021523 - Southern California Midweek Edition

BARELY three weeks after the start of this year’s tax filing season, the IRS had received 19 million tax returns, processed 16.8 million of them, and issued eight million refunds each averaging $1,963.

The message – IRS Deputy Commissioner Kevin Moorehead told reporters on an Ethnic Media Services conference call last week – is file your returns sooner rather than later, and do it electronically. Ask that refunds be wired directly into your bank account. The IRS turnaround time will be a lot faster.

The reason is that the Inflation Reduction Act put $80 billion in the IRS bank account to hire 5,000 more telephone assisters and to add more Taxpayer Assistance Centers around the country where you can go for free help to file your taxes.

“We expect more than 168,000,000 individual tax returns to be filed, with the vast majority of those coming in before April 18, the tax deadline date,” Moorehead said.

Although refunds are expected to be somewhat smaller this year because the COVID economic impact payments have ended, Moorehead advised people to file a

Marcos: EDCA sites won’t raise tensions

by BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said the Philippines will see to it that giving the United States military access to four new bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) will not be seen as a "provocation" that could further heighten tension in the South China Sea.

The President was reacting to growing concerns that allowing the expansion of US military presence

in the country will not sit well with other countries, particularly China, which have staked claims in the disputed waterway.

"It's a valid concern. And it's something that we have to pay attention to, that we do not be seen as... anything that we do will not be seen as provocative to anyone," the President said in a chance interview Sunday, February 12. Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines are claiming parts of the South China Sea, believed to be rich in gas and mineral resources.

China, however, insists that practically all of the South China Sea is part of its territory. Marcos said he has always been for maintaining peace in the region, and will avoid moves that will disrupt that peace. He said the additional EDCA sites "will not have the opposite effect from what we want, which is to make the tensions [in the South China Sea] even higher." He refused to identify the new sites, saying they are still under study.

"I think when I get back I will have a command  PAGE 2

by DANIZA FERNANDEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian met to strategize on Tuesday on how best to settle the maritime disputes between the two nations.

The high-level meeting between the two officials was held as a response to an incident in which a China Coast Guard ship fired a laser beam at a Philippine Coast Guard vessel near the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, causing temporary vision impairment to some of the PCG crew.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila issued a statement saying, “Both parties discussed how to actualize the consensus formed by the two heads of state, increase dialogue and communication, and thoughtfully manage maritime differences between China and the Philippines.”

Marcos summoned Huang to air his “serious concern” over the actions of China against the PCG and Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.

CHINA’S harassment of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel using a “military-grade” laser is “provocative and unsafe,” the United States (US) said on Tuesday, February 14.

The PCG reported that a Chinese Coast Guard ship directed a “military-grade” laser at one of its vessels as it was supporting a Philippine Navy rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal, also called Second Thomas Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea on February 6.

The laser caused temporary blindness to the PCG crew members.

“The PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) conduct was provocative and unsafe, resulting in the temporary blindness of the crewmembers of the BRP Malapascua and interfering with the Philippines’ lawful operations in and around Second Thomas Shoal,” US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement.

PH eyes tripartite pact with US, Japan

by BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines is considering a tripartite agreement with its two close allies, the United States and Japan, amid the "dangerous situations" the country faces, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said.

Interviewed by Japan's Kyodo News on Friday, Febryary 10, the President said one of the "many other issues" raised by the Philippine delegation during his visit to Tokyo was creating alliances with its longtime partners. "It is something that we certainly are going to be studying upon my return to the

Philippines. I think just part of the continuing process of strengthening our alliances because in this rather confusing," he said.

Marcos mentioned "dangerous situations" threatening the country.

"I'm not talking only about the South China Sea, I'm not only talking about the Indo-Pacific region but, of course, there is a conflict still ongoing in Ukraine and the rather disturbing effects that it has all around the world," he said.

Forging alliances is "a central element to ... providing some sort of stability in the face of all these problems that we are seeing us," Marcos said.

The President and Japanese Prime

by MAYEN JAYMALIN Philstar.com

MANILA — Despite the huge demand for healthcare workers (HCWs) abroad, the local recruitment industry on Monday, Februaary 12 reported a downtrend in the number of Filipinos opting for a nursing degree. Recruitment leader Lito Soriano observed that fewer Filipino youth are now enrolling in nursing schools because of the prevailing cap in the deployment of HCWs abroad.

Soriano, who owns an agency deploying health workers to Saudi Arabia, said there has been a decline in the number of

nurses applying to work since the pandemic as a result of the deployment cap.

“We have been posting on social media job vacancies offering good salaries and numerous benefits for registered nurses, but we have few applicants,” Soriano disclosed.

According to Soriano, there are few applicants because the country is also producing fewer nursing graduates.

Soriano said young Filipinos are discouraged from taking up nursing because of the belief that the deployment cap limits their chances of working abroad.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the government set an

MANILA — More Filipinos — 75% of those surveyed — told pollster SWS in December that they are satisfied with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr's performance as chief executive.

According to a release by SWS, this was up from 71% in an October survey, bringing net satisfaction with the second Marcos administration to +68. In the previous survey, net satisfaction was at +63.

Respondents who were undecided fell to 18% from 21% while those who said they were dissatisfied went to 7% from 8%.

Marcos got the highest net satisfaction in Mindanao at +72 (excellent) but got 'very good' ratings in Metro Manila (+65), Balance Luzon (+60) and the Visayas (+67). Satisfaction with the president's performance was higher in rural areas at an 'excellent' +74 against a 'very good' +62 in the cities.

Ratings were an 'excellent' +73   among respondents aged 2534, followed by +71 among 35-44-year olds. The lowest rating, still a 'very good' +64 was among respondents who were 55 or older.

‘FOREVER’. San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora (in rostrum) officiates a mass wedding at the San Juan City Gym

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo

Marcos: EDCA sites won’t raise...

conference and we will decide once and for all. And we'll announce [the specific details]. But [it will not] take too long," he said.

In a statement on February 2, after US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III finalized arrangements

to set up four more EDCA sites, the Chinese embassy in Manila said the US' military posture in the region escalates tension and undermine regional peace and stability.

It said that Washington, "out of its self interests and zero-sum game mentality, continues to step

up military posture in this region."

Austin "smeared China on the issue of South China Sea to advance the anti-China political agenda of the US," the embassy said. "Such moves contradict the common aspiration of regional countries to seek peace, cooperation and development." g

Marcos, Chinese envoy discuss sea rift after...

The Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest following the Ayungin Shoal incident.

China, however, asserted that

the Philippines intruded into Chinese territory (Ren’ai Reef), and hence took action.

The Philippines has sovereign rights in the West Philippine

Sea, based on the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling. China, however, refuses to recognize the court’s verdict. g

China’s harassment of PH Coast Guard using...

“More broadly, the PRC’s dangerous operational behavior directly threatens regional peace and stability, infringes upon freedom of navigation in the South China Sea as guaranteed under international law, and undermines the rules-based international order,” he added.

Citing the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling, Price said that China has “no lawful maritime claims” to Ayungin Shoal.

The ruling invalidated China’s nine-dash line claim in the South

China Sea and said that the Philippines has sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

The US called on China to abide by the ruling and the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention.

The western country also said that it stands with its ally, the Philippines.

“The United States stands with our Philippine allies in upholding the rules-based international maritime order and reaffirms an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft, including those of the Coast Guard in the South

China Sea, would invoke U.S. mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 U.S. Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty,” Price said. China, meanwhile, claimed that the Philippines intruded into their territory, the Ren’ai Reef. Hence, illuminating the laser against the PCG vessel.

From 2016 to January 26 this year, the Philippines lodged 461 diplomatic protests against China’s intrusion and harassment in the West Philippine Sea. (Daniza Fernandez/Inquirer.net)

Fewer Pinoys taking up...

annual deployment cap of 7,500 for HCWs to ensure a sufficient supply of nurses in the country.

Citing data from the Professional Regulation Commission, Soriano said a total of 48,686 nursing graduates

passed the licensure examination from 2016 to 2022.

The figure he said is insufficient to fill the huge demand for HCWs in the United States, United Kingdom and other European countries.

To curb the downtrend,

PH eyes tripartite pact with...

Minister Fumio Kishida earlier agreed to beef up Manila and Tokyo's defense and security relations.

The Japanese Embassy in Manila said in a statement Marcos and Kishida have "concurred to advance consideration to promote cooperation in defense equipment and technology as well as trilateral cooperation among Japan, the United States and the Philippines."

In a joint statement on Friday, February 10, the two leaders resolved to "increase the defense capabilities of their own countries, and further strengthen overall security cooperation."

