030323 - Northern California Edition

California explores private insurance for immigrants lacking legal status. But is it affordable?

A DOCTOR found cysts in Lilia Becerril’s right breast five years ago, but the 51-year-old lacks health insurance. She said she can’t afford the imaging to find out if they’re cancerous.

Becerril earns about $52,000 a year at a nonprofit in California’s Central Valley, putting her and her husband, Armando, at more than double the limit to qualify for Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program for people with low incomes and disabilities. Private insurance would cost $1,230 a month in premiums, money needed for their mortgage.

“We’ve been resorting to home remedies to get through the pain,” Becerril said through a Spanish translator. Her husband has needed hernia surgery

Rep. Barbara Lee discusses US senate race, progressive values at meeting with LA’s AAPI community

WHEN United States Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) announced her bid to take over Dianne Feinstein’s seat in the U.S. Senate, many wondered if her age would be an asset or hindrance.

Lee is 76 years old and boasts a 12term legislative career in the U.S. House of Representatives. But given longstanding concerns over the 89-year-old Feinstein’s age — and the threat of the young GOP uprising against the aging Democratic Establishment — many Democratic voters have raised concerns over who should take over Feinstein’s seat.

But regarding the vigorous and progressive Lee, any age concern almost becomes a non-issue.

“For those who say my time has passed,

Marcos to Armed Forces: Defend our territory

by Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Monday, February 27 called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to defend the country’s territory amid a new security landscape and the South China Sea row.

Speaking to troops of the Visayas Command in Cebu, Marcos described the current geopolitical situation in the world today as “most complicated.”

He said there was a time when the Philippines did not

have to worry about threats and the intensification of competition between the superpowers.

“For many, many years, we were able to maintain that peace and maintain that understanding with all of our neighbors. Now things have begun to change and we must adjust accordingly,” he said. “We know that the Philippines is just a small country but we still need to defend our territory.”

He said the Philippines used to have clear boundaries, but now these are being questioned – a situation that further highlights the military’s important mission of safeguarding the country.

Marcos calls for ‘unity, reconciliation’ on his first EDSA anniversary as president

by James relativo Philstar.com

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sent his “warmest greetings” to all Filipinos here and abroad who solemnly recall the 37th EDSA People Power Anniversary, a popular uprising which ousted his father from power in 1986.

Late Thursday, February 23, Marcos moved the February 25 regular holiday to Friday, February 24 as a special non-working holiday, with the Department

of Labor and Employment calling Saturday, February 25 just an “ordinary working day.”

“As we look back at this moment in our country’s history, we remind ourselves that despite the polarizing and divisive nature of our politics, it is our capacity for peace, unity and reconciliation that made us great and worthy of global acclaim as a people,” Marcos said in a statement released by the state-run Philippine News Agency.

“To obtain our aspirations moving forward, we must compose ourselves and u PAGE

World Bank, ADB as investment partners to boost Maharlika attractiveness

“We are facing a more complex foreign situation in the Philippines. Like what I said, that in this part of the world, here in the Philippines, South China Sea, among all issues, it is said to be the most complicated geopolitical situation,” the President said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“Even if there is war in Ukraine, the South China Sea is said to be the most difficult and most complicated problem. That is why I said the mission of the AFP has changed. We need to safeguard those that we did not need to think much about u PAGE 2

Del Rosario: Marcos

‘taking proper steps in defending’ West PH Sea

by Nestor Corrales Inquirer.net

CEBU CITY — Calling the tensions in the South China Sea “the most complex geopolitical situation in the world,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to “guard carefully” the country’s territory, amid the unabated Chinese incursions into the West Philippine Sea, the area within the country’s exclusive economic zone. Meanwhile, former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the President was “taking proper steps in defending the rights of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.”

Addressing government troops in one of several activities during his visit here on Monday, February 27, Mr. Marcos said the country now “fac[es] a more complex foreign situation.”

“There was a time [when] we did not have to worry about these threats and the intensification of the competition between the superpowers,” he said, adding that “we were able to maintain that peace and maintain

Reopened flights from Clark to boost tourism, decongest NAIA

Marcos to Armed Forces: Defend...

previously,” he added.

The Philippines and China are embroiled in a longstanding dispute over some parts of the South China Sea, where more than $5 trillion in goods passes through every year. Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims in the area.

In 2016, an arbitral court based in The Hague invalidated China’s historic claims in the South China Sea but the Chinese government refused to recognize the ruling.

“We still need to fight for the rights of every Filipino because the Philippines is a sovereign nation, the Philippines has a functioning government and that functioning government includes the members of the military and that is why it remains to be our duty to protect the country, to protect our citizens,” Marcos said.

Marcos expressed confidence that soldiers would “always stand up to the challenges that the Philippines faces in the best tradition of the military, in the best tradition of our heroes that have gone past.”

“Once again, we continue to see heroes being made in our military. Keep up the good work. The country thanks you. The country is counting on you,” he said.

“The Armed Forces has never failed the country

Del Rosario: Marcos ‘taking proper steps...

PAGE 1

that understanding with all of our neighbors.”

“Now things have begun to change and we must adjust accordingly,” the president said.

“That’s why I say the mission of the AFP… has changed. And we need to guard carefully on the things we didn’t think too much about before,” he said further.

Marcos emphasized that the AFP “will always stand up to the challenges that the Philippines faces in the best tradition of the military, in the best tradition of our heroes that have gone past.”

Protests, summons

On Feb. 14, Marcos summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian “to express his serious concern over the increasing frequency and intensity of actions by China against the Philippine Coast Guard and our Filipino fishermen in their bancas.”

Del Rosario issued a statement on Monday, supporting this and other moves by the president.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Philstar.com file photo

and a grateful Philippines knows that... The entire Philippines knows how difficult your job is and the entire Philippines is very much thankful for your service.”

The President also reiterated that the country’s foreign policy is “guided by a commitment to peace and guided by the national interest.”

He also thanked the military for helping ensure the conduct of a safe, peaceful and honest elections in 2022. n

The president made these remarks more than three weeks after a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, just 195 kilometers off Palawan province, pointed a military-grade laser at a vessel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), temporarily blinding its crew.

Last week, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea reported that at least 30 Chinese militia vessels and a CCG ship were found anchored off Ayungin as well as Sabina (Escoda) Shoal, about 135 km from Palawan, when the PCG conducted a maritime domain awareness flight last Tuesday, February 21.

Joint patrols

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had filed 77 protests against China, including 10 this year, on top of 195 diplomatic notes sent to China last year.

Del Rosario, chair of think tank Stratbase ADR Institute, said “we welcome that President Marcos Jr.’s administration is allowing joint patrols with like-minded nations in the West Philippine Sea and establishing additional locations under the U.S.Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.”

“If successfully done, these are steps that have the effect of deterring Chinese aggressions against the Philippines,” said the retired diplomat, a former ambassador to the United States.

‘Policies of aggression’

Del Rosario said further that “all nations of the world, including the U.S. and the Philippines, have an important stake in preserving the rules-based international order against the unlawful policies of aggression being pursued by the leaders of China and Russia.”

“Dismantling the rules-based international order would be catastrophic for humanity as the world would revert to a pre-World War II order where disputes were settled by force and where countless lives were meaninglessly

lost through wars and invasions,” he added.

“We should not forget the lesson of the past world wars that a policy of appeasement toward aggressors resulted in disasters,” Del Rosario also said.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, in a statement, said the country should look beyond its 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States and forge similar security arrangements with other countries.

“China will not stop until we surrender the West Philippine Sea so we must also show her that we will never stand down,” she said, adding that “China stands alone on this issue while we enjoy the support of many countries.”

Modernization

The PCG, meanwhile, said it aims to acquire “more than 20 offshore patrol vessels (OPVs)” to sustain its presence in the country’s waters, its spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela told ANC on Monday.

Currently, the PCG only has three OPVs capable of two-week deployment—two 97-meter ships acquired from Japan and a 93-meter boat from France. The PCG has 10 smaller vessels that can only conduct short patrols.

Earlier, it called for more aircraft, port facilities, radars, and lighthouses for its modernization.

(With reports from Tina Santos, Frances Mangosing and Marlon Ramos)

BILATERAL COOPERATION. Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and Zhang Wenxian (3rd and 4th from left), senior adviser of the Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government of China, pose for photos after their meeting at the Arcadia Events Center on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Zhang led a 38-man delegation composed of government officials and business representatives for the signing of agreements for the Jinjiang-Davao Economic Trade Development, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., and Xiamen Airlines, as well as Avidsports Phils, Inc. and Shopping Center Management Corp. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

World Bank, ADB as investment partners...

