072923 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

Congress’ HEAL Act ensures health care access for undocumented

REPS. Pramila Jayapal, D-Washington, and Nanette Barragan, D-California, along with Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, introduced the HEAL Act July 27 morning, which aims to grant healthcare access to all who reside in the U.S., regardless of immigration status.

Currently, most immigrants must wait five years or longer before they can enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Undocumented immigrants are completely barred from these programs as well as from purchasing insurance from the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

The HEAL Act removes the five-year bar in Medicaid/CHIP, opens up the ACA marketplace, and expands access to Medicare so that immigrants can access the affordable health care they need.

Health disparities

In 2019, among the non-elderly population, 25% of lawfully present immigrants

Marcos cool to raising sea row to UN assembly

by Helen Flores Philstar.com

KUALA LUMPUR – President Marcos appears not inclined to raise China’s continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

At a press conference here on Thursday, July 27, Marcos was asked to comment on a Senate resolution, urging the administration to seek UNGA support for the country’s position in the South China Sea issue.

“Generally speaking, foreign policy is not set by the legislature. Generally speaking, foreign policy is left up

to the executive,” Marcos said.

“The United Nations entertains governments, not parts of government... They deal with governments,” he added.

Marcos made the remarks after Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri agreed to Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s proposal for a caucus on July 31 to discuss the resolution authored by Sen. Risa Hontiveros urging the government to call out Beijing’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea before the UNGA.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and presidential adviser on West Philippine Sea Andres

Centino were expected to be invited to the closeddoor meeting.

“I mean of course the senator (Hontiveros) is free to file whatever resolution she wants but I do not know how that would translate to any action that will reach the United Nations General Assembly,” Marcos said.

Earlier, Cayetano – who served as foreign affairs chief during the Duterte administration – blocked the Senate’s adoption of the resolution authored by Hontiveros.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro earlier raised u PAGE A2

BURBANK — Domestic workers in the US are underpaid and over-utilized, but are largely exempt from protection by labor laws, said Ai-Jen Poo, President of National Domestic Workers Alliance.

The well-known labor rights activist is currently heading up a campaign to pass the National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. The bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Washington, and in the Senate by Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, and Ben Lujan, D-New Mexico.

In April, the NDWA — in collaboration with the Care Can’t Wait coalition — won a major victory: President Joe Biden issued 50 executive orders directed at improving care and protections for domestic workers.

April has been designated Care Workers Recognition Month.

“Across America, care workers help raise our children, assist seniors as they age with dignity, and support people with disabilities, giving families peace of mind and making it possible for millions of Americans to earn a

KUALA LUMPUR – All is calm and "good" between House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Vice President Sara Duterte.

"We're good," Romualdez told reporters as President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. prepared to wrap up his state visit in Malaysia.

Last May, Duterte threw barbs seemingly directed at Romualdez following the demotion of former president and now Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the House leadership.

This was followed by Duterte leaving Lakas-CMD of which Romualdez is party president.

However last Tuesday, July 25, the two officials were seen arm-in-arm during the departure honors for the President. n

OLIVIA McDaniel and the Philippines still consider Norway as having the advantage ahead of their crunch Group A tussle, this despite cracks showing within the camp of the former winner of the Fifa Women’s World Cup.

“It will be a tough game and they are a tough team,” McDaniel said as the Filipinas began preparations in this city for a monumental chance at securing a round-of-16 spot in the ultimate showcase of women’s football.

The Filipinas take on the Norwegians Sunday at Eden Park here, with a chance to do what only three debutants have achieved in the tournament’s short but rich history.

And with the Philippines coming off a historic first win in the tournament, any other help can certainly help swing the tide in favor of the Filipinas.

“They’re ranked very, very highly and we have to put our best foot forward,” McDaniel added.

McDaniel and Co. are on a

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong”

Marcos Jr. told the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC) that the Philippine government is listening to its suggestions. He noted government programs lined up are attuned to the advice it provide.

During ABAC’s third meeting in Cebu City on Friday, the Chief Executive stressed sustainable and inclusive growth.

He also emphasized sustainability in his speech.

“We aim to achieve this through amongst other strengthening agriculture and food agriculture, industrialization, connectivity, and supply change, driving growth through tourism, through trade, urban development; providing high impact social services for health, education, skills uptake, and targeted support; building climate resilient and green infrastructure that will not only sustain our economic growth, but will also trickle welfare effects down to our most underserved sectors,” he said.

Michael Punongbayan Philstar.com

MANILA — Super Typhoon

Egay roared across Northern Luzon and other parts of the country on Wednesday, July 26, leaving at least two dead and several injured as well as displacing up to 180,400 people or 44,356 families now mostly staying in evacuation centers.

The dead and injured were not immediately identified as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Council (NDRRMC) has yet to verify reports, which said the figures were recorded in Calabarzon, (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), the Cordilleras, Northern Luzon and Western Visayas. Authorities have yet to estimate the damage caused by the typhoon.

Egay (international name Doksuri) was forecast to leave the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday morning, July 27, and was u PAGE A4

Marcos cool to raising sea row...

the likely scenario of the resolution being turned down due to China’s veto power as one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Marcos has also expressed hope former president Rodrigo Duterte may have already raised the Chinese coast guard’s harassment of Filipino vessels during his unannounced meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this month.

Duterte cultivated warm ties with Beijing. Marcos, on the other hand, appeared to be pivoting back to the US.

China continues to ignore the July 12, 2016 ruling of The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, which affirmed the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea and nullified Beijing’s claims over almost the entire South China Sea.

Not surprised Hontiveros said she was not surprised that Cayetano blocked the Senate’s early adoption of her resolution.

In an interview with ANC’s “Headstart,” the opposition senator said her resolution was just a “simple” call for the Senate as an independent body to express its sentiment amid continued harassment of Filipino fisherfolk and coast guard vessels by China’s bigger ships while in Philippine waters.

“The resolution is so simple.

It is expressing the sense of the Senate to urge the Philippine government through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to sponsor a resolution in the UNGA calling on China to

respect and to comply with that Hague ruling, and to cease and desist from her harassment of Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea,” Hontiveros said.

“I wasn’t completely surprised that Senator Cayetano stood up against it. This was not the first time he did not support pressing the case against China, given his history of easing the Philippine foot on the gas pedal vis-a-vis China,” she added.

Echoing Cayetano’s position was presidential sister Sen. Imee Marcos who urged her brother to choose the de-escalation tack.

“While we are all blowing our top over the harassment of Filipino fisherfolk and coast guard, we should let cooler heads prevail and find solutions not based on emotions,” Marcos said in Filipino at the Kapihan sa Senado forum on Thursday.

“For me, what is more important is to de-escalate tension at all costs,” she added.

Zubiri expressed confidence the Senate could still adopt the resolution after a caucus with Manalo and Centino on Monday, July 31.

“We are still confident that the resolution will pass. As to whether we will retain the original wording, that remains to be seen. We will meet with the (DFA), the Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency to hear their concerns,” Zubiri said.

“While the senators differ on how to go about this, we are united in the desire to condemn the harassment and bullying of our fisherfolk and Coast Guard … We are confident that we can come up with a wording of the

resolution that will meet our common desire while addressing the concerns of all the members of the Senate,” he added.

Joint drills with China?

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Romeo Brawner said China has offered to hold joint military exercises with the Philippines.

Brawner said he would study the offer, which was presented to him by China’s ambassador, CNN Philippines and state-run PTV reported.

“They said they submitted some white papers, we have to study,” Brawner said in a video posted by CNN Philippines on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

There was no immediate comment from Brawner, but military spokesman Medel Aguilar said he did see the video of Brawner’s interview and reiterated the conversation he had with the Chinese diplomat was “informal.”

“I am not aware if we are already furnished with the white papers,” Aguilar told Reuters. Brawner spoke to reporters on the sidelines of an event hosted by China’s ambassador to mark the anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army, Aguilar said.

China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“We try to establish relations with armies, with armed forces around the world. This is one way for us to prevent war,” Brawner said.

Beijing’s offer to carry out joint military drills with the Philippines comes as time of heightened tensions between the countries over what Manila describes as China’s “aggressive” activities in the South China Sea.

China has longstanding territorial disputes in the South China Sea with several countries in the region, including the Philippines.

There were no other details given on the proposed joint military drills, but Brawner said they would not be conducted in the South China Sea.

A former army chief, Brawner this month took over as armed forces head, succeeding Andres Centino, now Marcos’ adviser on the South China Sea. (With reports from Marc Jayson Cayabyab)

Marcos tells APEC advisers: We’re listening...

Acting on ABAC’s suggestions, Marcos said the government had established a Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to hear the sentiments of businessmen.

“We welcome the recommendations of ABAC

in your 2022 report to APEC Economic Leaders, which include fostering a sustainable and resilient food system through, and among others, enabling a meaningful and effective partnership with the private sector,” the President

stressed. ABAC is being held in Cebu City from July 27 to 30. It is a forum for business executives from different APECmember countries and diplomats to discuss developments on inclusive economic growth. n

Congress’ HEAL Act ensures health care...

and more than four in 10 undocumented immigrants were uninsured compared to less than one in 10 citizens. Lack of health insurance is one of the key contributors to persistent inequities in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of health conditions.

In a statement introducing the bill, Barragan, Booker and Jayapal jointly stated: “The introduction of the HEAL Act of 2023 comes just in time for the 58th anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare and stands at the precipice of unceasing and intensifying political attacks on immigrants and health care access across the country.”

“This includes the harshest anti-immigration laws in the country and ongoing abortion bans that disproportionately affect women and communities of color,” wrote the members of

Congress.

Health care is a human right

“We must finally guarantee health care to everyone as a human right — regardless of immigration status, income, employment, or anything else,” said Jayapal, in a statement announcing the bill. “As a proud immigrant who came to this country alone at the age of 16, I know that the HEAL Act is an urgent, necessary, and just first step to eliminating senseless barriers to health care, making our communities healthier, and ensuring all immigrants get the care they need.”

“Every person deserves healthcare, no matter their immigration status,” said Barragán. “Healthcare is a human right, and we must remove the unnecessary barriers that prevent immigrant families from the medical care they need to live and thrive. The HEAL Act

will help reduce racial health inequities and ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare in their communities.”

Supporters

“Everyone, regardless of their immigration status, deserves access to comprehensive, quality health care,” said Booker. “By creating a more equitable health care system, we can create healthier communities and a stronger, more resilient economy.”

The bill, which does not yet have a number, has 56 co-sponsors in the House and nine cosponsors in the Senate. It is also supported by the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, and the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, among other organizations. The proposed legislation is already garnering backlash on social media. (Ethnic Media Services)

Covered California to cut patient costs after Democratic lawmakers win funding from Gov. Newsom

by AngelA HArt KFF Health News

SACRAMENTO — Weeks after Democratic lawmakers forced Gov. Gavin Newsom to make good on a four-year-old pledge to use tax penalty proceeds from fining the uninsured to increase health insurance subsidies for low- and middle-income Californians, Covered California officials announced they will funnel that money into reducing out-of-pocket spending for many enrollees struggling with the cost of care. The state’s health insurance exchange will zero out some patients’ hospital deductibles, up to $5,400; lower the copay of primary care visits from $50 to $35; and reduce the cost for generic drugs from $19 to $15. Some enrollees will also see their annual out-of-pocket spending capped at $6,100, down from $7,500.

Covered California CEO Jessica Altman argues these are tangible reductions — savings on deductibles and copays on top of subsidies to lower monthly premiums — that will affect hundreds of thousands of people and entice them to use their coverage.

