012023 - Northern California Edition

R’Bonney Gabriel makes history as first Fil-Am Miss Universe

by AJPRESS

THE Philippines may not have secured its fifth Miss Universe crown but Filipinos in the United States and around the world are still celebrating as a Filipina American has been crowned in this year’s competition.

Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel, 28, secured the title on Saturday, January 14, beating out 83 other women from around the globe at the 71st Miss Universe pageant held in New Orleans.

"Filipinos are so happy. They are just over the moon about it," Gabriel told Good Morning America following her win. "It's a huge win for the community

and just representation. It's an honor."

Gabriel, who is an ecofriendly fashion designer, sewing instructor and model from Houston Texas, made history as the first Fil-Am to earn the coveted crown; and before that, she was the first Fil-Am to win the Miss USA and the Miss Texas crowns.

The final question and answer portion asked the top 3 candidates: “If you win Miss Universe, how would you work to demonstrate this as an empowering and progressive organization?”

Gabriel answered that she would use the title to be a

Filipino-owned California care home among 4 punished for underpaying workers

SACRAMENTO – An  ongoing compliance drive  by the U.S. Department of Labor found that four Sacramento-area home care providers, among them a Filipino-owned care home, failed to pay employees required overtime despite some of them working 24hour shifts caring for those in need.

Investigators from the department’s  Wage and Hour Division  found that the home care employers shortchanged their employees and deprived them of their rightfully earned wages, in violation of the  Fair Labor Standards Act.

In total, the division recovered $500,854 in back wages and liquidated damages for 48 workers and assessed $26,469 in penalties.

L&S Gentle Care Inc. and owners Samuel and Imelda Padama failed to pay employees for all hours worked at one location in Vacaville and a second in Fairfield, both in California,

US Navy celebrates naming of ship after Fil-Am o cer

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., led by Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez and supported by the Defense Attache Philippine Navy Captain Salvador Henry Quinto, joined the United States Navy in the naming celebration of the United States Ship Telesforo Trinindad (DDG 139) at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, January 10.

The celebration was officiated by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, who announced the naming of the future Arleigh Burkeclass guided-missile destroyer after Filipino American Petty Officer 2nd Class Telesforo de la Cruz Trinidad on May 19, 2022.

Secretary Del Toro also presented the ships’ sponsors, namely: Ms. Christine Trinidad, a great-granddaughter  of  Petty Officer Trinidad, and retired Rear Adm. Connie Mariano, the first Filipino-American in history to become a U.S. Navy Admiral, and the first military woman in American history

“transformational leader,” crediting her experience in fashion as a “force for good” and teaching sewing to human trafficking and domestic violence survivors.

“It’s important to invest in others, invest in our community, and use our unique talent to make a difference. We have something special and we can plant those seeds to other people in our life. We transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change,” she added.

Gabriel’s triumph becomes the ninth Miss Universe win for the U.S.

Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela  PAGE 2

Marcos admin expects PH to grow by 6.5% in 2023

by DORIS DUMLAO-ABADILLA Inquirer.net

DAVOS – The Philippine economy is likely to sustain a 6.5-percent growth rate this year, one of the fastest pace of expansion seen in the region, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said on Monday, January 16.

In a speech during a luncheon hosted by Philippine economic managers for President Marcos and the seven business tycoons attending the World Economic Forum meetings in Switzerland,

PH hosts strategic dialogue with US

by BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO ManilaTimes.net

MANILA will host this week the 10th Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) to discuss the challenges the two countries face in upholding their alliance.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will co-host the dialog with the Department of National Defense (DND) on January 19 to 20.

The DFA, in a statement, said the BSD is an annual event which serves as the main platform for the Philippines and the U.S.

“to affirm the longstanding alliance and friendship.”

It also discusses current challenges and identifies new areas for cooperation at the working group and senior officials’ levels.

The 9th BSD was held in Washington D.C. in November 2021. The two countries take turns in hosting the meeting.

“Both sides view the forthcoming meeting as an important opportunity to progress discussions on concrete initiatives to achieve the objectives outlined in the Joint Vision for a 21st century U.S.-Philippines Partnership adopted by both sides during

Onions, other veggies from abroad need clearances, Filipino travelers warned

by GABRIEL PABICO LALU Inquirer.net

MANILA — Filipino travelers who are bringing in cheaper vegetables from abroad need to get clearances first even whether for personal or commercial use, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airpot (NAIA) warned in a Facebook post on Monday, January 16.

The clearances must be obtained from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the BOC said.

Travelers must first apply for a Plant Quarantine Clearance for items brought in for personal use and a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance for items brought in for commercial use. Clearances

are necessary regardless of the quantity of the items.

“This is to safeguard and prevent the spread of plant pests in the Philippines,” the statement said.

The BOC-NAIA posted the warning after several social media posts and news reports showed Filipino travelers and migrant workers now packing pricey vegetables, like onions, as pasalubong (small gifts given to relatives and friends after traveling) instead of the usual chocolates and delicacies.

Onions, fruits seized from flight attendants

Another Facebook post on Monday also showed that BOC-NAIA was able to seize

Diokno estimated that gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2022 likely exceeded the government’s growth target of 6.5 to 7.5 percent.

While growth may just be at the low end of last year’s range in 2023, Diokno noted that 6.5 percent would still be one of the highest, if not the highest growth projection in the Asia-Pacific region.

A bustling manufacturing sector, record-low unemployment rate, alongside a stable and resilient banking system, could

alleviate buffers against external headwinds, all indicating a resilient economy, the finance chief said.

Liberalizing more economic sectors, improving ease of doing business and allowing modern transformative industries to take root and grow are further seen to sustain the economy.

Diokno also said the Marcos administration had created a more competitive and enabling environment through publicprivate partnership (PPP) to further expand the “Build, better,

Rappler, Maria Ressa acquitted of tax evasion charge

by TETCH TORRES-TUPAS Inquirer.net

The Court of Tax Appeals on Wednesday, January 18 has acquitted Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa and Rappler Holdings Corporation  (RHC) of four counts of tax evasion.

In a decision by its First Division, the Tax Court ruled in favor of acquittal for “failure of the prosecution to prove the guilt beyond reasonable doubt” on three counts of violation of Section 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) for willful failure to supply the correct information and one count of violation of Section 254 for an attempt to evade tax.

The case was filed in 2018 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) over the failure of Ressa and Rappler

Maria Ressa Inquirer.net file photo

Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel is crowned at the Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans on January 14. The 28-year-old model and eco-friendly designer became the first Filipina American to win Miss Universe and the ninth titleholder from the United States. During the national costume segment (right), Gabriel donned a NASA-inspired outfit designed by Filipino designer Patrick Isorena.  AJPress photos by Troi Santos

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno Inquirer.net file photo

to declare P162.41 million profit from the issuance of Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDRs) in 2015.

R’Bonney Gabriel makes history...

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was first runner-up, while Andreína Martínez from the Dominican Republic was 2nd runner-up. Puerto Rico and Curacao also made it to the top 5.

During the Miss Universe national costume segment, Gabriel donned a NASA-inspired outfit with thigh-high silver metallic boots, silver star wings and a moon headpiece. The get-up — which weighed about 30 pounds — was designed by Filipino designer Patrick Isorena, who previously created an outfit Gabriel wore in the Miss USA 2022 pageant.

Since winning the Miss USA pageant last year, Gabriel has opened up about her family and roots, sharing stories about her father who migrated from the Philippines.

"My dad moved to America from the Philippines on a college scholarship with about $20 in his pocket. He wanted to pave a new life for himself. He met my mom in Texas, who is a country woman from Beaumont. I'm a very proud Filipina Texan," Gabriel told ABC News in an October 2022 interview.

In addition to her pageant work, Gabriel is currently CEO of her own sustainable clothing line, R’Bonney Nola. She received a bachelor’s degree in fashion design from the University of North Texas.

Gabriel was born on March 20, 1994 in San Antonio, Texas, to Filipino Ramon Bonifacio ‘R’Bon’ Gabriel and American Dana Walker. Ramon immigrated to the United States from Manila, aged 19, to study.

Cortesi failing to make the semifinals of the pageant meant the end of the Philippines' consecutive runs to at least the semifinals in the annual beauty tilt at 12, which started with Venus Raj's 4th runner-up placement in 2010 and ended with Beatrice Luigi Gomez making the Top 5 last year. g

Marcos admin expects PH to grow by 6.5%...

more” infrastructure agenda of the administration.

This is seen to further boost investments on top of the government’s goal to spend at least 5-6 percent of GDP on infrastructure, Diokno noted, stressing all these would form the backbone for the rapid and sustained growth for the Philippines.

But because of the current challenges, Diokno said the Philippines is taking the first steps toward launching the Maharlika Investment Fund, the country’s first ever sovereign wealth fund

that will support the goals set by the administration in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

“The fund, which will be established in keeping with the highest standards of accountability and sound fiscal management, aims to diversify the country’s financial portfolio,” the DOF chief said, adding, he looked forward to discussing the fund during the WEF meetings.

