062323 - San Francisco Edition

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

Lakers coach Phil Handy: Kai can make it to NBA

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

No place for fake news in modern society – Marcos

by JEROME ANING Inquirer.net

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.

“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

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

Marcos: Filipinos want livelihood, not dole-out

by ALEXIS ROMERO Philstar.com

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.

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 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

Maharlika bill moves forward, but still not sent for president’s approval

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.

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 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

DOH: New COVID-19 subvariant detected in PH

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 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. 

with a robust democracy, we reaffirm our commitment to 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

Hontiveros: Bring West PH Sea issue to UN

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.

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.

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

Marcos: Filipinos want...

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

Hontiveros:

PAGE 1

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

Bring West PH...

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

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

on Monday, June 19 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

No place for fake news in...

with openness.”

“[T]he FOI program has greatly advanced the campaign against misinformation and 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 then-President Rodrigo Duterte spent $200,000 — or about P10 million — for his social media campaign during the 2016 presidential race.

U.S.-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 academebased 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 youthoriented,” 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 ended on Wednesday, June 21.

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

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

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 U.S. 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

by Selen Ozturk

WHILE students are often described as tomorrow’s leaders, many are taking leadership roles in the high school and college level today to address the perpetuation of hate in academic environments.

At a briefing held by the ACT Against Hate Alliance and hosted by AAHA founders Mei Mei Huff and former California Senator Bob Huff, high school and university student leaders across the United States shared their experiences promoting inclusivity in their academic environments.

Social media and the effect of hate on students

Opening the briefing, Chase Masterson — actress and founder of the bullying prevention nonprofit Pop Culture Hero Coalition — shared statistics illustrating the effect of hate upon students in recent years.

Before the pandemic, she said, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that one in five children had a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, while only 20% of these children received care from a mental health provider.

From 2019 to 2021, emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts increased by 51% for adolescent girls and 4% for adolescent boys per the CDC.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy “associates this mental health crisis with the difficulties of social media children and teens,” Masterson said. “When our worth is seen as only our social media presence and the number of followers we have, which is how a lot of students see it, there’s a real problem in this country.”

Hailey Wells, a high school junior at Sacred Heart Schools in Atherton, California, said she created a current events club at her school in response to “the effects of social media being so polarizing … people not being able to say their views with peace.”

Even at her club, she added, “there’s a lot of hesitation in worrying about what you say and people being upset with you, because there’s not a lot of openness to share your be -

liefs.”

Nicholas Hernandez, a sophomore at California State University, Fullerton, said “it’s easy for people to hide behind a screen and criticize other people and not face any repercussions because they’re not doing it in person.”

On his own campus, he said, there are many “instances where organizations will post on social media that another organization was going to be tabling or handing out flyers, and they call on their members to go and harass these people … there really is no open dialogue or tolerance between these groups.”

Promoting inclusive dialogues

Aidan Chao, a senior at Flintridge Preparatory School near Pasadena, California, said that one characteristic of “people trying to say they’re inclusive, but who end up being exclusive” is the use of “labels to name people instead of looking at their personal attributes.”

Inclusive dialogue is often precluded by “a blind hatred for a certain group and the fact that people are afraid to communicate with each other, just because they have a preconceived notion” which is politically divisive, Chao continued.

Hernandez said “Diversity doesn’t only pertain to being diverse in race or ethnicity, but also diversity in ideas. It’s equally important to have a difference in ideas, to have an open dialogue, to be able to share your own views, and not be worried about being discriminated against or blocked out by other groups solely because of your views.”

Here, too, online discussion often critically precludes this diversity of ideas, said Wells, given that “everyone’s either on one side of social media or the other.” Rather than a “civil discussion about what’s going on or why they disagree with you,” she said, there’s rarely room for more than “hating each other instead of debating.”

Utkarsh Jain, a University of California, Berkeley junior, said he has had “tables flipped over when tabling certain issues, or for certain candidates, because someone just didn’t agree, or they had some pre -

conceived notion of what this candidate might believe in … it shows you that people that preach the most inclusiveness are generally the most intolerant.”

Remy Garcia-Kakebeen, a freshman at Princeton University, said that her own campus incorporated many key conditions for inclusivity: “There’s a lot of discussion, there’s a lot of collaboration, and there’s a lot of openness … and I think that starts with raising awareness.”

Solutions

Aidan Chao said he enrolled “up to 60 members” in a chapter of ACT Against Hate which he began at Flintridge Preparatory. Many of these members have “experienced the especially politically motivated hate that comes with their political beliefs, and often in the name of diversity, equity and inclusion … that rhetoric has led to a lot of unforeseen hate,” he added.

Chao recently worked with the City Council of San Gabriel, California to unanimously pass a local version of the AAHA-supported Senate resolution SRC15 which, in March 2023, proclaimed every January 28 to be Stand Against Hate Action Day. He is now working with other City Councils within and outside the San Gabriel Valley to pass similar measures.

To combat polarization on high school and college campuses, Jain urged students to make more room in their groups for bipartisan or nonpartisan perspectives and to approach contentious issues by focusing on aspects “that everyone can agree on,” and particularly to have more conversations in-person rather than online.

“In a perfect world, I would not only promote conversation but also understanding,” said Garcia-Kakebeen. “One of the most useful pieces of advice I received from one of my former teachers was to seek to understand before being understood.

“Other perspectives are important to creating a bigger picture of the entire situation,” she continued. “With that bigger picture, it will become easier to work together to solve an issue rather than work against each other.” g

Maharlika bill moves forward, but still...

Renato Bantug Jr. may “bring it”

to him to secure his signature.

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 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 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 Congress-approved 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 make it...

PAGE 1

year. It really just depends on the opportunity. It really just depends on opportunity. Sometimes, players’ opportunities come at 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 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)

Attacker of elderly Filipino in Las Vegas charged...

PAGE 1

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...

PAGE 3

policies to use legal action or 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 protections.

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 in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Kai Sotto

Photo from Instagram/@kzsotto

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

Dateline PhiliPPines

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, June 19 touted its P267billion 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 GlobalInfracorp 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 25year 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 million 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 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 AsiaPacific 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 upper-level 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

ALL FUN. Colorful costumes, stilt walkers, street party, music festival, dancing, food bazaar and community games mark Barangay

Kamuning’s Festival in Quezon City on Sunday, June 18. Residents said the celebration that started Saturday, June 17 was also their way of honoring the community’s resilience, especially after the tough years of the pandemic. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

‘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.

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. government and

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. 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

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 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

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, D.C. 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 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

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.

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

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

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.”

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

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,

“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 officials. The 63-year-old was

PH maintains Tier 1 status vs human trafficking for 8 years straight

by James Relativo Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines has once again been recognized by the United States government for its "commitment in combatting human trafficking and labor exploitation," earning the country its eighth Tier 1 status, according to the Bureau of Immigration.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco, in a statement on Saturday, shared the news after the release of the U.S. State Department's 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report.

"We will continue to protect our kababayans from this modern day slavery," said Tansingco, highlighting their agency's dedication to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos.

the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tansingco said the bureau has intensified its collaboration with relevant agencies and international partners to combat trafficking.

Through the Department of Justice-led Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking (IACAT), the bureau works closely with law enforcement agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to formulate and implement comprehensive anti-trafficking strategies.

Recently, the bureau was the first to raise its alarm against a human trafficking scheme that victimized Filipinos, enticing them to work in pseudo-call centers abroad, only to end up being trafficked in a crypto scam ring.

What's Tier 1 status?

ranking, it does not mean that a country has no human trafficking problem or that it is doing enough to address the crime," explained the U.S. State Department.

"Rather, a Tier 1 ranking indicates that a government has made efforts to address the problem that meet the TVPA’s minimum standards," it added.

To maintain this ranking, governments need to show appreciable progress each year in combating trafficking. It should also fully meet the U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000's minimum standards for the elimination of said crime.

Also tagged as Tier 1 includes Australia, Canada, France, Singapore, United Kingdom and the US.

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

Consortium touts ‘fastest’ way to upgrade...

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-B 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

"The Bureau of Immigration remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting this crime and ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens abroad."

The report recognized Manila's "serious and sustained efforts" in fighting human trafficking amid the challenges posed by

The Tier 1 ranking is the highest classification given by the U.S. State Department, indicating that a country fully complies with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is "actively working to adddress the issue."

"While Tier 1 is the highest

This citation is a result of the joint effort of all members of the IACAT, which has been very active in combatting trafficking in all fronts," Tansingco said.

"Despite the challenges, we will remain vigilant against new forms of trafficking targeting vulnerable Filipinos." g

DOH eyes hiring of nursing board exam flunkers

by AngelicA TApAs ManilaTimes.net

HEALTH Secretary Teodoro

Herbosa said on Monday, June 19 the department plans to hire nursing graduates who failed to pass the board exam.

During his installation as DoH (Department of Health) head, Herbosa said he plans to discuss with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) the giving of temporary licenses to examinees with a grade of 70 percent to 74 percent in the licensing exam so they could work in public hospitals. He also laid out eight policy programs for the DoH under his stewardship.

The programs will focus on public health, noncommunicable diseases, the use of technology for better health services, readiness in health crisis handling, emergency preparedness, prevention of illnesses, mental health, protection of health workers, and pandemic-proofing the system.

Herbosa said that with the department's universal health coverage and his humanistic approach

to leadership, the poor should not sell houses or farm animals just to receive health services.

He promised health workers higher pay and better recognition of their work.

The agency must also be ready to protect people from a massive disease by having pandemic preparedness centers and facilities for infectious diseases.

Herbosa asked for everyone's help in improving the health care system.

"We are all public servants here. Entering the government

service is a matter of choice. Staying in service for quite a while is destiny," he said.

The department must all fulfill the people's expectations for fast, action-oriented and responsive growth, he said.

Herbosa said the DoH's new battle cry is "every human life is valuable."

Health

Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said she supports Herbosa's eight-program agenda since it is aligned with her own program when she was the agency's OIC. g

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa

DOH photo

Jo Koy joins producing team of ‘Here Lies Love’ on Broadway

STAND-UP comedian and actor Jo Koy (“Easter

Sunday” and “The Monkey King”) has joined the Broadway producing team of “Here Lies Love,” ahead of the new musical’s Broadway beginning performance which took place on Saturday, June 17.

Jo Koy said, “‘Here Lies Love’ is a celebration of Filipino culture and I’m so honored to be a part of this groundbreaking musical. For the first time, Broadway will get to see what we have always known, that Filipinos are some of the most talented entertainers.”

“On behalf of all of our producers," said Diana DiMenna, "we welcome Jo Koy and his internationally renowned Pinoy Pride to our fully binational team.”

From the minds of Grammy®, Oscar®, and Tony Award® winner David Byrne (concept, music and lyrics) and Grammy Award® winner Fatboy Slim (music), “Here Lies Love” tells the story of Imelda Marcos’ rise to power and subsequent fall at the hands of the Philippine People Power Revolution.

The show features the first all-Filipino cast to perform on Broadway: Arielle Jacobs (“In The Heights,” “Aladdin,” “Between The Line”s) as Imelda Marcos, Jose Llana (“The King and I,” “The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee”) as Ferdinand Marcos, Conrad Ricamora (“How to Get Away with Murder,” “The King and I,” “Soft Power” – Grammy nominations) as Ninoy Aquino, Melody Butiu, Moses Villarama, Jasmine Forsberg, Reanne Acasio, Jaygee Macapugay, Julia Abueva, Renée Albulario, Aaron Alcaraz, Carol Angeli, Nathan Angelo, Kristina Doucette, Roy Flores, Timothy Matthew Flores, Sarah Kay, Jeigh Madjus, Aaron “AJ” Mercado, Geena Quintos, Shea Renne, and Angelo Soriano. Tony and Olivier Award winner Lea Salonga, a global Filipina legend, will also join the cast for a special guest engagement this summer, performing for five weeks from Tuesday, July 11 through Sunday, August 13.

Developed & directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, with choreography by Olivier Award nominee Annie-B Parson and additional music by Tom Gandey and J Pardo, “Here Lies Love” will transform the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway at 53rd Street) into a dance club where the audience is immersed in the story. The musical began performances Saturday, June 17 ahead of an official opening night on Thursday, July 20. Tickets are on sale now at Telecharge.com, by phone at 212-239-6200, or at the Broadway Theatre box office.

For information on groups of 10+, contact Broadway Inbound at broadwayinbound.com or call 866-302-0995.

“Here Lies Love” transforms the Broadway Theatre's floor space into a dance club environment, where some audience members will stand and move with the

actors, and others will enjoy from traditional theater seating. Multiple ticketing options will provide audience members with unique and immersive points of view. For more information, visit https://herelieslovebroadway. com/#ticketingoptions.

From its world premiere at The Public Theater in 2013, “Here Lies Love” has enjoyed popular and critical acclaim. The show returned to The Public in 20142015, debuted at London’s Royal National Theatre in 2014, and most recently opened at Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2017.

The creative team for “Here

Lies Love on Broadway” includes three-time Tony Award® nominee David Korins (scenic design), Tony Award® winner Clint Ramos (costume design), Tony Award® winner Justin Townsend (lighting design), M.L. Dogg & Cody Spencer (sound design), and three-time Tony Award® nominee Peter Nigrini (projection design), with casting by Tara Rubin CSA, Xavier Rubiano CSA, Gail Quintos and general management by Foresight Theatrical. Additional creative team members include ATW Jonathan Larson Grant recipient J. Oconer Navarro (music director), Billy Bustamante (assistant director), Renée Albulario (assistant choreographer), Bobby Garcia (casting consultant/Philippines), Gregory T. Livoti (production stage manager), and Ryan Gohsman and Sheryl Polancos (assistant stage managers). Giselle “G” Töngi is the show’s cultural and community liaison.

“Here Lies Love” is produced by Hal Luftig/Kevin Connor, Patrick Catullo, Diana DiMenna & Plate Spinner Productions, Clint Ramos, and Jose Antonio Vargas, with Aaron Lustbader serving as executive producer. They are joined by Lea Salonga, H.E.R., Jo Koy, Rob Laqui, Eva LaBadie, Marikit Ventures/Georgina Pazcoguin, Bobby Garcia/Girlie Rodis, Miranda Gohh/Adam Hyndman, Don Michael H. Mendoza/Lora Nicholas Olaes, Celia Kaleialoha

Kenney/ Giselle “G” Töngi, No Guarantees, Yasuhiro Kawana, Elise K. Haas, Shira Friedman, Len Blavatnik Warner Music Entertainment, Wendy Federman/ Suzanne Niedland, Cathy Dantchik, James L. Nederlander, Elizabeth Armstrong, John Gore Organization, The Shubert Organization, Hunter Arnold, LaChanze, The Public Theater, Eastern Standard Time, Triptyk Studios, Iris Smith, Michael Robin Productions/Anastasia Muravyeva, Alexi Melvin/Beesham

A. Seecharan, Andrew Diamond/ Patrick Trettenero, Buzzy Geduld/ Gilad Rogowsky, Laura Ivey/Janet Brenner, and David Brendel/ Charlotte Cohn.

As one of today’s premiere stand-up comedians, Jo Koy has come a long way from his modest beginnings performing in a Las Vegas coffee house. Jo’s uniquely relatable comedy pulls inspiration from his colorful family that has reached all kinds of people and has translated into sold-out arenas

around the world.

In 2022, Koy kicked off his “Funny Is Funny World Tour” by selling-out the Climate Pledge Arena (over 14,000 tickets) in his hometown of Seattle and ended the tour with a sold-out show at Tacoma Dome (over 19,000 tickets). Today, he continues breaking sales records at some of the most prestigious venues around the world including Mall of Asia Arena (Manila, PH), The Forum (Los Angeles), CocaCola Arena (Dubai), ICC Theatre (Sydney, AU), Radio City Music Hall (New York City), and FTX Arena (Miami) to name a few. This past November, Koy soldout Madison Square Garden for the first time marking another milestone for the comedian. In 2017, Koy broke a record for the most tickets sold by a single artist at 23,000 tickets and 11 sold-out shows at The Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall in Honolulu. In response, the mayor’s office in Honolulu proclaimed November 24th as “Jo Koy Day.” Koy recently starred in the Universal Picture film “Easter Sunday,” set around a family gathering to celebrate Easter Sunday, the comedy is based on Jo Koy's life experiences and stand-up comedy. “Easter Sunday” is currently available on Blu-ray, DVD and on-demand. He’ll next be seen voicing the character Bendo in the upcoming Netflix animated film, “Monkey King” releasing worldwide on August 18.

His highly anticipated 4th Netflix stand-up special, “Live From The Los Angeles Forum,” premiered globally on September 2022. The special is a follow up to his 2019 Netflix special, “Comin’ In Hot.” Koy has already had four highly rated and successful stand-up specials on Comedy Central and Netflix. In June 2020, the comedian released his first variety special, “Jo Koy: In His Elements” on Netflix in which Koy brings the laughs and beats to Manila, spotlighting local culture in a one-of-a-kind show featuring Filipino-American comedians, DJs and B-boys.

In 2021, Koy released his first autobiography, “Mixed Plate: Chronicles of an All-American Combo” with Harper Collins Publishers to rave reviews. In this funny and moving memoir, Koy uncovers the stories behind his stand-up: the conflict, the drama and the laughter as he struggles to find his place in the entertainment industry, his home and around the world.

In 2019, Jo Koy reached #1 on the Billboard Charts for his standup comedy album, “Live From Seattle,” and in 2018, he was given the prestigious “Stand-Up Comedian Of The Year” award at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal.

Currently Jo is performing on his Jo Koy World Tour. For more info on his comedy, book and tour dates, please visit: Jokoy.com.

Koy is repped by Arsonhouse Entertainment, CAA and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof +Fishman.

Achievement unlocked: Lea Salonga debuts as Broadway producer for ‘Here Lies Love’

by EVANGELINE VALDERRAMA Inquirer.net

FILIPINO pride Lea Salonga just unlocked another achievement in her decades-long career as she announced her debut as a Broadway producer with the staging of the musical “Here Lies Love.”

Salonga made the announcement on Instagram after the first preview of the show’s revival in New York on June 17. The singer-actress, however, said that she was in Dallas, Texas for another show.

A screenshot of what appeared to be a Broadway playbill gave a brief introduction to Salonga being a “co-producer” of the show.

“Speaking of debuts, I’m making my own tonight as a BROADWAY PRODUCER! I blame this squarely on the mighty shoulders of @clintramos and @ joseiswriting. What have you gotten me into?!?” Salonga said in the caption, tagging FilipinoAmerican set designer Clint Ramos and theater producer Jose Antonio Vargas.

Salonga earlier revealed that her upcoming participation in the musical is “special” to her as a Filipina artist, since audiences will witness its importance on the stage where she made her Broadway debut as Kim in “Miss Saigon” in 1991.

“And it’s very special to me for a few reasons. Number one: As a Filipina artist, I’m incredibly

excited that audiences will finally see on Broadway this beautiful, impactful, and important musical. Two: I get to go back to Broadway theater, which is where I made my Broadway debut over 30 years ago, which is wild for me to think about,” she said.

“Here Lies Love” tells the rise and fall of former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, who was once dubbed the “Iron Butterfly”. Incidentally, she is the wife of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and the mother of the current Philippine president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The Broadway production has an all-Filipino cast, featuring Arielle Jacobs as Imelda Marcos, Jose Llana as Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and Conrad Ricamora as Ninoy Aquino. Salonga will appear in the musical on a limited run, playing the role of Aurora Aquino for five weeks. Meanwhile, Grammywinning musician H.E.R. is part of the producing team, alongside Ramos and Vargas. Prior to this post, the Tony awardee also announced on Instagram that the Broadway Theatre sold out on its first night.

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.

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’ pre-Grammy 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

2. Matea Smith

8.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

32. Aliza Orjalo

33. Ronniedith Dimapasoc

34. Skylar Vasquez

35. Dakota Swart

36. Kelly Mcilroy

37. Kawena Kanhai

38. Sabrina Pajarillo

39. Mary Ann Monda

40. Issha Rose

The candidates were revealed in the press presentation hosted by two talented Filipino Americans – TV personality and “Inside Edition” correspondent Victoria Recaño and performance artist Alex Maarte.

The women will vie for these titles: Miss Filipina International; Miss Tourism; First Runner-up; Second Runner-up; and Third Runner-up.

MFI also announced in 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 singersongwriter 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 selfpenned 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 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.

Lea Salonga

Photo from Instagram/@msleasalonga

Jo

Photo by Mike Miller Photography

3. Alexia Reign Hernandez

4. Jesse Grace Felix Soriano 5. Raphaella Del Rosario

6. Rylen Steinbuch

7. Brooke Barredo

Claudia Vidanes

9. Denisse Nicole Samaniego

Patricia Bianca Tapia

Janessa Gwen Rubio

Amanda Russo

Keilin Tankiamco

Alyanna Joelle Santos

Katie Mcilroy

Sandra Irene Goff

Aira Lei Maigue

Angelique De la Cruz

Princess Caventa Reyes

Hannah Angelica Marte

27. Samantha Gavin 28. Sarah Lizaso Obal 29. Beatriz Mclelland 30. Jessica Zemanek 31. Bryanna Vasquez

Graton Resort & Casino breaks ground on $1B expansion

New construction begins on parking structure and will eventually include additional casino and resort buildings

ROHNERT PARK – Graton Resort & Casino, the Bay Area’s premier gaming destination, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, June 15 to celebrate the expansion of the Rohnert Park resort. A new parking structure with solar panels was slated to begin construction on Thursday, June 16. Projects including an additional hotel wing and expanded casino floor are slated for future development.

The expansion of the property will employ 2,000 in temporary construction jobs, and 600 new Graton Resort & Casino team members. Graton Resort & Casino is already one of Sonoma County’s largest private employers.

The casino floor expansion will add approximately 144,000 square feet, adding 2,000 new slot machines, a new poker room, and a new high-limit area.

The $1 billion expansion project will also include:

• A new five-story, hotel wing with over 200 rooms

• A 28,000 square foot rooftop restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating for 480 guests

• A five-level parking structure with solar panels and EV charging stations

• A 3,500-seat theater.

“This is an exciting day, and we’re thrilled to begin construction. The expansion reflects our consistent mission to provide the highest quality guest experience at Graton Resort & Casino,” said Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Tribal Chairman Sarris. “We’ve been working on

these plans for several years, and we’re excited to create new job opportunities here in Sonoma County.”

The project’s architect is Bergman Walls & Associates. The project developer is ECL Development LLC and the general contractor is SMC Contracting Inc.

In a brief interview with Filipino American media, Greg Sarris, Graton Rancheria Tribal Chairman, talked about the success of Graton Resort & Casino since it opened which has paved the way for new developments within its area.

“We’ve been extremely successful here, with the support of the Filipino, many Asian communities and other communities because we have such a comfortable home for so many people to come to and be happy,” Sarris said. “Because we’ve done well and we’ve seen there’s a greater demand for both gaming and entertainment, and food, we decided, ‘Let’s go ahead and expand.’ And we’re able to expand and do very well. So, were excited – there will be more room, more entertainment, more food, more spa and pool for more people.”

Sarris, who is part-Filipino (his grandfather is Emiliano Hilario), counts many Fil-Am family members from South San Francisco, and is proud of his heritage, wants Graton to have a legacy of helping all peoples… a legacy of generosity and kindness that they give back to

the community from their gaming business so the community can be healthy. “We are all in this together,” he emphasized.

Graton’s commitment to social responsibility and the model it has created, Sarris believes, has been a part of their success, and a good reason why many local and state officials have supported their growth. “I’ve always wanted this to be a model business – a model of good jobs, generosity, something that benefits the [Native American] Indian and non[Native American] Indian people. And we’ve proven we can do this,” Sarris told Fil-Am media.

Earlier, his program remarks, Sarris revealed the many significant developments that the Graton Rancheria’s gaming business and commitment to social responsibility/environmental stewardship/giving back to the community has given to the tribe and to the surrounding area:

• In the Graton Rancheria Tribe, the past ten years has seen an 80% dropout rate to a 100% high school graduation rate

• The Tribe has added to federal and state education grants through its gaming revenue so that it can support the educational structure for Native American Indian children in the United States

• It has given $2.5M in perpertuity to the UC school system so that all California Native American Indians have the opportunity to attend UC schools tuition-free

• Graton Resort & Casino currently employs more than 2,000 people, and those who work 25 or more hours get full coverage medical benefits that is not deducted from their paychecks

• Graton offers literacy and citizenship programs, where they have assisted workers who are green card holders with their citizenship applications and paid the fees

• Graton has provided more than $200M to the Sonoma County and to the City of Rohnert Park for mitigation funds

• Graton has given nearly $90M in charity for social justice and environmental stewardship causes.

FILIPINA frontliner from Florida, Janice, was diagnosed with myelofibrosis – bone marrow cancer. She had already been receiving several treatments including blood transfusions and medications, but none of these had worked. She was in urgent

need of a bone marrow transplant. Her sister, Jerrimee, who lives in the Philippines, is a perfect match. Being a blood relative donor also meant that the chances for success would be greater.

bassy denied Jerrimee’s application for a medical visa. Time was of the essence, and desperate to find help, Janice’s family posted their appeal on social media. Their story was brought to the attention of Citizen Pinoy head PAGE 10

Unfortunately, the U.S. Em-

Tribal Chair Greg Sarris (center) with other Graton tribe and resort/casino officials breaking ground at the June 15 event.

Photo courtesy of Time Advertising

Graton Resort & Casino breaks ground on...

Sarris added that at Graton Resort & Casino, there are 20 languages spoken, and there is a culture of love passed on to the guests that makes their business a happy and healthy place. “The only thing we don’t tolerate is intolerance,” he said.

Special guest Eleni Kounalakis, Lt. Gov. of California, spoke briefly and lauded the Graton Rancheria Tribe for putting community first and actively giving back to the city, to the Bay Area to the state, and to the U.S. She also thanked Graton Rancheria for its extraordinary support to Proposition 1, which enshrines a woman’s right to contraception, empowerment and decision-making over her own health and her own body in the California Constitution which was approved by nearly 67% of voters in the November 2022 elections.

Aside from mentioning the grant to the UC system that provides tuition, books and housing to Native American Indians not just from the Graton Rancheria Tribe but to children of other Tribes, Lt. Gov. Kounalakis, who herself is a UC Regent, touched on Graton’s support for filmmakers who are tribal members from across the state and who are entering their films to Sundance.

Lt. Gov. Kounalakis underscored the great diplomacy that Graton Rancheria and the other California tribes have shown in partnering with local, city and state officials in creating and developing compacts that shows how well the tribes have managed gaming and entertainment in the state.

“It is something that all Californians should respect and

admire, and continue to support,” she said. “And, I for one, plan to make sure that Californians see and understand this remarkable relationship that has led, to not just to the success of California tribes in gaming and entertainment, but in their giving back in so many profound ways, philanthropy and economic development. It’s so important, and I think ultimately that is what we are celebrating here today.”

Located in Sonoma County, Graton Resort & Casino has a commanding presence among the rolling hills of Northern California's wine country. Owned and operated by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria,

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

WHAT is halitosis?

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Dental reports in the United States say there are about 40 million (around 13 percent) Americans who have bad breath.

In the Philippines, as in other regions in Asia, the incidence, conservatively speaking, may be as high as 30 or higher. This is a rough guesstimate, and the figure, of course, varies in different subgroups in the community.

Halitosis: Reputation killer

are people who do not brush their teeth at all and go to bed at night with food particles stuck in between their teeth. They may gargle and rinse their mouth with water (or water and salt) after each meal, or even use mouthwash, but the food caught in between their teeth (especially meat and fish) rot and stink. This is putrefaction and the foul-smelling odor is from the volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) produced by the decaying meat, which usually results in bacterial infection (and more bad odor), and this makes the cycle a vicious one.

What are the types of bad breath?

regimen of dental flossing (to eliminate food particles that will rot and harbor bacteria), tongue-scraping, toothbrushing (to scrub food elements, juices and stains from the teeth, and protecting the teeth and gums with those ingredients in the toothpaste), and gargling (with mouthwash that contain bacteria killing, and plaque-and tartar-preventing ingredients – stabilized chlorine), and visiting your dentist at least every 6 months will not only eliminate bad breath but lead to a healthier dental and oral state and cardiac health.

Can rinse containing alcohol cause cancer?

Graton Resort & Casino features table games, the latest slot machines, upscale and casual dining, plus entertainment options for visitors and locals alike. For more information, please visit www.gratonresortcasino.com.

Graton Rancheria is a federally recognized Indian tribe comprised of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Indians. Legislation restoring federal recognition to the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria was signed into law in December 2000. Tribal lands are located in Rohnert Park, Sonoma County, CA. For more information about FIGR, visit www.gratonrancheria.com. (Advertising Supplement)

Halitosis, as a rule, is less among those who live in the city, compared to rural areas, those who are more affluent, higher in socio-economic status, those who are more educated or professional, and those in the younger generation. Obviously, the financially handicapped could ill afford the luxury of toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, regular dental checkup, and proper dental care. They may also be not as well-nourished, and as healthy, as those who can afford.

What causes halitosis?

There are a variety of causes of bad breath. Eating food that causes foul breath (like garlic, onion, etc), poor dental hygiene, decayed tooth or infection of the gums, tonsils, or oral cavity, diseases like diabetes, esophageal diverticulum, esophageal reflux, sinusitis, emphysema, etc. But the commonest underlying cause is poor dental hygiene where care of the teeth and mouth is neglected. There

Transitory halitosis is caused by food like onions and garlic and generally lasts from one day to a day-and-a-half. Some people develop halitosis after drinking pop or eating sweets, like dessert. The individual “oral metabolism” may have something to do with this observation. The other form of bad breath is the chronic halitosis, which does not diminish or improve with time. It is permanently present until the cause is abolished.

Can tooth infection cause infection in the heart?

Yes, tooth infection can cause the bacteria in the mouth to circulate in the blood stream to infect the heart valve, causing bacterial endocarditis, most especially in people who may have had rheumatic heart disease when they were young. This condition affects and weakens the heart valves, making them susceptible to infection. And those with artificial heart valves are even more prone to infection originating from tooth decay or infection in the mouth.

What can be done for stubborn halitosis?

If there is no tooth decay or any infection in the mouth or throat, the bad breath may be coming from sinusitis, emphysema or from the stomach (as in esophageal reflex, where the controlling valve between the stomach and the food pipe is not closing – water-tight –properly). A dental, or even medical, evaluation may be needed to ascertain the specific cause of this persistent halitosis.

Can mouthwash eliminate bad breath?

No, mouthwash alone cannot do the trick. First, the food particles that can rot must be removed from in-between the teeth immediately after each meal (by dental flossing, since toothpick alone will not do the job). Then, brushing teeth and the tongue, using toothpaste (that contains fluoride and other ingredients like Poly (methylvinylether) maleic acid coplymer and triclosan) for added tooth protection, is essential at least 3 times a day, after each meal. Mouthwash with stabilized Chlorine can be used as a last step in this routine as an added regimen. A study made on 15 mouthwashes showed that most only masked the bad breath for a few minutes, only a few were still effective after a few hours. Most of the products sold over the counter do not eliminate halitosis. The effective ones are those with stabilized chlorine. What are the other bacterial dental problems?

Besides bad breath, the other problems caused by germs in our mouth include cavities, gum problems, plaques and tartar formation, and heart problems. Yes, cardiac problems. Therefore, the routine

Yes, according to a 1991 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association, which stated that mouthwashes “containing more than 25% alcohol could increase the risk of oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancer by 50%”. Fortunately, most, if not all, mouthwashes in the market contain less than 15% alcohol.

How effective are breath-freshener capsules?

If taken as directed, and as a part of the comprehensive regimen we have discussed above, these breath-freshener capsules could be of help, especially for those with gastrointestinal reflux.

How about chewing gum?

Not by itself, but if added to the daily oral hygiene regimen we recommended above, chewing (sugar-free) gum can be of help in achieving a fresher and kissable breath.

Do you have bad breath?

It is odd but most people with chronic halitosis do not even know they have it. Their own sense of smell is so conditioned to the bad breath in their mouth to the point that they do not even perceive it. And their friends and relatives (including most spouses) will not even tell them, to “spare” them from the embarrassment (which actually leads to greater embarrassment because other people are offended by this offensive odor.) So, the next time you see your lover or friend, or relative, beg him or her to be candid with you. This honesty might change your reputation and love life forever.

* * *

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

* * *

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

Success story: A life was saved...

writer, Mouse Munoz, who in turn referred the situation to leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel.

Atty. Gurfinkel filed for Humanitarian Parole and requested for expedited processing since the situation is a matter of life and death. After persistent and numerous follow-ups, Jerrimee’s humanitarian parole visa was approved and she was able to enter the U.S., underwent tests, and donated her bone marrow to her sister.

Janice’s cancer is now in remission and her doctors expect her blood levels to be back to normal within the year. A life has been saved.

Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 25 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

Graton Rancheria Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris talks about significant developments over the last 10 years since Graton Resort & Casino rose up in Rohnert Park, CA.

California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis (at podium) speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony. AJPress Photos byJoseph L. Peralta

Janice, a frontliner from Florida who dedicated her life saving others, now needed a lifesaving bone marrow transplant for herself.

Michael J. Gurfinkel (left) was able to acquire