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JANUARY 19-25, 2024 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages

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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. 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

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US top choice of Pinoys as PH partner amid rising WPS tensions

by Nestor Corrales Inquirer.net

MANILA — Eight out of 10 Filipinos want the Marcos administration to work with the United States in the face of growing tensions in the West Philippine

Sea (WPS), according to a recent Pulse Asia survey commissioned by international think tank Stratbase Institute, which it released on Tuesday, January 16.

Conducted from Dec. 3 to Dec. 7, 2023, the survey asked 1,200 people nationwide about their views on the countries or organizations the government

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.

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by Catherine Valente ManilaTimes.net

BRING BACK TO LIFE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led on Wednesday, January 17 the ceremonial opening of the “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli: Pasig River Urban Development Showcase Area,” as part of the administration’s efforts to bring back its old glory. Marcos reminded the public that the project does not only aim to look back at the historical significance of the Pasig River, but also to focus on the transformation of the waterway.

Malacañang photo

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

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Marcos greeting to new Taiwan leader irks China

China was “strongly dissatisfied with and resolutely opposes these remarks,” spokesperson Mao Ning said, referring to MANILA — A congratulatory message by Mr. Marcos congratulating Lai on Monday President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Taiwan’s for winning Taiwan’s election and referring President-elect Lai Ching-te has sparked to him as its next president.“ a fierce backlash from China, as Beijing “China has lodged a strong protest with summoned the ambassador from Manila on the Philippines at the earliest opportunity,” Tuesday, Jan. 16 and warned the country and summoned Philippine Ambassador “not to play with fire.”

Jaime FlorCruz “to give China a responsible “The relevant remarks of President explanation,” Mao said, adding: “We Marcos constitute a serious violation of the suggest that President Marcos read more One China principle and … a serious breach books to properly understand the ins and of the political commitments made by the outs of the Taiwan issue, so as to draw the Philippines to the Chinese side, and a gross right conclusions.” interference in China’s internal affairs,” a There was no immediate comment from Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on at a regular press conference on Tuesday. u PAGE 3

by Dona Z. Pazzibugan, Julie M. Aurelio, Reuters Inquirer.net

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

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Biden to send first trade mission to the PH

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Bridging health gaps in Los Angeles County

should collaborate with given the implications of rising tensions in the WPS on the country’s security and economy.

Seventy-nine percent of the respondents picked

ManilaTimes.net file photo

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SOUVENIR FROM EARLIER CHA-CHA. The ceremonial mace used in the Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) held from 1971 to 1972 is formally handed over to the National Museum of the Philippines on Tuesday, January 16. Among the dignitaries present at the turnover was former Sen. Richard Gordon, who chairs the Con-Con’s 50th anniversary observance.

Photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer

Angara, not Padilla, to preside when Senate tackles Charter change PH bans poultry imports from California, Ohio

MANILA —The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday, January 17 it has banned imports of domesticated and wild birds, including poultry meat and eggs, from California and Ohio in the United States because of several outbreaks there of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

According to Memorandum Order No. 03 signed on Jan. 15, the temporary importation ban covers domestic and wild birds and their products, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen.

The DA immediately suspended the

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by Marlon Ramos Inquirer.net

MANILA — Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara on Tuesday, January 16 confirmed that he would head a Senate subcommittee to tackle the chamber’s proposed resolution amending specific economic provisions of the Constitution.

He takes over the role of Sen. Robinhood Padilla, the Senate’s persistent Charter change (Chacha) advocate. He has also been pushing for longer terms for the president and other elected officials.

Angara said most senators agreed that a lawyer like him should lead the proceedings since the matter to be tackled

under Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6 is revising the country’s basic law.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri filed the resolution on Monday, which Angara and Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda co-authored.

Padilla’s proposal However, according to Angara, the subcommittee would still have to enlist the support of Padilla since he heads the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and code revision.

“The report of the subcommittee will have to be approved by [Padilla] as committee chair,” Angara said.

He said the subcommittee,

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JANUARY 19-25, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

From The Front Page

US top choice of Pinoys as PH partner... ICC yet to confirm presence in PH...

PAGE 1 the United States, the Philippines’ oldest military ally, while 43 percent said Australia. The other answers were Japan (42 percent), Canada (34 percent) and the United Kingdom (22 percent).

The European Union was favored by 17 percent of Filipinos, followed by Russia with 16 percent, and South Korea with 15 percent. Only 10 percent answered China while 4 percent chose India.

The respondents were allowed up to three answers.

The Philippines has a visiting forces agreement with the United States and Australia. It has also agreed to start negotiations on a Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan to come up with a similar visiting forces deal.

Manila is locked in a long-standing dispute with Beijing over the South China Sea. Stronger alliances pushedA 2016 Hague ruling invalidated the Chinese government’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea but it has repeatedly refused to recognize the ruling.

According to Stratbase president professor Dindo Manhit, the results showed the need for the Marcos administration to strengthen its alliance with likeminded nations like the United States, Australia, and Japan.

Statements of support “These countries have continued to voice their support for the Philippine position and have

condemned Chinese actions against Filipino vessels,” Manhit said.

“Their resounding statements of support boost the confidence of the Philippines in the international community. In the face of asymmetric security challenges, the Philippines must leverage its relations with states with shared values and with the same commitment to defend the rules-based international order,” he added.

Citing the survey result, Manhit said only one out of 10 Filipinos or 10 percent favored working with China.

“As evidenced by the survey results, 90 percent of Filipinos are not in favor of working with China.

This is only natural, as the Philippines continues to encounter aggressive and coercive acts in the West Philippine Sea,” he said. Some 55 percent of Filipinos also believe that the Marcos administration could “fulfill its promise of protecting the West Philippine Sea against the illegal and aggressive actions of other states.”

Manhit said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was aware that there were gaps that needed to be addressed in the country’s approach in dealing with maritime tensions in the South China Sea. “As the Philippines moves on its third year under his administration, the Filipino public will hold him accountable for turning these statements and planned approaches into actual, effective actions,” he added. n

PAGE 1 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 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 Rodrigo Duterte during the 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.” n

Biden to send first trade mission to...

PAGE 1 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 U.S. 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 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 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 U.S. 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 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 or 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) n

Angara, not Padilla, to preside...

PAGE 1 upon its formation, would meet with Padilla to discuss Resolution of Both Houses No. 5 – Padilla’s proposed measure to extend the term limits of elected officials.

Angara, however, maintained that the Senate’s push for charter change would be limited to three constitutional provisions.

These are Section 11 of Article XII (National Economy and Patrimony), which requires 60-percent Filipino ownership of public utilities; Section 4 (2) of Article XIV (Education), which requires 60-percent Filipino ownership of educational institutions; and Section 11 (2) of Article XVI (General Provisions), which requires 70-percent Filipino ownership of any enterprise in the advertising industry.

In a radio interview, Angara said: “We will have to talk about his (Padilla’s) proposal [on political reforms] because most of our colleagues in the majority only favor the change in the economic provisions.”

He added that “matters on the system of government or term extension” are not on the table.

Initially opposed Padilla, still abroad, issued a statement expressing support for RBH 6, saying the Senateled cha-cha is “good news for the nation.”

“Our economy will be revitalized, and this will lead to progress in the lives of Filipinos,” said the former action movie star.

Padilla said his committee came up with a report early last year following consultations with different sectors in the country.

He said the report recommended amendments to seven economic provisions in the Constitution, including the

three that are now the subject of RBH 6.

He claimed, however, that none of the senators supported the recommendations then, even those seeking to ease restrictions on foreign ownership in business.

Zubiri said on Monday, January 15 that he, too, had been opposed to charter change in general.

