122723 - Southern California Midweek Edition

DECEMBER 27-29, 2023 Volume 33 - No. 103 • 12 Pages

DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is the 2023 National Larry Itliong Leadership awardee LOS ANGELES – During Filipino American History Month last October, the state celebrated the more than 400 years of Filipino presence in the United States.

Filipinos, numbering around 4.4 million nationwide, have a deep and rich history in California.

Many have heard of the Mexican American labor leader Cesar Chavez. But few are aware of the all-American national hero of Filipino descent, Larry Itliong. He was the union organizer and civil rights leader who invited and led Chavez to join the 1965 Delano Grape Strike.

This was a triple grand slam of organizing Filipino seasonal workers, uniting with Mexicans and unifying the American people in boycotting California grapes. It was a historic victory in 1970, acknowledged by the late Senator Robert Kennedy for its  PAGE 2

Marcos’ foreign trips yield P4 trillion worth of investments worth of investments as of December 21.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the total investment value consists of 148 MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry projects based on DTI’s latest monitoring of con(DTI) said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s foreign solidated and processed investments. trips have obtained P4.019 trillion ($72.178 billion) However, the exact period of when the investments

by ZACARIAN SARAO Inquirer.net

PH ‘restrained, responsible’ in West Philippine Sea row - National Security Council

by JOHN ERIC MENDOZA Inquirer.net

Community leaders join forces with ethnic media to combat hate crimes SAN DIEGO – Leaders of several community-based organizations met with local ethnic media outlets here earlier this month to join forces in combating hate crimes and incidents in this region.

“Community-based organizations are the right hand, and ethnic media outlets are the left hand. We must work together to confront hate,” said Ethnic Media Services co-director Julian Do, kicking off the gathering. EMS and Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial Counties organized the meet, which was held at the office of the Asian Business Association San Diego. The 40plus participants were recipients of grants from the State of California’s Stop the Hate initiative.

The San Diego meeting is the first of five regional meetings EMS will host for CBOs and ethnic media Stop the Hate grantees to build inclusive communications.

In 2022, 105 hate crimes involving 125 victims were reported in San Diego County, according to data from the US Justice Department. Imperial County reported four hate crimes.  PAGE 3

– whether pledges or actual – were acquired was not mentioned.

“These investments – realized and in the pipeline – are mostly in the sectors of manufacturing, IT-BPM, renewable energy, data centers, and telecommuni PAGE 2

SAFE ALTERNATIVE. Toy trumpets, locally known as “torotot,” are sold along Tabora Street in Binondo, Manila, on Tuesday, Dec. 26. A popular noise-generating alternative to firecrackers during the New Year’s Eve revelry, the toy trumpets sell between P30 and P150 depending on the size and design.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

MANILA — The Philippines has been very restrained and responsible amid the tensions surrounding the West Philippine Sea, and the same can’t be said for China, according to National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya.

Malaya made the reaction on Beijing’s claim that the Philippines actions in the WPS are “extremely dangerous.”

“As the world has seen, it is not the Philippines that has been engaged in provocations, bullying and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea,” Malaya told INQUIRER.net in a Viber message on Tuesday, December 26.

“In fact, the Philippines has been very restrained and responsible but the same cannot be said of China,” he added.

Beijing used water cannons and what Manila deems  PAGE 4

PH reaffirms participation in UN peacekeeping

by FRANCISCO TUYAY ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines, through the Department of National Defense (DND), reaffirmed its readiness to participate more in international peacekeeping operations.

DND Undersecretary for Capability Assessment and Development Angelito de Leon, who led the Philippine delegation to the 2023 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting (UNPKMM) last week, committed one Quick Reaction Force Company and one Military Engineering Company to the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System.

De Leon said the commitment of a quick reaction force company is in addition to the existing Force Headquarters Support

Unit and Aeromedical Evacuation Module that the Philippines pledged to the UN to strengthen the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations.

He also reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to continue providing trainers for the UN Mobile Training Teams and the UN Military Experts on Mission (UNMems).

The UNMems are composed mostly of female officers in various mission areas in recognition of the vital role of women in holistic approaches in peacekeeping environments.

For 60 years, the Philippines had been actively engaged in UN peacekeeping, deploying 15,000 Filipino soldiers to 21 peacekeeping operations and special In her Christmas Day message, Vice President Sara Duterte said that overseas Filipino workers political missions.

(OFWs) and Filipinos abroad are a “reflection” of Philippine progress and talent. She prayed that  PAGE 4 their efforts be rewarded by having a comfortable future for themselves and their family.

Photo from Facebook/@ MayorIndaySaraDuterteOfficial

CHR: Marcos gov’t ‘open’ to human rights issues Sara thanks Pinoys abroad

by KRIXIA SUBINGSUBING Inquirer.net

WHILE the country’s human rights situation remains far from ideal, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is cautiously optimistic about the Marcos administration’s “openness” to listen to and engage with the agency.

During a recent year-ender session with the media, CHR Chair Richard Palpal-latoc said he and the other commissioners have noted a marked improvement in From questioning the ICC’s authority to carry on with its probe, President Ferdinand Marcos the government’s treatment of Jr. said last month that the government was studying returning to the fold of the court. human rights issues since their Malacañang file photo appointment in September 2022.

ISLAND PACIFIC

"The government is open to engaging with the CHR. [Generally] it was OK, and I think the United Nations Joint Program [on Human Rights] really helped in our engagements with the government,” he also said, referring to the international body’s program to help mitigate rights abuses in the country.

Palpal-latoc cited further the CHR’s partnerships with other government agencies like the Bureau of Corrections, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Civil Service Commission, all with the goal of improving and promoting rights awareness  PAGE 4

for Christmas ‘sacrifice’

by RED MENDOZA, WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL AND ARIC JOHN SY CUA ManilaTimes.net

VICE President Sara Duterte thanked all Filipinos abroad for their continued sacrifices to their families back home and for helping keep the country's economy afloat through their remittances.

In her Christmas Day message, Duterte said that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and Filipinos abroad are a "reflection" of Philippine progress and talent.

She prayed that their efforts be rewarded by having a comfortable

future for themselves and their family.

"Makakaasa kayo na ako ay nasa inyong likuran upang sumuporta sa inyong mga pangarap, pagsisikap at sa iyong paglalakbay tungo sa magandang kinabukasan (I promise that I will be behind you to support your dreams, efforts, and your journey towards a better future)," the vice president said.  PAGE 2

2 DECEMBER 27-29, 2023 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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Macos foreign trips yield..

PAGE 1 cations,” DTI said in a statement released by PCO on Tuesday, December 26.

According to the PCO, the DTI categorized the investments on the following: • Registered as business or investment promotion agencies (IPAs) with operations – $205.53 million or P11.4 billion • Registered as Business/IPAs – $983.21 million or P54.75 billion • IPA registration in progress and ongoing operations – $5.079 billion or P282.8 billion • Signed agreements specifying a clear financial project value – $9.771 billion or P544.152

billion • Signed memoranda of understanding/letters of intent (MOUs/ LOIs) – US$28.529 billion or P1.588 trillion • Confirmed investments not covered by MOUs/LOIs and still in the planning stage – $27.345 billion or P1.522 trillion Another 20 projects, which have been given a green light and registered with the IPAs of DTI, Board of Investments, and Philippine Economic Zone Authority, are also currently being monitored by the DTI, according to the PCO. The DTI said the investments were gained during Marcos’

From the Front Page

business engagements in the United States and Japan, among others.

This month, Marcos attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Japan Commemorative Summit this month where he secured nine investments worth $263.08 million or P14 billion.

In November, Marcos visited the US for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting where he secured six investments worth US$672.3 million or P37.2 billion.

(Based on $1 = P55.686 BSP exchange rate on December 22, 2023) g

Sara thanks Pinoys abroad for Christmas...

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In a separate message, Duterte thanked soldiers, policemen, firemen, medical personnel, disaster response personnel and other frontline workers on duty during Christmas, calling them symbols of bravery and charity.

"Hindi man napapansin ang inyong mga sakripisyo ngunit nagdudulot ito ng karangalan sa inyong pamilya (Your sacrifices may not be noticed, but your work brings honor to your family)," Duterte said.

Several lawmakers shared their Christmas hopes and wishes.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez called on Filipinos to embrace the spirit of bayanihan and practice kindness and compassion this season.

"In doing so, we light up the lives of others, just as the parols (Christmas lanterns) light up our skies," Romualdez said.

House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe hopes that Filipinos reflect on the true spirit of Christmas that "transcends political affiliations and unites us in shared warmth and compassion."

Assistant Majority Leader Atleta Rep. Margarita Ignacia Nograles urged everyone to "continue to love amidst all the negativity, hate and anger that surround us."

House Deputy Minority Leader Francisca Castro said she hoped for justice for all Filipinos and the resumption of peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels.

In his Christmas Eve Mass

homily at the Manila Cathedral, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula said Christmas is a reminder of God's love for the people.

Advincula said Christmas is not about wealth, material things, influence or power but a reminder for all of us that the son of God was born in this world bereft of anything in life.

He said the tradition of the Belen or Christmas tableau started 800 years ago by St. Francis of Assisi in response to the question of why Jesus, despite being the son of God, was born in a manger.

"St. Francis wanted people to realize that the Christmas story is not a fiction but a real story of God who humbled himself and was born as a baby lying in a manger," Advincula said. "This baby is the savior who gives himself to us to deliver us from our sins, as St. Paul told us in the second reading."

"If you feel your life is at its worst, if you feel small, insignificant and weak, God is there with you," he said.

In its Christmas message, the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) called on its congregations to fulfill the Lord's commission to make disciples.

"While we eagerly await the fulfillment of His reign, let us also fulfill the Lord's commission by making disciples of all nations.

Let us live as true disciples, proclaiming the gospel and demonstrating kingdom values in our lives."

The evangelical group called

on Christians to reflect on the significance of Christmas, which is to remember the birth of Jesus Christ.

"In the midst of any hardships and trials we face, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us," the PCEC wrote.

It explained a biblical passage in the book of Isaiah, which was prophesied 800 years before the birth of Christ, who is called the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

In her first Christmas message since her release from detention, former senator Leila de Lima called for truth and justice, especially for those caught up in conflicts, chaos, violence and abuse.

"The birth of the Savior reminds us of the spirit of humility, care, giving, love, and bonding with family," de Lima wrote in Filipino on X Monday, December 25.

"In a life that went through trials and tribulations, Jesus Christ showed the steadfastness of faith, the value that shows the dominance of truth and justice— that the life, dignity and well-being of everyone should be respected and valued, especially to the most needy," she said.

