010624 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

JANUARY 6-9, 2024 Volume 34 - No. 2 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

China, US hold rival drills in West Philippine Sea

by MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN Philstar.com

CHINESE and U.S. warships were in the South China Sea on Thursday, January 4 conducting rival exercises in the disputed waters amid heightened tensions involving U.S. ally the Philippines.

Beijing’s People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command a day before said a twoday deployment of its navy and air force that was scheduled to end Friday, was carrying out “routine patrols” in the sea.

It did not mention where exactly the patrols took place or give specific details of the goals of the exercises. They took

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place as the United States said an aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Carl Vinson was conducting two days of drills with the Philippine Navy.

Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea and has ignored an international tribunal ruling that its assertions have no legal basis. It deploys boats to patrol the busy waterway and has built artificial islands that it has militarized to reinforce its claims. And while China typically uses its coast guard to enforce its claims in the area, military exercises are not uncommon, with Beijing’s navy conducting “routine” drills in late November.

But this week’s drills follow a month of tense standoff be-

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

2 in 3 anti-Asian hate victims are women, survey shows

tween China and the Philippines in Ayungin Shoal that saw a collision between vessels from the two countries and Chinese ships blasting water cannons at Philippine boats.

One expert told AFP that Beijing was seeking to turn the South China Sea “into a Chinese-controlled waterway and a strategic chokepoint for other countries.”

“The South China Sea is becoming... a key defensive zone for China,” Michael Raska, assistant professor and military expert at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, said.

Beijing is also using the area to test “reconnaissance and sur PAGE A2

FIRST FRIDAY. Devotees of the Black Nazarene flock to Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila to attend the first Friday, Jan. 5 of the year mass. To ensure safety, police agents are deployed for the entire observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene until Jan. 9. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Jo Koy shares ‘hosting preparations’ for Golden Globes

by KRISTOFER PURNELL Philstar.com

FILIPINO American comedian and actor Jo Koy ribbed about the preparations he's done as he hosts the upcoming Golden Globes.

This will be the first time in the Golden Globes' tumultuous 81 years that it will be hosted by an individual with Filipino descent.

Jo Koy posted on social media Filipino American comedian and actor Jo Koy Photo from Instagram/@jokoy

WOMEN face a disproportionate burden of anti-Asian hate, with 62 percent of hate incidents being reported by Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women.

This was the result of a recent survey conducted by the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), “The State of Safety for Asian American and Pacific Islander Women in the U.S.” NAPAWF is a policy advocacy organization that aims to build collective power so that all AAPI women and girls can have full agency over their lives, families and communities.

by KLEO CATIENZA AAPI women and girls report 62 percent Inquirer.net of hate incidents. AAPI non-binary people have also reported experiencing heightened WHEN it comes to settling down, incidents of hate.

The survey found that a staggering 74 percent many Filipinos share the same fantasy: of AAPI women report personally experiencing to immigrate to someplace where a good “quality of living” awaits.

Leaving the Philippines for good  PAGE A3 has become a common theme in many conversations, often fueled by stories of distant relatives striking it rich in foreign lands.

While some friends—particularly the patriotic ones—would likely give out a

a promotional video of the awards ceremony where he shares "preparations" to be a host.

The first tip he gave was to stretch one's fingers out, joking that the trophies are 45 pounds heavy made of dark chocolate.

His second piece of advice was simply to always pee. This is likely a reference to the Globes being a more casual ceremony than the Oscars, Emmys, or Grammys, and a lot of drinking is involved.

Another guide Jo Koy

Global report finds PH the 3rd safest country in Southeast Asia

demonstrated was wiping the side center parts of his lips to "get rid of the white crusties in the corners," adding it was creepy to "be a host with white crusties."

"I've stepped onto a lot of stages around the world in my career, but this one is going to be extra special," Jo Koy said when he was confirmed to host the Globes. "This is that moment where I get to make my Filipino family proud."  PAGE A3

gentle reminder that the grass is not always greener on the other side, can we really blame Filipinos for having such a dream?

Probably not, especially considering the (seemingly) anti-poor regulations, stagnant salaries despite inflation, and the education system that’s said to be in its “worst state.”

Believe it or not, though, the archipelago isn’t falling short in terms of public security— or at least that is what Washington-based analytics and advisory firm Gallup suggests President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte in its 2023 Global Law and Order Report.

Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales The Philippines is among the safest  PAGE A4

Older Americans say they feel trapped in Medicare Honeymoon period Advantage plans Military, police dispel ouster plot vs Marcos

IN 2016, Richard Timmins went to a free informational seminar to learn more about Medicare coverage.

“I listened to the insurance agent and, basically, he really promoted Medicare Advantage,” Timmins said. The agent described less expensive and broader coverage offered by the plans, which are funded largely by the government but administered by private insurance companies.

For Timmins, who is now 76, it made economic sense then to sign up. And his decision was great, for a while.

Then, three years ago, he noticed a lesion on his right earlobe.

“I have a family history of melanoma. And so, I was kind of tuned in to that and thinking about that,” Timmins said of the growth, which doctors later diagnosed as malignant melanoma. “It started to grow and started to become rather painful.”

by FRANCISCO TUYAY ManilaTimes.net

MANILA — The military and police dispelled reports circulating on social media about a plot to oust President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., pledging full support for their commander-inchief.

Armed Forces Chief Romeo Brawner Jr. said the AFP "stands firm in its unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and its solemn commitment to fulfill its mandate."

"The men and women of the AFP remain steadfast in their role as the guardians of our nation's sovereignty and defender of democratic principles," said a separate statement issued by Col. Xerxes Trinidad, Public Affairs chief, on Thursday night, January 4 .

"The AFP reassures the Filipino people that its members continue to exemplify the highest  PAGE A4 standards of professionalism. With the strong

leadership of our commander-in-chief, the AFP will move as one in defeating all threats to our peace and national security," Trinidad said.

Philippine National Police Chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Friday, January 5 ordered an "intensified cyber patrolling" to determine the source of the fake post.

Acorda directed the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to "dig deeper" into the source of the post.

Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP Public Affairs chief, said they have a copy of the video where both Brawner and Acorda were convincing the president to step down from office.

Fajardo said the information was from a blogger claiming to be a former military official.

Fajardo said there was "no truth about it as the PNP organization is a professional institution, remained loyal to the constitution and apolitical." 

over? Satisfaction with Marcos, Sara down

by JANVIC MATEO Philstar.com

MANILA — Even though they still enjoy the approval of the majority, satisfaction with President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte dropped by double digits in several polls conducted last year.

A year into the new administration, which was elected by a landslide in the 2022 elections, Filipinos are also largely dissatisfied with the government’s performance in addressing the rising cost of basic commodities.

In a span of one year, Marcos’

performance rating decreased by 13 points, from 78 percent in October 2022 to 65 percent in October 2023, based on the quarterly “Tugon ng Masa” survey conducted by OCTA Research.

Marcos’ performance rating slightly went up to 80 percent in March, before dropping to 71 percent in July and 65 percent in October.

Comparing the October 2022 and October 2023 surveys, Marcos’ approval went down significantly across areas, with a drop of 26 percentage points among respondents in Mindanao (from  PAGE A2

A2 JANUARY 6-9, 2024 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

China, US hold rival drills in...

PAGE A1 veillance,” he said, deepening its ability to “project presence and influence in the sea.”

China this week insisted the Philippines was to blame for the spike in tensions, with the foreign ministry saying Manila had “reneged on its words, changed its policy, infringed on China’s sovereignty and made provocations again and again and triggered complex situations.”

Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press conference on Dec. 29 that “China will take resolute measures against any violation of our sovereignty and provocation, and firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”

This week’s drills also follow the appointment of Dong Jun – a former navy chief and dep-

during the activity and I think as of now they are still shadowing, they’re not leaving our trail nor have stopped following our vessels,” Trinidad told reporters.

But he stressed everything “went well” during the MCA, which ended on Wednesday. The previous MCA was held in November.

“As long they do not interfere or do dangerous maneuvers against our vessels, then we will be proceeding as planned and I think we’ve been doing well,” he said, referring to the Chinese vessels.

Coincidence Trinidad said that while the holding of the 2nd MCA may have merely coincided with China’s own patrols, “we want to emphasize, that the MCA is basically well within our EEZ.” “So based on our conduct of exercises and based on international law and we hope that all other countries will be respecting the exercise of our sovereignty and our rights for the conduct of said activities well within our exclusive economic zone,” he stressed.

He revealed that similar joint activities with the U.S. and other partner countries would be held this year as part of promoting capability development and interoperability among participants.

For the latest MCA, the AFP said the Philippine Navy utilized four of its vessels as well as a Search and Rescue/multi-role helicopter, and an anti-submarine warfare capable helicopter.

The U.S., for its part, deployed the Carl Vinson of the Carrier Strike Group 1, as well as a cruiser, two destroyers and multiple combat aircraft.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the 2nd MCA “marks a significant leap in our alliance and interoperability with the United States.”

“It also demonstrates our progress in defense capabilities and development as a worldclass armed force, as we carry out our mandate to protect the people and the state,” he added.

“Our alliance is stronger than ever, sending a message to the world. We are advancing a rules-based international order Philippine Navy ships PS15, PS16 and LD602 in line formation during the 2nd iteration of the and a free and open Indo-Pacific AFP-USINDOPACOM Military Cooperative Activity in West Philippine Sea on Wednesday, January 3. region in the face of regional Armed Forces of the Philippines photo challenges,” Brawner said.  uty commander of the Southern Theater Command – as Beijing’s defense minister.

Sheena Chestnut Greitens, an expert in Chinese politics, said Dong’s background in “important areas of military tension” and as a naval official may have played a role in his promotion. ” She said Dong “has operational experience and background in the challenges presented by Taiwan, the South China Sea and the East China Sea.” In Manila, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said at least two Chinese naval vessels shadowed Philippine and U.S. ships conducting joint drills under the 2nd Maritime Cooperation Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday, January 3.

“The shadowing happened

RELIGIOUS DEVOTION. Replicas of the revered Child Jesus image are displayed at the “Ang Batang Jesus” Santo Niño images exhibit at Ali Mall Activity Area in Cubao, Quezon City on Friday, Jan. 5. The feast of the Santo Niño falls every third Sunday of January and symbolizes the introduction of Catholicism in the country in 1521.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Honeymoon period over? Satisfaction with...

PAGE A1 85 percent to 59 percent).

Duterte, meanwhile, suffered a 10-point drop in her performance rating, from 80 percent in October 2022 to 70 percent in October 2023. It went up to as high as 84 percent in March.

As of October 2023, the vice president’s lowest approval ratings were among respondents from balance Luzon and Metro Manila at 62 percent and 63 percent, respectively (down from 71 percent and 79 percent, respectively, in the October 2022 survey).

The same is true with Pulse Asia’s “Ulat ng Bayan” survey, which showed Marcos’ approval rating dropping from 80 percent in June 2023 to 65 percent in September 2023.

Duterte’s approval rating, meanwhile, dropped from 84 percent to 73 percent.

In terms of trust, Marcos suffered a 14-point decrease from 85 percent to 71 percent. Duterte’s trust rating dropped from 87 percent to 75 percent.

Polling firm Social Weather Stations (SWS) had yet to release its survey results on public satisfaction with government officials as of late last year.

The most recent available survey, conducted in December 2022, showed that 75 percent of respondents were satisfied with Marcos.

Urgent concerns

Various polls also showed that inflation remains the most urgent concern among Filipinos.

Throughout the year, the Marcos administration consistently received low approval score for its efforts to address the rising cost of basic commodities.

Based on OCTA surveys, satisfaction with the government in managing inflation went down from 35 percent in March to just 14 percent in October.

Meanwhile, dissatisfaction increased from 36 percent to 64 percent.

Out of the 24 issues included in the latest survey, the government received approval of less than a majority on eight issues, up from just two issues in the March survey.

These included reducing poverty and hunger, fighting graft and corruption, reducing the amount of taxes, controlling population growth, stopping illegal drugs and ensuring food security.

Providing quality basic and tertiary education and building public infrastructure obtained the highest approval ratings among the selected issues, although these also went down by around 10 points compared to the March survey.

Meanwhile, the September 2023 survey conducted by Pulse Asia showed 74 percent of the respondents identifying inflation as among their most urgent national

concern, up 11 points from 63 percent in June 2023.

It was followed by increasing the pay of workers, creating more jobs, reducing poverty and fighting graft and corruption.

Right direction?

For respondents of the OCTA surveys, more Filipinos still think that the country is headed in the right direction, although the most recent survey showed a decreasing trend.

From 72 percent in July 2023, only 62 percent said that the country is headed in the right direction in the October 2023 survey. It was 76 percent in March 2023 and 85 percent in October 2022.