But he sought an audience with President Marcos on Jan. 9, as the controversy over the people’s initiative campaign to amend the Constitution became “too divisive.”

That campaign “could have led to a constitutional crisis, destabilizing our bicameralism and upsetting the system of checks and balances,” the Senate leader said.

Legal experts define a constitutional crisis as a breakdown among institutions established by a given constitution because of a major political dispute.

Zubiri noted, “in any conflict, it is always the people who stand to suffer the most.”

He said the president himself “asked the Senate to instead take the lead” in Charter change.

‘Stop already’ This time, senators expressed support for Charter change, but within the scope of RBH 6.

“The Supreme Court had invalidated the joint exploration agreement that the Philippines entered into with Vietnam and China. [So] for me, we need foreign investments for us to explore, exploit, develop and extract our natural resources in the West Philippine Sea,” Sen. Francis Tolentino said in a news briefing on Tuesday.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said: “I have taken the position for the longest time to support discussions on amending certain provisions of the

Constitution that would lead us to fully realize the economic potential of the country.”

“PI should stop already,” he also said, referring to the signature drive of the People’s Initiative campaign. But Sen. Imee Marcos said she was still skeptical about RBH 6.

“After the very surreptitious and dubious manner that this people’s initiative was initiated, it doesn’t generate any confidence, at least on my part, that there will be a limitation to the mere three provisions,” said the president’s eldest sister.

Pitch in Davos Speaker Martin Romualdez has expressed support for RBH 6 following his meeting with Zubiri two days after the Senate leader met with Marcos.

In Davos, Switzerland, where he led the Philippine delegation to the World Economic Forum, Romualdez made another pitch for Charter change, this time with the Senate’s collaboration, saying this shows the country would soon become more “investor-friendly.”

“We will repeat the message that the Philippines is open for business, we are strong, and we are united,” he said.

Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe said in a statement: “In an extraordinary development for our nation, the Senate has finally seen the light, embracing the House’s long-standing belief in the necessity of constitutional amendments.”

“We are encouraged by the Senate’s acknowledgment of the House’s position and look forward to collaborating closely to ensure the effective passage and implementation of these constitutional amendments,” he added.

—with reports from Jeannette I. Andrade, Krixia Subingsubing, and Inquirer Research n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 19-25, 2024

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

PAGE 1 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 “under-reporting of biasmotivated 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 hang-ups, 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.

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) n

PH bans poultry imports from California...

PAGE 1 processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance for poultry imports originating from California and Ohio.

However, the order excludes shipments that are in transit, loaded or accepted unto port as long as these were slaughtered or produced 14 days before California’s first avian flu outbreak on Nov. 20, 2023 and Ohio’s first outbreak on Nov. 21, 2023.

“Poultry and poultry products imported to the country from the states of California and Ohio after Nov 14, 2023 and Nov 21, 2023, respectively, shall be seized and destroyed by the DA, or returned to the country of origin,” DA said.

The agency made the issuance as American authorities informed the World Organization for Animal Health of several outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N1 affecting

domestic birds.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. explained that imposing import restrictions on poultry products from the two states is necessary to prevent the virus from entering the Philippines.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, HPAI may cause severe disease and high mortality in infected poultry.

Domesticated and wild birds in California and Ohio have been diagnosed with

the H5N1 strain of the HPAI, which is highly contagious and dangerous for poultry.

The DA clarified that the Philippines can still import poultry and poultry products from other states in the U.S. The U.S. is the second biggest supplier of imported poultry and poultry products to the Philippines, accounting for about 40 percent of total poultry meat arrivals (426,620 metric tons). —Jordeene B. Lagare, Zeus Legaspi with a report from Reuters n

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PASTIME. Tricycle drivers play chess while waiting for passengers along Maria Orosa Street in Malate, Manila on Wednesday, Jan. 17. The board game is a popular pastime as it is known to benefit one’s mental health due to better brain function, as well as improved memory and cognitive abilities.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Marcos greeting...

PAGE 1 Beijing’s move.

Under the “One China” policy, the Philippines recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the “sole legal government of China,” with Taiwan as “an integral part of Chinese territory.”

The policy was laid down in a communique signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the president’s late father and namesake, on behalf of the Philippine government on June 9, 1975.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday night, the president congratulated Lai on his electoral victory.

“On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate Presidentelect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan’s next president,” Mr. Marcos said.

The president added: “We look forward to close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in the years ahead.”

On Tuesday morning, the DFA clarified that there was no change in the Philippines’ position on Taiwan.

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

“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,” it added.

“Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy,” the DFA stressed.

Asked for comment, Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-

Garafil said: “Please refer to the DFA statement released early today (Tuesday).”

In a statement released on Sunday, January 14, the DFA reaffirmed the principles in the 1975 joint communique between the Philippines and China, which established diplomatic relations between the two nations.

“The Philippines is committed to its One China Policy,” said the DFA, noting that under the communique, “the two governments agree to settle all disputes by peaceful means… without resorting to the use or threat of force.”

Marcos’ tweet came following the election of Lai, 64, who won 40 percent of the votes in a three-way race with rivals from the Kuomintang and Taiwan People’s Party.

Lai’s victory allowed the governing Democratic Progressive Party to remain in control for another term.

His victory came despite China’s efforts to warn voters against the Democratic Progressive Party. China has consistently claimed Taiwan as part of its territory despite its self-governance.

Unofficial relations Although the Philippines does not recognize Taiwan diplomatically, the two engage in unofficial relations through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Manila and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei.

Taiwan, China, and the Philippines are among the claimants of the vast South China Sea, parts of which Manila refers to as the West Philippine Sea, or the waters within its

u PAGE 4 SD#0294

Advertisement for Bids Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for: SINGLE POINT OF ENTRY AT 11 SITES A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2024, outside the main office of Bell Middle School, 620 Briarwood Road, San Diego, CA 92139. Upon completion of the first site, contractors shall proceed to the following sites in the order listed: William Penn Elementary School, 2797 Utica Drive, San Diego, CA 92139, Porter North Elementary School, 445 South 47th Street, San Diego, CA 92113, Cesar Chavez Elementary School, 1404 South 40th Street, San Diego, CA 92113. Prime contractors must be present at all 4 sites in order to bid this project. All attendees must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified. org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.com. All bids must be received electronically via PlanetBids before 1:00 p.m. on February 13, 2024. Prime contractors interested in submitting a bid must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC24-0789-50-00-00 Single Point of Entry at 11 Sites. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.”

The project estimate is between $1.3 million and $1.4 million. This is a PSA project and requires prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: A, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CC24-0789-50-00-00.

SD#0295

Advertisement for Bids Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for: NEW CTE AGRICULTURAL SCIECE BUILDING AT MORSE HIGH SCHOOL A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024, in front of the main office of Morse High School, 6905 Skyline Dr, San Diego, CA 92114.

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All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on FEBRUARY 9, 2024.

Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC24-0727-05-00-00 New CTE Agricultural Science Building at Morse High School. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $4.6 million and $4.9 million. This is a PSA project and requires prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: B or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CC24-0727-05-00-00.

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JANUARY 19-25, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USA

County program helps qualifying first-time homebuyers THE County of San Diego’s Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program helps first-time home buyers whose income is 80 percent or less than the annual area median income, which ranges from $77,200 or less for a single adult, to $110,250 for a family of four and $145,550 for a family of eight.

The program offers low interest loans with deferred payments. The loans may be as much as 22 percent of the sales price for the down payment and up to $10,000 for closing costs.

“Buying a home in San Diego is a huge challenge to many families,” said David Estrella, County Director of Housing and Community Development Services. “We want them to

PASIG BIGYANG BUHAY MULI. The showcase area of Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli: Pasig River Urban Development project at Jones Bridge in Binondo, City of Manila on Wednesday, Jan. 17. The project, under the guidance of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, envisions the Pasig River to become “a living river” of multiple benefits with safe walkways and bikeways along its banks, greener corridor and a string of parks for nearby communities.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Marcos greeting...

