052523 - Las Vegas Edition

Attorney General Rob Bonta ‘seriously considering’ run for California governor

COULD California see its first Filipino American governor?

Attorney General Rob Bonta is “seriously considering” a run for the Golden State’s top office, according to a recent interview with the San Francisco Chronicle.

“Quite a few folks have reached out to me encouraging me to run for governor,” Bonta told the Chronicle.

The 50-year-old Democrat, who served as a state assemblymember for five terms, was appointed to the attorney general post by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021 after then-attorney general Xavier Becerra was appointed as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. With the appointment, Bonta became the first Fil-Am to hold the office, and subsequently was elected to a full four-year

Asian American Voter Empowerment Project launched to increase voter turnout in LA

SEVERAL Asian American community and civil rights organizations recently announced the launch of the Asian American Voter Empowerment Project (AAVEP) in an effort to increase voter education and registration in Los Angeles.

Officially launched on Saturday, May 20 at Eagle Rock Plaza, the project from the Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California (PWC), LEAD Filipino, and Asian Business Association Foundation, with the support of CAUSE, AAPI’s for Equity, Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ), brings together a major and comprehensive site-based voter registration program across Los Angeles.

The launch of AAVEP is a non-partisan and site-based voter registration program to be spearheaded by multiple Filipina/x/o and Asian American serving nonprofit organizations that will aim to register eligible Asian American voters historically excluded from voter registration and education efforts with the densely populated and often hard-to-reach areas of Los Angeles.

Asian Americans are among one of the

Marcos certifies Maharlika fund bill as urgent

by MARC JAYSON CAYABYAB Phlstar.com

MANILA — The Senate on Wednesday, May 24 received a letter from President Marcos certifying as urgent the creation of a Maharlika investment fund as urgent.

Malacañang’s letter dated May 22 and transmitted to the Senate seeks to expedite the passage of the bill, which is undergoing interpellation in the plenary on second reading.

Despite receiving the letter from Malacañang, however, the Senate suspended plenary debates on the measure and set its resumption on Monday, May 22.

In his letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Marcos said he certified the “necessity of the immediate enactment” of Senate Bill 2020.

The President cited inflation, fluctuating oil prices, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and interest rate hikes to vouch for the need of the country to set up a wealth fund to pump-prime the economy.

“(T)here is a compelling need for a sustainable national investment fund as a new growth catalyst to accelerate the implementation of strategic and highimpact large infrastructure projects that will stimulate economic activity and development,” he said.

The Maharlika Investment Corp. – with an initial

Go to PNP chief: Will it help if Rodrigo Duterte is named anti-drug czar?

by BEATRICE PINLAC Inquirer.net

MANILA — Senator Christopher “Bong”

Go asked Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Maj. Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Tuesday, May 23 if having former President Rodrigo Duterte as the anti-drug czar will boost the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Go, who was special assistant to then President Duterte, raised the query during the Senate public order and dangerous

drugs panel’s probe into the alleged cover-up in the multi-billion shabu haul last October.

“Prerogative naman iyan ng Presidente – ang appointing authority. Pero kung saka-sakali lang, makakatulong ba kung itatalagang drug czar si dating Pangulong Duterte?” he asked.

(It is the prerogative of the President as the appointing authority, but if ever, will it help if former President Duterte is appointed as drug czar?)

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DOT’s new tourism slogan to feature PH as ‘treasure trove’ of culture, history

by ZACARIAN SARAO Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday, May 24 said that its new tourism slogan – which will focus more on showcasing the country as a “treasure trove” of culture and history — is still under development.

The campaign will succeed the current “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” slogan, which was launched back in 2012.

“We’re grateful for the gains that have been made by the previous administrations in terms of pushing for the existing slogan,”

Tourism Secretary Cristina Frasco said in the public forum Kapihan sa Manila Bay.

“But at the same time we would like to give our country an opportunity to reintroduce itself to the world not just as a fun destination, which it will continue to be, but also as a treasure trove of culture, of heritage, of history, of love and warmth and the sheer talent of our artisans, makers, small and medium enterprises, as well as the burning private place of our fellow Filipinos regionally,” she added.

“The stories of Filipinos have yet to be told in full, and we intend to do that with an enhanced

branding campaign,” Frasco added.

According to Frasco, the DOT is still conducting a “white market study” on the existing tourism campaign and is still in the process of enhancing the campaign — which she stressed would not be launched without consulting stakeholders.

“So this is literally in the works right now,” said Frasco.

However, Frasco clarified that the country’s tourism would not hinge on the DOT’s branding campaign alone, highlighting the importance of product development and improving aspects

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capital fund from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and the Land Bank and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) –may invest in equities, joint ventures and real estate and infrastructure projects, as well as issue bonds, securities and debentures, according to the bill’s Senate version.

The bill said the allowable investment on real estate, however, is limited to major capital projects endorsed by the National Economic and Development Authority to ensure that it is aligned with the national government’s development goals.

While the investment corporation will be governed

MANILA — Should Filipinos abroad embrace the concept of internet voting in the 2025 midterm polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it might discontinue the use of mail-in and in-person casting of ballots for overseas absentee voting (OAV).

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia on Wednesday, May 24 said they would assess and decide on the implications of introducing internet voting in 2025 for the OAV.

“If after the 2025 elections we see that more Filipinos abroad patronized internet voting… maybe we could do away with the two modes,” said Garcia, referring to postal and in-person voting.

He said one consideration for such a move is that maintaining a third mode of voting for Filipinos abroad would be more expensive.

When internet voting is introduced in 2025, Garcia said overseas Filipino workers “could still avail of in-person voting and mail-in voting.” But Comelec hopes the new mode of voting would result in a higher voter turnout that would better represent the foreign-based Filipino electorate.

In 2022, the Comelec said the voter turnout for OAV

ABS-CBN strikes deal with Prime Media

by ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES Philstar.com

MANILA — Broadcast media giant ABS-CBN Corp. is entering into a joint venture with a subsidiary of the holding company owned by Speaker Martin Romualdez after announcing that it is ceasing operations of TeleRadyo by June 30 due to financial losses.

The joint venture will be instituted with an initial paid-up capital of P40 million, of which Prime Media Holdings Inc., as the majority stakeholder, will invest 51 percent while ABS-CBN, as the minority stakeholder, will own 49 percent.

“(I)ntending to find ways to continue providing news to the public, ABS-CBN is entering into a joint venture with Prime Media Holdings Inc. The new company will produce various programs, which will be supplied to broadcasters and other thirdparty platforms, including Philippine Collective Media Corp.,” ABS-CBN said.

Under the agreement, the joint venture will be incorporated with an initial capital stock of P100 million consisting of 100 million common shares with a par value of P1 apiece.

“This gives some of our former personnel a chance to find job opportunities. It is also a way to continue providing accurate and balanced news and information

to the country,” the broadcast media giant said.

The joint venture will be led by a board of directors made up of nine members, five of whom will be appointed by Prime Media, while the other four will be designated by ABS-CBN. The undertaking will also offer employment opportunities for personnel affected by TeleRadyo’s closure. For ABS-CBN, the partnership with Prime Media provides it with an additional revenue stream through equity investment and share in the projects of the joint venture.

The network is trying to return to profitability after falling in the red all throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Media is a subsidiary of RYM Business Management

Tourism chief Christina Garcia Frasco DOT photo

Marcos certifies Maharlika fund bill...

by a board of directors composed of the finance secretary, Landbank and DBP presidents and two regular directors, the posts of the three “independent directors” from the private sector may also be open to foreigners.

During interpellation, Sen. Mark Villar said foreigners from the private sector may sit in the board because of the absence of a citizenship provision for the independent director posts.

The bill sponsor also vouched for the provisions in the bill that provide checks and balances to the fund, including the creation of a joint congressional oversight committee to oversee its use, and a guarantee to the public to have freedom of information access to all documents.

“If you look at it from a wholeof-nation approach, there really is a need to pump-prime the economy. We’re coping with

COVID-19. We have to look at the overall economic conditions of the country, which would require us to look for additional sources of revenue, especially in the field of infrastructure,” said Villar, a former public works secretary.

The Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) bill hurdled the House of Representatives in December last year also due to an urgent certification from the President. As this developed, militant youth group Anakbayan warned the Filipino public that they would lose their hard-earned money with the Marcos administration’s push for the creation of the MIF, projected to be passed before the next State of the Nation Address in July.

Anakbayan said in a statement yesterday that the MIF is an illtimed policy that will lead to largescale corruption and further drive Filipinos into crisis should its investments fail.

“We see that the MIF will merely serve as a piggy bank for Marcos Jr. and his accomplices to systematize their own corruption,” it added.

The MIF’s proposed seed capital will be P500 billion, far larger than the initial P75 billion. It will also include pension funds from the Government Service Insurance System, Social Security System and Pag-IBIG Fund, according to the militant youth group. Amid an economic crisis marked by high prices of goods and low wages, Anakbayan said the government plans to put public funds that could be used to improve social services and ensure people’s welfare into investments that have no guarantee of any benefit for the people.

“Filipinos cannot afford to have their money sloppily used for investments whose benefits won’t reach them,” Anakbayan added.

The group challenged the government to forgo plans for the

DOT’s new tourism slogan to feature...

of the Philippine tourism industry, especially when compared to its neighbors in Southeast

Asia. She also recognized the necessity of tourism investments, reiterating that the country re-

mains open for such, especially after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. opened the country to investment and pledges. g

Go to PNP chief: Will it help if Rodrigo...

Go also told Acorda not to allow the drug war launched under the Duterte administration to simply go to waste.

But Acorda, who has only been at the helm of the PNP for barely a month, said he is not sure if he is in a position to answer the senator’s question.

“I don’t know if I can comment on that, and what would be the setup, but anything on the campaign against illegal drugs, I will be supportive,” Acorda said.

Duterte’s war on drugs killed more than 6,000 drug suspects, according to government data.

Human rights groups, however, believe this figure could reach up to 30,000 if it includes in the tally the victims of vigilante-style killings.

The erstwhile president and

his former police chief – panel chair Sen. Ronald dela Rosa – are among the subjects of an investigation by the International Criminal Court on alleged crimes against humanity under the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

Also being probed by the international tribunal are the purported killings of the so-called Davao Death Squad during Duterte’s term as city mayor.

The possibility of having Duterte as the anti-drug czar is not a new talking point.

Days before Duterte ended his six-year run as chief executive in June last year, Malacañang said he had declined the offer to lead the government’s anti-illegal drug efforts under the administration of his successor Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. g

‘Internet voting may end...

was only 34.88 percent.

PAGE 1 be partnering with media entities, which is in accordance with the law.

