070723 - San Francisco Edition

What the US Supreme Court ban on a rmative action means for colleges

THE U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday, June 29 struck down race-conscious policies in college admissions, ending decades of precedent that had allowed schools nationwide to use such programs to increase the diversity of their student bodies.

Here is an explanation of the policies commonly known as affirmative action, their history and the possible consequences of the court’s decision.

What is affirmative action?

In the context of higher education, affirmative action typically refers to admissions policies aimed at increasing the number of Black, Hispanic and other minority students on campus.

Colleges and universities that take race into consideration have said they do so as part of a holistic approach that reviews every aspect of an application, including grades,

Lawyers group, PH Embassy agree to keep providing legal aid to Filipinos in US

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Officers of the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA) and the Philippine Embassy agreed to continue providing legal services to the Filipino community in the United States.

Since the signing of a Report of Understanding in May 2021, the Embassy has tapped NFALA for resource persons for Post Arrival Orientation Seminars for Filipino workers and legal consultants for labor-related cases.

During the recent meeting, several activities were identified to expand cooperation, such as free webinars and lectures on immigration, human trafficking, taxation, family law and estate planning.

Also discussed was the expansion of NFALA membership to areas with large concentrations of Filipino Americans, partnerships with organizations of lawyers

DOT ends deal with ad firm over promo fiasco

by DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN, JULIE M. AURELIO AND MELVIN GASCON Inquirer.net

MANILA — Just two days after it announced that it was conducting an investigation, the Department of Tourism (DOT) abruptly ended its contract with DDB Group Philippines on Monday, July 3 after the advertising agency apologized for using stock footage of other countries in the video launching the country’s “Love the Philippines” tourism campaign. In a statement, the DOT pointed to DDB’s “abject

failure” to comply with its obligations under the P49-million contract after the agency “admitted in no uncertain terms” that the materials used in the promotional video were not original.

The almost two-minute-long video featuring popular travel destinations in the country was shown at the June 27 launch of the newest tourism campaign that replaced the “It’s more fun in the Philippines” branding that had been in use since 2012.

But netizens pointed out that some clips were of tourist sites in other countries, including a fisherman in Thailand, an airport runway in Switzerland,

President Marcos greets mom Imelda on her 94th

by HELEN FLORES Philstar.com

MANILA — Former first lady Imelda Marcos celebrated her 94th birthday at Malacañang over the weekend with her son, President Marcos, in attendance.

“Today we celebrate 94 incredible years! Happy birthday, mom! Wishing you more years filled with joy, good health, and abundant blessings,” the President wrote on Twitter on Sunday, July 2 accompanied by a photo collage of his mother and the late former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos attended an “asalto” or birthday surprise for his mother at Malacañang’s Kalayaan Hall on Saturday, July 1. Among those present at the birthday party were Imelda’s children Irene MarcosAraneta and Aimee Marcos Bernedo and her grandchildren, based on a photo shared by Liza Marcos on Facebook.

“Happy 94th birthday, Mama Meldy,” Liza Marcos wrote on her Facebook account. The president’s older sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, was missing in the family photo.

No need to bring WPS issue before UN – Chinese o cial

by BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO ManilaTimes.net

BEIJING — A senior official from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said there is “no need” to elevate the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

“All [diplomatic] channels are open,” the official said. The Chinese ranking official maintained that any issue between China and the Philippines can be resolved through peaceful means.

Sen. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros has called on the Department of Foreign Affairs

to sponsor a resolution before the UNGA that will call on China to stop its harassment of Filipino vessels in the WPS.

Hontiveros joined the recent call of retired Justice Antonio Carpio to stop China’s aggressive actions within the WPS.

Sen. Francis Tolentino earlier voiced support for Carpio’s suggestion to bring the WPS issue before the UNGA to further internationalize the issue.

“The UNGA is the highest policymaking body of the UN. So, they can censure [a member], impose some penalty, or not allow a member to sit

u PAGE 4

rice terraces in Indonesia, and sand dunes in the United Arab Emirates.

In deciding to terminate the contract for the new tourism campaign, the DOT cited its right “to change, suspend, or discontinue temporarily or permanently the contract at any time should [it] deem the agency incapable of [carrying out] the project.”

It stressed that no payments had been made to DDB, adding that it would “review standards of performance or lack thereof” should the agency submit a claim. u PAGE 2

Issues hounding DOT’s ‘Love the Philippines’ tourism video earn global attention

by JELINE MALASIG Philstar.com

ISSUES about the widely-talked-about video of the Department of Tourism used to launch the country’s new tourism campaign have earned global attention from different foreign news outlets.

The new tourism campaign of the Philippines made headlines after it was reported that the campaign video featured stock footage clips of locations from other countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates.

The clips were lifted from Storyblocks, a subscriptionbased stock footage website where users can access royalty-free clips, images and audio for creative projects.

The DOT launched the new tourism slogan “Love the Philippines,” accompanied by a campaign video last June 27.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco previously disclosed that the DOT spent P49 million for the entire study of the tourism campaign rebranding. This includes the creation of a logo and other components of this branding campaign.

Vice President Sara Duterte congratulates President Marcos for ‘successful’ rst year in o ce

by ELIZABETH MARCELO Philstar.com

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte congratulated President Marcos on her Facebook account on Sunday, July 2 for a supposedly “successful” first year in office, specifically lauding his determination to fulfill campaign promises.

“Everybody can see the hard work and perseverance of our

beloved president to continue the positive changes started by the previous administration and introduce new programs and projects that would improve the lives of our fellowmen,” the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte said. She said she is “happy” to be part of an administration that is committed to strengthen the country, particularly its economy.

President Marcos greets mom...

In an interview on Saturday, July 1, the senator said her mother would have a “private” celebration for her 94th birthday.

She said there might be an asalto or a birthday surprise for Imelda at Malacañang on Saturday night.

This was the second consecutive year the former first lady held a birthday party at the Palace.

Malacañang is the official residence of the president of the Philippines.

Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco and veteran singer Dulce also shared photos of the event in their respective social media pages.

In a video posted on Facebook, Dulce was seen serenading the former first lady and her guests with a Celeste Legaspi song, “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal.”

In May, Senator Marcos said the former first lady underwent an angioplasty. Rumors about the death of the Marcos matriarch circulated in March but were quickly debunked by the senator and the former first lady’s niece Eliza RomualdezValtos.

Imelda is out on bail after being convicted by the Sandiganbayan of seven counts of graft. n

DOT ends deal with ad firm...

The DOT did not comment, however, on whether it would retain the “Love the Philippines” campaign created by the ad agency.

Asked for comment on the termination of the contract, DDB said it had “no statement” on the issue. Bad omen

Lawmakers from both the Senate and House of Representatives were quick to weigh in on the controversy with Sen. Nancy Binay calling it a “bad omen” for the revamped tourism campaign.

Binay, chair of the Senate committee on tourism, said the DOT, headed by Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, should ensure that heads would roll since people’s money was being used for such projects. But at the same time, she also took the department to task for its “lapses.”

“The DOT cannot afford to be negligent about campaigns like this which are worth millions [of pesos]. [It] should also be more discerning and critical [of] pegs, concepts, storyboards, and drafts that ad agencies present to them,” she said.

Binay lamented how the initial salvo of the DOT’s new campaign suffered a “major setback,” saying the controversy might drive away visitors, instead of attracting them.

She suggested that the DOT consider retaining the “It’s more fun in the Philippines” slogan, saying, “Perhaps it will still be better to bring back the ‘Fun’ because of the problem faced by ‘Love.’”

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, on the other hand, touched on the irony of using foreign footage to promote the Philippines.

“[It’s] very disappointing due to the very unprofessional work using stock video footage. ‘Love the Philippines’ is the idea, yet we were proudly showing Indonesian, Thai, Swiss, and Emirati tourist attractions,” he said.

At the same time, he jested that the video could also affirm the government’s thrust to be a “friend to all nations,” adding that it may be “our expression of our friendliness to all nations. We promote them also in our promotional videos about the

Philippines.”

‘Scammed’

For Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, the government and the public were “scammed” by the DOT advertisement.

“It’s frustrating to know that even the government can fall victim to blunders in a marketing campaign that supposedly aims to promote the Philippines’ unique character, natural beauty, and cultural attractions,” she said.

House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro expressed a similar sentiment, saying the video and slogan were a form of budol” or swindle, as she called on the DOT to rectify the matter by conducting an investigation and filing appropriate charges.

“We cannot allow this kind of budol’ or swindling of our people. The DOT should be also probed because it is wasting the people’s money and it is a shame to the international community,” Castro said in a statement.

For Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, the House ways and means panel chair, the video and “Love the Philippines” logo—which excluded Mayon Volcano in his home province of Albay — was a “symptom of trabahong tamad” or shoddy work.

Salceda earlier criticized the DOT for what he perceived as a snub.

“The first video was supposedly a ‘mood video,’ according to the contractor. For something as critical as an entire country’s image, you don’t ‘set the mood’

with plagiarism,” he said. Apparently referring to independent opposition lawmaker and fellow Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman’s remark that his complaint was just “political sound bite,” Salceda stressed that legitimate concerns of legislative representatives should not be brushed aside.

“One lesson here is not to dismiss legitimate concerns as ‘political sound bites’ but to listen, consult and discuss. The country’s branding is reflective of our identity and aspirations as a people. What’s wrong with wanting to be represented well in that?” he said.

Track record Incorporated in 1992, DDB Group Philippines is a full-service marketing communications group with advertising, digital, media, PR, content, and data analytics agencies. Its forerunner was the Advertising Marketing Associates founded in 1958 by Antonio de Joya, known as the “Dean of Philippine Advertising.”

DDB had bagged other government projects before, including several with the DOT.

