose signifies the seriousness of gun violence in the U.S., which has claimed thousands of lives of Americans. And this brings to the fore the issue of gun ownership in the country. While, it is true that the Second Amendment gives citizens the right to keep and bear arms, there should be a law that regulates gun ownership, such as a “universal background check,” and a legal requirement that any gun sale require the buyer to undergo a background check. New federal law also mandates that anyone who sells guns for a living has to have a license to sell and has to undergo a background check. “Constitutional carry” The day before, in a twist of irony, the Texas Legislature – in a lightning speed -- gave final approval to a bill that would allow residents to carry handguns in public without a permit, and Gov. Abbott is expected to sign what many referred to as a “constitutional carry” proposal. Under the new law, residents over the age of 21 could carry a handgun in public without a license, background check, or training. Currently, the law requires gun owners to be trained and undergo a criminal background check before they are licensed to carry a gun. They might as well put a sign at the border that says: “Welcome to Texas where everybody is a fair target.” Some lawmakers hailed the bill as a victory for proponents of the Second Amendment. One legislator said, “This is a simple restoration of Texans’ constitutional right under the Second Amendment, a right of the people to keep and bear arms.” But this right applies only to a “well regulated militia,” not deranged “lone wolves” who massacre people like what the San Jose mass murderer did. In my opinion, it does not apply to the new Texas law. Does it seem like the Texas Legislature has turned the calendar back 150 years during the days of the Wild Wild West? Or the Roaring Twenties when Bonnie and Clyde, Baby Face Nelson, Pretty Boy Floyd, Ma Barker, John Dillinger, Al Capone and their ilk roared in the Midwest and the South? And to show how sickening the NRA’s reaction to the spate of killings is, the NRA tweeted that it had cause for celebrating a Boulder, Colorado judge (Continue on page 27)

The need for apostille of documents

ast month an old client called Mobile Signing Services and requested help and assistance for the apostille of Special Power of Attorney (SPA) notarized by a Notary Public who is not familiar with the provisions of the Accession of the Philippines to the Hague Apostille Conven- ART GABOT MADLAING tion. The client informed me that the notarized SPA was returned from the Philippines because it was not apostilled. Upon review of the notarized Special Power of Attorney signed by four principals in Mllbrae, California, I found out that it was not properly dated. In reviewing the notarized SPA, I found out that the Notary Public is not only familiar with the provisions of the Accession of the Philippines to theHague Apostille Convention but is also careless and incompetent because the SPA was notarized without the witnesses to the signatures and with incomplete date. I can also presume that the Notary Public who notarized the SPA is inexperienced and new to the business. Otherwise, the principals should have been advised that the notarized SPA must be apostilled first before being sent to the Philippines. Due to the incompetence of the Notary Public who notarized the SPA, my old client with her co-principals wasted precious time, money and efforts; in addition to tremendous delay in the submission of the SPA needed in the Philippines. As founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES and accredited, commissioned Notary Public in California since 1981, I will never notarize incomplete and not properly filled out documents (e.g. Special Power of Attorney, Affidavits, DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, Proof of Life, DEED OF DONATIOD, Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate, Etc.). I always advise old and new clients to have ALL notarized documents be apostilled first by the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento or Los Angeles, California before sending the documents to the Philippines. As a public service, I would like to share again to our readers and the general public some excerpts of the Special Notice from the Legal Section of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco on the Accession of the Philippines to the Hague Apostille Convention, as follows: “Philippine Consulate shall no longer issue Authentication Certificates (red ribbon) for documents notarized or apostilled in the States under its jurisdiction namely: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington State, Northern Nevada, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming and Northern California. If you notarized documents before 14 May, 2019, the Philippine Consulate will (1) still accept it for authentication (red ribbon) or (2) you may advice the applicant to secure an Apostille. On the other hand, if you notarized documents from 14 May 2019 onwards, we will no longer authenticate said documents. The applicant should forward it to the issuing State/Competent Authority for the issuance of an Apostille Certificate. Please note that Apostilled document/s no longer need additional authentication by the Philippine Consulate General. Once apostilled, it already has legal validity and can be sent to the Philippines for use.” Mobile Signing Services (MSS) is committed and will continue to help and assist old and new clients, particularly the elderly, veterans and those physically handicapped in the notarization and apostille follow up for documents needed in the Philippines and to the other member nations of the Hague Apostille Convention. Here are some advantages and benefits of MSS services: AVOID TAKING OFF FROM WORK – Old and new clients don’t need to take off from work and drive to Sacramento or Los Angeles to submit and follow up documents for apostille. DISCOUNTS ON MULTIPLE DOCUMENTS AND MULTIPLE SIGNATURES – We offer 10% to 15% discount on multiple documents and multiple signatures for old and new clients. SAVINGS ON GAS AND MILEAGE FEES – We encourage old and new clients to come to our home-office in San Francisco , California for savings on gas and mileage fees ($50 to $120). FREE PARKING – Many of (Continue on page 27)

Immigration nitpicking puts FilAm in deportation court

he good looking 25-year old young man from the foothills of the Cordilleras in Ilocos Norte married a 50 year old woman from Hawaii after a whirlwind courtship through Skype and Facebook. The woman went to Manila to meet the young man, telling him to bring his family so that she could also meet them. Following inti- EMMANUEL SAMONTE TIPON mate relations, the woman told the young man that she would come back and they would get married. The woman returned to Manila, got married at city hall in the presence of her friends and the young man’s parents, had a reception, and a brief honeymoon at a hotel where they consummated their marriage. The woman returned to Hawaii. She filed a visa petition for the young man as the spouse of a U.S. citizen and it was approved by USCIS. The consular officer notified the young man to bring his wife at the visa interview – a very unusual request. The wife went to Manila for the third time, appeared at the interview, was questioned, and convinced the consul that the marriage was bona fide. He was issued an immigrant visa. The young man arrived in Hawaii in mid-2016. He was granted conditional residence status for 2 years and given a green card. His wife had rented a place where they would stay together. During the time that they lived together as husband and wife they had sexual relations and performed the duties of a true husband and wife. About six months following the young man’s arrival, his wife did not return home from work. He called her and texted her. Finally, she told him that she was not coming home anymore and to stop saying he loved her. The young man’s conditional residence status was expiring. He was required to file a joint petition on Form I-751 with his wife to remove the condition. But because the wife would not have signed a joint petition, he divorced her in order that he could ask for a waiver of the joint filing requirement on the ground that he had entered into a bona fide marriage but that the marriage was terminated through divorce and that the alien was not at fault in failing to meet the requirements for filing a joint petition. The young man submitted documents to establish that the marriage was bona fide including a joint federal income tax return, rent receipts, receipts for remittances from the wife while he was in the Philippines, receipts from the hotels in Manila where they stayed, photographs of the couple taken before their wedding, during their wedding, after their wedding, and during the time they lived together in Hawaii. Affidavits of the young man, his relatives, and friends of the couple attesting to the fact that the couple’s marriage was bona fide were also submitted. USCIS MADE A BIG ISSUE: DID WIFE LEAVE HUSBAND IN 2018 or 2016? The young man was interviewed by an immigration officer. The officer asked him when his wife left. He said 2018. USCIS denied the petition to remove conditions on residence. The Director said that he had executed an affidavit saying that “after about 6 months” from his arrival in the U.S. in 2016 his wife did not come home. The Director also said that his divorce petition stated that they were separated in January 2017. The Director held that he had not met his burden to establish the bona fides of his marriage and likely provided false testimony for the sole purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit. REQUEST TO REOPEN AND RECONSIDER DECISION The young man filed Form I-290B requesting that USCIS reopen and reconsider the decision denying the petition to remove the conditions on residence. He argued that (1) he had established by a preponderance of evidence that his marriage was bona fide and that there was no factual and legal basis for the Director in concluding that he provided false testimony, and therefore he was deprived of due process of law, (2) his statement at the interview that his wife left in December 2018 was a slip of the tongue and that he had intended to say December 2016, (3) he was deprived of due process of law because his counsel was not allowed to ask the clarificatory question whether he meant 2016 rather than 2018 as the date his wife left him, (4) the Director erred in capitalizing on an immaterial and minor inconsistency as to the date when his wife left him, since that does not go to the heart of the issue whether the marriage is (Continue on page 27) bona fide or not, and that minor

What’s Up Attorney

What the hell is going on in the US?

Health & Wealth

June 3-9, 2021

13 June 3-9, 2021

 OPINION

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n angry Rodrigo Duterte last week ordered the arrest of barangay (village) captains who had failed to strictly carry out the quarantine protocols imposed by the national government to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19). There had been several MANUEL MOGATO “super spreader” events that the barangay captains failed to stop. First, the Mother’s Day swim parties at the “Gubat sa Ciudad” resort in Caloocan, and the inflatable pool party with videoke singing and rice distribution organized by a city councilor, both in Quezon City. But there were also similar mass gatherings that disregarded the minimum health standards, including social distancing and wearing of face masks and face shields in other areas in Manila and Laguna. At his weekly meeting with the government’s task force on pandemic response, Duterte barked at barangay captains for not doing their jobs. “I’m ordering the police to arrest the barangay captain and bring him to the station and investigate him for dereliction of duty for having failed to enforce the law,” the firebrand leader said, fearing the mass gatherings that the barangay officials failed to stop could trigger another surge in Covid-19 cases, which saw daily infections rising to more than 13,000 in April. “Kasi magpa-barangay captain kayo, persons in authority tapos wala kayong gawin, hindi kayo tumulong sa national government, you are not doing anything, then I will order your arrest.” The success of the country’s efforts to defeat the pandemic rests largely on the shoulders of barangay leaders as they are directly in contact with the people. They implement quarantine rules and play an indirect role in the vaccination drive. They also make sure residents get “ayuda” from the government through the social welfare and development department. Under the Local Government Code passed after Ferdinand Marcos’ one-man rule, most of the central government’s powers were devolved to the provinces, cities, towns and barangays. But the barangays absorbed all functions and got blamed for any misstep in policy implementation, from peace and order, health and sanitation, and social ills, as well as crime, drugs and the proliferation of informal settlers. The barangays also collect their own revenues from permits and clearances, and get a share of the internal revenue allocation (IRA) from the national government. The amount is determined by the size of its population and land area depending on the revenues collected by the cities and towns. Makati, Manila, and Quezon Cities get larger IRA shares and so do their barangays, compared with small cities in Leyte and Basilan. These IRAs are the reason the supposed non-partisan barangay elections have become bloody, violent, highly emotional, and contested. In some provincial areas, particularly in the Muslim Mindanao region, the barangay elections become the source of “rido” or clan feuds. A study made by the Asia Foundation revealed that there were more than 5,000 “rido” in the country, some dating back to the 1930s, over land, political positions, honor, and petty quarrels such as a basketball match. Filipinos by nature are tribal and clannish, a character that the Spanish colonizers exploited when they came in search of economic wealth in the 16th century. Spain found that the natives lived together in a community or a village known as balangay, a Malay word for sailboat, the transporta(Continue on page 27)

‘Remembering Rizal in Trump’s now repealed travel ban’

he Philippines and the Filipino people will commemorate Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s 160th birth anniversary next month. He was born on June 19, 1861. Dr. Rizal made a lot of travels when he was still alive and also experienced racism when he came to the United States visa San Francisco, California. He was held ATTY. JOJO LIANGCO (“quarantined”) aboard his ship for six days before he was allowed to disembark. What Rizal experienced had similarities to what happened during President Donald Trump’s presidency. *** Remember former President Donald Trump’s “anti-Muslim travel ban?” One of President Joe Biden’s first acts as president was to repeal the discriminatory “Muslim ban,” a Trump executive order (“EO”) that is called and referred to by many civil and human rights advocate as an anti-Muslim travel ban. The ban initially worked to prevent citizens of seven countries (Libya, Yemen, Iran, Somalia, Iraq, Syria, and Sudan) from coming and going to the U.S. After a legal challenge, Sudan and Iraq were taken off the list. Then last year, six African and Asian nations were added to the travel ban (including Sudan). Trump justified his executive order as an “anti-terrorism measure.” The ban caused many families to be separated, denying many U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents of their right to be with their loved ones. *** History tells us that Trump was not the first to order a discriminatory exclusion and travel ban to bar certain groups of people from entering the U.S. The U.S. has a history of passing and making exclusionary laws and acts. Although the United States of America was founded and has emerged as a great nation because of the contributions and hard work of immigrants and refugees from different lands and shores, it has a long history of restricting certain immigrants and aliens from coming and being in the U.S. In the past, many strong anti-immigrant attitudes and sentiments have even manifested and resulted in hate-crimes and xenophobia. *** When Trump signed the executive order (“EO”) “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States” on January 27, 2017, it did not only bring fear among Muslims and refugees but to non-Muslims as well because the order had consequences that affected almost everyone who wanted to enter the U.S. The so-called “port of entries” in the international airports as well as the entry inspection facilities located in our borders became the symbols of America’s closed doors after Trump’s EO--- telling so-called outsiders that they are “unwelcomed.” I remember the chaos in many U.S. airports after President Trump signed his EO and after the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol started enforcing it. Many travelers were stranded, some were arrested and put-on-hold, and there were those who were rejected outright and were deported. It was clear that the EO also came as a surprise to many airport officials and immigration officers who did not fully understand it, including the sudden changes in the rules and protocol affecting those who were entering the U.S. *** It was good that people reacted quickly to protest Trump’s travel ban EO three years ago, including many immigration lawyers and human rights advocates in the U.S., who rushed to the airports to provide support and assistance to those were affected by the harsh, draconian, and discriminatory Trump EO. This was not the case when Filipino national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, first entered the United States in 1888. Rizal’s diaries and letters to his friends and relatives in Laguna about his travel experience in the U.S. (and being subjected to prejudice and discrimination while trying to enter the U.S. through the port of entry in San Francisco, California) showed that he was a brilliant political analyst. Rizal was held (“quarantined”) aboard his ship for six days. His observation as to why he and his ship and travel companions were being subjected to quarantine were stated in a letter to his parents on April 29,1888--“Here we are in sight of America since yesterday without being able to disembark, placed in quarantine on account of the 642 Chinese that we have on (Continue on page 27)