“May the next few days bring forth more intensive collaboration and cooperation towards genuine economic transformation,” the DOF secretary said.

The seven tycoons who are

in Davos to support Marcos’ inaugural participation at the 2023 WEF are: Sabin Aboitiz (Aboitiz); Kevin Andrew Tan (Alliance Global); Jaime Zobel de Ayala (Ayala Group); Lance Gokongwei (JG Summit Holdings); Ramon Ang (San Miguel Corp.); Teresita Sy-Coson (SM Investments); and Enrique Razon (International Container Terminal).

President Marcos and his official delegation, composed of government officials and business leaders, arrived in Switzerland on Sunday afternoon, January 15 (Sunday evening Philippine time). g

Filipino-owned California care home among...

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resulting in  one worker getting wages as low as $3.98 per hour.

The Padamas also failed to pay overtime rates and maintain records of hours worked. The division recovered $108,396 in back wages for eight care givers and assessed $4,936 in penalties.

“The majority of care workers are women and low-wage earners who provide essential services for those most in need in our communities,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director

Cesar Avila in a press statement.

“The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to holding care service employers accountable and ensuring their workers are paid in full and as required by federal law.”

In fiscal year 2021, the division recovered $13.8 million in back wages for more than 17,000 workers across the nation in the health care industry, known for both low wages and high rates of violations.

As the U.S. population ages and demand for home healthcare

services increases, employment in a variety of  health care sectors is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030  – faster than the average for all occupations –adding about 2.6 million new jobs.

The division enforces the law regardless of where a worker is from and can speak confidentially with callers in more than 200 languages.

For more information about the  FLSA  and other laws enforced by the division, contact its toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (4879243). (Inquirer.net)

R’Bonney Gabriel

AJPress Photos by Troi Santos

Meanwhile, Filipina-Italian model Celeste Cortesi represented the Philippines, but ended her Miss Universe journey after not advancing to the top 16 in the pageant.

BUSINESS TRIP. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos wave to well-wishers at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City before departing for Davos, Switzerland on Sunday morning, Jan. 15. The president will attend the 53rd World Economic Forum, where he said he will draw attention to the Philippines’ efforts at building resilient infrastructure, ensuring food security, and furthering climatefriendly, clean and green energy to power the economy. PNA photo by Rolando Mailo

Despite doctors’ concerns, University of California renews ties with religious affiliates

by Annie SciAccA Kaiser Health News

AS the University of California’s health system renews contracts with hundreds of outside hospitals and clinics — many with religious affiliations — some of its doctors and faculty want stronger language to ensure that physicians can perform the treatments they deem appropriate, including abortions for women or hysterectomies for transgender patients.

University of California Health is in the middle of a two-year process to renew contracts with affiliate hospitals and clinics that help the university deliver care in underserved parts of the state. Many of the agreements are with faith-based facilities, including prominent hospitals operated by Dignity Health, Providence, or Adventist Health. Such arrangements generate more than $20 million a year for the UC system and help the public university approach its goal of improving public health.

The current policy, adopted in 2021, states that UC physicians have the freedom to advise, refer, prescribe, or provide emergency care, covering cases in which moving a patient “would risk material deterioration to the patient’s condition.” But some UC doctors and faculty worry that physicians would be allowed to perform certain surgeries only in an emergency.

They want to add a clause stating that physicians have the right to perform procedures in a manner they deem advisable or necessary without waiting for the patient’s condition to get worse.

Others have gone so far as to urge the university to reject partnerships with hospitals that have ethical and religious directives against sterilization, abortion, some miscarriage management procedures, and some gender-affirming treatments. The Academic Senate, a faculty body that helps the university set academic policies, and other faculty councils urged the university’s president to avoid working with health care facilities because many have restrictions that “have the potential for discriminatory impact on patients.”

In response, university leaders have pledged publicly to ensure

that doctors and trainees can provide whatever care they deem necessary at affiliated facilities but haven’t made changes to the policy language.

“We’ve made it clear that the treating provider is the one to decide if an emergency exists and when to act,” said Dr. Carrie Byington, executive vice president for University of California Health, at a fall meeting of the UC Board of Regents, the governing board of the university system.

UC Health has given itself until the end of this year to make contracts conform to its new policy. During the October board meeting, staffers estimated that one-third of the contracts had been evaluated. Administrators haven’t said whether the current policy thwarted any contracts.

Back in June 2021, the regents approved the policy governing how its doctors practice at outside hospitals and clinics with religious or ethical restrictions. Regent John Pérez made significant amendments to a staff proposal. At the time, it was celebrated as a win by those advocating for the university to push back on religious directives from affiliates.

Pérez noted at the time that his amendments were aimed at “making clear that it’s the regents’ expectation in policy that nothing that is not based on science or [the] best practice of medicine should limit the ability of our practitioners to practice medicine in the interest of the patients.”

But some doctors and faculty said Pérez’s proposal was then wordsmithed as it was converted from the regents’ vote into a formal policy months later. Some questioned whether the policy could be interpreted as restricting services unless there is an emergency, and said it does not go far enough to define an emergency.

“It sounds pretty good,” Dr. Tabetha Harken, director of the Complex Family Planning, Obstetrics & Gynecology division at the UC Irvine School of Medicine, testified before the board. “It passes the commonsense test, but in reality, this is just the federal minimum requirement of care.”

Pérez declined to comment to KHN.

At the regents’ meetings, concerned doctors offered examples of pregnancy and gender-affirming care they believe would be at risk in some hospitals.

One was tubal ligation or sterilization procedures immediately after birth to prevent future pregnancies that may put the woman at risk. It’s a simpler procedure if done postpartum because the uterus is larger than normal and it eliminates the need for additional surgery, said Dr. Jennifer Kerns, an associate professor at UC-San Francisco and director of the school’s Complex Family Planning Fellowship.

Dr. Mya Zapata of UCLA Health described cases of two patients who might not be able to get the same care at a religiously restricted hospital: a trans male who seeks out a hysterectomy based on a mental health referral for gender-affirming surgery, and a cisgender female who seeks out the same procedure for uterine fibroids.

In a hospital with restrictions, Zapata said, the cisgender patient would be able to get the surgery but the trans patient would not, despite both being considered nonemergency cases.

But it’s unclear if physicians are running into problems. UC Health leaders said there have been no formal complaints from university doctors or trainees practicing at affiliate medical centers about being blocked from providing care.

Critics said the lack of complaints may not reflect reality since physicians may find workarounds by transferring or referring patients elsewhere.

One researcher, Lori Freedman, who works at UCSF, has spoken to dozens of doctors working at religious-affiliated hospitals across the country. Many have not filed complaints about care restrictions out of fear they’d put their job at risk, she said.

The debate stems from a partnership with Dignity Health, a Catholic-affiliated hospital system. In 2019, UCSF Medical Center leaders considered a controversial plan to create a formal affiliation with Dignity.

Critics voiced opposition in heated public meetings, and the plan drew condemnation u PAGE 4

US Navy celebrates naming of ship after...

to be appointed White House Physician. U.S. Undersecretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones, who is also of Filipino heritage, and several active military members also of Filipino heritage also attended the event.

In his opening remarks, Secretary Del Toro said, “A ship’s commanding officer will change hands, and the crew will come and go, but the sponsors hold a special bond through the ship’s entire lifetime. I am excited for the enduring partnership that Christine and Connie will build with this ship and the crew in the years to come.”

“It has been my honor to work with you (Ambassador Romualdez) these past 18 months and to visit your beautiful country and to build the strong partnership that is so deserving and has always existed between the Philippines and the United States.” He added.

“It is my country’s honor to be invited to today’s event as we name your ship, the USS Telesforo Trinidad (DDG 139), after a Filipino American hero. We sincerely appreciate it and I am sure that the family of the late Telesforo Trinidad is just as proud and honored as we are in the Philippines,” the Ambassador responded.

Telesforo de la Cruz Trinidad was a fireman in the U.S. Navy, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in Mexican waters near La Paz, on board the USS San Diego on Jan. 21, 1915. He is the second service member, and the first and only sailor of Asian descent to receive the award in peacetime. Trinidad served during both World Wars before retiring to the Philippines.*

The Embassy greatly appreciates the hard work of its friends and partners, especially Filipino community organizations, in campaigning for this momentous occasion and in highlighting the honorable military service of those with

PAGE 1

Secretary Tel Doro with some of the Telesforo Trinidad Campaign Team, now recognized and working in part with the U.S. Navy as the USS Telesforo Trinidad Commissioning Committee. Photos courtesy of the USS Telesforo Trinidad Campaign

Secretary Del Toro (left most) with ship sponsors Ms. Christine Trinidad (center), and U.S. retired Rear Adm. Connie Mariano (rightmost) cutting the cake

Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez delivers his response remarks and extends his appreciation to the family of the late Telesforo Trinidad, the Philippines’ partners that led to the naming of the USS Telesforo Trinidad, and appreciation of the military service by active military personnel of Filipino heritage.

