112322 - Southern California Midweek Edition

VP Kamala Harris vows US...

Relations between the two countries soured under Duterte.

In 2016, Duterte called U.S. President Barack Obama a "son of a whore" over warnings he would be questioned by the U.S. over his controversial drug war.

Washington is now seeking to firm up its security alliance with Manila under the new president.

That includes a mutual defense treaty and a 2014 pact, known by the acronym EDCA, which allows for the U.S. military to store defense equipment and supplies on five Philippine bases.

It also allows U.S. troops to rotate through those military bases.

EDCA stalled under Duterte, but the U.S. and the Philippines have expressed support for accelerating its implementation as China becomes increasingly assertive.

On Tuesday, Harris will visit Palawan, which lies along the disputed waters in the South China Sea.

While in Manila, Harris is set to launch a wide range of initiatives to strengthen the bilateral ties between Washington and Manila, including a "123 agreement" negotiation for civil nuclear energy cooperation in the Philippines.

A White House senior administration official said in a background briefing that the Philippines "is interested in partnering with us on small modular reactors and other advanced technology."

"So the Vice President will

announce that our countries are initiating negotiations on a '123 Agreement,' an agreement that will allow for civil nuclear cooperation," the official said.

"And once in force, this agreement will allow U.S. companies to export nuclear equipment, creating significant new commercial opportunities for our private sector. And, of course, this will also help the Philippines develop its energy security and transition to clean energy," he said.

During their face to face, the President pointed out that with the ever-changing geopolitical landscape, especially in the Pacific, the collaboration between the Philippines and U.S. "is something that both countries have really come to depend upon."

"With more upheavals that we are seeing not only in the region ... these partnerships also become even more important ... we must evolve to be properly responsive to that situation," Marcos said.

He reiterated that he does not see "a future for the Philippines that does not include the United States," given the "very long relationship that we have had with the U.S.."

"In the economic sense, in the political sense, defense, security, you cannot think of an area where we have not cooperated, collaborated, and have had good results for both our countries," Marcos said.

Harris assured of her government's continuing commitment to the Philippines, a

PH not likely to rejoin...

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the Philippines only accepted 200.

"We have until December to submit our position on everyone," he said.

Remulla added that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has already been acting on many of the recommendations, including investigating the killings connected to Duterte's war on illegal drugs.

Remulla said that during the review of the Philippines' human rights record, he reiterated that the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during Duterte's drug war

were not state-sponsored.

He said a review panel was created by the Department of Justice to reexamine the matter, and its initial findings said that at least seven incidents involving deaths were filed before the courts resulting in the indictment of 25 police officers.

A total of 302 cases have also been referred by the review panel to the National Bureau of Investigation for case buildup.

Remulla added that the Philippine National Police conducted its own investigation on 17,500 officers involved in drug war operations, of which

"multifaceted" relationship "based on mutual commitment to the economic prosperity of the region and our respective nations."

"We will talk more about what that means in terms of opportunities that are presented through our mutual concern about the climate crisis and what we might do in terms of investments in renewable energy and thinking about clean power and the industries that will come about because of that commitment and what that will mean in terms of economic prosperity through the creation of jobs, the creation of industries, and the bilateral relationship we have to coordinate in that regard," she noted.

The White House, meanwhile, noted that the U.S. government has come up with measures to promote health care for veterans.

It noted that in August, U.S. President Joe Biden signed the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (Pact) Act, a historic law that expands health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances and provides generations of veterans and their families with the care and benefits they have earned and deserve.

"The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is ensuring Filipino veterans of the U.S. military, and their families, can benefit from the Pact Act, including by launching a Tagaloglanguage version of the Pact Act claims portal," the White House said. g

Democracy is defined by status of women in...

what is wrong and what the solution looks like.”

She pointed out that in many issues on inequities and other differences, the solutions are very straightforward.

“The solutions don’t require that much creative thought. The solutions are really quite at hand in terms of what we know because we’ve studied these issues, we’ve debated these issues, and we’ve lived these issues,” the U.S. official added. Access to capital, freedom from fear and violence

Eliminating fear of violence and fear of fear itself is another, she added.

“Among the rights that people have is the right to be free from violence. To be free from fear. Those things that will be an impediment to growth, to success, to having dreams, to having a vision,” Harris said.

moderated discussion with Filipino women was in line with her advocacy of empowering women across the globe.

27 were dismissed from service, 18 were demoted and 98 were suspended.

He said appropriate criminal charges were filed via the Administrative Order 35 mechanism on the alleged EJKs.

"This is a fruit of enhanced, secure and open dialogue I have personally made with civil society leaders who previously did not wish to come forward," Remulla said, noting he is committed to disproving that there is a culture of impunity in the country.

"We will not tolerate the denial of justice nor any violation of human rights," he said. g

Harris also underscored the importance of uplifting the economic well-being of women by giving them access to capital, and freeing them from fear and violence.

She acknowledged that providing equal economic opportunities to all players across all genders should have equal access to financial literacy, banking systems, capital for businesses, and “all of those things that are absolutely critical to be able to have a good idea, have a vision, have a dream.”

Harris then spotlighted the ripple effect to families, communities, and societies once hard work is exerted to implement a vision.

“You lift the economic status of a woman, her family will be lifted. Her community will be lifted. All of society will benefit. Lift the economic status of women and all of society will benefit. But then, the question becomes: How do we get there?” she asked.

In a seeming response to her own question, Harris pointed out that giving women access to capital to be economically viable individuals is only one action point to take.

She further insisted that “there is a connection between what should be the human right to live free from fear, to live in a safe situation, that allows one to then thrive around things like having an idea, being innovative. To be able to start something and grow it.”

Citing data and observations acquired from her work as a prosecutor, Harris pinned a “real correlation” between violence against women and children, and the economic status of women.

“The reality of it is, women will endure almost any form of abuse if it means keeping a roof over the heads of their children and being able to feed them. But that choice doesn’t have to be made. Because if she has an individual opportunity to achieve economic well-being, it is likely she will remain in an environment or situation that otherwise causes her harm,” she said.

Harris spoke before an audience of students, young professionals, Filipino alumni of U.S. universities, and representatives from civil society groups forwarding women’s rights, according to the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuña and TV host Bianca Gonzalez were also among those attending the town hall meeting.

‘People-to-people ties’ A senior U.S. administration official earlier said Harris’

“This will be the first event of its kind she has done overseas since taking office, and it’ll be a good opportunity for direct engagement with the Filipino people, underscoring the strong people-to-people ties with the Philippines and historic ties,” the official said in a background press call with the White House last week.

Among the U.S. initiatives, Harris brought a $5.5 million loan guarantee pledge of the U.S. International Finance Corporation, through an agreement with Citibank, to support the non-profit and nonstock micro-finance corporation ASA Philippines, which provides women entrepreneurs with access to capital.

Harris, the highest-ranking U.S. official to have visited the country under the Marcos administration, arrived in Manila on Sunday night with her husband, lawyer Doug Emhoff.

Harris has since met with her Philippine counterpart Sara Duterte before proceeding to Malacañang to speak with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on further bolstering the security and economic ties between both nations. She reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to helping the country defend its claim in the West Philippine Sea, should its tensions with China escalate and lead to an armed attack.

Before Harris, the last top White House official to visit the Philippines was former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2017. g

PH rejects same-sex marriage: We’re not...

and lays down the premises–advantages and disadvantages,” Remulla said, adding that he believed that the Philippines is now one of the few countries that do not allow divorce.

“We just don’t recognize it because the premises have not been laid out properly. We want the legislature to do their job

here. That is why we cannot commit to it because we cannot impose upon the legislature on a policy that they have to do within Congress,” he said.

Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said the Philippines had accepted 200 of the 279 recommendations by the UN body. Of the 79, he said they deferred from accepting it, such

as divorce, because it requires the participation of another branch of the government. While same-sex marriage, he said, was rejected because “of our national identity, our religious beliefs, and our cultural traditions and the Philippines sovereignty that we need to protect and uphold at all times.” g

Online platform becomes essential tool in fight...

District to address the crime.

Confronting bias, head on Kulkarni herself was exposed to racism as she visited a hair salon. “Two white women were making really racist comments about Asian Americans: their food habits, and how they brought the virus on.” Kulkarni’s stylist, who is Japanese American, was the apparent target of the women’s remarks.

“I confronted them, and told them they were factually incorrect,” Kulkarni told Ethnic Media Services. “They said I had misunderstood them,” she added, noting that the women summarily dismissed her concerns.

Then out of the blue Kulkarni received a call from Russell Jeung, a sociologist at San Francisco State University.

Immediately, Kulkarni and Jeung, along with Cynthia Choi, co executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action, embarked on collecting signatures for a letter they presented to former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, asking his office to collect and share data on hate crimes against Asian Americans.

Stop AAPI hate

Becerra, according to Kulkarni, said his office was not in the business of doing data collection, and relied instead on local law enforcement agencies. The trio decided it was time to do some data collection of their own. On March 19, 2020, they launched the web portal stopAAPIHate.org.

The portal allows victims of hate

crimes or bias-related incidents to self-report the occurrence, in one of several Asian languages.

To date, the site has collected more than 11,000 instances of bias-related crimes and incidents.

Monumental initiative

This year, the three organizations — along with 98 community-based organizations and 49 ethnic media outlets — received a portion of a $166 million grant from the state of California, aimed at combating anti Asian American hate. In partnership with the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, the campaign is being managed by the California State Library. Grantees support the public awareness efforts of the Stop the Hate Program administered by the California Department of Social Services, which provides support and services to victims and survivors of hate incidents and hate crimes.

“I want to express my deep gratitude to the AAPI Legislative Caucus for this $166 million investment in our community. Our communities have experienced under-funding for decades,” said Kulkarni. “It is monumental. No other state has done this. The investment is exactly what we need to create the infrastructure to combat hate.”

Mental health toll

The community activist said she cannot predict trends or patterns as to whether hate crimes have increased or decreased as a result of community awareness.

“We get reports every day, but often people report several weeks or even months after they have been attacked.”

“They may still be processing what has happened. There is a huge mental health toll,” she said.

On the legislative front, the three organizations have managed to get two anti-hate bills through the California state Legislature and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.

SB 1161, sponsored by State Senator Dave Min, aims to reduce harassment in public transport systems throughout California.

AB 2448, sponsored by Assemblymember Phil Ting, calls on businesses to train their employees against discrimination. The bill also creates a program that trains employees on how to report, protect and respond to hate incidents in cases of customer harassment.

Without fear

The initiative is also focused on getting Asian American studies into the K-12 school curriculum. It is also working on community safety solutions, such as safe housing, and living wage jobs. “These are factors that prevent hate and crime,” said Kulkarni.

“It is so important that our government stands by its people, and doesn’t allow people to violate the civil rights of others. We want self actualization that enables people to be who they really want to be, without fear,” said Kulkarni.

Sohrabji/

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. addresses a sparse crowd that includes Vice President Sara Duterte upon his arrival at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday, Nov. 19. The President, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and select Cabinet officials came from the 29th AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing with them good news of pledges, commitments and cooperation secured from the other regional leaders. PNA photo by Rey Baniquet

CA aims to maximize health insurance...

Assembly member Jim Wood, a Democrat, is hoping a new California law he authored will dissuade employers from cutting off health benefits during labor disputes by allowing privateindustry workers to maximize state subsidies for coverage purchased through Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace. The bill, which takes effect in July, was sponsored by the California Labor Federation, California Teamsters Public Affairs Council, and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

“The goal of the legislation is to say, ‘No you can’t do this,’” Wood said. “Never try it again.”

According to Covered California spokesperson Kelly Green, eligible workers will have their premiums covered as if their incomes were just above the Medicaid eligibility level. The state would factor in the worker’s federal subsidy and cover the difference. For example, a single person making $54,360 a year may pay 8.5% of their income, or about $385 a month, on premiums under a middle-tier health plan. Under the new law for striking workers, that person selecting the same plan would pay nothing in premiums — as if that person made $20,385 a year — for the duration of the strike.

The federal government authorized an enhanced subsidy under the American Rescue Plan Act. The enhanced subsidy will continue through 2025 under the Inflation Reduction Act. The state’s share of the subsidy could increase once the federal boost ends.

One estimate that unions shared with the state suggested the law would cost California an average of $341 a month per worker — with strikes lasting one to two months. Labor groups estimate the bill will affect fewer than 5,000 workers a year.

California has nearly 15 million workers in the private sector, and strikes are generally a tool of last resort in labor negotiations.

It’s not clear how businesses will respond.

Chevron, Stanford Health Care, and Sequoia Hospital’s operator, Dignity Health, did not respond to requests for comment. The bill met no formal opposition from businesses or taxpayer groups.

Covered California’s subsidies are footed by a mix of federal and state funds as part of the Affordable Care Act, so there’s no direct cost to businesses.

Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, signed the Public Employee Health Protection Act, which bars public employers from terminating health coverage during an authorized strike. The new law for the private industry is different: There’s no ban on — or financial penalty for — revoking health benefits during strikes.

Nationally, Democrats in the House and Senate have pushed for an outright ban on this practice, but neither bill has advanced out of committee.

When California workers lose their employer-sponsored health benefits, they may become eligible for the state’s Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal, or qualify to purchase health insurance through Covered California. With the latter option, workers could receive a range of subsidies to help pay for their monthly premiums. Generally, the lower a household’s income, the bigger the subsidy.

But even when workers do qualify for Covered California, that insurance can be much more expensive than the plans they had through their job — sometimes consuming 30% to 40% of their income, proponents said. And striking workers may experience delays since coverage may not take effect until the following month.

“This is one of the drawbacks

of having a health care system that is tied to employment,” said Laurel Lucia, health care program director at the University of California-Berkeley Labor Center. “We saw during the pandemic, when there were furloughs or layoffs, people lost job-based coverage when they needed it most.”

Striking Sequoia workers reached an agreement with Dignity Health and returned to the 208-bed facility before health coverage stopped on Aug. 1, but some said they might have stayed on the picket line longer if not for fear of losing their benefits.

“That was pretty scary,” said Mele Rosiles, a certified nursing assistant and a member of the union’s bargaining team who was pregnant at the time. “A majority of our workers felt threatened by this move from our employer to strip our family’s health insurance if we didn’t return to work.”

The California Association of Health Plans raised concerns over an early version of the bill that sought to establish a category for striking workers, but the industry group dropped its opposition once it was determined that Covered California could administer the change without it.

Covered California estimates it will spend about $1.4 million to launch this benefit. The agency said it will create application questions to screen for eligible workers and remind them to stop coverage once they go back to work. (Annie Sciacca/California Healthline)

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

US pledges $5 million more to fund...

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The U.S. government likewise donated more than 33 million COVID-19 vaccine doses through Covax since the start of the pandemic.

More than 73.6 million individuals in the Philippines have so far been fully immunized against COVID-19 as of November 17, according to government data.

Aside from COVID-19, Emhoff also guaranteed their support to the Philippines in combating tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.

“The United States is so proud to support the Philippines in its fight against COVID-19 and tuberculosis. I am looking forward in continuing the partnership between our countries and working

together to keep our communities safe and healthy and our schools open,” he said.

The U.S. official led the ceremonial turnover of hygiene kits to the local government and its students.

Emhoff is in the Philippines as his wife, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, is on a state visit. g

Dateline PhiliPPines

‘BBM made good impression at APEC’

FORMER president now Pampanga Second District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo believes President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made a "good impression" in his first participation at the 29th AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

In a statement on Sunday, Malacañang said Arroyo was satisfied with Marcos' performance speaking before more than half of the world's economies.

"He certainly made a very good impression on the leaders of the very important economies. And not only the very important economies but also the great economic thinkers of the world," Arroyo was quoted as saying. Marcos earlier described Arroyo as his "secret weapon" during his meeting with the Filipino community in Thailand on Saturday.

He personally invited Arroyo to accompany him during the APEC Summit, noting that her experiences and insights were valuable.

"Sinasabi kong secret weapon dahil ako 'yung baguhan dito eh. Ako 'yung bagong naging lider.

Kaya't 'pag papasok kami sa meeting, noong nakita si GMA (I say secret weapon because I'm the newbie. I'm the new leader. That's why when we started the meeting and they'd see GMA, they'd say)

'Ah my good friend! My good friend!' Oh madali na kaagad 'yung usapan (Then it would be easy to start talking to them)," he said.

Highly successful Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople described Marcos' first APEC as "highly successful."

She said he developed a good rapport with other economic leaders, particularly Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, describing their exchanges as "very relaxed, very uplifting."

"Makikita mo na both sides excited mag-engage, and lalo na noong nakausap na niya 'yung Crown Prince, si His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman o MBS kung tawagin siya sa Saudi Arabia (You could see that both sides were excited to engage, especially when he spoke to the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi

Arabia)," Ople said. Marcos and the Crown Prince had a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the APEC Summit.

"Makikita mo pag-upo pa lang nila parang magkaibigan na nagkatagpo, nagkuwentuhan, parehong forward-looking, parehong visionary, at parehong proud sa mga Pilipino. Parang 'yun din 'yung kanilang naging common ground (The moment they sat down they seemed like friends who have reunited, telling stories, both forward-looking, both visionaries and both proud of Filipinos. That was their common ground)," Ople added.

During the bilateral meeting between the two leaders, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia committed to shoulder the unpaid wages of around 10,000 Filipino workers who were displaced from construction companies that went bankrupt.

Marcos said there was also an assurance from the Saudi Ministry of Labor that there will be no more unpaid salaries among Filipinos in the Middle Eastern country. The two leaders also talked about energy and petroleum amid the prevailing oil crisis. (PNA)

Senate forms oversight committee on intelligence funds, programs

MANILA — The Senate on Monday, August 21 formed the Select Oversight Committee on Intelligence and Confidential Funds, Programs and Activities to keep an eye on how the executive branch will spend around P9.28 billion in lump-sum allocations in the proposed 2023 national budget.

The grant of confidential funds to the executive branch — P4.5 billion to the Office of the President and around P650 million for Vice President Sara Duterte, who is concurrently secretary of the education department — has raised concern because these are not subject to the same audit rules as other budget items.

"In these times, we need to be more trusting of our government agencies," Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who was later designated chair of the select committee, said. He said that crime has evolved and that government agencies should be given resources to address it.

"We have to have faith that they will use every inch of diligence

and discretion in undertaking surveillance and intelligence catheting in the discharge of their sacred mandates and in keeping with their oaths," he also said.

He said, however, that Congress must remember its "power and responsibility of the power of the purse" in checking how these funds are used. "Please trust that we will do our jobs," he said, promising that the committee would hold hearings on how Confidential and Intelligence Funds are used "if necessary."

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, who will also be part of the committee, acknowledged that the creation of oversight committees on intelligence funds has long been done by the Senate.

"Let’s continue the good practice,” he said, adding, however, that “ there is an even better practice, which is to discourage the allocation of lump sums."

He said that while lawmakers "tried our best" to decrease the amount of and discourage the

grant of CIFs, the committee would be a "second level of defense in the name of the people and for the people, in the name of transparency."

Sen. Robinhood Padilla said he supports the grant of these intelligence funds, especially to Duterte’s office. "Davao can now be considered a safe zone, it has been cleared of those who we call terrorists," he said in Filipino as he credited the former mayor of Davao City for the security situation in Mindanao’s commercial and economic center.

Apart from Zubiri and Pimentel, the Senate designated Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, finance committee chair Juan Edgardo Angara and public order committee chair Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa as members of the select oversight committee.

As a show of solidarity, all members of the Senate were designated co-authors of the resolution to form the oversight committee. It was passed with no objections or revisions. (Philstar. com)

Medium risk for corruption

TRACKING the results of the Corruption Perceptions Index drawn up in January this year by Transparency International, the Philippines has also slipped in the Global Corruption Index 2022. In the GCI released last week, Geneva-based business risk management consultancy Global Risk Profile ranked the Philippines 105th out of 196 countries and territories, down from last year’s 102nd place. GRP classified the country at “medium risk” for corruption.

Based on perceptions and actual experience, the GCI measures public and private corruption as well as risks for white-collar crimes such as money laundering and terrorism financing. The Philippines, once described as a “black hole” in international finance, is still working to get out of the gray list of countries under close monitoring by Paris-based global dirty money watchdog Financial Action Task Force. GRP noted that financial aid programs during the COVID-19 pandemic “triggered new opportunities for corruption, bribery, falsification of submissions and embezzlement of public funds, therefore draining new resources.”

Editorial

terms by Congress and Malacañang. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines ranked behind Singapore, which placed 13th overall in the GCI, as well as Malaysia (49th), Brunei (70th), Indonesia (98th) and Thailand (101st). The Philippines was ahead of Timor-Leste (114th), Vietnam (131st), Laos (174th), Cambodia (175th) and Myanmar (177th).

Apart from the multibillion-peso scandal involving the sweetheart supply deal for personal protective equipment awarded to favored company Pharmally Pharmaceuticals, which remains unresolved, dozens of barangay captains were also indicted for various anomalies related to the distribution of ayuda during the COVID lockdowns. Instead of punishment, incumbent barangay officials have been rewarded with yet another extension of their

Flea

Market of Ideas

JOEL RUIZ BUTUYAN

THE United States has just gone through one of the most consequential midterm elections in its recent history. Filipinos are keenly interested in the elections in the so-called land of milk and honey, even if we are distant spectators from our islands of misery and hopelessness. In fact, it’s the only foreign election where many Filipinos take sides in, either expressing preference for the Republican Party or voicing out affinity with the Democratic Party.

The reasons are obvious: a Filipino who has no relative in the U.S. is as rare as a white carabao; the Philippines remains both an economic and cultural colony of the U.S., because the

FRANCISCO TATAD

UNITED States Vice President Kamala Harris is in Manila for official talks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid growing instability and turbulence in the world. This visit has raised hopes that it could lead to some post-COVID aid from our strongest ally. At the same time it has raised some fears that our ally is preparing us for war. Bongbong Marcos (BBM) will need to convey to his honored guest as clearly as possible that one of the things we Filipinos hate the most is war.

Kamala Harris is the first woman vice president of the U.S., also the first African American and Asian American to hold the office. Some of her predecessors who had visited the Philippines, like Lyndon Baines Johnson and George W. Bush, eventually became president. As this visit comes not too far away from the next U.S. presidential elections, some observers think it could help Harris, a Democrat, decide whether or not to run for president, especially if the incumbent President Joe Biden does not run again or is prevented from seeking a second term.

Included in her Philippine itinerary is a visit to Palawan, the country's premier tourism spot from where the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command provides security to the world-famous island, the

In the Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International in January this year, the Philippines also slipped by a notch, placing 117th. Denmark, New Zealand and Finland were tied at first place, while Singapore as usual ranked high at fourth place alongside Sweden and Norway. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines ranked below Brunei (35th),  Malaysia (62nd), Timor-Leste (82nd), Vietnam (87th), Indonesia (96th) and Thailand (110th).

The Philippines has also seen its scores fall in the latest indeces on economic freedom and global bribery, attributed to weakening transparency in government and institutional weaknesses in preventing political corruption.

Crisis of leaders, crisis of voters

latter persists as our biggest trading partner and our lives are inundated with American music, movies, fashion, sports, food, and all kinds of merchandise, and; an overwhelming number of Filipinos still long for the American dream.

I have not encountered any professional survey so far, but from my anecdotal appraisal of the sentiments of fellow Filipino citizens, it’s safe to say that an overwhelming majority of our countrymen identify more with the Democrats rather than with the Republicans.

As outsiders who view American politics from afar, it’s easy to understand why this is generally so for Filipinos: Democratic leaders sound friendlier to immigrants and minorities, they show more empathy for the working class, and they express more

hostility toward abusive foreign governments. In contrast, Republican leaders are viewed as unwelcoming to immigrants, they’re reputedly pro-rich, and they’re tolerant of oppressive foreign governments.

When it comes to Filipino immigrants in the U.S., however, there is a marked increase in the number of Filipinos who support Republicans. The reasons often cited by U.S.-based and pro-Republican Filipinos are as follows: they espouse policies that are good for the US economy; they’re hard on crime; they are against illegal immigrants and “over-generous” handouts, and; they’re on the side of “conservative values” when it comes to issues of abortion and LGBTQ rights.

Even when the Republican Party was taken over by former president Donald Trump, who

has been a magnet of many scandalous controversies all his life, there’s still a substantial number of U.S.-based Filipinos who are rabidly supportive of Trump as a Republican. This has been the case even if Trump has uttered brazenly racist comments against Mexicans and Muslims, who are colored people and minority groups with whom Filipinos should naturally empathize with. Trump has also been recorded bragging about his exploits at seducing married women and at kissing unsuspecting ladies. He was caught on tape saying: “I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. … Grab ’em by the pussy. You can do anything.” At another time, he publicly declared that he trusted Russian President Vladimir Putin more than he did American

intelligence agencies. Trump also fomented the 2021 violent attack on the U.S. Capitol, aimed at the unthinkable objective of unconstitutionally keeping himself in the White House despite his reelection loss. On Tuesday, November 15, Trump announced that he will seek the U.S. presidency again in the 2024 elections.

Democrat leaders are not exactly saints in comparison, because they’ve had their own share of scandals, but it’s not supposed to be a pissing competition aimed at extolling and elevating to power the most wicked of each party.

But what do we Filipinos know? We have installed in power far more scandalous leaders in our recent elections. It’s a strange phenomenon that more of this mold of leaders are being elevated to power in multiple

What BBM can tell VP Harris

Kalayaan Island Group and the West Philippine sea. Harris is reportedly interested in the problems of Palawan fishermen who are either fishing or unable to fish in disputed waters.

Most likely, the real reason for making Palawan a major stop for the vice president is because of its place in the 2014 PhilippineU.S. Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

It is the site of one of the original five "agreed locations" under EDCA, and of a second such facility being established there.

"Agreed locations" is the term used by EDCA to describe U.S. facilities inside Philippine military bases where the US may construct its own structures, preposition military equipment, aircraft, vessels, security materiel, defense technologies and station troops on a "rotational basis."

Some critics think it is just another term for "bases" — one way of circumventing the 1987 Constitution, which provides: "After the expiration in 1991 of the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America concerning military bases, foreign military bases, troops or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate and, when Congress so requires, ratified by a majority of the votes cast by the people in a national referendum held for that purpose and recognized as a treaty by the other contracting state."

In 2016, they questioned EDCA's constitutionality before

the Supreme Court, but the court dismissed their petition.

Five "agreed locations" were originally established. Antonio Bautista Airbase in Palawan; Basa Air Base in Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro; and Benio Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu. Then five others were added: two in Cagayan Valley, and one each in Zambales, Isabela and Palawan.

The new locations will be launched in Puerto Princesa tomorrow with Harris as special guest. The U.S. is reported to have appropriated $70 million for them in the next two years.

Although the official literature says the EDCA facilities are mainly intended for "military operations other than war" (MOOTW), some observers seem to believe it is part of U.S. preparations for a possible war with China.

Under the 1951 PhilippineU.S. Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), an armed attack on either Party, its armed forces, vessels or aircraft in the Pacific shall be considered an armed attack on both Parties, to which they must respond either individually or jointly, according to their respective constitutional processes.

I repeat the question I asked in a previous column: What happens if instead of China attacking the Philippines or the U.S. in the Pacific, China were attacked by the U.S.? Does the MDT become operational then?

Assuming we were not involved in the first strike, are we expected to join the U.S. in meeting the

adversary's expected response to that first strike?

This has not come up anywhere else before. It would be good if President Marcos Jr. could raise it, initially and prudentially, in his conversation with the U.S. vice president. This would help to make it clear that the Philippine Constitution "renounces war as an instrument of national policy."

Instead of joining the Western hawks in calling for war, Marcos Jr. could perhaps invite Harris to join him in trying to broaden the global search for peace,

which he has initiated with China's President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting in Bangkok last week, and which he is expected to pursue on his state visit to Beijing in January next year.

This could help make Harris' visit the very opposite of U.S. Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent highly provocative visit to Taiwan that raised the political and military temperature across the Taiwan Strait nearly past boiling point. Then VP Harris could

countries around the world. Some bizarre new elements must have been added to our planet’s biosphere that are causing voters worldwide to behave strangely. This regression in the world’s choice of leaders represent a stepback in the progress of human civilization. It should prompt experts across all countries to come together in order to find out the common denominators of what’s happening and to identify potential solutions. If they do, they will find out that the world does not have a crisis of leaders. Humanity has a crisis of voters.

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

* * * Comments to fleamarketofideas@gmail. com

perhaps return to Washington, D.C., far better prepared than any sitting American politician to call on Presidents Biden, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin to work together in building a safer and better world for all our children and great, great, great grandchildren.

* * *

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.

* * *

ANDY TECSON

DING

ManilaTimes.net photo

It is no coincidence that countries ranked high in comparative studies on transparency and corruption are also among the most prosperous and advanced in quality of life. The World Bank and other organizations have stressed that corruption

draws away much needed funds from programs that could otherwise be used for poverty alleviation and development efforts. The latest corruption index should encourage more decisiveness in addressing this problem in the Philippines. (Philstar.com)

FRIENDLY MEETING. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. shares a light moment with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris during a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Monday, Nov. 21. Both leaders are expected to articulate their commitment to working more closely to strengthen investment ties, pursue the digital economy and upskill and accelerate the transition to clean energy. PNA photo by Rey S. Baniquet

House approves bill for enhanced media workers’ protection, benefits

MANILA — The House of Representatives has passed on final reading a measure providing for enhanced protection, security, and benefits for those working in the media industry.

Congressmen voted 252 with no abstentions to approve on the third reading House Bill No. 454 or the “Media Workers’ Welfare Act,” a consolidation of five similar bills.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez said Congress “regards the Fourth Estate as an essential partner in nation building and in protecting our democracy.”

“The approval of the measure highlights the importance we in the House give to promoting the welfare of media personnel and ensuring that the press remains free,” he said in a statement.

If enacted into law, HB 454 will apply to all media workers and media entities in the private sector.

The measure provides that the minimum compensation for media workers should not

be less than the applicable minimum wage set by the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board.

They will be also entitled to overtime and night shift pay as provided under the Labor Code and related laws.

Media workers shall be covered by the Social Security System, Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. or PhilHealth upon employment.

The employer and the media worker will share in the payment of monthly premiums in accordance with existing rules.

Media workers required to physically report for work in dangerous places like embattled and disease-stricken areas will receive a hazard pay of P500 a day, and shall be provided with safety gear like bulletproof vests and protective equipment by their employer.

They are also entitled to P200,000 death benefit, disability benefit of up to P200,000, and medical insurance of up to P100,000.

The bill further provides that

a media worker shall be deemed a regular employee after six months from the start of their employment. An employer shall not terminate the services of an employee except for a just cause and with the observance of due process, it also states.

The Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) regional offices will settle all laborrelated disputes concerning the media worker and the employer.

In addition, the bill holds media entities as responsible for all content released in their platforms, including those produced by block timers.

However, exemption is when the media entity is able to prove that they exercised due diligence, or that the fault, misconduct or violation of law was done solely by the media worker or block timer.

The DOLE secretary will be tasked to create a News Media Tripartite Council, which shall serve as a link among various stakeholders.

The council will also provide a platform where media workers and employers can agree on mutually beneficial policies and programs and settle disputes. g

UN expert coming to help upgrade PH forensic capabilities

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has invited a special rapporteur from the United Nations (UN) to improve the government’s forensic pathology capabilities as part of efforts to address extrajudicial killings (EJKs).

In a press briefing Monday on the recently concluded fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the Philippines human rights situation in Geneva, Switzerland, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said upgrading the skill will also be helpful during disasters.

Remulla said forensic doctor Morris Tidball-Binz will be arriving in the country, along with two other rapporteurs for children and human rights, in the early part of 2023.

“(I)f there are murders or there are deaths that are untimely in the provinces, at least they can help us with investigations. If our people are trained already in the art and the science of forensic pathology, then we

will have experts determining the results,” Remulla said.

“But the other side of it of course is the long term, the capacity building for disasters.

Remember (Supertyphoon) Yolanda (in November 2013) where there were thousands of bodies that had to be processed? International pathologists went here to help us,” Remulla said.

Tidball-Binz began his career with forensic and human rights organizations and helped create the International Committee of the Red Cross’ forensic unit, of which he was the first director until early 2017.

Remulla said the country’s outright acceptance of 200 out of the 279 recommendations made during the UPR was groundbreaking.

“It was very fruitful and enlightening and of course, very satisfying that we saw the attitude change within the different countries that we had to face from what we did in

October. Three years ago, what we saw in Geneva at this time was a complete turnaround,” he said.

DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said the Philippine delegation rejected outright those which are culturally incompatible to the Philippines.

“Normally there are three options given you – accept, reject or you defer. There are several items that [we had to reject] because of our national identity, our religious beliefs, and our cultural traditions and the Philippine sovereignty, that we need to protect and uphold at all times,” Vasquez said.

Among the rejected recommendations were the legalization of divorce and same-sex marriage.

“This legislation is there every Congress. Someone files it. It is a matter of policy whether we will accept it or not. And I think that we know as a country that we are not ready for those,” he added. (PNA)

China coast guard took debris Philippine Navy retrieved off Pag-asa

MANILA — The Chinese Coast Guard "forcefully" took custody of what the military Western Command said is believed to be debris from a Chinese rocket found floating off Pagasa Island in Palawan, the Puerto Princesa headquartered Wecsom said.

In a statement sent to media, Wescom said it first received a report from Naval Station Emilio Liwanag on Kalayaan Island on November 20 that an unidentified object had been spotted via long-range camera drifting about 800 yards west of Pagasa Island in the West Philippine Sea.

Naval station personnel then proceeded to the area for inspection and observed the object drifting towards Pag-asa Islands Cay 1 sand bar due to strong waves and currents. Upon arrival, the team retrieved the floating object, tied it securely to their boat, and started towing it back to Kalayaan Island.

"However, as the [Naval Station Emilio Liwanag] Team was towing the floating object, they noticed that China Coast Guard vessel with Bow Number 5203 was approaching their location and subsequently blocked their pre-plotted course

twice," the statement read.

"The vessel then deployed its Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat [and] forcefully retrieved said floating object by cutting the towing line attached to the NSEL rubber boat."

The inflatable boat then returned to its main vessel, and the NSEL Team decided to return to Pagasa Island. No member of the NSEL Team was injured.

The Philippine Space Agency earlier this month said similar debris recovered in waters off Palawan and Mindoro islands were likely from a Chinese Long March 5B rocket launched in late October. PhilSA has also been calling on "spacefaring nations must abide by the protocols and mechanisms enshrined in the UN Outer Space Treaty, encourage close coordination, and timely resolution of issues such as space debris mitigation."

West Philippine Sea incidents

The incident is the latests between Beijing and Manila in a simmering dispute in the South China Sea, part of which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea.

President Ferdinand

"Bongbong" Marcos Jr. earlier called for the completion of a code of conduct among parties with claims to the strategic waterway.

So far in 2022, the Philippine Coast Guard has reported at least four incidents of China Coast Guard vessels conducting close-distance maneuvering while Philippine vessels were on maritime patrol. It called these incidents a clear violation of the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. At one point in 2021, the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs was filing daily diplomatic protests "against the incessant deployment, prolonged presence, and illegal activities of Chinese maritime assets and fishing vessels in the vicinity of the Pag-asa islands" which numbered in the hundreds.

The DFA said in a statement that it is "aware of the incident and awaits detailed reports from maritime law enforcement agencies," saying also that a thorough review will be conducted."

The Philippine Coast Guard directed inquires on the incident to the Wescom. (Philstar.com)

IMPOSING. Giant figures made of paper mache parade along Quezon Avenue, Angono, Rizal for the Higantes Festival on Sunday, Nov. 20. The annual feast honors St. Clement, the patron saint of fisherfolk, and at the same time, depicts farm workers who mock their wealthy employers with stern looks. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

‘MARIKIT AND THE OCEAN OF STARS’

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

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

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

“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 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, 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.”

Caris Avendaño Cruz

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

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.

Is published by FSG Books for Young Readers, established in 1953, and is an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.

Las Vegas housing market still affordable

By RealtoR Fely Quitevis-Bateman

THE housing market in Las Vegas has cooled down from the buying frenzy that was 2021. At that time, eagle-eyed buyers were on the lookout for any property they could snap up, sometimes offering prices way above the asking price. Sellers had the pick of their buyers, sometimes being inundated with multiple offers.

With the recent rise in mortgage rates, many buyers have now become gun shy about their home purchases. Local home values have fallen for the fifth consecutive month as of October 2022.

Currently, industry experts have said that there is about a 4.6-month supply of homes in Southern Nevada, which is higher than the October numbers of 1.1 months. Clearly, the trend is moving towards favoring buyers, although it is still in the seller’s market segment.

On a bright note, median home prices (single family homes) are still up from about a year ago – specifically about 7.3% higher, somewhere around the $440,000 level. In October 2021, median home prices were leveling at $410,000. Look further a year ago from that, median home prices were about $340,000 in October 2020.

Overall, home prices in Southern Nevada are way up from what they were in the recession times. The median price for a single-family home in Southern Nevada was around $118,000 in January of 2012, a post-recession low.

Right now, buyers can haggle with sellers when it comes to buying property. Although mortgage rates are higher, buyers can negotiate

on a variety of components, including price, closing costs, and other concessions they can bargain with sellers.

Still, this is a great time to consider Southern Nevada – and the State of Nevada, overall –when it comes to buying property.

Construction in Las Vegas is still ongoing, with a lot of projects slated to either open in 2023 or begin construction by next year.

The crew at Fontainbleau is knee-deep in work as they move towards a late 2023 opening, while Red Rock Resorts, Hard Rock International, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts and VICI Properties are busy with their own projects for their properties along the Strip and elsewhere. Resorts World Las Vegas’ opening was a first for the Las Vegas area in a while; it is owned by the Genting Group.

Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta has bought a piece of property along the Strip which will be the site of a luxury hotel-casino. Fertitta owns the Golden Nugget casinos in Las Vegas and Laughlin. The property in the Strip is the billionaire businessman’s foray into the most competitive hotel-casino area in Las Vegas.

The Oak View Group, meanwhile, has plans for its own $3-billion entertainment complex, that includes an arena, shopping/food areas, hotel-casino and amphitheater. The arena will be made NBA-ready, in anticipation of any future move by the National Basketball Association to add to its current mix.

The Formula 1 racing slated for late 2023, continued artist residencies/shows in Las Vegas, the additional of shows at the different hotel properties, popular chef-owned and diverse restaurants in Las Vegas, and high-end retail shopping at some of the hotel-casinos are just some of the attractions that keep people going to Sin City.

With Las Vegas also positioning itself as an upcoming sports capital in the West with its major professional sports teams (Las Vegas Raiders in the National Football League, Las Vegas Aces in the Women’s National Basketball Association, the Vegas Golden Knights in the National Hockey League), people are taking a second look at Southern Nevada not just as a gambling and entertainment haven to visit, but as a legitimate place to settle in and establish roots.

Las Vegas is not a one-trick pony anymore, fueled solely by the gaming industry. It caters to many – individuals, couples and families. Gainful employment is not only present in the construction, gaming and hospitality industries, but in many fields that service the needs of the population – food, education, recreation, healthcare and distribution.

There are many things slated for the city, county and state that make it a draw for people. In fact, a study by the University of Las VegasNevada’s Center for Business and Economic Research projected that the population of Clark County, where Las Vegas is situated in, will see an increase of 1 million people by 2060. That will bring the population of the county to about 3.38 million, from the estimated 2.38 million

people currently living within the county.

The state offers great opportunities for the savvy and forward-thinking – great returns on your investments in real estate and a host of tax benefits for Nevada residents (competitive business state tax, a county sales tax of 6.75% (not on food items), and no taxes associated with estate/inheritance, franchise, gift, inventory/interstate commerce, corporate income and personal income).

Right now may be the best time to find or snap up that property or real estate in the market for those intending to buy in Southern Nevada or other parts of the state. Even with the rise in mortgage rates, Las Vegas, Pahrump and other areas in Nevada are still more affordable buys than other parts of the United

States.

I can definitely help you look for the best opportunities for real estate in Las Vegas, Pahrump and other areas. Now is the time to take advantage of deals in land and real estate properties. I have had decades of experience in helping people look for that piece of real estate heaven they want to build their special place or something that their budget can afford.

My company, Precious Properties, is a fullservice company that has successfully helped its clientele find the best deals since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-559-2476 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

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman is currently overseas, visiting the Holy Land. She is shown in photo above wading in the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (holding the Philippine flag) at the Western Wall, or what is known as the Wailing Wall or Kotel. The Western Wall, located in the old city of Jerusalem, is considered the most religious site for Jewish people in the world and draws millions of visitors from around the

Russ Bateman and Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman take a photo at one of the tourist spots in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman poses in front of one of the great pyramids in Egypt, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world.

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.

Ask for help

We live in the Age of Information. You could say it is both a blessing and a curse to live during what could very well be “the best of times, the worst of times” as Dickens would probably describe it, to have so much information available at our fingertips.

We have terabytes of available information on our smartphones and computers. It is amazing wizardry indeed! All we need is the correct phrase and spelling to look up something and VOILA, there it is.

What is the downside? We think we know everything there is to know about practically everything. Secondly, we feel lost without our mental crutch, our smart phones. Third, we are susceptible to groupthink — to think like the herd does, as trends and memes proliferate in the internet. There is a serious need to dig for the truth.

Raw knowledge is not the same as wisdom as it applies to how we live our lives. We still need our thinking caps to process and filter information and cull out only those golden nuggets of wisdom we could use to live our lives the best way we can. We junk the rest.

Our minds and the collection of life experiences in our memory banks function as the kidneys to filter out the lies and all useless information.

The Pareto 80/20 rule applies: 20% of stuff matters and the remaining 80% is chaff and should be trashed if we want our mental faculties to remain healthy and functioning for a long time yet.

With all these ever evolving gadgets and gizmos, most people these days think that they have the smarts to handle practically every life situation.

This may be true — but only up to a point. Life, as we know

it, is not so cut and dried.

Self-confidence is good but not when it makes you arrogant and cocky believing that you are better than anyone else. Life has a way of knocking you down off your high horse. A bruised and battered ego is a good starting point to learn humility and gratitude. This is when the soul begins to grow.

The downside of the Age of Information? Because we have become self –reliant, we feel we don’t need anyone else. We don’t want to ask for help when we are stumped with a problem or a situation that is beyond our abilities to deal with. Society expects us to find our way with the wherewithal and smart tools we have.

Before the advent of GPS (Global Positioning System), most men (yes, men) wandered aimlessly about trying to find an address, refusing to admit to themselves that they are lost. Ask for directions? Bah, humbug!

Why was this so? The short answer: EGO. Most do not want to be perceived as weak or inept or lacking in common sense. Most women seem to be just fine asking strangers or people at gas stations for directions and the men who give the directions seem just happy to oblige.

GPS technology is a blessing. However, there is a caveat about complete reliance on it. No technology, at this time, no matter how sophisticated can replace good old common sense. You still need to process the information provided to find the best route for yourself. GPS is a great tool when the freeways are clogged and you need alternate routes to your destination. That said, never relinquish your chief navigator position.

Navigating our own life’s journey is not that simple however. There are twists and turns in life that throw us out of our smug self-sufficiency. We find ourselves needing help, either from our fellow men or more than likely, from God, when everything we have tried, has failed spectacularly.

Don’t be too proud to ask for help. Sometimes, we go through seasons of darkness when it seems the universe is conspiring against us and everything that is happening weighs us down. We feel helpless as though a Category 5 hurricane is tossing us about like a rag doll and there is no end in sight.

These are the seasons when going down on our knees and doubling down on prayers begging for help from above are the best of any one’s lifetime.

This is a time of building a deeper, more personal relationship with the loving God of our beings, who the psalmist described as the one “who knit us in our mother’s womb,” so that we are each “fearfully and wonderfully made.” All we need to do when lost and helpless, is to ASK for HELP. After all, prayers, heartfelt and unceasing, are the most powerful force in the universe.

To borrow from the slogan that a sportswear company who seems to have lost its way at the moment: JUST DO IT. *

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.

Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya writes for Asian Journal. Email monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com for comments.

Iza explains why it should be sex reveal, not gender reveal

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actress Iza Calzado believes that it should be “sex reveal” and not “gender reveal” when it comes to her baby’s shower party.

At the press conference of her new series “K-Love,” a reporter asked Iza if she plans to have a gender reveal for her upcoming baby with husband Ben Wintle.

“Sorry. [It’s] sex reveal. Gender is an expression, and we cannot reveal it,” she said. In her interview with Cosmopolitan, Iza elaborated further her stance.

“We already found out sex accidentally, so that takes out the point of a reveal for us, the parents. I see how this surprise can make other parents excited, and I appreciate and see the value in that. I have been to some sex or gender reveal parties, and it’s filled with so much joy and love!” she said.

“In today’s PC (politically correct) world, I can only reveal the sex as gender is a social and cultural construct. I would choose to highlight a baby’s good health as that is my fervent wish and prayer for our child above anything else,” she added.

Iza said that they will focus financially on the birth of their child instead of spending for a

Can I file a divorce in California if my spouse resides outside California?

Barrister’s Corner

THIS is a common question among people contemplating divorce in California when the other spouse does not live in the state. The California Courts has the power to grant a divorce, annulment, or legal separation if either party is domiciled in the state. Domicile is where a person lives and intends to remain. However, there is an additional requirement if you are seeking a divorce rather than annulment or legal separation. To obtain a divorce in California, one of the parties must have been a resident of California for six months immediately before the filing of the divorce petition. Responding spouses can use this requirement as a defense if the Petitioning spouse does not meet such requirement when the petitioner filed for divorce. In addition, divorce petitions may be filed in the county where at least one spouse resided for 3 months immediately prior to filing the petition.

Now apart from getting a divorce, legal separation, or annulled status, there may be issues relating to distributing community and separate properties between the

spouses and awarding support payments. In order for the California Courts to have the power to make orders, the California Courts must have personal jurisdiction over the respondent. Personal jurisdiction means the respondent has minimum contacts with California even if not physically here. Some of the factors looked at is respondents presence in the state, domicile, residence, citizenship, consent, appearance in the action, doing business in the state, doing an act that causes an effect in the state, ownership in the state, other relationship to the state. If the respondent does not have minimum contact with California, respondent may challenge any orders relating to distribution of property and support based on the court’s lack of jurisdiction.

With regards to initial child custody issues, these issues are resolved under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. California Courts have the power to make initial custody orders if it is the child’s home state at the time the action was filed.

California may also assume power to make custody orders if California has been the child’s home state within six months before the action was filed, the child is absent form California, and a parent continues to live in California. California may also exercise jurisdiction when

no other state is the child’s home state or when all court’s having jurisdiction over the child has declined to act and deferred to California as the more appropriate place to make custody orders. California may also exercise jurisdiction if no other state would have jurisdiction over the child.

* * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.  The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC.  This article is not a solicitation.

* * * Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

‘Small but significant’ role for Ritz in Mamasapano film

By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

IN our industry, it’s not how popular you’ve become, but how long you’ve lasted that’s more important,” said actress Ritz Azul, who also believes that longevity is the basis of how effective a person really is in his work as an actor.

“I was never picky when it came to accepting projects. I’m in this industry as an actor. I don’t turn down a role just because it’s small. I want to be able to experience all that my work has to offer. I’m just lucky that when I first joined the business, most of the projects assigned to me required me to play lead roles,” she told Inquirer Entertainment during a recent media gathering for the action-drama “Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told.”

“These days, I’m happy to accept offers to do supporting roles. I believe that this industry doesn’t base success on how popular you are, but on how long you’ve lasted because, as we would always hear people say, acting is not a stable job,” Ritz pointed out. “Acting is a passion for me. As long as I have a character to play, I’m happy. Why would I turn down the opportunity to be part of a movie like this when it has a noble intention?”

“Mamasapano,” directed by Lester Dimaranan, tells the tragic story of the so-called Mamasapano massacre on Jan. 25, 2015, when members of the Philippine National PoliceSpecial Action Force had an encounter with two of the world’s most wanted Islamic terrorists.

Ritz and actress Myrtle Sarrosa play field reporters from rival broadcast networks.

“When I read the script, I said, ‘This seems good.’ Even though I will be seen in the film for only short periods, the role is important and the film is big. It attempts to tell the truth about what happened in Mamasapano

during that fateful time,” she began.

“The role I play here is also new to me. I had to study how to act like a reporter. It was challenging for me and Myrtle because we’re rivals here,” she explained. “Before this project, I never knew that news reporters also feel pressured because of the network war. I used to think that they just tell the story, report the news, and that’s it. It’s really good to be able to assume different roles because you learn new things.”

Fictional character

Ritz said her and Myrtle’s character will try to outdo each other in the film. “Patalbugan kami. I’m the more senior one, while Myrtle is relatively new. And no, I didn’t try to copy any broadcast reporter. Since mine is a fictional character, I created one by watching news programs,” the actress said.

Ritz opted to lay low from show biz after she got married in November 2021. While on break, she said she took on a new sport and a hobby. “I’m into golf now because my husband (Allan Guy) is a golfer. I’m happy to have found a new sport to focus on. The downside is that I have terrible tan lines,” she said, laughing.

“I’m also into pottery now. I’ve been doing this since the start of the pandemic. It enables me to meditate. We all went through a lot during that difficult period. This hobby helped me relieve myself of stress and frustrations.”

Personal choice

Taking a break from work was something that Ritz and Allan talked about after they

Ritz Azul plays TV reporter Maryann del Rosario in “Mamasapano” Photo from Instagram/@

Told in nonlinear fashion, the film alternates between battle scenes and the proceedings of the PNP-Crime Investigation and Detection Group Board of Inquiry. It gives a unique perspective of that disastrous incident from the point of view of the investigators, survivors and witnesses.

Iza Calzado showing her baby bump Photo from Instagram/@missizacalzado

THIS is culled out from the series “The Bucket List” written in 2018.

“Don’t be shy about asking for help. It doesn’t mean you’re weak, it only means you’re wise.” – Anonymous

party. “From an economic standpoint, I think another party that we have to spend on does not make sense to me, personally, as all our efforts should and must focus on the baby’s birth and

Kuya Kim shares learnings from Itaewon crowd crush

By Marinel Cruz

“WHAT was supposed to be a coverage with a happy and merry tone, turned into a disaster coverage,” recalled TV host-anchor Kim Atienza, who happened to be in South Korea when the fateful crowd crush in Seoul happened on Halloween night.

“I was scheduled to tour the city to cover the Halloween parade. It was a good thing the flight of my team and I was delayed because of the typhoon. We were supposed to take off from Manila at 12:40 a.m. but only managed to leave an hour later. When we arrived there, the crowd crush was just happening. If we got there an hour earlier, we would have been in the middle of the stampede. Since I was supposed to cover it, I would obviously go to where the most people are, right?”

At least 158 people were killed and 196 others were injured on the night of Oct. 29 in Itaewon, a multicultural commercial area in Seoul.

Atienza said he felt helpless because he saw people suffering but was unable to save them. “I saw the kids die. We couldn’t do anything but just cover what was happening. What was supposed to be a soft coverage, which should have been happy because it was for the first anniversary of GMA-7’s ‘Dapat Alam Mo,’ turned into a disaster coverage. We shifted to hard news,” the TV host told Inquirer Entertainment.

Being a close call for him and his crew, we asked Atienza about his personal reflections on the tragedy. To this, he said: “That life is so fragile. One minute you’re partying—you feel young, wild and free—and the next minute, you’re gone. Most of those who died were younger than 20.”

Teenage kids

He continued: “Life can be taken away from you anytime, so you have to be prepared. The question is not ‘when’ because we really don’t know, but ‘where will we go: heaven or hell?’ The victims were just kids. They had a full life ahead of them, but they died, just because they wanted to party.”

Atienza added that he could relate very well with the incident because his kids are currently teenagers, too. “They are of the same age as those who died in the tragedy. I know that we will all die at a certain point, but where will we go? It’s the duty of the parents now to ingrain in the minds of their kids the value of spirituality and of being Christians. That’s the challenge now. I want all of my kids to go to heaven.”

Did the incident now make him fear for the safety of his children? “Funny how my kids are so smart because of social media,” Atienza said. “There are a lot of videos circulating on

how to avoid a crowd crush or a stampede, and how to survive them. My kids are actually the ones sending me links to reports on the incident. All I can do is to remind them but I cannot stop them.”

Atienza said that while his wife felt worried about him, “she was happy that I was not harmed. Knowing me, she was afraid that I’d actually go inside the area,” said Atienza in a post-event interview during the recent Inquirer Read-Along Festival, of which he is an ambassador. Atienza read Augie Rivera’s “Bisnesboy Minggoy” to some 60 school kids via Zoom.

Meanwhile, Atienza’s “sexy photo” went viral recently.

It was an old picture of his on the beach with his family. People were complimenting him on how he has managed to maintain a good physique and healthy lifestyle through the years.

“I was surprised with the netizens’ reactions. I’ve already posted that photo several times.

I realized that every good photo has its own time to go viral,” he said, laughing. “I guess people took notice because I’m older now and they are not expecting me to appear the same way I looked before. This probably surprised them. I’m turning 56 in January,” Atienza said in reaction to his photo becoming viral.

Sexy ’80s photo

Atienza explained that at the time the photo was taken in the ’80s, he was part of a show called “Muscles in Motion” on Channel 9. “My body was like that in 1988, but when I joined politics in the ’90s, I totally forgot about it. I thought that the fitness and the muscles that I had would be able to sustain me. I got really focused on politics and television that I forgot about my health. That’s when I got really sick and had a stroke,” he recalled.

“In 2010, I got my fitness back. Only this time, I did a lot of cardio and participated in triathlons. Now, I’m back to lifting weights again,” Atienza said. “Now, my body is like how it was before, but better. In the ’80s, mass was ‘in,’ so my idols back then were bodybuilders Lou Ferrigno and Arnold Schwarzenegger, both winners of the Mr. Universe title. Today, it’s different. Bodybuilding now is more functional. The exercises I do at the gym are designed to make me function better, as an older person. My muscles now are not massive, but are more ripped.”

Last week, Atienza hosted a get-together for members of #TeamNOEL, the talent management group he belongs to. Headed by Noel Ferrer, the group gathered for the first time since the pandemic and celebrated recent victories, infanticipating, weddings, engagement, network transfers and awards, as well as welcomed new members.

Sharon, Kiko reunite after 6-month LQ

“MEGASTAR”

In

“Bati

In

kami

year. Ayan buti bati na,” she wrote.

“Kala ko single na ako uli

She

“Reunited after a 6-month long L.Q. which we thought would lead to a

she said. (By Jan Milo Severo/Philstar.com)

Iza explains why it should be sex reveal, not...

From Page 10

first few months and years,” she said.

“All these decisions are our personal choice. Please do what you think is best

for

pressured to do one just because everyone else around you is doing it. Your journey to parenthood is uniquely yours. Celebrate it! Enjoy it!” she added.

‘Small but significant’ role for Ritz in...

From Page 10

got engaged. “I told him that I would very much want to continue acting. It’s just that, now, I’ll have limitations. That’s a personal choice. Allan is so supportive that he would become my stylist sometimes.”

Ritz continued: “I’m really happy with my life now. I used to feel frustrated with my schedule. I would go to tapings every single day, no rest. After 10 years of working in show biz, I’m now able to do what I want, when I want to. Ang sarap ng pakiramdam! I guess this is why I’ve grown a lot heavier lately.”

Ritz said she has left Star Magic, her talent management

company, and has decided to be a freelancer. “I wanted to focus on my personal life,” she stressed, adding that she hoped to start working behind the cameras soon. “I really want to become a director. Back when I was still doing teleseryes, I would try working as AD (assistant director) because I wanted to experience it. I want to start from the bottom and work my way up. I also want to see for myself what production people go through.”

“Mamasapano” is an official entry to the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival in December. A production of Borracho Films, it also features Edu Manzano, Paolo Gumabao, Aljur Abrenica, Allan Paule, Rey PJ Abellana and Gerald Santos.

you and your child. By all means, throw a reveal if it will make your family and loved ones happy by coming together for that joyful moment. However, don’t be

Kiko Pangilinan and Sharon Cuneta Photo from Instagram/@reallysharoncuneta

Sharon Cuneta revealed that she and husband Francis Pangilinan had a six-month lovers’ quarrel, but all is well now between them.

a series of Instagram posts, Sharon posted photos of her and Kiko.

na

today after pagkahaba habang LQ mula pa nung nasa U.S. kami ni Nana @reginevalcasid !!! Kaya sa lahat ng Korea vlogs ko sa YouTube di kami halos magtabi!” Sharon captioned one of the posts.

another post, Sharon said that she thought she will be single next year.

next

also said that she thought that their fight would lead to separation.

separation,”