051023 - Southern California Midweek Edition

IF you are enrolled in Medi-Cal, as more than one-third of Californians are, make sure your county knows how to reach you, or you could lose your health coverage unnecessarily.

You will likely hear and see public messages over the coming weeks urging you to update your contact information. Heed them.

Then, sometime between now and next spring, you’ll probably receive mail from the agency that administers Medi-Cal in your county telling you if you are still eligible for the safety-net health insurance program or asking for more information about your employment status, income, and household size. An information request would likely come in a bright-yellow envelope containing a roughly 20-page form about six weeks before the start of your renewal month.

US: Talks on details of possible joint maritime activities still ongoing

MANILA — Discussions on the specifics of the joint maritime activities between the United States and the Philippines are still ongoing, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines said on Tuesday, May 9. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez told CNN Philippines

on Monday, May 8 he expects that the exercises may begin as soon as third quarter this year.

“Our conversations on combined maritime activities with the Philippines are continuing, and our planners are working hard on specific issues such as timing, assets, and logistics,” the embassy

said in a statement on Tuesday, May 9. Manila and Washington “agreed to restart joint maritime patrols” in the South China Sea when U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visitied Manila to meet his counterpart, Carlito Galvez Jr.,  PAGE 2

Marcos to raise ‘common concerns’ in Asean Summit in Indonesia

by KRISTINA MARALIT AND CATHERINE VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Marcos is expected to raise "common concerns' with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) when they meet during the 42nd Summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.

In a pre-departure speech on Tuesday, May 9, Marcos said the Asean leaders are expected to "exchange views on pressing issues of common concerns such as developments in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar, and major power rivalry among others."

While there, Marcos said he will be pushing for the country's interests in the region through "regional and multilateral cooperation," among them issues related to the South China Sea.

WASHINGTON, DC — A packed auditorium

stood up and cheered for a long moment as Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage May 3 at George Washington University here, during the White House celebration kicking off Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The theme of the event was “Visible Together.” AANHPIs have long been in the shadows of American society, though they are the fastest-growing immigrant population.

In her remarks onstage, Harris said that at many junctures in her career, she has felt like the only person of color in the room. “My mom used to say to me: ‘Kamala, you may be the first to do this, but make sure you’re not the last,’” said Harris, who is the first Indian American, Black, and first female Vice President in the U.S.

“You may find when you walk into a room that you are the only one who looks like you or

WHO’s declaration on COVID-19 to help sustain PH economy’s growth – Romualdez

by FAITH ARGOSINO Inquirer.net

MANILA — The World Health Organization (WHO) declaring that COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency would help the country boost its economic activities and sustain its growth, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Sunday, May 7.

“The decision shows that countries around the globe, including the Philippines, have succeeded through a collaborative

Marcoses meet Charles at Buckingham Palace

by HELEN FLORES Philstar.com

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos was among the world leaders who witnessed the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla at Westminster Abbey in the United Kingdom on Saturday, May 6 highlighting the deep ties between the Philippines and the European nation.

Marcos, who was accompanied by First Lady Liza AranetaMarcos, arrived at the Gatwick Airport on Friday, May 5 from Washington D.C.

The President and his delegation were welcomed by Richard Kleinwort, special

representative of King Charles, and Georgina Butler, special representative of the foreign secretary, at the airport.

“Honored to have been greeted by a representative of the royal court upon our arrival in the UK for the coronation of King Charles III,” the President said in a post on Twitter.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) also shared on Facebook photos of Marcos’ arrival as well as his meeting with airport officials.

According to reports, Marcos’ children, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, Simon and Vincent were also in London.

effort in fighting the highly infectious novel coronavirus and its variants, though they remain a threat to public health,” said Romualdez in a statement.

However, he said that locals should still practice minimum public health and safety protocols such as wearing their masks, washing their hands, and observing physical distance.

He also urged the Department of Health (DOH) and the Inter-Agency Task Force for

During the last Asean summit, the President pushed for the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea based on international law, which he said should be an example of how states manage their differences.

Bigger PH-US air combat exercises later this year

by JOHN ERIC MENDOZA Inquirer.net

PAMPANGA — More air force personnel from the Philippines and the United States will join the second iteration of the Cope Thunder war games, which recently resumed after more than three decades, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said on Tuesday, May 9.

PAF spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo said this is due to the nature of the exercise, which will focus on the deployment of more troops all over the country, including areas in Visayas and Mindanao.

"For the second iteration of Cope Thunder 23-2, the focus of that will be large force deployment,” Castillo said in a

MEETING WITH KING CHARLES. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos met King Charles III in Buckingham Palace in London ahead of the monarch’s formal coronation on Sautrday, May 6. The encounter between the Macroses and King Charles III happened during the reception for heads of state and

US: Talks in details of...

in February.

A month later, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that the government already kickstarted creating guidelines for combined maritime activities in the West Philippine Sea. DFA Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza told reporters in March that “operational details, including on the possibility of engaging other regional partners, will be part of Philippine-U.S. discussions within the framework of the

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY

RFP No. E753-23

PTC COMMUNICATION & SIGNAL SYSTEMS DESIGN & ENGINEERING SERVICES

The Southern California Region Rail Authority (SCRRA) is seeking proposals for PTC Communication & Signal Systems Design & Engineering Services. The Request for Proposals (RFP) may be obtained from SCRRA’s website at http://www.metrolinktrains. com/contracts/. Electronic proposals must be submitted on or before 2:00 PM (PST) on 6/23/2023.

The contract to be awarded will be funded in part by grants under the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transportation Administration and is subject to a DBE Participation Goal of 6.12%.

For further information contact: Fred Leung, Principal Contract & Compliance Admin. at LeungF@scrra.net.

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Vice President Kamala Harris headlines...

PAGE 1

has your lived experiences,” said Harris. “My message is: walk in with your chin up, shoulders back, knowing that you are representing the voices of so many people who are proud that you’re in that room.”

“We are all in that room with you. You are not walking in that room alone,” she said, to cheers from the audience of more than 1,300 people. United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai, who also delivered remarks onstage, noted that the gathering was the largest participation of AANHPIs of any administration. “Bigotry and violence have threatened to ravage our communities for decades. Many of us feel like we are invisible. But our administration sees you. Your voices help drive our agenda,” she said.

Before beginning her onstage conversation with Harris, actress Poorna Jagannathan — who plays a doctor coming to terms with the unconventional lifestyle of her teenage daughter in Mindy Kaling’s hit television series

“Never Have I Ever” — shared her story of invisibility. “My heritage always made me feel like a bit of an outsider, yet suddenly it is a thing. So many incredible stories of the diaspora come from it. And it has brought me all the way to you today. So what a gift.”

Also sharing the stage was Jerry Won, producer of the popular podcast “Dear Asian Americans.”

Many of the most visible members of the community attended the star-studded event, including actors Daniel Dae Kim — Lost, Hawaii Five-O — and Kevin Kreider, whose credits include The Ugly Model and Bling Empire. Singer Eric Nam shared a videotaped conversation with US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy: in a lighthearted moment, the two pondered the name of their possible Indo-Korean fusion band.

Other singers included MILCK — who sang her emotionally-raw anthem “I Can’t Keep Quiet,” which focuses on sexual abuse — Wolftyla, Sonny Singh of the Red Baarat Band, and Keilana.

[Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagements Board].”

The DFA has yet to respond to Philstar.com's request on Tuesday for an update on the guidelines. Officials have floated that a trilateral mode of cooperation may be pursued for joint maritime activities, engaging countries such as Japan and Australia.

The U.S. Embassy on Tuesday pointed out that the end-goal of the planned combined maritime

activities “would be to support the Philippines [in] exercising its lawful sovereign maritime rights under international law.”

Among key issues faced by Manila is Beijing’s constant harassment in the West Philippine Sea. China considers a 2016 ruling at the Permanent Court of Arbitration “illegal, null, and void” as it invalidates its claims over areas within its so-called nine-dash line, which includes parts of Philippine waters. (Philstar.com)

WHO’s declaration on COVID-19 to help...

PAGE 1

Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to prescribe health protocols to help WHO strengthen its move to lift the global health emergency declaration.

DOH and IATF-EID on Saturday said they would meet to discuss and reassess pandemic policies and guidelines.