At the 19th Philippine Quill Awards in 2022, it won several awards under the competition’s communication management division for the following campaigns: the “Resbakuna” campaign of the Department of Health, the “Our Sea, Our Story” campaign for the DOT’s Philippine International Dive Expo 2021, and the DOT’s “Balikan ang Pilipinas” campaign. n

‘LOVING THE PHL’. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco ends her speech during the 2022 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts and Tourism Statistics Dissemination Forum at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Wednesday, July 5 with the message “Love the Philippines.” Frasco received an outpouring of support from various stakeholders and tourism regional directors attending the forum. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

President Marcos is shown with the members of his family in this photo posted on Facebook by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to mark the 94th birthday of the family’s matriarch, Imelda, at Malacañang on Saturday, July 1. Sen. Imee Marcos is conspicuously missing in the picture. They were joined by Irene Marcos Araneta, her spouse Greggy Araneta, Aimee Marcos Bernedo as well as the president’s sons Joseph Simon and William Vincent. Philstar.com photo

Issues hounding DOT’s ‘Love the Philippines’...

“Love the Philippines” replaced former tourism slogans such as “Experience Philippines,” “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” “Pilipinas, Tara Na,” “Pilipinas Kay Ganda,” and “WOW Philippines.”

Over the weekend, however, some social media users learned that the DOT in its campaign video featured clips from other countries like Thailand’s fishing lake, Indonesia’s rice terraces, and sand dunes in Dubai, among others.

The DOT then said it was “currently conducting an exhaustive investigation to determine the veracity of, and to gather the full faculty of facts” concerning its new campaign video.

The tourism department said it had repeatedly sought confirmation from its contracted agency, DDB Philippines, on the originality and ownership of the materials used in campaign videos during various meetings and consultations.

“In ALL these occasions, DDB repeatedly assured the DOT that the originality and ownership of all materials are in order,” the DOT said in a statement.

“While no public funds have been paid for the audio-video presentation in question as this particular component of the launch was released on the account of DDB, the DOT holds responsibility for promoting the country to the highest standard,” it added.

The advertising agency also released its own statement, saying that while it was an industry practice to use stock footage or non-original clips in mood videos, using foreign clips was “an unfortunate oversight” on its part.

A mood video is primarily used to elicit a specific emotion from the audience, like excitement or calmness.

“Proper screening and approval processes should have been strictly followed. The use of foreign stock footage in a campaign promoting the Philippines is highly inappropriate, and contradictory to the Department of Tourism’s objectives,” DDB Philippines added.

It also said that the audio-visual presentation was produced “at its own expense” and that “no public funds were released.”

The controversial campaign video has already been taken down on social media and other platforms.

Nevertheless, the incident has captured global attention, with a Reddit user sharing a screengrab of a post compiling some reports of foreign news outlets and other websites about the criticisms and its aftermath.

Among those that reported the probe into the tourism campaign were BBC News, Kuwait Times and the Independent BBC’s headline reads: “Apology after Philippines tourism video uses foreign footage”.

Kuwait Times also featured

a social media post that reported on the incident.

The Independent likewise wrote about the flak with the headline: “Philippines tourism video used pictures of ‘rice terraces in Indonesia and dunes in Brazil’”

Other news outlets picked up the report via newswire Agence France-Presse.

These were Pakistan paper The International News, Middle East paper The National, Singapore paper The Straits Times, Australia broadcaster ABC, Hong Kong broadcaster RTHK, and Swiss French-language paper Le Matin, among others.

Filipinos found the incident “embarrassing.”

“Kahihiyan,” a Reddit user commented about the compilation of foreign reports.

“Another kahihiyan of the Philippines,” another Redditor reacted.

The launch of a new tourism campaign is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s pronouncement during his first State of the Nation Address, when he mentioned his vision to enhance the Filipino brand of tourism especially as the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is also part of the government’s initiative to make the Philippines a “tourism powerhouse” in Southeast Asia, in accordance with the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023 to 2028. ■

Lawyers group, PH Embassy agree to...

What the US Supreme Court ban on...

test scores and extracurricular activities.

The goal of race-conscious admissions policies is to increase student diversity in order to enhance the educational experience for all students. Schools also employ recruitment programs and scholarship opportunities intended to boost diversity, but the Supreme Court litigation was focused on admissions.

Which schools consider race?

While many schools do not disclose details about their admissions processes, taking race into account is more common among selective schools that turn down most of their applicants.

In a 2019 survey by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, about a quarter of schools said race had a “considerable” or “moderate” influence on admissions, while more than half reported that race played no role whatsoever.

Nine states have banned the use of race in admissions policies at public colleges and universities: Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Washington.

What is the current litigation about?

The Supreme Court decided two cases brought by Students for Fair Admissions, a group headed by Edward Blum, a conservative legal strategist who has spent

years fighting affirmative action.

One case contended that Harvard’s admissions policy unlawfully discriminates against Asian American applicants. The other asserted that the University of North Carolina unlawfully discriminates against white and Asian American applicants.

The schools rejected those claims, saying race is determinative in only a small number of cases and that barring the practice would result in a significant drop in the number of minority students on campus.

How has the supreme court ruled in the past?

Before Thursday, the court had largely upheld race-conscious admissions for decades, though not without limits.

A divided Supreme Court took up the issue in the landmark 1978 case, Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, after schools began using affirmative action in response to the Civil Rights era to correct the effects of racial segregation.

The swing vote, Justice Lewis Powell, ruled that schools could not use affirmative action to rectify past racial discrimination and struck down the university’s practice of setting aside a certain number of spots for minorities.

Nevertheless, Powell found that increasing campus diversity was a “compelling interest” because students of all races – not just minorities – would receive a better education if exposed to different viewpoints.

Powell ruled that schools could weigh race in admissions as long as it remained only one factor among many.

In 2003, the court struck down the University of Michigan’s use of a system that awarded “points” to minority applicants as going too far, but affirmed Bakke’s central finding that schools could use race as one of several admission factors.

The court in 2016 again upheld race-conscious admissions in a challenge backed by Blum to University of Texas policies. But the court has moved sharply to the right since then, with six conservative justices now and only three liberals. What will colleges do in response?

The decision on Thursday will force elite colleges and universities to revamp their policies and search for new ways to ensure diversity in their student populations. Many schools have said other measures would not be as effective, resulting in fewer minority students on campuses.

In briefs filed with the Supreme Court, the University of California and the University of Michigan –top public college systems from states that have outlawed raceconscious admissions – said they have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on alternative programs intended to improve diversity, but that those efforts have fallen far short of goals. (Inquirer.net)

From left to right: Labor Attache Saul De Vries, Asst. Labor Attache Marie Josephine Borromeo, NFALA VP of Programs Jill Yu, NFALA President-Elect Lorna Garcia, NFALA President Garylene Javier, Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas, NFALA Embassy Liaison Bryan Ramos, NFALA VP of Membership Jeffrey Javinar, and former NFALA President Jeri Gonzales Abrams. Contributed photo

according to its website www.nfala.com.

READING IS KNOWLEDGE. Couple Mirasol and Byron Martinez, with their daughter Empress, tend to their Read ‘N Play books per kilo store in Kasiyahan Street, Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City on Monday, July 3. They sell pre-owned books, mostly for children, at lower prices to encourage the youth to go back to reading. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

CDC recommends RSV vaccine for older adults

CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D.,

M.P.H., endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendations for use of new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines from GSK and Pfizer for people ages 60 years and older, using shared clinical decision-making. This means these individuals may receive a single dose of the vaccine based on discussions with their healthcare provider

Vice President Sara Duterte congratulates...

PAGE 1

Duterte cited the Marcos administration’s “aggressive” economic policies and its prioritization of job creation and poverty alleviation. She also lauded the Marcos administration for its strong support to the sectors of agriculture, fishery and labor and for various infrastructure projects.

Duterte, the concurrent education secretary, likewise commended the Marcos administration’s efforts to improve the quality of education as well as health services and strengthen foreign relations with various countries.

“The Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education are thankful to our President for his support to our programs for all our citizens and the Filipino youth,” Duterte said.

Marcos and Duterte, running mates during the May 9, 2022 elections, both marked their first year in office on Friday, June 30.

Duterte, meanwhile, urged the Filipino people to support the Marcos administration, in order for it to fulfill its goals for the country.

“I hope that we can strengthen our unity and use it as a weapon to overcome all the future challenges that we will be facing as one country,” Duterte said.

On the other hand, Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr. – a close ally of Marcos’ political rival

Leni Robredo and stalwart of the opposition Liberal Party – also lauded Marcos for the “country’s economic growth which economic managers recently projected would be the highest in Southeast Asia for 2023 at 6.0 percent.”

In a press statement, the senior Bicolano legislator, now on his third and last term, said he hopes the “economic growth could be sustained to provide Filipinos respite from the impact of the pandemic.”

At the same time, Bordado urged the chief executive to “focus on improving the agriculture sector” after Marcos himself admitted that he failed in pursuing reforms as the secretary of agriculture, in a concurrent capacity.

“Our economy will remain unstable for as long as food security is not achieved. We can only stabilize commodity prices if problems in the agricultural sector are properly addressed,” he said.

The opposition legislator nevertheless suggested there is a “need to consolidate the very fragmented agricultural sector and put in more programs to help farmers adapt to modern technology in improving yield.”

Meanwhile, Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., a stalwart of the National Unity Party and veteran administration legislator, heaped praises on Marcos for doing an

“impressive job in his first year in office, providing the country with a steady and reliable leadership in the face of difficult challenges.”

“The president buckled down to work and took the bull by the horns, so to speak,” he said in a statement sent to House reporters.

Barzaga said the chief executive was also able to restore decency in public office, pointing out that he “has always comported himself with dignity, exuding confidence.”

The Cavite congressman said the president has also helped the country regain respect in the international community, especially since he, being a Marcos, is a household name.

He said the chief executive promoted the country as an investment destination in his foreign trips, where he also forged closer diplomatic and economic ties with other nations, especially the U.S.

Marcos had not presented to the media a detailed platform during the campaign period and opted to skip several presidential debates. He instead reiterated the importance of uniting the country, including the people in government regardless of their political affiliation.

Marcos also promised to lower the price of rice to P20 per kilo as well as address poverty and hunger. (with reports from Delon Porcalla)

about whether RSV vaccination is right for them.

Adults at the highest risk for severe RSV illness include older adults, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, adults with weakened immune systems, and adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. CDC estimates that every year, RSV causes approximately 60,000–160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000–10,000 deaths among older adults.

These new vaccines – which are the first ones licensed in the U.S. to protect against RSV – are expected to be available this fall. These vaccines provide an opportunity to help protect older adults against severe RSV illness at a time when multiple respiratory infections are likely to circulate. Healthcare providers should also talk to their adult patients about what other vaccines they will need this fall to help prevent respiratory infections. n

As low-nicotine cigarettes hit the market, anti-smoking groups press for wider standard

by Don Thompson KFF Health News

THE idea seems simple enough.

Preserve all the rituals of smoking: Light up a cigarette, inhale the smoke, including the nasty stuff that can kill you, and exhale. But remove most of the nicotine, the chemical that makes tobacco so darn hard to quit, to help smokers smoke less.

The Food and Drug Administration has been contemplating that strategy for at least six years as one way to make it easier for smokers to cut back, if not quit entirely. Less than two years ago, it authorized 22nd Century Group, a publicly traded plant biotech company based in Buffalo, New York, to advertise its proprietary low-nicotine cigarettes as modified-risk tobacco products.

Now, the first authorized cigarettes with 95% less nicotine than traditional smokes are coming to California, Florida, and Texas in early July, after a year of test-marketing in Illinois and Colorado. It’s part of an aggressive rollout by 22nd Century that, by year’s end, could bring its products to 18 states — markets that together account for more than half of U.S. cigarette sales.

But anti-smoking groups oppose greenlighting 22nd Century’s products. Instead, they urge federal regulators to expand on their original plan of setting a low-nicotine standard for all combustible cigarettes to make them minimally or nonaddictive. They expect the FDA to take the next step in that industrywide regulatory process as early as this fall.

“Unless and until there is a categorywide requirement that nicotine goes down to low, nonaddictive levels, this is not going to make a difference,” said Erika Sward, a spokesperson for the American Lung Association.

Major tobacco companies Altria, R.J. Reynolds, and ITG Brands did not respond to requests for comment.

Cigarette smoking is estimated to cause more than 480,000 deaths a year in the U.S., including from secondhand smoke, and contributes to tobacco use being the leading preventable cause of death nationally. In 2018, then-FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb wrote that setting a maximum nicotine level “could result in more than 8 million fewer tobacco-caused deaths through the end of the century – an undeniable public health benefit.”

The FDA reasoned that people would collectively smoke

fewer cigarettes and have less exposure to the deadly toxins that are still present in lownicotine cigarettes.

22nd Century says it used a patent-protected process to control nicotine biosynthesis in the tobacco plant, enabling it to create a pack of cigarettes with about as much nicotine as one Marlboro. It says generally that it uses “modern plant breeding technologies, including genetic engineering, gene-editing, and molecular breeding.”

Keeping 5% of the nicotine is enough to prevent smokers from seeking more to satisfy their craving, said John Miller, president of 22nd Century’s smoking division.

“There’s just enough in there that your brain thinks it’s getting it, but it’s not,” Miller said. “That was really one of the reasons we got to these levels of nicotine, is because you don’t have that additional smoking.”

Miller said the low-nicotine cigarettes can help some smokers cut back or quit, perhaps in conjunction with a nicotine patch or gum, when they’ve tried and failed with other stop-smoking programs.

Campaign for TobaccoFree Kids President Matthew L. Myers supports the development of an industrywide low-nicotine standard, saying the concept would work only if consumers no longer had the alternative of a higher-nicotine cigarette.

“The concern with a product that’s still addictive, but delivers low levels of nicotine, in fact is that consumers will smoke more, because the evidence shows that somebody who’s addicted will smoke enough to satisfy their craving,” Myers said.

Both the FDA and antismoking groups cited studies that found lower levels of nicotine don’t prompt smokers to smoke more to reach the same nicotine levels. But those studies assumed smokers wouldn’t have a high-nicotine alternative, anti-smoking groups and researchers said.

Allowing low-nicotine cigarettes while conventional cigarettes remain available may be a public health detriment if they discourage smokers from quitting entirely or encourage others to start smoking because they think there’s a safe way to experiment with cigarettes, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and several health associations wrote in a letter urging the FDA to reverse its 22nd Century decision.

22nd Century’s cigarettes are still dangerous, and consumers must substantially cut back or quit smoking to get health advantages. But anti-smoking groups fear many smokers

won’t understand that.

“If people are looking at this as a magic bullet and are still continuing their tobacco use, they are not doing anything to change their risk,” said Sward, of the lung association.

Anti-smoking groups particularly object to allowing 22nd Century to market menthol cigarettes even as the FDA is considering outlawing such cigarettes nationwide.

FDA spokesperson Abby Capobianco confirmed that 22nd Century has the only FDA-authorized low-nicotine cigarette but did not respond to requests for comment on the FDA’s plans for regulating nicotine in cigarettes. California already outlaws menthol flavoring, and Miller said the company won’t challenge that state’s ban and won’t sell its menthol cigarettes in California.

But Miller hopes the company will eventually win an exemption from any federal ban, in part, he said, because more than half of menthol smokers are likely to switch to conventional cigarettes.

“That’s not what the FDA wants to happen,” Miller said. “They need an offramp for these menthol smokers and ours is obviously the natural.”

The company is expanding into California, Florida, and Texas because of the nationleading size of their smoking populations. It previously announced plans to also begin selling its very low-nicotine, or VLN, cigarettes this year in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, and it may move into 10 more states.

The company is prioritizing seven states that offer tax incentives for products the FDA has said reduce tobacco risk, believing its cigarettes will have a price advantage over others in Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New Mexico, and Utah. Miller said the company may lobby California lawmakers to add similar incentives as part of the state’s extensive efforts to discourage smoking, which still addicts 10% of its residents.

Miller declined to disclose the company’s market share from the two test states but said sales were above expectations.

“If we can get this to the level of, like, a nonalcoholic beer — you know, 3% to 5% of the category — it’s a game changer,” Miller said. “We know that there’s a latent demand in the market for this product.”

This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.

Pexels.com

photo by cottonbro studio:

GETTING READY. Workers give a new look to one side of the House of Representatives inside the Batasan Complex in Quezon City on Monday, July 3. Preparations are in full swing for the second State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 24, a Monday.

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Dateline PhiliPPines

Marcos gains in foreign policy lauded

by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made meaningful gains in terms of directing the government's foreign policy, carrying out important government programs and ensuring media freedom, a political analyst observed.

University of Santo Tomas political science professor Froilan Calilung made the assessment as the President capped his first year in office.

"I can say that one of the president's strongest suits, politically speaking, was the fact that he was able to come up with a very definite, very clear and specific direction when it comes to his foreign policy," Calilung, who is also the director of the Local Government Development Institute, said in a briefing over the weekend.

"Politically speaking, this is one thing that I think will really put further, you know, the president in a very good position because as we can see, the movement of our foreign policy was different under then-President [Rodrigo] Duterte," he said.

Under Marcos' watch, the Philippines is pivoting toward the United States, attesting to his decisiveness to pave his own path when it comes to foreign relations, Calilung said.

In terms of passing key legislative measures, Calilung pointed out the need for the president to be more assertive in pushing his agenda given that his allies make up the supermajority in Congress.

But he added: "What's lacking in legislation, as I see it, is being filled up with programs. There are individual programs that are actually being put in place such as

the Kadiwa rolling stores and eGov PH. So, I think they are somewhat being sustained." Calilung also lauded the administration's unceasing efforts to uphold the rule of law amid some challenges.

This is particularly crucial, he stressed, since it will help entice foreign investors to the country which would not happen if there is a perceived breakdown in the peace and order situation, he said. Calilung, likewise, underscored Marcos' ability to build good relations with the press.

"I think this is something that the president is also very keen on attaining — not to mention also, politically, he also charted a good path in terms of the relationship between the president and the media," he said.

"Unlike in the past administration where we felt the animosity, right now the media is a lot freer," he added. n

OVP bypassed procurement laws in rush to build satellite offices – COA

MANILA — The Office of the Vice President did not fully comply with the country's procurement laws when it purchased new equipment for its satellite offices in 2022, the Commission on Audit has found.

In its 2022 audit report on the OVP, state auditors flagged the OVP’s procurement of P668,197worth of equipment, which was paid through reimbursement of officials' personal cash. The OVP resorted to making purchases through reimbursement due to its decision to immediately open its satellite offices even if it did not yet have enough equipment to operate, COA noted.

“As per inquiry, the immediate establishment of (satellite offices) were made due to Management’s intention to immediately expand services offered by OVP to various provinces. However, controls to ensure that government resources were utilized as intended and prevented from loss should also be considered,” the report stated.

Although state auditors noted that the OVP purchased items with the lowest price in the market, its failure to comply with Republic Act 9184 and its implementing guidelines “defeats the purpose

of the Procurement Law, which is to standardize and to improve transparency in the procurement process.”

In response to state auditors' comments, the OVP said that its purchases were done through reimbursement because of the immediate need to have the satellite offices ready with equipment.

“Due to the time constraints imposed by RA No. 9184, the Procurement Unit was unable to process requests at the time of opening of the (satellite offices) on July 1, 2022,” the OVP said in the audit report.

“It was agreed during the discussion meeting with the

Administrative and Financial Services Office Group heads that reimbursement would be the best option to address the immediate need,” they added.