Republic Act 10590, the Overseas Voting Act of 2013, gives the commission leeway to consider other modes of voting and if the Comelec sees that internet voting would suffice, then it can decide to scrap the two other modes of casting one’s vote.

Debate partners Meanwhile, Garcia said that for the 2025 elections, they would be selecting media entities as their debate partners.

Amid the controversy surrounding the 2022 presidential and vice presidential debates in 2022, wherein the Comelec reportedly chose Impact Hub Manila as its partner, Garcia said that to avoid any problems in future election debates they would

“We should always follow what is stated in the law. According to Republic Act 9006 (Fair Election Act), it is the media entities that should be holding the debates. Even if the media entities earn a small profit, the Comelec would just be an observer,” said Garcia.

He said he believes the debates should be the same as during the 2016 presidential and vice presidential elections when it was handled by different media entities.

That year, they did not encounter any problems, nor were there issues “because the media entities shouldered all the expenses and even required the candidates to attend the debate.” g

Attorney General Rob Bonta...

PAGE 1 for governor.

term last November 2022.

If he throws his hat into the governor race after Newsom terms out in 2026, Bonta would join current Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and former State Controller Betty Yee who have announced their intentions to run

Despite the consideration to run for governor, Bonta told the Chronicle that he will continue to be focused on “being attorney general” and that the decision to run for the state’s top office is not “something that I’m making a decision on today.” (AJPress)

Attorney General Rob Bonta Photo from Facebook/@RobBonta

Asian American Voter...

PAGE 1 process of Los Angeles to be a successful and thriving city.

fastest growing ethnic groups, with more than 18 million living in the United States today, and represent the country’s fastestgrowing voting bloc.

In California, Asian American communities hold a 16.3% share of the electorate with the citizen voting age population in Los Angeles standing over 1 million. Despite these statistics, gaps in voter contact with Asian communities continues to create disparities. In the 2022 Asian American Voter Survey, 56% of Asian Americans reported receiving no contact or were unsure if they received contact about the election. “The voice of Asian American Angelenos must be an equitable part of the decision making

The Asian American Voter Empowerment Project will support our community to overcome language and other barriers to participation through outreach and education that is designed for the specific cultures and diversities of our community,” states Aquilina Soriano Versoza, Executive Director of PWC. AAVEP organizers began registering hundreds of eligible voters in Los Angeles, particularly focused on engaging Asian Americans ahead of the 2024 elections. The voter registration program efforts will strive to register a majority of eligible voters that identify as Asian American or with an Asian ethnic background. (AJPress)

FIRST STEP. Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, like the staff of a beauty salon in Diliman Quezon City, welcome the approval of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) bill at the House of Representatives committee level on Thursday, May 25. The bill, a consolidation of eight measures, states that it is discriminatory to deny an application for or revoking a professional or other similar kind of license, clearance, certification on, or any other similar document, except marriage license, issued by the government due to the applicant’s SOGIESC. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

US keen on upping support to PH creative industry

by Ramon Royandoyan Philstar.com

THE head of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is eyeing opportunities on how they could boost their support to the Philippines’ creative industry, which is still reeling from pandemic-induced woes.

Kathi Vidal, the director of the USPTO and Commerce undersecretary, lauded the Philippine government’s efforts to pass legislation to support the country’s creative industry.

“The ability to grow jobs in the Philippines through the creative industry is phenomenal, given your workforce, given how young they are, given how talented they are in that space,” she told Philstar. com in a limited engagement with the news media on Monday, May 22.

Republic Act 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act lapsed into law on July 27 last year. The measure is geared towards aiding the development of the creative industry sector.

This sector contributed

7.3% to the country’s gross domestic product last year. This is equivalent to P1.6 trillion,

leapfrogging 12.1% year-on-year as the creative industry largely benefitted from the easing of mobility restrictions towards the end of 2022.

Vidal’s three-day tour in the Philippines, alongside a meeting with the head of the country’s intellectual property office, marked a first of sorts. This was her first visit to the Philippines as director of the superpower’s patent office, part of a broader initiative of the United States to strengthen its economic alliances amid the backdrop of regional tensions against China.

The USPTO has been active in the region since the mid-1970s.

“What we plan to do in the next meeting is a listening session, I wanna hear how we can support the Philippines more, how we can support artists in the Philippines, not just the larger organizations that might show up to a meeting like this but all the artists out there that are not showing up,” she said.

“That’s something we’re solving for in the US as well,” Vidal added.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding with the USPTO in 2021.

As it is, the creative industry sector’s prominence could grow

larger in the coming years, as the Marcos Jr .administration believes so. In the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the government trained its sights on this sector to fatten its contribution to economic growth and drive innovation.

Vidal spotlighted that the Philippines could attract more investments provided the country fosters growth in its intellectual property (IP) ecosystem.

Data provided by the USPTO revealed the United States is the top patent filer in the Philippines, with patent filings growing 9.3% in 2022.

“The fact that you’re not on the 301 list, the fact that you’re committed to IP, creative industries, makes it a very ripe area for investments,” she said.

The Philippines has stayed out of the U.S.’s watch list of countries with IP violations for a decade now. As it is, counterfeiting and piracy remain a perennial problem across the world, as the Philippines has made considerable efforts to curb them.

The European Commission flagged four markets in the country, Greenhills Shopping Center and Divisoria counting tagged as two, as hotspots of counterfeit goods. g

California State Assembly passes landmark legislation to ban use of dangerous chemicals in food and beverages

RECENTLY, the California State Assembly passed a first-of-its-kind legislation that would prohibit the use of certain dangerous and toxic chemicals in processed foods and drinks.

Authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills), Assembly Bill (AB) 418 would prohibit the manufacture, sale, or distribution of any food product in California containing Red Dye No. 3, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Bromate, Brominated Vegetable Oil, or Propyl Paraben. These chemicals are already banned in the European Union (EU) and many other jurisdictions due to scientific research linking them to significant health harms, including cancer, reproductive issues, and behavioral and developmental issues in children.

“Today’s strong vote is a major step forward in our effort to protect children and families in California from dangerous and toxic chemicals in our food supply,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel on Monday, May 15. “It’s unacceptable that the U.S. is so far behind

the rest of the world when it comes to banning these dangerous additives. We don’t love our children any less than they do in Europe and it’s not too much to ask food and beverage manufacturers to switch to the safer alternative ingredients that they already use in Europe and so many other nations around the globe.”

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the connection between the chemical additives named in AB 418 and alarming health outcomes, including increased risk of cancer, behavioral issues in children, harm to the reproductive system, and damage to the immune system. As a result, the EU and many other nations already have prohibited their use in food, and many major brands and manufacturers — including Coke, Pepsi, Gatorade, Dunkin Donuts, Papa John’s Pizza, and Panera — have voluntarily stopped using these additives in their products.

Unfortunately, chemical companies in the U.S. have been able to exploit a major loophole in federal

Missing Fil-Am teen found dead in Riverside County

A FILIPINO American teenager, who was previously reported missing in Moreno Valley, was found dead, according to police.

regulations to avoid meaningful independent review by the FDA of numerous food additives, thereby placing the U.S. far behind many other nations when it comes to food safety. If signed into law, AB 418 would require companies to make modifications to the recipes for products sold in California and likely prompt a nationwide transition to safer alternatives.

“For decades, the FDA has failed to keep us safe from toxic food chemicals,” said Scott Faber, EWG Senior Vice President for Government Affairs. “The chemical companies keep exploiting a loophole that allows for food additives that have not been adequately reviewed for safety by the FDA. And the FDA consistently fails to reassess chemicals, even in light of new science. The food and confectioners industries know the review process at the FDA is broken.”

AB 418 has now moved to the State Senate, where it is expected to be heard in committees in the coming weeks. (Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel’s Office Release)

The Riverside County SheriffCoroner’s Bureau announced that the remains of 16-year-old Jordan Caoile, a student at Vista Del Lago High School, were discovered on Thursday, May 18 in an open field in Moreno Valley. The cause of his death has not been announced, but foul play is not suspected and no suspects are being sought, according to Sgt. Wenndy Brito-Gonzalez. Caoile was reported missing

on May 15, dressed in light grey sweatpants, a blue/black sweater and an Adidas backpack. A search subsequently was launched for the teenager with flyers being shared on the ground and on social media. His parents, Randy and Karen Caoile, took to social media to announce their son’s passing.

“We want to thank everyone who has been helping with our search for Jordan. The support we received from the community and social media has been tremendous. We cannot thank you all enough,” they wrote in a post.

They provided the update that “he has been found but with a heavy heart unfortunately he is no longer with us.”

The post added,”Please continue to keep Jordan in your thoughts and prayers. We ask as a family if you could please assist with removing any posters or flyers you come across.”

“Please respect our privacy as we come to terms with our loss,” they wrote.

A GoFundMe (www.gofundme. com/f/caoile-family-fundraiser) has been started to help the Caoile family with expenses associated with their loss. (AJPress)

ABS-CBN strikes deal with Prime...

PAGE 1

Corp., a holding firm owned by Romualdez.

TeleRadyo off air by June 30 ABS-CBN earlier announced that it is shutting down its lossincurring TeleRadyo by June 30, marking another setback for the network after losing its free TV franchise in May 2020.

In a regulatory filing, ABSCBN announced that it could no longer finance TeleRadyo’s operations moving forward, leaving it with no choice but to shut down the platform starting June 30.

TeleRadyo has sustained financial losses since ABS-CBN

went off the air in 2020, during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, after legislators led by SAGIP partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta denied the network a fresh franchise. This resulted in the transfer of television and radio frequencies previously assigned to the network.

Since then, ABS-CBN has taken a different path in preserving its business, signing deals with international channels and online sites.

The network has also signaled its commitment to go digital, putting into question the future of its traditional platforms, including radio.

While the company continued to operate online and through its cable channels, the non-renewal of its franchise led to the closure of its regional networks and the layoff of thousands of employees.

“The company is deeply saddened by this closure and having to part ways with the many passionate and committed people who have made Teleradyo an important source of news and information for many Filipinos,” ABS-CBN said.

Romualdez was among the 70 lawmakers who voted in favor of a congressional resolution to deny ABS-CBN of a new franchise. g

COLLABORATION. First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos (back row, in red) and Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (back row, 3rd from right) join forces as they grace the launch of the BIDA (Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan) Workplace Private Partnership Program at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel in Quezon City on

Dateline PhiliPPines

14 projects eyed in 4 new EDCA sites - AFP

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Thursday, May 25 14 projects are being eyed to be constructed in the four new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) locations earlier announced by American and Filipino defense authorities.

"On the new sites, identified na rin yung mga (already are the) projects to be constructed in those areas. So we're looking (at) mess hall, rehabilitation of runway, construction of additional billeting facilities, acquisition of generators, installation of electrical system, (and) construction of pier with water supply," AFP spokesperson

Economic Cha-cha dead – Robin Padilla

MANILA — The move to amend the economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution is “dead” in the Senate, Sen. Robinhood

Padilla conceded on Thursday, May 25.

