060923 - San Diego Edition

US, ASEAN defense leaders commit to expanded training programs

DEFENSE chiefs of the United States and of members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have committed to working together for more training opportunities — from fellowships for emerging leaders to expanded regional maritime law enforcement programs.

Austin met with Southeast Asian defense leaders on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore recently.

They discussed “priorities for expanding cooperation in support of regional stability, security, and prosperity” after the U.S.ASEAN relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year. This means enhancing programs in areas like trade, the maritime sector, and addressing transnational crimes.

“[Austin] emphasized the vital role the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)Plus continues to play in driving multilateral cooperation to address regional challenges,” a readout from the U.S. Department of Defense said.

New research sheds light on healthcare challenges faced by LGBTQ Asians in NYC

A RECENT study has provided valuable information about the health needs, challenges in accessing care, and availability of services for LGBTQ Asian communities in New York City.

After a year-long study, Apicha Community Health Center has unveiled the results of its groundbreaking research focused on the health and wellness needs of New York City’s LGBTQ Asian, Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander communities. This comprehensive needs assessment has not only highlighted the urgent healthcare needs within these communities but has also shed light on the barriers hindering access to quality care.

Bongbong Marcos tells PH envoys: Go find foreign partners but observe neutrality

by daphnE GalvEZ Inquirer.net

the changes that the pandemic has brought.

However, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Wednesday, June 7 that Marcos clarified that the Philippines should remain independent and neutral in terms of foreign policy, which means not siding with the views of other countries.

“We do not subscribe to any notion of a bipolar world. We only side, of course, to the Philippines, not to the U.S., not to Beijing, not to Moscow. That’s very much being independent in what we do,” Marcos said. PCO said that Marcos met with recently

Eligible Filipinos may now travel to Canada visa-free

by Zacarian Sarao Inquirer.net

MANILA — Canada has added the Philippines to its electronic travel authorization (eTA) program, effectively allowing Filipinos who held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, or those who currently hold a U.S. non-immigrant visa, to travel to the country visa free.

Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser made the announcement on Wednesday, June 7.

He added this expansion is effective immediately.

“This exciting development means that more individuals from around the world can now embark on unforgettable adventures, explore our diverse landscapes, reunite with family and friends, and immerse themselves in our vibrant culture without the hurdle of visa requirements,” said Fraser.

Apart from the Philippines, other countries included in the program are Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. u PAGE 2

Pension,

military modernization are new Defense chief Teodoro’s

MANILA— As Gilberto Teodoro Jr. returns to the helm of the Department of National Defense, the new chief will be focusing on ironing out the issues on the pension fund of military personnel as it was President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s “marching order.”

“I can review it and see because we want a self-sustaining pension system as [much as] possible but it needs a couple of years to load it up in order for that to be self-sustaining,” Teodoro told the ABSCBN News Channel’s “Headstart” on Wednesday, June 7.

Teodoro cited his experience as an independent director of a “big financial institution” in his comments on the pension for military and uniformed

Leila de Lima dismayed after Muntinlupa court bucks bail plea, stays hopeful

by John Eric MEndoZa Inquirer.net

MANILA — Detained former senator Leila de Lima on Thursday, June 8 expressed disappointment after the Muntinlupa court denied her bail petition.

“I am, of course, disappointed. But with a clean conscience, I cannot and will not lose Hope,” de Lima said in a Twitter post on Thursday.

“I have to remain strong as I’m determined to attain justice and vindication,” the former

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priorities

personnel. In 2014, he was elected to the board of directors of BDO Unibank.

Proposed reforms are being taken up by Congress. Then President Rodrigo Duterte hiked military and police salaries in 2018 and pensions for retired uniformed personnel are pegged to current salaries. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, who was also part of Duterte’s economic team, has warned that the current pension system is “not sustainable” and may lead the country to a “fiscal collapse.”

While the department supports ways to resolve the issue, Defense Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr. has asked lawmakers that “the morale and welfare of our soldiers be given due weight

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World Bank raises PH growth forecast

by niña Myka paulinE arcEo ManilaTimes.net

THE World Bank raised its 2023 growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.0 percent from 5.6 percent, citing strong domestic demand

The Washington-based multilateral organization still expects a slowdown to follow, keeping its projections for 2024 and 2025 at 5.9 percent, figures released on Wednesday, June 7 showed. “Despite weak external conditions, strong domestic demand will drive the Philippine economy to grow at 6.0 percent in 2023 and gradually decline over the medium term,” the World Bank said in its latest Philippine Economic

FILIPINO PRIDE FROM ALBANY TO MADISON AVENUE

Historic PH Independence Day celebrations held in NY

by MoMar G. viSaya AJPress

NEW York City witnessed an early but grand commemoration of the 125th Philippine Independence Day last week, marked by a series of memorable events that showcased the rich heritage and unity of the Filipino American community.

The celebrations kicked off with an event at the State Capitol in Albany, led by Assemblymember Steven Raga, who made history as the first elected Filipino American in the state of New York. More than a hundred Filipino Americans, some traveling from as far as New York City and New Jersey, joined the gathering which was also attended by the growing population of Filipinos in Albany and neighboring cities.

Adding to the significance of the celebrations was the inaugural Independence Cruise along the Hudson and East Rivers sponsored by the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDC).

Distinguished personalities such as Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros, Mayor Alfred Benitez of Bacolod City, and notable celebrities like Cesar Montano and Xian Lim graced

the occasion. This unique event allowed attendees to revel in the scenic beauty of New York City’s iconic waterways while celebrating their shared heritage.

On Sunday, June 4, Filipino Americans took over Madison Avenue in midtown Manhattan. The 125th Philippine Independence Anniversary Commemoration Parade traversed Madison Avenue from 38th to 26th Street, captivating the attention of hundreds of spectators. The parade showcased an impressive array of almost 150 floats and marching groups, including the enthralling MassKara group of dancers who journeyed from Bacolod City in the Philippines. Bedecked in vibrant and captivating costumes, the performers brought the spirit of the MassKara Festival to the Empire State – from the State Capitol in Albany to the waterways of the Hudson and East Rivers to the bustling streets of New York.

A noteworthy presence in the parade was Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel, the first Filipino American to be crowned Miss Universe. Riding atop a float, Gabriel proudly

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MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed Filipino ambassadors to look for nontraditional partners in terms of trade, security, and defense, saying that the country needs to cope with

Detained former Sen. Leila de Lima waves at her supporters as she leaves the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court after her court appearance in this file photo. Inquirer File Photo by Richard A. Reyes

Bongbong Marcos tells PH envoys: Go...

appointed chiefs of mission and ambassadors in Malacañang earlier. Among the envoys present are the following:

• Chief of Mission Carlos Deymek Sorreta, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland

• Ambassador Henry Sicad Bensurto Jr. (Republic of Turkiye)

• Ambassador Renato Pedro Oabel Villa (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

• Ambassador Raul Salavarria Hernandez (Sultanate of Oman)

• Ambassador Paul Raymund Pasion Cortez (Portuguese Republic)

• Ambassador Joel Francisco Ignacio (Republic of India)

Pension, military modernization are...

PAGE 1

in this deliberation.”

In eyeing the “self-sustaining fund,” Teodoro said he wants to make sure that there are “prudential standards” in place to govern that fund.

Modernization, budget plans

Among Teodoro’s other priorities are the modernization plans for the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well as preparing to appear before Congress to set the 2024 budget for the department.

The military is now going into Horizon 3, entailing the procurement of defense equipment such as missile systems, submarines, and

multi-role fighters. The phase will be the department’s priority until 2028 or until the end of the Marcos Jr. administration.

Teodoro said he will be continuing the programs already underway for the military’s modernization.

“The job of the [department] really is to build up its capabilities in order to be ready as much as possible to foresee, predict, and to react to defend the Philippines from any geopolitical happening,” Teodoro said.

‘Peace talks’ a hard no

The new defense chief is not supportive at all for holding peace talks with rebels. This is a turnaround from the position of

Galvez, who pointed to localized peace talks as an effective way of resolving issues between the government and rebels.

“I have always been against that… You can’t take up arms and just violate the constitution, the same way that we don’t want rightists also to take up arms against the government,” Teodoro said.

The Philippines saw military coup attempts during the presidency of Corazon Aquino, and mutinies during the Arroyo administration. Troops who joined the 2003 Oakwood and 2007 Manila Peninsula Siege were drummed out of the military but later granted amnesty.

“I have never been convinced that it is ideological. It is all getting, taking power for whatever reason,” Teodoro said. Teodoro also took note of the “gains” made by National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, where Vice President Sara Duterte is also now a co-vice chairperson.

“We cannot also deny the gains made by the NTF-ELCAC in dismantling communist fronts and I have always been consistent in the position that rebels are welcome to go back to the fold of government,” he said.

Rights groups have called out the government’s anticommunist task force for somehow equating human rights work with terrorism. with reports from Xave Gregorio, Cristina Chi, and Neil Jayson Servallos/The Philippine STAR newspaper (By Kaycee Valmonte/Philstar.com) n

• Ambassador Maria Angela Abrera Ponce (Malaysia).

“We are constantly now, after all the changes that have been imposed upon us, like the pandemic economy and the world situation, looking for what we sometimes referred to as non-traditional partners in trades, in any kind, in security and defense issues,” Marcos said.

“All these things, we are always looking for partners,” he added.

The chief executive also urged the ambassadors to be open in discussing with him any opportunities that can be beneficial to the country.

“I’m sure you have heard that we are prioritizing agriculture, energy, all of the infrastructure

development, and digitalization. Now, if there are opportunities that would come up, you should explore them and if they’re promising enough, then we’ll take it up. We’ll try to see if something can come up. There’s no harm in trying and kung anuman ang mangyari (whatever happens), at least we tried,” he said.

“So let us keep looking at those areas. And also what I found many times, you go there and you talk about agri and something else comes up,” he added.

Marcos has maintained that his administration would implement an independent foreign policy, saying that the Philippines would be a friend to all and an enemy to none. Experts however believe that such a vision would be hard to implement, as the Philippines cannot be neutral.

But within a year of his presidency, Marcos was able to restructure ties with the United States (U.S.), which was seen by experts to have weakened under his predecessor, former president Rodrigo Duterte — who openly preferred ties with China rather than the western superpower. This was evidenced by the identification of four additional sites for the Philippines’ Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the U.S. Marcos clarified though that reviving ties with the U.S. does not mean closing doors to China. Earlier this year, the president visited China for a state visit — marking the Asian powerhouse as the first country he visited in 2023. n

US, ASEAN defense leaders commit...