Filipino heritage. In particular, the Embassy congratulates the Telesforo Trinidad Campaign Committee, which now officially participates in the USS Telesforo Trinidad Commissioning Committee in partnership with the United States Navy. g

PH hosts strategic dialogue...

PH Consulate General in San Francisco invites travelers to the 2023 ‘VIP

SAN FRANCISCO – Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer invited travelers to join the 2023 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour at the tour’s official launch at the Philippine Center.

“I wish to invite all of you to participate in the 2023 VIP Tour, which will take visitors to Manila, Iloilo and Boracay on July 16-24,” said Consul General Ferrer. He added that the Philippines’ tropical climate and its tourist destinations await visitors, especially those coming from North America.

In a video message, Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez invited participants to join the 2023 VIP Tour and experience what historical and vibrant Manila, heritage-rich Iloilo, and Conde Nast Traveler 2022 Readers’ Choice Top Island in Asia, Boracay, have to offer.

the 9th BSD,” the DFA said.

“Next week’s discussions will cover the gamut of our relations, including in the areas of defense, economic, people-to-people, and

other related cross-cutting issues at the bilateral, regional, and global levels,” it added.

The 10th BSD is expected to sustain the “positive trajectory and momentum”

of the Philippine-US alliance and partnership, guided by the thrusts and priorities of the Marcos administration in advancing peace and prosperity. g

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Philippine Tourism Director Soleil Tropicales presented the itinerary involving ecotourism adventures, cultural heritage and culinary tours, as well as additional recreational options, such as diving and golf, among other activities. Details about the VIP Tour are posted on the VIP Tour website at http:// viptourphilippines2023.com/. Interested parties may also register through the website.

Jojo Clemente, president of Rajah Tours, the ground tour operator in the Philippines, responded to inquiries during the launch. Philippine Airlines Area Manager Dell Merano also presented the available flight itinerary and special airfare rates for those availing themselves of the VIP Tour package. A

testimonial from Atty. Evelyn Alfonso, whose family and friends participate in the VIP Tour each year, showed how the group enjoyed VIP treatment during the tour.

Now in its 14th year, the VIP Tour is a major tourism activity of all Philippine foreign service posts in the U.S. The VIP Tour enables Filipino Americans and

foreigners to visit the Philippines and experience Filipino culture and hospitality and immerse in the sights and sounds of various tourist destinations.

For more details, including rates and registration, visit the VIP Tour website 9 http:// viptourphilippines2023.com or follow @VeryImportantPinoyTour2023 on Facebook.

Rappler, Maria Ressa acquitted of tax...

PDRs are financial instruments used by some entities to receive foreign investment without violating the constitutional requirement of full Filipino ownership.

The CTA said the transactions of RHC mentioned in the case “cannot be considered as regularly or frequently engaged in the purchase of securities and resale thereof to customers.”

Citing the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) opinions, the Tax Court said “it is not repugnant to the nature of a holding company to engage in financial activities to raise capital for its subsidiaries. In fact, RHC is registered with the BIR as an entity engaged in the Line of Business-

‘Financial Holding Company Activities’.”

On allegations that foreign ownership following the issuance of PDRs to foreign entities NBM Rappler L.P. and Omidyar Network (ON), the CTA said “PDRs are not statements nor are they certificates of ownership of a corporation.”

A Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Circular for Brokers No. 2375-99 stated that “for as long as PDR remains unexercised by its holder, the PDR holder has no right of ownership over the underlying shares and all such ownership rights pertain to and belong to the issuer.”

In this case,  the CTA said, “there is nothing in the wordings of the PDR instruments and the PDR subscription Agreements that

would show that foreign entities NBM and ON will become owners of the shares of stock of RI upon the issuance of the PDRs.”

“In sum, since the accused is not required to pay the income tax and VAT on the PDR transactions for the taxable year 2015, the elements of Sections 254 and 255 of the 1997 NIRC, as amended, are rendered nugatory and without legal support. The plaintiff, therefore, failed to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt,” the court said.

With the dismissal of the tax case at the CTA, there are now only three remaining cases against Rappler–1. the appeal on the Cyber Libel case, another tax case, and appeal on Rappler’s shutdown before the Court of Appeals. g

Onions, other veggies from abroad need...

onions and assorted fruits from 10 flight attendants coming in from Dubai and Riyadh.

Inspectors found the agricultural products through physical and x-ray examinations of the flight attendants’ baggage.

The flight attendants had no clearances for the items, which are considered “regulated importations” under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, according to the Facebook post.

The flight attendants, who may be charged with smuggling, were still under investigation for other violations.

“The flight attendants also exhibited unruly behaviors by stomping/stepping and destroying/crushing the said products without permits in public view upon being informed of their violations,” the statement added.

Prices of onions and other

Despite doctors’ concerns, University of...

from dozens of reproductive justice advocates and the gay and transgender communities. UCSF ultimately backed off the plan.

When it became clear that UC medical centers across the state had similar affiliation contracts, faculty members raised additional concerns. Janet Napolitano, then president of the UC system, convened a working group to evaluate the consequences of ending all agreements with organizations that have religious restrictions. Ultimately, the group stressed the importance of maintaining partnerships to provide care to medically underserved populations.

“With 1 in 7 patients in the U.S. being cared for in a Catholic hospital,” the group wrote in its report, “UC’s isolating itself from major participants in the health care system would undermine our mission.”

Dignity Health, which merged in 2019 with Catholic Health Initiatives to form CommonSpirit Health, has already reached a new contract that adopts the

updated UC policy. Chad Burns, a spokesperson for Dignity, said the hospital system values working with UC Health for its expertise in specialties, such as pediatric trauma, cancer, HIV, and mental health. He added that the updated agreement reflects “the shared values of UC and Dignity Health.”

Some UC doctors point out that they have not only public support, but legal standing to perform a variety of reproductive and contraceptive treatments. After California voters passed Proposition 1, the state constitution was officially changed in December to affirm that people have a right to choose to have an abortion or use contraceptives. Unlike health systems in other states, some faculty say UC Health can assert reproductive rights.

“We have a lot of latitude, being in California, to be able to make these decisions and stand in our power,” Kerns said. “I think it’s our responsibility to do so.”

Other doctors say the university system should prioritize public service. Dr.

Tamera Hatfield, a maternalfetal medicine specialist at UCIrvine, testified at a regents’ meeting that she had never been asked to modify care for patients based on religious restrictions since her department formed an affiliation with Providence St. Joseph Hospital-Orange about a decade ago.

“Partnering with faith-based institutions dedicated to serving vulnerable populations affords opportunities to patients who are least able to navigate our complex health systems,” she said.

This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing

on

issues to the

A market vendor sells red onions for P600 per kilo at Marikina Public Market on Dec. 27, 2022.

Prices of local red onions in Metro Manila have reached as much as P700 per kilo. Some Filipino travelers from abroad have taken to bringing in onions and other vegetables as pasalubong because they are cheaper abroad. Inquirer.net file photo

Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer invites participants to the 2023 Very Important Pinoy Tour during the launch of the Tour at the Philippine Center in San Francisco on January 11. Photos courtesy of San Francisco PCG

Ground tour operator Rajah Tours President Jojo Clemente, Philippine Tourism Director Soleil Tropicales, and Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil R. Ferrer at the tour’s launch.

ALERT APP. National Capital Region Police Office chief, Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, and Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos (2nd and 3rd from left) lead the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding of the S.A.F.E NCRPO alert mobile application at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Monday, Jan. 16. Alerts made via the mobile application will be monitored by NCRPO’s Tactical Operation Centers, which will then coordinate police response.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Dateline PhiliPPines

Call for wealth tax revived as 9 richest own more than bottom 55M Pinoys do

MANILA — A wealth tax could fatten the Philippines’ tax haul as the growing number of dollar millionaires exposed the realities of inequality in the country, global nonprofit Oxfam said.

Erika Geronimo, executive director of Oxfam Pilipinas, reckoned that the ranks of millionaires in the country have grown by 43.5% since 2012.

The statement came as the global elite has nestled themselves in a posh Swiss ski resort for the World Economic Forum, where President  Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and an entourage of government officials and business magnates are in attendance.

"Inequality experienced in the Philippines is starker with the nine richest Filipinos having more wealth than the bottom half (55 million) of the population,"  she said.

Oxfam Pilipinas qualified that figure as Filipinos whose wealth bloated upwards of P278.24 million, or $5 million, and beyond.

The figures are even more severe  in a global context. Oxfam noted that the richest 1% amassed two-thirds of new wealth generated since 2020, at an estimated total of $42 trillion. This is equivalent to twice as much money generated by the "bottom 99%"  of global population.

Geronimo argued that if a wealth tax, targeted especially towards Filipino millionaires, is passed into law, this could leave the country $3.8 billion wealthier.

"This amount is enough to increase our health budget by two-fifths,"  she added.

Data from the Bureau of Treasury showed that the

country’s tax haul grew 12.5% year-on-year to P237.1 billion as of November 2022. Yearto-date, collections expanded 12.6% on-year to P2.2 trillion.