In a press briefing, Padilla, who chairs the Senate committee on constitutional amendments, said only senators from his party PDP-Laban agreed to sign his committee report that proposed easing the constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership.

Padilla’s panel proposed inserting the line “unless otherwise provided for by law” in the restrictive provisions, such as those under Article XII for National Economy and Patrimony.

The “restrictive” economic provisions, such as those that require corporations to be at least 60 percent owned by Filipinos, may be eased by Congress through the enactment of enabling laws.

“What is sad here is that only the four senators from PDP-Laban agreed with our report. With due

respect to the other honorable senators, they did not sign or did not give any response,” Padilla said in Filipino of his committee report he released on March 31.

“They have long said that our proposal has no future in the Senate,” he added.

Padilla did not name the PDPLaban senators who agreed with his report. The PDP-Laban representatives in the Senate are Padilla, Ronald dela Rosa, Christopher Go, Francis Tolentino and Aquilino Pimentel III, who is from a faction.

The neophyte senator said he hopes foreign ownership restrictions would be eased in the implementation of relevant laws, such as the Public Service Act, and even in the proposed Maharlika investment fund, now under second reading at the Senate after getting an urgent certification from President Marcos.

With economic Charter change dead, Padilla said he has his eyes fixed on amending the political provisions in the charter by allowing a President to seek reelection and giving four-year terms to locally elected officials.

The present constitution bars a President from a second term. Locally elected officials like mayors and district representatives are allowed three consecutive terms of three years each.

Padilla did not explain if his proposal for local officials would be to have a four-year stint for three consecutive terms.

But he said local officials have told him that their present threeyear term is not enough.

“Since they don’t want to touch the economic provisions, then let us tackle the political ones. During my rounds talking to local officials, they said a three-year term is not enough. Six years is also not enough for a President. Reelection is important,” Padilla said.

While Charter change via constitutional convention breezed through the House of Representatives, it has not gained the same traction at the Senate where it is not part of the agenda, according to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri. Marcos has also thumbed down the move as not among his administration’s priorities. g

Col. Medel Aguilar earlier told reporters. He said also included are the construction of humanitarian and assistance disaster relief (HADR) warehouses, HADR hangars with electrical and water facilities, construction of billeting or barracks complete with amenities for personnel and a command and control fusion system.

He, however, did not give any details on the projects to be implemented in the four new locations.

These projects are awaiting the funding release for implementation.

Named as additional EDCA

locations were the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lallo Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan, which are aside from the existing five locations earlier picked by Manila and Washington DC. These are the Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airport in Cagayan De Oro; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu. Medel said projects in the five original EDCA sites already have "accomplishments." (PNA)

Bohol named Unesco Global Geopark

by Pia-Lee brago Philstar.com

MANILA — Bohol has been named as the Philippines’ first Global Geopark, joining sites and landscapes of international geological significance.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has endorsed the addition of 18 new sites from around the world, including the Philippines, to its network of outstanding geoparks, showcasing some of the most beautiful sites of natural beauty around the globe.

The 18 new designations bring to 195 UNESCO Geoparks in 48 countries, covering a total surface area of 486,709 square kilometers, equivalent to twice the size of the United Kingdom.

“Two UNESCO member states are joining the network for the first time: New Zealand and the Philippines,” UNESCO said in a statement.

The other new Global Geoparks are Cacapava and Quarta Colonia (Brazil), Lavreotiki (Greece); Ijen, Maros Pangkep, Merangin Jambi and Raja Ampat (Indonesia); Aras and Tabas (Iran); Hakusan Tedorigawa (Japan); Mount Kinabalu (Malaysia); Waitaki Whitestone (New Zealand); Sunnhordland (Norway); Jeonbuk West Coast (Republic of Korea); Cabo Ortegal (Spain); Khorat (Thailand), and Mourne Gullion Strangford (United Kingdom

File photo shows Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Philstar.com photo of Great Britain and Northern Ireland).

Bohol Island’s Global Geopark status was announced during the 216th session of UNESCO’s executive board, which was held in Paris, France.

The UN agency said Bohol Island’s geological identity has been pieced together over 150 million years, as periods of tectonic turbulence have raised the island from the ocean depths.

The geopark abounds in karstic geosites such as caves, sinkholes and cone karst, including the famous cone-shaped Chocolate

Hills at the center of the geopark. UNESCO described the Philippine area as having “scenic and varied landforms and structural features.”

“The Geopark features one of the six double barrier reefs in the world and the only barrier reef in Southeast Asia,” it said.

The UNESCO Global Geopark designation, created in 2015, recognizes “geological heritage of international significance.” Geoparks serve local communities by combining the conservation with public outreach and a sustainable approach to development. g

by Marc Jayson cayabyab Philstar.com

FINANCIAL AID. At least a thousand individuals in Maco, Davao de Oro receive P3,000 each from the regional office of the Department of

Social Welfare and Development through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program on Thursday, May 25. The beneficiaries consisted of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and marginalized workers. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Former first lady Imelda Marcos getting stronger, better, says Imee

by Beatrice Pinlac Inquirer.net

MANILA — Former first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, the mother of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. who underwent an angioplasty last May 7, is getting stronger and better, according to her daughter, Senator Imee Marcos.

In an Instagram post on Thursday, May 25 Sen. Marcos shared a photo of her and her mother beside a hospital bed.

“Happy to see you getting stronger and better, mommy. Healthier days are definitely ahead,” she wrote.

Last March, rumors about the death of the 93-year-old Marcos matriarch circulated, but were quickly debunked by Sen. Marcos and the former first lady’s niece Eliza Romualdez-Valtos.

Imelda – who President

Marcos refers to as the “supreme politician” of the family – is convicted of seven counts of graft for transferring $200 million to seven Swiss foundations when she was a government official from 1968 to 1986. She was slapped with a penalty of six to 11 years in prison for each count of graft. The

Sandiganbayan Fifth Division ordered her arrest and asked her to explain her absence at the promulgation of the decision in 2018. But Imelda has never seen a day in prison since the police did not act on the arrest order, citing the former first lady’s health and age. g

‘War on drugs’ victims’ kin ‘unanimously’ support International Court investiga-

MANILA — Families of the victims of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s "war on drugs" unanimously support an investigation by the International Criminal Court into alleged crimes against humanity committed in the country.

The ICC’s Victims Participation and Reparation Section (VPRS) has submitted to the Appeals Chamber a report on May 22 on victims’ representation on whether the investigation into the Philippines should be confirmed, amended or reversed.

Drawing from five victim representation on behalf of 350 individual victims and 165 families, the VPRS said it found that “victims unanimously support an ICC investigation into crimes against humanity allegedly committed in the context of the [“war on drugs”] in the Philippines.”

“As a result, victims request the Chamber to confirm the Article 18(2) Decision,” it said.

The chamber recently denied the Philippines’ request to suspend the international court’s investigation on the drug war.

Principal counsel for the victims Paolina Massidda has

earlier echoed the request of ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan in asking the Appeals Chamber to dismiss the Philippine government’s plea and uphold the Pre-Trial Chamber’s decision to resume investigation into the Philippines.

In the report, the VPRS illustrated how local institutions still fail to serve justice even under the new administration. “In the words of the victims, ‘justice and accountability in the Philippines remain largely elusive and victims and victims’ families face enormous difficulties in seeking accountability using available domestic legal remedies,” it said.

From police refusing to authenticate documents their offices have previously issued to stories of how authorities would make them sign a document agreeing to close the case of their loved ones because they do not know who the perpetrator was—families of those killed under Duterte’s “war on drugs” recounted their difficult experiences in trying to seek justice back home.

“If they had helped us here in the Philippines, if we had felt their care, assistance, support,

Napoles cleared in one pork barrel case but convicted in another

by Krixia SubingSubing Inquirer.net

this wouldn’t have escalated and reached a court outside the country,” one statement from a victim read.

The victims also reported feeling unsafe as there are still instances where police intimidate them even in their communities, while others say they have been pressured not to file cases—affecting their morale.

They also raised that even with the new administration under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., “inaction continues” and no prospect to obtain justice at domestic level is seen in the current government.

The UP Third World Studies Center's latest report showed there have been 294 total reported drug-related killings under Marcos Jr., with 11 recorded just last May 8 to 15.

“President Marcos has not eschewed Operation Tokhang and has made no overt action to prosecute or hold accountable any of the top officials or to review the policy,” one of the victim representations said. (Kaycee Valmonte with Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar.com)

MANILA — The Sandiganbayan cleared businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles of 16 counts of graft in connection with the alleged anomalous use of Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s pork barrel fund, but convicted her on separate charges for the misuse of a former Davao del Sur lawmaker’s discretionary fund. The decisions, promulgated separately by the anti-graft court’s first and second divisions, were made public at the same time on Monday, May 22.

Napoles is presently serving multiple sentences at the Correctional Institution for Women from two earlier convictions in relation to the pork barrel scam, including life imprisonment imposed by the Sandiganbayan in 2018 for plunder.

In the 223-page decision in the Revilla case, Napoles was found innocent after state prosecutors failed to prove her guilt beyond reasonable doubt in all 16 charges of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The case accused Revilla of allocating P224 million from his Priority Development Assistance Fund to bogus nongovernment organizations (NGOs) owned by Napoles. He was one of many lawmakers who reportedly allotted their discretionary funds to ghost projects in exchange for kickbacks.

The anomaly came to light when

Napoles’ cousin and bagman, Benhur Luy, blew the lid on the scam after he was supposedly detained by the businesswoman.

The Inquirer broke the story in 2013, prompting several investigations that led to the indictment of then Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, and Revilla for plunder and multiple counts of graft.

In clearing Napoles, the First Division mainly argued that the graft charges were the same predicate acts of plunder, for which Napoles and Revilla’s chief of staff, Richard Cambe, had been convicted in 2018. Both were raffled off to the First Division, which acquitted Revilla of all charges in 2021.

Same accusations

“The acts imputed to the accused charged in the two sets of cases are the same,” according to the decision written by Associate Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang.

“Moreover, the testimonial and documentary evidence adduced by the prosecution were essentially the same in the trial of both cases.”

Citing jurisprudence, the court said it was clear that the legislative intent in passing the anti-plunder law was “to address the procedural nightmare of filing separate charges for the different predicate acts.”

“In other words, the prosecution can incorporate all the predicate acts in one charge of plunder instead of preparing a multitude of information and proving all of them in court,” it noted. “Since the

predicate acts were already used as basis [for] the crime of plunder, then the accused could no longer be charged separately for violation of the antigraft law.”

