121622 - New York & New Jersey Edition

DATELINE USA

COVID

“TEST and treat, and you can beat COVID!”

As Californians brace for a winter surge of COVID infections, that’s the message of Dr. Rita Nguyen, speaking at an online news conference on behalf of the California Department of Public Health’s COVID 19 Treatments Task Force.

Her message was echoed by four frontline medical practitioners serving some of the most vulnerable populations in the state.

“We are in the winter surge,” said Dr. Nguyen, who directs the Population Health Division of CDPH. “We are already seeing

Give Maharlika bill a chance – Marcos

by Kristina Maralit and Moises Cruz ManilaTimes.net

“For sure, I wouldn’t have brought it up otherwise. It’s very clear that we need added investment. This is another way to get that,” he said in a brief interview while on a chartered flight from Manila to this European city on Sunday night, December 11 for the Association of Southeast Asian NationsEuropean Union (Asean-EU) Commemorative

Summit.

by lanCe agCaoili Inquirer.net

MANILA — Hidilyn Diaz has finally added the elusive World Weightlifting Championship gold to her collection as she ruled the women’s 55-kilogram division on Thursday, December 8 in Bogota, Colombia.

The Tokyo Olympic gold medalist tallied a total lift of 207kg to beat Rosalba Morales of Colombia and Ana Gabriela Lopez of Mexico, winning all three gold medals in the snatch, clean and jerk, and total.

Diaz lifted 93kg in the snatch to win her first gold in the world championship and recorded 114 kg to top the clean and jerk.

With an assured medal in clean and jerk, she tried to lift 117kg and 121kg but failed.

Morales wound up with the silver medal

“They’ve already convicted him! He’s never been heard! His human rights have been trampled on!” Quiboloy’s American lawyer Michael Jay Green said in an interview with the religious pastor’s own television network SMNI on a breaking news program on Saturday, December 10.

“That’s not the American way,” he added. “It is hard for me to believe this is coming from the United States.”

On Friday, Dec. 9, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) blocked all transactions of Quiboloy, his Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) religious sect, and other properties within U.S. territory, effectively freezing their assets.

“For more than a decade Apollo Carreon Quiboloy (Quiboloy) engaged in serious human rights abuse, including a pattern of systemic and pervasive rape of girls as young as 11 years old, as well as other physical abuse,” OFAC said in a press

by Klarize Medenilla AJPress

FILIPINO American Kenneth Mejia was sworn into office as the Los Angeles City Controller, officially becoming the first Filipino to be elected to the LA City government.

Along with the new Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, Mejia was sworn into office in front of LA City Hall on

Sunday, Dec. 11, following a landslide victory in November.

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, Mejia’s campaign promised increased transparency regarding city spending,

a successful

Filipina actor Dolly de Leon makes history with Golden Globe nomination

by Klarize Medenilla AJPress

FOLLOWING her celebrated performance in the film “Triangle of Sadness,” Filipina actor Dolly de Leon has earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.

She is believed to be the first Filipina to get a Golden Globe nomination in this category.

Before the Golden Globe nominations were announced on Monday, Dec. 12, de Leon — who was born in Manila and whose

The administration’s economic managers — Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla — are strongly

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. voiced his support for the Maharlika Wealth Fund (MWF), saying the controversial proposal will benefit the country through the added investments it will bring.

anchored by

billboard campaign that illuminated the whopping police budget compared to that of social services.

LAWYERS for televangelist Apollo Quiboloy denounced the U.S. Department of the Treasury for punishing him even before his trial on sex trafficking charges has started.

treatments readily available, but access disparities still huge

TEACHING DEMO. Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte (2nd from right) and Mayor Francis Zamora (right) listen to a teaching demonstration in a class using the newly installed TV and fiber optic internet connection at the Pinaglabanan Elementary School in San Juan City on Tuesday, Dec. 13. As part of the city government project, all 13 public schools in the city will be provided with fiber optic internet connection and Wi-Fi in all classrooms and in common areas of the school as well as 55-inch smart TVs.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Hidilyn Diaz dominates weightlifting world championships with 3 golds

Dolly De Leon on the Cannes red carpet last May.

Photo from Instagram/@dollyedelean

Manny Pacquiao dominates DK Yoo in exhibition

by Mark GionGco Inquirer.net

MANILA — Manny Pacquiao expectedly outclassed South Korean YouTuber and martial artist DK Yoo on Saturday, December 10 at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea.

Pacquiao, who could’ve easily stopped Yoo inside their six-round charity boxing match if he wanted to, settled for a unanimous decision win.

But more than the victory, Pacquiao relished his return to the ring after stepping away in September of last year.

“[It’s] nice to be back in the ring, especially this charity exhibition match and I’m going to continue my training to get back in shape,” said Pacquiao, who tipped the scales at 161.1 pounds during the weigh-in.

Pacquiao, who turns 44 on Saturday, Dec. 17, picked up the pace in the third round while Yoo was noticeably exhausted from that point on.

The eight-division champion knocked down the much bigger Yoo several

times including twice in the sixth round though the referee called one a slip.

The exhibition would’ve ended in the fifth but Yoo managed to buy himself a lot of time by claiming Pacquiao hit him behind the head.

Part of Pacquiao’s proceeds in the match will be used to provide shelter for the poor and homeless families as part of his Pacman Village projects.

Pacquiao’s last appearance

in an official fight was in August 2021 when he took a stunning decision loss to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas, announcing his retirement a month later to pursue his bid for the Philippine presidency.

Pacquiao, however, doesn’t seem like he’s planning to stay retired after he recently expressed his eagerness to challenge undefeated welterweight champions Terence Crawford and Errol

Give Maharlika bill a chance...

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backing the MWF, insisting it would fast-track the government’s efforts to reach inclusive and sustainable economic growth outlined in the President’s Medium Term Fiscal Framework, 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and 2023-2028 Philippine Development Plan.

Among the direct benefits they cited are increased investments in and funding of bigticket infrastructure projects through Marcos’ “Build Better More” initiative, high-return green and blue projects, and countryside development.

The long-term benefits include increased access of future generations to income from investments, such as potential earnings from extracted natural resources such as in mining.

The pitch, however, is being met with opposition over its timing, when the Philippines is struggling with a more than P13-trillion national debt.

Initially, government financial institutions like the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS), Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and National Treasurer were tapped to pool money to raise the P275-billion startup fund for the MWF as provided for by House Bill 6398.

Proponents of the fund in the House of Representatives have since revised the measure, removing the GSIS and SSS as funding sources.

The Appropriations panel also approved Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo’s proposal to exclude the General Appropriations Act (GAA) as one of the mandatory funding sources.

Marcos said he will “let them do their jobs” as legislators and appealed to the public and critics of the MWF to hold off criticisms until the final version is released.

“We’re just doing the regular process of looking at the bill. Well, not we. It’s the legislature. So, let them do their jobs. Para gawin nilang perfect (So they can make it perfect),” he said.

“Let’s not debate until we see the final form because we could be debating about provisions that will no longer exist. So, antayin natin kung anong gawin ng legislature (let’s just wait for what the legislature will do),” he said.

Aside from Quimbo, the main authors of the still unnumbered bill at the House are Speaker Martin Romualdez, Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe, Committee on Accounts Chairman

House leaders broke political boundaries to support the Maharlika fund.

Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Third District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. said “the objective of maximizing or optimizing gains from the investment of excess state funds or assets is laudable. That is what every nation on this planet would want to do.”

Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, one of the stalwarts of the Nationalist People’s Coalition in the House, said the proposal “has become contentious, but it is important to recognize that the country needs the MWF to fund its needs.”

Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona of the Nacionalista Party said investing government assets for optimal return for the public is what 49 countries with sovereign wealth funds are doing.

Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats said the Philippines should learn from the best practices of nations with successful investments and avoid the mistakes of others while establishing a sovereign wealth fund.

Northern Samar Rep. Paul Daza, who belongs to the minority bloc, said he was leaning toward supporting the fund measure after the House leadership made changes to it.

“It’s now a much better bill and I can see the effort of the authors and the proponents. So it looks good at this point and it looks much better,” Daza said.

