091323 - Southern California Midweek Edition

THE commissioning on Monday, September 11, of two ships donated by the United States will enable the Philippine Navy to step up patrols in the tension-filled West Philippine Sea, defense officials said.

The former USS Monsoon (PC4) and USS Chinook (PC 9) will be christened BRP Valentin Diaz (PC-177) and BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS-178), after two founding

SACRAMENTO — The state’s $247 million

API Equity Budget, set to expire next year, may not be renewed as California faces an unprecedented $22 billion budget deficit, said California Asian and Pacific Islander

Legislative Caucus Chair Assemblyman Evan Low Sept. 8, on the sidelines of the first AAPI Leadership Summit.

“I need our community to understand hard facts and truth. In reality, we are in the midst of an economic collapse. There were years of extraordinary revenue when the API Equity Budget was created in 2021.”

“But we’re coming out of the COVID pandemic, and we haven’t recovered yet. We don’t have the resources we previously had,” Low told this reporter, noting that he expects no additional funding for the API Equity Budget next year.

The Democrat, who represents portions of California’s Silicon Valley, encouraged

A SMALL percentage of Americans got the most recent COVID-19 booster shot, and even fewer probably realize the federal government is preparing to recommend yet another shot as early as Tuesday, September 12.

Until a week or two ago, William Schaffner read that indifference as a sign the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should advocate vaccinating only those most at risk from the virus.

But then Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, changed his mind.

Members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices won him over to the argument that the vaccine be recommended for all Americans above 6 months of age, he said in an interview. The committee, which sets U.S. vaccination

TOP diplomatic and military officials from the United States and the Philippines inspected three U.S. military installation sites created under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) in Northern and Central Luzon on Wednesday, September 13.

A statement from Philippine Defense officials on Tuesday, September 12 said Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., along with U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Carlson and Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Admiral John Aquilino, will fly separately to two EDCA sites in Lal-lo Airport and Naval

fathers of the Katipunan, at the Philippine Navy Headquarters.

The two ships were the last two of the U.S. Navy's 14 Cyclone-class ships used in littoral or shallowwater operations.

The Monsoon and Chinook served the U.S. Navy for nearly 30 years. They were last assigned to the 5th Fleet based in Bahrain before they were decommissioned last March 28.

The ships were brought to the country last May

under the Philippine Excess Defense Article (EDA) program.

Philippine Navy Chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci said Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. will be the guest of honor at the christening and commissioning of the two ships.

The Valentin Diaz and Ladislao Diwa will join Philippine Coast Guard vessels in missions that could include escorting chartered boats delivering u PAGE 2

MANILA — News agency Rappler and Nobel Peace laureate Maria Ressa were acquitted on Tuesday, September 12 in the fifth and final tax evasion case filed by the previous Duterte administration.

Rappler, a Filipino-owned company critical of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s policies, described the ruling as a victory for “everyone who has kept the faith that a free and responsible press empowers communities and strengthens democracy.”

“All the dismissed tax cases were based on the false and flimsy premise that, when Rapper issued Philippine Depositary Receipts in 2015, it was not raising capital but earning a taxable profit, which it supposedly willfully did not declare. We are pleased that the court saw through that,” Rappler said in a statement.

Presiding Judge Ana Teresa Cornejo-Tomacruz of the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 157 issued the court’s decision on Tuesday, eight months after the Court of Tax Appeals dismissed four other tax cases.

The court also dismissed the civil aspect of the case.

“This is one of the five cases... filed by the government in relation to the PDR (Philippine Depositary Receipts)

Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, to assess the present state of the sites.

After visiting the two EDCA sites in Cagayan, AFP and U.S. military leaders went to the Basa Air Base in Pampanga to inspect another completed EDCA site project, the statement added.

The three installations are part of the nine EDCA sites provided by the AFP as temporary U.S. facilities for the prepositioning of military assets and equipment to respond to emergencies.

Six of the nine EDCA sites are located in Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Balabac Island in Palawan; Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan; Lumbia

MANILA — For his birthday wish, “a better state of agriculture” is top of mind for President Marcos.

The president, who marks his 66th birthday on Wednesday, September 13, concurrently heads the Department of Agriculture (DA), which is struggling to stabilize the supply and prices of rice and vegetables.

Marcos voiced his birthday wish when asked about it during an interview at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) central office in Quezon City.

He also expressed hope for a more accurate and timely

weather forecasting in the Philippines.

“Also for us to determine what the weather really is – is it wet season or dry season? – so we can help our farmers,” he said. “That’s my only prayer up to now.”

Marcos is scheduled to fly to Singapore on Wednesday to address economic managers and business leaders at the 10th Asian Conference, as well as watch the finals of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix 2023 this weekend.

While in Singapore, the president will also meet with business leaders to strengthen economic ties and further

MANILA — Senator Bong

Go said Deputy House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo urged former President Rodrigo Duterte to be “active in politics” again.

Go said the talk happened

during an “informal” gathering over the weekend attended by Duterte, Arroyo, and former Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

“Isang simpleng kamustahan at masayang pagkikita ang nangyari kasama ang mga u PAGE 4

Former presidents Rodrigo Duterte and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo share a light moment during a ceremony in Pampanga where the provincial government declared the former Davao City mayor an adopted son in this file photo taken on Jan. 26, 2023. Inquirer.net file photo

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) INVITATION FOR BID

LACMTA will receive bids for OP49604 - Tree Trimming Services for the Metro Orange Lineat the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/ Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

A Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023,at 1:00 PM; attendance is optional.

This project is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Set-Aside contract. To participate in this IFB, bidders must be SBE certified with LACMTA prior to proposal due date. For information on the Set-Aside program, visit: https://business.metro.net/ VendorPortal/faces/home1/ certifications.

All Bids must be submitted on forms furnished by LACMTA and must be submitted to LACMTA in one of two ways: either (1) one hard copy original sealed envelope and marked with the IFB No. OP49604 of the entire Bid, including all submittal forms, submitted by mail or hand delivered to the reception desk: One Gateway Plaza, 9th floor V/CM Department, Los Angeles, CA 90012 or (2) submitted electronically via email to bids@metro.net on or before 10:00 a.m. Pacific

Time on Monday, October 16, 2023, at a later time bids will be opened and publicly read.

Bids received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened.

For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https:// business.metro.net or for further information email Shannon Thoene at thoenes@ metro.net.

9/13/23

CNS-3735881#

ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

US-donated ships to...

supplies to the Philippine Navy outpost in Ayungin Shoal.

A flotilla of Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels has been trying to prevent the resupply of the Ayungin station.

Last week, the resupply boats slipped past the blockade after the pursuing Chinese vessels reportedly got stuck in coral reefs near the entrance to the shoal. The number of Chinese vessels has dramatically increased in the past weeks, defense officials said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said the military and Coast Guard will not allow a Chinese takeover of the Navy station in Ayungin.

The AFP has also responded to requests by the private sector to document the next resupply mission to Ayungin on real time via Facebook.

Aside from the station in Ayungin, the Philippines maintains troops in eight other features in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines has also procured two new Israel-made fast attack interdiction craft missile vessels (FAIC-Ms) to beef up its navy.

The two Shadag Mark V vessels were renamed BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905).

They were named after Philippine Marine Lance Cpl. Gener Tinangag, an assistant rifleman, and Sgt. Domingo Deluana who fought alongside 1st Lt. Lolinato-To-Ong in Maguindanao.

Five more ships are expected to be acquired within two years. n

Marcos birthday wish...

forge possible partnerships in select industries, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

Also on Tuesday, September 12, President Marcos approved a two-year moratorium on the collection of amortization and interest from agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Marcos signed Executive Order 40 during the presentation of the implementing rules and regulations of the New Emancipation Act at the DAR office. The moratorium will be in effect until Sept. 13, 2025.

EO 40 renews EO 4, issued by Marcos on Sept. 13, 2022.

“This provides for the moratorium on the principle obligation and interest on amortization payable by the ARB (agrarian reform beneficiaries) to include even those who are not covered by the new emancipation law,” Marcos said.

Marcos signed in July Republic Act (RA) 11593 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act.

The law condoned a total of P57.65 billion in unpaid amortizations, benefiting 610,054 farmers tilling more than 1.7 million hectares of agrarian reform lands.

Marcos said he wants a whole of nation approach to achieving food security.

“So I urge the DAR with all government agencies to strive for a smooth and immediate execution of this IRR so that our beneficiaries may be freed from the burden of debts and reap the benefits from the land that they tirelessly cultivate, continue to facilitate the delivery of support services to all ARBs,” he said.

Marcos said the completion of the IRR of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act is the best birthday gift he could ever receive. n

Maria Ressa cleared of tax evasion...

transactions of Rappler. We’re thankful that the court finally dismissed the fifth one and hopefully that’s the end of it,” Francis Lim, Ressa’s lawyer, told reporters.

According to the Philippine Stock Exchange, a PDR is a security that grants its holder the right to the delivery or sale of underlying shares but does not grant ownership rights to the holder. If bought by a foreign entity, it gives the owner the right to all the dividends due the underlying shares.

In 2017, Duterte falsely claimed that Rappler is fully owned by Americans and funded by the Central Intelligence Agency.

In 2018, Rappler Holdings Corp. (RHC) was accused of failing to declare “correct and accurate” information in quarterly sales receipts from the issuance and sale of PDRs worth P2.45 million, which allegedly resulted in a P294,258.58 value-added tax deficiency.

The court found that Rappler did not use PDRs to illegally gain profit and did not act as a dealer in securities.

“The RHC and Ms. Ressa did not violate Section 255 of the Tax Code. The PDR subscription price were not proceeds arising from the sale of the PDRs to NBM

(North Base Media) that should have been declared in RHC’s VAT return,” the court concluded. Rappler is still appealing two other cases: a cyber libel conviction and a Securities and Exchange Commission closure order.

Support

For Human Rights Watch, Rappler’s latest acquittal shows once more how the charges were politically motivated.

“The tax evasion cases against Rappler were politically motivated and this verdict vindicates the news organization and its journalists,” Human Rights Watch senior researcher Carlos Conde said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Philippine courts should expedite their ruling on the remaining two cases against Rappler. President Marcos should ensure that legal harassment of Maria Ressa and other journalists ends,” he added.

“We share this with our colleagues in the industry who have been besieged by relentless online attacks, unjust arrests and detentions and red-tagging that have resulted in physical harm,” Rappler said.

For Sen. Risa Hontiveros, the charges against Rappler originated from the Duterte administration’s legal harassment following the fearless reporting

on the brutal and failed war on drugs.

“It is unacceptable in a democracy for more journalists like Percy Lapid to be harassed, attacked or worse, killed,” she said.

“Truth-tellers are often attacked and persecuted by those who weaponize the law to trample on their fundamental freedoms. This is exactly the reason why I filed Senate Bill No. 1593 that seeks to decriminalize libel, which has often been used to gag members of the press,” she added. (With reports from Janvic Mateo, Cecille Suerte Felipe)

News agency Rappler and Nobel Peace laureate Maria Ressa were acquitted on Tuesday, September 12 in the fifth and final tax evasion charges. Philstar.com photo

Defense Secretary Gilberto ‘Gibo’ Teodoro Jr. Contributed Photo

API Equity Budget in jeopardy as California...

PAGE 1

a more holistic approach to combating hate violence. “We need to tackle the underlying factors — poverty, affordable housing, a lack of good-paying jobs — factors that make people resort to hate,” he said.

In an historic move in 2021, California created the threeyear API Equity Fund, allocating $166.5 million to combat the rise of hate crimes against the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community. An additional $40.5 million was allotted last year, and California Governor Gavin Newsom added another $40 million in June. The 2023-2024 allocation for the API Equity Budget was initially set at $10 million. But state legislators and community leaders successfully lobbied for additional funding.

While the community has always faced xenophobia, the rise in hate incidents and attacks has grown to more than 11,500 over the past three years, according to data reported by the web portal StopAAPIHate. Nearly 40 percent of the incidents occurred in California, overwhelmingly targeting women and girls, often on or near public transportation.

Community activists believe the rise in attacks was fueled by former President Donald Trump blaming China for causing the COVID-19 pandemic, and also the U.S.’s increasingly fraught relationship with China.

Anti Asian hate crimes were not a focus of the two-day summit, the largest-ever gathering in California of AAPI Leadership,

which was organized by the California Asian and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. But several speakers addressed the issue during their formal remarks, and on the sidelines of the meet, in interviews with this reporter.

Senate Vice Chair Dave Min, D-Irvine, is the sponsor of SB 434, legislation that would require the 10 largest public transit agencies in California to collect data on street harassment experienced by transit riders, with a focus on riders from underrepresented communities and those lacking sufficient English proficiency. The measure was passed by the Senate; the Assembly Sept. 8 voted on a third reading of the bill.

The API Equity Fund has allocated funding to the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University to create a survey by December 2023 that can be used by public transit agencies to collect and report harassment data. In an interview, Min said he would like to see a “modest amount” of the additional funding allocated to public transit agencies to report and collect data for the Mineta survey. “It is important that we understand how often harassment takes place and where, he said, noting that the cost to administer the survey is “not that high.”

Reps. Ted Lieu and Ro Khanna, both Democrats from California, kicked off the second day of the summit Sept. 8 morning, tackling the issue of anti-Asian hate violence head on.

back,” said Lieu, referencing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law on May 20, 2021.

“We are living in two different factual universes, in which one is based on ‘alternative facts,’” he said. “There is more outward expression of hate against minority communities.”

He noted that — even in the progressive state of California — there was a bill prohibiting foreign ownership of land. Texas and Florida, among other states, have floated bills prohibiting Chinese citizens from purchasing land in their states. Florida’s law went into effect July 1, prohibiting Chinese citizens from buying homes or land in the state.

Last year, Sen. Melissa Hurtado, a Democrat from Bakersfield, introduced SB 1084, a bill prohibiting foreign governments from owning land in California. The bill passed the Senate on a 31-0 vote, and a 75-0 vote in the Assembly. Newsom vetoed the bill last September.

Rep. Judy Chu, D-California, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

“The greatest challenge the AAPI community faces is the shocking rise in hate crimes, particularly attacking our grandparents, our children. But the community has fought

In response to a question, Khanna said: “(former president Donald) Trump is continuing his blaming and shaming, and may continue talking about banning all imports from China. The responsibility is on us to speak up. People must understand that our relationship with Asia defines the 21st century.” Rep. Judy Chu, a Democrat from California who also chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, told this reporter: “Trump will not stop himself. He’s got three years of anti-Asian hate violence squarely on his back.”

“The community must be prepared for anti-Asian assaults in 2024,” said Chu. (Sunita Sohrabji/ Ethnic Media Services)

California Asian and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Chair Assemblyman Evan Low (left) with Reps. Ro Khanna and Ted Lieu, both Democrats from California, and CAPILC Vice Chair Sen. Dave Min, are shown Sept. 8 at the AAPI Leadership Summit. EMS photos by Sunita Sohrabji

California Asian and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Chair Assemblyman Evan Low

US, PH officials to visit 3 EDCA...

Airport in Cagayan de Oro; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan in Cebu.

The site inspections are a prelude to the forthcoming Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) conference in Camp Aguinaldo to be attended by U.S. and Philippine military leaders on September 14.

These activities underscore the continued partnership and collaboration between the Philippines and United States militaries in enhancing national defense capabilities, as well as the shared commitment to regional security and disaster

Bong Go says Arroyo urged Duterte to...

pinunong naglingkod sa bayan sa iba’t ibang posisyon o kapasidad noong mga nakaraang administrasyon. Nagbalik-tanaw sila sa mga panahong nagkasama sila sa gobyerno,” said Go in a statement on Monday, September 11.

(A simple gathering and happy meeting happened with the leaders who served the people

in different positions during the previous administrations. They reminisced about the times when they worked together in the government.)

“Sa nasabing pagkikita, kinukumbinsi din ni dating pangulong Arroyo si dating pangulong Duterte na maging aktibo muli sa pulitika,” he added.

(During the meeting, former

president Arroyo convinced former president Duterte to become active in politics again.)

Duterte’s longtime aide did not detail what Duterte’s response was. Go then stated that even if Arroyo, Duterte, Sotto, and Medialdea held different positions in the government, they shared one desire: to serve the people. n

ABISO NG PAMPUBLIKONG PANDINIG COUNTY NG SAN DIEGO

response efforts, as the statement pointed out.

The EDCA site visits came in the aftermath of confrontational incidents between Chinese and Philippine Coast Guard vessels in the course of a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal last Friday, September 8.

Also, the site inspections came after a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Vietnam's Communist Party chief Nguyen Pau Tong, in opposing the use of force in resolving the dispute in the South China Sea.

Recently, the U.S. government donated two of its warships, the former USS Monsoon (PC4)

and USS Chinook (PC 9) to the Philippine Navy. Named after two heroic Filipino fighters, the ships were commissioned as BRP Valentin Diaz (PC-177) and BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS-178) at the Philippine Navy on Monday, September 11. Philippine Defense officials' statement also indicated that the tour will likewise provide an opportunity for senior military officials to gain firsthand knowledge of the bases' potential for the development of key facilities to support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations and modernization priorities of the AFP. n

Pfizer and Moderna are pushing the new...

policy and helps determine insurance coverage for vaccines, will vote on the question Tuesday as it weighs the benefits of updated vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. The FDA, the CDC’s sister agency, approved the two booster shots for use on Monday, September 11.

Not all vaccine experts see it quite as Schaffner, a nonvoting liaison representative to the ACIP, does.

“I don’t plan to get it myself,” said Paul Offit, 72, the director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He’s had two boosters and got COVID last year. Another vaccine might increase his protection against mild infection for a few months,

ANG ABISO AY IBINIBIGAY na ang Lupon ng mga Superbisor ng County ng San Diego ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig upang isaalang-alang ang (1) pag-amyenda sa Ordinansa sa Tubig-Lupa (ng County) ng County ng San Diego at (2) pagpapatibay ng isang nakatutok na update sa Mga Alituntunin sa Batas sa Kalidad ng Kalikasan ng California para sa Pagtukoy sa Kahalagahan at Format ng Ulat at Nilalaman ng Mga Kinakailangan, Mga Mapagkukunan ng Tubig-Lupa.

IMPORMASYON SA PAGDINIG:

LUPON NG MGA SUPERBISOR

Petsa: Setyembre 27, 2023

Oras: 9:00 A.M. (sa o pagkatapos)

Lokasyon: County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 310, San Diego, CA 92101

Ang mga nagnanais na lumahok sa pulong at/o komento ay dapat bumisita https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob/bosa. html para sa impormasyon.

PROYEKTO: AMYENDAHAN ANG ORDINANSA NG TUBIG-LUPA (SETYEMBRE 27, 2023 – UNANG PAGBASA; OKTUBRE 11, 2023

– IKALAWANG PAGBASA); AT NAKATUTOK NA UPDATE SA MGA ALITUNTUNIN SA BATAS SA KALIDAD NG KALIKASAN NG

CALIFORNIA AT MGA KINAKAILANGAN SA ULAT PARA SA MGA MAPAGKUKUNAN NG TUBIG-LUPA AT WALANG PAGHAHANAP NG PROYEKTO AT IKSEMSYON NG CEQA (MGA DISTRITO: LAHAT)

PAGLALARAWAN AT LOKASYON NG PROYEKTO: Ang layunin ng mga aksyon ngayon (1) pag-amyenda sa Ordinansa sa Tubiglupa (county) ng County ng San Diego at (2) pagpapatibay ng isang nakatutok na update sa Batas sa Kalidad ng Kapaligiran ng California (CEQA) Mga Alituntunin para sa Pagtukoy ng Kahalagahan at Format ng Ulat at Nilalaman ng Mga Kinakailangan, Mga Mapagkukunan ng Tubig-Lupa (Mga Alituntunin ng Tubig-Lupa ng County). Ang mga pagkilos ng ito ay tinitiyak ang pagkakaparepareho at pagsunod sa 2015 na Batas sa Pamamahala ng Napapanatiling Tubig-Lupa o Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) ng California, mga pagbabago sa Mga Alituntunin ng CEQA ng Estado, at isang paghatol (Court) ng Superior Court ng California. Ang mga pagbabago sa Ordinansa sa tubig-lupa ay limitado sa Borrego Springs Groundwater Subbasin (Borrego Basin). Ang mga update sa Mga Alituntunin sa Tubig- Lupa ng County ay pangunahing nakatuon sa tatlong SGMA-mandated na basin sa rehiyon ng San Diego, na kinabibilangan ng Upper San Luis Rey Valley Groundwater Subbasin (SLR Basin), ang San Pasqual Valley Groundwater Basin (San Pasqual Basin), at ang Borrego Basin. Dahil sa hinatulan ng Korte ang mga karapatan sa tubig- lupa sa Borrego Basin, ang Ordinansa sa Tubig-Lupa ay inaamyenda upang sumunod sa Paghatol sa Karapatan ng Borrego Springs Subbasin Groundwater (2021 na Paghuhukom). Ipapakita na ngayon ng Ordinansa sa Tubig-a Lupa na ang paggamit ng tubig sa hinaharap ay napapailalim sa 2021 na Paghuhukom, na nangangailangan sa lahat ng gumagamit ng tubig-lupa ng Borrego Basin na magkaroon ng mga karapatan sa tubig-lupa. Samakatuwid, ang lahat ng proyektong napapailalim sa Ordinansa ng Tubig-Lupa sa loob ng Borrego Basin ay dapat magpakita ng kakayahang makakuha ng mga karapatan sa tubig bago ang pag-apruba ng proyekto.

Ang nakatutok na update sa Mga Alituntunin sa Tubig-Lupa ng County ay sasangguni sa SGMA at sa 2018 na binagong Mga Alituntunin ng CEQA ng Estado, na tumutugon sa mga epekto ng isang proyekto sa tubig-lupa. Dahil sa ang kasalukuyang bersyon ng Mga Alituntunin sa Tubig-Lupa ng County ay isinasaalang-alang na ang pagpapanatili ng tubig-lupa kapag tinutukoy ang epekto sa kapaligiran ng isang proyekto, ang na-update na Mga Alituntunin sa Tubig-Lupa ng County ay hindi gaanong magbabago kung paano sinusuri ang isang proyekto ngunit sasangguni sa mga kamakailang pagbabago sa regulasyon at sa 2021 na Paghuhukom. Bilang karagdagan, ang mga pagsisiyasat sa tubig-lupa ay mangangailangan na ngayon ng isang California Professional Geologist na maghanda at pumirma ng mga ulat bilang kapalit ng kasalukuyang dalawang hakbang na kinakailangan ng pagiging isang California Professional Geologist at pagiging consultant sa listahan ng mga Consultant ng CEQA ng County (Listahan ng CEQA) para sa mga mapagkukunan ng tubig-lupa. Ito ay naaayon sa iba pang katulad na mga alituntunin ng County.

Ang naamyendahang Ordinansa sa tubig-lupa ay ipapatupad sa Setyembre 27, 2023, at, kung maaprubahan, ay iiskedyul para sa pagpapatupad sa Oktubre 11, 2023. Kung ang iminungkahing Ordinansa sa tubig-lupa ay binago sa Oktubre 11, 2023, sa petsang iyon ay pipiliin ang kasunod na petsa ng pagpupulong para sa pag-aampon ng ordinansa. Ang nakatutok na update sa Mga Alituntunin ng Tubig-Lupa ng County ay hindi nangangailangan ng pangalawang pagdinig at nakaiskedyul para sa pagpapatupad sa Setyembre 27, 2023. BUOD NG PAGPONDO: Walang pampinansyal na epekto ang nauugnay sa mga rekomendasyong ito. Walang pagbabago sa mga net ng Mga Gastos sa Pangkalahatang Pondo at walang karagdagang taon ng kawani. Ang binagong Ordinansa sa Tubig-Lupa at ang na-update na Mga Alituntunin ng Tubig-Lupa ng County ay ipapatupad sa pamamagitan ng mga proyektong pinasimulan ng publiko o pribado na pinondohan ng publiko o pribado. Babayaran ng pribadong sektor ang mga gastos sa pribadong pagpapaunlad sa pamamagitan ng proseso ng karapatan at pagpapahintulot. Ang mga pampublikong proyekto ay maaaring simulan ng Kagawaran ng Mga Parke at Libangan o ng Kagawanan ng Pampublikong Trabaho, bukod sa iba pa. Ang bawat kagawaran ay susubaybayan ang kanilang badyet at tutukuyin ang mga gastos sa proyekto at ang (mga) pinagmumulan ng pagpopondo sa panahon ng pagbuo ng proyekto at isasama sa hinaharap na Mga Planong Pagpapatakbo.

PAGSUSURI NG KAPALIGIRAN: Ang pag-ampon ng binagong Ordinansa sa Tubig-Lupa at sa na-update na California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) na Mga Alituntunin para sa Pagtukoy sa Kahalagahan at Format ng Ulat at Nilalaman ng Mga Kinakailangan, Mga Mapagkukunan ng Tubig-Lupa (Mga Alituntunin ng Tubig-Lupa ng County) ay hindi isang “proyekto” gaya ng tinukoy sa seksyon 21065 ng Code ng Pampublikong Mapagkukunan at Seksyon 15378 at 15060(c)(3) ng Mga Alituntunin ng Estado ng CEQA at samakatuwid ay hindi napapailalim sa CEQA. Ang seksyon 15378(b)(5) ng Mga Alituntunin ng Estado ng CEQA ay nagsasaad na hindi kasama sa isang proyekto ang “mga aktibidad ng organisasyon o administratibo ng mga pamahalaan na hindi magreresulta sa direkta o hindi direktang mga pisikal na pagbabago sa kapaligiran.” Ang panghuling pagsusuri ay kakailanganin sa huling yugto para sa bawat aplikasyon ng permiso. Samakatuwid, dahil ang iminungkahing naamyendahan na Ordinansa sa Tubig-Lupa at na-update na Mga Alituntunin sa Tubig-Lupa ng County ay mag-a-update sa umiiral na ordinansa at mga alituntunin ng County na nagpapatupad ng CEQA, wala sa mga aksyon ang isang proyekto sa ilalim ng CEQA.

Hiwalay, at independiyente, ang iminungkahing naamyendahan na Ordinansa sa Tubig-Lupa at na-update na Mga Alituntunin ng Tubig-Lupa ng County ay tiyak na hindi kasama sa CEQA alinsunod sa seksyon 15308 ng Mga Alituntunin ng CEQA ng Estado. Ang kategoryang iksemsyon na ito ay binubuo ng mga aksyon na ginawa ng mga ahensya ayon sa awtorisasyon ng Estado o lokal na ordinansa upang tiyakin ang pagpapahusay o proteksyon ng kapaligiran kung saan ang proseso ng regulasyon ay nagsasangkot ng mga pamamaraan para sa pagprotekta sa kapaligiran. Ang pag-ampon sa inamyendahang Ordinansa sa Tubig-Lupa at sa na-update na Mga Alituntunin sa Tubig-Lupa ng County ay magpapahusay at poprotekta sa kapaligiran dahil mangangailangan sila ng mga discretionary na proyekto upang suriin ang mga epekto sa mga mapagkukunan ng Tubig-Lupa, na naaayon sa mga kinakailangan ng korte at Appendix G sa Mga Alituntunin ng CEQA ng Estado. Sa wakas, makikita nang may katiyakan na walang posibilidad na ang binagong Ordinansa sa Tubig-Lupa at ang iminungkahing naupdate na Mga Alituntunin sa Tubig-Lupa ng County ay makabuluhang makakaapekto sa kapaligiran at samakatuwid ay napapailalim sa seksyon 15061(b)(3) ng Mga Alituntunin ng CEQA ng Estado. Ang iminungkahing naamyendahang Ordinansa sa Tubig-Lupa at na-update na Mga Alituntunin ng Tubig-Lupa ng County ay naaayon sa Appendix G ng Mga Alituntunin ng CEQA ng Estado at nagbibigay ng gabay para sa pagsusuri at pagpapagaan ng CEQA para sa lahat ng mga proyekto sa County ng San Diego. Wala sa mga eksepsiyon sa mga pagbubukod ang nalalapat (Seksyon 15300.2 ng Mga Alituntunin ng CEQA ng Estado) dahil ang pag-ampon ng binagong Ordinansa sa Tubig-Lupa at na-update na Mga Alituntunin sa Tubig-Lupa ng County ay hindi nagpapahintulot, nagbabawal, o nagbubukod sa anumang pag-unlad at samakatuwid ay hindi magdudulot ng mga epekto sa mga magagandang highway, mga mapanganib na lugar ng basura o makasaysayang mapagkukunan.

PANGKALAHATANG IMPORMASYON: Ang pampublikong pagdinig na ito ay magagamit ng mga indibidwal na may mga kapansanan. Kung kailangan ang mga serbisyo ng tagasalin ng wika para sa may kapansanan sa pandinig, mangyaring tawagan ang Koordineytor ng Mga Amerikanong May Kapansanan sa (619) 531-5205 o Serbisyong Pag-relay ng California, kung aabisuhan ng TDD, hindi lalampas sa pitong araw bago ang petsa ng pagdinig.

Kung hahamunin mo ang aksyon ng Lupon sa korte, maaaring limitaduhan ka sa pag-umento lamang ng mga isyung ibinangon mo o ng ibang tao sa isang pampublikong pagdinig, o sa nakasulat na sagutan na inihatid sa Katawan ng Pagdinig sa o bago ang pagdinig. Maaaring limitahan o ipataw ng Mga Panuntunan ng Katawan ng Pagdinig ang mga kinakailangan sa pagsusumite ng naturang nakasulat na sagutan.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa panukalang ito, makipag-ugnayan kay Jim Bennett, Tagapamahala ng Mga Mapagkukunan ng Tubig, sa (858) 694-3820. 9/13/23

but like most Americans’ immune systems, his is already familiar enough with the virus to protect him from serious disease, Offit believes.

Some of Schaffner’s scientific colleagues argue the government should be recommending the shot only for frail, older, sick, and immunocompromised people. Over 95% of the U.S. population are already COVIDimmunized through vaccination, infection, or both, and the risks of serious illness for healthy younger people are not great.

Schaffner doesn’t disagree. But lots of not-necessarilyvulnerable Americans do want the shot for themselves and their children, and, without a CDC recommendation, insurance companies wouldn’t have to pay for the vaccine.

It’s “pretty awful” that Pfizer and Moderna, the two main COVID vaccine producers, have decided to charge up to $130 a shot, compared with $30 last year for the booster, which was produced under government contract, said Kathryn Edwards, a professor of pediatrics at Vanderbilt and a member of an ACIP working group on COVID. (Pfizer spokesperson Amy Rose said the price was “consistent with the value delivered” and reflected higher expenses to provide the shots commercially.)

But a partial recommendation could leave the very groups who suffered most during the pandemic — minorities and other disadvantaged groups — unable to get vaccinated if they want but can’t afford to.

“The last thing we need are financial barriers that would enhance disparities,” Schaffner said.

A 1993 law requires the federal government to pay for childhood vaccines recommended by the ACIP, and more recent legislation requires coverage of adult vaccines within 15 days of an ACIP recommendation.

Pfizer and Moderna continue to make billions of dollars in sales of COVID vaccines, although they are producing fewer doses.

Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel told investors in August that the company expected its global COVID vaccine sales to be $6 billion to $8 billion this year, depending on uptake in the U.S. Pfizer expects about $14 billion this year.

Within a few years, both companies expect to be producing combination vaccines protecting against influenza, COVID, and possibly respiratory syncytial virus. About 170 million flu vaccines were distributed last flu season in the U.S., so a combination product could lock in a large market for COVID vaccines as well.

Despite broad recommendations for the updated COVID booster shot released last fall, only 17% of the U.S. population got it — and about 43% of those 65 and older.

How many will get the vaccine this season is uncertain, as is the benefit of the shot. A study of the new Moderna vaccine showed that it increased antibodies to various COVID strains, though it wasn’t clear how much protection against disease it would offer, nor for how long.

The new vaccine is unlikely to be a “game changer,” said John Moore, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

For healthier adults and children, “it’s a boost in protection for a few months,” Moore said. Who exactly will benefit most is impossible to predict because the U.S. is “not a cookie-cutter population.” Its people have by now been exposed to a bewildering combination of vaccines, boosters, and different strains of the virus.

Christopher Ridley, a Moderna spokesperson, said the updated vaccine was well matched to current viral strains, adding, “We encourage people to get vaccinated for COVID when they get their annual flu shot.”

Fearmongering has distorted the threat of the virus, Moore said. He is skeptical of the significance of the recent uptick in COVID hospitalizations, and

criticized social media posters who have raised fears about new viral strains that don’t seem to pose any fundamental challenge to the new vaccines.

“Editorial FOMO drove summer surge worries,” Moore said, using an acronym for “fear of missing out.” Despite worrying comments and tweets by physicians such as Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, about a new COVID variant called BA.2.86, “it turned out to be a real nothingburger,” Moore said. Even Ashish Jha, who coordinated the Biden administration’s COVID response until returning to his post as dean of the Brown University School of Public Health this year, agrees there is some ambiguity in the issue. While he recommends that 20-year-olds get the booster, “a reasonable person” could disagree.

Unfortunately, such discussions in the current environment are clouded by “nonsense and bad information” that causes confusion and hurts people, he said in a recent podcast interview.

Whether truly needed or not, the vaccines, proponents say, are safe enough that even the small benefit of taking them will outweigh the risks. The major, though rare, serious side effect of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines — myocarditis, which particularly affected men in their teens and 20s — appears mainly to have occurred during the first two-shot series.

Paradoxically, those who most need protection from COVID are often likely to have weakened immune systems that fail to generate the hoped-for response to vaccination.

So the vaccine is arguably most relevant for healthy people who come in frequent contact with vulnerable individuals. With that in mind, England has announced the new booster would be offered only to people who are 65 or older, in nursing homes, or immunologically vulnerable — or who work or live with members of those groups.

“Any efforts to promote the new boosters should focus squarely on those at high risk,” said Norman Hearst, a family physician in San Francisco. While recommending the vaccine for older patients, he said he wouldn’t advise a booster for young males because of the rare risk of myocarditis and the negligible benefit. “The question is all the other people in between.”

In a commentary last November, infectious disease doctors Shira Doron and Monica Gandhi said vaccination campaigns should be radically honest about the limited value of vaccines for long-term protection against infection. Such a campaign might advocate vaccinating children because even though it won’t protect durably, “it might prevent the rare case of severe disease.”

Meanwhile, the vaccine makers have their own plans for publicizing the vaccines. In its call with investors last month, Moderna said it was focused on increasing sales and solidifying Moderna’s market share with branded promotion. Its “awareness campaigns” will tout ACIP recommendations and “connect COVID-19 with seasonal flu vaccines with the goal to drive consumers to get vaccinated this fall,” a company official said.

Moderna is co-sponsoring tennis’ U.S. Open this year and aired a video at the event Sept. 8 honoring Arthur Ashe, the only Black man to win Grand Slam titles, whom it credited with helping destigmatize HIV by revealing he had the virus.

The video presentation suggested that Moderna, like Ashe, has done well by being bold.

(Arthur Allen/KFF Health News)

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

(L.A.)

VP Sara lauds Marcos for backing OVP budget

by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

VICE President Sara Duterte on Monday, September 11 thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for vouching the 2022 Confidential Found (CF) given the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

In a statement, Duterte also cited Malacañang, particularly the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES), Defense Secretary Gilberto ''Gibo'' Teodoro Jr., and Marikina Second District Rep. Stella Quimbo for their part in defending OVP's budget.

"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and to several officials of his administration who stood by the Office of the Vice

Congress seeks creation of West Philippine Sea Authority

MANILA — Amid calls for a focused and more organized handling of West Philippine Sea (WPS) affairs, a lawmaker has proposed the establishment of a “West Philippine Sea Authority” under the Office of the President.

In his House Bill 9027, Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting said the “specialized authority” would be dedicated to the “protection, management and sustainable development of the maritime resources and territories within the WPS.”

The proposed body would also be instrumental in “upholding the Philippines’ sovereign rights, protecting its maritime resources, and contributing to regional stability and cooperation,” he said.

“This proposed act seeks to address the complexities and challenges associated with the WPS by outlining a clear framework for the establishment and operation of the West Philippine Sea Authority,” he added.

He said the West Philippine Sea encompasses a significant portion of the country’s exclusive economic zone and “holds vital economic, environmental and strategic importance for the Philippines.”

The creation of such body, he said, has become more

urgent with China’s heightened aggressiveness in asserting its claim in waters and land features within Philippine territory.

He cited the Chinese’s repeated attempts – using water cannons and dangerous maneuver – to stop Filipino vessels from delivering supplies to a military outpost on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

Tambunting said his proposed legislation is aligned with the 2016 landmark ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration which affirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements and invalidated China’s expansive maritime claims.

Senators, meanwhile, are inclined to approve a bigger budget for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which has figured prominently in tackling China’s provocations in the West Philippine Sea.

“We have good news. The Senate is one and united that we will assist your budget this coming budget hearing. We will increase your funds (for 2024) whether confidential or intelligence funds or funding that will properly equip you for your needs in the WPS and protection all over our country,”

Senate President Juan Miguel said on Tuesday, September 12 at a public hearing of the Senate

committee on national defense chaired by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.

He lauded PCG officers and personnel for sacrificing their lives “to keep our men secure and safe in the West Philippine Sea.”

The PCG wants an additional allocation of P1.307 billion for next year. Its budget for this year amounts to P21.9 billion.

“You (PCG) are doing your job, we will do our job. That is the most important. I will be meeting with the Coast Guard, Navy, Army and military on their wish list to help you. Whatever political affiliation we are from, majority or minority, we are united to support you,” the senate president said.

He also expressed appreciation for the support of the U.S. and other allies for the Philippine position on the South China Sea issue. “We can’t do it alone, we need help from allies. We welcome American help. Australia, Japan, South Korea and the European Union – they have offered help, not only in terms of equipment, but also in economic assistance. They know another country can have us hostaged,” he said in Filipino.

Like Zubiri, Estrada said the country should accept offers of assistance from other countries.

u PAGE 8

President as it faced the storm of attacks on the 2022 confidential fund," she said.

"These efforts are genuinely appreciated because they help counter the lies told by Rep. France Castro and the Makabayan bloc in Congress on the 2022 OVP CF," she added.

Duterte thanked Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin for explaining the legal basis of the CF while calling out her critics for insisting that it was in violation of the law.

Bersamin last week said the transfer of P221.424 million CF to the OVP was authorized by Special Provision 1 under fiscal year 2022 Contingent Fund as it authorizes the Office of the President to approve releases to cover funding requirements of

new or urgent activities that need to be implemented. The president, the Palace executive added, is "authorized to approve releases to cover funding requirements of new or urgent activities of NGA (national government agencies), among others, that need to be implemented during the year."

Meanwhile, Duterte slammed Sen. Ana Theresia ''Risa'' Hontiveros for failing to provide proof "to support their dirty imagination." "I have believed the lies they peddled to the public will eventually lose their charm and the OVP and DepEd (Department of Education) will persist, be vindicated, and realize their aspirations for the Filipinos and the country," she said. n

Marcos leads father’s 106th birth anniversary rites

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, September 11 led the commemoration of the 106th birth anniversary of his late father and namesake in their hometown of Batac, Ilocos Norte. The Chief Executive said the best way to honor the memory of his father is to "stay true to the passion" of being of service to the Filipino people.

"There is still a lot left to be done," he said in Filipino during the Marcos Day celebration. "What's important is making life better for the Filipinos."

Recalling how the late leader served as his mentor, the President praised the elder Marcos for "the peace and order that he fought and stood for, the development that he inspired our own citizens to build, and the dreams that he left in the hearts of many."

"He remains a true Filipino and Ilocano icon, whose exceptional mind matched the nation-loving spirit that he possessed and he had demonstrated," Marcos Jr. said.

"So, as we remember and pay tribute to his memory, let this gathering serve as a testament to the unwavering pursuit of unity that he so passionately espoused for our people. In his memory, may our actions from this point on be directed by the desire to preserve and share the rich

heritage of our province, of our nation," he added.

He then called on young leaders and government officials to emulate the values, ideals, and vision of his father for the Philippines and the Filipino people.

"It is not necessary for us to hold ceremonies, parades, or the like, to give credit to the efforts and sacrifices of 'Apo Lakay' and those who have gone before him who share a deep and committed love for the Philippines," he said.

The President led a wreathlaying ceremony at the monument of his father, which

was followed by a celebration of a Holy Mass and the launching of the Don Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU)-Philippine Rice Research Institute Rice Paddy Art.

"It was the first state university that my father built. It was his life-long dream to build a good university for our people here in Ilocos Norte. And from those beginnings, the research that has come out of MMSU has been exemplary. Of course, added to that, we also have PhilRice; the PhilRice offices are also here in Batac," he said. (ManilaTimes.net)

Transparency vs graft

CORRUPTION has become endemic in the Philippines, a fad, and is on the rise in every agency of government, and eradicating the scourge could not be accomplished within a lifetime. This is according to the official mandated to lead the campaign against corruption, Ombudsman Samuel Martires.

Defending the proposed 2024 budget of his office, the ombudsman attributed the problem to the fact that “money becomes power, and if you have power, talagang sikat ka (you are really famous).” He lamented that Filipinos have lost respect for God and themselves.

While his assessment is accurate, Martires has courted controversy. For someone who recognizes the seriousness of the corruption problem, critics have been disheartened by suggestions from the ombudsman that go against efforts to promote transparency and good governance.

In September 2021, he had pushed for five years in prison for anyone who would make “commentaries” on the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth of government officials.

Martires had barred access to the SALNs even by the media without the approval of his office –a move that critics said went against provisions of Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Although Martires’ move did not stop officials from making public their SALNs, it was used by key public officials to withhold the release of their asset statements since 2017, beginning with then

president Rodrigo Duterte. This time, Martires wants Congress to stop the mandatory publication by the Commission on Audit of its initial reports on government agencies, ostensibly to prevent public prejudgment of these offices. The COA reports are accessible on its website, and concerned agencies are given a chance to explain issues raised regarding their utilization of public funds.

If a country suffers from endemic corruption, transparency should be among the indispensable weapons wielded against the scourge. The suggestions of the ombudsman go against this. It has often been said that those who have nothing to hide have nothing to fear. Graft busters have enough problems trying to get past bank secrecy laws that have turned the country into a money laundering haven. The constitutional body that is supposed to be a vanguard against corruption should be leading the charge against opaqueness in the utilization of people’s money. Martires already has a sound appreciation of the gravity of the problem. Instead of aggravating corruption with measures rolling back transparency, the ombudsman should be part of the solution. (Philstar.com)

THE 2022 elections gave us the very first vice president from Mindanao—Sara Duterte, heir apparent to former president Rodrigo Duterte, another first Mindanawon to be elected to the country’s highest political position.

Sara, however, seemed to have outdone her father in getting more “firsts” to describe her vice presidency. She is the first VP to be given a concurrent position as secretary of one of the most important and well-funded departments in the Cabinet, the Department of Education. Yet, by her own admission, she is not an educator or an education expert. But since her running mate, President Marcos, thought she is a mother, she should know a thing or two about education; ergo, she got the job. This is also the first time that being a mother is a qualification to be an education secretary. There are other firsts to add to her unprecedented record as VP/secretary of education. She is the first to frame education as a national security concern. Is

this perhaps a way to somehow fill her longing for the post of defense secretary that was not given to her? This perspective of looking at education makes her believe she is entitled to hefty confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) to do surveillance activities within Department of Education (DepEd) schools and offices. This is another first. No other secretary of education before her got a windfall of a budget allocation for some opaque funds, like the CIF. And it was given to her with nary a whimper of protest from the majority-run houses of Congress. When she defended her budget for CIF as VP for 2024 last week, she had the extraordinary privilege of presenting it without question. After her presentation, House Senior Deputy Majority Speaker Sandro Marcos, the President’s son, put a stop to the interpellation of the Makabayan bloc by saying, “In line with the long-standing tradition of giving the Office of the Vice President parliamentary courtesy, I move to terminate the budget [hearing] of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).”

Two members of the Makabayan bloc in Congress

were quite enraged, they were not even allowed to explain why they voted no to the motion of the President’s son. One of them, Rep. France Castro, was still talking but her microphone was already put off. This was evidence of the lack of courtesy among the majority members of Congress toward their colleagues in the minority bloc. This is also another first associated with the VP and her allies.

But the younger Duterte is also the first to enjoy her own security force as VP. Past vice presidents were secured and protected by the Vice Presidential Security Detachment. But last June 24, 2022, the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group was created and activated as a separate unit from the Presidential Security Group.

In 2022, the Commission on Audit reported that the OVP engaged 433 security escorts for Duterte in her first year in office. In a statement, the OVP defended the deployment of this huge number of security personnel, by saying that the “security and protection of the VP is a fundamental task that it will inevitably perform … when the vice president and the president face the misfortune of

having a relationship strained or broken by political differences …” The statement went on to cite the strained relationship that Sara’s father, the former president, had with his vice president, Leni Robredo. If this is so, is the current VP scared of her former running mate, and now the President?

But the extraordinary number of security personnel leaves more questions than answers. A news report noted that this number is a 455 percent increase from the number of security personnel hired during Robredo’s entire term.

Perhaps this is the biggest “first” of VP Sara. Last week, she admitted her office received over P221 million as CF from the Office of the President in December 2022. However, this budget entry was not in the national spending program for last year. This is the first time a very high-level office of the government managed to “squeeze” or divert some funds from the approved budget of 2022 (presumably approved the year before, in 2021), something that lawyer Barry Gutierrez considers illegal and unconstitutional. Gutierrez, together with the Makabayan bloc representatives, also think

so. Gutierrez is Robredo’s former aide.

When people earn several “firsts” in their careers, they are usually applauded and given citations or awards. Not so with this one. The VP’s many “firsts” speak volumes of how positions of power are blatantly used to normalize corruption

and further reinforce executive impunity. (Inquirer.net)

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

* * * Comments to rcguiam@gmail.com

IN my previous column, I set myself up for the difficult task of identifying ways forward amid the current political dispensation, arguing that while we cannot lose track of structural violence that has held back our country, spaces and pockets of reform exist regardless of whoever is in charge.

One place to start is with the President’s campaign promises. As observers pointed out, he was actually quite progressive in some of his views on social issues—at least during the campaign— and his pronouncements can be invoked to advance some belated, badly needed change.

Let me discuss a couple:

Divorce, for instance, remains illegal in the Philippines, notwithstanding the demonstrable harms of the status quo to families, especially

women and children; harms that then candidate Bongbong Marcos recognized when he said that “there are cases where divorce is called for.” Candidate Marcos also spoke in favor of decriminalizing abortion in cases of rape and incest, and hinted at supporting gender equality and nondiscrimination laws.

He has since stayed largely silent on these issues, but his professed openness to them has contributed to a political climate in which lawmakers and government officials feel free(r) to advocate for them. A divorce bill is making unprecedented progress in Congress and I see no incentive for the President to expend political capital on an issue that a majority of Filipinos are already open to (53 percent of Filipinos support legalizing divorce, according to a 2017 Social Weather Stations survey)—especially if this openness will translate to advocacy and activism.

In the realm of drug policy, the president has acknowledged that there is a need to depart

from Rodrigo Duterte’s punitive regime, and senators as diverse as Risa Hontiveros, Robinhood Padilla, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa have called for drug “decriminalization” (albeit with very different interpretations of what the term means). This is admittedly a more uphill battle than even getting a divorce law, but there is certainly a more conducive environment for drug reforms today than in the time of Duterte.

From my conversations with government officials, I have also learned that many of them actually want some of these reforms but they cannot act motu proprio; they need the public behind them— especially if they’re up against political and economic powers that be. Lending our voices—as opposed to abstaining because we think it’s pointless—can tilt the discourse. Indeed, I cannot help but wonder if, had the outcry against the continued detention of Leila de Lima been louder and more sustained, she would have been free by now.

At the local level, there is also so much that is being done, including baby steps toward sustainability championed by the likes of Baguio City’s Benjamin Magalong and Iloilo City’s Jerry Treñas. Joy Belmonte’s righteous (and rightful) indignation against Willie Gonzalez, the former policeman who pulled a gun on a cyclist, is a reminder that local chief executives can sometimes take leadership in national issues, especially when Malacañang abdicates from that mandate.

What of ordinary citizens?

In a recent conversation with University of the Philippines Los Baños academics Agnes Rola and Helen Dayo, they reminded me of the case of Majayjay, where residents repudiated their elected officials’ dubious water deal, back in 2014, by voting most of them out of office. Like the activism of the Sibuyanons that has successfully blocked mining on their island (at least for now) and the environmental advocacy of the Palawaños

that’s at the heart of protecting what’s left of their island’s forests, the case of Majayjay shows that far from dead, civil society is very much alive, especially in issues that people actually care about. If there is any effort on the part of the opposition to learn from the 2022 elections and build a broader coalition, these issues must be at the core of building something that eschews fandoms and espouses a longterm political movement.

But for such spaces to be claimed, there must be recognition that electoral outcomes are not the only political outcomes that matter.

Better officials are highly desirable (we can surely do without vexatious intelligence funds and power-tripping appointees), but better laws, better policies, better programs are better than nothing—and we do not need to wait for 2028 to fight for them.

We can already demand for these policies and programs. We can already support nongovernmental

organizations and people’s organizations who are doing good work. We can support— both now and in 2025—local officials who show signs of independence and innovation. And we can support journalists, academics, and activists who facilitate these initiatives by exposing good and bad practices alike.

There must also be a recognition that claiming these admittedly limited spaces is impossible without issues-based (as opposed to personalities-based) coalitionbuilding. If we can somehow muster the same enthusiasm for some key issues as for the candidates we fervently supported, we may yet achieve something; perhaps not victory, but at least, progress. (Inquirer.net)

*

*

*

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

* * * glasco@inquirer.com.ph

Ombudsman wants COA to keep initial audit observations private

by Cristina Chi Philstar.com

OMBUDSMAN Samuel Martires asked Congress on Monday, September 11 to strike off budget provisions that require the publication of initial audit findings on agencies’ spending to prevent the public from making premature judgments of possible corruption.

During the deliberations of the proposed P4.98-billion budget of the Office of the Ombudsman before the House appropriations panel, Martires appealed to remove the general provisions in the annual national budget on the publication of “audit observation memorandum,” which he said “causes confusion.”

Congress seeks creation of West Philippine...

“Let’s use and accept, whether we admit it or not, we need help from friends. Given our defense circumstance now, we are not in a position to refuse. If our allies U.S., New Zealand, Australia, Japan and South Korea give us something, let’s accept it,” he said.

Also on Tuesday at the hearing on the budgets of the PCG and other agencies attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), PCG commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said the Coast Guard’s proposed P24.019 billion next year “is really not enough for us to do what is expected of us in doing the functions of the Coast Guard all over the country.”

“The Coast Guard is adhering to the direction of the President to have a sustained and continued presence in the West Philippine Sea, and that’s over and above the traditional functions of the Coast Guard in addressing maritime incidents, in conducting patrol missions, not only in West Philippine Sea, but all over the archipelago,” Abu said.

Abu said the PCG would also need a “conservative” P144million intelligence fund from its current P10-million allocation that has remained unchanged since 2009, P600 million for fuel requirements and P563 million for retrofitting, dry-docking, repair and maintenance of PCG vessels.

“Among the DOTr-attached

agencies, I think the one most active in putting their lives on the line is the PCG,” Zubiri said, as he asked Abu to provide the Senate his “wish list” for the Coast Guard.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the executive only approved P24 billion of PCG’s request of P70 billion for next year.

“We welcome any increase in the PCG’s budget for the acquisition of floating and air assets. The PCG only has small vessels for its floating assets, the biggest at only 97 meters. It needs more floating vessels to fulfill its mandate to protect the maritime assets of the country,” Bautista said.

Sen. Robinhood Padilla, for his part, questioned the presence of a U.S. Navy aircraft during the tension-filled resupply mission on Friday, September 8 in the Ayungin Shoal. He asked the committee if U.S. help was really needed for the operation. Estrada sought clarification if the success of the resupply mission could be attributed to the arrival of the U.S. aircraft.

Defense Undersecretary Ignacio Madriaga stressed the resupply mission was successful due to the courage of the personnel of the PCG and the Philippine Navy.

Padilla claimed he was able to help deliver provisions to the Sierra Madre in Ayungin on a boat.

Jay Batongbacal, executive director of the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the

Sea, said it’s the Chinese who were responsible for provocations in the South China Sea. He said the CCG, unlike its Philippine counterpart, is not a civilian agency.

Batongbacal also said the US aircraft did not violate international law as it was merely monitoring the resupply mission that was taking place within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

“What is clear is that China used its coast guard to stop the resupply mission as seen in the videos,” he noted.

Meanwhile, PCG deputy commandant for administration

Vice Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the U.S. has donated a P250million educational and technical building to the PCG.

In a statement, Gavan said the newly constructed Specialized Education and Technical building would be used to educate, develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of PCG personnel.

“The building serves as an important instrument for the enhancement of the capabilities of our sailors, which will fortify the PCG’s mandate,” Gavan said.

The two-story facility was turned over by the US government, represented by Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, to the PCG last Sept. 11.

“Let this building remind us that from adversity, we can build strength; from tragedy, we can find hope; and from a shared vision, we can create a brighter future,” Gavan said. (Philstar.com)

“From the perspective of a person reading an audit observation memorandum about a P10 million project, they will believe that the person or government official behind it is profiting from the P10 million. But it turns out that a receipt was just not submitted on time,” Martires said in Filipino. An Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM) is a written notification by the Commission on Audit (COA) to an agency head or concerned officer informing them of deficiencies in the audit of accounts and/or submission of documents.

According to a 2013 COA circular, audit observations that are not resolved or adequately explained by the agency find their way to the Annual Audit Report, which are the documents uploaded on the COA website reviewing an agency’s use of funds for the year.

Government agencies are required to share their yearly reports, audited financial statements, COA findings, and statements on their websites. They must also notify the budget department and Congress when these reports are posted.

Martires made the request unprompted after explaining the bureaucratic delays that prolong the resolution of a complaint, with many cases being dismissed due to "inordinate delay.”

One of the delays Martires cited is when the Office of the Ombudsman waits for COA to investigate a case as part of their audit of an agency.

“When a case is filed and the case is dismissed, the problem is it creates an innuendo that the

ombudsman earned,” Martires added.

“I appeal to Congress to take a second look at this,” he added.

Martires said that compared to cases filed at the Department of Justice related to drugs or homicide, graft and corruption complaints naturally take longer due to the additional paperwork required.

“It’s easy to judge and say that we take two to five years. But compared to cases at the DOJ, whether related to drugs or homicide, you just need three to four documents and the rest is testimonial,” Martires said.

“But in violations of anti-graft and corruption, we try to look for documents such as from COA. What happens is they ask for an extension of time to give us a copy of the document,” he added.

No receipts for confidential funds

During the briefing, Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers) asked Martires to explain why the agency’s utilization of its confidential funds amounts to an average of 40% to 45% given the numerous complaints filed to the Ombudsman each year.

The Office of the Ombudsman received P5-million in confidential fund in 2022 and P31 million in 2023.

Castro asked Martires on whether the agency submits receipts of how it spends it

confidential funds.

Martires, however, said that since being Ombudsman, he has never been asked to submit a receipt for the use of intelligence funds.

“How will I submit a receipt for an intelligence officer that I will ask to look or investigate a case?

What receipt do I put there?” he added.

Martires also quipped that if an agency is required to submit a receipt, “that is no longer considered a confidential fund.”

“If I get a safe house, you will wonder why I got a safe house. You might think it’s a motel. In that case, if we will just argue about confidential funds, just remove it from our budget. I can continue investigating cases by smiling at my friends at ESAF and other investigation agencies,” Martires added.

Castro, however, said that there is nothing funny about the nonsubmission of receipts for the lump sum, and said that the office must adhere to the transparency rules mandated by a 2015 joint memorandum circular that governed the use of confidential and intelligence funds.

“There can be a confidential fund, but it has to have proper liquidation. To remind the Ombudsman, we should observe due diligence in the use of confidential funds,” Castro added. n

The Asian Journal MDWK

Music and the day job

By BaBy a. Gil Philstar.com

IN a recent interview, host Boy Abunda asked music icon Jose Mari Chan what advice he can give to young composers. Chan replied and his exact words were: “…with technology changed, it’s very hard to live on music. That’s why my advice to the young composers, young singers is that, use that as a hobby on the side, but get another career, either in law, accounting or medicine and then, just do music on the side. Don’t lose it completely because that’s God’s given gift to you.”

Seemed harmless. But not for instant bashers who found everything wrong with Chan’s answer. It was not really bashing as we are familiar with on social media. You know, the kind that just preys on celebrities.

These ones came up in defense of music and took the famous singer and composer to task for advising young people to only do music on the side.

What Chan dished out the oh so familiar reply that most children get from their parents after they declare that they want to go into music as a career. “Music, music, walang pera diyan.  Kuha ka na lang ng business.”

The parents are not just thinking of the expense that four or more years at the conservatory would entail. They are also considering the future and the uncertain means of livelihood that most musicians have to cope with. In short, this means that Chan was very right. Keep the music but get a day job.

Of course, there are ways that musicians can support themselves and even a family through music. One is, become a star. And make it a big one like Chan or better yet, Sarah Geronimo, who did not need to go to music school. That is because she was born to be a star. I believe strongly that stars are born not made. One can have the talent. One can spend millions on promo, but if he were not born with that lucky star, he will forever be just one of those. So, this method is only for the born-to-be-a-star few. By the way, Chan was. Another one is to study music and then, make sure that one has a steady, regular and well-paying gig. In this case, I think of somebody like conductor Rodel Colmenar who seems to be in huge demand from weddings of the affluent set to theater musicals to major concerts at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He is making

‘A Very Good Girl’ to be released in US on Oct. 6

Film stars Dolly de Leon, Kathryn Bernardo

ABS-CBN announced on Tuesday, September 12 that its latest film, ‘A Very Good Girl’ to be released in United States theaters on Friday, October 6. The film stars Golden Globe Award and BAFTA Award nominee Dolly de Leon (“A Triangle of Sadness”, “Verdict,” “Historya ni Ha”) and Asian Box Office Superstar Kathryn Bernardo (“Hello, Love, Goodbye” and “Barcelona: A Love Untold”).

a living in music. This method though takes years of study, some investment cost, knowing the right people and most especially being good at the job which Colmenar is.

There is also as in the old days with the likes of Mozart, Brahms, Chopin, etc., that rich, generous patron or as they call them today, sponsors who will take care of the living expenses to enable composers to keep writing songs. Vic del Rosario Jr. of Vicor and later Viva, employed George Canseco, Willy Cruz and other songwriters to nurture their talents and help them create their hit songs.

It also takes a lot of guts to succeed in the music business as in the case of Vehnee Saturno. He wanted to be a songwriter, so he ditched his regular job and plunged into music full time. It was great that he also turned out to be an

Continued on Page 9

Directed by Petersen Vargas and written by Marianne Mancol, Daniel Saniana and Jumbo Albano, “A Very Good Girl” features two selfmade women and follows them as they navigate their lives around each other. After a heartless firing triggers a chain of unfortunate events, Philo (Bernardo) plots a meticulous revenge against retail mogul, Mother Molly (de Leon), aiming to dismantle her empire and seize the ultimate payback. This time, there is no mercy.

This marks ABS-CBN’s continued commitment to making Filipino content accessible on a global scale. This also celebrates the 30th anniversary of Star Cinema – a film studio, film & television production company, and film distributor based in the Philippines.

The official U.S. trailer of ‘A Very Good Girl’ can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=jFfzQYNY0AE.

ABS-CBN Corporation is a media and entertainment organization in the Philippines. The company is primarily involved in the production of entertainment, feature films, news and information, and audio content for domestic and international audiences. ABS-CBN produces content and distributes its programs, feature films, and music on different platforms such as cable and satellite TV, domestic free TV through various partnerships with local broadcasters and third-party digital platforms, as well as traditional box-office releases. ABS-CBN also distributes content through its streaming service, iWantTFC, and through co-production and syndication agreements with international streaming platforms, broadcasters and cable and satellite programmers. Related businesses include artist

and talent management as well as concerts and events.

Star Cinema, also known as ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc, is the foremost Filipino film production and distribution outfit. Star Cinema is currently celebrating its 30-year anniversary. The company, founded in 1993, has produced more than 200 films in various genres, all of which are geared to suit the preferences of Filipinos of all ages and walks of life, wherever they may be in the world. ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. aims to deliver quality film entertainment to the Filipino moviegoer while strengthening market leadership, profitability, and internal organization.

Unfortunately, success stories in music are few and far between and the talented, dedicated but languishing in hand-to-mouth existence is more the norm. But that is the state of the local music industry. Jose

Mari Chan spoke from the heart like every parent concerned about the future of his children when asked for advice to young composers by host Boy Abunda on his GMA show Fast Talk. So keep that day job. It is a fact that even the most successful ones do.

Photo from Fast Talk With Boy Abunda

Dolphy, the country’s King of Comedy is featured in the third installment of Film Development Council’s Philippine Film Industry Month with the theme ‘Tuloy ang Tawanan.’ The festivities begin with a screening of the digitally-restored version of his Home Along Da Riles Da Movie, where he plays the iconic character Kevin Cosme, courtesy of ABS-CBN Film Restoration.

Digitally-restored Home Along

Da Riles kicks off tribute for

By Kane errol Choa Philstar.com

FOR several decades, and even today, the comedic genius of the Philippines’ King of Comedy, Dolphy, has continued to bring laughter and joy to millions of Filipinos across generations through his funny antics, witty humor, and lovable persona that never fail to tickle a funny bone.

And as a fitting tribute to the King of Comedy, the Film Development Council (FDCP) is launching the third installment of its Philippine Film Industry Month with the theme “Tuloy ang Tawanan” with Dolphy himself as the face of this month-long celebration.

The festivities kicked off with a screening of the digitallyrestored version of Home Along Da Riles Da Movie, courtesy of ABS-CBN Film Restoration. The event reunited the cast of the sitcom made into movie, namely Claudine Barretto (as Bing), Vandolph Quizon (Baldo), Boy 2 Quizon (Estong), Smokey Manaloto (Bill), Gio Alvarez (Bob), and Nova Villa (Aling Ason), among others.

Present at the screening was Sagip Pelikula head Leo Katigbak, who emphasized the importance of preserving Dolphy’s legacy by restoring and remastering his cinematic works, especially for today’s younger audiences.

“From the beginning, we have always wanted to restore a lot of Dolphy’s works because I feel that despite him being known as the King of Comedy, the younger generation may not know him well, especially through his timeless films and TV shows that resonated to audiences of all ages,” Leo shared.

“I saw the restored works of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. Isang tingin ko pa lang noon, si Dolphy agad ang pumasok sa isip ko. He is in that league, and he is indeed world-class. Unfortunately, not much of his works survived for the younger generations to appreciate him even more,” he added.

Leo then recalled instances of the continuous clamor to hail Dolphy as a National Artist, highlighting that restoring his works is vital in strengthening his candidacy for the prestigious honor and further cementing his legacy as the King of Comedy.

“A part of the criteria for the national honor is that there is a body of work that survives.

For us at Sagip Pelikula, if there’s a push to make him a National Artist, we make sure

Dolphy

that his works that define him as the King of Comedy should still be around,” Leo noted.

To date, ABS-CBN Film Restoration has restored eight of his films spanning five decades, with the scanned and enhanced version of The Graduation (1969), Captain Barbell (1973), Omeng Satanasia (1977), My Juan En Only (1982), John En Marsha ‘85 Sa Probinsya (1985), Home Along Da Riles Da Movie (1993), Markova: Comfort Gay and Daddy O, Baby O! (2000). Dolphy’s Home Along co-stars also expressed gratitude for ABS-CBN’s efforts to preserve his legacy for today’s audiences and for future generations seeking to learn the roots of Philippine entertainment.

“Ang saya-saya kasi ang sarap balik-balikan ‘yung mga nagawa niya noon in color and high definition. Napakalaki ng effort na ginawa ng ABSCBN kaya’t maraming, maraming salamat sa kanila at sana lahat ng pelikulang luma ma-restore,” Smokey shared. Meanwhile, Dolphy’s grandson, Boy2 Quizon, also thanked ABS-CBN for continuing to re-air his works on various platforms. Through these efforts, Filipino audiences today can share Dolphy’s legacy of bringing laughter to their future children or grandchildren, and further highlight how his shows are anchored towards our culture and timely family values.

“It’s nice na ma-restore lahat ng ito, lalo na sa mga kabataang hindi nakaabot na mapanood ang mga palabas niya. It’s a matter of showcasing the core values of family. ‘Yung iba kasi napanood na nila, nakikita pa rin nila through various digital platforms, meron pa tayong Jeepney TV, Cinema One, etc. Parang lumalabas muli si Tatay Dolphy,” he said.

Today, many actors and comedians seek to emulate and continue Dolphy’s lifetime of laughs shared with millions of Filipinos. However, restoration plays a significant role in preserving his works, ensuring that valuable lessons and hearty laughter are passed down from one generation of viewers to the next.

(Kapamilyas can watch more restored versions of ABS-CBN’s comedy titles in FDCP’s monthlong celebration of Philippine Film Industry Month. Catch Here Comes the Bride on Sept. 13; Ang Tanging Ina, Sept. 26; and Daddy O, Baby O!, Sept. 28 for free at the Rizal Open Air Auditorium and all of FDCP’s Cinematheques.)

Paris welcomes Daily Malong at 2023 Fashion Week

PARIS – Daily Malong, a name in the Filipino fashion industry, is proud to announce its presence at 2023 Paris Fashion Week, where it will introduce its vibrant new collection, Rooted and Current. This is in preparation for Daily Malong’s rebrand transition set to release in October 2023 reflecting the team’s commitment to celebrating and promoting indigenous weaving from the Philippines, a belief passionately held by its founder, Lydia Querian inspired by rivers and mountains from her research journey to the communities.

Under the tagline “Indigenous is the Future,” Daily Malong is set to launch its latest collection, “Rooted and Current.” This innovative line is harmoniously informed by a blend of ancestral knowledge and modern fashion trends, resulting from extensive research conducted amongst indigenous and weaving communities in the Philippines.

“Rooted and Current” encompasses a creative and wearable line, bringing contemporary relevance to the timeless beauty of Filipino indigenous weaving from many different ethnolinguistic groups. Each piece in the collection, from intricate

Music and the day...

From Page 8

astute businessman who parlayed his hitmaking prowess into music production, a recording studio, a training school for young talents and other music related trades.

Unfortunately, success stories in music are few and far between and the talented, dedicated but languishing in hand-to-mouth existence is more the norm. I know of bands who would do gigs in exchange for dinner and a share of the gate receipts and after three grueling sets will go home with P300 each.

You can bet though that they would be back again the next evening. Maybe there will be a bigger audience. Maybe one of them will be a label executive, who will give them that big break.  Most of the time though, it is only, “para makatugtog lang.” Sad. Pathetic. But that is the state of the local music industry. Jose Mari Chan spoke from the heart like every parent concerned about the future of his children. So keep that day job. It is a fact that even the most successful ones do.

weaves to bold embroideries, tells a unique story, drawing deeply from oral tradition and innovation. This collection is more than just a fashion statement – it’s a celebration of cultural heritage and a testament to the inspiring fusion of past and present.

“Daily Malong’s mission is to bring the indigenous cultural inspiration from the Philippines to the global stage,” said Lydia Querian, founder of Daily Malong and the driving force behind Karayan. “Through ‘Rooted and Current,’ we hope to offer a fresh perspective

on fashion, one that respects and draws from our ancestral knowledge while staying in tune with modern trends.”

Paris Fashion Week attendees will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the effortless elegance of Daily Malong’s collection at Le Salon des Miroirs on September 29 and 30. The brand invites everyone to join them in their journey of exploring the beauty of indigenous Filipino culture and its significant role in shaping the future of fashion.

Daily Malong is a BIPOC

and Filipinx woman-owned fashion brand with a powerful purpose. Its team of creatives is on a mission to empower indigenous communities in the Philippines, sharing their legacy of ancestral knowledge with Filipinx diasporic communities across the globe.

Founder Lydia Querian spearheads its vision, driven by the resounding belief that “Indigenous is the future.” In her steadfast dedication, Lydia envisions a world where the invaluable practices of

Continued on Page 10

The wacky Cosme family — Dolphy with Claudine Barretto, Vandolph Quizon, Smokey Manaloto, Gio Alvarez, Dang Cruz and Nova Villa — in a scene from the 1993 movie.

Photos courtesy of Daily Malong

Aga Muhlach, Angel Locsin mourn death of talent manager Ethel Ramos

Moira dela Torre on getting fit, rediscovering independence and finding new love

By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

OF all the things that I’ve worked hard for, being able to say ‘I love me’ is my greatest accomplishment so far,” declared singer Moira dela Torre, who admitted to going through and enduring personal battles in the past years.

Apart from her highly publicized breakup from husband, singer-songwriter Jason Hernandez, in 2022, Moira said she had to deal with physical conditions like her Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, estrogen dominance, as well as bulimia and infertility.

The singer, who had just come home from a successful

concert tour abroad, chatted with Inquirer Entertainment recently about getting fit and confident, living independently and her readiness to find new love.

“I did a lot of hormonal balancing with my doctor. From there, I already experienced steady weight loss. I didn’t really go on a diet or exercise until this year. I wanted to say the weight loss helped my confidence, but before this, while my mental health was being corrected, I was already finding so much confidence,” the 29-year-old said. “I’m thankful because finding myself started inward and maybe it just manifested effortlessly. Now, I just want to take care

of what I’m feeling and seeing. What I’m actually putting more effort on is my mental health.”

The singer said quite a number of people reached out to her to seek her advice, particularly those who thought they could be experiencing the same problems. “I answered as many messages as I could. Sometimes, I just send my doctor’s number and suggest that they take the supplement I’m using as well. I think a lot of the hormone correction also had to do with stress. It’s really all about lowering the stress level,” Moira explained. She said that the night before the interview, she was finally able to cook her first

Continued on Page 11

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

MANILA — Actor Aga Muhlach paid tribute to his manager Ethel Ramos who passed away last Sunday.

In his Instagram account, Aga said that he will be forever grateful to the “Dean of Entertainment Writers.”

“Rest and go in peace my dearest ‘ta Ethel. Don’t even know where to begin… 30 years of love, laughter, arguments, tsismis, pangarap, hard work, to name a few. We all shared together and we just loved and embraced each other. I will miss you,” Aga said.

“I am forever grateful to you and what you’ve done for me. We’ve talked about death so many times that we both know we are ready. Lahat naman tayo dadating diyan. So much more to say but I’ll just leave it at this.

“Mahal ka naming lahat na tinulungan at minahal mo. Habambuhay ka sa puso ko. Pls pray for us na naiiwan pa dito Rest in eternal peace dearest Tita Ethel. I love you very much. Don’t worry about me, you’ve taught me so much in life. We’ll be just fine. Hurt, sad but kaya ‘to. Again, rest in peace. You are with our creator now. Your son, Aga. Ang Dami ko pa

gusto sabihin... ‘Di ko na din alam... basta.”

The official page of Angel Locsin, another former talent of Ramos, also paid tribute to the veteran showbiz columnist.

“Rest in Peace, Manay Ethel. Manay Ethel was the Dean of Entertainment Writers.

For a long time, she also served as Angel’s manager. Maraming Salamat, Manay,” the page said.  Ethel’s niece Farah

announced that the talent manager died last Sunday.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dearest Tita Ethel Ramos today, September 10 ,  5:38 p.m. She was 87,” Farah wrote.

“The family requests for prayers at this time of great sorrow and grief. Wake details will be announced soon. Godspeed, Dean. We love you. You will be sorely missed,” she added.

Paris welcomes Daily Malong at...

From Page 9

indigenous communities are woven into the fabric of the future. By marrying the timeless wisdom of the past with the opportunities of the present, Daily Malong stands as ambassadors of traditions, protectors of the environment, and champions of change.

Every piece of clothing Daily Malong creates is made with handwoven indigenous textiles serving as a living testament to the resilience

of the diverse weaving communities across the Philippines. These textiles, when donned today, bear the weight of history and the narrative of ancestral lineages across the Philippines. They bridge generations, offering both wearers and weavers a profound connection that transcends time. Through this connection, we navigate the challenges of societal adversity, work towards climate preservation, and endeavor to restore balance to our environment.

OCTOBER: FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

Rev Up Real Estate Rally 9am - 4pm Carson Event Center 801 E. Carson St. Carson, CA 90745 www.revuprealestaterally.com

Filipino American History Month - FAHM Mania 3 11am Plaza West Covina 112 Plaza Dr. West Covina, CA 91790 https://fahmmania.com/

NOVEMBER

Angel Locsin and Ethel Ramos Angel Locsin via Facebook

Moira dela Torre...

meal in her new home. She was thrilled to experience a new kind of independence. “I’ve been living here for a couple of months already, but I hadn’t had the time to just be alone and rest. It was only last night that I was able to achieve that,” she confessed, adding that she transferred homes three times in the past year.

‘An escape’

Moira said she considered the seven-month tour as an opportunity “to get away and escape.” She explained: “To be honest, I wasn’t looking forward to going home because I didn’t have anyone to go home to, and so I really loved my tour. I think now that we’re on break—we will go back on tour in October—it feels like it’s not as bad, and I actually love going home or just being at home. Right now is such a good season to realize so many things about myself.

“I used to feel that I needed validation from others.

Now, when I hear things from people, I just say, ‘Oh I’m not like that.’ I feel like I’ve finally found that confidence in myself, that I’ve finally found who Moira is. I feel very proud about that.”

Moira added: “I feel like I’m in my season now of finding my footing again, finding my independence. The moment I entered this new season, everything just changed for me. After three years of being infertile, I was suddenly cleared of my hypothyroidism and estrogen dominance and my PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). My psoriasis started clearing up. I think a lot of them were just mental. Even before any of those became visible, I felt so much freedom from feeling like I was a wrong thing. This freed me, and slowly, I learned how to take care of myself, and everything just manifested.”

The interview was to launch Moira as the ambassador of the alcoholic beverage

Maria Clara Sangria and the new variant, Maria Clara Virgin (nonalcoholic). For this particular campaign, Moira composed “Maria Clara,” where she lends her soothing voice to deliver a positive message of self-love,

regardless of the situation. “Maria Clara” which can be streamed on Spotify, “tells everyone that, sometimes, it’s okay to not feel okay, but you can take your time and be assured that everything will be alright,” she said.

The common stereotype for Maria Clara is the image of a woman who is shy, demure and modest. Moira admitted that stereotyping was something she had to deal with when she first joined the industry.

“My answer to this is both a ‘yes’ and a ‘no’ because I entered the industry not fitting any stereotype. I was never the prettiest in the room, nor was I artista-looking—I was chubby! In terms of voice, I was never a rakista, nor a biritera. I didn’t even know how to define my genre at that time. All I know is that I wanted to sing to people the songs I was writing. So in a way, I felt like I didn’t have to care. I felt like I could just be me,” she began.

Changed

“But at the same time, I feel like this changed in 2019 when I had a little accident and it really shook my security and got me a little insecure,” Moira said of the time she got hospitalized after a botched nose procedure. “It was also around that time when my entire season changed and I had to navigate a lot of things for the next three years after that. It was in 2022 when I started finding myself again and picking up from where I first started. It was then that I said I could be unapologetic again.”

Now that she is in a new season in her life, is Moira open to finding new love? “I don’t know,” she declared. “I think I’m not there yet. I don’t know if I’m jaded, if I’m cynical, or if I’m just breathing and healing.

I’m just enjoying this time for myself because I don’t think I’ve ever given myself time. It’s always about giving people my entire life.

“I feel like this time around, I can say that I deserve my time as well. I’m in that season when I’m not closing my doors, but I also know that I’ve gone through enough to see when something would be worth my while so when that time comes, let’s see.”

other child support obligee is responsible for applying for the benefits on behalf of the child. The noncustodial parent must cooperate with the custodial parent in making the application and providing any necessary information.

If the custodial parent refuses to apply for the benefits or fails to cooperate with the appropriate federal agency, the noncustodial parent may

financial burden on the custodial parent.

If you are a noncustodial parent who is receiving federal government payments on behalf of your child, you may be eligible for a credit towards your child support obligation.

You should speak with an experienced family law attorney to discuss your specific case. Here are some additional things to keep in mind about

with an experience family law specialist attorney.

* * * 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

be credited towards their child support obligation for the amount of benefits that the child would have received. The noncustodial parent must provide evidence to the local child support agency indicating the amount of benefits the child would have received.

This credit is intended to help ensure that children receive the financial support they need from both parents, even if one parent is deceased or disabled. It can also help to reduce the

California Family Code section 4504:

• The credit is not available for all types of federal government payments.

• The credit may not be available if the noncustodial parent is already receiving a credit for child support payments from another source.

• The amount of the credit may be limited.

If you have any questions about California Family Code section 4504, you should speak

Photo from Moira Dela Torre Instagram