081223 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday, August 11 said no Filipino was affected by wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, that have so far led to the deaths of 53 people.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the Hawaii state government has informed the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu that "no foreigners were affected [by the wildfires], including Filipinos."

"Remember, the Filipinos there work in main cities," de Vega said during the "Laging Handa" press briefing.

He added, "So, we're monitoring the situation. The good news is no Filipinos were affected, so far. We hope so."

The consulate has postponed the scheduled August 11 to 13 outreach mission to Maui amid the wildfires, which ravaged parts of the island.

According to the 2010 United States Census, over 8,000 Filipinos reside in Maui, making up 4.3 percent of the total population.

The DFA said its consular outreach mission overseas include passport service, civil

Marcos to make another trip to US in November

by Jean Mangaluz Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, August 9 said he is headed to the United States this November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

This would be his third trip to the U.S. as the Philippines’ chief executive. Marcos assumed the presidency on June 30, 2022. The APEC is a regional economic forum of 21 countries, including the U.S. and the Philippines.

“The Philippines is actively participating in Indo-Pacific economic framework, and APEC leaders meeting in San Francisco in November, I look forward joining fellow APEC leaders in California, later this year. This will be my third trip in U.S. since I assumed office,” Marcos said during a courtesy call with members of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council.

According to Marcos, he will advance the country’s energy interests, saying that the Philippines is interested in sustainable land, water, and ocean solutions that align with climate goals.

“All efforts to increase the number of power

sources lean towards clean energy. That being the case, I am interested in the potential of nuclear energy, especially in light of new technologies and innovations that allow the use of smaller scale, modular, nuclear reactors, and other advanced [reactors] technologies that we see as being safer and more efficient than the more traditional designs of nuclear power production,” said Marcos.

President Marcos first went to the U.S. in September 2022 for the 77th United Nations General Assembly. This was followed last May, highlighted u PAGE A2

US stresses PH right to resupply grounded ship

by Pia lee-Brago eliJah Felice rosales Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines has the “right to be able to supply/resupply” its ship in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and has not asked for assistance after China’s attack on its vessels on a resupply mission, the U.S. Department of Defense said on Tuesday, August 8.

“We stand with our Philippine allies in terms of their right to be able to supply/resupply the ship on the Second Thomas Shoal, and that will continue to be our position,” Pentagon press secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said at a press briefing.

The U.S. highlighted China’s dangerous actions after the China Coast Guard (CCG) blocked and fired water cannons on a Philippine resupply mission near Ayungin Shoal on Saturday, August 5. The U.S. said the act directly threatened regional peace and stability.

GILAS Pilipinas aces Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto have finally joined the national team’s practice.

Clarkson, who arrived in the Philippines a few days ago, and Sotto, who has been nursing a back injury, were seen training with the team on Wednesday night, August 9 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

In an Instagram story by Gilas head coach Chot Reyes, Clarkson and Sotto were seen doing drills, running and shooting along with the usual training group.

The two vital cogs were not able to join Gilas in its pocket tournament in China, where the squad finished with a 3-1 win-loss record. Their only loss came against a physical Senegal team.

In a previous interview, Reyes said that Sotto will need to earn playtime through practice.

The tactician said that while Sotto already signed an agreement to play for the national team, he still needs to spend time with the team to improve on his strength and conditioning.

Meanwhile, Gilas assistant coach Jong Uichico earlier said that Clarkson, a shooting guard for the Utah Jazz in the NBA, will have

by Brix LeLis

THE combined net worth of the wealthiest Filipinos increased by 11 percent to $80 billion from last year's $72 billion, Forbes said on Wednesday, August 9.

Despite the challenges brought by inflation and higher interest rates, the Philippines' "benchmark stock index rose 6.0 percent from a year ago when fortunes were last measured," Forbes said.

Of the 50 richest in the Philippines, over half are wealthier this year, with the Sy siblings topping the list with a combined wealth of $14.4 billion.

Teresita Sy Coson, Henry Sy Jr., and Hans, Herbert, and Harley's net worth rose

Defense chief visits EDCA sites

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. has embarked on a series of visits to military bases and identified Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) locations to discuss security matters with local officials, Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Arsenio Andolong said.

Teodoro's first stop was Cagayan. On Wednesday, August 9, he attended a town hall meeting in Calayan, hosted by Mayor Joseph Llopis and the Sangguniang Bayan. On the same day, the Defense chief traveled to Ilocos Norte to visit the headquarters of the 4th Marine "Makusug" Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps, in Camp Cape Bojeador.

Andolong said Teodoro talked to the troops and participated in the traditional Hollow Block Making for the Brigade's headquarters building.

The DND spokesman said Teodoro is expected to visit other military bases and EDCA sites in the next few weeks.

Five military sites were initially agreed upon by the Philippines and the United States under EDCA. These were Antonio Bautista Air Base (Palawan), Basa Air Base (Pampanga), Benito Ebuen Air Base (Cebu), Fort Magsaysay (Nueva Ecija) and Lumbia Airport (Cagayan de Oro).

Last April, the Philippine government announced the four additional EDCA sites considered "suitable and mutually beneficial" for both the Philippines and the U.S.

u PAGE A2

by $1.8 billion.

In addition, shares of the SM empire climbed by 19 percent from a year earlier amid higher "consumer spending." The SM Group posted strong results in the first half of 2023, reporting a 32 percent growth in consolidated net income. Revenues rose by P286.3 billion from P242.6 billion in the same period in 2022.

Property mogul Manny Villar strengthened his grip on the second spot as he added $1.9 billion to his net worth, which now stands at $9.7 billion "on the back of a resilient housing market." Forbes said Villar also included Premiere Island Power REIT, his energy company, in December 2022.

Ports and casino magnate Enrique Razon

The boats were delivering food, water, fuel and other supplies to Philippine military troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

“I don’t have anything to announce right now in

Pres. Marcos pushes nuclear energy partnership with US

by Catherine S. Valente

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, August 9 renewed push for nuclear energy partnership with the United States as the Philippines moves "to increase the number of power sources lean towards clean energy."

In his remarks during his meeting with the U.S.Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Business Council in Malacañang, Marcos called for the enhanced Philippine and U.S. economic engagement to boost twoway trade and investment,

especially in critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and clean energy, including nuclear energy.

"All efforts to increase the number of power sources lean towards clean energy. That being the case, I am interested in the potential of nuclear energy, especially in light of new technologies and innovations that allow the use of smaller scale, modular, nuclear reactors, and other advanced [reactors] technologies that we see as being safer and more efficient than the more traditional designs of nuclear power production," he said.

US stresses PH right to resupply...

terms of sending any type of additional assistance. To my knowledge, the Philippines has not asked for additional assistance,”

Ryder added.

The U.S. reaffirmed that an armed attack on Philippine public vessels, aircraft and armed forces, including those of its Coast Guard, in the South China Sea would invoke U.S. mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 US Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.

On Monday, August 7, the Philippines lodged a diplomatic protest over China’s latest attack on Philippine vessels. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian and presented the Philippines’ strongly worded diplomatic protest on the blocking and water cannon operations by the CCG and Chinese maritime militia vessels against Philippine boats.

The Philippines demanded that China immediately stop its illegal activities in the country’s maritime zones.

During a joint press conference, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) showed videos and photographs of six CCG ships and two Chinese militia vessels blocking two Philippine boats on a routine supply mission, dangerous maneuvers and aggressive use of water cannon against the boats.

The Philippines has filed 445 diplomatic protests since 2020 over China’s illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea. In 2023, 35 diplomatic protests were filed, including the note verbale given during the summoning of the Chinese envoy.

Japan ODA

Japan has provided more than P12 billion in funding to the Philippines to support its emergency response to victims of natural calamities and finance the purchase of new maritime equipment. Japan is allocating 30 billion yen, or P11.79 billion, for the Post-Disaster Standby Loan (PDSL) Phase 3 that seeks to bankroll recovery measures in disaster aftermath.

As with previous tranches of the PDSL, the Philippines can tap

the financing anytime it requires additional capital for response and relief efforts. The loan is slapped with an interest rate of 0.01 percent per annum and should be repaid within a period of 30 years.

“With Typhoon Egay attacking the Philippines just last month, it is evident that our countries are frequently exposed to natural disasters, including typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko said.

Japan is also giving a grant of 1.1 billion yen, or P432.14 million, for the Satellite Data Communication System of the PCG to improve monitoring of the West Philippine Sea.

Koshikawa on Tuesday signed the notes for PDSL 3 and the Satellite Data Communication System and turned over the documents to Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

Tokyo serves as the largest ODA source for Manila, with loans ranging from economic support to military assistance. n

Pres. Marcos pushes nuclear energy...

"Leading the charge are our ongoing discussions with the United States on the 123 Agreement, which will provide the legal framework for civil and nuclear-related investments, particularly nuclear power, in our country," he added. Together with the U.S. and other partners, especially the private sector, Marcos said that "we will build the necessary infrastructure to help power a growing economy, as we transition to clean and renewable energy."

