062624 - Southern California Midweek Edition

Fil-Am Team USA manager happy for volleyball’s growth in PH

EVERYTHING has come full circle for Filipino American team manager David Dantes of Team USA, as he returned to his home country of the Philippines for volleyball in the recently concluded Manila leg of the 2024 Volleyball Nations League last week.

After being away from the Philippines for a decade, Dantes flew with fan favorites Team USA for the weeklong tournament. Bearing witness to the country’s love for volleyball, he reflected on his return to Manila.

“[It’s] my first time back [in Manila] for like, 10 years. So it’s really great to be back. You know, my parents are from here and I think the guys right now are having a wonderful experience,” he said, referring to Team USA players.

“I think that’s been the best part. [For] most of our team, it’s their first time here and we love it. They love the fans, they love the passion, [I] couldn’t be happier,” he added.

Fil-Am artist unveils memorial for mass shooting victims in

TO honor the memory of the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub tragedy in Orlando, Florida, Filipino American visual artist Jefrë has unveiled a monumental memorial titled “Wings of the Rainbow.”

The sculpture, a 49-foot-tall polychromatic structure, now stands prominently in Osceola County’s Brown Weiss Park, overlooking Lake Toho.

Each aspect of Jefrë’s design symbolizes the LGBTQIA+ individuals whose lives were tragically lost during the mass shooting.

In a statement, Jefrë, who also did “The Victor” at Robinsons Bridgetowne in the Philippines, expressed that “Wings of the Rainbow” serves not merely as a static memorial, but as a symbol of unity, resilience and hope for the community.

“As we conclude today’s ceremony, let us remember that ‘Wings of the Rainbow’ is not just a sculpture but a lasting tribute to the 49 angels,” Jefrë shared on Instagram.

“It stands as a beacon of hope, unity and resilience. May it inspire us to embrace diversity, cherish our shared humanity and

US asks Philippines to solve politically motivated cases after De

MANILA — Sen. Imee Marcos has dismissed speculation that she is running for mayor of Manila next year, saying that she will seek another term in the Senate.

When asked if she would be joining the current administration’s slate for the 2025 midterm elections, Marcos said she was not sure.

“I don’t even know if I will be included … I’ve been seeing various slates. I think the candidates would reach 50 because there are so many of us. There’s Lakas, there’s [Partido Federal ng Pilipinas], there’s so many. That’s why I am confused, but let’s see, there’s still more time left anyway,” she added.

“The politics in Philippines is always like basketball. So wait for the last two minutes,” Marcos said. (Tina G. Santos/Inquirer.net)

MANILA — BMI Country Risk & Industry Research slashed its projection for tourist arrivals in the Philippines this year to 6.6 million from the 8.21 million forecast it gave in January.

BMI’s revised forecast for this year is also 14.2 percent lower than the baseline target of 7.7 million visitors set by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

However, despite the slight downgrade in forecast, BMI said international arrivals could still grow by 19.1 percent in 2024 from last year’s 5.54 million. This will also be 81 percent of the 8.26 million arrivals recorded in 2019,

right before COVID-19 hit.

“We have a positive outlook for Philippines’ tourist arrivals in 2024 and over the remainder of our medium-term forecast period to 2028,” it said. “We expect arrivals growth to be driven by key source markets in Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe.”

The unit of Fitch Solutions added that tourism in the Philippines would continue to see a strong rebound over the medium term after travel was halted for many years due to the pandemic.

As such, BMI said tourist arrivals could increase further to 8.3 million in 2025 and 9.4 million in 2028, reflecting an annual

Ex-senator says it’s Duterte’s turn to pay for his sins

A MUNTINLUPA court dropped all remaining criminal charges against former justice secretary Leila De Lima on Monday, June 24, ending years of legal battles for one of the most vocal and powerful critics of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his deadly drug war.

The former senator and justice secretary had spent a decade investigating "death squad" killings allegedly orchestrated by Duterte until she was arrested in 2017 and spent more than six years in prison.

"I am now completely free and vindicated. It's very liberating," an emotional De Lima told reporters as she emerged from the courtroom. Her lawyer Filibon Tacardon said the final case was dismissed for insufficient evidence.

The court did not immediately release the text of the ruling.

The 64-year-old De Lima vowed that Duterte would not go scot-free for the drug war killings as well as her imprisonment.

MANILA — Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro highlighted the primacy of diplomacy in resolving the issue with China, as Philippine officials are set to meet their Chinese counterparts for the next round of the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism on the South China Sea. The schedule of the next meeting, which is expected to be hosted by Philippines, has yet to be determined.

“I just want to say that Secretary Teodoro mentioned about the peaceful means. Yes, that is always being exercised,” Lazaro told reporters at a Palace press briefing.

De Lima cleared of all...

"This is my message to the former president, Mr. Duterte: Now it's your turn to answer for your sins against the people."

"Despite the pain and injustice of it all, I went through it and endured the whole process."

De Lima was freed on bail in November last year, having earlier been cleared of the two other drug charges.

De Lima was a sitting senator when she was arrested in 2017 and spent more than six years in jail while on trial for three drug trafficking charges.

She described the cases as payback for her efforts to investigate Duterte's drug war, first as head of the government's independent human rights body, then as justice secretary and during her term as a senator.

The last drug case concerned allegations she took money from inmates inside the country's largest prison to allow them to sell drugs while she was justice secretary from 2010–2015.

She had maintained that the charges, which carried a maximum penalty of life in prison, were fabricated to silence her from criticizing Duterte's narcotics crackdown that left thousands dead.

Multiple witnesses, including prison gang bosses, died or recanted their testimonies during the lengthy trials.

Also on Monday, the court dismissed another charge alleging de Lima had persuaded a former employee to ignore a 2016

summons issued by the House of Representatives for a hearing on the alleged trade of illegal drugs in Philippine prisons.

That case, the only other criminal proceeding against her, had carried a penalty of anywhere between a fine and six months in prison.

Before her arrest, De Lima spent a decade investigating Duterte's drug war during his time as mayor of Davao and early in his 2016–2022 presidency.

Thousands of drug suspects were killed by police and unknown gunmen in a campaign that became the centerpiece of Duterte's 20162022 rule, a crackdown that critics described as state-sponsored extrajudicial killings and is now the subject of an investigation by the International Criminal Court. De Lima said Monday she would continue to help the tribunal in its probe.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros called on concerned authorities to hold accountable those who wrongly accused De Lima.

The senator said the dismissal by the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 of the third and last drug case against de Lima "proves that justice is based on truth and evidence, not on baseless charges and political motivations."

Hontiveros, in a statement on Monday, said De Lima "has faced public ridicule and injustices, yet she remained steadfast in her commitment to truth and justice."

"But we need to focus our attention on those who have wrongly accused her. False

charges compromise not only the accused's reputation but also the integrity of our legal system," she said.

"We call upon the authorities to pursue and hold accountable those who have perpetuated these unfounded allegations. Justice must be served, and those who have wronged her and our legal system must face the consequences of their actions,"

Hontiveros said.

European Union Ambassador to Manila Luc Veron said the dismissal of the last drug case against de Lima was a "victory for justice."

Veron wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that he shared De Lima's joy and her co-defendants "who were cleared of all charges today by the Muntinlupa City Court."

"After so many years, this is a victory for justice. The EU applauds and stands alongside this verdict for justice and human rights," Veron said.

Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman said that justice prevailed for former De Lima.

"Justice finally prevails for former Sen. Leila De Lima," Lagman, president of the Liberal Party (LP), said in a statement.

"Her innocence has been upheld," he said.

De Lima is the LP's spokesman.

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro also welcomed the dismissal of the case.

Castro said that the junking of all the drug charges against De Lima was a "significant victory." g

US asks Philippines to solve...

dismissal of the third and final drug case filed against her by the Duterte administration.

De Lima’s camp filed the petition in March, arguing that the prosecution’s case has insufficient evidence.

The lower court’s decision to dismiss the drug charges against De Lima is tantamount to an acquittal of the former senator, a staunch critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Now, all three drugrelated cases that the Duterte administration filed against her are dismissed.

“I feel immense relief and joy right now. I can now rest easier and sleep more soundly,” De Lima said in Filipino during an ambush interview with members of the media after the Muntinlupa court’s decision on her third drug case was announced Monday.

Earlier, European Union (EU) ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron said the bloc

welcomed De Lima’s acquittal as they stand alongside the verdict of justice and human rights.

“I share the joy of Atty. Leila De. Lima and her co-defendants who were cleared of all charges today by the Muntinlupa City Court. After so many years, this is a victory for justice!” Veron said on X (formerly Twitter).

De Lima’s colleagues in the political opposition also expressed happiness over her acquittal.

“Noon pa man, alam kong walang sala si Sen. Leila at umaapaw ang kaligayahan sa puso ko na ngayon ay nakamit na niya ang hustisya. From ‘Free Leila Now’ to ‘Now, Leila is free’,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said in a statement Monday.

(Even before, I knew that [former] Sen. Leila was innocent and I am extremely glad now that she has achieved justice.

From “Free Leila Now” to “Now, Leila is free.”)

“Ito’y patunay na ang katotohanan ay mananaig pa

rin ang hustisya sa gitna ng mga kasinungalingan,” human rights lawyer Chel Diokno said on X.

(This proves the truth that justice will still prevail even in the midst of lies.)

Both Hontiveros and Diokno, however, stressed that people who unjustly accused De Lima of wrongdoing “must face the consequences of their actions.”

“[W]e need to focus our attention on those who have wrongly accused her. False charges compromise not only the accused’s reputation but also the integrity of our legal system. We call upon the authorities to pursue and hold accountable those who have perpetuated these unfounded.

“Ang hukuman ay takbuhan ng taumbayan para matamo ang hustisya, hindi ito instrumento para sa maruming pamumulitika (People go to the court to get justice, it is not an instrument for dirty politics),” Diokno also said. (Moss R. Laygo/Inquirer.net)

REVIVING PASIG RIVER. Local tourists on a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage)

Binondo-Intramuros Bridge.

government’s “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli” project envisions the revitalization

the Pasig River, with a look and feel of famous waterways like the Seine in Paris, France or the Chao Phraya in Bangkok, Thailand. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

TARP SAYS IT ALL Former Sen. Leila de Lima (center, with scarf) is greeted by her supporters, led by peace advocate Teresita “Ging” Deles (fourth from left), after the Muntinlupa City court on Monday, June 24, cleared her of the last drug-related case filed by the Duterte administration. Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

The

industry leader in building sophisticated and efficient systems for states that, among other things, screen who is eligible for Medicaid.

