072623 - Los Angeles Midweek Edition

LOS ANGELES — As triple-digit summer temperatures sweep Southern California, Marta Segura is treating extreme heat as a public health crisis.

Segura, LA’s Climate Emergency Mobilization Director, also became its first Chief Heat Officer (CHO) in June 2022. As the region has seen record July heat with little relief, she has prioritized accessibility to cooling resources, particularly for underserved LA communities.

Extreme heat, the country’s top weatherrelated killer, is generally defined as at least two to three days of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. On an extreme heat day, there’s an average of 8,222 more emergency room visits across California for related issues.

Of these, 1,510 are in LA County alone. An estimated 16 additional people there die on the first day of extreme heat, with 40 more

In Marcos’ second SONA, economic achievements take limelight

by Ramon Royandoyan Philstar.com

to infrastructure projects.

“On matters of the economy, there are many things over which we have no control. But over those where we do have control, we are doing everything we can,” Marcos Jr. said.

Since scoring a landslide victory at the May 2022 u PAGE 2

What Marcos said in his second SONA

MANILA — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) echoed his father, particularly his plans on agriculture, economy and infrastructure. His speech lasted for an hour and 11 minutes, bearing a mix of English and Filipino depending on the subject matter at hand.

Below are the highlights of Marcos' second SONA. Economy

• The Philippines' Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or growth rate accelerated to 7.6% in 2022 from 5.7% in 2021 – the highest registered since 1976. This, however, went down to 6.4% in the first quarter of 2023, still within the 6 to 7% target of the administration. Growth rates represent the economic expansion of a country. The digital economy of the country contributed about P2 trillion, nearly making up a tenth of the GDP.

• Marcos owed this growth to the lifting of pandemic restrictions, the steady flow of remittances, the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and job generation. "The economy is revived and rejuvenated," he said.

Inflation

AFTER much speculation that brought uncertainty in recent weeks, Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson is set to reinforce Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

"Confirmed," was Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio's brief response to the Manila Times' query on Tuesday, July 25.

The presence of the 31-year-old NBA star meant Clarkson taking the spot of naturalized player for Gilas, which is shooting to be the best finishing team in Asia that would mean securing an automatic slot in the Paris Olympics next year.

The Filipino-American guard out of Missouri is coming off a solid NBA season that saw him register a career-high 20.8 points, to go along with 4.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 61 regular season games.

The sweet-shooting Clarkson brings versatility to a Gilas side that will kick off its FIBA World Cup group stage match against Dominican Republic on Aug. 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The Philippines, then takes on Angola, followed by Italy in its last two group stage assignments.

Clarkson saw action for Gilas during

PH open to all options to address sea row with China — Bersamin

by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

EXECUTIVE Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Tuesday said the Philippine government is considering all options, including bringing this to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), to address the country's issues with China in the West Philippine Sea.

Bersamin made the statement after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. failed to mention some issues during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), including the several reported instances of harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard against Filipinos in the disputed waters.

"It was very clear that his speech was referring to this issue. But even if I said

diplomacy is the approach that this administration will take, I am sure that the President is very firm that he will not surrender any inch of our territory or sovereignty to any foreign power," Bersamin said on television.

Bersamin also responded to calls asking the Marcos government to raise the issue of Beijing's aggression to the UNGA in September. If the issue is brought to the UNGA or the UN Security Council, he said that the most the Philippines can get is a resolution, which may still be ignored by China.

"We can bring that to the attention of the UN General Assembly, but all we can hope for is a resolution," Bersamin said.

MANILA — The Philippines is projected to land in the top 15 largest economies in the world by 2075, as emerging markets are projected to outgrow their developed counterparts.

In a report released last month, Goldman Sachs said it forecasts the Philippines to be the 14th largest economy in the world by 2075, surpassing France which is projected to fall to the 15th spot by that year.

The Philippines is one of the two Southeast Asian nations

on the list, with Indonesia seen becoming the world’s fourth largest economy by 2075.

Meanwhile, China and India are projected to be the first and second largest economies in the world, respectively, by 2075 and surpass the United States, which would take the third spot.

Goldman Sachs said China would overtake the US around 2035, while India should catch up by 2075.

“Second, while China and India

u PAGE 2

• The significant drop in the country's inflation rate from 8.7% in January to 5.4% in June was said

Philippine national team makes history with first women’s World Cup win

by Luisa moRaLes Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine women’s national football team won their first match in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as they nipped co-hosts New Zealand, 1-0, in Group A action at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Tuesday, July 25.

Sarina Bolden made it the dream match for the Filipinas when she headed in a cross from Sara Eggesvik built off a set piece at the 24th minute.

Bolden soared above two Kiwi defenders and put just enough power behind it to get it past the

keeper’s gloves, etching her name in Philippine sports history.

The game’s only goal was enough to propel the Filipinas to their first ever win in the Women’s World Cup.

But the home team didn’t give up the win without multiple scoring attempts — particularly in the second half where there were many close calls.

The closest one was Jacqui Hand’s header a little past the hour mark that actually got past Olivia McDaniel, who was a brick wall all throughout.

But after VAR review, the u PAGE 3

This file photo shows a man pushing a goods cart through a crowded market in Manila. A new report released in June 2023 estimates the Philippines to be one of the top 15 largest economies in the world by 2075.

Philstar.com file photo

In Marcos’ second SONA...

polls, Marcos presided over a domestic economy that has seen better days. Throughout his first six months in power, the economy that Marcos Jr. inherited witnessed consumer prices skyrocket, the peso dip to historic low, and local pump prices surge.

All these factors, some beyond government control, left the domestic economy in worse shape. Taming rising inflation became a cornerstone of his economic policy, as commodities, such as sugar and onions transformed into a national headache.

On Monday, smugglers and hoarders received the president’s ire as he claimed them culprits for volatile price swings of some agricultural products.

“The days of these smugglers and hoarders are numbered,” he said.

By the time the economy bid farewell to the first half of 2023, economic indicators looked bright partly as a result of easing supply chain bottlenecks, resurgent consumer spending, and higher interest rates injected by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

That said, Marcos Jr. used his second SONA to spotlight perennial economic problems that his administration sought to remedy. He reiterated investments in infrastructure projects, revenue generation efforts, and bolstering agricultural production.

The president, who also sat at the helm of the agricultural department, made known his efforts to highlight KADIWA stores and expand the project nationwide. The KADIWA is a pet policy of his late dictator father. The move to condone decades-long debt of farmers made its way into his speech, which Marcos Jr. opined supported his push to boost agricultural production.

Investments in infrastructure figured in his speech, as he reminded the public of his goal to keep public spending between 5-6% of gross domestic product annually.

Even then, the president’s second SONA reiterated that the economy was still on its way to

achieving its potential. As it is, the Marcos Jr. administration is keen on seeing the economy become an upper middleincome country by 2025, a point goal broached by the previous Duterte government.

Leonardo Lanzona, an economist at Ateneo De Manila University, criticized the speech’s lack of direction.

“The speech was a collection of motherhood statements. At best, these are programs that the government wishes to accomplish, and no solid achievements were indicated. Also, there are positive statements which are hardly accomplishments,” he said.

Anthony Lawrence Borja, a political science professor at De La Salle University in Manila, said the SONA was meant to appeal to businesses and the private sector to show that “he is upholding the old paradigm of ensuring a business-friendly environment through infrastructure, ease of government transactions, and capacity-building for the labor market.”

“How ordinary citizens would digest the SONA will depend on their struggles to cope with everyday reality (whether they can cope with it or not), and inputs from analysts, pundits, and apologists that they are constantly exposed to. Simply put, resilience and self-reliance are worth it if and only if ordinary citizens will believe that there is some level of progress and recovery,” Borja said.

That said, the president’s speech at Batasang Pambansa on Monday still found ways to create distance from one of his pet policies, the passage of the first-ever sovereign wealth fund.

Where’s Maharlika?

The Maharlika Investment Fund, signed into law days before his second address, made its way into the speech as Marcos Jr. assured that the vehicle will not “add to the debt burden” and will be presided by “a group of internationally recognized economic managers.”

To this end, Borja listed three reasons why the MIF received little space in Marcos’ SONA.

“There are three intertwined reasons for this, first of which is that MIF is an experimental

project and as an experimental project it would be better from a marketing perspective to curb expectations in line with the possibility of failure,” he said.

“Second, and tied with curbing expectations by saying less is to focus on re-assuring taxpayers that it will not be mismanaged. In other words, if it fails, then they can easily blame external factors instead. However, if it succeeds, then proper management can be highlighted alongside gains even if those gains might be minimal,” Borja added.

The last reason, as Borja said, was that the government remains on the hunt for investment targets. The MIF’s implementing rules and regulation has yet to be passed, but economic managers assured that this document is near completion.

The Maharlika attracted scorn and controversy at every turn, as civil society lambasted the move to create a wealth fund. Economics professors from the University of the Philippines blasted the MIF in a strongly worded paper in June, saying that it “violates fundamental principles of economics and finance and poses a serious risk to the economy and the public sector.”

A call to action?

Unlike his first SONA, mounted in less than two months since his victory at the polls, he issued a call to Congress and Senate lawmakers to support pieces of legislation towards the end.

Sonny Africa, executive director at local nonprofit IBON Foundation, lamented these measures could end up burdening the public.

"The Marcos Jr administration's legislative line up is heavy on burdening poor and middle-class Filipinos with more taxes. The rest is a motley assortment of trivial measures in the government tradition of seeming relevant but not really doing anything to modernize agriculture or build Filipino industry," he said.

"The economy can't be transformed if economic policies aren't transformed -and a repetitive litany of trivial legislation just won't do it," Africa added. n

PH projected to be world’s 14th largest...

are projected to be larger than the U.S. by 2075, our projections imply that the U.S. will remain more than twice as rich as both,” Goldman Sachs said.

The Philippine economy expanded 7.6% year-on-year in 2022, better than the 5.7% growth recorded in the previous year.

This marked another year of

growth, two years removed since the pandemic sent the domestic economy into lows unseen since World War II. Consumer spending proved to be a bright spot. n

Clarkson commits to play for Gilas...

the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where the Filipinos split their two games.

The NBA star teamed up with young big man Kai Sotto for the first time in that window in August 2022, but Gilas fell short, 85-81 against Lebanon in Beirut.

Days after, Gilas came back with vengeance, blasting Saudi Arabia, 84-46 at the Mall of Asia Arena as Clarkson went on to post averages of 25 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists.

Gilas coach Chot Reyes has been managing the pool since June after a number of players sustained various injuries.

Bobby Ray Parks, Calvin Oftana and Roger Pogoy failed to join the team in its Europe training camp recently. But the trio managed to rejoin the team when Gilas resumes its practice in Manila over a week ago.

As of the moment, Scottie Thompson is still undergoing rehab on his shooting hand.

Gilas will join the pocket tournament in China from Aug. 2-5 as it faces Iran, Lebanon and Senegal.

The Filipinos have also secured a friendly match against Mexico a week before the national

squad

PEACEFUL PROTEST. So-called progressive groups that held protest rallies along Commonwealth Avenue, near Tandang Sora Avenue, in Quezon City voluntarily disperse and dismantle their posters ahead of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 24. Demonstrators were assigned separate areas to prevent unnecessary confrontations. PNA photos by Ben Briones

makes its FIBA World Cup debut against Dominican Republic. (Richard Dy/ManilaTimes. net)

Jordan Clarkson Photo from Instagram/@jordanclarksons

What Marcos said in his second...

to stabilize prices of important commodities.

• Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects inflation to further ease by the end of the year, projecting a 2.9% inflation rate by 2024. Investments

• Economic and social services comprise 70% of the national budget, Marcos said as his top priorities are food security, education, health, jobs and social protection.

• The Board of Investments approved P1.2 trillion investment projects for the administration's first year.

• P230 billion for the newly established Green lanes for Strategic Investments that hopes to hasten the process of securing licenses and permits.

• Marcos wants more structural tax reforms.

Revenue generation

• Marcos aspires tax and revenue generation to reach up to 17.3% by 2028.

• Bureau of Internal Revenue - collected P1.05 trillion, a 10% increase from 2022.

• Bureau of Customs - collected P476 billion, a 7.4% increase from 2022.

• Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)a 47.9% increase in revenue.

• Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) - a 20% increase in revenue.

Kadiwa stores

This program was originally introduced by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to lower the prices of agricultural commodities. Just as it was then, the present Kadiwa stores aim to empower farmers with a direct farm-to-consumer food supply chain.

Marcos promises that the Kadiwa stores will not have any additional fees and middlemen.

He says that the existing ones have increased the earnings of farmers and lessened the cost for consumers. 1.8 million families were said to have benefited from the 7,000 Kadiwa stores in the Philippines.

The profit of Kadiwa stores has reached about P700 billion and provided employment opportunities for members of over 3,000 cooperatives and organizations.

Marcos envisions making Kadiwa stores permanent, as well as building more across the country.

Fisheries and Agriculture Marcos said that the methods of the Department of Agriculture, which he chairs, are "more guided by science" in hopes for sustainable production.

The president urged Congress to revisit and amend the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (R.A. No. 8550) with science-based analysis to better determine appropriate fishing areas.

Three hundred farm and fisheries clusters have been determined and are composed of 900 cooperatives and over 200,000 hectares of arable land.

Marcos called for the support of Congress to amend the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008 to speed up the formation of cooperatives.

New technologies such as Philippine-based bio-fertilizers and balanced fertilizer strategy were said to help farmers reduce costs on fertilizers.

Marcos said the government distributed more than 28,000 new and "quality" machines and equipment for farmers to use.

Fuel and fertilizer discount vouchers were also said to provide relief for farmers amid high prices of the commodities.

Marcos said the government distributed fertilizers donated by China.

Geo-Agri map of farm-tomarket roads was developed to push for the farm-to-consumer supply chain.

About 4,000 fabrication labs, production and cold storage facilities were built.

Meanwhile, 24 multi-species hatcheries were constructed to increase fish production

Over 70,000 titles of land have been awarded to the beneficiaries of the administration's agrarian reform, Marcos said.

According to Marcos, Executive Order No. 4 implemented the Agrarian Emancipation Act where the total P57 billion debt of 600,000 beneficiaries has been erased.

El Niño

• Marcos said the country will prepare buffer stocks and reserved water supply. Should the need arise, he added, the government will conduct cloudseeding to induce rain.

• Six thousand rainwater collection systems have also been installed across the country.

Water

"Considering its fundamental importance, water

Philippine national team makes...

security deserves our special focus. Our efforts must not be scattershot, but rather, cohesive, centralized and systematic," Marcos said.

• Created the Water Resources Management Office

• Urged Congress to pass the bill on the creation of a Department of Water Resource Management. It is unclear, however, as to what will be the difference between the two agencies.

• P14.6 billion have been allocated for water supply projects. An example that Marcos provided is the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project in NCR and Rizal.

Build-Better-More program

• About 83% of the program is to build roads, bridges, seaports, airports and mass transports.

• Infrastructure spending is expected to be at 5 to 6% of the country's GDP.

• Travel time from Ilocos to Bicol will be reduced to just 9 hours from 20 hours with the Luzon Spine Expressway Network Program.

• Twelve bridges will be constructed for the Mega-Bridge program that aims to connect islands and areas separated by waters. Among the bridges included will link the following lands: Bataan-Cavite, PanayGuimaras-Negros and SamalDavao City.

• Over 4,000 km of roads and 500 bridges have been constructed, maintained and upgraded as of June 2023, Marcos said.

• Cebu Pier 88 smart port, Clark Airport and Calapan Port have new passenger terminal buildings.

• Marcos said that the NorthSouth Commuter Railway System is already fully operating. This is part of his railway project covering over 1,000 km.

• Marcos wants to use the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) to partially fund the Build-Better-More program. "In pooling a small fraction of the considerable but underutilized government funds, the MIF shall be used to make high-impact and profitable investments, such as the Build-Better-More program," he said.

Energy

• Eight new additional power plants have been built, increasing energy production by 1,174 megawatts.

• Marcos said 500,000 homes were provided with electricity.

He claims that a 100% electrification of households is "within our reach."

• There are 299 active solar projects, 187 wind projects, 436 hydroelectric projects, 58 biomass projects, 36 geothermal projects and 9 ocean-powered projects.

• Marcos claims the Malampaya project has benefited the country, providing 20% energy for Luzon.

• To push for more gas exploration in the country for energy sources.

• The Unified National Grid is said to "enable more efficient transfers and competitive pricing" of electricity. Sixty-eight projects under this program, however, is "much delayed."

Employment

• Marcos said there are sufficient funds to train those without a livelihood.

• The government's Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, Social Equity, Cashfor-Work for persons with disabilities and Integrated Livelihood Program-Kabuhayan for small businesses are among the programs Marcos lauded. No relevant figures or findings on

these programs were mentioned in the report.

• Increased employment rate to 95.7% as of May 2023.

• Marcos wants to "nurture the growth" of services from the Information TechnologyBusiness Process Management and tourism industries.

Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) Pension "Efforts are underway to make it fully functional and financially sustainable," Marcos said.

He added that the pension reforms will have no impact on MUP. According to the proposed bill, the pension of retirees is tied to that of an active personnel of the same rank. Should the latter experience an increase in salary, so will the retired personnel. Marcos did not elaborate on specific plans for the MUP pension.

Education

• Nine in ten newly created teaching positions have been filled and more administrative personnel have been hired.

• Adopt blended learning permanently.

• Build more classrooms and facilities, including climate-ready

PAGE 4

Football Ferns were deemed offside in the buildup. After celebrations in Wellington, the goal was waved off and the Filipinas were ahead once again. McDaniel also provided some crucial saves well into added time to preserve the scoreline.

The Filipinas thus put themselves in a good position to move on to the knockout rounds when they face World No. 12 Norway on July 30 in Auckland.

They now have three points, tied with New Zealand, and Switzerland.

The Football Ferns triumphed over Norway in their World Cup opener last Thursday, July 20 in Auckland, 1-0, while the Filipinas absorbed a fighting 0-2 loss to Switzerland in their debut the following day in Dunedin.

The Philippines and New Zealand previously engaged in a tightly-fought friendly in Fullerton, California in 2022. There, the wide-eyed Filipinas, then ranked 56th in the world, pushed the No. 22 Kiwis to the limit before conceding, 2-1, on account of two second-half goals from New Zealand. (with a previous report by Olmin Leyba)

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY IFB NO. EP236-24 SAND SILO AIR FILTER REPLACEMENT

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) is seeking Bids for the replacement of sand silo air filters. Bid documents may be downloaded at SCRRA's website at http://www.metrolinktrains. com/contracts. Bids are due on 08/28/23.

The contract to be awarded will be funded in part by grants under the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration.

For further information contact: Tammi Phillips, Contract and Compliance Administrator, at PhillipsT@ scrra.net.

7/26/23

CNS-3720235#

ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

The Philippines’ forward Sarina Bolden (3L, No. 7) celebrates scoring her team’s first goal during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup Group A football match between New Zealand and the Philippines at Wellington Stadium, also known as Sky Stadium, in Wellington on July 25, 2023. Photo from Instagram/@pilipinaswnt

How the West Coast’s only heat officer...

deaths a day by the fifth.

These hospitalizations and deaths disproportionately affect communities of color living in low-income, historically redlined neighborhoods, said Segura, “where the houses don’t have AC or air filtration. When you start approaching heat vulnerability that way, it’s not only a sustainability issue — it’s public works, building development, water and power, tree shade and park access, and certainly a matter of public health.”

Heat is the top public health risk in LA, which experiences heat waves five times more often than it did 10 years ago.

As extreme heat waves in Los Angeles become longer, more frequent and more intense, public outreach becomes ever-more crucial. Across her Heat Relief 4 LA social media campaign, Segura emphasizes that “It’s not your typical summer anymore. Extreme heat can run from June to November. As this means our bodies have less time to recover, we also distribute information on symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and resources to cool off before hitting that point.”

Foremost among these resources are cooling centers; in Los Angeles, currently 119 are open. “We’ve established cooling centers and hydration resources throughout the city in facilities like libraries, senior centers and community centers,” said Segura. “We also made an app, Cool Spots LA,

where you can find where and when they’re open, alongside other cooling spots like shade structures, hydration stations, and bus shelters.” Currently, only a quarter of all LA Metro bus stops are shaded.

The need for heat interventions like these can vary drastically from neighborhood to neighborhood, partly because of the region’s coastal and inland microclimates. Accordingly, the city’s emergency alert system now uses National Weather Service data to identify heat wave severity in specific parts of LA.

However, these stark regional heat differences also owe to shade inequity. Research shows that with each 10% of canopy cover, trees keep ground-level temperatures about 2 degrees cooler. In a city where over half the surfaces are dark concrete or asphalt — which absorbs up to 90% of solar radiation — 20% of tree canopies are concentrated in four neighborhoods where less than 1% of the population live.

To address this inequity, 65,000 trees have been planted citywide in continuation of a 2019 plan by former Mayor Eric Garcetti to increase canopy coverage 50% by 2028 across LA’s least green neighborhoods. The aim is 90,000 trees by 2028.

Environmental inequity is a testament to why extreme heat is a public health issue, said Segura. “LA’s least green areas are historically

What Marcos said in his second...

PAGE 3

disadvantaged neighborhoods where we not only see more heat-related illnesses but also more pollution and exacerbated chronic illnesses like asthma.”

Hence, life expectancy in wealthy areas with ample green space like Beverly Hills is as high as 90, while that in disadvantaged south LA neighborhoods less than 15 miles away is as low as 77.

Thus, she continued, when heat policies “coordinate with departments across the city, the county, and” — under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s historic $800 million Extreme Heat Action Plan — “the state, the result can be life-saving.” Nevertheless, CHOs remain rare. Segura is joined by only two in the nation — in Phoenix, Arizona and Miami, Florida — and seven worldwide.

However, she continued, it’s becoming a matter of course for cities to develop not only general climate plans, but also heat action plans. These are largely a matter of “short-term planning for public engagement and emergency response, and longterm planning for public health and resilient infrastructure,” she added.

The heart of her work as LA’s CHO, Segura said, is aligning climate equity gaps with public health results: “to treat one is to improve the other. We can see the results all over the world — if we have no plan, it’s only going to get hotter and hotter.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)

PH open to all options to address...

"But we are not ruling out anything because that is also part of our diplomatic tact, bringing this to the attention of the UNGA or the Security Council. Nothing is given up there, nothing is abandoned. All these options are open to us," he added.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri had said that the upper chamber will pass a resolution urging the government to raise the issue of Beijing's aggression to the UNGA.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros backed this possible move. She filed Senate Resolution 659 in June, calling on the government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), to sponsor a resolution before the UNGA that will call on China to stop its harassment of Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

This development came after several reports on the China Coast Guard allegedly putting at risk the lives of Filipinos who were in a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal this year.

Early this month, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported more than 50 Chinese vessels have swarmed the vicinity of Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. In his SONA on Monday, July 24, Marcos remained mum on the Philippines' claim over the West Philippine Sea, but maintained that the country's independent foreign policy has been effective. n

schools.

• Recalibrate the K to 10 curriculum to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills.

• More higher educational institutions have been included in the World University Rankings in 2023.

• Nearly 50% of the 4.1 million enrolled college students benefit from the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education program for free tuition.

• Science and technologyrelated scholarships are made available from high school all the way to graduate school, Marcos said.

Science and Technology

• Forty-four Filipino scientists have returned to the Philippines under the Balik-Scientist Program to produce research in various fields.

• Two additional satellites have been launched into space for meteorological, geological, risk and security assessments.

• Improved maritime education

• Expanding medical and nursing education programs

Healthcare

• The Food Stamp Program was launched. This will provide beneficiaries who are "food poor" with P3,000 worth of food credits in the latter half of 2023.

• "As of this year, more than 80% of our eligible children have been vaccinated against measles, rubella, and polio," Marcos said.

• Marcos mentioned the "alarming rise" of tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a first in all Philippine SONAs.

• Sixty specialty centers opened to the public in 2022, while 3,400 projects to construct more public health facilities were completed.

• Marcos claimed that prices of essential medications have decreased by about 40%.

• The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's Konsulta Package has increased the number of free dialysis sessions to 156 from 90 in 2022.

• Marcos only mentioned that the government is working on addressing the shortage of nurses and doctors. He did not lay down any concrete plan.

Foreign relations

• Marcos touted the total estimated investments from his "economic missions" abroad, which amounts to US$71 billion or P3.9 trillion investment. It was said to have the potential to

generate 175,000 jobs.

Tourism

• For the first half of 2023, the country has received three million international visitors.

Digitalization

• About 42% of total retail payments were made digitally in 2022.

• E-Government Philippines (eGov PH), the government's super app, was launched to integrate all key government services in one mobile app. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) also launched its own DMW Mobile for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)

• Internet speed was said to have improved, with the country ranked 83 out of 142 countries, eight places higher than in 2022.

• Marcos urged the Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT) to establish the National Government Portal and Philippine Business Databank alongside the eGov PH app. OFWs

• OFWs contributed US$32.5 billion or P1.8 trillion pesos through remittances in 2022.

• Seventy thousand OFWs were deployed to Saudi Arabia for employment.

• The unpaid salaries of 14,000 OFWs who worked in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic are currently being processed.

Housing

• Over 100,000 availed of a housing loan from Pag-IBIG amounting to P117 billion in

total.

• Over 148,000 houses and 30,000 certificates of eligibility for lot award have been distributed across the country.

• The government launched the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing Program (4PH)

Climate change

• Marcos said that the Philippines is sometimes "overprepared" for natural hazards and calamities.

• More evacuation centers are to be built, 55 have already been completed.

• Marcos only mentions reducing carbon footprint and protecting forests, with no concrete plans included. Government

• Marcos called on Congress to enact a new Government Procurement Law and a new Government Auditing Code.

• Marcos said, "almost all of the required Devolution Transition Plans" of the local government units are complete.

Marawi

• "Former adversaries are now partners in peace," Marcos said.

• Marcos said the rehabilitation of Marawi City is in the phase of providing financial support for victims of the Marawi siege.

Illegal drugs

• The government will follow a community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education and reintegration.

• An additional 102 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers have been established. (Philstar. com)

SONA 2023. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his second State of the Nation Address before the joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on Monday, July 24. Several leaders of the House of Representatives and Cabinet officials lauded Marcos’ SONA as it showed that the country’s economic transformation is underway.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin Malacañang photo

Dateline PhiliPPines

Super Typhoon ‘Egay’ wreaks havoc on 5 regions in PH — NDRRMC

by Franco Jose c. Baroña ManilaTimes.net

A TOTAL of 4,554 families or 16,888 individuals from across five regions in the country have, so far, been affected by Super Typhoon "Egay," according to the latest situational report issued by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Council (NDRRMC).

Regions currently being affected by the onslaught of Egay are Ilocos, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), Bicol, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao

The NDRRMC reported that of the total number of the affected population, 79 persons from Western Visayas were

preemptively evacuated. On the other hand, 100 persons have been displaced due to the effects of Egay. At least three evacuation centers have also been set up. At least one person was reported injured. Meanwhile, a total of 21 raininduced landslides and floods were reported in Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao, the NDRRMC said.

At least eight houses were damaged by the super typhoon with an estimated cost of P195,000. Three damaged infrastructures were also reported.

On the other hand, classes in

House can pass 10 bills noted in SONA before 2023 ends – Romualdez

128 cities and municipalities from the affected regions were suspended. Work was also suspended in 87 cities and municipalities.

The NDRRMC said a total of six domestic flights were canceled in Ilocos, Bicol, and Metro Manila.

Around 70 seaports also suspended operations in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.

A total of 4,743 passengers, 644 rolling cargoes, and 22 vessels were stranded.

So far, eight houses were reported damaged, seven partially and one totally, due to Egay and the Southwest Monsoon effects. n

Marcos trumpets Maharlika but skips mention of gov’t’s zero surplus funds — economist

by cristina chi Philstar.com

MANILA — While President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. made sure to trumpet the “strategic financing” power of the recently signed Maharlika Investment Fund Act on Monday, July 24, the government has to address whether it has any idle funds that can be channeled into the wealth fund, an economist said.

In a message to Philstar. com, Enrico Patiga Villanueva, an economics lecturer at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, said that the government essentially has no surplus funds sitting idly that can prop up Maharlika, contrary to what Marcos said in his second State of the Nation Address.

“The existence of idle funds in (Government Financial Institutions) is a myth created to justify the diversion of bank funds to (the Maharlika Investment Corporation). If there are indeed idle surplus funds in the GFIs, then their leadership is not doing their job in maximizing use of funds,” Villanueva said.

Similarly, Sonny Africa of IBON Foundation, an economic state

think tank, pointed out that the "socalled underutilization" of funds from state-owned banks and other GFIs "was never established."

"This is a feeble belated attempt to fend off well-founded criticism that resources are unjustifiably being diverted to the Maharlika fund," Africa said.

Marcos said on Monday that the country’s first sovereign wealth fund could be a tool to finance big-ticket infrastructure projects by tapping into the government’s underutilized funds.

Specifically, the president said: “In pooling a small fraction of the considerable but underutilized government funds, the Maharlika Fund shall be used to make highimpact and profitable investments, such as the 'Build Better More' program.”

Villanueva pointed out that the Philippines is currently in a deficit, which means that there are no surplus or underutilized funds as the government needs to borrow money or utilize other financing methods to cover the shortfall.

The country reached a budget deficit of P1.6 trillion in 2022.

Push to increase Land Bank capital points to lack of surplus funds

Villanueva added that if there

by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net

MANILA — The House of Representatives can approve 10 of the 17 proposed measures that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. mentioned in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the year ends, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said in a statement on Tuesday, July 25.

Romualdez said that the House would work on the bills as these would help make the country a more conducive place for businesses that could create more jobs for Filipinos.

“I am extremely confident that the House of Representatives would again rise up to the occasion and accept the challenge from our President: to pass the 17 priority measures needed to sustain our economic recovery and improve the living condition of our people,” Romualdez said.

on Monday, July 24, just before Marcos delivered his second SONA.

It appears that the legislative body would be in for a lot of work as it looks to approve three bills that were considered priority measures by the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), namely:

• Unified System of Separation, Retirement and Pension of MUPs

• National Employment Action Plan

were actual idle surplus funds, the government should not have pushed for the increase in the capital of the state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to support greater lending to agriculture and development.

“If the national government units have actual surplus funds in the GFIs, they are not doing a good job doing the programmed spending,” the economist said.

The House of Representatives in December approved on final reading a measure that hikes the paid-up capital of the LBP by P7.5 billion and of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) by P2.5 billion. In a June panel discussion, the economist also explained that state-owned banks cannot do away with their capital or its “underutilized funds” as diverting these could undermine their main mandate and affect their compliance with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

According to Republic Act 11954, the bulk of the capital of the MIF will come from state-owned banks like LBP, which already use their “surplus” funds to fulfill their mandates.

In the case of LBP, it serves

u PAGE 7

“With the passage of all the proposed measures sought by the president, we hope that we in the House of Representatives can help strengthen the economy, revitalize businesses, and widen the scope of services provided to Filipinos,” he added in Filipino. According to Romualdez, seven of those bills have already been approved on the third reading by the House:

• Single-Use Plastic Bags Tax Act (House Bill No. 4102)

• An Act Imposing Value-Added Tax on Digital Transactions (House Bill No. 4122)

• An Act Mandating the Establishment of Fisherfolk Resettlement Areas by the Department of Agriculture, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Local Government Units (House Bill No. 6716)

• Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (House Bill No. 7393)

• Automatic Income Classification Act for Local Government Units (House Bill No. 7006)

• Bureau of Immigration Modernization Act (House Bill

No. 8203)

• Ease of Paying Taxes Act

(House Bill No. 4125)

Meanwhile, Romualdez said the House could pass the following four measures before the House goes on a break in October:

• Anti-Agricultural Smuggling

• Amendments to the Cooperative Code

• Tatak Pinoy

• Blue Economy

The following six other bills may be approved by December or before the year ends:

• Motor Vehicle User’s Charge

• Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) Pension

• Revised Procurement Law

• New Government Auditing Code

• Rationalization of Mining

Fiscal Regime

• National Water Act

Romualdez said the House would also aim to pass the proposed 2024 national budget before the session break in October so that lawmakers would have more time to scrutinize it.

“Of course, the most important bill that we need to discuss and approve the soonest time possible is the 2024 General Appropriations Bill based on the National Expenditure Program prepared by the Executive Department,” Romualdez said.

“The national budget that we will pass will ensure that the taxes paid by our fellow Filipinos, along with other revenue sources collected, will go back to the people through programs, projects, and services,” he added.

The House resumed its session

• Amendments to the AntiAgricultural Smuggling Act Romualdez assured the public over the weekend that the House would remain committed to passing the LEDAC-approved priority bills. n

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ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez Inquirer.net file photo

New Philippines

THE “new Philippines” or Bagong Pilipinas is here, President Marcos said at the conclusion of his State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 24. As he had promised, his second SONA was a performance report on the “successes and challenges” in his first year in office.

It was a year during which the nation received a boost from the improvement in the COVID health situation, which allowed the lifting of pandemic restrictions and paved the way for a revival of the global economy. On the other hand, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine seriously disrupted global supply chains and caused fuel prices to surge, driving inflation that was worse than during the pandemic.

Still, the president sounded a positive note in summing up his first year, describing the state of the nation as “sound and improving” and marcoeconomic fundamentals strong. He reiterated his commitment to “build better and more” critical infrastructure, to continue expanding affordable housing, social safety nets and Kadiwa outlets. He set a target of 100 percent household electrification by the end of his term.

Renewing the commitment that no Filipino will be left behind in terms of education, the president said the K-10 program is being “recalibrated” and the jobs-skills mismatch is being rectified. Science and technology and “a culture of innovation” are being given priority.

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

THERE is absolutely no doubt that the intense competition between the United States and China in the Indo-Pacific highly impacts countries in the region and even beyond. The Philippines’ strategic location – which “sits squarely at the heart of the Indo-Pacific region” as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described it – makes it a key stakeholder with a central role to play in the power dynamics in the region, with the U.S. and China engaged in a rivalry for economic, military, political and even technological supremacy.

Despite the escalating tension between the two giants with the rhetoric heating up once again, the U.S. and China “need each other,” analysts say, pointing to the continued economic cooperation between the rivals with bilateral trade reaching $690.6 billion in 2022, and the fact that their economies are complementary. While their battle for dominance continues, there are many indications that

He warned that the days of agricultural smugglers and hoarders “are numbered,” and he would accept the resignation of rogue police officers, as he stressed that “we cannot tolerate corruption and incompetence in government.” Addressing concerns about his pet project, the Maharlika Investment Fund, the president vowed transparency and accountability in its management.

He then enumerated 17 priority measures that he wants Congress to pass during its second regular session. These include the controversial reforms in the pension system of military and other uniformed personnel as well as new or higher taxes on singleuse plastics and digital services.

The president also wants to rationalize the mining fiscal regime and create a water resources management agency. He wants amendments in the road user’s tax, the Cooperative Code, the Fisheries Code and the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act. He wants a new government procurement law, Government Auditing Code and Philippine Immigration Act, and a law on “Tatak Pinoy” and the blue economy.

Other priorities are income classification of local government units as well as laws to ease tax payments and fight financial accounts scams. That’s a long to-do list, for both the president and

the legislature. At the start of the second regular session of the 19th Congress, everyone should hit the ground running. (Philstar.com)

Intense competition between US and China

both nations seek to mitigate the tension, such as the recent visits of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and State Secretary Antony Blinken to Beijing. Both U.S. president Joe Biden and Chinese president Xi Jinping also acknowledge the need to responsibly manage the competition between their countries as seen during the G-20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, with President Biden saying he absolutely believes “there need not be a new Cold War,” while President Xi recognizes they share an interest in “no confrontation and peaceful coexistence.”

Being pragmatic, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. knows that the Philippines has to squarely deal with the United States and China – both of which are our major trade partners – while keeping true to the commitment to uphold our national interest and defend our sovereignty. From the onset, he has adopted a balanced foreign policy that seeks to engage with traditional allies and pursue relationships with new partners – espousing the position that the Philippines is “a friend to all and an enemy

to none.”

But the reality, however, is that more than 80 percent of Filipinos remain distrustful of China, mainly because of what is happening in the West Philippine Sea, with Chinese Coast Guard vessels’ incessant harassment and obstruction of Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessels on routine supply and humanitarian missions, conducting dangerous maneuvers that could result in a collision. China built artificial islands within our territorial waters, resulting in the destruction of coral reefs and causing marine species to lose their habitat. Worse, the bullying and harassment by Chinese vessels have deprived Filipino fishermen of their livelihood.

A lot of Filipinos approve of the proposal by the Department of Education to include the West Philippine Sea and the maritime territorial issues in the Grade 10 curriculum, with a lesson on the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to be included as well.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also filed a resolution to declare July 12 every year as the “National

West Philippine Sea Victory Day” to commemorate the 2016 PCA ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs also put up a microsite titled “Not One Inch” to document and commemorate the landmark PCA ruling, serving as a repository of information on the arbitral award and its contributions to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and international law.

As one high level government official told me, “If China would only leave our territorial waters alone, we would have an extremely better relationship with them than any other country, with them being our neighbor.”

The reality is – China’s harassment and bullying is the main cause of the animosity of 90 percent of Filipinos, making us turn to our treaty ally, the United States, as “trustworthy and reliable” – an ally that is undoubtedly aligned with the Philippines’ firm resolve to protect its sovereignty.

Not surprisingly, the meeting of former president Rodrigo Duterte with President Xi has elicited extreme anxiety and agitation among many Filipinos. But as President Marcos said, any new line of communication between China and the Philippines is welcome, more so if the discussion included the shadowing by Chinese vessels and other issues surrounding the West Philippine sea.

Clearly, China is looking for “microphones” – meaning personalities who are willing to speak out about their position, like former U.S. State Secretary Henry Kissinger, another “old friend” who also visited China recently. But there also seems to be an increased activity by paid bloggers, hackers and China sympathizers out to discredit personalities who consistently speak out about China’s aggressive behavior.

But no matter which way it goes, the Philippines will remain focused on engaging with China because it is in our mutual interest to have good economic relations with our neighbor, just like what the Philippines is doing with the

U.S. We just hope that those who profess love of country or who may have personal ill feelings about the United States or China – regardless of whether they are more inclined to favor one country over the other – what is important is to remember that deep inside, he or she is a Filipino, and will think long term on the effects of his or her actions one way or another.

One thing is certain: I know for a fact that PBBM may have some issues with the United States –most especially stemming from what happened in the past –but he has undoubtedly made it clear that as the president, he will never allow whatever personal feelings or issues he may have to cloud his sworn duty to defend and preserve the best interest of the Republic and the Filipino people. (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.

Virtual Reality

THERE are seven focus areas to remember about the presidency of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. 13 months after assuming the highest position in the land. These seven will define the Marcos Jr. presidency over the next five years.

One, BBM united the country.

For the first time in over half a century, or since the first Marcos presidency, a president has been elected with a majority vote of the people.

Except in holdout areas like Bicol and the western Visayas, BBM won by large majorities, garnering a whopping 31.6 million votes – the largest vote by any president and the largest margin ever by a winning president over his nearest opponent. BBM’s unity call has been resonant throughout the country.

Two, BBM reconnected the Philippines to the world. He has scaled down the pivot to China, strengthened ties to old ally the United States, dealt substantially with Europe, while maintaining close and solid relations with old partners Japan

and the ASEAN. India should be the next target. BBM is the most popular leader in the world today, with an approval rating of 82 percent, beating the over 76 percent of Narendra Modi of India. Basking in that popularity, BBM accordingly has embarked on record-breaking foreign trips –14 by the last count, or one trip per month on average.

Three, he is modernizing the economy, opening it up to new players and easing the rules of engagement to allow for a more competitive business environment, one that promotes efficiencies, lowers costs, promotes quality of products and services and is more inclusive.

Relatedly, the Philippine economy is one of the strongest, if not the strongest, in the 10-nation ASEAN.

Quarterly, growth rate has been steady and firm – 7.2 percent in the third quarter 2022, 7.1 percent in the fourth quarter 2022 and 6.4 percent in the first quarter 2023. Compare those figures with the 20-year GDP average growth of 5.9 percent and you will see the difference.

The government, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank all see GDP growth this year averaging 6 percent

Seven BBM deals

and higher in the coming years. The economy must produce 7 percent growth per year to enable the Philippines to reach high middle-income status of $4,500 per capita by the end of the Marcos II presidency.

Most importantly, in financing the economic growth, for the first time, an administration is pooling state funds, earnings and savings in a meaningful way, through the Maharlika Investment Fund.

According to Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, there is immediate interest in investing among major funds such as Temasek, Japan Bank for International Cooperation in the first sovereign wealth fund of the Philippines.

The Bureau of Treasury, which heads drafting of the IRR, has expressed openness to allowing strategic partners from the start through IRR provisions – reducing the needed government capital infusion. Listing in stock exchange will happen down the line, Salceda predicts, thus unlocking awesome financial values.