Furthermore, he pointed out that inviting multilateral lenders as partners and stakeholders of the fund would address the governance concerns of the proposed MIF.

“If you bring in partners like the IFC, it will be built in. So it really matters who your partners are,” Medalla added.

According to the BSP chief, the proposed MIF would be better than the National Development Co., which is the investment arm of the Philippine government.

Medalla said key concerns of the central bank such as tapping into the country’s foreign exchange buffer or gross international reserves (GIR) as possible source of funds for the MIF have been addressed.

He said the term “wealth” in the original name of the fund has been dropped.

“That was the basic objection to the term W (wealth) because the government is a net borrower, the country is a net borrower. So in other words, to invest, we must borrow,” Medalla said.

He added that the proposed fund should be made to make strategic investments such as buying back the National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) as well as greenhouse gases to attract foreign investors.

“For instance, I think the privatization of transmission might have been a bad move. It’s too strategic and then of course selling it to the Chinese, from a security standpoint. Maybe it’s a good use for this fund to buy it back,” Medalla said.

Another concern of the BSP

that has been addressed is the use of the funds of pension fund managers Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

“I think those issues are gone.

So really the issues now are how we can improve the ability of this fund to increase investments in strategic areas and possibly, as in the case of Indonesia, attract foreign money,” Medalla added.

Based on legislative measures, the MIF will secure seed fund from state-run government financial institutions including Land Bank of the Philippines with P50 billion and Development Bank of the Philippines with P25 billion.

The BSP is expected to chip in P17 billion in the form of dividends, while the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., royalties and special assessments on natural resources and privatization are also seen to contribute an undetermined amount.

Medalla also said the Marcos administration is seriously looking for a highly competent individual to lead the management of the proposed fund.

Privatization

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said privatization would be a “more logical” way of raising capital for the MIF, as it would be “less controversial” than drawing funds from key financial instituions.

“Privatization seems to be less controversial and more logical because the assets being sold now can be enjoyed by future generations by investing in infrastructure and other things.

We must put that on the table for the body to study,” Gatchalian said at hearing of the Senate committee on banks and financial institutions on the MIF Bill on Monday, February 27.

The senator made the statement after Bankers Association of the Philippines president Antonio Moncupa Jr. explained that generating MIF capital from sources that contribute to government coffers could become problematic. Gatchalian noted that the top three assets that the government was looking to privatize could yield up to P130 billion in capital for the MIF.

These assets are the government’s mining rights estimated at P100 billion, a land parcel at the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) in Taguig worth around P22 billion and the government’s Mile Long property in Makati estimated at P8 billion. (With reports from Paolo Romero)

Rep. Barbara Lee discusses US senate race...

PAGE 1

well, when does making change go out of style?” Lee asks in the campaign announcement video released on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Among the first of many community meetings, Lee met with the Asian American and Pacific Islander community (AAPI) in Los Angeles on Thursday, Feb. 23 to discuss her legislative history, mobilizing young voters, the issues most pressing to Californians, and the

heart of her progressive credo.

“A progressive, like Barbara Lee, is not just going to put BandAids on solutions,” Lee told the Asian Journal at the community gathering hosted at The Noypitz in Little Tokyo. “You gotta deal with systemic change. You gotta shake things up and change the rules of the game because the rules, oftentimes, were barriers for marginalized people.”

As a member of Congress, Lee said that the issues top of mind for her include housing the unsheltered, equitable education, affordable childcare, affordable health care, global peace and security, eliminating poverty, and holding corporate polluters accountable.

But as someone with more progressive values, she said she wants to take it further and challenge the conventions and systems that historically shut people out. As a Washington mainstay, Lee said her career was always about reconfiguring power structures.

“I know that people aren’t that concerned with labels, but it’s the context of what I’ve been working on. I’ve challenged the systems: corporate systems and systems of funding that are inadequate and discriminatory — systems and structures that have to be dismantled and disrupted so that you can let people in,” Lee shared.

Born in El Paso, Texas but raised in California, Lee’s mission to systemic change began when she was a cheerleader at San Fernando High School in Pacoima. After facing barriers that hindered Black girls to join the school’s cheerleading squad, Lee successfully worked with the local NAACP group to integrate the team, making recruitment equitable for people of color.

By the time Lee was 20 years old, she was a single mother living on public assistance and earned a Master of Social Work from UC Berkeley — all while founding a community organization that provides mental health resources for the East Bay. She then went on to become and intern and then chief of staff to Congressman Ron Dellums, and in 1990, she was elected to California’s State Assembly.

Since 1998, Lee has served California in the House of Representatives, overseeing the now-12th district that covers Oakland and most of the northern part of Alameda County.

In the early 2000s, the congresswoman made waves by being the only member of Congress to vote against thenPresident George W. Bush’s authorization to use military force following 9/11, calling it “a blank check” to exercise “overly broad powers” that disregard the “nation’s long-term foreign policy, economic, and national security interests, and without a time limit.”

As a congresswoman, Lee

has always voted to cut the skyrocketing national defense budget, a “way excessive $840 billion,” she told the Asian Journal.

“Every year I vote against that, so I’ve offered amendments to cut it by 10%,” Lee explained. “And I’ve been doing that because I think it’s obscene. We need the resources for schools.”

Amid Republicans currently eyeing a $25 billion cut to the U.S. Department of Education, Lee called on Democrats to mobilize and work to divert defense funds back into public schools, but she knows it’s an uphill battle.

“We couldn’t even get Democrats to vote for that. Defense contractors are smart because they cite their businesses in members’ districts where they’ve created jobs,” she said. “But it’s the military-industrial complex, so people have to start calling on Democrats to say cut that budget. It’s excessive and we’re never going to be able to make education equal for Black, brown, and poor children until we deal with where the real resources are — and that’s defense.”

In addition to her staunchly anti-war views, Lee was known across Washington as a trailblazer on several progressive concerns before they became mainstream among Democrats, including LGBTQ+ equality, women’s rights, reproductive rights, and eliminating poverty. Lee’s announcement comes after other notable Democrats — Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Los Angeles) and Katie Porter (D-Orange County) — announced their campaigns to take over Feinstein’s seat. If elected, Lee would be the third Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate, after Carolyn Mosely Brown and Kamala Harris.

Each candidate is politically formidable in their own right; but, it’s Lee’s background, progressive ideals, and track record that give her a specific edge.

In her conversation with the Asian Journal, Lee said that her campaign represents the California she’s seen, not just her long political career, but since she was a child: a state that celebrates its diversity and can overcome seemingly immovable bigotry and tragedy.

“It’s about hope and optimism, and I’m continuing to talk to people about being empowered and engaged, because so many people, after COVID and all the MAGA stuff, feel despondent. They feel down but they can make a difference,” Lee said. She continued, “I want to encourage people not to give up because as a Black woman, can you imagine what would have happened? If you can get people to really believe and know that they have a voice, they, too, can work to make this country better.”

(Klarize Medenilla/ AJPress)

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla Philstar.com file photo

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) meets with the Los Angeles Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community following her bid to run for U.S. Senate, joining the race for Senator Dianne Feinstein’s seat.

Rep. Barbara Lee (4th from left ), who is throwing her hat in the U.S. Senate race, poses with members of the Filipino American community, including community leader Jessica Caloza, during an AAPI meeting at Noypitz in Downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, Feb. 23.

AJPress photos by Klarize Medenilla

Marcos calls for ‘unity, reconciliation’ on his...

appropriate our actions towards settling our differences and identifying collaborative ways to nurture our society.”

Marcos said that by accepting diversity, Filipinos deepen interpersonal relationships and discover how to make things work “better for all.”

While touting diversity in Marcos’ message, his father was infamous in persecuting political dissidents which lead to the arrests of 70,000, torture of 34,000 and deaths of 3,200 others during the Martial Lawera of 1972 to 1981, according to

Amnesty International.

Marcos earlier questioned this data when asked about the abuses of his father’s military rule.

The president said that at the heart of democracy is the need to resign from individualism for the sake of the common good and “embrace our infinite love for humanity.”

“Let us keep in mind that the world matures and ages in fortitude when people are free to speak their minds and challenge the realities that shake their convictions and beliefs,” Marcos said.

California explores private insurance for...

for 20 years. “It’s frustrating because we pay our taxes, but we can’t reap any of the benefits of where our taxes are going,” she added.

