Philippine News Today

1 June 16-22, 2022

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

www.pnewstoday.com

THE PREMIER FILIPINO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN THE U.S. SINCE 1961

Vol. 61 No. 45 June 16-22, 2022

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

TIGHT SECURITY UP AS MARCOS, SARA INAUGURATION NEARS Gun ban enforced; Enrile warns of plot against incoming President

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor-in-Chief

San Francisco, Bay Area cities mark 124th PHL Independence Day

By Jun Nucum

SAN F RANCISCO - Different San F rancisco Bay Area cities celebrated the 124th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence even while still in pandemic with hosts, guests and participants garbed in colorful native F ilipiniana dresses punctuated by the singing of the national anthem PRESIDENT-ELECT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President-elect Sara Duterte- “Lupang Hinirang” while the Carpio are ready for their separate inaugura�on. Marcos will take his oath at THE FILIPINO community once again gathered while s�ll on pandemhilippine flag is hoisted in their ic to celebrate the 124th Proclama�on of Philippine Independence the Na�onal Museum, formerly the Legisla�ve Building, on June 30 while city flag pole. P age 8 at the Kalayaan Hall of Philippine Center in San Francisco. (PCG-SF) Duterte will be inaugurated on June 19 in Davao City.

MANILA – Law enforcers and other government agencies have tightened up security further to ensure a successful inauguration of incoming President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte Carpio and the handover of power from outgoing President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Vice President Maria Leonor Leni Robredo. Page 9

Covid-19 cases in NCR, others up slightly but alert level 1 stays

By Claire Morales True MANILA – W hile an up- been detected in the country. tick of COVID-19 cases has Health Undersecretary been noted in Metro Manila, Maria Rosario Vergeire said authorities maintained Alert six of the 16 tested positive Level 1 for the region which for the BA.5 subvariant -- two is composed of 16 cities and from Metro Manila, one each one town until June 30. from Cagayan Valley, W estern This developed as the De- Visayas, and Northern Mindpartment of Health reported anao, and another one whose that 16 more cases of Omicron address is still being verified. subvariants of COVID-19 have Vergerie said that Page 9

Group protests bid to scrap Filipino language program

3 top tech experts cast doubts on election results

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

SAN F RANCISCO - F amilies, students, teachers, and community members at the Longfellow Elementary School are strongly opposing the enforcement of the San rancisco nified School District (SF USD) enrollment cap on the F ilipino Language and Cultural Program in the school, turning away families who want to enroll their children into the program.

The program is one of only two F ilipino language and culture programs available to elementary students in the UnitedP age 10

MANILA – The trolls who helped propel F erdinand Marcos Jr to the presidency continue to work, blocking any and all attempts to prove that his victory was tainted by massive cheating.

A briefing by three credible leaders which was meant to show the level of cheating two weeks ago was effectively muzzled by the trolls. The underhanded steps they took included holding a similar briefing using some of the data from the original trio on the exact same date and time, and with a similar sounding presentation.

Moreover, the online briefing

lost its signal again and again.

The Zoom meeting was also limited to 100 participants – which was not unusual in itself – but copying of the event was nearly impossible due to the failing signal.

Reviewing the improbable results of the recent polls, the trio presented what they called “Electronic Magic: Probing possible irregularities in the May 2022 national elections.” ith dwin ernandez of the Katipunan Para sa Bayan as convenor, the first item they discussed was the “fastest elections in history,” with the P age 8

Pinoys told to tighten belts as recession looms

California fast-tracks gun safety policies

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Status of Processing at the U.S. Embassy Manila

Nora Aunor, others proclaimed as National Artists

By A�y. Lozano

P age 14

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HEALTH

WHO warns of real risk from monkeypox P age 28

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3 June 16-22, 2022

 NATIONAL NEWS

Filipinos urged to tighten belts, brace for looming recession Q UEZON CITY – A leader of the House of Representatives has urged F ilipinos to tighten their belts to brace for the looming global recession in the coming months.

Deputy Speaker and Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab said F ilipinos should be prepared and must plan on how to budget their income and expenses, as the country faces a worldwide increase in inflation rate, skyrocketing fuel prices, looming food shortage, and the prolonged RussiaUkraine W ar.

Ungab said on top of all these, another possible spike in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases is projected as the government raised the possibility of reverting to a stricter Alert Level 2 in Metro Manila. “ e foresee difficult times ahead and it is up to us if we can safely ride it through and survive or go unprepared and succumb to the strong financial distress, being experienced globally,” Ungab said in a statement.

Ungab suggested to F ilipinos to also explore and look for other sources of income and become innovative in challenging times like this.

He noted that the rise in prices of food and basic commodities is outpacing wages, which is becoming a growing household concern.

Ungab supported President-elect F erdinand Marcos Jr.’s plan to set a stimulus package in the 2023 national

budget, which Ungab said, shows the incoming administration’s determination to rebuild the country’s economy.

“I urge everyone to unite and help the incoming administration. Let us come together and work for our country to be able to overcome these economic woes and adversities,” Ungab said.

Apart from the government’s plan to manage the rising inflation, ngab also recommended for the incoming administration to prepare and update the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan for 2023 – 2028, since it will become the basis of budgeting the expenditures in the coming months and years of the incoming Marcos’ administration.

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez earlier said the next Congress will prioritiz e the passage of Marcos Jr.’s legislative agenda, including a stimulus package to help the country recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Romualdez , who is the top contender for the speakership post in the 19th Congress, said they are eyeing the passage of a Bayanihan-type of legislation to be called Bayan Bangon Muli.

“It will allow the incoming President to harness the resources available to him during this closing period of 2022 and address the measures that are needed for the

pandemic, hopefully endemic, stage of this Covid issue, and of course, to harness whatever remaining resources to stimulate the economy and to reinvigorate it for the better[ ment] of all,” Romualdez said.

18th Congress passed 311 bills that became law Q UEZON CITY– The 18th Congress has passed a total of 311 measures that received President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature and were enacted into law.

According to the House of Representatives accomplishment report, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said 119 of the laws were national in scope, while 192 were local.

He noted that a number of laws enacted were specifically crafted to address the ill-effects brought by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, the most significant of which were the ayanihan 1 and 2 laws, which allowed the release of billions of pesos to fight the pandemic and protect the citiz enry.

“W hile almost everybody was forced to stay in their

homes for safety during the community qua rantine, ouse Members, officials and employees went out of their way to report for work and perform their duties diligently,” he said.

During the three-year run of the 18th Congress from July 22, 2019 to June 3, 2022, Romualdez said House members filed a total of 13,526 measures, including 2,681 resolutions.

A total of 1,618 measures were approved by the House of Representatives from July 2019 to June 2022 under the leaderships of former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and outgoing Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

Another 759 measures were passed on third and final reading during the 18th Congress, while another 13 bills were approved on second reading, he added.

Romualdez said the filing of 1, committee reports showed how active the House committees were even during the pandemic when the lawmakers had to make do with virtual or digital processes instead of traditional faceto-face meetings.

Romualdez , who is poised to become the next Speaker in the 19th Congress, said he looks forward to working in a post-pandemic setting in to put forward “our 100 percent effort in helping the country rise from the pandemic’s effects together with the incoming administration of President-elect F erdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

D O J S E L L E R O R T R A V E L

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 METRO NEWS

June 16-22, 2022

4

SUV driver in Lorenzana thanks incoming viral hit-and-run Manila mayor for ‘lucky catch’ surrenders

Defense Secretary Del n Lorenzana (le ) and Manila Mayor-elect Honey Lacuna MANILA – Manila Mayor-elect Maria Sheila Honey Lacuna-Pangan was a “hero” at the Independence Day celebration at the Riz al Park on June 12 when she “caught” Department of National Defense D D Secretary Delfin Lorenz ana when he fainted there.

And Lorenz ana was profuse with thanks to the Manila Mayor-elect who is a doctor by profession.

“Do you believe in miracles? I do.

Last Sunday, Mayor-elect Dra. Honey Lacuna of Manila saved me from a possible life-altering injury when I fainted

due to the heat and exhaustion. Thank you again, Mayor Honey, for being at the right place, at the right time! ” Lorenz ana said in a F acebook post.

In a separate post, Lorenz ana also thanked all the people who expressed their concerns and prayed for his wellbeing shortly after the incident.

Lorenz ana earlier attributed his fainting to his lack of rest and sleep from his recent successive international security engagements, which include a speaking engagement at the International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue (IISS) in Singapore from June 10 to 11.

The DND chief spoke at the fourth plenary session of the defense summit on the topic “Military Moderniz ation and New Defense Capabilities”.

Lorenz ana admitted that he arrived early Sunday morning in Manila to attend the Independence Day rites.

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong earlier said Lorenz ana has also traveled recently to South Korea and other parts of the Philippines while overseeing the defense operations of the country and transition to a new administration.

He added that the DND chief’s hectic schedule in the past weeks and the extremely hot weather in Luneta “may have resulted in his fatigue”.

Jose Antonio Sanv icente

CAMP CRAME, Q uez on City – The driver of the sports utility vehicle (SUV) who was caught on video running over a security guard in Mandaluyong City last June 5 has surrendered to authorities but was not arrested bolstering suspicion that some influential people are protecting him.

Jose Antonio Sanvicente, 34, was accompanied by his parents and their lawyer, Danny Macalino, when he appeared at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headqua rters in Camp Crame, Q uez on City.

Sanvicente is facing charges of frustrated murder and violation of Article 275 of the Revised Penal Code or abandonment of persons in danger.

The Sanvicente family also turned over the SUV with plate number NCO 3781, which was involved in the incident.

Quezon City raises warning to yellow alert as COVID-19 cases climb $495

408.286.9360 408.286.9311

Q UEZON CITY – The Q uez on City local government has raised its Covid-19 early warning level to “yellow” status after it recorded an average of 26 cases per day the past week.

According to the Q C Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (Q CESU) over the weekend, aside from the jump in average daily cases, two other indicators were also observed as of June 9.

The average positivity rate doubled to 3.10 percent from 1.50 percent from May 27 to June 2.

In addition, the estimated reproduction number climbed to 3.4 percent from 1.1 percent last week.

Q CESU chief Dr. Rolando Cruz said in a news release that there is a possibility that cases will spike further within the next two weeks under the current yellow status.

Cruz said their locally developed monitoring system is used for internal reporting only and should not be confused with the official alert levels issued by the Inter-Agency Task F orce for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF ).

Under Q C’s system, the white status is raised when Covid-19 cases are below average and all data indicators are considered stable. No surge of cases is expected in the next 14 days; yellow when cases are seen increasing compared to the previous week and when three of

four indicators have increased from normal to above normal. There is a possibility of a surge within the next 14 days; and red when cases continue to rise and all other indicators remain high or have breached the indicated threshold. This indicates the start of a surge.

“Our local early warning system is helpful in assessing the pandemic within our city only. It aids our department as well as our city officials in the systematic monitoring of new cases, analysis of trends, and recommendation of strategic measures to prevent the further spread of infections. Official alert level announcements and general guidelines will still come from the IATF ,” Cruz said.

As of this writing, Q uez on City remains under Alert Level 1 according to the IAT , and is classified as “low risk by the Department of Health.

Mayor Joy Belmonte reminded citiz ens to continue observing preventive measures such as wearing of masks as well as getting vaccinated and boosted.

“W e have come a long way but the virus is still with us. Again, we call on our residents to remain vigilant,” Belmonte said in a statement.

She called on those who have yet to get their COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot to do so by visiting the nearest barangay health center or by registering online via https: //q ceservices.q uez oncity.gov.ph/q cvaxeasy.

5 June 16-22, 2022

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Samal island-Davao City bridge project to push through with $350-M China loan

APPROVED. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III (le ) and Chinese Am b assador to the P hilip p ines Huang X ilian ex change cop ies of the signed f ram ew ork and loan Agreem ent f or the Sam al Island-D av ao City Connector P roj ect at the D ep artm ent of F inance in M anila.

DAVAO CITY – The 3.8 kilometer bridge project that will connect the G arden Island of Samal and Davao City will push through after all.

This as the Chinese government announced its approval of the US$35 0 million concessional loan to the hilippine government to finance the bridge project.

“The first cross-sea bridge that the Davaoe o people have long dreamed of will come true,” Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang X ilian said.

In a ceremony, the envoy exchanged with F inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III the signed framework and loan agreements for the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project at the Department of F inance in Ma-

Plan to return to old name of Manila airport revived

nila.

The arrangement states that the Chinese government will provide a concessional loan of approximately S 50 million to the hilippine government to finance the two-way four-lane 3.86-km bridge connecting Davao City and Samal Island in Davao del Norte across the Pakiputan Strait.

“Once completed, this bridge will provide a resilient and reliable transportation link between Davao City and Samal Island, improving transportation efficiency, promoting internal mobility, and stimulating tourism potential,” Huang said.

The project is expected to employ thousands to build the project.

“This project will break ground before long. Look forward to seeing the long-awaited cross-sea bridge turning from a vision into a reality,” Huang said.

A project report of the Department of Public W orks and Highways said the bridge to connect Davao City to Samal Island was first conceptualized in the 1 0s.

In 201 , during the orld conomic orum on Asean in Cambodia, President Rodrigo Duterte announced 5 big-ticket flagship projects under the “ uild, uild, uild program, including the Davao-Samal connector project.

The first feasibility study for the project was presented in 201 .

In anuary 2021, a commercial contract for the design and build of the project was signed between the Philippine and Chinese governments. arlier, it was announced that the construction could take about 54 months.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

June 16-22, 2022

Duterte administers oath of office to Gloria Arroyo, other local officials

M acap agal-Arroy o at the M alacañ ang P alace.

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has administered the oath of office to ampanga epresentative-elect loria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Malacaang alace.

The 5-year old former resident earlier won a congressional seat in the 2022 elections after running unopposed in the second district of her home province ampanga. The second district covers the towns of Lubao, Sasmuan, loridablanca, Sta. ita, orac and uagua. ictures also showed Duterte and Arroyo interacting at the alace prior to the oath-taking ceremony. Accompanying Arroyo was her daughter, vangelina Lourdes Arroyo- ernas.

This is Arroyo’s fourth non-consec-

utive term as ampanga second district representative, having served from 2010 to 201 , 201 to 201 , and 201 to 201 under the Aqui no and Duterte administrations.

She became the nation’s first female ouse Speaker in 201 after the ouster of then-Speaker antaleon Alvarez.

Duterte also administered the oath of office of various elected and re-elected local officials.

The officials sworn in were Caloocan City ep.-elect Mary Mitzi L. Cajayony alenzuela City ep. ric M. Martinez’ alawan ep.-elect ose C. Alvarez Davao de Oro ep.-elect uwel eter S. onzaga, Camarines Sur ep.-elect Miguel Luis . illafuerte, and Leyte

ep.-elect ichard rank I. omez.

Also sworn in by the resident are Isabela overnor odolfo Albano r., orthern Samar ov. dwin Marino C. Ongchuan, omblon ov. ose . ian, atanes ov. Marilou . Cayco, enguet ov. Melchor D. Diclas, Aklan ov.-elect ose nrique M. Miraflores, Lanao del orte ov. Imelda . Dimaporo, izal ov.-elect ina icci A. nares, uirino ov.-elect Dakila Carlo . Cua, estern Samar ov.-elect Sharee Ann T. Tan, ataan ov.-elect ose nrique S. arcia III, amboanga Sibugay ov.-elect Dulce Ann . ofer, Maguindanao ov.

Mariam S. Mangudadatu, Leyte oard Member-elect incent ama, Mawab Mayor uperto S. onzaga III, ew ataan Mayor erald ord . albin, Maco Mayor-elect Arthur Carlos oltaire . imando, antukan Mayor-elect Leonel D.O. Ceniza, Mabini Mayor-elect merson Luego, abunturan Mayor-elect Myrocel C. alili, Montevista Mayorelect Cyre L. asalo, Maragusan Mayorelect Angelito . Cabalquinto, San Isidro Mayor-elect Maria Angelica T. o, ola Mayor-elect ennifer M. Cruz, Ormoc City Mayor-elect Lucy Marie T. omez, agadian City Councilor-elect Ma. Alicia lena Ariosa, agadian City Councilorelect Monique Shaira To, agadian City Councilor-elect atrisha aye Asugas, agadian City Councilor-elect un ajamunde, and agadian City Councilorelect Ariel eanjaquet Lim, r.

Duterte will leave the alace on une 0, as resident-elect erdinand “ ongbong Marcos, r. takes his oath as the country’s 1 th Chief ecutive.

PHL,US troops hold warfight drills, set to provide ‘deterrence options’

P hilip p ine Arm y Signal R egim ent com m ander, Brig. Gen. M ilton Beset ( right) and US Army Paci c (USARPAC) 1st Mul�-Domain Task Force (MDTF) comm ander, Brig. Gen. Jam es Isenhow er III (le ).

O T O I ACIO Aside from providing ilipino troops with knowledge of cutting-edge military technologies and techniques, the ongoing Multi-Domain arfighting change between the hilippine Army A and the S Army a-

cific SA AC will also provide deterrence options for combat commanders.

SA AC 1st Multi-Domain Task orce MDT commander rig. en. ames . Isenhower III made this remark as he visited the ongoing Multi-Domain arfighting change between ilipino and American troops at ort onifacio last une 11.

The American military official said the MDT is a “new, networked, maneuver theater assets, focused on adversary anti-access area denial A2 AD networks .

“MDT capabilities also provide deterrence options for combatant commanders, the hilippine Army A said in a statement reported by A. It can be recalled that the two armies commenced the nearly three-week e ercise at ort onifacio on May 1.

The bilateral activity tackles military technologies such as the high mobil-

ity artillery rocket system IMA S , multi-domain operations MDO , and high-altitude balloons cyber and electronic warfare intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance IS integration and MDO warfighting e change.

The MDT subject matter e pert e change SM will be conducted in two phases the hilippine Army Senior Leaders’ Orientation Seminar at ort onifacio and the SM proper at ort Magsaysay, ueva cija.

A chief Lt. en. omeo S. rawner r. earlier said that the bilateral activity will help A personnel gain knowledge on cutting-edge military technologies and techniques. rawner also emphasized that upgrading soldiers’ individual skills and unit capabilities will help propel the A in attaining its vision of becoming a world-class organization in the coming years.

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PHL files new protest vs China over WPS encroachment

ASA CIT The hilippine government has filed another diplomatic protest over China’s activities in the Ayungin Shoal, including the installation of buoys blocking its entrance.

In a report dated une 10, the Department of oreign Affairs D A said Chinese Coast uard vessels have shadowed hilippine boats on a rotation and re-provision mission.

Among others, it illegally fished in the area and installed buoys and fish nets “that blocked the shoal’s entrance.

“The 201 Arbitral Award affirmed that Ayungin Shoal is within the hilippines’ e clusive economic zone and continental shelf. China has no right to fish, monitor, or interfere with the hilippines’ legitimate activities therein, the D A report added.

The department reiterated its calls on eijing to comply with its obligations under international law, including the nited ations Convention on the Law of the Sea CLOS and the Arbitral Award.

The latest protest came a day after D A said it lodged a note verbale against the return of 100 Chinese fishing vessels in the ulian elipe eef.

