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AUGUST 4-10, 2022

T HE F ILIPINO A MERICAN C OMMUNITY N EWSPAPER

Volume 33 - No. 31 • 12 Pages

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Fil-Am group launches campaign vs anti-Asian hate

Former President Fidel Ramos dies at 94

by ZACARIAN

SARAO

Inquirer.net

MANILA — Former President Fidel Valdez Ramos passed away at the age of 94 on Sunday, July 31.

The Ramos family confirmed the passing of the former president on Sunday night but gave no further details.

“The Ramos family is profoundly saddened to announce the passing of former President Fidel Valdez Ramos,” the family said in an official statement.

A Los Angeles-based Filipino American “We thank you all for respecting our privacy, as the organization is raising awareness on anti- family takes some time to grieve together,” the family Asian hate through cultural programing and added. sharing stories of community members.

Pilipino Workers Center, which is located in Historic Filipinotown, launched the “Stop AAPI Hate” campaign and hosted a private inperson concert for Filipino human trafficking survivors, victims of hate and racism, and community social justice advocates, featuring OPM artists, Noel Cabangon and Gab Cabangon.

The cultural event was held on July 27, 2022 at PWC’s headquarters in HiFi. Through the event, the grassroots non-profit organization aims to build a community of support and open dialogue around combating hate and racism towards the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even though it’s a Stop The Hate program, it’s really love that brings us together. It’s the love for each other as people, wanting to protect each other, protect our dignity as a community. We feel the hurt and we feel

According to the Ramos family, wake and funeral arrangements for the former president will later be announced.

Meanwhile, Senator Bong Revilla also issued a statement confirming the death of Ramos, whom he said was the one who convinced him to get involved in public service through the Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats, or Lakas–CMD, which he now serves as a co-chairperson.

Lakas–CMD is the political party founded by Ramos, together with Raul Manglapus.

“Hindi matatawaran ang naging pamana ni FVR sa bansa. Sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pamumuno

by KRISTINA

MARALIT ManilaTimes.net

Jo Koy presented with Daly City ‘key to the city’ WAKE VISIT. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visits the wake of former president Fidel V. Ramos on Thursday, August 4 at the Heritage Park in Taguig City. Also in the photo is Ramos’ widow, former first lady Amelita “Ming” Martinez-Ramos.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte made his first public appearance since stepping down from power on Thursday when he paid his last respects to former President Fidel Ramos.

Accompanied by former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, and Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, "Citizen Rody" bared that Ramos was among the first high-profile political figures who urged him to run for president.

"He was the first guy who egged me to run," Duterte told reporters after visiting the wake of Ramos at the Heritage Park in Taguig City.

"When he pushed me to run, he was the first one to contribute the money. That is the fondest memory of FVR I have," he added.

The 77-year-old former Chief Executive also shared how much he admired Ramos for being a stickler for discipline, given the latter's military background.

"I tried to absorb some of his discipline. Istrikto (He was strict). 'Pag naka-desisyon na siya, 'yun na 'yun (Once

 PAGE 2

Majority of AAPI voters have never been Pulse Asia survey: Filipinos trust US contacted by political parties, survey finds the most; China, Russia the least

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

FOR the last decade, it’s been known that Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters comprise the fastest growing electorate in the United States.

However, a recent study shows that AAPI voters are still largely ignored by political parties and organizations, rendering the diverse community underrepresented when it comes to policy decisions.

The Asian American Voter Survey — which was released on Monday, July 25 by a coalition of AAPI-focused organizations  PAGE 3 — observed current political attitudes and

voting behaviors among Asian American voters at a time whenthe spotlight is pointed at the collective civic AAPI identity.

The survey’s main takeaway is that even though more than two-thirds of AAPI registered voters are planning to vote in the upcoming midterm election, less than half have been contacted by the major parties.

What’s more is that 52% of Asian Americans said they haven’t been contacted by the Democratic Party while 60% haven’t been contacted by the Republican Party.

Among Filipinos who surveyed, 52% said that the Democratic Party hadn’t reached out to them and 57% said that the

 PAGE 2

PH won’t rejoin ICC; critics hit decision

by JEROME

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr

 PAGE 2

Duterte pays last respects to Ramos

 PAGE 4

COMEDIAN Jo Koy was presented with a Key to the City of Daly City in the city council chambers in simple ceremonies on Friday morning, July 22.

Accompanied by an entourage that included his sister Gemma, son Joseph Herbert Jr., Easter Sunday scripwriter Ken Cheng and friends and supporters, Jo Koy, who is Joseph Glenn Herbert Sr. in real life, received the commemorative plaque from Daly City councilmembers Juslyn Manalo and Pamela DiGiovanni. Daly City Mayor Rod Daus-Magbual, Vice Mayor Raymond Buenaventura and Councilmember Glenn Sylvester could not make the ceremony due to previous commitments.

Koy also received a special citation from the County of San Mateo, represented by San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa, declaring July 22 as Jo Koy Day in the county.

“It is with great honor to present this key to the city on behalf of the Mayor, the city council to you, Jo Koy. And with the significance of the key, it is from your sheer talent to make people laugh and as Joey Guila

ay umahon ang Pilipinas mula sa mga krisis na bumabalot sa bawat pilipino ng mga panahong iyon,” said Revilla.

(FVR’s legacy to the country cannot be underestimated.

Through his leadership, the Philippines emerged from the crises that enveloped every Filipino at that time) According to Revilla, Ramos’ legacy is the “foundation upon which later administrations have built upon,”transforming the country from being “the sick man of Asia to the Tiger of the Region.”

“While the passing of our Chairman Emeritus is a great loss to our Party, it does not compare to the loss

ANING, JULIE M. AURELIO, KRIXIA SUBINGSUBING, MARLON RAMOS Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, August 1 said the Philippines would not rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC), noting that the government was already investigating alleged crimes in the previous administration’s bloody campaign against illegal drugs.

“No, the Philippines has no intention of rejoining the ICC,” the president said in a brief interview with reporters on the sidelines of his visit to the Pasig City Sports Complex vaccination site.

“We’re saying that there is already an investigation going on here and it’s continuing, so why would there be one Inquirer.net photo like that [in the ICC]?” he pointed out.

He said the government was already crafting the proper response to the tribunal’s invitation to submit “observations” as The Hague-based court seeks to resume its investigation of alleged abuses during the Duterte administration’s crackdown on illegal drugs.

In an order dated July 14, the ICC said the country has until Sept. 8, 2022, to provide any observations on the ICC prosecutor’s request to reopen its probe.

Marcos confirmed the meeting he had on July 27 with Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin

 PAGE 3

FILIPIINOS are generally more trustful towards the United States while strongly wary of China and Russia, new survey results released by Pulse Asia suggest.

The survey results released to the media Friday morning, July 29 found that the Filipinos felt a “fair amount of trust” should be afforded to the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, the United States, Germany and Australia.

Those countries made up seven out of the ten countries the survey asked respondents about. The remaining countries were India, Russia and China, for whom 48%, 62% and 67% of respondents said they had “not too much trust” or “no trust at all,” respectively.

“In the case of Russia, nearly the same percentages of adults are of the view that the Philippines must extend either a fair amount or not too much trust in the said country (31% versus 36%). While as far as China is concerned, virtually the same percentages say the Philippines should either trust China a little (36%) or not trust the said country at all,” Pulse Asia said.

Of note, 31% of interviewees said they felt that the Philippines should extend “a great deal of trust” to the United States,

the country’s longest ally both militarily and economically.

22% said the same for Japan.

“For the most part, public opinion on the matter is essentially constant between September 2019 and June 2022,” Pulse Asia said.

In that time span, trust in Australia, China, and Great Britain improved by up to seven percentage points, while Filipinos who said the country should not trust South Korea too much also dropped by seven percentage points.

Pulse Asia conducted face-toface interviews with 1,200 adult Filipinos from June 24 to 27 and reported error margins of ±2.8% good for a 95% confidence level.

‘Enemy of none’ Over his six years in office, former president Rodrigo Duterte was largely antagonistic towards the United States, which found itself on the receiving end of not-so-diplomatic rants while the then-chief executive cozied up to China.

After a 75-year history of diplomatic relations, Duterte time and time again threatened to scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement, which outlines the agreement for military exercises between the Philippines and the U.S.

 PAGE 2

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From The FronT Page

Majority of AAPI voters have never been...

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Republican Party hasn’t reached out to them.

“Asian American communities, despite the progress we have made and increasing political power, are still being ignored by many politicians, to their detriment,” said Christine Chen, director of APIAVote.

Among the “extremely important” issues among these subjects included health care, education, economy, public safety, and gun control.

Notably, Filipinos were the largest group who considered health care (66%) an extremely important issue when deciding who and what to vote for.

“Many people, including candidates, think about Asian Americans as very singledimensional or dual-dimension, but they don’t think about these complexities and how to really appeal to the broader Asian American agenda,” Janelle Wong, co-director of AAPI Data, said in a press briefing.

Following the trends shown in

past surveys, the majority of the subjects of this survey support Democratic or left-leaning lawmakers and politicians. As a whole, 56% of Asian Americans consider themselves more leftleaning.