Those who think the country is headed in the wrong direction increased from six percent in October 2022 to 20 percent in October 2023.

Still, personal optimism remains high.

The latest SWS survey, conducted from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1, showed that 48 percent of the respondents expect a better quality of life within a year, almost similar to the 46 percent obtained in a similar survey conducted in June 2023.

The number of those who expect their lives to worsen in the next 12 months was only six percent, from five percent in the previous survey.

Some 40 percent said it would stay the same, down from 44 percent. 

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 6-9, 2024 A3

California is poised to protect workers from extreme heat — indoors

by SAMANTHA YOUNG KFF Health News

THE stifling heat inside some warehouses where workers might spend 10-hour days isn’t just a summer problem. In Southern California, it can feel like summer all year.

It’s easy to break into a sweat and grow tired, workers say. The ventilation feels inconsistent, they say, and workers have testified in a public hearing about nosebleeds, nausea, and dizziness. In some warehouses, the walk to find a place to cool down is at least half a mile.

“We are in constant motion.

Throughout the day, my shirt is soaked in sweat three to four times,” said Sara Fee, a former worker at an Amazon warehouse in San Bernardino, California, who testified before a state workplace safety board in May. “I have been nauseous, dizzy.”

As the climate warms and the threat of extreme heat spreads, California is poised to protect people who work in poorly ventilated warehouses, steamy restaurant kitchens, and other indoor job sites where temperatures can soar to potentially dangerous levels.

The state has had heat standards on the books for outdoor workers since 2005, and indoor workplaces are next.

Only two other states, Minnesota and Oregon, have adopted heat rules for indoor workers, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Nationally, legislation has stalled in Congress, and even though the Biden administration has initiated the long process of establishing national heat standards for outdoor and indoor work, the rules are likely to take years to finalize.

If California adopts its proposal in the spring, businesses would be required to cool worksites below 87 degrees Fahrenheit when employees are present and below 82 degrees in places where workers wear protective clothing or are exposed to radiant heat, such as furnaces. If businesses are unable to lower the temperatures, they must provide workers with water, breaks, areas where they can cool down, cooling vests, or other means to keep employees from overheating.

“It is only getting hotter every year,” said Alice Berliner, director of the Worker Health & Safety Program at the University of Cal-

ifornia-Merced. “Having protections for both indoor and outdoor workers, it empowers someone to feel like they can ask for access to drinking water, and access to a break when they feel like they’re hot.”

Neither workers nor businesses are satisfied with the plan. Some businesses fear they won’t be able to meet the requirements, even with the flexibility the regulation offers. Workers argue buildings should be kept even cooler.

Heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, cardiac arrest, and kidney failure. In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,600 heat-related deaths, which is likely an undercount because health care providers are not required to report them. It’s not clear how many of these deaths are related to work, either indoors or outdoors.

In California, 20 workers died from heat between 2010 and 2017, seven of them because of indoor heat, according to the Rand Corp., which analyzed the state’s proposed indoor heat rules.

After a record-breaking heat wave in the Pacific Northwest in 2021, Oregon in 2022 adopted protections for indoor workers that trigger when temperatures hit 80 degrees. Minnesota’s threshold temperatures range from 77 degrees to 86 degrees, depending on the type of work. The sheer size of California’s workforce, estimated at about 18 million, could usher in changes for the rest of country, said Juanita Constible, senior climate and health advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

“As California goes, so goes the nation on so many things,” she said.

California regulators have crafted the indoor rules to complement the state’s protections for outdoor workers. Those say that when temperatures exceed 80 degrees, employers must provide shade and observe workers for signs of heat illness. At or above 95 degrees, they must come up with ways to prevent heat illness, such as reducing work hours or providing additional breaks. Colorado, Oregon, and Washington also have rules for outdoor workers.

The California Occupational Safety and Standards Board, which is charged with setting worker protections, is weighing the regulation that would require

employers to cool their buildings with air conditioning, fans, misters, and other methods when the temperature or the heat index hits 82 or 87. Some employees would be exempt from the rule, including employees who work remotely and those involved in emergency operations.

The board is expected to vote on the rules in March, and they would take effect by this summer, board Chief Counsel Autumn Gonzalez said.

Workers say buildings should be cooler than the proposed temperatures, especially in warehouses, food-processing plants, and other places where employees routinely move and lift.

These temperature thresholds “are too high,” said Robert Moreno, a UPS driver in San Diego who told the board in May that he has spent most of his life working in warehouses. At the proposed temperatures, it’s too hot to sit outside and eat lunch, let alone work inside a building that’s been baking in the sun all day, he said.

“Most of these warehouses are sheet metal, zero to no airflow.”

At the Amazon facility in San Bernardino where Fee worked, company spokesperson Steve Kelly said the building is air-conditioned and outfitted with ceiling fans, and workers are encouraged to take cooldown breaks anytime they need to.

“We’ve seen the positive impacts of an effective heat-mitigation program and believe all employers should be held to the same standard,” said Kelly, who declined to say whether the company supports the California proposal.

The temperature inside the 658,000-square-foot building hasn’t risen above 78 degrees, Kelly said.

Regulators have acknowledged that some businesses won’t be able to cool their workplaces, such as laundries or restaurant kitchens, where commercial boilers, ovens, and fryers operate, and have offered them the option of giving workers cooldown areas and other relief.

But those solutions aren’t always feasible, Katie Davey, former legislative director of the California Restaurant Association, told the board in May. For instance, there isn’t room for a cooldown area in many small restaurants, she said. And lowering tem PAGE A4

PLANTING SEASON. Farmers in Calinan, Davao City start planting rice seeds on Friday, Jan. 5. They use the Zamboanga rice varieties, which are said to result in higher yield.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Jo Koy shares ‘hosting preparations’ for Golden Globes

PAGE A1

"Barbie" leads this year's Globes with nine nominations, followed closely by "Oppenheimer" with eight. Other films with five or more nominations are Martin

Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon," "Poor Things," and "Past Lives."

A-listers such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Emma Stone are also in the mix, as are Paul

Giamatti ("The Holdovers"), Timothee Chalamet ("Wonka"), Natalie Portman ("May December") and Bradley Cooper — as both actor and director of "Maestro." 

that elected officials need to invest more resources in directly impacted communities in order to combat anti-AAPI hate aside from having a better understanding of the intersectional ways in which AAPIs experience discrimination.

The survey results also reveal that a staggering 71 percent of AAPI women report feeling stressed or anxious due to fear of gender or race-based discrimination, harassment or violence.

Because of this, many AAPI women report modifying their behavior with 20 percent advising family members to stay away from public areas, 13 percent feeling scared to leave their homes, 6 percent not wanting their children to resume in-person learning due to fear of bullying and 6 percent feeling scared to return to work.

The study concluded that discrimination, harassment and violence against AAPI women – stemming from a long history of anti-AAPI sentiment and misogyny – are still rampant in society, according to NAPAWF.

They occur every day in public spaces, at schools and businesses, and neighborhoods.

“Racism intertwined with misogyny continues to be a part of the lives of AAPI women, and the pandemic merely laid bare what went unnoticed before,” the organization said.

Hate incidents and discrimination targeting AAPI persons and communities, especially the disproportionate impact on AAPI women and girls cannot be ignored prompting calls from NAPAWF to call for systemic changes to understand, address and end these hate incidents and discrimination based on racism and xenophobia.

The survey was conducted in January and February 2022 with a sample comprised of 2,414 adult women residing in the United States who self-identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.

It was offered both online and via phone in English, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog and Vietnamese. (Jun Nucum/Inquirer. net)

2 in 3 anti-Asian hate victims are women...

PAGE A1 racism or discrimination, 38 report experiencing sexual harassment and 12 percent report experiencing gender or racebased physical violence.

The percentage of AAPI women who report experiencing racism or discrimination had no significant difference across ethnic subgroups.

The most common sites where AAPI women experience racism or discrimination include public spaces such as restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping centers (47%), an individual’s place of work (17%), their neighborhood (17%), and mass transit (17%).

The most common perpetrators of racism or discrimination were strangers (53%), friends or neighbors (12%) and clients or customers (11%).

The primary reasons AAPI women report experiencing racism or discrimination include race and ethnicity (46%), skin color (34%) and language or accent (19%).

Nine in ten AAPI women agree

A4 JANUARY 6-9, 2024 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

DATELINE USA

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Global report finds PH the 3rd safest...

PAGE A1

countries in Southeast Asia According to the report, the Philippines is the third safest Southeast Asian country with an index score of 86—only behind Vietnam (92) and Indonesia (90).

The country also ranks 33rd overall, which is 19 ranks higher than the United States.

But how exactly did Gallup come up with these results?

The organization interviewed more than 146,000 people (aged 15 and up) from over 140 countries and asked them these questions: Do you have confidence in your local police force? Do you feel safe when walking alone at night? Have you been a victim of theft within

the past few months? Have you been assaulted or mugged?

Seventy one percent of people worldwide reported feeling safe walking alone at night where they live, while 72 percent expressed confidence in their local police.

The statistics also show that around 12 percent experienced theft within the previous year, while six percent fell victim to assault or mugging.

(In particular, Tajikistan emerges at the top with an index score of 96, while Liberia scores 49—the lowest in the list.)

Status of law and order in the U.S. While the U.S. remains a powerhouse in many aspects, Gallup’s report has highlighted a

concerning trajectory. Its index score has shown no statistical change from last year, but it “continues to head in the wrong direction.”

Meanwhile, Canada matched the stagnant score of the United States, with an index score of 83. Despite many Canadians still expressing their trust in the police (78 percent) and feeling safe walking alone at night (74 percent), its score has dropped to a new low— four points down from the past year to be precise. “The public’s faith has eroded as violent crime keeps rising in Canada, where the murder rate in 2022 was the highest in 30 years,” finds the report. 

benefits — the vision, dental, that kind of thing,” said Christine Huberty, a lead benefit specialist supervising attorney for the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources.

“But it’s when they actually need to use it for these bigger issues,” Huberty said, “that’s when people realize, ‘Oh no, this isn’t going to help me at all.’”

Medicare pays private insurers a fixed amount per Medicare Advantage enrollee and in many cases also pays out bonuses, which the insurers can use to provide supplemental benefits.

Huberty said those extra benefits work as an incentive to “get people to join the plan” but that the plans then “restrict the access to so many services and coverage for the bigger stuff.”

David Meyers, assistant professor of health services, policy, and practice at the Brown University School of Public Health, analyzed a decade of Medicare Advantage enrollment and found that about 50% of beneficiaries — rural and urban — left their contract by the end of five years. Most of those enrollees switched to another Medicare Advantage plan rather than traditional Medicare.

In the study, Meyers and his co-authors muse that switching plans could be a positive sign of a free marketplace but that it could also signal “unmeasured discontent” with Medicare Advantage.

“The problem is that once you get into Medicare Advantage, if you have a couple of chronic conditions and you want to

leave Medicare Advantage, even if Medicare Advantage isn’t meeting your needs, you might not have any ability to switch back to traditional Medicare,” Meyers said.

Traditional Medicare can be too expensive for beneficiaries switching back from Medicare Advantage, he said. In traditional Medicare, enrollees pay a monthly premium and, after reaching a deductible, in most cases are expected to pay 20% of the cost of each nonhospital service or item they use. And there is no limit on how much an enrollee may have to pay as part of that 20% coinsurance if they end up using a lot of care, Meyers said.

To limit what they spend outof-pocket, traditional Medicare enrollees typically sign up for supplemental insurance, such as employer coverage or a private Medigap policy. If they are lowincome, Medicaid may provide that supplemental coverage.

But, Meyers said, there’s a catch: While beneficiaries who enrolled first in traditional Medicare are guaranteed to qualify for a Medigap policy without pricing based on their medical history, Medigap insurers can deny coverage to beneficiaries transferring from Medicare Advantage plans or base their prices on medical underwriting.

Only four states — Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York — prohibit insurers from denying a Medigap policy if the enrollee has preexisting

Older Americans say they feel trapped in...

PAGE A1

Timmins, though, discovered that his enrollment in a Premera Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plan would mean a limited network of doctors and the potential need for preapproval, or prior authorization, from the insurer before getting care.

The experience, he said, made getting care more difficult, and now he wants to switch back to traditional, governmentadministered Medicare.

But he can’t. And he’s not alone.

“I have very little control over my actual medical care,” he said, adding that he now advises friends not to sign up for the private plans. “I think that people are not understanding what Medicare Advantage is all about.”

Enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans has grown substantially in the past few decades, enticing more than half of all eligible people, primarily those 65 or older, with low premium costs and perks like dental and vision insurance.

And as the private plans’ share of the Medicare patient pie has ballooned to 30.8 million people, so too have concerns about the insurers’ aggressive sales tactics and misleading coverage claims.