While many Californians who earn too much to be eligible for Medi-Cal can get subsidized coverage through Covered California, an estimated 460,000 residents aren’t allowed to buy insurance through staterun insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act because they lack legal status. One Democratic lawmaker says it’s a small but glaring gap and is crafting a bill that could test Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s commitment to reach universal health care.

“If we truly stand for democracy, let us face the future by making our sense of community and patriotism the defining cornerstones of our society and the overarching goals of all our efforts in nationbuilding. I wish everyone a meaningful commemoration,” he added.

The Social Weather Stations on Thursday, February 23 reported that 62% of Filipino adults feel that the spirit of EDSA People Power is still alive, even after Marcos’ 2022 win and the widespead misinformation that supported his candidacy. n

Reopened flights from Clark to boost...

The airline company has said three of its aircraft would be based in Clark.

Flag-carrier Philippine Airlines has also announced that it would commence flights from Clark to Caticlan on April 1 and Clark to Busuanga on April 2.

The newly reopened routes will surely boost the country’s domestic and international tourism as they will provide added connectivity to the country’s indemand destinations, according to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.

“After months of our continuous discussions with relevant aviation agencies

and stakeholders such as the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, we welcome these additional flights as they serve the Marcos administration’s efforts to vastly improve tourism connectivity and spread economic opportunity nationwide,” Frasco said.

“These flights will further invigorate the growing interest in our destinations among both domestic and international tourists, and further add to livelihood and employment opportunities for our tourism stakeholders and frontliners,” she added. The tourism chief also

highlighted that the reopening of the flights are “very timely” for the coming Holy Week.

“The DOT has been working with the DOTr in pushing for the maximization of the Clark International Airport with the goal of establishing it as a viable alternate airport, so it will be utilized to its full potential,” Frasco said.

“With the additional flights, we meet a number of objectives: the decongestion of the NAIA and minimizing crowding in other airports, as well as the further development of the region and attraction of more tourism activities and businesses in the area,” she added. n

“We’re going to need to figure out how to provide universal coverage for all who call this state home,” said the bill’s author, Assembly member Joaquin Arambula. “It’s an area our state has not leaned into enough, to provide coverage for those who are undocumented.”

Arambula’s bill would direct the state to ask the federal government to allow immigrants living in the state without authorization to get insurance through Covered California. Arambula sees the move as the critical first step to expand coverage. If approved, the Fresno lawmaker intends to push for state subsidies to help pay for insurance.

Both elements are essential for immigrants lacking legal status, said Jose Torres Casillas, a policy and legislative advocate with Health Access California, a consumer health group working with Arambula’s office on the measure.

“Access is one thing, but affordability is another,” Torres Casillas said.

Since taking office in 2019, Newsom has approved expanding Medi-Cal to all qualified residents regardless of immigration status. In doing so, the politician continuously rumored to be preparing for a presidential bid described the state as moving “one step closer” toward universal health care. But in January, Newsom announced a $22.5 billion state deficit and made no mention of new proposals for the state’s estimated 3

million uninsured residents.

Newsom’s health secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly, acknowledged the pressure to go further but he would not commit to a timeline.

“Up until now we’ve had so many other things to focus on,” Ghaly said. “This will become, frankly speaking, one of the most important next issues that we take on.”

California needs permission from the federal government to open Covered California to immigrants without legal residency because it is currently closed to them, and Arambula said he is in talks with Newsom administration officials about how to structure the bill.

Once the federal government opens Covered California up to all migrants, the state could set aside funding for subsidies. About 90% of enrollees in Covered California qualify for financial assistance, which is paid for with both state and federal funds. Since 2020, the state has spent $20 million a year on those subsidies, a fraction of the cost, because Congress has given states an infusion of money during the pandemic.

Previously, lawmakers had allocated roughly $300 million to lower insurance premiums for Covered California enrollees. Any financial assistance to people living in the state without authorization would likely have to come from state funds, and the costs could vary widely.

For instance, Colorado enrolled 10,000 such immigrants into a new insurance program designed solely for them at a cost of $57.8 million in state funds, said Adam Fox, deputy director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative. The program covered the full cost of insurance for enrollees.

In Washington state, immigrants who lack legal status can take advantage of a state fund next year to help all income-eligible state residents pay for insurance, said Michael Marchand, chief marketing officer for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. State lawmakers have added $5 million to the fund for immigrants without legal authorization.

“It would serve as an

incentive for additional undocumented immigration into our country,” said Sally Pipes, president and CEO of the Pacific Research Institute, a think tank that advocated against Medi-Cal expansion to immigrants without legal standing. “And put taxpayers on the hook for additional government health care costs and the inevitable higher tax bills to pay for them.”

California officials have previously considered allowing all immigrants to buy insurance from its state-run program before, submitting a request to the federal government in 2016. But the state rescinded its application after President Donald Trump took office, given his antiimmigration rhetoric and policies.

The Biden administration in December approved an exception to federal law for Washington state — a game changer in the eyes of immigration advocates, said Rachel Linn Gish, a spokesperson for Health Access.

“Seeing what other states have done and the waivers that are happening under Biden, it makes a huge difference in our approach,” she said.

But even if lawmakers pass a plan to open California’s insurance marketplace to all immigrants regardless of status, advocates said the state will have to wait until Jan. 1, 2024, to ask the federal government for permission, and it could take half a year or longer to get a response. That means it could be years before Becerril can get coverage. Instead, she’s preparing for the worst.

“I’m paying for funeral coverage,” she said. “It’s more economical than paying the health coverage premium.”

(Rachel Bluth/Kaiser Health News)

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.

LOCAL FAVORITES. Flordelis Nebrao arranges caimito (star apples) on her sidewalk stall along Katipunan Avenue in Balara, Quezon City on Tuesday, Feb. 28. She sources the fruits rich in anti-oxidants from the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan and sells them for PHP100 per kg. PNA photo by Ben Briones

Developing the maritime industry

WITH 7,641 islands and one of the world’s most extensive coastlines, the Philippines should have a robust maritime industry. Instead the country has an abundance of deadly maritime accidents even in fine weather and a domestic shipbuilding industry that is so underdeveloped it cannot even produce enough vessels for the coast guard and navy.

The Philippines is the world’s largest source of commercial seafarers, but their jobs are currently threatened by the failure of local maritime schools to meet international standards on training and accreditation. On Tuesday, February 28 President Marcos vowed to make the maritime industry “once again a top priority.” But the industry has never really enjoyed top priority in any administration. And the ills plaguing the industry are symptomatic of the problems hobbling national development.

Editorial

– as affirmed by an international arbitration court – over disputed areas in the South China Sea. Instead the country continues to rely on allies for protecting its maritime entitlements and has yet to fully achieve credible defense capability.

Addressing the Philippine Maritime Industry Summit 2023 on Tuesday, President Marcos committed to support aspirations for developing a domestic maritime industry “that will be looked upon with admiration by the region and the rest of the world.”

Philippine education in general is in crisis.

Developing a robust domestic shipbuilding, repair and maintenance industry requires strong competencies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM, which are the weakest areas for the average Filipino student. The country also lacks the innovation ecosystem that is indispensable in designing ships for both commercial and defense purposes.

A strong maritime patrol capability could have enabled the country to uphold its sovereignty

THE recent incident at sea between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Chinese Coast Guard, when the latter used military grade lasers against the PCG and its crew amid reports of continued harassment of Filipino fishermen within our territorial waters, once again highlights the threat posed by China to Philippine interest, sovereignty, and territory in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

While the incident involving lasers may be a first, the harassment and shadowing of Filipino fishermen and the PCG are a constant reality. While our country pursues constructive

FIRST, the context. The Marcos family has a long history of friendship with China. Hate her or love her, former first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos made history when she traveled to China in 1978 and met with the late Mao Zedong that led to the declaration of our country's support for the One China policy by the late President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos in 1979.

The Marcoses and the Chinese

The Marcoses have fond memories of the Chinese. All these years, they have maintained friendly relations and are respectful of Chinese leaders, past and present. After the defeat of Bongbong Marcos in the vice presidential race to Leni Robredo in 2019, it was his FilipinoChinese friends who stood by him during his hour of agony when everybody else shunned him.

The Marcoses and the Americans Marcos Jr. is no stranger to realpolitik and the dangers small and weak countries face against the designs of the more powerful country like the United States. He and his family had a taste of it during the EDSA revolution in 1986, when the Americans helped the coup plotters topple his father. And instead of bringing them to Paoay as originally agreed, hijacked them instead to Hawaii.