It did note that the prosecution was able to substantiate evidence that Cambe and Napoles received kickbacks in the ghost projects, “similar to the conclusion reached in the plunder case as it involved the same acts charged here.”

But in allowing both cases to prosper in court, the First Division noted that the prosecution “was simply made to present the same evidence against Revilla, Cambe, and Napoles twice, and the latter were made to defend themselves for the same action twice.”

The division also again upheld that Revilla’s endorsement of Napoles’ NGOs was merely recommendatory and that he was “performing acts that were customary at the time.”

Nevertheless, Napoles’ acquittal effectively cleared her in the criminal cases related to the misuse of Revilla’s pork barrel funds.

The alleged mastermind behind the plunder of P10 billion in public funds still faces a slew of cases before the Sandiganbayan, including those related to the discretionary funds of Senator Estrada and now presidential counsel Enrile.

Guilty verdict

In the decision promulgated by the Second Division, Napoles was found guilty of two counts of graft and two counts of malversation of

CONFIRMED. Forty-nine senior military officers get their confirmation from the Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday, May 24. The confirmed generals posed for a photo opportunity with several members of the CA at the Senate Plenary Hall. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Former first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos Inquirer.net photo

A gutted national heritage

This National Heritage Month, a century-old landmark in the city of Manila was gutted by fire. Only the concrete shell of the Central Post Office was left after the conflagration was finally put out on Monday, May 22 seven hours after the fire started at 11:41 p.m. on Sunday, May 21 in the basement reportedly housing the General Services Office.

Apart from letters and parcels, the fire destroyed the Philippine Postal Corp.’s entire library of antique and commemorative stamps – a national heritage – along with artworks used for designing stamps. PhilSys National ID cards that were being readied for delivery were also destroyed.

Editorial

With such precious but highly combustible items, it is disheartening to find out that the building lacked fire alarms and water sprinkler systems, as noted by Bureau of Fire Protection personnel who responded to the blaze. Firefighting capability was also reportedly hampered by the lack of water. While about 80 fire trucks responded, it took more than seven hours to put out the inferno. BFP personnel said the enclosed space quickly dried up water. Fire trucks had to get additional water from the nearby Pasig River and even from the water fountain system in Liwasang Bonifacio across the building.

The five-story structure with soaring ceilings was designed by architects Juan Arellano and Tomas Mapua. Built in the neoclassical style in 1926, it was destroyed during the Battle of Manila

At Ground Level

THE U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, nearly 75 years old now, is being dusted off in the light of “current and emerging threats” to the two countries – read: China’s increasing belligerence about Taiwan and its own maritime claims over almost the entire South China Sea.

Last May 3, newly-crafted Bilateral Defense Guidelines (BDG) were released by the U.S. State Department, which assert the treaty’s “enduring relevance” by “modernizing alliance cooperation in the service of the… shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

Specifically, the BDG reaffirm that an armed attack in the Pacific, “including anywhere in the South China Sea,” on either of their public vessels, aircraft or armed forces – which include their Coast Guards – “would invoke mutual defense commitments under Articles IV and V of the (MDT).”

Such attack threats include land, sea, air, space and cyberspace – through “asymmetric, hybrid and irregular warfare and grey-zone tactics.” Big words that need to be explained by experts, for which the guidelines would “chart a way forward to build interoperability in both conven-

Commentary

I'VE said it before, and I will say it again. The political opposition that we used to know, which we colored yellow, pink and red, will no longer be the place from where the challenger will emerge. I would add another layer of crystal ball scenario-making to that prediction. Since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is term-limited, the battle to succeed him will be an open political warfare not between his coalition and the now diminished political opposition. It will be a rumble from within his supermajorities in Congress.

And the battle for succession has now begun. Some say it's too early. That would be so for many of us who think of politics as a rational game of principled men and women. But when unbridled ambition takes over politicians, which is often, then there is nothing that could be too early. Five years before the next presidential

during World War II, but was rebuilt in 1946. On Nov. 24, 2018, the National Museum declared the building as an Important Cultural Property. This designation obviously failed to inspire efforts to boost fire safety measures in a heritage building that houses so many precious items made of paper and other highly combustible materials. The landmark managed to rise from the ashes of World War II, but was then allowed to gradually fall into disrepair. Other countries pour resources into preserving such structures or enclaves. Countries with high awareness of the economic importance of travel and tourism almost always have “old towns” where significant investments are poured into the preservation, restoration and proper maintenance of heritage structures.

In the Philippines, the focus is on razing such structures to give way to mixed-use property development where the concrete jungle is the favored model. Perhaps this tragedy that has befallen the postal office building for the second time will serve as an eye-opener on the importance of preserving the nation’s heritage. (Philstar.com)

US, Philippines update defense guidelines

tional and non-conventional domains.”

To strengthen U.S.-Philippine “combined deterrence in an evolving security environment,” the guidelines set the following objectives:

• Foster common understanding of roles, missions and capabilities within the alliance framework to face regional and global security challenges (which are mainly U.S. concerns);

• Unify efforts across all areas of bilateral security and defense cooperation to sustain focus on principal regional security concerns; and

• Guide priority areas of defense cooperation to address both conventional and non-conventional security challenges of shared concern. To advance these objectives, the guidelines say they need to:

• Modernize defense capabilities – Closely coordinate on the AFP modernization program by completing a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap; identify priority “defense platforms and force packages” that would bolster combined deterrence and capacity to resist coercion [presumably from China]; prioritize procurement of interoperable defense platforms (weaponry) “sourced from U.S. programs” and the Philippines’ national defense procurement and funding initiatives and expand investments in non-weaponry defense capacity-building, via education and

training exchanges, exercises and other operational activities.

• Deepen interoperability –Orient bilateral exercises and activities around improving/ combining ability to counter armed attacks on either country as well as threats in space and cyberspace, while expanding the scope, scale and complexity of exercises; expand cooperation on maritime security and maritime domain awareness, by continued conduct of maritime activities, including but not limited to joint patrols (in the SCS/WPS); under the EDCA, strengthen interoperability, through infrastructure improvements, enhanced joint use of facilities, advancing additional maritime security, maritime domain awareness and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities; and rotational U.S. access to EDCA sites.

• Enhance bilateral planning and information sharing – Conduct coordinated analysis, tabletop exercises and training/ exercises to reinvigorate bilateral planning and coordination efforts; assess bilateral requirements and advance common objectives and approaches to shared challenges; develop adaptable decision-making processes and communication procedures to support flexible, timely, whole-of-government bilateral coordination and action to respond to conventional and non-conventional warfare.

Broaden information-sharing on early indications of threats to

It will be a family brawl

elections may no longer be as remote, and two years before the midterms can just feel as if it is already here.

We are not privy to the transcripts of power grabs and backstabbing that may be happening in the corridors of power. What we only witness are the revelations coming from overt acts and coded statements, including one cryptic post of former senator Panfilo Lacson about a coup that is too early. I am of the belief that Lacson was not referring to the military.

What we saw is the unceremonious demotion of former president, former speaker and now former senior deputy speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from what many believed is a ceremonial position to now become just one of the many deputy speakers, which is actually also another array of ceremonial positions which I dare say are just one too many for a House of Representatives that is smaller than the parliament of India, or of Indonesia or even of Thailand. A demotion deserves an explanation from the one who

ordered it, and we have not been given that privilege by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

But what is more instructive is the political noise in the aftermath, with Arroyo stating that she had no intention of ousting Romualdez — this while party after party which are members of the supermajority came out expressing their loyalty to Romualdez. In politics, the events may not necessarily give you a direct answer. You will have to excavate it from the deflections, denials and affirmations of support. Romualdez must have an important reason to relieve Arroyo of her largely symbolic role. At the top of the list would probably be because she did something naughty and not nice. Arroyo admitted it herself. She said that her intentions were probably misinterpreted.

And then Vice President Sara Duterte made a move that only aggravated the speculation. Her resignation from Lakas-CMD, a party to which she, Arroyo and Romualdez all belong, is like that two red lines that indicate a positive test result, except that this

the peace and security of both countries, to ensure preparations to address principal challenges confronting the alliance; strive toward real-time information-sharing in collaboration with other departments and agencies to support deeper interoperability and operational coordination; enhance information security via consultations on policies, practices and procedures to protect classified defense and military information.

• Combat transnational and non-conventional threats – Improve cyber defense and cyber security cooperation to secure critical infrastructure and protect against attacks emanating from state and non-state actors; pursue capacity-building activities to respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear-related attacks and to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Prior to the adoption of the guidelines, the U.S.-Philippines 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in Washington (involving the two countries’ defense and foreign affairs chiefs), issued a joint statement on April 11, 2023.

The two sides committed to do the following:

• Strengthen bilateral planning and interoperability through conducting “high-impact and high-value” joint military exercises. These characterized the largest-ever Balikatan live-fire war games held in April involving

one is not about a virus, but about a rift that the vice president didn't want to be a part of, which she referred to as political toxicity. Duterte is a known ally of Arroyo. However, while one can interpret her move as a sign of protest at what her party did to Arroyo, it can also very well be, as she said, her way of extricating herself from being embroiled in a political melee. One needs to be reminded that Duterte and Arroyo have a history of figuring prominently in the ouster of one speaker named Pantaleon Alvarez. Tongues are wagging that it may not be farfetched that either that is what has happened, or to be fair to Duterte, that kind of talk may be the reason why she resigned from the party and detach from the toxicity to avoid being accused of doing the ouster dance once again. There is another woman politician who was labeled by media then as a member of a formidable trio. Sen. Maria Josefa Imelda "Imee" Marcos is also close to both Duterte and Arroyo. She is fighting another war of her own on social media. She is caught up in this vitriolic clan cyberwar be-

more than 17,000 American and Filipino troops, including a few Australian soldiers.

• Accelerate the implementation of EDCA projects and increase investments in U.S. facilities inside Philippine military bases to further support combined training exercises, interoperability and civilian-led Philippine disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

• By the end of fiscal-year 2023, the U.S. is expected to have allocated $100 million toward infrastructure investments at the five existing EDCA sites and to support the “swift operationalization” of the four additional sites approved by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last month.

• Complement combined military training exercises with USAID community-based activities in EDCA-related projects, including increasing access to safe water supply, education and health care.

• Expand cooperation, exchange best practices and increase “strategic convergence” in counter-terrorism and addressing grey-zone challenges, including protecting strategic infrastructure against attacks emanating from state and non-state actors; fostering “civilian-led, non-military counter-terrorism initiatives, where feasible and effective, using an inclusive, rights-based, victim-centered and whole-of-society approach.”