"We recognize the rule that we have set for ourselves that is the slow transition and it is slow. We all have great hopes that the transition to renewables will be easy or simple. It turns out that is not going to be the case and we have to be realistic in this regard," Marcos said.

"And so, the rule we [applied] for ourself is first of all is that we must be able to provide sufficient power for the development of our industry, sufficient power so that we

can expand the economy, and it must be accompanied by a continuing effort to move our power sources from the traditional fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy," he added. Marcos expressed hope to see more engagements involving both the two countrie's governments and private sectors, especially in mobilizing financial resources for investments in key areas such as critical infrastructure, research and development, and human capital development.

"I hope we can count on your support for this. I cannot stress more how important private sector support has been to all the planning that we have done. One of the key features of the economic policies since I took office is that we have initiated, we started what we call a whole-of-government approach," he said.

For its part, the U.S.-Asean Business Council, the largest American business contingent, pledged to pursue more investments in the Philippines.

Marcos to make another...

During the meeting, U.S.Asean Business Council president and chief executive officer Ted Osius said the members of the nonprofit organization are looking forward to deepening their engagements with the Marcos administration and creating more partnerships with the Philippine businesses.

"We're very much focused and you highlight these themes on sustainable development, transformative digitalization, innovative healthcare solutions, supply chain resilience, and ease of doing business," Osius told Marcos.

"We are determined that we come here not just to talk but also to bring a lot of action to create real partnerships and to show our commitment in the form of investments," he added.

Osius, a retired U.S. ambassador, was joined by representatives of 30 companies, the largest delegation to visit the Philippines in the 40year history of the U.S.-Asean Business Council. n

PH billionaires’ combined wealth rises...

stayed on third spot after earning the biggest dollar. His fortune increased by $2.5 billion to $8.1 billion.

Shares in Razon's company, International Container Terminal Services Inc., were said to have jumped 24 percent on "sustained improvement in supply chains."

The top 3 were followed by Ramon S. Ang, the president

and CEO of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., who climbed five spots to No. 4. His fortune increased by almost 40 percent to $3.4 billion, following San Miguel's acquisition of his majority-owned Eagle Cement.

Rounding up the top five was Tony Tan Caktiong of Jollibee Foods, who was in the seventh spot last year. His net worth jumped by $600 million, to $3.2

Defense chief visits EDCA...

These are Balabac Island (Palawan), Camp Melchor Dela Cruz (Gamu, Isabela), Lal-lo Airport (Lal-lo, Cagayan) and Naval Base Camilo Osias (Santa Ana, Cagayan).

Earlier this week, Teodoro and his American counterpart Lloyd Austin III held a telephone

meeting for the second time this year to reaffirm the two countries' ironclad defense alliance.

Andolong said that during the meeting, Austin reaffirmed the U.S.’ commitment to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support.

Both officials pledged to fasttrack pending defense initiatives,

billion.

Joining the list were the Aboitiz family with $3.15 billion in wealth (6th), Lance Gokongwei and his siblings with $3 billion (7th), and Isidro Consunji and siblings with $2.9 billion (8th).

Jaime Zobel de Ayala was in 9th place with $2.8 billion and Lucio Tan in 10th with $2.6 billion. n

such as the conclusion of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA).

Austin highlighted the importance of GSOMIA for the transfer of technology in support of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

A growing network of criminals are using unregulated online portals such as Instagram, WeChat, and Tik Tok to lure in job seekers with promises of quick and easy money.

by Mark Hedin Ethnic Media Services

IT’S a sad fact of life: If it seems too good to be true, beware!

In this Wild West era of still largely unregulated online portals such as Instagram, WeChat, Tik Tok and others, the Federal Trade Commission is battling a new crime wave: huge networks of criminals offering fake but real-seeming ways to make money.

“There’s a whole range of different, horrible business practices scammers use,” Kati Daffan, of the FTC’s Marketing Practices division, said at an Aug.

9 press briefing hosted by the FTC and Ethnic Media Services.

“These schemes are having an incredible impact,” Daffan said. Already this year, the agency has fielded 26,000 fraud reports describing $223 million lost to fake job and “big opportunity” scams.

And that’s just the ones that have been reported, she noted, adding later that fewer reports come in from Black or Spanishspeaking victims. “We know that’s just a fraction of what’s actually happening to people,” she said.

The scams range from offers of what appear to be

job opportunities to “coaching scams” that claim they’ll quickly teach you how to make money investing in real estate, the stock market, or various selfemployment strategies, and more. She described one FTC shut down, “My Online Business Education.” In that case, the FTC last year was able to return $23 million to people who’d been scammed trying to learn how to make money. The FTC has more information on this particular type of rip-off available at ftc.gov/ IncomeScams.

u PAGE A4

‘If

looking for a job, scammers are looking for you!’

Isang scan ka na lang mula sa pag-send ng pera sa Pilipinas kung paano dapat.

Itutok lang ang camera mo sa QR code para automatic na i-download ang Remitly app. May makikita kang app na nasa Tagalog, nag-o-offer ng nakakagulat na murang fees para sa pag-send ng pera at nagno-notify sa iyo kung nasaan ang pera mo sa bawat hakbang ng proseso.

New Alzheimer’s drug raises hopes — along with questions

by Judith Graham KFF Health News

The FDA has approved Leqembi, the first diseasemodifying treatment for earlystage Alzheimer’s and a precursor condition, mild cognitive impairment. Medicare has said it will pay for the therapy. Medical centers across the country are scrambling to finalize policies and procedures for providing the medication to patients, possibly by summer’s end or early autumn.

It’s a fraught moment, with hope running high for families and other promising therapies such as donanemab on the horizon. Still, medical providers are cautious.

No Filipino hurt in Hawaii wildfires...

registration, notarization of legal documents and dual citizenship process.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in an advisory, said the "disaster has resulted in casualties, downed power and communication lines, and closure of certain roads."

The postponement was in line with the emergency proclamation issued by Hawaii acting Gov. Sylvia Luke on Wednesday,

August 9 that "discouraged nonessential air travel" to Maui, it added.

The PCG said Luke's directive would "allow for an effective emergency response to the wildfires currently affecting the island." The consulate said it will post an advisory on the new dates of the consular outreach mission to Maui once they are known.

The DFA in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) said: "Our embassies and consulates

abroad remain steadfast in providing assistance to Filipino communities around the globe."

Filipinos overseas are not always able to go to the nearest embassy or consulate for services, the department said.

"Our embassies and consulates general abroad conduct outreaches in order to give necessary services in various parts of the world," it added. (Bernadette E. Tamayo/ ManilaTimes.net)

“This is an important first step in developing treatments for complex neurodegenerative diseases, but it’s just a first step,” said Ronald Petersen, director of the Mayo Clinic’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in Rochester, Minnesota.

Unanswered questions abound as this new era of treatment begins for mild cognitive impairment

‘If you’re

Go

and early-stage Alzheimer’s.

Will Leqembi’s primary benefit

— a slight slowing of decline in cognition and functioning — make a significant difference to patients and family members or will it be difficult to discern? Will its effects accelerate, decelerate, or flatten out over time?

Will demand for Leqembi (the brand name for lecanemab), a monoclonal antibody that requires infusions every two weeks, be robust or restrained? How many older adults in their 70s and 80s will be able and willing to travel to medical centers for infusions twice a month and have regular MRI scans and physician visits to monitor for potential side effects such as brain bleeds or swelling?

Even with Medicare coverage, how many people will be able to afford the suite of medical services required, including cognitive tests, infusions, doctors’ appointments, MRI scans, genetic tests, and spinal taps or PET scans to verify the presence of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s and a precondition for receiving this

therapy?

Will primary care physicians start routinely screening older adults for mild cognitive impairment, something that doesn’t happen currently?

These questions aren’t surprising, given that these dementia treatments are opening uncharted territory. Here’s some of what people should know: Leqembi basics. Leqembi is very effective at removing amyloid plaques (a protein that clumps between neurons) from people’s brains. But it doesn’t reverse cognitive decline or prevent future deterioration.

In a briefing document, Eisai, the company that makes Leqembi, said clinical trials showed a 27% slower rate of decline for people taking the drug. But when raw scores on the cognitive scale used to measure results are considered (4.41 for the Leqembi group at the end of 18 months versus 4.86 for the placebo group), the rate of improvement was 9%, according to Lon Schneider, a professor

looking for a job, scammers...

the extra mile to avoid being scammed

Although Black and older consumers are disproportionately victimized, Daffan said, we’re all potentially vulnerable to the increasingly sophisticated

and varied ways people and organizations all around the globe are tricking people out of their hard-earned money.

She and her colleague, Rosario Mendez shared some examples of these tricks and some strategies for avoiding them.

High among their suggestions: Be careful, and do your research. For instance, Daffan said, when it comes to bogus job offers that could eventually cost you money, scammers are getting better and better at looking legitimate.

If you’re contacted by someone claiming a company wants to hire you, or that they’re helping an employer find workers, check it out. Go the extra mile, research that company, find their telephone number without relying on the numbers you were given, and call them to ensure they’re truly hiring for this position you’re considering – and that the people you’re talking to are really the ones doing the hiring.

“It takes the extra step of reaching out to the company to know it’s legitimate,” Daffan said. “That really is the safest thing to do these days.”

There’s more on this type of scam at ftc.gov/JobScams.

And never send money to someone expecting you’ll soon be able to earn even more back. Or if you’re asked to buy equipment up front, don’t!

Be careful what you disclose

Another common crooked strategy has been to get people to agree to mail out gift cards after receiving a check seemingly worth more than the value of those gift cards.

But here’s the problem: It’s not enough to see the deposit was made to your account; it takes banks days at least to actually clear that check deposit. And if the check proves to be no good, you have to pay that money back to your bank.

And meanwhile, guess what?

Those gift cards you sent out went right back to the scammers and are almost impossible to recover by the time you learn their check bounced.

Sometimes something as simple as providing personal information winds up costing you. Sure, it seems reasonable that someone offering you a job might want your Social Security number, or information on where you bank so they can

pay you with a direct deposit to your account, or other personal information such as your name and address, information for a background check, etcetera.

But the people requesting the information might only be doing so to then sell it to another criminal operation, and making their money that way. So be very careful about what you disclose until you’re confident you know who you’re dealing with.

Coming forward to report scams

And don’t fall for claims there’s been a problem delivering something you maybe didn’t even order. Clicking on a link accompanying such a text or email just provides the scammer new ways to reach you and collect your data, or know you might not be wise to them yet.

In general, if you get emails, text messages or telephone calls from names or numbers you don’t recognize, your safest bet is just to ignore them.

Mendez described the case of a recent immigrant, eager to work, who was taken in by a Spanish-language TV ad for “Moda Latina,” that got people to put up money for luxury goods they could then sell at a profit.

When she became interested and called the advertiser, she was soon threatened that she’d made a commitment, and had better have a money order ready when they delivered the box of jewelry for her to sell.

So, she got the $299 money order, but the package she got in exchange didn’t live up to Moda Latina’s 14-carat promises. When she called them on it, all she got was an offer to sell her pricier things, with similar promises.

Considering how often victims don’t even want to report having been robbed to people whose job is to help them, it was noteworthy that this particular person intended to tell her story herself at the briefing, an unusually brave move.

Making a report won’t impact anyone’s immigration status, the FTC speakers said, and they strongly encouraged everyone to report any suspicions they might have to ReportFraud@ ftc.gov and ReporteFraude/ftc. gov (ReporteFraude.ftc.govpresentar-reporte), whether they’re the intended victim or only worried for a friend, neighbor or relative.

Clarkson, Sotto train with...

Lithuania.

The Filipinos will be facing Montenegro and Mexico in friendly matches here in the Philippines, a few days before the FIBA World Cup. The Philippines will be battling the Dominican Republic, Angola and Italy in the world cup which will start on August 25. (Ralph Edwin Villanueva/Philstar.com)

no problem integrating into the Gilas system, as he and Sotto had already played for the team.

a fractured hand that he suffered during practice in

Jordan Clarkson (right) and Kai Sotto Photo from Instagram/@jordanclarksons

NEW TRAIN ROUTE. The much-awaited Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) project is finally taking shape with workers busy in one of the train stations along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on Friday, August 11. The private sector proponent of this PHP77-billion Public Private Partnership (PPP) infrastructure project is San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

New Alzheimer’s drug raises hopes...

of psychiatry, neurology, and gerontology at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine.

Benefits may be hard to detect. Research suggests that patients notice a “clinically meaningful” change in cognitive performance — a noticeable alteration in their ability to think, remember, and perform daily tasks — when scores rise at least 1 point on an 18-point scale used to measure Leqembi’s impact. But the change detected after 18 months for patients taking this medication was only 0.45%.

“That’s a minimal difference, and people are unlikely to perceive any real alteration in cognitive functioning,” said Alberto Espay, a professor of neurology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Petersen has a different perspective since many patients have told him they’d be happy to put off getting worse. “If we can keep these patients stable for a somewhat longer period of time, that’s meaningful,” he told me.

Side effects are common. The drugmaker reported 17% of patients taking Leqembi experienced swelling in the brain and 13% had brain bleeds. Most of these side effects occurred during the first three months of treatment and resolved without serious consequences four months later.

In slightly more than 1 in 4 cases, there were also infusionrelated side effects — chills, aches, nausea, vomiting, a spike or drop in blood pressure, and more.

A little-discussed side effect is a reduction in brain volume associated with Leqembi and other anti-amyloid therapies. “We don’t know what this will mean to patients long term, and that’s concerning,” Espay said.

Because people with the APOE4 gene variant, which raises the risk of Alzheimer’s, are also at higher risk of Leqembi side effects, physicians at major medical centers will recommend genetic testing as they evaluate potential patients.

Not all patients will qualify. “I’m very carefully selecting the patients I think will be appropriate, focusing on people with mild cognitive symptoms who are otherwise healthy,” said Erik Musiek, an associate professor of neurology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Clinics serving Alzheimer’s patients are working out the details of who will get treated with the new drug Leqembi. It won’t be for everyone with memory-loss symptoms. Contributed photo

He has about 20 patients ready to start treatment once Washington University starts offering Leqembi, perhaps by early autumn. Delivering this therapy “is going to be challenging, and I think we need to err on the side of caution,” he said.

In Los Angeles, UCLA Health has set up a multidisciplinary group of specialists, similar to a cancer tumor board, to undertake comprehensive reviews of patients who want to take Leqembi, said Keith Vossel, director of UCLA’s Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Care. They will disqualify people with evidence of more than four microbleeds on brain MRIs, those taking blood thinners, and those with a history of seizures.

At the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, a new Alzheimer’s therapeutics clinic will carefully assess potential patients over three to four days and treat only people who live within a 100-mile radius. “We’ll start with patients who are fairly healthy and follow them very closely,” Petersen said.

At Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, Mary Sano, director of Alzheimer’s Disease Research, is concerned about older patients with mild cognitive impairment who want to take Leqembi but don’t have evidence of amyloid plaque accumulation in their brains.

“We’ll only treat people who are amyloid-positive, and I’m afraid this could lead to people feeling like we’re not taking care of them,” she said. About 40% to 60% of patients 58 and older with mild cognitive impairment are amyloidpositive, research indicates.

Also of concern are patients who have moderate Alzheimer’s or early-stage cognitive impairment due to vascular dementia or

various metabolic causes. They, too, would not be able to take Leqembi and may well be disappointed, Sano noted. Costs could be considerable. Costs for Leqembi are difficult to calculate since Medicare officials haven’t announced what the government will pay for services. But the University of Southern California estimates that a year’s worth of care, including the $26,500 cost of the medication, could total about $90,000, according to Schneider.

A separate analysis by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review suggests that all the medical services necessary to administer the drug, monitor patients, and undertake needed testing could total an average of $82,500 yearly on top of Leqembi’s direct cost.

Assuming a patient copayment of 20%, that would mean at least $18,000 in out-of-pocket spending. While many older adults have supplemental insurance (a Medigap plan or employersponsored retiree coverage) to cover these costs, nearly 1 in 10 Medicare beneficiaries lack this type of protection. And it remains to be seen what policies private Medicare Advantage plans will put in place for this medication.

We’re eager to hear from readers about questions you’d like answered, problems you’ve been having with your care, and advice you need in dealing with the health care system. Visit kffhealthnews. org/columnists to submit your requests or tips.

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

For the Love of Water, California.

Every drop we save counts.

Food inflation

AT around this time last year, agriculture producers were already reminding the government that orders must be placed for the importation of white onions, since domestic output usually runs out in the third quarter, and a shortage could put pressure on the supply and consequently the price of red onions.

The reminder was brushed aside, amid shrill warnings about public officials out to make money from agricultural importations. Sure enough, the onion shortage started.

Editorial

By the time the holiday season rolled around, red onion prices had shot up to an eye-watering P700 to P750 a kilo, there was no white onion to be had, and memes abounded about onions becoming more precious than gold.

This time, with domestic white onion production again slowing down and existing stocks good only for about a month, and red onion prices again rising in the market, the Department of Agriculture has announced that at least 4,000 metric tons of imported white onions are expected to arrive within a week.

While waiting for the imports to arrive and retail prices to soften, the public is also waiting for authorities to file charges related to agricultural smuggling and hoarding against several persons identified as members of an onion cartel. The names are not new, but no one has faced criminal indictment so far, especially for what probers say is an offense that constitutes economic sabotage.

People are also waiting for the prices of another basic food commodity, sugar, to come down from the stratosphere. This does not refer to prices in the heavily subsidized Kadiwa outlets, where smuggled sugar confiscated by the government will reportedly be made available, and where the government also sells rice at a loss for P25 a kilo.

At regular outlets, sugar prices have amazingly refused to soften despite the arrival of hundreds of thousands of metric tons of imported sugar since the fourth quarter of 2022. This indicates cartelized supply and price manipulation, according to certain quarters in the sugar industry, but so far, it doesn’t look like anyone is going to be held accountable for the illegal activities. Institutional users and micro entrepreneurs alike have suffered from the high prices of sugar.