PAGE 1

“Southeast Asian defense ministers and heads of delegation reaffirmed their support for United States cooperative activities in the region, including in key forums such as the ADMM-Plus.”

Washington has been supporting Southeast Asian peers through an ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security and the IndoPacific Partnership for Maritime

Domain Awareness Initiative.

The initiative is part of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy to help partners through training and through familiarity with new technology.

Austin also highlighted the U.S. Coast Guard’s expanded regional maritime law enforcement programs.

The USCG is currently holding their first-ever trilateral exercises with counterparts from Japan and the Philippines that focus

on search and rescue operations as well as countering piracy and smuggling of weapons. The trilateral exercises also open professional exchange opportunities for experts and to improve women’s role in the maritime space. The U.S. and ASEAN will be launching their first fellowship program in September for up and coming defense leaders in the region. (Kaycee Valmonte/ Philstar.com) n

Eligible Filipinos may now...

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Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.

“This expansion not only enhances convenience for travelers. It will also increase travel, tourism and economic benefits, as well as strengthen global bonds with these 13 countries,” said Fraser.

To apply for an eTA, travelers need a valid passport, a credit card, an email address, as well as access to the internet.

Meanwhile, those who are not eligible for an eTA will still need a visitor visa before traveling to the country.

Canada says it expects 200,000 visitors from these 13 countries in 2024, garnering about $160 million in revenue within a decade.

In a separate statement, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcomed Fraser’s announcement, tagging it as an “important milestone and a striking indication” of the country’s friendship with Canada.

“The Philippines considers Canada as a close partner due to its well-established people-topeople ties and looks forward to charting a new era of engagement under this new policy,” said DFA. n

This photo posted on June 5 shows President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. with new Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and DND Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez. Presidential Communications Office, handout

World Bank raises PH growth forecast...

Update.

“This upward revision reflects the latest global growth upgrade for 2023 and the continued strength in domestic demand,” it added.

“Private consumption growth will be supported by improved employment, steady remittances, and better consumer sentiments, amid an expected decline in headline inflation and winding down of pent-up demand.”

External risks to the outlook, the World Bank said, include the possibility of higher-than-expected global inflation, tighter global financing conditions and an escalation of geopolitical tensions.

Stubborn core inflation that could lead to larger-than-anticipated monetary tightening in many countries and the recent banking turmoil may unsettle global financial markets.

“From the domestic front, the threat of El Niño and supply chain bottlenecks may yet again raise food supply challenges and place upward pressure on food prices,” the World Bank added.

In an accompanying statement, the World Bank called for improvements in the efficiency of social protections, saying these were needed to protect the poor and the most vulnerable from economic shocks.

“It is essential to sustain improvements in social protection to help families, especially the poor and vulnerable, cope with economic difficulties as the country navigates the global slowdown, budget constraints, high prices of basic commodities, and climaterelated risks,” World Bank Country Director Ndiame Diop said.

Ralph Van Doorn, World Bank senior economist, said risks from inflation would have to be addressed via measures such as reduced tariff and non-tariff barriers, enhanced domestic supplies, and bolstering agriculture with extension services, seeds, and fertilizers.

“In the face of escalating prices, a comprehensive strategy is needed to guarantee sufficient food for everyone,” he said.

“This entails a more productive agriculture and food system that is resilient to climate risks, serves all consumers, and competes effectively in both the local and global markets.” n

Historic PH Independence Day celebrations held in...

waved the Philippine flag and displayed her Filipino heritage, serving as an inspiration to the Filipino American community and beyond.

Onstage later on, Gabriel expressed her gratitude to the Filipino American community for supporting her journey.

“I just want to thank everybody and we need to continue to share our stories about how amazing Filipinos are; we need to continue to write the narrative. I am so thankful to be standing on this stage to be able to represent our culture,” she said. “Y’all have supported me through Miss Texas, Miss USA and now Miss Universe so maraming, maraming salamat sa support.”

Homegrown beauty queens –Miss Universe 2010 4th runnerup Venus Raj and Miss World 2013 Megan Young – attended the festivities as well.

Among the dignitaries who graced the parade’s opening ceremonies were Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, New York Senator Charles Schumer, Mayor Eric Adams, Consul General Senen Mangalile, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Governor Christian Noveras of Aurora Province, Mayor Arvin Amatorio of Bergenfield, New Jersey, Mayor Alberto Benitez of Bacolod City, Mayor Erick Cañosa of Gingoog City, PIDCI President Nora Galleros, and Grand Marshall Dr. Dely Go. Their presence symbolized the strong bonds between the Philippines, the city of New York, and the Filipino American community, reinforcing the significance of the occasion.

“My biggest message, like that of ConGen Mangalile, is let’s take pride in our history, let’s never tire of trying to

bayanihan among each other now, in spite of the challenges,”

Sen. Hontiveros told the Fil-Am media at the sidelines of the event on Saturday, June 3. “And let’s look forward with hope and commitment to the better future that our whole country deserves,”

For the past 33 years, PIDC and the Philippine Consulate General New York have been running the parade and festival along Madison Avenue. The Philippine Independence Day parade has been a cherished tradition held on the first Sunday of June.

Widely regarded as the largest celebration of its kind outside the Philippines, the parade serves as a platform for Filipino Americans to proudly showcase their culture, traditions, and national pride.

Complementing the parade is a vibrant street fair, where participants can indulge in authentic Filipino dishes from various vendors and purchase traditional attire such as Barong Tagalogs, ternos, and other Philippine-made accessories.

The street fair witnessed an overwhelming response, with eager attendees forming long lines at food stalls even before

their booths opened. Savory delights from renowned vendors like So Sarap (classic street food like barbecued pork, isaw (pork and chicken intestine, and the most trending of all in the homeland today, grilled balut served with chili garlic), Patok By Rach (known for their delectable lechon bell), Daniel Corpuz (offering delightful desserts and chocolate treats), Kape’t Torta (serving pan de sal, ensaymada, and torta), and Fritzie’s and Sisig ng Bayan (offering beloved Filipino dishes like sisig, adobo, and pancit) attracted many, offering a taste of Filipino street food nostalgia and classic home-cooked dishes.

Aside from indulging in culinary delights, spectators also flocked to the stage to witness the cultural festival which featured captivating performances by local and Philippine-based talents.

The all-Filipino cast of Here Lies Love, a Broadway musical portraying the rise and fall of Imelda Marcos, enthralled the audience. The powerful voice of The Voice Philippines winner Mitoy Yonting and the presence of actors Cesar Montano and Xian Lim and comedians Boobsie & Tekla further added to the entertainment. These performances served as a testament to the immense talent within the Filipino community.

The historic Philippine Independence Day celebrations in New York highlighted the profound pride, unity, and cultural significance of the Filipino American community. Through events like these, community members not only commemorate their homeland’s independence but also underscored their valuable contributions to the multicultural fabric of American society. n

Leila de Lima dismayed after...

Justice chief added.

On Wednesday, June 7, Muntinlupa RTC Branch 256 rejected de Lima’s camp’s bail request for conspiracy to commit drug trading involving de Lima, former Bureau of Corrections chief Bucayu, Elli, Sebastian, Dayan, Sanchez, and Dera. State prosecutors accused de Lima and Bucayu of tolerating the illegal drugs trade inside the New Bilibid Prison’s maximum

security compound from May 2013 to May 2015 when she served as the Justice Secretary.

With the denial of the bail plea, de Lima will remain in detention while the proceedings continue.

De Lima said her cap would be filing a motion to reconsider her bail plea.

“The court’s denial of my bail application is most unfortunate.

“My lawyers will be filing an MR to raise the issue on the credibility of the inmate

witnesses and their testimonies anew, with the Hope that the judge is not yet closed to the perspective that their word, uncorroborated as they are by more acceptable evidence, is utterly unreliable & therefore completely not credible & unworthy of belief.

“Theirs are blatant lies & ludicrous stories,” de Lima continued.

De Lima has one pending drug case before the Muntinlupa court, as the two other cases have been dismissed. n

Assembly Member Steven Raga with Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos welcome the members of the Filipino American community to the State Capitol to celebrate the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain. AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya build yung pagkakaisa and

Jordan Clarkson, Justin Brownlee lead Gilas’ 21-man pool for Fiba World Cup

by Lance agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MANILA —Naturalized players

Jordan Clarkson, Justin Brownlee, and Ange Kouame bannered the 21-man Gilas Pilipinas pool for the FIBA World Cup 2023 in August.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas unveiled its pool for its historic hosting of the World Cup late Tuesday, June 6.

NBA star Clarkson, who played in the fourth window of the Asian Qualifiers last August, will be part of the team’s buildup with fellow

naturalized players Brownlee and Kouame.

Brownlee also had an impressive stint for Gilas, debuting in the final window last February and bringing back the Southeast Asian Games gold to the Philippines last month in Cambodia.

Kouame, meanwhile, helped the national team qualify for the Asia Cup during the 2021 qualifiers before he suffered a knee injury last year.

Only one of the three naturalized Filipinos in Clarkson,

New research sheds light on healthcare challenges faced...

At the press conference, Apicha CEO Therese R. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of mental health and the involvement of parents in the healing process for LGBTQ individuals.

“This study contributes to the larger body of literature and studies that assess the health and wellness of LGBTQ AAPI communities and it adds a more precise intersectional analysis,” Rodriguez said. “It also builds off of and addresses needs that might have been missing in the New York City Department of Health Mental Hygiene acclaimed 2021 report.”

Glenn Magpantay, a civil rights attorney and principal investigator of the study, said that the survey results indicated a need for more education and awareness among participants, as some expressed a desire for additional STI testing, even though free testing is already available through organizations like Apicha. Other needs identified in the survey included family planning, contraception, pregnancy testing, and addressing mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, and addiction treatment.

These study findings provide essential insights that will guide Apicha and other organizations in better understanding and meeting the unique healthcare needs of LGBTQ API individuals in New York City.

Key recommendations

The report’s key

recommendations to address the most prevalent health and wellness needs of New York City’s LGBTQ API community are the expansion of mental health services and psychiatry, more publicity about free testing for STDs/HIV/AIDS, health education on sexual health and hygiene, dermatology, and culturallycompetent, bilingual, LGBTQsensitive, and nonjudgmental healthcare providers.