Enrollees, like Timmins, who sign on when they are healthy can find themselves trapped as they grow older and sicker.

“It’s one of those things that people might like them on the front end because of their low to zero premiums and if they are getting a couple of these extra

 PAGE A7

DANGEROUS COLLECTION. San Juan City chief of police Col. Francis Allan Reglos inspects the high-caliber firearms, explosives and ammunitions seized in Barangay Balong Bato, San Juan City on Friday, Jan. 5. The police served a search warrant on a certain Ronald Aquino Macapagal, who was reportedly tipped off by his wife.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

California is poised to protect workers from...

PAGE A3 peratures in a kitchen could put restaurants in violation of food safety laws that require food to be heated to specific temperatures, she added.

“We are concerned that the proposed indoor-heat illness regulations may conflict with regulations which affect our ability to heat and hold food to the necessary temperatures to protect the public health from foodborne illness,” Davey said.

California regulators have spent years drafting their proposal, and it appears unlikely they will lower the threshold temperatures of 82 degrees and 87 degrees. Doing so would increase the number of businesses that have to comply and the cost, triggering a new review that would delay the regulation’s release, said Eric Berg, deputy chief of health and research and standards at California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, which would enforce the regulation.

“I think that the threshold should be lowered, in general,” said board member Laura Stock, at the May meeting. “But equally, if not, more importantly, is that we don’t hold the process up so that we can get a standard in place as quickly as possible.”

The urgency comes, in part, because of federal inaction. Legislation has stalled in Congress to require OSHA to publish an emer-

As the climate warms and the threat of extreme heat spreads, California is poised to protect people who work in poorly ventilated warehouses, steamy restaurant kitchens, and other indoor job sites where temperatures can soar to potentially dangerous levels.

Unsplash.com photo ny Collab Media

gency rule to enact temporary standards for all workers while the agency pursues a permanent standard. The bill is unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled House, which hasn’t favored regulations on business.

Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), a co-sponsor of that bill, said the situation has become dire in his state. In June, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law eliminating existing local ordinances in Austin, Dallas, and other cities that required employers to give outdoor construction workers water breaks.

“As the climate worsens, and as summers get hotter, we should be doing more to protect workers, rather than taking their

rights away,” Casar told KFF Health News. “Too often, worker protection rules have been allowed to die a slow death in a prolonged rulemaking process, and we can’t let that happen here.” (Samantha Young/KFF Health News) This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.

Mental Health and Adoption: Experts Spearhead Tomorrow’s Smiles Program for Family Healing

by RichaRd Lee As the New Year spirit still lingers, a beacon of hope shines for American adoptive families with the official launch of “Tomorrow’s Smiles” program by A Perfect Love, a Californiabased charity. This initiative, which commenced one day after New Year’s Day 2024, provides crucial mental health guidance to adoptive families, addressing the often-overlooked “hidden mental traumas” of adopted children.

The program spokesperson, Ms. Carol Shen, outlined the ambitious objectives of Tomorrow’s Smiles. According to Shen, adopted children frequently grapple with concealed psychological scars that can significantly affect their behavior and development.

“Our mission is to shed light on these hidden struggles and offer a supportive pathway for healing and growth,” Shen stated. The program is a call to action for psychological education and cognitive development experts globally to impart their knowledge and expertise to local staff members and volunteer workers.

This skilled workforce will provide free, quality counseling services to American adoptive families.

A notable advocate and pioneer in child development, Ms. Lihong Zhang, has joined the cause as one of the first international experts to support the initiative. Ms. Zhang, a prominent figure in Asia’s child development sector, is renowned for her innovative

approach to early childhood character development schemas. These schemas are clustered sets of objects and concepts children use to comprehend and interact with their surroundings.

Her methodology is a testament to understanding and nurturing children’s innate abilities and has seen widespread adoption among early childhood educators in China. Furthermore, her early childhood character development courses have captivated over a million parents, marking a significant milestone in parental education in China.

During an interview, Ms. Zhang emphasized the critical importance of early childhood character development in shaping mental health in adulthood.

“Children, especially those from low-income families or those who have suffered mental or physical trauma, need our support the most,” Zhang remarked.

She expressed her enthusiasm for joining a cause that extends a helping hand to the most vulnerable segment of society. Zhang’s research and practice have long advocated for the profound implications of nurturing early childhood development in a holistic manner, steering away from the limited and often counterproductive “reward-punishment” framework prevalent in traditional educational methodologies.

Her advocacy for a more nuanced understanding of child behavior and development has resonated

Ms. Lihong Zhang (center) giving an online training course to A Perfect Love volunteers

with many in the field.

Zhang believes that the simplistic dichotomy of reward and punishment often fails to address the underlying complexities of child psychology and may inadvertently lead to adverse outcomes in later development.

Instead, she champions a more integrated and compassionate approach, focusing on understanding

the unique psychological makeup of each child and tailoring educational and developmental strategies accordingly.

A Perfect Love’s “Tomorrow’s Smiles” program, with the involvement of experts like Ms. Zhang, is set to transform the landscape of adoptive family support.

The initiative promises to build stronger, healthier

families and brighter futures for adopted children by integrating advanced developmental theories and compassionate care.

As “Tomorrow’s Smiles” rolls out its services, the anticipation and hope it generates among the communities it aims to serve are palpable. Many families look forward to accessing the wealth of resources and support

the program promises to offer. “Tomorrow’s Smiles is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless adoptive families and children, turning the tide towards a more understanding, supportive, and effective approach to adoption-related mental health issues. It will set a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide,” Ms. Shen told the reporter.

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4 Filipinos named into Permanent Court of Arbitration

by IAN LAQUI Philstar.com

MANILA —The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) has appointed four Filipinos as members of the court, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday, January 4.

The DFA said that the international tribunal had confirmed legal experts Raul Pangalangan, Sedfrey Candelaria, Antonio La Viña and Ambassador Eduardo Malaya as Members of the Court after their names were submitted

by Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo.

According to the PCA website, members of the court are arbitrators who are appointed by “contracting parties.” Each contracting party can nominate at least four arbitrators known for their “competency in questions of international law, of

the highest moral reputation and disposed to accept the duties of arbitrators.”

Moreover, the individuals appointed to the Court by each Member State will form its national group, providing them the authority to put forward nominees for the International Court of Justice and suggest candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize in conjunction with the ICJ judges.

Malaya is the Philippines’ current ambassador to the Netherlands and is the acting president of the PCA Administrative Council 20232024.

Pangalangan, for his part is a former judge of the International Criminal Court from 2015 to 2021 and law professor at UP College of Law. Meanwhile, Candelaria is also a law professor from the Ateneo de Manila University and is the Chief of Research, Publications and Linkages Office of the

Philippine Judicial Academy.

La Viña was a member of the PCA Specialized Panel of Arbitrators and Experts for Environmental Disputes from 2016 to 2022. He was also the former dean of the Ateneo School of Government in 2006.

He is the current associate director for climate policy and international relations of the Manila Observatory.

He is also one of the legal counsels of Rep. France Castro (ACT-Teachers) on the grave threat charges filed by the lawmaker against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Each of the appointee will have a term of six years. Their appointments can be renewed according to the PCA. Filipinos who had been members of the PCA included retired Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno, and retired Justice Jose Vitug. 

Palace touts gains in Marcos campaign vs drugs

by ALEXIS ROMERO Philstar.com

MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday, January 4 touted the gains of President Marcos’ antidrug campaign, which differed from the previous Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs.

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said P10.41 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized in 2023 and 27,968 barangays were cleared of narcotics.

As of Dec. 27, 2023, there were 23 provinces, 447 municipalities and 43 cities that established their respective communitybased drug rehabilitation programs.

Citing a Philippine National Police report, the PCO added that 56,495 suspects were arrested in more than 44,000 anti-illegal drug operations.

There were also 50 provinces, 1,160 municipalities and 30 cities with “functional” anti-drug abuse councils at the local level while 74 in-patient treatment and rehabilitation facilities were also established.“The recent government successes were under President Marcos’ new

“The recent government successes were under President Marcos’ new approach to address illegal drugs by focusing on rehabilitation, reintegration, and preventive education programs specifically for the youth,” the PCO said.

Malacañang photo

approach to address illegal drugs by focusing on rehabilitation, reintegration, and preventive education programs specifically for the youth,” the PCO said.

Marcos’ predecessor, former president Rodrigo Duterte, had launched a bloody crackdown on illegal drugs.

More than 6,000 suspected drug offenders were killed under the controversial campaign, which drew criticism from human rights groups.

Duterte had insisted he would only face cases before a Philippine court after complaints were filed

before the International Criminal Court.

In a September 2022 speech delivered in New York, Marcos said there is a need to “learn lessons” from the previous administration’s experience, noting that enforcement “only gets you so far.”

In May 2023, Marcos acknowledged that “abuses” were committed in the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.

He added that syndicates “have grown stronger and wealthier and more influential.” 

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 6-9, 2024 A5

A6 JANUARY 6-9, 2024 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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FEATURES

OPINION

After the K-12 transition

WHICHEVER agency is in charge of the senior high school program, the primordial concern must be the provision of quality education. The Department of Education, which is in charge of basic learning, must show that it can match or even do a better job with senior high school students than the Commission on Higher Education.

CHED entered into an agreement with the Department of Education back in 2015, allowing state universities and colleges or SUCs to temporarily offer the senior high school program from 2016 to 2021 as part of the transition to Kindergarten-to-12. This was to mitigate the impact of a drop in enrollment in SUCs due to the additional two years of high school.

Because of the pandemic and the shift to distance learning, the transition period went beyond the schedule. Last Dec. 18, with no more legal basis to fund the program because of the agreement, CHED ordered SUCs to stop offering Grade 12 classes for the coming academic year 2024-2025, although those currently enrolled will be allowed to finish senior high school in the SUCs. With the K-12 transition over, there is no more gap in SUC enrollment, so DepEd can take charge of Grade 12, which is part of basic education, CHED officials pointed out.

DepEd has expressed readiness to accommodate the incoming batch of senior high school students.

Whether the SHS program is under the DepEd or CHED, the government offers universal free public education all the way to college, so tuition will still be free for students in the public school system.

What the government can monitor is the impact of the shift on class sizes and the resources of DepEd. Approximately 17,000 students are expected to enroll in Grade 12 in the coming school year. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers has expressed concern that without additional facilities and manpower, Grade 12 classes under DepEd will be too large and cumbersome for educators. This can adversely impact the quality of education, ACT warned.

As CHED pointed out, placing the SHS program under SUCs was merely a temporary measure to keep the higher education institutions viable during the transition to K-12. With the transition complete, both DepEd and the SUCs can focus on the main concern, which is putting an end to the crisis in Philippine education. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Broader View

HARRY ROQUE I TRUST most of us had a fine time welcoming the new year.

I hope the explosion of legal fireworks and the din from reunion parties drowned out the noise that pollutes our personal and professional lives, even for a day.

On the national front, the revelry afforded us a fleeting respite from the divisive politicking of the usual suspects.

But since we are in the Philippines, 2024 means another crazy chapter on the battlefield of local politics. A case in point is the alleged ongoing cooperation between the Marcos government and the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor, which has resumed its preliminary investigation on the Philippine War on Drugs from 2011-2019. In the interim, both former President Rodrigo Duterte and current Vice President Sara Duterte alternately served as Davao City mayor.

Digong was our chief executive from 2016 until 2022.

My Malacañang source informed me that within the month, the government will

Virtual Reality

TONY LOPEZ FINANCE Secretary Benjamin Diokno cites ten reasons why this year’s outlook is going to be better than 2023’s performance: 1. The Philippines has the vote of confidence of multilateral organizations like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank.

The economic managers designed a post-COVID recovery program called the MTFF – Medium Term Fiscal Framework.

For 2024, MTFF seeks to reduce the national government (NG) fiscal deficit-to-GDP ratio to 5.1 percent and the NG debt-to-GDP ratio to 60 percent. Infrastructure spending will be 5-6 percent of GDP, meaning the BBM administration will spend a total of P8.6 trillion for infra alone in six years.

2. For two consecutive years, the national budget was approved on time – a difficult feat under global uncertainties, but shows a very strong relationship between the Executive Department and Congress.

Government line agencies and government-owned and controlled

Cooperation? release a statement denying any cooperation between the Marcos administration and the ICC Prosecutor concerning the drug war campaign investigation.

Supposedly, President Bongbong Marcos Jr. will belie reports that he had favorably responded to the ICC’s request for full cooperation. I hope PBBM will also refute rumors that he got triggered by a baseless destabilization story involving FPRRD and several retired military generals. It will also prove that his policymaking approach, particularly in foreign relations, rests on hard evidence, not mere hearsay. In so doing, he will clear the air and address the widening rift between his administration and the Dutertes.

