051923 - Northern California Edition

California launches anti-hate crime hotline

SACRAMENTO – California officially launched CA vs. Hate, a new multilingual statewide hotline and website that provides a safe, anonymous reporting option for victims and witnesses of hate acts. making it the first state to formally declare its strong and active opposition against hate.

In time for Asian and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, CA vs Hate is a direct response to the rise in reported hate crimes in California, which reached their highest levels since 2001 – jumping almost 33% from 2020 to 2021. Asian communities are among the most victimized by hate incidents and crimes.

Governor Gavin Newsom, along with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), is spearheading the campaign, sending an unequivocal message that hate will not be tolerated in the Golden State. Newsom and the legislature earlier allocated $110 million to anti-hate programs.

“We stand firm for a California for All

CA resolution introduced to establish sister state relationship with PH province of Bulacan

A CALIFORNIA state senator has introduced a resolution to establish a sister state relationship with the Philippine province of Bulacan.

Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D –Burbank), authored Senate Concurrent Resolution 57 (SCR 57), which outlines the sister state relationship and introduced it on the state Senate floor on Monday, May 15.

Bulacan is located north of Metro Manila and is considered the most populous province in Central Luzon and the third most populous in the Philippines after Cebu and Cavite.

The measure “will promote mutually beneficial educational, economic, and cultural exchanges between the State of California and the Province of Bulacan,” according to a release from Portantino’s office.

The measure passed with an unanimous vote and standing ovation from senators present.

Comelec approves online voting for overseas Filipinos

MANILA — The Commission on Elections

(Comelec) on Wednesday, May 17 approved internet voting for registered overseas voters in the 2025 national and local elections.

Comelec chairman George Garcia said the online voting for overseas voters was approved in an effort to increase voter turnout.

"Higher overseas voter turnout. Spending P411 million resulting [in] a dismal 39 percent turnout (although highest in history) is not value for money so

to speak,” Garcia said. “Why are not so many overseas [F]ilipinos voting personally or by mail (presently the mode of voting for them)? Maybe they need another mode,” he added.

Garcia bared that the poll body is now in the process of creating a roadmap for electronic voting for overseas Filipinos.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Comelec said that the the conduct of electronic overseas voting was approved based on the following laws:

- Section 16.11, Republic Act (RA) No. 9189 which allows Comelec to “study the use of electronic mail,

internet, or other secured networks in the casting of votes of qualified overseas Filipino voters”

- Section 28, RA No. 10590: “explore other more efficient, reliable and secure modes or systems, ensuring the secrecy and sanctity of the entire process, whether paper-based, electronic-based or internet-based technology or such other latest technology available, for onsite and remote registration and elections”; and - Section 23, RA No. 10590: “determine other alternative modes of voting, thereby allowing the Commission to promulgate, without further legisla PAGE 2

right on drug war abuses’

But

Ex-President Duterte on De Lima’s acquittal: Verdict ‘should be accepted’

by FAITH ARGOSINO Inquirer.net

MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte said Saturday, May 13 that the court’s decision on the drug case of his nemesis Leila de Lima “should be accepted.”

In a statement released through Atty. Salvador Panelo, the ex-chief executive maintained he has “nothing to do with the case” and “never interfered with the judicial process.”

“The judgment of the court should be

accepted. Frankly, I’m not interested in the outcome of the case as I have nothing to do with it. I have never interfered with the judicial process. I always say let the law take its course,” Duterte said.

Panelo, who was Duterte’s chief legal counsel and spokesperson at one point, also shared his take on the court’s decision, saying “the acquittal is flawed” and that “the evidence extant supports a judgment of conviction.”

“As a lawyer, it is my position that final judgment of a competent court must be

Marcos: PH closer to bringing Teves back

by CATHERINE S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government is getting closer to bringing embattled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. back to the Philippines after East Timor’s “quick” rejection of his application for political asylum.

Marcos mentioned East Timor’s decision to turn down the asylum request of Teves during a bilateral meeting with East Timor’s Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak on the

sidelines of the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia on Thursday, May 11.

During the meeting, Marcos thanked Ruak for the prompt action, saying it would now be easier for authorities to bring Teves back to the country to answer the allegations against him.

“In denying his request for political asylum, then we are going closer in the case to bringing him back home to face the allegations that have been

ex-president

Duterte says these were ‘never intended’ by CATHERINE S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte agreed with the recent remarks of his successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., that abuses were committed during his administration’s war on illegal drugs but insisted that “those were never intended.”

During his program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” aired on SMNI News, Duterte was asked to comment on Marcos’ reply to a question on the alleged abuses during a forum in Washington last week.

“Yes, that was allegedly attributed to the president. I am not sure if he was quoted in the complete context of the statement. I am sure that it was not intended to criticize me because he knows how hard it is to be president, especially with the serious problem right now,” Duterte said.

“You know what I am supposed to do. I cannot be libertarian; I can only be a stoic human being dedicated to enforce the law because you are the implementers,

DOT launching ‘enhanced tourism slogan’ soon

by DAPHNE GALVEZ Inquirer.net

Marcos mentioned East Timor’s decision to turn down the asylum request

Comelec approves online voting...

tion from Congress, its own rules and regulations for appropriate implementation of such voting

system duly determined by the Commission.”

In 2022, Garcia called on Congress to consider allowing “inter-

net voting,” after some overseas Filipino voters struggled to vote in person during the 2022 national elections. g

Ex-President Duterte on De Lima’s...

accepted no matter how one disagrees with it,” he noted.

“In this particular De Lima case, the acquittal is flawed. The evidence extant supports a judgement of conviction,” he also said.

According to Panelo, the court was mistaken when it took former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officer-in-charge (OIC) Rafael Ragos’ recantation of his testimony as justification to doubt the guilt of de Lima.

Ragos recanted his testimony

against de Lima in November 2022, telling the court that he was coerced into signing prepared affidavits on three occasions in 2016 and 2017 to say that de Lima has been receiving bribe money from drug lords at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). g

DOT launching ‘enhanced tourism...

as a country brand, but I assure you you’ll love it,” she said in a Palace briefing.

“There will be [a preview] in the next few weeks. But we will make sure to engage in consultation with our tourism stakeholders first as their opinions matter very

much to us,” Frasco added. Asked if the Philippines’ marketing strategy will also change, Frasco said the “main change” would be the shift in focus of the DOT to “highlight the heart and soul of the Filipino.”

She said the transformation is evident in the country’s culture,

festivals, food and products.

“Everything that makes us diverse and unique and a proud Filipino people that gives us pride of place. We are putting forth the best of the best of the Philippines to the world because it cannot be denied that we do give the world our best,” she said. g

‘Marcos right on drug war...

you are the enforcers,” he said. The former chief executive said that Marcos was correct when he made the statement.

“Tama siya na (He is correct that) along the way, in the enforcement of the law, [there is] a rigid attitude toward the enforcement of the law, abuses will be committed. Now, I’ll go further; not only abuses, sometimes killing, unnecessarily, or even an innocent person,” Duterte said.

“Along the way, [there is] collateral damage, marami ‘yan (there are many). But those were never intended, I am sure, by the law enforcement agency,” he added.

At a forum organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Marcos last week said there had been abuses committed during the “previous administration” in the war on illegal drugs, which focused too much on law enforcement.

“In my view what had happened in the previous administration is that we focused very much on enforcement. And because of that, it could be said that there are abuses by certain elements in the government and

that has caused some concern with many, in many quarters about the human rights situation in the Philippines,” Marcos said.

“Well, I cannot speak to what my predecessor had in mind and what his idea was. But what I can speak to is the policy that we have undertaken and that I said the drug war continues to be at the source of many — much criminality in the Philippines,” he added.

The president also said that even after the anti-drug campaign waged during Duterte’s time, “the syndicates have grown stronger, wealthier and more influential, worryingly so.”

“But instead of going after everyone,” Marcos said, his administration tried “to identify the key areas that we have to tackle ... so that we can see a diminution of the activity of the drug syndicates.”

Since Duterte took office in 2016, more than 6,000 were killed in sting operations, based on government figures. But rights groups estimated that the number of drug-war killings could be as high as 30,000.

