030824 - San Diego Edition

First digital resource hub targets anti-Asian hate

by Geraldford Ticke Jane BauTisTa nesTor corrales Inquirer.net

THE Philippines summoned China’s second highest diplomat in Manila on Tuesday, March 5 to demand that Beijing order all Chinese vessels to leave Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, after their “dangerous maneuvers” resulted in a collision that damaged a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship.

A water cannon attack by the Chinese also left four Filipino crew members injured in the latest

escalation of conflict between the two countries during a routine Philippine trip to a remote outpost in Ayungin Shoal.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it called Deputy Chief of Mission Zhou Zhiyong of the Chinese Embassy to lodge Manila’s protest against the aggressive actions of the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militias toward Philippine ships on a rotation and resupply mission

America worries about health costs — and voters want to hear from Biden and Republicans

US-Philippines war games to test Israeli-made air defense system

by John eric Mendoza Inquirer.net

MANILA — In another first, the annual war games between the United States and the Philippines will test the Israeli-made air defense system during their drills in Central Luzon.

Col. Michael Logico, executive agent of the Balikatan 2024, confirmed on Tuesday, March 5 that Spyder (Surfaceto-air Python and Derby) air defense missile system will be used in that military exercise.

modernization and we are going to test the interoperability between our weapon systems and that of the United States,” he likewise replied after being asked to expound on Spyder.

The Department of National Defense signed a deal with Israel’s Ministry of Defense and manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for three batteries of the Spyder in 2019. The agreement worth P6.8 billion is part of the AFP modernization program’s Horizon 2.

The first two missile batteries arrived in September 2023 while the third would be delivered this year.

paying for unexpected medical bills and other health costs.

“Absolutely health care is something on my mind,” Rob Werner, 64, of Concord, New Hampshire, said in an interview at a local coffee shop in January. He’s a Biden

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MANILA — The Lowy Institute of Australia named President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as “one of the most interesting, influential and closely-watched leaders” in Southeast Asia.

Lowy Institute Executive Director Dr. Michael Fullilove on Monday, March 4 said that the president’s address delivered before the Australian Parliament last week emphasized his crucial role as a regional leader in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“In the period since his election in 2022, President Marcos has emerged as one of the most interesting, influential, closely watched leaders in Southeast Asia,” he said at the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.

“If there’s anyone who thinks individuals don’t matter in politics, I’d invite them to look at the changes in the Philippines in the past 18 months, in particular the way that Manila has become so much more determined to

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“We will also be doing integrated air missile defense exercises in Central Luzon,” Logico added during the regular Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) press conference. But he did not disclose more details.

“We will be utilizing our own newly acquired weapon systems from the AFP

The Spyder air defense missile system is designed to protect critical installations, land-based fixed assets, mobile platforms, and friendly forces from aerial threats such as combat aircraft, attack helicopters, drones, incoming missiles, guided munition, and rockets. n

Marcos witnesses signing of P86-B deals

by krisTina MaraliT ManilaTimes.net

(Rore) to Ayungin.

“During the meeting, the Philippines stressed, among others, that China’s interference with the Philippines’ routine and lawful activities in its own exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is unacceptable,” the DFA said in a statement.

“China’s actions in Ayungin Shoal infringe upon the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” it added.

It wasn’t immediately clear why the DFA summoned the deputy chief of mission instead

Damaged PH vessel was on ‘test mission,’ not loaded

by Geraldford Ticke Inquirer.net

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — The Philippine supply boat that bore the brunt of a water cannon attack and dangerous blocking maneuvers by China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels on Tuesday, March 5 was just on an experimental voyage to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, a top military official said.

The Unaizah May (UM) 4 did not even carry supplies for the rotation and resupply (Rore) mission as its sole objective was to check whether it can enter the low-elevation shoal, said the chief of military’s Western Command (Wescom), Vice Adm. Alberto u PAGE 3

The

Senator seeks arrest warrant vs Quiboloy

by Marc Jayson cayaByaB Philstar.com

MANILA — Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday, March 5 sought the arrest of Apollo Quiboloy for defying the Senate’s summons to attend the hearing on alleged sexual abuses in Quiboloy’s ministry.

During the Senate women and gender committee’s fourth hearing, Hontiveros cited Quiboloy in contempt and asked Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri to order his arrest.

Quiboloy, a Kingdom of Jesus Christ pastor, is a scammer who duped his former followers to finance his lavish lifestyle, Hontiveros said.

“If we allow witnesses of the Senate to simply claim that appearing before a committee would violate his or

her constitutional right to be presumed innocent and his or her right against self-incrimination, this committee will be powerless in launching investigations,” Hontiveros explained.

“I cite in contempt Apollo Quiboloy for his refusal to be sworn or to testify before this investigation. This committee requests the Senate President to order his arrest so that he may be brought to testify,” she added.

Quiboloy found an ally in Sen. Robinhood Padilla who opposed the arrest order, citing Section 18 of the Senate rules on inquiries in aid of legislation which states that a “majority of all the members of the Committee may, however, reverse or modify the aforesaid order of contempt within seven days.”

“Please forgive me for u PAGE 2

PH tells China: Order ships to...

of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian.

Interviewed by an Australian broadcaster in Melbourne, where he was attending a regional summit, President Marcos warned that a “mistake” could lead to outright conflict in the South China Sea (SCS).

“The potential for outright conflict is much higher now than it was before,” Mr. Marcos told Australian Broadcasting Corp.’s “7:30” news program in an interview that aired on Monday, March 4, before the latest incident.

“[It] could come from not a strategic decision by anyone saying, ‘Okay, we’re going to war,’ but just by some servicemen making a mistake or some action that’s misunderstood,” he added.

Two of the Philippines’ major allies, the United States and Japan, issued statements on Tuesday condemning the “dangerous actions” in the disputed waters.

“The United States stands with the Philippines and proponents of international law in support of a free and open Indo Pacific,” U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The Embassy of Japan in Manila said Tokyo “reiterates its grave concern on the repeated dangerous actions in the SCS including the recent use of water cannon by CCG which resulted in Filipino injuries and a collision.”

In a statement on Tuesday night, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said the response of the CCG to the Philippine vessels was “professional, restrained, reasonable and lawful.”

The embassy said it made its own representations with the DFA to protest the “illegal trespassing on [the Spratly islands] by Philippine vessels.”

It claimed that the Philippine ships were the ones that intruded into China’s waters.

“[The Philippines] provoked incidents in the waters off [Ayungin], and seriously violated China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” the embassy said.

“China once again urges the Philippines to stop maritime

provocations and refrain from taking any actions that may complicate the maritime situation,” it warned.

‘Cannot be appropriated’

Among the Philippines’ demands during the meeting with Zhou was for Chinese vessels to leave the vicinity of Ayungin, a low-tide elevation that lies about 194 kilometers off Palawan province, well within the country’s 370-km EEZ.

Manila maintains its presence in Ayungin through the BRP Sierra Madre, a rusting World War II-era warship deliberately grounded in 1999. The outpost hosts a small contingent of Philippine troops, requiring regular Rore missions that have been on the receiving end of Chinese harassment, according to Philippine security officials.

The DFA asserted that Ayungin was within the Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf.

Under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitral award, the shoal “cannot be appropriated for sovereignty claims,” the agency said.

According to a statement of the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS), the CCG and Chinese maritime militia vessels “harassed, blocked, deployed water cannons, and executed dangerous maneuvers” against Philippine ships on Tuesday morning, in “another attempt to illegally impede or obstruct” their Rore mission.

At 8:15 a.m. a CCG vessel caused a minor collision with Unaizah May 4 (UM4), one of the civilian supply boats chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the task force said.

Navy personnel injured

It added that CCG vessels 21555 and 21551 simultaneously deployed water cannons at the UM4.

“The use of water cannons by the CCG vessels shattered the wind shield of UM4, causing minor injuries to at least four personnel on board,” the NTFWPS said.

The crew members sustained wounds in their hands and various parts of their bodies. They were treated by PCG personnel aboard BRP Sindangan, one of

the PCG vessels escorting the supply boats.

Earlier at 6:32 a.m., CCG vessel 21555 made “dangerous blocking maneuvers” against BRP Sindangan that led to a collision, which resulted in “superficial structural damage to the hull of the PCG vessel,” the task force said.

As a result of the damage to the vessel and injuries to crew, UM4, escorted by the BRP Sindangan, went back to mainland Palawan.

But Unaizah May 1, the other civilian supply boat, “successfully docked” at the Sierra Madre at 9:30 a.m. and left a little before 11 a.m., successfully completing its mission, the task force added.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the PCG vessels faced harassment throughout the resupply operation.

“Their reckless and illegal actions led to a collision” between BRP Sindangan and CCG vessel 21555 “that resulted [in] minor structural damage to the PCG vessel,” Tarriela said on X.

CCG ships exhibited similar behavior toward Philippine supply boats that resulted in collisions in the same waters in October and December last year.

Three of the 14 Rore missions in 2023 were also hounded by water cannon attacks by China, the Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, said in February.

China’s version

In China, however, there was a different version of events.

The state-run Chinese Global Times reported on Tuesday that the CCG “lawfully took control measures on Tuesday against a Philippine vessel illegally entering the waters adjacent to Ren’ai Jiao in the Nansha Islands.”

Ren’ai Jiao is China’s name for Ayungin, while Nansha Islands is what it calls the Spratly region, an area in the South China Sea with overlapping claims by the Philippines, China and other claimants. —With reports from Reuters, Inquirer Research And Dona Z. Pazzibugan in Melbourne INQ n

First digital resource hub targets...

Ethnic Media Services briefing where panelists explained how the hub works.

Even where counseling and other aid did exist, many community members weren’t aware of how to find or use them due to language barriers. While the Asian Resource Hub is the first of its kind as a free national digital resource, as of this month it’s also available in Korean, Vietnamese and simplified and traditional Chinese.