The study involved surveys taken between June and October 2022 and included responses from 344 LGBTQ Asian individuals who spoke different languages. There were also discussions with local LGBTQ API organizations aside from focus groups of specific underserved high-risk groups. The report also includes professional assessments from Apicha CHC staff, physicians,

and other healthcare providers. The study not only focused on medical needs but also highlighted the significance of addressing mental health and social needs within the community.

Rodriguez encouraged members of the Filipino American community to utilize Apicha’s services and actively provide feedback to help expand and improve the services already being offered.

“We are part of your family and we want you to come and use the services and tell us as well what you need so that we can figure out how can we expand the services that we are already providing,” Rodriguez said.

Magpantay and Rodriguez also talked about a surprising aspect identified during the survey - the complexity of dermatological issues within the

As Medicaid purge begins, ‘staggering numbers’ of Americans lose coverage

MORE than 600,000 Americans have lost Medicaid coverage since pandemic protections ended on April 1. And a KFF Health News analysis of state data shows the vast majority were removed from state rolls for not completing paperwork.

Under normal circumstances, states review their Medicaid enrollment lists regularly to ensure every recipient qualifies for coverage. But because of a nationwide pause in those reviews during the pandemic, the health insurance program for lowincome and disabled Americans kept people covered even if they no longer qualified.

Now, in what’s known as the Medicaid unwinding, states are combing through rolls and deciding who stays and who goes. People who are no longer eligible or don’t complete paperwork in time will be dropped.

LGBTQ+ community, particularly concerning gender identity and self-perception.

Dermatology was ranked as a new emerging need in the survey, ranking behind mental health, STD/HIV/AIDS testing, and sexual health. It was identified from a list of services that Apicha does not address inhouse but makes referrals for.

Rodriguez stressed the importance of paying attention to these specific issues faced by the community, saying that certain STI-related concerns may be disguised as common ailments like rashes or eczema, but the trust and understanding between provider and patient can be a significant barrier to seeking appropriate care, especially for individuals who may be closeted or face language barriers.

Apicha CHC’s pioneering needs assessment has provided a comprehensive understanding of the health needs and priorities within the LGBTQ API community. The insights gained from this study will play a pivotal role in shaping the programs and services offered at Apicha CHC’s new Center in Jackson Heights, Queens.

By addressing these identified needs, Apicha CHC aims to deliver tailored and effective healthcare solutions that meet the unique requirements of LGBTQ API individuals. This groundbreaking study marks a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and responsive healthcare environment for the LGBTQ API community in New York City. (by

The overwhelming majority of people who have lost coverage in most states were dropped because of technicalities, not because state officials determined they no longer meet Medicaid income limits. Four out of every five people dropped so far either never returned the paperwork or omitted required documents, according to a KFF Health News analysis of data from 11 states that provided details on recent cancellations. Now, lawmakers and advocates are expressing alarm over the volume of people losing coverage and, in some states, calling to pause the process.

KFF Health News sought data from the 19 states that started cancellations by May 1. Based on records from 14 states that provided detailed numbers, either in response to a public records request or by posting online, 36% of people whose eligibility was reviewed have been disenrolled.

In Indiana, 53,000 residents lost coverage in the first month of the unwinding, 89% for procedural reasons like not returning renewal forms. State Rep. Ed Clere, a Republican, expressed dismay at those “staggering numbers” in a May 24 Medicaid advisory group meeting, repeatedly questioning state officials about forms mailed to out-of-date addresses and urging them to give people more than two weeks’ notice before canceling their coverage.

Clere warned that the cancellations set in motion an avoidable revolving door. Some people dropped from Medicaid will have to forgo filling prescriptions and cancel doctor visits because they can’t afford care. Months down the line, after untreated chronic illnesses spiral out of control, they’ll end up in the emergency room where social workers will need to again help them join the program, he said.

Before the unwinding, more than 1 in 4 Americans — 93 million — were covered by Medicaid or CHIP, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, according to KFF Health News’ analysis of the latest enrollment data. Half of all kids are covered by the programs.

About 15 million people will be dropped over the next year as states review participants’ eligibility in monthly tranches.

Most people will find health coverage through new jobs or qualify for subsidized plans through the Affordable Care Act. But millions of others, including many children, will become uninsured and unable to afford basic prescriptions or preventive care. The uninsured rate among those under 65 is projected to rise from a historical low of 8.3% today to 9.3% next year, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Because each state is handling the unwinding differently, the share of enrollees dropped in the first weeks varies widely.

Several states are first reviewing people officials believe are no longer eligible or who haven’t recently used their insurance. High cancellation rates in those states should level out as the agencies move on to people who likely still qualify.

In Utah, nearly 56% of people included in early reviews were dropped. In New Hampshire, 44% received cancellation letters

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u PAGE 7 Jordan Clarkson and Justin Brownlee FIBA photos

Momar G. Visaya/ AJPress) n

From left: Melanie Dulfo, director of Community Health Education; Therese Rodriguez, CEO and Glenn Magpantay. AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

Dateline PhiliPPines

‘Deepening’ PH-China ties outweigh differences

MANILA – The Philippines’ “healthy” and “deepening” relationship with China outweighs the two nations’ differences, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday, June 8.

In a speech delivered at the Manila Hotel, Marcos said the Philippines is committed to strengthening its bilateral ties with China, given that it has become a “boon to our country’s economic strength over the past years.”

“It is my firm belief that our relationship must not be defined by our innate differences,” Marcos said during the Award for Promoting PhilippinesChina Understanding (APPCU) awarding ceremony.

“There is a lot more that we can and must do to celebrate our bilateral ties. Time and again, we have proven that it is in our mutual interest to preserve the special rapport and kindred spirit that we have established and nurtured throughout our history,” he added.

BARMM governors advance efforts for lasting peace, strong rule of law

Governor

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY –

The five (5) Governors of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao affirm their commitment to further strengthen their joint efforts in promoting rule of law, peace & order, and inclusive governance and development in the BARMM.

This is according to the BARMM Governors Caucus or BGC, officially launched in this city on June 6, 2023, as a platform to promote the common issues of the constituents of the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the BARMM as well as to engage other stakeholders in dialogue on these issues.

The BGC, created after a series of consultative talks, is composed of the Provincial Governors of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. “The BGC is fully supportive of the peace process and the BARMM and thru the BGC, the Governors will foster cooperation with national and regional governments and multi-sectoral groups, employing data driven decisionmaking to promote the rights and welfare of our constituents,”

Lanao

Adiong, Jr, acting as the spokesperson for the group said. Governor Adiong also disclosed the three key areas that the Caucus has identified as priorities: Rule of Law, Peace and Order, and Inclusive Governance and Development.

Governor Adiong underscored the significance of structuring and maintaining orderly peace and development in the region.

“It is a shared responsibility among the national and regional governments, local government units (LGUs), and law enforcement agencies. To improve coordination in law enforcement and address security challenges, the BGC will actively engage with law enforcement agencies, the peace mechanisms and other relevant agencies,”

Governor Adiong emphasized.

Additionally, the BGC is monitoring and supporting the swift completion of the decommissioning process and has expressed its readiness to work with national and regional agencies, decommissioning bodies, and peace mechanisms to this end.

Governor Adiong Jr. further stressed the BGC’s commitment to enhancing coordination between national and regional governments, peace mechanisms, and relevant agencies. “Our objective is to ensure effective law enforcement and to expedite the decommissioning process. The BGC will also advocate for the equitable allocation of public funds and for greater representation, and participation of citizens in governance across diverse geographical, political, and ethnic groups in the region,” he said. They aim to facilitate citizen and group involvement in development and governance processes thru electoral policies that promote inclusivity. The BGC also called for the convening of the Council of Leaders in the BARMM to enhance LGU and sectoral group representation in regional governance.

“We are open to collaborating with stakeholders who share similar advocacies and are eager to explore common grounds with others to attain sustainable peace and development in the region,” he said. (Philstar.com)

Marcos made the statement, as he acknowledged China as the Philippines’ “top partner” in terms of total trade, ranking first as imports source and second as exports destination.

He also noted that China and its special administrative regions serve as “second home to a substantial number of overseas Filipinos.”

“So, we will exert utmost efforts to strengthen this relationship. We will strive to make it more comprehensive, more strategic, all with the view to advancing the paramount interest of both our nations and our peoples,” Marcos said.

‘Continuing’ communication

Marcos denied that the Philippines has shifted away its policy away from China, saying that his administration continues to foster the friendship, the relationship and the partnership with Beijing.

“Some people have said that the Philippines has shifted its policy away from the People’s Republic [of China] and to other powers. That is certainly not true. We have not shifted away from China in any way whatsoever,” he said.

He noted that the Philippine government has a “continuing” communication with the Chinese government following his state visit to China in January this year upon the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

u PAGE 7

del Sur

Mamintal

Five governors of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao join forces for the creation of the Bangsamoro Governors’ Caucus (BGC). Present in the launching of the program are (L-R) Maluso, Basilan Mayor Hanie A. Bud as representative of Governor Jim Hataman, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Mahail Tan, Maguindanao Del Sur Governor Bai Mariam Mangudadatu, Lanao Del Sur Governor Manintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr (spokesman) and Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael “Mang” I. Sali. Philstar.com photo

OFWs deserve better

IN a country where overseas Filipino workers have been raped, tortured, mauled and bitten by their employers’ pet lion, murdered and the bodies burned and stuffed in a freezer, it would be the height of negligence if Philippine embassy personnel fail to help any OFW fleeing from abusive circumstances.

Yet the government of Kuwait has suspended the issuance of new visas to Filipinos and demanded an admission of infractions and an apology from the Philippine government for providing shelter to OFW runaways in the Gulf state. Kuwait apparently remembered that in 2018, Manila had apologized after the Philippine embassy not only provided shelter to runaway OFWs but also for encouraging them to escape from abusive employers.

This time, the Department of Foreign Affairs has stood its ground and refused to apologize, although it has not closed the door on negotiations with Kuwait. There are, after all, some 268,000 Filipinos working in the Gulf state, remitting about $597 million to their home country last year.

On the other hand, the grievous abuses suffered by OFWs in Kuwait also cannot be overlooked. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration counts 196 OFWs who have died in Kuwait since 2016, with close to 80 percent of the deaths attributed to physical abuse. In 2017 alone, the Philippine embassy in Kuwait recorded 6,000 cases of OFW

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

THE United States averted an unprecedented crisis after the U.S. Senate passed on Thursday, June 1 the “Fiscal Responsibility Act” that suspended the debt ceiling to 2025, a day after the House of Representatives passed the measure.