During the SMNI interview, Duterte again justified the use of lethal force in police operations,

saying the officers had to “overcome the resistance” of the suspects being arrested. “So what’s the point in empowering somebody if you do not give him enough leeway?” the former president said.

“[There is] collateral damage in a shootout inside the house of a suspect; sometimes the innocent members of the family get it. But abuses, there are many, because of the high-handed manner of enforcement,” he added.

The bloody drug war of Duterte caught the attention not just of the foreign media and criticism from different organizations, but also the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In January, the ICC authorized the resumption of its investigation into the drug war and the Davao Death Squad killings in the Philippines. Duterte, who initiated the drug war, pulled the Philippines out of the ICC in 2019, a year after The Hague-based tribunal began a preliminary investigation into the crackdown.

Marcos has, so far, ruled out reversing Duterte’s decision to pull the Philippines out of the ICC. g

ARAÑA’T BALUARTE FESTIVAL. People gather seasonal fruits and vegetables and hang them at the bamboo arches in celebration of the Araña’t Baluarte Festival in Gumaca, Quezon on Monday, May 15. The festival honors San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. PNA photo by

Marcos: PH closer to bringing Teves...

made [against him]. But again, we thank you for your very quick response in that regard,” Marcos told Ruak.

Teves, the alleged mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, has been ordered to leave East Timor within five days after his application for political asylum was rejected by the government. He is currently in the capital city of Dili.

On Thursday, Marcos renewed his call on Teves to return to the Philippines and face the charges against him.

In an interview with the Philippine media onboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR001, the president said the Philippine government would wait for the entire process to conclude.

“It turns out that Congressman Arnie Teves applied for political asylum but was denied. So, I think they will continue to go through the process — there is an appeals process for those who are applying. But this was denied. We’ll just wait for the process to be completed,” he said. When asked for his advice to the embattled lawmaker, Marcos said, “Come home. That’s the best advice I can give him. Come home.”

Teves, a former deputy speaker, left the country on February 28, with his travel authority from the House of Representatives having long expired.

Last March 15, the 300-strong

House unanimously voted to hand down a 60-day suspension on Teves for “disorderly behavior.”

PH ‘partner’

Meanwhile, Marcos assured Ruak that the Philippines will be East Timor’s “partner” as it moves toward becoming a fullfledged member of the Asean.

“In the Philippines, you have a partner. We have always been supportive,” Marcos told Ruak, saying he expects a continuing intra-Asean discussion and coordination, as well as stronger bilateral connections between the two countries.

“It has always been our view that the membership of [East Timor] in Asean could only strengthen Asean. I’m very happy that the process has continued and you are now here to join us as an observer, with the ultimate end of becoming a

full-fledged member of Asean,” he added.

The president also expressed elation over East Timor’s journey toward becoming a democratic state and eventually becoming an Asean memberstate.

“I’m very happy that to see the fruition of what we have been discussing in Asean, including the membership of [East Timor],” Marcos said.

“I came then happy to see that there has been progress, and they will now have observer status and are beginning to participate in the discussions with what we have. As you can see, the strength of Asia really is the commonality,” he added. Ruak, for his part, expressed gratitude to Marcos for the Philippines’ continued support of East Timor’s Asean membership bid, noting that Dili has been working hard to comply with all the criteria and conditions set by the regional bloc.

“The Philippines is a great friend of [East Timor]. We have a big community of Filipinos in our country, but we have also a big community of Timorese in the Philippines. We have the missionaries; we have the teachers. So it’s not just diplomatic relations, it’s also an emotional link,” Ruak said through a translator.

“Additionally, we have had the support of the Philippines since the very first moments of our independence,” he added, mentioning the presence of Filipino peacekeepers under the banner of the United Nations. g

WHAT use could health care have for someone who makes things up, can’t keep a secret, doesn’t really know anything, and, when speaking, simply fills in the next word based on what’s come before? Lots, if that individual is the newest form of artificial intelligence, according to some of the biggest companies out there. Companies pushing the latest AI technology — known as “generative AI” — are piling on: Goo-

gle and Microsoft want to bring types of so-called large language models to health care. Big firms that are familiar to folks in white coats — but maybe less so to your average Joe and Jane — are equally enthusiastic: Electronic medical records giants Epic and Oracle Cerner aren’t far behind. The space is crowded with startups, too.

The companies want their AI to take notes for physicians and give them second opinions — assuming they can keep the intelligence from “hallucinating” or, for that matter, divulging patients’ private information.

“There’s something afoot that’s pretty exciting,” said Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in San Diego. “Its capabilities will ultimately have a big impact.” Topol, like many other observers, wonders how many problems it might cause — like leaking patient data — and how often. “We’re going to find out.”

The specter of such problems inspired more than 1,000 technology leaders to sign an open letter in March urging that companies pause development on advanced AI systems until “we are confident that their effects will be positive and their risks will be manageable.” Even so, some of them are sinking more money into AI ventures.

The underlying technology relies on synthesizing huge chunks of text or other data — for example, some medical models rely on 2 million intensive care unit notes from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston — to predict text that would follow a given query. The idea has been around for years, but the gold rush, and the marketing and media mania surrounding it, are more recent.

The frenzy was kicked off in December 2022 by Microsoft-backed OpenAI and its flagship product, ChatGPT, which answers questions with authority and style. It can explain genetics in a sonnet, for example.

OpenAI, started as a research venture seeded by Silicon Valley elites like Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Reid Hoffman, has ridden the enthusiasm to investors’ pockets. The venture has a complex, hybrid for- and nonprofit structure. But a new $10 billion round of funding from Microsoft has pushed the value of OpenAI to $29 billion, The Wall Street Journal reported. Right now, the company is licensing its technology to companies like Microsoft and selling subscriptions to consumers. Other startups are considering selling AI transcription or other products to hospital systems or directly to patients.

Hyperbolic quotes are everywhere. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers tweeted recently: “It’s going to replace what doctors do — hearing symptoms and making diagnoses — before it changes what nurses do — helping patients get up and handle themselves in the hospital.”

But just weeks after OpenAI took another huge cash infusion, even Altman, its CEO, is wary of the fanfare. “The hype over these systems — even if everything we hope for is right long term — is totally out of control for the short term,” he said for a March article in The New York Times.

Few in health care believe this latest form of AI is about to take their jobs (though some companies are experimenting — controversially — with chatbots that act as therapists or guides to care). Still, those who are bullish on the tech think it’ll make some parts of their work much easier.

Eric Arzubi, a psychiatrist in Billings, Montana, used to manage fellow psychiatrists for a hospital system. Time and again, he’d get a list of providers who hadn’t yet finished their notes — their summaries of a patient’s condition and a plan for treatment.

Writing these notes is one of the big stressors in the health

system: In the aggregate, it’s an administrative burden. But it’s necessary to develop a record for future providers and, of course, insurers.

“When people are way behind in documentation, that creates problems,” Arzubi said. “What happens if the patient comes into the hospital and there’s a note that hasn’t been completed and we don’t know what’s been going on?”

The new technology might help lighten those burdens. Arzubi is testing a service, called Nabla Copilot, that sits in on his part of virtual patient visits and then automatically summarizes them, organizing into a standard note format the complaint, the history of illness, and a treatment plan.

Results are solid after about 50 patients, he said: “It’s 90% of the way there.” Copilot produces serviceable summaries that Arzubi typically edits. The summaries don’t necessarily pick up on nonverbal cues or thoughts Arzubi might not want to vocalize. Still, he said, the gains are significant: He doesn’t have to worry about taking notes and can instead focus on speaking with patients. And he saves time.

“If I have a full patient day, where I might see 15 patients, I would say this saves me a good hour at the end of the day,” he said. (If the technology is adopted widely, he hopes hospitals won’t take advantage of the saved time by simply scheduling more patients. “That’s not fair,” he said.)

Nabla Copilot isn’t the only such service; Microsoft is trying out the same concept. At April’s conference of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society — an industry confab where health techies swap ideas, make announcements, and sell their wares — investment analysts from Evercore highlighted reducing administrative burden as a top possibility for the new technologies.

