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Undocumented Filipinos in US now estimated at 309,000

THE Philippines is the sixth top source of undocumented (unauthorized) immigrants in the United States, a population estimated at 309,000 in 2021, according to Sept. 13 report by the Migration Policy Institute in Washington, D.C.

The estimated unauthorized immigrant population in the U.S. was at 11.2 million in 2021, up from 11.0 million in 2019 and a larger annual growth rate seen since 2015.

Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, India, Venezuela, China,

Maharlika Investment Fund challenge goes to Philippine Supreme Court

by JULIE M. AURELIO, TINA G. SANTOS Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippine Supreme Court was asked on Monday, September 18 to declare unconstitutional Republic Act (RA) No. 11954, or the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) Act of 2023, a petition that

lawmakers said would not prosper because “exhaustive measures were taken” to meet all requirements of the 1987 Constitution and safeguards were installed against its misuse.

In a 56-page petition for certiorari and prohibition, the petitioners — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III,

First Lady defends Pres. Marcos presence at F1 race

by HELEN FLORES Philstar.com

MANILA — Advocates called on the United Nations Human Rights Council to examine the “alarming” human rights situation under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the policies that perpetuate it.

Marcos has pledged that human rights will be protected during his term as he seeks to strengthen ties with the United States and attract foreign investments.

But groups such as Karapatan, National

MANILA — First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos defended on Monday, September 18 President Marcos’ presence at the Formula One race in Singapore amid criticisms of his frequent foreign trips.

In a post on Instagram, the First Lady said: “Formula 1 is a global sport that provides opportunities for

networking with a diverse range of people – including political figures, celebrities, and business leaders.”

The president, meanwhile, said on Monday the Philippines and Singapore would embark on “enhanced collaboration” to address common global challenges.

Marcos said he had the chance to discuss “important matters” with Singaporean

Bayan Muna chair Neri Colmenares, and former Bayan Muna Reps. Carlos Isagani Zarate and Ferdinand Gaite — challenged the constitutionality of the MIF by claiming that it is a “dangerous” law as it “entrusts hundreds of billions in public funds to unknown fund managers and an amorphous

Senate panel OKs absolute divorce bill

by CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE Philstar.com

MANILA — A Senate panel has approved a consolidated measure that provides for absolute divorce based on various grounds, including five years of separation whether continuous or broken, and commission of the crime of rape before or after marriage.

The Committee Report 124 – prepared and submitted by the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality –recommended the approval of Senate Bill 2443, which defined absolute divorce as the “legal termination of a marriage by a court in a legal proceeding.”

Once divorce is granted, the status of both

US alarmed by coral destruction in West Philippine Sea

by MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN, PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

MANILA — The United States – through its top diplomat in the Philippines – has expressed alarm over the destruction of corals in the Rozul Shoal near Palawan, widely believed to have been perpetrated by the Chinese.

“Troubling @CoastGuardPH and @TeamWESCOM reports on coral

destruction around Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal. Habitat damage harms ecosystems and negatively affects lives and livelihoods,” U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said yesterday in a post on social media platform X.

“We are working with our

FILIPINO-AMERICANS RALLY TO ‘RESIST MARCOS-DUTERTE REGIME’. Malaya Movement USA in partnership with BAYAN USA held a rally and march to the UN Headquarters on Monday, September 18. The event, joined by members from 20 U.S. cities, opposes the Biden administration’s and UN General Assembly’s welcome of the Marcos government. Malaya Movement earlier hosted its national assembly on September 16-17 to solidify a unified stance emphasizing human rights, territorial sovereignty, and safety for the Filipino people. The group convened in front of the Jollibee flagship store in Times Square, then proceeded to the Philippine Consulate General on Fifth Avenue and ended up at the Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza near the UN.

Photo by Manny Caballero

Advocates urge UN action on ‘alarming’ human rights situation under Marcos Jr.

A protester raises a placard during a demonstration in observance of the International Human Rights day in Manila last December 10, 2022. Philstar.com photo

Maharlika Investment Fund challenge...

nine-member Board of Directors.”

Named respondents in the petition were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, the Senate, and the House of Representatives.

First Lady defends Pres...

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong over dinner in Singapore on Sunday, September 17.

“The discussions with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy PM Lawrence Wong have been promising. Our countries can expect enhanced collaboration on multiple fronts to address common global challenges,” Marcos said in a post on his official social media accounts. He did not elaborate.

“Later in the evening, we watched Ferrari clinch the podium at the F1 Grand Prix,” added the chief executive.

He was accompanied in Singapore by the First Lady and his cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the attendance of Marcos at the F1 Grand Prix in Singapore was upon Lee’s invitation.

In October last year, Marcos drew flak when he made an unannounced trip to

Singapore to watch Formula One Grand Prix as several provinces were still grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Karding.

Malacañang did not issue a confirmation of the trip until after a Singaporean official posted pictures of Marcos in the city-state on Facebook.

Marcos was also invited by the Milken Institute to Singapore to speak at the 10th Asia Summit on Sept. 13. He met with several businessmen there.

He received an P11-billion investment pledge from Singapore-based multinational technology company Dyson which, according to the PCO, eyes to invest in the country by 2024.

Malaysian retail specialist Valiram Group is also looking at expanding its operations in the Philippines by developing airport outlets for duty-free retail tourism, the PCO earlier said.

Marcos met with the Valiram Group officials on Saturday, September 16.

On Sunday, Marcos visited Filipino workers at the Lucky Plaza Mall in Singapore. g

Advocates urge UN action on ‘alarming’...

Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment and KATRIBU

- Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas stressed that Marcos has shown little difference from his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte in terms of human rights issues after more than a year in office.

KATRIBU national convenor Beverly Longid said that human rights violations such as killings, arrests, and arbitrary detentions continue under the Marcos Jr. administration.

“We are urging the UNHRC to look into the use and abuse of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, the anti-terrorism financing law, and international humanitarian law,” Longid said.

The organizations also stressed that opposition to human rights violations had been met with “state authoritarianism and fascism” that result in harassment, intimidation, redtagging, surveillance and violence.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict—a task force set up by Duterte—frequently accuses government critics of being members or supporters of communist insurgency, without providing any evidence.

“State forces have been connected to killings, enforced disappearance, arbitrary

arrests and tortures. Likewise, they have been ineffective in solving and prosecuting these rights violations, such as the recent killing of a public interest lawyer, Ma. Saniata Liwliwa Gonzales-Alzate,” said Cristina Conti, secretary-general of NUPL.

The Philippines also remains one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists, and environmental and land defenders.

Review of joint program

Human rights advocates also called for a comprehensive and participatory evaluation of the United Nations-Philippines joint program on human rights, saying “it has been unable to significantly address continuing human rights violations in the country.”

The three-year joint program aims to enhance the human rights situation in the country by focusing on technical cooperation and capacity building. It also seeks to assist the Philippines in fulfilling its international human rights obligations and commitments.

Filipino human rights organizations who are members of the Philippine Universal Periodic Review Watch are currently in Geneva, Switzerland for the 54th session of the UNHRC. (by Gaea Katreena Cabico/ Philstar.com)

The petitioners also asked the high tribunal to issue a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction or status quo ante order to stop immediately the implementation of RA 11954 and to set the conduct of oral arguments.

In challenging the law’s legality, they argued that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s certification of MIF as urgent in Congress was void for failure to meet the constitutional requirements.

“The presidential power and prerogative to certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of a bill under Article VI, Section 26 (2) of the 1987 Constitution is not absolute, but rather subject to the requirements,” they said, pointing out that the existence of a public calamity or emergency, the necessity of the enactment, and that such immediacy would justify doing away with the necessary legislative requirement, were all not present.

“The Court can take judicial notice of the fact that there was no declared state of calamity as defined by law which exists to necessitate the immediate passing of the Maharlika bill,” they said.

No violation

The House ways and means panel chair, Rep. Joey Salceda, one of the law’s authors, maintained on Monday that Congress took exhaustive measures to ensure that the MIF fulfilled the requirements of the Constitution and has included adequate safeguards against possible misuse.

In a message to the Inquirer , Salceda, who represents Albay, said he respected the right of the petitioners to question the law in court, “but I argue that the Maharlika Investment Fund Act is akin to the creation of any other government financial institution or government corporation. The Supreme Court tends to give wide latitude and tolerance on

Salceda added:

“Exhaustive measures were taken, most definitely by the House, to ensure that safeguards were installed and constitutional requirements were met.”

Independent opposition lawmaker and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman agreed with the sentiments of the petitioners in questioning RA 11954, but he noted that “there appears to be no constitutional provision violated” in the process of enacting it into law.

In a message to the Inquirer, Lagman maintained that the challenged MIF Act “lacks fiscal and economic wisdom and is ill-timed because of the negative economic indicators besetting the country today.”

“Unfortunately, congressional wisdom is not a justiciable issue as ruled by the Supreme Court in many cases. The Supreme Court has also ruled that the seasonableness of a law is left to the discretion of the legislators and the high court will not interfere in such determination,” he added.

Lagman noted that the Supreme Court also “consistently held that the presidential certification of urgency of a measure pending in the Congress is the sole political prerogative of the president on the existence of the reasons justifying certification.”

Economic viability

In the Supreme Court filing, the petitioners also argued that the House and the Senate violated the “no amendment” clause of Section 26 (2), Article VI of the 1987 Constitution.

House Bill No. 6608 was

approved by the House on its third and final reading on Dec. 15, 2022, but the petitioners said the House amended HB 6608 on May 31, 2023, “not on the basis of a Bicameral Conference Report, but on the mere motion of Rep. Mikaela Suansing.”

On the other hand, the Senate amended an already approved bill and submitted to the president a version of Senate Bill No. 2020 that is different from the Senateapproved bill.

They noted that Senate records would disclose that substantial and lengthy amendments to the bill were introduced and approved by the Senate, but were not incorporated in the printed text sent to the president and signed by him.

“This being so, that bill embodied in the Enrolled Bill was not duly enacted and therefore such did not become law as RA 11954,” the petitioners said.

The petitioners also claimed that the MIF failed to satisfy the test of economic viability, which, they said, is among the limitations imposed by the Constitution to prevent the depletion of public funds.

They noted that the national treasurer submitted a three-page business proposal for the MIF in an attempt to comply with the test of economic viability.

“Although it is true that the business proposal … reflected promising estimated returns for the next 10 years, the computation on which the estimated returns were based was not even provided in order for Congress, and also the public, to study and review such basis,” the petitioners said. g

RESPONSIBLE MEDIA. Presidential Task Force on Media Security executive director, Undersecretary Paul M. Gutierrez (2nd from left), looks on as media practitioners affix their signatures on the Commitment Wall during the National Capital Region Segment of the Nationwide Media Summit held at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila on Tuesday, Sept. 19. Summit participants pledged to promote a free but responsible press towards a safer media community. PNA photo by Ben Briones

Bayan Muna chair Neri Colmenares (center) and former Bayan Muna Reps. Carlos Isagani Zarate (right) and Ferdinand Gaite show to reporters copies of the petition they filed in the Supreme Court to declare the Maharlika Investment Fund Act of 2023 unconstitutional. Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes congressional action on such matters.”

US alarmed by coral destruction in West Philippine...

#FriendsPartnersAllies to protect Philippines natural resources,” she said.

On Saturday, September 16, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command reported the plunder of corals in Rozul Reef, with the Chinese suspected to be behind it.

On Monday, September 18, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a statement expressing serious concern over the destruction of the corals, but without mentioning China.

“We are seriously concerned about reports of the destruction of corals in Rozul Reef, a maritime feature located in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone,” the DFA said.

The DFA said the Philippines has consistently raised the alarm over ecologically harmful activities conducted by foreign vessels, an issue extensively discussed in the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.

“We, therefore, call on everyone concerned to act responsibly and cease all activities that can damage our precious marine environment. The well-being of millions of people who depend on the South China Sea for their livelihood is at stake,” the DFA said.

In Zamboanga, President Marcos said his administration is eyeing a fishing ban in some areas to address overfishing and to secure the country’s fish stocks.

A militant fishers group earlier reported a 70 percent drop in fish catch, citing Chinese harassment as well as the destruction of breeding grounds for fish as main reason.

“Sometimes, you should not catch all the fish so that there will be supply in the next season,” Marcos said in an interview with reporters.

“There are places that should not be regarded as fishing areas because they are for breeding... to increase the population of the fish,” he added.

Marcos cited the need to improve the fishery and the livestock sectors, noting that they are part of developing the country’s agriculture.

“Fisheries form part of our development plan...the catch of our fishermen has decreased because the areas where the fishes grow have been destroyed,” he said.

Senate panel OKs...

will boost our capability of patrolling our maritime seas and, as mentioned by the Commander of Western Command (WESCOM), Vice Admiral (Alberto) Carlos, our ability to protect our sovereign rights in our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) depends highly on the equipment that we have,” he stressed.

“So definitely this aircraft will help us, will boost our capability in making sure that we secure our territory and our sovereign rights,” Brawner said.

PAGE 1

parties will be reverted to single for all legal intents and purposes, including the right to contract a subsequent marriage.

SB 2443 is a substitution of consolidated Senate Bills 147, 213, 237, 554, 555, 1198 and 2047 on the Dissolution of Marriage Act sponsored by committee chair Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

providing for the dissolution of marriage.

“The Philippines will soon join the rest of the world in the legalization of absolute divorce after the House committee on population and family relations approved in principle several bills on divorce and dissolution of marriage,” divorce advocate Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said.

“After that, we will come up with an area for processing. That is our plan for fisheries,” he said. Alarming news

On Sunday, September 17, Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa said the harvesting of corals in Rozul Reef is “alarming.”

“Very alarming news. Our oceans are the lifeblood of our planet & coral reefs are its colorful heartbeats. Let’s preserve & protect these vital ecosystems for generations to come,” Koshikawa said in a post, also on X.

“In the territorial waters & EEZ around Japan’s Ogasawara Islands, a large-scale poaching of precious corals by foreign vessels occurred 10 years ago, causing marine environmental & economic damages to Japan, leading to diplomatic issue and strict JCG (Japan Coast Guard) controls,” Koshikawa said, also on X.

According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, multiple vessels believed to be Chinese coral vessels have been operating since September 2014 in the waters near the Ogasawara Islands.

On Tuesday, September 19, Philippine Coast Guard-West Philippine Sea (PCG-WPS) spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said they have deployed two vessels around Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal to conduct patrol and make another underwater survey.

“As we speak right now, the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Artemio Abu has deployed two Coast Guard vessels to conduct another maritime patrol in these two areas,” Tarriela said on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program.

The vessels, he said, would also “follow up on the

underwater survey, for us to have a clearer understanding of the extent of the damage.”

He said the PCG has submitted reports regarding the coral destruction to the National Task Force on WPS, the Department of Justice and the DFA.

“So whatever legal and diplomatic actions that are needed, I know for a fact that these agencies would do well in performing their responsibilities,” he added.

He also explained that while they have no concrete proof of Chinese role in the plunder of corals, PCG monitoring showed Chinese ships had been around the area for months prior to the discovery of the coral destruction.

“Based on the Coast Guard’s monitoring of the Chinese maritime militia, this has been happening for months already. It was last April when we started, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, monitoring the swarming of the Chinese maritime militia in these areas,” he said.

New patrol aircraft

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro led on Tuesday the formal turnover to the Philippines of a Cessna-208B (C-208B) Grand Caravan EX Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Chief of Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG)-Philippines Col. Edward Evans, yesterday.

“It will be used for all operations, all types of operations,” Teodoro told reporters during turnover ceremonies at the Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the aircraft would definitely be used to patrol the West Philippine Sea.

“Yes definitely, this aircraft

Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño called the new aircraft “a very welcome addition to our intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance capability.”

“It will also boost our capability in missions of law enforcement, terrorism and maritime domain awareness. Sinabi kanina ng ating (Secretary of National Defense) that it will be used for all types of missions depending on the need, and during humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” he added. Teodoro also said the Philippines is now “hearing a chorus of nations” supporting its stand on the maritime row with China.

“Because of the fact that we have international law and order, which includes freedom of navigation and an international airspace as justification for what we are doing, we hear a chorus of nations supporting us because we are in the right,” he stressed.

He said a review of the AFP modernization program is critical. “So this cannot be delayed and we are working day and night to try to establish our own systems and whatever capabilities that we can get from our treaty partners and other allies, we’re trying to converge this into interoperable systems, its critical, highly critical that we get it now,” he added.

“Another national security goal, which is of paramount importance now, is the ability to secure the territorial integrity of our country, to secure our sovereign rights and our jurisdiction,” he emphasized.

“National peace cannot be sustained if we cannot secure our sovereign rights in areas which rightfully belong to the Filipino people,” he said.  — Alexis Romero, Evelyn Macairan

“The state should ensure that the court proceedings for the grant of absolute divorce will be expeditious, inexpensive and affordable, particularly for indigent litigants,” the measure read.

In February, the House of Representatives expressed openness to a bill that may finally pave the way for divorce, after it approved in principle a measure

A report by news agency AFP showed that the Philippines is the only state outside Vatican that outlaws divorce, with the Catholic Church opposing the practice as it is against its teachings. Those who favor divorce say the ban makes it difficult for concerned individuals to escape violent or abusive spouses, or even for couples to amicably cut ties. g

Undocumented Filipinos...

PAGE 1

Colombia and Brazil are the ten largest populations of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

The estimates derive from MPI’s unique methodology, developed with demographer Jennifer Van Hook at The Pennsylvania State University’s Population Research Institute, to assign legal status to foreign-born populations recorded in the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), for which 2021 is the most recent year available.

These 2021 data, however, do not capture the record number of border encounters witnessed in 2022 and the high levels seen this year. They also reflect the population during a period when global mobility was still depressed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreover, population change always occurs with people exiting the unauthorized immigrant population due to voluntary or forced departure from the United States, death or, in a narrow set of circumstances, access to legal permanent residence.

There is a growing diversification of the U.S. undocumented population, due to the decade-long decline in Mexican unauthorized immigration and the widening array of nationalities arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border from within and beyond this hemisphere. The diversification also stems from visa overstays by migrants from around the world. (Inquirer.net)

Screengrab from Philippine Coast Guard shows damage to marine environment and coral reef.

Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard

The Committee Report 124 – prepared and submitted by the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality – recommended the approval of Senate Bill 2443, which defined absolute divorce as the “legal termination of a marriage by a court in a legal proceeding.” STAR/File

FEATURES OPINION

Destroying the reefs

FOR many years now, Filipinos have been raising concern over the environmental destruction from China’s artificial islandbuilding in the South China Sea. Always, what has been lacking is the lack of official support for the complaints.

In March 2019, retired Philippine government officials filed a complaint before the International Criminal Court or ICC against Chinese President Xi Jinping over his country’s “environmentally destructive and illegal reclamations and artificial island-building activities” in the West Philippine Sea.

Editorial

Along with the swarming of Chinese militia vessels and prevention of Filipinos from fishing within sovereign waters, the acts constituted crimes against humanity, according to the complainants – the late foreign secretary Albert del Rosario and former ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.

Instead of supporting the initiative, then president Rodrigo Duterte pursued his lovefest with Beijing, and later pulled out the Philippines from the ICC after it accepted complaints against him for possible crimes against humanity in connection with his crackdown on illegal drugs.

In December 2019, the ICC junked the complaint against Xi, citing lack of jurisdiction because China is not a party to the Rome

Statute. In September 2020, however, retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio joined the complainants to revive the case. Along with Xi, those named in the complaint were Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and former Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua as well as senior executives of state-run China Communications Construction Co. CCCC and its subsidiaries have been blacklisted by the United States for their role in artificial island-building in the South China Sea. The U.S. embassy recently raised alarm over the involvement of the CCCC group in commercial reclamation projects in Manila Bay.

Over the weekend, the Armed Forces of the Philippines revealed the discovery of extensive damage to corals in a reef in the West Philippine Sea. Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, chief of the AFP’s Western Command based in Palawan, said the corals are gone from Rozul Reef following the swarming of Chinese vessels in the area. “There’s nothing

left, they are destroyed and only debris was there,” Carlos said, citing the report of divers deployed to the reef by WesCom.

Coral reefs are spawning grounds for marine life and critical in maintaining marine biodiversity. Over the past decades, the Philippines has lost much of its extensive reef network to foreign poachers, destructive fishing methods and reclamation activities.

Our Armed Forces are in good hands

IT’S good to know our country’s defense establishment is in good hands under the leadership of Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, whom I’ve personally known

The

for a long time. There is absolutely no doubt he is more than qualified to serve as our country’s defense secretary after being confirmed by the Commission on Appointments.

A lawyer by profession who topped the Bar exams in 1989, Gibo is certainly no greenhorn, having first

been appointed as defense secretary when he was only 43 – the second youngest ever to hold the position after Ramon Magsaysay. He has proven himself to be a capable public servant during his three terms as Tarlac congressman and was “batchmates” with Senate President Migz Zubiri when

the latter was a congressman of Bukidnon during the 11th, 12th and 13th Congress.

When his appointment by President Marcos was announced in June, the defense establishment and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were happy, expressing their

China has turned Panganiban or Mischief Reef, just 130 nautical miles west of Palawan, into an artificial island housing a military outpost.

Protecting marine biodiversity is a concern not just of the Philippines but of the world. The country can mobilize international support to stop massive environmental destruction in the South China Sea. (Philstar.com)

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Babe’s Eye View

BABE ROMUALDEZ

Dateline PhiliPPines

Pope Francis removes Filipino priest over child abuse allegations

by KriStine Daguno-BerSamina Philstar.com

MANILA — Pope Francis has removed a priest from Borongan, Eastern Samar, due to allegations of child sexual abuse, according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

The accused priest identified as Pio Aclon, previously stationed in Borongan, had been suspended from his clerical duties while an investigation into the allegations took place.

The pontiff’s decision was announced on Sunday, Sept. 17 by the Diocese of Borongan through an official statement referred to as the “Informationis Causa.”

The document, bearing the signature of Chancellor Fr. James Abella and dated July 18, stated Aclon’s expulsion from the clergy.

“Notice is hereby given that the Holy Father Pope Francis has dismissed from the clerical state PIO CULTURA ACLON of the Diocese of Borongan,” the diocese wrote in a circular.

“He [Aclon] is, therefore, no longer a cleric and cannot exercise priestly ministry in the Church,” it added.

The announcement was read in all parish churches, chaplaincies and chapels within the Diocese of Borongan. The circular did not disclose specific details about the accused priest and the allegations against him.

The CBCP vowed transparency and accountability in handling cases of sexual abuse involving the clergy.

To prevent cover-up, the CBCP has established a dedicated office tasked with protecting minors from potential sexual misconduct by clergy members.

In recent years, there have been thousands of reports of child abuse within the Catholic

‘PH likely to lose vs China before UN assembly’

by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

FORMER solicitor general Francis Jardeleza believes the Philippines will lose if it takes China’s continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

In an exclusive interview with The Manila Times, Jardeleza said a Philippine resolution is likely to be turned down since China, as one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, has veto powers.

“I have gone on record; I am against the Philippines taking the matter to the United Nations,” he said.

“We have been there before when we filed the first arbitral case against China. That was an option available to us,” Jardeleza said, referencing the case the Philippines filed with the arbitral court in The Hague challenging Beijing’s expansive claim in the South China Sea.

But the case did not prosper in the UN, he said.

Last month, the Senate adopted a measure condemning China’s harassment in the West

Philippine Sea and urging the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to file a resolution before the General Assembly to end Beijing’s aggression.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was cool on the Senate’s proposal, insisting that “foreign policy is not set by the legislature.”

The president will not attend the General Assembly meeting in New York from September 18 to 26, and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo will stand in for him.

Jardeleza said the president was right to skip the UN meeting. “We don’t court disaster by going to a forum where we don’t even know we will win,” he said.

“I believe that a Cabinet member has already made a headcount, and I think the best count is 22 countries [supporting the Philippines]. Now if we just get 22, matatalo tayo (we will lose). That’s going to be catastrophic. Just imagine, we bring the matter to the United Nations and then during a vote, we lose,” he said.

He said he expects the 55-country African bloc to side with China, explaining that Africa

Church worldwide, posing a challenge for the pontiff.

Pope Francis, who was elected by his peers in 2013, has made it clear to bishops worldwide that they must have a “zero tolerance” policy for clergy members who sexually abuse children.

In response to this issue, he organized an unprecedented summit on clerical sexual abuse the following year. He also implemented reforms that include new rules requiring the reporting of abuse and any attempts to cover it up. g

Senate urged to pass ‘Eddie Garcia’ bill

by arlie Calalo ManilaTimes.net

QUEZON City 5th District

Councilor Aiko Melendez urged the Senate to pass the “Eddie Garcia” bill, which was submitted to the upper chamber in February this year.

In a statement, Melendez specifically called on her fellow artists and incumbent Senators Robin Padilla, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. to help ensure the swift passage of the proposed legislation. She said it is primarily aimed at protecting workers and/or independent contractors in the film, television and radio industries.

On the other hand, the veteran actor-turned-

politician praised the leadership of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez for the passage of House Bill (HB) 1270 last February with a total of 240 votes.

However, seven months after the House approved its version, the Senate has yet to pass its counterpart bill, she lamented.

The bill was named in honor of renowned actor Eddie Garcia, who died in June 2019 due to an accident while filming a television series for a broadcasting station.

Garcia’s untimely death underscored the need for a safe working environment for workers in the entertainment industry, Melendez said. She said that many in the entertainment industry

are independent actors, actresses, performers, or freelancers with uncertain salaries and benefits.

“As an actress, I’ve personally experienced and witnessed the challenges and dangers in our industry. I appeal to our colleagues in the Senate to give serious attention to this bill,” Melendez said.

“The safety and rights of workers in the entertainment industry should be a priority,” she added.

Aside from Estrada and Padilla, Senator Lito Lapid was the co-author of the Eddie Garcia bill, while there was also the pending Media Workers’ Welfare Act, authored by Senators Raffy Tulfo, Christopher Go and Loren Legarda. g

Pope Francis Philstar.com file photo

Group wants to follow up on compensation for Martial Law victims

by Luisa Cabato Inquirer.net

MANILA — A group is seeking the full implementation of a law that recognizes and remembers the human rights abuses that happened under Martial rule.

‘Tindig Pilipinas’ made this known in a press conference in Quezon city on Monday, Sept. 18.

The group’s convenor Teresita Quintos noted one decade after the law was signed, some of the victims and their kin have yet to be compensated for the injustices and ordeal they went through.

The organization is referring to Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013, otherwise known as Republic Act (RA) Number 10368.

“Mahirap kung iilan lang ang nananawagan. Kaya nga itong panawagan na ito, hindi lang diretso sa mga kinauukulan, kung hindi sa bawat Pilipino na tumindig,” Quintos said.

(It’s difficult if there are only a few who make the call. That’s why this request, this is not just directed to the authorities, but to all Filipinos who are standing up.)

The law honors the “heroism and sacrifices of all Filipinos who were victims of summary execution, torture, enforced or involuntary disappearance, and other gross human rights violations” during the administration of late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.”

It was signed and passed into law by the

late former President Benigno Aquino III on January 28, 2013.

Under RA 10368, victims of torture or other similar practices and their families are entitled to receive monetary or non-monetary compensation to be handled by Human Rights Victims Claims Board.

Quintos is urging the people to join them in asking for the full release of the compensation. According to reports, about 107,240 people suffered human rights violations under Martial Law.

Out of this number, only over 11,000 people received payment through RA 10368. g

likely to lose vs China...

is at the core of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, its strategy for global infrastructure development.

He said the 2016 Philippine victory at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which rejected China’s claim, provides enough legal ground to stand on.

“I agree with the president. Don’t court disaster by going to a forum where we don’t even know we will win. I know there are some people who opine that we cannot lose in the United Nations, but that’s not for them to say.”

Jardeleza, who was part of the team that filed the arbitration case in 2013, said there are other ways to address China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea without bringing it before the UN.

He also rejected the 2023 version of the map of China, which features a new 10dash line that defines its boundaries in the South China Sea.

“My comment on the 10dash line is that I have the same advocacy that we just file a new case over specific

items like... this recent swarming in the Iroquois Reef within our 200 miles because the decision already says that China cannot do it,” Jardeleza said.

He said he will not contest the 10-dash line “because we already won that the ninedash line [is invalid].”

Jardeleza said the Philippines could file another case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration and seek payment for damages caused by China’s aggressive acts in the West Philippine Sea.

He cited the China Coast Guard’s use of a water cannon on the Philippine Coast Guard and its increased swarming activity as the main

focus of the new case.

“Now if China again wishes not to participate, we have proven that we can hale them to the tribunal as we have done in the past. I am arguing that a new case can be filed this time; unlike the previous arbitral award or arbitral case that we filed, this time we specify the amount of damages that we suffered,” he said.

“The more important part is the so-called exemplary damage that this can run into. First, before we can have exemplary damages, we must prove actual damages. Now you add the exemplary damages, I think it can be done in a case,” he said. g

Former solicitor general Francis Jardeleza. ManilaTimes.net file photo

Names of alleged human rights victims during Martial Law as shown in a press conference held by Tindig Pilipinas on September 19 in Quezon City. Inquirer.net photo

PH is No. 1 in digital illiteracy, No. 2 in online child abuse

by Charie abarCa Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippines is the world’s first in terms of digital illiteracy and second in terms of online sexual exploitation of children, government officials have disclosed.

During the Senate panel deliberations on the proposed 2024 budget of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), senators asked agency executives if there is truth to reports that the Philippines is No. 1 in digital illiteracy.

“It is an accurate report from the United Nations (UN), but let me qualify that the last time that they asked for that report was [in] 2019,” DICT Undersecretary for

Connectivity, Cybersecurity, and Upskilling Jeffrey Ian Dy answered.

Dy, however, said the data is now “being updated” and that he is “particularly confident” that the country has increased intermediate or average literacy in information and communications technology (ICT).

The UN defines basic ICT literacy skills as navigating a certain operating system. Intermediate skills, on the other hand, require knowledge of using worksheets and presentation software.

“Many Filipinos know how to use mobile phones, know how to use TikTok or Facebook, but they cannot navigate an operating system,” Dy noted.

In the same hearing,

an official of the DICT’s attached agency, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), revealed that the Philippines is No. 2 for online sexual abuse of children.

CICC Deputy Executive Director and Assistant Secretary Mary Rose Magsaysay said this ranking shows that many Filipinos are subjecting their children to sexual activities online to earn money.

Senator Win Gatchalian subsequently asked DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy to explain the possible reasons behind this ranking.

“One of the reasons is poverty, but primarily, in terms of cybersecurity, we lack the necessary tools in order to identify perpetrators of these crimes and to track them,” Uy admitted. g

Marcos vows continued support for PNP but no mercy for rogue officers

MANILA – President

Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, Sept. 19 assured the Philippine National Police (PNP) of his administration’s continued support for its plans and programs aimed at improving the capabilities of its personnel.

Marcos made the commitment during the oath-taking of the newly promoted star-rank officers of the PNP in a ceremony at the Heroes Hall of Malacañan Palace in Manila on Monday, September 18.

“As president, I assure you this administration is always supportive of the PNP’s plans and programs, especially those that bolster your capability,” he said. “As you perform your duties in securing our people, you and your families can rest assured of the government’s full support of your welfare and overall well-being.”

Marcos expressed hope that the police generals would implement and oversee crucial initiatives aimed at improving public safety and security, noting that Filipinos are expecting them “to develop a police force that is capable, professional, responsive to

Our Armed Forces are in good...

PAGE 5

strong support for Gibo, whom they described as a decisive leader whose professional competence and wealth of experience can “help build upon our gains in the defense and security of our country.”

It’s not really surprising that members of the military have such high respect for “SND” (Secretary of National Defense) who, aside from being a licensed commercial pilot, attended the Command and Staff Course at the Philippine Air Force in 2001 and the Joint Command and Staff College in 2003 where he was a Leadership Awardee.

These military courses have certainly provided him with an understanding of military doctrine. On top of that, his prior stint as defense secretary gives him valuable insights on how much the military has transformed in terms of force structure and the changes that are needed to enhance the defense capabilities of the AFP, especially at this time.

it must conform its activities to recognized norms of international law, including the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Defense Secretary said early in his tenure. But the Chinese Coast Guard has continued with its “irresponsible behavior,” as correctly described by Secretary Gibo, who also called out the CCG’s “egregious violation” of maritime safety rules.

Many agree with Secretary Teodoro that such actions by the Chinese necessitate an honest-to-goodness modernization of the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard, along with upskilling and retraining of both civilian and military personnel to speed up the transition to territorial defense.

the needs of the communities that it serves.”

He called on the promoted PNP officers to uphold the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and compassion for human rights.

“I expect you to always lead by example and ensure that every officer and every personnel under your command adheres to the highest standards and principles that we have set for them,” he said.

‘Agents of positive change’

The ceremony gathered 57 newly promoted PNP officials consisting of four lieutenant generals, 10 major generals, and 43 brigadier generals.

Marcos challenged the new generals to be “agents of positive change” to attain his administration’s goal of transforming the country into a new Philippines.

“As we recognize that the cornerstones of an effective law enforcement are public trust and community engagement, bring the PNP closer to our communities, foster stronger partnerships for peace and security,” he said.

Marcos said under his watch, there would be “no room for leniency” for police officers who engage in acts that “tarnish the reputation of our police and jeopardize the safety of our people.”

“So to our new officers here, I urge to keep your integrity at all times and remain steadfast in your challenges faced by your institutions,” he said. “So let us work together towards ushering a truly safe, just, and prosperous Philippines for every Filipino.”

Among the newly promoted officers are Lt. Generals Rhodel Sermonia, acting Deputy Chief for Administration; Michael John Dubria, acting Deputy Chief for Operations; Rhoderick Armamento, commander of the Area Police Command - Southern Luzon; and Filmore Escobal, commander of the Area Police Command - Eastern Mindanao.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., and Presidential Adviser on Military and Police Affairs Secretary Roman Felix were also present during the oathtaking ceremony. (PNA)

“The job of the secretary of National Defense is first and foremost building up our credible deterrence,” Gibo said shortly after his appointment was announced by Malacañang.

“The way that we build up our credible deterrence is our business and nobody else’s business,” and “whether we partner with country X or Y in order to build up our own core strength is a question for the Philippines,” he emphasized, knowing fully well the need “to be ready as much as possible to foresee, predict and to react to defend the Philippines from any geopolitical happening.”

He is intelligent and articulate, and can drive home a point with logic, common sense as well as grit and spirit when it comes to geopolitical issues. “Just like we do not question the buildup of not even defensive capabilities but offensive capabilities of other countries, they should not question ours,” Gibo told those who question the right of the Philippines to build its defense and offensive capabilities.

As SP Migz correctly put it, Gibo’s appointment “came at a very opportune time, not only in addressing the issues of internal security threats, but also, above all, the external threats with the heightening tensions in the West Philippine Sea.”

Everyone knows the kind of aggression that China has been displaying in the West Philippine Sea, with Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels bullying Filipino fishermen and preventing them from fishing in traditional fishing grounds, shadowing and harassing Philippine Coast Guard vessels escorting boats conducting resupply missions for the troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

If China wants to earn the trust of Filipinos,

Filipinos also support the idea of forging alliances with like-minded nations that want to ensure freedom of navigation and maintain peace and stability in the region. Aside from the United States, Japan and Australia, Germany, Canada and France are also keen on the idea of conducting joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea.

The United States has been very supportive of our modernization efforts, evidenced once again in the donation of two refurbished Cyclone-class patrol vessels that have been renamed as BRP Valentin Diaz and BRP Ladislao Diwa commissioned by the Philippine Navy last Monday, September 11.

Critics of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement say that allowing additional bases to be used by the U.S. could drag us into a war. EDCA is an agreement, there is mutual consent between the Philippines and the United States. Those who question EDCA should ask themselves –what about Scarborough Shoal and the other maritime territories where China has built military bases inside our territory – did they ask our permission or forge an agreement? Absolutely not.

So to those who continue to gripe about EDCA and our U.S. alliance, Secretary Teodoro has this to say: “This is Philippine territory, and it is our business what we do here just as long as it is for our interest… it is not any other countries’ business to question what we do here.”

With this unequivocal pronouncement, 90 percent of Filipinos feel reassured in knowing our Armed Forces are in good hands with Secretary Gibo Teodoro at the helm. (Philstar. com)

* * *

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

* * *

babeseyeview@gmail.com

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION. Electric tricycles queue up, waiting for passengers at their terminal along Panay Avenue in Barangay Paligsahan, Quezon City on Monday, Sept. 18. In 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the local government distributed 300 electric tricycles to the most vulnerable sectors to create sustainable jobs, as well as to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Atty. Gurfinkel answers more immigration questions from Kapamilya in Manila on Citizen Pinoy

IN part five of Citizen Pinoy’s “Your Tanong, My Sagot” from Manila, leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel provides answers to more immigration questions from Kapamilya in the Philippines.

• Faisol has a U.S. citizen daughter who lives in the Philippines. The daughter will be turning 21 soon, and Faisol is asking what steps can be taken so their daughter can petition them.

• The petition for Olivia’s son was approved in 2021. Olivia is worried because

her son turns 20 this year, and he is still waiting for his interview at the U.S. Embassy. How much longer will he wait?

• Julie was petitioned by her U.S. citizen father in 2005. She wants to know what she should do since her son will be aging out by the time the petition becomes current.

• Oliver’s mother has been living in the Philippines for the past five years, and he wants to know if that would affect the petition that she

YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT IN MANILA PART 5. Kapamilya in Manila get answers to their immigration questions from leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel in part 5 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot.” Atty. Gurfinkel answers the following questions – From Olivia (top left): My son’s petition was approved in 2021, and he is still waiting for his interview at the U.S. Embassy. How long does he have to wait?; From Oliver (top right): My mom has been living in the Philippines for the past five years. Would that affect the petition that she filed for my sister?; From Julie (bottom right): I was petitioned by my U.S. citizen father in 2005. What can I do because my son will be aging out by the time the petition becomes current?; From Faisal (bottom left): My wife and I have a U.S. citizen daughter who lives here in the Philippines. What can she do to petition us? Be sure to tune in for the answers to these questions on Part 5 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” from Manila, on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, September 24 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

Health@Heart Raping Mother Earth

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

OUR planet would be at an imminent grave risk of being destroyed, if global warming, more appropriately termed climate change, continues unabated. Although controversial and like the multitudes of problems threatening the world, this major one is partly caused by its intelligent inhabitant, man himself, and his careless and irresponsible behavior, especially in the last two hundred and some years.

Human beings are not new to self-abuse, self-destruction, and to irreverence to their environment, in spite of their education, culture, and the massive data in this age of exploding informational technology and mindboggling advances in science and medicine.

Man’s self-abuse and rape of his environment are almost certain to doom the world he lives in, unless he listens to Mother Nature and promptly starts to take a wise proactive strategy in dealing with his present ecological dilemma. Man cannot afford to lose this one, his only proven sanctuary in the galaxy. And what’s happening is scary. Let’s not destroy this good earth before we find another hospitable home.

Historically, the earth’s climate has gone through various changes, from ice age to prolonged periods of heat waves. The factors involved include the alteration in the Earth’s orbit, the degree of energy from the sun, and volcanic eruptions. The latter part of the 18th century ushered in a greater human factor: the industrial revolution which has contributed to more massive environmental pollution.

Man’s share

The human “contributions” include the carcinogenic fumes from cigarettes, carbon monoxide/dioxide from engine emissions, chemical contamination from the household agents (soaps, bleaches, tile and toilet cleaners, etc.) we use daily, factory polluting our atmosphere and dumping of toxic waste products into the our rivers and lakes, deforestation and destruction of our greeneries, invasion of the original habitats of

animals and disturbing the natural order of things, and the environmental insults that urbanization brings with it in general. These changes in the landscape of nature have affected the health and atmosphere of our planet, causing its “body” to have a temperature that is rising like a fever from an “infection,” and at an arguably alarming faster rate than what it should be. And all this because of what we, its intelligent inhabitants, have done to the one and only “life-sustaining home” we know in the galaxy.

The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, and deforestation the past two centuries have led to the “greenhouse effect,”

Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and NASA

“show that the earth’s average surface temperature has increased by about 1.2 to 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1900…the warmest global average temperatures on record have all occurred within the past 15 years, with the warmest two years being 1998 and 2005.” This indisputably means the human factor has caused this dreadful and scary phenomenon.

Ravaged Mother Earth

Indeed, as guests on this planet we call home, we humans, have not been courteous, respectful, ecology-conscious enough and environmentally friendly at all to Mother

flooding, droughts and fires happening often.

While government initiatives by all nations around the globe are vital to the remedial solution to this potentially catastrophic dilemma that could make our world uninhabitable and wipe out civilization as we know it, our individual and concerted community discipline, behavioral modification and proactive lifestyle changes could immensely help and positively impact on how much longer we can keep Planet Earth a safe place to live in. Hopefully, our space exploration is successful soon enough in finding another friendly planet man could colonize soon, before our indifference, carelessness and stupidity transform this good earth into a giant ball of fire and erase mankind.

Atty. Gurfinkel answers...

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filed for his sister.

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

September 24 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET through select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

where the toxic gasses in the atmosphere have significantly increased to the point of trapping heat, like in a glass panel enclosure of a greenhouse, causing the earth’s temperature to climb more rapidly than ever before in its history. The resultant man-induced depletion of the ozone layer (nature’s protective “umbrella,” shielding us from the harmful variety of sun rays) is likewise a great health hazard, a most plausible contributing factor in the alarmingly increasing rate of the various cancers killing people in the world today.

Although greenhouse gases, at safe levels, are essential for life as we know it to keep our planet comfortably warm, abnormally high levels are far too dangerous for our planet. At present, man’s abuse of his environment has adversely affected many aspects of our life, including our means of subsistence, agriculture, and aquaculture, to mention a couple.

Data from the National

Earth. This has resulted in the gradual deterioration of our ecosystem to its ravaged situation today.

What are the signs of a widespread and long-term trend toward global warming? The manifestations include unusually warmer weather and heat waves; glacier melting; Arctic and Antarctic warming; and, ocean warming, rising sea level, and coastal flooding. Aren’t the various volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, typhoons, hurricanes, floodings, and evident weather changes not enough hints for us?

If man does not do anything about this climate change soon, the resultant impact of this global warming, according to experts, will lead to the following “harbingers”: diseases spreading more easily, spring arriving earlier, coral reef bleaching occurring, plant and animal range shifts and population changes taking place, downpours, heavy snow falls and giant tidal waves and

Our fate is in our hands. We had better hurry to save the only home we have.

* * *

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

* * *

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

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

Dennis promises to never cheat on Jennylyn

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

DENNIS Trillo is committed to being a faithful husband to his wife, actress Jennylyn Mercado, saying he makes it a point to distance himself from any forms of “temptation.”

Man’s self-abuse and rape of his environment are almost certain to doom the world he lives in, unless he listens to Mother Nature and promptly starts to take a wise proactive strategy in dealing with his present ecological dilemma. Man cannot afford to lose this one, his only proven sanctuary in the galaxy. PAGE

Trillo expressed his desire to never cheat on Mercado during a “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” interview, which was uploaded on GMA Network’s YouTube channel last Friday, Sept. 15. The topic was brought up after Abunda asked him about

handling “external forces” that can harm relationships.

“As long as meron kang respeto doon sa partner mo, hindi mo hahayaan na maging masama ang pangalan mo,” he said. “Mahirap magkalamat ‘yung tiwala ng isang tao, lalo na matagal mo siyang pinag-ingatan, kaya hindi ko na naiisip na magloko or ma-tempt man lang. Ako na mismo ang lumalayo talaga.”

(As long as you respect your partner, you wouldn’t dare to take advantage of

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel is shown here with Faisol Khan (left) and Olivia Nagahama (right).

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answers the questions of Kapamilya from Manila – Julie Guarin (left) and Oliver Pimentel (right).

Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado with their daughter Dylan GMA photos

From Loft to Limelight: Soho International Film Festival celebrates 14 years of honoring independent lms

by MOMAR G. VISAYA / AJPress

In 2009, Jorge Ballos, founder and president of the Soho International Film Festival (SIFF), embarked on a cinematic journey that would evolve into a significant cultural event. Ballos, a former owner of a modeling agency, was deeply immersed in the world of filmmakers and actors. He recalls, “I was working with a lot of filmmakers, a lot of actors, and then one day I said, let me just start a film festival, which fortunately has become very successful.”

From its humble beginnings in a downtown loft, the festival’s inaugural year garnered around 300 applications, with 20 selected entries showcased over four days. The festival’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. It transitioned from the Quad Cinemaplex at 34 West 13th Street to its current prestigious location at the Village East by Angelika on Second Avenue.

Now in its 14th year, the 2023 SIFFNYC opened on September 14 with an impressive lineup. Ballos proudly announced, “We had like over a thousand submissions this year, you know, and the good thing is that we are also a nonprofit since 2017.” This year’s festival featured a record-breaking 35 world premieres, along with 6 US premieres, 32 Northeast premieres, and 29 New York premieres.

Sibyl ReymundoSantiago, SIFFNYC’s executive director and head of programming, expressed her excitement about the diverse range of submissions. “The full list of accepted entries includes submissions from more than 38 countries, ranging from feature and short films, documentaries to series pilots,” she remarked.

The esteemed panel of jurors for the festival included industry leaders and luminaries. Marci Phillips, the head juror,

leads the New York office for the East Coast talent pool for ABC Television Network and Disney+.

The panel also featured accomplished professionals like Daryn Simons, Eleonore Dailly, Ernabel Demillo, Ivan Williams, James Tumminia, Jeffrey Jeturian, Susannah D’Arcy, and Cas Sigers Beedles. These distinguished jurors played a crucial role in selecting

the festival’s award winners, which were announced at the awards gala on September 21.

One of the distinctive features of the SIFFNYC is its commitment to audience engagement. Festivalgoers had the opportunity to vote and determine the winners of the SOHO14 Audience Awards in various categories, including feature films, shorts/series, and

exhibition films.

Over the years, the festival has attracted an impressive roster of attendees, including renowned figures such as Octavia Spencer, Pierce Brosnan, Bobby Cannavale, Armand Assante, Luis Guzman, Sean Young, Kevin Jonas, Adam Brody, Eric Roberts, Michael Imperioli, and Steve Schirripa. Their presence at the festival underscores its significance in the world of independent cinema.

Presented by the SOHO Film Forum, a 501(c)(3) organization, SIFFNYC not only celebrates cutting-edge digital technology but also pays homage to traditional storytelling forms. It serves as a platform that encourages both emerging and seasoned filmmakers from New York City and around the world to submit their innovative cinematic works.

Reflecting on the festival’s growth and the anticipation surrounding each edition, Santiago expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled by the volume of submissions and the caliber of films for this year’s edition of the festival. There is so much anticipation as we eagerly prepare to unveil our talented filmmakers and their remarkable creations on screen!”

Reflecting on the festival’s beginnings, Santiago shares, “I had a chance to kind of hear about it and it was

Sibyl Santiago and founder Jorge Ballos (right) with Asian Persuasion’s Kevin Kreider AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

Ballos and Santiago with Asian Persuasion stars KC Concepcion and Paolo Montalban

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

Ballos and Santiago with Robin Givens

Photo courtesy of SIFF

Sibyl Santiago, SIFF’s executive director and head of programming SIFF founder Jorge Ballos Photo courtesy of SIFF

Alden admits pressure after success of ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’

By HannaH mallorca Inquirer.net

EVEN though it’s been four years since the film “Hello, Love, Goodbye” hit theaters, Alden Richards said that he was dreading accepting new movie projects because of the recordbreaking success of his movie with Kathryn Bernardo.

During a 24 Oras interview last Sept. 15, Richards admitted that such was his dread that he felt pressure to set a higher standard for himself and the new projects he would choose to star in. Thus, when the offer for the movie “Five Breakups and a

Filipina Sophia Laforteza takes No. 2 spot in Korean show ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’

By EvangElinE valdErrama Inquirer.net

SOPHIA Laforteza, the 20-year-old trainee from the Philippines vying for a spot of the South Korean show “The Debut: Dream Academy,” has made it to Mission 2 of the audition program, which is a collaboration of the top entertainment company HYBE and Geffen Records.

The show announced the fan voting results on its social media pages, where Laforteza took the second place with 92,617 votes, or just 16,672 votes shy of top-placer Lee Nayoung, a South Korean actress.

“Mission 1 Voting Results as decided by you! [emojis] The 6 top-voted contestants will continue to Mission 2. The judges then consider your votes and their commentary to decide which 12 of the remaining contestants move forward. Watch the final results now on HYBE LABELS + YouTube Channel,” the show stated.

Rounding up the Top 6 are: Samara Siqueira Cunha from Brazil (92,544 votes); Manon Bannerman from Switzerland (79,083); Lara Rajagopalan from the United States (75,213); and Yoonchae Jeong of Korea (72,577).

Having completed Mission 1, the finalists are then entitled to proceed with Mission 2 of the K-pop training system, and are given immunity from elimination. Meanwhile, two of them were eliminated — Japan’s Hinari Irie and Slovakia’s Adéla Jergová.

Mission 1 showcased the 20 trainees’ skills as a global girl group through dance and vocals.

Laforteza, daughter of singer-actress Carla Guevara and chef Godfrey Laforteza, said in her prep vlog that singing is “everything to me.”

“For my group and I, we’ve been working a lot on our chemistry so we would be singing the song together but we would be holding hands, or we would just be having fun dancing around and singing and trying to make sure that our energy is together,” she said.

“This is exactly what I’ve been waiting for. I feel like I’ve been working so hard every single day. My first thought when they announced this whole phase was simply my family and my country, and the rest of the people that cared about me. I was just so excited for this,” Laforteza further said.

Meanwhile, HYBE is a South Korean entertainment company behind giant K-Pop acts such as BTS, Tomorrow X Together and ENHYPEN, among others. g

Romance” with Julia Montes came along, he knew that he was setting his career to new heights.

“I was fearful, coming from the success of ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye.’ Siyempre, it broke records… Natakot po ako to accept projects in terms of movies kasi lalo pa’t ‘yung pagtingin ko sa details ng gagawing projects is medyo, of course, tumaas din ‘yung standards ko (I was scared of accepting movie projects, especially as I’ve been very particular about certain details since I set my standards higher),” he added.

The actor previously

expressed his admiration for his leading lady’s acting prowess at a media launch in April of this year.

Richards will star as Lance, while Montes will portray the role of Justine. It is set to hit theaters on Oct. 18.

“Hello, Love, Goodbye” was the first team-up of Richards and Kathryn Bernardo which became the “highest-grossing Filipino film of all time,” per Star Cinema in September 2019.

Interestingly, Bernardo and Montes starred as the leads in the 2010 teleserye “Mara Clara” and the 2011 film “Way Back Home.” g

From Loft to Limelight: Soho International Film...

PAGE 14

done in a beautiful loft in downtown Manhattan. In the second year, the founder Jorge Ballos asked me to get involved with the festival, and bring it to the next level. It was a perfect fit.”

One of the distinctive aspects of the Soho International Film Festival is its commitment to diversity. Santiago emphasizes, “First of all, it’s run by POCs. Jorge is the founder and the president and an AAPI woman is in charge of programming. That alone already puts us in a different place.”

This inclusivity is not just in leadership but also in the selection of films. Santiago, herself a filmmaker, believes in a nuanced approach to storytelling. “We approach our films that we accept on a very different level because we all know what goes into making an important story.”

This year, the festival has partnered with Gigil, a Manila-based advertising

agency, to further emphasize its dedication to mixing genres and showcasing diverse perspectives.

Santiago explains, “Audiences will see where the films come from, and you try to have a very good mix, and it seems to come naturally. I feel like maybe just being a female programmer and also having a diverse background, born here and raised here, it’s automatic for me to just really see stories, diversity.”

The festival’s support for Filipino filmmakers holds a special place in Santiago’s heart. “I always say it’d be great if we can find Filipino films that could compete internationally but I really do make the effort every year to find them so whenever I see a submission from a Filipino or a Fil-Am filmmaker from the Philippines, I look at them and I try to see how I can fit into programming.”

Addressing the challenges of running a film festival, Santiago likens

it to producing a film. “It’s production, except that I’m producing for 125 filmmakers at the same time.” Despite the hurdles, the collaborative nature of the festival is what makes it a rewarding endeavor. “It’s an operation and for example, I have 125 films this year. So I’m collaborating literally with 125 filmmakers.”

Looking ahead, Santiago envisions the Soho International Film Festival becoming an iconic destination for independent filmmakers. She aspires for the festival to mentor the next generation of storytellers and bring their narratives to screens worldwide. As the festival continues to thrive under the duo’s stewardship, it stands not only as a celebration of cinema but also as a testament to the power of diverse voices in storytelling. With each passing year, it solidifies its position as a vital platform for filmmakers and cinephiles alike. g

Dennis promises to never cheat on...

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that trust. It’s hard when someone doesn’t trust you anymore, especially when you’ve protected it for so long. This is why cheating or being tempted never crossed my mind. I choose to stay away.)

The actor, who admitted that he’s a “jealous” type of partner, said he’s very “careful” in ensuring someone’s trust, especially when it comes to keeping his relationship with Mercado intact.

“Maingat ako sa tiwala ng tao. Ayokong isipin na may mangyayaring ganu’n sa relasyon naming dalawa kaya minamabuti ko rin na siguraduhin na palaging masaya ‘yung asawa ko kahit na may mga anak na kami. Gusto ko maging maligaya

pa rin siya, gusto ko kinikilig pa rin siya sa akin at sa mga ginagawa ko,” he said.

(I’m very careful with someone’s trust. I don’t want to think that infidelity would happen in our relationship. This is why I make sure that we stay happy even if we have a child already. I want her to be happy. I want her to feel butterflies with the things that I do to her.)

During the interview, Trillo admitted that he knew early on that the actress is “the one,” and was just looking for the “perfect timing” to get married.

“Siguro, early on before mangyari ang proposal, noon pa lang, parang tawagan na namin sa isa’t isa ay ‘asawa.’ Alam na namin na doon na talaga papunta, kailangan lang maghanap

ng perfect timing (Early on, before the proposal was going to happen, we address each other as ‘husband’ or ‘wife.’ We knew that our relationship was headed in that direction, we just had to look for the perfect timing),” he added.

The “Love Before Sunrise” star also said that Mercado is a “caring” partner, as he noted that she ensures that he’s in his best condition whenever he’s filming for a project.

“[Si Jennylyn] ang mas grabe mag-alaga, hindi ko maikukumpara ang pagaalaga niya sa akin. Siya ‘yung talagang the best sa pag-aalaga,” he said.

“Sisiguraduhin niya na safe ka, sisiguraduhin niya na maayos ka, kumpleto lahat ng gamit mo. Siya pa ‘yung

madalas nag-aayos ng gamit ko minsan or madalas kapag may taping ako or out of town or out of the country.”

(Jennylyn is the more caring one. I can’t compare how much of a caring partner she is when it comes to me. She’s the best in terms of being caring. She makes sure that you’re safe, doing well, and your personal belongings are complete. Sometimes, she’s the one who fixes my things whenever I’m taping or I’m out of the country.)

The celebrity couple started dating in 2010, but broke up a year later. They eventually reconciled in 2015 and wed in an intimate ceremony in November 2021.

Trillo and Mercado welcomed their first child Dylan Jayde in May 2022. g

Sophia Laforteza Photo screengrabbed from Youtube/The Debut: Dream Academy

Alden Richards

Photo from Instagram/@aldenrichards02