062123 - Southern California Midweek Edition

No place for fake news in modern society – Marcos

by Jerome Aning Inquirer.net

MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, June 19 called on government agencies to uphold the people’s freedom of information (FOI) as he vowed to continue fighting fake news in the country.

“Like everyone here, we too recognize as a matter of principle that fake news should have no place in modern society,” he said at the opening of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) held at

the Philippine International Convention Center.

The ICIC is a global network linking commissioners, ombudsmen, and other authorities overseeing the implementation of legislation and policies on access to public information.

The president commended the ICIC for its efforts in fostering the right to access to information.

“The Philippines stands in solidarity with the ICIC and the entire international community in this advocacy. As a nation with a robust democracy, we reaffirm our commitment to

Attacker of elderly Filipino in Las Vegas charged with hate crime

A MAN accused of brutally assaulting an elderly Filipino man will be tried on hate crime-related charges, Clark County, Las Vegas District Attorney Steve Wolfson announced on Friday, June 16.

Christian Lentz, 44, accused of beating up Amadeo Quindara, 75, had been detained for felony residential burglary but was released a week after the May 30 incident.

Quindara was left with deep cuts on his head, a black eye and an emotional suffering that he says cannot be treated.

Lentz’s release triggered protests from the public. Lentz now faces charges including residential burglary and elder abuse, perpetrated as hate crimes.

Quindara was reportedly having a conversation in Tagalog with a friend in his own garage when Lentz allegedly intruded

champion this basic human right. It remains indelibly etched in our fundamental law,” he said.

Marcos also assured his audience of the continued implementation of the FOI program in the executive branch and among all government agencies, as he urged them “to genuinely uphold and give effect to the people’s FOI in the course of our day-to-day operations, with good faith and with openness.”

“[T]he FOI program has greatly advanced the campaign against misinformation and u PAGE 2

Marcos: Filipinos want livelihood, not dole-out

MANILA – President Marcos has vowed to sustain his administration’s livelihood programs, citing the “Filipino mentality” which he said is not reliant on dole-outs.

file photo

by Beatrice Pinlac Inquirer.net

MANILA — Despite the swift approval of the Maharlika Investment Fund bill in Congress, the controversial measure is still not yet on the table of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his approval.

The past few weeks have been filled with talks on how Congress can amend the conflicting sections in the version of the Maharlika bill that was approved by the Senate on third and final reading, and adopted by the House of Representatives.

In his YouTube vlog on Saturday, June 17, Marcos gave a recap of his activities last week, which included his Independence Day celebration attendance, the launching of various development programs and the distribution of different types of government

assistance to residents affected by the restiveness of Mayon Volcano.

Marcos said giving of immediate relief to the needy would continue, but clarified that the distribution program goes beyond doling out cash.

“The quest for freedom from poverty is a struggle that the government continues to face. So the distribution of aid that temporarily assists our countrymen will not be stopped. It provides immediate relief to thousands of Filipino families. But our distribution program

is different because it does not only provide financial aid. We also provide livelihood means,” Marcos said in Filipino. He cited the distribution of farm equipment like harvesters and rice seeders, the government’s integrated livelihood and internship programs and scholarships.

“These are not just cash assistance, but an opportunity for Filipinos to find livelihood. They are not just relying on aid. What we are seeing is in times of need, Filipinos do not just u PAGE 2

Hontiveros: Bring West PH Sea issue to UN

President, and after which, it could be transmitted to Malacañang. So that’s the latest update that we got,” he told reporters at the Senate.

According to the Senate website, an enrolled bill is the final copy of the proposed measure, which had been certified as correct by the Secretary of the Senate and the Secretary General of the House of Representatives. It must also be signed by both the House Speaker and the Senate President.

Ejercito said Zubiri is still in Washington for official business, so Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. may “bring it” to him to secure his signature.

by BernAdeTTe e. TAmAyo ManilaTimes.net

SEN. Ana Theresia "Risa" Hontiveros urged the government to bring the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The senator joined the recent call of retired Justice Antonio Carpio for China to stop its aggressive actions. She asked the Department of Foreign Affairs to sponsor a resolution before the UNGA that will call on China to stop its harassment of Filipino vessels in the WPS.

LOS Angeles Lakers assistant coach and head of player development Phil Handy expressed his belief that Filipino NBA hopeful Kai Sotto is talented enough to make the NBA. Handy, a three-time NBA champion as an assistant coach, made this known in a media availability on Monday, June 19, at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bonifacio Global City.

As far as Handy is concerned, making the NBA is not a matter of if but just a matter of when for the 7-foot-3 Sotto. It's all about when that opportunity is going to meet Sotto.

"I believe he's very talented. I don't believe in putting timelines on athletes. I've had a chance to see him play for a couple of years. He's naturally gifted. He spent some time down in Australia, and that really helped develop his game" said Handy of Sotto, who started the first two years of his career in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL).

"It could be this summer, it could be next year. It really just depends on the opportunity. It really just depends on opportunity. Sometimes, players' opportunities come at

Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito on Tuesday, June 20 said that a clean version of the Maharlika bill now awaits the signature of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

“I know the enrolled copy of the bill is already ready for the signature of the Senate

by AngelicA TApAs ManilaTimes.net

ANOTHER subvariant of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was detected in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday, June 20. The subvariant FE.1.1 is an XBB sublineage that was added to the list of variants that is being under-monitored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

The variant is being monitored for its increasing global prevalence and as of the moment, 35 countries across

When asked about the errors in the provisions of the Maharlika bill, Ejercito said those have already been dealt with.

“That’s why it took a while. They fixed it

six continents had detected this according to the sequence submission in GISAID which, according to medical websites, is "a global science initiative established in 2008 to provide access to genomic data of influenza viruses."

The database was expanded to include the coronavirus responsible for the COVID -19 pandemic,[as well as other pathogens.

Available evidence showed, however, that this variant is not as severe compared to the original Omicron variant.

The DOH had reported that as of posting time, only one case has been detected among the samples sequenced. g

She said that "a UN General Assembly Resolution, while not legally binding, carry significant political weight and serve as expressions of the will and consensus of the international community, with the potential to shape international norms, influence national policies, and provide guidance for the work of other UN organs, specialized agencies, and regional organizations."

"As far back as 2016, through the landmark Arbitral ruling, it has been established that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights over Filipino resources," Hontiveros said in a statement.

u PAGE 2

Sen. Risa Hontiveros ManilaTimes.net file photo

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang

No place for fake news in...

PAGE 1

disinformation in the country—a problem that we in the Philippines also suffer from as, I guess, all of us do around the world,” he said.

‘Serious problem’

Fake news has been widely regarded as an undermining factor in public discourse and news reporting here and overseas.

A survey by the Social Weather Stations in February 2022 showed 69 percent of its respondents saying that fake news was a “serious problem” in the country.

In 2017, a University of Oxford study found that the camp of thenPresident Rodrigo Duterte spent $200,000 — or about P10 million — for his social media campaign during the 2016 presidential race.

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6/21/23

CNS-3712152#

ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

US-based rights group Freedom House said also in 2017 that the Duterte administration was operating fake social media accounts to attack its critics, employing what it called “a keyboard army.”

Duterte himself admitted that year that he paid “trolls,” but only during the 2016 campaign.