However, Filipinos in the survey had the secondlargest share of self-identified Republican or conservative voters, with 32% identifying as such. Likewise, 54% of Filipinos surveyed reported leaning more toward Democratic ideology.

About 54% said they would vote for Democrats in congressional races and a majority agreed with generally liberal ideals: a more streamlined citizenship system, stricter gun laws, opposing bans on books and critical race theory, to name a few.

Notably, 73% of Asian Americans today worry about hate crimes and harassment, which is likely due to the uptick in anti-Asian hate incidents over the last two-and-a-half years.

The survey was conducted

in June 2022 and consisted of 1,601 voters of Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese descent. This survey’s main limitation is the makeup of its subjects as the Asian diaspora in America comprises of dozens more broad ethnic groups.

However, this survey is only one of a few dedicated to the Asian American voting bloc, and the researchers are confident that more disaggregated data will lead to more race and ethicity-inclusive policies and attitudes among seats of power.

Jiny Kim, vice president of policy and programs at Asian Americans Advancing Justice, said in a statement, “Asian Americans are part of a diverse community comprising over 50 different ethnicities and 100 different languages, so it is critical that we conduct this survey every two years because often we are either left out of the polling data or considered an afterthought in the numbers that get reported.” g

Former President Fidel Ramos...

PAGE 1 of our country. He was one of the best!” he added.

Ramos, who was known as “FVR” served as the 12th president of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998.

‘Matter of destiny’ Writing the foreword for the book “Behind the Red Pen” penned by his close aide, Jojo Terencio that was published in 2021, Ramos said he considered the presidency as both an honor and a privilege that served as a feather to his cap, which started with a career in the military.

Ramos, in the book’s foreword, added that the presidency is a “matter of destiny.”

“I totally agree. A person can plan or aspire to become one all his or her life, but ultimately, the confluence of many things — people, the current political milieu, events, chance, and the candidates personality — will bring the presidency to the Anointed One. Destiny,” Ramos wrote in the foreword.

Ramos, in the foreword, also recalled that when he joined the 1992 presidential race, he was fully aware of his duty to give

the people a “better quality of life by building on the grains of democracy.”

“So many things have happened since then but I have strong faith in the Filipino people, our leaders and the country’s future. We continue to aspire for a better life for all, and we will continue to work together to make it happen,” he said.

Ramos ended the foreword with his famous inspirational quip: “Kaya ba natin ito? Kayang-kaya basta tayo ay sama-sama!” (Can we do this? We can! If we just work together!) g

Pulse Asia survey: Filipinos trust US the most...

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at his first State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 25 said that he would push for an independent foreign policy of being a “friend to all and enemy of none.”

“I will not preside over any process that will abandon even

a square inch of territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power...If we agree, we will cooperate and work together. If we differ, we will talk more until we agree,” he said.

“But we will not waver, we will stand firm in our independent foreign policy, with the national

Duterte pays last respects to...

interest as our primordial guide.

We commit to maintaining good relations with the rest of the world,” he added.

Diplomats have met Marcos to discuss cooperation between the Philippines and their respective states. (Franco Luna with reports from Kaycee Valmonte/Philstar. com)

PAGE 1 Duterte flew back to Davao after state funeral with full military he makes a decision, that's it)," visiting Ramos' wake. honors on August 9, Malacañang Duterte said.

Ramos will be a accorded a earlier announced. g

Former president Rodrigo Duterte visits the wake of former president Fidel V. Ramos in Taguig City on Thursday, August 25.

ManilaTimes.net photo

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Dateline USa

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PH won’t rejoin ICC; critics hit...

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Comedian Jo Koy (in orange cap, holding plaque) poses for a photo with County and city officials after he was given a Key to the City for Daly City on Friday, July 22. Daly City, which is called the "Gateway to the Peninsula," features prominently in Koy's new movie "Easter Sunday."

AJPress photo by Joseph Peralta

Jo Koy presented with Daly City ‘key to...

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said, heal people… laughter is healing… and the key represents opening doors, literally bringing others along with you in a bayanihan spirit and the value of kapwa,” Councilmember Manalo said, after which she read the words inscribed on the plaque.

And in true Jo Koy fashion, the comedian had people laughing in stiches during his acceptance speech.

“Thank you so much. Man, I’m overwhelmed right now. I am at a loss for words,” Koy said. “I am going to put this on my keychain (elicits laughter)… have this key with my other keys… Oops, this is the key to the city. Sorry, I’m trying to get into my house here.”

“And of course this, I’m also going to make a walletsize (gesturing to the County citation),” he continued, while chuckling, “so I can always show people that I have my own day here. So I will be frequently here July 22nd… ‘Jo’s here again’… everyone, go home, this is my day. And then close the gate to Daly City. ‘No one’s allowed in here! It’s my day, have a nice day, bye!’”

In referring to the movie “Easter Sunday” which features Daly City, Koy said, “Like I said, it’s a movie about family. It’s the family we know, not just in Daly

City but in this world… through laughter we can identify and relate to each other. And that was the biggest thing I wanted to get across in this film. I wanted to tell the story about my family, but most importantly I just didn’t want to let people know that only Filipinos can get this.”

“When you leave, you’re gonna be like, ‘Oh, that mom is just like my mom’ and ‘that kid is just like my kid’. And funny is just funny. At the end of the movie we can just all look at each other and go, ‘Ohhh, my mom did the same thing to me’… and that’s what it’s all about. We all want to be heard,” he added.

Koy went on to relate how the circumstances were different when his mom came to the United States – there was no Google, no Instagram. Koy said she had to find her own community, which he talked about during his set in Seattle where his mom would scan the sea of people after church and try to find people who looked like her, asking them if they were Filipinos, and apologizing if they were of a different ethnicity.

“And as funny as that is, but that was her reality,” Koy related.

“So we got to teach this generation the struggle that our ancestors went through for us so that we can live this one.

And it’s crazy that in 2022, we’re

still trying to make sure that she’s heard or he’s heard,” he reflected.

He went on to cite Steven Spielberg and the studios for opening the doors for performers like him, and the hope that those doors are kept open so that other people can also walk in those doors.

“Let’s try not to bring it back, let’s try not to close it on us ourselves. Let’s keep the door open, right?” he appealed.

“And I just want to end it with this: if that door does close, I have the key to open it,” he said, eliciting a ton of laughs. “Love laughter and life. I know how cheesy that sounds, but that’s Filipinos to me. That’s all we do – we love, we laugh and we live, that’s it. And you see it right here in Daly City. Look at us, we’re here and we’re all celebrating this moment together.”

After the ceremony, Koy spent the time taking pictures with officials present at the morning rites and posing with fans and well-wishers.

Koy is one of the few Filipino American comics with a wide following here and across the globe. The 51-year-old has a few Netflix specials to his credit, including one that is scheduled for release (Live at the Los Angeles Forum).

PAGE 4

Remulla, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile and private lawyer Harry Roque to begin discussing the administration’s strategy in dealing with the ICC. The president said Roque was consulted because “he is involved and recognized by the ICC.” An expert in public international law and human rights, Roque is among the lawyers — the only Filipino — accredited to practice before the ICC. “So anyway, [the meeting was held] so we will know what we will do, if we will respond, if we will not respond. And if we will respond, what will our response be. Or it’s also possible that we will ignore them because we are not under them anymore,” he said.

The president said the ICC was “a very different kind of a court” so the government’s legal team would “study” the correct response to the ICC probe resumption.

“I told them to study well the procedure so that we’ll be able to do the correct thing. Because we do not want, of course, that they

might misinterpret our actions.

That’s why we should be clear about what we have to do, who will write who, what will be in the letter (among others),” he said.

Last January, then-presidential aspirant Marcos said he would not allow ICC prosecutors to come and investigate accusations of crimes against humanity.

“We have a functioning judiciary, and that’s why I don’t see the need for a foreigner to come and do the job for us.

Our judicial system is perfectly capable of doing that,” he said then.

Regrettable decision The Philippines, a state party to the Rome Statute since Nov. 1, 2011, formally notified the body of its withdrawal from the statute on March 17, 2018.

The withdrawal took effect only a year after, or on March 17, 2019. However, the ICC retained jurisdiction with respect to alleged crimes that occurred in the Philippines while it was a State Party, or from Nov. 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019.

In March 2018, then-President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the

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withdrawal of the country’s ratification of the Rome Statute, the treaty which created the ICC, just weeks after former ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announced a preliminary examination was underway into the deaths of thousands due to his administration’s illegal drugs crackdown.

Opposition leaders earlier asked Marcos to rejoin the ICC to boost safeguards against human rights abuses.

On Monday, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said Marcos’ decision for the Philippines to stay out of the ICC was “regrettable,” insisting that those being investigated by the international body should not be afraid if they “have nothing to hide.”

“It is the prerogative of the President, though it is regrettable as the Rome Statute is the collective commitment of the community of nations against state-sponsored impunity,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

“I hope he will not undermine or block [the] investigation of acts or violations that took place before the Philippines withdrew PAGE 4

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Fil-Am group launches campaign vs...