The House banks committee said the latest amendments introduced to the measure include reverting the name to Maharlika Investment Fund of MIF and allocating 20 percent of the fund’s net profit to social welfare projects. n

BIOMETRICS. An elderly woman places her thumb on a scanning device for her biometrics during a voter registration inside a mall in Manila on Monday, Dec. 12. Voter registration, which will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, at the Office of the Election Officer of the city, municipality, or district where the applicant resides, will end on Jan. 31, 2023.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Manny Pacquiao is being held by the referee as DK Yoo falls during their exhibition fight in South Korea. Photo from MP Promotions

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang photo Yedda Marie Romualdez, Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre, and Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Jose Ma. Clemente “Joey” Salceda, Manila Rep. Irwin Tieng, and Quimbo.

Kenneth Mejia sworn in as...

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statement.

Quiboloy was one of 40 individuals and entities in nine countries sanctioned for corruption and human rights abuse by the U.S. treasury department as it marked International AntiCorruption Day (Dec. 9) and Human Rights Day (Dec. 10).

Good news on Rights Day

“This is good news during Human Rights Day and we hope that other human rights violators would be held to account in the coming days,” said House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Rep. France Castro.

“We hope that this would serve as a signal to local authorities to also look into the illegal activities of Quiboloy here. There should be no sacred cows,” she said.

The sanctions imposed meant that “all property and interests in property” in the United States “or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.”

“The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person,” OFAC said.

Significant consequences

The action was taken to implement the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act of the U.S. through Executive Order No. 13818.

“The United States seeks to impose tangible and significant consequences on those who commit serious human rights abuse or engage in corruption, as well as to protect the financial system of the United States from abuse by these same persons,” Ofac said.

It did not give an estimate of the value of Quiboloy’s U.S. assets. The move followed a U.S. federal grand jury indictment of Quiboloy and his two top officials, Teresita Dandan and Felina Salinas, in November 2021 for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children.

OFAC said Quiboloy’s victims were mostly minors

and were required to do scheduled “night duties” which was to have sex with him. The victims were told by the pastor to “offer your body as a living sacrifice,” it said.

“Quiboloy exploited his role within KOJC to rape his victims and subject them to other physical abuse, describing these acts as sacrifices required by the Bible and by God for the victims’ salvation,” OFAC said.

On Jan. 31 this year, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation published a poster declaring Quiboloy as one of the most wanted suspected sex traffickers in America. The U.S.-based lawyers for Quiboloy on Saturday said that his U.S. trial was to start only in 2024 and that the accusations against him were bogus and politically motivated by the U.S. “liberal administration” that saw him and his sect as a “threat.”

Green denied all of the allegations against his client, saying such would be unbecoming of a pastor who helped the poor.

Asked if he had proof to counter the claims of the alleged victims, he said emphatically: “I didn’t find any victims because there were no victims!”

Another lawyer for Quiboloy, Manny Mendrano, said that as long as there was no trial, “that paper (federal indictment) is worthless.”

“No one had their day in court (yet),” he pointed out.

“There’s a lot to be done between now and then and the pastor has a real fire power legal team to assist him and defend him aggressively,” Mendrano said.

‘Not losing sleep’

According to Green, if Quiboloy were to face trial in the United States, he would surely be held in jail for years without bail, so they would represent him instead. Quiboloy’s lawyers also said they were confident that his business transactions in the United States would remain untouched despite the sanction.

Mendrano said KOJC, which claims 7 million members worldwide, was “not losing sleep” over the recent pronouncements from U.S. authorities.In a statement after the FBI

Kenneth Mejia

PAGE 1

“Our first day in office. We’re here to hold power accountable in order to make it a better city for all Angelenos,” Mejia’s team tweeted on Monday, Dec. 12.

As the city’s controller, Mejia will oversee the city’s spending and consult the Office of the Mayor over the city’s budget — however, the controller does not have power over how finances are allocated throughout the city.

But Mejia promised to hold City Hall accountable and probe the city’s spending on homeless initiatives and law enforcement, among other top issues.

This is Mejia’s first time serving in public office. With a background in finance, Mejia also ran for U.S. Congress in 2018 campaigning on progressive policies and ideals inspired by Bernie Sanders and Jill Stein, as previously reported in the Asian Journal. n

Hidilyn Diaz dominates weightlifting world...

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including a bronze in snatch and silver in clean and jerk with a total lift of 199kg while Lopez came up a close third with a total of 198kg after a silver finish in snatch.

Diaz, the 31-year-old weightlifting icon, has finally captured the missing World Championship crown to her collection which includes gold medals from the Olympics last year, Asian Games, and Southeast Asian Games.

The world championship gold is something Diaz has been chasing since settling for bronze finishes in the women’s 53kg division in 2015 and 2017 and another bronze in the 55kg division in 2019. She backed out of the weightlifting worlds at Tashkent last year, a few months after winning the historic Olympics gold.

The Bogota world competition is part of Diaz’s bid to qualify for Paris 2024, where she seeks her fifth Olympics appearance.

“It’s official! We’ve kicked off our

Paris 2024 Journey with a decent start and ended our year with 3 Gold medals in the Snatch/CJ/Total, going 93/114/207. Not our best showing but a historical one being the First Filipina to win a World Championships,” said strength and conditioning coach

Julius Naranjo, who is also Hidilyn’s husband, in a Facebook post.

“It’s been definitely a journey coming back, Hidilyn Diaz and I have accomplished a lot in 2022. From winning the Philippines first ever Olympics [gold], to getting married, and to winning our 2nd Southeast Asian Games Gold Medal.”

The two wed last July on the first anniversary of Hidilyn’s Olympic win.

Other Filipinos also competed in the tournament. Nestor Colonia, who won bronze in the 2015 edition of the world championship in the 56kg divison, finished seventh in men’s 55kg, while Lovely Inan and Rosegie Ramos saw action in the women’s 49kg class and placed 13th and 17th, respectively.

Fellow Tokyo Olympian Erleen Ando participates in the women’s 59kg competition, Vanessa Sarno and Kristel Macrohon the women’s 71 kg, while Dave Lloyd Pacaldo takes part in the men’s 67kg. n

Filipina actor Dolly de Leon makes...

PAGE 1

career primarily centered around television — tied for the award for Best Supporting Performer at the 2022 Los Angeles Film Critics Association. (De Leon tied with Ke Huy Quan, who won for “Everything Everywhere All At Once.”)

In response to her historic Golden Globe nomination, de Leon, 53, expressed excitement and hope that more Filipino actors get international, mainstream recognition.

“Thank you for including me in that very short list of very talented supporting actresses,” de Leon told ABS-CBN in a video sent on Tuesday, Dec. 13. “Hindi ako sanay sa nomination na

ganito — ang sarap! Sana mas marami pa sa atin ang makatanggap ng ganitong recognition because so many of us deserve it. (I’m not used to getting a nomination like this — it feels good! Hopefully, more of our community will receive recognition because so many of us deserve it).”

“Triangle of Sadness” — written and directed by Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund — is a black comedy that follows several luxury cruise guests and one cruise ship housekeeper (played by de Leon) who are marooned on a desert island following a disastrous shipwreck.

In a story that reveals the follies of hierarchy, de

Leon’s breakout “scenestealing” performance as the resourceful Abigail caught the attention of the international film community.

According to an interview with Variety, de Leon said that her performance of Abigail was largely motivated by real-life people she knows, saying, “I see Abigail in my aunts, my mother, our grandmother, our cousins. She’s in a lot of Filipinos that I’ve met over the years.”

The film received praise earlier this year when it premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, winning the coveted Palme d’Or, widely recognized as the top award in

international cinema.

Prior to “Triangle of Sadness,” de Leon’s career began in the 1990s, in the Philippine theater scene. She starred in several soap operas and has worked with renowned Filipino directors, including Lav Diaz. “Triangle of Sadness” is her fourth feature film role.

De Leon is up against Angela Bassett for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Kerry Condon for “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Jamie Lee Curtis for “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” and Carey Mulligan for “She Said.”

The Golden Globes will be presented on January 10, 2023 in Los Angeles. n

Hidilyn Diaz wins three golds in the 2022 World Weightlifting Championship.

Photo by Coach Jeaneth Aro/Facebook

Features OpiniOn

Uniting the world against corruption

OVER the weekend the U.S. government announced an asset freeze and other sanctions on about 40 persons in nine countries, among them Philippine televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, on charges related to corruption, fraud and human rights abuses including, in the case of Quiboloy, child rape.

Washington said the sanctions were part of moves coinciding with the observance of International Anti-Corruption Day on Dec. 9 alongside Human Rights Day. The United Nations is counting down to the 20th anniversary in 2023 of the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the UN Convention Against Corruption. The Philippines is among 189 parties that have committed to the obligations under UNCAC, which went into effect on Dec. 14, 2005.

