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DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages

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USA

DATELINE Covered California deadline approaches as omicron surge underscores benefits of health insurance FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

SACRAMENTO — With the rapid spread of the COVID-19 omicron variant across the state, Covered California is urging uninsured and eligible individuals to act now so that they can have comprehensive health care coverage for all of 2022. Coverage is critical to both getting needed preventive care and covering the costs of unforeseen care. The first enrollment deadline is fast approaching, and Californians need to sign up before the end of the year in order to have their health care coverage be effective on Jan. 1.

“Covered California is urging everyone who needs coverage to check out their options and sign up, before the end of the month, so they can start the New Year with protection and peace of mind,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to highlight the fact that life can indeed change in an instant. With the omicron variant surging across the state, every Californian should be sure to have coverage and take the needed steps to stay healthy and safe.”

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US assistance for Typhoon Odette tops P1-billion PH thanks the U.S. for additional $19-M assistance to Odette victims

by MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. has expressed his gratitude to the United States government for its $19 million relief assistance, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines, to

Typhoon Odette (internationally known as Typhoon Rai) victims. This additional assistance follows the U.S. government’s earlier donation amounting to $1.2 million.

“Our American partners are now the single largest country contributor to the government’s efforts to help our communities severely impacted by the typhoon begin the process of rebuilding their

THE Los Angeles County Department of Health Services is delivering urgent expansion of the county’s free COVID-19 testing services amidst holiday demand.

Demand for COVID-19 testing is steadily increasing as County residents rush to get tested before gathering with loved ones and as a direct result of LA County’s surge in new cases.

The expansion of access to COVID-19 testing includes the relaunching of the Holiday Home Test Collection Program with new guidelines to reach more people and make it easier to get tested.

“LA County residents are doing right

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EGGS FOR SALE. A man sorts out eggs to be sold as a customer waits in Barangay Maligaya Market in Caloocan City on Wednesday, December 29. Eggs are a staple ingredient for desserts, such as leche flan, which is a must for many families during the Media Noche (New Year’s Eve dinner).

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

MANILA — Damage to agriculture caused by Super Typhoon Odette (International name: Rai) is nearly at P6 billion and climbing, the Department of Agriculture said, adding it has been distributing assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the storm.

In a taped briefing aired on Tuesday, December 28, Agriculture Secretary William Dar told President Rodrigo Duterte that the typhoon that has prompted the declaration of a state of calamity in six regions in the country has also affected 61,581 farmers and fisherfolk.

Around 70,177 hectares have been damaged, which translates to a loss of around 104,561 metric tons of food, Dar said.

Damage has been estimated at P5.79 billion, with fisheries bearing the brunt at P1.8 billion in losses.

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CDC shortens recommended COVID-19 isolation time to 5 days

by AJPress THE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is shortening the recommended time for isolation from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by five days of wearing a mask when around others.

The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARSCoV-2 transmission occurs early in the

course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after.

Therefore, people who test positive should isolate for 5 days and, if asymptomatic at that time, they may leave isolation if they can continue to mask for 5 days to minimize the risk of infecting others.

Additionally, CDC is updating the recommended quarantine period for those ex- Marikina residents line up to get booster shots on Monday, December 27, 2021.

ManilaTimes.net photo by John Orven Verdote posed to COVID-19. For people who are un-

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With no presidential pick of their own, DOH says PH is Duterte party to shortlist bets to support ‘well-prepared’ for

omicron variant

MANILA — Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan, the political party organized around President Rodrigo Duterte, said it would submit a shortlist of presidential candidates to support in the 2022 elections after the withdrawal of their two highest-profile bets.

President Rodrigo Duterte — nominated to run for vice president before filing to run for senator — and Sen. Bong Go — initially a candidate for vice president before being told to run for president instead — withdrew their certificates of candidacy earlier this month.

In a statement sent to media early Monday morning,

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‘Odette’ damage to agriculture nears P6 billion

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Los Angeles County expands COVID-19 testing capacity to meet holiday surge demand

homes and lives,” Secretary Locsin said at a press conference announcing the additional funding. “You are indeed our allies, partners, and friends.”

“We stand steadfast with our longstanding friend, partner, and ally in helping support communities devastated by the typhoon,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) ad interim

MANILA — The Philippine government is “well-prepared” to combat the Omicron variant of COVID-19, which is threatening health systems overseas, the Department of Health said on Tuesday, December 28.

The Philippines has so far detected four cases of the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant—all among international arrivals.

“Right now with this Omicron variant, I think we are well-prepared than before,” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

“What will be the most critical factor right now would be a lot of our citizens are vaccinated now compared to when we’re having the Delta variant…Right now President Rodrigo Duterte

PNA file photo

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COVID cases rise anew by red

Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Health (DoH) called on the public to remain vigilant as the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases rose slightly.

The warning also comes after the country reported its fourth case of the Omicron variant, a 38-year-old American woman who arrived from New York City.

OCTA senior research fellow Dr. Guido David noted an increase in the reproduction number in the National Capital Region (NCR) in the past week, from 0.33 in early December to 0.85 as of December 23.

NCR shift to Alert Level 1 seen by December David, however, told a public briefing that the increase is not driven by any variant but

is due to crowds gathering to celebrate Christmas.

Another reason could be that more people had become infected because they had fallen complacent after the cases began to fall in the past few weeks.

At a DoH briefing on Monday, December 27, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that while the increase is “not yet significant,” it is still a cause for concern, especially with the threat posed by Omicron.

Vergeire also attributed the slight uptick to the higher mobility of people during the holiday season.

Based on the latest DoH data, the country remains at minimal risk, with the oneweek growth rate dropping to -7 percent. But in the NCR,

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DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

From The FronT Page

Bongbong-Sara team continues to rule surveys

by Bernadette

e. tamayo

ManilaTimes.net

FORMER Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. continued to dominate presidential surveys, posting a double-digit lead in the latest OCTA Research poll.

In a statement on Sunday, December 26, Marcos’ camp said he “pulled away” from his closest rival, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, in the survey conducted December 7 to 12.

The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard bearer polled over 54%, with Robredo was “a distant second” with 14%.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso got 12%, Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao 10%, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson 5%, former Palace spokesman Ernie Abella at 0.02%, and labor leader Leody De Guzman at 0.001%.

Marcos had a 37-percent preference rating in the National Capital Region compared to Robredo’s seven%. He also mounted big leads in the rest of Luzon (57%), Visayas (50%) and Mindanao (63%).

Among the respondents who picked a first choice for president, 21% said Domagoso would be their second choice if

their preferred candidate drops out of the race.

The next choice was Pacquiao at 15%, followed by Marcos at 14%, Lacson at 13%, Robredo at 12%, and De Guzman at 0.14%.

The survey also showed that 63% of respondents from the A, B and C socio-economic classes wo uld vote for Marcos if the elections were held during the poll period. He also led in the Class D group with 55% and Class E bracket with 46%.

At least five% of the respondents were undecided.

“The latest results showed that Marcos will dominate the May 2022 presidential derby in all areas in the country and all social classes,” Marcos’ camp said.

The OCTA survey results “reinforced” previous polls by Social Weather Stations, Publicus, Kalye Survey, dzRH radio, Radio Mindanao Network, and Pulse Asia showing Marcos “pulling away from the pack of other presidential hopefuls five months removed from the May 2022 elections,” it said.

The candidate said he will continue to push for a “unifying leadership,” which he said is the only way for the country to get back on its feet after the debilitating COVID pandemic.

Marcos’ running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio was also the runaway leader in OCTA’s vice presidential survey.

Duterte-Carpio had a 50% rating with her closest opponent, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto 3rd, garnering 33%.

Duterte-Carpio validated her dominance in Mindanao where she registered 71%, compared to Sotto’s 17%.

Among the socio-economic groups, she polled 61% in the ABC Class, 41% in the D Class, and 58% in the E Class.

Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan was in third place with 9%, Dr. Willie Ong with 4%, Buhay party-list Rep. Jose “Lito” Atienza with 1%, and Professor Walden Bello at 0.07%.

Among the second choices for the vice presidential bet, Sotto garnered 31%, Pangilinan 18%, Ong and Duterte-Carpio with 12% each, Atienza at 5%, and Bello at 0.4%.

Marcos and Duterte-Carpio have fortified their position as the team to beat with a double-digit lead over their rivals in the December 1-6 Pulse Asia poll.

OCTA surveyed 1,200 adults using face-to-face interviews.

The poll had a margin of error of ±3% at a 95% confidence level. n

Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. and US Embassy CDA Heather Variava at the joint press conference announcing additional U.S. Assistance to Typhoon Odette.

Photo by Philip Adrian Fernandez/DFA

US assistance for Typhoon Odette tops...

PAGE 1 Heather Variava. “This additional assistance will help deliver food and hygiene supplies, and provide life-saving support to those most in need.”

According to Locsin, the U.S. had provided an initial $200,000 immediately after the storm for emergency food and hygiene supplies and restoration of water supply and an additional $1 million earlier this week to support emergency logistical operations.

“We welcome the urgent action taken by the U.S. government in mobilizing funds and its people to support us in our time of great need,” Locsin added.

Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez echoed Locsin’s remarks.

“We deeply appreciate the generous humanitarian assistance from the US Government following the destruction and desolation left behind

by Typhoon Odette,” said Ambassador Romualdez.

“This relief package will definitely alleviate the plight of the typhoon’s victims, especially during this holiday season. The Philippines has benefited immensely from its long-standing partnership with the United States in the area of disaster relief, reduction, and recovery.”

The U.S. government’s donations will go to the ongoing relief operations in areas affected by Typhoon Odette. The additional funding will be used to provide food aid, water, sanitation, and hygiene programs (WASH), and help affected communities start rebuilding their homes.

Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos found

themselves homeless and in need of shelter, food, and water this holiday season after Typhoon Odette struck the Philippines last December 16. Odette was the 15th typhoon that hit the Philippines this year.

To show U.S. support on behalf of the American people, CDA Variava plans to visit communities affected by Typhoon Odette and see ongoing U.S. relief activities.

The U.S., through the USAID Philippines, has actively and consistently supported the Philippines during calamities and disasters through humanitarian assistance and capacity building.

USAID works year-round to help communities in the Philippines prepare for natural disasters.

Through existing programs, USAID’s partners are transporting relief supplies, including enough food provided by the Philippine government to feed nearly 103,000 families.

USAID partners are also helping manage evacuation shelters, deploy mobile operations vehicles to support emergency telecommunications, and provide heavy-duty plastic sheeting to meet the shelter needs of 4,800 families.

According to USAID, the United States will continue to partner with the Philippines to respond to natural disasters and support Filipinos in their recovery efforts. Since 2010, USAID has provided more than Php17 billion ($340 million) in disaster relief and recovery aid and boosted the disaster risk reduction capacity of over 100 cities and municipalities in the Philippines. n

CDC shortens recommended COVID-19...

The tandem of Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio lead the motorcade in Tagum City.

ManilaTimes.net photo

PAGE 1 vaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days.

Alternatively, if a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure. Individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. For all those exposed, best practice would also include a test for SARS-CoV-2 at day 5 after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.

Isolation relates to behavior after a confirmed infection. Isolation for 5 days followed by wearing a well-fitting mask will minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others. Quarantine refers to the time following exposure to the virus or close contact with someone known to have COVID-19.

Both updates come as the Omicron variant con-

tinues to spread throughout the U.S. and reflects the current science on when and for how long a person is maximally infectious.

“The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to impact all facets of our society. CDC’s updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what we know about the spread of the virus and the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses. These updates ensure people can safely continue their daily lives.

Prevention is our best option: get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial and high community transmission, and take a test before you gather,” said CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky.

Data from South Africa and the United Kingdom demonstrate that vaccine effectiveness against infection for two doses of an mRNA vaccine is approximately 35%. A COVID-19 vaccine booster dose restores vaccine effectiveness against infection to 75%. COVID-19 vaccination decreases the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. CDC strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 5 and older and boosters for everyone 16 and older. n

DOSE OF HOPE. A forklift operator loads the shipment containing doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine into a delivery truck at the NAIA Terminal 1 in Parañaque City on Tuesday, December 28. National Task Force (NTF) chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship, and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion, were among those who welcomed the arrival.

PNA photos by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

COVID cases rise anew...

PAGE 1 there was a 49-percent rise in the one-week growth rate.

The Health department has classified the cities of San Juan, Las Piñas, Manila and Makati in Metro Manila and the provinces of Apayao, Davao de Oro and Davao del Sur as moderate risk due to the increase in cases in those areas.

Vergeire said the most recent Omicron case arrived in Manila on December 10 on a Philippine Airlines flight.

Her pre-departure reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test on December 7 turned out negative, but on December

13, she complained of throat itchiness and colds.

She tested positive and was transferred to an isolation center on December 14. She was released after 10 days but remains under home isolation.

The patient was to be re-tested on Tuesday, December 28, according to Vergeire.

The department is coordinating with the Department of Transportation and the Bureau of Quarantine in tracking the woman’s close contacts and fellow passengers, Vergeire said.

She also announced the DoH will stop issuing daily public case bulletins and Beat COVID-19 Situational Reports

starting January 1.

In a post on its social media channels, DoH said the removal of the case bulletin and situational report was meant to “streamline public communications.”

There were 318 new COVID-19 cases reported on Monday.

Only 14,237 tests were conducted on December 25 because 26 laboratories did not submit their data and two laboratories were closed.

The positivity rate increased slightly to 2.2 percent.

The total case is 2,838,792 million, of which 2.778 million have recovered and 51,211 have died. n

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From The FronT Page

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022

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Covered California deadline approaches... ‘Odette’ damage to agriculture...

PAGE 1 Californians who sign up by Dec. 31, and pay their first bill, will have their coverage take effect on Jan. 1.

COVID-19 hospitalizations in California average $127,000 for complex care A national nonprofit group recently analyzed claims data across the country and examined cases of COVID-19 in which patients were admitted to the hospital and required ventilation or admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), which is much more likely to occur among the unvaccinated. FAIR Health, which manages the nation’s largest database of privately billed health insurance claims, found that the average cost for a complex care COVID-19 hospitalization was $127,281 in California.

In cases where a patient needed to be hospitalized, but did not require ventilation or admission to the ICU, the average cost in California was $42,674, which is virtually identical to the average costs for Covered California enrollees who are admitted to hospitals for all reasons.[1] Finally, for patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and received only outpatient care — which is much more likely for people who have been vaccinated and received their booster shot — the average cost in California was $1,334. For those with insurance, only a small fraction is paid out-of-pocket by the consumer.

“No one wants to end up in an emergency room or hospital for COVID-19 or any other reason, but if you do, a quality health insurance plan through Covered California can save you tens of thousands of dollars,” Lee said.

“In addition, having health insurance means you are more likely to get preventive care and regu-

PAGE 1 Losses in rice were at P1.7 billion while the coconut industry lost P1.5 billion to the typhoon.

He said that early warnings given to farmers and fisherfolk before the typhoon hit their areas allowed them to harvest and save around P655 million in crops and produce.

Government interventions Dar said that the department has P1 billion in a Quick Re-

lar treatment for chronic conditions, which helps keep you out of the hospital in the first place.”

Significant savings for more than 1 million uninsured Californians Signing up for quality coverage is more affordable — for more people — than ever before thanks to the increased subsidies provided under the federal American Rescue Plan that took effect earlier this year.

An estimated 1.1 million Californians are uninsured and eligible for financial help. The vast majority of the uninsured, more than 940,000 people, are able to get coverage through either Covered California or Medi-Cal at no cost.

Californians who do not qualify for a $0 premium will still likely see significant savings through the increased financial help available due to the American Rescue Plan. Right now, more than half of Covered California enrollees are paying less than $10 per month, and 75 percent are paying less than $100 for their brand-name health plan.

“Many of the people who are uninsured right now do not know they are eligible for finan-

cial assistance, or they have not checked recently to see how affordable quality coverage can be,” Lee said. “Do not wait until the last minute, or let the Dec. 31 deadline pass, without checking your options.”

In addition, the American Rescue Plan provides financial help to many middle-income families.

These middle-income families who earn more than $106,000 a year, and were previously ineligible for federal assistance, are now saving an average of nearly $800 a month on their health insurance premiums.

The financial help for middle-income consumers can also benefit those who are currently insured directly through a health insurance company. An estimated 260,000 Californians have direct coverage and can switch to Covered California, and potentially get the same health plan, and save hundreds of dollars per month.

“Visit CoveredCA.com, where you can see the health plans available in your area and how much you can save on the coverage you’re already paying for,” Lee said.

Consumers can easily check out their eligibility and options at CoveredCA.com Those interested in applying for coverage can explore their options — and find out whether they are eligible for financial help — in just a few minutes by using the Shop and Compare Tool at CoveredCA.com. All they need to do is enter their ZIP code, household income and the ages of those who need coverage to find out which plans are available in their area.

In addition to signing up consumers through its website, Covered California also partners with certified and licensed enrollers

sponse Fund for rehabilitation of the affected areas from the national budget for 2022.

He said that the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. is already distributing P828 million in indemnification to farmers affected by the typhoon at around P12,000 per farmer.

Another P500 million has been set aside for the Survival and Recovery Assistance Program, which will provide 20,000

This aerial handout photo taken on December 17, 2021 and received from the Philippine Army on December 18 shows destroyed houses caused by Super Typhoon Rai after the storm crossed over General Luna, Siargao Island.

Handout / Philippine Army / AFP

who provide free and confidential help throughout the state.

Covered California works with more than 11,000 Licensed Insurance Agents, who have established more than 500 storefronts in communities across California.

These storefronts feature Covered California signs and logos and provide consumers with a local point of contact to answer questions and help them enroll in a health plan that best fits their needs, whether through Covered California or Medi-Cal, depending on their eligibility. Consumers can visit https:// www.coveredca.com/support/ contact-us/ and search for the agent nearest them.

Consumers can also call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 and get information or enroll by phone.

Signing up for a health plan will also help Californians avoid being subjected to the state individual mandate. Consumers who can afford health care coverage but choose to go without could pay a penalty when they file their state taxes in 2023. The penalty is administered by California’s Franchise Tax Board, and could be as much as $2,400 for a family of four.

Open enrollment runs through Jan. 31 Covered California’s open-enrollment period runs through Jan. 31, 2022 — unlike the federal deadline, which is Jan. 15 for states that use healthcare.gov.

Consumers who sign up after Dec. 31 will have their coverage start on Feb. 1.

Covered California’s online enrollment portal and certified enrollers will also help people find out whether they are eligible for Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal enrollment is available year-round, and the coverage will begin the day after a person signs up. In addition, people can apply for Medi-Cal online or by picking up an application at one of the many county resource centers throughout the region.

Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or nocost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California’s consumers.

It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the Legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com. n

farmers and fisherfolk with loans of P25,000 each.

The department also has P314 million in rice seeds, P129 million in corn seeds and P57 million in assorted vegetable seeds.

“These are already for distribution to those affected farmers,” he said.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, meanwhile, has already extended P47 million in assistance to fisherfolk, he said. BFAR will also continue procuring materials for fishing boats. (Philstar.com) n NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of San Diego (City) is seeking to receive Electronic Bids for the below named Public Works project.

The solicitation, including plans and specifications, may be obtained from the City’s website at: https://www.sandiego.gov/cip/ bidopps Contractors intending to submit a Bid must be prequalified.

Please refer to the solicitation for instructions.