Super-Rich Tax bill

Suggestions to impose a wealth tax on the elite have been floated within the legislature in the past two years.

The Makabayan bloc at the House of Representatives has refiled a Super-Rich Tax bill which proposes a 1-3% tax on billionaires.

They said it would raise around P236.7 billion a year from the 50 most wealthy Filipinos alone.

Proponents said the tax on billionaires would help fund government programs and social services for the poor and "would further help shift the burden away from regressive consumption taxes toward the handful of the wealthiest who can contribute more to our public coffers."

The bill, which was also filed during the Duterte administration, has been pending at the committee level since last July. Congress, like most in government, is dominated by the landed, the wealthy, and the elite.

Under this new administration, economic managers said they were keen to pursue fiscal consolidation to boost revenues. This strategy, if realized, could see a host of new taxation measures and reforms which could burden Filipinos as economic conditions prove too harsh and difficult.

"It’s time we demolish the convenient myth that tax cuts for the richest result in their wealth somehow ‘trickling down’ to everyone else. Forty years of tax cuts for the superrich have shown that a rising

Remittances slip to 6-month low

by louise Maureen siMeon Philstar.com

MANILA — Dollars sent home by overseas Filipinos workers grew at a softer pace in November, hitting a six-month low even amid the holiday season as inflation rose in many OFW host countries.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that personal remittances – the sum of net compensation of employees, personal transfers and capital transfers between households – reached $2.93 billion in November last year.

The amount is 5.8 percent higher than the previous year’s $2.64 billion.

However, this was the lowest recorded in six months or since the $2.71 billion in May 2022.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort attributed the slowdown in OFW remittances to the relatively higher exchange rate that partly led to lower amounts of dollars sent by OFWs to the country.

“Higher inflation also in host countries of OFWs could have increased the cost of living of OFWs abroad, thereby partly reducing the amount sent to the country,” Ricafort said.

Nonetheless, the increase was brought about by the 5.5-percent rise in remittances sent by land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more, to $2.26 billion from $2.14 billion.

Similarly, remittances from sea and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year improved by 6.2 percent to $620 million from $580 million.

For the 11-month period, personal remittances inched up by 3.4 percent to $32.65 billion from $31.59  billion in the same period in 2021.

On the other hand, cash remittances coursed through banks also slipped to a six-month

low of $2.64 billion. This was also the lowest recorded since the $2.43 billion in May 2022.

Still, the expansion in cash remittances in November was due to the growth in receipts from land and sea-based workers.

Cash remittances from landbased workers increased by 5.6 percent to $2.08 billion while the amount sent home by seabased workers jumped almost six percent to $560 million.

From January to November 2022, cash remittances picked up by 3.3 percent to reach $29.38 billion from the 2021 level of $28.43 billion.

“The growth in cash remittances from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Qatar contributed largely to the increase in remittances from January to November 2022,” the BSP said.

As to overall remittances for the 11-month period, the U.S. topped the list with a share of 41.4 percent, followed by Singapore with 6.9 percent and Saudi Arabia with 5.8 percent.

Other top sources include Japan, the UK, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Qatar, Taiwan and Korea.

Despite the slowdown in November, Ricafort said increased holiday spending during the last month of 2022 could lead to more OFW remittances in December as well as higher inflation locally.

On the downside, he warned that risks of a U.S. recession could slow down remittances moving forward amid weaker global trade, investments, employment and other economic activities.

Remittances remain one of the major sources of dollars, together with revenues from the business process outsourcing sector, tourism receipts, and earnings of exporters that help boost the country’s gross international reserves. g

tide doesn’t lift all ships —just the superyachts,"  said Gabriela Bucher, Executive Director of Oxfam International.

Oxfam’s new research hammered home a point about trickle-down economics.

"The very existence of booming billionaires and record profits, while most people face austerity, rising poverty and a cost-of-living crisis, is evidence of an economic system that fails to deliver for humanity. For too long, governments, international financial institutions and elites have misled the world with a fictional story about trickledown economics, in which low tax and high gains for a few would ultimately benefit us all,"  the report read.

As it is, the coronavirus pandemic widened the inequality gap around the world, especially in the Philippines.

Filipinos continued to endure brutally-high inflation, which has persisted as the economy found its recovery from the pandemic threatened.

The combined effects of expensive fuel prices, supplychain disruptions, and a weak peso have altogether battered the purchasing power of Filipinos. Inflation shrank the value of the local unit, as data showed a peso coin in 2018 was only worth P0.88 by the middle of last year. (Philstar.com)

Foreign countries ‘pirating’ Filipino nursing students

by Mayen JayMalin Philstar.com

MANILA — European countries are now “pirating” nursing students from the Philippines to address the huge demand for health care workers.

Vilma Garcia, De La Salle University Medical Center employees’ union president, said the United Kingdom and Germany are actively recruiting and offering “attractive packages” to Filipino nursing students.

“Foreign countries are giving very attractive packages to our 2nd year nursing students so that they can continue their studies in their country and they will provide everything – tuition and lodging,” she said in an interview.

“Then, when they are already practicing, they can bring their family with them. That’s a big offer and we cannot equal that,” Garcia added in Filipino and English.

According to her, since 2022, foreign countries are

directly contacting the school administration in the recruitment of nursing students. Garcia estimated that about a fourth of their nursing students have accepted the offer. “Of course, they’re still young and they also want to experience studying abroad.”

Part of the contract, she said, is that the nursing student will have to work in the host country after graduation.

The school administration,

WILD CHILI. A worker pours a plastic full of “siling labuyo’’ or wild chilis in a plastic crate for delivery at the Agribusiness Development Center of the Department of Agriculture Kadiwa store on Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City on Monday, Jan. 16. Siling labuyo is being sold for P200 per kilo at the Kadiwa store.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

Signs of the times

IT’S a testament to the sad state of agriculture that Filipinos traveling abroad are bringing onions upon their return to the country. Onion prices in the Philippines are now, hands down, the highest in the world. Sugar prices are not far behind, refusing to come down to reasonable levels.

Because of this state of food insecurity, 10 flight attendants of Philippine Airlines who tried to bring in onions and other fresh produce from Dubai and Riyadh on Jan. 10 are getting sympathy even from some senators.

Editorial

The Bureau of Plant Industry reported that the 10 brought into the country 27 kilos of onions, 10.5 kilos of lemons and a kilo each of blueberries and strawberries without the required phytosanitary clearance and without properly declaring the fresh items, which are classified as “regulated importations.”

After being apprehended with the commodities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, a video showed the PAL crew stomping on the items, spraying them with disinfectant and poking the goods with chopsticks and pens. Customs personnel noted that one of the 10 was recorded saying on video that the destruction was meant to prevent anyone else from consuming the items. PAL management said the airline is fully cooperating in the investigation of the incident and does not condone violations of the law by its personnel.

The 10 could face charges for violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act as well as Presidential Decree 1433, the Plant Quarantine Law of 1978. These are meant to prevent smuggling and to protect local crops from potentially harmful organisms from abroad. The lack of phytosanitary clearance has been cited by the government for refusing to release into the market, amid the tight supply and surging prices, tons of misdeclared yellow and red onions confiscated at the ports.

Authorities said they are studying the appropriate charges to be filed, adding they want the flight attendants penalized because similar cases have been recorded in recent weeks, which could pose phytosanitary risks to domestic produce.

Those sympathizing with the flight attendants, on the other hand, say the government should do more to stop rampant smuggling of tons of agricultural commodities instead of going after miniature fry bringing in a few kilos of precious onions.

More importantly, the public wants the government to take decisive action in significantly

Focusing on economic diplomacy

BABE ROMUALDEZ

IT’S been an extremely busy week for us in Washington, DC as we prepare to host in Manila the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue with the United States.

Last Thursday, January 12, I was invited by the Center for Strategic and International Studies senior vice president Victor Cha to deliver the keynote speech for the annual forecasting conference of the CSIS on the challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region. The discussions featured experts and scholars from , and with me in the panel were Kurt Campbell, White House Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs of the National Security Council, and South Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Taeyong Cho with CSIS senior fellow and Japan chair and deputy director for Asia Nicholas Szechenyi as moderator.

There are so many developments in the Indo-

Pacific region today but one does not really need to gaze into a crystal ball to predict what could happen in the foreseeable future, particularly in our part of the world in Southeast Asia, especially since we are cognizant of the realities we face. The challenge simply is for all stakeholders to work together in dealing with these realities in a manner that would redound to the economic benefit of all our peoples. EMBED

Like any other nation, the member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, including the Philippines, are emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic with their respective economies still experiencing the negative impact of the pandemic on many aspects, including the health and livelihood of the people.

In order to fully surmount the challenges and keep the momentum of economic recovery going, the region needs to double down on economic activities and ramp up investments in a wide array of industries and sectors.

The Philippines has been

forthright in stating what we need not just from the United States but from our other partners as well. And what we need is to work with major developed countries to get over the slump and completely recover – not through aid, but through increased trade and investments.