UNCAC is legally binding to parties, and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime serves as secretariat for the convention’s Conference of States Parties. The US move against the 40 persons is in keeping with the theme picked by the UN for Anti-Corruption Day, which is to unite the world against corruption.

On the Move

Segundo eclar romero

THE continuing tussle over the Maharlika Wealth Fund (MWF) reveals the nature of the controversy— it is an ongoing vote of confidence in the Marcos Jr. administration’s economic strategy. As things stand in the public sphere, the people’s verdict is leaning toward a vote of no confidence.

In a message for the special day, the UN stressed that corruption fuels armed conflict, inhibits peace processes, aggravates poverty, slows economic development, and undermines democratic institutions and the rule of law.

Sadly, Filipinos know this only too well, with corruption deeply entrenched across all levels of government. Public service processes are designed to be so complicated that people transacting with the government are compelled to pay grease money or “facilitation fees” just to get things done. The failure to punish officials implicated in large-scale corruption has bred impunity; corruption pays handsomely in this country.

Proceeds from corruption are also successfully laundered into politics, further

weakening the quality of governance. With the political establishment unable to provide leadership against graft, there is no push for the urgently needed reforms. Instead, the push is for the preservation of the corrupt status quo and the protection of the unholy marriage of politics and family businesses.

The UN has emphasized the need to promote transparency and strengthen institutions. The Philippines, unfortunately, has been going in the opposite direction in terms of transparency. Undue restrictions have been imposed on public access to

statements of assets, liabilities and net worth of officials starting with the president. The national budget has an ever-growing chunk allotted to confidential and intelligence funds that can evade close scrutiny by state auditors.

It is no coincidence that the world’s advanced economies, which rank high in the happiness index that is based on quality of life, also rank high in surveys on transparency and good governance. Unless the Philippines deals decisively with corruption, it cannot attain that quality of life. (Philstar.com)

The people’s vote of no confidence

My summary of the top infirmities of the MWF are: (1) dubious conceptual, legal, and contextual soundness; (2) no consultation with powerless, voiceless Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Social Security System (SSS) stakeholders; (3) imagining that legal safeguards automatically translate into scrupulous implementation; (4) undue haste in ramming crucial legislation through the House of Representatives;

and (5) lack of clear progeny and responsibility for the current MWF concept.

The very size and urgency of the MWF are its very weakness—lack of prototyping in proper context makes the scheme very risky.

But the optics are just as fatal. First is the insensitivity to the unsavory historic reputation of the Marcos family’s handling of public funds while in power. Second is the frontloading of credit to the Marcos family,

while due diligence has yet to be completed by the economic managers.

The MWF could have been very timely when historic opportunities like the sale of Fort Bonifacio or Malampaya indeed created surplus government funds. The current context is also inauspicious—a world unsettled by COVID-19 and the Russian war against Ukraine sending destabilizing ripples of inflation, shortages, and imbalances across the globe.

The regional optics also strike fear in the hearts of ordinary people as former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak goes to jail for plundering the 1MDB funds. The conjugal caper of Najib and Rosmah looks like “nothing but a secondrate, trying hard copycat” of the plunder of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos. So, what Shakespearean cruelty is contemplated for the nation when Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, and Ferdinand

Martin Romualdez now push this “Maharlika” scheme, as if to evoke the blessing of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.? In the wake of the recent OCTA survey that reports that the Filipino people give President Marcos Jr. an 86-percent trust rating and a 78-percent performance rating, how do we square these sparkling statistics with the incendiary pushback the Marcos Jr. administration is getting? It is as if the people are saying:

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ROGER

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

Dateline PhiliPPines

3 more Cabinet members earn CA panels’ nod

MANILA – Three Cabinet secretaries are nearing their final confirmation from the Commission on Appointments (CA) after getting the nod from the corresponding committees.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista told the CA Committee on Transportation that he is ready for the challenge to lead the sector that plays a vital role in the economy.

“Being an archipelago, land, sea, and air mobility are indispensable in our exchange of goods and services as well as our unity and cohesion as a people with shared goals among diverse local tranditions and practices,” Bautista told the panel.

He expressed support to the proposal of Senator JV Ejercito for a long

term, comprehensive masterplan for infrastructure development and transportation modernization, which he said he will endorse to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Kailangan po talagang magkaroon ng (We really must have a) long-term planning. There are countries, they plan up to 50 years. Dito po sa ating bansa, kailangan po talaga na iplano natin ang lahat ng (In our country, we really must have plans for everything) infrastructure project for airports, for railways, for ports, for roads and bridges,” Bautista said.

The master plan, according to Ejercito, will pave the way for infrastructure development beyond the country’s urban centers and spur new growth

development areas around the archipelago.

Housing backlog Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar admitted the Philippines still has a long way to go in providing decent shelters for informal settler families (ISFs) but as an experienced real estate developer, reiterated his commitment to address the backlog within Marcos’ sixyear term.

“I am concerned with the informal settler families who are forced to stay homeless to sustain their source of living. I have observed that previous public housing projects have been unsuccessful as families refuse to relocate away from the cities,” Acuzar said.

“Hence, I am pushing to

1.5M new voters eyed as registration resumes

by Neil JaysoN servallos Philstar.com

MANILA — The Commission on Elections is eyeing up to 1.5 million new voters as the voter registration resumed on Monday, December 12 a Comelec official said.

Comelec spokesman Rex Laudiangco said the voter registration would be conducted daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Sundays and holidays, in election offices nationwide.

The poll body wants to finish early the voter registration in preparation for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections scheduled in October 2023, according to Laudiangco.

“We are hoping to have one million to 1.5 million new voters until Jan. 31,” he said in an interview on Teleradyo.

There will be no voter registration on Dec. 24 and 31.

The Comelec has partnered with five malls in Metro Manila for the opening

of satellite offices in their establishments.

Meanwhile, the Comelec has allowed inmates to vote during a plebiscite for the cityhood of Baliwag in Bulacan.

The voting hours at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Pagala, Baliwag will be held on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Comelec said 108,572 registered voters in 27 barangays in Baliwag are expected to participate in the political exercise. n

BI to launch online visa extension for short-term tourists

MANILA – Tourists who are in the country for a short period but would want to extend their stay may do so by filing their application online as the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to launch this month its online visa waiver project.

“Online application for visa extensions,

the target is to be launched before the year ends. Basically tourists who come here visa free who wishes to extend their 30 day visa may do so online,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said in a message to reporters Tuesday, December 13.

COVID treatments readily available...

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increases in hospitalization rates for COVID. Rates are increasing and we expect to see even more as we head through December.”

But there is a unique opportunity to address the crisis head-on, Nguyen emphasized. “This is the first winter surge of a three-year pandemic where we actually have treatments that are highly effective, readily available, and free to anyone over the age of 12.”

The challenge, Nguyen noted, is that most people aren’t accessing the treatments.

Paxlovid, or its alternative Molnupiravir, are antivirals and they are free to everyone, even those who lack health insurance or are undocumented. Remdesivir, which is given via infusions, is not free: costs vary with the level of insurance coverage. All three treatments are time sensitive. Paxlovid or Molnupiravir, must be started within the first five days after symptoms start; remdesivir must be started within seven days.

Timely treatment can prevent the severity of the infection by 50% to 88%. Even among those who are vaccinated, it decreases risk of long-term COVID, by 45% to 50%. Paxlovid treatment in 2022 alone averted an estimated 16,000 – 48,000 severe hospitalizations in California, and an estimated 10,000 deaths, according to Nguyen.

But while treatment supplies are plentiful, access challenges remain huge.

The digital divide

Dr. Daniel Turner-Lloveras, executive director of the Latino Coalition for Health Equity, believes lack of internet access and digital skills may be the biggest obstacle.

He cited the case of his mother who recently tested positive for COVID-19. She had phoned her clinic to try to get a doctor but had been waiting all day for a return phone call. Turner Lloveras also called his mother’s clinic, but was forced to leave a voice mail which was not returned.

“As a physician, I am very aware of the benefits of getting early treatment with Paxlovid,” he said. When he sent

a message to the clinic’s online patient portal, he got a call back within an hour. “It made me realize that almost every social determinant of health now is enveloped by the need to have internet access and the ability to navigate the World Wide Web.”

