011223 - Las Vegas Edition

Marcos to ‘soft launch’ Maharlika wealth fund at World Economic Forum

by DAPHNE GALVEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will introduce the proposed Maharlika wealth fund on the world stage during the 2023 World Economic Forum (WEF), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday, Jannuary 12.

DFA Undersecretary Carlos Sorreta said it was the President who broached the idea of tackling the controversial sovereign fund at the WEF, which will be held in

Davos, Switzerland this month.

“At the briefing this morning, the President said that we have developed excellent fundamentals, there’s much that we can offer to investors and he said ‘you know let’s talk about the sovereign wealth fund that’s being set up’,” he said in a Palace briefing.

Sorreta said the WEF will be a “great venue” to “soft launch” the Maharlika wealth fund, which is yet to secure approval from Congress.

“The WEF is a great venue to do a sort of soft launch for our

USA

Rob Bonta sworn in as California attorney general

Bonta shares plans for 2023

In his inaugural address on Friday, Jan. 6, Bonta — the first Filipino American to hold the position — honored the diverse leaders of California, including the Filipino and Latino pioneers of the 20th-century labor movement.

“Everyone was there because of the mission. We all saw injustice in the world, and we wanted to fix it. It’s why I decided to become a public attorney — to fight for those who’ve been wronged. And it’s that fight for justice — for all Californians — that motivates me today,” Bonta said.

Previously, Bonta was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in April 2021 after former

Back to the future with COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatments will no longer be free once the Public Health Emergency (PHE) expires on Jan. 11, even as the U.S. faces down a more infectious new subvariant XBB 1.5.

The new subvariant accounts for 75% of new infections on the East Coast and 40% of new cases in the country overall. Moreover, the XBB 1.5 subvariant contains five new mutations not found on Omicron, on which the current vaccine boosters are based. “It can evade antibodies better and infect human lung tissue easier than earlier strains,” said Dr. Ben Neuman, Chief Virologist of the Global Health Research Complex, Texas A&M, at an Ethnic Media Services news briefing Jan. 6.

Also speaking at the briefing were Dr. Oliver Brooks, Chief Medical Officer at Watts Healthcare, who stressed the importance of continuing to get vaccinated, boosted, and  PAGE 3

sovereign wealth fund, given the prominence of the forum itself and global and business leaders will be there,” he said.

The DFA official said that while Congress is still fine-tuning the proposed law, the president already has a very good grasp of the bill’s “broad strokes” and “what he wants to achieve in whatever form the sovereign wealth fund finally takes.”

“What’s very important is it’s an investment in the future and there’s great confidence the

Marcos vows more big infra projects

by KRISTINA MARALIT ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, January 9 pledged to further improve the country’s transport system as he led the launch of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) tunnel boring machine in Valenzuela City.

The President said there are “better days ahead,” as his administration will continue to implement big-tick-

et infrastructure projects to spur economic development and create employment opportunities.

He gave assurances that projects planned and started by the previous administration will be continued and finished.

“We will continue to invest and improve on our transportation systems as well as pursue more projects in the years to come, so that Filipinos can gain greater access to places of work, commerce,

recreation and other vital areas,” Marcos said.

“Having an effective and efficient transportation system will have multiplier effects on employment, the economy and our society; it will also bring comfort, convenience and an easier life for all,” he added.

The MMSP was one of the ambitious undertakings green-lighted by former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose Contract Package 101

‘Cybercrime among ‘greatest threats’ to Filipinos’

MANILA — The Philippine National Police will be focusing on cybercrimes in 2023, Police Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., PNP chief, said on Monday, January 9 as he called them among “the greatest threats” that Filipinos face.

Azurin made the announcement after releasing crime data collected from July 2022 to Jan. 7, 2023, or the period since President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. took office.

“This year, the PNP shall focus on cybercrimes since [these are] now the fastest-growing transnational organized crimes which affect hundreds of victims not only in the Philippines, but in other parts of the world,” he said.

The police Anti-Cybercrime Group has been issuing advisories to warn the

public against threats like malware and ransomware. In late 2022, it also launched operations against an unauthorized online lending agency that also subjected borrowers to public humiliation and harassment for unpaid loans as well as scammers who defrauded buyers over online purchases.

Several Filipinos have also been reported to have been illegally recruited and trafficked through fraudulent job listings on Facebook. Promised jobs at call centers and data encoders, the migrant Filipinos ended up in cyberscam operations in Myanmar.

Mobile phone users also received a barrage of scam text messages in 2022, which led to the swift passage of the SIM Card Registration Act. Mandatory SIM card

How ‘powerful’ is the Philippine passport? Not very - Passport Index

MANILA — With visa-free entry to 34 countries and territories and visa-on-arrival at 41, the Philippine passport ranked 66th on the Passport Index.

The index was compiled by Arton Capital, a company that promotes the idea of "global citizenship" through second residences and citizenships.

The Philippines is tied with Mongolia and Morocco on the index, which lists the United Arab Emirates passport as the most "powerful" with visa-free entry to 122 countries and territories and visa-on-arrival in 59.

UAE passport holders can visit 91% of the world, against 39%

Nazareno 2023 draws 1.2 million devotees

by JULIE M. AURELIO, MARLON RAMOS Inquirer.net

MANILA — The activities for this year’s Black Nazarene celebration drew 1.2 million devotees, lesser than the authorities’ initial projection of five million faithful.

The management of Quiapo Church said one of the reasons for the lower attendance count is the cancellation of Traslacion

The total number of people who attended the religious activities from January 6-10 reached 1,268,435.

Most of the devotees flocked to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or the Quiapo Church which drew 925,782 attendees.

Quirino Grandstand, where the sacred image was displayed for “Pagbibigay-

pugay” (giving tribute), received 254,653 devotees. This was the alternative to the traditional “Pahalik.”

The first-ever “Walk of Faith” also drew 88,000 devotees.

The “Walk of Faith” procession, from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, was much less crowded and more orderly than the traditional “Traslacion,” where crowds swarm around the life-size statue of the Black Nazarene.

Traslacion has been canceled for the third time — first in 2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the country.

The annual procession is a reenactment of the 1787 Traslacion — literally means “solemn transfer” — of the image from its original shrine in Bagumbayan, the present Rizal Park, to the Quiapo Church.

Traslacion not the sole reason for low

CALIFORNIA Attorney General Rob Bonta was sworn in as the state’s top prosecutor at the California Museum in Sacramento, marking the start of a full four-year term.

Hundreds of devotees gather in front of the Quiapo Church to join the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene along Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo, Manila Monday, Jan. 9. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

In this photo from the Bureau of Immigration Facebook page, an immigration officer inspects a traveler’s passport. Philstar.com photo

Marcos to ‘soft launch’ Maharlika...

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President has and the capability of the Filipino entrepreneurs and local investors even,” Sorreta said.

For her part, Malacañang press briefer Daphne Oseña-Paez said the WEF is an opportunity for the Philippines to let the world know what the Philippines is doing “in terms of being ready and attractive

for investments.”

Under the proposed Maharlika Wealth fund law, the government will get money from the Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines, and from dividends of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to raise its P110 billion venture capital.

The first version of the bill,

which proposed that seed money will be sourced from Government Service Insurance System and the Social Security System, earned widespread objection – prompting lawmakers to revise and remove the state-owned pension funds from the list of budget sources for the Maharlika Wealth fund. g

Marcos vows more big infra...

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is a joint venture between the Philippine government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The tunnel boring machine, Marcos noted, highlights Japan’s expertise in technology and trailblazing contributions in the modern world. “They will help us shape our railway infrastructure and keep them at par with the highest international standards,” he said.

He also acknowledged the joint venture of Filipino and Japanese companies for working with the

Philippine government on the MMSP’s CP 101.

“I hope that both you and the DoTr (Transportation department) will not waver on your commitments to finish the contract package by the end of 2027 to ensure that Filipinos will get to enjoy the project at the soonest possible time,” Marcos said.

Once completed, it will have 17 stations connecting Valenzuela City to Pasay City. It is expected to serve over 519,000 passengers daily once it becomes operational. Based on the project overview,

CP 101 is located at the north end, with the package consisting of a depot and three stations: Quirino Highway station, Tandang Sora station and North Avenue station with six tunnels between them.

The East Valenzuela station will be constructed in the depot area located in Mindanao Avenue with a total range of 6.9 kilometers.

Pre-construction work is ongoing in Quirino Highway and Tandang Sora stations. Work at the North Avenue station started in August 2021. g

Back to the future with COVID...

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tested, as XBB 1.5 emerges; Jill Rosenthal, Director of Public Health Policy at the Center for American Progress, who predicted a significant drop in people seeking treatment, testing, and vaccines as PHE ends; and Sophia Tan, a research data scientist at

UC San Francisco, who discussed a novel new study published in Nature which studied the impact of COVID-19 in the prison population.

“Anyone who’s telling you that COVID is over is misinformed,” said Dr. Neuman, noting that in each of the last three years COVID

was the third leading cause of death in the U.S. behind heart disease and cancer.

Neuman said Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) peaked in November and the flu season peaked in December. But COVID-19 is not slowing down.

PAGE 3

How ‘powerful’ is the Philippine passport...

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that the Philippine passport gives its bearer access to, according to the Passport Index. Holders of Philippine passports need to apply for visas in advance in 121 countries and territories.

Tied for second place among the most powerful passports are those of Sweden, Germany, Finland, Luxembourg, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and South Korea.

At third place are Denmark, Belgium, Portugal, Norway, Poland, United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand and the United States.