Inflation slowed down for a fifth straight month last June, but food inflation continued to be the biggest driver. And confectionery and sweetened beverages still accounted for a hefty chunk of food inflation. The inflation figures could worsen if the onion crisis is repeated. (Philstar.com)

After UniTeam: A new opposition?

THE past week or two were particularly eventful for the Marcos-Duterte UniTeam axis.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte, who once again skipped his successor’s most important annual speech, dropped by Malacañang.

Far from a low-key meeting, a full ensemble of Duterte administration stalwarts were also in attendance, especially those who had accompanied the former president during a controversial trip to China.

True to his conflict-averse nature, President Marcos constantly played nice, dismissing any suggestion of schism or policy divisions with the former president. “As long as there will be someone who can help. I am sure that he will be able to tell us what happened during their conversation and see how that affects us,” Mr. Marcos said of his predecessor’s surprise visit to Beijing, which was apparently not coordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs at all.

Mr. Marcos generously portrayed Duterte’s latest antics as a constructive form of backdoor diplomacy. He was fully attentive and seemingly deferential during his meeting with Duterte. Duterte

reportedly “gave some good pieces of advice to President Marcos.” No details of the conversation were provided, but it’s easy to guess its core content: the former president, a most “special friend” of China, asking his successor to reconsider the expanded Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) with the United States. The Duterte-Marcos meeting came not long after Vice President Sara Duterte was seen arm in arm with Speaker Martin Romualdez, both with beaming smiles, as they sent off Mr. Marcos to yet another foreign trip. The intended message of the abovementioned events is crystal clear. But upon closer examination, the Marcos administration has some fundamental policy differences with the Dutertes, most notably on the foreign policy front.

As Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro made it clear not long after the Marcos-Duterte meeting in Malacañang: “Edca, first and foremost, is Philippine base. … [I]t is our business what we do here just as long as it is for Philippine interest, and here, the United States and we converge in our intended use for this, and it is not any other countries’ business to question what we do here.”

Differences over foreign policy are just the tip of the iceberg, with Mr. Marcos also

striking a different tone on a whole host of domestic issues that stood at the heart of the Dutertismo project. And this, dear reader, brings us to the topic of the opposition.

By all indications, the solidity of the UniTeam is directly proportional to the solidity of the opposition. But with the opposition in a relative state of hibernation, thus failing to pose any real danger to the status quo, factionalism has become the inevitable dynamic within the ruling coalition.

In fact, the opposition— both functionally and ideologically—has now been divided into three main groups. There is, of course, the “Never Marcos” camp, which has been busy highlighting all the obvious shortcomings and vulnerabilities of the incumbent, while conveniently overlooking the true roots of its own weaknesses and political marginalization.

And then, there is the “Never Duterte” camp, which has warmly welcomed Mr. Marcos’ sensible policy recalibrations, most notably the end of populist attacks on big businesses, the end of slavish kowtowing to the bully in the West Philippine Sea, and the drawdown of the violent drug war. Many members of this camp have either joined the administration as appointees/ advisers or serve as its

(unwitting) impresarios. Their ultimate goal is preventing the return of the Dutertes to Malacañang, and they see fiery Sen. Rafael “Raffy” Tulfo as a potential rallying point for the 2028 elections. There is a third camp, however. Slowly, but surely, a new opposition camp is crystalizing around a whole host of energetic and progressive leaders, especially at the local government level. Instead of

partisanship, or obsession with virtue signaling or electoral appeal, the new opposition is drawing inspiration from the good governance track record of classically centrist political leaders such as Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

In fact, the star leader from the country’s summer capital is set to launch a “mayors for good governance” movement later this month in tandem with Quezon City Mayor Josefina

The dangers of being nice

THE China Coast Guard attacked a Philippine Coast Guard vessel via water cannon on Saturday, August 5 within the Philippine exclusive economic zone, the latest in a string of provocations and aggressions. How did we get to this point in our diplomatic relations?

As always, I aim to provide a psychological or behavioral lens to national issues as my fellow columnists who are experts in law, political science, and diplomacy will do a much better job dissecting these aspects. What did strike me with this development is that, sadly, this is no longer surprising and somewhat to be expected given that we have been in the business of acquiescing to China ever since the previous administration.

We had the prime and historic opportunity when the arbitral ruling awarded in our favor over our maritime disputes against China (incidentally, we just celebrated the anniversary of this ruling on July 12). However, our executive government, at that time, had not made any steps toward enforcement of this ruling and had even assured China that they will not enforce this ruling. This started a particularly troubling dynamic with our aggressor that ultimately led them to double down on their claims in 2023. There is a rudimentary concept in psychology called the “foot-in-the-door” phenomenon. It describes how initially agreeing to small favors lead to agreeing to bigger favors, even if it is against one’s own interests. This is a classic strategy in sales and persuasion. One first asks for a favor so small and

convenient that the person would have a hard time justifying a “no.” For example, asking for P5 would rarely garner a negative reaction. At this point, you already have your “foot” in the “door.” Then you could proceed to ask for bigger amounts. Perhaps another P10. Then a P20. Then P100. Then P500. According to this phenomenon, you are more likely to be successful at ultimately receiving P500 this way rather than asking for P500 outright. It is important to note that there is also a complementary strategy called “door-in-the-face” where you start with an outrageous ask (let’s say asking for P5,000) then negotiating down to P500, even though this was the amount you originally intended to ask for in the first place.

What has this got to do with diplomatic relations?

Diplomatic relations are all about negotiation. As such,

tactics of persuasion are central. By acquiescing to small asks and favors that go against our national interests, we are setting ourselves up to being taken advantage of in bigger ways.

A big part of why such tactics work, in a way, is our value of wanting to be nice. As the Sondheim musical goes, “you’re not good, you’re not bad, you’re just nice.” By wanting to play nice with China, we have put our coast guards and fishermen at risk, a really bad thing to do. People often mistake niceness for either kindness or goodness but that is not the case. Niceness mostly concerns itself with being pleasant and not wishing to offend. The danger of this value is that sometimes we privilege not wanting to offend so much that we allow injustices to prevail. We avoid confrontation even when it’s necessary because we want to play nice. Niceness

has its merits, but it should also have its limits. Niceness at the expense of protecting human and sovereign rights is unjust.

Niceness is also not kindness.

Kindness is not concerned with how others react to us but has a more intrinsic motivation. At its core, it is wanting to do something good for others. True kindness does not seek an audience and mostly prefer to be invisible. We don’t have to be petty or solely selfish in our diplomatic negotiations. We can choose to be kind through the willingness to negotiate. Merely giving in, however, for fear of offending the other party is not kindness but just kowtowing.

Niceness is fundamentally different from goodness. There are many ways to understand and practice goodness. In diplomatic relations, we have to prioritize the good of our people. We also have to prioritize the good of

“Joy” Belmonte and dozens of other progressive leaders. Should the three camps form an umbrella coalition in coming years, they will be a force to reckon with. (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

vulnerable groups and sectors, who need the protection of government. The ideal—but harder—path is where the solution is for the good of all. This is where niceness can jeopardize our goodness because niceness tends to prefer avoidance of unpleasant things, which usually steer us toward short-term solutions and sacrificing leverage in the long run.

Filipinos are known for being nice and hospitable. Yet we should not do that at the expense of our own interests. Being good and kind sometimes require taking firm—and unpleasant—stands for the welfare of our country. (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.

* * * aatuazon@up.edu.ph

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with former President Rodrigo Duterte at the Malacañan Palace.

Photo from PCO

Lawmakers grill department heads on proposed P5.7 trillion 2024 budget

by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net

MANILA — The P5.7 trillion proposed budget for 2024 will undergo a meticulous examination from House Committee on Appropriations, panel chairperson and Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy Co said on Thursday, August 10.

In a statement, Co said it his committee’s job to objectively check the proposed budget within the five-week deadline set by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

“We are entrusted with the power of the purse, and it is our duty to ensure that every taxpayer’s contribution is utilized wisely and effectively,” Co said.

“By maintaining accuracy,

objectivity, and transparency throughout this process, we can guarantee that the P5.768 trillion budget will be put to the best possible use for the benefit of the Filipino people,” he added. Budget deliberations started on Thursday.

Officials from agencies within the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) answered questions from lawmakers about the recommended allocations. During the hearing, lawmakers like ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro asked about salary increases for teachers and government workers.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman responded, saying a study will be conducted to

determine if there is a need for a salary hike.

This research will be completed by October, she told the legislator.

For this part, Quezon 2nd District Representative Jay-jay Suarez questioned the slow pace of project implementations.

Pangandaman answered, saying DBM had asked government agencies to submit a catch-up plan no later than September 15.

Meanwhile, Kabataan partylist Representive Raoul Manuel and Nueva Ecija 3rd District Representative Ria Vergara proposed a tax on rich policy to generate more revenues.

On the other hand, Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman expressed his apprehension over the supposed intention of the executive branch to bankroll the Maharlika Investment Fund.

He explained almost 33 percent of the budget would already be allocated to debt payment, while 5.1 percent of the proposal will not be funded by government revenues.

Kabataan party-list

Representaive Raoul Manuel and Nueva Ecija 3rd District Representative Ria Vergara revived proposals to tax billionaires and items purchased almost exclusively by the rich. They believe this will bring more income to government. n

Zubiri wants China infrastructure contractors blacklisted

by CeCille Suerte Felipe Philstar.com

MANILA —

In the face of China’s continued acts of intimidation in the West Philippine Sea, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has raised the idea of blacklisting Chineseowned companies involved in the production of military equipment used to harass Filipinos at sea.

Instead of giving projects to Chinese companies, Zubiri suggested that major government infrastructure ventures be awarded to South Korea or Japan. Zubiri earlier proposed a boycott of Chinese products and companies in the Philippines.

In a radio interview, Zubiri said Filipino taxpayers are unwittingly funding China’s illegal incursions and harassment in the West Philippine Sea with the Philippine government’s continued patronage of Chinese contractors in big-ticket public infrastructure projects all over the country.

“The DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) has projects, the companies are state-owned companies ... owned by China itself, by the Chinese government. They are

not doing anything but bullying our compatriots in the WPS, our fishermen,” Zubiri said.

“Well, let’s not just recover.

Let’s blacklist those companies. Why are the taxes of our fellow Filipinos being used to pay for state-owned companies? That income will go back to China, and China will use it to pay their navy and coast guard who are harassing us here. That’s not right. That is not right,” he added.

Zubiri’s call came days after an incident in Ayungin Shoal where the Chinese coast guard fired water cannon at a Filipino vessel delivering provisions to soldiers stationed on BRP Sierra Madre.

He said other government agencies like the Department of Transportation (DOTr), which supervises the PCG, should refrain from dealing with Chinese contractors.

He cited a recent one-on-one meeting with Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista where he reminded the official of the Chinese coast guard’s hostility toward the PCG.

Zubiri said he was happy to hear Bautista say that the DOTr would no longer tap Chinese companies for the department’s

NAIA named 8th worst airport in Asia for passenger queueing times — study

by Zacarian Sarao Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) has been named the eighth worst airport in Asia based on passenger queueing time, a study by an international vacation rental company showed.

According to Casago.com, the results of the study was based on passenger reviews collated and analyzed from airlinequality. com, where travelers can rate airport queueing times from one to five stars.

countries also made it to the global top 20, specifically, Cambodia’s Siem Reap International Airport at second place with a rating of 71.43 percent, and Vietnam’s Noi Bai International Airport at 11th with

63.33 percent.

INQUIRER.net has already requested a comment from the Manila International Airport (MIAA) on the rating, but has yet to receive a response as of writing. n

railway project.

He also made the same appeal to the DPWH not to award big-ticket projects to Chinese contractors such as the 32-kilometer BataanCavite Interlink Bridge.

He said “friendlier” countries such as Japan and South Korea deserve to be given the contracts for development projects.

“Give them to neighbors who really love us, to friends who really help us,” he said.

In standing up to China, Zubiri explained that the country may follow Vietnam’s template, which has dropped China as its top trading partner. He said the Philippines can execute trade agreements with other countries or enhance existing ones to compensate for any move to drop China as top trading partner.

He said available data indicated the value of Philippine exports to China stands at $15.1 billion or P830.5 billion, comprising 16 percent of the country’s total exports. The value of imports, meanwhile, is at $48.9 billion or P2.7 trillion, or 33.8 percent of the total imports. “This means that the Philippines has a trade imbalance of $33.8 billion in favor of China.” n

Transport groups seek P2 hike in minimum fare

MANILA — Transport groups are asking for a P2 increase in minimum fare for jeepneys nationwide as fuel prices continue to increase.

Four transport groups have asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to increase the minimum fare to P14 for public utility jeepneys from the current P12. The fare increase petition was filed on Friday morning, August 11 by the Liga ng Transportasyon at mga Operator sa Pilipinas (LTOP), Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide, STOP

and Go, and the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines.

LTOP president Lando Marquez said they want a P2 hike in minimum fare and no changes to the per kilometer succeeding rate.

Marquez highlighted the necessity of the fare increase, noting that the current P11 hike in fuel prices has already led to an additional P200-300 in daily fuel expenses for jeepney drivers.

“This is our wish, we hope it gets approved ASAP,” he said.

He cited LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2019-035 that allows

fare adjustments for public utility vehicles based on fuel price movements without the need to file a petition.

The fare adjustment matrix takes into consideration the fluctuation of oil prices within a certain time period.

Marquez also called for the review of the oil deregulation law, which he said only benefits companies and kills those in the transport group.

“The law on deregulation is taking advantage of us. The oil companies are relying on the backing of the law,” he added. (Philstar.com)

“Individual airports and countries were separately ranked on having the highest percentage of reviews for airport queuing times with a 4 or 5 star rating,” the company explained.

Philippines’ Naia ranked the eighth worst in Asia, with only 18.11 percent rating it four to five stars, this mark was only seven percent lower than what was tagged as the worst airport in Asia, Kuwait International Airport, which garnered 11.11 percent.

Meanwhile, Singapore Changi Airport led the best airports not just in Asia, but globally with a 74.50 percent rating. Other Southeast Asian

Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, and House Committee on Appropriations Vice Chairperson Stella Luz Quimbo. File photo

Asian Journal WKND

Success story: A terminated case is reinstated and visa issued, on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

JOSEPH was petitioned by his mother in 2007 and waited 12 long years for his Nanay Pilar’s petition to become current. Unfortunately, Joseph was in Zurich, Switzerland, for work and was unable to attend his embassy interview in April 2019.

Despite Joseph’s attempt to contact the National Visa Center to reschedule his interview

date, he received a termination letter, where the Embassy said Joseph failed to contact them within the allotted one-year period, and his file had now been destroyed. Joseph consulted with the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel to get his case back on track. After writing to the Embassy, arguing

Direk Derick Cabrido impressed by JC Santos and Bela Padilla’s ‘teamwork’

You

By Bot Glorioso Philstar.com

MANILA — Director Roderick “Derick” Cabrido has two factors to consider before working on a project. First, he looks into the material and second, he checks on actors who will star in it.

“For me, it is important that I like the material and it’s a must that I can do the material. Not because you are a director, it would also mean that you can do whatever the material is. It has to be (within) your capacity,” direk Derick told The STAR on aspects he deems important in starting a film project.

“The actors come next because they are the ones who will give life to the story. For me, I think, if the casting is not appropriate (for the material), then the material will also go wrong.”

That’s why, direk Derick is more than happy that Wish You Were The One, his latest

directorial stint for Viva Films, has all the right “ingredients” that make a good movie and tell a compelling story. In case you didn’t know, almost every movie that gets made has to start with a script. Wish

a unique story.

Sobrang iba-ibang at sobrang na-enjoy ko siya,” declared the director whose previous films were mostly of the horror or thriller genre. Some of his notable directorial works were Purgatoryo, Tuos, Clarita and U-Turn. “There was this one time when I and Sir Enrico talked and I told him that romantic drama is much different compared to horror. The moment is light, the beat and expectations are also different.

“This is such a memorable film for me because well, of course, I did a romance drama before but that was for a TV series. This time, it’s a full-length film kaya sabi ko nga sobrang memorable sa akin ng project na ito kasi sobrang mahal ko ‘yung materyal

Inka Magnaye makes history as first PH-based voice actress in DC film via ‘Blue Beetle’

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

MANILA — Voice artist

Inka Magnaye is more than excited for Filipinos to watch DC’s upcoming superhero movie “Blue Beetle” where she participates in a special role.

“Blue Beetle” follows the story of Jaime Reyes, played by “Cobra Kai”

Maridueña, who is chosen by an ancient alien relic called the Scarab as its host, turning him into the titular hero.

Singer-actress Becky G voices

Khaji Da, the entity that controls the Scarab. But in the Philippine release of the movie, it will be voiced by Inka. This makes Inka the first Filipino voice actress based in the Philippines to participate in

a DC film, and the Philippines is the only country in Asia where a local artist will be contributing their voice to the film.

Apart from her contribution to the movie, Inka believes Filipino fans will resonate with Jaime and “Blue Beetle” as a whole because of how the film heavily focuses on family compared to other superhero movies where

Were The One is written by former ABS-CBN exec Enrico Santos. It is a romance-drama which, according to direk Derick, has

LEADING U.S.

Direk Derick finds JC Santos and Bela Padilla — stars of his latest full-length movie — very collaborative and fun to work with.

Aiko Melendez on how she handles exes, protects her kids from bashers

By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

Success story: A terminated...

for Joseph’s eligibility, Atty.

Gurfinkel convinced the Embassy to reinstate the case.

Joseph’s new interview was scheduled in March 2022, and Joseph’s visa was issued, to the joy of Nanay Pilar, who was finally reunited with her son after such a long time.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, August 13 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)

Direk Derick Cabrido...

and at the same time, I welcome the chance to work with JC (Santos) and Bela (Padilla). I’ve seen their films and they’re so invested in their characters.”

Direk Derick has nothing but praises for JC and Bela who were both collaborative on set. They would share their inputs to make every scene more affecting and their acting more convincing.

“This is the first time that I’ve got to work with them and everything turned out fun, sobrang masaya ‘yung set. One thing that I really appreciate about them is their teamwork.” He furthered, “A lot of times, especially in those scenes that were difficult to do, they were there to share their inputs. They would say what they wanted to happen (in a scene). They wanted a good result to the point that, I remember, they asked for another take because I would always ask them if they were happy with the result at ‘pag feeling nila kulang pa, I would respect that. So, sobrang na-appreciate ko ‘yung ganun (attitude).”

No wonder, the director found working with JC and Bela a breeze. He was doubly impressed with the two actors’ attitudes towards work when he learned that even before shooting started, JC and Bela had already discussed their respective characters and how they were

going to approach their roles.

“They have a great tandem. Binubuhat nila ‘yung isa’t-isa sa mga eksena. There’s this one scene where JC and Bela were sitting on a sofa which was not originally part of the script but we decided to include it in the movie because it captured something unique.

“They’re so collaborative that you could see their kind of partnership is very natural, lumalabas ng kusa.”

After doing so many horror films, how challenging was it for him working behind the cameras of the romantic movie Wish You Were The One?

“Coming from a horror movie, it felt like new to me, nanibago ako. But like what I’ve said, the story is unique especially with Bela and JC, ang laki ng respeto ko sa kanila sa ‘pag gawa ng pelikula. I’ve watched almost all of their movies together and I can really say that there are so many (parts in the story) that you have to watch out for. Ibang-iba ‘yung atake

“Apart from them (actors), the timeline is not the usual timeline of a movie. It’s so unique in a sense that it happens in a 24hour timeline. I mean, you can see if it’s really possible for two people to fall in love within 24 hours,” he replied.

Wish You Were The One is set to open on Aug. 23 in cinemas nationwide. n

“I DON’T want to complicate things,” said actress Aiko Melendez as a way to explain the kind of relationship she opted to have with the fathers of her two children, Andrei and Marthena.

Andrei, 24, is Aiko’s son with Jomari Yllana, while Marthena, 17, is her daughter with Martin Jickain. Both men have their respective partners now and Aiko is dating Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun.

“I’m a single parent—I’m both mom and dad to my children. I also have to be the disciplinarian and the spoiler at the same time. With Marthena’s relationship with her father, I really don’t meddle. Martin and I talk only when we have to. That’s my way of showing respect to our respective partners,” Aiko told Inquirer Entertainment in a recent interview.

“It’s different when people see us together, even though we no longer like each other romantically, kahit wala nang malisya. People always react, especially when they see us on

social media. In fact, there’s this one instance a few years back during Marthena’s birthday,” the actress began. “I posted a picture of Martin, Marthena, Jay, me and Andrei. It got so many reactions from bashers that Marthena asked me to take it down. I was like, ‘Can’t they be happy that I have this setup with the fathers of my children?’ It seems like they aren’t. Marthena said, ‘I think people will really have a hard time understanding. Like what you told me before, we don’t owe anyone any explanation

about what’s happening in our lives.’ This is why I talk with my exes only when I have to. We don’t need to be textmates,” Aiko pointed out. Aiko said she has a similar experience with Jomari, whom she opted not to hang out with any more “to avoid complications.” She explained: “People know this—we tried to be friends for a time, but we would always feel pressured by people’s reactions because they all want us to get back together. We have moved on. I don’t want to be put in an awkward situation

with Jom. Since Andrei is already of age, he can very well tell his father what he needs,” Aiko said.

Jomari is set to tie the knot with former actress, Abby Viduya, in November.

Hands-off

Aiko also swears that Jay never meddles in her relationships with her exes. “He respects me. When it comes to disciplining my children, he is hands-off because I’m the mother, although he is very close to the two, especially Marthena. I would sometimes tease him that he is playing favorites. He just said, ‘I care for them both, but we have to really focus on Marthena because she’s the girl and she’s younger.’”

Meanwhile, Aiko just finished her college degree in mass communications at Philippine Women’s University and eventually plans to take up her masters. At 47, she said returning to school at this time in her life was tough.

“Studying is not easy, but once you finish it, you will realize it’s all worth the trouble. Other students can relate to what I’m saying. Up to now, I’m still on

Inka Magnaye makes history as first...

PAGE B1

heroes often navigate their powers on their own.

“Pinoys, not just in the Philippines but all over the world, are so closely knit with our families,” Inka told Philstar. com, reiterating the utmost importance of families for Filipinos.

Inka noted that Filipinos think of their own families when they see any kind of movie that involves familes getting together, working together, having drama and working through it together, finding answers, and coming out triumphant, and such aspects are what Filipinos will find relatable in “Blue Beetle.”

When it was announced last week that Inka would be lending her voice to “Blue Beetle,” she lamented at the time how some Filipinos complained that her participation was just for the Philippine release of the film and not globally.

Pechanga Resort Casino nominated as best casino outside of Las Vegas in prestigious national readers’ poll

IT’S voting season. No, not for one’s elected officials or ballot measures. USA Today’s 10Best. com annual readers’ poll asks fans to vote for their favorite casino outside of Las Vegas in a national competition that kicked off last Monday, July 31. A panel of casino experts has placed Pechanga in the competition every year since 2015.

Readers are asked to vote for their favorites and may do so once per day. The voting period ends Monday, August 28 at 9 a.m. Pacific Time.

The USA Today 10Best Travel Guide readers’ polls asking guests to rate their favorite casinos have appeared in various forms since 2015. Pechanga took the number one spot of Best Casino in America that year. Following that, the publication split the poll into Best In Las Vegas and Best Outside of Las Vegas and added other related categories such as Best Casino Restaurant. Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar at Pechanga received second place in the 2018 Best Casino Restaurant poll.

To cast a vote, visit https:// www.pechanga.com/vote. Click the “Vote Now” button and you will be helping Pechanga Resort Casino take one step closer to bringing the crown back to Southern California. Remember to vote every day.

Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort &

Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay.

Offering 5,500 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination unmatched in

California. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter @PechangaCasino. (Advertising Supplement)

It appears she has turned heel as she expressed to Philstar. com how excited Filipinos should be now given how exclusive of a chance it was for a Filipino to be invited to voice a DC film.

“Yes! And I love how Pinoys can rally behind artists that represent Pinoy talent, and I

am so excited to be an addition to that,” Inka happily said. “So I hope that people will find comfort in that and find pride in it.”

Inka did not have to go through an audition process as Warner Bros. representatives had already eyed the voice actress from the beginning to

take part in the film, a fact that still hasn’t sunk for Inka herself.

She shared that she tried to give her “most AI voice... that was personal but synthetic,” and had the help of Warner Bros. representatives during recording to nail the necessary tone for the film.

“Knowing the gravity of the project... adds a different dimension,” said Inka, noting that while she is skillfully able of doing voicework, being aware of how big a deal “Blue Beetle” is made the taks something to carry.

While the titular hero is a male, Inka is grateful that DC has highlighted some powerful female heroes like Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl.

Inka only recorded voicework for the speaking scenes of the Scarab, so she won’t see the full film until the Philippine premiere of “Blue Beetle” on August 15, a day before its wide release in the country. n

Voice artist Inka Magnaye Philstar.com / Kristofer Purnell

Aiko (right) with daughter Marthena and son Andrei Inquirer.net photo

Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) was able to reinstate Joseph’s (left) terminated case on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy. With them is Joseph’s Nanay Pilar.

‘Anne Hepburn’: Anne Curtis’ emotional meeting with idol Audrey Hepburn’s son, Manila exhibit visit

By jAn Milo severo Philstar.com

MANILA — Kapamilya actress Anne Curtis turned emotional upon visiting Audrey Hepburn’s Manila exhibit.

In her Instagram account, Anne posted a video of her visit to “Intimate Audrey Exhibit Manila” where she met the Hollywood icon’s son Sean Hepburn Ferrer.

“I have been an admirer of Audrey Hepburn since my father first introduced her films to me, the initial being ‘My Fair Lady.’ It was an instant admiration that has lasted till this day... from watching all her films, collecting what memorabilia I could, and of course, respecting & being inspired by her humanitarian work,” she wrote.

“When I heard that her exhibit, @ intimateaudreymanila would be visiting the shores of Manila I couldn’t believe it. Thank you @seanhepburnferrer for showing this Intimate side of your mother. We have all loved her for her fashion style and acting but this exhibit is so special because it lives true to its name, by getting to know more about Audrey, intimately,” she added.

Anne said she never imagined that she would, in real life, would be able to see bits and pieces of Audrey’s life.

“A really special moment too, is when

Anne Curtis

you walk in and hear her voice and see her silhouette. I tried so hard not to cry (kasi nakakahiya) but failed,” she said.

“You have to experience this. Definitely won’t be the last time I visit! Will be bringing my dad next. The exhibit is at S Maison at Conrad. Near the Mall of Asia,”

she added. She thanked Sean for letting her know his mom more.

“Thank you again @seanhepburnferrer was so special to meet you and hear personal stories behind each photo and memorabilia,” she said. n

Photo from Instagram/@paulsotiano1017

Toni Gonzaga, Paul Soriano welcome baby No. 2

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

TONI Gonzaga and Paul Soriano announced that they have welcomed their second child, Paulina Celestine, on Friday, Aug. 11. Soriano made the announcement by showing the actress-TV host carrying their child while lying on a hospital bed, through his Instagram page.

“Paulina Celestine Gonzaga Soriano has arrived! Born 2:05 p.m. on August 11, 2023 at 6.8 lbs,” Soriano stated. “Tin and Paulina are both doing great. Thank you for all your prayers and support. God bless you.” Gonzaga and Soriano got married in June 2015, then welcomed their first child Seve in October 2016. Gonzaga confirmed her second pregnancy in June. n

dressed up as Audrey Hepburn for her 37th birthday Photo from Anne Curtis via Instagram

Finding God in all things and staying strong in faith

Pastor’s Notes

ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas

IF God loves us, why is there so much suffering in the world?” a teenager asked her church’s youth minister. Not giving the young person a direct answer, the youth minister shared with her a motto he learned from St. Ignatius of Loyola and his companions — the Jesuits. “We’ve got to find God in all things,” he responded, “even in our sufferings and imperfect world.” Then he went on telling the young woman his experience of God’s love and faith in Him despite the troubles and pains of life.

“Finding God in all things” might be the lesson we must learn and practice daily. It’s a lesson grounded in the conviction that God is active in the world. He does not abandon

us despite our problems and difficulties. He urges us to trust him and believe in his love and power to rescue us from fears and anxieties. This Sunday’s (August 13) Gospel (Matthew 14:22-23) is about the need to trust God and to have the courage to rise above the storms of life. The passage describes the event when Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and go ahead of him to the other side of the lake while he went up to a mountainside to pray. Later in the night, the waves battered the disciples’ boat because of strong winds. Then, Jesus, walking on the water, came toward them and reassured them, saying, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Yes, my friends, God’s call and challenge to us is to find Him and trust Him in all life circumstances. It’s to hear His whisper of abiding love and peace, which we often can listen to in the silence of our hearts and times of solitude and prayer—the discipline Jesus would model to his disciples

Should my employer protect me from non-employee sex harassment at work?

during his ministry.

In moments of doubt, God wants us to hang on to our faith in Him. He urges us to keep navigating through life’s fierceness, turbulence, challenges, and uncertainties with our eyes fixed on Jesus, His Son. In these moments, our faith can be tested and strengthened.

So, let’s not allow fear to consume us. Let’s always cry out to Jesus to seek His help and surrender our fears and doubts. Let’s turn to the power of prayer in which Jesus extends His loving hand to lift us.

May this Sunday’s Gospel inspire us to find God in all things, seek Him in prayer, trust in His presence, and be transformed by His grace. Amen.

* * *

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.

Mark Leviste breaks silence over rumored US wedding with Kris Aquino

MANILA — Social media users were puzzled if Kris Aquino and Mark Leviste got married in the U.S. after the Batangas vice governor commented on the “Queen of All Media’s” post.

In Kris’ health update on Instagram, Mark commented a marriage vow.

“Kids and I will always be by your side…for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish FORVER,” Mark wrote.

“Super kakilig naman,” an Instagram user wrote.

“I hate cutting onions, it makes me cry. Love conquers all just hang in there,” another commented.

An Instagram user then asked Mark if it is true that he is still married with another woman.

“Annuled po,” Mark replied.

In an interview with showbiz columnist and TV host Butch Francisco uploaded on YouTube three days ago, Mark stressed that he was already a solo parent and officially single when he met Kris, and was still “single” at the time of the interview.

Kris announced on Thursday, August 10 some good news to her fans that her health is improving.

She said that her last blood panel showed improvement.

“Thank you because our prayers are being

Mark Leviste and Kris Aquino. Mark Leviste via Twitter

answered – my last blood panel showed improvement – it’s slow progress, I have a long way to go,” she said.

Kris said that her doctors praised her for enduring the pain.

“She calls me a ‘bad-ass’ because kinakaya ko even though malapot at mahapdi ‘yung ini-inject at malalim kailangan ibaon ‘yung prefilled high tech syringe. Yes, matapang na ko sa halos lahat ng kailangan pagdaanan at mataas ang pain tolerance ko,” she said. (by Jan Milo Severo/Philstar.com) n

Employers’ duty to prevent discrimination

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

atty. C. Joe sayas, JR

Q: I FEEL I am being harassed at work and my manager is not doing enough to stop it. My manager is calling asking me to come back, but I’m afraid I will have a mental breakdown if I do. I work in a residential rehab facility. One of the patients keeps asking me to be his girlfriend. I tried to ignore his advances, but it just made him more vulgar and aggressive. I feel scared of what he might do.

I complained to my manager, and asked about the sexual harassment policy they talked about at training. She told me that was company policy for employees, but that she can’t really do anything about patients’ behavior. I feel like I’m in danger at work and my employer won’t do anything until something bad happens to me. Is that really the law?

A: No, the law requires far more than what your employer said to you. Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”), workplace harassment is unlawful if it is based on “race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition,

genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or veteran or military status.”

California Government Code §12940(j)(1). Sexual harassment is considered unlawful harassment based on sex. California Government Code § 12940(j)(4)(C)

Contrary to what your manager told you, an employer’s obligation to maintain a workplace free of unlawful harassment is not limited to only harassment committed by the employer’s own employees. Rather, FEHA emphasizes that “[a] n employer may also be responsible for the acts of nonemployees, with respect to harassment of employees…if the employer, or its agents, or supervisors, knows or should have known of the conduct and fails to take immediate and appropriate corrective action. California Government Code § 12940(j)(1)

The California Supreme Court confirmed this affirmative obligation of employers in Carter v. California Department of Veterans Affairs, a case with facts very similar to yours. In Carter, a nurse was being sexually harassed by a tenant resident in a California VA facility. The Court agreed with the plaintiff there that FEHA imposes liability on an employer when its customers

or clients sexually harassed its employees.

Under FEHA, employers have an obligation to take immediate and appropriate corrective action if its customers or clients unlawfully harasses employees based on “race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or veteran or military status.” California Government Code § 12940(j)(1)

* * * 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 was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.] (Advertising Supplement)

‘Nakakatawa’: Ruffa Gutierrez denies rumored wedding with ex Yilmaz Bektas

by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

MANILA — Actress Ruffa Gutierrez denied rumors that she and ex Yilmaz Bektas have tied the knot again in a civil ceremony and will have a grand wedding in Istanbul, Turkey soon.

In a report by Abante’s Jun Lalin, Ruffa said that many people called her to confirm the news.

“Ang nakakaloka, si Tita

Lilibeth (Eddie Gutierrez’s sister) tumawag sa akin. Pinag-uusapan daw sa Amerika na nagpakasal kami uli ni Yilmaz. Pati raw ‘yung nanay ni (famous actor), tumawag doon sa isang friend niya dahil nagkabalikan nga raw kami ni Yilmaz, na nagpakasal uli kami,” she said. Yung isang kakilala ko rin from Davao na palaging

PAGE B6

Actress Ruffa Gutierrez and her ex-husband Yilmaz Bektas Photo via Twitter

John Lloyd Cruz wins best actor award at 76th

Locarno fest in Switzerland

By marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

JOHN Lloyd Cruz bagged the Boccalino d’Oro prize (Golden Jug Award) for best actor for his performance in Lav Diaz’s “Essential Truth of the Lake” on Friday afternoon, August 11 at the 76th Locarno Film Festival (LFF) in Switzerland.

Cruz is the second Filipino actor to have received such an award, after Hazel Orencio was proclaimed best actress in 2014 for another Diaz masterpiece, “Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon”

(From What is Before) Premio Boccalino d’Oro is an award bestowed by the Independent Critics Jury. “We were surprised with the news that he was given this particular award this year,” Diaz told Inquirer Entertainment via email

Lovi Poe leaves ‘Batang Quiapo’ to prepare for wedding

By Kathleen a llemit Philstar.com

on Friday afternoon. “This is special and is an extremely important award given by critics, scholars and experts in cinema here in Europe.”

“Essential Truths of the Lake” is the country’s representative in the main competition of the LFF. Diaz is returning to Locarno nine years after he bagged the Golden Leopard prize (best picture award) also for “Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon.”

“Although this is not surprising because it is true that John Lloyd did an amazing work in ‘Essential Truths of the Lake’ and in ‘When the Waves are Gone” where he plays the complicated character Lt. Hermes Papauran,” Diaz pointed out. “A salute to you, John Lloyd Cruz! We are dedicating this award to the country and to the Filipino audience.” n

Robi Domingo lauded for professionalism in hosting despite fiancée Maqui’s autoimmune disease

by Jan milo Severo Philstar.com

MANILA — Kapamilya host

Robi Domingo showed how professional he was hosting the Acer Day Concert last Sunday, August 6 in Mall of Asia Arena despite his fiancée Maqui Pineda revealing that she has an autoimmune disease.

Robi looked like he had no problem while exchanging banters with Acer ambassadors Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan, Sandara Park and Sarah Geronimo.

He even intrigued the rumored relationship between Donny and Belle, popularly known as DonBelle.

Robi was also the one who pushed Sandara to reveal her soon-to-be collaboration with P-pop group SB19.

Despite his jolly performance, Robi has an ongoing problem after Maqui revealed that she has autoimmune disease called Dermatomyositis.

Robi Domingo will host the interactive game show popularized by ABS-CBN. ABS-CBN photo

In her Instagram account, Maqui said the supposed wedding preparation became a nightmare.

“What was supposed to be an exciting year of wedding planning, preparing for a new PAGE B7

MANILA — Lovi Poe has reportedly filmed advance episodes of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” before leaving for Europe.

The actress recently announced that she is engaged to her British boyfriend, film producer Monty Blencowe.

According to the column Pep Troika, the actress notified the production of “Batang Quiapo” that she will not be able to film starting August and even beyond before she flew to Europe.

Lovi has accordingly shot her scenes as Mokang, the love interest of the show’s protagonist, Tanggol, played by Coco Martin.

It is unclear how Mokang’s story will develop as the latest

Actress Lovi Poe Lovi Poe via Instagram

in the show, and as seen on the actress’ Instagram, Mokang is getting entangled with Ramon (Christopher de Leon), the father of Tanggol.

As for the actress, she has been enjoying London, including attending a race horse competition and experiencing its unpredictable weather. n

‘Nakakatawa’: Ruffa Gutierrez denies...

nagbibigay sa akin ng pomelo, nag-message sa akin. Naiyak daw siya dahil nagkabalikan at nagpakasal uli kami ni Yilmaz. Idol daw talaga niya kami at nakakatuwa raw. Nakakaloka lang. Limang beses na yata kaming ikinasal, pero puro imbento lang. Nakakatawa. How funny talaga!” she added. Ruffa also denied that Yilmaz gave her a mansion

in Forbes Park, Makati City. “My gosh, sana totoo nga at lilipat na ako kaagad. Hahaha! Saan na ang keys?” she said. “Can you ask Yilmaz? Tell him to give me na the keys,” she added. Ruffa and Yilmaz tied the knot in the Philippines in March 2003. They separated in 2007 and got annulled in 2012. n

Aiko Melendez on how she...

cloud nine,” she said, adding that it took her almost a year and a half to finish the course.

“It’s a gift that no one can take away from you,” Aiko pointed out. “Mahirap na masarap. I always want to do something new. I remember having a hard time adjusting in the beginning to the way classes were being conducted. I had to submit my paper online and I had to ask Marthena to help me.”

After a short break, Aiko said she would resume her work as an actress. Aiko is a councilor in the 5th District of Quezon City. “I had to really juggle school and my work as a public servant, but I had to turn down three show biz-related offers because I didn’t want to lose my focus. I told myself, ‘It’s now or never.’

If not now, then I might get disinterested,” she said.

Mental well-being

What Aiko is also focusing on is the mental well-being of her kids. “I don’t think I went through any kind of mental illness on my own during the pandemic because maybe I was too preoccupied watching over my two children. I’ve read that it’s really today’s youth who are more affected. They are more exposed to social media and have easy access to information on what’s happening in the world.”

She added: “Andrei is turning 25 in September and Marthena just turned 17. I always ask them how their day was and whether or not something is bothering them. I think simple words like, ‘Are you OK?’ are

important to individuals like them. It’s important that they have someone to share their thoughts with, so they won’t feel so overwhelmed or alone.”

Aiko is also aware of the damage of getting negative comments on social media to young minds. “I always have bashers. That’s why I’ve already warned Andrei about them. I’m used to them, but not my daughter who is not an artista and, therefore, is not public property. There’s this one photo I posted of myself and my daughter that got comments from mean people. They said something bad about Marthena that I felt was really unfair. If you have problems with me, you can tell me, but please spare my daughter. You don’t know her,” she declared. n

John Lloyd Cruz poses with his Golden Jug award. Photos courtesy of bianca balbuena-liew

Maximizing recovery in personal injury cases

Legal Advice

Atty. DArricK tAn

DEAR Attorney Tan, I was driving home and was at a complete stop when another driver rear ended my car. I was not feeling well after the accident, as my back seemed very tight and stiff. I took some days off from work. After a week, I contacted the other driver’s insurance to report the claim. The insurance adjuster for the other driver said they would fix my car, and offered me $500.00 for my injuries. Is that enough?

I do not know where to go from here. –K.K.

Dear K.K.,

The first step is to make sure that any injuries that you have suffered in the accident are examined and treated. You can recover treatment costs since they are considered “economic damages” that you suffered due to the accident. You can also recover for time away from work as “economic damages,” even if you used paid time off or sick leave. The term “economic damages” means “objectively verifiable monetary losses including medical expenses, loss of earnings, burial costs, loss of use of property, costs of repair or replacement, costs of obtaining substitute domestic services, loss of employment and loss of business or employment opportunities.” Civil Code Section 1431.2(b)(1). A person’s claim for economic damages apart from medical expenses are often overlooked and not pursued by persons who settle their accident cases on their own, or with the assistance of inexperienced counsel.

Loss of earnings are often a significant part of an injured person’s claim for economic damages. Damages are recoverable for both past and future lost earnings. To recover for past lost earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/she has lost to date. To recover damages for future earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/she will be reasonably certain to lose in the future as a result of the injury.

CACI No. 3903C

Grandparent visitation in California after the death of a parent

How are past lost earnings proven? Medical records, which show the doctor authorizing a release from work or giving instructions to restrict work activities, can support the time taken off from work due to the injury. For those self-employed, medical providers typically do not provide a release from work; however, medical records should record work restrictions placed by the medical provider.

After showing that the time off was justified, the next step is to value the lost earnings. A letter from a person’s employer that outlines the amount of time that one has lost as a result of his/her injury, the loss of benefits, and the rate of pay during the time of loss is evidence of the value of one’s loss of earnings claim. Other supporting documents include pay stubs, time cards, and tax returns. The monetary value of sick leave and vacation time that are used due to the injury are also recoverable. For those self-employed, earnings history as reflected by tax returns and profit and loss statements can help prove the value of lost earnings. Similar supporting documentation must be presented for future lost earnings.

Apart from economic damages, you can recover “general damages,” which are damages for the pain, suffering, and inconvenience due to the accident.

If you were suffered injury in an auto accident or someone’s premises, please contact our office to discuss your case. To maximize monetary recovery, it is important to have the assistance of an experienced attorney in presenting your personal injury claim.

* * * 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.

* * * Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) and American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). He is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA). LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323-639-0277. Email: info@ dtanlaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

Robi Domingo lauded for...

PAGE B6

home, and working on my career, life had other plans for me… I got sick,” she said.

“I have a rare autoimmune disease called Dermatomyositis that causes muscle weakness, inflammation, and a skin rash,”

Barrister’s Corner

Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

WHEN a parent dies, the surviving parent sometimes cuts off their children from the deceased parents family and grandparent. The children relationship with the grandparent from the deceased parent may be severed by the surviving parent. This can be especially difficult for young children, who may have had a close relationship with their deceased parent’s parents.

California law recognizes the importance of grandparent visitation in these cases, and allows grandparents to petition the court for visitation rights with their grandchildren after the death of a parent.

Who can petition for grandparent visitation?

Under California Family Code Section 3102, the following relatives of a deceased parent may petition the court for visitation rights with the deceased parent’s child:

• The deceased parent’s children

• The deceased parent’s siblings

• The deceased parent’s parents

• The deceased parent’s grandparents

When can grandparents petition for visitation?

Grandparents can petition for visitation rights at any time after the death of a parent. However, the court is more likely to grant visitation if the petition is filed soon after the death.

What factors does the court consider when deciding whether to grant visitation?

The court will consider a

• The effect of visitation on the child’s relationship with the surviving parent

What if the surviving parent objects to visitation?

The surviving parent’s objections to visitation will be given “special weight” by the court. However, the surviving parent’s objections will not automatically prevent the court from granting visitation. The court will still consider all of the factors listed above, and may grant visitation even if the surviving parent objects.

California law recognizes the importance of grandparent visitation in these cases, and allows grandparents to petition the court for visitation rights with their grandchildren after the death of a parent.

number of factors when deciding whether to grant grandparent visitation, including:

• The nature and quality of the relationship between the grandparent and the child prior to the death of the parent

• The child’s age and developmental stage

• The child’s wishes, if the child is of sufficient age and capacity to form an intelligent understanding of the issues

• The surviving parent’s objections to visitation

• The effect of visitation on the child’s emotional and physical health

What happens if the court grants visitation?

If the court grants visitation, it will order a specific visitation schedule. The visitation schedule may include in-person visits, phone calls, or email exchanges. The court may also order that the grandparents pay child support or other expenses related to visitation.

Grandparent visitation can be a valuable way for grandparents to stay involved in their grandchildren’s lives after the death of a parent. If you are a grandparent who is interested in petitioning for visitation

rights, you should speak with an experienced family law attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and can represent you in court if necessary.

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

she added.

Robi then assured Maqui that he will be with her all the way.

“Really proud of your progress and your courage. You got this.

Everyone is here for you and with you. Gotchu maiqs,” he said. n