Throughout 2024, Asian Resource Hub staff hope to expand its current language offerings to include translations in languages including Hindi, Teymur and Tagalog.

“Over the past few years, as our community has suffered the collective trauma of the Atlanta spa shootings, the Indianapolis shooting, the back-to-back Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay shootings and so much more violence, we knew we could not wait for the next tragedy to occur without addressing this gap” through the hub, Joe explained.

Between 2020 and 2021 alone, reported antiAsian violence in the U.S. increased by 339%, according to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism. Furthermore, most hate crimes and incidents are never reported.

AJSOCAL and AAJC came together with leaders from Microsoft to create the hub not only as a culturally and linguistically accessible place for AAPI community members to turn to “amid surging hatred,” but as “an exploration of anti-Asian hatred that uniquely combines data from FBI-reported and locally-reported hate crimes, as well as public and nonprofit sources, to bring the impact of hate on Asian populations to life through visualizations, graphics, charts, photographs, maps and pop-up text stories,” said Joe. Visualizing the impact of anti-Asian hate

“To talk about the hub is to remember what we all witnessed in 2020 and beyond, as the surge in COVID led to a surge in anti-Asian violence. It felt like a constant barrage of stories of Asian people being attacked verbally, physically or mentally,” said Merisa Heu-Weller, General Manager of Innovation and Society at Microsoft.

“Personally as a third-generation Japanese American, the hub epitomizes my vision of using data and technology to protect fundamental human rights,” she added.

“Too often these stories of the impact of Asian hate went untold or were not told with our communities’ perspectives in mind,” said AAJC President and Executive Director John C. Yang.

“In the face of dramatically increased anti Asian hate incidents since 2020, when we are seeing our elders attacked, we’re seeing our peers hurt. We’re seeing our community members afraid to walk outside. We wanted to allow people to understand our community in a different way through this directory,” he continued.

This directory took the form of “storytelling medium to better illustrate the facts about the AAPI population and the hate they face,” said AJSOCAL Senior Research Analyst Steven Zhang.

Timelines in the directory, for instance, examine key policies, events and personal narratives related to anti-Asian discrimination — from the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, to inflammatory rhetoric by policymakers throughout history, to more recent instances of and responses to antiAsian hate such as pandemic-era violence, the Hate Crimes Act and Stop Asian Hate community protests in cities nationwide.

Community resources

“We always make a distinction between hate crimes and hate incidents,” explained Zhang. “Because a crime is defined as a crime in the

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Senator seeks arrest warrant vs...

opposing your contempt order. With all due respect to the senator, whose work in fighting for her advocacies I admire,” Padilla said without citing reasons for blocking the arrest order.

Padilla is an ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose spiritual adviser is Quiboloy.

Hontiveros allowed Padilla to gather support from other panel members for his objection but appealed to other committee members not to overrule or modify her arrest order.

Other panel members are Senators Nancy Binay (vice chair), Pia Cayetano, Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, Imee Marcos, Raffy Tulfo, Bong Go, JV Ejercito and Mark Villar.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III are ex officio members.

Hontiveros ordered Quiboloy’s arrest despite a letter sent by the pastor’s counsels appealing to set aside the subpoena order as they accused Hontiveros of prejudging him guilty.

“The truth about the

commission or non-commission of crimes can only be proven before the competent courts and certainly not before the Senate, especially in light of the fact that no less than the chairperson of the committee conducting the hearing already declared the guilt of Pastor Quiboloy,” Quiboloy’s lawyer Melanio Elvis Balayan wrote in his letter to Zubiri.

During the hearing, Hontiveros presented Reynita Fernandez, an overseas Filipino worker in Singapore who testified that she was forced to give up about 90 percent of her earnings to the church.

“I lost my house. I couldn’t pay my mortgage. And I owe a lot. Because there has never been a stop of the giving,” Fernandez said.

Quiboloy’s ministry trafficked members to Singapore to work multiple jobs and raise funds for Quiboloy, she added.

Hontiveros raised the alarm on possible money laundering after Fernandez claimed the ministry remitted bulk of the money to the Philippines through different account holders due to the citystate’s limit on remittances.

Ministry members also raised money for Quiboloy in the guise of a fundraising activity for the

elderly, Fernandez said.

Another witness, Canadabased Dindo Maquiling, bared an alleged scheme that used charity group Children’s Joy Foundation to launder money from Canada to Davao to fund Quiboloy’s private jet trips.

Maquiling, who served as the charity group’s executive director, said he was appalled how the group was used to raise funds not for indigent children but to finance Quiboloy’s luxurious living.

“In 2019, I resigned after one million Canadian dollars were sent to the Philippines without explanation. They are deceiving the people into donating money for children when in fact the funds went to fuel the jet he used to travel from Davao to Manila,” he claimed.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council will be invited to the next hearing to look into the money laundering allegations, Hontiveros said.

“If the testimonies of witnesses are to be believed, one thing is clearly emerging from this hearing – Apollo Quiboloy is a scammer,” she said.

Quiboloy is on the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted List. — Delon Porcalla n

Marcos witnesses signing...

leaders and two letters of intent (LOIs) from Australian business leaders who intend to invest in the Philippines.

Among the MoUs are the development, design, construction, commissioning and funding of a Tier-3 Data Center with a capacity of 30 MW-40 MW in the Poro Point Freeport Zone with a land area of approximately 16 hectares and the Expansion of Next-Generation Battery Manufacturing in the Philippines.

An MoU was also signed for the deployment of decarbonization solutions comprising orchestration of renewable energy, storage, and e-mobility to New Clark City Stadium and other BCDA sites to reduce energy costs, reliance on grid power, improve sustainability and achieve progress on the decarbonization journey. n

President Marcos among...

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defend its sovereignty,” he added.

Marcos was applauded when he spoke at the Lowy Institute for standing his ground on the West Philippine Sea dispute.

“We shall never surrender even a square inch of our territory and our maritime jurisdiction,” the chief executive said.

He said his government continues to upgrade the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Our forces must be able to guarantee, to the fullest extent possible, Filipino nationals, Philippine corporations, and those authorized by

the Philippine Government, unimpeded and peaceful exploration and exploitation of all natural resources in areas where we have jurisdiction,” Marcos said. “We are on the frontline of international efforts to preserve, defend, and uphold the rulesbased international order -the same platform from which the postwar Asian economic miracles took off, and upon which the continued prosperity of countries like Australia relies,” he said. “We, in the Indo-Pacific, cannot ignore the existential impact of great power rivalries upon the survival of our peoples and our communities.” (by Kristina Maralit/ManilaTimes. net) n

America worries about health costs — and voters want...

supporter and said he wants to make sure the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is retained and that there’s more of an effort to control health care costs.

The presidential election is likely to turn on the simple question of whether Americans want Trump back in the White House. (Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, remained in the race for the Republican nomination ahead of Super Tuesday, though she had lost the first four primary contests.) And neither major party is basing their campaigns on health care promises.

But in the KFF poll, 80% of adults said they think it’s “very important” to hear presidential candidates talk about what

they’d do to address health care costs — a subject congressional and state-level candidates can also expect to address.

“People are most concerned about out-of-pocket expenses for health care, and rightly so,” said Andrea Ducas, vice president of health policy at the Center for American Progress, a Washington, D.C.-based progressive think tank.

Here’s a look at the major health care issues that could help determine who wins in November.

Abortion

Less than two years after the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion, it is shaping up to be the biggest health issue in this election.

That was also the case in the 2022 midterm elections, when many voters rallied behind

candidates who supported abortion rights and bolstered Democrats to an unexpectedly strong showing. Since the Supreme Court’s decision, voters in six states — including Kansas, Kentucky, and Ohio, where Republicans control the legislatures — have approved state constitutional amendments protecting abortion access.

Polls show that abortion is a key issue to some voters, said Robert Blendon, a public opinion researcher and professor emeritus at the Harvard T.H.

Chan School of Public Health. He said up to 30% across the board see it as a “personal” issue, rather than policy — and most of those support abortion rights.

“That’s a lot of voters, if they show up and vote,” Blendon said.

Proposals to further protect

— or restrict — abortion access could drive voter turnout. Advocates are working to put abortion-related measures on the ballot in such states as Arizona, Florida, Missouri, and South Dakota this November. A push in Washington toward a nationwide abortion policy could also draw more voters to the polls, Blendon said.

A surprise ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court in February that frozen embryos are children could also shake up the election. It’s an issue that divides even the anti-abortion community, with some who believe that a fertilized egg is a unique new person deserving of full legal rights and protections, and others believing that discarding unused embryos as part of the in vitro fertilization process is a morally acceptable

Damaged PH vessel was on ‘test mission,’...

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Carlos, who was onboard the vessel during the eventful trip. Bigger than the regularly used UM 1 and 2 supply boats, the UM 4 arrived at the Naval Forces West detachment in Puerto Princesa City on Wednesday, March 6 after the aborted mission, which Carlos said he had joined “to see for myself whether we can use this in future Rores.”

The test, however, was unsuccessful, as two CCG vessels blocked the boat through dangerous maneuvers and blasted it with water cannon.

The water attack shattered UM 4’s windshield, destroyed closed-circuit television cameras and monitors, and injured four crew members.

In a statement on Wednesday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said China’s actions were “patently illegal and downright uncivilized.”

The defense chief took offense at the statement of the Chinese Embassy in Manila stating that the response of CCG vessels to the Philippine ships was “professional, restrained, reasonable and lawful.”

Shallow entrance

“This claim is, simply put, one that no right-thinking State in the world agrees with and which many outright condemn. [China’s] vain attempt to manufacture and sell this story falters in the face of real incontrovertible facts,” he said, urging Beijing “to be truthful and to be believable.”

Although it was its first voyage to Ayungin, the UM 4 had already been used in two previous “test missions” in the Palawan island towns of Cuyo and Balabac, according to Carlos.

“Since it is bigger, it has a deeper draft so our concern is whether it can enter the shoal

because its entrance is shallow,” Carlos told reporters on Wednesday.

Even though the test was not completed, the Wescom chief said he considered the Rore mission to be successful as the UM 1 was able to reach and enter Ayungin to deliver supplies and relieve troops aboard BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded warship that serves as a Philippine outpost in Ayungin.

“At least our primary mission to resupply and rotate the troops was done and they are now aboard UM 1,” he said.

“For our secondary objective, unfortunately due to the illegal and coercive actions of China, we were not able to complete it, but the important thing is that all the troops aboard UM 4 are safe with only minor injuries,” Carlos said.

The Philippines on Wednesday accused China of “deliberately stirring up trouble” in the West China Sea.

Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson for the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, said China was “maliciously inciting hype” while reiterating that the Philippines would not be deterred from exercising its maritime rights.

Long ‘patintero’

He added that the waterway was wide enough for both countries to peacefully coexist. Carlos heaped praise on the crew of the UM 4 for their skillful maneuvering, evading several blocking attempts of CCG and maritime militia vessels.

“I have to give credit to the crew of UM 4. We went through quite a long ‘patintero’ (a native game of tag). For more than three hours and 20 miles out (from Ayungin Shoal), we were able to get as close as eight miles so we covered 12 miles against dangerous maneuvers of China,” he said.

Carlos said he noticed that China was a bit more serious with their monitoring of the Rore mission this time with a new vessel involved.

“They started shadowing us at 4 in the afternoon of the previous day (Monday). A helicopter flew over us five times; the last two were very close. I thought it was usual but when I looked out, i said it’s already very unusual,” he said.

“They spent about one hour circling so that’s an indication that they are really serious in monitoring UM 4 because maybe they saw a new boat,” he noted.

They were again shadowed at 5 a.m. the next day, some 30 kilometers away from Ayungin, which Carlos said, was quite unusual.

But, Carlos also said that they expected the water cannoning and already knew what to do.

“There is already an SOP (standard operating procedure) to drop which was what we did because we were inside the bridge,” he said.

“The crew prepared for possible flooding of the engine room just like what happened to ML Kalayaan. So we prepared for that, the crew took actions to prevent that,” he added.

The Kalayaan was also attacked with water cannons by a CCG fleet in November last year.

Despite the minor setback, the military will give the UM 4 another shot to try to reach Ayungin. “We tried our best. We’re gonna do it again. We have to test whether this can enter the shoal because UM 1 is a bit small so we would like to use this in future Rores,” Carlos said.

—With reports from Reuters and Nestor Corrales n

First digital resource hub targets...

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offer either free or low-cost direct services to support those experiencing anti-Asian discrimination,” he said.

“Right now, about 100 organizations are listed,” continued Zhang. “Each one has been personally vetted by us or by one of our close partners, to make sure that it’s legitimate and active. We don’t want to send people down a closed door. But it’s an evergreen site intended to be continually built up, so if you know of an AAPI resource or organization that’s missing, please nominate it.”

“What stuck out most to me as I was working on this hub was how innovative and resilient our communities have been in the face of unspeakable hate and violence,” he added.

“Most hate crimes and incidents go unreported, and the hub will provide much-needed help to fill that gap during an incredibly difficult time.”

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate. (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services) n

Mayor Gloria named ‘Community Champion for Seniors’ by Meals on Wheels San Diego County

Mayor honored for longtime support for seniors, providing critical resources during COVID-19 pandemic

SAN DIEGO – Mayor Todd

Gloria on Tuesday, March 5 was named the 2024 Community Champion for Seniors by Meals on Wheels San Diego County, honored for providing the organization with vital resources during the COVID-19 pandemic that enabled Meals on Wheels to fulfill its mission of delivering meals to vulnerable residents without interruption.

“As a longtime supporter of Meals on Wheels, I am beyond honored to be named as a Community Champion for Seniors by an organization that for more than 60 years has been providing nutritious meals to vulnerable San Diegans,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “As mayor, I will continue to prioritize policies and resources that enhance the quality of life of San Diego’s seniors.”

The award was presented to Mayor Gloria Tuesday evening during an event kicking off Meals on Wheels San Diego County’s 22nd annual Champions Week, a yearly campaign to help raise awareness of the growing number of seniors facing hunger and isolation in the region. The mayor’s award was one of several announced.

San Diego City Mayor Todd Gloria with Meals on Wheels San Diego County president/CEO Brent Wakefield File photo/www.sandiego.gov

“Mayor Gloria has been a champion of seniors at both the local and state level for many years now,” said Meals on Wheels San Diego County president and CEO Brent Wakefield. “During the pandemic, his support helped us continue to carry out our mission to deliver to isolated

seniors in need. As a strong advocate for seniors and a San Diegan, he is emblematic of the importance of collaboration and what it takes to get the job done. In times of need, we can rely on Mayor Gloria and his office for support.”

In presenting the award to Mayor Gloria, Wakefield noted that Mayor Gloria has been a champion for the organization since being elected to the City Council in 2008. Wakefield noted that Mayor Gloria’s leadership while serving in the state Assembly, particularly his support of the Older Americans Act, has brought millions of dollars to Meals on Wheels organizations throughout California.

During the pandemic, Wakefield said, Mayor Gloria used his position as mayor to help marshal resources for seniors, such as bottled water and personal protective equipment.

In gratitude for the charitable work that Meals on Wheels does in San Diego County, Mayor Gloria kicked off Champions Week in 2021, helping raise public awareness of the volunteer-fueled organization.

(City of San Diego Release) n

Flood Disaster Declaration allows impacted San Diegans to get disaster

CalFresh benefits

PEOPLE impacted by the Jan. 22, 2024 storm flooding may be eligible for the Disaster CalFresh program. The program provides a one-time payment to buy food for themselves and their families.

The County of San Diego received funding for this program from the federal government

for people to purchase healthy food through the Disaster CalFresh program. Due to presidential disaster declaration rules, San Diego County residents affected by the flood have between March 7-15, 2024 to apply. Residents already receiving CalFresh also may

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America worries about health costs...

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way for couples to have children.

Pricey prescriptions

Drug costs regularly rank high among voters’ concerns. In the latest tracking poll, more than half — 55% — said they were very worried about being able to afford prescription drugs.

Biden has tried to address the price of drugs, though his efforts haven’t registered with many voters. While its name doesn’t suggest landmark health policy, the Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, which the president signed in August 2022, included a provision allowing Medicare to negotiate prices for some of the most expensive drugs. It also capped total out-of-pocket spending for prescription drugs for all Medicare patients, while capping the price of insulin for those with diabetes at $35 a month — a limit some drugmakers have extended to patients with other kinds of insurance.

Drugmakers are fighting the Medicare price negotiation provision in court. Republicans have promised to repeal the IRA, arguing that forcing drugmakers to negotiate lower prices on drugs for Medicare beneficiaries would amount to price controls and stifle innovation. The party has offered no specific alternative, with the GOP-led House focused primarily on targeting pharmacy benefit managers, the arbitrators who control most Americans’ insurance coverage for medicines.

Costs of coverage

Health care costs continue to rise for many Americans. The cost of employer-sponsored health plans have hit new highs in the past few months, raising costs for employers and workers alike. Experts have attributed the increase to high demand and expensive prices for certain drugs and treatments, notably weight loss drugs, as well as to medical inflation.

Meanwhile, the ACA is popular. The KFF poll found that more adults want to see the program expanded than scaled back. And a record 21.3 million people signed up for coverage in 2024, about 5 million of them new customers.

Enrollment in Republicandominated states has grown fastest, with year-over-year increases of 80% in West Virginia, nearly 76% in Louisiana, and 62% in Ohio, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Public support for Obamacare and record enrollment in its coverage have made it politically perilous for Republicans to pursue the law’s

repeal, especially without a robust alternative. That hasn’t stopped Trump from raising that prospect on the campaign trail, though it’s hard to find any other Republican candidate willing to step out on the same limb.

“The more he talks about it, the more other candidates have to start answering for it,” said Jarrett Lewis, a partner at Public Opinion Strategies, a GOP polling firm.

“Will a conversation about repeal-and-replace resonate with suburban women in Maricopa County?” he said, referring to the populous county in Arizona known for being a political bellwether. “I would steer clear of that if I was a candidate.”

Biden and his campaign have pounced on Trump’s talk of repeal. The president has said he wants to make permanent the enhanced premium subsidies he signed into law during the pandemic that are credited with helping to increase enrollment.

Republican advisers generally recommend that their candidates promote “a market-based system that has the consumer much more engaged,” said Lewis, citing short-term insurance plans as an example. “In the minds of Republicans, there is a pool of people that this would benefit. It may not be beneficial for everyone, but attractive to some.”

Biden and his allies have criticized short-term insurance plans — which Trump made more widely available — as “junk insurance” that doesn’t cover care for serious conditions or illnesses.

Entitlements are off-limits

Both Medicaid and Medicare, the government health insurance programs that cover tens of millions of low-income, disabled, and older people, remain broadly popular with voters, said the Democratic pollster Celinda Lake. That makes it unlikely either party would pursue a platform that includes outright cuts to entitlements. But accusing an opponent of wanting to slash Medicare is a common, and often effective, campaign move.

Although Trump has said he wouldn’t cut Medicare spending, Democrats will likely seek to associate him with other Republicans who support constraining the program’s costs. Polls show that most voters oppose reducing any Medicare benefits, including by raising Medicare’s eligibility age from 65. However, raising taxes on people making more than $400,000 a year to shore up Medicare’s finances is one

idea that won strong backing in a recent poll by The Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Brian Blase, a former Trump health adviser and the president of Paragon Health Institute, said Republicans, if they win more control of the federal government, should seek to lower spending on Medicare Advantage — through which commercial insurers provide benefits — to build on the program’s efficiencies and ensure it costs taxpayers less than the traditional program. So far, though, Republicans, including Trump, have expressed little interest in such a plan. Some of them are cleareyed about the perils of running on changing Medicare, which cost $829 billion in 2021 and is projected to consume nearly 18% of the federal budget by 2032.

“It’s difficult to have a frank conversation with voters about the future of the Medicare program,” said Lewis, the GOP pollster. “More often than not, it backfires. That conversation will have to happen right after a major election.”

Addiction crisis

Many Americans have been touched by the growing opioid epidemic, which killed more than 112,000 people in the United States in 2023 — more than gun deaths and road fatalities combined. Rural residents and white adults are among the hardest hit. Federal health officials have cited drug overdose deaths as a primary cause of the recent drop in U.S. life expectancy.

Republicans cast addiction as largely a criminal matter, associating it closely with the migration crisis at the U.S. southern border that they blame on Biden. Democrats have sought more funding for treatment and prevention of substance use disorders.

“This affects the family, the neighborhood,” said Blendon, the public opinion researcher. Billions of dollars have begun to flow to states and local governments from legal settlements with opioid manufacturers and retailers, raising questions about how to best spend that money. But it isn’t clear that the crisis, outside the context of immigration, will emerge as a campaign issue.

(Julie Appleby and Phil Galewitz/KFF Health News)

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research,

and journalism.

Dateline PhiliPPines

Human rights advocates seek UN support for abolition of NTF-ELCAC, anti-terror law

by Ian LaquI Philstar.com

MANILA — A delegation of human rights defenders asked support from members of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council for support in the abolition of the government’s anti-insurgency task force, National Task Force To End Local Communist Conflict (NTFELCAC) and the controversial Anti-Terrorism Law of 2020 (ATL).

In a press release on Wednesday, March 6, the Philippine Universal Periodic Watch Review (UPR) said that the delegation will be attending a session to testify on the “continuing human

rights violations” under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“We are here to inform the international community that the findings by both special rapporteur on climate change and human rights Ian Fry last November and special rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion Irene Khan last February that human rights violations continue are true,” Philippine UPR’s press release read, quoting Center for Environmental Concerns executive director Lia Mai Torres said. The UPR said that the delegation will cite the findings from the visits of two UN rapporteurs in the Philippines, by which both recommended the

abolition of NTF-ELCAC and the Anti-Terrorism Law.

In November 2023, Fry, the former UN special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, first made the call to abolish the NTF-ELCAC during his visit to the country.

Fry’s evaluation of the NTFELCAC, stating it has strayed from its initial purpose to label civilians as insurgents, received criticisms from security and justice officials, who deemed his report “incomplete.”

Meanwhile, Khan, in her visit last February, also recommended the abolition of the anti-insurgency task force as it oversteps its mandate by redtagging civillians. n

Flood Disaster Declaration...

be

•

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

• Going into any local Family Resource Center to fill out a CF 385 form.

• Going to one of the two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers.

Metro Manila Subway on track for 2029 partial ops

MANILA – The first contract package (CP101) of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) is 40 percent complete and is on track for partial operations by 2029, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Thursday, March 7. In a press conference following a site visit and launch of tunnel boring machine (TBM) 4 at the MMSP’s North Avenue Station, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the project’s ontime completion would mostly depend on resolving right-ofway (ROW) issues.

To date, he said some properties where stations are located are owned by private individuals, in addition to a Department of Education (DepEd) building that cannot be demolished due to its status as a heritage site.

“Meron din issues like property owners na ayaw nila ‘yung MMSP dumaan sa ilalim ng kanilang property (There are also issues like property owners that protest against having the MMSP tunnel run under their property),” Bautista said.

DOTr Undersecretary for

Rails Jeremy Regino said while the ROW challenges of the MMSP is the “first of its kind and the largest in magnitude in Metro Manila,” expropriation — or the government claiming a private property against the wishes of its owners — would allow for the project to proceed on time. While expropriation is not “forced occupation” but rather a “just compensation,” Regino said the option is only the government’s last recourse should negotiations with the property owners arrive at an impasse.

“We have now shortened the negotiation process. If there will be no agreement, we will have to file expropriation proceedings but without prejudice to continue with the negotiations,” he said.

He noted that being granted a writ of possession would also “not bar the continuation and conclusion of a successful negotiation.”

“We are doing our best to convince property owners, all things considered, that their concerns are already factored

in,” he said.

During the event, Bautista, Regino, and other officials of the DOTr conducted a site visit at the CP101 site being constructed by the Joint Venture of Shimizu Corporation, Fujita Corporation, Takenaka Civil Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd, and EEI Corporation. The CP101 is one of seven civil works contracts of the MMSP and involves the construction of three underground stations — Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora, and North Ave. stations — and a depot in Valenzuela City.

The MMSP — the country’s first underground railway — is a 33-kilometer railway system that will connect Valenzuela City in the north to Pasay City in the south, with a spur line at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Parañaque City. Once operational, the subway is seen to reduce travel time from Valenzuela to NAIA from a drive of one hour and 30 minutes to a 35-minute train ride — and is capable of serving 519,000 passengers daily. (PNA) n

Research council assures support for Filipino inventions

MANILA – The National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) on Thursday, March 7 said it supports the discoveries and inventions of Filipino scientists nationwide.

“In fact, sa kasalukuyan, ang pinopondohan namin ay ‘yung basic research. Pagdating sa application, may iba’t ibang ahensiya sa pamahalaan na iyan ang trabaho (currently, we fund the basic research. When it comes to application, there are different government agencies taking care of that),” NRCP Executive Director Dr. Bernardo Sepeda said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview over PTV4.

He noted that the Department of Science and Technology conducts and funds research.

“Upang, halimbawa, ang DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government], ang DICT [Department of Information and Technology] o kaya even ang DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources] at ang DA [Department of Agriculture], mayroon silang pondo naman para gamitin naman iyong natuklasan ng ating

mga mananaliksik (So that, for example, the DILG, DICT, or DENR, and DA have funds for the discoveries of the researches),” he added.

The DOST regional offices have experts looking for “real solutions to real problems in the community”. In connection with this, the NRCP pushes for discussions among stakeholders — experts, scientists, and local government units — nationwide.

“There is a lot of support on the ground, lalung-lalo na sa regional offices. Ang kailangan lang siguro nila ay lumapit sa regional office ng (especially in the regional offices. They just need to reach out to the regional office of) DOST,” Sepeda said.

On March 12, the NRCP Annual Scientific Conference and 91st General Membership Assembly will be attended by over a thousand researchers together with invited government officials.

Gross

EVEN before airport authorities can eradicate an infestation of bed bugs, another video has gone viral, this time showing a large rat scurrying on the ceiling of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. The rat video, reportedly taken early Friday, March 1, worsened the eww factor of other video footages showing close-ups of bed bugs moving in the holes of metal seats at the NAIA, and of the skin rashes suffered by passengers who were bitten by the creepy-crawlies.

The bed bugs looked unusually large and might have been brought into the country, according to the pest control provider, which spritzed NAIA seats with stronger insecticide. Some officials recalled a serious infestation of bed bugs that hit Paris beginning in October last year. The French capital is still grappling with the problem, with the infestation reported even in private homes and public accommodations. Paris, one of the world’s most visited cities, is preparing to host the Summer Olympics from late July to August this year.

Bed bugs, however, are also common in the Philippines, and typically infest rattan, the material used in several pieces of furniture used at the NAIA to give the airport a tropical look. All rattan seats have been pulled out of the NAIA-2. As video footage showed, however, even the metal seats that are fastened to the floor have bed bugs.

Horizons

“THE long-standing friendship between our two great nations transcends the 78 years of our formal diplomatic relations,” declared Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his spirited address before the Australian Parliament last week.

“These bonds trace their roots as far back as the 1860s when Filipino pearl divers, known to you then as the Manilamen, found their way to your shores as early purveyors of globalization,” he continued, tracing the depth of bilateral relations to the dawn of modernity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Crucially, not only Mr. Marcos rightly emphasized the Filipino migrants’ contribution to the “Australian economy” and “Australian life,” but also the Philippines’ role in preserving a rules-based international order.

“We must protect the peace that we fought for during the war and have jealously guarded in

The Broader View

h aRRy R oque

The scurrying rat also could not have stowed away on an international flight; surely it must have been born and bred in the Philippines. The existence of vermin all over the country is the reason why there are pest control services. And pest control is of paramount importance particularly in an international airport. That rat caught on video looked like it was enjoying the attention and preening for the cameras, like the star of movie animation hit “Ratatouille.”

Unfortunately for travelers and Filipinos’ national pride, it looks like the pest control service at the NAIA, like its electrical system last year, has suffered a breakdown. As the rat video went viral, officials of the Manila International Airport Authority said they were reviewing the contract of the NAIA pest control service providers, which could be canceled if lapses are established. The bed bug infestation is happening as the Holy Week

travel rush approaches.

Will the NAIA ever stop being a national embarrassment? NAIA maintenance is being

privatized, but this is still six months away. Airport officials must deal decisively with this problem long before that. (Philstar.com)

the decades since,” he argued, underscoring the need for expanded bilateral cooperation. “We must oppose actions that clearly denigrate the rule of law,” he added, referring to China’s aggressive behavior in the South China Sea.

The 17-minute speech, at once passionate and parsimonious, rightly reflected the depth of our bilateral ties to Australia. My own grandmother—who saved her father from getting buried alive by Japanese imperial forces by spontaneously reciting the occupying forces’ national anthem, just to be forced into exile in mountains shortly after—once told me about how Australian soldiers saved her community in the Ilocos region toward the end of World War II.

Lest we forget, Australian forces suffered their single deadliest day in World War II during their joint operations with Filipino patriots against Imperial Japan. But it was during the past decade that bilateral ties entered a new phase.

First came the Comprehensive Partnership deal signed during Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s visit to

Manila in 2015. This paved the way for decisive assistance by Canberra during the Marawi crisis as well as expanded bilateral maritime security cooperation with an eye on the South China Sea disputes.

Then came last year’s Strategic Partnership pact during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Manila, which aims to bring about a new “golden era” in bilateral ties.

Six years ago, I had the privilege of attending a track II event on the sidelines of the inaugural Australia-Asean Summit in Sydney, where I ended up explaining why our then pro-Beijing President Rodrigo Duterte was the only no-show leader from Asean. Last week, however, we saw a Philippine president setting the tone for the latest iteration of the Australia-Asean Summit by delivering a spirited speech before the Australian Parliament.

This represents nothing short of a “sea change” in PhilippineAustralia ties, especially with both countries vowing to step up their joint naval drills and

military cooperation in light of Beijing’s bullying behavior in adjacent waters. But this time around, my fear is that the Philippines may end up as an outlier for completely opposite reasons.

During his state visit to Down

Under, Mr. Marcos not only highlighted China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, but also sought to rally traditional partners such as Australia to jointly hold the line for a rules-based international order. The problem, however, is that I doubt other Asean leaders will follow suit.

Malaysia’s current leadership seems more interested in bashing the West’s doublestandards in the Middle East than pointing out China’s atrocious treatment of its own Muslim minority groups. Ironically, it’s the “old guards” in Putrajaya who are now taking up the cudgels for Malaysia’s claims in the South China Sea. Both Singapore and Vietnam, meanwhile, have adopted an increasingly Beijing-friendly diplomatic language in recent years in order to reap economic rewards.

Malacañang photo

As for Indonesia, we are yet to see how the incoming Prabowo administration will exercise regional leadership, if at all. As for majority of continental Southeast Asian nations, they seem more invested in their bilateral relations with China than standing up for so-called “Asean centrality.” Nevertheless, the only way forward is for a constructive form of “Asean minilateralism,” whereby key Southeast Asian states steadily yet subtly coordinate a more robust position against China’s hegemonic

excesses in tandem with middle powers such as Australia. Otherwise, either Asean fades into geopolitical irrelevance and/or the Philippines continues its quiet drift away from fellow Southeast Asian nations in favor of traditional Western partners. (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.

* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

the forcible abduction of a convicted U.S. citizen in Peru presented no valid objection to his trial. The Court applied the landmark doctrine in the Frisbie v. Collins case (1952). It upheld the conviction of a defendant who was kidnapped by Michigan authorities in Chicago and tried in Michigan.

In the United States v. Alvarez-Machain (1992), the High Court overturned the Court of Appeals’ decision that dismissed the indictment of the Mexican national. Against his will, the defendant was seized in Mexico and flown to Texas. He was arrested for the murder and kidnapping of a Drug Enforcement Administration

agent and the latter’s pilot.

Citing the landmark Ker judgment, the Court said the forcible abduction did not prohibit his trial for violating American criminal laws. It also held that the extradition agreement between the U.S. and Mexico “says nothing about either country refraining from forcibly abducting people from the other’s territory or the consequences if an abduction occurs.”

In short, the American legal system is more concerned about putting a defendant to trial. How he came under court jurisdiction is of secondary importance.

The above-mentioned cases bring to mind Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who faces a federal warrant in America. The charismatic evangelist founded the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name (KJOC) in 1985. The megachurch has grown to six million members worldwide.

It is common knowledge that the embattled pastor is a close friend and spiritual adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte. I have also personal and professional ties with the politically influential leader. FPRRD and I host separate public affairs programs in Sonshine Media Network International

(SMNI), which Quiboloy used to head. The SMNI rose to national prominence for its highly incisive presidential and senatorial debates. It was the only broadcast network that openly supported the candidacy of President Bongbong Marcos in 2022. A dedicated news team even covered the BBM-Sara UniTeam campaign trail across the Philippines.

In the 2016 and 2022 general elections, almost all presidentiables, vicepresidentiables and senatoriables made a beeline to the Tamayong Prayer Mountain to get Quiboloy’s endorsement. I am not ashamed to admit that I was among the candidates. Local politicians in Davao Region and the rest of Mindanao also sought his support.

State-sanctioned abduction

In November 2021, a Sta. Ana, California district court indicted Quiboloy for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, sex trafficking of children, fraud and coercion, conspiracy and bulk cash smuggling. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has included him in its wanted list.

Recently, the president urged Quiboloy to air his side in the ongoing congressional investigations. The Lower House is looking into SMNI’s

supposed franchise violations. Meanwhile, the Senate is probing allegations that he sexually abused former KOJC members. For the record, a witness in the Senate hearing was among those who filed rape, child abuse and human trafficking charges against Quiboloy in 2019. The Davao City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the charges in 2020 on the ground of false statement and accusation. The alleged victim has appealed the case before the Department of Justice. I believe that her presence in the Senate hearing is nothing but a trial by publicity to further demonize Quiboloy and his church. In a Feb. 21 statement, Quiboloy said his life and liberty are under serious threat. He has accused the Marcos administration of surrendering him to the U.S. government in blatant contravention of his constitutional and human rights. With 11 of his local compounds reportedly under surveillance by U.S. authorities, he does not want a repeat of a 2020 incident in America. He disclosed that law enforcers forcibly entered and destroyed his house in the U.S. The evangelist said the government has colluded with the U.S. State Department, Central Intelligence Agency

(CIA) and FBI to order his extraordinary rendition or statesponsored kidnapping (similar to the Alvarez-Machain case). Even worse is the possibility that they might murder or assassinate him during the rendition process. PBBM has dismissed the accusation. Based on Quiboloy’s intel, the FBI has reportedly put a $2-million bounty on his head. The U.S. bureau has also denied this.

Extradition request Strangely, it has been three years since the district court issued an arrest warrant for Quiboloy. However, the U.S. government has yet to file an extradition request.

Based on our treaty with America, we agree to extradite persons charged with or convicted of an extraditable offense – punishable by more than a year of deprivation of liberty or higher penalty – to the U.S. And vice versa. Moreover, the Contracting Parties cannot deny any extradition request on the ground that the person sought is a citizen of the Requested State. I recall that in the case of the late Manila congressman Mark Jimenez, our government immediately surrendered him to America for charges of tax evasion and illegal campaign contributions to the Democratic Party. A U.S. district court sentenced him to

27 months in prison in 2003. Like the pastor, I have not seen any evidence that the prosecution and the police presented to the Grand Jury. Since it is a sealed indictment, Quiboloy must surrender first before he and his legal team can gain full access to the evidence leveled against him by accusers and witnesses. His battery of lawyers has been gearing up for the legal battle but the trial has been postponed several times. I can only surmise that the evidence presented by the prosecution team might not be compelling enough to secure a conviction. Hence, the case is in danger of being dismissed before trial. Otherwise, America would have requested our government for the pastor’s extradition right away. Despite Quiboloy’s misgivings about the Marcos administration, I hope PBBM would continue to reassure the pastor that his life and fundamental rights would remain protected and respected. I pray that Pastor Quiboloy remains safe and well while he exhausts all legal avenues to defend himself. (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.

RichaRd heydaRian

Romualdez urges swift action after attack on Filipino seafarers

MANILA – Speaker Martin

Romualdez on Thursday, March

7 expressed deep sorrow and concern following reports of the tragic deaths of two Filipino seafarers in a Houthi ballistic missile attack on the M/V True Confidence in the Gulf of Aden.

The attack, marking the first fatal assault by the Iran-backed militant group in the Red Sea, resulted in the loss of at least three crew members, including two Filipino nationals, and severe injuries to two other Filipino crew.

“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the Filipino seafarers who lost their

lives in this senseless and tragic attack. Their dedication and sacrifices while serving aboard the M/V True Confidence will always be remembered and honored,” Romualdez said in a press statement. “We stand in solidarity with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Filipino seafarers affected by this heartbreaking incident. It is imperative that we extend all possible assistance to the families of the victims and ensure that the injured receive the necessary medical care and support,” he added.

The leader of the House of Representatives also called for a thorough investigation into the “heinous attack” and urged the international community to “condemn these cowardly acts of violence” targeting innocent civilians and maritime vessels. He said the safety and security of Filipino seafarers must remain a top priority, and government agencies must work together to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

Romualdez likewise reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to protecting the welfare and rights of Filipino workers abroad. (PNA) n

US to ‘fly, sail’ around Southeast Asia amid challenges in region

by Javier Joe ismael ManilaTimes.net

MANILA – Amid the increasing challenges in Southeast Asia, particularly in the South China Sea (SCS), the U.S. vowed to “fly and sail” around the region as part of its security commitment to its friends and allies.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink said on Thursday, March 7 that the U.S. will be more visible in the coming days in Southeast Asia to help Asean partners maintain stability, peace, and order in the region. During his visit to Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, Kritenbrink met with senior government officials to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to work together with allies and partners to tackle the most serious global and

regional challenges of the 21st century.

“We will be flying and sailing around the region,” the U.S. official said during a digital press briefing attended by the Manila Times and other journalists from Asia and the U.S.

Matthew Miller, spokesman of the U.S. Department of State said that the provocative actions by China demonstrated disregard for the safety of Filipinos and international law.

He commented that the U.S. stands with the Philippines and its allies in the face of these dangerous and unlawful actions.

The U.S. called on China to observe the arbitral award on the South China Sea and stop its dangerous and destabilizing actions.

The Pentagon press secretary said that the dangerous actions by China have resulted in injuries to Filipino crew members and demonstrated disregard for international law. n

SC junks petition to nullify PUV modernization program

by Franco Jose c. Baroña ManilaTimes.net

SC junks petition challenging legality of POGOs

by Dapne Galvez Philstar.com

MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) has junked a petition challenging the legality of the rules on Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs for violating the doctrine of hierarchy of courts and failing to meet the requirements for judicial review.

In a 24-page ruling promulgated on April 25, 2023, the SC denied the consolidated petitions that sought to declare as unconstitutional the rules and regulations for POGO (RRPOGO), which was approved by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR)’s board of directors.

Petitioners asked the SC to strike down the rules and prohibit PAGCOR from implementing the same. These rules outline the procedure for the licensing, accreditation and registration of POGO operators, agents and other auxiliary service providers.

Petitioners argued that PAGCOR has no authority to operate and regulate online or MANILA

The

association consisting of 430 jeepney operators and drivers operating in various routes in Metro Manila.

It challenged the validity of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Department Order (DO) 2017011, which provides for the implementation of the PUVMP.

The petitioners argued that the DOTr order was an invalid delegation of legislative power and is unconstitutional for being violative of the due process and equal protection clauses of the Constitution.

They claimed that the said provision entails the

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phaseout and replacement of old PUVs with brand-new and environment-friendly units.

The Court ruled that the petition must be denied for the petitioners’ lack of legal standing and violation of the principle of hierarchy of courts.

However, in a decision penned by Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh, the Supreme Court en banc stressed that no question involving the constitutionality or validity of a law or governmental act

SD#0309

Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for:

SLOPE WASHOUT REPAIRS AT MORSE HIGH SCHOOL

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2024, outside the main office of Morse High School, 6905 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA 92114. All attendees must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans. com. All bids must be received electronically via PlanetBids before 1:00 p.m. on MARCH 28, 2024. Prime contractors interested in submitting a bid must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CP24-0808-52-00-00 Slope Washout Repairs at Morse High School. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $570,000 and $700,000. This is not a PSA project and does not require prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: A, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CP24-0808-52-00-00

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Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for:

DANA MIDDLE SCHOOL AND DEWEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SINGLE POINT OF ENTRY

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on THURDAY, MARCH 15, 2024, outside of the main office of Dana Middle School, 1775 Chatworth Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92106. Upon completion of the first site, contractors shall proceed immediately to Dewey Elementary School, 3251 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 921110. Prime contractors must be present at both (2) sites in order to bid this project. All attendees must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans. com. All bids must be received electronically via PlanetBids before 1:00 p.m. on March 27, 2024. Prime contractors interested in submitting a bid must go to tinyurl. com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC24-0936-08-00-00 Dana Middle School and Dewey Elementary School Single Point of Entry. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $150,000 and $170,000, inclusive of allowances. This is not a PSA project and does not require prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: B, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CC24-0936-08-00-00.

offshore gaming operations.

The SC denied the petitions for violating the doctrine of hierarchy of courts, saying petitioners should have first brought the case before a lower court.

It added that giving due course to all petitions where original jurisdiction over the matter is shared with lower courts will unnecessarily clog the high tribunal’s docket and exhaust resources that may be better utilized to resolve more pressing concerns.

Petitioners also failed to show compelling reasons to justify direct resort to the SC, saying they were not able to clearly explain why preventing PAGCOR from regulating and requiring the registration of POGOs is of transcendental importance.

The high court also said the petitions are dismissible “for not being justiciable” as they failed to sufficiently meet the requirements for judicial review.

Petitioners, it said, failed to show how they will be adversely affected by the issuance of the RR-POGO. They

also failed to specify which of their legal and constitutional rights are supposedly infringed by PAGCOR’s regulation of POGOs.

“Without a definite showing of any clear right of petitioners supposedly violated by the issuance and implementation of the RR-POGO, there is no actual case or controversy for this Court to resolve,” it added.

The SC also said petitioners failed to show any direct and personal interest in the enforcement of the RR-POGO, and there is no indication that they have sustained or are in imminent danger of sustaining some direct injury as a result of its implementation.

With regard to the petitioners’ prayer for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction, the SC said they failed to show that there was an invasion of a clear material and substantial right, or an urgent and paramount necessity to prevent serious damage.

Consequently, their prayer for the issuance of a TRO and/ or writ of preliminary injunction was also denied. n

Research council assures support for Filipino inventions...

The goal of assembly and scientific conference is to provide an avenue for experts to share their latest researches, especially in the field of artificial intelligence.

“Alam nating ito’y napakagandang tool upang tumugon sa lahat ng mga problema ng ating hinaharap ngayon maging sa transportasyon, sa pagkain, sa kalusugan at sa iba’t iba pang

may be heard and decided by the Court unless there is compliance with several legal requisites for judicial inquiry. These legal requisites include an actual case or controversy calling for the exercise of judicial power, that the person challenging the act must have the standing to question the validity of the subject act or issuance, that the question of constitutionality must be raised at the earliest opportunity and the issue of constitutionality must be the very “lis mota” or cause or

larangan ay kailangan nating gumamit ng (We know that this is an excellent tool in responding to all the problems in transportation, food, health, and other fields needing the use of) artificial intelligence,” he said.

The NRCP is composed of at least 6,000 scientists from different fields and disciplines researching for the country to address issues in science, technology, and innovation. (PNA) n

motivation of the case.

The Court found that the petition lacked the second requisite as the petitioners do not possess the legal standing to file the suit. While the thirdparty standing of an association to sue on behalf of its members has been recognized by the Court, such association must establish who their members are, and that it has been duly authorized by its members to represent them or sue on their behalf.

The Court said the group also failed to establish who

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its members are and that it has been duly authorized by said members to institute the petition.

The petition further violated the principle of hierarchy of courts, which requires that a petition must first be brought before the lowest court with jurisdiction and then appealed until it reaches this Court. This concurrent jurisdiction does not give the party discretion on where to file a petition, as non-compliance with this requirement is a ground for dismissal. n

SD#0310

Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for: CC24-0935-50-00-00 AIR HANDLER CHILLER REPLACEMENT

AT GARFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2024, outside the main office of Garfield High School, 1255 16th Street, San Diego, CA 92101. All attendees must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans. com. All bids must be received electronically via PlanetBids before 1:00 p.m. on APRIL 4, 2024. Prime contractors interested in submitting a bid must go to tinyurl. com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC24-0935-50-00-00 Air Handler Chiller Replacement at Garfield High School. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $5.7 million and $6.2 million, inclusive of allowances. This is a PSA project and requires prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: B, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CC24-0935-50-00-00

SD#0311

LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9003080

SAGO located at 485 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas,

Registrant: O’Frank,

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9003054

B&A Cleaning And Painting located at 3729 Florence St, San Diego, CA 92113.

Registrant: a. Berenice Garibay, 3729 Florence St, San Diego, CA 92113.

b. Marco Antonio Gomez Garibay, 3729 Florence St, San Diego, CA 92113. This business is conducted by A General Partnership. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/08/2024.

Signature: Dale Polselli.

filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/08/2024. AJ 1348 02/16, 02/23, 03/01, and 03/08/2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9003327

Personnel Services Inc located at 3403 E Plaza Blvd Unit L,

Signature: Camilo Gallego. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/13/2024. AJ 1353 02/23, 03/01, 03/08, and 03/15/2024. AJSD 1353

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9003981

Smart Tech located at 4781 49th Street, San Diego, CA 92115.

Registrant: Sicha Yoon, 4781 49th Street, San Diego, CA 92115.

This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER

THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/22/2024.

Signature: Sicha Yoon. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/22/2024.

AJ 1357 02/23, 03/01, 03/08, and 03/15/2024.

Signature: Marco Antonio Gomez Garibay. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/08/2024.

AJ 1349 02/16, 02/23, 03/01, and 03/08/2024. AJSD 1349

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9003039

Amazing Nails located at 9918 Campo Rd, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

Registrant: Trung Nguyen, 5439 Timothy Dr, San Diego, CA 92105. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/01/2024.

Signature: Trung Nguyen. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/08/2024.

AJ 1351 02/16, 02/23, 03/01, and 03/08/2024. AJSD 1351

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

STATEMENT

2024-9001281 SDC&R located at 3640

St, San Diego, CA 92111. Registrant: a. Tate Homsombath, 3640 Auburndale St, San Diego, CA 92111. b. Frankie Thanasith, 3640 Auburndale St, San Diego, CA 92111. This business is conducted by A General Partnership. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

02/23, 03/01, 03/08, and 03/15/2024. AJSD 1354

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002048

Adelante Counseling Services located at 740 Melrose Place, San Diego, CA 92114.

Registrant: Rogelia Elena Becerra, 740 Melrose Place, San Diego, CA 92114.

This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/22/2017.

Signature: Rogelia Elena Becerra.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/22/2024.

AJ 1358 03/01, 03/08, 03/15, and 03/22/2024. AJSD 1358

Signature: Tate Homsombath. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/18/2024. AJ 1355 02/23, 03/01, 03/08, and 03/15/2024. AJSD 1355

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9003400

KWIQ Roadside located at 1240 E. Plaza Blvd Ste 604-117, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: KWIQ Management And Consulting LLC, 1240 E. Plaza Blvd Ste 604-117, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Don Rubi. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/14/2024. AJ 1359 03/01, 03/08, 03/15, and 03/22/2024.

a.

Signature:

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002921

JOMARU SB located at 2220 E Plaza Blvd #D, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: ERIJASA INC, 1485 Bradley Place, Chula VIsta, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by A Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER

THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/25/2006.

Signature: Jason Kim. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/08/2024.

AJ 1352 02/16, 02/23, 03/01, and 03/08/2024. AJSD 1352

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000549

GComm Consulting located at 1713 Borbour Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91913. Registrant: Bernard A. Gonzales, 1713 Borbour Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/01/2011.

Signature: Bernard Gonzales. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/09/2024.

AJ 1356 02/23, 03/01, 03/08, and 03/15/2024. AJSD 1356

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9004127

Sugar Rush located at 3010 Shelby Dr, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Catalina Lopez, 3010 Shelby Dr, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/23/2024.

Signature: Catalina Lopez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/23/2024.

AJ 1360 03/01, 03/08, 03/15, and 03/22/2024. AJSD 1360

SAN DIEGO

Phiilippine pride on Broadway : Red Concep ciion’s ‘Chiic ago’ triumph

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

In an interview with the Asian Journal

Concepcion talked about his Broadway debut and shared his unique journey and approach to portraying the character of Amos in the musical Chicago.

“It’s surreal, I almost couldn’t believe it,” he told us. “But I am starting to find

inspiration from the history of Filipino immigrants in the 1920s, a period when Chicago was set, and emphasizes the importance of bringing his Filipino identity into his performance. Amos, a mechanic in the show, represents an unseen figure, someone overlooked, and Concepcion wanted to reflect the Filipino immigrant experience through this character.

Exploring the struggles and triumphs of Filipino immigrants during the 1920s, particularly the workers’ strike, he aims to mirror the resilience and strength of the community. Amos becomes a metaphor for breaking free from being unseen and having a voice, reflecting the broader theme of standing

Concepcion’s journey intersects with Amos’s story, highlighting the collective experience of Filipinos as immigrants and their tendency to navigate challenges with a resilient and accommodating spirit. His portrayal seeks to challenge stereotypes and celebrate the Filipino identity, showing that even those taught to blend in and avoid rocking the boat can also have a powerful voice and make a stand. When asked about envisioning Broadway in his

earlier years, Concepcion revealed, “I feel like my whole life kind of led up to this. I had been prepared by everything, all my experiences in theater.” Despite his debut status on Broadway, Concepcion is no newcomer to the world of theater, having honed his skills and garnered acclaim in various productions.

Concepcion initially pursued Organization Communications at UP Manila but received a scholarship to study musical theater in Singapore after two years. Despite the scholarship covering only tuition, he started the program but couldn’t finish due to financial constraints.

Returning to the Philippines, Concepcion began working. While performing in “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” in Manila, the show extended to Singapore. During his day off, he stumbled upon his old school La Salle College of the Arts’ new building, recalling how he once felt his life was ending for not finishing his studies.

Concepcion’s parents were both musical theater actors in the Philippines, associated with the Metropolitan Chorus before its closure in Manila. Concepcion initially started working as a voice actor at the age of 10, dubbing voices for commercials. His first paycheck, earned from a McDonald’s commercial, went towards buying a Bible.

Although performance and music were inherent in his upbringing, Concepcion’s parents were initially reluctant about him pursuing a career in the performing arts. They were concerned about the challenges, heartaches, and difficulties associated with the profession, having experienced them during their own time as actors. Despite their reservations, Concepcion continued to navigate his path in the performing arts.

In 2017, Concepcion participated in the UK and Ireland tour of Miss Saigon for about a year and a half before being

transferred to the United States to open the national tour. However, the pandemic disrupted these plans.

Concepcion was in a transitional phase between agents when he decided to audition for the role in “Chicago.” Despite feeling down and questioning his recent move to New York, he attended an open call for the musical. Initially uncertain about securing a slot, he decided to take the chance. During the audition process, he was asked to sing another song and later received material for a callback. After a work session, he unexpectedly received the news of landing the role just three days before Christmas.

Having built a robust foundation in the Philippines, Concepcion seamlessly transitioned to Broadway. His extensive experience, spanning over 15 years, prepared him for this moment. From his first professional performance in Singapore and Hong Kong to national tours and collaborations with major theater companies, Concepcion’s

The experience was both a rollercoaster of uncertainty and a joyous surprise for Concepcion.

The whirlwind experience began with quick rehearsals, leading up to his opening night on January 15. Concepcion faced the challenge of mastering his role in just ten days, making every moment a discovery.

“It’s a constant learning, improving, discovering,” he added, emphasizing the excitement and continuous evolution that theater brings.

In the context of increasing Filipino representation, Concepcion acknowledged the camaraderie among Filipino actors, both on and off Broadway. He cited instances of connecting with fellow Filipino performers in Chicago, and previously in Miss Saigon where he logged more than 800 performances,

creating a sense of community and shared identity. With Chicago being one of the longest-running American musicals, Concepcion recognizes the significance of contributing to its rich history. He aims to make the role of Amos his own, finding new nuances and joy in each performance. The open approach to interpretation encouraged by Chicago’s creative team allows Concepcion to bring his unique perspective to the character.

As for the future, Concepcion remains dedicated to acting as long as the opportunity allows. While contemplating potential paths, he expressed an interest in producing, considering it a logical next step in his career. However, he remains open to the unpredictable nature of life, emphasizing his love for pottery and envisioning a tranquil life surrounded by nature someday. n

EET Red Concepcion, a seasoned actor from the Philippines and the newest sensation under the dazzling lights of Broadway’s Great White Way.

Joining the cast of Chicago holds personal significance for Concepcion as the first Filipino in the role. Delving into his approach to the character, he expressed a desire to incorporate his Filipino identity into Amos. Inspired by the history of Filipino immigrants in the 1920s, Concepcion aims to mirror their experiences of invisibility and resilience within the narrative.

journey led him to the pinnacle of Broadway.

AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

San Diego works with FEMA to stand up disaster recovery center

Residents affected by Jan. 22 storm urged to apply online or in person for

Applications are also being accepted online through the FEMA web portal at DisasterAssistance. gov or through the FEMA mobile app.

Last week, a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration was announced for the recordbreaking storm in January that caused flooding and property damage in neighborhoods of San Diego. This declaration allows residents and businesses to apply for individual assistance for losses from storm-related flooding.

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Assistance Program provides financial assistance and services to eligible individuals and households who are uninsured or underinsured. While not a substitute for insurance, the financial assistance is intended to help meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.

The City of San Diego relocated the in-person support for the Local Assistance Center to the Mountain View Community Center effective Saturday, March 2. While the Local Assistance

Week

SAN DIEGO – This week, March 3 to 9, is Women in Construction (WIC) Week and the City of San Diego is joining cities across the country in recognizing the women who dedicate their careers to building better communities.

WIC Week began in 1998 by the National Association of Women in Construction as a way to celebrate and promote the role of women in the construction industry, where they are currently a minority. The annual celebration

takes place during the first full week of March. March is also Women’s History Month. This year’s theme, “Keys to the Future,” celebrates the strength and knowledge of women and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the construction industry.

The city’s Engineering and Capital Projects (E&CP) Department, which brings all Capital Improvements Program (CIP) projects from

u PAGE 11

Worried about IRS tax problems?

Minding Your Finances

Atty. RAymond BulAon

I mentioned above. I don’t think this is what you want, is it?

79T.

While many think that the military is meant to serve the country as a whole, the Army National Guard’s work is often local. As a part of the California National Guard, most of Sgt. Tenorio’s work is local to the state. “The motto for the National Guard is ‘Live Here, Serve Here,’” Sgt. Tenorio communicated.

“We’re like the army of the state of California,” he continued.

“The cool thing about that is, as far as missions go, they’re very meaningful. They’re centralized around the community,” Sgt. Tenorio expressed before detailing one way in which the Army National Guard steps into action.

the National Guard actively helps in fighting these fires. Sgt. Tenorio was personally involved in putting out fires during fire seasons in 2015 and 2017.

It is moments like this in which Sgt. Tenorio truly takes pride in what he does, which he believes also stems from his Filipino heritage. “We know that there is a big presence of Filipinos in the military. I like to think that a lot of us do it because we have that big heart,” Sgt. Tenorio expressed. “It’s a pride thing. I’m glad to represent our heritage. We all have something to share. Our heritage is that we love and care about everybody,” he continued, detailing how he is not alone in this notion.

“Our kababayan (fellow Filipinos) within the National Guard all stick together. We share our love and care for everybody,” Sgt. Tenorio continued, emphasizing how his heritage is something that he is able to share with those he recruits, inspiring them.

“My favorite part (about being in the Army National Guard) is being able to share my experience and letting younger people know there are opportunities out there,” Sgt. Tenorio expressed, highlighting how he wishes he had the chance to become a part of the National Guard earlier. This is, however, why he is dedicated to his recruitment work, helping others seek out opportunities earlier in their lives.

Sgt. Tenorio detailed how there are many benefits when it comes to joining the Army National Guard. “The benefits I earned by serving with the National Guard, I was able to utilize to the fullest,” Sgt. Tenorio explained, detailing how the National Guard helped him in being able to get a home and continue his schooling, which the National Guard and VA helped pay for. These benefits however start as early as high school as there are many opportunities provided by the Army National Guard, such as scholarships. Highschool students can join the National Guard as early as age 17, a junior in high school, with parents’ permission. They will go to bootcamp in the summer then return home to finish their Senior year to receive their diploma. Afterwards, they will go back to finish their Advanced Individual Training (AIT) before returning home to start college. The National Guard also has a program in place called the Recruit Sustainment Program. Here, newly recruited National Guard members attend paid training, one weekend a month,

IRS problems have a way of ruining all aspects of your life. They can take a toll on you financially, emotionally, and physically.

When you owe the IRS, you’re always wondering if today might be the day when the IRS shows up at work, your home or your business; or if today might be the day the IRS decides to levy your bank account or garnish your paycheck.

Recently, the IRS announced that it will resume all collection activities that they paused during the pandemic. What does this mean for you if you owe the IRS? That means you should be getting a collection letter soon. It’s business as usual again at the IRS, and if your account has been in collection for some time, a big portion of your current balance includes penalties and interest.

But how can the IRS expect you to pay all of that when you couldn’t even pay the original amount to begin with? Frankly, the IRS does not care. They want their money and they want it now. And they’ll do everything within their power to get if from you as soon as possible.

This is a heavy load to bear every day! So, what should you do if you are in this situation? Should you continue to live in fear and uncertainty, or do you do something about it now to prevent your tax problems from getting worse? Sooner or later, you will need to face the IRS but by then you could owe a lot more for waiting too long with the added penalties and interest

The only way to solve your IRS problems is to face them head-on and to have a plan of action. And that’s exactly what people lack –a plan. Unfortunately, instead of acting, people bury their heads in the sand, pretending that their IRS problems don’t exist. This is the wrong approach, and your tax problems will only continue to get worse! Your IRS problems will not resolve themselves. And your tax problems are here to stay for the long haul and will only continue to make your life miserable.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of unscrupulous companies out there who are more interested in taking your hard-earned dollars instead of offering you the solution that you need. Without knowing anything about your situation, they tell you that you can settle your IRS debt “for pennies on the dollar”. While the IRS has such a program that allows forgiveness of tax debt, it is not for everyone. Don’t fall for that scam. The IRS uses a specific formula to determine the least amount it will accept based on your income and assets. It’s called “reasonable collection potential” which involves taking into account the amount you owe, how much you make, the value of your assets, and how much time the IRS has remaining under the collection statute.

Remember that the IRS leaves no stone unturned in trying to collect everything that you owe. I always tell my clients that the IRS is one of the worst creditors that you can have because the government has a lot of weapons in its arsenal to make sure that they get paid. Some people tend to think that if they just ignore the IRS long enough, at some point the IRS will just somehow forget. Trust me, the IRS never forgets.

And they will keep adding penalties and interest to what you owe until they find you, your money, or your money source.

Then it’s payday for the IRS!

Believe it or not, even when you retire, the IRS can attack your pension, retirement, and social security check! In other words, you can run but you can’t hide as far as the IRS is concerned.

The good news is that there is a better way to live your life other than hiding from the IRS if you owe them money. You don’t need to be always looking over your shoulder for the IRS, wondering what the government will do to you next. You don’t need to get up every morning with this incredibly large problem on your shoulders.

The laws have changed over the years and there are laws to protect taxpayers. If you have not filed tax returns in years, remember that the IRS will not even talk to you unless you file those returns first to show good faith. So, if that’s your case, this is a good first step in resolving your IRS tax liabilities.

If you need help with your IRS problems, I can help. I will review your case and will help you come up with a realistic plan to get the IRS out of your life once and for all. If you owe the IRS more than $10,000, the consultation is free. * * *

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

None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has been in private practice for 23 years and have helped more than 6,000 clients obtain debt relief. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-471-8272. (Advertising Supplement)

waiting for their furever home for over 30 days. Let’s help change their luck, shamrock style, by adopting or fostering an animal. Together, we can make a pot of gold difference in the lives of these deserving pets.

The adoption special spreads the luck of the Irish all month long. Adoption fees are always waived for:

• Pets who have been at the shelter for 30+ days

• Pets aged 8 years and older

• Adopters 60 years and older Check out some of the available pets on the Animal Services website at https://www.sddac. com/content/sdc/das/adopt.html.

Walk-in hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday through Sunday at the South Shelter, 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita and the North Shelter, 2481 Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad.

All adoption fees include spaying or neutering, a microchip, updated vaccinations and a one-year dog license for those in the service area. To adopt, you just need a photo identification card. Adoptions are on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re not sure, considering fostering a pet to see if it is a good fit, or just to give him or her a break from the shelter environment. Pets benefit tremendously from being in a home environment and learning how to be part of a family. All basic care supplies such as food, leash, and bedding, are included as part of the program. For more information on fostering animals, making pet food donations, or volunteering for the shelter, call (619) 767-2675 or visit the Animal Services main website at https://www.sddac.com.

(Yvette Urrea Moe/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

how

File

When to expect presidential

office, the vote center ballots will be scanned, and results will be periodically updated until all vote center ballots have been counted.

Since there are fewer vote centers compared to the traditional polling place model, the Registrar’s office will provide less frequent result updates. The final unofficial election night results may not come in until 1 a.m. or later and will only cover the ballots that could be counted immediately.

The counting of ballots does not end election night.

What’s left to count?

A) Mail ballots

• These are ballots dropped off at vote centers, official ballot drop boxes or picked up by the U.S. Postal Service on Election Day.

• Ballots mailed right before or on March 5 have seven days to arrive if postmarked by Election Day.

B) Provisional ballots

• People who missed the Feb. 20 registration deadline may conditionally register and

initiation to completion, has 238 women supporting infrastructure throughout San Diego. These women work behind the scenes designing projects, overseeing construction sites, performing surveys and conducting quality assurance tests to meet city standards. They lead teams responsible for designing and building a variety of city assets, including the West Mission Bay Drive Bridge Project, the Pacific Highlands Ranch Library Project and the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal Project, as well as resurfacing dozens of miles of city streets each year.

“The construction industry continues to evolve and part of that is the significant increase in talented women feeling empowered to join the field,” said City Engineer Rania Amen, Director of the Engineering and Capital Projects Department. “I am proud to lead a department that promotes diversity and inclusion and

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

vote provisionally in person up to and on Election Day.

• Once their voter registration is processed and the Registrar’s office confirms the voter did not vote elsewhere in the state, the voter registration becomes active and the provisional ballot is counted.

After election night, the next release of unofficial results was posted by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 7.

Additional updates are at the discretion of the Registrar of Voters. The Registrar’s office will be closed on Monday, April 1 in observance of Cesar Chavez Day.

However, the results must be certified by April 4 and the Registrar expects to use the full certification period to make sure the results are accurate. All updates will be posted on sdvote. com with the final certified results posted on April 4. Learn more about the March presidential primary at sdvote. com, or call (858) 565-5800 or toll free at (800) 696-0136.

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

features women engineering some of the most critical pieces of infrastructure for San Diegans.”

To help give a voice to women working in the construction field, staff from E&CP formed the Women in Field Construction Committee in January 2022. This employee-led group has more than 60 members and establishes camaraderie among women in construction, offers tools to help participants navigate the construction industry and provides an inspiring space for women to learn and grow in their field.

As one of the largest employers in the region, the City of San Diego has hundreds of employees in the construction industry and is recruiting for a variety of positions in the field.

For more information on CIP projects, visit the CIP website (https://www.sandiego.gov/cip/ about) or search for projects throughout the city using the CIP project map viewer (https:// webmaps.sandiego.gov/cippublic/).

(City of San Diego Release) n

Filipina American among appointments...

Team and the San Ramon Arts Foundation Event Planning and Marketing division. Additionally, she is a parent volunteer on the Special Needs Committee and the Community Advisory Committee for the San Ramon Valley School.

“These appointments underscore our commitment to protecting consumer interests and promoting a robust insurance industry in California,” said Commissioner Lara. “The expertise and diverse viewpoints of these appointees will help complement our efforts to ensure a competitive and sustainable insurance market, ultimately benefiting consumers and businesses statewide.”

CLHIGA consists of all insurance companies licensed to sell life and health insurance, and annuities in California, and it protects certain policyholders against a company’s financial failure. The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall oversight of CLHIGA, which includes approving contracts and reinsurance treaties, authorizing assessments, borrowing money, taking legal actions, and serving on committees that oversee audit and investment functions. The Board consists of up to thirteen member insurers who are selected by the board members and are subject to the approval of the Commissioner.

AB 1104 (Chapter 236, Statutes of 2019) added two additional members to the board who represent the public generally and are appointed directly by the Commissioner.

The Curriculum Board oversees the development of pre-licensing and continuing education curriculum for agents and brokers to uphold professional standards that protect consumers. This includes a list of preapproved courses of study as well as courses of study for professional designations. This Board also develops standards for providers and instructors who offer courses and other training to licensed agents and brokers.

The CIGA Board of Governors oversees the guarantee association’s general operations and management in order to protect policyholders in the event of an insurance company insolvency. Established in 1969 by the Governor and California State Legislature, CIGA comprises all

was established in 1996 within the Department of Insurance to guide insurers on making financially sound investments that yield environmental benefits throughout California and social benefits within the State’s underserved communities. Commissioner Lara has prioritized COIN investments which drive affordable housing, support small businesses, combat climate change, and encourage investors to utilize diverse investment managers more. The COIN Advisory Board provides guidance to the Commissioner and the COIN program to meet its mission and chief priorities. The Insurance Diversity Task Force oversees the Department’s Insurance Diversity Initiative, which encourages insurers to advance diversity of insurance company corporate boards and increase procurement contracts with diverse businesses owned by women, veterans and disabled veterans, members of historically disadvantaged communities, and LGBTQ+ people. Additionally, the Task Force makes recommendations to the Commissioner regarding innovative ways to

increase diversity within the insurance industry. Last year, Commissioner Lara introduced the first-ever Insurance Diversity Index, a groundbreaking benchmarking tool for a more inclusive insurance industry.

The WCIRB Governing Committee sets policy, oversees WCIRB management, and reviews all issues involving pure premium rates, classifications, rating plans, rating systems, manual rules and policy, and endorsement forms. The WCIRB is a private organization licensed by the Department for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and compiling rating data, with funding coming from assessments of its insurance company members. All workers’ compensation insurance companies in California are required by law to be members of the WCIRB.

The next CLHIGA Board of Directors meeting will be held on May 7, 2024, the next Curriculum Board meeting is July 18, 2024, the next CIGA Board of Governors meeting is May 7 and May 8, 2024, the next COIN Advisory Board meeting is March 14, 2024, the next Insurance Diversity Task Force meeting was scheduled for March 7, 2024, and the next WCIRB Governing Committee meeting is April 17, 2024.

More details are available at: www.insurance.ca.gov/ boards. All positions are uncompensated. n