However, a KFF Health News investigation of eligibility systems found widespread problems.

The systems have generated incorrect notices to Medicaid beneficiaries, sent their paperwork to the wrong addresses, and been frozen for hours at a time, according to findings in state audits, allegations and declarations in court documents, and interviews. It can take months to fix problems, according to court documents from a lawsuit in federal court in Tennessee, company documents, and state agencies. Meanwhile, America’s poorest residents pay the price.

Deloitte dominates this important slice of government business: Twenty-five states have awarded it eligibility systems contracts — with 53 million Medicaid enrollees in those states as of April 1, 2023, when the unwinding of pandemic protections began, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Deloitte’s contracts are worth at least $5 billion, according to a KFF Health News review of government contracts, in which Deloitte commits to design, develop, implement, or operate state systems.

State officials work hand in glove with Deloitte behind closed doors to translate policy choices into computer code that forms the backbone of eligibility systems. When things go wrong, it can be difficult to know who’s at fault, according to attorneys, consumer advocates, and union workers. Sometimes it takes a lawsuit to pull back the curtain. Medicaid beneficiaries bear the brunt of system

millions in America hinges

PH prepares for bilateral talks on...

errors, said Steve Catanese, president of Service Employees International Union Local 668 in Pennsylvania. The union chapter represents roughly 19,000 employees — including government caseworkers who troubleshoot problems for recipients of safety-net benefits such as health coverage and cash assistance for food.

“Are you hungry? Wait. You sick? Wait,” he said. “Delays can kill people.”

KFF Health News interviewed Medicaid recipients, attorneys, and former caseworkers and government employees, and read thousands of pages from contracts, ongoing lawsuits, company materials, and state audits and documents that show problems with Deloitteoperated systems around the country — including in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Texas.

In an interview, Kenneth Smith, a Deloitte executive who leads its national human services division, said Medicaid eligibility technology is stateowned and agencies “direct their operation” and “make decisions about the policies and processes that they implement.”

“They’re not Deloitte systems,” he said, noting Deloitte is one player among many who together administer Medicaid benefits.

Alleging “ongoing and nationwide” errors and “unfair and deceptive trade practices,” the National Health Law Program, a nonprofit that advocates for people with low incomes, urged the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Deloitte in a complaint filed in January.

“Systems built by Deloitte have generated numerous errors, resulting in inaccurate Medicaid eligibility determinations and loss of Medicaid coverage for eligible individuals in many states,” it argued. “The repetition of the same errors in Deloitte eligibility systems across Texas and other states and over time demonstrates that Deloitte has failed.”

FTC spokesperson Juliana Gruenwald Henderson confirmed receipt of the complaint but did not comment further.

Smith called the allegations “without merit.”

The system problems are especially concerning as states wade through millions of Medicaid eligibility checks to disenroll people who no longer qualify — a removal process that was paused for three years to protect people from losing insurance during the COVID-19 public health emergency. In that time, nationwide Medicaid enrollment grew by more than 22 million, to roughly 87 million people. At least 22.8 million have been removed as of June 4 , according to a KFF analysis of government data.

Advocates worry many lost coverage despite being eligible. A KFF survey of adults disenrolled from Medicaid during the first year of the unwinding found that nearly 1 in 4 adults who were removed are now uninsured. Nearly half who were removed were able to reenroll, the survey showed, suggesting they should not have been dropped in the first place.

“If there is a technology challenge or reason why someone can’t access health care that they're eligible for, and we're able to do something,” Smith said, “we work tirelessly to do so.”

Deloitte’s contracts with states regularly cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and the federal government pays the bulk of the cost.

“States become very dependent on the consultant for operating complex systems of all kinds” to do government business, said Michael Shaub, an accounting professor at Texas A&M University.

Georgia’s contract with Deloitte to build and maintain its system for health and social service programs, inked in 2014, as of January 2023 was worth $528 million. This January, state officials wrote in an assessment obtained by KFF Health News that its eligibility system “lacks flexibility and adaptability,

“We are also doing something on the diplomatic front. We have a mechanism that has been in existence for quite a number of years,” she said, referring to the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism on the South China Sea with China.

The last meeting was held on January 17 in Shanghai, where the two parties formulated “some confidence-building measures,” according to Lazaro.

Speaker Martin Romualdez, for his part, asked China to “lessen its aggression,” saying that he does not see the issue ending soon.

“We are saddened by China’s very aggressive behavior. Let’s deescalate the tension,” he said at a press briefing.

According to Romualdez, it is very unlikely for the dispute over the West Philippine Sea to be resolved “today and not tomorrow” so it is better for

the two countries to work for a “peaceful resolution for us.”

“Let us not make this disagreement and conflict in WPS define the totality of the relationship between China and the Philippines,” he pointed out.

Militant group Anakbayan, meanwhile, has condemned China’s actions and that of the U.S. for its military buildup in the country.

“China’s bid to supplant the United States as the dominant imperialist power in the IndoPacific has brought great harm to our people,” Anakbayan stated.

It argued, however, that U.S. involvement does more harm than good. “The U.S. has maintained the Philippines as its neo-colony, benefiting from lopsided economic and political agreements,” Anakbayan said in a statement.

“Now, threatened by China’s

rise, the U.S. seeks to maintain its hegemony in the IndoPacific and use the Philippines as its forward base for war,” the group said.

“It is high time that the West Philippine Sea is demilitarized. We must not allow either China or the U.S. to continue using our sovereign waters in their rivalry,” Anakbayan said.

ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said the Philippines should not let itself be influenced by the U.S. The “saber-rattling of the U.S. government and their mouthpieces are primarily responsible for the escalating tensions in the WPS,” she said.

“While we condemn China’s lies and their continued bullying in our maritime territories, we must also be cautious about falling into the U.S. narrative and playing into their provocation,” she added. g

Fil-Am artist unveils memorial for mass shooting...

continue to strive for a world filled with love and acceptance.”

During the unveiling ceremony, Jefrë conveyed deep gratitude to those in attendance for their unwavering support in bringing this memorial to fruition.

“Wings of the Rainbow” represents a collaborative effort between Jefrë and the Osceola County Government of Florida.

This initiative resonates with similar endeavors across the United States aimed at honoring victims of mass shootings.

Memorials in Sandy Hook, Connecticut; Las Vegas, Nevada;

“Thank you all for being here and for your unwavering support. Together, we honor the memory of those we lost, celebrate their lives and reaffirm our commitment to a future where love always triumphs,” he concluded.

Photo from Osceola County Government

Medicaid for millions in America hinges... It’s called an urgent care emergency center —

limiting Georgia’s ability to serve its customers efficiently, improve the customer and worker experience across all programs, ensure data security, reduce benefit errors and fraud, and advance the state’s goal of streamlining eligibility.”

Deloitte and the Georgia Department of Community Health declined to comment.

Deloitte is looking ahead with its “path to Medicaid in 2040,” anticipating sweeping changes that will expand its own business opportunity.

“State Medicaid leaders and policymakers are hungry to know what the future of health care holds,” the company said. “Deloitte brings the innovative tools, subject matter expertise, and time-tested experience to help states.”

Trouble in Tennessee

When Medicaid eligibility systems fail, beneficiaries suffer the consequences.

DiJuana Davis had chronic anemia that required iron infusions. In 2019, the 39-year-old Nashville resident scheduled separate surgeries to prevent pregnancy and to remove the lining of her uterus, which could alleviate blood loss and ease her anemia.

Then Davis, a mom of five, received a shock: Her family’s Medicaid coverage had vanished. The hospital canceled the procedures, according to testimony in federal court in November.

Davis had kept her insurance for years without trouble. This time, Tennessee had just launched a new Deloitte-built eligibility system. It autofilled an incorrect address, where Davis had never lived, to send paperwork, an error that left her uninsured for nearly two months, according to an ongoing class-action lawsuit Davis and other beneficiaries filed against the state.

The lawsuit, which does not name Deloitte as a defendant, seeks to order Tennessee to restore coverage for those who wrongly lost it. Kimberly Hagan, Tennessee Medicaid’s director of member services, said in a court filing defending the state’s actions that many issues “reflect some unforeseen flaws or gaps” with the eligibility system and “some design errors.”

Hagan’s legal declaration in 2020 gave a view of what went wrong: Davis lost coverage because of missteps by both Tennessee and Deloitte during what’s known as the “conversion process,” when eligibility data was migrated to a new system.

Tennessee’s Medicaid agency, known as “TennCare, along with its vendor, Deloitte, designed rules to govern the logic of conversion,” Hagan said in the legal declaration. She also cited a “manual, keying error by a worker” made in 2017.

Davis’ family was “incorrectly merged with another family during conversion,” Hagan said.

Davis regained coverage, but before she could rebook the surgeries, she testified, she became pregnant and a serious complication emerged. In June 2020, Davis rushed to the hospital. A physician told her she had preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal death. Labor was induced and her son was born prematurely.

“Preeclampsia can kill the mom. It can kill the baby. It can kill both of you,” she testified.

“That’s like a death sentence.”

Deloitte’s Tennessee contract is worth $823 million. Deloitte declined to comment on Davis’ case or the litigation.

Speaking broadly, Smith said, “data conversion is incredibly challenging and difficult.”

Hagan called the problems one-time issues: “None of the Plaintiffs’ cases reflect ongoing systemic problems that have not already been addressed or are scheduled to be addressed.”

States leverage Deloitte’s technology as part of a larger push toward automation, legal aid attorneys and former caseworkers said.

“We all know that big computer projects are fraught,” said Gordon Bonnyman, co-founder of the nonprofit Tennessee Justice Center. “But a state that was concerned about inflicting collateral damage when they moved to a different automated system would have a lot of safeguards.” TennCare spokesperson Amy Lawrence called its eligibility system “a transformative tool, streamlining processes and enhancing accessibility.”