Four, Build Build More. BBM is keen to expand the country’s stock of infrastructure on a scale and vision never before seen, with annual infra spending exceeding P1 trillion

or more than 5 percent of GDP. Total infra spending in six years of BBM – P9 trillion, double the P4.5 trillion of president Duterte.

BBM’s father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., built more infra than all the previous presidents before him.

For the first time in history, Metro Manila will have more airports than it probably needs in the next half century – a rehabilitated Manila International Airport or NAIA, a new Manila International Airport in Bulacan by San Miguel Corporation, Sangley Airport by the Henry Sy family and the government-built Clark International Airport that is now run by the Gokongwei and Aboitiz families.

Five, BBM has completed the emancipation of agrarian reform farmers. Marcos I freed farmers from centuries of bondage to the land they never had hoped before of owning. Marcos II completes that emancipation by freeing agrarian reform farmers from P58 billion of unpaid debts.

According to Rep. Salceda, the New Agrarian Emancipation Act condones P58.125 billion, benefiting 654,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries and involving a total of 1.18 million hectares of awarded lands. With

estate tax amnesty until 2025, and LGUs encouraged to do RPT amnesty.

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com T ony l opez

Also, some 52,000 hectares of unused government lands will be distributed to farmers.

Six, BBM is keen on climate change adaptation and mitigation. He knows fully well that the Philippines is among the top three countries to be harmed by a climate gone berserk.

Seven, digitalization is the new mantra. It is the gateway to genuine inclusion.

As to worries about the socalled P14-trillion Philippine debt, Salceda says debt is actually under control. Both the US and Singapore have more debt to GDP (exceeding 100 percent) than the Philippines (63 percent of GDP).

Assures Salceda: “Debt figures have remained in line with the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, although the change in external debt has nearly equaled change in domestic debt, highly unusual, due to Fed rate hikes and the depreciation of the peso versus the dollar.”

Finally, Salceda offers insights (from Wharton) on what makes a president great:

1. History rewards the risktakers.

2. A president who actively

campaigns for his historical place is engaged in a selfdefeating exercise.

3. There is no single theory of presidential success.

4. Presidents can only be understood within the context, conventions and limitations of their time.

5. If presidents are governed by any law beyond the Constitution, it is the law of unintended consequences.

6. Presidential power, although awesome on paper, is based largely on moral authority.

7. The president requires a talent for making useful enemies.

8. Every great president marches to the beat of his own drum.

9. The challenge posed by any crisis is equaled by the opportunity for leaders to forge an emotional bond with the people they lead to gain moral authority and expanded powers.

10. Greatness, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. (Philstar.com)

* * *

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

* * *

Email: biznewsasia@gmail.com

fails to paralyze Metro Manila transport

by EmmanuEl Tupas and Bella Cariaso Philstar.com

MANILA — The first day of the transport strike organized by Manibela on Monday, July 24, which coincided with the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos, did not paralyze public transportation in Metro Manila, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Col. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson for the PNP, said there were no stranded commuters due to the transport strike.

“We did not monitor stranded passengers,” Fajardo said in a Viber message.

Manibela president Mar Valbuena, however, declared the first day of the three-day strike as successful.

Valbuena said aside from Metro Manila, transport strikes were also staged in Bulacan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Rizal and Tarlac.

“We have strike centers in Manila, particularly in Onyx, as well as in Pasay, Parañaque and in Muñoz, Quezon City,” Valbuena said.

He has said at least 40,000 jeepney drivers would participate in the strike.

However, other transport groups opted not to join Manibela’s effort to paralyze public transportation in Metro Manila and other provinces.

Police deployed mobility vehicles to assist commuters.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. earlier urged Manibela not to push through with the transport strike.

According to Valbuena, Malacañang’s suspension of classes and work in government offices in Metro Manila is an admission that the mobilization could paralyze public transportation.

“When I read the memorandum circular from Malacañang, it’s obvious that the suspension was due to the transport strike as the effect of the typhoon has yet to be felt,” he said.

Valbuena said the Palace directive showed that the problem of the jeepney drivers had reached President Marcos.

“Commonwealth Avenue can be compared to a ghost town,” Valbuena said.

He also decried the alleged police harassment suffered by those who participated in the transport strike.

“Police removed our flags in the strike centers and forced our members to leave. Jeepney drivers in Novaliches who joined the strike were also harassed,” Valbuena said.

Members of Manibela held a caravan from the University of the Philippines in Diliman to Tandang Sora in Quezon City.

Valbuena accused the police of trying to make it appear that there was a commotion between

the police and the protesters. “They did that for photo ops to justify that there was an untoward incident during the strike,” he said.

Valbuena said the group would decide if the three-day transport strike will continue until tomorrow.

Free rides

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed at least 17 military trucks, buses and coasters to provide free rides to commuters affected by the transport strike.

AFP spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said the “libreng sakay” was initiated as support to the Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

“This is also part of the AFP’s efforts to help ensure a peaceful SONA,” Aguilar said.

He said the vehicles providing free rides would be under the supervision of the military’s Joint Task Force National Capital Region.

In Taguig, the city government is offering free rides to commuters who may be affected by the planned threeday transport strike.

City hall said it would provide vehicles to pick up passengers along the Sta. Ana Plaza-San Joaquin route.

“The city government is ready if more vehicles are needed in other areas,” city hall said. (with reports from Michael Punongbayan, Daphne Galvez)

More than half of Philippine SIMs already registered before July 25 deadline — DICT

MANILA — More than 105 million or more than 60% of the total number of active SIMs in the country are now registered with the government, the Department of Information and Communications Technology said on Tuesday, July 25.

As of Sunday, July 23, the DICT has recorded around 105 million registered SIM cards, 49 million of which are from Smart, 48 million from Globe and around seven million from DITO. July 25 or Tuesday marks the last day of the extended deadline for SIM registration.

The DICT in April extended the deadline for the registration of SIM cards by three months

after only 49.3% or 82.8 million of 168 million active subscribers enlisted their SIM cards.

The DICT has said there will be no more extensions of the July 25 deadline given that the government has met the “lower end” of its targets, National Telecommunications Commission Deputy Commissioner John Paulo Salvahan said in an interview with GMA News' Unang Balita.

Unregistered SIM cards are set to lose connection at July 26 midnight and affected users are given a five-day grace period to apply for reactivation, the DICT said last week. With deactivated SIMs, users

Marcos trumpets Maharlika but skips...

will not be able to send and receive calls, texts and lose access to e-wallets and other mobile applications linked to their SIM cards.

Critics of the SIM Card Registration Act or Republic Act 11934 previously cited concerns with its unconstitutionality, saying that mandatory SIM registration "restricts the constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of speech and violates the right against unreasonable searches and seizures and the right to substantive due process.”

The Supreme Court junked their request to temporarily stop the registration of SIM cards in April. (Cristina Chi/Philstar.com)

as the financing arm of the government's agrarian reform and rural development initiatives. GFI funds not just government’s To recall, Marcos also described the function of Maharlika in similar terms during its signing on July 18. He said then that “instincts of any financial manager is that money must work for you. It must not sit in the bank and earning… an interest rate that is almost up to the level of the cost of money and that’s why we go in and out of these accounts.” Villanueva, however, said that not all funds in the GFIs belong to the government. “A significant portion of it belongs to government workers whose payroll are with the GFIs,” he explained. Africa said that if the government wants to generate more funding for its projects, it should begin with increasing tax revenues, which are "the best, most stable and most reliable source of government revenue."

"If it wants to bankroll govt projects it should work harder on improving revenue generation with a more progressive tax system that makes those with the ability to pay more contribute more— meaning higher taxes on billionaire wealth, large corporations, and high-income families," he added.

Africa cited as an example the billionaire wealth tax proposal pending at the House of Representatives which is seen to give the government at least Php480 billion annually, "which is as much as the P500 billion the Maharlika fund is targeted to eventually manage."

government a more substantial and diverse financial pool to draw from which can be used to fund ambitious projects, like Marcos’ infrastructure program. Sovereign wealth funds including the MIF are managed independently of the regular budgetary oversight and public scrutiny that traditional government expenditure faces. n

The Asian Journal MDWK

‘Lahat, Ikaw, Tayo’: Dominic Roque shares video of his wedding proposal to Bea Alonzo

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

MANILA — Actors Bea

Alonzo and Dominic Roque were recently engaged after the latter surprised the actress with a proposal while in Bataan’s Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar.

Bea was under the impression that she was in Las Casas for a photo shoot but was surprised to see Dominic getting down on one knee to pop the all-important question.

The actress was visibly surprised and teary-eyed while saying “yes” as she peppered the actor with kisses in between.  After the viral news of their engagement, Dominic posted the video of his proposal while also sharing why he finally asked Bea for her hand.

“Maraming tao dumadaan sa buhay natin, some stay and sadly some would go.

But I learned that all those who crossed our life served a purpose in their own ways. Then, I met you,” Dominic said in the beginning voiceover. “Suddenly all that has happened in the past made sense. I learned to enjoy life on my own, only to find out that I can even be more happier.”

Set to an acoustic version

Dominic Roque proposing to Bea Alonzo. Photo via Instagram/Dominic Roque of Magic’s “By the Coast,” the video transitioned to different clips of the couple’s trips and dinner dates together over the past four years, most of them drone shots operated by Dominic himself.

“It’s like finding myself in someone else. Nagbago ang pananaw ko sa mundo. In this crazy world we live in, I found my peace. You and me is the peace I was longing for all along,” Dominic continued. “A love that’s giving, a love that is pure, a love that is imperfect, and that’s just the right amount of love I need.”

Dominic expressed how much he enjoyed the simplicity of Bea’s enjoyable company,

Ako ang magiging pahinga mo sa mundong magulo at maingay. At sa bawat segundo na andito tayo sa mundo, lahat ng andun ka, ‘yun ‘yung pagkakataong buong-buo ako.”

The actor praised Bea for being strong, kind and beautiful inside and out. These are the same qualities that he loves about her.

The video team captured the moment Dominic walked up to Bea, who was in absolute shock when Dominic got down on one knee and pulled out the ring.

“Oh my God, are you kidding me?” Bea is heard saying as she begins to cry.

Dominic said his speech, Bea said yes, and the two kissed and embraced as their companions cheered them on.

Bea appeared to still be in disbelief as she kept looking at her ring, kissing and hugging Dominic, and laughing at their colleagues capturing the sweet moment.