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the pain when we see our AAPI elders, our sisters and brothers so brutally attacked. It calls us together as a community to do something. And in this moment, it’s important for us to understand what’s happening so that we can all come from a place of love,” said PWC Executive Director Aquilina Soriano Versoza.

PWC’s “Stop AAPI Hate” campaign launch and concert with Noel Cabangon coincides with the Philippines’ “Lingo ng Musikang Pilipino” (Week of Filipino Music). In the private event, Noel Cabangon and his son, Gab Cabangon, performed a variety of songs dedicated to Filipino survivors of trauma and racism. According to Cabangon, the issue is very close to his heart since a family member of his also became a victim of a recent hate incident in New York.

Noel Cabangon is a multiawarded singer, composer and musician, and is well-known for popularizing songs that evoke positive change in the community by uplifting human rights, environmental and social justice.

His son, Gab Cabangon is also a singer/songwriter and is the frontman of the KE band from the Philippines. The repertoire from both Gab and Noel Cagangon’s

musical performances were centered on bringing joy to the Filipino community amidst their struggles, sparking hope and healing, and encouraging strength and resilience. Noel Cabangon also invited members of the Filipino community to the stage for an impromptu jam session of OPM hits, which was then followed by community singing of popular Filipino songs.

“I know it sounds simple but listening to music really helps improve my emotional health and helps in my journey towards healing. I am grateful to Pilipino Workers Center and to Noel Cabangon for making this event possible.

Napa-jamming at napasaya nila kaming lahat ngayong gabi!” said Lloyd, PWC member and trauma survivor, now based in Los Angeles.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, an alarming trend of individual acts of hate, from verbal harassment to physical assault, have been directed toward Asians. And more recently, incidents of hate crimes against Chinese, Filipinos and other individuals from the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community have been reported all over the United States.

A national report from the Stop

Dateline USa

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AAPI Hate campaign indicate the following national trends: • Verbal harassment (63.0%) continues to make up the biggest share of total incident reported.

• Physical assault (16.2%) comprises the second largest category of total reported incidents followed by the deliberate avoidance of AAPIs (16.1%).

• Almost half (48.7% of all hate incidents took place in public spaces - in public streets (31.2%), public transit (8.4%), and public parks (8.0%).

“The history of this country was actually founded on racism.

From the beginning, our economy was built on slavery,” said Versoza. “It’s not new to the AAPI community that this is happening. This is larger. So, our solutions have to be larger than the incidents. In order to change the narrative and hold people accountable to what is happening in this pandemic.”

The organization’s “Stop AAPI Hate” campaign uses cultural events, healing workshops, bystander intervention trainings Jo Koy had people in stitches during his acceptance speech in the Key to the City presentation in the Daly city council chambers on Friday, and educational programs to July 22.

AJPress photos by Joseph Peralta build solidarity and find ways to protect AAPI communities.

The concert is just one of many events and programs that PWC plans to implement within the PAGE 3 night gig, “Chelsea Lately.” Koy to raise a $75,000 donation coming months. g Aside from appearances in has a weekly podcast called “The for the nonprofit group Search “The Tonight Show” (both in Koy Pond,” aside from being to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA).

Jay Leno and Jimmy Fallon’s heard on other podcasts.

Just in July of this year, Koy Jo Koy’s new movie, “Easter iterations), “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” and “Last Call with appeared with film producer Sunday,” will have its theatrical Carson Daly,” Koy was a regular Dan Lin in the “Rise for Comedy” release on Friday, August 5. guest in Chelsea Handler’s late festival where they were able (Joseph L. Peralta/AJPress)

Jo Koy presented with Daly City ‘key to...

PH won’t rejoin ICC; critics hit...

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from the ICC,” she said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said he did not agree with Marcos’ move, but he acknowledged that the chief executive was the “decisionmaker on if and/or when to join an international organization or treaty.”

Probe resumption Lawyers representing the drug war victims said they remained undaunted by the president’s decision not to rejoin the ICC, expressing confidence that the probe would still continue.

Edre Olalia, president of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, said Marcos’ decision “would not fatally affect the resumption of the investigation Photos courtesy of Pilipino Workers Center even as it would not be a walk in

the park.”

“The ICC has the means, experience, resources and creativity to deal with situations such as noncooperation by states,” Olalia said.

Experts in international law and even the ICC itself believed that withdrawal from the statute would not affect ongoing proceedings, including the current investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity committed during Duterte’s sixyear war on drugs.

This follows Article 127 of the Rome Statute, which states that criminal investigations and proceedings that started before withdrawals took effect will continue.

The ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, recently asked the

court to reopen a probe into the drug war, which was deferred last year upon the request of the Philippine government, after finding that the country did not conduct any genuine investigation into the crimes being investigated by the high tribunal.

Lawyer Kristina Conti, cocounsel for the victims, called Marcos’ decision “a terrible mistake, and could prove to be a costly miscalculation not to rejoin the ICC.” “Should [the president] choose not to cooperate with the international court’s investigation supported and called for by many Filipinos, he will contend with a political storm with international impact,” she added. g

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OPINION

Builder of peace, Team Philippines

FEATURES

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HE wanted all Filipinos to rally behind “Team Philippines” – and Fidel Valdez Ramos meant it, without snide remarks behind his opponents’ backs or smear campaigns directed at his critics.

Winning the presidency by a plurality in a seven-cornered fight in 1992, “FVR” reached out to enemies of the state, forging peace with the secessionist Moro National Liberation Front, granting amnesty to right-wing rebels and negotiating peace with the communists. A hero of the 1986 people power revolt that toppled the dictatorial regime of his cousin, Ramos also reached out to the constituencies of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos.

Upon assuming the presidency, his first achievement was to put an end to the crippling blackouts. Although his solutions led to costly electricity in the long-term, the restoration of reliable power especially in Metro Manila and the production centers of Central Luzon got the economy back on its feet. Ramos then set out to liberalize the economy, allowing the country to avoid the worst of the Asian financial crisis that erupted in July 1997. Within the formidable constraints set by Philippine politics and culture, he made sincere efforts to introduce structural reforms and promote good governance.

FVR said six years is too long for a bad president, and too short for a good one. His supporters tried to

push for a constitutional amendment that would have allowed him to seek a second term, but the people’s initiative was shot down.

Upon retirement, Ramos gladly played the role of elder statesman.

In 2016, following the leadership change, Rodrigo Duterte publicly thanked Ramos for persuading the former mayor of Davao City to run for president under a platform of shifting to federalism.

Between rounds of golf and socializing, FVR wrote books. In one, he declared: “The only thing that countries cannot outsource is good government – which must be homegrown – along with leadership, national solidarity, competence, teamwork, and other cherished values.”

In an interview in his twilight years, he said, “Who wants to slow down? The most glorious way of dying, as far as soldiers are concerned, is to die from an enemy’s bullet in combat. But equally glorious and noble is just to drop dead of old age after providing for a family, paying your taxes, and helping your community and your neighbor.”

That is exactly what Fidel V. Ramos did. While mourning his demise, the nation celebrates the life of an exemplary public servant. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Rest easy now, FVR

Commentary

MELANDREW T. VELASCO “WE Filipinos have always found it easier to die for our country than live for it. In times of peace and civil order, we seem to fritter away in bickering. We split so easily into fractions, each intent on its petty agenda. We play at intrigue: each pursuing his or her self interest, although doing so may be self defeating.”

Thus wrote former President Fidel Valdez Ramos as part of his foreword in the landmark book “Twilight Glory: A Tribute to Filipino Heroes and Veterans” published in August 2020 by Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc (MTVI) and the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV).

Prophetic it may seem were the former Chief Executive’s words of wisdom, Twilight Glory would go down as my last book collaboration with FVR who joined our Creator last Sunday, July 31, at the ripe age of 94.

For over 20 years since my first book on the Ramos family published in November 2000 in time for the birth centennial of FVR’s father, Ambassador Narciso R. Ramos, I have authored and co-published 15 landmark books on FVR’s family members and his foundation.

Not all are privileged to work with a former Philippine president.

I’ve had the blessing of serving alongside FVR whose love for our country and heart for good governance always ring a bell until he breathe his last.

FVR or Steady Eddie, as he was fondly called by his peers and constituents, was better known not just for his thumbs-up sign, “Kaya Natin Ito” slogan, his ears or his tobacco but also for his push-ups and crunches and his programs of his administration especially with Philippines 2000.

Before COVID-19 came into being in early 2020, FVR, even at a ripe age of 92 still reported to his RPDEV office in Makati almost daily but stopped playing golf in 2021 upon doctor’s advice.

Even in his nonagenarian years, he never failed to carry on what he had started. Always a good soldier, FVR always liked to say that he would rather die serving his country with his boots on than sit idly to enjoy his retirement. Thus, I remember him continuing to inspire and to stimulate, stir and enthuse, define and redefine, challenge and defy the odds.

In hindsight, even 24 years after he finished his term as President, FVR or Eddie, the private citizen, refused to be “tired even while retired.” He continued to be “a reformer despite being a former President,” and delighted by an “ex” but never considered him to be an excess and not yet expired.

Other former chiefs of state write their memoirs and then fade into the sunset. FVR was an exception. In fact, he had written more than 30 books while in retirement and through keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, university convocations, etc., kept reminding his successors and other leaders of the urgent things what’s needed to be done for our country and people to achieve a better future.

My relationship with FVR can be described as a wonderful

journey that transcended beyond the books we have done together.

As stated earlier, since 2000, FVR had commissioned me to write on the biographies of his loved ones: “Enduring Legacy,” on his father Foreign Affairs Secretary Narciso Ramos; “ In A Class of Her Own,” on his mother Angela Valdez Ramos; “Mommy: The Pillar of Social Work” on his mother-in-law Josefa Jara Martinez; “Simply Ming,” on First Lady Amelita “Ming” M. Ramos; “Uncle Sim” on Simeon Marcos Valdez; and, “Colors of Light” on his artist, poetess and ambassador’s spouse auntie Lucia Mangapit Valdez.

Among the best book projects we worked and produced together are: Silver Linings, a story on the 25 Years of the 1986 Revolution, RPDEV @ 15: Our Continuing Voyage for Enduring Peace and Sustainable Development and the first volume, Teamwork for Enduring Peace and Sustainable Development chronicling ten years of the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV), a non-profit, nonpolitical, non-partisan nongovernment organization where he served as chair.

Our last book together as copublishers was co-authored with PVAO Administrator Gen. Nesty Carolina and Gen. Pol Bataoil, former Congressional Chairman for Veterans Affairs and now Lingayen mayor. Twilight Glory was supposed to be presented on his 92nd birthday celebration on March 22nd 2020 at Fairmont Hotel but had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 and lockdown in Metro Manila.

Looking back, it is not only a singular honor and privilege writing and publishing books. All

Philstar.com photo

these years, I always consider it is a gift and a blessing from the Almighty and from FVR himself who always served as a constant guide, inspiration, editor and prime mover of said book projects.

The past 21 years and the several book teams formed have been a great journey of rediscovering FVR and RPDEV. With his passing to the great beyond, we have a bunch of team that now form part of a select group called Fidelistas, ardent students and admirers of Fidel V. Ramos.

Working with him has allowed the various book teams, notably the millennials, to experience some of FVR’s core values and best practices such as CSW (Completed Staff Work), CSD (Caring, Sahring and Daring), and UST (Unity, Solidarity and Teamwork) – all advocated by FVR. There’s no denying that FVR also became my loving mentor and my second father having earlier lost my own when he succumbed to cancer in 1994.

Just like a disciplinarian father, there were times when FVR scolded me when especially when coming in late for our appointed meetings; reprimanded me when I was not up to his high and excellent standards; and, he patted my back in times of appreciation and satisfaction on good works done.

During regular visits to his office, he personally saw to it that my team was served with his “coffee royale” laced with virgin coconut oil because according to him, it works well for the health and vitality. We all have to agree.

After coffee, he treated us either with a glass of red wine or his special “FVR cocktail drink” invariably laced with soda, rum, cognac, whiskey or brandy while watching some documentaries or

FVR taped interviews showcasing his milestone presidency and continuing work as senior statesman.

As for his many sorties overseas wherein I was privileged to join, I witnessed how he continued to be admired, respected and adulated as former President and head of state.

But there’s one unforgettable experience I had with him that showed the stuff he was really made of.

I remember one incident in June 2013 when we staged the Pilipinas Roadshow with my co-book authors former DILG Secretary Rafael M. Alunan III and Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco featuring our book “Silver Linings: 25 Years of the 1986 People Power Revolution,” and “Tagaligtas: A Documentary on the Spercial Action Force” (long before the Mamasapano massacre happened) in eight key cities in the United States to promote Filipino values and instill patriotism to the Fil-Ams in time for the Independence Day celebration.

Inspite of the debilitating pain on his back and leg when he injured himself in San Diego, California while doing his usual crunch with some Fil-Ams, FVR, who was very well beyond his years, withstood the pain and committed to continue the 8-city tour to Atlanta, Georgia, Washington D.C., Virginia, New Jersey and New York without any complaints or grievance.

Beyond the pain, the show must go on. Such a kindred and brave soul in FVR and he taught the Pilipinas Roadshow Team a lesson or two on pain management, mind over matter, professionalism and honoring one’s commitment.

Through the years that I’ve known him, the many young and not so old writers that have been

involved with the book projects have also seen the other human side of FVR – comical, witty and a tad bit serious when needed.

I still recall the usual drill when he shook the hands of one lady writer and FVR feigned sickness to the lady writer’s great concern.

Obviously, he was just joking.

Such funny incidents and lighter moments would make most of them wonder how at his age, he still continued to work and contribute to nation building with his wealth of ideas, wisdom and experience.

Unfortunately, for the many national leaders who came after him both in the executive and legislative, they didn’t seem to take the golden opportunity of tapping his vast reservoir of wisdom and experience, particularly in the areas of good governance and global diplomacy.

With his passing, I believe that FVR is one of the greatest Philippine Presidents this country ever had, being a historian and eyewitness to Philippine history over the last 50 years.

Having served as 12th President of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998, FVR is best remembered for promoting the principles of people empowerment, a culture of excellence, and global competitiveness, focusing on programs to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos. This is evident in the 229 structural/reform laws enacted by the 9th and 10th Congress during his term, achieved principally by building unity, solidarity and teamwork among government and civil society leaders.

As a soldier who served for 42 years, including stints in Korea, Vietnam and in the counter-insurgency campaign, FVR retired as a 4-star General and Chief of Staff of the Armed

 PAGE 7

Catherine Cortez Masto and Joe Biden have left Nevada’s Asian Americans behind Commentary

ADAM LAXALT, CANDIDATE

FOR

U.S. SENATE

AS we get closer to November, Nevada’s AAPI families are wondering if they can make ends meet, send their kids to a good school, or have law and order.

Rather than focus on the issues that matter the most like inflation and the economy, my opponent Catherine Cortez Masto gets more desperate to distract from the fact that she has done anything but fail Nevadans.

Catherine Cortez Masto and Joe Biden have failed Nevada’s AAPI

community on every issue, and they don’t care.

The Biden-Masto regime caused the current recession, skyrocketing inflation, and record gas prices.

Their out-of-control spending caused the price of groceries and everyday household goods to soar to a 40-year high. This is a tax on every Nevadan and will particularly affect the many Asianowned small businesses that are vital to our state’s economy.

While Nevadans suffer, Catherine Cortez Masto's plan to combat skyrocketing inflation is to not talk about it. She refuses to mention the word “inflation” even though it’s the most important issue facing our state. Gas prices in Nevada are some of the highest in the country and could cost families an extra $2,000 this year while Cortez Masto has waged war

on our state’s energy sector and made us dependent on foreign countries when we could pump oil and create jobs here in Nevada.

Cortez Masto praised supporters of defunding the police while Nevadans firmly oppose defunding the police. Asian Americans have been targeted by criminals because of soft-on crime Democrats while Republicans will always stand for justice for victims of anti-Asian crime.

Under Cortez Masto, Nevada ranks as the second least educated state in America and Las Vegas area schools are at the bottom among the nation’s 50 largest metropolitan areas. This is unacceptable for Nevada’s AAPI families looking to achieve the American Dream.

On top of crumbling schools, Democrats support racist

school admissions policies that discriminate against Asian students. Recently, the Biden White House said that opposing antiAsian American discrimination in college admissions is “extreme.”

The Biden administration also asked that the Supreme Court decide in favor of discriminatory college admissions policies that compel “racial balancing” by lowering Asian applicants' chances of gaining admission. Allowing race to play a factor is wrong and another example of Democrats showing they don’t care about AAPI families.

Cortez Masto and Joe Biden created a border crisis that has led to roughly 4 million illegal immigrants crossing the border.

For Nevada’s many Asian Americans who immigrated here legally, our open border is a slap

in the face. No person should be rewarded for breaking our nation’s laws. I’ve been clear that curbing illegal immigration and restoring law and order at the border will be one of my top priorities.

The time for change is now, and Republicans are working hard to bring our commonsense conservative message to Nevada’s AAPI community. Polling shows that Asian Americans shifted to the GOP by 7% in 2020 and we are building on those gains and listening to the AAPI community.

Earlier this year, the Republican National Committee opened an Asian Pacific American community center in Las Vegas. RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said it best: “This is a long-term commitment the RNC is making to communities to show that we are a party that represents every

American. The Democrat Party has taken the Asian American vote for granted for far too long, and it’s time for Republicans to show up.”

Republicans extend a warm welcome to the AAPI community to get involved and make a difference. Together, we will end the Biden-Masto regime and restore economic prosperity, the rule of law, and educational excellence for Nevada’s AAPI families. *** 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. *** Adam Laxalt is the Republican candidate running for election to the U.S. Senate to represent Nevada. Laxalt was the Attorney General of Nevada from 2015-2019.

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 4-10, 2022

7

As tensions rise in Taiwan Strait, PH More than a hundred bills lapsed into law calls on parties to practice ‘restraint’

by Javier Joe ismael

and Kristina marali ManilaTimes.net

MANILA — Following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, the Philippines expressed concerns over rising tensions on Thursday and said it "adheres to the One-China policy."

