082523 - New York New Jersey Edition

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AUGUST 25-31, 2023

Volume 16 - No.44 • 16 Pages

DFA confirms 2 Filipinos killed in Hawaii wildfire, verifying 2 others

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that one more Filipino has been killed from the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, bringing the total number of Filipino fatalities to two.

The second reported fatality is Rodolfo Rocutan — a 76 year-old resident of Lahaina, according to DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega.

Rocutan renewed his passport at the Philippine consulate in Honolulu in 2022 and is “thus confirmed to have been a Filipino citizen at the time of death,” according to information provided by the Philippine

u PAGE 4

CHR willing to work with ICC on PH drug war probe

by Krixia SubingSubing Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday, August 22 said it was “willing to cooperate” with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on its investigation into

the country’s drug war on the watch of then President Rodrigo Duterte.

CHR Chair Richard Palpal-latoc said, however, that the commission does not know yet which specific cases the ICC would look into. He also said the court had not yet sought the commission’s assistance regarding any

DOT eyes 600,000 tourists for FIBA World Cup

MANILA — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is expecting 600,000 spectators in the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023, which will start on Friday, August 25.

In an interview over Radyo Pilipinas, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the figure includes foreign and domestic visitors.

Frasco said the number of participants in

Continuing tension in WPS

— PH envoy to US

by CHarie abarCa Inquirer.net

MANILA — The continuing tension between China and the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea is far more serious than how

people perceive it is, said Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez on Tuesday, August 22.

Romualdez, in an interview over ANC’s Headstart, said u PAGE 2

case.

The last development so far regarding the ICC was when its Appeals Chamber on July 18 voted 3-2 to reject the Philippine government’s appeal to stop the investigation into the drug war.

Marcos: Let’s transcend political barriers

by Helen FloreS, Mayen JayMalin Philstar.com

MANILA — President Marcos joined Filipinos in commemorating the 40th death anniversary of former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. on Monday, August 21, asking them to tear down political barriers that have rent the country for decades.

“I stand united with all Filipinos worldwide in commemorating the Ninoy Aquino Day. By standing for his beliefs and fighting for battles he deemed right, he became an example of relentlessness and resolve for many Filipinos,” Marcos, son of the former president who was the senator’s political nemesis, said.

“Let us transcend political barriers that hamper us from securing the comprehensive welfare and advancement of our beloved

Susan ‘Toots’ Ople, champion of migrant workers; 61

MANILA — Susan “Toots” Ople, an advocate for the rights of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the pioneer secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), died on Tuesday afternoon, August 22 surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was 61.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

described Ople’s passing as “a great loss” to the country.

“[It’s a] very, very sad news. I have lost a friend. The Philippines has lost a friend,” the president said. “Secretary [Ople] is a special person with a deep compassion really, really for the people that she had cared for,

LANDING SOON. A Qatar Airways plane flies over the South Luzon Expressway in Taguig City on Tuesday, August 22 as it approaches the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Below, motorists are stuck in heavy traffic. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas hosted a welcome dinner for the FIBA Central Board at the Ayuntamiento de Manila the other night ahead of the opening of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Photo shows (from left) FIBA executive member Ingo Weiss, SBP chairman emeritus Manuel V. Pangilinan, Speaker Martin Romualdez, FIBA president Hamane Niang and SBP president Alfredo Panlilio. Philstar.com photo

‘far more serious’ than we think

CHR willing to work with ICC on PH drug...

The ruling affirmed an earlier decision in January by the Pre-Trial Chamber to authorize an inquiry into the drug war, because of what the chamber deemed to be the Philippine government’s lack of willingness to investigate or prosecute the related crimes.

The decision also opens a new stage in the drug war case, with ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan having the leeway to pursue the prosecution of certain individuals.

If Khan pursues charges, human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares said these could fall on Duterte and his Philippine National Police chief at the height of the drug war, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa — who are seen as the chief enforcers of the antidrug campaign which had claimed tens of thousands of mostly poor victims.

Palpal-latoc told reporters that “if the ICC will request us to help them [provide] the evidence we have gathered in the cases we have already investigated, we can share it.”

“If our participation would help find a solution to the problem of human rights affecting Filipinos, we will perform our mandate,” he added.

“We have an independent mandate to look into human rights concerns of the Filipinos here and abroad,” Palpal-latoc also said.

Public documents

The human rights chief noted further that cases being investigated by the commission involve public documents, “so I don’t see any limitation there.”

According to a 2022 report, the CHR has looked into 882 cases involving 1,139 drug war victims — figures that are a mere fraction of the tens of thousands of deaths linked to that campaign.

Nevertheless, the CHR’s report said the PNP had used “excess, unreasonable force” and had an “intent to kill” suspects during drug-related operations.

The commission, however, does not have access to police reports in connection with drug cases. Neither has it been invited to take part in a review of the drug war led by the Department of Justice.

Still, Palpal-latoc said the CHR would cooperate with

DOT eyes 600,000 tourists...

the tournament has surpassed 2,200.

She said the FIBA, which is responsible for ticket sales, would determine the exact number of spectators.

To ensure the success of the event, the DOT has collaborated with a tourism consortium that includes private stakeholders such as the Tourism Congress of the Philippines, Philippine Tour Operators Association and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

The collaboration is focused on crafting FIBA World Cup tour packages that will offer discounts to both local and foreign visitors, to encourage them to also explore the Philippines’ tourist spots aside from watching the FIBA games.

across these places,” Frasco said.

These packages are accessible through discoverphilippines.travel.

The DOT has coordinated with attached agencies for site enhancements at the venues and other areas crucial to the participants’ experience.

Frasco stressed the importance of seamless and secure movement for tourists and participants.

Frasco said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is responsible for the physical enhancements in airports for a better experience upon entry of tourists.

She said the DOT and the TIEZA helped the DOTr enhance these sites.

the ICC, “as it is part of our mandate as a national human rights institution [and as an] independent constitutional body that is not dependent on the directive of the President [or] the Executive department.”

ICC’s investigation will cover the period from Nov. 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019, the day before Duterte notified the United Nations that the country was withdrawing from the Rome Statute of 2002 which established the ICC.

It was in 2011 when the country ratified the Rome Statute. Duterte was still mayor of Davao City and alleged death squads were already being attributed to his local rule.

The ICC is asserting jurisdiction over cases involving crimes against humanity in the Philippines during that nearly eight-year period, but the government has repeatedly rejected its authority.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 21 — three days after the government’s appeal to stop the ICC investigation was rejected — said: “We’re done talking with the ICC. Like what we have been saying from the beginning, we will not cooperate with them in any way, shape, or form.”

“We have no appeals pending. We have no more actions being taken. So, I suppose that puts an end to our dealings with the ICC,” he also said.

Marcos appointments

The CHR’s relations with Malacañang have been tested under two consecutive administrations, particularly during Duterte’s term.

In September 2017, his congressional allies, in an apparent gesture of spite, gave the commission a

budget of P1,000, before finally approving a P509million budget by the end of that month.

Under Marcos, the CHR had remained without a head after his oathtaking as president until September last year, when he appointed Palpal-latoc and Beda Epres, also a lawyer, formerly connected with the Ombudsman, to the commission.

Human rights advocates immediately criticized the appointments, saying that Palpal-latoc, a former prosecutor, had no background in human rights.

The group Karapatan also described him as a “political appointee” after he had served as a deputy of thenExecutive Secretary Victor Rodriguez, who was also his law firm partner.

As CHR chief, Palpal-latoc has urged the government to cooperate with the ICC and even rejoin the Rome Statute, saying, “This will show the genuine intention of the government to comply [with its international obligations].”

Palpal-latoc had said his agency was working to develop rules of procedure for “strategic litigation” of human rights cases after he pointed out that the CHR’s function was merely recommendatory and not prosecutorial.

He said strategic litigation would allow the CHR to extend legal assistance to victims of human rights abuses or, under extraordinary circumstances, even stand in as a nominal complainant.

In undertaking those options, the CHR’s goal, Palpal-latoc said, is to create “court-ready reports” that could stand a chance in the trial. n

“This package, which was specifically curated for FIBA, provides opportunities to visit any of our award-winning destinations as well as our beautiful resorts and hotels

The Philippines will host the games of the FIBA World Cup 2023 along with Japan and Indonesia from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.

The tournament will be held in Bulacan, Quezon City and Pasay City. (By Mark Ernest Villeza/Philstar.com) n

Continuing tension in WPS...

it is time for the Philippines, along with its allies, to stand against the continuing aggression over the territory.

“I think this is the time for us to really be together — all united into pushing back. Because, as I have said, the seriousness of this situation is far more than we think it is,” said Romualdez.

“Some people think it’s just politics, [but] it is very serious. We can actually lose the country if we don’t watch it. That’s how serious this thing is. One day we may find that we don’t have a country anymore,” Romualdez added.

But the envoy noted that the country’s officials should not “escalate” the problem. According to Romualdez, the Philippine government should still reach out to China as much as it can.

“This time, we [should] talk to them from a position of strength. In the past, we were always trying to appease them — we will do this, we will do that and everything else. Nothing has come out of it. More aggression took place,” he pointed out. But the envoy stressed

that the Philippines should reiterate its demands and tell China to “stop all these things that’s happening right now.”

The

Commission on Human Rights chief Richard Palpal-latoc

Photo from the CHR Facebook page

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez Inquirer.net file photo

A China Coast Guard vessel trains a water canon on a Philippine resupply ship in this photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard.

photo

tension between China and the Philippines grew following the August 5 water cannon incident in Ayungin Shoal. n

Team USA arrives in Manila

THE United States of America (USA) men’s national basketball team arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday, August 22.

Led by coach Steve Kerr and players like Anthony Edwards, Brandon Ingram, and Austin Reeves, Team USA landed at Balagbag Ramp of the said airport via chartered flight AXY2108.

Susan ‘Toots’ Ople, champion of...

mainly the migrant workers.”

Ople had followed the tradition of excellence and compassion of her late father, former Sen. Blas Ople, who served for 19 years as labor minister of Marcos’ father, Ferdinand Sr.

Beacon of hope

Vice President Sara Duterte said she mourned the loss of a real patriot.

“She was a beacon of hope and a source of strength for migrant workers caught in distressing situations while working abroad,” she said.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri called Ople “a dedicated public servant with a huge heart for our people” while Speaker Martin Romualdez hailed her as “a great and tireless champion of laborers and OFWs.”

OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino remembered Ople as a “steady pillar” of those fighting to protect the rights, welfare, and safety of Filipino workers abroad.

Rep. Michael Romero, House poverty alleviation panel chair and one of the proponents of the DMW in Congress, said Ople gave

valuable inputs when the House was deliberating on the DMW bill.

“She was as much an author of the DMW charter as my colleagues and I were because of her valuable insights,” Romero said.

House Deputy Minority Leader Bernadette Herrera said Ople’s time as DMW secretary “was brief but it capped a lifetime of devoted service.”

She recalled Ople was initially hesitant in accepting her appointment as DMW secretary because of her battle with cancer, but she eventually took on the

challenge.

Legacy

Ople will be remembered as the first secretary of the DMW, which was created through Republic Act No. 11641 in 2021.

By the time she was appointed by Marcos as DMW secretary in June 2022, Ople had already been in remission from breast cancer for more than two years. Her appointment was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments in November 2022.

Ople was known for negotiating safer labor agreements with Middle

Eastern countries, shutting down scams and humantrafficking schemes, and repatriating distressed workers, many of whom she personally assisted when she went to troubled states, like Sudan.

At the Department of Foreign Affairs, Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo de Vega said Ople’s biggest achievements were lifting the employment ban in Saudi Arabia last year, suspending the deployment of new household OFWs to Kuwait this year, and forming a competent team that will carry on the legacy of the DMW.

The Canadian Embassy in Manila credited Ople for helping advance labor relations between Canada and the Philippines.

Ople received her communication arts degree from the University of Santo Tomas and finished her master’s degree in public administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University where she

DMW Secretary Susan Ople Photo from the Department of Migrant Workers

The Americans open their FIBA World Cup campaign against New Zealand on August 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena. USA then faces Greece and Jordan to wrap up their group phase action. (ManilaTimes.net)

KADIWA STORE. A vendor arranges fruits she is selling at Kadiwa store in Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City on Tuesday, August 22. The store sells fresh produce at affordable prices. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Marcos: Let’s transcend political...

people,” he said, even as progressive groups hit the alleged disinformation spread by the Marcoses and their cronies to deodorize the family’s name.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) president Renato Reyes said Malacañang’s statement lacked historical context.

“(Ninoy’s) death became a symbol of the brutality of the Marcos fascist dictatorship. This fundamental point is lost in the statement from Malacañang today,” Reyes noted.

The pursuit of power, unchecked corruption and submission to foreign dictates are the “genuine impediments to development,” far more than mere political disagreements, he explained.

Aquino, the deceased Marcos patriarch’s harshest critic, was assassinated on the tarmac of the then Manila International Airport on Aug. 21, 1983 as he returned from the U.S., where he was in exile for three years.

His death sparked the bloodless people power revolution that led to the exile of the Marcos family in February 1986.

Aquino’s widow Corazon then assumed power until 1992. Their only son, Benigno III, was elected president in 2010. Corazon passed away in 2009 and Benigno III in 2021.

In August 2015, the chief executive brushed off questions on rights abuses and corruption during his father’s time and instead redirected the discussion to supposed economic gains. “What am I to say sorry about?” he told ANC’s Headstart.

The “Golden Age” argument that the Philippine economy was successful at the time of Marcos Sr. has long been debunked.

In October 2021, Marcos told CNN Philippines’ The Source that he was not sorry for the atrocities committed by his father. “I can only apologize for myself... if

I have done something wrong,” he noted.

Last year, most government agencies did not join the commemoration, while a number of police stations accused Aquino of being a communist rebel.

Justice

Labor group Federation of Free Workers (FFW) joined in the commemoration of Aquino’s 40th death anniversary.

“It is not lost on us that today, the Philippines is under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. We hope that the lessons of the past guide our nation towards the fight for social justice and upholding of democratic principles in our society,”

FFW president Sonny Matula said in a statement.

“Remember, reflect and act in the spirit of Ninoy’s words: The Filipino is worth dying for,” he added.

Meanwhile, the August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) and Tindig Pilipinas lamented the country’s unending fight against the same problems from decades ago and the fight against historical revisionism.

“Now that we are still in the same situation, let us refresh and revive what is in Ninoy’s heart and spirit: love for the people, appreciation of human rights and the defense of democracy,” ATOM said in a statement.

“We call upon your

from authoritarian ignominy. His heroism galvanized the beginning of the end of the strongman rule of Ferdinand Marcos,” Lagman, concurrently Albay representative, said in a statement.

“(Aquino crusaded) for meaningful reforms, resisting oppression and repression, campaigning for a change in abusive and derelict national leadership and even sacrificed his life for the motherland,” he added.

A new Medicare proposal would cover training for family caregivers

by JuditH graHaM KFF Health News

generation (the youth) to galvanize your strength, find others who are committed to the truth and stand firm like Ninoy,” Tindig Pilipinas said.

