Norcal 8/11/22

1 August 11-17, 2022

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

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

Vol. 62 No. 1 August 11-17, 2022

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

BLINKEN ASSURES MARCOS ON MUTUAL DEFENSE TREATY

As Beijing-Taipeh tensions rise with military drills, OFWS brace for worst

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor-in-Chief

MANILA/TAIPEH – Amid the China war drills near Taiwan, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has concluded his two-day visit to Manila, leaving with a reassurance to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of assistance to the Philippines under the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty Page 9

Cardinal Tagle named as possible next Pope

PHL Consul General backs AAPI Hate drive

C a r d i n a l T a gl e

Francisco Philippine Consul ment to undertake measures to General Neil Frank R. Ferrer prevent, if not totally stop, hate incidents and/or crimes particularly on Asian Americans and acific slanders .

This was reiterated by Ferrer in a meeting with Dr. Russell Jeung, co-founder of the advocacy group Stop AAPI Hate at the Sentro Rizal San Francisco.

AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated in the U.S. every May. In welcoming Jeung to the Consulate, Ferrer thanked the anti-hate group leader for his advocacy work and emphasized that the Consulate is ready to collaborate with Stop AAPI Hate ANTI-HATE. Dr. Russell Jeung, co- to help prevent anti-Asian hate founder of STOP AAPI Hate (le�), and Philippine Consul General in San and foster understanding among communities. P a ge 8 Francisco Neil Frank R. Ferrer.

tagged as one of contenders for the papacy to succeed Pope Francis.

Reports reaching Manila indicated that talks about the possible successor of Pope Francis surfaced due to reported health of the ontiff.

Speculations are the Pope will soon step down as leader of the Catholic Church due to failing health.

Speculations about the Pope’s resignation were fueled by Vatican’s announcement in June that the Pope would not be going on a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan due to his knee ailment.

Pope Francis, 85, earlier denied that he was plan- P a ge 8

VATICAN/MANILA - For-

US SECRETARY OF STATE Antony Blinken assures President Ferdinand Marmer Archbishop of Manila Luis SAN FRANCISCO - San threw the consulate’s commit- cos Jr. US support to the Philippines under the mutual defense treaty of their Antonio Cardinal Tagle has been two countries.

By Jun Nucum

COA unearths Duterte era laptop scam

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA – It may not be as big as the Pharmally case where officials of the uterte regime were found to have taken part in a multi-billion peso scam, but more officials of the previous administration may yet be charged for their part in a scandal involving hundreds of millions of pesos spent for nearly useless laptops.

The brewing laptops for teachers scandal already has the Department of Education

ep d and the rocurement Service of the Department of Budget and anagement SB pointing fingers at each other.

What has become clear is that the DepEd purchased outdated Celeron laptops at P58,300 each about , .

PCs and laptops powered by Intel Celeron processors are considered as of low quality and are among the cheapest in the market. Brand new laptops P a ge 8

Ex-president FVR laid to rest at Libingan ng mga Bayani

Bribery raps vs de Lima junked, to be freed?

VIEWS & COMMENTS

BUSINESS

SPORTS

Will your retirement income be enough?

PHL firm gets US funding to develop up to 3GW wind power

Jordan Clarkson playing again for Gilas Pilipinas

By A�y. Lozano

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 METRO NEWS

August 11-17, 2022

Gaming hub, casino rising in QC O T - This city will finally have its own gaming hub and casino just like Manila, Pasay City and Paranaque City.

This as the construction of a high rise gaming hub in the city by the owners of Solaire casino resort in Pasay City has started.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto attended the topping off ceremony for the hub called Solaire North in Barangay Bagong Pagasa near the SM City North and the Ayala Vertis Malls.

Aside from the games and casino, the high rise building would have a five-star hotel, restaurants, as well as facilities for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, according to City Hall.

t was gathered that city officials approved the gaming hub and casino, the second integrated Solaire project of the Bloomberry Resorts Corp. headed by Enrique Razon Jr. despite objections by Church leaders and civic groups.

In approving the project, City Hall was reportedly assured that the gaming hub is expected to create more jobs for Quezon City residents.

Belmonte also said the project would jumpstart the revival of the city’s economy from the effects of the pandemic.

The approval of the gaming hub followed the approval by the City Council of a gambling regulatory ordinance which Belmonte signed into law. understand the benefits. t was presented to me by Solaire that there will be

these many jobs and additional revenues for the city. There will be a hotel. The casino will be very small, etc.,” Belmonte told reporters.

The Solaire project was actually planned earlier but the pandemic delayed it.

“This is part of our strategy to capture the base mass segment in the north,” Razon said during his management report to Bloomberry shareholders.

Through its hotel and resort development arm Sureste Properties Inc., Bloomberry bought a 1.57-hectare property in Quezon City from the National Housing Authority (NHA) for P1.98 billion in 2015 for the second Solaire project. The deal then priced the property at P126,142 a square meter.

Fishers to DENR: Restore Manila Bay biodiversity, reject reclamation projects QUEZON CITY – Fisherfolk members of Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) have held a protest at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to challenge newly installed Secretary Ma. Antonia YuloLoyzaga to “take a stand against destructive reclamation projects” in Manila Bay. “This protest is a humble appeal to environment secretary Yulo-Loyzaga to stand alongside the fisherfolks and coast-

al residents in our fight against reclamation projects in Manila Bay. For starters, we urge secretary Yulo-Loyzaga to issue a public statement denouncing reclamation, and that no environmental permits would ever be issued to such projects,” Fernando Hicap, PAMALAKAYA National Chairperson said in a statement.

PAMALAKAYA said that two reclamation projects in Manila Bay have already ac uired environmental certificates (ECC).

4

Villar 3rd senator battling Covid PASAY CITY — Sen. Cynthia Aguilar-Villar has tested positive for COVID-19, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri reported.

Earlier, Villar, 72, wife of former Senate President Manuel Villar Jr., tested positive for the respiratory disease.

Villar is one of three senators currently battling COVID-19. Senators Maria Imelda Imee Marcos and Alan Peter Cayetano are also recovering from the disease.

“We just like to put on record that our distinguished colleague Senator Cynthia Villar had tested positive for COVID-19,” Zubiri said in the Senate. “ We would like to wish her well and pray for her speedy recovery and for all our members also to be extra careful in this time where COVID is still surging,” Zubiri said after the roll call.

Villar attended the session virtually and on Monday, she was present at the plenary hall.

Marcos’ infection was also disclosed during the plenary session on Monday.

Zubiri said she experienced “raging fever.”

Cayetano said he’s feeling better now and plans to physically report to work next week. He skipped the August 3 session after testing positive in an antigen test.

Covid-19, dengue cases on the rise in Quezon City $495

408.286.9360 408.286.9311

QUEZON CITY – The Quezon City government asked its residents to be wary and stressed the importance of testing as cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and dengue fever are on the rise.

The QC Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit registered 1,280 dengue cases from January to July 28, or a 129.80 percent increase compared to the 525 cases recorded during the same period last year.

Seven dengue-related deaths have also been reported during the first seven months of 2022.

Meanwhile, the Covid-19 tally as of Aug. 4 showed 1,800 active cases while there were only 850 a month earlier.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said Covid-19 and dengue have similar symptoms, hence, the need to get tested for both.

“We are seeing a rise in cases in our city, not just of Covid but also of dengue so we are encouraging our residents to get tested so they can seek consultation and start treatment early,” she said.

The Department of Health (DOH) urged early detection and consultation in case they experience fever that lasts up to three days.

The DOH said the change in body temperature between three to six days of infection marks the transition of the disease from mild to more serious.

Symptoms of dengue include sudden

onset of fever for two to seven days with any two of the following: headache, body weakness, joint and muscle pains, pain behind the eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and skin rashes.

Dr. Esperanza Arias, QC Health Department officer-in-charge advised residents who experience a sudden onset of fever to seek consultation.

Belmonte said that the city government has been implementing search and destroy operations by identifying breeding places and intensified clean-up drives.

The “4S” strategy must also be followed -- Search and destroy mosquitobreeding sites; Self-protection measures like wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts and daily use of mosquito repellent; Seek early consultation; and Support fogging/spraying in hotspot areas where an increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.

5 August 11-17, 2022

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Luzon quake infra damage tops P1.8-B, deaths at 11 BAGUIO CITY – The estimated cost of infrastructure damage from the magnitude 7 earthquake that rocked Abra and nearby provinces in Northern Luzon on July 27 has climbed to P1,805,650,590.62.

At the same time, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said fatalities stood at , injured more than and those affected at over 500,000. the damage was incurred in the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Cordillera, as well as the National Capital Region (NCR).

It also recorded P33.7 million worth of damage to viduals residing in 1,339 barangays in Ilocos, Cagayan agricultural facilities, equipment, and machinery in the Valley, and Cordillera.

Cordillera region, and P22.7 million worth of damage to total of families or , individuals remain in irrigation facilities in Cordillera and Ilocos. evacuation centers.

The NDRRMC added that houses damaged by the tremor totaled 35,798 in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, and the NCR, 35,112 of which were “partially damaged” and 686,“ totally damaged”.

The council placed the death toll at 11; the injured at 615 in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Cordillera; and the affected families at , , e uivalent to , indi-

Cebu City, Zamboanga City mayors test positive for COVID-19 CEBU CITY – The president of the League of Cities of the Philippines and the mayor of Zamboanga City have tested positive for COVID-19.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, LCP president, and Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe said they are asymptomatic and are undergoing mandatory home isolation.

Rama said he tested positive in a reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test last July 31, but his wife’s test was negative.

The Cebu City local chief executive said he has informed his close contacts of his situation.

“I am looking at it as a positive note, working at home, with all the piles of papers I have been working on, continuously doing what I am supposed to do,” Rama said.

Meanwhile, Dalipe said he also underwent an RT-PCR test that yielded a positive result.

Dalipe said he has ordered his executive team and de-

Plan to return to old name of Manila airport revived

partment heads to temporarily substitute for him in faceto-face activities, but assured that he will participate virtually.

“Mayor John assures his constituents that he will continue to discharge his duties and responsibilities as mayor and assures that the government transactions and services remain unhampered while completing his mandatory isolation,” said Mayor Dalipe, who is the younger brother of House Majority Leader Mannix of Zambaonga City’s 2nd District.

Rama and Dalipe took the RT-PCR test as a requirement for the meeting of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañan Palace.

Rama, who was elected as LCP president. He said he has instructed the league’s executive vice president, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, to lead the meeting with Marcos.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

August 11-17, 2022

6

Ex-president FVR laid to rest at Libingan ng mga Bayani

TAGUIG CITY – Former president Fidel V. Ramos’ cremated remains were inurned at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City on August 9.

Ramos, the country’s 12th president who served from 1992 to 1998, was accorded a state funeral with full military honors.

Earlier, Pope Francis expressed his deepest sympathies to the country and the family of the late president who was a Protestant.

In his letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Holy Father acknowledged the contributions of the former chief executive in promoting values of peace in the nation.

“Upon learning of the death of former President Fidel V. Ramos, I extend

to You and to the People of the Philippines heartfelt condolences and assurance of my prayers,” the pontiff said in the letter dated August 8.

The Pope said he will also pray for Ramos’ soul and his family.

“I commend his soul to the mercy of Almighty God, upon President Ramos’ family and all who mourn his passing, I invoke the Divine Blessing of consolation of peace,” Pope Francis added.

A private Mass was held at the Heritage Park in Taguig City before Ramos’ inurnment at the LNMB. There was also a funeral procession to the presidential grave site. Flowers were dropped during the funeral procession.

A burial ceremony was likewise held before Ramos was laid to rest at Section A of LNMB where presidents are buried.

There was a 21-gun salute, followed by the turnover of the hilippine ag to the Ramos family, lowering of the urn, and ower offering.

The former president’s urn was placed inside his tomb around 11: 43 a.m. and sealed around 11:45 a.m. concluding the

ceremony.

The 21-gun salute is the highest honor a nation can provide to anyone.

Ramos’ favorite music was also played during the burial rites.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. attended the funeral rites and sat beside Ramos’ widow and former First Lady Amelita “Ming” Martinez-Ramos.

Marcos later turned over the Philippine ag, which was earlier draped on Ramos casket, to the former first lady.

The former First Lady thanked guests for honoring her late husband.

She also spoke about the difficulties her husband and their family experienced when Ramos was still in the military.

“Mahirap ang buhay sa military pero kinaya namin. Tumulong si President Ramos. Kayang-kaya niya (Life in the military was tough, but we were able to make it. President Ramos helped. He was able to do it . e was able to raise five daughters, eight grandsons, and five granddaughters,” she said.

She admitted that it was “hard to adjust”, especially since her husband was often away from their family.

“Mahirap mag-adjust. Dalawang taon nasa bahay siya. Dalawang taon nasa probinsya. Tapos nag-volunteer pa siya dalawang taon sa Vietnam (It was hard

to adjust. He stayed home for two years.

Another two years in the province. And he volunteered for another two years in Vietnam),” she added.

Martinez-Ramos ended her speech thanking guests anew and quoted her late husband’s primary battlecry. “...Maraming salamat sa tulong niyo at sabi niya ‘Kaya natin ito.’ Maraming salamat. Kaya ba natin? Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat (Thank you for all your help and he said ‘We can do it.”

Thank you. Can we do it? Thank you very much),” she said.

Before becoming president, Ramos was part of the Philippine combat contingent that fought in the Korean War and was also involved in the Vietnam War as a non-combat civil military engineer.

He was also chief of the then-Philippine Constabulary from 1972 to 1986, hief of Staff of the rmed orces of the Philippines from 1986 to 1988, and Secretary of National Defense from 1988 to 1991 before being elected as the country’s chief executive in 1992.

Fans and supporters of the late president lined up along Bayani Road, outside the Heritage Park, to pay their respects and wave ags with a picture of Ramos as his funeral convoy departed to the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Marcos visits father’s tomb at Libingan ng mga Bayani

MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on visited the grave of his father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City shortly after attending the state funeral of former president Fidel V. Ramos.

Photos showed the President wearing a gray face mask as he visited his father’s tomb.

This is the first time arcos visited his father’s grave after being sworn in as the country’s 17th president on June 30.

Marcos last visited his father’s tomb on May 11, two days after the May 9 elections. At that time, he was the presidential frontrunner.

The remains of Marcos Sr. were buried at the LNMB on November 18, 2016

or 27 years after his death.

His remains were transported from the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac, his hometown in Ilocos Norte to the LNMB. Established in 1947, the LNMB was first known as the Republic emorial Cemetery. It was built by the Philippine government to pay tribute to the gallant Filipino men and women who brought honor to the country and fought for the sake of freedom and democracy during World War II. It was renamed LNMB on Oct. 27, 1954 by former president Ramon Magsaysay.

