011724 - Southern California Midweek Edition

JANUARY 17-19, 2024 Volume 34 - No. 5 • 12 Pages

Biden to send first trade mission to the Philippines

by CATHERINE VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

UNITED States President Joe Biden is set to send his first trade and investment mission to the Philippines, the White House announced on Friday, January 12, as part of the two countries' commitment to advance economic ties.

In a statement, White House National Security Council spokesman Adrienne Watson said the delegation would be led by Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and will be in Manila until March 11 and 12, 2024, to engage with Filipino stakeholders.

"President Joseph R. Biden

Jr. today announced he will send a Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to Manila, Philippines, March 11-12, 2024, to enhance U.S. companies' contributions to the Philippines' innovation economy, connective infrastructure, clean energy transition, critical minerals sector, and the food security of its people," she said.

The visit, she added, would reinforce the Philippines as a "key hub for regional supply chains and high-quality investment."

Watson said this trade mission follows on Biden's commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to advance U.S.-Philippines economic ties and internationally recognized labor rights.

Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez told the Philippine News Agency that a representative of the U.S. International Development Financial Corp. (DFC) would also be part of the mission.

The envoy had previously disclosed that the US had offered assistance for the stalled Mindanao Railway Project, with financing expected to come from the DFC. 'First-of-its-kind' This Biden-curated trade mission also comes on the heels of the 123 Agreement signing, which will pave the way for nuclear power projects between the Philippines and American  PAGE 2

FEAST AND PICNIC. As a yearly tradition during the feast of the Sto. Niño, picnic is allowed at the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague grounds in Matina, Davao City on Monday, Jan. 15. Visitors were reminded to clean the area before leaving.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

79% of Filipinos favor US partnership amid heightened tensions in WPS — Pulse Asia

USA

DATELINE LA residents can now report ‘hate incidents’ to police online FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

THE Los Angeles Police Department is expanding its Community Online Reporting Service system on Friday, January 12 to include the category of “hate incidents” in an effort to combat the “under-reporting of bias-motivated incidents” that fall short of being considered crimes.

LAPD Chief Michel Moore announced the expansion to the CORS program at a news conference at police headquarters on Thursday, January 11.

The CORS system was launched in 2016, and allowed community members to file reports on incidents such as traffic collisions and a limited category of crime reports online, Moore said.

During the year of its launch, 1,300 reports were submitted through CORS, Moore said.  PAGE 3

Bridging health gaps in Los Angeles County AS wealth and health disparities widen nationwide, California is bridging the gap by making care accessible to all.

On January 1, California expanded Medi-Cal, its version of Medicaid, to all low-income individuals regardless of immigration status. This expansion is uniquely impactful in LA County, which will see the closure of its no-cost lowincome health program My Health LA (MHLA) at the end of January, since all MHLA patients will now be eligible for Medi-Cal. At a Thursday, Jan. 11 briefing cosponsored by MHLA and the California Department of Health Care Services, LA County health workers and patients discussed what this transition from restricted (i.e. emergency) benefits to full coverage means for health access overall — especially for those who never had full coverage in the past.

Medi-Cal expanding, My Health LA  PAGE 2

by GAEA KATREENA CABICO Philstar.com

MANILA — Eight in 10 Filipinos want the Philippines to work with the United States as tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea continue to escalate, according to a recent Pulse Asia survey.

The December 3 to 7 poll, commissioned by think tank Stratbase Institute, showed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and U.S. President Joe Biden Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales 79% of Filipino adults believe the government

of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should cooperate with the United States amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Only 10% of Filipinos favored working with China.

Tensions between Manila and Beijing have flared up in recent months, with the Southeast Asian nation accusing the China Coast Guard of aggressive maneuvers toward Filipino boats during resupply missions.  PAGE 2

Philippines to upgrade outposts in disputed South China Sea and islands in the Spratly Islands, located in the South China Sea. Brawner said Thitu and Nanshan islands were among those where facilities would be improved with the installation of desalination machines and communications equipment.

"We are just trying to make it more liveable, more habitable for our soldiers because they really have poor living conditions," he told reporters.

The plan, however, did not include "fortifying the Sierra Madre", Brawner said, referring to the crumbling World War IIvintage ship grounded on Second Thomas  PAGE 2

MANILA — The Philippines will upgrade outposts in waters off its coast and acquire more ships, its military chief said on Monday, January 15 as the country seeks to push back against China's growing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea. Manila and Beijing have a long history of maritime territorial disputes in the waterway, but relations sharply deteriorated recently over a series of incidents involving vessels from both countries.

Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner said the country would develop "the islands and other features" it held.

The Philippines has outposts on nine reefs

PH reaffirms ‘One China’ policy

by BERNADETTE TAMAYO

value the enduring friendship between Taiwan and the Philippines. I look forward to enhancing our economic and people-to-people ties while championing democracy, peace and prosperity in the region."

The DFA said the Philippines and Taiwan "share mutual interests which include the welfare of nearly 200,000 OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) in Taiwan."

"The message of President Marcos congratulating the new president was his way of thanking them for hosting our OFWs and holding a successful democratic process," the DFA said. "Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy," the Foreign Affairs department said.

The Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFa) also expressed its gratitude to Marcos for congratulating Lai. "We, too, eagerly anticipate fostering an  PAGE 2

ManilaTimes.net

MANILA — The Philippines on Tuesday, January 16 reaffirmed its "One China Policy" amid President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s gesture congratulating Taiwan's newly elected leader Lai Ching-te.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued the statement as the President on Monday posted on X (formerly Twitter) his message to Lai. "On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate President-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan's next president. We look forward to close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, ensuring prosperity for our people," Marcos wrote on X. Lai turned to X to thank Marcos. "I deeply

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If ICC investigators are indeed in the country, as earlier reported, and they are not coordinating with the government, “how can we be sure that their investigation will be fair,” DOJ spokesman Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano said at a public briefing. ManilaTimes.net file photo

ICC yet to confirm presence in PH

by FRANCO JOSE BAROÑA ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Monday, January 15 that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has yet to confirm if indeed its investigators are already in the country to probe the previous administration's "drug war."

DOJ spokesman Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano said they expect the ICC would "reach out and not avoid detection."

"Here in the Philippines, we conduct a very transparent preliminary investigation. The prosecution asks for evidence from both the complainant and the respondent. It will not rely solely on what one side is saying," Clavano said.

If ICC investigators are indeed in the country, as earlier reported, and they are not coordinating with the government, "how can we be sure that their investigation will be fair," the DOJ spokesman said at a public briefing on Monday.

"How can we be sure that they will only rely on the statements of activists or civil society groups that are left-leaning? We have to make sure that the process is fair and transparent as it would have been if done by the Philippine government itself. So we do hope that if ever they are here that they can reach out to us so we can have a constructive dialogue," Clavano added.

"We still do not want our justice system to be taken over.

We have a working justice  PAGE 2

2 JANUARY 17-19, 2024 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Biden to send first trade mission...

PAGE 1

SYMBOL OF FREEDOM. Law students from various universities in Metro Manila witness the turnover of the 1971–1972 Constitutional Convention mace to the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila during the conference on the Philippine Constitutions and Social Order on Tuesday, Jan. 16. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines is organizing activities for the 125th anniversary this year of the ratification of the 1899 Malolos Constitution, the constitution of the First Philippine Republic.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

79% of Filipinos favor US partnership...

PAGE 1

Marcos has veered away from the pivot of his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte to China and has strengthened the country’s alliance with the United States.

The Pulse Asia survey also found that 43% and 42% of Filipinos want the Marcos administration to work closely with Australia and Japan, respectively.

Thirty-four percent chose Canada, 22% the United Kingdom, 17% the European Union, 16% Russia, 15% South Korea and 4% India.

The 1,200 respondents of the survey were allowed to select up to three options.

Stratbase President Dindo Manhit said that the results of the poll highlighted the need for the Marcos administration to bolster its

partnerships with like-minded countries.

“These countries have continued to voice their support for the Philippine position and have condemned Chinese actions against Filipino vessels,” Manhit said.

Protecting WPS The results from the same survey also showed that the majority, or 55% of Filipinos, believe the Marcos administration can fulfill its promise of protecting the West Philippine Sea from illegal and aggressive actions of other states.

Only 10% answered they do not believe the government’s commitment, while 35% were unsure.

For 31% of Filipinos, upholding the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling and promoting a rule-based international order are the most important reasons for defending the

West Philippine Sea. Other key reasons include maintaining the Philippines’ sovereign and territorial integrity (27%), and protecting marine resources (23%).

To assert the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea, 67% of Filipinos said the government should strengthen the capabilities of the Philippine Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard.

Reinforcing the country’s alliances with like-minded nations through joint patrols and military exercises (56%), establishing a stronger military presence in the West Philippine Sea by repairing the grounded BRP Sierra Madre (52%), and improving the cooperation of agencies involved in maritime security (52%) are also seen as crucial steps. g

providers.

The 123 Agreement, signed in November 2023, allows the transfer of information, nuclear material, equipment, and components directly between the two states.

Biden had described the endeavor as a "first-of-its-kind" mission when he met Marcos in Washington, D.C., in May 2023.

"And this is, in fact, a new feature as there has never been a presidential high-level delegation to any country before, and that is again because of our continuing strong partnership with the United States," Marcos said, following his six-day visit to the U.S. in November last year.

The president said the group's visit to the Philippines was upon the request of his administration for U.S. businesses to explore opportunities for investments, particularly in key sectors identified during their meetings in the U.S. The visit of the U.S. Presidential Trade and Investment Mission in Manila coincides with the Philippines' hosting of the Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF), described as the U.S.’s "marquee commercial event in the region."

The IPBF is the U.S. government's annual commercial event in the region, gathering top leaders from the public and private sectors to review policy developments, disclose new investments, and explore partnerships.

The U.S. co-hosted with Japan

increasingly robust partnership to promote our nation's shared interests as well as Indo Pacific peace and prosperity," the MoFa said.

The DFA said the Philippines reaffirms "the principles contained

Cooperation Leaders' Meeting in November was added to its monitoring, adding P37.2 billion to the total value and six to the total project.