“I think our people have learned to live with the virus. Though there is no wear-facemask mandate, many of them

News anchors Lisa Ling of CNN and Richard Lui of MSNBC moderated panels during the daylong event. Several members of the Biden-Harris administration were also featured, including Neera Tanden; two days later, President Joe Biden announced that Tanden will serve as the next head of his domestic policy council, replacing Susan Rice, who is stepping down June 1. The crowd also went wild as Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, spoke of the need to confirm Julie Su as Labor Secretary. Su — who would be the first AAPI woman to serve in that role — is facing an uphill battle for confirmation. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia has said he will not vote for Su, who has faced opposition from several PAGE 4 FESTIVE.

continue to wear masks and observe physical distancing. They are aware of the residual threat, and they are not letting their guard down,” he said.

Romualdez also pointed out that WHO’s move “should pave the way for us to sustain our economic growth or even take the economy to a higher growth path for the benefit of our people, especially the poor.”

“It should translate to increased mobility, more

economic activities, and therefore additional job and income opportunities for our workers and their families,” he explained.

Romualdez added that the decision could also result in more tourist arrivals in the country.

“Let the concerned government agencies and sectors of the economy prepare for this possibility, which will benefit tourist destinations and local communities,” he said. g

Vice President Kamala Harris headlined the White House daylong celebration kicking off Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month. To her left is actress Poorna Jagannathan.

Photo from Twitter/@VP

Colorful umbrellas, along with entangled wires, hang above Antonio Rivera Street in Barangay 234, Tondo, Manila on Tuesday, May 9. The village is preparing for its fiesta on the third Sunday of the month (May 21). PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Marcos to raise ‘common concerns’ in Asean...

China, the Philippines, and other Asean-member states have overlapping claims in the South China Sea.

In a 2016 arbitral ruling, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that Beijing's nine-dash line, a demarcation that covers almost 80 percent of the South China Sea, is illegal.

Beijing has since ignored the ruling as it continued to beef up its presence in the contested territories.

Marcoses meet Charles at Buckingham...

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, the President’s cousin, and Transportation

Secretary Jaime Bautista were among the officials in the President’s delegation to the UK.

The President and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were expected to have a “very casual” meeting on the sidelines of Charles’ coronation as part of efforts to deepen Manila and London’s trade partnership.

“I can’t think of a single instance where the Philippines and the UK ever disagreed. It’s been a continuing friendship and now I hope under a president, who to some extent had his character formed with the British experience, will go deeper,” Philippine Ambassador to the UK and Northern Ireland Teodoro Locsin Jr. said in a media interview in London on Friday.

Marcos received a special diploma in social studies from the Oxford University in England in 1978. He also went to Worth School, also in England, from 1970 to 1974.

On Twitter, British Ambassador Laure Beaufils posted a photo of the First Couple chatting with Charles during a dinner at the Buckingham Palace on Friday for overseas representatives. The President wore a barong, while the First Lady donned a

Filipiniana outfit.

“Deeply honored to attend the royal reception with First Lady Liza Marcos at Buckingham Palace,” Marcos tweeted on Saturday, May 6.

“We underscore the thriving relationship between the Philippines and the United Kingdom, which has been promising in increasing trade, investment and cultural exchanges for the Filipino people,” he said.

Marcos’ visit to the UK followed

a five-day official visit to the U.S., where he met with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and top military officials.

In an interview in Washington on Thursday, May 4, Marcos said he personally knows Charles. The King is the UK head of state although his powers are symbolic and ceremonial.

The President failed to attend the funeral of Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth, in September last year and was represented by his sister Irene. g

At the same time, Marcos said his participation in the biennial meet will "serve to promote and protect the interest of our country, including our continued efforts towards economic growth, attaining food and energy security security, promoting trade and investment, combatting transnational crimes such as the trafficking in persons, and protecting migrant workers in crisis situation among others."

It is the second visit of the President to Indonesia, which was his first foreign trip after winning the elections on May 9, 2022. His first visit was in July last year on the invitation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

The President is also slated to participate in the 15th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-MalaysiaPhilippines East Asean Growth Area, as well as meet with officials of Timor Leste, joining the summit for the first time as an observer, to discuss their prospective membership in the regional bloc.

The Asean leaders will likely adopt a roadmap for Timor Leste's full membership in the regional bloc after it applied during the 40th and 41st Asean Summits in 2022.

"In these meetings, we will have the opportunity to highlight the importance of strengthening cooperation in the BIMP-EAGA sub-region to sustain a striving economy," he stated.

"And as the theme of this Asean summit is clearly manifesting, it is once again towards economic growth and to recognize that Asean and Southeast Asia have been the partners that the other parts of the world... look to Southeast Asia as the growth center for global economy. And that is why it is very important that we go and continue to discuss amongst other Asean leaders on how we can maximize and find that extra energy, that synergy from our working together," he

added.

Other meetings the President is expected to attend are the Asean Inter-Parliamentary assembly, the Asean Business Advisory Council, Asean Youth, and the HighLevel Task Force on the Asean Community Post 2025 Vision.

"I look forward to our productive engagements, to our always productive engagements with our Asean partners," Marcos said.

"This is a continuation of the process that we had begun deriving from the idea and the principle and the concept of Asean Centrality in the face of the challenges that we have to answer," he added.

This is the 13th international trip of Marcos since becoming leader barely a year ago, having just

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

LACMTA will receive proposals for PS105894 - Industrial Hygiene & Environmental Safety Services at the bids@metro.net.

This project is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) SetAside contract. To participate in this RFP, proposers must be SBE certified with LACMTA prior to proposal due date. For information on the SetAside Program, visit: https:// business.metro.net/VendorPortal/faces/home1/certifications.

All proposals must be received on or before 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday, June 16, 2023 at email address listed above, sent to the attention of Victor Zepeda. Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected.

For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Victor Zepeda at zepedav@metro.net.

5/10/23 CNS-3698150# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

wrapped up his official working visit to the United States and witnessing the coronation of King Charles 3rd in London last week.

The aircraft carrying the President and his delegation left Villamor Airbase in Pasay City past 1 p.m.

The opening ceremony of the 42nd Asean Summit will be on Wednesday, May 10.

The Asean Summit is the highest policy-making body in the Southeast Asian region, comprising the heads of state or governments of member-states. It is held twice a year and serves as a venue for discussion and policy deliberations on various developments and global issues affecting the Southeast Asian region and beyond. g

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

LACMTA will receive proposals for PS106376 - Mystery Rider - Fare Compliance at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. This project is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Set-Aside contract. To participate in this RFP, proposers must be SBE certified with LACMTA prior to proposal due date. For information on the Set-Aside Program, visit: https:// business.metro.net/VendorPortal/faces/home1/certifications.

All proposals must be received on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, June 5, 2023 at the address listed above, sent to the attention of Antonio Monreal. Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. For a copy of the Proposal/Bid specification visit our Soliciation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.netor for further information email Antonio Monreal at monrealan@ metro.net.

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“Deeply honored to attend the royal reception with First Lady Liza Marcos at Buckingham Palace,” President Marcos tweeted on Saturday, May 6. Malacañang photos

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos Malacañang photo

corporations for her pro-worker stance.

Rep. Judy Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the National Science Foundation, and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, appeared via video. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra took to the stage to advocate for disaggregated data, and in-language access for all public documents. “On behalf of all of us working in this administration, we want you to understand that, with you, we will make a difference,” he said.

“Thanks to President Biden, our community has become more visible than ever before. We have an unprecedented

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY

IFB No. C3154-23 REMODELING OF METROLINK OPERATIONS CENTER RESTROOMS

The Southern California Region Rail Authority is seeking bids for Remodeling of Metrolink Operations Center Restrooms. The Invitation for Bids (IFB) may be obtained from SCRRA’s web site at http://www.metrolinktrains.com/contracts/. Electronic bids must be submitted on or before 2:00 PM (PST) on 6/10/2023

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held virtually and in person at 10:00 AM on 5/2/2023 at Metrolink Operations Center at 2558 Supply St. Pomona, CA 91767.

The contract to be awarded will be funded in part by grants under the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transportation Administration and is subject to a DBE Participation

Goal of 3.05%

For further information contact: Sharon Williams, Sr. Contract & Compliance Admin. at williamsS@scrra.net

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AANHPI representation in the Administration,” said Erika Moritsugu, Deputy Assistant to the President and AANHPI Senior Liaison at the White House.