Immigrant’s Story

trange things are happening in the Philippine political scene these days as lameduck President Rodrigo Duterte’s minions strive to keep their lord and master relevant. Because his daughter Sara is said to be serious in running for president next year, daddy Digong has no choice but to stand by her wishes. BETING DOLOR There is even talk of getting the president to run for vice president, which would be a variation of the Gloria Arroyo playbook. You know. Keep some form of power in the moronic belief that one is indispensable to the Filipino people. Super alalay Bong Go also wants to run for president, according to the sleepy president, but he may have to take a backseat to Sara and run for vice president instead. If she will have him, that is. Sara’s presidential run was confirmed by a once respectable congressman who has earned a reputation for being a political butterfly, but who is still capable of issuing sensible statements every so often, especially when it comes to economic matters. Rep. Joey Salceda said last week that he was “100 percent sure” that the Davao City mayor would run for president in the May 2022 elections. As a close political ally of Ms. Duterte – who doesn’t use her married surname of Carpio, for some unknown reason – Salceda’s statement can be taken with more than just a grain of salt. Sara Duterte does have one problem, and that she does not have a major political party backing her candidacy. But daddy Digong is making sure that the party that propelled him to the presidency in 2016 will recruit her as standard bearer. There’s just one problem. Senator Manny Pacquiao is now the president of that party, PDP-Laban, and he is known to be dead set on also running for president next year. While Pacman and daddy Digong have both professed to admire each other in the past, that may now be changing. Last week, Energy Secretary and PDP-Laban vice chairman Alfonso Cusi called for a national assembly, supposedly to determine what the party can do to help Mr. Duterte in his final months in office. No problem here, except he bypassed Pacquiao in making that call, which naturally got the goat of the boxer-turnedsenator, who then issued an advisory telling all party members to ignore Cusi’s invitation. For the record, Pacquiao only assumed the presidency of the party last year. The titular hear remains President Duterte. I have no idea why Cusi became vice chairman, except maybe because he is a billionaire like Pacquiao. Cusi, however, has no political experience. He has never run for any political post. Pacman tried to settle the issue by asking to meet with the president. But instead of agreeing to Pacman’s request, Mr. Duterte said PDP-Laban should go ahead and push through with the assembly, scheduled for this week. So what will Pacquiao do next? For now, he is preparing for what may well be his final professional fight. He is meeting undefeated American Errol Spence in Las Vegas on August 21, this year. Pacquiao enters that fight as the underdog, and he took a big risk in taking it. A loss will definitely affect his chances of winning the presidency next year, as he will be perceived as a loser in the fight that caps his illustrious career. But he will earn big bucks, which he will need to fund his campaign. There are ongoing machinations within his PDP-Laban but it is unclear if Cusi has the wherewithal to wrest control of the party from Pacman. Still semi-active in the party is former Speaker and onetime Duterte ally Pantaleon Alvarez, who appears to have thrown his lot with the fighting senator rather than the presidential daughter. Alvarez has formed his own regional party, but being a pure trapo, he keeps the door open to a glorious return to the party where he served as Secretary General for five years before “resigning” late last year. My take is that the Dutertes now recognize the influence of the Pambansang Kamao, and are afraid of it. Presuming that Pacman and Sara both run for president, there remains an elephant in the room in the person of former (Continue on page 27) senator Bongbong Marcos.

Barangays: Little kingdoms that matter IN THE TRENCHES

Dutertes afraid of Pacquiao?

 IMMIGRATIONS New Relief for those who were deported in Absentia

here is a new law Niz-Chavez v. Garland decided by the US Supreme Court that will allow reopening of a case if the Notice to Appear sent to the Respondent do not have a hearing date and time at the first time it was mailed. A second notice will not cure the error. 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. Before this Court decision, you may file Motion to Reopen with the Immigration Court if you did not receive proper notice of the hearing. For example, if the NTA was mailed to an incorrect address, you may be successful in reopening your case if the failure to appear was not your fault. There is no filing fee for filing a Motion to Reopen based upon failure to receive proper notice. When the NTA or Notice of Hearing is sent by regular mail to your last known address, there is a presumption that it was actually delivered there. It is your obligation to inform the court of any change of address within five days of moving. If you were notified of this obligation (which is contained in the NTA), and fail to do so, then miss a scheduled hearing, you may be faulted for failing to appear. To overcome the presumption of delivery, you have to submit any relevant evidence to show that you did not receive the NTA. Evidence can include your affidavit, affidavits from others who know about the situation, and proof of troubles with mail delivery at your residence. If applicable, you can also demonstrate that you have attended previous hearings and have pending applications that would indicate an incentive for you to appear for your hearing. If you did not receive notice of your hearing, but your attorney of record did and failed to inform you of the hearing date, you may be able to reopen your case based upon ineffective assistance of counsel. SUCCESS STORIES During the months of March and April 2021, we received approvals from USCIS four naturalization applications, three adjustment of status and two removal of conditional residence applications. 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/

June 3-9, 2021

Monde Nissin raises P48 B and sets record IPO

MANILA – Philippine-based food manufacturer Monde Nissin Corp. is now a publicly listed firm after completing the largest initial public offering (IPO) in local stock market’s history. During the listing ceremony of Monde Nissin, Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) president and chief executive officer Ramon Monzon welcomed the P48.6 billion raised by the company for its IPO. “The confidence it showed in going public at this time will surely encourage other companies considering an IPO to do the same,” Monzon said. He added Monde Nissin has attracted over 100 global investors in its international book building, with about US$700 million or more than 60 percent of the IPO share value taken up by 11 cornerstone investors. “(T)his landmark Philippine IPO (is) showcasing how the PSE is able to attract world-class investors and serve as a conduit of large companies in raising capital needed for various purposes,” Monzon said. More investments, jobs With the amount raised by the food manufacturer in its IPO, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III expects the proceeds to be invested to grow its business in the country and to create more jobs for Filipinos.

“Expanding business activities and introducing new high-value investments into our economy will help us speed up our recovery efforts,” Dominguez said in his remarks. He said landmark offerings from major companies including from retail, real estate, and telecommunications sectors proved that it is still an “exciting time” for the local bourse despite the ongoing global health and economic crisis. Dominguez is also optimistic that the PSE is poised to witness more “blockbuster offerings” as investors’ interest in the local market continues to grow. “These promising developments underscore the importance of rapidly developing our capital markets. On the part of the government, let me assure you of our determination to advance the reforms that aim to further deepen our capital markets and develop a broad-based and inclusive financial system fit for the 21st century,” he added. Filipino brand Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez has also welcomed the largest listing in the PSE being done by a Filipino brand. Nissin Monde started as a small company in Sta. Rosa, Laguna 40 years ago, with its brands becoming household names in the Philippines, including Lucky Me! noodles, SkyFlakes, and Fita crackers.

Bangko Sentral exec cites, downplays effects of high inflation due to weak demand MANILA – The pandemic-hit domestic demand is expected to counter any second-round effects of elevated inflation rate and not add any price pressures, according to a ranking Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) official. , BSP Monetary Policy Research Group Director Dennis Lapid said monetary authorities continue to be on the lookout for developments like petitions for fare and power rate hikes on account of the faster rate of price increases. “The risks of second round effects (of elevated inflation) will temporarily counterbalance also with the amount of slack in the economy given that domestic demand is still in the very stages of recovery. So, that will tend to, I think, dampen the pressure from second round effects,” he said. Lapid said inflation expectations of private economists, based on the survey conducted by the central bank, indicate a within-target outlook for this and next year. Inflation accelerated for five consecutive months since October 2020 due to supply-side factors, particularly the lack of pork supply because of the impact of African swine fever (ASF), and the rise in global oil prices. It breached the government’s 2-4 percent target band last January when it hit 4.2 percent, and further rose to 4.7 percent in the following month.

It, however, decelerated to 4.5 percent last March and April, bringing the yearto-date average to 4.5 percent. BSP’s average inflation forecast for this year is 3.9 percent, while it is 3 percent for next year. During the same briefing, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno cited the rise in global oil prices due to recovery of demand and the supply cuts by oil producers. He said local authorities are closely monitoring global oil price developments since the Philippines is an oil importer and any changes on this impact the domestic inflation. Citing reports by the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Diokno said the two institutions forecast global oil prices to average higher than USD50 per barrel this and next year. He said the effect of oil price developments is among the factors being considered by BSP officials in determining their inflation projections. While oil prices are seen to remain high, he said the baseline inflation path “is projected to be target-consistent over the policy horizon.” “However, the BSP will continue to monitor and update the oil price outlook as it remains highly uncertain given evolving developments related to the pandemic and the uneven global recovery,” he added.

15 June 3-9, 2021

 ENTERTAINMENT

H.E.R. invites Ben&Ben to collaborate on new music

This after it was reported that the Expect award-winning FilipinoVallejo, California-born H.E.R., who American singer H.E.R. of California and the Filipino group Ben & Ben to do music just recently won top Oscar and Emmy awards, invited Ben&Ben to do a music together soon.

collaboration. In Nelson Canlas’ report on GMA’s “24 Oras,” the OPM band said they were star-struck when they had the chance to speak to the Grammy and Oscar winner who is proud of her Filipino heritage, her Filipina mother and relatives. During their talk, Ben&Ben was caught oﬀ guard with when H.E.R. suddenly extended them an invitation, it was reported by GMA News. “I’m so happy to be speaking with you, guys. Maybe we gotta collaborate on something. I gotta hear some music,” she told them. The nine-member band couldn’t help

but squeal the invitation, it was learned. “She was the one who told us that we should work on something together and wow, if it happened someday, it will be a dream,” said Miguel Benjamin Guico. “Just being able to talk to her and get to know her, to connect, it’s surreal.” In a previous interview with GMA News, H.E.R. revealed that she is a fan of OPM and is already planning to collaborate with other Filipino-American singers. Ben&Ben, meanwhile, is set to release a new rendition of “Leaves” with Young K of K-Pop group Day6 .

Yassi Pressman helps raise funds for PGH, gets aid from NBA’s Damian Lillard

Portland Trailblazers star Damian Lillard donated a whopping P1 million to help in the rebuilding of the fire-ravaged Philippine General Hospital in Ermita, Manila. This was announced by actress Yassi Pressman who initiated a fund drive for PGH after visiting the hospital originally put up by the Americans. It was learned the 6-foot-3 guard had visited Manila twice, first as part of “The Last Home Stand” charity basketball event in 2014 and during a promotions tour of his sneaker sponsor in 2016. Pressman visited PGH after fire heavily damaged its third floor last May 16. “It was really heartbreaking seeing all of the infants, sobrang saludo po ako sa lahat ng mga tumulong,” said the actress.. “Saludo po ako sa mga taong di nagdalawang isip at di sumuko na itakbo ang mga sanggol palabas ng ospital,” she said. Pressman thanked Lillard for his generosity.

“Huuuuuge thanks to big brother Damian Lillard for sending over such a generous amount, kahit na wala siya sa Pilipinas, just to be able to help,” said Pressman on her social media account. Pressman, who like Lillard is a brand ambassador of adidas, initiated the drive after paying the PGH a visit. “Last Saturday we took the time to visit PGH, the hospital was in dire need of help. Coming to PGH made me deeply appreciate all the nurses, the volunteers, the staﬀ, and the mission of the hospital,” Pressman added.