These include a P2.2billion investment in telecommunications, P110 million in artificial intelligence, P13 billion in manufacturing, P1.1 billion in health sciences/ pharma manufacturing/health services, P16 million in energy, and an undisclosed amount for another investment in health sciences/pharma manufacturing/ health services.

These projects comprise signed agreements with clear financial values and MoUs/LoIs. There had been criticisms of the president's frequent foreign travels since the start of his administration, but Marcos defended his trips, saying that his participation and attendance in these events abroad would help other countries to "think" about the Philippines.

The president also said the public should look at the return on investments (ROIs) of his previous trips.

"In terms of the cost, the way I see it, you have to look at it as ROI: do we bring something back or do we not? If you say, as I say, I don't, the exact figures of the cost and everything... But for example, we came from China with pledges of $22 billion, let's say we get actual out of that $1 billion, we've more than made up for the eight trips," the president said in English and Filipino.

(With reports from PNA)

campaign against illegal drugs. It suspended its probe in November 2021 upon the capital Manila's request, saying that it was carrying out its own investigations.

But in January 2023, the ICC said it was "not satisfied that the Philippines is undertaking relevant investigations," and its prosecutors resumed their

inquiry.

However, the Philippine government has maintained its position that the state has no legal duty to cooperate with ICC investigators.

Earlier reports said ICC investigators have already entered the Philippines to conduct its investigation on Rodrigo Duterte's "drug war." g

ICC yet to confirm presence...

PAGE 1 system, we have courts, we have prosecutors, we have our law enforcement agencies," he said.

In September 2021, the ICC approved the conduct of a formal investigation into possible crimes against humanity allegedly committed under the leadership of former president "The Philippines is committed Rodrigo Duterte during the in the Joint Communique of the Government of the Republic of the to its One-China Policy. The Joint Philippines and the Government Communique states that 'the two of the People's Republic of China Governments agree to settle all signed by President Ferdinand E. disputes by peaceful means withMarcos and Premier Zhou Enlai out resorting to the use or threat of PAGE 1 force,'" the DFA said. g on June 9, 1975."

Shoal by the Philippine Navy in 1999 to assert the country's territorial claims.

The Philippines would also acquire "more ships, more aircraft, radars", Brawner said, as part of a modest modernisation programme that began more than a decade ago.

PH reaffirms ‘One China’...

PAGE 1

the 5th Indo-Pacific Business Forum last Jan. 12, 2023, welcoming senior government officials, industry executives and other stakeholders.

Malacañang said Marcos' business engagements in the US and Japan, among others, have obtained P4.019 trillion ($72.178 billion) worth of investments as of December 21.

The total investment value consists of 148 projects based on the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) latest monitoring of consolidated and processed investments.

The DTI had described the investments as business investment promotion agency (IPA) registered with operations worth P11.4 billion, business/ IPA registered (P54.75 billion), and IPA registration in progress operations (P282.8 billion).

Meanwhile, investments that already have a signed agreement were valued at P544.152 billion, while those with a signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) or Letter of Intent (LoI) were valued at P1.588 trillion.

Finally, those confirmed but not covered by MoUs/LoIs and still in the planning stage are pegged at P1.522 trillion.

"These investments — realized and in the pipeline — are mostly in the sectors of manufacturing, IT-BPM, renewable energy, data centers, and telecommunications," the DTI has said.

In its December 14 update, the DTI said Marcos' visit to the U.S. for the Asia-Pacific Economic

Philippines to upgrade outposts in disputed...

Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea and has ignored an international tribunal ruling that its assertions have no legal basis.

This month, China held military drills in the South China Sea as the United States and the Philippines conducted their own joint exercises in the same

waters.

The drills followed a month of tense standoffs between China and the Philippines in disputed reefs in the area that saw a collision between vessels from the two countries and Chinese ships blasting water cannons at Philippine boats. (Philstar.com with reports from AFP)

Bridging health gaps in Los Angeles...

PAGE 1 sunsetting This dramatic expansion of Medi-Cal — the last in a series which began in 2015 to include children, then in 2020 to young adults, and then in 2022 to older adults — “opens the doors to full insurance for all ages for all low income undocumented immigrants,” said Anna Gorman, COO of Community Programs at MHLA. As a result, an estimated 700,000 individuals statewide will get full-scope MediCal, including “mental health care, medical care, vision, dental, long term care, substance use disorder services, transportation and in-home care,” she continued.

“Previously, this population could only get emergency or restricted Medi-Cal.” This expansion coincides with the sunsetting of My Health LA, a decade-long partnership between LA County DHS and over 50 community clinics countywide that allowed hundreds of thousands of lowincome uninsured residents to receive primary or preventive care at these clinics while coming to DHS for emergency or hospital care.

Now that participants can get full Medi-Cal, they can apply through their community clinics, or by calling the LA County Department of Public Health at 833-540-0473, Gorman said. “For state-funded benefits, your information is only used to determine if you qualify; state laws protect your privacy, and using benefits won’t hurt your immigration status except for a few small exceptions — a residential nursing home, or mental health institution care.”

“When I started my job almost five years ago,” she added, “I said I hoped that we would not need this program much longer, and today we’re finally here.”

Life-changing health access A transition to full coverage like this “changes people’s

lives,” said Louise McCarthy, President and CEO of Community Clinic Association of LA County. “A couple decades ago, I was in the hospital looking at a $22,000 medical bill. I was uninsured and had no way to pay, but it turned out I was eligible for Medi-Cal and enrolled that day.

That bill went away. I am now a homeowner, an employer. I went to graduate school. That would not have happened with medical debt.”

Like medical access, medical debt too can change someone’s life, “steering them down a path of persistent poverty, and people can avoid it if they get the full care they’re entitled to — even without insurance, there’s still care available at these centers” she added.

The need for such care is rising countywide.

Carmen Muniz, COO of Family Health Care Center of Greater Los Angeles, said her center alone had 2,500 assigned MHLA patients between ages 26 and 49 in October 2023, amounting to 2,239 visits and a 24% growth of patients from the previous year.

“No patient should feel that because they have limited income, they can’t receive the care they need,” Muniz said, “nor should your immigration status be a barrier for you to receive quality medical care.”

Full care “is like a gift” Amalia Torres, a patient of Muniz’ clinic since 2001 who transitioned from My Health LA to Medi-Cal on January 1, said this transition from restricted to full coverage will give her a chance to newly access dental care, and emergency situations — like a kidney stone diagnosis she received in the past — will no longer be as threatening.

Having come to the U.S. from Puebla, Mexico 22 years ago, she received prenatal care for all three of her children at FHCCGLA, and said the new eligibility of her husband, too — the sole source of income in her household — gave her

great peace of mind.

Guadalupe Ramirez, a Maternal Health and Child Care Access (MHCCA) patient for nearly 15 years — since the Affordable Care Act — said full coverage granted her son life-saving heart surgeries, and now that she’s eligible for it alongside her three children it’s been “like a gift.

My priorities are always on my children, and knowing I won’t have to worry about expensive care for myself is a true weight lifted off my shoulders.”

Lorena Prieto, Managed Care Lead at Eisner Health in LA County, added that as Medi-Cal expands, some state counties like LA are transitioning from some “managed care” or primary provider insurance plans to others.

As this happens, local clinics are also making sure that patients already getting the care they need “remain with their medical homes through the transition,” Prieto explained. So far, “over 90% of our My Health LA patients are successfully enrolled into full Medi-Cal, and they already have access to crucial benefits that weren’t covered before — like hearing aids, glasses, walkers, canes, wheelchairs and timely mental health services.”

She added that “Medi-Cal enrollment is not subject to public charge; nobody needs to fear receiving the benefits they need.”

Celia Valdez, MHCCA Director of Outreach and Education, emphasized the importance of mental health care under full Medi-Cal for children and parents, especially those facing financial difficulties and those impacted by the pandemic “with the stress that presents.

Knowing that our families no longer have to choose between, say, an invasive surgery, or even getting new glasses, and putting food on the table or paying your utility bill … It makes me feel good to be a Californian.” (Selen Ozturk/ Ethnic Media Services)

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LA residents can now report ‘hate incidents’...

PAGE 1

Since then, CORS has expanded to include nearly two dozen types of reports that community members can file online.

In 2023, community members submitted more than 131,000 such reports online, Moore said.

On Jan. 1, an addition to the CORS system took effect, and now, community members have the option of filing reports of “hate incidents” online, Moore said.

Moore noted that the type of incident would be an action “not amounting to a crime” in which a person in the community is targeted in a way that could include an epithet or a gesture related to a victim’s sexual orientation, race, religion or ethnicity.

The Los Angeles Police Department is expanding its Community Online Reporting Service system Friday to include the category of “hate incidents” in an effort to combat the “underreporting of bias-motivated incidents” that fall short of being considered crimes.

LAPD Chief Michel Moore announced the expansion to the CORS program at a news conference at police headquarters on Thursday morning.

The CORS system was launched in 2016, and allowed community members to file reports on incidents such as traffic collisions and a limited category of crime reports online, Moore said.

During the year of its launch, 1,300 reports were submitted through CORS, Moore said.

Since then, CORS has expanded to include nearly two dozen types of reports that community members can file online.

In 2023, community members submitted more than 131,000 such reports online, Moore said.

On Jan. 1, an addition to the CORS system took effect, and now, community members have the option of filing reports of “hate incidents” online, Moore said.

Moore noted that the type of incident would be an action “not amounting to a crime” in which a person in the community is targeted in a way that could include an epithet or a gesture related to a victim’s sexual orientation, race, religion or ethnicity.

“It is a matter that we want to know about,” Moore said.

“The challenge is, that with the

lengthening response time, that people attempting to report a non-crime — but a significant matter that concerns them, creates fear and apprehension in those communities — (it) was taking, at times, hours for us to reach (them) because of the limited resources, because of more pressing matters, meaning crimes of violence that were in progress, or various crimes that had just occurred.”

To file a report or to see a list of the types of reports that can be filed through CORS, go to www. lapdonline.org/file-a-policereport/.

Authorities stressed that if a crime is in progress, people should call 911.

