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Attorney Gen. Rob Bonta investigates hospital algorithms for racial bias

SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta sailed to victory in the Nov. 8 election, riding his progressive record on reproductive rights, gun control, and social justice reform. As he charts a course for his next four years, the 50-year-old Democrat wants to target racial discrimination in health care, including through an investigation of software programs and decision-making tools used by hospitals to treat patients.

Bonta, the first Filipino American to serve as the state’s top prosecutor, asked 30 hospital CEOs in August for a list of the commercial software programs their facilities use to support clinical decisions, schedule operating rooms, and guide billing practices. In exchange, he offered them confidentiality. His goal, Bonta told KHN, is to identify algorithms that may direct more attention and resources to white patients than to minorities, widening racial disparities in health care access, quality, and outcomes.

Online platform becomes essential tool in fight against hate incidents

IN February of 2020, COVID-19 had not yet hit American shores.

But even before the pandemic emerged in the U.S., Manju Kulkarni, executive director of the AAPI Equity Alliance, noticed a menacing trend: the rise in hate-motivated violence and speech targeting Asian Americans, fueled by former President Donald Trump’s xenophobic remarks on the origins of the virus and its carriers. “The China virus,” proclaimed Trump. “Kung Flu,” he stated, to his cheering fans on the campaign trail.

The first incident Kulkarni became aware of was a young boy who was physically and verbally attacked at his school in a biasmotivated incident. The AAPI Equity Alliance worked with the Los Angeles Unified School 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

Harris reiterates US commitment to defend PH

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and visiting U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday, November 21 hailed the “strong” and “enduring” ties between the Philippines and the United States amid global headwinds.

“Your visit is a very strong symbol that these relationships remain strong, that these relationships remain important as indeed they do.

I have said many times, I do not see a future for the Philippines that does not include the United States,” Marcos told Harris during her courtesy call in Malacañang.

In their tete-a-tete, the early part of which

was aired on state television, Harris described the Philippine-U.S. relationship as “a long and enduring one” and spoke about “so many opportunities for us to continue to strengthen our relationship” under Marcos’ leadership.

Harris cited, among others, “mutual concerns” about regional security, which she said was one basis of bilateral ties between the two nations.

“We are both proud members of the IndoPacific [region]. And in particular, as it relates to the Philippines, I will say that we must reiterate always that we stand with you in defense of international rules and norms as it relates to the South China Sea,” she said.

Harris alluded to the general terms of the 1951 Philippine-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT),

saying “an armed attack on the Philippines armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke U.S. mutual defense commitments.”

“And that is an unwavering commitment that we have to the Philippines,” she said.

Another basis of bilateral relations, the American vice president added, was mutual commitments to international rules and norms.

“Upholding those international rules and norms in all of the ways that we know allow for, again, prosperity and security for our respective nations in the region,” she said.

“So again, I will reiterate that the alliance between the United States and the Philippines

Marcos: Harris visit ‘very strong symbol’ of Philippines-US alliance

Harris paid a courtesy call on Marcos at Malacañan as part of a visit that a senior U.S. administration official said is meant to strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and the U.S.

Ties between the two countries are now being mended, following tumultuous times under the previous administration with former President Rodrigo Duterte distancing the country from the U.S. in favor of China and Russia.

“We went through different phases of relationship, but as in since the war, it has just been strengthened in every way,” Marcos said.

“I cannot think of an area where we have not cooperated, collaborated, and have had good results for both countries,” Marcos said as he told u PAGE 2

Marcos Jr.: PH to send note verbale to China after Pag-asa island incident

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, November 22 said the Philippine government would send a note verbale to China following the incident near Pag-asa Island where a China Coast Guard ship seized rocket debris from the Philippine Navy.

Marcos said the issue must be resolved, considering China and the Philippine Navy have different accounts of the incident.

“Yes, I think that that’s what we need to

do because the… when it was first reported to me by the Chief of Staff, I asked him to immediately call his… the Philippine… the military attaché in the Chinese embassy and to get a report,” he told reporters in an interview.

“Hindi nagtugma ‘yung report ng Philippine Navy at saka ‘yung report na galing sa China because the word ‘forcibly’ was used in the Navy, in the Philippine Navy report. And that was not the characterization in the Chinese navy report or the report coming from China. So we have to resolve

PH rejects same-sex marriage: We’re not ready for that, says DOJ’s Remulla PH not likely to rejoin ICC

MANILA — The Philippine government is firm against same-sex marriage.

Same-sex marriage was among the recommendations made by member-states of the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Legalization of Abortion and Divorce that was rejected by the country.

“Culturally, our values may [has a] conflict with many of the values that they want to impose upon us…That’s what we believe, ha, unless somebody argues otherwise; that is our position right now,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a press conference.

Over the weekend, Remulla also said that

the country is rejecting measures such as the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression Equality (SOGIE) bill.

“I think, culturally, we are not ready for that,” Remulla said.

If the country rejected same-sex marriage, it has deferred its stand on divorce because, according to Remulla, it is a matter that is up to the legislators.

“We cannot immediately grant it unless the legislature properly debates about it 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.

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Friday, November 18 that it is highly unlikely that the Philippines will rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Remulla added he deemed it unnecessary, noting the Philippines is not a troubled country like Sudan “that has no government running the show.”

“You always think if [a recommendation is] practical, necessary or beneficial for your country. You do not jump in and say, ‘Oh, we’ll jump in because they say it,’” Remulla said following his return from the Universal

US pledges $5 million more to fund COVID-19 fight in PH

MANILA — The United States on Monday, November 21 committed an additional $5 million or P287 million in COVID-19 funding for the Philippines.

U.S. Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, who made the announcement as he visited Caloocan City, said that the funding would be coursed through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

“This assistance, funded through the American Rescue Plan, will support vaccine distribution for children and

adults in line with the Philippine government’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts to intensify and strengthen the country’s wall of immunity,” the USAID said in a statement.

To date, the Philippines received almost $50 million or P2.86 billion in COVID response aid from the U.S.

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

T he F ilipino –A meric A n c ommuni T y n ewsp A per SAN DIEGO Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages Also published in LOS ANGELES • ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE • NORTHERN CALIFORNIA • NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY • LAS VEGAS NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 1, 2022 550 East 8th St., Suite 6, National City, CA 91950 Tel: (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • Email: info@asianjournalinc.com DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
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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
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MANILA — U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to the Philippines is a ‘very strong symbol’ of the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Monday, November 21. United States Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff leads the turnover of hygiene kits to the city government of Caloocan and its students on Monday, November 21. PNA photo

pledges $5 million...

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. n

Harris reiterates US commitment to defend...

is a strong and enduring one, and only under your leadership continues to be strengthened. And we look forward to working with you on many of these issues,” she said.

Evolving ties

The president, for his part, described the PhilippineU.S. relations as “something that both our countries have really come to depend upon,” and reiterated his desire to strengthen and at the same time evolve the ties.

“[W]ith more upheavals that we are seeing, not only in the region, but especially in the region, this partnership becomes even more important. The situation is rapidly changing. We must evolve to be properly responsive to that situation. And so that is why it is very important that we continue to progress, that we continue to strengthen, as we redefine those relationships,” he said.

Marcos noted that bilateral ties have gone through “different phases of relationship” and since the postwar era “has just been strengthened in every way: in the economic sense, in the political sense, [and] defense security.”

“You cannot think of an area where we have not cooperated, collaborated, and have had good results for both our countries,” he said.

ADVOCACY. U.S. Vice President

Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, for a town hall

of women and girls.

energy and thinking about clean power and the industries that will come about because of that commitment.”

A fact sheet on Harris’ visit to the Philippines released by the White House on Sunday, November 20 said that the United States and the Philippines were initiating negotiations on a civil nuclear cooperation agreement. Once in force, this will provide the legal basis for U.S. exports of nuclear equipment and material to the Philippines.

the country for the 2017 AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

Vice President Sara Duterte, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez, and other government officials were also present at the courtesy call and tete-a-tete.

that the United States was showing its true commitment to defend the Philippines in any conflict in the West Philippine Sea.

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, however, called on the U.S. government to fully commit to the MDT with the Philippines.

“That (Harris visit) is an indicator that they are really here for us because otherwise, they could just be ignoring us. But the relationship should be mutual and not one-sided,” he said.

Sen. Christopher Go said visiting dignitaries from allied countries were welcome, especially if these would usher in more support for the Philippines such as the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

In the House of Representatives, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez noted that the visit of Harris sent a clear signal to China that the Philippines has U.S. support in the South China Sea dispute.

However, Gabriela women’s party list said that Harris’ visit to Palawan might be seen as a provocation, as it slammed the package of “dangerous deals” that the US vice president brought with her.

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.” n

Marcos: Harris visit...

Harris that her visit is “a very strong symbol” of the enduring relationship between the two countries.

“I have said many times, I do not see a future for the Philippines that does not include the United States.”

The U.S. is the Philippines’ treaty ally and former colonizer.

Reaffirming 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty

At the same meeting, the U.S. reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment” to its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines.

“I will say that we must reiterate always that we

stand with you in defense of international rules and norms as it relates to the South China Sea,” Harris told Marcos.

“An armed attack on the Philippines’ armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke U.S. mutual defense commitments,” she added, emphasizing previous pronouncements that Washington would come to Manila’s defense if needed.

Harris emphasized that this is an “unwavering commitment” the U.S. aims to maintain.

Nationalist groups have long protested the Philippines’ military ties to the U.S., saying it puts the country at risk. n

Harris said she intended to talk with the president about opportunities presented by mutual concerns such as the climate crisis “and what we might do in terms of investments and renewable

Harris was accompanied in the Palace by her husband, second gentleman Douglas Emhoff, and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.

Mr. Marcos, touching on the U.S. official’s visit to Palawan province on Tuesday, November 22, jestingly told Harris: “I’m sure you’re just going to the resorts and the beaches,” to which she replied, “that is not the life I’ve chosen these days.”

The group cited the civil nuclear cooperation agreement, which House deputy minority leader and ACT Teachers Rep.

‘Dangerous deals’

She arrived in the Philippines on Sunday night, the first visit in five years by a high-ranking U.S. official since former President Donald Trump visited

In Congress, two of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s allies in the Senate on Monday welcomed the U.S. official’s visit, saying this could signal

PH rejects same-sex... Marcos Jr.: PH to send note verbale to China after...

The

France Castro also strongly opposed, saying that modular or microreactor nuclear power plants were still in the experimental stage.

—With reports from Melvin Gascon and Jeannette I. Andrade n

this issue,” he added.

(The report of the Philippine Navy and that from China does not match because the Philippine Navy used the word “forcibly” in its report, and that was not the characterization in the report from China. So we have to resolve this issue.)

The President said he has “complete trust” in the Philippine Navy and believes what they say, adding that the Chinese must be asked why their account is “so different and much more benign.”

“We’ll have to find a way to resolve this. This is one of the things, this kind of incidents are some of the things that I’m glad that I’m

going to Beijing in early January because these are the things that we need to work out because with the way that the region, our region, Asia-Pacific is heating up, baka may magkamali lang, may mistake, may misunderstanding then lalaki ‘yung sunog,” he said.

(Someone may just make a mistake, and there will be a misunderstanding which will become bigger.)

“We don’t want that to happen. So we want to have a mechanism na we have to find a way na hindi na mangyari ‘yun, na wala tayong mga incident na ganyan,” he said. (We have to find a way that will not happen again.)

According to the military, the Philippine Navy was towing suspected rocket debris to Philippine-held Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, some 480 kilometers northwest of Palawan province, when a China Coast Guard ship appeared and blocked the boat, then “forcefully retrieved” the debris.

National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos has recommended to the President the sending of a note verbale in light of the incident. n

Online platform becomes essential tool...

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.

(Sunita Sohrabji/ Ethnic Media Services) n

NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 1, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 2
face-off between the Philippine Navy and a vessel of the Chinese coast guard happened on Sunday morning, November 20, several hours before U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ arrival in Manila for a threeday visit.
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Kamala Harris arrives at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel on meeting where she talked about the empowerment Photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer MORE AID FOR COVID-19 JABS. United States Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff (right) hands over a box of hygiene kits and COVID-19 supplies to Mayor Allan Dale “Along” Malapitan, along with Health Undersecretary Officer-In-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire (left), during the turnover ceremony at Gregoria De Jesus Elementary School in Caloocan City on Monday, Nov. 21. The United States donated USD5 million (PHP286.81 million) to accelerate the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in the Philippines via the United States Agency for International Development. PNA photo by Ben Briones

Attorney Gen. Rob Bonta investigates...

“Unequal access to our health care system needs to be combated and reversed, not carried forward and propagated, and algorithms have the power to do either,” Bonta said.

It’s too early to know what Bonta will find, and his office will not name the hospitals involved. The California Hospital Association said in a statement that such bias “has absolutely no place in medical treatment provided to any patient in any care setting” and declined to comment further.

Advocates have high hopes for what Bonta will find — and for the next four years. “We expect to see a lot more from him in this full term,” said Ron Coleman Baeza, managing director of policy for the California PanEthnic Health Network. “There is much more work to do.”

Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Bonta as attorney general after Xavier Becerra left the position to join the Biden administration as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In the Nov. 8 election, which won him his first full term, Bonta faced Republican challenger Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor who campaigned on prosecuting violent criminals and pulling the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl off the streets. In contrast, Bonta advocated for gun control and decriminalizing lowerlevel drug offenses, and in January advised law enforcement officials not to prosecute women for murder when a fetus dies, even if their drug use contributed to the death.

In unofficial results, Bonta had about 59% of the statewide vote, compared with 41% for Hochman.

Bonta, formerly a state legislator representing the East Bay, will be eligible to run for a second full term, which could allow him to serve for nearly 10 years.

His wife, Democratic state Assembly member Mia Bonta, was among the public officials who discussed their abortion experiences after a leaked draft of a U.S. Supreme Court opinion that was published in May revealed the justices would likely repeal Roe v. Wade. After they did, the attorney general threatened legal action against local jurisdictions that tried to adopt abortion bans.

Bonta called health care a right for all Californians and said he wanted to help people of color and low-income communities get more access to doctors and treatments, as well as better care. “It’s something I’ve been actively working on as an elected official my entire career, and even before that,” said Bonta, whose father helped organize health clinics for Central Valley farmworkers.

But health equity remains an elusive goal, even as it has become a catchphrase among advocates, researchers, politicians, and health care executives. And as with most aspects of the state’s mammoth health care system, progress comes slowly.

The Newsom administration, for example, will require managed-care plans that sign new Medicaid contracts to hire a chief equity officer and pledge to reduce health

disparities, including in pediatric and maternal care. The state’s Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal, serves nearly 15 million people — most of whom are people of color. But those changes won’t come until 2024, at the earliest.

State lawmakers are also trying to minimize racial discrimination through legislation. In 2019, for example, they passed a law that mandates implicit bias training for health care providers serving pregnant women. Black women are three times as likely to die from having a baby as white women.

In recent years, researchers started warning that racial discrimination was baked into the diagnostic algorithms that doctors use to guide their treatment decisions. One model predicted a lower rate of success for vaginal births among Black and Hispanic women who previously had a cesarean delivery than among white women, but failed to take into account patients’ marital status and insurance type, both of which can affect the success rate of a vaginal birth. Another, used by urologists, assigned Black patients coming into emergency rooms with “flank pain” a lower likelihood of having kidney stones than non-Black patients — even though the software’s developers failed to explain why.

Some researchers likened such medical algorithms to risk assessment tools used in the criminal justice system, which can lead to higher bail amounts and longer prison sentences for Black defendants. “If the underlying data reflect racist social structures, then their use in predictive tools cements racism into practice and policy,” they wrote in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2020.

Bonta is seeking the hospital industry’s cooperation in his algorithm investigation by framing racial and ethnic disparities as injustices that require intervention. He said he believes that his inquiry is the first of its kind and that it falls under the California Department of Justice’s responsibility to protect civil rights and consumers. “We have a lot of depth,” he said of his 4,500-employee agency.

Coleman Baeza and other advocates for health care consumers said the attorney

general

“They violate existing consumer protections, and that falls squarely within the AG’s jurisdiction,” said Linda Nguy, a senior policy advocate for the Western Center on Law and Poverty.

Nguy urged Bonta to go after underperforming health plans when they fail to contract with enough providers so patients can get timely appointments, even though the California Department of Managed Health Care is the state’s main health insurance regulator.

“During covid, the health plans were essentially given a pause on reporting of their timely access. But that pause is over, and the plans have to meet these requirements,” Nguy said. “He can ask for that utilization data.”

Bonta remains circumspect on a particular issue related to race.

His office has been facilitating California’s reparations task force, which issued a nearly 500-page preliminary report this year that noted that Black Californians had shorter life expectancies and poorer health outcomes than other groups. In surveys of hospitals across the country, Black patients with heart disease “receive older, cheaper, and more conservative treatments” than white patients, the report said.

The task force could recommend cash compensation for Black Californians who can establish ties to enslaved ancestors, but Bonta hasn’t endorsed that plan. The final report is due in July.

“If we can move the needle, then we should,” Bonta said. “There are a whole set of different possible solutions, pathways to get there.” (Mark Kreidler/Kaiser Health News)

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. n

PH not likely to...

Periodic Review (UPR) of the Philippines’ human rights record in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Philippines ratified the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC, on Aug. 30, 2011, which took effect on Nov. 1, 2011.

However, the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019 during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte, the second country to do so after Burundi in 2017.

Duterte made the decision to withdraw the Philippines’ membership from the body after the ICC launched a probe into his controversial anti-drug campaign in 2018.

The ICC said that it retains jurisdiction over the crimes allegedly committed by Philippine authorities that occurred from Nov. 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019, when the country was still a state party to the statute.

Remulla said extensive consultations with various sectors including Congress will be required for the Philippines to return to the ICC.

He said the Philippines rejoining the body was just one of the 297 recommendations made by the United Nations Human Rights Council during the UPR.

Of the 297 recommendations, Remulla said 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.

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 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. n

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STORYBOOKS. United States Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff (in blue suit, facing camera) and Health Undersecretary Officer-In-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire (left, back to camera) distribute storybooks to the students at Gregoria De Jesus Elementary School in Caloocan City during the Healthy and Safe Back to School program on Monday, Nov. 21. The “Tibay ng Dibdib” storybook is based on the true-to-life tuberculosis journey of two young sisters both elementary students who survived the disease with support from their family, community, health care workers and local government unit. PNA photo by Ben Briones should also monitor nonprofit hospital mergers to ensure that health care facilities don’t reduce beds in underserved communities and crack down on predatory medical lending, particularly in dental care. California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks at a news conference in Los Angeles on Oct. 12. Photo by Hans Gutknecht / MediaNews Group / Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images
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Senate forms oversight committee on intelligence funds, programs

MANILA — The Senate on Monday, November 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 lumpsum 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) n

‘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 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

In a statement on Sunday, November 20, 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, November 19.

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 magengage, 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

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u PAGE 8
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 Asia-Pacific 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
Dateline PhiliPPines

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, Genevabased 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.”

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

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

THE visit of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris to the Philippines brought us right into the center of international attention, most especially with her itinerary that included a high-profile trip to Palawan province which is located near the Spratlys. Observers predicted that the Palawan visit – which included a tour aboard a Philippine Coast Guard vessel around Puerto Princesa City – may be interpreted by our neighbor to the north as a “rebuke,” with the turn of events being a cause of “irritation.”

But whatever it is, we must remember that from day one of his presidency, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been consistent in communicating to the international community that we have a clear foreign policy that strives in no uncertain terms to be “a friend to all and an enemy to none,” focusing on rebalancing relations with existing and new allies.

Certainly, we value our oldest and only treaty ally, the United States, but we also want to work with other countries including China, and this has been evident during the President’s state visits and bilateral meetings with other heads of state. However, there is no avoiding the fact that we have an issue with China regarding

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.,

another extension of their 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).

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), TimorLeste (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.

Sandwiched between two major powers

disputed territories, with the Philippines obtaining a favorable ruling from the arbitral court in The Hague, Netherlands in July 2016 that junked China’s historic claims on the South China Sea on the basis of its so-called ninedash line.

During his meeting with the Asia Society in New York last September, the President was unequivocal in saying that the position that the Philippines takes is that “we have no territorial conflict with China” because what we have is “China claiming territory that belongs to the Philippines.”

Nevertheless, the President is intent on working with China and other claimant states with the end in view of “resolving the issues involving the West Philippine Sea through diplomacy and dialogue,” he said.

The President reiterated this message during the recently concluded ASEAN summits when he pushed for the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea as this is envisioned to help reduce the risk of conflict. He also called on leaders to be guided by the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) that outlines universal principles of peaceful coexistence and cooperation, particularly among the “high contracting parties” such as the ASEAN membernations and others that include the U.S., China, Japan and Russia.

Likewise, he highlighted the potential of the South China

because the 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

Sea to become “a nexus of vibrant economic engagements and interactions” and “not an epicenter of armed conflict or geopolitical maneuverings.”

With that having been said, the in-person meeting between President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping during the G-20 summit in Bali, Indonesia is seen by many as a right step towards de-escalating the tension between these giants, as both have promised to put more effort into repairing “a relationship that has been at its most rancorous point in decades,” went an article in the New York Times

“None of that hid the deeply divergent views behind their disagreements, including over the future of Taiwan, military rivalry, technology restrictions and China’s mass detentions of its citizens. But with the stakes so high, both Mr. Biden’s and Mr. Xi’s language represented a choice not to gamble on unrestricted conflict but to bet that personal diplomacy and more than a decade of contacts could stave off worsening disputes,” the NYT succinctly put it.

“But neither leader went into the meeting expecting the other to concede on their major areas of disagreement. The point, they said, was to keep lines of communication open to prevent the relationship from devolving further,” the New York Times article pointed out.

In a report written by Don McLain Gill and Joshua Bernard Espeña published at

geopoliticalmonitor.com, they pointed to the “critical role” that the Philippines – a middle power – can play in the “overall power equation as the U.S. and China battle for influence in the Indo-Pacific.” The country’s strategic location serves as a tipping point in the rivalry as it has “the potential to change the balance of power” between these two giants and can “cause major power shifts in the greater IndoPacific region.”

One important factor is that a large majority of Filipinos consider the United States as the most trusted nation and believe President Marcos should assert our rights in the West Philippine Sea. At the same time, they also do not want the Philippines to be

like ham in a sandwich – caught between two slabs of bread and be gobbled up in the end.

As I pointed out on many occasions, any conflict can only lead to death and destruction as we are seeing in the war in Ukraine, and the only way out is through continuing dialogue and diplomacy. While critics may say that what has been happening so far is all talk, that is still by far better than engaging in warfare. My ASEAN colleagues in Washington and I have always maintained that the only way to peace is through the continuing conduct of dialogue and diplomacy, a position that the Philippines continues to advance.

President Marcos emphasized

Crisis of leaders, crisis of voters

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 countries around

during the ASEAN

the South China Sea should remain “a sea of peace, a sea of security and stability and of prosperity.”

And as he clearly articulated, the leaders of the world must remember that they have a “moral and legal obligation to work toward finding solutions and not resort to inciting conflicts” – because to do otherwise will surely lead us to perdition. (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

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 step-back 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.

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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) summit that MEETING OF ALLIES US. Vice President Kamala Harris meets with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang Palace on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, to discuss the strengthening of the security alliance and economic friendship between the United States and the Philippines. Photo by MARIANNE BERMUDEZ / Philippine Daily Inquirer Joel
Flea Market of Ideas

House approves bill for enhanced media workers’ protection, benefits

by Julie m aurelio Inquirer.net

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. n

US, Philippines to launch negotiations on civil nuclear cooperation

during U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ first official trip to Manila.

According to the U.S. Office of the Vice President (VPOTUS), the two countries will be launching the negotiations for the agreement, dubbed the “123 agreement,” to collaborate on zero-emission energy and nonproliferation priorities.

“[The] ‘123 agreement’ is the legal basis that the United States needs to expand civil cooperation and it consists of arrangements to ensure that civil nuclear energy cooperation is protected against nuclear weapons proliferation,” a senior administration official told reporters in a background briefing on Sunday evening, November 20.

He added that the agreement is integral before the formal civil

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, November 21 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 TidballBinz 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 u PAGE 8

‘BBM made good impression at...

(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) n

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com 7 SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 1, 2022
MANILA — The United States and the Philippines are launching negotiations for a civil nuclear energy cooperation This photo taken on April 5, 2022 shows a security guard walking in front of the main gate of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in the town of Morong in Bataan province, north of Manila. The nuclear power plant built in the disaster-prone Philippines during Ferdinand Marcos’s regime, but never switched on due to safety fears and corruption, could be revived under president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s term.
u PAGE
AFP / Ted Aljibe
8
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UN expert coming to help...

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) n

US, Philippines to launch negotiations...

cooperation can begin as required under the U.S. National Security Act.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has made it clear that he plans to adopt nuclear power, along with leading the country’s transition to renewable energy, as the country grapples with an energy crisis.

Washington said it aims to assist the country “to increase energy security and deploying advanced nuclear reactor technology as quickly as safety and security conditions permit to meet the Philippines’ dire baseload power needs.”

“Such a deployment would support both energy security and climate goals, as well support workers and businesses in both

LEGAL SERVICES

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00040738-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED

PERSONS: Petitioner Anthony Jesus Hernandez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Anthony Jesus Hernandez to Jesus 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: 01/03/2023 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: NOV. 17, 2022

NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT

Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1077 11/25, 12/02, 12/09, and 12/16/2022

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 1077

countries,” the statement from Harris’ office read.

In his first State of the Nation Address, Marcos said the government will comply with rules set out by the International Atomic Energy Agency for nuclear power plants.

He said this plan could be backed by publicprivate partnerships. Although aside from the U.S., France has also expressed interest in supporting the Philippines’ goal.

However, groups such as Power for People Coalition criticized Marcos’ plans for the country’s energy security, saying that it is “distracted and unsound” by prioritizing both renewable energy even as he pushed for LNG and nuclear. n

Prepare for worst in 2023, lawmaker urges government

MANILA — A senior opposition lawmaker has warned the Marcos administration to not rest on its laurels like the recent robust economic growth, but should prepare for the projected “looming global recession” in fiscal year 2023.

Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr., who replaced the Camarines Sur district position that former vice president Leni Robredo left in 2016, said he sees bleak prospects ahead, based on the continuous surge in United States interest rates, record-high inflation, unresolved Ukraine war, among others.

“We do need to protect our people from the impact of the global recession as well as the real and direct consequences of an economy that is very vulnerable to the shocks caused by global conflict,” Bordado said.

The third-term congressman, who belongs to the official minority bloc at the House of Representatives headed by Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, conceded that while the local economy “appears to be resilient,” there is still a need to “prepare” for the worst.

Bordado made these remarks in his recent privilege speech, noting that issues brought about by global conflict, like the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the worsening climate crisis spawning extreme weather events and calamities, need to be solved.

The Philippines was in recession in late 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bordado also highlighted the country’s vulnerability to “external forces” or developments either in the

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

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. 2022-9024684

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. 2022-9024806

Carpenters Cartel located at 158 W. Calle Primera #16, San Ysidro, CA 92173.

Registrant: Juan Pablo Bastidas Hernandez, 158 W. Calle Primera #16, San Ysidro, CA 92173.

This business is conducted by Individual

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/10/2022

Signature: Juan Pablo Bastidas Hernandez.

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

AJ 1074 11/18, 11/25, 12/02, 12/09/2022. AJSD 1074

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9023277

Mammys Express located at 1070 13th St., Suite F, Imperial Beach, CA 91932.

Registrant: Jessica Perez, 5641 Surfrider Way #186, San Diego, CA 92154.

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature: Jessica Perez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/20/2022.

AJ 1075 11/18, 11/25, 12/02, and 12/09/2022. AJSD1075

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 NO. 2022-9025080

K & D Trans located at 11814 Via Hacienda, El Cajon, CA 92019.

Registrant: Karam Jameel, 11814 Via Hacienda, El Cajon, CA 92019.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/15/2022.

Signature: Karam Jameel.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/15/2022.

AJ 1076 11/18, 11/25, 12/02, 12/09/2022. AJSD 1076

Asian region or globally, being a “country highly dependent on imported commodities.”

Last August, the balance of trade reached a record high deficit of $6 billion.

While it narrowed down to $4.8 billion in September, the continued negative balance of trade only highlights the fact that the country needs to seriously come up with measures to address selfsufficiency, food security and lesser dependency on imports, according to the lawmaker.

While the cautious Bordado raised the specter of yet another domestic recession, Speaker Martin Romualdez is optimistic about the country’s chances of being over the hump by next year, as shown by the steady economic growth for several quarters now.

“I have no doubt on my mind that we can all fully recover from this crisis if we are united. The best is yet to come, if we come together and work hard together. This is for our country, our future,” Romualdez said.

“The President has an Agenda for Prosperity. This agenda has as its core mission the country’s economic transformation towards inclusivity and sustainability,” he added.

The House leader credited the Marcos administration’s Medium-Term Fiscal Framework and its eight-point socio-economic agenda for the economic expansion, which Romualdez said surprised many analysts. (By Delon Porcalla/ Philstar.com) n

LEGAL SERVICES

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. 2022-9024295

Jiménez Painting & Coatings located at 4077 1/2 Beta Street, San Diego, CA 92113.

Registrant: José Antonio Jiménez, 4077 1/2 Beta Street, San Diego, CA 92113.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/31/2021.

Signature: José Antonio Jiménez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/03/2022.

AJ 1072 11/18, 11/25, 12/02, 12/09/2022. AJSD 1072

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. 2022-9023258

Billionaires Barber Club II located at 2220 E. Plaza Blvd., Unit No. 1, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: a. Angela Nguyen, 5940 Kenwood St., San Diego, CA 92114.

b. Julian Hodges, 5940 Kenwood St., San Diego, CA 92114.

This business is conducted by General Partnership

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

Signature: Julian Hodges. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/20/2022.

AJ_1073 11/18, 11/25, 12/02, 12/09/2022. AJSD 1073

NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 1, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 8
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EMPLOYMENT HOUSING

How a Fil-Am author ’s debut novel was inspired by a quote, then a question B R O W N G I R L S B Y DA P H N E PA L A S I A N D R E A D E S

“My workshop professor, Elissa Schappell, mentioned it in class one day, and they were the right words that I needed to hear at the right time. Prior to this, I had been struggling in the program—I didn’t have many peers who were immigrant kids or writers of color, nor faculty members I could turn to; the authors we read in class were ones I respected and admired, but who were predominantly white,” she recalled. “It was also 2017 and, in the larger world, Trump had just been elected. Anti-immigrant sentiment increased. In many ways, I felt erased and voiceless.”

Inspired by the quote, the aspiring Filipino American novelist felt empowered to write. She asked herself a question: ‘What is the story that I am longing to read, but don’t see depicted in art or literature?’

Andreades realized that it was a story that centered immigrants and communities of color, in all their beauty and complexity.

“I also wanted to set the book in Queens, New York, my hometown, a place that is the most ethnically and linguistically diverse place in the entire U.S.— yet one not really represented in art,” she shared. “I wanted to change this narrative.”

That book is Brown Girls her first novel. It is now a New York Times Editors’ Choice, a Finalist for the New American Voices Award, and featured in The Center for Fiction’s 2022 First Novel Prize. CUNY Baruch College, her alma mater, picked the book for their incoming freshmen to read.

Born and raised in Queens to Filipino parents from Baguio City, Andreades holds an MFA from Columbia University, where she was awarded a Henfield Prize and a Creative Writing Teaching Fellowship.

“This book is a culmination of years of hard work and determination,” Andreades told the Asian Journal. “I hope other people—women, immigrants, people of color, and folks from Queens, New York, especially— see themselves and their lives reflected in these pages. I hope it inspires other young people interested in the arts, especially if they are the children of immigrants, to work hard and pursue their dreams.”

Andreades describes writing her debut novel as challenging for many reasons—the stress of feeling out of place and alienated at school, the hardships of the pandemic, and her own selfdoubt.

Despite wanting to give up so many times, she pulled back and kept returning to the work. The process of writing a book taught her that perseverance is essential.

“Writing Brown Girls also pushed me to take creative risks. For example, my novel is told through a chorus of voices. I use an unconventional point-ofview, the “we,” which means that there’s no single protagonist, but a symphony of women’s voices,” she explained. “By using this unconventional perspective, I wanted to highlight the shared experiences—of immigration, assimilation, and dealing with marginalization in the U.S.— and histories between people of color, across different ethnicities and diasporas.”

In our Q-and-A, Andreades shared her journey, how she overcame the challenges along the way, and how immigrant writers and their stories fueled her desire to become a writer herself.

How long did you work on Brown Girls? I worked on Brown Girls for four-and-a-half years. I started it in 2017 when I was a secondyear MFA student and continued working on it after I graduated, from 2018 to 2020, while I was also juggling various jobs teaching, copywriting, and working in a restaurant. These different gigs allowed me to write

in the morning, which is what I prefer. However, in February 2020, I promised myself that, come spring, I would double down on finishing my novel.

However, March 2020 came and the COVID-19 pandemic swept through New York City and the rest of the world. It was an extremely difficult time—I was furloughed from my jobs and worried for my family members who are healthcare workers. My mother and brother, specifically, were nurses at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, which was called “the epicenter of the epicenter.”

During this time, I contemplated giving up on writing. However, I kept going because making art was an outlet to both escape the world and confront it, to grieve and to heal, and a way to have a voice when I felt voiceless. In May 2020, I finished a draft of Brown Girls that I was proud of.

In June 2020, I sent the manuscript to trusted readers and incorporated their feedback.

In July 2020, I signed with my now agent. In September 2020, we sold the book to Random House. My editor, Marie Pantojan, is Filipino. It has been so meaningful to collaborate with her on Brown Girls

What was it like when you held the book for the first time?

Holding the book in my hands for the first time was amazing, surreal, and joyous. Brown Girls has been out for almost a year now! However, the paperback edition publishes this November.

The book is a celebration of Queens and bits of Filipino culture - did you have that dream when you were younger, of coming up with a culturallyspecific book?

Ever since I was in high school, it was a dream and a goal to become a writer and publish a book that centered on the lives of immigrants. As a teen, I encountered work by contemporary authors who were immigrants and wrote about immigrant communities—novels and short story collections

few.

Their work made a huge impression on me. I recognized myself and my experiences in their fiction. Their work also made me think: ‘If they could do it, then maybe I could, too.’ Later, in college and graduate school, I read work by Filipino American authors Jessica Hagedorn, Lysley Tenorio, and Mia Alvar, who further fueled my desire to become a writer.

I believe that all of these authors paved the way for me, and other young, emerging artists who are immigrants and people of color, to tell our stories. I’m indebted to these authors and hope that my work inspires other young artists in the future, too.

What is your writing process like?

An important part of my writing process is keeping a journal. I’ve kept a journal since I was seven years old. My aunt gave my first one for Christmas, and it’s been a practice I’ve had ever since. Keeping a journal is a space for me to jot down my thoughts, observations, overheard bits of dialogue, lyrics, dreams, lists, images, everything. In short, it’s a great way to observe the world and capture it through language.

In my journals, I also work out ideas and scenes for my fiction. I prefer to write my first drafts by longhand, rather than on the computer. Something about writing by longhand feels lower stakes to me; I am looser, less self-conscious, and I let myself make a mess on the page, which is what I think writing a first draft is all about!

After some time, I transcribe my journals onto the computer; through this process, I also come up with another draft, the first of dozens. I love revision—trying to find the verb or adjective that captures what I want to evoke, adding scenes, thinking of a story’s structure, and deepening the story’s themes and characters, are both challenging and fun.

Where are you based now?

How long have you been based there?

I am based in New York City. New York is a place that really inspires me—the mix of people all living together, the sights, sounds, smells. However, I love to travel but haven’t gotten to do much of it because of the pandemic these past two years. But I plan to travel again in 2023. I could see myself living in other cities in the future and allowing those places to influence my writing.

Where are your parents from in the Philippines?

My parents are from the Cordillera region of the Philippines.

When was the last time you traveled there? Any fond memories?

The last time I visited the Philippines was seven years ago. I had just gotten married and traveled with my husband, who is also from New York and an artist, to meet my relatives and to see parts of the country. It was really special to experience the Philippines together. We loved traveling to Sagada and exploring the Sagada Caves, though it was also terrifying! We visited Bontoc, Banaue, and stayed with my cousins in Baguio. I loved seeing art at BenCab Museum and Easter Weaving.

I will also be traveling to the Philippines this spring and am so excited! n

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com 9 SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 1, 2022 9
JOURNAL NOVEMBER 25, 2022
SAN DIEGO
DAPHNE Palasi Andreades was a second-year graduate student pursuing an MFA in fiction writing at Columbia University when she first heard a quote by the author Toni Morrison: “If there is a book you want to read, but it has not been written yet, then you must be the one to write it.” by Jhumpa Lahiri, Edwidge Danticat, Zadie Smith, and Julie Otsuka, to name a “I am really grateful to my friends, family, and teachers who encouraged me to keep going and reminded me that I had a story to tell,” Daphne Palasi Andrades told the Asian Journal in a recent interview. Bottom photo shows Daphne Palasi-Andreades (left) and her fellow authors Victor Manibo (The Sleepless) and Albert Samaha (Concepcion) along with event host Marisa Seifan of Honeybrains and moderator Vina Orden at a fundraiser for the nonprofit ARK, a social impact innovator. Andreades with one of the event’s moderators, TV host and journalism educator Ernabel Demillo. AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya Andreades worked on Brown Girls for four-and-a-half years starting in 2017. A Toni Morrison quote inspired and empowered her to write this story. Daphne Andreades Photo by Jingyu Lin

Mayor Gloria, Councilmember Campbell welcome community back to upgraded Tecolote Shores North

SAN DIEGO – On Saturday, November 19

Mayor Todd Gloria and City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell joined San Diegans to celebrate the reopening of Tecolote Shores North in Mission Bay, a popular playground for locals and visitors. This portion of a larger project to renovate several facilities along Mission Bay includes improvements to the playground, comfort station and parking lot.

“These improvements in the Tecolote Shores area of Mission Bay Park are emblematic of our efforts to get things done for San Diego residents and, in this case, our visitors, too,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “I was thrilled to cut the ribbon today and I’m proud to know that folks from all over the world will be enjoying these amenities for many years to come.”

The $3.8 million park features upgraded play equipment to provide access for all users, an adult fitness course, shade structures, improved landscaping and irrigation. Other renovations to the site include a retrofitted comfort station, parking lot improvements and an ADA-compliant pathway with security lighting that connects Tecolote Shores North

and Tecolote Shores South.

“I am incredibly grateful to have this upgraded facility in Mission Bay,” said Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, who represents District 2. “This beautiful new area means residents can enjoy the outdoors by taking a stroll or playing on the playground. I want to thank Mayor Gloria for his interest in ensuring people have outdoor spaces like these to enjoy, as well as the Engineering and Capital Projects and Parks and Recreation departments for creating this wonderful space.”

The opening of Tecolote Shores North completes Phase 1 of the City’s Tecolote Park Improvements project. Phase 1 included Tecolote Shores North and the De Anza Cove adult fitness course, which opened in May. Phase 2 includes upgrades to Tecolote Shores South. That work is expected to begin in the coming weeks and be completed in May 2023. The total cost for Phases 1 and 2 is $8.38 million. This project is paid for through the Mission Bay Park Improvement Fund.

(City of San Diego Release) n

pouring grease down the drain

SAN DIEGO – The holidays are a time for joyful festivities, so why ruin the season with a clogged sewer line? The City of San Diego reminds residents to never pour fats, oils and grease down the drain.

Many San Diegans may be doing a lot of extra cooking at home during the holiday season. It’s important to remember that cooking grease can coat sewer pipelines leading to blockages, messy spills and the need for costly repairs.

In addition to preventing sewer problems at your home and your neighborhood, proper disposal of these substances is also better for our environment. The spilled sewage can

eventually reach San Diego’s bays, rivers and beaches, causing unsafe conditions and temporary closures.

“You can save yourself from expensive plumbing repairs by always remembering to properly dispose of fats, oils and grease,” said Juan Guerreiro, Director of the City’s Public Utilities Department. “Keeping them out of your drains and sewer lines can protect both your home and the environment.”

Public Utilities Department crews have had to respond to more than 25 sewer spills throughout the city so far this year. Five of these spills were the result of fats, oils and grease that had clogged a pipeline and

could have been prevented.

Following a few simple steps can help prevent costly sewer spills:

• Never pour fats, oils or grease down the sink drain or garbage disposal. Home garbage disposals do not keep grease out of the plumbing system.

• Pour small amounts of cooled cooking oil (this includes salad dressing, frying oil and bacon fat) into a non-recyclable package or container, such as an old milk carton, and dispose of it in the garbage.

• Wipe dishes and pots that are coated with greasy leftovers with a disposable towel prior to washing or placing them in the

dishwasher.

• Put strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps such as meat trimmings and other solids and then empty them in the trash, not the garbage disposal.

• Keep roots out of sewer pipelines by planting trees and bushes away from your home’s lateral connection to the sewer line.

To report a sewer spill, call the Public Utilities emergency hotline at 619-515-3525. For additional information about preventing sewer spills, visit the City’s website at sandiego. gov/public-utilities/sewer-spillreduction.

(City of San Diego Release) n

Tips to cut back on holiday season food waste

‘TIS the season — for food!

But it’s also a time, as our holiday feasts run from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, that it’s easier than ever to waste food when it’s served up but not eaten, or spoils before we can eat it.

The United States Department of Agriculture and County of San Diego estimate that up to 40% of the total food supply in the United States is wasted every year.

That can be really hard on your wallet. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the average family of four spends $1,500 a year on food they end up not eating. That also wastes the land, water, energy and things used to produce, transport, prepare and store food.

On top of all of that, food waste also worsens climate change.

That’s because when you toss organic matter like food waste into landfills to decompose, it creates methane, a greenhouse gas pollutant. The EPA says methane traps 80 times the heat carbon dioxide does and is responsible for roughly one-third of the warming from greenhouse gases occurring today.

How can you help? Here are some simple steps you can take to stop wasting food, save money and help fight climate change. Reduce wasted food — shop and plan wisely

The easiest way to reduce wasting food, during the holidays or just day to day, is to not cook

too much, right? To help, plan ahead, shop smart and serve just enough food to make everyone happy. Of course, that sounds easy. But it can be hard to do. How do you know how much food is enough? SaveTheFood. com has has a “Guest-imator” that can help you calculate how much food you need to prepare, based on how many people you’re serving and how much they typically eat, even for Thanksgiving. And yes, it can even calculate having leftovers if you want them.

Freeze or find ways to reuse leftovers

Of course, even the best planners can end up with leftovers sometimes, especially at a big event like Thanksgiving. But you don’t have to let them go to waste. If you’re having guests,

SAN Diegans are continuing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu, and the supplies and availability of both vaccines remain plentiful this holiday season.

In the past week, 38,753 COVID-19 vaccinations and 63,149 flu shots have been administered.

As of Nov. 17, 2022, close to 2.69 million or 80.3% of San Diegans have received the primary series of one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines. Boosters have been administered to 1,495,492 or 60% of 2,491,808 eligible San Diegans.

Of those with boosters, the County is now tracking separately COVID-19 bivalent boosters. As of Nov. 17, 2022, 15.1 percent of eligible San Diegans have received a bivalent booster.

As of Nov. 12, 2022, 813,065 San Diegans have received a flu vaccination, which is 24.3 percent of the 3,351,784 eligible. This year’s flu shot uptake is slightly higher when compared to the same time last year when 23 percent of the eligible population had received a flu vaccine.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination

provide to-go containers, or invite your guests to bring their own, so they can take leftovers home with them. Rethink your leftovers and use them as ingredients for new meals. Leftover meat and vegetables can make a great soup or casserole. Or turn mashed potatoes into potato pancakes. And of course, you can freeze leftovers to use in future meals.

Compost what’s left!

And don’t forget to compost leftovers. If you don’t have your own compost pile or bin, you can place any remaining food scraps and organic waste into your curbside green bin! (Note: If you do have your own compost bin at home, you probably want to avoid composting meats and bones; they can attract unwanted pests.)

Recycling and cutting down

on wasting food can keep your pipes clean Believe it or not, recycling and cutting back on wasting food can even protect your house. That’s because cooking oils and grease can gunk up your plumbing and even cause sewage overflows if you discard them down your sink’s drain. Making sure you’re not over-preparing food can cut down on the amount of cooking oils you’re using. And keeping used oils out of your plumbing by collecting them and recycling them can keep your pipes clean and your house protected. Contrary to popular belief, mixing used oils with soap, or pouring hot water down the drain after discarding oils in the sink, doesn’t prevent fat clogs that can back up your pipes.

There are free drop-off locations for used cooking oils all around the county. Just collect your used cooking oils in a secure container with a lid and label it “used cooking oil.” Don’t mix chemicals or other liquids in with them. To find the nearest drop-off location, visit the County’s Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste database, WasteFreeSD.org, or call 1-877-R-1-EARTH (1-877713-2784).

To learn more about reducing wasting food, visit the County’s Solid Waste Planning and Recycling website. And have a great Holiday season!

(Gig Conaughton/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

Application deadline nears for City of San Diego whole home, short-term rental licenses

period closes Nov. 30

SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego encourages hosts seeking to rent an entire home as a Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO), also referred to as short-term vacation rental, for more than 20 days to apply for an STRO license before the application period closes on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 5 p.m.

The STRO Ordinance, approved by the San Diego City Council and California Coastal Commission, provides guidelines for shortterm rentals of less than one month. These guidelines include a requirement for hosts to obtain a license and establish a cap on the number of licenses granted for whole-home rentals operating more than 20 days per year.

Enforcement of unlicensed or improperly licensed properties operating as an STRO in the City of San Diego will begin on May 1, 2023.

“If you are planning to use your property as a short-term vacation rental next year in the city, now is the time to obtain an STRO license,” said Development Services Department Director Elyse W. Lowe. “Don’t delay; the city has staff available to support applicants. The Tier 3 and Tier 4 license application period closes this month, you won’t be able to get a license next year and non-complying properties will be subject to strict enforcement.”

To ensure compliance, enforcement measures may include Administrative Citation Warnings, Administrative Citations of up to $1,000 and Civil Penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. Unpaid penalties or continuing violations may also result in a property lien with the County of San Diego.

Starting May 1 next year, rental hosts must have a license to use properties within the city as short-term rentals. Tier 1 and Tier 2 licenses can be obtained any time, while the application period for Tier 3 and Tier 4 licenses closes this month. There are four different STRO licenses:

• Tier 1 licenses for short-term rentals totaling 20 or fewer days per year.

• Tier 2 licenses for renting a room or rooms in the home more than 20 days per year so long as the owner or permanent resident resides onsite.

• Tier 3 licenses for whole-home rentals outside Mission Beach exceeding 20 days in a year where the owner or permanent resident does not reside on site.

• Tier 4 licenses for whole-home rentals within Mission Beach exceeding 20 days in a year where the owner or permanent resident does not reside on site.

Before beginning the application process for any of the four licenses, hosts must possess an active Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate and ensure all Rental Unit Business Taxes are in active paid status. For more information, to view a license application video and review frequently asked questions about STRO, visit sandiego.gov/stro.

(City of San Diego Release) n

until the body develops sufficient immunity against both vaccinations.

“I want to congratulate all of those who have recently been vaccinated against the flu or COVID-19, including those newly boosted, and encourage the community to help us improve on that progress,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Don’t let flu or COVID-19 ruin your family reunions this holiday season. You have the ability to protect yourself, your family, and your community.”

COVID-19 and flu vaccines are widely available across the region at pharmacies, medical centers and clinics. The two vaccines can be administered during the same visit. It is important to note that the COVID-19 primary vaccine series or booster does not protect against the flu and the flu vaccine does not protect people against COVID-19. Therefore, it is recommended that eligible San Diegans get vaccinated against both viruses.

There is no vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but established disease prevention measures can protect

people from getting ill with any of the multiple respiratory viruses now circulating in the community.

These measures include:

• Consider a well-fitting, good-quality mask, especially indoors or in crowded spaces;

• Wash hands thoroughly and often;

• Use hand sanitizers, if unable to wash hands;

• Stay away from sick people;

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;

• Clean commonly touched surfaces; and

• Stay home and avoid contact with others, if you are sick.

Data updates to the County’s coronavirussd.com website will be published Thursdays around 5 p.m., with the exception of holidays. More information about the flu is available on the County’s influenza website at https:// www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/ hhsa/programs/phs/immunization_branch/ Vaccine_Preventable_Diseases/Seasonal_ Influenza/.

(County of San Diego Communications Office Release) n

THE holiday season means it’s time to ship gifts to faraway friends and family, or maybe even travel to deliver them in person and bring gifts back home in return.

Whatever you do, be sure you don’t ship or bring back a present nobody wants — a harmful pest!

It can happen if you’re not careful. The gifts you send or receive could be carrying hitchhiking pests or plant diseases that could potentially damage the County’s $1.75 billion agricultural industry and our environment.

That homemade wreath you brought home from grandma’s could be carrying spongy moth eggs; that citrus you picked from your backyard to send to a friend could be carrying huanglongbing – a destructive citrus disease. Or that beautiful fruit basket you made from scratch to send to a friend could be hiding mealy bugs.

So remember. Don’t pack a pest!

Every year San Diego County’s Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures inspectors — human and detector dogs — work hard to stop the spread of invasive pests like the emerald ash borer, glassy-winged sharpshooter, and South American palm weevil.

How can you help?

Here are some simple

guidelines:

Don’t pack a pest

• If you’re traveling — whether it’s out of state or out of the country — leave whatever you find on your trip right where you found it. Don’t bring home a keepsake clipping from Aunt Penny’s holiday wreath, or those bulbs you found in Florida, any citrus branches, leaves or stems from anywhere, or avocado leaves from Mexico.

• Don’t transport any fresh, raw, uncooked, untreated foodstuffs. Same for seeds, beans, nuts, rice, dried fruit, decorative greenery, untreated wood items, animal products or soil from almost any foreign country.

• If you are traveling and think you may have accidentally packed some plant or animal item away, declare those products when you’re asked by an agricultural inspector if you have anything in your luggage. For more information about harmful insects, plant diseases, and Agriculture, Weights and Measures — and everyone’s — role in protecting our local environment and agriculture, visit the department’s Insect and Plan Disease Information webpage at https://www. sandiegocounty.gov/content/ sdc/awm/ipd_info.html.

(Gig Conaughton/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 1, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 10
Revitalized park space offers new recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria File photo/www.sandiego.gov
This holiday season, don’t pack a pest Keep your holidays happy by never
San Diegans are encouraged to keep vaccination numbers trending up
Application
for tier 3 and tier 4 license types; unlicensed and improperly licensed properties will be subject to enforcement
City of San Diego reminds the public to avoid sewage blockages that can result in expensive repairs and cause sewer spills
photo/www.countynewscenter.com
File
File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

Pahrump guided tours to start soon

A GUIDED tour to the points of interest in the town of Pahrump will start soon, according to local newspaper the Pahrump Valley-Times

With the October 26 ribbon-cutting behind them, Cheers! Nevada will focus on offering specially-curated tours to those wanting to take in what Pahrump has to offer. Per the article, the company may start with their guided tours on Thanksgiving weekend.

According to owner Stefanie Kai Brant, the guided tours, have been created to highlight the town’s unique and diverse businesses – including wineries, eateries and more – with the help of the Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Southwest Central Regional Economic Development Authority and local business owners. She added that it was important that the community was on board with the plans, as providing quality tours is of utmost importance to them.

Although the tours will showcase the various wines, meads, ciders and beers from Pahrump’s local artisans, Brant is careful not to make it look like a purely alcoholic-driven spectacle. Instead, she wants it to be a fun, educational and allinclusive experience for each of the passengers. To that end, videos in the tour vans will present information about each destination as the tour goes along. Brant also wants to make sure that the tours will showcase the artisans’ passion in making their products and the quality of the products they come up with.

Among the points of interest in Pahrump that may be included in the Pahrump Town Tour include Coffinwood, Death Valley Marketplace and

A great component of the guided tours is that that the company behind it is giving back to the community a part of what it earns to develop and enhance after-school programs for the youth.

Said Brant in the article: “The biggest motivation behind this tour company is community. We see a need for after-school programs. We want to give at least 10 percent of everything that comes in for youth art programs with the goal that other businesses will join as well to start supporting that.”

The announcement comes in the heels of a long-time event that drew thousands of people to Petrack Park in Pahrump for three days of family fun.

The 9th Annual Balloon Festival this year was organized by the Dubin family, in partnership with Doug Campbell of Balloons Over Pahrump. They took over from the Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce, the previous organizer, ensuring that people would not miss out on a local tradition that has been embraced by the community.

The event also honored the men and women who have served in the military as the event’s first day took place on Veteran’s Day (November 11), with a Veterans Day Sunrise Service and a special balloon honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action flying the American flag above the park.

This is another case of community members coming together to showcase what’s special about the town of Pahrump. From food vendors, to artisans, to featured games/tournaments, and other local vendors, the balloon festival attendees – young and old – were entertained.

Indeed, the town of Pahrump has improved noticeably since its humble beginnings. Originally inhabited by the Southern Pauite, settlers eventually came to live in the area by the late 19th century. Initially the town had mostly large ranchstyle holdings where livestock were raised and crops like alfalfa and cotton were grown.

Today’s Pahrump has seen its share of development. In addition to various wineries and establishments, it also has local hotel-casinos. It also features Spring Mountain Motor Sports Ranch which features the longest road course in North America (6.1 miles) and has nearby Spring Mountain Estates, luxury trackside homesites where homeowners have full access to all the amenities offered at Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club.

Another often-visited and highly-regarded jewel in Pahrump is the Mountain Falls Golf Club, which features an 18-hole layout co-designed by Nicklaus Design Group and Cal Olson Design. There are also homesites available in Mountain Falls. I hosted the late Philippine President Fidel Ramos, who was an avid golfer, in one of his trips to Nevada, and he was profuse in his compliments about the place.

Pahrump is located just 62 miles west of Las Vegas, and it is an easy drive for those who want the taste of big city life and entertainment of Sin City (Las Vegas) but who want the peace and quiet of living in a developing town, away from bustling traffic and big city headaches.

The town has many parks for avid walkers/ joggers, off-road trails for trail bikes, ATVs and motorcycles, bird-watching and hiking for those

who prefer to commune with nature, and other recreational clubs that offer a host of activities.

I have seen its development through the years, and its proximity to Las Vegas makes it an ideal choice for those who are priced out of the Las Vegas market. With real estate prices in the state still higher than it was from a year ago, or even a decade or two ago, it may be an opportune time to look for your piece of real estate heaven – whether you’re looking for a new home, a vacation place, or looking for an investment property.

Some of my clients have begun reaping the benefits of their investments, as they have turned their properties into rentals or Airbnb.

I have decades of experience helping clients look for the right piece of property for their budgets. My team and I will work hard to look for the best real estate opportunities in Pahrump and other areas so you can achieve that American dream. 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com 11 SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 1, 2022
One of two gas stations (Coyote Corner) in Pahrump that will open soon. Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman was recently in Egypt where she visited the world-famous pyramids, one of the ancient wonders of the world. Guided tours will soon start in Pahrump that will feature the town’s local wineries, eateries and more. The tours will showcase the products made by local artistans and is projected to be fun, educational and all-inclusive for all tour participants. Photo above shows the Sanders Family Winery in Pahrump, NV. Screengrab from internet/www.sanderswinery.com A second Circle K gas station will open in town on Homestead Road. 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 Chicken Ranch.
NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 1, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 12

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