“Deductibles uniquely detract people from seeking care, so that’s a significant focus,” Altman told KFF Health News. “California is really grappling with affordability and thinking about, ‘What does affordability really mean?’ Many people simply do not have $5,000 sitting in their bank account in case they need it for health care.”

Additional reductions in patients’ out-of-pocket costs — on top of existing federal health insurance subsidies to reduce monthly premiums — will take effect in January for people renewing or purchasing coverage during Covered California’s next enrollment period, which begins in the fall. The state could go further in helping reduce patients’ costs in subsequent years with future budget increases, Altman said. Still, those savings may be offset by higher costs elsewhere. Covered California announced

July 25 that inflation and other factors are driving up annual premium rates on participating health plans by an average of nearly 10% next year, the largest average increase since 2018.

California started fining those without health coverage in the tax year 2020, establishing its own “individual mandate.” In that first year, the state raised $403 million in penalty revenue, according to the state Franchise Tax Board. It has continued to levy fines, paid for largely by lowor middle-income earners, the very people the new subsidies are intended to help.

Legislative leaders had pushed Newsom, a fellow Democrat, to funnel the tax revenue into lowering health care costs for low- and middle-income people purchasing coverage via Covered California — many of whom reported skipping or delaying care due to high out-of-pocket costs.

The governor for years resisted pleas to put penalty money into Covered California subsidies, arguing that the state couldn’t afford it and needed the money given looming economic downturns and the potential loss of federal premium subsidies — which could be threatened by a change in federal leadership.

But under ongoing pressure, Newsom relented in June and agreed to begin spending some of the money to boost state subsidies. According to the state Department of Finance, California is expected to plow $83 million next year and $165 million annually in subsequent years to expand financial assistance — roughly half the revenue it raises annually — into reducing Covered California patients’ costs. The remainder of the money will be set aside in a special health care fund that could be tapped later.

The budget deal also allows the Newsom administration to borrow up to $600 million in penalty revenue for the state general fund, which it must pay back. Penalty revenues are projected to bring in $362 million this year with an additional $366 million projected next year,

according to Finance Department spokesperson H.D. Palmer. Covered California board members approved the new plan design last week. They say the cost-sharing subsidies will lower out-of-pocket spending for nearly 700,000 people out of roughly 1.6 million enrolled in Covered California.

The boost in funding, which represents the state’s most significant effort to slash patients’ costs in Covered California, will largely benefit lower-income Californians who earn below 250% of the federal poverty level, which is $33,975 for an individual and $69,375 for a family of four for 2023, according to the exchange.

“Bringing down deductibles goes a long way to help middle-class California families struggling with increasing costs of living,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, who rallied fellow Democrats to block a plan by Newsom and his administration to keep the revenue for the state general fund, which can be used for any purpose.

Atkins added, “We will continue our work to lower the costs even more in the years to come.”

Newsom spokesperson Brandon Richards defended the governor’s health care record, saying Newsom is committed to ensuring Californians can access health care. In addition to boosting assistance in Covered California, Richards said, the governor has expanded public health insurance coverage to immigrants lacking legal status and is increasing how much doctors, hospitals, and other providers get paid to see Medicaid patients.

Originally required by the federal Affordable Care Act, the so-called individual mandate to hold health coverage or pay a tax penalty was gutted by Republicans in 2017, eliminating the fine nationally. Newsom reinstated it for California when he took office in 2019 — a key component of his ambitious health care platform. California is one of at least

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Malacañang photo

Can not speaking English kill you?

by Peter White Ethnic Media Services

THE St. Thomas Family Health Center in Nashville serves patients of all ages whether or not they have insurance. The community clinic is part of the Ascension Medical Group, a large non-profit Catholic healthcare system with hospitals and clinics in 16 states.

This popular center is located on Nashville’s west side, right next to St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Charlotte Avenue. Both minister to a largely immigrant population and have been there for more than two decades.

The clinic is open 45 hours per week and provides primary care for immigrant women and their children as well as patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes.

Physical exams, pap smears, blood tests, low-cost prescriptions, vaccines, and flu shots are all available. Spanish-speaking mothers who are pregnant or have young children chat amiably with the front office staff who are all bilingual. Most of the nurses and practitioners are also bi-lingual.

Culturally-appropriate health care

But St. Thomas may be an anomaly in the health care world. Fourteen million people in the US do not speak English, while 25.5 million say they speak it “less than very well.”

Yet finding providers who speak at least one of the panoply of languages spoken in the US is a difficult task that prevents non-English and limited English proficient speakers from getting the care they need.

When it comes to preventive services, more people with little or no English have not had their blood pressure taken or cholesterol checked in the last two years, have not gotten a flu shot or had a physical or seen a dentist in the last year.

Cancer screenings

Dr. Ingrid J. Hall, an epidemiologist with the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a recent study of Hispanic adults linking English proficiency to access to healthcare services.

Hall measured differences between three groups of patients. The control group, non-Hispanic whites, had the highest percentage (84%) of

regular health care. The group who were comfortable with English (78%) was second highest. Only 69% of Hispanics with limited comfort speaking English had a regular provider. The epidemiologist led the CDC’s campaign to make more women aware of the importance of getting mammograms to find breast cancer early.

Health literacy “Our money from Congress goes directly to the state. Then we encourage our state partners to partner with community based organizations that are going to reach the populations that we want to reach,” Hall said at an Ethnic Media Services news briefing July 21.

Regular screening and prompt diagnosis can reduce illness and death from breast or cervical cancer especially for women over 50 who account for more than 75% of those cancers.

Improving health literacy and addressing barriers to care will require a “multi-pronged” approach including education, insurance disparities, and other social determinants of health, said Hall.

Changing demographics

Dr. Latha Palaniappan, CoFounder of Stanford CARE, explains why patient translators need not just language skill but also to be trained to work in healthcare settings.

Dr. Latha Palaniappan, cofounder of Stanford University’s Center for Asian Research and Education — CARE — said the demographics of the U.S. population have changed dramatically in recent decades.

From 1980 to 2019, the number of people in the US who spoke a language other than English at home nearly tripled, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Sixty-seven million people in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home.

Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese are the top 3 languages of households that have limited or non-English speakers. Fourth most common is Russian, Polish, and other Slavic languages grouped, and then Spanish, said Palaniappan, referring to US Census data.

Longer Hospital Stays

These non-English speakers are a very significant proportion of the population, said Palaniappan. And patients whose providers

don’t speak their language reported receiving less health education, worse care, and lower patient satisfaction.

“The length of stay if an interpreter isn’t used at admission or discharge at a hospital stay is increased by 3 days. There’s increased thirtyday readmissions, for instance, among congestive heart failure. There’s more infections, falls, surgical site infections, pressure injuries, delays in surgery, and problems with medication management,” said the physician.

“Under section 1557 of the ACA (Affordable Care Act) health care providers are required by law to provide qualified interpreting services free of charge,” Palaniappan noted. But saying that doesn’t make it so.

Providers often rely on informal interpreters like friends or family members, but that is generally prohibited except in emergencies. Nothing is better than an in-person interpreter, but telephone or video based interpretation works and can be cost effective, she said.

Systemic change

Dr. Elena V. Rios, President & CEO, National Hispanic Medical Association, discusses the lack of funding for translation services for low English proficiency (LEP) patients.

Dr. Elena V. Rios is President & CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association, (NHMA), representing 50,000 Hispanic physicians in the US. The mission of the organization is to improve the health of Hispanics.

Only 15 states actually have Medicaid that reimburses for language services. “So we need to change the system. We need to reimburse language services for providers, for hospitals, for clinics, for doctors offices,” Rios said.

“Language services could be helped by having more doctors or nurses, for example, from those countries that speak the languages that are needed here,” she said.

“There’s definitely a need for reimbursement at all levels but especially in the poor communities that don’t have top jobs or don’t have higher incomes. Most people don’t go to the doctor because they can’t pay for it and they don’t have insurance. So we continually need more prevention,” said Rios. n

Philippine women’s team to face Norway in...

high after the Filipinas stunned New Zealand, 1-0, in Wellington for the country’s landmark feat in the quadrennial tourney, a win not many thought was possible considering that the Filipinas are seeing action here for the first time.

Another scenario

Everything remains in the table in their group, however, with the Filipinas needing a win or get a draw plus a New Zealand loss to Switzerland in Dunedin to qualify against either Spain or Japan, the two sides that will advance in Group C.

Things took a drastic turn for the Norwegians after two match days as they lost to the host nation, 1-0, in the opener before settling for a goalless draw against the Swiss.

And amid the consistency of the team billed to top the group before the World Cup began are issues surrounding its top players Ada Hegerberg and Carolina Graham Hansen.

Hegerberg mysteriously didn’t play the last time despite being listed in the starting lineup and taking part in a customary photo seconds prior to kickoff because of a groin injury.

Prematch history

Soccer Football – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Group A – New Zealand v Norway – Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand

– July 20, 2023 Norway’s Ada

Hegerberg, Caroline Graham

Hansen and Ingrid Syrstad

Engen look dejected after the match REUTERS/David Rowland

The team said after the Switzerland draw that the former Ballon d’Or winner for French club Lyon got the injury while sprinting before the referee blew the opening whistle.

Graham Hansen had expressed some outbursts before Norwegian media about her role in the ongoing competition, including being a substitute against Switzerland. She entered that game in the second half.

The Barcelona winger eventually apologized, saying that she got caught up in the emotions.

Those reported issues notwithstanding, many see Norway, ranked 12th in the recent Fifa rankings, as the favorites to beat the Philippines and salvage a slot in the knockout phase.

“They are one of the best teams in the world with Ballon d’Or winners and many players playing in Barcelona like Graham Hansen,” Filipinas coach Allen Stajcic said.

“That’s such a monumental task for us to come up against them especially when [this] is [our] third game in just over a week,” he went on. “[S]o being able to recover physically and, let alone, from the emotions of [the victory over New Zealand is important].” n

BACK TO NORMAL. The Toril Night Market is back in operation on Wednesday night, July 26 selling street foods and other products. Last year, a deadly diarrhea outbreak happened in the night market which affected more than 200 individuals and resulted in the death of six people.

photo by Robinson

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

Covered California to cut patient costs...

states, along with Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont, as well as the District of Columbia that have their own health coverage mandate, though not all levy a tax penalty for remaining uninsured.

Among them, California is most aggressively trying to lower health care costs and achieve universal coverage, said Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF.

“Even though they may disagree on the big picture of health care reform and singlepayer, California Democrats have managed to come together and unify around these incremental steps to improve the current system,” Levitt said. “Step by step, they have put in place the pieces to get as close to universal coverage as they possibly can.”

Democratic leaders in the state have faced political blowback for not using the penalty revenue for health care, details first reported by KFF Health News, even though Newsom and other Democrats vowed to spend the money to make health care more affordable in Covered California.

Advocates say the deal represents a win for low- and middle-income people.

“We’re excited that this money is protected for health care, and ultimately is set aside for future affordability assistance,” said Diana Douglas, chief lobbyist with the consumer advocacy group Health Access California. Advocates want the state to tap those health care dollars to get more people covered, such as lowering health care costs for immigrants living in the state without legal permission.

A bill this year by Assembly member Joaquin Arambula, a

Fresno Democrat, would require Covered California to establish a separate health insurance marketplace so that immigrants who lack legal status and earn too much to qualify for Medi-Cal, California’s version of Medicaid, can purchase comprehensive coverage that is nearly identical to plans sold on Covered California. Currently, immigrants without legal residency are not allowed on the exchange. Other states, such as Washington and Colorado, have set up similar online marketplaces.

“We’re working hard to create a system that has equal benefits and affordability assistance for everyone,” Arambula said.