With a passport power rank of 66, the Philippines placed slightly lower than in the 2022 index, when it was at 64th.

On the separate Henley Passport Index, the Philippine passport is at 78th place with Uganda.

According to that index, the Philippines has visa-free access to 67 countries and territories. The ranking, which is based on data from the International Air Transport Association, is an imporvement from 80th place in a previous index in 2022.

Henley offers services in citizenship by investment, which would allow the wealthy to acquire

second or new citizenships.

Visa applications

Countries may require foreign nationals to obtain a visa, an entry document needed to ensure that one is authorized to enter the destination country in the first place. There are also different kinds of non-immigrant visas issued depending on the purpose of travel.

Visa application requirements would often include proof of employment, bank statements and other proof of financial means, a detailed itinerary of the trip including a proof of accommodation, and an interview with an officer at the embassy or consulate.

This is on top of a visa application fee that could reach thousands of pesos. (Philstar.com)

‘Cybercrime among...

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registration has been touted as a way to curb the scams but has also raised concerns on privacy rights and possible surveillance.

Azurin said cybercrimes are one of the “greatest threats to [millions of] users on cyberspace who have entrusted their personal data online.”

Index crimes down by 8.03%

In the same briefing, Azurin said incidences of crime went down to 105,568 from July 2022 to January 7, 2023 against 112,746 in the comparable period in 2021. Index crimes — those against persons, such as murder, homicide, physical injury and rape and against property, like theft and cattle rustling — have also gone down by 8.03% to 19,484 in the same period, the PNP chief said.

Despite the lower numbers, theft (6,682), rape (3,762) , and physical injury (2,608) were the most frequently reported crimes in the recording period.

Non-index crimes were also down 5.98% to 86,089 although the PNP noted a 9.05% increase in those in the Visayas at 17,199 incidents against 15,771 in the comparable period.

Crime clearance — when at least one suspect has been identified and charged either at the prosecutor’s office or in court — efficiency was relatively unchanged at 97.19% against 97.93%.

Crime solution — when a suspect has been identified and charged and has been taken into custody — efficiency was meanwhile at 81.78% against 80.51% in the comparable period. (Jonathan de Santos/ Philstar.com)

Nazareno 2023 draws 1.2 million...

crowd control,” he also said.

More trash

“Probably,”

Valdez

Luzon

be why fewer devotees flocked the church and the grandstand this time.

The priest also presented a half-glass full perspective on the situation.

“At the very least there are people who are eager to practice their faith and devotion since it is the first celebration of the

Meanwhile, the Manila Public Information Office said the total garbage collected in Quiapo Church and Quirino Grandstand has also increased compared to previous years.

“As per [Department of Public Services], for this year total volume is 265 metric tons from January 6-10 equivalent to 99 truck loads,” Manila public information officer Princess Abante said on Tuesday.

Previously, the local government collected 88, 57, and 34 truckloads of trash in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, according to Abante.

she said.

turnout Quiapo Church spokesperson Fr. Earl Valdez said while the cancellation of Traslacion could be one of the factors for the low attendance, that is not the sole reason.

Valdez told INQUIRER.net when asked if the cancellation of Traslacion led to the low attendance, “but we can’t say that that’s the only reason.”

said the pilgrimage of the replica images in nearby provinces and cities of

could

PAGE 1

Feast with minimal restrictions in terms of mobility and

“We collected more trash compared to previous years due to the pandemic setup,”

A replica of Jesus Christ nailed on the cross stands out outside Quiapo Church in Manila as most devotees brought their Black Nazarene statues in different sizes on Monday. Jan. 9. The Traslacion (transfer) procession was canceled for the third consecutive year but thousands of devotees still joined other activities of the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

FILIPINA American Judge Mari D. Parlade was sworn in as a District Court Judge in Dept A in the Family Division last January 2. “Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat (thank you everyone). This is our win. We've done this togethere as one community. We're gonna continue to go forth as one community – strong, Mabuhay strong,” Parlade said during her official oath taking ceremony, which was led by Judge Rebecca Burton.

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

Wrongly deported Filipino reunites with family in California

AFTER 20 years, Gideon Baena, who was wrongfully convicted of a crime and deported to the Philippines, was finally reunited with his family in California, thanks to his family’s persistence and his U.S. lawyer.

Two decades ago, Baena was deported from Arizona while his family was in California and didn’t really know what was happening. He was put on a plane and dropped off at the airport in the Philippines, a country he barely knew.

“And that was it,” he told Here & Now’s Deepa Fernandes of WBURBoston. “I kinda just stood there at the airport. Most of (my family) were citizens. I didn’t even know I wasn’t a citizen.”

He was homeless for a year in the Philippines, he said, and hardly knew Tagalog then. Communication with family was difficult as the Philippines was just starting to get the internet. (His current Facebook page describes him as self-employed, residing in Marikina and shows pictures of his wife and two kids.)

By 2005, his parents in California started going “from lawyer to lawyer” to no effect. Some two years ago, however,

Baena saw an internet video on Shan Potts’ law practice and how he successfully pursued a client’s case. Baena hired Potts.

His case reached the California Superior Court, which ruled his conviction unconstitutional and voided it. Potts’ team then successfully petitioned the Department of Homeland Security to reopen his case and

restore his status as a green card holder.

Back in California, Baena told WBUR, “I want to spend as much time before going off finding work. I kind of just want to spend a few weeks with family, just going from family to family, letting them know I’m home.” They barely know him, he said.

(Inquirer.net)

Rob Bonta sworn in as California attorney...

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Bonta was previously a California state assemblymember from 2012 to 2021, and he was the first Filipino American to be elected into the state Legislature.

As assemblymember, he served the Alameda area that encompasses California State Assembly District 18, which is now helmed by his wife, Mia Bonta.  Bonta’s historic appointment marked the first time a Filipino American had ever been chosen to serve as California attorney general.

As the child of a Filipino mother, Bonta said that his identity plays a significant role in his post, honoring his parents for fostering his desire for public office.

In November 2022, Bonta would win the general election for attorney general of California with 57.2% of the vote.

“A few generations ago, as an Asian American, the law would have denied me the ability to freely testify in court, to access public accommodations like hotels and restaurants, to marry Mia, the person I love,” Bonta stated.

He continued, “This role is a privilege, a duty, and a sacred obligation. I will not squander it. I will use the full authority of my office — the full force of the law — to help as many people as possible and do as much good as I can.”

Since his initial 2021 appointment, Bonta has increased the role of attorney general by tackling everything “from the housing crisis to disparities in our healthcare, education, and criminal justice systems,” he said.

Among Bonta’s achievements so far as attorney general include enacting several measures to “[protect] reproductive freedom,” reinforcing housing rights for people with disabilities and issuing warnings against il-

legal evictions, cracking down on human trafficking rings, and protecting healthcare rights for California’s elders and Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Bonta also reavowed his mission to promote gun control laws and public safety, despite his office’s failed online dashboard that was designed to promote transparency regarding data on firearm ownership but accidentally allowed the unauthorized breach of personal information in 2022.

Last month, Bonta joined 18 other states in support of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) “ghost gun” rule that would crack down on unserialized weapons that allow unauthorized manufacturers to circumvent state gun laws to make firearms untraceable.

In addition to Bonta’s inaugural address on Friday, Newsom was also sworn into his second term as California governor. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

Back to the future with COVID...

So far it has not overwhelmed hospitals and some experts say it might not become as bad as the Omicron surge last year.

Neuman noted that the Omicron virus has seven or eight mutations compared to the original Alpha strain and the XBB has 12. “Based on the rapid rise, it would appear that it is living up to its genetic destiny. It appears that it is very infectious and is overcoming at least some components of immunity,” he said.

Americans have returned to work and resumed their lives as if the pandemic is over, noted Dr. Brooks. Many people have refused vaccines and stopped wearing masks.

Brooks treats COVID patients and talks to them about vaccine confidence, vaccine convenience, and vaccine complacency. He says public health messaging has failed to address these “three Cs.”

He noted that only 15% of the U.S. population has received the updated, bivalent booster. Only one-third of older adults, who are most at risk of dying from COVID, have taken the updated booster. And there is a very low percentage of fully vaccinated children, as parents hold off because of fears based on misinformation.

“It’s our job to get the community vaccinated. So when I hear we’re not getting vaccinated anymore, to me that’s just a challenge. I can’t stop,” said Brooks. “If you get vaccinated you are not only protecting yourself but also your community. “

and masks could not keep up with COVID’s advance. The country could be caught flat-footed again.

Last March, the White House asked Congress for $22.5 billion in emergency spending that would replenish funds for testing, treatments, vaccines and other COVID-related infrastructure. But Congress rejected the request in the 2023 budget bill.

“That short-sighted failure to invest in the response leaves us without the tests, treatments and vaccines we need going forward and leaves us unable to continue to track the disease and unprepared for future surges,” said Jill Rosenthal of CAP.

Without the money to pay for it, the White House abandoned its National Preparedness Plan.

Unlike the past two years, people without health insurance will have to pay $120 for vaccines which now cost the government $30.

The U.S. government bought 20 million doses of Paxlovid at $530 each but supplies are expected to run out by 2024. The price for Paxlovid on the private market is expected to skyrocket by then.

Once PHE ends, people enrolled in private insurance and the Affordable Care Act will once again have to pay co-pays for testing, vaccines, and treatments in the same manner they did before PHE. An estimated 27.5 million people in the U.S. are uninsured: they will have to pay for the full price for testing, vaccines, and treatments.