When enrollees seek help at county offices, “you don’t get to sit down across from a real human being,” Bonnyman said. “They point you to the kiosk and say, ‘Good luck with that.’” A Backlog of 50,000 Cases

As part of the Affordable Care Act rollout about a decade ago, states invested in technological upgrades to determine who qualifies for public programs. It was a financial boon to Deloitte and such companies as Accenture and Optum, which landed government contracts to build those complex systems.

Problems soon emerged.

In Kentucky, a Deloitte-built system that launched in February 2016 erroneously sent at least 25,000 automated letters telling people they would lose benefits, according to local news reports. State officials manually worked through a backlog of 50,000 cases caused by conflicting information from newly merged systems, the reports say. “We know that the rollout of Benefind has caused frustration and concern for families and for field staff,” senior Deloitte executive Deborah Sills said during a March 2016 news conference alongside Gov. Matt Bevin and other senior officials after Kentucky was bombarded with complaints. Within two months, roughly 600 system defects were identified, found a report by the Kentucky state auditor.

In Rhode Island, a botched rollout in September 2016 delayed tens of thousands of Social Security payments, The Providence Journal reported. Advocacy groups filed two classaction lawsuits, one related to Medicaid and the other to food stamp benefits. Both were settled, with Rhode Island officials denying wrongdoing. Neither named Deloitte as a defendant.

In a 2018 statement for a Statehouse hearing, Sills of Deloitte said, “We are very sorry for the impact that our system issues have had on your constituents, on state workers, and on service providers.” The state’s top human services official resigned.

A 2017 audit by a top Rhode Island official prepared for Gov. Gina Raimondo found that Deloitte “delivered an IT system that is not functioning effectively” and had “significant defects.” “Widespread issues,” it said, “caused a significant deterioration in the quality of service provided by the State.” “Deloitte held itself out as the leading vendor with significant experience in developing integrated eligibility systems for other states,” the audit read. “It appears that Deloitte did not sufficiently leverage this experience and expertise.”

Deloitte declined to comment further about Rhode Island and Kentucky.

Deloitte invokes the phrase “no-touch” to describe its technology — approving benefits “without any tasks performed by the State workers,” it wrote in documents vying for an Arkansas contract.

In practice, enrollee advocates and former government caseworkers say, the systems frequently have errors and require manual workarounds.

As it considered hiring Deloitte, Arkansas officials asked the company about problems, particularly in Rhode Island.

In response, the company said in 2017, “We do not believe Deloitte Consulting LLP has had to implement a corrective action plan” for any eligibility system project in the previous five years.

Arkansas awarded Deloitte a $345 million contract effective in 2019 to develop its system.

“It had a lot of bugs,” said Bianca Garcia, a program eligibility specialist for the Arkansas Department of Human Services from August 2022 to October 2023. Garcia said it could take weeks to fix errors in a family’s details and Medicaid enrollees wouldn’t receive the state’s requests for information because of glitches. They would lose benefits because workers couldn’t confirm eligibility, she added.

The enrollees “were doing their part, but the system just failed,” Garcia said.

Arkansas Department of Human Services spokesperson Gavin Lesnick said: “With any large-scale system implementation, there occasionally are issues that need to be addressed. We have worked alongside our vendor to minimize these issues and to correct any problems.”

Deloitte declined to comment.

‘Heated’ negotiations In late 2020, Colorado officials were bracing for the inevitable unwinding of pandemic-era Medicaid protections.

Colorado was three years into what is now a $354.4 million contract with Deloitte to operate its eligibility system.

A state-commissioned audit that September had uncovered widespread problems, and

Kim Bimestefer, the state’s top Medicaid official, was in “heated” negotiations with the company.

The audit found 67% of the system notices it sampled contained errors. Notices are federally required to safeguard against eligible people being disenrolled, said MaryBeth Musumeci, an associate teaching professor in public health at George Washington University.

“This is, for many people, what’s keeping them from being uninsured,” Musumeci said.

The Colorado audit found many enrollee notices contained inaccurate response deadlines. One dated Dec. 19, 2019, requested a beneficiary return information by Sept. 27, 2011 — more than eight years earlier.

“We’re in intense negotiations with our vendor because we can’t turn around to the General Assembly and say, ‘Can I get money to fix this?’” Bimestefer told lawmakers during the 2020 legislative audit hearing. “I have to hold the vendor accountable for the tens of millions we’ve been paying them over the years, and we still have a system like this.”

She said officials had increased oversight of Deloitte. Also, dozens of initiatives were created to “improve eligibility accuracy and correspondence,” and the state renegotiated Deloitte’s contract, said Marc Williams, a state Medicaid agency spokesperson. A contract amendment shows Deloitte credited Colorado with $5 million to offset payments for additional work.

But Deloitte’s performance appeared to get worse. A 2023 state audit found problems in 90% of sampled enrollee notices. Some were violations of state Medicaid rules.

The audit blamed “flaws in system design” for populating notices with incorrect dates.

In September, Danae Davison received a confusing notice at her Arvada home stating that her daughter did not qualify for coverage.

Lydia, 11, who uses a wheelchair and is learning to communicate via a computer, has a seizure disorder that qualifies her for a Medicaid benefit for those with disabilities. The denial threatened access to nursing care, which enables her to live at home instead of in a facility.

Nothing had changed with Lydia’s condition, Davison said.

“She so clearly has the need,” Davison said. “This is a system problem.”

Davison appealed. In October, a judge ruled that Lydia qualified for coverage.

The notice generated by the Deloitte-operated system was deemed “legally insufficient” because it omitted the date Lydia’s coverage would end. Her case highlights a known eligibility system problem: Beneficiary notices contain “non-compliant or inconsistent dates” and are “missing required elements and information,” according to the 2023 audit.

Deloitte declined to comment on Colorado. Speaking broadly, Smith said, “Incorrect information can come in a lot of forms.”

Last spring in Pennsylvania, Deloitte’s eligibility role expanded to include the Children’s Health Insurance Program and 126,000 enrollees.

Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services said an error occurred when converting to the state’s eligibility system, maintained by Deloitte through a $541 million contract. DHS triaged the errors, but, for “a small window of time,” some children who still had coverage “were not able to use it.”

These issues affected 9,269 children last June and 2,422 in October, DHS said. A temporary solution was implemented in December and a permanent fix came through in April.

Catanese, the union representative, said it was another in a long history of problems. Among the most prevalent, he said: The system freezes for hours. When asked about that, Smith said “it's hyperbole.”

Instead of the efficiency that Deloitte touted, Catanese said, “the system constantly runs into errors that you have to duct tape and patchwork around.”

KFF Health News senior correspondent Renuka Rayasam and correspondents Daniel Chang, Bram Sable-Smith, and Katheryn Houghton contributed to this report.

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

by Renuka Rayasam KFF Health News

but which is it?

ONE evening last December, Tieqiao Zhang felt severe stomach pain.

After it subsided later that night, he thought it might be food poisoning. When the pain returned the next morning, Zhang realized the source of his pain might not be as “simple as bad food.”

He didn’t want to wait for an appointment with his regular doctor, but he also wasn’t sure if the pain warranted emergency care, he said.

Zhang, 50, opted to visit Parkland Health’s Urgent Care Emergency Center, a clinic near his home in Dallas where he’d been treated in the past. It’s on the campus of Parkland, the city’s largest public hospital, which has a separate emergency room.

He believed the clinic was an urgent care center, he said.

A CT scan revealed that Zhang had a kidney stone. A physician told him it would pass naturally within a few days, and Zhang was sent home with a prescription for painkillers, he said.

Five days later, Zhang’s stomach pain worsened. Worried and unable to get an immediate appointment with a urologist, Zhang once again visited the Urgent Care Emergency Center and again was advised to wait and see, he said.

Two weeks later, Zhang passed the kidney stone.

Then the bills came.

The Patient: Tieqiao Zhang, 50, who is insured by BlueCross and BlueShield of Texas through his employer.

Medical Services: Two diagnostic visits, including lab tests and CT scans.

Service Provider: Parkland Health & Hospital System. The hospital is part of the Dallas County Hospital District.

Total Bills: The in-network hospital charged $19,543 for the two visits. BlueCross and BlueShield of Texas paid $13,070.96. Zhang owed $1,000 to Parkland — a $500 emergency room copay for each of his two visits.

What Gives: Parkland’s Urgent Care Emergency Center is what’s called a freestanding emergency department.

The number of freestanding emergency rooms in the United States grew tenfold from 2001 to 2016, drawing attention for sending patients eye-popping bills. Most states allow them to operate, either by regulation or lack thereof. Some states, including Texas, have taken steps to regulate the centers, such as requiring posted notices identifying the facility as a freestanding emergency department.

Urgent care centers are a more familiar option for many patients. Research shows that, on average, urgent care visits can be about 10 times cheaper than a low-acuity — or less severe — visit to an ER.

But the difference between an urgent care clinic and a freestanding emergency room can be tough to discern.

Generally, to bill as an emergency department, facilities must meet specific requirements, such as maintaining certain staff, not refusing patients, and remaining open around the clock.

The freestanding emergency department at Parkland is

40 yards away from its main emergency room and operates under the same license, according to Michael Malaise, the spokesperson for Parkland Health. It is closed on nights and Sundays.

(Parkland’s president and chief executive officer, Frederick Cerise, is a member of KFF’s board of trustees. KFF Health News is an editorially independent program of KFF.) The hospital is “very transparent” about the center’s status as an emergency room, Malaise told KFF Health News in a statement.

Malaise provided photographs of posted notices stating, “This facility is a freestanding emergency medical care facility,” and warning that patients would be charged emergency room fees and could also be charged a facility fee. He said the notices were posted in the exam rooms, lobby, and halls at the time of Zhang’s visits.

Zhang’s health plan required a $500 emergency room copay for each of the two visits for his kidney stone.

