Pilipino Express • Apr 16 2024

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Marian Rivera

Vote for Paul Ong

Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards of 2024

Paul Ong has been officially nominated for Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards of 2024.

Ong, an educator, musician, and philanthropist is the only Filipino from Winnipeg among the top 75 shortlisted candidates.

“I am so proud to represent our community as the only Filipino/ Chinese from Winnipeg who is nominated. Thank you in advance

Philippine ambassador visits Manitoba

Discusses recognition of foreign credentials in Canada

Parishioners bid farewell to beloved church

It was an emotional day for the hundreds of parishioners who attended the last mass held at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church at 748 Keewatin.

The church building, which stood at its Keewatin address for the last 40 years, is being decommissioned, or withdrawn from service as a church. Most Reverend Archbishop Richard Gagnon from the Archdiocese of

Winnipeg was invited to preside over the decommissioning mass and rites on April 2, together with Msgr. Enrique Samson, Jr. and Fr. Honesto Durango.

“Decommissioning happens when a ministry or a service, or a mission comes to an end,” Archbishop Gagnon said. “We don’t have a lot of these in our archdiocese and it only happens once in a while, so this is really an

important occasion.”

St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church is a church complex whose roots go back to 1949. The War had just ended, and people were looking to rebuild their lives and rekindle their faith. It was then a group of women thought of building a small church, with the help of a priest. As the congregation grew from about 80

See PAUL p11 Volume 20 • No. 8 • April 16 - 30, 2024 Publication Mailing Account #41721512
L-r: Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague and Consul General Angelica Escalona of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto; Ambassador Maria Andrelita Austria and Deputy Head of Mission, Myca Magnolia Fischer of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa; Welfare Officer Benny Reyes of the Migrant Workers OfficeToronto; and Mr. Ronaldo Opina, Philippine Honorary Consul in Winnipeg. Story on p4. Photo by Rey-Ar
See ST. PETER’S
Paul Ong
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Photo credit: Marian’s IG Photo by Nonie Manalili
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APRIL 16 - 30, 2024 PILIPINO EXPRESS PAGE 3

Philippine ambassador in Manitoba Ambassador Austria discusses accreditation

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria hosted a town hall meeting at the Holiday Inn on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

During this meeting with some members of Manitoba’s Filipino community, she expressed her observation that while Filipinos in Canada are occupying some of the most important jobs in Canadian society, “Our community was very much felt but we’re not seen, nor heard.”

She talked about Filipinos in Canada being “stereotyped.” This,

she said could be the reason why Filipinos are having a hard time with getting their (foreign obtained) credentials accredited.

Following this observation, Ambassador Austria gave an overview of what the Philippine government is doing to help the Filipinos overseas.

Currently, she and her team are working with the federal and provincial governments regarding credentials recognition. She said that there has been some significant progress because some Canadian provinces now provide loans or

financial assistance to immigrants to take their bridging programs. Some provinces, like Alberta and Nova Scotia, are now fast-tracking Philippine educated nurses.

Ambassador Austria also noted that there were some provinces who wanted to recruit nurses and health care workers directly from the Philippines. “But what we would like them to do is to look first at those who are already here, before they send recruitment missions to the Philippines.” In this regard, she said that they are now launching a registry for Filipino-

educated nurses to determine the number of those who are working in their field versus those who have moved on to other career paths.

The Philippine ambassador also encouraged those present to help promote the Philippines among their friends, especially the non-Filipinos. Give them a “slice of Philippine experience” by taking them to Filipino restaurants so they can enjoy Filipino cuisine and encourage them to visit the Philippines.

“The more they know us, the more they’ll appreciate us and

respect the talent that we bring to the table,” she added.

An open forum followed the ambassador’s speech and some attendees brought up some concerns. Ambassador Austria graciously answered the questions and took note of these concerns.

Prior to her assumption as the Philippines’ top diplomat to Canada in 2023, Ambassador Austria served as the Philippine Consul General to Vancouver and Assistant Secretary of the Office of American Affairs at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

families in 1949 to over 1,100 in 1975, a new church building was finally constructed and blessed on May 4, 1975.

Long-time parishioner Josie Concepcion became teary-eyed thinking about St. Peter’s church and how it was a very important part of her and her family’s life for the last 40 years. She keeps a plate memento from 1975 commemorating the move “from Old St. Peter’s to New St. Peter’s.”