This will entail strategic reciprocal port calls and aircraft visits, the transfer of more defense equipment and technology, continuous cooperation on previously-transferred defense equipment, and capacity building, the embassy said.

Sen. Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, chairman of the Committee on Defense and Security, acknowledged that the proposed trilateral alliance is rooted in mutually beneficial partnerships.

However, he pointed out that the government must first ensure the responsibility of protecting and promoting the country's national interest.

Sen. Francis Tolentino, vice chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, said the Senate should be given the opportunity to fine-tune the dynamics of such an arrangement while recognizing the role of the president in setting the country's security and foreign relations agenda.

"While this is not a Seato (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization)a-like structure, I support its genesis," he said in a statement, referring to the group created in 1955 to thwart communist gains in the region but was dissolved in 1977 due to

Soriano urged the government to raise or totally lift the deployment cap. Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople previously reported that the government is currently studying the possibility of raising the deployment cap for HCWs. g

withdrawals and waning interest of members.

Marcos and Kishida also welcomed the signing of the terms of reference concerning the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Activities of the Japan Self-Defense Forces in the Philippines, and agreed to continue finding ways to carry out joint exercises between their countries.

They also agreed to further advance cooperation in economic security, cybersecurity and other fields.

Kishida said Japan intends to continue supporting the institution of an autonomous government in Bangsamoro in ways commensurate to the peace process, and to extend cooperation in the Sulu–Celebes Seas and the surrounding areas. Marcos expressed his deep appreciation for Japan's continued support to the Mindanao peace process. g

Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard

Era of ‘free’ COVID vaccines, test kits, and treatments is ending. Who will pay the tab now?

by Julie Appleby Ethnic Media Services

TIME is running out for freeto-consumer COVID vaccines, at-home test kits, and even some treatments.

The White House announced this month that the national public health emergency, first declared in early 2020 in response to the pandemic, is set to expire May 11. When it ends, so will many of the policies designed to combat the virus’s spread.

Take vaccines. Until now, the federal government has been purchasing COVID-19 shots.

It recently bought 105 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent booster for about $30.48 a dose, and 66 million doses of Moderna’s version for $26.36 a dose. (These are among the companies that developed the first COVID vaccines sold in the United States.)

People will be able to get these vaccines at low or no cost as long as the government-purchased supplies last. But even before the end date for the public emergency was set, Congress opted not to provide more money to increase the government’s dwindling stockpile. As a result, Pfizer and Moderna were already planning their moves into the

commercial market. Both have indicated they will raise prices, somewhere in the range of $110 to $130 per dose, though insurers and government health programs could negotiate lower rates.

“We see a double-digit billion[dollar] market opportunity,” investors were told at a JPMorgan conference in San Francisco recently by Ryan Richardson, chief strategy officer for BioNTech. The company expects a gross price — the full price before any discounts — of $110 a dose, which, Richardson said, “is more than justified from a health economics perspective.”

That could translate to tens of billions of dollars in revenue for the manufacturers, even if uptake of the vaccines is slow. And consumers would foot the bill, either directly or indirectly.

If half of adults — about the same percentage as those who opt for an annual flu shot — get COVID boosters at the new, higher prices, a recent KFF report estimated, insurers, employers, and other payors would shell out $12.4 billion to $14.8 billion. That’s up to nearly twice as much as what it would have cost for every adult in the U.S. to get a bivalent booster at the average price paid by the federal government.

SWS: Satisfaction with Marcos performance...

"Compared to October 2022, the president’s net satisfaction rating rose by six points from +67 among those who either had no formal education or some elementary education," SWS said in its release on the survey.

The rating was unchanged at +64  among those who either finished elementary or had some high school education but rose by eight points to +64 for graduates of vocational school and junior and high school. Among college graduates and those who took graduate students, satisfaction with Marcos rose by five points to +50.

Among the top news stories on December 10-14, 2022, when the survey was conducted were related to the contentious Maharlika Investment Fund and to updates on the investigation into the killing of Percy Lapid

As for COVID treatments, an August blog post by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response noted that governmentpurchased supplies of the drug Paxlovid are expected to last through midyear before the private sector takes over. The government’s bulk purchase price from manufacturer Pfizer was $530 for a course of treatment, and it isn’t yet known what the companies will charge once government supplies run out.

How much of that pinch will consumers feel?

One thing is certain: How much, if any, of the boosted costs are passed on to consumers will depend on their health coverage.

Medicare beneficiaries, those enrolled in Medicaid — the statefederal health insurance program for people with low incomes — and people with Affordable Care Act coverage will continue to get COVID vaccines without cost sharing, even when the public health emergency ends and the government-purchased vaccines run out. Many people with jobbased insurance will also likely not face copayments for vaccines, unless they go out of network for their vaccinations. People

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

LACMTA will receive proposals for OP44851Uniform Rental Services at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. All proposals must be received on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at the address listed above, sent to the attention of Antonio Monreal. Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened.

For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business. metro.net or for further information email Antonio Monreal at monrealan@metro. net.

2/15/23

CNS-3669352# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

PAMPUBLIKONG PAUNAWA AWTORIDAD SA PABAHAY NG COUNTY NG SAN DIEGO PLANO NG AHENSYA NG PAMPUBLIKONG PABAHAY TAUNANG PLANO PARA SA

TAONG PISKAL 2023-2024

Ito ay isang paunawa na ang Lupon ng mga Komisyoner ng Awtoridad sa Pabahay ng County ng San Diego ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig sa Abril 5, 2023, sa alas 9:00 ng umaga. sa Room 310 ng County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA. Ang patotoo ng publiko ay maaaring marinig sa iminungkahing Taunang Plano para sa Taong Pananalapi 2023-2024, Pampublikong Pagtanggap sa Pabahay at Patakaran sa Patuloy na Pagsaklaw, at Patakaran sa Pagpipilian sa Pabahay na Voucher Seksyon 8 Planong Administratibo. Sa Pebrero 17, 2023, ang mga tinukoy na Plano ay ilalabas para sa isang 45-araw na pampublikong pagsusuri at panahon ng komento. Ang patotoo ng publiko ay maaaring marinig sa iminungkahing Taunang Plano para sa Taong Pananalapi 2023-2024, Pampublikong Pagtanggap sa Pabahay at Patakaran sa Patuloy na Pagsaklaw, at Patakaran sa Pagpipilian sa Pabahay na Voucher Seksyon 8 Planong Administratibo. Ang Plano ng Ahensya ng Pampublikong PAbahay (Public Housing Agency o PHA) ay isang komprehensibong gabay sa mga patakaran, programa, operasyon, at estratehiya ng PHA para matugunan ang mga pangangailangan at layunin ng lokal na pabahay. Ang Pampublikong Pagtanggap sa Pabahay at Patakaran sa Patuloy na Pagsaklaw, at Patakaran sa Pagpipilian sa Pabahay na Voucher Seksyon 8 Planong Administratibo ay ang mga dokumentong namamahala para sa pangangasiwa ng PHA sa programang pampublikong pabahay nito at Seksyon 8 na programa. Sa halip na personal na pagdalo, ang mga miyembro ng publiko ay mahigpit na hinihikayat na magsumite ng kanilang mga komento sa iminungkahing Taunang Plano ng Ahensya ng Pampublikong Pabahay para sa Taong Piskal 20232024, Pampublikong Pagtanggap sa Pabahay at Patakaran sa Patuloy na Pagsaklaw, at Patakaran sa Pagpipilian sa Pabahay na Voucher Seksyon 8 Administratibomg Plano sa pamamagitan ng e-mail sa publiccomment@sdcounty.ca.gov. Ang lahat ng komentong isinumite ay ipinapadala sa mga miyembro ng Lupon ng mga Komisyoner at Punong Administratibong Opisyal para sa kanilang pagsasaalang-alang. Ang mga komento ay tatanggapin hanggang sa katapusan ng pulong. Simula sa Pebrero 17, 2023, ang mga natukoy na dokumento at mga sumusuportang dokumento ay maaakses kaagad sa www.sdhcd.org at makukuha para suriin sa mga sumusunod na lokasyon: County ng San Diego Melrose Manor Apartments Mga Serbisyo sa Pagpapaunlad ng Pabahay at Komunidad 1678 Melrose Ave., Apt.13 3989 Ruffin Road Chula Vista, CA 91911 San Diego, CA 92123 Towncentre Manor Apartments L St. Manor Apartments 434 F St., Apt. 101 584 L St., Apt. F Chula Vista, CA 91911 Chula Vista, CA 91911 Dorothy St. Manor Apartments 778 Dorothy St., Apt. A Chula Vista, CA 91911 Website ng Mga Serbisyo sa Pagpapaunlad ng Pabahay at Komunidad: www.sdhcd.org Ang mga nakasulat na komento ay maaaring isumite bago ang pampublikong pagdinig at sa loob ng 45-araw na panahon ng komento na magtatapos sa Abril 5, 2023 sa: County ng San Diego Housing and Community Development Services Attn: Monique Mercier 3989 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123 2/15/23

CNS-3669510# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

(Percival Mabasa), including the filing of raps against suspended corrections chief Gerald Bantag. (Philstar.com)

NO TO VIOLENCE. Students, teachers and employees of St. Scholastica’s College in Malate, Manila participate in the “One Billion Rising” movement on Tuesday, Feb. 14. The  global campaign  aims to expand awareness on and  end all forms of violence against women. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Dateline PhiliPPines

Filipina found alive after 3 days under quake rubble

by Bernadette tamayo and Vince JacoB Visaya ManilaTimes.net

A TEAM from the Philippine Embassy in Turkey on Tuesday, February 14 visited in the hospital a Filipina earthquake survivor who was rescued after three days under the rubble from a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria last week.