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

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

Domestic workers are America’s most...

paycheck while their loved ones are safe and secure,” said Biden in a statement announcing the executive orders. “These unsung heroes strengthen our communities and form the backbone of our nation’s economy.”

Low pay, no sick leave

The president noted that domestic workers are among the lowest paid workers in the US economy, and often juggle multiple jobs while struggling to care for their own households.

“Family care givers are especially overstretched,” said Poo July 19, speaking at The Scan Foundation’s first Advancing Health Equity in Aging summit. “Other countries have a social safety net. We use workers to take care of our families, but they are grossly underpaid, have no sick time, and sometimes no days off,” she said.

“We have worked to make childcare and elder care good paying jobs, with access to medical leave and paid time off. The progress has been slow and incremental,” said Poo.

Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

Poo has worked on labor rights issues since 1996, and was the 2014 recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, also known as a “Genius Grant.”

The NDWA was established in 2007. It achieved its first victory three years later, when the state of New York passed the nation’s

first-ever Domestic Workers Bill of Rights.

The new law provided comprehensive employment benefits to domestic workers, including overtime pay, paid vacation, sick time, and health insurance coverage.

The legislation was revised in 2021 to add additional protections including provisions for undocumented workers, who often face wage theft by their employers. In New York, domestic workers are defined as full-time nannies, au pairs, housekeepers, and the caretakers of elderly people.

The value of stories

Poo spoke about the power of hearing directly from people she hoped to impact. “When we first set out to rewrite labor laws in New York, we realized we had to ask domestic workers what they really needed.”

The NDWA set up a conference, reaching out to potential attendees at churches, parks, and other venues. “We listened to each one of them for hours,” she said, noting “there were interpreters in seven languages.”

“Listening to people really helped us win. You have to engage with people who have the most at stake.”

Poo shared her credo: “Listen to learn, not confirm.”

State legislation

10 states have now adopted legislation to protect domestic workers. California passed AB 241 in 2013, granting, in part,

overtime pay to domestic workers at one and a half times their regular rate of pay for any hours worked in excess of nine hours in a day or in excess of 45 hours in a week.

Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Virginia also have some version of a Domestic Workers Rights Bill. And three cities have also passed similar legislation: Philadelphia, Chicago, and Seattle. Philadelphia’s law is considered the strictest in the nation, requiring a written contract with a description of duties, along with rest breaks and meal breaks, as well as paid time off.

Disability care

The attempts to establish such legislation have received push-back from organizations supporting differently-abled people. “Raising the minimum wage for personal attendants without raising Medicaid resources meant that many people would lose access to their care providers. People couldn’t afford care,” explained Poo. She stressed the need to expand financial resources to the disabled community.

“So many false choices trap us,” said Poo. “We need to find the emotional truth.”

“Our biggest challenge is making people understand that change is possible,” she said. “I can’t believe how far we’ve come.” (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services)

2 dead, over 180,000 displaced as Egay...

expected to continue bringing life-threatening conditions over parts of Northern Luzon last night, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration .

PAGASA said effects of Egay would continue over Babuyan Islands, northwestern portion of mainland Cagayan and northern portions of Apayao and Ilocos Norte last night.

Tropical cyclone wind Signal No. 4 remains hoisted over the northern portion of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands and northern portion of Ilocos Norte.

Signal No. 3 was raised over Batanes, northern and central portions of Cagayan, rest of Ilocos Norte and Apayao as well as the northern portions of Abra and Ilocos Sur.

Landslide

A 16-year-old student was declared dead on arrival in a hospital after he and his parents were dug out from the rubble following a landslide that buried their home in Barangay Central Bakakeng, Baguio City on Wednesday.

The couple were rescued shortly after the landslide, which occurred at around 10:30 a.m. Their son was retrieved at past noon.

Two more landslide victims were also rushed to hospital after loose soil rolled down from a mountainside and buried their houses in Barangay Purol 5, BGH compound at around 8 a.m.

Disaster response officials were verifying reports of a woman drowning in a swollen creek in Cardona, Rizal as the typhoon was approaching the country on Monday, July 24.

The Isabela provincial government, meanwhile, reported a vendor who died after being hit by a falling coconut.

PAGASA warned of a highrisk of storm surge, which may cause flooding in low-lying and exposed coastal areas of Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte and portions of Isabela and Ilocos Sur.

Heavy rains are expected until this afternoon over

the northwestern portion of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands and Ilocos Norte.

Egay will also continue to enhance the southwest monsoon, which will bring occasional monsoon rains over the western portions of Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog and the Visayas in the next few days.

Egay was last spotted 70 kilometers west-northwest of Calayan, Cagayan and was moving northwestward at 10 kilometers per hour.

It exited the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday morning and cross the Taiwan Strait before making landfall in Fujian, China on Friday, July 28.

Egay slammed Fuga Island off Aparri in Cagayan and pounded northern provinces with heavy rains and strong winds that flooded low-lying areas and blew roofs off houses.

The typhoon knocked out power facilities, plunging at least four towns into darkness.

Egay has weakened slightly but remained dangerous with sustained winds of 175 kph and gustiness of up to 240 kph.

“Our northern coastal towns are being battered,” Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba told The Associated Press over the phone.

Assessment will be done after the typhoon passes, but Mamba said he feared there could be extensive damage to Cagayan Valley’s corn and rice farms.

Coast guard personnel used rubber boats and ropes to evacuate villagers in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, who were trapped in floodwaters.

Standby fund

The government has readied more than P173 million in standby funds to assist areas hit by Egay, according to President Marcos.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Marcos – who was in Malaysia for a three-day state visit – said the government is continuously working to address the impact of Egay.

He gave assurance that affected families are in good condition.

The NDRRMC said among regions hit hard by Egay are Bicol, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Ilocos, Mimaropa,

Northern Mindanao and Soccsksargen. Egay destroyed 57 houses in these regions.

The NDRRMC estimated the cost of damage to infrastructure at P1.5 million in Mimaropa, Soccsksargen and Western Visayas.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the number of stranded people decreased from 11,252 on Tuesday afternoon to 1,675 at noon, Wednesday.

Of the stranded passengers, truck drivers and cargo helpers, 953 were waiting in various ports in Southern Tagalog; 372 in the National Capital Region (NCR) and 350 in Bicol.

The PCG said 49 vessels, 308 rolling cargoes and 21 motorized boats were awaiting clearance to resume sail.

At least 7,000 police officers were deployed in areas affected by Egay to assist in disaster response operations, according to the Philippine National Police. Police said no crimes were reported in typhoon-affected regions.

Several domestic and international flights were canceled due to Egay.

Philippine Airlines spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said further changes are expected as the situation remains volatile.

Carmina Romero, spokesperson for budget carrier Cebu Pacific, said 12 domestic flights were canceled on Wednesday.

AirAsia Philippines spokesman Steve Dailisan said the airline canceled its flights to Taipei and Kaoshiung in Taiwan.

State-run pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is ready to provide emergency loans to members and pensioners who might be affected by Egay.

GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso said the pension fund is prepared to lend assistance to its members affected by Egay. (With reports from Romina Cabrera, Artemio Dumlao, Alexis Romero, Evelyn Macairan, Emmanuel Tupas, Neil Jayson Servallos, Rudy Santos, Louise Maureen Simeon)

CULTURAL ASSETS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (center) leads the ribbon-cutting and unveiling of marker at the National Museum of the Philippines branch in Cebu City, Cebu province on Friday, July 28 in line with his administration’s agenda to promote tourism and nurture national identity. With Marcos are First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos (to his left), Tourism Sec. Christina Garcia-Frasco, NMP chair Andoni Aboitiz, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Mayor Michael Rama. PNA photo by Rey Baniquet

California Gov. Gavin Newsom Photo from Facebook/@GavinNewsom

PhiliPPines

Imee Marcos to army of SONA outfit bashers: It doesn’t matter, I was happy

by Maila ager Inquirer.net

MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos on Thursday, July 27 shrugged off jeers she drew online for her outfit and appearance during the president’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The 1970 Miss International, Aurora Pijuan, married to the senator’s estranged husband former sportsman Tomas “Tommy” Manotoc, was one of her critics.

“This can’t be her. I won’t recognize her even if I run her over in Edsa. Not that it’s a plan,” Pijuan wrote on Twitter, commenting on online photos of the senator. Her comment, however, did not bother the senator.

“I don’t know. There are so many comments. There are always bashers,” Marcos said when asked to comment in particular on the former beauty queen’s feedback.

“It doesn’t matter, I was happy…” the senator went on. Even her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., grinned when he saw her wearing the traditional handwoven garment of the Ifugao people during the SONA on Monday, July 24.

“Wala tawa lang ng tawa, sanay na yun sa akin. Hindi na nagugulat,” the senator said. (He just keeps laughing; he’s already used to it. He’s not surprised anymore.) She even showed the president

her gecko tattoo, which she said is a “symbol of good luck and fortune in the Cordillera.”

The senator earlier explained that her outfit in the SONA was a tribute to the Cordillera region. n

New tropical depression threatens PH as Typhoon Egay leaves PAR

by John eric Mendoza

Inquirer.net

MANILA — Another weather disturbance threatens the country after Typhoon Egay (international name: Doksuri) battered parts of Luzon before leaving the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Thursday morning, July 27.

The low-pressure area earlier monitored by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) some 1,800 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao has now strengthened into a tropical depression – and may even become a typhoon in the

coming days, according to state meteorologists.

Based on Pagasa’s 11 a.m. weather bulletin, it was last plotted 1,585 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas. The tropical depression, which remains outside the PAR as of this posting, was packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and a gustiness of 70 kph.

Once it enters the PAR this weekend, the tropical cyclone will be named Falcon, marking the sixth to hit the country this year and the third this July, Pagasa said. The tropical depression may intensify further into a typhoon before barging into the PAR.

Weather satellite image from Pagasa’s website “On the forecast track, the Tropical Depression may enter the PAR region on late Saturday (July 29) or Sunday morning (July 30),” Pagasa said.

“This tropical cyclone may intensify and reach Typhoon category with a peak intensity of 155 (kph) before entering the PAR region,” it added.

Like Typhoon Egay, state meteorologists said this tropical depression would boost the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, which would likely trigger heavy rains in the western sections of Luzon and Visayas this weekend. n

THE DRESS THAT OVERDRIVEN ONLINE CRITICS: Senator Imee Marcos said that her outfit during Sona was a tribute to the Cordillera region. Photo from Sen. Marcos’ office

Crippled by floods

TYPHOON Egay left the Philippine area of responsibility last Thursday, July 27, but wide swathes of Pampanga and Bulacan remained crippled yesterday as monsoon-induced heavy rains continued, spawning floods of at least a foot deep. Disaster management officials say it could take about a week before the flooding subsides, or longer if the approaching storm called Falcon intensifies and slams Luzon.

The government will have to review the flood control system in the affected areas, where livelihoods and mobility have been seriously disrupted.

Editorial

Coastal areas in Bulacan in particular need urgent flood control interventions as sea levels rise amid global warming. Residents have reported that until a few decades ago, they did not experience serious flooding. They have noted that the problem has worsened amid ongoing reclamation activities in Manila Bay. Many residents in the affected areas have taken to buying or fashioning canoes for transportation. Leptospirosis and other water-borne diseases are constant problems.

On Friday, July 28, residents in the affected areas reported experiencing a sudden, powerful rush of water that worsened flooding in homes and along streets that have been impassable since the onslaught of Egay. Disaster management officials denied that this was due to the release of water from dams amid the continuing downpour, saying rivers and other waterways had not been breached as the dams were opened. These days, even a high tide can cause heavy

flooding in the coastal communities, according to residents. A similar problem plagued the coastal areas of northern Metro Manila for decades, with the indiscriminate reclamation of the Dagat-Dagatan area worsening the flooding.