“The lingering unauthorized presence of Chinese fishing and maritime vessels is not only illegal but is also a source of instability in the region, it said.

“The persistent swarming of Chinese vessels is contrary to international law, including the 1 2 nited ations Convention on the Law of the Sea CLOS and the final and binding 201 Arbitral Award, it said.

The vessels’ return is a violation of China’s commitments under the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of arties, which calls for the e ercise of self-restraint in the South China Sea, according to the D A. “The hilippines regrets this Chinese violation of international law days before the successful April , 2022 telesummit between resident odrigo . Duterte and Chinese resident i inping where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to solve issues of mutual concern through peaceful dialogue, and e ercise restraint in any and all endeavors relating to the South China Sea, the D A said.

The D A reiterated its earlier call on eijing to comply with its obligations under international law, cease and desist from displaying illegal and irresponsible behavior, and immediately withdraw all of its vessels from hilippine maritime zone The department reiterated its calls on eijing to comply with its obligations under international law, including the nited ations Convention on the Law of the Sea CLOS and the Arbitral Award.

The latest protest came a day after D A said it lodged a note verbale against the return of 100 Chinese fishing vessels in the ulian elipe eef.

7 June 16-22, 2022

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

Marcos ready to work closely with Catholic church: Papal Nuncio

P resident-elect F erdinand “ Bongb ong” M arcos Jr. ( right) and P ap al N uncio to M anila, Archbishop Charles John Brown (le ) MA ILA - Senator anfilo Lacson is After Lacson, the artido ederal ng the first presidential candidate in the May ilipinas, the political party of resident2022 polls to file his Statement of Con- elect erdinand “ ongbong Marcos r., tributions and penditures Soce at the reported it spent 2 2 million in the May Commission on lections Comelec .

2022 elections, based on its SOC .

Deputy Secretary of State Sherman, Marcos push to deepen US-Philippines long ties

Lawyer eorge riones, general counsel, said their 2 2 million e penses in the last presidential campaign was “well below the ma imum e penditure of million allowed by law for a national political party.

The 00-page SOC , filed with the Commission on lections on Monday, was signed by national treasurer Anton Lagdameo, who was picked by Marcos to be the Special Assistant to the resident SA under his administration.

After his party’s filing, Marcos and two losing presidential aspirants also filed their SOC with the Comelec, a day before the deadline of the one-month filing period.

Outgoing ice resident Maria Leonor Leni obredo and Manila Mayor rancisco “Isko Moreno Domagoso also filed their SOC .

The SOC of Marcos showed he spent some 2 million during the 0day campaign period while he received around 2 million as contributions. arlier, losing presidential candidate Dr. ose Montemayor also filed his SOC .

Two vice-presidential bets -- Dr. illie Ong and Manny Lopez -- also filed their SOC .

Si more senatorial bets have submitted their SOC s -- Loren Legarda second placer with 2 ,2 , votes , Sherwin atchalian fourth placer, with 20,5 5,2 1 votes and rancis scudero fifth placer, with 20,2 1, 5 votes .

Other senatorial candidates who earlier filed their SOC s are Carl alita, former uezon City mayor erbert autista, odolfo avellana, former national police chief uillermo leazar, former senator Antonio Trillanes I , lawyer Chel Diokno, and winning senatorial bet ose inggoy strada 12th place with 15,10 ,220 votes .

All winning and losing candidates, as well political parties are required to file their SOC s under epublic Act o.

1 otherwise known as the Synchronized lections Act in 0 days after the May elections.

A total of 11 party-list organizations have already filed their Soces, namely Abono, Senior Citizens, isaya yud, Ang abuhayan, Ako isaya, abalikat ng Mamamayan, Abante, Anakpawis, Ang umbero, ayan Muna, and A Teacher. nido, on the other hand, is the lone political party that has so far filed its Soce.

SAI RAM ASTROLOGER & PSYCHIC MISS DEVI SHAMALA

V ISIT. U S D ep uty Secretary of State W endy Sherm an m eets w ith P resident-elect F erdinand “ Bongb ong” M arcos Jr. and his adv isors on . Sherm an congratulated M arcos on his w in as the 17 th p resident. ( U S Em b assy p hoto)

MA ILA isiting Deputy State Secretary endy Sherman met last week with resident-elect erdinand “ ongbong Marcos r. to push for a stronger economic partnership and alliance between the hilippines and the nited States.

State Department spokesperson ed rice said the two agreed to strengthen the two countries’ economies as they underscored the importance of public-private partnerships, clean energy, and the digital economy.

Among others, they discussed opportunities to deepen the two nations’ alliance.

“The Deputy Secretary and the resident- lect highlighted the importance of

the S- hilippine Alliance to security and prosperity in the Indo- acific region and the world and the importance of fostering respect for human rights and rule of law in the hilippines, rice said.

“They discussed opportunities for our two nations to deepen our Alliance and friendship and seize new opportunities to deliver for our people in the years to come, he added. oining Sherman and Marcos in the meeting are his advisors, hilippine Ambassador to the nited States ose Manuel omualdez, incoming ecutive Secretary ic odriguez and Department of oreign Affairs ndersecretary Theresa Lazaro.

 NATIONAL NEWS 3 top...

June 16-22, 2022

8

it was not hard to do.

In simplest terms, he said that it was fairly easy to program the SC cards such that “a vote for A goes to . e said that there was a probable irregularity in the system, but his own team had told him how to manipulate the count, which would effectively render the tally as a useless e ercise. or his part, Lagman said that in the past, when the Comelec still resorted to manual counting, it would take a ma imum of 2 hours to count all the votes. It was the canvassing of those votes that took a longer time, as several canvasses were necessary.

These were for the city or municipal canvass, followed by the provincial and then the national canvass. ormally, the entire process would take up to 0 days.

Since this process was deemed too long, a law was passed calling for “free, orderly, honest, peaceful, credible, and informed elections which shall involve the use of an automated election system.

The process should be “transparent and credible according to the law, and this is something “that the present Comelec system does not have, according to Lagman.

The problem, he said, was that the Comelec automated the precinct counting, spending billions of pesos in the process, but not investing enough in the more important canvassing of returns.

In his view, the Comelec’s automated election system cannot be trusted. or one, “it is not transparent to the voters, said Lagman. This is because nobody witnesses the counting, e cept for select Comelec officials and the foreign service providers, who alone understand the process.

This means Smartmatic, he said, referring to the company that provided the voting machines despite being under a cloud of doubt for their unacceptable performance in other countries which availed of their hardware and software.

As such, “insiders can easily manipulate the results, said the former Comelec commissioner.

To achieve the desired transparency, Lagman said the voters should not only see how the votes are being counted, “but they should also understand how the votes are being counted. e suggested that for the country’s poll body to attain full transparency which was totally lacking in this and the

past several years’ electoral e ercises they should resort to a hybrid system, one that entails manual precinct counting for transparency coupled with automated canvassing for speed .

It was also noticeable that in this year’s elections, there was no public website where interested parties could do their own tabulation and monitoring of the canvassing.

There were, for e ample, more than 200 precincts where presidential candidate Leni obredo received zero votes. er followers consider this an impossibility, yet the Comelec has never stated where those precincts are located.

If those precincts can be located and voters there can sign affidavits stating that they voted for obredo, this would serve as the smoking gun needed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that massive cheating had occurred.

The voting machines, said Lagman, were subject to tampering and no one would be the wiser for it since no one would know if there were bugs or malware installed in them.

It is for this reason that he had serious doubts that the May , 2022 elections were truly free and fair, said Lagman.

Meanwhile, io said he was likewise surprised that barely an hour after precincts closed and results were to be transmitted to the transparency server as well as the main server of the Comelec, more than 20 million votes had already been counted. This was unofficial, of course.

Rio showed a table of the tally which he said showed statistical improbabilities.

The votes allegedly garnered by erdinand Marcos r alongside the votes earned by Leni obredo had what netizens referred to as “an uncanny and consistent pattern of percentage vote ration between the two.

In short, it was proof of cheating as far as they were concerned.

If not for the high credibility of Messers. io, Lagman, and Isaac, the presentation of electronic magic could be dismissed as nothing more than sourgraping by opponents of the winning candidate.

Their reputation and credibility, however, says that the May polls were anything but transparent. ote the presentations of the three are now available at ouTube. efer to https www.youtube.com watch v za I 121hyc

where a flag ceremony and Mindanao cultural perforThe Philippine Center in San F rancisco’s Kalayaan mances by folk dance group arangal were featured Hall was the center of celebration over the weekend aside from the Independence Day messages of Consul eneral eil rank errer and resident odrigo Duterte and oreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin r..

In his video message, resident Duterte recalled that the “occasion is a testament to how our forefathers fought for the freedoms that we enjoy today.

“May it inspire us to take after the courage of our heroes as well as encourage us to use our ability, skills and knowledge for the benefit of our communities, Duterte said.

(From page 1) Locsin, for his part, praised ilipinos around the world for their perseverance and resilience especially during the height of the CO ID-1 pandemic.

“Overseas ilipinos will always be a source of pride and inspiration, they are the subjects of royal honors the gratitude and admiration of foreign nations, Secretary Locsin said.

In sharing this year’s theme “ alayaan 2022 agsuong sa amon ng anibagong ukas ise Towards the Challenge of a ew eginning , errer urged the ilipino community in the .S. acific orthwest “I encourage you all to remain engaged and active especially in efforts to accelerate our national development in causes that will advance the welfare and wellbeing of our kababayans and in endeavors that will further raise the profile of the hilippines and ilipinos in the nited States, errer said. rominent ilipino community leaders Contra Costa Superior Court udge enjamin eyes, San rancisco olice Commissioner evin enedicto, Alameda Court Commissioner elayo Llamas, South San rancisco ice Mayor uenaflor icolas, and allejo ice Mayor ozzana erder-Aliga graced this event and led a cakecutting ceremony featuring the hilippine flag with er-

rer and wife Miriam.

After the program, a sumptuous lunch consisting of rice, veggie pansit, chicken sisig, beef kaldereta, lumpiang sariwa and all-time favorite lechon, among others, was happily shared by guests and participants The festivities mark the first time since 201 that the Consulate hosted an in-person hilippine Independence Day reception with the ilipino American Community in the San rancisco ay Area. errer said he is happy and thankful that the ilipino community, especially the seniors, despite the continuing pandemic situation although with less restrictions, was able to gather in a momentous occasion. “ e would want the celebration of Independence Day back to nion Square in San rancisco as we are used to doing before the pandemic. y working with the community and with the hope that things normalize and conditions get better we can get back in holding those big events that we can really get the public engaged just as we all really like, “ errer assured.

The series of flag raising activities of different San rancisco ay area cities was started by Daly City that has been doing this practice since 2015 and did so on une this year In leading the event, ilipino American Daly City Mayor Dr. od Daus-Magbual highlighted the significance of raising the hilippine national flag in his city, which he considers as a symbol of pride, history and identity for Daly City residents with ilipino ancestry.

Daus-Magbual presented to errer a city proclamation for hilippine Independence Day, to “celebrate, broaden awareness, and support ilipino American history and culture to appreciate and remember the contributions ilipino Americans have made to our community and to the nited States .

(From page 1)

results known within three hours after polling precincts closed. The electoral e ercise also saw the highest voter turnout ever.

This led ernandez to ask “Did the elections truly reflect the will of the people Messrs. ranklin saac retired banker and past president of inancial ecutives Institute of the hilippines A A ine , Augusto us’ Lagman retired Commission on lections commissioner and former national chairman of the ational Movement for ree lections A A amfrel , and liseo io, r. retired Armed orces of the hilippines general and former acting secretary then undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology took turns discussing what they consider as very likely a tainted election where cheating was done with the use of the voting machines.

The initial results of the vote, said saac, were “shocking to say the least.

Creating software for banks as his principal business, saac said he had received a call from abroad a little more than an hour after the voting had ended. The caller told him, “It’s over. Marcos had apparently won, and won big. ews had spread in countries which host large ilipino communities, who were told that erdinand Marcos r. was now the 1 th president of the epublic of the hilippines. ho spread the news It’s anybody’s guess. ut “something had apparently taken place to the surprise of millions. saac presented a graph on what should have happened during regular elections and he concluded that something had gone very wrong in the 2022 e ercise.

“The SD secured digital disc card is the key to what saac considered as cheating on an unimaginable scale, yet one that could not be easily unveiled without physically inspecting the cards.

The results that were coming from the Comelec’s transparency server were not only improbable, he said, they were impossible. “ hat is that program that was installed in the SC cards saac asked. e said he gathered his team of programmers and asked them what they thought was happening, and if they could “misread votes cast. They told him

San Francisco...

$50m...

(From page 1)

9 June 16-22, 2022 Tight...

(From page 1)

Marcos will take the reins of government at noon on June 30 in ceremonies at the National Museum of F ine Arts building, formerly the Legislative Building which housed the old Philippine Senate and the House of Representatives and where his late father, President F erdinand Marcos r., held office as Ilocos orte congressman, Senator and Senate President. Some Philippine presidents have also taken their oath of office in the old Legislative building.

Duterte-Carpio, on the other hand, will take her oath of office in Davao City on June 19 to be attended by President Duterte, former President and incoming Pampanga Representative G loria Macapagal Arroyo and other leaders. It was not known if President-elect Marcos will attend the ceremonies but his sister, Sen. Imelda Imee Marcos, has confirmed his attendance in the event.

The Vice President-elect earlier said she decided to hold her oath taking in Davao City on June 19 so she can attend the inauguration of President Marcos on June 30 in Manila.

As part of the tightened security, the Philippine National Police will implement a gun ban during the inauguration of Marcos and Duterte where top leaders and prominent personalities and diplomats will be participating as guests.

Covid...

In Davao City, the gun ban will take effect on une 1 to 21 for Duterte’s inauguration at the San Pedro Sq uare on June 19.

The gun ban will be enforce in Metro Manila on June 27 to July 2 for the oathtaking of Marcos at the National Museum near the Manila City Hall in Manila on June 30.

This developed as former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile warned of an alleged conspiracy to pillory President-elect Marcos Jr. in an attempt to taint his reputation.

In a report by the government media Philippine News Agency (PNA) and carried by Manila Times, among others, Enrile, citing information from “credible” source, cautioned that certain groups from the United States (US) and the Philippines are purportedly conniving to put Marcos to trouble.

“I just picked up what I consider to be a credible information that there are groups in America and in the Philippines planning and preparing to cause serious embarrassment and trouble for our newly-elected President,” said Enrile in a F acebook post.

Enrile, however, did not elaborate on the supposed collusion to tarnish the image of Marcos but said he would give further details to the “proper official of the incoming Marcos administration “in due time.”

“Caution is the name of the game.

You are just starting you[ r] travel in troubled waters. Your adversaries have not stopped. To borrow a phrase from someone, right now ‘ they are hiding their brightness and biding their time,’” Enrile said.

Enrile also advised the incoming security officials of the Marcos administration to intensify their intelligence gathering. e said taking “soft and pacific stance to appease critics is not a good idea.

“I have a humble unsolicited advice for the national security officials of the new regime. Instead of making soft and pacific statements seemingly intended to q uiet and to gain the cooperation, trust, and confidence of the habitual trouble makers in this country, I suggest that they should sharpen their intelligence information,” Enrile said.

The PNP is mobiliz ing at least 3,7 00 police officers to secure Duterte’s swearing-in ceremony, while at least 6,000 police officers and men will be deployed for Marcos’ inauguration, said PNP Director for Operations Valeriano de Leon.

De Leon said the number of detailed police officers and men e cludes those who would be stationed for border control and other uniformed personnel.

He said Civil Disturbance Management units will also be deployed near the oathtaking sites, adding no group has

been granted permit to conduct rallies yet.

“The world will be watching us and we will not allow unruly and unauthoriz ed rallies,” said De Leon.

De Leon said that protests will not be allowed near the inauguration venues but maybe allowed in F reedom Parks like the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

Those who will be staging protest rallies without permits will be stopped, he added.

It can be recalled that in January, the National Bureau of Investigation was directed to validate reports of an alleged assassination plot against then presidential aspirant F erdinand Marcos Jr. The Philippine National Police then also conducted its own investigation on the alleged plot.

Justice Secretary Menardo G uevarra said that the department’s Office of Cybercrime “req uested the preservation of the suspect account” after receiving an “online tip” about the supposed threat. “ ending verification, we are keeping other details confidential for security reasons,” he said, adding that the department “acted immediately in view of the serious nature of the information received.”

The PNP and NBI probes was prompted by a post on TikTok that read “W E ARE meeting everyday to plan for BBM’s assassination. G et ready.”

LAW OFFICE OF

(From page 1)

the increase in Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila and other parts of the country “is not directly related” to the entry of the new subvariants.

“Upang hindi na po tumuloy ang pagtaas at upang manatili tayo sa low risk, patuloy tayong sumunod sa minimum public health standards at magpabakuna (To prevent the cases from further increasing, we should continue to follow the minimum public health standards and get vaccinated),” she said.

Vergerie said Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila have increased but it is still under low risk case classification and will remain at Alert Level 1.

Vergeire said an area will be escalated to Alert Level 2 once its infection risk reaches “moderate” level with an average daily attack rate (ADAR) of six cases per day per 100,000 population or its total bed utiliz ation rate have reached moderate risk.

Cases in Metro Manila has been increasing since mid-May and have climbed to more than 100 cases per day in June 2022.

W hile cases showed a slight increase in the past week, the trend was not sustained in other areas except Metro Manila.

The rest of Luz on and Visayas, except Mindanao, also showed an uptick in cases but remains low at less than 60 cases per day, she said.

The latest Covid-19 situation in the National Capital Region (NCR) is “more concerning” compared to the

uptick in cases during the previous week, OCTA Research fellow Dr. G uido David said as the country recorded 188 new active Covid-19 cases.

David said there is a possibility that new cases may increase by up to 200 to 300 per day.

Nationwide, at least 1,889 new cases from June 7 to June 13 were recorded, with the current positivity rate at 1.9 percent.

Malacañ ang said the Inter-Agency Task F orce for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF EID) approved the new alert level classifications in the country.

Acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the municipality of Pateros and the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenz uela, Pasig, Marikina, Q uez on, Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Muntinlupa, Parañ aq ue, Las Piñ as, and Pasay in the National Capital Region (NCR) will be under Alert Level 1 from June 16 to 30.

The IATF -EID’s latest decision came, after Undersecretary Vergeire earlier raised the possibility of upgrading the alert level status in Metro Manila because of the apparent uptick in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections in the country’s metropolis.

Apart from Metro Manila cities and Pateros, 248 other areas nationwide will also be placed under Alert Level 1 for the second half of June.

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 NATIONAL NEWS

June 16-22, 2022

10

Marcos wants to join UN meet in New York in September, vows to protect human rights MANILA – Expect incoming President F erdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to attend the nited ations eneral Assembly this September.

Marcos expressed his desire to join the meet as he guaranteed that human rights will be protected during his watch.

Marcos made the vow during his meeting with nited ations esident Coordinator to the hilippines ustavo onzales at his headquarters in Mandaluyong City last week. onzales, on the sidelines of his meeting with Marcos, said the President-elect

Group...

emphasiz ed the need to ensure a “high level of accountability” for human rights violations.

“On human rights, my message was to, first of all, reiterate the support of the nited ations to all the efforts of the Philippines on the human rights agenda,” he said. “He (Marcos) mentioned also the importance of ensuring a high level of accountability in terms of human rights.” onzales said Marcos also bared that there has been a series of consultations to uphold and protect human rights in the Philippines.

“He even shared that he is conducting a number of consultations to ensure the best way of supporting the human rights agenda. So this was qui te encouraging,” onzales said.

During their meeting, Marcos also expressed his intent to participate in the th session of the eneral Assembly A in September this year, said Executive Secretary-designate Vic Rodriguez in a separate statement.

“President-elect Bongbong Marcos said in response that it would be very important to attend and represent the Philippines in

the eneral Assembly and meet with other world leaders,’” Rodriguez said.

This, after onzales discussed the preparations for Marcos’ possible attendance at the A in ew ork.

“This general assembly meeting will be the first time that the residentelect F erdinand Marcos Jr. will be in front of an important number of heads of state.

So, this is a great and -- I think -- a historic opportunity for the President and for the Philippines to share the new vision, the new challenges and at the same time the new opportunities,” he said.

The group said that there is a large students educational and human rights to displacement in San F rancisco, this enroll-

(From page 1) body of research that shows that students learn their heritage language,” the group la- ment cap seems to be another attack on our

States, the group said.

“In a city that boasts F ilipino as the third most used language, and a city-wide Language Ordinance to enforce F ilipino language access to its citiz ens, this decision is ba ing. S SD chose to limit the ilipino W orld Language Program enrollment to a mere 11 students for each of the incoming Kindergarten and 1st grade classes at Longfellow Elementary School,” the group said.

As a result of the enforcement, Longfellow q uickly exceeded the cap and now a number of families attempting to enroll their students into the program have been denied.

who know more than one language are more likely to achieve academic success.

(Bankston, Zhou) Moreover, research, according to the group, is also showing that students who learn about their cultural history and heritage are more likely to have high rates of self-esteem and self-actualiz ation which also leads to academic success. (Petalio, David, austino, Milne, Sleeter, Sacramento, ohli, enning, angnath, Dee and enner, Curammeng, De Los ios, DausMagbual, Desai, and Tintiangco-Cubales “Despite this growing body of research that shows the positive impact of language and cultural learning, S SD is denying

mented. “This is an act of ineq uity and AntiAsian sentiment. The cap on enrollment for Longfellow’s F ilipino Language program is a step in the direction of identifying the program as having less value and this is a subtle move to threaten the program’s existence.”

The protesters vowed to “not let this happen as students, families, teachers, alumni, community groups, and politicians decry this move as ludicrous, raising the issue of racial eq uity.”

“During a time of heightened violence against Asian Americans, and the record number of low-income, working class families, including F ilipinos experiencing

community,” the protesters said.

The group said it believes that S SD should promote a vision of eq uity and that it cannot have a truly eq uitable vision be achieved by limiting a program that provides a multilingual, multicultural space for students and their community.

“Shrinking the program to a mere 11 students in each grade sets the precedent for the future of the program to be chronically underfunded and underutiliz ed. W e are left to conclude that S SD does not value the program, and does not want to prioritiz e or value F ilipino families and students,” the protesters said. (Jun Nucum)

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11 June 16-22, 2022

 OPINION Upside defers to the speech delivered June 6 at the Philippine flag-raising ceremony at the City Hall of Daly City commemorating Philippine Independence Day.

Open the book of ancestral past

By Daly City Mayor Rod Daus Magbual G ue s t C ol um ni s t A T to share my story when I realized I was ilipino American.

It was 1 and I was around the same age as my son, az n, who is years old. hilippines was the top story of the evening news on a daily basis. It was one of the first times I saw people like me on television. I would stay up late with my family watching the news as they were glued to watching Ted oppel interview the late ilipina resident Corazon Aquino and the late dictator F erdinand Marcos. eople power was the story in the morning between CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO my family and it was the story for many ilipino Americans.

My grandpa would walk me to school every day. e would inhale the smoke of his self-rolled tobacco cigarette as I would observe his tall and lanky body take every meditative step. As we get closer and closer to my elementary school, I would see my classmates walking with their lolos or Lolas (grandpas or grandmas) or their parents. lock after block, many of these elders and my peers were decked out in yellow t-shirts. ellow represented the color of the eople’s ower movement. They also threw up a hand gesture in the formed a “L that stood for “Laban “to fight in Tagalog . I would also throw the “Laban gesture back to my peers and my elders and a sense pride and identity would permeate through my being.

I wondered to my -year-old self, is this the same thing I was watching on TV? W here thousands of F ilipinos gathering in D aly City M ay or D aus-M agb ual is a F ilip ino the streets, elders standing in front of hil- Studies p rof essor. ippine soldiers, religious figures, common every day folks linking arms, asking for the ouster of the late dictator who stayed in power for over two decades They were protesting political corruption, vast amounts of embezzled wealth, e trajudicial killings of political opponents.

(C ont i nue d on page 27)

EDITORIAL

A fatal misunderstanding of China

P

hilippine President-elect F erdinand Marcos Jr. revealed how little he understands foreign affairs after he glowingly spoke of his country’s long friendship with China this week.

At a function in the Chinese embassy in Manila, he spoke of China’s huge contributions to the hilippines’ difficult war against the coronavirus pandemic. e also conveniently ignored the fact that the Department of oreign Affairs had just filed its third diplomatic protest against the country’s powerful neighbor in the span of less than a month.

In that short span, China declared some kind of moratorium on fishing in grounds that belong to the hilippines. It will be granted that they have some sort of claim on the territory, but it is a claim that few countries recognize.

More than a hundred Chinese ships also returned to another contested area, the ulian elipe eef, followed almost immediately by more aggressive Chinese fishing activities in Ayungin Shoal.

Three successive incidents that were nothing less than insults to the Philippines’ ownership of its patrimony can best be described as a form of bullying, or of testing the will of the incoming chief executive. e failed in his first test, and it appears that he will willingly fail succeeding tests or challenges by China. This early, Marcos r. is proving Mr. Duterte right, when the latter earlier described the son and namesake of the late dictator as a “weak leader who should not be elected president.

The title of a classic ilipino movie helmed by the late, great Lino rocka is most apt.

Tinimbang ka, ngunit kulang, Mr. Marcos. ou have just been weighed and found wanting.

The first incident in the three protests occurred only last May 1.

Clearly, China has opted to ignore the hilippine’s diplomatic steps, with hardly any indication that they were willing to discuss the matters in rational ways and find ways to come to some form of amicable settlement or agreement.

Incidentally, no one should forget that one of the biggest scandals that plagued the soon-to-e it Duterte regime was the harmally scandal, which involved Chinese suppliers of inferior medical supplies.

Our motherland’s ne t president appears to be planning to be true to his word that he has every intention of following the path of appeasing China that was started by odrigo Duterte. e must ask if he will also visit China sometime in the future and walk behind President X i instead of beside him during his welcome. That is an image we will not soon forget, and it is most disturbing to think that the regime of Marcos r. will be a carbon copy of Mr. Duterte’s failed administration.

Marcos r. had better think twice about where he will take the hilippines in the ne t si years. opefully, Marcos r. will not also adopt the “kill the poor drug users, but spare the drug lords approach of his predecessor. Or defend to high heavens members of his Cabinet who show strong indications of being hopelessly corrupt.

Dare we still hope for the best but prepare for the worst where his presidency is concerned Or should we just stick to preparing for the worst

Upside

I

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 OPINION

June 16-22, 2022

THE OUTSIDER

M

y beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and I were fortunate to attend the MEET & G REET luncheon meeting to honor Congressmanelect Mark Cojuangco of the second district of Pangasinan last Sunday afternoon, June 5, 2022 at the United Pangasinanes of America, A RT G A B OT MA D LA ING Inc.(UPAI) building in San F rancisco, California.

Congressman-elect Mark Cojuangco met and greeted the officers and members of AI and the officers and members of various Pangasinan town and city organiz ations . UPAI resident red Almeron led the officers who welcome Congressman-elect Mark Cojuangco. Charito R; W ui, Ph.D. pasr President, MAC, was the Master of Ceremony. She introduced and recognized the officers and members of AI and the attendees from various Pangasinan city and town organiz ations.

Invitation to the event was handled by UPAI Secretary Marita Padilla. UPAI Vice President Alvin Padilla gave a brief message and introduced Congressman-elect Mark Cojuangco as the guest speaker.

Congressman-elect Mark Cojuangco narrated how he was encouraged and motivated to come out from his retirement in politics. e eventually decided to run as congressman for the second district of Pangasinan to help the candidacy of G overnor-elect Ramon “Monmon” G uico ( congressman and former Mayor of Binalonan, Pangasinan) as governor of Pangasnan; and also help in the candidacy of BBM (former Senator F erdinand Romualdez Marcos) as President of the Philippines.

In his brief speech, Congressman-elect Mark Cojuangco shared his desire to help his constituents in the second district of angasinan and families in angasinan in two fronts 1.

Creation of more jobs 2, Lower energy and electric cost for the general public through nuclear power e encouraged the audience to unite and work together in helping for the success of the new administration of BBM. After the brief speech of Congressman-elect Mark Cojuangco, he visited the tables of the officers and members from the various Pangasinan city and town organiz ations for souvenir group picture taking. Some of the officers present include Ernie Abalos , past UPAI President, former UPAI F irst Lady F lory Abalos; Ernie Aglipay , leader of the Ilocano G roup; Lorette de Veas, former UPAI F irst Lady as wife of UPAI President Emeritus Zosimo de Veas, UPAI F irst Lady Cynthia Almeron and others. a e inners for SA A ift Certificates, ooks and Abe aircuts As book author, columnist and active Evangelist with the OLD AT C C O C IST CC in San F rancisco, California, I am glad to announce the winners of the third Monthly CC a e winners for SA A ift Certificates, autographed books and Abe aircut Certificates.

The winners were drawn last Saturday, June 4, 2022 during the live broadcast of My Angel Radio San F rancisco between 11am to pm. The CC Monthly a e winners with corresponding prizes are as follows SA A ift Certificates drawn by ohn effrey, author of “ S S C IST subtitled “ Last ew Days efore is eturn to eaven - irginia Cantiller, Antonio Soller Yatco LIF ESTYLE F OR LONG EVITY ( 404 pages ,Amaz on Paperback price is $ 25-95 per copy plus shipping and handling subtitled “ ow to be ealthy motionally, inancially, hysically, Se ually and Spiritually, drawn by ames Q uitoriano , Anchor, My Angel Radio San F rancisco and Minister G olden G ate Church of Christ -G enoveva Navasca,, Edgar Cantiller Cesar F umar,, David Toshiyuki,, Emmanuel Bumanglag Abe aircut Certificates ree aircut services available at the Abe BARBER Shops in San F rancisco and Daly City, California, drawn by Art G abot Madlaing, Real state roker, otary ublic and columnist oe Santos, Rudy Vergara.

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by Alberto Rodriguez , Evangelist, (C ont i nue on pag e 27)

Saber-rattling at the Shangri-La Dialogue

U

.S. DEF ENSE SECRETARY Lloyd Austin blasted China’s “growing coercion” towards Taiwan at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit held last June 10-12 in Singapore.

Convened by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia’s premier secuP ERRY D IA Z rity summit. A uniq ue annual event, it allows heads of state, ministers and other senior figures from global defense and security establishments to meet in person in Singapore to discuss the region’s most pressing security challenges. It features plenary debates led by government ministers, as well as important opportunities for bilateral discussions among delegations.

Launched in 2002, the Shangri-La Dialogue has attracted top-level military officials, diplomats, e perts, commentators and defense-industry e ecutives from across the world. The summit did not take place in 2020 and 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The 2022 Shangri-La Dialogue is the 1 th Security Summit. Military officials and diplomats attend it from more than 40 countries. ames Crabtree, ecutive Director at IISS Asia, said “The IISS continues to believe in the role of face-to-face diplomacy to solve global problems. At a time of ever-rising interest in Asian security affairs. Indeed, it has become the main platform for geopolitical issues such as the Taiwan issue that has taken center stage in this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue.

U S -C h i n a r i v a l r y In a face-to-face e change between Austin and China’s Defense Minister, W ei F enghe, W ei warned Austin that Beijing will “not hesitate to start a war” if Taiwan declares independence. Beijing has always treated Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to one day seiz e the island, by force if necessary, which has caused tensions to soar in recent months. To be more precise, W ei warned Austin “if anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese army will definitely not hesitate to start a war no matter the cost.”

W ei vowed that Beijing would “smash to smithereens” any ‘ Taiwan independence’ plot” and resolutely uphold the unification of the motherland. e “stressed that Taiwan is China’s Taiwan… Using Taiwan to contain China will never prevail,” he said.

Adding more tension to the issue, US President Joe Biden, during a visit to Japan last month, appeared to break decades of US policy when, in response to a q uestion, he said W ashington would defend Taiwan militarily if it is attacked by China.

W hoa! Coming from Biden himself, it increased the tension tenfold. The US has used its policy of “strategic ambiguity” before; that is, never say whether or not the US would intervene if China invades Taiwan. In other words, keep Beijing guessing. owever, the S has always been resolute on the provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act of 197 9, “which maintains commercial, cultural, and other relations through the unofficial relations in the form of a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the District of Columbia— the American Institute in Taiwan AIT without official government representation and without formal diplomatic relations.”

The Taiwan Relations Act authoriz es de facto diplomatic relations with the governing authorities by giving special powers to the AIT to the level that it is the de facto embassy, and states that any international agreements made between the Republic of China (ROC/Taiwan) and U.S. before 197 9 are still valid unless otherwise terminated. One agreement that was unilaterally terminated by President Jimmy Carter upon the establishment of relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was the Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty.

S tr a te g ic a m b ig u ity W hile the Taiwan Relations Act does not guarantee the U.S. will intervene militarily if China attacks or invades Taiwan nor does it relinq uish it, its primary purpose is to ensure the US’s Taiwan policy will not be changed unilaterally by the president and ensure that any decision to defend Taiwan will be made with the consent of Congress. The Act also states that “the United States will make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such q uantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan (C ont i nue on page 27)

PerryScope

N

ews that Prime Infra oldings, Inc. will be acq uiring a controlling stake in the Malampaya deepwater gas-to-power project is good news.

W e all know that there is a need to address energy req uirements for the economy to grow and the development of natural gas reserves will contribute to the stability of energy supply MELA ND REW T . V ELA S CO in the country.

The entry of Prime Infra into the natural gas industry aligns with its purpose to create better lives and resilient economies through critical infrastructure coupled by its aspiration to help its customers transition to cleaner energy resources to fuel the economic growth of the Philippines.

Natural gas is dubbed as the fuel of the future. According to the website https malampaya.com , natural gas is composed of hydrocarbons found deep underground, or e tracted through driven wells. It is formed beneath the earth’s surface over millions of years by the decomposition of organic matter, in much the same way that oil and coal are formed. Natural gas is 85-90% methane, with varying amounts of ethane, propane, butane, and other hydrocarbon compounds. Some condensate and oil will always be associated with the gas.

In its natural state, the gas is colorless, odorless, and lighter than air.

The Malampaya deep-water gas project ushered the natural gas industry into the Philippines. It supports up to 20% of the country’s electricity req uirements using indigenous resources of natural gas, the cleanest-burning hydrocarbon, and reduces the need for imported oil.

As a joint undertaking of the government and the private sector, it is under the Department of Energy (DOE), and developed and operated by Shell hilippines ploration . .

(SPEX ) on behalf of joint venture partners Udenna Corporation and the hilippine ational Oil Company- ploration Corporation. Udenna Corporation’s entry into the Malampaya project has been the subject of scrutiny.

In 2001, Malampaya began its commercial operations. It has reduced the country’s dependence on oil imports and ensured a more stable supply of cleaner energy. Phases 2 and 3 of the Malampaya project commenced in 2013 with two additional production wells installed. By 2015, Malampaya Phase 3 was completed. y 202 , Malampaya’s service contract is set to e pire.

Prime Infra’s entry is critical to be able to continue operating the project while applying for an e tension so it can invest in its e pansion, which will sustain the economic and social benefits that Malampaya is providing for the country. The transition of the operations of Malampaya is critically urgent.

Prime Infra and Udenna, as the new operators taking over from Shell Philippines, will need to immediately plan for the e pansion to ensure the continuity of the production as long as the reserves support it.

“Natural gas is a critical transition fuel and the modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure built to harness this valuable transition fuel attracted us to pursue this deal all aspects of the project ticks off our environmental, social, and governance (ESG ) check list that will allow us to contribute more to the country’s transition from e pensive and volatile coal and imported fuel prices to affordable cleaner and domestic energy resources like natural gas,” said Prime Infra Chairman Enriq ue K. Raz on, Jr. “Also, there is a sense of ownership to achieving national energy independence when you bring in F ilipino companies to handle the reins of a critical power infrastructure and this is what Prime Infra aims to do with our participation in Malampaya. W e will invest and sustain the development and production of domestic gas as long as the terms of the operating license and the natural resources permit,” Mr. Raz on added. rime Infrastructure oldings, Inc. rime Infra is ilipino businessman Enriq ue K. Raz on Jr.’s infrastructure arm that is established and designed specifically to focus on building infrastructure assets that support the most urgent sustainability priorities - clean and renewable energy, access to clean water, waste management, and viable critical infrastructure.

In 2020, rime Metroline oldings, Inc. led by azon signed with Manila W ater a subscription agreement for the acq uisition of shares of Manila W a- (C ont i nue on page 27)

MEET & GREET at UPAI; Raffle Winners for SAFEWAY Gift Certificates, Books Health & Wealth

Better energy prospects ahead with Malampaya

12

13 June 16-22, 2022

 OPINION President Duterte -- his nonsense on democracy, Bongbong Marcos

uan Miguel Zubiri is doing a great disservice to the country.

He chose to sweep under the rug the Marcos family’s unpaid estate tax, which he believed was an election issue.

No, Mr. Senator, it was not an election issue. It was based on a Supreme Court decision decades ago, which the family chose to ignore. It is non-negotiable. Court records could not be erased or altered.

MA NNY MOG A T O The Marcos family cannot just ignore the court ruling that ordered them to pay P23 billion.

The estate tax liability has ballooned to more than P200 billion, according to retired Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has religiously demanded payment over the years but the Marcos family has been evading the issue, hiding behind legal technicalities.

Before the elections, Carpio and many other anti-Marcos groups had warned that the family of the late dictator would never settle the tax liability if F erdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. won the May 9 balloting.

They feared the I could no longer collect the ta deficiency if Marcos became the president and the family could even take back other assets it claimed it owned before the dictator was removed from power in F ebruary 1986.

The BIR’s assessments on the Marcos family’s estate tax liability were based on assets that were not seq uestered in 1986 when the Presidential Commission on G ood G overnment (PCG G ) was created to recover the stolen and hidden assets of the dictator, his family and their business cronies.

The estate tax issue is just the tip of the iceberg. The Marcos presidency could usher in a new era that would change many things, including perspectives on the country’s history.

Many feared the country would stop celebrating the EDSA “People Power” anniversary that marks the ouster of the dictator in 1986.

The fears have come true. Marcos Jr. won the presidency with a big majority, the first post- DSA leader to do so. ith a huge popular vote, Marcos Jr. can do whatever he wants with less opposition.

Zubiri, who aspires to become the next Senate president, was willing to forego the ta deficiency, asking journalists who asked him about the Marcos estate tax liability to “move on” and forget it as an election issue.

Under Philippine laws, the Marcos family, even if Marcos Jr. sits as president, cannot evade the tax liability. It will hound them for the next six years.

President-elect Marcos will lose his moral authority to demand from the people that they pay their taxes if he himself has a huge estate tax liability.

Zubiri is a party to this travesty of justice. He cannot wash his hands clean. As a senator of the Republic, Zubiri must uphold the Constitution and the laws of the Republic.

Ignoring his duty is tantamount to treason. He does not deserve his seat. He does not deserve to be elected Senate president. He will just lead a rubber stamp upper house of Congress.

W hat will happen to the country if leaders refuse to obey the laws of the land?

President-elect Marcos should take the initiative to settle the estate tax liability if he wants to start with a clean slate and unite the country under his leadership.

The estimated P200-billion estate tax liability is no joke. It could help pay off the trillions of pesos in debt left behind by resident Rodrigo Duterte.

Some of the debt, which were incurred during the coronavirus pandemic, sadly went to corrupt deals made with favored ChineseF ilipino businessmen from Davao City for substandard face shields and other items, including personal protective eq uipment.

A Senate Blue Ribbon Committee inq uiry found that the proceeds from the anomalous transactions were used to buy luxury cars at a time when millions of F ilipinos were out of jobs and livelihoods and were relying on government cash aid.

The Pharmally deals are unforgivable and Zubiri also wanted to forget these irregularities, refusing to sign the committee report because Duterte was dragged into the issue.

Zubiri was willing to forget these things as long as he got a plum position in government. He wanted the people who elected him into office to suffer more because of his own selfish interests.

The Philippines does not need elected politicians like Zubiri, who would sacrifice the welfare of the people and the nation in e change for his political ambitions.

Zubiri’s loyalty must be to the Constitution, the laws of the land, and the people he serves, and not to the political leadership that will help him get the position he wants so desperately.

The ilipino people still remember how he had benefited from the election fraud committed in 2007 , which denied Aq uilino “Koko” Pimentel III a seat in the Senate.

T

J

“ T h e ev i l t h at men d o l i v es af t er t h em.

T h e good i s of t i n t erred w i t h t h ei r b on es . ” - From M arc A n t on y ’ s orat i on i n W i l l i am S h ak es peare’ s J u l i u s C aes ar “ A s k n ot w h at y ou r c ou n t ry c an d o f or y ou , as k w h at y ou c an d o f or y ou r c ou n t ry . ” - P re side n t J oh n F itz ge rald K e n n e dy

I

have not had a big laugh for a long time until I read this news report from one of the daily papers with this heading – “Du30: Support new leaders; that’s democracy.” But did not President Duterte say this about incoming President Bongbong Marcos (BB M) –“weak leader, a cocaine illegal drug user and spoiled son of a rich and pow- HOMOB ONO A . A D A Z A erful family”?

True or false: If PR D told us the truth about BB M – why should the country support him? The country in this critical time needs a strong leader, then why does PR Duterte ask us to support a weak leader? If his failed war on drugs is meant to be serious, why ask us to support a cocaine illegal drug user? If PR Duterte loves the country, why does he want us to support a spoiled brat of a President?

W hat PR Duterte is asking us to do is – travel the road to perdition. But this is nothing new to PR Duterte as the country has been traveling the road to perdition on his watch which is about to end – high process of commodities including water, electricity and gasoline; tens of thousands killed extra-judicially, paying obeisance and a fool to President X i Jin Ping on the issue of the W est Philippine Sea, vulgar language and behavior unfit for a resident, belittling women as only matters of biology, calling the Christian G od stupid, cursing the ope on the matter of traffic, bragging about having many women and using Viagra, publicly admitting having used marijuana when he was already President; calling Barack Obama as a son of a bitch when her still President of the USA, failing to deliver on his promises of amending the Constitution, establishing a revolutionary government, putting in place a federal and parliamentary system, having an independent foreign policy, standing up to China on the W est hilippine arbitral ruling, reducing the price of rice to fifteen pesos a kilo, going to the Scarborough Shoal on a jetski to plant the ilipino flag in defiance of Chinese military forces, killing the drug lords and their conspirators for destroying our country and our people, solving the illegal drug problem and graft and corruption within six months from his assumption of office, give a better life to our people, bragging to destroy the oligarchies of all kinds, Reality: Let us have a clearer picture of failed promises of President Duterrte by showing a table: Promise Result 1. Revision of the Constitution F ailed 2. Revolutionary government F ailed 3. F ederal system F ailed 4. Parliamentary system F ailed 5. Solve illegal drug problem in 6 months0 F ailed 6. Solve graft and corruption in 6 months F ailed 7 . Rice at P15.00 per kilo F ailed 8. G oing to Scarborough Shoal by jetski F ailed 9. Independent foreign policy F ailed 10. Standing up to China on W PS F ailed 12. G iving better life to F ilipinos F ailed 13. Destroying the oligarchies F ailed 14. Killing drugs lords and conspirators F ailed W hy failed? He has not done any of it, that’s why. PR Duterte is a lawyer, prosecutor and mayor of Davao City for more that twenty years but he could not hack it as President – he is a complete failure like Erap, Pnoy, Cory and G MA. And he wants us to support someone who, in his own words, is – “a weak leader, a cocaine illegal drug user and a spoiled son of a rich and powerful family”? Isn’t this insane? W hat could be the possible rational explanation for this? I could think of a number of rational explanations.

F irst, former Senator Antono Trillanes described PR D as having a disturbed mind. If Trillanes is right, this suggestion of President Duterte to support incoming President BB M must have come from a disturbed (C ont i nue on page 27)

Diliman Way

he latest Social W eather Stations survey showing 3.1 million F ilipinos went hungry in the first qua rter of this year is only the beginning. As the old saying goes, it’s bound to get worse before it gets any better.

W e are, of course, at the tail end of the six awful years of the Duterte regime. Usually, a change of government B ET ING D OLOR is a time for looking forward to the next administration in hopes that it can do better.

F or some reason, I see no reason to be optimistic that the near future will be better than the last six years. If anything, it will be substantially worse.

The reason for my pessimism is the incoming Marcos Jr. regime, which is not only bent on being an extension of the Duterte regime and its madness such as its pro-China policy and anti-drug war aimed squa rely at the poor.

More than half of the incoming Cabinet is comprised of men and women of que stionable competence, experience and qualifications who are potentially corrupt. They will negate the handful of appointees of sound reputation who may want nothing more than to serve the country by doing a good job.

F rom the looks of things, the National Economic and Development Authority, as well as the Bangko Sentral and the F inance and Trade and Industry portfolios are in good hands.

The others? Not so much.

The press office, and the ational Security, Social elfare, Education, and Justice portfolios, among others, drew negative reactions from people in the know as soon as their incoming heads were announced. Millions of F ilipinos must have slapped their heads in unison when they heard the news.

Then there is the ealth portfolio, which hasn’t been filled yet as of this writing. This, despite the fact that the country is still in the middle of a health crisis now going in its third year.

The Department of Health is in dire need of a head whose primary concern is making sure that the people have somewhere to run to when there is an emergency. Nothing like the present leadership who committed numerous que stionably suspicious acts, even as his own family’s corporation was being awarded hefty supply contracts, please.

This early, it can be foreseen that infighting will take place within the Cabinet of Marcos Jr., who in turn will likely ask his executive secretary to take care of business, given his reputation for always wanting to avoid confrontations of any kind.

Remember that he avoided all debates during the campaign period for this same reason.

Recall, too, that the president-elect promised to reveal his program of government sometime during that same period, but he never did. This lead to the conclusion that he really didn’t have a program of government. At best, he will play everything by ear, or his exec sec will do it for him.

As for his Unity mantra, this most generic of all motherhood statements is also the most meaningless. Unless his idea of unity is for everyone to bow before his whims.

It is not only the negative results of the latest SW S survey that is cause for concern.

Anyone who lived through the martial law years will never forget how the police and the military acted like Naz is, like lords and masters of all F ilipinos not named Marcos. The police and military under Rodrigo Duterte emulated their martial law counterparts, getting away with mass murder of drug suspects and even getting bonuses for their kills.

If Marcos Jr. follows Duterte’s lead, he will pamper the military and police brass so they will always agree with plans, even when they defy the law and the Constitution itself.

Last week, scores of farmers and students were arrested for their crime of holding a peaceful demonstration. They were merely asking the government to deliver on its promise to transfer to them titles to the land the farmers were tilling, as had been committed a decade ago.

They were not only nabbed, but have also been charged for resisting arrest.

W hile this sickening is nothing new, it could mark the beginning of a policy of arresting anyone rallying against the government, but especially students and poor people. It may have occurred at the last few weeks of the current regime, but Marcos Jr. said nothing.

It’s easy to see why. Such (C ont i nue on page 27)

IN THE TRENCHES

Non-negotiable

Offline

And so it begins…

 BUSINESS | IMMIGRATIONS Status of Processing at the U.S. Embassy Manila

W

e summed up below the status of visa processing at the U.S. Embassy Manila as of June 8, 2022. Please note that the visas are categorized into different levels of priorities. or immediate relatives of U.S. citiz ens, namely spouse, unmarried child below 21, are treated as first priority. ianc e of . S. citizens are also include in the first priority. Then the employment based that are current is next in priority.

The family based preferences, those first, second, third and fourth preferences comes next which is about more than one year delayed in processing due to pandemic and staffing shortages. elow is the status as announced by U.S. Embassy.

“U.S. Embassy Manila is providing all routine visa services, though interview appointments for some visa classes remain limited in order to prioritiz e travelers with urgent needs and certain critical categories of visas. Due to a high volume of applicants and consular staffing shortages, wait-times for many visa classes are longer than the pre-pandemic norm.

Immigrant isa I The mbassy is processing immigrant visas across all categories. owever, with significant backlogs in most categories, wait times for interviews are lengthy for all but immediate relatives (IR-1 through IR-5). It is not possible to provide precise wait times as staffing and local conditions affect capacity and scheduling. As of May 31, 2022, most IR visa cases being scheduled for interview were documentarily complete at the National Visa Center in March 2022. Most K visa cases being scheduled were documentarily complete in April 2022. Most current employment-based cases being scheduled were documentarily complete in March 2022. Most current family preference cases are approved expedite cases that were documentarily complete in January 2021. onimmigrant isa I The mbassy prioritizes travelers with urgent i.e., matter of life or death) travel needs and certain critical categories of travelers, such as students and e change visitors -1, M-1, and -1 and temporary employees -1 , -2 , and L nonimmigrants . e are processing renewals of business tourism 1 2 visas for applicants eligible to have their interview waived, offering biometrics only appointments for applicants who received their last visa prior to age 14, and interviewing a limited number of 1 2 applicants each day. hile we continue to e pand our visa processing, please note that we have a significant backlog of cases so wait times are much longer than pre-pandemic times.

Many visa applicants paid a visa application fee and are still waiting to schedule an interview appointment. The validity of your payment known as the M fee is extended until September 30, 2023, to allow all applicants who were unable to schedule an appointment the opportunity to do so. “ Please note that there are cases when the U. S. Embassy will req uire you to reschedule your appointment due to some medical issues or missed appointments. The procedure is below.

Appointment Scheduling Applicants can schedule or reschedule the first available visa interview appointment slot by phone at (+ 632) 7 7 92-8988 or (+ 632) 85488223, or through our online appointment system at http: //www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/.

There is no fee to change an appointment. If you have difficulties rescheduling a pending appointment, you may send an email to support-philippines@ ustraveldocs.com for specific guidance.

I Interview aiver The interview waiver program has been e panded to include those renewing for biometrics fingerprints only , applicants ages below 1 and over , , M, and academic visa applicants , and seafarer airline crew visa reissuance.

• Expedited Appointment Req uests: Expedite req uests for emergency travel may be submitted via our website at http: //www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-visaapply.asp. lease note that the applicant will need to book a regular appointment through our appointment system before req uesting an expedited appointment through http: //www. ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-expeditedappointment.asp . Previous and/or current interview waiver applicants are not qualified to submit e pedite requests. ote This is not a legal advice and presented for information purposes only.

If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation. ankruptcy asics 1. ankruptcy will actually improve your credit within one year because your unsecured debts are discharged. Although the bankruptcy will be in your records for 10 years, not filing bankruptcy will make your credit even worse until most your debts are paid.

2. If you are being sued by your creditors, most money judgment can be eliminated in bankruptcy.

3. Collection actions continue and you can be sued if you are in debt settlement.

4. Chapter 7 will eliminate all unsecured debts. If you are near retirement age, you must eliminate most of your debts.

I COM TA O L MS W e can help you if you are under IRS audit, need a representation with IRS, need to reduce your ta liability or need to offer a payment plan to I S, Success Stories

June 16-22, 2022

14

PHL employment rate improves in April

MA ILA The country’s employment rate improved in April 2022, estimated to be at 94.3 percent or about 45.63 million employed ilipinos, the hilippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

The report said the increase this year was by about 2.36 million compared to 43.27 million or 91.3 percent employment rate in April 2021.

The country’s unemployment rate also dropped from the reported 8.7 percent a year ago to 5.7 percent in April 2022.

The sub-sector with the highest increase is Administration and Support Service Activities (+ 349,000); followed by Accommodation and ood Service Activities ,000 Transportation and Storage 2 ,000 Agriculture and orestry (+ 251,000); and Construction (+ 249,000).

Zamboanga Peninsula registered the highest employment rate at 97 .1 percent while the angsamoro Autonomous egion in Muslim Mindanao posted the lowest employment rate at 91.9 percent, according to the PSA. On the other hand, the sub-sectors of ishing and Aquaculture -5 ,000 ducation (-55,000); and W holesale and Retail Trade, epair of Motor ehicles and Mo-

torcycles (-24,000) registered the lowest number of employed persons from April 2021 to April 2022.

“Ang pre-pandemic naman ay nasa 5 percent level. agfa-fluctuate siya. Ang pinakamababa niya actually was in October 2019 na nasa 4.5 percent. Hindi naman talaga significant pero nakikita naman natin tumataas yung ating L Labor orce articipation ate . Dumadami ang mga gustong mag-participate sa ating labor market The pre-pandemic was at the 5 percent level. It fluctuates. The lowest [ unemployment rate] was in October 2019 at .5 percent. It is not really significant but we see our L increasing. More are interested in participating in our labor market , ational Statistician and Civil Registrar G eneral, Undersecretary Dennis Mapa, e plained in a media briefing on riday.

Mapa is expecting the unemployment rate to continue decreasing as alert levels rela amid increasing L .

“W hat we are seeing now in the unemployment rate, it is really going down, Mapa added, citing the harvest season in the agriculture sector which largely contributed to the decrease.

Govt debt payments down 39% MA ILA - The national government’s total debt payments in the first four months of the year amounted to P356.63 billion, data released by the ureau of the Treasury Tr showed.

According to the latest cash operations report, the national government’s debt payments in January to April is 39.12 percent lower than the P585.8 billion paid out in the same period a year ago.

Amortiz ation declined by 61.02 percent to P169.99 billion from the P436.12 billion paid out in the same period a year ago, Manila media reported.

Of the total principal payments made during the period, P153.02 billion was used to pay local lenders while P16.98 billion was spent to settle foreign obligations.

Meanwhile, interest payments as of April totaled to P186.63 billion, 24.69 percent higher than the P149.68 billion paid out as of the same period the previous year.

Of the said amount, P143.49 billion was paid to domestic creditors while P43.15 billion was for international debt.

In April alone, debt payments declined by 33.15 percent to P42.98 billion from the P64.29 billion paid out a year ago.

Interest payments accounted for bulk of the amount with P37.3 billion, while principal payments totaled to P5.67 billion.

The Tr report earlier showed the national government’s gross borrowings in the first four months of the year also declined by 28.43 percent to P1.18 trillion versus the P1.65 trillion raised a year ago.

G ross domestic borrowings for the period accounted for the bigger chunk amounting to P915.49 billion, down 35 percent from the year ago level of P1.41 trillion.

G ross external borrowings for the period rose by 9.24 percent to P267.91 billion from P245.25 billion a year ago.

 ENTERTAINMENT

June 16-22, 2022

16

Nora Aunor, 7 others named National Artists for 2022

MANILA – F inally, multi-awarded actress and singer Nora has been declared a National Artist.

The superstar was named national artist together with seven other prominent personalities in Philippine culture and arts through Proclamation 1390 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last week.

The issuance of Proclamation 1390 was confirmed by ational Commis-

sion for Culture and the Arts CCA and the ilm Development Council of the hilippines DC in their respective F acebook posts on the night it was signed. ora Aunor, who is ora Cabaltera Villamayor in real life, was hailed as National Artist for F ilm and Broadcast Arts.

Aunor shared the honor with screenwriter Ricardo Lee and the late

director Marilou Diaz -Abaya. er contributions to the film and broadcast arts depicted the F ilipinos’ “everyday realities and aspirations” in some of the most important F ilipino films, such as “ imala , the DC said.

On the other hand, Lee was acknowledged for writing iconic films, such as “The lor Contemplacion Story” and “Sa Kuko ng Agila”, while Diaz -Abaya was recogniz ed for movies such as “Brutal” and “Jose Riz al”.

Lee and Diaz -Abaya’s works formed part of the “Second G olden Age of Cinema .

Actor-director Tony Mabesa was proclaimed National Artist for Theater for his contributions to the “growth and diversity of Philippine theater.”

Choreographer Agnes Locsin was named National Artist for Dance for spurring a “growing interest in neoethnic style among young artists.”

Soprano ides Cuyugan-Asensio was acclaimed as a National Artist for Music for contributing to a “Renaissance of classical musical theater in the country.”

The late couturier Salvacion LimHiggins, who “masterly innovated and transformed the national costume into a world-class silhouette,” was honored as National Artist for F ashion Design.

Literary critic G emino Abad was declared National Artist for Literature for providing future generations with a “comprehensive view of the landscape of Philippine poetry and

fiction.

The new National Artists is the second batch declared under the leadership of Duterte.

The declaration was made upon the joint recommendation of the CCA and the Cultural Center of the hilippines.

The National Artist Award, created under Proclamation 1001 issued on April 27, 1972, is the highest national recognition given to F ilipinos who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the development of Philippine arts.

Each national artist will receive a gold-plated medallion minted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and a citation, according to the guidelines issued by the CCA. The National Artists will also get a life emolument and material and physical benefits comparable in value to those received by the country’s highest officers.

Living awardees will be given a minimum cash award of P200,000, net of taxes; a monthly life pension worth P50,000; medical and hospitaliz ation benefits not e ceeding 50,000 every year; life insurance coverage; a state funeral; and a place of honor in state functions, national commemoration rites, and other cultural presentations.

A one-time minimum cash award of P150,000, net of taxes, will be granted to the legal heir of the deceased awardees.