According to the LAPD, the type of “hate incident” that would be appropriate to report under the expanded online program would be defined as follows: “Hate Incident: A hate incident is any non-criminal act, including words, directed against a person(s) based on that person’s actual or perceived protected characteristics. Hate incidents do not violate criminal law statutes. Hate incidents are generally protected free speech under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.”

The following types of police reports had been previously included in the online reporting program: Harassing Phone Calls: Any person who repeatedly, with the intent to annoy, telephones or makes contact by means of an electronic communication.

For example, immediate hangups, obscene language, emails, text messages with no known suspects.

Lost Property: Personal property that was unintentionally left by its true owner. For example, property left behind at an unknown location or left behind with no attempt to retrieve it.

Vandalism: Any person who maliciously damages, destroys or defaces the property of another person. For example, knocking over a mailbox, spray- painting a wall, or throwing a rock through a window.

Theft: Personal property taken from a publicly accessible location. For example, a package is taken from your porch; or, you left your wallet behind in a restaurant, but when you attempted to go back to retrieve it, the wallet was no longer there.

Dateline USa

Theft from Vehicle: Theft from an unlocked or locked vehicle.

Minor Traffic Collisions: Minor injuries and you have exchanged information.

Hit and Run: Damage caused by another vehicle in which the driver should have left information or fled the scene without stopping to provide information.

Vice Tips: Tips may be reported, and filer may remain anonymous.

Narcotics Tips: Tips may be reported, and the filer may remain anonymous.

Identity Theft.

The incidents must meet the following criteria in order to report them online: • The incident is not an emergency.

• The incident occurred within the City of Los Angeles.

• The person filing must be at least 18 years old.

• No one was injured as a result of this incident.

• There are no known suspects.

• The incident did not occur on the state highway.

• No firearms were involved in the incident.

• The person filing must have internet access and an email address.

Once a report has been submitted report, the filer will immediately receive a temporary report number and be able to print a copy of the report just made.

All incidents reported using the Community Online Reporting Service will be reviewed, on average once every 24 hours — possibly longer on weekends and holidays — and upon approval will become an official police report.

If further investigation of the reported incident is needed, the filer will be contacted by email or telephone.

Once the report has been approved, an LAPD report number will be issued and a copy of the final report will be emailed back to the filer.

The LAPD cautioned people that providing a false police report is a crime.

“Anyone filing a false police report may be prosecuted under California Penal Code section 148.5 PC. Filing a false police report is punishable by imprisonment in county jail not exceeding 6 months, or by fine not exceeding $1,000, or by both,” police said in a statement.

(Inquirer.net)

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 17-19, 2024 3

CONVENIENT RIDE. Passengers board modern jeepney units at the Farmers Garden Parking terminal in Cubao, Quezon City on Monday, Jan. 15. A survey conducted by research and analytics firm Capstone-Intel Corp. among 1,503 adult respondents on Nov. 22 to 29, 2023 showed 70 percent support the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

What would a second Trump presidency look like for health care? LOS ANGELES COUNTY

by Julie RovneR KFF Health News

ON the presidential campaign trail, former President Donald Trump is, once again, promising to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act — a nebulous goal that became one of his administration’s splashiest policy failures.

“We’re going to fight for much better health care than Obamacare.

Obamacare is a catastrophe,” Trump said at a campaign stop in Iowa on Jan. 6.

The perplexing revival of one of Trump’s most politically damaging crusades comes at a time when the Obama-era health law is even more popular and widely used than it was in 2017, when Trump and congressional Republicans proved unable to pass their own plan to replace it. That failed effort was a big part of why Republicans lost control of the House of Representatives in the 2018 midterms.

Despite repeated promises, Trump never presented his own Obamacare replacement.

And much of what Trump’s administration actually accomplished in health care has been reversed by the Biden administration.

Still, Trump secured some significant policy changes that

remain in place today, including efforts to bring more transparency to prices charged by hospitals and paid by health insurers.

Trying to predict Trump’s priorities in a second term is even more difficult given that he frequently changes his positions on issues, sometimes multiple times.

The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Perhaps Trump’s biggest achievement is something he rarely talks about on the campaign trail.

His administration’s “Operation Warp Speed” managed to create, test, and bring to market a covid-19 vaccine in less than a year, far faster than even the most optimistic predictions.

Many of Trump’s supporters, though, don’t support — and some even vehemently oppose — covid vaccines.

Here is a recap of Trump’s health care record: Public health Trump’s pandemic response dominates his overall record on health care.

More than 400,000 Americans died from covid over Trump’s last year in office. His travel bans and other efforts to prevent the global spread of the virus were ineffective, his administration was slower than PAGE 4

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What would a second Trump presidency...

PAGE 3 other countries’ governments to develop a diagnostic test, and he publicly clashed with his own government’s health officials over the response.

Ahead of the 2020 election, Trump resumed large rallies and other public campaign events that many public health experts regarded as reckless in the face of a highly contagious, deadly virus. He personally flouted public health guidance after contracting covid himself and ending up hospitalized.

At the same time, despite what many saw as a politicization of public health by the White House, Trump signed a massive covid relief bill (after first threatening to veto it). He also presided over some of the largest boosts for the National Institutes of Health’s budget since the turn of the century. And the mRNAbased vaccines Operation Warp Speed helped develop were an astounding scientific breakthrough credited with helping save millions of lives while laying the groundwork for future shots to fight other diseases including cancer.

Abortion Trump’s biggest contribution to abortion policy was indirect: He appointed three Supreme Court justices, who were instrumental in overturning the constitutional right to an abortion.

During his 2024 campaign, Trump has been all over the place on the red-hot issue. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Trump has bemoaned the issue as politically bad for Republicans; criticized one of his rivals, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, for signing a sixweek abortion ban; and vowed to broker a compromise with “both sides” on abortion, promising that “for the first time in 52 years, you’ll have an issue that we can put behind us.”

He has so far avoided spelling out how he’d do that, or whether he’d support a national abortion ban after any number of weeks.

More recently, however, Trump appears to have mended fences over his criticism of Florida’s six-week ban and more with key abortion opponents, whose support helped him get elected in 2016 — and whom he repaid with a long list of policy changes during his presidency.

Among the anti-abortion actions taken by the Trump administration were a reinstatement of the “Mexico City Policy” that bars

giving federal funds to international organizations that support abortion rights; a regulation to bar Planned Parenthood and other organizations that provide abortions from the federal family planning program, Title X; regulatory changes designed to make it easier for health care providers and employers to decline to participate in activities that violate their religious and moral beliefs; and other changes that made it harder for NIH scientists to conduct research using fetal tissue from elective abortions.

All of those policies have since been overturned by the Biden administration.

Health insurance Unlike Trump’s policies on reproductive health, many of his administration’s moves related to health insurance still stand.

For example, in 2020, Trump signed into law the No Surprises Act, a bipartisan measure aimed at protecting patients from unexpected medical bills stemming from payment disputes between health care providers and insurers. The bill was included in the $900 billion covid relief package he opposed before signing, though Trump had expressed support for ending surprise medical bills.

His administration also pushed — over the vehement objections of health industry officials — price transparency regulations that require hospitals to post prices and insurers to provide estimated costs for procedures. Those requirements also remain in place, although hospitals in particular have been slow to comply.

Medicaid While first-time candidate Trump vowed not to cut popular entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, his administration did not stick to that promise.

The Affordable Care Act repeal legislation Trump supported in 2017 would have imposed major cuts to Medicaid, and his Department of Health and Human Services later encouraged states to require Medicaid recipients to prove they work in order to receive health insurance.

Drug prices One of the issues the Trump administration was most active on was reducing the price of prescription drugs for consumers — a top priority for both Democratic and Republican voters.

But many of those proposals were blocked by the courts.

One Trump-era plan that never took effect would have pegged the price of some expensive drugs covered by Medicare to prices in other countries. Another would have required drug companies to include prices in their television advertisements.

A regulation allowing states to import cheaper drugs from Canada did take effect, in November 2020. However, it took until January 2024 for the FDA, under Trump’s successor, to approve the first importation plan, from Florida. Canada has said it won’t allow exports that risk causing drug shortages in that country, leaving unclear whether the policy is workable.

Trump also signed into law measures allowing pharmacists to disclose to patients when the cash price of a drug is lower than the cost using their insurance.

Previously pharmacists could be barred from doing so under their contracts with insurers and pharmacy benefit managers.

Veterans’ health Trump is credited by some advocates for overhauling Department of Veterans Affairs health care. However, while he did sign a major bill allowing veterans to obtain care outside VA facilities, White House officials also tried to scuttle passage of the spending needed to pay for the initiative.

Medical freedom Trump scored a big win for the libertarian wing of the Republican Party when he signed into law the “Right to Try Act,” intended to make it easier for patients with terminal diseases to access drugs or treatments not yet approved by the FDA. But it is not clear how many patients have managed to obtain treatment using the law because it is aimed at the FDA, which has traditionally granted requests for “compassionate use” of notyet-approved drugs anyway.

The stumbling block, which the law does not address, is getting drug companies to release doses of medicines that are still being tested and may be in short supply.

Trump said in a Jan. 10 Fox News town hall that the law had “saved thousands and thousands” of lives. There’s no evidence for the claim.

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

MAXIMUM TOLERANCE. Police officers keep order along España Boulevard, Manila on Tuesday, Jan. 16 during a protest caravan against the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. Some 5,000 cops and 175 mobility assets were deployed to assist commuters who might be affected by the protest.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Driver charged with 2nd degree murder in tragic deaths of Filipino couple in Michigan

by Mary Villegas Inquirer.net

ON January 6, a tragic car accident unfolded leading to the heart-wrenching demise of a Filipino couple from Farmington Hills, Michigan leaving six children orphaned and the suspect facing legal action.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald has charged a Romulus man, Angel MelendezOrtiz, 35, with second degree murder after the suspect, who was driving a stolen car, drove the wrong way and crashed into the Filipino couple’s car during a police chase.