A multibillion-peso flood control project in the CAMANAVA area has eased but not completely eliminated the problem.

The government will have to consider a similar public works intervention in the flood-prone areas of Bulacan and Pampanga, where the local economy has been battered by the crippling floods. The government can take inspiration from some lowlying countries, where complex systems of water pumps and catchments have spared people from massive flooding.

One option is the relocation of entire communities to flood-safe areas, but the massive displacement is going to be costly. For now, the government will have to implement mitigation measures ASAP. Residents are asking for interventions that will at least make floodwaters subside quickly, and allow them to get on with their lives. (Philstar.com)

Marcos year 2: A political reckoning?

bust cycles in the early modern era. His intellectual successors, most notably Alan Greenspan, spoke of “irrational exuberance.” In politics, cognitive biases shape voter behavior.

ONE of the greatest illusions of the 20th century was the presupposition that humans are fundamentally rational beings. But just as the Great Recession of 2007-2008 reminded the world of the limits of mainstream economies, with its delusions of efficient and self-correcting markets scaffolding public policy, the recent wave of populist revolts across the world’s oldest democracies has undermined faith in mainstream political science. This doesn’t mean that human beings are irrational per se, but instead that we are complex and multifaceted species.

The great economist John Maynard Keynes often spoke of “animal spirits” as the driving force behind capitalist boom-and-

Virtual Reality

THE State of the Nation Address (SONA) is basically a Statement of All National Aspirations (SANA) of any Philippine president, especially in the first three of his six-year presidency.

Thus, it was not surprising that the second SONA of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. received no less than 70 rounds of applause, despite his long and tedious but marvelous delivery of one hour and 11 minutes.

The projects and programs enumerated in PBMM’s SONA are the most ambitious, farreaching and wide-ranging ever made by any Filipino president. This explains the enthusiastic rounds of applause. Congress and the nation join Marcos II in his dreaming. Sana all, as they say.

For the first time, noted Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, “we have a president who is engaged in nation building.” Well, the first president to do nation-building was PBBM’s father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and he needed 20 years to do the job.

Marcos II has only five years to implement or finish the projects and programs enumerated in his SONA II. Still, at the end of his 8,275-word address, the president beamed, in Pilipino, “the new Philippines has arrived!” Hoots and thunderous applause.

As Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman argues: even the smartest and most intellectually accomplished human beings are not impervious to seemingly irrational behavior. This is primarily due to evolutionary biology, namely the whole package of defense mechanisms our ancestors had to develop in order to survive the Savannah of pre-historic times.

At the heart of human behavior is an ingrained instinct to respond to the primordial forces of fear and greed. Reason, as Scottish philosopher David Hume correctly explained centuries earlier, can often end up as the slave of passions. And dear reader, this is precisely where our analysis of the simultaneous

One word connects all the BBM projects: Connectivity. It means infra – roads, bridges, seaports, airports and mass transport. It means access – to food, water, electricity, health care, quality education and all things digital.

Marcos II’s infra is mindboggling: 194 projects, of which 120 are new, and they will cost P8.3 trillion (P9 trillion with inflation) and average 5 to 6 percent of GDP per year.

Infra includes huge projects thought of in the last 50 years but never implemented:

1) 1,000 kms of railways to restore the old Philippine National Railways network from north to Bicol;

ascent of the House of Duterte and (reemergence of) the House of Marcos should be understood. This is less about the supposed irrationality of our voters, but instead about the impact of our “age of uncertainty” on modern democracies. As in countless voters in India, Brazil, Indonesia, and Turkey—not to mention America’s Midwest, rural France, and England’s northern regions—authoritarian populism’s appeal to Filipinos is in its ability to provide (false) certainty and (fantastical) promise of prosperity amid (real and manufactured) crises.

Rodrigo Duterte’s populist presidency was enabled by a climate of fear, while Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s emphatic return to power was the upshot of deep-seated grievances against dysfunctions of quasidemocratic politics. The power of disinformation was both a symptom of systemic dysfunction

foreign debts.

On food, Marcos II said “our aim is to boost our local agricultural production – through consolidation, modernization, mechanization and improvement of value chains – augmented by timely and calibrated importation, as needed.” Agriculture, as a sector of GDP, rose 2.2 percent in the first quarter. Its average growth per capita in 30 years: 0.2 percent per year.

as well as an amplifier of a climate of fear and rage, which decimated mainstream liberal politics for the foreseeable future. Only shallow analysts and self-serving apparatchiks would insist that disinformation alone explains our current democratic crisis.

Nevertheless, President Marcos’ political honeymoon won’t last forever. Sure, he is a beneficiary of the failures of both his immediate predecessor, who disastrously mismanaged both the COVID-19 pandemic as well as our external relations, as well as the shortcomings of numerous reformist-liberal presidents in the past three decades.

The reason why Mr. Marcos has been, quite ironically, welcomed as a “breath of fresh air” by the West is not necessarily because of what he does, but instead what he doesn’t: namely, his retrenchment of the worst aspects of the Duterte

an increase in supply, and not a supply adequacy. Water shortage is strange for a country two-thirds of whose territory is – water. He wants a Department of Water, pronto, from Congress.

On energy, Marcos II said “renewable energy is the way forward. We are aggressively promoting renewables, so that it provides a 35 percent share in the power mix by 2030, and then on to 50 percent by 2040.

presidency, including a bloody drug war, a slavish predisposition toward Beijing, and a needlessly pugnacious attitude toward critics.

In this sense, any appreciation of Mr. Marcos’ first year in office is often driven by what can be described as “reference bias,” namely, how the incumbent is an improvement relative to his immediate predecessor. For loyalists, meanwhile, he is seen as a harbinger of a new “golden era” of illiberal politics.

Having picked all the lowhanging fruits, however, Mr. Marcos faces hard choices in his second year in office. He will soon have to decide how far he is willing to align with the United States amid a raging New Cold War in Asia. This has implications not only for his outreach toward Beijing, but also for pro-China elements within his own ruling coalition.

Not to mention, Mr. Marcos will

also have to decide how far is he going to shield his predecessor against probable International Criminal Court investigations. Perhaps most crucially, Mr. Marcos will also have to decide how far he is willing to shake up the Philippines’ oligarchic economic system in order to bring about transformative reforms, which ensure inclusive and sustainable development.

Soon, the president will discover that political rebranding alone isn’t a sufficient basis to govern one of the world’s most populous nations and a key player in the emerging New Cold War in the Indo-Pacific. (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.

* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

2)

1,200 kms of highways from Pagudpud to Bicol to cut travel time from 20 hours to nine; plus

3) 12 bridges spanning 90 kms to connect Bataan and Cavite, Panay, Guimaras and Negros; and Samal and Davao.

“The underlying logic to our infrastructure development is economic efficiency. We are opening up all gateways to mobilize goods and services at less cost and in less time and, ultimately, to drive the economy forward. Our road network plans must link not only our three major islands, but all prospective sites of economic development,” explained Marcos II.

Financing will come from investments. Marcos claimed having generated $71 billion in investment pledges in his trips. That money can fully pay Phl

The president wants more farm and fisheries cooperatives. About 900 coops have been formed recently involving 200,000 hectares of farm lands. Technology will boost fertilizer output. Farm machinery will be deployed; over 20,000 have been distributed so far. Irrigation has been provided to additional 49,000 hectares.

The president has vowed to run after food smugglers, hoarders and price manipulators. “Your days are numbered,” he warned. Does that mean they will be EJKed?

Will the food shortage, quite severe, be solved? Don’t bank on it.

Rice will forever be in short supply. The Philippines needs to import two million to three million tons yearly to cover a 25 percent perennial food shortage. Overseas, wheat has gone scarce, thanks to the Ukraine war. India, supplier of 40 percent of rice exports, has banned exports. Water? The president promises

To accelerate the realization of this green energy goal, we have opened renewable energy projects to foreign investments.”

And, “an additional 126 renewable energy contracts with potential capacity of 31,000 megawatts have been awarded.

To date, we have over a thousand active projects spread all over the country: 299 of these are solar; 187 are wind; 436 are hydroelectric; 58 biomass; 36 geothermal and 9 are ocean-powered.”

The contract for Malampaya, supplier of 20 percent of our electricity, has been renewed.

Usually, 1,000 MW of sustained power is equivalent to one full hour of reliable power. So 31,000 MW could mean 31 hours daily of additional electricity. Sounds good, on paper.

Meanwhile, “digitalization is the call of today; not the call of the future – but of the present. It is here. It is needed, and it is needed today,” the president said, for government “to provide better

service to the people, through its vital frontline services and its back-end functions.”

Digitalization “is the greatest, most powerful tool, not just to improve the ease of doing business, but also against many forms of graft and corruption,” he said.

Digitalization “has significantly boosted efficiency… in the areas of government payments, company and business registrations, issuance of permits and licenses, loan applications and revenue collection.”

“All our digitalization efforts will be linked to our payment systems, whose digital transformation has been accelerating at a remarkable rate.”

About 87 percent of Filipinos that need a national ID have it

by now. Internet speeds remain dismal. Phl ranks 83rd out of 142 countries. Phl is the 12th largest nation on earth.

Marcos II pleaded: “Our journey to progress requires not only unity and social cohesion among our people. It is also imperative that our nation remains intact and inviolable, our sovereignty preserved. We will protect our sovereign rights and preserve our territorial integrity, in defense of a rules-based international order.” [applause] (Philstar.com)

* * *

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

* * *

Email: biznewsasia@gmail.com

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

Malaysian airline, rail service firm eyeing expansion, investment deals in PH — PCO

by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net

MANILA — An airline is looking to expand operations and invest $1 billion in the Philippines, while a consortium between a local and Malaysian company is looking to bring in P3 billion worth of rail projects, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Friday, July 28.

The PCO, in a statement said that the investment pledges were made during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s three-day state visit in Malaysia, with Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual announcing that Air Asia’s Tan Sri Anthony Francis Fernandez had already signed a letter of intent.

Fernandez’ letter indicated “expansion plans for his business in the Philippines, specifically for aviation and aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul operations, Air Asia super app and logistics operations in the country”.

“Thank you. We’re all very happy that you have such good – you see such good prospects for the Philippines,” President Marcos said during the roundtable discussion with Fernandez that was organized by

Pascual.

In response, Fernandez said that they are excited as to what they can do in the Philippines, especially as they too try to bounce back from COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re excited about what we can do in the Philippines and really stimulate small, medium enterprises… we are excited. We think we can bring a lot of value to the Philippines on logistics,”

Fernandez told Marcos.

“So, over the next few years, we think we’ll invest about one billion U.S. dollars into the Philippines. We have about 300 million so far. We wanna grow our aircraft from 23 to 50 including wide-body aircraft… we are just applying for the license now,” he added.

Railways PCO also said that Marcos’ visit to Malaysia facilitated the investment deal between businessman Manuel Pangilinan’s Metro Pacific Investments Corporation and Malaysia’s Hartasuma Sdn. Bhd.

Initial reports said that the deal for railway-related projects could reach up to P3 billion — which is on top of the $285 million investment pledges obtained during Marcos’ three-day trip.

According to PCO, the

collaboration agreement between the two publicly-listed companies stated that “the Parties have expressed their desire to engage in railway engineering and maintenance, and other rail-oriented projects in the Philippines in line with the government’s aspiration to modernize the Philippines’ railway network.”

MPIC has interests in the power sector, toll operation, water management, healthcare, agriculture, and real estate.

Meanwhile, Hartasuma is seen as a pioneer in the Malaysian rail industry and is involved in engineering, assembly, refurbishment and rehabilitation of rolling stock and other urban transport solutions like cable systems.

“So, this is another part of that effort,” President Marcos said.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez who was with Marcos during the Malaysia trip said discussions on potential deals went smoothly partly due to the President’s presence.

“Literally, because of the visit, the president’s presence in KL [Kuala Lumpur] hastened the progress of this agreement and.…three billion will be pledged for investments into the Philippines,” Romualdez said. n

Philippines e-visa to be launched next month

by Pia lee-BRago Philstar.com

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will soft-launch the Philippine e-visa system in Philippine foreign service posts in China on Aug. 24. The e-visa will allow foreign nationals entering the country for tourism or business to apply for temporary visitors’ visas remotely through their personal

computers or mobile devices. The e-visa system is being developed in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology since December 2022 and is one of the deliverables of the DFA and DICT in their memorandum of understanding, signed on April 17, to collaborate on a synchronized ICT system for consular services.

This project is also affirmed by President Marcos’ policy

Muntinlupa court junks DOJ’s appeal to reopen De Lima’s 2nd drug case

MANILA — A Muntinlupa court has junked the prosecution's bid to reverse the acquittal of former Sen. Leila De Lima from one of her two remaining drug trafficking charges in May.

In a decision dated July 6, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 said that the motion for prosecution filed by the prosecution is "denied for lack of merit."

prosecution in their appeal asked the court to review its judgment, taking into account the Supreme Court's statement that a mere recantation of a prosecution witness does not automatically invalidate their original testimony if it is deemed credible.

not seek its review without placing the accused in double jeopardy."

In the court's decision, it stressed that the rule against double jeopardy is "only subject to extremely rare exceptions."

directive on Jan. 26 to reinvigorate the tourism industry.

The DFA conducted a pilot testing of the prototype e-visa system on July 11 with DICT representatives and consuls general, visa officers and visa assistants of the Philippine foreign service posts in China.

The features of the e-visa system are currently being refined and enhanced based on the results of the pilot testing. n

DOH: COVID-19 cases must continue

by Rhodina VillanueVa Philstar.com

MANILA — Despite the lifting of the state of public health emergency in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) has recommended that COVIDpositive cases continue to isolate and undergo quarantine.

Under a DOH circular signed by Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, confirmed COVID-19 cases with moderate to severe symptoms as well as belonging to the immunocompromised category will still need to “isolate for at least 10 days from onset of signs and symptoms following advice of the attending physician, including whether to be admitted in a health care facility.”

They were also advised to wear

to isolate

a well-fitted face mask for 10 days. For severe cases and immunocompromised patients, the DOH said they can discontinue isolation only upon the advice of their health care provider. Confirmed COVID-19 positive cases with mild symptoms or individuals with acute respiratory symptoms and asymptomatic cases are advised to “home isolate for five days or until fever-free for at least 24 hours without using antipyretics such as paracetamol, and with improvement of respiratory symptoms, whichever is earlier.” They should also wear a wellfitted mask for 10 days. For asymptomatic close contacts who were exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 positive

individual, Herbosa said there is no need to quarantine but they should wear a well-fitted mask for 10 days.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) urged Herbosa to make good his promise of expediting the release of the unpaid COVID-19 allowances of health workers.

Under Republic Act No. 11712, health care workers (HCWs) are entitled to a monthly health emergency allowance (HEA) equivalent to P3,000 for those working in low-risk areas, P6,000 for those in moderaterisk areas and P9,000 for medical frontliners in high-risk places. HCWs are supposed to receive these benefits for the duration of the state of calamity attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health workers’ group demand release of pandemic allowances, benefits

by Charie abarCa Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) urged the Marcos administration to release the COVID-19-related allowances and benefits due to health workers even after the lifting of the state of public health emergency nationwide.

Salome Ejes, president of the Philippine Heart Center Employees Association and member of AHW, told President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. that health workers need more than “gratitude and appreciation.”

The president, in his second State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 24 thanked medical professional for their service and dedication at the height of the

COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mr. President, we heard it many times. But more than gratitude and appreciation, what we need is the sincerity of your administration,” said Ejes in a statement on Wednesday.

“You already lifted the state of health emergency but the COVID-19 allowances covering the period of July-December 2021 and January-December 2022 [are] not yet provided to [health workers]. Yet you still owe us the January-June 2023 Health Emergency Allowance,” Ejes added.

Meanwhile, Cristy Donguines, president of the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center Employees Union and also a member of AHW, likewise criticized Marcos for not tackling in his speech the potential solutions for understaffing in pub-

lic hospitals.

“He did not even tackle on how to address the perennial understaffing in public hospitals by implementing mass hiring and regularization of contractual health workers,” said Donguines in the same statement.

“No mention of health budget increase for 2024. Yet, he boasted of putting up specialty hospitals in the region but he did not state if it is publicly funded or another scheme of privatization,” Donguines added.

Marcos delivered his second SONA last July 24. In his more than hour-long speech, he vowed to “repay the sacrifices of health care workers” saying that his administration will “distribute their COVID health emergency allowance and other pending benefits.” n

In May, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 dismissed the case filed by the justice department against De Lima and her former driver Ronnie Dayan in February 2017. The two were cleared of conspiring to commit illegal drug trading.

For this case, the Muntinlupa court based its decision on the recantation of one of the witnesses against De Lima, former Bureau of Corrections chief Rafael Ragos, in junking the charges against her.

“Every acquittal becomes final immediately upon promulgation and cannot be recalled for correction or amendment. With the acquittal being immediately final, granting the State's motion for reconsideration in this case would violate the Constitutional prohibition against double jeopardy because it would effectively reopen the prosecution and subject the accused to a second jeopardy despite their acquittal,” the decision read.

According to the decision, the

But according to the decision of the court, "In criminal cases, no rule is more settled than that a judgment of acquittal is immediately final and unappealble upon its promulgation, and that accordingly, the prosecution may

These are the following: when there has been a deprivation of due process and where there is a finding of a mistrial; or where there has been a grave abuse of discretion under exceptional circumstances. (Cristina Chi with reports by Kristine Joy Patag/ Philstar.com0

Asian Journal WKND

A nurse’s American dream comes true, despite her first employer backing out, this Sunday on Citizen Pinoy

GROWING up, Rina missed her parents, who immigrated to the U.S. in search of greener pastures. Rina believed that

being a nurse would be the fastest way for her to be reunited with her parents and other siblings in the U.S. So,

immediately after she passed her NCLEX Board Exam in 2005, her parents found a company willing to sponsor Rina for a green card. Unfortunately, there was a retrogression of priority dates, and Rina’s petition could not move forward. In the meantime, she had already found a job as a nurse in Singapore and had to leave her daughter to be raised by her relatives in the Philippines. This situation was difficult because it was a déjà vu of how Rina’s life was growing up when she was separated from her parents, and she did not want this for

Kathryn Bernardo named Outstanding Asian Star at

Seoul International Drama Awards 2023

By jAn Milo severo Philstar.com

MANILA — Kapamilya actress Kathryn Bernardo was hailed as Outstanding Asian Star at the 2023 Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA). ABS-CBN shared the news on

Maine Mendoza, Arjo Atayde are now married

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

their social media pages.

“Asia’s Superstar Kathryn Bernardo is named Outstanding Asian Star (Philippines) at the Seoul International Drama Awards 2023,” it wrote.

“Congratulations, #Kapamilya!” it added.

MAINE Mendoza and Arjo

Atayde have finally tied the knot in an intimate wedding in Baguio on Friday, July 28.

The couple exchanged “I dos” in a ceremony held at Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges, as per information obtained by

INQUIRER.net. The solemn event, organized by event planner Amanda Tirol, was attended by family members only. The “E.A.T.” host reportedly donned a Rajo Laurel gown as she walked down the aisle to her groom, who had his brother Xavi beside him as the actor-politician’s best man. The

guests, meanwhile, dressed in warm earth tone formal attire.

Aside from Mendoza’s fellow “E.A.T.” hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon, the couple’s principal sponsors also include Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Diamond Star Maricel Soriano and Nova Villa. Senate President Juan Miguel

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

Kathryn Bernardo The STAR / Geremy Pintolo

A nurse’s American dream comes...

her child.

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

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

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

In July 2019, Rina’s visa was issued together with her two kids. Her husband’s visa followed

Rina (3rd from left) with her two kids, and Atty. Gurfinkel (extreme right). soon after. Rina’s American Dream was finally fulfilled. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, July 30 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET)

through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

Maine Mendoza, Arjo Atayde...

Zubiri and current House

Speaker Martin Romualdez were reportedly among the pair’s godparents as well.

The wedding reception was then held at the Baguio Country Club. ABS-CBN executives Mark Lopez, Carlo Katigbak, Cory Vidanes, Laurenti Dyogi, Deo Endrinal, Ruel Bayani, as well as APT Studios’ Toni Tuviera and his children Celeste Tuviera and

Mike Tuviera were among those included on the guest list.

Other celebrities reportedly present were Allan K., Wally Bayola, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Lorna Tolentino, Eula Valdes, Korina Sanchez, Ice Seguerra and Liza Diño, Kristine Hermosa and Oyo Sotto, Ciara Sotto, Sheena Halili, Ogie Diaz, Miles Ocampo, MJ Lastimosa and Thou Reyes. Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Ria Atayde’s boyfriend

Another exhilarating Philippine American Friendship Day

By Dan E. nino

Zanjoe Marudo, Enchong Dee, Kyle Echarri, Joseph Marco and Vin Abrenica were also on the guest list.

After the wedding ceremony, Mendoza showed snaps of her and Arjo in wedding attire, which were apparently taken during their prenup photo shoot.

Up to the last hour, the couple had chosen to keep details of their wedding confidential and free from media coverage in order to keep the ceremony solemn.

The date July 28 is significant to the couple as it witnessed several milestones in their relationship, including when Mendoza tweeted “Arjo cutie” in 2013 even when they had yet to personally meet each other; when they met each other for the first time in 2018 during the story conference for their movie “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles”; when the actor asked the TV host to marry him in 2022; and today, when they officially tied the knot.n

Kathryn Bernardo named Outstanding...

The awarding ceremony will be held on September 21 in Seoul, South Korea.

Kathryn is currently busy shooting her upcoming

film “A Very Good Girl” with Dolly de Leon. Last 2022, Kapamilya actress Belle Mariano was hailed as Outstanding Asian Star by the SDA. She personally received her award in South Korea. n

CERRITOS, CA – An estimated 4,000 attendees trooped to the 2nd Los Angeles County’s largest Philippine American Friendship Day celebration on July 15 at the Don Knabe Community Regional Park under a bright sunny day.

This yearly event is hosted by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Greater Los Angeles and co-presented by Los Angeles County chaired by Supervisor Janice Hahn as prime sponsor in partnership with So Jannelle TV Production.

True to its theme this year of “Building Bridges Across Communities”, various cultural groups like the Samoan Cultural Dance performing the Tupulaga, the Club Magkaisa of Cerritos High School wowing the motley crowd with their Tinikling and Paso Doble, the Maranao Dance of Tata Malong Malong presented by Iligan City and Lanao Del Norte of Southern California, the throbbing acrobatic dance of the Junior New Systems, a finalist in “America’s Got Talent” who came all the way from the Philippines with their six-inch high-heeled shoes and the Move Essentials composed of five lovely ladies in their elevated skateboardlike dancing shoes performing intense rhythmic Sumba, were among the top hits of this daylong non-stop entertainment.

Elected officials from various mainstream and local communities headed by Supervisor Hahn, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Congresswoman Michelle Steel, Los Angeles Controller Kenneth Mejia and Deputy Consul General Francis Maynard Maleon were on hand to inspire, greet and mingle with the throng.

Supervisor Hahn said, “It is so good to be here at the second Annual L.A. County’s Largest Philippine American Friendship Day. I’m so proud to have been a part of launching this event last year and make sure that we not only kept this new tradition alive but made it even bigger and better.”

She also gave a big shout out to Fil-Am Amiel Noble of Artesia-based Noble Creations where she got her Filipiniana outfit as well as huge shout outs to numerous Fil-Am City Council members and mayors across her district.

The Supervisor continued, “Los Angeles County is not only home to the largest community of Filipino-Americans in the country. We are home to the largest concentration of Filipinos in the world outside of Manila! And that’s why this event is so important. This festival is an opportunity to enjoy so many of the wonderful

things Filipino American culture has to offer. But it is also an opportunity to lift-up the Filipino Americans who work to improve our community every day.”

The Los Angeles County Supervisor chairperson also acknowledged the presence of her six commissioners including Filipino-American Hawaiian Councilmember Dandy De Paula as Human Relations commissioner.

She also announced that she authored a motion to have Los Angeles County officially recognize the 125th anniversary of the Philippine Independence from Spain and celebrate the Philippine American Friendship Day.

Thereafter, she presented a scroll to Jannelle So-Perkins as overall chairperson this year on behalf of the entire Board of NaFFAA Greater Los Angeles Region.

This yearly event was kicked off with a fun parade at 8:30 a.m. passing briefly on the pathway edge of the scenic lake and snaked through around the huge canopy surrounded by 65 smaller tents of food booths, food trucks, exhibitors, vendors, military, major sponsors McDonald’s and Toyota with its e-vehicles on display and several other government entities and Philippine-made Sarao jeepney –had elicited attractions from the community.

Enhancing innovations in the parade is the cash reward of $200 each for three groups of participants. The cash award for the Largest Contingent went to the Holy Family Church Catholic Community, Liveliest Contingent was received by the combined forces of Alpha Phi

Omega Greater Los Angeles and APO South Bay and the Most Colorful Contingent was awarded to the Iligan City and Lanao Del Norte of Southern California for their colorful Malong-inspired costume. The excitement in the parade was further boosted by the Mounted Sheriffs and the L.A. County helicopter flyover. While the entertainment was on-going, the Don Knabe gym was pulsating with action for a one-day basketball tournament from kids to adult players. Workshops were also conducted on the side on investment, government financing programs and immigration at the conference room.

The success of this event can also be attributed to the volunteers including California, Nevada, Arizona, Repeater Network (CNARN), a Ham Radio Organization, the combined force of APOGLA/ APO South Bay Alumni and the Alpha Kappa Rho Alumni.

Parade Marshalls were Overall PAFD Overall Chair Jannelle So Perkins, Overall Vice Chair Dan E. Nino and Lauren Yokomizo, Supervisor Janice Hahn’s Field Deputy. Another stellar features of the parade were the flyover of a helicopter and the mounted sheriff deputies.

To assure that the huge crowd were fed and hydrated -seven food booths and two food trucks serving Filipino cuisines were on hand complimented by free fruit smoothies allday long from McDonald’s and Jollibee complimentary meals to volunteers, VIPs and performers.

The non-stop entertainment was preceded by a simple ritual like the banging of the gong by this year’s chairperson, Jannelle So, welcome remarks by NaFFAA CEO and Board Chairman Noel S.V. Omega and invocation by Holy Family Church Pastor of Artesia, Rev. Fr. John Roxas Cordero who also participated in the parade.

In recognition to Supervisor Hahn’s sustained support to this yearly milestone and TFC and ANC TV anchor Jannelle SoPerkin, NaFFAA top honcho Omega presented them with a handsome glass memento.

The day was climaxed by the performances of Robin Nievera and DJ Rocky Rock who dished out danceable music where disco enthusiasts filled the dance floor fronting the stage.

The day culminated with the turnover of a giant key presented by Jannelle So to the next overall chairperson next year, Cerritos Councilwoman Lynda Johnson. – denino1951@ gmail.com n

Cerritos High School senior students who belong to Magkaisa Club perform the Tinikling. After their performance, wannabe Tinikling dancers from the audience gamely participated. Photos by Dan E. Nino

Another cultural dance popular during the Spanish colonial period dubbed, Paso Doble was performed by Cerritos High School’s Magkaisa Club.

LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn introduced to the throng two Fil-Am victims of hate crimes from left: photojournalist Nicky Arriola and Cesar Echano.

The Junior New System from the Philippines, a finalist in America’s Got Talent wowed the motley crowd with a throbbing acrobatic rhythmic dance.

Mainstream and across local communities both elected and appointed are pictured with LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, (seated 4th from left) with Deputy Consul Francis Maynard Maleon (seated 3rd from left) and City of Los Angeles Kenneth (3rd from left standing) with NaFFAA board members Jannelle So-Perkins and Noel S.V. Omega (standing 1st and 2nd from left respectively).

Arjo Atayde and Maine Mendoza with Fr. Jeffrey Quintela. Contributed photo

David Pomeranz excited to perform before fans after long absence due to pandemic

LOS ANGELES – Legendary pop singer of all times David Pomeranz is back in the limelight and set to wow his fans and all music aficionados here in the City of Angels this Saturday, January 29.

Pomeranz, in an exclusive interview with Asian Journal, says he is extremely ecstatic to perform once again on stage after a long respite due to the pandemic.

He will be performing at the Church of Scientology Auditorium of the Valley in North Hollywood at 7 p.m. Local artists will also be featured like Joel Sibag (music director), Garth Garcia (Fil-Am Prince of Pop), Juls King (Fil-Am Rock Star) and Lyndon Apostol (multi-talented artist/member of Fil Trio).

The show is produced by Allegro Musicale & Entertainment, Marte Productions and Dianetics.

Part of the proceeds from the concert will go to Victory Life Foundation.

“I haven’t played in Los Angeles for many years. This is my sort of a coming out party and so we will have some fun,” Pomeranz says enthusiastically as he promises to give out the best ever concert.

“You know it’s interesting because every time, at least I try to always make everything as if it’s brand new. That’s my job, to make it brand new, even if I sing a song that I have sung a million times before, I try to deliver it as if I haven’t sung it before. It’s like I get emotional myself for whatever it is so that’s one thing that always makes a difference,” he says, when asked what will make this show different from his previous ones.

Ever wonder with his dozens of songs, which one is Pomeranz’s favorite? He was quick to say that while he loves all his songs, “If You Walked Away” and “On this Day” are the closest to his heart.

Pomeranz wrote the song “If You Walked Away” in 1975 and performed a duet with Filipino actress, singer and TV host Sharon Cuneta. Released in 2001 on the Philippine affiliate of international label Universal Music, “On This Day” reminds Pomeranz of his esteemed love for his wife and an unforgettable collaboration with his long-time friend and colleague James Peterik.

While he likes to do different types of music, Pomeranz says he’s really keen and interested in a song’s structure and melody.

“I’m a fan of classic songwriting not because it’s nostalgic but because classic and it’s classic for a reason. It’s classic because it’s well done. The lyric falls on the note correctly and with the rhymes, rhyme where it should and in real rhymes, there are not close rhymes, they are real rhymes like bell and cell it’s a real rhyme. But bell and held is not a rhyme (now being used in) a lot of pop music, it’s close

(rhymes) so i try to go with real rhymes. I guess (what I) go for is the melody and emotional lyric,” he says, elaborating on his music writing style.

Aside from a lot of proliferation of non-conventional songwriting techniques, he notices a lot of things being done differently now which he wishes should be given a lot of thought by music industry players and enthusiasts like the royalties being given to artists.

With the advent of new technology, he says earnings of some new singers, performers and artists had dramatically dwindled down in the “streaming” world.

Despite these setbacks, Pomeranz urges upcoming and aspiring musicians to continue to strive to reach their goals. “Sing a lot, sing everywhere, sing for your parents, sing for your school, sing for the scouts, sing for a new neighbor. I used to stand up on a picnic table in my neighbors’ picnic table, in their yard… everywhere and clubs and at weddings. One thing I recommend most of all just don’t worry making the YouTube video right away, don’t worry about how you’re looking at the mic in your hand, just sing and get great,” he says, noting that to become a great musician “persistence is the key.”

True to the spirit of persistence, Pomeranz is indeed looking forward to writing more new songs and is in fact, in the midst of putting together a new album which will be released anytime soon.

Though declining to give details, he says he is excited for a new musical he is currently collaborating with a Filipina scriptwriter in Manila.

At a tender age of 5 and being able to watch “West Side Story” with his parents at that time, New York City-born Pomeranz got inspired to writing theatrical songs.

In 1983, Pomeranz tried his theatrical debut when he was asked by Producer, Dave Clark to contribute songs for the hit London Musical, “Time” which starred Cliff Richard and Sir Laurence Olivier and ran for two years at the Dominion Theatre on the West End.

A celebrity album of the songs from “Time” was released on EMI Records featuring Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Cliff Richard, Julian Lennon, Leo Sayer and others. His next theater project was for a Musical based on the life of Charlie Chaplin entitled, “Little Tramp.” “Little Tramp’s”

U.K. premiere in 1992 was the inspiration for a celebrity studio recording of the featured songs on Warner Records which starred Richard Harris, Mel Brooks, Petula Clark, Tim Curry, Treat Williams, Peter Duncan, Lea Salonga and Pomeranz himself. He has recently been performing his criticallyacclaimed one-man version

by: Donnabelle Gatdula-Arevalo

of “Little Tramp” (in which he portrays more than 40 characters in Chaplin’s life) throughout theaters and performing arts centers across the United States and Australia).

His stage musical adaptation of the Dickens classic, “A Tale of Two Cities” premiered at the Alexandria Theater in Birmingham, and at the Queens Theater in Windsor produced by Bill Kenwright and starring Paul Nicholas.

In 2012, “A Tale of Two Cities” was presented at The Charing Cross Theatre in London’s West End.

In 2005, he composed the music to Kathie Lee Gifford’s book and lyrics for a new musical based on the Newberry Award winning book, “The Family Under The Bridge.” Their show, entitled “Under The Bridge,” opened Off-Broadway at the Zipper Theater starring award-winning actor Ed Dixon.

Later, in 2012, Pomeranz and Kathie Lee co-created the Tonynominated, “Scandalous” which opened on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theater starring Carolee Carmelo and George Hearn. The cast album of “Scandalous” is available on Sony/Shout! Records.

His most recent musical, “The Kiss,” (developed in association with Oscar-winning animator Will Vinton) had its world premiere in July of 2022 at The Lakewood Theater in Portland, Oregon.

Pomeranz says he is particularly fond of performing with Filipino audiences who, he believes, are so passionate and shares his great appreciation for music.

In fact, two of Pomeranz’ greatest hit songs were released in the Philippines. His unprecedented success in the Philippines has also earned him two keys to the City of Manila and he is the only international artist to receive a star on their “Eastwood Walk of Fame.”

Pomeranz solo albums include the classics, “It’s In Every One of Us” (Arista), “The Truth of Us” (Atlantic; co-produced with legendary Paul Simon producer Roy Halee), “Time to Fly” (Decca; featuring jazz greats Chick Corea and Billy Cobham), “New Blues” (Decca) and “Born For You – His Best and More” (MCA/Universal) which reached over 10 times platinum status in the Philippines alone, making it the largest selling international pop album in the history of the country. His hits include “Got to Believe in Magic,” “Born For You,” “On This day,” “King And Queen of Hearts,” “The Old Songs,” “If You Walked Away” (duet with Sharon Cuneta), “Until I Fall In Love Again” and Tryin’ To Get The Feeling Again.”

Other solo efforts include “On This Day” (MCA/Universal), “The Eyes of Christmas” (MCA/ Universal) and “David Pomeranz – Greatest Hits” (PolyEast/ Universal).

His latest album, “You’re the Inspiration” (Upward Spiral Records), a collection of some of David’s favorite cover songs, was just released in 2023. He has performed sold out concerts in such distinguished international venues as The Kennedy Center, The Hollywood Bowl, The London Hippodrome, Nassau Coliseum (Long Island, New York), the Universal Amphitheater, The National Catheral (Washington, D.C.), New York’s City Center, Symphony Hall (Philadelphia), The Seattle Kingdome, Tokyo’s Budokan Hall (where he was awarded the prize for “Outstanding Song” at the Yamaha World Song Festival), The Moscow Sports Arena, Olympic Stadium (Munich), Chatham Square (Hong Kong), Harrah’s (Las Vegas), Araneta Coliseum (Manila, Philippines), and hundreds more.

Aside from his accomplishments in the pop music field, David has written music and lyrics for numerous major motion pictures including Twentieth Century Fox’s “Big” starring Tom Hanks, “King Kong” (penning the lyrics to John Barry’s haunting theme), Warner Bros.’ “Fire Down Below,” “Man, Woman, and Child” (starring Martin Sheen) and the award-winning Sundance Documentary “As Seen Through These Eyes” narrated by Maya Angelou.

His most recent feature film project is “The Way”, a sungthrough musical directed by Kathie Lee Gifford for which Kathie Lee and David have written four new songs performed by Gospel superstar Danny Gokey. “The Way” was just awarded two “Best Soundtrack” awards including The International Christian Visual Media Award” of 2023.

In collaboration with composer, Alan Willams, he wrote lyrics for the song-score of the animated feature, “The Princess and The Pea” (Starz Network) and “The Velveteen Rabbit” starring Ellen Burstyn and Tom Skerritt. In 2019, David and Alan were honored with an Award for “Best Song-Short Subject” by the Hollywood Music in Media Awards for their work on the animated short, “Mykonos Blue.” An Emmy Award nominee for his song work on television, his songs have been featured on “Will and Grace” (NBC), “The Leftovers” (HBO), “The Summer Olympic Games” (NBC), “Boston Legal” (CBS) and “American Idol” (Fox). He wrote the theme song for the classic PBS Peabody Awardwinning Children’s series, “Zoobilee Zoo” and Showtime’s “Elvis Presley’s Graceland,” for which he composed the score. As a vocalist, Pomeranz was the voice heard each week singing the theme to the classic hit ABC series, “Perfect Strangers.”

David Pomeranz photos FROM TONY GARCIA

Rey Rocha, Producer of a Night in LA; Trini Foliente President of the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA), David Pomeranz and Abby Brooks, host of A Night IN LA.

Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA’s 45th anniversary and coronation night on August 5

AFTER years of observing traditional gala nights being upended by Covid-19 pandemic, Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA’s (PB-USA) is back, celebrating its 45th Anniversary on Aug. 5 at Double Tree Hotel by Hilton, Santa Ana. This celebration is highlighted by the coronation of its incoming Miss Pangasinan-USA, Alyssa Rose Rosario Stiffarm with roots from Bayambang, Pangasinan. She will succeed her namesake Alyssa Lauren Veloria Soto with roots from Bani and Mangatarem. It’s also a coincidence that both are based in San Diego, California and both queens were born from two cultures. Miss Stifarm’s dad is a Native American while Miss Soto’s father is Puerto Rican American.

As a brief backgrounder, Miss Soto was crowned on Aug. 13, 2013 at Embassy Suite Hotel, Garden Grove.

That means, she had reigned for the past 10 years as queen of Pangasinan BrotherhoodUSA, the longest reign in the history of the organization

The last instance that PBUSA held its gala night was on July 7, 2018. This coming out party, according to its Board

Incoming

Chairman Dan E. Nino is like a catharsis that was brought by a pandemic. He added, “Some of our traditional activities have been shelved except for picnics outdoors. But our optimism had never wavered despite numerous challenges in our lives beyond our control. As the saying goes, “Behind the cloud, the sun is still shining.”

Quietly, PB-USA had cash to Gabay Group in Proj. 8 , Quezon City that benefited children with disabilities and

participated in the Philippine American Friendship Day at Don Knabe Regional Park in Cerritos for the last two years.

It is also noted that through the years as a 501 C-3 non-profit organization, it had remarkable projects in the province of Pangasinan and elsewhere like livelihood projects, scholarship, humanitarian relief donations, low cost housing units in the towns of Villasis and Laoac in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, and then some.

Completing the Board who are on high fever pitch in their preparation to make this an eventful celebration a success include PB-USA President Neil Mandapat Estrada from Calasiao and San Carlos, Jackie Ferrer of Dagupan City and San Carlos City, husband and wife Roger Cabal and Lina Cabal of Alaminos City, Marites Bautista (San Fabian), Rhenee Mandapat-Ferrer (San Carlos City), Josie Khoo (Bayambang), Dean Mandapat (San Carlos City), Nieves Coquia (Dagupan City) and Ping Coquia (Dagupan City).

In a statement as she will relinquish her crown, Alyssa Veloria Soto said, “”As I reflect on the past ten years, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude, and I will cherish these memories forever.

Together, we have had the privilege of celebrating our rich culture, our beloved home, and the bond of family. It has been an unforgettable journey, and has left an indelible mark on my heart.”

Interested parties may reach out to PB-USA President Neil Estrada @ 562-301-9972 or neil.estrada.efmc@statefarm. com and Board Chairman Dan E. Nino @ 562-508-8099 or @ denino1951@gmail.com. n

Filipina dance princess AC Bonifacio graces New York Times Square billboard

By Dolly Dy-Zulueta Philstar.com

MANILA — You would say it is crazy, much less impossible, for your dream of seeing yourself in a giant billboard in Guadalupe, Makati, to come true. Or — how about taking this dream to the next level and imagine seeing yourself in a giant billboard at Times Square, New York City? Even more impossible, you may say.

So, imagine the joy of Filipina newgeneration dance princess AC Bonifacio when she found out that her cover on Spotify Equal Philippines has landed on the digital billboard of Times Square in New York City!

“My face is on Times Square? This is insane and definitely a dream come true! Thank you to everyone who’s been here with me on my journey,” said AC, who is elated to be part of

How stars, celebrity designers pushed for Philippine fashion innovation at the SONA

By MJ Marfori Philstar.com

THE Filipiniana once again took the spotlight this week as the annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) was held at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. Major coverage across all news platforms always happens during this time.

SONA favorite Jo Rubio, who dressed the likes of Heart Evangelista, Bianca Manalo and Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuña during the occasion, had this to say: “It is the Superbowl of the Filipinianas. There is an increased interest whenever the SONA comes near.”

Beyond the superficial appreciation, the celebrity Filipino designers want to highlight how much the community of local artisans, dressmakers and tailors is being helped because of such interest when it comes to Filipino fashion.

“It takes a community to create a beautiful Filipiniana or terno. When you wear the Filipiniana, we give support to the farmer who plants the piña. We give opportunities to the weavers and embroiderers. Marami siyang natutulungan. It creates a cycle of goodness,” Jo pointed out.

As compared to the ‘70s, which was five decades ago, the Filipino artisans of Mindanao and Luzon have long been on a standstill when it comes to progress and innovation. They haven’t been able to pass the talent massively on to the next generation due to socio-economic reasons.

the music streaming’s campaign that pushes for women’s representation in global music.

She has also just released the music video for her latest single “4 Myself” which features Kapamilya actor Jameson Blake as her leading man. AC showcases charisma and confidence while displaying her electrifying dance moves with a narrative story that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Add to this the fact that AC has previously released a slew of confidence boost anthems such as “Sumayaw, Sumaya” and “Fool No Mo.” Meanwhile, her latest single “4 Myself” landed on the top spot of Spotify Equal Philippines and in the Top 10 of Spotify Equal Global.

Check out AC’s “4 Myself” music video on ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel. For more details, follow Star Pop on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. n

Today, that is what the First Family’s favorite fashion designer Avel Bacudio is trying to address.

“After pandemic, nag-travel ako sa buong Pilipinas para hanapin sino talaga tayo. Nakapag-create ako ng isang show about weavers,” he shared.

“May na-meet akong 92 years old, tinanong ko kanino niya ipapasa. Sabi niya wala na. Ngayon, hinihikayat ko ang bagong generation na maturuan pa… si Apo Rita matanda na rin, mag-100 (years old), from Davao nakilala ko. Sinabi ko kung kaya pa niya magturo. Gusto ko ipakita at i-educate the new generation.

Kailangan natin silang tulungan kasi hirap sila.”

Because of his travels, Avel sought the help of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on how to go about with the innovation. He felt the need to fill the void of what is lacking behind the scenes in the fashion community and what else needs to be done.

He said if he won’t do this, the Philippine fashion industry will have a slow movement in terms of growth and progress.

Gladly, over the years, DOST has created new tools designers could use and play with.

“

Naka-develop sila ng mga sinulid na gawa sa dahon ng piña, saluyot, abaca. Malaking bagay ito kasi sustainable, abundant and recycled,” said Avel.

He showed us a linen-like cloth made of water lilies and another from the uprooted tree of the Cavendish. The great news is that most of the 50 clients he dressed up for the SONA wanted their ensembles that day to be made with these materials.

“For the first time, masaya ako kasi lahat sila barong. Lahat sila local fabric ang gusto nila. So, I’m happy for the weavers,” said Avel.

Even with purely local fabric and threads, he applauded his co-designers for applying these tools in making modernized versions of the Filipiniana.

His reminder to all was unang-una tulungan natin yung

Heart Evangelista in Michael Leyva

Miss Pangasinan-USA, Alyssa Rose Rosario Stiffarm Outgoing Miss Pangasinan-USA, Alyssa Lauren Veloria Soto

An understanding heart

Pastor’s Notes

ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas

“GIVE your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?”

These are King Solomon’s words in today’s First Reading (1 Kings 3:5; 7-12) that relate well with every pastor or leader’s genuine intentions as they navigate the challenges of shepherding a community. Every pastor wishes to lead with understanding and wisdom to bring peace, love, harmony, fairness, growth, and good management and stewardship to his community. For that’s what the Kingdom of God is all about; it must be a place, a community, a mindset, or an attitude where every person feels appreciated, valued, cared for, and respected.

A pastor or a leader needs two essential matters to fulfill these intentions. First, he must cultivate a life of prayer. His service to God and the people must always be grounded in a discipline of prayer to speak and listen attentively and constantly to God’s will and commands.

This way, he could prevent being influenced by worldly

and selfish desires. Second, he must have a listening heart. He must learn to listen and dialogue with God’s people to understand and respond to their needs. He must not put on an attitude of superiority, lording over his flock like an arrogant king and conveying that he has all the correct answers. He must learn to collaborate with others, allowing them to share their insights and talents for the community’s growth.

A pastor or a leader’s fundamental mission is to build God’s kingdom on earth—a kingdom of peace, love, and justice. This Sunday’s Gospel reading provides us with great insights into this mission by presenting three parables highlighting the importance of discernment and prioritizing God’s kingdom. In the first parable, the merchant recognizes the supreme worth of this particular pearl and willingly sacrifices other treasures to obtain it. Similarly, God calls us to discern the true value of God’s kingdom and make it the center of our lives, families, and society.

In the second parable, a net is thrown into the sea, which gathers all kinds of fish. The net is pulled ashore at the end of the time, and the good fish are separated from the bad. This parable underscores the future judgment and the need for discernment between those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven and those who do not.