But overall? They heard mixed reviews. And that view is common: Many technologists and doctors are ambivalent.

For example, if you’re stumped about a diagnosis, feeding patient data into one of these programs “can provide a second opinion, no question,” Topol said. “I’m sure clinicians are doing it.”

However, that runs into the current limitations of the technology.

Joshua Tamayo-Sarver, a clinician and executive with the startup Inflect Health, fed fictionalized patient scenarios based on his own practice in an emergency department into one system to see how it would perform. It missed life-threatening conditions, he said. “That seems problematic.”

The technology also tends to “hallucinate” — that is, make up information that sounds convincing. Formal studies have found a wide range of performance.

One preliminary research paper examining ChatGPT and Google products using open-ended board examination questions from neurosurgery found a hallucination rate of 2%. A study by Stanford researchers, examining the quality of AI responses to 64 clinical scenarios, found fabricated or hallucinated citations 6% of the time, co-author Nigam Shah told KFF Health News. Another preliminary paper found, in complex cardiology cases, ChatGPT agreed with expert opinion half the time.

Privacy is another concern. It’s unclear whether the information fed into this type of AI-based system will stay inside. Enterprising users of ChatGPT, for example, have managed to get the technology to tell them the recipe for napalm, which can be used to make chemical bombs.

In theory, the system has guardrails preventing private information from escaping. For example, when KFF Health News asked ChatGPT its email address, the system refused to u

AI may be on its way to your doctor’s office, but it’s not ready to see patients

Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. File photo

ONION SUPPLY. Porters push a cart loaded with onions in Binondo, Manila on Tuesday, May 16. The Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring traders for possible hoarding of onions after the recent spike of prices in retail markets, now at PHP150 to PHP 200 per kg.

CA resolution introduced to establish sister...

“I am proud to introduce this resolution that launches the start of a special friendship between our state and the Province of Bulacan,” Portantino said in a statement.

“The sister state relationship will encourage our regions to develop partnerships and provide opportunities for mutual prosperity.”

SCR 57 extends an invitation to the people of the Philippine Province of Bulacan to join with California in a sister state relationship. The resolution aims to promote the prosperity of both regions and to improve international understanding and goodwill between both regions.

“The Filipino-American Business Association of Glendale (FABAG-GLAC) and the Fil-Am community of Glendale and Los Angeles County are very humbled and honored to receive Senate Resolution SCR 57, authored by Senator Portantino,” commented Edith M. Fuentes, past president and executive board member of FABAGGLAC. “We are thankful to him for choosing the historical and rich in heritage, arts and culture Province of Bulacan as the Sister Province of California. This is a perfect recognition especially during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This recognition affirms the many contributions of FilipinoAmericans to the history, culture and achievements of California and the United States. We appreciate the chance to further our friendship and relationship with the State of California.

I look forward to many years of a great sister-province relationship.” Comprised of more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is California’s 27th largest export partner. According to the most recent United States Census, there are approximately 4,000,000 Filipino Americans living in the United States, with nearly half living in California, many of whom are American citizens or dual citizens. Preparations and research for the Resolution was collaborated by Senator Portantino’s staff and spearheaded by Fuentes from FABAG-GLAC. (AJPress)

California launches anti-hate crime...

PAGE 1

and it is important that we hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and provide resources for those individuals victimized by hate crimes,” stressed Newsom.

“Now, Californians have another tool to ensure that not only justice is served, but that individuals have access to additional resources to help deal with the lingering wounds that remain after such a horrendous crime occurs,” Newsom added.

First partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom underscored that “all should create a California where all our dreams are possible, where we all belong and Californians will feel safe and heard. There is no room here for bigotry and hate-fueled violence.”

For his part, State Attorney General Rob Bonta in an email sent a stated that he is proud of this effort to help California’s diverse communities report hate

incidents and connect them to resources.”

“Hate is not welcome in California, and now more than ever we must stand united against hate and extremism,”

Bonta stated in an email. “By utilizing every resource possible, we will raise awareness around the staggering rise in hate crimes and proactively prevent future extremism from occurring.

Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) started the push for a state hate crime reporting hotline in 2021.“The pandemic of hate was not only targeting Asians so many other communities here in California. Thus, the launch of this state initiative versus hate to track data on hate incidents, provide support for victims, and make all of our communities safer,” Muratsuchi said.

Hotline services are confidential and provided for free, regardless of immigration

status. These services are offered in a culturally competent manner and will help people identify options and next steps after a hate incident or hate crime has occurred. Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in over 200 languages when calling the hotline. CA vs Hate Resource Line and Network is a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal. Reports can be made anonymously by calling (833) 866-4283, or 833-8-NOHATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT or online at any time.

For individuals who want to report a hate crime to law enforcement immediately or who are in imminent danger, should call 911. For more information on CA vs Hate, visit CAvsHate. org. (Jun Nucum/Inquirer.net)

AI may be on its way to your doctor’s...

PAGE 4

divulge that private information. But when told to role-play as a character, and asked about the email address of the author of this article, it happily gave up the information. (It was indeed the author’s correct email address in 2021, when ChatGPT’s archive ends.)

“I would not put patient data in,” said Shah, chief data scientist at Stanford Health Care. “We don’t understand what happens with these data once they hit OpenAI servers.”

Tina Sui, a spokesperson for OpenAI, told KFF Health News that one “should never use our models to provide diagnostic or

treatment services for serious medical conditions.” They are “not fine-tuned to provide medical information,” she said. With the explosion of new research, Topol said, “I don’t think the medical community has a really good clue about what’s about to happen.” (Darius Tahir/ KFF Health News)

California state Senator Anthony Portantino introducing a resolution on the Senate floor establishing a sister state relationship with the Philippine province of Bulacan.

California state Senator Portantino with Edith M. Fuentes of Filipino-American Business Association of Glendale. Photos courtesy of Edith Fuentes

RICE SUPPLY. Farmers make the most of the hot weather by drying rice grains under the sun in Pulilan, Bulacan, on Monday, May 15.

Rosendo So, chairperson of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura, is hoping the Department of Agriculture is prepared for the effects of El Niño on rice supply. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Back to masking

SOME quarters worried about the impact on tourism and certain businesses may not like it, but the city governments of Manila and Baguio have gone ahead and restored limited mask mandates.

In densely populated Manila, masking is again mandatory at city hall, which also houses the prosecutors’ offices and several judicial courtrooms. Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, a physician, may yet push through with her plan to include crowded public areas such as Divisoria among the places where masking will again be mandatory.

In Baguio City, masking is again required in commercial establishments and crowded outdoor areas. Mayor Benjamin Magalong said this is a precautionary measure amid the expected surge in visitors this month. While he did not mention it, the upcoming graduation ceremonies and related activities at the Philippine Military Academy traditionally make the month of May a peak period for tourism in Baguio.

Certain quarters have expressed concern that restoring mask mandates could scare away travelers, harming the tourism industry, which is just starting to recover from the COVID restrictions. Amid the continuing increase in COVID infections and the positivity rate for testing, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases said recently that it saw no need to reimpose mandatory masking.

Weeks before this meeting, the government had restored mask mandates in the light railway services in Metro Manila, the region where the highest cases and positivity rates have been recorded.

Opponents of mandatory masking have said it is better for people to decide if they want to keep themselves safe from infection through masking and other basic COVID health safety protocols such as hand hygiene. Those protocols, however, are not just for self-protection, but also to prevent the infected from spreading their virus to others.

Health experts have warned that both vaccine and natural immunity to COVID are waning, allowing Omicron, its subvariant Arcturus and other highly transmissible strains of the original Wuhan virus to penetrate the defenses.