The passage of the bill, which received strong bipartisan support, came just a few days before the June 5 deadline set by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who implored legislators to swiftly act before the United States runs out of money to pay for its debt and other financial obligations, which could lead to a potentially catastrophic default because of its global impact.

Created by the U.S. Congress in 1917 under the Second Liberty Bond Act, the debt ceiling sets the limit on the amount of money that the U.S. government can borrow to pay for its bills and other obligations, among them payment for federal employees, the military, Social

abuse, sexual harassment and rape. Rodrigo Duterte, during his presidency, openly lamented reports of OFW abuse, disappearances and suicides in Kuwait. In February 2018, following the discovery of the body of Joanna Demafelis in a freezer, he ordered a ban on OFW deployment to Kuwait, and urged Filipinos in the Gulf state to come home. Despite these developments, Filipino maid Constancia Lago Dayag was murdered in Kuwait in May 2019. In December 2019, Jeanelyn Villavende was raped by her male employer and beaten to death by his wife.

Following negotiations, the deployment ban was eventually lifted. But on Jan. 21 this year, domestic worker Jullebee Ranara was raped and brutally murdered. Reportedly pregnant, her remains were found in the Kuwaiti desert, burned and the head smashed. The suspect is her employer’s 17-year-old son, who has been arrested.

After Ranara’s murder, the Philippines stopped the first-time deployment of domestic workers to

Kuwait. Within days of the murder, at least 114

Filipino maids left the Gulf state. Kuwait then announced the indefinite suspension of all new visas for Filipinos. During this stalemate, the Philippines should

review its deployment policy and consider finding new destinations for OFWs other than Kuwait. There are many other countries without the notoriety of the Gulf state in treating migrant workers. OFWs deserve better. (Philstar.com)

Biden: ‘It’s never a good bet to bet against America’

Security, Medicare, interests on national debt and others. Under the compromise bill – which will be signed by President Biden the minute it reaches his desk – the debt ceiling has been suspended until 2025, allowing the government to borrow more.

It’s evident that the United States continues to face many challenges, among them the situation in the Indo-Pacific region with China’s continuing aggression as demonstrated in a recent incident just last week.

According to the account by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, a U.S. Air Force RC-135 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace over the South China Sea when a Chinese J-16 jet “performed an unnecessarily aggressive maneuver” in its intercept when it flew “directly in front of the nose of the RC135, forcing the U.S. aircraft to fly through its wake turbulence.”

A similar incident was also reported by the U.S. INDOPACOM in December last year when a Chinese J-11 fighter flew in front of and within 20 feet of the nose of an RC-135 reconnaissance plane that was

flying over the South China Sea, almost causing a collision, with the American pilot forced to take evasive maneuvers.

The biggest challenge that the U.S. faces – in fact the whole world – is the war in Ukraine.

Since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, the U.S. has led western nations in providing humanitarian, financial and military support for Ukraine. According to the data collected by the Ukraine Support Tracker of the Germany-based Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the U.S. has earmarked over 73.1 billion euros (or more than $78 billion) for Ukraine. A few days ago, the U.S. also announced another $300-million arms package that includes air defense systems and tens of millions of rounds of ammunition with the caveat that these should not be used for attacks inside Russia. There is absolutely no doubt that U.S. military might continues to be formidable and as strong as ever – as it should be, considering the challenges they are facing worldwide.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research

Institute (SIPRI) report, the U.S. had a record-high military spending of $877 billion in 2022. In terms of technology, there is no doubt that America is still leading the race, with technologically advanced military equipment continually being developed, many of them being deployed and tested in the Ukraine war.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently established the Office of Strategic Capital that would provide long-term financing to U.S. technology companies, including startups engaged in critical technologies considered to be vital to U.S. national security. These include advanced materials, nextgeneration biotechnology and quantum science.

“We are in a global competition for leadership in critical technologies, and the Office of Strategic Capital will help us win that competition and build enduring national security advantages,” Secretary Austin said during the launch last December of the OSC, which aims to bridge that critical gap between the laboratory and full-scale production, which

is referred to as the “valley of death” in the industry. Secretary Austin said he is determined to give emerging technologies the support they need to develop sophisticated military hardware that would enhance the defense capabilities of the U.S.

The U.S. is also at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) – considered as the “bold new frontier” of technology – as it dabbles in AI-directed drones or bots that can pilot modified F-16 fighters, thereby lessening the risk or threat to human lives. Last March, for instance, the U.S. Air Force said it would field a “nominal quantity” of 200 Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighters and 1,000 collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) drones that would serve as wingmen that would be operating alongside the piloted NGAD fighters. This development certainly showcases that U.S. technology is still very much superb.

While some pundits predict that the 2024 U.S. presidential election would be even more divisive than ever, history has shown that no matter how polarized U.S. politics may seem

at the moment, at the end of the day, Americans will close ranks to fight any kind of threat. This is evident in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that was faster than any other major economy in the world, and the passage of the debt ceiling bill despite months of acrimony between Republicans and Democrats.

During his second State of the Union speech in February, President Biden acknowledged that indeed, they “face serious challenges across the world,” but he also emphasized their progress and resilience as a nation and people, emerging from every crisis stronger than when they entered it.

And the U.S. president issued this warning: “Those who bet against America are learning just how wrong they are. It’s never a good bet to bet against America.” (Philstar.com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

COVID-19 is still with us, dangerous for older adults

right now. The COVID virus changes like the flu virus so it is important to get the most recent updated vaccine to get the best protection.

THE National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA), a nonprofit focused on improving the life of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander older adults and their families, recently received questions from readers. Here are a few of the questions, and NAPCA’s answers:

1. Do I still need to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID is still with us. In late March the U.S. still averaged 19,500 cases per day, 585,000 per month. For older adults, COVID is still dangerous. The risk of severe cases that require hospitalization is pretty low for people under 18. If you are 65 and over, the risk is 36 times higher and the older the higher. So older adults are strongly recommended to stay up to date with the most current vaccine. If your last shot was before Sep. 2022, you should get an updated bivalent vaccine and then it provides protection against both the original COVID virus and the Omicron strains that are infecting people

2. What type of COVID-19 vaccine should I receive? And how many times?

Because the protection provided by the COVID-19 vaccine fades much more quickly for people 65 and older and people who have underlying conditions, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) updated its COVID-19 vaccine recommendations to allow an additional dose of the updated (bivalent) vaccine for these populations.

No matter how old you are, if you have not gotten a shot since September 2022, you definitely need one!

If you are 65 or older or if you have underlying conditions, it may be a good idea for you to get an extra dose of bivalent vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to decide whether it makes sense for you.

3. What is Medicaid redetermination (Unwinding of the Medicaid Continuous Enrollment Provision) and how does it affect my Medicaid?

Medicaid eligibility is required to be renewed periodically, but during the COVID public health emergency, Medicaid disenrollment has been paused in every state by federal provision. However, the continuous coverage requirement ends on March 31, 2023. Your state checks whether you still qualify for Medicaid coverage and will be able to resume Medicaid disenrollments starting April 1, 2023. The disenrollments will not occur all at once, as the process will be spread out across most of 2023 and the first part of 2024. To be prepared for Medicaid redetermination, make sure your contact information is updated so that you can receive any communications your state sends you. When you receive a Medicaid packet or letter in the mail, you need to fill out the renewal form and send it (with requested documents if applicable) to the address provided. If you are ineligible to renew your Medicaid, you will qualify for a special enrollment period to find and enroll in a new health insurance plan in time for your loss of Medicaid coverage.

4. What option do I have if I lose Medicaid after unwinding

Medicaid continuous enrollment condition?

There will generally be three options for those who are no longer eligible for Medicaid as the result of the Medicaid unwinding process.

Option 1: You can re-apply for Medicaid to find if you still qualify. If your income level or medical need changes, you might qualify for Medicaid in your state. You can apply any time, and there’s no limit to the number of times you can apply.

Option 2: You may be able to get low-cost, quality health coverage through the ACA Marketplace. Submit a new or updated Marketplace application and provide the proof of the last date of Medicaid between March 31, 2023 and July 31, 2024, then you will be eligible for this temporary Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You will have a 60 days’ window after you submit your application to select a Marketplace plan. Option 3: You may be able to sign up for Medicare without paying a late enrollment penalty.

If you now qualify for Medicare but didn’t sign up for it when you first became eligible, you have a limited time (SEP) to sign up without paying the usual penalty. Your SEP starts

the day your state notifies you that your Medicaid coverage is ending and continues for 6 months after your Medicaid coverage ends.

Plus, you can try to apply for Medicare Savings Programs to get assistance for your Medicare copays and/or deductibles.

5. I am eligible for Social Security retirement based on my 40 working credits and eligible for spousal benefits based on my husband’s Social Security credits. I am 62 soon and trying to claim spousal retirement which is higher than my worker’s benefit. How much would it be and how do I apply for it?

You could apply for spousal retirement benefit once you reach the age of 62 if your husband already started receiving his retirement. The rule is that depending on your age upon claiming, spousal benefit can range from 32.5% to 50% of your husband’s primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the monthly benefit the retiree is entitled to at full retirement age (FRA). When you apply for spousal benefit at 62, you will receive 32.5% of the husband’s PIA permanently.

The longer you wait to claim the spousal benefit until your FRA, the bigger the monthly amount

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection

grows. The maximum amount you can receive is up to 50% of his PIA. If your husband took his retirement earlier than his FRA, your spousal benefit in turn will be counted based on his reduced amount.

When you apply for spousal benefit, you must apply for both your worker’s benefit and spousal benefit at the same time. Social Security pays worker’s benefit first, then adds enough of the spousal benefit to make up the difference and match the higher amount..

* * *

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.

* * *

The National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. We operate a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers and is available in 5 different languages. If you have additional questions regarding the items discussed in the article, or around the topics of Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act or other senior benefits, there are 3 ways you can reach us: Call our Senior Assistance Center at: (English) 1-800-336-2722; send an email to askNAPCA@napca.org; or send via mail to NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101.

Suite

New DOH chief vows to pay nurses ‘correctly’ to make them stay

by Gaea Katreena CabiCo Philstar.com

MANILA

— The new secretary of the Department of Health promised Thursday. June 8 to give healthcare workers more competitive salaries to encourage them to stay in the Philippines.

