072823 - San Francisco Edition

SF Consulate okays big batch of overseas voting

SAN FRANCISCO – A total of 2,675 overseas voting applications filed from April 1 to June 30, 2023, were approved July 17 at a hearing of the Philippine Consulate’s Resident Election Registration Board (RERB)

The Consulate’s RERB has so far approved a total of 3,793 applications since registration of overseas voters resumed on December 9 last year.

The registration board comprises Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano as chair and Vice Consul Adrian Baccay and Genevieve Ferrer as members.

The Consulate, along with other Philippine embassies and consulates worldwide, will continue registering overseas voters until September 30, 2024.

Filipino citizens (including dual citizens) who will be outside the Philippines, are at least 18 years of age on 12 May 2025, and

Clarkson commits to play for Gilas in FIBA World Cup

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

In Marcos’ second SONA, economic achievements take limelight

by Ramon Royandoyan Philstar.com

missed the mark on key

economic issues. Marcos Jr. devoted a chunk of his second address on Monday, July 24 to hammering home these achievements, ranging from “stellar” economic growth, and agricultural production, to infrastructure projects.

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

by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

EXECUTIVE Secretary Lucas Bersamin

on Tuesday, July 25 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

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

by Luisa moRaLes Philstar.com

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

“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

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

• The significant drop in the country’s inflation rate from 8.7% in January to 5.4% in June was said to stabilize prices of important commodities.

• Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects inflation

Philippines

projected

to

be world’s 14th largest economy by 2075

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 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

The Philippine women’s national football team Photo from Instagram/@pilipinaswnt

Clarkson commits to play for Gilas...

assignments.

Clarkson saw action for Gilas during 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 makes its FIBA World Cup debut against Dominican Republic. (Richard Dy/ManilaTimes.net)

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 decadeslong 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

Jordan Clarkson Photo from Instagram/@jordanclarksons

What Marcos said in his second...

PAGE 1

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

Philippines projected to be world’s...

PAGE 1

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

PH open to all options to address...

PAGE 1

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.

“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

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.

u PAGE 4

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

Philippine national team makes...

PAGE 1

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 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)

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

SONA VIEWING. A makeshift viewing area is set up at the Manila North Cemetery on Monday, July 24 for visitors to watch the second State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. One of the memorable parts of Marcos’ speech was the vow to expand Kadiwa stores, which sell affordable food items, including in far-flung communities. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

SF Consulate okays big batch of overseas...

are not otherwise disqualified by law, may register with the Consulate as overseas voters for the 2025 Philippine National Elections. The Consulate’s method of overseas voting is postal voting, where official ballots are sent to the overseas voter’s preferred address via mail.

PAGE 3

Water

• “Considering its fundamental importance, water 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.

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

was launched. This will provide beneficiaries who are “food poor” with P3,000 worth of food credits in the latter half of 2023.

• 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-BetterMore 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 BuildBetter-More program,” he said.

“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.

registration board comprises Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano as chair and Vice Consul Adrian Baccay and Genevieve Ferrer as members. Inquirer.net photo

ongoing overseas voting regisThe

is available on the

tration

• 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.

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 Technology-Business 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 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

• 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)

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 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

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

by Gabriel PabiCo lalu Inquirer.net

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 “so-called 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 high-impact 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 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

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.

“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)

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 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

• 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

SESSION OPENS. Senators sing the Philippine national anthem during the opening of the 2nd Regular Session of the 19th Congress at the Senate Building in Pasay City on Monday (July 24, 2023). Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri vowed that the chamber would remain a safe civic space where anyone can come to share views. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

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

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

Editorial

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

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

Strike 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)

Marcos trumpets Maharlika but skips...

PAGE 5

the MIF will come from stateowned banks like LBP, which already use their “surplus” funds to fulfill their mandates.

In the case of LBP, it serves 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.

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 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)

Health workers give Pres. Marcos a ‘failed’ rating for first year in office

by Faith argosino Inquirer.net

chronic understaffing while contractualization among our ranks are increasing,” he added.

added.

Among the promises Marcos made but has not yet fulfilled include:

2

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.”

Defenders of the MIF have touted its potential to offer the 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

MANILA — Members of the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) gave President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 24 a “failed” rating for his first year in office as they expressed their dismay over his “Health for All” thrust, describing it as an “empty rhetoric” and mere “hollow promises.”