These are so many propositions

tween Marcos loyalists, renegade Marcos loyalists and diehard supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte. There are allegations made by Marcos loyalists who blame Senator Marcos for the actions of some of her loyal supporters and friends on social media involved in a take-down of the first lady, and for sowing divisive intrigue, including the allegations that the former spokesman for former vice president Maria Leonor Robredo is now somewhat already connected in Malacañang.

And then you end up with perfect material for our own version of "Game of Thrones," a political drama that whips the political fanbase who devote much of their precious time sowing and devouring intrigues from their favorite vloggers. The plot is just too delicious to conjure. The three women are probably suspected of making their moves now. And there is pushback. Meanwhile, the remnants of the vanquished opposition watch on the sidelines, cheering what they think as an implosion, a fracturing of the unity of the Marcos base hoping that it would benefit them.

needing to be fleshed out, thoroughly examined and critiqued –from the perspective of Philippine national security, economic and social well-being. Regarding U.S. funding support for the “swift operationalization” of the four additional EDCA sites, none so far has been reported onstream.

AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino admitted Wednesday that no “EDCA-related construction” has started neither on the Balabac, Palawan site (140 nautical miles from Panganiban Reef, now a Chinese military outpost), nor on the two sites in Cagayan and one in Isabela.

However, the AFP has begun building a three-kilometer runway and a concrete pier with beaching ramp in Balabac, which Gen. Centino checked on recently. The runway project is funded by the Philippine government at P700 million, for joint use by the Philippine Air Force and the Balabac municipality, while the pier (cost: P305 million) is being built at the Narciso del Rosario Naval Station.

Both projects will be offered for further development by the Americans as part of their EDCA site facilities in Balabac. (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.

Even if it is true, which I am not saying it is, it would not benefit them.

After all, the fight is within the family, or rather, within the coalition. All the parties involved in the controversy, including Gloria Arroyo, Sara Duterte and even Imee Marcos on one side, and for the lack of a better word, the Romualdez loyalists, and even the party of the die-hard Duterte loyalists, the PDP-Laban, remain loyal to and supportive of President Marcos.

My fearless forecast, for now, is that the 2025 midterm elections and the next presidential election cycle will be an internal brawl to succeed President Marcos. All of them will remain supportive of him, even as they would tear and smear each other.

But things can still change. The political opposition may just find itself being in bed with disgruntled Marcos or Duterte supporters. And we won't be a bit surprised if that happens. (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.

China harassment continues in WPS

by Bernadette e tamayo ManilaTimes.net

THE China Coast Guard (CCG) continues to harass Filipino troops in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) which has sometimes resulted in the delayed delivery of provisions to soldiers stationed at the Ayungin Shoal in the Kalayaan Island Groups (KIG).

Brig. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief of staff, confirmed the “continuous harassment” by the CCG when he faced the Commission on Appointments (CA) for the deliberation of his ad interim appointment on Tuesday, May 23.

The CA later on approved his appointment and of 49 other senior AFP officers.

World Bank pledges more support for PH

by Ronnel W. Domingo Inquirer.net

MANILA — The World Bank has pledged continued support for the Philippines’ development efforts through its managing director for operations, Anna Bjerde, who ended a two-day visit to the country on Wednesday, May 24.

The multilateral lender said in a statement that in a meeting with key Cabinet officials, Bjerde conveyed the World Bank’s continued commitment to supporting the country’s development agenda including climate change, renewable energy transition, food and agriculture, water and sanitation, innovation, and digitalization.

She met with Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of the National Economic and Development Authority, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil of the Presidential Communications Office.

“The postpandemic recovery is underway in the Philippines, with strong domestic demand weathering global headwinds,” Bjerde said.

Commitment

“Since 2022, its economy has been growing rapidly, aided by a substantial reduction in COVID-19 cases that facilitated a full economic

reopening,” she added. “The World Bank is committed to supporting the Philippines achieve long-term inclusive and sustainable growth, attain upper middle-income country status, and eventually become a predominantly middleclass society by 2040.”

According to the Department of Finance, the World Bank noted the opportunities for the Philippines to further boost investments and long term growth given its young and skilled labor force and sound macroeconomic policies.

Notable programs discussed include the proposed Teacher Effectiveness and Competencies Enhancement Project and Philippine Rural Development Project Scale-Up. g

Napoles cleared in one pork...

public funds for conspiring with former Davao del Sur lawmaker Douglas Cagas and several other public officials to implement ghost projects in exchange for kickbacks.

This particular case accused Cagas of unilaterally choosing and endorsing Countrywide Agri and Rural Economic and Development Foundation, one of Napoles’ NGOs, to implement a fake livelihood project worth P8 million. Also convicted were Technology

Resource Center (TRC) officer Belina Concepcion and Napoles’ liaison Mylene Encarnacion for the graft charges, and TRC staff Maria Lacsamana and a certain Evelyn de Leon for the malversation charges.

‘Appalled’ They were all sentenced to serve six to 10 years in prison for the graft cases, and 12 to 17 years for the malversation charges. They were also asked to return P7.7 million to the government and pay the same amount as fine.

Sought for comment, House Deputy Minority Leader

France Castro said she was “appalled” upon learning that the Sandiganbayan has acquitted Napoles in 16 criminal cases.

In a statement, Castro said this was shocking as she hoped that it would not set a precedent for the junking of the other cases against Napoles.

“I hope this acquittal of Napoles won’t be a prelude for the fate of other cases and I hope that this won’t be used to cover up other people involved in the pork barrel scam. If this happens, they might end up pocketing trillions of pesos,” Castro added. g

“There’s always continuous harassment of our troops at [the] Kalayaan Island Groups and sometimes the provision of our troops there is always delayed, depending on the situation,” he said.

He added, “Nevertheless, our ships continue to attempt to go there until such time that they are able to pass through.”

“However, sometimes these maneuvers are very dangerous, especially to our Navy men, who are using the ships and it

may cause damage or even loss of lives if there will be a lot of miscalculation,” Gaerlan said.

The Philippine military in 1999 ran the BRP Sierra Madre aground at the Ayungin Shoal or Mischief Reef, some 196 kilometers from Palawan, in response to China’s illegal occupation of the area.

The CCG last February 8 beamed a military-grade laser light on a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship also in Ayungin Shoal which was on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre. The incident caused temporary blindness to the PCG personnel.

The PCG had also reported the presence of a People’s Liberation Army Navy, CCG, and 42 suspected Chinese maritime militia vessels within the surrounding waters of the Pag-asa Island.

Meanwhile, Sen. Francis Tolentino said the potential defense agreement between the Philippines and Japan may need the concurrence of the Senate.

The senator noted that Manila and Tokyo are reportedly preparing preliminary consultations before starting the formal negotiations for a Reciprocal Access Agreement or (RAA) or a visiting forces deal.

Tolentino said that if the agreement will be in a form of a treaty, then it must be done

precisely in accordance with the 1987 Constitution, and “must be ratified” by the Senate.

Once approved, the proposed RAA would allow Filipino and Japanese forces to deploy troops on each other’s territory for training and other operations.

Tolentino said the supposed deal will boost defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific zone amid concerns over escalating tensions in the South China Sea region, particularly along the disputed territories located in the WPS.

Tolentino, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, had this year proposed the conduct of a multilateral show of maritime security cooperation with the United States and neighboring countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) amid a series of reported escalations near the WPS.

He said that expanding the conduct of joint patrols — to include other claimant countries in Southeast Asia — will help ensure the freedom of navigation, exercise of fishing rights, and, somehow, pacify existing tensions due to territorial disputes hounding the South China Sea region. g

Fitch revises PH credit rating outlook to stable

by Lawrence agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MANILA — Debt watcher Fitch

Ratings has upgraded the credit rating outlook of the Philippines from negative to stable due to improved confidence that the country is returning to strong medium-term growth after the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the same time, it noted sustained reductions in government debt that substantially increased in recent years.

Fitch retained the country’s credit rating at BBB or a notch above minimum investment grade. A stable outlook means the rating is likely to stay over the medium term of 12 to 18 months.

“The revision also reflects our assessment that the Philippines’ economic policy framework remains sound and in line with ‘BBB’ peers, despite its low scores on World Bank Governance indicators,” it said. According to the credit rating agency, the revision comes despite

some relative deterioration over the last years in credit metrics that previously had been strengths, including in government debt, to gross domestic product and net external debt to GDP.

The country’s economy would continue to be resilient with a GDP growth of above six percent over the medium term despite the slowdown in the first quarter to 6.4 percent from 7.1 percent in the fourth quarter and eight percent in the first quarter of last year, Fitch said in a statement.

“We forecast real GDP growth of above six percent over the medium term, considerably stronger than the ‘BBB’ median of three percent, after a record outturn of 7.6 percent in 2022, reflecting normalization of activity after the pandemic and the government’s investment program,” it added.

The slowdown in the first quarter was attributed to the fading post-pandemic recovery.

Fitch said the ongoing reforms to the business environment and investment regulations create

upside potential for growth.

The credit rating agency expects the general government deficit to narrow to 2.8 percent of GDP in 2023 and 2024 from an estimated 3.3 percent of GDP in 2022 and 4.6 percent of GDP in 2021.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the revision is testament to the strong macroeconomic fundamentals of the country, “as evidenced by the economy’s strong growth performance in 2022 at 7.6 percent and 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023.”

The Philippines incurred higher debt and wider budget deficit at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the GDP shrinking by 9.6 percent as the economy stalled due to strict quarantine and lockdown protocols.

The Marcos government is projecting a central government deficit of 5.1 percent of GDP by 2024, with most of the consolidation coming from spending efficiency gains and capital spending reductions. g

VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL

Olivia Rodrigo celebrates 2 years of ‘Sour,’ teases an upcoming album

by Ryan Del RosaRio Inquirer.net

OLIVIA Rodrigo seems to be cooking up something new for her fans, as she teases about a new song and a second album that are coming soon.

The 20-year-old breakout star posted an email newsletter to her fans on May 20. The newsletter contains a handwritten note about the two-year anniversary of her debut album, Sour. The note also includes a hidden message.

“I cannot believe it’s been 2 years since Sour came out. That

album will always be so so special to me & I’m so grateful to you guys for embracing it the way you have,” wrote Rodrigo. It can be observed that “forward” and “2” are emphasized. She also capitalized the letters “O” and “R” and then made the number “2” bolder. That somehow hints that a new music and a second album are in the works.

Back in January, Olivia gave Livies a sneak peek into the process of creating new music through a short clip that shows her with music producer Dan Nigro. The caption read, “Work-

ing on so many new songs I’m excited to show u. Thank u for everything.”

Olivia won her first Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. The critically acclaimed ‘Sour’ album was famously known for singles such as “driver’s license,” “good 4 u,” “deja vu,” and “traitor.” Some of the singles gained popularity on the short-video platform app TikTok. The new music and the new album might be out there anytime soon. But for now, we could say that it’s ‘good 4’ us to be happy and healthy while waiting for it to come.