Melendez-Ortiz was charged with two counts of driving a vehicle with a suspended license and two counts of reckless driving causing the deaths of Jen Dormitorio Ambrosio, 43, and Ryan Ambrosio, 45, on the Lodge Freeway.

“These are senseless deaths, and I have authorized the highest possible charges for this crime,” noted McDonald, stating the gravity of the case.

Facing second degree murder charges, Melendez-Ortiz can be sentenced to life in prison.

Other felonies could result to

Ryan Ambrosio and Jen Dormitorio Ambrosio 15 years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine for each.

• Second degree murder • Reckless driving causing death • First degree fleeing and eluding police causing death • Driving a vehicle with suspended license leading to death Chronology of the Michigan car crash Unfolding at 1:30 a.m. last January 6, the Michigan State Police spotted the stolen vehicle near Greenfield and Eight Mile Road. A 2006 Ford Super Duty truck was carjacked at a gas station setting a worse scenario that went out of control.

Contributed photo

The tragic collision happened when the driver with lights off crashed head on with the Filipino couple’s 2011 GMC Terrain. Lahser Road was shut down for over 11 hours after the Michigan car crash.

Meanwhile, the couple’s friends and family have rallied their support for the bereaved family by putting up a GoFundMe campaign for the orphaned children — showing the community’s solidarity in tragic times like this.

As the legal action unfolds, Angel Melendez-Ortiz is slated for arraignment at 2 p.m.

Wednesday in the 46th District Court in Southfield. g

Dateline PhiliPPines

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5

6 UN experts sound alarm over Philippine government’s ‘unchecked’ anti-terror powers

by Cristina Chi Philstar.com

MANILA — Six independent United Nations human rights experts have flagged the Philippine government’s “seemingly broad and unchecked” use of the antiterrorism law to target red-tagged humanitarian workers and church leaders.

United Nations special rapporteurs publicized this month their October 10 letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. detailing cases of red-tagging, judicial harassment and targeted financial sanctions against religious groups and activists “in the name of countering terrorism and terrorist financing.”

The UN experts counted at least 24 alleged victims of rights violations from the government’s counter-terrorism efforts from 2019 to 2023 — which covers the second half of the Duterte administration and Marcos’ first year in office.

The letter was publicized last week by the UN experts, led

by UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights while Countering Terrorism Fionnuala Ni Aoilain, after the Marcos administration reportedly failed to respond to their communications within 60 days.

The UN experts noted an “observable trend” where Philippine authorities would accuse church members engaged in development and humanitarian work of membership with the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) — a group that the government has designated as terrorists.

The UN special rapporteurs also raised concerns over the broad range of counter-terrorism powers bestowed upon the AntiTerrorism Council and the AntiMoney Laundering Council, which have been wielded in a “broad and arbitrary manner against non-profit organisations and individuals.”

“We have received information that multiple religious organisations and their members, as well as other direct service nonprofit organisations have been affected by the alleged measures, in turn hindering access to

This file photo shows militant group Anakpawis holds a protest in front of the Department of Justice.

Philstar.com photo

indigenous peoples, internally displaced persons, human rights defenders, and women and children to critical human rights and humanitarian services,” the UN experts wrote.

This, according to the rights experts, goes against the Philippines’ international human rights obligations, which the government has repeatedly and publicly vowed to uphold.

The UN experts also warned against “the significant downstream harms” of imposing financial sanctions against persons accused of terrorism, which can hurt the “future financial and reputational viability of the impacted organizations.”

They said that any process involving the listing of individuals or freezing of assets related to terrorism should adhere to due process, including ensuring a person's right to a fair trial, the presumption of innocence, the right to appeal, and a right to effective protection by the courts.

The UN rights experts also flagged the reported raids of the homes of human rights defenders and the offices of church workers and journalists, some of which were not preceded by the issuance of formal search warrants.

“We are further concerned by the alleged raid targeting members of KARAPATAN, who were seeking refuge from the church, and the consequences of such a raid on the enjoyment of the rights to peaceful assembly and association and the other fundamental freedoms and protections due to human rights

defenders,” the letter added.

Even as the government is in the process of restarting peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF) — the negotiating arm of the CPP-NPA – the justice department has maintained that it will continue to prosecute acts that will violate the country’s antiterrorism law.

“If they come forward and represent themselves in good faith and yet still continue activities that will fall under the Anti-Terrorism Act 2020, then they can also be prosecuted,” Department of Justice Spokesperson Mico Clavano said in a January 11 briefing.

The Marcos administration’s amnesty program for former rebels and the anti-terrorism law are also “two different animals,” said Associate Solicitor James Clifford Santos from the Office of the Solicitor General.

The Supreme Court’s procedural rules for petitions seeking judicial relief from the Anti-Terrorism Council’s terrorist designation took effect on January 15.

Prior to its passage in 2020, the Anti-Terrorism Act was widely opposed by human rights defenders, civil society and the government’s own human rights commission for its perceived impact on civil liberties and spaces of dissent.

Most critics of the measure flagged the law's loose definition of terrorism, which raised concerns that lawful expressions of opposition and peaceful dissent could be unjustly labeled as terrorist activities. g

STILL ON THE GRIND. Despite a protest caravan against the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, passenger jeepneys ply their routes as usual along Aurora Boulevard in Cubao, Quezon City on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Jeepney drivers and operators who failed to apply for consolidation into a cooperation or corporation as part of the mandatory franchise consolidation will be considered “colorum” and apprehended starting Feb. 1.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

DOT eyes exceeding P1.5 trillion in domestic visitor receipts for 2024

by Kristine Daguno-Bersamina Philstar.com

MANILA — Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said that the Department of Tourism (DOT) aims to outperform the previous domestic visitor receipts, citing last year's strong performance.

"We hope to be able to surpass the P1.5 trillion pesos domestic visitors receipt na napunta sa ating ekonomiya noong 2022 (We hope to be able to surpass the P1.5 trillion pesos domestic visitors receipt recorded in 2022),” Franco said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB. According to Frasco, tourismrelated employment had created 5 million jobs across the country.

Following President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s directives, the focus of the DOT is to enhance the overall tourist experience in 2024.

Frasco said that the DOT is planning to construct 18 tourist rest areas equipped with clean public restrooms to address practical concerns raised by tourists.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco

The DOT official also expressed her confidence in the 2024 outlook for the country's tourism industry, citing positive numbers from both international and domestic tourists.

She shared plans to promote and develop emerging destinations under the Philippine Experience Program, extending

DOT photo

beyond the well-known spots such as Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, Siargao, Metro Manila and Batangas.

Last year, the country surpassed its anticipated visitor arrivals, welcoming over five million tourists and generating tourism receipts exceeding P480 billion. g

problem DEALING WITH INSURANCE CLAIMS? We’ll take it.*

6 JANUARY 17-19, 2024 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

FEATURES

Worst traffic congestion

HERE’S another dubious distinction for the Philippines: Metro Manila had the worst traffic congestion among all metropolitan areas worldwide in 2023. This was according to Dutch multinational transport data provider TomTom Traffic.

TomTom found that it took an average of 25 minutes and 30 seconds to travel 10 kilometers in Metro Manila in 2023, making the city dislodge Bogota, Colombia, which had the worst ranking in the previous year. The travel time in Metro Manila was worse than its average of 24 minutes and 40 seconds in 2022, when it ranked second worldwide.

Within city centers, TomTom’s 2023 Traffic Index also ranked Manila as the third most congested city in Asia and the ninth worldwide. On average, it took 27 minutes and 20 seconds to travel 10 kilometers within Manila’s city center – slower by 20 seconds in 2022, TomTom posted on its website on Jan. 10.

The worst day and time for travel in Metro Manila, according to the 2023 index, was 5 to 6 p.m. on Fridays, when it took an average of 35 minutes and 30 seconds to negotiate 10 kilometers at a speed of just 19 km per hour. Other Southeast Asian metro areas clocked less than 20 minutes: Jakarta, Indonesia; Bangkok, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and city-state Singapore.

TomTom based the rankings on data from 600 million devices in cars and smartphones in 387 metro areas worldwide, which collectively traveled 551 billion km. Based on its data, Filipinos wasted 117 hours, or nearly five days, stuck in traffic in

2023. Behind Metro Manila were Lima, Peru; Bengaluru, India; Sapporo, Japan, and Bogota.

People may think the situation in Metro Manila is worse than presented in the traffic index.

Studies have shown that traffic congestion has cost the economy billions in lost productivity annually.

And people have been waiting for many years now for an improvement in the situation.

While the obvious reason is the inadequacy of mass transport, which has led to an ever-increasing vehicle volume with no corresponding expansion in the road network, other factors aggravate the problem. These include uncoordinated diggings, construction and repair along roads, no cohesion in traffic policies within Metro Manila, and traffic mismanagement in general. An ill-conceived nocontact traffic apprehension scheme focused mainly on unconscionable revenue-raising that fattened one private company at the expense of already harried motorists instead of better traffic management.

As the TomTom index has shown, other countries are dealing with their traffic problems, which pushed Metro Manila to the worst No. 1 spot. This should push the country to do better in traffic management. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

PBBM – our super top diplomat PROFESSOR Richard Heydarian, a widely read and respected columnist, wrote an opinion piece that in essence articulated some of the many things I had wanted to write about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and how he has performed in the oneand-a-half year that he has been in office. It’s just as well that Professor Heydarian wrote about the topic because if it had been me, my objectivity would have been questioned by the usual suspects, clearly because I’m related to the president.

In the very straightforward, exclusive online piece for Journal of Democracy titled “The Son Also Rises,” Richard expressed the surprise, and perhaps even consternation, that critics and skeptics must be feeling and experiencing because President Marcos is proving that their preconceived notions as well as their “fears” about him are turning out to be unfounded.

When Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took on the presidency on June 30, 2022, Professor Heydarian admitted that he had warned (like what others must have wanted to do) that “Marcos Jr. could turn out to be not just a debonair career underachiever but [also] an insidious threat.”