"Let us include in our prayers the end of conflicts and chaos that continues to claim numerous lives, justice for the victims of violence and abuse, safety and courage for all, especially those who are orphaned and far from their families today," she said. g

PRICELESS JOY. Children enjoy one of the free amusement rides at the Malacañang Palace grounds in Manila on Saturday, Dec. 23. The Palace opened the grounds since Dec. 18, including Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) outside the Mabini Hall.

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is the...

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milestone impact in the U.S. and around the world.

To cap off the 2023 Filipino American History Month, the Filipino American Voice United (FAVU) hosted a gala awards dinner at the Carson Community Center on Oct. 28.

The event recognized leaders who served above self, who fought against the odds and achieved victory for their community and country.

During the event, the 2023 Larry Itliong Leadership Award was presented to California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

The inscription on the plaque presented to Bonta read: “Your actions and accomplishments exemplify the Filipino American spirit of valor and victory, of courage and character in uniting people and succeeding against the odds.”

The award celebrates FilipinoAmerican virtues and exemplifies the greatness of the American spirit.

It also provides the momentum for the October 25th Movement: Larry Itliong National Day and for awarding a posthumous White House Freedom Medal

The 2023 Larry Itliong Leadership Award was presented to California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

From left, Carson Mayor Emeritus Jim Dear, FAVU Chairman Nimfa Y Gamez, Bonta, Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes, FAVU Director Evelyn Andamo, FAVU President Jerry Perez de Tagle and City of Tacoma Commissioner Maricres Valdez Castro.

Contributed photo

Award to Itliong.

The October 25th Movement: Larry Itliong National Day aims to push for the recognition of Itliong not only in the United States but also in the Philippines and around the world, as FAVU petitions the United Nations, the International Labor Organization and the Committee on Migrant Workers to recognize the Fil-Am

labor leader and civil rights icon.

(Jorge Perez de Tagle/Inquirer. net) Jorge Perez de Tagle lives in the U.S. and the Philippines. He taught at Syracuse University, New York. He was among the 10 Outstanding Entrepreneurs in the Philippines in 2009 and is currently chair of the Alliance for Asian American Voters. g

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Americans’ challenges with health care costs

by Lunna Lopes, MarLey presiado, and Liz HaMeL KFF Health News

FOR many years, KFF polling has found that the high cost of health care is a burden on U.S. families, and that health care costs factor into decisions about insurance coverage and care seeking. These costs rank as a top financial worry and health care affordability is one of the top issues that voters want to hear candidates talk about during the 2024 election. This data note summarizes recent KFF polling on the public’s experiences with health care costs. Main takeaways include: About half of U.S. adults say it is difficult to afford health care costs, and one in four say they or a family member in their household had problems paying for health care in the past 12 months. Younger adults, those with lower incomes, adults in fair or poor health, and the uninsured are particularly likely to report problems affording health care in the past year.

The cost of health care can lead some to put off needed care. One in four adults say that in the past 12 months they have skipped or postponed getting health care they needed because of the cost. Notably six in ten uninsured adults (61%) say they went without needed care because of the cost.

The cost of prescription drugs prevents some people from filling prescriptions. About one in five adults (21%) say they have not filled a prescription because of the cost while a similar share say they have instead opted for over-the-counter alternatives.

About one in ten adults say they have cut pills in half or skipped doses of medicine in the last year because of the cost.

Those who are covered by health insurance are not immune to the burden of health care costs. About four in ten insured adults worry about affording their monthly health insurance premium, and 48% worry about affording their deductible before health insurance kicks in. Indeed, large shares of adults with employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) and those with Marketplace coverage rate their insurance as “fair” or “poor” when it comes to their monthly premium and to out-of-pocket costs to see a doctor.

Health care debt is a burden for a large share of Americans.

About four in ten adults (41%) report having debt due to medical or dental bills including debts owed to credit cards, collections agencies, family and friends, banks, and other lenders to pay for their health care costs, with disproportionate shares of Black and Hispanic adults, women, parents, those with low incomes, and uninsured adults saying they have health care debt.

Notable shares of adults still say they are worried about affording medical costs such as unexpected bills, deductibles, and long-term care services for themselves or a family member.

Additionally, about half of adults would be unable to pay an unexpected medical bill of $500 in full without going into debt.

Difficulty affording medical costs Many U.S. adults have trouble affording health care costs. While lower income and uninsured adults are the most likely to report this, those with health insurance and those with higher incomes are not immune to the high cost of medical care. About half of U.S. adults say that it is very or somewhat difficult for them to afford their health care costs (47%). Among those under age 65, uninsured adults are much more likely to say affording health care costs is difficult (85%) compared to those with health insurance coverage (47%). Additionally, at least six in ten Black adults (60%) and Hispanic adults (65%) report difficulty affording health care costs compared to about four in ten White adults (39%). Adults in households with annual incomes under $40,000 are more than three times as likely as adults in households with incomes over $90,000 to say it is difficult to afford their health care costs (69% v. 21%). (Source: KFF Health Care Debt Survey: Feb.Mar. 2022) When asked specifically about problems paying for health care in the past year, one in four adults say they or a family member in their household had problems paying for care, including three in ten adults under age 50 and those with lower household incomes (under $40,000). Affording health care is particularly a

problem for those who may need it the most as one-third of adults who describe their physical health as “fair” or “poor” say they or a family member had problems paying for health care in the past 12 months. Among uninsured adults, half (49%) say they or a family member in their household had problems paying for health care, including 51% of uninsured adults who say they are in fair or poor health.

The cost of care can also lead some adults to skip or delay seeking services. One-quarter of adults say that in the past 12 months, they have skipped or postponed getting health care they needed because of the cost. The cost of care can also have disproportionate impacts among different groups of people; for instance, women are more likely than men to say they have skipped or postponed getting health care they needed because of the cost (28% vs.

21%). Adults ages 65 and older, most of whom are eligible for health care coverage through Medicare, are much less likely than younger age groups to say they have not gotten health care they needed because of cost.

One in four immigrant adults (22%) say they have skipped or postponed care in the past year, rising to about a third (36%) among those who are uninsured. Seven in ten (69%) of immigrant adults who skipped or postponed care (15% of all immigrant adults) said they did so due to cost or lack of health coverage. (Source: The 2023 KFF/LA Times Survey of Immigrants: Apr.-June 2023) Six in ten uninsured adults (61%) say they have skipped or postponed getting health care they needed due to cost. Health insurance, however, does not offer ironclad protection as one in five adults with insurance (21%) still report not getting health care they needed due to cost.

KFF health polling from March 2022 also looked at the specific types of care adults are most likely to report putting off and found that dental services are the most common type of medical care that people report delaying or skipping, with 35% of adults saying they have put it off in the past year PAGE 4

FAMILY TIME. Families bond during “the most wonderful time of the year,” as the song goes, at Rizal Park in Manila on Christmas Monday, Dec. 25. For Filipinos, it is a day to come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Community leaders join forces with...

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Hate crimes are undercounted The largest number of hate crimes in California last year targeted Black Americans, according to DOJ data. Black Americans were the victims in 743 cases. The secondhighest number of hate crimes in California targeted Latinos: 265. Asian Americans were the victims in 116 incidents.

Community leaders say the DOJ’s hate crime data has consistently represented an undercount: law enforcement and District Attorneys’ offices are often reluctant to charge hate crimes, as the burden of proof is much higher.

Meanwhile, communities of color are reluctant to engage with law enforcement because of language barriers and possible ramifications for themselves, said ABA San Diego President and CEO Jason Paguio, who also serves on the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islanders American Affairs.

Reluctance to report En route to the Dec. 14 meeting, an Uber driver told EMS that last month, he was pushed to the ground while on an evening walk in his neighborhood. His attacker yelled: “you don’t belong here”

as he kicked his victim.

Asked if he had reported the attack to police, the Hispanic driver said no. “I go to police, they start asking me questions and all of a sudden, I’m the one going to jail,” he ruefully quipped.

Hector Felix, publisher and editor of El Informador, says the culture of machismo doesn’t allow Hispanic men to report hate crimes, due to perceptions of being weak. He noted that there are also fears of deportation in any interaction with police.

Rosy Tang of the Karen Center of San Diego, said: “People don’t understand when they have experienced a hate crime. Our community is relatively new.”

The Karens are a minority group of Myanmar who have been battling for a separate state. Many have fled the country, living for many years in refugee camps in Thailand or India before arriving in the US. Integration is difficult Pamela Anchung, editor in chief of Immigrant magazine, said her publication is trying to put a face to the African immigrant experience.

Integration is difficult: many face language barriers, among other hurdles.

Rachel Evans of Somali Family

Services, San Diego echoed Anchung’s remarks, noting that getting housing, capital to start a business or even an employer identification number is challenging for newcomers.

The Middle East North African population is counted as White in Census records. “It is challenging to advocate for resources for a community that isn’t even recognized,” she said. Somali Family Services also works with refugees from Afghanistan.

Many of the grantees are now concentrating on school bullying, a major component of hate-motivated crime and incidents. Several organizations spoke about the work they are doing with youth, characterized as the “bridge generation” in combatting hate.

EMS Executive Director Sandy Close closed out the meeting. “To combat hate, we need inclusive, cross-ethnic, inter-ethnic communications between ethnic media and nonprofit community groups.

We need each other to ensure no hate crime goes unreported, no target of hate is invisible, and that all communities have a way to communicate with one another, and amplify their voices to each other,” she said. (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services)

4 DECEMBER 27-29, 2023 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

CHR: Marcos gov’t ‘open’ to human rights...

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among their personnel.

In addition, the CHR is “constantly invited by the Senate and the House of Representatives [during deliberations on] different bills that have a human rights component,” he said.

Sen. Lito Lapid had earlier filed Senate Bill No. 2487, or the “Act strengthening the CHR as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) and for other purposes,” which, if passed, would grant it “full authority” to act on all cases of human rights violations.”

The bill also allows the agency to issue injunctive reliefs and legal measures—powers that its officials have sought since their appointment.

"We are hoping and expecting that it would be approved soon,” Palpal-latoc said. “It’s still up to the House and the Senate to deliver but hopefully, it seems its chances [of being passed] seem good.”

Stance on ICC The CHR noted as well the change in the president’s stance regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is conducting an investigation into the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) committed under former President Rodrigo Duterte as well as those carried out by the Davao Death Squad when he served as Davao City mayor from 2011 to 2016.

From questioning the ICC’s authority to carry on with its

Dateline USa

probe, Mr. Marcos said last month that the government was studying returning to the fold of the court.