Many Filipino healthcare workers — especially nurses — seek employment abroad as they are often overworked but underpaid.

To encourage them to serve the country, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the government “needs to pay them correctly.”

“Our nurses are world class. They’re being asked by presidents of other countries. They should be serving the Filipino people. We should be the ones paying them the salaries those guys are paying them,” Herbosa said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.

But Herbosa stressed that he cannot prevent health workers from leaving the country.

“If a nurse wants to go abroad to get a salary that I cannot give, I should not stop that person… So I will search for the solution on what will make them stay,” he said.

Over 100,000 nurses in the private sector earn P537 per day in Metro Manila and much lower in areas outside the capital region, according to the Filipino Nurses United. Nurses in the government sector, although they have relatively higher pay, suffer from work and patient overload.

To address the lack of health workers in the country, Herbosa said he is looking at the possibility of allowing nursing graduates who have yet to pass the licensure exam to work in the government.

“In the government, you can’t work without a license. But I’m willing to take them if they have a diploma,” Herbosa said, noting there are around 4,500 vacancies for nurses in the department.

“If you have a diploma from an accredited school, I’ll give you a period of time to pass it… Then you make them work for five

years. I’m giving them five years to pass the board,” he added.

COVID-19 benefits

Herbosa also vowed to address the health workers’ delayed COVID-19 benefits.

“I will make sure we continue to have the funding for that so these benefits will be given to them,” he said.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appointed Herbosa nearly a year after he assumed office.

Herbosa’s comments and statements on the pandemic and other national concerns previously drew backlash.

These incidents were when Herbosa shared “fake news” about COVID-19 infections, poked fun at a person who died while lining up at a community pantry and shared a rape joke on Facebook.

In August 2021, Herbosa shared a tweet thanking health workers, but wrote on his caption: “except those who protested.”

In a tweet, he apologized for earlier statements and called for the public’s support. n

Materials for 2nd SONA still being prepared – Marcos

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos

Jr. on Thursday, June 8 bared that he is still preparing the materials for his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) which will be delivered on July 24.

“The truth of the matter is we’re still preparing everything, all the materials that we’re going to put together,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Manila Hotel in Manila when asked for an update on his SONA preparations.

“The [second] SONA, it will be a report to the nation as to what the situation [is], what happened in the last year since the last SONA, where we are now, what we have managed to do, and where we still have work to do. That is essentially the template that I am going to use,” he added.

Marcos expressed optimism that in his second SONA he would be able to report the accomplishments of his administration, including the fulfilled plans enumerated in his first SONA.

“The things that I mentioned in the first SONA, we will have a look and see anong nangyari sa mga napag-usapan noong unang SONA. Sa palagay ko naman, meron tayong maipapakita (what happened to the plans we mentioned during my first SONA. I think, we will be able to report some progress),” he said.

To recall, it was Marcos who drafted his first

SONA delivered at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on July 25, 2022.

Marcos’ first SONA was one hour and 14 minutes long, highlighting his administration’s agenda on economic recovery, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic response, foreign policy and legislative priorities.

The most applauded statements in Marcos’ speech include his emphasis to bring the muchneeded health facilities outside Metro Manila, as well as his promise not to surrender the country’s territory.

Marcos was also lauded for delivering a “datadriven” SONA that laid out his plans for the Philippines during his six-year term.

The House of Representatives has already begun its preparations for Marcos’ SONA.

The Batasan Complex where the House of Representatives is located is the traditional site of the Philippine president’s annual speech.

Article 7, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution requires the President to “address the Congress at the opening of its regular session”.

The Philippine president delivers the SONA every year, usually held every last Monday of July, to report the state of the country, unveil the administration’s agenda for the coming year, and ask Congress to pass priority legislative measures. (PNA) n

Teodoro: PH courting ‘non-traditional’ partners for national security, territorial integrity

by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

NEWLY appointed Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Thursday, June 8 said the Philippines is courting “non-traditional” partners who “will jibe with our national security, territorial integrity and interoperability.”

Teodoro issued the statement after President Ferdinand

Marcos Jr. ordered the former ambassador to look for nontraditional partners in the areas of trade and security and defense.

Speaking in Filipino, Teodoro said that “as of now, it is but natural to talk to our treaty ally, the United States. We also know, however, that we have

AsMedicaid purge begins, ‘staggering...

PAGE 4

within the first two months — almost all for procedural reasons, like not returning paperwork.

But New Hampshire officials found that thousands of people who didn’t fill out the forms indeed earn too much to qualify, according to Henry Lipman, the state’s Medicaid director. They would have been denied anyway. Even so, more people than he expected are not returning renewal forms. “That tells us that we need to change up our strategy,” said Lipman.

In other states, like Virginia and Nebraska, which aren’t prioritizing renewals by likely eligibility, about 90% have been renewed.

Because of the three-year pause in renewals, many people on Medicaid have never been through the process or aren’t aware they may need to fill out long verification forms, as a recent KFF poll found. Some people moved and didn’t update their contact information.

And while agencies are required to assist enrollees who don’t speak English well, many are sending the forms in only a few common languages.

Tens of thousands of children are losing coverage, as researchers have warned, even though some may still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. In its first month of reviews, South Dakota ended coverage for 10% of all Medicaid and CHIP enrollees in the state. More than half of them were children. In Arkansas, about 40% were kids.

most families with children to the end of the review process.

Lipman, the state’s Medicaid director, said his biggest worry is that a child will end up uninsured. Florida also planned to push kids with serious health conditions and other vulnerable groups to the end of the review line.

But according to Miriam Harmatz, advocacy director and founder of the Florida Health Justice Project, state officials sent cancellation letters to several clients with disabled children who probably still qualify. She’s helping those families appeal.

Nearly 250,000 Floridians reviewed in the first month of the unwinding lost coverage, 82% of them for reasons like incomplete paperwork, the state reported to federal authorities. House Democrats from the state petitioned Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to pause the unwinding.

Advocacy coalitions in both Florida and Arkansas also have called for investigations into the review process and a pause on cancellations.

The state is contacting enrollees by phone, email, and text, and continues to process late applications, said Tori Cuddy, a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Children and Families. Cuddy did not respond to questions about issues raised in the petitions.

quickly.

“For the past three years, people have been told to ignore the mail around this, that the renewal was not going to lead to a termination.” Suddenly that mail matters, he said. Federal law requires states to tell people why they’re losing Medicaid coverage and how to appeal the decision.

Harmatz said some cancellation notices in Florida are vague and could violate due process rules. Letters that she’s seen say “your Medicaid for this period is ending” rather than providing a specific reason for disenrollment, like having too high an income or incomplete paperwork.

If a person requests a hearing before their cancellation takes effect, they can stay covered during the appeals process. Even after being disenrolled, many still have a 90-day window to restore coverage.

In New Hampshire, 13% of people deemed ineligible in the first month have asked for extra time to provide the necessary records. “If you’re eligible for Medicaid, we don’t want you to lose it,” said Lipman.

been talking to Israel, Japan, Korea and recently to Sweden with whom we signed an MoU that was signed by Secretary Galvez at the Shari-la dialogue.”

“I think the marching order is to look for a proper fit whatever serves our needs and whatever will jibe with our national security, territorial integrity and interoperability with our present complement,” he added. n

‘Deepening’ PH-China...

PAGE 5

He said he and Xi are both determined to find solutions to various issues confronting the two countries, including the South China Sea disputes.

“Slowly, the process that we began after my visit to President Xi and to China in January, we have developed those concepts of communication [on] the issues about the fishing grounds. All of these things are continuing and perhaps soon, we will be able to report. So, this is the way that

we strengthen this relationship that we have with China,” he said.

“That continues. Whatever else happens, this relationship again will not be defined by the differences but by our common areas of interest and our common beliefs and the similarities in our culture which both countries will understand very well. I think that is a very fertile ground to build, to plant our relationship and keep it growing,” Marcos added. (PNA) n

Many parents don’t know that limits on household income are significantly higher for children than adults. Parents should fill out renewal forms even if they don’t qualify themselves, said Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families.

New Hampshire has moved

Federal officials are investigating those complaints and any other problems that emerge, said Dan Tsai, director of the Center for Medicaid & CHIP Services. “If we find that the rules are not being followed, we will take action.”

His agency has directed states to automatically reenroll residents using data from other government programs like unemployment and food assistance when possible.

Anyone who can’t be approved through that process must act

Clere, the Indiana state representative, pushed his state’s Medicaid officials during the May meeting to immediately make changes to avoid people unnecessarily becoming uninsured. One official responded that they’ll learn and improve over time.

“I’m just concerned that we’re going to be ‘learning’ as a result of people losing coverage,” Clere replied. “So I don’t want to learn at their expense.” (Hannah Recht/KFF Health News)

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

Jordan Clarkson, Justin Brownlee lead...

PAGE 4

Brownlee, and Kouame will make it to the final roster.

Gilas also tapped 7-foot-3 Kai Sotto, ending the speculations of his unavailability after he recently expressed that he remains committed to the national team. Coach Chot Reyes also said the team needs the Filipino prodigy, who is still chasing his NBA dream with an upcoming Summer League stint in July.

Also part of the initial roster

are Japan B.League stars Dwight Ramos, the lone player to see action in all Asian Qualifier windows, Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Carl Tamayo, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., and Jordan Heading.

June Mar Fajardo, who played in the past two World Cups, was also called up along with his fellow PBA stars Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez, Roger Pogoy, Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, Poy Erram, Chris Newsome, and Calvin Oftana.

Returning Gilas player AJ Edu also made it to the pool as well as Korean Basketball League champion Rhenz Abando, who debuted for the national team in last year’s third window and the Asia Cup. Gilas Pilipinas is slated in Group A, kicking off its campaign against the Dominican Republic on August 25 at Philippine Arena before facing Angola on August 27 and Italy on August 29 at Smart Araneta Coliseum. n

GUIDED TOUR. A tour guide shows an underground portion of the Museo de Intramuros during a tour for the media after the launch of the Intramuros Pass on Wednesday, June 7. The Intramuros Administration gave them a glimpse of possible itineraries and activities inside the historic Intramuros, the political base of the Spaniards in Manila in the 1500s. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

ANNOUNCEMENT

Advertisement for Bids

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

REROOF AND WOOD ROT REPAIR AT JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023, outside of the main office of Jefferson Elementary School, 3770 Utah Street, San Diego, CA 92104. Contractors and subcontractors must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s new online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.com

All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on JUNE 22, 2023. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CP24-0226-52-00-00 Reroof and Wood Rot Repair at Jefferson Elementary School. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $30,000 and $65,000 This is not a PSA project and does not require prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: C-39. The roofing portion of work shall be completed by a C-39 licensed roofing contractor who is also approved, authorized, or licensed by any of the following manufacturers to install built-up roofing and is eligible to receive manufacturer’s special warranty; 1.Johns Manville; a Berkshire Hathaway company.