St. Peter’s Church no doubt has become an integral part of the lives of the faithful. From christenings, to baptisms, catechism classes, first communions, weddings, blessing and praying for the sick, to funerals, St. Peter’s has been a beacon of light, of hope and of love for a community of believers.

St. Peter’s Church is much more than a blessed building that is a familiar sight when passing by Keewatin St.

As thousands of parishioners

bid farewell to the church building on Keewatin, St. Peter’s will continue its ministries and services at Petrus Hall at 2624 Inkster Boulevard, while the actual church is anticipated to be built in the next few years.

For more information about St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, you can visit their website at www. stpeterrcchurch.ca.

See page 5 for more photos

PAGE 4 PILIPINO EXPRESS APRIL 16 - 30, 2024 ST. PETER’S... From page 1 Phone: 204-956-7845 E-Mail: info@pilipino-express.com Website: www.pilipino-express.com Publisher: THE PILIPINO EXPRESS INC. Editor-in-Chief: EMMIE Z. JOAQUIN Associate Editor: PAUL MORROW Art Director: REY-AR REYES JP SUMBILLO: Graphic Designer/Photographer ALEX CANLAPAN: Contributor/Photographer Columnists/Contributors: LEVY ABAD DALE BURGOS JB CASARES YVANNE CABALLERO ANNE CAPRICE B. CLAROS ETHEL CLEMENTE FERNANDEZ BRO. GERRY GAMUROT NORMAN ACERON GARCIA LUCILLE NOLASCO GARRIDO MICHELE MAJUL-IBARRA NOEL LAPUZ JON MALEK MALAYA MARCELINO ALONA C. MERCADO CST. REY OLAZO DR. REY PAGTAKHAN OSCAR PANTALEON JR. CHERYL DIZON REYNANTE MICHAEL SCOTT REGINA RAMOS URBANO Youth Contributors Aksyon Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK) Philippine Correspondents: FRANCESCO BRITANICO CRISTY FERMIN JON JOAQUIN AMBETH R. OCAMPO SALES & ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: 204-956-7845 E-Mail: info@pilipino-express.com Sales & Marketing Team: ISAGANI BARTOLOME RODGE LOPEZ RUBY PASCO NEIL SOLIVEN The Pilipino Express is a Winnipeg based newsmagazine published twice a month. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. The Pilipino Express and Pilipino Sports Express are registered names. Reproduction of any content and/or ad design published in the Pilipino Express is not permitted without the publisher’s written consent. Materials submitted are subject to editorial discretion and the publication accepts no responsibility for the return or safety of unsolicited artwork, photos, or manuscripts. All rights reserved. Annual subscription rate within Canada: $65.00. For advertising inquiries, call 204-956-7845, or e-mail: E-mail: info@pilipino-express.com.
Photo by Rey-Ar Reyes Photo by Nonie Manalili Photo by Nonie Manalili

The processing fees for immigration and other government services are going up. Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada has announced that their processing fees are increasing, effective April 30, 2024. It is important to note that as of this date, application submission will not be accepted as “complete” without the correct fees.

The announcement made on March 30, 2024, provided users with a one-month notice of the increases contained in the Financial Administration Act

The increase in immigration fees is calculated “in accordance with the cumulative percentage increase to the Consumer Price Index for Canada, published by Statistics Canada.”

It is important to take note of the new permanent resident fees in effect on April 30, 2024. If you submit your application on that

ST. PETER’S...

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day, you must include the new fees. Failure to do so, may result in a return of your application as “incomplete” or a refusal. Check to ensure you are using the correct fees.

The table of permanent residence fee increases, which cover the period April 2024 and March 2026, was taken from the Canada Gazette, Part 1, Volume 158, November 13.

Source: https://gazette.gc.ca/ rp-pr/p1/2024/2024-03-30/html/ notice-avis-eng.html

Michael Scott is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC, R525678) who has 30 years of experience with Immigration Canada and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. He currently works as a licensed consultant with Immigration Connexion International Ltd. Contact him at 204-691-1166 or 204-227-0292. E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail.com.

Permanent residence fees set to increase on April 30

APRIL 16 - 30, 2024 PILIPINO EXPRESS PAGE 5
Photo by Nonie Manalili Photo by Nonie Manalili Photo by Nonie Manalili Most Reverend Archbishop Richard Gagnon from the Archdiocese of Winnipeg was invited to preside over the decommissioning mass and rites on April 2, together with Msgr. Enrique Samson, Jr. and Fr. Honesto Durango.