This is “consistent with our stance ever since that the government should participate in the ICC probe and rejoin the Rome Statute,” Palpal-latoc said.

Duterte ordered the country to withdraw its membership in the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding document, in March 2018, weeks after the ICC prosecutor’s office launched an initial inquiry into alleged EJK cases in the country.

Commission not yet complete During the former president’s term, he openly vilified the CHR, prompting his allies in Congress in 2017 to threaten to reduce the agency’s budget to just P1,000 for daring to investigate the drug war killings.

Despite the improved relationship between the government and the agency that was established after the president’s father and namesake was ousted from power in 1986, rights groups are far from satisfied.

They noted that activists and journalists continue to be killed, arrested, or forced to disappear as they accused Mr. Marcos of merely pretending to be more lenient than his dictator-father.

“As of now, we still have no engagement with the DOJ (Department of Justice).

We’ve followed it up with the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat,” Palpallatoc said.

The CHR also lacks one more member for the five-member commission to be completed.

It is currently composed of Palpal-latoc, former Ombudsman official Beda Epres, former National Nutrition Council official Faydah Dumarpa, and retired Court of Appeals Justice Monina Zenarosa.

Furthermore, the CHR has yet to become a member of the DOJ review panel on the drug war killings, which the government presented as proof that there was no need for an ICC investigation since there was already an ongoing probe.

Palpal-latoc, however, was hopeful the CHR would finally be “actively engaging [with the DOJ panel by next year.”

Building on gains For 2024, the CHR hopes to build on its gains from the past year and continue its engagements with other agencies.

“Already in the pipeline are partnerships with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Professional Regulation Commission, as well as other [national human rights institutions],” Palpal-latoc said.

Next year, the agency is also batting for a memorandum of agreement with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, “specifically for case referrals, especially in cases of abuses against journalists, investigation of cases, and (offering) financial assistance for human rights violations,” he added. g

a military outpost in Ayungin Shoal as well as its operations in Scarborough Shoal.

These actions are in line with

Beijing’s assertion of sovereignty in almost the entire South China Sea, including the WPS, but an international tribunal ruling in 2016 effectively dismissed its claims while ruling heavily in favor of Manila.

Malaya also stressed the root cause of all tensions in the WPS is China’s non compliance with this ruling and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. "The root of all these tensions is its non-adherence to international law, Unclos, and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” Malaya said.

“China is the only country that believes in its own narrative and propaganda,” he added. “Not a single nation has expressed support for its 10-dash line where it lays claim to practically the entire South China Sea.” g

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Patricia Evangelista’s ‘Some People Need Killing’ is one of Barack Obama’s favorite books of 2023 Evangelista’s work also made the New York Times’ 10 Best Books this year

by Hans Carbonilla Inquirer.net

FILIPINO journalist and author Patricia Evangelista has achieved another milestone as her nonfiction book, “Some People Need Killing,” secured a spot among former US President Barack Obama’s favorite books for 2023.

Known for his avid interest in literature, Obama shared his book recommendations in a post on Dec. 23. In his caption, he encouraged readers to explore these selections during the holiday season, suggesting support for independent bookstores and local libraries.

“If you’re looking for a new book over the holidays, give one of them a try. And if you can, shop at an independent bookstore or check them out at your local library,” he wrote.

Expressing her gratitude on the same platform, Evangelista shared the post, adding, “Humbled to be in the company of these astounding authors and works. Thank you so much.”

The former reporter for independent news site Rappler’s masterpiece found itself in distinguished company alongside notable works such as “The

Patricia Evangelista’s ‘Some People Need Killing’ breaks into Barack Obama’s favorite books of 2023.

Photos from Instagram/@BarackObama and patevangelista

Heaven & Earth Grocery Store”

by James McBride, “Poverty,

By America” by Matthew Desmond, and “This Other Eden”

by Paul Harding, among others.

The recognition comes shortly after Evangelista’s work was included in the New York Times’ list of the 10 Best Books this year.

The masterpiece, which explores the harrowing narratives of the drug war in the Philippines during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency (2016-2022), offers a poignant and deeply personal

perspective on the dark chapter in the nation’s history.

The book skillfully weaves personal memoir and Philippine history, compelling readers to confront uncomfortable truths through intimate disclosures and socio-political insights.

“Some People Need Killing” continues to resonate with readers, fostering a dialogue on critical issues and reaffirming the power of storytelling in raising awareness about the challenges faced by the communities and the nations around the world. g

PH ‘restrained, responsible’ in West Philippine... Americans’ challenges with health care costs PAGE 1

as “dangerous maneuvers” against its vessels during the regular resupply mission in

This file photo shows the China Coast Guard ship with bow No. 4302 shadowing one of two Philippine Navy boats on a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on June 21, later radioing troops on the rusting warship that they face consequences if they “insist on making trouble.”

Inquirer.net file photo by Marianne Bermudez

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due to cost. This is followed by vision services (25%), visits to a doctor’s offices (24%), mental health care (18%), hospital services (14%), and hearing services, including hearing aids (10%). (Source: KFF Health Tracking Poll: March 2022) A 2022 KFF report found that people who already have debt due to medical or dental care are disproportionately likely to put off or skip medical care. Half (51%) of adults currently experiencing debt due to medical or dental bills say in the past year, cost has been a probititor to getting the medical test or treatment that was recommended by a doctor.

(Source: KFF Health Care Debt Survey: Feb.-Mar. 2022) Prescription drug costs For many U.S. adults, prescription drugs are a component of their routine care.

More than one in four (28%) adults say it is either “somewhat” or “very difficult” for them to afford to pay for prescription drugs. Affording prescription drugs is particularly difficult for adults who take four or more prescription medications (37%) and those in households with annual incomes under $40,000 (40%). Black and Hispanic adults are also more likely than White adults to say it is difficult for them to afford to pay for prescription drugs. (Source: KFF Health Tracking Poll: July 2023) The high cost of prescription drugs also leads some people to cut back on their medications in various ways. About one in five adults (21%) say in the past 12 months they have not filled a prescription because of the cost. A similar share (21%) say they have taken an over-thecounter drug instead of getting a prescription filled – rising to about one third of Hispanic adults (32%) and more than one in four adults (27%) with annual household incomes under $40,000. About one in ten adults say that in the past 12 months they have cut pills in half or skipped doses of medicine due to cost. (Source: KFF Health Tracking Poll: July 2023) Health insurance cost ratings Overall, most insured adults rate their health insurance as “excellent” or “good” when it comes to the amount they have to pay out-of-pocket for their prescriptions (61%), the amount they have to pay out-of-pocket to see a doctor (53%), and the amount they pay monthly for insurance (54%).

However, at least three in ten rate their insurance as “fair” or “poor” on each of these metrics, and affordability ratings vary depending on the type of coverage people have.

Adults who have private insurance through employer-

sponsored insurance or Marketplace coverage are more likely than those with Medicare or Medicaid to rate their insurance negatively when it comes to their monthly premium, the amount they have to pay out of pocket to see a doctor, and their prescription co-pays. About one in four adults with Medicare give negative ratings to the amount they have to pay each month for insurance and to their out-of-pocket prescription costs, while about one in five give their insurance a negative rating when it comes to their out-of-pocket costs to see a doctor.

Medicaid enrollees are less likely than those with other coverage types to give their insurance negative ratings on these affordability measures (Medicaid does not charge monthly premiums in most states, and copays for covered services, where applied, are required to be nominal.)

(Source: KFF Survey of Consumer Experiences with Health Insurance) Health care debt In June 2022, KFF released an analysis of the KFF Health Care Debt Survey, a companion report to the investigative journalism project on health care debt conducted by KFF Health News and NPR, Diagnosis Debt. This project found that health care debt is a wide-reaching problem in the United States and that 41% of U.S. adults currently have some type of debt due to medical or dental bills from their own or someone else’s care, including about a quarter of adults (24%) who say they have medical or dental bills that are past due or that they are unable to pay, and one in five (21%) who have bills they are paying off over time directly to a provider. One in six (17%) report debt owed to a bank, collection agency, or other lender from loans taken out to pay for medical or dental bills, while similar shares say they have health care debt from bills they put on a credit card and are paying off over time (17%).

One in ten report debt owed to a family member or friend from money they borrowed to pay off medical or dental bills.

While four in ten U.S. adults have some type of health care debt, disproportionate shares of lower income adults, the uninsured, Black and Hispanic adults, women, and parents report current debt due to medical or dental bills.

Vulnerabilities and worries about health care and longterm care costs A July 2022 KFF Health Tracking Poll shows that unexpected medical bills are near the top of the list of people’s financial worries, with about two-

thirds of the public saying they are at least somewhat worried about affording unexpected medical bills for themselves and their family (64%). Similar shares say they worry about affording monthly utilities like electricity (62%) and affording food (61%). About half of adults say they worry about affording their rent or mortgage (51%), and 46% worry about being able to afford prescription drugs for themselves and their family.

Adults with health insurance are not immune from worries about affording care, as at least four in ten say they worry about affording their health insurance deductible (48%) and their monthly health insurance premium (40%). Those with lower household incomes were more likely to be worried about each of these things. (Source: KFF Health Tracking Poll: July 2022) Many U.S. adults may be one unexpected medical bill from falling into debt. About half of U.S. adults say they would not be able to pay an unexpected medical bill that came to $500 out of pocket. This includes one in five (19%) who would not be able to pay it at all, 5% who would borrow the money from a bank, payday lender, friends or family to cover the cost, and one in five (21%) who would incur credit card debt in order to pay the bill. Women, those with lower household incomes, Black and Hispanic adults are more likely than their counterparts to say they would be unable to afford this type of bill. (Source: KFF Health Care Debt Survey: Feb.-Mar. 2022) Among older adults, the costs of long-term care and support services are also a concern.

Almost six in ten (57%) adults 65 and older say they are at least “somewhat anxious” about affording the cost of a nursing home or assisted living facility if they needed it, and half say they feel anxious about being able to afford support services such as paid nurses or aides. These concerns also loom large among those between the ages of 50 and 64, with more than seven in ten saying they feel anxious about affording residential care (73%) and care from paid nurses or aides (72%) if they were to need these services. See The Affordability of Long-Term Care and Support Services: Findings from a KFF Survey for a deeper dive into concerns about the affordability of nursing homes and support services.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

PH reaffirms participation in UN...

PAGE 1

Undersecretary de Leon also said that the Philippines is building up a Formed Police Unit, in addition to the Individual Police Officers, for the UN Mission in South Sudan.

He also manifested the intent of the Philippine National Police to host the 2024 rollout of the UN Certified Instructors Development Course, catering to international participants from

neighboring Police Contributing Countries.