His administration would be hounded by accusations that it exploited fake news—such as in 2021 when the Senate sought an inquiry into reports that state funds were being used for fake news operations. In the 2022 election campaign, then-presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was offered troll farms to boost his campaign, but said he did not avail himself of this.

“We have no trolls. None. Not a single one. I have been offered a click army. I’ve been offered a troll. I did not use it,” he told CNN in an interview at that time.

Tsek.ph, an academe-based fact-checking initiative, said in February that year that Marcos had become a beneficiary of misleading social media messaging, while Twitter suspended hundreds of accounts allegedly linked to his supporters for violating its rules.

FOI policy

Despite accusations against Duterte and Marcos that they benefited from social media

propaganda, it was Duterte who issued Executive Order No. 2 (series of 2016) laying down an FOI policy in the government — which Marcos said he would strengthen.

Marcos enumerated in his speech the current initiatives under the FOI program during his administration’s watch.

“We will undertake a massive media and information literacy campaign, which shall be digital, multimedia, and youth-oriented,” he said, adding that part of that effort would be an “e-governance initiative aimed at digitalizing and streamlining government services from the national to the local levels.”

Marcos also said the executive branch is working with Congress in crafting an e-governance law that would serve the people’s complementary rights to free information and good governance.

He said these principles were at the core of his administration’s Philippine Development Plan for 2023 to 2028.

‘Our best interest’

Marcos said the ICIC had been “globally instrumental in promoting full human development, by shaping minds, by shaping our consciousness.”

“Undeniably, this is to our best interest as a nation. It is a key to our pursuit of good governance, improved public services, and a more progressive and sustainable society,” he said.

The Philippines is the first Asian and Southeast Asian country to host the conference, which is now in its 20th year.

Previous conferences were held in Mexico (2005 and 2022), South Africa (2004 and 2019), the United Kingdom (2017 and 2006), Chile (2015), Germany (2013 and 2003), Canada (2011), Norway (2009) and New Zealand (2007).

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO), through its Freedom of Information Program Management Office, is hosting the conference which ends on Wednesday.

Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said the PCO’s hosting showed that “the Philippine government recognizes access to information as a fundamental human right that must be upheld.” g

Marcos: Filipinos want livelihood...

wait for assistance. Filipinos are diligent and it would be better for Filipinos if they work, if they have a sure source of income and if there is hope that they will be able to improve their plight,” the President said.

“That’s the Filipino mentality. They prefer to work than to rely on aid. This is an example of freedom from lack of opportunities to earn a living,” he added. Marcos said other countries play a role in the Philippines’ goal to achieve economic development, specifically through trade and investments that create

jobs and efforts to maintain peace in the region and to take care of overseas Filipino workers.

He reiterated his call for unity, saying it is the only way to free Filipinos from any trial they are facing as a nation.

The Philippines’ friendship with countries that became part of its history would provide more opportunities to diligent and talented Filipinos, Marcos added.

In the same vlog entry, he gave assurance that the government is ready in case the restiveness of Mayon Volcano drags on for months. He said the evacuees in

Albay are in good condition and have received assistance.

“Even if their evacuation is prolonged, the government is ready to give aid to those who were evacuated from the sixkilometer radius of the Mayon Volcano,” Marcos said.

Last Thursday, June 15, the President said the government has enough funds to assist those who were displaced by the volcano’s activities. However, he reminded agencies to study the needs of the evacuees and to consider issues that are not quantifiable, like their mental health and the education of their children. g

Hontiveros: Bring West PH Sea issue...

On June 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration rendered a landmark award in favor of the Philippines rejecting China's nine-dash line which imposes expansive claims to the entire South China Sea and encroaches on the maritime entitlements of other coastal states. The senator accused China of breaching its obligations under international law "when it violated our sovereign rights over our continental shelf and exclusive

economic zone."

"This is a clear and unequivocal decision. The Hague Ruling will never be diminished by China's antagonistic and perpetual noncompliance," Hontiveros said.

"Beijing's blunt refusal to accept her legal fate should have serious consequences. The UN General Assembly should be able to tell China to behave," she added.

Hontiveros honored the legacy of the late senator Rodolfo Biazon, whom she described as "a staunch advocate" of the

country's interests in the WPS. Biazon's remains were transferred to the Senate on Monday for necrological services.

"Former Sen[ator] Biazon is known for his unwavering advocacy of the interests of the Philippines, especially in the WPS," Hontiveros said. She said in 2021, Biazon called on the government to make a clear stand on the disputed territories and urged the National Security Council to map out a united national position on the issue. g

Antonio* was working in construction when he suffered a serious injury. Without knowing how long his rehabilitation would take, his biggest concern was how he was going to pay his bills and keep a roof over his head. That all changed when Antonio’s friend referred him to a free housing counseling service. Counselors in this program provide free advice and education on mortgage delinquency, rental housing, homebuying, reverse mortgages, and even preventing homelessness.

Funding for this service comes from California’s State Budget via the National Mortgage Settlement (NMS) and is administered by the California Housing Finance Agency. Through its NMS Housing Counseling Program, CalHFA has already helped more than 50,000 families find HUDcertified housing counselors throughout the state for free, confidential housing counseling services.

A housing counselor worked with Antonio, answering his questions about banking and credit options. The session was

focused on how he could meet his financial goals even when unable to work due to the injury. They worked on the basics of establishing credit and reviewed the banking process as he did not have a bank account. The housing counselor helped him establish a general lifestyle budget to manage expenses and start saving towards his financial goals. In addition, the housing counselor helped him enroll in an English as a Second Language course, because language was something Antonio wanted to expand. Finally, he was referred to an advocate who helped him file a Workers Compensation claim.

“Hard-working Californians who deserve to take part in the American dream don’t always have a safety net to fall back on in difficult times,” said Tiena Johnson Hall, Executive Director of California Housing Finance Agency.

“This program helps people stabilize their living situation with advice and access to programs and resources that they might not otherwise know about.”

To find a counselor, anyone can visit CalHFA’s

website and search NMS, or go straight to the counseling page at https://www.calhfa. ca.gov/community/nms/ resources.htm. All sessions are free, and homeowners can contact one of these organizations even if they don’t live in the same geographic area, since counseling can be done over the telephone or a video call.

The NMS Housing Counseling Program got Antonio through a tough spot. When he later checked back in with his counselor, he was pleased to have opened a bank account, was working on his credit score, and had started a community college class focused on ESL. Most importantly, Antonio was still in his home with a roof over his head.

Says Johnson Hall, “Housing counseling is a crucial service that reduces homelessness, addresses housing insecurity and reduces barriers to homeownership, all of which can set people on the path to financial wellbeing. I hope anybody who is having trouble takes this opportunity for free help.”

*not client’s real name

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PEPE! The photos and memorabilia of Dr. Jose Rizal draw visitors at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila on Monday, June 19, the national hero’s 162nd birth anniversary. Rizal was fondly called Pepe, the seventh child of Don Francisco Mercado and Doña Teodora Alonso born in Calamba, Laguna. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, June 19 called on government agencies to uphold the people’s freedom of information (FOI) as he vowed to continue fighting fake news in the country. Malacañang file photo

International rights group calls out US for allowing hospitals to push millions into debt

by Noam N.

