Philippine News Today

1 July 14-20, 2022

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

www.pnewstoday.com

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

Vol. 61 No. 49 July 14-20, 2022

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

AFP ASSURES MARCOS, SARA WELL PROTECTED Japanese ex-PM Abe assasination, President’s SONA trigger security alert

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor-in-Chief

PRESIDENT MARCOS presides over his 2nd Cabinet mee�ng in Malacanang via teleconference. The 2023 budget, economic and fiscal plan, and educa�on topped the agenda.

MANILA — As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte work their way to their third week in office, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police firmed up security measures for the two top officials following the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe while on the campaign trail. Page 9

Corporate profiteering driving inflation, threatening most vulnerable: experts

US, Japan, allies reaffirm backing PHL on arbitral ruling, warn China vs attacks WASHINGTON/MANILA – Japan has declared that the Philippines and China are “required to comply” with the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration landmark ruling

on the South China Sea even as the United States stressed that China must “cease its provocative behavior” in the region.

Japan and the US made the statement as Page 8

COVID, dengue cases in PH continue to spread at alarming rate

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA – The Philippines’ health crisis continues to escalate.

Still without a Health secretary, the country continues to face the grim

prospects of skyrocketing cases of both COVID-19’s new variants as well as the much-feared dengue fever.

Percentage Page 10

Dr. Rakeen Mabud, chief Alix Gould-Werth, director economist at the le�-leaning of family economic security policy at the Washington CenGroundwork Collabora�ve ter for Equitable Growth

SAN FRANCISCO Corporations are reporting record profits while inflation rates are running at the fastest pace in decades.

Small businesses and lowincome workers, meanwhile, are bearing the brunt of the crisis even as access

to safety net programs becomes increasingly tenuous.

That was the assessment of a group of economists who joined Ethnic Media Services for a media briefing to discuss what many see as a looming Page 6 recession.

Filipina Woman of the Year speaks out on abortion ban

By Jun Nucum

Dr. Melissa May Borja is one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year for 2021 for the State of Indiana. (Photo by Patricia Burmicky)

SAN FRANCISCO - At a time when few Filipina Americans are comfortable discussing the issue of abortion as though the controversy over the issue boiled over to their adopted country from the Philippines and as such many passed on the op- Page 8

Even before the recent decision of the U.S. Supreme Court on the abor�on issue, Dr. Melissa Borja has already been ac�vely rallying in support of reproductive rights of women. (Photo by Dr. Melissa Borja)

Groups collaborate to stop the hate vs Asian-American community

By Gilda Balan, Correspondent California, is the most group are the ability of the diverse group of people different communities of who’ve ever been brought Californians to talk to one together as equals in the another and to share inforhistory of human civiliza- mation and learn what other tion and there’s one of the Californians are doing – and learning. Now that one of ethnic media plays a trethe threads that holds us mendously important role. together as such a diverse - Greg Lucas, Page 8

Marcos-Biden meet seen by November

New US envoy due in Manila late July VIEWS & COMMENTS

Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension

By A�y. Lozano

Page 14

SHOWBIZ

SPORTS

First 4 films picked for 2022 Metro filmfest

Fil-Jap Tsukii cops gold in World Games in US

Page 16

Page 21

P10

PESO-DOLLAR RATE

$1.00= P56.31

July 14, 2022 1:30am

P3

3 July 14-20, 2022

 NATIONAL NEWS

Marcos names Cabinet members on environment, energy B y C lai r e M o r ales T r ue MANILA - Two more Cabinet members have been named by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., leaving the Cabinet portfolios on health and housing still vacant.

Press Secretary Trixi e Cruz-Angeles identified the two nominees as a ntonia “Toni” Y ulo-Loyzaga as secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and lawyer Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla as the secretary of the Department of Energy Congress leaders said they supported the nomination of Y ulo-Loyzaga and Lotilla but some groups opposed the appointment of Lotilla reportedly due to conflic of interest being currentl employed in energy corporations.

“The President has nominated Ms. Ma. Antonia “Toni” Y ulo-Loyzaga as Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources. Her nomination will still be sub ect to the fulfilment of the re uired documents,” Angeles said.

Y ulo-Loyzaga was chairperson of the International Advisory B oard of the Manila Observatory where she advocated for more scientific research on climate and

disaster resilience.

She was also the Manila Observatory’s exe cutive director and technical adviser of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation.

Y ulo-Loyzaga is also on the Senior Advisory B oard of the AFP’s Command and eneral taff ollege Lotilla’s nomination will be subject to the clarification of his emplo ment status being an independent director of Aboitiz ower and the power firm Lotilla is a faculty member of the University of the Philippines where he graduated.

Lotilla began his career in academia as Assistant Professor of Law in 1985 at the University of the Philippines ( UP) shortly upon his admission to the B ar.

He also served as UP’s Vice President for ublic ffairs in and as irector of the Institute of International Legal Studies of the UP Law Center from 1989 to 1996.

Lotilla was appointed Professor of Law in 1995.

He also served as legal consultant to the Senate and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Angeles said Section 8 of Republic Act 7638 or the Act Creating the Department of nerg pro ides that o o cer, ext ernal auditor, accountant or legal counsel of any private company or enterprise primarily engaged in the energy industry shall be eliglble for appointment as Secretary within two ( 2) years from his retirement, resignation or separation therefrom.”

“Thus while the matter is reviewed to determine whether an independent director is considered an o cer of the company, Lotilla is considered a nominee,” Angeles said.

Lotilla was Energy Secretary under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2005- 2007. He was also Deputy Director General of the National Economic Development Authority.

Lotilla was also President of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation or PSALM, the government corporation tasked to manage the privatization of power generation assets, independent power producers contracts and other non-power assets, including the management of financial obligations and

Raphael Perpetuo Lo�lla stranded contract costs of the state-owned National Power Corp..

Congress leaders headed by Sen. Win Gatchalian and Marikina City Rep. Stella Q uimbo welcomed the appointment of otilla sa ing he is highl ualified for the post.

Marcos-Biden bilateral meet eyed before November

MANILA – Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez is hoping President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his counterpart President Joe B iden could set up a separate bilateral meeting in Washington D.C. before November 2022.

The envoy said Marcos is expe cted to go to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2022 but talks with the American leader on the sidelines are not yet in the works.

“Y ong bilateral, we have not yet gotten there kasi ako,

personally ( As for the bilateral, we have not yet gotten for being at the United Nations that he will speak at the there because for me, personally) , I would like to see Pres- UN. A lot of heads of state up there for sure,” he said. ident Marcos go to Washington D.C. for a meeting with President B iden and hopefully we can do that sometime before the end of the year, before November kung puwede ( if possible) ,” he said.

The envoy said the possible meeting would depend on the schedule of both leaders, but “the invitation is open-ended.”

It would also depend on the US if they want to make it a state visit, he added.

Romualdez, meanwhile, said Marcos’ attendance at the UNGA would be significant as this would be his first trip to the west as the 17t h Philippine president. “[ Si] President Marcos will be coming in for the General Assembly which starts sometime around September 20-21, around that time,” he said, adding that he would of course deliver a speech “if he goes.”

“A lot of people are very interested to hear that, to see him, to meet him.

Even before the elections, I told him that I hope that one of the first trips that he will have to the western world would be to the UN. And I think that he sees that as a valuable reason

 METRO NEWS

July 14-20, 2022

New DENR chief urged to stop all reclamation in Manila Bay he progressi e fishers group ambansang a as ng ilusang amamala a a ng ilipinas urged the new en ironment secretar to stop reclamation pro ects especiall in anila a which undergoes rehabilitation program released the statement in response to the announcement that a ntonia oni ulo- o aga will become the new secretar of the epartment of n ironment and atural esources ncoming secretar uloo aga should stop all the ongoing reclamation pro ects across the countr especiall in anila a he must adhere to the mandate of her department to protect and preser e anila a for the benefit of the people eclamation has long been pro en to be destructi e both to marine

biodi ersit and li elihood of fisherfol s en ironmental compliance certificates onnel rambulo as to the -hectare reclamation tional po esperson said in a statement pro ect in acoor it a ite and the land reclamation of il ertides oldings orp he fishers group said that the a contractor of an iguel orp is head of the go ernment s anila a for the construction of its -hectare ehabilitation rogram as well as the ulacan erotropolis pro ect upreme ourt mandamus to cleann ironment secretar ulo- o aga up rehabilitate and preser e anila a could opt to the complicit of the eing the head agenc of the anila to massi e destruction of marine resources a rehabilitation program the through reclamation and earn the ire of the should be the first and firm to oppose an people or she could stand alongside the destructi e acti ities including reclama- fisherfol s and champions of the en irontion rambulo added ment in genuinel protecting marine biohas been critical of di ersit against all forms of destructi e the for gi ing go-signal to recla- pro ects ended rambulo mation pro ects that contributed to the deghas recorded around radation and destruction of anila a s reclamation pro ects in anila a that resources such as mangro es seagrasses will co er more than hectares of and a uaculture o er the ears its fishing grounds mangro e areas and he recalled the had issued a uaculture

4

Duterte to transfer OVP to Mandaluyong - ice resident ara uterte will hold o ce in andalu ong it instead of the ue on it eception ouse uterte as education secretar meantime will hold o ce at the epartment of ducation o ces at the ni ersit of ife in asig it he confirms that it is preparing to mo e to a new o ce in andalu ong it uterte s spo esperson tt e nold unsa ac said in a statement he new o ce will accommodate all the co-term casual and permanent emplo ees of the which will enhance e cienc econom and result in streamlined processes since all the emplo ees are within the same area he added he said it hopes the new location will be more accessible to the public being near ma or roads and mass transportation facilities

QC Mayor Belmonte joins US leadership program WASHINGTON/Q UEZ ON CITY he newl reelected ma or said she a or osefina o elmonte is cur- will appl e er thing she will learn rentl in the nited tates attending a from the program to better ser e ue-da leadership program of the on it tate epartment elmonte is part of the ul to

$495

408.286.9360 408.286.9311

LEADERSHIP TRAINING. uezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte ( th from le�) poses with other par�cipants of the Interna�onal Visitor Leadership Program in Washington, DC, United States. The program of the US State Department started last July 11 and ends on July 21. nternational isitor eadership rogram in ashington where she is oining other local go ernment o cials from around the world articipants are nominated and selected annuall b the staff of embassies he learnings that we will gain from this e ent would certainl be put to good use e will full utili e them for the betterment of our cit and of our constituents elmonte said in a statement he sponsored b the tate epartment will engage delegates on strengthening democrac ad ancing respect for human rights and fighting global corruption among others n its website the tate epartment said delegates will ha e the chance to share ideas with their peers

organi ations and technical specialists in merican cities and raise the public profile of democratic inno ation at home and abroad n her second term as ma or elmonte owed to continue the good go ernance initiati es especiall after the cit go ernment was recogni ed b different national go ernment agencies and recei ed a second straight un ualified opinion from the ommission on udit for and he un ualified opinion means that the cit s financial statements were prepared in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framewor ecentl the cit also recei ed the ost ompetiti e ighl rbani ed it award at the ities and unicipalities ompetiti eness nde summit

5 July 14-20, 2022

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Creation of Mactan province pushed

LAPU-LAPU CITY - A plan to make the island of Mactan a new province separate from Cebu has been put forward.

The proposal came from Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan of Lapu-Lapu City, one of only two local government units in the progressive and densely populated island.

With a territory stretching 65 square kilometers and population going to almost 600,000, Mactan also covers the town of Cordova and the Olango group of islands which are top tourist destinations and under the jurisdiction of both Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova.

Mactan island is one of Cebu’s top tourist attractions being the home of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the gateway to Cebu province, several resort hotels and casino resorts. It was in Mactan island where Ferdinand Magellan and his men were repulsed by chieftain Lapu-Lapu.

The island, which is connected with mainland Cebu province via three bridges, is also home of industrial plants many of which are based at the Mactan Ex port Processing Z one ( MEPZ ) .

Mactan also is known as top producer of furni- also make Olanggo Island into a separate municipaltures, guitars, ukuleles and other musical instru- ity and elevate Cordova town into a component city ments. of the new province, he said.

Mayor Chan said the creation of Mactan island as a separate province was the dream of the late Secretary Adelino “Addy” Sitoy, who also served as mayor of Cordova.

Chan said the separation of Mactan from Cebu province will hasten the development of Lapu-Lapu City, Cordova and the seven Olango islands.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and other provincial officials, however, shot down the proposal for a separate Mactan province.

“Dako kaayo na siya og ika tabang, nga para siguro ma picture out nako ang Lapu-Lapu, if they will become a Province of Mactan, siguro that will be the nex t little Singapore,” said Chan in a Sun Star report.

Mayor Chan said he will ask his wife, Lapu-Lapu City lone district representative Cindi Chan, to sponsor a bill in the House of Representatives creating the Mactan province.

The composition of the proposed province will

Rodriguez town reverting to old Montalban name B y L o lly R i v er a A c o s t a MONTALB AN, Rizal - Don’t look now but the municipality of Rodriguez in Rizal province will be back soon to its old name, Montalban.

This as bill returning the town to is historic name lapsed into law on June 2. A plebiscite, however, will have to be conducted to determine if the residents are agreeable or not to the renaming of the town a first

Plan to return to old name of Manila airport revived

class municipality and one of the richest towns in the country today.

With a population of about 5 00,000, more than 200,000 of them registered voters, a territorial area of over 3 00 square kilometers and an income of P691 million as of 2016 and over P1 billion in 2020, Montalban actuall has fulfilled re uirements to be ele ated into a city.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

July 14-20, 2022

6

Marcos swears in Lorenzana as BCDA chairman, 8 more execs

President infected, now free from Covid-19 symptoms

President is very much interested in because of her position also as Secretary of Education,” he said. mhoff husband of ice resident K amala Harris, led the seven-member delegation from Washington that attended the inauguration of Marcos at National Museum Manila on June 3 0.

They later met in Malacañ ang along with o cials of the mbass in anila.

“In that letter of course, he [ B iden] congratulated the President and that he hoped to be able to speak to him again by

phone sometime soon. B ut also, invited him to come to Washington when both their schedules would allow. So, it is really an open invitation for President Marcos to come to the White House,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez said the US “is very much on the radar and the United States is very eager to have President Marcos come” but it may take “a couple of months” before it materializes as Marcos would need to prioritize domestic issues.

“And then also, it was suggested that he would travel to the Asean countries which is also part of our diplomatic efforts to introduce him formally to many of his important allies,” Romualdez said.

He assured that Marcos will have “full diplomatic immunity” as head of state despite a long-standing contempt order that had prevented him from entering the US. “Not at all. Head of state has full diplomatic immunity. There will be no problem whatsoever,” he added. mbass harg d affaires eather Variava “immediately” informed Marcos about his immunity after he won the May 9 elections, Romualdez said.

Last month, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman also said Marcos is welcome in the US given his diplomatic immunity.

MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is now free from all symptoms of Covid-19 based on the latest health bulletin released by his personal physician.

The President’s lead physician Dr. Samuel Z acate visited Marcos in his residence on Wednesday and gave him a thorough exa mination.

“Dr. Z acate gave the happy news that on the 5t h and 6th day of his isolation, the President is now free from all symptoms of Covid 19,” Press Secretary Trixie Angeles said.

Angeles said Z acate reported that the resident has finished all his medications and based on his clinical opinion, Marcos is ready to go back to his face-to-face engagements.

“Dr. Z acate told the President that that he still needs to complete his sevenday isolation as mandated by the health department’s protocol,” Angeles said.

On his 6th day of isolation, Z acate reported that Marcos “has no cough, no fe er no nasal stu ness and no nasal itchiness and basically asymptomatic as of this time being.”

“The President’s vital signs are all within normal limit. He has no signs of respiratory distress and very comfortable,” Angeles said quoting Z acate’s latest health bulletin.

attributed to rising labor costs.

Concentration and consolidation in specific industries including shipping which ra ed in billion in profits last ear ha e also rattled global supply chains and contributed to rising costs. o discourage profiteering abud e plained, Congress should reinstate a historic ta on e cess profits and the epartment of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC) should aggressively crack down on monopoly power. ‘ Not prepared for the next crisis’ Economists argue the Fed needs to raise interest rates and stop wage growth to tamp down inflation essentiall putting the economy into a deep freeze until prices begin to settle. ut during the briefing anal sts warned that artificiall pushing the econom into a recession defined as two straight uarters of negative growth — could be catastrophic for black workers and other marginalized groups with high unemployment rates. ages are not dri ing inflation and workers at the bottom of the pay scale have not benefited from the ob growth said had Stone, chief economist at the Center for B udget and Policy Priorities.

According to June’s job report the unemployment rate remains at 3.6% , suggesting a recession ma in fact not be in the o ng though B lack and Latino unemployment rates ( 6.8% and 4.3% , respectively) are high when compared to whites.

“If a recession comes, it’ll be relatively shallow,” Stone said. “Still, we have demographic groups that get hurt even by a short, shallow recession… We don’t have targeted safety net programs that can help the most vulnerable folks and we are scrambling to get any kind of additional policy.”

Stone expl ained that the last recession in April and May of 2020 — at the height of

the Covid 19 pandemic — lasted only two months thanks in part to the American Rescue Plan implemented by President Joe B iden, which “gave juice to the recovery.”

Alix Gould-Werth, director of family economic security policy at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth Still, even during that short two-month period, the impact on women, people of color, the LGB TQ community and the undocumented was demonstrably more pronounced than on the nation at large.

“Our unemployment insurance system is broken. We are relying on band-aids,” said Alix Gould-Werth, director of family economic security policy at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth. “We don’t have enough mone to pa for benefits so we are not prepared for the next crisis.” n a erage unemplo ment benefits replace only 40% of a worker’s wages.

Gould-Werth called the current unemployment system “weak,” noting programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families ( TANF) , Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP) , Social Security, Disability Insurance ( DI) , and Supplemental Security Income ( SSI) are very limited in their number and availability.

“Many or all of them are only available to specific subpopulations li e people with disabilities or older adults – and they tend to have onerous eligibility criteria,” she added.

The panel agreed on the need for a better understanding of the impacts of economic fluctuations be ond all treet on the li es of ordinary people and communities, and how corporate and government decision making can either help or harm conditions.