Gautam Raghavan, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, said during a panel discussion: “President Biden has comprised the most diverse administration in history. Half of our appointees are people of color, and 14% are AAPIs.”

“He has said: ‘build me an administration that looks like America. And across America, people who thought they could never serve at the White House have joined the administration,” said Raghavan, who also served in the Obama administration and as Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s chief of staff.

In her onstage conversation with Jagannathan and Won, Harris spoke about abortion rights, noting that 74% of AANHPIs believe abortions should be legal.

“We need to have a Congress that will put the protections of Roe vs. Wade into law,” she said, adding: “My mom always fought for women’s health.”

The late Dr. Shymala Gopalan, Harris’ mother, was a breast cancer researcher who worked with the National Institutes of Health for much of her career.

“We cannot be telling women what they cannot do with their bodies. It’s immoral,” said Harris.

Harris also spoke about the need for a ban on assault rifles. She noted the spate of mass murders at primary schools and said kids are afraid to attend classes. “We need to have the courage to end gun violence,” she stated.

The Vice President also spoke about the alarming spike in hate crimes against the Asian American community. The web portal Stop AAPI Hate has logged over 11,000 self-reported hate incidents and crimes over the past three years.

Vanita Gupta, Associate Attorney General at the Justice Department, noted that hate crimes against Asian Americans have risen by 167%, but are nevertheless under-reported. “Under collection is a real problem,” she said.

“Enforcement is just one piece of this puzzle. We are training law enforcement to be more responsive, helping to create greater access to anti-hate hot-lines, and creating better methodology for data collection,” she said.

In a deeply-moving moment, Canadian poet Rupi Kaur read her poem “Broken English,” which she dedicated to all immigrants. Kaur’s book of poetry, “Milk and Honey,” is one of this year’s mostbanned books, according to a list released by PEN America.

“They had no family, they had no friends…two university degrees that meant nothing,” chanted Kaur. (Sunita Sohrabji/ Ethnic Media Services)

Bigger PH-US air combat...

chance interview here at Clark

Air Base, where the first iteration of military exercise dubbed as

“Cope Thunder” is ongoing.

“They plan to simulate the movement of aircraft because here they take off from Clark, they land in Clark. This time around, in a large force deployment, they’re going to simulate a large fleet to another area. So they’re going probably, fly to Luzon and go to Visayas,” she also said.

Castillo said that it is likely that more than 1,000 Filipino and American troops will take part in the coming exercises.

Unlike the first iteration where fighter jets have been primarily employed, the second iteration of the drills will mainly use cargo aircraft, according to Castillo.

“Besides the fighter aircraft, there will be an involvement of

California says new cigarettes appear to violate state’s flavored tobacco ban

by Don Thompson KFF Health News

CALIFORNIA’S attorney general is warning two tobacco companies that their new cigarettes appear to violate a state ban on most flavored tobacco products that was upheld by voters last year.

R.J. Reynolds, which produces the seven Camel and Newport varieties challenged by the state, said Thursday that its cigarettes comply with the law and that it will work with the attorney general’s office to make sure they can still be sold in California.

companies gathered enough signatures to put the issue before voters. After it was upheld by nearly two-thirds of voters last November, it took effect on Dec. 21.

our other support aircraft like cargo aircraft because we would need to simulate the movement of a large fleet and together with all of the support equipment and support personnel, so we would need a cargo aircraft,” she added.

The first iteration of Cope Thunder, joined by 225 American troops and 330 personnel from the PAF, began on May 1 and will run until May 12.

Cope Thunder started in the Philippines in 1976 and went on until 1990.

The exercises were discontinued after the U.S. military left Clark Field and Subic Bay in 1991 due to damage from the Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in June that year and also after the Philippine Senate voted against extending the lease on U.S. military facilities in the country. g

Attorney General Rob Bonta sent letters to R.J. Reynolds and ITG Brands LLC, dated April 25, warning that the packaging and promotional materials for nine reformulated versions of Camel, Newport, and Kool cigarettes were likely against the law.

California’s ban includes menthol-flavored cigarettes, and the state said it determined after a review that the products are “presumptively flavored under the California flavor ban law.” It gave the companies until June 23 to respond.

The federal government last year announced plans to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, and tobacco companies’ response to the California law has been seen as a preview of how they would handle a national ban. Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts also ban flavored tobacco, which a 2021 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found was favored by young smokers. The mint flavor in menthol cigarettes has a cooling effect that can blunt harsh cigarette smoke, making it easier to start smoking.

The cigarettes “do not impart a distinguishable taste or aroma other than tobacco,” the company said. “We market these products to clearly indicate that they are non-menthol.”

R.J. Reynolds said California’s review of its cigarettes was based on packaging and marketing materials, not the cigarettes themselves. ITG Brands did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

The attorney general’s letters include examples of marketing materials and a side-by-side comparison of the similarlooking menthol and nonmenthol cigarette packaging, and assert that the companies promote the new varieties “as substitutes or replacements” for menthol-flavored cigarettes.

Camel promises “smooth tobacco flavor and a crisp smoking experience,” while Kool’s marketing says it is “still bold” and “still smooth.”

“Never compromise, California,” urges the Newport brand. “Introducing what’s next in fresh. The non-menthol for menthol smokers.”

California’s ban was approved by state lawmakers in 2020, but it was delayed when tobacco

The Campaign for TobaccoFree Kids called the attorney general’s letters “a significant step forward” that “is sending a clear message that California is serious about enforcing the law and will not tolerate the tobacco industry’s efforts to evade it.” It said the new cigarettes “have a cooling flavor similar to menthol.”

The attorney general’s office cited a portion of the law that creates “a rebuttable presumption that a tobacco product is flavored” if the manufacturer markets it as being flavored. That includes using labeling or packaging “to explicitly or implicitly communicate that the tobacco product has a characterizing flavor.”

The specific products being challenged are Kool NonMenthol, Kool Blue NonMenthol, Camel Crisp, Camel Crush Oasis Silver, Camel Crush Oasis Blue, Camel Crush Oasis Green, Newport Non-Menthol Green, Newport EXP NonMenthol Mix, and Newport EXP Non-Menthol Max. This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.

Medi-Cal enrollees in California: Here’s how...

Be on the alert: Medi-Cal is warning about scammers who have been contacting enrollees and requesting a fee to help people renew coverage. Don’t fall for it. No payment is required to renew your coverage.

But be sure to open your mail and respond to any official request for personal information. And be aware that updating your information could push you off Medi-Cal if your income has risen or if you have access to other insurance.

If you need help with any of this, especially that daunting renewal form, keep reading. Medi-Cal, the state’s version of the Medicaid health insurance program for low-income residents, has embarked on a 14-month effort to reexamine the eligibility of its nearly 15.8 million members. It is part of the massive “unwinding” being undertaken by all state Medicaid programs after three pandemic years during which their rolls swelled. States had agreed, in exchange for extra funding from the feds, not to boot anyone except in cases such as fraud, death, or a move out of state.

On April 1, Medicaid restarted the annual eligibility checks that had been the norm before the pandemic. It will be the biggest shake-up in U.S. health coverage since the Affordable Care Act, though it cuts the opposite way: Between 8 million and 24 million people will likely be bounced from Medicaid nationally, including an estimated 2 million to 3 million in California.

To minimize the number of enrollees dropped unnecessarily, California’s Department of Health Care Services, which runs Medi-Cal, has launched a $25 million advertising and outreach campaign that will send messages in 19 languages. The department is enlisting the assistance of nearly everyone who has contact with Medi-Cal enrollees: county offices, health plans, medical providers, advocacy groups, and volunteers. And it got $146 million in supplemental funding to help counties cope with the unprecedented number of renewal decisions.

But some patient advocates,

health plan executives, and community clinic administrators worry it will not be enough to help all enrollees who could lose coverage if they can’t be reached or don’t respond — especially transient and homeless people and those with language or cultural barriers.

Less than two months before the start of the unwinding, multiple counties, including Fresno and Sacramento, reported staffing shortages and the need to train eligibility workers.

Laura Sheckler, deputy director of policy at the California Primary Care Association, which represents about 1,300 community clinics statewide, says the nearly $60 million in state funds earmarked for “navigators” to assist Medi-Cal enrollees is not enough for her group’s members to provide all the help that will be needed. The association has asked lawmakers for another $60 million.