Some states, including California and Rhode Island, are looking at ways that they can automatically enroll people who are going to

lose Medicaid coverage into lowcost marketplace plans. Oregon has developed a bridge health program which will allow existing Medicaid members who earn a certain percent of the federal poverty level to stay enrolled in Medicaid, said Rosenthal.

Researchers from University of California San Francisco and UC Berkeley had some good news. They looked at breakthrough infections, reinfections, and people who had both in California prisons and published their findings last week.

“The question that we were really wondering is what are the benefits from vaccination in terms of preventing the future transmission of COVID,” said Tan of UC San Francisco.

They couldn’t find better test subjects than inmates living in close quarters whose movements are highly regulated. Researchers tested, traced infections and secondary cases, tracking the virus as it spread through the prison population.

Results showed that any type of vaccine had a 22% reduction in infectiousness; one or two prior infections reduced it by 23%; inmates with both prior vaccination and prior infection had 40% reductions in their infectiousness.

“So, not only do vaccines ideally protect you from getting infected, but if you do get infected, we see that there’s this hidden benefit that they are preventing and reducing the risk of you transmitting disease to other people,” Tan said. (Peter White/Ethnic Media Services)

When the pandemic began three years ago, supplies of tests

Attorney General Xavier Becerra left the post to serve as the United States secretary of Health and Human Services.

Gideon Baena was wrongfully convicted and deported to the Philippines. He is seen here with his mother, Rose Baena. Photo courtesy of Gideon Baena

California Attorney General Rob Bonta was sworn in by Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday, Jan. 6 at the California Museum in Sacramento. Bonta, the first Filipino American to hold this post, was joined by his family during the ceremony.  Photo from Instagram/@robbonta

PNP: 61 killed under Marcos admin’s campaign vs illegal drugs in 2022

by BeAtrice PinlAc Inquirer.net

MANILA — Even with a recalibrated approach to the government’s war against illegal drugs, a total of 61 people have been killed by law enforcers since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo told INQUIRER.net that between July 1 and December 31, 2022, 61 alleged drug offenders were slain in the government’s anti-illegal drug operations.

“Kasama na po joint operation diyan with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (That includes joint operations with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency),” she explained in a text message on Wednesday, January 11.

But according to Dahas, a monitoring project run by the University of the Philippine Diliman’s Third World Studies Center, there were 175 drugrelated killings in the country during Marcos’ first few months as president, or between 12 noon of June 30 and December 31, 2022.

But according to Dahas, a monitoring project run by the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Third World Studies Center, there were 175 drug-

related killings in the country during Marcos’ first few months as President, or between 12 noon of June 30 and December 31, 2022.

This, Dahas noted, brings the total drug-related death toll to 324 in 2022 – a year that saw both the tail-end of the Duterte administration and the start of the Marcos administration.

“State agents still top the assailants, and pushers the top targets but hotspots have shifted from the National Capital Region and Negros Occidental to Davao City and Cebu,” the group claimed.

Dahas said it considers a killing as drug-related “if the victim was

killed through violent means” and if it falls under one of the following criteria:

• Killed in drug-related operation, activity or encounter

• Reported to be involved in drug trade or in the war on drugs in whatever capacity

• Reported to be in possession of illegal drugs at the time of the killing or when body was found

• Reported to be associated with someone involved in the drug trade

• Killed by someone reported to be involved in the drug trade, assumed to be for drug-related reasons or while under the influence of drugs. g

PH gov’t starts probe of New Year shutdown at NAIA

by Julie M. Aurelio, MArlon rAMos Inquirer.net

Representatives which are conducting their respective inquiries into the power outage that caused vital air traffic navigation system to go offline and shut down the country’s airspace on Jan. 1.

On Tuesday, January 10, officials of the Department of Transportation, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and other concerned government agencies will brief House transportation panel members on the airport fiasco that stranded around 65,000 passengers and grounded over 300 flights in and out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, who will preside over the 10 a.m. briefing, earlier filed a resolution for his panel to conduct an investigation into the incident while San Jose del Monte City Rep. Florida Robes, House good government and accountability committee chair, submitted a similar measure.

The Senate will hold its own hearing on Jan. 12 under Sen. Grace Poe’s public services committee. On Monday, January 9, Poe said the possibility that the New Year’s Day incident was an act of sabotage or a cyberattack should not be ruled out since CAAP had yet to explain the power outage that downed its communications, navigation, and surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) system.

Poe said that aside from airport and transportation officials, National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos and representatives from the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the National Security Council had been invited to the hearing as well.

Representatives of SumitomoThales, the joint venture that provided the CNS/ATM system, were also set to attend.

Numerous theories

“There are many theories (why the incident happened). That’s why we would like to hear it straight from them,” Poe said in a television interview.

“We want to know what really happened. I was talking to (individuals)… connected with one of those that supply the maintenance. They were saying, ‘Don’t rule out a cyberattack for this or sabotage.’ Because until now there’s really no categorical answer to what caused the power outage,” she added.

She said it was “unfortunate” that the government had failed to pursue a project that would have unified the country’s military and commercial air navigation system.

“When we were supposed to upgrade the system for the air traffic control, there was supposed to be one system that would merge both our national security and defense, as well as our commercial airspace. But unfortunately, that was not done,” Poe lamented.

“Our military [has its] own system to determine if there’s a violation of our airspace, but it’s not connected with the CAAP system,” she said.

Asked whether Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista should quit his post over the incident, Poe said: “Absolutely not.”

“First of all, Bautista was just sworn into office and this is a long-standing situation,” she noted.

“This didn’t just happen overnight,” she added. “Obviously, it stems from many years of transactions, maintenance, and upgrades.”

Poe said her committee had also invited former Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, who earlier denied allegations that he had diverted a P13-billion allotment for the upgrading of the CNS/ATM system to NAIA beautification projects.

“(We’re) not just singling out Secretary Tugade. This is a chance for him also to correct the impression that it was during his time that all these things may have been neglected,” she said.

Wake-up call

For Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara, the airport fiasco should be a “wake-up call” for the government to strengthen CAAP and improve the country’s air traffic navigation system.

He said he had filed Senate Bill No. 1003 as “part of the efforts to ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of air transport in our country.”

Under the measure, the secretaries of the Department of Tourism and the Department of National Defense would become members of the CAAP governing board.

“The technical glitch… was a wake-up call for all of us about the need to address the gaps in our air transport systems and the CAAP is front and center in all of this,” Angara said.

After the Jan. 1 incident, CAAP Director General Manuel Tamayo acknowledged that the agency’s CNS/ATM system, which was completed in 2019, was already outdated, adding that they had made some recommendations for its improvement to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The system suddenly went offline on the morning of Jan. 1 due to a power supply problem. Two uninterruptible power supply units also failed to work, leaving the air navigation system unable to tap into commercial or standby power.

After conducting some troubleshooting, CAAP technicians were able to restore partial operations around 4 p.m. with the CNS/ATM system returning to normal mode almost two hours later. But by then, over 300 flights to and from Manila had either been canceled, delayed, or diverted, affecting around 65,000 passengers flying to their destinations

idays.

by TeTch Torres-Tupas Inquirer.net

MANILA – The Supreme Court on Tuesday, January 10, declared the country’s 2005 Tripartite Agreement for Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) with China and Vietnam unconstitutional.

Voting 12-2-1, which took 14 years, the SC said the JSMU violated the Constitution for

allowing

corporations

explore the country’s natural resources without observing the safeguards provided in Section 2, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution.

The JMSU was signed in 2005 between China’s National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), Vietnam’s Oil and Gas Corporation (PETROVIETNAM), and the Philippine National Oil

MANILA — Top national security, transportation, and airport officials have been summoned separately by the Senate and House of

after the hol-

g

Marilyn Bacanaya (left), a devotee of the Sto. Niño from Agdao, Davao City, is waiting for her flight to Cebu City at the Davao International Airport on Wednesday, Jan. 11. Bacanaya said she and her family have been traveling to Cebu City since 1997 to join the annual Sinulog Festival, held in honor of the child Jesus Christ. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Manila Police District (MPD) director, Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, shows a copy of his courtesy resignation to the media at the MPD headquarters on Friday, Jan. 6. This is in response to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.’s appeal to police generals and colonels to tender their courtesy resignation in a radical move to rid the PNP of those involved in illegal drugs. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

PH Supreme Court: PH’s 2005 joint exploration deal with China, Vietnam unconstitutional

wholly-owned foreign

to

CAAP brain drain

GOVERNMENT officials are reassuring the public that they are fixing the technical problem that shut down Philippine airspace on the first day of the year. New cooling fans, circuit breakers and uninterrupted power supply systems are reportedly being procured to prevent a repeat of the national embarrassment that occurred at the at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on January 1.

Apart from technical issues, however, manpower problems are emerging again at the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, which is in charge of air traf-fic management. On Monday, January 9, CAAP director general Manuel Antonio Tamayo sought a pay increase for air traffic controllers to prevent them from seeking greener pastures overseas mostly in the Middle East. Tamayo noted that the pay in certain countries can be six times higher than what the Philippines offers to its air traffic controllers.

Editorial

by CAAP from the Civil Aviation Training Center, Aquino said 195 were on job-order status. He noted that since the CAAP’s creation in 2008 through Republic Act 9497, no graduate of the CATC had become a regular employee.