HUMAN Rights Watch, the nonprofit that for decades has called attention to the victims of war, famine, and political repression around the world, is taking aim at U.S. hospitals for pushing millions of American patients into debt.

In a new report, published June 15, the group calls for stronger government action to protect Americans from aggressive billing and debt collection by nonprofit hospitals, which Human Rights Watch said are systematically undermining patients’ human rights.

“Given the high prevalence of hospital-related medical debt in the US, this system is clearly not working,” concludes the report, which draws extensively on an ongoing investigation of medical debt by KFF Health News and NPR.

The report continues: “The US model of subsidizing privately operated hospitals with tax exemptions in the hope that they will increase the accessibility of hospital care for un- and underinsured patients allows for abusive medical billing and

debt collection practices and undermines human rights, including the right to health.”

Nationwide, about 100 million people — or 41% of adults — have some form of health care debt, a KFF survey conducted for the KFF Health News-NPR project found. And while patient debt is being driven by a range of medical and dental bills, polls and studies suggest hospitals are a major contributor.

About a third of U.S. adults with health care debt owed money for hospitalization, KFF’s polling found. Close to half of those owed at least $5,000. About a quarter owed $10,000 or more.

The scale of this crisis — which is unparalleled among wealthy nations — compelled Human Rights Watch to release the new report, said researcher Matt McConnell, its author.

“Historically, Human Rights Watch has been an organization that has focused on international human rights issues,” he said.

“But on medical debt, the U.S. is a real outlier. What you see is a system that privileges a few but creates large barriers to people accessing basic health rights.”

Hospital industry officials

defend their work, citing hospitals’ broader work to help the communities they serve. “As a field, hospitals provide more benefit to their communities than any other sector in health care,” Melinda Hatton, general counsel at the American Hospital Association, wrote in a response to the Human Right Watch report. Federal law requires private, tax-exempt hospitals — which make up more than half the nation’s medical centers — to provide care at no cost or at a discount to low-income patients. But reporting by KFF Health News and others has found that many hospitals make this aid difficult for patients to get.

At the same time, thousands of medical centers — including many tax-exempt ones — engage in aggressive debt collection tactics to pursue patients, including garnishing patients’ wages, placing liens on their homes, or selling their debt to third-party debt collectors.

Overall, KFF Health News found that most of the nation’s approximately 5,100 hospitals serving the general public have policies to use legal action or PAGE 4

Levey KFF Health News

Father and son swap stories after a game of football at the University of the Philippines Sunken Garden in Diliman, Quezon City on Sunday, June 18. Tatay, Erpat, Dad, Papa, Papsy, Itay, Ama – whatever their children call them, fathers will always be the first men

Maharlika bill moves forward, but still...

first. [They] made sure to clean the bill before it can be forwarded to Malacanang,” he said partly in Filipino.

Ejercito, however, has no information about how the Maharlika bill’s conflicting provisions on the prescription period for the prosecution of crimes were resolved.

This refers to Sections 50 and 51 of the measure, which sets the prescription period at 10 years and 20 years, respectively.

‘The least Senate can and should do’

Senators Sonny Angara and Risa Hontiveros seem to not be in the loop on the developments in the Maharlika bill.

In separate interviews, they both appeared to have only found out

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6/21/23

CNS-3712161# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

about the status of the measure when members of the media asked about it.

Hontiveros said she is unsure if and how the clashing sections of the Maharlika bill were fixed.

“I also don’t know how it can be fixed when it was approved by the Senate on third and final reading, with two provisions on the prescription [period]. And if the two different provisions already passed in the bicameral conference committee meeting, I can’t seem to think of how this could have been corrected,” she said.

But, she said, more than its content errors, there is also a need to address the measure’s “substantive flaws” and “fundamental cracks.”

The opposition lawmaker backed the bid to recall the Maharlika bill to the Senate, so it can undergo the proper legislative process in accordance with the chamber’s rules.

Even if it is returned to the Senate floor, Hontiveros noted, the two-member Senate minority bloc will still oppose the Maharlika bill.

“But isn’t that the least the Senate can and should do? To do our job in adherence to the proper legislative process and the rules of the Senate,” she added.

Only Villar can answer Angara, who voted for the Maharlika bill, said it is not within the power of the Senate and the House secretariat to delete provisions in the Congressapproved measure.

He said only Senator Mark Villar, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, and his banks, financial institutions and currencies committee can do such a task “but it has to be clear on the floor.”

“I think only Senator Mark can put an end to this debate by saying what was the intent of the committee. If he says their intent is one prescription period of 10 years, that’s it. The debate ends there,” Angara said.

Reporters have constantly sought updates from Villar’s office about the status of the Maharlika bill.

But its latest update to the media was on June 13, saying the measure had not yet been transmitted to Malacañang.

The Maharlika bills in the Senate and the House were certified as urgent by Marcos, who had once said the investment fund was his idea.

This, in effect, allowed both chambers to forgo the three-day period between bills’ second and third reading, as mandated by the Constitution. g

Lakers coach Phil Handy: Kai can...

different times. The advice I would give Kai is to keep working, keep playing, and keep being ready for the opportunity."

While Sotto might have failed in his first try to realize his NBA dream after being undrafted in 2022, the Las Piñas native continued to work for it, proceeding to play his second season with the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL and then Japan's B.League.

Recently, Sotto participated in three mini-camps organized by the Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, and the New York Knicks with the hopes of impressing the scouts enough and giving him a chance to crack a team and play in the NBA Summer League slated from July 7 to July 17.

The 51-year-old Handy, who's here in the Philippines to conduct basketball clinics for some schools and the Converge FiberXers, added that it's also just a matter of time for Filipino basketball players in general to make the NBA.

"Just a matter of time, I think that part of the game, the evolution

Attacker of elderly Filipino in Las Vegas charged...

and told him to “speak English.” He then came back the next day and pushed Quindara to ground and punched him several times. With the new charges, Lentz could face a burglary sentence of a minimum one-year; maximum

of 10 years, plus a consecutive sentence of 1 to 10 years.

For elder abuse, he faces a minimum sentence of one year; maximum of 5 years, plus a consecutive sentence of 1 to 5 years. That charge could also result in a maximum fine of

$10,000.

Wolfson noted that the court can also treat elder abuse with a hate crime enhancement as a gross misdemeanor, which would carry a maximum jail sentence of 364 days and a maximum $2,000 fine. (Inquirer.net)

International rights group calls out US for...

protections.

of it. Again, we talk about the Filipino culture of basketball, it's just a matter of time so you can expect that in the coming years. The culture here and the way the game has changed over the years as athletes are growing athletes are studying the game, it's just a matter of time," said Handy. (Niel Victor C. Masoy/ManilaTimes.net)

other aggressive tactics against patients. And 1 in 5 will deny nonemergency care to people with outstanding debt.

“Medical debt is drowning many low-income and working families while hospitals continue to benefit from nonprofit tax status as they pursue families for medical debt,” said Marceline White, executive director of Economic Action Maryland. The advocacy group has helped enact tighter rules to ensure Maryland hospitals make financial assistance more easily accessible and to restrict hospitals from some aggressive debt collection tactics, such as placing liens on patients’ homes.

