PNEWS 10.26-11.1,2023

1 October 26-November 1, 2023

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

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Vol.63 No.11 October 26-November 1, 2023

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EDITORIAL

Biden renews defense commitment; Manila says not looking for war

We stand for peace between Israel and Palestine

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor in Chief

MANILA/WASHINGTON – United States President Joe Biden has renewed US commitment to defend the Philippines in case it is attacked as the Philippines warned that the collisions between Philippine and China vessels near Ayungin Shoal on October 22 are a “serious escalation” in China’s “illegal” actions Page 9 in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

UPSIDE by Cherie M. Querol Moreno

W

FIL-AM HISTORY MONTH. San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa and his Chief of Staff, Tony Bayudan, along with Perla Ibarrientos, Dorie Paniza, and Liza Rebortura from Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center honoring Filipino American History Month for the month of October in San Mateo County.

AG at ALLICE 20th: ‘I got your back”

Big increase in Orange County hate COLMA, Calif. - Caring Filipi- piritu and reiterate their commit- activities reported in the last 6 years no Americans and allies got togeth- ment to take part in stopping family er this week to honor Claire Joyce and intimate partner violence.

Tempongko, thank Giovannie EsPage 10

By Jun Nucum LOS ANGELES - In the latest In a recent release by Ground2022 report, a Southern California swell, the new name of Orange county has seen a big jump in hate County Human Relations Council, activity in the last six years -- hate there have been 450 reported hate crimes surged by 146% while hate crimes and incidents in Orange incidents were up by 206%.

County in 2022, with 162 Page 7

Overwhelming majority of congressmen turn their back on Duterte family

A�orney General Rob Bonta (center) presents cer�ficate of recogni�on to ALLICE and top community partners at the all-volunteer organiza�on’s 20th anniversary gala, from le�: ALLICE 2023 co-presidents Junior Flores and SSF Mayor Flor Nicolas, founder-execu�ve director Cherie Querol Moreno, AG Rob Bonta, PIA founder-execu�ve director Mona Lisa Yuchengco, Philippine News Today president & publisher Francis Espiritu and San Mateo County BHRS director Dr. Jei. Africa. Photo by Voltaire Yap

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor MANILA – Former president In fact, only one member of the Rodrigo Duterte, and to a lesser House expressed his support for the extent his daughter Vice President former president, who was charged Sara Duterte, are finding out that this week with grave threats. That their former allies in the House of lone voice supporting the former Representatives who used to give in president was his son, Rep. Paolo to their every whim no longer have Duterte of Davao City. Page 6 their backs.

hen Israel declared war on Hamas earlier this month, most considered it a justifiable act considering that the terrorist group had crossed into their territory and killed hundreds of innocent civilians, including infants and senior citizens.

Hamas did not go after military targets. Their victims were mostly citizens of Israel, with a good number of foreigners who were either vacationing in the Jewish state or were there on official business. Page 10

Governor spews hate on young Asian reporter

By Gilda P. Balan, Correspondent OMAHA, Nebraska - While it is a given that hate crimes, especially against Asians, occur when “ordinary” US citizens take it upon themselves to spew hateful words and acts usually in the streets of the cities with large Asian and AsianAmerican communities, its comes as a shock when a senior government official is the one who commits the vile act.

This was the case in Nebraska, whose Governor Jim Pillen all but accused investigative re- Page 5

US lawmakers air support to PHL PHL Fleet hold anti-sub, surface warfare drills VIEWS & COMMENTS

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Asiad medalists honored, get P41-M incentives

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 NATIONAL NEWS

October 26-November 1, 2023

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Ombudsman files graft raps vs. ex-DOH chief Garin, 4 others over Dengvaxia

By Jennifer T. Santos QUEZON CITY –The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft and malversation charges against former Department of Health Secretary now Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin and four other DOH officials over the supposed unauthorized purchase of anti-Dengue vaccines known as Dengvaxia.

More than 800,000 school children were vaccinated in 2016 when Sanofi announced that Dengvaxia may cause adverse effects in those who have not had previous dengue infection. Scores of children vaccinated died.

In the charge sheet dated October 24, government prosecutors alleged that Garin, former DOH Undersecretary Kenneth Go, former DOH undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo former DOH Officer-in-Charge Director Maria Joyce Ducusin and former Executive Director Julius Lecciones of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center “willfully, unlawfully and feloniously” caused the release of P3.57 billion of public funds to increase the budget for the Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) but used the said funds for Dengvaxia purchase which is not part of the EPI. The Ombudsman noted that the procurement of Dengvaxia from pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur in 2016 was not part of the health department’s expanded program for immunization (EPI).

The Ombudsman also alleged that Dengvaxia vaccines are not listed in Volume 1 of the Philippine National Drug Formulary, and have not secured an exemption from being listed in Philippine National Drug Formulary in violation of Executive Order No. 49, series of 1993, and related administrative orders and issuances. “[These circumstances are] to the damage

Former health secretary and now Iloilo Rep. Jane�e Garin

of public service [and are] contrary to law,” the criminal information states.

The Ombudsman recommended an P18,000 bail for each accused in the case.

Garin immediately expressed confidence that the graft and technical malversation charges filed against her would be dismissed.

Garin said her conscience is clear, as she welcomed the case as an “opportunity to finally put an end to the longstanding issue”.

“As we maintain our clear conscience and readiness to face the issues that confront us, we are confident that our sound exercise of discretion, which is backed by hard science, will disprove the allegations in the complaint,” she said.

She noted that advocating vaccine development entails a lot of risks for doctors and vaccinologists, arguing that it is part of the challenges “that come with our calling to save lives.”

“We firmly believe in the principles of justice and due process, which our legal system upholds. With this, we fully trust that our innocence will be duly proven, and the truth will come out in due time,” she said.

Comelec wants intensified fight vs. loose firearms for barangay polls MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) called for stricter measures against loose firearms as more election-related violence were reported ahead of the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia made the appeal following separate shooting incidents in Cotabato City and Masbate province that left five dead and five injured.

“Baka pu-pwedeng mas ma-strengthen, ma-intensify natin iyong operasyon laban sa loose firearms. Lalung-lalo na dapat immediate na maaresto kung sino man iyong mga responsible sa krimen na ito (We could

perhaps strengthen or intensify our operation against loose firearms more. Most importantly, the immediate arrest of those responsible for these crimes),” he said.

In Cotabato City, two candidates for village council and a supporter were killed while installing campaign posters in Barangay Rosary Heights 12 on Monday night.

In Masbate, a civilian was killed while a candidate for barangay chair and another resident were hurt in Barangay Tan-awan in Placer town.

A candidate for barangay councilor, meanwhile, died and an incumbent barangay chairperson was wounded in Barangay Maingaran, Masbate City.

Phl Coast Guard to buy 2 more planes, 40 fast boats for West Philippine Sea patrol ops MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) called for stricter measures against loose firearms as more election-related violence were reported ahead of the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia made the appeal following separate shooting incidents in Cotabato City and Masbate province that left five dead and five injured.

“Baka pu-pwedeng mas ma-strengthen, ma-intensify natin iyong operasyon laban sa loose firearms. Lalung-lalo na dapat im-

mediate na maaresto kung sino man iyong mga responsible sa krimen na ito (We could perhaps strengthen or intensify our operation against loose firearms more. Most importantly, the immediate arrest of those responsible for these crimes),” he said.

In Cotabato City, two candidates for village council and a supporter were killed while installing campaign posters in Barangay Rosary Heights 12 on Monday night.

In Masbate, a civilian was killed while a candidate for barangay chair and another resident were hurt in Barangay Tan-awan in Placer town.

3 October 26-November 1, 2023

 NATIONAL NEWS

Party-list solon sues Digong for ‘grave threats’

QUEZON CITY – A complaint for grave threats was filed before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office on Tuesday by a member of the progressive bloc in the House of Representatives against former President Rodrigo R. Duterte for statements allegedly made by the latter in his television program.

Act Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro claims the former Chief Executive maligned and red-tagged her on the program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” aired by Sonshine Media Network Inc. (SMNI) on Oct 11.

Castro said she was shaken by Duterte’s statements, which she said was a reaction to Congress’ inquiry on the confidential funds of his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Respondent Duterte’s grave threats, and the fact of their continued spread even until today, present dangers to my life, liberty, and security and with that knowledge. I now live in constant fear that I will be a victim of such extrajudicial killing, forced disappearance, illegal arrest or detention that he repeatedly admitted having perpetrated in the past,” Castro said in her complaint.

She added that the video “has already garnered thousands of views and hundreds of reactions, which further aggravate or amplify a sense of helplessness and despair stemming from fear for my life, liberty and security as a proximate result of the grave threats upon my person and honor made by Respondent Duterte.”

Naval, air assets join PHL Fleet anti-sub, surface warfare exercises

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NAVAL EXERCISES. The BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), one of the two guided missile frigates, is joining this year’s Exercise Pagbubuklod in the waters off Zambales MANILA – The Philippine Fleet’s naval and air assets are joining the anti-submarine and surface warfare exercises to enhance its units’ proficiency and interoperability.

Lt. Giovanni Badidles, the fleet’s spokesperson, said the naval exercises, taking place mostly in Zambales waters, are part of the seagoing phase of Exercise Pagbubuklod 122023 on Oct. 25-26.

Participating naval and air assets include missile frigates, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), BRP Valentin Diaz (PS-177), BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902), BRP Gener Tinangag (PG903), multi-purpose attack craft BA-492, BA-493, BA-494, along with AugustaWestland AW-109 naval helicopter and Islander patrol aircraft NV-351 and NV-353.

The units will also conduct tactical fleet operations in line with C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) interdiction; surface, air, subsurface maneuver and integrated fleet support system.

PF commander Rear Admiral Renato David said part of their mandate is to continuously train fleet forces to assure that they are providing the naval forces and unified command “highly competent sailors and aviators for mission success.”

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 METRO NEWS

October 26-November 1, 2023

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Villar warns: NCR will sink if Manila Bay reclamation projects continue MANILA – There is a danger that reclamation projects in Manila Bay may cause Metro Manila to slowly sink, like what is happening to Jakarta in Indonesia.

Senator Cynthia Villar issued the warning during Tuesday’s public hearing of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change which she chairs.

“Alam mo, ang worry ko sa Manila Bay, baka lumubog ang Metro Manila kapag hindi niyo tinigilan ‘yang reclamation na ‘yan.

Alam mo, parang hindi sila naniniwala that there is a possibility na lulubog ang Metro

Manila but Jakarta is sinking. Lilipat na ‘yung capital ng Indonesia (You know, my worry for the Manila Bay is that Metro Manila may sink if you will not stop reclamation. It seems like they don’t believe that there is a possibility that Metro Manila may sink but Jakarta is sinking. The capital of Indonesia will be transferred) to somewhere else because Jakarta is sinking,” Villar said, also citing an island in Indonesia that she visited but is now gone.

In 2019, President Joko Widodo announced that a new city in Borneo, which may be called Nusantara (archipelago), will

replace Jakarta as Indonesia’s capital.

Jakarta, home to about 10 million, is sinking at an alarming rate due to the over-extraction of groundwater, according to reports.

With the rising sea level and reclamation projects in Manila Bay, what happened to Jakarta is a possibility in the National Capital Region (NCR), Villar said.

“So, I hope we will not commit the same mistake and we should study more what we are doing,” Villar said.

The Senate panel is reviewing the reclamation permitting process of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(DENR), as well as its issuance of environmental compliance certificates to reclamation proponents.

In August, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay to review their compliance with environmental regulations.

“We are here at that point where the President has issued the suspension of reclamation projects in Manila Bay to look into, number one, the environmental impacts, (and) also the social impacts of these activities,” DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga said in a press conference following Marcos’ order.

35 supervisors of Makati online lending firm charged over ‘loan scam’ MANILA – The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said it has filed charges against 35 individuals from an online lending company in Makati City that was raided by the police for harassing clients who are unable to pay their debts on time.

PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said charges for violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 were filed against the individuals who were identified as supervisors of the firm.

“The 35 supervisors were charged after they were identified out of 252 individuals that we arrested. There are also three foreigners involved. This is for violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act where they use online devices to scam people,” Cruz said.

Also arrested in the Oct. 20 raid of Golden Koi Lending Co. Inc. in Barangay San Lorenzo were three foreigners, allegedly the brains behind the scheme.

“We are coordinating with the BI (Bureau of Immigration) to check on their documents.

These foreigners are running the loan scam and then the others serve as their foot soldiers -- Filipinos who are harassing and threatening their compatriots,” he added.

The PAOCC official also said he was unaware of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group’s (ACG) move to tap vlogger Rendon Labador to join the operation.

Labador drew flak for livestreaming the raid, which allegedly showed the faces of those arrested, a breach of data privacy laws.

“There were no talks about that before the actual operation. We are very careful in letting the media join the operations because we also protect the rights of those arrested, not only of the complainants. This is why before we allow the media to cover these operations, we ask them to blur their videos so that the rights of the accused are protected,” he explained.