This problem was first raised way back in 2014, when CAAP personnel sought the help of then senator Bam Aquino following the departure of five air traffic controllers for abroad. Documents submitted to Aquino by CAAP personnel at the time showed that apart from low pay, contractual schemes also bedeviled the air traffic officers. Of some 500 air traffic controllers recruited

CAAP officials said air traffic controllers undergo at least 18 months of training before being deployed to an air traffic management facility anywhere in the country for apprenticeship and capability rating. Upon completion of these requirements, however, the new air traffic controllers are drawn to jobs overseas with much higher pay.

Tamayo warned that the brain drain could mean the lack of personnel with sufficient skills to prevent a repeat of the airspace shutdown. The Governance Commission for GOCCs or Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations has said it is studying the CAAP’s request for higher salaries for air traffic con-trollers.

BABE ROMUALDEZ

ANALYSTS, experts and think tanks especially here in Washington, D.C. are carefully watching the developments in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region particularly because these have created a ripple effect impacting the future of the rest of the world. Undoubtedly, the far-reaching consequences of the Ukraine war are of major concern, especially coming on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is absolutely no doubt that the continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is at the top of the list of global threats in 2023, an assessment that analysts, risk consultancy groups and the like collectively agree upon.

According to Eurasia Group founder Ian Bremmer, one of the top 10 global risks of 2023 is the possibility of Russia turning into “the world’s most dangerous rogue state” if cornered – thereby posing a threat to global security.

Bremmer points to an escalation in Vladimir Putin’s nuclear saber rattling and also warns against “Kremlin-affiliated hackers” who could mount increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks on Western firms, governments and infrastructure – inflicting untold damage not only to Europe and the U.S., but beyond. New York-based The Arkin Group also flagged geopolitical developments that leaders should watch out for in navigating this “new and evolving world order.” While Putin will persist in his assault, Ukraine will not back down and will continue to prevail (as seen in the major offensive launched at the start of the year that resulted in the death of an estimated 400 Russian soldiers).

Ironically, what Putin must have envisioned to be his crowning glory could turn out to be his undoing. The shockand-awe tactic at the start of the invasion in February last year was bogged down by the fact that Russian soldiers initially deployed were under-equipped and undertrained, and proved to be no match for Ukrainians who were not only ready to defend their country to the

death, but also had strategically prepositioned anti-aircraft gunners. Another significant factor would be the anti-aircraft missiles and drones from countries supportive of Ukraine like the U.S.

The International Monetary Fund has also sounded the alarm over the Ukraine conflict’s “severe economic repercussion in Europe, with higher energy prices, weaker consumer confidence and slower momentum in manufacturing resulting from persistent supply chain and rising disruption costs,” at the same time warning that about half of the European Union will be in recession in 2023.

Saying the world took a dangerous turn in 2022, the Council on Foreign Relations lists several Tier 1 (high priority) risks or potential conflicts to watch this 2023, based on the results of the 15th annual Preventive Priorities Survey conducted by its Center for Preventive Action.

An escalation of the armed conflict in Ukraine resulting from the employment of unconventional weapons, the spillover into neighboring countries

For many years now, brain drain has been a problem not only in aviation but also in public health care, education and many industries. The Philippines has lost even weather forecasters to other countries. At this point, the country cannot

hope to match salaries and benefits offered in places such as Dubai. The long-term solution is to raise the level of economic development so that Filipinos need not go abroad for meaningful employment. (Philstar.com)

FIRST word

The rationale for all the talk about the “first hundred days” of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was to enable him to “hit the ground running,” and take effective control of the government as quickly as possible.

The early days, it was thought, constitute a window of opportunity for him to get a head start on his governance agenda.

With the President’s approval very high, and Congress open to new leadership, it was seen as a time of opportunity and change. 184 days, seventh month But now here we are in the year 2023.

The hundred-day timeline is just a memory; 184 days and six months have passed since BBM’s accession to office. And he is now into his seventh month in the presidency.

For all the hype and the travels, however, there is still no palpable sign that President Marcos has achieved effective control of the executive branch and the bureaucracy, or that he has made headway in advancing his promised programs.

Unsurprisingly, he is encountering his biggest problems in the cabinet departments where he has desisted from appointing a

cabinet secretary — specifically, defense, agriculture, health and communications.

In a government system where the cabinet secretary in a given area is envisioned to function as the president’s main adviser in that area, President Marcos has encountered the most headaches and uncertainties in the headless departments. Some of those whom he quickly named did not pass muster with the congressional Commission on Appointments, while others simply could not measure up to the job. His first executive secretary, lawyer Vic Rodriguez, faltered big-time as “the little president.” He had to be quickly replaced by former Supreme Court chief justice Lucas Bersamin.

At first, the problem was a hideous foul-up in a sugar importation order at the Department of Agriculture whose leadership BBM provisionally reserved for himself.

Thereafter, the problem shifted to an acute shortage of onions, which must be remedied by the government’s importation and marketing of the commodity.

Then attention turned to foreign relations, as our new president was showered with plenty of invitations from various countries and forums for him to visit, and he had to choose which one to visit first. He honored tradition by visiting Asean first, picking Indonesia and Singapore as his first stop. This was followed by

a quick trip to New York City to address the UN General Assembly, to introduce himself to the international community. Then he turned to visit China and President Xi Jinping upon the advent of the new year, when the latter was significantly being battered by a galloping Covid crisis.

Then presidential focus turned to selling the nation on the idea of creating a sovereign wealth fund, which the government tried once before, with the Malampaya Fund, but which unfortunately was feasted on and looted by the powers that be at the start of the new century.

Rumors of destabilization

And now the attention has turned to the military and the police, which have landed together on the President’s plate for serious study and attention. While the secretary of interior and local government was named early in the person of Benhur Abalos, the challenge of leading the Defense department has been held in abeyance, leaving the task to the ministration of an acting secretary and junior officials in the department.

During the weekend, both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) took the unusual tack of dispelling wild rumors of a destabilization plot against the government. At the same time, the PNP announced that it was going on full alert.

While the nation has had no

(including cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and/or the direct involvement of NATO members) has become a real danger, warned CFR. It also points to the continuing tensions between the U.S. and China – describing the relations between these two majors as plummeting – because of their differences over Taiwan.

“As if Taiwan and Ukraine were not enough to worry about, several disputes in other parts of the world also became more menacing in 2022, notably those involving Iran and North Korea,” CFR also noted, its assessment echoed by other think tanks that have expressed concern over the probability of Iran becoming a nuclear weapons state, as well as North Korea’s relentless missile launches with Kim Jong Un ordering the “exponential” expansion of their nuclear arsenal.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies was to hold its annual forecasting conference on Thursday, January 12 regarding policy challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region. Growing tensions in the region is a major cause of concern, especially with the

2023: The world as we see it today New year chaos

whiff of a coup aborning for some time, the twin moves of the AFP and PNP had the effect of confirming for many that there is restiveness and disgruntlement in the armed services today, and that the threat of destabilization cannot be dismissed lightly.

Ironically, the jittery situation followed a bewildering move by Interior Secretary Abalos to “request” all police colonels and generals to tender their courtesy resignations, to facilitate an ongoing investigation of ranking PNP officers for possible involvement in the illegal drug trade.

The resignation call quickly generated front-page stories as the police top brass, beginning with the PNP chief, filed one after the other their courtesy resignations.

The PNP chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., on Thursday, January 5, submitted his courtesy resignation and urged the rest of the police leadership to follow his lead as the “cleansing” of the force begins.

In turn, the AFP was wracked by talk about mass resignations from military service, as officials and personnel of the Department of National Defense were said to have submitted their resignations out of disappointment over the designation for a second time of Gen. Andres Centino as the new AFP chief, succeeding Lt. Gen. Vicente Bartolome Bacarro who held the top post for barely five months. Centino was Bacarro’s predecessor.

intense strategic competition between the U.S. and China. I was asked to deliver a keynote speech for the event where a CSIS team of experts will be conducting panel discussions on the political and economic developments on the region. Immediately after that event, I will proceed to the International Institute for Strategic Studies where I was invited to its Americas Ambassadors Forum to share our foreign policy thrusts and priorities as well as my perspectives on the geopolitical and economic challenges that impact the Philippines and the region.

Given the continuing challenges that nations face in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, a key priority for nations would be economic recovery more than pursuing military might.

As many experts have noted, a nation’s military supremacy has its foundations on superior economic development. Put another way, the main driving force for most countries is still the economy, and this to a large extent determines their relationship with other nations. Taken in that light, the U.S.

has to step up to the plate and up its game because China and even Russia are using economic interests to influence the foreign policy decisions of nations.

Take India, for instance, that has become the biggest buyer of Russian oil after European countries have stopped buying as part of the sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine. For India, it’s really simple: they need oil, Russia is selling at very cheap prices and there is nothing anybody can do about it.

While the threat of global recession looms, there is optimism that the Southeast Asian region will fare better with solid growth expected due to the resilient performance of ASEAN economies. As I’ve pointed out, opportunities are there if we play our cards right – let’s just not drop the ball this time around. (Philstar.com)

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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.

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babeseyeview@gmail.com

Acting Defense Secretary Jose Faustino Jr. and three other undersecretaries were also said to have resigned from their posts, but these could not be confirmed.

It was in this light that rumors started flying fast and loose in Camps Crame and Aguinaldo about a destabilization plot brewing.

Both the AFP and the PNP dutifully tried to talk down the rumors and gloss over the impact on officer morale by the demanded courtesy resignations of top police officials and the sudden replacement of the military chief.