Similar efforts are underway in other states, including Colorado, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Washington. But many patient and consumer advocates say stronger federal action is needed to expand patient

The Human Rights Watch report — titled “In Sheep’s Clothing: United States’ Poorly Regulated Nonprofit Hospitals

Undermine Health Care

Access” — lists more than a dozen recommendations. These include: Congress should pass legislation to ensure that hospitals provide at least the same amount of charity care as they receive in public subsidies.

The IRS should set uniform national standards on patients’ eligibility for financial assistance at nonprofit hospitals. Currently, hospitals are free to set their own standards, resulting in widespread variation, which can confuse patients.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal watchdog agency, should crack down on debt collectors that do not ensure that patients have been screened for financial

assistance before being pursued.

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which administers the two mammoth public insurance programs, should penalize hospitals that do not provide adequate financial assistance to patients.

“Nonprofit hospitals are contributing to medical debt and engaging in abusive billing and debt collection practices,” McConnell said. “The reason this keeps happening is the absence of clear guidelines and the federal government’s inadequate enforcement of existing regulations.”

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.

Phivolcs: Mayon eruption ‘quiet, gentle’ but alert level 3 remains

by arliE o. Calalo ManilaTimes.net

MAYON Volcano continues to erupt "in a gentle and quiet" mode as alert level 3 remains, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Tuesday, June 20.

Phivolcs director Teresito

"Toto" Bacolcol told The Manila Times via Viber that the agency is still closely monitoring Mayon's behavior, especially its parameters which are the bases for downgrading or raising its alert status.

At present, Bacolcol said

Level 3 stays over the volcano which means that there remains a relatively high unrest and an increased tendency toward hazardous eruption.

"What we see are low-level

parameters, largely similar to its 2014 effusive eruption," he said.

An effusive eruption is dominated by the outpouring, fountaining or ejection of fluid lava, the magma has low viscosity or it is runny, making gas escape easily, according to Phivolcs.

"Effusive eruption involves the gentle release of lava on the edifice of the volcano," Bacolcol said.

In the past 24 hours, the Mayon Volcano Network (MVN) said that very slow effusion of lava from its summit crater continued to feed lava flows and collapse debris on the Mi-isi (south) and Bonga (southeastern) gullies.

The MVN said that a total of two dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) that lasted two to three minutes, 301

rock fall events, and one volcanic earthquake were recorded.

"Continuous moderate degassing from the summit crater produced steam-laden plumes that rose 800 meters before drifting to the general west," it said.

Meanwhile, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 389 tons/day on June 19, 2023 as compared with June 18's 889 tons/day.

Bacolcol said affected residents living within the permanent danger zone, who have since been evacuated when Phivolcs raised the alert level to its current status last June 8, must remain at the evacuation centers.

He said the volcano may still have a violent eruption or PDCs, landslides or rock fall events may occur. g

Consortium touts ‘fastest’ way to upgrade NAIA

by Ed Paolo Salting ManilaTimes.net

THE Manila International Airport Consortium (MIAC) on Monday touted its P267-billion proposal as the "fastest route" to modernizing the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

During a press briefing, the MIAC said its unsolicited proposal (USP) has already completed the necessary technical, economic and financial studies.

The consortium is made up of six of the Philippines' biggest conglomerates — Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Asia's Emerging Dragon Corp., Alliance Global-Infracorp Development Inc., Filinvest Development Corp. and JG Summit Infrastructure Holdings Corp.

It said that if awarded the concession this year, its master plan can be implemented soon after.

The USP "represents the fastest route to the rehabilitation and modernization that NAIA urgently needs," Cosette Canilao, president and chief executive officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital

Inc., said.

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) already submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) a P141-billion solicited proposal to upgrade the airport under a public-private partnership (PPP) setup.

The proposal gives the private concessionaire 15 years to operate the airport and recover its investment.

For Canilao, "the unsolicited procurement mode of the BOT Law is a powerful tool of the government to fast track infrastructure development provided the proposal is properly prepared, backed by credible and qualified proponents, and adheres to the rules, policies and guidelines of the government."

She said MIAC's unsolicited proposal "unequivocally meets all those criteria. We have done the homework; it is a turnkey proposal ready for government evaluation and has the financing to get boots and shovels on the ground."

MIAC's P267-billion package includes P211 billion in capital

Global competitiveness: PH drops 4 spots to 52nd

by Catherine talavera Philstar.com

investments, P57 billion of which will be rolled out over the first five years, with the remaining P154 billion to be invested over the remainder of the proposed 25-year concession period. It also includes an unprecedented P57-billion concession payment to the government — the largest ever upfront concession payment offered for a transportation PPP project in the country, whether solicited or unsolicited.

Beyond the P267 billion of upfront payment and capital investments, the government is also projected to receive an additional P280 billion over the course of the concession period from revenue sharing and taxes.

Kevin Tan, chairman and president of Alliance GlobalInfraCorp Development, said the consortium "recognizes the immense task of transforming NAIA to meet the exponentially growing demands of Mega Manila air travel, not only in the here and now but also in the future."

He said the consortium aims to more than double the airport's declared capacity from 31 u PAGE 7

MANILA — Despite posting improvements in its overall economic performance, the Philippines has dropped four steps in this year’s World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) due to declines in the infrastructure, government and business efficiency factors.

Based on the WCY prepared by the International Institute of Management Development (IMD), the Philippines ranked 52nd among 64 economies after suffering declines in three of the four main factors or dimensions of competitiveness.

The country ranked 48th last year.

The Philippines posted declines in all the sub-factors under government efficiency. These include public finance (from 51st in 2022 to 55th in 2023), tax policy (from 13th to 14th), institutional framework (from 53rd to 56th), business legislation (from 52nd to 57th) and societal framework (from 50th to 53rd).

The country also posted a decline in the business efficiency factor, ranking 40th from 39th, as well as in the infrastructure factor to 58th from 57th in the previous year.

In contrast, the Philippines surged 13 notches higher in the economic performance factor, emerging at 40th from 53rd last year. Among the sub-factors under the economic performance factor that saw improvements are domestic economy (from 48th in 2022 to 30th in 2023),

employment (from 19th to 9th in 2023) and prices (from 58th to 39th).

“Some of the challenges that the Philippines faces in 2023 include sustaining economic recovery and growth momentum amidst global downside risks, strengthening

‘Filipino mentality’

IN interviews throughout the pandemic, those who were hit hard by the COVID-19 lockdowns expressed a common sentiment: while they appreciated emergency dole-outs or ayuda from the government, they wanted to be selfreliant, to have regular jobs and sustainable livelihoods

So President Marcos is correct in saying the “Filipino mentality” prefers work to dole-outs in improving one’s plight. The President issued the statement in a vlog entry last Saturday, in which he gave a recap of his activities for the week. Among these were the provision of emergency relief aid to those affected by the restiveness of Mayon Volcano as well as the distribution of farm equipment and launch of livelihood and internship programs.

Editorial

lack of opportunities in this country. The government cannot stop anyone from going abroad for better employment. And the massive remittances from OFWs fuel the Philippines’ consumer-driven economic growth. But with a tenth of the working population overseas, the country is also feeling the impact of the brain drain and the lack of skilled manpower required in many sectors for growing the economy.

In times of need, the President observed, Filipinos prefer not to wait for assistance, but to find work and a sure source of income to improve their plight. “That’s the Filipino mentality,” he declared. “They prefer to work than to rely on aid.”

