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JANUARY 12-18, 2024 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages

T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r

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Pres. Marcos, Widodo discuss South China Sea amid rising tensions by Gaea Katreena CabiCo Philstar.com

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Indonesian President Joko Widodo discussed Wednesday. January 10 developments in the South

South China Sea.” The two leaders also tackled enhanced cooperation among member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

China Sea and regional cooperation initiatives during their meeting in Manila. In a joint press conference after their bilateral meeting, Marcos said he and Widodo had a “fruitful and honest discussion on regional events of mutual interest such as the developments in the

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Seeking luck, miracles, redemption: 6M flock to Nazarene

Andrei Gianan is remembered for his ”infectious smile, his goofy personality and his big heart.” Image from GoFundMe

Fil-Am shot dead on New Year’s Day, family appeals for help

by Dexter Cabalza, russel P. loreto Inquirer.net

LOS ANGELES – Filipino American Andrei “Nico” Gianan was shot dead in Manhattan Beach on New Year’s Day and his family appeals for help identifying his killer. Andrei Gianan, 24, was working his shift at Wingstop in San Pedro on New Year’s Eve before making his way to Manhattan Beach to attend a party. Around 1 a.m. on Jan. 1, he was shot in the head by an unidentified assailant at the intersection of 11th and Peck Ave. in Manhattan Beach. “This was a total, senseless act of violence and he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time,” the victim’s sister, Nina Gianan, wrote on a GoFundMe page that

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You can now report scammers to FTC in Tagalog THE Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a new strategy for battling fraud. its Language Access Initiative now provides interpreters who can take fraud reports and provide advice in many more languages than just English and Spanish. New language choices available include Tagalog. At a recent press briefing the federal agency hosted with Ethnic Media Services – simultaneously translated into Spanish, Korean and Mandarin – two FTC officials and a lawyer/journalist described how the new multilingual services work and some of the ways they’re expected to help protect consumers. “We’ve long had the ability to hear from people in English and Spanish,” said Monica Vaca, deputy director in the FTC’s Bureau

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APPEAL FOR CLEMENCY. Cesar and Celia Veloso (extreme left and 2nd from left), parents of Mary Jane Veloso, and her children appeal to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Indonesian President Widodo for clemency, at Mendiola Bridge, Manila on Wednesday, Jan. 10. Mary Jane was arrested in Indonesia for drug trafficking in 2010 and was sentenced to death. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

MANILA — Gina Catabay, 54, walked barefoot from her home in Quezon City toward Manila, hoping to touch or kiss the Black Nazarene, an icon of a dark-skinned Jesus Christ, as its carriage was pulled through the streets of the capital, in one of the world’s biggest displays of religious devotion. On Tuesday, January 9 she was one of an estimated 3.3 million Catholic faithful who celebrated the return of the traditional “Traslacion,” or grand procession, after a threeyear hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’ve walked this path since childhood… It feels like a conversation with the Divine for my mother’s recovery,” Catabay said. Like many of her fellow devotees, Catabay was praying for a miracle — that her 87-year-old mother, who is battling cancer, be healed. Many Filipinos believe the icon has miraculous healing powers and that touching it, or the ropes

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Marcos to see Duterte ‘if he wants a meeting’ by Germelina laCorte, Jerome aninG Inquirer.net

MANILA — Malacañang on Sunday, January 7 said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to a meeting with his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte after the former president said on Saturday, January 6 that he wanted to talk to Marcos regarding embattled network Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). “President Marcos is always available to President Duterte. The president will contact him now to ask if he wants a meeting,” Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil told reporters in a message on Viber. Duterte cohosted on SMNI “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” (From the Masses,

for the Masses), one of two programs that the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board suspended on Dec. 18, in part due to Duterte’s earlier remarks against ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, which prompted the lawmaker to sue the former president for grave threat. The next day, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ordered the network’s operations suspended, following a resolution by the House of Representatives recommending that action, citing SMNI’s alleged violations of the terms of its franchise. ‘I have not crucified him’ In his first press conference with Davao media on Saturday night, a recording of which was posted by some broadcasters

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President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (L) and Vice President Sara Duterte. File photos from Malacañang & Marianne Bermudez

Pulse Asia: Marcos’ approval rating jumps by 3%, Duterte gains 1%

stated Pulse Asia. J m 7 of 10 Pinoys unhappy Meanwhile, the trust rating Senator criticizes plan to of the chief executive also government handling MANILA — The approval increased by two points, from trust ratings of President 71 percent in September 2023 import jeepneys from China with Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos to 73 percent December 2023. of inflation – Pulse Asia and In June 2023, the president’s Jr. bounced back in December by ean

anGaluz Inquirer.net

by Cristina Chi

MANILA — Seven of 10 Filipinos are not happy with the way the Marcos administration is handling inflation, or the rate of increase in the prices of basic goods and services. According to a Pulse Asia survey conducted from Dec. 3 to Dec. 7 last year, 73 percent of Filipinos disapproved of the Marcos administration’s performance on inflation, the national issue that concerns them the most. Only 9 percent gave it the thumbs-up. Because of this, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. got a net approval rating on controlling inflation of -64, the lowest among

Philstar.com

MANILA — Sen. Raffy Tulfo has expressed opposition to the government’s alleged plan to import modern jeepney units from China to replace the traditional jeepney vehicles even as modern jeepneys made by local manufacturers are more affordable — a move that he said “reeks of corruption.” Tulfo said that local jeepney manufacturers can produce modern vehicles at a lower price

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Traditional jeepneys at the FTI terminal in Taguig City.

Philstar.com photo

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2023, according to a new Pulse Asia survey released on Monday, January 8. Marcos’ approval rating took a nosedive in September 2023, suffering a double-digit drop. His popularity rating was 80 percent in June 2023, dropping 15 points or 65 percent in September 2023. Now, the President’s rating increased by 3 points, currently standing at 68 percent. “The President and the VicePresident both have majority approval scores in every area,”

rating was at 85 percent. Vice President Sara Duterte’s approval rating also rose by one percent after a significant decline in September 2023. Duterte’s December 2023 approval rating was higher than Marcos’ at 74 percent. Her trust rating is also higher than the chief executive at 78 percent. The survey was held from December 3 to 7, 2023. It was participated by 1,200 respondents across the country. n

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JANUARY 12-18, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

From The FronT Page

Senator criticizes plan to import...

PAGE 1 than the cost of importing China-made jeepneys, which are pegged at P2.6 to P2.9 million per unit. “Our waters in the West Philippine Sea are already being occupied by China. Will we let our roads be occupied by them?” Tulfo said in Filipino. Tulfo cited as an example the price points of vehicles made by local manufacturers Sarao and Francisco Motors, which he said make modern jeepneys that cost P900,000 to P985,000 a piece. The senator added that the government can save around P1.7 million per unit if they choose a local manufacturer instead of a Chinese company and FEAST OF STO. NIÑO. A Catholic faithful holds an image of the Sto. Niño outside the Sto. Niño de Tondo Church in Manila on Wednesday, that prioritizing Filipino vehicle makers would Jan. 10. The Augustinian friars of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño said the 459th year celebration of Fiesta Señor would officially start on create thousands of jeepneys and job opportunities Thursday, Jan. 11. PNA photo by Yancy Lim for local workers. Sarao Motors is a known Filipino manufacturer that has become synonymous with jeepneys in the Philippines. As early as 2014, the company has been working on a prototype that updates the traditional jeepney unit to include air conditioning and other features. “[We also agreed] for ASEAN off in the waterway. PAGE 1 Sarao Motors’ plans to create electric jeepneys “The Philippines and to continue to uphold the China claims almost the entire hit a snag in March 2023, a company representative Indonesia affirmed our principles of international law South China Sea, encompassing insistence on the universality and become a positive force for waters and islands close to told TeleRadyo, due to a delay in receiving of the 1982 United Nations peace, stability, and prosperity,” its neighbors’ shores. It has technologically advanced materials needed to Convention on the Law of the the Indonesian leader said. ignored an international tribunal Sea (UNCLOS), which sets Last month, ASEAN foreign ruling in 2016, which stated that out the legal framework that ministers expressed concern its claims have no legal basis. governs all activities in the over heightened tensions in the Manila and Jakarta also agreed oceans and the seas,” Marcos South China Sea and called on to strengthen cooperation on said. all parties involved to engage in border security by expediting Widodo also said that they peaceful dialogue. the revision of agreements on agreed on the importance Tensions between the border patrol and agreement of strengthening unity and Philippines and China have as well as discussion on the centrality among the Southeast flared up in recent months, with settlement of continental Asian bloc. vessels from both nations facing boundaries. n

Pres. Marcos, Widodo discuss...

comply with the government’s modernization program. Meanwhile, Elmer Francisco, the owner of Francisco Motors, said in a radio interview in December that their electric jeep will be completely made with locally sourced materials and cost P985,000 each. According to a policy brief by the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies in 2023, modern jeepneys are relatively more expensive than traditional units because even though their parts are assembled locally, these use “imported parts and equipment sourced from huge corporations abroad.” In 2022, Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said that the department was working with a transport cooperative that plans to import electric mini buses from China. The House of Representatives is set to conduct a probe this week on allegations of corruption hounding the PUV modernization program. This comes after House Speaker Martin Romualdez said that his office received reports that current transport officials colluded with former officials to negotiate the imported modern jeepney units that will replace the traditional vehicles. n

7 of 10 Pinoys unhappy with government... PAGE 1 the 16 issues rated in the Pulse Asia survey. Controlling inflation was a top concern of the majority across all geographic areas, with 75 percent in Mindanao and in the Visayas, 71 percent in Luzon outside of Manila, and 69 percent in Metro Manila considering it the top national issue. Among Class ABC, 61 percent deemed inflation an urgent national concern. Class D (72 percent) and Class E (81 percent) also considered it a top concern. Inflation in the Philippines accelerated to a 14-year high of 8.7 percent in January 2023 primarily due to the surge in local consumer demand and lofty global commodity prices. Fortunately, it started cooling down late last year. Inflation, as measured by the increase in the consumer price index, eased to a 22-month low

of 3.9 percent year-on-year in December 2023 from 4.1 percent in November, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Jobs, poverty Aside from inflation, Pulse Asia also asked 1,200 respondents to rate the administration’s performance on other national issues. Increasing the pay of workers, creating more jobs, and reducing poverty emerged as the next most urgent issues for Filipinos. On the issue of increasing salary, considered a top concern by about two of five Filipinos, the administration received a 34 percent approval rating and a 36 percent disapproval rating, resulting in a -2 net approval score. On reducing poverty in the country, 24 percent approved of the administration’s efforts while 39 percent disapproved,

resulting in a -15 net approval score. On creating more jobs, 45 percent of Filipinos approved of the Marcos administration’s performance while 23 percent disapproved, resulting in a +22 approval score. According to the survey, respondents were least concerned about national territorial defense (6 percent), protecting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (5 percent), and terrorism (5 percent). The administration received the highest approval of 74 percent in protecting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers and 72 percent in responding to the needs of areas affected by calamities. The survey had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 2.8 percentage points for national data. (Inquirer.net) n