For all of us, it is very clear that our number one priority at this time is to see to it that our economy not only rebounds, but grows at levels that are even higher than before the pandemic. And if we are to significantly and meaningfully contribute to global economic growth, we must do our part to ensure that the economic health of the Southeast Asian region remains healthy and robust.

While some forecasts indicate that the global economy will slow down this year due to the effects of geopolitical issues, growth is expected to expand in our region, and I am convinced that this will help buoy the global economy. In addition, being competitive will help thwart any form of coercion – which is why we also welcome the establishment of the ASEAN-

U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the renewed interest and commitment of the United States to expand economic cooperation with ASEAN as a whole and with key bilateral partners, starting with the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity or IPEF that was launched last year.

Certainly, we welcome the Biden administration’s efforts to revitalize economic activities between the U.S. and the region –absent of a Free Trade Agreement – through the IPEF. Although negotiations are still in the early stages, we are determined to get to an outcome that will ultimately lead to massive outflows from the U.S. in terms of investments, jobs generation, technological assistance as well as best practices and standards.

Let me just point out that there is a strong clamor among companies – both from the region and in the U.S. – for an FTA. Given the proliferation of regional trade agreements, it is high time the U.S. started seriously exploring this possibility. Otherwise, it risks getting left behind by

other countries that are already engaged in preferential trade agreements with the region.

To say that there are massive opportunities for American companies to do business in the region is an understatement. ASEAN is definitely open for business – whether as part of the global supply chain, engaging in e-commerce and the digital economy or working together on sustainable infrastructure that will benefit both the region and the rest of the world.

Economic prosperity for the ASEAN region and for the Philippines is a key element for economic security. That is why aside from the United States, we are reaching out to countries like China – which is currently the biggest trade partner of the Philippines – that can help us achieve our economic objectives. How we deal with China is always based on what will be best for our country’s interests.

Considering the intense competition between the two super powers – the United States and China – we are hopeful that the lessons from the war in

Marcos Jr.: A world traveler?

excesses, was a totally selfmade man with world-renowned exploits.)

BARELY seven months into office, President Marcos Jr. embarked on his eighth international trip. Shortly after his maiden state visit to Beijing, he will spend this week in one of the most rarified corners of our beautiful planet. For a person who has claimed to have graduated with economics-related degrees from some of the most prestigious institutions on earth, attending this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, must have been a dreamy moment.

It certainly helps that the Alpine resort town is surrounded by majestic mountains drenched in pure white snow. Mr. Marcos is reportedly the only leader from Southeast Asia to attend the uberposh confab, where the world’s most influential businessmen, thinkers, policymakers, and journalists gather annually.

Given the high frequency of his overseas travels, including a surprise visit to the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Singapore last year, some netizens have begun to describe the President as Ferdinand “Magellan” Jr. (It goes without saying, though, that Ferdinand Magellan, notwithstanding his colonialist

Against the backdrop of persistently high inflation at home, and an unprecedented Cabinet reshuffle affecting half a dozen prized positions, many have begun to wonder about the propriety of Mr. Marcos’ constant overseas travels. Bizarrely, the President has had as many Cabinet changes as foreign trips in his first seven months in office.

So, dear reader, let us briefly examine the merits and demerits of Mr. Marcos’ seeming penchant for “hyperdiplomacy.” A more sympathetic perspective would argue that the current president is simply airbrushing his predecessor’s undesirable legacy.

After all, former president Rodrigo Duterte heavily undermined, despite his best intentions, the Philippines’ reputation among the respectable elements of the international community.

The list of policy blunders under the previous president is too long for this article, but here is a brief glimpse: A mindless “drug war” claiming thousands of lives with no sustainable results. Diplomatic subservience to authoritarian superpowers at the expense of trusted allies and friends. Puerile rhetorical outbursts coupled with toxic masculinity. And, lest we forget, the wholesale mismanagement of the COVID-19

pandemic, which triggered one of the deepest recessions in the whole developing world.

No wonder, then, Mr. Marcos made it clear during his first major overseas travel last year that he is determined to “reintroduce the Philippines” to the international community. His visits to the U.S. and Europe helped restore frayed ties with traditional partners. And his dignified, statesmanlike behavior during global summits last November was a far cry from the Duterte era antics.

And it must be said that Mr. Marcos, constantly accompanied by seasoned diplomats and accomplished technocrats, has had relatively succinct yet substantive speeches throughout all his foreign trips, so far.

During his first seven trips in office, Mr. Marcos reportedly secured $46.4 billion in investment pledges. The President has tried to justify his “jet-setter” schedule as the “best way to drum up business” for the country.

The problem, however, is that there is no credible evidence to suggest a strong correlation— never mind causation—between travel frequency of world leaders, on one hand, and investment inflow frequency, on the other.

First of all, Mr. Marcos has simply secured “pledges” of investments. It’s hard to say whether the $22.8 billion

“pledges” he garnered in China weren’t simply a repackaged version of those offered to Duterte in 2016. After all, the $24 billion in investments promised to the former president went largely unfulfilled.

Moreover, all authoritative studies, whether by international financial institutions or leading scholars, show that the primary drivers of greenfield investments are more foundational factors such as good infrastructure, political stability, human capital,

regulatory certainty, and market size. This is why, for instance, even if Vietnam’s top leader rarely travels abroad, his country is now a top investment destination.

Finally, there is also a need for transparency on the exact expenditures and size of the President’s delegations during overseas visits in order to ensure we avoid potential junkets— something a developing country grappling with high inflation can’t afford. In short, I’m all for rebranding the country after six

Ukraine will make nations realize the folly of trying to take over another country. Any attempt at such will not succeed because the like-minded nations would never allow that to happen. As we have all seen, what is happening in Ukraine can impact even the farthest country in the world. In the end, everyone loses, which is why we are hoping and praying that the situation does not escalate any further and will be resolved sooner rather than later. What it all boils down to is this: each country wants to ensure economic prosperity and security – a clear direction the Marcos administration is taking today – because when all is said and done, we will only do what is best for our national interest and will remain focused on our economic diplomacy to achieve peace and security. (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

years of populist disaster, but I’m not much given to performative diplomacy either. What we need is results-based, calibrated economic diplomacy that goes beyond resplendent overseas trips.

* * *

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.

* * *

JOSEPH PERALTA

RICHARD

ManilaTimes.net photo

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos

Malacañang photo

bringing down the prices of onions. If onions weren’t more expensive than pork and beef, who would bother lugging them into the country all the way from the Middle East? (Philstar.com)

PH ready once WHO lifts COVID-19 global health emergency

MANILA – The country is “ready” should the World Health Organization (WHO) decide to lift the global public health emergency declared due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a health official said on Tuesday, January 17.

“The implications of a global health emergency or the public health emergency definitely will be in our borders and we have seen and that slowly we have eased our restrictions across our borders also and until now we are managing our cases,” Department of Health officer-incharge Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a media forum.

She made the statement following a news report which disclosed that the WHO Emergency Committee will meet on Jan. 27 to discuss whether COVID-19 still represents a global

health emergency.

Nationally, the state of calamity due to COVID-19 declaration seems to have a small probability to be extended as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. previously expressed hesitancy on the matter.

Earlier, the DOH recommended another extension as several of the COVID-19 response measures rely on the declaration of the state of calamity and public health emergency, including the vaccination drive.

“If and when the public emergency will be lifted, we know that the virus is here to stay,” Vergeire said.

“The Philippines will continue to be cautious and vigilant, and we will still be imposing these same restrictions that we have right now which are not so much strict, but we have that safeguard

that anytime cases will increase, we have our safeguards that we can rely on and we can impose to better protect Filipinos,” she added.

Currently, COVID-19 infections and hospital admissions of severe and critical cases in the country are beginning to plateau after a recent slight increase.

On Monday, January 16, the DOH reported a 6-percent decrease in its daily average of new cases -- from last week’s 447 to 419 in the recent week.

To date, the country has logged over 4 million COVID-19 cases and more than 65,590 fatalities.

COVID-19 admissions remain manageable with only 17.2 percent or 402 out of the 2,340 intensive care unit (ICU) beds and 20 percent or 3,917 of 19,607 non-ICU beds utilized as of Jan. 15. (PNA)

Foreign countries ‘pirating’ Filipino nursing...

Garcia said, is not stopping the nursing students and letting them decide if they would accept the offer from other countries.

But she expressed fear that the ongoing recruitment of Filipino nursing students will further worsen the prevailing manpower shortage in private hospitals.

At this time, Garcia said De La Salle could not operate fully and can only accommodate 43 percent of the bed capacity due to lack of nurses. With a 250-bed capacity, she said De La Salle is the biggest

private hospital in Cavite.

A 250-bed capacity hospital would require 340 nurses to fully operate. However, she said De La Salle only has 100 nurses working at this time.

Garcia noted that many of the nurses have opted to resign because of low salaries and being overworked. Private hospitals could only afford an entry-level salary ranging from P12,500 to P16,000 a month.

Even the employees’ union, she said, has been helping out in the recruitment of new nurses to

address the shortage.

