The Filipino Press: September 9-15, 2022

MANILA -- Speaker Martin Romualdez on Thursday lauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s back-to-back state visits to Indonesia and Singapore as "highly successful" and "very productive", bringing home around USD14.36 billion (PHP804.78 billion) worth of investment pledges for the Philippines.

Romualdez said the President has secured USD6.54 billion (PHP374.57 billion) worth of foreign direct investments from local business leaders in Singapore and some USD8.48 billion (PHP466.6 billion) worth of investment pledges and coal and fertilizer supply commitments from Indonesia.

“I congratulate the President and all Cabinet Members who joined his official delegation for a job well done. The four-day trip turned out to be highly successful and very productive not only in strengthening our bilateral ties with our neighborcountries but also in attracting muchneeded investments for our people,” Romualdez said in a statement.

He noted that the Singaporean business leaders who signed Letters of Intent to invest in the Philippines during the Singapore Business Round Table Meeting last Sept. 7 expressed interest in the following areas: renewable energy (floating solar) amounting to USD1.2 billion; blue economy (marine renewable energy, water production, desalination, electric boats, aquaculture) at around USD10 million to 100 million; innovation platform for startups

country is ready to roll out close to 10,000 new job orders for Filipino workers in Singapore,” Romualdez said.

Meanwhile, he said the memorandums of understanding and letters of intent signed at the Jakarta Business Roundtable Meeting on Sept. 5, 2022, include the following: around USD822 million in investments in textiles, garments, renewable energy, satellite gateway, wire global technology, and agrifood; USD7 billion in infrastructure for unsolicited private-public partnerships such as a C-5 4-level elevated expressway; and USD662 million in trade value for a supply of coal and fertilizer.

The investments from Indonesia are expected to generate at least 7,000 new jobs in the Philippines, he noted.

“Overall, it’s been a highly successful, very fruitful trip. Aside from the investment pledges, there have been several mutually beneficial agreements on bilateral economic, defense, cultural, and labor and employment cooperation with the host countries,” Romualdez said. “Thanks to the President, the Philippines is back on the map for investments and may soon fulfill its goal as Asia’s fastest rising star."

Upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Wednesday night, Marcos thanked the governments of both Indonesia and Singapore

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber is making rounds in various schools to educate students about voting rights and why it is important to vote. Dr. Shirley Weber kindly shared her time with San Diego’s Asian Pacific Islander community leaders at Bishop's school in La Jolla. Natasha Mar, an active senior student at Bishop's was hard at work continuing to grow and learn how to serve her AAPI community, as she met with the Secretary of State of California Shirley Weber and other prominent leaders in California’s Asian Pacific Islander community recently. She is looking to learn more about voting rights and cultural representations as an Asian-American female. She

also looks forward to working with her office to increase AAPI voter registration and participation.

Ever since she was young, Natasha has been involved in various events surrounding the AAPI community, including volunteering at the Asian Pacific Heritage Month Gala recently in May. She also has volunteered at various events at her local Thai temple in Escondido as a young leader, like organizing COVID testing as well as encouraging registration for the 2020 Census so Asian American, specifically Thai-American voices are counted. More recently, she was president of the Leos Club in San Diego, a community service organization aimed at inspiring

youths to take on different acts of service and become passionate about service. Furthermore, Natasha was a member of the Distinguished Women’s Program in San Diego, where she won the Women’sTalent Scholarship for her performance on piano while singing.

On this past Saturday August 27th, Natasha attended an all-day coaching session on how to engage more AAPI voters in San Diego County. The event, held by organizations such as APIAVote, API Initiative, and ABA Foundation, worked in partnership with the Norman Y. Mineta Leadership Institute to empower Asian American, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in their communities. It was a comprehensive training that discussed the ins and outs of community organizing including voter registration, voter recruitment, voter turnout tactics, and strategies.

Natasha recalled her Saturday to be very insightful and helpful. She stated, “Although I am not yet at the legal age to vote and did not know much of it beforehand, having the opportunity to receive professional guidance and collaborating with such passionate people like myself made me realize how much our voices matter, as a woman and AsianAmerican, and how the democratic process works. I also got a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes work behind the voting process, and I am super grateful for all the work that these people have done. I am already pre-registered to vote, but I feel

SAN DIEGO, CA -- The City of San Diego is celebrating Welcoming Week 2022 from Sept. 9-18, with activities at City libraries and recreation centers to showcase how San Diego is a welcoming city. The annual Welcoming Week campaign is an international effort that brings together communities around the world that seek to build and strengthen welcoming places for all people, especially immigrants.

As part of the Welcoming Week festivities, the City’s Office of Immigrant Affairs is hosting a welcome note drive for San Diegans to decorate butterfly-themed welcome notes for newly arrived refugees and immigrants. The notes will be available at Welcome Stations located in all San Diego Public Library locations and several City recreation centers for people to decorate.

Starting tomorrow, Balboa Park will also be illuminated in teal, orange, red and green, the colors of the Welcoming Week campaign.

“Welcoming Week is an opportunity for our region to come together to remind newly arrived immigrants and refugees that they are welcome here in San Diego,” said Rita Fernandez, Executive Director of the Office of Immigrant Affairs.“Welcoming Week events that take place throughout the country and in other parts of the world celebrate immigrants and promote a sense of belonging for newcomers. The welcome notes that we will be preparing are a way for us todemonstrate our support for the many immigrants and refugees that come here from all parts

of the world, and let them know as a welcoming city, that they are accepted and embraced in this community.”

City leaders and community members will help kick off the welcome note drive on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 10:30 a.m. at the City Heights/Weingart Library. Patrons are invited to RSVP to attend and decorate welcome notes for newly arrived refugees and immigrants.

After Welcoming Week, the notes will be delivered to partner community organizations, including the International Rescue Committee in San Diego, Jewish Family Service, Catholic Charities and Alliance for African Assistance. The organizations will distribute them to the individuals and families they assist through their immigration programs.

“The San Diego Public Library is proud to partner with the Office of Immigrant Affairs to celebrate Welcoming Week,” said Library Director Misty Jones. “As a place of inclusion and a community resource for all residents, each of our 36 library locations features in-person and online resources for recent immigrants, including welcoming stations, library cards, an international language book collection and materials on citizenship and learning English.”

During Welcoming Week, participants of all backgrounds are encouraged to come together to build a more inclusive community. To learn more about San Diego Public Library programs and events, visit sandiego. gov/public-library/news-events.

About the Office of Immigrant Affairs

The City of San Diego’s Office of Immigrant Affairs was launched in July 2022, as part of Mayor Todd Gloria’s Fiscal Year 2023 “Ready to Rebuild” budget. The office aims to advance the civic, social and economic integration of immigrants and refugees in the region by implementing the City’s Welcoming San Diego Strategic Plan. The office focuses on workforce development for the immigrant population, promoting inclusive resources to help foreign-born communities through the integration process, advocating for immigrant rights and ensuring the City provides other inclusive services so all San Diegans can flourish. Find more information at sandiego.gov/welcomingsd.

About Welcoming Week and Welcoming America

Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all people.

Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Through the Welcoming Network, we work to change systems and culture by providing communities the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.

at USD20 million; women in tech at USD20 million; data center at USD200 million; transportation

(electric tricycles) at USD5 billion. Romualdez said the investments from Singapore are expected to

generate jobs for an estimated 15,000 Filipino workers. “These investments mean

thousands of new jobs for Filipinos here. Singapore officials also assured the Filipino delegation that their

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attend the orchid naming ceremony at the National Orchid Garden in Singapore. "We express our deepest gratitude to the government of Singapore for having the 'Dendrobium Ferdinand Louise Marcos' orchid named in honor of myself and the First Lady of the Philippines, my wife, Louise Araneta-Marcos," Marcos said on Facebook. (MNS photo) of State Dr. Shirley Weber meets with Seniors from Bishop’s to Discuss Voter Registration and Participation, next to her is Natasha Mar

By Francine Maigue

Naturally, one of my favorite parts of my recent trip to the Philippines was the incredible food!

While I couldn't bring the prepared dishes back with me, I went hard at work for you as soon as I returned home to build Pampered Pinay recipes that would help recreate the tastes and experiences of my journey back to our homeland. This week I took on one of my favorite combos, liempo and laing. Come, my friends!