Including those newly proclaimed, there are now 86 national artists.

JK Labajo, Maureen Wroblewitz announce breakup Celebrity couple uan arlos Labajo and Maureen W roblewitz announced their breakup on June 10 on their separate Instagram accounts.

The two were in a relationship for more than two years.

The “Buwan” singer posted on his Instagram account their photos together with a caption, “Magka-ibigan na ngayo’y matalik na magkaibigan.

Lagi mong tandaan na kahit pagbaliktarin mo man ang mundo, kahit saang lupalop man ng kalawakan, ikaw parin ang nagiisa kong buwan. Maraming salamat, mahal kita, at hanggang sa muli.”

The Miss niverse hilippines first

runner-up commented on the singer’s post with a heart emoji.

Meanwhile, W roblewitz , 23, born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and also a F ilipino G erman like Labajo, took to her IG account and posted an art card with a caption, “Some things come to an end and that’s okay. but now it’s time for us to grow on our own.”

Labajo, 21, a F ilipino-G erman actor and singer, penned a heartfelt message to the model-beauty que en that he is “the luckiest person in the world to have spent the past years of my life with you and I wouldn’t choose anybody else to have spend those years with.”

17 June 16-22, 2022

 ENTERTAINMENT

Sharon, Regine performing with Pilita in ‘Iconic’ concert, show also set in US soon

Sharon Cuneta and R egine V elasq uez

Sharon Cuneta and Regine Velasque z excitedly revealed that they are going to be joined by Pilita Corrales on their two-night “Iconic” concert at the Marriot G rand Ballroom in Resorts W orld on June 17 a nd 18, 8 p.m.

Speaking at a press conference at Marriot Manila, Sharon the country’s “Megastar” and Regine, known as “Asia’s Songbird, were effusive with their praise of the “Asia’s Q ueen of Songs,” as Pilita is known.

“She is one of the most original icons of all time in Philippine music industry,” said Sharon.

“She has paved the way for a lot of us so we feel this is a way of honoring her,” said Regine.

“It’s a tribute to her… a nd a way of thanking her and giving her a chance of thanking her supporters throughout all the decades,” Sharon continued. “She’s a very special and timeless performer.”

“I’m so happy that she will be part of our concert kasi sa totoo lang, siya talaga yung icon. Part siya ng buhay namin. Ako alam niyo naman, faney.

So I’m so happy we’re staging this again kasi noong una nating ginawa sobrang gandang ganda ako sa concert na ito. Lalo na ngayon we’re with Mamita,” Regine said.

Sharon added she learned all of Pilita’s – and Celeste Legaspi’s – songs at a young age, saying they made up the soundtrack of their family’s weekend trips to Baguio.

“W hen I was about 6,7,8 ye ars old, ako lang ata ang bata sa St. Paul’s Pasig na may alam sa ‘ May pumukol sa pipit sa sanga ng isang…’ ,” said the megastar, singing a line from Corrales’ ditty “Ang Pipit,” “and then ‘ Kapantay ang Langit,’ which later on became one of my covers for

my Si Sharon at Si Canseco album, which also became the title of one of my movies,” she continued.

A“ ko n am an , I c am e f rom ‘ A n g Bagon g K am pe on ’ w h ic h sh e h oste d.

I ’ v e lov e d h e r e v e r sin c e . I ’ m so h appy , par an g f ull c irc le ,” Re gin e sh are d, “S a totoo lan g, s iya talaga an g ic on .”

The two also expressed their support for fellow singer-actress Nora Aunor, who was named as National Artist for F ilm and Broadcast last week.

“Deservingly so,” said Sharon, “Congratulations, Ate G uy. I hope ‘ yung iba pang reserving would also be awarded, gay ani Ate Vi, Tita Susan Roces, F PJ….”

“Ako gusto ko lang maging National Treasure, ‘ yung hinahanap ni Nicolas Cage,” she added.

In “Iconic,” the divas will bring their fans on a nostalgic trip as they perform their most-loved hits.

Sharon and Regine promise a memorable concert as they celebrate truly F ilipino hits for their highly anticipated back-to-back “Iconic” concert.

It can be remembered that “Iconic” had a successful Manila sold-out show in 2019 and in that same year,

the country’s OPM divas also won Aliw Awards 2019’s Best Collaboration in a Concert.

“As you all know, we did ‘ Iconic’ in 2019 and for me, it’s such a dream come true. One of the most fulfilling concerts I’ve ever done in my entire concerting career because I was with my idol. W e had so much fun doing it, we wanted to do it again for everyone and so we have a repeat this year.

This time, we added and changed some new songs just for the times,” Velasque z shared during a media conference.

Sharon and Regine also revealed they will bring the “Iconic” show to the US, as was originally planned in 201 , during their concert’s first staging.

Produced by F ull House Theater Company, directed by Paolo Valenciano and with musical direction by Louie Ocampo and Raul Mitra, the two-night affair is set on une 1 and 18, 8 p.m. at the Marriott G rand Ballroom, Resorts W orld Manila.

P ilita Corrales

F or tickets to “Iconic” this June 17 and 18 at the Marriot Ballroom at Resorts W orld, contact G irah Manaligod (0917 872 8309) , Kenneth Navoa (0917 807 9387) , Archli Enrique z (0917 823 9602) or call Ticketworld (02) 8891-9999, or SM Tickets (02) 8470- 2222.

 ENTERTAINMENT

June 16-22, 2022

18

Two new beauty queens crowned The Philippines has two more beauty queens

M arie Sherry Ann Q uintana Torm es

They are Marie Sherry Ann Q uintana Tormes, 28, who was crowned as Miss G lobal 2022, besting a field of 2 beauties worldwide in a glittering finale held at usa Dua Convention Center in Bali, Indonesia on June 12, coinciding with the 12 th hilippine Independence Day celebration and ilipino rench wendolyne olivar ourniol, 21, who was crowned as Miss W orld Philippines 2022, topping the field of contestants at the pageant held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena a week earlier.

Tormes, or Shane to family and friends, who also won as Miss Talent for a powerful interpretation of Tina Turner’s “ roud Mary, became the first ilipina to win the S-based international pageant that was established in 2011.

Shane will reign alongside Miss G lobal 2021 essica da Silva, a single mom who represented the nited Arab mirates, winning the title via a series of virtual competitions several weeks ago, and crowned on the same night in Bali.

The pageant allows single women as well as single mothers aged 1 - 5 to qualify for the tilt. amed as runners-up to Shane are Sandra Lim from Malaysia, 1st rooke ankin from Australia, 2nd Sandra oris from Lithuania, rd and atalia urgel from razil, th.

Tormes was crowned by Miss G lobal Organization’s president an ham. She reprised the victory of Megan oung, the very first and so far,

only ilipina Miss orld, in the very same venue in 201 .

A “veteran whose pageant skills were honed

by Kagandahang F lores camp, particularly its founder and head trainer odgil lores and senior trainer ess Soriano, Shane has a string of regional and national titles including Miss Camarines Sur, Mutya ng Ibalong Tourism, Miss izal rovince and Miss hilippines ire 2020.

She has also joined Binibining Pilipinas twice, in 2018 and 2019, on both occasions winning as Miss F riendship, and Miss Talent in 2018.

F ourniol, the new Miss W orld Philippines 2022, represented her mother’s home province of egros Occidental, although she was born in Lyons, rance, schooled in ngland and moved to the Philippines in 2018. ourniol has been actively involved in DA ducational esearch and Development Assistance oundation, one of the biggest non-government, non-profit organizations in the country founded by r. ierre Tritz, S in 1 that has helped a million marginalized but deserving ilipinos have access to education.

During the final question-and-answer round, wen was asked “ ow do we cope with an education deficit accumulated during the pandemic She replied “As an advocate of education, I do agree that during the pandemic, we have suffered the most, but the children who have a lack of access to education have suffered the greatest.

And working hand in hand with DA oundation who empowered marginalized children, by uniting benefactors and encouraging children and allowing them to go back to school, espeGw endoly ne Boliv ar F ourniol cially during this pandemic, will make the world a better place because education is the greatest weapon against poverty. wen, who also won as est in vening s an advocate of education G own, Beach Beauty and Miss Silka, was surprised by her mom Sim F ourniol and her brother I do a g ree tha t du ring the who flew in from London two days ago, making pandemic e have su ered her victory even more meaningful. will vie for the country’s second Miss the most ut the children ho orldwen title after Megan oung at the 1st Miss orld in London in December. have a lac of access to DA oundation helped Sim ourniol with education have su ered the her education.

Sim obtained her AB Psychology and eventually worked in ugreatest. nd or ing hand in degree from rope where she met wen’s rench dad Thierry hand ith D oundation ourniol, a software engineer.

The other winners are Alison lack, Miss ho empo ered marginali ed Supranational hilippines, from Las i as Ingrid children y uniting Santamaria, eina ispanoamericana ilipinas, ara aque Ashley Subijano Montenegro, enefactors and encouraging from Miss co hilippines, from Makati eatriz children and allo ing them to McLelland, Miss co Teen hilippines, from ustine elizarta, Miss Tourism 1st ringo ac to school especially Aklan cess , from Marikina and Cassandra Chan, Miss 2nd rincess , from San uan City. during this pandemic ill ma e Charity The pageant was hosted by previous Miss the orld a e er place orld hilippines winners alerie eigmann, Laura Lehmann and atarina odriguez. In the ecause education panel of judges were actors David Licauco and is the greatest eapon against inwyn Marquez also eina ispanoamericana 201 and Miss orld first runner-up 1 vanpoverty. geline Pascual.

“

19 June 16-22, 2022

 ENTERTAINMENT

Willie Revillame’s magic remains strong Television host, singer and composer W illie Revillame slammed naysayers for saying he has lost his magic after his program “W owowin” is now only available on F acebook and YouTube.

This was reported by columnist Ronnie Carrascoso III in his latest Manila Times column after W illie’s daily show on G MA bade farewell on ebruary 11 when he seized the offer of business tycoon and former Senate President Manny Villar.

Villar had acq uired two freq uencies formerly owned by ABS-CBN, now named Advanced Media Broadcasting Systems.

W illie had said he did not renew his contract with G MA network due to Villar’s television project.

The 61-year-old host and singer, however, stressed he remains eternally grateful to the Kapuso Network, which was home to his show “W owowin” for more than seven years.

There are rumors that W illie has been sending feelers particularly to G MA top honcho Atty. F elipe G oz on for a possible comeback but this was q uickly debunked by W illie, branding it as “fake news.”

He said, according to the columnist, didn’t actually intend to renew his contract, “Tapos, babalik ako? ! ” The actor-singer-host was reported as saying “W owowin,” despite being watched on social me-

dia platforms, hasn’t lost its momentum.

“F or the record, it is still being widely followed as it continues not only to bring wholesome entertainment but also respond to the needs of our downtrodden kababayan,” the columnist stated.

He q uoted W illie as saying: “Hindi puwedeng sabihing kawawa ako dahil nawala ang ningning ko. W e are now in the age of social media. This is the ‘ in’ thing now.”

In the meantime, pending the preparations of the Villar television network, W illie was said to be enjoying limitless creative freedom in his program content sans the bosses telling him “bawal ganito, bawal ganyan.”

W illie, according to the columnist, stresses the essence of a genuine entertainment for his audience bereft of restrictive policies.

W illie, the columnist added, seems unfaz ed even if the show that has replaced W owowin on G MA — “F amily F eud” hosted by Dingdong Dantes — is reportedly churning out better ratings.

“Kanila na ‘ yung ratings,” W illie was reported as saying.

W illie said his doctor has informed him that he’s colon cancer-free based on a test result.

W illie was admittedly anxious, if not panicky, days before the test result came out, he had expressed willingness to go under the knife if necessary.

Kuya Kim, Ariel Rivera in front of the cameras again After his bout with COVID-19, Kim Atienz a will start work on a variety game show, “Tik to Clock,” with beauty q ueen Rabiya Mateo and comedienne Pokwang.

This is the first time the trio will be together in a show.

“Tik to Clock” will be a sing and dance contest and is set to air next month. It is set to replace “Mars Pa More,” which features Kim with Camille Prats and Iya Villania.

Kim is known for knowing a lot of trivia and for delivering the weather report in “TV Patrol” on ABS-CBN. He embraced a variety of formats when he transferred to G MA. “Tik To Clock is also the first time abiya and Pokwang will work in a variety game show, too.

Meanwhile, Ariel Rivera is back on TV as part of G MA’s series, “The F ake Life.” He was last seen in a noontime show on TV5.

“The F ake Life” is under the direction of Adolf Alix, Jr. and will premiere on June 5.

Ariel, aside from being an actor, is an accomplished singer and recording artist.

He and wife G elli de Belen have two sons, who are studying in Canada.

The boys do not seem interested in following in Ariel and G elli’s footsteps.

“Nag-i-iba na nga naman ang panahon,” said Ariel. “Pana-panahon ‘ yan, sabi nga.”

“Pangaral lang namin sa dalawa,” said G elli, “is to prepare for what is right for them. W e are just praying that they do the right thing.”

 REAL ESTATE

June 16-22, 2022

20

California mortgage relief program expands eligibility Mortgage Rates sideling to about 6% for a 30 year loan requirements for homeowners affected by pandemic SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Mortgage elief rogram has significantly e panded eligibility requirements to offer funding to a greater number of California homeowners who have fallen behind on housing payments due to the impact of the CO ID-1 pandemic. The program has modified the past-due requirement to include homeowners who missed payments in the first half of 2022, e panded the income eligibility and will now cover past-due property ta es for more homeowners.

“Many California homeowners, like many renters, felt the impact of CO ID-1 on their household finances, putting them at risk of losing the homes they’ve worked so hard for, said Secretary of the California usiness, Consumer Services and ousing Agency Lourdes Castro am rez in a statement sent to hilippine ews Today.

“I’m proud of the partnership with the .S. Treasury providing 1 billion for the California Mortgage elief rogram and I applaud the California ousing inance Agency for removing barriers to participating and providing greater program fle ibility to assist more California homeowners struggling to stay in their homes, amirez said.

The California Mortgage Relief Program has e panded eligibility to homeowners who missed mortgage payments in 2022. ith this change,

homeowners who missed at least two payments before une 0, 2022, and are currently delinquent, may now be eligible for full reimbursement for missed housing payments up to 0,000. reviously, program criteria required homeowners to miss at least two payments prior to program launch on December 2 , 2021.

The program has also adjusted the income threshold for program qualification. omeowners are now eligible for assistance from the program if their household income is at or below 150 of their county’s Area Median Income based on federal limits established by D for the program . The adjustment will make it so more California homeowners who e perienced financial hardships during CO ID-1 can get help. Applicants can find their county’s income limit at CaMortgage elief.org.

In addition, assistance with past-due property ta es will now e tend to mortgage-free homeowners and those whose mortgage payments are current. reviously, property ta es were covered for reverse mortgage holders or as part of a complete reinstatement for homeowners who were also behind on their mortgage. These newly eligible homeowners can now receive up to 20,000 to cover past-due property ta payments if they missed at least one payment prior to May 1, 2022.

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Mortgage ates going up, gas prices hitting .00 a gallon and inflation at above . hat are we to think Most people think the current rise in mortgage rates is more than just a blip on the radar, as both homeowners and renters e pect rates to steadily increase over the ne t three years. Industry e perts, on the other hand, aren’t so sure. I believe the market truly cannot speculate on what will happen ne t because this is a time in history that we have never e perience.

Most households e pect the interest rate on a 0-year fi edrate loan to increase to . ne t year and reach .2 by 2025, according to a housing survey released by the ew ork ederal eserve this week. If those e pectations come true, it would be the first time the average 0-year rate crossed since the year 2000.

The e pectation of much higher rates is easy to understand given the current mortgage rate environment. The average rate for a 0-year loan has risen sharply since the beginning of the year, increasing by nearly two percentage points to the current level of 5 . Consumers tend to see these trends and e pect them to continue into the future, notes Lawrence un, chief economist for the ational Association of ealtors.

The swing in rates will cost you an additional 5 .00 on a 00,000.00 loan and if you are a buyer the spread on rates will diminish about 120,000.00 in your buying power. That is a huge swing that will definitely have a effect on the near future real estate market. e are not seeing it yet, but I am almost sure it will come.

The possibility of rates increasing that high e ists, of course. owever, an interest rate by 2025 is unlikely, but I never thought rates would even get close to 5 and yet here we are close to .

Melissa Cohn, regional vice president at illiam aveis Mortgage, believes the only way rates might go up to would be if the ederal eserve’s current plans to fight inflation have no effect, causing the ed to then raise short term rates to levels not seen in years. nder this unlikely circumstance “it is possible that mortgage rates could get to , but at that level, the economy will certainly cool off, she says. “ hen that happens, rates will come back down to affordable levels. pert mortgage rate forecasts hile consumers may be preparing for significantly higher rates over the coming years, industry e perts are more tempered in their e pectations. A is forecasting the 0-year rate to average between 5 and 5.5 throughout most of 202 .

“As the ed raises interest rates, the mortgage market will simply yawn, says un, e plaining that the mortgage market has already factored in all the ed rate hikes possible this year.

The ederal eserve doesn’t directly set mortgage rates, but it does influence them by establishing monetary policy to control inflation and keep the job market running smoothly. One of the main tools to do this is the federal funds rate a short term rate banks charge each other. As this rate goes up, so do mortgage rates. ut the central bank has so far taken a cautious approach.

“The ed has shown they are more than willing to let the economy run a little hot rather than raise rates e cessively and risk a recession, says McLaughlin. “As such, I e pect to be near the upper bound of where mortgage rates will settle over the ne t three to five years.

Although the A doesn’t have a forecast out to 2025, un e pects rates to stabilize around 5.5 over the ne t few years.

Other mortgage e perts agree that rates won’t get as high as consumers are anticipating. The Mortgage ankers Association is actually e pecting rates to average . by the end of this year and to steadily decrease to an average of . by 202 .

The forecasted decrease is a result of stabilizing yields on the 10-year Treasury note, which are closely tied to mortgage rates.

The M A e pects those yields to steady at around 2. by the end of this year and hold at that rate through 202 , when yields are e pected to fall to 2.5 . There tends to be a 1. percentage point spread between the 10-year Treasury and average mortgage rates. reddie Mac’s also e pects lower rates rather than higher rates in the short term. According to their most recent forecast, the 0year rate will average . during 2022, increasing to average 5 during 202 .

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21 June 16-22, 2022

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

Zambo teen wins 2 golds in world weightlifting championship; COVID-19 downs EJ Obiena MANILA - A 17- year-old lady weightlifter from Zamboanga City brought honor to the Philippines and her city after she won two gold medals and one silver medal in the W orld Youth W eightlifting Championship 2022 held in Mexico City on June 11.

Reports from Mexico City showed Rose Jean Ramos, of Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City, won the two golds and one silver in the women’s 45-kilogram category.

A total of 205 athletes from 39 countries competed in the event.

Last year, Ramos won a gold medal in the same tournament held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The promising weightlifter is trained by Allen Diaz who also trained Olympic weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz .

Meanwhile, F ilipino pole vault pride EJ Obiena will miss the first two of his four scheduled tournaments this month after testing positive for COVID-19.