But Filipinos need the proper environment for meaningful employment and livelihood opportunities. Beyond providing dole-outs, the bigger challenge for the government is to create that environment. It should foster enough income opportunities that will stop the continuing exodus of Filipinos for greener pastures outside their own homeland. The overseas Filipino workers’ phenomenon is the biggest manifestation of the

Babe’s Eye View

BABE ROMUALDEZ

WE were pleased that Senator Imee Marcos called for a Senate inquiry last Friday, June 16 to shed light on the proposed temporary housing in the Philippines of Afghan nationals applying for a U.S. special immigrant visa (SIV).

As Senate foreign relations committee chairperson, Senator Marcos was extremely helpful in bringing out all the concerns we may have on this very important issue. There is no doubt that such a request from an important ally should be thoroughly vetted so that all issues and concerns would be studied, with the pros and cons carefully weighed and considered.

The Senate inquiry gave us an opportunity to provide details regarding the request that was made by the United States in October last year via a “concept note” outlining the proposal for the Philippines to temporarily host Afghan nationals –specifically those who were formerly employed by the U.S.

Virtual Reality

SIX of the country’s richest families or largest conglomerates have joined forces. The Manila International Airport Consortium (MIAC) has offered to modernize and manage the present Ninoy Aquino International Airport for 25 years until 2048.

MIAC has offered $5 billion –$1 billion (P57 billion upfront) to the government, $1 billion (P57 billion) to rehab NAIA’s three terminals (they will be conjoined) and $3 billion over the next 25 years or $120 million per year. Effectively, MIAC will just be spending $2 billion; the promised $3-billion balance will come from operating the NAIA itself for 25 years.

NAIA sits on 63 hectares of prime land that is cheek by jowl to Makati, the business capital. I value the vast airport land at $4 billion, as land per se; its value rises as an aviation hub.

MIAC claims that in 25 years, they will bring benefits to the economy of P446 billion or $7.82 billion in “gross economic

Among the worst affected are front-line services such as health care and education, where the quality of services has steadily deteriorated. The education crisis in turn has affected the quality of the Philippine workforce and overall national competitiveness. Studies in the past years have pointed out that meaningful income opportunities can be created to make it unnecessary for Filipinos to find work overseas or in urban centers. The studies noted that among the sectors where such opportunities can be generated onsite are agriculture, tourism and the creative industries. With the proper environment, the “Filipino mentality” can thrive in these sectors. (Philstar.com)

A Filipino legacy of humanitarian compassion

government and their qualified dependents – while they wait for their SIV applications to be processed by the U.S. embassy in Manila.

As was explained during the Senate foreign relations committee hearing last Friday, the proposal was then cascaded by the Department of Foreign Affairs – acting as the lead agency – to relevant government agencies such as the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their comments and inputs, with representatives from more agencies also added as the discussions went underway.

There is absolutely nothing “secret” about the proposal since different agencies involved in assessing the security implications of the proposal would be consulted. Precisely, intelligence and security agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and others were invited in reviewing the process to assess the background of the Afghan nationals who will be applying

values.”

I find the $2-billion offer dirt cheap. And the P446-billion or $7.8-billion economic benefits even cheaper. The P446 billion includes: P100 billion from gross value-added in tourism activities, P152 billion from increased passenger comfort, P60 billion from passenger time savings, P65 billion from aircraft decongestion savings and P65 billion from new local jobs.

Aviation already contributes 3.4 percent of GDP or P840 billion out of a normal year GDP of P24 trillion. Of that P840 billion, 60 percent or P504 billion is contributed by NAIA’s three terminals and ancillary industries.

This implies that even without improving NAIA, the economy already gets P506 billion in “gross economic benefits.” So why does MIAC offer only P446 billion for 25 years when even with nobody lifting a finger, the present NAIA already makes for the economy P504 billion every year?

Which means the consortium in its first year of operating the NAIA will get back its $2-billion investments – $1-billion cash to the government and $1 billion in cash to fix its airport

for the SIV and provide their important evaluation on the risk of infiltration by extremist and terrorist groups.

The United States has made it clear: the Afghan nationals applying for the SIV will only be housed in the Philippines on a temporary basis, with all costs of the entire process to be shouldered by the U.S. government.

The Afghan nationals are not refugees, although the nature of the request in many people’s view is humanitarian in nature because these are individuals whose lives and that of their loved ones could be in peril because they worked for the U.S. government before the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan.

Just to put it in the right perspective, the U.S. request is based on two points that need to be highlighted. One, the U.S. looks at the Philippines as an ally and friend, and two, we have in the past showed compassion for people in need, with history demonstrating that we have a strong humanitarian tradition of providing relief for displaced individuals.

This became very evident in

facilities to improve passenger “comfort” and reduce passenger “stress.”

Kevin L. Tan, CEO of the Alliance Global Group, Inc. of Andrew Tan; Cossete Canilao, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital of the Aboitiz Group; Cezar Consing, president and CEO of Ayala Corp.; Josephine Gotianun Yap, CEO of Filinvest Development Corp.; BJ Sebastian, treasurer of JG Summit Infrastructure (whose airline is Cebu Pacific) and Jose Gabriel D. Olives, CFO of LT Group (whose airline is PAL) gave a press conference on Monday, June 19 to explain their unsolicited proposal.

I was asking the group if they could kindly increase the value of their proposal. Before any of them could make a sensible answer, somebody who looks like an Indian grabbed the mike from me. And the open forum was terminated abruptly.

Under its so-called P267billion masterplan or unsolicited proposal, the consortium aims to more than double NAIA’s passenger capacity, from 31 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to about 70 million by 2048, “enabling the Philippines to transform itself into a regional economic hub.”

1934 when President Manuel L. Quezon allowed Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis to come to the Philippines, providing a safe haven for a persecuted race at a time when many countries turned their backs and shut their doors. Despite strong criticism, President Quezon issued Proclamation No. 173 on Aug. 21, 1937 known as the “Open Door Policy” that saved at least 1,300 European Jews.

It is no surprise therefore that there are monuments in Israel, such as the Open Doors monument in Rishon Lezion’s Holocaust Memorial Park, that stand as a symbol of friendship between Filipinos and the Jewish people. The Open Doors monument also serves as a reminder of President Quezon’s act of compassion that happened decades ago, and yet continues to resonate strongly to this day. I have personally experienced the impact of this shared history with the American-Jewish community in Washington, DC that are frequently in touch with us. The members tell me they look at the Philippines and Filipinos with deep affection because of what President Quezon did for them during a

Rehab will be in three phases. Phase I, called “Quick Wins,” is to increase capacity to 54 million by 2025 or two years; Phase 2 to 62.5 million by 2028 and Phase 3 to 70 million by 2048.

Phase 2 involves development of the terminal floor area, additional airfield facilities and improved cross-terminal transportation. Phase 3 merely talks of “long-term expansion and development projects to further expand terminal space and airfield capacity.”

There is no talk or plan about NAIA’s two biggest problems –its having only one runway, with a secondary runway forming a letter T to the main runway, and its limit of maximum aircraft movements per hour – 42 planes taking off and landing in 60 minutes, with one runway. The consortium promises to improve aircraft movement to 50 but that is not a firm plan.