The UNPKMM is a biennial high-level event that gathers foreign and defense ministers, as well as other senior leaders from UN member states, in a collective effort to strengthen the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations and their impact on the communities they serve.

On the sidelines, Undersecre-

tary de Leon also held bilateral meetings with Nigeria, Ghana, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Fiji, France, Latvia, Mongolia and New Zealand.

De Leon was accompanied by officials from the Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, the Office for UN and Other International Organizations of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. g

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Marcos lauded for issuing order promoting LGBTQIA+ rights

by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

MANILA - Civil rights group LGBT Pilipinas lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for being the first Philippine leader to issue an Executive Order creating a special committee further advocating the affairs and rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Marcos issued EO No. 51 which reinforces the country's Diversity and Inclusion Program, reconstitutes the Inter-Agency Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, and creates the special committee on LGBTQIA+ affairs.

"This is a first in Philippine history.

This landmark development is a dream come true for our community — the start of many beautiful things to come," LGBT Pilipinas national president Dindi Tan said in a statement on Tuesday, December 26.

The special committee will be led by a chairman with the rank of undersecretary. There will be

three members with the rank of assistant secretary.

Tan said that she personally lobbied to create the committee during a Pride event at the Palace last June, an idea which was "gladly welcomed by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos."

In issuing the order, the Chief Executive said he saw the need "to strengthen existing mechanisms to address the continued discrimination being experienced by the members of the LGBTQIA+ community."

Marcos likewise wanted "to ensure the country's continuous compliance with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights."

"President Marcos' responsiveness to our appeal demonstrates a commitment to fostering inclusivity, understanding and equality for Filipinos, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression," Tan said.

"This executive order holds immense implications for the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+

rights and equality in the Philippines. By establishing a dedicated committee, we are paving the way for informed policies and strategic initiatives that will enhance the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals," she added.

Tan said Marcos' move signals "a progressive step forward in dismantling barriers, challenging stereotypes and promoting a society that celebrates diversity."

"This will not only foster a sense of belonging but also contribute to the overall betterment of our society. We look forward to collaborating with the committee to ensure that the voices and needs of the LGBTQIA+ community are heard and addressed effectively," she said.

Tan said that he group remains "dedicated to working hand in hand with the government, civil society and all stakeholders to build a Philippines where everyone can live without fear of discrimination." g

PH not provoking conflict in West Philippine Sea — AFP MANILA — The Philippines is not provoking conflict in the West Philippine Sea, the country’s military spokesperson said on Tuesday, December 26, in response to China’s accusation that Manila is encroaching on Beijing’s territory.

“Philippines is not provoking conflict. We follow international law and we are only implementing our domestic law, meaning the limits of our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone where we have sovereign rights,” Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar told state-run broadcaster PTV. The comments come a day after the People’s Daily, the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, wrote that the Philippines has relied on U.S. support to continually provoke China, with “extremely

dangerous” behavior seriously harming regional peace and stability.

Aguilar said the Philippines is not conducting activities that will put vessels and seafarers in danger, and instead accused China of performing dangerous manoeuvres that sometimes result in collisions at sea.

“They are the ones committing all the violations,” Aguilar said.

Tensions between Manila and Beijing have risen in recent months with both sides trading accusations over a series of maritime run-ins, including China allegedly ramming a ship this month carrying the Philippines’ military chief.

On Tuesday, the Chinese embassy in Manila said the Philippines is causing tensions by sending construction supplies to its grounded navy vessel in the

Second Thomas Shoal.

“The Philippines, bolstered by external support, has brushed aside China’s goodwill and restraint and repeatedly challenged China’s principles and red line,” the embassy said, citing the Chinese foreign ministry.

The Philippines regularly deploys resupply missions for Filipino soldiers living aboard an aging warship deliberately run aground in 1999 to protect Manila’s maritime claims.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea with its socalled nine-dash line that overlaps into the exclusive economic zones of rival claimants Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam.

A 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling invalidated China’s claim in the strategic waters, which Beijing did not recognize. (Inquirer.net with reports from Reuters)

YEAR OF WOOD DRAGON. Shirts in peach fuzz, declared Pantone Color of the Year for 2024, and with the text “Welcome 2024” are sold in Manila’s Divisoria commercial area on Tuesday, Dec. 26. According to Chinese astrology, 2024 is also the Year of the Wood Dragon which will foster growth, progress and abundance, and is related to success, intelligence and honor.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

2 Pinoy survivors of Hamas attack share their ordeal MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, December 22 met with two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who survived the attack launched by the Hamas group on Israel on October 7.

In a statement, Communication Secretary Cheloy Garafil confirmed that Marcos had a meeting with OFWs Jimmy Pacheco and Camille Jesalva, who recounted their ordeal in the hands of Hamas militants.

“President Marcos said he was pleased to meet Pacheco and Jesalva, and that they returned home safely,” Garafil said.

Pacheco, a caregiver in Israel who was among the hostages freed after 50 days of captivity in the hands of the militant group in Gaza, arrived in the Philippines on Dec.18.

On the other hand, Jesalva is a 31-year-old caregiver from Nueva Ecija who became an instant hero in Israel after sharing her story about how she saved herself and her 95-yearold employer when the terrorists entered their house.

Garafil said Pacheco, who was released on Nov. 24 on the first truce, shared with Marcos how

their kibbutz was infiltrated by members of the Hamas group who shot his Israeli ward to death.

“He also told the President about his ordeal while in captivity together with other Israelis, and how they moved from one tunnel to another to avoid Israeli troops amid heavy bombardment,” she said.

According to Pacheco, he survived by eating a meager ration of dates and water in his more than 40 days of captivity.

He is one of the two known Filipinos held hostage by the Palestinian militant group during its Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel that resulted in the death of more than 1,000 people on that day alone.

Noralin Babadilla, the other Filipino national taken hostage in Gaza, was freed days after Pacheco’s release.

Meanwhile, Jesalva earned public admiration because of her courage, dedication, and loyalty as she refused to leave her 95-year-old patient, Nitza Hefetz, during Hamas’ onslaught.

“Jesalva and Nitza were residing in Nirim Kibbutz on the

Gaza-Israel border, which was attacked by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Several militants entered their home and robbed Jesalva of her money that she was supposed to spend for her planned vacation in the Philippines,” Garafil said.

She and her employer were rescued by responding troops from the Israel Defense Forces on the same day of the attack.

Jesalva, during the meeting at Malacañan, thanked Marcos for his guidance.

“At least nakauwi kayo, at saka Merry Christmas. Napakabigat naman nung experience niyo.

Isulat ninyo o i-video ninyo (It’s good that you returned home. Merry Christmas. Your experience is very difficult to bear. Write it or take a video about your story),” Marcos told the OFWs. “Dapat gawin nating lahat nung mga… lahat ng repatriate.

Ikuwento sila, para malaman ng tao kung ano ‘yung pinagdaanan nila. ‘Yung Israeli, mahal naman tayo eh (We should also do it with all repatriates. They should tell their story, so people would know what they went through.

The Israelis, they love us),” he added. (PNA)

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OPINION

FEATURES

Safe and healthy celebration THE shopping malls and Christmas markets are full. Hotels are starting to recover from the pandemic as large gatherings return and the travel industry bounces back. Carolers have returned to neighborhoods – both children and older folks who need a permit for the activity.

Nearly four years after COVID-19 turned the world upside down, life is almost fully back to normal.

Livelihoods are being restored and jobs returning, although there are those that may never be revived.

For the millions who lost loved ones to COVID, the mourning may not be over.

And yet all signs point to the end of the pandemic, which is reason for rejoicing this holiday season. Families can gather again to celebrate, free to greet each other with hugs and kisses, singing carols and sharing food without worrying about sharing potentially deadly pathogens.

There’s always the possibility of another pandemic, but the world looks better prepared for it. Reliable and peer-tested COVID vaccines were rolled out in record time, and the science continues to advance rapidly. Pharmaceutical companies have responded quickly to numerous mutations of SARS-CoV-2, the original virus from China’s Wuhan City that causes COVID-19.

With borders fully reopened and all travel

restrictions lifted, it was inevitable that those SARS-CoV-2 mutations have entered the Philippines.

The latest is the Omicron JN.1, described by health officials as a “variant of interest” but not yet “of concern.” As of Saturday, December 24, the Department of Health had recorded 18 confirmed JN.1 cases nationwide, which were detected through genome sequencing between Nov. 16 and Dec. 3. With RT-PCR testing significantly down nationwide, the actual number of cases could be higher.

COVID is on the rise again, particularly in crowded Metro Manila, and it continues to debilitate and kill. While most people have acquired natural and vaccine immunity to the coronavirus, infection is still possible. Fully vaccinated and boosted President Marcos himself just recently recovered from his third bout with COVID. The rise in COVID cases is on top of a spike in cases of influenza-like illness in recent months.

As always, the elderly, the immunocompromised

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

and those with comorbidities are the most vulnerable and at highest risk of serious infection. If only for these vulnerable sectors, health experts are urging the public to temper

holiday celebrations with caution. Health officials are encouraging people to wear masks when possible, and to continue observing respiratory and hand hygiene. (Philstar.com)

West Philippine Sea: Is Asean really ‘useless’?

Horizons

RICHARD HEYDARIAN CHINA-Philippines relations are at a crossroads,” warned China’s top diplomat Wang Yi during a seemingly testy exchange with his Filipino counterpart, Enrique Manalo.

“Faced with the choice of where to go, the Philippines must act with caution,” he added, squarely blaming China’s far smaller rival in the South China Sea for rising tensions in the disputed waters.

According to the Chinese diplomat, the “root cause” of the ongoing crisis is “that the Philippines has changed its longstanding policy stance [and] reneged on its own commitments, [and] continued to provoke and stir trouble at sea …”

Curiously, Wang neither mentioned the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea nor did he acknowledge repeated Chinese watercannoning of Filipino resupply vessels en route to the Second Thomas Shoal. But what the Chinese diplomat really meant was that they were unhappy to see the Marcos administration not turning out as slavish, subservient, and self-defeating as former mayor-president

Commentary

MOIRA G. GALLAGA WITH Christmas and the New Year approaching, expect to hear “Peace on earth and goodwill to all” in personal greetings, songs, or poems, or emblazoned on tarpaulin signs and holiday cards. It’s a simple and positive message meant to convey a sense of hope and a wish for all of us to get along.

But is there really any chance that 2024 would usher in peace on earth and goodwill to all? A quick look at the current situation in the world doesn’t appear encouraging.