“We are already looking to the provinces for new graduates, but we can’t keep up with the competition especially from foreign countries,” Garcia explained.

She said the manpower shortage in De La Salle is not unusual, but a common situation happening in most private hospitals nationwide.

Garcia called on the government to immediately address the problem besetting the country’s health care system. 

DFA exec grilled over zero acquittal of overseas Filipinos from criminal raps

by DANIZA FERNANDEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — A Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official was grilled by senators on Tuesday, January 17 over the zero acquittal of overseas Filipinos from criminal cases from January to June last year.

During the Senate committee on migrant workers hearing, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva shared the DFA’s report showing zero acquittals while 1,278 individuals were convicted in the first half of 2022.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega said they do not get a lot of acquittals a year.

“Offhand, I hope — kasi (because) I was not undersecretary then — we don’t get a lot of acquittals. That’s the fact,” De Vega said.

“Usually, a maximum [of] maybe less than a dozen a year, maybe. Kasi ang nangyayari diyan, most of time, ang nangyayari, nase-settle, hindi na dumederetso pa sa kaso,” he explained.

(What happens is, most of the time, cases are settled and not pushed through.)

Villanueva said that the situation was “unacceptable.”

“This is not acceptable. These are facts. These are figures that we have on our hand. We wanted to find out ilan ‘yung na-acquit (how many were acquitted)? Kung walang na-a-acquit (If none), what the hell are we doing here? We don’t even evaluate the things that we do,” the senator pointed out.

“May weak evidence gathering ba tayo? ‘Yung mekanismo ba may problema? Talaga bang kulang iyong legal representation natin du’n sa mga benepisyaryo from sa start of the case o late na tayo nakapasok kasi dahil ganu’n? That’s what we wanted to find out kasi that’s the only way we can improve our services to our people,” he went on.

(Do we have weak evidence gathering? Do we have a problem with the mechanism? Do we really lack legal representation for beneficiaries from the start of the case, or are they entering late? That’s what we wanted to find out because that’s the only way we can improve our services to our people)

Senator Raffy Tulfo, the panel chairperson, likewise lamented the zero acquittals.

“[Baka] mahina ‘yung mga abogadong nakuha ng ating DFA

na para idepensa ‘yung ating mga Filipino nationals na may problema sa abroad,” Tulfo said.

(Maybe the lawyers that the DFA deployed are weak to defend our Filipino nationals who have problems abroad.)

De Vega asserted that at least overseas Filipinos are getting legal representation than none.

Tulfo then responded: “Don’t say that kaysa wala. So, dapat po talagang kailangan na kailangan na magkaroon ng legal assistance ang sinumang Pilipino kasi kasama

‘yan sa mandato ninyo na dapat ‘pag may Pilipino in distress. Kailangan tulungan at gastusan kaya nga tayo may legal assistance fund.”

(Don’t say rather than any. Filipinos deserve legal assistance because it is included in your mandate to help Filipinos in distress. You have to help and spend money on them. That is why we have a legal assistance fund.)

Tulfo’s committee is deliberating measures to provide and expand free legal services to OFWs. 

PAUNAWA SA FUNDING

AVAILABILITY

NG DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING NG LUNGSOD NG SAN JOSE

Iniimbitahan ng Department of Housing ng Lungsod ng San Jose ang mga kwalipikadong organisasyon na magsumite ng mga panukala para pangasiwaan ang iba’t ibang programa na pinondohan ng Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solution Grant (ESG), at Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) na mga pondo ng Programa, para sa FY 2023-2024, at FY 2024-2025. Ang NOFA na ito ay naglalayong makipagkontrata sa maraming organisasyon upang pamahalaan ang iba’t ibang programa. Ang mga kwalipikadong organisasyon ay dapat mag-aplay para lamang sa mga programang interesado silang pangasiwaan.

Naghahanap ng mga aplikasyon para sa mga sumusunod na programa:

- Pakikipag-ugnayan sa Kapitbahayan (CDBG)

- Fair housing- Legal Services (CDBG)

- Interpersonal Violence Prevention (LMIHAF)

- Nutrisyon ng mga Matatanda (CDBG)

- Minor Repair ng mga Bahay (CDBG)

- Pagtulong sa mga Homeless (ESG and CDBG)

- Mga Serbisyo sa Tulong at Suporta sa Pagrenta (HOPWA)

Ang virtual application workshop ay gaganapin sa Huwebes, Enero 26, 2023 sa ika-1:00pm-2:00pm.

Titulo: Paunawa sa Funding Availability ng Department of Housing ng Lungsod ng San Jose (NOFA) Workshop

Deskripsyon: Nilalayon ng workshop na tulungan ang mga nagmumungkahi sa pagkumpleto ng panukala at mga kinakailangang form, at pahusayin ang kanilang pag-unawa sa mga naaangkop na kinakailangan at pamantayan sa pagsusuri ng proyekto. Ang mga aplikante ay hinihikayat na dumalo. I-click dito upang sumali sa workshop: https://sanjoseca.zoom.us/j/85334140 619?pwd=OE5rY05GWUE5NlBRbGdZbzRxd1VnZz09 o upang sumali sa pamamagitan ng telepono sa 1(408) 638 0968, passcode: 85334140619.

Ang mga panukala ay dapat isumite sa WebGrants sa Biyernes, PEBRERO 24, 2023 ng 5pm.

Mangyaring kumpletuhin ang panukala sa Grants Management System (WebGrants) ng Lungsod sa https://grants.sanjoseca.gov/ index.do. Pakitandaan na ang mga bagong aplikante sa WebGrants ay dapat magparehistro ng ilang araw bago ang pagsusumite ng aplikasyon.

Para sa higit pang impormasyon, pakisuri ang NOFA sa WebGrants sa https://grants.sanjoseca.gov/getOpportunity. do?documentPk=1673388550957.

Para sa mga tanong, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan kay Mark Gerhardt sa mark.gerhardt@sanjoseca.gov. 1/20/23 CNS-3661136#

ASIAN JOURNAL (NORTHERN CALIF.)

FOREIGNER NO MORE. Senator Francis Tolentino (left), chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, administers the oath of allegiance to professional basketball player Justin Brownlee at the Senate in Pasay City on Monday, Jan. 16. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. granted Filipino citizenship to the 6-foot-5 shooting guard through Republic Act 11739.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

DOST technologies at par with global technologies in the Consumer Electronics Show and Silicon Valley, USA

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in an effort to strengthen emerging technologies such as Semiconductor Manufacturing Services (SMS), Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Space Technology industry in the Philippines, presented engagement opportunities to scientists during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2023) in Las Vegas, Nevada, and at the Business Mission in Silicon Valley in California from January 5-11, 2023.

CES is the most influential technology event in the world — the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This year, CES 2023 highlighted technologies on sustainability, digital health, metaverse, electric vehicles, transportation, and mobility from over 4,000 exhibitors thereby providing various insights and possibilities for the Philippines to utilize market intelligence and benchmarking.

players through the Philippine Business Forum highlighting the country’s investment-ready environment.

DOST participated in one of the fora, World Electronics Forum (WEF), where DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia presented technologies and programs of the Philippine government which are at par with the emerging global technologies.

Technologies observed in CES 2023 include:

• SentiV from France, a scouting robot for monitoring field crops;

• Agwa from Israel, an AI-assisted indoor home vegetable-growing device; and • Land Evaluation Engine by satellite data and AI from Japan,

DOST Balik Scientist taps Pinoy experts in US to support PH STI

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Balik Scientist Program (BSP), in efforts to strengthen Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) capabilities in the Philippines through knowledge transfer, provided a recent orientation amongst Filipino scientists in the U.S. through the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) and Philippine Business Mission.

The BSP strategically holds promotion and orientation to spark the interest and patriotism among our Filipino scientists. As part of this mission in the U.S., three scientists immediately signified commitment to participate in the program this 2023. These scientists’ expertise falls under the industry and health sectors.

The BSP continuously encourages Filipino scientists abroad in several strategies and promotions to generate awareness of the compelling impacts they could bring along with them to the Philippines. Balik scientists are engaged to conduct capacity building, knowledge transfer, assessment activities, R&D activities, production of policies and publications, curriculum development, and building linkages that creates impacts.

Two Balik scientists shall be focusing on the industry sector. One, a creative director and expert on packaging and design shall help improve and bring new ideas and technologies that the country can adopt in terms of packaging and design of Philippine products for which to be at par with the packaging and design of global standards. The other, a biochemist and molecular and computational biologist, shall focus on the turning Philippine plastic waste back to its raw form and be able to create new and sustainable products. Both Filipino scientists plan to engage themselves as a Balik scientists with the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) of DOST where research and development have been implementing such initiatives.

The third Filipino scientist shall be engaged as a Balik scientist under the health sector. He is an expert in mass spectrometric techniques and applies them to environmental biomonitoring, clinical toxicology, and therapeutic drug monitoring. His works pioneer the application of highresolution mass spectrometry to the suspect screening of environmental chemicals present in biological samples which can be extracted not just from blood nor urine but from human hair. He plans to engage with the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

“The Philippines has a reservoir of talents among our young and local researchers that promises to make the Philippines spectacular,” said DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia.

