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FEBRUARY 9-15, 2024 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages

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DATELINE Is housing health care? State Medicaid programs increasingly say ‘yes’ FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

STATES are plowing billions of dollars into a high-stakes health care experiment that’s exploding around the country: using scarce public health insurance money to provide housing for the poorest and sickest Americans.

California is going the biggest, pumping $12 billion into an ambitious Medicaid initiative largely to help homeless patients find housing, pay for it, and avoid eviction.

Arizona is allocating $550 million in Medicaid funding primarily to cover six months of rent for homeless people. Oregon is spending more than $1 billion on services such as emergency rental assistance for patients facing homelessness. Even ruby-red Arkansas will dedicate nearly $100 million partly to house its neediest.

At least 19 states are directing money from Medicaid — the state-federal health insurance program for low-income people — into housing aid and addressing the nation’s growing homelessness epidemic, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Even though there’s little

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Philippines pushed to reject vape, e-cigarettes in international meet

by Alden M. Monzon, dexter CAbAlzA Inquirer.net

MANILA — Eleven former senior officials of the health and education departments appealed to the Philippine delegation to the ongoing high-level talks on tobacco control to stand against electronic

cigarettes and vape products, citing the alarming increase in their use among Filipino youth.

“We call on the Philippine delegation to the 10th session of the Conference of the Parties of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in Panama to affirm our commitments under the

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Marcos, VP Duterte trust ratings rebound by red MendozA ManilaTimes.net

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Will the Senate pass expanded Child Tax Credit to help 19 million low-income children? PH GDP growth in 2024

GOLDEN DRAGON. A dragon centerpiece has become an attraction for mall-goers at a department store in Davao City on Thursday, Feb. 8. The Chinese New Year celebration on Feb. 10 is a much-anticipated event, with the local Filipino-Chinese community preparing several events to welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

THE Senate is contemplating a $78 billion expanded version of the Federal Child Tax Credit, which could provide some economic stability to an estimated 19 million lowincome children.

The House passed the bi-partisan bill — known as the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 — last week on a 375-60 vote. In the Senate, the bill is being sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, who with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Missouri, structured the proposed plan.

The proposal needs 60 votes to pass in the Senate. Several Republican senators have already expressed their opposition.

Contrary to some of their concerns, however, the proposed measure does not benefit

FCTC and take the lead in pushing for supporting, and promoting policies preventing the uptake of all recreational tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, to protect present and future generations from the devastating harms of tobacco use and nicotine addiction,” said their

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte’s trust and approval ratings rebounded in the fourth quarter of 2023, the latest OCTA Research survey said.

In its Tugon ng Masa poll conducted from Dec. 10 to 14, 2023, Marcos received a 76 percent trust rating, an increase of 3 percentage points from the previous quarter. The latest survey showed only 8 percent distrust him, and 17 percent were undecided.

Marcos gained increased trust ratings in the National Capital Region by 7 percentage points, from 66 percent to 73 percent; Balanced Luzon by 4 percentage points, from 74 percent to 78 percent; and the Visayas by a single percentage point, from 78 percent to 79 percent.

His trust ratings decreased in Mindanao by 3 percentage points, from 72 percent to 69 percent.

Among socioeconomic classes, Marcos

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to accelerate to 6.2%

by IAn nIColAs P. CIgArAl Inquirer.net

A COMBINATION of easing inflation and tight labor market would power up consumer spending this year, boding well for the Philippines’ consumption-reliant economy, BMI, a unit of the Fitch Group, said.

Using 2010 as the base year, BMI said in a commentary that consumer spending is projected to grow 6.3 percent year-on-year in 2024 to P12.8 trillion in real terms.

That forecast is in line with BMI’s expectation of gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6.2 percent this year, faster than the 5.6-percent expansion in 2023 but below the government’s growth

target of 6.5 to 7.5 percent for 2024.

“Spending will remain impacted by the environment of elevated inflationary pressures over 2023 as well as high debt levels and its servicing costs,” the research firm said.

Purchasing power “However, easing inflation and a tight labor market will support spending, as real wage growth returns to positive territory, supporting purchasing power over the year,” it added.

Despite inflation easing back to within the government’s 2 to 4 percent target in December last year after hovering above that range for 20 months, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said it deemed

On stage during the unveiling ceremony (from left): Col. Arthur M. Romanillos Jr., Philippine Army Attache; Dr. Cynthia Romero, Chairman of the Council of United Filipino Organizations of Tidewater; Consul General Arribas, Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander, Virginia Representative Bobby Scott, and Max Frias of the Philippine American National Historical Society- Hampton Roads Chapter.

Photo courtesy of PH Embassy

Rare historic document unveiled: u PAGE 3 u PAGE 2 1899 declaration of Philippine independence from the US ‘A stronger Mindanao means a Marcos: Government stronger Philippines’ – Marcos implementing measures J M to ease inflation by eAn

AngAluz Inquirer.net

MANILA — “A stronger Mindanao means a stronger Philippines,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared Thursday, February 8.

During the 17th Meeting of the National Government-Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB), Marcos addressed leaders from both the national government and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“We must remind ourselves that we are now operating under different rules, and we cannot allow forces outside of the democratic process to deviate our dreams and our aspirations from a democratic process. Let us now allow even

one single voter to be disenfranchised by violence, by intimidation or bribery,” the president said in a speech in Pasay City.

“A stronger BARMM is a stronger Mindanao; a stronger Mindanao means a stronger Philippines, bringing us closer to achieving our agendas,” he added.

Marcos’ remarks followed the proposal of his predecessor, former president Rodrigo Duterte, for Mindanao to sever from the rest of the Philippines and become an independent state.

In January, Duterte said that local Mindanao leaders would initiate a movement for a separate Mindanao. The ex-top leader of the country, who is known for his eccentric pronouncements, also said

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MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, February 6 said that the government remains committed to ease the burden of Filipinos.

Marcos welcomed the decline of inflation from 3.9 percent in December 2023 to 2.8 percent in January 2024.

“We are pleased to announce a significant slowdown on inflation for January 2024, reaching its lowest point since October 2022, at 2.8 percent,” Marcos said in a statement.

“We remain committed to easing the burden on our citizens, as evidenced by the recent electricity bill discounts for

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a poignant ceremony marking the convergence of two nations’ histories, the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum unveiled an original document declaring the independence of the Philippines from the United States. Signed by President Emilio Aguinaldo, the declaration was made immediately before the Philippine-American War, which commenced 125 years ago.

Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas, in his opening remarks, underscored the significance of the occasion, stating, “This document symbolizes the

courage and resilience of the Filipino people in our quest for self-determination. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of independence that continues to define both our nations. We are honored that the MacArthur Memorial Museum will preserve and showcase this invaluable piece of Philippine history.”

Amanda Williams, Director of the MacArthur Memorial Museum, emphasized the document’s role in education and reflection.

“The Declaration of Philippine Independence, housed within the museum’s esteemed

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From The FronT Page

Marcos, VP Duterte trust...

SMOKE SHOP. A store helper arranges products at a vape shop in Quezon City in this 2022 photo. As of January, the Department of Trade and Industry has intensified its efforts against illegal vape sellers, issuing notices of violations and show cause orders to 269 stores.

Photo by Grig C. Montegrande

Philippines pushed to reject vape...

PAGE 1 joint statement dated Feb. 3.

It was signed by former Health Secretaries Jaime Galvez Tan, Carmencita Reodica, Manuel Dayrit, Esperanza Cabral, Paulyn Rosell Ubial and Francisco Duque III; Health Undersecretaries Alexander Padilla, Susan Mercado and Madeleine Valera, as well as by former education chief Armin Luistro and undersecretary Alberto Muyot.

“The facts and science on e-cigarettes are clear.

They are ineffective for quitting tobacco use at the population level, and they are creating a new generation of nicotine addicts among Filipino youth,” they stressed.

Nicotine is a highly addictive drug that impairs human brain development.

DTI clampdown on stores “Essentially, e-cigarettes are just as dangerous and addictive as smoking cigarettes. To say otherwise is to deceive the public, and most especially our youth, the sector most prone to such deception,” the former health and education officials pointed out.

There is no latest data on the prevalence of cigarette and e-cigarette use in the country, particularly after the enactment of Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and NonNicotine Products Regulation Act in July 2022.

The law regulates the importation, sale, packaging, distribution, use and communication of vaporized and non-nicotine products and “novel tobacco products,” such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) was given the authority to certify the devices while regulating the consumables will be a joint responsibility with the Food and Drug Administration.

On Tuesday, February 6, the DTI said it had heightened its efforts against illegal vape sellers.

As of January, the DTI had issued notices of violations (NOVs) and show cause orders (SCOs) to 269 physical stores.

The government agency’s online monitoring

team has inspected more than 66,000 online vape stores, finding violations in 61,000.

“The DTI focuses on retailers that fail to ensure no minor is allowed to purchase vape. The DTI has issued NOVs and SCOs to retailers for failing to verify the age of buyers and for selling vape products that are packaged, labeled, presented, or marketed with flavor descriptors that unduly appeal to minors,” the DTI said in a statement.

The DTI also said it had confiscated over 18,000 noncompliant vape products valued at P5.5 million.

Penalties for establishments and retailers selling to minors range from P10,000 to as much as P400,000, as well as jail time that could be as long as six years.

Vape users double in PH The DOH and health advocates opposed the passage of the vaping law as it made e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products more accessible to the youth by lowering the age of access from 21 to 18 years old.

According to the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, 14 percent or 1 in every 7 Filipino youth aged 13 to 15 was already using e-cigarettes, translating to almost a million young users in the country.

Health authorities were worried about the sharp increase—from 11.7 percent to 24.5 percent—of adolescents who are now using vape products even if they have never smoked or used vape before.

The findings of the research done by the Johns Hopkins Institute for Global Tobacco Control also revealed that vapes were flagrantly and widely sold and advertised within 100 meters in 78 percent of schools in the Philippines, despite the prohibition under RA 11900.

“We warned of the grave consequences during the congressional deliberations [on RA 11900] may have on public health. The warnings we raised on the relaxation of policies on e-cigarettes have become a tragic reality in the country,” the former officials noted. n

PAGE 1 rebounded among class ABC with a 16 percent increase in trust rating, from 53 percent to 69 percent, as well as in Class D and E, where there was a 2 percentage point increase in both classes.

Meanwhile, Duterte got 77 percent, 2 points higher than the 75 percent she received in the third quarter. Five percent distrust her, and 18 percent were undecided.

Her trust ratings improved in Balanced Luzon and Mindanao by 4 percentage points but decreased in the NCR and the Visayas by 2 percentage points.

Among socioeconomic classes, Duterte posted a 5-percentage-point increase in trust ratings in class E, from 79 percent to 84 percent, as well as among class D with a 2-percentage-point increase from 76 percent to 78 percent.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has increased his trust ratings by 2 percentage points to 59 percent, with a 9 percent distrust rate.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez got a trust rating of 64 percent, an increase of 4 percentage points from the previous quarter, with only a 7 percent distrust rate.

Zubiri’s trust ratings increased in NCR, Balance Luzon and the Visayas, while Romualdez’s trust rating increased to 15 percent in the NCR and 12 percent in Balanced Luzon, which offset his 15 percent decrease in Mindanao.

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo got a trust rating of 23 percent, an increase of 2 percent from the previous survey.

In terms of performance, Marcos’ performance ratings rebounded by 6 percentage points from the previous quarter to 71 percent from 65 percent in October, which was buoyed by the increase in his performance ratings in the Visayas by 11 percentage points from 63 percent to 74 percent, Balanced Luzon by 8 percentage points from, 69 percent to 77 percent,

and the National Capital Region by 6 percentage points from 61 percent to 67 percent.

Among socioeconomic classes, Marcos’ performance satisfaction rating shot up among Class ABC, from 54 percent to 82 percent, while also registering increases among Class D by 6 percentage points to 71 percent and Class E by 2 percentage points to 67 percent.

Duterte’s performance ratings also increased by 5 percentage points to 75 percent, boosted by increases in her performance ratings in Mindanao by 10 percentage points, in the Visayas by 6 percentage points, and in Balanced Luzon by 5 percentage points.

Her performance satisfaction rating among socioeconomic classes also increased, with the highest among Class E, with a 12 percent jump from 69 percent to 81 percent, followed

by Class D by 5 percentage points to 76 percent, and Class ABC by 3 percentage points by 57 percent. n

PH GDP growth in 2024...

PAGE 1 it necessary to “keep monetary policy settings sufficiently tight until a sustained downtrend in inflation becomes evident.”

According to BMI, the high interest rate environment is one of the major risks to consumption this year, especially for households that took advantage of low borrowing costs at the height of the pandemic.

“Many households took on

significant levels of debt in the previous low interest rate environment,” BMI explained.

Debt servicing “While there are few indications that this is bad debt, the risk to consumer spending is that the cost of servicing this debt at higher interest rates becomes a larger-thananticipated draw on disposable incomes, to a point where consumers will have to cut

back spending, especially in more nonessential segments,” it added.

Over-reliance on remittances, a major lifeline for many Filipino families, also poses a threat to BMI’s outlook.

“The possible weakening of the peso will reduce the amounts sent back by overseas workers in local currency. This could put pressure on households with fixed expenditures,” BMI said.n

‘A stronger Mindanao means...

PAGE 1 the proponents will not resort to violence and will follow the process prescribed by the United Nations.

However, Marcos administration officials immediately rejected such a proposal, even saying that the government is ready to use force to quell separatist movements.

“Bagong Pilipinas is incomplete without a Bangsamoro rising along within it,” Marcos further said Thursday.

“To us, there is only one true peace when the bloody tally of war is replaced with the scoreboard of development, and that scoreboard shows that peace has won, and the war is over,” he added. n President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

File photo from PPA POOL

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Is housing health care... Rare historic document unveiled: 1899...

PAGE 1 agreement that this will provide a long-term fix for vulnerable patients’ health or housing, the Biden administration is encouraging other states to jump in. Several are in the pipeline, including Tennessee, West Virginia, and Montana — and New York got the green light from the federal government in January.

Using health care funding to house people is “a big philosophical debate,” said Alex Demyan, assistant director of Arizona’s Medicaid agency. “We know health care can’t solve all the problems, but we also know that housing agencies are maxed out and we have enormous need to help stabilize people.”

Homelessness jumped 12% in the U.S. last year, to an estimated 653,104 Americans, the highest level on record, even as the nation dramatically increased its inventory of permanent housing and temporary shelter beds.

As people languish on the streets, often struggling with addiction, severe mental illness, and untreated chronic diseases, health care officials and political leaders are turning to health insurance money for relief.

They argue that housing aid will improve health and save taxpayer money by keeping people out of institutions such as nursing homes, hospitals, and jails.

But evidence supporting this argument is mixed.

For instance, in a trial by researchers at the University of California-San Francisco, homeless people in Santa Clara County, California, who were randomly assigned to receive long-term housing and services used the psychiatric emergency department 38% less than a control group over four years while increasing their use of routine mental health care. But participants were still hospitalized at high rates and continued to rely on the emergency room for routine medical care or rest.

State Medicaid programs have long dabbled in housing, but with the blessing and encouragement of the Biden administration, they are launching more services for more people with heaps of new state and federal money. The trend is part of a broader White House strategy that encourages Medicaid directors to offer social services alongside traditional

medical care, with the goal of making their residents healthier.

“A health care dollar can do more than just pay for a doctor visit or hospital stay,” Xavier Becerra, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, told California Healthline. “We should be using the federal health care dollar for wellness care: Get them before they get ill, and keep them healthy. Is there anyone who would deny that someone who is homeless is going to have a harder time also keeping their health up than someone who is housed with running water and heat?”

Becerra acknowledged these initiatives as experiments. But he said the federal government can no longer ignore the rampant death and disease that is plaguing homeless populations around the U.S. “We’re simply saying, ‘State, if you can prove to us that with this Medicaid dollar you will improve someone’s health or health outcome, then you have essentially served the purpose of the Medicaid program and you’re saving taxpayers more money,’” he said.

But not all health care leaders — or even homelessness experts — believe this is the best use of Medicaid money, especially by a safety-net program that faces routine criticism for failing to provide basic health care to many enrollees.

“If you’re on Medicaid, you often have to wait months and months for a specialty visit, even if it’s a life-threatening concern, so I worry about what people won’t be able to get because of this,” said Margot Kushel, a leading homelessness researcher and primary care doctor at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center who primarily treats low-income patients.

“It’s not that I don’t want the money to be spent, but is it best spent in health care?” she asked.

“It’s much better than nothing, but it’s far from providing the long-term housing and stability that people really need.”

Kushel said the danger is that most Medicaid housing assistance can be used only once or is time-limited, such as rental payments, which typically end after six months.

“By the time folks get into housing, they’re already really,

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PAGE 1 collection, will serve as a focal point for deepening understanding of the complex historical narratives that connect the Philippines and the United States,” she remarked.

Following the unveiling, a symposium on the Philippine-American War, organized by the museum in partnership with the Filipino American National Historical Society-

Hampton Roads Chapter, provided further insight into this shared history.

The event, attended by dignitaries such as Virginia Congressman Robert Scott and Norfolk City Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander, along with historians and leaders from the Filipino community in Hampton Roads, served as a meaningful reminder of the enduring bonds between the Philippines and the United States.

Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas delivering a message on behalf of the Philippine Embassy Washington D.C. and Philippine Secretary of Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. Photos courtesy of PH Embassy

The MacArthur Memorial has also released a new multi-media guide that provides a look at some of the SpanishAmerican War and Philippine-American War items in the museum collection. It can be viewed by visiting https://www.flipsnack. com/FE7AC7BBDC9/macarthur-memorialspan-am-war-and-phil-am-war-collectionguide##.

(PH Embassy Release) n

Amanda Williams, Director of the MacArthur Memorial Museum and Consul General Iric Arribas with the Philippine Declaration of Independence on display.

Will the Senate pass expanded Child Tax Credit to help...

PAGE 1 U.S. citizen children with undocumented parents, even those with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers.

In an interview with Ethnic Media Services, Chuck Marr, Vice President for Federal Tax Policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, explained the expanded credit and its importance in lifting millions of children out of poverty.

EMS: Could you explain the provisions of the measure?

Chuck Marr: The Child Tax Credit has been around for a few decades, and over time, and it’s fully available to middle-class and higherincome families.

But we still have 19 million children whose parents work for low wages. And because their earnings are not high enough, they do not get the full child tax credit. So 19 million kids, the kids who stand to benefit the most, actually get the least.

The child tax credit right now is basically upside down. And it needs to be turned right side up. And so this bill makes good progress. It It doesn’t fix everything, but it makes real progress.

Even with this small package, you’re helping 1 in 3 black children, 1 out of 3 Latino children, and 1 in 7 Asian American and White children.

EMS: So how does this work?

CM: It moves low-income families to a per child phase in, which is so important.

Right now, throughout the population, 70 percent of kids live in families with two or more children. So this is a really big benefit.

And then also the special lower cap for lowincome families, this gets rid of that. So those

are two big changes.

And then there’s a third piece, which is very important. Low-income people who work in low-wage jobs don’t tend to get sick days. They don’t get leave when their elderly parent gets sick. Higher income people, middle-class people, they tell their employer: ‘You know, I got to take a couple of weeks off here. I got to help out.’ Low income people, they get fired for doing things like that.

Three big changes So this bill says, OK, a low income person goes to file their taxes. Last year, they worked quite a bit. This year they’re working less.

Maybe someone had a baby. Right. Maybe they’re caring for an elderly parent. Maybe their hours were cut.

So they get to take a choice. They would choose between this year’s earnings, or last year’s, to calculate their child tax credit.

Those are really the three big changes.

And again, it’s that per child that’s the major driver. If you have a single mom who makes, she has a toddler and a second grader, right?

She works as a home health aide part-time around her kids’ school schedules. And she makes $15,000. Right now, she gets about $1,800 in child tax credit, right, far below the $4,000 that a higher income family would get. So with this bill, she’s going to get another $1,700. So not quite to $4,000, but to $3,600. (Editor’s note: the maximum cap on the child tax credit is $2,000 per child per year, regardless of income.)

EMS: For low-income families, why is this being offered as a credit at the end of the year, rather than a direct subsidy, which could help a lot of families month by month?

CM: If you think back during the

pandemic, that one year where there really was a major expansion, child poverty was cut in half. That’s what we need to get back to. You know, that was just historic. And it’s so sad that that expired. That was when they when they went month to month. And that really helped provide stability for families.

Something goes wrong. You still can help pay your bills.

This proposal does not do that. This is 1/12 of the size of the pandemic package.

I think the idea here is that let’s do what we can now in this package. And then in 2025, when all the Trump tax cuts expire, let’s try to block the tax cuts for the highest income people. And let’s try to go back to that really large expansion of the child tax credit, including that monthly delivery.

EMS: This is being framed as a bi-partisan bill. Would you agree with that framing?

CM: You wish that both sides would just want to help low-income children. But sadly, that’s not the case. So this is a trade, where Republicans are pushing for a series of corporate tax breaks. And then Democrats pushing more for the child tax credit. And it’s a negotiated settlement: a dollar of corporate for a dollar of helping low-income children.

Some from the far right are raising issues of of what the effect on work would be. And I think that’s very silly. I mean, the idea that a single mom who’s working is going to give up a job that pays $25,000 a year just so she can keep $2,000 is ridiculous to me.

This bill is intended to deal with the volatility of earnings and life circumstances.

People have children. Their parents get sick. It helps provide some stability. (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services) n

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Marcos: Government implementing measures to...

PAGE 1 low-income households,” he added.

According to Marcos, the

slowdown is due to the decline “Additionally, strategic of food inflation, as well as partnerships with countries government efforts to mitigate like Vietnam for rice supply the El Niño phenomenon. to allow further imports of key

food commodities are crucial steps towards ensuring sustain progress,” Marcos said. (by Jean Mangaluz/Inquirer.net) n

Is housing health care? State Medicaid programs...

PAGE 3 really sick,” she said. “What happens at the end of six months when rental assistance like free rent runs out?”

Housing as health care Across the country, state Medicaid programs are stretching the definition of health care and getting into the business of social services, delivering a range of nontraditional benefits such as healthy home-delivered meals for patients with diabetes and air filters for patients with asthma.

While the federal government historically has banned the use of Medicaid money for direct rent payments, that has changed.

In 2022, Arizona received federal approval for an initiative called “H2O,” which will prioritize homeless people and those at risk of losing housing who also have a mental health condition and chronic illness.

When it launches in October, it will primarily provide two services: rent payments for up to six months; and transitional housing, which can include shelters with intensive services.

Arizona saw a 5% jump in homelessness in 2023 from the previous year. Its program will supplement a separate statefunded Medicaid initiative that provides 3,000 rent vouchers for people in southern Arizona who have a severe mental illness and are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. About 5,000 people are on the waiting list for a voucher.

“We’ve seen such positive health outcomes and cost reductions as a result, so it made total sense to us to expand our work in that space,” Demyan said. That program slashed ER visits 45% and reduced hospital inpatient admissions 53% at the six-month mark after patients started receiving services, while increasing less costly preventive care 56% and saving $4,300 per member, per month, according to state data.

California, home to nearly 30% of the nation’s homeless population, saw a nearly 6%

jump in homelessness in 2023, to about 181,000 people.

The state launched its massive CalAIM initiative in 2022 to offer a wide variety of social services to a small sliver of the state’s roughly 15 million Medicaid enrollees. A large share of the resources are going to housing services for homeless people or those facing eviction, such as covering security deposits and enlisting case managers to hunt for available apartments. State leaders are also asking the Biden administration for permission to provide six months of rent.

“If you’re saddled with a great deal of either physical or behavioral health conditions, whether it’s diabetes or HIV, high blood pressure or schizophrenia, without housing, it’s really hard to stabilize those conditions,” said Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency.

But he cautioned that Medicaid’s core focus must remain getting people healthy, even if they’re living outside, which is a monumental and expensive challenge because conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and HIV require continuous treatment and often multiple medications.

“I do not think that health care is responsible for solving homelessness in California or anywhere else,” Ghaly said. “But if housing instability or lack of housing is one of the key drivers getting in the way of being healthy, then absolutely we need to pay attention to it.”

Health insurers that provide Medicaid coverage in California can choose whether to provide housing services, but Oregon is requiring Medicaid insurers to do so.

Homelessness grew 12% in Oregon from 2022 to 2023, but the state is targeting patients at risk of becoming homeless.

Participants will be eligible for six months of rent and other services when the program launches in November, said Dave Baden, deputy director of the Oregon Health Authority.

“We’re really trying to focus

on people teetering on the brink,” Baden said. “If you’re already homeless, you really need longer, sustainable housing dollars to keep that person housed.”

It’s not just states experimenting with this approach. Kaiser Permanente is one of the health systems that has invested its own funds into housing. In recent years, the health care giant has committed hundreds of millions of dollars to help maintain or build thousands of affordable housing units, in addition to providing housingrelated Medicaid benefits for its members.

“We have to do something.

The crisis is out of control,” said Bechara Choucair, its chief health officer.

Mission creep Sherry Glied, a professor at New York University and former Obama administration official who is an expert in health care economics, warned in a recent health policy analysis of mission creep in health care.

She cautioned that health care institutions getting into the business of social services could be a “dangerous distraction.”

Glied pointed to at least 57 health systems and 917 hospitals around the country that have launched social service initiatives, with most focusing on housing. Because many institutions struggle to meet patient safety and quality care standards, Glied argued that they should instead improve basic care and leave housing to social service organizations “that specialize in this work.”

“Providing people with food or housing is pretty far removed from the core mission of health care,” she told California Healthline.

Peter Lee, another former Obama administration official and the founding executive director of California’s Obamacare exchange, said health care providers should consider offering some housing and social services, but he fears such initiatives may divert money from traditional

medicine and prevent patients from getting adequate care.

“In the past five to 10 years, there has been a lot of recognition that health is about much more than actual health care. Very true,” Lee said. “The question is how do you address those issues while health care itself is not doing too great. The brass tacks of this is making sure people with diabetes have great diabetes care, that people get checkups in time, that people can get the regular health care they need.”

State Medicaid programs, which provide care to at least 80 million Americans, often struggle to deliver basic medical services, such as childhood dental visits and breast cancer screenings. In California, the state spending the most on housing services, children on Medicaid did not have timely access to care for mental health or substance use in 2022, according to an audit published in November.

Despite these shortfalls, most of the states that have been given the federal go-ahead to experiment with housing services have secured funding for five years. California is among the states that hope to make the benefits permanent.

Though a Republican presidency could interrupt this trend, states say they’re committed — even if their initiatives don’t pass a traditional cost-benefit analysis.

“The singular focus on a financial return on investment is not as clear as it was previously,” said Cindy Mann, a federal Medicaid director under Obama.

“States are just seeing how little sense it makes to treat people and then release them back to the streets without the support they need.” (Angela Hart/KFF Health News) KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

BREATH OF FIRE. A fire breather performs on the streets of Binondo, Manila on Wednesday, Feb. 7 ahead of the celebration of the Chinese New Year. Around this time, Binondo is usually busy with people shopping for food and lucky charms to usher in the lunar new year.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

City Of San Diego seeking buyer to turn downtown building into 100% affordable rental homes Interested parties have until May 1 to submit their proposals

SAN DIEGO – In an effort to create much-needed affordable homes, the City of San Diego is looking for an individual or organization to purchase, redevelop and operate a city-owned building in downtown as 100% affordable multi-family rental housing.

On Friday, February 2, the city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 26,500-square-foot, three-story building located at 1401 Imperial Ave. The property, which sits in East Village across from Tailgate Park, currently serves as the city’s Homelessness Response Center (HRC). The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) operates the HRC, along with city, People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), the Regional Task Force on the Homeless (RTFH) and other homelessness service providers. The SDHC will continue to operate it during the RFP and negotiation process.

“Housing ends homelessness, and the best resource we can offer to people experiencing homelessness is a home they can afford,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “While we’ll continue to offer the HRC’s valuable services to unsheltered San Diegans at other locations, the best use of this city-owned property is to provide the affordable housing residents need to get and stay housed permanently.”

The project requires that 100% of rental homes on the property go to low or moderate-income people and families. This affordable rent will be deed-restricted and must remain in place for a minimum of 55 years. Proposals may include commercial businesses on the ground floor.

“I want to thank Mayor Gloria for his swift action on my request to turn this building into 100% affordable housing,” said Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, whose district includes downtown. “Converting a homelessness center into a housing site is emblematic of the advances we are making on our city’s biggest challenges. These affordable homes will be a welcome addition to East Village and will support San Diegans who have struggled with the cost of housing.”

When selecting a buyer, the city will consider the proposer’s qualifications and direct experience in constructing

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D ateline PhiliPPines Agri losses in areas affected PH ICC cooperation may include

5

issuance of arrest warrant — Carpio by El Niño reach $150M

by Ian LaquI Philstar.com

MANILA — Former Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said that the government’s issuance of an arrest warrant for former President Rodrigo Duterte could be a form of cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The former magistrate echoed an SC ruling, saying that the Philippines still has an obligation to the international tribunal despite the country’s membership being withdrawn.

“We are no longer a member state, but I think the decision of the Supreme Court said that since the offense with which (former) President Duterte is charged happened while we were members of the ICC. We are obliged to cooperate up to now,” Carpio said in an interview with reporters on Wednesday, February 7.

“That cooperation may include implementing a warrant of arrest,” he added.

Carpio referred to the 2021 Pangilinan et al. vs. Cayetano et. al. case, in which the SC rejected the petitions, challenging the validity of the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC. The case, however, citing Article 27 of the Rome Statute, pointed out that the Philippines is still bound to its obligations to the international tribunal as the alleged crimes against humanity were committed when the country was still a member state.

Carpio issued a statement after former presidential

spokesman Harry Roque said in a Facebook livestream on February 4 that the former president received information that he might receive an arrest warrant anytime.

“I was not able to sleep because Tatay Digong called me and he said he received information that he could be arrested any time,” Roque said.

As a response, Carpio said that the former president should cooperate if he wants his voice to be heard.

“So if you are innocent…the best thing to do is to go there and present your side,” Carpio said in an interview with reporters.

The Philippine National Police on Wednesday assured that it would not serve an arrest warrant on the former president, following the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to government agencies not to assist the ICC. On January 23, Marcos affirmed that the government would not help in the ICC probe, saying that it is a “threat” to the country’s sovereignty.

In an interview with OneNews’ “Big Story”, ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti said that there is a “possible” presence of the ICC investigators in the Philippines, as they were already conducting an investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity during Duterte’s war on drugs.

“I’m not in the position to confirm or to deny their presence, primarily because of security…their security and to those who are they talking to,” Conti said.

A political question In response to Carpio’s statement, the country’s top lawyer said that the country’s cooperation with the ICC is a “policy issue” that is “beyond the realm of the judiciary.”

“The decision of the SC in Pangilinan vs Cayetano was on the sole and exclusive issue of the validity of our country’s withdrawal from the ICC without Senate concurrence,” Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said in a Viber message with Philstar. com.

“The SC’s comment on continuing cooperation was obiter dictum and did not constitute a doctrinal ruling,” he added.

Guevarra also said previously that the ICC can issue an arrest warrant but cannot be enforced in the country.

In November 2023, former senator and justice secretary Leila de Lima said that the Philippines could easily rejoin the Rome Statute as there was no “Senate concurrence” when the country withdrew as a member state in 2019.

The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019 after ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda started her preliminary investigation on human rights violations during former President Duterte’s war on drugs.

Official figures indicate that there were approximately 6,000 deaths during the previous administration’s drug war. However, human rights organizations contend that the actual number might be as high as 30,000. n

City Of San Diego seeking buyer to...

PAGE 4 and operating affordable housing developments, their finances and the project’s design, schedule, financing and specific affordability levels. The RFP can be accessed through the city’s website (https://www. sandiego.gov/real-estate-andairport-management/about-us/ properties-for-sale-or-lease).

“With our sustained housing crisis, creating additional affordable housing units on underutilized, city-owned property is our highest priority,” said Economic Development Director Christina Bibler.

“We are hopeful that we receive a number of interested development responses to quickly see this vision turn into

reality.”

Proposals must be submitted to the city by May 1, 2024, at 5 p.m. The city hopes the purchase and sale of the property will move expeditiously, especially with the 100% affordable housing quick review incentives now available through the development review process.

(City of San Diego Release) n

MANILA – The total damage and losses to farms in Western Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula due to El Niño has reached PHP151.3 million, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported on Thursday, February 8.

In its latest El Niño advisory, the DA-Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operations Center said some 3,923 farmers are affected and possible production losses are at 6,618 metric tons of palay and corn.

Meanwhile, a total of 3,291 hectares are affected by the dry spell.

Vegetable seeds will be distributed in Western Visayas, the DA said while planting materials for high-value crops that need less water for the Zamboanga Peninsula would be procured to help thousands of farmers cope with the damage and losses caused by the weather phenomenon.

“These actions, which cost over PHP1 million, are on top of the cloud seeding operations, pest control management, and promotion of wider use of drought-resistance crop varieties to help regions experiencing water shortage,” the DA said.

To reduce water consumption in rice fields, the agency adopted an alternate wetting-and-drying system.

The use of solar-powered irrigation systems is being checked to bring water to farms that need this the most.

The DA is also studying areas for the feasibility of using shallow tube wells in rain-fed areas.

It also plans to endorse affected farmers to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Labor and Employment for other forms of assistance, including financial support. (PNA) n

Deepfakes, AI red flags as 2025 polls near

by DeLon PorcaLLa Philstar.com

MANILA — Deepfakes and artificial intelligence (AI) are a risk as the May 2025 midterm elections approach, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

During a recent briefing set by Speaker Martin Romualdez, DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy raised the red flag and called on the House of Representatives to draft legislation that would regulate the use of AI in creating “misleading videos.”

Deepfakes are images or recordings that have been altered and manipulated to misrepresent someone as doing or saying something that, in reality, they did not do.

Dy issued this warning to the joint House committees on information and communication technology and public information, headed by Navotas City Rep. Tobias Tiangco and Agusan del Norte 1st District Rep. Jose Aquino II, respectively.

He recalled the proliferation of videos on social media showing broadcasters or news reporters endorsing products or reporting fake news.

Manila Bulletin editor Art Samaniego, a

cybersecurity expert, said Congress must pass measures that would regulate and thwart cyberattacks against the government, institutions and citizens.

He noted that AI could undermine the sanctity of ballots and alter the real voice of the people.

Samaniego and Dy told the joint committee that regulating the use of AI is timely and significant.

The recent wave of cyberattacks is a wake-up call for the government to protect the country’s digital infrastructure, according to Tiangco.

“The recent cybersecurity breaches have further highlighted the pressing need for enhanced security measures and vigilant monitoring to ensure the integrity of our critical information,” he said.

These breaches have the potential to disrupt essential government services, compromise sensitive data and create significant impact on national security, he added.

The Philippine National Police recorded 64,077 cybercrime cases.

Data showed that cases gradually decreased from March to December 2023, which could be attributed to the enactment of the SIM Card Registration Law and intensified efforts to boost cybercrime awareness. n

Creation of marine protected areas in SCS high seas sought MANILA – States are urged to establish a marine protected area (MPA) within the high seas of the South China Sea (SCS) once the United Nations High Seas Treaty eventually enters

into force.

The deal, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, aims to serve as a framework that allows the establishment

of MPAs and mechanisms to conserve habitats and species in the high seas and the international seabed area.

Once entered into force, the

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FEBRUARY 9-15, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Advanced persistent threat

Features

Cybersecurity experts have been warning about the threat for some time now: hacking of government websites, with the attacks originating from foreign countries. The experts, citing global data, said most of the attacks have been traced to operators in only a handful of countries: North Korea, China, Russia and Iran.

In the case of a recent hacking attempt targeting the Philippine Coast Guard, the National Coast Watch and the private website of President Marcos, the operation was traced to Chinese telecommunications operator China Unicom. This is according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology, which said the hacking attempt was successfully foiled by Philippine cybersecurity experts.

Because of recent developments, the PCG suspects that the hacking attempt was linked to the maritime dispute between the Philippines and China. Earlier, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration faced a cyber attack that was also traced to China.

Although China Unicom is state-owned, the DICT stressed that it is not accusing the Chinese government of being behind the cyber attacks, but merely reporting that the hacking attempts emanated from Chinese territory. An official of the DICT said the Philippines would coordinate with China in a bid to identify the perpetrators and stop

their activities.

Experts, however, have been warning of possible state-sponsored cyber attacks from overseas directed at Philippine government agencies and private entities operating critical infrastructure such as public utilities, submarine cables, airports, the banking system and defense installations.

A DICT official said the hacking attempt on the PCG by at least three “advanced threat groups” could be classified as cyber espionage because the objective was to gather information by breaching email systems and internal websites of government agencies using Google Workspace. Google itself reported the attempts about two weeks ago.

Also targeted were the domain administrators of the Department of Justice, the Office of the Cabinet Secretary and the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department of Congress.

The DICT official pointed out that such hacking conceal the activities. attempts are classified as “an advanced persistent Around the world, governments are readying threat” because they require “significant spending their defenses against the new type of warfare that on research and development and technology” to is waged in cyberspace. In the Philippines, which

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

has one of the highest incidences of digital scams and related offenses, the latest attacks should give urgency to ramping up cyber defenses. (Philstar. com)

Time for a commission to probe Duterte’s drug war and its cost in human life and nation’s sanity

Commentary

Yen Makabenta IRONICALLY, like a bull in a China shop, ex-President Rodrigo Duterte has made imperative the appointment of a commission to fully investigate the six-year war on drugs, which he launched and used to define his presidency.

He provokes this policy decision with his deranged reaction to the arrival in Manila of a UN rapporteur and the imminent start of the investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of accountability for human rights abuses and extrajudicial killing of drug lords, pushers and users by units of the Philippine National Police on the command of his former excellency.

Incensed also by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s reversal of Duterte’s policy to kowtow to China on the South China Sea dispute and downgrade Filipino ties with the U.S., Duterte has unleashed a fiery tirade against the president, accusing him of being a drug addict, and unworthy of the highest office of the land.

Using U.S. senator Joseph McCarthy as his model, Duterte had resorted to the propaganda tactic of waving purported lists of officials and generals allegedly involved and in the pay of drug lords and drug traffickers. He dangled the lists before the media and sought to create suspense and anticipation by releasing the lists little by little, making people guess whom he would malign next.

Now, he is trying to renew the drug crusade, and he has widened his net of nastiness and drug lists by adding the biggest fish of all — the president of the Philippines no less, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whom he has charged with being a drug addict. He hurled the charge in a rambling tirade at a public rally in Davao City.

Worse than plastering BBM with the accusation, Duterte, in a lunatic turn, seized the occasion to urge officers and members of the nation’s Armed Forces to mount a coup against the president and take over the government. Then, he threatened the government with a new secession bid by Mindanao from the republic.

Duterte wildly fantasizes that the drug addiction canard — like Hitler’s big lie about the Jews and Joe McCarthy’s multiple lies about communists in the U.S. government — is incendiary enough to cause an upheaval in the government of the day and restore the drug war to front and center in national life.

Throughout his six years as president, Duterte never seriously attempted to substantiate with incontrovertible facts and figures his hyperbolic claims of corruption and wrongdoing in high places and the far-flung tentacles of the drug traffic in the country. He could not get the drug agencies of the government, like the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Dangerous Drugs Board, to play along and confirm his claims.

When the clock ran out on his presidential term on June 30, 2022, Duterte’s drug campaign became like McCarthy’s anticommunist crusade; it ran out of steam and was hobbled by a flat tire.

It’s been two years now since Duterte left office. He does not

The secessionist

Sketches

ana Marie PaMintuan THE naughty Rodrigo Duterte must be immensely amused. In his retirement, he says “boo” and the government jumps.

If he truly wants an independent Mindanao Republic, shouldn’t he have launched his advocacy when he was still a spring chicken, with no need for fentanyl to ease his aching bones, nerves, everything?

Claiming that a part of him is Muslim, he could have aligned himself with his Islamic secessionist buddy Nur Misuari.

Duterte campaigned for the presidency partly on a platform of federalism (the reason for Fidel Ramos’ endorsement).

But Duterte dropped it with the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. He also abandoned his push for Charter change after the House of Representatives led by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo unceremoniously junked his draft Constitution and swiftly produced its own, minus the proposed curbs on dynasty building.

His socioeconomic planning secretary, Ernesto Pernia, also warned that the cost of the proposed federal system would “wreak havoc” on the economy.

Pernia was promptly sacked from the Cabinet.

This time, with the head of the economic team just barely warming his seat, we haven’t heard any warnings about the potential economic costs (plus actual cost to taxpayers) of a forced signature campaign for a people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution, a plebiscite to affirm the effort, and a shift to a parliamentary system, which opponents suspect is the main objective of PI. * * * Duterte’s public opposition to PI and Charter change at this time has to be the reason for his raising the idea of Mindanao secession.

If PI can be used to change the system of government, why not for Mindanao independence?

Even if he surely knows Mindanao secession is in the same realm as the hallucination for rice at P20 a kilo, he has made his point about PI, although the messaging is muddled so certain politicians can’t (or don’t want to) get it.

Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman clearly gets it. The senior deputy minority leader filed a bill this week, providing an enabling law for the constitutional provision that allows PI for Charter amendments.

Lagman has pointed out that the lack of an enabling law led to the Supreme Court’s junking of the first PI in 1997, also spearheaded by the People’s Initiative for Reform, Modernization and Action or PIRMA. Back then the suspicion was that the initiative for Charter change was meant merely to allow Ramos to seek a second term. Corazon Aquino, who had “anointed” him as her successor, led the protests against Cha-cha, telling FVR that there’s life after the presidency.

Today the same suspicions of perpetuating officials in power (and abolition of the Senate) underpin distrust of the House of Representatives’ push for Chacha. Continuity, it seems, has replaced unity as the battle cry of Marcos 2.0.

The distrust is aggravated by the deception behind the signature campaign to stampede the nation into another PI: just

wield any authority anymore, not even that of his neighborhood barangay.

He remains authoritarian in temperament, but he is now owed, at best, the courtesies toward a former president and old man. He has no one to command.

This, at the bottom, is the reason for the new tactic of smearing BBM with the drug addiction charge and baiting him to the indignity of a joint drug test.

The same intent to shock and awe the nation into alarm and support for his anti-drug crusade is plainly Duterte’s objective now in smearing BBM with the drug addiction brush.

A moment’s reflection on the accusation quickly unveils its fundamental weakness and hollowness.

In hurling the accusation against the president, Duterte makes it appear that he has plastered the president with the commission of a great crime or shortcoming in his duties as president and leader of our people. He suggests overtly that for this imaginary criminal offense, BBM deserves to be ousted from office.

Like almost everything else in Duterte’s turn as president, this new project of his is not backed by sound and careful thinking.

It is as ill-founded as his claim of being a Muslim at birth in order to ingratiate himself with Filipino Muslims.

It is the same with his foolish order to the National Historical Commission to divert and twist the commemoration of the Quincentennial of Ferdinand Magellan’s epic circumnavigation of the globe into a celebration instead of the Battle of Mactan and Lapulapu’s triumph over the great explorer.

It is fair to ask now, therefore: “Really, Mr. Ex-president, where does it say in our statute book and in the criminal codes of nations that an addiction to drugs or narcotics is a criminal offense, eminently worthy of censure or shaming? Why do you, sir, paint drug addiction as a crime against the nation when our anti-drug program ostensibly espouses the objective and desire to rehabilitate and rescue those among our people who unfortunately fall victim to drug addiction.”

Drug addiction no crime,

says U.S. Supreme Court Mr. Duterte is obviously not aware that there is a standing decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that loudly and expressly overturned and swept aside statutes and attempts to criminalize drug addiction and subject it to punishment.

In Robinson v. California, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Robinson’s conviction under a California law that declared it was a criminal offense “to be addicted to the use of narcotics.” The court ruled that it was cruel and unusual punishment to impose criminal penalties on Robinson based on his conviction of the status offense of narcotics addiction, which a majority of the judges considered an addictive illness.

Justice Potter Stewart, who wrote the decision, noted that “even one day in prison would be cruel and unusual punishment for the crime of having a common cold....it is unlikely that any state would make it a criminal offense for a person to be mentally ill, or a leper, or to be afflicted with venereal disease... such a law would be

sign on the dotted line, and get all sorts of ayuda. * * * As the Senate finally began tackling Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 (RBH6) on Monday, Feburary 5, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano described the possibility of political Cha-cha as “the elephant in the room.”

A shift to a parliamentary system imperils the possible ascent to power of Vice President Sara Duterte, who at this early stage is seen as a shoo-in for the 2028 presidency.

Unsurprisingly, VP Sara’s father is making noises against Cha-cha and threatening secession. No major group has expressed support for his secessionist call, so Rody Duterte must be ecstatic that the government is taking notice.

So far, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año has warned that any secessionist movement will be met by the state with force. Congressmen said that Rodrigo Duterte and his supporter, Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, could be indicted for sedition, a non-bailable offense. Alvarez said the secession was his idea.

BBM has decided to ignore the issue – “hindi na pinatulan,” according to Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.

Malacañang, however, issued a statement saying provincial governors and city mayors want a united Philippines. And military officials, who have repeatedly denied destabilization and unrest in the ranks, keep reminding their commanders to follow the chain of command and be loyal to flag and country.

It reminds me of certain folks who were often suspected of plotting coup attempts in previous administrations. Tired of denying the plots, they said all they needed to do when they were bored was to get together and mention “coup” and the government would get spooked, roll out the tanks along EDSA and lay out the concertina wire around Malacañang. * * * Duterte must also be happy to note that amid the tempest (in a teapot?) he has set off, rumors have emerged that Romualdez’s hold on the speaker’s post is imperiled.

Last Monday, 287 of the 310 House members passed a resolution of support for Romualdez, defending him from senators’ “baseless accusations” and “confrontational” stance on PI and Cha-cha. Considering how loyalties in the House shift literally overnight, however, Romualdez should hope that the

statement of support won’t have less value than toilet paper.

The resolution also lamented Sen. Imee Marcos’ probe of the signature gathering for PI “without a clear legislative purpose, specifically directed at discrediting” her cousin the speaker and the House.

That sounds like the pot calling the kettle black. On Tuesday, February 6, the Senate gave a hint of its response. Sen. Sonny Angara, who chairs the subcommittee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes, said a plebiscite on Chacha would be more feasible in May 2025.

This would coincide with the midterm elections, which the Comelec says is not allowed. So it could be much later in the year instead, under a new Congress.

Or maybe it will be never, if the senators can help it.

Rodrigo Duterte need not rattle Marcos 2.0 with empty secessionist threats to stop PI. As congressmen put it, the Senate has long been the “graveyard” of Cha-cha. A deceptive PI can seal its death. (Philstar.com) ***

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7

Creation of marine protected... Disclose real motive behind PAGE 5 deal is expected to effectively cover the high seas or areas beyond national jurisdiction in the South China Sea. Speaking at a Stratbase forum in Makati City, experts said it is important to establish MPAs in the area as the region is home to almost 25 percent of all known species in the world.

“Only 90 percent of the world’s ocean is protected and we have about 1,800 MPAs in the country but we want to establish more,” said Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines Maritime Science Institute and former President of the National Academy of Science and Technology Rhodora Azanza.

“So, that is the pathway for ASEAN and part of the pathway for a sustainable blue economy is considering these marine protected areas beyond the national jurisdiction, especially in the South China Sea,” she added.

Beyond the context of

biodiversity, Tohoku University International Law Professor Nishimoto Kentaro said the treaty also adds “another layer to the rule of law” that applies to the ocean.

“This treaty is very important not only in the context of biodiversity because when it enters into force, that will add another layer to the rule of law that applies to the oceans. There is a continuing relevance of the South China Sea arbitral award in the context of this treaty,” he said.

Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio agreed and cited the inclusion of South China Sea high seas in Beijing’s ten-dash-line.

The ten-dash-line refers to China’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea, which also covers parts of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

“We have high seas in the South China Sea. That’s a fact,” Carpio said. “So this high seas

treaty is another layer, another legal instrument that would bury the ten-dash-line of China.”

Japanese Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Kenichi Matsuda, who was also present at the forum, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the rule of law and collaboration with like-minded partners in ensuring maritime freedom and environmental protection.

“As enhancing the rule of law is one of Japan’s foreign policy pillars, we are determined to work together hand-in-hand with other like-minded partners, especially with the Philippines, to ensure that universally accepted values and principles,” he said.

The BBNJ was adopted last year and was signed by over 80 states, including the Philippines and China.

At least 60 ratifications, however, are needed for it to enter into force. To date, only Palau has ratified the treaty.

(PNA) n

Time for a commission to...

PAGE 6 universally thought to be an infliction of cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments.”

The prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment in the Eighth Amendment is applicable to the states through the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

The ruling, which reversed the state’s judgment, recognized that drug addiction is a disease and that it is unconstitutional to impose punishment for having a disease. Additionally, Justice Stewart’s opinion, in combination with Justice Harlan’s concurring opinion, held that it is unconstitutional to criminalize behavior in the absence of a guilty act or actus reus. Justice Stewart’s opinion focused on the unconstitutionality of punishing a mere status or condition; Justice Harlan’s concurring opinion focused, however, on the unconstitutionality of punishing a “bare desire.”

The accusation against President Marcos and the nastiness of Duterte’s presentation at a public rally in Davao City shows us again the utter lack of moderation and civility of the former president.

The attack is totally gratuitous and the product of ill will.

Duterte may be worried or angry that the Marcos government could change its mind about refusing cooperation with the ICC in investigating the drug war and its many abuses.

Duterte probably feels that he is just one piece of paper away from being served an arrest warrant for his accountability in the infamous drug war because a UN rapporteur is currently visiting the country and seems to be looking right at home.

Commission to probe the war on drugs The most sensible and rational reply by the

Marcos government to ex-resident Duterte’s charge of BBM’s alleged drug addiction is to appoint a commission to fully investigate the war on drugs during the Duterte presidency to ferret out the whole truth about the program and what it has cost our country and our people in terms of lives and social harmony.

By exposing the basic derangement of Duterte’s vision of the drug problem and the extent of police abuses and crimes in the conduct of the drug war, President Marcos can make a constructive contribution to the quest for justice for the families of the victims in the drug war and the effective interdiction and control of the drug problem in the country.

A formal inquiry, like the investigations of the assassinations of former senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and John F. Kennedy, will dive deep into the malaise of the drug war, the flawed policymaking, the terrible train of victims and abuses, which to this day still cry out for exposure and redress.

An inquiry will satisfy the fundamental international prayer and ICC demand for the Philippine justice system to show an earnest effort to ferret out truth and accountability in the drug war.

The demagoguery in the conception and design of the drug war and the irresponsibility of those who were placed in charge of conducting it are the real reasons why the war has been a pronounced failure for all its harshness and barbarity and why the drug menace continues to hound the nation.

(ManilaTimes.net) *** 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.

Cha-cha, House dared MANILA – Senator Maria Josefa Imelda “Imee” Marcos challenged members of the House of Representatives to be truthful and admit whether they aim for term extension and change the form of government.

The senator on Thursday, February 8 asked lawmakers to disclose their intentions behind their push for Charter change (Cha-cha) through people’s initiative (PI).

“Let’s get real. If their intention is to change the system of government, then be honest about it,” Marcos said in a radio interview.

House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe had dared all 24 senators to state their stand on the need to amend some economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution to further attract foreign investors.

The Senate Sub-Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes on February 5 tackled Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 6 that seeks to review the economic provisions of the Constitution.

“Let’s not talk about economic matters as a disguise.

We all know the intention is not about economic matters. Why not just openly admit what you want?” Marcos said.

“There would be no problem as long as it’s debated and done in the proper manner. Let’s not insult the Filipino people by constantly bribing them.”

Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara also doubted the real intention of the House in pushing people’s initiative.

“I think they really want political amendments. They were just hiding it from the public,” Angara said.

Sen. Francis Joseph Escudero dared Cha-cha proponents to admit that they are “truly behind the fake” PI to amend the 1987 Constitution.

He described a classic case of “the pot calling the kettle black” the challenge made by House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe for senators to declare their position on Cha-cha.

“Why don’t they come out in the open, be accountable and admit to the public that they are truly the ones behind this pekeng (fake) people’s initiative instead of doing a striptease?”

Escudero asked.

He challenged Dalipe and other HoR members to admit in public that the HoR was behind the reported “tainted” signature campaign to amend the 1987 Constitution.

“At first they said, ‘we have nothing to do with that.’ Then, they later said they are mere

‘facilitator but not orchestrator.’

And now, they have the nerve to say ‘we will stop the PI if they [senators] pass RBH 6,” Escudero said in a statement.

He said he and his colleagues will bare their stand on Charter change at the proper time.

(By Bernadette E. Tamayo/ ManilaTimes.net) n

ALL RICE. Workers unload sacks of rice from a truck along Dagupan Street in Tondo, Manila on Wednesday, Feb. 7, the same day the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the country’s unemployment rate hit an almost two-decade low in December 2023. The agency said agriculture, next to construction, contributed to the gain. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

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SAN DIEGO

FEBRUARY 9-15, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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JOURNAL Lea on why ‘Miss Saigon’ ‘Firefly,’ ‘GomBurZa,’ Vilma Santos, Dingdong Dantes and Piolo remains relevant Pascual win in inaugural MIFF F E B R UA RY 9, 2 0 24

by Carlo orosa Philstar.com

WHILE waiting in excitement and anticipation for the Manila leg of “Miss Saigon” at The Theatre at Solaire, we embarked on a journey back in time with Lea Salonga, the original Kim in the timeless musical. She recently shared the profound impact the iconic role has had on her career and personal growth.

In this Philippine STAR Q&A, Lea candidly shared her memories from the musical first staged on West End in 1989 — from revelations about the love scenes to the challenges of a raked stage — as well as thoughts on the emotional depth of the “Miss Saigon” score.

As one the enduring themes of the musical amid the changing world, Lea provides some unique insights into the character of Kim and her own artistic evolution.

Below are excerpts from the e-mail interview: Looking back, what impact do you think playing the role of Kim in “Miss Saigon” had on your career and personal growth?

“Oh my goodness! The visibility the show afforded me is something I can’t ever downplay, and introduced me to a bigger, wider world as far as musical theater was concerned.

I’ll always be grateful to Celeste Legaspi (the Original Pilipino Music president at the time) for throwing my name into the ring as someone that might be well-suited for this particular endeavor. You can ask her for the exact details.

“As for my personal growth, despite the immense pressure that comes with playing the lead role in a West End and Broadway musical, perhaps I learned I was made of tougher stuff than I thought. It was a mammoth task for someone so young, but I’m

On the impact of playing Kim in ‘Miss Saigon’ on her life and career, Lea Salonga says, ‘The visibility the show afforded me is something I can’t ever downplay, and introduced me to a bigger, wider world as far as musical theater was concerned.’

Philstar.com photo

thankful for it.”

Can you share any memorable moments from your time performing in the first run of “Miss Saigon”?

“Oh boy… I do remember being a total greenhorn when it came to figuring out all the love scenes! No one was able to help me, not even my mother.

Finally, out of frustration and desperation, our director Nicholas Hytner demonstrated what he was expecting, and it clicked! No more issues after that!

“Also, that first orchestra rehearsal. Hearing the overture sent my jaw to the floor. I’ll never forget that feeling.”

How has portraying Kim influenced your approach to other roles in your career since “Miss Saigon”?

“It wasn’t portraying Kim per se, but a piece of acting

advice that came from Nick Hytner: Think it, then just do it. No overacting, nothing performative or put-on. Just be as real and truthful as possible.

That stayed with me.”

“Miss Saigon” is known for its emotional depth. How did playing Kim challenge and shape your abilities as a performer?

“It really strengthened my singing, most especially after training with renowned voice teacher Mary Hammond for almost a year (this was while I was doing the show; I set aside a day a week to have lessons with her). The technique she taught me is what I’m still using. As for the emotions, because there was so much I didn’t experience in life, I had to just fake it until I could better understand it! It worked well enough, I guess!”

Are there specific aspects of Kim’s character that have stayed with you or continue to influence your artistic choices?

“One piece of direction Nick did for the Broadway production really relayed to me that Kim was a woman that never felt sorry for herself despite the circumstances that befell her. She would abide by the choices she made, no matter how terrible. So there is a strong sense of integrity, grit, honesty, and selflessness that she possesses. She was not a simpering waif.”

Looking at the musical’s themes, do you think the messages of “Miss Saigon” have evolved or taken on new meaning since your time as Kim? “The world has changed in the last 35 years, and I would think that this would influence the actors that take on this show. But one thing seems to remain: armed conflict. Back in 1989, there was a Gulf War; when the show was first revived, Syria. And now, we’re seeing

“FIREFLY,” “Gomburza,” Vilma Santos, Dingdong Dantes and Piolo Pascual were among the big winners announced in the closing night awards gala of the successful inaugural Manila International Film Festival held Friday, February 2, at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles.

In the glittering, glamorous gala evoking Hollywood’s major awards shows, GMA Pictures’ fantasy drama “Firefly “ won four awards – Best Picture, Best Director (Zig Dulay), Best Supporting Actress (Alessandra De Rossi) and Best Screenplay (Angeli Atienza).

Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc. and MQuest Ventures, Inc.’s historical drama “GomBurZa” bagged Second Best Picture, Best Cinematography (Carlo Canlas Mendoza) and Audience Favorite Award, voted by the festival moviegoers who attended the screenings at the TLC Chinese Theatres from January 29 to February 1.

The IdeaFirst Company and October Train Films’ “Becky and Badette” was honored with the Special Jury Prize for its LGBTQIA cultural sensitivity and awareness, effectively combining these themes with humanity and humor.

Vilma Santos romped off with the Best Actress Award for her portrayal of an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) finding love in Japan in JG Productions’ “When I Met You in Tokyo.”

In a tie, Dingdong Dantes and Piolo Pascual bagged the Best Actor prize. Dantes was honored for essaying a husband hoping for a second chance and redemption in ABS-CBN Film Productions and APT Entertainment, Inc.’s “Rewind.” u PAGE 10 Pascual triumphed in his delineation of three different characters, including Father Severino Mallari, a 19th-century Filipino priest who was charged with murdering 57 people.

Alessandra De Rossi’s take of a mother inspiring and guiding her young son, especially through stories, in “Firefly” garnered Best Supporting Actress.

For his nuanced performance of God in the guise of a regular guy in “Rewind,” Pepe Herrera cinched Best Supporting Actor.

A jury of accomplished Filipino American professionals voted on the 10 awards – Marie Jamora, filmmaker (head of the jury), Mari Acevedo; CEO of Birns & Sawyer which will give a $200,000 co-producing package to “Firefly,” the Best Picture winner; Leah Anova, cinematographer; Reggie Lee, actor; David Maquiling,

Veteran actress Hilda Koronel, who received the previously announced Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Award, with actor Christopher de Leon, her costar in their iconic film, Mike de Leon’s “Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising (Moments in a Stolen Dream).”

At the inaugural Manila International Film Festival held at the Directors Guild of America in LA.

In a tie, both Piolo Pascual (left, for “Mallari) and Dingdong Dantes (“Rewind”) won Best Actor in the inaugural Manila International Film Festival held at the Directors Guild of America in LA. Photos by Sthanlee B. Mirador

Fantasy drama “Firefly “ won four awards – Best Picture, Best Director (Zig Dulay), Best Supporting Actress (Alessandra De Rossi) and Best Screenplay (Angeli Atienza) in the inaugural Manila International Film Festival held at the Directors Guild of America in LA.

filmmaker and film school educator; and Sumalee Montano, actress and producer.

Veteran actress Hilda Koronel received MIFF’s first Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Award, which was previously announced, in recognition of her outstanding work in films directed by Philippine cinema’s finest filmmakers, including the late great Lino Brocka. Actress Pinky De Leon presented the award, named after the late pioneering community leader Manibog, to Koronel.

MIFF presented Trailblazer Awards to Filipino American actor Mark Dacascos; Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., the Philippines’ Secretary of the Interior and Local Government; and Romando “Don” Artes, overall chairman of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Rochelle Ona, MMFF executive director, received MIFF’s award of recognition.

The hosts, presenters and performers included Kaladkaren, Eisel Serrano, Mark Dacascos, Janella Salvador, Piolo Pascual, Alden Richards, Eugene Domingo, Dingdong Dantes, Dessa, Janice Javier, Troy Laureta, Lisa Lew, Winston Emano, Janet Nepales and Ruben Nepales The 10 films that debuted in America at the MIFF were entries in last December’s MMFF, the

“Becky and Badette” was honored with the Special Jury Prize for its LGBTQIA cultural sensitivity and awareness, effectively combining these themes with humanity and humor. The film’s actress Eugene Domingo and producer Perci Intalan accepted the award at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival held at the Directors Guild of America in LA.

Historical drama “GomBurZa,” directed by Pepe Diokno (second from right) bagged Second Best Picture, Best Cinematography (Carlo Canlas Mendoza, right) and Audience Favorite Award, voted by the festival moviegoers who attended the screenings at the TLC Chinese Theatres from January 29 to February 1. At the inaugural Manila International Film Festival held at the Directors Guild of America in LA.

most successful, box office-wise, in MMFF’s almost half a century of existence.

At the MIFF screenings in Hollywood, many of these movies were shown to sold-out or packed theaters: Jun Robles Lana’s “Becky and Badette,” starring Eugene Domingo and Pokwang; Lemuel C. Lorca’s “Broken Heart’s Trip” (Christian Bables); Nuel Naval’s “Family of Two (A Mother and Son Story)” (Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards); Zig Dulay’s “Firefly” (Alessandra De Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell); Pepe Diokno’s “GomBurZa” (Enchong Dee, Dante Rivero and Cedrick Juan); King Palisoc’s “(K) Ampon” (Beauty Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay); Derick Cabrido’s “Mallari” (Piolo Pascual and Janella Salvador); Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Penduko” (Matteo Guidicelli and Kylie Verzosa); Mae Cruz-Alviar’s “Rewind” (Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes); and Conrado Peru, Rommel Penesa and Christopher de Leon’s “When I Met You in Tokyo” (Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon).

Other talents who flew from Manila to introduce their films, participate in after-screening Q and As and informative and fruitful panels conducted throughout the five-day festival were John Arcilla, the first Filipino actor to win the Volpi Cup for best actor in the 2021 Venice Film Festival (for Erik Matti’s “On the Job: The Missing 8”), Cedrick Juan, Enchong Dee, Beauty Gonzalez, Ysabel Ortega, Christian Bables, Marvin Yap and Christopher de Leon.

Key figures from Manila included Film Development Council of the Philippines’ (FDCP) Tirso Cruz III and Jose Javier Reyes, chairman and consultant, respectively; Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, actress and MMFF executive committee member; and Noel Ferrer, MMFF spokesperson. Metro Manila mayors, who were in Los Angeles for a study tour, also graced the gala.

MIFF, the first and biggest celebration of Philippine cinema in the U.S., highlighted by the largest gathering of Filipino and Filipino American stars and filmmakers, was a huge undertaking organized by the LA-based MIFF founders – Omen Ortiz, chairman; Ebradu Udarbe, president; Lisa Lew, executive producer; Ruben Nepales and Janet Nepales, media relations consultants; and Celia Abaya Dy, ticketing manager.

Also on the MIFF team who went all out to make the historic festival happen are Leo Dela Cruz, chief financial officer; Erickson Ilog, chief operations officer; Ron Ramores, chief marketing officer; Meriden Angeles, coordinating producer; and Winston Emano, consulting producer.

MIFF, hailed for championing and showcasing Filipino cinema in the United States and beyond, thanks its sponsors and volunteers for helping make that possible. More information at www.manilainternationalfilmfest. com. n

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Solving your IRS problems New county report to address Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon READ this if you owe the IRS money and can’t pay.

IRS problems have a way of ruining all aspects of your life. They take a toll on you FINANCIALLY, PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY. They’re there when you go to bed at night and they’re there when you wake up in the morning.

The IRS is relentless and is the WORST CREDITOR you can have.

People with IRS Problems are always looking over their shoulders for the IRS. Once you owe the IRS money, they become very aggressive in their collection attempts. They can: (a) take all the money you have in your bank account through a BANK LEVY; (b) Serve your employer a WAGE GARNISHMENT order; (c) Take your assets and sell them at an auction; and (d) File a federal tax lien against your home.

If you own a small business, PAYROLL TAXES are the worst. The IRS can close your business, sell your assets and hold you PERSONALLY LIABLE for the unpaid taxes.

The IRS leaves no stone unturned in its never-ending quest to collect taxes. Imagine having the IRS attack your pension, Retirement or Social Security Check!

Taxpayers with IRS problems can never build up retirement funds or assets. When you have IRS problems, there is NO END

IN SIGHT! You get up every day with this incredibly large problem on your shoulders.

You wonder if today might be the day when the IRS shows up at work, at home, or if they decide to take your money in the bank or your paycheck. This is a HUGE BURDEN TO CARRY EVERY DAY! SOLUTION: Are there ways out of IRS problems? Yes, there are. But you must make the decision to end them and no one else can decide that for you.

When you decide that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH and you want the things that everyone else has and YOU’RE READY TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, there are options available to you!

1) You may qualify for tax debt forgiveness depending on what the IRS sees as your “reasonable collection potential.”

This takes into account assets, property, and your income.

2) You may qualify for CNC or “currently not collectible status.” If you have no money to pay now because you are unemployed or have limited income, the IRS may leave you alone until your situation gets better.

3) You may qualify for an installment agreement to pay based only on what you can afford to pay. In some situations, you may not even have to pay the full amount.

4) You may qualify for penalty abatement. Did you know that in some cases, a big chunk of what you owe is due to penalties? By having some of the penalties waived, your tax debt could be reduced significantly.

5) Are you a non-filer? Do you have multiple years of unfiled returns and are afraid

to face the IRS? By voluntarily admitting that you have failed to file your returns for years, the IRS can be less forgiving and allow you to get back on track.

Remember, it is not a crime to owe taxes. But it is against the law to willfully evade taxes by not filing a tax return when required.

The above scenarios are typical, and I see them every day.

My office specializes in ending the misery of debt problems, including IRS problems. We do all the talking with the IRS. We will handle all the meetings and correspondences with the IRS. We will keep the IRS away from you and your family so that you can go to work and carry on a normal life.

Your IRS problems will not go away by themselves. Let us help you understand your options in ending your IRS nightmare!

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

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. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray J. Bulaon has successfully helped over 6,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-471-8272.

(Advertising Supplement)

Nadine offers first date tips ahead of Valentine’s Day

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

Nadine Lustre

Philstar.com photo

THE pressure of going out on a date reaches its boiling point during one particular day, Valentine’s Day, which is slowly creeping up.

Luckily, actress Nadine Lustre has some tips for individuals going out on their first dates, and it’s simply by managing expectations.

“Just enjoy it. This is coming from friends’ experiences who get disappointed on a first date,” Nadine said.

“If you’re newly dating, this is

my advice: Don’t expect anything on the first date, just enjoy and be yourself,” she added.

In the same interview, Nadine shared some of her secrets to creating “slay” portraits and photographs.

“I guess, I love storytelling.

I love it when my subjects or portraits have a story to tell,” Nadine explained.

With such direction, Nadine said she’s able to share it better when showing such images to friends, family, and loved ones.

“Mayroong maliit na story, it’s just really nice to have,” the actress ended. n

Dominic Roque defends ex-fiance Bea Alonzo

by Christina alPad ManilaTimes.net

DOMINIC Roque defended his former fiancé, Bea Alonzo, against the negative comments since the announcement of their breakup.

“Bea’s a beautiful person inside and out... no hate/bashing/negative things please...”

Roque wrote as he re-shared an old video greeting for Alonzo on his Facebook page, @ DominicRoque2020.

It’s also the first time that Roque made a statement of any kind since TV host Boy Abunda revealed on February 6 that the couple split and that Alonzo has returned the engagement ring to Roque.

Abunda cited “good sources” who said that Bea and Dominic were “talking to each other, trying to understand each other.”

But, Abunda said, “they’re going through a rough patch.”

Since then, netizens have been posting speculations about the real reason behind the breakup — from alleged disagreement on prenup agreement to supposedly a flaw on the actress due to her past unsuccessful relationships.

Friends have defended Alonzo, including Abunda himself who reminded people, “Yes, you and I have the right to express our opinions.

Yes, we have freedom of speech, but I urge for compassion. As far as I’m aware, to be frank, Bea

Dominic Roque defends his ex-fiancee Bea Alonzo against negative comments about their break up. In his Facebook page, Roque said Alonzon was a ‘good person inside and out.’ Television host Boy Abunda confirmed the separation of the couple although no reason was given.

Photo from Instagram/@dominicroque

is keen on salvaging this relationship. Bea wants it to succeed,” Alonzo has yet to post a statement. As of posting time, both Roque and Alonzo have not yet deleted their couple photos and still follow each other’s Instagram accounts — the usual gauge followers use to confirm if a couple has parted ways. n

Lea on why ‘Miss Saigon’...

PAGE 8 horrible things happening in Ukraine and Gaza, so there isn’t a generation that’s been shielded from how terrifying the world can be. There’s much to draw from this sort of trauma. So the show has remained relevant, if only to illustrate how innocent people are affected by war.”

As the original Kim, you set a benchmark for the role. How do you reflect on the impact your portrayal had on subsequent productions of “Miss Saigon”?

“I try not to think about it! Actually, I feel like I need to apologize to every actor that gets to play this role because it’s SO HARD! Hahahahahahaha!”

Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories or challenges you faced while originating the role of Kim? “One big challenge for every member of the company in the early days was performing on a raked stage. And back then, the incline of the stage was set to whatever the highest allowable limit was. It made the scenery look incredible, but it wreaked havoc on our backs, hips, knees, ankles (I don’t know how many times I’ve sprained myself). I always stood on top of a tilted stage, which really isn’t normal. Thankfully none of the current companies have to experience this anymore!”

“Miss Saigon’s” score is powerful. Are there songs from the musical that hold a special place in your heart, and why?

“Sun and Moon will probably be the crowning jewel in a show filled with incredible songs, because it’s the first one I learned. However, I’d Give my Life for You took on new meaning when I became a mom. The song exploded in my heart from then on.”

In what ways do you believe your experience as Kim has contributed to your growth as an artist and advocate in the industry?

“Let’s see… you learn how to advocate for yourself… you learn what your limits are… you have to learn empathy for anyone whose life experiences are so far removed from your own… and you learn what you’re made of, mentally, emotionally, artistically and physically. Doing musical theater is challenging.”

Any plans of coming home for the Manila run?

“Nope, I have outstanding commitments that clash with the run, and motherhood duties to fulfill.”

What are your plans for 2024 that you can share?

“Nothing beyond singing with the Tabernacle Choir this February at MOA Arena… everything else that can be spoken about should be on my calendar on my website.” n

inequity in the region

JOBS and finances, food systems, health, and housing – data shows these areas have some of the largest equity gaps in the San Diego region.

The Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ) released the county’s first Equity Indicators Report on Wednesday, February 7.

The report comes in the wake of the county’s declaration of racism as a public health crisis in January 2021.

Many residents in San Diego County face oppression due to their race and ethnicity, gender, immigration status, disability, class and where they live. These residents suffer from inequities and racial disparities in ways that affect their health, safety, education, and wealth throughout their lifetimes.

The report clarifies where help is needed most so the county and other regional providers can identify spending priorities in the future as well as provide residents with data to assist in advocating for their communities.

The data will be updated annually to measure collective progress towards improving the quality of life for everyone.

“It’s no secret that inequities exist in the region, but this report outlines where the problems are the greatest,” said OERJ Director Andrew Strong.

“We have numbers that will help us, as a region, create solutions to address these issues and make changes that benefit all of us.”

Researchers collected data and insights from County departments, community groups, stakeholders, regional and state data sources and the U.S. Census Bureau to compile 34 indicators across ten general themes.

With data from 2019-2022, some of the starkest differences are below: • Jobs and finances: – 27% of people with disabilities were in the workforce versus 72% of non-disabled people.

Black or African American and disabled people had the lowest employment rates of those in the workforce.

– Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino,

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, some other race people, disabled residents and immigrants were more likely to be below 200% of the federal poverty level than other county residents.

– Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino, and Black or African American children experienced poverty at more than twice the rate of White children in San Diego County.

– About 36% of residents did not make a selfsufficient wage.

• Food systems: – Black or African American people were more than three times as likely to be enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, called CalFresh in California) for food benefits than White people and twice as likely as county residents overall.

– Data from 2019 show many areas of the County had few or very few grocery stores.

• Health: – Low birthweight was twice as common among births to Black or African American mothers compared to White mothers.

– There was a 9.8-year gap between the lowest and highest life expectancies by race.

– Over a quarter of census tracts in San Diego County experienced either a mental health, dental, or primary care shortage.

– American Indian or Alaska Natives were five times more likely to be uninsured, Hispanic or Latinos more than three times more likely, and Black or African Americans were twice more likely compared to White residents.

• Housing: – White and Asian households were twice as likely to own their home compared to Black or African American residents.

– About 38% of households were cost-burdened.

Black or African American households were more likely to spend more than half of their income toward housing compared to other households.

– The City of San Diego, Oceanside, Chula Vista, and El Cajon had the greatest percentage of people

u PAGE 10

County Supervisors approve gun violence reduction work plan

THE County Board of Supervisors approved a work plan to reduce gun violence activities in San Diego County.

The Board voted to receive the Gun Violence Reduction Work Plan, using recommendations from the Gun Violence Community Needs Assessment Final Report authored by Health Assessment and Research for Communities.

The plan includes 17 actions for the county to take to protect against and prevent firearmrelated violence. The Board also approved a staff position

to coordinate gun violence reduction activities and authorized the submission of grant applications.

The report focuses on populations most impacted by firearm-related deaths, injuries, and crimes, including race, age and gender. As stated in the report, between 2017-22, over 70% of firearm-related deaths in San Diego County were suicides and over 28% were homicides. One in five firearmrelated deaths were veterans, 93.3% of that group died by suicide.

Recommendations in the report focused on services that support violence prevention and intervention programs, including communities at highest risk for violence, domestic and intimate partner violence and outreach programs.

The report also highlights the need for mental health care, youth mentorship programs, strict enforcement for crimes, background checks and funding for community-based organizations.

u PAGE 10

10 FEBRUARY 9-15, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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146 ballot drop boxes open for March presidential primary election

STARTING Tuesday, Feb. 6, registered voters can return their mail ballot for the March Presidential Primary Election to any one of 146 official ballot drop boxes located around the county.

Mail ballots for the county’s 1.9 million registered voters were expected to arrive this week.

What do the Registrar’s official ballot drop boxes look like?

The Registrar’s official ballot drop boxes are red, white and blue and feature the Registrar’s logo along with the county seal. All boxes are labeled “Official Ballot Drop Box” and made from high grade, heavy gauge stainless steel.

Each official ballot drop box is designed to prevent physical damage and unauthorized access to mail ballots. The boxes feature double-locking access doors, anti-pry door jambs and other antitheft construction measures. The Registrar’s ballot retrieval team is responsible for collecting ballots inside the box.

How do I return my ballot to an official ballot drop box?

Mark your ballot, seal your completed ballot inside your return envelope, date and sign your name on the return envelope, and return it in the mail or to one of the Registrar’s official ballot drop boxes around the county. Remember, your signature is required for your vote to count.

Out of the 146 official ballot drop boxes, 103 are located outdoors and are open 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on the final day of voting, March 5.

Forty-three are located indoors and only available when the facility is open. Check the location list (https://www.sdvote.com/content/rov/en/elections/ballot-drop-box-locations.html/) or the locator tool f(https://gis-portal.sandiegocounty.gov/ arcgis/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=fbded9f5d4914d45b2b5f7b5391348a2) or each facility’s hours of operation before heading out to return your ballot.

On the final day of voting, March 5, all of the Registrar’s official ballot drop box locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

How do I vote in person?

Early voting began Monday, February 5 at the Registrar of Voters office located on the County Operations Center campus in Kearny Mesa. Hours

A view of Pechanga Resort Casino’s hotel towers, the Cove pool complex and a portion of The Journey at Pechanga golf course.

Photos courtesy of Pechanga/iGraphix

Official ballot drop box located outside of the North Park Library.

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

However, the Registrar’s office will be closed Monday, Feb. 19 in observance of Presidents Day. Due to major construction at the County Operations Center, those who wish to visit the Registrar’s office are encouraged to allow for extra time to find parking.

If you prefer to vote in-person, 39 vote centers will open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Saturday, Feb. 24.

On Saturday, March 2, an additional 179 vote centers will open for a total of 218. The locations will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 4. On the final day of voting, March 5, all vote centers and official ballot drop boxes will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Avoid long lines by taking advantage of the early voting. You have the option of casting your ballot at any vote center around the county.

You can find an official ballot drop box or vote center near you inside your voter information pamphlet, or you can look it up online at sdvote. com.

If you plan to vote for president, the Registrar urges voters to review each political party’s rules.

Learn more about voting in the March presidential primary at sdvote.com, or call (858) 565-5800 or toll free at (800) 696-0136.

(Tracy DeFore/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

County Supervisors approve gun...

PAGE 9 Hearing

from

collaborating with the the needs assessment project. and community was at the center of A Gun Violence Reduction Community Advisory Group was formed to provide input and feedback to help assess community needs.

Health Assessment and Research for Communities organized networking events with community organizations with diverse backgrounds to work together. In addition to collaborating with the advisory group, study authors conducted surveys and hosted a dozen virtual and in-person listening sessions and community forums.

The Board directed that an annual report be prepared on gun violence in San Diego County. County staff will return to the board in early 2025 with an initial update on actions to implement the work plan.

To learn more about the report, visit https://engage. sandiegocounty.gov/gvrp.

(Shauni Lyles/County of San Diego Communications Office)

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

Pechanga Resort Casino ushers in two major awards within one week Pechanga Wins #1 Best Casino from Newsweek & presents the ‘Athlete on Another Level’ award at star-studded Unforgettable Gala

WHEN you consider there are approximately 2,000 casinos across the United States, including those in Las Vegas and New Jersey, the competition stacks up high. Pechanga Resort Casino, located just outside of Temecula, Calif. was just named the #1 casino outside of Las Vegas by the readers of Newsweek magazine. The national publication asked readers to rank their top 10 non-Vegas casino in an online poll. The competition included gaming venues in established areas such as Reno, Nev., the South, Southeast, Pacific Northwest and others in Southern California. At the end of the month-long voting period, Pechanga came out the decisive winner.

Guests say they love coming to Pechanga Resort Casino for a whole host of reasons including its completely non-smoking casino/resort, the approachable luxury they find in the hotel rooms, the quality of the food at Pechanga’s 12 restaurants, the excitement of the 24-hour casino, and the many amenities to enjoy such as The Cove pool oasis, Journey at Pechanga golf course, Spa Pechanga and more.

“Awards such as Newsweek’s prove a testament to the quality and service our team at Pechanga Resort Casino strives to deliver to our guests every day,” said Ken Perez, President of the Pechanga Development Corporation.

“We’re grateful to everyone who voted and showed their support for us.”

Readers of the Orange County Register also voted Pechanga Resort Casino as their favorite casino during a readers’ poll held during the late summer 2023.

Ahead of winning the #1 Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas Award, Pechanga Resort Casino sponsored the growing and star-studded Unforgettable Gala held at the Beverly Hilton in mid-December. Pechanga has been the exclusive gaming sponsor for the Unforgettable Gala since 2013. Presented by Character Media, the awards event is attended by more than 700 API professionals and highprofile personalities.

LPGA golfer Alison Lee gives a speech after being announced as the winner of the Athlete On Another Level award presented by Pechanga Resort Casino.

Former LPGA professional golfer Michelle Wie West and Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim announces the winner of the Athlete On Another Level award presented by Pechanga Resort Casino.

Pechanga has been presenting the Athlete On Another Level Award to exceptional athletes within the Asian and Pacific Islander community since 2018.

Athletes who show outstanding performance in sports fields and arenas while overcoming adversities receive nominations and ultimately one is chosen to win the prestigious award.

This year, Alison Lee, a professional LPGA golfer, was awarded the Pechanga Athlete On Another Level Award.

Chloe Kim, an Olympic gold medalist in snowboarding and the recipient of the award in 2022, and Michelle Wie West, a former LPGA Tour Player, presented the award to Alison.

The athletes who have received the award in the past include Naomi Osaka, Kevin Na, and Shohei Ohtani.

Pechanga Resort Casino

offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the country. Voted the best casino in the West by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property

by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 5,500 of the hottest slots, 152 table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features an unparalleled in California. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com.

Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.

(Advertising Supplement)

New county report to address...

PAGE 9 experiencing homelessness in 2022.

The equity report also includes statistics on early childhood development, education, communities and civic life, infrastructure, parks and natural resources, crime and the legal system.

The county established the OERJ in 2020 to help San Diegans of every race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability and other identities reach their full potential.

The Office of Evaluation, Performance, and Analytics (OEPA) was created one year later. OEPA aims to improve quality of life for people in San

Diego County by supporting County decisions through robust data and evidence.

OERJ and OEPA worked with the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center to create the report.

You can read the entire report on the OERJ website (https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/ content/sdc/cao/oerj/what-we-do/equityindicators.html) or the County’s Data Portal (https://data.sandiegocounty.gov/stories/s/7itskgpt).

(Tracy DeFore/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

LEGAL SERVICES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002905

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002352

Thanh Tinh Chay Restaurant located at 4591 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115.

Registrant: Helen Green Inc, 4591 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115.

This business is conducted

by An Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/06/2024.

Signature: Thanh Nong.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/29/2024.

AJ 1346 02/09, 02/16, 02/23, and 03/01/2024

Tiny Homes For Me located at 5021 Capehart St, San Diego, CA 92117.

Registrant: JETGO LLC, 5021 Capehart St, San Diego, CA 92117.

This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.

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

Signature: Jetarut Bunditwong.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/31/2024.

AJ 1347 02/09, 02/16, 02/23, and 03/01/2024.

AJSD 1346

AJSD 1347

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

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 9-15, 2024

LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

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

CASE NUMBER: 37-2024-00004036-CU-PT-CTL

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000753

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AJSD 1326

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000445

Seafood Bros located at 105 W 35th St #L, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Frescos LLC, 2305 Historic Decatur Rd #100, San Diego, CA 92106.

This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 0408/2022.

Signature: Eduardo Casillas.

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

AJ 1334 01/26, 02/02, 02/09, and 02/16/2024.

AJSD 1334

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002319

My Way Trucking at 42502 Royal Saint James Dr, El Cajon, CA 92019.

Registrant: Sameer S. Rizko, 42502 Royal Saint James Dr, El Cajon, CA 92019.

This business is conducted

by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/01/2017.

Signature: Sameer S. Rizko.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/31/2024.

AJ 1340 02/02, 02/09, 02/16, and 02/23/2024.

AJSD 1340

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AJSD 1327

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001913

New Bay Terrace Board & Care located at 6191 Parkside Ave, San Diego, CA 92139.

Registrant: Honesto Aguinaldo, 6191 Parkside Ave, San Diego, CA 92139.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/24/2012.

Signature: Honesto Aguinaldo.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/25/2024.

AJ 1335 02/02, 02/09, 02/16, and 02/23/2024.

AJSD 1335

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001821

E3J Construction And Electric located at 1543 Max Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: E3J Group INC, 1454 Melrose Ave Ste 1-252, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by A Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Joy Pizarro Estrelon.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/24/2024.

AJ 1342 02/09, 02/16, 02/23, and 03/01/2024.

AJSD 1342

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Dion Amaru Cook filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Dion Amaru Cook to Dion Amaru Araya.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 03/14/2024 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: JAN 30, 2024 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Maureen F. Hallahan Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1341 02/09, 02/16, 02/23, and 03/01/2024 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AJSD 1341

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000863

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

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

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

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

Signature: Francesca Penoncelli.

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

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

AJSD 1323

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000880

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

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

This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.

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

Signature: Nicholas Escalona.

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

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

AJSD 1328

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001297

Lorenas Massage located at 8312 Lake Murray Blvd, Suite K, San Diego, CA 92119.

Registrant: Lorena Alvarez, 8312 Lake Murray Blvd, Suite K, San Diego, CA 92119.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/30/2006.

Signature: Lorena Alvarez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/18/2024.

AJ 1331 01/26, 02/02, 02/09, and 02/16/2024.

AJSD 1331

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001659

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001660

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

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

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature:Rusel D Basco.

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

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

AJSD 1324

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001017

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

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

This business is conducted

by An individual.

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

Signature: Xochitl Lopez.

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

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

AJSD 1329

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001576

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

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

This business is conducted

by An Individual.

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

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

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001051

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000459

AJSD 1337

AJSD 1338

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002673

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002679

AJSD 1344

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9024576

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002121

AJSD 1332

VIP Massage located at 9923 Campo Rd. Ste A, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME REFERRED TO ABOVE WAS FILED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY ON: 08/18/2021, and assigned File no. 2021-9018238 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Dirk Langer, 9923 Campo Rd. Ste A, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

This Business is Conducted by: An Individual Signature: Dirk Langer.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/23/2024.

AJ 1336 02/02, 02/09, 02/16, and 02/23/2024.

AJSD 1336

AJSD 1343

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

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

by A General Partnership.

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

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

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

AJSD 1325

Fincarp Builders located at 1975 Bucknell St, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

Registrant: Alejandro B. Mendez, 1975 Bucknell St, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

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

Signature: Alejandro B. Mendez.

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

AJ 1333 01/26, 02/02, 02/09, and 02/16/2024.

Global Visioneers at 406 Milagrosa Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: Sanja Yizhen Jing, 406 Milagrosa Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/29/2024.

Signature: Sanja Yizhen Jing.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/29/2024.

AJ 1338 02/02, 02/09, 02/16, and 02/23/2024.

Modestly Her located at 4611 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105.

Registrant: Khadija Qumane, 4611 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/30/2023.

Signature: Khadija Qumane.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/05/2024.

AJ 1344 02/09, 02/16, 02/23, and 03/01/2024.

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

RB Blessful Care Assistance located at 10041 Zapata Ave, San Diego, CA 92126.

Registrant: Johanna Villanueva Punsalan, 10041 Zapata Ave, San Diego, CA 92126.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/22/2024.

Signature: Johanna Villanueva Punsalan.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/22/2024.

AJ 1332 01/26, 02/02, 02/09, and 02/16/2024.

VIP Massage located at 9923 Campo Rd. Ste A, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

Registrant: Danny To, 9923 Campo Rd. Ste A, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/23/2024.

Signature: Danny To. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/23/2024.

AJ 1337 02/02, 02/09, 02/16, and 02/23/2024.

Dent Fix located at 4252 40th Streets, San Diego, CA 92105.

Registrant: Ismael Venegas Paco, 1451 S 45th Apt 203, San Diego, CA 92113.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/05/2016.

Signature: Ismael Venegas Paco.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/05/2024.

AJ 1343 02/09, 02/16, 02/23, and 03/01/2024.

11

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002117

Baddie Tooth Gems located at 2667 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108.

Registrant: Mina Adelaida Mendoza, 1160 Hollister St. Apt 6, San Diego, CA 92154.

This business is conducted

by An Individual.

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

Signature: Mina Mendoza.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/29/2024.

AJ 1345 02/09, 02/16, 02/23, and 03/01/2024.

AJSD 1345

AJSD 1333

Bamboo Spa & Massage at 5276 Baltimore Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942.

Registrant: Wangcassidy INC, 18289 Bunny Dr, Jamul, CA 91935.

This business is conducted by A Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Xue Wang.

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

AJ 1339 02/02, 02/09, 02/16, and 02/23/2024.

AJSD 1339

12 FEBRUARY 9-15, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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