More than 35% of Latino workers have no digital skills, and 20% have just limited digital skills, Turner-Lloveras added, noting that digital inclusion now impacts most factors in modern society, including the ability to get a job and support a family.

“Without digital literacy and digital skills, you’re offering gas to a family that has no car. Telehealth is a valuable resource but cannot be used without those skills.”

Dr. Oliver Brooks, chief medical officer of the Watts Healthcare Corporation in Los Angeles, concurred with Turner-Lloveras. He noted that 1 out of 5 Black households have no internet access, limiting their ability to access healthcare in a timely manner. He stressed the importance of testing as soon as any symptom appears: runny nose, cough, gastric distress, fever, and other conditions.

The Black community has much lower rates of treatment, not because it wasn’t accessible, but because it isn’t offered to them, said Brooks. “Treatment doesn’t work if you don’t take it or get offered it. So as a person you need to advocate, you need to know about treatments and then say, ‘I tested positive. Do I take this pill? Do I take something?’”

According to new data from the CDPH shared by Dr. Nguyen, 37% of White patients who presented with COVID symptoms received treatment, while only 20% of Black people got access to care.

Treatment for older adults, rural communities

One of the most vulnerable populations are adults who are 65 years and older and account for nearly 90% of COVID deaths.

Dr. Wynnelena Canio, who specializes in geriatric medicine at Kaiser Permanente in Petaluma, Ca., and is an advisor with the California Department

of Aging, noted that “as people age, we accumulate chronic conditions that cause us to have decreased reserves with which to compensate or recover from stressors such as infection.

“A lot of older adults become more frail, losing more muscle mass and becoming more dependent on others after hospitalization. That in turn leads to more disability and possible institutionalization.”

Early treatment of any conditions in older adults has proven to have better outcomes, Canio emphasized. That includes especially getting the new updated boosters, which only 12% of Americans overall have received.

Dr. Jasmeet Kaur Bains, a family physician from Kern County in California’s Central Valley, who was just elected to the California State Assembly, spoke about the challenges in accessing health care for rural residents.

Bains, who grew up in the county, said when she was a child, a pediatrician could usually be seen within a day. Today, it can take two to three months.

The pandemic brought accelerated rates of retirement for doctors and skyrocketing unemployment rates. As people lost their jobs, they also lost health insurance coverage, Bains noted. Language barriers added to the access challenges. Many resources were not available in Spanish or Punjabi, two commonly spoken languages in Kern County. Added to this, issues like poor air quality and resulting lung disease led to high levels of hospitalization and deaths in her region.

“The lens needs to be focused here. The surge is real, it’s happening and it’s at the detriment of areas like rural California.”

Access issues notwithstanding, all five physicians agreed that getting tested and treated early is the message underserved communities need to hear.

“Don’t wait till the illness gets worse,” said Nguyen. “If you start feeling a runny nose, cough, or generally not like yourself, act fast and take a COVID test. If you test positive, seek treatment right away.” (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services) n

US Treasury freezes Quiboloy...

poster was published, Quiboloy, who claims to be “the appointed son of God,” branded all accusations against him as lies instigated by the “Devil.”

In January 2020, U.S. federal agents arrested three of his church leaders on immigration fraud charges following a raid on its U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles City.

Workers allegedly solicited donations year-round for the church’s charity and were beaten and psychologically abused when they did not reach their daily quotas. The money raised, originally for the benefit of poor children, allegedly went to church operations and the “lavish” lifestyle of Quiboloy.

Around $20 million was sent back to the church in the Philippines from 2014 to the middle of 2019, according to federal investigators.

In 2018, Salinas, leader of the church’s Hawaii branch, was arrested for smuggling cash onto a private plane in Honolulu bound for the Philippines with Quiboloy on board. A witness saw Salinas and Quiboloy order church members

to smuggle hundreds of thousands of dollars inside black socks packed in suitcases from California to the Philippines in 2013 and 2014.

The Philippine government has an International Legal Cooperation agreement with the United States. Under the agreement, the United States can request the Philippines to extradite or surrender a suspect to stand on trial in America. The United States has yet to make such a request for Quiboloy.

The chief state counsel of the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) has said that if a request came, the DOJ could work on the possible extradition of Quiboloy, but it could take years due to the various processes that it would have to undergo.

Quiboloy supported former President Rodrigo Duterte’s presidential campaign and later became his spiritual adviser.

In this year’s presidential election, he endorsed the winning tandem of President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte. (Jacob Lazaro/Inquirer.net) n

BI to launch online visa extension for...

On the other hand, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco led the weeklong year-end celebration of the agency from Dec. 5 to 9, where he discussed the numerous plans and other projects lined up for the improvement of the bureau.

These include the introduction of electronic transactions and payments for immigration applications and the eTravel system, a joint project of different border management agencies, was also highlighted as a major achievement of the year.

The celebration, with the theme “Pasasalamat mula sa Bureau of Immigration” was an opportunity for BI employees to celebrate the

achievements of the agency.

“We celebrate a new beginning for the bureau. Despite the many issues and challenges in the past, we look forward to a better future. Anticipate. Innovate. Motivate. These are the agency’s direction in the next years. Anticipate what is needed, innovate to improve our services, and motivate each other to be the best public servants. Aim high BI,” the BI chief added.

The week-long activity featured gift-giving for children of employees, including those in the janitorial and security services, and an outreach program for underprivileged families in the area. (PNA) n

Manny Pacquiao...

Spence.

He also hinted at a potential comeback next year during his post-fight interview in the ring after toying with Yoo.

“You’ll see,” Pacquiao said when asked about fighting in 2023.

He had suggested prior to the match that he may not be done with fighting,

calling Sunday’s bout a “very good stepping stone to come back”.

“This is a great opportunity to come back in the ring,” he added. “I thought it was easy to retire… I really missed boxing.”

Pacquiao, who hung up his gloves with a 62-8-2 record, admitted: “I felt lonely when I retired from boxing.” n

CHECKPOINT. A member of the Manila Police District Station 14 in Quiapo, Manila checks the driver’s license of motorists passing along Claro M. Recto Avenue, Manila on Monday, Dec. 12. “Oplan Sita” of the local police aims to enhance crime prevention by beefing up police visibility in the city. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

New BIR chief says to study Marcos family’s tax liabilities

MANILA — While his predecessor was more categorical about collecting the Marcos family’s estate tax liabilities, the new Bureau of Internal Revenue chief who was just appointed last month was noncommittal about it as he vowed to study the issue.

“We will study this and ensure that all our actions will be in accordance with the law. That would be the

only thing that we will do,” BIR commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. told reporters in Filipino on Tuesday, December 13.

In contrast, former BIR commissioner Lilia Guillermo vowed to collect the Marcoses’ estate taxes as long as she has the correct figures.

“I’m going to tell [Marcos] that if the BIR really has to collect. I’ll say, ‘you won’t

pay this amount, it’s the estate. Can you be a role model?’ The Marcoses will pay their taxes because they comply with the law,” Guillermo said in an ABS-CBN News Channel interview in mixed Filipino and English.

It is not known what happened to Guillermo’s appointment, which was announced prior to Marcos taking his oath as president.

She was replaced by Lumagui in November.

Even though the president himself called the estate taxes owed by his family to the government “fake news,” the Supreme Court in 1997 affirmed that the Marcoses owed at least P23,293,607,638, as assessed by the BIR. (Xave Gregorio with a report from Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar. com) n

To defend press freedom, Hontiveros seeks decriminalization of libel

by Xave GreGorio Philstar.com

MANILA — Sen. Risa Hontiveros has filed a bill seeking the decriminalization of libel as she argued that the country’s libel laws have been used and abused to clamp down on the freedom of the press.

Senate Bill No. 1593, which Hontiveros filed last week, seeks to

repeal portions of the Revised Penal Code on libel and the provision on cyber libel in the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“Our libel laws have been weaponized to stifle very basic fundamental rights. These laws have been used to constantly attack many of our freedoms, but particularly the freedom of the press. We need to decriminalize libel if we are to truly defend press freedom,” Hontiveros

said in a statement.

While Hontiveros’ proposal seeks to remove the criminal aspect of libel, it still allows people to institute actions for damages.

The opposition senator said cyber libel has been weaponized to silence journalists, whom she said were only doing their jobs.

“If we don’t correct this, libel will

PERSONALIZED CALENDAR. A worker uses silk screen printing for a personalized calendar for the year 2023 at their store on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Tuesday, Dec. 13. The price of an extra large calendar, measuring 32 by 34 inches, is P85 each.