“When we do well, the economy does well,” said Mabud from Groundwork Collaborative. “We need to prioritize the real expe rience of everyday people living in this country.”

Delfin Lorenzana (4th from le�) takes oath a Bases Conversion and Development Authority chair MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been invited to Washington by United States President Joseph B iden Jr. Ambassador to United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said US Second Gentleman ouglas mhoff handed arcos the personal letter from B iden. eanwhile omualde confirmed that Vice President Sara Duterte will be going to the US ahead of the United Nations General Assembly ( UNGA) in September 20.

“B efore that, there is something to do with education which of course the Vice

Coorporate...

(From page 1)

“CEOs are telling their investors that the current inflationar en ironment has created opportunities to ext ract more and more from consumers by raising prices,” expl ained Dr. Rakeen Mabud, chief economist at the leftleaning Groundwork Collaborative. “These mega-corporations are able to get away with aggressive and ext ractive pricing because they dominate the market and know more than the consumers.”

Mabud gave two exa mples of this kind of profiteering b mega-corporations he first in ol ed the of onstellation B rands, parent company of Modelo and Corona beers, who during an earnings call instructed shareholders not to “leave any pricing on the table” in these “times of economic downturn.” The message: keep prices high now matter the impact on consumers.

Dr. Rakeen Mabud, chief economist at the left-leaning Groundwork Collaborative Mabud also pointed to Visa MasterCard, the duopoly that controls over 70% of the credit card market, which alerted credit card users that the company would be raising transaction fees despite inflationar profits “This hits small businesses because they can’t set prices the way big companies can.

They have to sort of swallow those costs and pass them off to their consumers abud said. “Small businesses can’t compete with the Walmart down the street.”

A June analysis from the Roosevelt Institute found that corporations hit record high profits in charging consumers more than their input costs compared to 56% pre-pandemic.

And according to an April report from the Economic Policy Institute, nearly 54% of recent inflationar pressure can be attributed to corporate profits compared to during the last inflationar period between to ess than of current inflation can be

CHED lifts ban on new nursing program

Q UEZ ON CITY – Higher Education Institutions ( HEIs) may submit their application starting July 14 to reopen new nursing programs, as the Commission on Higher Education ( CHED) announced the lifting of a decade-long moratorium.

CHED Chairperson Prospero “Popoy” De Vera III said the decision was made following their comprehensive assessment initiated during the height of the coronavirus disease ( Covid-19) pandemic.

“Y esterday, the Commission en banc after a very thorough review and study of the moratorium on nursing, decided to lift the moratorium on nursing, based on an exha ustive discussion,” he said.

De Vera said the CHED has carefully considered the supply and demand of nurses according to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ( UN SDGs) .

As of now, a total number of 201,265 ob positions for nurses must be filled nationwide, implying a huge gap between the UN SDGs ideal number of 300,470 nurses, far higher than the actual number of nurses in the Philippines, of around 90,205.

B ut despite criticisms from several lawmakers and stakeholders, the CHED defended the timing of the lifting, saying they have to address issues that have caused the moratorium in the first place

7 July 14-20, 2022

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

Marcos axes anti-corruption commission, cabinet secretary post, returns OPS The Presidential Communications Operations ce was also renamed the ce of the Press Secretary ( OPS) . Also abolished was the Cabinet Secretary post.

The President also issued Ex ecutive Order No. 2 which merges the Freedom of Information ( FOI) TURNOVER. Outgoing Presiden�al Communica�ons Opera�ons Program ManO ce (PCOO) Secretary Mar�n Andanar turns over per�nent agement ce documents of the agency to incoming Secretary A�y. Trixie the Good GoverCruz-Angeles at the Diploma�c Lounge of the Times Plaza Build- nance ce and ing in Manila (Photo courtesy of PCOO) the B ureau of Communications MANILA – President Ferdinand “B ongbong” Marcos Jr. has issued Ex ecu- Services into the Philippine Information tive Orders ( EO) 1 and 2, abolishing or Agency ( PIA) , which is now under the direct ce of the resident reorgani ing se eral o ces under the e - super ision of the Under the EO, government-owned ecutive branch, including the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission ( PACC) , as channels Intercontinental B roadcasting Corporation ( IB C) and the People’s part of streamlining the government.

Television Network ( PTV) , as well as the ational rinting ces the ews and Information B ureau, the APO Production Unit, and the B ureau of B roadcast Services are considered as attached agencies of the OPS. Marcos’ Ex ecutive Order also places the Radio Television Malacañ ang - which records and broadcasts all presidential events - under the “direct supervision and control of the Presidential Management taff or EO 1 abolished the PACC and the Office of the abinet ecretar to achie e simplicit econom and e cienc in the bureaucracy.

Under the EO, the jurisdiction, powers, and functions of the PACC will be transferred to the ce of the eput ecuti e ecretar for egal ffairs he eput ecuti e ecretar for egal ffairs is directed to promulgate rules of procedure in administrative cases under its jurisdiction, provided that the ex isting rules of procedure in administrative cases promulgated by the PACC shall remain in force unless otherwise repealed or amended. he need to fine-tune the use of go -

ernment resources is the sole reason for the Palace’s decision to deactivate the PACC, said Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, adding the President gave all of Cabinet secretaries a free hand in reorganizing their agencies and streamlining operations to promote a more e cient allocation of scarce government resources.

“I think the deactivation of the PACC was along that line, but surely it was not because the was ineffecti e uevarra said.

He said that “as former Justice secretary, I had a meaningful collaboration with the PACC in the overall campaign against corruption in government.”

B ased on Ex ecutive Order ( EO) 1 signed on June 3 0, the day of his inauguration, Marcos abolished the PACC and the ce of the abinet ecretar to achie e simplicit econom and e cienc in the bureaucracy.

Marcos said the administration endeavors to achieve “a comprehensive and meaningful recovery through a just allocation of resources and a simplified internal management and go ernance of the ce of the resident and its immediate o ces and common staff support s stem

CA upholds conviction of Ressa, writer for cyber libel MANILA – The Court of Appeals ( CA) has turned down the appeal of Maria essa chief e ecuti e o cer of online news portal Rappler, and a former writer in connection with their conviction for cyber libel by a Manila Regional Trial Court ( RTC) two years ago.

The decision written by Associate Justice Roberto Q uiroz and a copy of which was obtained by the Philippine News genc on rida modified the lower court’s sentence imposed on Ressa and former writer Reynaldo Santos Jr. to an indeterminate penalty of imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to six ye ars, eight months and 20 days.

The CA quoted Supreme Court precedents that “this case comes at a time when the credibility of journalists is needed more than ever, when their tried-andtested practice of adhering to their own code of ethics becomes more necessary, so that their truth may provide a stronger bulwark against the recklessness in social media. Respondents, then, should have been more circumspect in what they published. They are not media practitioners with a lack of social following; their words reverberate”.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Rappler said Ressa and Santos have received the decision and will avail of all legal remedies, including elevating the decision to the Supreme Court for review.

“While the decision is unfortunate, it is also a good opportunity for the Supreme Court to take a second look at the constitutionality of cyber libel and the continuing criminalization of libel, espe-

cially in light of the freedom of expr ession and freedom of the press,” Rappler stated. “The decision weakens the ability of journalists to hold power to account.

We call on our media colleagues, our community, and other advocates of a free and independent press to be vocal and vigilant now more than ever. This is not just about Maria Ressa, Rey Santos Jr., or Rappler. What is ultimately at stake is our democracy whose strength rests on a media that is not threatened by the state nor intimidated by forces out to silence critical voices.”

On June 15, 2020, the Manila RTC B ranch 46 found Santos and Ressa “guilty beyond reasonable doubt” for violation of Section 4 ( c) 4 of Republic Act No. 10175, otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and sentenced them to a minimum of six months and one day to a max imum of six years in jail. he case arose from a complaint filed

by Filipino-Chinese businessman Wilfredo K eng in connection with a May 2012 report by Rappler, which claimed that then-Chief Justice Renato Corona was using a sports utility van owned by the complainant.

The report also said the businessman had been under surveillance by the National Security Council for alleged involvement in illegal activities identifying him as “Willy” and using the surname “K heng”. he epartment of ustice appro ed the filing of the c ber libel complaint in February 2019.

ANG PAUNAWA AY IBINIBIGAY SA PAMAMAGITAN NITO na ang isang Pangkalahatang Halalang Munisipal ay gaganapin sa Lungsod ng Newark sa Martes, Nobyembre 8, 2022, para sa mga sumusunod na Opisyal: Para Alkalde -- Buong taning na dalawang taon Para sa Dalawang (2) Miyembro ng Konseho ng Lungsod -- Buong taning na apat na taon Ang panahon ng pagmungkahi para sa mga opisyal na ito ay magsisimula sa Hulyo 18, 2022 at matatapos sa Agosto 12, 2022, sa ika-4 ng hapon.

Ang mga porma ay maaaring makuha mula sa opisina ng Klerk ng Lungsod.

Kung ang mga papel ng pagmungkahi para sa isang nanunungkulang opisyal ng Lungsod ay hindi iniharap bago lumampas ang Agosto 12, 2022, ang mga botante ay dapat magkaroon ng hanggang Agosto 17, 2022, upang magmungkahi ng mga kandidato na iba sa (mga) tao na nanunungkulan sa ika-88 araw bago ang halalan, para sa inihahalal na katungkulan ng nanunungkulan.

Kung wala o isang tao lamang ang iminungkahi para sa isang inihahalal na katungkulan, ang paghirang sa isang inihahalal na katungkulan ay maaaring gawin gaya ng itinatadhana ng § 10229 ng Kodigo sa mga Halalan ng California.

Ang mga lugar ng botohan ay mananatiling bukas sa Nobyembre 8, 2022 sa pagitan ng ika-7 ng umaga at ika-8 ng gabi.

SHEILA HARRINGTON, CMC Klerk ng Lungsod

 NATIONAL NEWS Filipina...

(From page 1)

portunity to individually air their views known be they favorable or not, one of USA TODAY ’s Women of the Y ear for 2021 boldly had her views known.

Indiana-based Dr. Melissa May B orja, an awardee of a recognition of women across the countr who ha e made a significant impact, shared the prestigious recognition with co-honorees U.S. Vice President K amala Harris and Melinda French Gates, among others, representing the national front. or a said she strongl belie es nobod benefits from silence as “we it to our community to speak honestly, compassionately, and lovingly about the issue of abortion.”

With a father hailing from Davao and nurse-mother from Iloilo, Michigan-raised B orja’s credentials and feat include being a professor at the ni ersit of ichigan s sian acific slander American Studies Program where she is also an Asian American graduate student group on campus adviser. In 2020, she started the Virulent Hate Project, a research project collecting and analyzing data around anti Asian racism during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As if these were not enough, B orja is also local National sian acific merican omen s orum chapter communications o cer in ndiana is in the process of publishing a book about how religious communities are involved in refugee resettlement, a dutiful mother to teenager daughter and responsible wife to physician Dr. Greg Westin.

B orja said she was not surprised when the U.S. Supreme ourt finall came out with its decision o erturning oe ade after almost fift ears because of the lea of the upreme ourt s draft opinion earlier this spring and that people have been preparing for this moment for a long time.

“B ut even though the decision was ex pected, I was very disappointed. Most of all, I felt ( and continue to feel) very worried, both about the immediate health and safety of women and people who are pregnant, and about the long-term future of my commu-

US...

(From page 1)

they joined the Philippines and several other nations like Australia, France, Germany, and Denmark in commemorating the 6th anniversary of the award which they support.

On July 12, 2016, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ( PCA) ruled in favor of the Philippines’ petition to invalidate China’s claim of supposed historic rights over almost the entire SCS. China ignored the PCA ruling, while the Philippines under the leadership of then President Rodrigo Duterte has maintained its stance to resolve the sea disputes through peaceful and diplomatic negotiations.

Marcos, the successor of Duterte, earlier promised to uphold the PCA ruling.

July 14-20, 2022

nity here in Indiana,” B orja said. “I’m so disappointed because it does not reflect the will of the people especiall sian merican women. Most Americans support abortion all or most cases.”

B orja also noted that, among racial groups in the United States and the same Pew research, 7 of 10 Asian Americans actually have the highest levels of support for abortion rights considering it should be legal in all or most cases and that 8 5 % Asian mericans and acific slanders women support political candidates who support women having control over their reproductive choices, according to Intersections of Our Lives, three women-of-color led national Reproductive Justice organizations.

A Unitarian Universalist, a mainline protestant Christian denomination follower who believes in the principle of free and responsible search for truth and meaning most probably guided B orja to personally speak on a controversial issue of abortion which to her is primarily a health care issue “a vital procedure that has ensured the safety and health of pregnant people,” a body autonomy issue believing that people should be free to decide with their doctor what is best for their own body and a religious freedom issue that considers it not fair for one group to impose its religious beliefs on others.

“The issue of abortion is deeply personal to me as people I know and love have needed abortions for a wide range of issues -- loved ones got pregnant at a moment in their lives when they were not able to care for a child, loved ones had pregnancies that they terminated because severe birth defects were found in the fetus and some of these beloved friends and family members had major, life-threatening miscarriages and pregnancy complications – and their abortions saved their lives making it very necessary form of health care.,” B orja ex pounded.

For B orja, it is important to center the ex periences of women, girls and pregnant people as a genuine effort to listen to their stories particularly on what have been their ex periences with abortion and how ha e the na igated the di cult situations of an unwanted pregnancy, a rape, or a life-threatening pregnancy complication, among others and not treat the issue and the choic-

es at hand as easy, black-and-white matters.

“Presently, abortion became very much a political issue as many other health issues like the opposition to COVID-19 vaccination have become,” lamented B orja. “It is strange and doesn’t not need to be this way. There is so many health care issues that are not political like the support for people with cancer. We want to make sure that those with cancer get the health care that they need. And following the same logic, those with ectopic pregnancy who might need to terminate their pregnancy in order to be safe. I want to make sure that that person gets the health care that they need.”

As such, B orja said she feels that abortion would be a major midterm election issue on both political parties making it a very powerful ex ample on how voting matters.

“The Supreme Court would not be making this decision if there hadn’t been people in power appointing these particular people in the Supreme Court, the people who are concerned about reduced access to abortion are organizing, mobilizing, rallying, talking to their neighbors about voting and political candidates. I think that this is going to add energy to the 2022 midterm elections,” B orja said.

As a result of this Supreme Court ruling, B orja strongly recommend that following steps be taken: a) People begin by educating themselves about the issue of abortion and what a post-Roe world means for people in their particular locale as situations are going to be er different depending on where one li es and find out the local leaders and community organizations that have been doing work around this issue in your city and state; b) Get involved in work being done to meet the needs of your community as it helps to focus on local actions that involve caring for our neighbors in wa s that are concrete specific and constructive; and c) Get out and vote in every single election as abortion opponents are a powerful political force who have organized and mobili ed er strategicall o er the past fift ears

ecretar of tate nton lin en rea rmed the commitment of the US to defend the Philippines if any of its troops, public vessels or aircraft are attacked in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea. “Six years ago, an arbitral tribunal constituted under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention delivered a unanimous decision which is final and binding on the hilippines and the PRC ( People’s Republic of China) ,” B linken said.

In a statement, B linkene noted that in its ruling, the tribunal firml re ected the s e pansi e outh hina ea maritime claims as having no basis in international law.”

The tribunal also stated that the China has no lawful claim to the areas determined by the arbitral tribunal to be part of the Philippines’ exc lusive economic zone and continental shelf, he said.

“We call again on the PRC to abide by its obligations under international law and cease its provocative behavior,”

B linken said.

Earlier, National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos said the bilateral and multilateral negotiations with China to settle the SCS territorial disputes will continue under the Marcos administration. s the ribunal s award is final and legall binding on the parties to the dispute under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ( UNCLOS) , the parties to this case, the Philippines and China, are required to compl with the award the apan inistr of oreign ffairs said.

“The claim by China that it will not accept the award is against the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS, and undermines the rule of law as a fundamental value of the international community,” it added.

Group...

$50m...

(From page 1)

8

(From page 1)

California State Librarian.

LOS ANGELES - A collection of groups have banded together to address the worsening problem of hate crimes targeting the Asian-American community.

Ethnic media, including Philippine News Today, has been tapped to take part in the program whose goal is to put a stop to the violence that has caused countless injuries and even deaths to Asian Americans, FilAms included.

An initial meeting was held last July 6, hosted by Celeste Stewart, Ethnic Media Outreach Grants Manager, who has been tasked with organizing the various California media organizations to deliver a united message: all hate crimes must stop now.

The Stop the Hate Funding is a $ 20 million grant for qualified organi ations to pro ide support and ser ices to ictims and survivors of hate incidents and hate crimes and their families.

It also aims to facilitate hate incident or hate crime prevention measures. The program is an initiative of the California Department of Social Services ( CDSS) , in cooperation with the California ommission on sian and acific slander merican ffairs ( CAPIAA) .

According to Rami Chand of CDSS, the Stop the Hate Funding is the er first time an state has entured into such an acti ity.

“Now is the time to really address the impacts of what’s been happening over the past two years, the social justice movement and hate that we know that we have ex perienced for decades for centuries that’s been going on,” Chand said in her speech.

Organizations will receive funds for 12 months of service.

The grant amounts range from $ 5 0,000 to $ 25 0,000.

The Civil Rights Department It was also announced during the media event that the Department of Fair Employment and Housing is now known as the Civil Rights Department.

B ecky Monroe said, “Part of why we felt this was important, is ( it) will be recognized that when people think about where to go for support if they are targeted for hate crimes or for any form of discrimination in employment and housing” they know where to turn to.

“Public accommodations and businesses people didn’t know where to go and so now our hope is that, with this new name,” they will know, she added. Monroe also discussed California’s comprehensive approach to combat hate as follows: * Combating hate requires enforcement of Anti-Discrimination laws in addition to the Hate Crimes Law. * Investment in health care, social services and education to combat hate. * Accountability through Courts and Restorative practices. * Recognition of need to improve reporting and data on hate incidents and crimes. * Creating a reporting and resource network in a Civil Rights Agency without criminal legal authority.