In comparison, Ramon Ang’s 2,500-hectare San Miguel International Airport in Bulacan promises to service in five years 75 million passengers with 120 per hour aircraft movements using initially two runways. “The runways are parallel and zero/zero both ends of the

dark period in their history, at a time when they needed friends the most.

Another well-known act of humanitarian compassion involved the Vietnamese refugees – known as the “boat people” – who were displaced during the Vietnam War.

Thousands of Vietnamese rode in small boats, many of them dying along the way. One of the countries that granted them asylum on the basis of humanitarian grounds was the Philippines under then President Marcos Sr.

“Granting temporary asylum meant that the government took on the responsibility of protecting refugees,” wrote refugee historian Ria Sunga in “Exploring the foundations of Philippine refugee policy towards Vietnamese refugees,” adding that the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, “noted that the government upheld the principle of non-refoulement – no refugees were turned away or repatriated back to Vietnam.”

When I was in California before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, two Vietnamese businessmen

runways. There is no restriction in height and noise,” RSA points out.

San Miguel Aerocity’s New Manila International Airport (NMIA) will cost $14 billion to build and involves no tax money in its development.

“The Manila International Airport Consortium recognizes the immense task of transforming NAIA to meet the growing demands of Mega Manila air travel, not only in the here and now but also in the future,” says Kevin Tan, in their press handout.

MIAC Consortium submitted its masterplan to DOTr and MIAA as part of its USP (unsolicited proposal) under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program.

The rehabilitation of NAIA is critical to meet a projected explosion in travel demand, the proponents claim.

By 2028, NAIA could see 55 million passengers – well above its declared capacity of 31 MPPA. Before the pandemic, in 2019, NAIA had already registered a peak of 47.9 million.

“The MIAC USP is the fastest route to the rehabilitation and modernization that NAIA urgently needs,” says Canilao,

approached me to express their gratitude. As it turned out, they were among a batch of Vietnamese “boat people” who landed in the Philippines. They eventually ended up in the United States where they are doing extremely well, with their businesses flourishing.

Like Senator Francis Tolentino, many of us believe that this U.S. request for the temporary stay of Afghan citizens in the country while their SIVs are being processed is humanitarian in nature because potentially, these people and their families may be in danger if they remain in Afghanistan.

Like most Filipinos, I take pride in the legacy of humanitarian compassion that we have demonstrated many times in the past – opening our doors to those in need not only because it is the right thing to do but more importantly – it is morally correct. (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

of Aboitiz.

“NAIA’s importance and economic impact cannot be overstated, especially since it has an ecosystem of supporting infrastructure that would take decades for greenfield airport developments to replicate,” says Gotianun-Yap of Filinvest.

“A 25-year concession will show government’s commitment to attract strong foreign and local players for future PPP projects,” notes Olives of the LT Group Inc. “More private sector players will be enticed to participate.”

“The upfront concession payment will strengthen the government’s fiscal position and address other critical priorities such as ongoing pandemic recovery efforts; growing consumer demands for safer, more convenient and efficient travel services and tightening global financial conditions,” says JG Summit’s BJ Sebastian. (Philstar.com)

* * *

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

* * *

Email: biznewsasia@gmail.com

Solon pushes for VAT refund for foreign tourists

MANILA – Senator Sherwin

Gatchalian on Monday, June 19 said the proposed value added tax (VAT) refund measure for nonresident tourists should provide a seamless experience to ensure that its objective of attracting more tourists is realized.

In a statement, Gatchalian said customer experience is very important "and what we want is a seamless experience when nonresident tourists claim the refund at the airport."

A provision in the proposed measure should be able to prevent possible abuse by some unscrupulous individuals who might want to take advantage of the program and should include a provision on the accreditation of retailers that would be recognized for the VAT refund.

Such an accreditation process, according to Gatchalian, would deter those who may attempt to defraud the government through the VAT refund program, adding that such an accreditation process should make it easier for micro and small enterprises to be included in the VAT refund scheme.

"I really want to give special attention to local products. This can be a good opportunity to promote local products because there are plenty of mom-and-pop stores that we need to accommodate and help join in the bandwagon of this VAT refund scheme," he said.

Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, will also tackle in his proposed measure the possibility of including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) or Filipino expats

based abroad in the VAT refund scheme. He said a projected shopping revenue of around PHP9 billion can compensate for an estimated foregone revenue of PHP4 billion, adding that the said tax reprieve is seen to contribute about P12 billion to the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

Gatchailian is hoping the proposal could be enacted into law within the year, as he noted that the Philippines is the only remaining country in ASEAN that is yet to adopt a VAT refund program for foreign tourists.

The proposed measure is seen to enhance the country's competitiveness as a tourist destination in Asia and boost tourist arrivals to its pre-pandemic level of 8.2 million in 2019. (PNA)

Reward up for info on Bantag, Villamor over Percy Lapid killing

by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net

MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice offered a P2-million reward on Monday, June 19 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of former corrections chief Gerald Bantag, who has been accused of being the mastermind in the murder of radio broadcaster Percy Lapid.

A reward amounting to P1 million will be also given to those who will provide

information leading to the capture of former Bureau of Corrections deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta, Bantag's supposed right-hand man. Those with information on the whereabouts of Bantag and Zulueta may contact 0945-4831058 (Globe) or 0928-416-9585 (Smart).

Both are wanted for the killing of Lapid and inmate June Villamor, who was the alleged middleman in the crime.

Lapid was known for his fierce criticisms of government

Consortium touts ‘fastest’ way to upgrade...

officials. The 63-year-old was killed by two assailants on a motorcycle at the gate of a private subdivision in Las Piñas City in October 2022. Villamor was found dead hours after Joel Escorial, the confessed gunman in the Lapid assassination, surfaced.

Aside from murder charges, Bantag also faces plunder and graft complaints over allegations that he rigged a bidding for the construction of three prison facilities worth P1 billion.

He is also facing criminal raps for allegedly torturing inmates.g

Global competitiveness: PH drops 4 spots...

social protection and health care systems for inclusive development, addressing learning gaps to improve local education system, investing in sustainable infrastructure to reduce climate change vulnerability and reinforcing efficient public management strategies to support fiscal responsibility,” said the Asian Institute of Management Rizalino S. Navarro Policy Center for Competitiveness, the IMD’s Philippine partner institute for producing the WCY.

The report noted that the Philippines continues to rank 13th among 14 economies in the Asia-Pacific region, the same ranking for the past six years. The WCY ranks economies using 255 ranked criteria spread

across four Competitiveness Factors: Economic Performance, Government Efficiency, Business Efficiency and Infrastructure.

Of the indicators, 162 are based on hard data gathered from national sources, while the remaining indicators are perception-based ones derived from an Executive Opinion Survey of mid- and upperlevel managers in each country covered.

This year’s results reflect the impact of different crises such as global inflation, the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to Arturo Bris, director of the World Competitiveness Center.

“Political fragmentation is a result of COVID-19 and the Ukraine war, and a major upshot is that more and more countries

– Singapore, Saudi Arabia and India, for example – are pursuing their own interests. With inflation pressures easing and uncertain stock markets, we are now able to see winners and losers in a context where multiple crises overlap,” Bris said.