The OVP in 2022 launched satellite offices in several regions to expand the delivery of its services, particularly its medical, hospitalization and burial assistance.

These satellite offices were launched July 1, 2022 — the first day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s term.

The OVP also said in the audit report that it would comply with the provisions of the Procurement Act in its future purchases.

(Philstar.com)

This photo shows the OVP Satellite Office located in Escario Central in Camputhaw, Cebu City. Facebook/@Inday Sara Duterte

Unlovable start

THIS advertising campaign is off to an unlovable start. The only positive thing about the controversy that erupted over the “rebranded” and enhanced Philippine tourism campaign is that the contract with the advertising firm is being scrapped.

With Doyle, Dane and Bernbach Philippines publicly acknowledging its mistake and apologizing for it, the Department of Tourism announced on Monday, July 3 that it was ending its contract with the advertising agency. The DOT also stressed that no money had been paid to DDB so far for what was supposed to be a P49-million deal.

Thanks to Filipino blogger Sass Rogando Sasot, portions of the “Love the Philippines” tourism campaign video created by DDB and unveiled at the launch on June 27 were verified to have been lifted from stock footage. Worse, the video files featured destinations not in the Philippines but in countries including Indonesia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland.

DDB has apologized for the “unfortunate oversight” even as it explained that the use of stock footage is standard practice in producing mood videos for advertising. Surely more care is needed when an ad is promoting tourism attractions in a particular country. DDB admitted that the use of foreign stock footage for a campaign urging the world to “love the Philippines” was “highly

Sketches

THE U.S. military facilities being set up in Northern Luzon, according to Philippine officials, are meant to enhance the Philippines’ defense capability, and will not be used for offensive operations against China.

Philippine officials have also stressed that Manila does not intend to meddle in the issues between China and Taiwan, considered a renegade province by Beijing.

The sites, to be developed by the U.S. under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the treaty allies, were identified by the Armed Forces of the Philippines “based on the requirements for strategic basing and development of the AFP (and) were not U.S.dictated,” according to our National Security Council.

Defense officials have said the EDCA sites will also facilitate assistance to approximately 150,000 Filipinos working in Taiwan in case tension escalates between the self-ruled island and China.

Some quarters have raised concern that the additional EDCA sites in Cagayan – at the Camilo Osias Naval Base and

inappropriate.”

It’s not just the video that has been found to be unoriginal. Netizens have also pointed out that in 2021, “Love Cyprus” was launched to promote tourism in that island country. But it’s still unclear if the “Love the Philippines” slogan will be retained. In this embarrassing issue, DDB is not the only one with egg on its face; even the Philippines has been hit.

The DOT, expressing solidarity with Filipinos in “outrage and disappointment,” said originality in the tourism campaign materials was required under the contract with the DDB. With the company’s “abject failure” to meet this requirement, the DOT says it can terminate the contract.

While the government sifts through the ashes of this deal, it should work on the product that it wants the world to love. It can start at the country’s premier gateway, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, along with the ongoing flight delays and cancellations on local carriers.

The country is blessed with several of the world’s best tourism attractions. Making the country a top destination, however, requires major improvements

Lal-lo Airport – are magnets for attacks on the Philippines in case China makes good on its threat to retake Taiwan by force.

But being a treaty ally of the U.S., wouldn’t the Philippines be a natural target anyway in case armed conflict erupts between the Americans and Chinese?

“Mutual” is the operative word in the Mutual Defense Treaty, meaning both countries are committed to come to each other’s defense in case of attack.

The initial reaction of China to the report about the four additional EDCA sites was to tell the Philippines to “unequivocally oppose” Taiwan independence. Equating the approval of the sites with support for Taiwan independence was a big leap of logic, especially since the Taiwanese themselves, according to officials, are not gung-ho about declaring independence from the mainland. The advice from the Chinese can also be considered interference in Philippine affairs.

* * *

In my interview last week with Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu at his office in Taipei, he said public opinion surveys are conducted regularly by credible pollsters, asking their people about the policy they want to pursue on the issue of China. Wu said the consistent preference, according to the surveys, is to maintain the status

quo, rejecting Beijing’s condition that Taipei must accept a “one country, two systems” model of unification.

“To us, we are not run by China. And the status quo is that Taiwan is an autonomous state. Taiwan runs by itself,” Wu told me.

“We have a president, publicly elected. We have a parliament, publicly elected as well, and we have a Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we have a Ministry of National Defense, and we even have an independent currency note, which is the New Taiwan dollar. And therefore, Taiwan is not part of the PROC. This is obvious to everybody.”

If you need a visa to enter a particular place on this planet, it is generally deemed to be a country.

“We understand the subtlety and the problems associated with the Chinese claim of Taiwan. And we don’t want to be a provocateur. We don’t want to offend anyone. We don’t want to cause any conflict in this region,” Wu said. “But… we want to safeguard the current status quo, which is in the best interest of all parties concerned.”

For years, the international community recognized the government led by Chiang Kaishek that relocated to Taiwan in 1949 as the legitimate government of China.

It says a lot about what

in many aspects of travel. When foreigners being lured to the Philippines are asked – “what’s not to love?” – they should have a tough time giving an answer. (Philstar.com)

drives geopolitics that on Oct. 25, 1971, the United Nations General Assembly withdrew its recognition of the Republic of China, a.k.a. Taiwan, and recognized the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate representative of China to the UN.

When it comes to civil wars and other internal conflicts, it’s probably too complicated to make ideology drive acceptance by the international community. Instead, whoever emerges as the victor gets official recognition. Even Afghanistan under the Taliban remains a UN member. Democracy? Human rights? Tell that to the people of Hong Kong, the model for China’s onecountry, two systems policy that it wants to impose on Taiwan.

You’d think democracies, with all the preaching about universal human rights, would take a firmer stand based on ideology in this issue. Instead democracies seem happy to engage with authoritarian China (especially if their economies benefit from it) and ignore democratic Taiwan.

Also, size matters, and possession is nine-tenths of the law. Between the 1.2 million Chinese who fled to Taiwan in 1949 and the nearly 542 million who didn’t, plus the sheer land area of the mainland, I guess the UN didn’t think twice about kicking out Taiwan and

recognizing the one-China policy. * * *

To this day, Taiwan cannot even get observer status in the UN or, crucially during the SARS outbreak and COVID pandemic, in the World Health Organization. WHO exclusion deprived Taiwan of access to critical information when severe acute respiratory syndrome broke out in China’s Guangdong province in November 2002 and jumped overseas, raging through 2003.

Taiwan suffered the highest death toll from SARS, with 181 lives lost.

But the hard lessons the Taiwanese learned from SARS are widely seen as the reason why Taiwan had one of the best preventive responses when COVID-19 leapt out of the Chinese city of Wuhan and spread sickness, death and economic devastation across the planet.

Being treated almost like an international pariah has also given the Taiwanese a strong sense of national unity and drive to achieve. It is classified by the World Bank as a high-income economy, with its GDP per capita hitting U.S.$33,011 as of 2021 (it was $3,461 for the Philippines).

Last year, Taiwan ranked sixth among 184 economies in The Heritage Foundation’s Index of Economic Freedom, and 15th among 190 as of December

Love to ‘Love the Philippines’

PIQUED by “pixel,” a furious Albay Rep. Joey Salceda is making hay on the rendition of Albay’s world famous Mt. Mayon in the freshly launched “Love the Philippines” tourism logo. Salceda’s rants are like the furies coming out from the continuing pyroclastic emissions from one of the most active volcanoes in this part of the world. Despite eruptions in the past, Mt. Mayon has been blessed by its beauty and iconic image among the world’s few perfectconed volcanoes. In fact, Albay’s Mt. Mayon has existing “sisterhood” partnership with Mt. Fuji of Japan for having the same iconic stature. It was Salceda who on October 21, 2015 while he was Governor of Albay entered into this Mt. Mayon-Mt. Fuji Partnership Agreement.

No less than President

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) led the launching ceremonies last Tuesday, June 27 during the 50th founding anniversary of the Department of

Tourism (DOT). Salceda’s raised hackles came about a day after seeing the newest country brand logo in very colorful and abstract arts depiction of key destination places, cultural festivities, the local popular flora and fauna, and food attractions all over the country. Now comes allegations that at least four scenes in the new country brand “are not fresh videos but stock footages.” And that supposedly, “WORSE- NOT SHOT IN THE PHILIPPINES.”

In response posted in her Facebook account Sunday, July 2, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco announced she will look into the allegations going viral in social media. A lawyer by profession, Sec. Frasco claimed “no public funds” were paid to the questioned audio-visual presentations (AVP) shown during the country brand launch.

The new country brand cost the DOT around P49 million in a contract won by DDB Philippines Inc. in a competitive public bidding. This agency designed and produced the AVP and the soon coming out three 60-second TV commercials on “Love the Philippines.”

In an open letter he posted in

his personal Facebook account, Salceda asked: “Dear Sec. Frasco – why no Mayon in DOT Love the Philippines. And the whaleshark most likely in Oslob, Cebu, so no Bicol? Sino po may pakana nito –No love for Albay, no love for Bicol. Thank you na lang. Albay tourists will thrive without you. LOVE ALBAY! (sic).” The reference to whaleshark, or “butanding” that Oslob lured away from its original habitat in Sorsogon (also in Bicol region) was obviously a dig at the DOT chief who was previously the Mayor of Liloan City in Cebu. Salceda and Frasco actually are common arch supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Frasco once served as the official spokesperson of the former Davao City Mayor during the run for VP elections last year. Salceda, on the other hand, supported fellow Bicolano presidential candidate ex-VP Leni Robredo and pushed for the Robredo-Sara (Ro-Sa) tandem.