But that's only the tip of the "ice cream" as former president Erap Estrada would hilariously put it. The Americans, to gain favor from

This includes full support for the Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028, which covers priority programs to expand and promote an environmentally sustainable industry, adopt an efficient system of maritime governance, enhance maritime transport security, innovate and digitalize the industry, promote a competitive workforce and develop shipbuilding and repair.

Those are ambitious goals, but with political will and full government support, they should not prove impossible to achieve within six years. (Philstar.com)

Protecting PH sovereignty and territory

engagement with China in other areas of bilateral relations such as in trade and investment, the dispute in the WPS will be a constant thorn and a major issue in Philippine national security interest.

Meanwhile, the decision of the Marcos administration to provide the United States expanded access to our military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca), and explore a possible Visiting Forces Agreement with Japan to include some form of trilateral defense arrangement with the U.S., is being criticized and characterized as a mendicant foreign policy. The critics note that the mindset behind this idea is outdated, and that focus should be on independently building our defense posture. Others claim it

will drag the Philippines into a war with China over Taiwan if the Americans get involved.

I acknowledge the risk posed by a possible war over Taiwan that involves the Americans, but as I noted in my previous article in this publication on Feb. 9 titled “Expanded Edca: Benefit or Liability?” the pros outweigh the cons. Essentially, the ultimate objective of the overarching strategy, in which Edca is just a part of a broader network of alliances being established, is not to facilitate a military victory, but rather to deter China from using armed force, not to mention prevent a war from breaking out at all. It is, of course, no guarantee that China would be deterred from its aim to reintegrate Taiwan through military means, but the lack of a credible deterrent is also

EDCA: Bane or boon?

the Cory administration, ramped up its demonization of the Marcos family who were vilified, ridiculed and shamed in the American press. Case after case were filed against them for compensation to the martial law victims whose list of names were suspect, and for the recovery of alleged ill-gotten wealth, to mention just two.

So, why would Marcos Jr. cocoon the Americans despite what they did to him and his family? Why would he weasel out of the Chinese embrace after long years of friendship?

Personal interest vs national interest

The experience of the Marcoses with the Americans, I would imagine, would have been traumatic for the young Marcos. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out how he must have felt toward the Americans and now that he is President, I didn't expect Marcos Jr. to behave as if nothing had happened between his family and the Americans. And yet, he has recently granted the use of four additional military bases on top of the existing five or a total of nine, to the Americans under the EDCA agreement. This was no easy decision, knowing fully well that the EDCA will put the Philippines in harm's way in the event a conflict flared between China and the United States over Taiwan or the West Philippine Sea.

The reality is that there are only three options for Marcos Jr., all of which could be portentous. Let me explain.

The American and the China cards are both perilous for the Philippines. Either way, it will not spare us in the event of a clash between two hemogenic giants — militarily or economically.

Whichever way the wind blows, we are crushed. The third option is neutrality. The only way to stay neutral is to do the bidding of China and short of a formal declaration, we allow ourselves to become a "province of China."

China forced BBM'S hand Marcos Jr. has no options left but to acquiesce to the request of the United States for nine military bases under EDCA. To do otherwise would be a sign of weakness in the face of bullying by China. He could even be accused of treason if he did not show resolve in protecting our patrimony and the lives and livelihood of our fisherfolk.

What do you do when China, who professes undying friendship, continues to violate our sovereign rights (not sovereignty), and harass our fishermen, which has become a daily occurrence, depriving them of their livelihood? There was even an incident when the Chinese rammed a boat of our fishermen and left them for dead in the high seas.

In another recent incident, the Chinese beamed a militarygrade laser at our coast guard on a routine supply run to our military outpost in Ayungin Shoal, temporarily blinding them.

China has built a constellation of military outposts, including reclaiming over 3,400 hectares, and turning it into a naval base capable of launching a bombing run on the Philippines, and threatening the flow of trade in the West Pacific.

And you expect Marcos Jr. to stay neutral?

In the long and short of it, China has only itself to blame for the decision of Marcos Jr. to enlist the United States in defense of the Philippines. China's ambitions

likely to encourage China to use armed force, as the cost of an invasion would not be so high. The bottom line is, no matter our position, a war breaking out in Taiwan is not in our country’s interest, and that preventing one from happening by being part of an alliance to deter China from starting one would be. Taking this a step further, has there been any consideration about our security position if Taiwan were to fall under the complete control of China? Such scenario would mean China’s land border would only be around 400 kilometers from Batanes instead of 3,000 km away as it is now. So aside from the WPS, we now have to closely monitor and patrol our northeast and eastern maritime domain, which includes the Benham Rise. Recall that a

few years back, Chinese ships were surveying the area, which could be another flashpoint in Philippine-China relations. Therefore, if we are to talk about protecting our country’s sovereignty and territory, both on land and at sea, we need to take all possible scenarios and factors into account, and act according to our country and people’s best interest.

Speaking of our country’s and people’s best interest, would the status quo of regular harassment of our fishermen and the Coast Guard, and the normalization of these violations of the 2016 arbitral ruling in our favor, be acceptable?

Independently building our defense posture is ideal, but how many generations will it take for us to achieve military parity with

China, if that is even possible?

In the meantime, we have to use all means necessary to protect our sovereignty and territory. Of course, doing so comes with risks, but sticking our head in the sand and hoping we’d be left alone would be worse. By the time we stick our head out of the ground, we’d realize we have already lost control of part of our territory. (Inquirer.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.

* * * Moira G. Gallaga served three Philippine presidents as presidential protocol officer, and was posted as a diplomat at the Philippine consulate general in Los Angeles, and the Philippine Embassy in Washington.

need to be checked somehow, and the best way would be to go for what is called the "Cornerstone Balancer" principle, where a weak state enters into a joint agreement with a more powerful country like the United States. It could also be an agreement with other states like Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, Australia and India, whose combined military strength could overshadow the aggressor.

Independent foreign policy?

Breaking his avowed foreign policy of "Being a friend to all, enemy to none," and displeasing the Chinese was a forced move. Let's be clear about this: both China and the United States are hegemonic, both are fighting for world dominance, both have their own interests to protect and promote, and both need the Philippines to advance their country's agenda. It is our

misfortune that the Philippines is simply on the wrong side of geography. It is a small country coveted by two superpowers.

But what choice does the President have? Either he allows China to continue to occupy parts of our territory, harass our fishermen, militarize the WPS, and let the Philippines be a wimp, or run to the Americans for succor. How did we end up where we are?

Blame the Chinese. It is time to close ranks and support our policy of alignment with the United States and pray that war or even a limited or regional war is averted. China should wake up to the reality that if it wants the world to trust it, it should forego its hegemonic ambition by demonstrating respect for its neighboring countries'

territorial claims, stop being a neighborhood bully, and start behaving like a responsible member of nations. Doing so would mean leaving behind its military outposts and naval bases in the WPS and turning it instead into a sea of peace.

The question is: Will the Chinese leave behind their constellation of military outposts and forgo their claim to the almost entire WPS?

I don't think so. What happens now to the avowed foreign policy of President Marcos Jr.: "Enemy to none, friends to all?" You can forget it and brace for more harassments and hostile acts by the Chinese. (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.

This year’s joint activities are expected to be bigger, considering the expansion of coverage of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) to include four more Philippine military bases where US forces can operate on a temporary basis. Philstar.com file photo

House approves hybrid Con-con on 2nd reading

by Delon Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA — The House of Representatives approved on second reading a resolution allowing Charter amendments through the creation of a hybrid constitutional convention.

Through voice vote, most of the members of the supermajority coalition approved the measure when presiding officer Rep. Raymond Mendoza of TUCP party-list asked for their votes.

The approval on third and final reading of Resolution of Both Houses 6 will only be a formality.

A separate bill was filed and is now pending in the House appropriations committee for tax purposes since Con-con delegates will receive remuneration for their skills.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, who sits as president of the opposition Liberal Party, initially called for the suspension of the plenary proceedings.

But he was opposed by his collagues, mostly from the administration bloc.

Rep. Lorenz Defensor of Iloilo also introduced amendments to the measure, removing the name of lawyer Alex Lacson from a group following his nonmembership and moved for the insertion of an important provision.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, who chairs the House committee on constitutional amendments and sponsor of the measure, accepted Defensor’s insertion of economic amendments to the Constitution.