PAGE 3 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In 2016, an arbitral tribunal in The Hague, the Netherlands, voided China’s sweeping claims that cut into the EEZ of other claimant countries in the sea and recognized the Philippines’ sovereign rights to fish and explore resources within its waters.

Beijing does not recognize the ruling.

Also on Tuesday, the Liberal Party (LP), considered the country’s top opposition party, also congratulated Lai and Vice President-elect Bi-khim Hsiao on their landslide victory in the Jan. 15 presidential election.

‘Vibrant, independent future’ In a statement, the party’s chair, former Sen. Francis Pangilinan, praised the Taiwanese people for their “unwavering commitment to democracy, freedom, and the pursuit of a vibrant, independent future.”

“President-elect Lai’s triumph is a testament to his steadfast dedication to public service, his strong leadership, and his unyielding commitment to the values we hold dear — values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” Pangilinan said.

“Vice President-elect Bi-khim’s distinguished background as a successful diplomat and legislator, known for her championing of liberal democracy, further enhances the dynamic leadership that Taiwan will experience in the coming years,” he added.

Pangilinan also expressed his admiration for Taiwan’s “democratic journey” and his solidarity with the self-governing island.

“In the Philippines, we have long admired the democratic journey of our Taiwanese friends. We share a common history of the struggle for freedom and a deep appreciation for the precious gift of democracy. As fellow Asian nations, we are bound by shared values and a collective desire for a peaceful and prosperous region,” he said.

He expressed his confidence that Taiwan will continue to be a “beacon of democracy and a thriving economic powerhouse” under the new administration.

LP, which has 10 seats in the House of Representatives, is a member of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, a regional network of democratic parties in Asia.

—with a report from Russel P. Loreto n

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

know they’re not alone and encourage them to apply for this life-changing program.”

The loan can be used to buy new or re-sale homes, including single-family, condominium, townhome, and manufactured homes on a permanent foundation. The purchase price may not exceed $676,000, subject to periodic adjustments.

The homes must be in the unincorporated area of San Diego County or in the city of Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach or Vista.

The county has partnered with the San Diego Housing

u PAGE 5

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

Bridging health gaps in Los Angeles...

PAGE 1 Medi-Cal expanding, My Health LA 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 lifesaving 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) n

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 19-25, 2024

D ateline Philippines Full jeepney modernization will take years

by Franco Jose C. Baroña ManilaTimes.net

THE Office of Transport Cooperatives (OTC) said on Wednesday, January 19 that complete implementation of the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) would likely take years.

OTC Chairman Andy Ortega said that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), together with local government units, have yet to finalize a Local Public Transport Route Plan that will facilitate adjustments in the number of consolidated units per route.

This process alone could take “one to two years” to complete,

he said.

Only after finalizing the route plan would the 27-month countdown before people start seeing all PUVs be completely modernized.

“Fully modernized PUVs cannot be started since there are still some LGUs that do not have a route rationalization plan. That plan should come in before the 27-month period starts. This will take years,” he said in an interview on Wednesday, January 17.

Based on the latest available data, out of the 191,000 public utility jeepney (PUJ) and UV Express units nationwide that have franchises, 146,000 have already consolidated.

In Metro Manila, 90 percent of the 22,000 registered units

have complied as of 2023.

Those who fail to comply with the required consolidation will be considered “operating illegally.”

Meanwhile, the Office of the Solicitor General (SolGen), representing the Department of Transportation and the LTFRB, has asked the Supreme Court to junk the petition filed by transport groups, led by the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operaytor Nationwide (Piston), challenging the legality of the PUVMP. The SolGen argued that the petitioners did not adhere to the hierarchy of courts by not initially filing the petition with lower courts, stressing that the SC should be the “last court of resort.” n

5

TAX CUT. Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos (center) addresses members of the media during a briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Thursday, Jan. 18 regarding proposed measures to reduce the amusement tax. Abalos, together with Film Development Council of the Philippines chair and veteran actor Tirso Cruz III (right), discussed the concerns of film stakeholders over the excessive taxes and losses due to piracy.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

DMW, DOT partner to provide OFWs Metro Manila has worst traffic in the world opportunities in local tourism Taichung and Kaohsiung, ranked 6th and 8th respectively, Mumbai and Pune in India, 7th and 9th. Nagoya, Japan ranked 10th.

TRAFFIC in Metro Manila is the worst in the Brussels, Belgium and Geneva, Switzerland, as world for a Metro area, TomTom Traffic Index well as Tokyo, Japan, were in the top 15. showed.

The TomTom Traffic Index selected and ranked Metro Manila had an average travel time of 387 cities in 55 countries and 6 continents.

25 minutes and 30 seconds per 10 kilometers in “The Index aims to rank these cities based on 2023, compared to 24 minutes and 50 seconds in their average travel time and provide free access 2022. It has a congestion level of 52 percent. to city-by-city information,” it wrote. “In the Lima, the capital of Peru, is in second place Traffic Index, we use a representative sample of with an average travel time of 24 minutes and 20 this data, spanning 551 billion km, to assess and seconds per 10 km, followed by Bengaluru, India show how traffic has evolved in cities around the (23 minutes, 50 seconds); Sapporo, Japan (23 globe throughout 2023.” It is based on floating minutes, 30 seconds) and Bogota, Colombia (23 car data, which is collected from various sources minutes, 30 seconds). “to create traffic services for our clients and Also in the top 10 are the Taiwanese cities of customers.” n

by Aric John Sy Cua ManilaTimes.net

Unprogrammed funds meant for emergency projects – House leader MANILA – The chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations on Thursday, January 18 said the unprogrammed funds in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) are legal and are meant for emergency projects included in the government’s wish list in case of surplus revenues.

Committee chair and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said the unprogrammed appropriations are only released

after a certification from the Department of Budget and Management and the Treasury that there is extra revenue.

“Hindi yan obligasyon o kontrata. Hindi siya part ng NEP (national expenditure program), hindi siya part ng programmed funds. It is only a wish list na pag nagkaroon ng extra funds, binibigyan natin ang ating pamahalaan para mas makatulong sa ating mga kababayan at tumaas ang

MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday, January 18 to benefit overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are planning to go back to the Philippines for good.

In a statement, DMW officerin-charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said that through the “Balik Bayani sa Turismo” partnership program, returning OFWs and their families will be provided with free tourismrelated skills development and enhancement training that would open jobs and business opportunities for them so they could continue to provide for their families even as they return to the country.

“Walang OFW na ayaw umuwi (No OFW would never want to go back) for good. Everyone has plans for their families and communities. That’s why this partnership with the DOT is a huge help for our OFWs to come

home with their families while having a sustainable source of income in the local tourism sector,” Cacdac said.

Among the tourism-related training that may be provided for the OFW and their families include culinary tourism, farm tourism, homestay operations, and skills on how to become tour guides.

Meanwhile, those who have acquired foreign language skills or have extensive experience in tourism-related activities can become part of the DOT’s pool of experts which would give them opportunities to become resource persons in various government programs.

In the same agreement, the DOT and the DMW will also provide scholarship grants to qualified OFWs and their family members interested in becoming tourism front-liners and service providers or tourism enterprise owners, in cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

(TESDA).

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco underscored that the OFWs are the best tourism ambassadors of the Philippines because of the competence and expertise they offer to the world.

Moreover, Frasco said OFWs have acquired rich experiences that can help promote the country’s local tourism industry.