Some Medi-Cal members already know where they stand.

Anthony Kelley, a 53-year-old single dad, is one of them. Kelley, who lives with his 14-yearold son, Nicholas, in Pacifica, California, temporarily lost his job as a driver for a concrete company in the early days of the pandemic and signed up for Medi-Cal. He got his job back about a month later, along with access to employer-sponsored health coverage, but he has stayed on Medi-Cal for the past three years. His son has been on Medi-Cal since he was born.

When San Mateo County sent Kelley a renewal form, he called and was told his $58,000 annual income likely meant he and his son would lose Medi-Cal coverage. Now, he’s waiting for that to happen.

“It sucks for my son,” Kelley says, adding that he fears Nicholas could lose his doctors.

“But we’ll deal with it.”

If you are anxious or uncertain about what you need to do, don’t fret. Help is available.

You can call or visit your local Medi-Cal office to update your personal information or ask for assistance. The Department of Health Care Services (www. dhcs.ca.gov) lists on its website all county Medi-Cal agencies,

with addresses, phone numbers, and links. You can also call MediCal’s help line (800-541-5555). If you want to avoid potentially long lines or telephone hold times, consider signing up for an account at www.benefitscal.com or www.mybenefitscalwin.org. Doing so will allow you to update your personal and financial information online and find your renewal date.

Another great resource is the Health Consumer Alliance (888-804-3536 or www. healthconsumer.org), which can help you navigate the complexities of renewal, or contest a termination decision you think is unwarranted. Community clinics, which provide care for nearly onethird of Medi-Cal enrollees, often have navigators on-site who can help fill out forms and answer questions. L.A. Care, the largest Medi-Cal health plan, has 11 centers across Los Angeles County that will offer help to anyone who needs it, not just its members. Fresno County has 14 such centers. Check with your health plan for similar resources.

Under a state law, SB 260, if you are bumped off Medi-Cal but still have income low enough to qualify for an insurance subsidy through Covered California, the state’s insurance marketplace, you will be auto-enrolled in a plan the exchange deems to be the best value at the lowest cost. Once notified of the plan selection, you will have 30 days to accept it, choose another plan, or decline coverage altogether.

“This doesn’t need to be all doom and gloom for people who have Medi-Cal,” says David Kane, a senior attorney at the Western Center on Law & Poverty. (Bernard J. Wolfson/KFF Health News)

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

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

Dateline PhiliPPines

Marcos to reiterate pardon request for Mary Jane Veloso in Indonesia

by Daphne Galvez Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, May 9 said he will continue to ask for a commutation or even a pardon for Mary Jane Veloso, who is convicted of drug smuggling and condemned to death row.

Marcos issued the statement in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia where he is to attend the 42nd Summit of the Association

of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

"The impasse is we continue to ask for a commutation or even a pardon extradition back to the Philippines, and that is constantly there,” he said when asked if he would raise Veloso’s case if he meets with Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

“But the Indonesians answer us that this is the law,” Marcos added.

In September last year, the

Department of Foreign Affairs sought executive clemency for Veloso.

Veloso was convicted of drug trafficking after she was caught with 2.6 kilos of heroin in Yogyakarta in 2010. She was meted out to the death penalty in 2010.

“They’ve already given us postponement but that doesn’t mean it’s done, I’ll always at least bring it up. Baka sakaling magbago [Maybe it will change],” Marcos said. g

Pacquiao vows to shoulder expenses of boxer in coma

MANILA – The medical needs of Kenneth Egano, the Sarangani bantamweight who slipped into a coma after winning his eightround fight late Saturday, May 6 in Cavite, will be shouldered by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.

Egano collapsed while he was awaiting the official result of his bout against Jason Facularin in Imus and was brought to the hospital after paramedics attended to him on top of the ring.

“There is nothing more precious than human life,” Pacquiao said from General Santos City upon learning Egano’s condition.

Pacquiao, whose boxing program Blow-By-Blow staged

the Egano-Facularin match, has instructed his staff in Manila to make sure Egano receives all the help he needs.

Egano, 22, is now confined at the Imus Doctors Hospital and was scheduled to undergo an on operation last Sunday, May 7. The fighter’s parents are scheduled to arrive Monday on a flight from General Santos City after Blow-By-Blow staffers sent them flight tickets. Watching over Egano at the hospital is his trainer, Dexter Benatero.

Egano and Facularin was the night’s most exciting fight and talks were already under way that they would be paired again sometime in July.

Egano, who made his BlowBy-Blow debut last February in General Santos City, entered the fight armed with a 6-1 win-loss record with three knockouts.

The Davao City-born Facularin, 23, came into the showdown with an unblemished mark of 4-0 with 4 wins inside the distance.

Pacquiao, who also fought in Blow-By-Blow when he was still on the way up, swears “boxing is truly a dangerous sport and the boxers deserve nothing but respect as they put their lives on the line.”

“Other sports you play, but you don’t play boxing,” added the eight-division champion. (Philstar.com)

Not yet over

THE World Health Organization has announced that COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, but stressed that the pandemic is not yet over. This announcement could prove to be as confusing as the WHO’s declaration of COVID as a public health emergency of international concern or PHEIC on Jan. 20, 2020.

The PHEIC is supposed to be the highest alert level that the WHO can declare, but the term and the acronym were gobbledygook for many governments, which waited for a clear pronouncement about a pandemic. This came only on March 11, over a month after the Philippines recorded its first two COVID-19 patients. These were tourists from the Chinese city of Wuhan, Ground Zero of the disease, with the man becoming the first COVID-19 fatality outside China and the first in the Philippines. Days later, the Duterte administration placed Metro Manila, and then the entire Luzon, under strict lockdown. No one wants to return to those lockdowns, meant to prevent the spread of the lethal virus at a time when there was still no vaccine in sight, but which put the economy on the path to its worst recession since World War II. Today there is a debate even over continued masking in public places. While the InterAgency Task Force has said there is no need to restore mask mandates, it still bears noting

Editorial

that confirmed COVID cases and positivity rates have been steadily rising in the past weeks amid the detection of highly transmissible strains of the Omicron variant.

While Omicron has produced mostly mild symptoms especially among the vaccinated and boosted, it can still lead to infections that are serious enough to require hospitalization. It can still lead to death. Health experts have warned of waning immunity from vaccines and previous infection.

From May 1 to 7, daily COVID cases nationwide surged to an average of 1,352 – 112 percent higher than the 637 daily cases recorded from April 24 to 30, according to the Department of Health. In the first week of May, the DOH recorded 9,465 cases – the highest since November last year. As of May 7, the country had 410 severe and critical cases, with 346 occupying beds in intensive care units. Another 3,766 were in regular hospital beds. Nine COVID deaths were recorded in the first week of May, along with 50 additional and severe critical cases.

Health officials previously said masking and

other minimum health protocols such as hand and respiratory hygiene are minor sacrifices in avoiding a disease that can still cause hospitalization and its attendant expenses,

debilitation through long COVID and even death.

The WHO has said the pandemic is not over. The past three years have shown that it’s better to be safe than sorry. (Philstar.com)

A decade later: PBBM visit revitalized PH-US relations

THE last time a sitting Philippine president visited Washington, DC was more than a decade ago.

Being fortunate to be in the front seat as the Philippine Ambassador to the United States, we were all extremely pleased that the visit of President Marcos Jr. was highly successful on behalf of the country and our national interest. Neither the President nor anyone of us are expecting accolades for the visit’s success; everyone who participated in this event simply believed in just how important the relationship is between the Philippines and the United States.

The four-day official visit was highlighted by the bilateral meeting between President Marcos Jr. and President Joe Biden at the Oval Office, which turned out to be fruitful and cordial. It was only natural that both leaders recognized the importance of such a meeting in revitalizing the alliance between our two nations, and the need for the relationship to evolve as we

face “the challenges of this new century,” in the words of President Biden as he echoed the statement made by President Marcos during their first face-to-face meeting in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September last year. With remarkable candor, the U.S. president said he “can’t think of any better partner to have” than the Philippines. The bilateral meeting at the Oval Office was followed by an expanded meeting at the White House Cabinet Room with key U.S. Cabinet secretaries and our own Cabinet secretaries led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ricky Manalo, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Defense OIC Charlie Galvez and ICT Secretary Ivan Uy. Clearly, there was a lot of enthusiasm on both sides, underscoring the multifaceted nature of Philippines-U.S. relations.