“That is our purpose: to amend the restrictive economic provisions of the Charter,”

Rodriguez said. Meanwhile, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said attempts to amend the Constitution would only distract the country from addressing urgent problems such as poverty and corruption.

“We should do away with this long-standing tale of makebelieve that Charter change will solve all our problems. That is not needed now,” Hontiveros said partly in Filipino.

She said the government and the people must face the reality that inflation, poverty and corruption are the pressing issues that need to be addressed with aggressive political will and focus.

The senator asked why there appears to be “a sense of urgency on Charter change when it is not among the issues felt by the people.”

“Filipinos are experiencing hardship, but Cha-cha is being prioritized when it cannot be eaten,” Hontiveros said.

“Putting Cha-cha front and center is just another major distraction and will only sideline urgent issues. The economy is worsening and the agricultural sector is laden with so much scandal. Redirecting large amounts of our limited resources to Charter change at this time will just do more damage,” she added.

She said she was glad that President Marcos has explicitly stated that amending the Constitution was not his priority.

The president’s allies in Congress should take heed, Hontiveros said.

Sen. Nancy Binay said she respects the prerogative of Sen. Robinhood Padilla, who chairs the Senate committee on constitutional amendments, to

Comelec needs P3.8B more for con-con

push for Cha-cha.

Binay said if Padilla favors the easing of the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution, the landmark amendments to the Public Service Act, Foreign Investment Act and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act are sufficient to attract investments.

She said more effort should be put into improving and releasing the implementing rules and regulations of these laws instead “in the face of the many crises confronting us.”

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said Filipinos are “too preoccupied with daily living struggles” to give a thought to Cha-cha. “Although we need constitutional changes to improve our system of government, this can wait as we should address first the basic daily living problems: where to get food to feed the family, the continued increase in prices, where to get a job, corruption, the high cost of living and even of dying, and many more basic problems,” Pimentel said.

Sen. Sonny Angara said he was open to amending the Constitution, but he was concerned over the proposal of the House of Representatives to do it through constitutional convention (con-con), whose members are to be elected.

He said the con-con is the most expensive and the most tedious mode of Charter change, adding the proposed P10,000 per day pay of each delegate was excessive.

Padilla said while he is heartened over the efforts in the House to amend the Constitution, he appealed anew to them to prioritize amending the economic provisions.

Several groups in the House of Representatives, led by the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc., have rejected Padilla’s call to abolish the party-list system.

Rep. France Castro of ACT Teachers acknowledged flaws in the Party-List System Law, but said the marginalized sector still needs representation.

“The party-list system should not be abolished. The law should be amended to ensure that only party-list groups from the marginalized sector are the ones who get registered and elected,” Castro said. (With reports from Paolo Romero)

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) will need an additional P3.827 billion to hold an election for constitutional convention (con-con) delegates, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said on Tuesday, February 28.

The election of delegates is planned to be held simultaneously with the barangay and youth council polls on October 30.

Garcia told the House Committee on Appropriations the additional budget will fund the bigger honoraria being proposed for teachers who will be doing poll duty.

He also said that 67 million ballots have to be printed for the election of con-con delegates.

Last week, the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments approved a Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) calling for a con-con to amend or revise the 1987 Constitution.

If the House adopts the RBH, it must also be approved by the Senate.

Under a bill approved by the House constitutional amendments committee during

a meeting on Monday, February 27, one delegate per legislative district shall be elected to the con-con.

Sectoral representatives, who will make up 20 percent of the convention delegates, would be jointly appointed by the Senate president and the House speaker.

A con-con delegate must be a natural-born Filipino citizen, at least 25 years old on election day, a college degree holder, a registered voter in the concerned district, and a resident there for at least a year immediately preceding elction day.

A sectoral delegate must be a natural-born Filipino citizen and at least 25 years old on the day of his appointment.

The bill requires the concon to have as delegates at least three retired members of the judiciary, two economists, two from the labor sector, two from the farmers and fisherfolk, two from indigenous cultural communities, and two from the senior citizens and persons with disabilities, among others.

During the constitutional

amendments committee’s meeting on Monday, Cagayan de Oro Second District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, the committee chairman, said “what is envisioned here is that there will be nominations from different sectors and then the nominations will be submitted to the speaker and submitted also to the Senate president, so that then each one of them will consider the nominations and then they will have to meet and be able to have” a joint approval “on whom both of them will appoint.”

The delegates will serve from Nov. 21, 2023, to June 30, 2024. The convention will be held in the House session hall. It must submit its report to Congress and the Comelec within 30 days from completion of the consolidated amendments, or July 30, 2024. The amendments to the Constitution proposed by the convention must be ratified by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite to be held within 90 days after the submission of the convention report. (ManilaTimes.net)

Expanded discount for senior citizens approved

THE House Special Committee on Senior Citizens has approved bills that will expand the provision of a 20 percent discount and exemption from value-added tax to senior citizens to include medicines, dietary supplements, vitamins, herbal products and formulated milk that have been properly prescribed or recommended by physicians.

House Bills 362 and 5425, authored by OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino and Manila First District Rep. Ernesto Dionisio Jr., respectively, were approved by the House committee and will be consolidated.

Magsino welcomed the committee's decision and said that her bill will benefit many senior citizens who are forced to fend for themselves with their little life savings and pensions, which are largely used for personal expenses and medical needs, and the most disadvantaged have become street dwellers, begging for a living. She said that the Constitution requires both the family and the government to care for

elderly members through social programs.

In response to this constitutional directive, Congress passed Republic Act 7432, or the "Senior Citizens Act," which was later revised by RA 9257 and RA 9994, or the "Expanded Senior Citizens Acts of 2003 and 2010," respectively.

Senior citizens are offered a 20 percent discount on certain products and services, such as medicines, as well as a 12 percent value-added tax exemption under this succession of laws.

Yet, these laws failed to provide for a definition of the term "medicines, which would identify specifics of their coverage, thus allowing many business establishments the leeway to determine which types of medicines are subject to the discount, and in many instances deny the grant of the privilege," Magsino said during her sponsorship speech.

"Moreover, the present laws do not include supplements and vitamins, formulated milk and other similar products

that have proven important, especially during the pandemic, in maintaining the well-being of senior citizens," she added.

House Bill 362 proposes defining "medicines" as drugs, both prescription and nonprescription, generic and branded, duly prescribed by physicians and approved by the Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration, to be used in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of illness. The bill intends to include dietary supplements, herbal products and formulated milk that have been officially prescribed by physicians, approved by the DoH and utilized in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease.

"The amount of care that a society extends to its elderly members is a measure of the humaneness that particular society possesses. We Filipinos are known for our culture of cherishing and personally taking care of our elderly. Let us keep that distinction and pride alive," Magsino said. (ManilaTimes.net)

Friday, March 3, 2023

Tony Award winner Lea Salonga joins Broadway cast and producing team of ‘Here Lies Love’

For limited guest engagement July 11 – August 13, 2023

THE producers of Here Lies Love, the groundbreaking musical from the minds of Grammy®, Oscar®, and Tony Award® winner David Byrne (concept, music and lyrics) and Grammy Award® winner Fatboy Slim (music), announced that Tony and Olivier Award winner Lea Salonga, a global Filipina legend, will join the show’s Broadway cast for a special guest engagement this summer.

Salonga, who is also joining the producing team of Here Lies Love, will appear in the show for

five weeks from Tuesday, July 11 through Sunday, August 13.

She will perform “Just Ask The Flowers,” sung by the character of Aurora Aquino – mother of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, whose assassination ignited the People Power Revolution that ousted Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos from power. After her five-week run, guest stars from the Philippines will take over the role, showcasing the abundance of talent from her native country. This production marks the first time Salonga will serve as a producer on a Broadway

show; Here Lies Love also marks the first time Salonga will play a Filipino role on the Broadway stage. Salonga returns to the Broadway Theatre with Here Lies Love after making her Broadway debut there in 1991, winning the Tony Award for her portrayal of Kim in Miss Saigon at age 20.

Here Lies Love, which tells the story of former Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos’ rise to power and subsequent fall at the hands of the Philippine People Power Revolution, will begin performances Saturday, June 17 ahead of an official opening night on Thursday, July 20.

Lea Salonga said, “I’m so excited to be joining Here Lies Love as both a performer and producer! As an audience member that stood on the dance floor at the National Theatre in London where Here Lies Love ran in 2014, I knew I wanted to be part of it if and when it ever came to Broadway. Now here we are, and at the theater in which I made my Broadway debut! I’m thrilled to be part of this show, as well as part of a company comprised of an abundance of Filipino talent, a first in Broadway history! We’re showing the world what we’re capable of!”