“In his first SONA, President Marcos Jr. vowed to exert all efforts to improve the welfare of our health workers but in reality, he did not take any steps to fulfill his promise,” Robert Mendoza, the AHW national president, said after the chief executive’s second State of the Nation Address.

“In his one year in term, the health workers’ situation further placed to more misery: wages are low, and tax is high, benefits and allowances are unimplemented, public hospitals suffer a

The group also denounced the passage of the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) and Marcos’ move to lift the COVID-19 state of public health emergency nationwide last July 21.

“The government has money for the Maharlika Investment Fund, but when it comes to salary increases and the welfare of our health workers it always has nothing. MIF will only benefit profiteers and corrupt government officials and not the health workers and the Filipino people,” AHW said, partially in Filipino.

“Lifting the state of health emergency in the country, with no concrete, comprehensive and scientific plan in curbing the virulent disease is an abandonment of the DOH and Marcos Jr administration to health workers’ safety, protection and welfare and people’s right to health,” it

• increasing the entry salary of public and private health workers to P33,000

• releasing delayed and unpaid health emergency allowance from 2021 to 2023 and performance-based bonuses from 2021 to 2022

• mass hiring of regular health workers.

“Health workers vow to fight for their constitutional rights to security of tenure, better working conditions, a living wage, equitable benefits, collective bargaining and negotiations, and the right to petition the government to redress grievances,” the AHW said.

“Lastly, we will not allow this government to abandon its primordial duty to ensure health workers’ and people’s safety and well-being.” n

STAY CONNECTED. A seller of subscriber identity module (SIM) cards sorts out his wares at his store in Manila on Monday, July 24. He constantly reminds buyers to register until Tuesday, July 25, the final deadline for the extended registration of SIM cards. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

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, 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 co-author 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.

Pops returns to TV in OPM-inspired anthology

AFTER focusing her energies on live productions here and around the world, the Philippines’ irreplaceable Concert Queen, Pops Fernandez, is set to make a dazzling comeback to television. Her return promises to captivate audiences with a fresh and enchanting concept that revolves around heartwarming young love stories, infused with the soul-stirring sounds of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

Fernandez is gearing up for the highly-awaited premiere of TV5's new romance drama anthology, “For the Love,” on July 29. With the OPM icon at the helm, the series will showcase love and loss portrayed by some of the most promising artists of this generation.

“For the Love” brings a delightful blend of nostalgia and modernity, expertly curated with classic and contemporary OPM hits from the legendary Viva Records label.

Behind the camera, a pool of talented up-and-coming directors, including JP Laxamana, Rod Marmol, Joel Ferrer and Dustin Celestino, has diligently crafted each of the 13 episodes, ensuring a rich and diverse storytelling experience.

“For the Love” features an exciting lineup of love teams,

by Dale Calanog Inquirer.net

FORMER “It’s Showtime” mainstays Coleen Garcia and Billy Crawford were missing each other when they celebrated their ninth year as a couple on Sunday, July 23.

you never let a single day pass without making sure I know how much and how deeply you love and appreciate me. You give me the kind of love that truly heals and nurtures growth,” wrote Garcia, who wished that the pair would “continue to bring out the best in each other.”

for giving all that you’ve got for this family even if sometimes I might fall short. You never gave up on us, that’s why we have lasted this long,” claimed Crawford who promised his wife that, “I will never stop loving you.”

showcasing today’s rising stars like Heaven Peralejo and Marco Gallo, Krissha Viaje and Wilbert Ross, as well as Bea Binene and Gab Lagman, among others. Besides hosting the show and narrating these touching stories, Fernandez will deliver a show that’s unique since she will also serenade viewers with the featured OPM love song in each episode. Giving a taste of just how she plans to tug at heartstrings with her singing, the Concert Queen delivered a beautifully haunting rendition of the Side A classic, “Kahit Kailan,” which is also the title of the maiden episode.

Happy to be back on TV and doing what she does best, the ever-youthful Fernandez, whose love life has always been an open book in show business, teased, “You all have to watch this, because as everyone knows, I always give the best relationship advice.” (Manilatimes.net)

Jeannie Mai Jenkins and Cheryl Burke

POPULAR TV personalities Jeannie Mai Jenkins (“The Real”) and Cheryl Burke (“Dancing with the Stars”) will host the 10th Miss Filipina International (MFI) on August 5, 2023, at the International Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

Mario Lopez of “Access TV” will join as a special guest presenter along with the reigning Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee as co-host.

The exciting news was announced by Worldwide Media Entertainment Corp., headed by Geoffrey Jimenez, chairman of the board of directors, the new owner of MFI which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. He is also the executive producer of the MFI show.

“We are thrilled and honored to have Jeannie, Cheryl and Mario join us,” Jimenez said. “They will add excitement and glamour to the Miss Filipina International pageant. Jeannie’s experience as a host of top prestigious pageants like Miss Universe and Miss USA is unparalleled. And Cheryl’s record-breaking 26 seasons with ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is an outstanding experience which she will bring to a live show like the Miss Filipina International.”

A community leader and arts patron, Jimenez is passionately committed to elevating MFI as a showcase of the Philippines’ rich legacy in arts and culture and the beauty and talent of Filipina women. Proud of his immigrant roots, Jimenez staunchly supports Filipino talents in various fields, especially in entertainment.

Under Jimenez’s stewardship, MFI is the first ever Filipina beauty pageant to be held at The

Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom, the prestigious venue of the Golden Globe Awards, the Academy nominees luncheon, Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party and other high-profile events.

It’s the first time that the two Daytime Emmy Award winners, Lopez and Mai Jenkins, who have hosted Miss Universe in separate years, and Primetime Emmy nominee Burke, will be together at a Filipina beauty pageant. Forty candidates, all beautiful Filipinas, are vying for Miss Filipina International 2023.

Mai Jenkins, who hosted Miss Universe 2023 in January this year, is the host of “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation,” executive producer of the anti-sex-trafficking documentary “Stopping Traffic,” and creator of the travel and lifestyle series, “Hello Hunnay.” Previously, she co-hosted the Daytime Emmy-winning talk show, “The Real,” for eight seasons. Burke is a second-generation Filipina American TV personality, podcaster and mental health advocate. She is best known for the hit ABC reality show, “Dancing with the Stars.” Additional projects for Burke included her taking over “Dance Moms.”

She has her third podcast, titled “Sex, Lies and Spray Tans,” with iHeart Media which will launch on August 21.

Lopez, is a New York Times bestselling author, nationally syndicated iHeart Radio host and co-host of NBC’s “Access Hollywood.”

Dee, the reigning Miss Universe Philippines, is the show’s special guest co-host. She is an actress, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate of various causes.

Lisa Lew, multiple Daytime Emmy winner (“Cristina’s

Court” and “Judge Judy” and the groundbreaking “Last Shot with Judge Gunn”) is the producer of MFI. Joseph Carolei, Daytime Emmy-winning director of “The Talk” and the 43rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, will direct MFI, which promises to be one of the best and most thrilling live events this year.

On the August 5 black tie coronation night, the 40 MFI candidates, representing various states across America and several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and the Philippines, will compete in the pageant which salutes the Filipina – multi-faceted, talented, versatile and confident.

The candidates were revealed in a press presentation at the Oasis Terrace of The Beverly Hilton.

In the coronation night to be presided over by Mai Jenkins and Burke, a celebration of the Philippines and its people, rich culture, arts and fashion, the 40 women will vie for these titles: Miss Filipina International; Miss Tourism; First Runner-up; Second Runner-up; and Third Runner-up.

MFI is a Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) franchise, in partnership with Jonas Gaffud’s Empire Philippines. Three MFI winners will be eligible to compete next year in Miss Universe Philippines while two MFI winners will vie in The Miss Philippines pageant.

The pair, who had to be reminded by well-wishers and “timelines” about their anniversary, seemed to have celebrated their anniversary miles away from each other, as Crawford is scheduled for performances in France.

The distance, however, did not stop the two from expressing their love and gratitude for each other, as both penned touching messages on Instagram.

In her Instagram post, Garcia uploaded a snap of the couple, sharing a kiss, during their wedding in 2018.

The “Love Me Tomorrow” actress, in her post’s caption, told her husband how grateful she is that even after almost a decade together, he still makes her feel loved every single day.

“Nine years of saying ‘I love you, too’ [emoji] I can’t even begin to put it all into words. You know how I feel, you know my heart, and you know how grateful I am for you. Even after 9 years,

The actress-TV host, who clinched a best actress trophy from a film festival abroad for the film “Kaluskos,” shared how her partner is a reminder of God’s “far better” plans for her life.

“I love you (and miss you) sooo so much. So I just want to honor you now for being the partner I never even knew how to pray for. You’re one of the constant things that remind me that God’s design for my life is far better than what I could ever imagine for myself. Thank you for being everything I have ever needed—and will ever need—in a partner. [emoji].”