The Balik Bayani sa Turismo program is expected to strengthen the collaboration between the national and local governments in the implementation of the fullcycle and comprehensive reintegration programs and services for OFWs and their families while promoting the vibrant local tourism sector of the Philippines.

“We are counting on our partnership with the DMW because the returning OFWs are so much valued in the tourism industries because of their experience and expertise,” Frasco said. (PNA) n

economic growth natin (That is neither an obligation or contract.

It is also not part of the NEP and also not part of the programmed funds. It is only a wish list; if there are extra funds, we give it to the government so that we could help more Filipinos and boost economic growth),” he said in a radio interview.

Co said unprogrammed funds PAGE 4 sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/sdhcd/homehave been included in previous Commission to administer the program. For more buyers-owners/payment-assistance.html. national budgets, including this information, visit the Housing and Community (Cassie N. Saunders/County of San Diego u PAGE 7 Development Services website https://www. Communications Office) n

County program helps qualifying...

6

JANUARY 19-25, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

Opinion

Worst traffic congestion

Features

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

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

no-contact 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)

PBBM – our super top diplomat

Babe’s Eye View Babe Romualdez 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 one-and-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 note the unexpected set of more democracy-favorable conditions that his administration has ushered in.”

It’s no secret that among the issues that were thrown against President BBM during 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 other things.

No question – from where I sit in Washington, D.C., 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 find common interests between ASEAN member-nations.

The president will also be going to Vietnam for an official visit within this month, with the discussion 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, January 12, 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 highquality 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 IndoPacific region. (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.

*** 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-à-vis proposals on constitutional amendments and revisions. Under Section 2, Congress may propose any amendment or revision upon a vote of three-fourths 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 (ABS-CBN).

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 EDSApwera 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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MOMAR G. VISAYA Editor-in-Chief San Diego Asian Journal

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Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applible law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publition of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publition.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, uses of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publition of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being ncellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republition of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publitions, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLITIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please ll the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 19-25, 2024

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 redtagged humanitarian workers and church leaders.

United Nations special rapporteurs publicized this month their October 10 letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. detailing cases of redtagging, 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 non-profit organisations have been affected by the alleged

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

Philstar.com photo

measures, in turn hindering access to 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 anti-terrorism 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. n

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

7

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.

The DOT official also expressed her confidence in the

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco

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 beyond the well-

DOT photo

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. n

Unprogrammed funds meant for...

PAGE 5 year’s, as a prudent practice for emergency situations.

“Hindi siya bago sa system…

Hindi po yan illegal. Ang gamit po niyan kapag may emergency like COVID, kinulang pa nga tayo. Gumastos po tayo ng 400 billion. Nag slash ng pondo sa NEP at may mga proyektong hindi natuloy, para lang matugunan ang bagong pangangailangan (It’s not a new thing in the system… It’s not illegal. It’s typically used for emergencies like COVID. The budget fell short for that. We had to spend PHP400 billion. We had to slash funds in the NEP and some projects were not pursued so that we could address the [COVID-19] situation),” he said.

Co said it is not the job of the government to save, noting it has to spend for its programs and projects to create economic growth.

“Ang gusto natin ay doubledigit growth. Direct assistance sa

ating mamamayan especially sa panahon ngayon medyo mataas ang inflation na kinokontrol natin. Naglalagay tayo ng pondo na just in case magkaroon ng extra revenue para po sa ating mga mamamayan (What we want to achieve is double-digit growth.

[We also want to provide] direct assistance to citizens, especially in times of rising inflation, which we try to control. We have these [unprogrammed] funds just in case we have extra revenues for Filipinos),” he added.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has reiterated that there is nothing unconstitutional with the inclusion of unprogrammed funds in the 2024 budget.

“Our definition, hindi po siya unconstitutional kasi nga po hindi po siya kasama doon sa talagang budget (it is not unconstitutional because it is not included in the actual budget),” Pangandaman said.

Reps. Edcel Lagman (Albay

1st District), Gabriel Bordado (Camarines Sur 3rd District) and Mujiv Hataman (Basilan) on Tuesday, January 16 filed a petition before the Supreme Court (SC) questioning the legality of the PHP449.5-billion increase in unprogrammed funds under the 2024 national budget.

The opposition lawmakers asked the SC to issue a temporary restraining order or writ of preliminary injunction to prevent the release of the unprogrammed funds.

Congress raised the unprogrammed appropriations under the 2024 GAA by PHP449.5 billion from the proposed to PHP281.9 billion to PHP731.5 billion.

The unprogrammed funds, the DBM said, serve as “an important tool for the government to address unforeseen expenditures and prioritize essential programs and projects.” (PNA) n

8

JANUARY 19-25, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

CASE NUMBER: 37-2024-00001190-CU-PT-CTL

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9025454

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9025440

Snap Assembly located at 1286 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103.

Registrant: Ross Tan, 1286 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Ross Tan. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/22/2023.

AJ 1311 12/29/2023, 01/05/2024, 01/12/2024, and 01/19/2024

a. Capri Dentistry located at 2378 Poway Road, Suite B, Poway, CA 92064. b. Poway Dental Center located at 2378 Poway Road, Suite B, Poway, CA 92064. c. Poway Family Dental Center located at 2378 Poway Road, Suite B, Poway, CA 92064.

Registrant: Tais Trevelin DM INC, 701 W Beech Street Unit D408, San Diego, CA 92101.

This business is conducted

by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 12/13/2023.

Signature: Tais Trevelin Lowry Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/21/2023.

AJ 1312 12/29/2023, 01/05/2024, 01/12/2024, and 01/19/2024 AJSD 1312

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9025701

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9024228

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000264

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000457

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Ramiro Alonso Saenz filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Ramiro Alonso Saenz to Ramiro Alonso Soto.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 02/26/2024 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: JAN 11, 2024 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Maureen F. Hallahan Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1326 01/19, 01/26, 02/02, and 02/09/2024 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

FOR RENT

AJSD 1326

CASE NUMBER: 37-2024-00001194-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Luis Alberto Soltero Martinez on behalf of a minor Anadel Victoria Arce filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Anadel Victoria Arce to Anadel Victoria Soltero Arce.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 02/26/2024 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: JAN 11, 2024 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Maureen F. Hallahan Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1327 01/19, 01/26, 02/02, and 02/09/2024 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD 1327

Floor Coverings International Of North Central San Diego CA located at 13184 Ireland Lane, San Diego, CA 92129.

Registrant: Charles Le, 13184 Ireland Lane, San Diego, CA 92129.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 12/20/2023.

Signature: Charles Le. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/21/2023.

AJ 1310 12/29/2023, 01/05/2024, 01/12/2024, and 01/19/2024.

AJSD 1310

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9025722

Taxes Made Simple located at 555 Broadway #120, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: Macario E. Martinez, 710 S. San Ysidro Blvd #1659, San Ysidro, CA 92173.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/01/2023.

Signature: Macario E. Martinez Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/26/2023.

AJSD 1314 12/29/23, 01/05/24, 01/12/24, and 01/19/24 AJSD 1314

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000451

Chula Vista Home Care located at 1287 Tobias Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: Sinforoso Gerona, 1287 Tobias Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature: Sinforoso Gerona.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/08/2024.

AJ 1318 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, and 02/02/2024.

AJSD 1318

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000472

a. Iqra Travel Agency LLC located at 5296 University Ave #F, San Diego, CA 92105. b.

Iqra Registration Services located at 5296 University Ave #F, San Diego, CA 92105.

Registrant: Iqra Travel Agency LLC, 5296 University Ave #F, San Diego, CA 92105.

This business is conducted

by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/26/2023.

Signature: Abdulkadir Mohidin.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/08/2024.