Kain na tayo!Metallic Belts

Give any business ensemble a healthy dose of glam by switching out your daytime brown or black leather belt with a metallic one. Have fun letting your waistline

shine.

Liempo

1 lbs. pork belly, sliced 1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 inch ginger, grated

1 medium brown onion, thinly sliced

1 tsp. minced garlic

Sea salt & ground black pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a large Ziploc bag, massage meat in the marinade, and marinate overnight.

Remove the pork for cooking, and save the marinade and onions if you'd like to jazz up some fried rice. (Bonus!)

You may choose to grill or broil your liempo or fry it. (For the sake of time, I fried mine.) In vegetable oil, fry the pork until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel to absorb extra oil.

Laing

1 lb. diced pork belly

1 inch ginger, grated

1 tsp minced garlic

Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste

1 pack of dried taro leaves, washed and drained

1 can coconut cream

1 can coconut milk

1 Tbs dried red chili flakes

1.5 Tbs bagoong

1 medium brown onion, thinly sliced

Marinate the pork in ginger, garlic, salt and pepper overnight.

In a pot, lightly fry the pork in vegetable oil, adding first the onions then the bagoong and garlic as it browns.

Add the coconut milk, coconut cream and red chili flakes, and bring to a simmer.

Add the taro leaves, stirring only when most of the leaves have absorbed the liquid. Continue to cook just until all the leaves have absorbed the liquid and flavor.

There you have it, my friends! Two Filipino faves that are as quick and easy prepare as they are enjoyable to eat. All you need is a batch of rice. :)

Got more Filipino dishes for which we will share my Pampered Pinay recipes...or care to share your fave recipes ? Email us at filpressads@aol. com . Your requests and recipes may be featured right here!

Check us next week for another exciting recipe, for you to enjoy and/or share with family or friends.

Laing

Liempo

Ask the DMV – The California DMV offers specialized options for seniors over 70 years old

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) wants to help you maintain your driving independence for as long as you can drive safely. The DMV offers resources to help you take care of your DMV tasks from the comfort of your home or at your local field office. California drivers, aged 70 years or older, have until the end of 2022 to take advantage of a temporary rule that offers driver’s license or identification (ID) card renewal online or by mail, even if a renewal notice states that the driver is required to visit a DMV field office. If you still need to apply for your REAL ID for the first time you will still need to visit a DMV field office to complete the application process. You can shorten your inperson visit at the DMV by starting the REAL ID application online and uploading the required documents before making an appointment at a field office.

Q1: Are there other alternatives for DMV services besides online or in-person?

MANILA -- The Senate blue ribbon committee has recommended administrative and criminal charges against an Agriculture official and three former Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) officials over the controversial Sugar Order No. 4.

Those recommended to face charges before the Office of the Ombudsman were: suspended Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian former SRA administrator Hermenegildo Serafica former Sugar Board member Roland Beltran former Sugar Board member Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama Jr.

The report said "preliminary evidence on record" indicate that the four — all signatories to SO 4 — committed administrative offenses of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and gross insubordination.

The criminal charges, the committee report said, involve graft and corruption, agricultural smuggling, and usurpation of official functions.

The recommendations were included in the committee report prepared by the blue ribbon committee, the dispositive portion of which was read by General Counsel Gerard Mosquera during Thursday's hearing of the same committee on the alleged overpriced laptops procured by the Department of Education.

Remedial legislation

Meanwhile, the committee likewise recommended the following "remedial legislation":

Amendment of relevant legislation such as Executive Order No. 18 of RA 10659 and related laws to inject transparency and accountability in the process of issuing import permits and other critical issuances;

Amendment of EO 18 to provide for the expansion of the SRA Board to eight members with the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture continuing to act as ex-officio chairman and the addition of sectors represented such as additional board members to represent the consumers both industrial and household, sugar industry workers, sugar transportation sector workers, and other stakeholders in the success of the sugar industry;

Amendment of EO 18 to prohibit the delegation of the authority of the SRA Board to reclassify sugar; Review and rationalization of the sugar importation policy of the government;

Full funding for Republic Act No. 10659 or An Act Promoting and Supporting the Competitiveness of the Sugarcane Industry; SRA to prepare a sugar importation plan with appropriate safeguards for review of higher authority

According to committee chairman Senator Francis Tolentino, 14 out of 17 members of the panel signed the report with one dissenting opinion.

"The committee secretary is directed to transmit the committee report to the appropriate government agencies for the filing of the proper cases relative to the committee report," Tolentino said.

The committee terminated its investigation on Tuesday after three hearings.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III said the minority bloc will file a separate report.

"The minority manifests that we will be filing a separate report," he said.

SO 4

Sugar Order No. 4 mandated the importation of 300,000 tons of sugar, a move which Malacañang said was illegal as it did not have the approval and signature of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., who is currently the Agriculture secretary.

The Agriculture secretary is also the Sugar Board's chairperson.

Sebastian said during the hearings that he signed SO 4 on behalf of Marcos since a July 15 memorandum issued by Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez authorized him to.

Sebastian told the panel that the memorandum stated "that I will sit as ex-officio chairman or member of all duly constituted administration, committees, councils, boards, bodies where the Secretary of Agriculture is a member."

Ex-SRA execs say Marcos mentioned 600K MT sugar importation; Rodriguez denies Resigned Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) chief Hermenegildo Serafica on Tuesday told the Senate blue ribbon committee that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had mentioned that 600,000 metric tons of sugar might need to be imported in the country, which Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez refuted.

During the third hearing on the sugar fiasco, Serafica said that in a supposed August 4 hybrid meeting, he told Marcos that the 600,000 metric tons of sugar—which was twice of the 300,000 metric tons of sugar involved in the controversial Sugar Order No. 4.—“might be too much” as the milling season was about to open then.

“Actually in that online meeting with the President, former board member Valderrama was also in that online meeting, and the President mentioned about a volume of 600,000 metric tons and I said, ‘Mr. President, that maybe too much because starting August 1, First Farmers (Holding Corporation) have already accepted canes delivery from farmers and any time this week they will start milling,’” he said.

Former SRA board member Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama Jr. affirmed Serafica’s claim that there was an August 4 meeting, and that Marcos mentioned the 600,000 metric tons of sugar.

“Yes, this was discussed in our Zoom meeting together with the President and he mentioned the 600,000 but former administrator Serafica said that it might be too much because the milling season is about to open,” Valderrama said.

This was, however, denied by Rodriguez, saying that there was no truth that Marcos pitched for such volume of sugar.

“Wala hong binabanggit na amount in terms of quantity si kagalang-galang na Pangulo Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. pagdating doon sa metric tons na kailangang i-angkat. Kaya po tayo naipit doon sa import plan pa lamang dahil hindi nga po kami kumbinsi sa 300,000 metric tons,” he said.

“Wala hong katotohanan na nanggaling kay Pangulong Marcos ‘yung 600,000 metric tons.”

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri backed Rodriguez, saying that he does not believe that Marcos would ask for importation of such an amount.

“Ayaw na nga ng Presidente ng

300,000 metric tons, 600,000 pa? I don’t believe the President had said that. Impossible. The President will not come up with a figure on the top of his mind,” Zubiri said.

“You better clarify, Mr. Serafica. You are very close to being cited for contempt,” he added.

In response, Serafica insisted that was what he heard.

“‘Yung 600,000 po, Mr. Chair, hindi po ‘yan galing sa’kin. ‘Yung binanggit ni Presidente na 600,000, sabi ko po, Mr. President, that might be too much," he said.

Rodriguez arrived at the Senate Tuesday morning after the Blue Ribbon committee voted to subpoena him to attend the hearing on the sugar importation fiasco.

Sugar is in the spotlight following the controversial issuance of SO 4, which was later deemed “illegal” by Malacañang as it was signed without the knowledge and expressed approval of Marcos, who currently heads the Department of Agriculture.

BOC to beef up anti-sugar hoarding drive via more inspections

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday said there will be more inspections to be conducted in coordination with other agencies to uncover allegedly hoarded stocks of sugar.