But in reality, those who were against Bongbong Marcos sitting as president are now finding him “palatable” – to say the least – because “the new President has emerged as an unlikely ‘reformer’ of Philippine politics as well as a tough defender of Philippine sovereign rights in the South China Sea,” Richard put it, additionally noting that the president has “advanced a radical reorientation of his country’s domestic politics as well as foreign policy. If it seems a stretch to call him a conscious

champion of liberal democracy, it may not be unreasonable to Babe’s note the unexpected set of more democracy-favorable conditions Eye that his administration has View ushered in.”

It’s no secret that among the issues that were thrown against President BBM during BABE ROMUALDEZ the campaign period for the May 2022 elections was that he might undermine democracy and rule in an autocratic manner. Yet the past year saw the president’s tenure coinciding with legal victories of key civil society figures such as Maria Ressa and former senator Leila de Lima in cases filed during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte, pointed out Professor Heydarian, observing that President Marcos Jr. – whom he described as urbane and soft spoken – eschewed “incendiary and confrontational rhetoric,” often speaking of “reconciliation and national unity, even during the anniversary of the popular revolution that toppled his father.”

One source of admiration for many – with even his staunchest critics grudgingly admitting to it – is that the president is doing extremely well in foreign policy, strengthening alliances with Western countries and like-minded nations – seeking to maintain balance, peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. In fact, PBBM was his usual “charming” best at the Malacañang vin d’honneur he and the First Lady hosted the other night.

Indeed, the president is defying all pre- or, perhaps more accurately, “ill-conceived notions” about him,

because on a personal basis, I have seen how he has evolved into the kind of leader that has gained the respect of the international community by demonstrating a keen understanding of the evolving geopolitical situation and showing his willingness to collaborate on global issues that include climate change, among

expected to include the South China Sea issue and how the two countries can deepen bilateral ties even further.

As it turns out, our President is proving to be our super top diplomat. So many invitations from so many countries inviting him to visit are being sent to us. The fact is, his foreign travels are elevating the profile of the Philippines not only as a leading investment hub in Asia but as a major player in the Indo-Pacific region. What better news to come out of these foreign trips than the DTI report: Presidential foreign trips have resulted in P294 billion worth of investments.

Last Friday, U.S. President Biden announced that he will send a Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to Manila on March 11-12 headed by Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to “enhance US companies’ contributions” to key sectors and “reinforce the Philippines as a key hub for regional supply chains and high-quality investment.”

Many of those who did not welcome the idea of a Marcos in Malacañang are now seeing PBBM differently. The stars were indeed aligned for him because he has taken on the presidency at the most consequential time – a destiny he has embraced as the Philippines is poised to play a major role in the world today, especially when it comes to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. (Philstar.com) ***

other things.

No question – from where I sit in Washington, DC, the regard for the Philippines is at its best in the Western world because, in spite of the very challenging situation in the South China Sea, President Marcos is unflinching in asserting Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity while at the same time showing patience in continuing to reach out to China, as well as other claimant nations, to seek a peaceful resolution to maritime disputes.

In his quest to find a peaceful solution, the president is taking the lead to talk with concerned ASEAN member-countries to push for a separate Code of Conduct to resolve conflicting maritime claims that would be mutually beneficial to all claimants without sacrificing our respective interests. During the visit of President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, the discussion specifically touched on developments in the South China Sea and how to The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not find common interests between ASEAN member- necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian nations.

Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

The president will also be going to Vietnam for an *** official visit within this month, with the discussion babeseyeview@gmail.com

Questionable initiative

The Broader View HARRY ROQUE THE plot thickens as far as the reported attempts of administration allies to install highly-favored presidential kin, albeit a presidential survey laggard, as the next head of government of the land.

The fastest way to catapult the politician into power is by tinkering with the 1987 Constitution. Only then can the legislator become the country’s next chief executive.

The story has been going around in political circles since last year. Is it fake news? A figment of someone’s malicious mind? Consider the following events.

Nearly a year ago, President Bongbong Marcos Jr. reiterated his stance against Charter Change. Without replacing the 1987 Constitution, PBBM said the country can attract foreign investments. It ran counter to the position of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who has advocated for constitutional amendments in terms of economic provisions.

Before 2023 ended, the Speaker announced the Lower House will pursue Cha-cha this year.

In reaction, Senator Imee

Marcos alluded to an ‘unwinnable presidentiable’ who wants to become prime minister once the country reverts to a parliamentary system of government. Days after, Romualdez denied aspiring for the prime ministership through Charter change.

The president himself seems to have reconsidered his original position. His administration is reviewing certain constitutional limitations or impediments on foreign investments and private land ownership.

Like many individuals who campaigned hard for PBBM in the last election, I expect him to speak on the issue very soon. Did he change his mind? Or will he sound the death knell to the Chacha initiative once and for all?

Will he finally rein in the alleged political ambition of his cousin?

My unsolicited advice to our dear president: please put an end to the madness in the Lower House. Please save the institution from an image and reputational problem. The trust rating of the Lower House has dropped to 34 percent, according to a recent Publicus Asia survey. Moreover, eight in 10 Filipinos acknowledge that there is corruption in the Lower Chamber.

Amendments and revisions The Constitution can be amended or revised through a constitutional convention, a

constituent assembly or a people’s initiative. The people can directly propose amendments upon a petition of at least 12 percent of the total registered Filipino voters. At least three percent of the electorate must represent each legislative district (Article 17). To date, we have 67 million registered voters. Therefore, the Cha-cha advocates must gather at least 8 million signatures.

The speaker said the House of Representatives also wants to settle the issue of whether the senators and congressmen should vote separately or jointly vis-àvis proposals on constitutional amendments and revisions.

Under Section 2, Congress may propose any amendment or revision upon a vote of threefourths of all its members.

In the landmark Santiago vs. Comelec case (1997), the Supreme Court said the people’s initiative deserves an infusion of flesh, blood, energy and strength. It directed Congress to fulfill its constitutional mandate to expeditiously provide the implementing rules so the people can exercise this right.

The Court also declared Republic Act 6735, authored by senator Raul Roco, as inadequate and incomplete to provide sufficient standards for subordinate legislation. The said Initiative and Referendum Act

only deals with people’s initiative for local legislation. In a later case, Lambino vs. Comelec (2006), the Supreme Court ruled that “a people’s initiative to change the Constitution applies only to an amendment of the Constitution and not to its revision. In contrast, Congress or a constitutional convention can propose both amendments and revisions to the Constitution.”

In the 14th Congress, senator Miriam Santiago sponsored a bill wherein the people can directly introduce constitutional amendments through a legitimate initiative. (I am not aware who filed the counterpart bill in the Lower House.) We have already elected people in the 19th Congress. Still, we lack a law that could legitimately operationalize the people’s initiative system.

Thus, our legislators, particularly in the Lower Chamber, have their work cut out for them: amend RA 6735 and provide the legal infrastructure to the system. Whatever is lacking in the Roco law should be rectified by our lawmakers. They should focus on crafting relevant laws instead of supporting the political agenda of the favored one.

Signature-buying Currently, a group called PIRMA (People’s Initiative for Reform Modernization and Action), which spearheaded a

Charter change campaign during the time of president Fidel Ramos, has launched another initiative to revise the Constitution. The group claims to have started gathering signatures from registered voters nationwide. The lead convener of PIRMA also admitted that they are pushing for both houses of Congress to jointly vote on Charter change proposals, regardless that it dilutes the Senate vote (ABSCBN).

Lawyers for the group have admitted funding the ‘EDSApwera’ advertisement (an illconceived and badly-executed political ad) that aired on three major TV networks. In the last general elections, a 30-second ad placement in a primetime spot costs almost P2 million.

The PIRMA said they used private funds mainly sourced from donations. But I am not convinced.

Speaking of the EDSA-pwera ad, I spoke with an original stalwart of PIRMA, former Cagayan Economic Zone Authority administrator Raul Lambino. He denied that his faction had anything to do with the TV ads. What they did in the 1990s was to organize public meetings around the country to explain their proposed amendments to the Constitution.

They never resorted to buying people’s support. Moreover,

several local government executives have disclosed that the congressmen themselves are leading the signature drive in legislative districts. Some of their constituents complained of being hoodwinked into affixing their signature to the Cha-cha forms.

They thought the signature campaign was related to ‘ayuda’ or government subsidy.

Opposition lawmaker Edcel Lagman has alleged that public funds might be involved in the Cha-cha campaign through the P12-billion insertion in the 2024 Comelec budget. He claimed that the Comelec did not request for the funds intended for elections, referenda, recall votes and plebiscites. The gentleman from Albay also disclosed that some voters received P100 for their signature.

So, is the ongoing Charter change campaign a genuine initiative of the Filipino people? Or is it a P100 signature-buying drive engineered by some beholden and sycophantic politicians? Let us not allow individuals with insatiable greed for power to trivialize the concept of people’s initiative. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

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

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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 17-19, 2024 7

Senate chief sets Cha-cha in motion

by Bernadette e. tamayo and

ma. reina Leanne toLentino ManilaTimes.net

SENATE President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri on Monday filed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 6 seeking to amend economic provisions in the Constitution.

Senate President Pro Tempore Lorna Regina "Loren" Legarda and Sen. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara co-authored RBH 6, proposing amendments to Articles 12, 14 and 16 of the charter.

The senators said the nation's economic policy "must be reframed under the demands of this increasingly globalized age, while still protecting the general policy of Filipinofirst that guides the economic provisions of the Constitution."

The resolution cited "a need to institutionalize the reforms laid down in the Public Service Act to liberalize industries, promote efficient service delivery and foster competition as an enduring policy."

Article 12 deals with "National Economy and Patrimony," Article 14 with "Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture and Sports" and Article 16 with "General Provisions."

RBH 6 provides that the amendments will be done by inserting the phrase "unless otherwise provided by law."

For example, Section 11 of the National Patrimony and Economy provision would be amended to read: "No franchise, certificate, or any other form of authorization for the operation of a public utility shall be granted except to citizens of the Philippines or to corporations or associations organized under the laws of the Philippines, at least sixty per centum of whose capital is owned by such citizens unless provided by law. Unless provided by law, the participation of foreign investors in the governing body of any public utility enterprise shall be limited to their proportionate share in its capital, and all the executive and managing officers of such corporation or association must be citizens of the Philippines."