The health experts are warning that vulnerable sectors such as the weak elderly and persons with comorbidities can still suffer repeat bouts with COVID and land in the hospital intensive care unit. Apart from the fact that COVID can still kill, the experts warn of the possibility of developing long COVID, whose complications are unpredictable and whose treatment is uncertain. With these warnings, the city governments of Manila and Baguio have decided to act to protect

public health. Those worried about the impact of mandatory masking on tourism should instead press the government to obtain ASAP the bivalent

vaccines for Omicron and its mutations. Those shots will allow people to feel confident enough to ditch their masks. (Philstar.com)

Renewed US-PH economic ties: Our real work begins

WE received a large number of emails and messages expressing their overwhelming satisfaction at the outcome of the official visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Washington, D.C. – described as “remarkable” and “a standout” by Center for Strategic and International Studies president John Hamre, pointing out the president brought a “new dynamism” to the relationship between the Philippines and the United States.

Aside from engagements with key U.S. Cabinet officials on the various aspects of our bilateral relations, we also had several discussions centering on economic trade and investment.

Together with our economic team, all of us at the Philippine embassy in Washington, D.C. and our friends from the American Chamber of Commerce as well as the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council are all gearing up for the “follow through,” as instructed by President Marcos, on the many areas of cooperation that have been identified which, in

the words of the president, “will help advance our key priorities with respect to agriculture and food security, promoting energy security as we transition to clean energy and boost trade and build resilience of our supply chains, enhancing connectivity and digitalization, also climate change mitigation and adaptation.” His meetings with key business organizations as well as top American companies have been very promising and productive, judging from commitments that have been made such as the $1.3 billion worth of investments that potentially will create approximately 6,700 new jobs for Filipinos. The positive reception from American business executives is undoubtedly an offshoot of his meetings with U.S. business groups during his trip to New York in September last year for the 77th United Nations General Assembly, with his schedule arranged in such a way that dinners became business meetings with American executives from various industries and sectors. In fact, his meeting with officials of the New York Stock Exchange and the forum

where he was joined by the country’s economic managers became an opportunity to highlight the Philippines as ready for business and a smart investment choice.

There is no doubt the Philippines is poised for an impressive economic growth, with the administration focused on seeing the country achieve upper middle-income status in the next two years. Financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank have projected the country’s economic growth at 6 percent this year.

While there may be “various risks and challenges, the economic outlook for the Philippines in the near and medium term remains solid,” assured NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. Another positive news is the increase in the country’s employment rate to 95.3 percent in March, up from the 94.2 percent recorded in the same period in 2022, according to the latest report from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

With the United States still one of our top trading partners, we are certainly looking forward to more foreign direct

investments coming from U.S. investors. We are currently preparing for the first-ofits-kind, largest business delegation that President Joe Biden promised to send to the Philippines to be led by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. We are already working on this with our friends at the White House, targeting the third quarter of this year, with a possible follow-up on developments after the delegation’s visit to Manila following the APEC meetings in San Francisco this November.

One of the top priorities we are working on is the renewal of our participation in the United States GSP – the Generalized System of Preferences –the oldest and largest U.S. trade program that provides nonreciprocal duty-free privileges for more than 3,500 products entering the U.S. market from 119 beneficiary countries that include the Philippines.

The country’s eligibility for the GSP expired in December 2020 but the renewal has been delayed for several reasons, among them the pandemic and the previous speakership issue in the U.S. Congress,

whose approval for the renewal is required. We have already started meeting with several members of the U.S. Congress for the renewal, and are greatly encouraged by the support of U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Idaho Senator Mike Crapo regarding our bid for reauthorization of the GSP. Both have expressed such support with other partners in the U.S. Congress. As President Marcos noted, both countries have benefited from the GSP, which could be expanded to cover other products.

We will also be continuing our initiatives for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, although I have to admit that this will be quite challenging since the U.S. is pushing for the IndoPacific Economic Framework to have a wider reach on trade agreements, specifically with ASEAN countries. Nonetheless, we are working on sectoral FTAs which could be more plausible.

During the U.S. official visit, PBBM was very specific on key economic challenges that must be addressed, in particular “food, energy, health security, digital connectivity and the cross-cutting issues of climate change and pandemic

preparedness.”

Noting that “economic security is national security” with the latter no longer simply about territorial defense, the president encouraged companies to look to the Philippines as they diversify and reconfigure supply chains. He also urged the U.S. government and the private sector to consider investing in the areas of clean energy, decarbonization agriculture, critical green minerals, telecommunications and health care that offer high potential for growth.

As the president profoundly stated, the real victory was not when he won the elections in May 9 last year by an overwhelming number of votes – the real victory will be towards the end of his term in June 2028 when he would have achieved the ultimate goal of economic wellbeing for every Filipino and uplifted their quality of life. (Philsar.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

The continuing saga of Leila de Lima

TO do justice is what the legal system believes to be its function. But that is a selfserving description. From an outsider’s perspective, the law’s function appears to be, strictly speaking, no more than to follow due process, no matter how long this may take. Courts of law rule on the validity of facts and the applicability of laws as these are presented to them. Very rarely, if at all, do they permit themselves to comment beyond what is submitted for resolution, especially if doing so risks incurring the enmity of politically influential individuals.

Nowhere do we see this more starkly than in the continuing legal saga of former justice secretary and former senator Leila de Lima. She has spent the last six years in detention on criminal charges filed by a regime she had been investigating for human rights violations. Critics of the regime

have variously described the evidence on which these cases rested as “fabricated,” “contrived,” or “invented.” But nowhere are such words to be found in the court rulings that have pronounced De Lima innocent. She is acquitted, period. Nothing is said about the criminal culpability of those who wickedly masterminded and knowingly participated in the preparation of fake testimonies and the filing of bogus charges that landed her in jail. Since no charges have been filed against these persons, they are of no interest to the courts.

The objective consequences of the mandate of due process may sometimes be, in themselves, a form of injustice. A mother, a daughter, an elected public servant was targeted by no less than the country’s president. She was subjected to malicious scorn by some of her own colleagues in the legislature, falsely accused of a crime, and deprived of her liberty. It took four years before the cases against her moved. Two judges have ruled that the evidence against

her is insufficient to warrant a conviction. How are we supposed to take all this?

Last Friday, May 12, Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 Judge Abraham Joseph B. Alcantara acquitted De Lima of the crime of conspiring in illegal drug trading inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). Yet he could not order her release; instead, the just acquitted De Lima was escorted back to her detention cell inside Camp Crame.

Why? Because there is another pending case against her for more or less the same charge of abetting and profiting from drug trading inside the NBP. That case, Criminal Case No. 17-167, is the last of the three cases that were filed on Feb. 17, 2017. It is lodged in another branch (Branch 256) of the Muntinlupa RTC. The hearings are set to begin in June.

De Lima’s lawyers in this remaining case have filed a petition for her temporary release on the ground that the evidence against her is weak, a claim that has now been validated by the May

12 decision. But, taking their cue from Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, government prosecutors have responded to the De Lima petition for bail by offering to present evidence in support of her continued detention. (Remulla has said he would not oppose a petition for bail if applied for on humanitarian grounds but would oppose it if sought on the merits of the case.) The judge has yet to rule on the petition for bail. Earlier, in February 2021, a Muntinlupa RTC judge dismissed the charges against the embattled former senator in the first of the three cases filed by the DOJ, then headed by Vitaliano Aguirre II. Four years had passed since the then newly elected senator was arrested and ordered detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center.

The cases against her were virtually frozen in 2018, 2019, and 2020—while her chief nemesis, Rodrigo Duterte was president. Six judges either recused themselves or retired—a sign that the courts

were not too keen to hear cases that were clearly entwined with political interests.

Things began to move again only toward the end of Duterte’s presidency. It was as though a dark heavy cloud that had dulled consciences suddenly lifted. One after the other, key witnesses, who said they had been coerced into giving false testimonies against De Lima in exchange for the withdrawal of charges against them, recanted. The first to do so was self-confessed drug dealer Kerwin Espinosa, followed by former Bureau of Corrections officer in charge Rafael Ragos, and then by former De Lima aide Ronnie Dayan.