5 October 26-November 1, 2023

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

More barangay polls bets slain; Negros Oriental imposes province-wide curfew DUMAGUETE CITY – As more candidates in the barangay and sangguniang barangay elections are killed in many parts of the country, the newly created Special Task Force Negros Oriental has passed a resolution imposing a province-wide curfew two days before the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections to avert violence and prevent vote buying.

The latest fatality is Kamar Bilao Bansil, 50, who died on the spot from multiple bullet wounds while his wife and his son, who is a minor, were seriously injured during an ambush in Kapatagan town, Lanao del Sur. Also killed were Nur Moqtadin Butucan, candidate for village council of Rosary Heights12, Alfar Ayunan Pasawilan, candidate for village council member of Barangay Kalanganan 2 and a supporter, Faizal Abas, also from Kalanganan 2, Cotabato City on Monday night.

Police have filed multiple murder and

double frustrated murder charges before the city prosecutor’s office Wednesday against a candidate for village chair, a police officer, and 10 others for the killing here of three men, including two candidates for village council members.

Capt. Jemu Ramolete, chief of Cotabato City Police Station 1, said two of those charged are Juhalidin Ladesla Abdul, a candidate for village chairperson, and Master Sgt. Pauti Dianal Mamalapat of the Maguindanao del Sur police office, both of Barangay Rosary Height 12.

Lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regional election director for Central Visayas, said the curfew would take effect from 10 p.m. on Saturday to 4 a.m. on Sunday, and again from 10 p.m. on Sunday to 4 a.m. on Monday, election day.

Castillano said they decided not to impose a curfew earlier than Oct. 28 to give

candidates more time to campaign.

“The curfew is to prevent vote buying, threat, and intimidation of force against votes and candidates, but we are not imposing it earlier as we do not want to impede the candidates’ rights to campaign,” he said.

The curfew will affect all ages but with certain exemptions, Castillano said.

Exempted from the curfew are those who work at call centers, law enforcers, and other authorities and individuals whose services are required at any given time, he said.

These individuals will have to present proof that they are working during the curfew hours, as security forces will be on hand for verification, he added.

Curfew violators will be detained and released at 5 a.m. the following day.

Castillano, who heads the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) in Central Visayas, attended the provincial JSCC meeting at the Negros Oriental Police Provincial

Office on Wednesday to discuss the operational plan and guidelines on the Comeleccontrolled status of the province.

The RJSCC converted itself into the Special Task Force Negros Oriental and placed its provincial counterpart, headed by lawyer Eliseo Labaria, the acting provincial election officer, in charge of operations.

Officials of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection, as well as election officers, have raised their concerns, mostly on security, for the coming BSKE. Castillano said there were minor adjustments made as the security contingency plan was already approved earlier.

Negros Oriental was placed under Comelec control in August to ensure the conduct of safe, peaceful, and orderly elections and prevent violence after the March 4 assassination of Governor Roel Degamo

Alert Level 1 raised over Bulusan Volcano SORSOGON CITY — Bulusan volcano in Sorsogon has entered “a period of low-level unrest” prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to raise alert level 1 and banning entry within the four-kilometer danger zone.

The activity started with several volcanic earthquakes on Oct. 14, 2023. A total of 121 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded since then, Phivolcs said.

Deformation data gathered from electronic tilt and GPS monitoring “indicate inflation or swelling of the southern flank since February 2023 and of the northeastern flank since September 2023,” Phivolcs added in an advisory.

Aside from these, state seismologists recorded a notable increase of volcanic carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations from June to August 2023, based on the advisory.

“These parameters indicate that hydrothermal activity driven by deep-seated magma degassing may be occurring beneath the volcano and may lead to steam-driven eruptions at any of its summit vents,” said Phivolcs.

Phivolcs told local government units that entry to the 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone is already prohibited, while the public should also be cautious in the 2-kilometer extended danger zone.

Under the status, Phivolcs said there is increased possibility of “sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions from the summit crater and/or lateral vents.”

“People living within the valleys and along rivers/stream channels especially on the southeast, southwest, and northwest sectors of the edifice should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lah

Election gun ban ops in Cebu yield 162 firearms, 3 explosives CEBU CITY – A total of 162 loose firearms and three explosives were seized in Central Visayas as authorities gear up for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on Oct. 30, the top regional police official said Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, director of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7, said the firearms and explosives were seized during the four-day regionwide simultaneous anti-criminality law enforcement operations from Oct. 21 to 24.

Aberin said confiscation of the firearms from 27 arrested individuals is a testament of the police’s aggressive implementation of the election gun ban.

“The election gun ban campaign has been in full swing since Aug. 28. I have issued a stern warning to those who are planning to disrupt the upcoming elections,” he told re-

porters.

Aberin said most of the firearms were seized during Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoints, serving of search warrants, buy-bust operations, Oplan Katok and police patrols.

Since Aug. 28, different police units and stations in the region conducted 14,919 Comelec checkpoints and held 683 firearms that were deposited and surrendered.

Meanwhile, the police seized illegal drugs worth P2.7 million and arrested 28 drug personalities during their antidrug operations, alongside the aggressive anti-criminality drive in relation to the upcoming elections.

“There will be no letup in our operations against all forms of criminality in order to ensure a safe and secured electoral exercise come Oct. 30 BSKE,” Aberin added.

Governor.. (From page 1)

“Had Governor Pillen spoken to the facts Yanqi found, I wouldn’t be writing this now,” he said, adding, “Elected officials deserve the chance to respond to findings. We offered every opportunity for him to do so before we ran the story. He declined them all…”

The FFP executive added: “I hope that he takes the time to reflect on his response and understand why it may make many thousands of Nebraskans feel less welcome here.”

“As an employer, that infuriates me. As a believer in democracy and a free press, it saddens me. As a Nebraskan, it embarrasses me,” he concluded.

The Asian American Journalists Association stood behind Xu’s report.

State Senator Megan Hunt also took to social media in support of Xu, calling the governor’s remarks racist and demanding an apology. “Governor Pillen needs to apologize and do something to address the racism that is in his heart,” Hunt posted on social media.

For her part, Xu said she found it disheartening that Pillen failed to respond to her report. Instead, the governor only addressed one thing – where she is originally from.

Xu has been living in the US since 2017 and earned her Master’s degree in American journalism at the University of

porter Yangqi Xu of being a “communist.” All because the reporter from China had written a report that was critical of Pillen’s hog farming operations.

Xu’s report originally came out in the Flatwater Free Press (FFP), but was republished by several other news outlets. The report raised environmental concerns about the governor’s hog farms having an effect on drinking water.

Xu’s investigative report found data showing 16 of Pillen’s hog farms had high nitrate levels.

When asked by local media to react to the report, the governor instead referred to Xu being a communist from China.

He said he did not read the reporter’s work.

Said Pillen: “Number one, I didn’t read it. And I won’t.

Number two, all you got to do is look at the author. The author is from Communist China. What more do you need to know?”

Pillen was clearly unaware that there is no county named Communist China. What there is, is known as the People’s Republic of China.

FFP executive director Matt Wynn issued a statement expressing outrage at the governor’s racist statement, the kind that foments hate and hate crimes.

Tarlac Bishop Enrique Macaraeg

Tarlac bishop Macaraeg dies of cardiac arrest MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Bishop Enrique Macaraeg of the Diocese of Tarlac passed away on Monday night. He was 67.

According to a report from Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website, the prelate died in his hometown in Malasiqui, Pangasinan “from an apparent cardiac arrest”.

The bishop was reportedly playing at a basketball tournament when he collapsed on the court.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas relayed the news of the bishop’s death to the Conference.

The Diocese of Tarlac, meanwhile, expressed grief and asked for prayers over the death of Macaraeg.

“With grief and sadness in our hearts, we ask you to continue to pray for his eternal repose,” it said in a statement issued by Rev. Fr. O’neal Sanchez, vicar general.

Missouri – Columbia. Her work on examining nitrate level and its possible link to childhood cancer had previously won her a national award.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https://www.cavshate.org/.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

October 26-November 1, 2023

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US legislators ‘unequivocally support’ PHL after collision near Ayungin MANILA – Four American lawmakers have expressed support to the Philippine government following a collision incident near Ayungin Shoal after a Chinese Coast Guard vessel conducted dangerous blocking maneuvers against passing Filipino resupply boats.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, along with Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific Chairwoman Young Kim and Ranking Member Ami Bera, issued the statement and called out China over what they called “maritime intimidation” in the South China Sea. “We unequivocally support the Philippines and condemn the unlawful actions by the Chi-

nese Coast Guard in the South China Sea,” they stated.

“The Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels intentionally hit Philippine Coast Guard ships over the weekend and continue to violate international law, endanger Filipino crew members, and obstruct Philippine vessels’ access in their own exclusive economic zone,” it added.

The four legislators believe that the incident is part of a “larger pattern” of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, the Maritime Militia, and the Chinese Coast Guard’s “aggressive and provocative behavior in the South China Sea, where it actively intrudes in other states

exclusive economic zones”.

“We condemn Beijing’s maritime intimidation and welcome the Biden administration’s announcement to increase joint patrols with the Philippines and other partners in the South China Sea,” the lawmakers said.

They also lauded the Biden administration for reaffirming its commitment to upholding its obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty in case of an armed attack against the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea. Last month, the Indo Pacific-Subcommittee discussed the situation in the contested sealane and held a hearing titled “Lasers and Water Cannons: Exposing the CCP’s Harassment in the South China Sea”.

The Oct. 22 incident drew international attention and support, including from Japan, South Korea, Canada, European Union, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Denmark.

On Oct. 23, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tokyo is concerned over the “recent surge in tensions in the South China Sea,” including the dangerous action that caused a collision between Chinese and Filipino ships.

“Japan believes that the issue concerning the South China Sea is directly related to the peace and stability of the region and is a legitimate concern of the international community including Japan, and thus Japan opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force as well as any actions that increase tensions in the South China Sea,” it said.

The Japanese government said it would continue to cooperate with the international community, including the US and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to “protect free, open, and peaceful seas”

should use her proposed secret funds Overwhelming...(From page 1) Duterte should be used to expose the ACT Teachers

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Knowing that most of her fellow lawmakers at the House of Representatives were behind her – both in the minority and the majority --ACT Teachers Party-list Rep France Castro filed a grave threat complaint against former president Rodrigo before a Quezon City court this week.

Rep Duterte said Castro was “onionskinned” for suing his father. He also said she should “come clean” and her lawsuit against the former president was nothing more than “a tool to silence critics.”

In a statement to media issued Wednesday, Oct 25 (Manila time), a day after Castro filed her lawsuit, the Davao lawmaker said: “We all have the right to file a complaint against anyone in court. But public servants should not be onion-skinned and should not make use of this right as a tool to silence critics.”

He added that his father faced “much harsher and humiliating criticisms in the past” but he never sued his critics.

Castro had sued the elder Duterte after the latter said in an interview over the Sonshine Media Network International that VP Sara

party-list and the rest of the Makabayan bloc as communist organizations.

Speaking in the vernacular, the former president said, “you communists are the ones I want to kill.”

Castro said it was necessary to sue the former president in order to “protect” herself, her family, and colleagues.

Castro also said that “death threats and red-tagging aired on television must be stopped because they endanger the lives of people. It is far different from criticisms and should not be tolerated because it fosters a state of impunity. We have to draw the line.”

After the contents of the show became known, all the political parties banded together to issue a statement expressing their suppoonort for Castro.

The former president must now face the lawsuit sans the protection of the presidency as he is now only a private citizen.

And there’s worse news for the elder Duterte.

The Justice department said on Wednesday that it would study the House resolution calling for government cooperation with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) probe on Duterte’s drug war.

Justice Secretary Boying Remulla said his department will examine the records of the House regarding the resolution calling on the Marcos administration to cooperate with the ICC. Remulla said he would ask Congress to transmit to his office all records related to the ICC request.

Mere months ago, the very thought of the government cooperating with the ICC seemed impossible as the Bongbong Marcos/Sara Duterte tandem seemed solid.

But the senior Duterte’s threat to kill a member of the House changed everything.

As the respected writer Raissa Robles said over social media, “Grave threats are vastly different from insults, especially coming from a former president with a reputation for endorsing EJKs (extra-judicial killings).”

As of press time, former president Duterte has not issued any reaction to the lawsuit filed by Castro.

7 October 26-November 1, 2023 Big...

(From page 1)

reported hate crimes and 288 reported hate incidents.

The report also showed a 178% increase of reported bias-motivated hate activity in schools compared to 2021.

Some 51% hate crimes and incidents reported were motivated by race/ethnicity/national origin bias while 95% hate crimes and incidents reported with known data (all categorical data was present).

Notable also is that 27% hate crimes and incidents reported took place at schools (K12th, College/University) with an increase of 178% in bias-motivated hate activity in schools compared to 2021.

Also, there was a 126% increase in AntiLGBTQ hate activity reported compared to 2021.