Dominic’s voiceover continued throughout the video of the newly-engaged pair, “I can’t stop imagining this lifetime that I will spend with you, mga memories nating bubuuin na magkasama, pati na rin ang pamilyang pinapangarap nating dalawa. Bawat malungkot at masaya, bawat gabi na maglalasingan lang tayo hanggang umaga. Lahat. Ikaw. Tayo.”

“We have a lifetime para ma-experience pa ang maraming bagay sa mundo. Isang habang buhay na ikaw ang kasama, ikaw ang mamahalin, ikaw ang aalagaan at iingatan,” the actor ended.

Among those who shared their well-wishes for the couple were Anne Curtis, Aga Muhlach, Iza Calzado, Coleen Garcia, Rica Peralejo, Diana Zubiri, Vina Morales, Gideon Hermosa, Mark Nicdao and Pam Quinones, who helped Dominic organize the proposal.

Hi Barbie! Janella Salvador recreates Margot Robbie’s ‘Barbie’ character

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

MANILA — Move over Margot Robbie, there’s a new Barbie in town painting it pink.

Actress Janella Salvador has become the latest celebrity to join the Barbie craze by holding a photoshoot recreating some of Margot’s looks from the new summer blockbuster “Barbie” directed by Greta Gerwig.

In a series of posts on Instagram, Janella shared some of her photos taken by Claude Villahermosa and makeup by Carissa Cielo Medved and Corra Dela Rosa as she went into Barbie-mode.

These include a recreation of Margot’s first scenes in the movie as Janella wore a pink-and-white gingham dress and hair ribbon, a necklace with white flowers, and heels as she waves at Barbie Land and floats down to her car.

Another is Janella’s own take of Margot’s first image as Barbie released last year in a blue and white dress and polka dot headband while driving a car, which Janella joked in her caption “This Barbie can drive (you crazy),” and was also assisted by Jerald Ignacio and Jac Pequeña.

Janella’s most recent recreation

was her paying homage to the very first Barbie ever released — a black-and-white swimsuit, pony-tailed, black open-toe heels, and styled by white sunglasses.

The backdrop for the latest photoshoot was, like the “Barbie” movie in its opening scenes, a reference to Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

Janella recently wrapped up shooting in Hong Kong for the movie “Under Parallel Skies” opposite Thailand’s Win

Jolina Magdangal on social media influencers, reshuffling of local TV shows

By MArinel cruz Inquirer.net

FOR actress-TV host Jolina Magdangal, show biz celebrities should not feel threatened by social media influencers, who are now also being hired by companies and producers to become brand endorsers or host shows and events.

In fact, Magdangal is working closely with some of them, particularly Jackie Gonzaga, Ralph Malibunas, Patsy Reyes and Zendee, in “Sinong Manok Mo?” (SMM), a weekend game-variety program on PIE Channel.

“I’ve never felt threatened by them because I feel that these influencers will never become successful if they don’t have anything good to offer their followers. They must have planned well whatever content they show on their platforms. They won’t be called influencers if people don’t find them relatable. This is the reason companies invest in them,” Magdangal told Inquirer Entertainment in a recent virtual chat.

them whenever she finds some of their content funny or inspiring.

‘Weird and different’

“I cannot compare what they do to how we were back in the day. The situation today is different. Influencers are people who are able to adapt to change,” she explained. “When I got to talk to some of them, I realized that I also have a lot to learn from them. And with the 30 years of experience I have working in this industry, I know I can also share a thing or two with those who are willing to listen.”

Magdangal was a guest artist on the July 1 episode of “It’s Showtime,” the day the noontime show premiered on GTV. She said performing felt “weird and different.”

“While we were rehearsing, I realized that I was performing with people I used to work with in ‘Party Pilipinas’ and ‘Sunday All Stars.’ I was like, ‘What’s happening? Is this for real?’ I was thrilled to see all of them. Yes, there’s still competition, but a really friendly one.”

Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Vice

Metawin of “2gether: The Series” fame. There was Filipino representation in “Barbie” with Ana Cruz Kayne as Supreme Court Barbie — who wore a terno in both the film and its premiere — and Miss Universe Philippines 2022 contestant Julia Saubier as Hippie Barbie during the film’s intro. “Barbie” continues to break records at the global and local box office, and is still showing in Philippine cinemas.

Ganda, Anne Curtis shine at GMA Gala 2023

MANILA —”It’s Showtime” co-hosts Anne Curtis and Vice Ganda looked radiant, while GMA-7’s most popular screen goddesses Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista and Jennylyn Mercado owned the red carpet at last night’s GMA Gala 2023 held in Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. The biggest stars of ABS-CBN and GMA-7 partied the night away in their best looks as the gala and the stars dominated social media trends, particularly Twitter.

Vice Ganda lived up to his moniker “Unkabogable” as he walked the red carpet in a sparkly gown with a white feather boa.

His “Showtime” sestra, Anne Curtis, looked simply elegant in a white Saint Lauren gown, complimented by clip-on bangs and accessories from Tiffany. Her look is obviously inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s famous movie character, Sabrina.

Marian Rivera was another effortless beauty in a white plisse gown as she walked down the red carpet with her equally gorgeous husband, actor Dingdong Dantes.  Jennylyn Mercado was a vision in green as she strutted with her husband, actor Dennis Trillo.  Heart Evangelista lived up to her chic fashionista vibe by donning a Schiaparelli creation.  Newly engaged couple Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque walked the red carpet together, looking genuinely happy to attend the gala.

Kylie Padilla channeled her famous character, Amihan, from the 2016 fantasy show “Encantadia” in a custom Ehrran Montoya gown. Her TV sisters, Glaiza de Castro, Gabbi Garcia and Sanya Lopez, also made their presence known on the red carpet. (by Kathleen A. Llemit/ Philstar.com)

“It just so happened that attention is currently focused on the digital platforms. There used to be a time when every house owned a TV. If you didn’t have one, you’d try to watch shows in your neighbor’s house. Back then, you also turned to television if you wanted to announce something. These days, everyone owns a phone that provides them the information they need,” she pointed out.

Magdangal said she follows quite a number of influencers and would even post comments to compliment

“Party Pilipinas” and “Sunday All Stars” were variety shows produced by GMA 7 that aired in the mid-2000s and where Magdangal was a talent until she transferred to ABSCBN in 2015.

The reshuffle in local TV’s noontime slot was the effect of the transfer of veteran hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon from GMA 7 to TV5 (“E.A.T”). The move resulted in the transfer of “It’s Showtime” from TV5 to GMA 7’s sister company, GTV, and the hiring of a new set of hosts for the 44-year-old “Eat Bulaga.”

‘The Cheating Game’ stars to victims of infidelity: Don’t blame yourself

By AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net

BEING in a romantic relationship is something Julie Anne San Jose holds “sacred.” That’s why infidelity, she said, is a nonnegotiable matter.

“We have our own personal definitions of what cheating is. But for me, cheating is nonnegotiable—once it’s done, it’s done,” she said in a recent online conference for the upcoming romantic drama film “The Cheating Game,” which opens in cinemas on Wednesday, July 26.

While she didn’t cite a specific personal experience, Julie Anne surmised that most people have probably been cheated on one way or another. How do we deal with such a situation?

“Cheating is a heavy matter for me… I think all of us have been in such a situation, not just in relationships, but life in general. We have our own coping mechanisms. You should surround yourself with people who support you. It’s important to have a system—

your friends, family, loved ones. They’re the ones who will be there for you in your struggles.”

Rayver Cruz, Julie Anne’s leading man and real-life boyfriend, echoed her sentiments, adding that at times, experience can be the best teacher—a tough one at that.

“You can learn lessons from the experience, which can make you better equipped to handle these things in future relationships. We can get blinded by love. But in a way, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” he said.

Form of lies

But what’s considered cheating? For supporting stars Martin del Rosario and Winwyn Marquez, cheating isn’t necessarily limited to the presence of a third party. It can also come in the form of lies.

“Lying, hiding the truth or omitting details to make your case more convincing is cheating, too. It’s not just about having an affair. I have

The biggest stars attend GMA Gala 2023 on July 22, 2023. From left are Vice Ganda, Marian Rivera, Kylie Padilla, Heart Evangelista and Anne Curtis. Nice Print via GMA Network Twitter

Janella Salvador recreating Margot Robbie’s looks from “Barbie”

Photo via Instagram/Janella Salvador

Jolina Magdangal Inquirer.net photo

‘KDLex,’ ‘LoiNie’ share views on how to best handle ‘dangerous’ secrets

By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

LOISA Andalio and Alexa

Ilacad, lead stars of the series Pira-pirasong Paraiso,” claim they are both good at keeping secrets shared with them by close friends, but draw the line at keeping those that can potentially endanger the people they love.

“I can be trusted when it comes to keeping secrets, but it really depends on whether they’re good or bad. If it’s something that involves fooling, cheating or scamming other people, then I will ask this person to sit down with me first and talk about it,” Loisa told Inquirer Entertainment in a recent media junket. Loisa plays a con artist named Baby, who takes on the job of pretending to be one of the long-lost sisters of a young and rich woman (Charlie Dizon as Diana Lamadrid). As she navigates a world of cunning and lies, she learns about right and wrong, love and family, and striking truths about herself.

“What I’m not good at is keeping quiet about surprises. I get so excited and I can’t keep it to myself, like the surprise party we were planning for KD (Estrada),” said Alexa of her onscreen partner.

“But with keeping secrets, I’m pretty good at that. When my friends tell me something, I don’t snitch on them because I don’t want to get in trouble. That’s the main difference between me and my character in this series.”

Alexa plays Angela Medina, a multiawarded journalist. She is constantly struggling to uncover the truth and fight for what’s true. “Her piece of the story here is all about revenge,” Alexa pointed out.

“While I love Angela for fighting hard for what she believes in and for standing up for herself, I’m not like her at all. In a way, I do not like conflict or arguments, so I stay quiet most of the time.”

The actress continued: “Unlike her, I don’t always make the effort to find things out. Maybe that’s something I lack. It’s just that I like my peace and quiet more, and I just go through whatever I go through.” The ‘gift’

Alexa, however, said she is able to determine whether or not KD, whom she has been dating since 2022, is being secretive to her. “I’m able to tell if he is keeping something from me, even if we’re just texting. I don’t have that ‘gift’ with anyone else. I guess this is why I always get backstabbed by people I trust—I’m not good at judging people.  With KD, it’s different. I know his soul, so I know when he’s not telling me something. I can tell by the punctuation marks he uses, with the breath he takes. I think that should amount to something.”