The Philippine Embassy, on Facebook, said its Mersin-based team checked on the condition of Juliva Benlingan, 33, a native of Lagawe, Ifugao, who was previously reported missing.

According to her sister Maribel, Benlingan sustained wounds on her face, head and feet, and was dehydrated when rescued.

"As she recovers well at an Adana hospital, she thanked God for a second chance at life and the embassy for their well wishes," the embassy said.

The team provided Benlingan with financial assistance and gave her doctors and nurses "tokens of our appreciation."

Maribel said Juliva, mother to a 12-year-old girl, endured 60 hours under the rubble of a collapsed building before she was rescued.

In its continuous evaluation on the ground, the Philippine Embassy said it is "focusing on management of its resources toward the welfare, recovery and return to normalcy of Filipino evacuees."

Displaced Filipinos continue to arrive at the shelter in Ankara, transported by the embassy and on their own volition, it added.

The embassy said its team in Mersin "is also in contact with a set of volunteers from the hospitality industry who have offered to provide food assistance to Filipino-Turkish families who chose to remain in Antakya and to [the] Philippine humanitarian contingent in Adiyaman province."

"We deeply appreciate the charity of kababayan (fellow Filipinos) and our Turkish brethren," it added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also on Tuesday said it will repatriate the remains of one of the two Filipinas who died in the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey.

DFA acting Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo Jose de Vega said the Philippine government will also repatriate other Filipino survivors who wish to return home.

The Filipina fatality was already buried in Turkey based on the decision of her Turkish husband, de Vega said during a Laging Handa press briefing.

He, however, added that Filipinos who are already citizens of Turkey, being married to Turks, should first re-acquire their Filipino citizenship to qualify for repatriation.

"Some of them are already Turkish citizens. They need to re-acquire [first] their [Filipino] citizenship under Republic Act 9225 to avail [of the repatriation service]," de Vega said in Filipino.

"So, madali po 'yan (So, it's easy). Kung magagawa natin (If we can do [that] within the next several days, dapat magsisiuwian na 'yan (they would be expected to come home)," he added.

De Vega noted that there are about 248 Filipinos who were affected by the earthquake, with 64 of them staying at a temporary shelter in the country's capital Ankara.

On the other hand, 70 others sought financial assistance from the embassy, he said.

De Vega added that there is no definite schedule yet on the repatriation of the distressed Filipinos and the body of the Filipina fatality. g

IRS says more early birds...

2022 return even if you don’t owe taxes.

“While people with income under a certain amount are not generally required to file a tax return, those who qualify for certain tax credits or already paid some federal tax by having taxes withheld from their paycheck may qualify for a tax refund, but they must file in order to get one,” he said.

Kevin Moorehead, Deputy Commissioner, Wage and Investment Division at the IRS, explains the green energy credits available to those who have

purchased a green vehicle.

Don’t leave money on the table, agreed Sue Simon, Director of IRS Customer Assistance.

“What we want to do is ensure that anyone who has not filed a 2021 tax return do so.

But in order to collect unpaid benefits, you have to file both a 2021 and a 2022 return. However you fill out these returns, either electronically or by paper, Simon said it is imperative that you put “Zero” as the amount of your adjusted gross income. Then IRS computers can digest that information and by filing for both years, technical errors can be avoided.

The IRS won’t call you but you can call them on toll free phone lines and get assistance in one of 350 languages. Simon said interpreter services are also available in any of IRS’s 362 taxpayer assistance centers via their telephones.

“There are forms that are commonly used by taxpayers that are available in Spanish, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Haitian, Creole, Vietnamese and Russian,” Simon said.

There are online tools at IRS.gov to help people determine if they are eligible for EITC, a Sales Tax Deduction Calculator to determine how much sales tax is allowed as a deduction in your state. There is the Free File Online Lookup tool that helps taxpayers find the right company to file their tax return under the Free File program. Go to IRS.gov and search the Pick List.

There is also a tax withholding estimator tool.

“All of those are available in English as well as those languages

that I listed,” she said.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) provides help and counseling to taxpayers, free of charge, especially about EITC and additional Child Tax credits which can be hard to understand, Simon added.

Susan Simon, Director of Customer Assistance, Relationships and Education at the IRS, details how taxpayers can get free help filing their taxes.

“During the last two years, we had about 50,000 volunteers throughout the United States doing tax returns. This year, as of today, we have 81,000 volunteers in the United States and Puerto Rico preparing free tax returns for individuals and families.”

Simon said the IRS provides information in a way that taxpayers can have faith and trust that their tax return is being done correctly, that there is no scam going on, that there is no fraud. A lot of people used VITA. Last year, VITA volunteers prepared 2.2 million tax returns.

“Each one of these volunteers is trained by the IRS. They are certified. They are tested. So, you know you are getting accurate information,” she said.

There is a Taxpayer Assistance Locator tool at IRS.gov to find the local office where you can set up an appointment and talk to someone in person.

This year is going to be “significantly better” than the last few difficult years of tax returns some of which the IRS is still processing, Moorehead predicted. You could get more money in your pocket, he says. g

Era of ‘free’ COVID vaccines...

with limited-benefit or shortterm insurance policies might have to pay for all or part of their vaccinations. And people who don’t have insurance will need to either pay the full cost out-ofpocket or seek no- or low-cost vaccinations from community clinics or other providers. If they cannot find a free or low-cost option, some uninsured patients may be forced to skip vaccinations or testing.

Coming up with what could be $100 or more for vaccination will be especially hard “if you are uninsured or underinsured; that’s where these price hikes could drive additional disparities,” said Sean Robbins, executive vice president of external affairs for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Those increases, he said, will also affect people with insurance, as the costs “flow through to premiums.”

Meanwhile, public policy experts say many private insurers will continue to cover Paxlovid, although patients may face a copayment, at least until they meet their deductible, just as they do for other medications. Medicaid will continue to cover it without cost to patients until at least 2024. But Medicare coverage will be limited until the treatment goes through the regular FDA process, which takes longer than the emergency use authorization it has been marketed under.

Another complication: The rolls of the uninsured are likely to climb over the next year, as states are poised to reinstate the process of regularly determining Medicaid eligibility, which was halted during the pandemic.

Starting in April, states will begin reassessing whether Medicaid enrollees meet income and other qualifying factors.

An estimated 5 million to 14 million people nationwide might lose coverage.

“This is our No. 1 concern” right now, said John Baackes, CEO of L.A. Care, the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan with 2.7 million members.

“They may not realize they’ve lost coverage until they go to fill a prescription” or seek other medical care, including vaccinations, he said.

What about COVID test kits? Rules remain in place for insurers, including Medicare and Affordable Care Act plans, to cover the cost of up to eight in-home test kits a month for each person on the plan, until the public health emergency ends. For consumers — including those without insurance — a government website is still offering up to four test kits per household, until they run out. The Biden administration shifted funding to purchase additional kits and made them available in late December.

Starting in May, though, beneficiaries in original Medicare and many people with private, job-based insurance will have to start paying out-of-pocket for the rapid antigen test kits. Some Medicare Advantage plans, which are an alternative to original Medicare, might opt to continue covering them without a copayment. Policies will vary, so check with your insurer. And Medicaid enrollees can continue to get the test kits without cost for a little over a year.

State rules also can vary, and continued coverage without cost sharing for COVID tests, treatments, and vaccines after the health emergency ends might be available with some health plans.

Overall, the future of COVID tests, vaccines, and treatments will reflect the complicated mix of coverage consumers already navigate for most other types of care.

“From a consumer perspective, vaccines will still be free, but for treatments and test kits, a lot of people will face cost sharing,” said Jen Kates, a senior vice president at KFF. “We’re taking what was universal access and now saying we’re going back to how it is in the regular U.S. health system.”

