031424 - Las Vegas Edition

How Fil-Am candidates fared in the California primary election

MARCH 5 marked California's primary election and several Filipino Americans ran for various state and local seats.

Jessica Caloza, a women’s right advocate with extensive experience working for the federal, state and local government, continues to lead the race for Assembly District 52 with 29.8% of the votes (21,539), according to results from the California Secretary of State as of Tuesday, March 12.

She will head to the general election in November and is another step closer to making history.

If elected, Caloza, who previously served a Los Angeles Board of Public Works commissioner, would become the first Filipina American in the California state Legislature.

The 52nd Assembly District in Southern California includes Glendale, parts of East LA and neighborhoods of LA, such as East Hollywood, Los Feliz, Virgil Village, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Glassell Park, Cypress Park, Elysian Valley, Echo Park, Eagle Rock and Highland Park.

California attorney general boosts bill banning medical debt from credit reports

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

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

“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 opportunity, and we relish the ability to be up in front of key issues.”

SANS violence, the Philippine government has “lessened” the narcotics problem in the country, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during their meeting on Tuesday, March 12. Marcos, who is in Germany for a three-day working visit, said his administration’s approach to the drug menace changed in a complete shift from the one taken by his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte under the

controversial “Oplan Tokhang.”

“It’s a big problem, but our approach has changed significantly,” the president told Scholz at the Chancellery after the German leader inquired about his approach to illegal drugs.

“I am diametrically opposed to handling the drug problem in that way, by confrontation, by violence and it really requires so much deeper understanding of the problem and the much deeper solution. So, yes, I think that we are also progressing when it comes to that,” he said.

While admitting that the illegal drug problem

Most Filipinos willing to ght for country – poll

by KRISTINA MARALIT ManilaTimes.net

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

MANILA — Several lawmakers on Thursday, March 14 defended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s overseas trips, citing that engagement with other nations is a “need.”

In a press conference at the House of Representatives, House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin and Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Ray Reyes both said that Marcos is just doing his job of strengthening diplomatic ties and attracting foreign investors for the country.

“Ang globalization ngayon is not a desire (Today’s globalization is

not a desire). It’s already a need,” Garin said.

She added that “if you don’t liaise and talk to other countries, if you don’t partner and foster relationship with other countries, mas lalo kang maiiwan [you’ll be even left behind).”

Garin’s pronouncement came after former president Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks alleging Marcos’ foreign travels were for leisure only.

“This is my schedule. Where’s the time for leisure? It’s my schedule for today. Where’s the ‘ pasyal ’? None,” Marcos told reporters in Germany on Wednesday, March 13 showing

persists, Marcos said “the administration has already lessened the problem of illegal drug operations in the Philippines.”

He highlighted the significant changes his administration introduced in the campaign against illegal drugs, including the way it handles drug dependents.

Part of the reforms implemented is the reorganization of the Philippine National Police, removing officers involved “in some of the more nefarious practices,” Marcos noted.  PAGE 2

MANILA — An official of the previous administration floated the possibility of the country’s top positions to be held by Vice President Sara Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2028.

During the last day of the weeklong Laban Kasama ang Bayan prayer rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila last Tuesday, March 12 former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo asked the crowd who the next president in 2028 would be.

The crowd chanted: “Inday Sara Duterte!” Panelo then told the crowd that the answer to his first question should be the same as his second question: “Who will replace Inday Sara as vice president in 2028?”

The crowd again shouted: “Duterte!”

After asking in jest which Duterte they were referring to, Panelo declared they should be referring to the older Duterte with the nickname “Digong.”

The former president was also present at the rally.

Panelo said he proposed a Duterte-Duterte tandem

US a strategic trading, investment ally - Marcos

“I

by JEAN MANGALUZ

VOTE OF CONFIDENCE. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. referred to the first U.S. trade mission to the Philippines as a testament to the enduring partnership between the two countries. Marcos welcomed U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and the Presidential Trade and Investment Mission (PTIM) delegates in Malacañang on Monday, March 11. He said the event is an opportunity for the Philippines to showcase diverse investment opportunities. Malacañang photo  PAGE 3

“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

Marcos: PH drug problem lessened...

“We are starting to move them out, and some of them have already been tried and convicted, now in jail and serving their time. It’s a difficult problem because it’s the money involved is so much that it’s hard for the government to compete with the kind of money that’s been thrown around by the drug lords,” he said. ICC probe discussed In an interview with Philippine media on Wednesday, March 13, the president said he and Scholz discussed the ongoing probe of The Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) into Duterte’s bloody drug war.

“He brought it up in the lunch and he just basically asked the status of that investigation into the drug war in the previous

administration,” Marcos said.

“And I explained to him our concerns over jurisdiction that we have explained many times over. Our concerns over the jurisdiction of the ICC in the Philippines and why we are not recognizing that jurisdiction, the reason behind that. I think he just wanted to be informed but I went further beyond just explaining the position of the Philippines vis-avis the ICC,” he added.

The government has completely changed the concept of the antidrug campaign, focusing on preventing the use of banned substances and rehabilitating drug addicts, Marcos said.

“I said we have actually completely changed the concept of the anti-drug campaign which is something I have said before,

even before the election, in my view, the enforcement can only take you so far, and we have taken it as far as we can, and the opinion of some, taken it beyond,” Marcos said.

“So we have to look at the prevention and rehabilitation, which is, I think a different approach – a much different approach. He (Scholz) listened to my explanation and I think he was satisfied,” he added.

Accountability in EJKs

Meanwhile, rights group Karapatan said on Wednesday that Germany and the Czech Republic should call out President Marcos for the lack of accountability in the cases of extrajudicial killings and other injustices in the country.

In Manila, Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said the governments of the two nations should raise grave concerns on the killings and the absence of progress in the investigation under the Marcos administration.

Karapatan made the appeal in the wake of calls by press freedom advocates to Chancellor Scholz to take up the killing of broadcaster and environmentalist Gerry Ortega, who was murdered in Palawan in January 2011.

“The press freedom advocates said Germany is in a position to raise Ortega’s killing in its capacity as co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition, a group of 50 countries committed to promoting press freedom,” Palabay said in a statement. g

How Fil-Am candidates fared in the California...

There are about 13,000 Filipino American registered voters in this district.

“It’s a district that has never been represented by an Asian American. And in the Assembly, we have never elected a Filipino woman ever. So if I make it, I would be the first,” said Caloza in a previous interview with the Asian Journal Jed Leano — an immigration attorney, councilmemer and former mayor of Claremont, California — came in fourth with 15.41%

of the votes (9,429) in the race for state Assembly's 41st District, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk results as of Thursday, March 7. The 41st District covers Los Angeles County cities, such as Pasadena, Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, San Dimas, Sierra Madre, and San Bernardino County cities of Rancho Cucamonga, San Antonio Heights and Upland.

"Last night was a beautiful celebration of the mission that united us. This morning, I called John Harabedian to congratulate him on an excellent campaign and gave him my endorsement for AD 41. My deepest gratitude for all our amazing allies in journey" Leano wrote in a Facebook post. Republican candidate Michelle Del Rosario Martinez came out on top in that race with 34.95% of the votes, followed by Democrat John Harabedian with 31.98% of the votes.

In the race for state Senate District 3, Democrat Christopher Cabaldon, former mayor of West Sacramento, trails in second with 26.6% of the votes (52,484), as of Tuesday, March 12. In a statement issued Tuesday, March 5, Cabaldon said, “The initial results are indeed encouraging, and while we are optimistic, we recognize that every vote counts and every voice matters. We are committed to giving our election officials the time they need to ensure every ballot is counted and eagerly await the final tally.”

State Senate District includes parts of Solano, Yolo, Napa, Contra Costa, Sonoma and Sacramento counties. Cabaldon was the first openly gay Filipino in the country to be elected mayor and was also the longest-serving LGBT mayor in the country. Another Fil-Am, Rozzanna Verder-Aliga trails in third place in this race with 20.7% of the votes (40,708).

Verder-Aliga is a mental health care professional and the current vice mayor of Vallejo.

Kurt Jose, a lawyer, ran for a U.S. congressional seat for California's 31st District, which covers West Covina, El Monte, La Verne and other areas of the San Gabriel Valley. He garnered only 1.3% of the votes (883) in a crowded race of 10 candidates. Also in Northern California’s San Mateo County, Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo and former Daly City city councilmember Ray Buenaventura are among the top four vote-getters among six candidates for the Democratic Party County Central Committee’s District 5 (fifth supervisorial district for the San Mateo County Democratic Party), according to the Monday March 11 semi-official results from the Registration & Elections Division of the San Mateo Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder’s office. Both are running for reelection to the fifth supervisorial district.

Buenaventura has so far received 6,910 votes, while Manalo has tallied 6,624 votes. Also in the top four are Daly City City Clerk Annette Hipona and Daly City Councilmember Pamela DiGiovanni. Filipina American Cheryl Cuasar-Catuar is in fifth place, with 3,234 votes. GOP candidate Christina Laskowski placed third in the State Senator race for the 13th District, garnering 7,260 votes. Incumbent State Senator Josh Becker leads the race with 76,249 votes as of the March 11 semi-official results. Several Fil-Ams also ran for local Los Angeles races during this cycle.

As of Tuesday, March 12, FilAm housing rights lawyer Ysabel Jurado has taken the lead with 24.46% (7,965 votes) of the votes in the race for Los Angeles City Council District 14, which covers Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Downtown Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, and El Sereno. Jurado surpassed incumbent councilmember Kevin De León, who was bumped to second place with 23.49% of the votes (7,647).

In a statement, Jurado said she was “immensely grateful and honored” that her campaign is headed to the run-off election in November.

"This victory is a testament to the power of the people, the power of community, and the power of grassroots organizing,” she said in a statement.

If elected, Jurado would be the first Filipino American in the LA City Council.

“I’ve always been an organizer and I never thought I would run for office, it’s true. But I feel called for this by my community. We [Filipinos] are the second-largest Asian population in Southern California and yet we haven’t had a council member ever is wild to me,” Jurado told the Asian Journal in a 2023 interview.

Ely De La Cruz Ayao, a Filipino immigrant and retired real estate broker, ran for LA City Council's District 6, which includes the communities of Arleta, Lake Balboa, North Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Panorama City, Sun Valley and Van Nuys. He came in second with 12.56% of the votes (1,820) and was defeated by incumbent councilmember Imelda Padilla, who garnered 77.46% of the votes (11,227).

Meawhile, in San Diego, current Mayor Todd Gloria is bound for a November runoff. Gloria had 50.9% of the vote, followed by 24.3% for San Diego police officer Larry Turner, as of Wednesday, March 6.

“Thank you San Diego! The preliminary primary election results exceeded my expectations and put us on a path to victory in November. I’m excited to continue to work hard for my beloved hometown with the vision of building a city that works #ForAllofUs,” Gloria wrote in a social media post. (AJPress)

FIRE PREVENTION. In time for Fire Prevention Month, the Bureau of Fire Protection 11 (Davao Region) holds a simulation fire rescue operation at SM City Davao on Wednesday, March 13. The event is part of the 3rd nationwide simultaneous fire drill.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the significant changes his administration introduced in the campaign against illegal drugs, including the way it handles drug dependents. Malacañang photo

Attorney Ysabel Jurado is currently in second place for the LA City Council, District 4 race, as of Friday, March 8.   File photos

Jessica Caloza, candidate for state Assembly, District 52  San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria is seeking reelection in the 2024 election cycle.

Christopher Cabaldon, former West Sacramento mayor, is eyeing a California state Senate seat.

in the 2022 election, which the father and daughter “declined” due to delicadeza

With alleged corruption and abuse of power committed by the current administration, Panelo asserted that the younger Duterte should run as president and her father, who was president from 2016 to 2022, as vice president in 2028.

“That’s why in 2028, Mayor Digong is still strong, so I told him that now is the chance that you father and daughter hold power and become president and vice president,” Panelo said.

The prayer rally was organized by members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founded by its embattled pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is linked to the Dutertes and has been accused of various offenses in the Philippines and in the United States.

Complaints

At the same prayer rally attended by key figures and Duterte family supporters who want President Marcos to resign, the vice president enjoined the public to raise their complaints before the president himself.

The younger Duterte appeared last Tuesday evening on the seventh and last day of the event, where she was cheered by supporters opposing the investigations being levied against Quiboloy and his network Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

The rally was also attended by hundreds of others calling for Marcos’ resignation, singing songs about the Marcos admin-

istration’s “unfulfilled promises,” including P20 per kilo rice. “I’m here to thank all members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, personnel of SMNI and all supporters of Pastor Quiboloy. We thank you for all your support for the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education… Let us all pray for truth and justice for all,” the younger Duterte said in an interview with SMNI on the sidelines of the event. Asked how she felt about sentiments that two years of the Marcos administration had not amounted to much change, Duterte said that she was glad that people were organizing rallies to voice out their feelings.

“(Their complaints) are something they should raise with the president. All complaints can be talked about with diplomacy, and I’m happy because the supporters of Pastor Quiboloy, members of KOJC and personnel of SMNI, hold rallies like this so that they can express what they feel and exercise freedom of speech and religion,” she added.

Duterte also stressed that she would continue working as vice president and education secretary amid calls for her to replace Marcos – and even with “mounting” black propaganda against her.

“I grew up in politics, that’s why I know that black propaganda is part of a politician’s journey. They have this script that they keep replicating. They want to brand me as a corrupt, abusive, traitorous murderer of a warlord,” she said.

“I’ve seen black propaganda against my father and countless politicians. So I’m not really surprised with this demolition job against me,” she added.

While the rally was attended by Marcos’ detractors, the vice president maintained that she only appeared at the event to show support and gratitude toward Quiboloy, KOJC and SMNI.

Avoid bloody incidents

Meanwhile, the elder Duterte urged supporters to “avoid bloody incidents” as public unrest increased over the proposed economic changes in the Constitution being pushed by Congress.

The former president also told the crowd to ensure that their gatherings are peaceful.

Pakiusap ko lang sa inyo, let us make this rally peaceful as much as possible,” he said.

He also urged them not to storm Malacañang to prevent the destruction of the country’s national treasures.

Dito lang muna tayo. Let us not go into the seat of the governing power, kasi doon may mga national treasure,” Duterte said.

“Before, in the time of Marcos (Sr.), maraming nasira. Hindi man kanila yun. Sa ating Pilipino yun. ’Yang lahat sa Malacañang, lahat ng makita mo ay kayamanan ng Pilipino ,” he added, alluding to the first People Power revolution in 1986, when the crowd stormed into the Palace and looted some of its treasures after the Marcos family left in haste and fled to the United States.

The former president also asked his supporters not to alienate the police and the military.

While Duterte urged his supporters to avoid bloody incidents, he also asked them not to allow any changes to the Constitution to happen.

The former president lambasted the proposed economic amendments to the Constitution, saying that it is just a guise to change the current presidential form of government to parliamentary, specifically tailored to extend terms.

He told the crowd that any changes to the Constitution would affect not just them, but also their grandchildren and their grandchildren’s children.

Duterte likened President Marcos’ move to that of his father, who was the first to amend the Constitution to allow him to extend his term. g

Most Filipinos willing to fight for...

lowest percentage in Visayas (62 percent),” OCTA said.

Adult Filipinos in urban areas expressed more willingness and readiness to fight, at 80 percent, compared to those living in rural

areas, at 73 percent. In terms of gender, men ranked higher at 82 percent 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

Lawmakers back Marcos’ overseas trips...

members of the press a copy of his schedule for the trip.

“You were with me. We don’t go sight-seeing. Even in the places that I spent a lot of time in, I have not been able to visit the places

that I used to visit. Because we’re here to work,” added.

For his part, Reyes called Marcos the country’s “chief salesman.”

“Our president serves as our chief salesman. He is the face of the country and should

demonstrate that we are ready to engage and coordinate with our [other] countries,” Reyes said.

“We support him to ensure that our product, which is the Philippines, is presented in the best possible light,” he added. g

US a strategic trading, investment ally...

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 between the Philippines and the United States—ties that have been built on shared sacrifices, mutual support and unwavering respect,” Marcos said.

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

People gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio for the Laban Kasama ang Bayan prayer rally in Manila last Tuesday, March 12. The prayer rally was organized by members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founded by its embattled pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is linked to the Dutertes and has been accused of various offenses in the Philippines and in the United States. Philstar.com photo

SUSTAINING TIES President Marcos talks to US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo during a luncheon he hosted on Monday for the visiting US official and her delegation. Inquirer.net photo by Mariane Bermudez

SMOKED FISH. A vendor arranges a row of smoked yellowfin tuna on sticks called “bakas” in Quiapo, Manila on Tuesday, March 12. The fish is a Maranao staple and mmonly sold near mosques.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Dateline PhiliPPines

TrustLink for privacy-preserving data sharing, and TrustLink Edge for secure data exchange withing critical infrastructure – has identified the Philippines as a dynamic market ripe for the adoption of advanced digital identity systems.

During the Presidential Trade and Investment Mission, UltraPass ID announced agreements with the Department of Budget and Management and NOW Corporation, highlighting the growing demand for robust digital identity infrastructure that prioritizes security, interoperability, and user privacy.

Echoing Secretary Raimondo's assertion that "economic security is national security," necessitat-

ing robust cybersecurity, Starr's vision for the Philippines is ambitious. He announced plans to establish an innovation hub in the country, aiming to make the Philippines a global beacon for decentralized digital identity innovation. This initiative seeks to attract international attention, drive job growth, and showcase the Philippines' capability in deploying cutting-edge technology. The Starr's call to action is clear: with the support of both the United States and Philippine governments, UltraPass ID's vision can transform the digital identity landscape, fostering a more secure, inclusive, and interconnected world. Highlighted by agreements with DBM and NOW Corp and advanced discussions with a number of other agencies, Starr's enthusiasm for the potential of the Philippine market and the urgent demand for UltraPass ID's solutions reflect a promising future for digital transformation in the country. As UltraPass ID continues to navigate the bureaucratic landscape and seeks to expedite agreements with numerous government agencies, the support from the administration remains crucial. Starr's commitment to “move fast and fix things”, sets a new paradigm for technological advancement in the Philippines, promising a future where digital identity solutions not only en-

hance security but also empower individuals with control over their information.

UltraPass ID's participation in the Presidential Trade and Investment Mission represents a significant step in collaboration between the United States and the Philippines. It aims at achieving unprecedented success in digital identity and beyond, firmly rooted in the belief that securing economic and national security begins with robust cybersecurity.

UltraPass ID's participation in the Presidential Trade and Investment Mission marks a significant step in U.S.-Philippines collaboration, emphasizing a mutual commitment to decentralized identity solutions for enhanced cybersecurity, data privacy and global interoperability. g

Batanes seaport to be funded by US

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA — A plan is underway to construct a United States-funded civilian port in Batanes, chosen for its strategic significance and proximity to Taiwan.

Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco said during a Philippine Navy event recently that the U.S. Army would arrive in April to further discuss the plan that aims to accommodate Filipino workers from Taiwan in the event of a crisis.

Located less than 200 kilometers from Taiwan, Batanes holds strategic significance should a conflict ensue between China and Taiwan.

On Saturday, March 9, the Philippine Navy held a ceremony in Batanes, one of the locations for annual military drills between the Philippines and the U.S. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. called for the development of more structures in Batanes to increase military presence. 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. g

A first: Comelec to open to public ‘source code’ in 2025 polls

by William B. Depasupil ManilaTimes.net

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.

If enacted, California would become the third state to remove medical bills from consumer credit reports, following Colorado and New York in 2023. Minnesota has a proposal to do the same. Last year, the Biden administration announced plans to develop similar federal rules through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, but they have yet to be released. And should former President Donald Trump return to the White House, he would have the prerogative to undo the rules.

Limón said it’s important for the state to enshrine its own protections into law alongside the federal push. “We may be waiting for a very long time to see outcomes that California could potentially deliver in the next year,” said the Santa Barbara Democrat.

Bonta said he’s not sure what sort of opposition to the bill to expect, but he wonders if providers and collection agencies will be resistant.

A KFF Health News analysis found that credit reporting threats are the most common collection tactic used by hospitals to get patients to pay their bills. A hospital, for example, might be concerned that a credit score ban might make it more difficult

to get patients to pay for medical 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.

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

man 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.

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.

"It

will be used in the 2025 elections.

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,” Panganda-

“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,

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)

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia PNA file

Editorial

bidding was hounded by accusations that Miru services were marred by electoral fraud and cybersecurity issues in countries including Argentina, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq and South Korea itself.

Miru officials denied these accusations, dismissing them as rumors and attributing the stories to losing candidates. Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body also received

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, March 5, 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

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

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

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)

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

Marcos urges stronger relationships, forgiveness during Ramadan

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Sunday, March 10 that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan should be a time to build stronger relationships and encourage forgiveness.

“Today marks the beginning of the sacred journey of Ramadan, a time of reflection and spiritual growth where the virtues of compassion, empathy, and generosity are upheld and practiced fervently,” Marcos said in a mes-

sage. The president stressed that the celebration of Ramadan is a reminder of the rich diversity of the Philippines’ cultural and religious tapestry.

“It is with no doubt that our Muslim brothers and sisters have made invaluable contributions to our nation’s history and heritage, shaping our beloved motherland into the diverse and united country that it is today,” Marcos said. “It is my hope that this month-

long celebration will strengthen our kinship, open our hearts to forgive past grievances, and embrace a spirit of harmony that will redound to our collective progress,” he added.

Last week, the Official Gazette issued a public advisory debunking a fake news post claiming March 11, Monday, as a national holiday for Eid’l Fitr, a major Islamic celebration marking the end of Ramadan.

(Philstar.com)

on economic Cha-cha reaches House plenary

MANILA – The resolution proposing amendments to the 1987 Constitution's restrictive provisions has reached the plenary floor in the House of Representatives, with House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe assuring that deliberations will be exhaustive.

During the session on March 11, the lower chamber opened the period of sponsorship and interpellation for the Resolution of Both Houses No. 7, which seeks to relax restrictions on foreign ownership of public utilities, educational institutions, and advertising industries.

In sponsoring the resolution, Dalipe said the proposed changes to the Charter are essential to propel the country to adapt to a fast-changing global environment and prosper in an "increasingly interconnected world."

"With the increasing interdependence of world cultures and economies, the Philippines cannot remain indifferent, we must adapt and take advantage of the benefits that economic globalization offers and the positive effects it may bring to our country and the Filipino people," Dalipe said.

Dalipe said inserting the phrase "unless otherwise provided by law" would give Congress the authority to alter the economic constitutional restrictions on public utilities, education and advertising, and provide flexibility that the current economic conditions demand.

Dalipe noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. fully supports these "necessary" economic Charter amendments to boost the economic activities in the country while stressing the importance of protecting strategic sectors from foreign control.

He added that Speaker Martin Romualdez shares the President's vision on the importance of amending the economic provisions, which would pave the way for faster and more inclusive economic growth.

"This moment in our nation's history is more than just an opportunity. It's a call to embrace progress, think beyond the present, and work collectively towards economic growth and stability," Dalipe said, as he called on his colleagues to support the approval of the resolution to transform the country's economic landscape.

Dalipe pointed out that before the plenary sponsorship, the House Committee of the Whole spent six days of exhaustive and lengthy deliberations to hear a wide array of resource persons with multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary expertise.

"The hearings and deliberations conducted by the Committee of the Whole House of Representatives were testaments of our commitment to democratic consultations, where we have allowed everyone to express their views, be they for or against the proposed amendments," he said.

In a press conference, Dalipe said the House is targeting to approve RBH7 on second reading by Wednesday, explaining that the number of members who register with him to ask questions regarding the amendment proposals will determine how much time the House will devote to plenary debates.

“Ine-expect namin na maraming pwedeng magtanong, so we are, binibigyan natin ng tatlong araw na plenary debates ang ating RBH No. 7. Hindi lang isang araw, hindi lang dalawang araw kundi tatlong araw na debates… (We are

expecting a lot of questions, so we are allotting three days for plenary debates on RBH No. 7. Not just one day, not just two days, but three days of debates) And hopefully by Wednesday, we can vote on the matter on second reading,” Dalipe said.

Time to amend economic provisions

In his sponsorship speech, Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. appealed to the Senate that now is the time to amend the Constitution’s restrictive economic provisions.

“Let us not fail the Filipino people once more. We, in the House of Representatives, have exhausted every step to help our nation. It is time to work collectively and in harmony patungo sa Bagong Pilipinas (towards the New Philippines),” Gonzales said. Gonzales said certain provisions of the 1987 Constitution, as "noble and well-intentioned" as they are, have already "outlived" their purpose.

“Our mission now is to give the Filipino people that life-long dream of progress for our country, which would in turn raise the quality of their lives,” he said.

He said the proposed constitutional amendment for the public utilities sector could attract substantial investments and spark greater competition, thus leading to improved quality service delivery and high-quality jobs for Filipinos.

Regarding education, he said nurturing intellectual capital is a fundamental strategy to accelerate economic growth.

He said tweaking the constitutional provision on advertising paves the way for Filipino creatives to "be known worldwide.” (PNA)

RAMADAN.

Filipina lawmakers to attend UN women’s rights session

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.” g

Filipino Muslims bow during their midday prayer at the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila on Tuesday, March 12. Muslims all over the world are observing the holy month of Ramadan by fasting and praying from pre-dawn to sunset. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

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. Philstar.com photo

VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL

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 U.S. 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 full-blooded 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.”

Piolo Pascual addresses continuing romance with Shaina Magdayao

by Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net

DESPITE not officially confirming their relationship, Piolo Pascual addressed the possibility of “rekindling” his romance with Shaina Magdayao now that they are set to work on a new series together.

Sitting down with Ogie Diaz, the “Mallari” actor said he’s more focused on working with the actress than dealing with “personal stuff” between them after he was asked if he’s willing to continue his “rumored relationship” with Magdayao.

“Let’s cross the bridge. But I don’t wanna get ahead of myself. I’m more for the work. We wanna continue on his (Deo Endrinal) legacy. We wanna give it our best. So I’ll put aside the personal stuff first,” he said.

Pascual affirmed that he is on good terms with the “Four Sisters and A Wedding” actress, saying, “Okay naman kami ni Shaina. (Me and Shaina are okay). We’re good.” The “Esperanza” actor underscored that if there was something that would happen

between him and Magdayao, he had no intention to announce it publicly as people “would just see it.” Oo. Sa tanda nating ‘to. What you see is what you get. I’m not trying to hide anything or do something. If it’s there, if it’s happening, people are gonna see it. If there’s anything, people are gonna know, anyway,” he remarked. When asked when he is willing to settle down, Pascual replied that his priority right now is his work as he aims to provide the audience with quality content. Masarap ‘yung tinatahak nating path ngayon. We’re

forging this path for the next generation. Maganda ‘yung demand ngayon for content. Nag-iiba ‘yung landspace ng entertainment,” he said. “I’m a sucker for good stories. I love what I

Judy Ann Santos dons president’s hat in TV comeback after five years

by Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net

JUDY Ann Santos is ready to grace the Filipino television screen again as she prepares for her comeback TV role after five years.

On Instagram, the “Mara Clara” star shared a video of her first filming day for the series “The Bagman,” in which she will play the role of the country’s president.

In the video, Santos was wearing a black suit and roaming around the set as she totally embodied the character in between takes.

“I’m back acting! After Starla, ito na ulit. I am back with ABSCBN… Ganito pala pakiramdam ng presidente, may taga-payong, may mga naka shades na bodyguard,” the actress said in her video.

(So this is how a president feels: he has someone to hold an umbrella for him, and he has bodyguards wearing shades.)

Fellow celebrities, including Matteo Guidicelli and Aiko Melendez, left a comment on Santos’ post and expressed how excited they are to see the actress play

Madame President Isabel. The “Esperanza” actress was last seen in television as Attorney Teresa Dichavez-Manalo in the 2019 fantasy drama series “Starla.”

In an interview with TV Patrol, Santos remarked that she has mixed feelings about coming back to television since her last was pre-pandemic and things were different then.

“Ngayon na lang ulit ako gumawa ng series. Nandiyan excitement, nervous, cold feet. Hindi ko alam saan ako magsisimula, I will play it by ear. Para ulit ako nag-aaral, Grade 1. Lahat bago sa akin. Ibang-iba ang production

ngayon sa bago ng pandemya,” she explained.

(It’s been a long time since I made a series. There is excitement, nervousness, and cold feet. I don’t know where to start, so I will play it by ear. It’s like I’m studying again, Grade 1. Everything is new to me. Today’s production is very different from before the pandemic.)

“The Bagman” is a spin-off of the original digital series “Bagman,” which stars Arjo Atayde, who will be reprising his role as Benjo Malaya. “Bagman” won for Atayde the Best Actor award at the 2020 Winner Asian Academy Creative Awards.

Atasha Muhlach admits getting first phone at 17, still learning social media

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

revealed that she received her first-ever phone just five years ago when she was 17 years old. Atasha was at a Women Summit 2024 event last week where she was asked about her usage of so-

cial media for branding, given she is fairly new in the local showbiz industry.

"Actually, I'm still learning the ropes of social media because I was only given a phone at the age of 17," Atasha admitted, explaining she grew up in a traditional household.

The 22-year-old Atasha said her family had a "very old-school" kind of living, prominently using landline phones in her youth, and had limited access to social media.

The host-model said social media is very beneficial for people beginning to open up small business and to figure out one's identity, individuality and desires.

Atasha is currently a host on the noontime variety show "Eat Bulaga." Last October, she released her first single "Pasuyo."

She only entered showbiz after finishing a Business degree with honors from the United Kingdom's Nottingham Trent University. Her twin brother, Andres, is completing a similar degree in Spain.

The Muhlach family are slated to appear together in an upcoming sitcom later this year.

Rabiya Mateo recalls humble beginnings: I had nothing in life

by armin adina Inquirer.net

KAPUSO actress and host Rabiya Mateo is grateful for all the breaks that came her way, and the doors that opened after she joined the Miss Universe pageant. However, there are times when she would look back on her humble beginnings as a simple Iloilo lass trying to make ends meet, that buying new clothes was a luxury she could sometimes not afford.

“Looking back then, I would say that style was never my priority. Because I had nothing in life, hindi ko priority na bumili ng magagandang damit kasi ang priority ko was to survive life (it was never my priority to buy pretty clothes because my priority was to survive life),” she said in an interview with INQUIRER.NET during her launch as endorser of a clothing brand.

As one of the freshest faces on Philippine television, the 2020 Miss Universe Philippines titleholder has been introduced as Diwata in the new GMA afternoon prime series “Makiling.” She is also seen on the daily late afternoon variety show “TiktoClock.” Mateo said her she was just happy with the way her career and her life is turning out to be, since being proclaimed as the first-ever Miss Iloilo, before she embarked on the national pageant stage. “I won with nothing. I had nothing.”

“This serves to remind myself to always be grateful and thankful for everything that is happening.

It’s not every day that a brand will come and give you their trust.

And, of course, I also have my team with me, my photographers, videographers, to whom I say that since the brand trusts me, I really need the best output, and portfolio, so I can give back for the trust I received from them,” she said.

Regardless of her background, Mateo was able to develop her own sense of fashion, and it reflects in her style whether she is wearing a couture gown or a plain sundress.

Now that she is thriving in the entertainment industry, and with every article of clothing she would want at her disposal, the Ilongga beauty said she still goes for comfort over style.

“I have to make sure that I am comfortable in the clothes that I

am wearing, that it doesn’t show so much skin, that I can present myself in front of a lot of people while wearing that dress,” Mateo shared.

The 2020 Miss Universe semifinalist, however, revealed that she has a preferred hue if given the liberty to decide on it. “If it would be up to me, in terms of color, I always believe that red is power,” declared Mateo, who wore a heavily embellished scarlet gown with flowy cape sleeves when she won her the national crown. She also shared her thoughts on ladies who put an emphasis on fashion. “Now there are many who will choose to be stylish, even if they are no longer comfortable. And budget-wise, they choose really expensive pieces, it’s no longer practical,” she said.

Sarah Geronimo

Photo from Instagram/@justsarahgph

Judy Ann Santos gears up for TV comeback after five years Photos from Instagram/@officialjuday

Host-model Atasha Muhlach

Photo from Instagram/@atashamuhlach_

Piolo Pascual and Shaina Magdayao Photos from Instagram/@piolo_pascual, @shaina_magdayao

Rabiya Mateo Photo from Instagram/@rabiyamateo

HOST-model Atasha Muhlach, daughter of celebrity couple Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales,

Scam the scam: How to spot government imposters

by Annie WAlters

DO you know how to spot a government imposter scam? We continue to raise public awareness about Social Security-related and other government imposter scams during the fifth annual “Slam the Scam” Day on March 7, 2024.

Knowing how to identify potential scammers will help safeguard your personal information. There are common elements to many scams. Scammers often take advantage of fears and threaten you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pretend to be Social Security or other government employees and claim there’s a problem with your Social Security number (SSN) or your benefits.

They may even claim your SSN is linked to a crime.

When you suspect you’ve been contacted by a scammer:

• Hang up right away or ignore the message.

• Never provide personal information, money, or gift cards.

• Report the scam immediately to our Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at oig.ssa.gov/scamawareness/report-the-scam.

If you owe money to Social Security, we’ll mail you a letter with payment options and appeal information. We only accept payments electronically through Pay.gov, Online Bill Pay, or by check or money order. We will never:

• Threaten you with arrest or legal action because you don’t agree to pay us money immediately.

• Promise a benefit increase in exchange for money.

• Ask you to send us gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, internet currency, cryptocurrency, or cash through the U.S. mail. Scammers continue to evolve

and find new ways to steal your money and personal information. Please stay vigilant and help raise awareness about Social Securityrelated and other government imposter scams. For more information, please visit www.ssa. gov/scam.

Tell your friends and family about government imposter scams. Let them know they don’t have to be embarrassed to report if they shared personal financial information or suffered a financial loss. The important thing is to report the scam right away.

Together, we can “Slam the Scam!”

Social Security celebrates Women’s History Month

by Annie WAlters

MARCH is Women’s History

Month — a time to focus not just on the past, but also on the challenges women continue to face in the 21st century. At Social Security, we provide vital benefits and financial protection for women. Nearly 55% of people receiving Social Security benefits are women. Today, more women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nation’s history.

Women have longer average life expectancies and tend to live more years in retirement than men. This means women have a greater chance of exhausting other sources of income while their Social Security benefit continues for life. It’s important for women to plan early and wisely for retirement.

Our online booklet, Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know at www.ssa.gov/ pubs/EN-05-10127.pdf, provides detailed information about how life events can affect a woman’s Social Security retirement benefits. These

events may include marriage, death of a spouse, divorce, selfemployment, and other life or career changes. A worker’s earnings history will determine their future benefits, so we encourage all workers to verify that the information in their record is correct. You can create a personal my  Social Security  account at www.ssa. gov/myaccount to review your full earnings history. You can also view your Social Security Statement using your personal account to get estimates of future benefits

and other important planning information.

If you find an error in your earnings record, it is important to get it corrected so you receive the benefits you earned. Our publication, How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10081.

pdf, provides you with details on how to make a correction.

Learn more about how Social Security benefits women at www. ssa.gov/people/women. Please share this information with your loved ones.

Las Vegas Natural History Museum to host STEM Career Rally on March 16

THE Las Vegas Natural History Museum invites the public to celebrate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers and the end of CCSD Spring Break at its STEM Career Rally on March 16.

Designed for students and families of all ages, STEM Career Rally will celebrate the STEM careers, knowledge and skills showcased throughout the week at STEM Career Quest with hands-on activities and engaging experiments with industry professionals sharing their educational experience and passion.

As part of the rally, LVNHM will launch Sin City Scholars, a free journal of academic papers sharing research in Southern Nevada for the communty. Overseen by the

museum’s resident paleontologist and learning lab manager, Dr. Stephen M. Rowland, these occasional papers represent current research occurring at the museum while offering the next generation of scientists unique opportunities to collaborate with researchers and publish their work. Inspired by Pleistocene molluscs found at Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, “Occasional Paper 1” is a how-to identification guide that Dr. Rowland will share at the Sin City Scholars’ launch event: “Mollusc Mania.”at $14 per adult and $7 for children ages 3-11 and can be purchased online at www.lvnhm. org or at the door. Discounts are available for Nevada residents.

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum was established in 1989

by a small group of citizens who knew the community would benefit from the educational resources it could provide. After very humble beginnings, this private nonprofit museum is now a Smithsonian Affiliate, accredited with the American Alliance of Museums, and is a federal and state repository for fossils and artifacts. From the desert to the ocean, from Nevada to Africa, from prehistoric times to the present, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum takes visitors of all ages on a learning adventure around the world. Please visit lvnhm.org, follow on Facebook and LinkedIn at Las Vegas Natural History Museum; and @LVHNMuseum on Twitter and Instagram. For additional information, please call (702) 384-3466.

TODAY, more than ever, people are more health conscious, and since food greatly impacts our health, we are interested to know if the food we eat is healthy and how many calories are in the food we eat.

In general, the average calorie requirement per day ranges between 1500 to 2000, but those who are overweight could reduce this to 1000 calories a day, under a physician’s advice. Diabetics have their own calculated calorie-intake.

Eating 500 calories more a day (in excess of the Total Calorie Requirement -TRC) will make a person gain one pound in a week, and, conversely, eating 500 calories less than the TCR per day will reduce one pound from the person’s body weight in a week. Pushing ourselves away from the dining table less than full is a great strategy, for health and longevity.

The average calories burned in 30 minutes for any of these activities are as follows: Sleeping, 35; typing on computer, 50; ironing, 63; cooking, 86; light housework, 115; mopping floor, 119; shopping, 102; fishing, 119; climbing hills (no load), 232; walking slowly, 106; walking briskly, 120; running slowly, 280; running fast, 384; jogging, 215; cycling, 123; swimming, 311; ballroom dancing, 98; aerobic dancing, 198; volleyball, 96; football, 253; basketball, 265; golf, 140; tennis, 209; and, badminton, 186. Foreplay in sex for 15 minutes, burns about 22.5 calories and actual sexual intercourse for 15 minutes, 67.5 calories (a total of only 90 calories for the entire activity, believe it or not!).

Most of the available information today on calories in the different food items pertains to western and European food varieties. In the Abbott Club Red publication, we found interesting data on calorie counts for various Filipino foods, delicacies, and drinks.

The following vegetables yield about 16 calories per cup or 90 g (cooked): Ampalaya fruit, ampalaya leaves, Baguio beans, banana heart, cabbage, cauliflower, chayote fruit or leaves, eggplant, kangkong, malunggay leaves, mushroom, okra, patola, onion bulb, petsay, saluyot, and upo. Half cup of the following also provides 16 calories: coconut shoot (ubod), Mungbean sprout (togue), sitaw, canned green peas, sweet corn, tomato juice.

Filipino diet: Healthy?

The fruits listed here give 40 calories: Apple (1/2), atis (1 fruit), lakatan, latundan banana and chico, per piece; dalanghita (2); duhat (20 pieces); durian (30 g); grapes (10); guava (2); guyabano (1 slice); langka (40 g); lansones 97); mangosteen (3); melon (1 slice); papaya (1 slice); pineapple (1 slice); rambutan (8); santol (1); sinkamas (1/2, 110g); suha (3 segments); watermelon (1 slice); star apple (1/2), buko water (1 cup); banana-que (1/2); mango chips (2); maruya (1/4); turon (1/2).

Thirty grams of the following provide 41 calories: Tenderloin, porterhouse, shank, sirloin, shoulder, rump, chicken leg, breast (1/4), meat internal organs (3/4 cups); 1 slice of bangus, lapulapu, dalag, etc; bacon (1 slice) is 45 calories. And so with ½ avocado, a teaspoon of peanut butter, 5 pieces of pili nut, or a teaspoon of peanut or olive oil.

Rice and rice products (the infamous carb) contain very high calories, 100 for each of the following: Rice (1/2 cup); lugaw (1.5 cup); bibingka galapong (1 slice); malagkit (1 slice); biko (1 slice); cassava cake (1/2 slice); espasol (2); kalamay, latik (1); kutsinta (1); palitaw, no coconut gratings (4); puto bumbong (2); sapin-sapin (1 slice); tikoy (1 slice); pan de sal (3); lady fingers (5); mamon tostado 93); hopia hapon (1.5); ensaymada 91); bihon, sotanghon, (each, 1 cup); kamote (1/2) ubi (1.3 cups); kastanyas (11 pieces); and, sago (1/2 cup).

Table sugar, one teaspoon, 20 calories; and so with the following: Taho with syrup and sago (1/4 cup); ube halaya (1 teaspoon); and yema (1). Halohalo (2.3 cups) has 80 calories and polvoron (1), 40 calories.

Each of the following carbos has 145 calories: Buko pie (½ slice); bitso-bitso (1); hopia, baboy (1); hot cakes (1); fruit cake (1 slice); chocolate cake (1 slice); Spanish bread (1); cinnamon roll (1). One half donut has 190 calories; croissant, 235; muffin, 290; éclair, 212, century egg, 135; embotido, 2.5 pieces, 187 calories.

As for menu dishes, ½ cup adobong baboy, 302 calories; 1 cup callos, 260; 1 cup dinuguan, 124; ½ cup kare kare, 103; ½ cup kilawin, 113; litsong baboy (50 g) 273; lumpia fresh with sauce, 273; lumpia with peanut sauce, 403; 2/3 cup of menudo, 144; okoy with tagunton, 184; and, pochero, 1 cup, 282.

Alcoholic drinks: Pure water, zero; beer, 11 oz, 163 calories; cognac, 75; gin, dry, 107 per jigger; Ginebra, one bottle, 832; martini, 143; whiskey, 107; wine, red, 73 a glass; white, 85; champagne, 85. All soft drinks

are unhealthy, harmful to our body. Processed foods increase the risk for cancer.

Daily physical exercise and calorie-counting are vital to our health and well-being. In general, the way we eat as a nation, our native diet is not healthy as it can be. For those who are health-conscious, the Filipino food could be made healthy. Eliminating rice in our diet, or cutting it down to half a cup or less, instead of 2 cups of cooked rice, would be a good start. While brown rice is better (lower glycemic index), it is still rice, still carb. Eating fish and a lot of vegetables, which are abundant in the Philippines, some nuts (like walnuts, pistachio, pecan, chestnut) and some fruits, and minimizing red meat to maybe to once a week, will make the Filipino diet healthier. A good version is the Mediterranean Diet, and our homeland has all the ingredients we want to make it a healthier diet. The trend among chefs and restaurateurs in major cities in the Philippines is towards healthier menus, controlled calories, low fat, low carb, high fiber…many popularizing fusion recipes.

Let’s eat healthy to minimize diseases and live longer. Our children should be taught by our example that health and wellbeing, prevention of illnesses, and longevity are all achievable through living a healthy lifestyle.

* * *

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.

* * *

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

* * *

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States.

He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom, educators, and leaders (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Andrea Brillantes celebrates 21st birthday on a yacht

ACTRESS Andrea Brillantes celebrated her 21st birthday aboard a yacht.

On her Instagram account, Andrea posted snaps of the celebration.

Andrea wore a pink dress with a crown.

"21," she wrote in the caption.

Celebrities such as Tim Yap, Laurenti Dyogi and Vicki Belo, to name a few, wished the young star a happy birthday.

“Happy happy birthday and keep on growing and glowing baby girl,” Tim said.

In another post, Andrea was seen enjoying the fireworks to mark her 21st birthday.

Minding Your Finances

atty. RayMonD

Bulaon

A NOTICE of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) is a public record filed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with the County Recorder where you live. When the IRS wants to enforce delinquent taxes against you, there are various mechanisms that the government can use to achieve that goal. This is one of them.

Technically, the IRS has a “secret lien” the moment that taxes are assessed, but this is between you and the IRS, and the public doesn’t know about it yet. But when the IRS makes the lien public by recording it, it puts creditors and everyone on notice that the government has a lien or a secured interest against your property. In other words, it tells everyone that you have an unpaid federal tax debt. Of course, filing the lien is not something that the IRS just does without prior attempts to collect. If you have received several collection notices and do nothing, this is the next step by the IRS to force you to pay. In other words, federal tax lien can be avoided by paying the tax in full before they are filed. But this is not always possible, especially if you owe a large amount.

The federal tax lien could have negative effect on your finances and your credit. Until the underlying tax debt is resolved, it would be difficult to remove the lien. By having a lien on your property, it would also be very difficult, if not impossible, for you to purchase a home, refinance your mortgage, and purchase things on credit. While

When the IRS files a federal tax

of public information. If lenders, landlords and employers find out about the lien, they may use that negative information against you if you are applying for a loan, a house or apartment rental, or a job.

If you have just received a notice of federal tax lien, the notice will tell you that you can generally apply for a “Collection Due Process” hearing where you can have your side of the story heard and possibly dispute the validity of the tax lien. And if the hearing does not work out in your favor, you can also typically have another chance to do so in tax court. However, the request for such a hearing needs to be filed in a timely manner. Read the letter carefully as it will tell you exactly how much time you have.

Now, you may ask: What are my options in resolving the federal tax lien once I get the notice from the IRS?

Of course, you can always pay the full amount of the tax debt and resolve it quickly. That’s a no-brainer. But what if you cannot afford to pay the full amount?

If you qualify for an Offer in Compromise, you will be able to settle the outstanding debt for less than full amount. If the IRS accepts your offer, the lien will be released. Whether or not you qualify for this program will depend on your income, the value of your assets, and the amount of time remaining under the IRS 10-year collection statute. The IRS uses a specific formula to determine eligibility and requires very detailed financial disclosures.

Another method is to ask for an installment agreement that allows you to pay off what you owe over time. If you abide by the terms of the agreement, the IRS may release the lien.

In some cases where the only way to pay what you owe is to refinance your property, the IRS may allow you to subordinate their tax lien to your new loan so that you can access the equity in your property to pay the IRS.

All of the above is general information and my purpose is to simply provide you a quick overview of options that may be available. The tax lien is one of the most serious collection tactics used by the IRS because it gives the government rights to all your assets until they collect every penny that you owe. Therefore, DO NOT ignore the notice under any circumstances as doing so may cause you to lose legal rights that you perhaps didn’t even know existed.

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

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

* * *

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

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