In the face of these recantations, the cases against De Lima stood entirely on the supposed declarations of high-profile drug inmates who were totally under the control of the DOJ. In his ruling last Friday, Judge Abraham Joseph Alcantara stated that Ragos’ testimony was particularly crucial. His retraction substantially weakened the government’s case against the former senator. As a general rule, the

judge noted, recantations are not given much weight. “The rare exception is when there is no evidence sustaining the judgment of conviction other than the testimony of a witness or witnesses who are shown to have made contradictory statements … ”

It is terrifying to think that someone as prominent as De Lima, a former head of the country’s Commission on Human Rights and an elected senator, could find herself caught in a tangled mess such as this, the hapless victim of an elaborate scheme to game an imperfect legal system. One can only wonder how many ordinary people have been sent to prison in this manner and have been forgotten. I’m sure there’s a law against this, but what are the chances of anyone being convicted for malicious prosecution? (Inquirer.net)

* * *

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

* * * public.lives@gmail.com

Dateline PhiliPPines

‘Immigration law needs to be modernized’

by WilliaM B. Depasupil ManilaTimes.net

AFTER four failed tries to have the Immigration Act of 1940 amended, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) continues to operate under a law that is no longer responsive and attuned to present conditions, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tangsingco said on Monday, May 15.

He remains hopeful the new law modernizing the agency which is now pending in Congress, would be enacted into law under the Marcos

administration.

Tansingco said the immigration modernization law is among the priority measures that the leadership of the House of Representatives committed to passing.

"The Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) identified the proposed immigration modernization law as a priority measure," he added. "I'm hopeful that the bill will be approved on third and final reading prior to the President's State of the Nation Address in July."

Apart from updates on

visa types and penalties, the new law also ensures income augmentation for the salaries of BI employees.

Tansingco said the move would greatly benefit employees who are stuck with low salaries, and allow the agency to recruit fresh graduates from reputable schools.

The first attempt to amend the law was during the time of former immigration commissioner and now Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez. It was overtaken by the EDSA 2 event that toppled the administration of President Joseph Estrada. g

Marcos approves importation of more sugar

by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has green-lighted the importation of more sugar ahead of the expected shortage of its local production in the coming months.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Marcos gave the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) approval to procure a maximum of 150,000 metric tons (MT) of the sweetener to add to the country's stockpile and further lower its market price. This volume could be lower and the "exact volume will be determined" once the exact amount of sugar supply is determined "which will come at the end of this month."

"We agreed to additional importation of sugar to stabilize the prices. The maximum amount will be 150,000 MT but probably less," the President was quoted as saying following his meeting with SRA officials, headed by Acting Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona and Board Member Ma. Mitzi Mangwang, representing the millers.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile and SRA Board Secretary Rodney Rubrica were also in attendance.

The president further stated that the government is opening the importation of sugar "to all traders." According to SRA forecast inventory, the country will have a

negative ending stock of 552,835 MT by the end of August 2023, the end of the milling season, and importation of another 100,000 MT to 150,000 MT of sugar is necessary to avert a shortfall.

As of May 7, 2023, the country has sufficient supply of raw sugar with a beginning stock of 160,000 MT. However, an additional 100,000 to 150,000 MT of sugar would still be needed to be imported within the year as the expected local production of 2.4MMT, as well as the 440,000 MT allowed to be imported under Sugar Order 6 and the 64,050 MT under the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) mechanism will not be able to cover the 3.1MMT demand.

Apart from the approved importation of sugar, Marcos also approved the moving of the start of the milling season from August to September this year as this is deemed "important for

the corresponding increase in production by approximately 10 percent."

Opening the milling season in September will improve raw sugar recovery because it will minimize the milling of young canes.

The president likewise directed the SRA to expedite block farming initiatives -- a system by which small farm lots are consolidated into at least a 30 hectare-block farm -- for more production yield.

Currently, there are 21 block farms in the country averaging at least 40 hectares each.

Once organized into block farms, farmers are entitled to financial and mechanization support for increased production.

"Consolidation is an important part of agro-industrial production. We're looking at increasing the budget for block farming to accelerate the process of organizing the block farms," Marcos said. g

Cha-cha not Pinoys’ priority – OCTA poll

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA — Filipinos do not consider Charter change as urgent and instead want the government to prioritize their most urgent national concerns –access to affordable food, higher wages and controlling inflation, according to the latest OCTA Research survey.

Based on the survey, “controlling the increase in prices of goods and services” (57 percent), “improving/increasing wages or salaries of workers” (45 percent) and “access to affordable food like rice, vegetables and meat” (44 percent) were the three most urgent programs the government should focus on.

“Inflation, access to affordable food and increasing workers’ wages remain the most urgent national concerns of adult Filipinos. The government should prioritize resolving these,” OCTA said.

Most adult Filipinos do not consider changing the Constitution or Charter change as an urgent national concern, with only one percent of Filipinos noting this was an urgent national concern.

The House of Representatives approved on third and final

reading in March the bill that operationalizes the constitutional convention that will introduce amendments to the 1987 Constitution.

OCTA said results of the Tugon ng Masa nationwide survey are non-commissioned and focus on adult Filipino’s urgent national and personal concerns.

Conducted from March 24 to 28, 2023, the survey had 1,200 male and female respondents aged 18 years and above.

The National Capital Region (NCR), balance Luzon and Mindanao, with nearly six out of 10 Filipinos, said that controlling the increase of prices of goods and services should be the government’s top priority.

OCTA said the survey showed that Filipinos who reside in the Visayas region were less concerned about controlling the increase in the prices of goods and services, with only 46 percent of them saying that this is an urgent personal concern.

Visayas residents, however, said they are concerned over access to affordable food like rice, vegetables and meat (56 percent) as compared to those in NCR, Mindanao (both at 38 percent) and balance Luzon (44 percent).

Class E is the most affected by the issue of access to affordable

food at 52 percent, followed by those in Class ABC (45 percent) and D (41 percent).

Class D and E also want the government to prioritize controlling price increases, with 57 percent and 60 percent saying that the government should prioritize this. In comparison, only 48 percent of Class ABC indicated the same concern.

NCR and Mindanao respondents also said the government should be more concerned about improving/ increasing wages or salaries of workers, with 50 and 48 percent of them communicating such, as compared to those in balance Luzon (44 percent) and the Visayas (40 percent).

OCTA noted that among the Filipinos’ top personal concerns were “To stay healthy and avoid illness” at 66 percent, “To finish schooling or to be able to provide schooling for our children” at 51 percent and “To have a secure and well-paying job or source of income” at 50 percent.

The survey also showed that “more Filipinos now believe in the power of saving.”

Those concerned about “being able to have savings” increased by six percentage points from 37 percent in October last year to 43 percent this year. g

Vendors at the Paco Market in Manila repack sugar. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the importation of sugar amid a reported shortage in the basic commodity. ManilaTimes.net file photo

FLORES DE MARIA EXHIBIT. A special exhibit dedicated to the beloved mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, opened on Tuesday, May 16 at the Araneta City in Ali Mall, Quezon City. The exhibit is part of the Flores de Maria celebration, which features various images of the Blessed Virgin Mary. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Comedian JR de Guzman on cracking jokes in a time of cancel culture

by MARINEL CRUZ Inquirer.net

“I’M interested in finding out what cancel culture in the Philippines is about, but there is really no topic that I wouldn’t touch if I could make it funny.”

Thus said standup comedian and musician JR de Guzman, who will be bringing his hit U.S. show “Later That Evening” to Manila this June. The Philippine-born comic who moved to California at an early age often injects stories about his experiences as a Filipino immigrant growing up in America.

“I want to be able to talk about things that I feel are worth performing. I do think that if another comic is performing a topic that is risky and is doing a good job at making it funny, then by all means, do it,” JR said in response to a question on what

topics he would not dare touch, especially in this age of cancel culture and “wokeness.”

“That being said, I have done some things that would make people react. Should I stop doing them? I’ve learned that people will always find something to be offended by, so if you cut out every joke that offended your audiences, you wouldn’t have a set. ‘Was I really out of line?’ I ask myself that question every night before I go to sleep.

I do think that if you genuinely believe that it’s funny, then you should keep it in your set,” JR told reporters in a recent virtual media gathering organized by MYX Global.

JR has been making a name on the world stage with his extraordinary gift of entertaining live audiences, while introducing Asian culture and conveying his take on racism in his

narratives. He was previously featured in the Netflix special “The Comedy Lineup” and Comedy Central’s “Kevin Hart

Presents: Hart of the City.”