KHN correspondent Darius Tahir contributed to this report.

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

‘LOVE YOU, TEACHER’. Kindergarten teacher Jelyn Tesoro (right) receives flowers and chocolates from her pupils at the Pinyahan Elementary School in Quezon City on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Flowers and chocolates are among the popular gifts the loved ones receive during the occasion. PNA photo by Joey O .Razon

Julieva Benlingan with her Turkish wards Contributed photo

Palma named member of Vatican body

by Christian Crow Maghanoy ManilaTimes.net

POPE Francis has named Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma as a member of the Dicastery for Culture Education, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said.

Palma, 72, is the newest member of the Vatican office.

The Dicastery for Culture Education was formed as the result of a merger between the Congregation for Catholic Education and the Pontifical Council for Culture of which the archbishop was a former member.

It is currently headed by Portuguese Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, who was appointed by the pope as its prefect in September 2022.

Divided into two sections, the dicastery “works for the

development of human values in people within the horizon of Christian anthropology, contributing to the full realization of Christian discipleship.”

The dicastery also coordinates the activities of pontifical

academies, such as the Pontifical Academy of Archeology and the Pontifical Academy of Theology. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu congratulated Palma on his appointment. g

Maharlika fund, 9 other bills on fast track to approval by June 2

by Xave GreGorio Philstar.com

MANILA — Malacañang and legislative  leaders on Monday, February 13 identified 10 priority bills that  Congress should aim to pass before it adjourns sine die on June 2, including the controversial measure that seeks to create the Maharlika Investment Fund.

The Maharlika fund, which the House of Representatives approved just 17 days after it was filed, was selected as one of the priority measures during the meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council in Malacañang.

The proposal to create a sovereign wealth fund, which is typically capitalized with excess state revenue that the Philippines does not have, is currently pending before the Senate banks panel chaired by Sen. Mark Villar.

The committee of Villar, one of the authors of the bills  in the Senate alongside Sen. Raffy Tulfo, is set to resume hearings on the measure on Wednesday, February 15.

While the LEDAC has identified the Maharlika fund as a priority which may grease the legislative mill and hasten its passage in the Senate, it is not a

guarantee that it will be swiftly approved.

During the committee’s first hearing on the measure two weeks ago, senators raised concerns about investment gains and the proposed fund’s governance structure.

It also faces stiff opposition from the two-member Senate minority bloc, whose leader Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III vowed to block passage.

But the potency of the minority is in question given their lack of numbers in the chamber dominated by allies of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

This was seen when they tried and failed to pry the Maharlika fund from Villar’s panel and send it to the government corporations committee chaired by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano. CDC, VIP, mandatory ROTC

Another measure identified during the LEDAC meeting as a priority is the bill that seeks to create the Philippine Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) and the complementary proposal to establish the Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP).

The bill creating the CDC, a technical authority on forecasting, analysis, strategy, and standards development for the prevention and control

of all diseases of public health importance and health security events, reached the Senate plenary on Monday as Sen. Pia Cayetano sponsored the measure.

Bills establishing the VIP remain pending at the committee level in the Senate, while a similar proposal and the CDC bill has been passed by the House in December 2022  .

The LEDAC also identified the proposal to make the Reserve Officers Training Corps program mandatory again as a priority.

Like the VIP bills, mandatory ROTC is pending at the committee level, although the panel chaired by Sen. Ronald dela Rosa which is handling it is preparing to send it for  plenary deliberations.

The House approved a bill making ROTC mandatory again in December 2022.

Other bills identified as LEDAC priorities are amendments to the Build-Operate-Transfer law, the creation of the Medical Reserve Corps and the condonation of unpaid amortization and interests of loans of agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Also identified as priorities are the Internet Transactions Act, amendments to the law that fixed terms for Armed Forces officers and the Salt Industry Development Bill. g

MANILA  –  A group of health advocates urged Filipinos on Valentine’s Day to show extra love for their hearts by keeping them in shape this heart month.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA) emphasized that cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains to be the leading cause of death nationwide and worldwide.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows ischemic heart disease or coronary heart disease, caused by narrowed arteries, was the top cause of death in the country from January to September 2022. It claimed the lives of more than 77,000 or 18.5 percent of total deaths.

Meanwhile, CVD is the leading cause of death globally killing over 18 million people each year or 33 percent of total deaths in the world.

The HPA noted that the risk factors are diverse which include poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol usage.

Persons with pre-existing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are at higher risk.

Meanwhile, Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations President Karen Villanueva said there is no cure for heart disease and only the factors that contribute to it can be treated.

“That's why some patients struggle with adjusting to a new normal lifestyle after their diagnosis. So as early as now,

change your unhealthy habits and don't wait for a heart scare before putting your heart health first," she said.

"Prevention is always better than cure and it is our responsibility to help manage our heart condition in partnership with our health provider."

In line with this, the HPA encouraged everyone to destroy years of unhealthy eating and commit to more wholesome nutrition by knowing which foods to eat more or limit to prevent CVDs.

"Diet matters when it comes to heart health. It is best to choose home-cooked meals versus fast food or junk food which is high in unhealthy fat,” HPA technical adviser Maria Fatima Villena said.

“Incorporate more fiber like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can help combat plaque build-up that can clog the arteries,” she said.

The HPA is a network of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) prevention and control organizations. (PNA)

VALENTINE’S LOVE.  A man gives flowers to police personnel in celebration of Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 along San Pedro Street in Davao City. The female police officers thanked the man who made their day.  PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma CBCP photo

Rise for freedom

VALENTINE’S Day is not just a day of hearts. On Valentine’s Day in 2012, a global mass action was launched to end violence against women. The call to action was made amid reports that one in three women worldwide would be beaten or raped in her lifetime. In 2012, the global population stood at seven billion – meaning over one billion women and girls were expected to experience various forms of violence in that year. The One Billion Rising movement was born.

The Philippines, which has elected two female presidents and two vice presidents, recognized the problem much earlier. Republic Act 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act, was enacted in 2004 when the country was led by a woman. RA 9262 has tough provisions against domestic violence.

As in most laws in this country, however, the problem lies in the implementation. Since the passage of RA 9262, there have been numerous complaints about barangay officials who refuse to carry out their mandate stipulated in the law to serve as front-liners in assisting victims of domestic violence. Many women especially in impoverished communities are also unaware of the law and the protection it offers to victims.

The pandemic lockdowns aggravated the problem, with advocacy groups saying reported cases nationwide tripled in 2020. In 2021, over 12,000 cases of violence against women and their children were recorded nationwide, with 5,339 more reported in the first six months of 2022

Babe’s Eye View

BABE ROMUALDEZ

THE announcement by the Philippines and the United States about the expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with four new locations to be added to the current five sites and the conduct of joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea reverberated so well worldwide, with 90 percent of Filipinos welcoming this latest development in the relationship between two longtime allies.

Filipinos across the globe – in particular FilipinoAmericans – were extremely pleased, lauding the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in reaffirming and further solidifying U.S.-Philippines relations. I received hundreds of messages and emails expressing their full support for the President’s decision.

The meeting between our Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was extremely substantial, with the discussions delving on shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, and how

First Person

ALEX

OVER the past few days, U.S. fighter jets shot down four strange flying objects that have crossed over American and Canadian airspaces. This is a ballooning phenomenon.

On Feb. 4, after days of tracking its movements, a U.S. jet fighter fired a single missile to bring down a 200foot balloon closely observed as it crossed the country. The Americans waited for the object to float out to sea off South Carolina before shooting it down to avoid any collateral damage on the ground.

China protested the action, claiming the balloon was owned by a civilian company and used for purely meteorological research. Beijing is asking for the debris of the balloon to be returned to it. Washington is not obliging. The Americans want to know more about the technology being used by

alone. Advocacy groups believe the actual numbers are much higher as many women are unwilling or unable to report their ordeal and seek help.

An 18-day campaign was launched last year, from Nov. 25 – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – to Dec. 12, Human Rights Day, to promote mass action in ending the problem. The United Nations is supporting the One Billion Rising campaign. With united efforts globally, the UN aims to curb the problem significantly by 2030.

Beyond “flash mobs” and other creative forms of political activism, ending violence against women and children calls for concerted action among multiple government agencies and sectors of society. Filipino women who work overseas face heightened risk of physical, sexual and psychological violence. Domestic helper Jullebee Ranara was just the latest in an ever-growing list of Filipino migrant workers who were abused and brutally murdered by their foreign employers.