In a statement, Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz said these inspections aim to send a clear message to groups and businesses that the government is serious about going after hoarders.

“We aren’t stopping anytime soon, and working together with different government agencies -from the police to the military -showed what we can do when we pour all our resources and energy into doing what we are mandated to do and what the President had asked from us,” he added.

The continuous inspection of warehouses believed to be storing sugar came following the unauthorized issuance of Sugar Order No. 4, which was earlier rejected by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who concurrently serves as Agriculture Secretary and chairperson of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).

The order would have allowed the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar.

At the same time, the bureau is set to start on Tuesday the inventory of the goods, including local and imported sugar worth PHP1.8 billion, that were found inside a warehouse in Nasugbu, Batangas after conducting an inspection on Sept. 4.

The inventory will be led by the assigned Customs examiners and will be witnessed by Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), Enforcement and Security Service, and representatives of the warehouse.

The team, composed of (CIIS) at the Manila International Container Port, that inspected the storage found an estimated 181,299 sacks of imported MITR PHOL brand pure refined sugar from Thailand, as well as some 197,590 sacks of the local Don Pedro white sugar. Each sack contains 50 kilograms of sugar.

Armed with a Letter of Authority (LOA) and Mission Order (MO) issued by Ruiz, the team arrived at Central Asucarera Don Pedro in Barangay Lumbangan in Nasugbu,

VP Sara says ‘no mercy’ should be shown to terrorists, criminals

MANILA -- Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday said no mercy should be shown to terrorists and criminals, following her meeting with heads of the security sector to discuss how to maintain peace and order in the country while President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is on state visits to Indonesia and Singapore.

Duterte, who has been designated as the country's officer-in-charge while Marcos is abroad this week, announced this after her sit-down meeting with officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

She said the objective of the meeting was to “strengthen existing coordination and enhance interagency cooperation on issues concerning our national security and the country’s development.”

“Initially, we discussed the peace and order situation in our country today and how we can maintain the security of the country until President Marcos comes back from his state visits,” Duterte said at a press conference.

The Vice President said the country could only recover from the pandemic and stand as a nation if the threats to security are addressed.

“Our policy against criminals and terrorists and those that support and espouse their ideologies of violence should be hardline. We should show no mercy to criminals and terrorists,” she said.

However, pressed if there are security threats posed in the country now that Marcos is out of the country, Duterte said, “Wala po. Wala po kaming na-discuss na terror threat.”

Duterte also said specifics pertaining to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's ArmyNational Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPA-NPA-NDF) were not discussed in the meeting, but reassured the security sector that the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President are “behind all of them” in their fight against insurgency.

Sara to address teachers' needs, says they deserve respect

MANILA -- Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte underscored on Tuesday her admiration and respect for the unwavering dedication of teachers, in celebration of the National Teachers' month.

In a statement, Duterte highly regarded their flexibility for the sake of learners, citing their extra effort to ensure learning deliveries, in coordination with the local government units and other health authorities since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"Our teachers deserve respect and admiration for their undying dedication to guiding and helping our learners, parents, and guardians when the whole world had to shift to home learning drastically because of the pandemic," she said.

She noted that these sacrifices include their resilience after storms, earthquakes, floods, and other calamities, even those teachers in remote areas.

"Hindi po biro ang mga hamon na

hinaharap ng sektor ng edukasyon ngayon. Alam ko ang hirap, pagod, at mga sakripisyo ng mga guro nasa public school man o nasa private school, lalong-lalo na ang mga nagsisilbi sa mga malalayo at liblib na lugar (The challenge faced by the education sector is not that easy. I know the teachers' hardships, exhaustion, and sacrifices, whether in public schools or private schools, most especially those serving in farflung and remote areas)," she added.

Duterte said honoring teachers is also of personal value, as she believes that their role is very vital for preparing the Filipino youth.

"My great grandmother, Fortunata Gonzales-Roa, served as a public school teacher at the Cabadbaran South Central Elementary School in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte for many years. The mother of former President Rodrigo Duterte, our lola, Soledad Roa Duterte, was an educator herself who put up a school for Lumad children in Davao City when she was still alive. And, as a child, I could still remember the many times I sat at the table with my mother, Elizabeth, to check the test papers of her students in the Philippine Women’s College in Davao," she recalled.

Teachers' rights Alongside the celebration, the Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) used the opportunity to call on authorities to immediately push for the reform of policies.

"Higit sa anumang masaya at malapistang aktibidad, higit na mararamadaman ng mga guro ang pagpapahalaga kung ito ay maitatransporma sa mga polisiya ng estado. Matagal nang nagdurusa ang mg guro sa mababang pasahod, mabigat na trabaho, kawalan ng mga benepisyo, palpak na sistema ng GSIS, hindi pagpapatupad ng Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (More than the happiness and festive activity, the teachers will truly feel valued if the state policies will be transformed)," TDC chairperson Benjo Basas said.

Duterte assured the DepEd will take action on their calls and needs.

"Ang Kagawaran ay magsusumikap sa pagtuon sa mga hinaing at mga pangangailangan ng ating mga guro. Pagmamahal, respeto, at suporta (The DepEd will strive to respond to the calls and needs of the teachers. Love, respect, and support)," she said.

She said the "future belongs to the youth" but the teacher plays a crucial role in their character.

"Sinasalamin ninyo ang tibay at puso ng ating bansang Pilipinas (You mirror the strength and heart of our Philippine nation) The future belongs to the youth, but without our teachers, what kind of future could this be?" she said.

National teacher's month will run until October 5.

SolGen asks ICC to deny request to resume ‘drug war' probe

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra on Thursday said his office has formally asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to deny the request of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) to resume the investigation on the war on drugs during the Duterte administration.

In a statement, Guevarra said his office, which represents the Philippines in the proceedings,

submitted its "observation" on Sept. 8, through the Philippine Embassy at The Hague, Netherlands, on the request of the ICC OTP to resume investigation into the situation in the country.

The Philippines asked the pre-trial chamber (PTC) of the ICC to deny the request of the OTP to resume its investigation of alleged crimes against humanity committed during the "war on drugs" between July 2016 to March 2019, including the Davao Region between November 2011 to June 2016.

"The ICC has no jurisdiction over the situation in the Philippines. The alleged murder incidents that happened during the relevant period do not constitute "crimes against humanity," considering that said incidents do not qualify as an "attack" against the civilian population. Furthermore, the said occurrences were not in furtherance of a state or organizational policy to commit such attack," the SolGen said in the statement.

The Philippine government emphasized that the complaints filed before the ICC are already being investigated and prosecuted by the proper agencies and that the state is neither unwilling or unable to carry out these domestic proceedings. A report on the progress of these investigations was included in the submission.

Citing international law principles, Guevarra also said statelevel investigative proceedings such as those presently being undertaken by the Philippines "should take precedence" and as such, "rendering the resumption of the investigation into the Philippine situation (is) unwarranted."

Earlier, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said it will leave no stone unturned and will not spare anyone in reviewing the investigation of cases arising from the government's campaign against illegal drugs.

DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the government's investigation is being hobbled by the lack of witnesses willing to shed light on drug war cases involving deaths.

Remulla underscored that the government has adequately provided institutional measures to address and prevent the occurrence of extra-judicial killings even in past administrations.

He said that since the creation of an Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) on extra-legal killings in 2012 under the Aquino administration, it has taken an effort to build up cases for 295 extra-legal killings, majority of which were attributed to lawless groups.

However, the lack of witnesses has greatly hampered the swift prosecution of cases especially when the occurrence is attributable to nonstate agents such as armed groups and lawless elements.

On criminal cases involving uniformed personnel, Remulla said cases have proceeded and at least 18 police and military personnel have been convicted for murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

In addition, 17 other cases against civilians have led to convictions and were meted with a penalty of reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years

MANIC MONDAY. Heavy traffic is seen along the southbound lane of Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Monday morning (Sept. 5, 2022) as thousands of people head to work and school. Since the start of in-person classes, traffic volume has increased. (MNS photo)

VP MEETS SECURITY SECTOR. Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte (center) holds a meeting with the country's security officials on Monday (Sept. 5, 2022) at the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office in Pasig City. The Vice President has been designated as the country's officer-in-charge while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is on a state visit to Indonesia and Singapore. (MNS photo)

Senate blue ribbon recommends charges vs. Agri official, 3 ex-SRA execs over sugar 'fiasco'

LOSING MAN’S FRIEND TRULY HURTS

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Our dog is gone.