"Our children deserve to have access to the best educational institutions, both Filipino and foreign, to ensure that they receive the best training to

become globally competitive citizens in the modern world," Zubiri, Legarda and Angara said.

They said the advertising industry "already has foreign players, and liberalizing the same is a logical and sound policy to attract foreign direct investment in that industry."

Zubiri said the filing of RBH 6 aims "to avert a constitutional crisis between the House of Representatives and the Senate.

And to make it clear that there are no other planned provisions or amendments on any other thing but purely economic in nature."

During a press briefing, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked the Senate to lead the Charter change or Chacha initiative, but it should not include allowing foreign land ownership.

Zubiri said the President is concerned over the reported attempt by some Cha-cha proponents to offer P100 to anyone who would sign the petition pushing for the people's initiative (PI).

He said he met with the President last January 9, and "we discussed how we can diffuse the situation."

"In fairness to the President, he was not aware that the people's initiative language was to diminish the power of the Senate. After that, he asked me to meet with the Speaker," Zubiri said.

He said he met with Speaker Martin Romualdez on Tuesday evening, and "we had a lively and vigorous debate on the issue."

Marcos met with Zubiri and Romualdez on January 11 after the traditional vin d'honneur in Malacañang.

"In that meeting, I defended the position of the Senate that as far as we are concerned their plan is unconstitutional because we are a bicameral system of government," Zubiri said.

"I would like to thank the President for his comment that the PI is too divisive. He said, 'Why doesn't the Senate take the lead in the discussions of the economic provisions and then you approve your version, which the House can adopt?'

So, that was the position of the President," he said.

He said the majority of the senators have decided to create a subcommittee under the

Committee on Constitutional Amendments, headed by Sen. Robinhood Padilla, to conduct the hearing on the RBH 6.

Angara was chosen to lead the subpanel.

In a statement Monday, Romualdez said he supports the filing of RBH 6.

"This resolution using the mode of Constituent Assembly is a decisive step towards amending the 1987 Constitution, particularly in terms of relaxing the economic provisions that currently restrict the entry of foreign direct investments into the Philippines," he said.

"The move to amend the Constitution through a Constituent Assembly underscores our commitment to a democratic and participatory process. It reflects our collective resolve to address the longstanding barriers that have, to some extent, hindered our nation's progress," Romualdez said.

He said "the synergy between the Senate and the House in passing" the resolution "will send a strong signal of unity and purpose."

Albay 2nd District Rep. Jose Ma. Clemente "Joey" Salceda welcomed "any effort by the Senate" to open talks on revising the Constitution.

"Opening up the conversation, rather than immediately closing the window for change, is necessary and urgent," Salceda said in a statement.

He said he believes an "existential threat of a constitutional crisis" does not exist.

"Both the People's Initiative underway and previous attempts by the House to establish a Constituent Assembly to amend the Constitution are fully in accord with the process stipulated in the 1987 Constitution.

The regular workings of the legislature and the relationship between the Senate and the House should thus continue without interruption," Salceda said.

"With or without the success of the People's Initiative, the House, for its part, will also exhaust all means made available by the Constitution to bring in more investments, create new and better-paying jobs, and create new business and trade opportunities for our people. These things cannot wait." g

REHAB AND DEVELOPMENT. Workers spruce up the Pasig River Esplanade behind the Manila Post Office building on Tuesday, Jan. 16. The beautification efforts are in preparation for the launch of the “Pasig Bigyan Buhay Muli” project through the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development on Jan. 17.

PNA photo by Robert Alfiler

Hontiveros hits people’s initiative route for Cha-cha

by Charie abarCa Inquirer.net

MANILA — The supposed push for the people’s initiative method for Charter Change (Cha-cha) only seeks to undermine and weaken the Senate’s voice in amending the 1987 Constitution, said opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, January 15.

In a statement, Hontiveros said the “well-funded” campaign is all about “greed” and not about the people. “[T]he reported people’s initiative is not about any economic or political reforms in the Constitution. There’s no mention of that in the forms allegedly spreading.

The campaign only wants both houses of Congress to vote jointly during a Constituent Assembly, thus weakening the Senate’s voice and participation in the process of Cha-cha,” said Hontiveros, partly in Filipino.

She stressed that she will keep an eye on this scheme and pointed out that instead of “wasting time” on these “fake people’s initiatives,” it would be better to prioritize what really benefits Filipinos.

Among these include lowering the price of goods, raising the wages of the workers, addressing the worsening corruption and keeping an eye on China’s aggression in the West Philippine

Sea. “The country has so many problems that cannot be answered by that people’s initiative,” she emphasized.

Hontiveros’ statement was made amid a supposed signature campaign for Cha-cha.

Hours after Hontiveros issued her statement, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri announced that with President

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s go signal, the upper chamber will review certain provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

Zubiri said this will be a Senate priority, repeatedly clarifying that their amendments will only focus on economic provisions of the country’s highest law, particularly public services, education, and advertising. g

The Asian Journal

MDWK

Wednesday JANUARY 17, 2024

MAGAZINE

FILIPINO ACTOR MAKES BROADWAY DEBUT IN ‘CHICAGO’

‘Chicago’ is said to be the longest-running American musical currently gracing the Broadway stage

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www.asianjournal.com Los Angeles | Las Vegas | Orange County/Inland Empire | Northern California | New York/New Jersey

Piolo Pascual, Eugene Domingo, Dingdong Dantes, Christopher de Leon among stars coming to MIFF

THE stars and filmmakers are flying from the Philippines to attend the inaugural Manila

By Hans Carbonilla International Film Festival Inquirer.net (MIFF) in Los Angeles from January 29 to February 2.

THE Filipino community in In a partial list of confirmed the United States is celebrating talents coming from Manila, a new addition to the Broadway Piolo Pascual, Eugene scene as acclaimed actor Domingo, Dingdong Dantes Red Concepcion officially and Christopher de Leon lead takes the stage in the Tony the talents who will grace the Award-winning “Chicago the screenings and Q&As of the Musical,” marking his debut on 10 films, a star-studded closing Broadway. night awards gala and other This milestone unfolds as Filipino actor Red Concepcion joins ‘Chicago the Musical’ as Amos Hart, marks Broadway exciting events in the five-day Concepcion steps into the debut.

Photos from Instagram/@chicagomusical film festival. role of Amos Hart in what is The 10 films in the very theater actor with a caption, widely regarded as the longest- commence on Jan. 15 until successful 2023 Metro Manila Mar. 24.

“Welcome to CHICAGO, @ running American musical Film Festival, which has earned In an Instagram post, the red_concepcion! He joins our currently gracing the Broadway an estimated P1.069 billion musical’s page extends a cast and makes his Broadway stage. (estimated $19.11 million), warm welcome to the Filipino His engagement will Continued on Page 10 making it the biggest-grossing edition in the festival’s half-acentury history, will make their American premiere at MIFF. The following stars and filmmakers will represent their movies at MIFF (note this is only a partial list – more stars may be confirmed) and will either Santo Niño, is known for His miracles and ON Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 3:30 introduce their films before people’s devotions that transcend religions. p.m., a mass sponsored by Santo Niño the screenings or participate Pope Francis said that the Holy Child is Cruzada USA will be held at the Cathedral of in Q&As after the screenings the Protector of the Philippines for half a Our Lady of the Angels to celebrate its 37th at the TCL Chinese Theatres in millennium thus His significance both in our Anniversary celebration of the solemn Feast Hollywood: country and culture. of Santo Niño, the Divine Infant Jesus. The “Becky & Badette” – During the 16th century, the first Santo Niño pre-liturgy procession begins at 3:00 p.m. with Eugene Domingo, lead actress, statue was given by the Spaniards to the Queen the participation of different parish, religious and Perci Intalan, executive of Cebu. Although the devotion to the Divine organizations, ministries, civic and non-civic producer. Eugene and Perci will Infant has roots in Europe, Filipinos are known groups. introduce “Becky & Badette” for their fervent devotion to the Infant Jesus, The Principal Celebrant is Most Reverend before the 8:55 pm screening celebrating with religious and civic activities.

Brian Nunes, Bishop, San Gabriel Pastoral on Wednesday, Jan. 31.

Filipino immigrants brought their Santo Niño to Region of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

“Broken Heart’s Trip” – the United States to be their spiritual recourse, The celebration begins with dance Christian Bables, lead actor; aid, and protector. Our ancestors have gone performances of various Sinulog groups at the Andoy Ranay, supporting actor; through sacrifices, struggles, successes, and palza. Choir is represented by Precious Blood, Benjie Cabrera and Omar defeats but the presence of our Father in the St. Kevin, and St. Brendan Church with Simoun Tolentino, executive producers. image of Santo Niño helped as thrive and Lua as the Music Director.

Christian, Andoy, Benjie and develop our Catholic faith.

A couple of years ago, we held a joint Omar will participate in a Q&A If your group or organization would like to celebration of the Feast of Santo Niño and the after the 7:25 pm screening on join the procession, please contact any of the culmination of the Archdiocesan 500 Years of Tuesday, Jan. 30. following or email at romyesturas@hotmail.

Christianity in the Philippines at the Cathedral “Family of Two” – pending com. of Our Lady of the Angels, in cooperation with confirmation Romy & Tess Esturas (213) 219-0590; Rey & the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los “Firefly” – Ysabel Ortega, Tess Edpao (818) 469-7292.

Angeles, great and significant milestone in supporting actress; Dingdong Cherry Nicodemus (323) 304-6195; Helen Philippine History.

Dantes, actor (special Quibote (818) 263-9835.

The Philippines oldest Catholic icon, the participation); and Anj Atienza, writer. Ysabel will participate in a Q&A after the 5:55 pm screening on Tuesday, Jan. 30.

“GomBurZa” – Enchong Dee and Cedric Juan, lead actors; Piolo Pascual, supporting actor; and Pepe Diokno, director. Enchong, Cedric, Piolo and Pepe will participate in a Q&A after the 7:25 pm screening on Thursday, Feb. 1. “(K)Ampon” – Beauty Gonzalez, lead actress, and Joji Alonso, producer. Beauty and Joji will introduce “(K)Ampon” before the 8:55 pm screening on Tuesday, Jan. 30.