6 years strong

Meanwhile, when Loisa and Ronnie were asked to share the secret to their six-year relationship, Loisa said: “Aside from patience, you have to have trust. It’s also important that you communicate to each other your inner thoughts and feelings.  You have to be able to share with your partner if you’re worried about something. He or she can’t always guess why you’re feeling sad or disappointed. By being open to each other, misunderstandings can be avoided.”

Ronnie agreed with Loisa, but added: “Respect is another thing. To those who are new in their relationships, don’t expect everything to be easy all the time. You will not always be

‘The Cheating Game’ stars...

From Page 8

experienced that kind of cheating. Lying is also a sin. How can you have peace of mind in a relationship if the other person is hiding so many things from you?” Martin said.

Being lied to can be just as painful, Winwyn added. “I have experienced that—the lies, the stories with missing details. And if something keeps happening again and again, you may end up parting ways,” she said.

or count their shortcomings just to make sense of what happened. Don’t do that. If that person had a problem with you, he or she could have told you about it instead of cheating.”

While forgiving the erring partner can be a crucial part of moving on, one must also learn to forgive one’s self, Julie Anne stressed.

realistic” depiction of modernday dating.

The story follows Hope (Julie Anne), an idealistic young professional hoping to change the world through the nongovernmental organization she built with her fiancé, Brian (Martin). Then, a sex video showing Brian with another woman surfaces online.

‘Breath of fresh air’

happy together. There will come a time when your love will be put to the test.”

Loisa added that surviving trials is part of maintaining a romantic relationship. “It will also help prove if you really love each other. Situations will force you to decide whether to stay or just leave that relationship.  No matter what happens, you both have to remain strong,” she said.

In the series, Ronnie is Jonas Salvador, a young man determined to follow in the footsteps of his policeman father, who passed away early on in the story. He is also on a personal quest to find out the truth about his father’s mysterious death.

Meanwhile, KD is Diana’s stepson, Julius Lamadrid. He is determined to pursue a career as a journalist because he wants to distance himself from the family’s realty business. “On my way to becoming a reporter, I found Angela, and that’s how our story starts,” he explained.

Loisa, on the other hand, is thrilled that she and Ronnie are now taking on “more mature” roles. “Maturity doesn’t mean sexy. Here, we’re no longer elementary or high school students who are trying to look cute to each other.

We are now assuming

Continued on Page 11

And in moments like that, she opts to let her emotions all out. “I want to feel the emotion so I will cry, let the sadness out. Once I empty myself of that, then I know I would be OK. And then I find other things to focus my energy on, like singing or dancing—anything that can help me improve myself,” she said.

All too often, those who were cheated on end up blaming themselves or forming deep-seated insecurities. Don’t fall into this trap.

Forgive one’s self

“Like Julie, I consider cheating nonnegotiable. I can forgive the person, pero wala ng balikan,” Martin said. “Don’t let it affect your self-esteem. I know many people who blame themselves

“Take all the time and space you need. Let yourself heal and forgive the person who wronged you. But you must also learn how to forgive yourself. Eventually, you will be able to move on. And hopefully, it doesn’t happen again,” she said.

More importantly, don’t let such experiences make you wary of falling in love again, Winwyn said. “Don’t be scared of being in love or being loved. That’s when you start being afraid of relationships. Don’t be scared of trying again.”

Conceptualized by Shao Masula and directed by Rod Marmol, “The Cheating Game” is GMA Public Affairs’ first-ever big screen offering. Described as a “feverish, deep-dive into the psyche of two betrayed individuals,” the project likewise delves into the “game people play after getting cheated on,” and offers a “more mature and

Heartbroken, Hope starts anew, pursuing a career as a content producer in a media company that, unknown to her, operates as a troll factory on the side. And as she vows that she will never be fooled by a man again, she creates a cheat sheet on cheaters, which she uses as a guide in navigating the dating world.

She meets Miguel (Rayver), a self-made businessman who seems to have the makings of an ideal partner. But as they grow closer, Hope begins to unearth long-kept secrets. How will careerwoman Vanessa (Winwyn) figure into their lives?

“We started shooting before the pandemic and resumed this year… I’m very excited and grateful,” said Julie Anne, who described working with Rayver in a movie as a “breath of fresh air.” “People usually see us on RV, in performances. This time, we work as actors.”

Jolina Magdangal on social media...

From Page 8

Magdangal is hopeful that the reshuffle would lead to more collaborations, not only for live shows, but also for drama programs, much like “Unbreak My Heart,” which is a tie-up between ABS-CBN and GMA 7.

“It’s better to treat each other as friends, as collaborators, than feel pressured all the time while anticipating the other company’s every move. For sure, a program created by two groups will come out better compared to two shows from competing teams that were made under intense pressure,” she observed.

Real personality

Collaboration is also important in the work she does for SMM. In the segment called Barangay Edition” (Saturdays at 7 p.m.), Magdangal hosts from the PIE studios, while Eric Nicolas goes out to various barangays to play games and challenges like “Sa Pula,

Sa Puti.” Every Sunday, Magdangal and the SMM team host a pageant for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and hand out prizes.

“The Magdangal you see on PIE is the real me. The group and I tease each other and laugh at each other. What people see in the talk show ‘Magandang Buhay’ is different because I interview guests and try to find out their stories. The focus is on the personality that we have invited to the show,” she pointed out. Magdangal said she is very hands-on when it comes to teaching the younger talents how to be effective hosts of SMM. “I turn to them when I want to learn about current trends, as well as how to react to situations that my kids could possibly encounter in the future. I enjoy being in the show so much, even though it means that I have to work every Saturday and Sunday,” she stressed.

Loisa Andalio Alexa Ilacad

KS Estrada Ronnie Alonte Inquirer.net photos

Do I need a premarital agreement before getting married?

Barrister’s Corner

IN the absence of a premarital agreement, the general community property presumption under California family code section 760 controls which provides “ ….all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” Family Code §760

This becomes a problem if you are the spouse that has the substantially higher income or the one who accumulates the majority of the assets during the marriage. You are called in family law lingo “the in spouse.” The other spouse (or in our lingo also called the “out spouse” gets a half interest on everything accumulated during the marriage even if the asset is under your name alone or it was accumulated solely due to your sweat and hard work. The out spouse, who stayed at home most of the marriage, gets a one half interest on all the accumulations during the marriage under California community property law. For example, if you opened a savings account during the marriage under your name alone for which you religiously and diligently stash away 25% of your earnings during the marriage while your spouse blows away his/her salary during the marriage, your spouse still gets a half interest in the money you saved in your savings account.

Another example would be if you purchase a piece of real property during the marriage under “your name alone” and have your spouse sign a “quit claim” deed, your spouse may still have a claim for a half interest in your real property. Another example would be if you owned a business prior to marriage, but due to your hard work, long hours of labor, and efforts, the business grew exponentially during the marriage, your spouse may still have a claim for an interest in the business.

Signing a premarital agreement may serve as added protection to the future “in spouse” and a hurdle for the future “out spouse” by avoiding or altering the applicability of California community property law to assets 1) already owned by each and 2) to property and income to be acquired or earned during their marriage.

Marriage of Dawley (1976) 17

C3d 342, 349, 131 CR 3, 7;

Marriage of Grinius (1985) 166 CA3d 1179, 1186, 212 CR 803, 807 Premarital agreements may validly provide that the earnings and accumulations of each party during marriage will remain that party’s separate property, free of any claims, community property or otherwise, of the other party. Marriage of Dawley, supra, 17 C3d at 350, 131 CR at 8; Cheney v. City & County of San Francisco Employees

Client files Chapter 13 for $400K unsecured debt

Retirement System (1936) 7 C2d 565, 569, 61 P2d 754, 756. Premarital agreements may also serve to preserve a person’s estate for his or her heirs, free of the other party’s inheritance claims. Estate of Wamack (1955) 137 CA2d 112, 115, 289 P2d 871, 872.

Pursuant to Family Code §1612(c),“ Parties to a premarital agreement may contract with respect to all of the following:(1) The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located. (2) The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property.(3) The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event.(4) The making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement.(5) The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy.(6) The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement. (7) Any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty. However, the right of a child to support may not be adversely affected. Family Code §1612(b).

Premarital agreements that are entered into voluntarily by parties who are each represented by independent counsel and aware of the effect of the agreement, a post 1985 premarital waiver of post dissolution support does not offend contemporary public policy and is not per se unenforceable. Fam.C. § 1612(c); Marriage of Pendleton & Fireman (2000) 24 C4th 39, 53–54, 99 CR2d 278, 288–289;

Marriage of Facter (2013) 212 CA4th 967, 981, 152 CR3d 79, 90.

Under both the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act and prior law, the spouse claiming the agreement is invalid or not enforceable bears the burden of proof on that allegation. Family Code. § 1615(a);

Marriage of Bonds, supra, 24 C4th at 27, 99 CR2d at 269;

Marriage of Iverson (1992) 11 CA4th 1495, 1502, 15 CR2d 70, 74–75; However, the UPAA (as amended effective 1/1/02) deems that a premarital agreement was not executed voluntarily unless the court makes five prescribed findings provided for under Family Code. § 1615(c)

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

(2) One of the following:

(A) For an agreement

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

(B) For an agreement executed on or after January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and the time the agreement was signed, regardless of whether the party is represented by legal counsel. This requirement does not apply to nonsubstantive amendments that do not change the terms of the agreement.

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

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

(5) Any other factors the court deems relevant.

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

* * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended

Atty. LAwrence yAng

T HIS is what I call a borderline Chapter 7 case with asset. Therefore, it is the better part of caution not to file Chapter 7 because the asset may be lost in Chapter 7, while Chapter 13 is safe enough because the Chapter 13 trustee, unlike the Chapter 7 trustee does not have the power to liquidate assets. This is a critical difference that can only be emphasized nowadays when house values are always going up because of very low mortgage rates. On it’s face, you might wonder why not just file a Chapter 7 and wipe out the entire $400K of unsecured debt in one stroke? Well, you have to look at the details of the case, specially the asset structure.

Client, husband and wife, are in their fifties. Still young. Both own and operate their own businesses for at least 20 years. The pandemic killed both businesses.

Husband has a salary from his job that survived the pandemic. Wife also has a job that survived the pandemic.

They owe $400K of business loans all unsecured. Unsecured meaning these are signature loans without any collateral of any kind.