On the other hand, some colleagues in the legal profession have been telling me that ICC lawyers have been coming in and out of the country to meet with the families or representatives of alleged victims of extralegal killings. Without constraints, these legal counsels have been interviewing the witnesses and coaching them on presenting their affidavits to sustain the determination of probable cause.

Of course, central to the investigation would be the Duterte

family, whom the representatives of the victims have linked to crimes against humanity. I am afraid that Senators Bato Dela Rosa and Bong Go, who served under the Duterte administration, might also become the subject of the ICC probe.

Antagonizing the Dutertes So, who is afraid of the Duterte father and daughter?

Not the officialdom of the House of Representatives, obviously.

Nor certain powers that be in the Executive branch. They are unfazed by a recent poll result that showed Digong as a possible topnotcher in the 2025 senatorial race. In a Publicus Asia survey, FPRRD got a 48 percent voting predisposition and a 59 percent trust rating from the respondents.

Meanwhile, VP Sara is statistically tied with Senator Erwin Tulfo as the leading presidential candidate for 2028, according to a Tangere survey conducted in November (UNTV).

Before the Christmas break, the House justice and human rights committees unanimously adopted a resolution urging the government to cooperate with the ICC on the drug war investigation.

The committees are coordinating with Senator Risa Hontiveros, who filed a similar resolution in the Senate (ABS-CBN). Unfortunately,

ManilaTimes.net photo

the supposed allies of Inday Sara in the now fractious UniTeam Alliance have apparently joined hands with the Opposition and Leftist politicians in undermining the VP’s mandate as an elected official and integrity as a public servant. They do not seem to care if they appear as attack dogs or function as chess pieces for politicos/parties eyeing the presidency in 2028. The ultimate objective is clear: systematically destroy the public trust and confidence in VP Sara and FPRRD. And remove Inday from power through constitutional or legal methods. After their impeachment moves against Sara failed, they are now going the ICC route to have her (and Digong) probed and eventually prosecuted.

They can only achieve this if they successfully convince the government to cooperate with the Court.

Under Article 86, the Statute obligates every State Party to cooperate fully in investigating and prosecuting crimes under the Court’s jurisdiction. Officially, the Philippines became a nonmember on March 17, 2019, a year after it deposited a written notification of withdrawal.

In my view, the Court lost its jurisdiction over the case since the Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC)-approved preliminary investigation commenced two

years after the country left the ICC. It can only investigate and prosecute alleged crimes against humanity of murder that took place in Philippine territory while we are still a Party to the Statute. The Court Prosecutor should have taken a leaf from the Burundi case and begun its drug war probe before the Philippine withdrawal took effect in 2019.

Burundi is still under obligation to cooperate with the Court since the Prosecutor conducted a preliminary investigation before the East African nation’s official withdrawal in 2017.

Supporting the Tribunal The Appeals Chamber, which rejected the Philippine appeal to stop drug war campaign investigation, noted that the country brought a concrete challenge to the ICC jurisdiction.

The judges who dissented with the majority opined that the “PTC erred in law in concluding that the Court had jurisdiction over the Philippine Situation despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute.”

By its reckoning, the ICC is a handicapped international tribunal. Given its lack of manpower such as process servers and absence of a police force, the intergovernmental organization must get the support of both State Parties and NonState Parties to arrest individuals,

transfer suspects to the ICC detention center, freeze the assets of suspects and enforce sentences.

The ICC will have to rely on competent authorities in the Philippines like the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Justice (DOJ). In particular, the Court needs the DOJ for the service of summons for the witnesses and subpoena ad testificandum (a writ compelling an individual to give testimony or submit physical evidence and pertinent documents before a trial court).

Once the ICC determines probable cause and issues warrants of arrest against the accused, the DOJ can request the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and even the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to make arrests.

Can you imagine our law enforcers and military officers apprehending our former president and current VP for possible detention in The Hague while awaiting trial? If this happens, there will be trouble and mayhem across the archipelago, to paraphrase presidential sister, Senator Imee Marcos. (Philstar. com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

Ten reasons why the 2024 outlook is better corporations (GOCCs) have been told to make purchases early to prevent underspending that slows economic growth. Plus, in early 2024, government will ramp up spending to prevent catch-up spending towards yearend.

3. The Bangko Sentral’s inflation fighting measures – basically doubling up interest rates – “appear to be bearing fruit, with the inflation rate returning to the target range of 2 to 4 percent in 2024 until 2028.”

“Keeping the inflation rate within manageable levels to protect the Filipino people’s purchasing power and maintaining macroeconomic stability shall remain the government’s top priority,” Diokno assures.

4. The country’s investorgrade credit ratings are a vote of confidence in the economy.

In November, both S&P Global and Fitch Ratings affirmed the Philippines’ BBB+ and triple-B ratings with Stable outlook, respectively. The Japanese Rating and Investment Information Inc. (R&I) affirmed Manila’s triple-B plus rating and revised its outlook from stable to positive.

Credit rating agencies and market analysts remain confident in the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals due to the sustained economic recovery, strong

external position, improving fiscal position with declining debt, sound banking system and stable political environment.

5.

Heightened investment activities in the country with the enactment of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code and the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).

The PPP Code ensures highquality infrastructure and services in the country to reach the government’s target infrastructure spending of 5 to 6 percent.

The MIF the Philippines’ firstever sovereign wealth fund, will support government infrastructure, create jobs, promote investments, strengthen connectivity, achieve energy, water and food security and support the government’s poverty reduction efforts by sustaining the economy’s high growth trajectory and ensuring sustainable development, with the end in view of promoting efficient intergenerational management of wealth.

Rafael D. Consing Jr. is the president-CEO of the Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC).

Four directors came from the private sector.

Reports Diokno: “The economic team continues to see possible improvements in the FDI prospects for the country along with game-changing structural

reforms such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act and amendments to the Public Service Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act, Foreign Investments Act and the revised implementing rules and regulations of the Renewable Energy Act.” 6. The BBM administration is keen to ease doing business and make service delivery efficient.

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has been told to deliver.

ARTA’s approach has been meetings, more meetings – and more meetings. Expect a big meeting this January, featuring the new economic czar, Frederick Go. Reports Diokno: “ARTA is improving and optimizing the regulation in sectors with significant impact on the economy, with the priority sectors being (i) Telecommunications and Connectivity, (ii) Energy, (iii) Logistics, (iv) Health, Food and Pharmaceuticals and (v) Infrastructure. ARTA is also actively monitoring and promoting government agencies to leverage technology to efficiently deliver services, citing digital solutions such as the eGovSuper App, the Philippine Business Hub, the Philippine Business Databank, the Electronic Business One Stop Shop and Tradenet.”

To me, the best way to cut red tape is cut processing of business permits to just – ten minutes. And order the banks to release as loans to one million SMEs P5.3 trillion of idle deposits.

7. The country’s external position remains strong to withstand external vulnerabilities.

The balance of payments will show a surplus at 0.1 percent in 2024. The peso will continue to be supported by structural inflows as BPO revenues grow by 7 percent, travel receipts expand by 50 percent and OF remittances maintain growth of 3 percent based on the latest BSP outlook.

8. The ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and other Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), such as the Philippines and South Korea FTA, will facilitate trade diversification and expand the country’s market access for goods and services, attract more investments and create more and better jobs.

The Philippines’ participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) will also help position the country as a reliable global partner and a prime location for businesses that seek to diversify and expand their supply chains for manufactured goods.

The government will continue to pursue the finalization of other trade agreements and ensure that negotiations under the ASEAN with Australia and New Zealand, China and other ASEAN-led FTAs will advance the country’s position in the region.

9. Diokno expects the passage of key tax reforms which are already in the advanced stages in Congress this year to help ensure sufficient government financing of the 2024 budget.

The DOF seeks passage of Package 3 or the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform (RPVAR), value-added tax (VAT) on non-resident digital service providers (DSPs), excise tax on single-use plastics and motor vehicle road user’s tax, among others. The Automatic Income Classification of LGUs Act was passed last year.

10. DOF will harness LGUs as engines of economic growth. They are being told to speed business permit processing. In ten minutes.

(Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Email: biznewsasia@gmail.com

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 6-9, 2024 A7

Transparency urged in jeepney modernization

by WILLIAM DEPASUPIL ManilaTimes.net

ORGANIZED labor has thrown its support behind Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III's call for the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to be transparent about the suppliers in the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which plans to replace the iconic jeepneys with mini buses.

"We need to know if we tap Filipino labor, use domestic materials and locally produced goods in this jeepney modernization," the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) said in a statement on Thursday, January 4.

FFW President Sonny Matula said the government must give preference to local jeepney makers.

The government appears

to have forgotten local manufacturers like Sarao, Francisco, Malagueña, Armak, and Amante, which all have the capacity to manufacture and refurbish jeepneys, Matula said.

Under Section 12, Article XII of the Constitution, the State "shall promote the preferential use of Filipino labor, domestic materials and locally produced goods, and adopt measures that help make them competitive."

The group said Pimentel's proposal for an indefinite or a sixmonth to one-year suspension of the program is laudable since it would allow for a more thorough review of the implications of the transition.

"Our local industry has the capability to contribute significantly to this modernization effort," it said.

The FFW also highlighted a joint trade union report

to the International Labor Organization (ILO) High Level Tripartite Mission to the Philippines, which criticized the modernization plan for its impact on the freedom of association, especially concerning the disenfranchisement of jeepney drivers and operators.

The FFW raised concerns over the mandatory consolidation of jeepney operators into cooperatives or corporations, citing potential constitutional issues and conflicts with international human rights standards.

"Forcing operators and drivers to join cooperatives or corporations challenges the constitutional right to freedom of association. It also contradicts Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that no one should be compelled to belong to an association," the group said. 

DOH: No COVID-19 surge during holidays

by GAEA KATREENA CABICO Philstar.com

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) said on Thursday, January 4 that COVID-19 transmission remained low during the Christmas and New Year holidays, dispelling fears of a new surge.

The DOH advised the public against claims of a new COVID-19 wave in Metro Manila, attributed to a physician from St. Luke’s Medical Center, circulating online.

“There is no credible evidence or official announcement from health authorities supporting the assertion of a surge in COVID-19 cases at the mentioned hospital,” the agency said.

According to the health department, bed occupancy for COVID-19 cases in intensive

care units remained low between November and December 2023, reaching a maximum of only 16% and averaging 12%.

Non-ICU bed occupancy followed a similar pattern, peaking at 19% and averaging at 17%. The proportion of severe and critical admissions also remained low, currently at 11% The DOH reported the average number of new COVID-19 cases per day for the week of December 26 to January 1 decreased by 10% compared to the daily average of new infections from December 19 to 25.

“Our data shows the continuous low transmission and mild presentation of COVID-19 locally. This is due to Filipinos choosing healthy behaviors and heeding the call for multiple

layers of protection,” the DOH said, as it reminded the public not to be complacent against COVID-19.

Misinformation spreaders warned The DOH called on Filipinos to rely on information about COVID-19 from reputable sources such as the agency and other official health organizations.

“Misinformation can contribute to unnecessary panic and fear,” the department said.

The agency warned that it may file criminal complaints if false claims persist.

There are currently around 5,310 active COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. Since the start of the pandemic, more than 4.06 million people have recovered, while over 66,000 have died in the country. 

Inflation eases to 22-month-low 3.9 percent in December

by LOUELLA DESIDERIO Philstar.com

MANILA — The country’s inflation rate eased further in December to its lowest level in nearly two years, driven by the slower increase in utility costs and food prices, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

At a press conference on Friday, January 5, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said headline inflation or the rate of increase in the average prices of goods and services typically purchased by consumers slowed down further to 3.9 percent in December from 4.1 percent in November, and 8.1 percent in December 2022.

“This was the slowest since February of 2022 when the headline inflation was recorded at three percent,” he said.

The December inflation print, which decelerated for the third straight month, is within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 3.6 to 4.4 percent forecast for that month and marks the return to the central bank’s two to four percent target range.

Average inflation for 2023 was at six percent, higher than the 5.8 percent in 2022.

Mapa cited housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels as the main driver of the downward trend in inflation as the commodity group registered a lower growth of 1.5 percent in December from 2.5 percent in the previous month.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages also had a slower inflation rate of 5.4 percent in December from 5.7 percent in November.

Inflation for food alone eased to 5.5 percent in December from the previous month’s 5.8 percent due to the faster declines in prices of vegetables and oils and fats, as well as slower increase in meat prices.

Rice inflation, however, rose further to 19.6 percent in December from November’s 15.8 percent.

Mapa said the December rice inflation is the highest since March 2009, when it hit 22.9 percent. He said the average prices of the three varieties of rice tracked by the PSA went up in December from the previous month.