“Mallari” – Piolo Pascual, lead actor; Janella Salvador, lead actress; Derick Cabrido, director; and Brian Dy, producer. Piolo, Janella and Derick will participate in a Q&A after the 7:25 pm screening on Monday, Jan. 29.

“Penduko” – John Arcilla, supporting actor. John will introduce “Penduko” before the 8:50 pm screening on Thursday, Feb. 1.

“Rewind” – Dingdong Dantes, lead actor. Dingdong will introduce “Rewind” before the 8:35 pm screening on Monday, Jan. 29.

“When I Met You in Tokyo” – Christopher de Leon, lead actor, and Karishma Gidwani, executive producer. Christopher and Karishma will participate

Santo Niño: Our focal point of strength and devotion

They’re coming to LA! Piolo Pascual, Eugene Domingo, Dingdong Dantes and Christopher de Leon are among the stars confirmed to attend the inaugural Manila International Film Festival from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2. The stars and filmmakers will grace in person select screenings at the TLC Chinese Theatres and the exciting closing night awards gala on Feb. 2 at the Directors Guild of America.

in a Q&A after the 7:25 pm screening on Wednesday, Jan. 31.

The 10 films will have two other screenings (including simultaneous screenings on Feb. 2 at both the TCL Chinese Theatres and DGA) during the festival but the screenings above are where the stars and filmmakers will be in person.

The complete screening schedule and ticket information are available here: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/2024-manilainternational-film-festivaltickets-771883764117.

The public can also buy limited tickets to the glittering closing night awards gala and see the stars, filmmakers and celebrities in person on Friday, Feb. 2, at 6:00 pm at the Directors Guild of America on famed Sunset Boulevard. The star-studded gala features a red carpet, cocktails, an awards show and a dinner/after-party.

Limited tickets to the gala are available here: https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/2024miff-awards-gala-tickets791645993477?aff=erelpanelorg.

Nine MIFF awards, including Best Picture, voted by an independent jury of respected professionals in film, will be announced.

As previously announced, acclaimed veteran actress Hilda Koronel will receive the inaugural Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Award, named after the late outstanding community leader, public servant and Olympian.

An audience award, voted

by MIFF moviegoers at the screenings, will be given to a movie that gets the highest score.

The MMFF team will be represented by Romando “Don” Artes, chairman; Tim

Gerald on possibility of quitting showbiz: I’ll still survive

By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

ACTOR Gerald Anderson, who said he learned valuable lessons from people’s collective experience during the pandemic lockdowns, has these pointers to share on how to save for the rainy days.

“Always be prepared. Make sure you have emergency

Orbos, executive committee member and former transportation undersecretary; Atty. Rochelle Macapili-Ona, executive director; Irene Jose, executive committee member and COO of The Araneta Group’s entertainment unit; Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, actress and team member; and Noel Ferrer, spokesperson.

Also scheduled to attend the MIFF are the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ Tirso Cruz III and Jose Javier Reyes, chairman and consultant, respectively.

Other events promoting collaboration and cooperation between the Philippines’ filmmakers and Hollywood and beyond are also scheduled

by MIFF, whose mission is to showcase, promote and help uplift Philippine cinema.

The TCL Chinese Theatres is located on the third level of Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland), 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028. The DGA is located at 7920 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046.

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

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

funds,” Gerald began. “Try to save up, too. If you don’t really need something, don’t buy it.”

Gerald, who is an auxiliary commander of the K9 Special Support Squadron of the Philippine Coast Guard, was active in helping out people whose livelihoods were affected by the series of lockdowns since 2020.

Gerald Anderson Photo from Instagram/@andersongeraldjr Continued on Page 10

community

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 17, 2024

41st Annual Nine-Hour Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague and Holy Mass Meet Mikaela Santos, the 25-year-old Filipino ballerina who played the lead in Atlanta Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Photos courtesy of Atlanta Ballet

Meet the Filipina ballerina who played the lead in Atlanta Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Mikaela Santos played Marie in the December 2023 run of Yuri Possokhov’s take on the ballet classic by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

MIKAELA Santos, 25, recently made headlines in the U.S after she played the lead female role, Marie, in Atlanta Ballet’s December run of “The Nutcracker.”

Hailing from Taguig, the ballerina joined the Atlanta Ballet as an apprentice in 2017 before becoming a member the following year at only 17. Before her turn in the spotlight, Santos has been playing small roles in the ballet company’s runs of the Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky classic in previous years. She’s done Chinese and Spanish variations, and played in small scenes as a supporting role prior to her announcement as Marie last year.

“I’ve done this version of ‘The Nutcracker’ for six years, and every year it feels like we are transported to a different place,” she said in an interview with an Atlanta-based publication.

And though she was one of four different casts in the total 19 performances of the ballet, Santos is still reeling from this opportunity.

“Every time I step on the stage, it’s like basically showing [that] this is what I love and I’ve been working on it since I was like 11 or 12, you know?” she told a local reporter in a TFC interview. “And I just want to show people that, you know, it’s possible, you can do it if you put in the work.”

Santos began her ballet training as early as three years old, encouraged by her parents. In her teens, she joined the Effie Nañas School of Classical Ballet and in 2014, won second place in the Junior Division at the first Cultural Center of the Philippines Ballet Competition. This earned her a spot at the Philippine Ballet Theatre as an apprentice in March 2016.

In the same year, she became a finalist at the

World Ballet Competition in Orlando, Florida where one of the judges, Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin, noticed her.

“She was a young but determined competitor with strong technical skills that demonstrated great potential to become a professional dancer,” Nedvigin spoke of Santos in an interview.

She was soon offered a scholarship to the Atlanta Ballet Professional Summer Intensive and was subsequently offered a position in the Fellowship Ensemble.

“After joining Atlanta Ballet 2 (Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education’s highest level of training) and now six years with the company, Mikaela has gained the confidence and artistry needed to perform a lead role. She developed her own style and personality while on stage,” Nedvigin continued.

Santos has since performed in Atlanta Ballet’s John McFall’s “The Nutcracker,” Bruce Wells’ “Snow White,” Marius Petipa’s “Paquita,” Yuri Possokhov’s “Firebird,” David Bintley’s “Carmina Burana,” and Robert Barnett’s “Arenskey,” Marius Petipa, Jean Coralli, and Jules Perrot’s “Giselle,” and Sergio Masero’s “Schubertiada.”

In March 2023, she starred in her first full-length ballet performance as Kitri in Yuri Possokhov’s “Don Quixote.”

The 25-year-old ballerina was also included in Dance Magazine’s “25 To Watch” list in 2023.

“It’s her imaginative spark—along with pristine technique and bright musicality—that makes Mikaela Santos one of Atlanta Ballet’s most captivating dancers,” the write-up read.

Santos considers Romanian Alina Cojocaru and Argentinian Marianela Nunes among her Continued on Page 10

THE Annual Nine-Hour Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague will be held on Saturday January 27, 2024 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church located at 5011 White Oak Avenue, Encino CA 91316. This year’s theme is Blessed are the poor in Spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:3) eginning at 6:45 a.m., every hour after the novena prayer, and the recitation of the Chaplet to the Infant Jesus of Prague, different topics are presented by invited dynamic and inspirational speakers. This year’s invited speakers are Reverend Jonathon Meyer of Saint John’s Seminary in Camarillo, Reverend Joy Lawrence Santos of Saint Genevieve Parish in Panorama City, Reverend Kevin Rettig of Holy Angels Church in Arcadia, Reverend Jacob Hsieh of Mary, star of the Sea High School in San

Pedro, Reverend Joseph Dass, Congregation of Salesians of Don Bosco, and Deacon Guillermo Bill Betancourt of Our Lady of the Valley Church in Canoga Park.

The very enlightening topics to be presented are based on Pope Francis’ Book, The Power of Forgiveness.

Lunch is provided and the Holy Mass is celebrated immediately after the Novena.

A blessing of the Infant Jesus images and a blessing of children will take place in the mass.

Now on its 41st year, the novena is attended by devotees from all over the United States, the Philippines, Australia, and other parts of the world. For more information, please contact Leo Nevada at (818) 633 3926 or visit the IJPAG website, www.IJPAG.com.

How Christopher de Leon stays in tip-top shape at 67 over the fact that at age 67, he still has his boyish charm, movie star good looks, and POWER couple Christopher the body of a man in tip-top “Boyet” de Leon and beautiful shape! And so I began our chat wife Sandy Andolong (who was by asking him how he kept his sporting a new pixie haircut) muscles in all the right places, hosted a casual and fun lunch and why he didn’t have a beer in Mario’s Tomas Morato last belly. He replied that he has a Thursday for Manay Lolit Solis, mistress whose name is “gym,” Boyet’s talent manager of 25and that she is the one who plus years. Present were Leo keeps him in shape. He works Espinosa, lifestylist; Salve Asis, out almost every day and eats Entertainment editor of Pilipino anything and everything but Star Ngayon and Pang-Masa as pork. (During our lunch, he had well as newly elected president a Ceasar salad and spaghetti of SPEED (Society of Philippine Bolognese; for dessert, apple Entertainment Editors); Gorgy pie and coffee.) Sandy works Rula of PEP entertainment; Mr. out as well, but not as much as Fu, radio and TV personality; Boyet so he has to remind her and Noel Ferrer, talent to exercise once in a while. manager, producer, writer, and Boyet and Sandy have five Metro Manila Film Festival children: Rafael, 40; Miguel, (MMFF) spokesperson.

38; Gabriel, 35; Mariel, 30; Boyet was seated next to and Mica, 27. All live abroad me, and he readily agreed except for Mica, who still lives when I asked if I could with mom and dad but will interview him. I couldn’t get leave for the US soon and

By Pat-P Daza Philstar.com

work there. Boyet and Sandy have three grandchildren and will be celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary soon. To this day, it is evident that they still dote on one another.

Boyet first saw Sandy when she graced the cover of Express Week, the Sunday magazine of the ‘70s broadsheet, Daily Express.