The result of such meetings is the expectation of a lot more economic activities between our two countries, underscored by President Biden’s announcement that he will be sending a first-

of-its-kind, high-powered trade delegation with perhaps 100 or 200 top American companies to the Philippines, to be headed by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Secretary Raimondo is very enthusiastic at the prospect of visiting the Philippines and exploring investment opportunities in several sectors that include renewable energy, infrastructure and mineral processing. President Marcos Jr. and the First Lady were invited by the White House to be their guests at the Blair House but the President politely declined, opting instead to stay at a nearby hotel. Nonetheless, the White House graciously allowed us to use the historic landmark residence for meetings and events during the entire stay of the President and his delegation. The Blair House, or more popularly known as the President’s Guest House, is a complex made up of four separate homes, among them a property that was constructed in 1824 and named after its second owner, Francis Preston Blair, who was a journalist. Blair House has been described as “the world’s

American boy

IT is now clear as a hot summer day the United States won’t pay direct compensation for the use by the U.S. armed forces of what is now nine Philippine military bases located from north to central to south of the 7,600-island archipelago.

The reason maybe is that some generals or naughty politicians could fritter away such sums ($500 million a year when President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos was in power), if they join the wrong side of history.

Instead, the U.S. government will invest money, by itself or jointly with large American companies or institutions, in people, in their wellbeing, education, livelihood, infrastructure, in their communities. The result is a better life for many Filipinos.

The May 1-4, 2023 official visit of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr., 65, and the deals he wangled from the administration of President Joseph Biden, 80, certify him as an American boy. But it does not mean BBM

is now anti-China. Such disengagement (from Beijing), “is not an option,” he clarifies. Our President is practicing what his father espoused, a bold foreign policy. Some of the projects promised BBM by Biden himself:

• The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is launching a new partnership to scale up infrastructure development in the Philippines and support the construction of high-quality railways, ports and transport systems.

• In 2023, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency will leverage over $3 billion of public and private financing to strengthen the Philippines’ critical mineral supply chains, advance smart grid technologies and clean energy solutions, promote secure 5G deployment, strengthen airport security and maritime safety and support health care infrastructure across the Philippines.

• U.S. will spend $70 million to develop a new generation of PH leaders – 2,000 in 10 years.

• It will spend $30 million to improve the quality of PH universities.

Best of all, the South China Sea, or West Philippine Sea,

is now reckoned as part of the Philippine metropolitan territory in the implementation of the PH-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951.

Under the MDT, if the Philippines or any part of its territory, vessels, boats, including those of the Philippine Coast Guard, is attacked with force, it will trigger an armed attack from the U.S. because such attack is as if the U.S. itself was attacked.

Biden reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines, and the leaders discussed efforts to strengthen the longstanding U.S.-Philippines alliance.

On May 1, 2023, at the White House, President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad alliance commitments to the Philippines. An armed attack in the Pacific, which includes the South China Sea, on Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft, including those of the Coast Guard, would invoke U.S. mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 MDT.

Biden and BBM agreed to deepen economic cooperation and promote inclusive prosperity, expand our nations’ special people-to-people ties,

most exclusive and luxurious hotel” because it is where many heads of state have stayed like Queen Elizabeth, Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, among many others.

Following the meeting with the Filipino community was the dinner at the Blair House with Philippine Cabinet officials, State Secretary Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, NSA Director Jake Sullivan, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Dr. Kurt Campbell of the National Security Council and American and Filipino businessmen that included Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Enrique Razon, Sabin Aboitiz, among several others.

It was the perfect setting for President Marcos Jr. to have an informal but substantive conversation with Secretary Blinken. I sat down with Secretary Austin and our good friend, Senator Bob Menendez, chairman of the U.S. Senate foreign relations committee.

The ceremonial activities and

invest in the clean energy transition and address the climate crisis and ensure respect for human rights. The leaders discussed regional matters and coordinated on efforts to uphold international law and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Biden and Marcos announced a number of new arrangements and initiatives to expand on the historic momentum in U.S.Philippine relations, including the adoption of Bilateral Defense Guidelines, President Biden’s dispatching of a Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines, the launch of an Open RAN 5G interoperability lab in Manila and the establishment of a bilateral Labor Working Group.

The Philippines is the U.S.’s oldest ally in the Indo-Pacific. Since 1951, the U.S.-Philippines alliance has advanced peace, prosperity and security for the United States, the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region, said a White House briefing paper.

The U.S. and the Philippines are modernizing the alliance and building a strong and resilient architecture that is designed to meet emerging challenges, while routinizing joint planning and improving interoperability.

On April 28, 2023, their armies concluded the largestever iteration of their flagship bilateral military exercise,

subsequent meetings of the President were equally substantial and significant. Needless to say, the full military honors he received – with a 21-gun salute and the playing of the Philippine and U.S. national anthems – at the Pentagon before the bilateral meeting with Secretary Austin was very impressive. I have to admit that even after seeing such events countless of times, I still get goosebumps. The visit to Arlington Cemetery was an especially touching ceremony where the President laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Capping the official activities of the President during his four-day visit to Washington was the policy speech he delivered at the ASEAN Leadership Forum of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a prominent think-tank which he described as “one of the world’s foremost policy institutions on national security and foreign policy issues.”

In his very well received speech, President Marcos Jr. spelled out how he sees the relationship between the Philippines and the U.S. to be like

Balikatan. “We are also expanding cooperation among our coast guards to better address the challenges posed by illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and other unlawful maritime activities; when Vice President Harris visited Palawan in November 2022, she announced $7.5 million in new assistance to enhance the capabilities of Philippine maritime law enforcement agencies, as well as a new program to upgrade the Philippine Coast Guard’s vessel traffic management system,” said the White House paper.

PH and U.S. have identified four new sites pursuant to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which “will strengthen Philippine security and support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization goals, while driving U.S. investment to local communities across the Philippines and improving our shared ability to rapidly deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”

Other initiatives:

• Bilateral Defense Guidelines that institutionalize key bilateral priorities, mechanisms and processes to deepen alliance cooperation and interoperability across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.

The Guidelines support the continued modernization of the alliance and ongoing efforts to

in the next five to 10 years at the very least, underscoring the need to evolve the alliance and “make it more responsive to present and emerging challenges” because “national security is no longer about territorial defense. Economic security is national security.”

He was very specific on issues of vital importance regarding the economic aspect of the relationship, making a case for “forging closer economic ties because creating prosperity and realizing human potential will not only make the Philippines a more reliable partner for the United States” – but will also strengthen both countries’ democracies. Being in the front seat, I can confidently say that this was an extremely successful and fruitful visit of the President – not to bask in the glory for himself but for our country. (Philstar.com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

adapt alliance coordination to respond to the evolving security environment.

The two countries will advance efforts to deepen interoperability, particularly through enhanced bilateral planning; information-sharing; accelerated defense capability development and collaboration on emerging security challenges.

• The U.S. will transfer to the Armed Forces of the Philippines two Island-class patrol vessels, two Protector-class patrol vessels and three C-130H aircraft, pending applicable congressional notification requirements. Additionally, two Cyclone-class coastal patrol vessels were transferred to the Philippines in late April and are now en route to Manila. These transfers will support AFP’s modernization program by enhancing its maritime and tactical lift capabilities.

• At the nine EDCA sites, the U.S. will support health, education, environmental protection, economic growth and disaster preparedness. (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: biznewsasia@gmail.com

Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA — Fifty-one percent of Filipino families consider themselves poor, according to a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

The nationwide survey conducted among 1,200 adults from March 26 to 29 revealed that 51 percent of Filipino families rate themselves as “mahirap” or poor.

Thirty-one percent rated themselves as “borderline” by placing themselves in a horizontal line dividing poor and not poor, while 19 percent rated themselves as “hindi mahirap” or not poor.

“This is similar to (the survey conducted in) December 2022, when poor families were at 51 percent, borderline families at 31 percent and not poor families at 19 percent,” SWS said.

It noted that the estimated number of self-rated poor families was at 14 million last March, rising from the 12.9 million in December last year.