NO BARRIER TO FAITH. In a first in its centuries-old procession, the Black Nazarene is encased in tempered glass to discourage contact with the image amid the threat of a resurgence of COVID-19. But this has not discouraged the crowds escorting the Nazarene on Tuesday’s (January 9) “Traslacion.” Photo by Richard A. Reyes / Philippine Daily Inquirer

Seeking luck, miracles, redemption... PAGE 1 attached to its float, can heal incurable ailments and bring good fortune to them and their loved ones. There were chaotic scenes as the feverish march began before dawn following an open-air Mass for the Nazarene statue at Quirino Grandstand. By 7:45 p.m., the Nazarene procession had completed the six-kilometer journey from the grandstand back to Quiapo Church, taking just shy of 15 hours, the fastest in recent history since the 2020 traslacion, which took 16 hours. ‘Found redemption’ On the evening of Jan. 8, Joselito Flores, 29, who had traveled to Manila from Zambales province, lay down on a pile of carton sheets in front of Quiapo Church, reflecting on his “second chance at life,” which he said he owed to the Nazarene. “I found redemption in the Black Nazarene. It’s never too late to change,” the former convict said. “I thank the Nazareno because he was the only one who heard my prayers while in prison.” Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo reported no untoward incidents, except mostly minor injuries. The PNP had deployed a record 18,000 police personnel and 4,000 “force multipliers” to secure the event. Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office and overall security head of Nazarene festivities, said the

crowd had reached 3.3 million by Tuesday afternoon. Crowd control However, estimates by a Church command post placed the total at 6.5 million, with the crowd peaking at 1.4 million in the Quiapo district. By Tuesday night, the PNP updated its crowd estimate at 6.1 million. Security was tight, with the PNP enforcing a “one entry, multiple exits” policy near Quiapo Church. On Tuesday morning, devotees gathered along Quezon Boulevard, eagerly anticipating the Mass, celebrated several times throughout the day and night. Some hopped over fences and barricades to reach Quiapo Church, also known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. Others knelt in front of the structure and prayed. Among them was Lester Te, who had brought along his family of four. They had positioned themselves right in front of the church, praying for the family’s health and safety before his upcoming flight to Qatar as a migrant worker. The carriage carrying the Nazarene image commenced its journey from the grandstand at 4:45 a.m. A light rain fell at 6 a.m., but this did not deter the arrival of throngs of people. Some barefoot devotees risked injury to reach the float by clambering over others and clinging to the clothes of guards protecting the icon, causing some to fall off the float. Other guards on the float pushed unruly devotees to the

ground to keep them away from the icon enclosed in a glass case. Pregnant woman Several people, mostly women, required emergency assistance due to dizziness. Minor scuffles occurred as medical response teams worked to extract them from the crowd. The humanitarian agency Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said it had attended to more than 600 participants by 4 p.m., primarily for minor complaints. But there were at least six severe cases, including one who suffered head trauma, PRC said. Another person had a suspected fracture on the left ankle. Other cases involved severe chest pain, laceration, incision, and fainting, it added. At least 183 people had minor cases of abrasion, infected wound, burn, dizziness, headache, elevated blood pressure, breathing difficulty, chest pain, and hyperventilation, the PRC said. At least nine people were transported to the Philippine General Hospital, including a pregnant woman who complained of abdominal pain and a food vendor who suffered a second-degree burn while cooking. It was the first time the traditional parade featuring the life-size statue of Christ had been held since 2021 after the pandemic forced officials to downsize the event drastically. —with reports from AFP, Kathleen De Villa And Dona Z. Pazzibugan n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 12-18, 2024

Fil-Am shot dead on New Year’s Day... PAGE 1 she created to support her brother’s funeral expenses. “The pain that this has left us is unimaginable.” Nina remembered her brother for his ”infectious smile, his goofy personality and his big heart.” “Deep in his thoughts, carefree in expressing ideas, likes and dislikes and has an easygoing personality that everyone loves,” she wrote. “He could make the whole room laugh and was a joy

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to be with.” “He leaves behind countless family members and friends who dearly miss him,” she added. The family chose to honor his life by donating his organs in support of others. Gianan’s family and the LA County Sheriff Department’s Homicide Bureau, which is investigating the case, are asking the public to provide any information on the attack. (Inquirer. net) n

Marcos to see Duterte ‘if he... PAGE 1 online, Duterte said: “I do not want to control the president, but rather I’d like to talk to him directly why was it like that.” “Also, as far as I’m concerned, I have not crucified him, not even criticized him severely— maybe [I had] commented on the direction the government is proceeding. That’s all,” he added. Duterte also defended the network and its founder, Apollo Quiboloy. “My only concern is to help my friend, the pastor because the NTC has not even come up with an allegation or a charge of any wrongdoing,” he said. “Sonshine has always been careful, why is this happening?” Duterte said further. “I’m just biding my time, one of these days, I will come up with a statement not necessarily defending Pastor Quiboloy, but just to say something about the way things are,” he also said. Duterte explained that he was concerned about recent developments regarding SMNI because his weekly show was also affected. “I’ll just refer to my show because that’s what is important to me,” he said, adding that the suspension of his program did not follow “the right procedure.” ‘Retired and poor’ Duterte also took the occasion to deny that there was ever a “secret meeting” with military and police officials in Davao City, amid reports of a destabilization plot against Mr. Marcos. “Who would believe me? What police or military officers are crazy enough to meet with me?” he said when asked in his news conference about the alleged meeting. “They must be crazy. I’m already retired and poor,” he said, adding that people spreading rumors about a

WASTE SEGREGATION. A street cleaner of the Quezon City government does his sweeping close to the recently installed segregated trash bins near the City Hall - Quezon Memorial Circle Underpass on Wednesday, Jan. 10. The bins are a collaborative project of three departments of the local government unit, aimed at maintaining cleanliness and preventing flooding in the locality. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

You can now report scammers... President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with his predecessor former President Rodrigo Duterte. Malacañang photo

destabilization plot involving him must be insecure. “It’s their insecurity, maybe, it’s all in their mind,” the former president said. In November last year, Duterte said in his program that he remembered “talking to some retired generals,” but emphasized to them that as long as there is “no serious issue of corruption,” the government would not be brought down by the people if their money is not being misspent. He also wondered “how I was dragged into this” talk of destabilization. ‘Marcos is quite careful’ On the recent controversy over the confidential funds sought by Vice President Sara Duterte, her father said, “I cannot be an active participant in politics. It’s all politics. She has to be on her own.” Duterte said he spends most of his time at home reading and playing with his grandchildren. He would leave the house from time to time but only to places far away from the crowd, he

said. Asked about the performance of the administration, he said he did not see any major errors, abuses, or corruption. “Marcos is quite careful. I really do not know anything. I’m outside Malacañang. I don’t have any contacts anymore since I retired. I do not bother to ask questions so what I see is what I get,” the former leader said. Political watchers have observed a cooling of relations between the Marcos and Duterte camps, even as both leaders still appear to be on good terms, compared with their predecessors. In July last year, Marcos even defended Duterte’s sudden appearance with President Xi Jinping in China that month, saying that Duterte did not need his permission. Duterte met with Marcos the following month to discuss that meeting with the Chinese leader, as the Palace confirmed, without disclosing any further details. n

PAGE 1 of Consumer Protection. “Getting reports from people in other languages has been a limitation for us.” Vaca emphasized the importance of people making those reports not just for their own sake but to help the FTC get the word out before more people are scammed. “We can only bring cases and do education about scams that we know about,” she said. Fraud toll nears $9 billion Just based on the number of reports people made in English or Spanish, fraud and deceptive or unfair business practices cost US consumers close to $9 billion last year, noted Larissa Bungo, senior attorney with the FTC’s Division of Consumer and Business Education. People who are worried they have been victimized can reach out for FTC help either on the phone or online. Doing so will alert the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network – a pool of 3,000 law enforcement officers at federal, state and local levels – to be on the lookout. If the FTC can catch the culprits quickly enough there is the possibility of getting your money back – another reason to not hesitate if you think you’ve been cheated. For example, the FTC was able to recover $245 million that it is returning to customers of Epic Games, creator of the popular game Fortnite, which the FTC alleged tricked young players into making unintentional purchases. The deadline for filing a claim is Jan. 17 of 2024. Don’t hesitate to report fraud Of course, to get money back with FTC help, you have to identify yourself when making a report, but in any case, you will never be asked about your

immigration status. Sometimes, success in getting money back depends on how the victim was defrauded. For instance, if payments were made using a credit card, it may be possible to contest the charge with the card company. So be careful. “Only scammers insist you pay by gift card, cryptocurrency or wire transfer,” Bungo advised. Another reason to not delay reporting suspicions is that scammers often work from overseas where they and the money they obtained are harder for law enforcement to reach. Even if you successfully dodge a scam, reporting the attempt helps inform and thus protect otherwise unsuspecting potential victims, Bungo said. The multilingual call-center staff and information available at the agency’s website can also provide a range of “next steps” for people to consider. By phone, call (877) 382-4357, then press 3. A succession of messages in different languages will tell you what number to press next to reach an inperson interpreter who knows your language. Lines are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, which is 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the West Coast. New language choices available as of last month include Portuguese, French, Tagalog, Somali, Vietnamese, Arabic, Russian, Polish, Korean, Ukrainian, Hmong and Mandarin. The FTC has the ability to find interpreters in almost 200 languages, as needs arise. This multilingual reporting system can also be used to report identity theft situations. For those, call (877) 438-4338, then follow the same process of dialing 3 to access the various languages available.