Quick to the rescue of his wife, Cebu Congressman Duke Frasco responded in his own Facebook account: “Dear Cong Salceda, if you look closely, the over 50 notable mountains and volcanos of the Philippines are represented in DOT LOVE logo. As well as

whalesharks & surfs of the PH. Let’s CELEBRATE, not hate! LOVE the Philippines! (sic).”

Rep. Frasco rebutted: “The initial video promoting the PH gives the world a glimpse of the many reasons to Love the Philippines. Just like in any campaign, this ad campaign is not just for one day nor does it consist of just one singular video. Opening salvo pa ni, Bai. Dili pa ni ang miting de avance (added with a smiling emoji). More to come! Keep calm and LOVE the Philippines”.

In Facebook to Facebook exchanges, Salceda argued: “Mayon deserves better than a pixel in the logo where you need strained eyes to see it. Mayon has been a National Treasure. No Sec. Frasco, ask all your predecessors in DOT-Mayon deserved better treatment. You failed Albay.”

Joining in the fray, Rep. Edcel Lagman, fellow Congressman from the first district of Albay, made public last Friday, June 30 his support to Sec. Frasco. Lagman referred to the purported disenchantment of Salceda was “essentially political soundbite.”

In an open letter to the DOT chief, Lagman wrote: “The best argument against Rep. Salceda’s

parochial view on the supposed low priority accorded to the Mayon Volcano is your resolve to address the lack of potable water supply to the Mayon Tourism Complex, including the newly renovated Mayon Skyline Hotel (formerly Mayon Rest House), which was funded upon my initiative.”

Salceda, who represents the second district of Albay countered: “No apologies for standing up for Albay, the people I represent.” For more accurate reference, Salceda added, “the location of said Mayon Tourism Complex is inside the sixkilometer permanent danger zone.”

It was no sheer coincidence the Filipino-British nurse May Richell Cestina-Parsons, who injected the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, flew home last week and received a presidential citation from PBBM at Malacañang last Thursday, June 29. A year after receiving the prestigious George Cross award for gallantry during the pandemic, Parsons was featured in Philippine advertising blurb painted on London doubledecker buses: “We give the world our best. The Philippines.”

This was launched last

2020 in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings. Among 63 economies assessed last year, Taiwan placed seventh in the World Competitiveness Yearbook. Its open society is reflected in its ranking in the 2022 World Press Freedom Index – 38th among 180 countries and territories, with the Philippines ranking 147th and China 175th (Hong Kong plummeted from 68th to 148th).

Unfortunately for democratic, prosperous Taiwan, if it suffers the same fate as Hong Kong, the world will likely just look away. * * *

CORRECTION: Due to travel rush, I inadvertently sent the unedited version of my previous column from Taiwan. My apologies. This portion should have read:

The media congress tends to pick venues with press freedom issues, such as Moscow in 2006 and South Africa under the controversial Jacob Zuma.

In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin was the keynote speaker. He made a show of being tolerant of dissent at the time, looking unfazed... (Philstar.com) * * *

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

May while PBBM attended in London the coronation of King Charles III. It was seen, however, in negative light as promoting Filipino professionals as labor exports. Initially, it was thought about as the new country branding of the DOT. But Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications Paul Soriano later claimed it was his brainchild project.

While our officials are fighting here over parochial issues of perceived slight or snub, our competitors in the region have been getting more tourists to go instead to their respective countries. As of end of June, the DOT estimated 2.67 million overseas tourists arrived in the country, 2.44 million of which were foreigners and the rest were returning overseas Filipinos. Can love to “Love the Philippines” be the magic potion to grow our tourism numbers?

Hopefully, the post-pandemic “revenge travel” can kick up the numbers. (Philstar.com)

* * *

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

Ex-President Duterte cleared of misconduct

by Neil JaysoN servallos Philstar.com

MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte has been acquitted by the Supreme Court (SC) in a simple misconduct case involving the demolition of a canal project in Davao City when he was mayor in 2010.

The project was initiated in 2006 by then Davao City first district representative Prospero Nograles, who filed the case before the Office of the Ombudsman. In a decision issued on Friday, June 30, the SC affirmed the 2011 ruling of the Court of Appeals (CA), which overturned the ombudsman’s order suspending Duterte, then city

administrator Wendel Avisado, engineer Jose Gestuveo Jr. and legal officers Elmer Rano and Melchor Quitain as well as the chief of the city’s drainage and maintenance unit, Yusop Jimlani, for six months.

The SC denied the petition filed by the ombudsman and Nograles, who sought to overturn the CA’s decision.

The SC said Duterte and the officials did not commit misconduct when they ordered the demolition of the project, which caused floods that “did not affect the safety of the community.”

Nograles sought the opinion of then justice secretary Raul Gonzales, who said “the erection, construction, alteration, repair or

demolition of structure requires a permit from the building official of the place where the structure is located.”

In denying Nograles and the ombudsman’s appeal, the SC said that while the project was not a nuisance, it noted several provisions of the revised National Building Code’s implementing rules and regulations that “could not be complied with, since the structure was a public edifice, and the demolition was carried out with the participation of the Department of Public Works and Highways.” Duterte, who was running for vice mayor at the time, was suspended weeks before the 2010 elections. n

Filipino troops keep spirits high on ‘lonely island’

by Frances Mangosing Inquirer.net

MAVULIS ISLAND, Batanes

—The Philippines’ front line in the north is a remote island made up of rocky cliffs that jut out of choppy waters adjacent to the Bashi Channel, the waterway that separates the country from Taiwan.

A handful of sailors and Marines deployed on Mavulis call this tiny parcel of land a “lonely island,” on which they stand guard as the Philippines’ first responders should it get dragged into a conflict between China and the United States over Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by Beijing.

But for now, the Filipinos’ main enemy here — besides the rough terrain and harsh conditions — is the isolation.

For Petty Officer First Class Jesse Belostrino, one of the troops assigned to Mavulis, living in spartan conditions and under a constant threat of danger was part and parcel of what they had signed up for as soldiers.

“When we entered the service, we set aside our fears. We’re grateful for the trust to be sent here and do something for the country,” he told the Inquirer

Belostrino admitted struggling with loneliness at times. But “as a soldier, it’s normal to be far from one’s family. As a professional soldier, we only need to perform our duty, and we’re happy for the opportunity to be here,” he said.

Troops here rotate every month, but each shift could

go on longer as a result of unpredictable weather. Food and drinking water also pose a problem when resupply missions fall behind schedule. Ships, after all, can’t come close to the rocky shores and the seas become treacherous during monsoon season.

The intermittent internet connection also makes communications to the headquarters and to their loved ones a challenge.

But Belostrino said this was already being addressed by the military leadership.

Act of sovereignty

It was only in 2019 when the Philippines started occupying the country’s northernmost island— located some 140 kilometers from Taiwan’s southern tip — as an act of sovereignty. A Marine base and a fisherman’s shelter have been built to maintain the country’s presence here.

Belostrino said part of the troops’ job was to monitor commercial and military vessels passing through and report their movements back to headquarters. So far, they have not felt the tensions despite China’s increasing military activities around Taiwan.

Mavulis overlooks the Bashi Channel, a strategic waterway that is part of the Luzon Strait and home to several undersea cables.

“It is a gateway between the South China Sea and Pacific Ocean. In a conflict scenario, both the U.S. and China need to establish sea control of the

channel,” former Philippine Navy Vice Commander Rommel Ong told the Inquirer

Such a choke point is crucial in case of war, he added.

Analysts say Taiwan is a potential flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, with Washington as the island’s most important backer.

But concerns are mounting that Beijing may soon invade Taipei and that Manila would get caught in the crossfire or get involved as a party of a U.S.-led alliance.

Defending Batanes

In April, Filipino troops trained with their American counterparts in defending the Batanes archipelago (where Mavulis belongs) from potential aggressors.

Its proximity to Taiwan and prevailing regional tensions make Mavulis top of mind for the Philippine military leadership.

On June 26, the Inquirer joined a visit by the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Northern Luzon Command (AFP Nolcom) to check on the conditions of the deployed troops.

“The AFP prioritizes them and sees to it that they have everything. [We will provide them] everything in order for them to stay here and give their best,” said Nolcom deputy commander Commodore Karl Decapia.

“We are here to secure this part of the nation from all kinds of threats from the outside,” he added. “We have prepared a contingency plan for this. The AFP is ready.” n

4 foreigners face deportation for disrespecting Philippine flag

by evelyn Macairan Philstar.com

MANILA — Four foreign tourists who reportedly tore and threw away a Philippine flag in Ternate, Cavite are facing deportation proceedings before the Bureau of Immigration.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the three Pakistanis and a Romanian were turned over by the Ternate police to the bureau’s custody.

Shmail Jalal, 36; Shaid Manzoor,

45, and Sharoon Manzoor, 29, as well as Romanian Joan Oprescu, 36, were subjected to a preliminary investigation and are currently detained at the BI’s detention facility located in Bicutan, Taguig.

“Foreign nationals staying here must respect our country and our laws,” Tansingco said. “Foreigners destroying symbols of our country show utmost disrespect and do not deserve our hospitality.”

Reports said that on June 26, the foreigners, who were in a vehicle headed to Puerto Azul in Ternate,

became upset after they got stuck in traffic.

The suspects pulled over in front of the Marine Base Gregorio Lim in Barangay Sapang 1, where they reportedly removed the flag from its pole.

A Marine soldier saw the suspects tear and threw the flag away, which is a violation of Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code.

The soldier sought the help of the police, who arrested the foreigners. n

EJ Obiena qualifies for Paris Olympics

by June navarro Inquirer.net

MANILA – EJ Obiena just placed an early reservation for Paris. Obiena became the first Filipino to punch a ticket to the 2024 Olympics after clearing the Olympic standard of 5.82 meters at the Bauhaus Galan in Stockholm, Sweden.