In Gaza, Israel says it needs about two months to wrap up the first stage of its military operations, so peace isn’t likely to come any sooner in that part of the world. Goodwill seems in short supply, too, with the number of casualties and damage that both sides are suffering.

Things are also dicey along the Israeli-Lebanese border, and the risk of a regional conflagration is possible.

Not content with fighting the Yemeni government, the Houthis

Rodrigo Duterte. By all accounts, the current president has—as I correctly predicted in a piece or two more than a year ago— turned out more like his father (Marcos Sr.) than “Tatay Digong” (Rodrigo Duterte) on matters of foreign policy. As a former princeling, President Marcos accompanied his parents during highly consequential foreign trips, most notably facilitating the normalization of bilateral ties with Maoist China in the mid1970s. He also observed how his father fortified our position in the West Philippine Sea by building the first modern airstrip in the area.

While Duterte was an obvious geopolitical amateur—a longtime provincial mayor easily falling for China’s “pledge trap”—the Marcoses are “OG”!

Following a largely fruitless state visit to Beijing earlier this year, Mr. Marcos embraced expanded security cooperation with the United States and other traditional partners. At the heart of Mr. Marcos’ strategy is strengthening the Philippines’ negotiating position vis-à-vis China. And this, dear readers, brings us to the topic of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

Aside from the Dutertes— who seem to never run out of suspect opinions on a whole

range of policy issues—Asean was the other major actor conspicuously silent on China’s brazen bullying. The regional body is often dismissed as a “talk shop,” but Asean didn’t even “talk” or express a single ounce of solidarity with one of its founding members.

Apologists tend to downplay the issue by stating the “Asian” nature of Asean, or shifting the goalpost by maintaining that the regional organization doesn’t interfere in geopolitical matters.

But any real scholar of Asean knows that the regional body proactively intervened in a whole host of conflicts, most notably during the Indochina Wars (opposing Vietnam’s occupation of Cambodia), supported East Timor’s transition into an independent state, and nudged post-war Cambodia toward pluralistic politics as a precondition for membership.

Today’s Asean, however, is a shell of its former glory. Not only does it lack any decisive leader as in the past (think of Mahathir Mohamad or Lee Kuan Yew), but it has also self-sabotaged by adopting a de facto unanimitybased decision-making modality on sensitive issues. As the veteran Singaporean diplomat Barry Desker correctly argues, this allows “China [to] exert its influence on Asean members

are menacing commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as part of the Iran-aligned Axis of Resistance against Israel, the United States, and generally, the Western world.

The war in Sudan continues to rage on, while the Sahel region in Africa has been wracked by coups and Islamist terrorism that have led to the displacement of millions from their homes.

In Europe, the war in Ukraine is headed to its second year, with an end to the conflict being unlikely in the short term. In South America, Venezuela is posturing about reclaiming the Essequibo region from Guyana, by force if necessary. Closer to home, Taiwan remains a potential flashpoint along with our very own West Philippine Sea. In just one weekend, China Coast Guard ships inflicted damage to Philippine vessels conducting humanitarian resupply missions in two separate areas with their aggressive and dangerous actions in violation of international laws and maritime safety regulations.

When you think about it, our world has always been riven by conflict, with the human species embroiled in violence against our own kind. Peace and goodwill

remain as elusive as they were in centuries past. And yet humanity has not been without its good moments, interludes of peace that have enabled some societies to prosper and their people to live better lives. They may seem few and fleeting in comparison to the butchery and violence, but they’re there and we shouldn’t lose our drive to grasp them so that we may share their benefits with those who hardly know of such moments.

It’s easy to point out the bad things happening right now, but there are positive developments if we look for them. In light of the rising tension between them, Venezuela and Guyana have agreed to meet for a dialogue facilitated by Brazil that is aimed at avoiding unilateral action that could escalate the situation. In talks in Djibouti, African officials involved in efforts to mediate in the war in Sudan said they have obtained a commitment for a ceasefire and a dialogue aimed at resolving the conflict.

Following a large-scale offensive by Azerbaijan against Armenia in September 2023, the two sides have recently agreed to normalize relations and hope to sign a peace treaty before the end of the year. Meanwhile in

File photo shows a China Coast Guard vessel aiming a water cannon at a Philippine supply ship heading to the BRP Sierra Madre in the West Philippine Sea last August.

Photo from Philippine Coast Guard

to prevent any decisions” which undermine the Asian superpower’s interests.

All China has to do is lean on a single dependent Asean nation to sabotage the whole organization.

No wonder then, the decadeslong negotiations over a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea have turned out as a self-defeating sham, namely providing a diplomatic cover for China’s transformation of facts

on the ground on a daily basis.

But while “Asean 10” is just north of useless when it comes to the West Philippine Sea disputes, the reality is that the Marcos administration will have to bilaterally and mini-laterally engage key Asean states such as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam to build a modicum of a “united front” against brazen bullying. We may never get 100 percent support from our Southeast Asian neighbors,

but seeking their diplomatic support should be an essential component of Mr. Marcos’ “new paradigm” in protecting our West Philippine Sea sovereign rights. (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.

*** rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

‘Peace on earth and goodwill to all’ in 2024?

Unsplash.com photo by BoliviaInteligente

the Philippines, the government and the National Democratic Front are making moves to resume peace talks once more.

Those bright sparks at peacemaking remain tenuous and could still fall by the wayside but let’s take what we can, given the current state of the world.

It may seem a futile pursuit at times, this quest for world peace and goodwill to all, but it is one we cannot afford to give

up on. We need to keep our hope for a better world alive and continue to do our respective roles toward that objective, for as Fyodor Dostoevsky once said, “To live without hope, is to cease to live.”

So while it can sometimes feel futile to do so given what’s going on around the world, I’d still like to hope and pray that in 2024, there will be “peace on earth and goodwill to all.”

*** So while it can sometimes feel futile to do so given what’s going on around the world, I’d still like to hope and pray that in 2024, there will be “peace on earth and goodwill to all.” (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.

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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COVID-19 subvariant JN.1 now in PH

by Mayen JayMalin Philstar.com

MANILA — The new COVID-19 subvariant JN.1 that has been classified as a “variant of interest” is now in the country, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH reported that there are now 18 JN.1 cases nationwide, with the earliest one detected by genomic sequencing last Nov. 16 and the most recent last Dec. 3.

“There has been no significant increase in the number of severity of cases overall,” the DOH said as it stressed that all of the cases have already recovered.

The agency pointed out that JN.1 is not one of the COVID-19 strains that can be a cause of concern and that there are always new strains of viruses, but only a few become “of concern.”

“It is another Omicron subvariant with no evidence of increased severity or unusual clinical presentation,” the DOH said in a statement. g

Unprogrammed funds in budget questioned

by Red Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

THE progressive group Bayan Muna said the increase in unprogrammed funds beyond what was allocated in the 2024 national budget is unconstitutional and may lead to corruption.

Bayan Muna issued the statement after the House Committee on Appropriations Chairman and Rep. Elizaldy Co (Ako Bicol) said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. maintained the unprogrammed funds in the 2024 General Appropriations Act. Co said the unprogrammed funds, totaling around P800 billion, will be used for anti-inflationary measures, which include the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita program and rice subsidies.

"The defense of the executive that this is legal because the extra funds will not be spent unless government collections exceed the resource targets is deceitful because a large amount of unprogrammed funds are usually spent at the end of each year when government suddenly claims to have additional sources," Colmenares said.

He said the government will be forced to borrow money to claim that there are new sources to spend for unprogrammed funds, which could lead to more debts and loans.

Colmenares blamed the questionable insertions on the "unchecked and unregulated power" of the bicameral conference committee, which harmonizes conflicting provisions in the bills of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

"This is a transgression of the Constitution, which grants the power to legislate only to both houses of Congress and not a bicameral committee. Nowhere in the Constitution are the words 'bicameral conference

committee' found," Colmenares added.

He lamented the lack of transparency of the bicameral meeting, which was held not in a government building that could be accessible to the media and the public but was held in private places like hotels and exclusive clubs.

Colmenares said the party plans to challenge the insertions made by the bicameral conference committee in the Supreme Court.

"The Supreme Court has to launch a comprehensive reform on our rules and procedures in budgeting and legislating if we want to plug wastage of public funds. Surely this increase in the budget and the untrammeled powers of the bicameral committee will not survive a constitutional challenge in the Supreme Court," Colmenares said.

Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman clarified that the unprogrammed funds are "standby appropriations" distinct from the approved government fiscal program.

In a statement released Sunday, Pangandaman said the funds would help the government address unforeseen expenditures and prioritize essential programs and projects.

She noted that unprogrammed appropriations have built-in safeguards to prevent unconstitutional spending.

The unprogrammed funds are not automatically allocated and can only be released if several funding conditions are met, such as when the Bureau of the Treasury is able to collect excess revenue or income or if foreign or approved financial loans or grant proceeds are realized.

If there are excess revenues that could trigger the availability of the unprogrammed funds,

government agencies must submit necessary requirements before being given access to the standby fund. Pangandaman also assured the government will be transparent in utilizing the national budget for 2024.

The department will continue to ensure "sound, efficient, and effective management and utilization of government resources to achieve our country's development goals," she said.

To address concerns about fiscal prudence, Pangandaman said the 2024 budget would continue to prioritize responsible debt management while supporting the country's post-pandemic recovery, which is guided by the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF).

She said there is a projected drop decrease in the deficit from 6.1 percent in 2023 to a target of slightly above 5 percent in 2024, adding that it demonstrates the Marcos administration's commitment to fiscal consolidation over the long term.

"Our MTFF started with a very high deficit, exceeding 7 percent during the pandemic...

We're making steady progress, aiming to bring it down to 3 percent by 2028. Reducing the deficit translates to less borrowing, but responsible borrowing for productive purposes remains crucial," Pangandaman said.

She also echoed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s commitment to leaving a legacy "free of burdensome debt for future generations."

"We are one with the President in ensuring that we honor the taxpayers who make the national budget possible. As what the President said, 'Debt is not the kind of inheritance we want for those who will come after us.

Good fiscal stewardship imposes upon us discipline not to be led into the temptation of bloating what we owe,'" she said. g

GIFT-GIVING. Vice President Sara Z. Duterte (in blue) mingles with the crowd queueing up at the residence of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, for the family’s annual “Pahalipay sa Taal” gift-giving event in Davao City on Christmas Day Monday, Dec. 25. The Dutertes distributed grocery packs, gift checks, cash, and lunch packs.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

92% of Filipinos hopeful for 2024 – survey MANILA – Almost all Filipino adults, or 92 percent, said they are hopeful for the new year, according to a recent survey by Pulse Asia.