As rice inflation registered a higher rate in December, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan underscored the importance of Executive Order 50, which extended the Most Favored Nation reduced tariff rates for key agricultural commodities like pork, corn and rice to ensure sufficient food supply and keep prices affordable.

“Amid an uptrend in international rice prices and the expected negative impact of the El Niño phenomenon, the Interagency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook will closely monitor the situation and propose further temporary tariff

A worker arranges noche buena items for sale at a stall at Commonwealth Market in Quezon City on November 23, 2023.

Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas

adjustments if necessary. We will also push for trade facilitation measures to reduce other nontariff barriers,” he said.

While the medium-term objective is to boost agricultural productivity, he said it is necessary to augment domestic supply to ease inflationary pressures, particularly to lowincome households.

Wholesale price index Wholesale prices of goods at the national level picked up at a slower pace in November from the previous month due largely to a decline in fuel prices, according to the PSA. Data from the PSA on Friday showed the growth of the General Wholesale Price Index (GWPI) in the country eased to 4.2 percent in November last year from 4.4 percent in October 2023.

The GWPI growth in November last year is also lower than the 7.2 percent uptick in the same month of 2022.

“The annual rate of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials decreased further to 6.7 percent in November 2023 from a 3.7 percent drop in October 2023, which primarily caused the downtrend in the annual rate of the GWPI in the country,” the PSA said.

In addition, four commodity groups posted slower increases in November from the previous month such as food at 6.8 percent from seven percent – chemicals including animal and vegetable oils and fats at 1.5 percent from 1.8 percent; machinery and transport equipment at 1.3 percent from 1.5 percent and miscellaneous manufactured articles at 3.3 percent from 3.6 percent.

In Luzon, the GWPI growth also slowed down to 4.1 percent in November 2023 from the 4.4 percent increase in October 2023, and 7.4 percent uptick in November 2022.

The Visayas also registered slower GWPI growth of 5.2 percent in November from 5.3 percent in October 2023, and 6.5 percent in November 2022.

As for Mindanao, the GWPI growth increased further to 3.6 percent in November 2023 from 3.3 percent in October 2023.

Mindanao’s GWPI growth in November, however, is lower than the 4.8 percent increase in the same month in 2022.

Food production The government will further boost food production and implement measures to keep the prices of basic commodities affordable, President Marcos assured the public on Friday as the 2023 inflation rate settled to its lowest level in December. “The government continues to work hard to improve the condition of our economy. For the new year, we will further strengthen programs for agriculture and focus on measures to keep the price of food and other basic commodities affordable,” the president said in Filipino in his official X account.

Inflation The decline in inflation to below the BSP target range of 2-4 percent by the end of 2023 was expected, House committee on ways and means chair Joey Salceda said on Friday.

In a statement, Salceda noted that this figure is aligned with his office’s estimates. The same goes for the annual average inflation of 6.0 percent.

“As I emphasized last month, the government must zero-in its efforts on rice, which has accelerated its inflation to 19.6 percent. All other commodity prices are under control,” he added.

The Albay representative cited, for instance, that the 12.2 percent inflation rate for fruits and nuts can be attributed to seasonal consumption during the Christmas season.

He underscored that the price increase on water supply, subject to regulation, is needed. On the other hand, all other commodity prices are either in single-digit or negative inflation. Corn inflation, in particular is negative, and this has resulted in a mere 0.2 percent inflation for meat.

Salceda underscored the country needs to focus on “import source diversification and increasing our domestic yield significantly” for rice as world prices are once again on the uptrend. He maintained there is a need to engage in solutions both on the domestic and diplomatic fronts.

The lawmaker cited that India has maintained its export controls, and there are expectations of a moderate El Niño this 2024, thus making rice prices more expensive globally. 

MAKING A LIVING. A vendor sells towels and shopping bags outside the Baclaran Church in Parañaque City on Thursday, Jan. 4. Ambulant vendors often bring their wares within the church premises as it teems with devotees any day of the week.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Older Americans say they feel trapped in...

PAGE A4

conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

Paul Ginsburg is a former commissioner on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, also known as MedPAC. It’s a legislative branch agency that advises Congress on the Medicare program. He said the inability of enrollees to easily switch between Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare during open enrollment periods is “a real concern in our system; it shouldn’t be that way.”

The federal government offers specific enrollment periods every year for switching plans.

During Medicare’s open enrollment period, from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, enrollees can switch out of their private plans to traditional, government-administered Medicare.

Medicare Advantage enrollees can also switch plans or transfer to traditional Medicare during another open enrollment period, from Jan. 1 to March 31.

“There are a lot of people that say, ‘Hey, I’d love to come back, but I can’t get Medigap anymore, or I’ll have to just pay a lot more,’” said Ginsburg, who is now a professor of health policy

at the University of Southern California.

Timmins is one of those people. The retired veterinarian lives in a rural community on Whidbey Island just north of Seattle. It’s a rugged, idyllic landscape and a popular place for second homes, hiking, and the arts. But it’s also a bit remote.

While it’s typically harder to find doctors in rural areas, Timmins said he believes his Premera Blue Cross plan made it more challenging to get care for a variety of reasons, including the difficulty of finding and getting in to see specialists.

Nearly half of Medicare Advantage plan directories contained inaccurate information on what providers were available, according to the most recent federal review. Beginning in 2024, new or expanding Medicare Advantage plans must demonstrate compliance with federal network expectations or their applications could be denied.

Amanda Lansford, a Premera Blue Cross spokesperson, declined to comment on Timmins’ case. She said the plan meets federal network adequacy requirements as well as travel

time and distance standards “to ensure members are not experiencing undue burdens when seeking care.”

Traditional Medicare allows beneficiaries to go to nearly any doctor or hospital in the U.S., and in most cases enrollees do not need approval to get services.

Timmins, who recently finished immunotherapy, said he doesn’t think he would be approved for a Medigap policy, “because of my health issue.”

And if he were to get into one, Timmins said, it would likely be too expensive.

For now, Timmins said, he is staying with his Medicare Advantage plan.

“I’m getting older. More stuff is going to happen.”

There is also a chance, Timmins said, that his cancer could resurface: “I’m very aware of my mortality.” (Sarah Jane Tribble/KFF Health News) KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.

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Saturday, JANUARY 6, 2024

Asian Journal

WKND

LIFESTYLE CO N S U M E R G U I D E COMMUNIT Y MARKETPLACE

Tragic event leads to a sweet and successful ending on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday DOLORES was petitioned by her U.S. citizen mother in 2003 as a married child under the F3 classification. After 18 long years, the National Visa Center (NVC) notified them they could now start preparing their paperwork.

Unfortunately, events took a bitter turn when Dolores’ husband had a heart attack and passed away a month later.

Dolores’ brother, Don, consulted with the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel where leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Gurfinkel proposed that they inform the NVC of the husband’s death, so Dolores’ petition could be converted from “married” (F3) to “single” (F1), resulting in visas being immediately available for Dolores and her children. Atty. Gurfinkel also requested expedited processing because the petitioner was elderly and sickly. If something happened to her, the petition could be at an end.

The “sweet” ending of this tragic situation was that Dolores and her children, Keno and Kobey, Don Rosete (left) hired leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. were able to immigrate to the U.S. sooner while PAGE B2 Gurfinkel (right) to help with the case of his sister, Dolores (center).

Fil-Am Nicole Scherzinger to make Broadway debut for ‘Sunset Boulevard’

by KriStofer Purnell Philstar.com

FILIPINA American singer and former Pussycat Dolls lead vocalist Nicole Scherzinger will be making her Broadway debut as she reprises her role of Norma Desmond from the third West End revival of “Sunset Boulevard.”

Scherzinger will be joined by her West End castmates Tom Francis, Grace Hodgett-Young, and Olivier Award-winner David Thaxton as their London shows close soon in the move to Broadway.

Details such as the venue, dates, and additional casting have PAGE B3

BITTERSWEET GREEN CARD BECAUSE HUSBAND DIED, ON A BRAND-NEW SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! Dolores (center) was petitioned by her U.S. citizen mother in 2003 as a married child of a U.S. citizen (F3). Finally, in 2021, the National Visa Center (NVC) notified the family that they could now start preparing their paperwork, even though the priority date was not yet current. However, the husband, who had a heart condition, became excited over the prospect of immigrating to the U.S. and had a heart attack and died. It was a bitter turn of events. Ironically, because of her husband’s death, Dolores’ petition was converted from “married” (F3) to “single” (F1) and it was considered “current”. Leading Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) was able to have the case queued for interview and requested expedited processing because the petitioner was already elderly and sickly. The “sweet” outcome of the unfortunate turn of events was that Dolores and her children – Keno (left) and Kobey (2nd from left) – were able to immigrate to the U.S. sooner. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, January 7 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

Enrique pens sweet birthday message for Liza amid breakup rumors

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

ACTOR Enrique Gil penned a sweet message to former love team partner Liza Soberano.

Liza celebrated her 26th birthday on Thursday, January 4.

In his Instagram story, Enqiue posted a photo of him and Liza.

“Happy Birthday our dear hopie!!! I’ll always have your back no matter what,” Enrique wrote.

Nicole Scherzinger PAGE B3 Photo from Instagram/@nicolescherzinger LizQuen at the 2019 ABS-CBN Ball

Phlstar.com photo

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Lovi bids farewell to ‘Batang Quiapo’ role

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

TRADE, TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT FORUM. A forum featuring Philippine officials tool place at Kumu LA Studios on Friday, January 5, part of the 2024 CES Business Mission. Photo above shows speakers at the forum (from left) Emmy Lou Delfin, Director, Department of Information and Communications Technology(DICT); Tereso Panga, Director General, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA); Rafaelita Aldaba, Undersecretary, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); Danilo Lachica, President, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation (SEIPI); and Napoleon Juanillo, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Photo courtesy of Roger L. Oriel

LOVI Poe ended her stint as Mokang in the ABS-CBN series adaptation “Batang Quiapo” full of gratitude, saying the opportunity was the “missing piece to [her] puzzle.”

In the Jan. 4 episode of the TV series, Lovi’s character died after taking a bullet for Tanggol, the role portrayed by Coco Martin.

Mokang was shot in the head and was seen being buried by a wailing Tanggol in the teaser for the next episode.

“I am truly blessed to have been part of a project that represents my father’s name. It was a first and it will always mean the world to me,” Lovi said via her Instagram page.

“My deepest appreciation to Sir Deo, Tita Cory and ABSCBN for this opportunity,” she continued, referring to the Kapamilya network executives Deo Endrinal and Cory Vidanes.

“You have given me a missing piece to my puzzle. For that, I will always be grateful.”

Lovi also addressed the production team as well as the cast, commending them for their creativity and talent. “I will always be cheering for all of you from

Coco Martin and Lovi Poe in “Batang Quiapo.”

ABS-CBN photo

afar. Mamimiss ko kayo nang malala.” (I will miss you dearly.)

She then expressed her gratitude to Martin—who also serves as the series director— for continuing her dad Fernando Poe Jr.’s legacy. Lovi further said that she’s one of Martin’s biggest fans, urging the actor to find time to rest amid his many work commitments.

“A big part of my 2023 was breathing life into a character I have grown to love—what a privilege it was to play Mokang.

She was a fighter and she taught me how it is to truly be free,” she wrote. “It really was a tough decision for me to make but I

have decided to turn the page.” “…Sa mga nagmamahal kay Mokang, sobrang mahal ko din kayo. Maraming maraming salamat poe,” she added. “Inyong tropa, Mokang…now signing off.”

(To those who love Mokang, I love you all so much. Thank you so much. Your friend Mokang, now signing off.)

“Batang Quiapo,” which is meant to commemorate FPJ’s 18th death anniversary, is based on the 1986 movie starring FPJ. Other cast members include Charo Santos, Christopher de Leon, Lito Lapid, John Estrada and Cherry Pie Picache. g

Jiro sells Gawad Urian trophy for P75K and was directed by the late Maryo J. de los Reyes.

Manio brought the trophy to Boss Toyo’s shop FORMER child actor Jiro Manio sold his Gawad wrapped in a plastic bag. He also showed his Urian Best Actor trophy for P75,000 to vlogger downloaded photos of him online with the awards and collector Boss Toyo of Pinoy Pawn Stars. he received over the years, but according to him, In a YouTube vlog, Manio shared the award these other trophies were lost. was from his critically acclaimed 2003 film Initially, Manio valued the Gawad Urian trophy “Magnifico” which he co-starred with Gloria at P500,000, however, Boss Toyo said that if he PAGE B3 Romero, Lorna Tolentino, and Albert Martinez,

By IzA IglesIAs ManilaTimes.net

Tragic event leads to a sweet...

PAGE B1 the petitioner – Dolores’ mother and the boys’ grandmother – was still alive.

Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, January 7 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

Atty. Gurfinkel was able to bring Dolores (center) and her children Keno (left) and Kobey (Advertising Supplement)

(2nd from left) to the U.S. sooner after the reclassification of Dolores’ petition from F3 to F1.

MIFF unveils official poster; Stars, filmmakers invited to come from Manila THE inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) unveiled its official poster honoring Hilda Koronel, the festival’s Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Awardee (named after the late outstanding Filipino American leader), and representing the best of Philippine cinema.

The poster image is made up of hundreds of stills from Koronel’s movies with Lino Brocka, including “Insiang” and “Maynila: Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag,” which are considered among the most important works in Philippine cinema.

A closer look at the poster, designed by Elton Lugay and Adam Lang, will reveal that Brocka is beside Koronel, a detail that symbolizes the Philippines’ excellent filmmakers and talents.

MIFF, whose mission is to showcase, promote and help uplift Philippine cinema, has invited the filmmakers and stars behind the 10 Metro Manila Film Festival entries which make their American premiere in the LA festival to be held from January 29 to February 2. The talents from the Philippines are invited to attend MIFF events, including Q&As and personal appearances at select screenings, at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood and the Directors Guild of America on Sunset Boulevard.

The 10 films debuting in America at MIFF, including the biggest winners and most nominated in the MMFF awards ceremonies held in Quezon City last December 27, are: Jun Robles Lana’s “Becky and Badette,” starring Eugene Domingo and Pokwang; Lemuel C. Lorca’s “Broken Heart’s Trip” (Christian Bables); Nuel Naval’s “Family of Two (A Mother and Son Story)” (Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards); Zig Dulay’s “Firefly” (Alessandra De Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell); Pepe Diokno’s “GomBurZa” (Enchong Dee, Dante Rivero and Cedrick Juan); King Palisoc’s “(K)Ampon” (Beauty Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay); Derick Cabrido’s

“Mallari” (Piolo Pascual and Janella Salvador); Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Penduko” (Matteo Guidicelli and Kylie Verzosa); Mae Cruz-Alviar’s “Rewind” (Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes); and Conrado Peru, Rommel Penesa and Christopher de Leon’s “When I Met You in Tokyo” (Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon).

Screenings and events will be held mainly at the TCL Chinese Theatres. TCL Chinese Theatres is located on the third level of the Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland), 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028.

On the MIFF’s closing day on February 2, the screenings will both be at the TCL Chinese Theatres and the DGA, located at 7920 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046. A closing night awards gala, where Koronel will receive the Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Award and to be graced by stars

and filmmakers, is scheduled.

Tickets, including bundles that offer free tix, are now available at: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/2024-manilainternational-film-festivaltickets-771883764117.

The MIFF founders are Omen Ortiz (chairman), Ebradu Udarbe (president), Lisa Lew (executive producer), Ruben Nepales and Janet Nepales, media relations consultants, and Celia Abaya Dy, ticketing manager. Also on the MIFF team are Leo Dela Cruz, chief financial officer; Erickson Ilog, chief operations officer; Ron Ramores, chief marketing officer; Cindy Sison, consultant; and Meriden Angeles, coordinating producer.

For MIFF sponsorship inquiries, contact Erickson Ilog (eilog@ manilainternationalfilmfest. com) and Ron Ramores (rramores@ manilainternationalfilmfest. com). g

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Jennifer Punsalan Delwood: Journey to LA City Hall marked by grit, glow and grace Rhizomes

Prosy AbArquezDelAcruz, J.D. “I FEEL that she [Jennifer Punsalan Delwood] fully embodies the best of our people’s values and demonstrates that with her calm, thoughtful leadership style that enables her to be inclusive and to build movements.”- Former City of Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido, 2023 “Authentic leadership is a type of management style in which people act in a real, genuine, and sincere way that is true to who they are as individuals.

Proponents of authentic leadership say this type of leader is best positioned to inspire trust, loyalty and strong performance from employees.” –TechTarget. com When I asked to do an interview with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, it was the week marking her first year in office. She was doing the rounds of how the Inside Safe Program was taking root in Los Angeles, with 41,000 unhoused folks. She promised to house 17,000 folks by the end of that week, while 21,000 have been placed in temporary housing, some in permanent housing.

L.A. Magazine, Trevor Noah, LA Times, Evan Lovett, CALMatters, KTLA, NBC4, San Fernando Valley Business Journal, LA Business Journal, LA Magazine, ABC 7, NBC 4, KTLA, LA Daily News, Fox 11, Spectrum, and The New Yorker have interviewed her. My slot for that first week in December was rescheduled for 2024.

Though the Asian Journal was sharing communication space opportunities with the mainstream press outlets, LA City Hall’s staffers were gracious, staffers met me at the lobby, and ushered me to the office of Deputy Chief of Staff Jennifer Punsalan Delwood.

After 45 minutes of interview, Delwood brought me to the conference room where seven Filipino American staffers at the LA City Hall’s Mayor’s Office joined her for photos. They are Jeminnie De Quiros (Accountant),

Left to right: Max Reyes, Senior Director of Economic Policy; Jennifer Punsalan Delwood, Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Karen Bass; Anthony Ancheta - Graphic Designer; Rodielyn Aguiluz - Accountant; Jeminnie De Quiros - Accountant; Dr. Janice Lumen Andrade - Community Engagement Manager; and Eduardo Soriano Hewitt, Chief of Public Engagement Strategies, Mayor’s Office of Public Safety Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz

Jenny Delwood with her parents, Frances and Daniel Wood, prior to her graduation at Harvard Courtesy of Jenny Delwood/Facebook

Rose Ibanez mobilized a response from LA City Hall’s Jenny Delwood and Edo Soriano - Hewitt.

20 unhoused Filipino families were in an encampment behind a middle school in Los Angeles, a referral from Cecile Ochoa who was in touch with volunteers who were working with unhoused families.

Photo courtesy of Rose Ibanez

Rodielyn S. Aguiluz (Accountant), Max Reyes (Senior Director of Economic Policy), and Dr. Janice Lumen Andrade (newly minted EDD, Community Engagement Manager) and Anthony Ancheta (Graphic Designer).

That impressed me in how inclusive she is, sharing the space with her fellow kababayans, one of whom is my community-adopted nephew,

Eduardo Soriano-Hewitt, whose deceased parents were our longtime friends. Eduardo is the Chief of Public Engagement Strategies, Mayor’s Office of Public Safety.

Another Filipino, Ebony Cobb (Accountant), was covering a work assignment.

Jennifer “Jenny” Punsalan Delwood is the deputy chief of staff to LA Mayor Karen Bass. She

oversees a portfolio of constituent services, public engagement, legislative and governmental strategy, international affairs, budget and innovation team, operations and scheduling. She served as the former Executive Vice President at the Liberty Hill organization providing oversight on programs, grant making and strategic planning. She served as chief deputy for children, youth and families for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and was Bass’ legislative director, according to the LA City website and her Linkedin. She has done many tours of duty with Bass.

While describing her core duties, Delwood described her two other colleagues, Solomon Rivera and Celene Cordero, who are also deputy chiefs of staff.

Her self-described traits are curiosity from community learning sessions, listening and asking questions, learning, understanding the political landscape and leveraging her knowledge and understanding community organizations and shareholders.

She speaks of her solid relationship with her boss and role model, Mayor Bass, who puts a very high value on relationship building as a collaborator and former organizer.

“I try to emulate her by always acting from a place of value and integrity,” Delwood said.

Grit: Passion and perseverance towards social justice and equity Angela Duckworth wrote a book on grit, wherein she studied the traits of over 67 geniuses.

While their traits were varied, she synthesized what was common to all: passion and perseverance to a long-term goal, not deviating in attention, a persistence of motive, a degree of will, and perseverance to stay the course. In the face of obstacles, grit is acquired by overcoming the struggles, akin to climbing mountains, powered by experiences, and after ascending a summit, a confidence is gained to try something new.

One might surmise that Pulido’s assessment of Delwood’s leadership might be overly kind, yet when one considers her ascent to important organizational leadership roles, there is verifiable proof to PAGE B6

Jiro sells Gawad Urian...

PAGE B2 were to buy the trophy for the said price, he doubted that it would generate a higher value, or anyone would be willing to buy it from him.

The vlogger then negotiated for the trophy at P50,000, but Manio countered with P100,000. In the end, they both agreed for the value of P75,000 as there was no engraved name on the said trophy. Manio instead signed the trophy with the marker and said that he hopes that the trophy will be included in Boss Toyo’s future museum.

Manio also looked back at how he handled fame.

He shared, “It was difficult. Back then, my style was work and then home. I rarely went out, and when I did, people flock. It’s unavoidable. I don’t just go out casually; I always have to ask for permission.”

Apart from Gawad Urian, Manio also won Best Child Actor award at the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS) for the same movie “Magnifico” in 2004.

Prior to that, he won the Best Child Performer award in the 2001 Metro Manila Film Festival for his role in Marilou DiazAbaya’s “Bagong Buwan” (2001). He also received acting award nominations for his performances in “Mila” (2001) and “Foster Child” (2007).

Manio was once a member of ABS-CBN’s talent management agency Star Magic from 1999 until his termination in June 2009 due to unprofessional behavior. On Jan. 17, 2020, Manio was arrested for allegedly stabbing a man in Marikina.

Currently, he is a father of two daughters who are not under his care. He had his first-born when he was 15 years old. g

Jiro Manio sold his Gawad Urian Best Actor Award Photo screengrabbed from Boss Toyo Production

Fil-Am Nicole Scherzinger...

PAGE B1 yet to be disclosed, but the production will likely premiere during the latter half of 2024 and Scherzinger will play Desmond for around six months.

“Sunset Boulevard” is based on Billy Wilder’s 1950 film of the same name about a struggling screenwriter and a former silent-film actress who yearns for a return to stardom.

The latter character, Desmond, was famously portrayed by Gloria Swanson who was received a Best Actress Oscar nomination. The film itself had 11 nods in total including Best Picture, winning three.

Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black, and Christopher Hampton adapted “Sunset Boulevard” for the stage in 1993 where Patti LuPone then Betty Buckley played Desmond on West End, while Glenn Close originated her on Broadway.

This new stripped-down reiteration is directed and produced by Jamie Lloyd, and Scherzinger’s West End performances was described

by The New York Times as “career-defining” and The Washington Post as “the perfect Norma Desmond.”

Scherzinger previously starred in the West End revival of another Lloyd Webber classic “Cats” as Grizabella, for which she received a Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and has been a judge on several reality competition shows including “X Factor” and “The Masked Singer.” g

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Glitter & Gold party caps 2023 at Euphoria West Covina

Enrique pens sweet birthday message...

PAGE B1 “Wish I was there to celebrate your special day,” he added.

Breakup rumors between the two started at the first quarter of 2023.

Enrique then denied the breakup in his interview with “TV Patrol” in April 2023.

“We’re good, we’re good,” he said.

“She’s just really busy with her stuff there. I am going to be visiting her maybe when my schedule clears up. I think she’s coming back here. But yeah, we’re good,” he added.

Liza then said that they are still seeing each other even when she’s in the U.S. “Every once in a while.

Occasionally mostly because we’re both, like, constantly flying,” she said.

“I’ve been in the [United] States for a while and then I came back, and he’s been flying. So it’s very seldom now.

But we do [meet], we still do,” she added.

Philippine Entertainment Portal, however, reported that Liza and Enrique broke up last October 2022. It claimed that Liza has an unreleased interview wherein she revealed that they have broken up. She, however, requested not to show it.

The two haven’t publicized their alleged breakup as of this writing. g

Katya Santos and non-showbiz boyfriend Paolo Pilar

Photo from Instagram/@paopilar

Katya engaged to non-showbiz boyfriend

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

FORMER sexy star Katya Santos is now engaged with to her non-showbiz boyfriend Paolo Pilar.

In his Instagram account, Paolo posted photos of the proposal held in Lake Ashi in Japan.

“20 years ago I met a wonderful woman named Katrina, in the beautiful island of Boracay,” Paolo wrote.

“Today in 2024, I finally asked

her to be my wife with our families, friends, and the majestic Fuji-San as witnesses,” he added.

Paolo vowed to love Katya for the rest of their lives.

“I have loved you for 20 years and would continue to do so until my last breath. To forever, my Pungay!” he said.

Celebrities Melissa Ricks and Marvin Agustin, Maui Taylor, Chariz Solomon and Karel Marquez congratulated the couple in the comments section.

PAGE B5

In the Mix

Mic Diaz GLITTER & Gold brought some of the best Pinoy DJs in town — DJ Ting Maligaya, Dee Buen, George Garcia and DJ Mouth (Arvin Aberilla) — to Euphoria at Noypitz West Covina, a recently renovated restaurant in the heart of West Covina last Saturday, December 30.