“Self-rated poor rose in Metro Manila from 32 percent to 40 percent, and from 58 percent to 65

percent in the Visayas. However, it fell in Balance Luzon from 49 percent to 43 percent while it was statistically steady in Mindanao, moving from 59 percent to 62 percent,” the polling agency said.

Borderline respondents did not statistically change in Metro Manila from 29 percent to 26 percent, in balance Luzon from 30 percent to 32 percent and in Mindanao from 30 percent to 33 percent, but fell in the Visayas from 34 percent to 26 percent.

Filipinos who considered themselves not poor rose in balance Luzon from 20 percent to 25 percent, but fell in Metro Manila from 39 percent to 33 percent and in Mindanao from 11 percent to six percent. It did not change in the Visayas at nine percent.

The minimum monthly budget that self-rated poor families said they need for home expenses to not consider themselves poor has remained sluggish for several years despite considerable inflation.

“This indicates that poor families have been lowering their living standards, i.e., belttightening,” SWS said.

The average poor families lack about half of what they need to not consider themselves poor.

Of the families who rated themselves poor, 6.5 percent are considered “newly poor” as they were not poor one to four years ago.

Another 6.7 percent were nonpoor five or more years ago, and 37.9 percent were considered “always poor.”

Of the estimated 14 million self-rated families in the March survey, 1.8 million were newly poor, 1.8 million were usually poor and 10.4 million were always poor, according to SWS.

The same survey also found that based on the type of food they eat, 39 percent of Filipino families rated themselves as “food-poor,” 35 percent rated themselves as “borderline food-poor” and 26 percent rated themselves as “not food-poor.”

Compared to December 2022, the percentage of food-poor families rose from 34 percent, while borderline food-poor families hardly moved from 38 percent and not food-poor families barely changed from 28 percent. g

Filipino among new Pontifical Swiss Guard recruits

MANILA – A 24-year-old Filipino was among the 23 new recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guard at the Vatican.

An article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website on Monday said the Davao City-born Sebastian Esai Eco Eviota together with the other new Swiss Guards joined their ranks in an elaborate swearingin ceremony at the Courtyard of Saint Damasus on Saturday in Rome.

The men were also joined by their families and delegates of the Swiss Confederation and Swiss Bishops.

The ceremony is held every May 6 to commemorate the heroic sacrifice of 147 Swiss Guards who died protecting Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome in 1527.

Prior to the ceremony, the new Swiss Guards celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a meeting with Pope Francis in the Apostolic Palace.

The Holy Father urged them to make “good use of the time” of service at the Vatican to deepen and put into practice their Catholic faith.

“Every situation, every meeting can represent an opportunity to put the Gospel of Christ into practice, to learn from him and to live fraternal love in his name and with his Spirit,” the pope said.

“Your mission here in the Vatican is a path that the Lord has opened for you to live your Baptism and bear joyful witness to your faith in Christ,” the Holy Father added.

Born in 1998, Eviota moved to Switzerland in 2009 together with her elder sister on a family

76% think Philippine headed in right direction – poll

by Janvic Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA — A large majority of Filipinos, although fewer than last year, think the country is headed in the right direction, the latest survey by OCTA Research group showed. Results of the March 24 to 28 survey released yesterday found that 76 percent of the respondents believe that the Philippines is heading in the right direction.

However, the figure is down by nine points from the 85 percent obtained in a similar survey held in October last year.

those belonging to classes ABC (from 79 percent), 63 percent among class E (from 81 percent) and 78 percent among class D (from 86 percent).

Meanwhile, those who thought that the country is headed in the wrong direction was highest among respondents in Metro Manila at 19 percent (from 10 percent), followed by those in Mindanao at 15 percent (from eight percent), the Visayas at nine percent (from six percent) and rest of Luzon at five percent

(no change). Across socio-economic classes, those who thought that the country is headed in the wrong direction significantly increased among class E at 17 percent (from three percent), followed by classes ABC at 11 percent (no change) and D at eight percent (from six percent). OCTA’s independent Tugon ng Masa survey had 1,200 adult respondents and a margin of error of +/- three percent for national percentages. g

reunion visa. He joined the Youth for Christ, the youth ministry of the Couples for Christ (CFC).

His father Diomedes is from Surigao City while his mother Editha, who passed away in 2000, was from Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur province.

He was a second lieutenant at the Swiss Army before he was admitted to the Swiss Guards in January 2022 to complete his basic training.

Eviota is the second Filipino to be included in the Swiss Guards after Swiss-Filipino Vincent Lüthi, whose mother is from Cebu.

Founded by Pope Julius II in 1506, the Swiss Guards is a military body made up of Swiss citizens, whose main task is to protect the pope and his residence. Among their duties are also to accompany the pope on apostolic journeys and to protect the College of Cardinals during the vacant see. (PNA)

Meanwhile, those who thought that the country is moving in the wrong direction increased from six percent last October, to 10 percent in the latest poll. The remaining 13 percent said they do not know, up from nine percent.

OCTA said the decline from last quarter among those who thought that the country is headed in the right direction was due to decreases that were consistent across all major areas and socioeconomic classes.

It was lowest among those in Metro Manila at 59 percent (from 70 percent), followed by those in Mindanao at 75 percent (from 84 percent), rest of Luzon at 77 percent (from 87 percent) and the Visayas at 87 percent (from 91 percent).

It was 65 percent among

Sebastian Esai Eco Eviota (center). CBCP photo

The Asian Journal MDWK

Wednesday MAY 10, 2023

An exploration of yourself: Benson

Dimaranan’s ‘Is It Okay if I’m Not Okay? And What to Do About That’

By aMrylois Ferido AJPress

OFTENTIMES in the Filipino American community, there are conversations that are not had, specifically regarding emotions and the concept of “not being okay.”

In his new book, “Is It Okay if I’m Not Okay? And What to Do About That,” Fil-Am author Benson Dimaranan explores this significant concept, additionally acting as a form of guidance and encouragement for readers.

Dimaranan opens the book with an introduction that feels very personal, even introducing himself in order to relate with the audience through his own experiences. These experiences brought him to author this book as it is something he wishes he had growing up. He additionally outlines the purpose of this book, which is to encourage the readers, no matter who they are or where they may come from.

The book feels vastly different from works that are written for the same purpose as throughout, Dimaranan feels to be having a direct conversation with readers. This helped emphasize how he wanted the book to provide guidance for

the audience.

Instead of having a strict guide to follow, Dimaranan encourages readers to take what they read in his book, even if it is only specific parts, to get a better sense of who they are.

Though, when the book is read in order, it flows well, allowing for readers to connect each specific part to their own experiences and relationships in their lives. When thinking about one’s emotions, there is usually a sense of self, however, Dimaranan emphasizes how this perception of self can be connected completely to those that surround us.

One chapter of the book focuses primarily on family dynamics, specifically parental and sibling relationships. Dimaranan points out how these relationships, or even lack of, can shape our identity, perception of who we are, and also outside relationships, such as friendships or romance. This specific part of the book really spoke to me due to how in-depth Dimaranan went into explaining several types of dynamics, which I have seen in my own life as well as outside of it.  Throughout the book, Dimaranan often also

Continued on Page 10

Several influential Filipinos honored on Gold House’s annual A100 list of most impactful APIs

By Klarize Medenilla AJPress

FROM media to sports, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) continue to make an impact across all global industries.

Just in time for Asian Pacific American History Month, the AAPI advocacy and fundraiser group Gold House released its 2023 A100 List, a coveted catalog of a hundred members of the Asian and Pacific Islander community who made the biggest impact over the past year.

“In the past year, from ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ at the Oscars to IPOs on the NYSE and NASDAQ, we’ve moved from Asian Pacific community firsts to global industry firsts. This is no longer about just having a seat at the table or belonging–the A100 and the powerful Gold Gala are about building new houses by breaking established ceilings for all communities.” said Bing Chen and Jeremy Tran, CEO and COO of Gold House, respectively. “By distilling and punctuating the Asian Pacific community’s essential impact on culture, we reimagine what’s possible for our community and redefine how we’re seen in society.”

The diverse group of listees includes several individuals of Filipino descent, including Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, whom Gold House included in its A100 Hall of Fame for being recognized on the list in prior years.