The survey conducted Dec. 3 to 7 showed that only 1 percent will face 2024 without hope, while 7 percent were neither hopeful nor without hope for the coming year.

"Amidst the various challenges Filipinos face on a daily basis, most of them continue to remain optimistic, with 92% saying they will face the new year with hope.

This is the prevailing sentiment in every geographic area and socio-economic grouping," Pulse Asia said in its report.

Ninety-five percent of respondents from the Visayas said they are hopeful, followed

by Balance Luzon at 94 percent, National Capital Region at 92 percent, and Mindanao at 84 percent.

The same survey also showed that 41 percent of the respondents believe that their holiday celebrations this year will be as prosperous as last year's.

Around 30 percent are expecting their celebrations this year to be more prosperous than in 2022.

Sixteen percent said their upcoming holiday celebrations will be the same as last year in the sense that it was not prosperous.

Meanwhile, 13 percent said it would be “poorer” than last year.

The survey on the high optimism of Filipinos was made during the same week of the escalating tension in the West Philippine Sea between the Philippines and China, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Surigao del Sur, the bombing at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City and a nationwide transport strike, among others.

The nationwide survey was based on a sample of 1,200 representative adults 18 years old and above.

It has a ± 2.8 percent error margin at the 95 percent confidence level. (PNA)

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) is confident that passenger arrivals would reach or even break pre-pandemic levels amid a significant increase in travelers during the Christmas week.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tangsingco on Monday, December 25 said that as per immigration record, "we are already pretty close to the prepandemic numbers."

Figures also showed that the volume of arriving and departing passengers continues to increase.

Arrivals have increased from around 50,000 during the first week of December to almost 60,000 during the Christmas

week.

On December 1, the BI recorded 51,390 arrivals in all international airports of the country. The figure rose to 59,541 on December 22 and 58,993 on December 23.

Tansingco shared that more than 85 percent of passengers arrive via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

There were 31,408 departures on December 23, far from the 25,759 on the first day of December.

Before the Covid pandemic, the number of arrivals reached 1.7 million during December.

The arrivals for the entire year are already more than 80 percent

higher than in 2022.

Tansingco urged arriving Filipinos to use the e-gates for faster immigration clearance.

He also reminded passengers to register via the etravel portal at etravel.gov.ph at least 72 hours prior to arrival or departure.

Tansingco lauded immigration officers who remain on duty during the holiday season.

"All hands on deck for our immigration officers," he said.

"We commend our frontline personnel who remain on duty and sacrifice time with their families during the holidays to be able to service the traveling public." (ManilaTimes.net)

Passenger arrivals continue to increase

The Asian Journal

MDWK

Wednesday DECEMBER 27, 2023

asianjournalpublications

MAGAZINE

Dingdong very proud of wife Marian, co-stars in ‘Rewind’

By HannaH Mallorca

www.asianjournal.com Los Angeles | Las Vegas | Orange County/Inland Empire | Northern California | New York/New Jersey

Xian pens message for Kim after breakup Philstar.com

THERE was not a dry eye in the theater as Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes hugged Mae Cruz-Alviar, director of their Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Rewind,” which they hope to serve as a reminder to value what matters most.

“Rewind” tells the story of John (Dingdong Dantes) who would lose his wife Mary (Marian Rivera) to a car accident, which prompts him to make a deal with the Lord to turn back time to make things right. As soon as credits rolled, the real-life couple were seen wiping off their tears before hugging Alviar tightly. “‘Yun ang feeling noong binasa ko ang script, kailangan mong i-proseso dahil maganda talaga ang mensahe niya. Now that I watched it, parang nabuhay ang binasa ko (That was how I felt when I first read its script, you have to process it because it has a beautiful message. Now that I watched it, it’s like the text came to life),” Dantes told reporters during its premiere night.

Dantes, who expressed how “happy and proud” he is of Rivera and his “Rewind” costars, admitted the MMFF entry also made him look back at his own life to see what he can do better.

“I’m very, very happy. I’m very, very proud of my wife and co-actors and paano nilatag ito ni Direk Mae,” he said. “Mahalaga ang [magiging] pakiramdam mo pagkatapos panoorin ang ‘Rewind.’ Meron kang gustong gawin sa sarili mo. May kanya-kanya siyang impact. There’s really not just one lesson. It really depends on how one will receive it. I hope everyone will watch it kasi iba-iba talaga magiging atake nito sa tao.”

(I’m very, very happy. I’m very, very proud of my wife, co-actors, and how director Mae CruzAlviar weaved this together. The feeling you get after watching “Rewind” is important. You want to do something in your life. It has a different impact per person. There’s really not just one lesson. It really depends on how one will receive it. I hope everyone will watch because it will impart something different to others.)

On the other hand, Rivera couldn’t help but laugh in response when asked if she considers herself as one of the possible nominees for Best Actress at the MMFF’s awards night.

“Hindi ko alam! Basta maganda ang pelikula, maganda ang message, at ‘yun naman ang sinasabi namin lagi. As long as kapag lumabas ka sa sinehan, may makukuha kang message na matututunan na ano ba talaga ang mahalaga para sa’tin,” she said.

(I don’t know! As long as the movie is good, the message is good, and that’s what we say all

JUST minutes after Kim Chiu confirmed their breakup Saturday evening, Xian Lim penned a heartfelt post on Instagram.

Calling her “dearest Kim,” Xian said he was thankful for the 12 long years they had together.

“The 12 years of my life with you was the best gift I could ever ask for. We have expressed our love for each other to the fullest and knowing that I got to share those moment with you, knowing our hearts beat as one at one point in our lives is truly something I will cherish for life,” Xian wrote.

Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes Unlike Kim whose Photo from Instagram/@marianrivera accompanying photos were in the time. As long as you realize and learn the black-and-white, Xian’s photos message of the film, and that is to ask yourself consist of only one black-and what matters most.) white snap while the rest were “Rewind” marks Rivera’s first film as the lead not. role since 2014’s “My Big Bossing,” to which she “Like all good things, it must admitted was a “huge adjustment” period for eventually come to an end. I her, although she’s grateful to her husband and am grateful for all the moments the director’s company along the way. we shared together. Thank Prior to the MMFF entry, the actress was also you for all the unconditional part of the 2016 movie “Imagine You and Me” love throughout the years. My and 2018 movie “Fantastica,” but only for cameo appearances.

“Nag-adjust ako. 13 years eh… Marami kaming naging bonding together with Direk Mae, especially with Dong kapag kailangan niyang mag-break down [in certain scenes].

Nand’un ako for him,” she said, referring to Dantes using his nickname.

(I adjusted a lot. It’s been 13 years. I had a lot of bonding moments with director Mae CruzAlviar, and especially with Dong if he needs to break down in certain scenes. I’m also there for

By Kristofer Purnell him.)

Philstar.com Rivera also admitted that her character Mary ACTRESS Sarah Lahbati is personal to her, as she noted both of their has gotten herself some willingness to give it all for their families. new tattoos as rumors of her “Kapag binabasa ko ang character ni Mary, break-up with husband Richard may pagkakataon na relate talaga ako. Not Gutierrez continue to spread. necessarily na gan’un ang asawa ko in real life, The actress shared on her but ‘yung pagiging submissive in the sense na Instagram account two tattoos isasantabi niya muna ang lahat para sa family she got from Cebu-based (When I read about Mary’s characters, there tattoo studio Alon, both in red are moments that I relate a lot to her. I’m not ink. necessarily saying my husband is like that in real One was a lotus flower by life, but in the sense of her being submissive her right shoulder, the other on that she’s willing to set everything aside for her her nape the letters “ZK” which family),” she said. likely stand for her two sons with Richard, Zion and Kai. Sarah also posted on Instagram photos with her parents Abdel and Esther Labhati, her friend and fellow actress Sofia Andres, and Sofia’s daughter Zoe. “We love you so much anak. No one can hurt you!.

I am ready to stand for you.

Being a human being I respect everyone’s rights,” Esther commented, to which Sarah responded “I love you mama.”

Two weeks ago, Abdel

VILMA Santos and Christopher de Leon are happy to veer from the epic and explosive dramatic showdowns of their past films, embracing a tender and feel-good love story in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 entry When I Met You In Tokyo.

The OFW-themed film that explores why love knows no place, time and age, is the latest project of the teamup that has spanned 48 years now, withstanding different circumstances in their lives and careers.

They first worked together in Celso Ad. Castillo’s 1975 romance drama Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw with the late Eddie Garcia. Their pairing became so formidable that they subsequently starred in 20 more films together. These included Ishmael Bernal’s Relasyon, Ikaw Ay Akin and Broken Marriage; Elwood Perez’s Masarap, Masakit... Ang Umibig, Nakawin Natin ang Bawat Sandali, Pinay, American Style! and Magkaribal; Eddie Garcia’s Imortal, Sinasamba Kita and Paano Ba Mangarap?; Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan; Laurice Guillen’s Ipagpatawad Mo and Dahil Mahal Kita The Dolzura Cortez Story; Jose Javier Reyes’ Nag-iisang Bituin; Chito Rono’s Dekada ‘70 and the last one was almost 20 years ago, Joel Lamangan’s Mano Po 3.

What made their “loveteam” a success, despite never developing into a real romance off-screen as hit pairings usually do, was attributed to respect.

Vilma said, “The main thing for us, right from the start, is

Xian Lim and Kim Chiu at the premiere night of their movie “Always.”

Philstarcom photo

see you around petunia,” Xian ended his post that tagged Kim. Prior to the ex-couple’s admission, rumors were rife that they had already separated.

Among the events that fueled it was when Xian’s YouTube channel were only left with a few videos and their videos together were no longer seen on his channel.

respect and admiration for you as a person, as an artist, and as some one I spent more than a decade with will always remain,” he added.

Xian said that he wishes for Kim to find all the happiness and love she is searching for, adding that she deserves nothing but the best.

“No goodbyes here, i’ll

Sarah gets tattoos of sons’ initials, mother ‘ready to stand’ for her amid split rumors with Richard Gutierrez

No ‘hysterics,’ just sweet, simple love story for comeback of Vilma-Christopher teamup Philstar.com

@asianjournal

By KatHleen a. lleMit

Inquirer.net

By natHalie toMada

@asianjournalcom

Actress Sarah Lahbati shows off her new tattoos

Photos from Instagram/@sarahlahbati

Annabelle Rama, who has intermittently shared her own thoughts regarding the alleged split.

Sarah will be returning to television for TV5’s adaptation of Rudy Fernandez’s movie “Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa”, alongside Kiko Estrada and Sid Lucero.

posted on his own Instagram account a Labhati family and wrote in the caption “Enjoying every moment with family. The convoy keeps going and don’t mind dogs barking.”