2022 noteworthy trends include the Black community was the most targeted for racerelated hate crimes (52%) & hate incidents (43%), while the Jewish community was the most targeted for religious-related hate activity (20%).

In its analysis, the Groundswell 2022 report stated that hate crimes were primarily motivated by the victim’s race/ethnicity/national origin (53%), religion (32%), and/or sexual orientation (15%).

Of the more than half of the hate crimes where the race/ethnicity of the victim was known and reported, 52% identified as Black, Indigenous, or as a person of color (BIPOC), more specifically, hate crimes were primarily motivated by anti-Black (52%), antisemitism (43%), anti-Christian (34%), and antiLatino(a) (19%) bias.

The top reported offenses include graffiti/vandalism (41%), physical assault/battery (28%), and threats of violence (17%).

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS As to offenders, men make up 85% of the offenders of hate crimes when gender was known, while women make up 15% of the offenders (73 men vs 13 women).

There were 64 reports where the age of the offender was known and adults ages 26 to 40 made up 47% of offenders while in 97 reports, the race of the offender was known: 46% of offenders were identified as White/Caucasian, and 36% were identified as Latino/a.

Total number of reports: 2021 hate crimes 97 motivated by race bias 41 motivated by religious bias 15 motivated by sexual orientation bias 17 with an anti-Black bias 16 with an anti-Latino/a bias 7

2022 162

% change +67%

73

+78%

44

+193%

21

+24%

38

+138%

14

+100%

For over 25 years, Groundswell has been collecting, tracking, reporting, and responding to hate crimes in Orange County providing support for victims of hate crimes and trainings for community, educators, students, and law enforcement to increase the accuracy of reporting and decrease the number of haterelated crimes and incidents.

Since 1995, the Orange County Human Relations Commission has collected hate crime and incident data from law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, community organizations, and hate crime and incident victims.

The data is then analyzed and compiled into an annual report, which is broadly disseminated to policy-makers, law enforcement agencies, community groups and educators

throughout Orange County.

The information presented in these reports allows all parties to better understand hate crime and incident trends; measure the outcome of their work; and, direct prevention campaigns in their communities or schools.

The reports also serve to advise policy decisions and inform the development of services for victims of hate.

The Commission appreciates the cooperation of the organizations and police departments that provide the data.

These reports aim to represent the faces and efforts of people on the frontlines of hate crime prevention work in Orange County. The numbers contained within them reflect not only the quantity of hate crimes and incidents, but also the willingness of the general population to name and report a hate-motivated occurrence as such.

Ongoing efforts to overcome the fear and stigma associated with hate crimes and to address the issue of the many unreported hate crimes and incidents continue to expand.

The purpose of creating a bias-motivated hate activity report is to document and analyze incidences of hate to understand the scope and nature of these offenses, identify trends, and develop strategies to prevent and address them. Bias-motivated hate activity reports serve several important purposes: · Awareness and Public Safety · Legal and Law Enforcement Response

· Resource Allocation · Policy Development and Advocacy · Education and Research · Support for Victims and Communities Groundwell has for its mission to bring diverse people together to build a more equitable future and a envision a world where belonging is co-created and realized by all.

It also believes that everyone can lead as it challenge traditional views of leadership by supporting and encouraging all people, especially those at the margins, to lead positive change.

9 October 26-November 1, 2023

Manny Pacquiao eyes Senate comeback, rematch with Floyd MANILA — Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao maybe plotting a Senate comeback through the 2025 midterm election following surveys indicating he has big chance to win.

Pacquiao, however, has not made official his political plans in the next national elections.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, has started training for possible rematch with American Floyd Mayweather Jr. This as Pacquiao said he was waiting for the International Olympic Committee’s green light for him to compete in the Paris 2024 Games.

“Nagti-training ako everyday... Aban-

gan niyo na lang yung mga susunod na mga updates sa Pacquiao-Mayweather,” Pacquiao was quoted by ABS-CBN as saying.

“Baka this week or next week, abangan niyo lang po,” the 44-year-old added.

“Bale sumulat na yung Olympic Committee natin dito sa Pilipinas kung pwede mag-participate tayo sa Olympics sa Paris,” Pacquiao said at the sidelines of the South Division quarterfinals match between the GenSan Warriors and the Muntinlupa Cagers as reported by ABS-CBN. “Naghintay lang tayo ng go signal ng Olympics Committee na ok na tayo, pero nag-training tayo for next year,” he said.

Pacquiao thanked fans of the 6-year-old

Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

“Malaki pa ang plano natin para sa MPBL... para palawakin pa sa buong kapuluan, sa buong bansa kaya patindi nang patindi yung bakbakan sa MPBL. At meron din tayong mag-iistart na rin yung MPBL interbarangay para yung mga grassroots ma-develop natin at maipakita yung talent nila sa larangan ng basketball,” Pacquiao said.

“So maraming salamat sa inyong pagsuporta, mga media, sa sambayanang Pilipino,” he added.

The GenSan Warriors defeated the Muntinlupa Cagers 85-78 to move on to the South Division semifinals and face Batangas on Saturday.

US, PHL... (From page 1)

coordinating with the country’s allies and partners.

Before the October 22 collision, Colonel Medel Aguilar said the dangerous maneuvers of a Chinese vessel against a Philippine ship on October 13 was an elevation of China’s aggressive actions.

Aguilar said that the October 13 incident was the first time a Chinese vessel tried to cross the bow of a Philippine Navy ship.

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest with China in response to maneuvers by Chinese vessels.

Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said that the Philippines had summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian over the incident but that he did not show up.

Ayungin Shoal is part of our exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, and we have sovereign rights and jurisdiction over it,” Daza said in a press conference, echoing the July 12, 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the South China Sea. “Therefore, as we did in the past, we intend to clearly convey our position that we have every right, under UNCLOS, to carry out legitimate activities in our maritime zones, and that we do not accept any form of interference.”

The Philippines is not looking for any conflict or war with China but is merely protecting its maritime territories from the latter’s continued encroachment, Teodoro said.

The defense chief said protecting the country’s territory is accepted under international law and that Beijing’s expansive territorial claims on the West Philippine Sea that encroach on Manila’s other territories in the area are contrary to the “norms of international law”.

“Uulitin ko: ayaw natin ng gyera at hindi tayo nakikipag gyera. Ang ginagawa natin pinoproteksyunan natin ang atin upang mapigil ang pagkupkop at paghihimasok dito ng China na wala silang karapatan, sa anumang batas wala silang karapatan sa WPS (I will say this again: we do want a war and we are not waging a war. What we are doing is protecting our territory to stop China’s repeated incursions in our territory. They have no right here, in any law. They have no right in the WPS),” he added.

Teodoro also said that China is using misinformation to weaken the “political will and unity” of the country.

He urged all Filipinos to unite with the

government in countering Beijing’s narrative.

Teodoro also said the misinformation being spread by China that the Philippines’ presence in the WPS is illegal is being taken seriously by the government.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said China’s latest act appeared to be “intentional... habitual and not an isolated incident [anymore].”

“At least based on our initial determination na mukhang intentional yung incident... So, we will definitely recommend to the DFA to call on China to respect or to rather comply with its obligations under the international law to settle disputes

Support from several nations also poured in for the Philippines while condemnation rained on China following the incident which prompted the Department of Foreign Affairs to file a protest against China’s aggression. (See related stories.)

“Any attack on Filipino aircraft, vessels or armed forces will invoke our mutual defense treaty with the Philippines,” Biden told reporters.

“I want to be very clear,” he said. “The United States defense commitment to the Philippines is ironclad.”

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also warned China it has no right over the Philippine territory which extends to the 200-mile exclusive economic zone.

“This is a serious escalation of the illegal activities conducted by the Chinese government in the WPS in complete disregard of any norm or convention of international law,” stressed Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. during a Malacanang briefing.

The collision occurred as supply boats escorted by two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels were heading to Ayungin Shoal to deliver food and other supplies to the small navy detachment stationed on the grounded Philippine warship BRP Sierra Madre at the shoal.

Teodoro said that the incident occurred within the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), where China has no jurisdiction, authority, and right to conduct any operations.

As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a probe, he vowed to support the modernization of the Armed Forces.

Teodoro said Manila has the right and obligation to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial jurisdiction should this happen under the Constitution.

On Oct. 22, Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels tried to prevent anew the Philippine routine resupply to BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal, deliberately bumping supply boat Unaiza May 2 and its escort, BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409).

The other supply boat, Unaiza May 1, completed the delivery to the troops aboard BRP Sierra Madre.

To contain China’s illegal activities in the WPS, Teodoro reiterated the need to continue building up the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for it to have a “credible defense posture” and continue

peacefully and to cease and desist from committing any such further acts,” Guevarra said after attending a Senate hearing.

The Philippines’ National Security Council also condemned the collision .

“Continued Chinese blocking and interference by Chinese vessels with our regular and routine rotation and resupply mission, RORE to BRP Sierra Madre may lead to disastrous results. While no lives were lost in the collisions yesterday, China’s provocative and irresponsible actions have clearly imperilled once again the safety of the Filipino crew,” said NSC spokesman Jonathan Malaya.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY 2023 www.dalycity.org/MDD

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Form a group or parƟcipate in an established project:

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 OPINION

October 26-November 1, 2023

10

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We stand...

(From page 1)

Among the victims were four Filipinos, caregivers all. They could have run away at the first sign of trouble, but chose to stay with the elderly Israelis who they were caring for. One was attending a music festival, who ended up as among the estimated 200 celebrants killed by the terrorists.

Worst of all, Hamas took scores of hostages back with them to Gaza. This week, a video was released showing some of the hostages being thrown into a pit, ready to be put to death.

Israel’s actions, however, are considered by many as excessive. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed as the Israeli Defense Force did what they believed was necessary to punish Hamas, and to guarantee that there will be no repeat of what has been called Israel’s 9-11.

Indeed, as a percentage of the population, the Hamas attack killed proportionately more people than the September 11 attacks did on the US. Back then, the US declared a global war on terrorism, and vowed not to stop until all the masterminds led by Osama bin Laden had been neutralized.

We repeat, Israel did what it felt it had to do to protect its people. But we also agree with President Joe Biden that the Jewish state must not let its righteous anger get the better of them.

Difficult as it may seem, we join in the global call for an end to the war for the simple reason that too many innocent Palestinians are being killed, the same way that innocent Israelis were killed last Oct. 7.

Israel can do better. There is another way as they had proven in the past.

During the Munich Olympics of 1972, the Palestinian terrorist organization Black September carried out a massacre of 11 Israeli athletes.

What Israel did in its aftermath is what the Jewish state should do now. Target the perpetrators of the evil deed.

Under the leadership of then Prime Minister Golda Meir, the intelligence organization Mossad was tasked with hunting down and killing all the Palestinian terrorists, which they did to total success.

This is what today’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu must try to do. Identify the actual terrorists of the attacks, hunt them down, and neutralize them permanently.

In the meantime, both Israel and Palestine must come to an immediate agreement to end the hostilities. The guns of war must be silenced lest they worsen to the point that a global conflagration becomes the end result.

The two states must also agree to renounce violence for good, and fully recognize each other as equals. Full diplomatic relations must be established. But first, Palestine must surrender the perpetrators of the attack, who can then be tried by an international court.

We will not go so far as to ask Israel to forgive Hamas for committing an unforgiveable crime against humanity. But the people of Palestine must do their part. They must renounce the terrorist group that rules over them.

We do not consider a permanent and lasting peace between Palestine and Israel to be an impossibility. It will be extremely difficult to attain, perhaps, but not impossible.

It must begin now with a total cessation of hostilities between the two sides.If it hasn’t been asked yet, it should be asked now. Where, oh where, are the adults in the room? Specifically, in the figurative room known as the Republican caucus in the House of Representatives.

As this is being written, the House where the GOP has a slim majority still does not have a Speaker. Blame this on the infighting within the party, which appears to be hopelessly splintered.

This may appear to be a quaint state of affairs in the Capitol were it not for the deadly serious fact that the US does not have a fully functioning democracy at this time. Nothing that the Executive department led by President Joe Biden can change this.

Tragically, in the absence of a Speaker, much work that needs to be done is at a standstill.

Lest the good congressmen from the Grand Old Party forget, the war in Ukraine is ongoing even as another war erupted in Israel last weekend.

(Continue on page 20)

Upside

AG at ALLICE... (From page 1) In a private gathering Oct. 24 at Colma Community Center to mark all-volunteer ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment’s 20th anniversary of promoting safe and healthy relationships, California Attorney General Rob Bonta assured abuse survivors of support from his office through the Dept. Of Justice Community Awareness Response and Engagement or CARE. “I have your back,” vowed the state’s highest ranking elected FilAm official as his mother, longtime social jus- CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO tice advocate Cynthia Bonta, smiled in approval. He commended ALLICE for its legacy of providing free and open to the public abuse prevention education as well as its key partners: Philippine International Aid, Philippine News Today and San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services, which the team had earlier elevated to its Platinum Year Hall of Fame for their vital contribution to the movement.