Neil Soliven, a labour and human rights activist who worked with New Flyer Industries (NFI) for 28 years, arrived in Winnipeg in 1983. He was 14 years of age at that time and hailed from Don Galo, Paranaque, Philippines. By 1986, he worked part-time with KFC while he was still a student.

Ever since, Neil was interested in history, geography, and current events. He moved to Ross Foods (1989 to 1995) and then NFI (1996).

New Flyer Industries was known in the community as a good job to be had. NFI “was founded in 1930 by John Coval of Winnipeg, starting out as Western Auto and Truck Body limited” (A Brief History of New Flyer Industries). “Today, New Flyer is a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s largest bus and

coach manufacturer” (New Flyer website).

Historically, the arrival of Neil Soliven in 1983 was fateful since that was the third anniversary of the founding of the militant labour movement in the Philippines, Kilusan Mayo Uno or May 1st Movement, founded on May 1, 1980. It was in the same year when Senator Benigno Aquino was assassinated, which became the rallying cry for the ouster of the Marcos dictatorship (Manggagawa Noon at Ngayon, 2nd edition 2002, Eiler).

Immersed with NFI for 28 years and continuing

Although leaving the Philippines early deprived him of experiencing the Philippine labour struggles, Winnipeg, the home of the General Strike of 1919, would become his labour history school.

Neil Soliven: Human rights in the workplace and beyond

He was immersed with NFI for 28 years, and continuing. Neil’s first position in the union structure was Health and Safety in 2010 with the Canadian Autoworkers Union (CAW), which he held for nine years. According to Neil, CAW, along with Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP) merged to become Unifor in 2013. “Unifor is Canada’s largest private sector union with more than 315,000 members across the country, working in every major sector of the Canadian economy” (Unifor website). Neil was also a bargaining representative for six years, notably being a part of the last and recent CBA with NFI Unifor 3003 Unit 4.

We are stronger together I asked Neil about his impression of Canadian unionism. Neil explained that “At first, I was not a fan, but as I learned about the working class struggles and what the union had to bargain

to improve the lives of workers about safe workplace, fair and equitable wages and benefits, eight-hour work day, long weekend, I became convinced to join the union. Digging deeper, I also learned about other accomplishments like ending child labour and exploitation of workers at the turn of the century, which led me more to become a believer of the worthiness of unionism. At the end of the day, we are stronger together “parang walis ting-ting, ‘pag mag-isa, madaling baliin, pero ‘pag buo, hindi mo mababali.”

Strike as a tool for change

Ask any labour leader and they would say they disdain resorting to strike, but if need be, in order to advance workers’ welfare, it becomes a necessity. Neil said that in 2006, CAW local 3003 Unit 4 (NFI) went on strike for four weeks due to “outsourcing of work.” He added that it was scary but revolutionizes consciousness. “You really see what you can achieve when you come together in numbers.” Workers’ training and education Revolutionaries of old learned that leaders of industries have their MAs and PhDs from the best schools and so the workers

must be equipped with theoretical knowledge on how to adapt, react and transform a given exploitative social structure. According to Neil, Unifor has excellent training programs and facilities at Port Elgin, Ontario. Among the training he completed there was health and safety, human rights, workers of colour, conflict resolution, collective bargaining, and things that not only benefit the workplace, but also the wider community. Neil added that getting involved with the union makes one stronger. “You become aware of social issues and world events. Beyond the formal training that Unifor provides, it is also involved with Siloam Mission, Habitat, and the Filipino Street Festival.”

All these processes that Neil went through as a member of Unifor local is truly enviable since they advance democracy in the workplace and beyond.

Levy Abad authored a book titled Rhythms and Resistance: Narrative of Filipino Musicians and Activists (1972-1994). Levy is also a singer-songwriter, poet, and migrant rights activist who has released four albums centred on the life and struggles of migrants.

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APRIL 16 - 30, 2024 PILIPINO EXPRESS PAGE 7

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

Kathryn Bernardo celebrates new home with family and friends

Actress Kathryn Bernardo welcomed her friends in her new home.

Bernardo on April 13 (Friday) shared a glimpse of her housewarming party that was attended by her close friends in showbusiness.

The actress welcomed friends such as Darren Espanto, Ria Atayde, Dominic Roque, Dimples Romana, Sofia Andres, Chie Filomeno, Alora Sasam, Robi Domingo, Loisa Andalio, and Geli de Belen

Other guests include Maymay Entrata, Kakai Bautista, and Alden Richards, her Hello, Love Goodbye leading man.

Kathryn Bernardo’s newly constructed three-story residence in Antipolo City, Rizal features

both a slide and an elevator. It was a seven-year journey for Kathryn before her dream home became a reality.

She acquired the land for her new residence back in 2016, but construction didn’t commence until March 2024, following three years of meticulous planning.

Kathryn enlisted the expertise of Architect Don Lino and his team from LINO Architecture to craft the blueprint for her new abode.

According to social media updates, Kathryn’s residence boasts a modern contemporary design accentuated by earthy tones, reflecting the architectural firm’s signature aesthetic.

Kathryn moved into her new home in December 2023.

- ABS-CBN NEWS

Marian Rivera’s muchawaited drama series

My Guardian Alien tops

GMA Pinoy TV’s April line-up

GMA Pinoy TV, the home of Global Pinoys, offers an exciting line-up this April featuring new love stories that will touch hearts everywhere, front-row seats to a star-studded celebration, and more entertainment for everyone.

Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera makes her much-anticipated comeback to television in My Guardian Alien Fans can also look forward to the long-awaited tandem of Marian with bankable leading man

Gabby Concepcion in this outof-this-world, feel-good family drama under the helm of awardwinning director Zig Dulay. The star-studded cast includes Max Collins, Gabby Eigenmann, Marissa Delgado, Kiray Celis, Raphael Landicho, Josh Ford, Caitlyn Stave, Christian Antolin

GMA Pinoy TV now carries the noontime variety show It’s Showtime! Hosts Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro,

See MARIAN p11

PAGE 8 PILIPINO EXPRESS APRIL 16 - 30, 2024
Kathryn Bernardo Katrina Halili & Martin Del Rosario

Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko marks magical comeback

Expect brand new adventures and meaningful lessons for all ages as the award-winning anthology series Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko runs on GMA Network this April.

Kickstarting the miniseries is the two-part episode titled Smart Fam, headlined by Gabby Eigenmann as Owen and Rochelle Pangilinan as Cherry. Also joining them are Zonia Mejia as Elsie, Sienna Stevens as Annie, and Matt Lozano as Apol.

Don’t miss the new episodes of “Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko” — under the helm of esteemed director Rico Gutierrez.

Global Pinoys can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.

Next on the fresh lineup of Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko is Mga Hero ni Jiro. Set to banner its three episodes are Althea Ablan as Winnie and Zephanie as Lucy, together with Marco Masa as Jiro. Completing the cast are Chuckie Dreyfus as Dudut, Ariel Villasanta as Manolo, Sean Lucas as Marcus, and Geleen Eugenio as Linda.

APRIL 16 - 30, 2024 PILIPINO EXPRESS PAGE 9
Gabby Eigenmann, Sienna Stevens, Zonia Mejia & Rochelle Pangilinan

Vice Ganda celebrates 48th birthday party in Nueva Ecija

It’s Showtime family and other celebrities attended Vice Ganda’s birthday party in Nueva Ecija on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

The Kapamilya superstar, who celebrated her 48th birthday, pulled off an ethereal-themed birthday celebration at Highland Bali Villas Resort and Spa in Pantabangan town.

It’s Showtime hosts Anne Curtis, Jhong Hilario, Vhong Navarro, Kim Chiu, Amy Castillo, Ogie Alcasid, Karylle, Darren Espanto, Teddy Corpuz, and MC and Lassy attended the event.

Also present were diamond star Maricel Soriano, Vicky Belo and Hayden Kho, Angeline

See VICE p11

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Ion Perez & Vice Ganda

VICE...

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Quinto, Bella Padilla, Awra Briguela, KaladKaren, and KZ Tandingan, who performed at the gathering.

ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak and Chief Operating Officer Cory Vidanes were also at Vice Ganda’s party.

Vice said Saturday’s event was not just a birthday celebration but also a thanks-giving party. “Life has not been easy pero still grabe ‘yung blessings na natatanggap ko at nating lahat,” she said.

Why celebrate in Nueva Ecija?

“Gusto ko talaga malayo, para wala kayong choice kundi magstay. Because I really want to spend this wonderful night with everyone. Ayaw ko nung magpaparty tapos kakain tapos kaniyakaniyang puslitan. Ang ending ako na lang at si Ion ang nasa venue,” Vice said.

“Sarado ‘yung daan, so walang makakauwi. Gusto ko talaga isang magdamag kasama kayong lahat. Dahil kayong lahat…mahal na mahal ko at mahal ninyo ako at kami kaya gusto kong magkakasama talaga tayo.”

Vice Ganda’s birthday celebration came a week after the noontime show’s trending debut on GMA 7.

- ABS-CBN NEWS

PAUL...

From page 1

and please help us by asking your family and friends to vote.”

Meet Paul Ong

Paul Ong is Chinese by heritage, born and raised in the Philippines. He immigrated to Canada in 2010. Since migrating to Canada, he has been using his gifts to make a positive impact in the community.

Ong is an educator and a musician (tenor). By profession, Ong is a vice-principal who empowers youth to excel. He started his teaching career in a northern community and was an inclusive education resource teacher in an inner-city junior high before his appointment into school administration. He is currently the vice-principal at Meadows West School, with the Winnipeg School Division, where they are currently piloting a Filipino-bilingual program.

As a musician, Ong uses his voice to build community and spark social change. He performs with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and is the first local Chinese Filipino accompanied by the WSO for a full concert. His annual Concerts for a Cause have raised close to $150,000 for local Manitoba charities since its inception in 2015.

Ong will host his 10th Concert for a Cause this November 2024, and is truly grateful for the collective community support that has allowed him the privilege and opportunity to use his voice as a platform for community causes.

As a singer, Ong has been recognized nationally (Canada’s Got Talent, Tim Hortons Hometown Hero)

MARIAN...

From page 8

Jhong Hilario, Kim Chiu, Ogie Alcasid, Karylle, Amy Perez, Teddy Corpuz, Jugs Jugueta, Darren, Ryan Bang, Ion Perez, Jackie Gonzaga, MC, Lassy, and Cianne Dominguez will put “fun” in the many Funanghalian moments that audiences will surely enjoy.

GMA Pinoy TV also gives audiences an exclusive peek at the “Eastwood City Walk of Fame Philippines Special,” which recently recognized multiple Kapuso luminaries, led by no less than GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon

GMA Pinoy TV delivers more programs that are sure to entertain and inform Global Pinoys. Fans of romance should tune in to Recipes of Love, the drama anthology series starring Katrina Halili and Martin del Rosario. Viewers looking for stories and features that go behind the headlines and provide an in-depth exploration of trending topics can look forward to new episodes of The Atom Araullo Specials

From captivating drama infused with sci-fi fantasy to wholesome family entertainment and enlightening educational programs, GMA Pinoy TV offers something for everyone – it’s the ultimate destination for Global Pinoys!

and internationally (World Championship of Performing Arts); and is one of 10 CBC Manitoba Future 40 awardees, recognizing individuals who make a positive impact in the community, and make this province better for future generations.

In 2023, Ong established YapOng Family Fund through the Winnipeg Foundation to solidify the family’s commitment to sustainable charitable giving. He also made it to Ace Burpee’s Top 100 Most Fascinating Manitobans of 2023, and his April 2023 Concert for a Cause is among one of 12 top headline stories in the Winnipeg Free Press for 2023.

This 2024, Ong has been requested to be a board of director for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and is also a member of Manitoba Opera’s Community Engagement committee. He also made his debut performance for the NHL singing the national anthem for the Winnipeg Jets in February 2024.

How to vote for Paul Ong to the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards of 2024

Cast your vote for Paul Ong at www.canadianimmigrant.ca/ top25.

• go to the link

• scroll down and look for Paul Ong – this is in alphabetical order based on the surname, so scroll down and look for “Paul Ong”

• click on “vote”

• scroll down and put in your email

• click “vote now”

The voting stage ends on June 7th, 2024, and the Top 25 winners will then be announced online in August 2024.

APRIL 16 - 30, 2024 PILIPINO EXPRESS PAGE 11

St. Patrick Church’s 70th Fiesta, March 17

Ray Forbes Argulla’s retirement party, March 16

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OUR COMMUNITY
Ray with his wife, Evelyn and daughters, Kris & Reazavel Photo by Jeprox Photography Photo by Jeprox Photography Photo by Jeprox Photography

President Marcos says he is baffled by Duterte’s secret agreement’ with China

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he is baffled by the “secret agreement” reached by his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, with China with the Chinese Embassy in Manila confirming that an agreement was reached during the Duterte administration over the Ayungin Shoal.