Its new management under Hera Ramos of Bistro Filipino, another local gathering place east of Los Angeles, aims to bring back the glory days of the entertainment and dance scene in Manila.

Glitter & Gold is the first in a series of themed dance parties featuring Filipino-American and Pinoy DJs presented by Mutch Cariño of Maxx Promos, Janice Jimenez of Regal Real Estate and Financial Services, Jesse Pacleb of Party Party People and Mic Diaz of Mic Diaz Presents.

Local city officials such as City of Carson Councilmember Jim Dear as well as business leaders Angelo Varsobia of Varsobia Group of Companies, Celeste Friedman of Bontika and Javier Suarez of FastFix Jewelers were present.

Miss Globe USA Kirstin Yvonne Bangs lent a helping hand in presenting Certificates of Recognition from California State Assemblymember Mike Gipson to awardees of the 2023 Spotlight Awards such as R&B Singer Honore, JayR Vienes Datu and Ron Bills of WSDM Water; leaders of active alumni associations in the U.S. such as Gary Esteban of Letran Alumni Association and Noel Pascual of San Beda Alumni Association, Mary Ann Palencia of United Federation of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFFIED), Maria Socorro Alcaraz of Howling Gale Entertainment, Jascel, Jerome and Jevin Valencia of Junior New System and their manager Mars Visda. These certificates were facilitated by Moises Aglipay, Jr., Field Deputy for

Photos by George Garcia, Arvin Aberilla, Michelle SD Advincula and Mic Diaz

Assemblymember Gipson.

Stalwart supporters of the local dance scene such as Andy Edralin of AZE Media, former WEA dancer Katrina Llanes, and members of Party Party People such as Michelle, Mona, Milko and Monte Carlo of the Santo Domingo family; Phil Santos, Carlo and Liza Lopez, Lemuel and Rachel Pia, Peaches Pie Elegir, Charisse De Leon, Obi Camua, Regi Libre and Robbie Salvador were also present.

Birthday celebrant and wife of DJ Mouth (Arvin Aberilla) Joy Aberilla celebrated her birthday with forty of her friends and the finest selection of house, disco, new wave and hip hop this side Los Angeles.

Everyone’s invited to come and have fun at the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of Aberdeen Institute, a brand new School of Nursing that offers CNA and LVN programs, on Saturday, January 13, 11:30

a.m. to 4 p.m. Take a tour of the campus and learn about Aberdeen Institute. It’s the best and most affordable Nursing school in town. See you there! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** micdiazpresents@gmail.com

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On following the footsteps Junk fees are illegal in California of the three Magi Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

law Senate Bill 478, which prohibits “offering a price for a good or service that does not include all mandatory fees or charges other than taxes or fees imposed by a government on the transaction.” The new law, which will go into effect on July 1, 2024, requires that businesses disclose all fees upfront.

This directly addresses the California Legislature’s main criticism of junk fees, namely, that it is a form of deceptive, bait-and-switch advertising that actively hides the true cost of a transaction until it is too late to back out. California Attorney General Rob Bonta is a strong supporter of the bill, noting at its introductory conference “how frustrating it is to get to the checkout and find out something advertised at one price actually costs much, much more.”

At the the bill’s introductory conference. it was argued that junk fees are “bad for consumers and bad for competition,” and that “[t] he prices advertised should be the price you pay.” The consumer advocacy group CALPIRG agrees, noting in a Los Angeles Times interview that “[w]ithout knowing the true price of a product or service upfront, the process of comparison shopping becomes nearly impossible.”

Starting July 1, 2024,

endeavor can be attributed to their perseverance, faith, and adherence to the guidance of the Star of Bethlehem. Additionally, it was the movement of the Holy atty. C. Joe sayas, JR. Spirit that directed them away from King Herod’s influence, A LOT of attention has been ReveRend ensuring they did not disclose focused on so-called “junk Rodel G. BalaGtas the location of the Child Jesus. fees,” hidden fees that often In our own journeys of faith, take consumers by surprise in as we strive to build and rebuild the final stages of a transaction.

I COULDN’T help but think our faith and the Church, we A new law from the California and be grateful for the abundant will inevitably face obstacles Legislature have now made grace that was bestowed upon and encounter individuals such “junk fees” illegal in the our parish during our Advent who may try to dissuade us State of California. and Christmas liturgies last from following Christ and week. It was a remarkable Junk fees came into prominent His teachings. Similar to the national sight to witness a packed and attention with three magi, it is crucial complaints from concert goers vibrant church, brimming that we pray for the gifts against ticket sellers. These with faith and joy! Every of discernment and the would include vague items like pastor who witnesses power of the Holy Spirit service fees, processing such a demonstration or to enlighten and empower handling fees, and convenience of faith among their us. We must not allow fees that jack up the costs of flock would feel elated, any secular forces to concert tickets beyond their rewarded, proud, fulfilled, undermine our Christian original advertised price. Large and excited. They would faith. Instead, we should hotel chains have also been undoubtedly say, “At steadfastly embrace criticized for vague long last, thanks be to resort the path of love, mercy, fees and other surcharges God, we’re finally back forgiveness, faith, service, that significantly inflate the to normal after the and hope, as these virtues advertised nightly rates for pandemic.” have the power to conquer hotel stays. The practice of such While some may argue the darkness prevalent in hidden or surprise fees seems that this scenario is our world. common and expected to have become more common The year 2024 poses in recent years, with anecdotal during Christmas, with various challenges within accounts pointing to similar many attending Mass the realms of both the practices in the car rental, only on Christmas, Easter, Church and politics. entertainment, and hospitality and other holidays, I, as a However, let us place our industries. pastor, am tremendously unwavering trust in the delighted by the significant On October 7, 2023, power of prayer. Together, Governor Newsom signed into number of attendees.

All is not lost, particularly in every pandemic, persecution, let us implore God to bring this present age when surveys and war. We can only achieve about peace, unity, and justice indicate a decline in church this by maintaining a strong for the world and all people.

Have a Blessed, Happy, and attendance. We are still finding faith in God and believing in people who have never forsaken the teachings and ways of Jesus Prosperous New Year! *** their faith. And for those who Christ.

The Solemnity of the The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints occasionally attend Mass, who knows if our Christmas liturgies Epiphany of the Lord, which expressed by the author do not might have rekindled their faith signifies the manifestation of necessarily reflect the opinions,

By Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net and inspired them to engage our Lord to all peoples, conveys beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian more actively with the church a profound message of hope. Journal, its management, editorial POPS Fernandez reflected on the impact of The journey undertaken by board and staff. again? streaming platforms for new and old artists in the *** As I have mentioned in my the three magi reflects their homilies, I am not a pastor unwavering hope to encounter Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the music industry.

During a press conference and contract signing who loses hope in our people the Christ-Child, the Light of pastor of Incarnation Church in with Viva Artists Agency (VAA), the Filipina singer or dwells on alarming surveys the world. Their success in this Glendale, California. admitted that it was only recently that she learned how streaming platforms work.

“Actually, recently ko lang naintindihan. I’m still trying to understand Spotify,” she said. “I didn’t know that I already had an artist account there PAGE B4 months. Medyo may mga pinagdadaanan lang,” until, of course, I did a new single. So I am, like, learning a lot of things.”

“Congrats Pao & Katya,” Marvin commented. she said.

She noted that new artists are lucky to have Last November, Katya said on her Facebook “I’m now currently doing IVF para sa hindi account that she underwent In Vitro Fertilization nakakaalam, IVF is In vitro Fertilization in short if digital platforms for their music compared to their (IVF) to get pregnant. nahihirapan ka magka baby IVF is the best option generation, which had to go the old-school way.

“They’re very, very lucky,” she said. “Before, “Helloooooo guys!!!! Na miss ko kayo, for you and yun po ang ginagawa ko ngayon,” she Pops Fernandez PAGE B6 sorry hindi ako masyadong active the past few added. g regarding faith and church involvement. I firmly believe in taking a proactive approach to our church. We will do everything possible to ensure our parish is vibrant and alive in faith. I believe that we are making progress towards that goal.

With proactivity comes the essential virtue of hope. We cannot afford to lose hope for the Church, the world, and humanity. There is goodness and potential in every person, and we have a God who never abandons us. We will endure

Pastor’s Notes

The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, which signifies the manifestation of our Lord to all peoples, conveys a profound message of hope.

The journey undertaken by the three magi reflects their unwavering hope to encounter the Christ-Child, the Light of the world.

businesses offering goods and services for sale will have to be much more transparent with any fees they seek to charge California consumers. The law is intended to specifically prohibit drip pricing, which involves advertising a price that is less than the actual price that a consumer will have to pay for a good or service.

With open disclosures, consumers can better see the real costs of products or services that they pay, and ultimately can make wellinformed decisions. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.]

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Pops says streaming platforms make it easy for new artists

Katya engaged to non-showbiz...

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Is it time to update your California revocable trust?

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes IT is a good idea to review your existing revocable trust if the terms and provisions are still current. A revocable living trust is a cornerstone of a comprehensive estate plan in California. Its flexibility allows you to adjust your wishes through life’s ups and downs.

But how do you actually make those changes? This is typically done by amending a revocable trust in California, delving into the process and common areas of modification.

California Probate Code Section 15401 outlines two primary methods for amending a revocable trust: 1. Following the Trust’s Instructions: Many trusts specify their own amendment procedures. Read your trust carefully. If it outlines specific steps, follow them precisely.

These may involve signing an amendment form, notifying beneficiaries, or obtaining specific consents.

2. If the trust is silent on amendments, you can follow the general procedure for amending the revocable trust.

This is done by drafting an Amendment Documents, Sign and Notarize, and Deliver to the Trustee.

The common terms that are

updated through an amendment to the revocable trust are: 1. Beneficiaries: Adding, removing, or changing beneficiary designations is a frequent amendment. Ensure new beneficiaries meet any stipulated qualifications and consider tax implications.

2.

Distribution Provisions: You can modify how and when assets are distributed, for example, by adding contingencies or creating trusts within the main trust for specific beneficiaries.

3. Trustee Appointment or Removal: Changing trustees due to incapacity, resignation, or your preferences requires careful attention to detail and ensuring a smooth transition.

4. Asset Transfers: Adding or removing assets from the trust involves understanding titling procedures and ensuring proper documentation.

While amending a trust may seem straightforward, legal technicalities and potential pitfalls lurk beneath the surface. Consulting an experienced California estate planning attorney is highly recommended. They can draft a legally sound amendment document, protecting your intentions, advise you on potential tax consequences of your changes, ensure compliance with all legal requirements and formalities, and navigate complex situations involving incapacitated beneficiaries or disagreements among family members.

A revocable trust offers incredible flexibility, allowing

you to adapt your estate plan as circumstances change.

Understanding the amendment process and commonly modified terms empowers you to make informed decisions about your future. Remember, while some basic amendments may be feasible on your own, seeking professional guidance ensures your wishes are accurately and legally reflected in your trust. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. He is founder and Managing Partner of LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010.

Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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Pops says streaming platforms...

PAGE B5 kasi kami pahirapan i-play ang kanta. I remember there’s Side A and Side B (cassette tapes). Isascratch pa yung side B para side A lang ang i-play.

And then they would count the number of plays on the radio.”

Fernandez said that with the help of streaming platforms, artists can easily upload their songs, and they can easily reach an audience that will generate views.

“They will just upload it, nagandahan ang kanilang followers, and it will automatically generate a million views. So, I think they got it more than kami. They are very lucky, as long as they believe in themselves. And they are very

talented,” she noted.

The “Philippines Concert Queen” also commented on how the new generation of artists can easily hold concerts outside the country and the opportunities they get to receive more global attention.

“I feel that they are very, very lucky, and sila pa ngayon nagta-travel rin. They get to do a lot of shows outside the country. Before bago ma-notice ‘di ba, it’s such a big deal to make it internationally,” the singer reflected.

“Now, it’s easier because there are plenty of ways to be noticed and to get there. As long as, again, you have the courage and the artistry, you can do it,” Fernandez concluded. g

Jennifer Punsalan Delwood...

PAGE B3 Pulido’s evaluation. Every climb up the ladder has been climbing a growing tree, with branches of equity, justice and progressive inclusion and unity. I was struck by the sustained commitment of her professional choices.

That period of the 1980s to the early 1990s was marked by turmoil and vigorous student activism, Pulido asserted as UCLA student body president.

Delwood became the university’s second Filipino American student body president, serving from 2005 to 2006.

“Previously, we saw the largest social upheaval, the Anti-Vietnam War movement, the Black Power movements, following that, a progressive student movement evolved from these social justice movements, as well as the farmworkers’ movement, the anti-martial law struggles against Philippine dictatorship of Marcos, Sr. to the 1980s fight against apartheid in South Africa and the defense of affirmative action.