When Zhang visited the center in 2021 for a different health issue, he was charged only $30, his plan’s copay for urgent care, he said. (A review of his insurance documents showed Parkland also used emergency department billing codes then. BCBS of Texas did not respond to questions about that visit.) One reason “I went to the urgent care instead of emergency room, although they are just next door, is the copayment,” he said. The list of services that Parkland’s freestanding emergency room offers resembles that of urgent care centers — including, for some centers, diagnosing a kidney stone, said Ateev Mehrotra, a health care policy professor at Harvard Medical School.

Having choices leaves patients on their own to decipher not only the severity of their ailment, but also what type of facility they are visiting all while dealing with a health concern. Self-triage is “a very difficult thing,” Mehrotra said.

Zhang said he did not recall seeing posted notices identifying the center as a freestanding emergency department during his visits, nor did the front desk staff mention a $500 copay. Plus, he knew Parkland also had an emergency room, and that was not the building he visited, he said.

The name is “misleading,” Zhang said. “It’s like being tricked.”

Parkland opened the center in 2015 to reduce the number of patients in its main emergency room, which is the busiest in the country, Malaise said. He added that the Urgent Care Emergency Center, which is staffed with emergency room providers, is “an extension of our main emergency room and is clearly marked in multiple places as such.”

Malaise first told KFF Health News that the facility isn’t a freestanding ER, noting that it is located in a hospital building on the campus. Days later, he said the center is “held out to the public as a freestanding emergency medical care facility within the definition provided by Texas law.”

The Urgent Care Emergency Center name is intended to prevent first responders and others facing life-threatening

emergencies from visiting the center rather than the main emergency room, Malaise said.

“If you have ideas for a better name, certainly you can send that along for us to consider,” he said.

Putting the term “urgent” in the clinic’s name while charging emergency room prices is “disingenuous,” said Benjamin Ukert, an assistant professor of health economics and policy at Texas A&M University.

When Ukert reviewed Zhang’s bills at the request of KFF Health News, he said his first reaction was, “Wow, I am glad that he only got charged $500; it could have been way worse” — for instance, if the facility had been out-of-network.

The Resolution: Zhang said he paid $400 of the $1,000 he owes in total to avoid collections while he continues to dispute the amount.

Zhang said he first reached out to his insurer, thinking his bills were wrong, before he reached out to Parkland several times by phone and email. He said customer service representatives told him that, for billing purposes, Parkland doesn’t differentiate its Urgent Care Emergency Clinic from its emergency department.

BlueCross and BlueShield of Texas did not respond to KFF Health News when asked for comment.

Zhang said he also reached out to a county commissioner’s office in Dallas, which never responded, and to the Texas Department of Health, which said it doesn’t have jurisdiction over billing matters. He said the staff for his state representative, Morgan Meyer, contacted the hospital on his behalf, but later told him the hospital would not change his bill.

As of mid-May, his balance stood at $600, or $300 for each visit.

The Takeaway: Lawmakers in Texas and around the country have tried to increase price transparency at freestanding emergency rooms, including by requiring them to hand out disclosures about billing practices.

But experts said the burden still falls disproportionately on patients to navigate the growing menu of options for care. It’s up to the patient to walk into the right building, said Mehrotra, the Harvard professor. It doesn’t help that most providers are opaque about their billing practices, he said. Mehrotra said that some freestanding emergency departments in Texas use confusing names like “complete care,” which mask the facilities’ capabilities and billing structure. Ukert said states could do more to untangle the confusion patients face at such centers, like banning the use of the term “urgent care” to describe facilities that bill like emergency departments.

Bill of the Month is a crowdsourced investigation by KFF Health News and NPR that dissects and explains medical bills. Do you have an interesting medical bill you want to share with us? Tell us about it!

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

Less tourists seen to visit Philippines...

growth rate of 14 percent year on year over their 2024 to 2028 forecast period.

However, the research firm flagged short-term risks for the country’s tourism sector stemming from high cost of living in many markets globally and tighter credit conditions, which will drag down consumer

Fil-Am Team

spending, especially on nonessential categories such as travel. Based on the latest data from the DOT, 2.01 million international visitors entered the country from January to April.

About 1.9 million of these were foreign tourists while the remaining 116,446 were overseas Filipinos.

The country’s top five source markets over the first quarter were South Korea with 546,726, US with 315,816, Mainland China with 130,574, Japan with 123,204 and Australia with 88,048. Also among the leading sources of tourist arrivals to the Philippines were Canada, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Germany. g

USA manager happy for...

Dantes has had a long history with the men’s indoor team, having been a technical staff member for the squad in the 2016 Rio Olympics. He’s also the Independent Contract Performance Analyst of the men’s sitting team.

Now with a new role, Dantes gets a share of the love from the Filipinos in the stands. Born in California to Filipino parents from Quezon City, he connected with his motherland through the sport that he loves.

“That excites me a lot because I love volleyball obviously, and it’s really cool to see that you know, where I’m from, where my parents are from, love it as passionately [as me],” Dantes

continued.

“I mean, obviously, almost makes me want to come back and see the sport grow even more. I mean, it’s so cool to see the Philippines growing in the professional sport really quickly, which is great.”

Dantes wears many hats, including being the director of volleyball operations at NCAA Division 1 school University of Georgia. As luck would have it, one of his athletes will be continuing her career in the Philippines with the Premier Volleyball League. Though unfamiliar with the pro scene in the Philippines, Dantes vowed to follow the league beginning this upcoming Reinforced Conference as he

supports his player.

“I don’t [follow the league], but I will now. Because one of my athletes in [University of] Georgia just started for Creamline last week. Her name’s Erica Staunton, so I will be watching it now because she’ll play,” he said. As for what advice he has to offer Philippine volleyball, Dantes made it simple and sweet on how the country can continue to grow the sport and push forward in the international scene.

“Just play as much as possible, you know? I think it all starts at the grassroots level. Just provide as many opportunities as you can and let the kids, let the youth play as much as they can.” (Luisa Morales/Philstar)

House to invite ex-President Duterte, Dela Rosa to drug war hearing

MANILA

Dela Rosa served as the Philippine National Police chief in 2016 to 2018 at the height of the Duterte administration's drug war. He was elected senator in the 2019 midterm elections.

“Mr. Chair, I move to invite former President Rodrigo Duterte

and,

issues

ina-allege,

inihahapag ng EJK [extrajudicial killings] [victims' families] (in order to address the alleged issues--issued raised by the EJK victims' families),” Brosas said during the hearing.

Committee chair and Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. also suggested inviting Duterte and Dela Rosa to listen to the testimonies of the victims' families.

“We have informed the former president of this hearing, so he knows,” Abante said. “For the fourth hearing, I will be inviting Senator Bato dela Rosa and the former president to come and listen to your testimony.”

Abante stressed the importance of this investigation in seeking truth and accountability, as it aims to look into the alleged human rights violations during Duterte’s drug war. “We are committed to protecting witnesses and supporting victims,” he said.

“The House of Representatives is here to support you, to safeguard your rights, and to ensure your safety.”

Government data show that over 6,200 drug suspects died in anti-narcotics operations from June 2016 to November 2021, but human rights organizations estimate the death toll could be more than 20,000, affecting predominantly poor communities. (PNA)

Philippines retains Tier 1 status in US anti-human trafficking report

MANILA

– The Philippines has retained its Tier 1 status in the United States’ annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report for the ninth year, which deems that the country’s anti-TIP efforts are up to the U.S. standards.

The initial report was released by the State Department on Monday, June 24, listing the Philippines among 33 governments with Tier 1 ranking, the highest in the report’s three-tier placement, and indicates that local authorities are making efforts to address human trafficking.

To maintain a Tier 1 status, governments need to demonstrate progress each year in combating trafficking.

They must also meet the minimum standards in eliminating TIP based on the U.S.

Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA).

The State Department’s report excludes the country narratives, including recommendations for specific states.

Filipino TIP hero

Meanwhile, the State Department named Samson Inocencio Jr., vice president of the International Justice Mission Philippines (IJM) Program Against Online Sexual Exploitation of Children, as one of this year’s TIP Report Heroes. Inocencio has spent more than 20 years combating trafficking in persons through his work with IJM Philippines and has contributed to 147 convictions for commercial sexual exploitation and 220 for online sexual exploitation crimes (OSEC) since 2005.

After becoming National Director of IJM in 2016, he assisted in the removal of 544 children from situations of commercial sexual exploitation and 1,237 children who were at risk of OSEC.

The State Department said Inocencio's collaboration in 2016 was also instrumental in the Philippines' development of a “roadmap to Tier 1” in the TIP Report.

“The Philippines has been ranked Tier 1 for eight years due to the merits of its efforts. Sam’s leadership and dedicated service have strengthened the government and civil society’s response to trafficking and protected thousands, especially children, from exploitation,” the State Department said. (PNA)

Baste Duterte to run as president in 2028 – Sara

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte said that her younger brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, may run as president in 2028.

"My mother told me that the one who will run as senator is my younger brother, Baste Duterte. He will be the one to run in 2028

as president. My mother also said that I should go back to Davao and run as mayor," Duterte said in Bisaya on the sidelines of the Office of the vice president's pride reception held in Cagayan de Oro City on Tuesday, June 25. Duterte also said that her father, former President Rodrigo

Duterte, her eldest brother, Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte, and mayor Duterte, are all keen to run for senator next year.

Sara Duterte served as Davao City mayor before she ran for vice president. She recently resigned as Education secretary. (ManilaTimes.net)

Were Filipino translators hired for US anti-vax campaign? Expert seeks answers

MANILA — A disinformation expert urged a Senate committee on Tuesday,, June 25 to investigate the possibility that subcontractors from the Philippines helped craft the messages that were used in the Pentagon's alleged antivaccination campaign against China during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking before the Senate foreign relations committee, disinformation researcher Jonathan Ong pointed out that the recent Reuters report that detailed the covert influence operation by the United States military cited examples of posts that were translated into local languages, including Filipino.

"We need to ask therefore if there is the possibility of subcontractors enlisted by the U.S. military?

Who are they, and where are they located?" Ong said.

The Reuters investigation said that the Pentagon's secret campaign against China took place from 2020 to 2021 and involved the use of 300 fake social media accounts that impersonated Filipinos to spread fears of China-made vaccines. Most of the accounts were created in the summer of 2020 and spread the hashtag #Chinaangvirus (China is the virus).

