LOS ANGELES EDITION
DA helps farmers sell 160 tons of highland vegetables in January PAGE 14 VOL. XXXIII NO. 4
Saturday-Friday | January 27-February 2, 2024
THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FELLOW FILIPINO-AMERICANS
PH ASSURES UNSR KHAN OF CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR FREE EXPRESSION MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine government has assured United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan of its commitment to fostering an environment conducive to free expression, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) said Thursday. "The government remains steadfast in its efforts to foster an environment where anyone can freely express their opinion without fear," PTFoMS executive director Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez said, as quoted by his office in a news release on Thursday. Gutierrez made the assurance during the welcome dinner for Khan hosted by the PTFOMS, in collaboration with the Philippine Amusement
and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI), and National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año at Barbara’s Restaurant in Intramuros, Manila on Tuesday night. During the event, Gutierrez relayed to Khan the current administration’s strong resolve to protect and promote the Filipinos' right to freedom of expression. The PTFoMs said the PH
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Congress can finish Charter reform before Holy Week 7 PBBM on attending Coldplay concert: It’s ‘unmissable’ 8 PBBM wants improved PhilHealth services with contribution hike 8 Filipino fighter among 21 fallen IDF soldiers 9 PBBM: SAF44 heroism a ‘clarion call for unity’ to address challenges 9 DOJ, UN Rapporteur meeting focus on upholding fundamental rights 11 DICT to double free Wi-fi sites in 2024 to support eLGU implementation 11 NSA: PH ups defense posture as more Pinoys back strong approach in WPS 12 VP Sara Duterte says she’ll run for office again 13 ‘Comprehensive archipelagic defense’ to help PH explore EEZ resources 13
Sections ENTERTAINMENT. Kim Chiu not in a rush to find ‘the one’ 18 BUSINESS. PBBM: Expanded petrochem complex to generate P215-B in 2025 14 FIL-AM COMMUNITY. TFC’s Jed, Sheryn, Jona Live on Concert across the US 3 HEALTH. DOH urges police to ensure vape inaccessibility to minors 16
PLATFORM FOR OPEN DIALOGUE. Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS)
Executive Director Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez shakes hands with visiting United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan before a welcome dinner in a restaurant in Intramuros, Manila on Tuesday (Jan. 23, 2024). The official said the welcome dinner for Khan would serve as “a platform for open dialogue and exchange of ideas, reinforcing the Philippines’ dedication to maintaining a dynamic and open environment for media and expression.”
Hahn Celebrates New Paramedic Unit in Whittier
What’s Ahead for the U.S. Economy in 2024? By Selen Ozturk | EMS
Although inflation and unemployment rates are falling, many Americans are struggling to stay afloat with record-high costs of living.
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lthough inflation and unemployment rates are falling, many Americans are struggling to stay af loat w it h rec ord-h ig h costs of living. At a Friday, January 19 Ethnic Media Services briefing, experts across the financial spectrum — from housing to oil to small business — discussed how ou r c u r r ent economy is impacting some of its most vulnerable members, and suggested what’s ahead for 2024.
TOP STORIES Global News
The struggle for housing Even in the wealthiest regions of the Bay Area like Silicon Valley — the fifth-largest economy in the world — the struggle to find housing is communitywide, said Nathan Ganeshan, founder of homeless aid nonprofit Community Seva. Though California has 12% of the U.S. population, it has 28% of its homeless population. Since 2013, Community Seva has helped about 320,000 of these individuals “by serving hot meals, blankets, sleeping bags, grocery gift cards, hygiene products, temporary housing, advocacy and more,” Ganeshan said. “We shouldn’t forget how entwined the struggle for basic needs like food and hygiene is with the struggle to find housing. However much
Whittier, CA — Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri, and Whittier City Councilmembers, and LA County Fire Department officials celebrated a new paramedic unit stationed at LA County Fire Department Station 59 in Whittier. The new unit is shortening response times amid rising emergency medical calls in the Whittier area. “In the past few years, residents in the Whittier area have been calling 911
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for medical emergencies more often and that was putting a strain on our LA County Fire Department paramedic units and meant longer response times,” said Supervisor Hahn. “Fixing this problem became a priority for my office and this new additional paramedic team dedicated to Whittier is worth celebrating.” The new Paramedic Unit at Fire Station 59 is made up of two paramedics. Last year, Supervisor Hahn celebrated a new
Photo credit: Diandra Jay
HAHN
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Memorializing the One-Year Anniversary of the Star Ballroom Dance Studio Mass Shooting in the City of Monterey Park Monterey Park, Calif. — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and co-authored by Chair Lindsey P. Horvath to memorialize the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio in the City of Monte-
rey Park and the heroic efforts of Brandon Tsay at the Lai Lai Ballroom in the City of Alhambra. On January 21, 2023, a joyful kickoff to Monterey Park's Lunar New Year celebration was marred by tragedy after a gunman entered the Star Ballroom Dance Studio and opened fire, kill-
ing 11 people and wounding 9 others. Another tragedy was narrowly avoided in the City of Alhambra due to the heroic efforts of Brandon Tsay who disarmed the gunman, saving countless lives. In the face of this senseless act of violence, Los Angeles County witnessed heroism a nd resi lience. MEMORIALIZING
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PBBM: PH respects One China policy, not endorsing Taiwan independence MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines continues to adhere to the “One China” policy and is not endorsing Taiwan’s independence, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Tuesday. In a recorded interview aired over GMA News’ 24 Oras, Marcos admitted that he was surprised by China’s reaction over his congratulatory message to Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te. “The One China policy remains in place. We have adhered to the One China policy strictly and conscientiously since we adopted the one China policy. And that has not changed. That will not change,” Marcos said. “We are not endorsing Taiwanese’ independence. Taiwan is a province of China but the manner in which they will be brought together again is an internal matter,” he added. Under the One China principle, the Philippines recognizes the People's Republic of China as the sole Chinese government. Marcos clarified that he congratulated Lai on his election as “a common courtesy.” “Very simple lang ang ano ko diyan. Noong naging presidente ako, binati ako (My [explanation] is very simple. When I became president, I received congratulatory messages). So, what do you do? It PBBM
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