Consul General in San Francisco Neil Frank Ferrer affirmed the consulate’s founding partnership with ALLICE as he urged the team to turn its sights on the ancestral homeland and help beleaguered women and families there. He attended the reception with his wife Miriam Ferrer, Consuls Vanessa Bago-Llona and Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, Vice Consul Adrian Audrey Baccay, consular Baylene Jaro and the consul general’s secretary Michelle Raiz With typical verve, San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa led the ALLICE Pledge crafted 20 years ago by the team. In a spontaneous move, he invited Daly City resident Liezl Chan-Lucero to join the Kumares & Kumpares onstage to receive the Board of Supervisors proclamation of the occasion and underscore the importance of education as primary prevention. Chan-Lucero’s daughter Frances Kendra was fatally shot in March allegedly by her estranged partner in front of their children, a tragedy that mirrors the story of Claire Joyce Tempongko.

Claire Joyce Tempongko died of multiple stab wounds in the hands of the man who was supposed to love, respect and protect her 23 years ago on October 22. Her fate woke and inspired our all-volunteer team to educate the community about the dynamics of family and intimate partner abuse.

BEGINNINGS It’s been two decades since I invited my friends - from church, Bettina Santos Yap; from journalism, Yumi Querubin and Nerissa Fernandez; and from community service, lawyer Jojo Liangco and health advocate Teresa Ferrer Guingona, to form a project task force for CORA, the San Mateo County domestic violence service agency that hired me as bilingual educator/outreach coordinator during my sabbatical from journalism. Little did I know how tight our bond would hold and where it would take us.

After the project concluded, we preserved the team to seek opportunities to conduct education activities in Filipino and underserved areas. Our work prospered due to thirst for knowledge about the issue and despite the stigma attached to it. Our task was to unpack the matter and challenge assumptions. All of us had some kind of experience with abuse as witnesses, survivors or as clinicians working with parties on either side of the dynamic.

Managing the editorial department of Philippine News taught me the importance of diversity of voices behind a unity of purpose in building a vibrant and productive team.

Hence my invitation to CORA co-workers psychologist Dr. Jei Africa and LMFT Jennifer Jimenez Wong, lawyer and JUHSD trustee Rachel Puno - Juliana, health educator Kristine Zafrani Averilla, paralegal Nellie Hizon, congressional aide Christine Padilla, florist Lina Susbilla and her co-San Mateo County Commissioner on Status of Women Alice Bulos, who brought in Daly City library trustee Erlinda Galeon.

Our vision: A community sharing resources to prevent abuse through education.

Our mission: To provide abuse-prevention education - at twice-yearly presentations and resource fairs on family and intimate partner violence, on our website and on our resource guide.

Our core belief: Education, the greatest weapon against oppression, should be accessible. Thus all of our activities are free and open to the public.

When Filipina Women’s Network CEO Marily Mondejar gifted us a grant from a performance of their Vagina Monologues, we drew the interest of FWN members business(Continued on page 19) woman Sarah Jane Ilumin and Alameda County worker Edna

E

live.

Memories of my Gigi

ighteen years ago today, I boarded a plane bound for New Jersey to be with my daughter Angela “Gigi” Reyes Iglesia, who, I had been told, had been given a week or two to

Enroute to my destination, on a stopover in San Francisco, my sister Carmen gave me the terrible news that Gigi had just passed away. Returning to the plane, I was numb with sorrow and though the tears could not come, I could not help blaming myself for not being there , when the Grim Reaper took her.

If Gigi had not been so considerate of MY needs, I should have been there a month earlier, after she asked me that September when I would be going to the USA. Foolish me, I should have realized it was a call for help and I should have heeded it!

Looking back, I could have simply left my duties at the National Press Club to be by her side.

I think of her now, my angel, my Angela, who never caused me worry or pain, a curly-haired, bedimpled child, who grew up to be an intelligent, lovely young lady . She was the little Mother to her seven siblings whenever I had to be out of town or abroad . Her love for her family, which extended to her nephews and nieces, knew no bounds.

After graduating with a degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of the Philippines, Gigi opted to leave for greener pastures in the United States, where a job in New York awaited her.

(Continue on page 20) She did well at her job, eventually becoming a vice-president for

11 October 26-November 1, 2023

 OPINION

F

L

Avoid the services of novice notary public Health & Wealth

Offline

ast month, Sam, an old or obvious reasons, I client from the East am not voting in the Bay, called me and reSangguniang Kabataquested help for the apostille of an elections. But I am also a notarized Special Power of not voting in the barangay Attorney(SPA) which was returned from the Philippines. elections, which will be held After further conversation, I in a few days. found out that his sister sent to My reason is simple. In the Philippines the SPA notarized my somewhat learned view, by a novice Notary Public. The barangay elections are a notarized SPA was sent back to ART GABOT MADLAING waste of time. This electoral her sister for apostille. I told Sam BETING DOLOR exercise was invented by the to come to our home office in San father and namesake of the Francisco, California with his siscurrent president so many ter and the notarized SPA which was returned to her. Sam scheduled decades ago, and they did nothing but merely add another two appointments but were cancelled and re-scheduled twice.

Finally, I was able to meet Sam and his sister last Saturday mornlayer in the already bloated government bureaucracy.

Also, the late dictator had a more devious reason in break- ing, 11am, on October 7, 2023. After some preliminaries, I checked ing down cities and towns into smaller political bodies, which and reviewed the notarized SPA which was returned to his sister. I out that the novice Notary Public did not use the right Acknowlhe called barangays. This was to help local warlords maintain “ found edgment Form as required in California. Sam’s sister also told me that political control over their turf. the novice Notary Public didn’t advise her to have the notarized SPA The barangays were to be headed by a barangay captain, be apostilled first before sending to the Philippines. and he or she would be the eyes and ears of the local warlord I notarized the returned SPA using the right Acknowledgment when election time came, and the barangay officers would ac- Form as required in the State of California. I also had Sam’s sister signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and put her right thumb marks. cept the bribes that are part and parcel of Philippine politics.

Before they were created, local government units were do- After notarization, my beloved wife and I submitted the notarized SPA to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento, Caliing just fine, thank you.

The first few barangay elections went as expected. The fornia for apostille, last Monday October 9,2023.

Due to the urgency of the situation, I waited for the release of the local folks who found themselves with a modicum of power apostilled SPA from the Front Desk of the Secretary of State, Notary slowly began to assert their “authority” in their neighbor- Public Section in Sacramento, California. The apostilled SPA (with hoods. And he or she would not be alone, as secondary of- red stamp) was released and given to me in the afternoon. ficials would also be elected.

The following day, Tuesday, 11am, October 10, 2023, Sam picked The kagawads were the worst of them as they believed up in our home office in San Francisco, California the apostilled SPA themselves to have police powers over their area. They would for his sister. Sam was unexpectedly surprised for the very fast and walk around swinging their batons and pointing out the small- quick turn-around in the apostille processing of the notarized SPA. est “mistakes” that their neighbors committed, such as not Sam and his sister were very happy and thankful for the prompt, efficovering their garbage cans or allowing their dogs to run cient and professional services at the Mobile Signing Services (MSS).

The very bad experience of Sam’s sister should be a warning for around unleashed. everyone to avoid the services of novice Notary Public especially in For the most part, these kagawads were the unemployable the notarization of documents needed in the Philippines. If Sam and men of the village. The local term for them would be tam- his sister contacted us earlier, she should have avoided the following: bays. In the worst cases, they would ask or even demand little 1.

Unwanted delay in the submission of apostilled SPA needbribes like free shots of cheap gin or maybe beer in the richer ed in the Philippines; 2.

Additional cost in redoing the notarization and apostle of neighborhoods.

As far as I was concerned, all barangay officials were to be the notarized SPA; 3.

Unexpected anxiety, pressure and worry. tolerated. I saw no need to befriend them, and don’t recall ever For the information and guidance of our readers and the general asking any one of them for any favors or whatnot.

I would like to share excerpts of the Special Notice from the I was aware that there were instances when disagreements public, Philippine Consulate Office, Legal Section, in San Francisco, Califorbetween neighbors would be settled with the help of the kapi- nia on the Accession of the Philippines to the Hague Apostille Contan de barangay. Maybe someone parked his car or tricycle too vention, as follows: close to his neighbor’s front gate. Or maybe the drinking party would get a little too loud for comfort. Heck, even a frustrated “Philippine Consulate shall no longer issue Authentication CerSinatra singing My Way again and again would be reason to tificates (red ribbon) for documents notarized or apostilled in the State sunder its jurisdiction namely: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington raise a complaint before it got out of hand.

My main concern here is that most of them had little if any State, Northern Nevada, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming and formal training in the intricacies of the law. Yet they served Northern California.

If you notarized documents before 14 May, 2019, the Philippine as mini judges who would usually side with those whom they Consulate will (1)still accept it for authentication (red ribbon) or (2) knew best. you may advice the applicant to secure an Apostille. On the other And if the concept of a neighborhood being converted into hand, if you notarized documents from 14 May, 2019 onwards, we a barangay was not bad enough, the Makoy government had will no longer authenticate said documents. The applicant should forthe even dumber idea of bringing the country’s youth into the ward it to the issuing State/Competent Authority for the issuance of an Apostille Certificate. game.

Please note that Apostilled documents no longer need additional The Sangguniang Kabataan of youth barangay was created to make sure that all the sons and daughters of local bosses authentication by the Philippine Consulate General. Once apostilled, it become properly politicized, and to be loyal to the govern- already has legal validity, and can be sent to the Philippines for use.”

Here are advantages and benefits with MSS: 1. AVOID TAKE ment, of course.

OFF FROM WORK – You don’t need to take off from work and drive The SK was supposed to be the training ground of future to Sacramento just to submit notarized documents to the Secretary of barangay officials, who in turn would be the foundation of city State, Notary Public Section, for apostille. MSS will take care everyand town officials, from mayor down to councilors. thing for you.

The worst part was that all barangay and SK officers are 2. DISCOUNTS FOR THE ELDERLY AND VETERANS – We entitled to some form of pay or stipend as they are considered offer special discounts for the elderly and veterans; 3. SAVINGS ON GAS AND MILEAGE FEES - We encourage as government employees of sorts.

No qualifications are needed as far as I know. Anyone can all our old and new clients to come to our home office in San Frantherefore be a barangay captain or kagawad or whatever else cisco, California for savings on gas and mileage fees ($60 -$130).

4. FREE PARKING – When we had our Office at the Philippine positions they created.

Center near the Philippine Consulate Office, our old clients were comBarangays thus became the breeding ground of frustrated plaining for the expensive parking fees in downtown San Francisco. politicians, those who were not known enough to become With our home office, old and new clients can now have FREE parkmayors or congressmen, but who wanted to act like one. ing in our driveway and the available street parking spaces nearby.

Theoretically, they are not supposed to belong to political 5. FLEXIBLE APPOINTMENTS - We offer very flexible apparties, but this is not followed. Most men and women who pointments for old and new clients during regular office hours, after seek to become barangay captains will ask their mayors or office hours, weekends except on Sundays.

6. DISCOUNTS ON MULTIPLE DOCUMENTS AND MULcongressmen to support their bids.

TIPLE SIGNATURES – We offer 5-% to 10% discounts on multiple This is another source of trouble. and multiple signatures for old and new clients.

It is no secret that Filipinos seeking elective office will documents 7. FLEXIBLE LOCATIONS OF APPOINTMENTS – For those do anything to win. They will (Continue on page 20) who can’t come to our home office in (Continue on page 20)

Calling for entries to the Asian American Stories Video Compe-

V

ideos tell stories with a theme: “All of Us Belong Right Here!”

This is the theme of this year’s Asian American Stories Video Competition; the first major project launched recently by the Silicon Valley Community Media (SVMC), according to Diana Ding, founder and CEO of Ding Ding TV based in Santa Clara.

This is a chance for Asian- ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO Americans to tell their stories about their contributions both to the Asian American communities and to the mainstream and to bring communities together, promote diversity, racial justice, equity, and to stop the hate. With their stories, we can learn from them, can emulate what they went through, review their contributions to society, and serve as our model in our assimilation to American lifestyle.

The project was launched in September this year and ends on January 15, 2024. This is a chance for immigrants to tell their stories and become models for new immigrants and for the society as a whole.

Sometimes, most immigrants (new immigrants for that matter), struggle in life because they don’t have models or mentors to follow as they immerse themselves to the American society.

The video essay contest is open to all independent journalists, social media influences, ethnic media, event organizers, and civic organization contestants.

There are two categories of contestants – youth contestant for ages 12 – 18 years of age and adult contestants for 19 years old and above.

Contestants are required to submit in English a video of less than oneminute length to be accompanied by a written essay of less than 150 words. Deadline for submission of entries is January 15, 2024.

The committee is co-chaired by Diana Ding and Francis Espiritu, President and publisher, Philippine News Today (PNT), an English weekly newspaper.

The link for entries to access is www.aastories.org where the whole project is described, judging criteria, the judges bios, the committee members, community partners, and how to join the competition.

The judges are: Joel Wong, Treasurer & Secretary of Silicon Valley Community Media, President of National Asian American United (NAA United), President of National Asian American PAC – chairman; Chris Norwood, President, Board of Milpitas Unified School District; Sandy Close, Media Editor; Beverly Molina, Santa Clara Firefighter and Author; Tony Shyu, a TV and film director, producer, editor and writer; Other judges include Chris Norwood - President, Board of Milpitas Unified School District; Sandy Close - Media Editor; Beverly Molina - Santa Clara Firefighter and Author; Tony Shyu - a TV and film director, producer, editor and writer; Mayor Carmen Montano of the city of Milpitas; Kansen Chu - former Assembly Member of District 25 State of California; Filipino American Media Leader Don Orozco; Piyush Malik - startup executive, entrepreneur, and board advisor; Mattie Scariot - Director of the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival; David Mosby - CEO of e2i Academy, Speaker and Author; Mayor Lisa Gilmor - Mayor of the city of Santa Clara; Richard Flanders, Rotary District 5170 Governor; David Louie, Past Editor and Reporter, ABC-owned KGO-TV; and Elpidio R. Estioko - Educator, public relations (PR) professional, author, and award-winning journalist.

At Silicon Valley Community Media, the group are dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness & diversity of Asian-American experiences to Silicon Valley and beyond. For over a decade, they have produced, funded, and distributed thousands of creative projects through film & digital media. They have also proudly celebrated diverse culture through hundreds of events.

Their mission also includes empowering and unifying Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and ethnic leaders by suing media and communication to bridge the gap between Asian-Americans and other communities across the United States.

Silicon Valley Community Media (SVCM) is the non-profit extension of Ding Ding TV – The Voice of Silicon Valley Asian Americans.

It funds, produces, distributes and exhibits creative content pieces that convey the richness and beauty of diversity.

This video Essay Contest is open to all independent journalists, social media influences, ethnic media, event organizers, and civic organization contestants.

Contestants are required to submit in English, a video essay of less than one minute in length to be accompanied by a written essay of less than 150 words. The theme should focus on “All of Us Belong Right Here.”

The diverse panel of judges chaired by Joel Wong will select a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner. There will also be a Viewer’s Choice Winner.

Prizes will be awarded to the most popular entrance as selected by Viewer’s Choice and the first 30 entries will potentially receive funding for their project. This funding will be provided by Silicon Valley Community Media.

The chosen winners will choose between the following options: OPTION A: Receiving funding to pro- (Continue on page 20)

As I See It

Why I am not voting in the barangay elections

 BUSINESS | IMMIGRATIONS

October 26-November 1, 2023

Free Medical coverage for Undocumented immigrants The office of Governor Gavin Newsom announced that starting on May 1,2022, Medi-Cal, California’s health coverage program for low-income individuals and families, is extending eligibility for full coverage to more than 185,000 individuals who are 50 years of age or older, regardless of immigration status.

Individuals ages 50 and over, regardless of their immigration status, who have not applied for Medi-Cal can apply starting May 1, 2022.

What benefits were granted previously to undocumented immigrants aged 25 and lower?

The state has worked for the last several years to extend health coverage to more Californians. In May 2016, children under 19 years of age became eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal benefits, and in January 2020, full-scope Medi-Cal was extended to young adults ages 19 through 25, regardless of immigration status. Previously, these individuals only qualified for limited Medi-Cal services, such as emergency, prenatal, and long-term care.

Now they can access the full range of benefits available to Medi-Cal beneficiaries, including no-cost/low-cost quality health, behavioral health, substance use disorder services, and dental services through the various delivery systems under the Medi-Cal program.

What can undocumented immigrants expect in the year 2024?

The next step in California’s coverage expansion, subject to legislative approval, is outlined in the Governor’s 2022-23 budget, which proposes to expand Medi-Cal coverage to an estimated 700,000-plus adults ages 26 through 49 without satisfactory immigration status, effective no sooner than January 1, 2024. Extending Medi-Cal to hundreds of thousands more is an important step to help close health equity gaps in the state and get us closer to universal coverage.

Are the Medical benefits considered as public charge?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services do NOT consider health, food, and housing services as part of the public charge determination. Therefore, using Medi-Cal benefits (except for nursing home or mental health institution care) will NOT hurt an individual’s immigration status.

When someone applies for state-funded benefits, their information is only used to determine if they qualify. State laws protect the privacy of their information.

Note: This is not a legal advice and presented for information only.

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12

IMF to BSP: Keep rates steady unless upside risks materialize MANILA – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) should maintain policy rates for now but should raise rates if upside risks materialize.

In a briefing for the launch of the IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook for Asia and Pacific, division chief of the IMF Asia and Pacific Department (APD) Shanaka Jayanath Peiris said the recommendation was included in the IMF’s Article IV released a few weeks ago.

“On the monetary policy you know, what we mentioned in the Article IV a few weeks ago was that, you know, there’s upside risks to inflation. I think the BSP recognizes it. What we said is that the current restrictive monetary stance should help bring down inflation by Q1 (first quarter) next year,” Peiris said.

The IMF, meanwhile, reiterated that the Philippine economic growth is expected to pick up next year despite the slowdown this year.

Economic growth for this year is projected to hit 5.3 percent and go up to 6 percent in 2024.

The BSP’s Monetary Board has hiked policy rates by a total of 425 basis points since last year to temper the rising inflation.

For four consecutive meetings, the BSP kept policy rates unchanged but Governor Eli Remolona Jr. recently said a 25-basis-point rate hike is possible next month as inflation remains elevated.

“We didn’t think it would come to within target this year, and there’s upside risk. So, what we said is keep the pause on monetary policy tightening and you know, you should bring inflation down but if upside risks materialize, you may need to raise interest rates more, I think that’s where the central bank is at the moment,” Peiris said.

Headline inflation accelerated to 6.1 percent in September from 5.3 percent in August.

The government wants headline inflation to settle within the 2 percent to 4 percent range by the end of the year.

 ENTERTAINMENT

October 26-November 1, 2023

14

John Lloyd Cruz confirms romance with Isabel Santos

It’s official: John Lloyd Cruz and Isabel Santos are in a relationship.

This as John Lloyd confirmed that Isabel Santos is his girlfriend in a talk with Boy Abunda over GMA Channel 7. John Lloyd is now also a talent of GMA Network.

In an episode of “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” the award-winning actor said he is indeed in a relationship with Isabel. His mother studio reported on the interview.

According to John Lloyd, he met the visual artist when he took a hiatus in showbiz and ventured into the arts.

“Napadpad ako sa pag-e-explore ng art, so gallery nila ‘yung una kong napasok,” he said as GMA News reported.

John Lloyd added that he has known Isabel from way back.

“Matagal na kami magkakilala, we were talking before but hindi nag-evolve into something ideal for us at

that time,” he said.

“Mula noon, present na rin siya sa buhay ko,” he added.

John Lloyd and Isabel first sparked romance rumors in 2021. They celebrated the actor’s birthday together with the “Happy ToGetHer” cast in 2022.

They were also spotted holding hands at an event. Earlier this year, the couple took John Lloyd’s son Elias by Ellen Adarna on a camping trip. Adarna is now the wife of another actor, Derek Ramsay.

In the same talk with Boy Abunda, John Lloyd credited Elias, his son with Ellen Adarna, as his saving grace.

“Niligtas niya [Elias] ‘yung buhay ko,” John Lloyd said. “Hindi ko ma-imagine ‘yung buhay ko kung paano [magpapatuloy] kung hindi [siya] dumating.”

John Lloyd said, as GMA News reported, being a father to Elias is his life’s victory and he is very lucky to have him.

“Ang lupit nung naging role niya sa buhay ko,” he said. “Ang dami niyang binigay na bago, bagong kahulugan, bagong duties, all of a sudden iba na ‘yung tingin mo sa lahat.”

According to John Lloyd, co-parenting Elias with Ellen Adarna is not a walk in the park, but they have a system that personally works for both of them.

“Napakasuwerte ko at ako ay nagpapasalamat kay Ellen, kay Derek [Ramsay] dahil iniisip nila ‘yung kapakanan ng bata,” he said.

On Father’s Day, Isabel penned a heartfelt greeting for John Lloyd, according to GMA News in a report.

Julia Montes-Alden Richards teamup movie crosses P30M mark in box office The comeback film of Julia Montes and Alden Richard has continued to perform well in the box office, as the movie breached the P30-million mark.

The Kapamilya actress proudly shared that the film reached another milestone in Philippine cinema in just its second week.

“Buhay na buhay ang sinehan! Taos pusong pasasalamat sa lahat ng nanood,” she wrote in her Facebook page and reported by ABS-CBN. In a recent interview on “Magandang Buhay,” Julia and Richard shared their thoughts working together for the film, which was directed by Irene Villamor.

“Masaya po kami na nabigyan kami ng opportunity. Now that ‘yung industriya natin talaga is really into collaboration, iisa lang naman po talaga ang opbjective natin is makapabigay ng quality entertainment sa mga Filipino,” Richards said.

“At saka ‘yung balik-cinema naman po tayo ulit. Kasi ‘yon ‘yung matagal na nawala sa atin after pandemic. At saka ‘yung the whole experience namin sa film. MeanThe Kapamilya star was last seen on television when ingful po sa amin itong film na ito,” Julia added.

The film revolves around the ups and downs in the she starred with her long-time boyfriend Coco Martin romance of the two lead characters, portrayed by Julia in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.” The series ended last year.

(ABS-CBN) Montes and Alden Richards.

VILMA & CHRISTOPHER MOVIE INCLUDED IN MANILA FILMFEST Blessings everyone.

Thank you for reading Phil News Today.

After doing more than 20 films together, the popular love team of Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon in the 1970s up to 2000s is back this year in “When I Met You in Tokyo.”

The movie was selected by the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in the 49th edition of the film festival this coming December,2023.

The two award-winning stars were first paired in 1975 in Celso Ad. Castillo’s “TagUlan sa Tag-Araw” and followed by “Masarap, Masakit ang Umibig” in 1977.‘ “The last movie we did was ‘Mano Po.’ Matagal na, more than 15 years. And now, here we are with a beautiful movie.

We’re ready to go to Japan. Almost 95% ay i-shoo-shoot sa Japan,” Chris said.

For her part, Ate Vi said, “It’s good to be back after 6-7 years. My last movie was “Everything About Her.” When this movie was offered to me, tinanong ko lang kung ano ang synopsis at kung sinong kasama. When they said si Christopher de Leon, yes agad ang sagot ko.”

She added, “Na-miss ko rin ang team-up namin ni Boyet.

Alam ko, kahit papaano, nandiyan pa rin ang crowd namin ni Boyet. Ang ganda kasi ng istorya. Ang istorya kasi tatakbo sa edad namin.

“It’s a love story na nasa edad namin. Hindi kami magbabata-bataan dito. It’s a good comeback sa akin. It’s a love story for all seasons. We’re very thankful sa trust.”

About her absence from showbiz and new movie in Tokyo, Santos said, “Kasi medyo matagal akong nawala sa industry, nakakapanibago. It’s a simple love story pero napakalalim. Malaking-malaking plus factor sa akin si Christopher de Leon. At kukunan pa sa Japan. Malaking factor ang visual sa Japan. Ang ganda-gandang makita at mapanood. Perfect timing talaga ito.

“Kahit almost 7 years akong hindi nakagawa ng pelikula, wine-welcome pa rin ako with all the offers and blessings.

This is going to be the start. And I feel so comfortable with Boyet.”

Kuya Boyet said he was surprised when Santos accepted the movie. “Ang totoo niyan, mayroong concept ‘yung kaibigan ko na director. We were just talking about the concept. I was thinking the right partner at sabi ko sa sarili ko, ‘Bagay dito si Vilma Santos.’ Eventually, talagang this movie is for us. Napa-wow ako kasi pumayag si Vi when she read the material at nalaman niya na mag-shoo-shoot kami sa Japan.

“Everything is really perfect there sa Japan. Maganda talaga ang material.”

“It’s just that we are very comfortable with each other.

With Boyet, magsasalita pa lang o magda-dialogue siya in a scene, alam ko na agad. It’s just so comfortable. At para buhayin na rin ang natulog kong career. Na-miss ko ang movie industry,” Ate VI said.

“Alam niyo, hindi madali na mag-shoo-shoot ka ulit, haharap ka sa camera ulit. Kaya malaking tulong na comfortable ako kay Christopher. Si Boyet dito ay associate director.

“It’s not easy. Parang, ‘Makaka-arte pa ba ako?’ Pero dahil andiyan si Boyet, matutulungan niya ako.”

Produced by JG Productions of Rowena Jamaji and Rajan Gidwani, “When I Met You in Tokyo” is a romantic-drama film shot in Japan with today’s hottest young stars Cassy Legaspi and Darren Espanto together with Tirso Cruz III. The award-winning actress shared her excitement: “We’re so excited. It’s nice to have them — mga bagets. It’s nice na mga bagets naman ang kasama namin. Ang gaganda naman ng roles nila. ‘Yung totality ng movie, hindi naman na puwedeng kami lang ni Boyet.