For 2023, the call to action of One Billion Rising

is “rise for freedom.” Despite some progress in fighting violence against women, confronting the problem remains challenging in the Philippines, and even more so in other parts of the planet

where women are still treated like second-class citizens. A more aggressive, pro-active approach is needed for this freedom to be attained. (Philstar. com)

90% of Filipinos agree on EDCA expansion and joint maritime patrols

both nations can address these challenges. The decision to restart joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea is not only seen as a positive development in helping the Philippines tighten its security strategy but an important step in securing our borders.

Filipinos are very patient people. We don’t want any conflict. But when push comes to shove, we will staunchly defend ourselves and those that we hold precious. Filipinos are convinced that our strategy of boosting defense ties and enhancing security cooperation with major allies like the United States will build up our capacity and capability to defend our territory and exercise our sovereign rights.

The headline news on our recent decision for the expansion of EDCA and maritime patrols with the United States has actually precipitated more inquiries from U.S. companies looking at how they can invest or, at the very least, expand their operations in the Philippines.

The Philippines was at the front and center of international news – that is, until the Chinese

balloon incident came into the picture.

Clearly, the U.S. and the Philippines must also boost economic ties and increase trade and investment cooperation to strengthen the economic backbone, and therefore resilience, of our country. As I have mentioned on several occasions, the Philippines can become a stronger ally that can significantly contribute in advancing a more secure and prosperous region if it is also economically strong. At the end of the day, this is what we all want.

To reiterate, the EDCA is not directed at, or against, any country. Rather, this agreement with the United States is aimed at ramping up our defense capabilities, especially in light of the global security challenges – both traditional and nontraditional – that are emerging, and which all nations must take into account.

Let’s not also forget, the Philippines also has a defense agreement with Australia via the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) signed in 2007 and which took effect in September 2012 following its

Ballooning

China over U.S. airspace. Recovered remnants of that balloon have been sent to an FBI laboratory for examination.

Washington has not released technical details to date.

On Feb. 10, U.S. jets downed another “cylindrical” flying object off the coast of Alaska.

Here, too, we are not told how much of the downed object was recovered from the frozen sea.

All that has been shared is the observation that the downed object did not seem to have any system of propulsion or control.

The flying object has not been attributed to China.

A day later, Feb. 11, another U.S. jet shot down a “highaltitude airborne object” over Canada’s Yukon province, close to the border with Alaska. Apart from describing it as a hexagonal object, little has been made publicly known.

On Feb. 12, yet another strange flying object was tracked from over Montana and shot down over Lake Huron.

Still, we are not told about the nature of the object nor its origin. Washington says the

object was shot down because it posed a threat to commercial aircraft.

With very little detail disclosed, it is assumed that the three later objects were also balloons or something akin to it. Inasmuch as Washington had not officially attributed the three latter objects to China, Beijing has not issued any statement about them. The mystery deepens.

A debate has erupted in Washington over whether the flying objects shot down while wafting over North America were actually engaged in surveillance. We know next to nothing about the larger framework within which these strange flying objects was launched.

These balloons and whatever equipment they carry are rather costly things. They are not being sent up for the pleasure of watching a balloon waft in the air, carried by atmospheric currents with apparently very little ground control over their precise flight paths. In addition to the very real

ratification in July of that same year. The agreement was very timely as it paved the way for the conduct of disaster relief assistance by the Australian Defense Force when Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) hit the Philippines in November 2013.

President BBM’s recent visit to Tokyo is also expected to boost economic as well as security ties between the Philippines and Japan. No less than the President underscored this when he said prior to his departure that the bilateral visit is essential as it is “part of a larger foreign policy agenda to forge closer political ties, stronger defense and security cooperation” in addition to “lasting economic partnerships with major countries in the region amid a challenging global environment.”

In a recent brief written by our friend Gregory Poling with Andreyka Natalegawa and Danielle Fallin titled, “Building a U.S.-Japan-Philippines Triad” published at the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ online site, the authors underscored Japan’s growing role in the Indo-Pacific, and

hazard these balloons pose to commercial aircraft, they have been flown over another country’s airspace without prior notice. That is a clear national security concern. We are now told that unidentified balloons have been detected flying across U.S. airspace the past years, although nothing was done about these previous flying objects.

One analyst surmised that China could be testing highaltitude or “near space” craft as part of its futuristic weapons development program. When enough has been known about wind currents and weather corridors, these devices could be fitted with warheads.

Defense officials have enough reasons to be worried. Over the past months, North Korea has been testing missiles like mad. A few weeks ago, Pyongyang paraded intercontinental ballistics missiles that could theoretically reach the U.S. heartland.

It is not just North American airspace that have been violated by these strange flying objects. A large balloon similar to that one shot down off the coast of South Carolina was reported in the vicinity of Colombia. These

why Tokyo and Washington should collaborate more closely in “engaging with other alliance partners, including the Philippines. Japan is uniquely suited to this role given its extensive and long-standing security partnership with the Philippines, creating a robust level of security cooperation between Tokyo and Manila.”

In fact, having security alliances that show we are part of a coalition of likeminded countries can serve as a deterrent and can promote peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

As usual, pseudo-nationalists are looking at it from a negative perspective, saying we may be sucked into the maelstrom if a conflict between the U.S. and China breaks out. In the first place, if there is a conflict in the region over Taiwan for example, the Philippines would not be able to remain a fence sitter for long because of its very strategic location as well as its proximity to Taiwan. We would feel the impact and would be involved in one way or another. In this global world, there is no such thing as an “island nation.”

devices apparently have the ability to circumnavigate the globe and stay aloft for long periods.

The downing of the first balloon was, no doubt, a huge embarrassment for the Chinese leadership. It marked the first  strong response to whatever “near space” strategy China might be brewing. Beijing is probably scrambling for a viable explanation for the other objects shot down the past few days.

The balloon-related incidents reinstates Beijing as the true strategic rival to the U.S.. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine merely exposed its muchballyhooed army as obsolete, badly trained and ill-equipped.

It is an army that belongs to the past century, now forced to recruit convicts to man the frontlines or die in large numbers trying to achieve badly thought-out military objectives.

The Russian army is now hobbled by the fact that its most sophisticated weaponry has been shown to rely on parts made in other countries.

Russian technicians are now reported to be cannibalizing refrigerators for chips to be

Fortunately, we have enlightened senators like Win Gatchalian, Chiz Escudero and Francis Tolentino who clearly see the significance of the EDCA expansion and the resumption of joint maritime patrols as good for the country. Even Senate President Migz Zubiri and many key legislators that include Congressman Rufus Rodriguez see the importance of our alliance with the United States. Some may have an axe to grind against the U.S. but they know very well this latest development is a positive step for our country’s security. And more importantly, this decision by President Marcos is appreciated and supported by 90 percent of Filipinos not only here but in many parts of the world, who continue to look at the United States as our most trusted ally and partner. (Philstar.com) * * *

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

used in assembling missiles. By contrast, China now appears to be gearing up its military for highly technological warfare. It appears to be devising strategies only poorly understood by the U.S. and its allies.

After the first balloon was downed by a missile, China might have gotten away with the explanation that this was a meteorological instrument that somehow flew off course. After the three subsequent shootdowns, the original Chinese explanation can no longer hold. Beijing better come up with a more viable explanation for why these “lost” flying devices seem to be crossing into the North American airspace in a wave.

Beijing does not have to explain anything until the remnants of downed flying objects reveal them to be of Chinese origin. Depending on the quality of the debris recovered, this could happen in a few days. (Philstar.com) * * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA

— The risk of contracting coronavirus in the National Capital Region (NCR) is now at “low” level as the OCTA Research group noted a positivity rate of only 1.6 percent from Feb. 9 to Feb. 11.

MANILA – President

Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a phone call on Monday, February 13 that he supports Ukraine’s effort to reach a “peaceful resolution" to its ongoing conflict with Russia.

“I had the pleasure of talking to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy yesterday (Monday),” Marcos said on his official Twitter account on Tuesday morning after the Ukrainian leader tweeted about it the previous day.

He also expressed admiration for the nationalism shown by Ukrainians.

“I told him that we in the Philippines are watching with admiration, the bravery and the nationalism that has been displayed by the Ukrainians during this crisis and that we join in his effort to reach a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict

Nationwide, OCTA also reported a COVID-19 positivity rate of only 1.6 percent on Saturday, February 11. This was recorded after the Department of Health reported 174 new cases and 9,282 active cases. The NCR still has the most number of COVID-19 cases at 59 as of Saturday, followed by Rizal

DFA: More PH rescue teams to be sent to help quake-hit Turkey, Syria

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday, February 14 said more rescue teams from the Philippine government will be sent to give assistance in Turkey and Syria following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck there.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega said the Philippine embassies in Ankara, Istanbul, and Lebanon will send teams to help with residents and Filipinos who were affected by the strong temblor.

