072922 - Northern California Edition

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Volume 21 - No. 30 • 14 Pages

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DATELINE Former Philippine team decathlete faces up to 40 years in prison for $28.4-M cannabis-related scam FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

A FORMER UCLA decathlete who once represented the Philippine national team this week pleaded guilty to fraud charges of falsely raising at least $28.4 million in a fake weed pen business from investors.

David Bunevacz, a 53-year-old serial grifter based in Calabasas, California, pleaded guilty on Monday, July 18 to one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud, according to the plea agreement filed on July 1 in the U.S. District Court.

Each crime carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, meaning Bunevacz could spend a maximum of 40 years behind bars. He was initially arrested in April and will be sentenced on Nov. 21, 2022.

As far back as 2010, Bunevacz created several businesses — including Holy Smokes Holdings LLC and Caesarbrutus LLC — that he said were involved in the budding cannabis and vaping industries.

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Immigration advocate, journalist Jose Antonio Vargas appointed to CSU Board of Trustees FILIPINO journalist and immigration advocate Jose Antonio Vargas was appointed to the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees, the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Friday, July 22 as part of a new class of higher education appointments in the state.

As founder of the immigrant education and advocacy group Define American, Vargas, 41, has also been a vocal proponent of undocumented students’ rights and the destigmatization of being undocumented.

“As a proud graduate of San Francisco State University—Class of 2004, before there was DACA, when the Dream Act was 3 years old, when there was little vocabulary and support for undocumented students—I am honored, humbled, and excited,” Vargas said in response to the appointment.

The CSU Board of Trustees is a 25-member group that oversees “regulations

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JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, SAN DIEGO, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Marcos’ first SONA: ‘The state of the nation is sound’

by NEIL

ARWIN MERCADO Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), giving a glimpse of his first few days in office and his plans for the next six years.

Unlike his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos generally did not deviate from his written speech – mostly following each word and line to a T. Marcos’ first SONA lasted for one hour and 13 minutes. In the end, Marcos said: “The state of the

nation is sound.”

Economic goals Marcos began his address by defining the economic targets the administration has set for the next six years—echoing the figures his economic team previously presented.

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Things Marcos left out in his first SONA

by FRANCO LUNA Philstar.com

MANILA — Among other things, each president’s State of the Nation Address is expected to bring relief to millions of Filipinos and a plan for the task ahead, especially with the nation in the midst of crises on several fronts.

Like the SONAs of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos was hoped to present a comprehensive pandemic roadmap with the Philippines still in the middle of yet another COVID-19 surge.

For most of his 90-day campaign, Marcos answered issues of various sectors by pointing back to his key campaign theme: Bringing the country together.

For his second national address after his inaugural speech, the chief executive did come armed with figures and statistics in his first State of the Nation Address and detailed some topics over others. Still, some questions remain: Which issues did he leave out? How will he work on them moving forward?

Here are a few top-of-mind concerns that the chief VITAL MEASURES. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urges Congress to pass 19 priority measures of his administration during his first State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on Monday, July 25. Also in photo were Senate executive skimmed over or skipped: President Juan Miguel Zubiri (left) and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

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Rappler CEO appeals CA ruling on cyber libel case

by TETCH

TORRES-TUPAS Inquirer.net

MANILA — Rappler CEO and Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa and former researcher Reynaldo Santos Jr. have asked the Court of Appeals (CA) to reconsider its decision affirming their cyber libel conviction.

In its 32-page motion for reconsideration filed July 22 but made public Tuesday, July 26, Ressa and Santos, through the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), said the CA violated their rights when it extended the prescription period for cyber libel and applied it retroactively against the two.

“This Court erred in not recognizing that every doubt should be indulged in favor of

appellants Santos Jr. and Ressa,” read the motion for reconsideration.

It explained that a fundamental principle in criminal law states that the case shall be resolved in favor of the accused in case of doubt.

“This rule commands courts such as this one that when the law admits of several competing interpretations, the interpretation most favorable to the accused should apply,” it said.

A prescriptive period is a period set under the law within which a complaint can be filed. For example, under the Revised Penal Code, prescription period for libel is one year.

However, the Manila Court that convicted

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Debris of a construction site in La Trinidad, Benguet following the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Abra earlier on Wednesday, July 27.

Photo courtesy of NDRRMC

Juan Ponce Enrile takes oath as Magnitude 7 earthquake jolts president’s chief legal counsel Abra, other parts of Luzon

by CATHERINE

S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

FORMER Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile on Tuesday, July 26 took his oath as chief legal counsel of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Malacañang said.

Press Secretary Rose Beatrix “Trixie” Cruz-Angeles said that Enrile was sworn into office by the President.

“I have formally appointed former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile as chief presidential HE’S BACK. Former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile takes his oath on Tuesday, July 26.

Malacañang photo legal counsel,” Marcos said in a

social media post.

“I have full confidence in Enrile’s ability and experience as a public servant, that’s why I hope that the provision of legal assistance on the future actions of our administration will be improved,” he added.

Enrile, 98, was a staunch supporter of Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio during the 2022 elections.

Following his nomination on June 17, Enrile reaffirmed his commitment to serve the country and ensure the success of the

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MANILA — A magnitude 7 earthquake struck inland in the northern province of Abra Wednesday morning, July 27, killing at least one person and badly damaging buildings and roads, and sending strong tremors through Metro Manila.

The strong quake centered two kilometers northeast of Langilang, Abra, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported.

Its magnitude was initially placed at 7.3.

A 25-year-old man was killed by falling debris, said Abra Vice

Governor Joy Bernos, when the quake struck at 8:43 a.m. at a depth of 25 kilometers.

“Despite the sad reports about the damages caused by the earthquake, we are assuring quick response to those in need and affected by this calamity,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Facebook.

According to officials, a hospital in Abra was evacuated after the building partially collapsed following the quake, but no casualties were reported.

Bernos posted photos of the

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JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

From the Front Page

Things Marcos left out in his first...

PAGE 1 1. Human rights and the war on drugs Not once did the chief executive mention human rights and illegal drugs in his speech.

Under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s flagship campaign against illegal narcotics, official police figures acknowledge over 6,200 deaths in anti-drug operations since July 2016.

Police leadership earlier claimed the number was as high as 8,000 but eventually dialed this back by thousands without explanation. However, rights groups both here and abroad say the real number may be as high as 30,000.

Marcos has said he intended to pursue Duterte’s drug war with a different approach, but he has not signaled if he would cooperate with the International Criminal Court’s investigation.

At an earlier webinar, former PCGG commissioner Ruben Carranza said the Marcos family

intends to maintain Duterte.

“Any action that will open accountability of presidents past and even further in the past will obviously re-open questions around the accountability of the Marcos family. And the Marcoses will defend their ill-gotten wealth for as long as they can,” he said.

2.

Labor issues and contractualization Marcos touched on agrarian reform, poor workplace conditions and intellectual property problems of those in creative industries. He also urged the Department of Migrant Workers to ensure it was accessible to overseas Filipino workers.

The president, however, made scant mention of other issues facing workers.

Workers from various sectors and industries gathered earlier ahead of Marcos’ SONA, dubbed the State of the Labor Address to discuss the current situation of workers in the Philippines.

In her speech at the event, Julie Ann Gutierrez of Kilos Na

Manggagawa lamented the current state of contractual workers in the country.

“The number of contractual workers has worsened and increased. Out of ten workers, six or seven are contractual. We have no job security, low wages, when it comes to layoffs, we will be the first to be fired,” she said in Filipino.

“As the newly seated president said, our dreams are also his. But our dream is to be regular, to end contractualization in the country, and to be given an adequate and living wage.”

Doing away with the practice of endo contractualization was among former President Rodrigo Duterte’s main campaign promises until he eventually vetoed the anti-endo bill.

3. The transport crisis Commuter woes have been the new norm ever since the government’s coronavirus task force loosened quarantine rules to general community quarantine u PAGE 3

PAGE 1

Marcos’ first SONA...

PAGE 1

According to Marcos, the administration’s goal is to have a 6.5 to 8 percent real gross domestic product growth annually between 2023 to 2028 and reduce the country’s poverty rate to 9 percent by 2028.

Further, Marcos said tax administration reforms would be in place to increase revenue collection.

Among the initiatives the administration will push, Marcos said, is the levying of a valueadded tax on digital service providers.

“The initial revenue impact will be around P11.7 billion in 2023 alone,” Marcos said.

Agriculture Marcos, who serves as the concurrent agriculture chief, also focused on the critical issue of food security and the welfare of farmers and fishermen.

He said the loans and financial assistance for farmers and fishermen would be an “institution” in his administration.

Aside from institutionalizing loan programs, Marcos also vowed that the government would seek to provide cheaper farm inputs, fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, and feeds while modernizing the agriculture and livestock industry through science and technology.

Further, Marcos also disclosed his plans to impose a one-year moratorium on the payment of land amortization and interest payments.

“A moratorium will give the farmers the ability to channel their resources in developing their farms, maximizing their capacity to produce, and propel the growth of our economy,” Marcos said.

Marcos also asked Congress to craft a law condoning the loans of agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Tourism, infrastructure, and digitalization Marcos said he would implement basic developments such as road improvements for easier access to tourism spots for the tourism sector.

“We will also upgrade our airports and create more international airports to help decongest the bottleneck at the Manila International Airport,” Marcos said.

In terms of digitalization,

Marcos said 30-million physical national IDs and 20-million digital IDs are expected to be issued by the end of the year.

Marcos also bared his order to the Department of Information and Communications: To establish the “Broad Band ng Masa” project.

For infrastructure, Marcos said he would expand former president Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program.

“Once again, I will not suspend any of the ongoing projects as those have already been shown to be of benefit to the public that they serve,” Marcos said.

Health and social welfare Marcos said no more lockdowns will be imposed in the country despite the increase in COVID-19 infections.

The President also promised to establish the Philippines’ own Center for Disease Control and Prevention and a vaccine institute while stressing the need to establish more health centers and hospitals across the country.

“One of the cornerstones of a strong healthcare system is the provision of competent and efficient medical professionals.

We will exert all efforts to improve the welfare of our doctors, nurses, and other medical frontliners,” Marcos said.

Marcos also made his order to the Department of Social Welfare and Development clear: Implement faster response for calamity victims.

“Ang mga field office nila ay inatasan na maagang maglagak ng family food packs at non-food essentials sa mga LGU, bago pa man manalasa ang anumang kalamidad,” Marcos said.

Marcos said there should also be better coordination between the DSWD and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development for the improved implementation of the “Emergency Shelter Assistance Program” for calamity victims.

Marcos also echoed his earlier order to cleanse the list of beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Education Marcos backed the return to full face-to-face classes, saying Education Secretary and VicePresident Sara Duterte, is now preparing for its implementation

in the next school year.

“This is one of the reasons I have directed the Department of Health and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to undertake another rollout of booster shots,” Marcos said.

The President also took note of the discussions on the K-to12 education system, saying it is being carefully reviewed.

“As for the ‘horror’ stories that we have heard about the poor quality of educational materials and supplies that are being given to our schools — this must end!”

Marcos said.

The country must also do better in the international rankings, especially regarding the STEM subject, said Marcos.

Marcos said it is up to the country’s educational system to develop and refine its incredible talent pool.

Foreign policy and migrant workers Regarding foreign policy, Marcos said he would “not preside over any process that will abandon even a square inch of the territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power.”

“With respect to our place in the community of nations, the Philippines shall continue to be a friend to all. And an enemy to none,” Marcos said.

“The Philippines has always been open and welcoming to all our foreign friends and visitors.

That is our world view, and that is our culture,” he added.

Meanwhile, Marcos said the government would launch a command center that mainly focuses on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in distress and needing to be repatriated back to the Philippines.

Marcos also vowed to remove red tape in pursuing digital empowerment, noting plans to automate the verification of contracts and issue secure Overseas Employment Certifications that can be kept in smartphones.

He called on the Department of Migrant Workers to make this initiative a top priority.

The President also said the Philippine government is coordinating with the government of Saudi Arabia to u PAGE 4

Dateline USa

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022

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Things Marcos left out in his first...

PAGE 2

EVACUATION. Employees of the Philippine Information Agency along Visayas Avenue in Quezon City wear safety helmets after evacuating the building, following the magnitude 7 earthquake that struck Abra and other parts of Luzon on Wednesday, July 27. Intensity IV was reported in Quezon City.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

Magnitude 7 earthquake jolts Abra...

PAGE 1 damaged Abra hospital on her Facebook account, which showed a gaping hole in its facade.

Other photos showed hospital beds, including one with a patient being wheeled across a road and evacuated hospital staff.

Renato Solidum, director of the state seismology agency, told DZRH radio station, strong aftershocks were expected.

“The focus of attention is on Abra and nearby provinces. This is a major earthquake,” Solidum said, adding that landslides had been reported in some parts of Abra, particularly in the town of Manabo.

Abra, home to nearly 250,000 people, is a landlocked province in the northern Philippines.

Rugged mountains enclose its deep valleys and sloping hills.

The Philippines is prone to natural disasters and is located on the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a band of volcanoes and fault lines that arcs round the edge of the Pacific Ocean. As a result, earthquakes are frequent and there are an average of 20 typhoons each year, some triggering deadly landslides.

Eric Singson, a congressman in Ilocos Sur province, also in the north, told DZMM radio station the quake had been felt strongly there and lasted 30 seconds or more.

“I thought my house would fall,” said Singson. “Now, we are trying to reach people …. Right now there are aftershocks so we are outside our home.”

The quake damaged heritage

buildings in the city of Vigan, known for its old Spanish colonial architecture, on the west coast of Luzon.

Tourist Edison Adducul told the radio he was taking photos of the Bantay Church Bell tower in Vigan when the quake struck, shaking the tower for up to three minutes.

Senator Imee Marcos said several churches were damaged.

“The antique bricks and coral stones fell down from the Bantay Bell Tower,” she said.

The quake was also felt in Metro Manila where several buildings were evacuated, with some people forced to flee from the 30th floor of one building, and the capital region’s metro rail systems were halted at rush hour.

Following are the reported intensities: • Intensity VII – Bucloc and Manabo, Abra • Intensity VI – Vigan City, Sinait, Bantay, San Esteban, Ilocos Sur; Laoac, Pangasinan; Baguio City; •Intensity V – Magsingal and San Juan, Ilocos Sur, Alaminos City and Labrador, Pangasinan; Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya; Mexico, Pampanga; Concepcion, and Tarlac City, Tarlac; City of Manila; City of Malabon • Intensity IV – City of Marikina; Quezon City; City of Pasig; City of Valenzuela; City of Tabuk, Kalinga; Bautista and Malasiqui, Pangasinan; Bayombong and Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya; Guiguinto, Obando, and San Rafael, Bulacan; San Mateo, Rizal • Intensity III – Bolinao, Pangasinan; Bulakan, Bulacan;

Tanay, Rizal • Intensity II – General Trias City, Cavite; Santa Rosa City, Laguna Below are the instrumental intensities: • Intensity VII – Vigan City • Intensity V – Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Peñablanca, Cagayan; Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Sinait, Ilocos Sur; Baguio City • Intensity IV – Gonzaga, Cagayan; Baler, Aurora; Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Ramos, Tarlac; Ilagan, Isabela; Basista, Pangasinan; Claveria, Cagayan; San Jose, Palayan City and Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; Madella, Quirino; Tabuk, Kalinga; Santiago City, Isabela • Intensity III – Quezon City; Iba, Zambales; Navotas City, Malabon City, Metro Manila; Magalang & Guagua Pampanga; Bolinao, Sison & Infanta, Pangasinan; Bulakan, San Ildefonso, Guiguinto, Plaridel, and Malolos City, Bulacan; Tarlac City, Tarlac • Intensity II – Dona Remedios Trinidad, Angat & Santa Maria, Bulacan; Tagaytay City, Cavite; Pasig City Metro Manila; Polillo, Gumaca & Infanta, Quezon • Intensity I – Tanay, Taytay, Morong, Antipolo City, Rizal; Marilao,Bulacan; San Juan City, Las Pinas City, Metro Manila; Lucban, Quezon; Subic, Zambales; Mercedes,Camarines Norte; Olongapo City, Zambales; Carmona, Cavite Phivolcs said damage and aftershocks were expected. (Neil Arwin Mercado/Inquirer.net with reports from Reuters)

in June.

While Marcos did touch on public transportation, particularly on the need to improve railways, he only did so mostly in the context of infrastructure projects he wanted his administration to push.

Transport groups have long been warning of another “shock” in the ongoing commuter crisis with most public transportation unprepared to take on the additional demand from students trooping back to schools.

What the chief executive did mention was that the Duterte administration’s infrastructure campaign would be continued moving forward. This included upgrading airports and constructing more international airports to address bottlenecks in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“It is my belief that we have missed a great opportunity to develop our rail transport system,” Marcos said.

“It is clear in my mind that railways offer great potential as it continues to be the cheapest way of transporting goods and passengers.”

Marcos reiterated the unfinished infrastructure projects started under the Duterte administration, saying these are being studied by his government, including: • North-South Commuter Railway System • Metro Manila Subway Project • North-South Commuter Railway System • LRT-1 Cavite Extension • MRT-7 •.Common Station that will connect LRT-1, MRT-3, and MRT7.

He did not mention road transport woes in the capital region or the canceled Metro Manila Bus Rapid Transit Line 1 project. He did promise “to improve our roads.”

Transport experts have said the Duterte administration was loosely focused on rail transport, which is only one part of the metro’s complex transport woes.

In an online message sent to Philstar.com, Move as One coalition convenor and transport economist Robert Siy pointed out that “Metro Manila and many Philippine cities are in a transportation crisis.”

“While railways will produce results in the longer term (some rail projects will take more than

10 years), Filipino commuters need better mobility today. This means investing much more in road-based public transportation and in infrastructure for safe walking and cycling in every city,” he said.

Out of the planned spending for infrastructure of 5-6 percent of GDP, the Move as One transport coalition suggested a target spending of 1.5 percent of GDP for road-based public transportation and for safe walking and cycling.

“Railways should remain part of the investment mix, but better balance across travel modes is needed for earlier and broadbased results,” Siy said.

4. The fuel crisis Speaking of the transport crisis, commuter groups and collectives representing transport workers have pointed out that reduced transport supply on the roads is largely caused by drivers looking for work opportunities elsewhere.

Skyrocketing gas prices are also behind muddled supply chains around the world and fueling inflation closer to home.

What Marcos put forward as a solution to the problem was urging more “ayuda” or aid and fuel subsidies, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Marcos said oil supply is expected to catch up and stabilize over the medium term with prices of crude oil barrels expected to settle down towards the end of 2022.

He also urged Congress to oversee the enactment of an enabling law for the natural gas industry.

“This primarily seeks to foster the development of the Midstream Natural Gas Industry in a bid to strengthen Philippine energy security by diversifying the country’s primary sources of energy and promoting the role of natural gas as a complementary fuel to variable renewable energy,” he said.

5. The how in blended learning Marcos simply reiterated the Department of Education’s statement that it was preparing for the push for in-person classes

by November.

Prior to the SONA, the president asserted that blended learning can still be done in some areas given the litany of issues that might arise.

This, despite DepEd Order 32 s. 2022 banning any form of “purely distance learning” and blended learning in any school

beyond October 31, with the department adopting in its place a policy pushing for the full implementation of the five-day inperson classes.

Vice President Sara Duterte, concurrently education secretary, explained in a statement issued later on that “face-to-face classes shall be the priority and blended modality shall be considered only in specific schools and areas with special circumstances.”

To date, neither Marcos nor Duterte have disclosed which schools and areas are being considered for the setup.

Marcos instead said on Monday, July 25 that “it is up to our education system to refine [our] great pool of talent.” He also said that the question of the country’s medium of instruction in schools “should be continuously questioned.”

6. Arbitral award While he touched on his administration’s “friends to all, enemy to none” foreign policy, Marcos made no mention of how he intends to assert the arbitral ruling that is irking Beijing over the South China Sea. He did, however, receive applause and standing ovation for declaring that he will “not preside over any process that will abandon even a square inch of territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power.”

He added, meanwhile, that his government “will stand firm in our independent foreign policy, with the national interest as our primordial guide. We commit to maintaining good relations with the rest of the world.”

A Senate resolution has been filed urging President Marcos to resume bilateral talks with China to promote cooperation on oil and gas development in the West Philippine Sea. Former foreign affairs secretary Albert del Rosario has also urged Marcos to uphold the country’s 2016 arbitral ruling before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the West Philippine Sea. “With respect to our place in the community of nations, the Philippines shall continue to be a friend to all, and an enemy to none. The Philippines has always been open and welcoming to all our foreign friends and visitors.

That is our worldview, and that is our culture,” Marcos said.

“We will be a good neighbor — always looking for ways to collaborate and cooperate u PAGE 5

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Dateline USa

JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Former Philippine team decathlete faces up to...

PAGE 1 Operating through his cannabis companies, Bunevacz raised between approximately $37,166,737 and $45,068,227 from more than 10 victiminvestors. He admitted to causing losses of at least $28,409,112.

A press release from the U.S. Department of Justice noted that Bunevacz lied to investors, saying he had connections to Chinese manufacturers of disposable vape pens who had research and development entities. He also forged bank statements, invoices, and purchase orders to validate

the need for investor funds.

However, according to the press release, Bunevacz used “the vast majority of the funds to pay for his own opulent lifestyle, including a luxurious house in Calabasas, Las Vegas trips, jewelry, designer handbags, a lavish birthday party for his daughter, and horses.”

According to his blog, Bunevacz is of Filipino and Hungarian descent and “is married to Philippine movie star manager Jessica RodriguezBunevacz” with whom he has three children.

He graduated from UCLA in 1993 with a degree in business management. As a team captain of the Bruin track and field team, he set the university record for javelin throw, as confirmed by the university’s records.

After graduating, Bunevacz was recruited by Philip Juico, then-chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, to compete in numerous sporting events around the globe under the Philippine flag, earning a gold medal at the South East Asian Games in 1997. (By Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

Rappler CEO appeals CA ruling on cyber...

PAGE 1 both Ressa and Santos said the prescription should be 12 years.

But the Court of Appeals said under Article 90 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), the prescription shall be 15 years. The CA also increased the penalty imposed against Ressa and Santos Jr. from six months and a day to six years in jail to six months and a day up to six years, eight months and 20 days.

FLAG said that while the

Cybercrime Prevention Act aggravates penalties when ‘computer systems are used, “it intentionally remained silent on the prescriptive period of libel.”

“For this Court to entangle the penalty attached to libel with its prescriptive period goes far beyond judicial interpretation because Article 90 of the RPC is clear and requires no interpretation: libel or other similar offenses, regardless of penalty, shall prescribe in one year,” read the motion.

They added that the CA erred in relying on the Tolentino vs.

People case when it issued its ruling against Ressa and Santos Jr. because the case was resolved through an unsigned resolution and, under the Supreme Court’s Internal Rules, it has no doctrinal value.

Rappler has been fighting at least a dozen court cases, including the shutdown order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). g

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

Marcos’ first SONA...

PAGE 2 open deployment to the mideastern country.

Priority measures In the latter part of his speech, Marcos laid down his priority measures which are as follows: • National Government Rightsizing Program (NGRP) • Budget Modernization Bill; • Tax Package 3: Valuation Reform Bill • Tax Package 4: Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act (PIFITA) • E-Government Act • Internet Transaction Act or E-Commerce Law • Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery (GUIDE) • Medical Reserve Corps • National Disease Prevention Management Authority • Department of Water Resources • Unified System of Separation, Retirement and Pension • E-Governance Act • National Land Use Act • National Defense Act

SHOW OF FORCE. Supporters of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. gather along IBP Road in Quezon City as the Chief Executive delivers his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 25. Organizers estimated that around 20,000 people from different parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces joined the event to support Marcos’ maiden SONA. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

• Mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and National Service Training Program (NSTP) • Enactment of an Enabling Law for the Natural Gas Industry • Amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act or EPIRA • Amendments to the Build-

Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law “We have assembled the best Filipino minds to help navigate us through this time of global crisis,” Marcos said.

“We will endure. Let our Filipino spirit ever remain undimmed. I know this in my mind, in my heart, in my very soul that,” he added. g

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of San José (“City”) seeks sealed bid proposals in accordance with the following.

Project Name: 9949 - ESUHSD Silver Creek Community Wi-Fi Infrastructure (“Project”) Description of Work: The Project generally involves providing WiFi access to the highest priority neighborhoods within the Silver Creek High School attendance area, and surrounding communities, through the installation of wireless radios and WiFi access points onto approximately 200 City street light poles.

Engineer’s Estimate: $1,500,000.00 FILING OF BIDS All proposals must be filed with the Director of Public Works, City of San José, City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara St., 5th Fl., San Jose, CA 95113-1905, on or before 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 18, 2022.

A representative of the Director of Public Works will publicly open and declare the aggregate bid of each bidder, using the Zoom virtual meeting platform, shortly after the filing deadline. Interested parties can access the virtual bid opening by visiting https://www.sanjoseca.gov/CIPBids.

OBTAINING PROCUREMENT DOCUMENTS The City is using Biddingo, an online bid solicitation website, to facilitate this procurement. This procurement is registered on Biddingo (https://www.biddingo.com/sanjose) under the bid number and bid name above and has the following commodity code classifications(s): 100305 - Construction - Other 025000 - Electrical Services 100903 - Engineering Services- Electrical 100906 - Engineering Services- Other 077505 - Street Lamps and Fixtures All documents and information related to this procurement, including the Project plans and specifications, are on the Biddingo website under the bid number and bid name above. Once registered, bidders can view and download information regarding this procurement, including the bid and contract documents, as well as submit questions related to the bid and contract documents.

Once a bidder views or downloads documents for this bid, the bidder becomes a “document taker.”

Biddingo will send “document takers” a notification every time the City posts an addendum, responds to a question and/or provides new information related to this procurement. Each bidder is responsible for selecting the appropriate notification options related to its Biddingo account. Following review by the City, proposals will be uploaded to Biddingo.

BIDDER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK FOR UPDATES Bidders must periodically check Biddingo to make sure the bidder has the most recent information about this procurement.

REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION Bidders must submit questions or requests for information concerning any part of this bid in writing to the City via Biddingo. The City will not respond to any communication or question submitted directly to City staff or City consultants. Submit questions via Biddingo no later than Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 3:00 pm.

All bidders are expected to have read and understand the “Procurement and Contract Process Integrity and Conflict of Interest,” sectionHeader 7 of the Consolidated Open Government and Ethics Provisions adopted on August 26, 2014, a complete copy of which can be found at https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/ showdocument?id=19565.

Any bidder who violates this policy will be subject to disqualification. The grounds for disqualification include contact regarding this procurement with any City official or employee or evaluation team member other than the Procurement Contact or Purchasing Officer from the time of issuance of this solicitation until the end of the protest period.

RELIANCE UPON INFORMATION Bidders can only rely on information obtained through Biddingo. Bidders can not rely on any other written or oral statements of the City or its officers, directors, employees or agents regarding this procurement. In the event a bidder obtains information about this procurement through any means other than Biddingo, the City will not be responsible for the completeness, accuracy or timeliness of the final bid proposal.

BID SECURITY Each bid must be accompanied by cash, a certified check, a cashier’s check or a bidder’s bond in the sum of not less than 10% of the total maximum contract amount. Checks shall be made payable to the order of the City of San José. Bonds shall be executed by a surety possessing a valid certificate of authority issued by the California Department of Insurance and shall name the City of San José as beneficiary. All bids must be addressed to the Director of Public Works, City of San José, shall bear the Project Number and Name and be in a sealed envelope.

DEPOSIT OF SECURITIES IN LIEU OF RETENTION Pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in Public Contracts Code sectionHeader 22300, the contractor may substitute certain securities for any money withheld by City as retention to ensure contractor’s performance under the contract. Such substitution of securities in lieu of retention shall be at the contractor’s request and at contractor’s sole expense. The securities shall be in an amount equivalent to the retention to be released.

PREVAILING WAGES (Municipal Affair) This project is a “public works” as defined in sectionHeaders 1720 through 1720.6 of the California Labor Code. In accordance with Chapter 14.09 of the San Jose Municipal Code entitled “Prevailing Wage Requirements for City Contracts Involving Public Works,” the contractor will be required to comply with the prevailing wage provisions in California Labor Code sectionHeaders 1720 through 1861, and the City’s Office of Equality Assurance is authorized to provide certain local enforcement of those provisions. As such, the contractor will need to pay not less than the general prevailing rate of per diem wages and the general prevailing rates for holiday and overtime work.

See sectionHeader 7-1.01a(3) of the Special Provisions for the prevailing wage requirements applicable to the contract. Copies of the prevailing rate of per diem wages and the general prevailing wage rates for holiday and overtime work in effect for this project are on file and available for your review from the City’s Office of Equality Assurance at 408-535-8430.

PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT This project is subject to the Project Labor Agreement (“PLA”) entered between the City of San José and the Santa Clara and San Benito Counties Building & Construction Trades Council. The awarded Bidder will be required to agree to the terms of the agreement by signing Addendum A – Agreement to be Bound, of the PLA agreement, and submit at the time the contract is executed.

See Attachment 6 for a copy of the PLA including Addendum A. CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS All prospective bidders are hereby cautioned that the Contractor’s State License Law regulates contractor licensing matters. The Contractor, in its bid proposal, shall be required to disclose its license type, number, and expiration date.

Bidders must have a California contractor’s license, classification C-10 to bid this project.

CONTRACTOR DIR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS The contractor and all listed subcontractors must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations in accordance with California Labor Code sectionHeaders 1725.5 and 1771.1. The City will not accept a bid in which the contractor or any of the listed subcontractors are not registered in accordance with sectionHeaders 1725.5 and 1771.1.

See sectionHeader 2-1.17 of the Special Provisions for the “registration” requirements applicable to the contract.

NONDISCRIMINATION/NONPREFERENTIAL TREATMENT The Nondiscrimination/Nonpreferential Treatment requirements of Chapter 4.08 of the San Jose Municipal Code apply to this project.

BOND REQUIREMENTS Bidder’s attention is directed to those provisions of the Specifications which require the contractor to whom the contract for the work is awarded, to file with the City Clerk at the time the contract is executed, a Contractor’s Payment Bond and a Bond for Faithful Performance meeting all the requirements of the Specifications and approved by the City Attorney of the City of San José. Bonds shall be executed by a surety possessing a valid certificate of authority issued by the California Department of Insurance and shall name the City of San José as beneficiary. The Contractor’s Faithful Performance Bond shall be for 100% of the contract amount. The Contractor’s Payment Bond shall be for 100% of the contract amount.

7/29/22 CNS-3608468# ASIAN JOURNAL (NORTHERN CALIF.)

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022

Things Marcos left out in his first...

PAGE 3

MARCOS CABINET. Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte (center, front row) joins other Cabinet members of the Marcos administration during the post-SONA economic briefing at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Tuesday, July 26. Duterte and other government executives gave updates on the projects and programs of their respective departments and agencies.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Juan Ponce Enrile takes oath as president’s...

PAGE 1

Marcos administration.

“I will devote my time and knowledge for the republic and for BBM (Bongbong Marcos) because I want him to succeed,” he said.

Enrile had served in various roles for the past 50 years, including interim Secretary of Finance from 1966 to 1968, Secretary of Justice from 1968

to 1970 and Minister of National Defense from 1972 to 1986.

When Marcos’ father, the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., declared martial law in 1972, Enrile served as Defense minister.

However, he played a key role in the 1986 EDSA Revolution that resulted in the ousting of the elder Marcos.

Enrile spent four terms in the

Senate and became the 21st Senate president during the 15th Congress from 2008 to 2013.

He also served one term in the House of Representatives as the representative of Cagayan’s first district.

In 2016, Enrile announced his plan to retire from public service.

However, three years after his supposed retirement, he joined but lost the 2019 Senate race. g

Immigration advocate, journalist Jose Antonio...

PAGE 1 and policies governing the entire CSU system,” the largest fouryear university system in the United States.

The CSU serves nearly a half million students within its 23 campuses and “are home to thousands of immigrant students and students of immigrant families of all backgrounds,” Vargas wrote.

Vargas, who published his memoir “Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen,” is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, having worked as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle from 2000 to 2004 and the Washington Post from 2004 to 2009, and as a senior contributing editor for the Huffington Post from 2009 to 2010.

In addition to Vargas, Leslie Gilbert-Lurie, an author and

consultant in the mass media space, was appointed to the CSU Board of Trustees. Newsom also announced the appointments of Elaine Batchlor, Carmen Chu, Ana Matosantos, and Mark Robinson to the University of California Board of Regents.

“These leaders from diverse backgrounds, walks of life and California regions bring a broad swath of expertise and experience to our world-class colleges and universities at a pivotal time for our state,” Newsom said in a press statement. “I look forward to continuing our work in partnership with the state’s higher education leaders to expand access to more students, create debt-free pathways, eliminate equity gaps and Jose Antonio Vargas File photo increase opportunities for the next generation of leaders to brighter future for our state.” (By achieve their dreams and build a Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

with the end goal of mutually beneficial outcomes. If we agree, we will cooperate and we will work together. If we differ, let us talk some more until we develop consensus.”

In a statement sent to reporters, Infrawatch PH said that Marcos in his SONA “failed to mention how he will deal with China, particularly the fate of ongoing and prospective development loans.”

“Policy clarity on Malacañang’s current relationship with Beijing is essential to determine whether the President will accept new development loan proposals from China, after years of delay in the last administration,” Infrawatch convenor Terry Ridon said.

“This will determine whether new Chinese loans will be subject to competitive and concessional interest rates, and whether Chinese laborers will continue to be used in place of Filipino workers in several projects,” he also said.

“This will also determine whether the new President will continue his predecessor’s unpatriotic surrender of West Philippine Sea interests in exchange for the promise of development loans from China.”

7. Peace talks Marcos made no mention of the communist insurgency, or the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s recommendation for amnesty for armed insurgents.

National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos already said the task force had made the recommendation but was yet to iron out any details. She said the final decision on amnesty and even peace talks was still up to Marcos.

Carlos has made clear her stance against red-tagging, which she called “lazy and unproductive,” but it is unclear if this will result in changes in the national government’s approach to fighting the communist rebellion.

At the NTF-ELCAC’s first meeting, Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez claimed that peace talks with rebels are still ongoing but are “more localized” this time around, as he asserted that national peace talks, which were cut short by no less than former President Rodrigo Duterte, never yielded results.

Galvez said localized peace engagements worked in some

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his first State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 25, 2022.

Philstar.com photo

regions as “the dynamic of conflicts is different in different areas.”

8. Crime and corruption Ahead of the SONA, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos told reporters that he expected the president to touch on safety and security in the country.

Marcos’ speech did not explicity include a mention of crime, corruption, safety, or security in the country and, in contrast to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s SONAs, did not issue any directives to law enforcement personnel.

But he pushed for Congress to pass the National Defense Act which he said was meant “to provide for a change in the military structure of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that is more responsive to current and future non-conventional security threats to the country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.”

Responding to those who point out that the president missed out on anti-corruption policies in his SONA, newly installed Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri argued, in an interview with CNN Philippines’ “The Source” on Tuesday: “He did through the digital framework for government.”

While not specifying digitization as an anti-corruption measure, Marcos instructed the Department of Information and Communications Technology to oversee the task of “transforming our government into an agile bureaucracy that is responsive to the needs of the public, provide good and solid data to ensure informed decision-making, as well as allow secure and seamless

5

access to public services.”

Senators urge solutions to Filipinos’ problems According to a survey of 1,200 adult Filipinos by Pulse Asia, the top “urgent national concerns” of Filipinos from June 24 to June 27 include: • Controlling inflation (57%) • Increasing pay of workers (45%) • Reducing poverty of Filipinos (33%) • Creating more jobs (29%) • Fighting graft and corruption (20%) “He can be very honest that these are the problems of the country, because that is what he has come to as president,” Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano told reporters at a press briefing in Pasay City.

“But what we need is the creativity and innovation in facing it.”

In a separate interview aired over CNN Philippines’ “The Source,” Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said that the Marcos administration “has to lay out a plan to navigate us through these external factors” behind many of the country’s problems.

“We’re facing a lot of pressures from inflation from external factors, and we need to address that at least in the next two to three years. As long as there is that incident in Ukraine and also, the Feds hiking interest rates will face a lot of pressures here in the Philippines, especially on inflation,” he said.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros at her State of the People Address also cautioned Filipinos that administration officials would play down real concerns over the national situation.

“I think we need to call this administration’s attention to the unseen and unmonitored suffering and fragility in the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Filipinos. Can we still endure?

Is there anything left in the socalled resiliency of the Filipinos, even though aid is always late and lacking?” she said.

“Let’s not pretend that our socalled experts fully understand the extent and depth of the financial problems left behind by the previous administration…

The new administration may have their pre-conceived notions. They will be resistant to information; they will implement top-down policies from their golden age; they will say that the situation is not really as bad as we portray it.” g

6

JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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THE new administration inherited a deadly and economically crippling pandemic, a heavy debt that was incurred to respond to the health crisis, surging fuel prices, a much weakened peso as well as crises in agriculture, food security and education.

On Monday, July 25 President Marcos is expected to expound on the broad strokes that he painted in his inaugural address, enumerating specific policies to carry out his priorities in his first year in office.

This being his first State of the Nation Address, he is also expected to bare his long-term goals for the next six years.

In the light of fiscal constraints, he has said he would rely more on public-private partnerships to carry out key infrastructure and development projects. As he draws up his roadmap, local business groups and foreign chambers have released a wish list of sorts, pushing for the passage of 24 measures under the 19th Congress.

Since the President wants stronger partnerships with the private sector, he can urge his super majority in Congress to consider many of the proposed measures. Seven reached advanced stages of approval in the 18th Congress. These are the bills on the liberalization of foreign equity restrictions in the Constitution, open access in data transmission, ease of paying taxes, promotion of digital payments, and reforms in property valuation and assessment reforms as well as capital income and financial taxes.

A push for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience may have to take a backseat as the Department of Budget and Management pursues rightsizing in the bureaucracy, which is

expected to involve cutting jobs.

A test of the new administration’s commitment to transparency will be the passage of a Freedom of Information Act – a measure that has been kicked around by lawmakers for many years now. Also likely to be contentious is the proposed measure, backed by the Department of Finance, to ease bank deposit secrecy laws.

Other measures pushed by the six major business groups and six foreign chambers are amendments of two laws to promote hybrid or flexible work schedules in economic zones, and amendments of laws on the PPP and build-operatetransfer scheme. Also pushed are amendments to the E-Commerce Act, Intellectual Property Code and the charter of the Philippine Ports Authority.

The groups also seek laws on national unemployment insurance and pandemic protection, the repeal of the Flag Act, creation of a Philippine Airports Authority, rationalizing holidays, reforming the apprenticeship program, easing of ownership rules in agricultural lands, promoting satellite-based technologies and international maritime trade competitiveness, and strengthening the pension system.

There’s a lot on everyone’s plate, apart from these proposed economic measures. With Congress officially beginning its session, both Malacañang and the legislature must buckle down to work. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Life expectancy among Asian populations dropped three years during COVID-19 Getting vaccinated provides best defense to staying safer and keeping life expectancy higher

Commentary

DR. DALI FAN, UC DAVIS HEALTH LIFE expectancy has dropped for all Californians during the pandemic, including Asian populations who have historically had the longest life expectancy among all racial groups in the U.S., according to a new study released by the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study, which analyzed 1.9 million deaths from 2015 to 2021, shows that the life expectancy for Asian populations in California fell

by three years—from 86.6 years in 2019 to 83.5 years in 2021—with life expectancy dropping for Hispanic populations by 5.7 years, Black populations by 3.8 years, and white populations by 1.9 years.

While “life expectancy” is not an actual measure of life spans, researchers use this hypothetical measure of how long those born in a specific year will live based on that year’s mortality rates to better understand loss of life within populations. Many factors contribute to life expectancy, including socioeconomic status, ethnicity, access to healthcare, and in this case, vaccination rates.

The study correlates the drop in life expectancy with exposure to COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death rates, suggesting that getting vaccinated significantly impacted life expectancy outcomes. The highest rates of vaccination are among the Asian and white populations, which the study found had led to the lowest drops in life expectancy.

Given the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our lives and the countless lives it has taken, the drop of life expectancy isn’t entirely unexpected. The reality is—it could have been much worse.

As scientists learn more about the devastating effects

the COVID-19 illness has had on our society, especially the effects of long COVID in children and adults, taking critical steps to stay healthy with vaccination, boosters, testing and masking in highrisk situations can help protect your longevity.

As of early July, 38 of California’s 58 counties were experiencing high case rates and hospitalizations. Highly infectious variants of Omicron are now accounting for most cases nationwide, many being reinfections of those who have already had COVID-19.

There is no reason to delay getting vaccinated, as this study emphasizes what we already know—COVID-19

vaccines remain the safest and most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

Free COVID-19 vaccines for the entire family, and everyone ages 6 months and older, are now available everywhere, making it easy and convenient to provide your family with this layer of protection.

Public health officials are continuing to monitor COVID-19 community-level and statewide data to protect the health and well-being of all Californians, keep schools safe for in-person instruction, and allow California’s economy to remain open and thrive.

By getting vaccinated, boosted and taking proper precautions such as masking, hand washing and watching your distance while encouraging others to do the same, you are keeping yourself safe and doing your part to help Californian recover.

There is no time to delay, schedule your vaccination appointment today.

Vaccination or booster appointments can be made by visiting Myturn.ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints e x p re s s e d b y t h e a u t h o r d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

Waiting to see

Social Climate MAHAR MANGAHAS A PRESIDENTIAL State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a president’s version of the nation’s journey—where it is now, how it came this way, and where he plans to lead it.

A SONA covers whatever a president wants it to. A listener’s expectation of it depends on what the listener thinks the word “nation” means.

What is the state of the people? I think “nation” refers, above all, to the Filipino people. What our weather satellite sees about the people is the continued dominance of the pandemic in their lives.

They are very hopeful about the future, but at the same time very nervous about the persistence of danger—“First Quarter 2022 Social Weather Survey: A record high 83% of Filipinos are hopeful the worst of the COVID-19 crisis is behind us,” with the subtitle, “Those worried somewhat or a great deal about catching COVID-19 remain at 88%,” www.sws.org. ph, 7/20/2022.

COVID is not all, of course.

As a comprehensive guide for assessing the state of a people, I recommend the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (sdgs.un.org): 1. No poverty 2. Zero hunger 3. Good health

and well-being 4. Quality education 5. Gender equality 6. Clean water and sanitation 7. Affordable and clean energy 8. Decent work and economic growth 9. Industry, innovation, and infrastructure 10. Reduced inequalities 11. Sustainable cities and communities 12.

Responsible consumption and production 13. Climate action 14. Life below water 15. Life on land 16. Peace, justice, and strong institutions 17.

Partnerships to achieve the goals.

I think that poverty and hunger are intentionally the first two on the list, i.e., meant to take priority. I know for a fact that they are strongly and immediately harmed by inflation, but only mildly and in the long run relieved by economic growth.

Hence my advice is “Watch poverty, not economic growth,” and “Fight inflation, not prices” (5/21/22, 6/25/22). The historically worst inflation and the worst poverty happened in 1984-85, during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. What is the state of the new administration?

The composition of the new Cabinet is gradually emerging, with many experienced and reputable technocrats, such as in finance, central banking, budgeting, economic planning, trade, and natural resources.

I am confident that they know how not to worsen inflation. The

University of the Philippines is well represented, particularly my alma mater, the UP School of Economics, of which former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is an alumna.

Will President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte truly handle the departments of agriculture and education themselves? I wonder why the departments of defense (DND) and of science and technology (DOST) only have officers in charge so far. How about someone from the Navy or Air Force, instead of the Army, for the DND? And someone from the UP Marine Science Institute for the DOST? And a social work professional, like the late Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, for the department of social work and development?

Will the Cabinet have any Marcos Jr. classmates? Or San Sebastian-Recoletos classmates of the vice president?

In general, it would be good to see Cabinet and nearCabinet officials recruited from the Career Executive Service (CES), rather than from the retired military. The CES is the civilian counterpart of the military; it is a legacy of O.D. Corpuz, based on his Ph.D. dissertation on the Philippine bureaucracy.

I hope there will be no knee-jerk tinkering with the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program. CCT is an

PBBM 1st SONA. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his speech on his plans for the country during his first State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on Monday, July 25. Also in photo were Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (left) and House Speaker Martin Romualdez (right).

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

intergenerational program— the support should last up to completion of senior high school, but certainly no less than junior high school, so that the children can get better jobs than their parents. SWS has done scientific surveys that show that CCT transfers do not go to parental alcohol or gambling—ask the Philippine Institute for Development

Studies and the Asian Development Bank, which received and studied the data.

Now let us wait to see the state of the new president.

If he had joined any debates during the election campaign, he might have given us a line comparable to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s “jet-skiing” to the Chinese outposts in the West Philippine

Sea. So far, the only thing we remember is a promise of “P20 rice.” (Inquirer.net) *** 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.

*** Contact: mahar.mangahas@sws.org.ph

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022

7

PH House names Rep. Sandro Marcos senior deputy majority leader

Rep. Jaime Cojuangco (Tarlac) administers the oath of Rep. Martin Romualdez (Leyte) as the newly elected House speaker of the 19th Congress ahead of the joint session of Congress for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's first State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 25.

Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is new House speaker

by Xave

GreGorio Philstar.com

MANILA — An overwhelming majority of 283 members of the House of Representatives on Monday, July 25 elected Rep. Martin Romualdez (Leyte) as the chamber’s next speaker, a position that he ran for unopposed.

There were four abstentions, and one nay vote. Another 22 members of the House did not vote, but were reqeusted to attend a meeting on the composition of the minority bloc later in the afternoon.

A shoo-in even during the early stages of the speakership battle, Romualdez is expected to easily lead the House and pass laws prioritized by him and his cousin, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as a supermajority has pledged support for the new administration.

Romualdez was nominated by his nephew, Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, who echoed his father’s pitch for unity in stressing that the House needs “a leader that embodies inclusivity, possesses unquestionable competency and feels genuinely for the people.”

The younger Marcos recognized Romualdez as a “consensus-builder,” which he credited for his being able to pass the two Bayanihan bills which aided the country through the pandemic.

Ferdinand Alexander said Romualdez’ qualifications are “beyond sufficient to lead us to great heights” and appealed to look beyond the new speaker’s familial ties with the Marcoses.

Reps. Ralph Recto, Isidro Ungab, Roberto Puno, Camille Villar, Kristine Singson-Meehan, Raymond Democrito Mendoza and Aurelio Gonzales seconded the nomination of Romualdez.

House members cited Romualdez's leadership, work ethic and his consensus-buidling as qualities that make him an ideal speaker.

There were no other

nominations for speaker of the House.

The lower chamber of Congress has typically been controlled by the sitting administration, as House leaders — who are usually allies of the president — regulate funding for lawmakers’ projects for their constituents.

Romualdez had prior experience in this, having been the majority leader throughout the 18th Congress despite serving under two different speakers — now Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and then Rep. Lord Allan Velasco (Marinduque).

The two were his opponents for the heated speakership fight at the beginning of the previous Congress, where then President Rodrigo Duterte had to intervene and broker an agreement where Cayetano and Velasco split the term and Romualdez sat as majority leader.

The battle for the speakership this time around was far less dramatic as Romualdez clinched early on the support of the major political parties that compose the House. It also helped that he is president of Lakas-CMD, which is emerging as one of the dominant parties in the chamber.

As speaker, Romualdez said among his priorities are next year’s national budget, a new stimulus package aimed at helping the country recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and postponing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls scheduled in December.

Members who vote for the winning candidate for speaker become part of the majority and can elect their majority leader.

Meanwhile, Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe (Zamboanga City) was elected majority leader, a post which essentially serves as the speaker's right hand in shepherding measures in the chamber.

Rep. Gloria MacapagalArroyo, former president and House speaker, was elected senior deputy speaker, while

National Youth Commission welcomes inclusion of mandatory ROTC in priority bills

by Janvic

Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA — National Youth Commission chairman Ronald Cardema on Tuesday, July 26 welcomed the inclusion of the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) bill among the priority legislation of the Marcos administration.

“We are happy that President Marcos in his first (State of the Nation Address) prioritized the return of the mandatory ROTC for the youth of our country,” Cardema said in a message to reporters.

“Disaster preparedness training is better under a mandatory ROTC program because in disasters, you cannot perform alone…

In the ROTC, you are oriented as military units, how to deploy your units and resources in coordination with the entire military structure and government resources. We need that in this disasterprone archipelago of ours,” he added.

The NYC is coordinating with senators and congressmen who can produce the “best version” of the mandatory ROTC bill, according to Cardema.

He said they would also coordinate with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education and the Department of National Defense (DND) to ensure that the program will be implemented without abuse and corruption.

“The NYC will make sure that this return of the mandatory ROTC will be good for our country and a game-changer to transform millions of Filipino youth into a generation of nation-builders and nationalistic professionals,” he added.

During his SONA, Marcos identified the mandatory ROTC bill in senior high school as among his priority legislations.

“The aim is to motivate, train, organize and mobilize the students for national defense preparedness, including disaster preparedness and capacity-building for risk-related situations,” the President said.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, who earlier backed such a proposal, has yet to comment on Marcos’ remarks.

In 2019, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a proposed bill that would institutionalize the ROTC in Grades 11 and 12.

Its counterpart measure in the Senate was not approved.

The mandatory ROTC became optional following the passage of Republic Act 9163, or the National Service Training Program Act, which allowed college students to take literacy or civic welfare training service instead of military training courses. g

Reps. Isidro Ungab (Davao City), Roberto Puno (Antipolo City), Camille Villar (Las Piñas City), Kristine Singson-Meehan (Ilocos Sur) and Raymond Democrito Mendoza (TUCP party-list) were elected deputy speakers.

The deputy speakership is a plum post which comes with an additional annual budget for their respective offices and voting powers in all committees in the chamber. g

MANILA — The majority bloc at the House of Representatives has elected rookie legislator Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos (Ilocos Norte) — the president's son and House speaker's nephew — a senior deputy majority leader.

The younger Marcos nominated his uncle, Rep. Martin Romualdez, for the House speakership at the opening of the 19th Congress’ first regular session at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 25.

Romualdez was mentor to Rep. Marcos, who was on his staff when he was majority leader in the 18th Congress. Romualdez said during the campaign that the younger Marcos is ready to join the House because he "spent two years working in my office doing his congressional training, with no less than myself supervising and overseeing him."

Under the Constitution, each chamber of Congress chooses such other officers it may deem necessary for its operation.

The president's son is now senior deputy to Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe (Zamboanga City, 2nd District), whose primary function, aside from being the spokesman of the majority bloc, is to direct the deliberations on the floor.

"In the present setup of the House, the majority leader is

This detail from the House of Representatives stream shows Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos nominating his uncle, Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, to the speakership of the House of the 19th Congress on July 25.

Photo courtesy the House of Representatives

concurrently the chairman of the Committee on Rules. As such, all matters relevant to the Rules of the House, specifically the calendar of bills, preparation of Order of Business and Calendar of Business are within his responsibilities," House rules read.

Rep. Marcos has filed the following bills at the House so far: • HB No.3, or the proposed E-Governance Act; • HB No.4, or the Internet Transactions Act; • HB No.8, or the Free

legal assistance for police and soldiers; • HB No.10 , or the Creation of the Virology Institute of the Philippines • HB No.11, or the National Defense Act; • HB No.12, or Rightsizing the national government; • HB No.14, or the SIM Card Registration Act; • HB No.18, or the Government Procurement Act; • HB No.20, or the Apprenticeship bill. (Philstar. com)

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Sandiganbayan affirms dismissal of ill-gotten wealth case vs. Marcoses by tetCh

torres-tupas Inquirer.net

MANILA – The Sandiganbayan affirmed its decision to dismiss a government lawsuit seeking to recover the Currimao Beach House and several other properties from the Marcos family.

In a 12-page resolution dated July 22, 2022, the Sandiganbayan 4th Division denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to reverse its December 16, 2019 ruling that dismisses its bid for reversion, reconveyance, restitution, accounting of supposed ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses allegedly amounting to P200 billion, as well as damages.

Before the December 16, 2019, ruling, the Sandiganbayan ordered the PCGG to submit its report on the status of the properties that it is trying to recover from the Marcoses.

The court said a sweeping dismissal of the entire complaint on the ground of the Best Evidence Rule (now Original Document Rule) “is not warranted” since many of the subject properties have long been recovered by the government.

Based on the compliance report submitted by the PCGG, the Sandiganbayan noted that many of the properties subject to the present case have already been recovered or transferred to third persons not a party to the case.

These include, among others, shares of stock under the IRC Group of Companies ceded to the government by virtue of a compromise agreement with Jose Campos and private in 1994; 526 pieces of sequestered art collections already turned over to the PCGG and presently under the custody of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for safekeeping; the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company’s 111,415 shares in the of PTIC which were disposed of in 2006 through public bidding in favor of Metro Pacific Assets Holdings, Inc. for a price of P25.2 billion; and the Marcos peso and dollar deposits in Security Bank and Trust Corporation in the amount of P934.6 million and $8 million, respectively, were released/paid to PCGG in 1992 and remitted to the Bureau of Treasury for agrarian reform fund.

Based on the report, the Sandiganbayn noted that only four properties have remained under the control of the

Marcoses–the Currimao Beach House registered in the name of Ferdinand E. Marcos; the house in Pandacan, Manila, under the full control and supervision of the Marcoses and registered in the name of heirs of Vicente Romualdez; the Batac Museum which is under the control and supervision of the Marcoses; and the Batac Guest House, also under the control and supervision of the Marcoses.

The Sandiganbayan said it has allowed the PCGG to boost its case by submitting additional evidence.

However, the anti-graft court said the PCGG failed to do so as the latter manifested in its compliance submitted on April 25, 2022 that “all material and relevant documents and pieces of evidence for the instant case have already been presented during the trial.”

“Considering that the evidence already offered by the plaintiff during trial do not sufficiently establish its claims as to the properties mentioned above that are purportedly still within the Marcoses’ control, the Court is constrained to deny the plaintiffs motion for reconsideration dated December 29, 2019 as regard to the said properties,” the Sandiganbayan declared. g

DOJ rebuffs calls to drop drug charges vs De Lima JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla on Tuesday, July 26 rebuffed calls to drop the drug charges filed against former senator Leila De Lima.

Remulla said De Lima's case "is a judicial matter" thus they would wait for the outcome of the trial before the Regional Trial Court of Muntinlupa City.

De Lima is accused of benefiting from the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) when she was

justice secretary.

Reacting to the resolution filed by Senators Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III and Ana Theresia "Risa" Hontiveros urging the DoJ to withdraw the remaining charges against De Lima, and to release her from her unjust and arbitrary detention, Remulla declared that the matter "was already within the jurisdiction of the Muntinlupa Trial Court, which has the sole power and authority to act on the pending case

against the former senator".

The resolution was filed in light of the recent recantations of key witnesses in the drug cases against the former senator.

Based on records, Rafael Ragos, a defense witness has not been presented before the Muntinlupa Court.

"Hence, the Department will rely on the sound discretion of the Court on the appreciation of the alleged evidence," Remulla said. (ManilaTimes.net)

SONA standouts: 3 party-list reps defy dress code in the name of advocacy by beatriCe

pinlaC Inquirer.net

MANILA — Three party-list representatives stood out from the crowd as they carried their advocacies on the clothes they wore for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 25.

A memorandum earlier issued

by House of Representatives Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza stated a prohibition on wearing clothes with political messages for the said event.

But for party-list group representatives Arlene Brosas (Gabriela), France Castro (ACT Teachers), and Raoul Manuel (Kabataan), their Sona outfits echo an important call from the groups they represent.

“We are asserting our right as we cite our Constitution — our right to freedom of expression,” Castro told reporters on Monday.

She then explained what each element of her outfit signified: “Itong black ay dahil bumalik tayo sa kadiliman sa pagkaka-elect ng bagong Marcos at isinisimbolo rin nito iyong misinformation, historical revisionism pero ang teachers, nagsisilbi silang kulay, binibigyang ilaw ang katotohanan.”

(The black color signifies the darkness that comes with another Marcos elected into office, and it also symbolizes misinformation and historical revisionism. But

EMPLOYMENT

The SONA outfits of party-list group representatives Arlene Brosas (Gabriela), France Castro (ACT Teachers), and Raoul Manuel (Kabataan) echo an important call from the groups they represent.

Inquirer.net photo by Beatrice Pinlac

you can see teachers giving color and light to the truth.)

Meanwhile, Manuel, who wore a hand-painted Barong Filipino, said he was wearing the demands of the Filipino youth for the Marcos administration.

“Dapat iyong opening ng [faceto-face classes] sa November, ligtas siya. Dito naman sa isang banda, iyong hustisya hindi lang para sa iilan kundi para sa lahat.

Magkaugnay po iyong dalawa kaya may kamay na nagcoconnect sa kanila,” he further noted.

(The opening of face-to-face classes in November should be done safely. And on the other side of my barong, it’s a call for

justice for everyone, and not only for a select few. An illustration of interlocked hands connects these two advocacies.)

A phoenix, whose wings spread across the back of his barong, represents the Filipino youth’s role in bringing hope to their country, despite the culture of killing and darkness that is prevalent throughout many parts of it, according to Manuel. “[Gusto natin na] matigil iyong mga iyan at papanindigan ng kabataan na ito dapat iyong lipunan na meron tayo,” he stressed.

(We want to end this because the youth believe this is the society we truly deserve.) g

EMPLOYMENT

AFTER THE RAIN. Members of militant groups in Tandang Sora along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City disperse amid light rains on Monday, July 25 ahead of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA). Based on their agreement with the Philippine National Police, protesters were only allowed to hold their activities in the area until noon.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

DOH: Philippines may see 19,000 COVID cases a day by end-August

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

MANILA — COVID-19 infections in the Philippines may reach around 19,000 a day by the end of August, the Department of Health said Tuesday, July 26.

According to the DOH, the number of detected cases are projected to be on a “continuous uptrend,” with around 19,306 cases reported daily by August 31.

“However, with the improvement of vaccination and booster rates and [compliance with] minimum public health standards, case increase may be slower and more controlled at about 6,194 to 8,346 cases by the end of August,” the agency said.

The country logged 19,536 additional COVID-19 cases, or an average of 2,791 infections a day, from July 18 to 24.

Authorities attributed the renewed increase in cases to the presence of fast-spreading COVID-19 variants, increased mobility, and waning vaccine immunity of the public.

The hospital utilization rate remained low despite the increase in cases.

“With the advances in COVID-19 treatment and the availability of vaccines to combat severe and critical disease, as well as deaths, we now have the capability to reduce the vulnerable population and keep hospital utilization and fatalities to a minimum,” the DOH said.

The department reminded the

public to wear best-fitting face masks; isolate when sick; get vaccinated; and ensure good airflow to control the spread of the virus.

“If such factors will be adhered to and implemented by ourselves immediately, a decline in cases may be observed sooner,” it said.

In his first State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government will no longer impose lockdowns to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 and will keep the alert system for now.

Authorities will also launch a COVID-19 vaccination drive that aims to administer boosters to 50% of the government's target population in the first 100 days of his administration. g

Raps filed vs Ateneo shooter

by emmanuel

tupas

Philstar.com

MANILA — Criminal charges were filed against physician Chao-Tiao Yumol, who went on a shooting rampage at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) campus on Sunday, July 24 that left three people dead and two others wounded, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Tuesday, July 26.

Yumol underwent inquest proceedings before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office at around 6:58 p.m. on Monday, July 25 . He was charged with three counts of murder and frustrated murder in relation to Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo told reporters in a message on Viber that the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) also filed charges of violation of Republic Act 10883 or the New Anti-Carnapping Act and malicious mischief against Yumol.

Yumol shot dead former mayor Rosita Furigay of Lamitan City; her aide, Victor Capistrano, and ADMU security guard Jeneven Bandiala.

Furigay’s daughter, Hannah Rose Marian, 25, and nurse Julia Manabat, 54, were wounded in the shooting.

Using a stolen Honda Civic, Yumol rammed a metal barrier as he attempted to escape.

Yumol had shown no remorse over the killings, alleging that Furigay and her husband, Lamitan Mayor Roderick Furigay, are drug traffickers in the province.

In response, the incumbent mayor said Yumol’s allegations against them are baseless.

Furigay said that Lamitan had obtained the Seal of Good Local Governance award from

Suspected gunman Chao Tiao Yumol is escorted by police at Camp Karingal following his arrest after three people were killed in a shooting at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, suburban Manila, on Monday, July 24. Three people were killed July 24 in a rare shooting in what appears to have been a targeted political assassination.

PNP photo

the national government for the programs they instituted in the city, including addressing illegal drugs.

PNP Directorate for Operations head Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon told reporters on Monday afternoon that Yumol had some “revelations” that investigators are now exploring. He declined to give details.

Their background investigation revealed Yumol is a licensed owner of a 9mm pistol but the other firearm he used, a .45-caliber pistol, is not registered under his name, De Leon said.

Furigay said Yumol had been issuing threats against them after they filed cyberlibel complaints against the physician.

Furigay said their daughter – who sustained three gunshot wounds, two in the abdomen and one that grazed her head – remains at the intensive care unit of a hospital but is in stable condition.

Gun registered to Army man The .45-caliber pistol used

by Yumol during his shooting rampage is registered to 1Lt.

EMPLOYMENT

Jeremie Aquino from Mindanao, based on an investigation conducted by the QCPD. Brig. Gen. Remus Medina, QCPD chief, asked for an explanation from Aquino, who said he lost the firearm in Patikul, Sulu in November 2019.

Investigators have invited Aquino to further shed light on the issue.

Yumol was found positive for gunpowder residue but negative for drug and alcohol use, QCPD spokesperson Maj. Wennie Ann Cale said.

Fund-raising for slain guard The ADMU community has raised over P1 million for Bandiala’s family.

In an update, the Ateneo Law School Class of 2022 said they will continue to accept donations for Bandiala until 11:59 a.m. today.

“Kuya Jeneven went above and beyond what was expected of him, and gave no less than his life in the duty of keeping our second home safe on what was supposed to be the happiest of days,” said Shik Castillo, one of those leading the fund-raising initiative. g

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Oscar-winning artist H.E.R. to make history as Belle in ABC’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ live-action special KLARIZE MEDENILLA / AJPRESS

her versatile talent.

On Wednesday, July 20, ABC R&B sensation H.E.R. announced that the Filipina and continues to break barriers and Black American singer will star make history while showcasing as Belle in the channel’s liveBY

Filipina American R&B singer H.E.R.

action, one-night celebration of the 1991 animated Disney adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” later this year.

“I can’t believe I get to be a part of the Beauty and the Beast legacy. The world will see a Black and Filipino Belle!” said H.E.R. in a statement. “I have always wanted to be a Disney princess…

It is very surreal and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

The awards show darling previously won several Grammy Awards over the last few years and won an Oscar in 2021.

She will star in the two-hour spectacle, named “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration,” directed by Hamish Hamilton and “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu. “With her obvious extraordinary talent and stage presence, H.E.R. is the perfect embodiment of our Belle and we are thrilled for audiences to see her in this celebration of creativity,” Chu said in a statement. “We were both influenced as storytellers by the original animated movie, so it’s very exciting to collaborate together to honor the artistry of that timeless classic while also inspiring a whole new generation of creators.”

As of press time, other casting decisions have not been announced.

The special is set to air on ABC on Dec. 15 and will be available to Photo from Instagram/@hermusicofficial stream on Disney+ the following day.

GREEN CARD ACQUIRED AFTER BEING TNT FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS, THIS SUNDAY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Marie was petitioned as single by her father in the ‘90s, but she got married in 1998, revoking her father’s petition. The marriage did not last, and in 2002, Marie and her three children went to the U.S. as tourists. Since then, they had been overstaying and living in fear. Marie’s mother, a green card holder, petitions her daughter this time. Marie had consulted with four attorneys who all told her she had to go back to the Philippines once her priority date becomes current. Marie refused to go back to the motherland for fear that she might not be able to return to the U.S. She consults with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel who was able to find a way for Marie to remain in the U.S. and be interviewed here, and eventually get her green card in October 2021. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, July 31 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

Told she must leave, Marie was able to receive her green card in the US IN 2002, Marie and her three children visited the U.S. as tourists. They planned to visit family and then return home to the Philippines. However, Marie later decided to remain and became out of status.