The Borderline Chapter 7 case

Under the means test, they can actually qualify for Chapter 7. But filing a Chapter 7 would be a big mistake. Why? They own a house that is currently worth $1.0M. The balance of the first and only mortgage is $400K. This means that their entire equity of $600K is completely exempt since they live in LA County. Sure that looks good on paper but when the equity is entirely used up at $600K, and with Chapter 7 trustees so excited to liquidate houses, the trustees have real estate agents who are hungry wolves waiting in the sidelines to devour your house. These realtors can make $50K from their commissions. That’s a lot of money. When there’s that kind of money to be made, they look at you as roasted pig ready to be eaten.

Even if Zillow e appraisal says that your house has a current fair market value of $1.0M, you can be sure that these hard working realtors can have a ready buyer for at least $100K over $1.0M. Don’t forget that there’s always a bidding war going on for houses in LA because there’s a shortage of houses. There’s a lot of demand, and short supply so those two factors will cause you to lose your house in a Chapter 7.

Chapter 7 Trustee has the power to sell your house

The Chapter 7 trustee has the power to sell your house to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a solicitation.

for say $1.1M, give you your exempt equity of $600,000 in cash, and use the rest of the money to pay off a portion of the $400K unsecured debt. What will happen in reality is that the realtors will get $50K, and there will be $50K left to pay the trustee lawyers and trustee administration fees. In all likelihood, ten cents will go the $400K unsecured creditors. Ridiculous right? But true nevertheless.

Chapter 13 Trustee has no power to sell your house

But in Chapter 13, clients’ house is completely safe because the Chapter 13 trustee has no power to sell any asset. There’s a liquidation analysis that compares how much unsecured creditors can get in Chapter 7 compared to the plan being proposed in Chapter 13. So, the issue that clients will deal with in Chapter 13 is how low can they go on the plan payment? They might be able to with a very low plan payment, say $300 a month, which pays $18K of the $400K. That makes it a 5% plan, i.e., they plan pays 5% of the $400k. After the $18K is fully paid in 60 months, the difference between $400K and $18K, $382K will be discharged.

Of course, the Chapter 13 trustee will try to get a higher plan payment by arguing that the value of the house is understated, but normally an appraisal report will resolve that issue, with NO RISK of losing the house because the Chapter 13 trustee has no power to sell the house. The worst possibility in a Chapter 13 is a higher plan payment than proposed, let’s say a bump up when the car payment is done, or that the case is dismissed because it’s not feasible. Unlike in a Chapter 7, once the value of the house is in question, the next day there will be a for sale sign on your front lawn and your house will be listed on the MLS on the same day.

Almost impossible to dismiss Chapter 7 case

You might think that there’s no problem because you can always have your Chapter 7 case dismissed. Think again because it’s almost impossible to get out of a Chapter 7 case once the petition is completely filed.

Converting Chapter 7 to Chapter 13

The only feasible way of getting out of the Chapter 7 case once the Chapter 7 trustee has targeted your house for sale is the convert your case to Chapter 13. To convert your case to Chapter 13, you will have to prove that you have the wherewithal, the income, to qualify for Chapter 13. This is like a square circle. In Chapter 7, you show you have no disposable income while on a Chapter 13 you have to show you have disposable income to fund a plan. In any event, you will have to pay the Chapter 7 trustee administration fees in full in your Chapter 13. Good luck on that. Just a motion

* * *

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section, Estates and Trusts section, and Immigration law sections of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT FOR RENT

to employ a realtor for the Chapter 7 trustee costs a bundle. By bundle I mean between $5K to $10K. By the time your house is listed on the MLS, the Chapter 7 trustee administration fees can reach $35K for two weeks of work. Nothing unusual about that. That’s all in the playbook. Trust me on this; you do not ever want your house to be in the crosshairs of the Chapter 7 trustee. You will be in the lion’s den like Daniel. But in Daniel’s case, our Lord God Almighty closed all the mouths of the lions in the den and Daniel got out of it without a scratch the next morning.

God’s plans are to prosper you not to harm you

Despite all your problems, you can rest assured that our God’s plans are to prosper you and not to harm you.

“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” Jeremiah 29:11. What can be clearer than this that God loved as so that He sent His only beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who also loved us so, to die for us, to give us a chance to spend eternity with them in heaven. What an awesome and glorious plan for us underserving humans!”

Our God can and does wonders beyond our imagination. When you think all is lost, divine intervention springs out of nowhere to resolve your problems. “Do not call to mind the former things, or consider things of the past. Behold, I am going to do something new, now it will spring up; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert,” Isaiah 43:18-19.

Believe it or not, Walt Disney, filed for Chapter 7 not once, but twice before his Disney global empire became successful. He went on to become a billionaire after getting rid of all his debt twice. Milton Hershey, of Hershey chocolates, the biggest chocolate business in the world, also filed for Chapter 7 once before he became successful and a billionaire.

If you have too much debt and need relief, please set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally.

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

* * * Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 2841142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)

and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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On Medicaid redetermination

By the national asian Pacific center (naPca)

RECENTLY, NAPCA’s Senior Assistance Center has received several calls regarding Medicaid Redetermination. We want to share some of the questions in this month’s column.

What does medicaid redetermination mean?

Prior to the pandemic, states were required to renew coverage for people with Medicaid coverage at least once a year and to disenroll individuals who no longer qualified for coverage. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress acted to ensure Americans did not lose access to critical health care by preventing states from terminating a person’s Medicaid coverage, even if they no longer qualified. Now that the PHE (public health emergency) has ended, federal law requires states to restart regular Medicaid renewals.

This means that over the next 12 months, everyone with health care coverage through Medicaid will renew their coverage.

What do I need to do for Medicaid Redetermination?

For people with Medicaid coverage:

• UPDATE your contact information with your state Medicaid agency.

• RESPOND to the Medicaid renewal form when it arrives to keep your coverage.

• CONSIDER OTHER COVERAGE OPTIONS: If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, check if you can get coverage through your employer, through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace at HealthCare.gov, or through Medicare.

What do I do if I lose Medicaid coverage though the redetermination process?

If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you can transition to another form of health coverage, such as the Affordable Care

Act Marketplace, employersponsored coverage, or Medicare. You can re-apply for Medicaid to find if you still qualify. Some options open their own Special Enrollment Period and Signup timeframe window. Please contact us if you have any questions about the SEP.

I am currently enrolled in Medicaid in California. Recently I got a part-time job, and I am worried that I may lose my Medicaid coverage after the Medicaid Redetermination process. What is the threshold for Medicaid in California?

Medicaid is a State run program for certain people with limited income and assets. It means each state has its own eligibility. In the case of CA, you are still eligible for Medicaid,

• if you are single and your income is below $1,677 per month, or

• if you are a married couple and your household income is below $2,268 per month.

If you are 65 or older, you have an asset limit as well that is $130,000 for single or $195,000 for couple.

Please contact us to get the information about Medicaid eligibility or contact your local Medicaid office to check your Medicaid eligibility in the state where you live. *

Arjo Atayde teases wedding with Maine Mendoza is ‘soon;’ pushes for Eddie Garcia bill passage

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

MANILA – Actor-politician Arjo Atayde is containing his excitement for his upcoming wedding to Maine Mendoza, rumored to be happening at the end of the month.

Arjo attended the 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at Quezon City’s Batasang Pambansa, but like last year, did not bring a plus-one.

The actor-politician mostly kept away from cameras before and after the event, however, TV5’s Von Belinario was able to ask Arjo if he had any wedding jitters.

“I’m just excited, ‘yun na lang sasabihin ko,” Arjo said with a smile.

Asked if the wedding was going to be on July 28 — a source told Philstar.com that Arjo and Maine will tie the knot this weekend in Baguio — Arjo only said it was “soon.”

Apart from his general thoughts of SONA 2023, Arjo was also asked about the possibility of the Eddie Garcia bill becoming law in the current session of Congress.

The Eddie Garcia bill,

‘KDLex,’ ‘LoiNie’ share...

From Page 9

characters that are goal-oriented and serious about life,” she pointed out.

Prior to playing Baby, Loisa said she watched a number of series and movies that had a similar theme. “Mostly stories featuring professional thieves, or those with characters preying on rich people.

I wanted to understand the dynamics in projects like this,” she said.

Ronnie, on the other hand, chose to interview his friends and their colleagues who are part of the police force.

“I was afraid that if I’d watch films, I would unconsciously copy these characters. I want my role to be unique and not just a copycat of Cardo Dalisay (in ‘FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’), for example. Of course, I still had to observe my friends in relation to their mannerisms and how they talk,” he explained.

A coproduction of ABS-CBN Entertainment and TV5, “PiraPirasong Paraiso” premiered on July 25 and airs weekdays at 3 p.m. It also airs every Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

Directed by Raymund B. Ocampo and Roderick Lindayag and produced by Dreamscape Entertainment, it also stars Sunshine Dizon, Markus Paterson, Epy Quizon, Snooky Serna and Art Acuña. Airing right after it at 3:50 p.m. is “Nagaapoy na Damdamin,” starring JC de Vera, Tony Labrusca, Ria Atayde and Jane Oineza.

named after the late legendary actor, aims to protect workers and independent contractors in the local entertainment industry. Garcia passed away in June 2019 at 90 years old following an accident while filming a series.

The bill, which Arjo co-

authored, had unanimously passed the House on a third reading earlier this February and awaits Marcos’ signature.

Arjo shared that he and fellow congressman Toff de Vencia, himself also bill coauthor involved in the local entertainment business,

have been working on the bill’s full passage but acknowledged there’s been an imbalance between actors and producers — somewhat similar to the ongoing actors’ strike in Hollywood.

“As an actor myself coming from the industry, I know there’s much to develop, but for it to be recognized is already a must,” Arjo said. “It has to be deliberated properly but for now definitely, bias aside, I think there’s still things to improve.”

Prior to SONA 2023, the noontime variety show “E.A.T.” threw a bridal shower party for Maine wherein co-hosts Paolo Ballesteros, Wally Bayola, and Zombie pretended to be macho dancers while Ryzza Mae Dizon, Joey Generoso, Carren Eistrup, and Ice Seguerra all performed song numbers.

Both Arjo and Maine’s families met last June for the traditional “pamamanhikan” where individuals ask for the blessings of their spouse-to-be’s parents to wed.

Arjo and Maine were engaged last July, four years after they first met (and exactly nine years after Maine’s viral “Arjo cutie” tweet), but have remained mum about a specific wedding.

Arjo Atayde and Maine Mendoza as featured in Mega Entertainment in June this year. Instagram photo/@mainedcm