052623 - Northern California Edition

AS discrimination divides us, people and groups need to work together to counteract hate, says a panel of experts.

The Act Against Hate Alliance on May 17 hosted a virtual discussion titled “The Importance of Organizational Collaboration in Combating Hate Crimes” with perspectives from the U.S. and Europe on what is being done and what needs to be done to prevent hate and support victims.

“Hate crimes can create an environment of fear and intimidation, which can create social divisions,” said AAHA executive director and discussion host Mei Mei Huff. “Collaboration can send the message, ‘Hate crimes will not be tolerated.’”

As addressed in an Ethnic Media Services news briefing last August, hate is on the rise.

In March, the FBI released statistics showing that more hate crimes were reported in 2021 than 2020, reaching “the highest level since the government began tracking the crimes in the early 1990s,” Vox reported.

SACRAMENTO — 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

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?)

 PAGE 2

Majority Leader Joel Villanueva.

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 term last November 2022.

MANILA — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has certified the Senate bill seeking to create the Maharlika Investment Fund as urgent, which will allow the swifter passage of the measure in the chamber.

Marcos’ certification of Senate Bill 2020, which is currently under the period of interpellations, was read out by Senate secretary Renato Bantug Jr. as part of the Wednesday session’s reference of business.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri then referred Marcos’ message to the Senate rules committee chaired by Senate

In his certification at the Senate a copy of which was obtained by Philstar.com, Marcos cited the “downgrade of the global growth projection” due to inflation, the Ukraine-Russia war and international interest hikes.

“There is a compelling need for a sustainable national investment fund as a new growth catalyst to accelerate the implementation of strategic and high-impact large infrastructure projects that will stimulate economic activity and development,” Marcos continued.

A presidential certification that a bill is urgent allows the

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.

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

Attorney General Rob Bonta ‘seriously...

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 for governor. 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.” g

DOT’s new tourism slogan to feature PH as...

“The stories of Filipinos have yet to be told in full, and we intend to do that with an enhanced branding campaign,” Frasco added.

paign — which she stressed would not be launched without consulting stakeholders.

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

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

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 camcommon shares with a par value of P1 apiece.

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 as-

She also recognized the necessity of tourism investments, reiterating that the country remains open for such, especially after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. opened the country to investment and pledges. g

ABS-CBN strikes deal with Prime...

“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 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.

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

more than 6,000 drug suspects, according to government data.

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

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

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

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

Marcos certifies as urgent Senate bill...

legislature to bypass the threeday rule or the constitutional requirement for bills to be approved on third and final reading three days after it is approved on second reading.

House bill marked as urgent Marcos earlier certified as urgent the House bill that seeks to create the Maharlika fund, which allowed the lower chamber to pass it in just 17 days from its filing.

In his message to the House, Marcos said he was certifying the Maharlika fund bill as urgent

"in order to establish a sustainable national investment fund as a strategic mechanism for strengthening the investment activities of top performing government financial institutions, and thus pump-prime economic growth and social development."

Debates on the Maharlika fund bill have been ongoing for a week now, with senators taking turns asking questions to Sen. Mark Villar who is shepherding the passage of the measure in the upper chamber. After interpellations end, the

period of amendments will start. Once senators finish introducing further amendments to the bill, the Senate can pass the Maharlika fund measure on second reading and right away approve it on final reading.

Under the Senate measure, the fund’s initial capital will come from the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines, dividends from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp, and from the privatization of government assets. g

Attorney General Rob Bonta Photo from Facebook/@RobBonta

MOUTHWATERING. A mix of pomp and flavor at the La Loma Lechon Festival in Quezon City on Sunday, May 21. Located in the city’s First District, it is the unofficial lechon capital of the Philippines, where rows of restaurants sell what international tourists describe as the best (roasted) pig in the world.

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

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.

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.

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)

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 U.S. as well,” Vidal added.

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

Intellectual property woes

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

To stop hate, step out of the...