Its existence was in accordance with Republic Act 289, which provides for “the construction of a national pantheon

for presidents of the Philippines, national heroes, and patriots of the country.”

Those who are buried in LNMB include medal of Valor awardees; presidents; secretaries of national defense chiefs of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); active and retired military personnel of the AFP who died in line of duty; veterans of Philippine Revolution, World War I, World War II and recognized guerrillas; government dignitaries and statesmen, and; national artists and scientists

G R AV E V I S I T . P r e si d e n t F e r d i n a n d “ B o n gb o n g” M a r c o s J r . v i si ts th e gr a v e o f h i s f a th e r , f o r m e r p r e si d e n t F e r d i n a n d M a r c o s S r . a t th e L i b i n ga n n g m ga B a y a n i ( L N M B ) i n T a gui g City shortly a�er a�ending the state funeral of former p r e si d e n t F i d e l V . R a m o s

P904-M illegal drugs seized in July under Marcos: PNP a total of P904.85 million worth of illegal drugs in 4,650 operations in July alone, highlighting the government s stiff anti-illegal drug campaign on the first month of resident Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s term.

Based on data from the PNP directorate for operations, a total of 5,591 drug suspects were arrested, 16 I n te r i o r S e c r e ta r y B e n j a m i n Ab a l o s S r . i n sp e c ts o v e r suspects killed in operations, P 4 00 m i l l i o n w o r th o f sh a b u se i z e d i n S a n F e r n a n d o , and 188 surrendered during ‘Oplan Tokhang’ activities P a m p a n ga from July 1 to 31.

Another 164 suspects, CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – The meanwhile, surrendered to authorities.

Philippine National Police (PNP) has seized

The biggest anti-drug accomplishment so far under the Marcos administration is the confiscation of around kilograms of shabu worth P408 million in a buy-bust operation at the Mega Station along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) at Barangay San Felipe in San Fernando City, Pampanga on July 28.

Upon taking over the helm of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. earlier vowed to sustain the gains in the anti-illegal drugs campaign, saying he would even join in some of the operations.

He said the campaign would be continued but the Marcos administration would put greater focus on building up strong cases against illegal drug suspects.

Newly-appointed PNP chief, Gen. Ro-

dolfo Azurin Jr., added that the police force will also “liaise and partner” with other government agencies to reduce, if not totally eliminate instances where the country serves as either a market or transshipment point for illegal drugs.

Azurin vowed to strengthen partnerships with the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Customs, and other government agencies to help sustain the campaign on illegal drugs, and sustain it with the support of the community.

He ordered concerned police units to come up with a more sustainable concept of operations, especially on illegal drugs, local communist terrorists, terrorism, human trafficking, kidnapping for ransom, and other crimes perpetrated by organized crime groups.

7 August 11-17, 2022

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

Bribery raps vs De Lima junked, to be freed?

MANILA –“ It’s up to the courts.”

Thus said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on the possible dismissal of cases against detained former senator Leila de Lima and her release following the recent decision of the Office of the Ombudsman junking bribery charges against her.

Remulla said a number of groups and persons have approached the department, urging it to withdraw the drug charges against de Lima.

“Dami na (There are a lot), diplomats mostly. I just had to explain the situation to them,” Remulla added.

Meanwhile, DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said the agency’s position on the issue “remains the same”.

“We have already presented our evidence. It is former senator de Lima’s turn to present hers,” he said.

In a July 22 decision, the Ombudsman dropped the bribery case filed against de ima and her former aide, Ronnie Dayan, noting that there were inconsistencies in the testimonies provided by the complainant, the Special nvestigation Team of the Office of the Ombudsman.

De Lima was alleged to have received bribe money collected by Dayan from convicted drug dealer Kerwin Espinosa.

The Ombudsman noted Espinosa’s testimony that it was Dayan who got the money from him, contrary to the testimony of another government witness, prison

inmate Marcelo Adorco, who said it was de Lima who directly received the money.

Prosecutors alleged that the bribe was a protection racket for the continuation of the drug trade as de Lima, then secretary of justice under the administration of the late former president Benigno Aquino III, is preparing to run for the Senate.

New AFP chief orders heightened ‘operational tempo’ vs. Reds rmed orces of the hilippines chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro has ordered all military commanders to increase their operational tempo to defeat the remaining communist insurgents in the country.

Bacarro gave the order during his first command conference as military chief, acting spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said.

While there is no set timeline to do the measure, Bacarro said there is an “urgency of completing the task”.

“That is why ang kanyang (his) instruction is to increase yung (the) operational tempo so that we can defeat the armed (communist) group, so kung pwede nga sana tapusin ito kaagad agad, yun ang (if it is posAFP chief-of-sta Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro sible to complete this task immediately, that is the) CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – Following objective, but we also understand that insurgency is his swearing in by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as multi-faceted,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar said increasing the operational tempo does not mean the deployment of additional forces in rebel-infested areas but just maximizing the use of all available forces.

When asked how many New People’s Army (NPA) insurgents or fighters are still remaining, edel said that more than 2,000 are still active.

“Nasabi na naman to dati na more than 2,000 na lang sila (We have earlier mentioned that they (NPA) number to just more than 2,000),” he added.

The AFP spokesperson also expressed hope that the NPAs, during Bacarro’s three-year term, could be totally defeated provided that the momentum established during past operations are maintained.

He also added that the AFP is providing information to other government agencies on the nature of the insurgency threat and recruitment so that they can take appropriate action from their end.

ULAT SA PUBLIKO Taunang Ulat ng Citizens' Oversight Committe ng 2016 Measure B sa Fiscal Year 2021 Noong Nobyembre 2016, inaprubahan ng mga botante ng Santa Clara County ang Measure B, isang 30-taong, kalahating buwis sa benta sa buong county na nakalaan sa pagpapaganda ng transit, mga highway, expressway, at aktibong transportasyon (mga bisikleta, pedestriyan, at complete streets) sa loob ng Santa Clara County. Noong 2019, sinimulan ng 2016 Measure B Program ng VTA ang proseso para i-deliver ang mga proyekto at programa na nakapaloob sa balota, na naantala ng hindi matagumpay na hamon sa korte sa measure.

Pinagkatiwalaan ng balota ang 2016 Measure B Citizens’ Oversight Committee (MBCOC), na binubuo ng mga miyembro ng komunidad, kasama ng pangangasiwa para tiyakin na gagastusin ang pondo ng 2016 Measure B kaayon ng nasa balota at para sa pagpapabatid sa mga botante tungkol sa pag-alinsunod sa Program.

Isinagawa ng MBCOC ang taunang pagdinig nito para mangalap ng opinyon ng publiko, sinuri ang mga resulta ng independyenteng audit para sa nabanggit na yugto, at kinumpleto ang pagrepaso ng mga buwis at gastusin para sa Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 (7/1/20 – 6/30/21). Pagkatapos ng masinsinan at maingat na pagsasaalang-alang:

RESULTA Konklusyon ng 2016 Measure B Citizens' Oversight Committee, na para sa yugto ng FY 2021, 2016 Measure B, ang dolyares na buwis ay ginastos alinsunod sa layunin ng measure.

2207-2512

Ang resultang ito at ang karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa 2016 Measure B Program ay nakapaloob sa Taunang Ulat ng MBCOC sa FY 2021 sa: www.vta.org/2016-measure-b-citizens-oversight-committee. Higit pang impormasyon sa MBCOC ang available sa site ring iyon. Ang karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa 2016 Measure B Program at mga proyekto ay available sa: www.vta.org/projects/funding/2016-measure-b Available ang naka-print na mga kopya ng piling mga dokumento ng 2016 Measure B sa mga aklatan at iba pang pampublikong gusali sa buong county, at sa mga tanggapan ng VTA sa 3331 North First Street, San Jose, CA, sa lobby ng building B. Kumikilos ang Iyong 2016 Measure B na mga Dolyares na Buwis sa Pagpapabuti ng Kalidad ng Ating Buhay!

 NATIONAL NEWS COA...

August 11-17, 2022

would be “working closely with COA to ensure the continuous improvement of its services to the public.”

Some ep d officials sought to justify the high price with the Celeron processors typically sell for between by saying that the purchase was not only for laptops but P15,000 ($278) and P20,000 ($364) . for the programs needed by the teachers to operate them.

The ommission on udit O agged the .

Further, they also said that the laptops were covered by billion ($43.636 million) purchase of laptops which auan extended warranty. ditors described as both “pricey” and “outdated.” The DepEd spokesman Michael Poa said they needed DepEd purchased almost 39,600 of the low-end laptops. more time to study the issue, which took place under the At the P58,300 price tag, the DepEd could have previous administration. bought the MacBook Air with its advanced M1 chip, Said Poa: “This happened before our time so I do not which sells for P57,990. have the answers on hand. Rest assured that we are lookThe questionable purchase took place in 2021 with the ing into what issues really are with these laptops.” approved budget for each laptop set at only P35,046.50 For his part, PS-DBM Executive Director Dennis ($701). The actual purchase was therefore overpriced by Santiago said they would conduct a “thorough examinaP23,253.50 ($423) per laptop. tion” of the cost of the laptops and the technical specifiThe higher price tag meant that the Education departcations procured for the DepEd during the term of Presiment was only able to buy 39,583 units instead of the dent Rodrigo Duterte. targeted 68,500, which were meant to be used by public At that time, the DepEd was headed by Secretary Leschool teachers. onor Briones, who was 81 at the time of the purchase.

The DepEd blamed the PS-DBM, as the latter was Even her supporters have stated that her underlings may the “procuring entity.” have been responsible for the apparent scam as Briones In a statement, the Education department said it herself is considered a respected and honest academisite: https://stopaapihate.org/.

(From page 1) Stop AAPI Hate tracks discrimination, violence, bul“We condemn all forms of racism and harassment di- lying and injustice against Asian Americans in the U.S., rected towards any particular race, ethnic group or com- with the aim of advancing equity through education and advocating for policy changes to dismantle systemic munity,” said Consul General Ferrer.

Dr. Jeung underscored that Stop AAPI Hate ad- racism.

In the latest Stop AAPI Hate’s report, Two Years and vocates for policy changes and works to prevent hate crimes and racism through education and civil rights ex- Thousands of Voices, makes clear that if you’re just following news stories, you’re not getting the full picture pansion.

“We want to prevent hate before it becomes a crime,” of what AAPIs are experiencing. Showcasing the nearly 11,500 hate incidents reported to Stop AAPI Hate’s reJeung said.

Stop AAPI Hate is a coalition that was formed amid porting center between March 19, 2020 and March 31, rising xenophobia and racism in the wake of the COV- 2022.

The report also includes findings from a naID-19 pandemic. Stop AAPI also runs a reporting center and provides reports and related resources on its web- tional survey, Stop AAPI Hate conducted in partnership with Edelman Data & Intelligence. ey findings of Two LAW OFFICE OF Years and Thousands of (From page 1)

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8

cian, economist, and civil servant.

Alliance of Concerned Teachers Rep. France Castro filed a ouse Resolution to probe the laptop purchase, even as there was a growing clamor to disband the procurement service of the DBM. According to Castro, “Teachers are especially hurt by this anomaly because while they even have to borrow money to buy a laptop for their classes, billions have been spent on this anomalous deal.”

The DepEd under the Duterte administration called for the purchase of laptops because teachers and students were not allowed face-to-face classes during the pandemic. All classes were held online.

The latest scandal brings to mind the Pharmally scam where the PS-DBM was found to have approved the purchase of billions of pesos in pandemic supplies from a little known company with no facility to manufacture the goods.

A Senate Blue Ribbon probe found that other government officials and presidential advisers took part in the deal, but the final report of the panel was never passed because some senators refused to sign it because it also implicated Duterte.

Voices include: Non-criminal incidents comprise the vast majority of the harmful hate incidents that AAPI community members experience.

Harassment is a major problem. Two in three (67% ) of nearly 11,500 incidents involved harassment, such as verbal or written hate speech or inappropriate gestures.

AAPI individuals who are also female, non-binary, LGBTQIA+, and/or elderly experience hate incidents that target them for more than one of their identities at once.

One in three (32%) parents who participated in the Stop AAPI Hate/Edelman Data & Intelligence survey were concerned about their child being a victim of antiAAPI hate or discrimination in unsupervised spaces and on the way to school.

Hate happens everywhere — in both large cities and small towns, in AAPI enclaves and in places where AAPI communities are few and far between.

ning to retire any time soon but said in re(From page 1) cent interviews that that he would step down if the time was right. He repeated that “the door is open” after Pope Benedict XVI in 2013 became the first pope in 600 years to step down.

The reports identified another contender for the papacy as Cardinal Peter Erdo of Hungary, the archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest.

“While various names have been thrown around for the next Pope, such as Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet or Dutch Cardinal Wim Eijk on the conservative side -- alongside compromise figures like Maltese Cardinal Mario Grech or Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi -- the Pope is said to favour Cardinal Tagle or Italian Cardinal and Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin,” it stated in its report titled rd vs.

Tagle: the battle to be the next Pope.”

The London-based

Catholic Herald reported whoever will be anointed as the next pope between the two leading contenders will determine the direction of the Catholic Church.

Ex-President... (From page 1)

9 August 11-17, 2022 Blinken...

(From page 1)

Blinken assured Marcos that the world’s largest economy and military power is committed to keeping its 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines.

“The alliance is strong … We’re committed to the Mutual Defense Treaty,” Blinken said.

“We’re committed to working with you on shared challenges but I think what is so striking to me is we are working together on bilateral issues between us, we are working together in the region, and increasingly, we are working globally because so many of the challenges we face are a global issue,” Blinken said.

This as Filipino workers in Taiwan were reported to increasingly concerned amid the heightening tensions between Beijing and Taipei even as their employers were reportedly bracing for the worst-case scenario.

Philippine representative to Taiwan, former Labor Secretary Bello, meanwhile, prepared to y to Taipeh to act on the concerns of the Filipinos there, although he downplayed the tensions between China and Taiwan, claiming that Taiwan has long been prepared for any armed con ict between Beijing and Taipeh.

Mercedita Kuan, secretary general of Filcom Taiwan Northern, said although the situation is now “normal,” she said many Filipinos’s fears still lingers. hina had kicked off its largest-ever set of military e ercises encircling Taiwan after a visit to the island by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The visit has become a major irritant to China.

Taiwan’s 23 million people have long lived with the possibility of an invasion, but that threat has intensified under resident Xi Jinping.

China considers the self-ruled, democratic island as its territory and has vowed to one day reclaim it, by force if necessary.

In Manila, Blinken said China “has taken an irresponsible step of a different kind” by launching several ballistic missiles near the Taiwan Strait, a strategic waterway where seaborne goods sail through.

