120922 - Northern California Edition

Elections experts discuss increased AAPI engagement in 2022 midterms

AS elections officers and communities continue to process the results of the highly contentious 2022 midterm elections, one thing is clear: Asian American voters, especially those in Los Angeles County, have the potential to decide races.

According to local demographics, more than 639,000 voters identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander (AAPI) in LA County, which accounts for more than 11% of all LA County voters, which, according to Candice Cho, managing director of policy and counsel at AAPI Equity Alliance, which hosted a briefing discussing the impact of AAPI voters in 2022 and beyond.

The increase in vote-by-mail during the 2020 election contributed to the increase of voters, especially the Asian American electorate.

“We know that in 2020, almost three out of four Asian voters voted early or by mail,  PAGE 2

REAL ID requirement delayed until 2025

THE enforcement of the REAL ID requirement for air travelers has been pushed back to another two years, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Monday, Dec. 5.

The date has been delayed by 24 months from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025, according to the agency. Under the new regulations published to execute this change, states will now have additional time to ensure their residents have driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security standards established by the REAL ID Act.

Under the new regulations, beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSAacceptable form of identification at airport 1security checkpoints for domestic air travel.

As required by the law, following the enforcement deadline, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will be prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards.

“DHS continues to work closely

PH senators, businesses respond to Maharlika fund

by BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO , EIREENE

SOME senators harbor concerns over the proposed creation of the P275-billion Maharlika Wealth Fund (MWF) because it intends to tap private and public pension contributions.

Under the bill jointly filed by House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Rep. Ferdinand “Sandro” Marcos III, the fund will pool resources from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS), LandBank and Development Bank of the Philippines for investments.

Senate Majority Leader Emmanuel “Joel” Villanueva, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, as well as Senators Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero and Christopher “Bong” Go wanted safeguards to prevent the government from dipping into pension funds and invest the amount elsewhere without the consent of SSS and GSIS members.

Pimentel stressed that there must be “consultation

and consent of the owners of the funds they intend to put in higher risk placements.”

Angara noted that because the Maharlika fund is “a high-risk high reward endeavor, there should be safeguards and limitations on investment into riskier endeavors.”

“I’m sure senators will scrutinize the measure and inject safeguards and best practices,” he said in a text message.

California u reports ‘high’ u activity

by AJPRESS

STATEWIDE flu activity has reached high levels across California, which has the potential to add to an already concerning number of hospitalizations of children due to the spread of winter viruses including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19.

State public health leaders are reminding Californians that masking in indoor public places, among other safety measures, is effective at slowing the spread of respiratory viruses that are making children, and the elderly, very sick.

“RSV and Flu, and now COVID-19, are on the rise – leading to the hospitalization of our youngest and most vulnerable Californians who need all of us to help protect them. So we’re reminding Californians about the effective mitigation and safety measures they can take to protect themselves and their loved ones, including getting the Flu shot, keeping up to date with their COVID-19 booster, and masking in indoor public places,” said State Public Health Officer and CDPH Director Dr. Tomás Aragón.

Hospitals across the state are working to add pediatric beds as quickly as possible, but the

Philippines on track to lose growth momentum in 2023, says World Bank

MANILA  – The Philippine economy is expected to lose momentum in 2023 with the pace of expansion set to slow to 5.7 percent as soaring inflation and higher interest rates crimp domestic demand, the World Bank said on Tuesday, December 6.

The World Bank’s outlook, which was trimmed from its earlier growth forecast of 5.8 percent, was more pessimistic than the government, which on Monday cut its 2023 growth projection to 6 percent-7 percent from 6.5 percent-7.5 percent.

“The forecast for 2023 is premised on reduced consumer demand, alongside high

inflation and high interest rates that are expected to temper household spending and investments,” the World Bank said.

The World Bank expects the Philippines to end 2022 on a strong note with the economy forecast to grow 7.2 percent, much higher than its previous growth projection of 6.5 percent, after the Southeast Asian country’s robust performance in January to September.

The Philippines is on course to meet its 6.5 percent-7.5 percent growth target this year after economic output averaged 7.7 percent in the nine months to September  PAGE 5

High approval, trust ratings for Marcos, Sara

MANILA — President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte received high approval and trust ratings, according to a nationwide survey conducted by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD).

According to the “Boses ng Bayan” survey conducted from Nov. 27 to Dec. 2, Marcos got approval and trust ratings of 83 percent and 87 percent, respectively.

Meanwhile, Duterte, who is also the secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), received an 81-percent approval rating and an 87-percent trust rating.

The results are an average of

the two officials’ high ratings throughout the country’s regions and across socioeconomic classes, the foundation said.

Marcos received the highest satisfaction ratings in Mindanao with 87 percent and his lowest was in Metro Manila at 73 percent.

The RPMD survey did not provide more details about Marcos’ poll ratings in Luzon or in his political bailiwick, the Ilocos region.

Meanwhile, Duterte got the highest satisfaction rating of 98 percent in Mindanao, her regional political stronghold, while her lowest satisfaction rating was in

PH economy on track despite ‘out of control’ in ation - Marcos

MANILA – The Philippine economy continues to recover from the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic even after the country’s inflation rate accelerated to 8 percent in November, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday, December 6.

In a speech during the 11th Arangkada Philippines Forum in Pasay City, Marcos said the country is on track to maintain its strong economic performance and achieve the government’s growth target of 6.5 to 7.5 percent for 2022.

He said although the Philippine growth rate looks healthy, he said inflation is “running rampant and out of control.”

“We just received the poor

news from the Philippine Statistics that November, we hit 8 percent,” Marcos said. He noted that the government is currently identifying the areas of the economy that are the main drivers of that inflation including imports.

“The main drivers of that inflation, unfortunately, are still imported – is still imported inflation. So again, import substitution is still a good idea not only for foreign exchange reserve but also so that we can keep our inflation rate down,” he added.

Marcos, likewise, urged both local and foreign business leaders to invest in key areas such as education and skills training; digitalization of processes; and research and development to  PAGE 4

JAIREE GOMEZ AND MA. REINA LEANNE TOLENTINO ManilaTimes.net

President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte

Malacañang file photo

Angara said that accessing pension funds is a ticklish issue and could “encounter some obstacles.”

It is “best to access investible funds and use dormant government assets, or those with high potential upsides like real properties abroad, as part of the equity of the fund,” he added.

Ejercito said he is “apprehensive to touch pension funds because of past experience with AFPSLAI (Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loan Association), AMSLAI (Air Materiel Wing Savings and Loan Association, Inc.) and RSBS ([AFP] Retirement and Separation Benefits System) which ventured into bad investments.”

“The intent of Maharlika bill seems good, except that I am wary to use GSIS and SSS funds for this purpose,” Ejercito said. Escudero said the Maharlika fund bill “is lacking in many respects.

“What is return on investment of GFIs (government financial institutions)? How often will dividends be declared, if any?” he asked.

“If it’s a corporation, why is the number of board seats not in accordance with their respective capital contributions? What ROI (return on investment) will GFIs get if it will be spent on government projects? What government projects are they contemplating?” he pressed.

Villanueva said while creating a sovereign wealth fund or SWF is good in principle, “there should be more discussions on its sources of funds and its management.”

“We must protect the retirement funds and other benefits of ordinary workers, who are already struggling from high prices of basic goods and are bracing for the impending global recession,” he said.

“We look forward to hearing more views from different stakeholders when we discuss this proposal in the Senate,” Villanueva said.

Speaking during the Devel opment Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) on Monday, December 5. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno defended the measure.

“I think we should have a sovereign wealth fund like other Asean countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. And we should think of putting together some funds that are investable,” Diokno said.

He said the fund “will not only benefit current generation of the Philippines but also future generations. That’s the concept of this Maharlika.”

Diokno said the Philippines needs a “steady source” of revenues, particularly in the sectors of oil, mining, and banking. “We just opened our mining. We can use the royalty from there. Our mining sector is huge. It is substantial,” he said.

Under House Bill (HB) 6398 approved by the House Committee on Bank and Financial Intermediaries recently, P125 billion of the Maharlika fund will be sourced from the GSIS, P50 billion each from the SSS and Land Bank, and P25 billion each from the DBP and the Philippine Treasury.

Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso, GSIS president and general manager, said tapping GSIS pension funds is “nothing outside of what we’re doing.”

“Currently, all of the excesses after expenditures, [and] allocation for the retirement benefits of our members and other obligations are invested. So now we invest into a company that will now be able to train their guns and attention to developmental projects... and that is what we need,” Veloso said.

He said countries like the Philippines “have huge amounts of industrial requirements that are high capital expenditure... and that is the reason why a number of our key industries can’t really move forward, because you need a lot of capital. But we have the money, what we need is to collect these funds... so that these money will be allocated to high capital expenditure businesses.”

Opposed Multisectoral organizations, however, strongly opposed the establishment of an SWF like the proposed Maharlika.

Among the groups are the Foundation For Economic Freedom, Competitive Currency

Forum, Filipina CEO Circle, Financial Executives Institute of The Philippines, Institute of Corporate Directors, Integrity Initiative, Inc., Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Movement for Good Governance, Philippine Women’s Economic Network, UP School of Economics Alumni Association, and Women’s Business Council Philippines, Inc.

“We register our serious concerns and reservations against the proposed MWF on the principles of fiscal prudence, additionality, solvency of social pension funds, contingent liabilities, monetary independence of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), government in the economy, and transparency,” they said in a joint statement.

They pointed out that commodity-based SWFs are designed “to optimally manage the windfall from the appropriate disposition of their natural resources for the benefit of future generations.”

“These countries recognize that such natural resources are exhaustible and commodity prices are uncertain in the long run, while their current absorptive capacity for commodity earnings remains limited,” they said.

Non-commodity-based SWFs, on the other hand, are designed to manage the accumulated foreign assets from persistent external trade surpluses and surpluses of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in order to preserve the value of their capital and realize longterm returns on investments.

The Philippines “has neither commodity-based surpluses nor surpluses from external trade and SOEs,” they said.