Stopping the hate, or even bringing the crime level down, will take a multifaceted approach.

Collaboration key to stopping hate

“No one thing can solve this,” said attorney Laura E. Ellsworth,

who helps lead the Global Community Service Initiatives for the law firm Jones Day. “But it is solvable.”

Collaboration, in particular, will be key to finding a solution.

Dennis Santiago, chief operating officer of the National Diversity Coalition, said the traditional isolated response in which groups help and advocate for only the people they work with, albeit well-meaning, can have unintended consequences because the groups can end up at cross purposes.

Instead, he called for a more collaborative response to find what works for everyone.

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma encouraged people to recognize both what they have in common and the strength in their differences.

“I try to get everyone to think about our commonalities,” she said, adding that California has one the world’s biggest economies “because of our great diversity.”

She acknowledged the role of politics in the rise of hate.

“As elected officials, we need to stay away from partisanship,” Ma said. Otherwise, “people listening to start becoming negative.”

She also addressed the importance of people looking out for each other.

“When we know … someone is being attacked … we can notify each other,” Ma said. But when we aren’t aware or we don’t warn others, that makes it easier for perpetrators to continue committing hate crimes.

She said movements like Black Lives Matter and Stop AAPI Hate showed how “in California, when one of us is impacted, we do stand up.”

The impact of Black Lives Matter has been felt across the world.

Tracking hate in Europe

It “really affected us” in Europe, said Maria Daniella Marouda, chair of the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance.

The murder of George Floyd started discussions about post-colonialism, racial profiling, and systemic racism on the continent.

The commission monitors racism and intolerance in Council of Europe member states.

Finding problems is not an issue. Doing something about them can be another matter.

Marouda said it is “so easy to find racist messages but so hard to counter.”

She said that “recognizing hate speech” while, at the same time, “protecting freedom of expres-

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

sion” could be a “difficult balancing act.” But, she noted, hate speech goes “beyond anything that can be defended” by free speech protections.

If hate speech isn’t stopped, it can have serious consequences.

“Hate speech doesn’t always lead to hate crimes,” said Tamás Berecz, general manager of the International Network Against Cyber Hate in the Netherlands. But “hate crimes are almost always preceded by hate speech.”

Ellsworth put it more bluntly: “Hate speech is the seeds of genocide.”

To try to find solutions, Marouda said the commission “looks beyond legislation.”

For one, it looks for “promising practices” in some countries that can be used as an example for others.

Marouda said it also looks for places “where victims can go and complain” but acknowledged that even if they technically have somewhere to go, they may not feel comfortable doing so.

“Minorities … don’t feel safe,” she said. “They don’t trust institutions such as the police.” Therefore, it is necessary to build trust to make people more likely to report incidents.

More education, more communication

Both Marouda and Berecz addressed the importance of education in effecting change.

“Inclusive education … we consider very important,” she said.

He called for education from an early age on hate speech and discrimination, in general, as well as digital media literacy.

Santiago says he “would like to see a cultural shift in terms of public policy,” one that is built on more communication among different groups and that does not continue the wrongs of the past into the future.

In his closing remarks, Bob Huff, who co-founded the Act Against Hate Alliance with wife Mei Mei, referenced the common saying, “If you see something, say something.” (Huff, a Republican, was minority leader of the California state Senate in 2012-15.)

“We all see something,” he said, “so we all need to say something.”

(Danielle Parenteau-Decker/Ethnic Media Services)

Danielle Parenteau-Decker is managing editor for Richmond Pulse, a community news and media outlet committed to amplifying the voices of underserved residents in the city of Richmond, California.

California State Assembly passes...

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 regulations to avoid mean-

ingful 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)

NO LIMITS. Bigay Buhay Multipurpose Cooperative in Caloocan City helps persons with disabilities (PWD) fend for themselves by providing gainful employment. On Monday, May 22, the Philippine News Agency witnessed some PWD go about their daily tasks, unmindful of their physical limitations. PNA photos by Joan Bondoc

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

Napoles cleared in one pork barrel case but convicted in another

by KRIXIA SUBINGSUBING Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Sandiganbayan cleared businesswoman Janet LimNapoles 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 Anti-Graft 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  PAGE 7

50

years

of building bridges.

We opened our doors in 1973 with a simple mission—to help Asian Americans connect to the mainstream and pursue new opportunities. 50 years later, we’re still leading the way, building new bridges of diversity and representation. As we look ahead, we’ll continue to give our AAPI community the confidence to reach further. eastwestbank.com/50

photo by Joan Bondoc

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

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.”

training exchanges, exercises and other operational activities.

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-

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

• 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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and

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-

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.

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.

‘War on drugs’ victims’ kin ‘unanimously’ support International Court investigation

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,

Immigration modernization bill in line with PBBM economic agenda

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)

Napoles cleared in one pork barrel case but...

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 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

MANILA – The House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 23 approved on second reading a priority bill of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) that proposes to modernize the Bureau of Immigration (BI). During her sponsorship speech, Committee on Justice chair Juliet Marie Ferrer said the passage of the proposed immigration modernization law under House Bill 8203 is in line with the economic agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

"The improvement and modernization of our immigration system -- making it more efficient and effective -- will boost economic growth, attract more foreign investments, encourage tourism and create more jobs," Ferrer said.

Ferrer said it is imperative for the government to provide the BI and its personnel with the necessary funding and tools in order to improve their services and enhance their capabilities as

the country's first line of defense on Philippine borders.

"Our immigration officers are the frontliners in our country's fight against terrorism, human trafficking, illegal recruitment and other illegal activities perpetrated by foreigners on our soil and against Filipino citizens," she said.

Ferrer recognized the hard work of immigration officers during the pandemic as they made sure that Filipinos were safe while traveling to and from the country, while minimizing the effects of the global pandemic on Philippine shores.

"We have seen our immigration officers exert herculean efforts to protect our citizens from human trafficking and illegal recruitment, as well as preventing terrorists, sex offenders, and other undesirable foreign nationals from entering the country," she said.

She pointed out that the immigration officers are among the lowest paid employees in government service with the

entry level IO-1 position holding Salary Grade 11.

The measure, she said, seeks to upgrade the salaries of immigration officers and other BI employees, as well as provide additional benefits and incentives.

Ferrer said an Immigration Trust Fund shall be created for the modernization and professionalization of the bureau, including new equipment and facilities.

"With this bill, we will be giving the bureau and its personnel the resources to perform their functions to the best of their abilities," she said.

The bill seeks to harmonize existing immigration laws, such as the Commonwealth Act No. 613 or the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, in order to make them more responsive and in touch with international developments in the 21st century.

The chamber approved House Bill 8203 through voice voting. (PNA)

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

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.

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-

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

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.

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 pakiram-

dam kasi independent ako. Pupunta 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.

by JAN MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

Olivia Rodrigo

Photo from Instagram/@oliviarodrigo

Andrea Brillantes

Photo from Instagram/@blythe

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

A CSPA victory after several lawyers said the

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

City, and he always saw clients coming to Atty Gurfinkel for immigration advice. Ricky had his own family im-

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

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

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.

Julia Montes and Coco Martin

ABS-CBN photo

Mayor Breed celebrates grand opening of Treasure Island’s first 100% affordable housing development

Maceo May Apartments provides more than 100 units of affordable housing for formerly homeless veterans and their families

SAN FRANCISCO — On Thursday, May 18, Mayor London Breed joined city officials and community leaders to celebrate the grand opening of Maceo May Apartments, located at 55 Cravath Street on Treasure Island. Maceo May is the first residential and 100% affordable housing development to be completed as part of the redevelopment of Treasure Island.

Maceo May Apartments is a six-story modular structure that spans 104,500 square feet and includes 104 affordable units and one manager unit, ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. The building is dedicated to veterans and their families, some of whom are exiting homelessness and others who currently live on Treasure Island.

“Having lived on Treasure Island myself, I understand firsthand what this community means for residents already living here,” said Mayor London Breed. “We need to build more housing at different affordability levels in the city, and we need to build them now. The opening of this housing demonstrates the years of hard work by so many people who care deeply about this community and city, and shows us that if we work together, we can come up with bold ideas to create housing and communities for all San Franciscans.”

Maceo May Apartments is part of the environmentally sustainable new 21st-century neighborhood being constructed on Treasure Island and neighboring Yerba Buena Island for more than 18,000 residents. Upon completion, the redevelopment will feature 8,000 new homes, including about 2,200 affordable units; 300 acres of parks, trails and open space; new restaurants and shops; public art installations, and events.

“The opening of the Maceo May apartments is not only a huge milestone in the Treasure Island Redevelopment Project, but it’s also a symbol of our commitment to support those who have selflessly served our nation,” said District 6 Supervi-

sor Matt Dorsey. “As we work toward meeting the city’s Housing Element by 2031, I’ll continue to prioritize affordable housing initiatives, so that all of our residents, including veterans, have a place to call home.”

Swords to Plowshares and Chinatown Community Development Center (Chinatown CDC) co-led the development of Maceo May Apartments in collaboration with One Treasure Island and Treasure Island Development Authority (TIDA). Treasure Island Community Development (TICD) is the principal developer responsible for the required utility improvements for the improved Treasure Island and massive infrastructure improvement, which include new roads, streets, and raising the Island to mitigate against sea level rise.

The building is named after Maceo May, a Vietnam War veteran who was the first Board President of One Treasure Island as well as Swords to Plowshares’ first Housing Director. May’s advocacy played a crucial role in ensuring homeless veterans would be recognized and served on Treasure Island.

The number of homeless veterans in San Francisco has decreased 45% since 2010 as a result of meaningful local and federal investments. The city's last Point in Time count estimated around 600 veterans experiencing homelessness, a figure that has remained flat since 2019 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the number of unsheltered veterans has decreased nearly 15% since 2019 thanks to ongoing collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs, the City of San Francisco, and Swords to Plowshares to quickly help veterans exit homelessness. Maceo May Apartments is the latest joint effort to make veteran homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.

“Maceo May Apartments is a historic step forward for Treasure Island and the City of San

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: Researcher’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” em-

phasizes 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 low-fat 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.

A CSPA victory after several...

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

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

In reviewing the case, Atty.

Gurfinkel saw that Florjan was eligible for age-out protection

under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). He was able to identify where the U.S. Embassy made their mistake in the calculations for eligibility. Within days, the case was reconsidered, and the visa was issued. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, May 28 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

Ricky (left) was the building superintendent at the New York City office of the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel. He consulted about his brother-in-law’s case with leading

immigration attorney Michael Gurfinkel (right) on a brand-new episode

From left: Ricky, Florjan, Florida (Ricky’s wife), with

Michael J. Gurfinkel.

PCGSF holds human trafficking seminar with JAL

THE Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco organized and held a seminar on human trafficking for consulate personnel on May 12, 2023 at the Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Center, in partnership with Justice at Last (JAL), an independent nonprofit law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area exclusively serving the legal needs of trafficked survivors.

The seminar discussed the issue of human trafficking at the global, national, and state levels, as well as the pertinent U.S. laws on human trafficking. It touched on the barriers to disclosure and/or victim identification, the indicators that an individual may be in a trafficking situation, the barriers to seeking assistance, and the procedure for reporting cases of trafficking to law enforcement. Based on their experience working with trafficking victims, the resource speakers provided useful information on empowering victims of trauma, promoting a rightsbased advocacy, and addressing the common legal and non-legal needs of trafficking victims. They also discussed the forms of immigration relief available to the trafficking victims, and gave a brief introduction to the U.S. criminal legal system.