In 2009, Marie’s mother, a green card holder, petitioned Marie in the F2B category.

When the priority date on her petition became current, she consulted with at least four attorneys, all of whom told her that because she was out of status, she

had to go back to the Philippines to apply for her immigrant visa.

But Marie did not want to go back, because she was worried about the uncertainty of applying in the Philippines, and that she might not be able to return to the U.S. She finally decided to consult with the “Attorney of Last Hope,” Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who was able to find a way for Marie to apply for a green card (adjust status) in the U.S. After retaining Attorney

Gurfinkel, Marie got her green card in October 2021 in the U.S., and can now get healthcare, find a better job, and enjoy the other benefits of being a green card holder.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, July 31 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET thru select Cable/ Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

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‘Lumpia with a Vengeance’ to roll out in theaters this fall Award-winning indie film announces multi-city national release at Comic-Con San Diego

CULMINATING a remarkable film festival circuit run and at the conclusion of a packed San Diego Comic-Con panel and sold out premiere screening,, “Lumpia with a Vengeance,” the popular, award-winning, Filipino American indie comedy feature, gave its fans news that they had hoped for.

“Now filmgoers across the country can get their “Lumpia with a Vengeance” in the comfort of a theater in their city,” said an excited Patricio Ginelsa, the film’s director/ writer/producer, after making the surprise announcement of its theatrical film release in Fall this year.

The film will roll out nationally in multiple cities beginning September 30 and the announcement, made before an SDCC audience of over 400 panel attendees, drew screams, shrieks and ultimately emotional tears from fans and cast members.

Directed by LA-based filmmaker Patricio Ginelsa and filmed primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, “Lumpia with A Vengeance” stars former UFC champion Mark Muñoz, April Absynth (STARZ “Blindspotting”, Katrina Dimaranan (Miss Philippines Universe Tourism 2021), Darion Basco, Danny Trejo (“Machete”) and a talented ensemble and is a re-telling of Ginelsa’s first-ever microbudget feature titled, “Lumpia.”

“I’m still somewhat in disbelief over how explosive the fan response was to our video announcement; it felt like Hall H!!” said Ginelsa. “To be programmed here was already amazing but, to share the news with our the cast, crew and our fellow Comic-Con diehards was really special.”

The special effects-laden action comedy became the firstever Filipino film (And perhaps, the first Asian American film as well) to screen and panel at Comic-Con San Diego, the world’s foremost pop culture event.

“It’s an absolute dream to present and discuss our film

at Comic-Con,” said Lawrence Iriarte, the film’s executive producer. “Both Pat (director Ginelsa) and I are genuine comic book diehards who first attended Comic-Con in Sani Diego as fans eons ago, participated as exhibitors in subsequent years and now to be here to announce our film’s release is just incredible.”

The filmmakers are proud to point out that the majority of people who worked on the film – both front of the camera and behind it – are Filipino and Filipino American, a testament to the filmmaking talent that is within the community and a definite statement of inclusivity for Filipino-centric stories on film.

Filmgoers have certainly responded: The film has sold out every screening at film festivals from Hawaii, to New York to Los Angeles.

“We’re still in a bit of pleasant, geeked-out disbelief,” said Ginelsa. “Comic book culture influenced every single word, every single shot of our film and every single frame of our comic book. To screen at Comic-Con San Diego was a homecoming of sorts for crew and we hope, it becomes that at every theater we screen this fall.”

Screening tickets via virtual box office are available now.

For the latest updated ticketing and theater schedules, please visit lumpiamovie.com.

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Sid relishes being an actor

by Jerry

Donato Philstar.com

SID Lucero belongs to that company of screen performers who relish a role and disappear in it. This perhaps can be attributed to his clear perspective of his profession.

“I think I’m just an actor,” described Sid in a recent virtual one-on-one with The STAR. “In Tagalog, kasi dalawa lang naman yan, it’s either artista or aktor (In the vernacular, the word actor connotes two things: Star and actor), ‘coz, to me, artista means celebrity, and I don’t think I am.

I don’t do commercials or wave at people at shows… I think I’m an actor.”

His almost two-decade career is a testament to that, and his passion for the craft. Sid simply enjoys being and becoming an actor. That’s why even in the new normal, he continues to embody characters on the small and big screens. Among his recent dramatis personae are Eric and Mark of The World Between Us, which had its finale early this year, and The Fake Life, now airs on GMA Afternoon Prime after Raising Mamay, respectively.

“There’s a sense of pride,” said Sid of learning and watching that his work, like The World Between Us, is being streamed on Netflix. “Being on Netflix is quite prestigious nga, more than (to) see myself or my friends, the show itself there, it just makes me feel like ‘Ah, OK, they are now pushing it towards here.’ And then, we’re just gonna see more and more of that.” The actor is delighted that Filipino content, either in the form of a TV series or film, is given a global space and attention it deserves via a popular streaming service. This is aside from the international festivals that Philippine movies participate in and receive recognitions every year.

Sid added that “networks are starting to like open their eyes” on digital platforms like Netflix as another venue to share their content. Again, a streaming platform is a place to watch and rewatch works, done months or years ago, by actors like Sid. During this pandemic, he starred in films such as Lawrence Fajardo’s Reroute, Mac Alejandre’s Silip Sa Apoy and Brillante Mendoza’s Virgin Forest.

“Always,” answered the actor

Sid Lucero

when asked if he also gets a critique from the critic in him.

“I was too focused on the way I speak, na maging natural, na hindi na siya cinematic,” shared he as some of the insights Sid would gain from the post-work self-assessment. “It doesn’t sound good anymore, even in real life, it sounds good. But onscreen, it doesn’t, you know, things like that.”

Every time he “inhabits” the life of a character, Sid will rely on his acting tools to understand and empathize with it, based on the accumulated learnings from workshops and work experience. As a glimpse into his creative process, he compared it to like going through a filing cabinet “of like what I believe in my experience, in my own life,” and what he knows about “other people’s lives,” and bits and pieces gained from “watching films and TV, what might be acceptable to me, and then, to the production or then, what might be acceptable to the people.” From there, he can build a relatable character.

Sid, who can do bidakontrabida roles, understands that a careful study of character expectations, which are cultural in nature, from the creatives and audiences is vital to his work. An actor should know how to piece all these together in creating the whole persona or role. Part of acting is to somehow stick and present “a palatable character that anyone can enjoy,” as one could get from his statements.

Acting, particularly when done with fellow actors in a scene, is “about accepting and giving,” said he. “If I think this way and this guy is like todo method, (a way to approach a role) and he is totally like not accepting what I’m giving... I have to adjust and

GMA photo

then, that becomes his character and I would like to think that I’ve helped you and you’ve helped me build mine… then, I was able to just build this through being you.” Yes, what matters to the actors are their truth, like what they, being in the moment, feel genuinely about their characters.

As an actor, who remains visible and considers acting a calling, Sid has realized that “there’s a space for everything, there’s a space for you to express, there’s a space to follow rules.” Through these spaces, actors become more understanding about realities and truths of their profession.

According to the information given by The Fake Life team, the latest episodes will see Sid’s Mark do everything to ruin the family of Onats and Cindy Villamor, played by Ariel Rivera and Beauty Gonzalez. His character will also reiterate that he is Cindy’s true love.

Asked what’s in the pipeline for him after The Fake Life, Sid, recipient of two Urian Best Actor awards for Selda and Muli, said, “I really love working for GMA, especially the TV (content) that they do, I really love it, kahit lock-in (taping) pa yan, I don’t mind. With Vivamax, I’m always open to (a) Vivamax (project)… I know for a fact that you can look forward to more projects from Vivamax and from GMA with me in (them).”

Yes, the actor, who also won a Best Actor trophy for Toto at the LA Comedy Festival, has established a good relationship with the network and the film platform.

With that and his passion for acting, Sid will continue to make new and engaging roles and entertain audiences. g

Showbiz powerhouse couple Dingdong Dantes and celebrityworld Marian Rivera heads August birthday celebrants

By Ferdie Villar PHILIPPINE silver screen’s happily married couple and Kapuso Channel 7 Primetime King and Queen Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, who were married on December

30, 2014, heads the roster of birthday celebrants for this summer month of August.

The couple, who stars in a new sitcom entitled “Jose & Maria’s Bonggang Villa,” have two children: Zia, 6, and Sixto, 3. They are said to be very happy with their new project as it is a dream come true for them.

“It’s not just a job or a task as an actor, it’s also very, very personal for us because this is our dream,” Dingdong was quoted as saying in an April 2022 presscon. “Aside from teaming up wth each other again for a project, it’s also a dream for us to be part of a show that we are co-producing and creating.”

“This is a dream for us, especially for myself as it has Tony Bayudan, who works in San Mateo County been a while that I haven’t been Supervisor David Canepa’s office, celebrates involved in a primetime project so I told Dong that I can’t believe his birthday on Wednesday, August 31.

San Jose businesswoman Meriam Charisma celebrates her birthday on Sunday, August 7.

Gary Valenciano, known as Mr. Pure Energy in the Philippine entertainment world, celebrates his birthday on Saturday, August 6.

Photo from Instagram/@garyvalenciano

Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, known as the Primetime King and Queen of GMA, heads the roster of birthday celebrants for the summer month of August. Dingdong celebrates his birthday on Tuesday, August 2, while Marian celebrates her birthday San Francisco Mayor London Breed celebrates her birthday on File photo www.sfgov.org on Friday, August 12.

Photo from Instagram/@marianrivera Thursday, August 11.

that this is really happening. It’s been my dream to have a sitcom with Dong, and this is that dream,” Marian said on her part at the same presser.

Dingdong, the lead actor in many of GMA-7’s teleseryes, celebrates his birthday on Tuesday, August 2, while his wife, Marian, celebrates her birthday on Friday, August 12.

Aside from their TV and movie projects, both Dingdong and Marian are one of the soughtafter product endorsers in the Philippines, and also have an established presence on social media platforms. Dingdong is the founding chairman of YesPinoy Foundation and has a film studio (AgostoDos Pictures). Marian, meanwhile, has a popular vlog on YouTube, and was a judge at the 2021

Miss Universe Pageant.

Other celebrities who are celebrating their birthdays this month are: August 1: Action star Cesar Montano, Daly City community leader Vilma Guinto Peoro, former Club Royale Queen Maria Clara Mendoza Viray; August 3: Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha, who now resides in the Philippines; August 4: Former U.S. President Barack Obama (who celebrates his 61st birthday), Filipina dance choreographer Maribeth Bichara; August 6: Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano; August 7: San Jose businesswoman Meriam Charisma; August 10: Former TV host and actress Mariel Rodriguez

San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa (left) celebrates his birthday on Sunday, August 28. He is shown in photo above with close friend, beauty impresario Ferdie Villar.

who is happily married to action star Robin Padilla; August 11: San Francisco Mayor London Breed; August 12: Actor Aga Muhlach, actress/TV host/ dancer/model Iza Calzado; August 13: State Farm Insurance agent Ramon Petros; August 15: Filipina caregiver Elaine Estabrooks; August 19: Filipina fashion model Jessica Apolinario Devine; August 20: Actress and former beauty queen Jean Saburit, the late undisputed King of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe Jr., realtor Raquel Mapote; Handsome, talented and award-winning actor August 22: Asia’s Queen of Aga Muhlach celebrates his birthday on Friday, Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha celebrates August 12. celebrates her birthday on Monday, August 22. her birthday on Wednesday, August 3.

Songs Pilita Corrales, actress Photo from Instagram/@lanimisalucha Jean Garcia, former beauty Photo from Instagram/@agamuhlach317 Photo from Instagram/@pilitacorrales

Elaine Estabrooks, a San Francisco caregiver, celebrates her birthday on Monday, August 15.

queen Carolyn Masibay; August 23: TV host-singer Nikki Gil; August 24: Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan; August 27: Actor-singer Ogie Alcasid, comedian/actress Pokwang, the late movie queen Amalia Fuentes; August 28: San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa; August 30: Actor/singer/ comedian/director Edgar Mortiz; August 31: Broadway star Rachelle Ann Go-Spies (who will turn 34), veteran actor KarimKiram, Daly City political leader Tony Bayudan.

To all August birthday celebrants, many more Happy Birthdays to come!

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Features

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022

11

A solar field in western Pahrump?

by RealtoR

Fely Quitevis-Bateman

THERE is no doubt that the way the world is consuming its natural resources, we are in for catastrophic results down the road. Whether it’s in a couple of decades, half a century or a century from now, the world’s burgeoning population needs to manage the Earth’s resources more efficiently, or look for ways to harness what nature gives us.

In terms of energy usage, that can include harnessing the sun’s power, which is exactly what a company wants to do in the western side of Pahrump.