Comics to watch Named one of Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch in 2022, JR will serenade audiences with his songs and amuse them with hilarious anecdotes in MYX Global’s “Later that Evening” show at The Theatre at Solaire on June 3, at 7 p.m.

Aside from the United States where he is currently touring this particular show until the end of the year, JR has already performed for Stand-Up Tokyo and ROR Comedy in Japan, the Jokers Ball in Indonesia, the Badaboom Comedy Series in Amsterdam, and many other international shows. He also won in the 2016 “Stand-Up NBC” competition and was named the “New Face” in a festival called “Just for Laughs 2017.”

At the virtual chat, which also featured JR’s opening acts, Red Orello and Ryan Puno, JR was asked how performing in different countries influenced his materials. He also explained how he connects with diverse audiences. “It’s pretty straightforward. I just do things that are more relatable, like family and sex. For me, it’s been helpful to have music as I go internationally because I feel that it’s universal. It’s hard to figure out what’s going to work in a particular country compared to another. I think it’s something I have to find out by doing shows

there. I try to think broader and on a human and cultural level when I travel overseas,” JR explained. Here is an excerpt of the recent hourlong interview with JR: We remember you telling a story about how you bombed a set that came after Alex Calleja. How do you deal with jokes that don’t run smoothly?

I blame Alex because he was just too good that night. I really wanted to erase that story, but I end up telling it in every one of these press cons. It was a Valentine’s Day show. Alex went before me and just crushed it so hard. I, on the other hand, was still pretty new, probably only two or three years in. I bombed pretty hard, and the audience was like, ‘Could you bring Alex back on?’ That was the hardest I’ve ever experienced in my life. That being said, if a joke doesn’t work—it’s like boxing—you just have to keep going unless it’s obvious that it was already making the crowd feel awkward. What do you consider your most memorable show?

I feel that if you remember when you bombed, then you should also remember your best show. Two highlights for me, career-wise, would have to be opening for JoKoy at Madison Square Garden in New York City last year, and the one that took place in my hometown. I performed at a memorial auditorium, again, as an opening act. The tape from that show got me my first Netflix special.

Do you have a favorite joke inspired by your Filipino upbringing? How do foreigners relate to it?

I just talk about how I learned to sing and play music in the church because my grandma took me there twice a day when I was growing up. Talking about that stuff, every-

one usually kind of gets it even if they’re not Christian, Catholic or Muslim. I feel that everyone relates to having strict, conservative and religious grandparents, who tell you to pray about every problem you have. Doing it in front of other cultures, I haven’t really had any problem with it.

Matteo on bringing Sarah G with him to GMA

by ALLAN POLICARPIO Inquirer.net

IN GMA 7’s action film-inspired welcome video for Matteo Guidicelli, the new Kapuso artist is shown riding a motorcycle and fending off goons on his way to the network’s headquarters.

Which begs the question: Is there someone he would like to ride with and bring to GMA 7, and is that someone his wife, Sarah Geronimo? “Meron ka bang gustong i-angkas papunta dito sa GMA?” the Inquirer asked the 33-yearold actor-television host, who started saying, “Next year! Next year! Next year” before hearing the second part of our question. Members of the GMA Public Affairs started cheering and clapping.

But upon realizing that it was Sarah we were referring to, Matteo took back his earlier reply and quickly said, “Ang mama ko… ang mama ko ang ia-angkas ko papunta dito sa GMA!”

“But yeah, I actually taped [an interview with] Jessica Soho and they showed a VTR of Sarah from years back. So it was nice to see her as a child when she was just starting. As it turned out, her old interviews are here with GMA,” he added.

Of course, he wants to bring Sarah with him “anywhere” and “everywhere.” But as for the possibility of Sarah working at GMA 7, that’s up to their Viva Entertainment bosses and Kapuso executives to decide. “We don’t know [what’s next] but Atty. Gozon (GMA 7 chair and chief executive officer) is good at nego-

tiating,” he said at a recent press conference.

“Maybe,” he added. “We never know, we never know.”

New relationships

True enough, never did he expect that he would one day sign a contract with GMA 7. “I’m excited to build new relationships with new people,” said Matteo, who started out with ABS-CBN, worked for GMA 7 for a year in 2009, and went back to the Kapamilya network the following year.

“I was with ABS first. And then I did ‘SOP’ (GMA 7’s former Sunday variety show) for a while. You don’t know where life will take you. We don’t know who we will end up working with in the future. So it’s always nice and important to build… nurture relationships,” he pointed out.

Negotiations took almost a year, revealed Matteo, who likened the process to finding love. “[We were supposed to announce it] last year, but the timing wasn’t perfect. It’s like love. Good things happen to those who wait… I’m excited to start this journey,” he said.

Different energy

Matteo started working on Monday, May 15 as a regular host of the early morning news magazine show, “Unang Hirit.” It’s a good fit, he said, because he’s a morning person. GMA Public Affairs first vice president Nessa Valdellon added that they were looking for a “younger host” who can bring his type of “energy” to the show.

“I would just go there and be my honest self. I want to have a good time and just try to be posi-

tive. I want to make sure that the people are happy when they turn on their screens,” Matteo said. “I hope we can be a source of happiness, motivation and good vibes to our kababayans.”

Matteo is set to do full-length cinematic documentary specials about nature and “tell stories of Filipino people.” His interest in this field was sparked by the 45-day Scout Ranger training he underwent last 2020 at Camp Tecson in Bulacan.

“When I joined the Scout Rangers, Boss Vic [del Rosario of Viva] told me that he had one condition: I had to make a docu. I went inside and did one. That documentary is titled, ‘Ranger G.’ That’s how it started,” said Matteo, who’s a Philippine Army reservist.

Answered prayers

And this career move toward projects related to public affairs is something Sarah is happy about.

“She told me, ‘Love, bagay ka sa public affairs. Your prayers were answered—our prayers were answered.’ She’s very encouraging of this new journey,” related Matteo, who will also start shooting an action series, titled “Black Rider,” with Ruru Madrid.

“I want to choose my projects carefully. Life brings you to certain moments where a new purpose is born; where you realize the meaning of what you really want to do in the industry; where you realize that you can use your platform to tell stories… It’s not about us all the time, but the people around us,” he added.

U.S.-based comedian JR de Guzman Photos from Instagram/@jrdguz

Matteo Guidicelli Photos from Instagram/@matteog

A CSPA victory after several lawyers said the case was hopeless, on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

RICKY is the building superintendent for the building where the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel are located in New York

City, and he always saw clients coming to Atty. Gurfinkel for immigration advice.

Ricky had his own family im-

migration matter, where his brother-in-law was refused his visa in Albania because he had PAGE 10

Miss Filipina International 2023 welcomes iSkin as a sponsor

“WE are honored to sponsor the Miss Filipina International since its ideals of nurturing women who are beautiful inside and out perfectly align with iSkin’s commitment to build confidence with services that refresh and re-energize,” said Richard Maghanoy and Imee Ong-Maghanoy, owners of iSkin Beverly Hills, in a recent joint statement.

Miss Filipina International (MFI), now owned by Geoffrey Jimenez, chairman of the board of directors of Worldwide Media Entertainment Corporation, lauded the sponsorship of iSkin, which has a penthouse spa in Beverly Hills.

In addition to the previously announced top prize of either a BMW 3 Series car or a $10,000 cash prize, the winner will also receive a $10,000 gift certificate

from iSkin Beverly Hills in the prestigious pageant that will be held on August 5 in The Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom, the venue of the Golden Globe Awards, the Academy nominees luncheon, Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party and other events.

Other prizes include $5,000 cash and a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin for the first runner-up, who will be crowned Miss Tourism; and a $2,500 cash prize and a $5,000 gift certificate from iSkin for each of the second, third and fourth runners-up.

“Having iSkin on board is another big step in our commitment to give the best incentives to Filipinas all over the world to join,” said Jimenez, a Filipino American community leader, arts and culture patron.