 ENTERTAINMENT

June 3-9, 2021

PHL films to be featured in EuroAsia Shorts fest WASHINGTON, D.C. - After a brief hiatus in 2020, EuroAsia Shorts (EAS) returns this 2021 with a new online streaming format and more incredible short films from Asia, Europe, and the United States, presented by embassies and cultural centers based in Washington, D.C. The films are free and available to viewers across the United States, June 4 – 18. “Join an international cinematic dialogue that is uniquely Washingtonian as we celebrate 15 years of EAS in 2021!,” the group said. EuroAsia Shorts 2021 will have six programs tied together by the festival theme, Together in Dreams, and includes post-film discussions and special video messages from the directors. “Humanity is united by our need for social connection—to be and stay together. And yet, amid a global pandemic, traditional togetherness has become a mere dream shared by millions around the world,” the group said. “ Many of our aspirations—of achievements great and small, a better world, and connecting with people and places we love—have been put on hold, but still burn brightly in our hearts. This year’s EuroAsia Shorts seeks to rekindle hope by exploring dual aspects of our lives that are now intertwined: our need for connection and our dreams for the future,” it added. As in 2019, when the festival ex-

panded to represent 11 countries, EAS features five pairing programs, available for streaming simultaneously during the festival’s first week, June 4-11. Each pairing program showcases an hour of films from two countries – one Asian and one European – followed by a wide-ranging discussion with guest speakers from culture and film. The sixth, final EAS program, as always, features one film from every represented country, including the United States, and a final discussion of the overall festival and theme. All films are presented

with original audio and English subtitles (as needed). Celebrating its 15th year, EuroAsia Shorts (originally the Asian-European Short Film Showcase) remains a collaboration between a small group of Washington, D.C. embassies and cultural centers. Since 2006, the festival has presented more than 280 short ﬁlms, including many award-winning shorts making their U.S. debut. Each year a broad variety of ﬁlms and styles are presented, connected by a single theme. The festival expanded from 9 to 11 part-

ner organizations in 2019, representing an equal number of countries. All EAS 2021 programs are free to view and require advance registration at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ euroasia-shorts-33381144707. All programs are limited to viewing in the United States and ticket quantities are limited. Please note that when you RSVP for a program, you will receive a conﬁrmation email but you will not receive the link to the screening website and the discount code until the day the screening period starts.

Red Roses for St. Jude: A live virtual benefit concert with AJ Rafael and Friends on June 7 LOS ANGELES – On Monday, June 7, from 7-9 p.m. PDT, leading musician and artist AJ Rafael will host a special benefit concert on Twitch to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of his “Red Roses” album and to raise awareness and support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Finding cures. Saving children.® Fans who donate to St. Jude can win the opportunity to be featured in Rafael’s “We Could Happen” lip sync video that will broadcasted during the livestream benefit concert. “Bringing awareness on my platform for what St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is doing for the kids truly fills my cup,” said Rafael. “The fact that the celebration of my album is able to help others, especially at St. Jude, is part of my purpose in life and making music.” Red Roses for St. Jude will feature an unparalleled musical line-up of leading

Filipino artists, including AJ Rafael, Albert Posis, Alyssa Navarro, Kiana V, Jesse Barrera, and more. In addition to lending their musical talents to the livestream, these generous artists plan to announce their St. Jude donations to inspire their fans to do the same. Roslynn Alba Cobarrubias of MYX, the largest global platform amplifying the next generation of Filipino artists, international stars, creatives, and ﬁlmmakers, will emcee. Through live music and shared support, Red Roses for St. Jude oﬀers an engaging way to raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threaten-

ing diseases. Every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save countless more children. Thanks to generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. To make a donation, visit stjude.org/redroses. About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer In-

stitute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

17 June 3-9, 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

June 3-9, 2021

John Lloyd Cruz returns to showbiz, moves over to GMA network; Bea next? Yes, Virginia, actor John Lloyd Cruz will be back soon on television and the big screen. But instead of ABS-CBN, John Lloyd will have a project with the rival GMA Network. This as GMA executive Annette Gozon-Valdes confirmed the report of pep.ph in a recent interview with Philippine Star’s Nathalie Tomada that she has spoken to John Lloyd about his upcoming project with Kapuso. “I believe that this is the right time for John Lloyd Cruz to be a Kapuso,” Gozon-Valdez said. John Lloyd, who was in hiatus since 2017, will first appear on GMA 7 during Willie Revillame’s special program at the Araneta Coliseum on June 6. It was learned that there is already a sitcom in the works on GMA 7 with Willie as blocktime producer and Andrea Torres reportedly as John Lloyd’s partner, according to Willie. Reports indicated that a film with the GMA Films was also being discussed and that John Lloyd’s frequent partner Bea Alonzo maybe in it. Gozon-Valdes admitted there is an ongoing talks with Bea. “Well, may talks kami with her. Let’s

see kasi di ba we have a movie with her to be co-produced with Viva and APT, siya at si Alden Richards. And alam ko rin, Bea has no contractual obligations also anymore with any network. So, we would also love to welcome Bea in the Kapuso network,” she said. Bea and Kapuso star Alden will topbill the Philippine adaptation of the hit South Korean movie A Moment to Remember. Gozon-Valdes is GMA Network’s board director, programming consultant to the chairman/CEO, and GMA Films president.

Gozon-Valdes added that she made sure the actor does not have contractual obligations with his former mother network, ABS-CBN. “First of all, GMA has always wanted to have John Lloyd be with the Kapuso network also. And ngayon kasi, we just had to check if he really has no more contractual obligations with any other network,” she said. “I was the one who talked to John Lloyd and he assured us that, na wala na daw talaga siyang contractual obligations. So wala ng hadlang, wala ng obstacle in the way for him to appear on

GMA,” she added. The obstacle that Gozon-Valdes mentioned was the rumor from 20 years ago, when John Lloyd was supposed to transfer to GMA-7, but a “legal obstacle” got in the way. He remained in ABS-CBN at that time as he was offered the lead role in the prime-time series “Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay.” “Kasi nangyari na iyan before. He was supposed to transfer almost 20 years ago, kaya lang nagkaroon ng legal obstacle,” Gozon-Valdez said. “He assured us na wala na talaga. So, sabi ko nga, finally, iyon na, baka ito na iyong time na sa GMA ka na,” she said. On GMA-7’s offer for an exclusive contract to John Lloyd, Gozon-Valdes replied, “Let’s see. Siyempre, after so long na ABS siya and Kapamilya siya, now he’s going to appear on GMA, I think he’s also taking things slow.” “Iyong hindi naman biglaan. But we want to make him feel very welcome with us and comfortable enough to consider that in the future,” she said. GMA chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon, was reported to be vocal about wanting to have John Lloyd in the stable of Kapuso artists.

Rabiya Mateo presses search for American father while in US

Still in the United States, beauty queen Rabiya Mateo is pressing her search for her American father. She admitted that her father is one of the reasons why she is staying a bit longer in the United States after representing the country in Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida. The Ilongga beauty queen made the disclosure in a virtual interview with Boy Abunda as reported by ABS-CBN. Before ﬂying to the US, Rabiya said she knows his father’s name and date of birth. Rabiya said she feels there is still hope and she is not giving up on the possibility of meeting him. “I just want to know if he’s alive or not

I’m not even sure if he has an idea that I won Miss Universe Philippines,” she said in Manila. In the interview with Boy Abunda, she said she is “taking steps” to look for her father in the US, and is hoping to meet him nearly two decades since he abandoned them. “It is also my favor to the [Miss Universe Philippines] organization, if I can stay a bit longer,” she said in the ABSCBN report. “Kasi this is my ﬁrst time to be outside of the country, and I really want to make memories. I really want to meet people. And also, I’m planning to look for my dad,” she said. “I’m actually doing some steps, and I have numbers na rin of my possible dad,”

she revealed. “Pero every time I try to ring it, hindi sumasagot. So let’s see in the coming days.” “I know I’m going to meet him,” she told Boy Abunda. She said in the interview she remembers her father, an American of Indian descent, as “a sweet guy.” She went on to declare that she is a “daddy’s girl” even if she only got to spend a few years with him. “Naaalala ko talaga, I was ﬁve or six at the time, pinaupo niya ako sa lap niya because aalis na siya pa-US. And then he said, ‘Be a good daughter to your mom. I’m going to be back.’ ‘Yun ‘yung memories ko of him,” she said as reported by ABS-CBN. “Even though ‘yun na ‘yung nangyari, iniwanan na niya kami, he abandoned us for what, 19 years? I still love him and I still long for him,” she said. When asked if she ever got mad at her father for not delivering on his promise to return home, Mateo replied: “Hindi, Tito Boy. Kasi kahit sabihin pa natin na hindi acceptable ‘yung reason niya, may reason pa rin siya. And tatay ko pa rin siya eh.” “It’s all in the past. It molded me to become a stronger woman,” she stressed. Meanwhile, she admitted she is now in a complicated situation in relation to her long-time boyfriend Neil Salvacion amid reports that she has broken up with him. In the same virtual interview with Boy Abunda, the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 titleholder admitted that they are currently in a “complicated situation,” which she hopes to resolve when she returns home.

“It’s a complicated situation and we need to talk about things when I go back to the Philippines,” said Rabiya. She admitted that she and Salvacion are still friends despite their current situation. “I still try to contact him but we need to have this space... as of the moment,” she explained. The Filipina beauty queen went on to express optimism that things can still get better, saying they have gone through something similar in their seven years as a couple, ABS-CBN reported. “I’m not closing any doors. We’ve been in this kind of situation before. We’ve been together for seven years, and who knows po?” she said. As rumors of her breakup with Salvacion surfaced last week, some netizens speculated that Mateo has a budding romance with former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Andre Brouillette after being spotted together in the US. She said that there is no malice in her photos with Brouillette, and pointed out they only got to meet each other thrice. “Nahihiya ako kay Andre, it’s because ‘yung photos na kumalat, that was the first time that I was able to talk to him. The first one was before my sendoff to Miss Universe. The second was during the competition, and [the circulating photo] was the third time. Sinundo lang nila ako sa airport,” she said. Mateo and Brouillette have a common mentor. Brouillette is part of Mercator Talent Agency, which was founded by Jonas Gaffud. The starmaker is also the creative director of Miss Universe Philippines organization. (with ABS-CBN)

19 June 3-9, 2021

 ENTERTAINMENT

Isko Moreno’s son Joaquin Domagoso starts shining in showbiz Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso’s son Joaquin “JD” Domagoso has ﬁnally entered showbiz world where the current mayor once dominated during his early years. Although JD is treading the same path his father did, he denied that he entered the showbiz industry to follow the footsteps of his dad. In a report from PUSH, the young actor said that he realized his being active and persistent which he thinks could be his tool or character he can use when he joins showbiz. “Di ko naman pina-follow ‘yung footsteps niya. I just want to enter showbiz before pa kasi na-realize ko na medyo bibo talaga ‘yung attitude ko and medyo makulit talaga ako,” JD related. He also added that he aims to do a performance art that’s why he thought of being an actor. A Kapuso, JD is being groomed as the loveteam-mate of Cassy Legaspi (the daughter of Carmina Villarroel and Zoren Legaspi). They are together in the GMA soap First Yaya with Gabby Concepcion (as president) and Sanya Lopez. “I play an activist,” said JD. “Hindi ko gusto ‘yung government. Cassy plays the president’s daughter. I’m hitting the president and at the same time nagkakagusto ako sa anak niya. Do I ﬁnd it hard to internalize the character? Not really, kasi may mga politicians na nakakainis talaga.” “Gusto ko rin na nakakagalaw ako. Nakak-

agawa ako ng performance art and iba pong bagay. Do’n ko talaga naisip na bakit hindi ko rin subukan. That’s why I entered showbiz,” he stated. The mayor’s son is set to take a lead role in a comedy ﬁlm “Caught In The Act” to be directed by Perry Escano. Of course, the mayor has given his son pieces of advice and one of those was to make it habit to listen to the elderly in the set, to the directors for him to learn more. “Yung napaka-important lesson binigay niya sa akin pagdating naman sa pag-aartista ko is just to listen, that’s the most basic — listen to your direc-

tor, lalong-lalo na to older co-actor. He also said na acting is reacting and you will get that from your co-actors,” Joaquin said. He said that his father keeps reminding him about what he needs to do now to change his future. “Lagi niyang sinasabi, ‘If you want to change tomorrow you’ve got to do something today.’ Kasi raw if you keep repeating the same thing you did today you won’t be able to change tomorrow,” JD further stated. The young actor honestly declared that at the moment, he has no plans yet to join politics like his father who started young, but he is not closing the possibilities. “I don’t know, baka in the future po. Kasi ‘yung politics that is something na iisipin mo when you’re in 30s na or even later in life,” he admitted.