Good luck Ate Vi & Kuya Boyet!

15 October 26-November 1, 2023

 ENTERTAINMENT

1MX wraps up 2023 global music festival series in Sydney before thousands of fans at The Hordern

SYDNEY – 1MX – ABS-CBN Global and MYX’s much talked about travelling music festival that highlights Asian artists – wrapped up last October 8 its 2023 global summer tour in world-class fashion via the 1MX Sydney at The Hordern where, ironically, its summer is just about to start in two months.

Mixing Asian heavyweights with exciting emerging acts, 1MX Sydney brought William Singe, Dami Im, KZ Tandingan, Ben&Ben, Keenan Te, Milky Day, Maymay and P-pop girl group BINI to one fantastic stage for a one-of-a-kind musical rendezvous with thousands of Australia’s music fans.

The fans had a delightful surprise bonus with the energy-packed performances of local front acts Richard Pajenado, Marlon Quijano, and World Supremacy Battlegrounds’ Folk Jumpers and Kookies N Cream QFirst, Utos & Co., PAL, MX3, and WorldRemit which Dance Crew.

1MX Sydney was made possible by sponsors like entertained festival goers through stage activities while

the attendees enjoyed culinary fare from food trucks.

1MX Sydney, like the previously held 1MX London and 1MX Toronto this year, was a triumphant showcase of music artistry and Asian representation in the international music festival industry. Through imaginative and variegated sets that crossed musical genres, this festival celebrated the hallmarks of each performer that energized their adoring fans and created new followers.

“Finally, we have a world-class event for us, the younger audience. Looking forward to next year’s event,” said local busker Marlon Quijano.

“It was amazing to see Dami perform with Filipino artists! Hope you can do this again next year!,” exclaimed the Dami Im Army.

“My friends and I enjoyed every minute of 1MX Sydney,” said Leo Aralar.

Metro Manila filmfest to bring Gabby Concepcion, Sharon Cuneta concert rehearsal sparks ‘kilig’ anew Former couple and love team Gabby Concepcion .ABS-CBN also reported that in another video, GabFilipino films to Hollywood and Sharon Cuneta sparked “kilig” among netizens, es- by and Sharon could be seen dancing on “Kahit Maputi

Filipino films are heading to Hollywood through the launch of Metro Manila Film Festival’s (MMFF) international edition this November, January and February.

“We want to showcase the Philippine cinema here in United States. To showcase this, we need to showcase not only the movie actors but the people behind the camera...We want to present Filipino talents abroad,” Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) chairman Omen Ortiz told CNN Philippines’ New Day. MIFF President Ebradu Ubarde added that the festival also aims to bridge the gap and connect the Philippine entertainment industry with Hollywood and the international stage.

The MIFF will be launched in Los Angeles on Nov. 2.

Three entries from the summer edition of the MMFF will be screened that day: “About Us But Not About Us,” “Here Comes the Groom,” and “Love You Long Time.”

Ortiz said moviegoers will also have the chance to see the stars and the people behind these movies during the event.

After the launch, the first MIFF will be held on Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, 2024, and will feature the 10 films from the 49th MMFF, Ubarde said.

This will be in line with the celebration of the festival’s

FOR MORE INFO, CALL:

pecially their loyal fans, as they dropped some clips during their rehearsals.

Sharon teased her fans about the upcoming reunion concert with Concepcion, billed as “Dear Heart: The Concert,” with some snippets during their practice, ABS-CBN reported.

On Instagram, the Megastar shared a video filled with laughter as the veteran actor promoted their concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, October 27.

The two were in each other’s arms when they promoted the show, prompting excitement and gushes from netizens on the comment section, including several celebrities, the report added.

Na Ang Buhok Ko.” According to the actress, they still somehow feel some awkwardness: “Today. Nagkakailangan pa rin ang dalawa pasensya na po.”

ABS-CBN News caught up with the two stars during the rehearsal and both expressed excitement for their Friday concert.

The singer-actress revealed that she had to break the ice with her former husband during the band rehearsals.

“In the beginning, sobrang naiilang kami. Parang uncomfortable. He couldn’t look at me, I couldn’t look at him. I didn’t know how to interact with him. Kanina lang kami, konting warm up,” she said.

 SPORTS

October 26-November 1, 2023

16

Asian Games medalists honored, get P41 million in incentives from gov’t MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assured Filipino athletes of his administration’s continued support for initiatives and programs aimed at developing the sports industry.

Marcos made the commitment, as he led the grand welcome and awarding ceremony for 33 Filipino athletes who clinched medals in the 19th Asian Games led by gold winners Ernest J Obiena of athletics, Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez of jiujitsu, and the Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball team.

Also honored were silver medalists Eumir Marcial of boxing and Arnel Mandal of wushu and bronze medalists Patrick King Perez of taekwondo; Jones Inso, Gideon Padua and Clemente Tabugara Jr. of wushu; Alex Eala and Francis Alcantara of tennis; Patrick Coo of cycling; Elreen Ando of weightlifting; Kaila Napolis of jiu-jitsu; Sakura Alforte of karate; and the men’s sepak takraw team.

The gold medalists received P2 million each while the silver medalists P1 million each and the bronze medalists P800,000 each from the government.

In sum, the medalists received incentives totaling P19.1 million from the PSC through PAGCOR and additional incentives amounting to P22.8 million from the Office of the President.

Filipino athletes who captured medals in the Asian Games are entitled to receive cash incentives from the government under Republic Act No. 10699, also known as the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.’’ In a speech delivered at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in the City of Manila, Marcos lauded the Philippine team’s “excellent” performance in the recently-concluded Asian Games,

saying they have boosted the Filipinos’ morale.

Marcos acknowledged that the Filipino athletes need the government’s support and asisstance for them to perform well in sports competitions.

“So, we value the great influence that sports has in developing our society. That is why this administration continues to support initiatives and programs to promote sports development,” he said.

“Marami na tayong nagawa ngunit maasahan ninyo, dadagdagan pa natin ang ating suporta para sa ating mga atleta. At sa susunod, makakaramdam naman tayo ng mas maganda pang resulta sa ating mga international competition (We have already done a lot but you can expect, we will increase our support for our athletes. And next time, we will feel even better results in our international competitions),” Marcos added.

Marcos noted that the Philippine Sports Competition (PSC) is implementing a five-year Sports Development Plan 20232028 to address the long-standing concerns of Filipino athletes by encouraging participation in all levels of government and the private sector.

He also directed the PSC to work with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) and other concerned agencies to strengthen the medical scientific athlete services unit to ensure the immediate recovery of injured athletes.

Marcos said his administration is also committed to providing full support to future athletes, expressing optimism that the National Academy of Sports (NAS) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority will fast-track and operationalize the sports academy located at the New Clark City in Capas,

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SPORTS DEVELOPMENT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the “Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat Para sa Bayaning Atletang Pilipino” at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila to honor the 33 Filipino athletes who bagged medals in the 19th Asian Games.

Tarlac.

He said the government established the NAS to promote the development of the athletic skills and talents of students through a secondary education program.

Marcos added that the government is providing assistance to state universities and colleges to improve and upgrade the sports facilities.

“Sa ating mga atleta, ganito ang hamon ko sa inyo (To our athletes, this is my challenge to you): Keep aspiring, keep believing, keep working. Spare no effort to unlock your full potential and be the best version of yourselves. Know fully well that the government and the entire nation is with you in every single step of the way,” he said.

“It is my hope that the individual victories that we honor now will inspire our collective vision and pursuits for the future. With our continued unity and continuing collaboration with all parts of society, we will not only secure more victories for our athletes but we will also build a stronger and better, more prosperous Filipinos that will house the great ambitions of younger generations.”

During the event, Marcos led the awarding of the Presidential Citation to the 33 Asian Games medalists, in recognition of their demonstrated excellence and achievements in their respective sports.

Veteran swimmer Gawilan cops 1st PHL gold in Asian Para Games

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HANGZHOU – Veteran para swimmer Ernie Gawilan achieved the coveted golden breakthrough for Team Philippines Tuesday night, retaining the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 crown in runaway fashion at the 4th Hangzhou Asian Para Games swimming championships here.

Relegated to the bronze medal in the men’s 200-meter individual medley race the previous day, Gawilan made certain that the gold would not slip from his grasp, pow- FIRST GOLD. Ernie Gawilan ering his way to the front at pulls away to victory in the the 150-meter mark to clock a men’s 400-meter freestyle winning time of 4 minutes and S7 finals in the 4th Hangzhou 58.29 seconds at the Hang- Asian Para Games swimming zhou Olympic Center Aquatic championships Arena.

Singaporean rival Soong Toh Wei finished a distant second (5:12.16) while China’s Huang Xiangquan (5:16.33) took the bronze, as the diminutive but dynamic swimmer from Davao City delivered the country’s first gold medal here in the stint supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

 COMMUNITY NEWS

October 26-November 1, 2023

18

Deadline for nominations for LA County Commission for Women 39th Annual Women of the Year Awards on Nov. 24 LOS ANGELES - Each year the Commission for Women recognizes women who work to bring about social and economic change, promote women’s equality, serve as outstanding role models for women, work on behalf of women’s issues and demonstrate outstanding performance to further advocate women’s rights.

The “Women of the Year” Awards recognizes women who are outstanding role models for over 5 million women in the County of Los Angeles. District Awardees are selected by each Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor, Community

At-Large Awardees are selected by the Commission for Women in the following nine categories: 1. Arts/Media, 2. Business/Labor, 3. Community Advocacy, 4. Education, 5. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, 6. Health, 7. Law/Public Safety, 8.

Sports (Athletics), and 9. Women Veterans. The President’s award is selected by the President of the Los Angeles County Commission for Women.

This year’s theme is “WOMEN WHO ADVOCATE FOR EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION”, will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024, at the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles,

in commemoration of Women’s History Month.

The Commission for Women welcomes nominations of individuals whose achievements meet the established eligibility criteria to receive recognition in celebration of Women’s History Month. Nominations can be submitted at: https://forms. office.com/g/vvTrDHTxs9. Deadline for accepting nominations is Friday, November 24, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

For additional information, contact staff member Violeta Zepeda at 213.974.1455 or visit laccw.lacounty.gov.

San Francisco has almost 3,000 new overseas Filipino voters

By Jun Nucum SAN FRANCISCO - A total of a total of 6,721 overseas voting (OV) applications have been approved by the San Francisco Philippine Consulate’s Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) so far since registration of overseas voters resumed on December 9, 2022.

This developed after the RERB, composed of Vice Consul Adrian Baccay as Substitute RERB Chair, and Ms. Genevieve Ferrer as RERB Member approved 2,928 overseas voting (OV) applications filed from 1 July 2023 to 30 September 2023, during the hearing of the Consulate’s on 16 October 2023.

The Consulate, along with other Philippine embassies and consulates worldwide, will continue registering overseas voters until 30 September 2024.

Filipino citizens (including dual citizens) who will be

REGISTRATION. Members of the San Francisco Philippine Consulate’s Resident Elec�on Registra�on Board (RERB) at work. outside the Philippines, are at least 18 years of age on 12 May 2025, and are not otherwise disqualified by law, may register with the Consulate as overseas voters for the 2025 Philippine National Elections. The Consulate’s method of overseas voting is postal voting, where official ballots are sent to the over-

seas voter’s preferred address via mail.

Registered overseas voters of previous elections who moved to a new address within the Consulate’s area of jurisdiction are also urged to visit the Consulate and apply for change of address.

Additional information on the ongoing overseas voting registration is available on the Consulate’s official OV page: https://pcgsanfrancisco. org/overseas-voting/

International NGO and Solidarity Announce Statement Calling for Ceasing the Acts of Aggression in Israel-Hamas War International NGO and Solidarity Announce Statement Calling for Ceasing the Acts of Aggression in Israel-Hamas War The Israel-Hamas war, which began with the launch of thousands of rockets on October 7, has resulted in thousands of deaths and is causing concerns over the possibility that the war could escalate into an international conflict. Several governments and international organizations have called for an end to conflict through official statements.

On the 12th, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international NGO headquartered in South Korea and affiliated with the UN Economic and Social Council and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, released a statement regarding the Israel-Hamas war. This is HWPL’s third official statement advocating peace, following the statement on the human rights crisis of Myanmar in March 2021 and on RussiaUkraine War in February 2022.

In the statement, HWPL said, “It is the innocent civilians who become the victims in wars, and everyone in the world is witnessing this situation in real time. Failing to stop an unjustified war will result in thousands and tens of thousands of civilian casualties.

Can anyone compensate for such devastating atrocities?”

HWPL added that it urges “for the two parties of the war to immediately cease the acts of aggression, protect the citizens, and actively engage in efforts to ensure recovery and peace”, and calls on “the UN and the international community to swiftly take necessary measures such as mediating peace between the two parties to bring them to a dialogue and providing humanitarian support.”

