031524 - San Diego Edition

California attorney general boosts bill banning medical debt from credit reports

CALIFORNIA Attorney General Rob Bonta announced

on

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

reporting agencies. It would also prevent credit reporting agencies from accepting,

u PAGE 4

by Alden M. Monzon Inquirer.net

AMERICAN companies are set to announce investments amounting to more than $1 billion (about P56 billion) in the Philippines, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said during an official visit to Manila on Monday, March 11.

The investments would be in areas such as solar energy, electric vehicles and digitization, she said, adding that American companies were eager to do business in the Southeast Asian country.

Raimondo is in Manila for a two-day trade and investment mission on behalf of President Joe Biden. The White House said in a statement the U.S. delegation to the Philippines includes executives from 22 companies representing United Airlines, Alphabet’s Google, Black & Veatch, Visa, EchoStar/ DISH, United Parcel Service (UPS), Boston Consulting Group, KKR Asia Pacific, Bechtel, FedEx, Mastercard and Microsoft.

In a press conference at Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay, Raimondo said, “These

by Julie M. Aurelio Inquirer.net

BERLIN – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, March 12 questioned the premise of China’s proposals on the South China Sea dispute, particularly its 10-dash line in asserting control over the disputed waters. In a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz here, Marcos stressed that China’s 10-dash line claim is not recognized by any country.

The president said the Philippines did not reject any proposition by China but questioned its premise in the territorial dispute.

How Fil-Am candidates fared in the California primary election

by AJPress

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.

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,

“We have not rejected any proposals that China has made for us. But the premise is something that we question. The premise that China has made is that its territory follows the 10-dash line. This is not recognized by any country, by any international body, and certainly not the Philippines,” he said. He pointed out that the Philippines’ baselines were already well established and that China intruded on the Philippines’ economic zone.

“Until that premise that China has made in terms of all these discussions with the Philippines, it is very difficult to see a way forward,” Marcos said.

PASTOR Apollo Quiboloy, the selfappointed “son of God,” is now facing contempt charges before both chambers of Congress as he continues to snub the inquiries against him and his sect, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).

On Tuesday, March 12 the House committee on legislative franchises slapped a contempt charge on the embattled televangelist for dodging the panel’s repeated requests and a subpoena that he appear before its inquiry into the alleged violations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

The Senate,

companies are announcing over a billion dollars of U.S. investments, including creating educational opportunities to over 30 million Filipinos in the form of digital upskilling, AI (artificial intelligence) training.”

The U.S. official said the expected deals also include the establishment of an electric vehicle education center as well as solar and nuclear projects to support the Philippines’ energy and climate goals.

“And we’re announcing a new airline route

US a strategic trading, investment ally - Marcos

by JeAn MAngAluz Inquirer.net

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

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

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

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

Marcos called the trade mission proof of the U.S. and the Philippines’ enduring ties.

“Today’s gathering not only signifies a meeting of officials, but also celebrates the enduring relations between the Philippines and the United States—ties that have been built on shared sacrifices, mutual u PAGE 2

Senate okays Negros Island Region bill

by CArlA goMez Inquirer.net

and Rep. Gerardo Valmayor (Neg Occ, 1st District) at a meeting in Makati on Monday night, March 11, on the eve of the approval of the Senate bill creating the new region. Contributed Photo Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique and Guimaras; while Negros Oriental and Siquijor are under Central Visayas, along with Cebu and Bohol provinces.

BACOLOD CITY—The Senate has passed the Negros Island Region (NIR) bill on third and final reading on Tuesday, March 12 bringing closer to realization the three-decade bid of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental to become a single regional entity.

Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said the bill intends to revive the creation of the NIR to compose not just the two Negros province and the independent city of Bacolod but also the island-province of Siquijor.

At present, Negros Occidental belongs to Western Visayas, together with the provinces of

Senate Bill No. 2507, which was sponsored and coauthored by Ejercito, received 22 affirmative votes and no negative votes and abstentions.

“With the passage of this measure, the Negros Island Region, or ‘NIR,’ is finally one step nearer to reality,” Ejercito said in a statement on Tuesday.

The signature of President Marcos is needed for the NIR bill to become a law.

Strengthen autonomy

“The idea for this bill was first planted three decades ago, with u PAGE 3

HONORED. Concluding his working visit to Germany, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

From The FronT Page

$1B investment deals seen in US trade...

opening up travel and tourism to the beautiful beaches of Cebu among other projects,” she added.

Economic security United said last week it would launch new flights from TokyoNarita to Cebu starting July 31.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

economy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. n

Palliative Care Education and Training program. “It’s not a ‘them’ problem, it’s an ‘us’ problem.”

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

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

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

But asking people with no training or background in the work to provide such services, she said, is like giving an unlicensed driver the keys to an 18-wheeler. And those caregivers are also reporting the depression and burnout that can accompany being constantly on call.

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

Those eligible for the program must be unlicensed caregivers, certified home care aids or certified nursing assistants who live and work in California.

Free career-advancement training is open to those providing unpaid care to older adults or people with disabilities — including friends and family — in a home or community setting, though incentives don’t apply.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He’s currently caring for his sister, who devoted herself to their parents’ needs while Rodriguez was working for the San Jose Mercury News. He’s single and his sister, who has no other family, can no longer walk, bathe or cook, and needs help getting almost anywhere, sometimes even at home.

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

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

“I never got so much hate mail,” he recalled, more than for anything else he’d written, from people insisting elder care was a duty. “It’s going to be a tough haul to improve things, just as it’s going to be a tough haul for me personally.”

The CalGrows program in its current state will end at the end of August, due to the rules that came with the federal dollars that support it.

Polk and others expressed hope that somehow the educational opportunities will remain in place, even if the stipend funding dries up, but this remains to be seen. (By Mark Hedin/ Ethnic Media Services) n

Marcos questions China’s...

He added that as the president, he has no choice but to fulfill his duty to defend the country’s territorial area over land and sea and that he will continue to do so.

The president stressed that it is in the interest of all nations to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, which handles 60 percent of the world’s trade.

“It’s not solely the interest of the Philippines or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or the Indo-Pacific region but the entire world. It is all our interest to keep it a safe passage for all international commerce that goes on in the South China Sea,” he added.

Scholz agreed with Marcos and reiterated his support for the Philippines “in ensuring that rights are being protected.”

“Respect for international law is of greatest importance to us and this is equally true for the international law that governs international navigation. We have the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, we have the arbitral tribunal. I believe it to be very important to adhere to the legislation in place,” he said.

Marcos made the remarks after the Department of Foreign

Affairs said it received several maritime-related proposals from China last year. However, these could not be considered as these are against the Philippines’ interests.

Among the proposals were a push for “actions that would be deemed as acquiescence or recognition of China’s control and administration over the Ayungin Shoal.”

The DFA said the Philippines cannot consider such a proposal without violating the 1987 Constitution or international law.

“While a few proposals were deemed somewhat workable, many of the remaining Chinese proposals were determined, after careful study, scrutiny and deliberation within the Philippine government, to be contrary to our national interests,” it said in a statement on Tuesday. It added that any agreement with a foreign government should be in accordance with mutual interests and should not undermine the Constitution or diminish the Philippines’ rights under international law.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China has no basis to claim the entire South China Sea and rejected its nine-dash line claim. n

Senate okays Negros...

the approval of this chamber today, it will soon bear fruit,” added Ejercito.

Ejercito, whose mother hails from Bacolod City, said the goal is for the proposed six clusters of regional offices to be divided between the two Negros provinces to ensure the effective delivery of services.

As the administrative division of Negros Island has not been conducive to regional development, he said the NIR law will strengthen local autonomy and accelerate the economic, cultural and social development of the region.

“What we have been fighting for for a long time will soon come true. Fast and smooth service is coming to Negros Island. Thank you for fighting the good fight, and keeping the faith,” Ejercito, told the Negros and Siquijor lawmakers who have been pushing for the establishment of the NIR.

“We would like to thank our colleagues for their support. Specifically, I would like to thank our Negrense in chief, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, for putting momentum behind this bill. He’s not just a sweet talker, he’s also a consensus-builder,” he added.

In a meeting in Manila in September 2023 with Ejercito, Zubiri and Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, the current governors of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor— Eugenio Jose Lacson, Chaco Sagarbarria and Jake Villa—expressed their full support for the bill.

“They cited inefficiency and red-tape as the main reason for seeking a united Negros Island,” Ejercito said.

In 2015, the NIR was established through Executive Order No. 183 issued by then President Benigno Aquino III. But it was abolished in 2017 by former President Rodrigo Duterte through Executive Order No. 38. n

How Fil-Am candidates fared in the...

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 AssessorCounty 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 secondlargest 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. n

Bumoto Simulan sa Pagpaparehistro” (The right to vote begins with

City of San Diego celebrates International Women’s Day with launch of annual women’s survey

Survey results will contribute to informed policy-making and program development for women across San Diego

SAN DIEGO – To advance gender equality and a supportive environment, the City of San Diego’s Commission on the Status of Women is launching a new Women’s Survey on International Women’s Day. This comprehensive survey, which will be sent out annually, aims to gather valuable insights into the experiences, challenges and aspirations of women in our vibrant communities.

“With women’s rights under attack across the nation, it is critical that we listen to women’s voices more than ever,” said City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert. “The results gathered from the Commission on the Status of Women’s survey will provide essential information to help the city understand how we can take action to empower women and girls throughout San Diego.”

The Commission on the Status of Women recognizes the significance of International Women’s Day as an occasion to amplify the voices of women and address the issues they face in various aspects of life.

“We believe that the voices of women are

powerful catalysts for positive change. By conducting this citywide survey, we hope to gain insights that will inform our efforts to create a more inclusive and empowering community for everyone,” said Honorable Susan Davis, Commissioner, City of San Diego Commission on the Status of Women.

The survey covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Workplace Equality: Evaluating opportunities, pay equity and workplace policies.

• Health and Well-Being: Assessing access to housing, healthcare, mental health awareness and wellness initiatives.

• Education and Training: Identifying educational gaps, training opportunities and skill development programs.

• Safety and Security: Understanding perceptions of safety and addressing concerns about public spaces.

• Social and Cultural Participation: Exploring opportunities for civic engagement, community

UltraPass ID spearheads decentralized digital identity adoption at scale in the Philippines

IN A significant move towards digital transformation, UltraPass ID, under the leadership of CEO and Co-Founder Eric Starr, has announced its presence in Manila as part of the presidential Trade and Investment Mission led by Secretary Gina Raimondo. Starr’s participation underscores the company’s commitment to pioneering decentralized identity solutions in the Philippines, a market burgeoning with potential and ready for technological innovation.

UltraPass ID, known for its comprehensive suite of decentralized identity infrastructure solutions – including UAuth for biometric authentication, TrustLink for privacy-preserving data sharing, and TrustLink Edge for secure data exchange withing critical infrastructure – has identified Now Corp/UltraPass ID signing ceremony with

Contempt, show-cause order vs Quiboloy...

Following these developments in Congress, Vice President Sara Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, appeared on Tuesday night at a prayer rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila organized by KOJC. The vice president on Monday night, March 11, issued a video message publicly expressing for the first time her support for Quiboloy.

Last week, Quiboloy named the former president as the new caretaker of KOJC’s properties after a California judge unsealed the arrest warrants against the televangelist over charges of human and labor trafficking of his followers in the sect.

‘No respect’

The House panel, in its subpoena last month, had directed Quiboloy to explain his involvement in Swara Sug Media Corp., SMNI’s legal operating name, as it deliberated on a bill seeking to repeal Republic Act No. 11422, the 2018 law renewing for another 25 years the network’s franchise.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Ty Pimentel, the committee’s vice chair, said, “The fact that he has not been appearing in these hearings just shows he has no respect for this committee. He acts like God, and he acts with impunity and he takes these hearings for granted.”

‘Apprehensive’

“Even if we stage hearings 20 more times and invite him 20 more times, it is very clear that he has no intention whatsoever [to] appear… before this committee,” he added.

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, who is due to meet Quiboloy on Wednesday, said his client had been “apprehensive that his rights may not be respected because of the [media] frenzy.”

Quezon Rep. David Suarez, however, chided the pastor for “assuming something that has not yet happened…. [T]hroughout the whole series of hearings we’ve had, the committee has been handling themselves properly and legally. I don’t think any rights would have been violated.”

In an interview with the Inquirer, Pimentel said, “We are only giving him (Topacio) three days to talk (to Quiboloy) before we issue the contempt

order.”

But Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting, committee chair, said he doubted that Topacio would be able to convince Quiboloy to face the House. ‘Witch hunt’

Tambunting’s panel also approved its report seeking the revocation of SMNI’s franchise over the network’s alleged violations of Section 4 of RA 11422 (to “provide at all times sound and balanced programming”); Section 10 (to inform Congress about the sale of the company to other owners or other major changes); and Section 11 (to offer at least 30 percent of its stock to the public within five years).

Quiboloy claims to have divested himself of Swara in 2018. On Tuesday, SMNI’s legal counsel, Mark Tolentino, told reporters that Swara had been completely aboveboard with its operations and had submitted a position paper to answer the House panel’s queries.

He also said the “witch hunt” on Quiboloy and SMNI was intended to silence the network ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

“As you know, SMNI is a very influential [network] and it is believed to be a vehicle of the Dutertes, so maybe they (the lawmakers) believe that by taking it out, [the network would no longer be a problem],” Tolentino said. With a report from Marlon Ramos n

California attorney general boosts bill...

concerning medical debt. Medical debt isn’t necessarily an accurate reflection of credit risk, and its inclusion in credit reports can depress credit scores and make it hard for people to get a job, rent an apartment, or secure a car loan.

“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.”

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 indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Henry Abes and Eric Starr.

DBM signing ceremony with Chris Guingcangco and Eric Starr.

Secretary Gina Raimondo (left) with UltraPass ID CEO Eric Starr.

Presidential Trade and Investment Mission delegation at the Ayala Museum.

Apollo Quiboloy Inquirer file photo / Grig C. Montegrande

Dateline PhiliPPines

Lawmakers seek probe into Chocolate Hills resort

by Gaea Katreena CabiCo Philstar.com

MANILA — Lawmakers have sought an investigation into the construction of a resort at the foot of the Chocolate Hills in a bid to preserve Bohol’s protected area.

The House of Representatives’ Makabayan bloc filed a resolution, seeking a probe, in aid of legislation, into Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort in Sagbayan town after social media users voiced concerns about the impact of the resort’s operations on Chocolate Hills, a protected area.

Captain’s Peak temporarily closed its doors to the public after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it had issued a temporary closure order in September 2023 and a notice of violation in January 2024 to the resort’s administrators for operating without an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).

“The construction of the Captain’s Peak Resort near Chocolate Hills raises serious questions on the enforcement of regulatory mechanisms of the national government and local government, as well as on possible infractions on several laws and issuances by the DENR,” read the resolution filed by Reps. Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Women’s Party), France Castro (ACT Teachers Party-list), and Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Partylist).

Rep. Erwin Tulfo (ACT-CIS Party-list) is also set to file a resolution seeking an inquiry into the matter. He likened the resort

to a “kulugo” or wart. “They ruined the view… It looks ugly now,” Tulfo said, adding they need to investigate why permits were granted despite the protected status of the Chocolate Hills.

Sen. Nancy Binay, who chairs the committee on tourism, filed on Wednesday, March 13 a resolution seeking a probe into the construction of structures within the vicinity of the Chocolate Hills, “with the end in view of preserving Bohol’s protected area and major tourist attraction.”

“It is the duty of the Senate to help protect and maintain the natural, biological, and physical diversities of the environment particularly in areas with biologically unique features to sustain human life and development,” she said. No ECC

The local government of Sagbayan revoked the business permit of Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort, the town’s information officer Felito Pon said in an interview with ABSCBN News Channel.

In a separate interview with GMA News, Pon said the local government did not receive a temporary closure order from the DENR.

“We didn’t know that there was a temporary closure order. If we had known about the temporary closure order, the resort’s application for renewal would not be approved,” Pon said in Filipino.

In 1997, former President Fidel Ramos declared the Chocolate Hills, a unique karst landscape composed of 1,776 smooth conical hills, a natural monument. This designation aims to protect

u PAGE 7

City of San Diego celebrates...

involvement and cultural inclusion.

San Diego women are encouraged to participate in this survey to share their valuable perspectives. All responses will be confidential, and participants will remain anonymous. The results will be compiled, analyzed and presented to the public in a comprehensive report.

The survey is now open and will close on Friday, June 7, 2024. To access the survey,

visit datasd.typeform.com/womenandgirls.

The Commission on the Status of Women is dedicated to promoting gender equality, advocating for women’s rights and addressing issues that impact women in San Diego. It serves as an advisory board to the San Diego Mayor, San Diego City Council and other City agencies regarding the needs and challenges of women. Learn more at sandiego.gov/status-of-women.

(City of SD Release) n

Filipinos unfamiliar with political parties – study

by red Mendoza

A STUDY commissioned by Participate PH revealed that most Filipinos are unfamiliar with the nature of political parties but see their value in terms of public service delivery and representation that could convince them to join them anyway.

Participate PH is a nonpartisan, pro-democracy coalition that aims to engage and empower the political participation of Filipinos by providing opportunities for citizen engagement and empowerment.

The coalition is led by the Ateneo School of Government, La Salle School of Governance, National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services Inc. (Ideals Inc.), and Caucus for the Development of Nongovernment Organization

Networks (Code-NGO).

The results of a survey conducted by WR Numero Research during the Multiparty Summit held on Wednesday, March 13 at the Manila Hotel showed that 68 percent of those surveyed said they were unfamiliar with political parties, while 32 said they were familiar with them.

Per region, the National Capital Region is the only region in the country where more Filipinos have expressed familiarity with political parties (52 percent), though unfamiliarity remains high at 48 percent.

Among the top parties mentioned by the respondents were the Liberal Party (LP), the “Uniteam” administration coalition, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), ACTCIS Partylist, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, Nacionalista Party, Anakbayan Party and Tingog Partylist.

Those unfamiliar with political

parties said they trusted the LP and the PDP-Laban, but not all parties were trusted.

While almost all Filipinos were not members of political parties, 20 percent said they were interested in being a member. This meant Filipinos still vote based on their conscience, said Participate PH Chief of Party and De La Salle University School of Governance professor Dr. Julio Teehankee.

“There is still hope if we can only expand that number of Filipinos who can vote not based on their money, but really based on their appreciation of the qualification and the platforms offered to them by the parties and their candidates,” Teehankee said in an interview with The Manila Times

The survey also revealed that Filipinos may be encouraged to join political parties if they carry out projects and provide assistance if they represent beliefs aligned with theirs and have links to respected leaders.

u PAGE 7

UltraPass ID spearheads...

PAGE 4

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,” necessitating 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 enhance 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. n

Korean firm Miru Systems Co. Ltd. for the lease to the Comelec of a Full Automation System with Transparency Audit Count or FASTrAC.

Under the deal, Miru Systems together with its local partners Integrated Computer System, St. Timothy Construction Corp. and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies Inc. will supply 110,000 new automated counting machines along with election management systems, secure and transparent ballot printing, 104,345 ballot boxes plus ballot paper as well as 2,200 canvassing system laptops and printers. Miru will also provide technical support for the machines, software and customizable systems.

Editorial

Miru was the lone bidder for the supply deal, with its P17.99-billion offer lower than the approved budget of P18.82 billion for the project. The 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

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

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.

Horizons

RichaRd heydaRian

“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

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

Smartmatic, which has been providing the

system since the Philippines shifted to automated elections in 2010, has been barred by the Comelec from poll biddings amid allegations of bribery involving former Comelec chairman Andres Bautista. Both Smartmatic and Bautista have denied the accusations.

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

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,

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

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

Is Marcos too soft vs Dutertes?

“truce” with Russian President 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

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 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 Duterteera 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

file photo

House approves economic Cha-cha

Rodriguez said Congress can include a “screening process” in the enabling law that would prevent countries engaged in conflict with the Philippines from coming in with their investments. “I can mention China, with which we have a dispute over the West Philippine Sea. In other words, Congress can craft a law to make sure that risky countries or investments with implications on our national interest and security can be checked and barred from coming in,” he said.

inflows among the five biggest ASEAN economies – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand – from 2010 to 2020.“The fruits of our economic and fiscal policies in the past decade are almost ripe. It’s high time we remove the barriers so not only a few benefit. Our country must work together with the global community so we can reap these bountiful harvests and have the Filipino people and their families benefit from our labor of love,” Haresco stressed.

Rights groups refute Marcos’ claim of ‘progress’ in ending drug war abuses

by Cristina Chi Philstar.com

MANILA — Human rights groups on Thursday, March 14 refuted the president’s recent claim that the government is “progressing” in terms of curbing police abuses in the socalled “war on drugs” initiated by his predecessor.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez,

that

Another proponent, Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. of the second district of Aklan, said RBH7 can create two million jobs and double the foreign direct investments in the country, which is very much needed as government tries to recover from the adverse effects of the pandemic.

The measure, authored by House leaders, was discussed extensively since Feb. 26 after RBH7 was filed, and a committee of the whole was formed for purposes of expediting the process, where hearings in the committee level have been done away with.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) in separate statements criticized Marcos for touting the “lessened” problem of drugs under his leadership during his visit to Germany this week.

He said the phrase “unless

by law” is

“We hold the highest foreign investment restrictions among the ASEAN-5 because of the limitations set in our Constitution and it’s also the reason why we cannot maximize foreign investments which could generate jobs and alleviate poverty,” he said.Data presented by Haresco also showed the Philippines lagging behind its ASEAN neighbors, where it is the last in foreign investment

Opponents to the measure have been allowed to pose questions to the resource persons that included framers of the Charter, legal luminaries, members of academe, renowned economists and even former and incumbent government officials.

Speaker Martin Romualdez said the chamber will finish the measure in time for the March 22 Lenten break of Congress, which includes the Senate. The resumption of session will start on April 29. n

Lawmakers seek probe...

and maintain the area’s natural beauty. Under Proclamation 1037, “no activity of any kind including quarrying, which will alter, mutilate, deface or destroy the hills shall be conducted” regardless of the existence of prior private rights.

But according to the DENR, the rights of landowners will generally be recognized and respected if land titles were issued prior to Proclamation

1037. However, restrictions or regulations on land use and development within the protected area may be imposed even for privately-owned lands.

Julieta Sablas, the administrator of Captain’s Peak Resort, admitted the resort lacked an ECC.

“Yes, we had lapses in our ECC. We were not able to process it. However, for the construction, we had a permit from the local government unit

and the [DENR’s] Protected Area Management Board (PAMB),” Sablas told TeleRadyo Serbisyo in Filipino.

“We’re taking care of the Chocolate Hills,” she added. Sablas earlier told The Freeman that some parts of the hills were extracted, but she said the excavation was only minimal and within the permitted limits.

Bohol Island, home of the Chocolate Hills, was declared in 2023 as the first UNESCO global geopark in the Philippines. n

Filipinos unfamiliar with...

Teehankee said there is a need to reinstitutionalize political parties and that competition should be introduced among political parties, especially among political dynasties.

“There is nothing wrong with families being part of politics as long as they play the game within the boundaries of real political parties,” Teehankee said.

Commission on Elections Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the Multiparty Summit is important as Filipinos need an outlet to express their sentiments politically. He also said that political parties are important if their platforms are based on their own ideologies and not just about motherhood statements.

“Political parties need to follow the needs of our countrymen,” Garcia said in Filipino. n

Marcos’ claim “disregards the fact that the killings have continued under his watch and, equally important, his administration is failing to provide accountability for past and recent crimes,” said Bryony Lau, Asia Deputy Director at HRW.

During his three-day visit to Germany this week, Marcos said that the government’s approach to drug use has “changed significantly,” according to reports of his meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday, March 12.

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

Citing data from the University of the Philippines Third World Studies Center, Lau pointed out that since Marcos assumed office in June 2022, illegal drug operations have resulted in the deaths of an average of one person everyday. Since then, law enforcement officers or unidentified gunmen have killed at least 572 people as of March 7, according to the group.

“The ‘drug war’ remains a state policy. Marcos has not rescinded Duterte’s issuances for the ‘drug war.’ He has likewise never categorically and publicly ordered law enforcers to stop the violence,” Lau said.

Marcos also “continues to distort the facts to portray his administration favorably on the

global stage” even as human rights violations under his watch “persist unabated,” PAHRA said in a message to Philstar.com.

Marcos has yet to order the discontinuation of the police’s signature campaigns against illegal drugs, including the notorious “Double Barrel” and Oplan Tokhang” schemes introduced under former President Rodrigo Duterte, which is currently the subject of an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The Philippine National Police (PNP)’s “Double Barrel” campaign against illegal drugs was first launched in 2016 under then-PNP chief Ronaldo Bato Dela Rosa, who is currently a senator.

“Project Tokhang” or “Oplan Tokhang,” meanwhile, is part of PNP’s “Double Barrel” campaign and targets small-time drug dealers.

“Despite a decrease in reported cases of EJK, the underlying issues remain unchanged,” PAHRA said.

Lack of accountability

While Marcos said that “some” erring police have been “tried and convicted, now in jail and serving their time,” the two rights groups pointed out that an overwhelming majority of drugrelated extrajudicial killings have yet to be investigated and brought to court.

“This is a misleading claim.

Out of the thousands and thousands of killings since 2016, only two cases have resulted in

the conviction of police officers, one of which was during the Duterte administration,” Lau said.

Official probes launched into the killings has “not produced any significant results,” Lau said, adding that authorities even continue to refuse to assist in investigations by the Commission on Human Rights.

“President Marcos has likewise steadfastly refused to cooperate with the International Criminal Court in its investigations of alleged crimes against humanity prior to his taking office,” Lau added.

PAHRA added that concrete resolutions to improve local accountability mechanisms and data gathering on alleged police violations “remain deficient.”

In January, Marcos vowed to actively thwart ICC representatives’ access to all government agencies and individuals in connection to their probe on the alleged crimes against humanity committed during Duterte’s drug war.

There have only been two convictions of law enforcers who killed innocent civilians during Duterte’s “drug war” — the murder of 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos and the case of 19-yearold Carl Arnaiz and 14-year-old Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman.

Official figures put deaths from Duterte’s anti-narcotics campaign at more than 6,000, but estimates from human rights groups peg the actual number of fatalities as at least 30,000. n

This undated photo shows people lighting candles to protest killings under the Duterte administration’s ‘war on drugs.’ Philstar.com photo

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

NO. 2024-9003981

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

Registrant: Sicha Yoon, 4781 49th Street, San Diego, CA 92115. This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST

BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/22/2024.

Signature: Sicha Yoon. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/22/2024. AJ 1357 02/23, 03/01, 03/08, and 03/15/2024. AJSD 1357

Commercial Glass & Hardware located at 821 E 2nd Street, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: a. Leticia Arias, 821 E 2nd Street, National City, CA 91950. b. Jose Arias, 821 E 2nd Street, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by A General Partnership. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

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

AJ 1361 03/01, 03/08, 03/15, and 03/22/2024. AJSD 1361

Registrant:

Signature:

and 03/15/2024. AJSD 1354

Adelante

Signature: Rogelia Elena Becerra. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/22/2024. AJ 1358 03/01, 03/08, 03/15, and 03/22/2024. AJSD 1358

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9003743

IPROPERTY CLEANING located at 4560 Mission Gorge Pl, San Diego, CA 92120.

Registrant: IPROPERTY SERVICES LLC, 4560 Mission Gorge Pl, APT 418, San Diego, CA 92120.

This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/18/2024.

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

AJ 1362 03/01, 03/08, 03/15, and 03/22/2024. AJSD 1362

SDC&R located at 3640

Auburndale St, San Diego, CA 92111.

Registrant: a. Tate Homsombath, 3640 Auburndale St, San Diego, CA 92111. b. Frankie Thanasith, 3640 Auburndale St, San Diego, CA 92111.

This business is conducted by A General Partnership.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT

BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Tate Homsombath. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/18/2024.

AJ 1355 02/23, 03/01, 03/08, and 03/15/2024. AJSD 1355

at 1240 E.

Blvd Ste 604-117, National City, CA 91950.

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

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9004258

Republic Moving & Storage - San Diego Movers located at 7071 Convoy Court, Ste 114, San Diego, CA 92111.

Registrant: Lovejoy’s Family Moving Inc, 8140 St Andrews Ave, Ste 200, San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT

BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Joseph William Lovejoy. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/26/2024.

AJ 1363 03/01, 03/08, 03/15, and 03/22/2024. AJSD 1363

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000549

GComm Consulting located at 1713 Borbour Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

Registrant: Bernard A. Gonzales, 1713 Borbour Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT

BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/01/2011.

Signature: Bernard Gonzales.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/09/2024.

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9004127

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

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

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9004512

CB TaXecurity located at 6916 Alcona St Apt 34, San Diego, CA 92139.

Registrant: Cristina Balarbar, 6916 Alcona St Apt 34, San Diego, CA 92139. This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT

BUSINESS UNDER THE

NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Cristina

Balarbar. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/29/2024.

AJ 1364 03/08, 03/15, 03/22, and 03/29/2024.

1364

SAN DIEGO

Two-time Emmy award winner Marc Anthony Nicolas to ‘Make his Marc’ on GMA Pinoy TV

officially be a part of GMA Pinoy TV, the Home of Global Pinoy.

Marc has worked with some of the best talk shows in the U.S. – The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tyra Banks Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and The Talk – and with all the accolades he has received, he surely has made a mark in the American television industry. Now, he is about to make Filipino content for his global Pinoys around the world.

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

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

for lack of a better term. And I thank you for that.” Executive producer Chris Gordon believes in the talent but also in the passion of the team behind “Make Your Marc.”

“One, I have never been on a set or worked on a project where just about everybody is a person of color or a Filipino American or Filipino. And the production team, Christian and his crew are young and they are vibrant and they are fresh and they are hungry and you can feel it,” Gordon said.

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

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

stories of global Pinoys who have made a difference in their fields, including Ranella Ferrer, known for her excellent performances of the national anthem and who has been a mentor to many other young, aspiring singers; Filipino fashion designer Kenneth Barlis, who has dressed global icons such as Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, and Carrie Underwood; Maricris Lapaix, who has not only carved a name in sculpting bodies but have also inspired others with her health and wellness journey; acclaimed Filipino Chef, author, and TV host Alvin Cailan, who has made a name in the world of culinary; the prominent figures in the The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) including veteran host Boy Abunda, multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, and TOFA founder Elton Lugay; entrepreneur Sandro Roco, the founder of the first Asianinspired sparkling water; Filipino teacher Joseph Alcario who was awarded as “California’s Teacher of the Year” because of his passion for teaching; and lastly, Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz, who was recognized for her contribution in healthcare during the pandemic and was honored with a Barbie figure. With Marc and his team’s passion for relevant and inspiring content, expect extraordinary narratives from trailblazers around the world with “Make Your Marc.”

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

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. n

Judy

Two-time Emmy winner Marc Anthony Nicolas Instagram photo/@marcanthonynicolas

Spring into STEAM with the SDPL

Students take a journey to outer space during the library’s annual science-themed program

SAN DIEGO – Starting this weekend, the San Diego Public Library (SDPL) is launching three months of science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) programming for local youth. The theme of the 8th annual Spring into STEAM program is “Space Out!” Students can learn about distant star constellations, galaxies and the technology needed for space exploration.

Spring into STEAM programs run from March through May and are offered virtually and in person at dozens of library locations.

SDPL is partnering with local science experts and organizations to create four unique educational experiences geared toward students ages 9 to 12.

• Portable Planetarium –Explore the Night Sky: Take a journey across the solar system

inside a portable planetarium. The interactive program features special effects, lasers and music.

• Blast off with Mad Science –Living in Space: Experience life as an astronaut, using teamwork to complete a space mission, build a model space station and go on a spacewalk challenge.

• Expedition to Mars: Work on robotics space-related projects, learning about electronics and mechanics.

• Stellar Star Projector: Discover what stars you were born under and capture the constellations by creating a custom star projector.

SDPL is hosting a free Spring into STEAM kick-off event, featuring the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s Mission Control Bus, on Saturday, March 16, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Serra MesaKearny Mesa Library. All ages are welcome to attend and take part

in space-themed activities and preview the Spring into STEAM programs. The Spring into STEAM programs are free and registration is required in advance. Visit sandiego.gov/steam or any one of the 36 SDPL locations for more information and to register.

With a vision of being the place for opportunity, discovery and inspiration, the San Diego Public Library is a hub for knowledge and lifelong learning. As the largest library system in the region, it serves a population of more than 1.4 million people. Learn about events at the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Irwin Jacobs Common and 35 community branch libraries, find links to programs and resources or search for materials in the online catalog at www.sandiegolibrary.org. (SDPL Release) n

City of San Diego invites public input on draft mobility master plan

SAN DIEGO – A series of public meetings will be held at libraries throughout the City of San Diego this month to provide more information and solicit feedback from San Diegans on the draft Mobility Master Plan.

The Mobility Master Plan is a comprehensive transportation planning effort to create a balanced, equitable and sustainable mobility system for the benefit of all San Diego residents and visitors. It will help support investments in areas with the greatest needs, promote pedestrian safety and advance the goals of the Climate Action Plan and the General Plan.

The city’s Sustainability and Mobility Department will hold a series of “open house” style events at local libraries to answer questions and gather feedback on the plan, which includes a list of mobility projects in high-need areas across the city and new program options such as neighborhood shuttles, micromobility services and transit fare subsidies.

“We look forward to hearing back from San Diegans as we work together to create and support new and sustainable ways to get around,” said the city’s Sustainability and Mobility Director Alyssa M. Muto. “This plan not only reflects the feedback we heard throughout the Climate Action Plan update process, but also the many city departments that plan for, construct and maintain our transportation system. We have worked with stakeholders and our transit agency to expand options to improve access to jobs, schools and everyday shopping needs. Through this public input process now all San Diegans will have the opportunity to learn more about the plan and share their thoughts and ideas for the various mobility options that work for them.” The draft Mobility Master Plan includes programs and a prioritized list of projects with information about the project selection criteria, focus areas, implementation, monitoring and funding. Public

input will be used to improve the plan, which will be presented to the City Council for adoption later this year. Public involvement is key to keeping San Diego at the forefront of green, sustainable, safe and equitable mobility practices now and in the future. Because every mile and every trip counts, more sustainable mobility options can get San Diegans where they want to go.

Everyone is welcome to stop by any time during the events, and Spanish language translation will be available. There will also be one virtual meeting in April for those who were unable to attend any of the in-person events in March. The events will be held on the following dates at these locations

(remaining dates):

• Monday, March 18, 2024 – 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library, 5148 Market St., San Diego, CA 92114

• Wednesday, March 20, 2024 – 2 - 4 p.m., Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92128

• Thursday, March 21, 2024 – 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., Mira Mesa Library, 8405 New Salem St., San Diego, CA 92126

• Tuesday, March 26, 2024 – 2 - 4 p.m., Linda Vista Library, 2160 Ulric St., San Diego, CA 92111

• Wednesday, March 27, 2024 – 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., Pacific Beach/Taylor Library, 4275 Cass St., San Diego, CA 92109

• Thursday, April 4, 2024 – 6 - 7 p.m., virtual open house on Zoom.

For more information, including project updates, presentations and access to the Plan and the comment portal, visit the Mobility Master Plan webpage at https://www.sandiego.gov/ sustainability-mobility/mobility/mobility-masterplan. Questions can be directed to sustainability@ sandiego.gov. (City of SD Release) n

Due to January flood, all CalFresh recipients can purchase hot, prepared food for limited time File Photo/www.countynewscenter.com ALL CalFresh recipients and new Disaster CalFresh recipients can use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card to purchase hot and prepared food for a limited time due to the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the Jan. 22 storms and flooding. With few exceptions, CalFresh EBT cards usually can only be used to purchase shelf-stable foods. Through April 3, 2024, all CalFresh recipients can purchase hot and prepared food at any authorized EBT retailer. The temporary change was approved by Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) for San Diego County which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The agency allows the modification under conditions such as power outages, damage to homes, the displacement of residents, and other conditions that prevent households from purchasing and preparing food. FNS has notified all authorized San Diego County EBT retailers of the waiver and is encouraging stores to post notices alerting customers of the change. This change comes on the heels of the Disaster CalFresh application opening from March 7-15 for those experiencing challenges from the January rainstorm and flooding. That program provides a one-time payment to buy food for themselves and their families. For a list of authorized EBT retailers, visit fns.usda.gov. (Cassie N. Saunders/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

When the IRS files a federal tax lien

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.

a

your

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.

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.

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 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.

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

HOST-MODEL Atasha Muhlach, daughter of celebrity couple Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales, 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 social 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. (by Kristofer Purnell /Philstar.com) n

Funding approved for 19 park projects across San Diego

of the projects

are in

Park

Ysidro; John

Lane Park in

San

DIF

funding once they reach a project phase that requires

additional funding.

Host-model Atasha Muhlach

Photo from Instagram/@atashamuhlach_

approves plan to improve pedestrian safety in unincorporated communities

located on essential roadways that provide access within the unincorporated areas, which requires these roadways to be safe and efficient. Installing high-visibility crosswalks, curb ramps, audible and tactile pushbuttons, and pedestrian countdown signal heads will improve accessibility and safety for pedestrians, including children and individuals with vision or hearing loss.

The purpose of providing pedestrian connections that are safe and continuous is to support and encourage people to walk for everyday trips. Active modes of travel are increasingly recognized as an important way of improving public health, incorporating sustainable practices, and increasing the quality of life in communities.

The total estimated project cost is $958,554, including design, environmental review, and construction support. Construction is scheduled to begin by June 2024 and completed by August 2024.

Road and Elkelton Boulevard (La Presa/Spring Valley)

• Sweetwater

•

•

The intersections are also part of the county’s General Mobility Element, which provides a framework for a balanced transportation system for people within the unincorporated areas.

These intersections are

The following 17 locations in the unincorporated communities of Spring Valley, La Presa, Bonita, Valley Center, Ramona, Fallbrook, Jamul, and El Cajon were identified in the Local Roadway Safety Plan for the implementation of pedestrian safety that include accessible pedestrian pushbuttons that beep/vibrate, and pedestrian countdown signal heads:

• Austin Dr. and Sweetwater Spring Blvd. (Spring Valley, District 4)

• Loma Ln. and Sweetwater

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

Springs Blvd. (Spring Valley, District 4)

• Elkelton Blvd. and Paradise Valley Rd. (La Presa, District 1)

• Jamacha Rd. and Leland St. (La Presa, District 1)

• Jamacha Rd. and Kempton St. (La Presa, District 1)

• Sweetwater Rd. and Blossom Lane. (La Presa, District 1)

• Bonita Rd. and Sweetwater Rd. (Bonita, District 1)

• Cole Grade Rd. and Pauma Heights Rd. (Valley Center, District 5)

• Cole Grade Rd. and Valley Center School Rd. (Valley Center, District 5)

• D Street and Tenth Street. (Ramona, District 2)

• H Street and Tenth Street. (Ramona, District 2)

• Hanson Ln. and San Vicente Rd. (Ramona, District 2)

• Fallbrook St. and Heald Lane. (Fallbrook, District 5)

• Fallbrook St. and Stage Coach Ln. (Fallbrook, District 5)

• Jamul Dr. and Steele Canyon Rd. (Jamul, District 2)

• Marlinda Way and Pepper Dr. (El Cajon, District 2)

• Peerless Dr. and Pepper Dr. (El Cajon, District 2).

The total estimated project cost is $576,107 including design, environmental review and Construction support. Construction is scheduled to begin by the summer of 2024 and be completed by fall 2024.

For more information on road related issues, visit the county’s Public Works website at https://www.sandiegocounty. gov/content/sdc/dpw/roads.html.

(Shauni Lyles/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

County supervisors advance alternative to incarceration hub

THE San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved two actions on Wednesday, March 13 to help people move forward after arrest and incarceration.

The Board’s vote advanced plans to open a new San Diego Resource and Reentry Hub in the central region of San Diego County. The hub will bring numerous services together in one place to support the needs of people who are leaving jail or who are referred by law enforcement.

The Board’s vote also directed county staff to return within 120 days with a proposed ordinance for supervisors to consider which will allow the county to respond when jobseekers say they are facing illegal discrimination based on their criminal history.

Both actions came as part of an update on the county’s “Alternatives to Incarceration Initiative.” The initiative brings public health, justice, and equity departments together to work with community members to develop supportive services and actions to address the underlying drivers of crime and reduce the number of people who go to jail and return to it.

County staff told the Board of Supervisors that the resource and reentry hub would be based on similar successful models in other counties.

The hub would combine services to remove barriers that people who are involved in the justice system often experience, barriers that keep them from getting the things they need to move forward. Some of those barriers include not having documents, such as identification and birth certificates, or not having health insurance, job and educational opportunities, housing, or having access to behavioral health services.

The Board’s vote authorized the county to seek bids or amend current contracts to establish the new hub and its services. County staff said the next step is conducting extensive community outreach to inform where the resource hub should be located, what partners should help people there, and what elements would make the hub successful.

The county plans to hold two public listening sessions in April to get input. Details will be added

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com soon to the county’s Alternatives to Incarceration website (https:// www.sandiegocounty.gov/ content/sdc/alternatives-toincarceration.html).

Officials from the county’s Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement (OLSE) told the Board on Tuesday, March 12 that a local ordinance will support its existing work to educate local employers and jobseekers on the state’s Fair Chance Act. The law prohibits most employers from asking job applicants questions related to their criminal history until after the employer has offered them a job.

OLSE staff said that the county does hear of employers who aren’t following the law, and a local ordinance will empower them to immediately help people who report violations.

Numerous County departments and groups work with community members and other local governments on the Alternatives to Incarceration Initiative as part of an advisory group.

Some of those County departments include Behavioral Health Services; the Probation Department; the Sheriff’s Department; the San Diego County District Attorney’s office; the Office of the Public Defender; the Office of Equity and Racial Justice; and the Office of Evaluation, Performance and Analytics. Community members represent justice system advocates, people with lived experience in the justice system, and service providers.

(County of San Diego Communications Office) n