Project Name: Pure Water Program (PWP) Morena Conveyance South & Middle and Morena Conveyance Bike Lanes (BL) Project Number: K-22-1797Estimated Value: DBB-3-A $106,300,000.00 Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting: 1/6/22 at 1:00 P.M. GoToMeetings Bid Open Date: 2/23/2022, at 2:00 P.M. License Requirement: Class A It is the policy of the City of San Diego to encourage equal opportunity in its Construction and Consultant contracts. Bids or proposals from local firms, small, minority-owned, disabled, veteran-owned, and womenowned businesses are strongly encouraged. Contractors are encouraged to subcontract with and/or participate in joint ventures with these firms. The City is committed to equal opportunity and will not discriminate with regard to race, religion, color, ancestry, age, gender, disability, medical condition or place of birth; and will not do business with any firm that discriminates on any basis.

Bids shall be received no later than the date and time noted above at: City of San Diego’s Electronic Biding Site PlanetBids at: h t t p s : / / w w w. p l a n e t b i d s . c o m / p o r t a l / p o r t a l . cfm?CompanyID=17950 Claudia C Abarca, Director Purchasing & Contracting Department December 30, 2021 12/31/21 CNS-3542668# ASIAN JOURNAL

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DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

City of San Diego recognized for assistance in COVID-19 monitoring in wastewater Studies are in cooperation with both state and federal agencies

SAN DIEGO – Two state agen- investigate the logistics of im- several days sooner than indiThe city also has participated cies have formally recognized plementing wastewater-based vidual testing and hospitaliza- in other studies of its wastewater tion records, the board stated. the City of San Diego’s Public epidemiology nationally. related to COVID-19, including Both the State Water Quality those by San Diego State Uni“The monitoring of wastewaUtilities Department for its assistance in monitoring wastewa- ter can provide key information Control Board and the Califor- versity, the University of Arizoter in response to the COVID-19 that is helpful in understanding nia Water Monitoring Council na and the Southern California and preventing the spread of expressed their appreciation for Coastal Water Research Project. pandemic.

The City’s Public Utilities De- COVID-19,” said Shauna Lo- the city’s assistance in separate The City’s collection, treatpartment was one of five Califor- rance, Director of the Public resolutions last month. ment and disposal of wastewaThe city has been voluntarily ter are carefully monitored and nia utilities that participated in Utilities Department. “We are DEVOTEES. Devotees walk on their knees towards the altar of Our Mother of Perpetual Help very proud to continue provid- involved with multiple studies meet all regulations ensuring in Baclaran Church, Parañaque City on Wednesday, December 29. They believe that their the Center for Disease Control’s National Wastewater Surveil- ing assistance to state and fed- for COVID-19 monitoring of the health and safety of our emprayers will be granted by God after a ritual of kneel-walking for nine consecutive days. wastewater since the beginning ployees, community members PNA photo by Ben Briones lance System program in co- eral agencies with these efforts.”

Public Utilities and several of the pandemic. City staff ef- and the environment. While the operation with the State Water other California agencies and forts predate the development of presence and viability of COVID Quality Control Board.

In addition, Public Utilities institutions pioneered an ap- federal and state epidemiology -19 in wastewater is still being and other organizations were proach that better assesses the programs, and data collected examined by the scientific comrecognized by the California Wa- spread of COVID-19 through were critical in helping to under- munity, the City’s wastewater PAGE 1 December 27, PDDS said that it would be submitting a list of ter Monitoring Council for their testing wastewater, according to stand the spread, movement and treatment process has proven presidential candidates that the party “believes may continue the wastewater monitoring efforts, the State Water Quality Control control of the virus in our com- to be very effective in removing reforms initiated by the president” based on its consultations with including participating in the Board. This approach yields in- munities. When the studies are other commonly found viruses U.S. Department of Health and formation about the prevalence completed, the information will and bacteria. its local candidates, leaders, and alliances.

(City of San Diego Release) n The party already supports Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte- Human Services pilot studies to of the diseases in populations be shared with the public.

Carpio’s candidacy for vice president. The president’s daughter is running alongside presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., whom President Duterte called a “weak leader” in November.

Duterte has often said however that he owes the Marcos clan for and is currently in isolation.

PAGE 1 supporting his 2016 candidacy and has often expressed admiration were are preparing. Hopefully, “We have already collected for ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos. we are able to manage this the sample from the husband “The leadership of the party has decided to support whomever increase in the number of cases and we’re going to subject it to the president [endorses] if any...The party believes that this is if ever Omicron enters our genome sequencing as well,” imperative to ensure the continuity of the president’s programs communities,” she added. she said. to achieve the Filipino people’s aspiration towards justice, peace, Early studies suggest the The close contacts of the and progress,” PDDS president Greco Belgica, former head of the Omicron variant is more couple at home are also isolated.

Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, said. infectious than the already The couple arrived at the Belgica, who is running for senator, said that consultations are transmissible Delta variant, Ninoy Aquino International ongoing while the final short list will be submitted after vetting. which caused a devastating Airport on December 10 from “The criteria for vetting shall be loyalty to country, track record surge in the Philippines from the United States. of service to the people, adherence and capability to carry on the August to September.

“Both wife and husband president’s reform agenda and advocacies in fighting corruption, The country is seeing an were tested on the same day red tape, drugs, crimes, terrorism and to push for federalist form of increase in new COVID-19 cases and isolated upon release of government, amongst others.” amid the holiday season. positive result. After a 10-day Cusi-led PDP-Laban: We will move forward Husband of Omicron case isolation, both were discharged Earlier, the Cusi wing of the ruling PDP-Laban said that it would tests positive asymptomatic. They will be “move forward” despite lacking candidates for both president and Vergeire also reported that retested based on existing People with large pieces of baggage start arriving at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal vice president.

Vergeire told Exchange (PITX) in Parañaque City before dawn on Dec. 23, 2021 to catch their buses as they the husband of the country’s protocols,” “The party remains steadfast and is committed to [supporting head to their respective provinces early to avoid the influx of passengers for the Christmas fourth Omicron variant case reporters. — Gaea Katreena and campaigning] for all its candidates,” lawyer Melvin Matibag, weekend.

The STAR / Miguel de Guzman tested positive for COVID-19 Cabico (Philstar.com) n secretary-general of the wing of PDP-Laban that President Rodrigo Duterte leads, said in a letter to party members.

Matibag said that despite Go’s withdrawal, the party will “move forward and march on to promote plans and programs for the continuity of good governance started by President Duterte.”

A separate faction of the party is fielding Sen. Manny Pacquiao PAGE 1 will continue to closely monitor testing needs Program with new guidelines to reach more for president, though Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has since by getting tested as a precaution before and adjust capacity as needed in the coming people and make it easier to get tested. The asked the Commission on Elections to determine which faction is gathering, if they have been exposed and weeks.” link is here: https://COVID19.lacounty.gov/ the legitimate party. at the first sign of symptoms,” said Dr. All services are free and can be accessed hometest Any LA County resident who is Duterte earlier said that his decision to run under PDDS was a Christina Ghaly, Director of Los Angeles at https://COVID19.lacounty.gov/testing/ symptomatic or believes they were exposed “political strategy,” adding that PDP-Laban’s constitution allows it County Department of Health Services.

Capacity expansion includes: to COVID-19 can order a home testing kit. to enter into alliances with other political parties to strengthen its “Getting tested and isolating as needed plays • Extended hours of operation at sites Home testing kits require swab collection to chances of achieving victory in the elections. a vital role in our collective fight against across Los Angeles County be mailed back for PCR test result.

“I assure the members of the PDP Laban and PDDS are one. the current Holiday surge, we encourage • Additional week and weekend dates LA County COVID-19 testing services are We campaign as one and we will work as one,” the president was anyone – including those who are vaccinated • Additional mobile testing units in hard- available at no out-of-pocket cost and can be quoted as saying in late November. (Franco Luna with a report from – to get tested if they believe they have been hit areas accessed by anyone regardless of insurance Xave Gregorio/Philstar.com) n exposed or are experiencing symptoms. We • Relaunch of Holiday Home Test Collection or immigration status. n

With no presidential pick...

DOH says PH is well-prepared’ for omicron variant...

Los Angeles County expands COVID-19 testing...

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Dateline PhiliPPines

5

Court junks drug raps vs Kerwin DENR reopens dolomite beach

by JomaR

Canlas ManilaTimes.net

THE Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) has granted the demurrer to evidence sought by Kerwin Espinosa and three others in connection with the drug charges filed against them.

In a 14-page order, Judge Gina Bibat-Palamos of Branch 64 granted the motion filed by Lovely Impal, Wu Tuan Yuan, Marcelo Adorco and Rolan Espinosa, also known as Kerwin Espinosa.

“Accordingly, for failure of the prosecution to adduce evidence to overturn the presumption of innocence enjoyed by the herein accused, the Information in the above-entitled case is hereby dismissed,” the court said.

The Department of Justice

allegedly used as basis the testimony of Espinosa before the Senate where he identified Peter Lim as one of his suppliers of illegal drugs.

Espinosa has been detained on charges of illegal drug trading and illegal possession of firearms stemming from the raid on the house of his father, the late Albuera, Leyte mayor Rolando Espinosa.

Impal argued that the prosecution failed to overcome the constitutional presumption of innocence guaranteed by law to her and that the existence of the alleged illegal drug activities, as well as the Espinosa Group’s identity as the perpetrators of said illegal activities was not established beyond reasonable doubt. The identification was

made by a sole witness, Adorco, whose testimonies are not only inconsistent with but was retracted on Aug. 11, 2020.

Adorco claimed that the police led him to believe that his statements will be used only as evidence in the filing of a case against Rolando and Kerwin for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.”

However, Adorco said he was not informed by the police that he will also be included as an accused in the case, and that his statements will be used as evidence against him.