Bea, Jodi, Marian vie for Asia’s Iconic Actress of the Year

by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

CELEBRITIES Bea Alonzo, Jodi Sta. Maria and Marian Rivera will battle it out for Iconic Actress this year at the Asia's Golden Icon Awards (AGIA).

Actors Ian Veneracion, Dingdong Dantes and Piolo Pascual will clash for Iconic actor while KathNiel (Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla), FiLay (Barbie Forteza and David Licauco) and DonBelle (Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano) will fight for Iconic Loveteam.

Coco confirms 12-year relationship with Julia

by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

FINALLY, Coco Martin and Julia Montes fans may now rejoice!

Martin has finally confirmed that he’s in a relationship with Julia Montes for 12 years, putting an end to longstanding speculations about their romantic status.

The “Batang Quiapo” star made the revelation on ABSCBN’s TV Patrol on Tuesday, May 23, where they were asked about the status of their romance. “Napakasarap ng pakiramdam namin dahil 12 years na kaming magkasama, pero pareho pa rin tulad ng dati. Nilo-look forward namin kapag may project na magkasama kami and then kapag may pagkakataon, nakakalabas kami, nakikita kami ng mga tao pero name-maintain namin ang privacy sa buhay namin,” he said. This means that the celebrity couple started dating in 2011.

The actor also maintained that he and Montes wanted to keep their relationship private, saying they find value in keeping their romance away from the public eye.

Basta kami, hindi naman na kaming mga bata. Kung ano ‘yung nakikita at iniisip ng mga tao, ‘yun na ‘yun. Mas masarap ‘yung pakiramdam na pribado ang buhay namin, tahimik. Walang mga issue. Ito, masaya kami,” he added.

Meanwhile, the “Mara Clara” star seconded her partner’s statement, saying they are thankful to the Lord for keeping their romance alive.

Kung ano ‘yung position namin ngayon, sobrang blessed lang talaga kami. And never nawala sa center si God so hindi nawawala ang mga good stuff. Si God talaga ang center,” she said.

While the couple didn’t disclose how their romance began, they first worked together in the 2012 teleserye “Walang Hanggan” and starred in the film “A Moment in Time” a year after.

Wilbert Ross bids farewell to sexy roles

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

VIVAMAX actor Wilbert Ross revealed that he will stop doing sexy movies on the streaming platform.

In an interview with the media during the press conference of his online series “Ang Lalaki Sa Likod Ng Profile” produced by Puregold, Wilbert said that Viva Artist Agency allowed him to rebrand.

“Eto, per Viva Artist Agency, so ito na po ‘yung start ng rebranding ko,” he said.

“More on romance-comedy na po ako, rom-com. Galing na po sa kanila, e, na parang… hindi ako sure, ha… pero parang hindi na ako magse-sexy talaga,” he added.

When asked if he really wants to stop making sexy movies, Wilbert said, “Opo naman talaga.”

The actor stars in the Puregold series “Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile” with TikTok sensation Yukii Takahashi.

“Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng

Profile” airs on the YouTube Puregold Channel every Saturday as part of the brand’s portfolio of “retailtainment” projects. The concept stresses connecting with viewers online with riveting, relatable stories. The series tells the story of Bryce (Wilbert), a young video

game enthusiast who ventures into the local dating scene with virtual wingman Angge (Yukii). Totally relatable are the comedic, kilig-worthy situations that ensue as Bryce and Angge form a bond online and later sense a strong chemistry between them.

Darren Espanto, Iñigo Pascual and Juan Karlos Labajo are nominated for Asia’s Iconic Male Singer while Sarah Geronimo, Morisette Amon and Julie Ann San Jose are nominated for Asia’s Female Singer.

The AGIA will host an annual awards night that honors individuals and companies that have made a significant impact on the community or demonstrated ex-

cellence in their field.

Backed by a notable organization dedicated to fostering public relations excellence and nation building, the AGIA 2023 aims to recognize successful campaigns of organizations, government sectors as well as individuals that define Asia's cutting edge of work as transformational inclusive leaders in the 21'st century.

Dr. Ronnel Ybañez, celebrity entrepreneur and chairman of the awarding body, said that the winners will be judged independently by a panel of senior experts from inside circles, including incognito professionals, to avoid narrow-mindedness and unconscious bias.

The awardees are carefully selected by the jury to maintain the right balance of competence, experience and objectivity.

"Strict guidelines are designed to eliminate vested interest or breaches of rules of

entry. Confidentiality is key to the judging process, with judges discussing the entries but scoring independently and confidentially," Ybañez said.

"Asia's Golden Icon Awards 2023 recognize the most outstanding people, from the ordinary to the extraordinary, in building community and solidarity. The awardees demonstrate actual recognition, going beyond mere recognition of the brand or symbol to demonstrate appreciation and understanding of key messages by the target audience," he added.

Other international awardees from Malaysia, China, Fiji, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Australia and many more will also be present in this event.

The public are invited to vote by clicking the "like" button on the respective photo of their chosen finalist per category on the Official Facebook page of Asia’s Golden Icon Awards until May 25.

Andrea on acting without a love team partner: ‘I’m loving the solo era’

by HannaH MalloRca Inquirer.net

ANDREA Brillantes seems to be enjoying her career as a solo actress, saying that working without her real-life boyfriend by her side is a rewarding experience in itself.

Brillantes made the remark during the media conference of her upcoming series “Drag You and Me,” where she was asked what it’s like moving forward as a solo actress.

“[At first], nahirapan ako maging solo artist kasi simula [13 or 15] pa ako, meron na ‘kong love team. Lagi [kong] kaibigan ‘yung love team ko. Simula noong 15 ako, naging boyfriend ko rin ‘yung ka-love team ko,” she began. “Iba kasi ‘yung dynamics kapag in a relationship ka with your partner. Parang it’s not work eh, para kang may date araw-araw. T’as ‘yung staff na kasama ko d’un sa ‘Kadenang Ginto’ is kasama ko na sa lahat ng shows ko, 15 years old pataas,” she continued.

While she didn’t mention any names, the actress must be referring to her “Kadenang Ginto” onscreen partner Seth Fedelin, who she previously confirmed she was in a two-year relationship with at an Instagram Live video in April 2022. Brillantes is currently dating basketball player Ricci Rivero, as of this writiing.

“[Drag You and Me] ‘yung first-ever show ko na, wala akong jowa na katrabaho, or wala akong friend na katrabaho. Lahat ng [castmates ko this time], bago. Lahat ng staff, bago,” she said.

Despite her initial struggles of working as a solo actress, Brillantes said that it’s “fun” to be with new people as it gives her fulfillment in her career.

Nahihirapan ako [in a way] na nakakapaninibago, but it’s fun to be with new people. Nakaka-work ko ang mga legends

and marami akong natututunan sa kanila. It’s a first, pero set na ako dito. I’m loving the solo era. I’m loving it,” she said.

In a separate interview, Brillantes told reporters that she wanted to explore more the possibilities of being a solo actress. Mas madami kasi akong nagagawa ngayon, and bago siya. [Dati kasi], parang lagi akong may ka-love team. Na-enjoy ko siya, masaya siya, iba ‘yung pakiramdam kasi independent ako. Pu-

punta ako sa set na work lang talaga,” she said. “Iba kasi iba ‘yung gaan na meron kang kasamang new sa work. Iba ‘yung power na nabibigay niya sa’yo, tsaka feel ko na mas independent ako. Masaya siya.”

The Kapamilya star, who will play Betty in “Drag You and Me,” is also casted in the upcoming youth-oriented show “Senior High” alongside Kyle Echarri, Xyriel Manabat, Elijah Canlas, and Zaijian Jaranilla.

Olivia Rodrigo

Photos from Instagram/@oliviarodrigo

Bea Alonzo, Jodi Sta. Maria and Marian Rivera Philstar.com photos

Andrea Brillantes

Photo from Instagram/@blythe

Julia Montes and Coco Martin

ABS-CBN photo

Wilbert Ross

Photo from Instagram/@itswilbertross

Representing Nevada’s most diverse district: A conversation with Assemblyman Duy Nguyen

by IsABellA CAlderon

ON my first late winter trip to the Nevada Legislature in Carson City, my first stop was Assemblywoman Erica Mosca's office. I enjoyed my time with her and was filled with excitement for my next stop, Assemblyman Duy Nguyen. After the interview, we headed over to the gift shop. We found so many interesting books and stones, but I chose Nevada history bookmarks. My sister Amelia, on the other hand, chose Nevada shaped cookies and coins.

I truly recommend the gift shop to anyone visiting the legislature as a must. Assemblyman Duy Nguyen moved to the United States in 1990, but he and his family did not speak a word of English. He never had thought of becoming a politician. His parents' expectations were to become a doctor or lawyer.

Assemblyman Nguyen graduated from high school at the age of 16, along with a few college credits. He later attended San Diego State University majoring in business, then later switching to psychology. Assemblyman Nguyen completed his bachelor's degree and masters in business management from the University of Phoenix.

I had the pleasure to spend some time in the gift shop and discussing education in Clark County with Assemblyman

Nguyen. IC: How does it feel to be the first immigrant Assemblyman of Nevada?

ADN: It's really an amazing opportunity for immigrants, like myself. Immigrants are the folks in this country that normally are not being talked about when people make decisions. We need to have more people that come from immigrant backgrounds in local government like mayors, councils, police departments, sheriffs, state officials, governors, and Congress. We want to ensure that there is diversity in what we do and that people know what immigrants' needs are. Folks who grew up in a different country and are now living here have different needs. For example, people in the U.S.A may eat steak and potatoes. In Asia, we eat more rice and noodles. As an example I am talking about food, but everyone has different needs. We should voice out an opinion about our cultural background. There are Filipinos, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Koreans. But we get put in one box that we just check the Asian box. We have so many cultural languages, traditions, and ways of doing things that people need to know. I'm very lucky to represent District 8, the most diverse district in Nevada. About 40 percent of people living there are Asians. It's significant to

have someone that looks like me to represent the community that makes up that district.

IC: What are your plans for the shortage of teachers?

ADN: My plans for the shortage of teachers is to ensure that we improve salary and working conditions. They can’t really do their job if they're worried about paying their bills, saving for their family and money. Let us create solutions that help the teachers make more money so that they can take care of themselves and their families. This leads to another topic that I want to talk about. Things that we're requiring teachers to do is consistent with student achievement. We must give them the tools to be a better teacher and to help them help students. It's a very complicated process with education funding, but if we focus on making that a priority, then we will improve recruitment.

IC: Besides raising the budget, how can we make more educational opportunities and encourage kids to go to college?