Recognized as a Gold Legend was Tony winner and Disney legend Lea Salonga, who is currently in rehearsals for “Here Lies Love,” which is set to be Broadway’s first allFilipino cast.

“Here Lies Love” producer and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas was also honored on the list under the Activism & Journalism category. Joining Vargas in that category are California Attorney General

Rob Bonta and author, producer, and transgender activist Geena Rocero.

“I can’t help but look back when I was a 15-yearold Trans Filipina traveling to rural provinces, traversing mountains to get to Catholic Fiesta celebrations so I could join hundreds of pageants, dreaming and hoping that one day… somehow…” Rocero wrote wistfully on Instagram in response to her inclusion on the list.

Among the long list of

artists and entertainers in the Entertainment and Media category included rapper Saweetie and Grammy-winning musician Steve Lacy. The Fashion and Lifestyle category included two Pinays: actor and founder of BEIS Shay Mitchell and R’Bonney Nola Gabriel, who won Miss Universe 2022 and Miss USA 2022.

In honor of APAHM, Gabriel wrote on Instagram, “My childhood of growing up in Texas as a Filipina American helped shape the woman I am today, from memories of family gatherings eating lechon, overpacking all my cousins into one hotel room for vacations, and watching my titos play Tong-its until the sunrise.”

She continued, “I also saw firsthand how to build your vision or dream with the resources you have. Many Asian Americans have been able to achieve what they want by just working with whatever cards they were dealt.”

In the Sports and Gaming category, the award-winning host and commentator for ESPN Pablo Sison Torre was honored as was Jason Robertson, a professional ice hockey player for the Dallas Stars and the third-ever Filipino American to play for the National Hockey League.

Melanie Perkins, the founder of the popular online design and publishing platform Canva, was also recognized in the Business and Technology category. Tesa Aragones, a veteran digital branding expert, was also honored in the Arts and Entertainment category for her work as president of AKQA, a global design and innovation agency.

Erik Spoelstra

Steve Lacy

Jose Antonio Vargas

R’Bonney Nola Gabriel

Geena Rocero

Jason Robertson

Lea Salonga

Shay Mitchell

California Attorney General Rob Bonta

Pablo Sison Torre

Saweetie

Melanie Perkins Tesa Aragones

Among the honorees include Lea Salonga, Steve Lacy, and Erik Spoelstra

Author Benson Dimaranan

Claudine says she dreams of working with Judy Ann in a film

By hannah mallorca Inquirer.net

CLAUDINE Barretto has expressed her desire to work with Judy Ann Santos in a film as she admitted that it has always been on her bucket list.

Barretto made the confession during an interview with Boy Abunda during an episode of the show “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda” on Friday, May 5, saying that they’ve always been good friends behind the scenes. The topic was brought up after Abunda asked the actress if she wanted to work with Santos in a film in the future.

“Ohmigod, [working with Judy Ann Santos], that’s one of my bucket list,” she began. “Judy Ann and I, people think that we don’t get along or we never [get] along. But the truth is that, you know, even noong debut niya, right after, I remember that it was a Sunday and everything was closed, the after-party was in my condominium.”

The seasoned actress shared that she and Santos have been through a lot together during the height of their careers, describing their relationship as something of a “boyfriend and girlfriend” because of the circumstances at the time.

“Ang dami naming pinagdaanan ni Judy Ann. During that time, para kaming mag boyfriend-girlfriend ni Judy Ann. Bawal kami makita sa labas kasi ayaw ni Tito Alfie [Lorenzo] kasi dapat daw à la Nora [Aunor]-Vilma [Santos],” Barretto said, as she noted the supposed rivalry between Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos back

then. Meanwhile, Lorenzo was Santos’ former manager who passed away in August 2017.

(Judy Ann and I have been through a lot together. During that time, Judy Ann and I were like boyfriend and girlfriend. We’re not allowed to be seen together because Tito Alfie Lorenzo didn’t want to. We were supposed to be like Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos.)

During the interview, the “Milan” star also thanked Santos for standing by her during the “lowest point” of her life.

“I would never forget what Judy Ann did for me, that is why she is who she is. That is why Judy Ann Santos is Judy Ann Santos. At my lowest point, when I also transferred from channel 2 to channel 7, and they said in one of her interviews, they said she was the teleserye queen. She said, ‘No. Claudine and I share this title,’” she said.

“I will never forget that until the day I die. And that

Bea overjoyed with her ‘theater era’ after performing on ‘Ang Larawan’ stage

By hannah mallorca Inquirer.net

BEA Alonzo seems to be enjoying her so-called “theater era” with the “best people in the industry” as one of the cast members of “Ang Larawan: the Concert” last May 6.

our dream is to be able to do a movie together. I will forever be grateful to Judy Ann Santos. And queens support queens,” she further explained.

The veteran actress also revealed in the interview that she made a promise to her estranged husband Raymart Santiago that she has no plans of marrying again.

“I think I already gave my promise to my ex-husband and I think that’s enough. I mean, I have my children — I have four. Parang that alone takes so much of my time, my energy, my strength so I will focus on that,” she said.

Barretto is one of the most prolific actresses in local showbiz from the 1990s to 2000s, where her first major role was in the TV series “Ang TV.”

Among her most popular films and teleseryes to date include “Milan,” “Dubai,” Sukob,” “Kailangan Kita,” “Got 2 Believe,” “Marina,” and Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan,” among many others.

Alonzo took to her Instagram account on Sunday, May 7 to share glimpses of her favorite moments as Elsa Montes in the musical held at the Manila Metropolitan Theater. The photos showed the actress donning a vintage blue dress while performing onstage.

“In my theater era. I truly enjoyed performing on stage last night for the first time with the best people in the industry,” she said in the caption. The “One More Chance” star expressed her delight with her theater experience, saying that she “greatly respects” the industry.

“I greatly respect everything they do to preserve the Philippines’ culture and arts. [performing arts emoji] #ContraMundum #NationalHeritageMonth,” she wrote.

Fellow celebrities Julie Anne San Jose and Dimples Romana, as well as co-stars Markki Stroem and Kakai Bautista praised Alonzo for her recent acting milestone, as seen in the comments of her post.

The Kapuso star seemed to have regarded her “Ang Larawan: the Concert” as an unforgettable experience as she shared more of her favorite moments on social media.

Stroem also uploaded photos of himself with Alonzo onstage on his personal Instagram page, where they appear to be engaged in a dramatic encounter.

“Paalam Candida, Paalam Paula! I will miss our Conga barkada! Had such a blast performing with this wonderful all-star cast at the @metphofficial CONTRA MUNDUM! What a magical time machine ride to the 1940’s!

Clad in our gorgeous period outfits performing in this almost

century old theater,” he wrote. The musical is said to be the culmination of the Metropolitan Theater’s tribute to The Order of National Artists of the Philippines, where Ryan Cayabyab served as the musical director. It starred Alonzo, Stroem, Bautista, Karylle, Jericho Rosales, Nonie Buencamino, Rachel Alejandro, Aicelle Santos, and Kakki Teodoro.

Reports of Alonzo joining the cast first emerged in April 2023 when she posted photos of herself with the cast on social media.

“Ang Larawan: the Concert” was first performed onstage in 1997, and was turned into a musical film in 2017.

Aga shares hard lesson he learned during the lowest point of his life

By Kathleen a llemit Philstar.com

AGA Muhlach achieved success when he was just 14, and when his star lost its shine immediately after, he saw how ugly reality can be for those who have fallen from grace.

It is the reason why the actor said he will never maltreat or look down on anyone because he experienced being at the lowest point in his life

and people were not kind to him.

“I was really down and out. I was so down and out,” recalled Aga to Karen Davila.

He and his wife, former beauty queen and actress Charlene Gonzalez were guests on Davila’s YouTube show.

The actor was 14 when he struck fame as part of the iconic cast of the 1984 youthoriented film “Bagets.”

Since his movie became

big, Aga admitted that he got “lost.” He became independent afterwards, renting his own space. He later realized that fame does not equate to secure finances. “It doesn’t mean that sikat ka, yayaman ka,” Aga recalled.

He had to let go of his townhouse because he could not pay his rent and electric bill. He was around 14 to 16 at that time.

It was during this time that he had a reality check and was let down by people.

“And there were actors before, who would talagang…” Aga said, his words hanging.