“It saw the rise of Third World Coalition at UCLA, a coming together of students of color organizations. Each of these diverse organizations maintained their unique voices, as together we built a coalition that emerged stronger following the 1992 Los Angeles Rebellion/Riots. At the start of the unrest in Los Angeles on April 29, 1992, we called for a moratorium on campaigning during the student elections that were already underway, as other universities and schools throughout Los Angeles had suspended classes, while UCLA stayed open,” Pulido shared the context at UCLA. He continued, “When the elections for student council resumed a week later, I was elected, the first Filipino American elected to that position. Further, the largest contingenet of Asian Americans ever was elected, 9 out of 13 seats available.”

He added, “Student Power was the name of our slate and our rallying slogan.”

“There was a new sense of urgency in that decades of the 1990s: from Mandela getting released, the fight for affirmative action, to 1986 when Marcos Sr. was ousted, the Black-Korean crisis in 1992, etc. UCLA’s student organizational politics became increasingly concerned about the politics of Pico-Union, South Central and Filipinotown.

After the 1990s in the mid 2000’s, coalition began to facture and by 2005, Delwood and Samahang Pilipino reached out to [me], she helped revive and restore what was at risk of being lost, I believe because of her deferential and humble style,” Pulido asserted.

Delwood, who was pursuing her bachelor’s degree in international relations and sociology, jokingly said to me during an interview: “I majored in international relations and sociology, but I studied activism.”

Delwood credited Samahang Pilipino for “ground[ing] me to my identity and in the organization, I deeply explored my identity, including how to be in solidarity with people of color and queer student activists.”

Delwood ran with a slate of folks of color and queer students “to exert our student power within the system.”

“Our fight for diversity, outreach, and just retention policies included divestment of retirement investments from Sudan [who was at war], to protect these pension funds. Mark is a dear mentor, Glo and Mark are dear mentors of mine. Mark is a foundational student leader who built foundations for subsequent generations to build activism in student government, Samahang Pilipino has been part of that coalition, [grew] into a stronger form of being active in student government,” Delwood recalled her UCLA college days.

Delwood made a mark at UCLA in changing hostile academic policies of excluding folks of color in large numbers for admission, according to a history written by Pinoy Bruins.

During the period when UCLA had a hostile anti-affirmative action policy, the university accepted only 99 Black students.

Delwood learned to be an activist, participated in die-ins, rallies, marches, workshops in campus and inside the administrative offices. She credited a number of student of color organizations: “Mecha, Asian Pacific Coalition, African Student Council, whose friendships lasted my entire life.”

They advocated for reforms, towards a more wholistic criteria to be applied and after, more students of color were admitted into UCLA. “I wanted to engage the students. I was in campus from 2001 to 2006. I stood on the shoulders of students of color activists before me, like the Samahang Pilipino. I was part of PCN (Pilipino Cultural Night), I was dancing, stomping my feet, in a circle, when the beads

Two beautiful women, Jenny and Christine Delwood, at their wedding.

Photo courtesy of Amy Gray Photography/Facebook

Jenny Delwood graduated from Temecula High School with her grandparents.

Photo courtesy of Jenny Delwood

Jenny Delwood in San Simon, Pampanga

of my necklace broke during the performance, we had to stomp on those beads, and it hurt as we danced,” Delwood recalled.

Grit: ‘It hurt as we stomped our feet on those beads’ Typical of her deferential style, Delwood responded to my question about her life’s journey likening it to a growing tree with branches of equity, social justice, progressive inclusion and unity, as coming from the examples of her grandparents and parents, who taught her public service with integrity and passion.

The fruit does not fall far from the tree, as the saying goes.

Her grandpa, Lt. Col. Leon Flores Punsalan of San Simon, Pampanga, lived to 91 years. He retired after 31 years in the U.S. Army, having served in WWII. He was the talk of the town, a graduate of West Point’s Class of 1936, whose academy graduates included General William Westmoreland and General Creighton Abrams.

He was the only one from the Philippines, out of 500 who took the exams, to go to West Point in 1932, with only one slot allotted. His mother went around the province to solicit financial support, as they had no means to send him to the U.S. The provincial folks of Pampanga responded with generosity, despite their very limited resources. He endured racial insults and hazing, yet excelled in physics and engineering. “It was the depression, so I had to suffer,” as reported in The Virginian Pilot, entitled “The Untold Battle Leo Punsalan Faced Envy at Home, Bigotry Abroad.”

He also received a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and got a patent for his rifle cartridge ejector invention.

Her grandma, Rosario Macrohon Punsalan, born in Zamboanga City, lived to 103 years and raised six children, 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Her “legacy is compassion and grace.

Grandma was there for all of their life’s milestones and dayto-day adventures in between,” Delwood wrote on her Facebook post.

Her mom is Frances Punsalan Wood, who taught at Val Verde Unified District, as an elementary school teacher. Her dad, Daniel Wood, worked as assistant superintendent. This photo was taken prior to her graduation at Harvard Kennedy School in May 2015, where Delwood earned a Master’s in Public Administration in the one year, mid-career program. She also continues to be involved in CORO fellows, a graduate of their leadership program.

Delwood paid homage to her ancestors, more than describing her own accomplishments. It was only after I raised more questions that she shared more of herself.

I asked: “How did you manage to have your wedding, recalling

Photo courtesy of Jenny Delwood

three photos of an artsy image inside Renwick gallery, a photo in front of Culture House and two pairs of heels with ONLY sign, to become a community affair, mobilizing Metro DC?” Glow of mutual love With a huge smile, Delwood shared that then-Congresswoman Karen Bass officiated her wedding to Christine Delwood, which The Blade reported on.

They had their first date four years prior, with a bike ride and later, attending Taste of DC food fest.

Inspired by that first date, they got married in a similar fashion, exchanging vows in front of family members and friends in attendance, with a reception at Taste of DC food fest. There, a special booth was prepared for them with a huge banner announcing their marriage, including getting up on a crane to get an overview of the entire food fest. That combination of intimacy and a broad overview must have solidified the ‘sense of purpose’ of their relationship.

They bought entrance tickets for their guests to the Taste of DC food fest, and they received a gift from the organizers, a giant Jenga game, which Delwood and Christine are fond of playing.

Delwood simply sent an email to the organizers, a cold-call so to speak, and the organizers responded generously.

Their first dance was to their favorite, ‘Brown Eyed Girl, ‘

by Van Morrison, some lyrics excerpted here.

Hey, where did we go?

Days when the rains came Down in the hollow Playin’ a new game Laughin’ and a-runnin’, hey, hey Skippin’ and a-jumpin’ In the misty morning fog with Our, our hearts a-thumping and you My brown-eyed girl And you, my brown-eyed girl And whatever happened To Tuesday and so slow?

Going down the old mine with a Transistor radio Standing in the sunlight laughing Hiding ‘hind a rainbow’s wall Slipping and sliding All along the waterfall with you My brown-eyed girl You, my brown-eyed girl Do you remember when we used to sing?

Grace of mentoring and working with others Grace, coming from a Latin girl’s name, comes from the word, gratia, meaning generosity, respect, action, compassion for others and the spiritual energy that catalyzes change, also known as God’s favor or blessing.

To witness organizations transformed in one’s lifetime is grace. A more common definition is the unmerited favor of God toward man or man-made transformative actions towards the common good.

I asked Delwood if she PAGE B7

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Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon

Jenny Delwood’s grandparents in front of their wedding photo.

Photo courtesy of Jenny Delwood

Jennifer Punsalan...

PAGE B6 has witnessed organizations transformed, or cultures changed, while in them. She referred to what Bass has done through the Inside Safe program, where out of 41,000 homeless, 17,000 she promised, 21,000 are housed, after her first year in office.

While at Liberty Hill Foundation, Delwood was the Executive Vice President for five years. From a base of private donors, led by Sarah Pillsbury, with a theme of Change, not Charity, the organization engaged tenants in seminars, workshops and allies, educating them on tenants’ rights, preventing homelessness, evictions, and staying housed.

Before, the organization was dependent on private funding, and later, expanded to receiving public grants. It grew from 16 to now, 40 plus staffers.

“I have always viewed mentoring others as part of my civic duty, my passion, and it is nice to work with youth in public affairs program. I look to my foundational mentors like Mark and Gloria Pulido, who give back as well. Like CORO, it is an ideals project about what an organization should be, and something I enjoy,” Delwood explained the motivation behind her choices.

While working for the federal government, under Ralph Lopez, during the Obama administration, Delwood participated in full team retreats “where together, we were inspired to do more rapid rule making, focused on runaway youth, child welfare, domestic violence, and always, in a spirit of collaboration and teamwork.”

She formed her workstyle, by collaborating with Bass, who at one time, co-founded the National Foster Youth Institute, with her: “on the belief that organizing foster children, they can lead the changes for welfare reform affecting them and their families. It is how former foster youth are also part now of the oversight body,” she added.

Delwood described that she and her partner have also fostered children and shared a photo of a child on her desk, and above it, a framed kulintang (bronze gong) award from the National Federation of Filipino American Associations as an inspiring young leader. “From shadowing leaders, sitting in meetings, I learned to shift mindsets by

working in communities,” she added.

Delwood shared that cultural change happens when everyone participates. She believes deeply that we have to be together, “to step in, to step up,” in order for things to be done. At this point, she informed me that Mayor Karen Bass, through the Inside Safe program, has now housed 21,000 folks.

It was a qualitative change that happened as Bass welcomed strategic advisors, their direct input and feedback, as “Mayor Bass is both visionary and chasing details on that vision,” she continued.

For self-care, she does hiking, camping, biking and “during my wedding, Christine and I rode a pedicab. A large part of my selfcare is my relationship with my spouse.”

“Mayor Bass believes in family and a commitment to our personal life, making investments with our loved ones. She has a big picture, her vision, and we need to be able to execute on the little details, and not just talking. It is about getting people housed: of bringing together the city departments,” Delwood reflected on Bass’ leadership style, “I am very fulfilled and love working with Mayor Bass, locking arms and the whole of government involved,” she added. “I am very grateful to be a small part of what is happening. I feel very fulfilled.” *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 12 years. She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof.

Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the U.S., in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.

IS the government after you for unpaid IRS taxes that you cannot afford to pay? Do you get sick to your stomach not knowing what the government will do next to collect what you owe?

Most people think they have no recourse when it comes to dealing with the Internal Revenue Service. This is absolutely NOT TRUE! Don’t let the IRS take advantage of your lack of knowledge – because they will (it is, after all the, the government we’re talking about here).

News Alert: The IRS just announced this week that it will now go FULL-FORCE again in collecting taxes that you owe!

This was temporarily put on pause during the pandemic and so the IRS was not doing much to collect in the last 3 years. That is about to change so expect to get a collection letter to be in your mailbox soon! What does that mean? That means that if you have ignored your IRS tax problems in the past, you can’t afford to do that anymore. The IRS is a giant collection agency that will not be ignored! They have an arsenal of weapons in their hands to make sure that you pay every penny that you owe. I’m talking about the IRS garnishing your wages, putting a tax lien on your home and

Tax problems? Don’t let the IRS ruin your life! other assets, freezing your bank account, and revoking your U.S. passport! You don’t think that can happen to you?

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There are completely legal and ethical ways to put the IRS at bay. What you need is the knowledge about IRS procedures and rules that will

of the penalties and interest removed from your account, you can drastically reduce the total amount of your tax debt. Of course, the government will not tell you this and it is up to you to find out for yourself how this can be possible under certain circumstances.

Ultimately, you want to accomplish four primary objectives when fighting the IRS:

News Alert: The IRS just announced this week that it will now go FULL-FORCE again in collecting taxes that you owe! This was temporarily put on pause during the pandemic and so the IRS was not doing much to collect in the last 3 years. help you in fighting the tax man. You have legal rights as a taxpayer but if you don’t know what they are, there’s a chance you’re not getting a fair deal when dealing with the government. These powerful strategies I’m talking about can buy you precious time to save your business, your assets, and your sanity!

Is your tax bill GROWING every day? Believe it or not, the penalties and interest that the IRS is charging you can exceed 20% in some cases! This means that if you can just get some

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My office will work diligently to prevent any enforced collection action such as bank account and accounts receivable levies and seizure of assets. After you hire me, you will never have to talk to the IRS again! As your attorney, I will call the IRS and deal with them directly while trying to find the best solution for your situation. I can help you wherever you are in the United States. How about a good night’s sleep for a change? I know that having IRS problems can be very stressful, but unless you do something about it, nothing will change, and your problems just get worse over time. Call me now for a quick consultation and let’s talk about how we can get rid of your IRS problems forever! *** NOTE: Due to the current lockdown order caused by COVID-19, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has been in private practice for 23 years and have helped more than 6,000 clients obtain debt relief. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866471-8273.

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