Like many countries in the world, the Philippines maintains a "One China" policy and officially only has diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.

The Manila Economic and Cultural Office represents Taiwan in the Philippines.

"The Philippines urges restraint by all parties concerned. Diplomacy and dialogue must prevail," the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

The statement comes just as reports of Chinese forces firing “multiple” ballistic missiles into waters around Taiwan during its

military drills have surfaced.

Pelosi's visit started tensions between Washington and Beijing, with China warning the US of "consequences" should Pelosi step foot on Taipei. She landed in Taipei late Tuesday evening on a US Air Force passenger jet.

China said that Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan would “send a wrong signal” to the so-called separatist forces. It added that it would "seriously violate the One-China principle."

The self-governing island is under the constant threat of being invaded by China.

Meanwhile, in a joint statement dated August 3, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations also expressed concern over the volatility that was sparked

by tensions over the recent "cross strait development" and reiterated member states' support for their respective oneChina policy.

ASEAN leaders warned that it "could destabilize the region and eventually could lead to miscalculation, serious confrontation, open conflicts and unpredictable consequences among major powers."

"We should act together and ASEAN stands ready to play a constructive role in facilitating peaceful dialogue between all parties including through utilizing ASEAN-led mechanisms to deescalate tension, to safeguard peace, security and development in our region," the joint statement read. (Philstar.com)

relentless.

“I emphasize that our war on drugs shall be relentlessly continued regardless of who gets hurt and who gets caught,” he said in his speech during the assumption of office ceremony at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

The war on drugs, started by former president Rodrigo Duterte, has resulted in the deaths of at least 6,252 drug suspects in alleged shootouts with lawmen since July 2016.

Azurin ordered an audit of the

drug situation in the country, focusing on areas where drug personalities were killed.

Under his leadership, the PNP will also partner with other government agencies to ensure that the supply chain of illegal drugs will be reduced if not cut.

He said they would also intensify their coordination with barangay officials to ensure that drug users are rehabilitated, which is an effective measure to reduce the demand for prohibited drugs. g

only months after they left office.

His legacy of public service before, during and after his six year presidency are unmatched: West Point honor graduate, Korea and Vitenam War veteran, AFP Vice Chief of Staff, PC-INP Chief, EDSA 1 hero, AFP Chief, Defense Secretary, Philippine President, RPDEV and Boao Forum Chairman, EDSA 2 hero and Senior Statesman.

Not that he is gone, I can only recall the best times I have with him. Incidentally, Pilipinas Kong Mahal is his all time favourite patriotic song.

Truly, Fidel V. Ramos has left an endearing legacy to our nation and with the books that we have

done over the last 20 years, I now comfort myself for being the torchbearer in bringing his indelible imprints on patriotism that celebrate a milestone of life, love, learning for his people and service to our beloved Philippines.

Rest easy now FVR. Thank you Mr. President for your service to our country and our people.

To honor your legacy, we will always carry on your favorite battle cry: KAYA NATIN ITO!!! ***

New PNP chief vows to sustain war on drugs

by EmmanuEl

Tupas

Philstar.com

MANILA — Newly installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin on Wednesday, August 3 vowed to sustain the war on illegal drugs, which has killed over 6,000 drug suspects in law enforcement operations.

Azurin, who formally assumed command of the 227,000-strong police force, said the anti-drug campaign would continue to be

PAGE 6

Rest easy now, FVR

Forces. He served as Defense Secretary from 1988 to 1991.

As President and thereafter, he is better known as a peace builder with the forging of the peace agreements with the rebelsoldiers in 1995 and with the Moro National Liberation Front in 1996.

The former President who has been in public service since beginning his career as a cadet in the U.S. Military Academy in 1946, continues to practice his distinct brand of public service through the non-government RPDEV Foundation which he and key members of his former Presidential family organized

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.

SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY Procurement Dept.

340 N. 11TH Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101 PUBLIC NOTICE EFFECTIVE JUNE 21, 2022 AND UNTIL SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) provides subsidized housing for low-income persons who meet both the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) and SNRHA’s admission criteria. On-line entries as well as written applications will be accepted June 21, 2022 (beginning at 7:00 a.m.) through Tuesday September 20, 2022 (ending at 5:00 p.m.).

TO PARTICIPATE YOU MUST BE: • 18 years of age or older or legally emancipated: and • A U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant and have legal capacity to enter into a lease under applicable HUD, State and local law.

Please Note: Applications can be submitted on-line (through the internet) by using ANY computer or smart phone that has Internet access by going to SNRHA website https://onlineportal.snvrha.org 1. You must have an email address to apply online.

2. SNRHA will deny any applicants or any member of applicants household who is subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program OR has been convicted of manufacturing or producing methamphetamine in a public housing development or in a Section 8 assisted property.

3. Criminal background checks will be conducted on all persons age 18 years and older.

4.Participants will be required to enter the Social Security Number of the Head of Household and Co-Head/Spouse.

5. Please print the Confirmation Page for your records.

6. Report any changes online. Include name, social security number and correct address.

The wait list will be open and we will accept applications for the following programs: MARION BENNETT PLAZA (PBV-RAD) – 1 and 2 Bedrooms BIEGGER ESTATES (PBV-RAD/Las Vegas) –2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms ESPINOZA TERRACE (PBV-RAD/Henderson) –1 and 2 Bedrooms, Head, Spouse or Co-tenant must be 55 years or older at the time of application.

ROSE GARDENS (PBV-RAD/North Las Vegas) –1 and 2 Bedrooms, Head, Spouse or Co-tenant must be 55 years or older at the time of application.

LUBERTHA JOHNSON ESTATES (PBV-RAD) – 1 and 2 Bedrooms, Head, Spouse or Co-tenant must be 55 years or older at the time of application.

DESIGNATED SENIOR (James Down, Sartini Plaza and Levy Gardens) 1 and 2 Bedrooms, Head, Spouse or Co-tenant must be 55 years or older at the time of application.

CORONADO DRIVE (PBV/Henderson) –1 and 2 Bedrooms, Head, Spouse or Co-tenant must be 55 years or older at the time of application.

CONVENTIONAL PUBLIC HOUSING-1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms.

LANDSMAN GARDENS (PBV-RAD/Henderson) –2, 3, 4 and 5 Bedrooms.

JUAN GARCIA (PBV-Las Vegas) – 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms.

ARCHIE GRANT PARK (PBV-RAD/Las Vegas) –1 & 2 Bedrooms VERA JOHNSON MANOR B (PBV-RAD/Las Vegas) –2 and 3 Bedrooms.

VERA JOHNSON MANOR A (Mixed Finance/Las Vegas) –3 Bedrooms.

Applicants meeting the following criteria will be assigned preference points. SNRHA must receive verification of all preferences. Preference points will impact your placement on the waiting list.

The following is a list of possible preference points: • Applicants who work 20 or more hours per week • Full-time students (Age 18 and older in an accredited school or training program • Receiving SSI/SSD or proof of inability to work • 62 years of age or older • Families that live or work within Clark County • Veteran or Spouse of a Veteran • Disabled Veteran (disability must be service connected) • Spouse of a Deceased Veteran (death must be service connected) **Please note that you are applying for the waitlist, SNRHA does not have immediate or emergency housing** **Applications submitted in writing must be date stamped and, in our office, no later than September 20, 2022 by 5:00 p.m.** Written applications are accepted Monday through Thursday, 7:00am to 6:00pm (except holidays) at SNRHA’s Admissions Department located at 5390 East Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89122. Disabled and out-of-state applicants may call (702) 477-3100 and request an application be mailed. Applicants may also log into our website at: www.SNVRHA.org to print an application and return it by mail or bring it into our office. For additional information, please call (702) 477-3100 or our hearing-impaired number (TDD) at (702) 387-1898. Please ensure all questions are answered to prevent your application from being returned. If you require future communication in a format other than English, please advise staff as soon as possible.

The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority is an Equal Housing Opportunity provider.

The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or familial status.

SENATE President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday, August 2 said that 110 local and national bills submitted to former president Rodrigo Duterte for signature during the 18th Congress have lapsed into law.

"Much attention was given to five vetoed bills when there are at least 110 bills that will now have the full effect and force of the law," Zubiri said during plenary session.

Among the bills that lapsed into law were Republic Act 11683 (requisites for the conversion of a municipality into a component city); RA 11697 or "Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations Act"; RA 11698 or "Vintage Vehicle Regulation Ac"t; RA 11700 (designating Catanduanes as abaca capital of the Philippines); RA 11707 or "Egg Basket Act"; RA 11840 or "Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation Charter"; RA 11861 or "Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act"; RA 11897 or "National Baptist Day Act"; RA 11898 or "Extended Producer Responsibility Act"; RA 11899 or "Second Congressional Commission on Education Act"; and RA 11901 or "Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act." Zubiri earlier called on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to convene the LegislativeExecutive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) to discuss the executive branch's legislation concerns.

The members of the Ledac are the vice president; Senate president and three senators; the House of Representatives speaker and three congressmen; seven Cabinet members whom the President will

choose; and representatives of local governments, the youth and the private sector. The President is the chairman of the council.

The Ledac provides the deliberation process wherein lawmakers discuss what bills the executive branch wants the Congress to pass.

Senate Majority Leader Emmanuel Joel Villanueva said awaiting review were 19 bills that President Marcos mentioned in his State of the Nation Address.

"As Senate majority leader, [I] will pay close attention [to] and prioritize these proposed laws.

It is clear that these proposals are rooted in the experience and lessons from the crises of the pandemic, in the economy, energy and education. These give the proposals a sense of urgency," Villanueva said.

Also on Tuesday, Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Chairman Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa told his fellow senators that his bill to strengthen the private security industry was among the more than 100 measures that lapsed into law.

"Mr. President, you just said a while ago that basahin na lang ng ating majority leader (Villanueva) 'yung mga nag-lapse into law (the majority leader should just read the list of bills that lapsed into law), but I cannot help to inform you that another happy bill that lapsed into law was RA 11917 or the 'Private Security Services Industry Act,'" dela Rosa said.

"Pinaghirapan namin ito ni (former) Senator Franklin Drilon (Former senator Franklin Drilon and I fought hard for this)," he added.

RA 11917 mandated the stricter regulation of security agencies.

Dela Rosa said that the new

law ensures that private security agencies shall be 100 percentowned and controlled by Filipinos, provided that they shall not employ more than 2,000 private security professionals.

Meanwhile, Malacañang on Wednesday denied that Marcos was on a "veto spree," saying that out of the 41 bills that recently lapsed into law, only five were vetoed by the President.

"Gusto ko lang linawin, hindi po nagkaroon ng veto spree ang ating Pangulo (I just want to clarify, the President did not go on a veto spree).

Forty-one bills lapsed into law, and only five were vetoed. So, it's not a spree," said Press Secretary Rose Beatrix "Trixie" Cruz-Angeles in a news conference.

The Palace was reacting to a statement by Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero, saying that Marcos Jr. was on a "bill vetoing spree" after the Chief Executive thumbed down tax exemption of the honoraria for teachers rendering service during elections.

The five measures vetoed by the President were the creation of the Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone; Office of the Government Corporate Counsel Charter; Davao Light and Power Company Inc. Franchise; Philippine Transportation Safety Board Act; and Exempting From Income Taxation the Honoraria, Allowances, and Other Financial Benefits of Persons Rendering Service During Elections. "'Yung pag-veto ng Presidente (The President vetoing some bills) is a matter of good housekeeping...

It is not a spree. Tinotono lang naman ng ating Pangulo du'n sa mga sistema 'yung mga batas natin (Our President just wants our laws to be attuned to the sýstem)," CruzAngeles said. g

Westmincom honors US military liaison unit ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Western Mindanao Command this week honored a U.S. military unit in the Philippines.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., Westmincom chief, led the donning of the rank on newly-promoted U.S. Marine commander working with Filipino troops in the southern Philippines.

Rosario put the rank on US Marine Lt. Col. Paul Bailey, commander of the U.S. Special

Operations Task Force 511.2 (SOTF 511.2), in a private military ceremony at Camp Don Basilio Navarro in Zamboanga City.

Westmincom released information about the ceremony Wednesday night.

The U.S. has made its presence felt in Zamboanga City recently, with U.S. Secretary to the Navy Carlos Del Toro visiting the Westmincom headquarters, followed by a U.S. House Armed

Services Committee (HASC) soon after.

During the program on Tuesday, Rosario also presented awards to Lt. Col. Bailey and all the members of SOTF 511.2 for their deployment as Westmincom foreign liaison in the past eight months.

Task force members were given Military Civic Action medals as they ended their tour of duty in the Philippines. (Philstar.com)

AUGUST 4-10, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL 8 LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

August 4, 2022

VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL

INSIDE

LIFESTYLE • CONSUMER GUIDE • COMMUNITY • MARKETPLACE

How Nadine found love in Siargao

by Boy

ABundA Philstar.com

Bb. Pilipinas 2nd runner-up Stacey Daniella Gabriel, Bb. Pilipinas Globe Chelsea Fernandez, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Gabrielle Camille Basiano, Bb. Pilipinas International Nicole Borromeo, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Roberta Angela Tamondong and Bb. Pilipinas 1st runnerup Herlene Budol.

Photo from Instagram/@bbpilipinasofficial

Binibining Pilipinas 2022 crowns its new queens

BINIBINING Pilipinas has proclaimed its new set of queens, namely Nicole Borromeo of Cebu as Bb. Pilipinas International; Gabrielle Camille Basiano of Samar as Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental; Chelsea Fernandez of Tacloban City as Bb. Pilipinas Globe; and Roberta Angela Tamondong of San Pablo Laguna as Bb. Pilipinas Grand International.

The four Binibinis, including Herlene Budol and Stacey Daniella Gabriel, both from Rizal, as first and second runners up, bested 34 other candidates in the coronation night held at Smart Araneta Coliseum Monday, Aug. 1.

Borromeo inherited the Bb. Pilipinas International crown from last year’s winner Hannah Arnold, while Samantha Panlilio crowned Tamondong as Bb. Pilipinas Grand International.

Two international titleholders also crowned their Bb. Pilipinas successors, who now have to secure back-to-back wins for the Philippines.

Reigning Miss Intercontinental

Cinderella Faye Obeñita passed her Bb. Pilipinas title to Basiano, while current Miss Globe Maureen Montagne relinquished her national crown to Fernandez.

Winners of special awards are Rizal’s Herlene Budol (Bb. Shein, Bb. Pizza Hut, Bb. Kumu, Jag Queen, Bb. Silka and Bb. World Balance), Iloilo City’s Karen Laurrie Mendoza (Bb. Moist Diane Shampoo), Tacloban City’s Chelsea Fernandez (Bb. Ever Bilena) and Samar’s Gabrielle Camille Basiano (Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown).

Arnold has yet to see action abroad and will compete in the 60th Miss International pageant this December. Her overseas assignment was delayed because of the postponement of the global tilt’s edition last year. The 59th installment was held in 2019.

Borromeo will join the 61st edition next year. The three other 2022 Bb. Pilipinas queens will head out to their respective international competitions in October.

Sunday night’s coronation program concluded a P-popthemed pageant season for Bb. Pilipinas. Boy group SB19 gave a P-pop flair to the pageant’s iconic theme song, which they also performed on the finals, where they also treated the audience to a medley of their hits “Bazinga” and “SLMT.” Meanwhile, the first all-female hosting tandem of 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray and 2016 Miss Grand International first runner-up Nicole Cordoves that made “herstory” in last year’s competition returned this year.

But this time, they had help from Kapamilya heartthrob Edward Barber and 2020 Miss Grand International first runnerup Samantha Bernardo who both took over the chatroom with online viewers.

This is also the first edition with 2005 Miss International Precious Lara QuigamanAlcaraz as a member of the Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. executive committee. (Inquirer.net)

NADINE Lustre is glowing.

I’ve sat with her many times for interviews and she’s always glowing. Well, certainly not like Edward Cullen in Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, but Nadine is beaming and looking more lovely these days.

Her cheeks were glowing and her eyes were sparkling while we were having a conversation for The Boy Abunda Talk Channel on YouTube.

Nadine giggled when I asked about her love affair with French businessman Christophe Bariou.

She readily shared how they met and fell in love with each other.

“Chris is half-French, halfFilipino. He’s been living in Siargao for eight years already.

His dad bought land there in the ‘70s, ‘80s but I don’t know why he ended up in Siargao aside from the business because they didn’t start developing until two years ago,” said Nadine.

The actress-singer was referring to the luxury resort Maison Bukana, which, according to her, is situated in that part of the island, where the river and the ocean meet.

“It’s a kind of spot which you can rent, as in the whole place.

You have a pool and you also have access to the beach.”

July of last year when Nadine went to Siargao to meet with friends, who have been living on the island, clueless that she would cross paths with the man, who will make her fall in love again.

“We have common friends,” began Nadine recalling how she and Chris first met. “I have friends, who have been living in Siargao for a while now. So, in July last year, two of my friends and I ended up going to Siargao just for a vacation. Medyo maluwag na nung time na ‘yun and we were able to fly out.

“No, we didn’t stay there (at Maison Bukana), we stayed in

another place, but then, one of my good friends is working for him so she asked him if we could go to his spot because there’s a secret beach there, where there’s no one there most of the time and it’s really peaceful. Doon ‘yun kung saan nag-mi-meet ‘yung ilog at dagat. She asked him if we could go, but we just ended up swimming in the pool. That’s pretty much it.”

She added, “When we arrived, he was cleaning up.”

Nadine laughed while coyly telling her first impression of Chris. “My friends were already talking about him and they were saying that he’s actually really cute. Then when I saw him, I’m like, ‘OK fine, he’s actually kinda cute,’ hahahaha.”

Nadine would like to believe that Chris is getting used to her being a popular celebrity. “I think he understands that it’s something that he cannot escape.

It’s something that he cannot control. You know, it’s part of it.

So, he’s okay with it.”