The world’s No. 3 vaulter hurdled the height on his second attempt just a day after the start of the Olympic qualification season and eventually captured the silver medal behind world champion Armand Duplantis. Duplantis, the Olympic champion and world-record

holder, ruled the meet for the fifth straight time in front of his home fans with a 6.05 jump. Pal Haugen Lillefosse of Norway placed third in 5.72m before three unsuccessful attempts at 5.82 during the Stockholm leg of the prestigious 2023 Wanda Diamond League. Obiena pushed it up to 5.95, but was unable to conquer the elevation after duplicating the feat he accomplished prior to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Back then, Obiena also became the first Filipino qualifier to the Olympics before the Tokyo Summer Games was postponed for a year due to the pandemic. n

FRESH FINDS. Consumers buy fresh vegetables at the Agripreneur Cooperative Kadiwa stall inside the Department of AgricultureAgribusiness Development Center in Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City on Monday, July 3. Patola, sitaw, ampalaya, okra and kamote retail for PHP60 per kilo; squash, PHP25 each; red onion, PHP135; white onion, PHP120 per kilo; and upo and puso ng saging, PHP30 per piece. PNA photo by Ben Briones

Ernest John Obiena Photo from Instagram/@@ernestobienapv

‘Bedridden’ Kris Aquino reunites with Josh, Bimby

by DENI AFINIDAD-BERNARDO Philstar.com

MANILA — Kris Aquino’s sons

Josh and Bimby returned to the Philippines just about a month ago after accompanying the actress and TV host in the United States for years for her autoimmune diseases treatments.

But just on Sunday, July 2, the multimedia personality revealed on social media that her sons are back with her in Los Angeles to continue giving her support for her treatments.

According to her, after sending off her sons as they returned home, she has been missing them so much and had been feeling weaker without them, which is why she asked if they could return to the U.S. with her.

“My pictures were ready to share- memorable moments of Kuya Josh & Bimb w/ their Tito Noy timed for his 2nd death anniversary, but each time I tried to edit, I kept crying- because I can never forget how much he hated when the 3 of us weren’t together,” she said.

She recalled that last June 24, she told youngest son Bimby about her lower back and joint pains and that she had difficulty walking.

“It was on June 24 LA time, making it Sunday, June 25 in the Philippines Philippines is 15 hours ahead of LA) when I told Bimb the deep bone pain I felt in my joints & lower back was getting worse, walking was becoming harder because of my swollen right knee, and I needed him to please come back earlier.”

Meanwhile, like in her defunct ABS-CBN game show “Game Ka Na Ba,” she asked eldest son

Kris Aquino welcoming her sons back to LA with her. Kris Aquino via Instagram, screenshots

Josh if he was “sure ka na ba” to rejoin her in the U.S., to which her son replied like a contestant in the show, “Sure na.”

“Since naka FaceTime, I asked Kuya kung gusto nyang sumama to visit mama in LA? Nagulat ako when he said ‘yes, mama- sama ako with Bimby sa LA.’ I told Kuya to think about it. Nag Face-

Time kami the next morning and I asked- what’s your decision, kuya? He said: mama, I’ll visit you in LA. I asked him SURE KA

NA BA? Siguro tumatak na kay kuya, ang sagot nya: SURE NA.”

Although Kris initially sent her kids back home to give them a break from her treatments so they can again experience a “normal” life, she admitted that fighting her illness for them is hard without them.

“I wanted for Bimb to experience normal teenage life & kuya’s happy place is Alto, our family compound in Tarlac… pero mahirap mag chemotherapy medication as part of my immunosuppressant therapy without the support system of family.”

After undergoing chemotherapy, Kris shared that she could hardly move.

“I’m allergic to all NSAIDS, pain relievers, pain killers, and I have an adverse reaction to all steroids. Aamin ako w/ methotrexate + Fasenra (my biological injectable, tapos na ko sa 1st cycle) ang feeling ko 3-4 days of extreme fatigue, chills, headaches, and everything has a metallic taste. Bedridden ako at halos ‘di makagalaw- sa lahat ng dumaan sa matinding chemotherapysaludo ako sa tatag ninyo.

Nevertheless, despite being bedridden, she is now happy being bordered by her two giants on her bed.

“Kuya & Bimb are my living reminders to not give up because they still need a healthier mama. ‘Pag mahal mo, hinding hindi ka susuko, itutuloy ang LABAN,” she declared.

“Tonight I’ll sleep ‘siksik’ in between my 2 giants. Muling nabuo kaming 3, thank you God for making me a very happy mama.”

Why Dimples Romana was ‘forced’ to do ght scenes in heels

by MARINEL CRUZ Inquirer.net

“I DIDN’T think I’d go beyond three weeks,” said actress Dimples Romana, whose character, the feisty Selene Larisa, in the action series “The Iron Heart” has been gaining a lot of traction and was even included in the program’s second season.

“Selene was offered to me soon after I gave birth to Elio,” Dimples told reporters. Her youngest son celebrated his first birthday the same day ABS-CBN organized a media gathering for the program, which stars Richard Gutierrez and Jake Cuenca.

“I’m a baby of Star Creatives (producer). They also created ‘Babaylan’ for ‘Bagani’ with me [in 2018], so I feel like the collaboration is on fire every time. The great thing about Star Creatives is that they grow and develop characters. When they see you work very hard and the traction is good, especially on social media where everybody gets to say what they feel, they will develop your character with you,” Dimples began. “When we’re on the set, I really feel empowered and inspired. It’s not every day that we feel we have iron hearts. There are also days when we feel tired and scared to take on a task,” said the mom of three.

Selene, despite being one of the show’s villains, is a symbol of women empowerment, said Dimples. “This is a sensitive topic. There are times when this is presented, but not executed properly. I feel like with ‘The Iron Heart,’ we have done well in terms of presenting this. Don’t you feel empowered seeing a mom of three on television shooting guns, and in heels?”

Not taking the easy way out

She continued: “When I joined the program and saw that I would be working with Direk Lester [Pimentel Ong], I already knew what I would be getting myself into. He and his team mean business when it comes to action, and that’s what I like. When you’ve been in this business for two decades, you always look for roles that challenge you.”

Dimples then recalled being “forced” to wear heels while doing action scenes. “This was not planned. Napasubo lang ako. They told me, ‘Ate Dimps, you

Atasha Muhlach joins showbiz, shares parents Aga and Charlene’s biggest advice

“WE have the next big star of showbiz.”

That’s how Viva big boss Vic del Rosario described Atasha Muhlach, one-half of the twins of celebrity couple Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez, as she officially entered showbiz by signing up with Viva Artists Agency (VAA).

“It’s very heartwarming,” a beaming Atasha said in reaction to Boss Vic’s comment during a presscon on Monday, July 3.

She said she’s very grateful that the Viva bosses saw a potential in her.

“This is something that I’ve always wanted to do ever since I was 10 years old when I did (the musical play) Sound of Music. That’s when I realized that I really do love to perform. I love to sing,” she told The STAR when asked what made her decide to follow in her parents’ footsteps.

“But at first, it clashed with my school. I needed to focus on my studies first. It was a promise to my parents and to myself,” she added.

Now that the 21-year-old is completely done with schooling — she took up a Business course in the UK — she has finally pursued what she has always dreamt of doing.

“I just really want to work,” she said.

According to Atasha, a self-described “daddy’s girl,” her father has been nothing

but “supportive throughout this whole process,” adding that her parents are no stage parents. (In fact, they were not present at the launch.)

Although she admitted that her parents, particularly the former matinee idol, weren’t initially that keen at first.

“I would guess he (Aga) wasn’t as open because I was still in school. That was always a priority. Whenever I’m focused on something, I always try my best to make sure that I gave my all, like with school or my studies. So, for years, it was always school first. Now that it’s done, (he said) OK, you’re ready. Go, spread your wings and fly.”

Asked by The STAR about her parents’ words of advice for her as she now ventures into the entertainment business, she said, “Best advice of my parents would be always be yourself, always be kind, always be respectful. In any opportunity you get, like this, give your best and (again) just be yourself.”

Her decision also has the support of her twin brother and “bestfriend” Andres, but she wouldn’t say if he’s also interested in entering showbiz. She will leave it up to him to express that. “We’ll see,” she said.

There might be pressure being a Muhlach but she’d rather view it as an inspiration to do well more than anything.

Speaking about the disadvantages and advantages of belonging to a showbiz clan, she said, “The good side about it is that I

get advice from them. They’ve been in the industry for years. Their advice means a lot to me.

“In terms of disadvantage, I wouldn’t say it is, I use it more of an inspiration because I really do admire them, their seriousness about work and their craft. If anything, it inspires me to, at least, do better.”

Atasha is excited to take on different projects — from singing to hosting to acting. “I don’t want to close my doors to anything,” she said. “I would like to try everything.”

She wants to remake her mom’s film Dyesebel if given the chance, sharing an anecdote that as a kid she really thought her mom was a mermaid.

But her first-ever project would be a single (“it’s a happy song,” she teased), which she will start working on before she leaves for the UK to attend her graduation.

In fact, she auditioned for Viva via a song performance, revealed Vincent del Rosario, Viva Communications, Inc. president and CEO.

“

Siempre kinikilig yung buong Viva about it, but we never made kulit because Atasha’s priority was school,” said Vincent when they first learned that she was interested in signing up with Viva.

“Our dream for Atasha is to be a multimedia artist,” the Viva executive further said. “We will work at her pace. We will provide the best in the business for her.”

Awra released from police custody after posting bail

can always change your shoes.’

I said, ‘Why am I allowed to adjust? Is it because I’m a woman?

No. I will not adjust, because the male cast members were never allowed to take the easy route. I-heels na ’yan!’ All the while, I kept praying that I don’t hurt my ankle or else we will be forced to pack up the set.”