MFI also offers the exciting incentive that the top three win-

ners will be eligible to compete in Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) next year.

MFI is accepting applications from women who are of at least one-fourth Filipino descent from around the world. Candidates range from ages 17 to 28. For more details on how to apply, call (818) 928-5449. To apply online: www.MissFilipinaIntl.com.

The Philippines is considered a beauty pageant powerhouse, having produced many winners and top finalists in Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss International, among others. The winner of MFI this August will be a welcome addition to the Philippines’ beauty queens.

MFI gala coronation night will be on Saturday, August 5, 2023. For sponsorship inquiries, email: missfilipinainternational@gmail. com

Michelle Dee wins Miss Universe Philippines 2023

MAKATI City's very own Michelle Marquez Dee was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023 during the pageant's coronation night held Saturday night, May 13 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Besting 38 other contestants, the 28-year-old stunner takes home a brand-new crown dubbed La Mer en Majesté

Christine Opiaza of Zambales is the first runner-up while Pampanga's Angelique Manto landed as second runner-up. For the first question during the Q&A segment, Marquez was asked, "Income inequality is still high in the Philippines. The gap between the rich and the poor remains. How do we close that gap?"

To which she confidently answered, "I think first we have to recognize what we have and the privileges that we have, such as food, education, and homes. I think the best way to address this is really through education because education holds no status quo, and every Filipino child has the right to an education – but not just any education, but quality education. Because I believe if the government can provide this to every Filipino child, then we can not only elevate their quality of life, but we can empower them

as well."

Meanwhile, for the final Q&A portion, the Top 5 contestants were asked the same question, "The Department of Tourism has adopted a new branding campaign, 'We Give the World our Best.' For you, what is the best that we could offer to the rest of the world? Why do you consider it so?"

Marquez shared her winning answer saying, "The Philippines is home to very beautiful natural resources from the beaches, the mountains but I firmly believe that the best natural resource that the Philippines has is us Filipinos. We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines with the way we are hospitable, with the warm smiles and we are the reason why the world keeps coming back for more."

"No matter where the universe takes me. I will always be proud to call the Philippines my home. And no matter what happens I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy. Thank you," she added.

Also an actress herself, Marquez is born to celebrity parents, former actor Frederick "Derek" Dee and to actress, author, former supermodel, and Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez.

Dee is a pageant veteran who was crowned Miss World Philippines 2019. During the finals

night of the Miss World 2019 competition at the ExCel Stadium in London, England, Dee entered the Top 12 semifinals. She also joined Miss Universe 2022 where she was crowned Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022, second to the eventual winner, Celeste Cortesi. Marquez will represent the country in the 72nd Miss Universe pageant which will be held in El Salvador. Half Filipina and reigning Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel of the United States will crown her successor at the end of the event.

Universe 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee

Photo from Instagram/@

The Miss Filipina International 2023 winner and her court will receive gift certificates from iSkin, including a $10,000 gift certificate to the winner. MFI owner Geoffrey Jimenez, iSkin owners Imee Ong-Maghanoy and Richard Maghanoy with (from left) MFI queens Alicia Buendia, Alyanna Joel, Sarah Nunnink and Arianna Padrid at iSkin’s penthouse spa in Beverly Hills.

Photo by Ken Hugh.

EXPLORING the world, meeting people in their native countries, learning about their history, heritage, culture, and experiencing their way of living firsthand does wonders to our mind, body, and soul. The journey reveals that we, as a species on this planet, have greater commonality and mutual interests than our selfish individual differences. The wonderful visit to countries eager to please tourists is always refreshing to the spirit. Vacation, a decompressing break from our daily stressful life, is wonderful and healthy for both the visitor and the tourism industry of the target destinations.

Our group of 21 medical colleagues, spouses, and a friend from Las Vegas, Chicago, Indiana, Kentucky, and New York just returned from a 14-day (April 22 to May 8) transatlantic cruise to Malaga, Valencia, and Palma de Mallorca (Spain); Marseilles (France); and Florence and Rome (Italy).

On board the Odyssey of the Seas of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, the Windjammer Restaurant on the 14th deck became our meeting place several times a day and “headquarters” during the 14-day cruise. From Day One, I had informed our group that “according to the cruise’s rule,” we were supposed to eat every two hours. And we almost followed that “rule,” but conscious of our health, practically all of us violated this anyway. But the Lobster Night was irresistible. Our group picture with the Captain of the Ship, Per Kristofferson, showed almost everyone gained a few ounces, if not a pound or two.

The cruise package included an added 2 days of land tours in Rome which provided us the opportunity to meet with the Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio “Chito” Tagle on Saturday, May 5.

According to Inside the Vatican, Pope Francis selected Cardinal Tagle to head the Vatican’s Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. The congregation, which handles evangelization in Africa, Asia, and Oceania, is expected to be combined with the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, which has focused primarily on Europe, as envisioned by the Pope.

On Sunday, May 8, we travelled for more than four hours in three rented driven vans to San Giovanni Rotondo (Fr. Pio Pilgrimage Church), 237.3 miles south of Rome, to view the body of Fr. Pio in a sealed plastic vault designed for public viewing.

Francesco Forgione, OFMCap, popularly known as Padre Pio and as Saint Pio of Pietrelcina,

was an Italian Franciscan Capuchin friar, priest, stigmatist, and mystic. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, celebrated on September 23rd each year. Fr. Pio was born on May 25, 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy, died on September 23, 1968, and buried in the Sanctuary of Saint Mary of our Lady of Grace. The new Fr. Pio modern-structure pilgrimage church is on the left side of the old church of Saint Mary. The river of devotees from all around the world honoring the mystical saint Fr. Pio seemed unending. The rigorous walk back to our vans, on an uphill climb, was a great challenge to many of us in our mid-70s and mid-80s, with arthritis and other ailments. A self-imposed penance? Maybe. But it gave us an inspiring, uplifting, and a most spiritual feeling with inner peace.

We got back to the Star Hotel of Metropole in Rome at almost 9 p.m., just in time for our “last supper” with the Rev. Fr. Roderick Ignacio (Padre Ricky) at the Antico Ristorante Bar Imperium, a famous restaurant a couple of blocks from our hotel. Fr. Ricky is Parish Priest of Santa Maria Maggiore, San Paolo Apostolo, and Santa Lucia Trocchio. He is also the Rector of Shrine of our Lady of Piternis, Cervaro Delegato dei Sacerdoti in Diocesi, and del Rappresentante del Consiglio Pastorale. Fr. Ricky is a close friend of Pope Francis.

While on this cruise, we had the privilege of meeting fellow Pinoy cruisers, 31 from Hawaii, and very importantly, countless fellow Filipinos working on the Odyssey, young and vibrant, very courteous, and willing to please. Proudly a Filipino trait. They all left their loved ones in the Philippines to support their families back home and provide education and a better future for their children. While they were always cheerful, like their fellow workers from other countries, you could witness how hard they work each day, devoid of enough sleep, longing for their spouse and children back home, and practically a slave to their job, with meager salary. Indeed, a great personal sacrifice on their part, all in the name of love of family and survival itself. (A tip for future cruisers: Gratuities helps these noble workers. Let generosity prevail among us who are more blessed to share our loving compassion with them.) Even before the cruise ended, some were already asking when the next one would be. Indeed, life must be enjoyed fully!

A cruise is certainly like life on this good earth. During the journey you discover the nature of men and their individual philosophy, behavior, interests, frailties, strength, personality. The very same qualities and attitude in life become obvious among all of us and our fellow cruisers on our voyage in life itself. Qual-

ities unknown before, shining through, good, bad, or in between. Indeed, life and cruising are almost twins, people traveling in time and space, sometimes on treacherous terrains or rough waters, all unable to change the ocean waves and the wind direction, but with a God-given option to adjust the sail to navigate the course and arrive at the target destination. Unfortunately, some try to control the waves and the wind like a god, instead of wisely adjusting, and are destined to be lost at sea. In our life, bringing one’s sunshine and smile to every occasion, with a back-up umbrella just in case but keeping it unopened because of faith, all contribute to a healthy and happy life with soothing inner peace.