“We can strengthen the Philippine science community and STI ecosystem by having you and the rest of our Filipino scientists. We hope that you will consider the Balik Scientist Program to share your ingenuity in giving back to the Filipino people,” she added.

The BSP was established in 1975 to counteract the nationwide concern on “brain drain” or the emigration of highly trained professionals from our country, in search of a better standard or living and quality of life, higher salaries, access to advanced technology and more stable political conditions in different places worldwide. (DOST Release)

Agwa from Israel, an AI-assisted indoor home vegetable-growing device (left) and Gul.AI a Philippine made mobile AI-powered plant growing system for optimum yield

DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia (left photo) presented DOST’s programs in 2023-2028 at the World Electronics Forum together with officials

from DTI, DICT, PEZA, SEIPI and PTIC, and participants from the government and industry sectors. Photos courtesy of DOST

The Philippine delegation, composed of the DOST, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Philippine Economic Zone Authority

(PEZA), the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), sought possible partnerships with governments and key industry

Sky River Casino welcomes Asian media to $500 million complex in Sacramento

SKY River Casino, a partnership between Wilton Rancheria and Boyd Gaming, welcomed Asian media from different parts of California to its property in Sacramento on Tuesday, January 10, a couple of months after it had its opening in August 2022.

With over 100,000 square feet in gaming and dining space, Sky River Casino features over 2,000 slot machines and 80 table games including Baccarat, Pai Gow, Pai Gow Tiles and Double Deck Blackjack and more. It also features a High Limit Room for an enhanced guest experience.

Sky River Casino and tribal executives were on hand to welcome media as the property also prepared to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit which starts on January 22. Among those who were introduced in the brief program hosted by Gigi Yam were Tribal Chairman Jesus Tarango, Carrie Gordon, Vice President of Marketing, and casino hosts for different Asian communities, including Filipino casino host Penny Leonzon.

“Wilton Rancheria has struggled for decades to regain federal recognition, reclaim our land and improve the lives of our people. We are extremely proud of Sky River. It represents the future and has put our Tribe on the path to self-sufficiency. We are firmly committed to serving our members and our community, and we invite guests of all backgrounds and ethnicities to visit Sky River Casino and enjoy the unique experiences we offer,” Tarango said via a release distributed to media. According to a video which featured the Tribal Chairman, Wilton Rancheria is the only tribe in Sacramento County.

For her part, Gordon spoke about a few things that make Sky River Casino stand out.

First, the Sky River Casino logo, which is a direct Chinese translation of the casino property’s name meaning infinity, wealth and sky’s the limit. The logo also features the noble and elegant Vermillion Bird that symbolizes prosperity and elegance, bringing pride and prosperity to all Asian guests.

Second, Sky River Casino is a food-facing property besides being a gaming-facing property. Aside from prime restaurants like SL Prime Steakhouse, 32 Brews Street and Dragon Beaux, the property also houses 12 unique restaurants at The Market at Sky River. Among the choices at The Market include Aurelia’s Taqueria, Butcher’s Burger, CA99 Hot Chicken, Fukuro by Kru, Chickie’s Pizzeria, Global Eats, Desserts, Ocean, Roli, Roti, Upper Barrel, Sky River Java and Koi Palace Express.

Third is the unique situation with the Sky River loyalty program. According to Gordon, guests earn points for dining aside from gaming. With so many different restaurants to choose from, guests will not just have a fun place to gamble, but also enjoy the variety of cuisines to choose from.

Fourth and last is the way they have set up their card/rewards program, which allows cardless play and cardless wallets. “When we were designing the Sky River rewards program, we started from scratch, thinking first of what the most common guest pain points are and also how we can make their experience safer and more enjoyable at Sky River. So by being a cardless and cashless property, you are able to come to Sky River

after downloading our mobile app and not to bring any cash with you. So you can sign up online. You’ll be able to download our mobile app, link your player’s card number for the loyalty program directly to our app. You can scan in at any table or slot machine to both card and for your play, as well as place your bet cashless. It’s a big differentiator,” Gordon explained, while adding that they built the program and used all of the technology and tools with the guests’ experience in mind first, as well as for their safety and security.

Gordon also revealed that there are still future plans for the property, which includes hotel space and an events center. She added that “it is exciting that there is a roadmap in place for the future of the property.”

In a quick interview with Asian Journal, Carrie suggested that patrons visit the High Limit Room whose height is higher than the main gaming area, and look at the design and the décor. She also suggested patrons visit their dining areas, which features patios for guests to enjoy, and perhaps visit the Lucky Boy statue located near the High Limit area and Dragon Beaux where people have been rubbing the belly for good luck.

“Sky is the limit means anything is possible. It also for our team means everyone is welcome. We have carefully constructed our host team to make sure we have adequate representation for the Filipino community. We also are always looking for community relations, small events, things like that so I absolutely invite all members of the Filipino community to come and experience what it means that sky’s the limit,” Gordon said.

Leonzon, a Filipino casino host, told Asian media during a brief interview, that she joined Sky River because it offers VIP service to the next level, Sky River’s hospitality that mirrors the Filipino image, and the bayanihan spirit that emanates from management and staff. Since Day 1, Leonzon says that she has felt a family vibe within Sky River, that she feels welcome there, and that there are opportunities for

growth and advancement within the organization.

Hospitality, according to Leonzon, will be one of the many things that Filipinos will like about Sky River. “I take pride in that (the property’s exceptional host teams). We do have a good team. They (customers) really have a great experience every time they come here,” she said, while also adding that the amazing look of the property has been a big draw to community members.

“Customers love it here and they feel right at home,” the Cebu native revealed, saying that they have gotten a lot of positive feedback from property visitors.

Penny also said that many of her Filipino customers have come to her to say they feel the warmth there, which she says aligns with her goal of making her customers feel that Sky River is their second home. The Filipino casino host says majority of her Filipino guests like slot machines like Buffalo, China Shores, Whales of Cash and Dancing Drums.

For now, the Sky River team is gearing up for the Lunar New Year celebrations, as well as the VIP events for different communities.

Leonzon said she is looking forward to hosting a VIP event for the Filipino community, and perhaps celebrating Philippine Independence Day at Sky River when June comes around.

If and when an events center comes up, Penny says the first Filipino concert artist in her wish list would be Gary Valenciano, who she says appeals to all Filipinos and is a total performer.

Asian media were also able to taste some of the dishes to be served at Dragon Beaux, who was represented by owner Willy Ng. Dragon Beaux, the brainchild of Willy and Jenny Huang, will serve delectable dim sum and hot pot to casino and dining guests at Sky River. Willy Ng was a 2022 semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur in the 2022 James Beard Foundation awards.

Sky River Casino was built by the Wilton Rancheria in partnership with Boyd Gaming Corporation, which is building and managing the property for the tribe. The casino opened in August 2022 and includes 100,000 sq ft of gaming, 2,000 slot machines, 80+ table games, and 17 bars and restaurants. To learn more, visit www.SkyRiver.com.

Sky River Rewards, is one of the most hi-tech rewards programs among casinos in Northern California, allowing guests cardless play, cashless wallet, and more. The Sky River Rewards card is your key to receiving points for all your activities and those points can be redeemed for Free Play or dining credits. Become a Sky River Rewards member now to receive $20 Free Play. To activate your Free Play, visit any slot machine and place a bet. Sky River Rewards enrollment can be done online using a computer, tablet, or phone with a camera.

(Advertising Supplement)

A success story for crewmen: Overstayed crew member obtains immigrant visa in Manila through Obama-era provisional waiver regulation, on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

JULIE came to the U.S. as a crew member in 2004 and overstayed, leaving her eightyear-old daughter, Jolina, back in the Philippines. The years of separation broke Julie’s heart, but she believed her sacrifice would help build a better future for her daughter.

Julie had been watching “Citizen Pinoy” and she knew that the “Attorney-of-LastHope” Michael J. Gurfinkel might be able to help her. She had been consulting with him in January 2008, August 2013, and January 2016 before the priority date on her mother’s petition

became current.

A change in the law that Julie had been praying for happened when then President Barack Obama issued the Provisional Waiver regulation in 2016, enabling Julie to avoid the 10year bar if she left the U.S. for

DOST technologies at par with global technologies...

an application for monitoring the lands of interest from space.

Similarly, DOST Advance Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) has on-going project counterparts such as 1) Robot for Optimized and Autonomous Mission-Enhancement Response (ROAMER), designed for detecting banana plantation monitoring; 2) Gul.AI, a mobile AI-powered plant growing system for optimum yield; and 3) DATOS, an AI-powered engine land feature detection from satellite images. The striking similarity

in the functions between ASTI’s projects and CES technologies demonstrate the relevance of its R&D activities and their potential to address society’s needs.