AJ 1322 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, and 02/02/2024. AJSD 1322

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000880

From The True Vine located at 934 Dale Court, San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant: Clear Edge Pools LLC, 979 Woodland Pkwy #101-68 San Macos, CA 92069.

This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/12/2024.

Signature: Nicholas Escalona.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/12/2024.

AJ 1328 01/19, 01/26, 02/02, and 02/09/2024.

AJSD 1328

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9025630

AJSD 1311

Paradise Cleaners located at 6915 #5 Paradise Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92139.

Registrant: Paradise Cleaners SD, 5380 Dressage Drive, Bonita, A 91902.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 12/01/2023.

Signature: Rex J. Gonzales.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 112/01/2023.

AJ 1315 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26/2024.

AJSD 1315

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000545

Malyn’s Sweet Delights located at 4126 Coleman Ave, San Diego, CA 92154.

Registrant: Emmaline A. Birosel, 4126 Coleman Ave, San Diego, CA 92154.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature: Emmaline A. Birosel.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/09/2024.

AJ 1319 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, and 02/02/2024.

AJSD 1319

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000863

Madamin located at 850 Beech Street, Apt 604, San Diego, CA 92101.

Registrant: Madamin LLC, 850 Beech Street, Apt 604, San Diego, CA 92101.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/06/2024.

Signature: Francesca Penoncelli.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/11/2024.

AJ 1323 01/19, 01/26, 02/02, and 02/09/2024.

AJSD 1323

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001017

Xochitl’s Cleaning Services located at 2654 Chadwell Ave, San Diego, CA 92154.

Registrant: Xochitl Lopez, 2654 Chadwell Ave, San Diego, CA 92154.

This business is conducted

by An individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/16/2024.

Signature: Xochitl Lopez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/16/2024.

AJ 1329 01/19, 01/26, 02/02, and 02/09/2024. AJSD 1329

DL Owl Enterprises located at 4410 30th St. #B, San Diego, CA 92116.

Registrant: a. Lorraine G Hom, 2609 28th Street, San Diego, CA 92104. b. David Brian Hom, 2609 28th Street, San Diego, CA 92104 This business is conducted by Married Couple.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/01/2020.

Signature: David Brian Hom Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/26/2023.

AJ 1313 12/29/2023, 01/05/2023, 01/12/2024, and 01/19/2024 AJSD 1313

Taco N Todo Sonora located at 500 Old Trail Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91914.

Registrant: a. Luis Adrian Garcia, 500 Old Trail Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91914. b. Rocio Garcia, 500 Old Trail Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91914.

This business is conducted

by Co-Partners.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature: Luis Adrian Garcia.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/04/2024.

AJ 1316 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, and 02/02/2024. AJSD 1316

GMOVES DANCE BOUTIQUE located at 11275 Westonhill Dr, San Diego, CA 92126.

THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME REFERRED TO ABOVE WAS FILED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY ON: 01/26/2022, and assigned File no. 2022-9002189 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Mary Grace Clariza, 11275 Westonhill Dr, San Diego, CA 92126.

This Business is Conducted by: Individual Signature: Mary Grace Clariza.

Statement filed with Recorder/ County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/08/2024.

AJ 1317 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, and 02/02/2024.

AJSD 1317

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000434

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9024666

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000753

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME(S) STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000295

Wilson’s Plumbing located at 1787 Via Encantadoras, San Ysidro, CA 92173.

Registrant: Alaaen Padilla Wilson, 1787 Via Encantadoras, San Ysidro, CA 92173.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature: Alaaen Padilla Wilson.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/08/2024.

AJ 1320 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, and 02/02/2024. AJSD 1320

RDB Physical Therapy located at 1202 N Creekside Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91915.

Registrant: Rusel D Basco, 1202 N Creekside Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91915.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/10/2024.

Signature:Rusel D Basco.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/10/2024.

AJ 1324 01/19, 01/26, 02/02, and 02/09/2024.

AJSD 1324

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9024576

a. Paw Paradise located at 2824 Via Del Caballo Blanco, Bonita, CA 91920. b. Flickas Yard located at 2824 Via Del Caballo Blanco, Bonita, CA 91920.

Registrant: Amberly Estrada Garcia, 2824 Via Del Caballo Blanco, Bonita, CA 91920.

This business is conducted

by An Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Amberly Estrada Garcia.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/07/2023.

AJ 1330 01/19, 01/26, 02/02, and 02/09/2024. AJSD 1330

GL’s Painting located at 3768 Cottonwood, San Diego, CA 92113.

Registrant: Flor Jaqueline Aguilar, 3768 Cottonwood, San Diego, CA 92113.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 12/01/2023.

Signature: Flor Jaqueline Aguilar.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/08/2023.

AJ 1321 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, and 02/02/2024.AJSD 1321

Andys All In One Home Improvement located at 5542 Potomac Street, San Diego, CA 92139.

Registrant: a. Jocelyn Perez Frausto, 5542 Potomac Street, San Diego, CA 92139. b. Andres Nava Beltran, 5542 Potomac Street, San Diego, CA 92139 This business is conducted

by A General Partnership.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Jocelyn Perez Frausto.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/05/2024.

AJ 1325 01/19, 01/26, 02/02, and 02/09/2024.

AJSD 1325

SAN DIEGO

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 19-25, 2024

9

9

JOURNAL Liza saw ‘instant connection’ with ‘Rewind’ now highest‘Lisa Frankenstein’ character grossing Filipino film in domestic box office sales

JA N UA RY 1 9, 2 0 24

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

ACTRESS-SINGER Liza Soberano is gearing up for the release of her very first Hollywood movie “Lisa Frankenstein,” directed by Zelda Williams and headlined

by Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse.

The film follows the titular misunderstood teenager played Newton and the handsome Victorian corpse (Sprouse) she takes a liking to.

Soberano plays Taffy, a cheerleader and the supportive step sister of Netwon’s Lisa who screenwriter Diablo Cody calls her favorite character in the movie.

“I had an instant connection with her,” said Soberano about Taffy. “She’s such a fun character to play.”

Cody explained depicting Taffy as the standard “mean popular girl” would be an uninteresting take, “Most of the queen bees I’ve known were more complex than that.”

by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

Liza Soberano and Kathryn Newton in “Lisa Frankenstein” Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

“She’s a beacon of positivity, and even when she’s unwittingly condescending or tone deaf, her intentions are always kind. She’s more protective of Lisa than anyone else in the film, other than the Creature,” Cody added.

“Lisa resents Taffy because she’s effortlessly beautiful and popular, but Lisa eventually comes to realize that her ire is misdirected.”

Liza isn’t the only individual with Filipino descent working on the movie. The director is the only daughter of the late comedian Robin Williams with his ex-wife Marsha Garces, a film producer whose father was born in Bohol.

“Lisa Frankenstein” is set to release in Philippine cinemas on February 7, a full week before Valentine’s Day. n

METRO Manila Film Festival entry “Rewind” became the highest-grossing Filipino film in domestic box office sales with P815 million as of on Wednesday, January 17.

The film surpassed the 2019 film “Hello, Love, Goodbye” and the 2018 film “The Hows of Us.” Both films earned P691 million and P690 million in domestic sales, respectively.

“Hello, Love, Goodbye,” meanwhile, is still the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time with P880 million global ticket sales, while “Rewind” has P845 million total.

During the film’s thanksgiving event yesterday, ABS-CBN reported that Marian Rivera said that the box office success is just a bonus for her and husband Dingdong Dantes.

“Noong binasa namin ‘to, isa lang gusto namin mangayari, bonus na lang figure, alam namin naraming pinagdaanan tao ng pandemic. Kaya sabi namin sana gawin kami instrumento ng Panginoon na na-touch puso nila na magbago at mas mahalin mga tao sa paligid nila,” she said. “’Yung message na ito lang makalat sa mga tao... Ang pinaka importante sa amin ay ang message ng film na ito, na talagang tumatak sa puso nila,” she added.