Fans have speculated that among the “dogs” Abdel was referring to was Richard’s mother and fellow actress

Erich breaks yearlong social media hiatus

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon’s OFW-themed MMFF 2023 entry, When I Met You In Tokyo, explores why love knows no place, time and age. It’s the latest project of their formidable tandem that has spanned 48 years now and starred in over 20 films, withstanding different circumstances in their lives and careers. The movie is produced under JG Productions and was directed by Rado Peru and Rommel Penesa from the script of Suzette Doctolero.

respecting each other. When we did our first movie, Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw, he was already married.”

“Imagine, when I first worked with Yetbo (Vilma’s nickname for Christopher), it was before I became pregnant with Lucky (Manzano), who is now 42.

“There was even a scene where I was eight months pregnant, and we had to do a kissing scene. He joked, ‘Why am I kissing someone who’s eight months pregnant?’ I was 27 then, so kaya pa ng mukha even if you’re pregnant because bagets. We went through all that.”

Aside from respect for each other as persons with individual loves and lives, they also have deep respect for their friendship. Vilma further shared, “We really took care of that.”

Though falling in love could happen anytime between coactors, Christopher believes that having a romantic relationship might negatively affect the working relationship.

He said, “I think, okay, diretsuhin ko na ‘pag na-in love kayo with each or let’s say, nain love ka, pero ‘pag nagkaroon kayo ng relasyon, masisira eh ‘pag nagkaroon kayo ng away.

Let’s say, you’re fighting, you have a personal squabble, and then you work together, wala na, sira na.”

They were also very aware of their boundaries and there wasn’t any chance to turn it into something more.

Boyet laughingly recalled that Vilma’s boyfriends would also often visit their movie sets, especially during shoots for intimate or love scenes that he would jokingly appeal to her to Continued on Page 10

Erich Gonzales

Photo from Instagram/@erichgg

MORE than a year after going on hiatus from social media, Erich Gonzales surprised her followers with a photo of herself enjoying the Christmas season on Instagram.

Gonzales looked radiant in a flowy white dress with half-sleeves as she posed by a Christmas tree adorned with red ornaments, as seen on her Instagram account last Saturday, Dec. 23.

This marks her first Instagram post since Sept. 27, 2022 where she shared glimpses of her trip to Europe, including the now-famous Lake Brienz in Switzerland which is the filming site of the popular K-drama “Crash Landing on You.” Gonzales has set her Instagram page to private, as of this writing. Her five million followers, however, still have access to her posts.

The actress, who wed businessman Mateo Lorenzo in March 2022, has been away from the public eye for quite some time. There are no updates on her whereabouts nor how she’s currently doing since then.

Gonzales’ final projects before her hiatus was the 2020 teleserye “La Vida Lena” which lasted for two years and the 2018 film “We Will Not Die Tonight.”

Rob, Shaila celebrate baby’s baptism amid ‘convo’ scandal

By Jan Milo severo Philstar.com

THE daughter of controversial Kapuso actor Rob Gomez and his partner Shaila Rebortera was baptized recently.

In his Instagram account, Rob shared photos of the baptism.

“I love you 3000. Thank you, God, for this day,” he captioned the post.

Rob recently made

headlines after his alleged private conversations with his “Magandang Dilag” co-stars Herlene Budol and Bianca Manalo were allegedly leaked online.

Continued on Page 9

Why Marco has reached his ‘quota’ By ronnie CarrasCo

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - December 27, 2023

ManilaTimes.net

AT one point in his career, an actor has to decide which direction he thinks is best for him.

In the case of Viva Hottie Marco Gumabao, whatever path he’s treading now, he owes it to TV director Ruel S. Bayani.

Having carved a name in the soap “Luv U,” Marco sought Direk Ruel’s advice on what other career opportunities to take, realizing, “I can’t forever be projecting a tweetums image.”

Direk Ruel’s advice was all too simple: “Go hunk.” Already with killer looks, all that Marco had to do was to enhance his body, make it look even hotter and that was it.

Marco knew that once he did as he was told, he would have to trash his wholesome image and take the sexy route, as do most actors.

Came his launching pad, “Just A Stranger,” opposite Anne Curtis. Shot in Portugal, Marco found a convenient excuse to shed his goodygoody image.

“Anyway, it would be filmed there where there could be no more restrictions.”

Yes, with a mindset coming literally from “just a stranger.”

Marco initially took the shot by showing his “behind” even if such exposure was nowhere in the script: “Even our director Jason Paul Laxamana was stunned I did it in one of the scenes!”

For the actor, who was admittedly on the cusp of exploring all possibilities, “I’d say it was more of a gut feel. I felt that by doing that, it would

community 9 Mariel mourns passing of mother April

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

HOST-ACTRESS Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla is mourning the death of her mother April Ihata.

Mariel confirmed her mother’s death on social media by posting several photos of April with the caption, “Thanks for always being proud of me.

Rest now mom.”

In a separate Instagram post simply captioned “Mom” with a white heart emoji, Mariel shared a video compilation of April’s photos set to Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings.”

The host-actress did not As much as he can, the actor tries to dodge film assignments that nowadays are way too bold.

Photo from Instagram/@gumabaomarco disclose any details about April’s wake nor her cause of on. If I’d have shown everything death. be of help to the story. And to the world, what else is there it was! Of course, that was Among those who offered to offer? Wala na [no more], opposed to other directors’ their condolences were Jhong right?” instructions to go slightly Hilario, Bianca Gonzalez, So, is Marco implying that daring when it wasn’t necessary Karylle Tatlonghari, Maxene doing frontal nudity next time at all.”

Magalona, Toni Gonzaga, around is a no-no? “Yeah! I’ve Marco never loses count Marjorie Barretto, Neri Naig, already reached my ‘quota.’ But of the number of times he had most importantly, it’s a personal similar exposures on the big decision.” screen.

In what sense is it?

“But I must say that the Clearing his throat, Marco last one would be the last,” he sheepishly replied, “May declared. magagalit na kasi,” then laughs.

As much as he can, Marco [There’s someone bound to get tries to dodge film assignments angry now]. that take interest in him, going Of course, Marco need not way too bold. say who. But definitely, this “Granting I go sexier in this is their first sugary Christmas movie, people expect me to together. outdo it in my next film and so

Rob, Shaila celebrate baby’s...

Rob Gomez and Shaila Rebortera Photo from Instagram/@robgomez.23

From Page 8 Rob’s Facebook account posted the leaked screenshots but later deleted it. Social media users, however, saved the screenshots, which began spreading like wildfire online.

In a statement sent to Pep.ph, Rob said Shaila obtained his cellphone without his consent.

“Please be advised that my phone was taken and used it without my consent on December 20, 2023 from 12:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

He said that the person “posted pictures [on] social media account pretending that I posted it with the intention of destroying my reputation.”

Herlene and Bianca, meanwhile denied any romantic ties with Rob.

Mariel Rodriguez and her mother April Photo from Instagram/@marieltpadilla

Karla Estrada, Ruffa Gutierrez, Elisse Joson, Nikki Gil, Isabel Oli, Jaya, Jason Abalos, Bayani Agbayani, Pops Fernandez, Giselle Sanchez and Zsa Zsa

Padilla.

Mariel is married to actorturned-senator Robin Padilla and has two daughters, Isabella and Gabriella.

10 community

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - December 27, 2023

Who gets to claim the dependency tax exemption in their tax return when parents get divorced? separation agreement, or (iv) living apart at all times during the last six months of the calendar year. The child must be in the custody of one or both of the child’s parents for more than one-half of the ATTY. KENNETH calendar year. IRC § 152(e) (1) URSUA REYES (A) & (B) To shift the exemption AS the year end comes and child tax credit to the near, divorcing parties begin to noncustodial parent, the plan for how they will file their custodial parent must release taxes for this year. Consider or waive his or her claim the common divorce scenario to the exemption for the where the divorce judgment year by executing IRS Form provides primary physical 8332. IRC § 152(e) (2). The custody of the children to one custodial parent can waive spouse while the other spouse this right to claim the children only gets visitation. The as dependents and let the parties begin to file separate noncustodial parent claim tax returns. Which parent gets them by executing IRS Form to claim the dependency tax 8332 and filing it with his or exemption of the children in her return. his or her return?

Certain Tax Court cases In this scenario, the held that the waiver is non-custodial parents can effective even if the Form no longer file as head of 8332 was not filled out in household, even if the detail. In Bramante (T.C. noncustodial parent is Memo 2003-228), the allowed to claim the children custodial parent agreed to as dependents under the waive her right to exemptions divorce judgment because on Form 8332. The custodial this requires that the parent parent realized that as her have custody of the children income increased, the value of at least 6 months of the year. the exemptions increased. The Noncustodial parents also can custodial parent discovered no longer claim the earned that her Social Security income tax credit. However, number was missing on the the noncustodial parent can form and that the noncustodial claim the child tax credit. parent, had dated the form In the absence of a in his handwriting. The tax provision in the divorce court still upheld the waiver as judgment which states effective despite the missing otherwise, the parent with details from Form 8332. primary custody of the In Boltinghouse, the IRS children is ordinarily entitled argued that missing details to claim the children as in the separation agreement dependents for tax purposes. defeated the waiver (T.C. If a qualifying child is claimed Memo 2003-134). In this as a dependent by both case, the parties executed parents and the parents do a separation agreement not file a joint return, the allowing the noncustodial child is normally treated as parent to claim one of his the qualifying child of the children, but the noncustodial custodial parent IRC § 152(c) parent did not file a Form (4)(B)(i) 8332. As a result, the court However, the Code allows had to decide whether the the dependency exemption agreement conformed in and child tax credit to be substance to Form 8332. shifted to the noncustodial The IRS contended that parent when a child receives the agreement was not in over one-half of the child’s substance a Form 8332 support during the calendar because it did not reflect year from the child’s parents the years the exemptions who are either (i) divorced, were to be waived and it did (ii) legally separated, (iii) not provide Social Security separated under a written numbers for the parents.

Barrister’s Corner

Although the IRS pointed to some cases in which the Tax Court had rejected waivers that were ambiguous as to the applicable years, the Tax Court said that it was clear that this agreement applied to the years the parents began filing separate returns. As in Bramante, lack of Social Security numbers was not considered a serious defect by the Tax Court.

The custodial parent can waive the dependent exemption each year or for a number of years. The noncustodial parent should file form 8332 with his or her tax return in order to be entitled to the exemption. To avoid any confusion and tax issues with the IRS, the parties should attempt to agree or resolve in court the issue of who will claim the dependency exemption of the children as part of the divorce judgment.