“Well, my dad, he entered very early, but ako, my plan po talaga muna is showbiz muna po.” Joaquin will be joined by Pinoy Big Brother ex-housemate Andi Abaya and other new young actors like Josh Lichtenberg, Jhassy Cruz Busran and Bamboo B. (ECD/MTVN)

 REAL ESTATE

June 3-9, 2021

Property developer sees better outlook for real estate in 2021

Best �me to dispute your credit errors

Due to Covid, majority of the customer service business has been affected and employees either were laid off or have to work from home. Credit dispute is a redundant work for most of the three credit agencies, but this could be an advantage to a borrower that might want to dispute an error on the report at this time. The agencies have a certain timeline to report back CEBU CITY – A Cebu-based property he said, citing the firm’s heavy investment developer is looking to buck industry trends early on during the pandemic in establishing a dispute from a consumer, if they don’t reply back in time, the bureaus’ have to remove the disputed acin 2021, as it sets 25 projects collectively a strong digital presence that would allow due count automatically. Understanding how they come up valued at P19 billion to be rolled out in the clients here and abroad to select units all the with your Fico score will help you try and keep your Fico Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin). way to making reservation payments. score at a higher level to obtain better rates on cars, home “Our 2021 projects will expand our VisProject planning also continued during loans and consumer credit cards. FALLACY: My score determines whether or not I get Min footprint to cities like Ormoc, Bohol, lockdown periods with CLI personnel in Bacolod, Dumaguete, Iloilo and other key the key cities of VisMin following up on the credit FACT: Lenders use a number of facts to make credit cities in the region while further strengthen- close to 30 permits and other requirements decisions, including your FICO score. Lender information such as the amount of debt you can reasonably handle given your income, your employment and your credit history. Based ing our market share in Cebu and Cagayan needed to launch a project. de Oro where we have established a strong The company launched three of the 25 on their perception of this information, as well as their specific understanding, lenders may credit to you although your score is low, or decline your request for credit although presence,” Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) projects in the first quarter of the year with extend its high. chairman and chief executive officer Jose more in the pipeline, PNA’s Carlo LorenciFALLACY: A poor score will haunt me forever FACT: Just the opposite is true. A score Soberano III said during the firm’s virtual ana reported. is a “snapshot” of your risk at a particular point in time. It changes as information is added to annual stockholders meeting. Soberano said it has set aside P12 billion your bank and credit bureau files. Score change gradually as you change the way you handle credit. For example, past credit problems impact your score less as time passes. Soberano said that even at the height of for its capital expenditures for 2021. request a current score when you submit a credit application, so they have the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the CLI is confident it will complete ongo- mostLenders recent information available. Therefore by taking time to improve your score, you can company maintained its position that Vis- ing residential and other projects totaling qualify for your favorable interest rates. FALLACY: Credit scoring is unfair to minorities Min -- where cases of the disease have been 33, including mixed-use developments, hoFACT: Scoring considers only credit-related information. Factors like gender, race, narelatively low -- would easily bounce back tels, and townships. and marital status are not included. In fact, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act proeconomically from the pandemic. A significant number of these will ma- tionality hibits lenders from considering this type of information when issuing credit. Independent It avoided layoffs and even increased its ture for greater revenue recognition before research has been done to make sure that credit scoring is not unfair to minorities or people headcount to over 600 employees by end of the year ends, it said. with little credit history. Scoring has proven to be an accurate and consistent measure of the year, he said. Meanwhile, opportunities continue to repayment for all people who have some credit history. In other words, at a given score, non “2020 was a very challenging year. But abound in VisMin where the housing back- minority and minority applications are equally likely to pay as agreed. FALLACY: Credit scoring infringes on my privacy we at CLI chose to look at opportunities and log has been estimated at 800,000 units a FACT: Credit scoring evaluates the same information lenders already look at –the credit focus on the brighter side when we could,” year. bureau report, credit application and/or your bank file. A score is simply a numeric summary of that information. Lenders using sometimes ask for less information – fewer questions on the application form, for example. FALLACY: My score will drop if I apply for new credit FACT: If it does, it probably won’t drop much. If you apply for several credit cards within a short period of time, multiple requests for your credit report information (called “inquiries”) will appear on your report. Looking for new credit can equate with higher risk, but most credit scores are not affected by multiple inquiries from auto or mortgage lenders within a short period of time. Typically, these New Funeral home with Reception Center Flower Shop are treated as a single inquiry and will have little impact on the credit score. Beautiful Garden Memorial Park Cremation Services FALLACY: After seven years, negative remarks on my credit We transfer your loved ones to and from the Philippines report will be removed automatically FACT: It is actually seven years from the last report date. Creditors may continue to report you even after a few years from the time you filed for bankruptcy or charge off an account. If they continue to report you then the negative remark will continue to stay on your credit report. You will have to report this to the bureau that these accounts were included in your bankruptcy and provide proof to report correctly. FALLACY: If I close my account with derogatory remarks, it will make my credit better. FACT: If you have an account with some late pay, collection or a charged off rating. By closing that account it will not mean that you are deleting that account, it will only mean that you will not be able to use the account any longer. It does not mean that your derogatory remark will be deleted, in fact by closing your revolving accounts with late payments, that will only reduce your credit accounts and limit. Therefore review your overall account first before deciding on closing any accounts. The scoring system always looks at your open accounts and rate you based on your account balances versus credit limits, your credit history and your length of time you have had credit. FALLACY: Can I get 100% loan with a 550 credit score. FACT: Here are the credit limitations for 100% financing as far as my list of investors are concerned. For fully documented files ( verified income ) the minimum credit score is 580. For self TTT BBBBBBBBB NNN FFFFFFF HHHH RRRRRRRRR CCCCCC CCCCCCC LLLL employed and wage earners who would like to go with a stated income, the minimum scores required are between 620-640 and above. With 5% or more down your options for a lower credit score required are greater. FALLACY: Does the FICO Scoring system equally rate you based on your current accounts and new credit. FACT: A confirmed breakdown of it as per www.myfico.com is as follows: 35% towards debt payment history 30% Total amount owed 15% Length of credit 10% Types of credit in used 10% New Credit Thank you for all your inquiries, hope this information will help you in your quest for a better opportunity. Please feel free to call at your convenience for further discussion on new loan programs available. (562) 508-7048 CABRE01021223 NMLS 238636

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21 June 3-9, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

Donaire stops Oubaali, is world I champion again

CARSON, California - Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire is a world champion once again. Donaire showed vintage speed and power in defeating France’s Nordine Oubaali via fourth round stoppage, in the process securing the WBC bantamweight championship on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the Dignity Health Sports Park stadium in Carson, California. The 38-year-old Donaire stunned the erstwhile unbeaten Oubaali three times -- twice in the third round and again in the fourth, after which the referee Jack Reiss stopped the contest. Donaire actually started picking up the pace in Round 2, using his height and reach advantage in tagging Oubaali with crisp shots. Oubaali thought he turned things around early into Round 3 when he somehow dictated the pace.

But Donaire’s patented left hook sent Oubaali down for the first time in his pro career with 46 seconds remaining in the round, turning the tides of the bout. Oubaali somehow still got to tag Donaire with a 1-2 combination with just four seconds remaining, but the latter appeared to have beaten the third round bell with another left hook that even made the former confused on where his corner was located. The end came at the 1:52 mark of Round 4 when Donaire unleashed a three-punch combo capped by a left uppercut that forced Reiss to save Oubaali from further damage. The 38-year-old Donaire, now at 41-6 with 27 knockouts, became the oldest bantamweight champion of all time as he reasserts his might as a four-division world champion. Oubaali, on the other hand, lost for the first time after a solid 17-0 start to his professional career. Donaire first won the WBC bantamweight belt in 2011 when he also knocked out Mexican Fernando Montiel. This was his first fight in over a year, having last seen action in November 2019 when he bowed to Japan’s Naoya Inoue in the finals of the World Boxing Super Series. Meanwhile, Oubaali lost for the first time in 18 professional matches.

Golfer Pagunsan rules Japan Mizuno Open, boosts bid for Olympic berth

MANILA - Filipino golfer Juvic Pagunsan is now eligible to play for the Philippines in the Tokyo Olympics in July. This after his conquest of the Mizuno Open on May 30 at the Setonaikai Golf Club in Okayama, Japan. raising him to the 50th spot of the men’s golf Olympic rankings. It was the ﬁrst Japan Golf Tour title for the 43-year-old Pagunsan, who pocketed the top prize worth over P5.2 million. Pagunsan kept a three-stroke lead all the way to the end, closing his campaign with a 68 to ﬁnish with a 17-under total of 199.

Pagunsan’s win earned for him also a spot in the Open Championship at Royal St. George’s Golf Course in Sandwich, Kent, England on July 15 to 18. The top 60 in the Olympic rankings will qualify for the one-year delayed Games, with the qualification for the men’s division ending on June 21, the report stated. Pagunsan’s championship in the Mizuno Open, his first Japan Tour title, bumped him up to the No. 211 in the world ranking from 398 last week, making the top 60 of the Olympic rankings in the process. “It’s an honor to be able to fight on behalf of the country. If I have a chance I want to participate,” said Pagunsan in an interview with the Golf Digest Japan. Meanwhile, two more Pinoy golfers in Yuka Saso and Bianca Pagdanganan are also on pace to qualify for the Olympics. Saso is at No. 22 while Pagdanganan is at No. 41 in the women’s Olympic rankings. The top 60 in the division will likewise qualify for the Games. The cutoff for the women’s qualification is on June 28.

sa pang kontrobersiyal na pagkatalo laban sa Australyanong dating high school teacher dalawang taon na ang nakararaan ang lalong nagpatatag sa malawakang panawagan para kay Manny Pacquiao na mag-retiro. Ang mapait na pagkabigong maipag-tanggol ang kampeonato sa welterweight sa pangatlong pagkakaton mula na maagaw niya ang EDDIE G. ALINEA korona kay Miguel Cotto noong 2009 ang nagtulak sa kahit na sa mismong matatapat na tagasunod ng pambansang bayani sa palakasan na tapusin na ang kanyang pagiging boksingero na noon ay kulang na lamang ng tatlong taon sa ika-25 taon niya sa pakikipag-bangasan ng mukha sa ibabaw ng ring. “Oo nga’t naagaw sa akin ang titulo, pero hindi naman basta naagaw sa akin ito. Ninakaw sa akin,” pagtatapat ni Pacquiao sa reporter na ito makaraan ang pagtutuos na ang tukoy ay ang katulad na pagkatalo niya sa kamay ni Timothy Bradley noong 2012 at sa mahigpit niyang kaaway na si Floyd Mayweather Jr. noong 2015 – mga pagkatalong sa mata ng mga naniniwala at hindi naniniwala at dapat na naipanalo niya. “Kailangan kong mabawi itong muli at patunayan sa lahat ng fans ng boksing na karapat-dapat pa rin akong kilalaning kampeon, gaya ng pagkakilala nila sa akin,” pangako ni Manny. At noon ngang araw na iyon ng Hulyo 15, 2018 sa Axiata Arena sa Kuala Lumpur, tinupad ni Manny ang kanyang pangako. Pitong round lamang ang itinagal ng sagupaan nila ni Argentine Lucas Matthysse para tanghalin siyang muli na hari ng 147 librang dibisyon. Pinatunayan din ni Pacman na hindi pa tapos ang career niya sa sweet science. Sa halip, sa edad na 39 anyos noon ay nagsisimula pa lamang ito. Ang TKO desisyon ay kaunaunahan makaraang patulugin niya si Cotto noong Nobiyembre 12, 2009 sa MGM Grand sa Las Vegas. Pinatunayan din ng ating idolo ang sabi-sabing si Pacquiao palubog na at ang ipinagmamalaki niyang lakas at bilis na siyang nagging trade mark ng kanyang matagumpay na karera tungo sa pagiging kaisa-isang nilalang sa ibabaw ng planeta na maghari sa walong dibisyonn ng larangang napili niya, ay unti-unti nang nawawala. “I’m still here,” anang kabiyak ni dating Sarangani Bise Gob Jinkee sa harap ng mga mamahayag sa kinaugaliang post-ﬁght press conference. “Sometimes you just need to rest and get it back, and that’s what I did.” Ang nakayayanig na left uppercut na nagpabagsak kay Matthysse sa ikatlong pagkakataon sa ika-pitong round ay patunay rin na seryoso pa rin si Manny sa ipagpatuloy ang pagiging isang pro. Iyon ding suntok na iyon ang nakapagpaluhod sa Argentine sa pangatlong round. Tunay na napaka-tamis ang pagwawaging ito ni Manny makaraan ang pinkamatagal niyang pamamahingang tumagal ng 378 na araw at ang pakikipaghiwalay niya kay Freddie Roach na siyang naging gabay niya sa nakalipas na 16 taon. Matatandaang matapos siyang dayain ni Horn sa Brisbane isa ang Hall of Fame trainer na nagpayo sa kanyang kalimutan na ang boksing at gugulin ang nalalabi pa niyang araw sa pagsisilbi sa kanyang mga kababayan bilang mambabatas. O Pangulo ng bansa, kung mamarapatin. Hindi ito sinunod ni Manny na sa halip ay matagumpay na naipagtanggol niya ang titulo laban kay Adrien Broner bago ariin din ang WBA “super” welterweight title laban kay noon ay wala pang talong si Keith Thurman. Tatlong buwan mula ngayon, sasagupain ng ipinagmamalaki ng Pilipinas ang isa pang wala pa ring talong si Errol Spence Jr. at gaya ng mga nauna niyang laban sa mga boksingerong may perpektong rekord, hinulaan na naman ng kanyang mga kritiko na malamang ay ito na ang huli niyang laban. Maaring mangyari pero kung ang pag-babasehan ay ang kasaysayan, posibleng kainin na naman ng mga hindi naniniwala sa kanyang kakayahan ang kanilang salita.