Celebrity couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera Philstar.com photo

Dingdong, meanwhile, said that they are grateful for the success of the movie.

“Iba ‘pag nakakausap mo mga tao at kwinento paano naging impact sa buhay nila. ‘Yun priceless...

Itong figure says ganito kadami nanuod. We are so grateful we were able to tell the story,” he said. n

Yassi leads local cast in Korean-Filipino action thriller

by Leah C. Salterio Philstar.com

SEVEN Filipino actors who tried their luck auditioning for a forthcoming Korean-Filipino production, eventually got the chance to be in the cast of the action-drama thriller, The Guardian, to be in the shown internationally this year.

Actress Yassi Pressman leads the list of local artists who passed the auditions and were signed up for their respective roles in the Korean-Filipino film.

Yassi will play Sandara, who will be introduced in The Yassi Pressman (rightmost) and South Korean actor-singer Nam Woo Hyun (leftmost) are Guardian. “They all told me joined by The Guardian co-stars (from left) Wilbert Ross, Ashtine Olviga, Heart Ryan and Eric Ejercito.

Photo from Instagram/@yassipressman when I stepped in to audition,

‘Just do your best’,” the 28-year-old actress recalled.

“They didn’t tell me what I was auditioning for.

Yassi will play Sandara, who will be introduced in The Guardian. “They all told me when I stepped in to audition, ‘Just do your best’,” the 28-year-old actress recalled.

“They didn’t tell me what I was auditioning for.

Action star Jeric Raval will play one of the villains. “I accepted the project for a change,” Jeric said.

Wilbert Ross, who was a former member of the all-male group Hashtags, will also essay a semi-antagonist role named

Jason. “This will be action and very different from the roles I did in the past,” Wilbert said.

Eric Ejercito, on the other hand, nabbed the role of Coco, Sandara’s friend. They later become the best friends of Do Jun (played by Korean singeractor Nam Woo Hyun).

Joko Diaz plays the character of Gordon. He accepted the project to be able to get the chance to be in a Korean film.

“I want to get a chance to work with Korean actors and experience what it’s like to be part of a project like this.”

Young actress Ashtine Olviga plays one of the artists who auditions for a K-pop group. “I

said yes right away because this is a big opportunity for me,” she admitted. “Who will say no to be part of this project.”

Heart Ryan plays a part of the K-pop group. “This is a big opportunity for me to be cast in a Korean-Filipino film like The Guardian. I am also a huge fan of K-dramas and films.”

Viva Artists Agency (VAA) president Vincent del Rosario was initially called on to provide the artists who will audition for The Guardian, but later agreed to co-produce the actionthriller with Parallax Studio (Wesley Villarica) and Ovation Productions (Cel de Guia).

u PAGE 10

10 JANUARY 19-25, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Minding Your Finances Atty. Raymond Bulaon IN this week’s article, I would like to provide an overview of how installment agreements are often used by the IRS in tax collection. When you can’t pay the government what you owe all at once, the IRS will allow you to make monthly payments over a reasonable amount of time, usually 60 to 72 months. But it can also be longer as long as the liability can paid over the life of the collection statute (10 years from the date of assessment).

The IRS wants their money as soon as possible. That’s a given. But for those individuals and businesses who are not able to resolve their tax debt immediately, the IRS may have no choice but to agree to a payment plan based on your surplus income after allowable living expenses are deducted. I say “allowable” because the IRS does not allow all expenses. The expenses must be in line with the IRS guidelines and that can sometime be tricky or frustrating to taxpayers who are spending more than is acceptable. In some cases, the IRS may allow you one year to adjust your expenses to give you some time to reduce them.

Installment agreements require that you commit future tax refunds towards paying your outstanding balance. If you owe for several years, the IRS will apply your payments to your

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

Can’t pay your IRS taxes?

oldest liabilities first. If your refunds are not sufficient to pay what you owe, your agreement will simply continue until all the terms are satisfied. If you owe $50,000 or less, you may qualify for a streamlined agreement if you can pay your liability over 5 years. What this means is that you may not be required to submit collection information statements which detail your income and expenses. This applies even if you have sufficient assets to satisfy your tax debt.

Once the installment agreement is in place, you must remain current on your monthly payments. If you run into some problems and have to miss some payments, it is best to call the IRS and let them know. If you do nothing, you are considered in default. When that happens, your agreement will be cancelled by the IRS and they will take enforced collection action such as a bank levy, wage garnishment, or a federal tax lien being filed against your home or other real property.

In some cases, your U.S. passport can even be revoked, and you will not be able to leave the country until you get current again.

Unfortunately, interest and penalties do not stop with an installment agreement. So, the longer it takes for you to pay what you owe, the larger your tax liability becomes. For this reason, it is important that a qualified tax professional review your case thoroughly to see if this is in fact your best option. For example, if

you have assets that can be sold to resolve your tax liability much more quickly, this could be a good alternative and less costly for you in the long run, even if it means only being able to pay your taxes partially and reducing the principal balance before you enter into an installment agreement.

If you qualify for tax debt forgiveness (called an “Offer in Compromise”), this may also be a good option if you qualify. With this option, you will be able to significantly reduce what you owe the IRS via a settlement and get the IRS out of your life once and for all.

If you owe the IRS, the State, EDD or State Board of Equalization, my office can help you find the best solution to resolve your tax liability. You will never have to speak with the IRS again. I will review your case and help you make the best decision for yourself and family. ***

NOTE: Due to the current lockdown order caused by COVID-19, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray J. Bulaon has successfully helped over 6,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866471-8272.

(Advertising Supplement)

Registered with a political party?

Make sure ballot offers the residential candidate you want IF you’re registered with a political party, then that party’s presidential candidates will appear on your March 2024 presidential primary ballot.

If you want to vote for a presidential candidate from another political party, you’ll need to re-register with that party.

For that reason, the Registrar’s office encourages you to verify your political party preference and your home and mailing address. Ballots start going out to registered voters the week of Feb. 4.

Political parties decide who can vote for their presidential primary candidates.

All registered voters fall under two categories: A) Registered with a Political Party Preference If you are registered with one of the six qualified political parties in California, your ballot will list only that party’s presidential primary candidates.

You can vote only for that party’s presidential candidates.

California’s qualified political parties are: • American Independent Party

• Democratic Party • Green Party • Libertarian Party • Peace and Freedom Party • Republican Party.

If your party registration differs from the party of the presidential candidate you want to vote for, you will need to register to vote with that party. If you want to change your party registration, the Registrar’s office advises you to do so before Feb. 20.

B) Registered as Nonpartisan (Also known as Independent or No Party

Preference) If you are registered as nonpartisan, you will automatically receive a nonpartisan ballot for the March 5 election. Your nonpartisan ballot will not list the presidential primary contest or candidates.

Nearly 490,000 voters in San Diego County are registered as nonpartisan. If you are one of them, you can take steps now to vote for a presidential candidate in the primary. As a nonpartisan voter, you can select one of three

PAGE 9 “In fairness to our artists, they all auditioned and were very professional in trying their luck out in the roles available,” shared Vincent. “They were chosen, so I guess they all fit in the roles assigned to them.”

Yassi easily gets film assignments or roles as one of the contract stars of VAA but she auditioned for this one.

“She would just be at Viva and tell us she’s ready for a new film and we will give her a project anytime,” Vincent said.

“But for The Guardian, she went through the audition process and that was a nice thing to do. Very commendable.”