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Advertisement for Bids Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services to: REMOVE AND REPLACE PLAYGROUND MATTING GROUP 1 A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2024, outside the main office of Bethune Elementary School, 6835 Benjamin Holt Road, San Diego, CA 92114. Upon completion of the first site, contractors shall proceed to the next site in the listed order: Green Elementary School, 7030 Wandermere Dr., San Diego, CA 92119, Florence Elementary School, 3914 First Ave., San Diego, CA 92103, Angier Elementary School, 8450 Hurlbut St., San Diego, CA 92123, Ross Elementary School, 7470 Bagdad St., San Diego, CA 92111; Sessions Elementary School, 2150 Beryl St., San Diego, CA 92109. Contractors and subcontractors must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.com. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on FEBRUARY 2, 2024. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CP24-0728-05-00-00 Playground Matting Group 1. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $950,000 and $985,000. This is not a PSA project and does not require prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: A, C-61/D-34 or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CP24-0728-05-00-00.

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JANUARY 12-18, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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Mayor: State of the city is ‘getting stronger every day’ Mayor’s state of the city details significant progress made on San Diego’s most critical issues

SAN DIEGO – In his fourth State of the City address as the 37th Mayor of the City of San Diego, Mayor Todd Gloria detailed the considerable progress his administration has made on the issues that concern San Diegans the most – public safety, homelessness, housing affordability and infrastructure – and plans to build on that progress in the coming years. In his 2021 address, in the depths of the pandemic, Mayor Gloria declared the state of the city to be “fragile.” The next year, he said the city was “ready” to embark on the long road toward realizing its potential. Last year, he talked of how the city was “rising” to overcome the challenges it faced. On Wednesday, January 10, the mayor said that as a result of the considerable progress his administration is making, “the state of our city is getting stronger every day. We are stronger than yesterday, and we’ll be even stronger tomorrow. We have more work to do, but we have proven that, together, we are up to the task. We will keep making progress, we will keep getting things done until the job is done!”

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria File photo/www.sandiego.gov

In his address, Mayor Gloria made the following announcements: • New executive order on housing: Doubling down on an executive order he signed last January to expedite permits for 100% affordable housing projects, the mayor announced that he has signed a new executive order Wednesday requiring all relevant city departments to review new housing projects

under the city’s Complete Communities program within 30 days, dramatically speeding up a process that currently can take up to 12 months. Complete Communities is a transit-oriented incentive program that allows home builders to expand their projects in exchange for building a certain number of affordable homes. • Major expansion of homeless shelter options: Consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Shelter Strategy, the Mayor announced his intention to increase the number of shelter beds for people experiencing homelessness by at least 1,000 by the beginning of 2025. This will be a net increase, over and above the existing beds in Golden Hall and in East Village that will need to be relocated. • Support for amending Proposition 47: In light of alarming crime trends involving the illicit drug trade and organized retail theft, Mayor Gloria announced he will support statewide action to amend Proposition 47, which passed in 2014, reclassifying certain drug and theft crimes as misdemeanors. The mayor noted that the law was being exploited and needs to be updated in order

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You can now report scammers... PAGE 3 You can make either fraud or identity theft reports online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or IdentityTheft.gov. Those four web pages all have drop-down lists in a box labeled “languages” that let users complete reports in dozens of other languages. Bungo also described numerous resources the FTC provides at no cost for people to distribute within their communities, whether online or in print. For instance, there’s a fraud handbook for recent immigrants and refugees and guidance for small business owners. There’s information about “four warning signs of a scam,” descriptions of common tricks such as fake invoices, business impersonation, bad business practices, phony job opportunities, phony online retailers and “phishing” links disguised to look like they’re from companies trying to make a delivery. If asked, the agency will also print and ship these guides to community organizations, at no charge, Bungo said. Information the ‘most powerful weapon’ against scammers

Lawyer and journalist Jongwon Lee described a scenario he witnessed and reported on in Atlanta’s Korean community, where a retiree lost tens of thousands to an investment scammer who gained his trust in part by being conversant in Korean. Publicity about the case, a pyramid scheme that became known as Club Mega Planet, helped prosecutors uncover other victims in several states. Making law enforcement aware of additional cases increases the likelihood of criminals being arrested, and prompt reporting can help prevent the stolen money from being spent before it can be recovered. “The FTC’s Language Access Initiative is historic,” Lee said. “It shows that government agencies are looking to do justice for immigrants like us. Language access gets rid of fear and shame and gives you confidence and encouragement that you are not alone and somebody is listening to you.” “Information is the most powerful weapon against scammers. Get educated and informed.” (Ethnic Media Services) n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 12-18, 2024

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Dateline PMayor: hiliPPines State of the city is...

Closer collaboration with foreign partners to spur PH growth MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday, January 11 hoped for closer collaboration with foreign allies and partners to propel growth in the Philippines. In his remarks during the traditional Vin d’honneur he hosted at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañan Palace in Manila, Marcos expressed gratitude to the diplomatic community for its crucial role in facilitating his foreign visits and fostering bilateral ties. He acknowledged the positive developments in the country’s relations with its foreign partners, as well as in its economic performance. “I am proud to have closely worked with many of you on many initiatives and endeavors since I assumed the presidency in the middle of 2022,” Marcos told the diplomats. “I hope that we will continue to serve as able agents of our respective governments and countries in furthering the breadth and depth of our bilateral ties as well as in exploring collaboration in regional and multilateral fronts,” he added. Marcos called on the diplomatic corps to work closely with his administration to identify areas for joint endeavors and possible challenges, particularly in terms of poverty, education, food security, peace

and order, health, job creation, and livelihood opportunities. He stressed the importance of unity amid geopolitical tensions and affirmed the Philippines’ independent foreign policy, flexibility and cooperation in addressing mutual concerns. Back on track Marcos also touted the Philippine economy’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, citing the 6.1-percent growth in the third quarter of 2023, his administration’s better management of overall inflation and decrease in unemployment and underemployment rates. He noted that the country’s headline inflation in December 2023 was at 3.9 percent. On the other hand, unemployment in November dropped to 3.6 percent from the previous month and November 2022’s 4.3 percent. Underemployment fell to 11.7 percent from November 2023’s 14.4 percent. “It is with confidence that I announce that the Philippines has... I could say [has], gotten back [on] its feet from the reeling effect of the pandemic and the subsequent shocks that we have suffered from the Ukraine war and now from the conflict in the Middle East,” he said. “For the Philippines, the New Year or January is not only the start of our year. It is also the

symbolic renewal of our social contract to our people and our commitment and obligation as a responsible member of the international community,” Marcos added. Marcos said the Philippines is going back ito business, given its improving economic condition and the government’s catch-up spending. Amid geopolitical difficulties, Marcos called on countries to find “sincere motivation to work together and tap the power of the collective in finding ways to solve political conflict to achieve peace and prosperity for all.” “The Philippines is touted to become one of the fastestgrowing economies among major Asian countries in 2023 as forecasted by multilateral organizations such as the ADB (Asian Development Bank), the ASEAN + 3 Macroeconomic Research Office, World Bank and the International Monetary Fund,” he said. Ambassadors from 54 nations and heads of 11 International Organizations were among the attendees in traditional Vin d’honneur (French tradition meaning wine of honor). The event is observed biannually in the Philippines, commemorating both the New Year and the anniversary of the nation’s independence every June 12. (PNA) n

Philippines climbs two spots in 2024 passport ranking by Ian LaquI Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine passport rose to the 73rd rank in 2024, marking a two-spot climb from its 2023 ranking, according to the London-based Henley Passport Index, a worldwide ranking that assesses the visafree access of 199 passports to 227 travel destinations. According to the index released on Thursday, January 11, individuals holding a Philippine

passport can visit 69 destinations without the need for a visa. Philippine passport holders now enjoy access to two additional destinations compared to last year’s 67 places with visafree entry. The country held the 75th place in the rankings last year, according to the 2023 index. The Philippines currently shares the 73rd spot with Cape Verde Islands and Uganda. This marks the highest rank for the country since 2014, when the

Philippines held the 68th place. The Philippines achieved its highest record from 2007 to 2009 when the country held the 62nd position. Meanwhile, the Philippines received its lowest ranking — 83rd place — in 2021. ASEAN neighbors still ahead Despite its rise in rank, neighboring countries in Southeast Asia still surpass the Philippines in the passport ranking.

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PAGE 4 to meet its objectives of reducing overincarceration and recidivism while addressing its unintended consequences. • Abandoned library to become housing: In a longer-term action, the city will embark on an ambitious proposal to redevelop the site of the old Central Library Downtown to create additional shelter space as well as hundreds of new affordable, permanent homes for low-income and formerly homeless San Diegans. • Honoring Peter Seidler: The mayor announced that he has initiated the process to rename one of the streets that leads to Petco Park as “Peter Seidler Way,” honoring the late San Diego Padres chairman’s legacy and his work to address homelessness in San Diego. • Philanthropic campaign to help tackle homelessness: The city is launching a philanthropic campaign to help carry out plans to address homelessness. Called “San Diegans Together Tackling Homelessness,” the campaign already has commitments totaling $250,000. • Citywide project labor agreement: The city has reached agreement with the San Diego County Building Trades Council on a citywide project labor agreement that will apply to all major construction projects. The agreement will be up for City Council consideration in the coming month. As he’s done in his past two State of the City addresses, Mayor Gloria focused exclusively on the four challenges that concern San Diegans most – public safety, homelessness, housing and infrastructure. Public safety Touting San Diego as one of the safest cities in the country, Mayor Gloria noted that in 2023, the most serious crimes fell again in the city: Murder and rape were down nearly 12% and 16% respectively. Robbery and burglary were down 7% and 16%, respectively. The city opened a first-of-its-kind childcare facility for police officers to ease the parenting burden created by the nontraditional hours officers work. “Now, rather than losing officers to other agencies, we’re seeing officers choose to come work for the San Diego Police Department,” Mayor Gloria said, adding that the city has also improved recruitment and retention in the Fire-Rescue Department. Police Chief David Nisleit has announced that he will retire in June 2024, and the city has begun a national search with community forums being held in each Council district to solicit input from residents on what they want to see in the next police chief. In his address, Mayor Gloria announced that Chief Colin Stowell will also retire in 2024 and that the city will soon be launching a national search for his replacement as well. Last year, Mayor Gloria secured the City Council‘s approval for the use of Smart Streetlights and Automated License Plate Recognition technologies as critical tools to investigate and solve serious crimes. “And we did so while outlining clear rules of the road to protect San Diegans’ privacy rights,” he said.