During a media interview Friday (April 12) in Washington D.C., President Marcos said he has three questions regarding the gentleman’s agreement, or secret agreement: Is there such an agreement? What is contained in the secret agreement, and why is it secret?

“So, now, with the confirmation of the Chinese Embassy. We now know that there was a secret agreement. Now, this is, the second question that I have, is what is contained in the second agreement?” he told reporters.

“Ano ba ang pinangako ng Duterte administration sa China? Dahil hindi pa natin alam eh kung – ngayon lang pa lang natin talaga – ngayon lang tayo nakakatiyak na mayroon talagang, mayroon pala talagang agreement. Tawag nila is

gentleman’s agreement, tawag ko diyan, secret agreement,” he further stated.

President Marcos expressed wonder why the former president, being a very experienced lawyer, decided not to document, record, or announce the agreement.

Nevertheless, President Marcos said he is ready to sit down with the former president to discuss foreign policy and the agreements entered by the government in connection with the South China Sea.

It was reported that the Duterte claimed to have in his possession documents relating to China and is said to be reviewing all the agreements entered by his administration.

“Send them to me and then we’ll sit down. Send those documents to me. And then I’ll sit down and discuss it. I’ll do my homework for him. Just the way I work. I read all the materials first so when I’m in the conference, I can ask intelligent questions,” President Marcos said when asked in a media interview if he is willing to discuss the issue with Duterte.

“So, send me the materials, personally to me. ‘Wag na sa

Marcos back in PH after successful trilateral summit in US

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has returned home, April 14, following his two-day working visit to the United States (US) for a trilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Kishida Fumio where he secured support for Philippine development from the two leaders.

In his arrival remarks, Marcos said Biden and Kishida declared their support for the infrastructure development and connectivity in the Philippines through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI).

He added that the two leaders also supported the Philippines’ implementation of the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), workforce development for the semiconductor industry, capacity-building in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and the country’s membership in the Minerals Security Partnership Forum.

“We also exchanged views on a number of regional security issues of mutual concern. I took the opportunity to update President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida on the latest

DOJ, sa DFA, sa akin. Padala n’ya sa akin. Marami kaming common na kaibigan. Send them to me. Pag-aralan ko. Mag-usap kami kung gusto n’ya,” the Chief Executive said.

The President also said he disagrees with the idea of entering into a secret agreement with China that could compromise the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Any agreement with another sovereign state should be known by the people, by the elected officials, and by the Senate, which ratifies treaties entered by the government, he said.

“It should be known by the local officials. It should be known by everyone. Because in that way you can…you are accountable. If it’s a bad decision, you’re accountable. Sabihin n’yo, mali ‘yung ginawa ninyo. Di ba? Ano ‘yung tinatago mo, bakit di n’yo sinabi, what are you hiding? Why was it secret?” he asked.

President Marcos also brushed off Duterte’s criticism on naval patrols in the West Philippine Sea, saying it has “no place in this very important and very precarious discussion.”

developments in the South China Sea, including the recent incident at Ayungin Shoal,” Marcos said. Marcos added they have also reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

“We explored ways of enhancing our cooperation in a number of areas of mutual concern, including in enhancing economic resilience and security, promoting inclusive growth and development, addressing climate change, and maritime cooperation,” Marcos said.

On the sidelines of the firstever trilateral summit, Marcos also had a bilateral meeting with Biden where they reaffirmed their commitment to the long-standing Philippines-US alliance.

He also met with US business leaders and encouraged them to invest in the Philippines.

The diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the US span 77 years since its formal establishment on July 4, 1946, while the Philippines and Japan have celebrated 67 years of normalized relations since July 23, 1956, and 12 years of strengthened Strategic Partnership since 2011. PNA

“I don’t pay any attention to that,” he said. PND

APRIL 16 - 30, 2024 PILIPINO EXPRESS PAGE 13 PHILIPPINES
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and US President Joe Biden at the White House

Pastor Apollo Quiboloy: Man on the run

“Hindi ako magpapahuli nang buhay (I will not be caught alive).”

The beleaguered ‘Son of Man’ Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) vowed as authorities tried to arrest him on charges of child and sexual abuse in Davao City.