Even if she wanted to, Dimples said she couldn’t go all out in her action scenes as she is still healing from a C-section operation in 2022. “I cannot do the twirls or tumbling. They know this and they understand,” she said.

Dimples also said she finds it “very satisfying” whenever she reads positive comments from viewers. “Mind you, this is not just about Selene. I also work alongside all these amazing, strong and independent women who we see fighting alongside men. I feel that it’s revolutionary. If I am a woman watching ‘The Iron Heart,’ I would feel empowered, I would feel like raising the flag for women—that this is not the time to say, ‘Babae lang ako.’”

She added: “I feel blessed that I’m part of Season 2. I didn’t think I’d last long in the show, but I’m glad people followed Selene’s journey. Her life is so colorful and unpredictable. To be honest, I don’t even know if Selene is an ally or an enemy. I just follow what I see in the script. I think that’s what people should watch out for. This actually adds magic and makes the story a lot more appealing.”

Selene and Orcus. He calls her ‘Baby Cakes’ and she just lets him. If Selene dislikes you, she will either kill you or have you killed. The fact that Orcus is still alive means there’s a chance for the two of them,” Dimples explained.

The audience appreciates Selene and Orcus because they provide the necessary break from all the intense action, Dimples observed. “The audience must be thinking, ‘People are already killing each other, and yet, these two crazy gangsters would really find the time to deal with their love life,’” she quipped.

“I like working with people who are very respectful of other actors’ characters. If you encounter coactors who are like that, you don’t look at them as competition, but as teammates. We’ve become a family—this is why the show is very effective,” she added.

Dimples said she and the whole cast are aware of how difficult it is to “penetrate the market,” especially since Filipino viewers are constantly being given different options both locally and abroad.

“Despite this, we still feel the love and appreciation from people. We are grateful. In return, we try as much as we can to show our love in each episode of ‘The Iron Heart.’ On this particular set, we all feel empowered because all of us, our respective characters, are given the chance to shine.”

The second season of “The Iron Heart,” which also features Sue Ramirez, Sofia Andres and Albert Martinez, began airing on June 26. The show airs weekdays at 8:45 p.m. on the Kapamilya Channel, A2Z and TV5.

MANILA — Teen actor Awra Briguela has reportedly been released from police custody after posting bail of P6,000 on Saturday night, July 1. GMA Integrated News reported that a release order was issued by Executive Judge Gina Bibat-Palamos of the Makati Regional Trial Court.

The actor alleged figured in a brawl with another group of guests at a bar in Makati. Videos that have since gone viral showed Briguela being taken into custody by police outside the bar in Makati’s Poblacion district on Thursday morning, June 29.

Awra Philstar.com file photo

Makati City police chief Col. Edward Cutiyog said police have filed complaints of alarm and scandal and disobedience

of persons in authority against Briguela. According to the police chief, Briguela allegedly asked a certain Mark Christian Ravana to remove his shirt and started a fight with his group outside the bar. He said the actor cursed at the police that prompted them to arrest her.

Several videos that captured the incident have since circulated social media, providing different angles and perspectives on the said incident.

In a now-deleted post, Briguela’s friend, content creator Zayla Nakajima, claimed that a man in the bar attempted to grope her and another friend. She said Briguela was just defending her.

Maja Salvador welcomes

July as a blushing bride-to-be

by HANNAH MALLORCA Inquirer.net

MAJA Salvador couldn’t hide her excitement for her upcoming wedding to fiancé Rambo Nuñez this July, as she welcomed the month as a blissful bride-to-be.

Salvador took to her personal Instagram page on Saturday, July 1, to share photos of herself wearing a white shift dress and what seemed to be a wedding veil. The actress was also seen kneeling on a white bed surrounded by white balloons and silver letter balloons spelling out the word “bride” in capital letters.

“Hello JULY,” she said in the caption, while sharing an emoji of a bride.

Fellow celebrities including Maine Mendoza, Mavy Legaspi,

Sofia Pablo, Empoy Marquez, MJ Lastimosa, Jai Agpangan, and content creators Laureen Uy and Nicole Anderson expressed their excitement for the actress’ special day in the comments.

Mendoza herself is reportedly tying the knot with her partner, actor-turned-politician Arjo Atayde, in the same month.

Salvador’s camp disclosed to veteran host Boy Abunda that her wedding to Nuñez will take place in July 2023, although the couple remained mum about the details. She, however, celebrated her bachelorette party with her close friends back in April.

To prepare for her wedding, the “Wildflower” star revealed at a press conference in May that she would take a break from heavy acting in teleseryes and films for the meantime.

by NATHALIE TOMADA Philstar.com

by KATHLEEN A. LLEMIT Philstar.com

Dimples Romana

Inquirer.net photo

Atasha Muhlach is following in her parents’ footsteps, saying she has always been interested in showbiz since she was 10 years

Maja Salvador Photo from Instagram/@maja

Top UP

alumna

Leni Robredo keynotes 2023

reunion and convention of UP alumni in America

ATTORNEY Maria Leonor

“Leni” Robredo, former vice president of the Philippines and chairperson and president of Angat Buhay, will be the keynote speaker of the 22nd Biennial Grand Reunion and Convention (GRC), organized by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America (UPAAA).

This year’s theme of “Engage, Empower, Excel” will also highlight other stellar speakers, a parade of jubilarians and the presentation of Oblation Awards to Distinguished UP Alumni. The UPAAA GRC will take place on October 19-22, 2023, in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Atty. Robredo is a Filipino lawyer and politician, who graduated from the University of the Philippines in Diliman with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Eco-

nomics in 1986. She was elected as the 14th vice president of the Philippines in 2016. She also has held different foreign, national, and local positions in the Philippines.

On July 1, 2022, Atty. Robredo founded and launched Angat Buhay Foundation as a nonprofit and non-governmental organization based in the Philippines. The foundation aims to continue the anti-poverty and pandemic response programs started during her term as vice president. Angat buhay is a Tagalog term meaning “improve life’s condition or lift life.” The foundation is focused on four key areas: health, education, food security and disaster risk response.

UPAAA president and GRC overall chair Dr. Jun David stated that “we are so excited about this year’s event. We received

an overwhelming support from our sponsors, speakers both here in the U.S. and overseas, and the commitment of UPAAA board members.”

The Biennial GRC is organized for the purposes of networking, fellowship, knowledge exchange, and fundraising for UPAAA’s flagship initiative, the Scholarship Program. This year’s event sponsors include Megaworld International (Platinum) and Philippine National Bank New York (Silver). Media sponsors include Asian Journal, One Philippines Texas, and Chicago VIA Times.

To register, sponsor and participate as jubilarians, please check the following link: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/up-alumni-associationin-america-grand-reunion-andconvention-2023-registration342022447347?aff=ebdssbdests earch.

IN this episode, leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel and the Citizen Pinoy team go to Manila to answer important immigration inquiries from Kapamilya in the homeland. Aileen has a son with a disability, and he is now 16 years old.

She wants to know if there is any chance of expediting her petition which her mother filed in 2015.

Jinky’s sister petitioned her in 2005. She received a letter from the National Visa Center (NVC) in 2009. Since then, Jinky has not received any updates. What can

she do to find out what is going on?

Donna got her green card in 1993 but immediately returned to the Philippines. The last time she was in the U.S. was in 1995. She wants to know what will hapPAGE 10

WITh its pilot episode on July 1, TVJ’s new noontime show

“E.A.T.” reportedly claimed the highest average program rating among the local noontime shows that include “It’s Showtime” and “Eat Bulaga.”

The TV ratings were released by TV5 network through its so-

cial media pages last Sunday, July 2 , based on data from market research firm AGB Nielsen.

According to the Kapatid network, “E.A.T.” garnered 8.4% average program rating versus “Eat Bulaga’s” 2.62% and “It’s Showtime’s” total of 3.94%— 2.39% on GMA’s GTV channel, 1.28% on A2Z and 0.27 on Kapamilya Channel.

“E.A.T.” also claimed the fifth spot on the list of top 10 TV programs with the highest ratings on July 1, as per data from Nielsen Audience Measurement, released by GMA Network through its Instagram page.

The pilot episode of “E.A.T.” marked the return of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon (TVJ) PAGE 11

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

SENIORS need less sleep

Danielle Ocampo gets law degree from LMU

DANIELLE Dominique Aguinaldo Ocampo recently got her Juris Doctor law degree, one of the graduates of Loyola Marymount University Law School Class of 2023. She has a strong interest in Privacy and Cybersecurity Law, having internship experiences at Indeed.com and Intuitive Surgical, Inc. She is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) with the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).

Danielle is an active representative and a scholar of a number of Filipino American bar associations including, the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA), the Filipino American Bar Association of Northern California (FBANC), and the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA).

During her first two years in law school, Danielle committed

herself to serving as Program Director for the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations’ Empowering Pilipino Youth through Collaboration, a national youth program aimed at skillsbased training in leadership development and civic engagement. She is passionate about building the pipeline of Fil-Am talents, especially in the legal profession. It is her strong desire to increase the visibility of Fil-Ams in professional and community spaces.

In 2018, Danielle earned her degree of Master of Public Administration from Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California. She graduated Cum Laude in 2016 from the University of California Davis with a Bachelor of Arts degree, double major in Political Science and International Relations and minor in Managerial Economics. She attended high school at St. Igna-

Born and raised in the Bay

the only

of

Studies show that seniors need the same amount of sleep as other adults (7-9 hours each night), although they tend to wake up earlier because they go to sleep earlier. A restful sleep is essential to health. Those with impaired sleep might need a Sleep Study to rule in or out Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) which could effectively be managed with the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device, the gold standard of care for OSA. Untreated, OSA could lead to a host of illnesses, like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and even cancer. Hence, endangering longevity.