It warns that there will be a time of separation, with righteous and unrighteous outcomes. It is why a pastor needs to constantly remind his people in his preaching about preparing ourselves to meet our Lord at the end of our lives on earth and giving an account of how we followed and lived the Gospel.

Finally, the third parable tells us that those who understand and preach Jesus’ teachings are like scribes trained for the Kingdom of Heaven. They can bring forth treasures, both old and new. Jesus reminds us here to dive deep into the wisdom and teachings of the past while remaining open to new insights and revelations. He calls us to share the timeless truths of the Gospel, woven with the vibrant teachings of the present.

These three parables encourage us to recognize the immeasurable value of God’s kingdom, to prioritize it above all else, and to discern between what is true and worthy and what is not—all of which are the essential tasks of a pastor or a leader, giving him more reason why he must foster life of prayer and a listening heart!

* * *

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.

* * * Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

Donny Pangilinan flaunts new P1.5-M big bike

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

MANILA — Kapamilya actor Donny Pangilinan bought an MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS motorcycle. In his Instagram account, Donny posted photos of him purchasing the big bike.

“The Turismo Veloce Lusso SCS by @ mvagusta_philippines. What should I name her??” he captioned the post.

His uncle Gary Valenciano commented on Donny’s post, suggesting a name.

“Call her Beauty…even if she’s quite a beast!!!!” Gary said.

According to the brand’s website, the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS is priced at EUR24,750 or around P1.5 million.

Apart from his new motorcycle, Donny has

Keeping your job despite the limitations of injury or sickness:

What is the interactive process at work?

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

atty. C. Joe sayas, JR

Q: I WAS recently diagnosed with an illness that will require surgery and weeks of recovery. I’m worried about my job and someone suggested I should inform my employer and request accommodation so the “interactive process” can begin. What is the interactive process and what should I expect from it?

A: In California, employers with 5 or more employees are generally legally required to engage in a “good faith interactive process” when an employee requests an accommodation due to a disability, medical condition, or pregnancy. The interactive process is the way in which the employer determines whether and what kind of reasonable accommodation can be made to an employee.

Reasonable accommodation is a change to an employee’s job tasks, or the way the job is done, or the work environment, which would allow the disabled employee to perform the essential functions of their job. If you need to go on medical leave due to a disability or pregnancy, the employer’s granting you the leave constitutes reasonable accommodation.

In order for the employer to determine whether or not the employee needs reasonable accommodation, or what kind of accommodation, the employer and the employer must first engage in a good faith interactive process.

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on disability and also require an employer to

engage in an ongoing, good faith interactive process with an employee to determine whether reasonable accommodation can be made to an employee with a known disability.

The employer’s duty to engage in good faith interactive process may be triggered by any of the following situations:

∙ Request by the disabled employee (oral or written)

∙ Employee notifies employer of restriction or limitations

∙ Employee has missed several days of work due to illness or injury

∙ Employee’s manager or supervisor notices deficits in employee’s job performance.

During the interactive process, the employee may be asked to provide documents requested by the employer to support their request for reasonable accommodation (for example, a medical certification outlining the employee’s work restrictions).

The employer may ask the employee directly what kind of accommodations are needed for them to do their job. During the interactive process, both the employer and employer must participate in a good faith dialogue to explore all possible accommodations.

Engaging in interactive process keeps the lines of communications between employer and employee open to facilitate the disabled employee’s return to work. An employer’s failure to engage in interactive process may violate employment law.

Consider the following case:

Margarita Ramirez worked for World Oil Corp for 16 years. She started as a filing clerk and was eventually promoted to Collections Specialist. In 2016, Ramirez injured her right wrist, elbow and shoulder. Her work restrictions were accommodated throughout her years of employment. However, despite these

accommodations, Ramirez’s condition worsened and she underwent a right elbow surgery and took a medical leave of absence. In December 2018, Ramirez notified her employer that she was released to return to work with several restrictions. However, the employer decided to place her on a leave of absence as an accommodation, instead of engaging in interactive process and returning her to work. Ramirez resigned from her position in June 2020. The case went to trial. The jury found in favor of Ramirez and awarded her compensatory damages of $137,795 in past economic damages, $196,919 in future economic damages, $1.3 million in past noneconomic damages, and $1.3 million in future noneconomic damages. The jury also found by clear and convincing evidence that the employer acted with malice, oppression, and fraud and awarded punitive damages in the amount of $3,000,000.

* * * 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 Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He is lead counsel in the case of “Alvarez v XPO Logistics Inc.” which is one of 2022’s Top 10 Labor and Employment Settlements in California. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, selected as Super Lawyer for 12 years, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.]

(Advertising Supplement)

Actor Donny Pangilinan Donny Pangilinan via Instagram Kawasaki Z650 RS 50th Anniversary Edition, which he purchased in 2022. n

Exion RF microneedling: iSkin introduces its newest age-defying innovation

Beauty Talk with Imee

Imee Ong-mAghAnOy

HEADS up! THIS is HUGE.

ISkin has a “new swag” and it is making waves (pun-intended) for all the right reasons.

Introducing: The EXION RF

Microneedling! BTL Aesthetics

coined it as “The Ultimate Skin Solution” highlighting the use of a single-pass fractional radiofrequency for deep tissue treatments. This newest treatment combines monopolar radiofrequency (RF) and Artificial Intelligence for heating and coagulation of deep tissues.

I know that seems like a mouthful of tech-powered words, but I’ll try my best to break it down to you in simpler terms.

So, BTL Aesthetics unveiled its latest innovation, Exion, a versatile device known as the Fractional RF Applicator is capable of treating different

areas of skin, from head to toe, and it is available at our Iskin spa branches. It is used to treat Acne scars, stretch marks, under-eyeskin tightening, as well as faceand -neck skin tightening.

NEWER is also BETTER…

This innovation is “The Newest in Microneedling RF.”

The use of a Fractional RF Applicator: BTL Monopolar RF Microneedling for Face & Body makes it a better choice than the regular or traditional microneedling because the former uses monopolar (or fractional) radiofrequency technology to deeply penetrate the tissue, which is proven more effective the regular microneedling technology and allows for less pain and more gain.

Microneedling and then some…

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that is used to encourage collagen production using small, sterilized needles to prick the skin for the purpose of smoothening, firming, and toning the skin, resulting to an improvement in the appearance

of scars, acne, and wrinkles.

Now imagine that procedure (and all its benefits), but instead of physically inserting “microneedles,” you use EXION Fractional RF applicator.

What you get is: deeper tissue penetration without full needle insertion and basically, reduced discomfort.

Since EXION RF combines monopolar radiofrequency and Artificial Intelligence, the latter ensures optimal delivery of thermal energy that ensures impact in a single pass, and allows deeper layers to be treated without physically puncturing the dermis, which allows a less painful experience and treatment, compared to other traditional options on the market.

This Treatment calls for four sessions and the length of each treatment varies. Want to know more? We would love to give you a free consultation.

Give us a call. If you are in the LA area, you are more than welcome to our iSkin location.

And if you happen to be in the Inland Empire and Orange

County, we have MiSkin Spa for you self-love and self pampering needs.

For more information you may visit iskinbeverlyhills.com.

Visit iSkin Med Spa and MiSkin MedSpa for a free consultation. iSkin is located at 8665 Wilshire Blvd. Penthouse Beverly Hills ,90211 or call 424382-1002 MiSkin MedSpa is located at 9227 Haven Ave. Suite 120 in Rancho Cucamonga, 91370 or call 909-9898464.

You may also follow us on social media: @iskinmedspa and @miskinmedspa. * * *

Imee Ong-Maghanoy is an established aesthetician, a business owner and CEO of iSkin Beverly Hills, iSkin MedSpa and MiSkin MedSpa. Imee has been in the aesthetics industry for more than 20 years. She has a degree in Biology and Doctor of Dental Medicine. iSkin MedSpa and MiSkin MedSpa are fast emerging as a top Spa destination in LA. iSkin is located at 8665 Wilshire Blvd penthouse Beverly Hills, CA 90211. MiSkin MedSpa is located at 9227 Haven Ave. Suite 120 in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91370. (Advertising Supplement)

How stars, celebrity designers pushed for Philippine...

mga weavers kasi madami tayong designers na sobrang galing and if tulong-tulong, madali lang. Kailangan natin mag-innovate lang nang mag-innovate para lumago lalo ang industriya.”

Going back to Jo, because of the efforts that people have been pooling in, even post-SONA, more designers and their local weavers are getting more work. And the demand right now does not only come from the older generation.

“The younger generation wants to be seen in their Filipiniana also,” Jo said. Naiintindihan na nila ang ganda ng Filipiniana. Kaya natutuwa ako na hindi lang ‘pag dumadating SONA na nagsusuot tayo ng Filipiniana.” n

Do I have a community property interest in a house which my spouse acquired before our marriage?

Barrister’s Corner

GENERALLY, in California, property acquired by a spouse prior to marriage is considered separate property under family code section 770 while those acquired after marriage are considered community assets under family code section 760. How do you characterize real property purchased prior to marriage but with the mortgage principal paid down using community income or funds during the marriage? The community in this situation acquires a pro tanto interest in the ratio that the payments on the purchase price made with community funds bear to the total payments on the purchase price and any appreciation should be apportioned accordingly.

Marriage of Moore (1980) 28 C3d 366, 371, 373, 168 CR 662, 664, 665. Other expenses associated with the property are not considered in the calculation such as mortgage interest, taxes, and insurance. In essence, the real property would accumulate both a separate property and a community property component by the date of separation. The appropriate remedy in this situation where separate property is subsequently paid with community funds is “apportionment.”

The process of apportioning between the separate and community property component is laid out in the Marriage of Marsden. In that case, the court determined the ratio or percentage in which the mortgage loan principal was reduced during the marriage and applied that percentage to the appreciation of the real property during the marriage. The community property component would then consist of the reduction in the mortgage loan principal during the marriage plus the portion of appreciation during the marriage applying the ratio discussed above.

In the Marriage of Marsden the real property was purchased by the husband for $38,300 prior to the marriage. The original mortgage was $30,000. By the time the husband got married, the house was now worth $65,000 while the mortgage has gone down by $7,000. Both the appreciation of $26,700 and the mortgage reduction of $7,000 would be separate property since it occurred prior to marriage.

Marriage of Marsden (1982) 130

CA3d 426, 181 CR 910

During the marriage until the time of trial, the property has appreciated another $117,500 (property now valued at $182,500) while the mortgage has further declined by $9,200 up to the date of separation. The ratio at which community

funds paid down the mortgage ($9,200) during the marriage to the original purchase price ($38,300) amounts to 24.02%. This percentage of the property appreciation during the marriage of $117,500 ($28,223.50) plus the reduction in mortgage balance during the marriage ($9,200) would constitute the community component of the real property. The rest was the husband’s separate property. The husband in that case was awarded his separate property component of the real property plus one half of the community property component. The Marsden apportionment method is also applicable to situations where a community real property is later transmuted into one spouse’s separate property through execution of a quit claim by the other spouse but is subsequently paid using community funds. Marriage of Broderick (1989) 209 CA3d 489, 257 CR 397. In litigation, the community interest in the situations mentioned about is proven through expert witness testimony typically by a forensic CPA. Since California case law allows the creation of a community interest in real property acquired prior to marriage, one has to consider vehicles to protect themselves if you own property and you are contemplating of getting married. There are several ways of avoiding the creation of a community interest on your separate real property. One, you can sign a prenuptial agreement. Two, the parties can execute a postnuptial agreement if the parties are already married. Three, the parties can execute a transmutation agreement with a waiver of any family code section 2640 reimbursement claim. If your divorce case involves complex issues of asset distribution, it is best to retain the representation of competent counsel.

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

* * * Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)