Fourteen years ago, my youngest son Randy plucked him from a litter of bull terrier puppies, tumbling over each other in a box.

Why him? The usual reason my son explained…”because he nuzzled against me and licked me wildly and I was convinced that I heard a little ruff-ruff voice saying, ‘Me. Pick me. I’m the one for you.’”

“The thing is, he was the runt… the smallest in the litter. I kind of pitied him so I figured he was the one for me,” my son added.

His fur was shiny black; his eyes were sympathetic. My son named him “Bauer” after that fictional character and the protagonist of the Fox hit television series “24.”

In the early years, Bauer went with our son Randy everywhere who was then living in the “City of Angels” while studying at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Randy trained him….hours and hours walking the streets, tugging on a leash. Our son taught him to sit, stay, and lie down. The best part was when he gave voice to the release command, “OK!” and Bauer would rush him and jump and do, well, you know what male dogs do.

Ha-ha-ha-ha!

He was with Randy through our youngest son’s bachelor years until Randy graduated from college and went back home…and got married and settled down in “America’s Finest City.” Randy then decided to leave the dog with my wife Zeny and I to keep to keep the aging both of us company.

Bauer never barked, never snapped. When visitors came over to our house, he was very friendly and liked to be played with. Our family and friends…and everyone else loved him. “The perfect dog,” they all commented.

The years passed. We all got busier; and I guess Bauer got less attention from everyone else except of course, from both my wife and I.

Looking back, I realized how much we have all changed in those 14 years. And how much Bauer did not. Every morning, sleep in our eyes, either my wife or I would pour food in a bowl as Bauer ran circles in excitement. Then lately, a few months back now… something happened. We found Bauer in a pool of sweat, panting and frothing. The veterinarian couldn’t really diagnose what it was. The truth is, Bauer was never quite the same. He was slower. The jumping stopped. His left eye grew weak. His legs failed him on steps. And just last week, he couldn’t even stand up at all even to pee outside the house. He was simply lethargic and was seemingly uninterested at whatever we were doing for him.

We tried everything. We tried everyone. My wife and I would stroke him hopefully under his chin, because, in the old days, that would immediately excite him, seeking the ultimate: the stomach scratch. “Keep going,” he’d say with his eyes, “keep going, and

keep going forever.”

We all could, but he couldn’t this time.

Bauer died last week.

I sit here now, looking at his picture and I feel the physical need for our family dog that Bauer seemed to feel for all of us all the time. I want to tug under his ears, scratch his head, rub his belly, feel that fluffy fur, race him, wrestle him, and kiss his snout. I want to call his name.

As our youngest son Randy reiterated, “He was just this little puppy, who said, ‘Me. Pick me. I’m the one for you.’”

The one for all of us in the family circle is gone.

What do we do now?

When my feelings are so intense that no other outlet will suffice, I find it helps to write them down.

Well…an aching in the pit of the stomach, a sadness that won’t go away. Emptiness inside that nothing can fill. No desire to eat, trouble falling asleep. No real interest in going out and doing things, able to find nothing to divert one’s mind from the incessant loneliness. These are the symptoms of grief, bereavement. They are some of the feelings, too that people describe when they talk about the loss of their pets.

Quoting Colin Murray Parkes, a British psychiatrist and the author of numerous books and publications on grief, he defines grief as “an emotional and behavioral reaction that is set in motion when a love-tie is broken.”

The response is understood and accepted by society in general when a human friend or family member dies. To help mankind deal with the loss of a loved one, hospitals include on their staffs specially trained nurses, social workers, grief counselors, physicians and psychologists.

There are community support groups and self-help organizations available to assist people in moving through the universally recognized grieving process.

But that same acceptance and understanding is rarely offered when someone experiences grief at the loss of a pet. We frequently hear, “I know I shouldn’t feel this way. After all, it was only a dog.” Or, “Why is she so upset? It was just a cat.”

Is it truly only about a dog?

The house is empty this morning. I miss the dog. Over and over again, I return from work to our house, expecting to find him waiting in the front door. I grope my way to the bathroom at night, trying not to trip on his sleeping body. I open our back way, picturing him there on the grass peeing and maybe taking a bite of the green leaves. I listen for the scratch at the screen door, the sound of his body moving steps, the jangle of his licenses. I reach for the leftover hamburger on my granddaughter’s plate, thinking, “Oooh Bauer will love…”

And then I remember.

He’s dead.

I knew when my wife and our youngest son Randy with his wife Valerie took him to the veterinarian

I think the kindest thing one can say about former President Donald Trump is that he is a fool and should be shunned or told to just shut up. Even better - lock him up. Throw him in jail. He is dangerous.

The findings of the January 6 Congressional committee set up to probe the attack on the US Capitol bulding and Congress reveal that it was not a spontaneous uprising by Trump loyalists but a laboriously planned criminal scheme to abort Joe Biden’s assumption of the presidency and to create the “revolutionary” conditions to justify suspending the results of the election and extending Trump’s occupation of the White House.

Did the temptation ever cross Trump’s mind to make such an extended presidential tenure permanent by means fair or foul such as a coup? One shouldn’t be surprised if Trump ever fancied replicating the tactics of his

apparent role models Russia’s Putin, China’s Xi and North Korea’s Kim.

So why are Republican political leaders like Senators Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Ted Cruz of Texas still singing Hossanas to Trump and why are there still so many GOP party faithfuls still willing to risk their reputations for Trump? That’s because opportunism and shortsightedness are as common in US politics as in the Philippines.

These opportunists may also be fanning the embers of racism among Americans, urging even level-headed whites to resist the ”threat” to the country’s “racial purity” - as if this is as important as decency and humanism, as if the color of one’s skin is a mark of superiority.

Unfortunately, even (perhaps, more accurately, especially) in the Philippines, a fairer. whiter complexion is considered more

beautiful and referred to as “kutis mayaman” (the complexion of the rich).

But Trump and the racists are being overtaken by an inexorable phenomenon which is the “browning” of America. This is most apparent in media and in advertising.

On my first visit to the US in 1978, I noted that it was unthinkable to feature a bi-racial couple in an ad - in fact, pairing a black male and a white female model would have stirred an uproar. Admittedly, black comic Bill Cosby was the main endorser of Jello - but he was the exception that made the absence of African-American advertising models more obvious (black sports endorsers were also an exception).

These days, it is almost mandatory to use black product endorsers for ad campaigns targeting ethnic markets and bi-racial families are normal in commercials for general

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

last Wednesday (August 31st) afternoon that he was never coming home. He was incontinent by then, and so weak that for the first time in his life he failed to make it to our bedroom at night. My wife carried him onto the living room Tuesday morning and all day he lay on the soft rug as if in a trance. When I came back home from work later in the afternoon, I tried to pet him on the forehead, his tail stirred only faintly, but his eyes opened wide to gaze into mine. I buried my head in Bauer’s chest and breathed in his scent, a smell, I suppose, that only a mother (or a grandfather like me, for that matter) could love.

Time stood still then, or at least I thought it did. The purple irises froze on their stems, and the lilies stood motionless, a soft pink blur against the porch glass door. The sun, aloft in a sky of unchanging blue, held its breath as the world went silent, except for the harsh exhalation of the dog’s labored breath and the beating of his heart against my ear. Bauer moved only once, stretching his head away from mine. I rubbed his neck, straining to hear his barely audible response, a soft vibrating sound deep in his throat.

“If only…”I thought, and then stopped myself. With a pet you’ve loved unconditionally, there’s nothing to do or undo that can make any difference at all.

Why do we play that same game with human beings, trying to convince ourselves that if only we’d done something distinctly, we could have avoided the pain of losing someone we love?

Human relationships, with all their complexities, lend themselves to regret and self-blame, but knowing that our love for Bauer was constant and unconditional, I could see how little there is to be gained by wishful thinking. No guilty bargain can change the absolute reality of loss.