The story of The Guardian follows Korean nationals Park Do Jun (singer-actor Nam Woo Hyun of idol group Infinite) and his mother Mi Jin (Steel Rain, Alchemy of Souls and Jewel in the Palace actress Park Eun Hye), who relocated to the Philippines.

Back in Korea, Do Jun showed talent in taekwondo and aspired to become a national player.

Yet, he gave that all up to be with his mom.

Although Do Jun has a great amount of love for his mother, they’ve always had a strained relationship because of Mi Jin’s gambling addiction.

Over the years, this gambling problem worsens to the point that Do Jun drops out of college to find a job and support himself.

At work, he befriends Sandara (Yassi), who dreams of becoming a K-pop star and Coco (Eric Ejercito) and fast becomes close to them.

Mi Jin disappears and Do Jun receives word that she was

kidnapped by the notorious gang leader (Han Jae Seok), who runs the largest Korean criminal organization in the Philippines.

“The Guardian story is the love between the mother and her son,” informed Korean director Joeng Jang Hwan.

“I’m trying to synchronize the Korean actors and those from the Philippines showing the love between a family.

“Even though we haven’t started yet, I’m so excited to work with Filipino actors and actresses. The Guardian will be a very good movie.”

Filming for The Guardian will be scheduled for 17 days here in the Philippines, while post production, dubbing and musical score will all be done in South Korea.

Yassi is thankful to her local producers for making The Guardian happen.

“I also prayed for this last year, that hopefully this project pushes through because it’s such a big honor to be part of something like this,” Yassi said.

“This is one of the firsts for our country. We Filipinos admire the Korean artists, films, their culture.

“It was very nice to meet them here. We simply had a meeting then story-con. It was nice to meet everybody involved in this project. Even if we had a language barrier, we saw that they were all always smiling. They were open to communicate with us.”

The Filipino cast members have filmed their scenes, while their scenes with the Korean actors will be filmed now that the foreign cast members are here in the Philippines.

“They have been very strict with all the Korean actors on the set,” Yassi observed. “They are protecting them while they are here. With us, the Filipino cast, grabe din kaming alagaan ng people around us, as well as the management.”

Even if she’s now part of a Korean-Filipino film, Yassi refuses to readily think this will be the start of her international career.

“Ayoko kong mag-isip ng anything in the future,” Yassi said. “I’m doing everything slowly. Starting last year, I always pray for few steps that I will take. Having this opportunity is really a big, big blessing.

“I always thank the Lord for that. The feeling of working with these very extraordinary actors coming from Korea, I’m very, very excited. I am thrilled to be working soon with them.”

Talking to the Korean actors is a challenge for their Filipino co-stars. “Talking to them and understanding them is a challenge,” admitted Yassi. “We use hand signals, but even if they find it hard to explain what they want to say, they make an effort to be understood. They don’t just give up. They really want to connect and talk to us.

“That also encourages me to connect with them. I get to sit down and eat with them. When our director finally shouts ‘Action,’ we will all be thrilled to work together. I’m looking forward to experience our camaraderie as an ensemble working together.

“From our story conference, they were all very professional.

I hope we get to learn more while working with them.” n

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

MEDICAL MISSION IN NUEVA ECIJA. Munoz (The Science City) Mayor “Baby” Armi L. Alvarez (seated, 3rd from left, in light blue shirt) poses with the members of the Philippine-American Association of Nevada medical mission team, headed by Daniel C. Fabito, MD, FACS, FPCS, PAAN president (in scrub suit), Luz Micabalo, Philippine-American Charity Foundation President, and Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, (standing, 4th from the left) chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA and Asian Journal columnist. During the 5-day mission in Munoz and Talavera, the missionaries provided consultations and free medications to more than 500 individuals, and performed surgeries, including for various tumors, thyroid and gallbladder surgeries, hernia repair, hysterectomy, and dozens of minor procedures.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Philip Chua

New city report shows creative industries had more than $10B impact Report also provides recommendations for San Diego region to remain creative leader

SAN DIEGO – A new report released on Tuesday, January 9 by the City of San Diego and the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center shows that in 2022, the most recent year surveyed, San Diego’s creative industries created nearly 170,000 jobs and had a total economic impact of $10.8 billion.

The report titled “Creative Economy in the San Diego Region” analyzes the intersection between San Diego’s creative industries, its workforce and the local economy. It looks at the creative economy spanning 71 industries and 76 unique occupations.

This includes nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses, individuals involved in producing cultural, artistic and design goods or services, and intellectual property throughout the county of San Diego.

“The creative industries are a future-facing component of our region’s workforce and economy.

Creative workers are critical to the competitive success of many aspects of our economy, from the innovation sector to major events, conventions and media to the arts and culture sector,” said Jonathon Glus, executive director of Arts and Culture. “This second report iteration tracks how well the creative economy has recovered from the pandemic and, for the first time, the demographics of the workforce.”

The report, which was completed in late 2023, includes data from 2012 to 2022 and measures the change over that time. It details impacts the COVID-19 pandemic had on the creative industries in San Diego County, their recovery since that time, data on the diversity and demographics of the creative workforce, and key recommendations to strengthen and promote the overall growth of the creative economy.

“The creative economy contributes over $10 billion to the regional economy, and employers told us they love San Diego’s skilled workforce,” said Daniel Enemark, San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center’s Chief Economist. “Creative workers find great satisfaction in their work, but both business owners and employees struggle with the high cost of living. Higher wages and more affordable workspaces are two of the community’s greatest needs. Workers of color continue to be underrepresented in the creative economy, but we were encouraged to see the portion of Black, Hispanic and Asian workers growing. We hope this trend continues and believe it can if workers, businesses and government come together to build a more accessible, sustainable and inclusive, creative economy.”

Key findings in the report include: • At $10.8 billion, the creative industries

supported economic activity equivalent to 3.7% of the county’s gross regional product (GRP) in 2022.

It supported almost 170,000 total jobs across the county’s economy, including 82,467 direct creative economy jobs and nearly 87,000 indirect jobs.

• The creative economy, as a portion of San Diego’s regional economy, has been steadily shrinking over the past 10 years. It hit its lowest point in 2021 before bouncing back to 2019 levels in 2022.

• Of the 13 industry groups studied, digital media contributed the most to San Diego’s total GRP, while the printing and publishing sector suffered job losses. The number of creative firms in the region has not bounced back after the pandemic.

There were 6,179 firms in 2022 compared to 7,386 firms in 2019.

The report also presents recommendations that public, private and nonprofit sectors should make to improve conditions for the local and regional creative economy. The report recommends integrating the creative economy into regional growth strategies, such as expanding job opportunities and supporting small businesses.

It also recommends encouraging leadership and hiring initiatives that will foster equitable representation.

“As the creative industries here continue to evolve, this report could not be more timely. It is critical that we focus on building a strong, sustainable creative sector, one which not only contributes to our local economy and wider society but one that encourages the system-wide changes needed to ensure that these economic benefits are felt by all parts of the creative workforce,” said Christine E. Jones, Chief of Civic Arts Strategies.

“The recommendations contained within this report offer new insights for stakeholders – policymakers, strategists, creatives, industry partners and businesses operating in the creative sector – across the region.”

This report is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency. This year, San Diego’s creative industries will draw global attention thanks to its World Design Capital 2024 designation.

According to the report, with strategic investments and collective mobilization, San Diego is wellpositioned to grow its cultural and creative influence as a hub for the creative economy.

The City of San Diego advances and drives an equitable and inclusive creative economy and cultural ecosystem by investing in the work of artists and creatives and the institutions and systems that amplify creative work and experiences. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/arts-culture.

(City of San Diego Release) n

New pilot program for seniors approved

by County Board of Supervisors Yassi leads local cast in Korean-Filipino... u PAGE 11

THE San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved on Tuesday, January 9 a pilot program to create housemate matches between lower-income older adults and locals with a spare bedroom.