2.GAF Materials Corporation. 3.Malarkey Roofing Company. 4.Or Equal. Reference specification section “07 51 13 Built-Up Asphalt Roofing” for details. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Linda Hippe, Director, Purchasing and Contracts, Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Department CP24-0226-52-00-00.

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010835 Arlez & Arlez Rental located at 47 D Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: Armando Serrano, 47 D Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/17/2023.

Signature: Armando Serrano. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/17/2023. AJ 1182 05/19, 05/26, 06/02, and 06/09/2023. AJSD 1182

LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010853

Wushiland Boba located at 7608 Linda Vista Rd Ste 120, San Diego, CA 92111.

Registrant: Dinh Legacy Corporation, 1686 Dillard St, San Diego, CA 92114.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

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

Signature: Le Huyen Dinh.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/18/2023.

AJ 1185 05/26, 06/02, 06/09, and 06/16/2023. AJSD 1185

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011330

Wild Blooms Childcare located at 644 Via Armado, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: Viviana Guerrero, 644 Via Armado, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature: Viviana Guerrero.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/23/2023. AJ 1191 05/26, 06/02, 06/09, and 06/16/2023. AJSD 1191

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011675

Paris Iron Work located at 3525 Fairmount Ave, San Diego, CA 92105.

Registrant: Julian M. Ibarra Amezcua, 3525 Fairmount Ave, San Diego, CA 92105.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010994

a. She Rocks San Diego located at 3845 Spring Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

b. She Rocks San Diego Flag Football located at 3845 Spring Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

c. She Rocks Girls Flag San Diego located at 3845 Spring Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Registrant: Scorpions Elite, 3845 Spring Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/01/2023.

Signature: Dwayne Brown.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011176 Little Shepherds Nature Lab located at 3993 Kendall St., San Diego, CA 92109. Registrant: Gina GiinShing Tang, 3993 Kendall St., San Diego, CA 92109. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011258

Ken Chi Ken located at 8429 Broadway Apt #69, Lemon Grove, CA 91945.

Registrant: Kender Pierre, 8429 Broadway Apt #69, Lemon Grove, CA 91945.

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9008805

Maunaco Adult Residential Facility located at 1549 Yanonali Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91913. Registrant: Olive Home LLC, 1549 Yanonali Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

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

Signature: Francois Marcelin. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/20/2023. AJ 1183 05/19, 05/26, 06/02, and 06/09/2023. AJSD 1183

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010816

AMED Marketing located at 4011 Goldfinch St. Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92103.

Registrant: a. Dorian Tucker, 4011 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA 92103.

b. Mason Dang, 4011 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA 92103

This business is conducted by General Partnership.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/01/2023.

Signature: Mason Dang. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/17/2023.

AJ 1189 05/26, 06/02, 06/09, and 06/16/2023. AJSD 1189

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010242

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010431

168Mobile Livescan And Notary located at 8720 Ariva Ct #414, San Diego, CA 92123.

Registrant: Siri Bhumnugkij, 8720 Ariva Ct #414, San Diego, CA 92123. This business is conducted by Induividual.

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

Signature: Siri Bhumnugkij. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/11/2023. AJ 1184 05/19, 05/26, 06/02, and 06/09/2023. AJSD 1184

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011186

Joster Chateau located at 8666 Octans Street, San Diego, CA 92126.

Registrant: Great PRP LLC, 735 Mariposa Circle, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/28/2023.

Signature: Ira Jean C.

Meneses. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/22/2023. AJ 1190 05/26, 06/02, 06/09, and 06/16/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

San

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010605

Eva Nails located at 2656 Jamacha Rd., Ste 106, El Cajon, CA 92019.

Registrant: MNK Inc., 2656 Jamacha Rd., El Cajon, CA 92019. This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/01/2023.

Signature: Kevin Phan. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/15/2023. AJ 1192 05/26, 06/02, 06/09, and 06/16/2023. AJSD 1192

Signature: Gina G. Tang. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/22/2023. AJ 1187 05/26, 06/02, 06/09, and 06/16/2023. AJSD 1187

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011353

Rocky’s Auto located at 6219 Childs Ave, San Diego, CA 92139.

Registrant: Moises Rock Martinez, 6219 Childs Ave, San Diego, CA 92139. This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature: Moises Rock Martinez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/24/2023.

AJ 1193 06/02, 06/09, 06/16, and 06/23/2023. AJSD 1193

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010991 David Hoang DBA Crystal Pier Bait Shack located at 4500 Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109.

Registrant: David Hoang, 8912 Nelson Way, Escondido, CA 92026. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/15/2023.

Signature: Kender Pierre. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/23/2023.

AJ 1188 05/26, 06/02, 06/09, and 06/16/2023. AJSD 1188

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011091

SUPREMO located at 1100 E. Avenue Apt 1, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Charlsjohn Javinal, 1100 E. Avenue Apt 1, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/13/2023.

Signature: Charlsjohn Javinal.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/22/2023. AJ 1194 06/02, 06/09, 06/16, and 06/23/2023. AJSD 1194

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-901121 DM Liquidation Store located at 183 W San Ysidro Blvd Ste E, San Ysidro, CA 92173.

Registrant: Ruben Diosdado Martinez, 183 W San Ysidro Blvd Ste E, San Ysidro, CA 92173. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/02/2023.

Major League Barbershop located at 3665 Wisecarver Lane, Jamul, CA 91935.

Registrant: Saúl Nuñez Jr, 3665 Wisecarver Lane, Jamul, CA 91935.

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature: Saúl Nuñez Jr. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/09/2023. AJ 1195 06/02, 06/09, 06/16, and 06/23/2023. AJSD 1195

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9012042

Practical Solutions SP located at 10009 Corkwood Ave, Santee, CA 92071.

Registrant: Sarah Ann McCormack Pike-Peck, 10009 Corkwood Ave, Santee, CA 92071.

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature: Sarah Ann McCormack Pike-Peck. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/02/2023. AJ 1201 06/09, 06/16, 06/23, and 06/30/2023. AJSD 1201

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011674 Monica’s Salon located at 1667 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105. Registrant: Blanca E. Houston, 5305 Santa Margarita, San Diego, CA 92114. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/30/2023.

Signature: Blanca E. Houston. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/30/2023. AJ 1196 06/02, 06/09, 06/16, and 06/23/2023. AJSD 1196

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9012232

Guzman’s Garage located at 2902 National Ave, San Diego, CA 92113. Registrant: Guzman’s Garage LLC, 2902 National Ave, San Diego, CA 92113. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/01/2023.

Signature: Miguel V. Guzman. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/06/2023. AJ 1202 06/09, 06/16, 06/23, and 06/30/2023. AJSD 1202

AJ 1198 06/02, 06/09, 06/16, and 06/23/2023. AJSD 1198

Signature: David Hoang. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/19/2023. AJ 1199 06/09, 06/16, 06/23, and 06/30/2023.

Signature: Ruben Diosdado Martinez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/22/2023. AJ 1200 06/09, 06/16, 06/23, and 06/30/2023. AJSD 1200

Former ‘Eat Bulaga’ hosts move to TV5

By Aric John Sy cuA ManilaTimes.net

THE original “Eat Bulaga” trio of former senate president Vicente “Tito” Sotto 3rd, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon have moved networks.

An announcement by Mediaquest Holdings Inc. on Wednesday, June 7 confirmed the move of the trio from GMA to TV5 and the group’s other platforms.

“The Mediaquest Group has entered into an agreement with Tito, Vic, and Joey and the Dabarkads to produce content for TV5 and other Mediaquest platforms,” the announcement read.

The trio left the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga last week, after 44 years due to a dispute with producers TAPE Inc. On Monday, June 5, the noontime show presented new hosts led by Paolo Contis. n

Alexa says her mom approves of KD

By hAnnAh MAllorcA Inquirer.net

ALEXA Ilacad revealed that her mother approves of her onscreen partner, singer-actor KD Estrada, with the actress saying that they are still in the courting stage.

Ilacad spoke about the status of her relationship with Estrada during an interview with the morning show “Magandang Buhay,” which was uploaded on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s official YouTube channel last Tuesday, June 7.

“Nakakatuwa po [si KD] actually. Kasi minsan lumalabas kami, let’s say after work, after [ng] pag-uwi namin, aakyat siya sa house tapos maghe-hello siya kay Mommy ta’s lagi niyang sasabihan ng, ‘Tita, thank you for letting me take out your daughter.’ Ta’s si Mommy, ‘Ano bang ginawa niyo? Ano ba, okay lang naman,’” she said.

(KD is amusing actually. Because when we sometimes go out, let’s say after work, after coming home, he would visit our house then he would say “hello” to Mommy. He would

constantly say, “Tita, thank you for letting me take out your daughter.’ Then my Mommy would say, “What did you do?

Don’t worry, it’s fine.”)

When asked by host Jolina Magdangal if the singeractress’ mother approves of Estrada, she said that her mom is very supportive of the “Days” singer.

“Si Mommy, botong-boto [siya]. Super (Mommy approves

of him a lot. Super),” she said in response, while her loveteam partner was spotted smiling during Ilacad’s response. During the interview, the “Killer Bride” star admitted that Estrada is still courting her until this day.

“Actually, past tense na ‘yung naganap [ang panliligaw]. So present tense,” Ilacad replied to host Melai Cantiveros. “Yes, [nililigawan niya ako] for a very

long time because why the rush?”

(Actually, it’s past tense to say that he’s done courting me, so present tense. Yes, he’s courting me for a very long time because why the rush?)

The “Pinoy Big Brother” alum seconded Ilacad’s statement saying, “Why rush a good thing?” Ilacad and Estrada first crossed paths as housemates in “Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10” which aired from October 2021 to May 2022.

The loveteam, also known as KDLex, admitted during an interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer that they refused to “put a label” in their relationship despite being sweet to one another on- and off-screen.

