092223 - Northern California Edition

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, 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

As AI rapidly develops, so do tech-based scams, FTC warns

Text scammers utilize AI to steal sensitive information like passwords and Social Security numbers as scam-based losses increase

ORGANIZED scam operations have been a serious threat since before the digital age.

But with the onset of more sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) technology, it is significantly more difficult to escape the grasp of the booming scam industry, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns.

Earlier this year, FTC Chair Lina Khan reported that the agency was seeing an uptick in criminals using highly advanced AI tools to “turbocharge” fraud and scams.

“As this stuff becomes more embedded in how daily decisions are being made, I think they invite and merit a lot of scrutiny. Those problems and concerns are quite urgent, and I think enforcers, be it at the state level or the national level, are going to be acting,” Khan

THE United States government on Tuesday, Sept. 19 handed over a surveillance aircraft to the Philippines for monitoring increasing incursions by China in the West Philippine Sea, particularly its alleged harvesting of corals in one of the areas that lie within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The turnover of the U.S. aircraft came days after China's alleged large-scale destruction of corals and other marine life in the Rozul (Iroquois) Reef and Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea caught

the world's attention.

It also comes as a satellite image, which was released on Tuesday, showed at least suspected Chinese ships massing once again at Rozul Reef, which is 125 nautical miles from Palawan and situated at the southwest edge of Reed (Recto) Bank.

Ray Powell, SeaLight director, said their imagery partners at Planet Labs provided "clear visual evidence" of at least 35 Chinese fishing and maritime militia vessels operating at Rozul Reef.

 PAGE 2

AFP: Other countries to join Philippines-United States maritime patrols

by RAINIER ALLAN RONDA Philstar.com

MANILA — Aside from Japan and Australia, several other countries are willing to join the Philippines and the United States in patrolling the South China Sea, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Other countries that are open to the idea will be identified later,” AFP spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar told reporters in a statement sent on Viber.

On Sept. 14, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner disclosed that other countries have offered to join the joint patrols with the U.S.

“(The development) is a very good indication of the intent of like-minded countries to come together to promote the rulesbased international order and to make sure that security in the Indo-Pacific region is maintained at all times,” Brawner told reporters at a joint press conference with Admiral John

the petitioners — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, 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

First Lady defends Pres. Marcos presence at F1 race

by HELEN FLORES Philstar.com

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 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

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

by GAEA KATREENA CABICO 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 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.

PH boosts WPS watch with new...

Powell told The Manila Times that although they cannot determine by these particular images that those ships were those of the Chinese maritime militia, "history, the size of the vessels, and their behavior tell us these are Chinese."

Historically, he pointed out that People's Republic of China (PRC) vessels have been monitored "consistently" in that particular area.

Likewise, Powell noted that neighboring Southeast Asian countries do not have fishing ships as large as those in the satellite image.

The "swarming/rafting" behavior of the ships in the satellite image is also noticeable, he said, which is a common tactic employed by Chinese vessels.

For all operations

The Cessna-208B (C-208B) Grand Caravan EX Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft

was turned over by the U.S. government, represented by Col. Edward Evans, USAF, chief of the Joint US Military Assistance Group (Jusmag)Philippines to Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., at simple rites at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga. "It will be used for all operations, all types of operations," Teodoro said, including in the West Philippine Sea.

The new aircraft will be an addition to the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) inventory of air assets, including USmade C-130 cargo transport planes, FA-50 jet fighters, and other mobility aircraft while the government acquires sophisticated planes.

Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., said the plane will surely enhance the military's capability to increase its air maritime patrol in the WPS to closely detect real-time activities by China

Maharlika Investment Fund...

in so far as sovereign right is concerned.

"Yes definitely, this aircraft will boost our capability of patrolling our maritime seas and our ability to protect our sovereign rights in our exclusive economic zone," Brawner said.

Philippine Air Force Chief, Lt.Gen. Stephen Parreño said the Cessna aircraft will be another asset in gathering information and reconnaissance missions in law enforcement in the maritime domain.

"This brand new aircraft is 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," Parreño said.