ADN: We can encourage kids to go to college by showing them. I support the idea of having third, fourth, and fifth graders to learn about college life. They get to learn to participate in activities, make decisions, and practice how to be successful in life. College is about building

Comic troupe of Lassy, MC and Chad goes from stage to screen

by Boy ABundA Philstar.com

IT’s not easy to tell what comedy exactly means, but we know it when we see or hear it, especially from people who have the talent to bring that feeling of happiness and make us leave our worries behind.

Lassy, MC Muah and Chad Kinis are among those who can put everyone in stitches without trying too hard. Those who have seen them perform on stage or act in films and on television would agree that there is something in the way they tell their stories that makes you want to listen and laugh and enjoy the moment.

The trio’s style of delivery is oftentimes in a deadpan manner with Lassy leaning towards self-deprecating humor with deeply personal material, borrowing heavily from personal life experiences and relationships.

The comic troupe has been performing stand-up for many years now in comedy bars Punchline and Laffline that introduced them to comedy circles. MC said the success of their show can easily be gauged on the kind of response they get from the audience.

“Sa stage, may response agad mapa-comedy bars man yan, concert abroad o raket sa probinsya.

Alam mo na agad ‘pag nagustuhan ‘yung show,” said MC, who also revealed that there are those who sometimes get offended by their jokes.

He went on to tell how Lassy, whose comedy material once touched our politics, offended someone who threatened his dear life.

“May napikon sa joke ko at inabangan ako sa labas tapos lalo kong inasar. Sabi ko, ‘O, napikon ka, inaabangan mo ko d’yan sa labas. Sorry ka, dito ako matutulog,’” recalled Lassy, who does and says what most of us wish we had the courage to do.

“The bar owner advised Lassy not to go home and spend the night inside the bar, instead. Kaya kami naman ni Chad, sinamahan namin siya. We were able to get home around five in the morning of the following day,” MC added. Chad said they write their materials but more often than not, their humor comes out naturally on stage. “Mas marami ‘yung bigla na lang nangyayari. I don’t know how

because, for us, comedy is magic. I cannot read what’s on the minds of Kuya MC and Lassy, but once they start talking, I would right away know what to say next.”

Lassy and Chad agreed how MC described the big difference between doing comedy on stage and on screen.

“It’s tough to do comedy on screen — whether in film or on TV — because there are restrictions when it comes to throwing your punchlines because there are many young viewers, may mga bata,” MC remarked.

They are also required to follow instructions from the directors “kaya may kaba lagi na hindi namin nararanasan sa comedy bars,” he added.

MC, Chad and Lassy shared that directors have preferences in the manner they do their comedy acting.

They recalled how director Wenn Deramas would like them to make a significant move “na acting na parang malaki ang galaw,” MC ruminated.

Director Cathy Garcia-Molina, they disclosed, is a fan of natural acting talent. “Gusto niyang comedy ay yung natural lang, walang big movement,” Chad pointed out.

Although they enjoy a higher pay in comedy bars, their onscreen visibility is a great advantage for them to be easily recognized by the public.

Outside of stand-up, MC, Lassy and Chad have successfully positioned themselves on the digital platform. They are collectively known as Beks Battalion on their YouTube channel, now with over two million subscribers.

“We first worked together in Punchline and Laffline comedy bars, pero kami ni Lassy talaga ‘yung noon pa magkasama Si Chad naging anak-anakan namin, lalo na ako kasi madalas ako ang nag-di-direk ng anniversary shows ng Punchline at Laffline. Siya ‘yung laging writer ko kasi ‘yung mga hindi ko naiisip, naiisip niya,” MC enthused.

“Chad really has a brilliant mind. He was second runner-up in Miss Q&A (one of the popular segments of It’s Showtime). And then, Chad is also into vlogging and it was him who convinced me to try it because according to him, I’m so talkative,” he added.

MC was initially not interested

skills and preparing for the real world. Most of the time, younger students want to go to college because their parents told them or they have older siblings. The other issue that is often talked about is that there is not enough money. They have to go get a job or two to pay for school. A lot of young people don't want to go to college because they can't afford it. I believe we need to work on creating automatic access to college, ensuring it's available for everyone. Education helps us make better decisions, be more informed about the world, and become better citizens. It also enables us to invent new things that benefit society and save lives.

I think the challenge for the Asian Community and athletes is that they often don't receive the recognition they deserve. There are many Asians in various walks of life facing this issue. It is important to aspire to become a great athlete and use that to pay for college, explore passions and ask questions. Find a mentor who does a lot for the community. Learn from your mentor, follow them around and get that person to teach you how to help people. I think there is a lot that we can do. I want to encourage you to ask us questions, learn to be curious, and try new things.

IC: How does it feel to be the first immigrant Assemblyman of Nevada?

and Koreans. But we get put in one box that we just check the Asian box. We have so many cultural languages, traditions, and ways of doing things that people need to know. I'm very lucky to represent District 8, the most diverse district in Nevada. About 40 percent of people living there are Asians. It's significant to have someone that looks like me to represent the community that makes up that district.

IC: What are your plans for the shortage of teachers?

because he was occupied with many projects back then. But with much prodding from Chad, he agreed to do it only if the three of them would be together in one channel.

“I asked him what our name would be and Chad suggested that we call ourselves the Beks Battalion. So, a month before the pandemic, we uploaded our first video which became a trending topic. Kami ang kauna-unahan sa comedy bar na nag-YouTube,” MC offered.

The trio then convinced their friends in comedy bars to also try vlogging after they were left without work during the height of the lockdown.

Chad couldn’t be any happier at the way things have gone so far in their careers. “When we celebrated our first anniversary, we dreamt of having a concert, and it became a reality. Then while we were in Singapore, I had this story concept in mind and I told MC about it. Last thing we knew, we were both crying. But it took two years for it to be translated into a movie due to funding. Syempre, hindi basta-basta makakahanap ng taong magtitiwala sa‘yo at first time ko pa mag-di-direk, ” he stated.

Chad was referring to their first movie, Beks Days of Our Lives, which also happens to be his directorial debut.

Released under Viva Entertainment, Beks Days of Our Lives tells the story of three close friends, Richard (Chad), Melvin (MC) and Reggie (Lassy). When one of them is diagnosed with a serious illness, the trio embarks on a vacation to experience what they described as beks days of our lives.”

Chad said he almost gave up on his dream of directing a movie. He would try getting into different film productions but luck seemed to be elusive. However, director Roman Perez Jr. encouraged him to hold on to his dream. “Noong nagkita kami sa isang party, sabi niya, ‘Huwag kang tumigil. Pitch lang ng pitch hanggang may makuha,’ kasi for a time hindi ko na binalikan ‘yung concept.”

Chad’s winning moment can serve as a good reminder for everyone to just keep on going no matter what because success truly comes to those who dare and act.

ADN: It's really an amazing opportunity for immigrants, like myself. Immigrants are the folks in this country that normally are not being talked about when people make decisions. We need to have more people that come from immigrant backgrounds in local government like mayors, councils, police departments, sheriffs, state officials, governors, and Congress. We want to ensure that there is diversity in what we do and that people know what immigrants' needs are. Folks who grew up in a different country and are now living here have different needs. For example, people in the U.S.A may eat steak and potatoes. In Asia, we eat more rice and noodles. As an example I am talking about food, but everyone has different needs. We should voice out an opinion about our cultural background. There are Filipinos, Vietnamese, Chinese,

ADN: My plans for the shortage of teachers is to ensure that we improve salary and working conditions. They can’t really do their job if they're worried about paying their bills, saving for their family and money. Let us create solutions that help the teachers make more money so that they can take care of themselves and their families. This leads to another topic that I want to talk about. Things that we're requiring teachers to do is consistent with student achievement. We must give them the tools to be a better teacher and to help them help students. It's a very complicated process with education funding, but if we focus on making that a priority, then we will improve recruitment.

IC: Besides raising the budget, how can we make more educational opportunities and encourage kids to go to college?

ADN: We can encourage kids to go to college by showing them. I support the idea of having third, fourth, and fifth graders to learn about college life. They get to learn to participate in

activities, make decisions, and practice how to be successful in life. College is about building skills and preparing for the real world. Most of the time, younger students want to go to college because their parents told them or they have older siblings. The other issue that is often talked about is that there is not enough money. They have to go get a job or two to pay for school. A lot of young people don't want to go to college because they can't afford it. I believe we need to work on creating automatic access to college, ensuring it's available for everyone. Education helps us make better decisions, be more informed about the world, and become better citizens. It also enables us to invent new things that benefit society and save lives. I think the challenge for the Asian Community and athletes is that they often don't receive the recognition they deserve. There are many Asians in various walks of life facing this issue. It is important to aspire to become a great athlete and use that to pay for college, explore passions and ask questions. Find a mentor who does a lot for the community. Learn from your mentor, follow them around and get that person to teach you how to help people. I think there is a lot that we can do. I want to encourage you to ask us questions, learn to be curious, and try new things.

IC: Thank you so much for your time and this interview!

ADN: Thank you so much! Now let's go raid the gift shop for souvenirs.

Assemblyman Duy Nguyen

City of Las Vegas summer season pool schedules & events

THE city of Las Vegas will open two outdoor pools for the summer season Memorial Day weekend. They join the alreadyopen Municipal and Pavilion Center pools, which have enclosures that allow the city to keep them open year-round. Free sunscreen lotion will be available at each city pool, compliments of Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada.

The city is still looking to hire qualified lifeguards through midsummer. Those interested in working as a lifeguard may apply online. Registration for lifeguard certification training in June is available here. Those intending to work as a city lifeguard should apply for training in person at Municipal Pool in order to get the course discounted to free. The availability of lifeguards will impact pool hours.

The public is invited to enjoy swim lessons, competitive aquatics teams for youth, dive-in movies, fitness events and themed pool parties at selected pools. All pools will be closed June 3 for staff training. Pools may close occasionally for private special events, training or facility maintenance/repair.

One-month and three-month pool passes are on sale now for lap and open swim periods at city of Las Vegas pools. Three-month passes are priced at $35 for a child ages 4-17 or seniors ages 50+, $70 for adults ages 18-49. Passes are valid at all six city of Las Vegas pools. Pool passes are currently for sale at Municipal Pool, Pavilion Center Pool, and all city recreation centers, and will be sold at seasonal pools when they open.