Consolidated Edison Development Inc. recently went before the Nye County Commission to talk about its proposal for its Basin Solar project – a 20-megawatt photovoltaic solar field that will be set on 100 acres in western Pahrump, according to a news report from the Pahrump Valley Times. The project is set to be located on land bounded

by Basin Avenue to the south, Bannavitch to the west, and Betty Avenue to the north.

It is one of the many multiple solar farms that have been proposed in the State of Nevada and areas like Pahrump, Amargosa and Beatty. The difference with this project is that Basin Solar is being put on private land, unlike majority of proposals which are being planned on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management.

According to officials attached with ConEdison, once complete and fully operational, Basin Solar can produce energy to power an estimated 6,000 homes. The company is the second-largest solar developer in the country and operates about 30% of the solar capacity in the state.

During the presentation, officials debunked the myth that a photovoltaic solar field will raise the ambient temperature around

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the site. The technology, according to officials, is designed to absorb the heat.

As for noise, there will be the typical noise generated during the construction, but once operational, the field will not produce noise.

Traffic in and out of the facility will be kept to a minimum as there will only be one truck visiting the site on a weekly basis, per officials, adding that “the site largely operated itself from remote communications.”

On the question of water usage in the project, ConEdison does not intend to drill any wells to service the site, but instead will have the necessary water trucked in after being purchased from a local municipal water provider.

During the construction phase, about 20 acre-feet of water would be used primarily for dust control, and would go down to about two acre-feet or less per year when the field is operational.

ConEdison revealed that if everything goes according to plan, construction should be able to begin early 2023, with the site commercially operational by the end of the year.

As for how the project will benefit the town, aside from aiding in the quest for renewable energy and helping alleviate the drain on the electric grid, positives will come from the taxes and purchase of regional goods and services, as well as up to 150 construction jobs associated with the project.

Once the project is finished, two full-time jobs within the community will be the end-result.

A total investment of about $40 million is expected to be made for the Basin Solar project, with roughly 37% to 50% of the amount invested directly in Nevada.

In examining the plans and the private land that will be used for the project, Nye County Commissioner Debra Strickland posed an observation, asking what the highest and best use for a 100-acre parcel of land would be.

She opined that the benefits of the project being situated in private land versus public land managed by the BLM would be significantly higher. The advantages would include not having to take away the people’s land, using an area that is located in a flood zone which creates a different set of challenges for other kinds of development, and potential homeowners not having to deal with expensive flood insurance should the land be developed into homes.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman drove around in Pahrump recently with her good friend and Philippine Realtor Nida Santos.

Realtors Fely Quitevis-Bateman and Nida Santos drove by near the proposed solar project in Pahrump, which will provide cheap electricity to the town’s residents.

This project will be a great addition to Pahrump, and just one of the many well thought out endeavors being planned in the town, which is only 62 miles west of Las Vegas.

It is a perfect project for the town as it located in what is known as the sun belt; in fact, much of Nevada is in such an area.

With a lot of developments being proposed in Pahrump, including a huge gaming/entertainment hub that will house the first perimutuel horse racetrack in Nevada, servicing the energy needs of the community will of utmost importance. Having an additional source of renewable energy will

Realtor Nida Santos, a friend of Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman for over 40 years, has been amazed at the big progress in Pahrump during her second visit to the town.

keep the town in good stead and allow it to thrive.

Areas like Pahrump are generating huge interest, not just for businesses but for many wouldbe homeowners and investors. The affordability of land and property prices, when compared to other areas in the United States, is a huge plus, as well as its proximity to a big city like Las Vegas. One can, indeed, have the best of both worlds – live within the peaceful, unencumbered, beautiful surroundings of the town for the most part, and head for the lights, extravaganza, glitz and glamour of the big city when it beckons.

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12

JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Health @Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS COVID still kills As of 10:28 AM (EST), Tuesday, July 26, 2022, the total global COVID-19 cases stood at 576,333,448 and 6,405,539 deaths. The numbers for the U.S. were at 92,339,925 cases, with 1,052,467 deaths, while total cases in the Philippines stood at 3,757,762 (2,360 new cases), with 60,694 deaths. On that day, there were 167,463 news cases, 512 deaths, and 40,906 hospitalizations in the United States.

Elon Musk has had COVID-19 infections twice, Dr. Fauci had his recently, as did President Biden. China and some European countries have reintroduced COVID lockdowns. With the dominant subvariant BA.5, which is super-contagious and deadly to some high-risk people, it is obvious the pandemic is far from over.

It is wise for all of us, including those who have gotten the second booster, to continue being careful, masking in public and doing social distancing, even if others don’t.

Not one has died from masking; more than 6.4 million have been killed by COVID-19. Think about it. Just plain common sense.

Power nap “Most American adults sleep poorly,” according to a study by the National Sleep Foundation on 1,506 adults. The findings are obviously applicable to most of us in general.

Lack of sleep translates to lesser mental acuity and concentration, poorer health, greater driving hazards, reduced productivity, and diminished sex drive. Sleep experts recommend a minimum of 7 to 9 hours of sleep in 24 hours. The survey showed that adults sleep an average of 6.9 hours a night. Three hours of sleep deprivation is enough to cause problems.

Seventy-five percent of adults reported they frequently have difficulty in sleeping, like problems in initiating sleep, waking up often during the night, and/or snoring, waking up too early, and feeling unrefreshed and always tired.

Many also stated that they ignored the problem, and some do not even think they actually have any sleep deficit. Only about 50% of those surveyed stated they were able to sleep well most of the time.

Twenty-five percent thought their sleep problem had adverse effects on their daily routines. The Sleep Foundation said “there’s a link between sleep and quality of life…

People who sleep well, in general, are happier and healthier.

The commercial world of today stretches business to 24 hours a day, with 24-hour pharmacies, restaurants, casinos,

Features

On power nap, COVID supermarkets, etc., so people tend to stay up late, watch latenight shows on television, surf the web on the internet, etc. All these reduce people’s time to sleep. And some people even need more than 9 hours of sleep to feel refreshed and rested.

The study also showed: (1) Sixty percent of adults stated they have driven a vehicle while drowsy from lack of sleep in the past year, and 4 in 10 reported they have had an accident or near accident because of tiredness or falling asleep at the wheel; (2) Seventy-five percent claim their partner has a sleep problem, with snoring as the most common complaint; (3) Four out of ten of those surveyed reported lack of sleep adversely affected their sexual relationship, having lost interest in sex, having poorer performance or having sex less often; and (4) Seventy percent claimed that their physician never asked them about their sleep.

The recommendations of the National Sleep Foundation and experts in the field are abstinence from any stimulant, coffee and alcohol before bedtime, and to seek medical help if they think they are having sleep problem and/or snoring, or not getting enough rest at night.

Lack of sleep reduces the normal “recharging time of our body battery, our energy source” causing a chain of reactions in our physiology and body chemistry.

This “lo-bat” condition leads to physical and mental stress to our system. All these alter the normal homeostasis (internal balance) within us, weakening our immune system, and increasing our risk of developing metabolic diseases, hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, and heart attack, among others, or aggravating existing illnesses.

Here is where power naps come in if you have the luxury and opportunity to enjoy one every day. Power napping is like “tricklecharging our battery.” A power nap is usually taken between 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the primetime, lasting between 10 minutes and 30 minutes. Many countries of the world close up shops in the afternoon and reopen after 4:00 PM to enjoy that tradition and practice of having a power nap.

However, a power nap longer than half an hour increases the risk of “sleep inertia,” which gives one the uncomfortable groggy sensation which lingers.

Those with sleep problems, those who wake up in the morning feeling tired and unrested should consider a Sleep Study to rule out Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), where the persons suffer from prolonged breath-holding dozens of times while asleep (resulting in hypoxia, decreased oxygen in their system), which is treatable with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. OSA, if untreated, increases the risk for

diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. CPAP does wonders for these individuals.

Without exception, all those “quick-pick” devices advertised are useless, since they do not address the “collapsing airway pathology.” CPAP keeps the obstructed airway open.

Power naps provide a healthy opportunity to reset the system and get a “power surge” and burst of alertness and physical strength, amazing energy, and memory boost, which even helps in decision-making and problemsolving. Naps reduce crankiness, increase cognitive skills, performance, and creativity, and lead to a more pleasant outlook for the remainder of the day. It also reduces accidents and mistakes, lowers stress, and even lowers the risk for cardiovascular diseases.

A NASA study among military pilots and astronauts revealed “that a 40-minute nap improved performance by 34% and alertness 100%.” A nap is superior to coffee or any “energy drink” because caffeine decreases memory performance, contrary to what people think.

One must be consistent in their power nap routine, keeping a regular schedule and not napping for more than 30 minutes. Naps are most especially good and beneficial for young children and, actually, for all of us.

Popular historical figures who were “nappers” include, among others, Leonardo DaVinci, Napoleon Bonaparte, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, Salvador Dali, Margaret Thatcher, John D. Rockefeller, and Yogi Berra.

Prevent a “lo-bat.” Tricklecharge your system daily. Take a power nap if you can. It does wonders! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life.

Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Covered California announces 2023 health plan rates: Lower than national average amid uncertain future of American Rescue Plan benefits SACRAMENTO — Covered California announced its plans and rates for the 2023 coverage year. The preliminary weighted average rate change is an increase of 6 percent, due in part to the return of a normal medical trend that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the potential end of the increased and expanded financial help offered to eligible consumers through the American Rescue Plan, if Congress does not extend the law before it expires at the end of the year.

“Covered California’s competitive marketplace continues to hold the line on rates that are well below the national average, keeping coverage within reach and giving Californians new choices,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “However, without an extension of the expanded financial help provided by the American Rescue Plan, Californians will receive less financial help next year and see their monthly payments rise as a result.”

California’s individual market rate change for 2023 The preliminary average rate change of 6 percent is for Covered California enrollees, but most people in the individual market, which consists of approximately 2.3 million enrolled both on and off the exchange, have the same benefit designs and plan premiums as the 1.7 million purchasing health insurance through Covered California. When averaged over the past four years, which includes record-low rate changes in 2020 and 2021, Covered California’s average rate change is just 2.3 percent.

The latest available data also shows that California’s rate change is below the national average of 10 percent among the 13 states, and the District of Columbia, that have preliminarily filed their rates.

Covered California’s modest rate

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change is attributed to several factors: • Covered California is an “active purchaser” and negotiates with carriers on behalf of consumers to deliver the best value. Many other states only conduct limited reviews of proposed rates or accept all rate submissions.

• Covered California’s strong enrollment, which stands at more than 1.7 million people.

• Covered California continues to be home to one of the healthiest consumer pools in the nation, with the most recent data showing that California had the second-lowest “state average plan liability risk score” in the nation in 2021. This marks the eighth straight year that California has been among the top five states in fostering healthy enrollment in the individual market.

• On the other end of the scale, after more than two years of lowerthan-normal utilization rates, Covered California’s carriers are seeing medical trends return to pre-pandemic levels, accounting for an average of 4 percentage points.

The preliminary average rate change will vary by region and by an individual’s personal situation. The rates have been filed with California’s Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) and are subject to its final review and public comment.

Californians both on- and offexchange will also benefit from Covered California’s competitive marketplace and standard patient-centered benefit designs.

Unsubsidized consumers could mitigate the rate change by switching to the lowest-cost plan in the same metal tier, saving an average of -5.8 percent on their gross premiums. However, it is important to note that regardless of their plan choice, the change in monthly costs subsidized consumers see will largely be determined by the future of the

American Rescue Plan and, therefore, the amount of financial assistance available.

The consequences of the American Rescue Plan expiring The American Rescue Plan ensures that everyone eligible will spend no more than 8.5 percent of their household income on their health plan premiums if they enroll through an Affordable Care Act marketplace. The law reduced consumer premium costs to record lows and expanded eligibility for premium savings to middle-income individuals and families.

However, the American Rescue Plan is set to expire at the end of 2022, and existing consumers will see less federal financial help and higher costs when they receive their renewal notices in October if Congress does not act.

“At a time when many people are already facing increased economic pressures, some Californians may make the difficult choice of becoming uninsured in absence of the financial help that the American Rescue Plan provides,” Altman said. “Covered California stands ready to move mountains if Congress elects to extend the American Rescue Plan’s subsidies, but every single day matters. The longer we go without a decision, the harder it will be to avoid disruption and consumer confusion.”

A recent Covered California analysis, “Americans Brace for Higher Health Insurance Costs if the American Rescue Plan Is Allowed to Expire,” showed that an estimated 3 million Americans, including 220,000 Californians, could be priced out of coverage next year. In addition, the expiration of the American Rescue Plan would cause average net premiums to double for nearly 1 million low-income consumers, and middle-income Californians PAGE 13

Family photo of FYLPRO and its partners: (seated, from left) Embassy Vice Consul Mark Dominic E. Lim, FYLPRO President Leezel Tanglao, Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr., Embassy Consul General Iric C. Arribas, and Ms. Nancy Hsiung from the Booz Allen Foundation, with Philippine Embassy staff, FYLPRO officials/staff/members/mentees, and other supporters.

Photo courtesy of PH Embassy

PH Embassy hosts FYLPRO 10th year anniversary WASHINGTON D.C. – In commemoration of its 10th anniversary, the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) held a reunion dinner at the Philippine Embassy Chancery Annex last Friday, July 22. The event was attended by FYLPRO Officers, members, alumni, partners, Embassy officials, FYLPRO mentees, and other supporters.

Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr. congratulated FYLPRO for their milestone achievements and for its positive impact in the Philippines and on the Filipino community in the United States. “I had the privilege of witnessing how FYLPRO evolved from the time of its launching to when its members started addressing existential questions and challenges such as whether or not it should apply for 501(c)3 organization status or encouraging active participation among the alumni. And here you are now, a 501(c)3 organization celebrating its 10th anniversary!” he said.

In response, FYLPRO President Leezel Tanglao thanked the Embassy for its continued support for FYLPRO, its programs, and initiatives. She said, “I was part of the last batch that went (to the Philippines) in 2019 and if you ask every single alumni that has gone through the immersion program of FYLPRO, they will tell you how life changing this program has been

and even more so how we’ve been able to pivot and really dig deep into who we are as Filipinos and what it means to be a Filipino American both from the global sense and domestically. Even a pandemic could not stop us from serving our community in so many ways.”

Ms. Tanglao also announced the resumption of the FYLPRO Immersion program which is scheduled for November 2022.

As part of the celebration, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Ascalon and former FYLPRO President Louella Rose Cabalona concluded the formal turnover of the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Embassy, FYLPRO, and the Ayala Foundation Inc (AFI) extending the partnership until December 2025. The MOU was signed via a virtual ceremony last December 2021.

Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is a 501c3 organization comprising a network of high-performing, next-generation leaders who advance the Philippines and the Filipino people through their advocacy and expertise in various industries. They continually expand the pipeline of Filipino young leaders in the diaspora. By connecting them to the motherland, they foster collaborative multinational relationships that create innovations and support the socio-economic progress of the

global Filipino community.

FYLPRO has partnered with the Philippine Embassy and the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) to annually identify outstanding young professionals in Filipino communities across the United States and provide the delegates with invaluable community, business, and government insights and access to distinguished network captains of industry and government.

FYLPRO supports various causes and civic engagement initiatives such as the Caretaker Project, funded by a Booz Allen Foundation Innovation grant, and the Project Ligtas Bata.

The Caretaker Project is intended to connect Filipinos with vital, culturally relevant services; debunk misinformation; and improve collection of data to better serve the community.

This project aims to fill gaps in services for the most vulnerable social groups — seniors, frontline workers, and the unemployed.

Meanwhile, Project Ligtas Bata, a web-based international campaign to combat the commercial and online sexual exploitation of Filpino children.

The aim of this campaign is to promote awareness, prevention, and support for child victims in the Philippines.

For further information on FYLPRO and their projects, please visit https://fylpro.org/ and https://ligtasbata.com/. (PH Embassy Release)

PH Embassy introduces Philippines to AMP global scholars WASHINGTON D.C. – Accentuating the celebration of Filipino-American Friendship day earlier in July, Philippine Embassy officials welcomed and introduced the Philippines and its culture to two batches of student delegates from the AMP Global Scholar Program on July 12 and July 26 at the Embassy’s Romulo Hall. The global scholars range from 9th to 12th graders and mostly come from various U.S. states, if not from abroad.

Minister and Consul Donna M. Rodriguez briefly discussed Philippine politics, economics, and foreign policy during the visits of the AMP Global Scholars.

She also highlighted the general functions of the Embassy and attached agencies, as well as her duties and responsibilities as head of the Embassy’s Political and Legislative section.

Meanwhile, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Mark Dominic E. Lim featured Philippine culture, food, and tourism during his presentation. He also shared about the day-to-day work of a diplomat, particularly the Embassy’s engagements with the Filipino diaspora, and had the opportunity to share Filipino sweets to both delegations.

The AMP Global Scholar Program is an international summer leadership program for high schoolers that aims

The first batch of AMP Global Scholar Program delegates with Third Secretary and Vice Consul Mark Dominic E. Lim (first row, extreme left) on Tuesday, July 12.

The second batch of AMP Global Scholar Program delegates with Third Secretary and Vice Consul Mark Dominic E. Lim (first row, extreme left) on Tuesday, July 26.

to provide young leaders with opportunities to expand their network, to learn about cultural diversities, and to enrich their knowledge on current global issues. Through handson learning and meetings

with leading policy experts, Global Scholar empowers young and emerging leaders to become change makers on their campuses and in their communities.

(PH Embassy release)

Minister and Consul Donna M. Rodriguez providing a political and economic overview of the Philippines to the first batch of AMP Global scholars on July 12, 2022.

Photos courtesy of PH Embassy

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Features

Covered California announces 2023 health plan...

PAGE 12

would no longer receive any federal financial help.

The uncertain future of the expanded American Rescue Plan subsidies added about 1 percentage point to premiums, as carriers anticipated that healthy enrollees may choose to drop their coverage. Without this, consumers would be seeing a rate change of closer to 5 percent, which would be in line with what Covered California saw in its initial years.

“As we look at the change in underlying premiums this year, it is important to remember that what most Covered California consumers actually pay for coverage each month is based largely on the financial help available to them,” Altman said.

“The biggest factor impacting what our consumers will pay for coverage in 2023 is whether Congress extends the enhanced subsidies, or not.”

On Tuesday, July 19, Covered California and 18 other marketplaces wrote to congressional leaders, highlighting the potential ramifications if the law is allowed to expire.

Covered California also noted that if Congress allows the American Rescue Plan subsidies to expire, the state of California stands ready to step in and mitigate some of the impact. In the most recent state budget, California allocated $304 million to a state subsidy program, which would benefit both low- and middle-income consumers. While the funding is significant, and would help make health insurance more affordable for Californians, the federal subsidies under the American Rescue Plan amount to about $1.7 billion per year.

Covered California adds competition Covered California’s high enrollment and healthy consumers continue to attract health insurance carriers, which has meant increased competition and choice. Changes to this year’s carriers include: Aetna CVS Health, which currently serves 34 million people across the nation, will join Covered California and begin offering coverage in El Dorado, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties.

Anthem Blue Cross will return to San Diego County and will join Blue Shield of California as the second carrier to offer statewide

coverage.

Blue Shield of California will expand its Trio HMO plan into portions of Monterey County.

Health Net will be ending its EPO plan product. Nearly 600 consumers spread throughout Contra Costa, Marin, Merced, Napa, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus and Tulare counties will be given the opportunity to choose a new plan or be moved to the carrier with the lowest-cost plan in the same metal tier.

As a result, with 13 carriers providing coverage across the state in 2023, all Californians will have two or more choices, 93 percent will be able to choose from three carriers or more, and 81 percent of Californians will have four or more choices.

“Covered California’s marketplace requires carriers to compete on price and quality, which increases affordability and allows Californians to choose the option that best fits their needs,” Altman said. “This year brings increased competition, and every Californian will have at least two carries to choose from, with most having four or five choices.”

Covered California’s specialenrollment period While the rates and increased choice will not go into effect until coverage begins on Jan. 1, 2023, there are many life changes that allow Californians to enroll right now. The most common qualifying life events are losing health coverage, getting married, having a baby, permanently moving to California or moving within the state where new carriers are offered.

In addition, there are several qualifying life events that are available due to the public health emergency and the American Rescue Plan: • You or a family member have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• You have a household income under 150 percent of the federal poverty level, which is less than $19,320 for an individual and $39,750 for a family of four.

• Eligible consumers in this income bracket can find Silver 94 plans, the most generous coverage available through Covered California, with no monthly premium.

• You paid the penalty because you did not have health insurance.

A full list of qualifying life events can be found at https://www.

coveredca.com/support/beforeyou-buy/qualifying-life-events/.

“Californians can still benefit from the American Rescue Plan for the rest of the year if they need health insurance right now,” Altman said. “Right now, two of every three Covered California enrollees can get name-brand coverage for $10 a month or less, thanks to the expanded eligibility and record financial help through the American Rescue Plan.”

Consumers who sign up during special enrollment will have their coverage begin on the first of the following month.

Consumers can easily check their eligibility and options on CoveredCA.com Consumers can explore their options in a number of different ways, including: • Covered California’s online Shop and Compare Tool will show consumers if they are eligible for financial help and which plans are available in their area.

• Find the nearest certified enroller in your neighborhood by visiting https://www.coveredca. com/support/contact-us/.

• Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 to get information or enroll by phone.

Covered California’s online enrollment portal and certified enrollers will also help people find out whether they are eligible for Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal enrollment is available year-round, and the coverage will begin the day after a person signs up.

Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies.

Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California’s consumers.

It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the Legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.

CoveredCA.com.

(Covered CA Release)

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022

13

Speier, McCaul introduce legislation to expand insurance coverage for clinical trial participants

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, July 27, Childhood Cancer Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) introduced the bipartisan Clinical Trial Coverage Act to require insurers to cover out-of-network routine care for clinical trial participants if no innetwork provider is available. This provision would ensure adult and child patients can access clinical trials without paying significant out-of-pocket costs for physician services.

“Clinical trials have the unique potential to help patients benefit from advanced research and the latest in cutting-edge therapeutics. But as the Co-Chair of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, I have heard from countless families that they can’t afford to participate in clinical trials even though they may significantly improve their child’s quality of life, or even save their child’s life,” Rep. Speier said. “Adults and families with children fighting for their survival must never be forced to choose between the health care they need or putting food on the table and keeping a roof over their heads.

Our legislation ensures patients and families can afford this vital care and avoid steep billing surprises. It also promotes greater diversity in the patients who enroll in and benefit from clinical trials, strengthening efforts to develop the medicines of the future.”

“Children diagnosed with cancer deserve the best chance at survival. An already overwhelmed family facing one of life’s most daunting challenges should be given every opportunity to participate in clinical trials that can truly make a difference, without worrying about out-of-network costs. By increasing participation and access to clinical trials, cures and effective treatments will be discovered and generations of children and those facing cancer will benefit,” Rep. McCaul said.

Rep. Speier introduced and passed similar legislation in the California State Senate in 2000.

Current federal law already requires private insurers to cover routine services for clinical trials from in-network providers, but some patients may not have an in-network provider who offers access to a particular trial. For these patients, paying the full price for services in clinical trials may be their only option, excluding many

Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA)

from participating in these trials.

The Clinical Trial Act will ensure many of these patients are finally able to benefit from potentially lifesaving clinical trials.

The Clinical Trial Coverage Act is supported by numerous medical and patient advocacy organizations, including the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses, Children’s Cancer Cause and the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research.

“Childhood cancer research uniquely depends on clinical trials to advance care and treatment for kids facing a cancer diagnosis. In many cases, clinical trials provide kids with cancer the best or only treatment option available and appropriate for their condition.

The Clinical Trial Coverage Act would require insurers to cover out-of-network routine care costs for clinical trial participants if the provider operating the trial is not in-network. By reducing this financial barrier to clinical trial participation, the Clinical Trial Coverage Actwill allow more kids with cancer to enroll in clinical trials,” said Kathleen Ruddy, CEO of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

“Clinical trials aren’t a last resort or an after-thought for children with brain cancer. They’re a necessity.

Existing treatments are decades old and often do more harm than good to children’s smaller bodies and developing brains. Access to clinical trials and the potential for improved outcomes should not be a financial burden for families who are supporting their children through the toughest

battles of their lives. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation wholeheartedly supports the Clinical Trial Coverage Act, and we appreciate Rep. Speier's hard work and dedication to children battling cancer and their families,” said Courtney Davies, President and CEO of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

“Participation in clinical trials is particularly important to this patient population and vital in establishing the standard of care for pediatric cancer patients. As children have unique biology, clinical trials help researchers discover the best ways to treat them. During a clinical trial, patients may need to see specialists that are considered by their insurance companies as out of network providers. Such a situation can result in unnecessary denial and interruption of coverage and delays in life-saving care. The threat of denials of insurance coverage may cause children with cancer to forgo clinical trials enrollment. Families may be forced to undergo additional insurance review at a time of great stress. The Clinical Trials Coverage Act of 2022 would address this problem by eliminating outof-network denials for routine care,” said Steve Wosahla, CEO of the Children’s Cancer Cause.

“Imagine a clinical trial is available for you or your loved one, yet your insurance company will not cover the costs because the trial is out-of-network.

Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research watches our families encounter this and it is heartbreaking,” said Dean Crowe, Founder and CEO of Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. “The Clinical Trial Coverage Act is a vitally important piece of legislation because it will require insurance companies to provide coverage if no in-network clinical trial is available. Not only is it the right thing for patients to have the opportunity to enroll in clinical trials, but critical and valuable medical advances are derived from trials providing new standards of care with fewer side effects. Thank you Congresswoman Speier for your leadership and vision.”

The full copy of the bill text can be found at https://speier.house. gov/_cache/files/c/f/cf3d539da5dd-4900-821e-b7fcf566fec9/0 B903651DCDE4F7856B43A4D 5A068943.clinical-trial-coverageact-speier-187-xml.pdf.

(US Rep. Speier’s Office Release)

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JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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