In a meeting with Blinken, President Marcos said Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan merely demonstrated the intensity of tensions in the region.

“To be perfectly candid, I did not think it raised the inten-

sity, it just demonstrated ow the intensity of that con ict Stressing that the Philippines “has no enemies,” Malindoghas been,” Marcos told Secretary Blinken during a call in Mala- Uy said the country “should not create one at all costs.” canang.

She also advised the Philippine government to adhere to the “We’ve been hearing from allies and partners across the “One China” principle that Beijing follows. region who are deeply concerned about the destabilizing and These are affairs of hina, these are considered internal dangerous actions,” he said. affairs of hina. We should not meddle in these affairs and we What happens to the Taiwan strait affects the entire region. should stick to the One China principle as much as possible n many ways, it affects the entire world because the Strait, like because that is one of the foundations of our bilateral relations the South China Sea, is a critical waterway,” he said. with China,” she said.

“The Mutual Defense Treaty is in constant evolution. I’d Under the policy, Beijing’s position is that there is only one like to think of it,” Marcos told Secretary Blinken.

Chinese government and Taiwan is part of China.

“We can no longer isolate one part of our relationship from Malindog-Uy said it is better for the Philippines not to take the other. We are too closely tied because of the special relation- sides in the latest developments in the Taiwan Strait. ship between the United States and the Philippines and the his“Our relations with each country should be based on our tory we share, and all the assistance and help and support that national interests and should be based on what’s good for the we have received from the US over the years,” Marcos added. country and not for the benefit of other countries at our e “They can no longer be categorized as one thing or another pense,” Malindog-Uy said. “As a country, we should uphold because they cover such a large scope,” he added. our national interests and not be dragged into any con ict, Blinken noted that almost half the global water eet and not our own making is I guess not part of our national internearly 90 percent of the world’s largest ships” pass through the ests.”

Taiwan Strait as they deliver goods across different trading routes.

In a related development, it would be best for the Philippines to take a neutral stance on the Taiwan Strait crisis, a geopolitics and political anaAffidavits, SPA, Deed of Absolute Sale, Etc. lyst said.

Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute vice Notary Public & Real Estate Broker president for e ternal affairs Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy said the Philippines, “as much as possible,” should not get involved in the brewing tensions *Commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (BRE#00635976) in California in the Taiwan Strait. since 1981. Author, Columnist, and Member, National Notary Association (NNA) “With regard to the Philippines, our own country, I think really the best position for us is to be neutral,” MalindogUy said during the Pandesal Forum hosted by Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City.

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11 August 11-17, 2022

 OPINION Remember ‘Lola Cory’

By Kiko Dee

Upside

UPSI DE de fers thi s week to a tribut e by Franc is Joseph “Kiko” Dee on the 13th de ath anni versary of hi s grandmother President Corazon Aquino. The first woman elected preside nt of the Phi lippine s, “Cory” Aqui no was swept to power in the wake of the 1983 assassinat ion of he r hus band Se n. Beni gno Aqui no Jr. that triggered the fall of the Marcos regime. She di ed Augus t 1,209.

G

EDITORIAL

A win for Biden, the US, and perhaps the world

W

hen the US Senate approved a bill vs climate change this week, it could be a considered a win not only for President Joe Biden and the Democrats, who hold the slimmest majority in the chamber, but moreso for the US, if not the world.

Most of the $30-billion will be devoted to address the climate crisis now gripping the world, although a portion will be spent to lower drug prices – itself also an emergency for the poor and the middle class – while likewise also raising some corporate taxes.

With the 100-member Senate evenly split at 50 lawmakers each for the Republicans and the Democrats, it took Vice President Kamala Harris’ vote to break the deadlock.

The measure now goes to the House of Representatives which is expected to pass the bill, after which it heads to the White House where President Biden will sign it into law. opefully, the funding will effectively fight climate change by the S resorting to more clean energy. any more steps are needed, but at least it s a fitting start.

The past few years have seen the devastating effects of climate change, which still has deniers, mostly from the Republican Party. It is not only in the US where storms, oods, earth uakes, volcanic eruptions and all forms of natural calamities have been felt. It has become a worldwide phenomenon.

They have not only occurred more often, but Mother Nature’s anger has been noticeably more intense.

Even in our motherland, the Republic of the Philippines, the devastation has been more pronounced. arth uakes and volcanic eruptions have become practically commonplace.

Yet people and industry still remain overly dependent on energy from fossil fuels, which have been polluting the air since the start of the Industrial Age. The legislation should result in a reduction of carbon emissions by shifting consumers to green energy. The lowering of the cost of medicine and the tightening enforcement on taxes for corporations as well as the rich can be considered as icing on the cake.

What cannot be helped is for the two parties to turn the landmark legislation to a political matter, with an eye for taking or retaining control of the Senate and the House in this year’s elections.

The bill is not perfect, by any means. In order to present a solid front with no room for error, there were many compromises even within the Democratic Party.

But as resident Biden said, doing important things almost always” re uires compromises.

What matters is the end result.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer may be allowed a self-congratulatory moment when he said that “this bill is going to change America for decades.”

It serves as proof, he said, that Congress can still do big things.

It was 18 months in the making, and Americans can only hope that the bill delivers the goods, not for them but for the planet.

At the very least, it serves as an acknowledgement that climate change is here and action must be taken now.

OOD evening to everyone joining us today as we remember our Lola Cory. We also remember today in a special way Pres. Fidel Ramos CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO who passed away yesterday. Pres. Ramos was instrumental in the restoration of our democracy during the EDSA Revolution, its defense amid attempts to overthrow it during our Lola’s presidency, and its deepening through his relentless pursuit of peace and development during his own presidency and beyond. We join the country in praying for him and F r a n c i s J o se p h “ K i k o ” his family during this dif- P r e s. C o r a z o n C . Aq ui n o D e e ficult time.

When Lola Cory passed in 2009, our family was faced with a uestion, the same uestion that faced us when olo inoy was killed in and when Tito Noy left us last year: Here is someone who dedicated their life to the loving service of not just their family but to the Filipino people as a whole. How do we, the ones they left behind, respond to that love?

Is it by giving them what they’re owed? That doesn’t seem right. When Lola Cory cooked her spaghetti and meatballs for us on Sundays, fought for the life of our democracy as president, or demanded accountability from our leaders as a fellow citizen, she did so unconditionally. I don’t think she believed in utang na loob.

Is it by giving them what they would’ve wanted? Strangely, that doesn’t seem right either. One of the few times I’ve known Lola to get mad was when our Tito Rapa tried to put together a tribute for her 75th birthday. Tigil-tigilan niyo ‘yan, she said, nakakahiya naman sa kanila. ola was humility personified. She didn t need her story to be told. And yet today, we know that told it must be.

How do we respond to Lola’s love? Not with what she’s owed; we owe her nothing. Not with what she would’ve wanted; she wanted nothing. Instead, we ask ourselves today, “What does she deserve?” m still trying to find the answer to that uestion, but believe it starts with remembering: Remembering that while there is no such thing as a perfect leader, there is such a thing as a good leader; remembering that we have suf-(Cont inue donpage 27)

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 OPINION

August 11-17, 2022

SPEAKING OUT

A

I

s book author and ac“ n 2005 at the height of the tive Evangelist with “Hello Garci” scandal, Fithe GOLDEN GATE del Valdez Ramos played R O R ST in San a crucial role in keeping thenFrancisco, California, I am depresident Gloria Macapagal lighted to announce the winners rroyo from leaving office. of the monthly GGCC My AnThere was tremendous gel Radio Ra e winners drawn pressure within her own Cabiin between the segments of My net for Arroyo to step down ngel Radio San rancisco last from power after the wiretap uly , which coincided recordings of her conversation with the first ear nniversary A RT G A B OT MA D LA ING with an election official surof y ngel Radio San ranfaced.

MA NNY MOG A T O cisco and the th ear nniBut Ramos stood beside versary of the global My Angel her, changing her decision to Radio in San rancisco, alifornia.

The monthly ra e pri es drawn include S W ift er- quit and hardening her positificates, B Barber Shop aircut ertificates, and autographed tion. She weathered all impeachment attempts and military atcopies by authors of the following best selling books, namely: tempts to sei e state power. .

ST OR O T ” ardcover aperback with Some people critici ed Ramos for propping up the corrupt ma on price of . . per copy subtitled ow to be Arroyo government and more than a decade later when he openealthy motionally, inancially, hysically, Se ually and Spiritu- ly supported Rodrigo Duterte in the 2016 elections, serving as a ally . R ST T O ” ardcover aperback with special envoy to China as Manila sought to repair relations with ma on price of . . per copy subtitled our Basic Beijing. uide nformation for Successful nvesting in ome, and and Looking back, one has to understand the late general and ncome roperty ” statesman for making those bad decisions and actions. e had .

STROR T O S S” ardcover aperback with regretted those decisions, particularly in supporting uterte. ma on price of . . per copy subtitled acts and But he had his own reasons for preventing Arroyo from revidences for gnostics, theists, Believers and hristians ” . .

S S R ST” subtitled The inal ays on arth Before is signing in First, he thought there was no real groundswell for Arroyo’s Return to eaven ” and the latest issue of the hristian World inouster unlike in February 1986 when he joined former defense istry uarterly ournal aga ine .

The monthly y ngel Radio Ra e winners and cor- minister Juan Ponce Enrile in breaking away from the dictator responding pri es are as follows .S W ift ertificates erdinand arcos. e saw his role in the S eople ower uprising as an drawn by Ed Bacani, global Director and Executive Producer of global y ngel Radio Bellarose Baclig. oren o . orrea . atonement for his sins during martial law.

In 2005, he thought that it was only a group of people with B Barber Shop aircut ertificates drawn by iana s uivel from the ispanic roup onsuelo osino, elen Williams vested interests who wanted a duly elected leader to be removed .

ST OR O T drawn by visiting vange- from position due to allegations of electoral fraud. list from the Philippines and Erlinda Bianan, Registered Nurse and e might have been wrong. author of the best selling book urses otes on edical, Surgical But Ramos was a man who wanted to protect his own legacy. and Critical Care Nursing”---- Dawne Jones, Gesena Gordon, Alma He wanted to be remembered as the general who restored ee, ickson uario, erly Terrado . R ST T O and guarded democracy from power grabbers, and introduced drawn by Janice nd Catherin Chavez from the Hispanic Group - reforms to help the country rise as an economic tiger. uis anuel Sanche , Rowell alen uela, lroiedais . nfante, He broke up monopolies, partnered with the private sector eena S. uario, arcia oleman, orma Sanche to upgrade the creaking infrastructure, and sold nonperforming . STOR T O S S drawn by vangelist Bert Tupas with the ORT TRO R O R ST in Sacramento, government assets and provided political stability by ending rebellions through peaceful negotiations. alifornia and aua eister from the T STR T SS O He had a vision of a stable and progressive Philippines and R O R ST in San ose, alifornia - ose . alen uela, he remained focused on that dream by reminding the Filipino rancis Ridad, ichael Ridad, atrick Ridad, ina erett . S S R ST drawn by vangelist lberto Rodrigue of people to unite and work closely with the government, a slogan the Hispanic Community and Christine Lee, speaker in English and he kept on repeating long before erdinand arcos r. won on hinese in the Sisters ct olden ate segment of y ngel Ra- the platform of unity.

Ramos nity, Solidarity and Teamwork” ST , which had dio Steve illamon, elia . udan, rnesto anuel Sanche , been the main theme of his speeches during his six-year term, oshua onner, armela e eon .

R ST WOR STR RT R O R- was pretty boring for many journalists, at that time, because they drawn by Terry enis, publisher and founder of the R STO- were used to the uncertainties and upheavals during the turbulent R TO O T Books ublication Services and Rose de period under ory uino. la ru , O Singer and speaker in nglish and Spanish There were more than half a dozen serious attempts during in the Sisters ct olden ate segment of y ngel Radio San uino s term, an intensified guerrilla warfare by the commurancisco-- dward Ridad, Ruelle Ridad, dwin . orrea, esus nists, and destructive disasters like the Mount Pinatubo eruption Ridad, Maricel Terrado and an earthquake in northern Luzon that killed more than 1,600 Winners of the monthly y ngel Radio Ra e can people. claim their pri es by calling or contacting Ra e oordinaThe Ramos years were marked with political stability. The tor rt abot adlaing at or or main Muslim secessionist group, the Moro National Liberation email artmadlaing gmail.com. Ra e winners will be announced ront, accepted and signed a peace deal offering self-rule for also at the y ngel Radio San rancisco every Saturday m to uslim provinces in the south. pm.

The right-wing forces who tried to unseat Cory Aquino also The ne t y ngel Radio onthly Ra e will be held on ugust , Saturday, during the live broadcast in between agreed to a peace deal that reinstated some soldiers.

Several important documents were signed with the aoistsegments of y ngel Radio San rancisco from am to pm.

There are several ways you can join the GGCC My Angel Radio led rebel group, laying the foundation for a political settlement onthly Ra e namely . isit the y ngel Radio San rancisco of the three-decade-old con ict that has killed more than , studio during live broadcast every Saturday am to pm located at people.

- th venue near olden ate ark San rancisco, alifornia Ramos was jealous about his legacy as the guardian of deand S T R R STR T O O . . ttend mocracy. e had resisted efforts by some soldiers to turn against the Bible lasses am or Worship Services am every Sunory uino, particularly during the ovember od Save day at the O T R O R ST, - th v- the ueen” plot. enue, San rancisco, alifornia all or Te t e saved uino more than si times and had to ask for S or or and S T R R - intervention in the December 1989 coup when rogue soldiers STR T O O . isit the B Barber Shop located at had the upper hand and some soldiers were wavering on their ission Street two blocks from eneva venue , San rancisco, support to the government. alifornia and B Barber Shop located near the corner of When he was president, he also resisted efforts by allies School Street and ission Street in aly ity, alifornia and S to amend the Constitution and extend his single six-year term T R R STR T O O *ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned through a signature initiative. any thought he was behind the R ” initiative. e otary ublic and licensed Real state Broker R in alifornia since . e is founder of OB S S R- could have entertained the idea of extending his term but his S, T SS OR T aka T SS OR R ST heart told him to be loyal and faithful to the onstitution. Ramos would not want to be remembered as a power-hungry leader. and O . rt is active vangelist with the O T He was the best-ever president in R O R ST in San rancisco, alifornia S (Cont inue onpage 27)

the post-

IN THE TRENCHES

O

nce, concerned senior citi en idel . Ramos, described himself as : Retired, but not tired. , but not e cess. ndeed, the former President, at that time nearing 86, was very much around, taking advantage of every opportunity to exhort Filipinos to are, are and Share” and to be competitive as a nation through ST nity, Solidarity and Team Work”. e did IG NA CIO T OT ING B UNY E this through his Sermons”, a multi-volume compilation of his speeches and writings, and through his speaking engagements, here and abroad.

PFVR has been acknowledged as an Eminent Person of sia, if not of the world. But we, untinlupe os, would like to remember R as untinlupa s avorite Son. longtime resident of Muntinlupa, PFVR loved to recount how early in his military career, he patrolled the Muntinlupaavite boundary area to catch cattle rustlers.

When Ayala developed Ayala Alabang in the early 80s, R became one of its first residents. any remember R as the uiet ne t door neighbor. e moved around the village unobtrusively. f he had any close-in security at all, they were practically invisible.

When R decided to join at S , concerned neighbors organized their own People Power to form a protective ring around rs. ing Ramos and R s daughters. This event has come to be commemorated as S sa labang”. physical fitness buff, R fre uented the labang ountry lub gym and its swimming pool. strong swimmer, PFVR could swim backstroke the length of the pool, unlighted cigar in his mouth, without the cigar ever getting wet!

At the height of the nine coup attempts by Gringo Honasan against President Cory, Alabang resident Elo Javier could accurately predict whether we would have a quiet day or not, just by observing R s demeanor.

“There would be no coup attempt today,” Elo Javier would confidently say. ook at R. e is so rela ed reading the newspapers by the pool side. intage Steady ddie.” lo and his elder brother Ted avier served as my volunteer security advisers when was ayor of untinlupa.

Wearing his famous verrry short shorts, PFVR would wake up early to play a round of golf at the Alabang Country lub with his foursome. But it was not all golf.

R would jog from one hole to another instead of walking or using the golf cart .

Recently, asked R about his golf handicap. e shooked his head Tumaas na, Toting.” sk why, he replied “When I was President, isang dipa pa ang bola sa butas, give na. ow, always have to putt through.”

PFVR is rightly given credit for many reforms which took place during his residency. et me just mention three of them which impacted me directly. is efforts to de-monopoli e telecommunication are now benefitting every uan and Maria who now have easy access to telephone land lines and cell phones. ompare that to the time when one had to wait years to get a line and hours to get a dial tone. or untinlupe os, R signed into law the untinlupa ity harter. or former BS ers like me, R signed into law the ew Central Bank Act which refocused the central monetary authority s mandate to that of keeping in ation low and stable.

During my last encounter with PFVR, he was already pushing . e had invited a small group from akasfor lunch at his R office. y former boss, former resident loria acapagal rroyo was also present.

R had already considerably slowed down. But he still impressed me when he greeted all his guests by their first names. Something which can not always do. sked his health secret, R swore to the effectivity of virgin coconut oil O as an anti-o idant. With a naughty wink, he even swore that O had other” beneficial effects. very prolific writer, R had written several volumes, copies of which were neatly stacked in shelves in his office.

“Hey guys, if you see any title which you like, feel free to take it home, ” he told his guests.

I did not get to pick my title because PFVR’s late girl riday, ae affud, had already prepared take-home packets for each and every guest by the time (Cont inue onpage 27)

FVR’s legacy: Political stability, economic growth

GGCC My Angel Radio Monthly Raffle Winners Health & Wealth

PFVR, a favorite son of Muntinlupa

12

S period but he was not

13 August 11-17, 2022

 OPINION

he movie “The gang that couldn’t shoot straight” was a 1971 movie about two warring afia gangs in New York City. The weaker gang used a lion to blackmail the opposite gang’s “clients.”

The police succeeded in stopping one of the gangs, while the other remained without the boss.

As the title suggests, this P ERRY D IA Z was a hilarious comedy about dis-Organized Crime.

Involved in the real life situation were Donald Trump and his gang that couldn’t shoot straight.

Led by Donald Trump, the cast included his three children: Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner. Donald Trump Jr. bragged that the Trumps have eight paths to victory. Let’s see how they perform.

Donald Trump began his assault back in November 2020 when he filed lawsuits in multiple states where election results are tight and could ultimately determine who wins the presidential election.

The Trump campaign filed lawsuits in ennsylvania, Michigan and Georgia, laying the groundwork for contesting battleground states as he slipped behind Democrat Joe Biden in the hunt for the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the White House.”

The new filings, joining e isting Republican legal challenges in Pennsylvania and Nevada, demand better access for campaign observers to locations where ballots are being processed and counted, and absentee ballot concerns,” the campaign said.

Trump lost all the lawsuits except one minor one, which was of no consequence.

Having failed to win the lawsuits, Trump’s next move was to reverse the election results. e figured he d be joined by more than half of the 211-member House Republican Caucus and at least a dozen Republican senators. Their plan was to object to the electoral votes submitted by six states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

But like most Trump plans, this is a half-baked scheme, which would surely fail. It also gives credibility to dangerous and false claims of mass voter fraud; thus, it encourages distrust in the democratic process. The voters will lose trust in future elections.

In September 2021, more than 10 months after the 2020 election, Trump was still trying to claim victory in Georgia.

Trump had been tossing out debunked conspiracy theories over the election in Georgia. Trump once again attempted to have the state’s 2020 election results overturned.

He then claimed that the 2020 election was rigged and massive amounts of corruption took place during the election. n a letter to eorgia s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Trump alleged that “large scale Voter Fraud continues to be reported in eorgia.” e re uested Raffensperger to start the process of decertifying the election, or whatever the correct remedy is, and announce the true winner.” Trump failed to convince Raffensperger.

The Capitol insurrection On January 6, 2022 Congress met in the House of Representatives for a joint session to count the 538 electoral votes submitted by the 50 states and the District of Columbia, which was specified under the th mendment of and the lectoral Count Act of 1887. ongress then officially counted the electoral votes and offered lawmakers a chance to object. Ordinarily, this was just a formality. However, Trump supporters planned to raise objections. But they didn’t have the votes and the attempt failed.

Decertification In July 2022, Trump called Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and urged him to decertify President Joe Biden’s 2020 election win in that state. But Vos told Trump that it’s not allowed under the Constitution.

Trump probably tried to pull the same stuff with other states but failed too.

Trump believed the lection would be decertified based on the massive amount of corruption that took place during the election. “They used COVID and they used the mail-in ballots to rig the election. We won the election by a lot and they rigged it and it’s a terrible thing and I do believe they are going to decertify this election. I don’t (Cont inue onpag e 27)

E

T

Schools need not be complacent, the war vs. corona and monkeypox are real!

A

s we troop to the classrooms next week, administrators, students, teachers, and parents need to know that the war vs. corona virus is still on!

It is surging! Let us not be complacent as the new variants are actively attacking everybody… even babies are not an exception.

Lately, most of our students were quarantined because they were either found positive or found exhibiting symptoms of the virus. And… I was surprised ELP ID IO R. ES T IOK O to know that the whole family of a relative was positive, including their -year-old baby. was surprised because it was my first time to hear that even babies are now victims of the virus. This is a rare incident, but we need to be aware of it, so we can be ready for it!

The surging corona virus is compounded by another virus which is spreading so fast: the monkeypox. Reports said that there are 7,510 cases of monkeypox in the country today. With this, US President Joe Biden declared monkeypox a public health emergency as it is spreading so fast in most of the 50 states.

In California, Governor Gavin Newsom made the statewide declaration on onday to help the state increase its efforts to combat the virus. Declaring a public health emergency, according to the governor, will give the state more authority to use state resources to administer vaccines, utilize public health infrastructure to conduct testing and contact tracing and ensure health professionals have the resources they need with respect to the virus. Symptoms can include rash, muscle aches, fever and respiratory symptoms. This is how serious the problem is.

To ensure success, California is mobilizing personnel from its Emergency Medical Services to help administer the vaccines. Newsom said the state is working across all levels of government to slow the spread through testing, contract tracing and community outreach.

We were informed that some monkeypo patients suffer e cruciating pain from the rash caused by the virus. If the outbreak isn’t contained, scientists and public health officials are worried monkeypo could circulate permanently in the U.S. Monkeypox is in the same virus family as smallpox, but it causes much milder disease, according to CDC. So, we need an aggressive dual approach in combatting the war vs. corona and monkeypox. The health situation in the country became complicated even more with the entry of monkeypox and the surge of the corona virus at the same time.

As I See It

very so often, freshman Senator Robin Padilla makes sense. Even a lot of sense.

He insists on being called Robinhood, by the way, but more on that later.

For now, I would like to give praise where praise is due.

While Padilla did make a laughing stock of himself B ET ING D OLOR when he said his ears were bleeding because he could not understand what his fellow senators were discussing recently, he seems to have an idea of what kind of bills he would like to sponsor.

When he was asked many moons ago why he was running for senator when he had no experience as a lawmaker, he gave a straightforward answer. He said he knew what kind of bills he would sponsor and he would hire the best lawyers to take care of the legal nitty gritty.

This is precisely what he appears to be doing.

Federalism was one cause he said he would push, but he would not be a one trick pony. As this is a most serious matter that deserves a lot of planning, the actor-turned-lawmaker is still biding his time.

I suspect he has several lawyers working on his federalism bill, which means a change in the form of government. Ergo, the people must vote on his proposal.

In the meantime, Padilla has been keeping busy.

In recent weeks, he got approving nods from various sectors for his stand on a number of issues which had no relationship to each other.

For one, he said he wanted all government documents to be made available in the national language.

He may have gone a little overboard when he said that the country should stop using English in all legal documents. But if he means that Pilipino should be given the respect it’s been losing, then he is right.

He only needs to tweak his proposal, by making mandatory the use of both English and Pilipino in all forms of communication.

A good number of countries do this, and perhaps our national language has not been getting its due because it is not properly taught, and used, anymore.

Nationalists were applauding his proposal because they know that it’s one sure way of revitalizing Pilipino.

I would, however, like to see all Filipinos become bi-lingual, adept at our national language, as well as the global language of business that is English.

(And no, I will not get into the debate in the British form of English vs the international form, which could be called Americanese as far as I’m concerned. The Brits insist that theirs is the only real form, which is why it’s called English.)

Padilla also said that he was in favor of legalizing marijuana. e said everyone knows the medical benefits of the plant, but for some reason or another similar proposals have failed to even go beyond committee level in our bicameral Congress.

With so many states in the US along with numerous European countries already legalizing weed for both medicinal and recreational purposes, why not the Philippines?

In fact, a close neighbor of the country, Thailand, very recently lifted all restrictions on the possession and sale of the wonder plant that a new industry has cropped up in recent weeks.

Fears that countless Filipinos would suddenly turn into marijuana addicts have been used to prevent its legalization, which is completely dumb as there’s no such thing as marijuana addicts. It’s not addictive, ladies and gentlemen, although it could be habit forming. ike coffee.

What is marijuana after all but a plant that exists in nature?

I do not jest when I say God made it, and He made it for a good reason. It makes its users feel good and happy, and what is wrong with that?

The senator also wants to put up an Alcatraz-style facility for hardened criminals, who would then have no access to lawbreakers convicted of lesser crimes.

Corregidor would be ideal, but for its historical value and the fact that it’s also a popular tourist destination. But an island that is isolated can be the ideal place for hopelessly violent criminals to spend the rest of their days in peace once they know that there’s no chance of (Cont inue onpage 27)

PerryScope

The gang that couldn’t shoot straight

Offline

Robinhood makes sense sometimes

As the Russia-Ukraine war aggressively nears its 300-day, the war against the corona virus is also surging and monkey pox also started rising! The corona virus war seemed to have been overlooked when the Ukraine-Russia war erupted. As such, people were just surprised when suddenly there was a surge of the pandemic in some states without us noticing it. People thought it was over! Well, it’s not over yet, so we need to address it… just like before, but this time, with added vigor and conviction.

Will the new virus also affect the schools ealth officials have repeatedly emphasized that anyone can catch monkeypox through physical contact with someone who has the rash that characterizes the disease or contaminated materials such as towels and bedsheets. The last month confirmed the first two .S. cases of children catching the virus. School officials should be aware that their students are not exceptions to them getting monkey pox. Everybody is…!

After a prolonged impasse, students need our urgent support as they return to school. In fact, some private schools/chartered schools already are back in the classroom. We must work together to provide critical support to help them succeed, become healthy, and resilient adults.

Let us remember that schools play a vital and critical role in providing students with health education, helping them feel connected, and keeping them safe.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a global health emergency last month. More than 19,000 monkeypox cases have been reported in at least 78 countries (WHO).

While monkeypox is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sex with gay and bisexual men being the highest risk of infection right now, public health officials have repeatedly emphasized that anyone can catch monkeypox through physical contact with someone who has the rash that characterizes the disease or contaminated materials such as towels and bedsheets. The CDC last month confirmed the first two .S. cases of children catching the virus, likely through transmission within their families.

Monkeypox can also spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person has lesions in their mouth, but this requires prolonged face-to-face interaction, according to the . ealth officials said physical contact is the primary mode of transmission.

The Health and Human Services Department has delivered more than 330,000 doses of the monkeypox vaccine to state health departments since May. HHS made another 786,000 doses available to states and other jurisdictions on Friday. But some clinics administering the vaccines say they still have not received enough shots to meet the demand right now.

(Cont inue onpage 27)

 BUSINESS | IMMIGRATIONS Will your retirement income be enough?

BREAKING NEWS: Petition for Caregivers The priority date for “Other workers” for Final Action date is May 8, 2019, which is about 3 years waiting for the visa.

The priority date for Date of Filing of Adjustment of Status for those in the U.S. is now current. This means that when the petition is approved an adjustment of status can be filed. This process is good for those who need caregivers.

Arrest and removal of undocumented is now up to the discretion of officer US Supreme Court did not allow Pres. Biden to overturn the immigration policy of Trump with regards to priority in arrest and removal. Under Biden the priorities are those that involve risk to national security. t is now a decision to be made by the officer which could include arrest of anyone who is undocumented. It is time to work on your green card now.

N-400 Application for Naturalization The USCIS is now giving priorities to application for naturalization . The reason is obviously to allow ualified immigrants to vote in the coming midterm and presidential election.

There are cases when the waiting time is only six months compared to prior years. Pres. Biden is encouraging all ualified to file for naturali ation. This is a rare opportunity that all ualified should take advantage of.

Will your retirement income be enough? f you are near your retirement age, you must act now or else you will find yourself miserable during your golden years” or retirement period. onsider Bankruptcy as a great financial planning tool for those who are within a few years from retirement. ou must prepare a financial plan for a debt free retirement so that you will enjoy your golden years. Ask yourself these questions: 1. Will my retirement income be enough to cover my daily expenses and medical bills?

2. Will I be carrying a mortgage that I cannot pay during my retirement?

3. Will my long term care cost and medicines be covered by my pension?

4. Will increases in cost of living and medicines be covered by my pension?

On the average, retirement income for seniors ranges from $800 to $1500 a month. This income does not increase to cover the ever-increasing cost of living and medicines. Long term care cost and medicines will not be covered by the monthly pensions of seniors if they do not have any savings or 401K pension plan. There are seniors who are still carrying a mortgage and putting all their money on it in anticipation of an increase in value of real estate. This is the worst kind of money management.

It is unimaginable that you will be depending on your monthly pension and still owing a lot of debts. The best time to plan for retirement is now. If you have no way of supporting your daily e penses because of debts, then it is time to consider filing for hapter Bankruptcy. ou can discharge most of your unsecured debts by filing hapter Bankruptcy. any people especially those close to retirement are stressed out because of all their financial obligations. ou do not have to put yourself in this very miserable situation because of debts. You worked hard for so many years to have a comfortable retirement and you deserved it. You can retire debt free if you want. There is nothing to be ashamed of in filing bankruptcy. t is made into law to give people a chance to start fresh and be free from past obligations. any millionaires are also filing for bankruptcy for many reasons since bankruptcy law is created.

Question: Will the creditors take away my social security pension and retirement accounts if file bankruptcy Answer: No. Social security checks and retirement accounts such as IRA and 401K are e empt from creditors up to . million. Seniors who file bankruptcy will come with fresh start without seeing a big percentage of their retirement income to be paid to creditors. Any penny saved from paying creditors goes into your retirement.

Bankruptcy Basics 1. Bankruptcy will actually improve your credit within one year because your unsecured debts are discharged. lthough the bankruptcy will be in your records for years, not filing bankruptcy will make your credit even worse until most your debts are paid.

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

3. Collection actions continue and you can be sued if you are in debt settlement. . hapter will eliminate all unsecured debts. f you are near retirement age, you must eliminate most of your debts.

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FAMILY LAW We also handle uncontested DIVORCE. INCOME TAX PROBLEMS We can help you if you are under IRS audit, need a representation with IRS, need to reduce your ta liability or need to offer a payment plan to RS, Success Stories For the month of July 2022, we received approvals from USCIS seven naturalization applications, three Fiancée visa petition, four removals of condition on residence and four adjustment of status applications.

Note: This is not a legal advice and presented for information only.

Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers. He practices immigration law, bankruptcy, personal injury and income tax problems since June 1999. His contact phone is - - , email info law.net Website www.crispinlo anolaw.com

August 11-17, 2022

14

PHL economy grows 7.4% in Q2 despite headwinds; nat’l debt nears P13 trillion MANILA – The country’s gross domestic product e panded by . percent in the second quarter of 2022, as the economy recovered strongly with loosened pandemic restrictions boosting economic activities.

This as the country’s outstanding debt nearing to P13 trillion has fallen to 62.1% (P9.6 trillion) of the gross domestic product (GDP) or the economy as of end-June, latest figures of the Bureau of the Treasury showed.

This is lower than the 63.5% debt-toGDP (gross domestic product) ratio tallied by the end of the first uarter, the highest since 2005.

Despite the decline, the latest level is still above the international threshold of 60% . n a press briefing, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said while the second-quarter economic growth was slightly lower than the median forecast of . percent for this year, the Philippines was the second best performing nation among the region’s major

emerging economies that have released their reports.

Balisacan said the country was next to ietnam s . percent, but faster than Indonesia’s 5.4 percent and China’s 0.4 percent.

The GDP growth rate for the January to March period has been revised to 8.2 percent. t averaged . percent in the first half of the year. The economy posted a 5.9- percent pre-pandemic growth in 2019.

“Timely changes in Covid-related policies, such as easing alert levels, removing tourism restrictions, and accelerated vaccine rollout, helped increase economic activities. As of June 2022, around 85 percent of the economy is already under Alert Level 1. That these changes were implemented during the recently-held national and local elections demonstrate that, indeed, ‘living with the virus’ is possible,” Balisacan said.

He said the full reopening of the economy will generate more income-earning opportunities.

PHL firm gets US funding to develop up to 3GW wind power

WIND ENERGY. US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken (standing, 2nd from le�), U.S. Am b a ssa d o r to th e P h i l i p p i n e s M a r y K a y C a r l so n a n d P h i l i p p i n e Am b a ssa d o r to th e U S Jose Manuel Romualdez (standing, 2nd from right) witness the signing y USTDA Director Enoh T. E ong (seated le�) and A oi�z Renewa les, Inc. Vice President Da id A oi�z (seated right) for the US go ernment s grant to A oi�z Renewa le Inc. for a feasi ility study on a wind energy pro ect.

MANILA – The Philippines’ bid to increase the share of renewable energy among its sources got a boost following the awarding of a grant by the US government to a local firm to develop up to three-gigawatt wind power capacity. n a briefing before he left anila, US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken highlighted the importance of coordination among governments to solve several issues such as the impact of climate change.

He said the Philippines, for one, “is especially vulnerable to dealing with more intense typhoons, extreme rainfall, rising temperatures and sea levels.”

This is a threat by definition that no one country, no one government can

solve alone. We have to tackle it together and investing in clean energy is one very powerful way to do that,” he said.

The grant was extended through the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and given to Aboitiz Renewable Inc. to allow the latter to do a feasibility study to develop up to three gigawatts of the offshore wind project.

Citing the Philippines’ increasing vulnerability to the dangerous effects of climate change, Secretary Blinken stressed the importance of investing in clean energy and lauded the projects of six renewable energy companies specializing in biomass, hydropower, solar, wind, energy efficiency, and off-grid solutions.

 ENTERTAINMENT/SPORTS

August 11-17, 2022

16

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Clarkson to lead Gilas Pilipinas for FIBA fourth window; Jalen Green visits Manila sponse to the call to play for ag and country for the ugust ualifiers,” said Sonny Barrios, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director and spokesperson.

The 7-foot-3 cager, who recently signed a fresh deal with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia after being left out of the NBA Draft, is set to arrive in Manila on Aug. 18.

Meanwhile, another Filipino-American player in the NBA, guard Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets, visited Manila again, this time for the first time as an B athlete and adidas Global Ambassador.

Green, 20, was selected second overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2021 NBA Rookie Draft. He went on to average 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists per game in his first season with the league “It is with great pride and excitement that adidas Philippines welcomes another NBA athlete— and most importantly one with Filipino roots— to the country,” said Jen Dacasin, adidas Philippines Brand Activation Manager.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) spokesperson and executive director Sonny Barrios has disclosed that the Utah Jazz’s FilAm sta will be playing for the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team as a naturalized player and not as a local.

Barrios made the disclosure at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) DOJ SELLER OR TRAVEL # 2025230-40 Forum, saying Clarkson’s status in FIBA-sanctioned

MANILA - There’s a ray of hope for the embattled Philippine national basketball team.

This as 30-year-old Filipino American cager in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Jordan Clarkson will be playing for the Gilas Pilipinas anew, this time for the fourth window of FIBA Basketball World up sian ualifiers.

Kai Sotto will also be suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas.

“We are glad to have Kai into the Gilas fold and thank him for his proactive re-

events will be as naturalized player.

“Hindi na pwede yung local. Tinanggap na namin na naturali ed ang classification niya sa FIBA,” Barrios said.

The SBP has long batted to the international basketball federation for Clarkson to be classified as a local.

However, it appears that the request was thumbed down.

“We tried our best.

Maraming pagsisikap na makuha ang ating kagustuhan pero gagamitin na natin siyang naturalized. There’s no turning back,” added Barrios.

Even before the 6-foot-5 Clarkson made his debut in 2014 with the Los Angeles Lakers, the SBP has tried to lobby for his inclusion as a local for the national team to the FIBA Central Board.

However, although Clarkson has Filipino blood, he is not considered as a local because of a FIBA rule.

Clarkson will play against Saudi Arabia in the ualifiers his first in front of ilipino fans and second with the national team following his stint with the Yeng Guiaomentored squad during the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

The said ualifier is part of the national team’s preparation for the 2023 FIBA World Cup the country is co-hosting with Japan and Indonesia.

The Tampa, Florida-born Clarkson will finally make his debut for the hilippines in a FIBA event during the fourth window of the B World up sian ualifiers later this month, Barrios said.

Gilas will be taking on Lebanon on August 25 and Saudi Arabia on August 29 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year will have numerous B. League stars playing alongside him. This includes Kiefer Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks, Thirdy Ravena, and Dwight Ramos. Collegiate aces Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao and Francis Lopez will also be playing The rest of the roster will be rounded out by PBA players.

Barrios said Clarkson has committed to be with the team six weeks before the World Cup. This means he will be training with the national team for two months.

“He is committed for the World Cup to be available at least six weeks before the World Cup,” said Barrios. “’Yung mga locals natin, assuming siya ang ating naturalized for the World Cup, will be together for two months by the time Jordan joins us. But that should not be a problem.”

19 August 11-17, 2022

 COMMUNITY NEWS

Newsom supports $1.65-billion film & TV tax credit extension, calls on industry to stand up for employees

SACRAMENTO – Together with Senator Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) and the California Film Commission, Governor Gavin Newsom announced his support for SB 485, which would invest $1.65 billion in the state’s Film & Television Tax redit rogram to e tend it for an additional five years, through 2030. This program allocates $330 million per year in tax credits for the industry.

This announcement comes as hundreds of showrunners demand that production companies implement protocols to protect pregnant employees in states where abortion is outlawed.

“As other states roll back people’s rights, California will continue to protect fundamental freedoms for all and welcome businesses that stand up for their employees,” said Governor Newsom. “Extending this program will help ensure California’s world-renowned entertainment industry continues to drive economic growth with good jobs and a diverse, inclusive workforce.”

The state’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program has been shown to generate $24 in economic activity for every $1 invested – spurring tens of billions of dollars in economic output, helping create over 110,000 jobs, and bringing shows and films to alifornia. tending the Film & Television Tax Credit Program will help the state s ongoing efforts to retain its status as the world s film and T production capital, a status long earned due to its superior crews, talent, infrastructure, weather, locations, and a host of other attributes that lead to business and creative success.

In response to the announcement by Governor Newsom, California Film Commission Executive Director Colleen Bell stated that the Commission stands ready to help all projects – including those that reject states where fundamental rights are under assault – make the most of all that alifornia has to offer.

“The Governor’s actions today speak to the values held by so many people across the film and T production industry,” she said. “More than ever, California offers the best value and the best values.”

Bell also noted that the creative community has uni ue in uence and therefore, uni ue responsibility.

“Working in and supporting a state that violates basic freedoms is antithetical to the industry’s core values,” she added. “It’s also bad business.”

“California is the entertainment capital of the world and it is exciting and appropriate for the state to

invest in keeping and expanding its impact. The economic benefit from e tending the ilm and Television Tax Credit Program creates thousands of jobs for talented crafts people and generates significant revenue for our budget. I am grateful to Governor Newsom for his unwavering support and leadership for enhancing this historic industry – which is unique to California.

Talent and industry need certainty to compete with other states and the tax credit program extension does just that,” said Senator Anthony Portantino, author of SB 485.

Governor Newsom has taken bold action to protect the fundamental right to abortion, expand access to critical reproductive health care services and protect patients and providers: Signed legislation to help protect patients and providers in California from civil liability for providing, aiding, or receiving abortion care in the state; Launched a new Multi-State Commitment to defend access to reproductive health care and protect patients and providers; Issued an executive order that prevents any information, including medical records, from being shared by state agencies in response to investigations brought by other states or individuals in those states looking to restrict abortion access; Advanced a state budget that includes more than $200 million in additional funding for reproductive health care, preparing for an in u of women from outof-state seeking access to these services; Signed legislation to eliminate copays for abortion care services and further strengthen access and protect patients and providers.

In November, California voters will have an opportunity to amend the state’s constitution to include the right to an abortion.

 REAL ESTATE

August 11-17, 2022

20

SEC approves VistaREIT, Raslag IPOs

Great year to have a plan for the worse scenario that might be near

PASAY CITY – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has considered favorably the initial public offerings O of istaR T, nc. of up to . billion and of Raslag orp. worth up to million. n its meeting on ay , the commission en banc resolved to render effective the registration statements of istaR T and Raslag covering . billion common shares and . million common shares, respectively, subject to the companies compliance with certain remaining re uirements. istaR T istaR T is a real estate investment trust R T sponsored by illar-led companies asterpiece sia roperties, nc., anuela orporation, ista Residences, nc., rown sia roperties, nc., and ommunities ampanga, nc.

The company will offer up to , , , common shares at a price of up to . per share, with an over allotment option of up to , , common shares.

The shares, which are currently owned by the sponsors, will be listed and traded on the ain Board of the hilippine Stock change S .

Assuming the overallotment option is fully exercised, istaR T will net . billion from the offer.

The sponsors will receive the entire proceeds of the offer, which shall be reinvested in the hilippines, pur-

Great year to have a plan for the worse scenario that might be near.

This is a fairly obvious advise yet, still surprising that our statistics tell us that a large percentage of Americans still don’t have a plan for the future. ou also will be surprised to know having a plan makes you more profitable-averaging profit. plan for your business is better than a business plan. don t believe you have to have a page business plan, particularly one that is not referred to on regular basis. smaller plan for your business personal that is actually thorough, simple, implemented and followed up provides significantly more value. n ancient hinese curse that could sum up very well is ay you live in interesting times. This year has certainly been just that and the next couple of years are shaping up to be very interesting as well. s the end of the year approaches it is often a good time to start thinking about what happened between till now, what did we learn and what can we change to improve our business. Times have changed and people made a substantial change in their day to day livelihood. With The Recession” that might come in the near future, we should also make time to start thinking very seriously about and developing a plan. o one plans to fail, they fail to plan While each business is different, the uestion must be asked Which of these issues will affect business, my ife, my family, my work for ne t year Treat your personal life, goals, plans as your business, or whatever you would like to improve on. ook at the four steps in the planning process In any business/personal planning process there are key uestions to answer Where are you now Where do you want to be ow do you get from ” ” to B” and from B” to ” Where is your support group, a group of people that will help you get to your future goad. What will you benefit or gain from achieving your goal. Once you have finali ed your plan, it s time to share it with your business personal partners. To ensure you don t get to the end of the year and discover that you haven’t achieved your planned goals, you need to regularly i suggest monthly review your progress to plan. These meetings should involve all of your key people. ritically assess your progress to goals and continually challenge (in a constructive and proactive manner your assessment of the current status.

One more thing don t be afraid to change your plan if the circumstances warrant it. t is an old adage, but a true one f the horse is dead, get off it! nother ey factor, don t go to high on your goals yet don t make it too easy. onclusion Somebody once said, The best way to predict the future is to invent it”. While a business personal plan may not be able to predict the future it certainly provides a business with more certainty and more focus. f all your business plan does is give you a framework to actually O the things you want to, and achieve the objectives you have set for your business/ personal, you have succeeded. believe we are headed to a few very challenging years to come but with the proper preparation and goal setting, things might actually turn out well for you. hope that all our problems, mishaps will fade fast and we will see better times. lease send me your information or uestions to en o of st nnovative inance roup at or write to kennethgo veri on.net .

BR S

suant to the revised implementing rules and regulations of Republic ct o. , or the Real state nvestment Trust R T ct of . ew investors will corner . percent of istaR T s issued and outstanding common shares, while e isting shareholders will retain the remaining . percent, should the company e ercise the oversubscription option. s mandated by law, istaR T shall distribute to shareholders at least percent of its annual distributable income as dividends.

The distributable income refers to the company’s net income as adjusted for unrealized gains and losses/ e penses and impairment losses, and other items in accordance with internationally accepted accounting standards. t e cludes proceeds from the sale of the R T s assets that are reinvested in the R T within one year from the date of the sale. istaR T e pects to conduct the O from ay to and debut on the S on ay , based on the latest timetable the company has submitted to the S .

The company engaged B O apital nvestment orporation, hina Bank apital orporation, B apital and nvestment orporation, R B apital orporation, and SB apital nvestment orporation as joint lead underwriters for the offer, with bacus apital and Investment Corporation as participating underwriters.

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21 August 11-17, 2022

 COMMUNITY NEWS

Rise in Interracial Marriage a Counter Narrative to Hate and Division B y J e n n y M a n r i q ue She identifies as frican merican, e ican, and uerto Rican. e is orean merican but didn t speak nglish until he was school age. They met and got married in os ngeles and had four children who they are raising intentionally” in a multicultural, multiracial, and multilingual home. t a time of increased political polari ation and racial tension, Sonia and Richard ang s story offers an alternative narrative that is increasingly becoming the norm in the nited States. met Richard and we have children who are multiracial and m thinking how are we going to make this better for them,” said Sonia, whose father is frican meriS o n ia a n d R ic h a r d K a n g can and whose mother is e ican. rowing up just always knew didn t fit in very well,” she recalled of her upbringing in the s in awaii and , a time when blond hair, blue eyes, and big waves were the standard. was darker skinned and had tight curly hair. had the surname Smith in a predominantly atino area in school but spoke Spanish. So always stuck out.” t was the same for Richard, Sonia s husband. could tell there was something different about our family,” he says of his childhood growing up as a orean speaker in a predominantly white neighborhood.

The couple shared their e perience during an ugust media briefing organi ed by thnic edia Services looking at the rise in inter racial marriages amid a backdrop of increasing hate crimes and deepening political polari ation. ata from the census shows that mi ed race” is the fastest growing category under racial identity, and according to the ew Research enter, about of new marriages are interracial couples. ll of that comes as cities nationwide saw a significant surge in racially motivated attacks during the ovid pandemic, rattling communities and contributing to growing tensions. ccording to ustin est, associate professor at eorge ason niversity s Schar School of olicy and overnment, the rise in interracial marriages offers a counter to the increasing separation, polari ation and some of the violence that we re seeing in our country.” est, author of the book ajority inority,” which looks at societies where dominant religious or racial groups lost their numerical advantage, says families like the angs are a powerful way for people to overcome the divisive politics that take place in societies undergoing a lot of demographic change.”

That includes the S, where demographers predict that by non- ispanic whites will no longer be the majority.

When people are intermarrying, it basically disarms the politics of polari ation and division,” est notes. These relationships blur those boundaries. They don t allow politicians and others to use fear mongering to divide us.” nterracial marriages were prohibited in the S until the Supreme ourt decision oving vs. irginia. Between and , the number of interracial unions jumped threefold, according to census data.

The most common unions are white and sian, and white and atino, with only of all interracial couples being between two nonwhite partners. alifornia is the leader when it comes to the number of interracial marriages, with awaii a close second. nd according to llison Skinner orkenooh, assistant professor of Behavioral and Brain Sciences Social sychology at the niversity of eorgia, there has Al l i so n S k i n n e r -D o r k e n o o , been a great a ssi sta n t p r o f e sso r o f B e increase” in h a v i o r a l a n d B r a i n S c i e n c e s media rep- & S o c i a l P sy c h o l o gy a t th e r e s e n t a t i o n U n i v e r si ty o f G e o r gi a of interracial couples, which correlates with data showing of mericans approving of such unions.

But, orkenooh adds, there is still a lingering bias toward same race marriages in many families, including Richard s. was going to marry Sonia no matter what,” he says, describing his parents initial rejection of his soon-to-be wife. t was only after his father fell ill, and then after his parents met their grandchildren, that they really opened their hearts to us.”

The couple decided early on to raise their children in a multi-lingual house. We ve called it culture proofing our home, to safeguard their identity,” Sonia said. We made sure that we brought in products, books, and movies, all that look like our family in an authentic way.”

Sonia, president of the non-profit ulticultural amilies of Southern alifornia, created a children s clothing business named i ed- p lothing, with the intention to use fashion as a vehicle to talk about issues of culture, diversity, and inclusion. knew there was something in clothing that brings in this sense of self, and wanted to duplicate that feeling,” she said. The fact that folks are getting it and taking the time to see that there s beauty in diversity has really helped to steer the conversation.”

August 11-17, 2022

22

I own a property together with my sister. I received a judgment for an unpaid debt. How does this affect us both?

Since you are still in the first stages of having lost a civil case in court, we do not know what the plaintiff will do in order to collect. One thing for sure is that if you do not voluntarily pay them, they will find other ways and means to collect from you and impose the judgment. nfortunately, a judgment cannot be relin uished. t can be renewed every ten years mostly which means you may not have an out. f you do not pay the plaintiff, they can garnish your wages, attach your bank accounts and put a lien on real properties.

The problem you will have is with your sister who is co-owner of the property. f the plaintiff sets a motion to put a lien on real property. This can cause some friction between the two of you, but am sure that you will deal with that accordingly. epending on how much you owe, you should start paying on it as soon as you can and and lessen any possibilities that they might attach the property. t may not be necessary for them to. f you consider bankruptcy as an out, think again. ou will end up in a hapter Bankruptcy where you will end up paying on the debt depending on the e uity of the property and your individual income. eople who owns real property most often end up in hapter Bankruptcy, not hapter . f bankruptcy is not the option for you, consider ebt id onsulting s latest debt settlement program. We have a new program that keeps collectors away. ou need not even have to bother with them. We take ederal redit nions, ilitary ebts and ayday loans in our program too. This is the concept of our newest program where collectors are restraint from contacting you. This is the latest e clusively available for ebt id onsulting clients. o one else has this program in the market. ou are well protected. ting lesson, tang na tinatago, isang araw ay mabibigo. f you need help in getting out of debt, call ebt id onsulting nternational. 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 ederal redit nions, ayday loans and high interest personal loans in our program too. This is e clusively available for ebt id onsulting clients. one of our competitors provide this program. ou are well protected.

We only provide ederal Trade ommission compliant programs. o with ebt id onsulting! o not fall for marketing gimmicks saying that they have the right program for you. ost marketing companies only have one program and will enroll you in that program whether it fits you or not. So beware!

Ben ou at your service! have over years of financial e perience. f you would like sound financial advice, call us at ebt id onsulting nternational. We do not use call centers. o one has the right to put your information at risk. ebt id onsulting is the first and only ilipino debt mediation company incorporated in the S and anada, aribbean slands, Singapore, ustralia, ew ealand and the hilippines! our lobal ebt Solutions ompany!

Tawag na po sa at tutulungan po namin kayo. tama po natin ang mali!

23 August 11-17, 2022

 COMMUNITY NEWS

Filipino American Arts Expo to celebrate 29th Pistahan Parade and Festival SAN FRANCISCO The Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE) returns to an in-person celebration for the 29th Pistahan Parade and Festival.

With the theme of “Homecoming: Reconnect with Our Roots and Community,” the 29th Pistahan Parade and Festival will take place on Saturday, Aug. 13 and Sunday, Aug. 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco.

The Pistahan Parade will take place on Saturday, Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. in the heart of downtown San Francisco.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins Announces Felony Charges After Violent Attack Against Former San Francisco Commissioner Greg Chew The assailant has been charged with felony assault and battery charges as well as felony elder abuse charges San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that the District ttorney s Office filed felony charges against an assailant who violently attacked a community leader in the South of Market (SOMA) neighborhood on Tuesday, August 2, 2022. The 34-year-old man has been charged with felony assault with an enhancement for great bodily injury, felony battery causing serious bodily injury, and felony elder abuse with great bodily injury. The defendant was also charged with a misdemeanor vandalism charge.

“Unprovoked, violent attacks against our AAPI communities must stop,” said District Attorney Brooke enkins. These felony charges are the first step in seeking to hold violent offenders accountable and restoring confidence in our criminal justice system for victims of crime.”

Gregory Chew, a former member of the city’s arts, film and immigrants rights commissions was violently attacked in SOMA at 7:30pm on August 2, 2022. Mr. Chew was punched and violently thrown to the ground by an unknown assailant. Mr. Chew suffered a cut to the face, swelling and bruising to the face and a fractured left clavicle. The assailant did not speak during the attack and his motivation was unclear. Derrick Yearby was arrested by the San Francisco Police department on August 7, 2022. The defendant will be arraigned today in San Francisco Superior Court. n addition to filing felony charges the istrict ttorney s Office also filed a motion for detention to keep the defendant in custody while pending trial.

The motion to detain was filed because of the violence and seriousness of the charges in this case.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Tip Line at: 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.

The Pistahan Parade and Festival is the largest celebration of Filipino art, culture, dance, food, and music in the U.S. The th istahan arade kicks off the festival weekend on Saturday and is a colorful display of Filipino community pride and diversity, featuring festive oats, cultural dance groups, musical performances, and community organizations. The Parade will begin at the Civic Center, proceed along Market Street, and end at Yerba Buena Gardens.

The free two-day outdoor event will feature cul-

tural performances, world-class entertainment, food trucks, artisan merchandise, and hands-on and authentic cultural experiences in six themed pavilions: Arts, Culinary, Dance, Health, Innovation, and Sports.

The Festival supports local artisans, food vendors, entrepreneurs, and more and provides opportunities for guests to discover Philippine history, heritage, and traditions.

For the third year in a row, global audiences will be able to live-stream the two-day event via Kumu, Facebook Live, and YouTube Live.

 COMMUNITY NEWS

August 11-17, 2022

26

Youth facilities and features unveiled PG&E Warns Customers of an Emerging Scam at Presidio TopsTips on How Customers Campaign and Tunnel Provides

Can Protect Themselves

O , alif. n recent weeks, has received do ens of reports on an emerging scam utility impostors demanding immediate payment for a Smarteter deposit to avoid disconnection. s the number of these scam attempts targeting utility customers continue at an alarming rate, acific as and lectric ompany wants to help customers recogni e the signs of a scam so that they can avoid falling victim. n this latest scam campaign, scammers are contacting customers via both email and phone, falsely telling them that their utility meter needs to be replaced and that immediate payment of a deposit is re uired to avoid disconnection.

Scammers are constantly changing their tactics to target unsuspecting victims, and this latest scam campaign is another e ample of that. lease remember, if you receive a call from someone claiming to represent who is threatening disconnection if you do not make immediate payment, just hang up and call at -S or log into your .com account to confirm your account details and balance. will never ask for you for your financial information over the phone or via email nor will we re uest payment via prepaid debit cards or other payment services like elle,” said aron ohnson, Bay rea regional vice president. nd while this trend is spiking, it is only part of an increased number of scam reports seen by during . ear to date, has received more than , reports from customers who were targeted by scammers impersonating the company, marking a dramatic increase over when there were just over , reports for the entire year. n , customers lost over , to scammers. allers claiming to represent re uesting payment via a pre-paid debit card or payment service like elle should be a red ag for customers.

Scammers are opportunistic and look for times when customers may be distracted or stressed, as has been the case during the O - pandemic. uring this time, scammers have increased calls, te ts, emails and

in-person tactics, and they are constantly contacting utility customers asking for immediate payment to avoid service disconnection. s a reminder, will never send a single notification to a customer within one hour of a service interruption, and we will never ask customers to make payments with a pre-paid debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency or third-party digital payment mobile applications.

Scammers can be convincing and often target those who are most vulnerable, including senior citi ens and low-income communities. They also aim their scams at small business owners during busy customer service hours. owever, with the right information, customers can learn to detect and report these predatory scams.

Signs of a potential scam Threat to disconnect Scammers may aggressively demand immediate payment for an alleged past due bill.

Re uest for immediate payment Scammers may instruct the customer to purchase a prepaid card and then call them back supposedly to make a bill payment.

Re uest for prepaid card When the customer calls back, the caller asks the customer for the prepaid card s number, which grants the scammer instant access to the card s funds.

Refund or rebate offers Scammers may say that your utility company overbilled you and owes you a

refund, or that you are entitled to a rebate. ow customers can protect themselves ustomers should never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. does not specify how customers should make a bill payment and offers a variety of ways to pay a bill, including accepting payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, mail or in person. f a scammer threatens immediate disconnection or shutoff of service without prior notification, customers should hang up the phone, delete the email, or shut the door. ustomers with delin uent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification, typically by mail and included with their regular monthly bill.

Signing up for an online account at pge.com is another safeguard. ot only can customers log in to check their balance and payment history, but they also can sign up for recurring payments, paperless billing and helpful alerts.

Scammers mpersonating Trusted hone umbers Scammers are now able to create authentic-looking numbers which appear on your phone display. The numbers don t lead back to if called back, however, so if you have doubts, hang up and call at -S . f customers ever feel that they are in physical danger, they should call . ustomers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud, or who feel threatened during contact with one of these scammers, should contact local law enforcement. or more information about scams, visit pge.com scams.

Abou tP G&E Pa ifi as and e tri Com an a su sidiar o P Cor oration PC is a om ined natu ra as and e e tri uti it ser in more than mi ion eo e a ross square mi es in orthern and Cen tra Ca i ornia. or more in ormation isit e. om and e. om news.

Felony charges filed vs man who attacked former San Francisco Commissioner Greg Chew SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that the District Attorney s Office filed felony charges against an assailant who violently attacked a community leader in the South of arket SO neighborhood on ugust .

The -year-old man has been charged with felony assault with an enhancement for great bodily injury, felony battery causing serious bodily injury, and felony elder abuse with great bodily injury. The defendant was also charged with a misdemeanor vandalism charge. nprovoked, violent attacks against our communities must stop,” said istrict ttorney

Brooke enkins. These felony charges are the first step in seeking to hold violent offenders accountable and restoring confidence in our criminal justice system for victims of crime.” regory hew, a former member of the city s arts, film and immigrants rights commissions, was violently attacked in SO at pm on ugust . r. hew was punched and violently thrown to the ground by the assailant. r. hew suffered a cut to the face, swelling and bruising to the face and a fractured left clavicle. The assailant did not speak during the attack and his motivation was unclear. errick earby was arrested by the San rancisco

olice department on ugust and charged. e will be arraigned in San rancisco Superior ourt. n addition to filing felony charges the istrict ttorney s Office also filed a motion for detention to keep the defendant in custody while pending trial.

The motion to detain was filed because of the violence and seriousness of the charges in this case. nyone with information about the attack is asked to call the San rancisco olice epartment S Tip ine at or Te t a Tip to T and begin the te t message with S . ou may remain anonymous.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC commends Senate for rejecting anti-immigrant amendments, passing Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 W S TO , . .

The Senate passed a clean” version of the n ation Reduction ct of , voting down poison pill” amendments related to immigration during a weekend of debate and votes.

The rejected anti-immigrant amendments included efforts to continue Title , increased immigration enforcement, and to divert resources to border surveillance.

The sian mericans dvancing ustice issued a statement on the passing of the measure. The statement follows sian mericans dvancing ustice commends the Senators who voted against harmful anti-immigrant amendments tied to the n ation Reduction ct of . These amendments would have in icted lasting

harm on immigrant families and communities of color, including sian mericans immigrants. n the end, the clean bill that passed does what was intended to help fight climate change and address health care costs.

We urge the .S. ouse of Representatives to pass the bill as soon as possible.”

27 August 11-17, 2022

Upside...

(From Page 11)

fered real consequences when leaders haven’t been good; and remembering that when leaders, even the good ones, are imperfect, we are saved by good citi ens.

“Be good,” Lola used to say. es, ola, we will. yellow heart yellow heart . * Franc is Joseph Dee was a ful ltime Political Sc ienc e Professor at the Uni versity of the Phi lippine s Diliman from Augus t 2015 to December 201.

He resigne d to join the preside nt ial campaign of Vice Preside nt Leni Robr edo. He is the son of Richar d Joseph Dee and Victoria Elisa “Viel” Aqui no Dee, thi rd of the four daugth ers of Se n. Beni gno Aqui no Jr. and Pres. Cory Aqui no. Per Viel Dee, “Kiko retur ns as part-time professor in the coming term and also doe s work for the Ninoy andC ory Aqui no F oundat ion.”

Offline

(From Page 13)

escape. adilla even wants one such facility each in u on, the isayas, and Mindanao.

Maybe an island or islet in the Spratlys would be a good place to set up such a facility, no? astly, adilla also leans towards legali ing divorce in the country, and this is the most sensible proposal to come from him yet. ee , folks, please be informed that all the countries of the world allow divorce based on a number of rational conditions. Only two countries in the planet do not have divorce. One of those countries is The atican. nd the other es, you guessed it. Our very own Republic of the Philippines.

I know of a lot of couples whose marriages were no longer feasible, so they did what normal men and women do in the absence of divorce. They find new partners and to hell with the law.

There are literally tens of thousands of couples who are openly “living in sin” in the eyes of the Church but who are otherwise decent human beings whose only wish is to find some happiness for themselves.

Divorce is the humane way for them to escape what are normally hellish relationships with the spouses they mistakenly married in their youth, isn’t it?

Ask Imee Marcos.

On second thought, don’t.

So what else does Senator Robin Padilla have in mind? I don’t know, but one thing I do know is this: he really, really wants to be called Robinhood Padilla after becoming senator, and I’m not biting.

I will still refer to him as Robin, and if he doesn’t like it, I may end up calling him Rob instead.

I do not mean to disrespect him, as I would not discount the possibility of him becoming a lawmaker who uses common sense when others offer nothing but hot air.

There’s a little bit of the kanto boy in him, not unlike Rodrigo Duterte. But at least Padilla is no cold-blooded killer.

Under a best-case scenario, Senator Padilla may yet end up as being the Filipino Everyman, maybe not that intelligent, but certainly full of smarts.

Let us see how he evolves as a senator, shall we?

As I See It

(From Page 12)

The ood and rug dministration approved the twodose vaccine Jynneos in 2019 for people at high risk of monkeypox or smallpox exposure. Jynneos, made by the Danish biotech company Bavarian Nordic, is the only FDA approved monkeypox vaccine in the U.S. Right now, U.S. has the capacity to conduct 80,000 tests a week after bringing several commercial labs onboard last month, according to the . But the number of confirmed infections in the .S. is likely an undercount, according to CDC, because people can’t get tested until they develop a rash, which can take several weeks in some cases. Clinicians swab the rash to get the specimen for the test.

U.S. also have1.7 million courses of the antiviral treatment teco1, 2008 virimat in the strategic national stockpile. Physicians can use tecovirimat to treat monkeypox, but this requires an additional layer of bureaucracy because the drug is only approved for smallpox. The CDC cut down on red tape last month to make it easier for physicians to prescribe tecovirimat.

In a related report by Damian McNamara, MA WEBMD Health ews Rising O - case numbers and hospitali ations likely mean we’re in a new phase of the pandemic. And the number of mericans dying from O - is also anticipated to grow, although the surge in the short term is not expected to look like previous waves.” This confirms the fact that the war against the pandemic is not yet over. nowingly or unknowingly, O - still kills an average of 300 Americans per day, so we’re not done with the pandemic yet. eople are still dying of O and we can t rule out the possibility of a major wave in the coming months,” said David Dowdy, MD, PhD, associate professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.

When asked if we could face a summer surge that would require a return to preventive measures like masks and isolation, Dowdy said, t s important for us to reali e that in some ways we are already in the midst of a surge. Apparently, there is a possibility that during the summer season, we may have to contend with the original preventive measures like wearing masks, isolation and social distancing. Actually, some chartered schools have already implemented this as they resumed their classes a month ago.”

TODAY

aisipan

This is concerning because Dowdy even said “there are indicators that the level of coronavirus transmission in the U.S. now is about the same as we experienced during the Delta wave and almost as high as the surge during the first winter of the pandemic.” gain, this is scary, so we need to have extra care in our daily life and be cautious of what we do in order to stay away from the pandemic.

This is not the time to relax… we should not be complacent. We need to put in more efforts, as we used to do, during the past two years in combatting and winning the war against the pandemic.

The war against corona virus and monkeypox are real!

(ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and a multi-awarded journalist here in the US. For feedbacks, comments… please email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com.)

PerryScope

(From Page 13)

think you can have an election that was rigged to the extent that this thing was,” he said. e cited ri ona, ichigan, ennsylvania, eorgia, and Wisconsin as states that are ready to decertify the election results. But nobody did.

Trump then turned his guns on Wisconsin Speaker os whom he has an a e to grind because os refused to decertify resident Biden s 2020 election victory simply because the Wisconsin Constitution doesn t allow decertification. Trump dropped a neutron bomb” into Wisconsin’s forthcoming primary election by endorsing a challenger to os, the most powerful Republican in the state legislature.

Trump gave his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to far-right candidate dam Steen in his long-shot campaign against Speaker os.

With Trump’s endorsement of Steen, it’s going to be a bare-knuckle fight. But os, being the seasoned and well-respected politician, has the upper hand in their match.

Trump, by turning on os to endorse the underfunded Steen, he is hurting – and dividing -- the Republican Party in the state. But the powers behind the State O are getting behind os. There is simply no way that the party would abandon os at this crucial stage of his political life.

Fortunately for us, democracy is still alive since it seems that all the paths that the Trumps pursued had failed miserably. This would indicate that they simply aren’t good at forming and executing political strategies.

Perhaps, Trump should – nay, must – try another strategy at winning elections. Instead of attempting to decertify the election results, Trump should try winning more votes for a change. But then again, he needs to learn how to win votes. It takes a charismatic and friendly leader – not the obnoxious and toxic type – to win votes or they’re simply just a gang that couldn’t shoot straight.

(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

Speking out

(From Page 12)

we were supposed to leave. Each packet contained a marble rendition of R s signature thumbs up sign in metallic gold with the inscription “Kaya natin ito!” The packet also contained one of R s latest books entitled rosper Thy eighbor”.

On my way home, immediately leafed thru R s book. What I read made my day. The book had a chapter entitled “Revisiting ‘Tiger’ Toting” which described our association which dated back to my early days as a news reporter in Camp Crame-Camp Aguinaldo and later about my tenure as Muntinlupa mayor. The account ended with R s recollection of how untinlupe os helped defend the Cory government during the 1987-1989 coup attempts.

In The Trenches

(From Page 12)

R ia Da B awid

Rosalia is a Filipina-American woman born and raised in Memphis, TN. She is the only daughter of Diosdado “Dandy” and Resa Barawid, from Nueva Ecija and Cebu City, respectively. She is a founding tech executive of Casai and is based between Mexico City and Miami.

Prior to Mexico, she lived in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East working as a yoga instructor and retreat leader. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. Currently, Rosalia is a founder of a non-profit organi ation in e ico, Root to Rise Mexico, that advocates for survivors of domestic violence while creating accessibility to yoga. As a survivor of herself, she is passionate about creating safety for survivors, specifically self-identifying women. She is excited to compete in her first ever beauty pageant, iss sian Global, to be held on August 13 at Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. She is proud to represent the Filipino communities of Memphis, Mexico City, and Miami. In her free time, Rosalia enjoys going climbing outdoors with her friends, chasing after the best surfing points around the world, and finding the newest restaurant spots in e ico City. Rosalia is also an aspiring professional dancer and model.

perfect.

Corruption hounded his administration, like the PEA-Amari land deal and the centennial city in Clark. He was blamed for the high power rates because he swallowed a bitter pill to end the debilitating 12-hour daily power outages in 1992.

Cory Aquino never built a single power plant in the six years she was in office and demand for power grew as the economy improved after her term stabili ed in the last two years.

Ramos was forced to accept the higher ROI demand of businessmen for their power projects and agree to expensive stopgap of World War vintage vessels and ietnam War-era helicopters and s fighters. t could not do anything when Beijing occumeasures of power barges and generators.

Dirty coal plants were built because gas turbines were expen- pied a half-submerged Mischief Reef in the Spratly.

But the moderni ation program and the bases conversion prosive and about 90 percent of the country’s crude requirements were imported from the Middle East. Coal was cheap and abun- gram under Ramos did not produce results. Congress only funded the -billion moderni ation law with an initial billion. dant in neighboring Indonesia.

The -billion payment for ort Bonifacio and illamor ir Ramos also relied on diplomacy as the country faced a ris20) into Base started trickling in only during Arroyo’s administration as 21- April (Mar. ARIES Sagot sa Nakaraan ing China which stepped the to do afinancial crisis had badlyspecifiaffected the economy. designated job that was someone Don’t you.by is with left Luck the vacuum the allow United Therepromises. were many serious problems during the six years you. Don’t cally for States, which was make kickedany outunreasonable 21) in Ramos was in power but there was relative stability and some 21- may (Apr. large TAURUS from its two bases creative is likely. Get Uncertainty regarding your direction prosperity.

Theinvolved leader in with a vastgroups. military and engineering backClark Subic. with wild schemes is not the economy. financial deal into a successes you more talk had let individuals Don’tand ground in that managing Ramos ran to Asean and likely to be successful.

All the infrastructure projects under Benigno Aquino’s Pubother allies after the military’s GEMINI (May 22-June 21) lic- rivate artnership and uterte s Build, Build, Build” weak capability was exposed. opportunities that to the Ramos. openunder if you are career moves make excellent You can programs started The dictator had relied so plans. future yourrate discuss and effi exist. Love can be heightened if you sit down The ta ciency was theYou highest at percent under much onteach the US for its exterof your unique creative talents. some children should Ramos, giving enough legroom to pursue ambitious projects, like nal defense,(June focusing con22-Julyon22) CANCER theReal North-South Skywaywill andbethe mass transit system on EDSA. extremely estate investments at them. them, not talk tothreats Remember; fronting domestic from The best years of the Philippines was under Ramos from 1992 trips Pleasure love. you one the with time some Spend run. long the in profitable communist and secessionist to 1998. will be satisfying. rebels.

That is the legacy left behind by Fidel Ramos, the 12th presi23-Aug 22) (July LEO The Philippines had no air dent ofyourself. the Philippine Republic. this exciting day Don’t waste pampering time some spend to need You force and navy. t had a eet

LIBANGAN

Z o dya k s

by sitting at home. Don’t let someone talk you into parting with your cash unless you can truly see the benefits of doing so.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You may not be happy if members of your family are not pulling their weight. Your

 HEALTH NEWS

August 11-17, 2022

28

Spike in Covid cases due to BA.5 subvariant: PHL Genome Center n an online media forum, O officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said at least 10 individuals from Northern Mindanao, Davao Region; Soccsksargen, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), have tested positive for the BA.5 subvariant.

Two hundred si ty five are from Western isayas, 127 from the National Capital Region (NCR), 121 from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), 97 from Cagayan Valley, 73 Central Luzon, 56 from Calabarzon, 49 from Bicol Region, 40 from Ilocos Region, 39 from MIMAROPA, 13 from Zamboanga Peninsula, 12 from Eastern Visayas, 10 from Central Visayas, and four returning overseas Filipinos,” she said.

Of the tally, 682 are fully vaccinated, 14 are partially vaccinated while the vaccination status of the remaining individuals are still being verified. Their e posures and travel histories are still being verified.

About 814 individuals are now tagged as recovered, 49 are still undergoing isolation, and the outcomes of the

MANILA – The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) confirmed that the current increase in ovid- infections is brought about by the Omicron BA.5 subvariant. n a televised public briefing, ecutive irector Cynthia Saloma said about 85 percent of the sequenced samples is composed of Omicron BA.5 subvariant.

“In the past month alone, the BA.5 po talaga ang (is really the) most predominant sample or variant that we are sequencing in the Philippines,” she said.

“Mayroon po tayong konting BA.4 and may mangilan-ngilan na (We have few BA.4 and some) BA.2.1 and very very few of the BA.2.3 which is the predominant one last January. But, all in all, we can probably say that this current wave is really the BA.5 wave,” she added.

BA.5.2 is the most common subvariant of the Omicron BA.5 subvariant detected in the country At press time, the country has detected 906 additional cases of the Omicron BA.5 subvariant of the coronavirus disease 2019( Covid-19) .

remaining are still being verified.

There were also additional B . cases five from Bicol Region, and two each from Western Visayas, CAR, and the NCR. Nine individuals were fully vaccinated while the vaccination status of the remaining two individuals are still being verified.

All 11 individuals are now tagged as recovered but the DOH is still verifying their exposures and travel histories.

At least seven additional BA.2.12.1 cases were also detected –f our from Ilocos Region, and one each from Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, and Calabarzon.

Six are fully vaccinated while the vaccination status of the remaining individual is being verified.