The groups suggested instead “that the executive and legislative branches continue to implement existing initiatives to strengthen the areas of transportation, public health, education and infrastructure, especially digital and agriculture, that can boost productivity and lower inflation. These initiatives can be executed within the existing legal framework, without resorting to an untested approach with many potential infirmities.”

Elections experts discuss increased AAPI engagement...

which is larger than any other [racial] community,” Christine Chen, executive director and co-founder of Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Vote, said in a recent press briefing.

Over the last few election cycles, outreach to AAPI voters has increased, especially in the wake of the Stop Asian Hate movement, which really ignited conversations on the diverse Asian communities that are often left out in national politics.

“Our communities, when reached out to, really show up. And I think that voting matters, but also making sure that the information that our communities get is accurate and clear is important,” said Nancy Yap, executive director for the Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE).

Chen mirrored Yap’s perspective, adding that with increased voter turnout among Asian voters, the issues that affect the broader AAPI community gain more attention among lawmakers.

“We are really relying on the API electorate to actually turn out because when you turn

out, it increases our numbers. It gets us more attentional nationally, and then, that translates in terms of how effective we are in lobbying and advocating for our issues,” Chen said.

However, the methodology of data gathering and disaggregation of voters could be improved., and while organizations and coalitions like AAPI Equity Alliance promote research bodies (like APIAVote) that take Asian data disaggregation seriously, many government agencies’ methods for disaggregating data are outdated.

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, data disaggregation for the Asian community is either rudimentary or nonexistent, with either a few Asian groups getting their own dedicated outreach and studies or lumping every Asian community under one label.

Experts in public policy and academia have argued that stronger and more detailed data disaggregation would help address many problems faced by individual cultural groups that are often lumped together under one overly broad label.

Currently, the California Office of the Secretary of State categorizes voters’ ethnicities and races by surname, which presents many problems for those in intercultural families, linguistic diversity of surnames, and other variables that make it difficult to determine ethnicity or race by someone’s name alone.

Godfrey Plata, a civic engagement consultant for the AAPI Equity Alliance, shared exit poll data from the California Office of Secretary of State — which found that Filipino voters were the second-largest Asian group at the polls this year — acknowledged the limitations data gathering.

“I’m Filipino, my last name is Plata, so I get [election materials] in Spanish, Tagalog, and English, so I don’t often know how my name is being estimated,” Plata said. “As an organizer, it’s important that we have questions like this that have substantive and material implications for our community and work in tandem so that we can figure out how to make things more honest and authentic and real for data collection.” (Klarize Medenilla/ AJPress)

USED CLOTHING. People select from the wide array of pre-loved or used clothing displayed at the Bankerohan public market in Davao City on Monday, Dec. 5. One can get a pair of shirts and pants at the thrift shops for as low as P25. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

PH economy on track despite ‘out of control’...

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aid the government in its efforts to “transform” the Philippine economy.

“I do not talk about recovery because I do not want to recover the Philippine economy to what it was in 2019. That is not going to work anymore. Whatever economy is going to be formed in the next few months, the next few years, it will be very different from what we were doing,” he said.

He vowed to further boost economic growth, with overall goals of poverty reduction and reinvigorating job creation.

Marcos said the government is accelerating the country’s economic growth by further easing travel and mobility restrictions, implementing economic reforms and improving economic cooperation with trade and investment partners.

He said the government is also enhancing ease of doing business and public-private partnerships, and improving bureaucratic efficiency through

information and communication technology (ICT) development and digitalization.

“Rest assured this government is united in ensuring that the Philippines will become a viable and sustainable destination for domestic and foreign investors,” he said.

Manufacturing sector Meanwhile, Marcos reiterated his desire to “build up” the country’s manufacturing sector.

“We always talk about import substitution. And we try to favor those industries that are export-oriented and that’s valid. But I think it is also time to look inwards into the domestic market here and develop our manufacturing capabilities,” he said.

“Develop those markets, the local markets, and for that, we need the private sector to come in. As when we talk about manufacturing, we are talking about capital intensive investments. And that is something we are hoping will be again a driver for our economy

in the next few years,” he added.

He also congratulated the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) of the Philippines for the successful conduct of the Arangkada Forum.

“It is likewise encouraging to see your willingness to work together with the government towards addressing these challenges so that we can further accelerate our country’s inclusive growth and economic momentum,” he said.

Launched in 2010, the Arangkada Philippines is a major advocacy of the JFC to increase investment and employment in the country.

The forum is an annual event where business leaders and public officials convene to share ideas on improving the nation’s business and investment climate.

The theme for this year’s gathering is “Reform, Rebuild, Recover” which aims to shed light on how policy reforms can accelerate and sustain economic recovery. (PNA)

California flu reports ‘high’ flu...

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number of children who need hospitalization is currently outpacing their ability to expand. Hospitals typically have about 35 to 40% open pediatric intensive care unit beds, but that number is down to about 20% statewide. It’s even lower – below 12% – in some regions of the state.

While California guidance does not require masking except in some specific situations, masking is an effective way to help protect against RSV, the flu and COVID-19.

Here are the top 5 tips to protect against winter viruses: Get vaccinated, boosted (and treated)

Flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters continue to be your best defense to limit severe illness and death – and you can get both at the same time.

Stay home if you’re sick, and test for COVID Staying home when you’re sick slows the spread of flu, RSV and COVID-19. If you’re sick, remember to test for COVID and contact your doctor immediately if you’re positive to discuss treatment options. Treatments

work best when started right after symptoms begin.

Wear a mask There is no vaccine for RSV, so wearing a mask can significantly slow the spread and protect babies and young children who do not yet have immunity and are too young to wear a mask themselves. Wearing a mask in indoor public places is a good way to limit the spread of germs.

Wash your hands

Frequent handwashing, with soap and warm water – for at least 20 seconds, is an easy and effective way to prevent getting sick and spreading germs.

Cover your cough or sneeze

Remember to cough or sneeze into your elbow, your arm, or a disposable tissue to help prevent the spread of winter viruses. Just make sure to wash your hands or sanitize and dispose of your tissue after.

Here are four things to consider about masking in indoor public places: What’s spreading in your community?

Winter respiratory viruses like Flu and RSV have been spreading across the state for weeks, and now COVID-19 cases are ticking up.

Why wear a mask?

Masks help slow the spread of respiratory viruses. Masks aren’t just for your own health – they can also play a significant role in protecting the health of those around you, especially those at higher risk of getting severely ill from RSV, the Flu or COVID-19. When attending an indoor public event, mask up for your friends, families, infants, young children, older adults, and other loved ones with pre-existing conditions or weakened immune systems.

But which mask do I wear?

If you’ve made the decision to wear a mask, great! To get the most out of your mask, pick one with good fit and filtration. The “Good, Better, Best” ruleof-thumb is surgical masks are good, KN95 or KN94 masks are better, and N95 are best.

Consider masking a statement of kindness Still not sure you want to mask up? Remember you can never be sure if someone around you has a compromised immune system, is going through chemo treatment, or has asthma. Wearing a mask helps slow the spread of germs and shows kindness concern for other’s health and well-being. g

Assisted living facilities pressed to address growing needs of older, sicker residents

by Judith Graham Kaiser Health News

ASSISTED living communities too often fail to meet the needs of older adults and should focus more on residents’ medical and mental health concerns, according to a recent report by a diverse panel of experts.

It’s a clarion call for change inspired by the altered profile of the population that assisted living now serves.

Residents are older, sicker, and more compromised by impairments than in the past: 55% are 85 and older, 77% require help with bathing, 69% with walking, and 49% with toileting, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics.

Also, more than half of residents have high blood pressure, and a third or more have heart disease or arthritis. Nearly one-third have been diagnosed with depression and at least 11% have a serious mental illness. As many as 42% have dementia or moderate-tosevere cognitive impairment.

“The nature of the clientele in assisted living has changed dramatically,” yet there are no widely accepted standards for addressing their physical and mental health needs, said Sheryl Zimmerman, who led the panel. She’s co-director of the Program on Aging, Disability, and LongTerm Care at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

The report addresses this gap with 43 recommendations from experts including patient advocates, assisted living providers, and specialists in medical, psychiatric, and dementia care that Zimmerman said she hopes will become “a new standard of care.”

One set of recommendations addresses staffing. The panel proposes that ratios of health aides to residents be established and that either a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse be available on-site. (Before establishing specific requirements for various types of communities, the panel suggested further research on staffing requirements was necessary.)

Like nursing homes and home health agencies, assisted living operators have found it hard to retain or hire staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a

September 2021 survey, 82% reported “moderate” or “high” level of staffing shortages.

Dr. Kenneth Covinsky, a geriatrician and professor of medicine at the University of California-San Francisco, witnessed staffing-related problems when his mother moved to assisted living at age 79. At one point, she fell and had to wait about 25 minutes for someone to help her get up. On another occasion, she waited for 30 minutes on the toilet as overworked staffers responded to pagers buzzing nonstop.

“The nighttime scene was crazy: There would be one person for 30 to 40 residents,” said Covinsky, the author of an editorial accompanying the consensus recommendations. Eventually, he ended up moving his mother to another facility.

The panel also recommended staffers get training on managing dementia and mental illness, on medication side effects, on endof-life care, on tailoring care to individual residents’ needs, and on infection control — a weakness highlighted during the height of the pandemic, when an estimated 17% more people died in assisted living in 2020 compared with previous years.

“If I were placing my parent in assisted living, I certainly would be looking not just at staffing ratios but the actual training of staff,” said Robyn Stone, senior vice president of research at LeadingAge and co-director of its long-term services and supports center at the University of MassachusettsBoston. LeadingAge is an industry organization representing nonprofit long-term care providers. Stone said the organization generally supports the panel’s work.

The better trained staff are, the more likely they are to provide high-quality care to residents and the less likely they are to feel frustrated and burned out, said Dr. Helen Kales, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC Davis Health.

This is especially important for memory care delivered in standalone assisted living facilities or a wing of a larger community. “We have seen places where a memory care unit charges upwards of $10,000 a month for ‘dementia

care’ yet is little more than a locked door to prevent residents from leaving the unit and not the sensitive and personalized care advertised,” wrote Covinsky and his University of California-San Francisco colleague Dr. Kenneth Lam in their editorial.

Because dementia is such a pervasive concern in assisted living, the panel recommended that residents get formal cognitive assessments and that policies be established to address aggression or other worrisome behaviors.

One such policy might be trying non-pharmaceutical strategies (examples include aromatherapy or music therapy) to calm people with dementia before resorting to prescribed medications, Kales said. Another might be calling for a medical or psychiatric evaluation if a resident’s behavior changes dramatically and suddenly.

Further recommendations from the panel emphasize the importance of regularly assessing residents’ needs, developing care plans, and including residents in this process. “The resident should really be directing what their goals are and how they want care provided, but this doesn’t always happen,” said Lori Smetanka, a panel member and executive director of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, an advocacy organization.

“We agree with many of these recommendations” and many assisted living communities are already following these practices, said LaShuan Bethea, executive director of the National Center for Assisted Living, an industry organization.

Nonetheless, she said her organization has concerns, especially about the practicality and cost of the recommendations.

“We need to understand what the feasibility would be,” she said, and suggested that a broad study look at those issues. In the meantime, states should examine how they regulate assisted living, taking into account the increased needs of the residents, Bethea said.

Because the nation’s roughly 28,900 assisted living communities are regulated by states and there are no federal standards, practices vary widely and generally there are fewer protections for residents than are found in nursing homes. u PAGE 5

Filipina named US Coast Guard employee of the year

KODIAK – A Philippine-

born civilian executive of the United States Coast Guard was named 2021 Coast Guard Civilian Employee of the Year for exemplifying “the work ethic of the highly trained civilian employees who have contributed to the achievements of Coast Guard operational mission readiness in 2021.”

Mary Jean Silva, deputy director at the Base Kodiak Child Development Center (CDC), was honored during a ceremony at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC Nov. 17, along with eight other winners of the CEOY and Non-Appropriated Fund Employees (NAF EOY) awards.

Coast Guard leadership notified Silva of her award while was vacationing in her hometown, Malamig Gloria, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, with her husband, Russel Andal.

“Knowing that I was selected as one of the best of the best was just incredible” a “shocked” Silva is quoted in a Defense Visual Information Distribution Service press release.

“This award meant everything to me, especially to show my children and family and everyone from my hometown what I have achieved, because it confirms that no matter your race, religion, etc., you can achieve goals and dream big if you work diligently in life. This made my city so proud!”

Silva moved to Kodiak in 2019 to work as a Training and Curriculum Coordinator, then held a temporary promotion to Director at the CDC from March 2021 to July 2021.

Since then, Silva has held the position of Deputy Director, where she acts as the Principal Assistant to the Director, executes budgets of $500,000 unallocated and $300,000 allocated funds, oversees 26 staff members, ensures proper registration of children, USDA food program implements and administers the Coast Guard grant program.

Silva also acted as a family child care coordinator for the 17th District, which oversees the training, certification and inspection of all home care programs conducted in Coast Guard housing.

The CDC has a maximum enrollment capacity of 120 children and maintained an average enrollment of 114 children through 2021.

Silva took on numerous other roles and responsibilities in addition to her existing job for most of 2021, when Base Kodiak’s CDC Director, Training and Curriculum Coordinator, Education Specialist, Administrative Assistant and Cook

posts were vacant.

In addition to all this, Silva made sure the center opened on time during dangerous winter weather and stayed on base when winter weather was predicted, rather than going home at the end of the day.

This sacrifice allowed the center to open on time regardless of weather delays, allowing members of the operational commands to report without delay.

“Ms. Jean is a dedicated and diligent employee who has consistently made supporting Coast Guard families and children her number one priority. She has worked cheerfully through severe personnel shortages and is exceedingly deserving of this honor,” said Cmdr. Anna Steel, Chief of Personnel Support at Base Kodiak. “

Throughout her 27-year career in early childhood education, Silva has worked at multiple military facilities in locations such as Texas, California, Kansas and Misawa and Yokota, Japan. (Inquirer.net)

PH senators, businesses...

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But economist Dr. Michael Batu said at least 50 nations, including those in the Southeast Asian region, have an SWF.

Batu told a televised briefing Monday that if the Maharlika fund measure is approved, the government will have the chance to invest and buy stocks, bonds and real estate.

It will also generate more employment.

Batu said a sovereign wealth fund can also strengthen the government’s pension system which will benefit senior citizens.

He acknowledged that safeguards must be in place to

ensure transparency and give taxpayers assurance that every centavo of their money is spent wisely.

Representative Marcos told reporters the corporation proposed in the Maharlika fund bill “will be free from politics.”

“Yes, the President will be chairman of the board, but... you have to look at it beyond this administration. This isn’t something for the next six years, this is something that will keep on going,” Marcos said.

Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said in a statement on Monday that the success of any fund, sovereign or

private, “lies in the quality of its management.”

“In the current version of the Maharlika Wealth Fund, the President of the Philippines chairs its governing board. This is a powerful statement that the highest official of the land will hold himself as ultimately accountable to the Filipino people for the performance of the Fund,” the former president said.

“Once the fund becomes operational, the President will “be able to count on advice from the Department of Finance, the nation’s steward of sound fiscal policy,” Arroyo said. g

REAL ID requirement delayed until...

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with U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories to meet REAL ID requirements,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “This extension will give states needed time to ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card. DHS will also use this time to implement innovations to make the process more efficient and accessible. We will continue to ensure that the American public

can travel safely.”

The REAL ID deadline was initially pushed back from Oct. 1, 2020, to Oct. 1, 2021 and then was extended to May 3, 2023 before the new 2025 deadline.

The department said the extension addresses the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card.

Passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security

standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be.

All 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and four of five U.S. territories covered by the REAL ID Act and related regulations are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. (AJPress)

High approval, trust ratings for Marcos...

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Luzon at 70 percent.

In the same poll, the top five Cabinet secretaries with the highest ratings were Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos with 78 percent approval and 83 percent trust ratings; Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy with 74 percent approval and 89 percent

trust ratings; Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman with 73 percent approval and 67 percent trust ratings; Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople with 71 percent approval and 68 percent trust ratings, and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco with 70 percent approval and 65 percent trust ratings

The nationwide survey has a

margin of error of plus or minus one percent, and claims to be non-commissioned using faceto-face interviews with 5,000 adult respondents, according to RPMD’s official statement.

It disclosed limited details on the results of its survey unlike the Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations polls, which have a track record for credible statistical data. (Philstar.com)

Philippines on track to lose growth...

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as the government lifted nearly all COVID-19 restrictions and allowed more business activities to resume.

“This deteriorating global environment is spilling into the domestic economy and tempering the country’s growth

prospects in 2023,” World Bank Senior Economist Ralph van Doorn told a media briefing.

To safeguard growth, Van Doorn said the Philippines must address the impact of high inflation, keep its fiscal position sound and continue to invest in health, education and agriculture

to boost productivity.

The Philippines, like many countries, is grappling with inflation, which surged to a 14year high in November, keeping the pressure on its central bank to tighten monetary policy. (Inquirer.net with reports from Reuters)

Assisted living facilities pressed to address...

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Some assisted living facilities are small homes housing as few as four to six seniors; some are large housing complexes with nearly 600 older adults. Nearly 919,000 individuals live in these communities.

“There are many different flavors of assisted living, and I think we need to be more purposeful about naming what they are and who they’re best suited to care for,” said Kali Thomas, a panel member and an associate professor of health services, policy, and practice at Brown University.

Originally, assisted living was meant to be a “social” model: a home-like setting where older adults could interact with other residents while receiving help

from staff with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing. But given the realities of today’s assisted living population, “the social model of care is outmoded,” said Tony Chicotel, a panel member and staff attorney with California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.

Still, he and other panelists don’t want assisted living to become a “medical” model, like nursing homes.

“What’s interesting is you see nursing homes pushing to get to a more homelike environment and assisted living needing to more adequately manage the medical needs of residents,” Chicotel told me, referring to the current pandemic-inspired reexamination of long-term care. “That said, I don’t want

assisted living facilities to look more like nursing homes. How this all will play out isn’t at all clear yet.” n

We’re eager to hear from readers about questions you’d like answered, problems you’ve been having with your care, and advice you need in dealing with the health care system. Visit khn.org/ columnists to submit your requests or tips.

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.

Awardee Mary Jean Silva (center) in Washington DC, with U.S. Coast Guard Commander Admiral Linda Fagan (left) on Nov. 17. Photo courtesy of USCG

FEATURES OPINION

Settle the Dengvaxia controversy

IF uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters continues to be tepid during this week’s three-day mass vaccination program, part of the reason has to be the lingering impact of the hysteria over the Dengvaxia controversy. Litigation over deaths allegedly caused by Dengvaxia must be speeded up if the government wants to significantly reduce hesitancy not just for the anti-dengue shot but also for other vaccines against several preventable but potentially deadly diseases.

Developed by French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur, Dengvaxia is the first dengue vaccine to be approved by global health authorities. In June 2016, the World Health Organization and its Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization or SAGE endorsed the vaccine for use among ages nine to 45 in countries where dengue is endemic.

Editorial

By the end of 2016, the Philippines, Brazil and nine other countries had granted regulatory approval for Dengvaxia. Following the WHO and SAGE endorsements, the Philippines rolled out the vaccination program, targeting one million nineyear-olds in three regions with the highest cases of dengue.

As Sanofi Pasteur continued its research and testing, however, additional data indicated that the vaccine increased the risk of severe dengue for those who have never had the disease. When the company issued this warning in November 2017,

Babe’s Eye View

BABE ROMUALDEZ

HIGHLY motivated to do good, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues to enjoy high satisfaction ratings with the latest survey released recently by the OCTA Research Group. Results from the “Tugon ng Masa” Oct. 23-27 OCTA survey showed that 86 percent of the respondents trust the President, while 78 percent said they are satisfied with his performance.

In his first 100 days in office, several groups came out with their own assessments and surveys, including the one conducted by Catholic-run Radyo Veritas that said the President performed well. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry gave the president a rating of 8 out of 10, saying they appreciate his efforts to prop up the economy and put the country on the global radar.

In the face-to-face survey conducted by Pulse Asia from Sept.17 to 21, the administration

Commentary

R ICARDO S ALUDO

BEFORE the headline topic, immense gratitude to our Lord, our Blessed Mother, and organizers and participants of the November 26 to 27 Eucharistic Marian Prayer Event in Palawan and the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), seeking peace, protection and succor for our nation and our security forces amid threats of war, disaster, disease and deprivation.

The prayers, led by film and TV artist Baby Nebrida and supported by military, police, Coast Guard and other uniformed services, and a major corporate sponsor, may have already borne fruit to help keep our nation out of superpower conflicts.

After United States and Philippine defense officials declared in recent weeks that U.S. forces would get ten bases to use under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (BBM) announced last week that the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) underpinning the Philippine-American alliance

the Philippines had already given the vaccine to 800,000 school children.

The consequent hysteria attributed 99 children’s deaths to the vaccine and led to indictments for homicide and “torture of children” against about 40 government officials at the time.

Following deliberations by SAGE, the WHO updated its guidelines on the use of Dengvaxia in 2017, but did not recommend the discontinuation of the use of the vaccine in dengue-endemic areas. In 2019, the WHO added the vaccine to its model list of essential medicines. Dengvaxia remains approved for use in countries including Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Singapore and Thailand. It has also been approved in non-dengue endemic countries such as the United States and those covered by the European Medicines Agency. Still, the Philippines banned Dengvaxia in 2019. The scare also affected the country’s general vaccination program, with vaccine uptake for

measles falling from 88 percent in 2014 to just 55 percent in 2018. Measles outbreaks inevitably erupted, with cases surging from 2,400 confirmed infections in 2017 to 18,000 in 2018 and a massive 48,871 the following year. In September 2019, polio also made a comeback in the Philippines, 19

years after the country was declared polio-free. A scientifically sound resolution of the Dengvaxia controversy may help ease vaccine hesitancy, which is being seen even in the COVID inoculation drive. Litigation of the Dengvaxia case should not crawl along as usual. (Philstar.com)

The only direction to take is the right one

received majority approval ratings on 11 out of the 13 issues in the nationwide survey, particularly on responding to the needs of calamity-hit areas and controlling the spread of COVID-19. Respondents also gave majority approval ratings on protecting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers, fighting graft and corruption in government, and defending the country’s territorial integrity. When one’s motivation in office is focused on doing right –it can only point to one direction: the right direction. Obviously, the President continues to be very popular among Filipinos, but if the OCTA survey is any indication, it would seem that many are getting to appreciate him even more as they get to know him better. They see him going in the right direction when it comes to issues that matter to the Filipino people, among them food security, lowering energy costs and asserting our territorial rights.

Aside from strengthening our relationship with the United States, the President’s

instructions to me were to have more economic engagement with the U.S.. Which is why we continue to organize and host economic briefings between the government’s economic team and American business groups and investors to showcase the promising sectors for investment that include IT-BPM and renewable energy.

We are now seriously looking into nuclear energy to supply the country’s growing electricity requirements. Nuclear energy is one of the cleanest, and technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, with new safeguards put in place to prevent accidents from happening. One of the most advanced and revolutionary are small modular reactors that are portable, as they can be built in a factory and transported to a designated site for final assembly and installation.

Even during the elections, foreign policy has also been a hot button issue and continues to be so to this day. Ninety percent of Filipinos are pleased to see the President taking the right foreign policy direction in

our relationship with two major powers – the U.S. and China.

While there are still a few naysayers concerning our relationship with the United States, there is no denying that it remains to be a very strong anchor of our foreign policy direction. As President Marcos himself said, he cannot envision the Philippines in the future without having the U.S. as a partner.

With regard to the West Philippine Sea, his statement is unequivocal: We have no conflict with China; the issue we have is that China is claiming territory that belongs to us. No doubt the President’s state visit to China early next year will be crucial.

While some continue to take issue about the President’s foreign trips, the reality is that the world is getting smaller and trips are a necessary tool in conducting foreign policy. Face-to-face interactions are important for leaders to discuss issues and concerns that are mutually beneficial to their respective nations, and President Marcos is keen to reach out to many nations to advance our

national interest.

For instance, his forthcoming trip to Brussels for the ASEANEU summit offers a great opportunity to discuss a free trade agreement with the European bloc. The Philippines is the co-chair for the summit, which is why it is a must for the President to attend. As noted by European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron, it will be an “excellent opportunity to discuss broader foreign policy issues, especially following the ratification of the EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.”

The special invitation extended to the President for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland is another important event. Many financial analysts are advising the President to attend because it will provide an immense opportunity for the global business community to get to know more about the positive developments happening in the Philippines, and why it is a smart investment choice.

The fact is, practically everyone wants to meet an elected leader

who is essentially the “new kid” on the leadership block, and now is as good a time as any for President Marcos to show the world that “the Philippines is standing on its own two feet,” as he said during the UN General Assembly in New York.

One thing is very clear, President Marcos is highly energized when he knows he is making good with his promise to do his best for the country’s interest. And he told us – even if the fruits of all his work will be reaped by the next administration, he does not mind at all. Taking credit is not what he is after. What really matters to him is upholding the interest of our country and growing the economy to give a better life for the Filipino – a direction that can only be the right one. (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 US alliance: Three questions for Marcos

and advanced by the 2014 EDCA and the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) would be reviewed for possible "evolution."

If the MDT review by a committee under National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos leads to scrapping or stalling EDCA, it would help keep the country out of a devastating, possibly nuclear war feared between America and China, especially over Taiwan, which U.S. President Joseph Biden has thrice pledged to defend against invasion.

But that's a gigantic if, since powerful forces are pushing to fast-track EDCA and weaponize the Philippines for possible hostilities not just over Taiwan, but also in the East China Sea and South China Sea, Korea and Japan.

Hence, six of the 10 bases Washington wants to use are in Luzon and two are in Palawan, according to its wish list disclosed by incoming Defense Secretary Jose Faustino Jr. (the last two are near Cebu City and Cagayan de Oro).

So we have to keep praying that despite political advantages for Marcos from accelerating EDCA ("Bases for America: What's in it for the BBM camp" https://bit.ly/3UqdrZs), he will heed his father's warning about

U.S. bases as magnets for conventional or even nuclear attack and let the agreement expire next year despite U.S. pleas for rapid implementation and access to ten bases, not just five.

Asian powwow or American power?

Turning to the headline topic, three questions, among many others, must be addressed by the Carlos committee reviewing the MDT and its ancillary accords. The first may be termed a prejudicial question: Should the review body include members or representatives of the Senate, which ratified the treaty in 1951 and may need to affirm any revision?

The need to get senators' views and support early on is clear from the long delay in ratifying the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact, delaying benefits for the country, even as most other signatories have ratified the accord. With escalating geopolitical tensions, holding up a new defense treaty in the Senate could have serious security implications for the nation.

The next and most important question is one that President Marcos must be pondering, given his repeated statements about the MDT evolving amid

new global realities. Hence, the review should ask and answer:

What major changes have happened since 1951 in geopolitics, the Philippines, America and other nations, and military forces and technology, among other factors; and how should our alliances be recast to better address our defense needs?

Back in the 1950s, the U.S. and its allies were in ideological and geopolitical competition with the communist bloc, including China and Vietnam and led by the communist Soviet Union, from 1917 to 1991, the intervening state between the Russian Empire and the Russian Federation at present.

This Cold War turned hot in Asia, with some of the region's bloodiest conflicts in Korea from 1950 to 1953 and in Vietnam from 1954 to 1975. China was a hostile communist power then, reputedly backing insurgencies in Southeast Asia, including the New People's Army in the Philippines.

In this ideologically charged climate, East Asia sheltered under Uncle Sam's nuclear umbrella and even formed the U.S.-led Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (Seato) for mutual defense much like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Europe.

Fast-forward to 2022: Instead of insurgency, China now boosts investment and trade with its neighbors. Seato is gone; economic groupings flourish: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) and RCEP. There is even travel and trade between Taiwan and mainland China.

While war risk remains in disputed waters, Korea and Taiwan, the region is more keen to work out differences than fight over them, as Pyongyang and Seoul did in 2017 and South China Sea claimants in 2002 and recent years.

While China dwarfs all East Asia militarily, it knows aggression would devastate its economy and army, stampede the region straight into rival blocs, and leave America as a preeminent global power with economic and military might largely intact, as seen after two world wars and with the Ukraine conflict.

In this radically changed situation, Washington wants to augment Asia's relationshipbuilding approach with an oldstyle balance of power. So it aims to move massive naval, air and missile assets to the region, mostly in 10 Philippine bases, including six in Luzon for hostilities in Taiwan, Korea and

Japan.

Which approach will best keep war away from us — Asian relationship-building or U.S. arms deployment weaponizing us against China?

The answer partly depends on the future of our relations with China: Will we see growing peace and cooperation with disputes resolved by dialogue — or more and more aggressive encroachment on our sovereign economic rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) also ratified by China (though not the U.S.)?

President Marcos should press for a clear answer in Beijing next month. And that may determine if our nation and our region gear up for peace or war.

Former Cabinet secretary Ric Saludo holds an MS in Public Policy and Management (University of London) and a Diploma in Strategy and Innovation (Oxford), and is a resource speaker at the Enterprise Risk Management Academy, Singapore. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor

ROGER

President

JOSEPH PERALTA Vice President & General Manager

Sen. Angara: Confidential, intel funds expenditures to be rigorously scrutinized

by Maila ager Inquirer.net

MANILA — Senator Sonny Angara has allayed fears of possible abuse in using billions of pesos of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) allotted to various government agencies next year, saying Congress and the state auditor will closely examine these.

Congress ratified the final version of the P5.268-trillion national budget for 2023  containing the controversial CIF amounting to P9.3 billion on Monday, December 5.

Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on finance, explained that the scrutiny of the CIFs is guaranteed by law through the General Appropriations Act (GAA), the initiative of the Senate, and as part of the mandate of the Commission on Audit.

Under the GAA, he said, there is a provision requiring the grantees of CIFs to submit regular reports to both houses of Congress and the President.

Confidential fund recipient agencies and offices, on the other hand, are required to submit quarterly accomplishment reports to the President and the two Houses of Congress, the senator said.

In the case of the intelligence funds, Angara said, the quarterly reports are submitted to the President.

“On top of this, the Senate, through Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has initiated the

creation of a select oversight committee to look into the use of the funds. These are in place to ensure the proper use of these funds,” the senator pointed out.

“There will be periodic meetings of the select oversight committee to assess whether these funds are being used wisely by the agencies involved,” he added.

The creation of the oversight committee to look into the use of the CIF has been done since the 10th Congress.

COA, meanwhile, is still mandated to look into the use of the CIF, but unlike their regular audits, Angara said the results are not made public.

“Because of the nature of these funds, since they are linked to national security, safety, counterterrorism, you cannot just expose these publicly. They are linked to certain things that are established to be essential to the safety of our people, to the existence of the State, etc.,” he explained.

The same goes for the work of the Senate’s oversight committee, which Angara said has to be kept confidential because of the sensitivity of the issues being examined.

“Little is known about these funds but in the process we learn that there are disallowances on the use of these funds. For instance, you cannot use it to pay salaries and to buy certain things,” he said.

“COA has also historically been looking at these expenses and there are limitations to its use,

unlike the common perception that these funds can be used for anything and everything. That is not true,” Angara added.

As chairman of the Senate panel to the bicameral conference committee meetings on the 2023 budget, Angara said he fought to maintain the amendments made by the Senate, including the adjustments made to the CIFs.

However, their representatives from the House of Representatives “were adamant on restoring what was contained in the National Expenditure Program.”

“And with a deadlock looming because of the CIFs, compromises had to be made in order to avoid delays in the passage of the GAA,” Angara said.

“You’re working against the clock here because you don’t want to have a reenacted budget. We’ve seen in past when there have been delays that these had an adverse impact on our economic growth figures. That’s how important government spending is to the performance of the economy.”

“In the time of the pandemic, when the country, the economy is still recovering, the passage of a budget that is responsive, that spends on the right things and productive enterprises is very important,”  the senator stressed. g

Revilla wants to lower senior citizen age to 56 so they can enjoy benefits sooner

MANILA — Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. has filed a bill seeking to lower the age to be legally considered a senior citizen to 56 from 60 in what he said is a move to let more elderly people enjoy the benefits given to seniors.

Revilla’s Senate Bill No. 1573 aims to amend Republic Act No. 7432 so that people aged 56 can be legally considered as senior citizens.

Senior citizens get a 20% discount on transportation,

lodging, food and medicine and are exempted from paying income taxes, among other benefits under the Senior Citizens Act.

The bill does not change retirement age, which, for government service is compulsory at 65. Optional retirement from government service is at 60, which is also the traditional retirement age for the private sector.

"Today, especially during the pandemic, a lot weren’t lucky enough to reach the age of 60.

As the saying goes: ‘What good is grass if the horse is dead?’" Revilla said in a statement.

"That’s why as long as there is still time, we should give them importance by letting them enjoy benefits. Let’s remember that their hands molded whatever good we are experiencing now," he added.

Lawmakers in previous Congresses have also pushed to lower the senior citizen age, albeit unsuccessfully. (Xave Gregorio/ Philstar.com)

Freedom of speech must not be used to malign others - Padilla

MANILA – Senator

Robinhood Padilla on Tuesday, December 6 said that freedom of speech must not be used to malign others and trample their rights by using disinformation.

Padilla, during the joint hearing of the Senate Committees on Public Information and Mass Media and Justice and Human Rights on Senate Bill No. 1296, which seeks to outlaw the creation and dissemination of fake news by amending the Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, said freedom of expression should never be abused adding perpetrators of disinformation should be punished.

"Hindi pwedeng kapag sinabi nating kalayaan pwede mo nang tapak-tapakan ang kapwa mo, gumawa ka ng imbento, hindi naman siguro ganun. Kailangan talaga pag sinabing kalayaan e pantay-pantay tayo diyan. Di pwede yan na wala tayong susundin na batas kaya tayo may batas, kaya tayo may kalayaan gumawa ng batas para sundin natin. Di pwedeng free-for-all ito para tayong nagsusuntukan lang sa bar di pupuwede. Kailangan sumunod sa batas (We cannot allow people to use the freedom of expression to trample on the rights of others by using fabricated stories. When we say freedom, we are all equal. We cannot have a situation similar to a free-for-all inside a bar. We should craft a law that everyone will follow)," he said.

At the start of the hearing, Ellen Tordesillas, founder of

VERA Files, urged the Senate not to use the term “fake news” in legislation saying that the phrase is oxymoron, adding that anything false can never be considered as news.

Tordesillas said the problem of the bill is by using “fake news”, adding that even the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) does not use the term, insisting that “fake news” cannot be used in legislation, since there is no correct definition of “fake news”.

Padilla pointed out there is nothing wrong with creating content on news and social media platforms. But if the freedom of expression is abused and weaponized against others is another matter, saying there is really a need for a law to ensure punishment for those who abuse the constitutional right to "freedom of expression."

"Pag nilagyan na natin ng malisya na gusto mo siraan ang tao, yan ay mali na. Yan ho ang pagtapak na sa karapatan ng kapwa mo. At dapat lang yan may karampatang penalty (When we add malice in an attempt to destroy another person's reputation, that is not right. That is violating the rights of a fellow person. And there should be a penalty for that)," he said.

Senator Raffy Tulfo, on the other hand, said social media and other platforms must be registered in the country to ensure their accountability. (PNA)

Sen. Robinhood Padilla

photo

Sen. Sonny Angara, chairperson of the Committee on Finance Inquirer.net file photo

ZIPPER LANE. Motorists (right) use the zipper lane on Quezon Avenue in Quezon City on Tuesday, Dec. 6. The zipper lane’s implementation shall study the possible effects on the current traffic flow along Elliptical Road and Quezon Avenue as the basis for the establishment of active and public transport infrastructures for the benefit of all road users.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Coco Martin to return to primetime TV via remake of ‘Batang Quiapo’

celebrityworld

By Ferdie Villar

POPULAR

Martin is set to return to primetime television via another adaptation of the late Fernando Poe Jr. classic, “Batang Quiapo.”

The original film, which was shown in 1986, starred the acknowledge King of Philippine movies with Diamond Star Maricel Soriano. In the film, Poe played the character of Baldo, a former pickpocket released from prison who is determined to start a new life. He encounters Maria, played by Soriano, a young pickpocket whom he helps to get set on the right path in life.

To be released in 2023, “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” is to be directed by Martin himself and Malu Sevilla.

The adaptation will also star Poe’s daughter Lovi Poe and MMK host Charo Santos-Concio. Lovi will play Coco’s love interest in the series, while Charo will play Coco’s grandmother.

According to PEP.ph, a caption published for the series from Dreamscape Entertainment reads: “Isang FPJ Classic ang muling bibigyang-buhay ni Coco Martin kasama ang anak ng nagiisang Da King, Lovi Poe.”

Dreamscape also stated that the ABS-CBN adaptation of the popular movie is in commemoration of the late Poe’s 18th death anniversary.

Aside from Martin, Poe and Santos-Concio, joining the series are established actors/ veterans in the industry Lito Lapid, Christopher de Leon, Susan Africa, John Estrada, Pen Medina, Cherry Pie Picache, Benzon Dalina, Mark Lapid, Ronwaldo Martin, Ping Medina, Mercedes Cabral, Alan Paule and Tommy Abuel.

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NET25, a Philippine television network owned by the Iglesia ni Cristo for-profit affiliate Eagle Broadcasting Corporation, is set to unveil its talent management arm called Net25 Star Center.

The center is headed by Caesar Vallejos and former GMA-7 executive Wilma

Galvante, who is the network’s creative consultant. Heading the Net25 Star Center will be actor/ director/producer Eric Quizon, one of the sons of the late King of Philippine Comedy Dolphy.

According to an article in PEP. ph, the network’s star center will start to groom new talents, and will produce a youth-oriented show that will showcase the network’s new stars who will be managed by Net25 Star Center and will be part of the network’s exclusive stable of stars.

According to Vallejos, the network is very happy and pleased to welcome Quizon to the NET25 family, as the head or the Star Center.

“This is part of the efforts of NET25 to develop its own talents. Isa po si Eric Quizon naman sa bumubuo ng Quizon CT,” Vallejos said.

“Quizon CT is really one of the most successful shows. It’s a travel gag show. It’s familyoriented. It’s very wholesome. They really showcase the situational and the formula of their father Sir Dolphy, the king of comedy,” he futher said.

Kaya ito napakalakas sa ratings, at napakalakas din sa social media. So, with his experience there, and he’s also a great director, I’m sure he will be able to develop talents for NET25,” Vallejos added.

The network is intent on developing its stable of talents as it has plans to launch new programs for 2023. It won’t be a surprise if they launch a talent/ reality show search as they search for new faces, similar to what Galvante did when she was with the Kapuso network.

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Filipino actress Coleen Garcia Crawford brought glory to the Philippines by bagging the Best Actress award at the El Grito International Fantastic Film Festival in Venezuela recently for her work in the movie “Kaluskos.” Coleen is the wife of recentlycrowned Danse Avec Les Stars champion Billy Crawford.

In an Instagram post on Saturday, December 3, Garcia Crawford shared, “Yesterday I woke up to the exciting news that I won Best Actress at the El Grito International Fantastic Film Festival in Venezuela! Thank you so much to the jury for selecting me. I am so honored!”

She added: Thank yooouuu, Direk @manru and @viva_films, for the trust, and for giving me the opportunity to play Rebekah. Thank you, Lord, for carrying me through all of it. I learned a lot from this project, and working on it really reminded me why I love what I do!

#KALUSKOS is NOW SHOWING in cinemas nationwide!”

The actress received congratulatory messages from husband Billy Crawford, Max Collins, Kim Atienza, Dominic Roque, Iza Calzado, Karen Davila and Christine Babbao, among many others.

According to an article in PEP. ph, “Kaluskos” follows the story of a mother named Rebekah, who is fighting for the sole custody of her young daughter Amaya, but she finds another “Amaya” under her bed amid the custody battle with her estranged husband Jay. Wanting to start a new life with the other version of her daughter, Rebekah seeks to set the other Amaya free, but she has to kill the impostor to do so.

The film, which is written by Enrique Villasis and directed by Roman Perez Jr., was one of the entries in the 2022 Cinemalaya Film Festival and Coleen's only second film in 2022.

Fil-Am Olivia Rodrigo among music world’s highest earners in 2022 — study

by KRISTOFER PURNELL Philstar.com

MANILA — Filipino-American singer Olivia Rodrigo’s groundbreaking album “Sour” and its hit song “good 4 u” have helped the artist receive one of the highest earnings in royalties for 2022. Unted Kingdom-based casino analyst OnlineCasinos, inspired by the Wrapped 2022 campaign of Spotify, set out to find how much the most-streamed artists earned in royalties.

To do so, the company inserted the total play count of Spotify’s top 50 global tracks into royalties calculator Music Gateway. All data was collected from November 30 to December 1, 2022 and is accurate as of then.

“Sour” earned the second-highest earnings for an album as nearly 8.5 million plays translated to $35 million (P1.97 billion) in royalties, around $7 million shy of the top-spot held by Latin artist Bad Bunny’s “Un Verano Sin Ti.”

Wrapping up the top 5 for highest-earning albums were rapper Doja Cat’s “Planet Her,” former One Direction member Harry Styles’ “Harry’s House,” and British singer Ed Sheeran’s “=.”

“good 4 u” was just edged out of the top 5 for the highest-earning songs for 2022, still raking in nearly $7 million (P389 million)

Olivia Rodrigo in her acceptance speech on March 2, 2022. Billboard via Twitter from 1.675 billion plays.

Another Rodrigo song, “traitor,” figured at 17th spot with 1.013 billion plays that led to $4.2 million (P235 million) in earnings.

“good 4 u” was bested by The Neighborhood’s 2013 hit “Sweater Weather,” Styles’ 2019 song “Watermelon Sugar,” British rock band Glass Animals’ viral song “Heat Waves,” the Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber collaboration “STAY,” and topspot The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.”

The Weeknd’s hit song earned $13.5 million (P761 million) from 3.276 billion plays on Spotify in 2022 alone.

Wrapping up the top 10 were

Styles’ rising hit “As It Was,” Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow’s collaboration “INDUSTRY BABY,” Sheeran’s “Bad Habits,” and the Pnau remix of Elton John and Dua Lipa’s “Cold Heart.”

Other familiar songs within the top 50 were Adele’s “Easy on Me,” Coldplay and BTS’ “My Universe,” Lizzo’s “About Damn Time,” and Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God),” which can be attributed to Netflix’s “Stranger Things.”

Bad Bunny had a total of nine songs in the top 50, seven of them coming from “Un Verano Sin Ti” with “Yonaguni” and the collab “Lo Siento BB:/” being the exceptions.

Alice claps back at bashers telling her to act her age

by JAN MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

ACTRESS Alice Dixson clapped back at her bashers saying she needs to “act your age.”

In her Instagram account, Alice posted a photo of her sporting a new blonde hair.

“Walking in Market2 when my suki said ‘ang Ganda ng hair mo Alice, bagay sa yo!’ Didn’t realize how light & natural looking it has become,” she wrote in the caption.

“So my favorite bashers say ‘act your age,’ ‘your too old for that’ blah x3. Hahah, I think if I acted my age - I probably wouldn’t look this young. Sorry not sorry,” she added.

Last May in Instagram, Alice published photos of herself with her eldest daughter Sassa and of her baby Aura, covered by the application's stickers.

"Being a mom is a gift. I’ve been very lucky in my lifetime to experience it twice," Alice wrote in the post's caption. She shared last April 2021 that Aura was born via surrogacy.

Dennis has every reason to be proud

by CHRISTINA ALPAD ManilaTimes.net

DENNIS Trillo is one actor who is always grateful for his landmark roles on TV and film. Looking at his rich body of work, there's no question why he got them in the first place — he can skillfully transform into any character given to him and handle every single one with utmost dedication and professionalism.

From playing a transgender woman ("Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita"), a religious leader ("Felix Manalo"), a gay lover ("My Husband's Lover"), and a Muslim family man ("Legal Wives"), Trillo is not one to back out on the most challenging roles. That's why to this day, he never runs out of offers for a diversity of projects and should be well proud of it.

Besides his hit period TV drama "Maria Clara at Ibarra," where he portrays the wealthy and educated titular role, Trillo is also famously part of the crime thriller film "On The Job: The Missing 8."

Trillo plays Roman Rubio in this critically acclaimed Filipino masterpiece by Director Erik Matti. He is an inmate illegally transported from prison on assassination orders from the powers that be.

While OTJ already premiered at 78th Venice International Film Festival in 2021 — as a Main Competition entry up for a Golden Lion and where Trillo's co-star John Arcilla made history as the first Southeast Asian to win the Volpi Cup for Best Actor — it continues to reap recognitions from award-giving bodies here

and abroad.

On home ground, it was the big winner at the 45th Gawad Urian Awards and the 5th Entertainment Editors' Choice (EDDYS) Awards.

In the international scene, the movie's six-part miniseries edit earned a Best TV Movie or Miniseries nomination at the 50th International Emmy Awards.

Currently, OTJ: The Missing 8 is the country's official entry to the 95th Academy Awards or the Oscars.

Di ako makapaniwala kasi matagal na naming nagawa ang proyekto na ito pero hanggang sa ngayon, di pa rin natatapos yung recognition, mula sa international and local awards. After Emmys, ito nanaman, Oscars. So thank you talaga, nagbunga lahat ng paghihirap namin," a humble Trillo expressed at the red carpet premiere of the film in Ayala Malls.

"Sana magpatuloy ito at pamarisan ng ibang filmmakers, na itong pelikula yung maging hope nila na matutupad din yung mga pangarap nila pag pinagbutihan nila," Trillo added.

The actor admitted he did not expect the overwhelming reception OTJ would get, but he knew from the beginning it was a great film to be part of.

Grabe lang yung pagtitiwala ko kay Direk Erik Matti dahil alam ko na alam nya yung ginagawa.

Matagal na nyang napanood itong pelikula na ito sa utak nya at ngayon, finally here's his vision for this film."

And while OTJ is not Trillo's first time to play a gunman — he

was also one in the 2014 movie, "The Janitor" — Trillo reaffirmed that the movie and its miniseries version is a unique film no actor could pass up.

Itong kwento ng OTJ, very unique, hindi lang ito kwento ng isang tao kundi ng isang bayan at kung paano siya pinapatakbo ng maling pamamaraan "Nakakatuwa na mapasama sa ganito kalaking proyekto lalo na isa sa mga importanteng projects na nagawa ko talaga sa buhay ko."

Finally, Trillo said OTJ is a story that filmmakers must tell and must be heard by the public.

Parang nagiging controversial ulit yung pelikula dahil nahahalintulad siya sa mga tunay na pangyayari noon at mga nangyayari ngayon. So feeling ko importante rin na mapanood ito ng mga tao para mamulat sila sa mga bagay na kailangan nilang malaman," Trillo ended.

actor-director Coco

Coleen Garcia, shown on a promotional material for the film “Kaluskos” recently bagged the Best Actress award in the El Grito International Fantastic Film Festival in Venezuela. Photo from Instagram/@coleen

Actor-director-producer Eric Quizon joined NET25 and will be heading the network’s Star Center.

Photo from Instagram/@eric_quizon

Dennis Trillo Photo from Instagram/@dennistrillo

Actress Alice Dixson

Photo from Instgram/@alicedixson

Actor-director-producer Coco Martin returns to primetime television via another FPJ adaptation, this time the hit film “Batang Quiapo.”

Facebook photo from Dreamscape Entertainment

The late FPJ’s daughter, Lovi Poe, will play the love interest of Coco Martin’s character in the reimagined “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” series.

Charo Santos-Concio plays the role of Martin’s grandmother in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” which is set to hit televisions in 2023.

Celebrate New Year’s

ROHNERT PARK – Come to the all-round leisure and entertainment destination, Graton Resort & Casino, to celebrate the last month of 2022! On December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, every Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Oh What Fun Slot Tournaments will be held. 50 winners are guaranteed at each tournament. The top prize is up to $15,000 cash! Total prizes are up to $200,000! All reward members get one free entry into each tournament.

In addition, come celebrate New Year's Eve at Graton! There will be live entertainment, complimentary party favors, NYE countdown, and more – All in Hot Havana Style. Let us welcome the arrival of 2023 together!

And, there is $60,000 Tropical Riches Giveaway on Saturday, December 31, with drawings in every hour from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Giant Jackpot is also on Saturday, December 31 at 5 p.m. – January 2. For more information related to the promotions, please visit GratonResortCasino.com or call 707-588-7100.

There are 200 elegant comfortable rooms and luxurious suites, glamorous lobby and luxurious spa, more than 130 table games, including Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker and more at Graton. It also offers 3000 slot machines, live poker, video poker and a large function space for different

music concerts and special events. Graton Resort & Casino’s 9,000 square feet non-smoking gaming area which offers 300 slot machines and video poker is just next to the casino valet. You can enjoy gaming in a nonsmoking environment at Graton Resort & Casino!

And, there are delectable restaurants and bars, that offer different cuisines in the casino, such as twelve-time World Pizza Champion Chef Tony Gemignani’s Tony’s Of North Beach, Pan-Asian eatery Boathouse, a topquality steakhouse 630 Park Steakhouse, and 500 seats at the Marketplace, which offers casual

and convenient eateries for your selection. You will be sure to have a happy and unforgettable experience!

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Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in Chicago on part 1 of a series of Q&A on Citizen Pinoy

LEADING U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel visited Chicago, where he answered questions of Kapamilya from the “Windy City” and neighboring areas. In Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” viewers will hear answers to the following immigration concerns:

• Maria’s mother petitioned her sister 15 years ago but passed away in 2018. Maria asks if she can bring her sister to the U.S. by submitting an Affidavit of Support and if so, how long would it take for the California Service Center to respond.

• Dahlia’s mother tried to bring her children to the U.S. via her H1B visa 29 years ago. Their

mother also attempted to bring her granddaughter as well, pretending that she was her youngest daughter. Her mother was caught and her H1B was revoked. Dahlia wants to know if she can petition her mother now that she (Dahlia) is an American Citizen.

• Pauline wants to know the easiest way for her to get a green card if she came to the U.S. as a tourist and then changed her status to an F1 (Student).

• Ann’s mother was petitioned by her sister (Ann’s aunt) years ago. By the time the petition was approved, only her youngest sister was able to come to the U.S. with their mother, since

Ann and her other sister had aged out. Ann wants to know if there is still a chance for her other sister to immigrate to the U.S. via the Child Status Protection Act.

Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” with Kapamilya from Chicago. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 11 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT IN CHICAGO, PART 1. Leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel (2nd from right) answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in Chicago in Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot.” Among the questions Atty. Gurfinkel answers are – From Ann (right): My mother was petitioned by her sister (our aunt) years ago. But by the time the petition was approved, only our youngest sister was able to come with our mother since my sister and I had aged out. Our aunt is still alive. Is there still a chance for my other sister to come to the U.S. via the Child Status Protection Act?; From Mike and Maria (3rd and 4th from left): My mother petitioned my sister 15 years ago, but she passed away in 2018. I (Maria) submitted an I-864 (Affidavit of Support) in place of our late mother. How long would it take for the California Service Center to respond to our request for humanitarian reinstatement? Watch Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Chicago on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 11 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

PhiliP S. Chua MD, FaCS, FPCS

THIS is a warning, not only for Californians but for residents of other states where COVID-19 is still significant. The national 7-day daily average of cases, as of December 6, 2022, are still more than 53,000 a day and greater than 260 deaths per day. Many of these are unvaccinated and, sadly, many vaccine naysayers have died. Vaccination must be updated with booster #3, the bivalent vaccines, because newer strains are mutating and evolving.

The surge of COVID-19 infections in California and the great burden it imposes on the state’s healthcare system could be alleviated, according to experts, by bringing back masking and distancing, especially among children in school. And the waves of Flu and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) only complicate the picture of this tripledemic. RSV is especially dangerous for infants and super-seniors.

Contrary to fake news, vaccines, masks, and distancing effectively mitigate transmission, infection, hospitalization, and deaths. Those exposed to infected persons, or who are infected, should isolate themselves for 5 days, and use a mask for 5 days thereafter. COVID-19 is more contagious than the Flu or RSV. Those with infants/young children at home should be extra careful and use masks in public. Infants, young children and seniors have died from RSV and the flu, besides COVID-19.

Whether we like to acknowledge it or not, those who are anti-vaccines and anti-masks and who are unprotected are one of the major reasons for the unending waves of COVID-19, not only in the United States but elsewhere around the world.

There is no shame in wearing a mask; it shows wisdom and compassion for others around you. You are also protecting them, besides yourself.

Clinical studies have found that in cities and towns where the rate of vaccination, masking, and distancing are lowest, the infection rate, hospitalization, and deaths are highest. It does need an Einstein to figure this out. Common sense, which, unfortunately is uncommon, is all it takes to decipher and understand why.

The way our people behave, and the way the viruses behave, the COVID-19 pandemic is here to stay, as an endemic, like the flu. This is our own doing, and we have to simply accept this and live with it.

Let’s follow science in protecting our health and life, and those of our loved ones. Vaccines, hygiene, masks, and distancing all work effectively when it comes to mitigating a

The California surge

contagious disease, albeit not 100 percent. But so are bullet-proof vests, which have nonetheless saved countless lives the past 108 years, like masks since the 1920s.

Heart effects of vaccines Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and pericarditis (inflammation of the covering around the heart) have been observed after a week in some individuals (around 105.9 per million) who received the COVID-19 vaccines. A new large international scale study showed the incidence of those two are very low, contrary to what was suspected before. Most cases were among male teens and young adults usually after the second dose of a primary series of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Majority of the patients recovered quickly; 93 percent required hospitalization, while 23 percent needed ICU care. No deaths were reported. This study was published last week in JAMA Pediatrics.

Monoclonal: Impotent Monoclonal antibody, given by IV infusing as soon as a person tested positive for COVID-19 and proven to be most effective in curtailing the infection, is now ineffective against the new strains of SARS-CoV2, which are outsmarting our treatment strategy. Dealing with these viruses is a fluid exercise in wisdom and patience. They replicate and mutate to a more contagious strain and a more severe one for them to survive. If everybody were protected by the vaccines, they would not have any warm bodies to enter to replicate and mutate, and they self-destruct. Unfortunately, only 68 percent of people in the United States are fully vaccinated. The bodies of the 32 percent (105+ million) who are still unvaccinated bodies are being used by the viruses to replicate, mutate and evolve.

Protein versus carbs Studies have shown that when protein intake is low, the rest of the calories in a diet usually comes from carbohydrates, which is not a healthy situation.

Proteins are from red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, and nuts. These are the healthier foods, unless eaten in excess.

Carbohydrates, which includes sugars and sweets, bread and potatoes, on the other hand, are not healthy because they are inflammatory food items. The socalled nightshade vegetables are also inflammatory and oxidants, detrimental especially to those with arthritis. Nightshades include potato, tomato, eggplant, peppers, goji berries, paprika, and red spices.

The recommendation is to have high protein diet (especially fish, chicken, and minimal red meat, no processed meats) and a lot of vegetables, oats, some chocolates, some fruits and nuts.

Carbs like bread, rice, all forms of sugars, especially refined ones, sweets (like desserts) are

to be consumed sparingly and occasionally.

While quality (type) of foods one eats is important, quantity (amount) is vital and essential to maintaining a healthy weight. In general, for those with normal weight, the recommended caloric intake is 2,000 calories a day for women and 2,500 for men. Those with diabetes will have their individual computed caloric requirement. And so with those who are overweight and underweight.

Worse than fentanyl

Fentanyl has been in the news of late. It is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths, including 92,000 in 2020 alone. Many forms are available; some are multicolor like candies.

It is responsible for countless fatal and non-fatal overdoses in the U.S. Many victims are children who accidentally eat them. The open southern border facilitates the entry of the cartel and these killer drugs, not to mention the criminal elements and COVIDinfected people. About 3 million people in the U.S. are recovering from opioid addiction.

But there is now a newer and more vicious killer replacing fentanyl. It is called protonitazene, supposed to be even three times stronger than fentanyl. This new drug has been found in Canada and in the U.S., where 3 deaths have been reported in South Carolina. It may even be resistant to the antidote Narcan.

Public education, especially children’s education, starting even in pre-school, is vital in preventing accidental deaths from these killer drugs.

There is basically no difference between taking cyanide (suicide pills) and fentanyl or protonitazene or other potent opioids, except perhaps a few minutes before dying after ingestion.

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

* * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

* * *

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

ConGen Ferrer attends Filipino Ministry’s 10th annual gala

THE Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, led by Consul General Neil Ferrer, attended the 10th Annual Gala of the Filipino Ministry last October, organized by the Filipino Ministry gala committee led by Ms. Estelle Oloresisimo and Vicar for Filipinos Rev. Angel Quitalig, at the Patrons’ Hall of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco.

The 10th Annual Gala, which featured a cultural and musical fundraiser led by the Filipino Ministry, is the continuation of the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines in the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

With the theme, “Gifted to Give,” the milestone celebration inspires gratitude for the gift of faith that Filipinos received 500 years ago and the responsibility of sharing the faith.

Consuls Jed Martin Llona and Vanessa Bago-Llona also attended the event. (PCGSF Release)

Manny Pacquiao releases movie against Asian hate crimes

LOS ANGELES – Eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao has xxecutive produced a movie to raise awareness of Asian hate crimes titled “Almighty Zeus”, which had a theatrical release in selected theaters starting December 2, 2022.

Pacquiao said, “I hope this movie will encourage and Inspire a lot of people, not only In America but all over the world. I hope It encourages people to spread love Instead of hate.”

[To view Manny Pacquiao’s interview with CBS LA on executive producing Almighty Zeus, visit https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=P-7-lxFqSWs.]

Written, directed, and produced by Chris Soriano, who also stars as the main actor, the goal of the film is to showcase unity through the sport of boxing. The story focuses on the middleweight champion of the world losing his mother to COVID-19 and ends up challenging an Asian American boxer (Zeus) to punish in the ring. Zeus encounters a neighborhood boxing legend, Coach Green, who decides to take Zeus under his wing and teach him fight tactics through the dangerous streets of Los Angeles.

Soriano began filming during the pandemic and incorporated real hate crimes that happened to Asian Americans in his film. Soriano felt the need to tell this story in hope it will shine light on how the country could deal with racism toward minorities. His goal is to promote peace. The co-lead actor in the film is a Black American, Coach Green.

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PCGSF participates in reception hosted by Mill Creek city council in Washington

THE Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco participated in a reception hosted by the City Council of Mill Creek, Washington at its city hall in honor of visiting Consulate personnel and members of the Filipino community last October. The reception was held in view of the Consulate’s consular outreach mission in Mill Creek, Washington from October 7-11, held at the Mill Creek City Hall.

The City of Mill Creek was represented by Mayor Brian Holtzclaw, Councilmember Melissa Duque, Councilmember Sean Paddock, City Manager Martin Yamamoto, Communications & Marketing Coordinator Jody Hawkins, and Communications & Marketing Coordinator Scott Harder.

Washington State Representative April Berg (D) from the state’s 44th legislative district (which covers Mill Creek) attended the event, along with representatives from the offices of the following elected officials: U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (DWA), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA 7th District), and Washington State Representative and former Washington House Speaker Frank Chopp (D-WA 43rd District).

From the Filipino community in Washington, representatives from the Fil Am Resources for Educational Advancement for Culture and Technology (Fil Am React), IDIC Filipino Senior & Family Services, the Seattle Mabuhay Lions Club, the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest, and the

On behalf of the undersigned, Consul Jed Llona thanked Mayor Holtzclaw, the Mill Creek City Council and the personnel from its city hall for hosting the reception. He also presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the City of Mill Creek for extending its support to the Consulate during the outreach.

In his remarks, Consul Llona highlighted that the Filipino population in Washington is among the fastest growing demographic groups in the region and that the community is well-represented in all facets of civic, political and economic life in the state. He also noted that October is Filipino-American History Month and paid tribute to the contributions of the Filipino-American community throughout the United States.

(PCGSF Release)

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wedesday, December 7, Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA), Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personal and Co-Chair

celebrated the inclusion of her provisions to finally remove the crime of sexual harassment from the military chain of command and to provide other key protections for survivors in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) agreement.

“The brutal murder of SPC Vanessa Guillen and victims like her made it crystal clear: Sexual harassment begets sexual assault and other horrific crimes. The monumental changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) that I secured in Vanessa’s honor last year to remove sexual assault, murder, kidnapping, and domestic violence from the chain of command were truly historic.

And my provision to make sexual harassment a stand-alone offense in the UCMJ that was included in the FY22 NDAA was also transformational,” Chair Speier said. “Shockingly, these extremely complex and critical sexual harassment cases were not taken out of the chain of command last year. This year’s NDAA agreement rights that egregious wrong and will finally ensure that this gateway crime receives the respect and resources it requires.”

“Even more importantly, it will ensure that the more than 100,000 sexual harassment survivors who suffer these crimes in our armed forces each year will have the confidence to come forward knowing their cases will be handled properly — by trained, independent investigators — which was not the case for Vanessa and countless others. I’m immensely proud that in my last year in Congress, I was able to get this critical component of the reforms

enacted in Vanessa’s honor over the finish line as a fitting final tribute to Vanessa and the Guillen family — who have been the real warriors in this force for change.”

In addition to removing sexual harassment offenses from the chain of command and requiring independent investigations of sexual harassment, Chair Speier’s provisions in this year’s NDAA agreement will:

• Require inspections of National Guard units for compliance with federal law and policies, including those related to sexual harassment and assault.

• Provide referrals to civilian legal services for survivors of sexual assault.

A summary of the NDAA agree ment can be found at https://ar medservices.house.gov/_cache/ files/c/c/cc3467a1-1686-42d09eed-0acb6ba59f1e/FBEC9B3B BACB6F0F647481B1A1C 3BE2C.20221207-fy23n daa-bill-summary-vfinal.pdf.

(Rep. Speier’s Office Release)

Speier legislation to remove sexual harassment from the military chain of command included in FY23 NDAA

Soriano hopes that this film will showcase unity with the journey both characters go through.

for “Almighty Zeus”:

Genre: Action/Drama

Runtime: 1hr 55min

“Zeus” is on Facebook, Instagram, @almightyzeusmovie and Twitter under @Zeusthemov

Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer (middle) attended the Filipino Ministry’s 10th Annual Gala. He was joined by Filipino American Parochial Vicar at St. Mary’s Cathedral Rev. Jerald Geronimo (left) and the Cathedral’s Pastor and Rector Very Rev. Kevin Kennedy. Photos courtesy of San Francisco PCG

Filipino American priests, including soloists Rev. Mark Reburiano (third in front from left) and Rev. Eugene Tungol (9th from left), and Vicar for Filipinos Rev. Angel Quitalig (7th from left), sing evangelical hymns, including an original composition, titled, “Priestly Hands, Priestly Voice,” by St. Roberts Parish Pastor, Filipino American Rev. Arnold Zamora.

The Sincerity Girls joined SF Bay Area’s talented Fil-Am performers, such as St. Augustine’s Children Choir, Kariktan Dance Company, among others, in the cultural and musical fundraiser extravaganza, hosted by Mr. Leon Palad and Ms. Christine Adiaz.

Mill Creek, Washington City Councilmembers Melissa Duque (4th from left) and Sean Paddock (4th from right) welcome Consul Jed Llona (5th from right), and other personnel from the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco (Begonia Legisniana, Eileen Peralta, Armyn Atentar, Rommel Rouell Medina, Myla Capuno, Baylene Jaro, and Elizabeth Margallo) at a reception hosted by the City of Mill Creek last October 2022.

Photos by Antonio Balladolid/PCGSF

Consul Jed Llona (left) presents a Certificate of Appreciation to the City of Mill Creek, Washington, headed by Mayor Brian Holtzclaw (right) for extending its support to the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco during the conduct of its consular outreach mission in Mill Creek from October 7-11, 2022.

Coalition of Filipino American Organizations of Washington State attended the event.

of the Democratic Women’s Caucus,

Hyatt Hotels acquires Dream Hotel Group

by RealtoR Fely Quitevis-Bateman

DREAM Hotel Group, which is developing Dream Las Vegas, has been acquired by Hyatt Hotels Corp. This was announced on Tuesday, November 29, and was featured in local paper Las Vegas Review-Journal

According to the article, “the buyer is slated to pay a base price of $125 million, with up to an additional $175 million over the next six years “as properties come into the pipeline and open,” according to a news release.

The deal will include 12 managed or franchised hotels with another 24 management agreements for hotels that haven’t opened yet, the article added per the release.

Dream Las Vegas, one of the projects within the Dream Hotel Group that is being developed by Shopoff Realty Investments and Contour, both Southern California firms, will benefit from the deal, per a company official, citing the

“depth of the Hyatt reservation system” and “the combined benefit of Dream’s creativity and Hyatt’s scale.”

Dream Las Vegas is a 531-room resort that is expected to open in 2025, and is situated on Las Vegas Boulevard, just south of Russell Road. It is slated to offer a smaller, boutique-style experience for its patrons.

The Dream Las Vegas is just one of the many projects or events slated to open in the next few years – and even decades – in Las Vegas.

Construction is booming in the town, with the massive projects planned along the Strip and elsewhere that have kept unemployment numbers down.

An anticipated project that many have seen towards the north end of the Strip is the Fontainebleau, with its massive, bluish structure towering near the convention center location.

One of the tallest structures in the city, it is located in the 2000 block of South Las Vegas Blvd. and has an “fb” etched prominently in the structure facing the street. Slated to open in late 2023, it features a huge space of meeting space (about 550,000 square feet), a two-floor retail area for high-end retailers, a casino and more than 3,700 hotel rooms, in addition to a nightclub, performing theater and a dayclub.

With conventions and expos coming back to Las Vegas, the Fontainebleau is positioning itself in the meet space industry, owing to its proximity to the Las Vegas Convention Center. It is expected to add luster to the northern part of the Strip, which has seen a lot more activity in the last few years.

Another project that is slated to open in 2023 is an Atomic Range near The Strat, also in the northern end of South Las Vegas Blvd. It is expected to be a premier golf destination in Las Vegas with facility users able to have an immersive experience. The facility will feature the latest in golf and entertainment technology, and will certainly create memorable experiences for facility visitors.

Atomic Range is seen as a center that will welcome all ages and people with different golf skill sets. Flite Golf and Entertainment, the developers of Atomic Range, see the project as a way to allow people of all ages to come and learn to play golf in a non-intimidating environment, while having fun in a facility that will be about four stories high. When finished, it is expected to add hundreds of jobs to the local economy.

Also in late 2023, Formula 1 Racing comes back to Las Vegas when the Las Vegas Grand Prix event takes place in Sin City, where the sport’s top drivers vie for the win as they navigate a 3.8

mile, 14-turn course where top speeds are expected to hit around 212 miles per hour.

Las Vegas’ iconic landmarks will serve as the backdrop for the race that will feature three straights, a high-speed cornering sequence and a single chicane section, with Grand Prix drivers running over 50 laps and trying to outmaneuver each other to capture the trophy. Not since the 1980s has there been a Grand Prix event in Las Vegas, and racing fans are excited at the prospect of witnessing Formula 1 Racing again and seeing their favorite drivers, most of whom are excited to visit the city and see what it has to offer.

Of course, entertainment seems to be a big attraction in Las Vegas. Country star Garth Brooks just committed to a residency at Caesars Palace in 2024, Carrie Underwood will be back at Resorts World in 2023, rap superstar Jack Harlow, Tiessto, Zedd and Kaskade are going to be headliners at Resorts World’s Zouk Nightclub, and fans and industry insiders are hopeful that Celine Dion will finally open her latest Strip production, also at Resorts World, in 2023.

Meanwhile, Adele, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Aerosmith, Maroon 5, Barry Manilow, Sting, Foreigner and Shania Twain are in the midst of their residencies or will be starting their shows in various casino-hotel properties in the first trimester of 2023.

Most of the big gaming-hotel developers in Sin City are in the midst of consolidating, renovating or developing their own portfolios, which is a win-win situation for both locals and visitors.

This just means that the demand for Las Vegas will remain strong in the future, even as mortgage rates are higher nowadays. Currently, there is a good inventory in the

market for properties available in and near Las Vegas; buyers can negotiate more with sellers and get a good deal.

If you are in the market to buy real estate – whether it’s a house, land, condo, or even a commercial property – this is a good time to see what’s out there. I have decades of experience in the real estate industry and can help you find the property of your dreams and something that will suit your budget. Many of my clients who have invested in real estate have begun to reap the rewards of their investments via rentals and Airbnb.

My team and I would be more

than happy to help find your slice of land in one of the most exciting cities in the world, and help you achieve the American Dream of home/land ownership.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

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

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s (extreme left) young investors from Palm Springs are looking at Las Vegas properties after closing their escrow in Pahrump recently.

Russ and Fely Bateman hosted a dinner for their Manila investors at the Stirling Club in Las Vegas.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s repeat investors in Pahrump is the mother/daughter team of Rose and Jessica Pacheco.