The RTC declared his sworn statements inadmissible as evidence for failing to comply with his rights under custodial investigation. n

Duterte authorizes one-time gratuity pay for contract, project-based government staff

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the granting of a one-time gratuity pay to contract of service and job order workers in government, saying it would recognize their hard work in implementing state programs, including pandemic response efforts.

Under Administrative Order No. 46 that Duterte signed on Wednesday, December 29, all workers whose services are engaged through contracts of service and job orders, have rendered at least four months of actual satisfactory performance of services as of Dec. 15, and whose contracts are still effective as of that date may receive a gratuity pay not exceeding P5,000 each.

Workers who have served for less than four months as of Dec. 15 may also receive a gratuity pay on a pro rata basis. Those who have rendered services for at least three months are entitled to a one-time gratuity pay not exceeding P4,000.

Workers who have served for at least two months will get a gratuity pay of not more than P3,000 while those who have rendered services for less than two months will get a pay not exceeding P2,000.

The order defined actual service as services rendered on-site. Subject to the discretion of the agency heads and the availability of funds, services rendered by the contract of service and job order workers offsite, including those rendered under work- from-home arrangements, during the quarantine period may also be considered as actual service. It covers workers whose services

are directly engaged through contracts of service and job orders by national government agencies, state universities and colleges, governmentowned or controlled corporations, and local water districts.

Duterte noted that contract of service and job order workers are required by their respective agencies to report for work regardless of the community quarantine status and mobility restrictions to ensure the continuous and responsive delivery of government services.

He added that contract of service and job order workers do not enjoy benefits given to regular state employees like the personnel economic relief allowance, mid-year and year-end bonuses, and performance-based bonus.

National agencies and state-run universities and colleges may source the gratuity pay from their respective maintenance and other operating expenses budget for the program, activity, or project where the compensation of workers engaged through contract of service and job order workers are sourced.

For state-run firms and local water districts, the gratuity pay may be charged against their approved corporate operating budgets.

The order also enjoined local governments to adopt the grant of gratuity pay to their contract of service and job order workers. The supplemental budget for the gratuity pay shall be enacted by local councils within the year. (By Alexis Romero/ Philstar.com) n

by Rhodina

VillanueVa Philstar.com

MANILA — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reopened the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach to visitors for two days, starting on Tuesday, December 28.

The artificial white sand beach will be closed for the New Year and open again on Jan. 4, 2022.

Those interested in visiting the beach should first register online with the DENR Manila Bay Dolomite Beach Appointment System (http://denrncrys. online), according to DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones.

Those who register will then receive a reply confirming their appointment to visit the beach.

“In that way, overcrowding (on) the beach will be avoided,” Leones said.

The DENR also reminded tourists that children 11 years old and below cannot be admit-

Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman

ted to the beach, which will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Visitors need to wear a face mask and observe physical distancing. Vaccination cards will also be checked at the entrance.

Pets, food, drinks and littering

are not allowed at the beach.

The beach was last opened to the public on Oct. 16. The DENR closed the beach on Oct. 24 after authorities failed to control the influx of more than 121,000 visitors to the site. n

6

DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

OpiniOn

Safety in revelry

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

Features

THE pandemic dampened the previous New Year’s Eve revelry. Health officials said financial constraints brought by COVID-19, mobility restrictions as well as heightened awareness of health safety issues helped bring down fireworks-related injuries between Dec. 21, 2020 and Jan. 1, 2021 by a record 85 percent from the previous New Year celebration.

There were 340 fireworks-related injuries reported in the New Year revelry before COVID-19 hit the country. The number fell to a record low 49 for the same period in the last revelry as authorities also ramped up the campaign to discourage the use of firecrackers.

SARS-CoV-2 was still rampaging across the globe last Christmas, however, with the first peer-vetted COVID vaccine, made by Pfizer-BioNTech, just starting to be administered in the United Kingdom. Vaccination in the Philippines went off to a slow start only in March, as the Alpha and Delta variants fueled a deadly summer surge.

This Christmas, with about 43 percent of the population now fully vaccinated and the booster program underway, new COVID cases have fallen, allowing restrictions to be eased and more economic activities to resume. Families and friends separated by lockdowns for nearly two years were able to reunite and share Christmas meals.

With people able to celebrate the holidays, the New Year revelry is expected to be livelier this year.

Health officials are reminding everyone to stick to safe merrymaking as they note an increase in firecracker-related injuries in the run-up to New Year’s Eve compared to last year.

As of Monday morning, December 27, the Department of Health had recorded 19 firecracker-related injuries. While the number is still 67 percent lower than the five-year average of 58 cases from 2015 to 2019, the DOH says the 19 injuries are 58 percent higher than the cases recorded last year.

Production, sale and use of fireworks are regulated by law and by an executive order signed

by President Duterte in June 2017. The fireworks industry, centered in Bulacan and struggling to survive, has made an effort to upgrade product In the last holiday revelry, the DOH reported quality to allay safety concerns and compete with that 84 percent of the injuries were caused by illeimports. But more effort is needed to enforce gal fireworks such as piccolo and boga or improproduct standards and safe fireworks use. vised cannon while the rest were due to legal fire-

Editorial

Commentary Dr. Jay yeh

MeDical Director, PeDiatric echocarDiograPhy laboratory, Uc Davis health LAST month, COVID-19 vaccines became available for 5- to 11-year-olds, and that could not have come at a better time. With new variants like Delta and Omicron, health experts know that COVID-19 has not gone away.

Protecting our children against the virus should be every parent’s top priority, especially with the winter holidays upon us.

As a pediatric cardiologist and the medical director of the pediatric echocardiography lab at UC Davis Health, I am seeing patients impacted by COVID-19 regularly. Healthy children are getting sick, and many of the children I see are suffering from heart-related complications from COVID-19. COVID-19 is the 8th leading cause of death for children ages 5-11, and with vaccines now available for this age group, I urge all parents and caregivers to get their children vaccinated.

I am proud to see that California has already administered more than 400,000 doses of the vaccine to 5-11-year-olds, but our

Philstar.com photo

works. The fireworks industry itself should want to bring down injuries and even achieve zero cases. Ringing in the New Year need not start with a harmful explosion. (Philstar.com)

Vaccines for children ages 5-11 available – Get them vaccinated and keep them safe work is not done. With the winter holidays upon us, it is more important than ever for families to protect their children. The vaccine not only protects them, but also the people around them— siblings, parents, grandparents, schoolmates and teachers— helping to keep everyone healthy and well.

I get questions from parents about vaccinating their young children, and I understand their concerns. The vaccine is safe.

Children receive a lower dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as authorized by the FDA. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that all children ages 5-11 get vaccinated as soon as possible. The lower-dose Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective on children in clinical trials, and getting your child vaccinated is the best defense against COVID-19 and its variants.

Below are answers to frequent questions I get asked about the vaccine. I hope these answers help parents make the decision to protect their children and get

them vaccinated.

Are the vaccines safe for children?

Comprehensive clinical trials in more than 4,500 children ages 5-11 demonstrate that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective in this age group, resulting in a strong antibody response in children who received the vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine was found to be safe for children ages 5-11, with only mild side effects like fatigue, fever, and headache. The nation’s immunization experts have analyzed all the reports concerning any possible serious side effects following a COVID-19 vaccine.

Serious side effects are rare — and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any risk.

Additionally, the risk of getting extremely sick from COVID-19 and suffering long-term effects are high in unvaccinated people, which is why getting vaccinated is so critically important. The science and data – now inclusive of younger children – continue to reinforce that these free, safe vaccines will help kids fend off the worst outcomes of this highly

contagious virus.

Should parents be concerned about whether the vaccine may affect their children’s health or reproductive organs?

There is no evidence that suggests any vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, cause female or male infertility. There is no reason to suspect the vaccine’s ingredients can harm youth development. No concerns regarding growth and development have been identified in clinical trials in children ages 5-11, nor have any been raised in ongoing trials with children as young as six months. COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. The ingredients in the mRNA vaccine never enter the nucleus of a cell, which is where our DNA is kept.

If my child already tested positive for COVID and has recovered, do they still need to receive the vaccine?

Yes, doctors and scientists recommend that children and adolescents ages five and older get the vaccine, even if they have had COVID-19. We do not know how long someone is pro-

tected from getting sick again after recovering from the virus, and we do not know whether the immunity developed against one strain provides enough protection against new variants. We do know that getting vaccinated is the best way to be protected against COVID-19.

Is it safe for my child to get the COVID vaccine and the annual flu shot at the same time?

Yes, it is safe to receive both your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines work toward keeping us safe from disease. Slowing the spread of the flu this year will be important to protect families and loved ones, especially around the holidays.

Overall, I remind my patients that vaccinations have safely been administered to millions of adolescents. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is what has allowed kids ages 12-17 to return safely to school, to rejoin sports teams, drama clubs, and other activities – programs that enrich their lives and help them grow into healthy adults. Our younger children deserve the same op-

portunities. Above all, the most important thing we can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and be vigilant around those unable or not yet eligible to get vaccinated.

I have vaccinated my children.

Please do the same for yours.

If you have more questions, I encourage you to contact your pediatrician. To get your child vaccinated, it’s easy. You can go to MyTurn.ca.gov or call the hotline, which offers information in more than 200 languages, at 833-422-4255, to find a vaccination site near you. *** 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.

*** Dr. Yeh is a board-certified pediatric cardiologist with advanced training in echocardiography. He specializes in diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired heart disease. He cares for a wide spectrum of patients ranging from newborns to adults with congenital heart disease. He has special clinical interest in pre-operative and postoperative care for congenital heart defects.

It’s a BBM-Robredo showdown in 2022

Postscript

FeDerico PascUal Jr. AS the year 2021 that is about to end has not been easy for most of us, we pray for discernment as we prepare to elect on May 9, 2022 a new president, a vice president, a dozen senators, a full House of Representatives, among other officials.

The campaign starts Feb. 8, but there is already partisan excitement leading to May 9 when the nation decides if it must remain in the hands of inept and corrupt nominees of political dynasties or elect reformists attuned to true public service.

The latest survey of Pulse Asia shows ex-senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ahead in the presidential race, getting 53 percent of the 2,400 respondents against the 20 percent of Vice President Leni Robredo. This is the first time that anyone had garnered a majority.

If the son of the former dictator maintains his wide lead, he would be able to recapture the presidential palace that his family abandoned in 1986 as they fled in panic to Hawaii at the height of the People Power Revolt.

But a statistical detail cautions that it may not be that easy for Marcos to sweep the 2022 election, even if he and Robredo generally maintain their early campaign momentum.

Robredo sprung to second place to Marcos after leaping to a 20-percent share from her 8 percent in the previous September survey, where her scores across regions and economic classes ranged from 8 to 12 percent. In this last survey of Dec. 6-11, her range across classes improved to 10 to 25 percent.

Robredo’s regional percentages have shot up since September in the National Capital Region (14 from 10 percent), Balance Luzon (24 from 8 percent), Visayas (25 from 10 percent) and Mindanao (10 from 4 percent).

Across classes, her standing also improved: ABC (24 from 8 percent), D (19 from 8 percent) and E (21 from 11 percent). * * * Robredo’s spokesman Barry Gutierrez said her big jump is a “definitive affirmation of the energy and momentum of the people’s campaign that emerged” after she declared her candidacy.

Like other observers, he said the 2022 elections loom as a showdown between Robredo and Marcos, who dueled in 2016 for the vice presidency.

Their fight, triggered by Marcos’ protest, went all the way to the Supreme Court that sat as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, which resolved it in favor of Robredo.

“We are confident that in the next four months, VP Leni’s consistent, hands-on leadership and the enthusiastic efforts of our volunteers, will continue to broaden and increase her support,” he said.

Some of the factors that may have influenced respondents in the survey were the decision of some presumed aspirants not to run for president. In September, Pulse Asia listed Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Sen. Grace Poe and Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano as possible presidential bets.

Among the top news current during the survey was President Duterte’s saying that Marcos was a weak leader and that an unnamed presidential aspirant was a cocaine user. Also, several petitions had been filed with the Commission on Elections for Marcos’ disqualification.

In Metro Manila, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso led Robredo 17-14 percent. He also scored close to her among the poorest voters with 14 percent in Class E to Robredo’s 21 percent.

“Should their original pick for

president end up not pursuing his/her candidacy, 23 percent of those with a first choice for the post would instead vote for Domagoso,” Pulse Asia said.

Sharing second place in terms of second-choice voting figures were Lacson (17 percent) and Robredo (14 percent), while in third place were Pacquiao (11 percent) and Marcos (11 percent). * * * The Comelec has ordered Marcos to answer the disqualification cases filed by martial law survivors led by Bonifacio Ilagan, Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party and Abubakar Mangelen, who claims to be the chair of the Partido Federal ng Filipinos that fielded Marcos. Preliminary conferences for the cases are set for Jan. 7, 2022.

The poll body has received memoranda filed by Marcos and the petitioners to cancel his certificate of candidacy or declare him not qualified to run for president.

Marcos through his lawyers, led by Martial Law-era solicitor general Estelito Mendoza, has pointed out that he was able to file his COC numerous times in various elections and his eligibility was never questioned.

He said the Supreme Court has the exclusive jurisdiction

Bongbong Marcos and VP Leni Robredo

to decide on qualifications of presidential bets. For a misrepresentation to be material – the sole issue – it must pertain to the candidate’s eligibility for public office, he said, adding that there must be “a prior authoritative finding” of Marcos’ ineligibility, which is not the case presented by the petitioners.

Marcos’ submission also mentioned a point of defense put forward by the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas in an answer-in-intervention that was not allowed by the Comelec. He said that the 1977 National Internal Revenue Code did not impose “perpetual disqualification” as a penalty.

This was part of PD 1994 that took effect on Jan. 1, 1986, he

Inquirer.net file photos

said, under which the mandatory filing of Income Tax Returns for the years of 1982 to 1984 already lapsed before PD 1994 took effect. Applying it would give the law an ex post facto effect, which is unconstitutional.

For the filing for the year 1985, Marcos said he was already out of government and forced to leave the country. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** NB: All Postscripts are also archived at ManilaMail.com. Author is on Twitter as @ FDPascual. Email: fdp333@yahoo.com

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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Hidilyn Diaz’s golden lift banners top 10 PH sports moments of 2021

by Bong Lozada Inquirer.net

MANILA — Filipino athletes made sure that 2021 would be remembered as one of the best years in sports, and they did it mainly in the world stage.

The year featured the best Olympic campaign for the country, young stars making their names in the international stage, and older personalities claiming titles that could’ve otherwise left their grasps.

There was also the departure of an icon, who is described as one of the best to ever do it.

Here are Inquirer Sports’ top 10 sports stories of the year.

It wasn’t the perfect ending but it was a conclusion nonetheless.

Manny Pacquiao, considered as one of the greatest boxers of all time, bid farewell to the sport that was his home for 26 years.

His final match, however, wasn’t the perfect exit as he lost via unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas with the Cuban taking ownership of the WBA welterweight Super championship.

Pacquiao, despite retiring on a loss, has a career as unparalleled as his charisma having won World titles across eight divisions, being the only boxer to hold a championship in four decades, and becoming the oldest welterweight champion in history at the age of 40.

The year also marked the sudden influx of Filipino talents in leagues abroad, most especially in Japan as both the B.League and the V.League.

Jaja Santiago remains as a towering presence for the Saitama Ageo Medics in the women’s division of the V.League as well as Bryan Bagunas for Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler in the men’s division while Marck Espejo returned to Japan to sign for FC Tokyo.

Thirdy Ravena, who plays for the San-En NeoPhoenix since 2020, got to play against his brother Kiefer, who signed for the Shiga Lakestars, in the B.League with other Filipinos Bobby Ray Parks Jr. (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins), Dwight Ramos (Toyama Grouses), Kobe Paras (Niigata Albirex BB), Javi Gomez de Liaño (Ibaraki Robots), Matthew Aquino (Shinshu Brave Warriors), Juan Gomez de Liaño (Earthfriends Tokyo Z), and Kemark Cariño (Aomori Wat’s) also joining Japanese clubs.

Gilas center Kai Sotto then became the first Filipino player to enter the National Basketball League when he signed for the Adelaide

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao Photo by Wendell Alinea/Manny Pacquiao Promotions

Alexandra Eala and Oksana Selekhmeteva are the girls’ doubles champions. Inquirer.net photo

36ers for the 2021-22 season.

Jack Danielle Animam then took her talents to Europe when she signed for ŽKK Radnicki Kragujevac in the Women’s Serbian League while Mylene Paat found herself with Nakhon Ratchasima Women’s Volleyball Club in the Thailand League. Players Jordan Heading and Jayson Brickman are also playing in the Taiwan T1 League.

8. Alex Eala continues to serve Alex Eala had a stellar year in 2021 as she won a Junior Grand Slam, an ITF Circuit singles title, and two ITF Junior championships.

The 16-year-old collected her second Junior Grand Slam win in 2021 when she and partner Oksana Selekhmeteva captured the doubles title in the 2021 French Open beating Maria Bondarenko and Amarissa Kiara Tóth, 6-0, 7-5, in June.

Eala couldn’t have started the year any better as she came back from a first-set loss and take down Yvonne Cavallé Reimers, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, in the ITF Manacor Circuit finals in January.

She then claimed both the singles and doubles titles in the ITF Milan Juniors championship in July.

Eala beat Nikola Bartunkova 6-3, 6-3, in the singles tournament and she paired up with Madison Sieg for the doubles title to score a difficult 6-4, 4-6, (13-11) win over Lucija Ciric Bagaric and Sofia Coustoulas.

7. Carlo Biado is right on cue For 44 years, the US Open Pool Championship only had the magical Efren “Bata” Reyes as its lone Filipino champion then Carlo Biado came knocking and joined the Philippine legend in the exclusive club this year.

Biado broke a 27-year wait for the Philippines to once again see its cue artist reach the pinnacle of the 9-ball landscape.

The 38-year-old also had a flair for the dramatic as he came back from a five-rack deficit, 8-3, and stun Singapore Aloysius Yapp, 138, in the final in Atlantic City.

Barely a couple of months after his US Open win in September, Biado collected the Abu Dhabi 9-Ball Championship when he dominated fellow Filipino Jordan Banares, 13-6, in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

6. EJ Obiena becomes Asia’s elite EJ Obiena may have failed in his bid for Olympic glory, but he made up for that setback in spectacular

fashion as he became the Asian record-holder in pole vaulting.

The 26-year-old cleared 5.93 meters in the 17th Golden Roof Challenge in Austria shattering Igor Poptapovich’s 23-year record of 5.92m in September.

Just a month before his continental mark, Obiena vaulted over 5.91, which, at the time, was his personal and national best.

Obiena, who ranks no.6 in the world, managed to qualify for the Olympic finals in Tokyo but finished 11th in the medal round.

5. Donaire continues to shut down Father Time He may be getting up there in age but Nonito Donaire isn’t close to stopping and 2021 saw him rise to a form reminiscent of his run in 2012 when he was named Fighter of the Year.

Donaire, who didn’t step inside the ring in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pulled off two vintage performances in 2021 when he wrested the WBC bantamweight title from Nordine Oubaali in May. The 39-year-old had his first successful defense of his newly-won strap when he knocked out fellow Filipino Reymart Gaballo in the fourth, the same frame Oubaali got stopped.

Donaire, who was 38 when he beat Oubaali, also became the oldest fighter to win a World title in the bantamweight division.