Those who say love and career can’t happen together should look closely at how Nadine balances love with career. After her threeyear self-imposed break in acting, Nadine made a comeback last April via the film titled Greed that she starred in with Diego Loyzaga and Epy Quizon. The Viva Filmsproduced thriller under director Yam Laranas is still available on the streaming platform Vivamax.

By next month, Nadine will start shooting for Deleter, a psychological thriller to be directed by Mikhail Red. It is set to be completed by the end of the year.

Nadine feels good to be back to acting after focusing on her music in recent years. “Definitely, namiss ko rin ang pag-arte. Acting puts me in a different world. With music, iba rin ‘yung fun.”

“When I’m performing, it’s more of, I guess, telling my story because my songs are mostly

Nadine Lustre Photo from Instagram/@nadine

about me but when I’m acting, it’s putting myself in the shoes of another person. It’s fun to be someone else for a couple of days,” added Nadine, who looks forward to doing more movies and more music.

She is also helping her mom in running some businesses “but I’m still learning. I can’t really say that I’m a businesswoman because there’s still a lot that I have to learn.”

Interestingly, Nadine has begun collaborating with brands as the CEO of Cool Girl Projects (CGP), focused on producing content for brands.

“I really wanna grow it (CGP) because this is where I am able to show my creative side. I want to produce amazing content for brands, actually, for the brands that I work with,” said Nadine of her creative agency.

Asked about her concept of wealth, Nadine stressed that it’s not all about the abundance of valuable material possessions but “for me, it’s just being contented like if you have a roof over your head, you eat properly, your family is okay. I think I’m rich because I am contented. It’s really just understanding that what you have now is all that you need in life.”

In memoriam: Martin Cajita Celemin MARTIN Cajita Celemin, Sr. passed away on Friday, July 15, 2022, at 10:48 pm after his battle with stage 4 renal cancer. He was 84 years old.

Martin was born on January 23, 1938, in Aloran, Misamis Occidental, Philippines to the late Capt. Benito Abao Celemin, a school principal by profession and Gorgonia Regalado Cajita, a school teacher.

Martin was the middle child of 5 children. His father Benito who was a Captain in the Philippine Scout died in an ambush by the Japanese soldiers during World War II. Martin and his siblings grew up in their grandparents' home together with his first cousins.

He attended Mapua Institute of Technology in Manila, Philippines. He finished two bachelor’s degrees, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Sanitary Engineering.

He immigrated to this country in the 1960s with his young daughter Tisa and his first wife Bobbie. They settled in Syracuse, New York where his second child Chuck was born. He stayed in the Syracuse area after his divorce to be close to his children. To keep him occupied, he continued his studies at Syracuse University where he finished his Master’s Degree in Sanitary Engineering.

He worked in several engineering companies across the country, from Syracuse, New York; Bergenfield County, New Jersey, and Harza Engineering in Chicago. He joined Bechtel Corporation for a job in Saudi Arabia.

He married his wife Jean in March 1982 and moved to Houston, where their two children were born, Martin Jr and Abigail. While in the Houston area, he worked for The Woodlands Corporation, an extension of Mitchell Energy and Development. He also worked for the Veterans Administration in Houston for a few months before he moved his family to Las Vegas in September of 1987. He worked for GC Wallace Engineers / Surveyors for several years before joining Las Vegas Valley Water District/Southern

Nevada Water Authority, where he retired.

Martin was active in civic organizations that in his college days he founded and became the first president of JASM (Jolly Aloranon Society Movement). He continued his membership in a couple of organizations including VISMIN and Vitamin in Houston.

Martin has been an advocate for the underprivileged. He was also one of the pillars of the RegaladoCajita Clan.

Among the organizations he was affiliated with were Philippine Bisayan Society of Nevada (PBSN) - Founder and 2nd President; FAON - Filipino Associations of Nevada President; Knights of Rizal - Las Vegas Chapter NaFFAA - Region XI Chair; and Aloran Charity Foundation - President and Founder. ACF was the co-sponsor for the PBSN Medical Mission in Aloran,

Misamis Occidental in 2017 (Martin’s hometown). Among ACF's projects were medical missions, scholarships, and the distribution of goods to the needy in the barrios of Aloran. As a member of Misamisnon, USA, he helped in the organization’s projects: Medical Mission, distribution of goods to the underprivileged in the province of Misamis Occidental.

During Sheriff Jerry Keller and Sheriff Doug Gillespie’s tenure, Martin was an active member of the Asian Leaders that met monthly with Metro. The goal of the meetings was to have an open discussion on issues faced by the Asian community and how to improve the relationship with Metro.

Martin is survived by his younger sister Maria Libertad, wife Jean, children Tisa, Chuck, Martin Jr, Abigail, and grandchildren, William and Lucy.

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Pahrump seeing increased interest from commercial developers

by RealtoR

Fely Quitevis-Bateman

PAHRUMP, a town located 62 miles west of Las Vegas, is seeing increased interest from commercial developers.

According to an article in the Pahrump Valley Times, Nye County Planning Director Brett Waggoner told the county’s commissioners in early July that the planning department has received a lot of applications that are in the review or site development process for commercial development. Some, he said, are getting to the approval stage, and are actually starting to break ground.

Among the projects Waggoner mentioned that are in the pipeline for the town included a medical facility, a car wash, restaurants, gas stations and overnight accommodations.

Two much-anticipated chains coming to Pahrump, the Arby’s and Dutch Bros. Coffee locations, as well as the car wash, will be located on Highway 160, near

the area of Nye County Veterinary Clinic and Tire Works, the article mentioned.

A new medical facility, the Pahrump Community Health Center, had a recent groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction.

The facility will, when it opens, provide surgical services and specialist care in the area which is not yet available.

The gas stations in the pipeline include a Circle K on Homestead The Coyote Corner gas station near the entrance to Mountain Falls Subdivision, where the late and Gamebird Roads, and a President Fidel V. Ramos played golf at during his stay with Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman new Coyote Corner on Manse in 2007.

Road near the Mountain Falls Subdivision. The latter project, according to Waggoner, will have space for restaurants as well.

The proposed hotel, meanwhile, is located on Highway 160 just behind the Maverick gas station and directly across The Source, which is a marijuana dispensary that just opened recently.

The chief planner of Nye

The Source, a newly-opened cannabis dispensary in Pahrump.

County also talked about the developments going on at Spring Mountain Motor Resort, where the track portion of its expansion onto the property purchased from the Bureau of Land Management has been completed. He said added that the resort is now in the process of building accessory buildings to accommodate the track.

Waggoner disclosed in the article that his department maintains a close-lipped policy when it comes to potential projects in the valley, opting only to discuss potential projects when development officially begins. His office is always in discussions with prospective developers.

Certainly, the town of Pahrump has undergone major changes since it was established and slowly inhabited by settlers in the late 19th century.

Nowadays, there are a lot more things to do and explore around the town, including trips to local casinos, recreational activities, do some shopping at local stores and even visit the Pahrump Valley Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for Museum to check out the town’s small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948, or send email to fely@precious- fascinating history. properties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com.

If nature-tripping is your

favorite activity, bird-watching is an option at Discovery Park, which is an abandoned golf course converted by locals and the Red Rock Audobon into a park. Over 176 bird species are said to graze in the park. Hiking in the area’s famous trails, whether on foot or via ATV, mountain bikes or offroad vehicles is another option for those seeking to commune and/or experience nature.

It won’t be Nevada unless you visit the town’s gambling dens, which includes Lakeside Casino & RV Park, Gold Town Casino (formerly Terrible’s Town Casino), Pahrump Nugget and Saddle West Hotel. Each of these places have their own amenities and charms, and provides accommodations and entertainment for the weary traveler or excited tourist.

You can also ride a horse at the Happy Hoof Beats Equestrian, play golf at Mountain Falls Golf Club, drive a race car at Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club, ride a hot air balloon over the valley, or enjoy a bottle of fine wine at Pahrump Valley Winery.

By the way, at Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club,

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (right) with CEO Mark Maiyoka who just bought a $2.6M medical building in Pahrump.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (extreme left) with (from left) Nye County Chief Planner Brett Waggoner and newly-elected Commissioner Ronald Boskovich.

Construction is ongoing at the second Circle K gas station outlet in the town.

crossing off race car driving in your to-do list is not the only thing it offers. The place also is where one can indulge in a variety of watersports (swimming, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, water jetpack), practical shooting and racquetball, in addition to its top-notch food and clubhouse facilities/amenities.

Residents themselves have even organized sports and recreational groups to bond together and enjoy the town’s vast natural beauty.

These include walking/hiking groups and biking clubs, as well as bowling clubs/leagues, billiards groups and indoor swimming clubs, to name a few.

There is a lot more than meets the eye in Pahrump. Both visitors and residents have a lot of activities to indulge in. And with Las Vegas only about an hour or less away, the possibilities for fun and excitement increase exponentially.

As of now, Pahrump is one of those towns where land and property are more affordable than other parts of the country, or even Nevada. Nye County, which Pahrump is situated in, keeps experiencing an increase

in population, which indicates that many people are looking into the area as major cities get overpopulated and real estate prices get too high.

