092422 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

Filipino newlywed shot dead in road rage incident near San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO – A Filipino newlywed in San Lorenzo, east of San Francisco, was shot and killed in a road rage incident that interrupted his Facetime conversation with his wife in the Philippines on Sunday, Sept. 18.

Reinhart Asuncion, 30, shortly died at the scene of the shooting near an In-N-Out Burger and a Walmart off I-880. A car with some young people apparently cut him off as he was talking to his wife of four months, Princess Asuncion, on social media.

A witness said Asuncion got out of his pickup truck and approached the car. Someone shot him point-black. His truck was also found riddled with bullets.

“I tried to stop him, I shouted at him don’t go out from your car instead stay inside the car. He left me on the phone, the screen camera is open, I heard a lot, several times of gunshots and that’s it,” Princess Asuncion told

Loan window opens for California small businesses

SMALL business entrepreneurs in California have new access to billions of dollars’ worth of funding to be offered with an explicit eye toward reaching communities too often shortchanged by the financial sector in the past.

At a press conference Sept. 20, the U.S. Treasury Department announced having approved California’s application for $1.18 billion of loan guarantees and other incentives to help the state’s burgeoning small business sector in its continuing recovery from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It’s the largest allocation so far from the $10 billion dedicated nationwide in the 2021 American Rescue Plan to replenish the State Small Business Credit Initiative funds first established in 2010. That $10 billion is expected to seed 10 times as much additional, private-sector investment in small businesses.

“When small businesses succeed, they create good-paying jobs that revitalize our neighborhoods and strengthen our economy,” California Senator Alex Padilla said in announcing the Treasury

Biden to Marcos: US has ‘ironclad commitment’ to PH

by CATHERINE S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

NEW YORK – United States President Joe

Biden reaffirmed to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. his country's "ironclad commitment" to defend the Philippines from an attack by a foreign aggressor.

Biden and Marcos held their first face-to-face talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly here in New York on Thursday, September 22 (Friday, September 23 in Manila).

In a statement released after the meeting, the White House said the two leaders "reflected on

the importance of the U.S.-Philippines alliance."

"President Biden reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines," the White House said.

The Mutual Defense Treaty, which has been in effect since 1951, compels the U.S. and the Philippines to come to each other's defense if one comes under attack.

Marcos is on a six-day working visit to the U.S.

The two presidents also "discussed the situation in the South China Sea and underscored their support for freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes," the White House said.

"I expect we'll discuss the South China Sea and disputes in critical global throughway. I've spent a lot of time with not only the President of China but others about the international waters and how they had to be respected. And we should talk about that long," Biden said during the meeting.

U.S.-Philippine relations were strained during the presidency of Marcos' predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, who pivoted away from Manila's traditional ally Washington in favor of Beijing.

Marcos is a known Duterte ally and is even seen to continue his predecessor's policies, including the war on drugs, albeit with a different push.

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Philippines is ‘the smart investment choice’ – Marcos

by ALEXIS ROMERO Philstar.com

NEW YORK — Now is the time to invest in the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, as he vowed to "swing the doors even wider" for high-value investments to create more jobs in the country, which he called "Asia's fastest rising economic star."

Marcos claimed the Philippines is on its way to a "strong" recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and a robust broad-based growth in the next six years. The country's projected economic performance in the medium term is seen to surpass its regional neighbors, he added.

"As we slowly rebuild the Philippine economy for rapid growth, we have created an even wider space for mutually beneficial investments. The Philippines is a reliable host for international partnerships," he said during the Philippine Economic Briefing last Thursday, September 22.

Marcos said the country’s favorable business climate is shored up by sound macroeconomic fundamentals and a clear roadmap for economic recovery and sustained growth.

Pres. Marcos calls for end to racism, Asian hate at UN General Assembly

by DAPHNE GALVEZ Inquirer.net

that the international system remains fair not only for all states, but more importantly for all peoples. This system must work for the most vulnerable, especially the marginalized, migrants and refugees,” he said in his statement at the UN high-level debate.

“The world has witnessed the enduring contribution of migrants in the fight against this pandemic. We still dream of an end to the disturbing incidents of racism, of Asian hate, of all prejudice,” the President added.

Marcos cited the Philippines’ United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights is an example of a “constructive approach that puts

“Our work must also focus on ensuring

Court rules: CPP, NPA not terror groups

by FRANCO JOSE BAROÑA, ARLIE CALALO AND JAVIER JOE ISMAEL ManilaTimes.net

THE Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing the New People's Army (NPA) are not terrorist organizations, a Manila trial court has ruled.

The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 19 handed down the ruling on Wednesday, September 21 as it dismissed a petition of the Department of Justice (DoJ) on Feb. 21, 2018, to declare the CPPNPA as a terrorist organization.

The DoJ filed the petition under Section 17 of the Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007, which requires a ruling by a regional trial court before an organization can be

officially labeled as a terrorist.

In her ruling, Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar said that the group's Ten Point Program "readily shows that the CPP-NPA is organized or exists, not for the purpose of engaging in terrorism."

Magdoza-Malagar noted that the Human Security Act defines terrorism as the commission of piracy and mutiny in the high seas; rebellion or insurrection; coup d'etat; murder; kidnapping and serious illegal detention; crimes involving destruction of property "thereby sowing and creating a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic

among the populace, in order to coerce the government to give in to an unlawful demand."

"It is not difficult to see how the CPP-NPA's resort to 'armed struggle' and the violence that necessarily accompanies the same, as the sanctioned means to achieve its purpose(s) may have earned the CPP-NPA the terrorist label," the judge said.

In determining whether the group committed "terrorist acts," the court looked at nine incidents of atrocities its members allegedly committed as testified by government witnesses. These are:

• The killings in December 2019, March 2020, July 2020, August 2020 and July 2020

• The October 2020 ambush

• The failed attempt to kill a teacher in October 2020

• The burning of a chapel and residential houses in May 2020

• The abduction of seven civilians in May 2019.

Magdoza-Malagar said the eyewitnesses identified the suspects only through the clothes they wore. It takes more than a certain manner or mode of clothing to establish that a person is a CPP-NPA member, she said.

"In the absence of any evidence that the official uniform of the members of the CPP-NPA consists of an all-black outfit, this court cannot give credence to the witnesses' identification," the judge said.

Philippine peso sinks to new record low at 58 vs dollar

by TIZIANA CELINE PIATOS ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine peso closed to a new record low of P58 against the United States dollar at spot trading on Wednesday, September 21.

The peso opened lower at P57.70 compared to Tuesday's (September 20) record close of P57.40, traded between P57.70 and P57.91, and closed near its lowest intraday rate.

Wednesday's volume also hit $1.0515 billion, higher than the previous session's $967 million.

Exchange rate pressures have worsened since higher rates

were favoring the U.S. dollar. Since the end-2021's closing of P50.99, the peso has lost P7 or has devalued by 13.74%.

Spot market volatilities come from the market's expectation that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will further tighten the benchmark rate in the last three Monetary Board policy meetings for this year.

Depreciation pressures also come from the hawkish U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) that is favoring a strong U.S. dollar.

Fernand Antonio Tansingco, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank) treasur-

Exchange rate pressures have worsened since higher rates were favoring the U.S. dollar. Since the end-2021’s closing of P50.99, the peso has lost P7 or has devalued by 13.74%. ManilaTimes.net file photo

NEW YORK CITY — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, September 20 (Wednesday, September 21, Manila time) called for an end to racism and hate crimes against Asians through a “fair” international system.

In his world debut at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Marcos said this system should work for the “most vulnerable” sectors in society such as the marginalized, migrants and refugees.

U.S. President Joe Biden (right) takes part in a bilateral meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday, September 22 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. During their first face-to-face meeting, the two leaders spoke about the support for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, the alliance between the two countries, and other opportunities such as climate action and infrastructure. AJPress photo by Troi Santos

Biden to Marcos: US

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Respect for human rights continues to be a concern for the U.S., and Biden and Marcos discussed it during their meeting, according to a readout from the White House.

From the start of his presidency, Biden has prioritized improving relations with countries in the Pacific and considers China to be an economic and national security threat.

Marcos told Biden that the Philippines and the U.S. will always be partners.

"We are your partners, we are your allies, we are your friends. And, in like fashion, we have always considered the United States our partner, our ally, and our friend," he said.

The President also lauded the U.S. for helping keep the peace in the Southeast Asian region.

"The role of the United States in maintaining the peace in our region is something that is much appreciated by all the countries in the regions and the Philippines, especially," Marcos said.

He stressed that the primary consideration of the Philippines and the guiding principle of Philippine foreign policy is to encourage peace.

"I hope that we will be able to discuss further the roles that our two countries will play together and individually as we continue down that road — maintaining peace despite all the complexities that have arisen in the past few months," the President said.

The discussion also touched on opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation on a wide range of issues, including energy security, climate action, and infrastructure, according to the White House.

"The leaders also discussed Russia's war against Ukraine and its implications for energy prices and food security, as well as Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) matters, the crisis in Burma, and the importance of respect for human rights," it added.

The U.S. and the Philippines established diplomatic relations in 1946, at the end of the Second World War.

Over four million Filipinos live in the U.S., while nearly 300,000 Americans, including a large number of U.S. military veterans,

live in the Philippines.

The U.S. is the Philippines' third largest trading partner and second major source of foreign direct investment applications in 2021.

It is also the biggest source of remittances from overseas Filipino workers and Filipino Americans.

Marcos told Biden the Philippines is "very grateful" to the U.S. for its "massive" assistance to the Philippines amid the coronavirus pandemic, including its donation of the vaccines against the coronavirus.

Speaking to reporters covering the President's U.S. visit, Press Secretary Rose Beatrix "Trixie" Cruz-Angeles said that while Biden received a "lot of requests" for bilateral talks with world leaders who were in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly session, he had a faceto-face only with Marcos.

"It's also of note that of several requests — I understand a lot of requests had been made to the U.S. President — that it is significant that he spoke only with President Marcos on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly," Cruz-Angeles said.

"While it's true, he spoke with one other person, that was a postponed meeting," she added.

Cruz-Angeles said she was "not really sure" why Biden chose only to hold talks with Marcos. "All we can see is the outcome of this one.

It might be the significance of the matters that had to be discussed today," she said.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who accompanied the President to the

U.S., said the meeting "promises well for the overall relations between our two countries. I can see the meeting fostering an improved bilateral partnership in those areas."

Romualdez also supported the President's appeal to American businessmen to invest in the Philippines.

He noted that U.S. corporations can engage in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, railways and other infrastructure, power generation, and private-public partnership projects.

"As President Bongbong Marcos has said, we now have an improved investment climate in the Philippines," Romualdez said. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the country's biggest sources of foreign direct investments (FDIs) are Singapore, Japan, the U.S. and the Netherlands.

The BSP announced recordhigh FDI inflows of $10.518 billion in 2021, citing an increase in investment sentiment as the country began to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

The BSP said the 2021 inflows topped the previous record of $10.3 billion in 2017.

The central bank also revealed that FDIs totaled $4.2 billion between January and May of this year, an 18.8 percent increase over the same period last year.

Despite the increase in FDI inflows, Romualdez said the Philippines needs "to attract more foreign capital because we are a bigger market than other smaller nations in our region." (with Moises Cruz)

Malacañang photo

Philippines is ‘the smart investment choice’...

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"To secure the Philippines’ bright economic future, my government will swing the doors even wider for highvalue investments from both the domestic and international business communities with a sharp focus on broad-based job creation, the expansion of digital infrastructure, research and development," Marcos said.

"It is our belief that the Philippines is the smart investment choice and the best time to do business with us is now. We have grand opportunities, the timing, the window of opportunities for investment and especially in capital intensive investments in the Philippines which is what we need now. We believe the time is now," he added.

Marcos said the government has formulated a comprehensive eight-point socioeconomic agenda that seeks to dramatically cut poverty incidence and elevate the country to upper-middleincome status. The agenda consists of near-term goals namely protecting purchasing power and mitigating socioeconomic scarring; reducing vulnerability to COVID-19; and ensuring sound macroeconomic fundamentals; and mediumterm objectives namely creating more jobs: creating quality jobs; creating green jobs; upholding public order and safety, peace and security; and ensuring a level playing field.

Earlier this week, Marcos expressed confidence that the Philippines would achieve upper middle-income statuseconomies with a gross national income of $4,096 to $12,695 - by next year. At present, the Philippines is under the lower middle income category.

The president vowed to address the impact of growing inflationary pressures due to

rising global commodity prices such as food and fuel, bolster job creation by intensifying investments in infrastructure and human capital development, and sustain investments in public infrastructure. Marcos said his administration would also focus on agriculture as a strong driver for growth and reinvigorate the tourism sector by investing in travel infrastructure and promoting the Filipino brand.

"We invite strategic investors from the United States to take part in this Philippines economic resurgence. Key structural reforms have been set into place to allow for wider participation in our industries," the president said, citing the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act and economic liberalization measures that opened some sectors to foreign investments.

As part of his effort to lure investments to the Philippines, Marcos met with various business groups and executives last Thursday. He held discussions with the chief executive officers of the digital infrastructure industry and members of the information technology and business process management sector.

The president likewise attended meetings with executives of consumer goods firm Procter & Gamble and business process transformation company Sutherland Global Services.

Investor interest Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said some businesses have expressed interest to invest in the Philippines, including those that have existing operations in the country.

"Given the more favorable investment climate in the Philippines, they are now eager to expand their operations, so they’ll invest some more," Pascual said.

He cited tobacco firm Philip

Morris, which he said would invest in a new factory with an amount of $160 million or about P8 billion to P9 billion. The trade chief said consumer goods company Procter & Gamble also has plans of putting up additional investments.

Pascual said officials also met with seven companies that are engaged in refining of mineral ores.

"No tag price yet but they are interested in taking a closer look at the situation in the Philippines and finding a suitable partner to do it," he said.

Officials likewise talked to executives of a company that is into the use of innovative stainless steel slabs to build houses, an outfit engaged in the importation of wearables and travel bags from the Philippines, an aerospace company, a company that is into the production of modular nuclear power plants, and companies that are interested in setting up waste to energy plants in the Philippines, Pascual added.

The trade chief said officials also met with two companies that are into nuclear reactors.

In the same briefing, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the government would implement programs to enhance visitor experience like the ground breaking of ten tourist service areas, which will have clean restrooms for tourists, a lounge for them to rest in, complete information on tourist destinations, and centers where they can buy local products and delicacies.

She also announced plans to forge partnerships with the interior and defense departments to ensure the safety of tourists, establish wifi in tourism destinations, and to come up with an improved digital platform that will provide information to tourists and a tourist assistance call center. ■

Philippine peso sinks to new record low...

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er and head of the Financial Markets Sector, told reporters Wednesday that the peso-dollar exchange rate will depend on when the local currency rate will be "in sync" with the U.S. Fed.

Tansingco added that the BSP should "hopefully" close the year at 5 percent from its current 3.75 percent benchmark rate since

the U.S. Fed's expected terminal rate or end-2022 policy rate is 4 percent.

Meanwhile, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Macroeconomic Research Division Director Abdul Abiad said during the Asian Impact Webinar on Wednesday that the peso's weakness was "not at the extreme end."

"It's actually very much close to the average for the region,"

Abiad said when asked about his assessments of the local currency's performance against regional peers since the start of the year.

"The depreciation in the Philippine peso reflects not so much weakness in the peso but the strength of the dollar, and so it's again driven by the U.S. Fed tightening that we've just talked about," he added. ■

Pres. Marcos calls for end to racism, Asian hate...

our people, not our politics, at the center of this work.”

“It provides a model for revitalizing the structures that facilitates solidarity between the United Nations and a sovereign duty-bearer,” he said.

The joint program seeks to affirm the country’s commitment to human rights, the importance of free democratic space for civil society, and the principle of international cooperation.

The country is one of the original 51 charter members that created the United Nations in 1945.

Malacañang photo

reported crimes against Filipinos in New York.

Marcos made his world debut at the UN General Assembly. He was the first Southeast Asian leader to take the podium and deliver his statement during the general debate.

Marcos was also the second speaker in the afternoon session of the General Assembly.

This marks his first UN engagement after he took his oath of office as the Philippines’ chief executive.

In subsequent days, he is expected to meet with some world leaders and American businessmen. ■

Incidents of hate crimes against Asians increased during the Filipino newlywed shot dead in road rage incident...

KTVU News . “Maybe just one or two steps or three steps away from his car, I just heard a lot of gunshots – a lot of gunshots,”

No arrests have been made, according to the Alameda County Sheriff’s office. A white Hyundai Sonata was seen fleeing the scene of the shooting.

“The hardest part is that I’m

COVID-19 pandemic. As of August this year, there have been 43

here in the Philippines and I can’t do anything and that’s it,” Princess told ABC7 News. I have no husband anymore, no one is going to call me in the middle of the night to wake me up to check on me how is my day,’” she said Princess.

A GoFundMe account has been posted to help pay for Asuncion’s funeral. The fund

had raised $3,375 toward its $15,000 goal as of Tuesday morning, September 20. Those wishing to donate can access the account at https://www. gofundme.com/f/the-passing-ofrienhart-asuncion.

Anyone with information about the murder is asked to contact sheriff’s investigators at 510-667-7721. (Inquirer.net)

OFEATURES PINION

BSP should more clearly address peso instability

ON Thursday, September 22, the same day that the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) raised the central bank’s benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 4.25 percent, the peso shed another 49 centavos to close at P58.49 to the dollar. While the BSP has traditionally taken a hands-off approach to the peso — it does not target a particular exchange rate, and rarely intervenes in the currency market — the rapid decline in the peso’s value relative to the U.S. dollar, and even more so, its unusual volatility has caused a great deal of concern among market watchers, investors and consumers.

Intervening in some manner in the currency market would be a drastic step, and the decision to do so is complicated by the great many economic factors that need to be taken into account. Thus, it might be reckless to simply suggest that is what the BSP should do. However, we do believe that the BSP should take some firmer steps — up to and including market intervention, if that is warranted — to alleviate concerns over the peso's apparent runaway decline and its recent extreme volatility.

The BSP has repeatedly said that the drop in the peso's value, which stood at just under P51 to $1 at the end of 2021 and has lost nearly P7.50 this year, is not due to "structural factors," or weaknesses in the Philippine economy, but rather external pressure. This external pressure comes from the strengthening dollar, which has been driven by the U.S. Federal Reserve's aggressive raising of its interest rates throughout the year, affecting other currencies worldwide.

Inflation, the big problem

The BSP's assertion is mostly correct. But on the other hand, if the Philippine economy was

structurally stronger, the peso's value would be affected less than it is, even though some decline would still be inevitable. The biggest problem is inflation which remains well above the ideal range. The BSP is aware of this, of course, and has made clear that its own interest rate adjustments are intended to address inflation. However, a declining peso, particularly if it is declining rapidly as it is at the moment, tends to increase inflation and reduce or even cancel out the effect of interest rate action. Thus, it is imperative that the BSP address the issue in whatever manner will help to calm the currency market.

Again, we are not suggesting that drastic action is necessarily the solution, because it may not be. There are benefits and hazards to the changing peso value whether it is declining or gaining, and these have to be carefully balanced. A falling peso, as the situation is at present, is a positive for exports, BPO earnings and remittances in dollars or in currencies that have not weakened as much as the peso increase, and as those make up a significant part of the economy, that is a clear benefit. On the other hand, a falling peso increases the cost of imports,

which can drive up inflation, and increases the cost of servicing the foreign component of government debt. At some point, the drawbacks of the declining peso will outweigh the benefits — for example, higher export earnings or remittances will lose buying power due to higher inflation — so the peso's value must be managed.

As noted above, it has been the BSP's longstanding policy to allow the market to manage it, and for the most part this has been completely effective. It may still be, but there is more uncertainty about that now than at any time in recent memory, and with inflation worries increasing — we have seen forecasts in recent days from analysts who have

been generally quite accurate ranging as high as 7.7 percent for the fourth quarter — it is time for the BSP to speak up: Communicate clearly under what circumstances some form of support for the peso might become necessary, and what form that support might take if it comes to that, whether further interest rate adjustments, adjustments to banks' reserve requirements, or direct market intervention. Simply informing the market that a "safety net" is available if necessary will likely serve to reduce volatility, perhaps enough to let the market's "invisible hand" find the most useful level for the peso on its own without any further action. (ManilaTimes.net)

The Marcosian past is present

RAPHAEL A. PANGALANGAN

THERE was something eerily familiar about President Marcos Jr.’s speech at the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The last time a Marcos addressed the UNGA was exactly 30 years ago. On Sept. 22, 1982, then President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. took the stand at the 37th Session; declaring anew the country’s support to the UNGA, announcing the potential adoption of the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes of 1982, and highlighting the “disequilibrium” in the world economy. “In this state of affairs,” he said, “it is the developing countries which are suffering the most.”

Notably, the highlights of the father in 1982 were the talking points of the son 40 years

thereafter. Marcos Jr. similarly invokes the Manila Declaration and the inequities of the world economy amidst COVID-19. In addition, he underscores the Philippines’ contributions to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982 and implores the name of the highly esteemed Carlos P. Romulo— former president of UNGA and, afterward, the Philippine secretary of foreign affairs (SFA) from 1973 to 1984.

I must admit: The presidential speechwriters have done their homework.

These choice remarks were not random. On the contrary, they were deliberately cited as if to remind the international community of the advances made under Marcos Sr.’s dictatorship. Indeed, this was no simple case of diplomatic rhetoric or political tallying.

It was so much more than just demagoguery. For Marcos Jr., it was offertory. Front and center of the hallowed Hall of the UNGA, Marcos Jr. paid homage

to the author of a regime marred by grave human rights violations and corruption. A tribute to father from son, and yet another contribution to the Marcos revival project. But, of course, there is one other striking similarity shared by the 1982 and 2022 speeches, and that is their utter failure to address the elephant in the room.

Both Marcos Sr. and Marcos Jr. remained absolutely mum on the dismal human rights record of the dictatorship. In fact, from 1972-1985, any mention of “martial law” by the Philippine delegate to the UNGA would be few and far in between. And on the rare occasions martial law was indeed discussed, it would only be in a positive light. For example, on Oct. 9, 1972—barely three weeks from the infamous Proclamation No. 1081 imposing the entirety of the country under martial law— SFA Romulo reported to the 27th Session of the UNGA that Marcos Sr. “proclaim[ed] martial law

[…] to safeguard the Republic of the Philippines from violent overthrow by subversive groups” and “to eliminate the inequities in Philippine society by means of a thorough reform and restructuring of social, political and economic institutions[.]”

It would be of little surprise to learn that this was followed by applause—as customary in these procedures. And to think that, at that point time, Philippine mass media was on lockdown, and opposition leaders, legislators, and journalists numbering in the thousands had already been arrested.

For 14 years under Marcos Sr.’s tyrannical rule, the nation faced one of its darkest chapters in history; both in numbers and in agony. Not only in scale, but in severity. 70,000 Filipinos were political detainees. A reported 34,000 were victims of torture, and about 3,240 were victims of salvaging.

Unfortunately, some would much prefer that we leave the sins of the Marcosian past behind

us. Online posts commemorating the victims of martial law are either coldly ignored or dismissed as the tune of broken records. A comment reads: “Sawang-sawa na ako sa ‘Never Again to Martial Law!’” Well, if you’re sick of hearing it, we’re tired from screaming it. Though, to be honest, the optimist in me is somewhat relieved to know that our cries for justice are loud enough to annoy and have not simply fallen on deaf ears.

Alas, even government officials have gotten into the mix, with Senators Robin Padilla and Jinggoy Estrada urging Filipinos to simply “move on.” And, of course, could we forget the 2016 case of Ocampo v. Enriquez?

The Philippine Supreme Court not only failed to enjoin Marcos Sr.’s burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani, but—adding insult to injury—similarly concluded that the Filipino people should “move on” and “let this issue rest.”

But how could we, when justice for the Marcosian atrocities has

not been rendered? And perhaps more importantly, I ask: Should we ever move on when so much injustice has already taken place?

I answer both questions in the negative. There is no moving on, for the Marcosian past is present. It continues to define us. Haunt us. May it continue to remind us of the thousands of lives lost, the sacrifices they made, and the empowering force of their dissent that eventually toppled a dictator. They cannot simply be forgotten. To forget is to forsake. It is precisely when we are convinced that we can sever that painful history from the here and now that we know we are truly lost.

May that day never come. (Inquirer.net)

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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.

* * *

thinkjustly@gmail.com

How is Xi taking our cozying up to US?

to Beijing to announce his “separation” from Uncle Sam and his pivoting left to China. Xi embraced Duterte.

JR

NEW YORK – Hello, is China’s President Xi Jinping listening? Our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been telling everybody in this city and the neighbors in Newark that he cannot imagine the Philippines moving forward without its old friend America by its side.

We can fine-tune policy, but not geography. Is it wise for Marcos, as he steps into the outside world, to give an impression of tightening our bonds with an ally on the distant side of the Pacific oblivious of the red dragon lurking close to home?

Hearing Marcos’ strongly proU.S. statements about holding on to dear America in these troubled times, we wonder how Beijing would react.

Marcos’ 100-day honeymoon as a new president isn’t over yet, but he’s already behaving like his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte who, 110 days after his inauguration in 2016, flew

Having mastered the mayor’s psychology, he knew how to handle him – and worked out his bringing home aid, grants and investments valued at $24 billion. After five years, the promised imperial banquet turned out to be dim sum served with strings attached.

The reaction (to Marcos’ heavy bias for the U.S.) of Xi or some high Chinese official, probably after the conclusion of his pilgrimage to the U.S., would help rebalance the picture and relationships.

Some people believe that Marcos does not have to make a quick pick for the jackpot –we’ve advertised ourselves as a friend to all and foe of no one. The President who talks for us in foreign relations can keep both China and the U.S. close to his bosom without compromising national interests.

But that’s a tough balancing act, considering the geopolitical environment dominated by the two giants on either side of the

Pacific plotting to snare these fair islands into their sphere of influence.

Marcos needs all the diplomatic skills that he may have developed in his brief apprenticeship as top diplomat, aided by the perspicacious counsel of experts, to navigate the treacherous strait between the two superpowers.

On Tuesday, September 20, at the 77th United Nations General Assembly, Marcos called for a fair international system to help stop racism and hate against Asians and other ethnicities. He urged world leaders to reaffirm the values of transcending differences, upholding justice, respecting human rights and maintaining international peace and security. (To human rights advocates, is that enough HR mention?)

He also urged the UN member-states to support the Philippines’ bid to the Security Council for the term of 20272028.

*

* * We were amazed at Marcos’ public statements showing him leaning heavily toward the U.S.

than China. It looked too early in the game for him to open up that blatantly. Maybe he should first tread lightly? As we say, “Ang mabilis maglakad pag matinik malalim.”

But then, surely Marcos knows that in dealing with Americans it is usually better to say exactly what you think instead of beating around. After all, their government knows everything about us already.

It may have been the correct thing to say at the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday, September 20. It is true anyway that many of the drivers of the Philippines’ early economy and strongest corporate benefactors to its government and society came from the U.S.

But he may have overdone it when he poured it all out. He said that he expected the Philippines’ long-standing relationship with the U.S. to strengthen further, adding he “cannot imagine Manila’s future without Washington as its partner.”

He said: “Now, of course, this has evolved as time has gone on but the strength of that

relationship continues. And we envision a further strengthening of those relationships.

“I cannot overstate really the role that the United States has played in the Philippines in every aspect of our lives. And so this is just a continuing evolution and I believe in strengthening that relationship between the United States and the Philippines.”

Recalling the working lunch hosted by the U.S.-Philippines Society on Monday, he said: “We talked perhaps more on the subject of geopolitics and explained that it is very clear to me in my vision for the way that the country will move forward that I cannot see the Philippines in the future without having the United States as a partner.

“And although I was referring to the geopolitics of it and I was referring to the political situation in the region and around the world, that certainly does continue to apply in our exchanges on the economic front.”

We failed to go to Manhattan on Tuesday to cover the noisy picket of anti-Marcos elements

hounding the President in public places where he went. (You can watch them on YouTube and get a feel of the events related to the continuing anti-Marcos sentiments here).

Colleagues asked what we thought of Marcos’ performance in his speeches and presentations. Generally, compared to how Duterte would have handled the talking parts, if we give Marcos a grade of 93 for content and delivery, Duterte doing it would merit 35 percent.

The planting of cheerleaders in the gathering of Fil-Ams at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark was too obvious and annoying. Marcos tried being folksy by interjecting remarks a la Duterte, but he could not beat the mayor in that department.

* * *

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.

* * *

NB: Author is on Twitter as @FDPascual. Email: fdp333@yahoo.com. All Postscripts are also archived at ManilaMail.com

FEDERICO

Loan window opens for California small... Court rules: CPP, NPA not terror...

Department’s decision to grant California’s request for almost $1.2 billion of American Rescue Plan funding.

California is currently the world’s fifth-largest economy, and gaining fast on Germany, currently the world’s fourthlargest, said Dee Dee Myers, advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom and director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

Across the country, more Americans are starting small businesses than ever before –5.4 million in 2021, according to a June White House report –20% more than ever recorded before.

Myers suggested that interested California entrepreneurs reach out to the Small Business Administration’s many Small Business Development Centers located statewide.

State Treasurer Fiona Ma added that information can also be found through the State Treasurer’s Office.

Padilla, Myers and Ma were joined at the announcement by White House American Rescue Plan Coordinator Gene Sperling, Congressional representatives Katie Porter and Mike Levin, and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Treasury Wally Adeyemo.

Porter paid particular

attention to the support program’s technical assistance component, intended to help small businesses determine what supports they might qualify for and how to access them.

“I know technical assistance may not sound cool, but it is really, really cool,” Porter said. “This is going to make it easier for small businesses to get the funds. … Not only is this program there, but there’s help to get access to this program, technical assistance for the smallest and most vulnerable businesses, that historically have struggled to get help even when there are resources.”

“This equitable execution will really contribute to creating a strong, stable, globally competitive economy by leveling the playing field.”

“When President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan,” Sperling said, “there were two very fundamental goals. One, obviously, was to recover quickly and strongly from the pandemic, which we have seen in record job growth and record drops in Black and Hispanic unemployment.”

“The second aspect was to also ensure that the recovery that grew out of the pandemic was one that was one of equity and equitable opportunity.”

Key to that, Sperling said, is

the State Small Business Credit Initiative, designed to ensure funding and finance for those with the best ideas, in the most equitable way possible.

The $10 billion designated nationwide for the Small Business Administration, he said, is expected to generate from six to ten times that much in private sector loans and support, designed, he said, “to overcome barriers that might exist in normal private sector lending.”

“We know, unfortunately, that while credit should flow to those with the best ideas, it never has and still does not … particularly to those small business owners and entrepreneurs of color.”

The $1.1 billion approved for California will be administered by two Sacramento agencies, the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) and the California Pollution Control Financing Authority.

The first, under the auspices of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, will oversee loan guarantees and venture capital programs. The second, under the State Treasurer’s Office, is charged with capital access and collateral support programs.

(Mark Hedin/Ethnic Media Services)

Magdoza-Malagar said none of the nine incidents caused "widespread and extraordinary fear and panic" among the populace.

She characterized the incidents as "pocket and sporadic occurrences" in Mindanao, specifically in Surigao del Sur, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur, the judge said.

She also cited the difference between terrorism and rebellion as pointed out in a 2017 Supreme Court ruling, the former being considered as larger in scope.

The Supreme Court stated that if the crime committed is for political purposes, it is rebellion.

If the primary objective is to sow and create widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among populace to coerce the government to give in to an unlawful demand, the crime is terrorism.

Lawyer Lorenzo "Larry" Gadon said on Thursday, September 22 that the denial of the Manila court to label the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group does not count.

"It does not really matter because it is within the power of the executive branch to declare them as a terrorist group in the exercise of its police powers that is inherent to the State," Gadon told The Manila Times

He said the President has the authority to declare the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group in exercising police powers to protect the security and integrity of the state.

"The President has access to all information and data to enable him to exercise such power," said Gadon, the lone senatorial candidate of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan which was founded by late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the father of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

"I just don't know why the petition was filed in the first place, which I find it unnecessary," he said.

During a Senate hearing Tuesday, September 20, Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa said the government should drop the idea of a negotiated peace as a solution to the communist insurgency problem since the CPP-NPA has been deceiving the government all along.

"These people are only fooling us. We've been talking to them for many years and nothing happened out of it. We are sincere, but they're not. Let's not allow them to fool us further, especially now that

the CPP-NPA are already on their knees because of the NTF-Elcac (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict)," dela Rosa said.

The former national police chief presided at the hearing of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation, joint with the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, which he leads, as well as the Committee on Finance, to discuss Senate Bill (SB) 200 which seeks to institutionalize the NTFElcac by establishing the National Council to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

The NTF-Elcac was created in December 2018 by Executive Order 70 issued by then president Rodrigo Duterte.

"What are they [CPP-NPA] doing while we are talking peace with them? They are there consolidating their people, regrouping, rearming themselves,

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY

IFB NO. PO877-23

TRACK MATERIALS

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) and the North County Transit District (NCTD) are seeking bids for Track Materials. Bid documents may be obtained at https:// metrolinktrains.com/doingbusiness (free registration).

Electronic Bids are due at 2:00 p.m. (PT) on 11/01/2022.

For further information, contact Brian Jacob, Senior Contract Administrator, at (213) 452-0316 or jacobb@ scrra.net.

9/24/22 CNS-3617037# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

and recruitment because they're free to go around the communities. You know, enough of this for me," he told government security officials who attended the hearing.

"Let's finish the problem and we have to be serious about it. As I've said, I have retired from the service with all the scars in my body, with all the death that I have seen. Do I have to wait for my son, who just graduated from the academy, to experience the same problem that I faced when I was young, when I was a lieutenant until I retired?... We are not giving a better future for the youth if we do not finish this problem now," dela Rosa said. ■

SOUTHERN

CALIFORNIA REGIONAL

RAIL AUTHORITY

IFB NO. EP220-23

Sand Silo Filter Replacement

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) is seeking Bids for a Sand Silo Filter Replacement. Bid documents may be downloaded at SCRRA’s website at http://www. metrolinktrains.com/contracts. Select Vendor Portal. Bids are due on October 21, 2022. The contract to be awarded will be funded in part by grants under the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transportation Administration and is subject to an DBE Participation Goal of 2.78%.

For further information contact: Dorothea Cantero, Contract Administrator, at canterod@ scrra.net.

9/24/22 CNS-3625732# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

New People’s Army

ManilaTimes.net file Photo

CLEAN AND GREEN. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority gardeners arrange and trim the plants along the Edsa tunnel in Cubao, Quezon City on Friday, Sept. 23. MMDA’s Greenprint Vision includes making the region safe, clean, and attractive.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

PHILIPPINES

Angeles clari es claim Biden only spoke to Marcos at UNGA sidelines

by XAVE GREGORIO Philstar.com

MANILA — Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles apologized on Friday, September 23 for wrongly claiming that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was the only leader who U.S. President Joe Biden spoke to at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

While her initial statement was admittedly incorrect, Angeles maintained that the Philippines’ request for Marcos to meet Biden at the margins of the UNGA was the only one granted.

“My apologies for my confusing statement. I did say that he was the only one who had met with Mr. Biden and that is incorrect,” Angeles told Philstar.com in a text message. “But our president was the only one whose request was acceded to.”

Speaking to Filipino reporters covering Marcos’ trip to the U.S. to attend the UNGA, Angeles said that Marcos was the only leader Biden spoke with at the summit’s sidelines.

“Of several requests, I understand a lot of requests had been made to the U.S. president, that it is significant that he spoke only with President Marcos on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly,” she said.

She added that Biden spoke with “one other person,” but

quipped that this was “a postponed meeting.”

“All the more it becomes significant that President Marcos has been able to speak with the U.S. president,” Angeles said.

In text messages to Philstar. com, Angeles reiterated that the other meetings leaders had with Biden had been previously agreed upon, but were just postponed and only went ahead at the UNGA sidelines.

According to White House readouts available on its website, Biden also met with at least three other leaders at the margins of the UNGA.

Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, for one, had a meeting at the UNGA sidelines where they talked about the importance of advancing a free

and open Indo-Pacific, especially when it comes to strengthening and modernizing their two countries’ security alliance.

The U.S. president also met with his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, at the margins of the UNGA, where they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen their countries’ alliance and ensured close cooperation to address the threat North Korea posed.

The UK’s new prime minister, Liz Truss, also met with Biden at the UNGA sidelines where they discussed a wide range of topics, including supporting Ukraine amid its war with Russia and addressing challenges posed by China.

At the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Biden and Marcos met in person for the first time to discuss the alliance between their countries, the situation in the South China Sea, Russia’s war against Ukraine and its impact on energy and food prices, along with other matters.

Biden said he seeks to build closer ties with the Philippines under Marcos despite “rocky times” between Washington and Manila in the past.

Marcos told Biden that the Philippines “continue[s] to look to the United States for that continuing partnership and the maintenance of peace in our region.” ■

Taiwan to resume visa-free entry for Filipinos

MANILA — Filipinos can travel again to Taiwan without need for a visa as the selfgoverning island is set to lift its suspension on visa-free travel for Philippine nationals on Thursday, September 29. Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular

Affairs announced Thursday that nationals from the Philippines, along with nationals from 10 other countries, would again enjoy visa-free privileges as part of the island’s moves to reopen borders which it shuttered at the onset of the pandemic, state-run CNA reported.

While Filipinos may start entering Taiwan for 14 days without a visa, they and other travelers to the island are still expected to follow its quarantine scheme, which involves quarantining for three days and self-monitoring for four days.

Beginning September 29, travelers arriving in Taiwan can quarantine in a residence occupied by other people as long as they have a room of their own with its own bathroom.

This quarantine scheme will

remain in place until October 13 as long as the COVID-19 situation in Taiwan improves.

Travelers arriving to Taiwan would also no longer be required to take an RT-PCR test upon arrival and instead will be given four rapid antigen selftest kits beginning Sept. 29.

Taiwan has been easing up on pandemic restrictions, with a first set of countries — excluding the Philippines — having been allowed visa-free entry into the island early this month.

Along with Philippine nationals, holders of passports from Japan, South Korea, Chile, Israel, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei will also enjoy visa-free privileges starting next Thursday. (Xave Gregorio/Philstar.com)

Philippines enters ‘phase of acceptance’ in pandemic – Concepcion

by CATHERINE TALAVERA Philstar.com

MANILA — Filipinos continue to learn to live with the COVID-19 virus as the country enters a phase of acceptance in the pandemic, Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said.

In a statement on Thursday, September 22, Concepcion said the Philippines is entering a “phase of acceptance” in the COVID-19 pandemic, where people are aware of the risks but are learning to manage them.

“I believe it has started and that we will have to live with the risks of the virus still being around,” he said.

Infectious disease expert Benjamin Co said that the country cannot wait for everyone to decide on his or her personal health.

“We cannot protect everyone all the time. I guess we have already provided everyone with the tools to prevent, diagnose and treat Covid-19. The next move is ours on an individual basis,” said the OCTA Research fellow.

Co further explained that it may appear that SARS-CoV-2 cases are going down globally, but that it is not because there are fewer people getting infected, but because people are not testing as frequently as before and prefer to move on in spite of the pandemic.

The infectious disease expert further likened the pandemic to the stages of grief – anger, denial, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

“The sixth stage is the final journey after acceptance –finding meaning,” Co said.

He acknowledged the difficulty in returning to how things were before the pandemic. “We will never be the same anytime soon. Yet we need to be,” he said.

Meanwhile, Concepcion pointed out that Filipinos have been guided and advised for the last two years, and that vaccinations remain freely avail across the country.

“Doctors advise us on how we should handle Covid, but in the end it is us that makes the choice,” he said. “We suffer the consequences of our wrong decisions in life; this is no different.”

Concepcion explained that since the country cannot legally mandate vaccinations, it will need to stock up on antiviral medicines, especially to be

able to treat those who become severely ill.

“The world has started moving on; let’s not be the last ones to accept this fact,” he added.

With the recent relaxing of outdoor masking rules, the former presidential adviser on entrepreneurship suggested earlier that the country make available and accessible antiviral drugs, and give the health care system the support it needs.

“I understand the position of our doctors; they have the best interests for our health. But I believe we need to move on and start treating Covid like the flu,” Concepcion said.

Concepcion said earlier that the Philippines is moving into a new phase of the pandemic as it allows optional wearing of face masks outdoors.

“We are moving to a new phase, one where Filipinos can manage their own risks, and where our approach now shifts to making sure we have mitigation strategies in place,” he said.

These mitigation strategies against COVID-19 include stocking up on antiviral pills, which Concepcion believes is a more practical move.

He stressed that the country should ensure that it has enough supply of antiviral pills, especially Paxlovid, which are currently out of stock in the country.

“This will become crucial as people start moving around without masks outdoors,” Concepcion had said. ■

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles Philstar.com file photo

Presidential adviser for entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion Philstar.com file photo

HARVEST TIME. Farmers get their chance to harvest their rice fields on a sunny morning in Poblacion II, Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija on Thursday, Sept. 22. The activity was in time for the September harvest season.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

PCCI readies wish list for gov’t policymakers

by ALDEN M. MONZON Inquirer.net

THE country’s largest business association is set to present its policy recommendations to the government next month, detailing the wish list of the private sector to the Marcos administration for the next six years.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said on Friday, September 23 that it would present this during the 48th Philippine Business Conference & Expo which will be held from Oct. 19 to 20 at The Manila Hotel.

“One of the highlights of the conference is the presentation of policy recommendations to President Marcos. This year’s conference will feature plenary sessions with local and international speakers and a dialogue with the country’s top economic managers,” the PCCI said in an emailed statement.

The conference is PCCI’s yearly gathering which serves as a venue for policymakers,

business leaders, diplomats and the academe to meet and discuss issues.

It is also an event where both the government and the private sector come up with policies to help create a thriving business environment in the country.

This year’s business conference will be the first major meeting between PCCI and the government since President Marcos took office almost three months ago.

The list of confirmed speakers from the government side include, among others, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Information, Communications and Technology Secretary Ivan Uy.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xillian is also one of the confirmed participants.

The PCCI has earlier raised concerns about the high energy costs in the country, as well as a number of supply issues hounding the private sector.

The country’s agriculture sector has been the most beset by recent problems, ranging from shortages in rice, sugar and salt, among others.

Last August, PCCI president George Barcelon expressed concern about the shortage of sugar in the country, citing that many of its members are affected and warned that it will drive the prices of their goods and services if left unaddressed.

Barcelon has also raised concerns about the looming P4-5 increase in rice prices, saying that this will have knockon effects and will affect multiple sectors, most notably the local food sector and allied industries.

He has also noted the substantial increase in the price of coal recently, saying its effects on the cost of electricity is one of their primary concerns in doing business in the country.

Most of the Philippine’s power plants are coal-fired and dieselfed, meaning that increases in the importation costs of the fuel will lead to higher power generation charges.

■

DOH adjusts COVID booster target to 30% in Marcos’ rst 100 days

by ZACARIAN SARAO Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday, September 22 adjusted its target for the COVID-19 booster campaign to 30 percent in the first 100 days of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration.

But DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire clarified that the initial 50 percent target for its “PinasLakas” booster program would remain the same until the end of 2022.

“Due to the pace at which our booster vaccination is going, we have adjusted our target only for the first 100 days to 30%,” said Vergeire in a statement.

“Even so, this does not mean we will be lax in our efforts and settle for just reaching 30%. On the contrary, we are doubling down on our campaign to reach and even surpass our target of 30% by October 8 and 50% by the end of the year,” she added.

The new target is the reason why the DOH is working with

different government agencies to incentivize getting vaccinated, Vergeire explained.

“In fact, some regions such as NCR have already achieved our target of 50% booster vaccination coverage,” she said.

Based on the latest vaccination numbers on Tuesday, September 20, the DOH has only vaccinated 31,939 of its 1.07 million target

in senior citizens with the booster dose.

Meanwhile, only 2,708,323 have been provided with the first booster of the 23 million targets.

Vergeire then called on the public to participate in the campaign.

“Ultimately, the government can keep developing new strategies to boost vaccination coverage but we still won’t reach our targets if our fellow Filipinos do not get vaccinated,” she said.

“Meaning, it is up to each and every one of us if we will reach these targets.”

It can be recalled that the DOH planned to inoculate 23.8 million or at least 50 percent of the eligible population with the COVID-19 booster shot within the first 100 days of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos administration.

The department, however, conceded on August 31 that it would no longer be able to meet its target as the campaign only reached about 9 percent of its target population for the first boosters. ■

DOT outlines e orts to revive tourism industry

MANILA — The Department of Tourism (DOT) has established a new framework to rebuild the country’s tourism industry, stated tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

During the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) on Thursday, September 22 in the United States, Frasco outlined the DOT’s agenda and strategies, emphasizing connectivity, convenience, and equality.

Frasco said they would create more tourist rest areas as part of these efforts.

“We plan to address the most basic aspect of travel across the Philippines: clean restrooms. I’m very pleased to inform you that in the first week of October, under the directive of the President, we are breaking ground on no less than ten tourist rest areas across the Philippines,” said Frasco.

According to the DOT’s statement, the project will introduce tourist rest areas across the three island groups in the Philippines, with three in Luzon, five in the Visayas, and two in Mindanao.

“These tourist rest areas will have clean and decent restrooms for our tourists, a lounge for them to rest in, complete information on tourist destinations, as well as pasalubong centers for them to be able to purchase local products and delicacies,” Frasco stated.

The DOT will also partner

Frasco also assured their commitment to the security and safety of tourists as it partners with the Department of National Defense and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

“The President has clearly identified tourism as a major tool for the economic resurgence of the Philippines,” stated Farsco at the forum.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. included the role of tourism as a driver of job growth and a thriving economy in his keynote speech delivered at the forum.

“We will also reinvigorate the tourism sector by investing in travel infrastructure and the promotion of the Filipino brand. With the Department of Tourism leading our efforts to revitalize both domestic and foreign tourism, we will ensure the safe reopening of tourist destinations and develop the Philippines’ yet to be discovered attractions,” remarked the President during his speech.

The PEB was held on September 22 to encourage businesses from the US and other nations to invest in the Philippines to become an upper-middle-income economy by 2024. (Trisha Manalaysay/ Inquirer.net)

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire Philstar.com file photo

VISUAL DELIGHT Apo Island boasts of vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life that delight divers worldwide. Photo courtesy of Dive7 DOT-Central Visayas with the Department of Communications, Information, and Technology to establish wifi spots in tourist destinations, added Frasco.

FOGGY MORNING. Motorists slow down due to the thick fog that envelops the Marikina-Infanta Highway in Rizal on Friday morning, Sept. 23. The weather bureau said the southwest monsoon or “habagat” and the trough of Tropical Storm (TS) Karding will bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over the Visayas and parts of Luzon.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Angelica Panganiban gives birth to first child, baby Amila Sabine

By Dana Cruz Inquirer.net

ANGELICA Panganiban has revealed that she is now a mom after giving birth to her first child with her non-showbiz partner Gregg Homan.

The actress introduced her child by showing the newborn baby’s eyes on her Instagram page on Friday, Sept. 23. Panganiban gave birth last Tuesday, Sept. 20.

“Been waiting for you all my life, Amila Sabine Homan,” she said, along with the date “9.20.2022.”

Fellow celebrities who extended congratulatory greetings to Panganiban included Camille Prats, Kim Chiu, Maris Racal and Janine Gutierrez.

“Sis congratulations! She’s got your eyes,” Prats told Panganiban.

“OMG (Oh my God)! Ayan na [siya] (She is here)! Congratulations momsy! Hello queen B!” Chiu said.

“OMG congrats!” Racal greeted the couple.

“Congratulations beautiful Angge,” Gutierrez said. Panganiban revealed her relationship with Homan on

Rajo Laurel explains ‘harsh’ comments on a ‘Drag Race PH’ queen from ‘a place of love’

By Dana Cruz Inquirer.net

DRAG Race Philippines” judge Rajo Laurel has aired his side on the comments he made on drag queen Eva Le Queen during the reality show’s recent episode after fans criticized him for being too “harsh.”

The fashion designer had expressed his

disappointment over Eva Le Queen’s performance during the episode of “Drag Race Philippines” on Wednesday, Sept. 21, calling the latter’s work “ugly,” “trash” and “an atrocity.”

Laurel then stressed that he did not mean to be hurtful in his comments to Eva Le Queen, saying he only wanted the best for the contestants of “Drag Race Philippines,” as per his Twitter page

CA ATTORNEY GENERAL ROB BONTA IS SPECIAL GUEST OF CITIZEN PINOY. Citizen Pinoy host, Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (R) features

California Attorney General Rob Bonta (L) as his special guest, where they discuss the role of an Attorney General, as well as Attorney General Bonta’s accomplishments that impacted the people, among other things. Watch this very informative and inspiring episode featuring Attorney General Bonta, the first FilIpino American to serve as California Attorney General, on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, September 25 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

‘The Attorney of the People,’ CA Atty General Bonta, sits down for an interview with Atty Gurfinkel on a brand-new, special episode of Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

IF

the State

get their

25.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, the

first Filipino American appointed as Attorney General, is Citizen Pinoy’s special guest, where he will share his background and his family’s immigration story and efforts to enhance the freedoms and rights of various groups,

B2

Angelica Panganiban (left) announced the birth of her first child in an Instagram post. Photo from Instagram/@iamangelicap

‘The Attorney of...

including farm workers. Viewers will also learn about the most significant legislation that Bonta has authored through the years and actions he has taken that benefited the people, and explains the role of an Attorney General.

Watch the inspiring story of

Angelica Panganiban...

PAGE

New Year’s Day of 2021. The couple celebrated their first anniversary in the same year. The actress then announced last March that she was pregnant.

Prior to giving birth,

‘Finally... justice’: Kat Alano says after Vhong Navarro arrest warrant issued

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

MANILA — Hours after TV host Vhong Navarro surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation after the Taguig Metropolitan Court released the warrant of arrest against him for acts of lasciviousness filed by model Deniece Cornejo, former model and video jockey Kat Alano took to her social media account, saying that she finally saw a glimpse of justice.

“After 17 years... Finally a glimpse of justice. People still thinking it’s all about money and attention. What if you were fed lies by the people who had power, and you ACTUALLY condemned the victim?” Kat wrote on Twitter.

“Think about what you did to her if that

was the truth,” she added.

In another tweet, Kat wrote that someone is using God’s name to declare innocence. She then followed it up with

the hashtag #rhymeswithwrong, a hashtag she made popular when she revealed that she was raped by a celebrity whose name allegedly “rhymes with wrong.”

“Keep using God’s name to proclaim innocence. God saw you rape us. #rhymeswithwrong,” she said.

“I can finally feel peace today. God is good all the time. Justice, finally, after 17 years,” she wrote in another tweet.

Kat revealed last 2014 that she was raped by a famous celebrity who allegedly drugged her and launched smear campaigns to destroy her career.

She, however, didn’t mention the celebrity’s name and instead named him as #rhymeswithwrong. Vhong trended on Twitter that time after Kat revealed her story. n

Jericho Rosales sends love, ‘crown’ to Kim Jones amid breakup speculations

By Dana Cruz Inquirer.net

JERICHO Rosales and his wife, stylist and fashion influencer Kim Jones, shut down rumors that their relationship is on the rocks as they exchanged messages for each other on the actor’s birthday.

Jones gave fans a peek at Rosales in his “natural habitat,” swimming and enjoying a beach in La Union, as she greeted him on his birthday via her Instagram post on Thursday, Sept. 22.

“Birthday boy in his natural habitat. This year is yours [Jericho]!” Jones greeted Rosales.

Rosales then replied to Jones by sending her a crown and heart emoji. “I loooove! Back at you, [queen]!” he replied.

Rosales was earlier asked about speculations that he and Jones split during a brand event earlier this week. He reportedly brushed off the rumors with a laugh.

Meanwhile, the actor is currently gearing

Rajo Laurel explains ‘harsh’ comments on a ‘Drag...

PAGE B1

also on Wednesday.

“My judgements on [‘Drag Race Philippines’] will always stem from a place of Love! It will never come from being hurtful, mean nor evil, I only want the BEST from our queens the best from the Philippines!” he said.

“It’s all because of love! Not meant to be mean but only to be meaningful. Remember that,” Laurel added in another tweet on the same day.

This comes after some netizens on Twitter called out Laurel and told him that his comments were not constructive.

“Rajo Laurel’s ruthless judging to Eva Le Queen is [unnecessary]. We are here to celebrate them queens. Constructive not [destructive] criticisms IS WHAT

WE NEED. That [kind of] critique is NOT THE WAY TO GO,” one @ robbie_malaca said.

“Sir Rajo Laurel saying UGLY and TRASH! DAMN! THAT IS F*CKING HARD AND HARSH! What a let down. So unfair for EVA LE QUEEN!” another netizen, @toffeeflavor_,

lamented.

“Rajo Laurel, is this how you’re supposed to give constructive criticisms? Or inspire Eva Le Queen to do better? These do not help at all,” one @rhussellfamy told Laurel.

Eva Le Queen has since admitted that she was “bleeding

inside” while Laurel was critiquing her work, as seen on her Twitter page on Thursday, Sept. 22. She also told fans that Laurel had reached out to her to “patch things up.”

“What I want to say is, words have power. Imagine a piece of your soul die and give up on what makes you come alive. It only takes seconds to utter words that damage a person for a lifetime,” she said.

Laurel is one of the rotating judges in “Drag Race Philippines,” alongside celebrity photographer BJ Pascual and actor-impersonator Jon Santos. Meanwhile, the show’s main judges are actor Paolo Ballesteros, celebrity impersonator KaladKaren and drag queen Jiggly Caliente. n

Attorney General Rob Bonta on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET thru select Cable/ Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

Panganiban teased Chiu, her friend and “ninang (godmother)” to Amila Sabine, to give her child an educational plan as the latter had been sending “never-ending” gifts to her baby. n

Rajo Laurel

Photo from Instagram/@dragraceph

Jericho Rosales and Kim Jones Photo from Instagram/@jerichorosalesofficial

Seafood City in Carson was given a Certificate of Appreciation by the City Council of Carson represented by Councilmembers Jim Dear and Arleen Bocatija Rojas for their donation to the recent Jose Rizal Day in the city. Facebook photo/Courtesy of Fe P. Koons

Former model Kat Alano Photo from Instagram/@katalano

Landlord with $400K judgment vs commercial tenant proceeds against guarantor

WHAT are friends for? Friends, of course, like to help each other. But to what extent and what favors can you ask from a friend? The client’s friend wanted to set up a restaurant. The friend was a chef who had just graduated from culinary school. His idea was to serve street food from his home country in a nice setting here in Southern California. That seems like a good idea. The friend chose a restaurant that had closed down and renovate it. The landlord agreed to lease the friend the premises if he could get another person to guarantee the lease of $20,000 a month because the friend’s creditworthiness was not good enough.

The client and friend had grown up together in their home country and went to the same high school together. They were not the best of friends, but let’s just say that they were good friends. The client migrated to Los Angeles first about five years ahead of the friend. Then the friend wrote to the client saying that he was going to attend culinary school in San Francisco. They met up with each other once in a while to catch up after the friend arrived. The Client brought the friend around Los Angeles, bringing him to Universal studios and Disneyland. The client also brought the friend to try many restaurants specializing in different cuisines. The client even brought the friend to very high-priced restaurants. He brought him to Mr. Chow in Malibu and paid $500 for dinner for two. Mr. Chow has excellent service — his purpose was to introduce high-class Chinese dining to the Brits, and he did it very successfully. Kudos to Mr. Chow. If you eat at Mr. Chow once a week, you will end up paying more than your mortgage payment every month. But it has a nice ambiance and the service is good.

So after Mr. Chow, the client then brings the friend to Nobu the next night. This is also in Malibu and owned by Robert De Niro who partnered with a

Debt Relief

Japanese chef. Let’s just say that if you have Mr. Chow for Chinese food, you have Nobu for Japanese food, you better be making at least $200,000 a year.

The client was, in fact, well paid in his IT job. He does make close to $200,000 a year. He wanted to show his friend that he was doing well, and maybe the friend can get some ideas for his own restaurant from Mr. Chow and Nobu. The friend also comes from a wealthy family in their country of origin. So expensive dining is not a big deal for the friend.

Client guarantees friend’s restaurant commercial lease

The client agreed to personally guarantee the commercial lease for the friend’s restaurant at $20,000 a month for five years. The client did not have second thoughts about doing it for the friend thinking the friend would do the same for him in his time of need if that ever came about.

The friend’s restaurant did well initially but after a couple of months, less and less customers showed up. Apparently, the friend’s cooking did not sell too well to the local taste. So after a year of operating the restaurant, the friend decided to call it quits. He tried to sell the restaurant but there were no takers.

The landlord sued the friend and eventually got a judgment against the friend for $400,000 on the unpaid lease of four years. Well, who in his right mind would pay $400K for the unpaid lease of a failed restaurant even if you come from a wealthy family abroad? The friend’s family is wealthy but not stupid. Not as stupid as the client who personally guaranteed the lease. Now here comes the landlord asking the client to pay the $400,000 because of his personal guarantee. Can the

landlord collect from the client?

Yes, of course, he can. Since the friend has not paid the $400,000 judgment, the client is now legally liable to pay the $400,000 based on his written personal guarantee. Written personal guarantees are completely legally enforceable. Verbal ones are not enforceable.

Obviously, the client doesn’t want to pay the $400,000 either.

If he can qualify for Chapter 7, he needs a Chapter 7 discharge to get rid of the $400K liability so he can get a fresh start in life and be productive again. So watch out when somebody, a friend or relative, asks you to guarantee a lease or loan or whatever. Just say no, or forever regret your moment of weakness.

Son guarantees visiting father’s medical bills for stroke

The next client is only 30. His father came to visit him here in Los Angeles from their country of origin. The client did not have the foresight of getting father travelling medical insurance to cover any medical expenses that may arise during his visit.

Unfortunately, the father had a stroke when the client brought him to see the Grand Canyon.

The hospital bill to treat the father totaled $500,000. And with no insurance, the son had to sign for all of the $500,000. So if you have relatives coming to visit you, tell them or get them travel medical insurance.

The son did not get his father this insurance so now he’s on the hook for $500,000. Chapter 7 will get him a fresh start by wiping out the $500,000 liability.

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DISCLAIMER: NONE OF THE FOREGOING IS CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE. EACH CASE IS DIFFERENT.

* * *

Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South, Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)

Is filing bankruptcy your best solution? Here’s how to know

Barrister’s Corner

AS a bankruptcy attorney, I am often asked: “How will filing bankruptcy change my life?”

I think people ask this question because of the negative things that they may have heard about bankruptcy from their friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. They think that a bankruptcy means that they will be forever looked upon as outcasts in our economy. So instead of focusing on the benefits and advantages of getting out of debt, they tend to focus more on the possible downside. Of course, the decision to file bankruptcy is never to be taken lightly, but if appropriate for your situation, it may be the very solution that you need to put the past behind you and move on to bigger and better things in your life.

Again, while bankruptcy is not for everyone, millions of people who have no way of ever getting out of debt have found it to be the BEST thing that they ever did to start over. It has proven to be lifeline for people who have found themselves in a financial situation from which they could

no longer extricate themselves. Yes, debt can be a huge trap for many, and when you don’t have sufficient resources to pay your debts every month while maintaining a fair standard of living, you often have no choice but to continue borrowing just to survive. This can become a vicious cycle where you find yourself getting buried deeper in a financial hole that keeps getting bigger and bigger. Bankruptcy could be the tool that you need to prevent yourself from being buried in a mountain of debt.

If you can pay your bills, YOU SHOULD. But if you have done your absolute best but have reached that point where nothing short of filing bankruptcy can help, bankruptcy could be a big turning point in your life.

Bankruptcy gives you the opportunity to erase the past, learn from whatever mistakes you have made, and start over. Where would most of us be today without being given a second chance? That’s exactly what bankruptcy providesanother chance to rebuild your finances, your credit, and your life.

There are a lot of positive changes that can come out of filing bankruptcy. First is peace of mind. How about a good night’s sleep for a change?

If you have creditors who are constantly harassing and

calling you, the instant relief that bankruptcy brings allows you to breathe, think, and feel like a human being again. If creditors are threatening to take what little you have, bankruptcy can also protect everything that you’ve worked so hard for, and you can sleep better at night knowing that creditors are not going to be able to carry out their threats.

Once you’re relieved from the burden of debt, your future can be exciting again. Regaining control of your finances is only a first step. Once you are debt-free, perhaps now you can plan for your retirement, your children’s education, or start saving again. You can stop living your life aimlessly without a financial plan. Life after bankruptcy depends on what you do after the law has given you that second chance you badly needed to recover and rebuild your life.

NOTE: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems.

None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772.

(Advertising Supplement)

No love teams: Inigo Pascual compares Hollywood audition, production vs Pinoy methods

MANILA — Inigo Pascual is having the time of his life now that he is starring in his first American series, the musical drama “Monarch.”

The Filipino singer-actor shared some of the production practices and audition processes he observed and did while staying in the United States.

He currently plays Ace Roman Grayson, the adopted son of Nicolette Roman (Anna Friel), daughter of Dottie Cantrell Roman (Susan Sarandon) and Albie Roman (Trace Adkins) in the Fox drama.

1. One can audition via selftapes

Inigo revealed that he was two weeks late for his auditions for “Monarch.”

He reasoned out that there will probably be more deserving actors who will get the role and he was already happy with his music and acting career in the Philippines.

But many of his ABS-CBN mentors and handlers as well as his Hollywood agent, FilipinoAmerican Chris Lee, insisted he should submit a self-tape for “Monarch.” Lee is the agent of Marvel star Simu Liu and was the one responsible for Kris Aquino snagging a part in the hit movie “Crazy Rich Asians.”

“A self-tape is where you’re given a scene from the production, whether two or three scenes from the project that you’re gonna do. They give you a small paragraph, sometimes they give you the whole script, sometimes they give you a small paragraph on how you define your character,” Inigo explained at the recent virtual presscon for “Monarch,” which can now be

streamed on iWantTFC with fresh episodes dropping every Thursday at 9 a.m.

So he did a scene where his character was going through a seizure.

In an interview with ABS-CBN, Lee said that Fox was “obsessed”

with Inigo when they saw his selftape and told him that the role of Ace will be Inigo’s if he wanted it.

2. There’s an audition season and, nope, there are no shortcuts.

Inigo said that one cannot just send a self-tape. An aspiring actor who wishes to land a role in any

Atty. LAwrence yAng

Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

Inigo Pascual stars in his first American show, the musical drama “Monarch.” Monarch Fox via Instagram

Af3irm Los Angeles and Feminist Front held a rally last May at Pan Pacific Park in support of reproductive justice and access to abortion.

Photo by Valeria Espinosa

Sooner or later, you will need to face your debt problems

Minding

If a lawsuit, wage garnishment, repossession or foreclosure is imminent, you need to take action immediately so you can protect yourself and your property. If filing bankruptcy is your best option, consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney who can explain to you how this process works so you can get immediate debt relief.

No love teams: Inigo Pascual compares...

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shows in America needs to have an agent. Even big stars are asked to audition.

“With the whole process of self-tapes, it felt cool because in America, there’s a season for auditions,” he shared.

In many vlogs by aspiring actors in America, they said the audition season traditionally starts around January and runs until April when series pilots are ordered and conceptualized.

“It’s not like in the Philippines where a project is given to you or a project is offered to you. In America, kahit sikat na sikat ka na, you are still asked to audition for certain things,” he noted.

working on a movie production in the Philippines. We don’t do more than four to six sequences a day,” Inigo said.

The cast of “Monarch” shot the first season from September 2021 to March 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.

He was quick to say that there should be no point of comparison because there are contributing factors that affect the working conditions between the two countries. Extreme weather conditions, he said, affect the Philippines for one.

mo sila, wala sila sa mood? ‘Di niyo alam siguro kakatapos lang nila umiyak sa eksena. Kasi isang pitik, kailangan mong gawin ang isang eksena. Tapos kailangan mong mag smile agad sa mga tao as if nothing happened,” Inigo explained.

He said that because filming locations in the United States were more isolated, actors are given more time to relax after.

4. Love teams are not a thing

In “Monarch,” Inigo’s character, Ace, has a girlfriend named Ana Phoenix played by Emma Milani.

FACING difficult financial times can be a frightening thing for a lot of people. When bill collectors are hounding you, at some point, you realize that something must be done but you just don’t know where to begin or where to go for help. Often, options can also be confusing unless you get the right information that you need to make the right decision. Should I consider filing bankruptcy or is that the worst mistake I can make under the circumstances? What can creditors do to me if I continue to ignore my debt problems?

Unfortunately, most people feel a certain shame or stigma about petitioning for bankruptcy when in reality it may be the best thing they can do to protect themselves from creditor actions. Listen to me: If your home, wages, assets and your financial future are at stake, you don’t need to feel embarrassed about anything.

If you have done your best to do everything you can with no success, you need to at least find out what your legal options are. Forget about what you friends PAGE B8

EMPLOYMENT

Inigo said that during the audition season, he had some help with his co-stars Emma Milani and Callum Kerr with his self-tapes. He also helped them with their self-tapes.

He revealed that he heard some of his friends in the Philippines sent their self-tapes.

“It feels good kasi mas marami na akong naririnig na mga kaibigan ko from the Philippines na actually sending their self-tapes, so expect a lot of Filipino artists in Hollywood,” he shared.

Inigo said that sending his self-tapes was a cool experience because it made him appreciate his craft more.

3. They only shoot a maximum of four to six sequences, sometimes one, in a day to give artists time to breathe.

“I guess, working on a TV show is like

EMPLOYMENT

Hindi alam ng maraming tao na we sometimes do 20 to 30 sequences a day whereas... When I was working on the show, I was in Atlanta for almost eight months and we would only do four to six sequences a day. So, grabe ‘yung trabaho na ginagawa ng mga Pinoy. Grabe ‘yung training na nagawa ko in the Philippines — to be able to memorize and to be able to practice emotions within a day wherein you’re mad, happy, crying, sad. Twenty sequences a day in the Philippines is a big training na nakatulong talaga sa akin,” he stressed.

The actor said that there were times he was told to relax and take a break while filming for “Monarch.”

“Siguro ‘yun ‘yung mas gusto kong makita sa Pilipinas, na mas mabigyan ‘yung artist ng breathing time. Kasi minsan nakaka-bipolar. Minsan siguro ‘yun ‘yung mahirap i-explain ng mga artists sa Philippines na kunyari makita

“It surprises me that a lot of American culture and other cultures are not as attached to love teams as they are in the Philippines. It was nice to introduce that (love teams) to her kasi syempre sabi ko, ‘You know, when they’ll binge this in the Philippines, you’ll probably understand what a love team is, whether you like it or not,’” Inigo shared.

The singer-actor shared that he had to explain to Milani the pros and cons of having a love team.

He wanted his co-star to be aware of what could happen, but he stressed that any actor would be grateful for whatever is given to them.

“We’re grateful for whatever project we’re put in and whatever happens, happens. Whatever blossoms, will blossom and I guess let’s break that stereotype. Let’s break that mold,” Inigo said. (By Kathleen A. Llemit/ Philstar.com) n

Atty. RAymond BulAon

Station Casinos plans to build 67-acre hotel-casino project in North Las Vegas

THE North Las Vegas Planning Commission recently approved Station Casinos’ plans to build a 67-acre hotel-casino at the northwest corner of Losee Road and the 215 Beltway, it was recently reported in the Las Vegas Review-Journal

This project, according to the report, will be built in two phases. When completed, it will feature 600 hotel rooms, more than 75,700 square feet of casino space, and include restaurants, a movie theater, banquet facilities and other amenities.

A Station representative told the planning commission that the proposed development will provide more than 1,100 construction jobs and, at project’s completion, up to 840 permanent full-time jobs.

The company’s proposed project is scheduled to go

before the commission for a first reading and a vote in October.

Station Casinos’ parent company is Red Rock Resorts, which has been a busy player in the real estate field lately.

Red Rock recently announced that a trio of casinos shuttered during the pandemic – Fiesta Hendeson, Fiesta Rancho and Texas Station – will be closed for good, torn down and the land sold.

According to Red Rock, the decision to close the three properties were due to the fact that, despite their popularity, patrons who frequented the establishments have switched over to other Station casinos.

Currently, there are no mentioned interested buyers for the land on which the three casinos sit on, which is a total of 107.5 acres.

The locals-oriented casino

Red Rock Resorts, in addition to a property with its own name in Summerlin and Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, operates multiple gaming properties under the Station brand throughout Las Vegas. It also runs 10 Wildfire casinos, which includes seven properties in the Henderson area.

The company is also looking to cement on its status as the dominant operator of localsoriented casinos, with the construction of a Wildfire casino in the downtown area, specifically along the busy Fremont Street tourist destination.

A statement issued by Red Rock Resorts said that they are “excited to bring a new Wildfire casino with fresh new amenities to the local residents of downtown Las Vegas.”

Wildfire Casinos are said to be typically heavy on slot machines and video poker. It also features casual and affordable dining options that cater to Las Vegas locals.

Aside from the casino in the downtown area, Red Rock is also busy constructing a Durango project in Southwestern Las Vegas. The project is expected to include a 73,000-squarefoot casino, sports book, a 200room hotel, four restaurants and meeting space. That resort will sit on the intersection of Durango Drive and Interstate 215.

Although it is not a dominant player in the downtown area nor does it have a presence along the Strip, Red Rock Resorts, via its many casino properties in the Las Vegas area and neighboring communities, is a huge player in the gaming arena. Its emphasis on serving Las Vegas locals may well play to its advantage, as the area’s population continues to grow, courtesy of retirees who are moving to Nevada due to the lower cost of living and those who are moving to the area for other reasons, including employment and business opportunities.

Many Californians who have moved to Nevada are also benefitting local casino properties as they are not as affected by the changing numbers of workers in the construction arena and those who work in other casino properties.

Indeed, these are busy times for Red Rock Resorts and its Station

Casinos and Wildfire brands. Its goal is to double its portfolio by 2030, and the projects it is currently undertaking are just the tip of the iceberg in Red Rock Resorts’ long-term bid to widen its reach.

While news of a housing slowdown has dominated recently, there is still a lot of construction going on in Las Vegas, with many planned casino-resorts and other mega projects opening within the next few years. That means continued employment for many, and a bevy of permanent jobs that will be available when these projects are nearing completion or are completed. And many of those jobs are not in the gaming

industry, but are in other fields which include hospitality, conventions and sports.

If you are looking to buy property or land in Las Vegas or neighboring areas, now is the time to make that investment.

You will be able to negotiate with sellers as there is more inventory available, and you will be able to look for that piece of land/property which can fit your budget, plans and dreams.

I have many decades of experience in assisting clients who are looking for their first home, second/vacation homes, investment properties or land (for future use/development).

I can assist you in looking for these opportunities. Many of my

clients have begun to reap the benefits of their investments, including turning their properties to rentals or Airbnb, or getting a good return on investment for the properties they bought in previous years.

My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@preciousproperties.com or fely.precious@ gmail.com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s investors from the Bay Area keep buying more land in Pahrump.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (2nd from right) with her new wave of Pahrump investors from San Antonio, Texas and Guam.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman attended the Commercial Alliance Symposium sponsored by the Las Vegas Realtors association to gain more insight on real estate trends that she can share with her clientele.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948, or send email to fely@precious-properties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com.

By RealtoR Fely Quitevis-Bateman

company sold the Palms casino property for about $650 million in 2021.

Sec. Ben Diokno and Sec. Ivan Uy lead mini-conference on ‘Incredible changes of the 2020s: Helping the Filipino thrive’

ON the evening of Oct. 28 (U.S.) and morning of Oct. 29 (Philippines), Dr. Jun David, President of the UP Alumni Association in America, Mr. Bob Reyes, President of its first chapter, the UPAA in Arizona, and Dr. Lillian Aquino, President of the UPMASA Arizona Chapter are pleased to invite you to the Mini-Conference on the Filipino with the theme “The Incredible Changes of the 2020s. Helping the Filipino Thrive.” It is indeed very timely to pause and recognize that there has been many changes and we must navigate them well.

The most prominent, of course, is Covid. All of us, especially healthcare professionals, have had to address this pandemic that greeted us at the turn of the decade. It has killed 6.5 million people so far and reduced lifespans everywhere by two years or more. Lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccine campaigns have resulted in impacts to our social, economic, and political environments.

Things like the rise of fake news, the polarization of society, and the virtualization of a lot of processes have emerged. And there are even social impacts we all did not want like the Great Resignation, including the divide and debate about work-from-home, that has affected industries, especially small businesses. What is most regrettable is the negative impact on the quality of our children’s education.

Filipinos will still thrive, wherever we may be, as we have done in the past. But the three organizations have invited successful Filipino professionals from the Philippines and from the US to tell us what they have done in the past that

can help today. Let’s be inspired by Mon Isberto, former PLDT Communications Head and Sheila Coronel, Inaugural Director of the Stabile School of Journalism of Columbia University, for the Media Track; Mon Ibrahim, former Undersecretary of the Department of Information and Computer Technology and Mariels Almeda Winhoffer, VP and Global Managing Director of IBM for the Technology Track; and Dr. Gap Legaspi, PGH Executive Director and Dr. Lou Publico, Chief, Rehabilitation Medicine of Harlem Hospital for the Healthcare Track. Moderators for each of the tracks are: TJ Manotoc, News Anchor of ABSCBN, Carol Colborn, former Deputy Commissioner of BIR, and Dr. Jun David, President of the UP Alumni Association in America.

In addition, three new Cabinet Secretaries, Sec. Ben Diokno of the Department of Finance, Sec. Ivan Uy of the Department of Information and Communication Technology, and Sec. Fred Pascual of the Department of Trade and Industry will give short messages about their overall plans and how they will help us navigate the changes.

This virtual conference is free of charge but donations are welcome. There is an optional raffle for a 5-night/six-day stay at any Club Wyndham Resort for a $10 ticket.

For registration, please go to upaainamerica. eventbrite.com, then choose “Incredible Changes of the 2020’s.” n

Jericho Rosales sends love...

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up for his concert tour in the United States and Canada with fellow actor Piolo Pascual. He is also set to star in the international action series

“Sellblock,” which is produced by ABS-CBN and Manila-based BlackOps Studios Asia. Rosales and Jones wed in Boracay back in May 2014. They first met in 2011 and

got engaged in August 2013, after two years together. They then moved to New York earlier this year, and the actor has since taken acting workshops in the city. n

Sooner or later, you will need...

and family may think if they find out that you are considering bankruptcy. That should be the least of your concerns. What you need to know is to find out the advantages and disadvantages of bankruptcy so you can determine if it is right for your situation.

If you have been sued by a creditor and you don’t file an answer to the complaint, the creditor can get a default judgment against you. The judgment obtained will then allow the creditor to further collect the debt by seizing your bank accounts or garnishing your wages.

In certain cases where the creditor obtains a court order to force you to appear in court to be examined regarding your assets (debtor’s examination), your failure to appear may result in a bench warrant issued by the court to compel your attendance.

Keep in mind that in the above scenario, you do not go to jail for owing money but you can get arrested for failure to appear at the judgment debtor’s examination (i.e., contempt of court). If you

file bankruptcy, of course, at any point during the collection process, the legal proceedings against you are immediately stopped.

If you are under a lot of financial stress and don’t know what to do, I’d like to help you figure out the best way to get your finances back in order again.

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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.

* * *

NOTE: Due to COVID-19 concerns, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE OR VIDEO to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems.

* * *

None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772.

CLUB 1872 38TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT. On Sep 3, CLUB 1872 held its 38th Annual Open Golf Tournament at Griffith Park GC. Local players as well as golf enthusiasts from other states have participated. Despite of the heat, everyone finished the game without any injuries. Club 1872 and its current officers led by our President, Dr. Emil Padre would like to thank and express our sincere appreciation to all our sponsors and members. This golf club has been formed and forged due to the lasting friendships it has created through the years and the quality of its members.

Photos provided by CLUB 1872 Golf Association

Sec. Ben Diokno of the Department of Finance

Sec. Ivan Uy of the Department of Information and Communication Technology