Hate as a COVID impact More reports of crimes against Asian-Americans became rampant when the COVID-19 pandemic hit worldwide. The elderly, women and children were mostly victimized regardless of region in the US. These incidents led to the setting up of a fund against violence in California and the state is hopeful that other states will follow suit.

“We heard about elders being violently attacked on the streets, small businesses being targeted. Y oung people being verbally and physically attacked and then you know what happened in Atlanta where eight individuals were killed at a spa six of whom were Asian immigrant women,” said Nkauj Iab Y ang of the CCAPIAA. The incident, according to Y ang escalated the Anti-Hate advocacy on both local and national levels. he funding benefited communit -based organi ations. The main goal is to address hate incidents and hate crimes.

9 July 14-20, 2022 AFP...

(From page 1)

Two security groups of the Armed Forces – the Presidential Security Group ( PSG) and the newly activated Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group ( VPSPG) – are in full force to ensure the safety of the President and Vice President, according to Col. Medel Aguilar, AFP spokesperson. ( See related stories) “We have the PSG and the VPSPG to protect the President and the Vice President, respectively. In coordination with these units, we provide additional security coverage in places of their engagements,” Aguilar said.

He said that members of other units are also deployed in places that the President and Vice President visit.

The PNP, meanwhile, has activated a task force and started laying out securit preparations for the first tate of the Nation Address ( SONA) of President Marcos Jr. at the B atasang Pambansa in Q uezon City on July 25 .

PNP spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo, said the PNP National Capital egion olice ce for one has presented a security plan to Interior Secretary B enjamin Abalos Jr. for the SONA. Finance Secretary B enjamin Diokno said Marcos will unveil his economic and other plans during his first before the joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Already, a P5 .1 trillion budget for the national government has been proposed to Congress, he added.

The SONA is a constitutional obligation and yearly tradition where the President reports on the current situation of the country, unveils the government’s agenda for the coming year, and proposes to Congress certain legislative measures.

The AFP assured that former and current leaders of the country are wellprotected.

Aside from the two elite units, additional security personnel are also deployed in places that both the President and Vice President visit.

Aguilar said it is up to the PSG and VPSPG which security setups they will be using to further ensure the o cials safety.

“It is for the units I mentioned to determine force requirements for the security operations. They are led by competent o cers he said After he tested positive for COVID-19, the President underwent home isolation for seven days and has recovered. While at home, he presided over his 2nd Cabinet meeting via teleconference with the Cabinet members in Malacanang which lasted for fi e hours and focused the discussion on crafting the 2023 national budget.

The second Cabinet meeting also tac led inflation with the president sa ing he anticipated the rise in the inflation rate as a “potential problem”. he countr s headline inflation rate rose to 6.1 percent in June 2022, the highest level since October 2018 Over the weekend, Marcos posted

his first log entr as the countr s chief e ecuti e li ening his first wee in office to that of his father former resident Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. Later, the President met with Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio B alisacan via teleconferencing as well as the epartment of griculture o cials to follow up on his first marching orders when the first had their in-person meeting at the B ureau of Soils and Water Management conference hall.

The meeting with the NEDA chief comes after Pulse Asia’s June 2022 national survey showed that most Filipinos iew controlling the inflation rate in the country as an urgent concern that needs to be prioritized.

Earlier, Press Secretary Trix ie Cruzngeles assured ilipinos that fighting inflation is a top economic priorit for the Marcos administration. e actuall discussed inflation at the last Cabinet meeting and the President himself reported this, so he is actually ahead of the publication of the survey having anticipated this as a potential problem,” Cruz-Angeles said. he countr s headline inflation rate accelerated to 6.1 percent in June 2022 from 5 .4 percent in the previous month, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported.

Finance Secretary B enjamin Diono said the hilippines high inflation in June was not a problem unique to the Philippines because other countries are suffering the same problem He also assured that the recent ac-

celeration of inflation will be arrested by the government through “addressing constraints in the food, energy, and transportation and logistics sectors.”

Last Friday, Marcos met governors and mayors to ask them to support the booster campaign rollout to fast-track the country’s return to normalcy and make the wearing of masks “optional.”

Marcos stressed the importance of having a high vaccination rate in the resumption of in-person learning for students as well as opening up the economy with people not worrying about the reimposition of lockdowns.

“Siguro parang pinapanood ko iyong aking ama noong siya’y pangulo at pinapanood ko siya na habang siya’y nagtratrabaho,” Marcos said in a new video on his ou ube channel recounting his first week as President since being inaugurated on June 3 0. ( It’s like watching my father at work when he was still President.)

“Ganoon ang pakiramdam ko, sabi ko siguro ‘ yan yung nakikita, parang tinitignan ko noong aking ama ang nagpapatakbo ng mga meeting at nagpapaoath taking,” he said. ast wee arcos had his first abinet meeting. Among the topics discussed during the meeting, he said, were addressing skyrocketing oil prices, and strengthening food security.

“Napakahalaga ng booster shot lalo na ngayong tumataas na naman ang mga kaso [ ng COVID-19] at ibabalik na natin iyong mga estudyante sa face-to-face [ classes] ,” he said.

1-877-456-9266 www.cr i spi nl oz anol aw.com • • • •

Deportation and Removal Defense Waiver of Misrepresentation Self Petition for Abused Spouse Waiver of Crimes and Inadmissibility • Fiancé Visa Petition

1290 B Street, Suite 205 Hayward, CA 94541

• Eliminate Credit Card Debts • Stop Collections and Harassments

17215 Studebaker RD., Suite 337 Cerritos, CA 90703

 NATIONAL NEWS

July 14-20, 2022

10

New US envoy to Philippines arriving end of July B y Jean n e M i c h ael Pen ar an d a

WASHINGTON/MANILA – Finally, the new United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryK ay Carlson will take up her post in Manila before the end of July as the US looks forward to bolstering its economic, security and political cooperation with its long-time treaty ally under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration.

This was disclosed by US Embassy harg d ffaires eather aria a said on the sidelines of a reception for the 246t h anniversary of US Independence.

“We are very exc ited to welcome very soon our new ambassador. She’ll be here in the Philippines by the end of the month,” Variava said.

Variava said Carlson, a senior career diplomat, is in Washington DC to prepare

for her tour of duty.

“She’s now in Washington having meetings, preparing to come here to the Philippines. Stay tuned, there’s a lot more to come with the new ambassador,” she added.

Carlson succeeds former US ambassador to the Philippines Sung K im, who ended his tour of duty in October 2020.

For more than a year, the embassy was headed b a charg d affaires until arlson was finall nominated and confirmed this year. ormer charg d affaires ohn aw led the embassy before Variava, who will serve as Carlson’s deputy once she arrives in Manila.

Variava said there is “a lot to look forward to” in the two nations’ partnership, particularly on security and its Indo-Pacific conomic ramewor

Covid...

“We here at the embassy, as well as our partners in the United States, look forward to working closely with President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his team to secure a prosperous, healthy, and safe future for the peoples of both our nations,” she said.

“We wish the new President good health and a safe recovery,” she added after Malacanang’s announcement that Marcos had tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019.

President Joe B iden designated Carlson as the next US ambassador to the Philippines.

A veteran diplomat, Carlson was Dep- U S A mb as s ad o r -D es i gn at e t o t h e Ph i li p uty Chief of Mission at the US Embassy p i n es M ar yK ay L o s s C ar ls o n in B uenos Aires, Argentina prior to her years and as principal Deputy Exe cuappointment in Manila.

She also served as Deputy Chief of tive Secretary of the Secretary of State in Mission in New Delhi, India for three Washington, D.C. (From page 1) increases for stay,” and new infections should always be ex pected.

both tell an On the plus side, she said that at least “our hospitals u n n e r v i n g are not full.” story, with the number of COVID-19 cases rising 3 9 As of the start of this week, the total number of acpercent for the period July 4 to10. ti e infections stood at ince - first Y ear-on-year, however, it is the number of dengue appeared, the country ex perienced 3 ,7 18 , 4 67 cases cases for the first half of this ear that is a more serious nationwide, with 3 ,664 ,009 recoveries and 60,64 0 faconcern, zooming by 90 percent over the same period talities. last year. ccording to the independent firm esearch The twin threats could swamp the government’s the Philippines currently has a COVID-19 positivhealthcare system, with the Department of Health still ity rate of 10.9 percent, more than double the World operating without a leader. Various undersecretaries ealth rgani ation s safe rate of fi e percent from the previous government are still on place on a The positivity rate is the percentage of people who holdover capacity, with no guarantee that they will be test positive for the virus against the total number who retained once a new Health secretary is appointed by have been tested. the president.

As long as the positivity rate keeps increasing, the Meanwhile, the public was advised not to panic, but number of COVID-positive individuals is also rising. to also be cautious. Health undersecretary Maria RoAnd while COVID only appeared in the country in sario Vergeire noted at the start of this week that the March of 2020, dengue cases have been recorded for average new daily infections of COVID-19 has risen to decades, with the annual total rising and falling with 1,5 3 5 cases, a dramatic rise from the previous week’s no set pattern.

1,009 cases. he first semester of this ear showed that is The resurgence of COVID-19 is ex pected to contin- a high volume year for dengue fever, believed to have ue in the short term, with a peak seen to occur between first emanated from the hilippines decades ago the middle and the end of July.

The Health department said there were 64 ,7 97 denThe new surge is ex pected to peak at up to 11,000 gue cases recorded from January 1 to June 25 , this cases a day, with public and private hospitals seen to year, almost double the 3 4 ,07 4 cases reported for the ex perience shortages in bed space by end-August to same period last year.

September. he death toll for the first half of this ear stood at Speaking in the vernacular, Vergiere said in a radio 27 4 . interview that “we really should be careful.”

For both COVID-19 and dengue, therefore the She added that the pub- short-term situation in the Philippines is bound to get lic must understand that worse before it gets better, and it is not clear if the new the coronavirus “is here to government is giving it the attention it needs.

Senators refiling death penalty bill senator has re-filed his bill see ing to impose the death penalt on big-time drug tra c ers and plunderers while at least three others said the would file their ersions Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former chief of the Philippine National Police, limited his ersion onl to high-le el drug tra c ers so it would not be considered anti-poor Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Robin Padilla have similarly expr essed their commitment to support the reinstatement of the death penalty. enator hristopher ong o e pressed his willingness to re-file a measure reinstating the death penalty for certain heinous crimes. here s no high-le el drug tra c er who can be considered as small-time indi po kasama dito ‘ yung mga ( Not included here are the) ordinary street drug pushers. nl big-time drug tra c ers dela osa said Although he expe cts a discussion on the quantity of illegal drugs that may be considered high-le el he said one ilogram could alread be classified as such n the th ongress none of the death penalt bills filed b nine senators were acted upon after being referred to the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, chaired by former senator Richard Gordon.

11 July 14-20, 2022

 OPINION Fun in the fog

T

EDITORIAL

The truth begins to surface

T

he questions that he never thought would ever be asked, much less answered, are ever so slowly coming to light.

What did he know and when did he know it? Former President Donald Trump had always believed that his boys would protect him, and would never testify against him.

As far as he was concerned, his hands were clean relative to the Jan. 6 insurrection.

The tale that he would have everyone believe was that the events leading to the deadly takeover of the nation’s Capitol began as nothing more than a peaceful rally of Americans seeking the truth regarding what Mr. Trump was insisting was a stolen or rigged election.

The marchers were mostly patriots, and their storming of the historic building was an unfortunate result of the impending declaration of Joe B iden as the lawful winner of the 2020 elections.

And yes, calls by the mob to “hang Mike Pence,” were not serious. They were merely sending the vice president a message to do the right thing and overturn the results of the vote, which he had no legal right to do.

The tragic deaths and injuries that took place that horrible afternoon and the fact that the insurrection might have succeeded led to the formation of the Jan. 6 committee a bi-partisan ongressional bod formed to find out the truth What had been unearthed thus far is truly mind blowing. And there’s more to come.

It may still seem remote, but the possibility that Trump will be charged and possibly imprisoned for his role cannot be discounted.

The testimonies of people close to him and who were with him on that fateful day are beginning to look like a smoking gun, the kind that the Justice department will be hard put to ignore.

In public, at least, Trump is not squirming yet.

Despite his failure to cover up his questionable actions and inaction from midafternoon to early evening of Jan. 6, last year, Trump continues to deny that he is as much to blame as any of the far right ex tremists who came close to dealing a crippling blow to democracy, as we know it.

Testimony after testimony indicates that he was well aware of the consequences of his inflammator words and those conse uences did indeed pla out Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Justice department will soon face the di cult decision of whether or not onald rump should be charged with a most serious crime, one which could conceivably result in his incarceration.

Old Republicans who still support Trump must be wishing that they had not blocked Garland’s appointment to the Supreme Court by former President B arack Obama. His actions as attorney general indicate that he is a man who weighs his decisions carefully, but once a decision has been made, he will very likely stick to it come hell or high water.

His dreams of reclamation the White House in 2024 are fast becoming unlikely. If indeed he is indicted rump will now that histor boo s will write him off as a national disgrace, a megalomaniac who would do anything to stay in power.

There will be no happy endings for him.

Upside

HE one day our famous atmospheric condition decided to visit with a vengeance just happened to fall on Colma’s much-awaited Community Fair.

To be fair, the town’s popular gathering of artisans, nonprofits and communit -based businesses alwa s opened to that familiar cool damp curtain usuall burning off by the time the band plays rocking hot.

Not July 9. Mama Nature wanted to tease everyone raring to get together after 2 years and 7 months of forced shut-in but daunted none. So there they were at 10 am, all set at the grounds of the Community Center, CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO led by Recreation Manager Anjelika Abellana, whose energy boggles. ow she new fol s b first name without e er ha ing met in person charms arrying on as if she was born for the role, she led exhi bitors to their designated tables.

Was this OK ? Not too close to the band to impeded meaningful discussion of products and services? Too far from the band to get down when the mood hits? Anjelika pulled out her A game.

Soon the parking lot on Hillside B oulevard teemed with local and neighboring residents of every age and weekend persuasion. Right by the entrance to the Community Center for respite shelter and bio breaks, ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment 2022 president K umpare Junior Flores welcomed as K umare Elsa Agasid, Nan Santiago, B lessy Valera and K umpare Rev. Leonard Oakes distributed their complimentary A-List resource guide sponsored by the Town of Colma.

Across the way, Commission on Aging member Liz Taylor gave out the Help at Home booklet of resource providers for San Mateo County residents 5 a nd older.

Further down, Peninsula Family Service deployed Ana Lopez, case manager at Fair a s cti it enter and lder dults resource line staff eer ounseling coordinators for older adults of diverse background -Tessie Madrinan for Filipinos, Michele Epstein for English-speakers and Helen Tsui for Chinese participants and Veronica Y ecguanchuy Park for La Esperanza Vive ( Hope Lives! ) or the Latinx c ommunity. ttendees e pressed e citement to learn about the an ateo-based nonprofit agency’s many programs including Got Wheels! , the limited $5 one-way rides for olma and other cities residents ears and older econd areers and our al We Listen one-on-one counseling,.

City Manager B rian Dossey brought the metaphorical sunshine as he visited with exhi bitors, always with a huge smile and positive energy. Volunteers replicated his aura, especially Colma Vice Mayor Rae Gonzalez’s daughter Elena, who happily snapped photos of the cheerful scenes all around.

Artisans displayed and vended home-made art, accessories and beauty products.

Area businesses catering to households like Home Depot handed mini aprons for toddler workshops while Republic Services shared safety tips along with tiny trash bins.

K ids worked out the morning sugar in a jumpy house. Recent kid Matt DeVIncenzi introduced himself as “half-Filipino” to anyone he thought might share his heritage. hen he offered a one-free game coupon for his famil s lassic owl on the border of Daly City and South San Francisco. “My mother’s last name is de Luna,” he volunteered, with a translation, “…of the moon.” He’d been helping(C ont i nue d on page 16)

Philippine News Today is published weekly by Philippines Today LLC with business and editorial offices at 1290 bayshore hwy unit 151Burlingame ca 94010 Phone no . 650-872-3200 E-fax # 650-745-1442 and website address www.pnewstoday.com and email address advertising@philippinestodayus.com or editor@philippinestodayus.com MANILA OFFICE: Le Marquis Townhomes, 51 P. Tuazon Blvd. Quezon City 1112, Tels. 8546.8426, 8451.1892, 8546.8421

FRANCIS ESPIRITU MARILYN B. KING

Vice President for Sales and Marketing

BETING LAYGO DOLOR Manila Editor

JUNNI RANILLO

Entertainment Editor

ANGELO LOPEZ Cartoonist

ELEANOR SMITH Office Manager

NICK SAGMIT GEORGE GANGE RENE AVENIDO

Photo Correspondents

Publisher/President

THELMA L. CRUZ

Vice President for Operations & Promotions

CHERIE QUEROL MORENO Executive Editor

NEIL GONZALES

Chief Correspondent Northern California

LYDIA SOLIS

Chief Correspondent Southern California

MA. CECILIA G. MADELO Graphic Director

GILDA PASION BALAN FRANCO G. REGALA ALI MACABALANG JEANNE MICHAEL PENARANDA Manila Correspondents

ALFRED G. GABOT Editor-in-chief

CLAIRE M. TRUE Managing Editor

JO ERLINDA YABUT Entertainment Editor

THOMAS G. MADELO JR. Creative Director

BLESIE D. SISON ALBERT MARTINEZ RENE AMON Account Executives

VAL G. ABELGAS, HOMOBONO A. ADAZA, PERRY DIAZ, JOJO LIANGCO, JO ERLINDA G. NEBRES, ROY C. MABASA, ART G. MADLAING, FR. JOEPEL PADIT, RODEL E. RODIS, LOURDES TANCINCO ESQ, MELANDREW T. VELASCO, DANTES & CYNTHIA VELUZ, CRISTINA OSMENA, LUDY ONGKEKO. COLUMNISTS

The views and opinions expressed herein by writers, columnists and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, management and staff of Philippines Today. We are not responsible for incorrect printing, photographical errors or information listed or for loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts.

Reproduction or redistribution in whole or in part is prohibited.