Outside Looking In

By JEANNE MICHAEL PENARANDA

Balik na si Manny sa dating lakas at bilis

June 3-9, 2021

Q: A repair shop did my brakes and I paid the charges. After a couple of days, the brakes made some noise when I step on it. Q: A repair shop did my brakes and I paid the charges. After a couple of days, the brakes made some noise when I step on it. They told me I need other parts and they need to charge me for parts and labor. Is there something wrong with that? A: If you feel you have been wronged by a car repair shop and resident of California, you can report this to BAR(Bureau of Automotive Repair). Please check your local State for repairs enforcement. A client called seeking advice on what to do because he had his brakes repaired by a company then a couple of days later it started making noises when he stepped on it. I told him to stop driving the car and bring it back right away to the repair shop who fixed it. He already did that and they told him there is another part needed and that he would have to pay for that part and labor to install that part. He didn’t feel right about it so he called me. I told him that it didn’t seem right that the car shop would ask him to pay for labor in order to install a part that they should have replaced the first time. This seems like a double whammy. If they need to install a new part that they should have done the first time, the labor to take it apart again should not be on you especially if this should have been done correctly the first time. They are not paying for your time to bring the car back and wait for the repairs to be completed. When he went back to the shop, he told them what I said and told them that he would file a complaint with BAR, then that is when the manager said that he can pay for the part only. Sometimes it is a good thing to ask why you are being charged for something you don’t feel is right. Fight for your rights and for your money. You worked hard for it. Don’t just give it up without a fight. Ang ating lesson, Ang perang pinaghirapan ay dapat handang ipaglaban. 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 June 3-9, 2021

‘Pinays Rising’ offers scholarships

SAN FRANCISCO - The Pinays Rising Scholarship is now accepting applications for its scholarship program. The program created by rapper and scientist Ruby Ibarra, and San Francisco State professor and founder of Pin@y Educational Partnerships (PEP) Dr. Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales, was originally founded in 2018 to promote the continuation of higher education while excelling in the areas of arts (visual, performance/music, conceptual, etc.) and/or community

service and activism. In 2020, the Pinays Rising scholarship attracted 115 self-identified Pinays/xes applicants across the United States who would be attending an institution of higher learning, full time, in the Fall 2020 semester. The program raised over $16,000 in donations in just a few weeks. Pinays Rising will be offering awards for the following: 1. Pinays Rising scholarships for Pinay/x scholar-activists who are pursuing higher education in the 2021-2022 school year. All majors welcome. 2. Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon scholarships for Pinay/x activist-historians who are pursuing higher education in the 2021-2022 school year. This award is specifically for students who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the field of history. “There are rarely any scholarships for us, Pinays/ xes. This is why we created this scholarship. We have been focusing on providing scholarships to Pinay/x scholar activists from a wide range of fields including—education, science, art, law, public health, social work, and medicine,” said Dr. Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales, San Francisco State professor and founder of Pinay Educational Partnerships (PEP). . “What we did notice was that we haven’t awarded any applicants who majored in the field of history. Our community needs more Pinay/x historians! We are excited to announce that in honor of my sistafriend and ancestor, Dr. Dawn Mabalon, we are setting aside a few special scholarships for applicants who are majoring in history, especially Pinay/xes who are documenting the stories of our community,”

added Dr. Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales. Applicants can only apply to one of the awards. The awards are open to all self-identiﬁed Pinays/xes and residents of the U.S. mainland, Guam, and Hawaii. The deadline to apply is July 1, 2021. Scholarship recipients can use the funds from the Pinay Scholarship for personal development which can include supplies, self-care or mental health activities and more.

 COMMUNITY NEWS

June 3-9, 2021

New and updated PG&E web resources to help customers financially impacted by COVID-19 SAN FRANCISCO, California — Customers who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can now find new and updated information and web resources on various programs available to those who are behind on their bills and/or needing financial assistance due to the ongoing pandemic by going to pge.com/covid19. Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) updated customer support website, launched earlier this month, provides information on all the financial assistance and support programs currently available to qualified customers in one easy to use page. Get Help with Past Due Bills The Get Help with Past Due Bills portions of the page points to a variety of financial assistance programs and payment plan arrangement support, including: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers up to $1,000 to pay eligible household energy costs. Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) Program offers one-time financial as-

sistance to qualified customers with past-due bills. Arrearage Management Plan (AMP) offers up to $8,000 in unpaid balance forgiveness, if a customer is enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program (FERA), owes a specific bill amount and are more than 90 days past due. Payment Arrangement Plans offers flexible payment plans to spread balance out, up to 12 months or choose an extension allowing full payment later. Find Ways to Reduce Future Energy Bills The Find Ways to Reduce Future Energy Bills section links customers to applications for ongoing monthly discounts as part of the CARE and FERA Programs as well as the Energy Savings Assistance Program offering free energy efficiency upgrades to qualified customers. Get Additional Information The Get Additional Information portion of the page highlights more ways for customers to access support through PG&E’s Medical Baseline Program as well as various external programs such as the Cali-

fornia COVID-19 Rent Relief Act helping incomeeligible households pay rent and utilities, both for past due and future payments. Renters and landlords are eligible to apply. The revamped webpage oﬀers a useful resource for customers as the existing COVID-19 customer protections expire on July 1, 2021. PG&E remains committed to providing support for customers during this transition, and we want our customers to know that we are here to help. For additional questions, we encourage customers to call 800-743-5000. Financial resources for business customers are available here. 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.

Fully Vaccinated?

What the CDC Says You Should and Shouldn't Do Now How do I know if I am fully vaccinated?

A person is fully vaccinated two weeks after you have received the second dose of the two-shot Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19

vaccine or a single dose of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

New recommendations for fully vaccinated

What should I do after being fully vaccinated?

It is acceptable for fully vaccinated individuals to visit your children, grandchildren or friends within a single household who are at low risk for a severe case of coronavirus without wearing a mask or needing to social distance. Fully vaccinated individuals may also visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without masking or social distancing. Quarantining or getting tested after contact with someone who has COVID-19 is not necessary, as long as no symptoms are exhibited.

Do continue precautions that have been in place during most of the pandemic. When fully vaccinated people are visiting unvaccinated people from more than one household and/or are around people who are at high risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19, they should: • Wear a well-fitted mask • Stay at least 6 feet from people they do not live with • Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms • Follow guidance issued by individual employers

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccination at aarp.org/vaccineinfo Scan here to download free COVID-19 vaccine handbook

25 June 3-9, 2021

L.A. County metrics continue to improve with 3 new deaths and 108 new COVID cases

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County and a total of 24,346 deaths. MEd, Director of Public Health. Anyone 12 and older living or County’s adjusted case rate has There are 259 people with COV“Our metrics continue to improve, working in L.A. County is eligible dropped from 0.9 new cases per ID-19 currently hospitalized. Testing and we continue to see declines in to be vaccinated. Visit: www.Vac100,000 people to 0.7 new cases per results are available for more than cases, hospitalizations and deaths. cinateLACounty.com (English) and 100,000. The overall test positiv6,771,000 individuals with 17% of Vaccinations are saving lives and I www.VacunateLosAngeles.com ity rate dropped from 0.5% to 0.4% people testing positive. ask each of you to continue keep(Spanish) to find a vaccination site across the county and in areas with Currently, 83% of skilled nursing yourself, your friends, and your near you, to make an appointment at the fewest health affirming resourc- ing facility staff and 81% of skilled family members safe by getting vaccination sites, and much more. es. nursing facility residents are fully vaccinated if you haven’t done so If you don’t have internet access, Los Angeles County remains in vaccinated. Since vaccination efforts already. We end this pandemic with can’t use a computer, or you’re over the least restrictive yellow tier in the for skilled nursing facility residents vaccinations.” 65, you can call 1-833-540-0473 for State’s Blueprint for a Safer Econo- and staff began, the County has seen Through Thursday, June 3, at all help finding an appointment, conmy framework. a dramatic drop in cases among resi- the county-run vaccination sites, necting to free transportation to and The Los Angeles County Dedents and staff. For the week of May LA City sites and the St. John’s from a vaccination site, or schedulpartment of Public Health (Public 15, more than 40,000 COVID-19 Well Child and Family Center sites, ing a home-visit if you are homeHealth) has confirmed 3 new deaths tests were completed among staff everyone 18 and older getting their bound. Vaccinations are always free and 108 new cases of COVID-19. and residents and only 11 people first COVID-19 vaccine or bringing and open to eligible residents and The number of cases and deaths tested positive for COVID-19; 4 a first-time vaccine recipient with workers regardless of immigration may reflect ISO reporting overStrip the 2009 new cases among residents and 7 them to their second dose appointstatus. 12647-7 delays Digital Control 100 60 100 70 60 40 100 3 100 70 30 100 60 100 10 25 50 75 90 100 70 30 100 40 40 70 40 70 40 40 40 70 40 40 70 40 70 40 40 holiday. new 30cases100among staff . During the 40 100ment, will have an opportunity to County Reopening Protocols, Of the three new deaths reported, winter surge, the week of December win a pair of tickets to the 2021COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard, one person that passed away was 6, there were more than 2,300 new 2022 home season of either the LA COVID-19 Surveillance Interacover the age of 80, one person who cases among staff and new resident Kings or the LA Galaxy. Two resitive Dashboard, Roadmap to Redied was between ages of6065 and 70 70cases on December dents will be prizes. 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 the 30 30 100 100 100 100 100 1,338 25 19 19 50 40 40 Dashboard, 70 70 100 30 30peaked 100 100 60 at 100 70 70 30 30 100 40 100 40 40 100 10 40 40 awarded 20 70 70 70 70 40 70 40 40 More 0000 3.1 2.2 covery, 2.2 10.2 7.4 7.4 Recovery 75 66 66 100 100 100 80and 79, and one person who died was 13, the following week. information, including official rules additional actions you can take to between the ages of 50 and 64. “We send our deepest condolenc- and participating site locations can protect yourself, your family and To date, Public Health identies to everyone who has lost a family be found on the Los Angeles County your community are on the Public fied 1,244,161 positive cases of member or friend to COVID-19,” Vaccination Sweepstakes page onHealth website, www.publichealth. COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, line. lacounty.gov. 3%

D O L AU N D R Y B E F O R E 4 PM O R A F T E R 9 P M , W H E N M O R E C L E A N EN ERG Y I S AVA I L A B L E. Fro m 4 - 9 P M, d e m a nd i s at i t s h i g h e s t a n d l e s s c l e a n e ne rg y i s ava i l a b l e . Shi ft yo ur e ne rg y us e to ke e p p o l l uti o n d ow n a n d C a l i fo r ni a s hi ni ng b r i g ht . Le a r n m o re at Powe rDow n 4to 9. o rg

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 COMMUNITY NEWS Pols back...