Obiena revealed in his Instagram story and reported

by Philippine media that he is undergoing qua rantine in F ornia, Italy, where he has been based for a number of years now for his training.

Due to his COVID-19 diagnosis, the F ilipino pole vaulter will skip the Bislett G ames on June 16 in Oslo, Norway and the Meeting De Paris on June 18 in Paris, BAUHAUS-galan tournament on June 30 in Stockholm, F rance.

Sweden.

Obiena is also listed to compete in the Tä by The 26-year-old Olympic pole vaulter successfully Stavhoppsgala on June 28 in Taby, Sweden and the defended his Southeast Asian G ames title last month

and reset the games record after leaping 5.46 meters. He also ruled the European City of Sports event in L’Aqui la, Italy on May 31 after clearing 5.85 meters in front of the picturesque Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio.

Atletang Pinoy na bayani rin sa pagtatanggol ng kalayaan lipat ang plake sa maliit na daang patungo sa Ninoy Aq uino Stadium.

At saka pa lamang napagtanto ng mga dumadaang atleta, opisyal ng sports at bumubisita sa RMSC na ang naturang marker ay naglalaman ng mga pangalan ng ilan sa mga Pilipinong Olympic medalist na kinabibilangan nina swimmer Teofilo ldefonso, trackster Miguel hite, at pito pang Olympian at 43 pang internationalist na pumanaw noong W orld W ar II sa pagtatanggol sa bayan.

Marami sa mga kinilala ay miyembro ng Philippine Scouts, USAF F E o underground guerilla unit. Tatlo ay naparangalan bilang “Most Outstanding F ilipino Athletes of Half-A-Century” tulad nina Yldefonso, basketball Olympian Jacinto “Jumping Jack” Ciria Cruz at football star Virgilio Lobregat..

Si Yldefonso. Isang Philippine Scout na tubong Piddig, Ilocos Norte, ay matatandaang kauna-unahang Pilipinong nakapag-uwi ng dalawang Olympic bronz e medals sa 200-meter breaststroke, noong 1928 sa Amsterdam at 1932 sa Los Angeles.

Binawian siya ng buhay sa kasumpa-sumpang ‘ Death March’ mula Mariveles, Bataan hanggang Capas Concentration Camp sa Tarlac.

Si W hite ng Legaspi City sa Bicol, ay isa ring bronz e medalist sa 400-meter hurdles noong 1936 Olympic G ames sa Berlin kung saan si Ciria Cruz , kasama ni basketball Olympian Amador Obordo, ay nakatulong sa Pilipinas na tumapos na panlima na hanggang sa panahong ito ay hindi pa napapantayan ng anumang bansa sa Asya.

Si Ciria Cruz ay pinatay ng mga mananakop na Hapones habang nagsasagawa ng underground works in Bayombong, Nueva Viz caya.

Maliban kina Yldefonso, W hite, Ciria Cruz at Obordo, ang iba pang Pilipino Olympian na naging biktima ng digmaan ay sina Lt. emesio de uzman ng track and field, Lt. Otoniel G onz aga (shooting), Lt. Simplicio de Castro (boxing) at Lt. Enriq ue Jurado at Abduraman Ali (swimming).

Si De G uz man ng Philippine Army ay miyembro ng pambansang delegasyon sa IX th Olympiad sa Amsterdam noong 1928, samantalang sina G onz aga at De Castro ay lumahok sa X Ith G ames sa Berlin noong 1936. Si Ali ay lu-

mangoy sa X Ith Olympiad sa Los Angeles.

Sina Yldefonso at W hite ay dalawa sa 11 Olympic medalist na ginawaran ng “Lifetime Achievement Award” ng Sports Communicators Organiz ation of the Philippines (SCOOP) sa pagdiriwang ng ika-80 anibersaryo ng paglahok ng Pilipinas sa Olimpi- ED D IE G . A LINEA yada noong 2004.

Maliban kina W hite at De G uz man, ang iba pang Pilipinong mananakbo, mamumukol at mananalon na naging biktima ng digmaan ay sina Miguel Sugeco, Sgt. Doming Espanol, Lt. Jose Antonio, Mayor Emilio Bucoy, W enceslao Bansale, Eliseo Raz o, Civico G ranado, Maximino Pasaporte, Albino angayan, Delfin Danguilan, Lt. Constantino Alambra, Moises Lucas, F eliz ardo Casia, F rancisco Danao, Bartolome Barabad, Alejo Alvarez at Simon Santos.

Ang mga manlalangoy na sina Rosendo Aguinaldo, Policasrpio Tolentino, Donato Cabading, Miguel Bartolaso, Ulka Mangona, Jakara Angkang, Bernardino Tugbo at Mauricio G uidote ay mga sundalong atleta ring nagsipanaw tulad nina Yldofonso and Ali. Ang mga manlalaro ng baseball na kumatawan sa bansa ilang kompetisyong internasyonal kabilang ang F ar Eastern Olympic G ames na kinilalang pinagmulan ngayon ay Asian G ames ay sina Sgt. Aq uilino Jacob, Cpl. Pablo Chu, Sgt. G ervacio Estorba, Atilano Rivera, Cacimiro F rancisco, Ramon Oncinian, Toribio Oncinian, Regino Bertulfo at Cipriano Platon.

Ang iba pang non-Olympic athlete na binawian ng buhan habang nakasuot ng uniporme ng militasr ay sina Carlos Canillas, Albert Murrow at Robert Keesy sa basketball; F rancisco Zarcal at Martin Roxas sa boksing, Jose Miranda sa football at Concepcion Santos-Cepeda at Juan Ladaw Jr. sa tennis.

Si G inang Cepeda na matagal naging kampeon sa tennis, ay kapatid ni Simon Santos na sumakabilang buhay din noong panahon ng giyera habang lumalaban sa kanyang sport.

Sala sa Init

Noong Linggo, ika-12 ng Hunyo, ay ipinagdiwang ng Pilipinas ang ika 124 anibersaryo ng Araw ng Kasarinlan.

At gaya ng kinaugalian tuwing sasapit ang araw na ito, ay ginunita din natin ang kabayanihan ng mga matatapang nating kababayang iasinakripisyo ang kanilang buhay sa pagtatangol ng kalayaan.

Lingid sa kaalaman nng marami, kabilang ang pinakamatataas na lider ng sports sa bansa, 52 atletang Pilipino, siyam sa kanila ay Olympian, na bukod sa pagwawagayway ng ating bandila sa iba’t-ibang pang-internasyonal na kompetisyon sa iba’t-ibang panig ng daigdig, ay itinaya rin ang kanilang buhay sa larangan ng digmaan.

Sa kabuuang bilang, 19 sa kanila ang nagdala sa pangalang Pilipinas at sa saliang Pilipino sa iba’t-ibang kompetisyon sa athletics, 10 sa swimming, siyam sa baseball, lima sa basketball, tatlo sa boxing, tig-dalaw sa football at tennis at tig-isa sa wrestling at shooting.

Noong Hulyo 17 , 1951, isang plakeng may sukat na 33x24 na pulgada na gawa sa bronz e na nagtataglay ng kanilang mga pangalan ang ikinabit sa dingding ng basketball coliseum sa loob ng Riz al Memorial Sports Complex ng ngayon ay wala nang Philippine Amateur Athletic F ederation (PAAF ) bilang pag-gunita sa kanilang kabayanihan.

Ang seremonya ay pinangunahan ng noon ay pangulo ng PAAF at kinatawaann ng International Olympic Committee sa Pilipinas na si Jorge Vargas. Kabilang sa mga dumalo ay ang mga opisyal at kinatawan ng mahigit 50 sports association, at ang athletic moderator ng Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Rev. F r..Martin Diez .

Pitumpu at isang taon ang nakalipas mula noon, wala man ni isa sa mga sumunod na liderato ng sports sa bansa ang kahit papaano ay nakalaalaa na kilalanin ang kabayanihang ito ng atletang sundalong Pinoy para makamit ang kalayaaan at kasarinlan.

Sa loob ng maraming taon, wala mang nakapansin sa plakeng nakasabikt sa harapan ng basketball coliseum na ang akala pa ng marami ay isang ordinaryong marking naglalaman ng pangalan ng atkitekto at inhenyerong nagtayo ng gusali.

Hanggang sa mapuna ito ng pamunuan ng Philippine Soorts Commission na noong nakaraang ilang taon ay ini-

June 16-22, 2022

22

Q : W h y do credit card companies sue and wh en y ou sh ould ex pect it wh en y ou stop pay ing?

A: The woes of credit card problems. It is not a big problem until you stop paying or start missing payments. Even just the sight of how much you owe can give you a headache, knowing that you are in an endless process of trying to pay it off especially if making minimum payments.

This is what happens when you stop paying your credit cards.

• 30 days past due-You mostly get a slap on the wrist with a penalty and a late charge. Some companies do not even report a 30 day late payment.

• 60 days past due-W hen you missed payment for 2 months, the credit card company will raise the interest to the maximum allowed by the agreement and more late fees and penalties will apply.

• 90 days past due-W hen you have missed payment for 3 months, it becomes an impossible task because they have tagged on more late fees, interest are sky high and the principal due will be 3 times.

• 120 days past due-At this point you already know that you will not be making payments on this debt and more interests and penalties are accrued. The credit card company may decide to charge off the account or send it to a third party collector.

So when does it get better? Not yet! They may decide to sue you for the balance owed (Statutes of limitation vary from the state or country you are in). This gets worst.

If there is a co-signer on the account, they may go after this person. Remember that a co-signer guarantees payment of the loan whether you or they were the ones who used the credit card.

If they decide to sue you, a judgement will mostly carry the principal amount, interests, penalties, court costs and attorney fees. A judgement that can be imposed also vary on the state you are in. A judgement against you can yield into a wage garnishment, a bank levy or a lien on real property.

If there are mitigating factors as to why you have not been making your payments such as job loss, extreme hardship, disability etc., you may bring this up but these does not release you from the liability. The credit card companies will still want their money.

The most common defenses that people have against a credit card lawsuit is denying the statements of the complaint by arguing that they are untrue. These denials are typically a q uestion of whether something is true or not. You should also bring up facts or affirmative defenses that merits your case i.e. the debt is more that years old.

W hatever the case, I would not ask anyone to go to court unprepared or without counsel. Most people will just not show up and this is the worst thing you can do because you automatically get a judgement. And by not showing, you have given up any control of the outcome of your case.

Ating lesson, Demanda ay iwasan, utang ay bayaran.

If you need help in getting out of debt, call Debt Aid Consulting International. W e do not use call centers which keeps your information safe. W e have a new program that reconstruct debts for half of what you would pay our competitors. W e also provide legal assistance that keeps collectors away. W e take F ederal Credit Unions, Payday loans and high interest personal loans in our program too. This is exclusively available for Debt Aid Consulting clients. None of our competitors provide this program. You are well protected.

W e only provide F ederal Trade Commission compliant programs. G o with Debt Aid Consulting!

Do not fall for marketing gimmicks saying that they have the right program for you.

Most marketing companies only have one program and will enroll you in that program whether it fits you or not. So beware Ben Lou at your service! I have over 35 years of financial e perience. If you would like sound financial advice, call us at Debt Aid Consulting International. W e do not use call centers. No one has the right to put your information at risk.

Debt Aid Consulting is the first and only F ilipino debt mediation company incorporated in the US and Canada, Caribbean Islands, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines!

Your G lobal Debt Solutions Company!

Tawag na po sa 1- - 1-52 lungan po namin kayo.

Itama po natin ang mali!

at tutu-

23 June 16-22, 2022

 COMMUNITY NEWS

PHL embassy welcomes PYLP youth leaders from Mindanao

P Y LP delegates doing their b atch p ose w ith D ep uty Chief of M ission Jaim e R am on T. Ascalon, Jr. ( 2nd row , center) and Consul General Iric C. Arrib as ( 2nd row , 3 rd f rom right) W ASHING TON D.C. – A 24-member student delegation from Mindanao, Philippines visited the Philippine Embassy on June 07 , 2022, as part of their educational field trip in ashington D.C. Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr. and Consul G eneral Iric C. Arribas welcomed the youth leaders to the Embassy and had a productive exchange on several topics. The delegation likewise performed a lively cultural show for the Embassy personnel.

The delegation is currently in the United States under the Philippine Youth Leadership Program (PYLP) of the Northern Illinois University (NIU) and is led by their NIU Program Director Ms. Rhodalyne G alloCrail. They will soon be heading home to the Philippines to hopefully put to practice the knowledge they have learned under the PYLP as aspiring future leaders of the country.

PYLP is a leadership development exchange that offers hilippine secondary students ages 15-1 years old and adult mentors from Mindanao for a four-week training in the United States. PYLP focuses on responsible citiz enship, civic leadership, community development, and project management. This initiative is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the .S. Department of State in partnership with the Northern Illinois University in the U.S. and University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) in Mindanao, Philippines. It is a youth exchange program that aims to empower young people and establish long-lasting ties between the Philippines and the U.S. Since its inception in 2004, PYLP has produced more than 420 F ilipino youth alumni.

“Your visit and interactions in the United States will certainly contribute to promoting people-to-people ties between the Philippines and the U.S. I also hope your trip here will inspire you to become dedicated leaders of our country.” said DCM Ascalon in his welcoming remarks.

The discussion that followed focused on overall PH-US relations, the Embassy’s role and initiatives during the CO ID-1 pandemic, and how to start a

PYLP delegates doing their introduc�on poses with Deputy Chief of M ission Jaim e R am on T. Ascalon, Jr. and Consul General Iric C. Arrib as

career in the Philippine foreign service.

DCM Ascalon also encouraged the students to pursue a career in foreign service: “It is a challenging profession, since you will be handling political, economic, and several specializ ed issues on international law, climate change, etc, but at the same time rewarding because you will be serving the F ilipino people.”

ConG en Arribas, in emphasiz ing the students’ backgrounds as Mindanaons, added that “Being a diplomat actually involves a lot of interpersonal relations so if you choose to become a diplomat, you would be representing your country but you would also be representing yourself as a person… As F ilipinos, we are also diverse in terms of culture, in terms of religion, in terms of language… If you will enrich the Philippine

foreign service with your religious and cultural backgrounds, then just imagine how powerful the F ilipino foreign service could be.”

DCM Ascalon also took the opportunity to ask the young leaders what message they would want to convey to the international community as a F ilipino and Mindanaon. They shared that they are proud of both the country’s diversity and of their own individual identity which they believe is an important unifying factor for F ilipinos. F urthermore, it was their general sentiment that the global community should know, learn, and understand developments in the Bangsamoro government and Muslim Mindanao.

More information on the PYLP can be found via their website at https: //pylp.org/

 COMMUNITY NEWS

June 16-22, 2022

24

At Summit of Americas, California, Canada partner to advance bold climate action LOS ANG ELES – Building on California’s global climate leadership and following the partnership established with New Zealand last month, G overnor G avin Newsom and Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau announced a new partnership to advance bold climate action.

California and Canada signed a Memorandum of Cooperation MOC fighting climate change, reducing pollution, cutting back on plastic waste, advancing z ero-emission vehicles, protecting the environment and building climate resilience.

At the California Science Center in Los Angeles during the Summit of the Americas, G overnor Newsom and Prime Minister Trudeau, along with their respective delegations, held a bilateral meeting to discuss California and Canada’s shared values, including world-leading climate action, protecting fundamental rights, adopting strong gun safety measures and building a vibrant economy that embraces diversity and inclusivity. The partnership is grounded in respect for Indigenous Peoples, recogniz ing their essential role in climate action and nature protection. e can’t fight the climate crisis on our own we need to work together with partners all across the globe to achieve humanity’s most important task: saving our planet,” said G overnor Newsom. “This partnership with Canada is a vital step on California’s path to a cleaner, greener future and is the latest expression of our shared values. Together, we are building a more sustainable and resilient future for millions and lighting the path for other nations and nation-states to follow our lead.”

“Canadians and Californians share a commitment to building a clean, strong future,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “Today, as we launch a new partnership on climate action and nature protection, we’re teaming up to deliver the clean air, healthy environment, and good jobs our citiz ens deserve. I look forward to everything we can do next to deepen our shared work.”

The MOC furthers climate objectives through sharing information and best practices. Canada and California also agreed to convene other like-minded partners at UN Climate W eek in September, to drive shared work on wildfire and forest resilience.

California’s world-leading climate policies have led the state to exceed its 2020 climate target four years ahead of schedule, and created partnerships across the U.S. and around the world. G overnor Newsom has committed $47.1 billion to tackle pollution, build climate-

Gov ernor N ew som and P rim e M inister Trudeau announce new clim ate p artnership at Sum m it of the Am ericas resilient water supplies, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, ensure grid reliability and accelerate clean energy solutions, and protect communities from extreme heat.

California’s ZEV market is leading the nation in every category and the state is ending the sale of new gas cars by 2035, reducing demand for oil and spurring partnerships across the nation and around the world. Responding to the G overnor’s nature-based solutions executive order, which identified California’s lands as a critical yet underutilized sector in the fight against climate change, California released the Pathways to 30× 30: Accelerating Conservation of California’s Nature strategy and Natural and W orking Lands Climate Smart Strategy.

Last month, California signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with New Zealand to tackle the climate crisis.

That followed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Ja-

pan signed earlier this year to advance cooperation on climate and clean energy priorities, and strengthen trade relations. G overnor Newsom also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China to accelerate ongoing initiatives to protect the environment, reduce carbon and air pollution and promote clean technology development.

Last year, G overnor Newsom and 24 governors from the bipartisan U.S. Climate Alliance committed to collectively achieve net-z ero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050. G overnor Newsom and other Under2 Coalition partners announced the transition to become a net z ero coalition, raising ambition for member states and regions. California also joined the Beyond Oil & G as Alliance, which brings together national and subnational governments committed to advancing a just transition away from oil and gas production.

S oc ial S e c urity U pdat e

FACT SHEETS ADDED TO YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY STATEMENT

By Grace Sam son Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Bay Area

Your Social Security Statement (Statement) tells you how much you or your family can expect to receive in disability, survivors, and retirement benefits.

It also provides a record of your most recent earnings history and other valuable information.

W e also give you fact sheets with your online Statement. The fact sheets provide clear and useful information, based on your age group and earnings situation.

They can help you better understand Social Security programs and benefits.

The Statement fact sheets cover the following topics: • Retirement readiness for workers in four age groups.

• W orkers with non-covered earnings who may

be subject to the W indfall Elimination Provision and overnment ension Offset.

• Social Security basics for new workers. ow people become eligible for benefits for people who have not earned enough work credits).

• How additional work can increase your future benefits.

• Medicare readiness for workers aged 62 and up. e recently released a new fact sheet specifically for people with limited earnings. The new fact sheet covers how they and their family members may q ualify for benefits, including • Supplemental Security Income.

Social Security retirement benefits.

Children’s benefits.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

• Help with health care costs – including Medicare, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, and Medicaid.

The best way to get access to your Statement and the new fact sheets is by using your personal my Social Security account. If you don’t have a personal my Social Security account, be sure to create one at www.ssa. gov/myaccount. You can even view your full earnings history there.

To learn more, visit our Social Security Statement webpage at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/statement.html.

Please share these resources with your friends and family.