On March 14, 2016, HWPL, together with international law experts from 15 countries, drafted and announced the “Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)” for an international law for peace. This declaration proposes international cooperation, citizen participation and cultural approaches to conflict prevention, mediation, and peace.

HWPL announced that it plans to submit the DPCW to the United Nations. Through peace activities in more than 170 countries, HWPL is specifying action plans to build a world of peace by establishing institutional approach to the international community and raising peace awareness among the public.

You may find the full statement on HWPL’s official website (www.hwpl.kr).

19 October 26-November 1, 2023

Upside...

 COMMUNITY NEWS (From Page 10)

Murray. Our sisterhood blossomed when TVM director Giovannie Espiritu agreed to give testimony of her experience with abuse at the premier event we staged as CORA Kumares & Kumpares in 2005 at the Philippine consulate, with support from then-Consul General Rowena Mendoza Sanchez.

SFPD Lt. Randy Caturay, Colma City Council Member Joanne del Rosario, lawyers Robert Uy, Maria Segarra and law student Karina Layugan, congressional aide Mark Nagales, nurses Malou Aclan, LorrainCanaya, Elsa Agasid and Jeannette Trajano, and LMFT Paulita Lasola Malay joined us soon after.

In 2009 we became an independent organization sponsored by Thomasians USA. We named ourselves after Alice Bulos, whom we elevated as honorary chair for modeling Community collaboration and service.

We stayed solid and celebrated our 10th anniversary at Colma Community Center with a gala reception to honor our survivor speakers. Lt. Gov. Mona Pasquil gave a riveting keynote pointing to empowerment as first emanating from the home. With Monica Yap, daughter of our founding president Santos Yap, we produced a video tribute to the brave women who have shared their stories to give hope to people suffering in the shadows. Without their testimony, family and intimate partner violence would remain a persistent myth.

ALLICE Kumares and Kumpares, as we call ourselves, have come and gone since then, some staying longer than others. Accountants Susan Roxas and Blessy Valera and older adults counselor Ofie Albrecht came aboard. Catholic Rev. Mark Reburiano and Episcopal Rev. Leonard Oakes brought faith-based perspective. Banker Jose Antonio linked us to the corporate world and is our fiscal director today.

Pharmacovigilance executive Flor Nicolas, the first FilAm woman elected to the South San Francisco City Council, joined us, welcoming ALLICE as a partner in fulfilling her city’s family-focused agenda, as co-president this year.

POWERING THROUGH In nationwide crises and the pandemic, we pivoted to virtual activities under the leadership of venture capital EA Allen Capalla (2020), LMFT Nan Santiago (2021) and recovery service program director Junior Flores (2022).

In June 2021 we staged our first virtual elder care and abuse prevention presentation “Our Family, Our Future” made possible by Dr. Africa during his stint as Marin County BHRS director. Over 150 joined the call from four continents. That same year, longtime friend and Philippine International Aid founder Mona Lisa Yuchengco offered to be our fiscal sponsor, a natural collaboration for our two organizations dedicated to education and healing toward empowerment.

As 2013 president, Rob Uy had launched us into the digital era with, giving access to resources and vital information to survivors and their loved ones. Before the end of the year we are ushering in www.ALLICE kk.org to keep us connected to succeeding generations.

In 2014 we introduced our ALLICE directory of services familiarly called the “A List,” of agencies vetted for cultural and linguistic capacity to help immigrant and LGBTQIA populations. This no-cost A-List is accessible on our website and at community fairs. *** To be continued

Are your Credit Cards still manageable?

reexamine spending habits.

With more consumers turning to credit for purchases, revolving debt showed an 8.5 percent increase. credit card debt accounts for almost all of revolving debt, which rose by $5.6 billion to $798.3 billion. This was the largest percentage jump since March 2008.

We might be feeling better about the economy, in reality unemployment is still high. Now more than ever families need to work at saving and paying off any outstanding debts.

We are spending too much and spending like crazy again!

This is concerning as the bills begin to roll in, consumers may find themselves unable to pay them off.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has ordered a review of rules on short-term loans. Three customers say companies lured them into a traps of quick cash and affordable payment terms.

These Quick Cash or Payday loan companies focus on the needy, often operating out of strip malls or corner stores.

Interest can be 300%, plus fees. Borrowers often hand over post-dated checks which are cashed if they do not repay on time.

Unless you have assets or a property to turn your equity to cash to pay off these debts, you will end up rolling that debt over and incur higher fees.

Short Term loan are easy to get but hard to pay back, usually when you are desperately in need and not thinking right, these loan sharking method of lending is the fastest way to get money. Unless you completely thought out how you will be paying the debt off or knowingly have money coming into to pay it off, you will end up owing much more after said and done.

Seniors Financial Advisor thinks that one explanation for Americans’ willingness to take on more debt could be the relative improvement of the economy over the past year, when the workforce added 2.2 million jobs over the course of the year. For consumers with extra money in their wallets, taking on more debt in anticipation of a bonus or a raise may not

Caring community of diverse members gathers to promote healthy and safe rela�onships.

Photo by Voltaire Yap

Are your Credit Cards still manageable?

Consumers weren’t shy about spending this holiday season, as the latest consumer credit report reveals a nearly 10 percent increase in overall consumer debt. According to the Federal Reserve, consumer borrowing surged in November by $20.4 billion raising the consumer debt total to $2.48 trillion. Financial experts at Consolidated Credit advise consumers to

seem so risky. But that could be a big mistake. We’ve already forgotten 2008 and 2009, and now we’re projecting into the indefinite future and we’re spending based on as if it had already happened. Our default setting is optimistic, and maybe overly optimistic.

If consumers aren’t on steady financial ground, it could put Americans at greater risk if the economy doesn’t improve at a fast enough rate. And it doesn’t help that Americans are not very good savers. Americans have made some progress on debt repayment… but (savings) continues to be the Achilles heel of financial security. And it was never a strong point to begin with.

I feel that if we are all wondering what will be the cause of another financial recession, I think it might be related to consumer debts, credit card loans, student loans etc. We can’t live paycheck to paycheck just clearing our minimum payments on our debts, sooner than later it will catch up with us and we wont be able to pay it.

Thanks for your inquiries and comments, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Financial at 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net BRE01021223 NMLS238636.

October 26-November 1, 2023

Offline...

(From Page 11)

spend large amounts of money because they know they can recoup their investments with a few construction projects in their turf.

They may not earn as much as corrupt mayors or congressmen, but they can still earn a pretty penny within the time that they are officially little bosses of their communities.

In the run up to the coming elections, the Commission on Elections has already caught large numbers of candidates who have spent more than they should. These are the bets who have huge tarps extolling their virtues.

The poll body is facing a losing war on multiple fronts. It has made the usual vote buying practice illegal, but still many candidates do their best to work around the rules.

In some cases, the local bets give away cans of sardines to residents of poor communities. Nothing wrong here per se, right? But then they also tape P1,000 bills to the side of the small cans. Illegal, definitely, but don’t ask the recipients to tell the Comelec of the practice.

I don’t know what the bets for SK are doing, but if they are children or relatives of the local politicos, they will simply let their folks handle their campaigns. And it’s a safe bet that the oldies will resort to the old tricks to win the electorate over.

What’s most disturbing about the coming elections is that there are many areas considered as hot spots. Already there are news reports of local bets being shot, with their opponents being main suspects.

The silliness of barangay elections will soon be over, until next time. By then, the newly-elected officials will be planning their projects by which they hope to recover the big bucks they spent to get elected.

I can do nothing to eradicate the bureaucracy that is the Philippine barangay, but I can make a suggestion.

Instead of barangay captains being elected, why not have councilors elected by district instead of at large? They can serve as captains of their localities over and above their duties as city or municipal councilor.

This way, the national government can save millions of pesos wasted on the payroll of barangay officials.

It won’t happen, of course. Not with the concept already entrenched in the country’s body politic. And not with the current president restoring everything his father created, including the most useless ones like Kadiwa stores.

As for me, I take great pride in never, ever having voted in all the barangay elections ever held. There are a million ways to make better use of my time.

As I See It

(From Page 11)

duce media content regarding Asian American videos, articles, podcasts, and TV Shows. OPTION B: Receiving a check.

Prizes for Winners - First Prize Winners: $10,000 Funding, or a $1000 check. Second Prize Winners: $5,000 Funding or a $500 check.

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Come forward! Tell your stories!

(Elpidio R. Estioko was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. He just published his book Unlocking the Chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream which is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris Publishing. For feedbacks, comments… please email author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com).

Health & Wealth...

(From Page 11)

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20

MAYOR LONDON BREED RECOGNIZES GRATON RESORT & CASINO AS THE PREMIER SPONSOR OF APEC LEADERS’ CONFERENCE IN SAN FRANCISCO The premier sponsorship serves as a testament to the organization’s ongoing dedication to San Francisco’s growth, development and success

San Francisco, CA – Today, Mayor London N. Breed recognized Graton Resort & Casino as the City’s Premier Sponsor committed to supporting San Francisco as the host City for the 2023 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting.

Mayor London Breed Earlier this month, Graton Resort & Casino donated $4,625,000 to the San Francisco Special Events Committee, which is responsible for all APEC-related fundraising efforts. The committee has eclipsed its committed fundraising goal of $20,000,000, and intends to continue raising funds. Graton Resort & Casino’s generosity marks a significant contribution to APEC’s success and demonstrates the business’ commitment to fostering continued economic growth in the city.

“Graton Resort & Casino’s contribution will help ensure that the thousands of visitors coming to San Francisco for APEC experience the best of the city,” said Mayor London Breed. “On behalf of the City, I’d like to extend my deepest appreciation to Graton for not only their extraordinary donation, but also their unwavering commitment to our City’s progress, prosperity, and innovation.”

“Graton Resort & Casino’s generous support as the premier sponsor of the APEC summit marks not only a key partnership in ensuring the Summit’s success but also a partnership of shared values and commitment to showcasing the best of our state, our world-leading diversity, prosperity, and spirit of innovation,” said Lieutenant Governor and APEC Host Committee Finance Chair Eleni Kounalakis.

Graton’s contribution will help enhance the experience for attendees at the conference next month. This support not only strengthens this international conference, but also underscores the company’s dedication to community engagement on a global stage.

“Our business, Graton Resort & Casino, is committed to social justice and environmental stewardship,” said Greg Sarris, Tribal Chairman, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.

“The APEC conference will shine a light on all the important attributes of the Bay Area, including our diverse population and history of innovation. San Francisco is beautiful, vibrant and welcoming. It remains one of the world’s best and most forward-thinking cities. That’s why we’re proud to be the premier sponsor and enthusiastically support APEC in San Francisco.”

Graton Resort & Casino and APEC As a Premier Sponsor of APEC 2023 in San Francisco, Graton Resort & Casino supports the conference’s core themes of resilience, innovation, and inclusivity. Graton Resort & Casino is dedicated to helping our community in Northern California. The APEC conference will shine a light on all the important attributes of the Bay Area – including our diverse population and history of innovation APEC in San Francisco APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is the premier platform for the United States to advance economic policies in the Asia-Pacific region to promote free, fair, and open trade and investment and advance inclusive and sustainable growth. As part of our enduring commitment to the region and broad-based economic growth, San Francisco is excited to serve as host of the APEC Leaders’ Meeting taking place in San Francisco, November 11-17, 2023.

APEC will be the largest convening of world leaders in San Francisco since the UN Charter was signed in 1945 during the UN Conference on International Organization, also called the San Francisco Conference.

This November, the United States will chair the 2023 AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in iconic San Francisco, California. The 21 APEC Member Economies account for nearly 40 percent of the global population and nearly 50 percent of global trade.

APEC’s themes this year are sustainability, inclusivity, innovation and resilience.

through a looking..

Editorial

(From Page 11)

Deutsch Bank, based in New York.

She got married at 34, gave birth to her first child at 38 and by a twist of fate, was at her office building across the twin towers on 9-11-01. That incident caused her breast cancer, stage 4, and eventually her death three years later.

I wonder now if she would still be alive today, had she chosen to pursue her career in the Philippines. What if she had married her college sweetheart and raised a lot of kids? But that’s water under the bridge!

Gigi’s priority was her two daughters. She doted on them , did everything for them, lived for them and her greatest desire was to see them grow to be adults.

Today, memories of the generous and kind Gigi flood my mind: Gigi as a child surreptitiously sipping a glass of champagne, Gigi with me at our apartment in Makati, Gigi eating at Burger King with me , Gigi on her wedding day, Gigi driving to the clinic for the clinical tests for a cure for cancer, Gigi rushing to see Miss Saigon with me on New Year’s Eve on Broadway, Gigi at a New Year’s Eve party, Gigi decorating the huge Christmas tree at her New Jersey home.

These are memories I will cherish forever, even though they bring an ache to my heart.

Gigi never complained about anything in her life, though I knew she had her crosses to bear.

I have long accepted God’s will in taking her away from us , so early in life.