Floral offerings

Aquino family members and friends offered flowers and prayers at Ninoy’s marker located at the departure curbside of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Monday morning.

Among the guests were Rebecca Quijano – referred to as the “crying lady” and lone civilian eyewitness in Ninoy’s assassination, historian Xiao Chua, Francis Aquino, Manila International Airport Authority Public Affairs Office head Connie Bungag and Terminal 1 manager Rodel Oba.

The group also visited Ninoy’s bronze bust at the departure area of NAIA Terminal 3.

Simultaneous flower offerings and prayers were also done at the Aquino monument in the Tagaytay City rotonda, the monument at the corner of Burgos street and Roxas Boulevard near Rizal Park in Manila and another in Makati City.

Liberal Party Aquino’s achievements as a public servant and his death restored democracy in the Philippines, according to Liberal Party (LP) president Edcel Lagman.

“His death accelerated the liberation of the Philippines

Meanwhile, around 30 LP members and supporters gathered at the public square in front of Quiapo Church to offer flower wreaths at the historical marker commemorating the Plaza Miranda bombing on August 21, 1971.

The 1971 bombing resulted in nine deaths and 95 wounded after two hand grenades were thrown at an LP campaign rally.

“Our biggest enemies are misinformation and disinformation. Freedom does not only mean independence, we should also fight to be free from hunger and poverty,” former Ifugao representative Teodoro Baguilat said in his speech on Monday.

‘Not enough’

It is not enough to remember the heroism of Ninoy, but Filipinos also “need to stand up and wake up from our pretentious sleep,” according to LingayenDagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

“There is punishment from hell for a country that stands on layers of corpses, and those who cheer these deaths,” Villegas said in Filipino in his Aug. 21 homily at the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City.

“So much blood has been spilled yet it seemed that we have become numbed, lack interest and do not care… It is difficult to wake people who are only pretending to be asleep,” he added. (With reports from Rudy Santos, Delon Porcalla, Evelyn Macairan, Ghio Ong, Neil Jayson Servallos, Mark Ernest Villeza) n

DFA confirms 2 Filipinos killed in Hawaii wildfire...

Consulate in Hawaii.

Consul General Emilio Fernandez said that the Consulate is verifying reports of two more Filipino nationals who possibly died from the wildfires.

“Once again, the Philippine nation expresses its deepest sympathies to

the families of all the victims of this tragedy,” Fernandez said.

The DFA last week confirmed the first Filipino fatality in the deadly blazes, which have left more than 100 dead and 1,000 missing in the four days it ravaged the island.

The destructive wildfires in Hawaii

EVEN with extensive caregiving experience, Patti LaFleur was unprepared for the crisis that hit in April 2021, when her mother, Linda LaTurner, fell out of a chair and broke her hip. LaTurner, 71, had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia seven years before. For two years, she’d been living with LaFleur, who managed insulin injections for her mother’s Type 1 diabetes, helped her shower and dress, dealt with her incontinence, and made sure she was eating well.

In the hospital after her mother’s hip replacement, LaFleur was told her mother would never walk again. When LaTurner came home, two emergency medical technicians brought her on a stretcher into the living room, put her on the bed LaFleur had set up, and wished LaFleur well.

That was the extent of help LaFleur received upon her mother’s discharge.

She didn’t know how to change her mother’s diapers or dress her since at that point LaTurner could barely move. She didn’t know how to turn her mother, who was spending all day in bed, to avoid bedsores. Even after an occupational therapist visited several days later,

LaFleur continued to face caretaking tasks she wasn’t sure how to handle.

“It’s already extremely challenging to be a caregiver for someone living with dementia. The lack of training in how to care for my mother just made an impossible job even more impossible,” said LaFleur, who lives in Auburn, Washington, a Seattle suburb. Her mother passed away in March 2022.

A new proposal from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services addresses this oftenlamented failure to support family, friends, and neighbors who care for frail, ill, and disabled older adults. For the first time, it would authorize Medicare payments to health care professionals to train informal caregivers who manage medications, assist loved ones with activities such as toileting and dressing, and oversee the use of medical equipment.

The proposal, which covers both individual and group training, is a longoverdue recognition of the role informal caregivers — also known as family caregivers — play in protecting the health and well-being of older adults.

Susan ‘Toots’...

PAGE 3

received the Josephine Vernon Award for Excellence in Communications.

Ople was a columnist, writer, and former presidential speechwriter. Her first job was as a researcher at the office of former Sen. Ernesto Herrera. She also worked as her father’s chief of staff and public information officer when he was a senator.

She served as labor undersecretary from 2004 to 2009 and also founded the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, a nonprofit organization that extends assistance to victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment.

were caused by several conditions, including hot weather, strong winds, and a drought.

DFA has advised Filipinos who lost contact with their relatives in Maui, particularly in Lahaina, to contact the emergency hotline +18082539446 for additional information. (Philstar.com) n

She was the national coordinator on women workers’ education for the International Labor Organization and was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking, the first Filipino to hold the post.

—Reports from Jacob Lazaro, Nestor Corrales, Julie M. Aurelio, Melvin Gascon, Krixia Subingsubing and Inquirer Research n

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo

Features OpiniOn Wall clutter

There may be merit in the argument that clutter on classroom walls can be distracting to learners. Many people surely appreciate the disappearance of the images of public officials and politicians from classroom walls.

Some educators, on the other hand, say visual aids can enhance learning especially among the very young. They add that wall decorations also make learning fun especially in dreary, underfunded classrooms.

Vice President and concurrent

Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte has stood firm on her order to keep classroom walls bare, ostensibly to allow students to focus on their lessons. DepEd’s current focus on classroom aesthetics amid preparations for the school opening on Aug. 29 has inevitably highlighted the problems more serious than wall clutter that are affecting the quality of education in public schools.

The most basic is the inadequacy of classrooms and school buildings. The problem has worsened as most of the students who transferred from private schools to the free public school system due

to economic hardships during the COVID lockdowns have not returned to the private schools. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers earlier said there were educators handling from seven to eight teaching loads, with 30 to 50 students in each class. State resources, stretched thin for the health and economic responses to the pandemic, did not go to the expansion of public school facilities to match the growth in the student population. This has meant larger class sizes in many schools – rarely ideal for optimum learning – which will greet students when the new academic year starts next week.

There is also the lack of basic facilities such as electric fans, which can aggravate the discomfort in a crowded classroom. A teacher noted that many public school classrooms in this country “are cramped, dark, badly ventilated.” This problem was

highlighted during the dry months this year, when many students suffered heatrelated afflictions due to poorly ventilated classrooms. Students trying to cope with intolerable heat cannot concentrate on their lessons. The problem prompted calls to speed up the return to the former school calendar, so that students and teachers alike

can enjoy their school break during what is considered the summer months in the country.

The DepEd must tackle the other problems related to the physical environment in classrooms, with the same zeal that has been shown in going after wall clutter. (Philstar. com)

More economic engagements coming our way

RECENT developments have been very encouraging with a surge of economic activities coming not only from the United States but countries in Europe and Asia as well.

Underscoring the attractiveness of the Philippines

as an investment destination was the recent visit of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (U.S.-ABC) led by its president and CEO Ambassador Ted Osius, who brought 30 members – their largest delegation ever to visit the country – who committed to pursue more investments and partnerships with Philippine businesses.

During their courtesy call on President Ferdinand

Marcos Jr., the U.S.-ABC (which has some of the biggest U.S. companies among its members) expressed interest in several industries that include infrastructure, agriculture, clean energy, green metals and semiconductors.

“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,” Ambassador Osius emphasized.

Demonstrating that American businesses are indeed ready to match their words with action, semiconductor manufacturing company Texas Instruments is investing $1 billion to expand its operations in Baguio City and Clark. The expansion is in line with the Creating Helpful Incentives

to Produce Semiconductors and Science (CHIPS) Act signed into law by President Biden in August 2022 to boost the production and diversify the source of semiconductors in the U.S. Our friends at the U.S. State Department have informed us much earlier that the Philippines is one of the counties they want to partner with in the semiconductor supply chain.

President Marcos acknowledged “the critical role that the United States and American businesses have played in advancing a robust and inclusive economic growth in the Philippines.”

In fact, a study by the Ateneo School of Government (ASG) showed that U.S. investments have been crucial in creating

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

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Ayungin resupply successful despite Chinese ‘disruptions’

by FranCo JoSe C. baroña and FranCiSCo tuyay ManilaTimes.net

A RESUPPLY mission arrived safely in Ayungin Shoal on Tuesday, August 22, despite apparent attempts by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and militia to block two chartered boats carrying provisions for Filipino soldiers stationed in BRP Sierra Madre there.

The chartered ships Unaizah 1 and Unaizah 2 successfully completed their journey to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels, BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan, served as escorts during the mission to the shoal that is contested by China and the Philippines.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, headed by National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año, commended the courage, determination and professionalism of the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PCG.

“Notwithstanding attempts by the Chinese coast guard and Chinese maritime militia vessels to block, harass and interfere with the supply mission, the Philippine supply ships Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 2, escorted by PCG vessels BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan, successfully completed their mission,” the task force said.

“The Filipino people owe them a debt of gratitude, for their commitment to place their lives [on the line] to defend our sovereignty and sovereign rights and jurisdiction throughout the expanse of the West Philippine Sea,” Año said in a statement.

On Aug. 5, 2023, a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal was disrupted when Chinese coast guard vessels used a water cannon on a charter boat carrying provisions to soldiers posted at BRP Sierra Madre.

The incident sparked condemnation from the international community, particularly among allied countries and partners.

Over the weekend, Australia and the Philippines conducted amphibious drills at Rizal, Palawan, just a few miles off Ayungin Shoal as a manifestation of support to the plight of the Philippine government over the coercive behavior of the Chinese in the West

Philippine Sea.

The task force said routine missions to Philippine outposts on various features in the WPS will continue on a regular basis.

“These missions are part of the Philippine government’s legitimate exercise of its administrative functions over the WPS, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), the 2016 Arbitral Award and domestic laws,” it added.

United States-based security expert Ray Powell said as early as Sunday, August 20, at least three CCG ships, including the one involved in the August 5 incident, were shadowing BRP Sindangan and BRP Cabra and continued to do so as the Philippine vessels approached the mouth of the shoal late Tuesday morning. Four Chinese militia ships were monitored, presumably in an attempt to block the two Philippine supply ships.

Chinese coast guard vessel 215551 later appeared and seemed to have maneuvered “quite close” to BRP Cabra.

Powell said he “cannot exactly say what actually happened during the resupply mission since nearly all CCG vessels involved have all gone.” “The extent of dangerous [Chinese] maneuvers is hard to assess,” he added.

Powell said only the Chinese militia ships can be clearly observed “actively blocking access to the shoal.” By noon, the resupply mission “appears to be over” with the two PCG vessels “moving back to the east,” the project lead for Project Myoushu at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation and a 2021 Fellow at Stanford’s Distinguished Careers Institute said.

“There should be ‘neutral third parties’ to monitor negotiations between China and the Philippines insofar as resolving their sea row is concerned to determine their sincerity in engaging in genuine dialogue,” Sen. Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos

1 Household must qualify under Section 8 Income Guidelines

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said on Tuesday, stressing the Philippines’ first line of defense is diplomacy.

COCO LIFE. Coconuts are sold between PHP30 and PHP35 apiece at the Kamuning Public Market in Quezon City on Wednesday (Aug. 23, 2023). The country is holding the National Coconut Week from Aug. 23 to Sept. 1, celebrating the coconut’s significance to Filipino culture. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

A new Medicare proposal would cover training for family...

About 42 million Americans provided unpaid care to people 50 and older in 2020, according to a muchcited report.

“We know from our research that nearly 6 in 10 family caregivers assist with medical and nursing tasks such as injections, tube feedings, and changing catheters,” said Jason Resendez, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving. But fewer than 30% of caregivers have conversations with health professionals about how to help loved ones, he said.

Even fewer caregivers for older adults — only 7% — report receiving training related to tasks they perform, according to a June 2019 report in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Nancy LeaMond, chief advocacy and engagement officer for AARP, experienced this gap firsthand when she spent six years at home caring for her husband, who had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neurological

condition also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Although she hired health aides, they weren’t certified to operate the feeding tube her husband needed at the end of his life and couldn’t show LeaMond how to use it. Instead, she and her sons turned to the internet and trained themselves by watching videos.

“Until very recently, there’s been very little attention to the role of family caregivers and the need to support caregivers so they can be an effective part of the health delivery system,” she told me.

Several details of CMS’ proposal have yet to be finalized. Notably, CMS has asked for public comments on who should be considered a family caregiver for the purposes of training and how often training should be delivered.

(If you’d like to let CMS know what you think about its caregiving training proposal, you can comment on the CMS site until 5 p.m. ET on Sept. 11. The expectation is that

Medicare will start paying for caregiver training next year, and caregivers should start asking for it then.)

Advocates said they favor a broad definition of caregiver. Since often several people perform these tasks, training should be available to more than one person, Resendez suggested. And since people are sometimes reimbursed by family members for their assistance, being unpaid shouldn’t be a requirement, suggested Anne Tumlinson, founder and chief executive officer of ATI Advisory, a consulting firm in aging and disability policy.

As for the frequency of training, a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t appropriate given the varied needs of older adults and the varied skills of people who assist them, said Sharmila Sandhu, vice president of regulatory affairs at the American Occupational Therapy Association. Some caregivers may need a single session when a loved one is discharged from a hospital or a rehabilitation facility. Others may need ongoing

training as conditions such as heart failure or dementia progress and new complications occur, said Kim Karr, who manages payment policy for AOTA. When possible, training should be delivered in a person’s home rather than at a health care institution, suggested Donna Benton, director of the University of Southern California’s Family Caregiver Support Center and the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center. All too often, recommendations that caregivers get from health professionals aren’t easy to implement at home and need to be adjusted, she noted.

Nancy Gross, 72, of Mendham, New Jersey, experienced this when her husband, Jim Kotcho, 77, received a stem cell transplant for leukemia in May 2015. Once Kotcho came home, Gross was responsible for flushing the port that had been implanted in his chest, administering medications through that site, and making sure all the equipment she was using

was sterile.

Although a visiting nurse came out and offered education, it wasn’t adequate for the challenges Gross confronted. “I’m not prone to crying, but when you think your loved one’s life is in your hands and you don’t know what to do, that’s unbelievably stressful,” she told me.

For her part, Cheryl Brown, 79, of San Bernardino, California — a caregiver for her husband, Hardy Brown Sr., 80, since he was diagnosed with ALS in 2002 — is skeptical about paying professionals for training. At the time of his diagnosis, doctors gave Hardy five years, at most, to live. But he didn’t accept that prognosis and ended up defying expectations.

Today, Hardy’s mind is fully intact, and he can move his hands and his arms but not the rest of his body. Looking after him is a fulltime job for Cheryl, who is also chair of the executive committee of California’s Commission on Aging and a former member of the California State Assembly.

She said hiring paid help isn’t an option, given the expense.

And that’s what irritates Cheryl about Medicare’s training proposal. “What I need is someone who can come into my home and help me,” she told me. “I don’t see how someone like me, who’s been doing this a very long time, would benefit from this. We caregivers do all the work, and the professionals get the money? That makes no sense to me.”

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.

More economic engagements...

quality jobs in key sectors such as ITBPM (information technology-business process management) that received at least 35 percent of the $22.4 billion in new investment deals from 2003 to 2021 from 395 US-based companies. According to ASG Dean Philip Arnold Tuaño, “…it’s the quality of investments that we receive from other countries that have an impact on economic growth and job generation.”

During the official visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, she looked forward to accelerating “a new era of cooperation,” confident that a bilateral free trade agreement would promote growth and generate jobs.

The 60-million-euro Green Economy agreement signed by the Philippines and the EU is also expected to boost government efforts in the areas of circular economy, renewable energy and climate change mitigation. Even when he was a senator, the President has been espousing “green economy” to help mitigate the impact of climate change. The President urged Filipinos to adopt the concept of a “circular economy” – simply put, an economic system where materials are reused and recycled to reduce waste.

Canadian firms are also interested in several areas that include mining and renewable energy, with the latter becoming very attractive ever since the Philippines opened the sector to full foreign ownership, with 100 percent foreign equity now allowed in solar, wind, hydro and tidal energy

projects.

PEZA also recently approved three bigticket investments that are expected to bring in a total of P20.5 billion with close to 2,000 direct jobs to be generated. A die and mold company will also be reinvesting $3 million in their plant, while an electronic parts maker will invest 11.2-billion Japanese yen to expand its manufacturing capacity in the Philippines.

Malaysian investors have also expressed interest in the areas of food processing, multi-service digital platforms, aviation, logistics, manufacturing, infrastructure and wastewater treatment, with the President’s recent visit generating $285 million in investment pledges.

President Marcos clearly pointed out that economic security is an important part of his administration’s agenda, and surely his efforts are coming into fruition with the investment pledges starting to become a reality.

All these important developments are obviously an offshoot of the recent trip of the President to Washington, DC. It’s no secret that renewed interest coming from the Western world is part and parcel of our renewed and revitalized mutual security arrangements not only with the United States but also countries like Australia and the European Union.

And because of that, combined with the fact that we are pushing back against China’s aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea, intelligence sources tell us there is still an uptick in the disinformation campaign

against those involved in defending our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

Public opinion both here and abroad are stacked up against the PRC and so China’s minions are now operating against many of us by using fake memos and documents purportedly coming from the Office of the President or the Department of Foreign Affairs.

NSC assistant director general Jonathan Malaya is right in calling these people out for “clouding the issue” and engaging in divide-and-conquer tactics to sow discord among Filipinos. “In this time, we need unity. We have to show the world that we Filipinos understand our position and we fully support the position of the Philippines,” he pointed out.

Pro-China operators have been going all over town engaging in character

assassination, being “intellectually dishonest” by propagating disinformation against those of us who sincerely believe that our relationship with the U.S. is an important part of our overall national strategy.

These people are traitors – plain and simple. Let me be very clear: The more they attack, the more I am committed and determined to continue what I feel is the right thing to do in advancing our interests and upholding the sovereignty of our country.

* * *

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

Ayungin resupply successful...

PAGE 7

“Let us settle our conflict in a peaceful manner,” she said.

The Philippines should fully comply with its obligation under the United Nations Charter “to settle conflicts in a peaceful way,” the senator said in a statement.

“China sent us a note to dialogue, let us talk to them. This time, however, we should document every attempt by our diplomats, Coast Guard and military

personnel to communicate with China. To the extent permissible,” Marcos said.

She also said the Philippine government “should make records of these attempts accessible to neutral third parties so that they may verify our efforts and China’s responses thereto.” “This way, the world can ascertain both countries’ sincerity in engaging in genuine dialogue,” Marcos added.

“To be clear, we will do

whatever is necessary to protect our rights through peaceful means. Resupplying our personnel in Ayungin Shoal is within our legal rights. Thus, if we need larger and more powerful supply ships and PCG escort ships, then we will acquire them, preferably by building them ourselves,” Marcos added. “Might does not make right. We will stand our ground because we are in the right,” the senator said. n

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

More immigration questions answered by Attorney Gurfinkel on Citizen Pinoy

IN the fourth installment of Citizen Pinoy’s “Your Tanong, My Sagot” from Manila, leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answers more immigration inquiries from Kapamilya in the Philippines.

• Bernice’s mother filed an F2-B petition for her as a single daughter. Now, Bernice wants to know if she can bring her common-law husband, who is an Indian national, with her to the U.S. under her mother’s petition.

• Cecille’s husband was petitioned by his sibling 17 years ago. However, while getting their documents ready, Cecille noticed that her child was not included in the petition. She wants to know what is the best thing for them to do.

• Sharon was petitioned as F2-A by her husband in 2019. Now that she is documentarily qualified, she is asking if her case can be expedited.

• Christine wants to know if she can visit her U.S. citizen husband in the States using her tourist visa.

YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT IN MANILA, PART 4. Kapamilya in Manila gets answers to their immigration questions from leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel on Part 4 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot.” Here are some of the questions Atty. Gurfinkel answers –From Sharon Anne (top left): Can I have my petition expedited if I am already documentarily qualified under my husband’s F2-A petition for me?; From Bernice (top right): Is there a way I can bring my common-law husband, an Indian national, with me to the U.S. under my mother’s F2-B petition for me?; From Cecille (bottom right): My husband was petitioned by his sibling 17 years ago. As we were preparing the documents, we saw that my child’s name was not included in the petition. What can we do?; From Christine (bottom left): I married my U.S. citizen husband last year. Can I go to the U.S. to visit him using my tourist visa? Be sure to tune in for the answers to these questions on Part 4 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” from Manila, on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, August 27 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

PhiliP

S. Chua, md, FaCS, FPCS

PH’s Shirley Temple

A book titled “The Legend of Tessie Agana: Beloved Child Star of the Philippines - An Intimate Portrait of My Mother,” is the debut book written by her daughter, Mylene Agana Jao Richardson and is being released on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

Tessie Agana was married for 53 years to Rodolfo L. Jao, MD, a popular medical leader and an Infectious Disease expert in Northwest Indiana, who died on February 28, 2018, at the age of 84. Her Dad, Adriano A. Agana, MD, was also an Indiana physician.

As the daughter and granddaughter of worldfamous entertainers from the Philippines’ golden age of cinema, Mylene was born into a family of legends.

Tessie Agana, now 81, was known as the “Shirley Temple of the Philippines”; her grandmother, Linda Estrella, the Elizabeth Taylor of her time, was a lead dramatic actress and singer of her era in the 1950s.

Mylene shows how you can maximize your happiness by discovering to truly know oneself, the journey forward is to look back. With unsparing truth, Mylene offers the first intimate portrait of her mother, whose early fame and exposure to the public eye led to dark shadows that impacted her entire life. An inspiring mustread book for the entire family. For details about the author and the book, email: majr@mylenerichardson.

com

Is there a drug to prolong life?

Yes, researchers found the drug “rilmenidine” can extend life span and slow down aging. It is actually a

prescription medication for the treatment of high blood pressure, marketed under the brand names Albarel, Iterium, Tenxum, and Hyperium. Hopefully, this extra action and benefit from this drug would be confirmed in the future by large clinical studies and confirmation from medical centers around the world. Rapamycin and the anti-diabetic medication, metformin, are also being studied for their ability to slow down aging and prolong life. The future is, indeed, exciting, even bolstered by the introduction of artificial intelligence in various fields of human endeavor.

Is the pandemic over?

From all indications, it seems to be over…but, even as late as July 29, 2023, according to the New York Times COVID-19 Tracker, there were still 6,511 hospitalized for COVID-19. Primary series vaccination rate is still a low 69 percent, and booster rate, 17 percent. The unvaccinated are at risk, not only getting infected but spreading the virus around. Even President Biden and other leaders were saying it was “a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”

Is there a blood test for brain cancer?

Soon there will be. A new study reveals a promising simple blood test that could help detect brain cancer with 87 percent accuracy. This exciting revelation was reported in the journal Nature Communications by Dr. Matthew J. Baker of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Brain cancer usually has a poor outlook because of the delay in the diagnosis since the symptoms, primarily headache, are nonspecific. This new blood test would expedite the diagnosis and improve the outcome.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a new drug for

weight loss from Eli Lilly, which catapulted its stock recently because it was found to also reduce the risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death by 20 percent. It is a landmark clinical trial, the first to show that weight loss drug alone could provide such a huge benefit. It is a boon to cardiovascular health and longevity.

Do repeated chest x-rays cause cancer?

No, an annual chest x-ray does not cause cancer. The dose of radiation that one gets with a chest x-ray is so minimal, about 30 millirems, which is even less than the radiation exposure one gets from travelling by air (where you will be exposed to a greater degree of radiation from the sun) for a 4-hour flight, say to another Asian country. The cut-off safety limit per year is 5000 millirems, which would be equivalent to about 166 chest x-ray exposures. A chest x-ray once a year, or even 20 such radiation exposures in a year, is safe. The basic rule is, of course, the lesser radiation the better, but if it medically necessary, chest x-ray or other x-rays should be performed without worry.

Can one get AIDS from holding hands?

Experts say that HIV infection is not transmitted by holding hands or (intact) skin to skin contact, but mucous membrane contact with blood or body fluids from someone infected with HIV, unprotected sexual intercourse with AIDS victim can definitely transmit this deadly disease. The best behavior is to avoid partners that are at high risk of having HIV, but if this is not possible, use a condom. One must be cautious to make sure the condom is durable, intact and not have a hole in it. One could get the HIV infection even after only one, yes just one, sexual encounter. Remember, having AIDS is

like having a death sentence hanging over your head.

What are the leading causes of deaths?

In the United States, according to CDC, the leading causes of deaths are in this order: heart disease (695,547); cancer (605,213); COVID-19 (416,893); accidents (224,935); cirrhosis (56,585); stroke (162,890); chronic lower respiratory disease (142,342); Alzheimer’s (119,399); diabetes (103,294); chronic liver disease and cirrhosis (56,585); and nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis (54,358).

* * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

* * *

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

* * *

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

Vice Ganda and Michael V to do a collab soon?

by PatriCia dela roCa Philstar.com

MANY netizens and showbiz personalities were thrilled after seeing these two comedians in one frame.

Vice Ganda recently uploaded a photo of him and Michael V. together on his verified Instagram account. The image was taken inside the studio of the ABS-CBN noontime program It’s Showtime during Bitoy’s

More immigration...

PAGE 11

Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in the fourth installment of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Manila. Watch this brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, August 27 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)

Janine Gutierrez, Zanjoe Marudo on how their ‘Dirty Linen’ characters turned bashers

into supporters

By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

“DIRTY Linen” lead actors Janine Gutierrez and Zanjoe Marudo both said they were constantly keeping an eye on the comments that the drama-revenge series has been receiving and were glad to note that a lot of them compliment the show and that people are sad because it is about to end.

“Dirty Linen,” a production of Dreamscape Entertainment for ABS-CBN, premiered in January and will air its final episode on Aug. 25.

surprise appearance in the show, together with GMA’s Pepito Manaloto co-star Manilyn Reynes, to celebrate the birthday of good friend, singer and host Ogie Alcasid.

Bitoy and Ogie were widely known to pair up in comedic skits on GMA’s gag show Bubble Gang before the latter moved to ABS-CBN in 2017.

Vice simply wrote “ICON” in the caption which fans and showbiz peers couldn’t agree more on the well-

deserved title for the two.

Among the celebrities who commented were fellow comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto, Ryan Bang, Ruru Madrid, and Bianca Gonzalez, while Vice’s co-host Vhong Navarro, Ruffa Gutierrez and Francine Diaz were among the thousands of people who left likes.

“LEGENDS,” GMA’s subsidiary channel GTV, which currently airs It’s

“In the beginning, we noticed that people were quick to comment negatively, even though they hadn’t seen the entire show yet. These days, we’re happy to see posts saying, ‘Grabe! Walang tapon!’ or ‘Bakit matatapos na ito?’ The audience seemed to have had their own idea about where the story should go in the beginning. This was why they didn’t like what they saw. This was a good thing because it meant people found the show engaging, and so they stayed. And then, whenever the show came up with interesting twists, they became more interested,” said Zanjoe in a recent interview with Inquirer Entertainment.

“Our producers took a great risk here. To present the stories of only six characters in a teleserye is already difficult. Imagine the work put into this show that has over 20 characters. We were nervous about this at the start, but our audience opted to stick with us until the end. You can tell this with their comments. It’s

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel is shown here with Bernice Dulay (left) and Cecille Cepeda (right).

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answers questions of Kapamilya from Manila – Sharon Anne Abriol (left) and Christine Buenaventura (right).

Yassi Pressman, Luigi Villafuerte spotted on an off-roading date

By HannaH MallorCa Inquirer.net

YASSI Pressman and Camarines Sur Gov. Luigi Villafuerte further fueled romance speculations after they were spotted at what appeared to be a date, days after he was photographed giving the actress a kiss on the cheek at an event in the province .

Pressman and Villafuerte were photographed together when they attended the Bicol 4×4 Off-Road Challenge, as

seen posted by a certain Tara Lafangera on Facebook last Aug. 20, Sunday.

In the photo, they were strapped side by side a topless monster Jeep, with the governor’s hand noticeably resting on the actress’ thigh.

“Gov. Luigi Villafuerte and Ms. Yassi Pressman,” the caption read.

The event also showed Pressman joining the offroading event.

The rumored sweethearts were also spotted together on multiple occasions, including

Vice Ganda and Michael V to do a...

Showtime, commented.

“BOTH ICONS,” celebrity make-up artist Peter Paul Laguisma said.

a food assistance program and an undisclosed event, which were uploaded by netizens on Facebook.

Despite numerous sightings together, the “Kurdapya” star nor the Villafuerte scion have addressed speculations about their relationship, as of this writing.

Pressman recently confirmed his split from long-time boyfriend, Canadabased entrepreneur Jon Semira, with whom she was previously engaged to earlier

Janine Gutierrez, Zanjoe Marudo on...

no longer about our portrayals anymore, but already about the series as a whole. Now that we’re nearing the show’s end, we only get to read positive comments. This makes all of us proud,” Zanjoe pointed out.

Engaging show

Janine has a similar observation. “Doesn’t it feel good when you have a basher at the start of the show who ends up liking you? There’s this one comment that really made me laugh. ‘Shucks! Ang ganda ni Janine. Dati maarte lang siya, ngayon magaling na siya umarte!’” she recalled.

“I agree with Z (Zanjoe’s nickname) when he said that lately, a lot of people are saying, ‘’Wag n’yo munang tapusin’ or ‘Ito talaga ’yong hinihintay namin bago matulog sa gabi.’ That’s what we’re most thankful for… that the whole series was able to affect the audience this way,” Janine added.

In “Dirty Linen,” four houseworkers of a wealthy, aristocratic family mysteriously vanish without a trace. Years later, four of their family members decide to get revenge against the prominent family. To do this, they infiltrate the household under different identities in order to expose the Fieros’ dirty secrets. However, an encounter with the family’s eldest son, Aidan (played by Zanjoe), in the past will lead to obstacles getting in the way of the revenge plot.

In the latest episode, Sophie Madrigales (Elisse Joson), Aidan’s ex-girlfriend, felt so frustrated because of her failed attempt to seduce Aidan. This prompted her to say this about Mila (played by Janine), Aidan’s estranged

Scene from “Dirty Linen” wife: “Mila’s lust for revenge is much bigger than her love for Aidan.”

We then asked Janine whether the statement actually sums up Mila’s relationship with Aidan. To this, she said: “The biggest challenge for her was that she truly loved Aidan. In a perfect world, she would try to distance Aidan and his sister Chiara (Francine Diaz) from the sins of their family. Also, in spite of his love for Mila, Aidan would still choose to protect his family. That was also what started everything for her—she decided to take revenge because of her family. That’s the painful aspect of Mila and Aidan’s relationship.”

Pitiful character

In Zanjoe’s eyes, meanwhile, Aidan is such a pitiful character.

“Since he witnessed what really happened to the four househelpers at the beginning, Aidan was never the same. He grew up confused. He allowed his parents to control his life,” he began.

“When he finally met Mila and fell in love with her, he thought he could have a clean slate, that he could escape his family, the Fieros. What hurt him the most was that he gave so much of himself to

“Both are iconic in the Philippine industry — meme Vice and Sir Michael V,” a netizen commented.

Online users also expressed their delight over seeing the “comedy geniuses” together, even pushing the possibility of a collaboration of the two in a movie.

“Unkabogable Star meets Comedy Genius! Pwede ‘tong entry sa MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival,” a netizen suggested.

Michael V. has also posted a similar photo with Vice with the caption: “Recently, tuwing nagko-cross ang paths namin ni Vice Ganda, is lang ang laging pumapasok sa isip ko, ‘possibilities.’

“In a time na parang ‘pwede na,’ ano sa tingin niyo ang posibleng mangyari?” he teased his followers.

The possibility of the two working together in a movie is not far from being true as both have expressed mutual admiration and respect for each other even before meeting in It’s Showtime.

It can be recalled that Michael V. has previously said that he wanted Vice to guest in Bubble Gang and possibly play a skit together with one of his famous gag characters, Mr. Assimo.

Meanwhile, the two are part of the roster of top comedians set to be recognized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) during the celebration of the Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM)

next month.

Michael V and Vice will be joined by Eugene Domingo and Ai-Ai delas Alas, plus three more to be announced in the coming days. The biggest honor, on the other hand, will be accorded to the late Comedy King Dolphy who passed away in 2012, as the national agency film dedicates the monthlong celebration to Philippine comedy. n

the relationship, even turning his back on his own family and his responsibilities to their company, only to find out that Mila lied to him,” the actor said.

However, Zanjoe said what’s best about Aidan was that he is not someone who is quick to judge. “Despite the things that happened to him, he still tries to find an explanation for everything. He is now asking himself what forced Mila to lie to him. Whatever Aidan will discover in the coming episodes, I promise, will make the audience more engaged.”

Incidentally, Zanjoe and Janine will be flying to the United States for a fancon/thanksgiving show in Sacramento, California, on Aug. 26. They will be joined by costars Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, John Arcilla, Tessie Tomas and singer Jed Madela.

“I’m excited that we will be able to meet our kababayans there, especially those who supported ‘Dirty Linen’ from the start. I’m also happy that we will get to end the show this way, with us thanking people for their support,” said Zanjoe.

“Dirty Linen” airs weekdays at 9:20 p.m. on the Kapamilya channel, A2Z and TV5. n

Michael V (left) and Vice Ganda are part of the roster of top comedians to be recognized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) during the celebration of the Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM) this coming September.

Photo from Vice’s Instagram

Filipino American community honors Benigno Aquino Jr.’s legacy

40th Anniversary of Martyrdom Reminds Community of Courage

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

FILIPINO Americans from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut came together to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.’s assassination on August 21, 1983, upon returning to the Philippines after living in exile in the United States.

Ninoy Aquino Jr. was a strong supporter of democracy and spoke out against the Marcos government.

The community gathered at the Benigno Aquino Triangle, located on 184th Place near Hillside Avenue, in Hollis, Queens.

Community leader and philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis talked about how this small patch of land is a big tribute to Aquino and his contributions to democracy. It is a place that holds a special meaning for Filipinos and everyone who cares about freedom.

As attendees gathered at the triangle, Lewis expressed mixed emotions, saying, “It is both joyful and sad.” Joyful, as Aquino’s sacrifice is recognized and honored, and sad because the challenges that prompted his sacrifice still persist. Despite the passage of 40 years, the Philippines’ current state raises questions about the progress made since Aquino’s sacrifice, Lewis explained.

“Filipinos seem to lack memory and are really forgiving and after 40 years, Marcos Junior is the president,” Lewis said. Thank God he does not have the brilliance of his father, and so I do not believe he’s going to be as ruthless as his father.”

Lara Gregory, a lawyer, said, “Regardless of where

we were in 1983, today we know we know the absolute impact and significance of the life and death of Benigno Aquino Jr. His life just shows us the importance of dissent.”

Gregory remembers she was a teenager in the Philippines when Aquino was killed for his beliefs. “Before

he died, he was in jail for seven years because he spoke out. After all that time in jail, he could have stayed safe in the United States, but he went back to the Philippines. He wanted to make a change by using his voice,” she said. A prominent critic of the Marcos regime, Aquino was

tragically assassinated on August 21, 1983, as he landed at the Manila International Airport. His return to the Philippines from a threeyear exile in the U.S. was marked by his unwavering determination to contribute more to his homeland. Despite the comfort of his exile in Boston, Aquino’s dedication to his beloved country led him to make the courageous decision to come back, even in the face of danger that he had been warned about.

In the days leading up to his return, Aquino’s resolute spirit was evident as he declared, “The Filipino is worth dying for...” These powerful words foreshadowed his ultimate sacrifice.

Lewis highlighted this sentiment and added that after his assassination, his wife, who later became the president, affirmed that the Filipino is worth living for. Likewise, when their son Benigno Aquino III assumed the presidency, he echoed that the Filipino is worth fighting for.

Aquino’s decision to return to the Philippines led to something bigger as it sparked a movement called People Power in 1986. Filipinos joined together to fight against the government and bring back democracy.

The event was also attended

Members of the Filipino American community from the Tribal-state gathered at the Benigno Aquino Triangle, located on 184th Place near Hillside Avenue, in Hollis, Queens on Sunday, August 20, 2023 to commemorate the martyrdom of opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

Filipino American community leaders gathered in Queens for a solemn commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Ninoy Aquino’s martyrdom.

Cast members of Here Lies Love led by Jose Llana and Melody Butiu joined David Byrne and other cast members at the event in Queens.

Eric Lachica turns over a bust of Benigno Aquino Jr. to Dr. Connie Quiambao, a close family friend of the Aquinos and a former president of the Benigno Aquino Triangle Foundation.

Assemblymember Steve Raga Loida Nicola Lewis

Filipino American...

by Assemblymember Steve Raga, the first Filipino elected in the state of New York, who praised the initiative to honor history. Raga stressed the importance of preserving memories and carving out spaces that embody the community’s history. He also spoke of the need for new generations to understand and honor the sacrifices made for democracy.

“It’s good to see us keep the history and let the next generation know that this is something to be honored and remembered. It’s also important to know that years ago, there were New Yorkers in Queens that came together and felt it important enough to put this together, to find park space and work with local, city, and state officials here in the state of New York to find a space,” Raga said. “That we can carve out our history so we can come together repeatedly again and again afterward to not just remember but look in the mirror and bring next generations together.”

The event was joined by the leaders of the Benigno Aquino Triangle Foundation (BATF) led by Antero Martinez and Dr. Connie Quiambao.

Eric Lachica, from U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance, shared his personal Ninoy story.

“I last saw him in Los Angeles one week before he flew out to the Philippines. In fact that black and white photo on the memorial, that was my last photo of Ninoy, I was there when he gave this last press conference before a group of media when he announced his going back to the Philippines and I saw it in his face,” he recalled. “He was going to play the Jose Rizal card and be a martyr because he was already warned by Imelda Marcos here in New York when he was here. He was told that he would be putting his life on the line.”

“Ninoy’s martyrdom in many ways, inspired me to dedicate the rest of my life to good governance, because that’s what Ninoy did, he was fighting for the Filipino people,” he added.

Members of the Here Lies Love cast, led by creator David Byrne and Jose Llana, Melody Butiu, and Moses Villarama attended the gathering and brought a wreath on behalf of the company.

Llana, who plays the role of Ferdinand Marcos, said, “It is important to acknowledge and to remember all the work that Ninoy did and we’re just grateful that we as a company are telling this part of Filipino story every night on Broadway.”

In the Philippines, people also gathered to remember Aquino’s martyrdom.

The Aquinos’ eldest Maria Elena “Ballsy” Cruz talked about her family’s sacrifices. “Even though some people try to forget, we should remember the good that Ninoy, my mother Corazon Aquino, and my brother Benigno Aquino III did for our country,” she said.

“To you, our fellow Filipinos, who joined us today when being seen with Aquinos is not exactly in fashion during this time, thank you for being one with us today in remembering Ninoy Aquino,” Cruz added.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. issued a statement acknowledging Aquino’s impact and called for unity among Filipinos. “We should work together for a better Philippines,” he said.

“I stand united with all Filipinos worldwide in commemorating Ninoy Aquino Day,” he added. “By standing for his beliefs and fighting for battles he deemed right, he became an example of relentlessness and resolve for many Filipinos.” n

Coleen on marriage with Billy: ‘Not perfect but we’re happy’

By CHarMie Joy Pagulong Philstar.com

COLEEN Garcia said that she’s now recovering after struggling with her mental health and feeling “left behind” in the past three years.

“I was left behind talaga for the past three years,” admitted Coleen during a press conference for Viva One’s Kung Hindi Lang Tayo Sumuko. “My mental health and everything took a backseat. So, now, I’m finally recovering. Amari already allows me to work. I tell him, ‘Mommy’s gonna go to work.’ I think the almost three years that I spent (with him), I really bonded with him (and) it helped.”

She laid low from showbiz to focus on being a mom and a wife after giving birth to Amari during the pandemic in 2020, her firstborn child with husband Billy Crawford. The actress’ latest acting project is her “comeback” series following her return from France last year.

“I miss this kind of event (presscon). But, you know, it’s part of me that I didn’t know until now that it’s really part of me. But I’m happy. I think those three years were very important for me to realize that this is all I need and everything outside is a bonus para mas ma-enjoy ko kasi I feel like before I was thinking of everything way too seriously,” she continued.

“And sometimes, when it happens, especially in the public eye, you get a lot of comments (and) we get a lot of bashing and everything, and sometimes it hurts. It’s like those years just with my family, that’s when I realized na ito pa lang masaya na ako. So whatever is outside plus na lang yun, walang minus.”

Coleen and Billy just celebrated their ninth anniversary as a couple. Asked if there were still incidents of jealousy in their relationship after years of marriage, the 30-year-old actress shared, “Now, parang yung selos namin, yung joke-joke na lang. Parang hirit-hirit lang pero minsan may laman. Pero parang dinadaan na lang namin sa ganun but we feel so secure in our relationship. He really makes me feel everything I need to feel in a marriage, in a relationship so wala na akong hahanapin pa.”

She also recalled entering into their relationship with trust issues due to her

With husband Billy and their two-year-old son Amari. Photo from Coleen’s Instagram past. “So, if anything, I was more the jealous-type, not because of him but because of all the baggage I came with and because of all of my insecurities and everything,” Coleen said.

“And I’m now in a relationship that is truly helping me heal and that is giving me the space in the room to grow. Hindi siya yung dumadagdag kasi kung magseselos pa siya parang dadagdag pa yun. It won’t help me grow. It won’t help me heal.”

Moreover, Coleen is “happy” with Billy who gives her “space to be able to do what I have to do.” “Because I’ve never done anything for him to doubt me. I’ve never done anything to break his trust and of course, I trust him also.”

Billy is currently in France doing numerous shows after his successful stint in the French version of Dancing with the Stars. The husband and wife have been apart for two months now, the longest that they haven’t been physically together.

“We call each other every day pero parang minsan goodnight na lang ganun,” shared Coleen. “Because, sometimes, it’s easier to let the day pass. Because we’re very busy, Billy is very busy. He has 18 shows in France.”

She is, nonetheless, very proud of the resurgence of Billy’s career in Europe. “Umaabot sa 40,000 to 60,000 people, all singing along to his songs, and they all love him. They are all cheering for him kaya nakakataba din ng puso na he is going through that,” she said.

“Meanwhile, I’m here just trying to

Yassi Pressman, Luigi...

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this year based on a video obtained and online interview conducted by INQUIRER.net with a source close to the two.

Semira later on came out with a joint statement with Pressman confirming their split, but denying third party rumors.

Prior to that, Pressman

was spotted partying with presidential son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos though in a a “24 Oras” interview on GMA, she denied any romance between them, saying they were just close friends from way back, while there was notably no mention about her being linked to Villafuerte. n

find myself again. So, we’re both going through completely different things and I think this is the stage where we both have to focus on our individual paths first but we still update each other.”

“I think this is what (people) say na when you enter into a relationship, kailangan alam mo na buo ka na like you have everything together,” she added. “Me and Billy kasi parang we found love in a hopeless place ang peg. But we’re helping each other grow so it doesn’t end before you get married. Talagang when you have the right partner, continuous dapat yung growth.”

Coleen had earlier admitted she almost canceled her wedding with Billy in April 2018. But she later on clarified that they are “such in a good place now” in their marriage. “Super good place ever since we got married and especially when we had Amari.”

The actress was just opening up about what they went through as a couple to show that their relationship is “not perfect.”

“I always wanna be open about what we go through because, you know, people see us happy, people see our highs (but) they don’t get to see our lows. That’s not something you would share with the world but I do want to acknowledge that it happens because baka may ibang couples din out there na ‘pag nakita nila, ‘Ay yung mga artista parang ang saya-saya tapos biglang mababalitaan mo na lang na naghiwalay na.’

“So, there are a lot of things that we go through also that we don’t tell everybody because we shouldn’t. We shouldn’t tell everybody but I think it’s healthy so that people know that we are not perfect. Our relationship is not perfect but we’re happy.”

Meanwhile, Coleen is thrilled to be part of the series Kung Hindi Lang Tayo Sumuko, opposite Carlo Aquino. The premise of the mini-series is about a couple’s relationship which is on the rocks just weeks before they face each other at the altar and vow to spend a lifetime together.

Now streaming on Viva One, it is based on the bestselling book of Marcelo Santos III (Para Sa Hopeless Romantic and Para Sa Broken Hearted) and directed by Carlo Enciso Catu. It also stars Ryza Cenon, Kiko Estrada, Rhen Escaño and Jerome Ponce. n

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David Byrne and some cast members of Here Lies Love led by Jose Llana and Melody Butiu with lawyer Lara Gregory. AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

(From left) Yassi Pressman, Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte.

Photo from Facebook/Tara Lafangera