•

25 June 16-22, 2022

 COMMUNITY NEWS

Comcast RISE Investment Fund provides $16 M in grants to support small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19 pandemic Small Businesses in Atlanta, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Twin Cities are now eligible to apply for a $10,000 grant from the Comcast RISE Investment Fund, bringing the total to $16 million in grants since the program’s inception just 18 months ago NEW YORK – Comcast announced a new round of cities will receive grants from the Comcast RISE Investment F und, providing $5 million additional dollars to hundreds of small businesses owned by people of color, including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian American owners, and women, bringing the total to $16 million in grants awarded as part of the Comcast RISE Investment F und initiative.

Beginning on June 1, and through June 14, eligible businesses in Atlanta, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and the Twin Cities can apply for a $10,000 grant at www.ComcastRISE.com. A total of 100 grants per city, or 500 grants overall, will be announced and awarded in July 2022.

The Investment F und is an extension of Comcast RISE, the multi-year, multi-faceted initiative launched in October 2020 to support small businesses and provide the resources and tools they need today and in the future.

Comcast also announced the latest round of Comcast RISE recipients, which includes 1,317 small businesses owned by people of color and women, that will receive grants in the form of a TV campaign, production of a TV commercial or consulting services from ffectv or computer equi pment, internet, voice or cybersecurity from Comcast Business, as well as access to Ureeka, an online platform for entrepreneurs with a specializ ed online networking community with educational resources, sources of capital, and vetted experts.

To date, more than 8,000 Comcast RISE awardees have been announced and the program will have provided grants supporting 13,000 small businesses by the end of 2022.

“W hile we know that no single organiz ation can solve historic and systemic inequi ties overnight, we are committed to taking tangible actions that can drive long-term impact and change,” said Teresa W ard-Maupin, Senior Vice President, Digital and Customer Experience, Comcast Business. “Comcast RISE and the Comcast RISE Investment F und offer the opportunity for small businesses owned by people of color and women to help grow their businesses, create jobs, and play a vital role in supporting our communities. This new round of Comcast RISE grants will provide more entrepreneurs with the resources and tools they need to scale their businesses and thrive for years to come.”

The Comcast RISE Investment F und is focused on small businesses that have been in business for three or more years with 1-25 employees. Businesses must be

in the following geographic locations to be eligible in this round: Atlanta (Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, F ulton, and G winnett Counties), Detroit (City of Detroit including Hamtramck and Highland Park), Pittsburgh (Allegheny County), Philadelphia (Philadelphia County), and the Twin Cities (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and W ashington Counties).

To help drive awareness about the program and provide additional support, training, and mentorship, Comcast has also awarded support to Operation Hope, Ureeka, U.S. Black Chambers, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Heritage F oundation, National Asian American Chamber of Commerce, National CAPACD, Native W omen Lead, National Congress of American Indians, W alker’s Legacy, W omen Impacting Public Policy, Blavity.org, and nearly 40 community-based organiz ations in Atlanta, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and the Twin Cities.

“Ureeka is proud to partner with Comcast RISE to grow small businesses nationwide with coaching and digital services,” said, Melissa Bradley, Co-F ounder, Ureeka. “W e know there are stark disparities in access to capital and resources for entrepreneurs of color and women entrepreneurs. The additional coaching and digital resources that these businesses receive, in addition to potential monetary funding, will help these businesses gain valuable skills and opportunities that will help them move from survive to thrive.”

In addition to the Investment F und, Comcast RISE, which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment,” provides the opportunity for small businesses owned by people of color and women nationwide to apply for grants for one or more of the following support focus areas with the opportunity to receive one. · Marketing Services G rant: The following services from ffectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, and its creative agency, Mnemonic, are designed to help recipients with their marketing and media campaigns, including: o Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a 90-day period. o Creative Production: Turnkey : 30 TV commercial production, plus a media strategy consultation and 90-day media placement schedule. o Consult: Digital audits by Ureeka in the form of W ebsite Repair Reports and SEO Keyword reports to target website mechanics and effective organic marketing

· Technology Makeover G rants: The state-of-the-art equi pment and technology upgrade from Comcast Business includes computer eq uipment as well as Internet, Voice, and Cybersecurity services for up to a 12-month period. (Taxes and other fees may still apply for technology makeover services.) · Monetary G rants: In round one, which was announced in April of 2021, the Comcast RISE Investment F und provided $5 million in grants to 500 small businesses owned by people of color in five cities hiladelphia Chester, ouston, Atlanta, Chicago, and Detroit. In round two, which was announced in September of 2021, the Comcast RISE Investment F und provided $6 million in grants to 600 small businesses in six cities: Miami, Houston, Oakland, Seattle, the Twin Cities, and W ashington, D.C. As noted above, the Comcast RISE Investment F und will provide an additional $5 million in grants to 500 small businesses owned by people of color and women in five cities Atlanta, Detroit, ittsburgh, Philadelphia, and the Twin Cities.

All eligible applicants will receive a monthly Comcast RISE newsletter with educational content, and all small business owners can visit the Comcast RISE destination on the X 1 platform featuring aggregated small business news, tips, insights, and more. Just say “Comcast RISE” into the X 1 voice remote.

Comcast RISE is part of Comcast’s ongoing efforts to advance digital equity and help provide underrepresented small business owners with access to the digital tools and funding they need to thrive.

Over the next 10 years, Comcast has committed $1 billion to programs and partnerships that will reach tens of millions of people with the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

More information and the applications to apply for either the grant program or marketing and technology services are available at www.ComcastRISE.com.

A b ou t C om c as t C or p or at i on Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter.

W e are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States

and Europe. W e deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our finity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal F ilmed Entertainment G roup, Universal Studio G roup, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News G roup, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

A b ou t C om c as t B u s i n e s s Comcast usiness offers thernet, Internet, W i-F i, Voice, TV and Managed Enterprise Solutions to help organiz ations of all siz es transform their business. Powered by an advanced network, and backed by 2 customer support, Comcast usiness is one of the largest contributors to the growth of Comcast Cable. Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-siz e businesses and has emerged as a force in the Enterprise market; recogniz ed over the last two years by leading industry associations as one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. F or more information, visit www.business.comcast.com or call 866- 429-3085. F ollow on Twitter @ ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http business.comcast. com social. ffectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, helps local, regional and national advertisers use the best of digital with the power of TV to grow their business. It provides multi-screen marketing solutions to make advertising campaigns more effective and easier to execute. Headqua rtered in New York with offices throughout the country, ffectv has a presence in 66 markets with nearly 35 million owned and represented subscribers. F or more information, visit www.effectv.com.

 COMMUNITY NEWS

June 16-22, 2022

26

NaFFAA celebrates passage, signing of legislation for creation of the First National Asian Pacific American History and Culture Museum

W ASHING TON D.C. - The National F ederation of F ilipino American Associations (NaF F AA) is celebrating the passage of legislation by unanimous consent in both the House and the Senate seeking for the establishment of the irst ational Asian acific American History and Culture Museum.

In a statement, the NaF F AA reported that the legislation has been signed by President Joseph Biden Jr.

“ This historic bill authoriz es the creation of the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian acific American istory and Culture Act,” NaF F AA declared in a statement.

Brendan F lores, NaF F AA President and Chairman, released the following statement: “W e applaud President Biden’s signing of H.R. 3525, the creation of a commission to study the potential creation of a ational Museum of Asian acific American History and Culture Act. The stories that will potentially be told in this museum about Asian acific American History would send a powerful signal to our nation that Asian Americans, ative awaiians, and acific Islanders are just as much part of America as

every other community. In these challenging times of wars and divisions, education about our great American history that includes every Asian Pacific American pioneer who helped build this country will hopefully bring muchneeded understanding to resolve hatred towards our Asian community.”

“The NaF F AA community would also like to thank the bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, as well as those who pushed and supported this bill, especially Congresswoman Meng. This is a critical step towards a more empowered Asian community.

W e look forward to that day when we travel to the nation’s capital and show our ‘ anaks’ and ‘ apos’ how their fellow Asians and pioneers played significant roles in the great American history and

in making the United States the greatest nation on Earth today. W e are excited to tell them these stories and encourage them to be active participants in writing the next chapters of our great American history.”

Since 1997 , the National F ederation of F ilipino American Associations (NaF F AA) has been the standard-bearer for promoting the welfare and well-being of the four million F ilipinos and F ilipino Americans throughout the United States. NaF F AA is the largest non-partisan, non-profit organization and national affiliation of ilipino American institutions, umbrella organiz ations, and individuals. Its fourteen-member regions cover the continental United States, Alaska, awaii, and the acific Islands.

Following Governor Newsom’s call for action, California fast-tracks nation-leading gun safety policies SACRAMENTO – G overnor G avin Newsom lauded the Judiciary Committees in the Assembly and Senate as they advanced two of the G overnor’s sponsored gun safety bills.

The Committees passed legislation creating a private right of action to limit the spread of illegal assault weapons and ghost guns (SB 1327 ), as well as a bill restricting advertising of firearms to

minors (AB 257 1).

The action comes at the urging of the G overnor and legislative leaders following the tragic elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead.

“California has led the nation in reforming our laws to protect communities from gun violence,” Newsom said in a statement sent to Philippine News

P HILIP P IN E AM BASSAD O R Jose M anuel G. R om ualdez m et w ith M s. Louise D G M ab ulo, N ational Geograp hic Y oung Ex p lorer and F ounder of The Cacao P roj ect, on 10 June 2022. M s. M ab ulo called on Em b assy of f icials f ollow ing the 2-day N ational Geograp hic Y oung Ex p lorer Conf erence

Today. “This year is no different as we take decisive action to fast-track vital gun safety policies, even as recent federal court decisions threaten to make it more difficult to protect Californians from gun violence.”

“Since the 1990s, our laws have prevented countless shootings and saved hundreds of lives. California isn’t waiting for Congress to act to protect our

kids from needless gun violence,” the governor said.

The G overnor said he continues to push the legislature to expedite gun safety measures.

The overnor’s Office recently released a fact sheet that details California’s existing gun safety policies and their success in reducing gun deaths.

w here she p resented ab out P hilip p ine Chocolate and her initiativ e called The Cacao P roj ect. Her p resentation w as titled Chocolate R ev olution and highlighted the p rom ising cacao f arm ing industry in San F ernando, Cam arines Sur.

27 June 16-22, 2022

Upside...

(From P age 11)

It was confusing for my 8-year-old self to comprehend what was going on. Marcos was my G randpa’s good friend, growing up in Ilocos Norte, in the northern part of the Philippines and he would tell me tales of how he would come to his house and share meals and stories.

It was quite different from what I was watching on TV and what I was observing walking to school.

The late Philippine national hero Jose Riz al expressed, “To foretell the destiny of a nation, it is necessary to open the book of her past.”

The raising of the Philippines F lag is an entry point to understand the complicated history of the Philippines. On one hand it is about pride, identity, presence, and representation.

On the other hand it is the complicated relationship between America and the Philippines. The colonial relationship, the system of dependency between our two nations, the generational trauma that has instilled a legacy of colonial mentality that puts F ilipino vs F ilipino, the acceptance of a revisionist history, and for me, as a F ilipino American, a historical duty to create new narratives of self-determination, decoloniz ation, and possibility. My good friend and Pinay hip hop artist Ruby Ibarra,expressed, “As a F ilipino American it is my responsibility to stay informed about homeland politics.”

W hy is this important for me as a Pinoy or F ilipino American? It is because I still have family that lives in the Philippines, but it is also important to understand who I am, by understanding my history, the history of why my family left the Philippines, the history of my people, and how it is connected to understanding the history of the nited States. I raise this flag in complicated fashion. I raise it with pride, but I also raise it with critiq ue and a sense of hope.

I hope that this symbol will encourage us to learn and take action about the complicated history of the Philippines, the role of America in manifest destiny and continued occupation, to stand in solidarity with the indigenous peoples of the Philippines, land protectors, activists, organiz ers, journalists that have the courage to tell a story that is contrary to popular narratives and who have put their lives on the line.

It is essential to “Defend the oppressed and fight the oppressor to q uote Emilio Jacinto, considered the brains of the Katipunan, the revolutionary army that ousted Spain from the Philippines. It is important more than ever, to “Open the book of her past” to remember what happened in 197 2, 1986, and for truth and reconciliation to emerge. * * * M ay or D au s – M agb u al i s prof es s or of Fi l i pi n o S t u d i es at S k y l i n e C ol l ege an d E x ec u t i v e D i rec t or of P i n @ y E d u c at i on al P art n ers h i ps .

C h eri e M . Q u erol M oren o i s E x ec u t i v e E d i t or of P h i l i ppi n e N ew s T od ay .

Offline

(From P age 13)

acts were commonplace during the martial law era of the incoming president’s father.

The new president so admires his late father that no one should be surprised if he takes the self-same political path that will eventually lead to the declaration of martial law.

Think I’m joking?

Take note that in the past several weeks, he has done everything to look, sound, and even dress like his father. Donning that polo barong with the seal of the Office of the resident is just the beginning.

Then he has also been reviving the tunes forcibly made popular during the martial law era. That Ang Bagong Lipunan song being played wherever he goes is truly maddening.

Meanwhile, news has come out that a movie based on the life story of Senator Imee Marcos is in the works. This has led to such cruel jokes and memes about the likes of AiAi delas Alas playing the sister of the incoming president for no other reason than because the comedienne has a prominent body part.

And while no one should fault Marcos Jr. for bringing his wife to an official function hosted by the embassy of the eople’s epublic of China – she is, after all, the incoming F irst Lady – it seems he is already grooming his eldest son to take his place somewhere down the road.

It sure feels like it’s back to the early 70s to mid-80s, huh? You know. It’s that era that millions of F ilipinos have been brainwashed into believing was some sort of G olden Age. W hat comes next is the burning of books that reveal the truths about the martial law regime, I suppose.

I’ve been wrong before and I hope I am wrong now. But my crystal ball tells me that for the Republic of the Philippines, the worst is yet to come.

Health & Wealth

(From P age 12)

Hispanic Ministry in San F rancisco Bay Area – Joshua Conner, Kain, F loro Anunciacion, Lillian Navasca, Richard Lee dams JESUS CHRIST subtitled “F inal Days on Earth Before His Return to eaven, drawn by ohn effrey, book author and regular speaker on “READING F OR THE MASTER Segment of MY ANG EL RADIO SAN F RANCISCO - Nemesio Umblas, Ven Uriarte, G ordon W ong, Diana Montoya Yatco, Lilli Ann Sabiniano Q UARTERLY JOURNAL – published by Christian W orld Ministry with the theme “Reaching Out to the W orld,”, drawn by Terry Denis, Evangelist and Publisher – Violeta Umblas, F elicidad Palma, F rancis Cayabyab, Marie Antonette W ong, Lourdes G adong Medios.

REAL ESTATE & YOU ( 277 pages , Paperback Amaz on price is $1 5.95 per ccpy plus shipping and handling) subtitled “Your Basic G uide & Information for Successful Investing in Home,.Land and Income Property,” drawn by Christine Lee, regular English & Chinese speaker, “Sisters Act at G olden G ate Segment of MY ANG EL RADIO SAN F RANCISCO – Sandra Uriarte, Carmelita

Bumanglag, Divina Montoya Yatco, Denis Madlaing, Celestino Medios, Silvia W ilson inners of the CC Monthly a e can claim their prizes by calling (650)438-3531 or (415)584-7095 or email”artmadlaing@ gmail.com W inners will be announced also during the Live Broadcast of the MY ANG EL RADIO SAN F RANCISCO every Saturday, 11am to 4pm.

The ne t CC Monthly a e will be held during the regular live broadcast of the global MY ANG EL RADIO SAN F RANCISCO on July 2,2002, between 11am to 4pm. There are several ways you can join the CC Monthly a e namely 1. isit A arber Shop located near the corner of School Street and Mission Street in Daly City and ABE Barber Shop located near the corner of Mission Street and Allison Street in San F rancisco and SIG N the RAF F LE REG ISTRATION LOG ; 2. Visit MY ANG EL RADIO studio located inside the G G CC building, 701- 8th Avenue, San F rancisco, California during Live Broadcast every Saturday, 11am to 4pm and SIG N the RAF LE REG ISTRATION LOG . 3. Join the Bible Class (10am )and W orship Services (11am) every Sunday at the G OLDEN G ATE CHURCH OF CHRIST Auditorium, 701 -8th Avenue, San F rancisco, California and SIG N the RAF F LE REG ISTRATION LOG *A RT G ABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (BRE# 00635976) in California since 1981. He is founder of MOBILE SIG NING SERVICES, F ITNESS F R HUMANITY (aka F ITNESS F OR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY Art is active Evangelist with the G OLDEN G ATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San F rancisco, California

The Outsider

(From P age 12)

ter bringing in additional investments into Manila W ater to pursue more projects and improve its water and wastewater services.

Udenna Corporation is optimistic about the Raz on G roup’s entry into the Malampaya project.

“W e look forward to this opportunity to partner with Prime Infrastructure and OC C, as we e plore more ways to fulfill our common vision to make Malampaya sustain its capability to meet the urgent energy security needs of the Philippines,” said Udenna Corporation Chairman and CEO Dennis Uy. By becoming a strategic investor in Malampaya, Raz on has once more become a white knight.

PerryScope...

(From P age 12 )

to maintain a sufficient self-defense capabilities. owever, the decision about the nature and q uantity of defense services that America will provide to Taiwan is to be determined by the President and Congress. And this is where the US’s policy of “strategic ambiguity” comes in. It is designed to dissuade Taiwan from unilaterally declaring its independence, and to dissuade China from unilaterally unifying Taiwan with China.

W ith the provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act, China and Taiwan are dissuaded from joining into one government, unless China decides to invade Taiwan or on the other hand, Taiwan unilaterally declared independence. But Taiwan under the terms of the Taiwan Relations Act would not unilaterally declare its independence. Unless, it goes rogue, which is unthinkable. Therefore for war to erupt between China and Taiwan, it’s all up to China. And if China attacks Taiwan, then the US has the prerogative to exercise its policy of “strategic ambiguity.”

Status q uo It would appear then that the status quo would remain in effect unless China decides to attack Taiwan, which could lead to W orld W ar III. So what is China doing by saber-rattling unless the Chinese leadership is yearning for a fight with Taiwan Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin then was right when he blasted China’s “provocative and destabiliz ing” military activity near Taiwan. China should— nay, must— stop sending its bombers and jet fighters across the Taiwan Strait towards Taiwan in an attempt to test Taiwan’s defenses. China has conducted doz ens of incursions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone for over a year now.

And each time Chinese warplanes were sent across the strait, Taiwan had to scramble its jet fighters to meet the intruders in combat. y then, the Chinese warplanes had turned around and flew back to China. It’s an exercise in futility but at the same time it tests Taiwan’s determination to defend itself because nobody knows if and when China would invade Taiwan.

(PerryDiaz @ gmail.com)

Diliman Way

(From P age 13)

mind. W hy? Is it not irrational, if not insane, for anyone to ask people’s support for someone who is unfit to be resident Second, PR D possibly wants people support for BB M who could be a greater failure than him despite people’s support.

That would make PR D expansive and thoroughly happy that his assessment of BB M turns out to be correct Third, he is doing that because his daughter, incoming.

Vice President Sara Duterte Carpio, will succeed BB M as President if anything happens to BB M at anytime within the next six

years – and that is an undeniable possibility F ourth, based on his performance as President and especially considering his age and physical condition, he appears not care what happens to the country and our people. This maybe a harsh judgment on PR D but as lawyers like him say –res ipsa loq uitor, the thing speaks for itself The words and action speak for the man – PR D. If the great comedian, DOLPHY, were still alive and hearing this urging of PR D to support incoming President BB M, he would have exclaimed with his favorite punch line – Dassa lot of nonsense! ust reminding If I were M and Sara, but I will never be them nor will they be me not if we live a million lifetimes, I will ask PR D to retract his statement about BB M being a weak leader, a cocaine user and a spoiled brat. By doing that, he makes his appeal to our people more credible and capable of being followed? How will he retract? There is a simple way of doing it – he will just say he was joking like he was joking when he seriously and repeatedly told our people he would ride on a jetski to plant the ilipino flag at the Scarborough Shoal in defiance of the Chinese military forces.

And the people believed him – that’s why sixteen million voters voted him into office.

Lately, PR D said that those who believed him about the jetski ride to the Scarborough Shoal must be stupid because he was only joking. So sixteen million stupid voters elected him President – but none among the stupid voters reacted to this PR D insult. Instead, they accepted the insult, enjoyed it and they almost died laughing, very happy that they were insulted.

W hat kind of voters? W hat kind of people? No wonder we are in a rut as we have voters and people who are impervious to insults.

These are the types who should join the fishes in the Mindanao Deep in Surigao for the good of the country.

But will President Duterte retract? I have my serious doubts?

W hy doubts? Duterte did not retract his statements – that the Christian G od is stupid, his insults against the Pope and President Obama, his saying that women are only a matter of biology. W hy do it just to placate BB M? After all, the thirty one million voters who elected BB M President - according to COMELEC, SMARTMATIC, survey groups like SW S and PULSE ASIA – did not believe PR D because they voted BB M President. If they believed Rodrigo Duterte about M not being fit for resident, M would have lost the election.

There is more to come in the succeeding articles. But for now, I have this consolation from the first stanza of Invictus, a poem by W illiam Ernest Henley – “Out of the night that covers me Black as the pit from pole to pole I thank whatever gods maybe F or my unconq uerable soul”

 HEALTH NEWS

June 16-22, 2022

28

WHO warns of ‘real’ monkeypox risk, Covid-19 pandemic ‘not over’ A There is a “real risk of monkeypo becoming established in non-endemic countries, the orld ealth Organization warned, while also reiterating that the Covid-1 pandemic “is not over.

“More than 1,000 confirmed cases of monkeypo have now been reported to O from 2 countries that are not endemic for the disease, said O chief Tedros hebreyesus.

He said no deaths have been reported in the outbreaks, adding that the health agency “does not recommend mass vaccination against monkeypo .

“Cases have been reported mainly, but not only, among men who have se with men. Some countries are now beginning to report cases of apparent community transmission, including some cases in women, said Tedros.

He said the spread of the disease to several non-endemic countries “suggests that there might have been undetected transmission for some time.

“The risk of monkeypox becoming established in non-endemic countries is real, he emphasized.

He pointed out that the “virus has been circulat-

ing and killing in Africa for decades, with more than 1, 00 suspected cases and deaths across the continent just this year.

“It’s an unfortunate reflection of the world we live in that the international community is only now paying attention to monkeypox because it has appeared in high-income countries, he added.

Tedros said the perception that the Covid-1 pandemic is over is “misguided as the virus claimed more than ,000 lives last week.

“The pandemic is not over, and we will keep saying it’s not over until it is, he asserted. hile cases and deaths decline globally, the O continues to urge caution as there is “not enough testing and not enough vaccination worldwide, he e plained.

On average, some 5 percent of health workers and people over 60 globally have been vaccinated, according to the O chief.

The rates, however, are “much lower in low-income countries, said the O chief, adding that “ countries have still not achieved 0 percent coverage. “ accine supply is now sufficient, but demand in

many countries with the lowest vaccination rates is lacking, said Tedros.

He warned that a “new and even more dangerous variant could emerge at any time.

The O is also monitoring reports of une plained hepatitis in children around the world, according to Tedros.

“More than 7 00 probable cases of hepatitis of unknown cause in children have now been reported to O from countries, and a further 112 cases are under investigation, he said.

“At least of these children have needed liver transplants, and 10 have died. e said the agency is working with countries to investigate the cause, but the five viruses that commonly cause hepatitis have not been detected in any of these cases. “ O receives reports of une plained hepatitis in children every year, but a few countries have indicated that the rates they are seeing are above what is expected, said Tedros

Heart of Hope

Doctor jailed

PHILIP S. CHUA

T

he W ashington Post reported the following shameful news: “A California doctor, Jennings Ryan Staley, MD, who prescribed hydroxychloroq uine as part of a ‘ covid treatment kit’ that he guaranteed would cure the disease was sentenced last week to 30 days in prison and a year-long home con-

finement.

Added info from the US Department of Justice: “This physician previously pled guilty to one count of importation contrary to law, admitting he attempted to smuggle hydro ychloroquine into the .S. by working with a Chinese supplier that would mislabel 26 pounds of hydroxychloroquine as yam e tract’.

How he was caught: “After people alerted the F BI to promotional emails from Staley’s Skinny Beach Med Spa, an undercover agent posing as a customer asked about the treatment kit and was assured by Staley that hydroxychloroq uine was a ‘ magic bullet’ and ‘ amaz ing cure.’ Dr. Staley added that CO ID-1 literally disappears in hours’ after taking the drug. o ethical physicians would use the word “guarantee when it comes to any treatment, even if they knew it would work well.

That was certainly a fraud, misrepresentation, deception, and malpractice goaded by financial greed and a grave breach of our sworn ippocratic Oath. rimum non-nocere (F irst, do no harm) is the principal precept of bioethics our medical profession is based upon. is deviation from the standard of medical care (hydroxychloroquine is not approved for the treatment of CO ID-1 and marketing of his “guaranteed cure, which are false and unethical, endanger unsuspecting people, who might fall victims to his deceptive advertisement and forego the proper treatment for this deadly killer virus, putting their lives in jeopardy, just to enrich himself.

As a physician, I find this embarrassing and a blemish on the medical profession. Although his license was suspended, was the 30-day jail term too lenient for the multiple crimes he had committed?

CO D Chronic Obstructive ulmonary Disease is a common lung condition, especially among long-term cigarette smokers. The to ic smoke burns the lung tissues, causing ballooning out of the air sacs (emphysema), rendering

them inefficient in o ygen absorption and transfer mi ture with blood, the reason why persons with CO D are short of breath most of the time. The blood is not o ygenated well enough for the body.

CO D could also be caused by other harmful agents, like toxic chemicals in the environment like in industrial chemical plants or laboratories, or from the normal hydrochloric acid, the natural gastric juice in our own stomach that aids in digestion.

In persons with gastro-esophageal reflu , where the sphincter in the junction between the esophagus and the stomach is not competent (too loose), acidic gastric acid juices or acid fumes back up and are inhaled into the lungs, especially when lying down, resulting in the burning of the lung tissues. ropping the head part of the bed helps the patient breathe a little better and also prevents gastric acid reflu by gravity.

CO D starts with bronchitis the bronchus, or breathing pipe, becomes inflamed and later emphysema damaged, thinned-out air sacs of the lungs . There could be e acerbations or flare-ups now and then, where the patient could become seriously ill. Consultation with a ulmonologist, preferably at the earliest stage of bronchitis, offers great benefits and comfort to these individuals through the formulation of an action plan.

Putin’s cancer ladimir utin, resident of ussia, whose unprovoked attack on Ukraine, killing countless soldiers, and civilians, including children, an act labeled a genocide, has been reported by ewsweek in April as undergoing “treatment for an undisclosed type of advanced cancer.

CO ID-1 pdate As of Tuesday, une , 2022, 00 AM ST , COID-1 orldwide - 5 ,051, 1 , Deaths - , 21, SA , , , Deaths 1,0 , 0 The hilippines - , 1, 2, Deaths - 0, 5 .

The pandemic is still amidst us, gradually becoming endemic.

The new A.2 The new Omicron subvariant, A.2, which is becoming the dominant CO ID-1 virus in the nited States, is more highly contagious, causes milder infection than Delta and earlier variants, and has symptoms for about two days fewer than those with Delta. ith more than 100 million (33 percent) unvaccinated people in the United States, who are more prone to get infected, and harbor the virus in their bodies, more and newer strains and substrains of the virus are e pected to develop. Masking and social distancing still help, since even those with second

boosters could still get infected by the new and yet unidentified strains still under the radar.

Diabetes-CO ID Long CO ID, or ost-CO ID infection, or Longaul CO ID refers to symptoms of CO ID-1 infection that persist for more than 12 weeks une plained by other causes), like joint pains, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pains or tightness, “brain fog memory and concentration problems , according to S. More than 5.1 illion with a doses of the CO ID-1 vaccines have been administered around the world . percent of the global population and around percent of people in the United States are fully vaccinated, proving the CO ID-1 vaccines are safe and effective.

Those unvaccinated are more prone to get CO ID-1 infection and also have a greater risk for Long CO ID, compared to those who are vaccinated.

A review of 7 studies showed that those with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 who had CO ID-1 infection were associated with more than times higher chance of developing Long CO ID, according to essica L. arding, h.D., of mory niversity School of Medicine in Atlanta, in her presentation at the American Diabetes Association annual meeting.

Dogs detect CO ID Our most loyal pet, following specialty training, is able to sniff out CO ID-1 infection, even before symptoms occur, “more accurately than rapid antigen testing. or decades, trained dogs have been known to diagnose epileptic seiz ures shortly before they happen, Malaria, Prostate Cancer, hyperglycemia (when the blood sugar level of a diabetic person goes up dangerously high , etc. to name a few. More popularly, trained dogs can trace escaped convicts, dead bodies buried underground, and hidden illegal drugs. Dogs are indeed smart, patient, forgiving, and faithful animals, much better than some people on earth. If we were all like our pet dogs in attitude, behavior, and virtues, this world would be a better place than what it is now, with no hatred, anger, or killings, and, instead, be filled with love, joy, and peace on earth.

P h i l i p S . C h u a, M D , FA C S , FP C S , a C ard i ac S u rgeon E meri t u s b as ed i n N ort h w es t I n d i an a an d L as V egas , N ev ad a, i s an i n t ern at i on al med i c al l ec t u rer/ au t h or, H eal t h A d v oc at e, n ew s paper c ol u mn i s t , an d C h ai rman of t h e Fi l i pi n o U n i t ed N et w ork - U S A , a 5 0 1(c )3 h u man i t ari an f ou n d at i on i n t h e U n i t ed S t at es . W eb s i t es : FU N 8 8 8 8 . c om, T od ay . S P S A t od ay . c om, an d ph i l i pS c h u a. c om E mai l : s c al pel pen @ gmai l . c om

29 June 16-22, 2022

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS Unplugged for God

TRY HIM ONCE MORE

G od is a G reat G od but also a Simple One. He is The W onderful and The Awesome but also The Humble and The Hidden. He can tell us His message in a loud way, like through lightning and thunder, but He speaks more to us in silence. It is mostly in the innocuous, in the secret, or in the silence that He talks with eloq uence. Can you listen to G od in the midst of noise ven ourselves, we find it very difficult to communicate, to listen REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD to the other talking and us replying, in the midst of noise. So, we have to give our attention and focus if ever we have to communicate with someone. Our time is characteriz ed by technological and scientific progress yet, just as we have advanced ourselves in these areas we are also impoverishing in other areas of our e istence. e have computers and smart phones to connect us however, more and more we realiz e we are becoming islands to each other. W e are separated neither maybe by space, because the other might just be in front of us nor separated by time, because technology is so fast that the other of hundreds of miles away sems to be just there beside or before us. Like od, e is present in us but we treat im as if e is absent. e know e can see us but we consider im as if He is blind.

Let us take some images to illustrate the point: The boyfriend texts his girlfriend: “Hey, let’s get together at our usual restaurant after work.” Indeed, they would do, but while together each one has their phone on hand and both are browsing or updating their F acebooks and commenting on whatever is posted with other friends, and so on. They maybe there physically but are actually absent to each other. Also, a son or daughter texted their mom and dad, “I miss you mom and dad, I’m coming home this summer to visit you.” Indeed, the daughter or son went home however, while at home he or she is still minding much his/her phone or computer, doing some work or checking emails, or talking to their friends or colleagues, to be interrupted only by some small chats with mom and dad’s: “Hi – hello” and “how was work or how is studies and other superficial conversations. The son or daughter is home but actually still far away from being home. They miss their mom and dad but they could not sit down for long with them, and they can’t wait to get back to work or be out the soonest. Many of us find our world around us so noisy already, we want to have some silence, but when we have the time to rest, the time to be silent, we cannot wait to get out of it. W e keep looking at our watch, we are uneasy, we feel actually scared being silent. W e would like to have some desired vacation, but when we finally have it, we are still hooked into our gadgets and could not even stand for an hour without calling somebody or being called by someone. e are so much plugged in to our worldly affairs that we are living and spending our life away in ways that we would not even notice how we have lived each day. W e could even miss how the best friend look like or how the husband or wife get his or her wrinkles, or how the children have grown. And worse in morals and spiritual life, a person may not even notice if he or she ever believed there is od if ever it is necessary to have a relationship with G od.

W e need to learn to unplug ourselves from the world in order to be plugged in to G od’s world. W e have to willingly unplug ourselves from the noise around, so as to plug ourselves into silence the silence that connects us to our inner self the silence that can make us converse with G od. W e cannot concern ourselves with the heavenly things, if we cannot unplug ourselves from our attachments to our worldly affairs. e should work, we should pursue a career, but we cannot let them hinder our journey to our eternal homeland. W e have to discipline ourselves with the use of our gadgets and other earthly things in order, that we can attune ourselves to the things that are essential – to prayer, to our Church life, to growing in virtues, to a lifestyle pleasing to G od, to making faith alive in the family, etc. By unplugging ourselves from what matter to us we have the opportunity to plug ourselves into G od. W e have to remember always, G od and what matter to Him are the essentials in our life all the rest are secondary. Amen.

By TIM PEDROSA

Some years ago in a manufacturing town of Scotland a young lady applied to the superintendent of a Sunday school for a class. At his suggestion she gathered a class of poor boys.

The superintendent told them to come to his house during the week and he would give them each a new suit of clothes. They came, and each was nicely fitted out.

The worst and most unpromising boy in the class was a lad named Bob. After two or three Sundays he was missing and the teacher went out to hunt him up. She found that his new clothes were torn and dirty, but she invited him back to school, and he came. The superintendent gave him a second new suit, but after attending once or twice, Bob was again absent. Once again she sought him out, only to find that the second suit had gone the way of the first.

“I am utterly discouraged with Bob,” she said, when she reported the case to the superintendent, “and I must give him up.” “Please don’t do that,” the superintendent replied. “I can’t but hope there is something good in Bob. Try him once more. I’ll give him a third suit if he’ll promise to attend regularly.”

Bob did promise, and received his third new suit. He attended regularly after that, and became interested in the school. He became an earnest and persevering seeker after Jesus, and found Him. He joined the church. He was made a teacher. He studied for the ministry. The end of the story is that this discouraging boy -- forlorn, rugged, runaway Bob -- became Robert Morrison, the great missionary to China who translated the Bible into the Chinese language, and by so doing, opened the kingdom of heaven to the teeming millions of that vast country.

Aflame The Heart

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

31 June 16-22, 2022  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Pork Estofado Pork Estofado, The Pinoy version of pork estofado is similar to adobo. It is pork stewed in soy sauce, vinegar and sugar. During the final cooking stage plantain banana is added I n gr e d i e n t s : 1/2 kilo pork cut into large serving pieces 3 pcs. saba , plantain banana, sliced diagonally 1 medium size carrot, sliced diagonally 1 small bundle spring onion, chopped 1/2 head garlic, crushed 2 tbsp. sugar 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup vinegar 1 tsp. peppercorns 2-3 pcs. bay leaf cooking oil salt C ok i n gp r oc e d u r e : In a sauce pan brown lightly pork on all sides and keep aside. In same pan stir cook garlic until fragrant. Add in pork and pour in soy sauce, vinegar and 3-4 cups of water now add in sugar, peppercorns and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, do not stir and simmer in medium heat for 20-30 minutes or until pork are almost tender, add more water as necessary. Add in carrot and banana and cook for 5-10 minutes or until carrot and banana are just cooked and the liquid has reduce to almost dry and oily. Correct saltiness if required and garnish with spring onion. Serve hot.

AESTHETIC LIGHTS. The lighted San Juanico Bridge during a test run.

San Juanico Bridge lighting project nears completion, more tourists expected TACLOBAN CITY – The two-kilometer San Juanico Bridge will soon be a big tourist attraction again, especially at night.

This as the bridge’s aesthetic lighting project is almost complete with the contractor just finalizing the light sequence programming, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

DOT Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the project is now 95 to 98 percent complete and the schedule of the lights-up ceremony will be announced soon.

“The sound component is just a temporary set up since it was supposed to be located at the boardwalk. The boardwalk’s construction was deferred since the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) diverted its fund for pandemic response last 2020.

This project is still a go. TIEZA has committed to prioritize this when they resume their infrastructure project implementation,” Tiopes said.

The official said the bridge is being lighted regularly, but it’s “not the final rendition yet since different light show programs are still being uploaded.”

“So, if on some nights the light show isn’t on or if some light display glitches are observed, please bear with us. The contractor is simply making sure that when the official lights-up ceremony is done, the show will be spectacular,” she added in Sarwell Meniano’s PNA report.

The P80-million San Juanico Aesthetic Lighting project was approved in 2018, with bidding that started in 2019, and groundworks that began in the same year.

It was initially targeted for completion in the second quarter of 2020 but was affected by the restriction due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pan-

demic, pushing the revised completion date to December last year.

However, during the test run, it was found that the power supply from a substation supplying electricity to the bridge was unstable.

Major issues were addressed, and officials revised the full completion date to Aug. 11, 2021 in time for the 180th Samar Day celebration.

In August 2021, officials announced that the rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge has further delayed its muchawaited lighting project when workers unintentionally removed some of the bulbs and its fiber optics in their attempt to replace bridge bolts and install scaffoldings.

Under initial plans, the lighting will be in the default position for 45 minutes per hour in white and strobe lights. There will be a 10-minute light show six times nightly.

The colors may also depend on the occasion, such as red for Valentine’s, red and green for Christmas, and violet for Lent.

Officials assured that lights will not distract traffic flow at the bridge that forms part of the country’s longest highway that links Luzon to Mindanao.

Aesthetic lights are not visible to motorists passing the bridge, according to the contractor.

The bridge’s transformation would be a new attraction under the Spark Samar, a branding campaign of the local government that was launched in 2015.

The San Juanico Bridge, which spans 2.162 kilometers, was built as part of the Pan-Philippine Highway now called the Maharlika Highway, a network of roads, bridges, and sea routes that connect the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.