Daily pool fees for individuals at city pools are:

Ages 3 and younger – free

Ages 4-17 - $2

Adults ages 18-49 - $3

Seniors ages 50+ - $2

“Learn to Swim” lessons are offered at most pools; discounted $5 group session swim lessons are offered at Baker, Doolittle, Municipal and Carlos L. Martinez & Darrio J. Hall Family Pool at Gary Reese Freedom Park. Registration for free group swim classes for preschool children is available at selected pools; registration for free classes is required in person at the pool, as the scholarship cannot be applied online. Registration for swim lessons for all ages is available here. Splash aquatics teams for ages 7-17 will be offered for nine weeks beginning June 5 at all city pools, including water polo, synchronized

swimming, springboard diving and competitive swimming for $40 each. Registration for these Splash teams is available online now. The current pool schedule is below. Those who enter the pool are required to wear proper swim attire (no shorts, cut-offs, etc.) per the Health District code. All children under 48 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult in the water, one adult per child. Coast Guard approved life jackets in infant and adult sizes are available for day use at all city pools. Please note hours of open swim are subject to change.

Baker Pool, 1020 E. St. Louis Ave., 702-229-1532.

The pool will be open June

6-Aug. 6, with open swim hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday and

Thursday.

2-6 p.m.

Sundays.

Carlos L. Martinez & Darrio J. Hall Family Pool at Gary Reese Freedom Park, 899 N. Pecos Road, 702-229-1755. May 27-29 and Sept. 2-4, hours will be 12-6 p.m. Open swim hours June 5-Aug. 5 will be: 12-4 p.m. Monday/Wednesday/ Friday. 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday. 12-6 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 1; closed Sundays. Doolittle Pool, 1950 N. J St., 702-229-6398. The pool will be open June 5-Aug. 5: Open swim hours 1-5 p.m. Monday/Wednesday/Friday/

Saturday. Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Shallow water exercise classes are offered 9-10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Garside Pool, 250 S. Torrey Pines Drive, 702-229-6393.

Monday, May 29, hours will be 12-4 p.m. The pool will be open for the summer June 5-Aug. 5: 12-4 p.m. Sunday/Tuesday/ Thursday/Friday/Saturday. 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday. Municipal Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road, 702-229-6309. The pool is closed May 29 and June 3. Summer hours are effective May 30-Sept. 4. The pool will be open: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday for all ages recreational swim; 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday for adults open swim; 7-9 p.m. Monday-Friday for all ages recreational swim; 12-5 p.m. Saturday for all ages recreational swim; closed Sundays.

HAAPIROOTS Cultural Celebration honors

Pavilion Center Pool, 101 S. Pavilion Center Drive, 702-2291488. The pool is closed May 26-28, and May 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a swim meet. Summer hours are effective June 5-Aug. 5.

Open swim hours will be 12-4 p.m. daily, as well as 7-9 p.m.

Monday/Wednesday/Friday.

Long Course Swim is available 5-9 a.m. Monday-Friday.

Lap swim (two lanes only) is available 9 a.m.-noon MondayFriday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, 4-7 p.m. Monday/Wednesday/Friday, and 4-8:30 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday.

Shallow Water exercise classes are available 9-10 a.m. Monday/ Wednesday/Friday for $3.

Deep Water exercise classes are available Tuesday/Thursday 10-11 a.m. for $3 each.

Aqua Zumba exercise classes are available Tuesday/Thursday 11 a.m.-noon for $3 each.

Summer Pool Special Events

Open To The Public

Junior Lifeguard Camp

Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; June 5-9, June 19-23, July 3-7, July 17-21, July 31-Aug. 4.

Cost: $150/week.

Pavilion Center Pool, 101 S. Pavilion Center Drive, 702-2291488.

Babysitter Training

Saturdays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Two sessions: June 10 & 17; July 8 & 15.

Fee: $75 per two-day session.

Pavilion Center Pool, 101 S. Pavilion Center Drive, 702-2291488, and the adjacent Veterans Memorial Community Center.

Open to ages 11-15, the training includes basic first-aid skills, child and infant CPR, pointers on starting your own babysitter business, and much more.

Log Rolling

Saturdays 11-11:45 a.m.

Sessions: June 10-July 8*; July 15Aug. 5; Aug. 12-Sept. 2.

Fee: $45/four-day session.

Pavilion Center Pool, 101 S. Pavilion Center Drive, 702-2291488. The challenge of this fun, safe class is to develop the quick feet and balance required to stay on top of a floating log. Once students are able to stay up for at least two minutes, they’ll learn how to compete, as two rollers try to make each other fall off, using their fancy footwork. Log Rolling is an exciting, fast-paced activity that improves agility and speed. Bring your swimsuit and towel. Open to ages 7-17. *No class July 1.

Asian American and Pacific Islanders at Downtown Container Park

LAS Vegas is about to be lit up with the colors and sounds of this multicultural celebration!

On the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend, Downtown Container Park will be hosting the HAAPIROOTS Cultural Celebration. The event is set to be an exciting experience for all attendees as they celebrate the diverse and vibrant communities of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI).

The event is free for all ages and open to everyone!

Downtown Container Park, known for its dynamic atmosphere and communitydriven initiatives, is the perfect venue for the HAAPIROOTS Cultural Celebration. The park will be transformed into a cultural hub, featuring a range of activities and performances that highlight the beauty and significance of AAPI heritage.

HAAPIROOTS will feature live cultural and musical performances from both local and international artists representing the 6 different regions in Asia, and 3 island regions in the Pacific. Celebrations such as these are an important way to recognize AANHPI cultures, promote unity, and celebrate the AANHPI heritage, especially in cities like Las Vegas that have a large and fast growing AANHPI population.

Throughout the event, visitors can explore Container Park’s resident shops and premiere event AANHPI small business vendor booths showcasing a wide range of products, including art, crafts, fashion, and more.

"We are excited to bring the HAAPIROOTS Cultural Celebration to Downtown Container Park," said Angelica Villarta, CEO of Blucat Group, Inc., President of Hågá Marianas, and Community Organizer at HAAPIROOTS. "This event serves

Health @Heart

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

THE health of your microbiome (gut bacterial flora) can affect your overall health. Past research has shown the correlation between microbiome and diseases like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Recently, clinical investigators from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, have identified 10 specific types of bacteria in the gut of individuals linked with the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

A well-balanced gut microbiome (having the proper amount of good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract) helps with proper absorption of nutrients from the food we eat which helps keep our immune system healthy and ward off diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis.

Other studies have also shown the link between microbiome and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and neurodegenerative illness like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. There must be an overall balance (good and bad organisms in our gut) in order to achieve gut health, and therefore, general health.

The discovery of specific types of bacteria associated with Alzheimer’s will expedite the development of new strategies to aid in reducing the risk for developing Alzheimer’s and expedite finding its cure. The study was posted in the journal of Scientific Reports.

Role of microbiome

The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microscopic organisms living in our intestinal tract. They are bacteria, fungi, viruses, and others, which assist with our body’s ability to absorb nutrients, recover energy from food metabolism, break down fiber, and maintain gut health and safety. Poor and imbalanced microbiome leads to inflammation, which is a precursor of diseases.

Each person’s gut microbiome is different, depending on the individual’s genetics, diet, medications being taken, behavior, lifestyle, and their respective surrounding environment.

Unhealthy gut

The signs of an unhealthy microbiome could include bloating, gassy feeling, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, sleep problem, food intolerance, skin issues, heartburns, mood changes, anxiety, depression and sugar cravings.

Oligomeric tau

New discovery: Research-

as a platform to showcase the incredible traditions, creativity and spirit within our AANHPI communities. We invite everyone to join us in this celebration, embrace cultural exchange, and experience this unique

and exciting moment with the AANHPI community."

For more information about the HAAPIROOTS Cultural Celebration, please visit: www. HAAPIROOTS.com or follow IG: haapiroots.

Microbiome and Alzheimer’s

er’s found a particular type of harmful protein, called “oligomeric tau,” which may have a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This is different from the amyloid plaques found in autopsies of the brain of Alzheimer’s victims. Studies on this new discovery continue. There are about 55.2 million people around the world with Alzheimer’s; more than 6 million in the United States (10.17 % of Americans 65 and over) have Alzheimer’s, and more than 4 million of those 65 years and older in the Philippines have some form of dementia.

Gut-brain link

The gut microbiome “modulates brain function and behavior via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, a bi-directional communication system connecting neural, immune and metabolic pathways.” Changes in the gut bacteria can affect the immune system, “causing inflammation throughout the body, including the brain.” This could lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The gut bacteria could produce chemicals that cross the blood-brain barrier, act as neurotransmitters and impact brain functions, like cognition, behavior and mood. The microbiome could also produce short-chain fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory effects on the central nervous system.

Microbiome aids

Fortunately, there are current practical strategies within our power to improve our gut microbiome: eating a healthy diverse diet (like the Mediterranean Diet), including prebiotic food items, eating fermented foods, taking probiotic supplements, exercising daily, skimping on sugary food items (sweets, soft drinks, carbs in general); getting enough sleep, avoiding antibiotics as much as possible, and staying away from tobacco and alcohol. Our general health, including our gut health, is, indeed in our hands.

M-Diet is # 1

Recent research findings concluded that a Mediterranean Diet “was best for overall cardiovascular health, followed closely by a low-fat diet.” The “M-Diet” emphasizes fish, vegetables, fruits, and monosaturated fats, like olive oil. Seven diets were analyzed: Mediterranean, the Ornish diet, Pritikin diet, low-fat diet, very-low fat diet, modified fat diet, combined low-fat and low-sodium diet.

The randomized, controlled trials found that for people at risk for cardiovascular diseases, the Mediterranean Diet or lowfat diet are the healthiest options. The M-diet, according to this large-scale study reduced the likelihood of all-cause

deaths, cardiovascular, stroke, and non-fatal heart attacks.

Life to 100+

As medicine and the global environment improve because of all the mind-boggling advances in various technologies, so with people living to a ripe old age of 100 and older! Studies showed that these centenarians have a unique immune cell composition and activity, providing them an immune system that enables them to live longer. These findings may be used to develop healthy aging therapeutics for all of us. Since 1900, our planet has more than doubled in population. From 31 years in the 1900, global life expectancy has increased to 73.2 years in 2023, and is more likely to go up to 77.1 in 2050. The 2015 figure of 450,000 centenarians is projected to go up to 3.7 million in 2050, 27 years from now, a more than 8-fold increase. What is still unknown is why some people live to their 100s and others don’t. This study was published in the journal Lancet eBioMedicine.

Deep brain stimulation

The 55.2 million people with Alzheimer’s around the world experience both cognitive (understanding, confusion, memory loss) and non-cognitive symptoms (depression and anxiety). Clinical investigators from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill “were able to generate new neurons in the brain and stimulate them using deep brain stimulation (DBS) via a mouse model.” This process helped restore both cognitive and non-cognitive functions in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease; the procedure (DBS) could someday be found to be effective for human patients. Posted in the journal Stem Cell, this discovery would inspire clinical evaluation of DBS among human patients. To date, there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s

* * * 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.

* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995. 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.