Denmark ranks as the top competitive economy in the 2023 WCY rankings, followed by Ireland and Switzerland.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the top three most competitive economies are Singapore (4th), Taiwan (6th) and Hong Kong (7th). Russia and Ukraine were not assessed for this year’s report due to limited data reliability.

In contrast, Kuwait joined the list of surveyed economies for the first time and was ranked 38th among 64 economies. g

million passengers per annum (MPPA) to about 70 MPPA in the long term.

Dr. Jim Yong Kim, vice chairman and partner of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), said the rehabilitation of NAIA is essential "if Manila is to become the regional economic hub we know it can be."

GIP is one of the world's leading infrastructure investors and airport operators, whose portfolio includes international hubs such as London Gatwick Airport, Sydney Airport and Edinburgh Airport.

The consortium's NAIA master plan has three key phases of development.

Phase 1, also called Quick Wins, will be implemented in the first two years and is intended to raise the capacity of the airport to 54 million passengers per annum (MPPA) by 2025 and improve reliability while reducing queuing times.

Phase 2 will increase the airport's capacity to 62.5 MPPA by 2028 by expanding the terminal floor area and adding airfield facilities and improvements in cross-terminal transportation.

Phase 3 will further increase NAIA's capacity to approximately 70 MPPA by 2048 and consists of long-term expansion and development projects to further expand terminal space and airfield capacity.

The consortium projects the rehabilitation of NAIA to

generate P446 billion in gross economic value. This includes, in gross value basis, P100 billion from gross value-add in tourism activities, P152 billion from increased passenger comfort, P60 billion from passenger time savings, P65 billion from aircraft decongestion savings, and P65 billion from new local jobs.

"We will spend around P267 billion in order to get this airport up to speed," Ayala Corp. President and CEO Cezar

Consing said. "Now out of the said figure, around P57 billion

is just the concession figure. Afterwards, another P57 billion will be the capital expenditures (Capex) for the rehabilitation of NAIA for the first 5 years. Finally, around P154 billion will be the Capex for year 6 to year 25."

In 2019, NEDA's Investment Coordination Committee approved a P102-billion unsolicited proposal from Ayala Corp., Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Alliance Global Group Inc., Asia Emerging Dragon, Filinvest Development, JG Summit and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. to rehabilitate the NAIA. g

Miss Filipina International 2023 candidates announced

FORTY candidates, all stunning Filipinas, are vying for Miss Filipina International (MFI) 2023, it was announced Sunday, June 18, in a glamorous press presentation at the Oasis Terrace of The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

Filipino Americans celebrate PH

125th Independence Day

MoTHER Movement leads event

FILIPINO-AMERICANS

converged last Monday, June 12, to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day. Led by International MoTHER Movement (IMM), the event was held at the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) in Historic Filipinown, Majority of the attendees were women dressed in their Filipiniana costume which typified the spirit of the celebration. Consul Marie Cris P. Chieng, the guest of honor and speaker, dwelt on the history and future of the Philippines in the light of the independence won by Filipinos through their “strong yearning to be free.”

She extolled the valor and determination of “our forefathers who gallantly sacrificed to spell the triumph of the quest for liberty.”

Consul Chieng called on her countrymen to continue “taking care of and strengthening the gains of democracy in our native land.” She reiterated the theme of Kalayaan 2023: Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasarinlan.

On the same occasion, she noted and commended the enthusiasm of the audience to “actively participate in solemn observance of Philippine Independence.”

She further congratulated and thanked the IMM, headed by Perla Bermudez Santos, founding president and chief executive officer, for “leading and managing the inspiring

and uplifting observance of this memorable event, noting Bayan Masaya, (short for Bayanihan sa Araw na Makasaysayan) is the embodiment of the Filipino trait that is evident all over the world – caring, compassionate and helpful.

Consul Chieng was introduced by Myrla Baldonado, director for Community Engagement and Action of the PWC.

The collaborating organizations were PWC, TLC Family Caregivers Support Group, and Forever Young Seniors group headed by Cres Go, who is the program director of MoTHER. Bermudez Santos enumerated and explained the “Five Ws of Bayan Masaya.” She further cited the IMM’s vision, mission, brief history, programs, projects and activities. Likewise, she presented the other plans which are now in the drawing board. She also mentioned the linkages of IMM with other sectors and organizations, including the mass media which “immensely help in the dissemination of information to the general public.”

Prof. Elizabeth C. San Diego, a retired official of the Department of Education in the Philippines, emceed the program and sang a Tagalog nationalistic song titled “Ang Bayan Ko.” A playlet, which

Continued on Page 10

Representing various states across America and several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and the Philippines, the 40 candidates will compete in the pageant which salutes the Filipina –multi-faceted, talented, versatile and confident.

MFI climaxes with an exciting and elegant black tie coronation night on August 5 at the famous International Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton. The night will celebrate the Philippines and its people, rich culture, arts and fashion, gathering Filipinos and guests in the prestigious ballroom, the venue of the Golden Globe Awards, the Academy nominees luncheon, Clive Davis’ preGrammy party and other high profile events.

After months of the selection process, the following are the MFI official candidates, listed by their numbers (randomly drawn by the contestants in a raffle) in the pageant:

1. Hannah Pearcey

UCLA Fil-Am Alumnus presents award to Executive Producer, Director and Writer

ON Saturday, June 17, 2023, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Alumnus, California State University, Los Angeles

Associate Professor and UCLA Lambda Alumni Association Board

Member Bobby Rimas presented the 2023 UCLA Lambda Alumni Association’s Alumni of the Year Award to Steven Canals, a UCLA Master of Fine Arts graduate, Class of 2015, for his leadership in the LGBTQIA+ community at UCLA’s 25th Annual Lavender Graduation Ceremony. Steven Canals is the Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning co-creator, executive producer, director and writer of the FX drama series, POSE. Mr. Canals work on POSE has received a Peabody Award, two American Film Institute Awards for TV Program of the Year, plus Emmy, Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nominations for Best Drama Series, among many other accolades. Mr. Canals also received nominations from the Writers Guild Awards for ‘Outstanding New Series,’ and the Imagen Awards for ‘Best Director - Television.’ Mr. Canals is also the winner of the GLAAD Media Award for ‘Outstanding Drama Series,’ the 2020 Final Draft Awards,’ ‘New Voice Award for TV,’ and The Point Foundation’s Horizon Award, recognizing a trailblazer who has taken a leadership role as an advocate of the LGBTQ community. He has also been featured on the cover of The Hollywood Reporter’s Pride Issue, named to their list of 2020’s ‘50 Most Powerful LGBTQ Players in Hollywood.’ In 2021, The Hollywood Reporter named Steven one of Hollywood’s ‘50 Most Powerful TV Showrunners.’

Mr. Steven Canals was the keynote speaker at UCLA’s Lavender Graduation, where Mr. Rimas stated that “Mr. Canals speech offered great advice and was very inspirational to all attendees at the festive ceremony. His message of persistence, even in the face of adversity, was breathtaking. Steven Canals is truly a phenomenal individual who is a wonderful example of UCLA’s greatness, influence and leadership.”