Crawford, on his Instagram post, also uploaded snaps from their wedding including one wherein Garcia is wiping his tears. Echoing his wife’s sentiments, the singer-actor wanted to also honor his partner, who he credited for the new milestone in their relationship.

“I truly want to honor my wife on our anniversary. Thank you

“Love, you have given up so much and you deserve happiness and love. I will NEVER stop loving you and I will always be thankful for you. To the strongest, smartest, sexiest, loyal, lovable partner any man could have, Happy 9th my everything and May God continue to shower us with His grace and continue to protect our family from any harm,” the former Kapamilya artist told Garcia.

Crawford, who — earlier in the month — shared how it “hurts my heart to be away from my family,” once again expressed how much he is missing home.

“Gosh I miss you sooooooooooooo dang much. And I love you till my last breath. I really can’t wait to come back into your arms. [emojis] bisous (kisses) my love.”

The pair, who revealed their relationship on “It’s Showtime” in 2014, marked their fifth year as a married couple in April, by taking a trip to Tagaytay. They welcomed their son, Amari, in September 2020. (EDV)

to host Miss Filipina International 2023

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

and a $5,000 gift cer-

prize

Dancing with the Stars alum, podcaster and mental health advocate Cheryl Burke

Photo by Sthanlee B. Mirador

In her new TV series, “For the Love,” Concert Queen Pops Fernandez presents compelling stories of young love both in narration and in song.

Arjo Atayde and Maine Mendoza Instagram photo/@mainedcm

Billy Joe Crawford and Coleen Garcia Crawford with their son Amari.

Instagram photo/@coleen

MFI executive producer Geoffrey Jimenez

Photo by Ken Hugh Access Hollywood co-host and bestselling author Mario Lopez

Reality TV/talk show host, documentary executive producer and travel/ lifestyle series creator Jeannie Mai Jenkins tificate from iSkin for each of the First, Second and Third Runners-up. The winner will also get 20 restaurant-quality healthy meals from FlexPro Meals and a

month’s supply of Celsius Beverages. MFI’s sponsors include Philippine Airlines, BMW, Jojo Bragais Shoes, Narcisa Pheres (MFI

crown designer), iSkin Beverly Hills, Biaggi Luggage, Bell Beachwear, The Beverly Hilton, See’s Candies Manila, FlexPro Meals and Celsius Beverages.

Presidio Tunnel Tops to expand with new picnic, gathering space

SAN FRANCISCO – The

Presidio Trust on recently announced it will expand the iconic Presidio Tunnel Tops by adding new parkland for a picnic and gathering area along with high demand visitor amenities. The significant extension will be just west of the Outpost nature playground and will be known as the Outpost Meadow.

The announcement comes as Presidio Tunnel Tops marks its first anniversary. Since opening on July 17, 2022, the hugely popular destination has hosted nearly 1.8 million visits, wel-

comed 100 community-based organizations and featured a dozen large community-curated events drawing thousands from across the Bay Area. The Outpost playground itself has been a major attraction, with 400,000 visitors coming to climb, crawl, and swing over the last 12 months. The new gathering space will be just yards away, providing much needed seating and amenities for families and other visitors to that area of the park.

“Every day we see the joy on people’s faces at Presidio Tunnel Tops,” says Presidio

Trust CEO Jean Fraser. “We’re excited to be expanding the picnic and gathering areas so more families and friends can comfortably enjoy the magnificent views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay.”

More community benefit

Presidio Tunnel Tops was created following years of planning during which the Presidio Trust, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and National Park Service hosted public workshops around San Francisco and solicited online comments to learn what would make the national park site welcoming and accessible to everyone.

More than 10,000 people participated in the process. Picnic areas consistently ranked at the top of the list of needed park amenities. Not surprisingly, the existing picnic areas at Presidio Tunnel Tops have been overwhelmingly popular, demonstrating the demand for more group gathering space, especially near the playground.

“This new phase of expansion for the Presidio ensures that the park remains an inclusive and welcoming gathering space for the entire San Francisco community,” said Lyslynn Lacoste, former director of Bayview Hunters Point Mobilization for Adolescent Growth in our Communities (BMAGIC) and a decade-long Presidio community partner. “The Presidio continues to offer a place of healing and wellness, which is critical to many PAGE

Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Vice 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.

Photos courtesy of James Corner Field Operations

THE epidemic of childhood obesity, which obviously parallels the incidence among adults, has contributed to the explosion of metabolic syndrome, the most common cause of major illnesses our society faces today. The word “metabolic” refers to the biochemical processes and physiology governing the body’s normal functions to achieve homeostasis (balanced, healthy state).

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is also called Insulin resistance Syndrome or Syndrome X. This is a cluster of medical risk factors – high blood pressure, high fasting blood sugar and cholesterol/ triglyceride levels, and excess body fat around the waist – that increase the likelihood of heart attacks, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. This syndrome, which is usually without symptoms, except for an expanding waistline, might someday overtake smoking as a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases and deaths.

How common is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is very common in the United States.

About 35 percent of all adults and 50 percent of those aged 60 and over have this syndrome.

The “seeds” for this condition are planted while the fetus is in the womb and continue during childhood, where the children’s DNA are gradually damaged by unhealthy diet, habits, and behavior of the mother and the children themselves, starting from the crib. Children drinking soft drinks, diet or regular, cola or uncola, are 40 percent more prone to develop metabolic syndrome, starting with weight gain and then childhood obesity, later, hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. Soft drinks are also toxic to adults as well, with 40 percent risk also, according to the US National Institute of Health.

What are the metabolic risk factors?

Excess body weight, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol excess are all risk factors for developing metabolic syndrome, besides damages in the genes. With metabolic syndrome, there is also increased insulin resistance, where the hormone called insulin produced by our pancreas

Metabolic syndrome

is having difficulty getting into the cells to perform its normal job in sugar metabolism. As a result, the blood glucose (sugar) is not metabolized and absorbed by the cells properly (to provide us energy) and its level goes up (high blood sugar and A1C levels), resulting in type 2 diabetes.

Excessive caloric intake (overeating, especially rice and other non-vegetable carbohydrates) and lack or absence of exercise, leading to overweight condition or obesity, are the main factors that contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome. While heredity is a factor, it is outweighed by lifestyle, behavior, and habits. Filipinos have

11.3 percent incidence of diabetes compared to Chinese, 4.4 percent, because of rice consumption and other carbohydrates (including bread, ice cream, sweets, etc). Chinese eat smaller amount of rice, and they also eat a lot of vegetables, tofu, and nuts daily. Many of them are vegetarians. Low carb is healthier.

Are chubby kids healthy?

Absolutely NOT! While growing up, I remember society’s concept that a chubby child was a healthy child. Medically, it could not be farther from the scientific truth. Even today, television shows feature chubby kids as actors, which sends a bad signal to the viewers. Children who are overweight, who are not guided and disciplined to portion their caloric intake, especially from rice and other carbohydrates (bread, sweets), will become obese adults and face all the disease consequences of obesity, including cancer. Obesity is a significant risk factor in the development of cancer. The earlier the appropriate dieting starts, the better for the child’s health and longevity as an adult.

Are snorers prone to this syndrome?

Those who snore and do not get a restful sleep should undergo a Sleep Study. If the test shows they have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which could sometimes cause prolonged breath-holding and cardiac arrest, they could benefit from the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine every time they go to sleep. OSA increases the risk for metabolic syndrome and the cluster of diseases listed above, including cancer.

How do we prevent metabolic syndrome?

As with any illnesses, prevention is the key. In my book,

“Let’s Stop ‘Killing’ Our Children” (www.philipSchua.com), I have highlighted the fundamental principle that disease prevention must be a proactive and pre-emptive strategy starting from the cellular level (in the womb and in the crib) to protect the child’s DNA from any damages that will lead to diseases. Maternal lifestyle, habits, and health during pregnancy are essential in shielding the DNA of the fetus from toxic substances in its time in the womb and in the crib after delivery. The protection includes dieting for the baby starting from the crib and onward to teen years and adulthood. By protecting the DNA, these children (future adults) will not have to be saddled with the illnesses most of us have today, heredity considered, as I have alluded to earlier. What is the treatment?

Greater awareness of the metabolic syndrome and its health consequences is the key and a major part of the management of this serious condition. Since this is a cluster of diseases, the treatment is tailored to the individual’s presenting illness(es), like high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problem, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, etc. The single most essential one is lifestyle changes to a healthier one: proper weight maintenance by caloric control (especially rice, bread, and other carbohydrates restriction), daily physical exercise, abstinence from tobacco, minimal alcohol use, if any, stress management by having adequate restful sleep, relaxation, regular vacation, and regular medical-dental check-up. While this will be a life-long endeavor, the reward is great and worth all the effort – much less illnesses, better health, and longevity.