“We see each other as partners but right now, especially with our very busy careers, we don’t want to put a label on it. We fear this will only cause problems later on; that it’s going to make the relationship more high maintenance. As of now, we just want to take it slow,” Estrada said. n

Fernando Carillo

‘Rosalinda’ actor Fernando Carrillo admits ‘dating’ Korina Sanchez in the past

REMEMBER

By hAnnAh MAllorcA Inquirer.net

Fernando Carillo, the Venezuelan actor who played the role of Fernando Jose in the Mexican telenovela “Rosalinda”? The swoon-worthy actor of the late 90’s just let out his charm when he visited the country recently, but dropped a little bombshell when he admitted to “dating” broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez in the past.

During a June 8 episode of afternoon talk show “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Carrillo was asked if he has ever fallen in love with a Filipina before, who which the Latino actor answered in the negative, though he admitted to always having been captivated by Filipina beauties.

“I don’t think I (have fallen) in love [with a Filipina], but I’ve always been attracted to the beauty of the Filipino women,” he said. “And I’ve met some very beautiful women, and I keep meeting beautiful women.”

When host Boy Abunda asked him if he ever dated a Filipino woman in the past, Carrillo admitted that he went out with

Sanchez with some friends. Sanchez is now married to former Senator and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, with whom she shared twins.

“It depends on what ‘date’ means, but I went to dinner with a very smart Filipino. Can I say who it was? Or are we going to get in trouble,” he said. “I have huge respect for Korina Sanchez. She’s a good friend, and I respect her very much.”

While the Venezuelan actor didn’t disclose further details about their dinner, he shared that it happened during his past visit in the country.

“We did an amazing interview once upon a time in Miami, and then I came to the Philippines once. And we went to have dinner with some friends. [Maybe that], we can call it a date. But she’s a dear friend whom I respect and I admire very much,” said Carillo, who is now married to a woman from Colombia.

Carrillo also revealed in the same interview that he’s currently in the Philippines for

Vic Sotto and Joey De Leon

GMA photo

KD Estrada, Alexa Ilacad

Photo from Instagram/@alexailacad

City of San Diego approves installation of interactive kiosks in downtown

New tool to provide millions in revenue and much-needed services to visitors, residents and businesses

SAN DIEGO – The future is now for the City of San Diego. On Tuesday, June 6, the City Council approved plans to install in Downtown at least 50 interactive kiosks designed to help visitors and residents navigate the city.

The new partnership with IKE (Interactive Kiosk Experience) Smart City and the Downtown San Diego Partnership aims to bring state-ofthe-art wayfinding technology to commercial, pedestrian-oriented areas at no cost to the City or its constituents.

In fact, the project is expected to produce nearly $15 million for the City of San Diego and another $7 million for the Downtown San Diego Partnership. IKE Smart City works collaboratively with the city and the Partnership on location selection, kiosk branding, on-screen content, and community engagement.

“This partnership advances Downtown San Diego’s strengths and puts wayfinding information into the public’s hands,” said Economic Development Department Director Christina Bibler. “These interactive kiosks are the future of interconnected technology for cities. They create access to public Wi-Fi and serve as an important public tool to help connect residents and visitors alike to the many modes of transportation, thriving local businesses, and services San Diego offers.”

Each kiosk serves as a free Wi-Fi hotspot and is geo-located, displaying informational listings based on what’s in immediate proximity to the kiosk. The kiosks have dual-sided digital touchscreens and are fully ADA-compliant, complete with interactive applications that drive the discovery of local businesses, promote diverse mobility solutions, and improve equity with 24/7

access to resources. The next steps will be for the new locations to be submitted to the city for review and approval by the Economic Development Department (EDD) and Development Services Department (DSD) as outlined in the agreement. They then have three years to identify and set up the 50 locations per the agreement.

“As an organization committed to advancing the economic prosperity and cultural vitality of our urban neighborhoods, we are excited to see Downtown San Diego join other major downtown areas in the United States who benefit from IKE Smart City’s interactive digital kiosks,” said Betsy Brennan, President & CEO of the Downtown San Diego Partnership. “We can’t wait to see the different ways people who live, work or play Downtown will benefit from introducing these systems.”

IKE is multilingual and includes detailed content listings of nearby restaurants, shops, businesses, cultural institutions, events, jobs and civic resources. The kiosks also provide access to social services information such as homeless shelters, addiction recovery programs and food support.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the City of San Diego and the Downtown San Diego Partnership to launch our platform in this exciting and vibrant city,” said Pete Scantland, CEO of IKE Smart City.

“IKE’s innovative technology will serve as a new amenity for the public, providing greater access to information that further activates discovery, mobility, and equity for residents and visitors.”

IKE networks operate in 15 cities nationwide, including Baltimore, Berkeley, Houston, Miami, San Antonio, Tampa and Tempe.

(City of San Diego Release) n

State Treasurer Fiona Ma

officially announces candidacy for Lieutenant Governor

Backed with key endorsements and funding, Ma seeks to become state’s first elected Asian American and second elected woman Lieutenant Governor SACRAMENTO – State Treasurer Fiona Ma on Wednesday, May 31 formally announced her bid to become California’s Lieutenant Governor in 2026.

Ma, a Democrat and Certified Public Accountant, would be the state’s first elected Asian American Lieutenant Governor and the second woman elected to the position. She would also be the first CPA to be elected Lt. Governor of the state.

“With more than two decades of experience in public office, I am uniquely qualified to be California’s second-highest ranking elected official — where I will continue to be a powerful advocate for improving our state’s housing supply, environment, education systems and economy,” said Treasurer Ma. “California needs proven leadership to take on bold action to meet our ambitious climate change and energy goals, level the playing field and attract better quality jobs for all Californians while expanding access to healthcare, housing and education. I am committed to ensuring California remains an economic leader and powerhouse, investing in the small, family-owned businesses and the people that are the foundation of our success.” Ma, 57, has been serving as California’s 34th State Treasurer since 2019. She was first elected on November 6, 2018 with more votes (7,825,587) than any other candidate for Treasurer in the state’s history. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected to the position.

City of San Diego to launch engagement efforts for citywide cultural plan

San Diegans invited to family-friendly forum and pop-up events

SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego will kick off June by hosting its first public events that will help shape the development of Creative City, the city’s cultural plan, which aims to align arts and culture with key priority areas including housing, mobility and infrastructure, sustainability and regional prosperity.

Development of the cultural plan kicks off with a robust community engagement process to hear what San Diegans envision for their creative lives and to set a strategic framework for guiding the arts and cultural sectors.

All San Diegans are invited to attend the first family-friendly Creative City forum at the Soap Factory, located at 2995 Commercial St., on Tuesday, June 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees can expect the following:

• Opening remarks, a welcome from San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and an overview of the cultural planning process;

• Interactive activities where attendees can weigh in on the creative future of our city;

• Music, refreshments and hands-on art-making experience;

• Information to take home and share.

San Diegans can stop by popup events to learn more about the

Creative City cultural planning process, share insights on what they want for the future of arts and culture in their neighborhood and surrounding communities, enjoy refreshments and participate in a unique hands-on art-making experience. Pop-up events will be held at four locations on two dates in June:

• Wednesday, June 21, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

– Light Box Theater, 2590 Truxton Road, #205

– Ocean Air Recreation Center, 4770 Fairport Way

• Thursday, June 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

– City Heights Performance Annex, 3795 Fairmount Ave.

– Mission Trails Visitor Center, 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail.

The cultural planning project team will also facilitate discussions with industry and sector-specific groups on topics ranging from the creative economy to music and film industries to tourism and cultural districts.

Additional cultural planning events will take place in July, along with a public survey. A calendar of upcoming events is available on the city’s website. San Diegans are also encouraged to host community conversations with toolkits available to guide them.

Input gathered at these events will allow the city, Cultural Planning Group, LLC, and other team partners to comprehensively assess the state of San Diego’s arts and culture and strategically position the city and transborder region as an equitable place of inspiration and prosperity. The resulting seven to 10-year plan will align art and culture with the priorities of the city with a focus on goals outlined in the framework. The final Creative City cultural plan will be completed by March 2025.

The city is committed to ensuring all San Diegans can participate in the cultural planning process. Residents are encouraged to get involved and share insights to capture San Diego’s cultural traditions and creative assets. To learn more and to register to attend an event, visit sdcreativecity.com.

The City of San Diego advances and drives an equitable and inclusive creative economy and cultural ecosystem by investing in the work of artists and creatives and the institutions and systems that amplify creative work and experiences. To sign up for updates and learn more, visit sandiego.gov/arts-culture.

(City of San Diego Release) n

Adopt a cat or big dog to help reduce pet homelessness

MORE than 400 animals in care at County shelters in Bonita and Carlsbad are waiting for adopters or fosters!

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, but county shelters continue to care for a high inventory of medium- to large- dogs, so the department is promoting both this month. Instead of the normal adoption fees for cats and big dogs, County Department of Animal Services staff are asking people to donate to a fund that provides access to affordable spay/neuter services for pet owners experiencing financial hardship.

All cats and big dogs will be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped. A dog license will be included as well.

As a result of a 65% increase in animals at the county’s shelters, medium- to-large dogs are living at shelters longer than normal. The average stay for one of these dogs is now 60 days, and some dogs have been at the shelter for more than a year.

Scientific studies have shown that animals have a beneficial effect on people’s physical and mental health – and while not noted, it surely has a

u PAGE 11

‘Rosalinda’ actor Fernando...

endorsements and to launch a reality show that aims to create a co-ed singing group.

The actor gained widespread popularity after starring with Mexican superstar Thalia in the 1999 telenovela “Rosalinda,” where the former’s character is a man of social status.

As the state’s banker, Ma helped steer the state’s finances through the COVID-19 pandemic. She has grown and revamped the state’s affordable housing and homeless housing programs, funded clean energy projects to create new jobs, and dramatically increased Californians’ ability to save for college, retirement, live with a disability and achieve a better quality of life. At the same time, she has bolstered support for K-12 and higher education. She also has been a strong advocate of divestment from fossil fuels at the state’s pension funds. Her office processes $2.5 trillion in payments within a typical year and provides transparency and oversight for the government’s investment portfolio and accounts, as well as for the state’s surplus funds. Treasurer Ma oversees an investment portfolio that currently averages over $200 billion – a significant portion of which is beneficially owned

by more than 2,200 local governments in California. She serves as agent of sale for all state bonds and is trustee of billions of dollars of state indebtedness.