They are all tagged as recovered. However, their exposures and travel histories are still being verified.

To date, the country has logged a total of 4,013 BA.5 cases, 115 BA.4 cases, and 181 BA.2.12.1 cases.

Heart of Hope

Restrictions back!

PHILIP S. CHUA

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “has no plans to ease up on COVID-19 restrictions anytime soon,” since there are more than 120,000 daily new cases of COVID-19 (much underreported), almost 500 COVID-related deaths every day on average, and more than 453,000 hospitalized

on average daily.

In the Philippines there are more than 2,700 of COVID-19 cases in a day, with almost 38,000 active cases. Public education is fundamental to protect the health of the people.

Vaccinations, masking, and social distancing are still vital, more than ever before. While BA.5 is usually milder, deaths are not rare, even among non-seniors. The new BA.2.75 subvariant is in the sideline, being monitored. n view of the still significant daily O statistics, it obvious that that those who are not vaccinated are the major victims of virus because they are not protected. It is sad that in the United States there are only 67 percent fully vaccinated (with second booster) and less than 65 pe rcent in the Philippines.

Lowering our guards too soon, which we have done since May 2022, or earlier, has resulted in nearly 500 COVID deaths a day, about 15,000 a month. Much too high. Every single life is precious.

In spite of the fake news in the social media, the O - vaccines are safe and effective, and masking and distancing are effective in protecting against OVID-19.

For those who had tested positive for COVID-19, isolation should be done to protect family members and others for at least five days, followed by mas at home and king and social distancing in indoor public places through the 10th day. There are rare cases where the recovered individual was still infectious after 10 days.

Reinfections are not rare. US President Biden and Tesla-famed billionaire Elon Musk both got reinfected twice. So, even those who had their second booster should be vigilant and careful because natural immunity (conferred by previous infection) and immunity from the vaccines wane after 4-6m onths.

Parents refuse vax A study conducted a month after the FDA granted emergency use authori ation for the fi er and oderna COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months to 4 years of age showed that 43 percent of parents stated in July that “they will not be getting their children in that age range vaccinated.”

As a parent myself, I truly understand the concern of parents for the safety of their children. However, in this day and age of information and advances in medicine, it is best to have all the data reviewed in order to have all pertinent information before making a decision.

The quintessential query should always be: Considering all medical data available, which is more dangerous or the greater threat to the life for our children, the vaccines or COVID-19?

If the studies showed the morbidity and mortality of those vaccinated were higher than those unvaccinated who eventually got infected, the decision is obvious: refuse the vaccines. Since the data have so far shown the vaccines are effective and safer compared to the COVID-19 infection and its long-term complications, it behooves society to listen and follow science over medically-unsupported personal biases of lay people.

Medical decisions must always be based on an objective, scientific, and factual information, not on baseless subjective or misinformed personal sentiment, which could endanger the lives of our precious children, our priceless gems.

Let us take advantage of the great advances of our available state-of-the-art medical science and technology (which, unfortunately, many other countries do not have) to help assure the good health of all of us, especially our children, who are helpless and totally dependent on our wisdom.

Serious post-COVID Some misinformed people would rather get infected to develop natural immunity from COVID-19 rather than get immunity from the vaccines. Firstly, the immunity from infection is not as effective, stable, and dependable compared to the immunity conferred by vaccines. Both protection wane, and then there is the matter of new variants or sub-strains for which the vaccines may not work. This is why a universal vaccine against all COVID-19 strains and subvariants are being developed.

Secondly and more scary is the fact that COVID-19 infections could have long-term serious side-effects. ong ovid, as it is called, may pose significant health ha ard for years. All these facts are the reasons why vaccina-

tion is the wisest, most prudent, and safer option when it comes to fighting O - . We must compare the options scientifically to make an informed decision.

Studies have shown the following: “The mild and rare side effects from O - vaccines are nowhere near as serious as the potential damage the disease itself can cause. COVID-19 can also cause long-lasting damage to the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. Even in young people, COVID-19 can cause strokes, seizures, and Guillain-Barré syndrome — a condition that causes temporary paralysis. COVID-19 may also increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety.”

So far, 12 billion COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in 218 countries around the world, proving the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines. eaths from the vaccines have been rare (less than a fraction of 1 percent and not definitely related to the vaccines themselves either, while deaths from COVID-19 has totaled to 6,439,291 worldwide, 1,059,210 in the USA, and 60,864 in the Philippines. Case wise, as of Tuesday, August 9, 2022, the total numbers are: Global – 590,509,013; USA – 94,024,925; and The Philippines – 3,810,772 cases.

And obviously, there is undercounting because not all infected people at home report themselves.

At this juncture of the pandemic, aggravated and prolonged by the more than 110 million people in the USA, more than 50 million in the Philippines (countless around the world) who refuse the COVID-19 vaccines and those who reject masking and social distancing, experts anticipates more than a million new cases this coming winter, and for the pandemic to linger.

If you think about it, we are all in this global disaster together. Science could help but being rejected and held hostage by some segments of our society. The eventual solution is in our hands, and We, The People, must decide as to how more deaths we need to witness before we do the right thing. Scientifically, the government has not done its job properly and adequately, which has led to more than a million dead in this nation alone.

When shall we learn?

Phi lip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardi ac Sur geon Emeritus bas ed in Northw est Indi ana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an int ernat ional medi cal lectur er/aut hor , Health Adv ocate, ne wspaper colum ni st, and Chai rman of the Filipino Uni ted Network-USA , a 501( c)3 hum ani tarian foundat ion in the Uni ted St ates. Webs ites: FUN88.c om, Today .SP SA today . com,andphi lipSc hua.c om Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.c om

29 August 11-17, 2022

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS Meet Divine Providence

DEALING WITH OBSTACLES OF LIFE

od provides and sustains us all in existence. His love for humanity is displayed through His consistent, ever present, generous providence in our life. There is no moment in time that we can say, “God does not or did not care.” As it says in the Acts: “For in Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).”

REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD How do you, dear reader, experience in your life the Divine Providence? Through your experience of God’s providence, what does that tell you? would like us to take note some basic truths first, ivine rovidence is revealed through the generosity and help of other people, or through our sharing of each other’s talents, time, and treasures. Each one of us is ivine rovidence s re ection and messenger. eople see and know God’s Providence from the tangibility of people helping other people. People of faith see it as a mission in their lives that just as they are blessed, they should bless others too especially the less fortunate than themselves. As consequence, people form a net of interconnected helping hands reaching each other. God wants that we seek and depend on Him as His children at the same time, He wants us to seek each other, and become a help and blessing to each other. Thus, we become inter-dependent and inter-connected to each other. Divine Providence reveals to us that just as we need im we need each other as well for is blessings ow to us through many vessels and instruments of His. Second, Divine Providence concerns our bodily and spiritual wellbeing.

God takes care and provides not only for our spiritual soul; but also, for our body. Our Lord Jesus did not save and redeem us only for our spiritual life; but also, our bodily life, the integral person. Our Lord Jesus healed the sick, feed the hungry crowd, and protected the frightened disciples in the boat with Him during a storm at sea. Meanwhile, He also casted out demons, forgave sins, consoled and gave joy to people who were sad and in other spiritual needs. Thus, we turn to God’s Providence in all things and in all aspects of our life and existence.

Third, God’s Providence acts at all times. As also hinted from the Lord’s Prayer, “give us this day our daily bread,” the “daily” is to mean constant and consistent presence of God’s Providence. He gives us bread that is needed for our body-physical life, as well as the Bread for our spiritual nourishment in the Eucharist. Consequently, we are to trust in God all the time; for there is never a moment in time that His Providence does not act for what is best for us. There is never a moment that we are abandoned

by God; for even in our sin and sinfulness, He still provides us the grace of conversion, the grace to return to Him. ourth, od s rovidence blesses our efforts and endeavors no matter how insignificant that maybe. We are familiar with the saying, od helps those who help themselves.” He sees to it that whatever good, truthful, and honorable that we do is accompanied by His grace and blessing. Therefore, though our efforts may be small, but because of is help and grace, the effects can e ceed our e pectations. od blesses our efforts and endeavors e magnifies and multiplies their fruits and effects. ike in the miracle of feeding the crowd, e took the five loaves of bread and two fish to feed them (Jn. 6:1-13); though little human contribution still is essential in order to display God’s providential care. This is how Divine Providence demonstrates is presence and action, e accepts our effort and by is owerful Providence amazing things happen. By His mysterious design, He allows and wills our participation in His Creative and Providential management of His entire creation, and in our personal lives. Can you cite in your experience that the ivine rovidence magnified your work and multiplied the fruits of the sweat of your brow? We must be trustful of God’s Goodness and rovidence. et us be confident and fearless in whatever good and noble we are venturing, for we have God’s providence. Lord God, when we are weak give us strength; when feeling abandoned lift us up, when in sin save us, when famished feed us, when needy see to it we lack nothing to live and serve You; You who live and reign as our Provident and Loving God be honor and glory. Amen.

By TIM PEDROSA

I

do believe that everything that we do and everyone that we meet in our path of life are put there for a purpose. There are no accidents; we should pay attention to the lessons we learn, trust our positive instincts and not be afraid to take risks or wait for some miracle to come knocking at our door. Early in life I learned that the greater the obstacle, the greater is the glory in overcoming it; that right always wins out over wrong; that if we have good intentions in our heart and want to do the right thing, then there are certain ways that any obstacle can be overcome. I have also learned that our ego can become an obstacle to our success in life. If we start believing in our greatness, it is the death of our creativity. An excuse becomes an obstacle to our success when it is made in place of our best effort or when it is used as the object of the blame, instead of making every obstacle an opportunity. A successful life is also one that is lived through understanding and pursuing one’s own path, not chasing after the dreams of others. The beautiful path is not a place outside yourself but rather a place you carry with you everywhere you go – Bryant Mcgill.

When we stand up to our obstacles and do something about them, we will find out that they are not even half the strength we think we have.

Obstacles don’t have to stop us. If we run into a wall, let us not turn around and give up. et us figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. When obstacles arise, we change our DIRECTION to reach our goal; we do not change our S O to get there. f you find a path with no obstacles, it probably does not lead you anywhere. It sometimes takes a lot of wrong turns before you find the right path Steven itchison. atience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. Positive thinking is also a valuable tool that can help us overcome obstacles, deal with pain, and reach new goals. Yes, for every obstacle in life there is a solution. Sometimes though, we are the real obstacle in our path to a fulfilling and satisfying life. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. The greatest mistake is giving up. It is what distinguishes the strong soul from the weak. As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a 1. Our Lady of Angels Church - 1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010 single thought 2. St. Isidore Catholic Church - 222 Clark Avenue, will not make a Yuba City, CA 95991 pathway in the 3. St. Andrew’s Catholic Church - 1571 Southgate Avenue, mind. To make Daly City, CA 94015 a deep physical 4. St. Jarlath Church - 2620 Pleasant St., Oakland, CA 94602 5. St. Isabella Church - One Trinity Way, San Rafael, CA 94903 path, we walk 6. St. Catherine Church - 3450 Tennessee Church, again and again.

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Aflame The Heart

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

31 August 11-17, 2022  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Seafood Lugaw Ingr edients: 2 c. malagkit 1 c. bigas 1 k. halaan, steamed, shelled 1/4 k. medium size shrimp, shelled 1/2 k. squid ball, boiled 1/4 k. squid, cleaned, cut into rings 1/2 head garlic, chopped 1 medium size onion, chopped 2 thumb size ginger, cut into strips 1/2 head garlic, chopped, deep fried 1 small bundle spring onion, chopped 1 c. patis 2 tbsp. dilaw cooking oil kalamansi salt and pepper Cook ingp roc edure: Wash malagkit and bigas, put in large casserole add enough water, bring to a boil and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes or until rice start to disintegrate and form a thick rice soup. In a separate sauce pan, sauté garlic, onion add shrimp, halaan and squid balls, stir cook for 3-5 minutes.

Add patis and stir cook for 2-3 minutes. Add squid and cook for another minute. Add sautéed ingredients to the rice soap and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately. Garnish with spring onion, fried garlic and drizzle with kalamansi juice.

THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SKY RIVER CASINO IS SET TO OPEN IN EARLY SEPTEMBER With construction nearing completion and hiring well underway, Sky River Casino today announced plans to open its doors to the public in early September 2022.

Located 15 miles south of downtown Sacramento, Sky River will be the closest casino to Sacramento and the South and East Bay areas. In addition to a 100,000-square-foot casino featuring 2,000 slot machines and 80 table games, Sky River will feature 17 dining outlets and “The Market at Sky River,” a unique food and beverage marketplace with 12 different food and beverage venues, including culinary offerings from prominent local and regional restauranteurs. Sky River was developed by Boyd Gaming, which will operate the facility under a management agreement with the Wilton Rancheria Tribe.

“Sky River Casino is an entertainment destination that will include a wide array of dining experiences that are sure to excite foodies throughout the area,” said Chris Gibase, President and Chief Operating Officer for Sky River Casino. “The property features cutting-edge technology that allows for an innovative approach to our loyalty program, Sky River Rewards, designed to create a memorable experience for our guests. We are excited to open the doors of this wonderful facility for the Wilton Rancheria Tribe.”

“Our people have fought for decades to achieve self-sufficiency,” said Wilton Rancheria Tribal Chairman Jesus Tarango. “We fought for tribal recognition, for our land and for this historic project. We are privileged to partner with Boyd Gaming and look forward to the opening of Sky River, which will bring jobs and longterm benefits to our Tribe, our community, and the region.”

Join Sky River Rewards

Sky River Rewards will be one of the most hi-tech rewards programs in the Sacramento area. One of the unique features will include the ability to play slots and tables without a printed card. Your Sky River Rewards card is your key to receiving points for all your activities when you visit Sky River Casino. You’ll want to use it every time you play slots, tables and dine at one of our restaurants. Once you are ready, you can then redeem those points for Free Play or dining credits.

Here’s your chance to be one of the first to join Sky River Rewards! Becoming a Sky River Rewards member now to receive $20 Free Play. Your Free Play will be loaded directly to your Sky River Rewards account to use on your first visit.

To activate your Free Play, visit any slot machine and place a bet. It is then available for you to download and play on your

favorite game!

Sky River Rewards enrollment can be done online using a computer, tablet, or phone with a camera.

About Sky River Casino Sky River Casino is being built by the Wilton Rancheria in partnership with Boyd Gaming Corporation, which is building and managing the property for the tribe.

The casino broke ground on a site adjacent to Highway 99 in Elk Grove in early 2021. The project will include 100,000 sq. ft. of gaming, 2,000 slot machines, 80 table games and 17 unique food & beverage venues. For more information, please visit www.skyriver.com.