June 3-9, 2021

(From page 1)

“... A young mother of two, with a full-time job as a labor attorney and yet can find time to serve the community she loves, (Vella) has a track record of accomplishments,” said Marily Mondejar, CEO of Filipina Women’s Network. “If elected, Malia will represent D18 very capably, but most importantly, she will continue to represent the Filipino voice that AG Rob Bonta started when he was elected in 2012.” Mondejar and constant collaborator Al Perez staged a virtual rally for Vella May 26 on their Filipino American Community Forum. “Representation matters,” emphasized Perez, a culture advocate. “Filipinos are the largest Asian minority in California, yet we currently have no voice and representation in our state capitol. As we celebrate APA Heritage Month this May and...shine a light on APA diversity and positive contributions to our society, it becomes even more glaring that we are underrepresented in the halls of power.” He praised Vella as a “hands-on community leader” who “has the experience and commitment to make positive change for all of us.” Their bet is “the only Filipina candidate running for AG Bonta’s remaining tenure” in the Assembly, they blared on their flyer and again at the rally. On the “host committee” were elected and appointed officials and community leaders from the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Fresno

and Los Angeles in California and Clark in Nevada. Former US Rep. TJ Cox keynoted the event. “I’m in it to win it,” Vella said at the Zoom call. “I represent a new generation of leadership - of working parents and AAPI women - and it’s important that our viewpoint is heard. I want to build a California for everyone.” Vella has won the esteem of colleagues around the Bay. “I have known Malia Vella for years, and have seen her leadership qualities in action. Alameda...has a very active constituent base that challenges its elected officials and demands accountability,” Emeryville Mayor Dianne Martinez told author. “Malia has always been on the side of accountability — from herself, her colleagues, the business community, law enforcement, you name it. She understands the issues of her community inside and out and has an impeccable sense of doing the right thing.” Martinez, a FilAm media content producer, counts Vella among elected officials who bring a unique perspective to governance. “Malia is one of an emerging class of women who are paving the way for mothers who refuse to be defined by that single role. She knows that it’s absolutely necessary for people who are facing issues of young families to have a say in writing the laws that govern them, and that having this seat at the table can make the difference between young families, and es-

ALLICE Kumares & Kumpares Alliance for Community Empowerment in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General, Asian American Recovery Services/ Healthright 360 and Marin County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services invite you to our

13thAnnual

A virtual gathering on caring for elders and building healthier families Tuesday, June 29, 2021

5:30 p.m. — 7:00 p.m. PDT

To register: https://tinyurl.com/mcrpusxh ■ ■

Information on family resource providers Prizes will be given out for activities after the program

SPEAKERS Hon. Neil Ferrer, Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Hon. David J. Canepa, President, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors SPECIAL PRESENTATION “9 Acts of Kindness to Empower Older Adults” Ms. Tessie Madrinan, Coordinator, Peninsula Family Service Filipino Senior Peer Counseling Program PLEDGE to be an ALLY to Older Adults RECOGNITION OF GRAND AGERS 9 Individuals who celebrate their long life with engagement DONOR ALLIES Philippine News Today, Inquirer.net, Positively Filipino, Philippine Consulate General, Asian American Recovery Services, Marin County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services, Our Lady of Mercy Legion of Mary, Ed and Lydia Pomposo, Kaiser Permanente Filipino Association

RESOURCE PROVIDERS Adult Protective Services – San Francisco, Aging and Disability Resource Centers of San Francisco, Always Best Care – Peninsula, Asian American Recovery Services, Catholic Charities Adult Day Services, Chajinel Home Care Services, Colma City Police Dept., Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse, Filipino-American Law Enforcement Ofﬁcers Assoc., Grace United Methodist Church, Healthy Aging Response Team, HICAP of San Mateo, Holy Child and St. Martin Episcopal Church, Ombudsman Services of San Mateo, Peninsula Conﬂict Resolution Center, Peninsula Family Service – Senior Peer Counseling/Got Wheels!, Pilipino Senior Resource Center San Francisco, San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services, SMC Commission on Aging, SMC Pride Center, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, Self-Help for the Elderly, South San Francisco Fire Dept., SSF Parks and Recreation Dept., SSF Police Dept.

Filipino American Community Forum founders Marily Mondejar and Al Perez want to ensure representa�on for FilAms in the Assembly. (Photo by Gani Ricarte) pecially women, surviving and thriving.” Daly City Vice Mayor Juslyn Manalo and Vice Mayor Rod Daus Magbual, both successful in their first campaigns, attest to their bet’s readiness for state leadership. “Her experience, passion and persistence are needed to continue the progressive agenda that will support Californians through the pandemic and beyond,” Daus-Magbual opined. Colma Mayor Diana Colvin said Vella “used her voice and influence to champion and address many of the important and relevant issues both prior to and during COVID-19 that plague our society today.” Vella takes pride in having protected her 70,000 constituents during the past 14 months, with various provisions including: * support for moratorium on rent hike and eviction for both residential and commercial tenants * creation of a rent relief program to provide up $3,500 grants and funding for legal services for tenants * provision of shelter for elderly and medically-compromised individuals atrisk for COVID-19 using FEMA trailers from the State and * support for $5-hour hazard pay for grocery workers She said she supported making her city a sanctuary city and established a web of resources involving city, community and faith-based entities as a safety net for the “unhoused.” She funded one-time payments to spare individuals on the verge of homelessness. Vella draws on her experience as the “first person ever to be pregnant while serving on the Alameda City Council to lead the effort to bring lactation and diaper changing stations to city buildings.” She is a proponent for lead-safety, requiring lead testing for children and prompting the FDA to ban baby food with lead or heavy metal as a member of the Alameda County Lead Abatement JPA. Immigrant rights are personal to her. “My own grandfather didn’t get citizenship through four decades of mili-

tary service as the U.S. did not recognize military service by Filipinos as a pathway to citizenship until the 1980s.” she says on her campaign website. “Many of my members are hardworking and pay into benefit systems that they will never be able to access and live under constant fear of being separated or deported. They should be able to receive all the compensation they earn and access the programs available to the public at large.” Vella has been on a winning streak since her first campaign in 2016. She earned her political chops as District Director for Bill Quirk, Assembly District 20 representative for Hayward, Union City, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland, Hayward Acres, Fairview, Sunol and North Fremont. Five years ago she became the first FilAm woman elected to the island city’s governing body. Last year she handily kept her seat with 16,022 votes or 22.63 percent, a victory reportedly surpassing the margin of votes ever collected. Vella was born in Alameda, where her Filipino grandfather was stationed at the US Naval Station in the 1960s. After high school in Oakland, she chased a BA in Architecture and Political Science in Wellesley College. While Vella’s endorsers read like a who’s-who in FilAm political empowerment, conspicuously missing is the highest-ranking Filipino American official in California. The new AG is supporting his wife Mialisa Bonta, Alameda Unified Board of Education President. FilAms El Cerrito Mayor Pro Tem Gabriel Quinto, Council Member Ray Buenaventura of Daly City and Filipino American Democractic Caucus chair emerita Genevieve Jopanda endorse Bonta. Six others are vying for the District 18 seat. “I’m happy that Rob Bonta is now serving as AG and (second FilAm Assembly member) Todd Gloria as Mayor of San Diego, but this leaves us no Filipino voice in the State Assembly,” Union City Vice Mayor Pat Gacoscos explained her support for Vella, airing the recurring rally theme.

27 June 3-9, 2021

Oﬄine

(From Page 13)

Like Donald Trump, he never accepted his last defeat. Unlike the 45th POTUS, however, the son and namesake of the late dictator appears to be a spent political force, who only has tons of money stashed somewhere. Now in his 60s, next year’s elections will be his last chance to return to national politics after his previous uneventful term as senator. Bongbong along with sister Senator Imee met with Sara this week, and it’s a safe bet they did not discuss the coronavirus pandemic or where to buy the best lechon. The question is, are the Marcoses planning on asking Sara to slide down to VP as Bongbong seeks the presidency? And would she agree if they make it worth her while? And what of Bong Go? Will the lawmaker with the worst teeth in the Senate and who keeps getting humiliated in debates by Senator Franklin Drilon beg Pacman to recruit him as running mate? Expect a lot of unexpected, even unbelievable, developments to take place in the weeks and months to come. Such is the way of Philippine politics. Sickening, isn’t it?

Immigrant’s story...

(From Page 13)

board coming from Hong Kong where they say smallpox prevails. But the true reason is that, as America is against Chinese immigration and now they are campaigning for the elections, the government, in order to get the vote of the people, must appear to be strict with the Chinese, and we suffer. On board there is not one sick person…” The prejudice and restriction against the Chinese people during Rizal’s time is the same prejudice and restriction that Muslims and refugees are facing today. The contagious disease (small fox) is today’s “terrorism,” and we suffer because everyone is affected or impacted by this prejudice. Rizal’s sharp mind helps to explain partly how Trump won in 2016--- restrictions against immigration and blaming immigrants and the powerless. The way the nation was divided and how America’s race relations suffered a setback during Trump’s presidency is glaring proof. The new administration hopefully will put us back on the right track.

In the Trenches...

(From Page 13)

tion Malays used to settle in Panay and other islands from North Borneo. Most of these settlements at the time of pre-conquest were in coastal or riverine areas because the people depended on fishing and trading with people from as far as Japan, China, and Southeast Asian states like pre-colonial Indonesia, Malaysia and Indo-China. Spain coined the word “barangay” from “balangay” communities and expanded the small villages into clusters to form an encomienda, and later, towns. A Catholic Church is usually at the center of a town where the civil government sits along with local police forces to enforce laws. The church was another tool used by Spain to colonize the archipelago, baptizing the natives into the Roman Catholic faith. Highly urbanized towns became cities and large geographical areas that normally spoke the same language were organized into provinces. There are now 81 provinces, more than 1,600 cities and towns, and over 42,000 barangays in the country, with nearly 18,000 elected local officials. The more than 42,000 barangay executives are assisted by seven “kagawad” or council members serving as legislators of local ordinances. An eighth member is the “Sanggunian Kabataan” (SK) leader, also elected separately from the younger population aged 15 years old to 21 years old. The SK came from the Kabataang Barangay (KB), set up in the martial law period with Imee Marcos, now senator, serving as its national chairman in 1975. During the Spanish period, the heads of the barangays were the villages’ traditional hereditary leaders, called datu or rajah. When Filipinos completely assimilated the hispanic culture, the datu and rajah gave way to leaders, called “capitan del barrio,” after barangays were organized into barrios with sub-groups called sitio and purok. The “capitan del barrio” usually had close links with Spanish civil administrators or local friars in the towns. At the turn of the 20th century, the Americans changed the title to “tinyente del barrio” or barrio lieutenant. After the liberation in 1946, the title went back to barrio captain. Under the 1991 Local Government Code, the official title became “punong barangay” or barangay chairman. The position was not political before martial law but Marcos transformed it into a powerful political force under his New Society Movement (Bagong Lipunan). Politicians building dynasties in their localities had added the barangay as a training ground for sons, daughters and relatives. Marcos politicized the barangay to build up grassroots support. The last barangay elections were held in 2013 and the first scheduled election under Duterte was thrice postponed to December 2022, giving the current holders nearly nine years in office. Next year’s elections might be cancelled again due to the coronavirus pandemic if the Philippines fails to curb the cases and the vaccination drive continues to grind slowly. It’s about time Filipinos select new local leaders who they can relate and talk to, and who can really address at once neighborhood

problems on garbage, peace and order, and petty quarrels that need not go to court. But Filipinos must forget patronage and dynasties. Filipinos should elect people who will really serve for the public welfare and good, and reject those who sit idly while enjoying the perks of the job. Duterte’s anger on negligent barangay oﬃcials should serve as a wake-up call. They should shape up or quit their posts.

Upside...

(From Page 11)

based family resource providers will be featured. As a special presentation, Tessie Madrinan, coordinator of Peninsula Family Service’s Filipino Senior Peer Counseling Program, will discuss the 9 Acts of Kindness to Empower Older Adults. The Gallery of Grand Agers will be unveiled. “Intentional or not, elder abuse is a crime. California law encourages all citizens to report suspected abuse of older or dependent adults. California law also mandates that certain professionals report suspected abuse, whether it is abuse by another person or selfneglect,” said Dr. Jei Africa, a licensed psychologist and director of Marin County BHRS, who will lead the recitation of the ALLICE Pledge to be an Ally to Older Adults to conclude the program.. Lucky attendees will receive prizes at the end of the program. The Philippine Consulate General, Our Lady of Mercy Legion of Mary, Kaiser Permanente Filipino Association and Ed and Lydia Pomposo lead donor allies. To learn more about ALLICE, visit www.allicekumares.com. Click on: https://tinyurl.com/mcrpusxh to receive a registration form. Or click on the same link on the ﬂyer elsewhere in this publication.

PerryScope...