I have been a Realtor for many decades now and have seen the growth of Pahrump. I consider it one of the best towns to live in. With many residential and commercial developments coming into the area, and many planned projects that will add to the diversity of the town’s entertainment offerings, it truly is a good place to look for a home, an investment property or a piece of land that you may want to construct your dream home in or sell for a profit later.

My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@precious-properties. com or fely.precious@gmail. com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

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Lea Salonga can play scary too

by Christina

alpad

Health @Heart

ManilaTimes.net

HORROR — much more a slasher — is probably the least likely genre audiences would imagine watching Tony Award winner Lea Salonga. But think again because that's exactly where the world will see the Filipina pride beginning this week.

Believe it or not, the seasoned mainstream and theater star is featured in the cast of "Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin." "This is something, I guess, new. I'm normally associated with things made for family or for children or big musicals where there is tragedy, but not necessarily something like this," Salonga told The Manila Times in a virtual media roundtable. "But I think this is just one of those things that I totally left out when I auditioned for it."

The 10-episode HBO Original series is a darker take on the hit teen melodrama that first aired in 2010. This time, the show introduces a new generation of Liars who are tormented by A — a masked killer hellbent on punishing them for the sins of their mothers and their own.

Salonga plays Elodie, mother to one of the teen heroines, Minnie. Portrayed by Malia Pyles, Minnie's clique has a deep dark secret from high school that continues to haunt them.

A coming-of-age, horrortinged drama, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin has slasher written all over it. There's a killer stalking and murdering a group of victims with his weapon of choice. A slasher is typically too bloody and gory for television, but this HBO offering brings all that to the small screen.

Looking back, Salonga — one of the biggest Broadway and West End stars to become a household for voicing Disney Princesses Jasmine and Fa Mulan — said she used to avoid this genre as an actor and more so as the viewer. Either way, the idea had always been far-fetched for the artist.

"I watched The Ring, which

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

For the first time, Lea Salonga sets aside the magic she brings to musical theater and family entertainment to deal with blood and gore in ‘Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin.’ Photo courtesy of HBO Go

kept me up for so many nights that it ruined the horror genre for me. So it's kind of karmic that I end up on an HBO show that's horror and a slasher and frightening."

To be sure, the genre has its own set of challenges for an actor. Salonga revealed she even found herself having to learn a few tricks to get through particular scenes.

"Even during filming, there's stuff that's a little scary. I would really have to sort of demystify the more suspenseful and scary parts of the show so that I could just go in and do my work and not have nightmares when I go to sleep," the 51-year old laughingly said.

Still, it was one of those projects she just couldn't pass up. She had been auditioning for different Hollywood roles, and her take on Elodie was the first one she clinched.

"Throughout the pandemic, while I was just locked up in my house here in Manila, I was constantly auditioning for all kinds of different thingst. Elodie wasn't like served on a plate — I had to audition. So I sent everything to my manager, who then sent everything to creative to see if I would be the right person for it."

Salonga's admiration for Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa ("Riverdale," "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina"), who executive produced and wrote Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, also had to do with her excitement to join the cast despite its genre.

"I'm not all that picky. I will accept a role if it's interesting and if it seems something fun to be a part of. With regards to this, I was a fan of Riverdale. I knew Roberto's work going in, so to be one of his shows, this is like a fan girl's happiness."

A slasher as slashers go, Salonga is nonetheless confident that her latest Hollywood job will find its way to Filipinos' hearts as before.

"Even if this is a horror/slasher show, at the center of it, there are five young women and their mothers. We see motherdaughter dynamics in all of them.

We see the secrets that mothers keep from their children and vice versa. We love family drama, and there is an abundance of it here," she explained.

All that said, there is but one final point to appreciate before watching the real-life Disney Princess amid what is sure to be blood and gore. Lea Salonga is in Pretty Little Liars — and that's just so cool.

THE World Health Organization on July 23, 2022 declared Monkeypox a global emergency.

Worldwide, there are more than 16,000 cases of Monkeypox, involving 75 countries so far, with at least 5 deaths. In the United States 4,600 cases have been reported in 30 States, the greatest number of cases compared to any country in the world. In the Philippines, one case was reported on July 19.

Today’s article on Monkeypox is authored by our guest infectious disease consultant, Dr. Joel C. Ang, MD. FAAFP, AAHIVM, President/ Lab Director, Q Street Medical Associates in Washington, DC. What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is an illness caused by a virus closely related to the smallpox virus. Think of monkeypox and smallpox as their own unique type of virus.

Historically, monkeypox has mostly infected animals in Africa, with an occasional spread to a human. The virus has escaped from its usual animal host and is now spreading from person to person. It has entered the sexual networks of men who have sex with men, and is increasing among that group. There are also a smaller number of cases occurring in other people.

What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

The virus causes blisters or pustules (“poxes”), which can be very painful. These can appear anywhere on the body.

In the current epidemic, they also are commonly found in the “underpants zone,” namely the genital and anal areas. They can also cause swelling and pain inside the anus. People infected with monkeypox may also have fever, muscle aches, headache, cough, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and other symptoms.

People with monkeypox are generally ill for 3 to 4 weeks and must quarantine to prevent further transmission.

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On Monkeypox How is monkeypox spread?

Most commonly this virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact, such as during sex, especially via contact with the fluid from one of the pox lesions. Monkeypox may also be transmitted by respiratory secretions and by body fluids such as semen. Close intimate contact seems to be the most common way it is transmitted, as opposed to simply being in the same room as someone. Because of the risk of transmission, a person with monkeypox is asked to isolate from other people until they have fully recovered.

Is monkeypox an STI? According to authorities, monkeypox is not a sexuallytransmitted infection, because it does not always require sex for transmission, just skin contact with the virus. However, the same could be said of herpes, which is often thought of as an STI, but is easily transmitted by non-sexual skin contact. There are many other STIs that can be transmitted non-sexually: by transfusion, needle-sharing, perinatally, etc. Just “being gay” does not necessarily put a person at risk of monkeypox; rather, it’s who he is in intimate contact with. This is important as gay males, who are not sexually active at all, have the same risk as anybody else. It is what one does intimately and with whom he does it with that exposes a person to this virus.

How does one get tested?

A health care provider swabs the fluid from a pox lesion and sends the swab to a lab for testing.

This test is now available via large commercial labs in the U.S. There is no self-testing yet, and there is no blood test. A person must have at least one pox lesion in order to be tested. In that case, they should go to a health care provider.

How can monkeypox be prevented?

The most surefire way would be for a man to not have sexual contact with new male partners for the time being, since the virus is circulating primarily among men who have sex with men, and by intimate (often sexual) contact.

It’s helpful to know who you are intimate with, whether they have

a rash or other symptoms, or have been ill recently. Sex clubs, sex parties, and other similar settings pose a high risk of infection if a participant has this virus.

There is a vaccine, JYNNEOS, that is effective at preventing monkeypox (and smallpox). The vaccine is given as a shot under the skin, usually in the upper arm, with a second dose a month later. People tend to have minimal aftereffects from the vaccine.

Protection begins a few weeks after the first dose. Although it is a live (but “crippled”) vaccine, JYNNEOS appears safe for people living with HIV, at least if their CD4 count is over 200.

If a person has had close/ intimate contact with someone who proves to have monkeypox, the person can get a dose of vaccine. If given soon enough it may prevent the infection completely, or (especially if given more than a few days after exposure) it still may make the infection less severe.

The supply of JYNNEOS is limited, although much more will be available over the next few months. It is being distributed by the CDC and local health departments, and from there to clinics where it is given to patients. Currently in the United States, the supply is allocated to cities and counties based on the number of cases there.

A question from a reader: “I am ‘older’ and I had the smallpox vaccine when I was a child, which younger folks today have not had, will this vaccine protect me from monkeypox?” We know that the immunity from smallpox vaccine fades with age. The smallpox vaccine that some older folks had decades ago is unlikely to prevent monkeypox now.

However, it may help reduce the severity of the disease if the person catches monkeypox.

How is monkeypox treated?

Most people with monkeypox do not need antiviral treatment; their system clears the virus on its own. The most common treatments a person might need are for control of symptoms such as pain and fever. There is an experimental antiviral (tecovirimat, or TPOXX) that can be obtained for people with severe symptoms. This is not available at regular pharmacies and would have to be accessed through the local health department, infectious disease clinic, or other clinic that has been authorized.

HIV antivirals do not treat monkeypox, nor do antivirals designed for other infections such as herpes, flu, COVID-19, etc.

COVID-19 updates As of this writing, there are 5,83,344,860 cases of COVID-19 infections, with 6,422,569 deaths worldwide. In the United States, there are 93,225,110 cases, with 1,055,576 deaths; in the Philippines, 3,782,822 cases, with 60,749 deaths. The 7-day DAILY average case was 121,413, with 446 deaths and 43,653 hospitalizations per day.

The Omicron BA.5 is still the dominant subvariant, milder but nonetheless a killer. The pandemic is still with us. The new sub-strain BA.2.75 is upon us – thanks to the unvaccinated. We will see what this new sub-strain does. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

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