The mayor continued to warn of the deadly consequences of illicit fentanyl, which is killing hundreds of people every year. “Our legislators in Sacramento must act, and tonight I am calling on them, yet again, to do so,” Mayor Gloria said. “I will keep coming back again and again for as long as it takes until the legislature passes laws that will hold the callous dealers of this deadly poison accountable.” Homelessness In 2023, Mayor Gloria took substantial action to address homelessness in San Diego, including the continued expansion of traditional shelter capacity and the city’s successful Safe Parking Program. Working with City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, Mayor Gloria launched a Safe Sleeping Program to bring more unsheltered San Diegans off the streets and out of danger. The program includes two sites offering space for up to 1,000 people. In just half a year, this option has moved more than 600 people off the streets. All told, since April 2021, the city has more than doubled the number of options for people experiencing homelessness to come off the street. City-funded outreach, shelter and family reunification programs have combined to successfully place more than 1,400 formerly homeless San Diegans into permanent housing in 2023, bringing the three-year total to 3,603. In conjunction with the launch of the Safe Sleeping Program, Mayor Gloria and Councilmember Whitburn also collaborated to pass and implement the Unsafe Camping Ordinance, which bans tent encampments on public. “I can report that the new law is working as intended,” Mayor Gloria said. “We are clearing encampments without widespread arrests. Since the ordinance passed in June, only one person has been arrested, but hundreds have accepted shelter.” In Mayor Gloria’s 2022 State of the City address, he called on the state legislature and the governor to fix California’s badly broken behavioral health system. Months later, he stood with Gov. Gavin Newsom as he signed into law the CARE Act, which created a new court-based program for people suffering from mental illness to access treatment. In 2023, working with Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman and as chair of the bipartisan Big City Mayors coalition, Mayor Gloria championed conservatorship reform legislation and got it signed into law. To help build out the infrastructure needed to provide the treatment required by these reforms, Mayor Gloria reiterated his strong support for Proposition 1. Slated to go before California voters in March, the ballot measure will generate the funding necessary to add more than 11,000 new behavioral health treatment beds and nearly 27,000 new outpatient opportunities statewide. The San Diego City Council on Tuesday, January 9 joined the Mayor in officially supporting Prop. 1 by way of a resolution passed unanimously. Housing The mayor announced that a preliminary analysis shows that the city permitted approximately

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JANUARY 12-18, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Safe devotion

Features

AFTER a pause of three years due to the COVID pandemic, the Black Nazarene procession resumed this year. The Philippine National Police has deployed thousands of its personnel along the route of the annual Traslacion. President Marcos declared Jan. 9 a holiday in the city of Manila, where the local government will be handing out free face masks to devotees. The masks are being distributed amid an increase in recent weeks of COVID cases and influenza-like illnesses or ILI particularly in Metro Manila. Devotees can manifest their faith and show concern for others by staying out of the procession if they have symptoms of illness. Four years of the killer pandemic have made everyone aware of these symptoms, and the minimum health protocols to avoid infecting others. Traslacion participants will include people belonging to the sectors most vulnerable to COVID and ILI: the elderly, the immunocompromised and those with comorbidities. Among the victims of COVID were members of the clergy. Government health personnel are deployed along the Traslacion route to provide emergency assistance, but preventing infection is equally important. Those who feel sick can still join the procession virtually, by watching the live coverage on television and streaming services. Health officials are urging participants to

continue practicing minimum health protocols amid the expected heavy crowding during the procession as well as the touching of the Black Nazarene image. Physical distancing is impossible, but respiratory and hand hygiene can still be practiced. Plans to resume the Traslacion last year were scrapped as the Omicron subvariant of SARS-CoV-2 raged across the planet including the Philippines. Today newer strains of Omicron are still around, capable of causing serious illness and even death to the vulnerable. Environment watchdogs are urging participants to also show concern for the environment and avoid littering. Religious devotion must be expressed through civic responsibility, starting with picking up after oneself. Traslacion participants can also do their share in keeping the procession safe from violent disruptions. Suspicious packages abandoned along the procession route must be reported immediately to authorities.

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

While law enforcement agencies have reported no security threats, the country has had its share of terrorist attacks, and the PNP cannot let its guard down during the Traslacion. The Office for Transportation Security has deployed security screening officers along with an x-ray machine at the Quiapo Church.

After three long years without the largest religious procession in the country, Nazarene believers are expected to manifest “revenge devotion” today, and participate in even more massive droves in the Traslacion. The devotion must be kept as safe as possible, both in terms of security and health. (Philstar.com)

ASEAN statement on South China Sea: The right step forward

Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez IN what is seen by many as an unprecedented move, the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a stand-alone statement expressing concern about the developments in the South China Sea and reaffirming “the shared commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, security and stability in the region” where tension has been growing over conflicting claims in the South China Sea. “We closely follow with concern the recent developments in the South China Sea that may undermine peace, security and stability in the region. We reaffirm the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, safety, security, stability and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the maritime sphere of Southeast Asia, particularly the South China Sea,” the statement read. The six-point statement likewise reaffirmed “the need to restore and enhance mutual

trust and confidence as well as exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability,” urging that “actions that may further complicate the situation” must be avoided. While some have expressed disappointment that the statement seemed very innocuous and “watered down” as it did not specify the “recent developments” that have caused concern and what kind of “activities” have heightened tension in the region – in particular the aggressive actions of China Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels against Philippine Coast Guard vessels and resupply boats that include the spraying of high-pressure water cannons, pointing of military grade lasers and dangerous maneuvers with incidents of collision in areas that fall within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone – many find it significant that the statement urged “full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United

Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).” The hesitation by other ASEAN members to call out China is also understandable since these countries have a close relationship with China, particularly economic, as it is the biggest trading partner of ASEAN. Nevertheless, many found it notable that aside from underscoring the “peaceful resolution of disputes,” the statement repeated the phrase “universally recognized principles of international law” – recalling that in 2013, the Philippines filed a case against China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea before the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague under Annex VII of the UNCLOS. In 2016, the Philippines received a favorable ruling that China refuses to recognize to this day, while other claimants to disputed maritime territories have since been citing the ruling in their submissions before the United Nations. The last time the ASEAN foreign ministers issued a standalone statement was in May 2014 during the chairmanship of Myanmar, wherein they also expressed “serious concerns

over the on-going developments in the South China Sea, which have increased tensions in the area” and “urged all parties concerned, in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to exercise selfrestraint and avoid actions which could undermine peace and stability in the area and to resolve disputes by peaceful means without resorting to threat or use of force.” Admittedly, ASEAN has been getting criticism for its seeming silence over the increasingly aggressive actions displayed by China, which is in stark contrast to the reactions of other nations that include the United States, Japan, India, South Korea, the European Union, Australia and Canada that called out the China Coast Guard for its dangerous maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea. Be that as it may, one must recognize the effort of ASEAN to put out a statement a day before the end of Indonesia’s term as chairman. As noted by Evan Laksmana of the Singaporebased International Institute for

Strategic Studies, it was “a good first step” in demonstrating an “effort to build solidarity and keep the fragile ‘ASEAN unity’ intact,” and should be the beginning of better institutionalizing intra-ASEAN maritime security foundation. “Overall, the… statement is a necessary but far from sufficient step on behalf of the group in response to recurring maritime incidents,” Laksmana said, stressing the need for “better crisis management mechanisms in general and re-assess existing platforms like CoC” (Code of Conduct). As far back as 2002, ASEAN and China have been working towards creating a Code of Conduct on the South China Sea. In fact, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been urging for the CoC negotiations to be pushed forward, but progress has been very slow – prompting the President to initiate negotiations for a separate code of conduct with other members of ASEAN who also have maritime claims in the South China Sea such as Vietnam and Malaysia. As noted by The Diplomat’s Southeast Asia editor Sebastian Strangio, the president’s call for

growing regional cooperation “makes sound strategic sense,” given the challenges faced by ASEAN in addressing SCS disputes plus “the difficulty in squaring the distinct interests” of the 10 member-states which have stymied progress in creating a binding code of conduct. “An informal code of conduct between the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, which would perhaps serve as a prelude to the final resolution of the disputes between them, would lay the groundwork for greater regional unity on the South China Sea disputes,” Strangio stated. There is hope China would see the light in working with ASEAN member-nations to promote peace and security in the region. Undoubtedly, if any major conflict arises from these socalled “skirmishes,” no one – but absolutely no one, especially in the Indo-Pacific region – would be spared. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** babeseyeview@gmail.com

2024: The opposition after ‘UniTeam’

Horizons

RichaRd heydaRian “NEVER interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake,” counseled the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The virtual disintegration of the “UniTeam”—an alliance of inconvenience between the House of Marcos and the House of Duterte—has made the Napoleonic dictum particularly attractive to liberal-progressive observers. Whenever I post anything about the latest plot twist in the slow-motion dismantlement of the UniTeam, the emoji that keeps on popping up in the comments section is popcorn. In many ways, schadenfreude has become the visceral response of countless disillusioned Filipinos, who refused to accept or welcome the victory of MarcosDuterte axis in last year’s elections. It’s a particularly understandable sentiment. While the former demagogue from Davao unabashedly mocked and maimed our democratic institutions, the emphatic victory of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in last year’s elections

was a slap on the face of both EDSA I and EDSA II veterans. Not long ago, countless liberal observers lamented the prospect of a thousand years of Marcos-Duterte dyad, with Sara Duterte supposedly succeeding Marcos Jr. in 2028, then another Ferdinand Marcos likely taking her place after another six years—and ad infinitum. It was a dangerously intoxicating form of cynicism, which only fueled bitterness and defeatism among some liberal partisans. But as in everything in Philippine politics, life imitates art. Barely a year into President Marcos’ term in office, there was a plot twist. The former president and his diehard supporters ramped up their attacks on the incumbent administration’s key policies, most notably on the West Philippine Sea and China. It didn’t take long before the incumbent vice president, another Duterte, was dragged into the intensifying conflict, culminating in the removal of her indispensable confidential funds. This triggered a new round of spats, which saw no less than the pro-Duterte Sonshine Media Network International media channel emerging as a primary source of opposition

to the administration’s key policies. The political infighting was mirrored online: Once unified illiberal bloggers, who formed the information warfare backbone of Dutertismo, split into competing camps and began lashing out at each other with distinct toxicity. In a bizarre twist of events, the Duterte camp steadily emerged as an unlikely “opposition” force against the Marcos administration. But, dear readers, selfindulgent passivity in face of the UniTeam disintegration is a recipe for disaster. The real opposition, composed of liberal and progressive forces, faces the prospect of getting completely boxed out of the Philippine political landscape for the foreseeable future. The Dutertes are fast emerging as “the” main opposition to the incumbent administration, with several of their senatorial bets performing well in recent surveys. And Sara Duterte remains as the favorite candidate for presidency in the next election cycle. Should the pro-Marcos camp dominate next year’s midterm elections, however, they will likely try to prevent the return of the Dutertes to Malacañang by changing the Constitution altogether. Undoubtedly, the incumbent

is a smooth operator. Last year, he expressed skepticism about constitutional change, even if he ran under an avowedly profederalism party. He largely skipped any discussion of constitutional change in his first two State of the Nation Addresses, partly to appease Western partners and disarm liberal critics at home. But as the UniTeam infighting gained steam, Mr. Marcos reinjected the constitutional change issue into his core policy agenda. His right-hand man in Congress, meanwhile, made it clear that constitutional change will be a top priority in 2024— and likely a reality after the midterm elections. History shows that politics is no friend of any ex-president in the Philippines, unless the successor is a trusted ally. Under a parliamentary system, Mr. Marcos can engineer a smooth transition by mobilizing sufficient party-based support to a preferred successor, who may not even need to have presidential charisma. This is why it’s extremely important for the real opposition to, against all odds, mobilize support for a few competitive candidates for top legislative positions, especially in the

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte

Senate. Surveys show that liberal leaders such as Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Benigno “Bam” Aquino, and Leni Robredo will be competitive candidates. Otherwise, Sen. Risa Hontiveros will be the only major legislator left to scrutinize any politically motivated constitutional change move next year. What’s at

Malacañang file photo

stake is the soul of Philippine democracy. (Inquirer.net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 12-18, 2024

IMPORT BAN. A poultry raiser feeds some of his chicken at his small backyard farm in Caloocan City on Wednesday, Jan. 10. The Department of Agriculture (DA) has banned the importation of poultry and other poultry products, including wild birds, from Belgium and France after reports of outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) among domestic birds. PNA photo by Ben Briones

Gov’t amnesty program won’t affect anti-terror law – DOJ exec

MANILA – The Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020 can be implemented despite the government’s proclamation of an amnesty program for communist insurgents and other rebel groups, a justice official said on Thursday, January 11. “It is believed that the two are mutually exclusive and the law can be implemented,” Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said in an online press conference of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. He said the ATA is fully operationalized since Jan. 15 following the Supreme Court (SC) issuance of its guidelines. “The acts of terrorism, if still done, during the (ongoing peace) talks can still be prosecuted under the law. So I guess it’s a matter of good faith (that) if these groups are willing to come forward and talk and agree to a ceasefire then there is no need for any prosecution under the [Anti-]Terrorism Act. But if they come forward and represent themselves in good faith and yet still continue activities that will fall under the Anti-Terrorism Act 2020, then they can also be prosecuted,” Clavano said. The high court earlier said the rules shall apply to “petitions and applications regarding detentions without judicial warrants of arrest, surveillance orders, freeze orders, restrictions on travel, designations, proscriptions, and other court issuances promulgated to implement the ATA and other related laws.” ‘Two different animals’ In the same briefing, Associate Solicitor James Clifford Santos from the Office of the Solicitor General said the Marcos administration’s amnesty program and the anti-terrorism law are “two different animals.” “When we talk about amnesty, we talk about the obliteration of the crimes kasi (because) under our jurisprudence, it says there that amnesty looks

backward and obliterates political offenses… the recent proclamations by the President do not cover heinous crimes, kasama dun ‘yung (and that includes) terrorism,” he said. Meanwhile, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Joel Sy Egco urged all remaining insurgents to surrender now or face terrorism charges. Only two provisions of the ATA were declared unconstitutional – protests being equated to terrorism and the designation of individuals or groups as terrorists upon the request of local or foreign groups. Earlier this week, the DOJ indicted 11 New People’s Army members on terrorism charges for the ambush of Philippine Army soldiers in Barangay Malisbong, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on May 30, 2023, the first test case for the new law. Powerful tool vs. terrorism Clavano and Santos also hailed the SC ruling as a “powerful tool” of the government to combat any form of terrorism in the country. “This is a very welcome development to the government and we assure the public and our friends in the media that this will be done in a balanced way where we acknowledge that this is a powerful tool, but at the same time, as a powerful tool, it must be used to its full advantage of the government and to its people,” Clavano said. Santos, also a spokesperson for NTF-ELCAC’s Legal Cooperation Cluster, assured that law enforcement agencies will abide by the rules in prosecuting terrorism by taking a balanced approach. “We’re positive on this welcome development when it comes to our legal landscape on quelling terrorism and we’ll remain committed to helping to ensure lasting peace through the lawfully sanctioned remedies and tools that we’ve in the legal landscape,” he said. (PNA) n

Philippines climbs two spots...

PAGE 5 Singapore is tied with France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain in the top spot for the most powerful passport in the world, allowing citizens of each country to travel to 194 destinations without a visa. Malaysia (12th), Brunei (20th), East Timor (56th),

Indonesia (66th) and Thailand (63rd) ranked higher than the Philippines. However, the Philippines fared better than Laos (90th), Cambodia (86th) and Vietnam (87th). The Henley Passport Index is based on data from the International Air Transport Association which assessed 199 passports in the world. n

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Mayor: State of the city is... PAGE 5 8,000 homes in 2023 – a 51% increase over the roughly 5,300 homes permitted in 2022. Approximately one third of the homes permitted in 2023 were deed-restricted affordable housing. The vast majority of the homes permitted last year – 2,063 of them – were permitted under a program called Affordable Housing Permit Now, created through an executive order Mayor Gloria signed moments before delivering his 2023 State of the City address. That order accelerated housing production by requiring permit applications for 100% affordable housing projects to be reviewed in 30 days or fewer. The Mayor announced that the city has exceeded that requirement, reviewing projects within nine days, on average. To continue this forward momentum, Mayor Gloria in 2023 secured approval of a second Housing Action Package as part of his Homes For All of Us initiative, which includes a number of policy reforms that will make it easier to build affordable and middle-income homes. Among other things, Housing Action Package 2.0 will make it easier to create new student housing and singleroom apartments for low-income San Diegans, build more threebedroom homes for middleincome families, protect people from being displaced from their communities and turn underused commercials sites into housing. In addition to policy reforms, the city is investing directly into affordable housing programs. In 2023, through the Bridge to Home initiative, the city pledged $15.4 million in gapfinancing assistance to five affordable housing projects that total 400 homes for low-income households. This brings the total Bridge to Home investment to roughly $63 million for 16 projects through three rounds of funding, including 1,337 affordable apartments, with 368 set aside for people experiencing homelessness. “As a renter myself, I understand the housing reality of today,” Mayor Gloria said. “My housing policies are designed to send a clear message: To every hardworking San Diegan, this mayor wants there to be a place for you in this city. To every young person, that I want you to stay in the city that helped

raise and educate you. To every senior on a fixed income, that you shouldn’t have to spend your golden years worried that you’ll lose your home.” Infrastructure Mayor Gloria detailed how recent record budget funding for infrastructure is resulting in significant progress in road repair across San Diego. The city repaired or resurfaced 252 miles of roadway in 2023. That’s nearly a 20% increase over 2022 and a 57% increase over 2021. Over the past three years, the city has repaired or resurfaced nearly 627 miles of city streets – close to 17% of the total road network. City crews filled 61,305 potholes in 2023 – a 94% increase over the prior year and a 122% increase over 2021. As promised in the mayor’s 2023 State of the City address, the city updated its Street Preservation Ordinance to ensure that public and private utilities that tear up San Diego’s roads restore them to as-good or better condition than they found them. Looking forward, the city in 2023 conducted the most exhaustive pavement-condition study it’s ever undertaken to provide updated data that will guide decisions on which streets to repair and in what order. The mayor also provided updates on sidewalk and streetlight repair and detailed the city’s investments in parks in

all corners of San Diego. The city opened four new parks and upgraded 10 others in 2023, bringing the threeyear total to 19 new parks and upgraded 31 existing parks. During the next two years, the city anticipates creating 16 new parks and upgrading 34 more. “Crumbling roads. Broken streetlights. Cracked sidewalks. Decaying pipes and stormwater culverts. For the past three years, we have been addressing these needs through record infrastructure investments, solid data to guide decisions and policy reforms that ensure we’re prioritizing the projects that are most needed and delivering them equitably and in keeping with our ambitious climate goals,” Mayor Gloria said. As he closed his speech, Mayor Gloria said that even with the considerable progress the city has made in the past three years, there’s still much work to do. “All of us can visualize the kind of San Diego we want to live in, the kind of city we want today and the kind of city we want to leave to our grandchildren tomorrow,” he said. “We, as a city, have put in the hard work to climb out of the deep valley we were once in and rise to the challenge of scaling the mountain before us to achieve this vision. And, San Diego, we’re making progress toward it every single day.” (City of San Diego Release) n

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through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor,

through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor,

materials, transportation, equipment, and services to:

materials, transportation, equipment, and services for:

SECURITY FENCING AND SINGLE POINT OF ENTRY

TIERRASANTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RESTROOM UPGRADES

AT ROLANDO PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024,

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, JANUARY 18,

outside the main office of Tierrasanta Elementary School, 5450 La Cuenta Drive, San

2024, outside the main office of Rolando Park Elementary School, 6620 Marlowe Drive, San Diego, CA 92115. Contractors and subcontractors must preregister with the District

Diego, CA 92124. Contractors and subcontractors must preregister with the District prior to

prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract

attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents

Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at

may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.

sandiegousdplans.com. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on

com. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on FEBRUARY

February 1, 2024. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to tinyurl.com/

8, 2024. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-

SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC24-

PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CP24-0768-

0674-50-00-00 Security Fencing and Single Point of Entry at Rolando Park Elementary

52-00-00 Tierrasanta Elementary School Restroom Upgrades. For new vendors, please

School. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project

register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $285,000 and

estimate is between $310,000 and 330,000. This is not a PSA project and does not

$324,000. This is not a PSA project and does not require prequalification. The District

require prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following

requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State

classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: A, or other appropriate license, subject

Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract

to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III,

award: B, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED

Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction

SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information

CC24-0674-50-00-00.

Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CP24-0768-52-00-00

LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9024658

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9025207

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9024354

Dollys Pawsy Dog Grooming located at 826 S. V Ave, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Joanna Sofia Diaz Guadarrama, 826 S. V Ave, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature: Joanna Sofia Diaz Guadarrama Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/05/2023. AJ 1307 12/22/2023, 12/29/2023, 01/05/2024, and 01/12/2024 AJSD 1307

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9025097

Yard Upholstery located at 1911 J Ave Apt B, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Geovani Arambula Gtz, 1911 J Ave Apt B, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 12/15/2023. Signature: Geovani Arambula Gtz Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/15/2023. AJ 1308 12/22/2023, 12/29/2023, 01/05/2024, and 01/12/2024 AJSD 1308

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9025337

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9025454

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9025630

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9025440

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9025701

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9025722

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9024228

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000264

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice Bonita Point located at 736 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Registrant: S&D Legacy, LLC, 2108 N St Suite N, Sacramento, CA 95816. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature: Marijun Dilay Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/08/2023. AJ 1305 12/22/2023, 12/29/2023, 01/05/2024, and 01/12/2024 AJSD 1305

A&J Diversified Services located at 2883 Buena Vista Ave, Lemon Grove, CA 91945. Registrant: a. Julissa Y. Vallejo, 2883 Buena Vista Ave, Lemon Grove, CA 91945. b. Alan G . Vallejo, 2883 Buena Vista Ave, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 This business is conducted by Married Couple. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/19/2022. Signature: Julissa Y. Vallejo Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/18/2023. AJ 1306 12/22/2023, 12/29/2023, 01/05/2024, and 01/12/2024 AJSD 1306

Snap Assembly located at 1286 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103. Registrant: Ross Tan, 1286 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Ross Tan. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/22/2023. AJ 1311 12/29/2023, 01/05/2024, 01/12/2024, and 01/19/2024

a. Capri Dentistry located at 2378 Poway Road, Suite B, Poway, CA 92064. b. Poway Dental Center located at 2378 Poway Road, Suite B, Poway, CA 92064. c. Poway Family Dental Center located at 2378 Poway Road, Suite B, Poway, CA 92064. Registrant: Tais Trevelin DM INC, 701 W Beech Street Unit D408, San Diego, CA 92101. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 12/13/2023. Signature: Tais Trevelin Lowry Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/21/2023. AJ 1312 12/29/2023, 01/05/2024, 01/12/2024, and 01/19/2024 AJSD 1312

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000434

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9024666

AJSD 1311

Wilson’s Plumbing located at 1787 Via Encantadoras, San Ysidro, CA 92173. Registrant: Alaaen Padilla Wilson, 1787 Via Encantadoras, San Ysidro, CA 92173. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature: Alaaen Padilla Wilson. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/08/2024. AJ 1320 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, and 02/02/2024. AJSD 1320

GL’s Painting located at 3768 Cottonwood, San Diego, CA 92113. Registrant: Flor Jaqueline Aguilar, 3768 Cottonwood, San Diego, CA 92113. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 12/01/2023. Signature: Flor Jaqueline Aguilar. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/08/2023. AJ 1321 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, and 02/02/2024.AJSD 1321

DL Owl Enterprises located at 4410 30th St. #B, San Diego, CA 92116. Registrant: a. Lorraine G Hom, 2609 28th Street, San Diego, CA 92104. b. David Brian Hom, 2609 28th Street, San Diego, CA 92104 This business is conducted by Married Couple. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/01/2020. Signature: David Brian Hom Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/26/2023. AJ 1313 12/29/2023, 01/05/2023, 01/12/2024, and 01/19/2024 AJSD 1313

Taxes Made Simple located at 555 Broadway #120, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Registrant: Macario E. Martinez, 710 S. San Ysidro Blvd #1659, San Ysidro, CA 92173. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/01/2023. Signature: Macario E. Martinez Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/26/2023. AJSD 1314 12/29/23, 01/05/24, 01/12/24, and 01/19/24 AJSD 1314

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000472

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000457

a. Iqra Travel Agency LLC located at 5296 University Ave #F, San Diego, CA 92105. b. Iqra Registration Services located at 5296 University Ave #F, San Diego, CA 92105. Registrant: Iqra Travel Agency LLC, 5296 University Ave #F, San Diego, CA 92105. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/26/2023. Signature: Abdulkadir Mohidin. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/08/2024. AJ 1322 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, and 02/02/2024. AJSD 1322

GMOVES DANCE BOUTIQUE located at 11275 Westonhill Dr, San Diego, CA 92126. THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME REFERRED TO ABOVE WAS FILED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY ON: 01/26/2022, and assigned File no. 2022-9002189 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Mary Grace Clariza, 11275 Westonhill Dr, San Diego, CA 92126. This Business is Conducted by: Individual Signature: Mary Grace Clariza. Statement filed with Recorder/ County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/08/2024. AJ 1317 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, and 02/02/2024. AJSD 1317

LTEK Diagnostics located at 8580 Avenida de la Fuente Sta H, San Diego, CA 92154. Registrant: Jose L. Salgado, 1925 F Ave #1, National City CA 91950. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/01/2017. Signature: Jose L. Salgado Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/20/2023. AJ 1309 12/22/2023, 12/29/2023, 01/05/2024, and 01/12/2024 AJSD 1309

Paradise Cleaners located at 6915 #5 Paradise Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92139. Registrant: Paradise Cleaners SD, 5380 Dressage Drive, Bonita, A 91902. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 12/01/2023. Signature: Rex J. Gonzales. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 112/01/2023. AJ 1315 01/05, 01/12, 01/19, 01/26/2024.

AJSD 1315

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000451

Chula Vista Home Care located at 1287 Tobias Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant: Sinforoso Gerona, 1287 Tobias Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature: Sinforoso Gerona. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/08/2024. AJ 1318 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, and 02/02/2024. AJSD 1318

Floor Coverings International Of North Central San Diego CA located at 13184 Ireland Lane, San Diego, CA 92129. Registrant: Charles Le, 13184 Ireland Lane, San Diego, CA 92129. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 12/20/2023. Signature: Charles Le. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/21/2023. AJ 1310 12/29/2023, 01/05/2024, 01/12/2024, and 01/19/2024. AJSD 1310

Taco N Todo Sonora located at 500 Old Trail Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91914. Registrant: a. Luis Adrian Garcia, 500 Old Trail Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91914. b. Rocio Garcia, 500 Old Trail Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91914. This business is conducted by Co-Partners. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature: Luis Adrian Garcia. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/04/2024. AJ 1316 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, and 02/02/2024. AJSD 1316

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000545

Malyn’s Sweet Delights located at 4126 Coleman Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. Registrant: Emmaline A. Birosel, 4126 Coleman Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature: Emmaline A. Birosel. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/09/2024. AJ 1319 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, and 02/02/2024. AJSD 1319

SAN DIEGO

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 12-18, 2024

JOURNAL

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9

JA N UA RY 1 2 , 2 0 24

‘DISAPPOINTING,’ ‘CRINGEFEST’, FROM ‘HERE LIES LOVE’ TO ‘SIX’ AND ‘HOPEFULLY A TURNING POINT’ Jasmine Forsberg’s story of Filipino viewers react to Jo Koy’s identity, family, and resilience Golden Globes hosting gig by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

M

EET Jasmine Forsberg, a Filipino American rising star illuminating Broadway with her strong performances in a couple of hit musicals. With grace and passion, she is able to capture the essence of her characters, leaving memorable performances. This is the story of Forsberg’s journey—from auditions to standing ovations—showcasing her talent and the profound connection she shares with her roles and the audience. For many dreamers and upcoming thespians, Broadway is the place where dreams are born and stories unfold under the spotlight. From her recent Broadway debut in “Here Lies Love” to her current role as Jane Seymour in the musical “SIX,” Forsberg has emerged as a captivating force. The conversation with the young star begins with her reminiscing about the profound impact of “Here Lies Love,” a production she describes as “one of the most meaningful artistic and cultural experiences” of her Filipino American actor Jasmine Forsberg as life. Jane Seymour in the hit Broadway musical Jasmine Forsberg The show, delving into the Photo by Billy Bustamante ‘SIX’. complex intersections of love, politics, and history, held a special place in her heart. “I hope that one day, something with that level of intersectionality will be able to come to Broadway again,” Forsberg expressed, reflecting on the rarity of narratives that echo her own Filipino story. Describing the experience as revolutionary, she envisions a future where more diverse stories find a home on Broadway. “Hopefully, we have opened up a new chapter for anybody and everybody to explore what a Broadway show looks like,” Forsberg remarked, echoing the transformative potential of narratives that break free from (L-R) Jasmine Forsberg (Jane Seymour), Didi Romero (Katherine Howard), Khaila Wilcoxon

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(Catherine of Aragon), Storm Lever (Anne Boleyn), Olivia Donalson (Anna of Cleves), & Gabriela Carrillo (Catherine Parr) Photos by Joan Marcus

by Klarize Medenilla AJPress

ON Sunday, Jan. 7, famed Filipino American stand-up comedian Jo Koy hosted the 81st Golden Globes and the public consensus was clear — he was dreadful. As soon as Koy — who had only gotten the gig 10 days before the ceremony — began his hosting duties, it was clear that Koy and his writing team prepared material that was neither culturally relevant nor decidedly clever. He did not reference the recent writers’ and actors’ strikes — which could have been an easy softball for him in terms of material — but notably, his jokes directed at Taylor Swift and the uber-popular “Barbie” prompted indignation across social media. “As you know, we came on after a football doubleheader. The big difference between the Golden Globes and the NFL? On the Golden Globes, we have fewer camera shots of Taylor Swift, I swear,” Koy said during the show, which was followed by a cut to Swift who appeared unimpressed by the joke. And referencing the two most successful films of 2023, Koy quipped, “‘Oppenheimer’ is based on a 721-page Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the Manhattan Project, and ‘Barbie’ is on a plastic doll with big boobies. The key moment in ‘Barbie’ is when she goes from perfect beauty to bad breath, cellulite, and flat feet. Or what casting directors call character actor!” Acknowledging that the monologue was not going his way, Koy threw his writing team under the bus in an awkward attempt of selfpreservation, ad-libbing, “Yo, I got the gig 10 days ago; you want a perfect monologue? Yo, shut up. You’re kidding me, right? Slow down. I wrote some of these, and they’re the ones you’re laughing at.” Universally panned among critics and across social media, Koy’s monologue at the beginning of the show likely dictated the rest of the show, for which he mysteriously did not reappear. “I had fun. You know, it was a moment that I’ll always remember,” Koy said the morning after the Globes. “It’s a tough room. It was a hard job, I’m not going to lie…I’d be lying if [I said] it doesn’t hurt. I hit a moment there where I was like, ‘Ah.’ Hosting is just a tough gig. Yes,