When he saw her photo, he made a mental note to “stalk” her. Fortunately, the late Marichu Maceda tapped Boyet to play Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and Sandy Andolong to play Imelda Marcos for the short documentary Sundalong Ilokano. The project was about the life of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. when he was a soldier and was shot entirely in Ilocos Norte. That’s where Boyet met Sandy, though they were both romantically linked to others at the time. However, by the time Continued on Page 10

10 community The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 17, 2024

How Christopher de Leon...

From Page 9 they co-starred in Mike de Leon’s 1980 comedy satire Kakabakaba Ka Ba (with Charo Santos and Jay Ilagan), they were already dating.

Our chat then veered to Boyet’s latest movie, the MMFF romance When I Met You In Tokyo, which he starred in, co-wrote and co-directed together with Vilma Santos. Boyet admitted that Vilma is his favorite leading lady. After all, they have made over 16 movies together and their onscreen chemistry is undeniable.

Speaking of Boyet’s other leading ladies, he revealed that the most challenging to work with is ex-wife Nora Aunor. He would also like to do another movie with Hilda Koronel, and recalled that during the filming of the romantic drama Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising — directed by Mike de Leon and released in 1977 — he was in awe of Hilda’s beauty but could only admire her from a distance since she was the wife of his best friend at the time, (the late) Jay Ilagan.

At this point during our lunch, Noel Ferrer shared that there is a chance Hilda Koronel will be invited to grace the MMFF later this year since December 2024 will be the MMFF’s 50th anniversary. I do hope that MMFF 50 will have a Boyet de Leon-Hilda Koronel movie. I’m sure

moviegoers will line up to see it.

Going back to When I Met You in Tokyo, Boyet said that the film was actually supposed to be released in September 2023, but the producer was afraid that the rainy season would keep moviegoers away from theaters. And though the rains did not come, the movie was pushed back and became one of MMFF 2023’s 10 entries.

We then asked Noel why MMFF had 10 entries this year when there had always been eight in previous years. Noel tried to justify the 10 films, but we all agreed that a few of them felt like political concessions.

Noel then shared that the movie landscape has changed drastically. Pre-pandemic, the highest grossing day of the MMFF was always opening day, Dec. 25. This year, the highest grossing days were Jan. 6 and 7, which indicated that people waited to hear feedback or read movie reviews before they spent their money on tickets. The take home realization from MMFF 2023? Filipinos want quality movies and are willing to pay good money to see them.

Who can argue with that when this MMFF has already breached the P1 billion target and could even close with a P1.2 billion gross?

Meet the Filipina ballerina who played...

From Page 9 ballet idols. “Both dancers are very different, but I love how effortless and strong they make every step look on stage and off,” she said in another interview.

Looking at how far she’s come, Santos often thinks of why she had to go abroad to pursue her dream of performing arts. She said in one interview, at the time, she didn’t feel like the arts were supported in the country like it is abroad.

Asked if she has any advice for aspiring Filipino dancers who want to pursue a career in dance outside of the Philippines, she said the key is to be patient and open to changes.

“There will be a lot of challenges along the way but take it as a learning experience. Never

doubt or look down on yourself because no one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes, as long as you keep a positive mindset you will eventually reach your goals.”

At 25, Santos still has a lot of dreams she wants to fulfill, like dancing in Europe or maybe even going back to the country and performing at home.

“I really do want to go back and dance there because it’s my home. My family is still there. I would love for them to see me perform now that I’m actually a professional.”

Santos will star in the Atlanta Ballet’s March 2024 production of “Cinderella” by Bruce Wells.

(Inquirer.net)

‘Chicago’ is said to be the...

From Page 8 debut as Amos Hart beginning Monday, January 15th!”

Concepcion, renowned for his portrayal of The Engineer in “Miss Saigon” during the U.S. National and UK and Ireland Tours, offered a glimpse behind the scenes with snapshots from rehearsals.

“The only rehearsal pic I’ve taken. What a whirlwind

it’s been! Hope to see you all Monday!,” he wrote.

For those unfamiliar with Concepcion’s work, he gained acclaim for his lead role as Alan Strang in the Manila restaging of Peter Shaffer’s psychological drama “Equus.”

In 2014, he clinched the Aliw Award for Best Actor in a Musical and the Gawad Buhay Award for Outstanding

Male Actor in a Musical for his performance as Adam/ Felicia in the Manila production of “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.”

Concepcion joins Charlotte d’Amboise (Roxie Hart), Max von Essen (Billy Flynn), R. Lowe (Mary Sunshine), Kimberly Marable (Velma Kelly), Lili Thomas as Matron “Mama” Morton.

The duty to provide complete and accurate financial disclosure in a California divorce Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes COUPLES that are going through the divorce process in California should understand that the Family Code and the Family Courts requires that they provide complete and accurate disclosure to the other spouse.

The financial disclosures are taken seriously by the Courts and failure to disclose could have serious consequences for the non-disclosing party in a divorce case. The parties are required to prepare and exchange preliminary declaration of disclosure which includes and fl-142 schedule of assets and debts, fl-150 income and expense declaration, 2 years tax return, a statement of all material facts and information regarding the valuation of all assets that are community property or in which the community has an interest, a statement of all material facts and information regarding obligations for which the community is liable, and an accurate and complete written disclosure of any investment opportunity, business opportunity, or other income-producing opportunity presented since the date of separation that results from any investment, significant business, or other incomeproducing opportunity from the date of marriage to the date of separation. If the case does not settle and proceeds to trial, the parties would have to exchange final declaration of disclosure which consists of the above information with the characterization of the assets and debts whether community or separate and the valuation of those items.

Family Code Section 2100 states that “[a] full and accurate disclosure of all assets and liabilities in which one or both parties have or may have an interest must be made in the early stages of a proceeding for dissolution of marriage or legal separation of the parties.” This disclosure must be made regardless of the characterization of the assets

and liabilities as community or separate property.

Family Code Section 1100 defines disclosure as “the act of providing information to the other party or to the court.”

Disclosure can be made in a variety of ways, including through the exchange of financial documents, such as tax returns and bank statements, or through written declarations.

Family Code Section 721 states that “[e]ach party to a proceeding for dissolution of marriage or legal separation has a duty to make full and accurate disclosure of all financial information and material facts.”

This duty includes disclosing information about all assets and liabilities, as well as information about income and expenses.

The duty of disclosure is important for several reasons.

First, it allows each spouse to have a full understanding of the marital estate before they enter into negotiations, settlement, or go to trial. This helps to ensure that the division of property and debts is fair and equitable.

Second, the duty of disclosure helps to reduce the likelihood of fraud and concealment of assets. If a spouse fails to disclose all of their assets or liabilities, the other spouse may be able to set aside the divorce judgment.

Finally, the duty of disclosure helps to promote the public policy of California, which favors the speedy and efficient resolution of divorce cases.

If a spouse fails to comply with their duty of disclosure, they may face a number of penalties. The court may order the spouse to pay the other spouse’s attorney’s fees and costs. The court may also order the spouse to disclose the hidden assets or liabilities and award the non-disclosed asset to the other spouse. In some cases, the court may even set aside the divorce judgment.

The best way to comply with the duty of disclosure is to be honest and forthright with your spouse and with the court. Gather all of your financial documents and review them carefully. If you have any questions about what to disclose, consult with an experienced divorce attorney.

Here are some specific tips for complying with the duty of disclosure:

1. Disclose all assets and liabilities, regardless of the characterization as community or separate property.

2. Disclose all income and expenses, including income from employment, investments, and businesses.

3. Disclose all debts, including credit card debt, student loans, and mortgages.

4. Disclose all gifts and inheritances received during the marriage.

5. Disclose all business interests, including partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies.

6. Disclose all information about any income-producing opportunities that arose after the date of separation but that resulted from any investment made during the marriage.

If your divorce entails significant assets such as a business interests, real estate holdings, retirement plans, inheritance, it is important to seek the guidance of an experienced family law attorney to help you navigate through your case. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist with extensive trial experience. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He was a former CPA prior to law practice. He is Managing Partner of the LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC and Managing Partner of REYES CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC. located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw. com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw. com.

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Gerald on possibility of...

From Page 8 “I realized that there are only a few things a person needs in order to live comfortably, and that some people spend so much on things that are of no use to them during the crisis. None of us expected the pandemic to happen, but now that we’re slowly recovering from it, we should all try to pick up some lessons from it,” he pointed out.

A learning process Gerald continued: “It’s still a learning process for me. Although I’m very thankful that I still have lots to do for this industry, I also want to achieve something outside of it.” This was why Gerald invested in a commercial gym, a private resort and, most recently, a restaurant.

“They are what’s keeping me busy other than my work as an actor. I’m very hands-on when it comes to my businesses. For me, they’re the manifestation of what I envisioned in my mind.

I spent my hard-earned money on them. I can’t expect other people to care for them more than I do,” he stressed.

“That’s why I have high respect for my bosses in ABS-CBN. With all that our company has gone through, they really tried to keep everyone’s livelihood afloat.”

Gerald said that, growing up, he would always hear people telling him to save up because one is never certain about what’s going to happen to his future.

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

Staying relevant “I also remember that while I was still a contestant on PBB (‘Pinoy Big Brother’), people said I would only last for six to eight months in show biz,” he recalled.

“I endured so many criticisms. I still experience them up to now. I’m also aware that, in spite of all that I’ve accomplished as an actor, everything can still be taken away from me. I want to prove to myself that when this happens, I will still be able to survive, that I will be able to take good care of my family. This is not to say I’m ready to leave showbiz, I’m just saying we will all have to face challenges in life, so we have to be ready for them.”

When asked for his advice on how to stay relevant in the industry, Gerald said: “When I left the PBB house, I knew nothing about what this industry was like. I didn’t even know how to be an actor. I also didn’t know what I really wanted to do for myself, but I persevered because I had a lot of help.

“When the day ends, we’re all tired, including the director, cameramen and other staff members, but we should still treat each other with respect. We should care for each other because we’re part of one team. I’m not saying that we should just say ‘yes’ to whatever our superiors are telling us to do. What we should do is come up with good work and remain respectful at all times.”

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 17, 2024

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 17, 2024

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