In his remarks during the activity, Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer noted that the seminar was in line with the consulate’s mandate to protect the rights and promote

the welfare of Filipinos overseas. He mentioned that it was also in pursuit of its anti-trafficking mandate under relevant Philippine laws. He thanked the resource speakers for sharing their time and expertise to help build and enhance the capacity of consulate personnel to improve their services and to provide assistance to victims of trafficking.

Atty. Rose Mukhar, executive director and principal attorney

of Justice at Last, and Kendall Anderson, client advocate at the same organization, served as resource speakers during the seminar. Atty. Mukhar is a social justice, human rights, and crime victim’s rights attorney with experience in cases involving children, women, refugees, and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, torture, and human trafficking. Ms. Anderson is an anti-human trafficking and social justice advocate.

Mayor Breed celebrates grand opening of... Comic troupe of Lassy, MC and Chad...

Francisco. It transforms a former military base into a restorative place for veterans,” said

Michael Blecker, Executive Director at Swords to Plowshares.

“It is a fitting tribute to its namesake, Swords to Plowshares’ first director of housing, Maceo May, who was a trailblazer for supportive housing. We couldn’t be prouder to serve these veterans alongside Chinatown CDC, the Mayor’s Office, and the many other supporters of this project.”

"Getting Maceo May to the finish line was not an easy task, but in the end, we were able to complete the project with the help of our partners who provided essential support,” said Malcolm Yeung, Executive Director at Chinatown CDC. “The most important partner was the community of veterans who repeatedly spoke in favor of this project. This project shows that

where there's a will, there's a way, and our veterans certainly embodied that will.”

“Maceo May Apartments is the first new affordable housing development on Treasure Island which rightly serves those who have served their country,” said Sherry Williams, Executive Director of One Treasure Island. “This building represents just the beginning of the exciting growth of this equitable, diverse and thriving San Francisco neighborhood.”

Funding for the project included $39.2M from the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) and a $43.7M tax exempt construction loan from Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank.

Additional financing support comes from TIDA, the State of California Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention Program, Raymond James, Ally Bank, and the California Commu-

nity Reinvestment Corporation. Operating subsidies are provided through the city’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s Continuum of Care program and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program. Designed by local architecture firm Mithun and constructed by general contractor Cahill Contractors, Maceo May Apartments feature a range of common areas, from gathering spaces to healing gardens, to serve a diverse population of veterans who have recently experienced homelessness and families with young children. The project is designed to meet GreenPoint Rated certification and incorporates several design elements guarding against disaster and climate change impacts, such as seismic events and sea-level rise, and prioritizes healthy and du-

‘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 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 di-

rectorial 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.

CONSULATE GENERAL IN SF ATTENDS FALEO’S 12th ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD DINNER. Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona represented the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco at the Filipino-American Law Enforcement Officers (FALEO) 12th Annual Scholarship Dinner on May 6, 2023. Left photo shows (from left) FALEO president Francis Feliciano of the San Francisco Police District, Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona, and Assistant Chief David Lazar of the SFPD; right photo shows FALEO officers giving out educational scholarships to deserving students in the U.S. and in the Philippines at the event. San Francisco PCG photos

PHILIPPINE CONSUL GENERAL IN SAN FRANCISCO MEETS WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO PASSPORT AGENCY. Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Frank Ferrer (extreme right) meets with San Francisco Passport Agency Director Pamela Hack (2nd from left) at the Philippine Center on May 4, 2023 to discuss possible areas for collaboration. Also in the photo are (from left) SF Passport Agency Fraud Program Manager Sara Parham, SFPCG Passport Officer Priscilla Senturias, and Consul Jed Llona.  San Francisco PCG Photo

Philippine Consulate personnel with the resource speakers from Justice at Last (JAL). San Francisco PCG photos

Resource speakers Atty. Rose Mukhar and Kendall Anderson at the seminar at Sentro Rizal in the Philippine Center.