Director Alex Timbers said, “Having Lea join the Here Lies Love family is a pinch-me moment for all of us. I can’t wait to get in the rehearsal room with her and the other talented artists working on this show.”

Producer and costume designer Clint Ramos said, “Lea Salonga has singularly secured a place for Filipinos on the Broadway stage. That she joins us as both performer and producer, where she creates a pipeline for Filipina actresses, is profoundly historic. Lea continues to be a beacon of light and source of pride for the Philippines. We are thrilled to welcome her to Here Lies Love.”

As previously announced, the cast of Here Lies Love will also include Jose Llana (The King and I, The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee) and Conrad Ricamora (“How to Get Away with Murder,” The King and I, Soft Power – Grammy nominations). An international casting search is underway for the remaining company of 20+ actors.

Developed & directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, with choreography by Olivier Award nominee Annie-B Parson and additional music by Tom Gandey and J Pardo, the show’s home at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway at 53rd Street) will be transformed into a dance club where the audience is immersed in the story.

Ticketing information

As the official card sponsor of Here Lies Love, American Express® Card Members have Early Access to exclusive presale tickets before the general public from Friday, March 10 at 10am EST through Monday, March 20 at 9:59am EST at Telecharge.com.

Presale tickets for Here Lies Love are available exclusively to Audience Rewards® members from Monday, March 20 at 10:00am ET through Wednesday, March 22 at 9:59am ET. It’s free and fast to join at www.AudienceRewards.com.

Audience Rewards is the Official Rewards Program of Broadway, providing membership benefits and rewards for more than 2.7 million members and representing more than a quarter of all Broadway tickets purchased through Ticketmaster and Telecharge. Free and easy to join, Audience Rewards allows buyers to earn Show Points on every ticket purchase, to be redeemed for free tickets, theater collectibles, unique experiences, and more. Founded in 2008 by a unique

coalition of prominent theater owners, including Nederlander, Shubert, and Jujamcyn, major national presenters, and key performing arts centers from across the country, Audience Rewards has offered members first access presales to more than 100 Broadway shows and 200 VIP experiences and events, which have included a meet and greet with Jake Gyllenhaal and Tom Sturridge, a walk-on role in Rock of Ages, a cooking class with Gavin Creel & Celia Keenan-Bolger, celebrity Q&As, backstage tours and much more.

Tickets are on sale to the general public beginning Monday, March 27 at 10:00am EST online at Telecharge.com or by phone at 212-239-6200.

For information on groups of 10+, contact Broadway Inbound at broadwayinbound.com or call 866-302-0995.

More information about the wide variety of standing and seating options available throughout the theater’s reconstructed space will be announced soon. Sign up now at HereLiesLoveBroadway. com for early access to tickets.

From its world premiere at The Public Theater in 2013, Here Lies Love has enjoyed popular and critical acclaim. The show returned to The Public in 2014-2015, debuted at London’s Royal National Theatre in 2014, and most recently opened at Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2017.

The creative team for Here Lies Love on Broadway includes

three-time Tony Award® nominee David Korins (scenic design), Tony Award® winner Clint Ramos (costume design), Tony Award® winner Justin Townsend (lighting design), M.L. Dogg & Cody Spencer (sound design), and three-time Tony Award® nominee Peter Nigrini (projection design), with casting by Tara Rubin CSA, Xavier Rubiano CSA, Gail Quintos and general management by Foresight Theatrical. Additional creative team members include ATW Jonathan Larson Grant recipient J. Oconer Navarro (music director), Billy Bustamante (assistant director), Renée Albulario (assistant choreographer), Bobby Garcia (casting consultant/ Philippines), Gregory T. Livoti (production stage manager), and Ryan Gohsman and Sheryl Polancos (assistant stage managers). Giselle “G” Töngi is the show’s Cultural and Community Liaison.

Here Lies Love is produced by Hal Luftig, Patrick Catullo, Diana DiMenna and Plate Spinner Productions, Clint Ramos, and Jose Antonio Vargas, with Aaron Lustbader serving as Executive Producer.

They are joined by Lea Salonga, Bobby Garcia, Giselle “G” Töngi, Celia Kaleialoha Kenney, Girlie Rodis, Miranda Gohh, Rob Laqui, Georgina Pazcoguin, Don Michael H. Mendoza, Adam Hyndman, Yasuhiro Kawana, Triptyk Studios, Shira Friedman, Kevin Connor, and Hunter Arnold/TBD Theatricals.

Dimples Romana marvels at son

Alonzo’s love for younger brother Elio

by Alex BrosAs Inquirer.net

ACTRESS-entrepreneur Dimples Romana initially thought that there would be conflict between his sons Alonzo Romeo Jose and newborn Elio Juan Manolo, but she was wrong. Romana discovered how loving Alonzo was to his younger brother Elio as can be seen on her Instagram where she shared photos of the two while bonding together.

“Morning sibling love goodness from my home to yours!” she said in her post. She marveled at how Alonzo showed his love to Elio.

“Oh my Kuya Alonzo has been the absolute best when it comes to Elio. I really thought @ papaboyetonline and I would have to make huge adjustments but Alonzo has been nothing but

lovely to E. Thank God for that. Nothing makes me happier than our boys getting along just well. I am excited to know more about these two,” she said.

Romana said she felt “absolute joy” to have children at home to love and hold.

“To teach and play with. To clean up their messes with. And take lots and lots of adventures with!” she said.

She then asked her followers on Instagram about activities which her sons can both enjoy.

“Do you also have boys at home? Any recos for activities I can do with a baby boy and a grade school boy? Apart from pillow fights, wrestling and drawing on walls and floors,” she said.

Last June, Romana welcomed her third child with her husband Boyet Ahmee, baby Elio. They have a daughter, Callie, who is taking up Aviation course in Australia.

Tony and Oliver Award winner Lea Salonga will join “Here Lies Love” for a special guest engagement this summer 2023.

Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in Las Vegas in part 2 of Citizen Pinoy’s ‘Your Tanong, My Sagot’

LEADING U.S. Immigration

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel continues to answer immigration questions from Pinoys who made the trek to Radiant Beauty

Skincare Med Spa in Las Vegas. It can be said that the place where one goes to get clearer skin also became the venue to get clearer answers to their

immigration concerns for that day.

• Roland wants to know if his wife can petition her half-

Visit Graton Casino’s this Spring for exclusive promotions

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Graton Resort & Casino offers a full gaming experience with 3,000 slot and video poker machines, more than 130 table games including Blackjack, Baccarat, and Pai Gow Poker, and a live poker room. The high limit lounge is a luxurious getaway tucked off the main casino floor where players enjoy a VIP experience. Breathe easy in the

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Kylie Padilla says

annulment with Aljur Abrenica ongoing, AJ Raval not ‘kabit’

MANILA — Kapuso actress Kylie Padilla defended exhusband Aljur Abrenica’s current girlfriend AJ Raval. In a recent live video on social media, Kylie said she’s happy with Aljur and AJ’s relationship.

“Tapos na po e. I mean, siyempre ‘di pa tapos ‘yung pagaayos ng papeles but everything else tapos na po talaga siya. So kung meron mang magtanong ngayon, I will answer but that’s the last time I’m going to talk about this kasi happy na po ako,” Kylie said.

“I am really happy po. Basta… kasi kapag mahal n’yo po ‘yung isang tao, ayaw n’yo pong makitang malungkot ‘yung taong ‘yun. And after po nu’ng nangyari sa amin, after ng pandemic, ayoko na po ever maramdaman namin ‘yun and siya rin

“So kung saan po siya masaya

at kung sino po ang magpapasaya sa kanila, I want them to take care of it and be happy. Kasi siya po ang kahati ko sa mga anak ko e. So dapat masaya rin ‘yung tatay nila para buo ‘yung mga anak ko. Kasi masaya na rin naman ako and ang ganda po ng mga nangyayari sa akin. So ‘di ba, wala pong halong ka-echosan?” she added.

Kylie clarified that AJ is not the reason of her breakup with Aljur, so she’s not the third party in their relationship. “Hindi po talaga si AJ ‘yung reason. And that’s the truth. Hindi po talaga siya. Kung meron man, hindi po siya. So please... Naawa na rin po ako sa kaniya,” she said.

“As someone with struggles with mental health, ang hirap po na gigising ka sa umaga ta’s puro hate ‘yung makikita mo. Please guys, woman to woman na, hindi ako okay, it makes me emotional too, tigilan na po natin, please.