4. Yuka Saso makes history Star golfer Yuka Saso made history as the first Filipino to win the prestigious US Women’s Open this year.

She beat Japan’s Nasa Hataoka in a three-hole playoff a mere couple of weeks before her 20th birthday on June 20, making her the youngest winner of the tournament at exactly 19 years, 11 months, 17 days, tying with Park In-bee.

Saso, who announced in November that she will be switching nationalities to Japanese, also represented the Philippines in the Tokyo Olympics where she missed out on the medal as she finished ninth—after ending round 1 at 47th—despite a furious comeback in the final two rounds.

3. Carlos Yulo stays a World Champion Carlos Yulo had a glorious redemption arc after the Tokyo Olympics as he captured the men’s vault gold medal in the 2021 FIG Artistic World Gymnastics Championships to stay a world champion.

Despite failing to defend his

floor title crown, Yulo chalked up a 14.916 in a stunning showing to top the the men’s vault final while also collecting a silver medal in the men’s parallel bars with a 15.300 score.

The 21-year-old, who was considered as one of the country’s best bets for a medal in Tokyo, finished fourth in the men’s vault in the Olympics–the closest he got to the podium.

2. Boxers become the most successful team in Tokyo Boxing was already the Philippines’ best sport in the Olympics having amassed five medals from 1932 to 1996, and the 2021 crew added three more.

Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Eumir Marcial each had their inspiring runs in Tokyo as the country’s boxers remain the standard for Olympic glory among Philippine sports.

Petecio became the country’s first female boxer to step into a podium after battering Lin You Ting, Yeni Arias, and Irma Testa to set up the gold medal match against Japan’s Irie Sena in the featherweight division—a match she eventually lost.

Paalam also claimed his silver after decisive victories against Mohamed Flissi, reigning champion Shakhobidin Zoirov, and Tanaka Ryomei, but he eventually lost steam against Galal Yafai in the flyweight finals.

Marcial, meanwhile, collected the bronze after suffering a semifinal loss against Oleksandr Khyzhniak but he had the most spectacular run of any Filipino boxer as he knocked out Younes Nemouchi and Arman Darchinyan in the middleweight division.

1. Hidilyn Diaz is the golden girl It was the lift that carried a nation’s sporting dreams.

What better way to wrap up a

7

list of a country’s sporting achievements than the best medal in all of sports.

Hidilyn Diaz was the personification of a grueling road to Olympic glory as she slowly went from afterthought to becoming the Philippines’ greatest Olympian.

Ending a near-century wait for the country, Diaz successfully lifted 224 kilograms to claim the women’s 55 kg gold medal–an accolade she had worked for most of her life.

From an 11th place finish in the 2008 Beijng Games to not even finishing in the 2012 London Games, Diaz burst into the public consciousness when she secured the silver in the 2016 Rio Games.

Her mental and physical masterpiece in Tokyo eventually immortalized her as her lift was ahead by one kilogram over silver medalist Liao Qiuyun of China.

The Olympic channel’s “denies China the gold!” commentary was just the perfect broadcast cry to Diaz’s greatest ever lift. n

Hidilyn Diaz

Inquirer.net photo

Philippine Boxing team after arriving in the Philippines fresh off their Tokyo Olympics conquest.

Photo from PSC

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DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

Wiretapping case vs Hontiveros a harassment suit - opposition senators MANILA — Two members of the Senate minority this week condemned the indictment of Sen. Risa Hontiveros for a years-old wiretapping complaint that they said was a “harassment suit” filed against her by former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre.

“We stand in solidarity with Sen. Risa Hontiveros as she faces the wire-tapping case resurrected after years in slumber,” Sen. Francis Pangilinan, a candidate for vice president, said in a statement written partially in Filipino. “Resurrecting this case is obviously harassment.”

“The case should have been dismissed right away. No wire was tapped,” he added, emphasizing that the messages of Aguirre urging former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto Paras to expedite legal action against Hontiveros were captured by media photographers during a Senate hearing on the death of Kian delos Santos.

The senator called Aguirre out on the matter during a privilege speech delivered on the Senate floor. Pangilinan, a lawyer, said this means that Hontiveros is covered by legislative immunity.

These same arguments were made by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, a former justice secretary, when Aguirre first threatened to file a wiretapping complaint against Hontiveros in 2017.

Hontiveros posted bail on Tuesday, December 28, paying P36,000 at the Pasay City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 46, according to a document released by her office. In a statement, she called the case “meaningless and baseless,” adding that she

was “determined to fight this harassment.”

De Lima: Cases filed vs. Hontiveros a ‘desperate attempt to malign’ her Meanwhile, detained Sen. Leila de Lima, who is running for reelection, questioned the timing of Hontiveros’ indictment, saying the move “reeks of desperation.”

“Expect Duterte’s favorite attack dogs to become more rabid as his reign of terror nears its end,” she said in a statement written partially in Filipino. “After [Hontiveros] was charged by Pharmally for bravely investigating their anomalous contracts with the government, this wire-tapping case is revived.”

Hontiveros is also seeking reelection in 2022.

De Lima, also a former justice secretary, maintained that Hontiveros did not violate the law by reading Aguirre’s text messages, which were already visible due to the large font on his phone captured in photographs.

“What should not be forgotten is that this harassment suit against Sen. Risa stemmed from the Senate inquiry into the death of Kian delos Santos, who was murdered by cops in connection with the so-called ‘War on Drugs’ of this administration,” the detained senator stressed.

“So it is somehow par for the course for this administration to do this to a champion of a child-victim of murder as we celebrate the day of Los Niños Inocentes (Feast of the Holy Innocents).”(Bella Perez-Rubio/Philstar.com) n

AID FOR ‘ODETTE’ VICTIMS. South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Inchul looks on as military personnel repack the relief assistance to Typhoon Odette victims at the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City on Wednesday, December 29. The South Korean government donated 1,500 sacks of rice and 740 hygiene kits worth P2.5 million for the communities hit by “Odette”.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

BI deports over 3,000 illegal aliens in 2021

by Zacarian

Sarao

Inquirer.net

Government debts slightly ease to P11.93-T in November by ramon

royandoyan Philstar.com

MANILA — The national government’s outstanding debt inched down in November owing to payments of some domestic liabilities and favorable foreign exchange rates that pushed down the value of external borrowings.

What’s new The Bureau of Treasuryreported on Wednesday, December 29 that the total outstanding debt stood at P11.93 trillion in November, lower by 0.3% month-on-month.

Domestic debt levels amounted to P8.44 trillion in November, down 0.3% from October’s level due to the net redemption of government securities. Yearto-date, domestic debt has risen incrementally to P1.75 trillion.

External debt, on the other hand, declined 0.4% in November compared to the preceding month owing to the appreciation of the peso against foreign currencies. From January to November, the government’s external debt rose 12.6%.

Why this matters The latest Treasury data showed obligations in November were still above the government’s debt program for the entire 2021, which is set at P11.73 trillion. In the first half, the debt load already accounted for 60.4% of gross domestic product, breaching the 60-percent ceiling that is deemed

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday, December 29 said more than 3,000 illegal foreigners were deported from the Philippines in 2021, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. manageable by global debt watchers.

Based on the data provided Economic managers see outstanding liabilities by the BI’s Deportation and Imjumping to P13.41 trillion by the end of 2022, when plementation Unit (DIU), a total President Rodrigo Duterte’s successor would have of 3,142 undesirable foreigners already taken over.

While the growth of debts might alarm some observers, the additional borrowings were necessary for the Philippines to survive the pandemic. As the economy remains weak due to prolonged lockdowns, the government is not generating enough revenues to shoulder the costs of its pandemic response. The Duterte administration has set the budget deficit limit at 9.3% of gross domestic product for this year. by cathrine GonZaleS What an analyst says Inquirer.net In a commentary, Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said more MANILA — An election easing of movement restrictions could help bring watchdog is observing the mock down liabilities. polls being conducted by the “Further re-opening of the economy would help Commission on Elections in increase business activities that help increase tax parts of Metro Manila and six revenue collection and also help reduced govern- provinces on Wednesday, Dement spending on various COVID programs, there- cember 29. by narrowing the budget deficit and, in turn, reThe Legal Network for Truthduced the need for more borrowings,” Ricafort said. ful Elections (Lente) said their Other figures members are at some voting • The national governments guaranteed debt centers across the country to obligations eased 2% month-on-month to P417.84 observe the voting simulation. billion in November, due to the net redemption of Among the voting centers both domestic and external guarantees. n where Lente members are de-

a. Finch And Fox located at 1020 S. Ditmar, Oceanside, CA 92054. b. Reid Phelps located at 1020 S. Ditmar, Oceanside, CA 92054. c. Wild Wanderings located at 1020 S. Ditmar, Oceanside, CA 92054.

Registrant: Finch And Fox LLC, 1020 S. Ditmar, Oceanside, CA 92054.

This business is conducted

by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 05/01/2013.

Signature Ashley Ecker Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/01/2021.

AJ 840 12/10, 12/17, 12/24, and 12/31/2021.

AJSD 840

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9027690 Tony Independi located at 7543 Black Oak Rd., San Diego, CA 92114.

Registrant: Sergio Ortiz Cervantes, 429 E. 9th Street, National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Sergio Ortiz Cervantes.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/15/2021.

AJ 842 12/24/2021.

12/31/2021, 01/07/2022, and 01/14/2022.

AJSD 842

were overstaying.

Meanwhile, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said that despite the pandemic, the BI will continue to deport aliens who have violated the Philippine Immigration Act. “The pandemic will not be a hindrance in cleansing our country of these illegal aliens,” said Morente.

“Foreigners who blatantly violate our laws will be deported and blacklisted,” he added. n

Poll watchdog observing Comelec mock elections

LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9026554

were deported from January to November 2021.