 OPINION

July 14-20, 2022

belo ed wife irginia imene adlaing and were blessed and fortunate to attend the viewing and memorial ser ices for anang hristina ati dad idad last aturda at the uggan s ortuar in al it alifornia he died due to o arian cancer at the age of t was od s pro idence that be owner of be arber A RT G A B OT MA D LA ING hops located in al it and an rancisco called me last hursda e ening and informed of the death of anang hristina and the iewing on aturda pm to pm at the uggan s ortuar t was also od s pro idence that brother err enis came with us for the iewing and memorial serices immediatel after the acapella singing of fa orite gospel songs and hea enl h mns in nglish panish agalog locano angasinan ebuano the last segment of the global ngel adio an rancis e er aturda am to pm ha e been ac uainted with anang hristina since the mid s when was still acti e publisher of the wee l anang hristina who originall came from the pro ince of locos orte in the hilippines li e m - ear-old mother was then er acti e in the communit li e her in ol ement in the eniors enter he coordinated and organi ed the acti ities for the annual ndependence a une and riendship a ul where she in ited me as one of the inspirational and guest spea ers i e m self she had been acti e as licensed eal state ro er until she retired ha e lost contact with her for se eral ears until she called one e ening last pril and re uested me to isit and pra for her he following da isited her and pra ed for her ph sical healing uring m succeeding isits in her home in l mouth enue an rancisco alifornia anang hristina shared her spiritual ourne he was er happ to now that am now an acti e angelist with the in an rancisco alifornia ga e her autographed copies of m two best-selling boo s subtitled acts and idences for gnostics theists elie ers and hristians and subtitled ow to be ealth motionall inanciall e uall and piritual n m succeeding isit together with brother err enis anang hristina surprised us when we saw the autographed copies of the boo s and the hristian orld inistr uarterl ournal prominentl displa ed on the table in her li ing room he told us that she wanted her children grandchildren and those who will be isiting her to be able to read the boo s and the hristian maga ine we ga e her he e en brought out the idea that we displa the two boo s hristian orld inistr uarterl ournal in the two locations of arber hop in al it and an rancisco alifornia er idea inspired us to start the through onthl oo s a e in cooperation with the arber hop locations in al it and an rancisco and the global ngel adio an rancisco anang hristina e plained to us that her greatest longing and desire is for her children grandchildren relati es and friends to now the gospel eath urial and esurrection of esus which is the power of od to sal ation omans hrough od s pro idence the desire and longing of anang hristina was answered when brother err enis shared the gospel orinthians hessalonians cts omans cts in its purit and simplicit during the iewing and memorial ser ices last aturda e ening he brief message of brother err enis was heard b the si children of anang hristina namel rancis idad ichael idad dward idad uelle idad esus idad uelle idad their spouses grandchildren and great grandchildren and friends anang hristina confided to brother err enis that she obe ed the gospel in baptism cts cts in a ri er wa bac in the hilippines am glad that m belo ed wife irginia imene adlaing and were able to sing od amil during the memorial ser ices e were also able to sing together with brother err enis ictor in esus o support the gospel presentation of brother err enis mentioned a brief uote in the page as follows he real traged is not that we die with - and other sic ness he real traged is if we die without esus because we refuse to learn understand and obe the gospel in baptism for the forgi eness of sins omans orinthians hessalonians - cts cts and fail to remain faithful until death e elation was also blessed and fortunate to recite a special poem in memor of anang hristina ati idad idad as follows

M

In politics, as in love, is it destiny or timing that makes one a winner?

M

y destiny is to be in love with you, a es no difference what ou sa or do crooned inger ill c stine in estin ut an locano playboy does not believe in destin when it comes to success in lo e e belie es it is timing ow about success in politics s it destin or EMMA NUEL S A MONT E T IP ON timing On May 9, 2022, erdinand ong ong omualde arcos r won the presidenc of the hilippines in a landslide with more than million otes is closest ri al aria eonor obredo had about million otes t s his destin to be president remar ed a spectator as we watched the otes being announced on a tele ision monitor at a hotel in locos orte ong ong won because he ran at the right time commented n we isited ong ong s mother the former irst ad rs melda arcos e as ed whether ong ong would run for president rs arcos said she wanted him to run to continue the legac of his father the late resident erdinand arcos he re ealed that the had been tal ing with a ao a or odrigo uterte for him to run as ong ong s ice president othing definite came out of the tal s ccording to a ibit er she should ha e brought a duffel bag with million pesos and tell uterte e will finance the campaign ere s million to start with isited a religious leader whose hurch has millions of members nown for oting solidl during elections as ed apatid puwede po ba natin tulongan si ong ong sa pag a presidente an we help ong ong for president indi naman ta o tinatawagan e does not call us he replied rushed to see ong ong at his enate o ce and told him about m isit ere s his phone number if ou want to call him said ha e it will call him ong ong replied e t door to ong ong s o ce was enator rancis hi scudero s o ce hi s father al ador scudero was inister of griculture when ong ong s father was president stopped b hi s o ce e are fraternit brothers lpha hi eta rod ust came from ong ong s o ce greeted hi umusta si a hi as ed thin he is considering running for president in ould ou run with him as ice president will be the th anni ersar of artial law will be a big issue against him hi remar ed f ong ong had run for president in he would ha e faced formidable opponents uterte ar o as bac ed b the uinos and the iberal art e omar ina iriam efensor antiago and race oe ong ong e entuall ran for ice president e lost but filed a protest alleging cheating he upreme ourt dismissed the protest had gi en ong ong a cop of m boo inning b nowing our lection aws before he ran for ice president wonder if the result might ha e been different had he passed it on to his law ers and the read it

What’s Up Attorney

er une we remember the birthda of ose i al er ecember we commemorate his e ecution e remember him b and for the hundreds of streets schools boo s monuments museums libraries ad infinitum named after him umerous speeches are deli ered glorif ing his memor ut how much ha e we the ilipino people reall learned A T T Y MA NUEL B QUINT A L from the lessons i al taught ow man of our go ernment and pri ate organi ation leaders who stop short of deif ing him e er une and ecember had learned from the lessons of i al ow man among those who claim to now his life and wor s and profess ideas of i al i alisms li e b or e en stri e to li e b those isms n the pantheon of heroes of the hilippines i al is arguabl the most prominent well- nown criti ued and admired e was not a militar leader of the re olution as eorge ashington imon oli ar or ao he ong was but he inspired and mo ed and pro ided the pro imate cause for an armed re olution e was a man of peace e was not against re olution as a political change but he did not ad ocate for it is famous no els oli e angere and l ilibusterismo pro ided the spar s that ignited the hilippine e olution against the panish coloni ers e onl wanted reforms a gradual change for the better he calls for gradual changes were not heeded but instead were answered with more restrictions and persecution is death hastened political change through an armed re olution hile i al died for the sa e of the ilipino people it does not mean that his ideas are onl aluable to ilipinos o him enius nows no countr genius is e er where the patrimon of e er bod e belie ed in e ualit among men e did not belie e in the idea of a superior race ow man ilipinos are inclined to thin or feel the are inferior ith the desire not to promote schism among ilipino reformers in urope i al preferred to gi e up the leadership of a olidaridad e belie ed that the organi ation s or societ s interest must dominate o er the indi idual member s interest he indi idual should gi e wa to the welfare of societ e preached the idea of nationalism against pro incialism he a iga ilipina whose organi ational meeting he presided sought to unite the islands of the hilippines into one compact robust and homogenous entit e preached rational discussions to settle differences e emphasi ed the alue of an education in impro ing one s station in life and promoting prosperit for the nation hile i al died for the sa e of the ilipino people it does not mean that his ideas are onl aluable to ilipinos o him enius nows no countr genius is e er where the patrimon of e er bod e belie ed in e ualit among men e did not belie e in the idea of a superior race ow man ilipinos are inclined to thin or feel the are inferior ow man ilipino organi ations ha e splintered because of personal ambitions and the inabilit of contending national parties to tr to settle their differences he e ents leading to the last general elections in the hilippines pro ided e amples of how far the ilipino people particularl its leaders ha e tried to li e b what i al taught he number of ma or candidates who wanted to run for the presidenc despite the absence of significant differences in the go ernment programs the presented to the people shows a preference for or predominance of personal interests o er that of the countr and its people ersonal ambition and ision of glor must ha e blindl colored their decisions ampaigns become appeals to otes for local interests hough admittedl a brilliant political strateg to select a running mate ice-president from a region different from the presidential candidate the practice reflects and emphasi es regional mentalit that sometimes results in a choice with lesser ualifications to lead nationall nd gi en the absence of significant differences in the ideolog of the political parties and the facilit of turncoatism an alliance of short-li e con enience is often resorted to he formation of arious local and regional political parties displa s the pro incialism mentalit of its leaders and followers t somehow nurtures a feeling of not belonging to a larger whole of interest in common (C ont i nue on page 27)

Health & Wealth

Remembering Christina Natividad Ridad

MindSparks

Have we learned from the lessons Rizal taught?

12

his ear the - ear old ong ong ran for president and won easil e had er wea opponents aria eonor eni obredo was running as an independent after eschewing the iberal art the uinos and the ellow color he other candidates were anila a or rancisco omagoso enator and bo ing champion mmanuel ann ac uiao and enator anfilo acson ong ong is a charismatic leader with a read smile e is approachable eople floc to him he want to touch him hug him or ha e a selfie with him is father did read of a man who stood to spea at the funeral of a friend not e o e this ind of reaction when he was campaigning for the presidenc e referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning e were in atac locos orte on the da of the to the end ong ong oted in the same polling place e noted that first came the date of her birth and spo e of the election - a (C ont i nue on pag e 27) following date with tears but he where his father had been oting (C ont i nue on page 27)

13 July 14-20, 2022

 OPINION

Say what, Junior?

resident Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., sitting as the country’s farm secretary, wanted rice and corn production increased in the remaining months of the ear to sta e off a looming food crisis.

The cost of rice per kilo– the main staple–is projected to rise by three pesos a kilo, putting pressure on Marcos MA NNY MOG A T O who promised to bring down prices to pesos per ilo The price of rice in the market has risen to more than pesos per ilo Ramping up rice production is a tall order. B ut it is not impossible.

B efore Marcos was elected president, Rodrigo Duterte’s administration had been aiming to har est million metric tons of rice from the country’s less than 5 million hectares of ricelands. he current rice production per hectare is about metric tons bringing the su cienc le el to percent he hilippines is among the world’s top rice importers.

Vietnam and Thailand are the world’s top rice expor ters. n ietnam har ested million metric tons of rice while hailand came second with million metric tons ndonesia actually produced more rice than Vietnam and Thailand at million metric tons B ut, like the Philippines, Indonesia’s huge population consumes more rice than it produces, and it has to import the grain from other countries. China led all nations in rice production at million metric tons but it also has more than a billion mouths to feed.

The 4.3- metric-tons-per-hectare yield is a record-high compared with less than two metric tons per hectare during the late dictator s regime in the s and s despite his asagana program ntroduced in b elder arcos to promote rice sufficienc in two to three ears b using a high- ielding ariet seed, low-cost fertilizers, and herbicides, the program had initial success when the Philippines started expor ting rice in

ula sa ul o ang bagong kahahalal na Pangulo ng bansa, si Chief Ex ecutive Ferdinand ongbong arcos r na ang uugit na ng pamahalaan sa susunod na anim na taon.

Mula sa Philippine News Today sports at kolumnistang ito, ipinaablot namin kay Panguling B B M ang aming malugod na pagbati sa kanyang pagkakahalal noong eleksiyong ED D IE G . A LINEA ginanap noong Mayo 9 at inaguras on noong un o Marami na ang nangyari mula nang mga di malimimutang araw n a iyon. Ilang miyembro na ng kanyang gabinete ang napangalanan, kabilang ang kanyang economic team para kumatha ng ma programang layon mapaunlad ang ekonomiya at kalagayann nating mamamayan na sa mga araw na ito ay halos lugmok na.

Ilang mga atleta, dating atleta at lider sa sports sa ban sa ang nagpapadala sa atin ng mensahe na nagtatanong kung ano ang magiging kinabukasan ng sports sa Pilipinas sa harap anila sa pag a aputol ng ating taong pag auhaw sa gintong medalya mula sa Olympic Games noong nakaraang palaro nang Wala pang malinaw na pahayag mula Palasyo ng Malakanyang ang nagsasabi kung anong mga bagong programa ang ipatutupad ng bagong administrasyon tungkol dito.

Subalit batay sa ilang panayam sa kanya ng kolumnistang ito noong siya’y senador pa, siguradong ang sports ang isa sa mga pangunahing pag-uukulan ng pansin ni B B M sa kanyang pamamahala.

Pagod na marahil sa mga pagkatalong nalalasap ng mga atletang Pilipino noiong mga panahong iyon, nanawagan ang nakababatang Marcos sa lahat ng stakeholder na magkaisa para sa pagbabago ng istraktura ng noon ay umiiral na programa sa ikauunlad ng palakasan sa Pilipinas Sa isang sesyon ng SCOOP ( Sports Communicators Organization of the Philippines) sa K amayan ipinanukala ni Marcos “the need to replace the present sub-cabinet Philippine Sports ommission with a cabinet-le el epartment of ports a an ang speech sa abriel lash lorde wards Night and B anquet of Champions ilang taon na rin ang nakararaan, ipinangako ni B B M ang kanyang supporta sa lahat ng bill na may kaugnayan sa sports na nakabimbin pa sa senado, kabilang ang paglikha ng National Department of Sports upang matigil na ang patuloy na kabiguan ng Pilipino sa mga interhasyonal kompetisyong nilalahukan nila.

“Why is it that we are languishing in the medal tallies in regional and international competitions? tanong niya sa mga nakikinig. “K ahiya-ahiya ang nagiging performance natin sa mga international competitions Pinuna rin ng dating gobernador ng Ilocos Norte ang kakulangan ng suporta mula sa pamahalaan kaugnay ng program para masiguro ang kanilang kinabukasan sa panahong sila’y retirado na. Ipinangako rin niya ang kanyang todong suporta sa kaganapan nito, “I am making this pledge before you all that our Filipino box ers and athletes can and will ex pect my full supports as our legislator and as a ilipino arcos owed “Masugid kong susuportahan ang mga panukala sa Senado na naglalayong matulungan ang ating mga boksingero at atleta panga o ni a Napuna rin ni Marcos na tila ang Philippine Sports Commiiossion kinukulang sa mandato nitong protektahan ang mga atleta at coach kasabay ng panawagang; “you can help open the eyes of the government and convince your legislators on the urgency of making changes to our present system, as well as to the wisdom and importance of sports in the government’s responsibilit and dut to build a strng and health citi enr ag aisahan natin at gawin nating iller combination ang pagtutulungan nating ito. At. kung sa harap ng lahat ng ito, ay ayaw pa ring makinig ang mga opisyal sa pamahalaan, ma noc -out punch pa rin sa pamamagitan ng balota at botohan pabirong wi a ni arcos “Magtulungan po tayong lahat para mapaganda ang larangan ng boksing at ng sports ng ating bansa, B ukas po ang aking tanggapan para sa inyong lahat sa anumang mga sangguni at mga mung ahi na nais nin ong iparating sa a in dugtong niya.

P

B ut the program eventually failed as many farmers failed to repay loans, and it was mainly used as a political tool to win patronage from poor farmers. The credit scheme was not sustainable, forcing the elder Marcos to shift to other programs to increase rice production.

B ut rapid population growth, the limited size of farmlands suitable for rice farming, and the annual typhoon season have made it di cult for local farmers to increase production In sharp contrast, both Thailand and Vietnam have smaller populations, more contiguous land for rice farms, and less destructive typhoons, allowing the two Southeast Asian countries to expor t exc ess production.

Rice farming in the Philippines uses outdated practices, li e plowing the field with carabaos ice farms need to mechanize, build grain silos, and build more farm-to-mill roads. uterte s farm o cials said the countr needed to in est more than billion pesos to moderni e rice farms but the agriculture department s annual budget is less than billion pesos. griculture contributes roughl percent of the annual GDP but in the last two years, the agriculture sector’s GDP has contracted due the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

Marcos has placed agriculture at the center of his administration’s policies and programs, taking over the farm portfolio to supervise agriculture’s growth.

Marcos said the economy would bounce back better and grow to more than to percent annuall if there was robust agriculture. B ut Marcos has not laid down a concrete roadmap on how to achie e rice su cienc other than introducing his own ersion of the asagana program the and ersions nder the proposed asagana and asagana the agriculture department plans to increase rice ield per hectare to metric tons and metric tons respecti el These are ambitious goals. There are many things left undone before local ricelands can produce record yields per hectare.

Government has to heavily sub- (C ont i nue on pag e 27)

M

SALA SA INIT SALA SA AMIG

Offline

Kaunlaran ng Philippine sports IN THE TRENCHES

I

honestly hate to keep constantly mocking and insulting Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. but a lot of the time he’s asking for it.

Never known to be a paragon of brilliance, or even simple intelligence, his pronouncements last week confirmed that he has little if an understanding of simple economics.

B ET ING D OLOR is first mega mista e was to deny what is already a given, that the Philippine econom is sailing roc waters after o cial une figures pegged the countr s inflation at percent e simpl denied the figure as being too high Naturally, his Finance secretary and former B angko Sentral governor B enjamin Diokno came to the president’s rescue, sa ing that what arcos r was referring to was the inflation figure for the ear to-date not une in particular Y et the reporter who asked the question clearly referred to the June number, as a transcript of the press con shows.

Real economists were quick to point out that the president had fumbled bigtime, and no amount of whitewashing by his Cabinet could undo what had been done.

Then there was his comments in a hastily called press briefing at the end of last wee where he again displa ed his -- how do I put this without insulting his intelligence? – failure to appreciate the finer points of basic economic Read his word for word statement and weep, folks.

To a reporter’s query on what his plans were for his Cabinet, the verbatim Q & A is as follows: Reporter: May we know if ano po yong marching order ninyo to all Cabinet members?

Marcos: O you cannot…I don’t think we can do we can mean it…s ave one…a hhh…I think…a h…e ssentially is ah… the…w e…w e got it to much more details that so there is no generalization anymore. So each department ahh…h as ahh ahh has a different has a different instruction offer a pri e of a month s suppl of toilet paper to an one who can e plain to me in words that a - ear-old can understand what the president of our poor country was trying to say.

And if you think it ended there, well I have a most unpleasant surprise for you, especially if you’re a fanboy or girl of this so-called th president of the hilippines He continued his spiel thus: “The only thing that we have to that that what…ga ve it…l ooks like is how that we have to realize how interconnected for the government is that…t hat e er thing is done on one hand affects ah the go ernment in another place. So there is not single one. I suppose if there is one single one is that can be…a hh… Let’s get our ahh… bureaucrac strict Anyone who believes I am not telling the truth can simply loo for his briefing on ou ube ust don t blame me if ou find ourself ha ing suicidal thoughts I must correct myself. I will throw in another month’s suppl of bath soap and shampoo to m offer ust please please please, tell me what he really wanted to say.

That recent non-statement should make most economists concerned, as if it is not handled properly, the Philippines could go into freefall not unlike Sri Lanka, which over the weekend had its own version of People Power, resulting in the forced resignation of its president.

He likes being compared to his late dictator-father. Well, I have news for him. For all his faults, his old man was mentally sharp and uic on his feet when as ed di cult uestions Junior clearly cannot hold a candle to Senior. B ut if there’s anything good about him, it is that Junior is not likely to declare martial law. To do so would be tantamount to committing political hara kiri, placing a permanent damper on his son whom he is grooming to one day follow in his footsteps.

Good thing he did not name Sandro as Ferdinand A. Marcos lll. And if past press releases are to be believed, his apparent fa orite son is a bona fide college graduate from a top school in the UK .

During the campaign season, a photo was posted on social media from the Marcos camp showing Sandro wearing the toga that college grads get to wear on the day they receive their diploma.

Maybe the kid takes after his mom, who is a lawyer.

(C ont i nue on page 27)

Rice sufficiency

 BUSINESS | IMMIGRATIONS Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension The good news is that USCIS ex tended the validity of EAD document by additional 5 4 0 days from the time of ex piry date.

Presented below is the memo of USCIS with regard to this matter. ertain renewal applicants who ha e filed orm pplication for mplo ment uthori ation ualif for an automatic ex tension of their ex piring employment authorization and or s while their application is pending ou ualif for this ex tension if you: roperl filed orm for a renewal of our emplo ment authori ation and or before our current e pired and re otherwise eligible for a renewal which means that Y our renewal application is under a category that is eligible for an automatic ex tension ( see the list of categories below) ; and Temporary Increase to up to 5 4 0 Days ormall regulations pro ide for an automatic e tension period of up to da s from the e piration date stated on the owe er has published a temporar final rule increasing the e tension period ffecti e a is temporaril increasing the e tension period and pro iding up to da s of additional automatic e tension time for a total of up to da s to eligible renewal applicants he automatic e tension time is counted from the ex piration date of the employment authorization and/or EAD. This temporary increase is a ailable to eligible renewal applicants with pending applications if ou filed our orm renewal application either: efore a and our -da automatic e tension has since e pired efore a and our -da automatic e tension has not et e pired or etween a and ct inclusi e of these dates f ou file our orm renewal application after ct the normal -da automatic ex tension period will apply.

Proof of an Automatic Ex tension he automatic e tension period including the temporar increase to the e tension period is provided to certain renewal applicants to help prevent gaps in employment authorization and documentation. f ou file a orm renewal application on or after a will send ou a orm otice of ction receipt notice that has information regarding the up to -da automatic e tension f ou are eligible for the automatic e tension this receipt notice together with our e pired and our une pired orm - if ou are an or - dependent spouse including - and - class of admission codes will ser e as acceptable proof of emplo ment authori ation and or alidit during the up to -da automatic ex tension period. f ou filed a orm renewal application before a ou should ha e recei ed a orm otice of ction receipt notice that describes the automatic e tension period of up to da s ou will not recei e a new receipt notice reflecting the increased emplo ment authori ation and or automatic e tension period owe er orm receipt notices that refer to an up to -da automatic e tension will still meet the regulator re uirements for completing orm - including if our -da automatic e tension e pired prior to a To present acceptable proof of the automatic ex tension of employment authorization and/or alidit ou can show our orm receipt notice that refers to the -da e tension along with our ualif ing and also our une pired orm - if ou are an or - dependent spouse including - and - class of admission codes his document combination is su cient proof of an up to -da automatic e tension counting from the ex piration date on your current EAD. f ou are a renewal applicant and our -da automatic e tension e pired before a ou can still recei e the benefit of the temporar increase of the automatic e tension period. Y our employment authorization and/or EAD validity will automatically resume beginning on a for an time remaining within the up to -da automatic e tension period Note: This is not a legal advice and presented for information purposes only. If you ha e immigration problems the aw ces of rispin o ano can help ou find a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation.

B ankruptcy B asics an ruptc will actuall impro e our credit within one ear because our unsecured debts are discharged lthough the ban ruptc will be in our records for ears not filing bankruptcy will make your credit even worse until most your debts are paid. f ou are being sued b our creditors most mone udgment can be eliminated in bankruptcy.

3 . Collection actions continue and you can be sued if you are in debt settlement. hapter will eliminate all unsecured debts f ou are near retirement age ou must eliminate most of your debts.

CAR ACCIDENTS ur aw irm successfull settled a car accident for e also handle uncontested e can help ou if ou are under audit need a representation with need to reduce our ta liabilit or need to offer a pa ment plan to Success Stories or the month of une we recei ed appro als from si naturali ation applications two ianc e isa petition fi e remo als of condition on residence and four ad ustment of status applications. hris ada o ano s is an acti e member of the tate ar of alifornia the merican mmigration aw ers ssociation and an rancisco rial aw ers e practices immigration law ban ruptc personal in ur and income ta problems since une is contact phone is - - email info law net ebsite www crispinlo anolaw com

July 14-20, 2022

14

Ex-Bangko Sentral exec sees 5.5% average inflation in 2022 deput go ernor of the B angkon Sentral ng Pilipinas ( B SP) has pro ected the domestic inflation rate for this and nex t year to reach 5 .5 percent and percent respecti el citing olatilities in oil prices among others At a forum streamed through the aceboo page of the oundation for conomic reedom and reported b s oanne illanue a former B angko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy o ernor iwa uinigundo said uncertainties on developments around the globe are causing upticks in prices of commodities and ha e resulted in second-round effects in the countr thin it a erage inflation can even be more than the 5 percent average for and the percent for It could reach probably 5 .5 ( percent) for and ma be four-and-a-half for he said referring to the inflation pro ections of the central ban until ne t year. s of the first si months of this ear the average rate of price increases stood at percent higher than the go ernment s - percent target band until he monthl inflation rate surpassed the government target range last April when it accelerated to percent from the previous month’s 4 percent.

It posted higher levels in the nex t two months to percent and percent respectively.

All these upticks were traced to the continued rise of prices of oil and other commodities in the international maret due in part to concerns about the raine- ussia war and possible economic recession in the US. o help tame the domestic inflation rate the s polic -ma ing onetar oard has increased the cen-

PR E S S U R E S . F o r mer B an gk o S en t r al n g Pi li p i n as ( B S P) D ep ut y G o v er n o r D i w a G ui n i gun d o

tral ban s e polic rates b basis points each in two consecutive meetings last a and une o date the s o ernight re erse repurchase rate is at percent and pro ections are for the e rates to be increased b as much as basis points more this year given the ex pectations for further acceleration of the inflation rate onetar authorities said the rate increases are not e pected to hurt domestic output since the continued recovery of the domestic economy gave the B SP the leeway to hike its rates. uinigundo said that since inflation has resulted in second-round effects such as the increase in the minimum fare in public utilit ehicles s and the petitions for wage hi es the monetar polic should be enforced more aggressively.

ood s fi ien y targets doable say onte ayor sta eholders espite the global threat of a food price crisis se eral agricultural sta eholders e pressed their confidence in the food su cienc targets of resident and griculture chief erdinand ongbong arcos r sa ing the go ernment s approach could become gamechanging if carried out with a political will.

At a virtual press conference of Tugon abuha an former griculture ecretar eonardo ontema or said the go ernment might need to reassess usual theories and apply innovative solutions to achieve food su cienc in the hilippines “It’s a matter of political will. I think the president stated sa an ang in his inaugural speech na food su cienc it s not ust a matter of trading but an e istential imperati e e en a moral one he said ontema or cited srael as an e ample sharing its abilit to secure agricultural advancement despite their former setting. f srael has been able to turn the desert into farmlands we can certainl do it

K aya basta may ( It’s doable if there’s a) decision e ha e the natural resources and the human resources from lowl farmer to e ecuti e he said ith arcos stand to prioriti e enough and affordable food former ureau of isheries and uatic esources Director Asis Perez said the administration ma be posing a game-changing approach considering the challenges brought by the continued conflict between raine and ussia effects of corona irus disease o idpandemic and the global pressures caused by climate change.

“If the President is serious about food self-su cienc it would be a gamechanger t would mean a ailable and affordable hilippine-produced food his is both a challenge and an opportunity to local food producers he said ational ederation of og armers nc president hester arren an said arcos should lead the call for food sufficienc

 ENTERTAINMENT

July 14-20, 2022

16

Metro Manila filmfest 2022 bares first 4 entries he first four o cial entries in this ear s etro anila ilm esti al ha e been selected he entries were announced b the e ecuti e committee which said the upcoming th edition of the filmfest will bein on hristmas da he husband and wife tandem of oni on aga and aul oriano ice anda odi ta aria and oco artin are the first stars to headline the first four o cial mo ies at this ear s ased on script submissions the entries are ab u ith n ccent b ilm roductions starring oco artin and odi ta aria directed b odel acianceno anahimi ng abi b ein ntertainment roductions starring an eneracion on onfiado and ea en erale o directed b hugo raico artners n rime b ilm roduc-

tions starring ice anda and ana lawi directed b ath arcia- olina and he eacher b starring oe e eon and oni on aga directed b aul oriano he members of the selection committee of the which chose the four entries are led b the multiawarded and respected leaders of the film industr oots nson- oa odrigo and essie ercito chairman and ice chairman respecti el he said the chose the top scripts based on the following criteria rtistic cellence percent ommercial ppeal percent ilipino ultural ensibilit percent and lobal ppeal percent he deadline for the finished film submission where the other four o cial entries that will complete the agic of entries is on eptember for earl birds and eptember for the regular submissions

his ear s edition promotes the message ali a a while foregrounding the ababa ans en o ing the ilipino cinematic e perience again during the hristmas eason a we continue to support ilipino films bac where the should be en o ed in the theaters mo ie houses oo ing forward to a successful ali a a the said in its aceboo post ast editions of the ha e traditonall chosen the first four entries based on scripts while the other four were chosen on finished products he is held annuall and opens on hristmas a t runs for two wee s were anila theaters onl screen the o cial entries ow on its th ear promotes the message ali a a signaling the return of mainstream films in ph sical theaters

So blessed and forever grateful, says Maine as she marks 7th year in showbiz o blessed and fore er grateful to be li ing this star e press her gratitude for all the blessings she has had since she oined showbi hus said actress and tele ision host aine endo a he was able to thrill the iewers when she admitted as she mar ed her se enth ear since oining show busi- to the dabar ads that she had a crush on lden ichards ness hile she was pla ing the role of a snob a a ub efore this da ends ust want to sa than ou she suddenl lost control of her script when she saw lto e er one who greeted and remembered aliit na den ichards on the split screen and felt gidd to the baga man sa iba pero mala ing baga sa a in a a delight of the iewers maraming salamat sa o araming salamat sa in o hat started their lo e team ia split screen and she added e entuall became al e er e which hit high ratings he e en followed it up with a simple remembrance on tele ision and bro e all witter records worldwide of her anni ersar in showbi hoc s talaga bang n real life aine s bo friend is actor r o ta de sa tong was was elected congressman of the first district of ueo recall it was on ul when at ulaga on it in his first attempt at politics he are now in introduced the character of a a ub in the al e ser e their fourth ear as a couple segment uan for ll ll for uan hen she celebrated her th birthda earl this he was named a a ub because of her talent in ear ongressman ta de made sure to greet her in his dubsmashing which went iral during that time usual sweet wa aine whose full name is icomaine ei apili ahal na mahal ita r o wrote in an nstagram endo a with her newfound popularit also became post where he posed with aine with their arms around a popular product endorser and has appeared in man each other mo ies oo ing forward to celebrating all our birthda s n her post on her witter recentl the phenomenal with ou app birthda aba r o added with each other s families r o first confirmed in anuar that the were n one of their celebrations the had their acation in e clusi el dating but the were spotted going out as l ido alawan earl as he ha e also been nown to spend time life

Upside...

(From P age 11)

with the bi since he was months old he estihilippine ews oda ecuti e ditor herie mated uite liberall oo bad the don t ha e outdoor uerol oreno manages eninsula amil er ice s dining for those who e heard of lassic s other draw ot heels transportation program for older residents its game grub but aren t read to mingle indoors of cities along orth ount and the coast of an o bring on the outdoor fairs ateo or more on programs isit https www * peninsulafamil ser ice org about-us

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

# 2 0 2 5 2 3 0 -4 0

Brian Dossey and Angelika Abellana (third and fi�h from le�) visit with author, Anna Lopez, Tessie Madrin an an d V er o n i k a Y ec guan c h uy Par k o f Pen i n s ula F amily Service.

ALLICE umares umpares give out the A-List resource guide (from le� standing) Leonard Oakes, Nan San�ago and Junior Flores. (Seated) Elsa Agasid and Blessy Valera.

 REAL ESTATE

July 14-20, 2022

Task force created to go after illegal real estate practitioners Q UEZ ON CITY – The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development ( DHSUD) has created a tas force that will boost the fight against illegal real estate operators and colorum unregistered bro ers and agents he ational as orce on nti- llegal eal Estate Practices will ex pand measures to stop illegal real estate operations to be implemented through an inter-agenc panel led b and supported b partner agencies reated through oint emorandum ircular o eries of the tas force is composed of epartment of ustice epartment of the nterior and ocal o ernment epartment of n ironment and atural esources and egistration uthorit rofessional egulation ommission hilippine ational olice and ational ureau of n estigation his is a testament to our partnership as we s nchroni e our efforts to end the fraudulent acti ities in the housing and real estate industr hence protecting homebu ers and helping them in the reali ation of their dream to ac uire decent and affordable homes using their hard-earned mone and lifetime sa ings ecretar duardo del osario said in a statement

he hilippine ssociation of eal state oards nc earlier lamented the proliferation of fa e real estate agents and bro ers who continue to unscrupulousl dupe bu ers despite a law regulating the practice of real estate ser ice uring the tas force s launch o er the wee end the member agencies committed to collaborate and intensif further the cooperation not onl in eradicating malpractices in the housing and real estate sector but e uall important is protecting home bu ers and legitimate de elopers accepts the challenge to ta e the lead in this campaign as we fulfill our mandate to protect the rights of bu ers of subdi isions and condominium pro ects including memorial lots and similar real estate de elopments del osario said ased on the ousing and and se egulator oard under residential ecree o no real estate bro er or salesman shall engage in the business of selling subdi ision lots or condominium units without being registered has regulator power o er real estate developers and brokers and salespersons are obliged to register with the agenc before engaging in propert selling

THE NUMBER ONE CHOICE FOR FILIPINO FAMILIES The ONLY Place for All Your Arrangements in One Convenient Location New Funeral home with Reception Center Flower Shop Beautiful Garden Memorial Park Cremation Services We transfer your loved ones to and from the Philippines

T

B

N

F

H

R

C

C

L

20

Mortgage Forbearance important information. ith so man ob losses due to the man homeowners are in search of mortgage relief wo strategies that man borrowers are an ious to in o e right now are mortgage deferment and mortgage forbearance stimated about million US homeowners have had re uested for dela ed mortgage pa ment lea ing billion in principal unpaid balances and that figure is steadil climbing da b da oth tactics allow a borrower to s ip monthl pa ments for a set period epending on the lender there can be subtle differences between the two terms What happens at the end of the forbearance period is the amount of pa ments that ou missed during that forbearance will be due in a lump sum sometimes the lender will wor with borrowers to structure a pa ment plan instead of demanding a lump sum eferment especiall special programs that lenders ha e introduced during the pandemic often allow customers to repa the mone o er time or to add it to the end of the loan period learing up confusion about mortgage forbearance f a lender does differentiate between the terms deferment and forbearance the difference will be at the end of the loan period whether the missing pa ments are all due or restructured ome borrowers will be able to add e tra pa ments to the end of the loan or ma e other arrangements to spread out repa ment while others will not ometimes pa ment terms in ol e a new loan or a rewriting the e isting loan echnicall a mortgage forbearance agreement is when ou e possibl been late and the lender agrees not to foreclose during that forbearance period n this scenario a borrower alread has a histor of nonpa ment before entering into a forbearance agreement ut with the pandemic onl re ealing its enormous scope within the past da s man borrowers ha en t been late et owe er because of sudden ob loss or because of the uarantine borrowers ha e besieged the phone lines of their lenders to get out in front of the financial iceberg ontact our lender for mortgage relief o matter what ou call it if borrowers as for help during this crisis man lenders are allowing them to miss pa ments and not charge them late fees or penalties ore importantl the definition reall doesn t matter he moral of the stor right now is to call our lender on t ust assume ou can s ip a pa ment all them let them now and ma e arrangements ue to the current financial situation the mortgage world is shifting ptions that weren t on the table for borrowers a few months ago might be a ailable now he length of time that the forbearance could be e tended and the options at the end of the term might be different orrowers in good standing prior to the current crisis ma able to do a modification wherein an monthl pa ments missed now are simpl tac ed on to the end of the loan ressing pause on our mortgage hate er terminolog our lender uses it s important for ou to understand what is reall happening with our loan othing is free ou can t e pect to stop pa ing our mortgage fore er here is no such thing as a free mortgage pa ment it s not free mone orbearance is temporaril hitting the pause button on our mortgage and not ha ing to ma e the pa ment t does not necessaril pause the interest that is accruing and it does mean that ou re going to ha e to ma e that principal and interest pa ment at a later date e uestions to as before see ing mortgage forbearance hen calling our lender arlson recommends as ing • What relief options are available? ill interest continue being calculated during the length of time am not pa ing ill there be an fees • How will it be reported to the credit bureaus? o still need to pa (C ont i nue on page 27)

W

21 July 14-20, 2022

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

Mark Magsayo loses WBC featherweight belt to Mexico’s Vargas SAN ANTONIO, Tex as – Newly minted world champion Mark Magsayo failed in his first defense of the orld o ing Council featherweight title as he lost a split decision to Mex ican opponent Rey Vargas on July 10 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Tex as.

Despite scoring a knockdown in the ninth round, Magsayo did not have enough firepower to defeat the taller argas Magsayo began the bout on a high note, tagging Vargas with his trademark right-handed shots.

Vargas, however, frustrated Magsayo with his jabs during the nex t rounds, and the erstwhile champ could not take advantage of a cut at the challenger’s left eye side which ideo repla s confirmed to be coming from an accidental headbutt, PNA’s Ivan Stewart Saldajeno reported from Manila.

A potential game-turning point happened with 4 0 seconds left in Round 9 when Magsayo landed a right hook that

floored argas for onl the fourth time in his career.

Vargas remained wobbled until Round 10 especially when Magsayo began looking for the knockout blow, but the former bounced back mightily in Round 11 to basically seal his win.

Jesse Reyes thought the knockdown decided the contest and gave Magsayo a 114 -113 win, but Tim Cheatham and David Sutherland both saw Vargas as the better well-rounded box er and gave him similar 115 -112 wins.

Vargas keeps his record perfect with his 3 6th consecutive professional box ing win in as many bouts, while Magsayo lost for the first time after straight wins in his professional career.

Magsayo’s defeat leaves the Philippines without an active world champion at the moment, but the country can have another box ing champ again if Donnie Nietes beats a uto o a for the unior bantamweight title in Tokyo.

Fil-Japanese Tsukii captures World Games gold medal in karate labama – Filipino-Japanese Junna Tsukii ruled the women’s kumite -5 0kg categor in the orld ames karate competition at the irmingham outhern ollege in Alabama, the United States on July 8 .

Reports from Alabama reaching Manila stated that su ii pulled off a - upset win over world No. 2 Y orgelis Salazar of Venezuela in the finals to become the first ilipino arate champion in the prestigious tourA G O L D I N K A R A T E . F i li p i n o -Jap an es e Jun n a T s uk i i ( c en t er ) nament.

“I have been waiting for shows her gold medal a�er winning the women’s kumite 0k g ev en t at t h e W o r ld G ames i n B i r mi n gh am, A lab ama o n this for many years. The -5July 8, 2022. W i t h h er ar e K ar at e Pi li p i n as p r es i d en t R i c h ar d Philippines is not a very Lim (le�) and na�onal team head coach Okay Arpa. big country and we have She, however, had a better score to take not won many gold medals. oda was not fighting ust for m self the second spot behind the unbeaten Salawas fighting for the new generations of zar, who owns two Continental Champikaratekas in the Philippines who hopefully onship titles. n the semifinal round su ii outcan outgrow this success and achieve even greater success themselves,” Tsukii was played two-time world champion Miho quoted as saying in the news article on the Miyahara of Japan, 4 -3 , to gain a championship berth. orld arate ederation website “Mabuhay si Junna. Mabuhay ang K aIn the elimination round, world No. 5 Tsukii absorbed a 1-8 setback from Sala- rate Pilipinas. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” ar in the first match but she bounced bac said K arate Pilipinas president Richard in the ne t match beating haira ubris Lim in a statement released to the media.

Tsukii, a bronze medalist in the 2022 of erman s ean alanum ietnam outheast sian ames reported. su ii bowed to orales una ema attended a two-week camp under Olymof pain - ia senshu first to score ad- pic and world champion coach Roksanda vantage) in the third match and ended up Atanasov in Arandelovac, Serbia to prein a three-way tie for second place at 1-2. pare for her orld ames debut

July 14-20, 2022

22

Q : I entered your program th ink ing lif e w ould be m uch better.

W h y do I f eel lik e I ’m A: I always tell my clients that any kind of debt restructuring program does not happen overnight. It usually takes quite a bit of time to complete. Included in this is the learning curve of being able to live on the budget that we create. In most cases clients who call me are already at the end of their rope when it comes to debts. They might only be paying the minimum monthly payment or for some robbing Peter to pay Paul, meaning borrowing money from other credit cards or taking out payday loans to make their minimum payments on others that are due.

When all these debts bottom out, it is a hair pulling ex perience that I would not want anyone I know to be in because it can literally make you sick just thinking of it. So how do we approach a way out?

Let me share this story. A client from Los Angeles called me 2 years ago with a summons. She was so depressed because of what was happening to her. I told her that I was going to get her in a program that would address the summons and gi e her time to sa e mone for a ear or more o m attorne partner filed an answer to the summons and she received a little over one year to save some money so we can settle the debt. Mind you, we still need money to settle the debt. Months passed and I rarely heard from her. So come due date, we have no money to settle the debt. Then she was back on the hair pulling ex perience. She had a year of pure happiness, not thinking of what she was supposed to be doing which was saving up.

Instead, we had to ex tend her problem for another year. Which means the problem did not go away. It merely got worst.

Ating lesson, Ang paglutas ng utang ay kailangan ng pasensya, para mawala ang problema.

If you need help in getting out of debt, call Debt Aid Consulting International.

We do not use call centers which keeps your information safe. We have a new program that reconstruct debts for half of what you would pay our competitors. We also provide legal assistance that keeps collectors away. We take Federal Credit Unions, Payday loans and high interest personal loans in our program too. This is ex clusively available for Debt Aid Consulting clients. None of our competitors provide this program. Y ou are well protected.

We only provide Federal Trade Commission compliant programs. Go 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 ou or not o beware!

B en Lou at your service! I have over ears of financial ex perience.

If you would li e sound financial advice, call us at Debt Aid Consulting International. We do not use call centers.

No one has the right to put your information at risk.

Debt Aid Consulting is the first and onl Filipino debt mediation company incorporated in the US and Canada, Caribbean Islands, Singapore, Australia, New Z ealand and the Philippines!

Y our Global Debt Solutions Company!

Tawag na po sa 1-8 8 8 -3 4 1-5 23 4 at tutulungan po namin kayo.

Itama po natin ang mali!

23 July 14-20, 2022

 COMMUNITY NEWS

California hands $30-M grant to combat hate crimes SACRAMENTO — In the wake of escalating violence, California has awarded $ 3 0.3 million to 12 organizations to aggressively address hate crimes by providing services to survivors and facilitating anti-hate prevention measures. recent report b the o ce of alifornia ttorne eneral shows that hate crimes increased by 8 9% over the past decade. In particular, the report noted that anti-Asian hate crimes increased by 17 7 % in 2021. t comes as no surprise that as the flames of hatred and bigotr have been stoked in our society, acts of cowardice and violence have increased at an alarming rate. In California, we are investing millions to prevent this hate from taking hold in our communities e simpl will not tolerate intolerance said o ernor a in Newsom.

The new grant doubles down on the $ 14 .3 million in grants to 8 0 organizations for prevention and intervention services to groups at risk of ex periencing bias and hate crimes announced this past March. fter the first round of grants the alifornia epartment of ocial er ices and ommission on sian and acific slander merican ffairs wor ed together to identif larger investments with the potential to have an even greater impact in the area of anti-hate services.

The grants are part of last year’s budget, which included an unprecedented sian and acific slander uit udget totaling $ 166.5 million. o ernor ewsom last ear also signed legislation establishing the ommission on the tate of ate the first statewide commission to monitor and track hate crimes and recommend policy to the o ernor tate egislature and tate gencies he egislati e aucus and are e cited that the second round of top the ate grants are being awarded to communit organi ations as a result of the million uit udget we sponsored in last ear s state budget said tate enator r ichard an - acramento hair of the alifornia egislati e aucus hese grants will support communities in all corners of California struggling with the rise in hate crimes and we continue to be grateful for the o ernor s support that made these impactful community investments possible.” he latest round of grants is timel because the efforts to stop

C O M M U N I T Y H E R O A W A R D . C i t y o f A r t es i a M ayo r M eli s s a R amo s o h as b een aw ar d ed t h e C o mmun i t y H er o A w ar d b y t h e Los Angeles Dodgers at the Dodger Stadium field during its celebra�on of Filipino Heritage Night. Ramoso said she is blessed and humbled by the award, adding she is truly honored to represent Artesia as Mayor and the Filipino American community.

(Photo credit Los Angeles Dodgers)

hate need resources now more than e er he latest statistics show hate crime increased 3 3 % in California last year, highlighting the need for more state in estment in the sian merican acific slander communit said ssembl udget hair hil ing an rancisco his new funding will be impactful because it will work towards creating a safer environment and providing help to victims.”

The grants will bolster local services to prevent hate crimes from happening in the first place and support those who are ictims of hate crime: irect ser ices such as mental health and complementar health, wellness, and community healing, legal assistance, navigation, and case management; re ention ser ices to deepen understanding and empath youth development, senior safety and ambassador/escort programs, individual and community safety planning, bystander training and other de-escalation techni ues Intervention services for outreach and training on the elements

of hate incidents and hate crimes, services for survivors, and community-centered alternative approaches to repair harm from hate incidents and hate crimes.

“These investments show once again that California leads,” said irector im ohnson hrough our continued partnership with and the man organi ations selected to provide these critical supports and services, we can stem the tide of hate incidents in California and provide the communities impacted by them the resources they need.”

Selected organizations with a demonstrated track record of anti-hate work with priority populations were invited to apply for larger funding awards.

A complete list of grantees announced in partnership with and the alifornia sian acific slander egislati e aucus can be found here The grant funding has been made available over the nex t three ears from ugust through ul to continue to support anti-hate efforts

 COMMUNITY NEWS

July 14-20, 2022

24

Filipino American Arts Exposition announces return Non-Stop Entertainment: Philippine to in-person 29th Pistahan parade and festival American Friendship Day on July 9 Incelebration Cerritos

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Filipino American Arts Ex position announced the return to an in-person celebration for the 29th annual Pistahan Parade and Festival.

With the theme of “Homecoming: Reconnect with Our Roots and Community,” this year’s festivities will take place on Saturday, Aug. 13 and Sunday, Aug. 14 , from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT each day at the Y erba B uena Gardens in San Francisco. The Pistahan Parade will take place on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the heart of downtown San Francisco.

To participate as a sponsor, ex hibi-

tor, performing artist, pavilion presenter, volunteer, and parade contingent, visit Pistahan.net.

The Pistahan Parade and Festival is the largest celebration of Filipino art, culture, dance, food, and music in the U.S. For the third year in a row, global audiences will be able livestream the two-day event via K umu, Facebook Live, and Y ouTube Live. he th istahan arade ic s off the festival weekend on Saturday, Aug. 13 , and is a colorful display of Filipino community pride and diversity, featuring festi e floats cultural dance groups

musical performances, and community organizations. The Parade will begin at the Civic Center, proceed up Market Street, and end at Y erba B uena Gardens.

The free two-day outdoor event will feature cultural performances, worldclass entertainment, food trucks, artisan merchandise, and hands-on and authentic cultural ex periences in six themed pavilions: Art, Culinary, Dance, Health, Innovation, and Sports. The Festival supports local artisans, food vendors, entrepreneurs, and more, and provides opportunities for guests to discover Philippine history, heritage, and traditions.

The 29th Pistahan Parade and Festival’s featured artist is Manila’s Taipan Lucero. His CalligraFilipino – B aybain fine art calligraph is the centerpiece of this year’s Pistahan Parade and Festival poster ( see attached artwork) .

Lucero’s CalligraFilipino – which draws influence from elements of ilipino culture, such as our ancestors’ royal garbs and jewelry, the Maranao’s Okir, and the Pintados – has been featured by mainstream outlets on print, radio, television, and new media both in the Philippines and abroad. Lucero and numerous local artists will be showcased at this year’s Festival.

A full lineup of events and activities for the 29th Pistahan Parade and Fes-

tival will be announced at a later date.

About The Filipino American Arts Ex position ( FAAE) : The Filipino American Arts Ex position ( FAAE) is a vital part of the rich tapestry of cultures and ethnic communities of the San Francisco B ay Area through its promotion of ilipino merican art music film and dance. FAAE celebrates its ancestral heritage and contemporary traditions, broadening awareness and deepening the understanding of Filipino history, achievements, and culture. Founded in is a grassroots nonprofit organization that contributes to the artistic and cultural pride of the Filipino American community and strives to be a meaningful community tradition among the many great ethnic institutions of San Francisco. Follow FAAE at www.pistahan.net and on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter ( pistahanSF) .

ANG PAUNAWA AY IBINIBIGAY SA PAMAMAGITAN NITO na ang isang Pangkalahatang Halalang Munisipal ay gaganapin sa Lungsod ng Pleasanton sa Martes, Nobyembre 8, 2022, para sa mga sumusunod na Opisyal at (mga) Panukala: Para Alkalde

Buong panahon ng panunungkulan na dalawang taon

Para sa 2 Miyembro ng Konseho ng Lungsod

Buong panahon ng panunungkulan na apat na taon

Ang panahon ng pangmungkahi para sa mga katungkulang ito ay magsisimula sa Hulyo 18, 2022 at magsasara sa Agosto 12, 2022 sa 5 :00 ng hapon/ gabi.

Kung ang mga papel ng pamumungkahi para sa nanunungkulang opisyal ng lungsod ay hindi naiharap bago lumampas ang Agosto 12, 2022 ang mga botante ay may hanggang ika-83 araw bago ang halalan, Agosto 17, 2022, upang magmungkahi ng mga kandidato na iba sa (mga) tao na mga nanunungkulan sa ika-88 araw bago ang halalan, para sa inihahalal na katungkulan ng nanunungkulang iyon. Ang pagpapalawig na ito ay hindi angkop kung walang nanunungkulan na karapat-dapat ihalal.

Kung wala o iisang tao lamang ang iminungkahi para sa isang inihahalal na katungkulan, ang paghirang sa inihahalal na katungkulan ay maaaring gawin gaya ng nakasaad sa §10229, Kodigo sa mga Halalan ng Estado ng California.

Ang mga lugar ng botohan ay mananatiling bukas mula ika-7 ng umaga hanggang ika-8 ng gabi.

J oc elyn Kwong Klerk ng Lungsod Pinetsahan: Hulyo 14, 2022

25 July 14-20, 2022

 COMMUNITY NEWS

The ‘chronic rash’ of ageism in mainstream media B yPet er S c h ur man n E d i t or’ s N ot e: L as t mon t h , N ew Y ork M agaz i n e ran a l en gt h y profile of California Senator Dianne Feinstein, contrasting the senator’s age (she is 89) with a younger cohort of Democratic officials eager to take the mantle. That was followed by another piece from the New York Times featuring an image of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi seemingly intended to cast her age (82) in a negative light.

The pieces are part of a recent spate of stories faulting Democrats’ declining fortunes on the advanced age of its leadership. Journalist Paul Kleyman has covered issues on aging for 50 years and says the attacks on these and other elected officials belies an unquestioned prejudice in media and society against older adults. He spoke with EMS Editor Peter Schurmann about the latest spate of ageism in media and about the Journalists in Aging Fellows Program.

Y o u ju s t p u b lis h e d a lo n g p ie c e a b o u t a n e w c y c le o f a g e is m in m a in s tr e a m m e d ia . C a n y o u s u m m a r iz e w h a t y o u ’r e s e e in g a n d h o w p e r v a s iv e it is ?

What I am seeing is unfortunately like a chronic rash in the media of ageism that very often comes in spates like this. A couple of years ago there was reporting about how older people in the pandemic were using up too many of the limited number of vaccines.

That narrative kept rippling through the system, including an awful set piece on Saturday Night Live, all the while ignoring the pandemic’s impact on older populations – particularly Latinos and African Americans – who were dying in droves in nursing home settings.

More recently there was a big cover story in New Y ork Magazine about California Senator Dianne Feinstein and how she represents this “gerontocracy” – all these older elected officials who won t get out of the and make room for young Paul K leyman h as c o v er ed way people. One journalist on NPR i s s ues o n agi n g f o r 5 0 year s used the phrase “gerontological an d h ead s t h e Jo ur n ali s t s i n oligarchy” last week. Oligarchy A gi n g F ello w s h i p p r o gr am, is a er specific term referring n o w i n i t s 13t h year . to rich people controlling the

system for their own purpose. Feinstein and her peers are ex perienced, and yes, sometimes lock in an economic model; but then ou ha e to tal about that specificall o the generali ation has become, “Let’s move along these people in their 7 0s and 8 0s.”

Some of us like these people, like B ernie Sanders ( 8 0) , Elizabeth Warren ( 7 3 ) , and B ennie Thompson ( 7 4 ) , stalwart of the Jan 6 committee. I felt the need with one article after another to call this out.

T a r e p a r tly r e s p o n s ib le fo r th e n a tio n ’s p o litic a l g r id lo c k . H o w d o y o u s e e it?

5 0 years ago, in 197 2 I started work on my book “Senior Power: Growing Old Rebelliously.” What also happened 5 0 years ago was Woodward and B ernstein and the catchphrase they helped coin, “follow the money.” When you see attacks like this, “These greedy geezers, they’re taking everything,” suddenly you see articles about the need to cut back on social security, or funding for Medicare. Recently, as these attacks on Feinstein came up, the Washington Post ran an editorial, not an op-ed, saying, “Oh we need to cut back on social security because older people are taking too much for themselves.” When you start hearing that, you already know… follow the money. Who is going to gain from this? Wall Street is a prime ex ample. It has always looked at social securit as a trough of funding that cannot be siphoned off for other reasons. That is our money. It was created in the 193 0s to protect lower income working people. That is us. So all of the ageism around the surface and edges of this issue, there is always something behind it used to scare people that is phony.

The stereotypes are that older people aren’t’ capable of do-

ing a good job, or they aren’t tech savvy. And yet people who are 5 0+ or 65 + are increasingly becoming the highest-level tech consumers, they’re learning new tech at the highest levels. On the other hand, economists will say older people are healthier today and more capable and active, so they are not going to need so much in the wa of financial support lwa s remember there are lower income people across the board affected b isms of e er kind. Older middle-class whites are generally healthier, less so older adults of color. And even among those entering their later ears from middle-class bac grounds an estimated still find themsel es on fi ed and low incomes and ha ing to struggle with rising costs.

W h a t d o e s th e la te s t r e s e a r c h s h o w in te r m s o f is s u e s o n a g in g ?

Today you’ll see all these books and titles on ageism, and most are about how to age richer and sex ier and healthier. Dr. B ecca Levy is a social psychologist and epidemiologist at Y ale.

Her book, “B reaking the Age Code,” is backed by her own research over the last 3 0-4 0 years, and the main thing she concentrates on is showing the stereotypes in ageing that follow through our s stems in healthcare mong her findings there are no requirements for older people to be involved in things like pharmaceutical research, even in cases like drug trials on Parkinson’s disease. Doctors have to understand that certain medications metaboli e differentl as we age and we re not training that t goes to bone level in terms of ageism in our system.

H o w c a n m e d ia d o a b e tte r jo b o f in fo r m in g r e a d e r s a b o u t a g in g ?

They can just cover it, and that is the purpose and aim of our fellowship program ne of the di culties especiall for smaller media, is how to devote someone to a huge cross-cutting issue like ageing. We know this is an issue to cover, but where do we begin?

That is what the fellowship aims to do. We do our program with the biggest professional research society on ageing, the Gerontological Society of America ( GSA) and they have 5 ,000 members who are the ex perts on every aspect of ageing. We cover a wide variety of issues and help guide reporters on where they can start.

Paul K leyman is editor and co-founder of Generations B eat Online ( GB O) , a free e-newsletter covering issues on aging. He also co-founded the Journalists in Aging Fellowship, which celebrates its 13 th annual program this year. The fellowship is open to reporters in mainstream and ethnic media, in all languages. The deadline to apply is Aug. 1.

 COMMUNITY NEWS

July 14-20, 2022

26

Is Your Child Prepared To Have A Fun & Safe Youth facilities and features unveiled Summer? By We Can Do This COVID-19 Public Education Campaign at Presidio Tunnel Tops Whether it’s participating in a summer learning program, going to camp, or joining a new sports team, summer is an ex citing time for children to learn, play, and grow through new ex periences. However, if your child has not yet received their COVID-19 vaccine, they may not have the chance to enjoy this special time of year.

COVID-19 remains a public health concern and the long-term effects on children remain un nown B ut, there is good news. Parents and caregivers can now get their children 6 months through 5 years of age accinated with the fi er- io ech or oderna vaccines to better protect them from COVID-19. All children, including children who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get your child summer ready. COVID-19 vaccines are safe. he ha e undergone and will continue to undergo the most intensi e safet monitoring in history. Distribution of pediatric vaccinations for these younger children has started across the country, and will be available at thousands of pediatric practices, pharmacies ederall ualified ealth enters local health departments, clinics, and other locations this wee ere are some simple steps parents can ta e to ensure that their children are safe this summer, especiall as the participate in programs with other ids Get your child vaccinated. Vaccination is the best defense against severe illness. Children 5 years or younger can be vaccinated with whichever vaccine is a ailable either oderna or fi er- io ech Everyone 5 years or older should also get a COVID booster when eligible. Parents can reach out to their doctor, nurse, local pharmacy, or health department, or visit vaccines.gov to see where vaccines for children are available. ractice general safet measures a e sure our child nows about good handwashing techni ues and maintain a suppl of hand saniti er containing at least

60% alcohol. As many young children have yet to receive a vaccine, they should continue to wear the most protective, bestfitting mas a ailable for them. educe the ris of spreading COVID-19. K eep your child home if they are ex posed to COVID or show symptoms of illness. B efore participating in any group activity, or if you suspect your child might be ill, get your child tested. In case of a positive test, follow the CDC’s uarantine and isolation guidance and notif the group, team, or program being attended by your child.

K eep your child home if they are ex posed to COVID or show symptoms consistent with COVID. If your child has been in close contact with someone who has eep them home from their summer program for fi e da s get them tested and ta e precautions such as wearing a mas around others until day 10. If your child has any of the following s mptoms ou should eep them home get them tested and notif camp staff fe er or chills cough shortness of breath or di cult breathing fatigue muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. a e e tra precautions if our child is at high ris for se ere illness from hildren with certain health issues such as asthma diabetes obesit and sic le cell disease ha e a greater chance of getting er sic from al with your child’s health care provider to learn your options to help protect your child.

For more information on how COVID vaccines can ma e this the best summer et for our famil visit vaccines.gov.

Soc i al Se c ur i t y U pdat e

SOCIAL SECURITY IS HERE WHEN YOU’RE READY FOR RETIREMENT B yG r ac e S am s on Social Security Public A airs Specialist in ay

hen ou thin ou re read to retire we re here to help ou ma e an informed decision about when to appl for benefits Y ou should decide based on your individual and family circumstances. ould it be better for ou to start getting benefits earl with a smaller monthly amount over a longer period? Or perhaps wait for a larger monthl pa ment o er less time he answer is personal and depends on several factors, such as your current and anticipated cash needs, health, and your family histor on longe it ost importantl ou should stud our future financial needs and obligations and estimate our future ocial ecurit benefit he best and easiest wa to estimate our future ocial ecurit benefits is with a personal m ocial ecurit account ou can create our free account at www ssa go m account se y o u r account to see how much you might receive each month based on the age at which you want to start receiving benefits We encourage you to weigh all the factors carefully before deciding when to begin recei ing ocial ecurit benefits his decision affects the monthl benefit amount ou will recei e for the rest of our life and ma affect benefits for our sur i ors ocial ecurit s nline etirement esources Whether you’re ready to learn about, apply for, or manage our retirement benefits our online resources ma e it eas for ou to find the information you need. How easy? Y ou can do it from your computer, tablet, and even smartphone! n our website ou can · Get our publications. stimate our benefits with one of our man calculators. · Find your Full Retirement Age. earn about benefits for a spouse and famil members. ppl for benefits ange our benefits once ou start recei D r . S c o t t N guyen , an es t h es i o lo gi s t f r o m B o s t o n M as s ac h us eet s d i li gen t ly w o r k i n g ing them. ou and your loved ones can discover all these rean d ad v o c at i n g t h e C o v i d p r ev en t i o n t o Ysources at www.ssa.gov/retirement.

h elp t o r ed uc e t h e s p r ead o f t h e v i r us .

27 July 14-20, 2022

Offline

(From P age 13)

A friend of mine who heads a top 1,000 corporation told our viber group that reading that odd answer of Ferdinand Junior to a simple question only succeeded in giving him a headache. I’m sure he was joking when he said his ears bled.

Another buddy could only say, “We have six more years of this? ? ? ” This week, the 17t h president supposedly had COVID-19, and I wish him well. I hope he recovers quickly, then asks his respectable economic team to gi e him a briefing on conomics It isn’t that hard, actually.

While economics is not a precise science, it is considered a social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

If he does not understand the vagaries of micro and/or macro economics, the very least he can do is to consult with his economic team and ask them two things: One, what is the problem with the Philippine economy? And two, what is ( or are) the best solution to the problem?

Another thing. When faced with a question that he does not know the answer to, he should defer the matter. He can say, “Let me get back to you,” or maybe “I can give you a detailed answer to that later. I’ll send it to you via email.”

This way, he gives the impression that he is giving serious thought to matters that count. And nothing, but nothing, is more important at this stage of his presidenc that fi ing the countr s wobbly economy.

He must also show that he is on top of the situation, that he is in charge, and that there is no need to panic.

Finally, Marcos Jr. must stop winging it. No more nonsensical answers to serious questions, please.

Maybe someone should read him the Miranda warning. He has the right to remain silent. Anything he says can and will be used against him in a court of law.

To simplify, he should just shut the f@ ck up when he does not know the answer to any question.

Can I bill him a billion bucks for my sage advice?

In the Trenches

(From P age 12)

sidize the farm sector and dismantle the so-called rice cartel which has made middlemen richer at the expe nse of poor farmers. t is also more profitable to import rice than to grow the staple where there is no adequate storage and transport system. A huge portion of domestic production is wasted on antiquated farming and poor post-harvest practices.

An additional pressure is the rise of fertilizer costs and supply shortage due to the ussian- raine conflict ussia is one of the world’s biggest fertilizer suppliers.

B ut the biggest problem for Marcos is the livestock and poultry sector because of the global supply shortage brought about by tight supply of animal feed and the destructive African Swine Flu ( ASF) .

It nearly wiped out the hog population on mainland Luzon and some parts in Mindanao. lobal wheat suppl was also affected b the war in astern Europe. The Philippines imports wheat to be used as animal feed.

Marcos wants to raise corn production to cushion pressure from animal feed shortages.

The looming food crisis is Marcos’ toughest test as a leader. It will make or break his administration. He has put so much faith in the “Masagana” program. He should avoid mistakes made by his father’s rice production program by removing politics in the rice sufficienc program and trul help poor landless farmers His targets are quite ambitious but doable. Let’s hope the weather will cooperate and there will be less destructive typhoons in the months ahead.

(E di t or’ s N ot e: T he w ri t er M anue l M ogat o i s a P ul i t z er P ri z e winning Filipino journalist. His column first appeared on Press ne.

P H )

Health & Wealth

(From P age 12)

said that what mattered most of all was the DASH between those years. For that DASH represents all the time that she spent alive on earth and now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own, the CARS, … the HOUSE… the CASH. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our DASH.So think this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real and always try to understand the way other people feel.And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile… remembering that this special DASH might only last a little while.So when your eulogy is being read with your life’s action to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say

Hahn invites families to free “Lunch at the Library” program this summer LOS ANGELES— Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is promoting “Lunch at the Library” after the County accepted $ 5 6,25 0 grant from the California State Library to continue the free lunch program this summer.

The program provides free sack lunches for children and teens that can be picked up at participating Los Angeles County Libraries, including six libraries in Supervisor Hahn’s district.

“The Lunch at the Library program is one of the many ways our LA County Libraries have stepped up to meet the needs of their communities,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “This grant allows us to keep this program going this summer and I urge families with kids and teens to take advantage of it. Stop by one of the six participating libraries to pick up a free lunch, and a good book while you are at it.” he unch at the ibrar program offers free lunch for ids and teens and under eals are a ailable on a first come first ser ed basis at select libraries from 12 – 1 pm, either Mon – Fri or Tue – Fri, de-

pending on the location ( see schedule below) . There are no restrictions on family income. Parents & caregivers can pick up on behalf of children; kids and teens don’t need to be present but are welcome!

Since 2015 , LA County Library has been offering free nutritious lunches. Lunch at the Library keeps F r ee lun c h es f o r k i d s i n t een s children nourished during the summer available in South Whi er, months, helping to ensure that they re- Hun�ngton Park, South Gate, turn to school in the fall ready to learn. L yn w o o d , an d N o r w alk Lunch at the Library is a project of the California State Library in partnership with the California Library Association and supported with funds from the State of California.

about how you spent your DASH? n memor of anang hristina m offering complimentar autographed copies of the HISTORICITY OF JESUS ( ( Amazon price is $ 12.95 Paper B ack and $ 19.95 Hard Cover plus shipping and handling to our readers and the general public his offer is good onl in the nited tates until ul the first ear anniversary of the MY ANGEL RADIO SAN FRANCISCO. To get your autographed copies, just write or contact B OOK S MINISTRY , 7 01-8 th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94 118 Tel. ( 65 0) 4 3 8 -3 5 3 1 or ( 4 15 ) 5 8 4 -7 095 or email: artmadlaing@ gmail.com A T A T MAD A N is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed eal Estate roker (D E 00 59 ) in California since 98 . He is the founder of F TNESS F H MAN TY (aka F TNESS F CH ST) and ACAP N Y. Art is active Evangelist with the DEN ATE CH CH F CH ST in San Francisco, California SA.

on the son.

People sympathized with B ong B ong for having been a victim of cheating ( reportedly the “Switikmatic” election machines) when he ran for vice president in 2016.

B ong B ong observed what we often preach: “Less talk, less mistake. No talk, no mistake.” He avoided debates and press conferences.

He ran on a platform of “Unity”. People hearkened to the message.

Supporters of B ong B ong utilized Facebook, Y ou Tube, Messenger, TikTok and other social media to the fullest. They posted scenes of large crowds at his campaign rallies. They posted the speech of President Marcos during his visit to the White House, his singing duets with Mrs. Marcos, and other episodes favorable to the Marcos family. B ong B ong’s admirers posted his playing the sax ophone, his spirited singing of the B eatles song “Hey Jude” and amming with loomfields www bongbongmarcos com ne commentator said “B ravo sir B ongbong. Hindi lang pang presidente kundi pang rock star pa.”

B ong B ong was proclaimed President of the Philippines b ongress on a and too the oath of o ce on une 3 0, 2022.

Congratulations again President Ferdinand “B ong B ong” Romualdez Marcos, Jr. We pray that you succeed in your goals for the sake of the Filipino people.

Was B ong B ong’s victory a matter of Destiny or Timing?

If destiny, did B ong B ong control his destiny?

(Atty. Emmanuel Samonte Tipon was a Fulbright and SmithMundt scholar to Yale aw School where he obtained a Master of aws degree speciali ing in Constitutional aw. He has a achelor of aws degree from the niversity of the Philippines. He is admitted to practice before the .S. Supreme Court, New York, and the Philippines. He practices federal law, with emphasis on immigration law and appellate federal criminal defense. He was the Dean and a Professor of aw of the College of aw, Northwestern niversity, Philippines. He has written law books and legal articles for t h e w orl d ’ s mos t pres t i gi ou s l egal pu b l i s h er an d w ri t es c ol u mn s f or newspapers. He wrote the best-seller inning by Knowing Your Election aws. isten to The Tipon eport which he co-hosts with his son Attorney Emmanuel Noel Tipon. t is considered the most witty, interesting, and useful radio show in Hawaii. KND 2 0 AM band every Thursday at 8 00 a.m. Atty. Tipon was born in aoag City, Philippines. E-Mail filamlaw yahoo.com. ebsite https w w w . t i pon l aw . c om.

MindSparks

(From P age 12 )

with the Filipino nation.

The party list parties did not do any better in promoting nationalism and shared interests. In fact, they did and did worse, promoting narrower interests. With groups as B ikol Saro, An Waray, Ako B isaya, Ako B isdak B isayang Dako, AMIN ( Anak Mindanao) , Moro-Ako – OK , K usog Tausog, Uma Illongo, AB EK A ( Ang K apampangan) , and ANGAT PINOY ( Nagkakaisang Pilipino para sa Pag-angat ng Maralitang Manileno) , among others, claiming to represent regional, provincial, tribal territories or people speaking same dialects, the notion of one Filipino people becomes less important.

Not all party list parties enumerated above gained seats in the House of Representatives. However, other party list groups representing e en more limited specific interests that should be included in what the district representatives should advance, without entailing additional ex penditures for the national government, gained seats.

“The foremost national hero of the Philippines taught and left us with great and noble ideas to learn from. They will be nothing more than an academic ex ercise and hollow calls if not adhered to, applied, and followed by the people to who he gave his life for.”

Rizal believed in a representative government, a system where the people elect the government. Electing leaders to run the government is the responsibility of the people. Thus, a country deserves every government it elects, assuming that elections were freely held.

For Rizal, each individual was given a will of their own to distinguish between the just and the unjust. If the people do not wisely make use of that will, resulting in the choice of an undeserving leader, no one else may be held responsible for whatever may result therefrom.

The foremost national hero of the Philippines taught and left us with ex cellent and noble ideas to learn from. They will be nothing more than an academic ex ercise and hollow calls if not adhered to, applied, and followed by the people to who he gave his life for.

What’s Up Atty

(From P age 12)

across the street from their home in B atac. He was surrounded by thousands.

We saw him vote, took his picture, and congratulated him.

Most of the voters were not even born or were too young to remember martial law which was the main issue against B ong B ong. These young voters voted overwhelmingly for B ong B ong.

They did not believe that martial law was that bad or that Marcos, Sr. was an evil person.

When I visited President Marcos in Makiki Heights in Honolulu where he was a virtual prisoner, I asked him if he was going to fight the alleged martial law ictims who had filed a class action lawsuit against him. I told him that I had read their complaint and that a class action was improper because there was no “commonality” among their grievances and that the U.S. courts had no jurisdiction because the alleged acts took place outside the United States. He replied with a wave of his hand “B ay bay amon” ( “Never mind”) . He said that he never ordered any body to be harmed during martial law. “I do not even know these people,” he ex claimed. f wanted to harm an bod will go after those fighting me li e Salonga or Tanada. B ut I have not done so.”

Right minded people who supported B ong B ong believed in the B ible that the sins of the father ( if any) should not be visited

Ken Go

(From Page 20)

for my escrow to cover taxe s, insurance, and mortgage insurance? ome lenders ha e decided to allow certain loan modifications In some cases, they will allow the monthly payment to be changed later in the life of the loan, to include the amount missed during the forbearance.

However, the main confusion for consumers right now is the fact that most lenders will not necessarily require a lump sum payment after the forbearance period ends.

I think some people are panicked that if they get a forbearance, they have to pay it all back immediately.

That’s one option, or they can enter into a payment plan if they can’t make the lump sum, and if they can’t make a repayment plan work, there are other options available to them.

If you work out a forbearance or deferment plan with your lender and don’t just skip payments, it can protect your credit.

So far, It doesn’t show a positive or a negative, but it doesn’t show like a missed payment.

So if you were to ignore it and just not pay anything and pretend it will go awa that s absolutel going to affect our credit report in the long run. B ut the forbearance or deferment is a neutral. It’s not positive or negative on the credit report, but it’s a lot better than having missed payments on your mortgage.

One caveat to keep in mind is that if you can pay your mortgage, pay it, and don’t ask for relief.

B e Safe and Lets Pray for everyone to be safe and this Covid crisis to go away. Thanks for your inquiries, please call K en Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group 562- 508- 7048.

CAB RE 01021223 NMLS 238636.

 HEALTH NEWS

July 14-20, 2022

28

COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, deaths rise in LA County; wearing of masks pushed o rlinda

aufit - cases hospitali ations and deaths continued to increase during the past two weeks in the os ngeles ount prompting count health o cials to call anew for the wearing high-quality respirator masks and getting tested.

B arbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, director of the county’s Department of Public Health made the call, pointing out that masking and testing are critical steps to slowing the spread of COVID-19, as vaccination, boosters, and therapeutics remain key strategies for reducing serious illness and death.

At press time, the Department of Public Health reported 14 additional deaths and 5 ,17 0 new positive cases, raising the total number of deaths in L.A. County to 3 2,4 64 .

In a statement, the department also reported a total of 3 ,18 3 ,3 5 9 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County since the pandemic started.

The county’s positivity rate is 16.3 % , the department added.

There are 1,15 3 people with COVID-19 currently hospitali ed according to the department adding testing results are available for more than 12,23 8 ,5 63 individuals,

with 23 % of people testing positive. he epartment of ublic ealth recogni es that when we return to universal indoor masking to help reduce high spread, for many this will feel like a step backwards,” errer said in a statement sent to hilippine ews oda t ma be more useful to recogni e that we ha e a er rich toolkit that we can use to cope with the uncertainty of the trajectory of the pandemic. All of the tools we have can help us get through different challenges she said hen transmission is er high uni ersal indoor masking makes a lot of sense and helps us reduce risk. hen transmission is lower it is appropriate to return to masking recommendations,” Ferrer added.

“Thank you to the millions of LA County residents who continue to take care of each other. Y our actions make a difference and help protect our entire communit from the worst impacts of the pandemic,” she said. hile ount remains at the enters for isease Control and Prevention ( CDC) designated COVID-19 Community Level of Medium, the county is very likely to move into High later this week as the rate of daily new admissions continues to increase, the department reported. sing ount specific data the count was at

8 .8 new admissions per 100,000 people. Once the county reaches 10 new admissions per 100,000 residents, the county will enter the High Community Level.

Should the county remain in the High Community Level designation for two consecutive weeks, universal indoor masking, in alignment with the CDC, would be implemented across LA County.

Fueling the high rates of transmission is the increased circulation of new highly transmissible Omicron sub-variants, according to the department.

The Omicron variant continues to account for 100% of the sequenced specimens, with a steady increase in the proportions of the B A.4 and B A.5 subvariants. To date, Public Health has detected a total of 67 7 positive, sequenced specimens of these two subvariants – 28 5 of B A.4 and 3 92 of B A.5 .

In the week ending June 18 , B A.4 and B A.5 accounted for 4 0% of all specimens sequenced, which is over 2.5 times higher than just two weeks prior. The CDC estimates that, across the country, as of the week ending July 2 - the B A.4 and B A.5 subvariants of Omicron combined accounted for just over 7 0% of specimens, a considerable increase from the 3 9% just two weeks ago.

BA.2.75 – A killer?

Heart of Hope

In the continuing saga of the SARS-CoV2 virus, which has mutated into various strains since it was first disco ered in uhan China, on December 8, 2019, to the vicious killer Delta, then Omicron, and its super-contagious substrains, B A.4 and B A.5, the current dominant variant, PHILIP S. CHUA a newly spawned mutant, B A.275, has evolved and invaded numerous countries including the United States.

Scientists believe that B A.2.75 may be a more e cient super-spreader and get around immunit from vaccines and previous infection. The clinical virology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, says “the rates of transmission are showing kind of that expone ntial increase,” and “whether it will outcompete B A.5 is yet to be determined.”

Could B A.2.75 be a more deadly strain than other Omicron variants? That is still unclear since it is so new, and greater clinical observation is needed to know more about its eventual clinical behavior and impact on our health.

As to be expe cted when the full-vaccination rate of a nation is only 67 percent like the United States, with 3 percent ( about 110 million) unvaccinated and the most likely target of the virus and become potential spreaders of COVID-19 infection, the coronavirus will continually replicate and mutate in the bodies of these 110 million unprotected people, to churn out new variants, ad libitum. So, it is possible that the 24 Greek Alphabets, from Alpha to Omega, could all be used up before this pandemic truly comes to an end - if it ever leaves us at all.

Universal vaccine Since the protective immunity conferred by all current vaccines for COVID-19 wanes in about 6 months or less fi er and io ech mounted a new clinical trial for universal COVID-19 vaccine candidates. The study is led by a research team from the University of olorado nschut edical ampus in urora he will include T-cell enhancing shots and pan-coronavirus shots that “protect against the broader family of viruses and its mutations.” The major challenge for this vaccine is whether or not it will be able to maintain e cac as the virus mutates.” Even with a universal vaccine,

no doubt a life-saver, the greater dilemma, as the past couple of years have shown, is some people’s hesitancy, reluctance, and rejection of the COVID-19 vaccines. n analog e ma de elop superior and more protective state-of-the-art bullet-proof vests ( a metaphor for the universal vaccines) in our war against this invisible enem with billions of stealth irus-bullets fl ing all around us, but if people refuse to “wear” them because they have the constitutional freedom of choice to refuse them and behave the way they want regardless of potential harm to other people, the advances in science and technology and expe nsive resources would be greatly wasted.

More than 1,046,232 have died out of the total 90,491,960 COVID-19 cases in the United States as of July 12, 2022, with 7- day average cases of 108,652 and 323 deaths a day. In the Philippines, the total is 3,721,413 ( 1362 new cases) and 60,640 deaths. There have been greater than 12 billion COVID-19 vaccines administered around the world, proving how safe and effecti e the are M on k e yp oxw in n in g Expe rts have commented the monkeypox outbreak should have been easy to contain because the virus, unli e the irus does not spread e cientl exc ept through intimate contact, and tests and vaccines were at hand before the current outbreak.” The United States has fallen short at every turn as it did with the COVID-19 pandemic, which raises great concern about the nation’s ability to battle future national health crises.

The global toll of monkeypox ( in more than 58 countries) has gone beyond 8,100 cases ( mostly men who had sex with men) , the largest international outbreak the world has seen. So far, there is no report of Monkeypox in the Philippines. There are now at least 700 cases in the United States and the number is expected to go much higher. This is evidently the failure in this country to take public health seriously as it did with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seemingly a sexua lly transmitted disease like syphilis, which is associated with genital sores and lesions in the groin, monkeypox, with similar wounds, could also be transmitted through bod fluids from these infected areas. There were more than 130,000 new cases of syphilis in 2020 alone, among heterosexua ls too, more than 50 pe rcent were among those ages 15 t o 24.

Aggressive testing for syphilis is vital and helpful even in the diagnosis and management of monkeypox. Since it only requires one shot of penicillin to treat

syphilis, the successful treatment of syphilis and elimination of the genital sores will help in the diagnosis of monkeypox, which will not respond to penicillin and retain its lesions in the groin. There is no cure for monkeypox but there are several antiviral medications for smallpox t hat may help patients with monkeypox.

Masks, isolation, vaccines The COVID-19 pandemic has been with us for 949 days ( more than 2.6 years) and yet some people, ( disappointingly, including some physicians and nurses) , still do not believe in quarantine ( like, isolating an infected spouse from the other at home, or an infected mother from her healthy child) . And there are countless individuals, in spite of their education, who do not accept the protective value of masks, distancing, and the accines ith the predicted fifth wa e as new strains of the virus evolve, it is sad to see people putting their guards down this early. Some even curse those who are vaccinated, still masking ( which protects others also) and distancing, being careful, trying to evade the virus for a wise reason.

The failure of the government in educating the public about the SARS-CoV2 virus promptly and adequately ( in vivid understandable detail) is one of the reasons why the COVID-19 pandemic was able to kill more than one million in the United States alone and why it will be with us for more years to come. The misinformed antivax, anti-mask, civil rights protestors and the political correctness spewed b some of our public o cials with their own agenda, are the other reasons for the unrelenting COVID-19 infections in the country. Public education ( thorough and comprehensive) about this virus is vital if we are to thwart more infections and elude more preventable deaths.

How many more COVID-19 deaths do we need to wise up and accept the fact that the vaccines, masking, and social distancing will safel and effecti el reduce our risk?

Like ignorance or misinformation, arrogance and bra ado could be deadlier than the irus e need humility and wisdom to defeat this invisible enemy.

P hi l i p S. C hua, M D , FA C S, FP C S, a C ardi ac Sur geon E meri t us bas ed i n N ort hw es t I ndi ana and L as V egas , N ev ada, i s an i nt ernat i onal medi c al l ec t ur er/ aut hor , H eal t h A dv oc at e, ne w s paper c ol um ni s t , and C hai rman of t he Fi l i pi no U ni t ed N et w ork - U SA , a 501( c )3 humani t ari an f oundat i on i n t he U ni t ed St at es . W ebs i t es : FU N 8.c om, T oday .SP SA t oday .c om, and phi l i pSc hua.c om E mai l : s c al pel pen@ gmai l .c om

29 July 14-20, 2022

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS The Bible for Us

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

By TIM PEDROSA

Whenever our life is like a life on the river, let us send our worries downstream, watch every sunset and let the current give us strength. Rivers never go reverse. So try to live like a river. Forget your past and focus on your future. Always be positive! Let us take walks on lazy days or play in the sand and make memories. Life is a circle of happiness, sadness, sad times, and good times. Let us have faith that good times are on the way if we are going through hard times i e a boo life has man different chapters for us. One bad chapter does not mean that it is the end of the entire book.

Sometimes in life we just need a hug, not words not advice, just a hug to make us feel better. I have learned that to feel happy, we don’t have to ex pect anything from anyone. Ex pectations always hurt. Life is short, so let us love life, be happy and keep smiling. Let us see the brighter side of things, create our own future destiny and give it all we got. Let us remember that God is guiding, leading and showing the way. The closer we get to God, the more we become gracious, generous humble, magnetic, attractive irresistible charming adorable elegant magnificent and wonderful person Let us also remember that as we breathe right now, another person takes his last. So let us stop complaining, and learn to live our life with what we have.

Life is like a camera, focus on what is important, capture the good times develop from the negatives and if things don’t work out take another shot.

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, or the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. Life is like an arrow, we have to take a step back to propel into the future, go to our own way, focus and aiming et us alwa s remember that di cult times will launch us into something great. An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging us bac with di culties it means it is going to launch us into something great. Life is like an arrow, we have to take a step back to propel into the future, go to our own way, focus and keep aiming.

Let us always remember that di cult times will launch us into something great! An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward.

So when life is dragging us back with di culties it means it is going to launch us into something great. Life is like a bicycle, you won t fall off unless you stop peddling, it is all about balance.

Challenge your limits but always remember life is not a race but journey.

W

e believe that “God’s word is li ing and effecti e sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart ( Heb. 4 : 12) .” The B ible, the Sacred Scriptures, is important for us Christians. Our Catholic Christian stand is that the Sacred Revelation is both the Sacred Tradition and the Sacred Scriptures, REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD we call the B ible. This Sacred Revelation is safeguarded by the Magisterium of the Church. The Magisterium refers to the Apostles and their successors; they are the ones entrusted to preserve and proclaim the teachings and truths of our faith. The Old Testament is the Tanak; the B ible of the Hebrew or Jewish people. The New Testament contains the writings or books written about the life, words, and works of our Lord Jesus Christ. Moreover, it contains the teachings and deeds of the Apostles and relevant stories of the first hristian communities hus our ible at present has the ld and the New Testament; and all the books in it are what our faith, and by mandate of our Mother Church, holds as canonical, inspired by God and free of error. We take the words of St. Paul to Timothy: “All Scriptures is inspired

by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work ( 2 Tim. 3 : 16-17 ) .” There is much to sa about the ible but su ce it as our little introduction e en presume you already know many things about the Scriptures, dear reader. Y et, I want us to ha e a discourse and reflection about the ol ords of od for in many occasions the B ible becomes an instrument of division instead of unity, of confusion rather than consolation, or even worse to push away people instead of gathering them to God in Christ Jesus.

I would like us to be reminded of some basic truths how we as Catholics take the B ible: First, the B ible is not a book, one book, but we have to understand it is actually a library of books. Since it is a library of books; so, the writers are many. The times of the writing of the books span for man ears with influences also of culture customs and languages of peoples nd since these are man boo s the are of different iterar Genre. Consequently, we cannot take and understand the B ible, and the words that we read, with our current contemporary mentality. We must be aware of this in order that we may not subject the Scriptures to our own personal preferences and subjective thinking. Moreover, we must pay attention to the different literar genres of these boo s in the ible here is a great temptation to read and interpret what we read according to our mindset and based from our own ex periences. We are to read the B ible as we are taught by our Mother Church, since it is from Her guidance through the Magisterium that we will be safeguarded from falling into errors and heresies.

Second, we are to remind ourselves that the B ible is not a historical book according to how we understand history in our human studies. The B ible is more than that; it is a Divine Story. The story of God’s relation and inter ention in li es of a people or peoples in the li es of different persons and especially and most importantly about Jesus Christ, the Son of God who became human; so that, we might be saved and be reconciled to God. The mindset, therefore, is that the B ible is not about us but rather about God; and His great love for humanity that calls for us to reciprocate. Our reciprocation will not add something to od but it is more to our benefit and best interest. Minding this truth, we will read the B ible with a grateful and docile heart.

Lastly, we read and understand the words of the B ible in union with all the Apostles, the Fathers of the Church, and all the faithful in our One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. That is why we have the Magisterium to help and guide us in this matter. Our primary duty is to translate what we read into practice not to interpret it to our liking and to suit our lifestyle. We read the B ible to train us for righteousness and holiness of life, as our Lord Jesus told us: “B e perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect ( Mt. 5 : 4 8 ) .” The Sacred Scriptures are words of God for our time and for all times. The Holy Spirit is at work in our time, and He is the Divine Presence and Power behind the words that we read in the B ible. May we follow His biddings always that speaks to us through the words we read from the B ible. Amen.

Aflame The Heart

LIFE IS LIKE WHAT?

31 July 14-20, 2022  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Pinoy Roast Pork, Tocino Style Pinoy Roast Pork, Tocino Style is the New Y ear special, it is another innovative dish that is uniquely Pinoy.

Roast Pork is commonly serve in special occasions including the Christmas Season .i To prepare the skinned pork roast, slit cut the fats in diagonal patterns about half an inch diamonds. Then rub with a mix ture of salt, sugar, garlic powder and paprika powder and let marinate for at least a day or longer the better.

B aking it the usual temperature and timing, ex cept that the pork roast has to be placed in the baking dish upside down and including the marinade during the first half of roasting t is then flip o er and continue to roast with occasional basting using the drips from the roasting por uring the final stage of roasting the dripping is collected then thickened by boiling out the ex cess liquid. The reduced sauce is then use as glazing for the roast and used as sauce for the final product o not worr about internal temperature ino s want their meat properl cooked so stick to the roasting times. The roast pork has to be set aside covered with aluminium foil to rest, this is to ensure that the roast pork is well cooked inside out. o conclude the slits on the fat outer co ering was essential for the marinade to penetrate the meat t would have been better if the pork was left to marinate for a couple of days to reach to the center, but the reserve sauce dip will compensate it. Alternately during the last roasting stage the pork roast is sliced then individually applied with the glaze and continue to roast till done.

I n g r e d ie n ts : 1 kilo Pork Loin Roast, about 4 ribs rack 1 cup white sugar 1 tbsp. salt 2 tbsp. garlic powder 1-2 tbsp. paprika powder T o se r v e : garlic fried rice sunny side up fried eggs C o o k in g p r o c e d u r e : Remove the skin of the pork roast leaving most of the fat. Make diagonal crisscross slit cuts on the outer fat co ering the si e of inch diamonds and deep enough to penetrate the meat and eep aside n bowl mi the salt, sugar, garlic powder and paprika powder. Rub and coat the pork roast with the sugar mix ture. Place the coated pork roast in a thermo glass loaf baking dish including the remaining sugar mix ture, cover and place in the refrigerator and let marinate for at least 1day, occasionally turning over the pork roast for even marination. re-heat o en to to ta e the por roast out in the refrigerator and let stand outside till the temperature has increased to outside temperature. Ensure that the pork roast in the baking dish is positioned upside down and the fat and meat are facing the bottom of the baking dish, submerged with the marinade. Cover and seal the baking dish with aluminium foil and place in the rack at the middle of the oven and let bake for about 1 hour at to ow remo e the roasting por from the o en and transfer in a larger ba ing dish reser e the drippings, this time place the pork roast with the fats and meats facing up and the ribs facing the bottom of the ba ing dish eturn to the o en and roast for about to minutes at to monitoring the temperature decrease the temperature as necessar n the meantime using a small saucepan reduce the reser ed drippings to a syrupy consistency. Using the syrup baste the roasting pork about halfway then again on the last 2 to minutes of roasting increasing the temperature to about this will result a gla ed and seared effect on the fats. When done remove from the oven and cover with aluminium foil and let stand for about 10 minutes to rest. To serve slice individual ribs, arrange in a platter with garlic fried rice and fried egg. And pour over a couple of tablespoon of the syrup.

Sagada reopens natural caves for tourists SAGADA, Mt. Province – “Revenge tourists” or travelers whose trips have been held back by lockdowns due to the pandemic can finally marvel anew at the splendor of Sagada’s famous natural caves after the town swung open its doors. unicipal tourism o cer aria Teresa Abad urged tourists to register online via https: //umali-kayo. sagada.gov.ph/views/pages/tourist/ accommodations.php to generate a quick response ( Q R) code, which will be required at the border checkpoint upon entering the Sagada-Dantay Road from the national highway.

“We are now open. We have allowed two bus lines to transport tourists and locals from B aguio City,” she said in a PNA report.

Abad said women who are in charge of the border checkpoint will also require tourists to be fully vaccinated and must show their vaccination cards, before being allowed to enter the place.

GL Trans and Coda Lines, which have scheduled daily trips, can ac-

commodate fully vaccinated tourists. bad howe er clarified that for now, only the Sumaguing Cave, Lumiang Cave, and the B alangagan Cave have been opened to tourists for trekking.

She said the other destinations, meanwhile, are undergoing rehabilitation and thus are still closed to the public. bad howe er clarified that for now, only the Sumaguing Cave, Lumiang Cave, and the B alangagan Cave have been opened to tourists for trekking.

She said the other destinations, meanwhile, are undergoing rehabilitation and thus are still closed to the public.

Abad said the local government made sure all establishments and tour guides were ready to take in tourists again before the decision to reopen the town was made.

Sagada, which continues to maintain its serene environment, has become a popular tourist destination, especially among foreigners.