Col. Jorry Baclor and Col. Medel Aguilar, AFP public affairs office chief and PNP spokesman, respectively, denied there was such talk about destabilization plots as they claimed that the situation at the Camp Aguinaldo military headquarters in Quezon City was normal.

They declared that there was no truth to rumors of mass resignations from the AFP, as well as officials and personnel from the Department of National Defense due to their disappointment over the reappointment of Centino as AFP chief.

A Medal of Valor awardee, Bacarro was said to have been well-accepted and wellrespected by the military and DND personnel and his “arbitrary replacement” has demoralized the military organization and defense department staff.

They claimed that Centino took

advantage of his connections with people close to the President, hence his return as the top military official.

Col. Redrico Maranan, PNP public information officer, described as fake news a memorandum circulating that the PNP was on full alert due to the alleged AFP destabilization plot.

“It’s not true, but we are on heightened alert status because of the Feast of the Black Nazarene,” Maranan said.

Abalos said the submission of courtesy resignation is a “quick way” of dealing with the suspected involvement of PNP personnel in the illegal drug trade, in contrast with the lengthy process of disciplining rogue officers.

Maranan said 956 ranking officers are expected to submit their courtesy resignation.

The highest ranking official is a police general.

There are 812 police colonels. Azurin said 22 names were submitted to President Marcos for vetting, which will be reduced to five.

He said he would be evaluated by a committee that the President will create to determine if he was in any way involved in the narcotics trade, or if he had been tolerating police officers who were.

Azurin said that not all PNP officers were pleased with Abalos’ “request.” They are wary because their careers are on the line, he said.

Commentary

Human Rights Watch calls for release of de Lima

MANILA — New York-based Human Rights

Watch on Thursday, January 12 called for the release of former Sen. Leila de Lima who has been in police custody since 2017 on drug cases that she says are politically motivated.

The rights watchdog noted that de Lima's  detention may be a case of political retalition for her investigations into alleged rights violations in the Duterte administration's "war on drugs" and to killings in Davao City when Rodrigo Duterte was mayor.

"De Lima faces unsubstantiated charges alleging that she received money from drug lords while serving as justice secretary,"  the Human Rights Watch said, taking note that two of the key witnesses in the cases against  de Lima have retracted their testimony. The former senator has been acquitted in one case while two others remain pending.

Calls for her release were revived in October 2022 after she was held hostage at the Philippine National Police custodial

center in Quezon City in an escape attempt by detainees. Police said she was not a target in the incident and that she was taken hostage by chance.

"Human Rights Watch believes the Duterte administration was retaliating against her for investigating extrajudicial killings under Duterte’s anti-drug campaign," the rights group  said.

concern

International

The HRW also highlighted that the global community, through several international bodies like  the United Nations rights office and the European Parliament, have also voiced concerns  over  the human rights situation in the Philippines.

This includes the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on reported rights violations in the country related to the "war on drugs" and the counter-insurgency campaign.

Meanwhile, the prosecutor's office at the International Criminal Court continues to push

for an on-ground investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in the anti-drug campaign.

Justice Secretary  Jesus Crispin Remulla last year said the Philippines would update the ICC to show that "we are doing something on the problems we are supposed to solve on our own" and as a matter of courtesy.

The Philippines has invited  UN special rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, including child prostitution, child pornography, and other child sexual abuse material Mama Fatima Singhateh and special rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion Irene Khan to make official visits.

Morris Tidball-Binz — a medical doctor from Chile who specializes in forensic science, human rights and humanitarian action and who is special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary killings  — has also been invited to the Philippines, Remulla said in November 2022. (Philstar.com)

OFWs on death rows to be tackled in multi-agency meeting

GOVERNMENT agencies will sit down this week to tackle transnational matters, including overseas Filipinos on death row.

During a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, January 10, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople said she will meet with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

Sixty-five overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are on death rows, according to data shared during budget hearings last year.

“For example, iyon nga mga death row cases, iyong pagtransfer ng (those in the death row cases, the transfer of the)

ATN (Assistance to Nationals) work from the ATN officers of our embassies to our migrant workers attachés, the kind of training that’s needed to capacitate them in preparation for that very delicate job,” Ople said of the topics to be discussed.

Ople deferred the issue of the executive clemency for OFW Mary Jane Veloso to the DFA as it was raised by Manalo during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Indonesia in September last year.

Veloso has been jailed in Indonesia since 2010 when about 2.6 kilograms of heroin were found in her suitcase.

Six months after her arrest, Veloso was meted out the death penalty.

Manalo has appealed to his Indonesian counterpart, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, for executive clemency for Veloso.

The sealing of labor deals and ongoing negotiations abroad can be attributed to Marcos’ recent international visits to different countries, Ople said.

She said there are ongoing bilateral labor talks with Romania, Hungary, Portugal and Hong Kong.

“A lot of it really can be attributed to the President’s popularity. But we also have to shout out as well doon sa (about the) reputation, excellent reputation ng (of) Filipino workers,” Ople said.

The Philippine side will go to Singapore in March to finalize the implementation of protocols

in preparation for the hiring of more Filipino health workers while Portugal plans to employ Filipinos for its tourism sector.

Hong Kong’s Minister of Labor and Welfare also broached the possibility of holding exploratory talks on the deployment of Filipino caregivers, Ople said.

When the President goes to Japan in February, the DMW will be renewing a bilateral agreement forged under the Labor department, Ople said.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia may hire about 6,000 Filipinos this month.

Among the DMW’s 2023 plans are more scholarship programs for children of OFWs and opening about 1,000 positions to address better the needs of migrant workers. (PNA)

DFA cries foul at Ukraine envoy baring phone call request

MANILA — Philippine diplomats cried foul on Thursday, Jannuary 12 after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s unanswered request of a phone call with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was made public.

According to the Embassy of Ukraine in Malaysia, the request was made months ago after the elections.

"We don’t really appreciate [it] when these things are done,"  Carlos Sorreta, undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations at the Department of Foreign Affairs, said.

"Ukraine is a country we have a good relationship with but when matters like these are vented by representatives of another government to the press, it’s not something we appreciate."

This comes after the embassy conducted a

media forum over teleconference  with Filipino journalists on Wednesday. The Ukrainian embassy said the official note requesting the call was sent in June last year and multiple followups and assistance has been asked through the DFA.

However, the embassy said they have not heard back from either the DFA or the Office of the President. Zelenskyy wanted to discuss with Marcos Jr. his 10-point peace plan, which he has already tackled with other world leaders.

"We do understand that the priority of the Filipino government is the neighboring countries and we’ve seen that very fruitful visit to China, but we are still hoping for the intensification of the bilateral relationship for our relations,"  Embassy of Ukraine in Malaysia Chargé d’Affaires Denys Mykhailiuk said, adding the invitation for a call is still open.

Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February 24 last year and since then, there are now over 7.967 million who found refuge from Ukraine in other countries across Europe according to a tally by the UN Refugee Agency. Mykhailiuk said the war-torn country now needs additional military equipment, medical equipment, as well as sanitary goods.

On Thursday morning, the DFA said the two countries had high-level interactions recently, with the latest being on November last year when Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo met with his counterpart, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dymtro Kuleba at the sidelines of the ASEAN Summits in Camboadia.

The DFA also said the country supported Ukraine through the joint statement of the ASEAN and European Union leaders in Brussels, Belgium last year. (Philstar.com)

New year...

Despite the resistance from some officers, Azurin expects everyone to comply before January 31.

“If you’re not involved, there’s nothing to worry about,” he said.

He said his resignation can also be considered as an application for retirement.

First lady wades in As if the situation was not knotted enough, the first lady, Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos, waded into the controversy by issuing a denial that she had intervened in military and agency appointments.

She sent a video message to Malacañang reporters, declaring that she had no involvement in any appointments made by President Marcos. She particularly denied influencing appointments in the military.

“I leave that up to my husband. And if I find out that somebody is using my name, I shall tell my husband not to appoint you, OK?” she said.

Mrs. Marcos instructed PSG commander Col. Ramon Zagala to “disseminate the information.”

The first lady’s statement came a day after Centino was given a

second tour of duty as AFP chief. Talk circulated that Bacarro, whom Centino replaced, had a close affiliation with former executive secretary Rodriguez, whose relationship with the first lady soured before his removal.

Ironically, the first lady’s denial of involvement in appointments may not kill the rumors, but only lead the public to talk about her some more.

It is bizarre that she had instructed the PSG chief to disseminate her statement.

The idea of harnessing the presidential security chief as a messenger mirrors the strange decision to make do with a “press briefer” in the dissemination of information about the actions and decisions of the President. (ManilaTimes.net)

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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.

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Email: eyesgonzales@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @eyesgonzales. Column archives at EyesWideOpen on FB.

PH Supreme Court: PH’s 2005...

PAGE 4

Company (PNOC).

Under the undertaking, joint explorations will be conducted in the South China Sea, covering 142,886 square kilometers. The agreement covers six islands claimed and occupied by the Philippines in Spratly, such as Pag-Asa Island, Likas Island, Lawak Island, Kota Island, Patag Island, and Panata Island.

But, up to 80 percent of the JMSU site is within the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone, prompting the filing of petitions seeking to declare the agreement unconstitutional.

Respondents, however, argued that Section 2, Article XII of the Constitution was inapplicable because it contemplates the exploration, development, and utilization (EDU) of natural resources while the JMSU only involves pre-exploration activities.

The SC, through Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, said that the term “exploration” pertained to a search or discovery of something in both its ordinary or

technical sense and ruled that the JMSU involves the exploration of the country s natural resources, particularly petroleum.