Gigi was truly special, one in a million, and I know for sure that she is up there, playing with the angels in the presence of the Almighty.

(From Page 11)

It is only Congress that can provide the aid that the two countries need as laws have to be passed to allot funds for that purpose.

They should also be reminded that by the middle of next month, the government again faces a shutdown as the temporary solution hammered out by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy comes to an end.

While there is indeed an acting Speaker, actually a Speaker pro tempore, in the person of Rep. Patrick McHenry, all he can do is to bang the gavel to declare the House is in session, then banging it again moments later to declare an end to the session.

Absolutely nothing is accomplished.

Meanwhile, the intramurals continue, with neither of the first two who wanted to succeed McCarthy – Reps. Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan – being able to muster enough votes to take that gavel on a more permanent basis.

Unless some kind of political miracle occurs, this will remain so for the foreseeable future.

This is beyond strange, as in a perfect democracy the party that has the majority should have an easy time picking one man or woman to lead them. This has always been so since Congress was created.

With what’s happening now, it seems for all intents and purposes that there is no one Republican Party. Instead, there are several factions to the point that some act like parties separate from the Republicans and the Democrats.

Of course the Republicans have to get their act together.

One painful solution would be to kick out the eight members of the party who voted to oust McCarthy in the first place.

But with their majority so slim, this would only give the gavel back to the Democrats on a silver platter.

As this is unthinkable, the only logical solution is to find another bet within their ranks to handle the speakership.

Some names have been floated around, and one is none other than McHenry.

All things considered, perhaps he should be given the opportunity to lead the House out of the mess it is mired in now.

Surely all of the Republicans must agree that there has to be one among them who has the wherewithal to lead.

If not McHenry, then who?

21 October 26-November 1, 2023

 COMMUNITY NEWS | HEALTH

PH CONSULATE PARTNERS WITH PNANC, LIONS INTERNATIONAL FOR A FLU VACCINE CLINIC AT THE PH CENTER

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco hosted a flu vaccine clinic for its consular clients at the Philippine Center’s Kalayaan Hall on 12 October 2023—in partnership with the Philippine Nurses Association of Northern California, the San Francisco

Premier Lions Club, the San Francisco Aeta Lions Club, and the San Francisco Host Lions Club. During the four-hour clinic, 49 people received the updated flu shots.

Consul General Neil Ferrer personally thanked the Consulate’s partners—includ-

ing incoming PNANC President and 2023 The Consulate encourages Filipinos and Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) Filipino Americans to get their flu shots and alumna Lourdes Moldre, past PNANC Presi- stay healthy during the upcoming winter holident Marife Sevilla, and past San Francisco day season. (San Francisco PCG photos) Premier Lions Club President Victoria Palomar—for spearheading the clinic.

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) said the country has not recorded an increase in cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

This, after Singapore recorded 2,000 daily cases of Covid-19 in the past two weeks due to EG.5 and HK.3 subvariants which are considered descendants of Omicron XBB. “We don’t have an increase in Covid cases. Singapore has reported another variety of Omicron but it’s still mild and there are no deaths reported,” DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa told reporters in a Palace briefing.

He said the DOH Epidemiology Bureau is

monitoring Covid-19 infections and the public would be informed for any significant rise in cases.

In its latest case bulletin, the DOH reported that the country’s daily average for new Covid-19 cases decreased by 8 percent from Oct. 16 to 22.

The agency said 164 daily infections were recorded, 15 cases lower than the 179 cases recorded in the previous week.

From Oct. 16 to 22, a total of 1,146 new cases were recorded, the DOH said.

Meanwhile, the tally of severe and critical infections decreased to 221 from 231 cases

logged during the week of Oct. 9 to 15.

Nine deaths were verified during the past week and they occurred between Oct. 9 to 22.

Only 11.8 percent of the intensive care unit (ICU) beds, or 173 out of the 1,465, are in use, while 16.9 percent, or 2,118 of 12,536, non-ICU beds have been utilized as of Oct. 22.

At least 78,443,972 or 100.4 percent of the country’s target population (78,100,578) have been vaccinated against Covid-19, including 82.16 percent of 8,721,357 senior citizens, as of March 19.

A total of 23,811,248 have received boost-

No increase in Covid-19 cases in PHL – DOH chief

er shots out of the fully vaccinated population.

“We have consumed all our bivalents actually, the 390,000 that we have, we’re just hoping the fact that most Filipinos are vaccinated against Covid and symptoms will be mild,” Herbosa said.

“Now there is a new vaccine that’s out, a monovalent XBB, that’s the one that was announced by Moderna in the United States.”

He added the DOH is still looking into the need to procure monovalent XBB vaccines depending on the increase in cases, the practices in other countries and the recommendations from the World Health Organization.

The “Ionizer” scam Heart of Hope

As far as health is concerned, the majority, if not all of us, want the best health minus the sacrifices needed to achieve it effectively and safely. We want to be healthy without exercising, dieting or abstaining from smoking and without disciplined alcohol intake. We want to have good blood pressure and good cholesterol level without skimpPHILIP S. CHUA ing on our salt and fat intake and quitting cigarettes. We want to lose weight without cutting down on our calorie intake and exercising daily. Everybody wants to get to heaven without dying!

For expediency, any pill or juice or gadget that comes along with the claim that it is good for our health becomes a “must-buy” crutch, believing it will confer upon us good health and longevity, without lifting a finger, moving a muscle, or getting off the couch, and putting down the remote control and the potato chips.

Unfortunately, the most manufacturers of these “health” lotions, potions, pills, juices and gadgets are mostly interested in making their bank accounts healthier, and least interested in the health of its consumer-victims. Otherwise, they won’t continue to prey on the unsuspecting public and sell their useless products, which may even have severe long-term adverse side-effects. Organ-failure and cancer are some of those possible complications.

It is one thing to pay for a very expensive pill or juice or machine and find out years from now that it was not effective.

It is another to discover years down the line that its use has caused a debilitating or deadly disease.

Now comes the water ionizer, the “ionized” alkaline water it produces, the “special drinking water.” Not only are these marketed waters and the ionizing machines expensive, but they are, according to scientists, “medically baseless and

worthless.” Most of the good effects these manufacturers claim for their products are available in healthy food items, like fish, fruits, bran, wheat, nuts, vegetables, and water purified by the most advanced multiple-stage reverse-osmosis filtration system. It might come as a surprise to many but boiled water, minus its sediments, is safer than some of this expensive drinking water. Using the commercially available home water filtration pitcher or the below-the-sink multiple-stage reversed osmosis filtration system, and then boiling the water will even double the protection. This will certainly not cost $1500-$2500 like the ionizers.

When it comes to health, there is no better guide than our modern science, where extensive and rigidly controlled laboratory testing, and double-blind, randomized, human clinical trials are the standard before any medication or device gets official approval and goes out to the market.

Anecdotal reports (usually solicited) or testimonials (usually from paid endorsers) are not scientific proofs. These are misinformation used to market the product with some semblance of “truth.” Candidly, these are nothing but deception to sell. If not approved by the US-FDA, RP-BFAD or any other similar national health agencies, any product is a potential suspect. So, public, beware!

As far as the water ionizer is concerned, here is “the bottom line” as objectively explained in a detailed scientific paper, which aims to educate and protect the public: “Here, in a nutshell, are few basic facts that anyone with a solid background in chemistry or physiology would concur with: (1) “Ionized water” is nothing more than sales fiction; the term is meaningless to chemists; (2) Most water that is fit for drinking is too non-conductive to undergo significant electrolysis; (3) Pure water can never be alkaline or acidic, nor can it be made so by electrolysis; (4) Ground waters containing metal ions such as calcium and magnesium can be rendered slightly alkaline by electrolysis, but after it hits the highly acidic gastric fluid in the stomach, its alkalinity is gone; (5) The idea that one must consume alkaline water to neutralize the effects of acidic foods is ridiculous; we get rid of excess acid by exhaling carbon dioxide; (6) The claims about health benefits

of drinking alkaline water were not supported by credible scientific evidence; (7) There is nothing wrong with drinking slightly acidic waters such as rainwater. Body pH is a meaningless concept in this context because different parts of the body (and even individual cells) can have widely different pH value; (8) If you really want to de-acidify your stomach (at possible cost of interfering with protein digestion), why spend hundreds of dollars for an electrolysis device when you can take calcium-magnesium pills, Alka-Seltzers or Milk of Magnesia, under your doctor’s care?; (9) Electrolysis devices or ionizers are generally worthless for treating water for health enhancement, removal of common impurities, disinfection and scale control.”

Talking about liquids, here is a warning: Soft drinks (cola or un-cola, diet or regular), for instance, are poison to all of us, especially to children; they cause metabolic syndrome, which leads to major chronic illnesses. They are killing us softly!

Among “killer foods,” processed foods, especially meats (almost all deli foods), increases the risk for cancer; and sweets and sugars are most unhealthy for us, responsible for obesity and most major chronic illnesses among us.

To protect our health…and pocketbook, we must use our wisdom and due diligence in this informational age, where Dr. Google is on-call 24/7. Caveat emptor!

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. He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, conferred by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

23 October 26-November 1, 2023

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Buko Melon Salad Buko Melon Salad. If you are looking for buko salad for your events but tired of the usual buko pandan salad try these buko and melon combination topped with a buco melon sorbetes.

Ingredients: 20 pcs. buko, grated, buko water keep aside for other use 4 pcs. Melon, grated 3 cups condense milk 1 cup all-purpose creamer

VISIT SAGADA. Sagada y has launched the southern Sagada nature treat, tour and adventure that formalizes tours and visits to the Obwa Canyon waterfalls, the Taccong tradi�onal burial grounds, Balangagan caves and the Pinumdeng skyline sunrise as among the a�rac�ons.

Sagado opens new tourist hubs, relaxes entry rules

BAGUIO CITY – Sagada, a town in Mountain Province famous for its hanging coffins on high cliffs and centuries old burial sites, has opened new places to visit for domestic and foreign tourists.

This was disclosed by Mayor Felicito Method: Dula who said the new destinations are in Combine and mix thoroughly all the ingredients in a big bowl. Chill in a re- the town’s southern zone composed of four villages -- Ankileng, Nacagan, Takkong frigerator until ready to serve. and Suyo (ANTS) which launched what they called as the “Southern Sagada nature treat, tour and adventure.”

“Marami pang destination at kasama natin ang community sa pagbubukas at pag-welcome ng mga bisita para ma enjoy din nila ang iba pang magagandang lugar sa Sagada (there are still other destinations and we are one with the community in opening them and welcoming the visitors to enjoy the other beautiful places in Sagada),” Mayor Dula said in PNA’s Liza Agoot report.

Sagada, considered the Shangrila of the North, earlier relaxed entry rules that used to make visits to the town difficult and expensive for tourists.

The opening of additional tourist attractions in Sagada was earlier proposed to attract more tourists and put Sagada on the bucket list of local and international tourists.

Southern Sagada has the Obwa Canyon waterfalls, Takkong traditional burial grounds, Balangagan caves and the Pinumdeng skyline sunrise as among the attractions.

A camp site has been set up near the barangay hall of Suyo, which will have a tourist information center where coordination can be done and tour guides will be provided for the safety of the visitors aside from a ComPAC (Community Police Assistance Center).

Sagada, which has 19 villages, is divided into five zones -- central, south-central, northern, eastern, and southern zones.

The eastern zone, where the Marlboro Hills is located, is expected to be launched anytime.

Dula said most of the existing and pop-

For the Ice Cream: 1.3 liters Nestle’s Buco Melon Sorbetes ice cream

ular tourist destinations are located in central and south central zones like the EchoValley, Hanging Coffins, pottery, Sagada weaving, Bokong Falls and the Kiltepan sunrise, same as the town proper or Poblacion.

“They are ready to receive the tourists.

The tour guides have been trained and accredited to bring the visitors and make them safe while in the village,” the mayor said.

Sagada has expressed confidence that its tourism industry will flourish anew, according to Mayor Dula, who said every weekend for about four weeks now, tourist arrivals are on the rise.

“We have recorded a total of 39,866 tourists who arrived from January 1 to September 30. There are also a small number of seminars and conferences already being held here,” the mayor said.

Pre-pandemic, Sagada averaged 140,000 tourists per year.

Sagada has lifted all entry requirements for tourists, including registration, Covid-19 test, and proof of full vaccination.

“We have decided to ease the restrictions because they prevent tourists from putting us on their list of areas to visit,” Dula said. “We had to move because tourism is the number one livelihood of the people in Sagada and making it difficult for tourists to enter our town will make it difficult also for our people to recover from the financial losses that resulted from the lockdowns.”

The mayor said locals own restaurants, inns, and souvenir shops while others are engaged in making processed items or serve as tour guides.

Based on a 2021 survey, Sagada has 12,300 residents who are directly engaged in tourism or related business activities Culture preservation thru tourism Councilor Jaime Dugao, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of the town, said during the launching of the southern Sagada nature treat, tour and adventure that Sagada’s tourism is not just about the place but most especially about the people and the culture.