Parties should seek the assistance of an experienced attorney to weed through complex family law issues. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist.

He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

Pure joy is all over their faces: Faith, brother Silas, and their dad Dennis Da Silva have a brief yet heartwarming reunion, allowing them to start anew and put the past behind them.

Faith Da Silva recounts long-awaited reunion with dad Dennis before Christmas

By JERRY DONATO Philstar.com

CHRISTMAS gifts come in different sizes and packaging.

Some of them are delivered and received ahead of Christmas Day. However, the feelings of excitement and joy they bring to the recipient remain the same. They don’t even diminish a bit.

Faith Da Silva, a GMA Sparkle Artist Center young actress and host, can attest to it, as she and her brother Silas were recently reunited with their dad – former matinee idol Dennis Da Silva. This particular Christmas gift to the siblings is a manna from heaven to be Faith Da Silva, a GMA Sparkle Artist Center actress, wants to establish a parent-and-child cherished for the rest of their relationship with father and former actor Dennis Da Silva after their recent meeting. It’s lives.

“We were supposed to meet another new beginning and chapter in the life of Faith and an early Christmas present she will cherish for a long time. this first quarter of 2023 on my birthday. It was either for my dad Dennis, Faith described anew, as well as put the past birthday or his birthday,” said it as “mahaba-habang behind them.

Faith of the visit to her father, a pangungumusta (it’s like a long “I think I also needed to person deprived of liberty, in a saying hello and hi even if we be with my brother. It was recent virtual interview with The not easy, ang bigat siyempre only had limited time),” and STAR. She is April born, while added that he supports Faith sa loob, because imagine Dennis is February born. “It to finish her senior high school meeting someone for the first didn’t push through because of studies and is aware of her time, the first impression, (and our schedules.” career in showbiz. the questions like) how will I As shown on social Faith could have even asked introduce or open up myself to media and online, the meetfor details regarding the past, him? But everything became up took place five days but she decided not to dwell on smooth. I became really before Christmas. Her fellow them. emotional when I was able to TicktoClock host Kuya Kim “It was more of like hug him, iba pala talaga yung Atienza played a part in it. acceptance (on my part that) pagmamahal ng tatay (I’ve “Kuya Kim and my father you know you are my father. come to realize that a father’s have been friends. They had You are my parent, of course,” love is different),” said she. a conversation a few years said she, who also had the The hug served as the ago. I didn’t know how (that chance to know about her introduction between Faith, happened), or he (maybe) father’s case and status. This Silas, and Dennis. visited him. Ever since I’ve allowed her to understand the “He was happy and worked with Kuya Kim, matagal smiling,” she said about her plight of people deprived of na po naming pinag-uusapan liberty and their families. dad. “At first, we thought it yun (we’ve been talking about it (was going to be) awkward…

“One of the biggest for a long time),” recalled Faith. dun ko nakita kung gaano kami blessings I’ve received this “I’m just blessed that I’ve year,” shared she, “ay yung magkatulad kasi madaldal din worked with Kuya Kim. It’s ako (The visit allowed me to see mga bagay na pinaghirapan (Advertising Supplement) a blessing that he is friends ko, yung mga bagay na hindi that we’re similar in some way. with (Police) Gen. (Gregorio) ko mabibili ng pera (these are I love to talk like him). I saw his Catapang. I believe si God the things that I worked hard effort to get to know the both talaga yung gumagawa ng mga of us, me and Silas.” for and those that money can’t pamamaraan, siya talaga ang buy).”

“It was also hard for us to nag-ayos para matuloy ito (God start the conversation, but he So, what’s next after the refreshing by moving away from the signature found a way to make everything made an effort to start the pre-Christmas Day visit? intense drama of their previous works. possible).”

Faith answered that she conversation and to ask. Kapag Vilma said, “This is one movie that I can say She acknowledged with a merong silence for a while, tsika wants to establish a parent-andwe both have matured, Yetbo and I. There are grateful heart the goodness and siya agad (If there was silence child relationship with Dennis many things we’ll show here that you’ll see for kindness of these people and and a good relationship with in between, he would quickly the first time in our team-up.

Him. the latter’s wife and kids. break it and talk),” added she.

“It’s a love story — very, very simple. If you’re Asked what she was thinking In a separate question sent The pictures they had from looking for hysteria from us, you won’t find any. on her way to Muntinlupa City to Faith through Sparkle, she the visit were their first after Because you’re used to it, there’s always a third Jail where her dad is, Faith said, many years. shared her thoughts by saying, party, Yetbo and I arguing and shouting. But “Siguro bilang artista kapag “We needed that moment to “We didn’t have pictures this movie, it’s very endearing. You’ll be happy may mga eksena, pini-play mo make peace with ourselves. Of together,” said Faith of having watching it, you’ll feel giddy, and at the same siya sa utak mo (As an actress, course, because of it, we’ve childhood photos with her time, you’ll experience emotions. I’m very proud most of the time, you have this learned so much about him dad. “He was actually able of this movie,” she stressed. thing of playing different scenes to take care of me between and how interconnected we For Christopher, he felt proud and fortunate in your head like if you have really are because it showed me and Silas. After Silas (was to be asked by Vilma to also serve as the film’s work a day). It’s my way to cope born), that’s the time when they me how similar we are in associate director to directors Rommel Penesa with the situation. I was trying to (my parents) separated. I had some ways and how grateful and Radu Peru with Suzette Doctolero as get myself ready for what might one year to be with him. My we are to have been given an screenwriter. happen. But I knew I would be opportunity to get to know mom went to Japan for a few “They (directors) also requested my help happy nonetheless.” months after giving birth to me, who he really is.” because, you know, Vilma is the Star for All The night before, Faith felt “To me, the greatest nakasama ko siyang lumaki pero Seasons, and it would be challenging for them nervous and couldn’t sleep. blessing I’ve gotten from this wala akong memory.” to approach her and give directions for some “I tried, pero di ko kinaya, situation would be to really Faith was around two years scenes. So, that’s the biggest difference,” he but my excitement (to meet open ourselves up to every old at that time. Her mom was said. him) was really there for me possibility. I prayed for so long supportive of the idea of Faith “What’s great about Vilma is how quickly and Silas. Kabado, but at the and so hard for this moment to meeting her dad. she absorbs information and understands what same time, kalmado (I was come, but it is upon ourselves “She would encourage and you tell her — whether it’s for emotions, a light nervous but calm). It was mixed tell us to visit him, and get to to take the course of action scene, a heavy scene, or a romantic scene. She emotions. I couldn’t pinpoint to make our dreams come know him. Walang paninira na immediately knows how to approach it. If you (what those feelings were).” true, and everything will fall sinabi sa amin growing up (She tell her what’s needed, the flow of shots, and However, excitement was through the divine timing,” she didn’t say anything negative emphasize ‘less is better,’ the result is different the dominant feeling, said she. concluded. about our father while we were from our previous movies.

So, Faith and Silas were off With that, it also takes growing up),” said she.

“Before, our scenes were very hyper and to meet Dennis. The father and faith and fate for something Back on what transpired high-strung. But now, it’s more raw, organic, his children were given two beautiful and meaningful to during the conversations simple, realistic, and we don’t exaggerate. Since hours to patch things up, start happen. between the siblings and we read the story and with some suggestions from Vi on the material, it became very pleasing, light, and enjoyable to watch. It’s very simple but very touching,” Christopher stressed, echoing Vilma’s earlier description.

“Our goal was to achieve something different from the melodrama that makes you cry… It’s very different from the movies we did before.”

Meanwhile, the rest of the cast expressed pride in being part of When I Met You In Tokyo, but perhaps nobody said it better than Lotlot de Leon, also the daughter of Christopher.

“It’s a Vilma Santos-Christopher de Leon movie, that’s what we have here. These are the legends in the industry, give them credit, they FEBRUARY 8 will not make movies that you will not love.

That’s why it was chosen for the Metro Manila The 5th Megamix Expo – San Gabriel Valley’s Premier Business Event Film Festival because it deserves to be seen and 12:00 PM – 7:30 PM the story to be told,” she said.

Santa Anita Park “I’m just so proud to be part of it. Of course, 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA we want the Philippine film industry to regain its magic. That’s what we want. If that happens this Christmas season, then maganda yung future, not just for the actors, but for all of us in the industry.”

No ‘hysterics,’ just sweet, simple...

From Page 8 send them home.

Vilma also said, “Boyet and I are both Scorpios. Pareho kaming scorpion ni Boyet.

Lagi kaming may boyfriend-girlfriend. Alam ko ang nangyari samin before, when I was free, he wasn’t. When he was free, I wasn’t.

“If Yet had a girlfriend, I knew where I stood, you get my point? May girlfriend siya, respeto ko sya. ‘Pero ‘pag may eksena tayong mag-asawa, asawa kita. But after the scene, you are in a relationship and vice versa.”

But beyond mutual respect, it’s also about professionalism. Vilma said that it’s their responsibility to immerse themselves in their roles, making the scenes as realistic as possible.

“You don’t play around with the character; you take it seriously. Yetbo is also serious about acting. That’s why every time he acts, I don’t know, but I just respond to him, and vice versa.

We just look at each other, and the chemistry comes out,” she noted. “(We’d tell ourselves) let’s not play with the movie. Let’s not play around with the idea that we are in love, we’re not. Let’s do our job. When we portray a couple, we respect each other’s talent, and it’s like we challenged each other more on our talent. We took care of each other as co-actors,” she added.

Their onscreen chemistry is also regarded as the secret to their tandem’s enduring appeal.

“Perhaps, the most beautiful thing about my working relationship with Yetbo is that… the chemistry is there,” Vilma mused.

“With Yetbo, it’s because of the magic of chemistry that we have up to this day. I don’t know where the magic is coming from but kilalang-kilala ko si Yetbo and maybe vice versa.”

Owing to this effortless chemistry, Vilma recalled that there came a point, especially during the time of Bernal and Guillen, that directors would leave the scene up to them, instructing them to just improvise and create it themselves.

“And we brought that here in When I Met You In Tokyo,” said Vilma, adding that they had a lot of scenes in the film that had no rehearsal beforehand.

They also have their many great directors — some of them National Artists — to thank for taking this chemistry to its full potential.

“What we learned all throughout these years, when we were handled by big-time directors, was how to be partners, how to be like as if we’re in love. ‘Look at her eyes, look at her face, embrace her, I want this, I want that,’” Christopher said.

“We would learn the techniques, until we became very accustomed to the process.

Perhaps, we have carried that art until now,” added the veteran star.

In When I Met You In Tokyo, now showing in cinemas, they got to try something different and

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