Citing the text of the fifth whereas clause of the JMSU, which states the Parties “expressed desire to engage in a joint research of petroleum resource potential of a certain area of the South China Sea as a pre-exploration activity,” the Court said that it is clear that the JMSU was executed to determine if petroleum exists in the Agreement Area.

Named respondents in the petition were then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, her executive secretary Eduardo Ermita, her Foreign and Energy secretaries, the PNOC and the Philippine National Oil CompanyExploration Corporation.

Concurring with Justice Gaerlan include Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and ten other justices. Meanwhile, Associate Justices Amy LazaroJavier and Rodil Zalameda dissented while Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando was on leave. g

From Earth to the Universe: Who is Celeste Cortesi?

By Kathleen a llemit Philstar.com

she decided to fly all by herself to the Philippines five years ago barely speaking fluent Filipino or English.

Born Silvia Celeste Rabimbi Cortesi on December 15, 1997 in Pasay City, the recently turned 25-year-old spent her growing up years in Parma, Italy after her family moved to her father’s native country when she was just six months old.

Cortesi grew up in a single parent household when her father died when she was young. To help ends meet, she worked as a model and a cashier during her teenage years.

She admitted that she used to be ashamed about her past in her YouTube channel, but has grown to accept it over time.

“There was a time when I was kinda embarrassed, (and I) didn’t really wanna show that side of me to others. It’s really important because you should never deny your past and be shy of what you’ve been through because it’s what made you who you are right now. I’m proud of it. I really wanna show where I came from,” Celeste said.

Her mother proved to be a big influence on Celeste. It was her who told Celeste about Pia’s historic and unforgettable win at the Miss Universe tilt in 2015, and this particular winning moment inspired Celeste to fly back to Manila to represent the Filipino community of Rome at the 2018 Miss Earth pageant.

For her first foray in a prestigious national pageant, Celeste bagged several major awards. Needless to say, she went home with the crown that night.

Four years later and one year earlier than planned, Celeste joined Miss Universe Philippines 2022 upon the prodding of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo.

Celeste recalled how Rabiya’s words of encouragement gave her the strength to enter last year’s Miss Universe tilt instead of this year as she had planned.

“Me and Rabiya are very close, and I remember that before submitting my application for Miss Universe Philippines, I was talking to her and I was opening

up about me wanting to join next year, not this year. I was telling her that I just want to prepare and be ready 100%. [And] If there is something that Rabiya really told me, it’s you will never be 100% prepared,” Celeste said at the presscon organized by PLDT after she won the crown on April 30, 2022.

It was a full circle for the Filipina Italian beauty born in Pasay to represent the city of her birth and end up as the runaway winner of Miss Universe Philippines 2022.

She bested 31 other lovely candidates, and again, took home several awards including Best in Swimsuit.

It was not a product of fate, but of her own determination, she shared the day right after her win on her Instagram account.

“I’ve grown so much since I came to the Philippines five years ago and I really promised myself that I would only join a pageant when I am ready to take on the responsibility of a crown, and I am now,” she said.

“Yesterday, as I was walking on that beautiful stage all I was thinking was my mom and dad. The strength I got from them is indescribable. I’ve worked so hard for this, I’ve prepared. And I let God do the rest knowing that whatever is meant for me will never pass me by,” she added.

Apart from a beauty title, Celeste is currently completing her degree in real estate management and pursuing her Philippine real estate license.

She is going to try to bring home the crown with 83 other entrants all over the world at the coronation night to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Celeste revealed that she is more prepared now, and is raring to represent the Philippines with pride and passion.

“I feel like this (Miss Universe) journey is going to teach me a lotabout my personality, my purpose, that’s why I’m focusing on it a lot,” said Celeste in a December presscon during her launch as the cover girl of a digital magazine.

She shared that she hopes to take the crown as a birthday gift. “Not only for myself but also for the country!” she said. g

Dolly featured in British Vogue’s ‘30 World’s Most Famous Stars 2023’ list

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

winning actors Cate Blanchett, Eddie Redmayne, and Hugh Jackman.

The U.K. based-publication’s 2023 Hollywood portfolio features 30 of the “World’s Most Famous Stars” who gained widespread recognition for

performances that “speak to the very core of what it means to be human.” The actors were dolled up in glamorous outfits inspired by the Roaring Twenties, and were captured by entertainment photographer Greg Williams.

In the feature, De Leon donned a cream feather boa, sparkly gray dress, and matching gray high-heeled shoes, and was posing on a column at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, California, in the U.S.

Incidentally, the actress is now in Hollywood for the 80th Golden Globes Awards, where she is nominated for the Best Supporting Actress category.

De Leon told British Vogue that Bette Davis is her favorite Old Hollywood icon, while Meryl Streep is the actor she admires the most.

She also opened up about the “best piece of advice” she received, noting that her work as an actress “can never be taken

away.”  “Always remember that the work can never be taken away from you. Maybe I’ll do another project after this or this will never happen again, but the work will never go away,” she added.

The actress also delved into peculiar moments of her acting career, saying that rolling in the mud and putting on “fake blood” are some of the moments that make her “feel physically dirty.”

Also included in British Vogue’s feature are “Triangle of Sadness” star Harris Dickinson, and “Everything Everywhere All At Once” stars Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Sadie Sink of “Stranger Things” and Emma Corin of “The Crown” were also featured in the report.

De Leon made history for being the first Filipino actress to be nominated in the Golden Globes for her work in the Cannes-winning film “Triangle of Sadness.”

Jo Koy spends the holidays around the Philippines with family

By KrIstofer Purnell Philstar.com

FILIPINO American comedian Jo Koy is surely enjoying the holidays being back in the Philippines, going around the country with his family.

The comedian has been in the Philippines the past couple of days, which he summarized as “the most beautiful family vacation we have ever taken.”

“We’re in the Philippines, and I’ve got my whole family with me!” he added in the caption of his Instagram reel.

The video was a drone shot, which expanded further to show Jo Koy’s entire family cheering at the camera outside a hilltop.

Jo Koy had visited Baguio City, his maternal relatives in La Union, and was most

recently in Bacolod, Negros Occidental.

While in Bacolod, the comedian attended an unveiling and ribbon-cutting courtesy of the Jo Koy Foundation, the charity organization he founded.

The actor-comedian even went on a motorcycle ride with his son and namesake Joseph, and spotted a sari-sari store with the name “JokJok Store” but coined it as “JoKoy Store.”

Jo Koy had a very productive 2022 having done several comedy shows, including one in the Philippines, and starred in the Filipino family-inspired film “Easter Sunday.”

“I just want to tell eveyone out there that [the Philippines] is the most beautiful place on the planet. God, I love the Philippines!” Jo Koy proudly exclaimed.

Celeste dazzles as ‘Darna’  at national costume competition

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

AFTER her impressive performance during the preliminary competition of the 71st Miss Universe on Wednesday, January 11, the Philippines' very own Celeste Cortesi remains to be the crowd favorite during the national costume competition held on the same day in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The 25-year-old conquered the stage wearing the country's iconic superheroine Darna designed by Oliver Tolentino, the same designer who created her sky blue evening gown for the preliminary competition.

The costume was complimented by a sun and stars headpiece with some metalwork accessories which was inspired by the national flag of the Philippines that was designed by Jerome Navarro

"Darna is the ultimate Filipina superhero and part of this country's pop culture. She transforms from an ordinary woman with the help of a white stone standing up for those who cannot defend themselves. Have no fear 'cause Darna is here in the Philippines," the host explained in the background.

In a social media post of Miss Universe Philippines, Cortesi said of her national costume, "People don't really see women as leaders and that's because women are always – no matter what – very underestimated by everyone." g

‘I will look beyond the sash’: Pinay skin expert Olivia Quido vows to be a fair Miss Universe judge

by Jan MIlo severo Philstar.com

In a virtual press conference earlier, Quido said she will look beyond the sash for her to chose the rightful Miss Universe 2022.

“I treat this as a job interview. As a judge, kinausap na kami kung ano ang mga criteria na hinahanap namin. Speaking for myself, I’m gonna be a fair judge. I will look beyond the sash,” she said.

Titignan natin ‘yung personality kung magaling ba magsalita, magaling ba ang stage presence, ang communication skills, okay din bang magsalita and how she carries herself. So again, I’ll be a fair judge,” she added.

Quido also shared a Miss Universe book containing the

detals of each candidate.

Meron ditong mga fun facts, personal accomplishments nila. We have the same questions here but different answers so sinusulat namin dito ‘yung mga notes namin about the girls. Things we need to highlight about them so bawal ito mawala. Malaking problema raw kapag nawala ko ito,” she said.

Quido will be joined by Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete, rapper Big Freedia, model Mara Martin, Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam, sports journalist Emily Austin, TV host Myrka Dellanos, Roku executive Sweta Patel, Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan, and ImpactWayv executive Kathleen Ventrella in the selection committee.

Quido is the founder of O Skin Med Spa and Olivia Quido Clinical Skincare. As a master esthetician, she has devoted almost 20 years to making people feel and look radiant.

Her business is again the global pageant’s skincare sponsor for its 71st edition this year. g

ON SATURDAY, January 14, the Philippines will know if it will have its fifth Miss Universe title courtesy of Filipina Italian Celeste Cortesi.