“May parating pang team, kasi meron tayong embahada sa Ankara at konsulado sa Istanbul ang involved, may darating pa na team from Lebanon para magbigay rin ng tulong so yun ang importante,” he added. (There is another team coming because we have an embassy in Ankara and a consulate in Istanbul involved. There is also a team coming from Lebanon to provide help as well, so that is the important thing.)

the 64 Filipinos who lost their homes due to the earthquake that they will be given aid and that supplies of relief goods are still enough.

De Vega said that the government is also handing assistance to Filipinos who chose to stay in Turkey and Syria.

According to the DFA, there are a total of 248 affected Filipinos and two casualties in Turkey, while 60 Filipinos in Syria were recorded to have been affected by the quake.

De Vega added that a six-man team from the Philippines will be heading to Lebanon.

“May six-man team sa Pilipinas papuntang Lebanon galing Damascus para magbigay tulong (There is a 6-man team in the Philippines going to Lebanon from Damascus to provide assistance),” De Vega said.

citizenship first under R.A. 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003.

“Kung gusto umuwi ifufund lang, madaling lang, ang iba kasi sa kanila Turkish citizens, kailangan muna iacquire ang kanilang philippine citizenship according to R.A. 9225, kung magagawa natin within several days magsisiuwian na rin ‘yan,” the DFA official said.

(If they want to go home, it will be funded, it’s easy. But some of them are Turkish citizens, so they have to first acquire their Philippine citizenship according to RA 9225; if we can do it within several days, then they will be going home.)

(9), Cebu (8), Davao del Sur (8), Cavite (7) and Negros Occidental (7).

The nationwide positivity rate on Feb. 9 and 10 was also at 1.6%.

“As predicted two weeks ago, NCR improves to low risk as of Feb. 9, 2023,” OCTA Research fellow Guido David tweeted on Wednesday, February 15. g

De Vega said anyone who wants to go home to the Philippines will be assisted by the government while some need to acquire their Philippine

The DFA official assured

On February 6, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that the Philippines will send an 85-man team to help Turkey after the nation experienced a magnitude 7.8 earthquake. The said team was already deployed on Wednesday last week. (Inquirer.net)

in his country. Mr. President, we are with you in your search for peace,” he added.

Zelenskyy, who has long been seeking a phone conversation with Marcos, was the first to tweet about their call on Monday night.

“Had the first phone call in the history of bilateral relations with President of the Philippines @ bongbongmarcos,” he said.

“Thanked him for supporting sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We discussed further deepening of cooperation, in particular on international platforms,” he added.

Last month, Ukrainian Charges D’Affaires of the Embassy of Ukraine in Malaysia Denys Mykhailiuk said they have been trying to have the two leaders speak to each other since Marcos assumed office in June 2022 but failed to receive a response.

Marcos later clarified that he did not snub Zelenskyy’s request for a phone conversation and has always been willing to talk with him.

Mykhailiuk then apologized to his Philippine counterparts for the “misunderstanding.”

In November last year, Marcos described the RussiaUkraine war as “unacceptable” and reiterated his call for both nations to end the conflict diplomatically.

“...War is unacceptable and we ask all parties involved, there were several speeches that I made, urging that peace be brought back to Ukraine and that the confrontation be brought to the diplomatic space," he said.

Ukraine has been in conflict with Russia since February 2022, leading to the death of thousands and driving millions of Ukrainians to flee the country.

(PNA)

Plight of informal settlers concerns

by Daniza FernanDez Inquirer.net

MANILA — Senator Raffy

Tulfo expressed concern on Tuesday, February 14 over the plight of informal settlers, should the “Big One” jolt Metro Manila. The “Big One” refers to a scenario in which a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurs in the capital region.

During the Senate committee on public works hearing on the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructures, Tulfo asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) if they inspected the homes of informal settlers.

DPWH Undersecretary

Maximo Carvajal answered:

“Ang mandato po kasi ng

Department of Public Works and Highways ay ang mga public buildings po. ‘Yung mga private

po, ang in-charge po diyan, ‘yung mga building officials ng mga LGU (local government units) po.”

(The DPWH’s mandate covers public buildings. LGUs’ building officials are in charge of private structures.)

Tulfo then lamented the potential situation of informal settlers during disasters.

“Kasi concerned ako. I have so many experience pagdating po sa mga tirahan ng mga informal settlers natin, dikit-dikit at wala po silang madadaanan. Importante po ‘yung distance,” he said.

(I’m concerned. I have so many experiences when it comes to the homes of our informal settlers, those are close to one another and there is no proper path.)

“Tapos ‘yung iba sinasabi nila, hindi sila binibigyan ng right of way, ‘yung iba umaakyat ng

bakod para makadaan. So, in the event of an earthquake, marami sa kanila mamamatay. ‘Pag nagkaroon ng sunog, marami sa kanila ang mata-trap,” the senator added.

(Others say that they are not given a right of way; others climb fences to pass through on their way to their houses. So, in the event of an earthquake, many of them will die. Likewise, when there is a fire, many of them will be trapped.)

Based on a 2004 study conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, several structures in greater Manila would not withstand the “Big One.”

Some 52,000 are projected to get killed, while half a million are foreseen to get hurt by the “Big One.” g

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

Fil-Am Vanessa Hudgens confirms engagement to pro-baseball player Cole Tucker

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

Will the Queen of Marte in ‘Darna’ be the start of Celeste’s acting career?

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

CELESTE Cortesi may have failed to bring home the 71st Miss Universe crown last January, but at least she still got to be called queen — Queen Kevnar of the fictional planet Marte, that is — following her surprise appearance in ABS-CBN teleserye “Mars Ravelo’s Darna” during its finale episode, which aired on February 10.

Cortesi, it would be recalled, took inspiration from the Filipino female superhero for the national costume competition of Miss Universe, a move that was lauded by “Darna” actress herself, Jane de Leon, as well as the family

of the late Mars Ravelo and the producers of the show. Her appearance on the show, however, gave rise to the question: does this mark the start of Cortesi’s acting career?

Cortesi, in her speaking role in the finale episode, expressed her gratitude to Darna (Jane De Leon) for protecting the Marte. “Nagtagumpay ka sa misyon mo. Tunay kang anak ng magiting na mandirigmang si Zorra, matapang at maaasahan. Nararapat kang maging protektor,” she said, as seen in a video uploaded by ABS-CBN Entertainment on Feb. 11, “Maraming salamat sa mga sakripisyo mo. Dahil sa ginawa mo, nailigtas mo hindi lang ang

mundo kundi ang buong kalawakan.” (You have succeeded in your mission. You are truly the child of the defender Zorra, who is brave and reliable. You are meant to be the protector. Thank you very much for your sacrifices. Because of what you’ve done, you did not just save the world but also the universe.) While it’s unclear whether Cortesi would pursue acting after Miss Universe 2022, she revealed on her personal Instagram account that her surprise debut role was an opportunity “to learn and to grow.”

“Taking on the role of Kevnar, The Queen of Marte is definitely a new experience

Continued on Page 9

FILIPINA American actress Vanessa Hudgens has confirmed that she and professional baseball player Cole Tucker are engaged. Rumors of Cole popping the question during the latter part of 2022 circulated last week and was picked up by media outlets like TMZ and People. Vanessa confirmed the engagement when she posted on her Instagram account a photo of her with the Colorado Rockies player as she showed off the diamond ring on her finger. “YES. We couldn’t be happier,” Vanessa simply placed in the caption, accompanied by a white heart emoji. Among those who congratulated the couple were actresses Lily Collins, Monique

Coleman, Sarah Hyland, Ashley Benson, Nina Dobrev, Brittany Snow, Ashley Park, and Vanessa’s sister Stella.

Vanessa had previously dated Oscar-nominated “Elvis”

actor Austin Butler for over eight years but broke up in 2020; later in the year she was linked with Cole whom she had met over Zoom, as she had shared on “The Drew Barrymore Show.”

Since then Vanessa has been attending Cole’s Major League Baseball games while Cole has frequented as Vanessa’s plus-one to events and companion on social media posts. She is best known for her role in the “High School Musical” franchise and will next be seen in the upcoming film “Downtown Owl” and a voice role in “Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas.”

Lovi unleashes ‘Batang Quiapo’

By iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

SUPREME actress Lovi Poe feels beyond blessed to be given another big project more than a year since transferring to ABS-CBN. From “Flower of Evil” and “Sleep with Me,” the 34-year-old is now living a dream by starring in “Batang Quiapo,” an action-comedy teleserye inspired by the 1986 film of his father, late film icon Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ).

“It’s a dream for me. I keep saying it out loud kasi it’s something I’ve never done before. But sa mga interviews ko way, way back, tinanong ako kung anong paborito kong movie niya, ang sabi ko ‘Batang Quiapo,’ and now nangyayari na siya,” Poe happily shared to The Manila Times in a one-on-one interview.

“There’s this pressure. Kahit ano namang project ang ibigay sayo. But more than anything it’s just the excitement and kasi the fact na ipinagkatiwala sayo yung mga ganitong klaseng project, for me it’s just a blessing. As much as possible, you just want to give your all and give your best because of the trust that was given to you,” she added.

With her in headlining Batang Quiapo” is no less than country’s “Primetime King” Coco Martin who also serves as the show’s director. It will be remembered in their previous interviews that the two have always wanted to work together even before Poe’s network transfer.

Now that it finally happened, Poe has nothing but praises for her leading man.

“He’s very collaborative because very improv style yung kay direk Coco. You

Lovi Poe Photo from Instagram/@lovipoe don’t know where the cameras are sometimes so talagang you have to be on your toes for sure. But so far so good kasi nga na-enjoy ko. When I entered, I was already told na iba yung style. And you know when it challenges me, I’m always up for it,” Poe noted. Ang sarap kasi relaxed at enjoy lang. Yun ang magandang part — yes, meron siyang ibabato na linya pero it’s up to you kung gusto mong dagdagan. So he lets us be. We understand na din kasi our characters and I think that’s his way of showing us that he trusts us as actors,” she continued.

In “Batang Quiapo,” Poe plays Mokang, Tanggol/Baldo’s charming friend who will put up with his shenanigans. Martin’s character, on the other hand, is a stubborn yet loving son to his mother (Cherry Pie Picache), father (John Estrada), grandmother (Charo Santos),

and younger brother (McCoy de Leon). Based on the teaser alone, the show is set to give viewers not only intense action scenes but also important values that viewers can learn from. Poe has been having the time of her life in shooting in an open location where they are joined by the community in Quiapo. But what challenged her the most in the series were her Tagalog lines. Yung kilos okay, sanay ako kasi magalaw ako. Ang pinakanahirapan ako in particular is sa Tagalog. Marunong naman ako magtagalog pero yung lutong, kung paano mo sabihin. My god, yung first day, to be honest kumakabog talaga yung dibdib ko. Sabi ko, ‘paano ko sasabihin?’ Buti na lang may mga kasama ako na gina-guide ako. Kahit si Coco tinuturuan ako so nag pa-practice ako kung paano yung Tagalog ko. Tapos as time went on, nagawa ko naman siya.

Asked what the audience can expect in this action-packed series, Poe promised, “It will be very entertaining. Siguro lahat nandito — family, drama, actionpacked, comedy, different types of people. It’s not just my character and Coco’s character that you have to look out for. Everyone, aside from the veteran actors, influencers, ating mga FlipTopers or rappers. Sobrang huhusay nila, nakakaamaze, nakakagulat.”

“FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” also stars Benzon Dalina, Mark Lapid, Ronwaldo Martin, Jojit Lorenzo, Ping Medina, Mercedes Cabral, Alan Paule, Lou Veloso, Susan Africa, Pen Medina, Lito Lapid, Irma Adlawan, and Christopher de Leon. Malu Sevilla will co-direct the series with Martin.

Pressure on for Francine-Seth tandem

By Marinel cruz Inquirer.net

YOUNG stars Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, whose onscreen partnership—“FranSeth”—was launched via the mystery-drama “Dirty Linen,” admitted to feeling nervous about how the audience would react to their new tandem. They confessed that they expected to receive hate comments, too.

“Yes, we have been feeling the heavy weight on our shoulders since we joined this project’s story con. We were expecting to get a lot of negative comments or bashing from the audience, but thank God, there was none. Also, we chose to deal with the pressure by working hard to portray our characters well,” Francine told Inquirer Entertainment during a recent interview.

Francine and Seth used to be part of the now-disbanded The Gold Squad of ABS-CBN. They were first seen as a team in the drama series “Kadenang Ginto,” but Francine was paired with Kyle Echarri, while Seth was partnered with Andrea Brillantes.

“It helps that Francine and I are good friends. I actually asked her first if it was OK with her to work with me in a love team. We are determined to make this partnership work. We are aware that people are watching us to see what we will do,” added Seth.

The actor said the pressure is actually coming

from the fact that the network, particularly Dreamscape Entertainment, invested in them and the project. “The company thought that pairing us up was worth a try. They’re observing us because this is our first project together. It’s up

Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi

Photos from Instagram/@

Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin

Photo from Instagram/@

Filipina American actress Vanessa Hudgens with professional baseball player Cole Tucker

Janella wants son to be proud of her

BEING a mother to two-year-old son Jude Trevor, Janella Salvador described motherhood as “the best thing, experience of my life so far.”

“I am happy. It’s nice to see… I have a two-year-old now. It’s nice to see him growing into the person that he is turning out to be,” she said during the finale media conference of the recently-concluded ABS-CBN series Mars Ravelo’s Darna where she played the role of Darna’s nemesis, Regina/Valentina.

“Actually pag Valentina, he doesn’t recognize me. Pero when I play Regina, nakikilala niya ako, ‘Mama.’ Gumaganun siya,” she shared when asked about the reaction of Baby Jude whenever he would see her on screen.

When further queried if she will support Jude if he decides to join showbiz in the future, just like his parents, she answered, “If he wants to. Only if he wants to but I’m not going to push it. But if I see that he has the talent, maybe I will bring him to workshops. But hindi ko ipipilit.”

She also keeps Jude in mind whenever she accepts acting projects. “Actually, pipiliin ko pa rin, of course, yung mga roles. Hindi naman pwede na basta-basta lang na tatanggap lang ako ng tatanggap. It really depends on how the role is portrayed, if there’s redemption or if it is properly portrayed. I want my son to be proud of me like, ‘My mom did this,’ even it is a daring role. I want him to appreciate my craft.”

Portraying Regina/Valentina in Mars Ravelo’s Darna is Janella’s first role after motherhood and it boosted her confidence in her craft. “I’m not sure if it’s because of (me being a) mother or the role is so well-written, but as what I’ve said I’ve really grown as an actress. I have gained more confidence to take on different roles. I loved my craft even more because of this role. I am excited to essay other roles that will give me more challenge.”

The character Regina likewise inspired Janella to “fight for what is right.” She said, “I really look up to her and I really wanna be like her. I really wanna fight for what is right. I wanna be able to have a voice and be the voice of the generation.”

Janella also recalled feeling “discomfort” while taping due to her costume every time she

would transform into snake-haired Valentina, who wore a head cap and a blue and green body suit. “My costume kasi hindi nag-floflow yung blood ko, especially the head part because I’m wearing a head cap most of the time. So, I’d get chronic headaches all the time. It’s tight (suit). Yung costume nga restricted siya, it’s not stretchy. So, it’s very difficult (to move) and discomfort lang talaga.”

She told the wardrobe team about it, but “they couldn’t do anything about it,” said Janella. “Maybe because of a lot of factors. Maybe they were not that prepared. Maybe that was the cause of the problem. But as an actress, wala na yun sa part ko. As an actress, I just gave my best.”

On her Valentine’s Day plans, Janella said she will celebrate “self-love.” “I will spend time with myself and my son. He is my Valentine.”

Janella and ex-boyfriend Markus Paterson called it quits more than a year ago, but they have maintained a good co-parenting relationship for their son Jude.

“OK naman. We are co-parenting ng maayos. Wala namang problema,” said Janella and added that they follow a “system” as coparents. “He borrows Jude when he is free but he (Jude) stays with me talaga.”

She is also open to be working with Markus, saying, “Maybe in the future, why not? Yeah.”

The 24-year-old actress is also open to try a new relationship, “Yes, I guess.” (By Charmie Joy Pagulong/Philstar.com)

Her sewing machine, his nonstick pan

By Raoul J. Chee Kee Inquirer.net

LONG-TIME partners

Marina Benipayo and Ricardo

“Richard” Cepeda have a full and creative life outside show biz. When they aren’t in front of the camera, they’re meeting up with friends and family, indulging in their hobbies, fostering pets or simply chilling together at home.

Veteran fashion model Marina can still give the younger models a run for their money and is sometimes

Will the Queen of Marte in ‘Darna’...

From Page 8

and challenge. Just like any other challenge, I take it as an opportunity to learn and to grow.

It is true that when one door closes, another one opens, it’s all about seizing the moment and being grateful for the chance to work hard and to learn more about myself. Here is to new beginnings and to new adventures,” said the beauty queen on Instagram.

“Thank you to everyone at ABS-CBN and Darna for allowing me to be a part of this iconic show that celebrates women empowerment,” she added.