The majority of the foreigners or 2,875 were Chinese nationals, while 90 were Koreans, 81 were Vietnamese, 27 were Japanese, and 19 were Americans.

According to BI-DIU head Atty. Victor Andrew Siriban, the BI also deported 3,219 aliens in 2020, many of which have been arrested for being fugitives from justice, undesirable, or

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9027331 M.C Painter located at 9902 Jamacha Blvd., Spc. 160, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

Registrant: Building Faith, INC., 9902 Jamacha Blvd., Spc. 160, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

This business is conducted

by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Carlos Oceguera.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/11/2021.

AJ 841 12/17, 12/24, 12/31/2021, and 01/07/2022.

AJSD 841

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9028235

Super 8 located at 2435 Sweetwater Road, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Ishverkrupa Hospitality LLC, 2435 Sweetwater Road, National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 06/20/2016.

Signature Hetal Patel.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/22/2021.

AJ 843 12/31/2021, 01/07/2022, 01/14/2022, and 01/21/2022.

AJSD 843

ployed are the Pasay City West High School and P. Zamora Elementary School in Pasay City; Pateros National High School and P. Manalo Elementary School in Pateros; Ususan Elementary School and Tenement Elementary School in Taguig, Cauayan South Central School and Minante 1 Elementary School in Isabela; Panalaron Central School and Sto. Niño Central School in Leyte; Albay Central School and Tamaoyan Elementary School in Albay, and; Negros Oriental State University.

EMPLOYMENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9028241

Penas Painting located at 227 Coolwater Drive, San Diego, CA 92114.

Registrant: Froylan Pena Ventura, 227 Coolwater Drive, San Diego, CA 92114.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 01/01/2021.

Signature Froylan Pena Ventura.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/22/2021.

AJ 844 12/31/2021, 01/07/2022, 01/14/2022, and 01/21/2022.

AJSD 844

The Comelec is holding the simultaneous mock elections in Pasay City, Taguig City, and Pateros in Metro Manila, as well as in Isabela, Albay, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Maguindanao and Davao del Sur. The mock elections in 34 barangays will be an “end-to-end demonstration” of the entire election process, from the precinct level up to the transmission of votes to the National Board of Canvassers.

Comelec Director Teopisto Elnas Jr. earlier said they target to accommodate 4,800 test voters.

SAN DIEGO

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022

JOURNAL

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D EC E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 2 1

Filipino traditions to welcome the new year

by Ritchel

Mendiola/ AJPress

T

HE New Year has always been a countrywide celebration that is nothing short of fun, dynamic, and loud. Filipinos love to welcome the new year with as much fanfare as they can, partaking in traditions they believe will help in making the new year better, happier, and more bountiful for them. Here are some of those traditions: 1. Eating media noche Filipinos love eating — but more than that, they love eating together with their families. New Year’s eve gives them that opportunity to celebrate, complete with an impressive spread to welcome the incoming year.

Roughly translated as “midnight,” Media Noche is a Filipino custom where family members, their relatives, and friends all gather together to eat and drink. The menu differs for every family but there will always be some food that remains a staple in every household such as pancit (long noodles), which represent good health and long life; and sticky rice, which represents tighter family bonds.

2. Having circles/round shapes everywhere Filipinos and Chinese alike believe the round shape is a symbol of prosperity, so it’s common to see circles during New Year’s Eve. More often than not, you’ll see 12 round fruits displayed on the dining table (one fruit per month for a prosperous

year) or people wearing polka-dotted clothes.

3. Jumping when the clock strikes 12 The most popular tradition that Filipino adults and kids do as soon as the clock strikes January 1.

Jumping as high as you can is believed to be a way to help you grow taller in the new year — there’s no scientific explanation to support this belief, but it’s fun and exhilarating to do anyway.

4. Opening doors and keeping all the lights on When the new year arrives, Filipinos would open all the doors in their houses to allow good energy and good fortune to come in, and turn on all the lights to welcome a brighter year.

5. Making loud noises to drive off evil spirits Firework displays are a common sight in every country when they welcome the new year, but in the Philippines, fireworks light up the sky because it is believed loud sounds would scare off evil spirits that bring bad luck. Aside from this, Filipinos usually play loud music in the open, and use horns or toy New Year’s Eve gives families that opportunity to celebrate, complete with an impressive spread to welcome the incoming year. instruments to produce ear-piercing noises. n AJPress Illustration by Kendrick Tan

Reward in uncertainty: Ben’s realization while living in a pandemic

By AllAn

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

Benjamin Alves

Photo from Instagram/@benxalves

BENJAMIN Alves can be meticulous on the set; he makes sure he knows what he needs to do, when to do it and how to do it. But if there’s anything he has realized while living amid a pandemic, it’s being more relaxed or acknowledging the fact that some things are just out of our control.

And he hopes to continue adopting this mindset in 2022.

“It’s healthy thinking about changes you can do to improve yourself. For next year, my

resolution is to just go with the flow. During tapings, I want to know the breakdown—what I’m supposed to shoot at what time,” he said in a virtual conference for his recent contract renewal with GMA Artist Center.

“Now, I’m getting more relaxed. If I’m told there’s going to be a bit of delay or they’re going to shoot something else, it’s OK. I no longer get rattled or nervous. You can try to control things, but life will throw something else at you,” he added. “Sometimes, there’s reward in uncertainty.”

Recharged

Same goes when it comes to projects and job offers. In the first quarter of 2022, Ben will star in the courtroom drama “Artikulo 247” with Rhian Ramos and Mark Herras. He’s also in talks for two movies later that year. “I hope all these come into fruition. But I’m getting used to going with the flow and enjoying the ride. In any case, I’m blessed to be in this position,” he said.

The 32-year-old artist is currently on a break and expects to reenter—recharged—to the taping bubble of “Artikulo 247” in the first week of January. “We were blessed to have at least a

month to be with our families during the holiday season. I’m glad I get to spend time with loved ones. And then, we go back to work,” he said.

As its title suggests, the upcoming drama series tackles controversial Article 247 of The Revised Penal Code, which states that a legally married person who catches his spouse having sexual intercourse with another person may be exempt from punishment, should he or she inflict physical harm on them.

“I’m excited that this

u PAGE 10

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DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS IS Omicron deadly?

There were almost 230,000 COVID-19 cases last Monday, December 27 and more than 80 percent of them Omicron.

There were 823 new deaths that day, 836,605 total deaths (almost 73.8 million total cases) in the United States since the pandemic started. Omicron is more severely contagious and appears (NOT for certain yet) to be less deadly. The unvaccinated are at the gravest risk, like walking without a helmet and a vest amidst flying bullets in a war zone. The vaccine, mask, and distancing, personal hygiene are our best weapons against this killer virus.

What causes palpitation?

Palpitation (pounding heartbeat, harder and faster than normal) could be due to extrinsic causes like ingestion of a stimulant (coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolates, some medications, etc.) and/or cigarette smoking, or due to an intrinsic causes like coronary or heart valve diseases. The person feels the heart thumping in the chest that could lead to some degree of discomfort and anxiety.

When this happens regularly, in spite of abstinence from the extrinsic causes listed above, prompt medical consultation is recommended.

Do cellphone shields work?

No, the so-called “radiation shields” for cell phones do not work, and therefore are not effective in protecting the user from radiation, reports the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the U.S. If anything at all, this shield “lulls” the user to complacency and, thus, the user is subjected to more prolonged radiation exposure due to a false sense of security.

While the association between cell phone use and some type of brain tumors is still unclear, it is best to avoid and minimize any type of radiation exposure from whatever source. To reduce radiation exposure from cell phones, we recommend the use one of hands-free devices that now commercially available.

Are body moisturizing lotions safe?

Yes, in general, hand and body lotions in the market are safe.

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

Queries from you Mayor Gloria, local leaders The frequent (two or more times a day) use of hand and body lotion is recommended because our skin needs moisture to keep it comfortable, healthy, and looking as young as possible. Caution: Some people may be allergic to some of these commercially available skin moisturizers.

What is cardioversion?

Cardioversion, as the term suggests, means converting the heart rhythm from an abnormal one to a so-called normal and regular sinus rhythm, either by medications or by electrical “zapping.” The term is most often used to imply electrical cardioversion. The two paddles (“zappers”), held one in each hand of the cardioverting personnel (a physician, a nurse or a medical technician) are applied on the mid-chest of the patient and the heart is “electrically shocked” to a normal rhythm or to a safer, more benign form of irregularity. In some persons with heart disease, it may not be possible to convert the rhythm to a perfect sinus rhythm. In these cases, the goal is to convert the rhythm to an acceptable more benign rhythm.

Can trauma to the breasts cause cancer?

Repeated trauma to the breast has been implicated as a possible etiology in the formation of cancer of the breast among women. This could be in the form of biting, pinching, squeezing or rough manual manipulation.

The breasts must be handled with care and tenderness.

Consult your physician if you are concerned about something in your breast.

Does diabetes cause blindness?

Most definitely, especially among persons whose diabetes is untreated, poorly treated or simply brittle and hard to treat.

The blindness is due to what is termed diabetic retinopathy. A significant number of blindness in the world today is caused by diabetes. Once the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is confirmed, prompt and appropriate therapy should be instituted. A diabetic should be disciplined and follow the prescribed diet and medications if the complications of the disease, like blindness, leg gangrene, etc., are to be prevented.

Is hydrogen peroxide gargle safe?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide is for gurgling, but ask your dentist first

since he/she knows your dental condition better and can advise you accordingly.

Hydrogen peroxide, together with sodium fluoride and other common ingredients (like triclosan) in toothpaste, help prevent tooth decay, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), tartar/plaque formation, and halitosis (bad breath). Hydrogen peroxide is a substance that is incorporated in many toothpaste preparations.

Baking soda is another.

Do skin whiteners work?

