111122 - San Diego Edition

Bonta wins race for CA Atty General

by Joseph L. peraLta AJPress

FILIPINO American Rob Bonta has won a full term as California State Attorney General.

As of Thursday, November 10, Bonta, a Democrat and the current state attorney general, held a big lead over his Republican challenger Nathan Hochman. Bonta has garnered 3,152,292 votes (56.9%) while Hochman has received 2,385,723 votes (43.1%), per the California Secretary of State’s election results page. Election results will be certified on December 16.

Bonta, who is the first Fil-Am to become Attorney General in the state’s history, was

appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to the position when his predecessor, Xavier Becerra, joined the Biden-Harris administration as Secretary of Health and Human Services. As Bonta was appointed more than midway through Becerra’s term, he is eligible to run for two 4-year terms.

A Yale Law School graduate, Bonta was a Deputy City Attorney in San Francisco from 2003 to 2012.

In 2010, he was elected to the Alameda City Council where he was appointed vice mayor. Two years later, he ran for the State Assembly seat for District 18 and won, becoming the first FilAm to be elected to the state legislature. He was overwhelmingly reelected to the post in 2014,

2016, 2018 and 2020, getting at least 87% of the votes cast in the district in those races. In the California State Legislature, Bonta was chair of the Asian & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus.

Attorney General Bonta expressed his thoughts on Twitter on getting elected to a full term, saying, “Humbled by the vote of confidence delivered at the ballot box. The returns reflect our hard work in delivering results for public safety, working families, and the fundamental rights we hold dear. I’m deeply honored to serve as your Attorney General. Thank you, California!”

In local races in San Diego, Judy Patacsil is leading Frank Xu for the Palomar Community

Steven Raga wins assembly seat, becomes the first Filipino American in the New York State legislature

NEW York State Assembly District 30 candidate Steven Raga has made history as the first Filipino-American elected to office in New York State.

On election night, Raga won his race to serve in the state assembly. There are 150 seats in the New York State Assembly that serve two-year terms without term limits.

Raga won against his Republican opponemt Sean Lally in Tuesday night’s (November 8) general election, garnering 57.84% of the votes (10,972 votes), against Lally’s 41.12% of thevotes. The results will not be certified until all ballots are counted as Raga’s district has registered 97.66% of precincts reporting according to unofficial results from the city Board of Elections.

Raga expressed thanks and gratitude to all

AN estimated 4 million people in the U.S. have permanently dropped out of the workforce due to long COVID, which can include an array of symptoms that last well after the initial infection.

Experts say the nation lacks the resources to handle the predicted swell of such cases.

Long COVID is characterized as people experiencing a multitude of symptoms for three months or longer after first being infected. Such symptoms include: tiredness, fatigue, malaise, fever, shortness of breath, brain fog, dizziness, headaches, and sleep disturbance. People also experience psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety.

More than 21 million Americans have experienced long COVID. A paper released last month in the scientific journal Nature

UN rights experts concerned over ‘pervasive’ corruption in PH

MANILA — In its recent periodic review, the United Nations Human Rights Committee raised alarm over reports that graft and corruption in the Philippines worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an advanced version of the report, the committee, composed of independent experts, acknowledged some strides made in recent years, but it pointed to areas that are lacking.

Philippine officials reported the establishment of the 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Hotline in 2016 as well as the creation of the Presidential Anti-Corruption

Commission in 2017.

The UN body found the measures insufficient, citing reports of allegations against public officials while the country dealt with the health crisis.

“The Committee remains concerned by reports that corruption remains pervasive and has intensified in the context of the State response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” it said in the 13-page report.

In 2021, a series of testimonies bared the involvement of foreign-owned and undercapitalized Pharmally Pharmaceutical

Marcos Jr. to promote ‘global partner’ Philippines at ASEAN Summit

by aLexis roMero Philstar.com

MANILA – President Marcos vowed on Wednesday, November 9 to promote the Philippines as a “global partner” of its allies and to protect its interests as he departed for Cambodia to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.

In his departure statement, Marcos said the ASEAN meet is a “very, very good” opportunity to forge new partnerships and to strengthen those that have already existed for a long time.

“And so this is the purpose of the trip. And once again, we will promote the Philippines not only as an investment center, not only as a tourism center, but as a partner, a global partner for our ASEAN member-nations and for all our friends around the world who will be joining the ASEAN conference,” the President said.

“My participation will promote and protect Philippine interests in ASEAN,” he added.

Marcos said he would emphasize regional cooperation on maritime security, climate change, food security, health cooperation and economic

Inflation races to 14-year high

INFLATION in the country surged to 7.7 percent in October, the highest increase in 14 years, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday, November 4.

The rate is likely to rise further in the last two months of the year, the PSA said.

It rose from 6.9 percent in September and almost doubled the 4.0 percent a year earlier.

percent to 6,185.53. The peso, meanwhile, added 25 centavos to close at P58.55 to the U.S. dollar. National Statistician Dennis Mapa, who attributed the October rise to “increasing food inflation,” told a briefing there was a “substantial probability of an increase” given rising cooking gas prices and the recent damage from Storm “Paeng.”

by AJPress

A FILIPINO man who fatally stabbed a fellow crewmember on a container ship heading to Los Angeles was sentenced on Monday, November 7 to 20 years in federal prison.

Michael Dequito Monegro, 44, a resident of the Philippines, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer, who said in court at the court hearing that Monegro’s “conduct was unusually heinous, cruel and brutal.”

Monegro pleaded guilty on May 2 to one count of committing an act of violence against a person onboard a ship that is likely to endanger the safe navigation of the ship.

In September 2020, Monegro was working as a seaman aboard the MSC Ravenna, a 153,000-gross-ton Liberian-flagged container ship. The murder took place on September 20, 2020, when the Ravenna was approximately 80 nautical miles from Southern California and nearing the end of its two-week voyage from Shanghai to the Port of Los Angeles, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

That morning, several crewmembers were in a dressing room on the ship’s upper deck, preparing for their shift and waiting for their direct supervisor to provide their work assignments for the day. Shortly after Monegro saw his direct supervisor – identified

by heLen FLores Philstar.com

MANILA — To allow the Philippines’ tourism sector to catch up with that of neighboring countries, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the recommendation of the government’s pandemic task force to further relax travel restrictions for inbound travelers.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, in a memorandum dated Oct. 28, said the President approved the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ Resolution No. 2,

The increase was higher than the 7.3 percent median in The Manila Times’ poll of analysts and was near the upper end of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 7.1 to 7.9 percent range for the month.

The last time consumer price growth was higher was in December 2008 when it hit 8.2 percent.

BSP Governor Felipe Medalla told Bloomberg on Friday that “our best guess is that it will peak either next month or the last month of the year.”

The stock market initially fell on the news but was lifted by last-minute bargain hunting.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index ended the day up 29.42 points or 0.48

In a statement, the PSA attributed the continued inflationary rise to the “higher annual growth rate in the index for food and non-alcoholic beverages at 9.4 percent, from 7.4 percent in September 2022.”

Food inflation alone increased to 9.8 percent, up from 7.7 percent in September and more than double the 4.0 percent in October 2021.

Core inflation, which does not include price-volatile food and energy items, rose to 5.9 percent from September’s 5.0 percent. It stood at 2.5 percent a year earlier.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said in a statement the “surge in prices resulted from external

The pandemic’s collateral damage: Long covid

Filipino man sentenced to 20 years for deadly stabbing on LA-bound container ship  Easing of inbound travel restrictions OK’d to boost PH tourism

by Kristina MaraLit and eireene Jairee GoMez ManilaTimes.net

HEAD PROTECTION. City employees cover their heads with their hands while others with books as they exit the building during the 4th

Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill at the San Juan City Hall Open Grounds on Thursday, Nov. 10. A total of 21 barangays of the city joined the earthquake drill. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Steven Raga

Zubiri told: Journalists not meant to ‘beautify’ Philippines’ image

by Jeline Malasig Philstar.com

A senator was reminded of the duties of media after calling on journalists to help beautify the country’s image when the United Nations Human Rights Committee called out the government over its drug

war and media killings.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri made the appeal in a press briefing on Monday, where he claimed that other countries such as Malaysia and Vietnam have it worse in terms of critical reportage.

“I appeal to the media, tulungan niyo naman kami

na pagandahin ang imahe ng Pilipinas. Katulad noong Percy Lapid na iyan, nahuli na nga iyong bumaril at mahuhuli na nga iyong mastermind,” he said.

Tumulong naman kayo i-announce ‘yan sa buong mundo. Buti sana kung hindi inaksyunan. If hindi inaksyunan, eh di sana I’ll stand with you here. Pero inaksyunan nila. Kaya iyan ang apila ko. We are a free media,” Zubiri added.

Various media outlets reported Lapid’s killing. He was the second journalist to be killed under the Marcos administration, and the first one based in Metro Manila.

The incident prompted the embassies of Canada and the Netherlands to release a statement: “Journalist killings create a chilling effect that curtails the ability of journalists u PAGE 4

Bonta wins race for CA Atty...

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College District Governing Board Member Trustee Area No. 1 seat. Per the San Diego County Registrar of Voters election results page as of Thursday, Patacsil currently has 13,735 votes (51.98%) to the 12,688 votes for Xu (48.02%).

In the race for Sweetwater Union High School District Governing Board Member Trustee Area 5 position, Dante Garcia Pamintuan has a slim lead of 58 over Martha “Marti” Emerald. Pamintuan currently has 4,603 votes (50.32%) to Emerald’s 4,545 votes (49.68%).

Ditas Yamane leads Marissa Acierto for the lone seat for District 3 of the city council for

National City. Yamane garnered 1,006 votes (60.71%) to Acierto’s 651 votes (39.29%).

As for the Propositions in the ballot, San Diego voters voted Yes for Prop 1 (Reproductive Freedom), Prop 28 (Provides Additional Funding for Arts & Music Education), and Prop 31 (Referendum on 2020 Law on Retail Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products).

Voters said No to Prop 26 (Allows New Types of Gambling), Prop 27 (Allows Online and Mobile Sports Wagering), Prop 29 (Requires Onsite Licensed Medical Kidney Dialysis Clinics), and Prop 30 (Funding Program to Reduce Air Pollution/Prevent Wildires). n

UN rights experts concerned...

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Corp. in questionable health supplies contracts with the government amounting to P42 billion.

Two of the company’s executives who allegedly benefited from the sizeable pandemic deals were released from detention in June.

While it did not refer to the Pharmally scandal specifically, the UN panel urged the Philippines to “ensure that all allegations of corruption, including those related to public procurement, are promptly, independently and thoroughly investigated.”

The government should also see that “those responsible are duly tried and adequately punished, and that victims receive full reparation,” it said.

Crippled anti-corruption bodies

In March this year, the Philippine government reported to the UN body that the Office of

the Ombudsman had disposed of 617 cases in 2019 out of its 3,947-case docket, leading to convictions in more than half of the processed cases, Officials failed, however, to detail the accomplishments of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission as the UN panel requested in 2020.

Portion of the list of issues in the Philippines raised at the United Nations human rights review where the committee requests Manila to provide details of anti-graft body which former President Rodrigo Duterte created. His predecessor, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, abolished the PACC through one of his early executive orders.

UN Human Rights Committee document dated June 2020

Citing unspecified reports, the UN committee argued that the Office of the Ombudsman lacks “financial and technical resources to investigate” allegations of corruption.

“The State party should intensify its efforts to prevent and eradicate corruption and impunity at all levels,” it said. “To this end, it should immediately provide sufficient human, technical and financial resources to its anti-corruption bodies, including the Ombudsman’s Office, with a view to enabling it to effectively and independently discharge its mandates.”

Besides its comments on the problem of corruption in the Philippines, the UN committee also laid down other recommendations on the human rights situation.

It called for the repeal of some provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act, the release of Sen. Leila de Lima from detention, cooperation with the International Criminal Court investigation into extrajudicial killings and the passage of measures on abortion, anti-discrimination and divorce, among other proposals. (Camille Diola/Philstar.com) n

Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Koko Pimentel

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT. A security officer of a coffee shop stands guard where colorful Christmas designs can be seen in the background in front of the store along Timog Avenue corner 11th Jamboree street, Quezon City on Thursday, Nov. 10. The establishments in the city have their gimmicks and creative ways in putting up decorations, 45 days before Christmas. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Marcos Jr. to promote ‘global partner’...

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recovery during his first ASEAN summit as president.

The summit is also expected to address regional issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation in Myanmar, developments in the South China Sea and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

Leaders of ASEAN memberstates will discuss and provide policy decisions on key political,

security, economic and sociocultural developments and global issues affecting the region.

ASEAN member-countries are also set to hold summits with their dialogue partners including Australia, Canada, China, Japan, India, South Korea and the U.S. “to review existing and new areas of cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues,” Marcos said.

The President is scheduled to have bilateral meetings with some of his fellow leaders but Malacañang has yet to disclose details.

“I will seek further cooperation in key priorities of my administration as well as how to explore what we can do to come together to address the most pressing issues of the region,” Marcos said.

“I have spoken often about the importance that I put on

the partnerships that we make as we go forward and start to live the future of the new global economy,” he added.

Marcos said he is also looking forward to meeting the Filipino community in Cambodia.

Describing ASEAN as a “cornerstone of Philippine foreign policy,” Marcos said the summits would also provide him an opportunity to convey the Philippines’ continuing support for the regional bloc’s centrality, for Cambodia as the summit’s current chair and for Indonesia as its incoming chair

“The ASEAN way, such as the mutual recognition of our contributions to each other’s nation-building efforts, is very much alive in the Kingdom of Cambodia,” Marcos said.

“I just would like to thank all our ASEAN partner members for the interest that they have shown in the new policies that we have established here in the Philippines since I took office. So with that, I think we have a very good foundation on which to build upon within ASEAN and without ASEAN,” he added.

Vice President Sara Duterte will act as caretaker of the government while Marcos is in Cambodia. n

Inflation races to 14-year high...

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price pressures, like the Russia-Ukraine war and lockdowns imposed in parts of China, which disrupted global supply chains, and the lingering aftermath of recent typhoons, including Typhoon ‘Karding’ that hit the country in late September.”

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the government’s “immediate priority is to continue supporting the most vulnerable sectors of the economy, hence, the cash transfers and fuel discounts will continue.”

Medalla told Bloomberg that “our forecast is by the second half of next year, it (inflation) will be below four [percent] already.”

The BSP, which has a 2.0 to 4.0 percent inflation target, has estimated that this year’s result will be in the 5.6 to 5.7 percent range. Year to date, average inflation is at 5.4 percent.

Commenting on the latest inflation data, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) lead economist Emilio Neri Jr. said, “we continue to see price pressures that could prevent inflation from going back to the target of the BSP in the coming year, with inflation prints likely to remain above seven percent for the remainder of the year.”

“Given the absence of structural reforms in

the agriculture industry, supply constraints will likely persist. The importation of food products may not provide enough relief since global prices of food are also high,” Neri said.

The latest consumer price growth figure underlined Medalla’s preemptive announcement on Thursday, November 3 of a 75 basis point increase in key interest rates on November 17.

In the Bloomberg interview, he reiterated that the move aimed to prop up the peso and maintain a 100-point differential with the US Federal Reserve’s rate.

Asked about the Marcos government’s push to stop the currency — which last month hit an all-time low of P59 to the dollar — from falling to P60:$1, Medalla replied that monetary authorities would not draw a line but would continue to use policy tools such as interest rates and the country dollar reserves to support the peso.

Neri said he sees the peso continuing to depreciate in the coming months. With the country becoming more and more reliant on imports, dollar outflows will continue to significantly exceed inflows, he added.

“Even if The Fed stops hiking in 2023, it may not necessarily lead to a huge

appreciation of the peso given the country’s fundamentals. The peso may even continue to weaken in this scenario if the trade deficit remains sizable, although at a slower pace compared to this year,” Neri said.

On Friday, Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the continuation of financial aid and fuel discounts to the most vulnerable sectors to help cushion the impact of rising inflation.

In a statement, the Palace said the President “is committed to support our farmers and other stakeholders in agriculture in post-disaster recovery, while improving the value chain and investing in climatesmart technologies remain a priority in the medium and long term.”

“As part of the response to mitigate waterinduced damages to lives, livelihood and property, the effective management of our water resources will also be prioritized. Even early on, the President had stressed the need to establish the Department of Water Resources,” it added.

The President also directed concerned agencies to invest in innovations and technologies to make communities and businesses resilient amid extreme weather challenges. n

Easing of inbound travel...

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recommending the lifting of predeparture testing requirement for fully vaccinated arriving passengers, whether Filipinos or foreign nationals.

“Please be informed of the approval of IATF Resolution No. 2 subject to strict observance of other minimum health protocols and compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations,” Bersamin said in his memo addressed to IATF chair Department of Health officer-incharge Maria Rosario Vergeire and the task force’s members.

Filipino and foreign nationals shall be deemed fully vaccinated if he or she had received the second dose of a two-dose series or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine more than 14 days prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin or port of embarkation, according to IATF Resolution No. 2, dated Oct. 4.

The vaccinated individuals are required to present the following proofs of vaccination upon arriv al in the country: World Health Organization International Cer tificate of Vaccination and Pro phylaxis, VaxCertPH, national or state manual/digital certificate of the country/foreign government or other proof of vaccination.

In the memo, the Palace directed the Bureau of Quarantine to coordinate with the DOH and other concerned agencies to identify the other acceptable proofs of vaccination in order to avoid confusion and inconvenience on the part of inbound travelers, and facilitate dissemination thereof for public information.

Meanwhile, unvaccinated Fil ipinos and foreign nationals 15 years or older shall present a re motely supervised, or a laborato ry-based rapid antigen negative result administered and certified by a health care professional in a health care facility, laboratory,

clinic, pharmacy or other similar establishment taken within 24 hours prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin/first port of embarkation in a continuous travel to the Phil ippines, excluding layovers; pro vided that he/she has not left the airport premises or has not been admitted into another country during such layover.

Filipinos and foreign nationals 15 years or older who fail to present negative pre-departure testing with conditions set forth above, shall be required to undergo a laboratory-based rapid antigen negative result administered and certified by a health care professional in a health care facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy or other similar establishment taken upon arrival at the airport, it said.

Those who shall test positive for COVID-19 through rapid antigen test shall be subjected to the latest prevailing quarantine and isolation protocols of the DOH, the resolution stated.

Accompanied minors below 15 years of age who are not vaccinated for any reason shall follow the quarantine protocols of their parent/s or an accompanying adult/guardian travelling with them, the IATF said.

Unaccompanied minors below 15 years of age who have not been vaccinated for any reason shall follow the protocols set for Filipino and foreign nationals 15 years and above.

On Oct. 28, Marcos issued Executive Order 7, lifting the mandatory wearing of face masks in indoor settings, except in medical facilities and public transportation.

On Sept. 12, the President issued EO 3, which allowed the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings, particularly in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation. n

President Marcos prepares to leave on Wednesday, November 9 for the Asean Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo by Jesse Bustos

HAT, ANYONE? A vendor sells different colorful hats in the Intramuros area in Manila on Wednesday, Nov. 9. The vendor said local and foreign tourists fancy buying old-style hats, especially during the holidays.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

Steven Raga wins assembly seat... The pandemic’s collateral damage: Long

the support that his campaign received during the past eight months of the historic campaign for an Assembly seat.

In an Election Day post on social media, he described himself as “a kid from Queens who grew up with a single mother, working three jobs while pursuing my education, the overwhelming support from all corners of the district means a lot to me.”

Raga was a former chief of staff of Assemblymember Brian Barnwell of District 30 who announced last April that he won’t be running for reelection. Raga was thrust into the position when he was selected by a committee to determine who would replace Barnwell on the ballot.

Addressing his supporters, Raga praised his campaign team and the volunteers and recalled “being out in the train station stops at 6 a.m. and at bus stops, knocking doors, and figuring out hashtags for future posts.”

“I am very proud of the campaign we ran,” he said. “This is really a team effort, this is a movement and effort that we are going to continue next year and for years to come.”

“This neighborhood means a lot to me,” Raga added as he talked about his family who has called it home for the past few decades. “I look forward to advocating for everyone here, defending our rights and working in partnership with our other forward-thinking legislators to bring more value to all New Yorkers, specially our most vulnerable, and our new immigrants.”

As a candidate, Raga amassed a slew of endorsements from elected officials and community and civic leaders and won his primary race in June. Among those who threw their support were Congresswoman Grace Meng, Congressman Gregory Meeks, State Sen. John Liu and Assemblymembers Ron Kim, Catalina Cruz, and Jessica González-Rojas, who was present to congratulate him on his win.

Assembly District 30 has undergone significant change due to redistricting. It currently covers the neighborhoods of Woodside, Maspeth, and Elmhurst, along with parts of Jackson Heights.

The district is one of the most diverse in the state and is majority AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders).

During the campaign, Raga’s days start with him giving out literature and campaign materials at train stops and then he goes to the poll sites before meeting with community leaders to put campaign events. He then spends six hours knocking on doors and calling voters.

“We’re still putting in the hard work and we’re not taking anything for granted,” he told the Asian Journal in a previous interview. “Although it looks good, we want to make sure that we follow through until the very end and we just want to stay the course.”

Raga was the Executive Director for Woodside on the Move, a social service and advocacy nonprofit located in Woodside. Before that, he served as the Northeast Regional Manager of Policy & Advocacy for the Komen Foundation, and before his time in politics, he spent nearly a decade doing non-profit work, including his time as a Senior Strategist Multicultural Leadership for AARP.

He served as Barnwell’s chief of staff for four years. He is also a board member of Queens Pride and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations. Raga is also the founder of Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro).

“From experience, I can tell you issues that everyday residents are facing; I’ve worked with non-profit organizations that are filling vital gaps in providing community resources and services.

I was able to develop bonds with so many of my own neighbors while also learning about pertinent legislative issues to Western Queens and the complex relationship between City and State politics,” Raga shared.

Last June when he won the primary, he said he was looking forward to proudly wearing a Barong Tagalog on the floors of the New York State Assembly if he gets elected.

Among his top priorities are combating Asian American hate, coming up with a comprehensive measure to protect both tenants and homeowners, and helping small businesses or any businesses that helped especially during COVID. (By Momar G. Visaya/AJPress) n

Filipino man sentenced to 20 years for...

in court documents as “M.S.” – in the hallway outside the locker room, Monegro began stabbing him with a knife while they were both in the hallway in full view of several crewmembers.

The victim grappled with Monegro and the two fell to the floor. Monegro then got on top of the victim and continued stabbing him. Monegro then removed a second knife from the victim’s coveralls and stabbed him with both knives.

Crewmembers attempted to intervene to stop Monegro, including throwing a trash can at him, but their actions were unsuccessful. Monegro stopped stabbing the victim only when he

became too tired to continue. In total, Monegro stabbed the victim 31 times.

The ship’s captain, chief mate and chief engineer all arrived on scene during the incident, and the captain convinced Monegro to get off the victim, who died on the ship from multiple stab wounds.

Monegro was convinced by the captain to walk to a conference room. After continued discussions, Monegro placed the knives on the conference room table and was escorted to his cabin.

After the incident, Monegro was confined to a cabin and crewmembers were assigned to guard the door, so they

were unable to perform their normal duties on the ship. Other crewmembers were traumatized by witnessing Monegro stab and kill the victim.

Federal agents arrested Monegro after the ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles on September 27, 2020. He has been in federal custody since his arrest.

“The tragic impact of defendant’s conduct cannot be overstated,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum.

“[Monegro’s] murder of M.S. left behind M.S.’s wife and daughter, who was 17 at the time of the murder. M.S. was the sole bread winner for the family, and his death caused significant financial strain on the family.” (AJPress) n

found that almost half of people who had experienced COVID had not fully recovered two months later.

People who have underlying health issues — such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and obesity — are at greater risk for developing long COVID. Vaccines and therapeutics taken early in the infection are significant tools in staving off the disease. The three W’s — washing hands, wearing a mask and watching one’s distance from others — are also helpful in preventing infections.

However, lower-income people may lack the ability to access therapeutics in time for it to be effective. Paxlovid, for example, must be started within five days of an infection. And, because of work and living conditions, they may also lack the ability to maintain the distance required to prevent infections.

Few people have availed of the updated booster, also known as the bivalent vaccine. Less than 10% of Californians have taken that shot, according to data from the California Department of Public Health. Nationally, only 20 million people have taken the updated booster, about 8.5% of the total population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Four million people not working and not contributing to our economy is a significant burden to our society,” said Dr. Jose Luis Perez, during a news briefing organized by Ethnic Media Services, in partnership with the California Department of Public Health. Other speakers at the briefing included Dr. Nisha Viswanathan, Director of UCLA’s Long COVID Program; and Michelle Burroughs, Director of Community Engagement and Outreach at the UC Riverside School of Medicine’s Center for Healthy Communities.

Perez is the Chief Medical Officer of the South Central Family Health Center in Los Angeles. His clinic takes in primarily Latino and African American patients that — through their employment — have a high degree of contact with the community, which puts them at higher risk of a COVID-19 infection.

“Symptom control is the bedrock of management,” said Perez, noting that there is no cure for long COVID. The clinic helps its patients access physical therapy, mental health services, and treatments for specific issues brought on by COVID.

“So, no cure. Just let’s make your foggy brain less foggy. Let’s make your joint pain less painful. Let’s try to get you back in some kind of semblance of your normal life. The important thing here is to treat it holistically, treat the person as a whole person,” he said.

Viswanathan, of UCLA’s Long COVID program, agreed with Perez’s approach to managing the illness. Her clinic also employs a symptoms-based strategy to manage fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, and the loss of taste and smell, among other issues.

“When we have patients with shortness of breath, for example, we may talk about doing things like pulmonary rehabilitation or breath retraining, which is the idea that you can slowly retrain your diaphragm to take deeper breaths, which can help our patients with that sensation of shortness of breath.”

She added that for many patients struggling with fatigue, “creating a mindfulness practice that incorporates meditation, acupuncture… can be really successful in managing these symptoms.”

An anti-inflammatory diet that’s primarily plant based — eschewing meat, sugar, and alcohol, but focusing on whole grains and nuts — can also help

with long COVID symptoms. Both doctors and Burroughs of UC Riverside spoke about the disparities in access to care for long COVID. Perez’s patients may take one or two buses to get to his clinic. Viswanathan’s patients have, on occasion, flown in on private jets. She noted that many low-income patients may not have health insurance that is accepted by the clinic, or may lack the resources to support a healthy diet and mindful practices.

“Black people are not receiving the same quality of care as their white counterparts, and this contributes to a shortened lifespan. Researchers discovered that several severe racial and ethnic disparities have led to higher COVID mortality rates in Black Americans,” said Burroughs.

She also noted that Black people participating in her center’s town halls have reported facing challenges getting their providers to even believe that they have long COVID symptoms. “They feel unheard and they often feel unseen and are sent away not receiving treatment for the symptoms that they presented with,” she said.

“If the Black community continues to not receive proper care, treatment and diagnosis for long haul COVID, it could result in other social injustices like the inability to work, triggering financial instability, which could cause them to lose health insurance and then render them potentially homeless. I know this sounds really extreme, but it’s possible. This has actually happened,” said Burroughs. She noted that providers have often failed to correctly diagnose long COVID for Black people, rendering them unable to qualify for disability insurance.

All three speakers discussed the need to create a pipeline of diverse health care professionals. (Sunita Sohrabji/ Ethnic Media Services) n

Zubiri told: Journalists not meant...

to report news freely and safely.”

The two countries are co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition.

Latest reports on Lapid’s case said that suspended Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag colluded with gangs inside the New Bilibid Prison to carry out his kill order against the hard-hitting radio commentator.

The lawyer of journalist Roy Mabasa, who is Lapid’s brother, said there might be “persons higher than Bantag” involved in the killing.

Justice Secretary Boying Remulla, in response to speculations, said that they haven’t seen anyone else and are “not concerned with politics.”

“We still haven’t seen anyone else. We just follow the money and we just follow the evidence. It’s hard to speculate,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zubiri in his press briefing rejected the notion of the media facing a “chilling effect” in the country since journalists were not supposedly not stopped from doing their jobs.

A “chilling effect” is defined by the Supreme Court as “the fear of possible prosecution that hangs of the heads of citizens who are minded to step beyond the boundaries of what is proper.”

“From the United States to Europe, they have [a] share of problems of immigration and illegal detention of immigrants. No one is pointing fingers at them for their human rights [violations]. I don’t think that’s right. Then they [bring up] the media killings [here],” Zubiri said, responding to the UN Human Rights Committee’s concern about the Philippines.

“Nagagalit lang kapag sa tingin nila mali ang nailabas. Pero hindi naman forcibly pinipigilan kayo. When we were in the European Union, sabi namin ni Sen. Loren Legarda, kausap namin sila, sabi namin, it is not fair to paint the Philippines like that. The reason why you get news like that [is] because our media are free,” he added.

The UN Human Rights Committee previously expressed concern that the AntiTerrorism Act of 2020 was being used to “legitimize the targeting of government critics, human rights defenders and journalists, including through ‘red-tagging,’ and consequent chilling effects on freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association.”

Following Zubiri’s appeal to the media, some Filipinos reminded him that the press’ responsibility is to report facts and not to beautify anyone or anything’s images.

“That’s not how the media works [though]??? Also, hindi nila responsibilidad na i-sugar coat ang news about it? [It] should be the truth, may it be ugly or not,” a Twitter user said in response to the lawmaker.

“Lol, [it’s] not the media’s job to beautify the Philippines situation. It’s YOUR responsibility and the government’s. Don’t be such an i*iot and pass your work to the media,” another Pinoy wrote.

“The purpose of the media is to inform the public about what is truly going on in the country. We need to strengthen our government to maintain a respectable public profile,” a different Filipino said.

“It’s not the media’s responsibility to improve the country’s image. Try to do something better first before you say that, lol,” tweeted another Pinoy.

A journalist is expected “to provide citizens with the information they need to make the best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies, and their governments,” according to the American Press Institute.

They are obliged to convey facts and the truth in the public’s interest and to serve as an independent monitor of power by holding them into account.

Journalists are also obliged to be impartial and remain uninfluenced by outside entities. n

‘Chinese rocket debris’ found off Mindoro, Palawan

by RobeRtzon RamiRez Philstar.com

MANILA — Debris believed to be from a Chinese rocket were recovered in the waters off Occidental Mindoro and Palawan on Sunday, November 6 and Monday, November 7 respectively.

In a Viber message, the Philippine Coast Guard said the PCG responded to a report that fishermen found “metallic debris” off the coast of Barangay Poblacion in Calintaan.

“The identification of the debris is still unknown and remains at the site for inspection,” the PCG said.

A resident of Barangay Cheey in Busuanga, Palawan found a piece of metal, suspected to be debris from Chinese rocket Long March 5B.

“Based on the proximity from the drop zone and visual perusal of photos released by Palawan authorities... there is a high likelihood that the debris found in Busuanga was part of the rocket fairing of Long March 5B. In addition, it is highly likely that the pieces of debris reportedly found off the waters of Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro... were also part of the said rocket component,” the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said on Wednesday,

November 9.

PhilSA said the National Coast Watch Center verified the retrieval of the debris in the two areas.

It said the debris would be placed under the custody and disposal of the Philippine government.

In September, PhilSA warned the public of falling debris from a rocket launched by China.

While debris from the rocket was unlikely to fall on Philippine soil, the agency said there could be some in airspace and maritime waters, which could affect aircraft or sea vessels.

(Rainier Allan Ronda/Philstar. com) n

Heaven on earth: Palawan most desirable island in UK travel award

MANILA – Palawan continues to reap world recognition, this time as the most desirable island by the 21st Wanderlust Travel Award in the United Kingdom.

“The scenery here is heaven on earth with sparkling waters and white sand beaches. One of the most photographed sites is Kayangan, a dazzling freshwater lake with spectacular rock formations above and below the surface,” Wanderlust wrote.

“Elsewhere on the island you can explore one of the world’s longest underground rivers, enjoy a spot of twitching, or fuel up with some delicious cuisine in the island’s capital of Puerto Princesa,” it added.

The country, through the Department of Tourism-Central Visayas Office, also placed 6th among hundreds of special entries in the Wanderlust Sustainability Initiative Category for its Dive7 Program.

The awards were given on Nov. 9 by the prestigious Wanderlust travel magazine,

one of the United Kingdom’s longest running publications that has been at the forefront of sustainable travel for 29 years.

Cebu was also nominated this year as Most Desirable Region (Rest of the World) by the award-giving body.

“These awards reflect the efforts to revive the tourism industry that are well underway especially because of the Marcos administration’s thrust towards prioritizing tourism development. Rest assured that we will continue with our mission to herald the Philippines and the Filipino brand to the world, and to ensure the continued sustainability of our islands” Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.

Frasco led the Philippine delegation to the World Travel Market recently held in London.

These new awards add to the long list of recognitions the country has earned even at the height of the COVID-19 crisis.

In June this year, Conde Nast Travel also named the Philippines as part of the 40

Most Beautiful Countries in the World, specifically citing the remarkable cave system of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, the mysteriously uniform Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and the panoramic views of the Banaue and Cordilleras Rice Terraces.

The following month, the renowned Travel + Leisure magazine also named the country’s tourist magnets Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu part of the 25 Best Islands in the World.

Since February 2022, foreign tourists have been traveling to the Philippines, which have reached over 1.9 million as of posting.

TIME Magazine also lauded Boracay as one of the 50 World’s Greatest Places of 2022.

In September, the Philippines won Asia’s leading dive and beach destination, and the historic Walled City of Intramuros as Asia’s leading tourist attraction at the World Travel Awards in Vietnam (PNA) n

Customs bureau to release balikbayan boxes

by William b. Depasupil ManilaTimes.net

BUREAU of Customs (BoC) Commissioner Yogi Felimon Ruiz has ordered the distribution of more than 7,000 abandoned balikbayan boxes to the families of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in time for the Christmas season.

BoC spokesman Arnold de la Torre on Wednesday, November 10 said the commissioner issued the order following glitches in the release of the 7,805 boxes abandoned by three foreign consolidators based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“What our commissioner did is come out with a system to ensure [the balikbayan boxes] will reach the OFWs’

intended beneficiaries. Before they were just abandoned and subjected to auction, but now, [the commissioner] has given the assurance that they will be delivered free of charge to the families of the OFWs,” said de la Torre at the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum in Manila.

The erring consolidators were identified as Win Balikbayan Cargo LLC, CMG International Movers and Cargo Services, and Island Kabayan Express Cargo LLC.

At the same time, de la Torre called on Filipino migrant workers not to abuse the tax-free privilege of balikbayan boxes as he admitted that some OFWs were stuffing their boxes with “regulated” and commercial quantity of goods or using it as

a conduit for smuggling.

He pointed out that there were only two requirements in sending balikbayan boxes, “household or personal effects.” Personal effects are commodities whether new or used, for personal use or consumption and not for commercial purposes, such as clothes, personal adornments, electronic gadgets, toiletries, or similar items.

Household effects, on the other hand, refer to furniture, dishes, linens, books, and similar household furnishings for personal use or family use.

According to de la Torre, balikbayan boxes may be sent up to three times in a calendar year provided the total value per sender shall not exceed P150,000. n

CHR renews push for rights defenders protection bill

MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has reiterated its call for the passage of the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill as well as to end the practice of red-tagging of rights defenders, activists and other advocate groups.

The CHR issued the statement in the wake of a recent report of the United Nations’ Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) showing grave human rights violations and high number of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.

“The CHR have stressed the value of dissent as a means to challenge acts and polices that repress our rights and diminish the place of democratic

values in our society. We reiterate our call for the passage of the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, including an end to the practice of red-tagging of human rights defenders, activists and other advocates,” the CHR said.

“We hope the report of the Human Rights Committee will help the government focus its efforts and resources on building and implementing a more meaningful human rights agenda,” it added.

The CHR said the Philippine government must view the UNHRC report as an “objective assessment of the country’s strides and a strong

Abandoned balikbayan boxes.

Photo from Bureau of Customs

The next challenges

From the moment the self-confessed triggerman had said the order to murder Percy Lapid came from the New Bilibid Prison, suspicion had focused on Gerald Bantag, at the time the director general of the Bureau of Corrections, which runs the NBP and other prison facilities. Despite his denials, Bantag was suspended “indefinitely” as BuCor chief by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, on orders of President Marcos.

On Monday, November 7 Bantag along with BuCor official Ricardo Zulueta and 10 Bilibid prisoners were charged with two counts of murder for the deaths of Lapid and another NBP inmate, Cristito “Jun” Villamor Palaña.

Editorial

Considering the circumstances and the personalities involved, the progress in this case is commendable. It would not have been possible if self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial had not turned himself in, but he was forced to because of his image caught on surveillance video and widely disseminated to the public. Authorities should expand the use of surveillance equipment in public spaces, while still being mindful of privacy laws.

The next challenge is to make the charges stick. Ricardo Zulueta, who was in charge of security and operations at the BuCor, was also Bantag’s co-defendant in the deaths of 10 inmates at the Parañaque City Jail in an explosion in August 2016 when Bantag was its warden. Both of them were working at the time

Babe’s Eye View

FOLLOWING the Washington, DC leg of the reporting tour program organized by the Philippine embassy in Washington for a group of journalists from print, online and broadcast news outfits, the next leg was in New York for a more in-depth perspective on the concerns and issues that Filipinos face in the city, among them anti-Asian hate, immigration and employment.

Our consulate in New York informed me that the journalists were able to engage with various city government officials that include Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Hannah Yu, chief of the Hate Crimes Unit; Hassan Naveed, executive director of the New York City Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes; Jasper Diaz, legislative representative of the Mayor’s office; Peter Koo, Senior Adviser of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Mirna Velasquez, Special Assistant to

On The Move

Segundo eclaR RomeRo

IN the wake of Severe Tropical Storm “Paeng,” President Marcos Jr. flew over the areas in Maguindanao devastated by landslides with Maguindanao del Sur Gov. Bai Mariam SangkiMangudadatu. He reports on the sortie: “I was pointing out to the governor that in all those places where there are trees, the ground did not move. All the damage that you saw on the mountains, it’s because they were bald.” Mr. Marcos told her he could refer the Maguindanaons and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to plenty of nongovernmental organizations. The governor must have been bemused by the President’s display of cluelessness.

Despite the profound speeches the President had given in the United Nations General Assembly and other forums about climate change, Mr. Marcos’ real understanding of the wicked environmental problems besetting the nation is questionable. Jon Bonifacio of the environmental group

for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. Parañaque Regional Trial Court Judge Betlee-Ian Barraquias acquitted them along with a third defendant ostensibly for lack of evidence.

At the same time, probers should continue to pursue the possibility – as expressed by Lapid’s relatives – that there could be a “co-mastermind” higher than Bantag behind the broadcaster’s murder. Resentment over Lapid’s commentaries in his radio show, “Lapid Fire,” led to his murder, according to authorities. His relatives, however, have noted that he had criticized many other officials in the past years, who might have encouraged Bantag to order the murder.

Beyond the two murders, Remulla said probers are also looking into the causes of deaths of around 30 corpses sent recently by the NBP to its accredited funeral parlor, the Eastern Funeral Services in Muntinlupa. The funeral home management said on Monday that it has in its safekeeping 176 corpses, unclaimed after being sent there by the NBP since last year.

there are still many other journalist murders waiting to be solved. Their killers should be pursued as vigorously as those responsible for Lapid’s death. (Philstar.com)

Preventing hate and discrimination

the Commissioner for Foreign Consular Affairs.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in hate incidents against Asians across the United States, with New York registering one of the biggest numbers of hate crimes directed at Asian Americans according to reports. During the briefing by Assistant DA Hannah Yu, she disclosed that the city recently increased its budget to include $1.7 million for the Hate Crimes Unit – underscoring the growing concern for the antiAsian hate crime incidents that have increased in the last two years, with Manhattan seeing some of the highest number of cases.

“Hate crimes are on everyone’s minds – whether they are taking their kids to school, riding the subway or on their way to work, and we understand, through the work that we do, that New Yorkers feel this threat every single day,” Yu acknowledged, adding that currently, they have the largest hate crimes docket ever in the history of the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, with

anti-Asian hate crimes making up the largest category of open hate crime cases at the moment.

However, she reassured that making New Yorkers feel safe is a top priority of her office, and that they leave no stone unturned as far as investigating the motives go. What makes it difficult and challenging, however, is when the perpetrator is not identified – either there was no CCTV footage to document the incident or the victim cannot recall the face of the assailant.

According to the FBI, a hate crime is a criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender’s bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, or what Yu described as the “protected identity” of a victim. She was also careful to emphasize that the immigration status of a victim does not matter. One reason why crimes are underreported is that undocumented immigrants may hesitate to file a complaint due to fear of deportation.

As Yu explained, if a victim is undocumented, her office cannot, and does not, report the

information to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the Department of Homeland Security, as they are not also allowed to do that.

For his part, Diaz assured that they are taking a multiagency approach to address discrimination. Aside from legal options, other initiatives include a pilot program that would teach students about hate crimes. Naveed echoed this, explaining that education is a major pillar to the “comprehensive approach” in preventing hate crimes through communitybased programs. For instance, townhalls in Tagalog and other languages are conducted to spread awareness on how community members can help each other, particularly the most vulnerable. For his part, Koo said that most of the crimes are committed by people who are homeless or are suffering from mental health problems. There is no question that antiAsian hate crimes continue to be a concern, but authorities are “exhausting every possible avenue” to address them. And while they are seeing results, Diaz admits that “there is still

more to be done,” assuring that they are “going to continue to work hard for our community.”

As I have consistently explained to the media, we have been coordinating with New York authorities to address the issue, knowing that the safety of Filipinos is paramount. We’re also cooperating not only with Filipino-American groups but other Asian associations as well to get a more accurate picture of the reported incidents and see if these are really hate crimes or just random attacks by mentally unhinged individuals.

The visiting journalists also spoke with Bergenfield, New Jersey mayor Arvin Amatorio, the second Filipino mayor in New Jersey. The borough of Bergenfield is known as the “Little Manila” of Bergen County due to the presence of many Filipino-owned businesses, a lot of them restaurants offering authentic Filipino cuisine. An estimated 7,000 Filipinos are living in Bergenfield, with many of them working as nurses and health care workers.

Mayor Amatorio also shared that part of the curriculum developed by professors from

Reversing Duterte’s follies

Kalikasan found it “strange that it seems like it’s only now he’s come to appreciate the benefits provided by well-conserved watersheds.”

Nations are supposed to find the resolve and resilience to squarely face their specific natural and humanmade challenges. Israel and Singapore, which are minority nations in ethnically dominant neighborhoods, have learned to steel and steer themselves with strategic purpose and national will to prevail.

The Philippines has its share of challenges that could trigger a rugged and robust national response. The 20 typhoons that batter the nation every year could be the equivalent of the harsh winters that many nations have learned to anticipate, plan for, and adapt to.

But after over half a millennium since a single unified administration has been established in the archipelago in 1565 by a succession of Spanish, American, and now Filipino control, we display a certain level of masochism by staying in the destructive pathways of typhoons, suffering widespread damage and despair with no visible and significant collective or individual mitigation and

adaptation.

It is certain that over the sixyear term of office of Mr. Marcos, there will be 120 typhoons, onefourth or 30 would be destructive. This is as it has been over the terms of recent past presidents. One out of four typhoons occurs globally within the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Why then do we have continuing public and private institutional clumsiness in disaster risk reduction and management? One of the most inspiring initiatives in Philippine disaster risk reduction and management was the initiation of Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) in 2012 by the country’s leading scientists. It was promoted as the Philippines’ flagship disaster risk reduction and management program during the Aquino administration.

The project was defunded in 2017 when the Duterte administration took over on the pretext that the innovations of Project NOAH could already be mainstreamed under the Department of Science and Technology. It was not only the scuttling of ABS-CBN and the erratic response to the COVID-19 pandemic that further

debilitated Filipinos reeling from disasters. Project NOAH should be on the list of the Duterte administration’s epic follies.

Project NOAH was an all too brief renaissance surge in technological and behavioral innovation applied to getting the nation and local communities ready and resilient against hazards. It was getting international and local acclaim. Among other achievements, Project NOAH’s specific and targeted advisories enabled the municipality of Daram in Samar to preemptively evacuate in the face of Typhoon “Ruby” on Dec.

6, 2014. There were no recorded casualties even though 1,664 houses were washed away by the storm surge of Ruby.

Altogether, Project NOAH from 2012 to 2016, cost the Filipino taxpayer a measly P6.4 billion. Even in real terms, this pales in comparison with the P5 billion confidential funds of Mr. Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte of at least P30 billion over six years.

Mr. Marcos’ post-Paeng clueless remarks could be easily forgotten if he will reconsider the revival of Project NOAH as a complementary, enriching,

the Massachusetts Institute of Technology would include a subject on the heroism of Filipino veterans during World War II to underscore the alliance and shared history of the Philippines and the United States. This will be taught in a public high school in Bergenfield that has about 3,000 students. The initiative was started by retired US Army general Antonio Taguba, who actively lobbied for the awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Filipino World War II veterans.

The outcome of the reporting tour program has been very encouraging as far as providing journalists an on-the-ground perspective is concerned. We were informed that future programs are being considered by the DFA public information office for implementation. (Philstar.com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

display of Filipino capacity to sustain national resiliencebuilding. That will be a good start for the President as a leader able to break the prevailing wait-andsee attitude of the governing, economic, and social elite, and inspire and mobilize them to provide the leading edge to the nation. (Inquirer.net)

* * *

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

* * *

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. Publisher

Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

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With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York/New Jersey, Las Vegas, San Diego, Philippines

G. VISAYA Editor-in-Chief San Diego Asian Journal

BaBe Romualdez

The murders of Lapid and Villamor, apparently arranged from behind prison walls, should lead to long-term reforms in the penal system. And while justice appears to be at hand for Lapid,

President Bonging Marcos meets with officials on Tuesday, November 1, to assess the damage caused by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng in the country. Malacañang file photo

Remulla to stress rule of law, due process at UNHRC review

MANILA — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Thursday, November 10 that he would present the Marcos administration’s supposed gains in the arena of human rights and the rule of law before the United Nations Human Rights Council.

In a departure statement sent to reporters, Remulla said that he would share ongoing initiatives of the Department of Justice, which he “labelled as a comprehensive reform program of ‘Real Justice in Real Time.’”

The justice chief is set to attend the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of the Philippines. The UPR is a peer-review mechanism of the UNHRC to evaluate the compliance and performance of member states on a regular basis.

“I am going to the UPR with a very clear message: The Philippines, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos, is working to deliver transformational reform of its justice and law enforcement sectors – to enhance the enjoyment of human rights of all our citizens – based on the rule of law and respect for due process,” his statement read.

Remulla said he would share, among other things, his department’s “concrete measures to decongest our prisons, improve case buildup through cooperation between prosecutors, investigators, and the Commission on Human Rights, and reaching out to civil society to strengthen witness protection.”

He added that he would present the national government’s “gains in terms of the protection of vulnerable groups, such as migrants and children.”

“Our delegation looks forward to listening to the observations and any new recommendations that UN Member States will put forward. In the UPR, each country is free to respond to issues in the manner it deems most appropriate. There is no obligation to accept all recommendations,” he

also said in his departure statement.

“In any case, the Philippines will engage constructively and openly based on the principles of sovereign equality, independence, and dialogue. Human rights are part of the vibrant fabric of Philippine society and democratic governance. We are thus confident that our UPR session will be fruitful.”

UN Human Rights Committee report

The Philippine delegation consists of senior officials from the Department of Justice, the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, including the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations in Geneva.

The UPR comes after United Nations Human Rights Committee released a report last weekend that called out the Philippine government over its bloody “war on drugs” and the chilling effect of media killings on press freedom.

The Committee, composed of human rights experts, also expressed concern that the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 was being used to “legitimize the targeting of government critics, human rights defenders and journalists, including through ‘red-tagging,’ and consequent chilling effects on freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association.”

Remulla has made clear his stances on a number of human rights-related issues such as red-tagging in the Philippines, which he once called “a part of democracy” after equating it with the freedom to criticize.

“If [critics] can dish it out, then they should be able to take it, especially if they are supporting those who are promoting the death of our people, our policemen, civilian, youth and children,” he was quoted as telling a panel of UN experts earlier.

The UPR of the Philippines is set to be held on November 14. (Franco Luna with a report from Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar.com) n

DOH vows to bring mental health services closer to communities

by Gaea Katreena CabiCo Philstar.com

MANILA — The Department of Health said on Thursday, November 10 it will increase access to mental health services and strengthen communitybased mental health programs.

Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the DOH will support the development of more mental health facilities across the archipelago as part of its effort to bring healthcare services closer to communities.

Vergeire also stressed the importance of improving the research agenda on mental health prevalence and the

need to increase funding for the training of mental health professionals.

“We have adopted a nonspecialized approach to bring mental health services closer to communities, ensuring that mental health care is available for all life stages in various settings and levels of care,” the health official said.

Stigma and discrimination continue to hamper Filipinos from seeking mental health services, Vergeire added.

“We need the support of other sectors to eliminate the stigma around mental health and help make Filipinos healthy, both physically and mentally,” she

said.

Vergeire and other health officials on Wednesday visited the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City to check the condition of patients and the hospital’s facilities.

The DOH reported in 2021 that at least 3.6 million Filipinos were battling mental health issues amid the pandemic.

In 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Law, which seeks to provide mental health services to barangays, promote mental health education in schools and workplaces, and improve mental healthcare facilities. n

5 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON

Make COVID-19 an uninvited guest.

It's okay to set rules! Whether that's having everyone be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines or getting tested, everyone wants to celebrate safely.

Stay healthy to ensure you can fully enjoy all the celebrations.

Getting your vaccine and updated booster will help protect you and your loved ones so you can make the most of the festivities together. The holidays are a busy time of year and staying healthy ensures you can fully enjoy all the celebrations with family and friends.

Enjoy your festivities in the fresh air.

Consider hosting your guests outdoors, if weather permits. If gathering indoors, open a few windows to keep fresh air circulating.

Test before gathering.

At-home COVID-19 tests provide a sense of security before you gather. Testing positive for COVID-19 means staying home until symptoms have passed.

Consider wearing a mask based on local transmission rates.

COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations can change quickly. It’s a good idea to know what’s going on in your community and to recognize your own tolerance levels and those of your guests. If you’re hosting a large indoor event, consider placing a basket of masks at the door for your guests if they choose to wear one. Attending a large-scale event? Remember to bring a well-fitting mask to use when you arrive if it makes you feel more comfortable.

CHR renews push for rights...

reminder of the commitments of the government where it falls short.”

It said just like the UNHRC, the CHR has also been stressing the value of dissent as a means to challenge acts and policies that repress people’s rights and diminish the place of democratic values in society.

“We cannot and should never construe activism as an act of terrorism, but take it rather as a sign of the rich tradition of democracy that needs protection. We have raised concerns on the weaponization of laws to silence critics and perpetuate injustices,” the CHR said.

It cited its “2020 Report on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in the Philippines,” which documented the aggressions and challenges experienced by lawyers, church groups, civil society organizations and human rights defenders.

“We continue to campaign for the passage of a CHR Charter that is fully compliant with the Paris Principles, which outlines the mandate and resources needed to operate as an independent and credible national human rights institution,” the CHR said.

It said it is ready, willing and able to engage the government as well as civil society in realizing the country’s collective goal of a just and humane society, “wherein the rights and dignity of all are upheld at all times.”

Meanwhile, the CHR welcomed the government’s intention to ratify the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 81 on Labor Inspection, which aims to promote humane

working hours, proper wages and workers’ safety.

It said Convention 81 is one of six additional conventions proposed by the European Union Commission to its trading country-partners for their inclusion or renewal under the EU Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).

“Since 2014, the Philippines has benefited from its GSP+ status, generating billions from the increased access of product exports to the EU market.

However, for trading partners such as the Philippines to retain this status, they must comply with human rights standards stated in 27 United Nations and ILO conventions on labor, good governance, environment and climate, rule of law and human rights,” the CHR said.

Once the Philippine government ratifies Convention 81, it will be required to adopt and maintain a labor inspection system in industrial workplaces.

These include the assessment of legal provisions relating to hours, wages, health and safety, workers’ welfare, employment of minors, technical development as well as workplace abuse.

The convention also requires that inspections must engage qualified technical experts and specialists to provide objective evaluation of workplace conditions and protection of workers.

“Ratifying ILO Convention 81 is aligned with the government’s obligation to improve the people’s enjoyment of their economic, social and cultural rights, particularly by granting full protection to workers’ right to self-organize, collective

bargaining, security of tenure and a just and humane working condition,” the CHR said. It said addressing labor issues and crafting policies to solve them should be primary in the government’s post-pandemic recovery plans.

“Not only will it uplift the working class, it will also help cushion the impacts of rising inflation to Filipinos. CHR hopes for the continued prioritization of workers’ dignity and plight,” the CHR said. (By Elizabeth Marcelo/ Philstar.com) n

NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of San Diego (City) is seeking to receive Electronic Bids for the below named Public Works project.

The solicitation, including plans and specifications, may be obtained from the City’s website at: https://www.sandiego.gov/ cip/bidopps

Contractors intending to submit a Bid must be prequalified. Please refer to the solicitation for instructions.

Project Name: Logan Heights LID (South)

Project Number: K-23-1947DBB-3 Estimated Value: $3,960,000.00

Bid Open Date: 01/10/2023, at 2:00 P.M.

License Requirement: A It is the policy of the City of San Diego to encourage equal opportunity in its Construction and Consultant contracts. Bids or proposals from local firms, small, minority-owned, disabled, veteran-owned, and womenowned businesses are strongly encouraged. Contractors are encouraged to subcontract with and/or participate in joint ventures with these firms. The City is committed to equal opportunity and will not discriminate with regard to race, religion, color, ancestry, age, gender, disability, medical condition or place of birth; and will not do business with any firm that discriminates on any basis. Bids shall be received no later than the date and time noted above at: City of San Diego’s Electronic Biding Site PlanetBids at: https://www.planetbids. com/portal/portal.

cfm?CompanyID=17950 Claudia C. Abarca, Director Purchasing & Contracting Department November 10, 2022 11/11/22

CNS-3642485#

ASIAN JOURNAL

DISASTER RESCUE. Rescuers carefully bring down an earthquake “victim” on a basket stretcher during the 4th Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill at the San Juan City Hall Open Grounds on Thursday, Nov. 10. The city’s disaster response team practiced the evacuation of city hall and barangay employees, triage and tagging of injured victims, patient vehicle extrication, among others. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

PH, Vietnam agree to boost intel sharing amid sea row with China

by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimesnet

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday, November 10 agreed to boost intelligence and strategies cooperation between the Philippines and Vietnam amid Beijing’s growing control of the South China Sea.

Marcos and Chinh held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Cambodia to further enhance their countries’ partnership

across several areas such as defense, trade, investment, agriculture and maritime security.

Given the two nations’ shared maritime interests, the continued dialogues would be beneficial, including intelligence and strategies exchanges in dealing with maritime concerns, Marcos told Chinh.

The Philippines and China have been in a long-standing maritime dispute as Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, which overlaps with the West Philippine Sea.

Apart from the Philippines

and China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei have also territorial claims in the disputed waters.

The Philippines scored a victory against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands in 2016. The arbitration court declared Beijing’s claim over nearly the entire South China Sea as illegal.

China has refused to acknowledge the ruling and continues to claim nearly the entire South China Sea.

Marcos has asserted the country’s sovereignty in the South China Sea as he said that

the Philippines and China have no “territorial conflict,” but only Beijing is claiming what is part of its territory.

“The position that the Philippines takes is that we have no territorial conflict with China. What we have [is] China claiming territory that belongs to the Philippines,” Marcos said in an interview in New York City in September.

“This is the position we take, and with our American partners, we have promoted that position. We have also made it clear to our friends in Beijing that this is the way we feel about it,” he added. n

LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00042522-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED

PERSONS: Petitioner Vincent Roberto Vasquez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Vincent Roberto Vasquez to Vincent Roberto Hernandez.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: 12/08/2022 Time: 8:30 AM

Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: OCT. 24, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT

Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1063 10/28, 11/04, 11/11, 11/18/2022.

ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.

The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD #1063

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT

NO. 2022-9022537

a. ISOLA LA JOLLA located at 7734 GIRARD AVE, LA JOLLA, CA 92037.

b. ISOLA PIZZA BAR LA JOLLA located at 7734 GIRARD AVE, LA JOLLA, CA 92037.

Registrant: a. FAI Restaurant Group LP, 3736 E. Lizard Rock Pl, Tucson, AZ 85718.

b. Punto A Capo Concepts LP , 1526 E. INDIA ST., SAN DIEGO, CA 92101.

This business is conducted by Limited Partnership.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/03/2022.

Signature: Massimo Tenino. Statement filed with Recorder/ County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/11/2022.

AJ 1055 10/21, 10/28, 11/04, and 11/11/2022 AJSD 1055

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9023001

Cano Electric located at 820 Humphrey Place, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: Hector Cano, 820 Humphrey Place, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/17/2022.

Signature: Hector Cano. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/17/2022.

AJ 1060 10/28, 11/04, 11/11, 11/18/2022. AJSD 1060

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9024361

SHEROKITRADES

located at 1721 Cripple Creek Dr., Unit 2, Chula Vista, CA 91915.

Registrant: Sherwin Sahagun, 1721 Cripple Creek Dr., Unit 2, Chula Vista, CA 91915. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Sherwin Sahagun. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/03/2022.

AJ 1066 11/11, 11/18, 11/25, and 12/02/2022. AJSD 1066

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9024734

SF Insurance & Financial Services located at 669 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: SF Financial Services Inc, 669 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/01/2022.

Signature: Selene Ferregut. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/09/2022.

AJ 1071 11/11, 11/18, 11/25, and 12/02/2022. AJSD 1071

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

2022-9022536

NO.

a. ISOLA PIZZA BAR located at 1526 E. INDIA ST., SAN DIEGO, CA 92101.

b. ISOLA PIZZA BAR LITTLE ITALY located at 1526 E. INDIA ST., SAN DIEGO, CA 92101.

c. ISOLA located at 1526 E. INDIA ST., SAN DIEGO, CA 92101.

Registrant: a. Punto A Capo Concepts LP , 1526 E. INDIA ST., SAN DIEGO, CA 92101.

b. FAI Restaurant Group LP, 3736 E. Lizard Rock Pl, Tucson, AZ 85718.

This business is conducted by Limited Partnership.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/01/2012.

Signature: Massimo Tenino.

Statement filed with Recorder/ County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/11/2022.

AJ 1056 10/21, 10/28, 11/04, and 11/11/2022. AJSD 1056

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-902204

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-902204

Billionaires Barber Club located at 6919 Paradise Valley Rd., Ste 3, San Diego, CA 92139.

Registrant: Angela Ngoc Nguyen, 5940 Kenwood St., San Diego, CA 92114. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/04/2022.

Signature: Angela Ngoc Nguyen.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/04/2022.

AJ 1061 10/28, 11/04, 11/11, 11/18/2022. AJSD 1061

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9024260

FAIRMOUNT CENTER located at 4265 Fairmount Avenue, Suite 130, San Diego, CA 92105.

Registrant: Nile Sisters Development Initiative, 4265 Fairmount Avenue, Suite 130, San Diego, CA 92105.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/01/2022.

Signature: Elizabeth Lou. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/02/2022.

AJ 1067 11/11, 11/18, 11/25, and 12/02/2022. AJSD 1067

FICTITIOUS

BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9022901

SAGETREE located at 1775 Sage Tree Court, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

Registrant: SDTECHNIX LLC, 1775 Sage Tree Court, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/26/2017.

Signature: Richard M. Yumul.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/14/2022.

AJ 1057 10/21, 10/28, 11/04, and 11/11/2022. AJSD 1057

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9023538

Juliet Sailo Design & Alterations located at 2401 Highland Ave, #106, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Juliet Sailo Sunthang, 218 Willie James Jones Ave #6, San Diego, CA 92102.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2020.

Signature: Juliet Sailo Sunthang.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/25/2022.

AJ 1062 11/04, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25/2022. AJSD 1062

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9024158

a. SPA HANS located at 10066 Pacific Heights Blvd., Suite 114, San Diego, CA 92121.

b. HAN SPA located at 10066 Pacific Heights Blvd., Suite 114, San Diego, CA 92121.

Registrant: Han Yue Wellness Inc., 10066 Pacific Heights Blvd., Suite 114, San Diego, CA 92121.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/01/2022.

Signature: Yue Han. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/01/2022.

AJ 1068 11/11, 11/18, 11/25, and 12/02/2022.

AJSD 1068

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9021847

Manna Health, LLC located at 8320 Camino Santa Fe, San Diego, CA 92121.

Registrant: Manna Health, LLC, 8320 Camino Santa Fe, San Diego, CA 92121.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF01/01/2021.

Signature: Jeff Hill. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/03/2022.

AJ 1058 10/21, 10/28, 11/04, and 11/11/2022. AJSD#1058

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9022992

KNA Towing located at 4266 Del Sol Ct., San Diego, CA 92154.

Registrant: Bonifacio Garibay, 4266 Del Sol Ct., San Diego, CA 92154.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/2/2019.

Signature: Bonifacio Garibay. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/17/2022.

AJ 1064 10/28, 11/04, 11/11, 11/18/2022. AJSD 1064

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9024684

MG Commercial Roadside located at 1556 Lancaster Point Way, San Diego, CA 92154.

Registrant: MG Logistics LLC, 1556 Lancaster Point Way, San Diego, CA 92154.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/09/2022.

Signature: Matthew Millican. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/09/2022.

AJ 1069 11/11, 11/18, 11/25, and 12/02/2022.

AJSD 1069

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9023303

a. DADORA located at 1150 E ST., UNIT 2012, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101.

b. DADORA VANILLA located at 1150 E ST., UNIT 2012, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101.

Registrant: Galarraga Kowatch LLC, 1150 E ST., UNIT 2012, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/20/2022.

Signature: Justin James Kowatch. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/20/2022.

AJ 1059 10/28, 11/04, 11/11, 11/18/2022. AJSD 1059

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9022049

32nd & Broadway Market located at 857 32nd St., Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92102.

Registrant: SoCal CRV, Inc., 857 32nd St., Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92102. This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/29/2022.

Signature: Anthony St. John.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/05/2022.

AJ 1065 11/04, 11/11, 11/18, and 11/25/2022. AJSD 1065

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9024356

a. Bombe Frenchies located at 100 Park Plaza, Unit 1504, San Diego, CA 92101.

b. Bombe Kennels located at 100 Park Plaza, Unit 1504, San Diego, CA 92101.

Registrant: Steven Alexander Eis, 100 Park Plaza, Unit 1504, San Diego, CA 92101.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/03/2022.

Signature: Steven Alexander Eis.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/03/2022. AJ 1070 11/11, 11/18, 11/25, and 12/02/2022.

AJSD 1070

MEDICAL TRANSPORT. A Philippine Navy Helicopter 431 is used to airlift an “injured” woman to a hospital during the 4th Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill at the San Juan City Hall Open Grounds on Thursday, Nov. 10. The city’s disaster response team also practiced the evacuation of city hall and barangay employees, triage and tagging of injured victims, and patient vehicle extrication. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

SAN DIEGO

‘MARIKIT AND THE OCEAN OF STARS’

Filippina author ’s remark able debut is inssppirred by Filipino culture and folk lore

by

Cruz said she wrote Marikit and the Ocean of Stars in honor of two amazing women in her life: her mother and Inang, her grandmother. Inang was a seamstress and had a vintage sewing machine that helped her get her eight children to school.

The book, which has been described as atmospheric, evocative, and thoughtful, has made it to the Junior Library Guild Selection. This means that the book has received distinction from the group that reads and reviews thousands of manuscript submissions each year (prior to publication) to choose the best, award-worthy books for their members.

Julie Abe, author of the Eva Evergreen series calls it radiant and lyrical while Alex Aster, award-winning author of the Emblem Island series describes the book as “a stunning, lyrical, and magical tale that is sure to become a new favorite.”

“Marikit and the Ocean of Stars is rich and magical, full of heart and imagination. A must-read for fans of mythical creatures, magical gods, and marvelous monsters,” said Erin Entrada Kelly, winner of the 2018 Newbery Medal for Hello Universe and 2021 Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space.

Many elements in the book transport the readers back to Inang’s room: the creaky wooden floors, the Capiz windows fully opened to let the daylight in, the yards of fabrics folded on her

workplace.

“My mother, equally spirited and brilliant, is the fifth of the siblings and was born on Inang’s birthday. When Inang passed away, my mother inherited the sewing machine and began repairing clothes for us, too,” Cruz told the Asian Journal

The author revealed that she drafted the story as soon as she had the idea.

In the original version, a young girl’s mother was kidnapped, leaving only a strange dress that was the only map to find a secret treasure. Cruz got stuck in the first chapters for so long that she decided to play around, adding magic and folklore to it.

That was when the story took a complete turn.

There was no outline for Marikit, Cruz felt like it was a story that wanted to be written, and she just happened to be the pair of hands to type the words.

Cruz started drafting Marikit early in 2019 when she took a break from her first manuscript.

It was her “in-between book,” a story she kept putting off thinking that her first novel would make it (it did not).

Early in 2020, she decided to finish Marikit for a pitch event. That same year, she got an agent, then the book deal. Marikit and the Ocean of Stars Is published by FSG Books for Young Readers, established in 1953, and is an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.

“I went from an obscure writer to a debut author. It was a book of many miracles and much Filipino heart! My editor, Trisha de Guzman, and the book’s cover illustrator, Alexis Young, are both Filipinos, and the work and love everyone put in radiate from every page,” she shared.

In essence, Marikit and the Ocean of Stars is an ode to Cruz’s childhood.

“It is a tribute to my roots, to my community who embraced me with warmth and generosity. It is for our lolos and lolas, to tell them that their stories have never been forgotten,” she proudly said.” And above all, it is a love letter to every young

Bernadette still open to possibility of getting pregnant at 46

By anne Pasajol Inquirernet

BERNADETTE Sembrano, 46, admitted that she still has hopes of bearing a child despite her age and her being diagnosed with endometriosis and myoma.

The broadcaster opened up about this after she was asked about having children during an interview with comedian Ogie Diaz, as seen on the latter’s YouTube vlog on Wednesday, Nov. 9.

“Hindi ko naman sinasabing hindi [na] kasi nag-oovulate pa naman ako so hindi natin alam, baka magka-miracle baby din. So hindi ko pa rin isinasara ‘yung possibility,” she said.

(I am not saying that we would no longer [have a child] because I still ovulate so who knows, we might have a miracle baby. I am still open to the possibility.)

Sembrano then recounted losing Molly, the baby she had conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 2018. Sembrano disclosed that while they were “very hopeful” at the time, she still prepared herself for what may occur during her pregnancy.

“Nag-attempt naman kami pero unfortunately, nagkaroon kami ng miscarriage,” she narrated. “Meron before na magiging baby dapat, si Molly,

pero nagka-miscarriage back in 2018, I think.”

(We attempted [to have a child] but unfortunately, we had a miscarriage. I almost had a child before, Molly, but I had miscarriage back in 2018, I think.)

“Excited and thankful but at the same time, binubuksan mo ‘yung pagkakataon na baka hindi rin matuloy,” she stated.

“No expectations kasi alam mo naman ‘yung reality ‘di ba? But we were really very hopeful.”

(Back then, I was excited and thankful but at the same time, I opened [myself] to possibilities that the [pregnancy] might not be successful. No expectations because everyone knows the reality, right? But we were really

very hopeful.)

Sembrano also talked about her diagnosis, which was one of the factors why it was hard for her to get pregnant.

“I don’t mind sharing it kasi malaking bagay din sa mga kababaihan at sa mga mag-asawa. Meron akong endometriosis and meron akong myoma, so meron talagang difficulty in bearing a child,” she said.

(I don’t mind sharing it because it may help other women and couples. I have endometriosis and myoma so there was really a difficulty in bearing a child.)

Endometriosis is a disease “characterized by the presence of tissue resembling endometrium (the lining of the uterus) outside the uterus,” as per World Health Organization. Myoma, or uterine fibroid, is a “noncancerous growth of the uterus that often appears during childbearing years,” according to Mayo Clinic.

Despite the miscarriage, Sembrano noted that she is still grateful for Molly who the broadcaster regards as the reason why she became more open and eager in life.

Sembrano has been married to her husband Emilio Aguinaldo IV since June 2008. She first opened up about Molly and her miscarriage in 2020. n

Shaina skips ‘birthday escape’ to start work on int’l series

By Dana Cruz Inquirer.net

SHAINA Magdayao had a productive birthday as she skipped her usual getaways and instead worked on the international TV series “Almost Paradise.”

The actress admitted it is her first time to skip taking a birthday leave, as she showed herself outside what appears to be a dressing room, via her Instagram page last Monday, Nov. 7.

“Planned to go to #Paradise for my annual birthday escape… but as always, life has a different plan,” she said. “First time ever to work instead of taking a birthday leave. But I’m definitely not complaining because I still have been waking up in #Paradise for the past few days!”

Magdayao added that she considers working on the series as an “early birthday gift,” then

Filipino, reminding them of what was and what has been, so that they can find their way back to who they are.”

As a child, Cruz loved reading and writing. However, she realized that the media she consumed “always had white heroes—or, in my specific circle, as a lover of anime, Japanese leads.”

“So many Filipino creators have been trying to change that for a long, long time. When I finally wrote my story, I knew this was a chance to steer the lens toward my people. The thing I kept asking myself was, “How Filipino do you want this to be?” And my answer was, “As Filipino as it gets.” From here I knew that the heroes I’ll write about will always be us and ours,” she said.

This was the reason why she took immense joy and pride the day she first held her published book.

Cruz was born in Malolos, Bulacan, where she currently lives, in a house “in front of a thinning bamboo grove where many familiar faces have grown up and left.”

“It’s a place that brings me so much comfort and inspiration: the familiar shout of our local magtataho, the view of the rice fields on both sides of the road, the old cathedrals, our favorite stall owners at the palengke, and the sound of the neighbors’ children laughing as they played habulan,” Cruz shared,

Shaina Magdayao

Photo from Instagram/@shaina_magdayao

R ISING talent Caris Avendaño Cruz has just released her debut book inspired by Filipino folklore.

MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

This debut book is about the fantastical journey of a 10-year-old girl named Marikit who navigates the land of Engkantos, allowing readers a peak into Philippine folklore and culture.

Caris Avendaño Cruz

describing her home in vivid detail. “It’s a community that feels like a family, and I’d like to soak in more of their joy and warmth.” For now, Cruz is working on

her second book, and just like Marikit and the Ocean of Stars, she promises it is inspired by magic, myths, and a young hero she describes as “proudly kayumanggi.” n

Bernadette Sembrano Photo from Instagram/@iambernadettesembrano

Progress on City of San Diego’s Pure Water pipeline to temporarily impact water activities at Miramar Reservoir

Boat, canoe, kayak and float tube use will be suspended during key construction phases for Pure Water project

SAN DIEGO – As the City of San Diego continues to make major progress on one of the largest infrastructure projects in the city’s history, there will be temporary impacts to some water activities at Miramar Reservoir. For the safety of residents and visitors, water activities at Miramar will be suspended beginning next week through early 2023 due to pipeline construction work for the Pure Water Program. Shore areas, including picnic and barbecue areas, paths and shore fishing, will remain accessible to the public during the project.

Water activities will also be suspended in mid-2023 during a second phase of the pipeline project. During these two construction periods, boats, canoes, kayaks and float tubes will not be allowed.

The 1-mile pipeline at Miramar Reservoir will include pipeline assembly on barges on the surface of the reservoir before being sunk and permanently installed underwater.

The first phase of construction includes the completion of tunneling into the reservoir (mid-November 2022 to early 2023) and the second phase, starting mid-2023, will include the construction of the pipeline on the reservoir.

“This pipeline project is a crucial part of the Pure Water Program that will be vital to providing drinking water in the future,” said Juan Guerreiro, Director of the City’s Public Utilities Department. “We are focused on limiting the impacts to our facilities while this work is underway, and we appreciate the public’s patience during the construction phases.”

The project team will work to minimize inconveniences associated with traffic, construction noise and large construction equipment, but please plan extra time for parking when visiting the reservoir.

Pure Water San Diego is the City’s phased, multi-year program that will provide nearly

half of our water supply locally by 2035. Pure Water will use proven purification technology to clean recycled water and produce safe, high-quality drinking water. The program offers a cost-effective investment for San Diego’s water needs and will provide a reliable, sustainable water supply.

The city is committed to providing upto-date information about construction activities. Notices will be regularly posted on http://scrippsranch.purewatersd.org. Please contact purewatersd@sandiego. gov or 833-647-7973 with questions about the city’s Pure Water Program and the subaqueous pipeline project, and a team member will get back to you within one business day. For more information about Miramar and the City’s other eight reservoirs, visit the City’s Reservoirs and Lakes webpage at sandiego.gov/reservoirslakes.

(City of San Diego Release) n

Charity scams for veterans tug at heart strings and grab for wallets

WANT to help charities that support servicemembers and veterans? Around Veterans Day, charity scammers seek to take advantage of your generosity. They contact you about fake veteran and military causes, tugging at your heart strings — and grabbing for your wallet. A little research will help you spot these charity scams and make sure your donations count.

Charity scammers lie about who they’re affiliated with and how your money will impact the

program you want to help. Do some research to find veteran charities who use your donations wisely and avoid scams:

• Check the name of the charity and its ratings. Search the charity’s name online with words like “complaint” and “fraud” and “scam.” Check the charity’s reports and ratings to see how they spend donations. If you see bad reviews that concern you, find another organization.

• Find out who’s behind a crowdfunding request or social

media donation link — before giving. Scammers use stolen photos and other people’s stories to raise money for themselves. Find out who’s organizing the campaign since that’s who gets the money donated. They’re expected to give it to the intended recipient. The safest way to give through crowdfunding or social media is to only donate to people you know and trust.

• Pay with safer payment methods. Scammers ask you

to donate in ways that make it hard to get your money back — by gift card or wire transfer, or by cryptocurrency. The safest way to donate is by credit card, which gives you some protection if something goes wrong.

Learn more at ftc.gov/ charity. Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state charity regulator. (Terri Miller/Consumer Education Specialist, FTC) n

County of San Diego awarded grant from the Office of Traffic Safety for bicycle and pedestrian safety program

A $125,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) will fund activities emphasizing the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.

“Bicycle ridership is growing and a big part of San Diego County’s sustainable future,” said San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency Community Operations Officer Barbara Jiménez. “It has never been more important to promote both the benefits of cycling and ensuring everyone is using our roads safely.”

“Every bicyclist and pedestrian should feel safe on the road,” said OTS Director Barbara Rooney. “Education is one of many important tools that collectively work to make sure everyone, regardless of how they travel, reaches their destination safely.”

Grant funds will support a variety of activities focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety:

• Education and outreach social media campaign to engage an expanded audience on safety and active transportation topics.

• Participation in State and National campaigns, such as National Walk to School Day and California’s Pedestrian Safety Month.

• Community, senior center, and school education presentations on safest bike/ walking practices, with a

focus on the benefits active transportation provides on health, community, and climate change.

• Participation in “Open Streets” events encouraging biking and walking.

• Bicycle and scooter skills training courses that educate on safe riding behaviors.

• Walking field trips with older adults and disabled residents to identify walking hazards and educate on safe active transportation techniques.

• Presentations at stakeholder meetings focused on active transportation to share best practices and increase collaboration.

The services, which will run through Sept. 30, 2023, will be provided by Circulate San Diego.

This safety campaign aligns with the County’s vision for a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For more information, contact Dara Braitman from Circulate San Diego at planning@ circulatesd.org.

(Fernanda Lopez Halvorson/ County of San Diego Communications Office) n

Shaina skips ‘birthday...

teased about the “surreal” experience she had in production.

“Can’t wait to tell you more about my surreal and awesome [first] time experience to work for an international series… SOON,” she told fans.

“My

heart is overwhelmed with all the [love] and greetings… and the surprises! Just got back to the hotel from work,” Magdayao added, along with the hashtag “#AlmostParadise.”

Magdayao has been working in “Almost Paradise” for at least seven days now, based on her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, Nov. 8. The show is currently in production in Cebu City.

“Almost Paradise” is an American-Filipino crime drama series produced by Dean Devlin and Gary Rosen. The show, which is filmed entirely in the Philippines, started production for its second season in August. n

Pahrump seeing increased interest from commercial developers

PAHRUMP, a town located 62 miles west of Las Vegas, is seeing increased interest from commercial developers.

According to an article earlier this year in the Pahrump Valley Times, Nye County Planning Director Brett Waggoner told the county’s commissioners that the planning department has received a lot of applications that are in the review or site development process for commercial development. Some, he said, are getting to the approval stage, and are actually starting to break ground.

Among the projects Waggoner mentioned that are in the pipeline for the town included a medical facility, a car wash, restaurants, gas stations and overnight accommodations.

Two much-anticipated chains coming to Pahrump, the Arby’s and Dutch Bros. Coffee locations, as well as a car wash, will be located on Highway 160, near the area of Nye County Veterinary Clinic and Tire Works, the article mentioned.

A new medical facility, the Pahrump Community Health Center, had a recent groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction. The facility will, when it opens, provide surgical services and specialist care in the area which is not yet available.

The gas stations in the pipeline include a Circle K on Homestead and Gamebird Roads, and a new Coyote Corner on Manse Road near the Mountain Falls Subdivision. The latter project, according to Waggoner, will have space for restaurants as well.

The proposed hotel, meanwhile, is located on Highway 160 just behind the Maverick gas

station and directly across The Source, which is a marijuana dispensary that opened recently.

The chief planner of Nye County also talked about the developments going on at Spring Mountain Motor Resort, where the track portion of its expansion onto the property purchased from the Bureau of Land Management has been completed. He said added that the resort is now in the process of building accessory buildings to accommodate the track.

Waggoner disclosed in the article that his department maintains a close-lipped policy when it comes to potential projects in the valley, opting only to discuss potential projects when development officially begins. His office is always in discussions with prospective developers.

Certainly, the town of Pahrump has undergone major changes since it was established and slowly inhabited by settlers in the late 19th century.

Nowadays, there are a lot more things to do and explore around the town, including trips to local casinos, recreational activities, do some shopping at local stores and even visit the Pahrump Valley Museum to check out the town’s fascinating history.

If nature-tripping is your favorite activity, birdwatching is an option at Discovery Park, which is an abandoned golf course converted by locals and the Red Rock Audobon into a park. Over 176 bird species are said to graze in the park. Hiking in the area’s famous trails, whether on foot or via ATV, mountain bikes or off-road vehicles is another option for those seeking to commune and/or experience nature.

It won’t be Nevada unless you visit the town’s gambling dens, which includes Lakeside Casino & RV Park, Gold Town Casino (formerly Terrible’s Town Casino), Pahrump Nugget and Saddle West Hotel. Each of these places have their own amenities and charms, and provides accommodations and entertainment for the weary traveler or excited tourist.

You can also ride a horse at the Happy Hoof Beats Equestrian, play golf at Mountain Falls Golf Club, drive a race car at Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club, ride a hot air balloon over the valley, or enjoy a bottle of fine wine at Pahrump Valley Winery.

By the way, at Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club, crossing off race car driving in your to-do list is not the only thing it offers. The place also is where one can indulge in a variety of watersports (swimming, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, water jetpack), practical shooting and racquetball, in addition to its top-notch food and clubhouse facilities/amenities.

Residents themselves have even organized sports and recreational groups to bond together and enjoy the town’s vast natural beauty. These include walking/hiking groups and biking clubs, as well as bowling clubs/leagues, billiards groups and indoor swimming clubs, to name a few.

There is a lot more than meets the eye in Pahrump. Both visitors and residents have a lot of activities to indulge in. And with Las Vegas only about an hour or less away, the possibilities for fun and excitement increase exponentially.

As of now, Pahrump is one of those towns where land and property are more affordable than other parts of the country, or even Nevada. Nye County,

which Pahrump is situated in, keeps experiencing an increase in population, which indicates that many people are looking into the area as major cities get overpopulated and real estate prices get too high.

I have been a Realtor for many decades now and have seen the growth of Pahrump. I consider it one of the best towns to live in. With many residential and commercial developments coming into the area, and many planned projects that will add to the diversity of the town’s entertainment offerings, it truly is a good place to look for a

home, an investment property or a piece of land that you may want to construct your dream home in or sell for a profit later.

My company, Precious Properties, is a fullservice company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-5592476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@precious-properties.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.

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The Coyote Corner gas station near the entrance to Mountain Falls Subdivision, where the late President Fidel V. Ramos played golf during his stay with Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman in 2007.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (right) with CEO Mark Maiyoka who just bought a $2.6M medical building in Pahrump.

The Source, a newly-opened cannabis dispensary in Pahrump.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (extreme left) with (from left) Nye County Chief Planner Brett Waggoner and newly-elected Commissioner Ronald Boskovich.

Construction is ongoing at the second Circle K gas station outlet in the town.

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