Jo Koy

Photo from Instagram/@jokoy

I’m a stand-up comic but that hosting position it’s a different style. I kind of went in and did the writer’s thing. We had 10 days to write this monologue. It was a crash course. I feel bad, but I got to still say I loved what I did.” Among all American award shows, the Globes are notoriously difficult to nail as a host — see Jerrod Carmichael’s less-than-impressive Globes hosting performance last year and the several times Ricky Gervais hosted and revulsed viewers. It’s a famously boozy event that brings together film and television, two tangential industries that have different personalities and sensibilities, and powerful media tastemakers like Ted Sarandos of Netflix, Bob Iger of Disney and all its properties, and Oprah Winfrey of, well, broad global influence. Justin Lee, a Filipino and Vietnamese American aspiring stand-up comedian based in Los Angeles, told the Asian Journal that while he understands the challenges of comedy, Koy’s material felt “dated” and “overall, dull.” “I can’t imagine what he was going through because a gig like that can make or break you because there are so many people watching,” Lee said, adding, “his jokes just didn’t reflect”

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10 JANUARY 12-18, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

Minding Your Pechanga presents Finances ‘Regine Rocks’ concert, Feb. 9

PECHANGA Resort Casino proudly presents the “Regine Rocks” concert that will be held on Friday, February 9 at 8 p.m. at the Pechanga Theater. Regine Velasquez is a Filipino singer and actress. She is considered as one of the most influential figures in Philippine popular culture and is known for her vocal range and belting technique. Velasquez rose to prominence after winning the television talent show Ang Bagong Kampeon in 1984 and the Asia Pacific Singing Contest in 1989. She achieved commercial success in some Asian territories with her fifth album “Listen Without Prejudice,” which sold more than 700,000 copies and became her highest-selling album to date. Velasquez has played leading roles in the romantic comedies “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” and “Pangako Ikaw Lang” and received the Box Office Entertainment Award for Box Office Queen for the latter. Referred to as “Asia’s Songbird,” she has consistently been credited with inspiring a generation of Filipino singers. She has received many awards, including MTV Asia’s Favorite Artist Philippines in 2002 and 2003, and the Aliw Awards’ Entertainer of the Year in 2007, 2009, and 2019. Regine Velasquez performed with Sharon Cuneta at the Pechanga Summit on July 22 and July 23, 2023 for their “Iconic” concert. Now she’s back again to put on a more intimate show for her fans and she couldn’t be more excited! Hurry, you don’t want to miss this! Buy your tickets now from the Pechanga Box Office, or by calling 888-810-8871, or visit www.pechanga.com. Shows in the Pechanga

Atty. RAymond BulAon

Theater offer a comfortable and intimate concert experience. With 1,200 seats in its theater, each show features state-ofthe-art, acoustically perfected sound, plus comfortable chairs, and an up-close view from every theater seat. Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted best casino in the west USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether

for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 5500 of the hottest slots, 152 table games, a 1,100 room and suite hotel, dining, luxury spa, and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination unrivaled anywhere in California. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Instagram, Facebook and on X @PechangaCasino.

IRS problems have a way of ruining all aspects of your life. They can take a toll on you financially, emotionally, and physically. When you owe the IRS, you’re always wondering if today might be the day when the IRS shows up at work, your home or your business; or if today might be the day the IRS decides to levy your bank account or garnish your paycheck. Recently, the IRS announced that it will resume all collection activities that they paused during the pandemic. What does this mean for you if you owe the IRS? That means you should be getting a collection letter soon. It’s business as usual again at the IRS, and if your account has been in collection for some time, a big portion of your current balance includes penalties and interest. But how can the IRS expect you to pay all of that when you couldn’t even pay the original amount to begin with? Frankly, the IRS does not care. They want their money and they want it now. And they’ll do everything within their power to get if from you as soon as possible. This is a heavy load to bear every day! So, what should you do if you are in this situation? Should you continue to live in fear and uncertainty, or do you do something about it now to prevent your tax problems from getting worse? Sooner or later, you will need to face the IRS but by then you could owe a lot more for waiting too long with the added penalties and interest I mentioned above. I don’t think this is what you want, is it? The only way to solve your IRS problems is to face them head-on

Worried about IRS tax problems? and to have a plan of action. And that’s exactly what people lack – a plan. Unfortunately, instead of acting, people bury their heads in the sand, pretending that their IRS problems don’t exist. This is the wrong approach, and your tax problems will only continue to get worse! Your IRS problems will not resolve themselves. And your tax problems are here to stay for the long haul and will only continue to make your life miserable. Unfortunately, there are a lot of unscrupulous companies out there who are more interested in taking your hard-earned dollars instead of offering you the solution that you need. Without knowing anything about your situation, they tell you that you can settle your IRS debt “for pennies on the dollar”. While the IRS has such a program that allows forgiveness of tax debt, it is not for everyone. Don’t fall for that scam. The IRS uses a specific formula to determine the least amount it will accept based on your income and assets. It’s called “reasonable collection potential” which involves taking into account the amount you owe, how much you make, the value of your assets, and how much time the IRS has remaining under the collection statute. Remember that the IRS leaves no stone unturned in trying to collect everything that you owe. I always tell my clients that the IRS is one of the worst creditors that you can have because the government has a lot of weapons in its arsenal to make sure that they get paid. Some people tend to think that if they just ignore the IRS long enough, at some point the IRS will just somehow forget. Trust me, the IRS never forgets. And they will keep adding penalties and interest to what

you owe until they find you, your money, or your money source. Then it’s payday for the IRS! Believe it or not, even when you retire, the IRS can attack your pension, retirement, and social security check! In other words, you can run but you can’t hide as far as the IRS is concerned. The good news is that there is a better way to live your life other than hiding from the IRS if you owe them money. You don’t need to be always looking over your shoulder for the IRS, wondering what the government will do to you next. You don’t need to get up every morning with this incredibly large problem on your shoulders. The laws have changed over the years and there are laws to protect taxpayers. If you have not filed tax returns in years, remember that the IRS will not even talk to you unless you file those returns first to show good faith. So, if that’s your case, this is a good first step in resolving your IRS tax liabilities. If you need help with your IRS problems, I can help. I will review your case and will help you come up with a realistic plan to get the IRS out of your life once and for all. If you owe the IRS more than $10,000, the consultation is free. ***

NOTE: Due to the current lockdown order caused by COVID-19, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has been in private practice for 23 years and have helped more than 6,000 clients obtain debt relief. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-471-8272. (Advertising Supplement)

(Advertising Supplement)

Airspeed: Elevating Philippine logistics to global standards at CES Las Vegas 2024 FOR companies seeking to expand their services, transporting large quantities of products efficiently and cost-effectively is necessary to enter new markets. Airspeed, a Filipino end-toend logistics company, is proud to offer multimodal solutions that can handle various cargo sizes, making it an ideal choice for businesses dealing with bulk shipments. The company also offers warehousing services, with temperaturecontrolled environments and advanced security systems to ensure the safe and efficient storage of products. Valueadded services such as product assembly, labeling, and repackaging can also be provided to save businesses time and money. Airspeed is a corporate logistics company focused on freight forwarding solutions, customs releasing, customized logistics, warehousing and distribution. With its growing network, Airspeed aims to make it happen to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 38 years. Founded in 1985 as an international air freight forwarder, Airspeed is now one of the Philippines’ most trusted and fastest-growing logistics brands serving the B2B and B2C markets. For businesses looking to

At the 2024 CES convention in Las Vegas are Mariz Cariaso Regis, president and CEO, and Thesa Castrojas-Galang, chief marketing officer of AirSpeed International.

expand into the Philippines, Airspeed offers customized solutions to address challenges with customs clearance and transportation. This includes door-to-door delivery and expedited clearance procedures, streamlining operations and reducing costs. As the tech industry continues to grow and expand, international trade will play an increasingly important role in driving innovation and growth. With Airspeed’s expertise and support, businesses can navigate the complexities of global trade with confidence and efficiency. Attendees at the Consumer Electronics Show 2024 in Las Vegas can expect to witness the significance of

Airspeed’s contributions to the logistics industry, making success In their stakeholders’ businesses happen. To inquire for logistics requirements, visit the Philippine delegation booth at Hall D (Booth 56148) and discuss with Airspeed International’s president and CEO Mariz Regis or chief marketing officer Thesa Castrojas-Galang. You can also email info@airspeed.ph for further details. Airspeed can make it happen for you: Visit www.airspeed. ph, or call (02) 8852-7328 to 37; Email us at info@airspeed. ph, and follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Airspeedgroupofcompanies. n

PH BOOTH AT CES 2024 IN LAS VEGAS. The Philippine government, through the combined efforts of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (SEIPI) and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), participated in the Consumer and Electronics Show (CES) 2024 being held in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 9-12, 2024. Described as the world’s largest and most influential tech event, CES showcases companies including manufacturers, developers and suppliers of consumer technology hardware, content, technology delivery systems and more. It also includes a conference program where the world’s business leaders and pioneering thinkers address the industry’s most relevant issues. CES is organized annually by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). Top photo shows (from left) Janenne Remondino, CTA Sr. Dir.; Dr. Dan Lachica, SEIPI President; DG Theo Panga, PEZA; Usec. Donnet Sahagun, DOST; Kinsey Fabrizio, CTA SVP; Usec. Rafaelita Aldaba, DTI; Asec. Napoleon Juanillo, DOST; and Dir. Emmy Delfin, DICT at the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Philippine booth. Bottom photo shows Earl Cua, Ionics; Trade Commissioner Eric Elnar, DTI; Dir. Emmy Delfin, DICT; Asec. Napoleon Juanillo, DOST; Usec. Rafaelita Aldaba, DTI; Kinsey Fabrizio, CTA SVP, Usec. Donnet Sahagun, DOST; DG Theo Panga, PEZA; Dr. Danilo Lachica, SEIPI President; Cecille Domingo, MERALCO VP; and Mariz Regis, Airspeed President and CEO. AJPress Photos

Jasmine Forsberg’s story of identity, family, and...