The seasoned journalist gently asked, “Inapi ka?” Grabe. Oo,” he said.

That episode thought him to take control of his life. He decided to fix it.

Kaya sinabi ko kapag sumikat ako talaga ulit, ‘yung

that time, never ko itong gagawin talaga. “Kaya I’ve always been the kindest to any artistang kasama ko — bago, matanda, ganyan… Kahit ako ang sinabing, ‘Aga, ikaw ang pinakasikat, ikaw ang number one,’ Nah, nah, nah… “We’re all the same here. I learned from that kasi… nakita ko yung sakit na ginawa sa akin. ‘Yung baba ka na, ‘yung aapakan ka pa,” Aga said.

Bea Alonzo

Photo from Instagram/@

Claudine Barretto, Judy Ann Santos Photos screengrabed from YouTube/GMA Network, Instagram/@

Aga Muhlach Philstar.com photo

Join UPAAGLA’s Spring Fling on May 20

COME and meet other

U.P. Alumni and friends in the Greater LA area in this year’s Spring Fling! We have prepared fun games, great door prizes, and awesome raffle prizes as well. Let’s enjoy some chikahan and walk down memory lane.

Wear your best UP Outfit and win a Prize!

Bring your ka-batch and ka-orgs to this free event!

This is a Potluck event. So, bring your favorite appetizer, main dish, side dish or dessert.

Simply register for free on Eventbrite.

Learn more about UPAAGLA and the work that we have done throughout the years.

Join and be a member now! Visit https://www. upaagla.org/join

Tara na! Sali na!

If you have any questions, call 818-894-5142 or 818818-2815.

An exploration of yourself: Benson...

From Page 8

provided definitions for words that one would already know the definition for, such as “family.” However, this simple definition was something he ended up breaking down throughout the chapter in which

it was placed. The audience can see how complex a definition can be, just as the emotions and experiences that one may have throughout their life.

The book also was astounding in how it was able to break down the layers of

Catholic Diocese of Oakland seeks bankruptcy protection after 330 lawsuits

Debt

Atty. LAwrence yAng

THE Catholic of Diocese of Oakland has just filed Chapter 11 seeking bankruptcy protection from 330 lawsuits arising from sexual molestation cases that happened during the 70s and 80s.  Bankruptcy will stop the lawsuits from proceeding forward in regular courts, in fact freeze them on their tracks, stop all discovery procedures to gather evidence and force all the lawsuits to be under the jurisdiction of the bankruptcy court, one venue.  Bankruptcy will also protect the assets of the church by limiting the extent assets can be used to pay for settlements.

In other words, bankruptcy will give the church a handle on all of the lawsuits and allow it to negotiate a reasonable settlement with the plaintiffs while assuring protection for the assets of the church. Otherwise, individual state court judgments against the church may run into hundreds of millions, multiply by that 330 and that will basically wipe out the assets of the

Catholic diocese in Oakland.

Obviously, the fallen one, Lucifer and his minions of demons have been able to inflict a heavy blow on the reputation of the Catholic Church by tempting and influencing priests to succumb to perversion preying on the most innocent of their flock. It’s really shocking and very sad to know that this kind of detestable criminal activity has been going on and actually being hidden by the church, allowing it to fester and have more and more innocent victims. It’s the work of the devil. There’s never going to be enough monetary compensation for the victims who have suffered physical, emotional and spiritual trauma inflicted by priests who became servants of the devil.

I can understand the anger that led to the burning of the Catholic Church in Hacienda Heights by one of its parishioners several years ago when it was discovered that the parish priest there had been molesting some of the children there.

The betrayal, the sexual abuse of children, in any form cannot be tolerated. We must fight the devil on this front. If you suspect something is wrong, report it immediately to the police. The perpetrator is a criminal, a wolf in sheep’s

clothing. If you have too much debt and potential liability beyond your control, consider a personal bankruptcy. It’s not a bad thing. In fact, protect yourself and your assets from creditors. It’s the right thing to do.  Walt Disney filed Chapter 7 twice before Disneyland became successful. Milton Hershey filed for Chapter 7 once before Hershey’s chocolates became successful. Orange County filed for Chapter 11 protection more than a decade ago. And now the Catholic Diocese of Oakland has filed for bankruptcy protection from 330 lawsuits. If you have too much debt and need relief, please set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally.

* * * Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is considered legal advice for anyone. There is absolutely no attorney client relationship established by reading this article.

* * * Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California.  Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)

one’s identity, whether that be gender, sexuality, or simply one’s perception of who they are, both physical and emotional. Dimaranan makes what seem like complex ideas easy to comprehend, such as how our sense of self connects deeply to our environment and those around us.

Dimaranan did not, however, only limit his guidance to his own words and thoughts, he also provided direct resources and contacts for readers to turn to if they need additional or direct help.

While, again, there is no specific order in how you are to read the book, each separate part feels to be a piece of a puzzle that Dimaranan has you solving, where the complete work is an understanding of who you are or even steppingstones to figuring out your self-identity. Dimaranan highly encourages readers to take his guidance not as something to take and immediately apply to their lives but at their own pace.

The majority of the topics he talked about emphasize the different boundaries, especially emotionally, when it comes to Filipino family dynamics and how Filipino generations have grown up, especially in recent times. These topics are not traditionally brought up at the dinner table or family gatherings, but Dimaranan is not afraid to completely bring them out in the open.

While you may not need the book or find yourself in a moment of self-exploration, this book is definitely one that should be given a chance. You should be given a chance as well to experience the selfexploration that Dimaranan provides throughout his work. It is also a piece that is a step towards breaking the barriers and boundaries we have so comfortably kept within the Filipino community.

The digital and print versions of the book can be ordered on Amazon through this link: https://www.amazon. com/OKAY-IM-NOT-WHATABOUT/dp/B0C1JJVBGY.

When is my prenuptial agreement not enforceable?

MANY people are of the perception that simply downloading a prenuptial agreement from the internet and signing it with their fiance offers them a bullet proof protection from a divorce. What many people do not know is that certain statutory requirements must be met in order for the prenuptial agreement to be valid and to withstand attack in court by your future spouse’s lawyer.

Family Code Section 1615 provides that a prenuptial agreement is not enforceable if the party against whom enforcement is sought proves either of the following (1) that party did not execute the agreement voluntarily or (2) The agreement was unconscionable when it was executed and, before execution of the agreement, all of the following applied to that party: (A) That party was not provided a fair, reasonable, and full disclosure of the property or financial obligations of the other party.

(B) That party did not voluntarily and expressly waive, in writing, any right to disclosure of the property or financial obligations of the other party beyond the disclosure provided.(C) That party did not have, or reasonably could not have had, an adequate knowledge of the property or financial obligations of the other party. The issue of unconscionability shall be decided by the court as a matter of law.

A prenuptial agreement shall be deemed not executed voluntarily unless the court finds in writing or on the record all

of the following: (1) The party against whom enforcement is sought was represented by independent legal counsel at the time of signing the agreement or, after being advised to seek independent legal counsel, expressly waived, in a separate writing, representation by independent legal counsel. The advisement to seek independent legal counsel shall be made at least seven calendar days before the final agreement is signed.

(2) One of the following: (A)

For an agreement executed between January 1, 2002, and January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and advised to seek independent legal counsel and the time the agreement was signed. (B) For an agreement executed on or after January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and the time the agreement was signed, regardless of whether the party is represented by legal counsel. (3) The party against whom enforcement is sought, if unrepresented by legal counsel, was fully informed of the terms and basic effect of the agreement as well as the rights and obligations the party was giving up by signing the agreement, and was proficient in the language in which the explanation of the party’s rights was conducted and in which the agreement was written. The explanation of the rights and obligations relinquished shall be memorialized in writing and delivered to the party prior to signing the agreement. The unrepresented party shall, on or before the signing of the premarital agreement, execute

a document declaring that the party received the information required by this paragraph and indicating who provided that information. (4) The prenuptial agreement was not executed under duress, fraud, or undue influence, and the parties did not lack capacity to enter into the agreement. Having both you and your fiance represented by separate counsel during the drafting and execution of your prenuptial agreement can help avoid any of the problems noted above which will can result to your prenuptial agreement being found to be invalid by the court during your divorce proceeding and your assets divided according to California community property law.

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

* * * Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

Barrister’s Corner