PNA photos by Ben Briones

Nye County passes moratorium on renewable energy projects for at least 6 months

By RealtoR Fely Quitevis-Bateman

IN a bid to strike a balance between the desires and needs of the Nye County communities, to which Pahrump belongs to, the Nye County Board of County Commissioners issued a moratorium on all applications for renewable energy generation facilities,

which includes solar energy projects.

In recent years, applications for these types of projects have come at a fast clip for Nye County.

The county’s planning department, according to a report in the Pahrump Valley Times, requested the county

commissioners to pass the resolution “instituting a temporary [six-month] moratorium on the processing of any future applications for permits for renewable energy generation facilities in order for the planning department to conduct discussions and hearings to determine whether amendments or changes to Nye County Code

are necessary in order to protect the public health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Nye County.”

Both local residents and representatives from solar companies spoke at a recent Nye county commissioners meeting where the item was included in the agenda. Residents spoke in favor of the moratorium, while solar company reps emphasized the need for the county to work with the renewable energy industry to develop standars that everyone could live by.

Part of the resolution passed, reads, “Whereas, the Nye County Planning Department has received a number of inquiries related to the creation and zoning of renewable energy generation facilities, which has resulted in a number of comments and concerns being made by Nye County citizens and members of the general public. And whereas the Nye County Planning Department is under development pressure with inquiries and issues related to renewable

energy generation facilities and… the Nye County Board of County Commissioners have been reviewing the Nye County Code with respect to renewable energy generation facilities and changes may be necessary…

“Whereas, several citizens of Nye County have publicly and privately questioned the provisions of the Nye County Code related to renewable energy generation facilities and the planning director is requesting the… board… pass a resolution instituting

a temporary moratorium… to allow time for the planning department to study and research the proper classification, restrictions and requirements for renewable energy generation and other similar activities in Nye County and to propose amendments to the Nye County Code.

“Now therefore be it resolved, the Nye County Board of County Commissioners hereby adopt a temporary

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (center) with her Pahrump investors – Ron Quilang (left), a Fil-Am Las Vegas resident who will be running for U.S. Congress in 2024, and Mico Osotio (right), his business partner – who looked at commercial properties in town.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (lower left) had lunch recently at the Symphony Restaurant in Pahrump with her repeat investors who are from Vallejo, CA.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (center) with Alka Products CEO Andrew Hoang and his fiancée Jenny Truong in Pahrump.

The people’s vote of no...

“You can help yourself to my vote and surveyed opinion, but don’t you dare touch my money.”

It is revealing how three economists display their support for this MWF. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda seems a reluctant promoter, but he pinpoints for us the real raison d’être for the Fund: “The General Appropriations Act (GAA) is restricted by the fact that you have 300 congressmen with parochial concerns. ’Pag dumaan sa Kongreso, every congressman wants something for his constituency.” So, Salceda looks at the MWF as if it were a traffic counterflow scheme to deal with a constipated Congress.

On the other hand, Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo thinks relying on the GAA is too slow. The MWF will energize investments and hasten Philippine development beyond what

the GAA can generate. She is so much more animated in defending the bill than Salceda. However, she admits the scheme needs tweaking and awaits the economic managers to perfect their submission to the House committee.

Confident and articulate as she is, Quimbo appears oblivious to the reputation of Congress as an institution that is footloose with the people’s money as suggested by the approval of the hefty intelligence and confidential funds of the President and the Vice President. She also affects naïveté in believing that the letter of the law and formal safeguards will dictate the success of a long-term project’s implementation.

As to our third economist, Central Bank governor Felipe Medalla, he seemed sure and sincere when he publicly expressed his initial doubts about the MWF. Apparently, as Quimbo explains, he

was absent when the economic managers forged their common position.

Committees have a way of bending individual wills and convictions. Now, Medalla is portrayed in a joint press statement of the economic managers as fully supporting the Fund.

As it stands, the MWF is no longer “sovereign” nor about “wealth.” Without the contribution of GSIS and SSS and other excluded sources, it may be too modest for a sovereign fund.

As for the word “Maharlika,” it is valid if by this we mean an edifice complex prone to hyperbole and incapable of real achievement. (Inquirer. net) * * *

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

3 more Cabinet members...

provide shelters to ISFs already living and working in cities to remain close proximity to their livelihood,” he added.

Acuzar started as a draftsman at Tondo Foreshore Redevelopment Project in 1975 and became a contractor in the 1980s before establishing the New San Jose Builders Inc. Road to recovery

Meanwhile, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan told the CA that he always considers it an honor serving the Filipino.

“As our nation continues its full recovery and advances its journey to prosperity,

we’re confronted with the rapidly changing market conditions and much uncertainty in this global environment. Challenged, yet unfazed,” Balisacan said vowing to realize the Marcos administration’s 8-point socio-economic agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

Balisacan also served as NEDA chief under the administration of the late President Benigno Aquino III from 2012 to 2016.

He led the conception of the AmBisyon Natin 2040, a long-term vision and the basis for planning that aims to provide every Filipino with a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life by 2040. (PNA) n

moratorium for a period not to exceed six months on the processing of any future applications for permits for renewable energy generation facilities and be it further resolved that said moratorium shall become effective immediately upon its passage…”

With the passage of the resolution, the Nye County Planning Department will work on scheduling public hearings so it can gather relevant information and data that can be used in the event that changes need to be made to the county codes for any renewable energy projects that will be developed in the future in Pahrump and other areas of Nye County.

This is another instance of government taking the reins in protecting the interests of its citizens by carefully looking at projects that are being considered for the future welfare of residents and businesses.

While renewable energy is at the forefront of people’s minds due to climate change, it is vital that the state, county, and city/ town governments also look at the viability of projects, related costs, impact on the environment and local flora and fauna, and other factors that can affect the livability in the area.

Pahrump is a town that has grown by leaps and bounds since its founding in the late 19th century where large ranch-style holdings typified the area on which cotton and alfalfa were grown, and livestock raised.

It has gone through significant changes, and is one of the fastest-growing towns in the United States.

Big companies and franchises like The Home Depot, Burger King, Chevron, Coyote Corner, CVS Pharmacy, Domino’s, Davita, Enterprise, Family Dollar, US Bank, Bank of America, Taco Bell and Supercuts have established operations, along with hundreds of businesses that cater to the needs of the diversified, growing population of the town. Of course, Pahrump being in Nevada, there are a few hotel-casinos and legal brothels operating in town.

Pahrump is home to the Mountain Falls Golf Club, which has an 18-hole course codesigned by architectural firms Nicklaus Design Group and Cal Olson Design.

It is also where Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club is situated, which has the longest road course in North America with over 6 miles of challenging racetrack that can be offered in more than 50 unique configurations. The facility is home to car racing schools, and also houses Spring Mountain Estates where luxury trackside homesites are being offered and built.

With affordability the name of the game right now in real estate, Pahrump is one of

those cities and/or towns that keep popping up in due to the lower, affordable real estate prices and its location in Nevada – it is only about 62 miles west of gaming and entertainment hub/emerging sports capital Las Vegas. People who are priced out of the Las Vegas real estate market are looking at areas near the city, and Pahrump is one of those places that offers a quiet, more peaceful alternative to the big city lights and traffic that are ever-present in Sin City.

I have helped many clients look for their piece of real estate heaven in Pahrump and in Las Vegas. I have decades of experience in assisting my clients find their American Dream, property-wise – one that fits their budgets and needs. Many of my clients have even become repeat buyers and investors, with some now reaping the benefits of their real estate investments via rentals or through Airbnb.

My company, Precious Properties, is a fullservice company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-5138447, 805-559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@precious-properties.com or fely. precious@gmail.com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

To defend press freedom...

continue to be used to kill our freedom,” she said.

Hontiveros announced that she filed the bill on the day that Baguio-based journalist and Rappler contributor Frank Cimatu was convicted of cyber libel by a Quezon City court over a 2017 Facebook post.

In 2012, the United Nations Committee on Human Rights

declared that the continued criminalization of libel in the Philippines violated the country’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Journalists in the country have long called to decriminalize libel, along with the graver cyber libel offense stipulated in the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. n

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

GOLD MEDALIST. Senators, led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (6th from right), present a Senate Resolution to Filipina figure skater Sofia Lexi Jacqueline Frank (7th from right) for her impressive performance at the 2022 Asian Open Figure Skating Trophy in Jakarta, Indonesia on Dec. 7-9 during the plenary session on Monday, Dec. 12. Frank bagged the gold medal in the senior women’s category of the sporting event. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Sen. Risa Hontiveros Philstar.com file photo

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions from Kapamilya shoppers at Arko Foods in Glendale, CA on Citizen Pinoy

THE holidays are a time to prepare special meals and celebrate with friends and family. Many Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the U.S. prepare holiday dishes that bring them a taste of the Philippines.