“Similarly, as we vision to continuously be abreast with countries with cuttingedge technologies, we explored potential investment opportunities and areas for cooperation particularly with startup companies and universities in Silicon Valley,” said DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia. “We also recognize the importance of having a pool

of experts in achieving this vision, hence we have the commitment of continuous knowledge transfer and developing our homegrown science and engineering workforce through the Balik Scientist Program,” she added. The DOST is the lead government agency that provides central direction, leadership, and coordination of scientific and technological efforts and ensure that the results therefrom are geared and utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefits for the people. (DOST Release)

“ATTORNEY-OF-LAST-HOPE” MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL HELPED OVERSTAYED CREW MEMBER GET A VISA ON AN ENCORE SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! When Julie (left, photo above) completed her contract as a crew member in 2004 she planned on returning to the Philippines to her eight-year-old daughter. However, she unknowingly overstayed while visiting family, and then could not leave due to the 10-year ban. She consulted with Atty. Gurfinkel (right, photo above) on several occasions, until President Obama created the Provisional Waiver program. This was an answer to Julie’s prayer, as she was able to return to Manila for her immigrant visa on an approved provisional waiver, and immediately return to the U.S. as a green card holder. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, January 22 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

Tribal and casino executives led by Tribal chair Jesus Tarango and VP for Marketing Carrie Gordon, as well as casino hosts for different Asian communities, offer a toast at the Asian media day at Sky River Casino in Sacramento.

Filipino casino host Penny Leonzon, a Cebuana, shares with local media why she joined Sky River Casino and what Filipinos can look forward to when visiting the property.

Sky River Casino has 17 dining options, including 12 unique restaurants at The Market at Sky River.

Sky River Casino is located just off Hwy 99 in Elk Grove, CA. It is a partnership between Wilton Rancheria and Boyd Gaming, and makes use of the latest in technology to enhance customers' experience.

Sky River Casino features over 2,000 slot machines and 80 table games including Baccarat and Pai Gow.

Catriona calls Miss Universe 2022 hosting stint ‘achievement unlocked’

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

MISS Universe 2018 Catriona Gray was honored and full of gratitude to be part of the hosting team of the pageant's recently concluded 2022 edition.

Catriona served as a backstage commentator alongside  "American Ninja Warrior” co-host Zuri Hall  — it was Catriona's first time in a hosting capacity at Miss Universe  — while Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo and television host  Jeannie Mai Jenkins were the 2022 pageant's main hosts.

The beauty queen took to her Instagram account,  days after Filipina American R'Bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe 2022, to reflect on her hosting stint.

"Achievement unlocked...    It's always been a dream to be in the hosting line up of Miss Universe," Catriona said, thanking the pageant's president Paula Shugart and chief executive officer Amy Emmerich.

Catriona also extended her thanks to her styling team for the last-minute preparations despite  not having fittings and for being able to to help her pack for a few hours in Manila while in the middle of the holiday season.

In previous posts, Catriona also shared how lovely it was to work with Zuri backstage, and a group photo that included the newly-crowned R'Bonney and new Miss Universe owner  Anne

Jakrajutatip.

During the Miss Universe 2022  show proper, Catriona was seen backstage visibly in tears during a segment that paid tribute to the late  Miss USA Cheslie Kryst, who had bunked with her before as roommates.

The Philippines' bet Celeste Cortesi did not make the cut for the Top 16, marking the end of

the country's 12-year streak of qualifying for the semifinals.

Catriona went viral for her wide-eyed yet calm surprise at the Philippines' early elimination when the Top 16 was announced, assuring that the Philippines and other powerhouse nations like Thailand and Mexico will have more chances in future editions.

Health @Heart

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

WHEN it comes to diseases, especially contagious ones, prevention is the best strategy to avoid infection and transmission to others. And the best preventive tool we have is the vaccine, followed by hygiene, masking, and social distancing, as in the case of COVID-19. All these mitigating measures are aimed at preventing spread of the infection, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Although people are letting their guards down following President Joe Biden’s declaration last month that the pandemic was over, there are still around 67,000 cases of COVID-19 with almost 500 associated deaths on average per day for the past couple of weeks. On January 4, 2023, there were 207,391 cases of COVID-19, with 2,126 deaths, and around 47,000 hospitalizations, a 17 percent increase over 2 weeks before. After the BA.4 and BA.5, the dominant subvariant now is the BQ.1.1, with 34 percent of the cases nationwide, followed by XBB.1.5 (named kraken), with 28 percent of the cases, and vying for first place.

Sea monster

The new subvariant of omicron called XBB.1.5 or kraken, named after the legendary gigantic sea monster, is drawing a lot of concerns among scientists. It is showing rapid rise in hospitalization, especially among

XBB.1.5 is kraken!

those 70 and older, in certain states in the U.S. Kraken, which caused a huge outbreak in Asia the fall of 2022, is highly transmissible (the fastest yet) compared to the other past sub-strains, doubling weekly in the United States. It could already be in the Philippines, but under the radar.

As long as there are people out there who are unvaccinated, and people who do not wear masks to protect themselves and others, the virus will continue to replicate in the bodies of those individuals and mutate to newer (potentially more deadly) strains and sub-variants. The more bodies the virus infects and goes through, the more it mutates. Kraken has been shown to be highly immune-evasive and has the highest immune-escape ability, 63 percent more resistant to antibodies. Scientists do not know if kraken will respond to the current vaccines.

Protect yourself Still the best way to protect oneself is to update your COVID-19 vaccine and get vaccinated with the latest bivalent vaccine. The recent news about its side effects have been shown not to be true among the general population. The vaccines are safer than COVID-19 infection. In view of these new waves, resume using your NIOSH-approved N95 mask when outdoors, in stores, etc., engage in frequent handwashing, and continue to do social distancing and avoiding crowds. When exposed to any infected person or someone coughing and when you develop a cough, with or without fever or malaise, test yourself. If positive, let your physician know, and stay home; isolate yourself to protect other members of the household.

Foods for ED There are about 30 million men in the United States who have erectile dysfunction, the inability to maintain good erection to perform effective penetration and sexual intercourse.

The following food items are suggested by food experts (and items to avoid) for those with ED for sexual health – Mediterranean diet is recommended by the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, with mostly veggies, whole grains, fruits, healthy fats (olive oil, avocados), and the following items: fish, blackberries, and other berries, chocolate, spinach, oatmeal, watermelon, pistachios, avocados, pomegranate, bananas, chili peppers, and most green and multi-color leafy vegetables. Items to avoid are soy-based products, licorice, alcoholic beverages, and sugary drinks, like soft drinks, which are general toxic to the body. If the above preventive measures and trial with prescription ED pills (like Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, etc.) fail, medical consultation is prudent.

Cervical cancer Cancer of the mouth of the womb (cervical) could now be prevented with a vaccine, thank God for medical science! The first-generation Gardasil was produced by Merck in 2006 for young girls and boys to prevent Human Papillary Virus (HPV, the cause of cervical cancer in

96 percent of cases). In 2021, there were almost 15,000 cases of cervical cancer, with almost 4300 deaths in the U.S. Women 21 to 65 are recommended to have a Pap smear test every 3 years. Oropharyngeal and anal cancers are also (sexually) caused by HPV infections. Since 2017, Gardasil-9 (effective against 9 strains of HPV) is the only available HPV vaccine in the United States.

But the problem is some mothers refuse to allow their young (as early as 9 years old) sons to get Gardasil for fear of possible complications (rare and mild). This then exposes these young boys to HPV and spread it to the girls they have sex with who would then have HPV and a high risk for future cervical cancer. The 99-plus percent preventive power and efficacy of Gardasil is sadly severely reduced when boys are not also vaccinated. That translates to thousands of deaths annually from an otherwise preventable cervical cancer.

A great lesson Science is clear: If the U.S. was locked down (no-one-in without quarantine first, noone-out) since January 1, 2020, masking and social distancing required when the first case was diagnosed in Washington State, and vaccination for all federally mandated when the MRNA vaccines were first developed, this pandemic in the U.S. could have been prevented. And so with the national economic devastation (countless billions of expenses), mental anguish, disrupted education of our children and the negative impact on their and our psyche and emotion, etc. A medical situation should be managed by medical scientists, epidemiologists, and not by politicians or misinformed mothers, or civil right activists/ protestors, or radio-TV anchors.

If we haven’t learned our lesson yet from the way the government and we, The People, have poorly handled and mismanaged this pandemic, the next severe one could possibly annihilate countless millions of us in the United States.

* * *

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

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

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

A success story for crewmen: Overstayed crew member obtains...

her visa. When her mother’s petition became current, she was able to file for and get her provisional waiver approved. Despite several hurdles, including the delays due to the pandemic, the embassy interview was finally set.

Although the U.S. Embassy gave her a challenging time with multiple interviews and additional requirements, Julie was still able to get her visa issued in September 2022

without

charged with fraud or requiring a fraud waiver. She was also able to bring her now 26-year-old daughter Jolina to the U.S. with her under the Child Status Protection Act. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, January 22 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray Photo from Instagram/@catriona_gray

being

Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) was able to get a visa for his client, Julie (left) and her daughter, on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy.