033123 - San Diego Edition

SolGen clarifies Marcos quip: ICC appeal still on

by Krixia SubingSubing Tina g. SanToS Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippine government has not retracted its appeal to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to stop the reopening of the latter’s inquiry into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs “unless President Marcos orders its withdrawal,” Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said on Wednesday, March 29. The official made the clarification in response to the president’s pronouncement on Monday, March 27 that the Philippines would “disengage” from the ICC after the Hague-based court

The governor also lays out ambitious plans to manufacture insulin, control substance abuse, and shut down private prisons

rejected the government’s request to suspend the drug war inquiry, which is distinct from its other appeal pending with the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) to reverse the decision allowing a full investigation to proceed.

“I’ll have to clarify with him that the appeal itself is still pending. It has not been denied. It has not been dismissed. We are simply awaiting the resolution of that appeal, which we don’t know when to come,” Guevarra said in an interview on ANC.

“The president might have gotten the impression it was the appeal itself that was dismissed. So I’m sending him a memo today to

Philippines, China to hold ‘exploratory’ talks for oil, gas exploration

MANILA — The Philippines and China will again start “exploratory” talks to resume joint oil and gas exploration opportunities upon the request of the Chinese government.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Manila is open to discussions anew, provided that “requirements of the constitution” would always be considered. The meeting may be held between maritime officers of the two countries.

“[China was] proposing that we begin talks again on oil and gas. I think we will begin in maybe around six weeks, but as I said at a technical level,” Manalo said in an interview with GMA News, a transcript of which was made available to the media by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“But those talks are going to begin discussing basically terms of reference, there’s no document yet and they will have to discuss the terms of reference, what kind of issues, I can foresee that there will still be lots of discussions.”

This comesover two months the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional and void the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking from the 2000s made between firms from China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The high court then cited Section 2, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution, which said all of the country’s natural resources “shall be under full control and supervision of the State.”

The Reed Bank, which is within the

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clarify that the appeal is still on,” he said. In a separate message to reporters, Guevarra, who served as justice secretary under the previous administration, said he would discuss possible options with the president.

“Personally, though, since we have already filed the appeal, we are not going to lose anything further by waiting for its resolution,” he said.

‘Unwise, rash’

Asked on Monday what was the next step for the government in the ICC case, the President replied that there wasn’t any new move, as the

US lawmaker reintroduces bill to suspend US security aid to the Philippines

by Kaycee ValmonTe Inquirer.net

MANILA — A bill that aims to suspend security assistance to the Philippines until perpetrators of human rights abuses in the ranks of the police and military are held accountable has been reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild (Pennsylvania, 7th District) again filed the Philippine Human Rights Act (PHRA) before the U.S. House earlier this month in commemoration of the second anniversary of the “Bloody Sunday Massacre” where raids across the Calabarzon region in 2021 left nine activists dead.

The PHRA would suspend Washington’s security assistance to the Philippines until the government fully investigates and prosecutes any military or police personnel engaged in human rights abuses. Should the the bill pass into law, Washington will require Manila to comply with a set of “basic human rights standards” before it can receive military aid. u PAGE 2

Vanessa Hudgens named PH global tourism ambassador

DFA

says 81 Filipinos are on death row abroad

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported Wednesday, March 29 that 81 Filipinos are on death row overseas, and vowed to do all it can to avert the execution of their sentence.

“The DFA continues to work hard and exhausts all diplomatic channels available to ensure that no death penalty sentence is executed against any of our kababayans (fellow countrymen). Currently, there are 81 death penalty cases involving overseas Filipinos,” the DFA Assistance to Nationals data sheet states.

According to the agency, one of its important interventions regarding Filipinos on death row abroad includes the rescinding

Galvez defends Marcos admin’s alleged pro-US stance

of a death sentence meted on two Filipinos in Saudi Arabia for having an illicit affair.

In 2022, their death penalty sentence was reduced to nine-year imprisonment, the DFA noted.

Acquittals

The DFA likewise reported securing acquittals for 135 overseas Filipinos facing various charges abroad.

Acquittals, it explained, “involve going through the entire criminal trial process where the Court eventually finds that the Filipino accused is not guilty of the crime charged.”

“Contrary to media reports that the DFA

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by michael Punongbayan Philstar.com

MANILA — Senior Defense Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr. defended the Marcos administration on Monday, March 27 against those criticizing the government for allegedly being too pro-U.S.

“Hindi naman (not really),” he told reporters, stressing that the Philippines and the United States have a Mutual Defense Treaty that shows the long-standing friendship and commitment between the two nations.

Galvez explained that just like other countries, the Philippines honors its

“HIGH School Musical” star Vanessa Hudgens was named a global tourism ambassador for the Philippines during a courtesy call in Malacañang on Thursday, March 30.

The honorary title was given by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, and Office of the Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications Secretary Paul Soriano, to Hudgens, as seen in a photo captured by photographer Magic Liwanag, which was uploaded on Publicity Asia’s Instagram page.

Later on, the Presidential Communications Office uploaded photos of the event on Facebook.

The Filipina-American actress, who’s best known for her role as Gabriella Montez, in the hit series is currently in the Philippines to film a documentary series which is set in Manila and Palawan.

The series is said to focus on Hudgens getting in touch with her Filipino heritage, as her mother Gina is known to have come from the Philippines.

Earlier, the “The Princess Switch” star also posted on Instagram pictures of herself and her sister Stella after they went swimming in the lagoons of El Nido, Palawan.

A first-time traveler to the Philippines, Hudgens described as “paradise,” as she showed herself enjoying the clear, blue waters or while riding a crystal kayak. (Inquirer.net) n

YOUNG ‘PALASPAS’ ARTIST. A child on Thursday, March 30 helps his family weave palm fronds into attractive ‘palaspas’ ahead of Palm Sunday on April 2. The art of weaving palm fronds into intricately patterned ‘palaspas’ - which is handed down by parents to their children - not only expresses the

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra Inquirer.net file photo

Vanessa Hudgens during her courtesy call on President Bongbong Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on Thursday, March 30. Image from Facebook / PCO

SolGen clarifies Marcos quip: ICC appeal still...

country was “disengaging from any contact, from any communication with the ICC.”

Such a statement, however, was “unwise and rash,” National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) counsel Kristina Conti said in a message to the Inquirer , noting that the government recently hired London-based lawyer Sarah Bafadhel to help in the appeals proceedings.

No ‘persuasive reasons’

She advised the president to confer with his legal team and discuss the proper course of action for the Philippines, following the rejection of the government’s petition to suspend the drug war inquiry.

“So far, the ICC proceedings is on track and aligned with our search for genuine justice for the victims of grave rights violations,” Conti said.

In its eight-page decision, the ICC’s Appeals Chamber said it did not find “persuasive reasons” to grant the Philippine government’s appeal to suspend the drug war inquiry, pending a decision into another appeal for the court’s PTC to reverse its earlier authorization of a full inquiry into the drug war.

As explained by lawyers for drug war victims, the ruling allows ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan to continue gathering evidence and witnesses while

the appellate chamber has yet to decide on the Philippine government’s second appeal.

The chamber ruled that the Philippine government failed to substantiate its argument that the court lacked jurisdiction over the drug war case. It also dismissed the government’s assertion that a drug war probe by the ICC “would create an irreversible situation that cannot be corrected.”

Multiple interpretations

In the ANC interview, Guevarra said Marcos’ statement was open to multiple interpretations.

“Does that mean we will stop communicating and submitting any further pleadings in connection with our appeal?” he said, adding:

“Does that mean if the ICC chamber calls for an oral argument on the appeal, we will not participate anymore?

Or does that simply mean no further action?”

“Let’s just await the ruling, on the appeal itself? Or alternatively, could that also mean that let’s just withdraw the appeal, anyway they have already proceeded with the investigation? That is also a possibility,” Guevarra said.

“If I am asked by the president, since we have already filed our appeal brief, and nothing more remains to be done except to await

the judgment of the Appeals Chamber, then we might just as well wait for it. But in the meantime, we don’t have to do anything further,” he added.

If the ICC prosecutor seeks official assistance in his investigation, Guevarra said the ICC official would be told “sorry, you do it on your own.”

At the Senate, an ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Francis Tolentino, disclosed his plan to summon Khan, the ICC prosecutor, to a hearing on two separate resolutions asking the Senate to defend Duterte from the international body’s investigation into the thousands of killings and other atrocities in the government’s war on drugs.

“I am inclined, if time permits, to conduct a hearing concerning the resolutions filed last February,” Tolentino said, referring to the resolutions introduced by two other Duterte allies: Senators Robinhood Padilla and Jinggoy Estrada.

“I would want to have Mr. Khan explain the reason why they insisted that the pleading filed by the Office of the Solicitor General was not complete, was not conclusive enough,” he told reporters at an online press briefing.

Bato’s lawyer Tolentino also said he had accepted the request of his

friend and political ally, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, to stand as his counsel should the ICC issue a warrant for his arrest. Dela Rosa led the first two years of Duterte’s bloody campaign against illegal drugs as the Philippine National Police chief.

Tolentino acknowledged that his decision to provide legal services for Dela Rosa might put into question the credibility of the Senate hearing.

Under the 1987 Constitution, “no senator or member of the House of Representatives may personally appear as counsel before any court of justice or before the electoral tribunals, or quasi-judicial and other administrative bodies.”

Not consistent

Opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros criticized Marcos’ statement, saying it was not consistent with his pledge to cooperate with international bodies on the protection of human rights.

“Where is the integrity of the president’s word? Did he not promise commitment to human rights and justice?” she said in a video statement.

“If [Mr. Marcos] acts on his decision to disengage from the [ICC], he will embarrass the Philippines on the international stage,” Hontiveros said.

— with reports from Marlon Ramos and Melvin Gascon n

Galvez defends Marcos...

agreements with its allies such as the U.S.

“At the same time, we can see the U.S. government is really supporting us in terms of our modernizing,” he said, referring to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program.

Galvez added that like other states, the Philippines wants to have a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

The statement of the Department of National Defense officer-incharge came in light of those criticizing the national government’s decision to allow American troops access to four more sites in the country under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

Last week, retired officials of the AFP expressed their full support for the proposal to allow U.S. forces access to more military locations in the Philippines.

The Association of General and Flag Officers said allowing American troops access will further boost defense capabilities in areas including the West Philippine Sea.

“This 2014 agreement allows the rotation, not permanent stay, of U.S. troops in mutually agreed locations where our ally could use temporary facilities,” their statement read.

Current EDCA sites in the country are Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro.

U.S. bucks sea intimidation

The United States underscored that no member of the international community should be intimidated or coerced into giving up their rights and freedoms of the sea that is guaranteed to all.

“The international community has an enduring role in preserving the freedom of the seas, which is critical to global security, stability and prosperity,” the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet said in a statement after Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands.

The U.S. Defense Department said this freedom of navigation operation upheld the rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging the restrictions on innocent passage imposed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam and also by challenging Beijing’s claim to straight baselines enclosing the Paracel Islands.

“Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded commerce and freedom of economic opportunity for South China Sea littoral nations,” it said.

The U.S. challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant.

“The United States upholds freedom of navigation for all nations as a principle. As long as some countries continue to claim and assert limits on rights that exceed their authority under international law, the United States will continue to defend the rights and freedoms of the sea guaranteed to all,” it added.n

US lawmaker...

“Those standards include the effective protection of labor leaders and activists, journalists, religious and faith leaders, and dissidents; a functioning judiciary capable of prosecuting members of police and military units; and the withdrawal of military forces from domestic policing activities, in accordance with the constitution of the Philippines,”

U.S. Rep. Wild wrote in an opinion piece published on The Hill on March 10. The bill is supported by multiple groups, including the Democratic Socialists of America, the Malaya Movement, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines - U.S., Migrante USA, among others. Wild also introduced the bill in 2020 and 2021. n

Senior Defense Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr. Philstar.com photo by Mong Pintolo

This photo shows a protester holding the photo of couple Chai Lemita and Ariel Evangelista who are among the nine activists killed in the bloody Calabarzon raids on March 7, 2021. Kilusang Mayo Uno / released, file

San Diego launches life science industry pilot program

Goal is to speed up building permit process for new and existing biotech projects

SAN DIEGO – With the goal of making resources and information available to industry leaders and developers, the City of San Diego’s new Life Science Industry Pilot Program aims at revitalizing and expanding the life science industry in San Diego.

The program, which is overseen by the Development Services Department, is designed to speed up the building permit process by facilitating project set-up, review inspection and occupancy for new and existing life science projects within the city.

“San Diego is already home to more than 1,100 biotech companies,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “The Life Science Industry Pilot Program hopes to increase that number by providing the life science industry with all the necessary tools to help our city continue to be at the center of scientific research and development, which will ultimately improve our region’s economy and quality of life.”

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, tenant improvements for identified life science industry businesses and new buildings for identified life science industry businesses.

“The City’s new pilot program will help life science project applicants who are ready to move in identified life science tenants, upon completion of their building tenant improvements,” said Development Services Department Director Elyse Lowe. “By providing active project management of selected projects, our highly-qualified staff will be able to expedite the setup and review of qualified projects to ensure compliance with building codes and standards to meet the industry’s needs.”

Participation in the pilot program is limited to ensure all projects get the attention they deserve. The Development Services Department’s project managers are assigned to each qualified project, and plan reviewers with specific knowledge of life industry processes will be assigned to these projects.

To find out more about the program and whether your project idea qualifies for submission, please visit the city’s website at https:// www.sandiego.gov/development-services/news-programs/lifescience-industry-pilot-program. Those interested in submitting new projects are invited to book an appointment to meet virtually with a development project manager.

(City of San Diego Release) n

DFA says 81 Filipinos...

has not successfully obtained an acquittal for 2022, the DFA reports that based on figures sent by our FSPs (Foreign Service Posts), a total of 135 acquittals were secured by the DFA through the Legal Assistance Fund in 2022,” the DFA said.

“Most of the acquittals involved retaliatory cases filed against household service workers (HSWs) in the Middle East for theft, absconding, and breach of trust,” it added.

But in a Senate hearing in January this year, the DFA reported that they have zero acquittals of Filipinos facing criminal charges abroad in the first half of 2022.

The agency argued that from January-June 2022, most nations in Asia and Middle East were observing tight COVID-19

protocols, hence, courts were closed and there was a “general slowdown in the resolution of cases.”

But from 2018-2022, the DFA said, it secured 556 acquittals through the Legal Assistance Fund.

Pardons The DFA likewise reported that through the Legal Assistance Fund, 354 convicted Filipinos overseas from 2018-2022 have been pardoned.

“Many of the pardoned cases are for drug trafficking, prostitution, and theft,” it noted.

Meanwhile, the Assistance to Nationals – in which embassies and consulates provide legal, humanitarian, and reparation aid to distressed Filipinos overseas –will be under the Department of Migrant Workers by the end of June, the DFA said. (By Daniza Fernandez/Inquirer.net) n

Newsom outlines vision for California...

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doled out to cities and counties attempting to reduce their unhoused populations. The $1 billion in grants is part of a multi-year $15.3 billion effort by the state to address the crisis of homelessness.

Funds will go to entities that are “ambitious” in their goals, with improved metrics and coordination. “We rejected many plans that were unambitious,” said Newsom, adding: “no plan, no money.”

Bonuses of up to 16% will be attached for cities and counties who meet their target metrics. An additional $750 million has been allocated to clean up homeless encampments.

Tiny homes

Newsom also announced a “small homes” initiative, tiny units which would house 2 to 6 people. 1200 small homes will be placed this year in Los Angeles, San Diego County, San Jose and Sacramento. People living in homeless encampments will be first priority for housing in the tiny homes, as the first step to transitioning into permanent housing.

Newsom said he hopes to launch the initiative in other cities next year. The homes are offered free, and ready to move in to.

Through these initiatives, the state is expected to reduce its homeless population by 15% by 2025. The Public Policy Institute of California notes that the state has the largest number of unhoused people in the country: more than 131,000 people are unsheltered, according to the 2022 annual Point In Time survey, in which volunteers go out on to streets to count the number of homeless residents.

Project homeKey

Los Angeles is home to 38% of the state’s homeless residents. San Jose, one of the wealthiest regions in California, is home to

5.8% of the state’s unhoused people, while Oakland is home to 5.7%. San Francisco has 4.5% of the state’s unhoused individuals, according to PPIC data.

Amid the pandemic, Newsom had launched Project HomeKey, an ambitious project to buy up hotels, motels, and other properties to be repurposed as housing for homeless people, with support services to address substance abuse, mental illness, and economic distress. In response to a question from Ethnic Media Services, the governor said: “I couldn’t be more proud of the program, especially with our rural partners who have developed some really innovative solutions with Project HomeKey funding.”

Newsom noted that Project HomeKey bought 6,000 units at a cost of $3.75 billion. Critics of the program noted it cost an average of $55,000 to house an individual, and did not address the underlying issues leading to chronic homelessness.

‘Crisis of housing’

In response to a question from California Black Media, Newsom said he was tightening up the permitting process for Accessory Dwelling Units to increase the supply of affordable housing, with $100 million having been allocated to homeowners to apply for grants to build ADUs on their property.

“In California, we are using every tool in our toolbox – including the largest-ever deployment of small homes in the state – to move people off the streets and into housing. The crisis of homelessness will never be solved without first solving the crisis of housing – the two issues are inextricably linked,” said Newsom.

Insulin manufacturing

The governor also announced that the state would be producing its own insulin to be distributed at $30 per vial, greatly reducing

the cost of a drug that is needed daily by 3 million of the state’s residents.

Diabetes disproportionately affects people of color, along with low-income individuals, said Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of California Health and Human Services. “We know the cost of insulin is forcing families to make hard choices,” he said at the March 22 briefing.

The state has partnered with Utah-based Civica to manufacture insulin. Newsom said he hopes to begin manufacturing insulin in California by 2025.

Opioid crisis

The governor is also shoring up his response to the state’s mental health and opioid crises. He announced a 2024 ballot initiative, which would provide $1 billion annually to increase the supply of beds for mentally ill people, especially veterans.

Earlier in the week, Newsom released his administration’s “Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis,” which would step up efforts to seize fentanyl, support overdose prevention efforts, hold the opioid pharmaceutical industry accountable, crack down on drug trafficking, and raise awareness about the dangers of opioids.

Newsom also discussed the state’s shutdown of four private prisons. “It is absolutely perverse that we have profit motives for incarcerating our citizens,” he stated. The state’s prison population has dropped dramatically, from a high of almost 200,000 prisoners during the Schwarzenegger era, to about 93,000 currently.

San Quentin is also being repurposed as a rehabilitation facility to allow prisoners to more successfully integrate into society once released, thereby reducing the state’s rate of recidivism. (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services) n

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria File photo/www.sandiego.gov

End of COVID emergency...

rules on how care is delivered. That transformed essentially every corner of American health care — from hospitals and nursing homes to public health and treatment for people recovering from addiction.

Now, as the government prepares to reverse some of those steps, here’s a glimpse at ways patients will be affected:

Training rules for nursing home staff get stricter

The end of the emergency means nursing homes will have to meet higher standards for training workers.

Advocates for nursing home residents are eager to see the old, tougher training requirements reinstated, but the industry says that move could worsen staffing shortages plaguing facilities nationwide.

In the early days of the pandemic, to help nursing homes function under the virus’s onslaught, the federal government relaxed training requirements.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services instituted a national policy saying nursing homes needn’t follow regulations requiring nurse aides to undergo at least 75 hours of state-approved training. Normally, a nursing home couldn’t employ aides for more than four months unless they met those requirements.

Last year, CMS decided the relaxed training rules would no longer apply nationwide, but states and facilities could ask for permission to be held to the lower standards. As of March, 17 states had such exemptions, according to CMS — Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington — as did 356 individual nursing homes in Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.

Nurse aides often provide the most direct and labor-intensive care for residents, including bathing and other hygiene-related tasks, feeding, monitoring vital signs, and keeping rooms clean. Research has shown that nursing homes with staffing instability maintain a lower quality of care.

Advocates for nursing home residents are pleased the training exceptions will end but fear that the quality of care could nevertheless deteriorate. That’s because CMS has signaled that, after the looser standards expire, some of the hours that nurse aides logged during the pandemic could count toward their 75 hours of required training.

On-the-job experience, however, is not necessarily a sound substitute for the training workers missed, advocates argue.

Adequate training of aides is crucial so “they know what they’re doing before they provide care, for their own good as well as for the residents,” said Toby Edelman, a senior policy attorney for the Center for Medicare Advocacy.

The American Health Care Association, the largest nursing home lobbying group, released a December survey finding that roughly 4 in 5 facilities were dealing with moderate to high levels of staff shortages.

Treatment threatened for people recovering from addiction

A looming rollback of broader access to

buprenorphine, an important medication for people in recovery from opioid addiction, is alarming patients and doctors.

During the public health emergency, the Drug Enforcement Administration said providers could prescribe certain controlled substances virtually or over the phone without first conducting an inperson medical evaluation. One of those drugs, buprenorphine, is an opioid that can prevent debilitating withdrawal symptoms for people trying to recover from addiction to other opioids. Research has shown using it more than halves the risk of overdose.

Amid a national epidemic of opioid addiction, if the expanded policy for buprenorphine ends, “thousands of people are going to die,” said Ryan Hampton, an activist who is in recovery.

The DEA in late February proposed regulations that would partly roll back the prescribing of controlled substances through telemedicine.

A clinician could use telemedicine to order an initial 30-day supply of medications such as buprenorphine, Ambien, Valium, and Xanax, but patients would need an in-person evaluation to get a refill.

For another group of drugs, including Adderall, Ritalin, and oxycodone, the DEA proposal would institute tighter controls. Patients seeking those medications would need to see a doctor in person for an initial prescription.

David Herzberg, a historian of drugs at the University at Buffalo, said the DEA’s approach reflects a fundamental challenge in developing drug policy: meeting the needs of people who rely on a drug that can be abused without making that drug too readily available to others.

The DEA, he added, is “clearly seriously wrestling with this problem.”

Hospitals return to normal, somewhat

During the pandemic, CMS has tried to limit problems that could arise if there weren’t enough health care workers to treat patients — especially before there were covid vaccines when workers were at greater risk of getting sick.

For example, CMS allowed hospitals to make broader use of nurse practitioners and physician assistants when caring for Medicare patients. And new physicians not yet credentialed to work at a particular hospital — for example, because governing bodies lacked time to conduct their reviews — could nonetheless practice there.

Other changes during the public health emergency were meant to shore up hospital capacity. Critical access hospitals, small hospitals located in rural areas, didn’t have to comply with federal rules for Medicare stating they were limited to 25 inpatient beds and patients’ stays could not exceed 96 hours, on average.

Once the emergency ends, those exceptions will disappear.

Hospitals are trying to persuade federal officials to maintain multiple COVID-era policies beyond the emergency or work with Congress to change the law.

Surveillance of infectious diseases splinters

The way state and local public health departments monitor the spread of disease will change after the emergency ends, because the Department of Health and Human Services won’t be able to require labs to report COVID testing data.

Without a uniform, federal requirement,

Philippines, China to hold ‘exploratory’...

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Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, has around 21% more gas than the reserve in Malampaya. It was among the sites previously considered for joint exploration between the Philippines and China.

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. announced in June last year that joint oil and gas exploration between Manila and Beijing had been permanently terminated over concerns that the deal encroaches Philippine sovereignty.

“We got as far as it is constitutionally possible to go,” Locsin said last year. (Philstar. com) n

how states and counties track the spread of the coronavirus will vary. In addition, though hospitals will still provide COVID data to the federal government, they may do so less frequently.

Public health departments are still getting their arms around the scope of the changes, said Janet Hamilton, executive director of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists.

In some ways, the end of the emergency provides public health officials an opportunity to rethink COVID surveillance. Compared with the pandemic’s early days, when at-home tests were unavailable and people relied heavily on labs to determine whether they were infected, testing data from labs now reveals less about how the virus is spreading.

Public health officials don’t think “getting all

test results from all lab tests is potentially the right strategy anymore,” Hamilton said. Flu surveillance provides a potential alternative model: For influenza, public health departments seek test results from a sampling of labs.

“We’re still trying to work out what’s the best, consistent strategy. And I don’t think we have that yet,” Hamilton said. (Rachana Pradhan/California Healthline)

This story was produced by KHN (Kaiser Health News), a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

BAHAY BULILIT. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines, Inc. turns over a Bahay Bulilit Learning Center to Barangay Tibungco, Davao City, on Thursday, March 30. The Bahay Bulilit, which costs P2.5 million, is the fourth in the city. It can accommodate 60 to 70 kids. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Bato dangles EDCA termination as bill blocking US security aid to Philippines refiled

by Xave GreGorio Philstar.com

MANILA — Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa threatened on Thursday, March 30 to push for the termination of a key defense agreement between the Philippines and the United States in response to the refiling of a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that seeks to block security aid to Manila.

Dela Rosa said in a virtual news briefing that he is mulling to file a Senate resolution that would call for the end of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and U.S. which grants Washington’s troops access to Manila’s military bases.

“Sure, cut aid and we will also end EDCA here. Let’s not conduct any exercises anymore. You are just using us so you can raid Taiwan. What kind of relationship is this? One-way?” the senator said in Filipino.

It is not clear what form Dela Rosa’s mulled resolution would be, but he could file a Sense of the Senate resolution which would embody the chamber’s stand on a particular issue although this would still not be legally binding.

While some critics say EDCA is a treaty that the Senate should concur to, the government has always viewed it as an executive agreement which does not need the upper chamber’s consent for it to take effect.

Still, Dela Rosa said the Senate can move on its

own should it decide that it wants EDCA terminated.

“We can still question that. That’s not a problem. We are not bound by whatever decision of the executive branch of the government because we are independent of each other. We can do whatever we want,” he said.

US. Rep. Susan Wild (Pennsylvania, 7th District) again filed the Philippine Human Rights Act (PHRA) before the US House earlier this month in commemoration of the second anniversary of the “Bloody Sunday Massacre” where raids across the Calabarzon region in 2021 left nine activists dead.

The PHRA would suspend Washington’s security assistance to the Philippines until the government fully investigates and prosecutes any military or police personnel engaged in human rights abuses.

Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Nueva Ecija, Palawan and Pampanga are hosts of the existing EDCA sites. Four more sites have been identified which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said will be “scattered around” the country.

“There are some in the north, there are some around Palawan, there are some further south so these sites are in various, different locations,” Marcos said partly in Filipino last week.

EDCA allows American and Philippine troops to train together as well as respond to humanitarian crises. With the additional four, total EDCA sites now stand at nine.

Agence France-Presse previously reported that negotiations were ongoing for a fifth additional site. n

Filipinos eyed for Ukraine reconstruction

by Bernadette e tamayo ManilaTimes.net

UKRAINE Deputy Head of Mission to the Philippines Denys Mykhailiuk has raised the possibility of tapping Filipino workers in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Ukraine has an embassy in Malaysia which has jurisdiction over the Philippines. Kyiv has a consulate in Manila.

In a press conference on Wednesday, March 29, Mykhailiuk said the hiring of Filipino construction workers is one of the “possible” cooperation between Ukraine and the Philippines.

“We will be making talks about Filipino labor to come because this reconstruction effort will need significant increase in labor,” he said.

“Ukraine, as majority of European states, is an aging country. Now, it is not the situation here and hardworking Filipinos will be welcome there to benefit our growth and Filipino investors will be very much welcome. So, I see enormous room for improvement,” he added.

Mykhailiuk said the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in

the rebuilding of Ukraine is significant “because this is the leading organization in Asia and we see Asean as the partner for reconstruction and rebuilding of Ukraine.

He thanked the Philippines for its assistance to his country following the invasion of Russia.

“We are thankful for every friendly move, political, humanitarian, economic and military. But there is room to do more not only on the governmental level,” the envoy said. “We expect some political

support. We expect boosting military cooperation. I think it might be mutually beneficial. We have immediate need for some ammunition, medical.”

He also asked Manila to support the call to ban Russian athletes to international sports events “because majority of these athletes are members of the Russian military.”

The envoy said that Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba may visit the Philippines in July. Ukraine might open its embassy here before the end of 2023. n

Government revises departure protocols after complaints vs immigration officers

MANILA — Immigration procedures are undergoing revisions following complaints over the apparently overly strict implementation of departure protocols for travelers leaving the Philippines, the Department of Justice said on Thursday, March 30.

In a statement, the DOJ said the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking is “in the process of revising the departure formalities to better reflect current trends and plug the gaps that arose along the way.”

IACAT, chaired by the DOJ, serves as the coordinating and monitoring mechanism on all anti-human trafficking efforts of the government.

Several travelers have complained on social media about missing their flights or being offloaded after fielding probing questions by Bureau of Immigration officers.

“Moreover, we are in coordination with the BI and other stakeholders to minimize the inconvenience caused by the departure formalities to Filipino travelers,” the DOJ said, adding that the “excessive or inappropriate behavior” of some immigration officers are being investigated. According to a source familiar with procedures, immigration officers may ask follow-up questions when a travelers’ circumstances — like not having enough pocket money or a visible source of income — raise suspicions. Those with acting working visas to a third country could also come under scrutiny, a source said.

Fight vs human trafficking

The DOJ, however, stressed that BI officers are tasked to protect Filipinos from human trafficking and other dangers.

Deputy Head of Mission to the Philippines Denys Mykhailiuk ManilaTimes.net photo

Disengagement

Government lawyers lament that the International Criminal Court is rushing the Philippines in its probe of thousands of deaths in the campaign against illegal drugs waged by Rodrigo Duterte when he was president and before that, mayor of Davao City.

On Tuesday, March 28 the ICC announced its rejection of the Philippine appeal to suspend its probe pending a final ruling on the request of its chief prosecutor to proceed with a full-blown investigation of the deaths in Duterte’s so-called war on drugs. The ICC stressed that the rejection of the suspension must not be construed as a ruling on the merits of the chief prosecutor’s request.

Editorial

Nevertheless, with the rejection of the Philippines’ appeal, president Marcos said the country has no more moves left and is “disengaging” from the ICC, as he deplored its “interference and, practically, attacks on the sovereignty of the republic.”

If the ICC proceeds with its formal probe, the Philippines cannot stop it, but the government can refuse to cooperate. The government, however, cannot stop private individuals from providing information to the ICC or participating in the probe.

justice to victims. Several former police anti-narcotics operatives have been convicted and sent to prison for the execution of teenage drug suspects.

The government must dispel perceptions that these cases were no mere tokens, as critics of the drug war believe, and must show that justice is possible for other suspected victims of extrajudicial killings. Critics also lament that accountability has been limited to minor players in the anti-drug campaign.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra has said that the government is still trying to put together a broader picture of what happened, to determine if there is basis for allegations that drug suspects were summarily executed in a state-sanctioned systematic campaign that might constitute a crime against humanity. Guevarra has not ruled out the possible accountability of higher officials. He has expressed openness to the creation of an independent fact-finding or truth commission, but only if the members and the appointing power will be Filipinos.

Rejecting ICC jurisdiction and refusing to cooperate should not mean stopping the country’s efforts to unearth the truth about possible abuses in the war on drugs, and to give

Commentary

M elandrew T. V elasco

HOLDING that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) was pursuant to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the United States and the Philippines, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of EDCA, maintaining that it was not EDCA that allowed foreign troops into the country but the Visiting Forces Agreement. This too was the subject of constitutional litigation, and the Supreme Court upheld its constitutionality. The VFA case was itself interesting because it squarely dealt with the issue that while for the Philippines, it was a treaty, for the U.S., it was an executive agreement. The Supreme Court, relying largely on the representation of the U.S. government that it conducted most of its foreign affairs in

Breakthrough

THE distinction between an American party and a Filipino party, according to friends and relatives who have been at both types of parties, is that in Filipino celebrations, the center is the food offerings. Guests are encouraged to eat more and are even offered to take home some of the food that is served.

According to the doyenne of Philippine cuisine, the late Doreen Gamboa Fernandez, in Metro Manila and large urban centers, parties serve traditional Filipino offerings and other cuisine like Chinese style noodles, Spanish paella, American burgers and steaks, Japanese sushi and sashimi, Korean barbecue, British fish and chips and other cuisines native to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Italy, Middle East, Mexico and other nationalities.

The food selections in the upper class Metro Manila household may be considered as eclectic. But Fernandez has observed that even decades ago,

The conviction of the former policemen for the execution of the teenage drug suspects showed that abuses were indeed committed in

executive agreements, ruled that for as long as the agreement “had the effect of a treaty” on the U.S., the requirements of the Philippine Constitution were met.

It ruled that the EDCA was an executive agreement entered into by the president in implementation of existing treaties and statutes — and was therefore properly the subject of an executive agreement that called for no Senate concurrence.

Since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared that he favors the implementation of the agreement, the next issue is deciding on where the military exercises take place and where the American troops are to temporarily make camp. Some local government officials have voiced misgivings, claiming that their constituents do not want to be caught between warring factions. Of course, there is no war, neither is there an imminent threat of one. China, it should not be surprising, is vehemently against EDCA and has warned the Philippines

carrying out what the government insists were legitimate law enforcement operations. The country’s “disengagement” from the ICC need not lead to a stalemate in the pursuit of justice.

EDCA: To be or not to be!

against engaging in military exercises with the Americans, but it would be as detrimental to our sovereignty as a nation to buckle down because China has bared its fangs.

In fact, it has done so many times in the past, and for all the rhetoric and the bombast from our end following incursions of China into maritime zones in the West Philippine Sea over which the Philippines has sovereign rights, we have done very little to put China in its place. Perhaps we have decided that we cannot do it, and that is probably right — strategically. But that is the reason that aside from strategic action, there is normatively regulated action: action that arises from norms and is sanctioned by them. If the only kind of action there was strategic, then certainly it would be foolhardy for the Philippines to even attempt to stand in the way of a giant like China. But the moment we adopt this posture, then small, weak, powerless nations do not stand a chance against the bullying of the huge and the mighty — and that is

certainly no world order that is a welcome proposition to any state, or to anyone, for that matter!

That is what I have always insisted about the arbitral decision in the case between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China.

It transposes the exchange from the level of strategy to the level of normativity. It asks about the norms of conduct by which both parties must regulate their actions — and the pronouncement of the tribunal leaves no doubt that the rights are on our side, and that China has been — and remains — in violation of law.

In blatant transgression of the tribunal’s judgment, it has converted features into military bastions and taken its firepower closer to the Philippines. Now, it tells us that we should not allow Americans to challenge her dominance over the troubled waters on our western seaboard? By what logic? By what law? And by what inanity should we, Filipinos, insist that China means well, and that it

would not be in our interest to provoke her by joining with Americans in military exercises.

No, America is not the lilywhite hegemon with motives pure and intentions immutably fair. It has had its own share of shenanigans and doubledealing. But its sins are not the issue here. The point is whether it makes sense to desist from alliances with the United States in respect to this very limited field of defense preparedness and readiness at China’s bidding, the very country that has thumbed its nose at international law and our rights? Some local officials have reportedly profited from deals made with Chinese corporations over resources of the country within their respective constituencies. If so, then their opposition to EDCA and to military exercises in their localities is as unprincipled as their shady deals.

It is not a question of canonizing one hegemon as good and the other as evil. No one is engaged in such childish characterizations. What we have

to do with rather is the stark reality that China has fired water cannons at our fishing boats, shooed our fishermen away from the Scarborough Shoal, cordoned off reefs and features well within our exclusive economic zone and simply shoved aside a legally rendered judgment of a competent tribunal that had adjudicated on our rights over this section of the sea. And then there is the useful point made by Foucault that after the Treaty of Westphalia, balance of power has become a crucial consideration, and the painful, hurtful and disappointing events of late in this part of the world have warned us quite clearly I think about the deleteriousness of a lack of balance! (ManilaTimes. net)

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

* * * rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph

The flourishing of Filipino cuisine

away from major urban centers, it is still mostly native cuisine in all its regional variations that are the daily fare. However, in the last decade or so, it has been observed that Filipino cuisine has increased in stature and has even begun to be internationally recognized. Several decades ago, Filipino cuisine was considered as food for daily consumption. Today, we have television shows that focus on Filipino cuisine with its different variations.

My favorite show is “Chasing Flavors” hosted by Claude Tayag, the well-known Filipino and Kapampangan food gourmet. His show centers on his travels to various regions where he goes out of his way to look for distinctive regional variations. There are now more authors that have written about our native cuisine. There are even authors that have explained and written narratives on Philippine culture as defined by the food that is indigenous to the culture. Some of these authors are Felice P. Sta. Maria and Fernando N. Zialcita.

However, the pioneer in Filipino culinary history is Doreen Gamboa Fernandez.

Among her books are Tikim (Taste), a collection of essays on Filipino book and culture written before her death on June 24, 2002. This was revised and updated in 2020. It is amazing that the essays in the book have remained relevant to the Filipino culinary scene as of this date.

Alfred Yuson wrote in the introduction to the book:

“Throughout this collection of food essays, features and formal papers culled from a quarter century of authoritative writing, the author repeatedly stresses that what we eat has history behind it, is premised on setting and has a meaning beyond its taste and flavor.”

Fernandez, in her book, also quoted from cultural icons like E. Aguilar Cruz and Martin Tinio. Among her most quotable quotes are from her co-author for several books, cultural researcher and food expert, the late Edilberto Alegre, who said, “… that if Ilocanos favor the bitter (as in pinakbet and the famous pinapaitan, a goat dish with the bile sauce), the Tagalogs the sour (katamtamang asim in sinigang) and many Bicolanos the hot (Bicol express is a

dish of sautéed chili peppers), the Ilonggos have their own predilection. For them, no large dominant flavor but layers and nuances prized over predominance of flavor.”

In this collection of essays, Fernandez dedicates it to her parents, Dr. Alicia Lucero Gamboa of Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija and Aguinaldo S. Gamboa of Silay, Negros Occidental. The essays are divided into four categories, namely Food and Flavors; People and Places; Books and other Feasts and Food in Philippine History. The first essay is seemingly timeless and one of the most interesting. The title is “Balut to Barbecue: Philippine Street Food.” She writes: “Street food in the Philippines is not only a convenience for those without time to cook or an economic phenomenon that flourishes during hard times. It is a convenience.”

She categorizes Philippine street food from the points of view from place and manner of vending. The first category is the Walking Street Food. Among the examples she gives are the peanut vendors selling in street corners, the taho vendors who sell in residential

areas and the vendor on a bicycle moving from place to place.

The second category includes the Sitting Vendors offering baskets or trays of products like rice cakes, syrup-coated bananas or banana cues, pork barbecue and quail eggs.

Next are the Market and Church Yard Food whose food wares depend on the time of the day. It begins with breakfast, then are replaced by snacks and then lunchtime fare, primarily noodles, fish and meat dishes. It ends with snack foods.

The next are School Street Food, which are found outside every elementary, high school and college. Their offerings range from boiled corn, “dirty” ice cream, fish balls and cheap lunches with plenty of rice.

The next category is Food at Office and Factory sites. These are jeepneys or small vans from the back of which one can buy a variety of fare, ranging from sandwiches to lunch dishes.

Today, office workers refer to these as Jollijeeps.

Among the other interesting essays are the Flavors of Negros, the Filipino Kitchen, the Restaurant of Yesteryears

and Mother Cuisine.

The wheels of Philippine justice can and must continue to turn, preferably at a quicker pace and with greater resolve to unearth the truth. (Philstar.com) e lfren s c ruz

From a historical point of view, Fernandez also wrote a lengthy essay on Philippine foodways answering the question, what is Filipino food? Among the most typical and widespread examples of Filipino cuisine, she cites two. The first is the sinigang, which is meat, fish or seafood stewed in sour broth with vegetables. The second is kinilaw which has uncooked fish marinated in vinegar or lime juice.

At the end, Fernandez states that Filipino cuisine persists despite efforts by colonization and neo-colonization, unchanged in its traditional ways or slightly changed with its contact with other cultures. She says: “Its vigor augurs well and offers much hope for the folklore, the folkways, the folk art and the folk culture which many have feared are too fragile to survive modernity and global tides.” (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.

* * *

Email: elfrencruz@gmail.com

Solon welcomes Cabinet’s support for economic Cha-cha

MANILA – Cagayan de Oro

City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Wednesday, March 29 said he is inspired by the growing support for the amendment of the Constitution’s economic provision among members of the Cabinet of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He said Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno was the latest Cabinet member who supported the House of Representatives’ move to rewrite the 1987 Constitution’s restrictive economic provisions.

“We are heartened by Secretary Diokno’s supportive statement. He is an influential voice in the administration and in the business community,” he said. Rodriguez, chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments, said five Cabinet members have previously submitted their position papers to his panel upon his request in the previous public hearings.

He said the position papers came from Trade and Industry

Secretary Alfredo Pascual, National Economic and Development Authority DirectorGeneral Alfredo Balisacan, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. Pascual told the panel that recently-enacted laws provide some space for liberalization in certain sectors of the economy such as foreign investment, retail trade and telecommunications.

“However, we still note that several foreign equity restrictions are still enshrined in the Constitution, rather in an investment law or sectoral legislation, which actually makes economic reform more challenging…I think we’re the only two countries (the other is Myanmar) that have economic restrictions, foreign (investment) limitations that are enshrined in the Constitution,” he said.

For his part, Balisacan said NEDA would be open to revisiting or amending the

Palace creates task force to prepare for PH hosting of FIBA World Cup

restrictive economic provisions

“in line with, of course, the goal of propelling our growth, projecting our global position upward.”

Abalos said the DILG has written its Core Constitutional Reform Handbook which advocates Charter amendments, including “liberalizing citizenship-based restrictions on foreign direct investment.”

Gatchalian said: “We believe that amending the Constitution is timely and necessary, particularly the economic provisions that are already outdated and are no longer in the context of the present economic situation.”

“A lot of foreigners want to retire in our country, but they want to own their retirement home. They end up, more often than not, marrying a Filipina, as a workaround. They want to own an investment, it’s very difficult for them,” Manalo said.

Rodriguez said local government units grouped under the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines led by Quirino Governor Dakila Cua, have also supported the House initiative.

“Whether through the process of a constituent assembly or constitutional convention, we can clearly see that some changes are necessary to address the various challenges the country is facing,” Cua said.

Rodriguez said the economic team of former President Rodrigo Duterte, led by then Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, had likewise backed efforts to change the Charter’s economic provisions.

On March 6, the House of Representatives voted to approve on the third and final reading Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 calling for a hybrid constitutional convention (con-con) that would propose amendments to the economic provisions of the Constitution. (PNA) n

by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday, March 28 released an Administrative Order creating a special Inter-Agency Task Force to ensure the unhampered preparations of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ (SBP) for the country’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in August. Signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on March 27, AO No. 5 states that the Task Force shall be chaired by the Philippine Sports Commission chairman with the heads or designated representatives of

the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Health, Interior and Local Government, Public Works and Highways, Tourism, Transportation, Customs and Immigration as well as the Philippine National Police and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority as members.

The Task Force will streamline, integrate, harmonize and coordinate all government efforts with the plans and programs of the SBP for the “effective preparation and successful participation of all delegates in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.”

All heads of departments,

bureaus, offices, agencies or instrumentalities of the government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, and state universities and colleges were ordered to extend full support and assistance to the PSC and SBP.

“The successful organization and hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 requires the involvement, coordination, and support of all concerned government agencies, local government units, and the private sector,” the order said. The order takes effect immediately. n

Marcos: Rule of law prevails, justice system fully functional in PH

MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, March 29 said the rule of law prevails in the Philippines and its criminal justice system is functioning fully.

In a video message during the plenary session of the Second Session for Summit for Democracy, Marcos said the Philippines has been committed to fighting impunity for atrocity crimes despite the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019.

Marcos made the remark following his latest pronouncement that the Philippines is “disengaging” from any contact and communication with the International Criminal Court (ICC) after it rejected the country’s request to suspend its ongoing investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war.

“We continue to improve mechanisms such as the AO35 inter-agency committee to enhance accountability. The Philippines’ commitment to fight impunity for atrocity crimes is solid and unwavering, notwithstanding the withdrawal of the country from the Rome Statute,” he said.

“The Philippines has a national legislation punishing heinous crimes. We have vigorously exercised our jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes, including those allegedly committed in the context of the anti-illegal drugs campaign,” he added.

people-centered growth and prosperity.

Marcos cited as an example the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers to protect and promote the rights of more than 10 million Filipino migrants.

He highlighted that the nation’s justice reform agenda acknowledges that real justice means the humane treatment of persons deprived of liberty and efficient prosecution of criminal cases.

President Marcos said the administration is pouring resources and energy into improving the processes in the investigation of cases and the witness protection program.

He further assured that the Philippines will continue being an active player both bilaterally and globally in dialogues tackling various issues based on constructive engagements as long as they back the country’s interests.

“The Philippines will continue to engage countries bilaterally and in international platforms on issues concerning democracy, human rights, and good governance, as long as these engagements are constructive, based on facts, and respectful of Philippine sovereignty,” Marcos said.

91%

of Filipinos OK with optional face mask use - SWS

MANILA — Nine out of 10

Filipinos approve the voluntary use of masks, but most of them continue to wear face coverings outdoors, a survey conducted by Social Weather Stations showed.

Results of a December 10 to 14 survey released late Monday, March 27 found that 91% of the 1,200 adults polled nationwide approve the order making the wearing of face masks indoors and outdoors voluntary.

Of those, 64% said they “strongly approve” and 27% said they “somewhat approve.”

Only 3% of Filipinos said they somewhat disapprove” and only 1% said they “strongly disapprove.”

The survey also found that 54% of the respondents said they always wear a face mask

when leaving the house.

Twenty-two percent answered “most of the time” and 15% answered “sometimes.”

Only eight percent said they “rarely” wear a mask when leaving their homes, and one percent answered “never.”

Filipinos are still required to wear masks in public transportation and in medical settings.

The Philippines has so far confirmed more than four million COVID-19 cases, including over 66,000 deaths, since the health crisis began in early 2020. There are currently 8,626 active cases in the country.

Masks for kids

Ninety-one percent of the household heads in the country agree with the voluntary wearing of masks for children in

face-to-face classes, the survey also showed.

Of those, 65% said they “strongly agree”, 26% said they “somewhat agree”, 3% said they “somewhat disagree” and 2% said they “strongly disagree.”

Eighty-one percent of the household heads said they will always make their child wear a face mask when going to school.

Eleven percent answered “most of the time” and 5% said “sometimes.”

Only 3% percent said they will “rarely” make their kid wear a mask in school, and 0.5% answered “never.”

The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews. The sampling error margin is ±2.8% nationwide. (Philstar. com) n

Government revises departure...

PAGE 5

“The departure formalities are only one of IACAT’s measures to combat human trafficking. It is an integral part of a holistic and multidimensional campaign that involves prevention, protection, prosecution, partnership and policy,” it said.

The department noted that a recent scheme— recruitment of educated and well-traveled Filipinos who have the financial capacity for travel to work in call centers engaged in online scamming— poses a challenge to the implementation of departure formalities.

“The underlying problem here lies in the fact that for these new schemes, it is extremely

difficult to distinguish regular passengers from potential victims of human trafficking. The main consideration of the department is not only stopping trafficking per se, but also lessening the victims of this heinous crime,” the DOJ said.

“We are asking for the public’s consideration in bearing with the BI in its efforts to combat human trafficking,” it added.

According to the DOJ, the BI deferred the departure of 6,788 out of 1,056,247 Filipinos who exited the country’s international airport. Of the figure, 57 were referred to IACAT as likely victims of human trafficking. The rest were deferred for other reasons such as incomplete, improper or misrepresented documents. (Phistar.com) n

In the Philippines’ fight against illegal drugs, he noted that the government continues focusing on strengthening state programs on rehabilitation, prevention, education and assistance to drug victims and their families as well as ensuring transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.

He said the government is also investing more to enhance the administration of justice “through the various institutions and mechanisms already in place to protect the right to life, liberty and security of the Filipino people” to achieve its objectives for

“The Philippines will sustain its tradition of open, constructive, and active engagement on human rights on matters that will meaningfully contribute towards reinforcing the sinews of democracy and of freedom. Thus, we enable our people to flourish and meet our national aspirations to be a modern prosperous middle-income society by 2040,” he added.

Marcos thanked US President Joe Biden and the US government for convening the Second Summit for Democracy, along with co-host countries Costa Rica, South Korea, The Netherlands, and Zambia. The Filipino leader said the Summit “affirms the solidarity of nations bound by values of democracy and sends a powerful message of our collective will to bring about the best of peoples and societies empowered by freedom.” (PNA) n

SD#0217

Advertisement for Bids

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

Exterior Preparation and Paint at Instructional Media Center (IMC) and Supply Center

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023 outside Building M in front of the flagpole, 2351 Cardinal Ln, San Diego, CA 92123. Contractors and subcontractors must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s new online Planroom at sandiegousdplans. com. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on APRIL 20, 2023 Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CP23-0787-52-00-00 IMC & Supply Center Exterior Preparation and Paint. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration”. The project estimate is between $450,000 and $550,000. This is not a PSA project and does not require prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: B or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Linda Hippe, Director, Purchasing and Contracts, Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Department CP23-0787-52-00-00

SD#0219

Advertisement for Bids

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

PROVIDE ASPHALT REPAIRS AT DE PORTOLA MIDDLE SCHOOL

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023, outside the main office of De Portola Middle School, 11010 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92124. Contractors and subcontractors must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s new online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.com. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on APRIL 20, 2023. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CP23-0943-24-00-00 Provide Asphalt Repairs at De Portola Middle School. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $880,000 and $920,000. This is not a PSA project and does not require prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: A, C-12, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Linda Hippe, Director, Purchasing and Contracts, Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Department CP23-0943-24-00-00

PH MISSION. Authors Troy Amdahl (left, back row) and Dave Braun take the Oola Dream Tour, a personal development and empowerment program, to Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City on Monday, March 27. The tour, which has been to the United States and Canada, encourages participants to learn and connect with others, starting with an activity as simple as letting children write their dreams on stickers and adding them to a surfboard or buses in some areas. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9004666

Elite Hospice located at 7484 University Avenue, Suite 250, La Mesa, CA 91942.

Registrant: ANC Corporation DBA Elite Health Care Systems, 7484 University Avenue, Suite 250, La Mesa, CA 91942. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/02/2023.

Signature: Isidro Jojie Aquino. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/02/2023. AJ 1135 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, and 03/31/2023. AJSD 1135

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9005529

Townsgate Constructions located at 10620 Treena Street, Suite 230, San Diego, CA, 92131.

Registrant: Townsgate Constructions, 10620 Treena Street, Suite 230, San Diego, CA, 92131.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Emil Bundang. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/10/2023.

AJ 1140 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, and 04/07/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9003411

USCM Trade Services located at 1592 Larkhaven Dr., Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: US Customs Management LLC, 1592 Larkhaven Dr., Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/08/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9005681

Eaton Electric located at 3436 6th Ave., San Diego, CA 92103.

Registrant: Wired Zone LLC, 3436 6th Ave., San Diego, CA 92103. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/18/2023.

Signature: Thomas Eaton. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/14/2023. AJ 1136 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, and 04/07/2023. AJSD 1136

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9005304 Hers Pet Shop located at 1747 Sweetwater Road #105, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Wang, 1929 Santa Maya, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/06/2023.

Signature: Yuan Wang. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/08/2023.

AJ 1141 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, and 04/07/2023. AJSD 1141

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006175

Entrust Oral Surgery located at 950 Boardwalk, Suite 100, San Marcos, CA 92078.

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9003977

David Hoang DBA Fishing Poles Rental located at 4500 Ocean Blvd, Pacific Beach, CA 92109.

Registrant: David Hoang, 8912 Nelson Way, Escondido, CA 92026. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Kathline David Hoang.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/22/2023. AJ 1137 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, and 03/31/2023. AJSD 1137

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9005860

JYTS, INC located at 8345 Saint Andrews Ave., San Diego, CA 92154. Registrant: JYTS, INC, 8345 Saint Andrews Ave., San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/16/2023.

Signature: Jay Hue Yee. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/16/2023.

AJ 1142 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, and 04/14/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9007026

a. Ariel Keilani’s Flower Crown located at 19 Osborn Street, National City, CA 91950.

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9005139

a. The Mirror Finish located at 3182 Idlewild Way, San Diego, CA 92117.

b. The Mirror Finish Wash & Detail located at 3182 Idlewild Way, San Diego, CA 92117.

Registrant: Nestor Ismael

Perez, 3182 Idlewild Way, San Diego, CA 92117.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2023.

Signature: Nestor Ismael

Perez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/07/2023. AJ 1138 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07/2023. AJSD 1138

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006057

Don Lucky Towing located at 479 D St., Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: Luis Eduardo Gallardo, 479 D St., Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Luis Eduardo Gallardo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/17/2023. AJ 1143 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14/2023. AJSD 1143

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006937

TEA11 Industries located at 2633 E. 15th St., National City, CA 91950.

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9002272

a. DMV DUI SHOP located at 836 Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103.

b. MAY DUI MOM located at 836 Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103.

Registrant: Ha Nguyen, 836 Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/31/2023.

Signature: Ha Nguyen. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/31/2023. AJ 1139 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07/2023. AJSD 1139

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006414

Zinnia Hair Extensions And Beauty Products located at 5555 San Onofre Terrace, San Diego, CA 92114.

Registrant: Zinna Elizalde, 5555 San Onofre Terrace, San Diego, CA 92114. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/22/2023.

Signature: Zinna Elizalde. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/22/2023.

AJ 1145 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, and 04/14/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9007058

on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 1144

Signature: Anibal Valentin Navarro JR. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/14/2023. AJ 1146 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, and 04/14/2023. AJSD 1146

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006552

PEPS Solutions located at 1308 Descanso Avenue, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant: Jose L Garces, 1308 Descanso Avenue, San Marcos, CA 92069.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT

BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/02/2023.

Signature: Jose L Garces. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/23/2023. AJ 1151 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, and 04/21/2023. AJSD 1151

Registrant: Tyler Nelson DDS Corp, 950 Boardwalk, Suite 100, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/04/2023.

Signature: Tyler Nelson. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/20/2023. AJ 1147 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, and 04/21/2023. AJSD 1147

b. Dok Keo’s Kids Collection located at 19 Osborn Street, National City, CA 91950.

c. AK Phone Home located at 19 Osborn Street, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: The Law LLC, 4824 Bram Avenue, Bonita, CA 91902. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/20/2023.

Signature: Vilayphone Lynnda Ratsachak. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/29/2023.

AJ 1148 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, and 04/21/2023. AJSD 1148

SD#0218

Request for Proposals (RFP) Interpretation and ASL Services

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking qualified providers of bilingual language interpretation and ASL (American sign language) services. Interpretation services will primarily be in the English to Spanish and/or Spanish to English language combination. Additional language combinations may include, but is not limited to: English/Chinese, English/Vietnamese, English/ Tagalog, English/Japanese, and English/Korean. A copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP) and related informational documents can be accessed from the SANDAG website at www.sandag.org/contracts or by contacting: Amanda Hoben, SANDAG, 401 B Street, Suite 800, San Diego, CA 92101, amanda.hoben@sandag.org All other details are available on Bidnetdirect.com\sandag

Registrant: Alfredo Everardo Tovar, 2633 E. 15th St., National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Alfredo Everardo Tovar. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/28/2023. AJ 1149 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21/2023. AJSD 1149

New Vision High Profile Luggage Tags located at 1308 Battle Creek Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91913. Registrant: Theresa Lynette Gamlin, 1308 Battle Creek Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/29/2023.

Signature: Theresa L Gamlin. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/29/2023. AJ 1150 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, and 04/21/2023. AJSD 1150

D r. Anabelle M analo -Morgan looks back at her journey from baskketball to science and how it helped save her son

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

IN 2016, Dr. Annabelle Manalo-Morgan gave birth to her son, Macario. At just two days old, Macario began suffering from severe seizures that required neurosurgery, which ultimately removed 38% of his brain.

Doctors predicted a future of limited speech, movement, and uncertainty for Macario, and the medications required for his recovery left him in a permanent haze.

“When Macario got sick, I knew had to do something,” Dr. Anabelle told the Asian Journal. “And now that he’s well and better than well, he’s healthy, I have to share that goodness. I have to try to help and contribute because that’s what God gave me.”

That journey has been documented and it is now a memoir published by Forbes Books called Mighty Flower: How Cannabis

Saved My Son Part heartfelt memoir, part exploration of a watershed time and place for medicinal cannabis, Mighty Flower outlines the circumstances that have shaped Dr. Annabelle into who she is now and what she stands for.

“I feel humbled. I mean, it has really been a tough journey and to see this day, it’s almost I just want to celebrate, you know, and I want to celebrate with people that have been supporting me,” she told us at the launch of the book.

Among them is her husband Gramps Morgan a member of the Grammy-winning reggae group Morgan Heritage, known for their socially conscious lyrics and fusion of reggae, R&B, and hip hop. She said that as a couple, they wanted their firstborn to have a Filipino-sounding first name and Macario, which also means means “fortunate” or “supremely blessed” fit to T.

Born and raised in Canada, Dr. Anabelle is a cell and developmental biologist who spent over 10 years at Vanderbilt University working in neuroscience and cardiooncology before moving into the clinical trial space.

Today, Dr. Annabelle is the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Masaya Medical, a brand dedicated to producing the highest-quality CBD and educating the world on its

Dingdong

medical applications. Her dad, an engineer was from Taal, Batangas, and her mom, a singer was from Nueva Ecija. They met and fell in love in Canada, where they still live and reside.

Dr. Anabelle moved to the United States to play basketball and got herself a basketball scholarship to pursue this career.

“I wanted to be a basketball player, I didn’t want to be a doctor or a scientist,” she quipped.

She played collegiate basketball in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit, an unexpected curveball as she was on her way to achieving her dream.

Dr. Annabelle ended up at Eastern Kentucky University where she received her bachelor’s in Biology. She began her graduate studies in Neuroscience at Georgetown University, ultimately earning a Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology from Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Anabelle said she bared her soul in this book.

“The book talks about my upbringing as a young Filipino girl growing up with a strict father and how all of that prepared me for that moment when I had to save my son,” she said. It has also been quite the process.

She finished writing the book in 2019 but it didn’t get published until early 2023.

“When I held the book, I had to turn it over, five or six times wondering if this was really it or just a sample,” she recalled laughing.

“I’m a very private person so putting my heart and soul into telling my true journey, and telling things that I normally wouldn’t talk about, that was the hardest part,” she revealed. “But I knew that all of those pieces have to be shared because they’re important.”

The Miracle of Macario

At the book launch held at Forbes Media’s offices near Union Square, Macario was like a regular boy running around, jumping, and screaming. At one point, he sang along as his dad performed onstage. There is no trace that he was born with severe epilepsy and that he had almost 40 percent of his brain removed at five weeks old and was put on every medication.

Most people say that necessity is the mother of invention but in the case of Dr. Anabelle, desperation was. In investigating the options to help Macario’s development, she found out that cannabidiol, or CBD – one of the hundreds of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant –had therapeutic benefits for numerous conditions, including

returns to primetime

GMA Network’s Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes is making his highly-anticipated comeback to the small screen in the upcoming series, “Royal Blood.”

From the creator of Widows’ Web, Ken de Leon and RJ Nuevas, the series is a murder mystery drama that promises to keep viewers at the edge of their seats night after night.

“Royal Blood” follows the story of Napoy (Dantes), a loving single father who struggles to provide for his daughter’s needs by working as a motorcycle rider. He is also the bastard son of a business tycoon.

Despite facing financial problems, Napoy is able to provide for his child with the help of friends and neighbors. However, chaos begins when his estranged father suddenly appears and wants to make amends with him.

As Napoy steps into the family of his wealthy father, he gets to know his half-siblings and discovers that being rich does not guarantee a perfect and happy life. Soon enough, things become more complicated when their father is murdered, and Napoy becomes the primary suspect.

Completing a star-studded cast for Royal Blood are Megan Young, Dion Ignacio, Mikael Daez, Lianne Valentin and Rhian Ramos. Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo is also part of the supporting cast in an introductory role, joining

Heart reunites with ex-boyfriend Jericho

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

epilepsy.

Because she was determined to find solutions to save her son, Dr. Annabelle worked to develop the purest and most consistent form of CBD oil, with no other cannabinoids or fillers.

In an op-ed piece, Dr. Anabelle wrote: I took my son off his heavy drug regimen and began administering my creation directly through the feeding tube protruding from his little belly. The results were nearly immediate. Macario soon began to express emotion and had the energy for normal movements.

Three years later, in 2019, Macario had caught up to his other preschool classmates. Today, he can walk, run, play, and speak as well as his peers.

“After seeing how this plant saved my son, I felt a strong need to lend my voice to set the record straight, once and for all,” she said. “God gave me a gift not just to hold on to but to give it to others.”

Determined to remove the drug’s historical stigma, Dr. Annabelle’s work is fixated on the future, and what she believes to be an emerging cannabis revolution within medicine. “My work doesn’t look back,” she said. “It looks forward, toward the potential of precision medicine of cannabis medicine, of translational biology and an increasing dialogue between holistic care and modern treatment.” n

of us is pretty cool,” she added.

It can be recalled that Heart said then that Jericho was her “greatest love.”

Heart and Jericho broke up in 2008. The actress said then that her parents made her believe that the actor cheated on her with Malaysian actress Carmen Soo. She, however, learned that Jericho did not really cheat on her. Heart also said that her parents did not approve of Jericho because he already had a child from a previous relationship. n

Dingdong Dantes Photo from Instagram/@dongdantes

Benjie Paras, Arthur Solinap and veteran actor Tirso Cruz 3rd in a special role as Napoy’s father. Directed by the prolific Dominic Zapata, GMA Network will announce Royal Blood’s premiere date very soon. (ManilaTimes.net) n

Dr. Morgan with husband Gramps Morgan, Loida Nicolas Lewis and members of the Fil-Am community

Annabelle Manalo Morgan, PhD at the launch of her book Mighty Flower: How Cannabis Saved My Son published by Forbes Books. A native of Canada, Dr. Annabelle balances life as a scientist, educator, author, and mother of five. Dr. Annabelle has a doctorate in Cell and Development Biology from Vanderbilt University where her focus is on genetic mutations that mimic the offset effects that chemotherapy has on heart disease. AJPress Photos by Troi Santos

Be a ‘fool fur love’ for a hopeful shelter animal

IF you spend any time with the ridiculously sweet animals at the County’s animal shelters, you might just be a “Fool Fur Love” and give one or even two a caring home. Perhaps, you might even be swooning over one of our campaign “poster” models like Olaf, a year-old blond German Shepherd, Ricky Bobby, a pot-bellied pig or Mustachio, a year-old tuxedo cat.

Starting on April Fool’s Day, the County of San Diego Animal Services is offering a Fool Fur Love $20 adoption special for any adult animal. The shelters have so many wonderful dogs, cats, pigs and more — you’d be silly not to check for your next loveable friend.

Check out some of the available pets on the Animal Services website (https://www.sddac.com/ content/sdc/das/adopt.html).

The Fool Fur Love pet adoption special runs from Saturday, April 1 through Sunday, April 9.

Keeping stories of Filipino World War II veterans alive in White Sands

Fees include spaying or neutering, a microchip, a rabies shot, updated vaccinations and a one-year dog license for those in the service area. The $20 adoption special is a great break from the normal adoption fee of $75 for a dog and $65 for a cat.

Walk-in hours are from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at both the South Shelter, 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita, or the North Shelter, 2481 Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad. Fill out an application online to print or pick one up at the shelter. Applications can also be emailed but it is quicker to go in person.

If you cannot adopt, consider fostering animals or volunteering for the shelter. For more information, call (619) 767-2675 or visit the Animal Services main website at https://www.sddac.com.

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

Bite-sized tips for National Nutrition Month

MARCH is National Nutrition

Month, an annual month of action that promotes healthy habits and food choices.

This year’s theme, “Fuel for the Future” embodies why good nutrition is essential at every stage of life and lowers the risk for serious health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Three behaviors including poor nutrition, tobacco use and lack of physical activity contribute to four chronic diseases that cause 45 percent of all deaths in San Diego County.

“We have probably all heard the saying, ‘you are what you eat’. It is very true because our overall health may be largely determined by the nutrients we consume,” explained County Public Health Services Registered Dietitian, Barbara Hughes, MS, RD, CalFresh Healthy Living Program Nutrition Policy Advisor. “National Nutrition Month is a great opportunity to think about the foods and beverages you consume and learn about the easy changes we can all make to ensure we are choosing foods that contribute to our overall well-being.”

Hughes recommends choosing nutrient-dense foods that include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy, proteins and oils and reducing foods that are higher in added sugars, saturated and trans fats and sodium.

Other tips include:

• Add color to your plate: Colorful fruits and vegetables have vitamins,

minerals and dietary fiber. The goal is to make half your plate a colorful mix of produce.

• Plan your meals: Having a plan for the week can help you make healthier choices and ensure you are including a variety of different foods in your diet, while repurposing leftover ingredients.

• Pack your snacks: Healthy snacks between meals can help keep your energy levels up while adding extra nutrients to your overall diet.

• Get cooking: Making your food at home is often a healthier option than eating out because you can control the ingredients you put into your meals. Plus, cooking at home can be rewarding and cost-effective. Watch for added sugar: Some foods and drinks can contain added sugar that provides no nutritional benefit. Try choosing drinks and foods that do not add unnecessary sugars.

Change things up: Experiment with trying new foods like ancient grains, meatless options or new-to-you vegetables. Try a variety of foods from all food groups. If food affordability is an issue, food assistance may be available through CalFresh, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Visit San Diego County’s CalFresh website (https://www.sandiegocounty. gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/ ssp/food_stamps/how_to_apply. html) to learn more or call the Access line at 1-866-262-9881. You can also visit a local Family Resource Center to get assistance.

More nutrition tips, healthy recipes, along with food and nutrition resources can be found on the EatFresh website at https://eatfresh.org.

(Fernanda Lopez Halvorson/ County of San Diego Communications Office) n

The pros and cons of free trials, auto-renewals and subscriptions

YOU

That’s

UNDER the banner of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP), 25 Filipinos Americans from across the U.S., including a living World War II veteran, were among the more than 5,000 participants who converged in White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on March 19 for the Bataan Memorial Death March (BMDM). Six Filipino military personnel, representing the Philippine Department of National Defense, also joined the marchers who either ran or walked the 26.2 miles or 14.2 miles of rugged terrain of gravel and sand.

It was the third annual event attended by Senior Chief Petty Officer Remigio ‘Ray’ Cabacar, 95 (U.S. Navy Retired), of Ft. Washington, Md. who braved a cold Sunday morning to see the marchers off with high fives and fist bumps. He is one of only two living veterans in the Washington, D.C. area. Considered one of the toughest of its kind in the U.S., BMDM honors the sacrifice of approximately 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers who endured the grueling 65-mile march to prison camps in April 1942. Of the estimated 10,000 who died during that ordeal, about 9,000 were Filipino soldiers.

The presence of Filipino Americans in this annual marathon, which was first held in 1989, has been significantly highlighted every year since 2017 when the Philippine Flag and the Philippine National Anthem were prominently displayed and sang at official ceremonies. The 2017 event was historic as it was also the 75th anniversary of the Bataan Death March.

At this year’s opening ceremony, WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Little reminded the marchers that “While you’re marching through the high desert this morning, likely into the afternoon, remember those who were forced to participate in a very different march 81 years ago, many to the death. When your feet hurt, knees, hips, whatever the body part think about them. Use that as fuel to reinforce your remembrance of these great heroes. We, everyone marching, really are privileged with the opportunity to honor their sacrifice today.”

Humbling and inspiring

A first-time marcher, Joe Garbanzos of San Diego, CA. says of his experience as a non-military participant: “I was humbled by the sacrifice made by veterans and their families, and inspired to see sprite living veterans in their 90’s braving the freezing desert morning to see the marchers off. I was also amazed to see inter-generational marchers – young men and women, X-gens, proudly marching in honor of their ‘lolos.’ It tugs one’s heart.” Garbanzos, a FilVetREP board member, is a community advocate in healthcare and livable communities and AARP’s California State President.

has been marching in White Sands for six times now. “I am involved with FilVetREP because I was in search of myself and how my grandfather’s story of survival was never really told,” she says. “Our participation in a major national event like this helps create greater awareness of these stories which, some veterans tell me, are never meant to be told.” Poisot is National Vice President of the Filipino American National Historical Society and FilVetREP Regional Director.

Congressional Gold Medal ceremony

Since 2018, FilVetREP’s education project and a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony have been part of BMDM’s official activities, held at the Las Cruces Convention Center. This year, more than a hundred people saw a presentation of FilVetREP’s online education program, “Duty to Country,” and witnessed the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to six recipients.

The two living veterans honored were 97-year-old Lt. Nino A. Sylmar, who served in the Recognized Guerrilla Forces and a Bataan Death March prisoner of war; and Lt. George Bach, 96, a platoon leader in the Philippine Scout Detachment, Army Forces Western Pacific.

The other awardees include:

(deceased) was with the 554th Ordinance Medium Automotive Maintenance Company of the Philippine Scouts. His son, Rafael Pamintuan, Jr., accepted his award. Private Emilio Y. Alzona (deceased) served under the 24th Field Artillery Regiment of the Philippine Scouts and a Bataan Death March survivor. His niece, Cezarina C. Alzona, accepted his award.

The award ceremony was the 102nd since that epic day of October 25, 2017, when Congress formally recognized the more than 260,000 soldiers who served under the U.S. flag. It was also the third award ceremony in Las Cruces. In 2018 and 2019, FilVetREP honored seven living World War II veterans and 32 descendants with the medal. More than 3,000 medals have been awarded so far.

food, no matter what you say (or until you jump through a million hidden hoops), that’s a problem. The same goes for that free trial you tried to cancel but Other Company still kept charging you, month after month, for a service you tried and decided it wasn’t for you. These are some types of reports the FTC hears: especially the frustration with not being able to stop the thing you don’t want anymore. And, of course, stop paying for it.

In response, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposes to set requirements that it could enforce to stop more kinds of bad behavior. It also proposes to tell companies to clearly explain to people what they’re buying, make sure they know what they’re agreeing to, and make it as easy to cancel as it was to sign up. The rule is still a proposal, and the FTC will soon be taking comments from anybody interested. To comment, check out Regulations.gov and, in the meantime, if you’re stuck in a trial, auto-renewal, or subscription that makes you feel, well, stuck, check out advice from the FTC via https://consumer.ftc. gov/articles/getting-out-freetrials-auto-renewals-negativeoption-subscriptions. And then report it: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

(Sam Levine/Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC) n

Christy Poisot of Houston, Texas, granddaughter of World War II veteran and Bataan Death March survivor Francisco Panis,

Staff Sergeant Harley Shaw (deceased), a U.S. enlisted soldier in the 200th Coastal Artillery Regiment and a Bataan Death March survivor. Her great niece, Deborah Apgar, accepted the award. Technical Sergeant Geronimo Secretario (deceased) served as a mess sergeant serving the 45th and 57th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Scouts, a Bataan Death March survivor, and a member of the Recognized Guerrilla forces. His son Magdelino Secretario

Sr. accepted the award. Sergeant Rafael Pamintuan

In his remarks, FilVetREP Chairman Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (ret) noted that, although it took nearly 75 years to secure U.S. recognition for the 260,000 men and women who served, “this moment will be long remembered and eternally enshrined in our minds and historical record.” The law’s passage, he added, “finally recognized their wartime accomplishments, restored their honor and dignity, and claimed their right to be called veterans.” Reynaldo B. Mapagu, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Administrator, who led a delegation of Department of National Defense officials, also spoke at the CGM ceremony. He noted that only 1,367 veterans are still alive today. To date, PVAO has conducted 23 awarding ceremonies in various parts of the Philippines. Of the total 666 awardees, 319 are living veterans. “We will continue to find ways to ensure that the benefits that our veterans deserve are more accessible and more responsive to their needs while they are still with us,” Mapagu said.

The next mission FilVetREP’s next mission, Taguba asserted, is to have Congress rescind the Rescission Acts of 1946, that denied veterans their status of active service and deprived them of rightful benefits. “FilVetREP is launching a national repeal campaign to close a dark chapter in U.S. history that has created a lifetime of indignation and injustice that still lingers to this day. They accomplished their mission. We must now accomplish ours,” Taguba said.

FilVetREP is also supporting a campaign to honor Telesforo Dela Cruz Trinidad, the only Filipino in the U.S. Navy to be awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in 1915 aboard USS San Diego. The U.S. Navy has already approved naming a ship after Trinidad and funding its construction. Once completed in the Fall of 2026, it will become part of the active Navy Fleet. Col. Nonie Cabana, USAF (Ret), a FilVetREP board member and Founder/President/CEO of the USS Telesforo Trinidad Commissioning Committee, said the commissioning ceremony will be held in San Diego, CA. in 2028.

(FilVetREP Release) n

Members of the Philippine delegation prepare to run the 26-mile marathon.

Joe Garbanzos (left) is complimented with a high five upon finishing 14.2 miles at the Bataan Memorial Death March in White Sands, New Mexico. BMDM Official Photo

FilVetREP’s Jon Melegrito (left) walks with two other sons of Bataan Death March survivors, Jack Duresky and Dave Britt. They are among the last to reach the finish line, taking them almost 8 hours to complete 14.2 miles.

Photo by Victor Verano

Christy Poisot (3rd from right) is cheered on by the FilVetREP team after completing her 14.2 mile marathon. Also in the picture are FilVetREP Chairman Retired Arny Maj. Gen. Antonio

(3rd from left)) and World War

Veteran Remigio Cabacar (seated).

Recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal and their families, FilVetREP leaders and White Sands Missile Range officers pose for a group picture after the awarding ceremony. FilVetREP photos

National Nutrition Month is a great opportunity to think about the foods and beverages you consume and learn about the easy changes we can all make to ensure we are choosing foods that contribute to our overall well-being, says Barbara Hughes, a registered dietitian with the County Public Health Services. File photo/www.countynewscenter.com