PAGE 9 conventional molds. The recent closing night of “Here Lies Love” was a poignant moment for Forsberg. The emotions ran deep as the curtain fell, marking both an end and a beginning. “It’s heartbreaking when something that you pour your entire passion into doesn’t get to have as long a life as you want it to,” she confessed. Yet, the bitter aftertaste is sweetened by the bonds forged during the production. “I have a family for life with all of those people,” Forsberg added, acknowledging the sense of community that transcends the stage. Transitioning from “Here Lies Love” to “SIX,” Forsberg took on the role of Jane Seymour, a character she initially felt less connected to during auditions. “Having not yet even started rehearsals, I was describing the role to a friend of Jane being kindhearted and warm. And she said, ‘Jasmine, that’s you. That is you,’” Forsberg shared, underscoring the serendipity that led her to a character she now embodies with depth and authenticity. As we delved into the intricacies of her role, Forsberg

Gabriela Carrillo (Catherine Parr, center) with (l-r) Khaila Wilcoxon (Catherine of Aragon), Storm Lever (Anne Boleyn), Jasmine Forsberg (Jane Seymour), Olivia Donalson (Anna of Cleves) & Didi Romero (Katherine Howard)

(L-R) Khaila Wilcoxon (Catherine of Aragon), Storm Lever (Anne Boleyn), Jasmine Forsberg (Jane Seymour), Olivia Donalson (Anna of Cleves), Didi Romero (Katherine Howard), & Gabriela Carrillo (Catherine Parr)

revealed the transformative power of Jane Seymour’s character. “I’ve learned that you can be strong and gentle at the same time,” she explained. Living with Jane Seymour for over a year and a half, Forsberg has found a profound connection to the character. “I realize now there’s

no other queen that would feel as right,” she mused, emphasizing the character’s commitment to family and love. Growing up with a white father and a Filipino mother, Forsberg navigated the delicate balance of cultural identity. “While my household was Americanized,

Bottom row: (L-R) Jasmine Forsberg (Jane Seymour), Gabriela Carrillo (Catherine Parr), & Didi Romero (Katherine Howard). Middle row: (L-R) Olivia Donalson (Anna of Cleves) & Khaila Wilcoxon (Catherine of Aragon). Top row: Storm Lever (Anne Boleyn)

anytime I would spend time with them, I wanted to be able to absorb as much as possible,” she said, reminiscing about visits to a Filipino supermarket with her grandparents. Living with her grandparents in Chicago during the “SIX” tour, Forsberg connected with her

Filipino roots more intimately. “I got to really connect with that side of my heritage a lot and eat the food and hear them talking in the language,” she shared. The experience not only deepened her connection to her roots but also fueled her commitment to representing the

Filipino-American community on Broadway. Acknowledging the challenges faced by mixed-race individuals, Forsberg addressed the common notion of not being “enough” of either ethnicity. “There’s no regardless of whether you grew up in a more Americanized household. You still are Filipino. You still are you,” she emphasized. As Forsberg continues to carve her path in Broadway, her commitment to authentic storytelling remains unwavering. “Sometimes I think my dream hasn’t been written yet,” she said, leaving the future open to untold narratives and unexplored roles. Taking center stage every night, Forsberg invites audiences to witness not only the characters she portrays but the rich tapestry of her own identity woven into the vibrant fabric of Broadway. As the curtains rise on her unfolding narrative, it becomes clear that she is not merely a rising star; she is a transformative presence, willing to let audiences witness the powerful intersection of culture, pride, and the enduring magic of storytelling. n

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Filipino viewers react to Jo Koy’s Golden...

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 12-18, 2024

County supports federal initiative to protect immigrant military families

THE county’s Office of Military PAGE 9 and Veterans Affairs is promoting contemporary sensibilities about humor or the current state of a federal immigration program American entertainment. that supports immigrant families “Everyone has their own sense of humor, but I think making of U.S. service members. a joke about reducing ‘Barbie’ to a movie about a doll with ‘big The Military Parole in Place boobies’ was just uninspired. That part was such a cringefest,” (MPIP) program provides some Lee lamented, adding that Koy and his humor seemed “out of members of U.S. military families place.” temporary permission to remain To Lee’s point, what makes Koy’s performance so spectacularly in the country while seeking bad is that the Globes are so far from his usual milieu. permanent residency. Over the past three decades, Koy built a career based primarily The temporary immigration on observational humor tailored toward the Filipino American status allows spouses, widow(er) experience — to strong success among Filipino audiences and s, parents and children of U.S. beyond. service members to stay, work Among the in-jokes about being Filipino American, his bread and travel freely in the United and butter was always his colorful stories about his mother, which States. The Board of Supervisors often extended to well-intentioned caricatures of older Filipino previously approved promoting women: titas. The relatability factor of Koy’s comedy served him the program to reaffirm the well for years, to the point where his fan base grew and diversified. County’s support for service But to go from doing hour-long shows making niche jokes to members and their families. a dedicated fan base to hosting a major awards show, it’s safe to “Families can be divided say that the odds were stacked against Koy in nearly every way. when a loved one serves in the “All of the jokes just felt very first thought, you know, like they U.S. armed forces,” said Rick didn’t take the time to really refine the script. Very disappointing,” Wanne, Director of County said Melanie Lopez, a Filipino American grad student focusing on Self Sufficiency Services. “This media studies. program allows them to be Lopez said that the joke that confused her the most was Koy’s reunited in our country and quip about “Oppenheimer” being too long a film. recognizes our military men and Laughing, Lopez said, “‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ [which women for their honorable and was nominated in many of the same categories as “Oppenheimer”] selfless service.” was a longer movie! The jokes just didn’t make sense.” People may be eligible for the Like many Filipino millennials, Lopez grew up watching Koy’s program if the service member comedy and while she found him funny years ago, she said his in their family is active duty in material has gone “stale.” “I think Jo Koy really needs to branch out, and the response from this awards show should be a wake-up call because you could tell he was uncomfortable with the situation. For years, he’s done the same thing, doing ‘if you know you know’ jokes about being Filipino. You can only rely on that for so long before people start to get tired of it, and I think a lot of us Pinoys are tired of it,” Lopez said. Lolita Garcia, a Carson-based mom who used to work in the entertainment industry, expressed pity for Koy, whom she says she still supports. “You know, we as Filipinos want to root for people in our community, especially when they’re famous and successful,” Garcia told the Asian Journal, adding that she applauds Koy for acknowledging his lackluster performance. “Yeah, [the monologue] wasn’t great at all, but I think this might motivate him to improve as a comic, which is a really difficult job that I don’t think people really appreciate,” Garcia said. “This is hopefully a turning point for his career.” Even though Koy has been one of the most famous, if not the most famous, comedians of Filipino descent, this flub shouldn’t be seen as a major step back for the Filipino community, said Randy Solar, a Filipino American marketing professional based in Orange County. “I want better for our community, for sure. But representation is important and I think part of that means that we shouldn’t be so [reactive] when a Filipino doesn’t meet our expectations, whatever they are,” Solar said, adding that he, too, was unimpressed by Koy’s hosting. “Don’t get me wrong, he was terrible. But everyone has off days at work, [and] Koy just had the misfortune of stumbling in front of millions of people,” he said. He added, “I think this just really highlights the need for greater representation and diverse representation within just the Filipino community — so we don’t have to put so much pressure Donny Pangilinan and stock into one person.” n Photo from Instagram/@donny

the U.S. armed forces, in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve or has previously served as active duty or in the Selected Reserve and was not dishonorably discharged. Eligibility is available in single year increments. Those who apply for the MPIP program submit specific documents to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Office where they live. These include: • Completed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (without fee). Applicants must hand write “Military PIP” in Part 2 instead of checking a box. Evidence of the family relationship, such as: a. Marriage certificate b. Documentation of termination of previous marriage c. Son or daughter’s birth certificate d. Current or former service member’s birth certificate with parent’s name; or e. Proof of enrollment in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). • Evidence that the family member is a current or former member of the U.S. armed

11

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

forces, such as a photocopy of the front and back of the service member’s military identification card or DD Form 214. • For parents of current and former service members of the U.S. armed forces, evidence the current or former service member supports the application for parole in place. • Two identical, color passportstyle photographs; and • Evidence of any additional favorable discretionary factors that that an applicant would like

to have considered. For more information on support in San Diego for military members and their families, visit https://www.sandiegocounty. gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/ ssp/veterans_services.html. To apply for the MPIP program, go online to https://www.uscis.gov/ military/discretionary-optionsfor-military-members-enlisteesand-their-families. (Cassie N. Saunders/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

Donny breaks silence on viral video with Kathryn

DONNY Pangilinan longtime girlfriend Maiqui engagement in November 2022 addressed his viral video with Pineda last January 6. after four years of dating. (Jan The couple announced their Milo Severo/Philstar.com) n Kathryn Bernardo taken at the after party of Robi Domingo and Maiqui Pineda’s wedding. During the press conference for his upcoming movie “GG or Good Game,” Donny said that he was justing watching after Kathryn. “We had a great time. Lahat naman kami, friends sa showbiz, so binabantayan namin isa’t isa. ‘Yun lang ‘yun,” he said. “Having peace of mind na friends kaming lahat and okay kami, enjoy namin ang trabaho namin, and that’s the most important thing,” he added. Robi also clarified the issue surrounding the viral video. “Just for the record: we’re all friends here. We’ve got each other’s backs. No issues, please,” Robi said. “Also, being the groomsmen, @donny and @Espanto2001 helped us out in taking care of all of the guests,” he added. Robi tied the knot with his

12 JANUARY 12-18, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588