Kasi it’s not fair to her – naiiyak ako… Hindi po talaga. Tama na,

tama na. Hindi po talaga siya. I mean, si AJ Raval, she’s not lying. We’re really okay. Kaya tigilan n’yo po please. Tama na guys, kasi hindi talaga siya. Hindi siya and hindi ko ever sasabihin kung sino kasi ayoko na ng ganyan –nu’ng nag-a-ano tayo ng hate, ano na lang guys – kindness, love. We need more energy na ganu’n,” she added.

Kylie Padilla Philstar.com file photo

Singer and actress Linda Chung

IN spite of the radical leftist media, especially social platforms, widely tearing down and mocking everyone who had suggested that the COVID-19 originated from a leak in the Wuhan laboratory, and all covered up by China, epidemiologists and political leaders remained convinced, and now the U.S. Department of Energy and the FBI have concluded that the origin was, in fact, a lab leak caused by human error or accident in the Wuhan lab. Since there is still no evidence of zoonotic carrier (bats, snakes, pangolin, etc.) from December 2019 to the present, it is obvious that a lab leak in Wuhan caused the COVID-19 pandemic. Plain common sense.

As of Tuesday, February 28, 2023, there were 679,912,028 COVID cases, with 6,799,783 deaths worldwide; 105,266,332 cases, with 1,145,415 deaths in the United States; and 4,076,307, with 66,111 deaths in the Philippines.

Had Communist China locked down the entire Wuhan City, after its discovery of the first case of the novel corona virus infection on December 19, 2019, the infection could have been limited to Wuhan and not even spread to the rest of China, much less around the world, saving at least 668 million lives globally.

Why the Biden administration is not willing to accept this strong consensus in the scientific community and among political leaders, and not blaming and holding China responsible for this preventable global catastrophe, is, indeed, very puzzling.

COVID and diabetes

New studies reveal that among the unvaccinated, the incidence of developing a new-onset diabetes mellitus was significantly higher following COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 vaccines appear to offer some protection for those who received the vaccines from developing new-onset diabetes.

“In a cohort of nearly 24,000 adults at a large California health system, adjusted models showed that having a history of a treated COVID infection was tied with a 58% higher likelihood of developing new-onset diabetes compared with a new diagnosis of a benchmark condition,” reported Alan Kwan, MD, MSc, of Cedars-Sinai Health System in Los Angeles and colleagues in JAMA Network. He added, “This risk appeared to be mostly driven by unvaccinated individuals; unvaccinated

Wuhan lab leak

individuals saw a 78% increased chance of developing diabetes within 90 days of infection, while no significant association was observed in vaccinated individuals.” The COVID-19 vaccines obviously protected them.

Allergic and Non-Allergic

Contrary to the common belief that only allergies can cause runny nose, and sneezing, nasal congestion (not due to a cold), especially during the spring season, there is a non-allergy condition that can cause the same rhinitis (nasal inflammatory) symptoms.

As a reaction to an environmental irritant (cat/dog dander, mold, grass, ragweed, pollen), histamine is released in the body, which is the usual form of allergic rhinitis. This condition responds to antihistamine treatment. If the rhinitis does not respond to antihistamine, it may not be allergies at all; it is the non-allergy form of rhinitis, which is caused by polluted air, tobacco smoke, perfume, cologne, cleaning agents, or flu or cold. Antihistamine does not work for any of these since they do not result in histamine release in the body.

About 65 percent of people misdiagnose their rhinitis and buy over-the-counter antihistamine, only to find out it does not work for their (non-allergic) runny nose, sneezing, etc. Even physicians could be confused, so they resort to specific IgE blood testing to be sure in questionable cases.

Nasal rinse

One of the most practical and useful DIY home remedy for rhinitis (allergic or non-allergic) is nasal rinse with one part baking soda and 3 parts non-iodized salt (one teaspoon) in 8 ounces of lukewarm distilled or boiled water that is cooled down to lukewarm in squeezable bottle with a nozzle (like in the NeilMed Sinus Rinse kit). The solution is flushed into each nostril once or twice a day. This rinses out the sinuses of any irritants, viruses, bacteria, etc., that cause runny nose and sneezing. Do not do nasal rinses if you do not have any rhinitis.

Mediterranean diet

There are more than a dozen of diets around but the one that has a proven record of greater benefit to our body and our microbiome is the Mediterranean diet, the top diet the past five years. This way of eating is inspired by the centuries-old traditional cuisines of Italy, France, Greece, Israel, Spain, among others around the same region. It is rich in produce, greenest greens, olive oil, whole grains, legumes, healthy fats (fatty fish, avocados), nuts, seeds, some fruits, various spices,

and aromatic herbs. There is a moderate amount of eggs, dairy products, and poultry. Red meat is included by a minimal amount, like beef and lamb, goat. Alcohol (specifically red wine) is included in moderation (1-2 glasses). This diet focuses on food quality and more so on a way of life and a way of eating. As always, moderation is the key.

Avoiding self-abuse with illicit drugs, tobacco, and undisciplined alcohol intake, together with physical exercise and stress management are essential supplements to this diet. All this provide a profound impact on mental health and mood of the partakers and foster a deep appreciation for the pleasures of healthy eating – nutritional food, the enjoyable company of family and friends, and achieving maximal longevity possible.

Some of the excellent food items include mushrooms (Shiitake, portabella, cremini, not the large white mushrooms), the greenest vegetables, arugula, bitten melons, Bok choy, etc., which are all excellent antioxidants that also maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

Food we consume is metabolized into various chemical ingredients, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, hormones, etc., the effects of which on our brain, other vital organs and important glands, are like the effects of medications we take. This diet also lessens depression, boosts our immunity, and maintains a healthy balance of our body’s “yin and yang,” achieving wellness.

[WARNING: Eat food as medicine today to avoid having to eat medicine as food tomorrow.]

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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.

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

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

‘Love you, ‘day!’: Richard Gomez proud of Juliana’s first UAAP gold medal

MANILA — Actor Richard Gomez is one proud father to his daughter Juliana after she clinched the gold medal for the University of the Philippines (UP) during the recent University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 fencing tournament.

In his Instagram account, Richard posted the video of Juliana’s winning moment.

“I am so proud of you @ gomezjuliana! You are now uaap champion!!! Hard work and understanding of the game has set in. I love you ‘day!” Richard captioned the post.

Juliana commented to Richard’s post with “Thank you for everything dad! Love you.”

The daughter of Lucy Torres and Richard said that she’s just getting started to win medals.

“2 years in the making.. i’m just getting started. It’s a privilege to fight for UP,” she wrote on Instagram.

SAN FRANCISCO – Five promising Philippine startups providing solutions to various challenges showcased their work at this year’s first pitch night event organized by Dynamico and supported by the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley (PTICSV) last February 16. The Consulate has a public-private partnership with Dynamico that aims to foster the growth of startups.

Head of Mentorship at Dynamico Nancy Hwang, and mentors Matthew Brightman, Christina Laskowski, Ray Potter, and Kenneth Wu shared their insights and feedback with the following startups:

• Bambuhay – a greentech social enterprise that manufactures eco-friendly products that aim to help mitigate plastic pollution, provide jobs and alleviate poverty using bamboo and technology.

• Eduksine – a womenfounded social enterprise funded by the Philippine Department of Science and Technology. It is the first and only hybrid streaming platform dedicated to independent Filipino films.

SAY you’re looking for a job. You’ve found some you’re qualified for on a well-known employment website and you apply to a bunch of them. If you get a message saying “You’re hired! We just want some more info from you,” what’s your next move?

If you said, “Check out the company and the job by doing my own research before giving them any personal information,” that’s a great answer and a good first step. It’s easier than ever to apply to lots of jobs with just a few clicks. It’s also incredibly easy for scammers to pose as legitimate employers. While there’s no sure-fire way to detect a job scam, there are

• Empath – a startup that provides accessible mental healthcare solutions and services in order to improve the mental wellbeing of Filipinos.

• Panublix – a womenfounded startup that works to shift fashion from fossil fuelbased materials and production to using regenerative fibers, fabrics and practices. It works with talented artisans, such as weavers and tailors to produce sustainable clothing and lifestyle products.

• Studentship Philippines –an edtech startup that provides innovative learning programs and support services to Filipino learners through technologyenhanced designs and approaches. Philippine incubator/

important steps to take before giving anyone your money or personal information.