For this episode, leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel and the Citizen Pinoy team went to Arko Foods International, a grocery store that offers a variety of Filipino products and take-out food.

Arko Foods co-owner Susie Chua sits down with Atty. Gurfinkel to share information about the Filipino food and products offered at their busy store. Aside from their groceries, they also prepare plates & food trays that shoppers can bring to potlucks and family gatherings.

Kapamilya shoppers and Arko staff were able to ask their PAGE 12

YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT IN GLENDALE, PART 1. Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel (in red sweater) answers immigration questions from Kapamilya at the Arko Foods in Glendale, CA in “Your Tanong, My Sagot”. Among the questions Atty. Gurfinkel answers are – From Tracy (top left): How does a U.S. citizen petition a parent who once entered the U.S. under an assumed name?; From Lola Nessie (top right): My granddaughter met a green card holder online. When he went home to the Philippines in 2020 to marry her, he got stuck there for over two years due to the pandemic. When he applied for a returning resident visa at the Embassy, he was denied. Can anything be done for him to come back to the U.S.?; From Roel (bottom): My brothers-in-law are just waiting for their interview at the U.S. embassy in Manila, but their petitioner passed away last year. Can they avail of Humanitarian Revalidation? Watch Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” at the Arko Foods in Glendale, California on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 18 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

STUDIES have shown that the body relies on vitamin D to stave off heart disease, inflammation and even cancer. People with deficient vitamin D in their body are associated with a higher risk of dying prematurely and vice versa. Lack of vitamin D also results in poor cognitive function and increases the risk for dementia.

Recent groundbreaking research led by Dr. Kyla Shea, Ph.D., involving postmortem multi-data analysis of the brains of 290 patient-organ donors revealed (for the first time) that vitamin D is present in the brain tissue and a normal level of it is linked to better cognition and a lower risk for dementia among seniors. High concentration of vitamin D across the brain reduced the risk of dementia up to 33 percent.

How this vitamin acts to help maintain a healthy cognitive function is still unknown. More studies are needed to clarify this issue. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the form recommended and the dose to attain an optimal level is between 5,000 to 8,000 international units. Those with darker skin and people who rarely get exposed to the sun are the ones who most likely need vitamin D3 supplementation. Consult your physician before going on a medical regimen of any type.

FDA warning on LASIK

LASIK stands for laser insitu keratomileusis, a very comm procedure for vision correction in people who are farsighted or nearsighted with astigmatism. Each year, about 500,000 people undergo this 15-minute per eye, 25-year-old procedure, which costs thousands, and mostly not covered by insurance.

Last week, the FDA warned people about these possible aftermaths of LASIK procedure: double-vision, ongoing pain, dry eyes, and other complications. Some still need to wear eyeglasses following LASIK. The procedure is safe and common.

This caution will surely affect people’s thinking about LASIK. And eyeglasses today have wonderful pleasing and beauty-enhancing designs.

Statins lower stroke

Popular cholesterol-

D3 and the brain

lowering statin drugs, like atorvastatin (Lipitor) or rosuvastatin (Crestor) and others, appear to lower a person’s chance of having the deadliest form of stroke, the one caused by bleeding in the brain, according to the journal Neurology. The stroke is medically termed intracranial hemorrhage, when an artery leaks and bleeds into the brain tissues.

Strokes are the country’s leading cause of disability and death. Statins, according to the report, are another powerful tool for stroke prevention. A healthy lifestyle, with abstinence from tobacco, a healthy diet, daily exercise, and stress management, reduce the risk for stroke and other cardiovascular and metabolic illnesses.

Statins reduce fatty deposits in the arteries that harden over time and block the arteries and cut off blood supply to vital organs, the brain in this case. Blockages in the heart artery lead to a heart attack. Around the world, people take statin to reduce the risk for heart attack and stroke.

466 died in a day

While COVID-19 seems to be easing up, wisdom dictates that people should still be concerned because as of last Monday, December 12, the 2-week daily averages were still 65,528 cases, 38,331 hospitalized and 468 deaths per day from COVID-19 in the United States alone. In the Philippines, there were 1,115 cases with 24 deaths from COVID-19. Worldwide, 6,658,727 have died as of Monday.

Even those with the 3rd booster (bivalent vaccines) could still be infected with the newer strains. Until there is a universal vaccine against COVID-19, we should consider each new strain to be a “different disease,” in order not to be surprised why those who are already vaccinated still get infected, and why we all should still be careful and get the latest booster. Since there is a tripledemic (Flu, RSV, COVID-19), masking and distancing in public places where there is a crowd is prudent, most especially for those with infants at home because RSV could be deadly for babies.

Pay attention, heed science and shun fake news and naysayers who claim vaccines and masks are useless. Vaccines and masks

have saved billions of people around the world, multimillions in the Philippines and in the United States. This pandemic has clearly proven that beyond any reasonable doubt.

There is still no vaccine for RSV. There is a clinical trial vaccine for adults. There is a drug to protect premature babies and young children, palivizumab, as a series of monthly shots during the RSV season. There is wisdom, no shame, in being cautious.

Flurona two-punch

The combination of the flu and corona (COVID-19) infection, Flurona, especially this winter, could be significantly hazardous especially for seniors. In a UK study of about 7,000 individuals with COVID-19, 8 percent of them had a second virus, half of those with the flu. Those infected with Flurona were significantly more serious and required ventilation and more likely to die while confined. This is the reason why everyone should have both the COVID-19 booster and the flu shot.

Warning: Beta Carotene Diet and nutrition are vital drivers of diabetes T2 and cardiovascular diseases. Researchers found that some micronutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, curcumin, and coenzyme Q10 reduced the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Folic acid reduced the risk for strokes. They also discovered that beta carotene as food items could be beneficial but as drug supplements they are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality and increases the risk for lung cancer. Vitamin C, D, and E and selenium had no effects on the risk for heart attack or stroke, or diabetes, one way or the other.

The American Heart Association recommends diets high in antioxidants (vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc.). Red meat is associated with higher morbidity and mortality, a shorter longevity. Processed meats are linked to pancreatic, colon, and other cancers. The study, a review of 884 randomized controlled trials on 883,627 persons, was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology * * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people

Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs hosts a community and ethnic media roundtable on asylum seeker satellite sites

NEW YORK— The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro hosted an in-person Community and Ethnic Media Roundtable at the central Asylum Seeker Navigation Center to discuss the newly announced satellite sites. Commissioner Castro was joined by Chief Policy Advisor, Lorena Lucero, and La Colmena’s Executive Director, Yesenia Mata.

The following community based organizations have been selected as Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation satellite sites. These organizations will continue to support newly arrived asylum seekers with in-person support — in Spanish and in other languages — including a variety of supplemental services, legal orientation, comprehensive case management, and immigrant rights workshops:

• Aid for Aids International • African Communities Together (ACT)

• Catholic Charities Community Services, Archdiocese of New York

• Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services Brooklyn & Queens

• Coalicion Mexicana

• La Colmena

• Make the Road NY

• Mercy Center

• Mixteca Organization

• New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE).

Since September, over 8,000 asylum seekers have been served at the central Navigation Center, located at the American Red Cross of Greater New York headquarters. This site will continue to operate on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and provide individuals and families with in-person support.

For more information and the location of the satellite sites, visit nyc.gov/ asylumseekers. n

Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration...

PAGE 11

immigration questions during a two-part Q and A with Atty. Gurfinkel.

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

to the pandemic. He applied for a returning resident visa at the Embassy but was denied. Lola Nessie wants to know what her grandson-inlaw can do.

Roel’s brothers-in-law were just waiting for their interview at the U.S. embassy in Manila. However, their petitioner passed away. Roel asks if his in-laws can avail of Humanitarian Revalidation.

Tracy wants to find out if a U.S. citizen can petition a parent who once committed fraud by entering the U.S. under an assumed name.

Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” with Kapamilya from Arko Foods International in Glendale, California. Watch this brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 18 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

* * *

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3

humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1996, whose other awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, Mohammad Ali and David Letterman. Websites: FUN8888.com and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Lola Nessie’s

granddaughter met a green card holder online. When he went home to the Philippines in 2020 to marry her, he got stuck for over two years, due

(From left) Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel, his wife, Millie Gurfinkel, and Arko Foods International co-owner Susie Chua outside the store located at 1425 E Colorado St, Glendale, CA 91205.

Arko Foods team member Roel (right) shows Atty. Gurfinkel how to unwrap suman, after which he also asks his immigration question.

is your best ally when it comes to your health.

US-based Filipino family featured in Beyoncé’s new video for ‘Break My Soul’

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

U.S.-BASED Filipino mother Mama Lulu, a beloved personality on TikTok, could not contain her excitement after she and her two children appeared in a new video for Beyonce’s song “Break My Soul.”

Mama Lulu has become a viral sensation for Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad as she frequently appears on her son Olly’s videos for TikTok.

One particular video sees Olly baiting Mama Lulu and his sister Apple by saying he doesn’t like “Break My Soul,” to which Mama Lulu responds, “Get out of here, before I break your soul!” As of this writing, it has over 5 million views, 488,000 likes and surpassed 2,000 comments.

The said video is the opener for the new “Break My Soul (Hive Certified)” video on Beyoncé’s YouTube channel which features videos of her fans — the BeyHive — dancing

and jamming to the hit song.

Olly posted a new video on his TikTok account of Mama Lulu learning Beyoncé had included them in the video, and she was visibly ecstatic to see her face as the video’s intro.

“I would like to thank Beyoncé, her mother Tina for having her, and my family... focus [on] the blanket, Oliver” said Mama Lulu as she showed off her Beyoncé blanket, inspired by the singer’s newest album “Renaissance.”

Ollly added in the comments that his mother spent $100 (P5,500) and waited two months for the blanket, so it was only right she would share it with everyone.

Mama Lulu, Olly and Apple’s content often revolve around family life, Filipino humor, and wholesome materials, with Mama Lulu’s “eedjiot” phrase becoming a viral hit.

Olly’s TikTok account has 16 million followers and nearing 775 million likes; the “Break My Soul (Hive Certified)” video, as of writing, is nearing a million views and 62,000 likes. n

Andrea to play ‘Dyesebel’ in new ABS-CBN series

By jAn Milo severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actress Andrea Brillantes will play the iconic role of “ Dyesebel ” in an upcoming ABS-CBN teleserye.

According to talent manager Ogie Diaz, Andrea will star in the iconic Pinoy mermaid role in 2023.

“ Walang iba kung hindi si Andrea Brillantes, sa 2023 ito, ” Ogie said in his Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update YouTube channel.

“Andrea, good luck sa pagiging Dyesebel mo ‘no? Kasi ‘yong

iba nagtatanong kung marunong bang mag- swim si Andrea. Yes, marunong mag- swim,” he added.

Ogie said that Andrea’s mom Belle is a certified diver and they are now training for the coveted role.

“Actually, ‘yung nanay niya diver. Napakahusay sa diving ng nanay niya. Talagang nagpa -practice na si Andrea. Mahusay na siyang sumisid ,” he said.

Ogie hopes that Andrea’s boyfriend Ricci Rivero will be her leading man in the teleserye because of his

Rita stuns in maternity shoot

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

RITA Daniela is one blooming mom-to-be in her maternity photo shoot, weeks before welcoming her first child who will be named Juan “Uno” Rafael.

The actress donned a white bandeau top paired with tattered jeans, while flaunting her growing baby bump and holding a bunch of flowers, as seen on her Instagram page on Monday, Dec. 12.

Daniela’s photos were taken by photography studio Nice Print Photo in a resort in Zambales.

Daniela, who is 36 weeks into her pregnancy, announced last June that she is expecting her first child with her non-showbiz partner. The actress revealed in September that they are welcoming a baby boy.

Meanwhile, Daniela is firm on keeping from the

Sarah’s Christmas wish

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

SARAH Geronimo marked her comeback to the stage of the weekend variety show “ASAP Natin ‘To” with a performance of her single “Dati-Dati,” and a wish to be with her loved ones on Christmas.

After her song-anddance number, the singeractress spoke about how being on the show gives her a fulfilling experience as a performer, as seen on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel on Sunday, Dec. 11.

Geronimo then disclosed how “Dati-Dati” was written by drawing inspiration from the sadness she felt reminiscing about “simple joys” and “simplicity of life.” She also addressed her ASAP family as well as her fans, dubbed as Popsters, and thanked them for their unwavering support.

“Maraming, maraming salamat po sa aking (Thank you so much to my) ASAP family for allowing me to promote my new original songs,” she said.

“Medyo natagalan po pero nandito naman po ako. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa muling pagtanggap (It may have taken some time but I’m here now. Thank you so much for accepting me again),” she

added.

When asked what her Christmas wish would be, Geronimo responded, “Alam na ni Lord ‘yun, [‘yung] makasama ko ang mga mahal ko sa buhay habang buhay — habang ako ay nabubuhay.”

(The Lord already knows my wish, which is to be with my loved ones forever — as long as I live.)

Geronimo returned to the variety show last July but all her performances prior to “Dati-Dati” were recorded outside the studio.

Geronimo’s comeback to the ASAP stage was confirmed to the public last Dec. 6.

Meanwhile, Geronimo addressed her parents through an open letter in October, with the singer extending her apologies for recent “life decisions” that affected their relationship.

While Geronimo did not mention anything specifically in her letter, it can be noted that the singer-actress’s relationship with her mother turned sour after her marriage to actor Matteo Guidicelli. n

Actress Andrea Brillantes

Photo from Instagram/@blyhte

Rita Daniela Photo from Instagram/@missritadaniela

Sarah Geronimo

Photo from Instagram/@justsarahgph

Composite image of Mama Lulu and her son Olly

Photos from Facebook/@otakuyakisoba

public the identity of her child’s father, noting that their relationship has always been private. n

people events arts culture entertainment

Fil-Am H.E.R. wears ‘Beauty and the Beast’ costume with Baybayin script

By Kathleen a llemit Philstar.com

FILIPINA American singer and songwriter H.E.R. proudly wears her heritage for the upcoming 30th anniversary special of the beloved Disney favorite “Beauty and the Beast.”

The behind-the-scenes photos and videos that features the multi-awarded artist shows her wearing one of her costumes in the special set to air on December 15 (December 16, Manila time) on ABC.

Many Filipino online users were quick to point out that the blue and white dress prominently features a Baybayin script that some inferred as the translation of Belle, the heroine of the story.

H.E.R. plays the role of Belle, opposite singer Josh Groban as Beast in the TV special.

“I’m so honored to be able to play a Disney princess because, I mean, who doesn’t want to be a

Disney princess? Of course, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is one of my favorites so my inner child was screaming,” H.E.R. said in the behindthe-scenes video and interview with her and Groban uploaded by ABC on its Instagram.

Both lead stars said the upcoming project is special and something that has not been seen before. Groban described it as a “mix of the theatricality and cinematic.”

H.E.R. revealed that the ABC special is something that is close to her.

“I’ve never done like this before. Of course, nobody has seen a black and Filipino Belle so it’s really cool that young Filipino Black girls get to see a Disney princess, you know, that looks like them,” she said. n

Kristel makes first TV guesting in South Korea

By anne PaSaJol Inquirer.net

KRISTEL Fulgar marked another milestone in her career as she made her first TV guesting in South Korea, almost a month after she signed a contract with Korean entertainment agency, Five Stones Entertainment.

The vlogger and “Goin’ Bulilit ” alum documented her experience, from her preparations to the actual shoot, through a vlog on her YouTube channel on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Kristel did not immediately disclose the show where she will be making an appearance, but the vlogger was seen shooting the episode at the building of Korean media company Korea New Network (KNN).

“So I just accepted this project just for fun and because it was offered

to me by my friend Joseph. It was a memorable and fun experience but I don’t think I am fully ready to enter the entertainment industry here in Korea,” she said in the caption.

“I guess I would be needing more time to learn their language and gain some more courage to explore my career in a different country,” she added.

Kristel expressed appreciation to fans for supporting and cheering for her. According to Fulgar, her TV guesting episode will air in Busan two weeks after the shoot.

Kristel joined Five Stones Entertainment last November, noting that she signed with the company to obtain a working visa.

Kristel said that fans should not expect any projects from her anytime

France wins Junior Eurovision 2022

FOR the second time, France has taken the title for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.

Lissandro Formica, aged 13, won the Contest held in Yerevan, Armenia on Sunday, with his song “Oh, maman!” (Oh, mother), composed by Eurovision Song Contest 2021 runner-up Barbara Pravi and Frédéric Château.

The lyrics to “Oh, maman!” show Lissandro imagining his dream as a star (My dream is coming alive like in my bedroom’s mirror) and singing that with a little bit of magic, everything becomes possible.

In a split vote between juries and online voting worldwide, France received a total of 203 points in the Contest (132 points in the juries, 71 points for the online voting), followed by Armenia’s Nare with the song “Dance!” with 180 points (110 jury points, 70 online points), and Georgia’s Mariam Bigvava with the song “I Believe” with 161 points (114 jury points, 47 online points).

While France won the juries, the United Kingdom’s Freya Skye and her song “Lose My Head” topped the online votes with 80 points (66 points with the juries) and had finished in 5th place. It was the first time the United Kingdom participated at the Junior contest as a whole country since 2005, as Wales participated separately in 2018 and 2019. Its participation came after Sam Ryder finished in 2nd place at the regular Eurovision Song Contest back in May. It will be hosting next year’s regular Contest in Liverpool.

France last won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2020, when Valentina won with “J’imagine” (I imagine) held in Warsaw, Poland, but at the time, entrants performed remotely because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It had hosted the Contest in 2021 in Paris. The last French victory at the regular Contest was in 1977.

Sixteen countries took part in this year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Yerevan, Armenia, after singer Maléna won last year’s edition. n

Multi-awarded singer-songwriter H.E.R. stars as Belle in the upcoming ABC 30th anniversary special of “Beauty and the Beast.” Photos from Instagram/@abcnetwork

by aric John Sy cua ManilaTimes.net

French singer Lissandro with his Junior Eurovision trophy. Photo from Instagram/@eurovisionjr

Kristel Fulgar

Photo from Instagram/@kristelfulgar

Melai to Jason on 9th wedding anniversary

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

MELAI Cantiveros recalled the fondest moments of her marriage with Jason Francisco, as the couple, collectively known as MelaSon, celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary.

The host-comedienne expressed her love for her husband through a lengthy caption posted on Instagram on Friday, Dec. 9, accompanied by selfies of the couple.

“[9 years] of Loving and Hating, [9 years] of Accepting and Blocking each other, [9 years] of [receiving] and Giving, [9 years] of Keeping the Faith and Losing the Faith [with] each Other, [9 years] of Trusting and Doubting each other = [equals] Matured and Best Version of ourselves for each other,” she wrote.

Cantiveros also hoped for the best in her marriage with Francisco, as she made a reference to the now-viral “chicken nuggets” video that includes their daughters Mela and Stela.

“Happy [ninth wedding anniversary] Papa Nuggets. Kahit minsan di [mo] ko maGets love na love [pa rin] kita wanggets Love u with our Nuggets, Ate Nuggets and Baby Nuggets [emojis],” her caption read.(Happy ninth wedding anniversary, Papa Nuggets. Even if we sometimes fall into misunderstandings, I still love you with our nuggets, Ate Nuggets and Baby Nuggets.)

Fellow celebrities who greeted the couple on their ninth wedding anniversary include TV host Bianca Gonzalez, actresses Loisa Andalio and Nikki Valdez, comedienne Alora Sasam, “Magandang Buhay” co-host Jolina Magdangal, singer Vina Morales and model Regine Angeles.

“Happiest anniversary [heart emojis] #MelasonForever,” Gonzales said.

“Happy anniversary MelaSon!!!!! [heart emojis],” Andalio wrote.

Cantiveros and Francisco met inside the Pinoy Big Brother house in October 2009, where they competed as housemates in its “Double Up” edition. The couple eventually tied the knot in December 2013. n

tWitch, Ellen DeGeneres DJ, dies in LA

Trigger warning: suicide LOS ANGELES

Stephen “tWitch” Boss, the DJ from “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” has died, his wife has said, in what Los Angeles media reported was an apparent suicide.

Entertainment website TMZ said the DJ and dancer was found in a hotel in the city on Tuesday, December 13 with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The outlet said the 40-year-old’s wife, Allison Holker, had contacted police because she was concerned for her husband. His body was discovered a short time later.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” Holker, 34, said, according to multiple media. “Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else, and leading with love and

tWitch

Photo from Philstar.com

Stephen Boss, who they said died Tuesday at a “hotel/ motel.”

Boss became a fixture on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” after he joined in 2014. He stayed with the program until it ended this year.

Holker, he hosted reality show “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings.” The couple, who married in 2013, have three children.

“To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt,” Holker said in her statement. “I am certain there won’t be a day that goes by that we won’t honor his memory.”

DeGeneres took to social media after news of the tragedy broke, posting a picture of her and Boss hugging.

“I’m heartbroken,” she wrote on Instagram. “tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him.”

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office said an autopsy was due to be carried out on 40-year-old

He had also appeared on dance competition show “So You Think You Can Dance”, and had roles in movies “Step Up” and “Magic Mike XXL.”

Along with his wife

If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at +63 917 899 8727 and 7989 8727.

Andrea to play... PAGE 13

manly features.

“

Maganda kung si Ricci,” Ogie said.

Conceived by Mars Ravelo, “ Dyesebel ” is a mermaid who becomes human through a deal with

a sea witch.

Other actresses who portrayed the role were Vilma Santos, Alma Moreno, Alice Dixson, Charlene Gonzales, Marian Rivera and Anne Curtis. n

soon as she is still improving her skills in using the Korean language.

She also stated in one of her previous vlogs that she will be enrolling in a school in Korea to study the local language. n

By Maridol ranoa-BisMark Philstar.com

MANILA — First, the bad news: Fake news is everywhere in this age of social media. Now, for the good news: A group of well-known artists, headed by “Oras de Peligro” director Joel Lamangan, is waging an uphill battle for it.

Lamangan, who is now recovering from a triple bypass heart surgery, said at a recent press conference, “We can only move on when the problems are solved, when debts are paid, when we put an end to the not-so-nice things about our country.”

This, he explained, pushed him to do the docu drama “Oras de Peligro,”

inspired by a true story about Dario, a jeepney driver who was stabbed to death, and accused of conniving with the man who held up his vehicle just when a coup d’etat was happening in Malacanang back in February 1986.

At the media huddle, Cherry Pie Picache, Mae Paner, Gerald Santos, Elora Espano, Jim Pebanco and the upcoming film’s other stars agreed it is their responsibility to stop fake news, especially when it comes to events that happened during the historic EDSA Revolution on Feb. 22 to 26, 1986.

“People should not just accept everything they read. It’s their responsibility to know the truth,” Picache said.

Mae Paner, known for her activist

(By

Agence FrancePresse/Philstar.com)n

Joel Lamangan’s triple bypass surgery successful; director set to fight EDSA Revolution ‘fake news’

views and her role as Juana Change, added, “You can check if news is fake. We need narrative warriors. We don’t need fake news victims. We will fight.”

What’s scary, she went on, was that people continue to spread information, even if they know it’s not true.

Lamangan admitted it isn’t easy to make a historical film like “Oras de Peligro.” He thinks producers are afraid to touch on sensitive issues in our history. This is why he’s glad he found new production company Bagong Siklab, which took a chance on the story.

Bagong Siklab’s Atty. Howard Calleja said his group took the challenge because it saw the need to fight for the truth in “this time of uncertainty.”

Lest “Oras de Peligro” be accused of stirring political unrest, Lamangan is quick to point out that his film has no political color. It has nothing against the present administration. It just wants to show the truth.

“If not now, when? If it’s not us, then who (will do it)? We shouldn’t be afraid of the truth. We’re doing this for the voiceless,” explained Calleja.

“Oras de Peligro,” to be shown in February 2023, in time for the commemoration of the EDSA Revolution, also stars Allen Dizon, Therese Malvar, Gerald Santos, Marcus Madrigal, Rico Barrera, Carlos Dala, Felixia Dizon, Nanding Joseph, Apollo Abraham and Elora Espano. n

Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco Photo from Instagram/@mrandmrsfrancisco

‘Ora de Peligro’ stars and producer

Philstar.com / Maridol Ranoa-Bismark

light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.”

A spokesman for Los Angeles Police Department said officers had responded to a call mid-morning Tuesday involving the death of a man.