031324 - Southern California Midweek Edition

RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Filipino American deputy district attorney Michelle Lauron has won as judge of the Superior Court of San Bernardino County in the March 5 primary election, with 74.7 percent of the votes.

Lauron cleared the 50 percent threshold for a win, besting opponent Dieter Dammeier. As of Thursday, March 7, 100 percent of precincts have reported their results, according to the County Registrar. Lauron said she will put her commitment to justice and courtroom experience to work as a Superior Court judge.

As a San Bernardino County deputy district attorney, Lauron has prosecuted murders, rapes, child sexual assaults, domestic violence, drug trafficking, violent crimes and welfare fraud.

Currently serving as a supervising deputy district attorney, Lauron manages over a dozen prosecutors. By mentoring

AMERICAN companies are set to announce investments amounting to more than $1 billion (about P56 billion) in the Philippines, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said during an official visit to Manila on Monday, March 11. The investments would be in areas such as solar energy, electric vehicles and digitization, she said, adding that American companies were eager to do business in the Southeast Asian country.

Raimondo is in Manila for a two-day trade and

investment mission on behalf of President Joe Biden.

The White House said in a statement the U.S. delegation to the Philippines includes executives from 22 companies representing United Airlines, Alphabet’s Google, Black & Veatch, Visa, EchoStar/ DISH, United Parcel Service (UPS), Boston Consulting Group, KKR Asia Pacific, Bechtel, FedEx, Mastercard and Microsoft.

In a press conference at Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay, Raimondo said “These companies are announcing over a billion dollars of U.S. investments, including creating educational opportunities to over 30 million Filipinos in the form of digital upskilling,

CALIFORNIA Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Monday, March 11 that he is throwing his weight behind legislation to bar medical debt from showing up on consumer credit reports, a Democratic-led effort to offer protection to patients squeezed by health care bills.

Bonta is a sponsor of Sen. Monique Limón’s bill, which seeks to block health care providers, as well as any contracted collection agency, from sharing a patient’s medical debt with credit reporting agencies. It would also prevent credit reporting agencies from accepting, storing, or sharing any information concerning medical debt. Medical debt isn’t necessarily an accurate reflection of

a

“This is a broken part of our current system that needs to be fixed,” Bonta, a Democrat, told KFF Health News. “This is California’s

If enacted, California would become the

A MAJORITY of Filipinos — or about 77 percent — said they were willing to fight for the country should there be a war with a foreign entity, the latest Tanong ng Masa survey of independent research firm OCTA Research showed.

Among age groups, this was highest at 87 percent for ages 45 to 54.

Younger respondents followed, with 77 percent of those ages 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 saying they would be willing to fight.

Those in the youngest group, 18 to 24, were at 74 percent, while those ages 65 to 74 were at 69 percent.

The question was: "If there is a conflict between the Philippines and a foreign

enemy, are you ready to fight for your country?"

A minority, or 23 percent of the respondents, said they would not fight.

The survey was commissioned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) after a China Coast Guard tailed and fired water cannons at vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, which were en route to the Scarborough Shoal.

"Across major areas, at least 60 percent of adult Filipinos are willing to fight for the country, with the highest percentage observed in Mindanao (84 percent) and the lowest percentage in Visayas (62 percent)," OCTA said.

Adult Filipinos in urban areas expressed more willingness and readiness to fight,  PAGE 4

MANILA – Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing three years ago.

But throughout the years, it seemed like Pacquiao never left with speculations about his potential return sprout every now and then.

Over the weekend, Pacquiao was in Saudi Arabia as one of the guests of Saudi adviser at the Royal Court Turki Al-Sheikh for the heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou.

Somehow, Pacquiao made quite a buzz himself after he faced off with undefeated British boxer Conor Benn, 27, during Joshua and Ngannou’s official weigh-in.

MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons, who also serves as the Filipino ring icon’s right-hand man, described the scene as a “feeding frenzy like the fight was happening.”

It could be another teaser that would eventually lead nowhere but with interest in all the parties involved, who knows?

“Manny Pacquiao has had

AI (artificial intelligence) training.”

The U.S. official said the expected deals also include the establishment of an electric vehicle education center as well as solar and nuclear projects to support the Philippines’ energy and climate goals. “And we’re announcing a new airline route opening up travel and tourism to the beautiful beaches of Cebu among other projects,” she added. Economic security United said last week it would launch new flights from Tokyo-Narita to Cebu starting July 31.  PAGE 2

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. called the United States an essential trading and investment ally.

Speaking to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and the Presidential Trade and Investment Mission at Malacañan Palace, Marcos said that their visit was a manifestation of President Joe Biden’s promise.

“I have emphasized this before, and I will say it again: the United States is an essential strategic trading and investment ally for the Philippines,” said Marcos in his speech.

“In the coming months, I hope that we will be able to see our shared commitments come to fruition, driving robust economic growth because after all, an economically strong Philippines is a formidable ally,” he added.

Marcos called the trade mission proof of the U.S. and the Philippines’ enduring ties. “Today’s gathering not only signifies a meeting of officials, but also celebrates the enduring relations  PAGE 4

pastor.

“HE shall see to it that assets are protected, payables are paid, receivables collected and all financial matters are handled with due diligence with the end in view of benefiting the members of KOJC (Kingdom of Jesus Christ) in the best possible manner.”

This was how a lawyer of televangelist Apollo Quiboloy described in a nutshell the role to be played by former President Rodrigo Duterte as “administrator” of KOJC, the sect headed by the wealthy, influential and now embattled

“And as a former president of the Republic, he brings gravitas and an extremely high level of prestige to the duties inherent in an administrator,” said lawyer Ferdinand Topacio in a message to the Inquirer.

As a “seasoned lawyer,” Duterte has the “best legal expertise” to handle all the concerns of KOJC, according to Topacio, legal counsel of the Davao-based church.

Duterte, 78, will be tasked to perform duties related to the “management, stewardship and preservation of the properties of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ

For his part, Philippine Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the US trade mission symbolizes Washington’s strong support for the country’s economic security through trade and investments.

“A stronger partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines cements our position as an economic force. This position benefits our country and fortifies our standing as an ally of the United States,” Pascual said during the same event.

Pressed for comment when they think the investments would materialize, the Philippine official said it would depend on the nature of the project, noting that it could take several weeks to years.

“The training, that would be immediate. In fact, we already have an agreement,” Pascual said, adding that investments that take longer to materialize

include energy projects that normally materialize after five to seven years.

During their meeting, Pascual said they also raised other key issues, including a swift implementation of U.S. government support in workforce development as part of the recently passed CHIPS Act, which mandates funding from the U.S. government to the Philippines and other developing countries to make the ecosystem of their local semiconductor industry more conducive to American investors.

Another issue in which the Philippines sought assistance from the US delegation is the detention of apparel exports and shrimp paste shipments.

Pascual said the U.S. had banned apparel exports using cotton from a province in China where the Uyghur population is reportedly being persecuted.

“But the fact of the matter is that the cotton used by our apparel companies does not come from China but from Brazil, Turkey and the U.S. itself,”

Pascual said.

Partner of choice

The White House in January said a trade mission would be sent to boost U.S. companies’ contribution to key Philippine sectors, including infrastructure, clean energy, critical minerals, agriculture and the innovation economy.

The Philippines and the United States are long-standing allies bounded by a 73-year-old mutual defense treaty.

President Marcos has sought to deepen relations beyond defense cooperation to include economic partnerships.

“The U.S.-Philippine alliance is ironclad,” Raimondo said at the joint briefing with Philippine officials. “It is sustained over 72 years, and we remain steadfast friends and, increasingly, partners in prosperity.”

Security engagements between the Philippines and the United States have stepped up considerably under President Biden and Mr. Marcos, with both leaders keen to counter what they see as China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea and near Taiwan.

Raimondo said she was often asked if the United States was asking countries in the IndoPacific region to choose between China and the United States.

“Absolutely not. But we want the United States to be the economic partner of choice,” Raimondo said. “For that to happen, we have to show up and show up in the country with money, with collaboration and consistently show up.” g

Manny Pacquiao ‘ready to go’ for comeback...

the itch to fight ever since his political campaign ended,” said Gibbons, who was with Pacquiao in Riyadh. “So if the opportunity comes up and his excellency wants this fight on in Saudi Arabia, Manny Pacquiao is ready to go.”

As far as Al-Sheikh, who is in

charge of Saudi Arabia’s sports and entertainment industry, is concerned, he is keen on staging Pacquiao’s comeback in Saudi, which has emerged as a boxing hotbed.

“Manny, I want you in the Kingdom,” Al-Sheikh said as quoted by Gibbons. Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39KOs), one

of the greatest fighters of all time, hung up his gloves following a loss to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas in August 2021.

He has stayed retired since but he did participate in an exhibition fight against South Korean YouTuber and martial artist DK Yoo in South Korea in December 2022. g

Duterte to protect Quiboloy ‘Kingdom’ assets...

as a juridical entity existing under Philippines laws,” he added.

‘Needs permission’

There was no reply when Topacio was further asked about the reason and timing behind Duterte’s designation as “new administrator of KOJC properties,’’ as announced by the sect in a one-sentence post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Friday.

The announcement came in the wake of new developments in the criminal cases faced by Quiboloy in the United States and amid the mounting pressure from lawmakers for him to appear before House and Senate inquiries.

According to Marlon Rosete, president of Sonshine Media Network International. (SMNI), the broadcast media arm of KOJC, Duterte is now “the Kingdom administrator of all properties of the Kingdom [of Jesus Christ].”

Warrants unsealed

“Even just touching the gates,

or picking leaves and flowers, needs permission from him,” Rosete added in a text message.

There was also no reply when he was asked to expound in view of Quiboloy’s cases.

The televangelist has been indicted by a federal grand jury in California for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion, sex trafficking of children, conspiracy and bulk cash smuggling. Warrants for his arrest were issued in November 2021.

In an order issued on March 1, Central District of California Judge Terry Hatter Jr. ordered the warrants unsealed, which means the details of the charges or the reasons for the warrants were being made available to the public.

On March 4, the Department of Justice in the Philippines ordered the filing of sexual abuse and qualified human trafficking cases against Quiboloy, as it granted the petition for review filed by the complainant, a former KOJC

follower who claimed he had raped her. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said he also signed an immigration lookout bulletin against Quiboloy—promoted by the sect as the “Appointed Son of God.”

With the filing of charges, prosecutors would be able to secure a hold departure order to prevent him from leaving the country, Remulla added.

Snubbed hearings

On March 5, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who heads the Senate committee looking into allegations that Quiboloy had sexually abused female followers, cited him in contempt for continuing to ignore the summons to appear before the panel and asked for an arrest warrant to be issued.

At the House, Quiboloy has also snubbed hearings on SMNI’s alleged violations of its broadcasting franchise, including airing content that included Duterte’s threats directed at a lawmaker and spreading disinformation. g

Free online training for California home health workers ending soon

by Mark Hedin Ethnic Media

IF you’re struggling to care for elderly or disabled friends or family, CalGrows has hundreds of free — and paying — online or in-person classes to help.

The state program allows home health workers, the backbone of California health care, to earn up to $6,000 for learning and using new skills. However, time is running out for caregivers to sign up, as the program ends in August.

At a March 7 briefing hosted by the California Department of Aging and Ethnic Media Services, speakers described the caregiving and healthcare program, and the paid incentives that go with it, adding a note of urgency.

Renita Polk, of the California Department of Aging, cited estimates that by 2030, a quarter of all Californians — 10.8 million people — will be at least 60 years old and require another 3.2 million caregivers and healthcare workers to provide “varying levels of care.”

“This is a tangible investment in caregivers, acknowledging their vital role and representing California’s diverse communities and providing people with the quality care they deserve,” said Polk.

“This is a massive problem,”

Dr. V.J. Periyakoil, director of Stanford University’s GE Research Center and its School of Medicine’s Palliative Care Education and Training program.

“It’s not a ‘them’ problem, it’s an ‘us’ problem.”

Constantly improving medical care means sudden deaths are fewer and “most of us are eventually going to live for years with a chronic condition, and die of multiple causes,” she explained.

Already, people are surviving cancer diagnoses for years, living with diabetes, surviving strokes, lung disease, kidney problems and much more.

Just to get through the day, some will need help with simple, basic functions such as showering, dressing and toileting.

But asking people with no training or background in the work to provide such services,

she said, is like giving an unlicensed driver the keys to an 18-wheeler. And those caregivers are also reporting the depression and burnout that can accompany being constantly on call.

So far, the Department of Aging’s Connie Nakano said that about 6,000 people have completed more than 25,000 courses and earned more than $2 million in incentives while becoming better trained and able to provide the support that seniors and their families need.

Those eligible for the program must be unlicensed caregivers, certified home care aids or certified nursing assistants who live and work in California. Free career-advancement training is open to those providing unpaid care to older adults or people with disabilities — including friends and family — in a home or community setting, though incentives don’t apply.

Caregivers already paid by an employer which is not In-Home Supportive Services may receive incentives for taking the courses. IHSS employees with a second job elsewhere, or employees with an organization under a county contract to provide IHSS care, are also eligible.

CalGrows is “a comprehensive program,” said Anni Chung, CEO of San Francisco’s Self Help for the Elderly organization, which has been operating since 1966 and currently serves more than 40,000 clients annually with health, educational, social and recreational services.

“It allows us an opportunity to train our staff of 411 employees,” she said, and provide the training updates they need to recertify every two years. And, she said, “it’s an excellent opportunity for newly arrived immigrants to develop career paths,” by providing the knowledge they’ll need to pass state-administered licensing tests.

One such person, Mei Guo, arrived in 2005 and began working as an unlicensed caregiver almost immediately. “I was full of passion, but also felt confused and challenged,” she said through a translator.

But as she began taking courses through Self Help for the Elderly, “I quickly realized this would be a turning point

in my career,” Guo continued.

“After obtaining my license I was able to provide higher quality care service to the seniors I took care of, not only improving their quality of life but also giving their family members peace of mind.”

Programs such as this, she added, “Help monolingual, non-English-speaking job seekers, immigrants like me, for whom language barriers are a significant challenge … providing not only professional training, but a bridge for communication and learning, allowing us to find our place in this multicultural society in the United States. Through this training we not only improved our professional skills, but learned how to integrate into this society.”

The courses are offered in nine languages: English, Spanish, Armenian, Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, Russian and Vietnamese. Topics include Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, cultural diversity, food safety, infection control and selfcare for caregivers, but there are many, many more.

Caregivers can sign up for the program online at calgrows.org, by phone at (888) 991-7234 or by email at help@calgrows.org.

“There’s a course out there that can fit anyone’s schedule,” Polk said. They range from short, quarter- or half-hour one-time brush-ups to longer ones that can be completed online, with pauses as needed, to others that are considerably longer. “It’s really just dependent on how much time the student has.”

While the program remains available, one panelist, retired journalist Joe Rodriguez, said he’s signing up right away.

He’s currently caring for his sister, who devoted herself to their parents’ needs while Rodriguez was working for the San Jose Mercury News.

He’s single and his sister, who has no other family, can no longer walk, bathe or cook, and needs help getting almost anywhere, sometimes even at home.

“We’re going to be living together for a long time,” he said. “Her needs are going to be getting more profound. It’s quite scary.”

Years ago, Rodriguez said he

Pinay fencer making waves in US

The 21-year-old bet finished tied for No. 2 with University of Pennsylvania’s Katina Ortiz Proestakis and Sabrino Cho with 7-4 records but bested both with the best index.

Charlotte Keonig of Duke University took No. 1 with an 8-3 slate.

It will be Catantan’s fourth straight hop to the big stage.

“I’m just blessed I have the best support system,” said Catantan, back in full strength after an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear during the Phnom Penh SEA Games last year. g

California pushes to expand the universe of abortion care providers

California’s efforts to expand access to abortion care are enabling more types of medical practitioners to perform certain abortion procedures — potentially a boon for patients in rural areas especially, but a source of concern for doctors’ groups that have long fought efforts to expand the role of non-physicians.

The latest move is a law that enables trained physician assistants, also known as physician associates, to perform first-trimester abortions without a supervising physician present. The measure, which passed last year and took effect Jan. 1, also lets PAs who have been disciplined or convicted solely for performing an abortion in a state where the practice is restricted apply for a license in California.

Physician assistants are now on par with nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives trained in abortion care, who in 2022 won the ability to perform abortions without a doctor present.

The need for more abortion care practitioners is being driven by efforts in many states to gut abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision ending constitutional protection for the procedure. Thirtyone states have implemented abortion restrictions that range from cutting federal funding for abortion coverage to outright bans, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization concerned with

reproductive health. With the new law, “there will be fewer barriers, and shorter wait times for this essential service,” said Jeremy Meis, presidentelect of the California Academy of Physician Associates. While it is unclear how many of California’s 16,000 PAs will be trained in performing abortions, research shows that PAs are more likely than physicians to practice in rural areas where access to abortion is limited.

More than 40% of counties in California lack clinics that provide abortion.

Comparing data from the first six months of 2020 with the same period in 2023, the number of abortions jumped from 77,030 to 92,600 a 20% increase as the state became a refuge for women seeking abortions. California has passed a suite of reproductive health laws to build in protections and increase access, and a dozen other states, including Oregon, Minnesota, and New York, have mounted similar efforts. Seventeen states, including California, now allow PAs to perform first-trimester abortions, according to the American Academy of Physician Associates.

There was little opposition to the new California law, with two physicians’ groups supporting it. But the American Medical Association, the country’s most powerful doctors’ lobby, has fought vigorously against what it calls “scope creep” — that is, changes that allow clinicians like PAs to do medical procedures independent of PAGE 4

NCAA

which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. Each bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. C1231. For a copy of the Proposal/Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Rafael Vasquez at vasquezr@ metro.net.

3/13/24

CNS-3791396# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

Lauron

Lauron earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from University of California, Irvine before acquiring her law degree from the University of California, Davis.

Lauron

Widely recognized for her compassion and empathy, Lauron is deeply involved in her community and coaches local high school mock trial teams. Many of the high school students who participated in mock trial have continued on to law school and are now practicing attorneys and prosecutors within San Bernardino County. Lauron and her husband Michael, also a career prosecutor, have been married for over 27 years. The couple has two adult children. They are active in their church, leading faith formation classes and involved in numerous marriage and youth ministries.

At an event supporting Lauron’s election campaign last month, Fil-Am community leader Naida Castro spoke passionately as a retired court administrator in the Superior Court of California as she introduced Lauron to the attendees. Castro shared her excitement

about seeing another Filipino American running as a judge, saying that there was only one Filipino judge on the bench during the time she worked at the court. (Jun Nucum/Inquirer.net)

California attorney general boosts bill banning...

care they have already received. The three largest U.S. credit agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — have said they would stop including some medical debt on credit reports as of 2022. Among the excluded debts are paid-off bills and those less than $500, but the agencies’ voluntary actions left out millions of patients with bigger medical bills on their credit reports. Limón said she often hears from constituents about the impact medical debt has on their lives. Medical debt disproportionately affects low-income, Black, and Latino Californians, according to the California Health Care

Foundation.

And, increasingly, people with healthy incomes who often carry medical insurance are incurring medical debt. A KFF Health News-NPR investigation found that about 100 million people across the country are saddled with medical debt, which has forced some to give up their homes, ration food, and take on extra work.

Though the legislation wouldn’t forgive medical debt, Limón said she hopes it will encourage people to seek medical care when they need it.

“You hear so many people now that are concerned about getting medical care because they can’t afford it and instead wait to get worse,” Limón said. “If the bill passes, we’ll see less fear and more people going to get medical care.” (Molly Castle Work/KFF Health News)

This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.

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

Most Filipinos willing to fight for country...

PAGE 1

compared to women at 72 percent. The survey, conducted from Dec. 10 to 14, 2023, used a sample size of 1,200 adult Filipinos with a ±3 percent

margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level. Estimates for the geographic areas covered in the survey had margins of error of ±6 percent at a 95 percent confidence level. g

US a strategic trading, investment ally...

During the meeting, the president encouraged U.S. business leaders to invest in the Philippines. He touted his “Build Better More” project, which boasts the development

of 198 high impact infrastructure projects.

“We eagerly welcome participation by U.S. investors in these transformative initiatives,” he said. g

Free online training for California home health...

PAGE 3

wrote a column about his sister’s struggles taking care of their parents, and how she deserved a respite.

“I never got so much hate mail,” he recalled, more than for anything else he’d written, from

people insisting elder care was a duty. “It’s going to be a tough haul to improve things, just as it’s going to be a tough haul for me personally.”

The CalGrows program in its current state will end at the end of August, due to the rules that

came with the federal dollars that support it.

Polk and others expressed hope that somehow the educational opportunities will remain in place, even if the stipend funding dries up, but this remains to be seen. g

California pushes to expand the universe...

physicians.

“Our policy stance is the same on scope of practice expansion regardless of procedure,” noted Kelly Jakubek, the AMA’s media relations manager. The AMA’s website points to legislative victories in 2023, including striking down “legislation allowing physician assistants to practice independently without physician oversight,” in states including Arizona and New York. The AMA did not take a formal position on the California legislation. Its local chapter, the California Medical Association, took a neutral position on the legislation.

In preparation for the new law, one physician assistant at Planned Parenthood Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley began learning how to perform aspiration abortions — a procedure also known as dilation and curettage that uses gentle suction to end a pregnancy — at the end of last year. The PA, who requested anonymity due to concerns about safety, said that with abortion restrictions in place around the country, “I just think it’s really important to be able to provide a comfortable, safe, and very effective way to terminate a pregnancy for patients.”

She is now one of six PAs and midwives at her clinic who can offer aspiration abortions.

To reach competency, she participated in 50 procedures and learned how to administer medication that eases pain and anxiety. Such conscious sedation, as it is known, is frequently used for firsttrimester abortions. Now she, like any other advanced practice clinician who has obtained skills in performing abortions, can train her peers — another feature of the new law.

The length of time for training and the number of procedures to reach competency varies based on a practitioner’s previous experience.

“It’s encouraging this cross-profession training and collaborations, which is really important when we’re looking at increasing access to essential services,” said Jessica Dieseldorff, senior program manager of abortion services at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte in Santa Cruz.

In December, California committed $18 million to help accelerate training in abortion and reproductive care for practitioners, including PAs, through the Reproductive Health Care Access Initiative.

Dieseldorff, a nurse practitioner who trains other

advanced-practice clinicians in abortion care, said that rural communities, in particular, will reap the benefits since many rely solely on physician assistants and other allied clinicians.

Reflecting on her career, she said much has changed since she became a nurse 25 years ago. At that time, she worked only as support staff to doctors providing abortions.

“When I began, medication abortions did not exist in this country,” she said, referring to the practice of using two drugs often prescribed to induce abortions. “It’s been gratifying to be able to progress and become a provider myself, provide non-stigmatizing and compassionate and safe care to patients; and now, at this stage in my career to be training others to do the same.”

This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.

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

California Attorney General Rob Bonta File photo

by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com Located less than 200 kilometers from Taiwan, Batanes holds strategic

significance should a conflict ensue between China and Taiwan.

A Reuters report in August 2023 said the U.S. military was in

talks to develop a civilian port in the remote northernmost islands of the Philippines, a move that would boost American access to strategically located islands facing Taiwan.

Cayco said she sought funding from the U.S. for the building of an “an alternative port” there, which was intended to assist the unloading of cargo from Manila during rough seas in the monsoon season. The Philippines has recently ramped up its military ties with the U.S. and allowed greater U.S. access to local military bases. 

Batanes seaport to be funded by US A rst: Comelec to open to public ‘source code’ in 2025 polls MANILA

MANILA - For the first time in the country's election history, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will make available to the public the so-called "source code," the human readable version of the voting software program, for anyone to see and test the customized automatic counting machines (ACM) that will be used in the upcoming 2025 midterm polls.

Chairman George Erwin Garcia on Tuesday, March 12 said that the joint venture of Miru Systems of South Korea has agreed to make the source code review to the public, leaving everything to the discretion of the Commission.

"They (MIru) are willing to gamble. They are willing to put it under public scrutiny so that it can be tested by anybody. This is the first time that Comelec received such an offer, meaning that they believe in the capability of their program," Garcia further said.

The source code is basically an independent auditor to ensure that the system is running free from possible malicious lines. It is the human-readable version of the election management system (EMS) customized to Philippine elections that would be installed in the ACMs.

The EMS designs the configuration for the ACMs,

like precinct number and the number of voters per precinct, among others. It would be provided to the Comelec by the Miru System following the reviews of the software system by an international certification company agency to ensure that it is free of malicious lines.

Garcia said that the international certification for the system would be done for two months, and a month for the source code review. He pointed out that opening the source code to the public would be an added transparency to the entire election process.

Garcia also disclosed that MIRU Systems has offered to place cameras in every polling place to monitor the voting process, adding that the Comelec is committed to full transparency in all stages of elections preparations to include the coming customization of the 110,000 ACMs that would be used in next year's national and local elections.

"It would take six months to customize the machines, two months for international certification and one months source code review," he pointed out.

Comelec has awarded MIRU Systems the P18 billion contract for the lease of the 110 counting machines.and other peripheral services that will be used in the 2025 elections.

Included in the contract are the provision of 104,345 ballot boxes, 2,200 pieces server/ laptop and printer, pens and ballot printing, ballot paper for 73,881,894 and ballot verification.

Garcia further said that also part of Comelec's preparation is the setting up of 82 provincial repair hubs or one for every province in the country.

Previously, Garcia pointed out, the Comelec has only the Sta, Rosa, Laguna hub and was regionalized in the last 2022 polls.

"We

will build 82 provincial hubs so that we would be able to repair whatever problems without bringing the machine to Manilka," he added.  Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia PNA file photo PROGRAM WHO IS IT FOR? WHAT IS IT? Level Pay Residential customers who want a predictable, monthly bill over the year A predictable monthly bill based on your past usage. Past-due balances can also be rolled into this bill to provide one consistent monthly payment. Extended Payment Arrangements Residential and commercial customers who need more time to pay any balances No down payment. No interest. No fees. Extended time to pay your balance: up to 48 months for discount customers and up to 36 months for all other customers. EZ-SAVE Income-qualified residential customers A bill assistance program to kickstart utility bill savings, which also qualifies customers for even more savings. State Assistance Programs Income-qualified residential customers Up to $18,000* through the State of CA’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) to help pay utility bills. HAVE YOU FALLEN BEHIND ON YOUR WATER AND POWER BILL? Say goodbye to utility bill worries! Here’s how we can help *Benefit amounts may vary and are subject to change. Contact your local service provider to learn more. To learn more and sign up, visit LADWP.COM/CARES

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Editorial

certifications from the United Nations, vouching for Miru’s performance in the elections in Iraq, and from the Congo electoral commission. Some doubters remain unconvinced.

The Comelec has yet to award a service deal for the overseas online voting and counting system. In the meantime, the Comelec must move quickly to ensure that the 2025 polls will be as clean and glitch-free as possible. The Comelec has not yet sufficiently put to rest doubts raised by cyber experts regarding the integrity of the 2022 national races. The experts have questioned the use of a single private IP or internet protocol address, 192.168.0.2, which bypassed the networks of authorized telecommunications companies, and transmitted 20 million votes to the Comelec’s Transparency Server one hour after the polls closed. Election watchdogs have said the use of the IP address did not alter the vote results, which they counterchecked with raw data.

Smartmatic, which has been providing the system since the Philippines shifted to automated elections in 2010, has been barred by the Comelec

from poll biddings amid allegations of bribery involving former Comelec chairman Andres Bautista. Both Smartmatic and Bautista have denied the accusations.

While this controversy continues, the new

election system must be put through its paces. The best proof that the Comelec made the right moves in the case of Miru and Smartmatic is the conduct of honest, orderly and credible elections in 2025. (Philstar.com)

THE recent incident involving China Coast Guard ships and one of our supply boats is yet again another example of the disgraceful, dangerous and aggressive behavior that shows China’s propensity to doublespeak.

Last Tuesday, Philippine civilian vessel Unaiza May 4 was on a resupply mission carrying food, water and other provisions for troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal when two CCG vessels blasted it with water cannons, shattering the windows and injuring four crew members as well as Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, who sustained some cuts and bruises.

Shortly thereafter, the Chinese Coast Guard dispatched a rigidhull inflatable boat that began to circle the damaged boat as if to obstruct the pathway of a vessel dispatched by the Philippine Coast Guard to provide medical assistance to the injured Filipino personnel.

WHEN you strike at the king, you must kill him,” the great American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson counseled. Far from a mindless endorsement of violence, what Emerson emphasized were the stark choices facing anyone who sought to overturn a political order altogether. There are no halfways. No room for wavering. No perfect means, nor room for compromise. Once you directly challenge a monarch, you can’t second-guess yourself.

After all, history is replete with examples of failed coups, half-successful regicides, and premature revolutions, which triggered an unfathomable torrent of vengeance by a besieged monarch. Think of the fate of the former Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who foolishly dared to march his army of disgruntled soldiers all the way to the gates of Moscow—shockingly facing minimal resistance along the way—just to raise the white flag at the eleventh hour. As practically everyone expected, the former chef-turned-mercenary general didn’t last long after his supposed “truce” with Russian President

This latest incident is only one of the many aggravating moves heightening the tension in the West Philippine Sea, with Filipinos seething at the incessant bullying and harassment by Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels that are deliberately conducting dangerous and provocative maneuvers. Many are finding their voice in the statement of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who described the actions of China in the West Philippine Sea as “downright uncivilized” – and, I might add, disgusting.

The hostile actions of the Chinese vessels were witnessed by Associated Press journalists aboard BRP Sindangan, who captured the moment when the CCG vessel sideswiped the Philippine Coast Guard ship in a “tense and dangerous moment.”

In typical fashion, China gave a version of the incident that was totally different, claiming that it was the Philippine vessels that were “illegally trespassing” in Ayungin Shoal – which is well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone – saying that the China Coast Guard actions were “professional, restrained,

Vladimir Putin to avoid a civil war in the capital last year. Over the past two months alone, there have been multiple, public, and direct challenges to President Marcos by no less than his predecessor. In a whole series of public speeches, Rodrigo Duterte not only tagged his successor as a “drug addict,” but even threatened popular revolt and secession of his home island of Mindanao. Not to mention the call by his son, Sebastian “Baste” Duterte—who is clearly being groomed as an alternative successor—for the current president to resign.

If anything, the ex-president has called on the country’s armed forces to reconsider their loyalty to the president. Lest we forget, Mr. Marcos was forced to undertake a major reshuffle of top defense and security officials to nip any budding civil-military relations crisis. Amid rumors of agitations by ex-generals, no less than Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. publicly warned, “Some of them [are] former officers of the AFP, and I’ve spoken with some of them … Once we find out that any of our active personnel are involved in this, we will act swiftly.”

Well-informed insiders have told me that there are persistent

reasonable and lawful” when in reality, the unprovoked actions and the dangerous maneuvers of the Chinese vessels have caused harm and endangered the lives of Filipino personnel, in blatant disregard of international law.

Secretary Teodoro blasted Beijing’s “propaganda mechanisms… to justify their illegal acts against Philippine vessels on their so-called ‘indisputable’ claim over most of the South China Sea” and taking great pains to mischaracterize their provocations as lawful under international law – a claim that no right thinking state in the world would agree with, he added.

Last year, China came out with their so-called standard national map that features a 10-dash-line – one additional dash more than its previous nine-dash line – just a week after Chinese president Xi Jinping said “hegemonism is not in China’s DNA” – which drew protests among nations that include India, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines that rejected the sweeping claim.

And as I pointed out during my speaking engagement at the Consular Corps of the Philippines – no one really

threats of coups by elements loyal to the ex-president. In any functioning political system, whether democratic or authoritarian, the response by the incumbent would have been swift and decisive, either through the rule of law or the full force of the state.

For some reason, however, the farthest Mr. Marcos has gone in response to such a brazen challenge was to simply suggest that his predecessor was too unhinged to be taken seriously.

And this raises a major question: Is Mr. Marcos too soft and fainthearted in the face of direct and repeated challenge by one of the most powerful dynasties in the country? Or is he just being strategic by biding his time, especially with the 2025 midterm elections approaching?

It goes without saying that behind the scenes there are ongoing moves and countermoves. To begin with, there are allegedly ongoing “purges” of Duterte-era appointees in key government agencies. Moreover, key international allies seem to be willing to lend assistance in tracking and tracing potential “sharp power” operations by China, which is clearly banking on its proxies in the Philippines.

Nevertheless, Mr. Marcos, the

knows how far China will go in staking its claims in the South China Sea. Previously it was nine, and today it is 10 – then 11, 12? As claimant nations, we can talk about our conflicting claims but we absolutely cannot allow a single country to claim the entire area.

In my remarks during the recently concluded Track 2 Dialogue on Quad Plus Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific organized by the Center for New American Security, I said the Philippines has consistently maintained that the South China Sea dispute is not the sum of our bilateral relationship with China. We are close neighbors with hundreds, if not thousands, of years of exchanges between our two peoples.

We must, therefore, be able to manage our dispute without resorting to the use of force. However, China’s actions for many years now – becoming more pronounced recently –have had destabilizing effects in the region and increased the risk of an outbreak of conflict among the claimants.

We are committed to fostering defense and security cooperation with like-minded partners, not

to confront China directly, but to deter our neighbor in the North from taking escalatory actions that could potentially usher in a third World War, spelling the end of the world.

But while the Philippines renounces war as an instrument of foreign policy, it does not mean that we will not defend ourselves. We will respond with everything we’ve got if another country attacks us. And as we modernize our armed forces to achieve a credible defense posture, we take comfort in the wisdom of our past leaders after World War II – the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States. Today, there are many other nations that share the same values and recognize that our sovereignty as a nation is indisputable. We have been working hard to strengthen relations and expand cooperation with many countries all over the world. We have elevated bilateral relations with Australia to a strategic partnership; we have convened our 5th Philippines-India Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation; we have agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Reciprocal Access Agreement

with Japan with whom we are enjoying particularly robust relations; and our relationship with the United States is on “hyperdrive” with great potential for more cooperation, especially in the economic sphere as seen in the U.S. Presidential Trade and Investment Mission led by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

Instead of utilizing its significant resources to foster mutual economic prosperity, it’s unfortunate that a giant country like China resorts to aggressive behavior in order to assert its over-expansive claims that have spawned criticism from the international community. If there is anyone that is paying lip service to maintaining peace and stability in the region, it is unquestionably China.

Nothing could best describe it better than in one line: Actions speak louder than words. (Philstar.com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

commander in chief, has three major cards to play. Tactically, the ruling establishment has the option of forcing the Dutertes into a rearguard action by supporting their rivals in the Deep South, especially ahead of next year’s elections. At some point, either the former president or the current vice president may be forced to reassume mayorship of Davao City in order to head off any robust challenge by their erstwhile rivals at home.

Moreover, they can also start

supporting viable contenders for the 2028 elections, most notably Sen. Rafael “Raffy” Tulfo, who is reportedly already leading in several unpublished yet authoritative surveys of future “presidentiables.”

But Mr. Marcos’ ultimate card is the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) impending warrants of arrest for Duterte-era officials allegedly involved in crimes against humanity. The ICC issue, however, is fundamentally about justice and the rule of law.

William Shakespeare once said, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” It’s time for the incumbent to finally achieve something great on his own terms. (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

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with former Prresident Rodrigo Duterte.

Malacañang file photo

DBM chief cites PH gains in advancing women’s rights

MANILA – The Philippines has made significant strides in advancing women’s rights by ensuring that the national government is pushing gender equality in all aspects of development, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said on Tuesday, March 12.

Delivering the Philippines’ statement during the 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) General Discussion in New York, Pangandaman noted that Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, a comprehensive anti-discrimination and gender-equality law, was further operationalized and translated into “meaningful and targeted” outcomes through the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Plan 2019-2025.

Pangandaman said the GEWE Plan 2019-2025 serves as the Philippine government’s guide in formulating Gender and Development (GAD) plans and budgets, adding that the country was able to spend an estimated USD18.9 billion on gender programs in 2022.

She added that all government agencies have been allocating at least five percent of their budget to support programs and activities on GEWE since 1995, as part of the country’s commitment to “financing with a gender perspective”.

A high percentage of GAD budget in relation to the total agency budget is one of the indicators of the depth of gender mainstreaming within the agency.

It reflects that the agency is not only implementing direct GAD programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) but also actively integrating gender perspectives throughout its planning and programming processes.

Leadership, political participation

Pangandaman said Filipino women play a crucial role in the country's politics, citing the key positions they hold in government.

“We continually celebrate women leaders in the country’s governance. The Philippines has the distinction of having had two female presidents, while our present Cabinet has five female

secretaries, including yours truly,” Pangandaman said. She is the only female member of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s economic team and the second woman to hold the position of Budget secretary.

Pangandaman stressed the women’s vital role in the peacebuilding and development process of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which is home to Bangsamoro tribes, Indigenous Peoples, and settler communities in the southern part of the Philippines.

“We established the Bangsamoro Women Commission, the body responsible for mainstreaming gender into the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, thereby ensuring the meaningful participation of women in decision-making at all levels of governance,” she said.

Social protection, financial inclusion

As the Budget chief, Pangandaman said she has undertaken “intersectoral and all-encompassing” initiatives to address the poverty experienced by women and girls in the Philippines.

“Through collaborative efforts and targeted interventions, we are determined to break the chains of poverty and empower them at all levels,” she said.

Pangandaman added that the Philippine government has mainstreamed gender into social protection initiatives through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Bridging Program for the Filipino Family) or 4Ps, which is a conditional cash transfer program of the Philippine government under the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“We continue to strengthen our institutions and social protection programs to address women’s poverty. Our Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a conditional cash transfer program with a budget that has exponentially increased from USD5.37 million in 2008 to USD1.9 billion this 2024, has benefitted 4.4 million Filipino households,” Pangandaman said.

She noted that cash grants under the 4Ps are given directly

to mothers of eligible households to “[increase] their ability to invest in the well-being of their families, thereby improving the survival, health, and access to education of their children.”

The government is also committed to helping women improve their business skills by giving them access to business financing through programs such as Kapatid Mentor Me program, which offers women entrepreneurs coaching and mentoring, as well as government loans to promote women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises as “the driving force of the Philippine economy.”

Pangandaman added that the government is working hard to incorporate gender-responsive measures in the country’s climate action programs, considering the vulnerabilities of women during disasters.

More to be done

She, however, acknowledged that more needs to be done to attain a “genuinely inclusive and gender-fair Philippines and (the) world”.

“But this should only motivate us to continue to rise above the limitations we have experienced in the past and—in the true spirit of equality—make our voices even louder to achieve a future of empowered women and girls in a gender-equal world,” Pangandaman said.

Pangandaman heads the Philippine delegation to represent the country at the CSW68 at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York.

The CSW is the UN's largest annual gathering that aims to address women’s issues and concerns including discrimination and violence against women, and promote gender equality, and female empowerment.

This year’s CSW will be held from March 11 to 22 with the priority theme, “Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality and the Empowerment of All Women and Girls by Addressing Poverty and Strengthening Institutions and Financing with a Gender Perspective”.

This year’s CSW is chaired by the Philippines through the Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the UN Antonio Lagdameo. (PNA)

MANILA – Two Filipina lawmakers are set to represent the Philippines in the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women from March 14-22 at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Rep. Ann Matibag (San Pedro, Laguna) and Rep. Geraldine Roman (1st District, Bataan) will fly to the United States to attend the women’s rights meeting as they continue to pursue their gender equality advocacy.

“The City of San Pedro is very supportive to women and gender equality and we’re very proud that it is also supported by our national government,” said Matibag, adding that women continue to excel in different fields locally and globally.

“Known not only for beauty and brains, Filipino women also have the guts, courage, will and leadership to make everything better,” she added. “We are proud to announce with our fellow world leaders that women in our country are being wellrespected, equal and honored.”

Roman and Matibag, chairperson and vice chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, respectively, have been are assigned by Congress as delegates for the bilateral meeting with Members of the European Parliament from the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender.

Known for her projects in San Pedro since 2022, Matibag has empowered the city through her continuous scholarship programs, various livelihood projects, infrastructure projects, and medical missions and assistances aside from her principal authored bills.

In terms of public service, she also thanked other women government officials who have been actively serving the country from the city and barangay councils, mayoralty, House of the Representatives, Senate and up the executive branches of the government.

Matibag said the likes of female Senators Loren Legarda, Imee Marcos, Cynthia Villar, Pia Cayetano, Risa Hontiveros, Nancy Binay and Grace Poe have continuously inspired and motivated them to do their jobs as public officials.

“It’s really an honor to represent our country in the UN. Women in our country have excelled not only in leadership but also in other fields like fashion, music, arts, entertainment and sports. They are too many to mention but all of them have brought pride and glory to our nation.” 

The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE

Wednesday MARCH 13, 2024

Grateful Sarah G says Billboard award ‘came at a time when I was doubting myself’

By Nathalie tomada Philstar.com

THIS Women’s Month, Sarah Geronimo brought pride to the country after becoming one of Billboard’s 2024 Global Force honorees.

Chosen alongside Sarah G by Billboard outlets around the world as Global Forces were Sherine Abdel-Wahab (Egypt), Annalisa (Italy), Maria Becerra (Argentina), Nini Nutsubidze (Georgia), Tia Ray (China) and Luísa Sonza (Brazil).

Billboard described the awardees as “visionaries” who are making groundbreaking contributions to the music industry as singers, songwriters, instrumentalists and producers.

Sarah flew to the US to personally accept her award last March 7 (March 8, Philippine time) during the “Women in Music” ceremony, hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross at the YouTube Theatre in Los Angeles.

In her acceptance speech, the OPM queen, also known as Popstar Royalty to fans, said, “Thank you, Billboard, for celebrating women in music and of course, for giving our country this meaningful recognition. Maraming, maraming salamat to Billboard Philippines for your commitment to bring our music, the Filipino music, and more Filipino artists to a global audience.

“I humbly accept this award for every amazing and excellent Filipina and Filipino artist back home and all over the world.

“Allow me to also take this moment to thank God, Lord Jesus, for the gift of music. Hindi ko po inisip na mararating ko po yung ganito, that I’ll be able to deliver a speech in front of an international audience.”

The 35-year-old, who started in the entertainment scene as a teen vocal champion, also profusely expressed her gratitude to her parents.

“Thank you to my parents, to my Nanay and Tatay, maraming maraming salamat for your unconditional love, and for believing in me and for supporting me.”

The singer went to give credit to her manager, Viva big boss Vic del Rosario, and her management team Viva Artists Agency, and of course, her fans also called Popsters. She then gave a shout out to her husband, actor-host Matteo Guidicelli, “for always pushing me to be a better version of myself every day.”

Sarah pointed out that the recognition symbolized courage and hope for her.

“Courage to accept and embrace oneself. Courage to break boundaries and defy standards. Courage to rise above all the setbacks and challenges that one artist or one person has to face. And I hope one day, this recognition will bridge the Philippines and other nations to create change and positivity in the world through the power of music.”

In a separate statement sent to The Philippine STAR, Anne Bernisca, COO of MMGI and publisher of Billboard Philippines, shared the process for selecting Sarah for the award.

“Billboard Philippines nominated Sarah Geronimo to be the first homegrown and fullblooded Filipina to be recognized on stage to receive the Billboard Women in Music Global Force Award due to her incomparable influence and impact in the Filipino music industry. She is an all-around performer with consistently sold-out shows. She has entered the Billboard global charts and her songs have reached 110 on-demand million streams in 2023 alone,” she stressed.

“Sarah is known for her electrifying stage performances and her wide range of vocal versatility. She is a multi-talented artist who is able to successfully cross both the music and movie industries having starred in top-grossing movies and popular television shows all the while maintaining a stellar music career.

“She also serves as an inspiration to many aspiring young artists and actively participates in helping shape the next generation of Filipino talents by being a coach at ‘The Voice.’ Sarah’s contributions to the music industry and unwavering commitment to effect positive change through her music make her an exemplary choice as Billboard Philippines’ Global Force Awardee.”

She also noted that Billboard Philippines’ participation in this year’s Women In Music Awards is in keeping with “our mission to bridge Filipino music and the world.”

The award, Bernisca further noted, was not only a recognition of Sarah’s achievements but also a celebration of Filipino music.

Meanwhile, in a brief exchange of online messages with Sarah G, through her team at G Productions, Sarah exclusively shared with The STAR some of her highlights from the event.

To be recognized on a global stage, what was your first reaction?

“A pleasant surprise! The first time they told me about it, I could not believe it. I am thankful to Billboard Philippines for giving me the honor to represent our country and our music.

“I see it as an important milestone not just for my career, but most importantly for our music industry. “May this recognition serve as fuel and give us OPM artists more motivation and inspiration to continue loving and creating original Filipino music.”

What does this latest award mean to you as an artist? How special is this?

“It has given me a brand-new perspective of hope and inspiration. It came at a time when I was feeling low and doubting myself as an artist. This has motivated me to just keep going and keep my passion for music burning (heart and fire emojis).”

Lastly, what were your highlights from the awards event and to whom do you dedicate this award?

“Some of my highlights that night were seeing some of my favorite female artists, actors and performers… I saw Katy Perry, Ellie Goulding… Kylie Minogue, Kat Graham from the TV series, ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ Bailee Madison from the ‘Good Witch,’ Victoria Monet!!! She is an amazing artist! I love and admire her artistry! And she was also very nice that we got to share a quick chat! (Smiley).”

“I also met Thuy from Vietnam and Annalisa from Italy!!! They were both beautiful and nice! And of course, I got to meet Tracee Ellis Ross. I wanted to tell her that I enjoyed watching her movie ‘The High Note’ but was not able to because I was so nervous and overwhelmed.

“The recognition is dedicated to all the dreamers out there, to all my loved ones, to everyone who has been part of my journey as an artist, and of course, to the whole Filipino music industry.”

Ruru Madrid learns from action idols, rides high on ratings

By Jerry doNato Philstar.com

RURU Madrid further strengthens his foothold in the action genre with the GMA Primetime Telebabad show, “Black Rider.” It’s a follow-up to the action and adventure-filled “Lolong,” with the drama-fantasy “The Write One” as, in a way, a breather from the genre and a reminder of his versatility. Like “Lolong” and “The Write One,” “Black Rider” is doing well in the ratings’ game.

Back in the first quarter of 2022, Ruru was tapped and launched as one of the Sparkle 8, composed of four Kapuso actors and four actresses, to represent the talent management Sparkle GMA Artist Center. He belonged to those few who were expected to spark and chart new career possibilities.

With the way his career has been going so far, Ruru seems to have found his niche in action, with a dash of adventure, drama, fantasy, and romance sometimes, depending on how the show’s narrative is envisioned. Ruru is enjoying every bit of the action genre and showing his full potential as a leading man and a lead star.

“Pinaka-enjoy ko rito is sobrang laki ng casting ng project na ‘to (What I enjoy most is its big casting),” answered Ruru when asked about among the enjoyable and exciting things in “Black Rider” in a brief e-mail interview with The STAR.

“When you work on a project with a big cast, you’ll get to know more people and have more friends along the way. You’ll get to work with many people you haven’t worked with before, like former action stars who returned through

’Black Rider.’” With his stints in “Lolong” and the now-airing “Black Rider,” Ruru considers himself a newbie in action and continues to learn the ropes from veteran action stars.

“Since I’m new to this, I find it a huge help to work with them, dahil nakakakuha ako ng tips sa kung paano magtagal sa ganitong klaseng mga proyekto (because I get tips on how to handle the demands of projects like this).

“In doing action, you need to take care of your body (and be careful in everything that you do) dahil ang target natin is matagal natin ‘tong gagawin (because the target is to do it for a long time),” added the actor.

“It’s something that they’ve always taught me, and it’s something that I cherish the most. I guess, ‘yun ‘yung kaibahan niya sa previous

David Licauco amazed by Kathryn Bernardo’s humility, wants to have project with her

By JaN milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPUSO star David Licauco reacted to a viral photo with Kapamilya star Kathryn Bernardo.

In an exclusive online interview with Philstar.com, David admitted that he is a fan of Kathry. David said that he was first ashamed to ask the Kapamilya star to take a photo with him. Siya kasi yung finale sa Bench Fashion show. Nahihiya naman ako sa kanyang magpapicture. ‘ Yung makeup artist ko yung talagang nagsabi na ‘uy picturan ko kayo.’ Ang daming nagpapa- picture s a kanya e. Parang ayoko nang dagdagan ‘yung stress niya ,” David said.

“Sasabihin ko nga sana sa kanya na lahat ng movies nila (Daniel Padilla) pinanood ko,” he added.

David said that he had a small talks with Kathryn and was amazed at how humble the blockbuster star is. Nong nakausap ko siya sandali nakita ko talaga na very humble niya na tao despite ng lahat ng nagawa na niya sa industriya. Madami na siya na-achieve so for her to be that humble. Noong nakausap ko siya sabi niya, ‘kinakabahan

din ako e.’ Siyempre iisipin natin lahat na ‘pag si Kathryn iyon hindi na siya kakabahan dahil baka sanay na siya, ang dami niya nang nagawa e. Dahil doon sa narinig ko na kinakabahan siya, nawala yung kaba ko ng konti kasi siya kinakabahan e,” David said. When asked if he wants to have a project with Kathryn, David said “Oo naman, siyempre.” Yung mga ganyang bagay ayan yung mga dream e. Kasi from someone na sobrang fan, for me na makatrabaho siya, sa mga nagsasabi na sana magkatrabaho kami, very significant na yon sa akin. Siyempre fan ka nga e. It’s a

dream of mine pero ayoko siyang isipin,” he said. David said he wants to star with Kathryn in a romantic movie but any project with the actress will be a dream come true for him.

“Gusto ko talaga. I also think na parang si Kathryn ayaw na niya yata niya or mas gusto niya yung roles na very challenging. Anything naman for me,” he said. Kung ano ang gusto niya, gusto ng management, producer. GMA ako, ABS siya. Hopefully mabigyan ng pagkakataon. Lahat naman ng artistang lalaki gustong makawork si Kathryn. Mahaba-haba ang pila,” he added.

Kim Chiu’s ‘prize’ after receiving Maricel Soriano’s slap

By roNNie CarraSCo ManilaTimes.net

it? This writer honestly believes there’s none. To begin with, getting slapped isn’t a pleasant experience let alone special.

Kim Chiu, however, has a different take on this most especially if she’s the recipient of the veteran actress’ “iconic sampal,” onscreen to say the least.

In a streaming service Linlang shown late last year, Kim’s long-cherished dream came true as having experienced it herself: “It’s really my dream to be slapped by the one and only Maricel Soriano!”

As though it were a yardstick to say she has finally “arrived,” Marya granted what

Kim had wished for. Kim’s bliss though is Marya’s sorrow. Shortly after the intense slapping scene, Maricel had to check on Kim if she got badly hurt in the process.

Well, that’s the way how the multi-awarded actress treats her work and coworkers. The moment the director hollers “Cut!” Maricel runs to her “victim,” then apologizes while scrutinizing if the latter’s cheek or any facial part has changed in color, or if blood has oozed as in the case of Vice Ganda (while filming “Boy, Girl, Bakla, Tomboy” many years ago).

Kim was one of those few lucky “spankees” (also alongside Dingdong Dantes in GMA’s “Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real”) Marya said sorry to. She even got luckier for having received from Maricel five pairs of Christian

Louboutin shoes. A little help I sought from the internet provides this, “Christian Louboutin sells more than half a million pairs of shoes a year, at prices ranging from $500 for espadrilles to $6,000 for super-platform pumps covered in tiny, sparkling Swarovski crystals.”

Given is the fact that the Italian-made pair of shoes is pricey, even its cheapest pair costs tens of thousands in Philippine currency.

Kim though has yet to fulfill another dream: she’s looking forward to getting slapped again by Maricel in another series.

Yes, the Chinita Princess has come to associate Maricel’s brand of intense acting with an expensive brand of footwear: the more slaps, the more branded shoes with a staggering ratio of 1 is to 5.

Wouldn’t you all want to exclaim: “My foot!”?

Sarah Geronimo Photo from Instagram/@justsarahgph

David Licauco and Kathryn Bernardo GMA photos

Kim Chiu and Maricel Soriano

Photo screengrabbed from Youtube/Kim Chiu PH

Bankruptcy: When life doesn’t go as planned

Minding Your Finances

Atty rAymond

LIFE happens. Sometimes even the best laid plans can go wrong. How do you respond when this happens to you? Do you easily give up when you’re overwhelmed? Remaining calm can be difficult when things are chaotic and so the usual reaction is panic.

Bankruptcy can be a lifesaver for people who are at the end of their financial rope. Since the pandemic started, a lot of people have been struggling to just keep up with their bills. The pandemic may have caused job instability; for business owners affected by the pandemic, the government did what it could to help mitigate losses by offering financial assistance and loans.

People who couldn’t pay their mortgage were allowed forbearances. Renters who couldn’t pay their landlord were protected with eviction suspension laws. Unfortunately, all the above are no longer

available to most families who are still under a tremendous financial burden.

Real estate values surprisingly shot up during the pandemic but once the Feds started raising interest rates, people who could otherwise refinance their mortgage and squeeze out some of their equity from their home are no longer able to do that because of the high cost of borrowing. Buying has also slowed down and according to a recent article, mortgage applications have plunged to a 28-year low. People with little credit card debt had no other choice but to borrow, hoping that “when things get better,” they can just pay it all back slowly. Of course, this is nothing more than a temporary solution that could backfire if the additional debt is not paid back. At some point, the credit lines are exhausted, and they are in a deeper financial hole that is hard to get out of. I know this sounds discouraging when you’re clueless about where to turn once you have exhausted your resources. But there is hope.

If you are currently facing a financial crisis, it may be tempting to just throw in the towel and give up all hope for

a better financial future. But let me tell you that instead of getting frustrated and angry about things that you cannot control or change, your energy will be better spent focusing on finding a solution. Stop analyzing everything that happened and quit being too hard on yourself. In life, things will not always go your way but keep your head up and focus on putting the pieces of the puzzle back together. In the meantime, seek legal counsel about your situation especially if important assets or legal rights are at risk. It’s better to know your options now so you can plan before your situation becomes a financial emergency.

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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 J. Bulaon has successfully helped over 6,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE  1-866-471-8272.

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Jerald Napoles and Kayla Rivera...

From Page 8

comedian and leading man in TV shows and movies — said he had chills upon hearing that he is being offered the show.

“I grew up with game shows and the comedians I idolized hosted game shows so it was like living the dream for me when I heard about ‘Barangay Singko Panalo.’ Then they told me the format would have skits and gag and I thought it’s a jackpot project because that’s definitely a dream job for any comedian.”

If it was an exciting and easy yes for Napoles, Rivera admitted she was pleasantly surprised to even get the call.

“I’m a radio DJ and that’s my starting experience in hosting. Then I told my management a few months ago that I’m really enjoying it and that I’m hoping that one day I could do hosting on TV. And my prayers were heard so I’m grateful for the trust.”

As a newbie in hosting this format, she said she had to learn from her co-host.

“I immediately told Je that I have much to learn in comedy and in hosting, especially

since I’m not as fluent in Tagalog. But Je and the directors assured me that it’s okay and that in fact, my non-mastery of the language adds charm to my character in the show.

“I guess I found the best way to learn from watching Je. This experience also taught me the value of showing who I am and of letting my personality come out,” Rivera shared.

Barangay Singko Panalo presents unique episodes featuring different problems and situations faced by contestants from different barangays or villages. Players are given unpredictable challenges to solve these as they play the games per round. From five, only one will make it to the jackpot round for a chance to win up to P100,000.

The new game show aims to engage all communities across the country as they share in the fun, prizes and surprises that can help make a difference in people’s lives. With the wacky mix of Barangay Singko Panalo characters led by Kagawad Je and SK Kyla, community life is given an amusing twist that will keep both studio players and home viewers entertained and wanting for more.

community

Reimbursement for community contribution towards a spouse’s education and student loan during marriage

Barrister’s Corner

Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

ONE of the biggest problem of millenials and Gen Z are educational cost and student loan debt. This eats up a large part of a households budget even among married couples. However, what happens to all the money paid towards one spouse’s education and student loans if the marriage fails and leads to divorce. Well, California Family Code Section 2641(b)(1) provides that upon divorce or legal separation, the community “shall be reimbursed” for its “contributions” to a spouse’s education or training that “substantially enhances” the spouse’s earning capacity. Under Family Code Section 2641(a), reimbursable community “contributions” means payments made with community or quasi-community property for a spouse’s education or training or for the repayment of a loan incurred therefor, no matter where the parties resided when the payments were made.

129 CR2d at 291; In Marriage of Mullonkal & Kodiyamplakkil (2020) 51 CA5th 604, 607-608, 265 CR3d 285, 288, the court held that the community is entitled to reimbursement where spouse paid off student loans for education she attained before marriage with funds from her salary earned during marriage. In Mullonkal & Kodiyamplakkil, the trial court erroneously held § 2641 did not apply because, among other things, the student spouse (Wife)

Family Code § 2641 reimbursement is not limited to education or training received during marriage. Rather, by its terms, application of the statute is governed solely by whether community funds were used to pay for the education or training.

community expenditures include amounts paid for the student spouse’s tuition, fees, books, supplies and transportation. Fam.C. § 2641, Law Rev. Comm’n Comment, 23 Cal. L.Rev. Comm’n Reports 1 (1993) Beyond this, however, community expenditures are a reimbursable “contribution” only if directly related to the educational experience. Ordinary living expenses that would have been incurred regardless of whether one spouse was attending school such as rent, food and clothing, health care and entertainment, are not reimbursable under § 2641. Marriage of Watt (1989) 214 CA3d 340, 354, 262 CR 783, 791-792.

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Family Code § 2641 reimbursement is not limited to education or training received during marriage. Rather, by its terms, application of the statute is governed solely by whether community funds were used to pay for the education or training. Thus, educational costs and loans paid with community funds are within the ambit of § 2641 reimbursement even if the education occurred before marriage. Marriage of Weiner, supra, 105 CA4th at 239-240,

repaid her premarital education with her own earnings during the marriage, and the nonstudent spouse (Husband) failed to contribute to Wife’s education/loan repayments and family expenses. “[B]ut nothing in [§ 2641] contemplates denying reimbursement to the community where the student spouse pays for her own education or where the nonstudent spouse did not somehow earn an entitlement to an equal share of the community. Indeed, the statute refers to community contributions to education, and makes no reference to the source of the community contribution.” Marriage of Mullonkal & Kodiyamplakkil, supra, 51 CA5th at 615616, 265 CR3d at 294. At a minimum, reimbursable

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

* * * Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH

REYES, APC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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Vice Ganda wants to hear eulogy for him while he’s still alive

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA host Vice Ganda revealed that he wanted to hear the eulogy for his funeral while he is still alive.

In an episode of “It’s Showtime,” Vice said that he wanted to hear what his family and friends would say about him.

Sinasabi ko nga kay Anne, e. Parang gusto kong magpaeulogy. Sabi niya, ‘Bakit ang morbid mo?’ Hindi, kasi ‘pag eulogy, ‘yung namamatay, ‘yung malalapit sa iyo na tao, pamilya mo, best friend mo, ang dami nilang sinasabing magaganda tungkol sa iyo, ” he said.

Vice said that it’s better to tell people what you like about

them while they are still alive. Mag-inuman tayo, tapos saka natin sabihin ‘yung mga gusto nating sabihin sa isa’t isa, ‘yung masasarap sa pakiramdam. Bakit magaantay tayo ng eulogy? Kasi ‘pag ginagawa natin ‘yun, there are so much love left unspoken, ‘ di ba? Ang daming pagmamahal na hindi nasasabi. Tapos, sasabihin na lang ‘pag kailan patay? ” he said. Bakit hindi natin sasabihin ‘pag birthday, ‘di ba… pangkaraniwang okasyon. Kasi nga hindi natin hawak ang bukas . So dahil hindi natin alam kung masasabi pa natin ito bukas, sabihin na natin ngayon. ”

Two-time Emmy Award Winner

Marc Anthony Nicolas to

‘Make his Marc’ on GMA Pinoy TV

FILIPINO-AMERICAN producer Marc Anthony Nicolas has no less than two Emmy awards under his belt, and on March 24, he will officially be a part of GMA Pinoy TV, the Home of Global Pinoys. Marc has worked with some of the best talk shows in the U.S. - The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tyra Banks Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and The Talk, and with all the accolades he has received, he surely has made a mark in the American television industry. Now, he is about to make Filipino content for his global Pinoys around the world.

“Being part of GMA Pinoy TV is very special because my family always watches this network and it has become a platform where people can share their stories. I am so excited because it is going to be airing in Guam, Japan, North America, and all these amazing places and I am just so lucky and so blessed to have this team behind me.”

“Working on this project, it is so nice to see people who look like me and talk like me and share that special bond and heritage and tradition and that is what makes it feel so special because I have that connection not only with the trailblazers who are Filipino but also the crew,” Marc added. Christian Reyes, the director of Make Your Marc, has this to say. “Rarely do we meet a team or producers that trust us. So it is always, do this, do that, you know, there is no collaborative thing. It is different now because both of you believe in us and you want to work with youngsters, for lack of a better term. And I thank you for that.”

Executive Producer Chris Gordon believes in the talent but also in the passion of the team behind Make Your Marc.   “One, I have never been on a set or worked on a project where just about everybody is a person of color or a Filipino American or Filipino. And the production team, Christian and his crew are young and they are

vibrant and they are fresh and they are hungry and you can feel it.”

Aside from that, Chris believes in the wit and brilliance of Marc as a host, and his passion for producing inspiring stories that move people.

“I also think that folks are going to be represented here. I feel as though with the trailblazers and people whom they have inspired, I feel as though there are a lot of people who will be inspired by these trailblazers stories and how they have become, how they have made their mark in the world.”

Watch out for the amazing stories of global Pinoys who have made a difference in their fields including Ranella Ferrer, known for her excellent performances of the national anthem and who has been a mentor to many other young, aspiring singers; Filipino fashion designer Kenneth Barlis, who has dressed global icons such as Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, and Carrie Underwood; Maricris Lapaix, who has not only carved a name in sculpting bodies but have also inspired others with her health and wellness journey; acclaimed

Filipino Chef, author, and TV host Alvin Cailan, who has made a name in the world of culinary; the prominent figures in the The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) including veteran host Boy Abunda, muilti-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, and TOFA founder Elton Lugay; entrepreneur Sandro Roco, the founder of the first Asianinspired sparkling water; Filipino teacher Joseph Alcario who was awarded as “California’s Teacher of the Year” because of his passion for teaching; and lastly, Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz, who was recognized for her contribution in healthcare during the pandemic and was honored with a Barbie figure.

With Marc and his team’s passion for relevant and inspiring content, expect extraordinary narratives from trailblazers around the world with Make Your Marc.

Catch it this March 24, 2024, 4 PM (Paficic) / 7 PM (Eastern) on GMA Pinoy TV. To check the airing schedule in your area, visit www.gmapinoytv.com/ programguide. For details on how to subscribe, visit www. gmapinoytv.com/subscribe.

Ruru Madrid learns from action...

projects ko dahil ngayon lang naman ako talaga nag-focus sa action (that makes ‘Black Rider’ different from my previous projects because it’s only now that I really focus on action). Pangarap ko rin naman ito ever since, kaya sobrang saya ko na natutupad ko na ‘yung mga pangarap ko ngayon. (This has also been my dream ever since, so I’m extremely happy that my dreams are now coming true.)”

So, Ruru has ticked off another item on his wish list, and that’s to star in a complete action TV series.

“Our goal is to really entertain people. Lahat naman tayo na nandito sa ganitong industriya, ‘yun naman ang goal natin, ang mapasaya sila,” he shared and reflected on why viewers are hooked on the story of “Black Rider,” with its good ratings performance as a proof. “Etong ‘Black Rider,’ meron pang ibang binibigay sa bawat manonood: ‘yun ‘yung aral na mapupulot every time manonood sila (It offers something else to every viewer: It’s the lessons about life they learn while watching).”

According to Ruru, it also shows the different challenges that every ordinary Filipino encounters and that speaks about their resilience. “I think it’s a big factor why the audience likes the show.”

Aside from that, Kapuso viewers also appreciate the amount of commitment and hard work the show’s production and creative people put in to tell the story of Ruru’s Elias, also known as Black Rider. They present the character as “a motorcycle driver” and the “protector of common people.”

“In everything that we do, especially the fight scenes, we do prepare. With the drama scenes, hindi namin hinahayaang masayang ‘yung bawat eksena (we also give them importance and make sure that nothing goes to waste),” said Ruru, adding that people who are on board the project, from the directors, producers, staff to crew and co-actors, give their hundred percent dedication to the show.

In his career, Ruru has been paired with different female artists such as Shaira Diaz, Gabbi Garcia, Arra San Agustin, Bianca Umali, and now with Yassi Pressman for “Black Rider.” He can attest to the importance of having new collaborators.

“As an actor, natututo tayo every time may nakakatrabaho tayo (we get to learn from our colleagues every time). Galing din naman ako sa love team, and iba rin naman ‘yung mga natututunan ko doon (I’ve also done love team, and I’ve gained different insights and learnings from it),” said Ruru.

“Natututo ako kasi may iba-ibang skills naman silang i-a-apply sa bawat proyektong ginagawa (I learn from my fellow actors because they apply different skills in every project).”

“I can compare (working with new onscreen partners) to traveling. Every time you go abroad and visit a country, you’ll learn a new culture. Same din ‘yun sa mga nakakatrabaho, lalo na sa onscreen partner,” continued he.

“I’m very happy na ganun yung mga nangyayari ngayon, and I’m also happy to work with Yassi, whom I’ve already worked with (in the film) ‘Video City.’”

Vice Ganda

Photo from Instagram/@praybeytbenjamin

Marc Anthony Nicolas

Photo from Instagram/@marcanthonynicolas