The accounts distributed content that aimed to malign the Sinovac vaccines developed

by Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac Biotech, as well as health supplies sent by China, according to the Reuters report, which cited former U.S. officials familiar with the operation.

Ong said that the fake accounts appeared to use "insider jokes and cultural knowledge that would resonate with local citizens and communities" in the Philippines and other targeted countries.

These posts have since been taken down by X, according to the Reuters report.

"It's important for us to track down potential in-country collaborators responsible for the translation and dissemination of these campaigns," Ong said.

The disinformation researcher also noted the importance of holding social media platforms accountable. "Did these social media platforms communicate this to the Philippine office?

To any Philippine government official?"

Sen. Imee Marcos, who chairs the Senate foreign affairs panel, said that Ong's recommendations are "certainly leads we need to follow up on."

There was little to no new information that surfaced during the Senate hearing that were not already revealed in the Reuters investigation. The Senate committee meeting did not have representatives from social media

platforms that were invited to attend, namely Meta and X.

The committee secretary said that both companies responded to the invitation. "I was able to talk to the general counsel. She was on maternity leave. She told me to send an email to another person, but at the same time it bounced back," the committee secretary said

But Department of Health

Undersecretary Maria Rosario S. Vergeire said that the department's "social listening" during the pandemic found that there were several posts that sought to fuel vaccine hesitancy among Filipinos. "We usually get these kinds of issues not just for COVID, but before COVID. We already had these issues in 2016," the DOH official said, referring to the Dengvaxia fiasco in 2016.

Vergeire said that the DOH sought to counter the social media posts with town hall meetings that could "directly and better inform citizens" about vaccines.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said that after reading the Reuters investigation, they reached out to the U.S. embassy in the Philippines through its "regular consultation mechanism," but their initial response was to refer them to the U.S. Department of Defense. (Cristina Chi/Philstar.com)

FESTIVE. Workers hang multicolor banderitas (streamers) outside the Aliw Theater at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay City, where the Aliw Fiesta, is being held on Tuesday, June 25. The Grand Parade on June 26 will feature street dancers, float and the Reyna ng Aliwan beauty pageant candidates. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

OPINION FEATURES

Weak enforcement

THE first law signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was Republic Act 11934, the SIM Registration Act of 2022. Two years later, phishing, smishing and other cyberscams continue to proliferate. Thousands of smartphones with SIMs, used for digital scams, are seized in raids on Philippine offshore gaming operator or POGO hubs.

On top of the continuing proliferation of subscriber identity module cards that are unregistered, or registered under fictitious names, cyberscams persist on over-the-top messaging platforms that are not covered by RA 11934, such as Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram and Messenger.

Editorial

It’s not for lack of a legal framework to go after the scammers. Under RA 11934, anyone who provides false or fictitious information in registering a SIM card can be imprisoned for six months to two years, fined P300,000 or suffer both penalties. For the fraudulent use of a registered SIM card, the penalty is at least six years in prison, a fine of P200,000 or both.

The other weekend, the National Telecommunications Commission drew fire from Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who said the NTC was “sleeping on the job” after thousands of SIM cards were found in raids on POGO hubs

Smartweb Technology Corp. in Pasay City, Zun Yuan Technology Inc. in Bamban, Tarlac, and Lucky South 99 at the boundary of Porac town and Angeles City in Pampanga.

WITH the resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte from her Cabinet position as secretary of the Department of Education, it is now abundantly clear our country is heading towards another endless chapter of divisiveness, with politics being a primary concern, instead of the many major challenges we face locally and internationally.

Political pundits say that this recent development signals the VP’s plan to seek higher office in the 2028 elections by establishing herself as an opposition figure and reaching out to groups that are hostile to the administration. But as expected, the Liberal Party through former Senator Leila de Lima and other parties as well, voiced their objection to the idea of the VP as the new opposition leader following her resignation from the Cabinet.

There are those, however, who believe that the decision

ON June 30, 2024, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. finishes the first two years of his six-year presidency.

In two years, Marcos Jr. did five things:

One, he unified the country.

Two, BBM has focused on the economy and infrastructure, the “Build Better More” (BBM) program.

Three, BBM neutralized many of his political enemies.

Vice President Sara Duterte is out of the Cabinet, denied travel, intelligence and discretionary funds. She will be a non-starter in the 2028 elections which a broadcaster could probably win, unless a relative snags the presidency.

Four, BBM traveled a lot, making 24 trips to 17 countries. The trips generated $72.2 billion in investment pledges (as of end2023), which if they materialize would make every Filipino upper income overnight.

Five, BBM executed a pivot to America and made China Public Enemy No. 1 of the Filipino people.

He has offered Washington D.C. up to 12 military bases from which to deploy armor, missiles, ships,

Reacting to the criticism, the NTC vowed to enhance enforcement of RA 11934, but pointed out that the law, while an “important tool” against SIM-enabled offenses, is “not a silver bullet against messaging scams.”

Even when RA 11934 was being crafted, several quarters including telecommunications companies had stressed the importance of first having in place a reliable national identification system. This point was brushed aside as lawmakers rushed to be rid of the unwanted messages they kept getting on their mobile phones. To this day, registration for the national ID is not yet complete, and the SIM cards seized at the POGO hubs show how easy it is to provide false information in SIM registration.

The National Bureau of Investigation, under a new director, is at least on the job against cybercrime, busting a team of suspected hackers, one of whom said at a press conference that he operated under the direction of a newspaper editor for technology. The Department of Justice, which has jurisdiction over the NBI, must ensure that heavy penalties are imposed in this case, to send a strong message that hackers can be caught and

to resign was also a strategy on the part of the vice president to distance herself from her father’s political allies and strengthen her own political party, the Hugpong ng Pagbabago – leaving her free to choose a senatorial slate and field candidates for local government positions for the 2025 midterm elections.

According to Senate President Chiz Escudero, VP Sara’s resignation from the Cabinet was “inevitable,” considering her family’s criticisms against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and her silence on certain policy issues, foremost of which is the West Philippine Sea where the Chinese have been escalating their aggression and harassment of Philippine troops and vessels as well as fishermen.

It’s a well-known fact that criticisms against the president stemmed from his tough stance against China’s overly expansive claims in the disputed territories in the South China Sea and his assertion that he will not cede even one square inch of our maritime territory.

But as Chiz pointed out, the vice president has every right to

have policy differences with the president and assert her own beliefs. In other words, VP Sara was elected separately, unlike the U.S. presidential system where the presidential and vice presidential candidates must come from the same party.

No one can argue that if someone firmly believes in something, we have to respect it. And the fact that people can exercise their free will, choose their political affiliations and elect the leaders they want is tangible proof that freedom and democracy is very much alive in this country.

However, it is likewise important for political leaders to be cognizant of, and sensitive to, the sentiment of the majority of the people, especially when it comes to our national security, as seen in the results of the most recent Tugon ng Masa survey conducted by the OCTA Research Group. According to OCTA, a large majority of Filipinos – 91 percent to be exact – continue to distrust China.

Additionally, 76 percent of the respondents also believe that China is a country that poses the

punished.

biggest threat to the Philippines – and this sentiment seems to be buttressed by the most recent incident in Ayungin Shoal where the China Coast Guard, People’s Liberation Army Navy and Chinese maritime militia vessels were shown acting in a way that has been described as barbaric, brutal and pirate-like.

Clearly, the conduct of the Chinese during that incident belie the claims made by Beijing that their personnel acted in a restrained and professional manner. Anyone who has seen the video released by the Philippine Navy would be left in no doubt that there was nothing professional or restrained in the actions of the Chinese.

There is no denying that we have to secure our maritime borders, and that we cannot give up our territory, as asserted by President Marcos during his keynote speech at the Singapore Shangri-La Dialogue that we cannot and should not cede any contiguous part of our maritime territory. Simultaneously, we also do not want to escalate the already simmering tension in the West Philippine Sea.

Five things BBM did in two years

aircraft and troops, despite what the Philippine Constitution says to the contrary on foreign military bases and nukes.

Marcos Jr. is the first president elected by the majority of Filipinos, since the last majority presidential winner, Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr. in 1969. With 31.629 million votes on May 9, 2022, Marcos Jr. garnered 59 percent of the votes cast for president. He won in 64 of the 80 big provinces and in 25 of the 27 largest cities, including all the 15 cities of Metro Manila and the southern cities of Cebu and Davao.

BBM beat Isko Moreno in Manila. The second presidential placer, Leni Robredo, won in just 14 provinces. Third placer Manny Pacquiao won in one province.

“In nearly four decades, we endured being mocked and oppressed,” recalled elder sister, Senator Imee Marcos Manotoc, who joined her only brother at the rostrum for his proclamation after the May 2022 election. “We are grateful for this second chance.”

Ironically today, Ate lmee sounds more like a member of the disparate opposition parties than of the ruling Ang Bagong Pilipinas class.

On the economy, from a modest 5.5 percent growth this year, the administration targets minimum average economic growth of 6.5 percent per year til 2028, with eight percent the high target for

the years 2026, 2027 and 2028, despite worsening geopolitical tensions and growing trade wars.

Whether by luck, by accident or by design, the Philippines is today ASEAN’s fastest growing economy, “a leading force among Asia’s emerging economies.”

“Our first quarter GDP growth rate is about the same as Vietnam’s, surpassing other major economies such as China at 5.3 percent, Indonesia at 5.1 percent and Malaysia at 3.9 percent, but slower than India’s projected growth rate of 6.2 percent,” says Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. From double digits, poverty will be cut to nine percent, or 14 million Filipinos rescued from the misery of earning just $2 every day.

“The Philippine economy’s dynamism is anchored on strong consumer demand supported by a vibrant labor market,” says Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.

“With our arsenal of growthenhancing strategies, this administration has the right policy tools and determination to take us to $6,500 income by 2030,” vows Recto. In 2033, he predicts, “the Philippines will be a $1-trillion economy.” Filipinos will be trillionaires, in dollar terms. “We have a bold and decisive leader,” Recto shrugs off cynics.