The fugitive doomsday preacher broke his silence, April 6, and accused President Marcos of conspiring with the United States in an alleged assassination plot against him. He has been wanted in the U.S. for human rights abuses, “including a pattern of systemic and pervasive rape of girls as young as 11 years old”.

The charismatic leader of a world-wide cult broke down at the end of a nearly 33-minute audio recording posted by his media arm, according to a report by Rappler.

“Tandaan po ninyo: Ako’y mamamatay with honor. Tatayo ako para sa mga ginipit, kinunan ng katarungan, kinunan ng hustisya sa bansang ito. Dito tutulo ang aking dugo. Dito ako mamamatay. Bahala na, basta Pilipino ang papatay sa akin. OK sa akin iyon,” Quiboloy said, his voice cracking.

Law enforcers last April 3, served the arrest warrants issued by a Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Davao City against Quiboloy and his associates.

Man on the run. (with apologies to Gerry Apuada, Silangan, 1980 files)

Quiboloy to give up and face the charges. Former President Rodrigo Duterte has been mum on Quiboloy. He is reportedly the caretaker of the Quiboloy properties.

Dela Rosa also said that former president Rodrigo Duterte would not do such a thing as coddle Quiboloy. Duterte considers Quiboloy his spiritual adviser.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said they could not locate the pastor at three distinct sites: His resort on Samal Island, the school he oversees in Buhangin, and his lavish prayer mountain in Barangay Tamayong.

But the NBI nabbed Quiboloy’s church associate Cresente Canada, chairman of Barangay Tamayong. Two other accused, Pauline Canada and Sylvia Cemañes, surrendered to authorities.

Two others linked to Quiboloy, namely Ingrid Canada and Jackielyn Roy, surrendered a day after authorities nabbed one of the pastor’s associates.

Abandoned

Quiboloy has been abandoned by his friends, including Senator Bato dela Rosa who urged

Quiboloy is reported to own two mansions in Canada – one in Ontario and another in Surrey, B.C. His charity, Children’s Joy has been in operation in Canada for several years until its registration was cancelled by the government for non-compliance.

The preacher alleged that US authorities intended to kidnap or kill him rather than extradite him for trial in an American court without specifying why the US would want him dead.

Quiboloy also claimed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had agreed to hand him over to the Americans, suggesting that recent actions by the Senate and the House of Representatives against him and his group were part of the alleged US strategy. He did not say how exactly he

learned of this, but he stated that the purported US plot was confirmed by his lawyers.

Wanted in the US, Quiboloy has been placed on the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) list of most wanted after he and several of his associates were indicted by a federal grand jury in a California district court in 2021 for a series of cases including sex trafficking, fraud and coercion, misuse of visas, bulk cash smuggling, and money laundering.

He also said he would only appear in court on condition that Marcos, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and heads of various law enforcement agencies would guarantee in writing that the US would not be involved in any manner and that he would not get killed.

Another condition for his surrender, according to Quiboloy, is if the Senate committee chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros would cease its ongoing investigation into the alleged abuses committed against former KOJC workers

PAGE 14 PILIPINO EXPRESS APRIL 16 - 30, 2024 EH KASI, PINOY!
NO. 439 Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot SAGOT SA NO. 438 PAHALANG 1. Sinasambit 5. Sobrang tatag 12. Iluto sa mantika 13. Bahay ampunan 14. Itlog ng kuto 16. Estero 17. Pasusupil 18. Panghalip 19. Tipo ng dugo 21. Ibiyahe 25. Linlang 27. Uri ng sitaw 29. Pag-ibig sa Hawaii 31. Itaob 32. Pinatotohanan PABABA 1. Dumi sa katawan 2. Sakali 3. Marka 4. Lanta 6. Alipato 7. Pipi 8. Kilos 9. Sentido 10. Benta 11. Ingat 15. Liwasan 18. Kurap 20. Tanglaw sa gabi 21. Lumilipad 22. Bigkas 23. Alinlangan 24. Lamanloob 26. Muli 28. Barkilyos 30. Saka 31. Hulapi
KROSWORD
Courtesy Teodoro “Ted” Alcuitas, Editor, Philippine Canadian News.com.
APRIL 16 - 30, 2024 PILIPINO EXPRESS PAGE 15
PAGE 16 PILIPINO EXPRESS APRIL 16 - 30, 2024

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