In addition to being an Associate Professor and a UCLA Lambda Alumni Association Board Member, Bobby Rimas is a Paralegal at the Larson LLP law firm and an Adjunct Faculty Member at the University of La Verne.  He is also the Vice Chair of the Special Committee on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the Stonewall Democratic Club. Mr. Rimas graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History from UCLA and a Master of Legal Studies degree, cum laude, from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law.  He is the Past Chair/President of the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Association and Past President of the Los Angeles Paralegal Association.

the media presentation that in partnership with Jonas Gaffud’s Empire Philippines, three winners will be eligible to compete next year in Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) while two winners will vie in The Miss Philippines pageant.

Manila-born Tiana Kocher, a rising singer-songwriter in America, performed her two songs, “Por Tiempo” and “Take Over,” which raised the energy level at the presentation. Kocher took over and commanded the stage with her self-penned hits. The candidates and guests were carried away by the infectious upbeat music and performance of the R&B sensation.

Another Filipino American, Juls King, also livened up the press presentation with his song, Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits.” King, considered

and Writer of POSE, Steven Canals (left) at UCLA’s Korn

Romnick on fatherhood: ‘Not always...

From Page 8

Heart, held recently at Seda Vertis North Hotel in Quezon City. In the first series collaboration of GMA, ABS-CBN and Viu, Romnick portrays Mario Isidro, replacing Gardo Versoza, who was originally tapped for the role but had to step back due to health condition. Gardo suffered a heart attack and underwent angioplasty a few months ago.

Asked how he would “unbreak a broken heart” based on his own experience, Romnick stated, “You don’t. I’m being philosophical about it. You can’t unbreak something that is broken. What you can do is build on it. You can heal, you can move forward (and) you can do something with it.”

“What comes to mind automatically is kintsugi (a Japanese art). I don’t know if you are familiar with that. It’s the mending of broken pots with gold. That’s always been a spiritual thing to me na parang if you see something that is broken, with most people, their reaction is to throw it away,” he shared.

“But the Japanese see beauty in it and they decide, ‘I will make this more functional and

What to do with conditional greencard status in troubled marriages

more beautiful by including gold.’ So, I always keep that in mind. What if God sees you that way? And He decides no matter how you don’t understand this or how complex it is for you, ‘I can build you up if you allow Me and you will be more useful and beautiful afterwards.’”

Following that train of thought, Romnick put his faith on God. “I want to believe that God has that for everyone so you don’t unbreak. You allow yourself to be build up again by your experiences and hopefully, you learn something from it. And that you move forward, looking at life in a better way,” he reflected.

Meanwhile, Romnick shared he didn’t feel any “awkwardness” when he did a kissing scene with Ice Seguerra in iWantTFC digital series, Drag You & Me.

“I found out on the set on that day because I don’t usually read a script. Hindi naman nagi-inarte si Ice and then the way it was treated naman kasi essential dun sa mag-asawa. They’re going through something and it’s not going to be treated in a way that’s sensual or romantic. Sige lang, walang problema,” he said about the scene.

Filipino-Americans celebrate...

From Page 9

Barrister’s Corner

involves the removal of the conditional label to permanent residence status. Removal of the conditional label is initiated by filing an I-751 Joint Petition to Remove Condition to Permanent Residence (“Joint Petition”). The Joint Petition provides an opportunity for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) to inquire as to the legitimacy of the marriage after conditional permanent residence is granted.

Accordingly, documentation evidencing that the marriage was entered into for bona-fide reasons should be submitted as part of the Joint Petition. The Joint Petition must be filed with the USCIS service center in the 90 days immediately prior to the second anniversary of the granting of conditional permanent residence.

although bona-fide when entered into, has been terminated by divorce. May aliens become threatened of falling out of status once their marriage is in trouble because the spouse often refuse to cooperate or has filed a divorce petition. In such cases there is still hope and the prospect of obtaining unconditional permanent residence status still remains. A waiver of the joint petition requirement may be sought in such cases.

dramatized the Filipino longing and victory for independence, was presented by Dr. Art Flores and Gloria Resurrecion, IMM advisers, with Rosito Go, IMM technical director, and Cres Go, IMM program directress,

who choreographed the interpretative dance presentation. Professor Flores delivered the welcome address while Mrs. Resurreccion gave the announcements and closing remarks. Featured were Filipino folk

Miss Filipina International 2023...

From Page 9

dances, namely Bulaklakan, Cariñosa ang Mamang Sorbetero. Teresita Nones, IMM logistics directress, delivered a Tagalog poem titled “Pagdakila sa Kalayaan” which was written by Eusebio San Diego for the occasion.  a heartthrob, demonstrated why he is known as a total performer.

The lovely candidates wore platform heels by Jojo Bragais Shoes at the presentation and will also wear shoes by the pioneering young shoe designer when they compete during the coronation night.

In addition to the previously announced top prize of a BMW 3 Series car, the winner will also receive a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills. Other prizes include $5,000 cash and a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin for Miss Tourism; a $2,500 cash prize and a $5,000 gift certificate from iSkin for each of the First, Second and Third

Runners-up. MFI’s sponsors include the Philippine Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, BMW, David Tupaz Couture, Narcisa Pheres (MFI crown designer), Belle Beachwear and The Beverly Hilton. For sponsorship inquiries, email: missfilipinainternational@gmail. com.

MARRIAGE for many persons is the culmination of one’s life. Getting married signifies the beginning of a new phase in life, both socially and economically. For those persons who lack permanent residency in the United States and have married a United States citizen, marriage also presents an opportunity to obtain permanent residency. However, although the opportunity to obtain permanent residency arises in such situations, one must be aware of and comply with procedures in existence to obtain such status. Due to concerns that persons were becoming married to United States citizens merely to obtain permanent residence status, a two-step procedure under the Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments of 1986 (IMFA) was set up to ensure such status was given to those only in marriages that are bona-fide and not entered into simply for immigration purposes.

Under step one of the procedure, if a person is petitioned by his/her U.S. citizen spouse within 24 months after becoming married, that person is given only conditional permanent residence. Such conditional permanent residence status lasts for two years from the date on which it is granted.

Step two of the procedure

Typically, upon the filing of the Joint Petition, a one-year extension of the conditional permanent residence is granted. The extension affords the USCIS time to schedule an interview with the person seeking permanent residence, and to make a determination as to whether unconditional permanent residence will be granted for a ten-year period. In cases in which documentation submitted as part of the Joint Petition clearly show that the marriage is bona-fide and not merely for immigration purposes, INS may approve a Joint Petition without an interview.

The procedure described hereinabove applies in situations where the marriage has not been terminated.

Often, the Joint Petition cannot be filed or approved because the marriage,

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

* * * Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association for 2005. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Mr. Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com; visit at www.kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Catholic Diocese of Oakland seeks bankruptcy protection after 330 lawsuits

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng

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

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

diocese in Oakland.

Obviously, the fallen one, Lucifer and his minions of demons have been able to inflict a heavy blow on the reputation of the Catholic Church by tempting and influencing priests to succumb to perversion preying on the most innocent of their flock.

It’s really shocking and very sad to know that this kind of detestable criminal activity has been going on and actually being hidden by the church, allowing it to fester and have more and more innocent victims. It’s the work of the devil. There’s never going to be enough monetary compensation for the victims who have suffered physical, emotional and spiritual trauma inflicted by priests who became servants of the devil.

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

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

ANNOUNCEMENT EMPLOYMENT FOR RENT

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

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

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