Under his BBM infra, Marcos Jr. has lined up 185 infrastructure flagship projects that would cost

a whopping P9.54 trillion ($164 billion) which, if carried out, will be the largest infrastructure rollout in the country’s history.

The 185 projects consist of 134 physical connectivity projects costing $142.2 billion; 29 water projects, $12.3 billion; nine agriculture, $3.7 billion; five health, $1.6 billion; three digital connectivity, $2.8 billion; one power and energy, $0.2 billion; one education, $0.5 billion and three other projects, $0.5 billion. Only half of the 185 projects have a good chance of being started and/or completed.

Puzzling is the sparse allocation for energy projects – $200 million, and education infra, $500 million. We have a severe energy crisis. Within five years, according to forecasts by SMC, additional power capacity needed is between 69,000 megawatts and 92,000 megawatts, an investment of $184 billion. Who will provide that money?

Meanwhile, our 15-year-olds are rated among the most stupid teeners on earth. They cannot read, they cannot count beyond 20 and they are not at all creative. Just like monkeys.

Where will BBM get most of the money, the P9.54 trillion? Well, from borrowings, and from our taxes. Since borrowings will be paid with taxes, Filipinos will shoulder the brunt of the cost.

Only five of 82 identified projects

Amid the precarious situation, there is the willingness of Vietnam to peacefully resolve our respective claims in disputed areas in the South China Sea.

Last week, the Philippines filed a claim with the UN to an extended continental shelf in the South China Sea, saying such submission “does not prejudice discussions with relevant coastal states that may have legitimate extended continental shelf claims” – something that resonated well with Vietnam that said it “asserts its full rights and interests under international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS, and stays ready to discuss with the Philippines to seek and achieve a solution that is mutually beneficial for both countries.”

This development aligns with the president’s initiative for a separate code of conduct with other ASEAN nations that also have maritime claims in the South China Sea.

* * * 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.

There are those who oppose our current relationship with the United States and believe that continuing the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement will impede efforts to resolve the situation with China. After all, differences in policy perspectives exist in any country or government – which can be like trying to mix oil and water. Certainly, political differences are par for the course in a country that has a multiparty system. Yet now more than ever, we must be united and should not allow politics to distract us from what is paramount at this time – ensuring our national security and protecting our sovereignty. Which is why the upcoming 2025 elections will be extremely critical in giving us an indication where our country is heading and who the next president in 2028 will be. In fact, it could possibly determine whether our foreign policy will continue in the right direction or not. The bottom line is – either we are united, or divided we will fall. (Philstar.com)

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

have private sector participation. So expect tax measures to come our way. To entice private companies to undertake the 185 projects, BBM has shortened the processing time for unsolicited projects under the new Public Private Partnership (PPP) Code, from 26.5 months to 16.9 months for local PPPs and 14.9 months for national PPPs.

Speaking of investments, the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) holds its “Investment Night” tonight, Tuesday, June 25, at the Fairmont Makati ballroom. Senior journalists, diplomats and top businessmen will hear the economic czar Frederick Go report on investments and the economy. Secretary Deck Go built from scratch Robinsons Land Corp., one of the largest and most innovative

Email: biznewsasia@gmail.com

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Malacañang file photo

ManilaTimes.net photo

The discovery of those piles of SIM cards at the illegal POGO hubs, however, shows how much still needs to be done. RA 11934 clearly needs better enforcement, and perhaps additional legislation to stop the messaging scams. (Philstar.com)

The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE

Wednesday JUNE 26, 2024

Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon to star in ‘Request sa Radyo’ play

By Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net

BROADWAY superstar Lea Salonga and Hollywood breakout star Dolly de Leon are set to headline the Manila run of the 1971 play from Franz Xaver Kroetz, “Request sa Radyo,” in October.

“Tony and Olivier Award winner Lea Salonga and Golden Globe and BAFTA nominee Dolly De Leon return to the stage for “Request sa Radyo,” read Samsung Performing Arts Theater’s Facebook announcement.

The two women are set to alternate performances as they portray the theatrical piece that “captures the poignant solitude of a woman through her meticulous evening routine.”

“As she navigates her quiet, solitary life, her actions and her favorite radio program reveal the profound loneliness and yearning for connection that lie beneath,” reads the synopsis on the play’s official website.

In an interview with Vogue Philippines, the Filipina icons echoed each other’s excitement.

“When I was asked by Clint and Bobby if I was

interested at all in this project, an experience that told a probable and possible story that absolutely applies to our people, I said sure— even before knowing the details. It will be a challenge, but hopefully it will lend a figurative voice to those who are suffering,” Salonga said.

Meanwhile, De Leon expressed: “With loneliness one of the immediate problems society faces today, my hope is that people will understand mental health more and find compassion for those who suffer.”

The play is set to be produced by Clint Ramos, with Bobby Garcia directing. “When we got the blessing

to bring it to Manila at the Samsung Theater and have it speak to a specific Filipino condition, we could only think of two of the Philippines’ premier actors: Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon,” Ramos said.

“Through its minimalist approach and profound storytelling, grounded in a specific Filipino lived experience, this production invites audiences to find extraordinary meaning in the everyday and the invisible,” added the producer.

“Request sa Radyo” will open its curtains starting October 10 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.

Vilma Santos nominated for National Artist

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

VETERAN actress and “Star for All Seasons” Vilma Santos-Recto received a nomination to be part of the next batch of National Artist recipients.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines confirmed to Philstar.com that Vilma was among the National Artist nominees, the full list of which will be available at the end of June, the deadline for nominations, but will not be announced to the public. The winners, however, would be announced.

Vilma previously called the National Artist award bestowed on her fellow actress Nora Aunor was “the highest” honor an artist could receive.

Alam mo, if it’s meant for you, it’s meant for you,” Vilma also said when asked if she also wants to be hailed a National Artist as well. Pag hindi napunta sa’yo, it’s not meant for you. So d’un sa mga nabigyan, it’s meant for them, like ‘yung kay Ate Guy. So kung meron akong space d’yan, darating ‘yung panahon na ‘yun, para sa akin na ‘yun.”

Ate Vi also told Philstar.com last year she was willing to work with Nora again, given the right material, “If we can offer something new and something different, why not? Lalo na sa edad namin ngayon, ‘di ba?”

How Derrick Monasterio and Alden Richards address gay rumors

By ronnie carrasco ManilaTimes.net

THERE’S probably not a single actor who isn’t rumored to be gay. Even the “tough” ones with nary a slight trace of “gayness” in their outward demeanor are not spared from this public misjudgment.

In the case of Kapuso actors Alden Richards and Derrick Monasterio, one might wonder how they’re dealing with persistent talks that they’re limpwristed.

Do they feel slighted, worse, insulted? Or are Alden and Derrick simply unaffected or unbothered knowing how secure

they are with their sexuality as well as their sexual preferences?

Let’s take up Derrick’s case first.

It was on his guesting on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” where the main host asked Derrick pointblank: “Are you gay?”

Continued on Page 9

Dominic Roque dispels dating rumors with Kathryn Bernardo

By anne PasaJol Inquirer.net

DOMINIC Roque dismissed the dating speculations involving him and Kathryn Bernardo, saying the two of them share a relationship comparable to those of siblings.

The rumors apparently stemmed from the actors’ recent sightings together,

including when they had a workout session and visited a clinic together for their facial treatments. Roque set the record straight by responding to a showbiz page on Facebook, which shared a stitched photo of him and Bernardo with the caption: “Dominic Roque, nanliligaw nga ba kay Kathryn Bernardo?”

Roque replied via the comments section, “Kapatid ko po yan.” He also noted that they are “bros,” then added a white heart emoji.

Roque and Bernardo share a close friendship and were formerly in the same circle of friends with the actress’ exboyfriend, actor Daniel Padilla. Roque and Padilla had a falling out, with the former saying in January that the latter would not be invited to Roque’s now-called off wedding with actress Bea Alonzo. Roque also revealed at the time that he and Padilla hadn’t been in contact since 2020.

Meanwhile, Roque has been making headlines after his breakup with Alonzo. In a May interview, the actor was asked how he had been the last few months, to which he answered: “I’m OK. I’m happy, actually. Everything is OK.”

David Licauco on drawbacks of being a popular actor

By Marinel cruz Inquirer.net

WHILE David Licauco said he is enjoying his time working in front of the camera, the selfconfessed introvert added that the hardest part about being an artist is the attention from people.

“I find it hard to adjust to fame, especially because I’m an introvert. Since I will be talking with a lot of people during this media conference, I know this will take a lot of energy from me. I appreciate this kind of interview with you because it’s intimate,” David told Inquirer Entertainment. “But when I’m at a mediacon, I change. If you see me there and notice that I’m talking nonsense, that means I’m already stressed. Being surrounded by a lot of people really stresses me out. I tend to open up when I’m in a more intimate setting.”

The media conference held on Thursday, June 20 was to promote Catherine Camarillo’s romantic comedy “That Kind of Love,” which is also David’s first big-screen project with love team partner Barbie Forteza.

“I think there are two kinds of artists. The first does this for passion and the second treats it as work,” David began. “I don’t walk around feeling like I’m an artista, a celebrity. I look at this as work, that it’s not so different from the work of a doctor, for example. It just so happens that a big part of this particular kind of work is that people know me. I try not to let that get to my head.”

David continued: “Of course, I’m not perfect. If someone approaches me for a picture, I would obviously smile. But there were times when, in my mind, I would say, ‘I want some alone time!’ Of course, I understand where they are coming from. They don’t know that I’m tired, or that I suffer from sleep apnea, or that I’m an introvert.”

David said there were even times when people would approach him while he’s in the middle of a business meeting.

“I understand that they’re not aware that a meeting is happening. They just know that I’m David, the artista. Of course, I’d say ‘yes’ to their request for pictures because I’m naturally friendly. I can’t tell them, ‘I’m busy, and so you can’t take pictures with me!’”

‘Blessed’ Despite the drawbacks, David insisted that he is “super blessed” to be part of this industry. “Everything I earn from show biz work, I put in to my business ventures. With the kind of business I’m into, I need my show biz connections because I meet with big-time people. I’m not your typical businessman who started in a corporate setting. I need the artista image so people will take me seriously. Their impression of me changes when they talk to me,” he pointed out.