During the national costume event of the 2023 Miss Universe, Cortesi donned the twopiece red-and-gold suit with matching kneehigh boots and arm cuffs that resembled the Filipina superhero. De Leon, during a press conference after the global beauty tilt, said Cortesi had more to show to the world even if she did not win the crown.

“I believe kay Celeste na meron pa siyang ipapakita sa ating lahat. Hindi lang sa ngayon, but soon. I really believe in it (I believe that Celeste has more to show to everyone. It might not be now, but soon. I really believe in it.) ,” she added.

Should Cortesi pursue acting, she would not be the first beauty queen to enter show business after pageantry.

Some of the most notable beauty queens turned actresses include Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman, Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza, Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, Miss Universe Philippines 1994 Charlene Gonzales, Miss Universe Philippines 2009 Bianca Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina, and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, among many others. Does the Queen of Marte exist?

While the Queen of Marte’s origins were not explored throughout the run of “Mars Ravelo’s Darna”, it was known that the female superhero indeed originated from Marte.

The planet, according to Mango Comics’ “Darna Comicbook 3” in 2022, is a land inhabited by the Adranikans and Anomalkans where the former was described as lovers of peace ruled by Queen Adran, until they were overtaken by serpent-like beings who are followers of Queen Braguda.

The backstory of Cortesi’s surprise role in the TV series is unknown, however, her lines indicate that she is part of the Adranikan tribe.

On the other hand, Darna was described in the comics as an extraterrestrial warrior coming from the Planet Marte who was manifested through Narda after swallowing the titular white stone.

Pressure on for Francine-Seth...

From Page 8

to us to turn this team-up into something big that will benefit the show and the network. We’re pressured because we want to prove that we deserve this opportunity,” he pointed out.

tapped by designers to take a twirl down the runway. Her favorite thing? Still fashionrelated.

“Sewing is my therapy, so my favorite thing is my sewing machine. It’s my best stress reliever and gives me the chance to stay productive. I used to work on my mother’s machine, but then she needed it back. Richard got me a new one para hindi ko siya kulitin kapag bored ako (laughs).”

When she was growing up, she recalled seeing her mother sewing. “She was

Continued on Page 10

Francine agreed with Seth and added: “I feel that people have their eyes on us, waiting to see if we will fail or commit any mistakes. Seth and I talked about this—our goal is to play our characters well and give justice to the story because ‘Dirty Linen’ is not your ordinary teleserye. It doesn’t just tell one story. It has many layers, and each of these layers makes up the whole project. Seth and I would like to think that our characters’ storyline—the layer that we’re part of—is also important.”

Fortune and influence “Dirty Linen,” which also stars Janine Gutierrez and Zanjoe Marudo, began airing on the Kapamilya Channel on Jan. 23. However, the pilot

week was all about introducing the main story arc and the major characters. Francine and Seth’s characters, Chiara and Nico, respectively, will be seen more frequently in the coming weeks.

Chiara is the youngest of the powerful Fiero clan. In spite of the family’s fortune and influence, Chiara feels alone and unwanted by her parents. She rebels as a way to get their attention and acceptance. Nico, meanwhile, is smart and hardworking. He receives a scholarship grant in the city that eventually paves the way for him to meet Chiara. Asked how she was able to relate to her character, Francine said: “It’s true that, unlike Chiara, I’m surrounded by love at home, but there was a time when I also felt so alone and was desperate for other people’s company. I was looking for someone to listen to me and understand what I was going through, but no matter how I tried to explain my

situation to friends, it still felt like they didn’t get me.

“I’ve managed to overcome that phase in my life, I’m OK now. It’s just that, in order to play Chiara, I had to return to that time and sort of open wounds that had already healed. I had to do this to portray Chiara more realistically,” Francine explained.

Meanwhile, Seth described Nico as “the purest character in the entire series.” When we asked him to explain what he meant, Seth said it’s hard to share details that will not spoil the story for its audience. “Nico grew up not knowing anything about the plans of his father (Joel Torre) and sister (Janine) to exact revenge on the Fieros. He is also unaware that other members of what he considers his family are in on the plan, as well. In the beginning, he appears to be a typical student who studies hard to fulfill his dreams and help his family financially.”

Janella Salvador on motherhood: ‘It’s the best thing, experience of my life so far.’ ABS-CBN photo

Marina Benipayo and Ricardo Cepeda

Photo from Facebook/Marina Benipayo

Finding a solution to your tax problems

ONE of the most emotional aspect of a marital dissolution case is dealing with Child custody issues. Sadly enough, this is an area where most parents play games with each other trying their best to deprive the other parents of their right to maintain relationship with their child. Child custody comes in two parts, 1) physical custody and 2) legal custody. Physical custody may be awarded solely to one parent or jointly. Sole physical custody means that the child will reside primarily and under the supervision of one parent subject to visitation from the other parent upon order of the court. Family Code §3007. Joint physical custody on the other hand means that the child gets to spend frequent and continuing contact with both parents. Family Code §3004. The court would state specifically the periods of time the child will be under the supervision of each parent.

Legal custody on the other hand deals with the right and responsibility of a parent to make decisions regarding the health, education, and

How courts determine child custody in California

welfare of the child. Family Code §3006. Examples would be decisions such as where the child shall attend school, whether the child can travel to another jurisdiction or state, legal decisions involving the child. In cases where joint legal custody is ordered by the court, either parent alone can make decisions concerning the health, education, and welfare of the child unless otherwise specified in the order.

In making its determination on child custody issues, the court considers various factors depending on the specific facts of the case. The court usually follows the public policy of ensuring and encouraging the child’s frequent and continuing contact with both parents after the divorce unless it would not be in the best interest of the child. Fam. Code §3011. If the court is inclined to order sole custody to one parent, the consideration boils down to which parent is more likely to allow the child frequent and continuing contact with the noncustodial parent. Family Code §3040(a)(1). A major factor that would tilt the courts decision are incidents or history of child abuse and domestic violence. This can

be from the part of a parent, a parent’s co-habitant, or other person to whom a parent has a relationship with. The childs amount and nature of contact with the parents is also another factor considered. Fam. Code §3011(c). Other factors that can be considered are the parent’s use of controlled substance, prior criminal convictions and registration as a sex offender, and existence of restraining order against a parent. The family code requires that the parties go to mediation and attempt to agree on the custody issue prior to the court hearing the contested case. Family Code §3170(a). If the case is not settled in mediation, it gets decided in court through a contested hearing. At times, the court will order a child custody evaluation if it determines that it would be in the best interest of the child. The court may also appoint a minor’s counsel if it feels it would be in the best interest of the child. Family Code §3150(a). The court retains continuous jurisdiction over issues of child custody and support until the child reaches 18. This means the order may be modified all throughout this period if there has been a

change in circumstances.

* * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.  The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.  This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.  The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you.  This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC.  This article is not a solicitation.

* * * Attorney Kenneth Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail Kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com Visit us at www. kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Minding Your Finances

Atty rAymond BUlAon

READ this if you owe the IRS money and can’t pay.

If you just received a letter from the IRS for a tax bill that you can’t pay, you’re probably wondering what will happen next if you don’t have the money to pay them. Or perhaps you already know that you owe the IRS but for whatever reason, have just ignored all the letters you’ve received to date because you never figured out what you can do. And now they just sent you a final 30-day letter saying that if you do not pay, they can do all these bad things to you. There are also people who have not filed their tax returns for years and are afraid to come out and face whatever consequences there might be. Relax. It’s most likely not as bad as you think if you act now. 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 (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! I can help you end the misery of debt problems, including IRS problems. I do all the talking with the IRS. I will handle all the meetings and correspondences with the IRS. I 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 me help you understand your options in ending your IRS nightmare! If you owe $10,000 or more in IRS taxes, call my office at 866-477-7772 and schedule a free attorney consultation.

* * *

NOTE: Due to the current lockdown order caused by COVID-19, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems.

* * * None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray 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 1-866-477-7772. (Advertising Supplement)

Her sewing machine...

From Page 9

very skilled at it and I always wished I could be as skilled as her. It never happened (laughs), but I never want to stop using my sewing machine because a lot of my fondest memories of my mom are of watching her sew.”

Interspersed among her recent Facebook posts of gettogethers with friends and pictures of stray cats are some of her newly sewn creations. There’s an upcycled black tote made with fabric scraps “ para

walang sayang at walang tapon ” and a denim bag that she crafted out of a pair of Richard’s old jeans. Marina has had the white Brother sewing machine for eight years now and said it’s the “star” of her work table at home.

Richard is a known foodie and sometimes makes a big batch of lip-smacking pork adobo that he sells to friends with Marina’s help. His favorite thing is a 30-inch Tefal pan for deep frying.