• Do your own research. Search the company and job name with the words “scam,” “complaint,” or “fraud.” You might find they’ve scammed other people. Scammers pretend to be both well-known and smaller companies, posting jobs on employment websites. So, reach out to the company directly using contact information you know is legit.

• Don’t pay to get a job. If someone says you’ve got the job, but you have to pay them for something — or if they say you have to deposit a check and send money back, those are

PERSONAL SERVICES SERVICES

accelerator Startup Village also participated in the online pitch night, which was hosted by Dynamico CEO JR Calanoc and attended by Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona, Trade Commissioner Celynne Layug, and Department of Trade and Industry Chief of Innovation and Collaboration Division, Mr. Karl Pacolor. The pitch night event organized by Dynamico, PTIC-SV and the Philippine Consulate, is the first for the year. The pitch nights aim to support participating startups by providing feedback from the mentors and introducing them to potential investors. The event highlighted the diverse range of innovative solutions emerging from the Philippine startup ecosystem. (PCGSF Release)

scams. Period. No legitimate job will make you pay for expenses or fees to get the job.

• Never give personal info up front. Some scammers will try to get your bank account, routing, or Social Security number as soon as you’re in contact. They might say, “to set up your direct deposit.” Stop. That’s a scam.

• Talk to someone you trust before you take a job offer or business opportunity. Ask them what they think. Then listen to what they say.

If you think you’ve spotted a job scam, or if you’ve lost money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. (Jim Kreidler/Consumer Education Specialist, FTC)

Richard Gomez with daughter Juliana Photo from Richard Gomez via Instagram

Juliana also recently won gold at the West Java Fencing Challenge 2022 in Bogor, Indonesia.

SF announces selection of community-focused projects as part of TCAP PCGSF joins Legion of San Francisco consular corps visit to SFPD special unit

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor

London Breed Wednesday, February 1 announced the projects that will receive funding to improve living conditions in the Tenderloin as part of the Tenderloin Community Action Plan (TCAP). The selection of the projects followed a twoweek voting period during which community members weighed in on top priorities to improve public safety and livelihood in the neighborhood through public space improvements and events, as well as services and programing for residents, including those experiencing homelessness.

In June 2022, the Mayor funded $3.5 million to implement community investments under TCAP between June 2023 and June 2025. Between December 9 and December 23, 2022, nearly 1,400 residents and workers voted on 31 qualifying projects submitted by community members in various categories including public space activation, community wellness, shelter, food security, education, public safety and economic mobility.

In December 2021, under Mayor Breed’s direction, the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) developed the Tenderloin Emergency Initiative (TEI), a threephase, multi-agency plan to improve crisis conditions in the area and tackle the drug overdose crisis. The TEI is currently in its third phase, or sustained operations, which began in July 2022 when DEM transitioned management to the San Francisco Planning Department, which is overseeing the Tenderloin Community Action Plan.

“We are working hard with community partners to keep the Tenderloin safe and vibrant, which is why we are committed to making long-term investments through the TL Community Action Plan,” said Mayor Breed. “Improving public safety means more than just deploying additional police officers, which we are doing. It also means activating public spaces, supporting communityled celebrations and events, and having ambassadors to help get kids and families where they need to go. The Tenderloin neighborhood is

home to more children than any other neighborhood in San Francisco, so working to keep this community safe must be a top priority for the city. People deserve to live and work in a community where they can thrive.”

“We are excited for the projects that have been selected,” said Rich Hillis, San Francisco Planning Director. “The work is just beginning to make a meaningful impact in the Tenderloin to improve the quality of life for Tenderloin residents and community.”

Projects selected as part of the participatory budgeting process to be funded will address the neighborhoods needs within three paths of investments:

• Enhancing quality of life and increasing safety as follows

• Ambassadors for youth safety

• Public space improvements

• Community celebrations

• Addressing basic life needs and challenges in the neighborhood

• Improving access to neighborhood wellness through community-based services

• Economic mobility.

The Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) will lead the Requests or Proposals (RFP) process to select the organizations that will partner with the city to make these projects a reality.

Participatory Budgeting Awardees

Ambassadors for Kids and Youth Safety

• Safe Passage*

• Park Stewardship*

Public Space Improvements

• Golden Gate Greenway

Phase 1: Parklets Project

• Elm Alley Kids Space

• Larkin Street Canopy

• Tenderloin National Forest Stabilization

• Tenderloin Dog Park Design and Pilot Community Celebrations

• Art in the Park

• Tenderloin Eid-Cultural Celebration

• Tenderloin People’s Holiday Tree and Lighting Ceremony

• Tenderloin SINULOG Festival and Flores De Mayo Festival

Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions...

brother. • Rowena wants to petition a housekeeper from the Philippines. She needs to know what the requirements are and how long the process will take.

• Cora, who is a green card holder, would like to petition her six siblings. She wants to know if it is better for her to become a U.S. citizen first.

• Jessica, who came to the Q and A session with her mother, Marosa, wants to know why it is taking so long for her siblings

• Grace Notes Community Festival 2023*

• Black History and Culture of the Tenderloin*

Basic Life Needs

• Clean Team*

• Food security programming for residents of Permanent Supportive Housing*

• Tenderloin Family Housing Tutoring Program*

• Community Housing Education for TL Arabicspeaking residents* Community Wellness

• Services for the Tenderloin’s Southeast Asian community

• Tenderloin Teen Drop-In Center

• Services for the Tenderloin

Arab youth

• Night Wellness Navigators and Pilot Economic Mobility

• Small Business Support* (SF Shines, Dream Keeper Initiative, and/or Vandalism Grants)

*Indicates projects that build on an existing program or project.

Learn more about the Tenderloin Community Action Plan, the voting process, and full list of selected projects on the TCAP webpage at https://sfplanning.org/project/ tenderloin-community-actionplan. (SF Mayor’s Office Release)

SAN FRANCISCO – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco participated in the Legion of San Francisco Consular Corps (LSFCC)’s visit to the San Francisco Police Department's Special Operations Division. The LSFCC is a nonprofit social group composed of spouses of members of the San Francisco Consular Corps and a U.S. support group composed of San Francisco locals who support the activities of the LSFCC.

The Consulate was represented by Mrs. Miriam M. Ferrer, spouse of Consul General Neil Ferrer, Deputy Consul General Raquel R. Solano (Assistance to Nationals Section Head), Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona, Consul

Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, and ATN Officer Enrico Raiz. Mrs. Ferrer and Consul BagoLlona are LSFCC members. The SFPD’s Special Operations Division is composed of highly trained and specialized teams of officers who are in charge of securing big events in the city and county of San Francisco and respond to high-risk incidents. The San Francisco Consular Corps and LSFCC members were welcomed by the unit’s officers, who gave them an overview of the unit's history, mission, and capabilities. The Special Division is composed of tactical officers, bomb technicians, among others, who work together to resolve complex and dangerous

situations. The visitors were then given a tour of the facility, where they saw the various tools and equipment used by the officers, including bomb suits, tactical gear, and specialized vehicles. The highlight of the visit was a demonstration of some of the unit’s tactics and techniques in responding to a simulated highrisk incident. The visit was a valuable opportunity for the Consular Corps members to learn more about the work of law enforcement in San Francisco, and to deepen their understanding of the challenges faced by the police department. (PCGSF Release)

to get an interview date at the U.S. Embassy in Manila even if they are already Documentarily Qualified.

Tune in to Part 2 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” with Kapamilya from Las Vegas, Nevada on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, March 5 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM Eastern Time through select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

The selection of the projects follows a community voting process and are key next steps that build on the city’s ongoing commitment to the Tenderloin neighborhood’s wellness

Consul Rowena Pangilinan- Daquipil (2nd from left), Mrs. Miriam M. Ferrer (4th from left), Deputy Consul General Raquel R. Solano (3rd from right), Consul Vanessa G. Bago-Llona (leftmost), and Assistanceto-Nationals Officer Enrico Raiz (2nd from left) with officers of the San Francisco Police Department’s Special Operations Unit.

From left: Mrs. Miriam M. Ferrer, Deputy Consul General Raquel R. Solano, Mr. Rex Tabora, executive director of the Asian Pacific American Community Center in San Francisco, Consul Vanessa BagoLlona, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil.

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answers the questions of (clockwise, from top right) Roland, Rowena, and Cora.

Jessice (center) and her mother, Marosa, (left) asked Atty. Gurfinkel (right) about a delay in her siblings’ Embassy interview.