The two-year pilot program was created to address growing homelessness among older adults. The 2023 Point-in-Time Count revealed the number of older adults aged 55 and older experiencing homelessness increased by 29% from the previous year.

The program will match a minimum of 50 older adults – people 55 years or older – with appropriate households who sign up and offer to rent out a spare bedroom. Participants also will be offered services to help them stay housed.

“Older adults living on a fixed income are more vulnerable to losing their home,” said David Estrella, director of County Housing and Community Development Services. “This program is a way to catch a senior before they fall through the cracks in this challenging housing market.”

Older adults earning no more than 120% of the area median income would be eligible for the program and would pay no more than 30% of total monthly income towards rent. In some cases, a service exchange could be allowed (but not required), where the older adult provides services such as gardening or cleaning to pay a reduced rent.

The home must be in San Diego County and in good standing with utility, taxes and rent or mortgage payments.

Program participants will be matched with households

based on goals, preferences and lifestyles. Included in the program is outreach, screening, assessments, matching and check-ins. It will be evaluated for outcomes and cost about $311,000.

The program will be promoted through outreach in the senior services and homeless community and is expected to launch in early summer 2024.

More information on this program, including how to apply, will be available onlineI n the coming weeks.

County Housing and Community Development Services provides affordable housing opportunities to more than 40,000 people each year through various housing programs and affordable housing efforts.

Since 2017, the county has

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

invested more than $279 million in affordable housing, including using county excess property and its Innovative Housing Trust Fund, and almost 1,800 units have opened. There are an additional 3,265 units on the way.

When all the developments in the pipeline are complete, the total number of affordable units supported by the county will reach over 9,500. This is expected to provide homes to nearly 21,000 people.

The development plans align with the county’s Housing Blueprint (https://engage. sandiegocounty.gov/housingblueprint), the county’s guide and ongoing response to the regional housing crisis.

(Cassie N. Saunders/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 19-25, 2024

11

County supervisors reelect County investigating illnesses linked to imported oysters chairwoman for 2024 THE County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to select Supervisor Nora Vargas as the chairwoman for 2024.

Chairwoman Vargas served as board chairwoman last year.

The chair acts as the voice of the county.

During the recent organizational meeting, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer was reelected as vice chair and Supervisor Joel

Anderson as chair pro tempore.

After the vote, Chairwoman Vargas thanked her colleagues for their support.

She recognized all the hard work the board had accomplished in the last year, including passing an $8.1 billion budget that addressed key issues and maintained core county services.

The chairwoman acknowledged the board faces challenges in the

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

year ahead as budgets tighten around the state. She said the board must be diligent with their resources to prioritize the health and safety of residents, and support local businesses, so they have an opportunity to thrive.

“The work ahead will not be easy, but I have no doubt with compassionate, deliberate work, and collaborative spirit, that we’re going to able to once again move the county forward and our communities forward and do the great things we are meant to do as your elected officials and representatives,” said Chairwoman Vargas.

After the selection of the new chair, board members were appointed to various boards, commissions and committees around the region.

The County also has a wide variety of boards, commissions and committees. If you have an interest in health or social issues, criminal justice, the elderly, planning and land use, parks, libraries, housing or human relations, you can make a difference by volunteering your time.

To find out more, visit the Clerk of the Board’s website at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/ content/sdc/cob/sdcountybccs. html. n

Registered with a political party...

PAGE 10 different crossover ballot types.

Political parties allowing nonpartisan voters to crossover This year the American Independent Party, Democratic Party and Libertarian Party are allowing nonpartisan voters to take part in their presidential primary elections.

Nonpartisan voters must request one of these three parties’ ballots to vote for that party’s presidential primary candidate. Selecting one of these three political party ballots will not register you with that party.

You will remain a nonpartisan voter.

You can complete the Registrar’s nonpartisan crossover party ballot request form found at sdvote.com or visit the Registrar’s office in Kearny Mesa from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Also note that the Democratic Party is allowing nonpartisan voters to vote in its presidential contest, but not its Central Committee contest. If requested, you will receive the nonpartisan version of the Democratic ballot.

Political parties NOT allowing nonpartisan voters to crossover This year, the Green Party, Peace and Freedom Party and Republican Party have closed their presidential primary to nonpartisan voters.

Nonpartisan voters will not be able to select one of these ballots. Nonpartisan voters who want one of these parties’ ballots will need to re-register with that party.

You can fill out a new voter registration form online at sdvote.com.

No matter what your party preference, all registered voters will be allowed to vote on

nonpartisan contests and voternominated offices, such as U.S. congressional offices and state legislative offices.

The top two vote getters in voter-nominated contests will advance to the Nov. 5 general election.

Not sure which political party you’re registered with or if you’re registered to vote? You can check your registration, reregister, and register to vote at sdvote.com.

The Registrar’s office encourages you to do so well before Feb. 20 to avoid delays and long lines at vote centers.

Learn more about voting in the March 5 presidential primary at sdvote.com, or call (858) 5655800 or toll free at (800) 6960136.

(By Trace DeFore/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

COUNTY health officials have linked 41 confirmed and probable cases of norovirus illness to raw oysters imported from a specific harvest location in Northwest Mexico.

The cases began in midDecember following dining on raw oysters from Sonora, Mexico.

These implicated oysters have only been available through restaurants and wholesale locations. The County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has asked restaurants to set aside “Rocky Point oysters” packed by GOLPAC located in Bahia Salina, Sonora, Mexico until further notice. Restaurants or others who purchased oysters from this location are asked to not use them while an investigation of this outbreak takes place.

Cases to date have been tied to oysters served at three locations of The Fish Shop (Pacific Beach, Point Loma, and Encinitas) restaurants and the Carlsbad Aquafarm. Other locations may emerge during this investigation.

These illnesses have been caused by norovirus, the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea among people of all ages in the United States.

The 41 people who got sick reported eating raw oysters a day or two in advance of symptoms.

Cases range in age from 12 to 83 years old. Symptoms reported included nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. None of the illnesses required hospitalization.

Several household members, including children, who did not eat the oysters have subsequently become ill likely due to spread within the home.

“The County recommends that people ask where oysters were harvested when eating out or getting food from wholesale locations to avoid consuming Rocky Point oysters from Bahia Salina, Sonora, Mexico,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “It’s also important for anyone who is sick to seek medical care. People who are ill, and those that live with them, should wash their hands frequently to avoid contaminating surfaces and foods that could further spread the infection.”

Eating raw oysters has been linked to outbreaks with such germs as Vibrio, Shigella, and E. coli, in addition to norovirus.

If you eat raw or undercooked oysters, germs that might be in

the oyster can make you sick.

People infected with norovirus generally develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and body aches approximately 12 to 48 hours after consuming contaminated foods.

The illness typically lasts for 1-3 days. The vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration requiring medical attention, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.

HHSA is working closely with California Department of Public Health, including the Shellfish Program, to continue investigating illnesses associated with oysters.

People who have or develop symptoms should reach out to their healthcare provider. To report illness to the County after

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

dining out or purchasing from wholesale food locations call (858) 505-6814, or email fhdepi@ sdcounty.ca.gov.

More information on seafood and shellfish safety is available at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/ SeafoodAndShellfishSafety.aspx, general information on norovirus can be found at https://www. sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/ hhsa/programs/phs/community_ epidemiology/dc/dc_norovirus. html, and prevention of norovirus spread in the home information is available by going to https://www. cdc.gov/norovirus/about/prevention.html.

(Fernanda Lopez Halvorson/ County of San Diego Communications Office) n

12 JANUARY 19-25, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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