Make up with a parent before she dies. There will still be no one at the other end of the line when you reach for the phone one Sunday afternoon. Never lose your temper or choose housework over hugging your child and the seat beside you will still be empty when his favorite TV program comes on. All the kisses one might have given will never fill the void created by a death in the family.

In intimate relationships we reshape ourselves over time to accommodate an interest here, a passion there; stretching, twisting and changing until we fit together like the pieces of a puzzle. Then, at a loss, we discover our own imperfection, see how clearly our sense of our self-relied upon another’s presence. How were we to know that our enjoyment of walking sprang from the

pleasure of companionship, or that our interest in our partner’s excitement?

Alone, we cannot help but notice the unoccupied places that once were filled, the unaccustomed silences, and the familiar activities that have no meaning once love is no longer the justification. I slipped my arms around Bauer’s body, closing my eyes, willing this moment to last forever.

“Time to go,” my son Randy announced.

I glanced at my watch, thinking how cruelly the hours pass, sending us all slipping down the steep slope of our mortality. I learned at that moment, in the peacefulness of a warm summer afternoon, that there is never a pause in our long journey toward death.

I helped my son carried Bauer into the car. The veterinarian took a blood sample and we awaited the result of the lab tests. Randy sat on the floor, Bauer’s head near him.

“He’s so weak, he doesn’t mind this at all,” the lady vet murmured. Bauer lay warm and relaxed. My wife stroked the familiar fur for the last time, knowing that this was the moment we all became worthy of the absolute trust he placed in us.

“No more suffering,” my wife whispered as the needle slid in to the vein. In seconds, the dog shuttered a single long deep sigh as the soul that lived within him disappeared like the flame of a candle in the wind. The vet listened for a heartbeat. “He passed…it’s all over,” she announced. “Stay here as long as you like.” That night we entered our house without the dog beside us for the first time in 14 years.

I reckon this is how all love stories really end. A life begins experiences and departs, leaving no clues to its source or final destination. It reveals to the survivors: This is the natural rhythm of all life. Acknowledge the gift. Be grateful for the mystery. Surrender to what is and must be. Believe in happily ever after. And I still see Bauer wagging his tail at the world, loving life with all his heart. As slowly over the months to follow, I hope my mind grasped the deeper truth that nothing we have experienced, nothing that can be held in memory is ever lost. Bauer is a part of the Reyes family forever. And although there is deep sadness that Bauer is gone from our lives, there is also joy that we knew him, a sense of awe that we could share such a bond and a deep awareness that in some indescribable way, we are all forever changed.

Farewell to our dearly beloved Bauer…You were always our favorite hello and our hardest goodbye!

market brands.

In 2008, America elected its first black President, Barack Hussein Obama, albeit a mestizo with a white mother and a father from Kenya. The US has also elected the first African-Asian-American Vice-President in Kamala Harris, a possible successor to President Biden.

Not surprisingly, many white folks are aggressively pushing back, even resorting to violence. Trump’s election to the presidency could have caused the social cancer to more rapidly manifest itself even as it likely developed actively with the election of Obama.

While Trump paid lip service to racial equality, his opportunistic and manipulative streak must have told him that he could fan the embers of racism among disgruntled white rural and working class Americans by promising to make them great again (whatever that meant in their simplistic minds, perhaps make the country predominantly white again).

Make no mistake. Trump isn’t as dense as the late night TV shows routinely depict him. He did not

become rich and a president of the US by being a simpleton. In fact, he is sharp enough to hold the GOP and millions of supporters on a string. His problem is LYING and EXAGGERATING, which he considers “harmless hyperbole.”

With state and federal cases threatening him like many Swords of Damocles, conventional wisdom says that this Donald’s duck is cooked. A Mafia don , in Trump’s shoes, would be as good as roasted. But Trump is not an average capo, not the average Teflon Donald.

Trump’s ethnic roots are German. For whatever it is worth, the Germanic rendering of his name, Donald John Trump, could have been Donald Johann Trumpf - with 6 letters in each one or 666. B. Macabenta Street Greg Macabenta

While his enemies are betting that he is running out of luck (as

well as good lawyers). we should not hold our breath. Trump is a survivor who will stay afloat even if he drags everyone else under. There is a saying in Tagalog: “Ang masamang damo ay hindi agad namamatay.” (bad or wild grass does not die easily).

Batangas where they found imported goods, as well as local and imported sugar.

“We consider this a huge breakthrough in our ongoing campaign against sugar hoarding. This may be one of our biggest operations to date since we started inspecting sugar storage facilities,” Ruiz said.

Ejercito urges BOC to conduct more raids vs. agri smugglers

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) must conduct more raids and go after agricultural smugglers, which it has not done much of in recent years, according to Senator JV Ejercito on Monday.

In a press conference, Ejercito lamented that the BOC began to raid sugar warehouses only after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took over the Department of Agriculture (DA).

"Nung pinasa ang AntiAgricultural Smuggling law, nasaan na? Mayroon ba kayong nahuli na

mga big fish engaged in smuggling of agricultural products? Wala akong naririnig (What happened when the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling law was passed? Did you arrest big-time smugglers of agricultural products? I didn’t hear of anything),” Ejercito said.

Ejercito said the Sugar Regulatory Administration had likewise been remiss in going after violators and hinted on the possibility of filing charges against negligent DA officials.

“Probably, we can already study the filing of charges against these officials who were remiss in their duties,” Ejercito said.

Had the BOC been more active in detecting and apprehending agricultural smugglers, Ejercito said the country’s current woes on sugar supply would have been avoided.

He said the recent raids on warehouses containing hoarded sugar proved that the shortage was engineered by agricultural hoarders.

Senate panel denies former PSDBM OIC Lao's bid for clearance to travel abroad

on Thursday denied the request of Lloyd Christopher Lao, former officer-in-charge of the Department of Budget and ManagementProcurement Service (PS-DBM), for a clearance to lift his immigration lookout bulletin.

During the committee hearing on the alleged overpriced laptops procured by the Education Department, committee chairman Sen. Francis Tolentino said 10 senators voted to deny the request, five voted to grant it, while two abstained.

“The Committee has decided to deny the request of Usec. Lao by virtue of a vote of 10 for the denial, 10 senators for the denial, five senators granting the request, and two senators not participating,” Tolentino said.

“Let the committee secretary issue the necessary letter to former Usec. Lloyd Lao as well as the appropriate government agencies,” he added.

According to Tolentino, Lao previously sent his office a letter asking for clearance indicating that he is no longer facing any contempt

charges. He said Lao also sought his removal from the immigration lookout bulletin.

In September 2021, the Department of Justice issued an immigration lookout bulletin order for Lao and seven other individuals amid the then-ongoing Senate probe into the alleged irregularities in the purchase of pandemicrelated supplies by the Department of Health, which was also made through PS-DBM. (MNS)

imprisonment.

Remulla added that the cases of 52 individuals who were killed after allegedly resisting arrest in anti-drug operations conducted by police officers have also been duly acted upon by the DOJ with the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation.

These cases involve incidents of killing in Metro Manila, Agusan del Sur, Western Mindanao, Zamboanga del Norte, Caraga and Mimaropa.

EO needed to implement optional face mask use outdoors Filipinos will still be required to wear their face masks until President

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos

Jr. issues an executive order (EO) approving its optional use outdoors and other guidelines proposed by the country’s pandemic task force.

Press Secretary Trixie CruzAngeles on Thursday reminded the public that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) has so far only “recommended” the optional wearing of face masks outdoors.

“The IATF ‘recommended’ that face masks be voluntary outdoors in non-crowded spaces with good ventilation. Though the vulnerable — elderly and immunocompromised — are still highly encouraged to wear their masks,” she told reporters

in a text message.

Cruz-Angeles earlier said the proposed lifting of the mandatory mask requirement will be pilot tested toward the last quarter of 2022 provided there is an improvement in the country’s Covid-19 booster vaccination coverage.

“Hindi pa po ito polisiya ngunit ito na po ang nirirekomenda ng ating IATF (This is not yet policy but it is the recommendation of the IATF),” she said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

“Kailangang i-improve natin iyong statistics natin ng mga nagpabooster na para by the end of the year, magpa-pilot test na po ng ating lifting of mandatory mask mandate (We need to improve our booster shot statistics so that by the end of the year, we can pilot test the lifting of the mandatory mask requirement),” she added.

Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire also said although the proposed optional wearing of face masks outdoors is not yet a policy and the DOH, as the chair of the IATF, is “initially informing the public about the recommendation”.

“..The IATF has resolved to recommend to the President that there should be, or the President will issue an executive order regarding this policy,” Vergeire said.

Vergeire, however, said she is optimistic that the President would approve of the IATF proposal.

“Based on the feedback, talagang

pabor naman ang President (Based on the feedback, the President seems to be in favor of it) so the executive order can be issued immediately,” she said.

It was Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. who first raised the proposal on the optional wearing of face masks following the Cebu City government's policy to make mask-wearing voluntary.

Citing data from different Association of the Southeast Asian Nation (Asean) countries, he said there was barely a difference between the number of Covid-19 cases in areas where wearing face masks was required and in areas where they were partially or completely lifted as long as minimum public health standards are strictly observed.

Meanwhile, Cruz-Angeles urged all government agencies to support the National Booster Week from Sept. 26 to 29 through the implementation of sector specific policies and incentives to encourage people to receive booster shots.

“Sa iba’t ibang ahensiya, mayroon silang target na for implementation ng booster policy. Bahala ang mga ahensiya na magrekomenda o for encouragement or incentives sa mga magpapa-booster (Different agencies have targets for the implementation of the booster policy. It’s up to the agencies to recommend or encourage or give incentives to those who will get their booster shots),” she added. (MNS)

ASK THE DMV

online that used to require an office visit. In many instances, the customer starts the process online and then is contacted later by a DMV representative through email to complete the transaction. The DMV also increased the number of items that can be taken care of at a kiosk as well as increased kiosk language options.

Q2: I am 70 years old and need to renew my license, but do not feel safe coming to a DMV office. What can I do?

A2: Until the end of 2022, eligible senior drivers and REAL ID cardholders can renew noncommercial driver’s license and ID cards at dmv.ca.gov/online or by mail, even if your renewal notice states a visit to a DMV office is required.

Q3: Once I receive my renewal notice in the mail, how long should I wait to renew my driver’s license or ID card?

A3: If you choose to take advantage of the DMV’s online services to renew, you should try to do so upon receiving your renewal notice in the mail. Keep in mind that driver’s licenses and ID cards generally arrive in the mail within two to four weeks following renewal.

For more information or answers to questions not listed here, please visit www.dmv.ca.gov.

Spiritual Life

Keeping in step with God

As we grow older, we encounter so many challenges. We become more aware that we cannot handle or face these challenges without God, and so we talk with Him in prayer. Most often we are distracted while praying hence, we rely on prayer guides or devotionals to keep us focused.

As I woke up this morning I saw a booklet on my desk from Our Daily Bread Ministries, entitled “Prayer Changes Things”. The first article was very enlightening because it says that “God moves through prayers. God has chosen to move through our praying to accomplish things that would not have happened through any other means. As we seek God’s presence, He gives us light for the path ahead and makes His purposes known.

Many people struggle with spending time in prayer because they believe that God would have them do something. But Scripture shows us in multiple places that praying is doing something. Yet it is hard for us to grasp that because we are conditioned to equate stillness before God with laziness or inactivity. So when do you pray and when do you do something about what you are praying for? Many of us have struggled with this question. I, myself have gone through difficult situations and I

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

relied on God’s immediate action. I failed to consider that God has His own pace, we must learn how to walk at God’s pace, if we desire to truly hear God and discern His best for our lives. Walking at God’s pace does not exclude action. We act on what God gives us and go no further. We pray then we wait and then we act. This is rarely easy, especially in a crisis when we feel like we have to do something, but we learn to be sensitive to the Spirit and move with God’s promptings. We act on what God gives us and do no more. This rhythm of praying, waiting and acting brings a new level of effectiveness to our lives because we are staying in step with the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-25 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.This who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires, Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Most Loving God, teach us to walk at your own pace and to discern Your will in our lives.

Make us sensitive to the Holy Spirit and move at Your own promptings. Mold us and make us your vessel so we can have and share with others the fruit of your Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

Forgive us for our impatience and teach us to wait for your leading and to act on what You would like us to do. May your peace abide in our hearts as we seek Your will in our lives. Amen.

I want to leave an impact for Christ

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.

(Acts 20:35)

When you've departed this earth, what do you want to be remembered for? What do you want to leave behind? If you're putting God's kingdom first, it should not be wealth or how you scored by the standards of the glitter and glamour of the world. What really counts is the legacy you leave that impacts future generations for Christ.

Nobody who leaves a great legacy lived a selfish life. Jesus told us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The world preaches a different message, but if you understand your eternal inheritance, you will be more generous with your earthly inheritance. Your life will be about serving others with your time, talents and treasures. He wants us to invest in others for

Danny Hernaez From Whom All Blessings Flow

His and their sake.

At the beginning of a new year, people make all kinds of resolutions. What if your goals became steps to building your legacy? Have you decided exactly what kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

Lord, I want to leave an impact for Christ with the footprints of my life. Help me to grow and to shine by living by Your word this year. May the world I leave be a better place because I was here. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, how we thank you for your willingness to give up so much to become human. Thank you for your choice to become poor so that

we might be rich in you. You know, Lord, how easy it is for me to receive your blessings, but then hold onto them. Help me to be a person who imitates your act of generous giving. As I have received financial blessings from you, may I share them freely with others. As I have been gifted by your Spirit, may I serve people in your church and in the world. As I have received the outpouring of your love, may I love others in my life: at work, at home, at church, and wherever I might be. Help me this very day, Lord, to be rich in you by giving away your blessings to others. Amen.

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ready to vote right now!” Natasha loved talking to other participants of different Asian backgrounds, and finding similarities and differences in their experiences in America. With the help of Secretary of State Dr. Weber, Natasha and the group hope to increase API community voter registration and participation. She hopes to bridge the gap between different cultures, as well as different ages.

Furthermore, the day after, Natasha drove up to Los Angeles early in the morning in preparation for the Songkran, or Thai New Year, Festival on Hollywood Boulevard. She participated in the grand parade that day as part of the America’s Thai Chamber of Commerce

San Diego. The Thai New Year festival was a day full of music, food, and fun festivities. Natasha reminisces, saying “I love Thai New Year; it is one of my favorite Thai holidays. Especially going to Los Angeles makes me feel as if I am going to a home away from home. When I arrive at the venue, everyone there immediately speaks Thai. The traditional clothing is so vibrant, and the decorations are very gorgeous. Everything about it reminds me of Thailand. Taking part of this reinforces my pride in Thai heritage.” As a country director for the Asian Passion Program, Natasha works with Thai people and many countries in all regions of Asia to expand English learning to students in those countries that may not have the opportunity to learn or get tutored. She loves collaborating with others and learning more about

her home country as she chats with people from all across the US and world.

Sounds like a very fun-filled and busy weekend! Natasha reflected that these two events made her understand the importance of her background and how it should be represented. Above all her involvement in the Asian-American community, Natasha still remains a leader of her cello ensemble group to perform at retirement homes this coming month, as she has been a consistent volunteer for many retirement homes since she was at a young age.

Natasha also stated that her time in high school working around the Asian-American community has only been the beginning. She wishes to branch out and learn more about her culture and finding family in college as well.

Greetings

For several Sundays we have reflected on the meaning of discipleship as a faithful response to the call of Jesus Christ that may happen when a person becomes humble enough to accept his dependence on God and joyful enough to be able to fully develop himself, his talents and his person to be able to generously give back to God through his neighbor that gifts he received. This is briefly what stewardship has been defined by the Bishops Conference of the United States of America, but also a synthesis of a true and sincere following of Jesus, the humble and obedient Son of the Father who gave his life unto death on the cross for the salvation of man who respond to his call. We also reflected on the consequences of being a disciple and the hopes that one may aspire to attain once we are faithful to the end, namely being in communion with the Triune God.