(From Page 12)

who ruled that a city’s ban on AR-15 rifles was pre-empted by state law and struck it down. That’s cold and cruel. Didn’t the judge know that it was only recently that 10 people, including a police officer, were killed when a gunman opened fire at a grocery store, where residents had gathered to shop and receive COVID-19 vaccines? It is interesting to note that former president Barack Obama tried to implement gun control through executive action but Donald Trump, who succeeded him, reversed the regulation that made it more difficult to buy a gun or transfer ownership. Sad to say, the powerful gun lobby is stopping Congress from enacting gun control legislation. President Biden recently unveiled six executive actions to address the current “gun violence public health epidemic.” Foremost is the regulation on so-called “ghost guns,” makeshift weapons that can be assembled at home or lack a serial number. In another action, Biden directed the Justice Department to publish model “red flag” legislation, which allows a family member, friend, or law enforcement officer to petition a court to temporarily ban a troubled or dangerous individual from accessing a gun. Meanwhile, the Biden administration will submit legislation to pass permanent red flag legislation. But these actions are not enough to address the proliferation of guns and assault rifles, which are the main cause for gun violence. The U.S. has the highest civilian gun ownership at 101 per 100 Americans. That’s almost double that of the second highest country, Serbia. Surmise it to say, gun advocates have gone berserk! With NRAbacked legislators and judges -- who have a twisted interpretation of the Second Amendment -- pushing for loosening gun control, the country is way too dangerous for the American people to exercise their freedom of movement for fear of getting killed by deranged citizens. As California Gov. Gavin Newsom said during a press conference in the aftermath of the San Jose mass murder, “What the hell is going on in the country?” (PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

our old clients were complaining of the expensive parking fees when we had our office at the Philippine Center, close to the Philippine Consulate Office. With our home-office, old and new clients will now have free parking in our driveway and street parking spaces. DISCOUNTED DOCUMENTS PREPARATION – Through our para-legal partner and some lawyer friends, MSS offers drafting and preparation of documents for old and new clients. FLEXIBLE APPOINTMENTS – We offer very flexible appointments for old and new clients during and after office hours and weekends. For those who can’t come to our home-office, we can do notarization at offices, residences, schools, restaurants, hospitals, BART lobby and other locations. PEACE OF MIND – There is peace of mind for old and new clients with the unique, efficient and complete services offered by MSS. For immediate help and assistance in the notarization and apostille follow up of documents, just write or contact MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, 730 Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 Tel. (650)438-3531 or (415)584-7095 or email:agmadlaing@hortmail. com PERSEVERANDA J. TRINIDAD’S 70TH BIRTHDAY: My wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and I were blessed to attend the 70th Birthday celebration of my sister-in-law Perseveranda Jimenez Trinidad last Saturday, May 29, 2021 at the Trinidad residence in South San Francisco, California.

The special occasion was attended by her children Jim Trinidad, Allan Trinidad, Joanna Trinidad Udasco, spouses and the birthday celebrant’s grandchildren. Two of the children and families ﬂew and drove from Hawaii and Oregon to attend the birthday get-together with sisters, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends from Sacramento, Daly City, San Francisco, Richmond, Elk Grove and nearby cities in Northern California. I wish you a blessed and memorable 70th Birthday Perse! May the Almighty God give you more years to enjoy the company and bonding with your children and their spouses, grandchildren, friends and relatives. (ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited, commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE#00635976) in California since 1981. He is founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California.)

What’s up Atty

(From Page 12)

inconsistencies do not provide an adequate basis for an adverse credibility finding. The Director denied the request to reopen and reconsider, holding that the motion did not support the argument that USCIS misapplied the law. IMMIGRATION COURT RULED THAT MARRIAGE WAS BONA FIDE USCIS filed with the Immigration Court a Notice to Appear against the young man alleging that his petition to remove conditions on residence was denied because he did not enter into the marriage with his spouse in good faith, and therefore he was removable. At the Immigration Court, the young man testified that his marriage was bona fide, he and his wife married because they love each other, it was their intention to fulfill the responsibilities of a husband and wife, they had sexual relations many times, they planned to work hard in the United States, save as much money as they could, and then retire in the Philippines where life would be less stressful. He explained that his declaration that his wife left in 2018 was a slip of the tongue and that he meant 2016. His testimony was corroborated by a relative in whose house the young man and his wife had rented a room and who observed that they conducted themselves as husband and wife, they cooked together, they ate together, and hugged each other when the wife arrived at night. We argued on behalf of the young man. We said that the test of the bona fides of a marriage is whether the couple intended to establish a life together as husband and wife at the time of their marriage. The test was met by the couple. We pointed to the plethora of evidence in the record to establish the bona fides of the marriage. We emphasized that the young man was not at fault when his wife left and when their marriage ended in divorce. We told the court that the inconsistencies in the young man’s statements as to when his wife left him – whether 2018 or 2016 – were explained by the young man as a mistake and that he did not provide false testimony for the sole purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit. The date that a spouse leaves the conjugal dwelling is not the key issue in determining whether the marriage is bona fide. The key issue is whether the couple intended to establish a life together as husband and wife – which they did in this case. We charged that USCIS with focusing on the wrong issue – when did the couple separate? “Let me be the first to congratulate you,” said the Immigration Judge, “I will remove the conditional basis of your permanent resident status. You may remain in the United States.” COMMENT: This is not the first time – nor will it be the last – that USCIS engages in nitpicking to put down aliens. It is strongly recommended that you get competent legal counsel to protect yourself and your loved ones when dealing with USCIS. (Atty. Emmanuel Samonte Tipon was a Fulbright and SmithMundt scholar to Yale Law School where he obtained a Master of Laws degree specializing in Constitutional Law. He has a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, New York, and the Philippines. He practices federal law, with emphasis on immigration law and appellate federal criminal defense. He was the Dean and a Professor of Law of the College of Law, Northwestern University, Philippines. He writes law books and legal articles for Thomson-Reuters and writes columns for newspapers. He wrote the best-seller “Winning by Knowing Your Election Laws.” Listen to The Tipon Report which he co-hosts with his son Attorney Emmanuel “Noel” Tipon. They talk about immigration law, criminal law, court-martial defense, and current events. It is considered the most witty, interesting, and useful radio show in Hawaii. KNDI 1270 AM band every Thursday at 8:00 a.m. Atty. Tipon was born in Laoag City, Philippines. Cell Phone (808) 225-2645. E-Mail: filamlaw@yahoo.com. Website: https://www.tiponlaw.com. The information provided in this article is not legal advice. Publication of this information is not intended to create, and receipt by you does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.)

 HEALTH NEWS

June 3-9, 2021

New $50-B health, trade and finance roadmap to end pandemic and secure global recovery GENEVA/WASHINGTON D.C. – The heads of the world’s predominant global financing, health and trade agencies have united to urge government leaders to urgently finance a new $50 billion roadmap to accelerate the equitable distribution of health tools to help end the pandemic that has devastated lives and livelihoods for 18 months and also set the foundations for a truly global recovery, as well as enhanced health security. In a statementd, the leaders of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, World Health Organization and World Trade Organization [Kristalina Georgieva, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, David Malpass and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala] said governments must act without further delay or risk continued waves and explosive outbreaks of COVID-19 as well as more transmissible and deadly virus variants undermining the global recovery. Leaders of the four agencies said: “By now it has become abundantly clear there will be no broad-based recovery without an end to the health crisis. Access to vaccination is key to both.” The joint statement draws on a recent IMF staff anal-

ysis, which stated that $50 billion in new investment is needed to increase manufacturing capacity, supply, trade ﬂows, and delivery, which would accelerate the equitable distribution of diagnostics, oxygen, treatments, medical supplies and vaccines. This injection would also give a major boost to economic growth around the world. “At an estimated $50 billion, it will bring the pandemic to an end faster in the developing world, reduce infections and loss of lives, accelerate the economic recovery, and generate some $9 trillion in additional global output by 2025, “ said the leadership. It echoes economic analysis by the International Chamber of Commerce; and the Eurasia Group – both of which make the case for a relatively modest investment by governments in comparison to the trillions spent on national stimulus plans and lost trillions in foregone economic output. But the critical element of this is that it effectively spurs global vaccination and bridges the equity gap. “Increasing our ambition and vaccinating more people faster: WHO and its COVAX partners have set a goal of

vaccinating approximately 30% of the population in all countries by the end of 2021,” said the four leaders. “But this can reach even 40% through other agreements and surge investment, and at least 60 percent by the first half of 2022.” Governments are urged to act on the investment opportunity to boost supplies of vaccines, oxygen, tests and treatment. The IMF, WBG, WHO and WTO leaders issued their joint statement as the World Health Assembly drew to a conclusion and a round of G7 meetings were set to start, beginning with a Finance Ministers convening later this week, and following a Global Health Summit co-hosted by the EU and Italy, which chairs the G20. “To urgently get more shots in arms, doses need to be donated immediately to developing countries synchronized with national vaccine deployment plans, including through COVAX,” said the four leaders. “Cooperation on trade is also needed to ensure free cross-border flows and increasing supplies of raw materials and finished vaccines”

Heart of Hope

Vital cardiac test

PHILIP S. CHUA

The ﬁnal “arbiter,” the “Supreme Court” of cardiac tests, which will provide the uncontestable evidence of heart disease, including valvular pathology or coronary artery blockage, or any deformity of the heart, is called cardiac catheterization. It is a vital guide to decision-making for heart surgeons.

What is a Cardiac Catheterization? Cardiac Catheterization is a medical test where radio-opaque dye is injected into the left (and as needed, also into the right) chamber of the heart and the coronary arteries of the heart to find out if there are any abnormalities of the inner walls of the heart, the heart valves, the strength of the cardiac contraction (pumping action), and any blockages in heart arteries. How is it performed? The cardiologist injects an anesthetic agent (numbing medication) into an area of the skin in the groin of the patient, who has been given a sedative beforehand, and makes a 2 mm hole in the skin. Through this tiny opening, a catheter (size of a strand of spaghetti) is inserted into the femoral (groin) artery and under X-Ray fluoroscopic guidance, advances this catheter to the base of the ascending aorta (large major artery connected to the heart). Dye is injected into the coronary arteries. If there are any blockages, they will be captured on the (movie) film. Dye is also flushed into the left ventricle (in some cases, also into the right ventricle) to visualize any wall or valve abnormality and measure the Ejection Fraction (EF) (as a gauge of how powerful the left ventricle pumps blood into the circulation. If no urgent surgery is required, the patient is discharged. How painful is the test? The patient feels a tiny needle stick when the anesthetic drug is injected into the skin in the groin. Thereafter, there is no pain, just a mild discomfort in the groin as the cardiologist manipulates the catheter. When the dye is injected into the coronary arteries in the actual testing procedure, the patient feels a very warm sensation in the chest and then face and head, then the abdomen. But the sensation clears out fast, in a few seconds,

and not really that bothersome.