“I love acting so much, that’s why I really work hard to give my best in ‘Pulang Araw,’” David said of the war drama series he stars in with Barbie. “This has become my main career. I don’t think I’d be successful in my businesses without show biz.”

David now has six

restaurants all over the country. He is currently busy working on a branch in Taguig that will open soon. “I’ve been doing a lot lately. Prior to coming here, I had a meeting for the space I’m eyeing in BGC. Yesterday, I was taping, and we finished late. Then I’m here now, and I have a meeting again later. I still have to study my script for the next taping day. Then there’s my workout, too. Sometimes, I myself wonder how I’m able to find time to do all these things,” he said.

David explained that the stress was partly because he is “the type of businessman who really does the legwork. I’m really hands on. I’m the CEO. Of course, I have people under me, but I do everything from operations to marketing.”

Failures

David admitted to having experienced failure in his past business ventures, too. “I bought a franchise and lost. The same thing happened to my boxing gym. In those failures, you learn. I guess if you don’t fail, you won’t win in life also. You just have to take that risk. As long as you have an open mind to learn, you will eventually be successful,” he pointed out.

David said Pocket Media Productions also took a great risk when it decided to produce a movie featuring BarDa and have it shown in the cinemas.

“The story is well-written and the shots are all beautiful. Budget wasn’t a problem for this project. I hope that this will be promoted well. Our producers invested in this, they trusted us, so I really want to help them,” said David.

In “That Kind of Love,” Barbie plays Milagros Maharlika, a renowned dating coach and certified psychologist. She takes it upon herself to transform Adam de Dios, a stuck-up and controlling CEO of a prestigious company, by finding him the perfect partner. The chance encounter between the two at a restaurant challenges Adam’s belief in his

Continued on Page 9

Alexa Ilacad hits back at body-shamer: ‘2024 na, such toxic mindset’

By Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net

BODY shaming comments are nothing new to Alexa Ilacad, but one particular net user did not escape the ire of the actress, who claimed her being a celebrity does not give anyone to a free pass to spew their rudeness on her social media accounts.

In the now deleted comment on one of Ilacad’s posts, the netizen gave a somewhat passive-aggressive opinion about her figure, saying, “Ang ganda mo pero may something talaga sa katawan mo na mejo off.” (You’re beautiful, but there’s something really off about your body.)

The Kapamilya star responded that not all bodies are not at all proportional, and but what is “off” was to have that kind of mindset.

“Twenty twenty-four na pero hindi ka parin aware na (It’s 2024 but you are still not aware that) our bodies come in different shapes, sizes, and proportions? I’d suggest you to hit the books before making comments that are very… ‘off.’”

The basher tried to counter Ilacad’s response by using the public figure card. “Twenty twenty-four na pero mukhang ang gusto mo lang na comment ay yung hindi ‘off’ para sayo? Dapat hindi ka nag artista if you can’t stomach the truth,” they wrote. (It’s 2024, but it looks like the only comment you want is the one that isn’t ‘off’ for you. You shouldn’t be an actor if you can’t stomach the truth.) Ilacad clapped back by simply writing, “What a dumb

argument. Me being a celebrity doesn’t

Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon Photo from Facebook/Samsung Performing Arts Theater

David Licauco Photo from Instagram/@davidlicauco

Dominic Roque and Kathryn Bernardo Photos from Instagram/@dominicroque

Vilma Santos graces the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Cine Icons event at University of Sto. Tomas to lead the special screening of her restored classic film ‘Anak,’

Alexa Ilacad

Photo from Instagram/alexailacad

No divorce? Janice de Belen asserts need to ‘criminalize infidelity’

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

JANICE de Belen briefly spoke up about the possibility of legalizing divorce in the Philippines — which continues to be the topic of heated debate — while expressing her call to “criminalize infidelity.”

On her X (formerly Twitter) page on Sunday, June 23, de Belen seemingly addressed those who aren’t in favor of divorce in a brief post without directly sharing her stand on the matter.

“Kung ayaw nila ng divorce (if they don’t want a divorce to happen), let’s criminalize infidelity,” she wrote while adding thinking emojis.

Netizens clarified to de Belen that infidelity is illegal in the Philippines while quoting her post, but many pointed out that it should be revised. Others also stressed that “adultery and concubinage are [more] favorable to men than women.”

Under Article 333, a married woman can be convicted of adultery after committing sexual intercourse with a man who is not her husband.

Meanwhile, Article 334 declares that a man can be penalized with concubinage if he is found guilty of cohabitating with a woman who’s not his wife, having a “conjugal” setup with a mistress, and committing sexual intercourse with a mistress in a “scandalous setting.”

De Belen wed John Estrada in 1992 which ended in annulment after 12 years. They have four children together, including actress Kaila Estrada, Inah, Moira, and Yuan. Estrada has been married to former beauty queen Priscilla Meirelles since 2011.

The actress also has one son with Aga Muhlach.

In a February 2024 interview, de Belen said she is not open to falling in love again and would rather focus on her career and family.

David Licauco on...

From Page 8

own perfection and leads Mila to confront her own doubts about love’s complexities.

“Adam is misunderstood. Because he seems perfect, because he is rich, people think he is doing OK. They just see that he owns a helicopter and a jet plane, and that he is handsome. This is just a wall that he has put up, and this wall has to be broken down by someone—that someone is Mila,” explained David. “In real life, you can’t have it all. Sometimes, you may have a lot of money, but you have no time for yourself. In this life, you have to choose happiness all the time.”

‘I don’t have sweet tooth’: Sam Milby diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actor Sam Milby revealed that he was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.

In his Instagram account, Sam posted his blood sugar glucose test kit that reads “525 mg/dL.”

“I’ve always thought of myself as a healthy person. I don’t have a sweet tooth, bihira

Sam Milby ABS-CBN photo

din mag junk food, pero last year I found out na may type 2 diabetes na ako,” he said.

“My parents and grandparents never had it. I just wish I got checked up earlier nung pre diabetes pa My advice - don’t ignore the symptoms (my main symptoms - always thirsty and urinating often) and get checked up regularly,” he added.

A quick Google search shows that a 500 mg/dL blood sugar level is considered extremely dangerous and requires immediate attention.

“If you experience blood sugar levels in this range, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care,” the Sahyadri Hospital website said.

According to Mayo Clinic, if left untreated, a high sugar level can lead to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), which can lead to death.

Newlyweds Nash Aguas, Mika Dela Cruz visit ‘Goin’ Bulilit’ set

NEWLYWEDS Nash Aguas and Mika Dela Cruz reminisced their younger years as they visited the set of “Goin’ Bulilit.” In an interview with ABS-CBN, Nash and Mika said it was a “nostalgic” moment for them as the show was their first project together.

Hindi kami maka-focus ni Nash kasi tawa lang kami nang tawa. Hindi kami makapaniwala na kami ‘yun,” Mika said. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam that ‘Goin Bulilit’ is back. Before [the set visit], nagkaroon kami ng opportunities na magkita-kita ang [‘Goin Bulilit’] castmates,” she added.

For Nash, the show was a huge part of their lives.

“Childhood namin ang ‘Goin’ Bulilit’ so makita namin na nagbabalik siya, parang never [siyang] nawala sa’min. To see the ‘Goin Bulilit’ family [still strong] together says a lot about the group… they’re in good hands,” he said.

Mika also has an advice to the new kids of “Goin’ Bulilit.”

“It goes by so quickly and dadating na ang inyong graduation. Along the way, marami kayong matututunan professionally but at the same time, alagaan niyo ang friendships na mabubuo rito, pati ang staff which is the core of ‘Goin’ Bulilit’,” she said. Nash and Mika tied the knot recently. (Jan Milo Severo/Philstar. com)

How Derrick Monasterio and Alden Richards address...

From Page 8

Derrick could have spewed a convenient “No!” reply yet he initially opted to take a personal stand on the subject.

“It’s just like saying: ‘You’re so fat!’ or ‘You’re so ugly!’ Clearly, the intention of the person saying it to someone is simply to annoy them! It’s exactly the same when some people tell me I’m gay, they’re just teasing me!”

This vexation all the more gives Derrick a reason to dismiss it.

While there’s hardly any truth to such cruddy talks, his real-life girlfriend and screen partner Elle Villanueva admitted she had told her parents that Derrick was gay.

An only child to overly protective parents, Elle had to make it up for the latter to realize she was in safe hands. Ergo, harmless. Well, that was the only

time Derrick was made to “experience” a life of being gay. Seriously though, the Kapuso actor has a lot to thank Elle’s gay reference to him for. A Godsend, it was Elle who Derrick says has turned his life around.

Meanwhile, Alden takes this gay impression of him with a grain of salt to avoid any further argument.

“If they think I’m gay, fine!” stresses the 32-year-old actor. Nah, it’s not Alden’s way of lending some credence to a far-fetched assertion but more

of giving in to what delights his bashers.

He calmly qualifies, “If that’s what makes them happy, so be it. I’m not about to take that right to happiness away from them.”

It appears oddly ironic though that amidst these gay issues confronting Alden, talks about his “marriage” to Maine Mendoza and siring a child with her wouldn’t cease to this day — this even if the latter is already a happy, content wife to Quezon City Representative and actor Arjo Atayde.

If only for these unnerving, disturbing rumors — there isn’t a scintilla of doubt that Alden’s and Derrick’s careers have flourished by leaps and bounds.

With their career trajectory steadily taking an upward turn, should this baseless stuff matter? End of argument.

‘Goin’ Bulilit’ alumni Nashh Aguas and Mika Dela Cruz ABS-CBN photo

With their career trajectory steadily taking an upward turn, should the baseless gay rumor matter? Photos from Instagram/@aldenrichards02, @derrickmonasterio

Janice de Belen Photo courtesy of Netflix Philippines

70 countries compete in the 27th Annual World Championships of Performing Arts

SINGERS, dancers, actors, models, instrumentalists and variety artists will compete at the 27th Annual World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) June 29 - July 6, 2024 in Long Beach, CA. This international meet is often cited as the official “Talent Olympics” for performers and is the only event of its kind! Performers are selected from the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and South Africa. Contestants from more than 60 countries will be vying for the gold and more than three quarters of a million dollars in scholarships and prizes from New York Film Academy, New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, Weberworks Entertainment Group, Indasoul Entertainment, Prime Music, Darienne Arnold and Millennium Dance Complex.

Saturday, June 29, training begins with WORLDSTARS Boot Camp - 21 workshops presented by top industry experts such as

Ken Stacy who has performed and recorded with Elton John and Michael Jackson plus has been a vocal coach on American Idol ... Crista Sides Klayman, Director of print at The Industry Agency who is considered the most successful runway agent in the nation…Dancer/ Choreographer Amy Morgan, signed with MSA Agency, who has performed with Beyoncé, Jessica Sutta and Luciana and who teaches at the famed Millennium Dance Complex.

On Sunday, June 30, Opening Ceremonies/ Parade of Nations will be held in the Promenade Ballroom #104 at the Long Beach Convention Center. Hundreds of contestants will be parading and performing in colorful, traditional costuming from around the world.

After 4 days of heavy competition, the Finals Show is held on July 5 at the Terrace Theatre in the Long Beach Convention Center. The pre-show is at 6:30 pm, show begins at 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm.

Jake Zyrus claps back at ‘sayang boses mo’ claim, reiterates hormone therapy

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

JAKE Zyrus didn’t hold back from hitting back at a netizen who claimed his past singing voice as Charice Pempengco is “ sayang,” as he spoke up about undergoing hormone therapy.

Zyrus said hormone therapy is a “huge part of being a trans man,” in response to one @

dart_eves who compared his voice to fellow singer Ice Seguerra, as seen in the comments of the singer’s Instagram post on Wednesday, June 19. “First of all, with respect to my past, keep my deadname out of your silly mouth. And darling, it’s because he hasn’t taken any hormone therapy. It’s a HUGE part of being a

transman,” he said.

Zyrus pointed out that he’s “not going to explain the rest,” as the netizen appeared to be “ignorant” of his story.

“I am not going to explain the rest because based on your comment you sound ignorant. Google is free my darling. I’m going to pin your comment because it seems like you love being [the] center of attention. So let’s give it to you sweetheart. Have a nice day,” he wrote.

Filipina-American singer Cheesa also defended Zyrus in the comments, to which the latter chimed in to reiterate that being a trans artist is more than “high or low notes.”

“You support a trans, and bash another trans because of what? Birit (Singing high notes)? Yun lang (That’s it)? Make it make sense sis. Hater. Being a transgender is more than just singing high or low notes,” he said.

“And the audacity of you to deadname me and properly call Ice his real name. What a joke,” he further added.

Formerly known as Charice Pempengco, Zyrus first came out as lesbian in a The Buzz interview in June 2013. Four years later, he came out as transgender and dropped his birth name.

Zyrus opened up about struggling with his gender identity in a July 2021 interview, saying he had a hard time “hiding” his true self from the public, even when he was still known as Charice.

Do I need a premarital agreement before getting married?

Barrister’s Corner

Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

IN the absence of a premarital agreement, the general community property presumption under California family code section 760 controls which provides “…. all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” Family Code §760. This becomes a problem if you are the spouse that has the substantially higher income or the one who accumulates the majority of the assets during the marriage. You are called in family law lingo “the in spouse.” The other spouse (or in our lingo also called the “out spouse” gets a half interest on everything accumulated during the marriage even if the asset is under your name alone or it was accumulated solely due to your sweat and hard work. The out spouse, who stayed at home most of the marriage, gets a one half interest on all the accumulations during the marriage under California community property law. For example, if you opened a savings account during the marriage under your name alone for which you religiously and diligently stash away 25% of your earnings during the marriage while your spouse blows away his/her salary during the marriage, your spouse still gets a half interest in the money you saved in your savings account. Another example would be if you purchase a piece of real property during the marriage under “your name alone” and have your spouse sign a “quit claim” deed, your spouse may still have a claim for a half interest in your real property. Another example would be if you owned a business prior to marriage, but due to your hard work, long hours of labor, and efforts, the business grew exponentially during the marriage, your spouse may still have a claim for an interest in the business.

Signing a premarital agreement may serve as added protection to the future “in spouse” and a hurdle for the future “out spouse” by avoiding or altering the applicability of California community property law to assets 1) already owned by each and 2) to property and income to be acquired or earned during their marriage. Marriage of Dawley (1976) 17 C3d 342, 349, 131 CR 3, 7; Marriage of Grinius (1985) 166 CA3d 1179, 1186, 212 CR 803, 807 Premarital agreements may validly provide that the earnings and accumulations of each party during marriage will remain that party’s separate property, free of any claims, community property or otherwise, of the other party. Marriage of Dawley supra, 17 C3d at 350, 131 CR at 8; Cheney v. City & County of San Francisco Employees Retirement System (1936) 7 C2d 565, 569, 61 P2d 754, 756. Premarital agreements may also serve to preserve a person’s estate for his or her heirs, free of the other party’s inheritance claims. Estate of Wamack (1955) 137 CA2d 112, 115, 289 P2d 871, 872. Pursuant to Family Code

§1612(c), “Parties to a premarital agreement may contract with respect to all of the following:(1) The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located. (2) The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property.(3) The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event.(4) The making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement.(5) The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy.(6) The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement. (7) Any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty. However, the right of a child to support may not be adversely affected. Family Code §1612(b). Premarital agreements that are entered into voluntarily by parties who are each represented by independent counsel and aware of the effect of the agreement, a post 1985 premarital waiver of post dissolution support does not offend contemporary public policy and is not per se unenforceable. Fam.C. § 1612(c); Marriage of Pendleton & Fireman (2000) 24 C4th 39, 53–54, 99 CR2d 278, 288–289; Marriage of Facter (2013) 212 CA4th 967, 981, 152 CR3d 79, 90. Under both the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act and prior law, the spouse claiming the agreement is invalid or not enforceable bears the burden of proof on that allegation. Family Code. § 1615(a); Marriage of Bonds, supra, 24 C4th at 27, 99 CR2d at 269; Marriage of Iverson (1992) 11 CA4th 1495, 1502, 15 CR2d 70, 74–75; However, the UPAA (as amended effective 1/1/02) deems that a premarital agreement was not executed voluntarily unless the court makes five prescribed findings provided for under Family Code. § 1615(c)

(1) The party against whom enforcement is sought was represented by independent legal counsel at the time of signing the agreement or, after being advised to seek independent legal counsel, expressly waived, in a separate writing, representation by independent legal counsel. The advisement to seek independent legal counsel shall be made at least seven calendar days before the final agreement is signed.

(2) One of the following:

(A) For an agreement executed between January 1, 2002, and January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and advised to seek independent legal counsel and the time the agreement was signed. This requirement does not apply to nonsubstantive amendments that do not change the terms of the agreement.

(B) For an agreement executed on or after January 1, 2020, the party against whom

enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and the time the agreement was signed, regardless of whether the party is represented by legal counsel. This requirement does not apply to nonsubstantive amendments that do not change the terms of the agreement.

(3) The party against whom enforcement is sought, if unrepresented by legal counsel, was fully informed of the terms and basic effect of the agreement as well as the rights and obligations the party was giving up by signing the agreement, and was proficient in the language in which the explanation of the party’s rights was conducted and in which the agreement was written. The explanation of the rights and obligations relinquished shall be memorialized in writing and delivered to the party prior to signing the agreement. The unrepresented party shall, on or before the signing of the premarital agreement, execute a document declaring that the party received the information required by this paragraph and indicating who provided that information.

(4) The agreement and the writings executed pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (3) were not executed under duress, fraud, or undue influence, and the parties did not lack capacity to enter into the agreement.

(5) Any other factors the court deems relevant.

A premarital agreement may be unenforceable if found to be unconscionable when it was executed and the requisite disclosures were lacking and not waived Additionally, a spousal support provision in a premarital agreement executed under the UPAA, whether before or after January 1, 2002, is not enforceable if found to be unconscionable at the time of enforcement. Family Code § 1612(c). If you are the higher earning spouse and have assets to protect, it is important to seek the representation of experienced counsel in drafting a premarital agreement to make sure that all statutory requirement are met which increases the likelihood that your premarital agreement will be deemed enforceable when attacked in court in case of a

Jake Zyrus Photo from Instagram/@jakezyrusmusic

UST Medical Alumni Association of Southern CA hosts 30th anniversary

THE UST Medical Alumni Association of Southern CA celebrated its 30th Anniversary last June 1, 2024 with a fabulous celebration which coincided with its 15th Biennial Inaugural Gala. Ball Chairman, Dr. Marilou Dichoso, was installed as USTMAASC’s Board Chairman for 2024-2025.

This is Dr. Dichoso’s 3rd term in leading the Alumni Association. The other officers includes Dr. Roberto Ang as Vice Chairman, Dr. Ma. Brenda Holdgado as Secretary and Dr. Myrna Puzon as Treasurer. Other Board Members are Dr. Chester Mojica, Dr. Jose Regullano, Dr. Edwin Yu, Dr. Lana Galicia, Dr. Virna Paje, Dr. Jimmy Chanbonpin and Dr. Manuel Atienza (not in attendance).

Vice Consul Ralph Jacob Viloria represented the Philippine Consulate and presided over the oath taking.

The event was attended by prominent leaders of various Medical Associations such as PMASC, UERM MAASC, UPMASA SoCal as well as distinguished community and business leaders: Gerry Palon, Ellen Samson, Trinity Foliente, Dr. Jim Sanchez and Cora Oriel, from Asian Journal, the event’s Media Sponsor.

For the first time, 9 new Life Members were presented during the ball. One of the highlights of the evening was the Jubilarian celebration

wherein the celebrants received Jubilarian medals. Lecturers of the various webinars were given Certificates of Recognition by the CA State Assembly. It was truly a momentous occasion, celebrating 30 illustrious years of service to its alma mater, UST Medicine, and a formidable force to its medical alumni in Southern California.

Members of the UST Medical Alumni Association of Southern California (USTMAASC) hosted its 30th anniversary on June 1

Dr. Marilou Dichoso, USTMAASC Board Chairman for 2024-2025