In a query as to the next government action against China's activities vis-a-vis the coral destruction, Teodoro said he sought the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs

as it “entrusts hundreds of billions in public funds to unknown fund managers and an amorphous ninemember Board of Directors.”

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

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 congressional action on such

matters.”

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 illtimed 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

Undocumented Filipinos in US now estimated...

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 diversi-

First Lady defends Pres. Marcos presence at...

fication 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)

Advocates urge UN action on ‘alarming’...

The organizations also stressed that opposition to human rights violations had been met with “state authoritarianism and fascism” that result in harassment, intimidation, red-tagging, 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 GonzalesAlzate,” 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. g

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 citystate 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, September 17, Marcos visited Filipino workers at the Lucky Plaza Mall in Singapore. g

AFP: Other countries to join Philippines...

Aquilino of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Australia and the Philippines conducted last month Exercise Alon, the first-ever bilateral amphibious exercise between the two countries.

Early this month, the two countries also conducted Exercise Carabaroo, a threeweek bilateral exercise held at the Channel Island in Northern Territory, Australia.

In June, the Japanese coast

guard joined the Philippines and the U.S. for the weeklong Kaagapay Trilateral Exercise. Australia joined as an observer.

Another trilateral exercise among Japan, the U.S. and Australia was held last month.

Aguilar recently denounced Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea after the latest incident on Aug. 5, in which the China Coast Guard (CCG) attempted to obstruct the Philippine Coast Guard’s resupply mission to BRP Sierra

Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

On Sept. 15, the AFP successfully conducted another resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre, escorted by PCG vessels BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan. Two CCG ships, along with ten Chinese maritime militia vessels, made attempts to obstruct the Philippine ships, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea reported. Another resupply mission was successfully carried out on Aug. 22. g

As AI rapidly develops, so do tech-based...

PAGE 1 told Bloomberg earlier this year. Scammers utilize more sophisticated methods of “phishing” via email, text messages, social media, and other digital forms of contacting victims.

The FTC defines phishing as “an attempt to steal the consumer’s information, personal information, financial information, passwords,” as told by Benjamin Davidson, a consumer protections attorney with the FTC Division of Market Practices.

According to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network, there were more than 2 million fraud reports in 2022. So far in 2023, there have been 1.1 million fraud reports.

Though the volume of fraud reports has not risen, Davidson pointed out that the amount of money that people are losing via fraud has increased.

Reportedly, $658 million was lost via digital-based scams, of which social media and phone calls were the top methods utilized by criminals. Phone call-based scams cost victims an average of $1,400 per person, according to those who’ve reported to the FTC.

Imposter scams in which the scammer claims to be a government official or a representative from a company, like Amazon or Wells Fargo, have become more prominent. In 2022, text message-based phishing scams were “the leading contact method for fraud complains,” Davidson said. In these scams, victims are often lured by a myriad of text-based methods: offering free gift cards, inquiring about fake package deliveries, alerts of fake job offers, tech support-related scams, and the most popular method, impersonating someone’s bank.

Most recently, AI software has advanced so much that criminals can use AI to clone voices.

Although the quality of AIgenerated audio clips varies in quality and authenticity, disturbingly, some AI can mimic the voices of a person’s family members and friends in what’s often described as “family

emergency scams.” Davidson said that scammers obtain sound files of a victim’s family member, often through social media, and use software to clone that voice to pretend to be that family member in distress.

Similar to the visual equivalent of “deepfakes” — wherein faces can be superimposed onto other bodies in videos — voice-cloning technology is often believable.

“They say they’re in jail and need money to be bailed out; they’re traveling abroad, and they lost their passport and need money for a plane ticket; or they’re in a car accident. There’s always an emergency,” Davidson explained. “The consumers we talked to who later realized that the person they were speaking with was a scammer and not a loved one a really jarring experience.”

Last year, the FTC reported that victims over the age of 70 years old reported higher losses due to scams than the median or average individual loss.

Because AI-constructed fraud is becoming more difficult to suss out, Davidson suggested implementing a security question when they encounter a caller claiming to be a family member.

“It doesn’t need to be a fancy password arranged ahead of time,” Davidson said, suggesting asking questions with answers that only that family member would know, like, “What did we have for dinner last night?”

Over the last year, AI technology has exponentially grown in popularity for its uncanny ability to generate convincing emails, text messages, essays, and art pieces. Lawmakers across all levels of government are currently debating on how to regulate this new technology with supporters advocating for the convenience of AI and opponents warning against data breaches and privacy issues. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

PH boosts WPS watch with new...

PAGE 2

(DFA).

"We have to validate it because according to the arbitral award that is a violation of an international treaty, the destruction of maritime life, particularly if the coral destruction is a cause of, or used for reclamation of artificial islands, etc. Now we have to validate it and then we'll coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs so that we can file the appropriate action," Teodoro said.

Aside from maritime issues, Teodoro said the U.S. aircraft will also provide humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

"The aircraft will also be useful, particularly in the aftermath of disasters and Rapid

Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) so that we could assess the damage during calamities," Teodoro said.

Known for its rugged utility and flexibility, which can operate up to 912 nautical miles and stay airborne for 5 hours and 30 minutes, the C-208B Aircraft, with an advanced ISR capability, will be operated by the 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing (AISW) headed by BGen. Edgar C. Torres PAF. So far, the PAF has three similar planes in its inventory, acquired as grants from the U.S. government.

Illegal

Under the United Nations

Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration

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

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.

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 coauthor 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

46% of Pinoys optimistic PH economy will improve - survey

by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

ABOUT 46 percent of adult

Filipinos think the Philippine economy will improve in the next six months, the latest OCTA Research survey released on Monday, Sept. 18 showed.

The "Tugon ng Masa" (TNM) National Survey, an independent and non-commissioned poll conducted regularly by OCTA Research, conducted from July 22 to 26 showed that less than half of adult Filipinos remain optimistic about the future. This is 4 percent lower than the 50 percent recorded in the

first quarter survey conducted in March 2023.

While about 46 percent of adult Filipinos think the Philippine economy will "improve," the poll also showed that 43 percent think the economy will "stay the same," and 6 percent think it will "worsen."

OCTA's latest survey also showed that the percentage of adult Filipinos who think the Philippine economy will improve in the next six months ranges from 31 percent to 54 percent across different major areas.

The highest percentage was recorded in Balance Luzon (54

percent), and the lowest was in Visayas (31 percent).

"Conversely, the percentage of adult Filipinos who think that the Philippine economy will worsen over the next six months ranges from 2 percent to 11 percent," OCTA said.

"The highest percentage is in Visayas (11 percent), and the lowest is in Balance Luzon (2 percent)," it added.

Meanwhile, the poll showed 55 percent of adult Filipinos believe that their quality of life will improve in the next six months, 36 percent think it will remain the same, and 4 percent believe it will worsen. g

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

Pope Francis Philstar.com file photo

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 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

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

EASY. A motorist passes by a vibrant mural along Scout Fuentebella Extension Street in Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City on Tuesday, Sept. 19. The wall art reminds passersby to take things in circumspect and enjoy the journey called life. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Destroying the reefs

FOR many years now, Filipinos have been raising concern over the environmental destruction from China’s artificial island-building 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

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.

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

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. 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

Our Armed Forces are in good hands

wealth of experience can “help build upon our gains in the defense and security of our country.”

be ready as much as possible to foresee, predict and to react to defend the Philippines from any geopolitical happening.”

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 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 strong support for Gibo, whom they described as a decisive leader whose professional competence and

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.

“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

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, 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 honestto-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.

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

can mobilize international support to stop massive environmental destruction in the South China Sea. (Philstar.com)

IN the annals of Philippine history, the martial law regime imposed by Ferdinand Marcos Sr. from 1972 to 1981 stands as a stark reminder of how power can corrupt absolutely. Under the pretense of building a “New Society,” the Marcos regime deteriorated into a plunderous era that corrupted government institutions, confiscated businesses, and violated democratic principles. While the Philippines has ostensibly moved beyond martial law, disturbing parallels are emerging, signaling the return of impunity under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The Marcos era witnessed the degradation of once-respected institutions like the Central Bank of the Philippines, which was shamelessly treated as a personal bank account. The regime

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

Return of dark days but without martial law

orchestrated the confiscation of businesses and properties from perceived enemies, handing them over to cronies in a blatant display of nepotism. Grand fund concentration schemes like the coco levy drained resources from impoverished coconut farmers, enriching a privileged few. The ratification of the 1973 Constitution through mere handraisings in barangay assemblies eroded democratic values.

The nadir was reached during the 1977 legislative elections when Imelda Marcos improbably emerged victorious while Benigno S. Aquino Jr. lost in Metro Manila—a result that defied credibility. The cacophonic noise barrage that greeted the results said it all. Only the collective will of the people, who took to the streets again to declare “enough is enough” prevented Marcos Sr. from successfully stealing the February 1986 snap presidential elections.

Fast forward four decades and history seems to be repeating

itself. Bongbong Marcos, the son of the former dictator, has ascended to the presidency with promises of a “New Philippines.”

His dubious Maharlika Investment Fund initiative, criticized by experts and citizens alike, was swiftly passed, echoing the control his father wielded over the Batasan in the 1970s.

Now, the Marcos Jr. regime is tapping into the nation’s coffers with a brazenness that surpasses past transgressions. A staggering P125 million in confidential fund was unlawfully transferred to Vice President Sara Duterte, a clear violation of the law barring such transfers.

These two highest offices in the land appear to be opening the floodgates for national plunder, as they amass colossal confidential and intelligence funds, evading the scrutiny of the government and the people.

Senate investigations into the propriety of these entitlements and fund usage were abruptly curtailed by complicit senators

and congressmen.

Furthermore, the Philippines finds itself embroiled in controversy over the legitimacy of the May 2022 elections. The Truth and Transparency (TNT) trio has made grave allegations of election manipulation against the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Astonishingly, President Marcos and the Comelec have refrained from addressing these charges, undermining the very essence of democracy.

Mr. Marcos, who was previously convicted of tax evasion, was constitutionally disqualified from running in the 2022 elections. Yet, the Comelec’s failure to make a ruling allowed him to participate. This sequence of events paints a disconcerting picture—the Philippines appears to be slipping into another era of presidential impunity without the need for martial law.

This state of affairs is facilitated by the complicity of elites and the new cronies of the president. The

vice president, much like Imelda Marcos during her husband’s regime, seems to thrive in an atmosphere of impunity. It is a grim reality: impunity no longer requires martial law; it thrives on state capture, weak institutions, and a pliant Congress. The support of past Presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Rodrigo Duterte only bolsters this climate of impunity.

The marshaling of intelligence forces to quash leftist movements is reminiscent of the martial law era. These conditions persist without the need for a martial law declaration, as the opposition has been silenced, completing the grim picture of unchecked impunity.

Furthermore, the Department of Education seeks to sanitize the odious history of martial law by removing references to Marcos Sr.’s dictatorship from textbooks for Filipino students.

This parallels the censorship that Marcos Sr. imposed under martial law, rewriting history to fit

his narrative. Additionally, new alliances with the United States in the realm of national defense and foreign policy seem to have emboldened the president’s confidence. He appears to regard himself as indispensable to the United States, mirroring Marcos Sr.’s successful quest for American acquiescence to his martial law regime in 1972.

As Filipinos, we must reflect on this alarming trajectory and remember the lessons of our history. Impunity should never be allowed to take root in our democracy, and we must hold those in power accountable. It is incumbent upon us to safeguard the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice that underpin our nation’s democratic foundations. (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.

Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Philstar.com file photo

PH boosts WPS watch with new...

ruling, a coastal state granted an exclusive economic zone enjoys the rights to the resources within that zone, Powell said.

"China's exploitation of the marine resources at Iroquois Reef is therefore not only highly destructive of the marine ecosystem, but also illegal under international law," said Powell, who is also the Project Lead for Project Myoushu at Stanford University's Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation.

Over the weekend, Vice Admiral Albert Carlos, commander of the AFP Western Command (Wescom), reported that the corals that grow in abundance in the shallow waters close to Rozul Reef have disappeared, apparently due to massive coral harvesting.

Carlos said this was discovered by military divers who were asked to conduct an underwater survey after Chinese maritime militia vessels left the area.

These Chinese vessels were monitored by Philippine military air assets on September 6 and 7 "swarming" off Rozul Reef and at least two other areas in the West Philippine Sea: Escoda (Sabina) Shoal and Baragatan (Nares) Bank.

"When they left, we sent out our divers to do an underwater survey, and... we saw that there were no corals left. The corals were destroyed," Carlos said in Filipino.

He said the increased presence of Chinese militia vessels in these areas raises concerns regarding the potential implications for the Philippines' maritime security, fisheries conservation, territorial integrity, and preservation of the marine environment, aside from being a source of tension in the WPS and instability in the region.

Powell said SeaLight has already documented the presence of Chinese militia ships at Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal of these West Philippine Sea features throughout the year via Twitter/X feeds.

SeaLight is a web portal created by a team of volunteers at Stanford University's Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, which uses entrepreneurial methods to solve difficult defense and security challenges.

Likewise, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI)

documented how up to 30 Chinese vessels were spotted at Iroquois Reef throughout much of 2021.

The AMTI is an interactive, regularly updated source for information, analysis, and policy exchange on maritime security issues in Asia.

"SeaLight has posted evidence of similar numbers throughout 2023," said Powell, a 2021 Fellow at Stanford's Distinguished Careers Institute. No clear proof The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) admitted on Tuesday, however, that it does not have clear proof to directly pinpoint Chinese maritime militia vessels as the ones responsible for the "harvesting" and destruction of the corals in Rozul Reef.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman on the WPS, said the allegations are based only on circumstantial evidence since Chinese ships were monitored in the area before the disappearance of the corals was discovered.

"But what is certain is that from August 9 to September 11, we were able to monitor Chinese maritime militia vessels that were there in that particular area," said Tarriela during a public briefing.

"Right after they (Chinese maritime militia) left, that was the time we conducted our underwater survey. So, in the past weeks they were the only ones there, and when we went there (the corals) were already destroyed. Their presence in the area may be a contributing factor," he added.

Tarriela said they will still coordinate with marine scientists and experts to understand what happened to the corals in the area.

He said PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu has ordered the deployment of two patrol ships to return to Rozul Reef and the other areas in the WPS to conduct another underwater survey to have a clearer understanding of the extent of the damage.

Concern

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday, September 18 expressed concern about the reported destruction of corals in Rozul Reef.

"The Philippines has consistently raised the alarm

over ecologically harmful activities, conducted by foreign vessels, in our maritime zones, an issue extensively discussed in the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea," the DFA said.

"We, therefore, call on everyone concerned to act responsibly and cease all activities that can damage our precious marine environment," the Foreign Affairs department said in a statement on Monday.

The DFA added, "The wellbeing of millions of people who depend on the South China Sea for their livelihood is at stake."

Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri expressed outrage over the destruction of the marine ecosystem in the WPS as the continued intrusion of Chinese vessels into the Philippines' EEZ threatens global food security.

He said the coral reefs belong to the "whole world because the species of fish that breed there are not only being harvested by Filipino fishermen but also harvested by Malaysian fishermen, Vietnamese fishermen, even Chinese fishermen."

"So it is for the good of the world if our coral reefs are protected. That's why I'm really very mad," Zubiri added.

He said the Senate is working closely with the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources in setting up marine ranger stations in key coastal areas nationwide to safeguard the country's marine resources in the WPS.

Zubiri said he has spoken with Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, to earmark P600 million for the initiative.

He also vowed to fight for bigger allotments for the PCG and the Philippine Navy in the national budget for 2024 to help them in purchasing additional partial boats and other equipment.

Under the proposed P5.768trillion 2024 national budget, the PCG has been allocated P24.014 billion, an increase of nearly 10 percent from its allotment of P21.92 billion this year.

On the other hand, P40.97 billion has been set aside for the Navy, up from its current budget of P34.98 billion. g

Olivia Rodrigo showcases pro cient musical, literary complexity with ‘GUTS,’ new singles

The Gen Z pop princess releases tour dates, including four shows in LA

By KLARIZE MEDENILLA AJPress

IN the music world, the second album is always the toughest. Arguably, the stakes are higher and the scrutiny is less forgiving with artists’ sophomore efforts: the expectations are much higher, the turnaround time is much shorter, and it solidifies whether or not the artist is

a passing fancy or a cultural mainstay. And for female artists, that microscope becomes blinding and impetuous.

But with the Sept. 8 release of her second studio album, “GUTS,” Grammy winner Olivia Rodrigo has little to worry about.

In 2021, the then-18-yearold singer-songwriter from Temecula, California, charmed the world with her debut album, “SOUR,” the Grammy-winning

album that introduced the world to Rodrigo’s talent and range in storytelling, vocal ability, and insurmountable star power.

With this second album, Rodrigo — who is half Filipino — retains her spot in the forefront of pop music with her signature altgirl-next-door energy. “GUTS” is bigger and more unrelenting and proves the sheer difference that two years in a young girl’s life can make.

The 13-track album unleashes the magnitude of her talent and ability to harken back to nostalgic sounds while staying unique to her generation’s sensibilities over the anxieties of a post-Covid world. “These songs mean so much to me. They chronicle a time in my life where I felt quite lost trying to navigate young adulthood,” Rodrigo wrote in a hand-written letter to fans on her email list, adding that the songs on “GUTS” provided a needed outlet to “process things like shame, impossible beauty standards, social anxiety, and not-so-great relationships.”

Following the immediate streaming success of the album, Rodrigo’s team announced the “GUTS World Tour,” a massive 75-date arena tour that ends in Los Angeles on Aug. 13, 14, 16 and 17, according to an announcement made on Friday, Sept. 15.

Where the tour for “SOUR” was held in smaller and more

Instagram photo/@oliviarodrigo

intimate settings, this arena tour is sure to represent the sheer bigness of “GUTS.”

Right off the bat, “GUTS” features lots of the same themes explored in “SOUR,” like toxic relationships, self-loathing and heartbreak, insecurities, and general teenage angst.

But “GUTS” ups the ante and highlights the artist’s dry humor, sobering self-awareness, and piercing honesty. Rodrigo is known to take inspiration from 2000s pop-rock and cleverly update it for Gen Z.

“Vampire,” the album’s first single, which spent several weeks as No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100 this summer, is a torch ballad about betrayal that builds up to a cathartic climax that sonically calls to mind The Killers’ first album.

The follow-up single, “bad idea right?,” is a playful anthem for the universal canon event that every young girl experiences: hooking up with an ex out of convenience (which we almost always regret).

These two singles precipitated the complexity of the album, which strums up nostalgia for those who grew up listening to late 90s-early 2000s pop-rock, as Rodrigo did.

The album opens up with “allamerican bitch” (an homage to the late writer and feminist icon Joan Didion’s book “The White Album”) in which Rodrigo scream-sings, “I forgive, and I forget / I know my age and I act like it.”

The irreverence seen in “SOUR” is also magnified in the comedy of “GUTS,” particularly with the third single, “get him

back!” a revenge anthem that embraces pettiness and cheeky irrationality: “And when I told him how he hurt me, he’d tell me I was tripping / But I am my father’s daughter, so maybe I could fix him.” (Rodrigo’s father is a therapist.)

Of course, Rodrigo is no stranger to online criticism.

Since the last week, many have criticized Rodrigo for what many have described as a heavyhanded use of inspiration — to the point of straight mimicry.

The fourth song on the album, “lacy,” is a soft lamentation that feels very close to the works of Lorde, one of Rodrigo’s biggest inspirations.

Credit issues with Paramore and a rumored-but-probablyfalse feud with Taylor Swift have done little to quell critics over Rodrigo’s use of inspiration.

But, as any artist will attest, everybody is inspired by

something, and art is rarely, truly organic and singular. And that’s something Rodrigo leans into, with the Didion reference and also with the song “ballad of a home-schooled girl,” which was inspired by Bob Dylan’s “Ballad of a Thin Man.”

The accusations of copying become moot when taking Rodrigo’s inspirations as evidence that she is analytical and observant, a true student of music and literature whose music is a vehicle for understanding the world.

In “GUTS” Rodrigo soberingly shows us who she is: a confused, sometimes apathetic, and sometimes neurotic 20-yearold young woman whose life experiences were informed by the ills of late-stage capitalism, social media burnout, global pandemic, and unprecedented social division. It’s relatable, truly for all ages.

Sharon admits undergoing cosmetic surgery, shares weight loss journey

by KATHLEEN A. LLEMIT Philstar.com

SHARON Cuneta shared that she had surgery to remove excess skin and that she was stressed, which contributed to her losing weight.

In the column of Salve Asis for Pilipino Star Ngayon, the singer-actress shared her recent life updates during the press conference for her and ex-husband Gabby Concepcion’s reunion concert in October.

“I don’t want to hide it naman. Kasi remember, I had reduction sa breasts ko because it was all skin. So, ‘yung tinanggal, mostly skin. And I don’t want to hide it, there’s no reason to, hindi naman nakakahiya,” Sharon shared.

“Because I lost so much weight, over a hundred pounds, naturally, mas sagging ‘yung skin. So, I had arms surgery. Nagpatanggal ako ng balat. Kasi, ang payat-payat ko na, ang laki pa nu’ng balat. So, ipinatanggal lang ‘yung extra skin, ‘yun lang,” she added.

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Sharon said she is still recuperating from the surgery. She also revealed that she was going through stress that contributed to her losing weight, but did not share the cause of her stress.

Sharon added that she went through “forced diet” because she did not have the appetite to eat. She was shooting her movie with Alden Richards when she noticed her weight loss.

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 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

Alden Richards Photo from Instagram/@aldenrichards02

and the 2011 film “Way Back Home.”

American Music, Grammy and Billboard award-winning artist Oliva Rodrigo has just released her sophomore album, “GUTS.”

Singer-actress Sharon Cuneta Photo from Instagram/@reallysharoncuneta ’Yung ikinapayat ko itong last last months, ang bilis. May nag-cause sa akin ng stress. ‘Wag na nating ibalik, ‘wag na nating pag-usapan,” Sharon revealed.

Olivia Rodrigo is embarking on a massive GUTS world tour. Instagram photo/@oliviarodrigo

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

ConGen Ferrer meets PH Intellectual Property Office head in SF

SAN FRANCISCO – Consul

General Neil Ferrer received Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Director General (DG) Atty. Rowel Barba at the Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Consulate and discussed updates on Intellectual Property processes in the Philippines.

Trade Commissioner Celynne

P. Layug and Consul Vanessa

G. Bago-Llona also joined the meeting with DG Barba who was accompanied by Atty. Jesus Antonio Z. Ros, Director of the Bureau of Trademarks, and Mr. Jude Martin Joya from IPOPHL’s Policy, Research, and International Affairs Office. Prior to his meetings in San Francisco, DG Barba led IPOPHL’s delegation to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Intellectual Property Rights Experts Group meetings in Seattle.

“We welcome updates from DG Barba on the IPOPHL’s latest initiatives in line with intellectual property protection in the Philippines that fosters innovation and economic growth,” said Consul General Ferrer.

DG Barba updated that IPOPHL has been implementing an online administration system, enabling users to file trademark, copyright, and patent applications conveniently through their official website: https://www.ipophil.gov.

ph/.

DG Barba also engaged in a constructive dialogue with startup entrepreneurs at Dynamico Space, located at the Philippine Center in San Francisco. One piece of advice he gave to startups was to initially conduct a patent search and check if their

invention is existing in the market or it is a totally new product. According to the Global Innovation Index by the World Intellectual Property Organization, the Philippines ranked 59th globally in terms of innovation in 2022. The country also has an “increasingly important potential for transforming the global innovation landscape,” according to an analysis related to the Global Innovation Index. This year, the Philippines achieved a remarkable milestone by staying off the United States

Bill to protect low income homeowners from skyrocketing HOA fees heads to the Governor’s desk

Assemblymember Haney’s AB 572 caps annual HOA fees at 5% plus the rate of inflation or 10%, whichever is less for below market rate homeowners

Trade Representative's watchlist for IP Rights protection and enforcement for the tenth consecutive year.

The latest edition of the annual report, known as the “Special 301” report, was released in April 2023. It confirms that the Philippines is not among the countries that the U.S. considers lacking in providing effective intellectual property protection and enforcement for American investors, creators, brands, manufacturers, and service providers. (PCGSF Release)

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Matt Haney’s (D-San Francisco) AB 572 passed out of the Senate Floor and heads to Governor’s desk awaiting signature. This bill prohibits steep homeowner associations (HOA) fee increases that push low-income homeowners into foreclosure by capping them at 5% plus the rate of inflation or 10%, whichever is less for below market rate owners.

Many cities across the state have created inclusionary housing programs that require developers to provide a percentage of affordable homes to be sold at below market rate value. These homes are available to low-income firsttime homebuyers who would

only have to spend one third of their monthly income on their mortgage. Although there are income limits on the mortgage of these homes, there are no limits on the HOA fees.

“There is a clear deficiency in our current policy that we have a maximum on how much people have to pay for their mortgage in below-market rate programs, but no limitations on how much their HOA fees can increase by,” said Haney. “This is pushing many families who are owning a home for the first time in generations to foreclose on their home.”

Current California law sets the maximum HOA fee increase at 20% for all homeowners regardless of income level. But

after only a few years of large fee increases, BMR homeowners’ HOA fees can be higher than their entire mortgage. However, the benefits of HOA fees are not enjoyed equally among all homeowners. Market rate homeowners get to recoup the costs of HOA fees through the eventual sale of their unit at a new, appreciated price. Below Market Rate units don’t have the same luxury because their listing price has to stay in the low- or moderate-income threshold. If signed into law, this bill would only impact developments with governing documents signed after January 1, 2025. (CA Assemblymember Haney Office Release)

PASAY

CITY, PH MAYOR EMI CALIXTO-RUBIANO

World War II in the Philippines conference on September 23

BERKELEY – The Bataan Legacy Historical Society (BLHS) will hold its sixth annual Conference on World War II in the Philippines on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McLaren Conference Center at the University of San Francisco.

This year’s theme is “War Crimes - From WWII Until Today.” The conference is supported by the University of San Francisco’s Yuchengco Philippine Studies Program and Masters of Arts in Asia Pacific Studies, Marines’ Memorial Association & Foundation, the Joseph & Mercedes McMicking Foundation, USF Kasamahan, Farkas Center, Consuelo Hall McHugh and Ryan Stinson.

The conference will discuss war crimes during World War II in the Philippines and the Pacific and how they continue to resonate in today’s world. Guest Speaker is Vice Admiral Andrew Tiongson, Commander of U.S. Coast Guards Pacific Area and Defense Force West, who is a Filipino-American. Keynote speaker is Philip Kearney, a former war crimes prosecutor for the United Nations Mission in Kosovo and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia at the Hague.

The chair of this year’s conference is Mark Hull, a Military History Professor at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Other speakers include Benjamin Hall, a former war correspondent

for Fox News who became a victim of war crimes against the press in Ukraine; Richard Frank, author of the WWII in the Pacific book Tower of Skulls and many other distinguished speakers.

Cynthia Bonta, a survivor of the Los Baños Massacre, will lead a panel discussion on the execution of approximately 1,500 local civilians by the Imperial Japanese Army

following the successful rescue by the U.S. Army of 2,147 American and Allied civilian Prisoners of War. Admission is free for all students and USF faculty. Regular admission is $25 and includes a boxed lunch and parking. There is a pay what you can option. Registration is required through www.bataanlegacy.org and Eventbrite. (BLHS Release)

Atty. Gur nkel answers more...

sister.

please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

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 filed for his

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

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).