Today we have a gospel reading that leads us to the center of the message that Jesus Christ himself brought into the world. This message is concretely expressed in the three parables that Jesus narrated in the gospel that we have read this Sunday. The context of the story telling was the fact that Jesus dined and mingled with sinners to the consternation and amazement of the Pharisees and scribes during that time. The parables that we have heard today speak for themselves how Jesus considered forgiveness sins and reconciliation with God as the center of his message for men of all times, beginning with those who heard him during his life time and even now, for all of us, and the others who would be open to listen to the Good News. All the parables show how Jesus portrayed the boundless

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

mercy of God and his assurances of forgiveness for a repentant sinner. Today, however, may I share with you my reflections on forgiveness and the process of how we are able to obtain forgiveness from our sinfulness and our sins. The third parable narrated by Jesus in the gospel concerning the prodigal sons exemplifies the process that I am speaking about. This process involves several stages. The first stage begins with the younger son wallowing in sin, but eventually realizing not necessarily his sinful situation but the reality of the goodness of his Father, even among his servants but especially to his own sons. The mere fact that, although not yet the right time to give his inheritance, it was handed to him without any question as to how he would use it. His realization of the goodness and boundless mercy of his father led the younger son to make radical decision. This radical decision is the second stage in the process of forgiveness. This decision implied his consciousness of his sinfulness which was overcome by his knowledge that he would still be accepted by his father no matter how serious his fault was precisely because of his mercy and love. He could have been ashamed, but was not so embarrassed to decide to

return to his father because he was convinced that he would be taken back even no longer with the status of being a son, but as a servant. I believe that this is what is known as sincere repentance that results from contrition. The third stage in the process of forgiveness is the actual act of returning to the Father which the prodigal son did, confident that his father would accept him because of his natural goodness. The final stage of the process of forgiveness is pictured by a loving father who went out of his way, without asking any question but embracing back and kissing his repentant son with real love and mercy that restored him to his original status symbolized the ring and the finest robe and the sandals on his feet. This is forgiveness that leads to reconciliation of the prodigal son to the merciful father who ordered a celebration because “this son of mine was dead, and has come back to life again; he was lost and has been found.”

These stages in the process of forgiveness happen in the sacrament of reconciliation which is a treasure in the Catholic Church. The sacrament of reconciliation is one of the seven sacraments of the Jesus Christ instituted and left for the members of the Church to use in order to faithfully answer his call to holiness in life. So many people benefit from this sacrament.

However, an unmentionable number still need to open themselves to realize its wonders and the graces it bestows. Let us, therefore, pray that as we desire to follow Jesus more closely during this year of faith, we may be lead ourselves and others to appreciate this process of forgiveness and be reconciled with God once again in the sacrament of reconciliation. Amen

Ang Tagapagrehistro ng mga Botante ay naghahanap ng mga manggagawa sa botohan para sa Ika-8 ng Nobyembre na PambuongEstado na Pangkalahatang Eleksyon. Ang mga manggagawa sa botohan ay may mahalagang katungkulan sa mga eleksyon at maaaring maglingkod sa kanilang komunidad habang kumikita ng $16 kada oras. Sa ilalim ng Voter’s Choice Act, pinapalitan ng mga vote center ang mga tradisyonal na lugar ng botohan. Ang mga vote center ay bukas sa buong county para sa isang pinahabang panahon bago ang Araw ng Eleksyon. Sa halip na isang araw ng serbisyo, ang mga manggagawa sa botohan ay kailangan na ngayon upang tauhan ang mga vote center hanggang 11 araw sa dalawang linggo bago ang Araw ng Eleksyon. Ang mga nagsasalita ng English na bilingguwal sa Arabic, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Persian, Somali, Spanish, o

Vietnamese ay kailangan din. Kasama sa mga responsibilidad ang:

• Pagsusumite ng hiring/payroll na mga papeles

• Pagdadalo sa dalawangaraw, bayad na pagsasanay ng manggagawa sa botohan

• Pagbubukas/pagsasara ng vote center

• Pagproseso sa mga botante

• Pagsagot sa mga katanungan ng botante

Upang maging isang manggagawa sa botohan, ang mga aplikante ay dapat 18 taong gulang, isang U.S. citizen at nakarehistro upang makaboto sa California, o legal na karapat-dapat na permanenteng residente ng Estados Unidos. Ang mga aplikante ay dapat ding may sariling transportasyon papunta sa kanilang nakatalagang vote center.

Ang Tagapagrehistro ay naghahanap ng mga tao na team player, nagpapakita ng malakas na

pamumuno at mga kasanayan sa serbisyo sa customer, at nagpapakita ng plexibilidad, pasensiya at ang pinakamataas na lebel ng integridad sa lahat ng oras. Ang mga manggagawa sa botohan ay dapat kumatawan sa Tagapagrehistro ng mga Botante sa isang propesyonal, at walang partidong pamamaraan.

Ang opisina ng Tagapagrehistro ay nakikipagtulungan sa Public Health Services upang siguraduhin ang kalusugan at kaligtasan ng mga manggagawa sa eleksyon at mga botante. Ang mga inirerekomendang personal protective equipment at mga sanitation supply ay ibibigay sa mga manggagawa upang ligtas nilang maisagawa ang proseso ng eleksyon.

Upang maging isang manggagawa sa botohan, kailangan ninyong mag-apply online. Para sa higit pang impormasyon, magemail sa pollworker@sdcounty. ca.gov.

for the opportunity to reaffirm their friendship and explore avenues of cooperation that will benefit their respective countries.

“Indeed, my back-to-back visits to Indonesia and Singapore I think have been thoroughly worthwhile,” he said.

Although these investment deals were just the “beginning”

of foreign investors’ interest to invest in the Philippines, he said his administration would work hard to bring the agreements to fruition.

He also said the government would "not stop" until the ordinary Filipino can feel these economic gains.

Marcos' Indonesia trip yields $8.5 billion in business deals

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will bring home around USD8.48 billion (PHP466.6 billion)

worth of business deals from his three-day visit to Indonesia, a Palace official said Tuesday.

Press Secretary Trixie CruzAngeles said these agreements, which were secured during Marcos’ roundtable discussion with Indonesian business leaders and investors on Monday, would generate at least 7,000 new jobs.

Of the amount, she said the Philippine government secured USD7billion in infrastructure

for unsolicited private-public partnerships (PPPs) such as a C-5 4-level elevated expressway.

Marcos’ trip also yielded USD822 million in investments in textiles, garments, renewable energy, satellite gateway, wire global technology, and agrifood and USD662 million in trade value for the supply of coal and fertilizer.

In a press briefing in Jakarta, Marcos told reporters that Indonesian business leaders and investors were “very enthusiastic” about starting businesses in the Philippines.

He said they have also committed to “expanding” their involvement in investments in the country.

Marcos also said discussions concerning PPP agreements were the “most extensive.”

Marcos’ official visit to Indonesia took place from Sept. 4 to 6.

Aside from business agreements, his trip yielded pacts on defense cooperation, cultural cooperation, creative economy, and a plan of action for bilateral cooperation.

He is currently in Singapore to boost the country’s trade and investment relations with its Southeast Asian neighbor.

$5-B worth of e-trikes top list of Singapore investments to PH

The Philippines is poised to reap USD6.54 billion (PHP374.57) of investment deals from the two-day state visit of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to Singapore.

Marcos’ Singapore trip resulted in the signing of several letters of intent to invest in the Philippines during the Singapore business roundtable meeting on Wednesday.

These letters of intent are expected to generate an estimated 15,000 jobs for Filipinos, according to a news release from Malacañang.

Topping the list of Singaporean investments in the Philippines are electronic tricycles valued at USD5 billion.

“This investment in the transportation sector is seen to lessen air pollution emitted by an estimated 3.5 million tricycles nationwide,” the Palace said but gave no further details.

Coming second is an investment in renewable energy, specifically the new technology of floating solar valued at USD1.2 billion.

“You will notice that the top two investments of Singapore to the Philippines are both environmentfriendly and are aligned with the government’s program on climate change,” Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles was quoted saying.

The third top Singaporean investment is the setting up of incountry Data Center valued at USD200 million, which is expected to employ Filipinos, especially in the Information Technology (IT) and creative industry.

Singaporean businessmen also expressed interest in the so-called “Blue Economy” where they are expected to invest from USD10 million to USD100 million in areas such as marine renewable energy, water production, desalination, electric boats as well as aquaculture.