* * * 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.

* * *

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

A nurse’s American dream comes true...

nurse in Singapore and had to leave her daughter to be raised by her relatives in the Philippines. This situation was difficult because it was a déjà vu of how Rina’s life was growing up when she was separated from her parents, and she did not want this for her child.

After six years, the retrogression was lifted, and Rina tried to revive her petition from the facility. Unfortunately, the new management was no longer offering employment and had to withdraw the sponsorship.

Desperate to find a way to reunite with her parents and to be able to bring her children, Rina and her family explored other possibilities. They found another place who was willing to sponsor Rina.

The family had also retained leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel to help with Rina’s case, and he was able to transfer/retain the original 2006 Priority Date of the previous employer’s petition to the new employer’s case.

In July 2019, Rina’s visa was issued together with her two kids. Her husband’s visa followed soon after. Rina’s American Dream was finally fulfilled.

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

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 COV -

ERAGE 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, employer-sponsored 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.

Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Vice...

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)

Presidio Tunnel Tops to expand with...

and needed across the city.”

Creating Outpost Meadow, opening date Outpost Meadow will be created by transforming a 1.5-acre section of the parking lot east of Sports Basement into a public gathering space with views toward the bay and Golden Gate Bridge. The area will be located just west of the Outpost. The site will feature multiple picnic tables and large picnic “banquettes” with a combined seating capacity for almost 240 people. Tables will be wheelchair accessible with companion seating and ample accessible parking nearby. The picnic tables will be partially shaded, and some will offer grills. Picnic areas will be surrounded by drought tolerant vegetation which will provide shelter from the wind and offer a buffer to the roadway and parking lot. Additionally, Outpost Meadow will include lawn space for visitors to gather and play, and easier access to the popular Presidio Pop Up mobile food trucks and carts. The space will create a new entrance for the nearby Outpost playground, offering a safe and welcoming trail that can accommodate wheelchair users and strollers, making it easier for people to get to Presidio Tunnel Tops and enjoy the day comfortably. In response to feedback and use patterns at Presidio Tunnel Tops, other amenities – including expanded bike parking, drinking fountains, trash receptacles, and shade – will be incorporated.

In addition to visitor amenities, Outpost Meadow will deliver critical environmental benefits and help the park be more climate resilient. The meadow will replace asphalt with coastal habitat for native plants and wildlife. The permeable surface will absorb water during heavy rains, reducing the flooding that was seen during the recent severe winter storms. It will also improve water quality in the San Francisco Bay by redirecting some of the stormwater away from storm drains and into onsite retention basins. In total, park managers have converted about 180 acres of asphalt in the Presidio to permeable surface over the past two decades.

Sports Basement, the popular retailer and community destination, will remain in its current location and be open during construction. The parking lot next to Sports Basement will be improved and a second lot added on the north side of the building.

Construction will begin in August with the removal of a small non-historic building connected to Sports Basement to prepare the site. Outpost Meadow is expected to open to the public at the end of 2025.

Project funding, partners

The Outpost Meadow expansion is made possible through grant funding from the State of California “Outdoors for All” initiative, designed to expand outdoor and recreation opportunities for all Californians regardless of zip code or income.

“The Outpost Meadow is an

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SERVICES

exemplary project in line with Governor Newsom’s focus on equitable access to green spaces for urban communities,” said Katherine Toy, California Natural Resources Agency Deputy Secretary for Access. “We’ve seen this vision come to life at the nearby Presidio Tunnel Tops and are happy to help to expand that good work.”

Design for the Outpost Meadow was completed by James Corner Field Operations, the team that designed the award-winning Presidio Tunnel Tops and the High Line in New York City. Plant Construction will serve as the general contractor. The Presidio is one of America’s most visited national park sites, located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Spanning 1,500 acres next to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio is among the most biologically diverse parks in America. Historically a home to native peoples and a military post under three flags, its facilities have been reinvented as museums, restaurants, hotels, homes, and offices. The Presidio Trust is the federal agency that stewards the Presidio, in partnership with the National Park Service and with support from the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. The Trust sustains the Presidio by leasing homes and workplaces and offering visitor amenities. Learn more at presidio.gov and presidiotunneltops.org. (Presidio Trust Release)

Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) was able to retain the priority date from the previous petition for Rina (center), so she was able to finally reunite with her mother, Connie (left), and the rest of her family in the U.S.

Rina (3rd from left) with her two kids, and Atty. Gurfinkel (extreme right).