Her popular name might not end with the letter “A” like the previous four Miss Universe winners from the Philippines (Gloria Diaz, Margarita Moran, Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray), but her grit has been one of her outstanding qualities since

Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi Photos from Instagram/@celeste_cortesi

Miss Universe Philippines Celeste Cortesi Photo from Instagram/@missuniverseph

Dolly de Leon Photos from Instagram/@dollyedeleon

DOLLY de Leon proved that she’s on the top of her game in the entertainment industry after being featured in British Vogue’s 2023 Hollywood portfolio alongside award-

MANILA — Filipina businesswoman and beauty specialist Olivia Quido, one of the judges of Miss Universe 2022 pageant, vowed to be fair in the upcoming coronation night happening on Saturday, January 14 in New Orleans.

Filipina businesswoman and beauty specialist Olivia Quido

Photo from Olivia Quido via Instagram

Filipino American comedian Jo Koy

Photo from Instagram/@jokoy

‘Here Lies Love’ on Broadway – Summer 2023

HERE Lies Love, the first musical on Broadway about the Philippines––with entirely Filipino principal roles––will premiere in the Summer of 2023 at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway at 53rd Street).

Tony Award winner Alex Timbers (direction) and Olivier Award nominee Annie-B Parson (choreography) reunite with Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winner David Byrne (concept, music, and lyrics) and Grammy Award winner Fatboy Slim (music) to bring Here Lies Love, the immersive disco pop musical based on the rise and fall of Imelda Marcos and the People Power Revolution of the Philippines, to Broadway, continuing a tenplus year collaboration on the project. Tom Gandey and J Pardo contribute additional music.

Performances will begin Saturday, June 17, 2023 ahead of an official opening night on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Here Lies Love is produced on Broadway by Hal Luftig, Patrick Catullo, Diana DiMenna for Plate Spinner Productions, and Clint Ramos and Jose Antonio Vargas––the first-ever Filipino lead producers on Broadway.

Says Tony Award-winning Designer, Creative Director, and Producer Ramos, who has been involved with the project since 2006: “Exciting lessons are often learned through uniquely surprising works of art. And nothing is more surprising than the way Here Lies Love vibrantly and creatively sheds light on a crucial part of Philippine history. Jose and I are so proud to help bring forth this singularly original show.”

Adds Tony Award-nominated Producer Vargas, who founded the immigration organization Define American: “Filipinos are among the largest immigrant groups in America––and also among the most invisible culturally, despite the two nations’ shared colonial histories. While the Asian

diaspora can no longer be denied in American popular culture, Filipinas and Filipinos remain woefully outside the spotlight.

I'm thrilled to help break barriers on what has historically been an exclusive stage: Broadway.”

Here Lies Love’s staging at the Broadway Theatre will transform the venue’s traditional proscenium floor space into a dance club environment, where audiences will stand and move with the actors. A wide variety of standing and seating options will be available throughout the theater’s reconstructed space, with more details to be announced soon. Sign up now at HereLiesLoveBroadway.com for first access to tickets.

From its world premiere at The Public Theater in 2013, Here Lies Love has enjoyed popular and critical acclaim. The show returned to The Public in 20142015, debuted at London’s Royal National Theatre in 2014, and most recently opened at Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2017.

Filipinos

Filipino Co-Producers include: Miranda Gohh, Celia Kaleialoha Kenney, Rob Laqui, and Giselle “G” Töngi.

Filipino creative team members include: ATW Jonathan Larson Grant recipient J. Oconer Navarro (music director); Tony Award winner Clint Ramos (costume design); Gail Quintos (casting director); Billy Bustamante (assistant director); Sheryl Polancos (assistant stage manager); and Giselle “G” Töngi (cultural and community liaison). They are joined by: three-time Tony Award nominee David Korins (scenic design); Tony Award winner Justin Townsend (lighting design); M.L. Dogg & Cody Spencer (sound design); and three-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini (projection design); with casting by Tara Rubin CSA and Xavier Rubiano CSA, and general management by Foresight Theatrical. g

Precious Paula Nicole pays homage to her Filipino roots at ‘DragCon’ UK

By Lora reyes Inquirer.net

COME through, world, because Precious Paula Nicole’s reign begins now! Drag Race Philippines’ firstever drag superstar Precious Paula Nicole continued to bring Filipino drag excellency to the international stage as she sashayed her way to the United Kingdom for this year’s threeday RuPaul’s DragCon, an annual convention that brings the fans and RuPaul’s Drag Race queens together.

During the 3-day expo, which started on January 6 to 8, Precious strutted down the pink runway and proudly represented the Philippines through her sickening looks.

On the expo’s first day, Precious wore a red and yellow indigenous-inspired ensemble, complete with a beaded necklace and headpiece.

The next day, Precious paid homage to the most celebrated Filipino shero, Darna, by wearing an outfit made by Filipino fashion designer Mara Chua that is heavily inspired by Darna’s attire.

For the last day of DragCon UK, Precious served the audience with another sickening look inspired by another Filipino comic character, ZsaZsa Zaturnnah, where she was clad in a red and pink bodysuit made by Chua, paired with a headpiece and vibrant red hair.

Aside from her looks, Precious’ booth at DragCon UK also screamed Filipino as it was designed as a traditional Filipino cafeteria. On display were logos of Filipino brands where she replaced the text with her name, photos of the Golden Gays, a poster of Divine Divas, fiesta banners, and a big sign that says, “PR3CIOU5 STORE.”

The Filipino drag superstar also took the UK stage by storm with performances of Gloc 9’s “Sirena” and Sarah Geronimo’s

Elisse on ‘battle scars,’ motherhood & McCoy

By Charmie Joy PaguLong Philstar.com

FANS were shocked and sad over the “breakup” of McLisse early this week. But prior to McCoy de Leon’s confirmation

that he and partner Elisse Joson have gone on separate ways, the latter said that she felt that McCoy was the right guy for her and that she has envisioned herself in a simple wedding with the former.

During the contract signing event with the Cathy Valencia Advanced Skin Clinic at its BGC branch last Dec. 10 where Elisse is one of the endorsers, she was asked by select press members about their plans of tying the knot.

She replied, “That is the goal, but of course, realistically we want to be more prepared. Kasi siyempre with the baby honestly, (we’re) not prepared.”

“So  ngayon para mas maayos ang maging steps  sa future. We

What a way to proudly present the Philippines!

Precious isn’t the only Filipino drag superstar who got to showcase her Pinoy charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent.

The expo was also attended by Drag Race Philippines’ Prince and Corazon, Canada’s Drag Race season 2’s Stephanie Prince, and Canada’s Drag Race season 3’s Kimmy Couture.

have to prepare for something big like that. But that’s really where it will lead  naman.

Parang no pressure lang din to anybody,” she added.

When furthered if she saw McCoy as the right guy for her, she answered, “I don’t see anybody else.”

The Kapamilya actress’

talk about Filipino representations!

Precious was named the first Filipino drag superstar after competing alongside fellow 11 drag artists to win the inaugural season of Drag Race Philippines.

Drag Race Philippines is one of the latest international editions of RuPaul’s Drag Race, which premiered on August 17, 2022. The show was hosted by Paolo Ballesteros, with KaladKaren and Drag Race alum Jiggly Caliente as permanent judges

supposed dream wedding with McCoy was a simple ceremony. “Hindi na ako nangangarap ng something  bongga. I think what matters is the two of you. The people that love you are there to support. Family is there to support.  Yun lang parang  simple wedding also is more meaningful

are well represented in Here Lies Love’s producing and creative ranks.

Precious Paula Nicole was named the first Filipino drag superstar after competing alongside fellow 11 drag artists to win the inaugural season of Drag Race Philippines.

Photo from Instagram/@teamppn

Tala” during the After Hours All-Winners show, a segment where all the winners of RuPaul’s Drag Race perform.

Now,

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

COFFEE, the waker-upper for 75 percent of adults in America, has been shown to have health benefits and also a risk among those who have severe hypertension for those who drink more than one cup (180cc) a day. It is a popular drink around the globe. Finland is the world’s highest consumer of coffee; Finns drink an average of nearly 4 cups (720 cc) a day.

With all health factors adjusted, studies have shown that drinking coffee could decrease mortality and possibly offer lower risk for the development of heart attack and stroke, diabetes type 2, livers disease (including cancer) and Parkinson’s, states a report from the Mayo Clinic.

A recent Japanese study among 18,000 men and women for a period of 20 years found that among those with severe hypertension, drinking one cup of coffee a day was safe but 2 or more per day was associated with increased mortality. Severe hypertension is defined as those with a systolic blood pressure of 180 and a diastolic pressure of 120. The study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Among normotensives and those with moderate high blood pressure (talking medications), which were not part of this study, drinking 2 cups or 3 a day could be safe, as suggested by data from other studies.

Those susceptible to the effect caffeine could develop cardiac arrythmias (rapid or irregular heartbeat), jitters, nausea, and impaired sleep. Discuss any issues with your family physician, who is familiar with your detailed medical history and could advise you accordingly.

Without any doubt, drinking a cup or two of coffee is safer that consuming any type or variety of soft drinks – cola or uncola, with or without artificial sweetener, and are toxic to the body of everyone, especially to children. Soft drinks increase the risk for metabolic syndrome. Coffee does not.

Dominant virus

While the BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 subvariants (started in India midAugust and arrived in the U.S. in November 2022) of Omicron COVID-19 virus is highest (around

Coffee: Benefits and risk

40%) in California, the challenger currently taking over is the XBB.1.5 (found in early 2023) following the holiday crowds of unmasked people around the country, many still unvaccinated. This has raised concerns about a new wave in the United States. China is facing is various severe waves.

As of last Friday (January 6), there were 40% of confirmed cases of XBB.1.5, up 20% from a week ago. Seventy-five percent of cases in the Northeast are confirmed XBB.1.5 cases. The replication and mutation to other variants and subvariants will continue until everyone has been vaccinated or has been infected. Then, we shall have herd immunity (protection) in the country. In the meantime, let us all get vaccinated fully and continue to wear a mask although vaccinated, since new strains of the virus could still infect us.

Until a truly universal COVID-19 vaccine is developed for all strains and future strains of the virus, even those fully vaccinated today could still be infected by new variants tomorrow.

As I have tried to simplify the issue before, I suggested each COVID-19 subvariant infection should be considered a “different” disease, and that the immunity conferred by the vaccines we received before for those past sub-strains may not protect us from the newer variants. To prevent confusion, just remember: a different strain “creates” a different disease, and a different vaccine is needed.

Masks, quarantine?

Is there still a need for masking, distancing, and quarantine during this new wave of COVID-19?

Yes, during this new wave of coronavirus infection, with new sub-strains invading us, where the daily average death rate recently is still around 200 to 480 a day, it is medically prudent for everyone, especially those vulnerable seniors and the immunocompromised, to continue wearing a mask in public, do social distancing, avoid crowds, and if infected, undergo self-quarantine at home for at least 10 from the onset of the first symptom. (To confirm if infected after a suspected exposure or if symptoms like cough develops, do a rapid antigen (home kit) test, which Medicare provides for free at stores like Walmart, etc.) If in doubt, consult your physician.

Hospitals across the United States, “are overwhelmed by cases of COVID, RSC, and Flu, reported the Washington Post.

Potatoes, beans, diabetes It is a common notion that potatoes and beans are carbohydrates that are bad for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Consumption of carbs are, in general, not healthy for diabetics, and for that matter, for all of us, especially those who are overweight.

Contrary to conventional thinking, a recent study shows data that “low-energy bean and potato-based diets “may be effective in helping reduce insulin resistance and promoting weight loss,” as published in the Journal of Medicinal Food. Sweet potatoes and yams and their skin also “provide a lot of fiber, which contribute to satiety and blood sugar management.” While the blood sugar did not drop, weight loss and reduced insulin resistance were found with the potato-bean based diet, which will help in the management of T2disbetes.

Larger-scale independent global research is needed to confirm this valuable studies.

Food as medicine

Clinical studies investigated “the link between protein consumption and caloric intake.” Amazingly, they found that people who ate less protein intake, consumed more fats and carbohydrates, resulting in higher obesity risk.

Obesity and its associated health issues are known as the leading cause of preventable and premature deaths, including T2 diabetes, cardiac diseases, stroke, and cancer. In the year between 1999 and 2020, the rate of obesity in the United States soared from 30.5 percent to 41.9 percent.

The Protein Leverage Hypothesis (PLH) was initially proposed in 2005 as a theory of obesity, postulating that if the body’s protein needs are not met, fats and carbohydrate consumption goes up, “dampening the satiety signals from the brain, increasing food intake.”

A separate study noted that those who consumed more processed food items tended to eat more fats and carbohydrates, leading to weight gain. The “lower protein intake at the first meal of the day led to the higher overall food intake throughout the day,” according to this study published in the Obesity journal.

Culinary medicine

Culinary medicine is “a new evidence-based field in medicine that blends the art of food and cooking with the science of medicine. It uses a high-quality tailored diet to prevent and treat disease and maintain well-being.”

Indeed, let’s eat food as medicine today, so we do not eat medicine as food tomorrow!

* * *

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 main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

* * *

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Jerald, Kim reveal breaking up several times before

CELEBRITY couple Jerald Napoles and Kim Molina revealed that they have broken up many times before, but still chose to be with each other.

During the press conference of their upcoming film “Girlfriend Na Pwede Na” last Friday, Jerald said they haven’t had an extreme fight, but there were times that they needed space away from each other.

Kim added that their relationship is not perfect but they talk to each other to make it work.

“Marami rin kaming ayaw sa isa’t isa, but we always make it a point that when we

clash, we talk about it and we eventually realize that we still have a lot of things to be grateful for about each other. And so, we’re still together,” Kim said.

“And pareho rin kaming mag-isip, e. We have the same goals in life. You can consider me as babaeng Jerald and he, lalaking Kim, so talagang may connect,” she added.

The couple, also known as KimJe, will headline the first offering of Viva Films this year.

Directed by Benedict Mique, “Girlfriend Na Pwede Na” is showing in cinemas starting January 18. (Jan Milo Severo/ Philstar.com)

Luis, Jessy welcome first child

By Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

CELEBRITY couple Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola are officially parents as they introduce their first child to the world.

In their respective Instagram posts Saturday, January 7 the firsttime parents showed a glimpse of their daughter they named Isabelle Rose Tawile Manzano or Rosie.

“I never knew I could love like this. My little Rosie. Isabelle Rose Tawile Manzano,” Mendiola captioned.

She also shared a mirror shot of her a few minutes later saying, “Missing my baby’s kicks in my womb. Almost two weeks postpartum.”

Meanwhile, Manzano posted a photo of him holding their newborn and said, “Hi Peanut.”

Celebrity friends have poured out their congratulations to the family.

Gary Valenciano commented, “So so so so happy Luis!! Wow!!”

“Can’t wait to meet you!” posted Anne Curtis.

“Congratulations, Jessy! So excited to meet Rosie,” shared Iza Calzado.

Angeline Quinto wrote, “Awwwww. Congratulations Jessy and Kuya. Hello Peanut!”

“So so precious!!! Congratulations Lu and Jessy,” Bianca Manalo said.

Mendiola, 30 and Manzano, 41, first announced they were expecting in August 2022 through a vlog and a photoshoot taken in Benguet. Later on, they threw a gender reveal party and revealed that they are having a baby girl.

After five years of dating, the couple finally tied the knot in Batangas in February 2022. g

Elisse on ‘battle scars,’ motherhood...

PAGE 9

nowadays,” she shared. In a Dec. 19 Instagram post, McCoy uploaded a photo of him and his one-year-old daughter Felize with a caption that read, “Lagi mong tatandaan na mahal kita. Ikaw lang ang nakakaalam. Ikaw lang ang makakaintindi sa akin. Ikaw lang ang maaasahan ko. Ikaw lang ang rason kaya ako nabubuhay. Ikaw lang ang lahat lahat ko. “Sana ‘pag tanda mo ‘wag magbago tingin kay daddy  ha. Pasensya na kung hindi lang talaga nakaya ni daddy.  Sana maikwento

ko sayo pagtanda mo.  Don’t worry masasaya naman ikukwento ko na may konting problema hehe para naman maintindihan mo si daddy,” the post said.

Basta ha lagi kang nasa isip ni daddy pasensya na rin kung dito ko nailagay message ko. Hindi ko na alam paano kita makakausap eh,” he continued.

He concluded the post with, “’Wag bibigyan ng sakit sa ulo si  mommy  ha i-love  mo siya.

Last na… anak ‘wag mo silang pansinin ok? Mahal na mahal kita anak ko. Miss na miss na kita sobra….*hug  na mahigpit*.” The penned message has been edited afterwards.

On the other hand, in nowdeleted Instagram stories posted on Wednesday, January 4 the Deleter actor issued an apology and refuted a rumor circulating that a third party caused their split. McCoy was linked to a social media influencer amid the reported breakup.

While not giving details on what caused the separation, he said, “Wala po involve (d)  na ibang tao (sa) pinakarason kung bakit kami naghiwalay. Sana po maniwala po kayo. Hindi ko po intensyon manakit ng tao o manloko. Sadyang dumating lang po sa point na sobrang bigat lang ng problema kaya po ako sumuko.”

Whatever led to the breakup, Elisse’s explanation about a Dec. 3 post now seems to be getting new meaning. She posted a photo of herself clad in a bikini showing her stretch marks and post-pregnancy figure, with the caption “Battle scars,”

on Instagram. She said during the contract-signing event that it was not only about the physical scars brought about by pregnancy but also about what she was going through internally.

“Actually, they think siyempre yun yung battle scars talaga is yung pinagdaanan sa pagbubuntis,” she said. “But what I was thinking of when I was posting it is the battle scars internally. There’s a lot going on for me. You know personal life, work life,  yung sabay-sabay so  parang sabi ko ‘pag  mom  na pala talaga andaming kailangang pagdaanan, andaming challenges, so battle scars are not just  yung  physical, it’s inside.”

On what she discovered about herself when she became a mom, Elisse stated, “Akala ko dati na matapang na ko in facing different challenges, but now that I am a mom,  parang ngayon talaga mas na-te-test  talaga na  you don’t decide for yourself anymore. Not just for myself anymore, but every decision  talaga kailangan pag-isipan  and now I see how strong mothers are, not just me but like all the mothers in general, hands down talaga.”

When queried how has things changed for her and McCoy since becoming parents, she noted, “First, I think  yung mga simple arguments and  away hindi na pwede. Nakita mo na may negative trait yung partner  mo, you can’t just say I don’t like that about him and leave. You really have to work on it.  Kasi ngayon we’re still growing eh, individually. So what we’re trying to do now is, of course, grow together so yun yung nakita ko sa kanya yun.” g

Elisse Joson: “As a mom, you don’t decide for yourself anymore.”

Photo from Instagram/@elissejoson

Celebrity couple Jerald Napoles and Kim Molina

Photo from Instagram/@iamjnapoles

Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola Photo from Instagram/@jessymendiola