There were also investments pledged in “Innovation Platform for Start-ups” (USD20 million) and “Women in Technology” (USD20 million).

Hiring of workers

The Singapore government also approved the hiring of around 10,000 Filipino workers in the city-state, which is home to around 200,000 Filipino migrant workers.

Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople said this developed following her meeting with Manpower Minister Tan See Leng.

Ople also said that the goodwill arising from the President's state visit and the lifting of the 27-year-old guarantee bond would lead to more and better job prospects for Filipinos who wish to work in Singapore.

"Even prior to the President's visit, our Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Singapore had already approved close to 10,000 job orders with 5,000 jobs awaiting aircraft technicians in the aviation industry," Ople was quoted saying.

Approved job orders refer to immediate manpower requirements given by Singaporean employers to the POLO that are expected to be filled up in the next few months.

The breakdown of approved job orders submitted by Singaporean employers are as follows: Aviation industry -- 5,000 aircraft technicians; Medical industry - 3,000 healthcare workers; Engineering industry -

1,000 skilled workers; Education industry - 500 workers; I.T. sector300 workers.

Ople said she anticipated a surge in demand for OFWs in Singapore with the success of the President's visit and the reforms in promoting ease of doing business strategies such as digitalization of various recruitment processes.

In a speech during Philippine Economic Briefing at the ShangriLa Hotel, Marcos invited foreign businesses to put their investments in the Philippines, describing the country as “Asia’s fastest rising star.” He encouraged businesses to seize the opportunities in the country as he invited strategic investors from the international community to take part in the Philippines’ “economic resurgence.”

“We are presently on a steady path to a strong recovery from the pandemic and a robust economic expansion. In the next few years, our economy is expected to outperform our regional peers. My administration is committed to establishing an even more competitive business climate conducive to high-value investments,” he said. (MNS)

Prayer to Saint Expedite

May the intercession of the glorious martyr , St Expedite, recommend us, O my God, to Thy goodness, in order that his protection may obtain for us what our own merits are powerless to do. Amen.

We supplicate Thee, Lord , to inspire by Thy grace all our thoughts and actions, that thou being their principle, we may, by the intercession of St. Expedite, be conducted with courage, fidelity and promptitude, at the time proper and favorable, and come to a good and happy end, through our Lord, Jesus Christ Amen

St Expedite, honored by the gratitude of those who have invoked thee at the last hour and for pressing cases, we pray thee to obtain from the all powerful goodness of God, by the intercession of Mary Immaculate, (today or such a day) the grace we solicit with all submission to the Divine Will Amen

WARM WELCOME. Ferdinand tutugunan ang kanilang mga hinaing at pahahalagahan ang kanilang mga sakripisyo. Mabuhay ang mga OFW!" Marcos said on Facebook. (MNS photo)

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. meets with Indonesian President Joko Widodo durng his state visit to the country.

The two leaders also held a bilateral meeting at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java. Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Marcos and other Philippine government officials had a very productive meeting with their counterparts. (MNS photo)

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. meets with about 1,500 Filipinos at the Ho Bee Auditorium of the National University of Singapore to kick off his visit on Tuesday (Sept. 6, 2022). Marcos thanked the Filipino workers for their overwhelming support during the last May 9 national elections. (MNS photo)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at The Istana to further strengthen relations between the Philippines and Singapore. The bilateral agreements signed during President Marcos' state visit to Singapore are expected to pave the way for both countries to pursue collaborative development and prosperity objectives. (MNS photo)

CDPH Issues Joint Statement on Authorization of Updated Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech Boosters

SACRAMENTO, CA -- Today, California Health & Human Services

Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, and Director of the California Department of Public Health and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, issued a joint statement on the emergency use authorization in the United States of updated COVID-19 boostersthe Moderna bivalent booster for individuals 18 years of age and older and the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent booster for individuals 12 years of age and older. This statement follows the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup's and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) support of the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendation.

"Most Californians are now eligible for an updated Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech booster and will be able to strengthen their protection against COVID-19 as we head into the fall and winter seasons. These

boosters are bivalent, which means they are pulling double duty by increasing immunity against the original coronavirus strain while also protecting against the newer Omicron variants threatening Californians. Because protection from infection can decrease over time, the updated boosters are a safe way to maintain protection and reduce the most severe outcomes of COVID-19, such as hospitalization, long COVID, and death.”

To be eligible, individuals must have completed their primary series dose(s) at least two months prior to receiving an updated booster. Individuals are eligible to receive the updated booster regardless of previous booster doses received. The updated bivalent boosters will now replace the existing monovalent booster vaccines for individuals 12 years of age and older. Children ages 5-11 can still boost their immunity with the monovalent boosters.

In alignment with Governor Newsom’s SMARTER plan, the

California Department of Public Health encourages everyone to wear a well fitted mask with good filtration indoors, get tested if exposed to the virus or have symptoms, improve ventilation indoors, and stay home when sick. Keep a lookout for symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing or coughing, which may be signs of COVID-19 or the flu. The best way to prevent serious illness is to be up-to-date on your COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

The state is prepared to begin offering the updated boosters to Californians 12 years and older as supplies arrive over the next few days. Updated boosters for our younger population are expected in the coming months so no one is left behind. We encourage individuals to check with their medical care provider or local clinic for an updated booster appointment, or to book through vaccines.gov. Appointments will also become available through myturn.ca.gov within weeks. www.cdph.ca.gov

Free Ride Day is Back! Transit Agencies Waiving Fares October 5 to Boost Ridership and Promote Clean Air

San Diego – The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) announced Free Ride Day will take place on Wednesday, October 5. All rides will be free on MTS and NCTD services, including the Trolley, COASTER, SPRINTER and fixed-route buses. Free Ride Day is being held in conjunction with California’s Clean Air Day, where residents across the state of California will take steps to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Rideshare Week is also taking place October 3-7 to encourage employees to try ridesharing.

“As we see MTS ridership rebound following the pandemic, we hope Free Ride Day is an opportunity for

more people to give transit a try,” said Nathan Fletcher, MTS Board Chair and Chair, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “Not only do we want riders to see how transit can benefit them personally, but on Free Ride Day, San Diegans have the opportunity to join the clean air movement across the state of California. Taking transit is one of the most impactful ways individuals can help combat climate change.”

MTS and NCTD have held an annual Free Ride Day since 2018, with the exception of 2021 when they held a free ride month. On previous Free Ride Day events, transit ridership has increased as much as 30%.

“We’re fortunate in our region to

have public transit systems that access so much of the County,” said Jewel Edson, NCTD Board Chair and Solana Beach City Councilmember. “By offering free rides on October 5, we hope folks will leave their cars at home for the day and try transit. It’s important for our community and for our air quality that we embrace transit and see how it can fit into our daily commute.”

Taking transit in lieu of driving can provide many benefits, including:

· Cost savings: With gas prices still hovering around $5 in San Diego County, riders are invited to try the commute cost calculator to see how much they can save by choosing transit.

Avoid special event traffic and

parking costs: The Padres will play their final home game on Free Ride Day. Fans can take the COASTER or Trolley to get to Petco Park.

Reduce air pollution: People who will participate in Free Ride Day are encouraged to take the clean air pledge and demonstrate the collective commitment to cleaner air.

Free Ride Day will be valid on all MTS and NCTD fixed-route services including buses, the Trolley, SPRINTER and COASTER (Amtrak

Rail 2 Rail, MTS Access and NCTD LIFT paratransit are not part of this promotion). Passengers will not need a PRONTO card or valid fare for either system. MTS and NCTD services will operate on a normal weekday schedule. To plan a trip on transit, visit the MTS or NCTD website and use the Trip Planner tool.

About MTS

The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates more than 100 bus routes and three Trolley lines in 10 cities

and unincorporated areas of San Diego. MTS is a leader in advancing initiatives to create a greener, cleaner and betterconnected transit system in San Diego. Each weekday nearly 200,000 passenger trips are taken throughout the MTS system taking people to work, school, health appointments and other essential trips. In FY 2022, MTS served more than 57 million riders. For service schedule updates, news, alerts and more information on how you can use public transportation, go to www.sdmts.com.