The greater the human contacts among various peoples of the world, the greater the chance of understanding, liking, and respecting one another and cementing lasting friendship with each other, one person and one nation at a time, especially among children whose innocence is devoid of poisonous biases and prejudices. They are our hope for the future, and prayerfully, a chance at achieving world peace. Most unlikely in our generation but hope reigns in my heart.

The human species better “cruise” peacefully together now on a global scale with a devotion to world peace before it’s too late, or we are doomed to disintegrate together into cinders and ashes in the galaxy in a colossal nuclear Armageddon turning planet Earth into a ball of fire and particles of black dust, exposing our stupidity.

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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.

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

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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

GDAP holds roadshow in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO – The Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) held a roadshow in San Francisco on May 11 at the Philippine Center’s Dynamico Space. Titled “GAME ON: Navigating the Latest Trends in the Global Video Game Industry and the Thriving Independent Development Scene in the Philippines,” the event featured some of the Philippines' and Filipino American community's brightest minds in gaming and technology.

The event was organized by the Philippine Trade & Investment Center in Silicon Valley (PTIC-SV), GDAP, FASTER Filipinx Americans in STEAM, and Dynamico Space.

GAME ON featured Vanessa Barrameda, X3-XURPAS General Manager, Andro Baluyut, GAMEOPS CEO and Founder, Erin Pangilinan, Founder of FASTER/ Co-founder and CTO of Slamat, Nathaniel Ventura, VINCI GAMES CEO & Founder, and Mark Acero, People Can Fly Studio Lead Designer. The event’s aim was to be a oneof-a-kind networking event and a chance to explore the untapped potential of the Philippine market.

GDAP is a trade association in the Philippines established in 2007 to represent and promote the country's game development industry.

Last March 2023, Consul General Neil Ferrer welcomed Philippine game industry leaders as they attended the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

The GDAP officers Andro Baluyut, Vanessa Barrameda, and Marla De Castro Rausch met with the Consul General, Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano, and Philippine Trade Commissioner in Silicon

Valley Celynne Layug at the Consulate to discuss updates about the video game industry in the Philippines and potential collaborative activities.

The Philippine game development industry is rapidly growing and has attracted international attention in recent years. The roadshow in San Francisco is an excellent opportunity to showcase the Philippines' game development industry and to establish potential collaborative efforts with the international gaming community.

(PCGSF Release)

ConGen Ferrer urges Fil-Ams to explore thriving Philippine startup ecosystem

SAN FRANCISCO – Consul General Neil Ferrer encouraged Filipino Americans to consider the Philippines as a launchpad for their startups in the event called “Balik*Bayan San Francisco: Come Back, Give Back.”

The event, which was organized by the global non-profit organization Endeavor Philippines, took place at Sentro Filipino in downtown San Francisco. The gathering offered opportunities for participants, largely composed of Fil-Ams working in the tech industry, angel and venture capital investors, and university students from the Bay Area, to establish connections with players in the Philippine startup scene and obtain valuable perspectives from industry leaders.

Consul General Ferrer highlighted the growing opportunities for the Philippines as a launchpad for enterprises and startups, citing the country's strong economic fundamentals, young demographics, and national push for digitalization. “It makes business sense for investors to create their startups in the Philippines [and support the startup ecosystem in the Philippines] because of the favorable business climate and economic growth in the country,” he said.

Consul General Ferrer also encouraged Fil-Ams to visit the Philippines, taking note of the Very Important Pinoy Tour, which will take participants to Manila, Iloilo and Boracay on July 16-24,2023.

A highlight of the tour is a visit to a startup hub in Poblacion, Makati called Sinigang Valley. More details on the VIP Tour can be found by visiting https://viptourphilippines2023.com/,

The Consul General also highlighted the Consulate’s engagements with various Filipino American communities in states under its jurisdiction to encourage them to establish their businesses in the Philippines, citing a Utah-based

FilAm who recently launched her startup called Prajekpro in the Philippines. He further mentioned the Consulate’s public-private partnership with the FilAm-owned coworking space in San Francisco, Dynamico Space.

Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona and Philippine Trade Commissioner in Silicon Valley Celynne Layug also attended the event.

Fireside chats hosted by Endeavor Philippines managing director Manny Ayala, were also held with industry leaders, including Minette Navarette, co-founder and president of venture capital Kickstart Ventures, and

Vivek Padmanabhan, co-founder and president of PSG Global Solutions. Meanwhile, Dexter Ligot-Gordon, co-Founder and CEO of Swarm, hosted a video chat with Kumu founders Roland Ros and Rexy Dorado, who shared their experiences in establishing Kumu and Sinigang Valley in the course of their connection with their Philippine roots. The event showcased the potential of the Philippine startup ecosystem, which has been attracting global interest, as Philippine startups continue to make sizable deals with established investment firms. (PCGSF Release)

Those urgent emails from MetaMask and PayPal are phishing scams

IF you got an email that seems to be from MetaMask or PayPal, stop. They’re phishing scams. The MetaMask fake says your cryptocurrencywallet is blocked. And, if you don’t act fast, click a link, and update your wallet, they say your crypto will be lost. The phony PayPal message says BNC Billing cancelled your payment to Binance — and it gives you a phone number to reach PayPal…except that’s a scam, too. If you get one of the messages, delete it. But what then?

Most unexpected emails saying to act quickly, click a link, or call a number are phishing scams. They may look like they come from companies you know,

but they’re from scammers who want you to think the message is real. That way, scammers think you’ll click into a fake website or call an actual scammer — all to solve a fake problem. If you click or call, the scammers will steal your financial or personal information, and that could lead to identity theft.

To spot and avoid a phishing scam:

• Slow down. Ask yourself: Do I have an account with the company? Do I know whoever sent the email? If “no,” it’s a phishing attempt. If “yes,” still check it out. Contact the company using a number or website you know is real. And, if you own a cryptocurrency wallet and have a con-

cern, contact the cryptocurrency exchange that holds your wallet.

• Don’t click on any links. Links in unexpected texts or emails could lead to identity theft or let scammers install malware.

• Update your security software. This will protect your phone and computer from security threats, which could expose your personal or financial information to scammers.

If you get a phishing email, forward it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org. Then tell the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. (Cristina Miranda/Consumer Education Specialist, FTC)

A CSPA victory after several lawyers said...

aged out. Ricky's wife, Florida, was devastated and was about to lose hope, especially after three lawyers the family had consulted all said there was nothing they could do, since Florjan had already aged out.

One day, Ricky was cleaning the air conditioning unit in Atty. Gurfinkel’s office and reached out to the leading U.S. immigration lawyer about his brother-inlaw’s case.

In reviewing the case, Atty. Gurfinkel saw that Florjan was eligible for age-out protection under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). He was able to identify where the U.S. Embassy made their mistake in the calculations for eligibility. Within days, the case was reconsidered, and the visa was issued.

Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, May 21 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM

through select

providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

The group held a discussion on developments in the video game industry in the Philippines and potential collaborative activities.

Ricky (left) was the building superintendent at the New York City office of the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel. He consulted about his brother-in-law’s case with leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael Gurfinkel (right) on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy.

Endeavor Philippines managing director Manny Ayala and Kickstart Ventures co-founder Minette Navarette in a fireside chat (left photo); Ayala and PSG Global Solutions co-founder and president Vivek Padmanabhan in a fireside chat (right photo).

Consul General Neil Ferrer makes his remarks at “Balik*Bayan San Francisco: Come Back, Give Back.” San Francisco PCG photos

FYLPRO alumna Genevieve Jopanda, Endeavor Philippines managing director Manny Ayala, Consul General Neil Ferrer, Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona, Swarm co-founder Dexter LigotGordon and WYCOTAX CEO and founder Christopher Dela Cruz Wycoco.

(From left) Ricky, Florjan, Florida (Ricky’s wife), with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel.

From left: Deputy Consul General Raquel R. Solano, Marla De Castro Rausch, Consul General Neil R. Ferrer, Andro Baluyut, Vanessa Barrameda and Philippine Trade Commissioner in Silicon Valley Celynne Layug. San Francisco PCG photos