Ma previously served as a member of the California Board of Equalization from 2015 to 2019 and the California State Assembly from 2006 to 2012. She has built a reputation as a solution-oriented public servant and adept at building unlikely coalitions to overcome California’s most complex problems. Prior to serving as Speaker pro Tempore, she was Assembly Majority Whip and built coalitions during a state budget crisis to pass groundbreaking legislation that protected public education and the environment while expanding access to health care.

As an Assembly Member, she authored 60 bills that were signed into law by two different governors. Her successful legislation to ban toxic chemicals in baby products, known as phthalates, became a model for federal legislation that was authored by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein in 2008. She chaired the Assembly Select Committee on Domestic Violence and spearheaded legislation that strengthened laws protecting victims of domestic violence, consumers and working families; prevented the spread of Hepatitis B; increased access to quality health care; and expanded equal rights for all Californians.

From 2002 to 2006, she served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and championed a human rights campaign to end human trafficking in massage parlors and close prostitution rings. She led an effort to create the city’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program to empower small businesses to more easily participate in public works projects.

Treasurer Ma first became

involved in public service in 1994 when she was elected president of the Asian Business Association, where she began advocating at San Francisco City Hall and the State Capitol on behalf of minority business owners. Her work resulted in her election in 1995 as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business, where she advocated for socially responsible contracting for minorities and women in San Francisco, ultimately producing a report to Congress detailing 60 top policy recommendations to help small businesses grow and prosper in the 21st century.

Also in 1995, she was appointed to the Assessment Appeals Board of San Francisco by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. That year she started her public service career as a part-time district representative for then-State Senator John Burton and served as Burton’s district representative until her election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. For Burton, she was responsible for helping constituents with MediCal, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, franchise and employment development department taxes, and professional licensing.

From 1989 to 1993 she worked for Ernst & Whinney in the real estate tax group, before starting her own accounting practice in San Francisco. Today Ernst & Young is one of the largest professional services firms in the world and considered one of the “big four” accounting firms.

Treasurer Ma has been a licensed CPA in California since 1992 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), a Master’s Degree in Taxation from Golden Gate University (SF), an MBA from Pepperdine University, and an Honorary Doctorate from the RIT.

She is a Member of the Vatican’s Council for Inclusive Capitalism, Member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants, serves on the Board of California Women Lead, asa member of the CalCPA society, is an Honorary Chair and Spokesperson for the San Francisco Hepatitis B Free Campaign, and is a member of the Screen Actors Guild. Treasurer Ma is also active with the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) and has served as the 2020 Chair of the ABLE Committee and Member of the Legislative Committee. She is married to Jason Hodge, a full-time firefighter and Oxnard Harbor Commissioner. n

SDPL swings into summer with reading challenge and new Padres library card

Kids, adults can earn prizes for reading and completing literacy activities

SAN DIEGO – Grab a new library card and get reading during the City of San Diego Public Library’s (SDPL) 2023 Summer Reading Program!

This year’s theme is “Discover Your Voice” and readers of all ages are encouraged to share their stories, express themselves and spark change.

For the first time, SDPL is offering a Padresthemed library card for patrons this summer.

Starting Monday, June 5, new users can get the Padres card by signing up for a library card for free at any of the City’s 36 libraries. Existing patrons can replace their current cards at no cost.

The cards were also available at the Padres game on Sunday, June 4, at the SDPL booth in Gallagher Square inside Petco Park.

“Teaming up with the Padres is a fun way to promote reading and to join the excitement San Diegans have for their home team,” said Library Director Misty Jones. “We encourage everyone to visit their local library, pick up a library card and register for the Summer Reading Program. It’s a great way to keep reading skills sharp for kids when they’re out of school and for readers of all ages to find new stories to enjoy.”

The Summer Reading Program began on Thursday, June 1, and runs through Thursday, Aug. 31. Participants can earn prizes by completing 10 books, 10 hours of reading or a combination of

reading and activities. Activities include attending a library storytime or Summer Reading event, starting a journal or recommending a book to a friend.

The Summer Reading Program offers age categories for children (ages 0-5 and 6-11), youth (ages 12-17) and adults (ages 18 and up). After completing the program, readers will be eligible for prizes including free books, meal vouchers and passes to local museums. Reading and activities can be tracked online or on paper logs printed at home or picked up at any SDPL location.

Last year, more than 24,000 people participated in the Summer Reading Program, reading nearly 366,000 books. To register online and view lists of recommended books and activities, visit sandiego. gov/summerreading.

With a vision of being the place for opportunity, discovery and inspiration, the San Diego Public Library is a hub for knowledge and lifelong learning. As the largest library system in the region, it serves a population of more than 1.4 million people. Learn about events at the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Irwin Jacobs Common and 35 community branch libraries, find links to programs and resources or search for materials in the online catalog at www.sandiegolibrary.org.

(SDPL Release) n

The hit Mexican drama was then remade in the Philippines in 2009, with Carla Abellana and Geoff Eigenmann taking on the roles of Rosalinda and Fernando Jose, respectively. Carrillo signed a contract with Viva Entertainment in 2012 to expand his career in the country.

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma File photo/www.treasurer.ca.gov

Hundreds of San Diego residents receive assistance through Pilipino Workers Center

PWC culminates Team and Changes special outreach project with a free-check up for caregivers

SAN DIEGO — Pilipino

Workers Center (PWC) San Diego culminated their Team and Changes special outreach project with a community presentation outreach last May 27 at the National Public Library in National City, CA. The event was the final leg of a 3-month long outreach program, which collectively has reached more than 700 residents of San Diego.

Previous outreach events occurred on March 31 at Parkwood Villa Apartments and on April 8 at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA in San Diego.

Through the Team and Changes program, Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) provides assistance to communities with limited English proficiency, lowincome individuals and families, and the elderly population who are often technologically challenged and vulnerable to scams. Close to 500 people attended PWC’s April 8 outreach event, majority of whom were from the elderly population and who were in dire need of assistance.

“My heart bled seeing so many people with oxygen tanks lined up before we started setting up at 8:30 a.m., and come to find out they had been there since 6:30 a.m. The event wasn’t set to start until 10 a.m.,” said PWC SD organizer, Nicanora Montenegro.

In the series of outreach events, Pilipino Workers Center, in partnership with various allies in the community such as Grandparents Connection, Mabuhay Foundation and National Federation of Filipino Associations (NAFAA), organized workshops to educate the community about understanding the charges on their telephone, internet and utility bills. As hundreds of people showed up seeking relief from inflated debt and rate hikes, the organizers offered assistance through education and resources for billrelated issues.

“There were people here who couldn’t write their names, and most didn’t understand the breakdown of the charges on their bills. This program was designed to assign them a caseworker to help them understand that,” said Montenegro.

Although Pilipino Workers Center explained that the organization cannot pay the

Have you been getting scammy text messages?

IF you get tons of scam text messages, you’re not alone. Lots of people have been reporting to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that they’re getting texts from scammers impersonating people and organizations you know and trust — like your bank or companies like Amazon. An analysis of consumer reports reveals the top text scams from 2022. So, what are they?

And how do you avoid them?

The latest FTC Data Spotlight explores how text scams try to get you to act NOW. Whether it’s the thrill of getting a free item or the panic about a large unauthorized charge, scammers know that these texts are hard to ignore. The most-reported text scam looks like a fraud alert from

your bank, but it’s fake. It might say there’s suspicious activity on your account and tell you to call a number. Or to reply “yes or no” to confirm a big purchase (that you didn’t really make). But don’t do it. There is no real problem.

Adopt a cat or big...

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bills directly, they are offering direct assistance to consumers and can advocate for them in conflict resolutions and cases. Additionally, PWC is able to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate assistance for the Filipino community with workers speaking fluently in Tagalog or Filipino, Bisaya and other dialects.

PWC also provided $20 gift cards to the first 200 attendees of the events who brought bills. It will continue to provide assistance and resources to San Diego residents who are in need. Inquiries can be made by telephone through these numbers: (619) 316-7996 or (619) 601-8855.

The Team and Changes is a community assistance program brought by the California Public Utitlities Commissions (CPUC) with assistance of communitybased organizations. The TEAM (Telecommunications Education and Assistance in MultipleLanguages) program provides services to Limited English Proficient (LEP) consumers with telecommunications issues by focusing on three service components – consumer education, care assistance, and program outreach. Assistance is provided statewide through community based organizations that work with LEP consumers in their preferred language and with cultural sensitivity.

CPUC’s CHANGES (Community Help and Awareness of Natural Gas and Electric Services) program provides services to Limited English Proficient consumers who need help with energy issues. The program provides consumer education, case assistance, and program outreach.

Founded in 1997, Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) is a grassroots non-profit that organizes, educates, and mobilizes worker and immigrant Filipinx communities. Through culturally and linguistically appropriate programs and services, PWC aims to build collective power in order to change non-inclusive and oppressive systems to secure the dignity, safety, and economic stability of the Filipinx community. For more information visit www.pwcsc. org. (PWC Release) n

beneficial effect on the adopted animal’s physical and mental health as well.

Find your new cat or bigger dog, as in 50+ pounds, by browsing through the county shelters’ animal inventory. Kittens, smaller dogs, pigs and bunnies are also available for regular adoption now on the Adoptions page. Pick a second and third choice too, just in case your first choice is already adopted.

Walk-in hours are from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at both the South Shelter, 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita, or the North Shelter, 2481 Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad. People can save time by completing a pet adoption application in advance.

The County Department of Animal Services’ top priority is providing excellent care in its shelters while finding good homes for every healthy and treatable animal. While the goal is to find the right fit for animals and their permanent adopter to form a lasting and loving bond, animal fostering is another opportunity for animals to learn how to be in a home and socialize with people and other animals.

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

They just want your money or personal information.

Another common text scam promises a “free gift”— if you click a link. But then they ask you for payment information to cover the “shipping cost.” If you give it,

you’ll get unauthorized charges on your account…and no free gift. So how do you avoid these and other text scams?

• Don’t click on links or respond to unexpected texts. If you think a text might be legit, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real. Don’t use the information in the text message.

• Report text scams. Forward them to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages. And if you spot a text scam, the FTC wants to hear about it. Tell us what happened at ReportFraud. ftc.gov. (Art Lazarus/Consumer Education Specialist, FTC) n

Photos courtesy of Pilipino Workers Center