There are a few popular preparations of skin (“bleach”) whiteners available in the market today which are effective and safe. The basic ingredient is 4% hydroquinone. The original use of it was to make skin blemishes (chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigenes and other areas of melanin hyperpigmentation) disappear, but today cosmetologists, many dermatologists and some plastic surgeons, recommend it for the entire face as a “bleaching agent” to whiten the complexion.

Those using this should stay away from sunlight to prevent skin burns. Before applying skin whitener, one must consult with his/her physician first because of potential allergy, side effects and possible complications of this cream.

Can loud music lead to deafness?

Yes, and not only music.

Prolonged or repeated exposure to any type of very loud noise or sound can cause damage to the auditory nerve damage, which could lead to varying degrees of hearing impairment, and even to permanent deafness. Headset users should set the volume of sound to a safe level. A simple way to do this is to turn the volume down until you can barely hear it, then gradually increasing the loudness (and adjusting the treble and the base if possible) to a comfortable level.

Does surgery make cancer spread?

No, this is a myth. Doing surgery or “opening the patient up” does not cause metastasis (spread) of the cancer. In general, cancer proliferates rapidly to invade surrounding tissues and distant organs. The misconception resulted from the refusal of patients suspected or confirmed to have cancer to be operated on early when first advised, and delayed the surgery so much that the malignant

celebrate minimum wage in city reaching $15 per hour

SAN DIEGO – Continuing his efforts to support working families in San Diego, Mayor Todd Gloria joined local leaders and workers on Thursday, December 16 to celebrate the minimum wage increase reaching $15 an hour, which becomes effective Jan. 1, 2022. Mayor Gloria authored the City’s Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Ordinance, which originally set the path toward $15-per-hour, when he was a Councilmember.

“I have long believed that no one who works full time should have to live in poverty, and this increase in our minimum wage is the next step in getting us there,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “Finally getting the minimum wage in San Diego to $15 fulfills a longtime goal and will make a difference in the lives of thousands of working families in our city. I’m grateful to everyone who has

been involved in bringing this significant milestone to fruition.”

In accordance with city and state law, all employees in San Diego who perform at least two hours of work in one or more calendar weeks of the year within the City of San Diego will receive a wage increase from $14 to $15 an hour.

“One job should be enough,” said City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, representative for District 9. “On January 1st, thousands of workers who are the foundation of our local economy will receive a well-deserved pay raise. Our city’s signature Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Ordinance demonstrates a commitment from the City of San Diego to treat working people with the dignity and respect every person deserves. I am grateful to the local organizers and activists who knocked on doors and called

voters; their advocacy led to a resounding approval at the ballot box and improved the standard of living for San Diegans for generations to come.”

The minimum wage increase is applicable to all industries and businesses, with no exceptions, and tips and gratuities do not count toward payment of minimum wage. Updated notices are available on the city’s Minimum Wage Program website and must be posted in a conspicuous place at any workplace or job site.

“As Chair of our City’s Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, I am working hard to usher in an economic recovery that puts people first,” said Councilmember Raul Campillo, representative for District 7.

“With the high cost of living

u PAGE 11

Reward in uncertainty...

PAGE 9 controversial law will be given a show,” said Ben, who plays Noah Borromeo, an assailant who manages to get away because of Article 247. “It’s a heavy character … He has a drug dependency.

And just when he was about to turn his life around, another incident pushed him back.”

Deeper respect This role was a surprise to him, Ben admitted, because he thought the creative team would make him play a lawyer. “I assumed I was going to play a lawyer, but I ended up doing a heavy, troubled character … But the network sees something different in me. It’s a challenge for me, but I’m excited to show a different side of me,” he said.

The show has him working with Rhian as an onscreen pair for the first time. “I loved doing tumor had already spread beyond help before they acceded to have the operation. So, when the surgeons operated on them that late, invariably the cancer had already spread all over. When the patients soon expired, people blamed the surgery as the cause of the spread. Today, almost everybody knows that prompt detection and the treatment of cancer gives the best chance for a cure for majority of patients with malignancy.

A blessed, safe, and joyous New Year to all nations and men

of goodwill!!

scenes with her. I love her eyes—I get to draw a lot of emotions from them. We can do ad libs, so no two takes are exactly the same … We have that playfulness,” he said.

Ben is also reunited with Mark, whom he last worked with in the 2013 fantasy series, “Unforgettable.” “Despite not being able to see each other for a long time, the bond was still there when we got on the set. I worked with him eight years ago. But the bond you create with your coworkers doesn’t go away,” he said.

Projects like “Artikulo 247,” Ben said, keeps him on his toes as an actor. “I love challenges because it’s hard being complacent. Being signed [with a network] doesn’t mean OK ka na. With maturity comes a deeper respect for the job and craft,” he said. n

*** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or

appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com, Today.SPSAtpoday. com, FUN8888.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

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Community

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022

11

COVID-19 oral County receives independent treatment available commission’s final redistricting map in San Diego soon

MEDICAL providers in San Diego County will soon have a new option for treating COVID-19 patients after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency use authorizations for two new oral antiviral medications. However, supplies of these medications will initially be very limited and San Diegans should continue to mask up this holiday season to prevent infection.

The county was expecting its first shipment of Pfizer’s Paxlovid in the coming days after its announcement in a release from San Diego’s county news center on Thursday, December 23. A second oral antiviral, Merck’s molnupiravir, was expected to start arriving in the region soon after.

A prescription from a medical provider will be required for either drug. Both Paxlovid and molnupiravir are administered over the course of several days in pill form. Both will be available to patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms who are at risk of progressing to severe coronavirus disease, including hospitalization or death.

“The FDA’s emergency use authorization of these new oral antivirals comes at a critical point in the pandemic as we see an increase in cases and a rapid spread of the Omicron variant,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer.

“However, news of the arrival of these drugs does not mean we can let our guard down. We need to continue to mask up, especially in crowded indoor spaces, and I urge anyone who has not gotten vaccinated, or is overdue for their booster shot, to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

Once the new oral antiviral treatments arrive in the region, they will initially be distributed through about two dozen area pharmacies.

Pharmacy locations were pre-selected by the California Department of Public Health. The amount each pharmacy is receiving is based on community impact from the pandemic.

The state and County will expand distribution to more pharmacy locations as supplies increase.

(Katie Cadiao/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria

File photo

Mayor Gloria, local leaders celebrate...

PAGE 10 in San Diego, workers deserve a living wage. I was proud to join the Mayor this morning to celebrate this pay raise for thousands of hard-working San Diegans.”

Minimum wage in the rest of California is also increasing on Jan. 1, 2022, to $14 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees and $15 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees. On Jan. 1 2023, the minimum wage for employers with 25 or fewer employees also raises to $15 per hour.

“The minimum wage in California will be $15 on January 1st, 2022 because working people came together to fight for it,” said Dr. Kyra Greene, Executive Director and Board President of the Center on Policy Initiatives. “Our work is not done. Low wage workers in San Diego are still paid poverty wages, still face employers who steal their wages and still work in unsafe conditions just like the ones that stole the lives of workers in Kentucky and Illinois last week. So, we will continue

to fight for higher wages, safer working conditions and justice for workers.”

Anyone who believes an employer is violating the ordinance is encouraged to file a complaint in writing with the City’s Minimum Wage Program.

“For essential workers, immigrant women like myself, communities of color and everyone struggling right now, we must have a decent wage,” said Miriam Torres, Member of SEIU United Service Workers West. “Fifteen dollars is a critical step toward helping our city recover from the pandemic and making our economy work for everyone.”

“Hotel, hospitality and service workers are the backbone of our tourism industry, and they’re also among the hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Rick Bates, Lead Research and Policy Analyst at UNITE HERE Local 30. “The minimum wage increase will be a critical step in the right direction as we strive for an inclusive economic recovery here in San Diego.”

(SD Mayor’s Office Release) n

THE County of San Diego received the new maps that will outline County supervisorial voting districts for the next decade on Wednesday, December 15 from the Independent Redistricting Commission.

Redistricting — redrawing voting boundaries — is done every 10 years, using U.S. Census data to ensure that voting districts contain roughly the same number of people.

This was the first time that local boundaries were set by an independent commission. The 14-member commission capped off a year of work and 49 public meetings last week to meet its Dec. 15 deadline to submit the new boundaries to the County Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.

The new district boundaries take effect immediately.

The new maps establish one County supervisorial district — District 1 currently represented by Supervisor Nora Vargas — as a majority Latino district, with 61.4% of the population and 58.2% of the voting age population identified as Latino. District 1 includes unincorporated areas and the cities of Imperial Beach, National City and Chula Vista.

District 2 and District 5 are the largest geographic districts, between them stretching from the coast in the west, to the Orange and Riverside county lines to the north, east to the Imperial County line and south to the U.S.-Mexico border.

District 2, currently represented by Supervisor Joel Anderson, is mainly an eastern district and includes unincorporated areas and the cities of El Cajon, Poway and Santee.

District 5, currently represented by Supervisor Jim Desmond, is mainly a northern district and includes unincorporated areas and the cities of

Several members of the San Diego Independent Redistricting Commission present County Clerk of the Board Andrew Potter with their final redistricting report. From left: Commission Chair David Bame, Commission co-Vice Chair Rosette Garcia, Commission co-Vice Chair Amy Caterina, Commissioner Ramesses Surban, County Clerk of the Board Andrew Potter, Commissioner Colleen Stephanie Brown and Commissioner Arv Larson.

File Photo/www.countynewscenter.com

Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista.

District 3, currently represented by Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, is mainly a coastal district stretching from Carlsbad to Coronado.

District 4, currently represented by Chair Nathan Fletcher, includes unincorporated

areas around parts of the cities of San Diego, Lemon Grove and La Mesa.

The redistricting commission’s final maps and reports are available on the County of San Diego Redistricting webpage at https:// www.sandiegocounty.gov/redistricting/.

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

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DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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