Perpetual Succour Hospital and Chong Hua Hospital. Dagupan City and Legazpi City also have cardiac surWhy is this test important? gery program. In Manila, the Philippine Heart Center, Cardiac Cath or Coronary Angio, as the proce- St. Luke’s, and Chinese General Hospital are famous for dure is popularly nicknamed, is what could be regarded heart “cath” and surgery. as the “supreme court” of all heart tests. While EKG (electrocardiogram) and Stress EKG (treadmill test), or How vital is this test? even ECHO (echocardiogram) are studies used to dePrior to the introduction of cardiac cath in 1958, tect the presence of coronary artery disease, these tests people developed coronary artery disease, undiagnosed, are non-invasive procedures utilized as preliminary and died of heart attack without much hope. It was only or screening diagnostic methods. If they show normal after this test became popular that heart lung machine, results, then chances are there are no blockages in the heart bypass procedure came about, one rapidly followcoronary arteries. If the results are doubtful or positive, ing the other in historical development. And these three then cardiac cath is performed to make the final deter- technologies prospered and exploded, hand in hand, to mination. Following cardiac cath, the physician can say their present state-of-the-art popularity and service to with practically 100% certainty if the patient has coro- humanity. More than one million cardiac “caths” and nary blockages or heart valve disease or not. Hence, it is more than 200,000 coronary bypasses are performed in considered the “supreme court” or “court of final resort” the USA every year. of cardiac diagnostic tests. Should cardiac cath be done as preventive meaWhat are the possible complications of this test? sure? Allergy to the dye injected is one possible comNot as a rule. If there are no symptoms, and plication. An antihistaminic and steroid injection could the patient is healthy and active, we do not recommend be given by injection (before the procedure) for those cardiac cath just to satisfy our or the patient’s curioswith known allergy to the dye, or is used to counteract ity. Besides being expensive, the test has possible risk this allergy following the test. During the actual cathe- and complications (although mild and rare) as described terization, there could be temporary heart irritation from earlier. One exception is for big corporation executive the catheter in the aorta or in the heart, causing minor check-ups and for airline pilots, where some companies heart beat irregularity or slowing of the heart rate. A tiny require cardiac cath. The other exception, which is more air bubble or tiny clot could travel to other organs or to of a medical indication, is for persons who have a strong the leg, but this is very rare and more of an exception. family history of heart attack (a genetic predisposition), After the procedure, and the catheter is removed from who are also hypertensive, diabetic, and a cigarette the puncture site at the groin, there could be bleeding. smoker. Usually, the oozing is very mild, and pressure applied to As a cardiac surgeon, I have seen countless patients the area stops the bleeding. Cardiac “cath” is a widely with life-threatening coronary blockages, who were used procedure every day all over the world and a very saved by bypass surgery, a safe and effective procedure. safe test. So, if in doubt, see your doctor, at least for a stress test, especially if you are 45 years and older. As we have said Is this procedure available in the Philippines? before, “Take good care of your heart; it’s the only one Yes, this test is available in the Philippines. My you’ve got.” cardiac surgery team from Northwest Indiana established the cardiac surgery program at the Cebu Doctors’ Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac SurUniversity Hospital in Cebu City, Philippines, in 1997. geon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las VeWe performed the first Triple OPCAB (Off Pump Coro- gas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, nary Artery Bypass) on an American gentleman from and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a California who had severe chest pains while on vacation 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. in Cebu. Besides bypass surgeries, heart valve opera- Websites: FUN8888.com and philipSchua.com Email: tions are also performed there. Two other hospitals in scalpelpen@gmail.com Cebu also have facilities for cardiac “cath” and surgery:

29 June 3-9, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS

IDLE MIND IS THE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP By TIM PEDROSA

An Idle brain is the devil’s workshop. One who has nothing to do will be tempted to do many mischievous acts. Everyone gets bored now and then especially during this coronavirus pandemic because many of us have plenty of idle time. During this time, we have the choice of changing our mood to healthy alternatives versus connecting to family and friends and passing high flying and forceful hits to boost our mood and make selfish impression to feel important. This kind of negative boredom behavior can ultimately lead to alienating other people or could lead to some sort of addiction. According to Goethe, nature knows no pause and attaches a curse upon inaction. Indeed, it is a curse to remain idle. We must all make every effort to keep ourselves occupied. The more a person works, the more he progresses. Here’s an article inspired by the writings of Carole Bennett about the saying/proverb: “An idle mind is the devil’s playground/workshop.” Those of us with too much time may easily find ourselves in hot, troubled waters if we are not wise enough to handle the idle time that we have properly. People who tend to be bored may also be weary or restless because of lack of any personal interests to explore. They are either bored with themselves, their daily routine or life. Boredom usually stems from one’s own lack of motivation, endeavor or creativity. Everyone gets bored now and then, but it is the difference between changing that mood to either healthy or unhealthy alternatives. It is hard to imagine people being bored these days; even if they are not interested in stretching their muscles, feelings or their minds. There are so many gadgets these days that can provide hours of useless or entertaining activities, so it seems that one has to look hard and actually seek out boredom. Boredom takes some perseverance to shake off. It is a state of mind and requires a committed determination to do something about it or change up the routine. I have learned that one can form a habit out of being bored because it can present a degree of comfort and safety. Eventually, unless somebody expects something from us, or we don’t expect anything from ourselves, drugs and/or alcohol can seem like an acceptable choice of behavior and the easiest and quickest fix requiring little or no effort to get high or drink. Drugs or alcohol can appear to take away the pain of emotional, mental or physical challenges. Boredom is often simply a state of awareness that shows up just prior to the surfacing of difficult, painful things we have stuffed away from our conscious awareness. As difficult a challenge as boredom can present to overcome for anyone of any age, the answer lies in confronting and moving through and beyond the causes of boredom. Those of us experiencing significant levels of boredom need to ask themselves, what challenging and likely unpleasant experiences they are attempting to avoid. I have learned that for every sunrise in our lives we have an opportunity to make someone smile, to care, to share, to love, to be happy, and joyful. Let us do it! According to Goethe, nature knows no pause and attaches a curse upon inaction. Indeed, it is a curse to remain idle. We must all make every effort to keep ourselves occupied. The more a person works, the more he progresses.

Doing the Will of God

e cannot over emphasize the doing of the Will of God in our daily Christian life all the time whatever it is. In Christ’s teachings are clear that the Father’s will is important; He Himself came not to do His own will but the will of the Father. He is our living example that the Father’s will was His business and concern; even if, such divine will would mean His dying on the Cross. This teaching is given to us repeatedly. It is being reminded of us all the time; but do you and I, dear reader, REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD concretely and at all times, mind and seriously seek the fulfillment of God’s will? Doing God’s will in store for us blessings and benefits for our corporal and spiritual wellbeing. For one; obedience to God’s Will makes us be blessed abundantly. The Lord assured us; “seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides (Mt. 6:33).” Although this passage does not say literally “God’s will” but this implies it clearly. If we want to let God’s blessings come our way all the time; then, let us do and seek His will, His kingdom and righteousness, all the time. Moreover, doing God’s Will makes us capture heaven or be assured of it; because doing God’s will is to be in union with Him, and union with Him is what heaven is about. Meanwhile, not doing His will is separation from Him; in consequence, separation from Him is not heaven anymore but hell. We must not take God’s will for granted. There are situations that His will maybe difficult for us; for many times it contradicts our wants and comforts, but yet we know that God knows what is best for us more than we know what is best for ourselves. That is why, we still have to do His Holy Will even if it can be difficult. We must understand that if we want the best for us how much more does God want the best for us. His Divine Will always wants our best interest; and the ultimate good for our best interest in union with Him for eternity. Also, as we are assured of heaven; doing God’s Will makes us live our daily earthly life to the fullest. We are not only concerned of the life after; we want also to live a meaningful life while in our earthly sojourn. So, seeking to do God’s will daily makes us feel fulfilled, accomplished, and the happiest. The world bombards us with the doctrine that doing our own will is the best and would make us the happiest; however, the truth is actually the contrary. The more we only seek our own will and our own interest; the greater we will find ourselves feeling unfulfilled and empty. Forgetting God’s will and everything that matters to Him; the lesser we are happy and feeling accomplished. The more we think that obeying God’s will and commandments contributes to our integral human happiness; the greater we are encouraged to pursue and persevere friendship and intimacy with Him in daily life. We must remind ourselves, that God made us for Himself; thus, we are destined for greatness and eternity with Him. In other words, we will never be satisfied and content in this life with whatever this world can offer us. For the more we do our will and seek only the things of this world the emptier we can become; and the more our hearts become restless. No wonder on the Cross, Jesus said: “It is finished (Jn. 19:30);” for doing God’s will makes one’s life accomplished, complete, and at peace. To end, Doing God’s Will make us accomplish the purpose of our existence. All our life is about God; it is not actually about ourselves. Living for ourselves will only be meaningful and valuable only if we live it for God. Those who enjoy living their lives are actually those who live mindful of God’s presence and lordship in their lives. The will of God is never kill-joy in relation to our own will, our wants, and needs. Rather, an elevation of our human will into the divine realm every time we do His will. His will builds up a person not destroy. It lifts up the person not degrades him; and it will be a blessing not a curse. Have you ever learned of a person, dear reader, who felt unhappy, unfulfilled, and discontent for seeking and doing God’s Divine Will daily? Anyone who is a seeker and doer of the Father’s Will, like our Lord Jesus, will always find happiness and contentment in life. Let us renew our commitment here and now to be seeker and doer of God’s Holy Will. Let our mentality be to enjoy doing God’s will even if it can be challenging. Amen. You can find also this article in my website, faithexpressions.org, view us too in YouTube, Faith Expressions, for other faith formation videos.

Aﬂame The Heart

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

31 June 3-9, 2021  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Tahong Lugaw Ingredients: 1-2 cups, cooked, shelled tahong, mussels, drained 2 cups glutinous rice 1 cup regular rice 1/2 head garlic, peeled, crushed, chopped 1 medium size onion, peeled, chopped 2-3 thumb size ginger, skinned, cut into thin strips 1/4 cup ﬁsh sauce 1 tsp. turmeric powder 4-5 cups chicken stock salt and pepper cooking oil For garnishing: 1/2 head garlic peeled, crushed, chopped, crispy fried, reserve oil 1 small bundle spring onion, chopped kalamansi Cooking procedure: Wash the glutinous rice and regular rice, keep aside. In large sauce pan sauté garlic, ginger and onion in generous amount of oil until fragrant. Add in pre-cooked mussels and the ﬁsh sauce, stir cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the mussels from the pan and keep aside, leaving the oil, juices and whatever aromatic ingredient that are left on the pan. On the same pan, Add in the rice and stir cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, until all the oil and juices are absorbed by the rice. Now add in the chicken stock, bring to a boil and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes or until rice start to disintegrate and form a thick rice soup add more water as necessary. Add in the turmeric powder and season with salt and pepper to taste, continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Now add in the pre-cooked mussels and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Do not overcook. Serve garnished with chopped spring onion and fried garlic. Drizzle with some oil from frying the garlic and with kalamansi

 FOOD & TRAVELS

LAX transfer of PAL gates reset to June 15 LOS ANGELES - The protested transfer of Philippine Airlines (PAL) gates at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) boarding gates has been rescheduled to June 15 The Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) management advised PAL of the new transfer date days before the transfer was to take effect beginning this month. A PAL official vowed that “tuloy ang laban” (the fight is still on) for its passengers’ interests even as no reason for the postponement was cited in the updated PAL advisory except for LAWA’s own advisory. “Philippine Airlines remains steadfast in its desire to remain at the main terminal of LAX for the well-being and convenience of our passengers. We continue to reach out to concerned bodies and individuals and there will be no let-up in our efforts,” said PAL North America Regional Head Bryan Lim. PAL has written and met with other personalities that can somehow lead to reconsideration of their predicament and for PAL to retain its current boarding gates assignment. Among those PAL has reached out to apart from LAWA management was Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti as LAWA is the LA City department that owns and operates LAX. The attempt to reach out to Garcetti, however, bore unfavorable results as reports indicated that the LA mayor deferred to the decision of LAWA, saying he has been well-thought of and has considered everything. Still, PAL reached out to other entities and personalities among them the President of Board of Airport Commissioners and Chair of the Trade, Travel and Tourism Committee of Los Angeles. “We had a meeting with Los Angeles City Deputy Mayor of Economic Development William Chun last week. But (PAL has) no formal reply yet from them,” Lim said. The flag carrier of the Philippines earlier voiced its protest and strong objection to LAWA decision requiring PAL to transfer its boarding gates at LAX to a farther location in the expanded Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) originally by the end of May 2021 to the detriment of its passengers. PAL has been flying Filipino-Americans to and from the US West Coast since 1946, and to and from LAX since 1984 where they operated up to 17 weekly flights before the pandemic and already disagreed in talks with LAWA as early as 2018 on a possible move to the MSC citing, among others, degraded passenger experience. PAL also reasoned that transfer will have a disproportionate impact particularly on senior citizen and persons with disabilities (PWD) passengers which are high in number accounting for the highest usage of wheelchair services at the TBIT. PAL’s wheelchair use in 2019 was 18,082 for arriving passengers and 21,766 passengers for departure. Even during the pandemic, 2020 figures on wheelchair use were 8,428 for arriving passengers with 8,072 for departing passengers. Other reasons cited by PAL in its objection for the decision included an additional 20 minutes from the present ten-minute walk from the check-in to the boarding gates at the main terminal, inconvenience poised by presence of mere vending machines with light snacks/drinks and a food delivery service to cater to the food needs of the departing passengers. The relegation of PAL would also put PAL at a competitive disadvantage, as all their direct competitors -- Korean Air, Asiana, EVA Air, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Japan Airlines and Singapore Airlines - all of whom serve Manila via their respective hubs. An updated PAL advisory continues to remind and guide departing and arriving LAX passengers for an additional walk time to and from aircraft gates that asks passengers to allot at least 20 minutes additional time to walk to the departure gates at the MSC, availability of alternative transportation or terminal transfer vehicles (similar to golf carts) for passengers who are unable to walk the full distance, limited shops and food services, and that there is no change in check-in or arrivals location as all departing and arriving PAL passengers check-in and claim baggage. The advisory also asks for passengers’ patience and understanding while they seek other venues to address their present predicament. Beef Spareribs Adobo with Oyster Sauce