PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday, August 26 hailed the efforts of the United States government in helping the Philippines' micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).ThePresident personally thanked U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson for her government's push to further strengthen U.S.-Philippine relations through the United States Agency for International Development's (USAid) initiatives for the digital transformation of MSMEs and the enhancement of their access to financial services.
THE latest COVID-19 surge, caused by a shifting mix of quickly evolving omicron subvariants, appears to be waning, with cases and hospitalizations beginning to fall. Like past COVID waves, this one will leave a lingering imprint in the form of long COVID, an ill-defined catchall term for a set of symptoms that can include debilitating fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and brainAlthoughfog. omicron infections are proving milder overall than those caused by last summer’s delta variant, omicron has also proved capable of triggering long-term symptoms and organ damage. But whether omicron causes long COVID symptoms as often — and as severe — as previous variants is a matter of heated study. Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, is among the researchers who say the far greater number of omicron infections compared with earlier THE Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed the first cases of human West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Los Angeles County for the 2022 season (excluding Long Beach and Pasadena as cases identified in those cities are reported by their local health departments). A total of six cases have been identified, most of whom were hospitalized for their illness in late July and early August. The cases reside in the Antelope Valley, San Fernando Valley, and San Gabriel Valley and all are recovering. “Mosquitos thrive in hot weather and residents should follow simple steps to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health IN 2015, when she graduated from USC with a degree in criminology, Filipina American Stephanie Rivera was tasked with her first mystery to solve: how she was going to pay off her student loans.
AUGUST 27-30, 2022 Volume 32 - No. 68 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA PAGE A2 Fil-Ams react to the landmark effort that will affect 43 million borrowers All residents should take precautions against mosquitoes by KLARIZE MEDENILLA AJPress by KRISTINA MARALIT ManilaTimes.net by RED MENDOZA ManilaTimes.net JOB HUNT. The Caloocan City Public Employment Services Office and Department of Labor and Employment hold a mega job fair at the Caloocan Sports Complex along Bagumbong Road in Barangay 171 on Friday, Aug. 26). At least 50 companies participated while one-stop shops included the Social Security System, Pag-IBIG Fund, Philippine Statistics Authority, and Bureau of Internal Revenue to service the needs of applicants. PNA photo by Ben Briones Biden admin announces plan to forgive student loan debt Singson denies giving statement regarding Pacquiao lawsuit PAGE A5 PAGE A2 ABS, TV5 ‘pause’ P2.1B agreement Unraveling the interplay of omicron, reinfections and long COVID PAGE A2 First human cases of West Nile virus reported in LA County for 2022 California to launch new anti- hate initiative with a focus on healing by JENNY MANRIQUE Ethnic Media Services Marcos lauds US’ help for MSMEs PAGE A2
"I never said that," said Singson, referring to the quote which alluded his meddling with Pacquiao's career choices. "I categorically deny that," addedPacquiaoSingson. and Singson reunited only a few days ago after some misunderstanding.
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Luis "Chavit" Singson and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao ManilaTimes.net file photos
HATE crimes and hate-related incidents have been on the rise in recent years, prompting fear and anger across communities. But according to experts and civil rights advocates more public engagement — not increased policing — is key to addressing the issue. And, they say, raising public awareness is a critical step toward individual and communal healing. “Hate doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” says Becky L. Monroe with the California Civil Rights Department. “If we’re truly going to address hate incidents and hate crimes, we have to enforce all of our civil rights protections.”Monroe,among a panel of speakers during a media briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services, referenced her former mentor at the Department of Justice, Ron Wakabayashi, whose family was among some 120,000 Japanese Americans sent to concentration camps during ABS-CBN Corp. and TV5 Network Inc. agreed to "pause" final preparations in their joint-venture deal to address the issues raised by lawmakers and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). The Lopez-owned media company is set to acquire a 35 percent minority stake in the Manuel Pangilinan-led broadcaster worth P2.16"Thisbillion.pause will give the space for both media organizations to respond to the issues and accommodate any relevant changes to the terms," a statement released by TV5 on Wednesday, August 24 said. "Both ABS-CBN and TV5 believe that an agreement between the two media companies will have a favorable impact on Philippine media, and on free-toair television, which remains the most affordable and extensive source of entertainment and public service to Filipinos," it added. The deal between the two companies calls for an increase of ABS-CBN's stake to nearly 50 percent by 2030 through the signing of a "convertible note agreement." It is also expected to sell nearly 39 percent of its cable subsidiary, SkyCable to Cignal Cable, the cable affiliate of pay-TV provider Cignal TV, for P2.465 million. Both TV5 and Cignal TV are owned by Mediaquest Holdings Inc., the media investment arm of the PLDT group through its Beneficial Trust Fund.
In a separate statement, long-time friend and supporter Luis "Chavit" Singson, who recently got reunited with the eight-division boxing legend, categorically denied statements which came out in the same article, apparently a press release commissioned by still unknownPacquiaosources.andSingson were referring to a story which quoted Singson as appearing to have advised Pacquiao to fix problems relating to his career.
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Carlson and Go Negosyo founder Jose Maria ‘Joey’ Concepcion III stand together during the Macro Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) Summit 2022 at the Manila Hotel on Friday, Aug. 26. The event, organized by Go Negosyo, carries the theme ‘Ensuring an Enabling Recovery Environment for the MSMEs.’ It seeks to foster strategic ideas in establishing pandemic-proof strategies for post-Covid business recovery and cultivate entrepreneurship via the 3Ms: Mentorship, Money and Market. Malacañang photo
"When we first spoke, I talked about partnerships that need to be forged for the future," Marcos said at the MSME Summit 2022 held at the Manila Hotel which Carlson attended. "This is precisely the kind of partnership that I meant, and I hope that we will promote this partnership between our two
BOXING champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao has expressed sadness and concern over the erroneous and malicious news articles which came out of different publications recently maligning his person.
The quote, which was disowned by Singson, read: "I think he really needs to fix his problem with Paradigm Sports Management first before accepting any tuneup fights."
Rivera, who now works as a forensic psychologist in San Diego, recalled that getting accepted to USC as the first person in her immediate family to attend college was a huge triumph. But the celebration over her acceptance at USC was short-lived when her family had to figure out how to fund her education as they, like so many other families who aren’t quite poor but aren’t quite rich, turned to alternative ways to pay, such as taking out numerous loans.
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• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools; drain water from pool covers.
Biden admin announces plan to...
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The ambassador said she recognizes small businesses to be "the backbone of the Philippine economy."Marcossaid the U.S. is teaming up with the Philippines "in paving a richer path for collaboration and innovation in the business sector."Heexpressed his desire for more public-private partnerships for MSMEs to ensure "an enabling and sound environment for the recovery of our MSMEs."
ABS,
• Use insect repellant. Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Find the right insect repellent for you by using EPA’s search tool.
• Cover up. Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you are outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk in areas where more mosquitoes are present.
WWII.“He used to say: ‘There is a reason for hope, and that reason is actually in all the people who are targeted for hate.’ Many communities who had every reason to give up on this country refused to give up on the idea of making this a more just place for all.”In response to the rise in hate crimes and hate incidents, California’s Civil Rights Department is launching the California vs Hate initiative, a resource line and network to support victims, and to increase awareness around what is a hate crime and how to report them when they Californiaoccur.state and federal law define a hate crime as a criminal act targeting individuals on the basis of gender, race, nationality, religion or political affiliation. A hate incident, on the other hand, is an action that, while motivated by hate, may not cross the line into criminality. Common examples include racist name calling or displaying hateful messaging targeting protected groups.Monroe says that while hate incidents may not technically be criminal acts, they can have a “devastating impact on the person and the community” being targeted.Andwhile there is ample data available on hate crimes, experts say the numbers are likely far from accurate.“There is no question when you look at the data that hate crimes are on the rise, but they are also underreported,” Monroe explained. The FBI counts just over 8,000 hate crimes per year, notes Monroe, but the real number could be closer to 250,000. The disparity is explained in part by the fact that many victims often do not see law enforcement as a safe or reliable option when it comes to reporting hate crimes. For Monroe, focusing on community-centered strategies will “help us to connect individuals with culturally competent resources and support.”
Another factor has to do with state and local law enforcement agencies, which are not mandated to provide data on hate crimes to the FBI. In fact, 85% of law enforcement agencies serving jurisdictions with over 100,000 people in California routinely report zero hate crimes in their area.Nationwide, the majority of hate crimes continue to be perpetrated by white men, while the majority of victims are African American. But in recent years there has been a spike in hate crimes targeting Asian Americans, Latinos, Muslims, and Jews. According to Stop AAPI Hate data, there have been 11,000 incidents of hate targeting the AAPI community since 2020. The majority have taken place in public spaces and have targeted largely women and elders. Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Filipinos and Vietnamese Americans are among the groups most targeted, with 63% of cases involving verbal harassment, 16% physical assault, and 11% civil rightsStopviolations.AAPIHate Director and CoFounder Manjusha Kulkarni says the drivers behind these incidents vary, and so “a one-size fits all solution doesn’t work.” She added, “Policing is not going to be the answer. We need a comprehensive civil rights infrastructure all across theStopcountry.”AAPI Hate is currently pushing two bills — SB 1161 and AB 2549 — in the California State Legislature to work with state officials in three core areas: civil rights, community safety, and educational equity. Brian Levin with the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State-San Bernadino says rhetoric from elected officials and media has helped fuel the uptick in hate crimes and hate incidents across the “Anti-Latinocountry.hate crimes in 2018 were the highest in a decade because of the craven discussion on TV,” noted Levin, adding that hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ community doubled in Los Angeles and rose 40% nationwide in that same year, with attacks becoming “more vicious and more violent.”Andwhile Levin agrees that non-carceral solutions are an important tool in addressing the rise in hate, he also notes that the Justice Department currently prosecutes fewer than 20% of referrals. ForSassana Yee, whose grandmother died after being brutally beaten in San Francisco in 2019, healing has meant building cross-cultural connections between communities that often exist side by side. “Her death has sparked in me an awareness to reach across cultural lines and develop friendships,” said Yee, who advocates for what she calls transformational justice. As part of her work, Yee led a month-long road trip around the country with 10 high schoolers: half African American and half Chinese American. “We went to 16 cities to learn about each other’s culture, history, and contributions to the U.S,” she said. “We got to understand who we are as individuals and as a collective.”LastMay, the legislature approved renaming the playground where Sassana’s grandmother, Yik Oi Huang, was attacked as Yik Oi Huang Peace and Friendship Park. “A black elder in the community suggested this name,” noted Yee, “which is a very potent symbolic gesture of solidarity.” TV5 ‘pause’ P2.1B...
While not all mosquitoes carry this virus, the type of mosquito that spreads this virus is found throughout Los Angeles County. Public Health recommends the following actions to reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection: • Avoid mosquito-infested “We weren’t rich enough to easily foot my tuition, but we weren’t considered lowincome enough to qualify for any financial aid, so I ended up having to apply for scholarships and take out several loans,” Rivera told the Asian Journal in a phoneFast-forwardinterview.to now, Rivera is living a more comfortable life but is still racked with tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt. “I don’t think I can feel truly relaxed until my debt is entirely done, whether I pay it off in a million years or it’s forgiven,” RiveraWhenshared.President Joe Biden announced his administration’s effort to forgive up to $20,000 in federal student loans for Pell Grant recipients and up to $10,000, Rivera saw it as good news.Biden’s announcement, which was made on Wednesday, Aug. 24, revealed that individuals who make under $125,000 a year or couples earning less than a combined $250,000 are eligible for up to $10,000 in loan forgiveness.Currently, Americans — current and former recipients — owe nearly $1.6 trillion in federal student loans. Nearly 43 million loan borrowers are expected to receive some relief, totalling a collective $20 million debt that will be Biden’serased.plan would also include current students, and student loan borrowers who are still dependents will be included depending on their guardians’ income. The plan also covers graduate degrees, and beneficiaries of loan forgiveness will not have to pay taxes on the amountAccordingforgiven.tothe White House, most borrowers will need to provide proof of income in order to qualify, but nearly 8 million borrowers whose information is already on file with the Department of Education should have their debt cancelled automatically.Biden’srelief plan also extends the student loan payment freeze to Dec. 31, 2022. It was set to expire at the end of August 2022. Biden’s student loan forgiveness efforts follows the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act, another landmark win for the Biden administration and key Democrats who are looking to maintain the majority in Congress ahead of the midterm election.However, the Biden administration’s attempt to make good on a key campaign promise will likely face legal challenges. According to the United States Department of Justice, the administration is harnessing a 2003 law called the HEROES Act that allows it reduce or eliminate student debt in certain situations. The law was adopted in the middle of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and it gives the Department of Education power to bypass rules concerning financial aid and student loans during national emergencies. (Former President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration made in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic is still in Educationeffect.)
The deal was expected to close before the end of August. Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta earlier said that the deal between the two networks should be investigated for it brings a "bad taste" in the mouth. He said that ABS-CBN still had multiple obligations with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the NTC regarding its nonpayment of fines due to the encryption of its signals from its TV Plus digital TV boxes. The NTC, meanwhile, said that it is looking into the deal if it violates a newly crafted memorandum preventing networks to enter into blocktime deals with companies with First human cases of West Nile virus reported...
The agency also helped Philippine microfinance institutions disburse P40 million in grants to 3,500 MSMEs so they could bounce back from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the climate crisis, "and other challenges," she said.
"I am pleased that the focus of the MSMEs Summit is post pandemic recovery, and the promotion of digitalization is aligned with the priorities of the administration for we have a common view of our shared future, the future that we as Filipinos will share together," the President said.
Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement, “Today, we're delivering targeted relief that will help ensure borrowers are not placed in a worse position financially because of the pandemic, and restore trust in a system that should be creating opportunity, not a debt trap.” For years, student loan forgiveness has been a keystone issue among Democratic voters who have been calling out Biden and other moderate Democrats for delaying the issue. In fact, activists say that the effort doesn’t go far enough and have called for $50,000 in debt relief to address systemic inequalities in the student loan and financial aid“Iindustry.thinkit’s what separates a lot of liberal, middle-of-theroad Democrats from more progressive blue voters, this issue of student loan forgiveness,” Joseph Castillo, a Los Angelesbased marketing consultant, told the Asian Journal over the phone. Castillo shared that despite graduating from San Diego State University in 2012, he’s still grappling with student loan payments. He said he’s on the tailend of his payments (less than $3,000 left to go), but he thinks that Biden’s plan could usher in more “necessary loan forgiveness.”“Justbecause I’ve paid off most of my student loans doesn’t necessarily mean I’m entitled to say that current and future loan borrowers don’t deserve to get their loans forgiven,” Castillo declared, referencing the hordes of individuals on social media who say because they’ve had to pay off their loans, current and future students should, too. And, aside from the legality of erasing student debt, many believe that student loans shouldn’t be forgiven on such a wide scale. But Castillo argues that the rising cost of education has become out of control and it’s putting many students in “nightmarish situations.” He added, “Even stepping back from just student loans: most white-collar professions require a bachelor’s degree at minimum. Most people now need not just that but a graduate degree to move up in their industry. Going to and graduating from college — which is now a requirement for most decent-paying professions — is so much more expensive now than it was for Gen X-ers andAccordingolder.” to a Forbes article, the average cost to attend a four-year college as a full-time student in 1980 was $10,231 annually, accounting for inflation adjustment; and this covered all tuition fees and room and board. By 2019, that cost skyrocketed $180% to an average of $28,775. The 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years saw a 1.7% drop in public institutions, which is likely due to pandemic-related relief“You’llprograms.hear tons of older people, even Filipinos, who might complain about how ‘unfair’ this is, but when you look at the landscape from when they were college students to now, and just the overall increase of the cost of living, I think most would see that as unmanageable,” Castillo said.According to the Biden administration, borrowers should visit plan.signforgov/debt-relief-announcement/https://studentaid.moreinformationandtoupforupdatestotherelief prior issues with government agencies.Alocal think tank, Infrawatch PH, earlier said that the deal is not a "franchise issue" and will not diminish the competition between the two networks. Terry Ridon, convenor of Infrawatch PH, said that the partnership of the two networks is a "testament to the enduring quality of content produced by the Kapamilya network." It added that there is no transfer of controlling stakes that will require congressional approval and urged Congress to prioritize other important public concerns such as economic recovery and social programs. Section 10 of Republic Act 11320 or TV5's franchise law stated that the network shall not "sell, lease, transfer, grant the usufruct of, nor assign this franchise or the rights and privileges acquired thereunder to any person, firm, company, corporation or other commercial or legal entity, nor merge with any other corporation or entity." TV5 is also barred from transferring "the controlling interest of the grantee, simultaneously or contemporaneously, to any person, firm, company, corporation, or entity" without prior approval of "FailureCongress.to report to Congress such change of ownership shall render the franchise ipso facto revoked," the provision said.
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• Stock garden ponds with mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), goldfish, Koi or other mosquitoeating fish. These feed on mosquito eggs and larvae. Public Health continues to document human cases of WNV every year in LA County, at an average of 91 cases per year during the last 5 years. However, the total number of people infected with WNV each year in LA County is much higher as most infected persons do not experience any illness or only mild illness. These cases are neither reported nor recognized as WNV. About three-quarters of reported cases have had severe disease and approximately 9% of patients with severe WNV die from complications. Public Health collaborates with local vector control agencies to target areas for mosquito control activities as well as educate people about how to protect Reductionthemselves.of mosquito breeding sources and protection from mosquito bites are the best ways to prevent WNV infection.
Marcos lauds US’ help for...
countries on bilateral, multilateral basis, and I see this very much as the way forward," he said.
Carlson said the USAid had partnered with American companies and non-profit organizations to assist 10,000 Philippine MSMEs during the economic downturn.
"These multidimensional approach will allow us to breathe new life into our MSMEs and help them move forward to a more resilient and prosperous future," heMarcosadded. is scheduled to make his first official trip to the U.S. as president in less than a month.
California to launch new anti hate initiative...
Officer. “Simple measures can reduce mosquitos and mosquito bites, like protecting yourself and your family with insect repellent and removing standing water outside your home. West Nile virus can lead to hospitalization or death, and, by taking preventative steps now, residents can better protect themselves against infection and the serious neuro-invasive disease caused by thisWestvirus.”Nile virus (WNV) is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, and a mild skin rash. WNV can affect the brain and spinal cord and result in meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis and even death.There is no vaccine for WNV and no treatment to cure the illness once an individual becomes sick. Adults over the age of 50 years and those with chronic health problems are at higher risk of severe illness if infected.
• Take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.•Usescreens on windows and doors. Check for and repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.•Stopmosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pet bowls, flowerpot saucers, rain barrels, or other containers. These are breeding grounds for mosquitos where they lay their eggs.
• Empty and wash birdbaths and wading pools weekly.
“This is a reminder that West Nile Virus is active in Los Angeles County every year and mosquito control is a shared
areas at dawn and dusk.
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Unraveling the interplay of omicron, reinfections...
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variants signals the need to prepare for a significant boost in people with long COVID. The U.S. has recorded nearly 38 million COVID infections so far this year, as omicron has blanketed the nation. That’s about 40% of all infections reported since the start of the pandemic, according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Research Center. Long COVID “is a parallel pandemic that most people aren’t even thinking about,” said Akiko Iwasaki, a professor of immunobiology at Yale University. “I suspect there will be millions of people who acquire long COVID after omicronScientistsinfection.”havejust begun to compare variants head to head, with varying results. While one recent study in The Lancet suggests that omicron is less likely to cause long COVID, another found the same rate of neurological problems after omicron and delta infections. Estimates of the proportion of patients affected by long COVID also vary, from 4% to 5% in triple-vaccinated adults to as many as 50% among the unvaccinated, based on differences in the populations studied. One reason for that broad range is that long COVID has been defined in widely varying ways in different studies, ranging from self-reported fogginess for a few months after infection to a dangerously impaired inability to regulate pulse and blood pressure that may last years. Even at the low end of those estimates, the sheer number of omicron infections this year would swell long-COVID caseloads. “That’s exactly what we did find in the UK,” said Claire Steves, a professor of aging and health at King’s College in London and author of the Lancet study, which found patients have been 24% to 50% less likely to develop long COVID during the omicron wave than during the delta wave. “Even though the risk of long COVID is lower, because so many people have caught omicron, the absolute numbers with long COVID went up,” Steves said. A recent study analyzing a patient database from the Veterans Health Administration found that reinfections dramatically increased the risk of serious health issues, even in
people with mild symptoms. The study of more than 5.4 million VA patients, including more than 560,000 women, found that people reinfected with COVID were twice as likely to die or have a heart attack as people infected only once. And they were far more likely to experience health problems of all kinds as of six months later, including trouble with their lungs, kidneys, and digestive system. “We’re not saying a second infection is going to feel worse; we’re saying it adds to your risk,” said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, chief of research and education service at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care ResearchersSystem.say the study, published online but not yet peer-reviewed, should be interpreted with caution. Some noted that VA patients have unique characteristics, and tend to be older men with high rates of chronic conditions that increase the risks for long COVID. They warned that the study’s findings cannot be extrapolated to the general population, which is younger and healthier overall. “We need to validate these findings with other studies,” said Dr. Harlan Krumholz, director of the Yale New Haven Hospital Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation. Still, he added, the VA study has some “disturbing implications.” With an estimated 82% of Americans having been infected at least once with the coronavirus as of mid-July, most new cases now are reinfections, said Justin Lessler, a professor of epidemiology at the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health. Of course, people’s risk of reinfection depends not just on their immune system, but also on the precautions they’re taking, such as masking, getting booster shots, and avoiding crowds. New Jersey salon owner Tee Hundley, 43, has had COVID three times, twice before vaccines were widely available and again this summer, after she was fully vaccinated. She is still suffering the consequences. After her second infection, she returned to work as a cosmetologist at her Jersey City salon but struggled with illness and shortness of breath for the next eight months, often feeling like she was “breathing through a straw.”Shewas exhausted, and sometimes slow to find her words. While waxing a client’s eyebrows, “I would literally forget which eyebrow I was waxing,” Hundley said. “My brain was so slow.” When she got a breakthrough infection in July, her symptoms were short-lived and milder: cough, runny nose, and fatigue. But the tightness in her chest remains.“Ifeel like that’s something that will always be left over,” said Hundley, who warns friends with COVID not to overexert. “You may not feel terrible, but inside of your body there is a war going on.”Although each omicron subvariant has different mutations, they’re similar enough that people infected with one, such as BA.2, have relatively good protection against newer versions of omicron, such as BA.5. People sickened by earlier variants are far more vulnerable to SeveralBA.5. studies have found that vaccination reduces the risk of long COVID. But the measure of that protection varies by study, from as little as a 15% reduction in risk to a more than 50% decrease. A study published in July found the risk of long COVID dropped with each dose people received.Fornow, the only surefire way to prevent long COVID is to avoid getting sick. That’s no easy task as the virus mutates and Americans have largely stopped masking in public places. Current vaccines are great at preventing severe illness but do not prevent the virus from jumping from one person to the next. Scientists are working on next-generation vaccines — “variant-proof” shots that would work on any version of the virus, as well as nasal sprays that might actually prevent spread. If they succeed, that could dramatically curb new cases of long COVID. “We need vaccines that reduce transmission,” Al-Aly said. “We need them yesterday.” (Liz Szabo/Kasier Health News) KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.
Singson visited Pacquiao in his Forbes mansion in Makati recently, and was happy to reconnect with his longlost friend. The meeting was described as joyful and very cordial, attended by only a few friends and guests including Pacquiao's wife, Jinkee. "That topic never came out in the meeting. We had a sumptuous dinner and everything appeared to have gone back to normal. We decided to bury the hatchet, so to speak, and everybody w as all smiles," said Pacquiao, who also exhibited dismay and shock over the new developments. "I can't make any comments on the case filed in the U.S. regardingParadigm because it is sub judice, meaning, any comments I make might affect my separate claims," said Pacquiao. Paradigm tried to stop Pacquiao from fighting in the U.S. after he signed to a bout contract with boxing champion Errol Spence Jr. The U.S. courts rejected the appeal of Paradigm to stop the fight and Pacquiao eventually went on to fight last-minute substitute Yourdenis Ugas. Pacquiao lost in apparently his last fight as a professional.Estranged former friend Jayke Joson's name also appeared in the press release. He is suspected to have been the mastermind in the creation of the Pacquiao-Singson rift story. Joson was quoted as saying: Manong Chavit knows the ins and outs of life. He's been in many struggles and won all the fights he encountered. I agree with him that Manny should settle his issue with Paradigm first before entertaining any offers."Ithas been no secret that between his former friendship with Pacquiao, Joson chose to side with Paradigm and went on a rampage, issuing press releases in the past. (ManilaTimes.net)
First human cases of West Nile virus reported... responsibility,” says Leann Verdick, District Manager of the Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District. “While our technicians check and treat mosquito breeding in public water sources, residents are urged to eliminate standing water on their property and use EPA-registered repellents when mosquitoes are active.” For more information on West Nile virus, org.visit http://www.socalmosquito.findlacounty.gov/media/westnile.visit publichealth.Toalocalvectorcontroldistrict,
Stagnant swimming pools or “green pools” should be reported to the Public Health Environmental Health Bureau at (626) 430-5200, or to a local vector control agency. Dead birds may be reported by calling (877) 968-2473 or westnile.ca.gov/report.php.online: https://
Singson denies giving statement regarding...
‘Commercializing’
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The virtue of criticizing the president’s men and women
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To be precise, the report focused on the Singapore Strait, which is bounded by Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. That is a valuable waterway used by ships ferrying billions of dollars worth of cargo, which are tempting targets forButpirates.the institute also mentioned that maritime security was a concern in the Sulu and Celebes Seas that connect the Philippines with Indonesia and Malaysia. Maritime safety there has been improving in recent years, thanks to the cooperation among those three countries. But the institute added that they should remain vigilant, not only against piracy but also on kidnapping and terrorism.
RECENT comments by White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha point to a major shift in the administration’s approach to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Described by Jha as “commercialization,” the shift in strategy portends serious consequences when it comes to equitable health access for the nation’s most vulnerable. Not much is yet known about what commercialization might entail except that if you need a vaccine or an antiviral treatment, you’d get it from your doctor or from a hospital—if you’re lucky. Speaking to CNN, Jha notes the shift aims to phase out federal funding that has, so far, helped assure free COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and treatment. This new approach is framed by the White House as longanticipated and progressing well, but does it actually reflect improved public health strategy, or is it a surrender to political reality?Dr.Jha’s announcement came after months of unsuccessful political negotiations with Republicans, among them some, such as Florida Governor Ron De Santis, cynically opposed to COVID-19 vaccination as a public health strategy, and others, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, promulgating conspiracy theories. The Biden administration had initially sought at least $22.5 billion in FY23 funding for pandemic response, warning about the consequences of inadequate funding if, as some models suggest, there were to be another wave of COVID-19 thisAndwinter.what would those consequences be for communities?In2019,almost 30 million working-age people and children in the U.S. lacked health insurance. The initial investment in COVID-19 response under the American Recovery Act added health insurance coverage for slightly more than 5 million people—although coverage was surely lower among some vulnerable populations such as undocumented farmworkers, where only 22% have health insurance (although, at least in California, many may eventually benefit by 2024 from eligibility for state-subsidized health insurance).If“commercialization” means reverting to the complex and paper-intensive patchwork quilt of the mainstream health care delivery system, it will inevitably amplify pre-existing chronic inequities. Whether “the system” works well for you or not depends on who you are and where you are in the health careVaccinationecosystem.is a case in point. Leaving aside for the moment the question about the extent to which COVID-19 “vaccine hesitancy” actually stems from cynical and politicized anti-vaxer messaging or from individual decisions, socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine access will erect higher barriers to vaccination and treatment for racial/ethnic minorities and households in sociallydisadvantaged communities, reversing progress made in the first three years of fighting the pandemic.
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The economic fallout, if severe enough, could also fuel political instability and derail rural development. As everyone knows, poverty is the root cause of many problems in the Philippines. Fisheries agreement In a story about the report on piracy, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post said that the territorial disputes in the South China Sea may be exacerbating the problem. That paper referred to Indonesia's dispute with China, which claims nearly all of the South China Sea with its "nine-dash line" border claim. Of course, the Philippines, along with others in Southeast Asia, also has a similar issue with China that impacts maritime security. In a previous commentary some time ago, Rafael "Raffy" Alunan III pointed out the link between fishing rights and maritime security. He was formerly interior secretary during the Ramos administration and was chairman of the Philippine Council for Foreign Relations. The point is that security threats and economic problems can result from diplomatic policy failures. Filipino fisherfolk are already the poorest of the poor in the country. And disrupting their livelihood because of competing claims in the South China Sea may push some of them to crime, because they lackTheoptions.competing claims may be a complex problem with no easy fix. But there should be some understanding between the Philippines and China on protecting the poorest of the poor. The government should push for a fisheries agreement that can protect Filipino fishermen, not only from Editorial the Chinese coast guard but also from large fishing boats that crowd out those in outriggers from fishing grounds. Also, the fishermen's welfare is not without a larger public interest. Consumers are also affected when local fish supplies become limited. Importing fish to serve demand can be an option, but not without added costs to consumers who are already struggling with inflation. A fisheries agreement seems consistent with the government's foreign policy. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said that under his leadership, the Philippines will be a friend to all and an enemy to no one. But it remains to be seen whether China will reciprocate.Withoutrelief from the impact of the UkraineRussia war and from COVID-19, policymakers are left with few options to address problems on the home front. The agreement suggested here can be initiated by the Philippines, and that can possibly mitigate the problems created by external headwinds. Given the link to regional maritime security, a pact protecting fishing will benefit more than just poor Filipinos. (ManilaTimes.net)
Here’s an example. If a lowincome, uninsured immigrant family of four that has been successfully convinced to get vaccinated now seeks to get the new booster that provides crucial protection against BA.5 and other post-Omicron variants, what might happen with commercialization? Given the current cost of vaccine and vaccination, the family would need to pay at least $600 for a booster. Few will be able to afford getting vaccinated. So much for the dream of “herd immunity.”Thepotential consequences of commercialization are still more serious for the millions who are at “high risk” for progressing to serious illness (due to age or underlying health conditions) and unvaccinated or not “up to date” with booster shots. Highly-effective antiviral treatment is currently available for them but must be accessed very rapidly (within five days of testing positive or having COVID-19 symptoms). But it’s expensive. Paying for a course of the preferred, antiviral, Paxlovid currently costs the government about $530, but if the current “Test To Treat” approach is abandoned as part of the push for commercialization, the eventual market price is expected to be higher. This is not the right time to abandon the federal government’s efforts to make free and easily accessible vaccination, testing, and treatment available to everyone. After commercialization, the most socioeconomically marginalized households, vulnerable to COVID-19 infection because of crowded living conditions and working in essential jobs such as agriculture and meat-processing, will be leftTheseunprotected.low-income households will continue to be more likely to contract COVID-19 and the high-risk patients in them will be more likely to be hospitalized, more likely to suffer from “long COVID,” and more likely to die. The ideological stance underlying the pivot to commercialization of COVID-19 response, the proposition that everyone has the responsibility and will have the economic ability to make their own wise ManilaTimes.net photo PART of the role, if not a duty, of every citizen in a democracy is to actively provide inputs to the political process. And this is done not just by voting and participating in the electoral process. This is done by actively participating in political discourse, and there are many ways other than by joining a political movement or volunteering for a cause. A healthypolitical discourse is enabled when citizens actively provide feedback on the conduct of their public officials, whether elected or appointed.
Tough times driving growth in sea piracy
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It is therefore tragic that loyalists, blinded by their passionate support for the President, equate any criticism even of his people with an attempt to destabilize his government. Worse, they see governance not in the context of serving public interest, but in edifying personalities and protecting their positions and private interests. Many now equate public interest with the name and reputation of public officials, effectively forgetting public accountability.
What is odd is that many of these blind loyalists believe that they would protect the President by defending and tolerating his people at all cost. While it is indeed true that the people appointed by the President bear and reflect his governance ethos, and are all acting as his alter ego, it is simply dangerous to treat them like infallible deities, considering that even the President is not an infallible god. While it is presumed that these officials are acting on behalf of the President, it is utterly wrong to assume that every action they take, or every utterance they make, is always exactly what is in his mind and what he intended to say and do. It is utterly naïve to presume that these officials do not have their own agenda to pursue and political interests to protect. In fact, it would not be far-fetched to say that many of them have accepted, or even sought, these appointments less just to serve the people, or even the president. Many of them are governed less by the legal financial incentives, knowing that careers in the private sector would pay more with less public scrutiny of their lifestyles and personal activities. Rather, many of them are after the power and influence that come with being an alter ego of the President, some with an eye on the illicit flow of material rewards that can come on the side, while others have a moist eye toward future careers in elected positions.
THE Philippines should monitor a report saying that piracy and sea robberies in Southeast Asia are growing. Earlier this month, the Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore reported that poor people were being pushed to criminality because of the economic downturn caused by global events, particularly the Russian war against Ukraine and the lingering COVID-19 pandemic.
It is comforting when the President promised that he would appoint only the best and brightest. But the President, once again, is not God. He can err in sizing up his people, and he may end up appointing persons who may be well-endorsed and connected, or who had the audacity to beg for positions, but are less qualified. And this is not just a hypothetical scenario if we have to judge the actual conduct of some of them. An equally egregious and sad spectacle is when overly ambitious but terribly inept officials appointed by the President end up pursuing their own interests by undermining, even framing, career public servants, turning them into sacrificial lambs, or as excuses for the incompetence of these appointed officials. A true supporter who would endeavor to protect the President would be the first to call out these kinds of people, to prevent any further damage on his tenure. And this would necessarily require them to be
Cost barriers are real. To assess the likely impact of socioeconomic disparities if commercialization goes forward, one need only read an article in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that came out three days after the administration announced the new phase of federal COVID strategy. The researchers report that by early 2022 only 16.1% of uninsured people had received a COVID-19 vaccine booster— less than half the U.S. average (40.2%). Single parents with children were also particularly likely not to have received a booster (16.4%). Why does vaccination equity as measured by receipt of a booster matter? Because research shows that “full vaccination” without at least one booster, doesn’t do nearly enough to protect people from infection or hospitalization and because COVID-19 will circulate more widely in the low-income neighborhoods and communities where the most vulnerable populations live if receipt of boosters lags due to cost barriers.
Even if the growing piracy hot spot was in the Singapore Strait, the Philippines should be concerned. Filipinos account for about 25 percent of seafarers worldwide, meaning they are likely to be victims of piracy and sea robbery that happen anywhere. Incidentally, those two terms are differentiated only by where the crime takes place. Sea robbery is the term used for "piracy" that happens within 12 nautical miles of the coast. Both those maritime threats not only disrupt international trade. They also hamper the movement of goods and people within the archipelagic states like the Philippines. According to the institute, "Poor socioeconomic conditions in coastal communities often lead locals to turn to crime to make ends meet, especially during economic downturns."
I was often told by Duterte loyalists to simply shut up, stop criticizing and just help the government. And now that I speak critically of some of the conduct of certain officials in the Marcos government, I am once again being told to shut up, and just help. These people are so consumed with their idolatrous elevation of political leaders to their imaginary pedestal, that they forget that all these people we elect and those they appoint, are there to serve our interest. This is why they are called public servants, and this is precisely the privilege that we are bestowed with because we are that sovereign people mentioned in the Constitution who pay for their salaries, and whose interests they must serve and protect.
AUGUST 27-30, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797A6 EDWARD KISSAM Commentary ANTONIO CONTRERAS Commentary
COVID-19 response is bad news on all fronts
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We are not government officials. But as citizens we have our duties and obligations, which we should perform to do our share. But this goes beyond paying taxes and obeying laws, and must also include performing our duty and privilege to criticize government action when necessary. After all, we have not elected absolute despots and kings who are not supposed to be touched, and they have not appointed overlords and executioners who are not supposed to be crossed. We live in a democratic republic. We have a president whose political demeanor has always shown the gift of tolerance to criticism, and if he can live with even the harshest criticism, it behooves us to ask why his loyalists would now insulate him from criticism and expect total silence. Democracy welcomes even the most irrelevant criticism as a more desirable alternative to political violence. Speech is the pressure valve that may create political noise, and we have to tolerate this not just as a matter of necessity, but as a matter of constitutional right. Speech can also provide the needed feedback mechanism that performs the function of ensuring quality of governance. Any mature government confident of its ability to rectify its mistakes and level up its performance would welcome criticisms that are based on evidence, are rational and wellmeaning. After all, government is about delivering the best to and for the people.
Dept. of Health not recommending lockdown due to monkeypox cases
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De Guia said that the CHR had already launched its own investigation in these recent killings.Beyond the GBV cases, the CHR is equally concerned about the recent killings of a couple on their way to a court hearing in Quezon province, the shooting incident in Taguig City, the robbery and slaying of a 16-year-old scholar in Barangay Bulacao, Cebu City and the still unclear manner of deaths of the Tiamzon couple in a supposed military encounter. “Taking into account the possibility of similar cases and continued GBV cases that may occur, CHR welcomes the announcements of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to look into these killings and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) action for heightened police visibility as a deterrent to crime,” De Guia said. “Government as duty-bearer has the responsibility to protect its citizens from harm, thus, CHR is hopeful that with the abovementioned pronouncements by the DOJ and DILG will translate into tangible actions to deter crime and attain justice for victims through swift resolution of cases,” sheButsaid.the PNP insists there is no reason for the public to be alarmed over the spate of crimes as the peace and order situation in the country remains stable.
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MANILA — The imposition of movement restrictions would not be necessary following the detection of a monkeypox case in Iloilo, the Department of Health said. “The DOH does not recommend lockdown due to the confirmation of a fourth case of monkeypox residing in Iloilo,” the DOH said in a statement on Thursday, August 25.The country’s fourth case of monkeypox has no travel history to or from a country with confirmed infections. Authorities are still tracing the other contacts of the fourth case to determine if there has been a local transmission of the virus.“For now we cannot say 100% and with certainty that this is a local transmission because we have not established the facts yet,” Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, DOH officerin-charge, said in a briefing Friday, August 26. The agency also said the country’s preventive measures for monkeypox “will act as if such (local transmission) is happening.”“[Localgovernments] are doing intensive surveillance. All people with suspected monkeypox are immediately investigated and tested. That is the key for us to prevent further transmission,” Vergeire said. Hesitant According to Vergeire, the country’s fourth monkeypox case is still undergoing isolation, but the patient is “continuously healing.” She added the case is hesitant to provide more information after the patient’s photos were posted on social media. The official asked media outlets and the public to preserve and respect the identity and the privacy of individuals infected with monkeypox.The World Health Organization declared the surge in monkeypox infections outside the endemic African countries an international public health emergency on JulyAccording23. to the WHO, monkeypox spreads from person to person through close contact with someone who has a monkeypox rash, including through face-to-face, skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/Philstar.com)
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CHR raises alarm over kidnap-slays by ELIZABETH MARCELO Philstar.com MANILA — Recent abductions of women and young girls later turning up dead in the countryside are alarming the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) even as the Philippine National Police (PNP) points to numbers showing a decline in crime incidents. “It is most concerning that the CHR has in recent weeks monitored an increase in abductions and incidents of gender-based violence (GBV) perpetrated against women and children and the increasing number of killings across different localities in the country,” CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said on Thursday, August 25. De Guia cited the killing of industrial engineer Princess Dianne Dayor, of Barangay Tikay, Malolos City, Bulacan, whose body was found last July 5 after being reported missing days earlier.She cited the case of Josie Bonifacio, 40, of Barangay Quirino, who was found dead on Aug. 9, only several hours after she was declared missing by her husband.Shealso pointed out how Jovelyn Galleno, who had been reported missing since Aug. 5, turned up dead last Tuesday, August 23. De Guia cited the gruesome killings of two minors, both females – one aged seven in Laguna and the other 15 years old who was also raped in Bulacan. “CHR condemn perpetrators behind these incidents and we re-echo our call in our previous statement, as is the call of Sen. Imee Marcos and Gabriela partylist group Rep. Arlene Brosas for law enforcers to immediately investigate and employ action in line with the government responsibility to protect women, children, and as duty-bearer under Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women,” De Guia“Thissaid.is increasingly important as more children return to school with the resumption of face-toface classes,” she added.
THE Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes on Thursday, August 25 kicked off the process of rewriting the 1987 Constitution.Sen.Robinhood "Robin" Padilla said this is part of his responsibility as chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes. "There is one truth that cannot be denied — that we Filipinos must respond to the call to improve and enhance our Constitution if needed," said Padilla in Filipino at the committees' organizational meeting."Wewill keep an open mind for views, opinions and suggestions to enhance our Constitution," he said.The discussion centered on three points: – Is there a need to amend or revise the 1987 Constitution? – What modality will be appropriate for amending or revising the Constitution? – For amendments and revisions to the Constitution, should the members of the Senate and House of Representatives vote jointly or separately? Padilla said it cannot be denied that the Constitution has a key role in democratic countries like the Philippines — and that from 1898 to 1987, it had undergone changes."Somany events have taken place, including revisions, to various versions of the Constitution for more than a century. If we would tackle them one by one, it would take quite a long time," said Padilla. Meanwhile, Executive Director Jonathan Malaya of the Center for Excellence in Local Governance agreed that it is time to amend the 1987 Constitution which he said was Malaya,flawed. a former undersecretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, maintained that no constitution the world over is perfect. He said the 1935 Constitution had so many amendments.Sinceformer presidents Fidel Ramos, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Joseph Estrada had undertaken studies on the issue of whether the Charter should be amended or revised, "there is logic to change" the Constitution, Malaya said. He noted that the constitutional provision on political dynasties is "notNowself-executing."isthebesttime to begin the process of amending or revising the Constitution because the President might be suspected of wanting to extend his term if done later, Malaya said. Piecemeal amendment through a Constituent Assembly is preferred because it is cheaper andMalayafaster. favors separate voting by the Senate and House of Representatives on issues brought to the floor. Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa agreed on the need to amend the Charter, saying the party-list system needs to be fixed because it is being used by political dynasties and by leftists. COVID-19 response is bad...
“We shall guarantee that every peso authorized in this budget is directed to address food security and inflation, reduce poverty and provide the necessary stimulus for economic transformation,” Co said. Quimbo also promised to help expedite budget deliberations and pass it the soonest. She maintained that it is critical for lawmakers to approve a welltargeted budget that will be instrumental in paving the country’s path moving forward. The proposed 2023 budget is 4.9 percent higher than the 2022 appropriation of P5.02 trillion. It is also equivalent to 22.2 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
PNA photo Alfred Frias
FREE RIDE. A passenger rushes to get on a shuttle bus offering a free ride along Commonwealth Avenue in Philcoa, Quezon City on Friday, Aug. 26. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has deployed a total of seven buses and two military trucks that will service commuters every day from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The 2023 budget was crafted based on and in support of the administration’s eight-point socioeconomic agenda and on pillars that address the immediate and pressing concerns of all Filipinos in the near and medium-term. It is anchored on strengthening the purchasing power of Filipinos, reducing vulnerability and mitigating scarring from the pandemic, enhancing bureaucratic efficiency through digitalization, supporting local governments through full devolution, among other programs. On the part of Congress, Co said they will work “double time” to ensure that President Marcos’ first full-year budget would be passed into law before the Christmas break.
The virtue of criticizing the President’s...health care decisions, is both hypocritical and dangerous— because the consequences of what people do or don’t do affect us all—in terms of health risks, family well-being, and communityInevitably,life. the entire nation will suffer the economic consequences of more costly more open and unrestrained in their criticism. Thus, it is not in being quiet where they can help, but in being critical in exposing the unpalatable and undesirable deeds, and the ineptitude of these PAGE A6 PAGE A6 emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and long-term disability for the millions who are unfortunate enough to have long-COVID. (Ethnic Media Services) * 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. * * * Edward Kissam is a leading researcher and advocate for strategies to deal with COVID-19 in farmworker and immigrant communities. He has led research on farmworker and immigrant issues sponsored by the Department of Labor, the Commission on Agricultural Workers, and the National Institute for Food and Agriculture. He is also a trustee of the WKF Charitable Giving Fund.
* * * 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.
Economic managers brief House on P5.268 trillion national budget
Budget hearings
The Departments of Energy and of the Interior and Local Government as well as the Energy Regulatory Commission get their proposed budgets scrutinized also on Sept. 1. On Sept. 2, Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez will defend the 2023 budget of the Office of the President, where officials of the Departments of Agrarian Reform and Environment and Natural Resources will also appear before the Co-led committee. It will be the turn of the Department of Agriculture and the National Irrigation Administration on Sept. 5, followed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development the next day. The Departments of Justice and of Science and Technology will present their spending plans on Sept. 7, while the last agency to defend their budget will be the Department of Public Works and Highways on Sept. 16. (Philstar.com)
“The ball is now in the hands of the committee, whatever disposition we shall take. We must act and work together to scrutinize every aspect of this budget to ensure that it is consistent with the socioeconomic agenda of the President,” he said in his opening remarks.
Senate tackles Charter change
MANILA — President Marcos’ economic managers briefed leaders of the House of Representatives on Friday, August 26 on the proposed P5.268-trillion budget for 2023, presenting it as a springboard for economic recovery in post-pandemic times. Members of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), among them Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla, National Economic and Development Authority Director General Arsenio Balisacan, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, took turns in reassuring lawmakers of a “robust economy.” Speaker Martin Romualdez – joined by Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and Marikina City Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo, House committee on appropriations chairman and vicechair, respectively – vowed to scrutinize the National Expenditure Program (NEP). “We will make sure that each bit of spending will contribute to our goal of reigniting the fires of our economic forges and at least propel the country to reach economic growth at pre-pandemic levels,” said Romualdez, who represents the 1st District of Leyte. The budget season has officially started and the President’s economic team is making sure that as the House begins deliberating on the NEP, it is properly briefed on macroeconomic and growth assumptions; the government’s fiscal and revenue collection performance and how the budget will be financed in 2023 and over the medium-term. Pangandaman, who chairs the DBCC, stressed that the 2023 NEP embodies the country’s “agenda for prosperity.”Thisisaimed at attaining the headline goals of bringing down the budget deficit and debt ratio as a percentage to the national economy, as well as reducing the poverty rate. “Our agenda for prosperity is one that ensures inclusivity, that no Filipino would be left behind; and sustainability, that our economic progress is mindful of climate change and sustainable development goals,” Pangandaman said. “The budget is consistent with the priorities outlined by the President during his first State of the Nation Address. This budget is a springboard for the economy’s full-speed recovery and meaningful structural reform,” she said. Diokno, for his part, maintained that the economic team’s proposed 2023 budget will bolster the country’s bid for a strong recovery and accelerated growth.Asthe economic team gave assurance that the government’s fiscal policies stand on solid ground, Balisacan said he is looking forward to a “prosperous, inclusive and resilient economy.”
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The House has set the budget hearings, starting with two of the government’s revenue-generating agencies – Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. – on Aug.The30.Departments of Tourism and of Foreign Affairs present their spending plan the next day (Aug. 31), followed by the judiciary, led by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo for the Supreme Court down to the lowest courts, on Sept. 1.
people.Some people say it is too early to criticize the President and his men and women. I would say if some of his people are already failing, then the earlier they are weeded out, the better. (ManilaTimes.net)
by JAVIER JOE ISMAEL ManilaTimes.net
‘Commercializing’
Workers recently removed the Bally’s lettering from its façade so that the Horseshoe name can goTheup. Horseshoe brand, according to Caesar’s, has always been a valued and iconic place. It has long been associated with the casino operations of Benny Binion, a former Texas resident who launched the World Series of Poker at his Glitter Gulch casino in 1970. It was known as the center for high-stakes, risk-takers and gamblers looking for sports betting action. Binion had a motto for his Horseshoe brand: “good food cheap, good whiskey cheap, and a good gamble.” Also on the north end of the Strip, Circus Circus is getting its own renovation – a modest one, but which is intended to highlight the original feel of the property – of Las Vegas being a family destination for fun. Among the work being done on the property is repainting, a renovation of the “big top,” a revamping of the pool to double its capacity and give it a new resort-feel look, and the plan to add new rides to the Adventuredome theme park area. With current visitor levels to Las Vegas rising and the airport reporting a record number of passengers passing through recently, Sin City is coming back from its dark days when the Strip was empty and there were no
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 27-30, 2022 A9Features Fontainebleau property to feature high-end shopping complex
IT seems a precursor for resortcasino properties that are being built in Las Vegas nowadays –retail space that will help draw in moreYoucustomers.canseeit with properties like the Wynn/Encore, or the Venetian/Palazzo, or the Bellagio, or Ceasar’s, or Aria (with the nearby Crystals shopping center) where both tourists and locals have multiple avenues to walk to and explore the many shops (and restaurants) that are located inside its Fontainebleaumega-venues.seems to be the latest property to explore the trend as it recently announced that its Las Vegas location, which will include about 3,700plus rooms, a casino, a giant convention space and several restaurants, will have about a twolevel shopping district spanning about 90,000 square feet and feature about 35 high-end stores. While there is no report yet on what high-end stores may be joining the Fontainebleau’s shopping district when the property opens in late 2023, many are excited at the prospect of seeing another destination rise in a town that hasn’t seen a highend luxury hotel built in the city in Locateddecades.close to the expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Fontainebleau will also feature pool experiences, spa and wellness offerings, and nightlife options – you simply just don’t come to Sin City to do one or two things… it’s more of a whole plethora of experiences that you want to indulge in and be a part Already,of. it is a prominent building at the north end of the Strip, it’s huge blue façade with the “fb” letters readily seen by casino visitors as they either traverse Las Vegas Blvd. or visit any of the resort-casino properties within its vicinity. According to the most recent releases about the Fontainebleau, it “aims to allow for the retail space to be fully integrated into the resort ecosystem, with all stores neighboring the prominent casino and food and beverage venues so that guests can play a round of blackjack then do some shopping without having to leave the center of Butactivity.”theFontainebleau is not the only property planning updates to its mega-venues in Las Vegas.
Russ Bateman walks along the Strip whenever the weather is good. Behind Russ (to the right) is the façade of the Fontainbleau, which is scheduled to open in late 2023, which will include 90,000 square feet of shopping/retail space.
Property/real estate investors of Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (above, middle) were at her ranch house in Pahrump recently. With Realtor Quitevis-Bateman in photo are Luila Ecat from Spokane, WA and Jean Gatos from London.
Caesar’s Entertainment, which is competing with MGM and Wynn for dominance in the Las Vegas Strip, is renovating its Bally’s hotel-casino property, which will now be rebranded to the Horseshoe name. Renovation on the property is expected to be finished by the end of 2022.
Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948, or send email to fely@preciousproperties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com.
by RealtoR Fely Quitevis-Bateman
Renderings by Fontainebleau Development of what the 90,000-square-foot shopping district will look like, integrating the space fully into the resort ecosystem. Images captured from internet visitors during the height of the pandemic.Perhaps that is why some casino-resort property groups are positioning their pieces better on the Strip in order to get a bigger slice of the consumer market coming back to Las Vegas. After all, the city remains to be one of the most attractive options for tourists and visitors from around the world, what with its restaurants, top shows/acts/ singers on display, shopping, spa/ resort experiences, sports events, off-Strip activities, and, of course, gambling.Recently, there have been news of the housing market slowing down in Las Vegas. This has given way to buyers having more of negotiating power at the table, as opposed to a time when sellers had all the chips fall their way due to the shortage of home unitsWithavailable.construction still at a good pace and many projects still in development or planned for the Las Vegas area and surrounding communities, housing will still be in demand for the area. A study by UNLV researchers expect the population of Clark County, where Las Vegas is situated in, to grow by 1 million people by 2060 – and that growth will mean more people looking for housing opportunities.Ifyouarelooking to purchase your first home, a second/vacation home, an investment property or land in Nevada, let us look together at what’s available in the market. We can find one that will suit your needs and your budget. I have had decades of experience in real estate and I am confident my team and I can help you find that piece of land or property that will help you accomplish that American Dream of homeownership. Many of my clients who have brought their own properties before have now turned them into investments, such as by turning their places into Airbnbs or retals. My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@preciousproperties.com or fely.precious@ gmail.com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days. (Advertising Supplement)
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Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in San Diego on part 1 of Citizen Pinoy’s ‘Your Tanong, My Sagot’
LEADING U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel visited San Diego, where he answered questions of Kapamilya from “America’s Finest City” and neighboring areas. In Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” viewers will hear answers to the following immigration concerns: • Kathy, of Mira Mesa, wants to know if a person can visit the U.S. even if they are under petition.•Raquel of San Diego is asking if she can petition her cousin in the Philippines as her caregiver.•Edith is waiting for her green card through her U.S. citizen daughter. Her other daughter who is 15 years old, is in the U.S. on a tourist visa B2PAGE B2 PAGE B2 By Kathleen a llemit Philstar.com
Asian WKNDJournal Saturday, AUGUST 27, 2022 CONSUMERLIFESTYLEGUIDECOMMUNITYMARKETPLACE
‘YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT’ ANSWERS QUESTIONS FROM SAN DIEGANS. Leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in San Diego, in Part 1 of Citizen Pinoy’s “Your Tanong, My Sagot”. Some of the questions Atty. Gurfinkel answers are: From Jefferson and Virginia – Virginia petitioned his son, Jefferson, as single but he got married. Is there a way to revive Mommy Virginia’s petition?; From Kathy of Mira Mesa – Can a person visit the U.S. as a tourist if they are under petition?; From Edith of National City – I am waiting for my green card through another daughter’s petition. My 15-year-old daughter is in the U.S. on a tourist visa extension. Is there a way my 15-year-old can stay in the U.S. with me?; The Cruz Family: Grandpa Lando, Dad Allan, and grandson Chean drop by to visit Atty. Gurfinkel who worked on their case and successfully reunited the family. Watch Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in San Diego on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, August 28 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.
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Luis, Jessy expecting baby girl fondly called ‘Peanut’
NOT even Kapuso actress and Primetime Queen Marian Rivera is immune to online shopping deals or sales, admitting that she has had her fair share of ‘budol’ buys. Marian confessed that she really loves buying kitchenware because she really loves to cook, even going to the lengths of purchasing a huge number of rags. “Baka nga quota na ako. ‘Yung basahan na gusto ko, baka sold out na!” Marian said. Apart from kitchen items, Marian shared that she also buys coloring materials, pens, and paint for her daughter Zia; the actress even said that it is Zia who buys them herself on Marian’s phone. Marian added that having coloring materials and the like are helpful for Zia and her little brother Sixto as both are returning to face-to-face classes, a prospect that the actress really likes. “Gusto ko ‘yung [face-to-face classes]. Gusto kong maging aligagang nanay. Nae-enjoy kong ihahatid mga anak ko to school,” Marian said, sharing that
By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com she drops off Zia first then Sixto. The “Jose & Maria’s Bonggang Villa” actress also said that she is the one who wakes her kids up, bathes them, and prepares their food, and whenever
LUIS Manzano is ready to lock his house with the help of his Marian Rivera Photo from Instagram/@marianrivera Marian Rivera admits kitchenware, crayons are her biggest ‘budol’ buys
barkada once “Peanut” is born. The TV host was a picture of a giddy daddy-to-be when he and his wife, actress Jessy Mendiola, announced that their firstborn is a girl in an intimate gender reveal party held in Bonifacio Global City“So,recently. ngayon pa lang, Peanut,
Chito Roño ABS-CBN photo
By Alex BrosAs Inquirer.net
Kris Aquino Photo from Instagram/@ Rico Blanco Photo from Instagram/@
By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net By ChristinA AlPAd ManilaTimes.net By AllAn PoliCArPio Inquirer.net
Dantes, a multi-awarded actor, is also famous as a commercial model, dancer, TV presenter and film producer. He is married to the beauteous actress, Marian Rivera.The ‘Darling’ of cinematic screen known for her TV drama series and a string of hit movies depicting real life stories, multitalented Bea Alonzo, also pursued to be a screenwriter-novelist to hone her Internationallyskills. acclaimed singer, Lani Misalucha, the Philippines’ Nightingale, earlier dubbed as the “New Siren of the Strip” during her stints in Las Vegas, is the only Asian to have captured the headlines in a main showroom at the Vegas strip. Ai-Ai Delas Alas, alongside the group, is the life of the party. The “Queen of Comedy” will once again showcase her talents for never-ending fun and laughter. At the heart of it all are two award-winning singers and actors — Julie Anne San Jose, bringing along her talent as a songwriter, musician and top-rated stage performer and artist, while Rayver Cruz, who has risen from being a child actor in a comedy sitcom, will wow the crowd his dancing and performing skills. There is no way to miss this! Doors open at 5 p.m., and showtime starts at 6 p.m. at the Pechanga Theater.
Atty. Gurfinkel also gets a surprise visit from the Cruz family. It was nearly 10 years ago when Atty. Gurfinkel helped the grandfather, Lando Cruz, after the U.S. Embassy in Manila denied his son Allan’s visa because of a misunderstanding. The Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel were able to help bring Allan and his son, Chean, to the U.S. It was a memorable success story featured on Citizen Pinoy.
High-powered GMA Pinoy TV performers ‘together again’ at Pechanga Resort Casino live Sept. 24 & 25
Luis, Jessy expecting...
AUGUST 27-30, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797B2 Community
AFTER a three-year break from television work, Kylie Padilla made her prime-time comeback last May with the sports-themed drama series, “Bolera.” But while she was excited to return to the grind, she admitted that she couldn’t help but feel “mom guilt” at first.“Ididn’t think I could do it. I felt guilty … There was mom guilt. ‘Why are you choosing work over taking care of your kids? Those were the thoughts that came to mind,” she said at a recent online press conference for the said GMA 7 teleserye, which will end its run
ACCLAIMED filmmaker Chito Roño grew up reading “Darna” komiks together with his grandmother, which was why he immediately grabbed the opportunity to direct the series once it was offered to him. “Fan talaga ako ng Darna. Maliit pa lang ako nababasa ko na sa komiks. Sa pelikula pa lang nagbabasa na ako. So, parang naging part ng buhay ko. Lahat kami nagbabasa ng komiks bago pa isinapelikula ni Vilma. Kami ng lola ko, laging magkatabi habang nagbabasa ng komiks,” Roño recalled during the face-to-face grand mediacon for “Mars Ravelo’s Darna: The TV Series” earlier this month. (I am really a fan of Darna. I was still a little boy then when I read it as komiks. Even when it was already turned into a movie, I still read it. So, it can be said that it has been a part of my life. All of us read the komiks even before the film versions starring Vilma Santos were made. I and my grandmother were always next to each other when we read the komiks.) Aside from Darna, he also read other Mars Ravelo komiks characters. “That’s why when it was offered to me, I
• Jefferson was petitioned as single by his mother, Virginia. However, he got married. Jefferson now asks if there is a way to revive his mother’s petition.
“Ayoko kasing mag-doble ‘yung mayroon ko na sa bahay, and I make sure na when I list it down, ‘yun talaga mga kailangan ko,” Marian ended, using Christmas decorations as an example. “Mas maganda talaga naglilista ka para nakakasigurado ka walang sayang sa bibilhin... maging praktikal!” n
on Friday, August 26. Last year, Kylie and her husband, Aljur Abrenica, decided to call it quits. Suddenly, she was a single mother. That’s when she realized that she will have to make some sacrifices for the sake of their sons, Alas, 5, and Axl, 2. Bigger picture “I realized that I could do it… As a single working mom, I now get to see the rewards: I’m able to give my kids a better life. You will really have to make sacrifices. But I know better now. I’m dreaming of building a new home for them. I see the bigger picture,” she said, adding that being a working mom is actually a blessing.”
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extension. Edith wants to know how her 15-year-old daughter can stay in the U.S. with her.
The Cruz family is one of the success stories featured on Citizen Pinoy. Photo above shows (from left) grandson Chean, dad Allan, and petitioner grandpa Orlando, with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel.Photos provided by Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel
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Kylie now reaping rewards of her sacrifices as a single mom KRIS Aquino has been diagnosed with other autoimmune diseases after undergoing more medical tests in the United States, her sister Ballsy Aquino disclosed. Giving an update on her sister’s condition, Ballsy said that Kris’ medical team is still in search of the treatment suitable for the actress, considering her food, plant and medicine
Atty. Gurfinkel answers...
Kris diagnosed with more autoimmune diseases, in search of ‘correct treatment’
IN his almost 30-year career in the entertainment industry, Rico Blanco has never been one to back out on challenges. Be it co-founding one of the most iconic local bands, Rivermaya, in 1994; conquering the stage as a solo artist in 2008; and eventually taking more responsibilities behind the scenes as manager and producer, Blanco always went for them head-on, giving every single one his all. This year, Blanco is taking the same intense fervor and spirit as he stages his first ever solo headliner at the gigantic Smart-Araneta Coliseum.“Iamhappy to announce that on September 11, I will be back in Araneta Coliseum for a concert. I’ve never done a solo on this scale. And what a time to try,” Blanco declared at a mediaWhileevent.neither performing solo onstage nor filling up the Big Dome is nothing new to the veteran performer, it will be the first time for Blanco to hit one of the country’s biggest venues in Metro Manila without his band or other solo artists. “If you look at my story, I’ve always seen challenges as opportunities to bring about new way of doing things,” he confidently stated.Blanco described he envisions the concert to have “a reunion vibe” but promises that he will also do “some firsts” on stage. He added that while his previous outings in Araneta were more festive and celebratory, his upcoming concert will have more heart. “We’ll have a more raw and intimate experience, even if it’s a big venue. I don’t want to spoil it, but I can say you’ll feel the
Celebrity couple Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola Photo from Instagram/@senorita_jessy allergies. Ballsy spoke about this during a Zoom interview with non-governmental organization Banyuhay Aotearoa, as seen on its Facebook page on Saturday, Aug.“Unfortunately,20. they are still trying to give her the right, correct treatment. She has so many allergies that all the medicines they’ve been trying haven’t been working, or maybe they did but then the side effects — they were not too happy about,” she said. Despite having thoughts of giving up, Kris is determined to win the battle against her illnesses for the sake of her sons Josh and Bimby, who are “keeping her fighting spirit even stronger.”“[Butthe past few days], she has been in good spirits and she says that there are times—well because there was a time she was really feeling that she was about to give up because she was having such a difficult time,” Ballsy said. “But then, when she “I know it’s not a low-hanging fruit by any means. It’s actually the opposite, but as I’ve said, I like the challenge. And I think the fact that we do it, I think that alone is a success already. Ang importante sumusubok tayo umusad hangga’t makakaya. I don’t think we are going back anymore. It’s a different world so let’s figure out paano natin gagawin ngayon.” If the impressive turnout in gigs at mediumsized venues lately is any indication, the audience, according to Blanco, is definitely ready to see and hear more, and that’s what inspires him and his team to continue. Parang gigil, nasasabik talaga ang tao so I’m very hopeful na magtuloy-tuloy. Live music is important to our kababayan. A lot of meaningful relationships start there. It’s a way for them to celebrate or to pick themselves up when they are Preparationsdown.”forthe concert are in full swing, which includes Blanco doing lots of cardio.Why so? “If you have been to my concerts in the past, it’s a physical exercise for me, literally. So I need to ramp up my cardio as I usually do pag matagal ako hindi nakakapag concert. My exercise bike is already set up back at home.” In ending, Blanco assured they are leaving no stones unturned to give the best possible musical experience to an audience deprived of such an experience for the past two years. Kailangan pagandahin dahil I’m sure excited na rin ang lahat na makanood ulit ng Filipino music in Araneta, makarinig ulit ng Pinoy Rock, magsisigaw, magtatalon. Gusto ko maganda yung ma-deliver natin na show at maging masaya ang tao,” Blanco finally said. g
Rico loves a good challenge
Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” with Kapamilya from San Diego and adjacent areas. Watch this brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, August 28 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement) her husband Dingdong Dantes isn’t busy, he accompanies her in dropping off Zia and Sixto at school.Atip that Marian shared for all those who love to shop like her, especially as the “Ber” months approach, is to list everything down on a piece of paper.
Marian Rivera admits...
The long wait is over as famed television and showbiz performers come to perform live next month. With Dingdong are a host of the best celebrities under GMA Pinoy TV — Bea Alonzo, Lani Misalucha, Ai-ai Delas Alas, Julie Anne San Jose, and Rayver Cruz — who will showcase different talents in singing and comedy stints.
Directing ‘Darna’ a dream come true for Chito Roño
got excited like a kid again. And then sabi ko, ‘sige na nga, gawin ko na’ (I said alright, I will do it),” he said. “So, I dared myself to do it. Kumbaga, kabataan ko pa pangarap ko na gawin ang Darna.” (We can say that since my childhood, it has always been my dream to helm Darna.) With Jane de Leon taking on the iconic character, Roño saw the hardships that his lead star went through. “Jane worked very hard for this series,” Roño said. “Ang problema kay Jane (The problem with Jane is), she had to balance between Narda and being Darna. Talagang mahirap (It’s really hard).” He also pointed out that aside from playing Narda and Darna, de Leon also had to do a younger version of Narda. This means de Leon really had to play multiple roles. “It is really a challenge for her as an actress and I think she did very well,” Roño noted.What impressed Roño even more was that de Leon did what he asked her to do – to cut her“Kasihair. I’ve encountered actresses na ‘di puputulan ang buhok. In the old days, noong may prangkisa pa tayo, hindi mo puwedeng putulan ang buhok kasi may commercial, may image si Mr. M,” he recalled. (It is because I’ve encountered actresses before who will not cut their hair. In the old days, when we still had a franchise, you cannot cut a star’s hair because they have commercials, or an image has to be maintained.) “I am very pleased [that] not only [is] she focused, not only [does] she [concentrate], but she has done very well as an actress,” he said of de “Darna”Leon.which also stars Iza Calzado, Joshua Garcia and Janella Salvador, among many others, premiered last week. g
SIX of the most sought-after singers, comedian, and showbiz personalities from Manila, led by famed actor Dingdong Dantes, takes centerstage at the Pechanga Resort Casino as they perform in a live concert entitled “Together Again,” on September 24 and 25 at 6Pechangap.m. Resort Casino is well-known for hosting only the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers aimed to provide the ultimate experience, especially to its Filipino-American patrons.
PAGE B1 PAGE B1 PAGE B1 heart more. I want to strip down a little bit, so you feel the grit and gut and all of that.” Another important aspect of his first solo concert at The Big Dome is that it’s taking place amid the pandemic. Blanco and his team in KDR Music House — the events and production company making the concert possible — are taking measures to ensure everyone’s safety, such as requiring proof of vaccination upon entry and strictly wearing masks throughout the show. Nevertheless, the 49-year-old artist trusts it will be worth all the hard work they’re putting in because, ultimately, he believes it’s high time to bring back live music and help out the whole industry.
(From left) Edith, Jefferson and his mother, Virginia, and Kathy. Their questions will be answered on this episode of Citizen Pinoy.
alam mo na wala munang lalabas. Ang pwede ka lang lumabas ‘pag nine months, after that, no more na. ‘Yun na ‘yun,” Luis said in Jessy’s vlog uploaded on her namesake channel on August 25. They had earlier revealed their gender preference: Jessy wanted Peanut to be a boy while Luis believed their firstborn will be a girl. Bantering with his wife after the gender reveal, Luis said that he’s only allowing their child to go out of the house when she’s 62. Jessy remarked they will not have grandchildren if that happens. He countered that he’ll allow her to go out when she’s 61 years old. “Ni-re-ready na ng barkada. Ang bahay hindi ko lalagyan ng pinto puro pader lang para walang makadalaw,” Luis said. Kidding aside, the couple was just happy that their baby, who they fondly call Peanut, is healthy. Luis’ mom, former Batangas 6th district representative Vilma Santos-Recto, shared that she had always been looking forward to the couple’s baby. “I guess we’re blessed because Peanut is coming and, anak, I’ve been waiting for this for so long. You know that. Even the time you got married, I said, ‘Sige na anak.’ Kahit noong hindi pa kinakasal, ‘Sige na anak.’ Pwede isunod na lang natin? To follow na lang ‘yung kasal. You’re not getting any younger,” the former public servant revealed to her 41-yearold first born. They ended their gender reveal vlog by asking their fans if they have interesting name suggestions for them. In an earlier vlog on Jessy’s channel, the couple revealed their pregnancy journey. They said that they had been trying so hard but they had difficulty conceiving. When they decided to let the stress go, they finally succeeded. They found out they were pregnant around May and it was Vilma who was the first to know when they revealed their good news to her last Mother’s Day. g
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* * * 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)
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THE most intimate moments when Jesus would relate to his disciples were during meals. During these times, he would teach them and share his thoughts and sentiments with them.But at his Last Supper, he did something more radical: he washed the mudded, calloused, and worn-out feet of his disciples. As he washed their feet, he urged them: “If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” Aside from sharing himself as the “meal of sacrifice,” Jesus commanded his disciples to be his partners and collaborators in his mission of love, mercy, reconciliation, peace, and service to all people until the end of times.What a privilege he gave his disciples!Inthe same way, through Baptism and Confirmation, God calls us to be missionary disciples. But like the disciples, we might find ourselves unworthy of his calling. The truth is that Christ calls us despite our weaknesses take it.*
CALIFORNIA lawmakers voted unanimously this month to pass Senate Bill 836, which reenacts and expands the provisions of an existing law (SB 785) signed by former Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018. That law prohibits the disclosure of a person’s immigration status in open court unless the judge determines (in a private hearing) that the immigration status is relevant to the case. SB 785 expired on January 1, 2022. After being signed into law by Governor Gavin, SB 836 reinstates its provisions, removes the expiration date, and is set to take effect immediately.Thelawismeant to safeguard undocumented immigrants as they take part in the justice system. Lawmakers were especially concerned that victims or witnesses to a crime would be unwilling to come forward to report a crime or to testify as witnesses to a crime for fear that their participation or presence in court will get them deported. And if undocumented persons do report or give testimonies, lawmakers wished to ensure that their immigration status, when it’s not relevant to a case, is not used to intimidate or silence them.No less than California’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye expressed concerns about immigration agents who are staking out courthouses and “stalking andWe’resinfulness.faulted, but we’re gifted and called to share in the mission of Christ in this world. Christ needs us more in these challenging times of continuing health threats, war, economic hardship, indifference to faith, religion and church, and secularism.Whatisrequired from us to be part of his mission? First, it requires that we grow in the knowledge of Jesus: to know his heart and mind. And we know what is in his heart and mind. It is always to be united to his Father in love, to follow his will.Friends, we cannot share in the mission of Christ if we don’t have a profound and personal relationship with Christ. And that comes only through prayer, study, and mediation of his words and teachings, and the reception of the life/giving Sacraments. Second, it requires us to be courageous, which means to be vulnerable—to know and recognize our weaknesses but still not afraid to show up, serve and lead despite our shortcomings, self-doubts, and criticisms.AsBrene Brown contends, vulnerability is not winning or losing; it is the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness: it’s the measure of courage. Third, as Pope Francis urges us, fulfilling Christ’s mission requires that “we immerse ourselves in the world with eyes open to its joys and sufferings and with hands calloused from sharing the everyday struggles of those around us.” It means that we are not apart or aloof but “in touch” and accountable. We cultivate solidarity with those who are neglected or marginalized.Tosharein the mission of Christ requires the commitment to transcend ourselves to serve others—to serve some purpose greater than the self. So it is to say yes despite the complexity of humanity and the world. Fourth, it requires the ability to enter into dialogue with people, to engage in fierce conversations about what is going on in our community, church, and the world.Fierce conversation means robust, intense, passionate, honest, and courageous conversations.Finally,to share in Christ’s mission is to remain positive, to journey in hope and optimism, and to do our part to create a future worthy of our beliefs and values.These are challenging tasks, but let’s keep in mind the words of St. Paul (Phil 4:13) that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! * * * 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.
Employees do not have to disclose immigration status in court Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr Rights&EmployeeProtectingConsumer
NotesPastor’s On fulfilling Christ’s mission
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 27-30, 2022 B5 undocumented immigrants” to arrest them. In California, where a large immigrant community contributes to the state’s successful economy, protecting vulnerable immigrant workers makes sense. Under California laws, all workers, regardless of immigration status, have the right to the prevailing minimum wage, overtime pay for working more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week, meal breaks and rest breaks, a safe and healthy work environment, and protection against employer retaliation. California law specifically provides that in enforcing state labor and employment laws, a person’s immigration status is irrelevant to the issue of employer liability. In 2013, California enacted a law that made employer threats of deportation illegal. It became illegal for an employer (and their attorneys) to threaten to contact immigration authorities for the purpose of retaliating against an employee’s exercise of a legal right, such as claiming overtime wages or reporting safety violations at work. Employees who suffer from an unfair immigration-related practice are entitled to recover damages and penalties. The employer may also be liable for a civil penalty of up to $10,000 perInviolation.2014,it became unlawful for an employer to engage in unfair immigration-related practices against any employee in order to retaliate against the employee’s exercise of a protected right. “Unfair immigration-related practice” means any conduct undertaken for the retaliatory reasons such as threatening to file or filing a false police report, or threatening to contact or contacting immigration authorities, among others. In addition, the employers’ attorneys are also prohibited from reporting or threatening to report suspected immigration status of employees or their witnesses (or family members) simply because these persons exercised their employment rights.In2017, California employers are prohibited from voluntarily allowing an ICE agent access, review, or acquisition of the employer’s employee records without a subpoena or judicial warrant. The employer is allowed to challenge the validity of a subpoena or judicial warrant in court. If the employer received notice that ICE agents will be conducting a “workplace raid,” the employer must notify its employees within 72 hours of receiving the notice. * * * 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.
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“Not all moms have the opportunity to do that,” the 29-year-old Kapuso star added. Aside from her children, another thing Kylie worried about was her viability as a prime-time actress. “I have been away for a while, so there was a bit of uncertainty. ‘Will people still watch the shows I do?’ I asked myself,” she related. But thankfully, Kylie said, she was given a role that she hasn’t done before and her fans haven’t seen before. In “Bolera,” she plays a billiards prodigy named Joni, who’s blessed with remarkable visual and spatial intelligence. She learned the sport at a young age from her father, who, unknown to her, was a champion who fell from grace after being accused of cheating.Fueledby grief and anger, Joni hustled her way to the top of the male-dominated field. “I knew that the story was good. But I was a bit nervous, because I hadn’t done tapings for a while and I was working with new people. But once there, I felt the show would be a good one, because just reading the script got me carried away,” she said. “I was already happy and excited and grateful when I first
Catriona is flanked by (from left) cagers and fellow ambassadors Jeff Chan, LA Tenorio, SBP VP Ricky Vargas, SBP president Al Panlilio, FIBA executive director David Crocker, SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, and ambassadors Larry Fonacier and Gary David PAGE B7
Catriona Gray on being FIBA World Cup ambassador, Miss Universe new rules, acting plans
Kris also met another set of doctors that will take charge of further treatments she will undergo. “When she left, she had two autoimmune diseases. I think now there are four,” Ballsy added. “She’s not even 90 pounds now, she’s like 85 or 86. For the other treatments that they want to try, she has to put on more weight. She has to get a little bit stronger.”Krislast gave the public an update on her condition in June, when she and her sons tested positive for COVID-19. At the time, she had three confirmed autoimmune conditions: autoimmune thyroiditis, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and Churg Strass syndrome, collectively known as EGPA. g Kris diagnosed with more...
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Kylie now reaping rewards of her... PAGE B2 got this project. The good ratings are just a reward. Words can’t express how happy I am,” she said. “I’m grateful to the network and the production team (led by director Dominic Zapata), because they took care of me and made sure that my comeback project would be good.” Working with legends One of the highlights of the show, Kylie said, was working with local billiards legends Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante. “I really prepared myself for that taping day, because I knew I would be starstruck. I made sure I put myself in Joni’s shoes, because I really feel like I’m representing the country once again. I know just how passionate Filipinos are about basketball and even more so than pageantry maybe,” the beauty queen and host told The STAR and other press members. “So, I really understand the weight that is on the shoulders of our athletes and it’s not only to make their families proud but also to make their country proud. And it’s also a unique opportunity to be welcoming other nations to the Philippines. I really welcome the opportunity to make a great first impression, to show how warm of a people we are and to really give them a fiesta celebration like no other as we all come together for our shared love of basketball.” As ambassador, Catriona joins the members of the fabled 20132014 Gilas Pilipinas team. The squad is known for ending the 40-year World Cup drought in IT’S been said that Filipinos are most passionate about the three Bs — basketball, boxing and beauty pageants. Having Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray as Philippine ambassador for the FIBA Basketball World Cup (FBWC) 2023 is expected to amp up efforts for the country’s role as host, alongside Japan and Indonesia, of the tournament played by member countries of the International Basketball Federation.DuringThursday’s (August 25) event marking the “one year to go” milestone in the lead-up to the FBWC, Catriona said that she feels like she’s a Philippine bet all over again after being named as ambassador.“Iwasreally surprised because malaking honor din yun eh. I
PAGE B2 wouldn’t be able to act if I went there as Kylie,” she said. “I was like a sponge while with them. I listened to all their tips and advice. I took them all in. They were fun to be with. It’s hard to think they’re champions because they were friendly and humble. Walang ere.” Kylie couldn’t have asked for better coactors. The bond she formed with Jaclyn Jose, who plays her mother, was priceless. “I tend to put up a wall to protect myself because I’m an introvert. But Tita Jane (Jaclyn’s nickname) connected with me immediately. As a mother, I learned a lot from her,” she said, turning emotional. “I learned a lot about the craft, too. Hearing her praise my acting is heartening because she’s amazing. We connected as humans,” she added. “She’s a real person—not just an actress—on the set. I appreciated that. As an actress, I also look for human connection off-screen, because that’s what makes the magic happenKylieon-screen.”isalsothankful to her leading men, Jak Roberto and Rayver Cruz. “I was comfortable with everyone. Walang halong show biz behind the scenes. We became a family during our locked-in taping and I’m grateful I was with them,” she said. g
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Kylie Padilla GMA photo
By Nathalie tomada Philstar.com 2014 by breaking the “Korean Curse” during the FBWC Asian Qualifiers and bringing Philippine basketball back to the global stage at the FBWC14 in Spain. During the presscon where she was seated next to cagers and fellow ambassadors LA Tenorio, Larry Fonacier, Jeff Chan and Gary David, Catriona said, “I really appreciate the opportunity to be surrounded by people who are so passionate about what they do and about their craft, and who at the end of the day, want to allow people or give the opportunity to others to reach their same level.” In her new role, Catriona said she hopes to be an inspiration for others to “dream again” after “such an uncertain two years” brought about by the pandemic. “I really love the opportunity that’s been given to us to have this platform and to show that looks at the pictures of her sons or when she sees them, then she knows she still has to fight.”
SEXY actress AJ Raval made her first public appearance at the special screening of her film “Sitio Diablo” on Wednesday, August 25 following her pregnancy rumors with Aljur Abrenica.Inareport by ABS-CBN News, AJ said she does’t need to clarify the issue.
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AJ RavalPhoto from Instagram/@ajravsss
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AJ Raval makes first public appearance since pregnancy issue
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Bahala na sila kung ano ang paniniwalaan nila, kasi the more you explain or defend yourself, lalo ka nilang aatakihin,” she said Her father, Jeric Raval, meanwhile, supported AJ for the special screening. He also denied the pregnancy of his daughter. “Definitely, hindi!” he said. Magkasama kami sa bahay kaya alam ko. Iisa ang tinitirhan namin sa Quezon City at kung umuuwi kami sa Pampanga, isa lang bahay namin,” he added. Jeric also advised AJ to stay focus more on her career than her love life. “Sayang naman kung maaga siyang mag-aasawa at the peak of her career,” he said. Alam ko at 21, alam na ni AJ ginagawa niya, pero andito lang kaming mga magulang para gabayan siya,” he added. (By Jan Milo Severo/Philstar.com)
Atty. LAwrence yAng Trustee & debtor mutually dismiss adversary claims for $1M
ReliefDebt
AUGUST 27-30, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797B6
shipping merchandise with extended credit to the LLC. In the third year, it appeared that there was too much competition, and losses were being incurred monthly. The LLC could not pay the rent for two warehouses, so it stopped paying rent on the bigger warehouse and consolidated inventory in the smaller warehouse. The landlord for the bigger warehouse sued the LLC for unpaid rent of $240,000. Inyear three, the LLC could not pay its suppliers on time despite extended credit, so the client as the company’s CEO decided to return all unpaid merchandise to suppliers. Let’s just end this here because it gets a little complicated what happens next. I represent the LLC in its Chapter 7 petition. Since the merchandise was returned to suppliers, the LLC no longer had any inventory, or if it did, inventory was negligible.
The client testified at several hearings with the Chapter 7 trustee that the LLC did not have inventory, which was the truth. And what is the reason why it no longer had inventory? Because the LLC could not pay the suppliers and so the LLC returned the entire inventory to unpaid suppliers. Well and good. That’s the truth anyway. However, it doesn’t end there. It’s a long story. First, the client attempted by himself, without me or other counsel, to respond to the 2004 exam conducted by the trustee. This is a deposition where the trustee’s lawyer gets to ask the client anything that he wants and needs to so he can understand what happened to the inventory. The problem is that the tax returns for year three show that there is about $1M of inventory while the client has testified that there is no inventory. So what is really going on? I’m out of the picture at that point because the client did not retain me for the 2004 exam. Second, at the same time that the trustee subpoena’s client for the 2004 exam, the trustee also filed an adversary case against the client, as an individual, to recover some amounts that he thinks were preferential payments made by the LLC to the client. The amount is not big. But it’s just a preferential payment action that involves a small amount, less than $50,000. After the deposition, the trustee then amends the adversary against the client alleging that the client had concealed the $1M inventory, and he wants the $1M back in cash from the client. Whoa, now that’s a pretty big claim! So now the client hires me again the represent him in the adversary. The trustee throws everything against the client, including the kitchen sink, in the amended complaint, which now sounds like a criminal case with all kinds
THE client’s company filed for Chapter 7 relief as it was bankrupt. It had two warehouses and rent for one was $15,000 a month, the other $20,000 a month. Theoriginal business started 12 years ago when the client had a partner. They imported merchandise from Asia and distributed them here in the USA. For eight years, business was good. In the 9th year, the business started deteriorating with sales going down about 40%. The partner decided he wanted to split up and not do the business anymore. The client then bought off the partner and paid him a lump sum amount for the inventory. The client then set up an LLC to take over the business.Thefirst year of operations were breakeven. The second year of operations had some profit. Overseas suppliers were PAGE B7
DISCLAIMER: NONE OF THE FOREGOING IS CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE. EACH CASE IS DIFFERENT. * * * Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South, Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803.
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Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes CornerBarrister’s Parent’s right to change child’s residence to another state in custody cases
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* * 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, P.C. 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 and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@ gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.(Advertising Supplement)
look at the factors and decide what is in the best interest of the child. Custody is usually given to the parent that is more likely to allow frequent and continuing contact between the child and the other parent. On the other hand if there has been a final Custody determination, then the noncustodial parent would have to show a “significant change in circumstances” to change the custody arrangement.
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Catriona Gray on being FIBA... PAGE B5 of conspiracies perpetrated by the client to hide the $1M inventory from the trustee. This is a simple Chapter 7 case that has exploded into a very complicated legal case! In short, the trustee has actually accused the client of committing a crime by hiding $1M of inventory. In the client’s answer to the amended complaint, we include a counterclaim against the trustee for $1M. So now that issues have joined, the trustee and client are suing each other for $1M, with the trustee accusing the client of having committed several crimes. This case was litigated for two years and finally ended with parties, the trustee and client dismissing their claims against each other. It’s a mutual dismissal of the adversary claims. The settlement was arrived at after a one-day settlement conference with the help of a very experienced mediator who was a Federal Bankruptcy judge who had just retired. She was most helpful in the resolution of the case and I wish to give her our thanks for all her help and insight to resolve this case amicably. We were prepared to go to trial in case the mediation failed. But the Judge did point out some weaknesses in the documentary evidence. At trial, I had no idea how the trial court would rule. The client had lots of documentary evidence to prove his case, but at the same time, there were discrepancies in the tax returns. I believe there was divine intervention through the judge because she really saw both sides of the argument impartially. *
PARENTS that are going through divorce and legal separation sometimes have to make a decision to move out of state for various reasons. It may be because their family network is in another state. This decision often have a significant impact on the visitation of the other parent because it would be more difficult for the non-custodial parent to exercise his or her visitation rights in a frequent and continuing manner if the custodial parent moves to a different state hundreds or thousands of miles away from the non custodial parent. The parent that has Custody of the child has a presumptive right to change the child’s residence unless the non custodial parent can show that the move would be a detriment to the child. In cases where there has not been any final custody order, the court has to make a custody determination using “the best interest” standard. Court will Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has been named by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) as the Philippine ambassador for the FIBA Basketball World Cup (FBWC) 2023. Philstar.com file photo the game is something to be passionate about,” she said. “It is also (about) the passion and pride of being Filipino and going after an ambition or a dream. And hopefully through that communication, we’re able to empower the younger generation to dream also.” She admitted that she feels a responsibility to be a positive influence on others through the platforms that she has. “I guess, I’m blessed in my line of work. I get to work with a lot of different people and a lot of different communities, and hopefully, I can just bring it (the power to inspire) everywhere I go,” she told The STAR. “I feel a great responsibility with the platforms that I have. I think social media platforms are thrown around a lot, like, ‘Oh, you have so many followers!’ But for me, it gives a reason why to have that audience — that is, to be able to use it for good. Hopefully, I can bring that influence and hopefully make someone’s life more positive, to give them a little word of inspiration and encouragement.”Shesaidshe’s brainstorming some ideas with the organizers on how to help the country stand out as a host. She is also expected to travel with other local ambassadors for grassroots programs related to the “biggest basketball event” in the country nextMeanwhile,year. Catriona weighed in on the new Miss Universe rules allowing mothers and married women to join the competition reportedly beginning next year. She pointed out that being married is never a hindrance for anyone to become a role model and spokesperson. She, however, said there has to be some consideration given to a young mother with children. “Because the reality is that for that year, you have the responsibility, you have the job and sometimes you don’t get to dictate, ‘Oh, I want to stay in this country for this amount of time or I want to stay here.’ You’re really at the helm of the job,” she explained.“Ofcourse, if I were to put myself in the shoes of being a young mother and wanting to go after the dream of Miss Universe, I feel empowered to do so but at the same time, I would also wonder how I would balance it — being there, being present with my children and also fulfilling the commitments and responsibilities of being Miss Universe. “And siguro since I have experienced the grueling schedules, I kinda think that there would be a need to have some sort of things in place to be able to prioritize both things. But I love that it’s a great step towards an inclusive direction.” She’s proven herself in the fields of pageantry and hosting, but there’s one arena she’s open to explore — acting. She’s not lacking in offers but she wants to be “fully prepared.” She is undergoing workshops before making her foray as an actress. As someone who took up martial arts as a kid, she wants to do an actionMeanwhile,flick. Catriona’s last show, TV5’s survival-reality competition Top Class: The Rise to P-Pop Stardom, recently ended with the Top 5 trainees set to debut soon as a group. On what she learned from hosting Top Class, she said, “I loved the messaging of the show that yes, there’s natural talent that you walk into the door with. But with the right mentors, right mentoring, the right opportunities to enhance and grow yourself, you can really reach great things.” Earlier this year, she also did an international reality show, the Global Child travel series with a cause, which aired on Amazon Prime. It was also her first project with actor-boyfriend Sam Milby, offering audiences a glimpse into their relationship. Having the same values and faith and supporting each other’s ambitions in life are why they continue to stay strong as a couple. She also said, “I guess, just knowing your priorities and making time for each other, but also supporting each other for whatever you want to pursue.”
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Trustee & debtor mutually dismiss...
The Court would then consider certain factors laid out in the case Marriage of LaMusga in deciding whether the child would suffer detriment from the relocation and whether a change of custody should be ordered. The La Musga factors which the Court will consider are 1) the children’s interest in stability and continuity in the custodial arrangement; 2) the distance of the move; 3) the children’s age; 4)the children’s relationship with both parents; 5) the relationship between the parents including, but not limited to, their ability to communicate and cooperate effectively and their willingness to put the children’s interests above their individual interests; 6) the children’s wishes if they are mature enough to make that inquiry appropriate; 7) the reasons for the proposed move; and 8) the extent to which the parents currently are sharing custody.
AUGUST 27-30, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797B8