Kissing pets is safe Kissing pets or allowing pets to kiss you is dangerous. Pets lick their anus and their saliva could have various bugs like Salmonella, E. Coli, Clostridia and Campylobacteria which could cause intestinal diseases in humans. People getting ill from licking (with) their pets results from oral contact with fecal residue in the pets’ mouth. Obviously, allowing pets to lick your face is also unhealthy.

Shrimp-Vit C combo poisonous

Social media posts claiming eating shrimp and taking Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) leads to arsenic poisoning are false. This fake news, like countless others in social media, are irresponsible

disinformation that could hurt people. The great potential of social media in benefiting mankind as a whole is there to be harnessed. Let’s all use this modern venue of social interaction to make our world, and our life, everyone’s life, better.

COVID-19 is a hoax

The one who posted this in social media must have been under the influence of a mind-altering condition called stupidity! Other claims that exploded in social media included the following: Vaccines caused infertility; COVID-19 was caused by 5G technology; the vaccines kill more people than they saved; masks activate the coronavirus; hydrochloroquine was effective against the virus; dangerous shortcut was taken in the development of the mRNA vaccines, and many others.

Cannabis cures cancer

Claims that cannabis cures cancer abound but scientific evidence points to the contrary.

Cannabis does not cure cancer.

Cannabis contains about 540 chemical substances. The name “marijuana” refers to parts of cannabis that contains tetrahydro cannabinol (THC). Cannabidiol (CBD) compound is found in marijuana. None of these compounds cure cancer. Some studies even showed that THC may not be effective as a neuro-pain killer either.

Vaccines kill

False. Vaccines in general, and COVID-19 vaccines in particular, do not cause deaths, contrary to some fake news. Fact-checking it, via SciCheck Digest and current available scientific data, reveals this: “Pre-school vaccines and other required vaccines have saved billions of lives over the past several decades. COVID-19 vaccines, which have also saved billions, significantly reduced the risk of dying from SARSCoV2 virus. Most of the deaths occurred before the vaccines were developed. Serious side-effects were rare. Excess deaths among working-age adults in 2021-2022 were driven (caused) by COVID-19 itself and other factors, not vaccination. Faulty logic underlies claims that vaccines caused mass disability and economic harm.” Some people had allergic reactions to the vaccines and successfully treated for them. But there was no evidence that the vaccines directly caused any deaths.

Metformin: A bad drug

French physician Jean Sterne was the first to pursue the glucose-lowering effect of metformin for diabetes in 1957. This drug was first approved in Canada in 1972, and subsequently in the U.S. in 1995, for Type 2 diabetes mellitus. There were more than 93 million prescriptions for metformin in the United States in 2020. This wonder drug has been used effectively for T2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome. There are various brand names for metformin. Besides these, metformin has been found to improve fertility among women having trouble getting pregnant, prevent complications in pregnancy, help control obesity, slow down cognitive decline, prevent age-related illnesses, and aid in slowing aging. Definitely not a

bad drug!

Ginger better than chemo

Only a malicious, ill-intentioned mind could spread such dangerous falsehood in any media, victimizing suffering cancer patients on chemo, confusing them to opt for ginger instead of chemo. That is criminal! Other items touted as “better than chemo” are papaya leaf juice, okra, herbs, thyme, jasmine, etc. This could deprive an unsuspecting patient the possible benefits from chemo. While the freedom of speech is sacred and must be preserved for all, the First Amendment was not established to help promote lies and disinformation. There ought to be a law against purveyors of falsehood to hold them accountable and liable, and enforced to its fullest!

One cigarette a day is safe

A poison, no matter how minimal, is still a poison. One stick of cigarette a day will have the same harmful effects on the throat, lungs, and cardiovascular system. It might take the damage a longer time to develop but it is guaranteed to cause the injury eventually. If one is able to reduce this unhealthy (potentially deadly) habit to one stick a day, totally abstaining from smoking is evidently achievable.

Marijuana is not addictive

Against conventional wisdom, marijuana is addictive. As the tolerance to the substance becomes more intense, the amount required to feel the effect increases. There are many hooked on marijuana who find it hard to quit. The best is obviously not to start the unhealthy use of the drug for recreational purposes at all. Use of marijuana increases the risk for memory illness, stroke, heart and other diseases, anxiety, paranoia, depression. Some of the health benefits of quitting marijuana are: Improvement in respiratory health; improved mental clarity and greater cognitive function; lesser vulnerability to mental health issues; better cardiac health; better relationship with family and friends.

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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

Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions...

pen to her green card.

Katherine’s petition by her fiancé is now being processed.

She asks if she will be able to bring her son with her to the U.S. Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Manila.

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

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answers questions of Kapamilya from Manila – Aileen Huertas (left) and Jinky Arandia (right). Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel is shown here with Donna Carreon (left photo) and with Katherine Ann David (right photo).

Danielle Ocampo with parents Engr. Van Dominic Ocampo and Carol Ocampo

Danielle Dominique Aguinaldo Ocampo tius College Preparatory in San Francisco.

Area, Danielle is

child

proud parents Engr. Van Dominic Ocampo and Carol Ocampo.

SF announces plans to operate over 24 acres of public parks in Mission Bay

San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department and the Port of San Francisco will jointly manage the public spaces, adding to the city’s vast portfolio of world class parks and public spaces

SAN FRANCISCO — Mayor London N. Breed on Friday, June 30 announced the city’s plans to begin operating the more than 24 acres of public parks in the Mission Bay neighborhood beginning July 1. The Port of San Francisco and Recreation and Park Department will jointly manage the space, previously overseen by the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII).

The process to transition the Mission Bay Parks network to city management has been 25 years in the making and marks a significant milestone for San Francisco. The community’s redevelopment began in 1998 under the direction of the former San Francisco Redevelopment Agency. It is one of the largest and most innovative urban developments initiated by the city.

Previously, OCII, formerly known as the Redevelopment Agency, operated the Mission Bay Parks through a private management company that handled the day-to-day operations, such as permits for special events, security, gardening, and janitorial duties. The parks system includes playgrounds, dog parks, picnic areas, boat launches, sport courts and pocket parks.

“Mission Bay is a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood and its parks are no exception,” said Mayor Breed. “The City of San Francisco is proud to take over stewardship of these public treasures and build upon the vision and success of OCII. Thanks to our investment in recreation and public spaces, San Francisco’s parks are considered among the best in the world. We are thrilled to welcome Mission Bay into our legendary park system.”

On July 1, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department will begin operating the Mission Creek Complex sport courts, dog play area, plazas, lawn, esplanades, pavilion, boathouse and launch. Additionally, the Department will oversee Mariposa Park, Mission Bay Commons, the Channel Street Dog Park and the Mission Bay Kids Park. The Port of San Francisco will manage the Bayfront parks along the Bay and Terry Francois Boulevard.

“Every San Franciscan deserves access to nature and high-quality recreation, and we are so pleased to now serve those who live, work, and visit Mission Bay,” said Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “Our highly trained staff is looking forward to caring for these important green spaces and ensuring they remain well-maintained, accessible, and fun for everyone.”

“It is a priority for the Port of San Francisco to connect our residents to the city’s iconic waterfront with extraordinary parks and open spaces,” said Elaine Forbes, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco. “We are excited to welcome new great public parks in the Mission Bay neighborhood to our portfolio. We will partner with the Recreation and Parks Department to deliver clean, safe, and vibrant waterfront parks and open spaces for generations to come.”

“OCII’s special financing enabled the creation and operation of Mission Bay's Parks. Years of OCII

planning the design and construction of these parks with the community has helped develop a special and unique park system, and we are now at the beginning of a new and exciting chapter,” said OCII Executive Director Thor Kaslofsky.

“The Eastern part of San Francisco has historically been underinvested in and disenfranchised. This transfer marks the culmination of a process that has provided much-needed housing, jobs, and open green space, parks, and recreation,” said Sarah Davis, Chair of the Mission Bay Community Advisory Committee, and long-time Mission Creek Harbor resident. “Mission Creek originally flowed from what is now Mission Dolores, into the San Francisco Bay, and provided a natural habitat and refuge for wildlife. These parks are the next step in reclaiming nature and open space for all San Franciscans. We will be providing crucial access to the waterfront and water activities, particularly for low-income and BIPOC communities that live here.”

San Francisco’s Recreation and Parks Division manages more than 225 parks, 25 recreation centers, nine swimming pools, and 4,113 acres of open space throughout San Francisco. The Port of San Francisco manages more than 150 acres of parks along its 7.5 mile of San Francisco shoreline. In 2017, San Francisco became the first U.S. city in which every resident lived within a 10-minute walk to a nearby park.

A community celebration will be held on Thursday, July 20 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Mission Creek Park Pavilion located at 290 Channel Street.

(SF Mayor’s Office Release)

ConGen Ferrer meets with Commissioner Kevin Benedicto

SAN FRANCISCO – Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Frank Ferrer met with San Francisco Police Commission member Kevin Benedicto last May.

The two sides exchanged views on developments in policing and public safety in San Francisco. They also discussed possible partnership in engaging with the Filipino American community on raising awareness on human trafficking, AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) hate, domestic violence, and other issues related to public safety.

Atty. Benedicto is the first Filipino American member of the San Francisco Police Commission. He was appointed in 2022 and is serving a four-year term in the seven-person SF Police Commission. Since 2015, he has been practicing law in San Francisco both as a civil litigator and a civil rights attorney.

‘E.A.T.’ claims lead on July 1 TV ratings...

and their fellow “legit Dabarkads” to national television. This came a month after the TV hosts’ controversial disengagement from TAPE, the production company behind “Eat Bulaga.”

Meanwhile, “It’s Showtime,” which previously held the noontime spot on TV5, also marked its launch on GMA’s GTV channel on July 1.

From L to R: Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano, Consul General Neil Ferrer, SF Police Commission member Kevin Benedicto, and Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil.