JANUARY 24-26, 2024 Volume 34 - No. 7 • 12 Pages
Marcos: Gov’t won’t lift a finger to help ICC DATELINE USA by ALEXIS ROMERO
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Vigil held to honor Fil-Am, 10 others killed in Monterey Park mass shooting
Philstar.com
MANILA — The government will not lift a finger to assist the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its probe on the previous administration’s war on drugs, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday, January 23. But while Marcos said an ICC probe poses a “threat” to Philippine sovereignty, he clarified that
members of the tribunal could visit the country in their personal capacity. The Department of Justice (DOJ) denied reports that ICC probers came to the Philippines last December to conduct an investigation. “Let me say this for the 100th time. I do not recognize the jurisdiction of ICC in the Philippines. I consider it as a threat to our sovereignty,” Marcos said in a chance interview. “However, as ordinary people, they can come
‘UN rapporteur to see freedom of expression in PH’
MONTEREY PARK – On the one-year anniversary of the Monterey Park mass shooting that left a Filipino American and 10 other people dead, the city on Sunday held a candlelight vigil to remember the victims amid calls for stricter gun laws. The vigil was held at Monterey Park City Hall to honor the memory of the 11 victims, including Valentino Alvero, a 68-year-old FilAm who was fondly remembered by his family as the “life of any party.” On Jan. 21, 2023, the gunman, Huu Can Tran, entered Star Dance Studio and opened fire, killing 11 and seriously wounding nine others. He killed himself the following day after he was pulled over by police outside a Torrance strip mall. he mass shooting was one of the worst in Los Angeles County history — and occurred on the eve of the Lunar New Year in a community that PAGE 3
77-year-old Fil-Am missing in Azusa, authorities seek help LOS ANGELES – Authorities have sought the public’s help on Thursday, January 18 in locating a 77-year-old Filipino American with unspecified medical conditions who was last seen in Azusa. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Artemio San Agustin Flores Jr. was last seen in the 6100 block of Traymore Avenue around 4 p.m. Dec. 25. Deputies described Flores as a 5-foot-5inch Asian man weighing 142 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. It was unclear what Flores was wearing when he disappeared. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts was urged to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau Missing Persons Detail at 323-890-5500. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. In New Jersey, a Filipino American teenager has been missing for more than a month now, and her parents are appealing to the public to come forward with any clues. PAGE 2
by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com
THUMBS DOWN. All 24 senators show a copy of the manifesto they signed rejecting the proposed People’s Initiative, aimed to push for charter change, during the resumption of session at the Senate building in Pasay City on Tuesday, Jan. 23. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (center) said the goal of the People’s Initiative is to make it easier to revise the Constitution by eliminating the Senate from the equation. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
MANILA – The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality issued a subpoena on Tuesday, January 23 against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy who was absent during the panel's inquiry on his alleged abuses of women and children. Panel chair Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros called on Quiboloy to appear at the next hearing saying he is not "a son of God" who is exempted from the laws of the State. "Kahit ang Korte Suprema ay walang kapangyarihang pigilan ang ganitong inquiries ng Senado, at ang pag-require sa mga taong humarap dito (Even the Supreme Court has no power to stop Senate inquiries, and require individuals to appear)," Hontiveros said before ending the first hearing.
by JEAN MANGALUZ Inquirer.net
Malacañang file photo
MANILA — UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan would see for herself a “flourishing” Philippine democracy and the government’s progressive agenda, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). “The government is confident that through meaningful dialogues and meetings with government, media, civil society organizations and other stakeholders, Ms. Khan will see for herself the transparency and progressive agenda of the government with respect to the promotion and protection of freedom of speech and expression,” the DFA said in a statement over the weekend. Khan, special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, will visit the Philippines from Jan. 23 to Feb 2. She is the third special rapporteur to visit the country in 14 months, following the special rapporteur for the sale and exploitation of children Fatimah Singhateh in November 2022 and the special rapporteur for climate change and human rights Ian Fry in November 2023. PAGE 2
Senate panel issues subpoena vs Quiboloy She noted that Quiboloy can invoke the right against self-incrimination "only when and as the [possibly] incriminating question is propounded” like any ordinary witness. Hontiveros also said that being absent from the hearing is a lack of respect for the Senate as an institution. "Hindi po ito religious persecution. Ito ay pagsisiyasat sa paggamit sa paniniwala, pananalig o pananampalataya ng iba, para gumawa ng mga kasuklam-suklam na abuso at pinsala sa mga taong binaluktot ang paniniwala, tinanggalan ng lakas, at pinagsamantalahan (This is not a religious persecution. This is an inquiry in using belief or Vice President Sara Duterte faith of others to commit abuses and damages to people who were fooled, weakened, and abused)," she said. PAGE 2
Marcos: No to foreign ownership of land, media, power firms
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
and visit the Philippines, but we will not help them. In fact, we are watching them, making sure that they do not come into contact with any agency of government,” he added. The president instructed government entities not to engage with the ICC representatives. “If they are contacting agencies of government, whether the police or local government, do not answer. That will be our response. That we do PAGE 2
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, January 23 said that he is against the foreign ownership of assets such as land, energy and the media. Marcos reiterated his stance that he agreed with economic amendments when he was asked Charter-change. Pushed further if he agreed with foreign ownership, Marcos said that land was out of the question. “Corporations baka pwede natin pagusapan, except for the critical areas such as power generation, media, all the strategic areas that we cannot allow to be influenced by a foreign entity, be it a corporation or
ISLAND PACIFIC
another country, but that’s what we have to decide where we draw the line,” said Marcos in a 24 Oras interview. According to Marcos, land ownership was a difficult topic. Wealthy foreign entities, Marcos said, could come in and buy the land of an area, driving up the value of land, leaving old residents unable to pay the real estate tax. Marcos, however, banked on foreign investors to help the Philippine economy. “The 1987 Constitution was not written for a globalized world. And that is where we are now. So we have to, we have to adjust so that we can increase the economic activity in the Philippines, we can attract more foreign investors,” said Marcos. �
Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterteOfficial
VP Duterte declares she’ll run again for office ‘in the next elections’ by ZACARIAN SARAO Inquirer.net
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte has declared she will run for office again “in the next elections.” Duterte revealed her political plan during a flag-raising ceremony in Barangay Bago Gallera, Davao City on Monday, January 22. “Narinig ko na sinabi ng aking kapatid, si Mayor Baste (Sebastian Duterte), at ng aking mas matandang kapatid, si Congressman Pulong (Paolo Duterte), na hindi sila tatakbo. Baka hindi sila tatakbo sa susunod na eleksyon, kaya’t narito ako sa inyong harap dahil mangangampanya ako sa inyo dahil tatakbo ako sa susunod na eleksyon,” Duterte said in a
speech in Bisaya. (I heard that my sibling, Mayor Baste, and my elder sibling, Congressman Pulong, mentioned that they won’t run. Maybe they won’t run in the next election, so that’s why I am here with you. I will campaign for you since I will run in the next election.) Duterte, however, did not specify what position she would be running for. Pressed for details, the Office of the Vice President has not clarified Duterte’s announcement but said that her visit to Barangay Bago Gallera was “spontaneous.” The upcoming national and local elections are scheduled for May 2025; however, Duterte’s tenure as vice president extends until 2028. �
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From the Front Page
Marcos: Gov’t won’t lift a finger... PAGE 1 not recognize your jurisdiction, therefore, we will not assist in any way, shape or form, any of the investigations that the ICC is doing in the Philippines,” Marcos said. Seek consent The justice department denied that ICC investigators visited the Philippines last month and gathered evidence in the crimes against humanity complaint filed against former president Rodrigo Duterte. In a statement, the DOJ said international bodies such as the ICC must first secure consent and approval from the government before conducting official activities in the Philippines. “As of Jan. 23, the DOJ has not received any official communication or confirmation regarding the presence of the ICC in the country,” the department said. The DOJ said it has not received any advisory from the Department of Foreign Affairs that the ICC entered the Philippines, a requirement that would “trigger the interdepartmental coordination concerning developments that go to the core of our sovereignty and the primacy of our Constitution and laws.” The DOJ made the statement after former senator Antonio Trillanes IV claimed that a warrant for Duterte’s arrest may be issued soon after ICC probers conducted interviews last December regarding the former president’s war on drugs. The DOJ reiterated its stance that the Philippines has no legal duty to comply with any obligations or proceedings of the ICC, having withdrawn from
the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the international body in 2019. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said the government would “not lend any assistance to the ICC, much less in the enforcement of any processes issued by the tribunal in Philippine territory.” In 2021, the Supreme Court junked petitions seeking to declare null and void then President Duterte’s decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute. In January 2023, the tribunal decided to resume its inquiry into the Philippine drug war. In July the same year, the ICC’s Appeals Chamber denied the Philippines’ bid to stop the probe on crimes against humanity. Sara probed? Meanwhile, the ICC could now be investigating Vice President Sara Duterte over alleged “tokhang” operations when she was Davao City mayor from 2016 to 2022. Witnesses have come forward before the tribunal to testify against her. Duterte said she would face the accusation levied against her as long as it is before a Philippine court. “After I became vice president, there are suddenly witnesses against me and now I’m among the accused before the (ICC). I don’t need a death squad for things I can do myself,” she said. “I will face whatever accusations are levied against me. But I will only face any charge against me before a Filipino judge – and only before a Philippine court,” Duterte added.
The ICC probe covers drugrelated deaths committed from July 1, 2016 to March 16, 2019 when the elder Duterte withdrew the country from the Rome Statute. It also covers alleged Davao death squad killings between Nov. 1, 2011 and June 30, 2016 when the former president was vice mayor and mayor of Davao City, respectively. The former president was vice mayor from 2010 to 2013. The younger Duterte also served as Davao City mayor from 2016 to 2022, but it was still unclear whether the ICC would include this stint in the investigation. ICC prosecutors have yet to confirm if the Vice President was among the persons being investigated by the tribunal, along with her father and former Philippine National Police chief and now Sen. Ronald dela Rosa. Meanwhile, National Privacy Commission (NPC) chief John Henry Naga met on Tuesday with United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan. Naga said he and Khan discussed the pivotal role that the NPC plays in protecting people’s right to freedom of expression and data privacy. “Fundamental human right to privacy and freedom of opinion and expression are interdependent pillars of a democratic society. The right to privacy safeguards people from undue surveillance, ensuring that personal information is protected,” Naga said in a statement. (With reports from Daphne Galvez, Neil Jayson Servallos, Rainier Allan Ronda, Janvic Mateo)
‘UN rapporteur to see freedom of... PAGE 1 The DFA said the Philippines – a signatory to all eight core human rights treaties – has completed five constructive dialogues in 14 months, starting with the Committee on Rights of the Child and the Human Rights Committee on civil and political rights in September and October
2022, respectively. In 2023, the country had dialogues with the Committee on Migrant Workers, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in March, April and October 2023, respectively.
The Philippines completed its 4th Universal Periodic Review in November 2022. In December 2023, the Philippines welcomed the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture for a country visit pursuant to its obligation under the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture. g
FAITH AND HISTORY. A few devotees pray inside the Basilica Minore de Santuario de San Pedro Bautista, the oldest church in Quezon City, on Monday, Jan. 22. The church, founded in 1590, was declared an important cultural property by the National Museum in 2017 and a minor basilica by the Vatican in 2020. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
Senate panel issues subpoena...
PAGE 1
"Pero sa ngayon, para kay alias Amanda, para kay alias Jerome, para kay Ms. Arlene, maraming salamat. Daghang salamat. To Mr. Wood, thank you very much, sir. And to our Ukrainian friends, our fellow women, 'Dyakuyu' (Thank you)," she added. The lawmaker said the committee sent two invitations to Quiboloy but received no answer.
Instead, Hontiveros revealed that the pastor sent a letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri which details were not provided. In a privilege speech last year, she emphasized that the offenses attributed to Quiboloy are ongoing and involve the abuse of women and children within the KOJC. Hontiveros said victims have
reported physical assaults, including beatings, lashings, and injuries from being forcefully slammed against the wall. There is also an affidavit detailing sexual abuse by Quiboloy on a minor, according to the lawmaker. Preachers, she said, have revealed information about his wealth accumulation and concealment methods. (PNA)
77-year-old Fil-Am missing in Azusa... PAGE 1 Hayley Alvarado, 18, has been missing since she left her Jersey City home early morning of Dec. 17. The police have been checking CCTVs in buses, bus stations, establishments and parks, in coordination with the Department of Transportation. Hayley’s father, Stephen Alvarado posted about Hayley’s disappearance on Facebook, “to get a wider reach, hoping someone may know and give (us) tips on where she may be. I also posted a wish that the spirit of Christmas giving will give us (the) return of our daughter Hayley,” he said. Alvarado said any clues from the public will be greatly appreciated, asking those who may have information about Hayley to call
Artemio San Agustin Flores Jr. was last seen in the 6100 block of Traymore Avenue around 4 p.m. Dec. 25. Photo from LA County Sheriff’s Department
911 or the Jersey City Police Department at (551) 227-8511, or
provide information at the nearest police station. (Inquirer.net)
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Women and minorities bear the brunt of medical misdiagnosis by Liz Szabo KFF Health News
CHARITY Watkins sensed something was deeply wrong when she experienced exhaustion after her daughter was born. At times, Watkins, then 30, had to stop on the stairway to catch her breath. Her obstetrician said postpartum depression likely caused the weakness and fatigue. When Watkins, who is Black, complained of a cough, her doctor blamed the flu. About eight weeks after delivery, Watkins thought she was having a heart attack, and her husband took her to the emergency room. After a 5½hour wait in a North Carolina hospital, she returned home to nurse her baby without seeing a doctor. When a physician finally examined Watkins three days later, he immediately noticed her legs and stomach were swollen, a sign that her body was retaining fluid. After a chest X-ray, the doctor diagnosed her with heart failure, a serious condition in which the heart becomes too weak to adequately pump oxygen-rich blood to organs throughout the body. Watkins spent two weeks in intensive care. She said a cardiologist later told her, “We almost lost you.” Watkins is among 12 million adults misdiagnosed every year in the U.S. In a study published Jan. 8 in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers found that nearly 1 in 4 hospital patients who died or were transferred to intensive care had experienced a diagnostic error. Nearly 18% of misdiagnosed patients were harmed or died. In all, an estimated 795,000 patients a year die or are permanently disabled because of misdiagnosis, according to a study published in July in the BMJ Quality & Safety periodical. Some patients are at higher risk than others. Women and racial and ethnic minorities are 20% to 30% more likely than white men to experience a misdiagnosis, said David Newman-Toker, a
professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the lead author of the BMJ study. “That’s significant and inexcusable,” he said. Researchers call misdiagnosis an urgent public health problem. The study found that rates of misdiagnosis range from 1.5% of heart attacks to 17.5% of strokes and 22.5% of lung cancers. Weakening of the heart muscle — which led to Watkins’ heart failure — is the most common cause of maternal death one week to one year after delivery, and is more common among Black women. Heart failure “should have been No. 1 on the list of possible causes” for Watkins’ symptoms, said Ronald Wyatt, chief science and chief medical officer at the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine, a nonprofit research and advocacy group. Maternal mortality for Black mothers has increased dramatically in recent years. The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, non-Hispanic Black mothers are 2.6 times as likely to die as non-Hispanic white moms. More than half of these deaths take place within a year after delivery. Research shows that Black women with childbirth-related heart failure are typically diagnosed later than white women, said Jennifer Lewey, co-director of the pregnancy and heart disease program at Penn Medicine. That can allow patients to further deteriorate, making Black women less likely to fully recover and more likely to suffer from weakened hearts for the rest of their lives. Watkins said the diagnosis changed her life. Doctors advised her “not to have another baby, or I might need a heart transplant,” she said. Being deprived of the chance to have another child, she said, “was devastating.” Racial and gender disparities are widespread. Women and minority patients suffering from heart attacks are more likely than others to be discharged without diagnosis
or treatment. Black people with depression are more likely than others to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. Minorities are less likely than whites to be diagnosed early with dementia, depriving them of the opportunities to receive treatments that work best in the early stages of the disease. Misdiagnosis isn’t new. Doctors have used autopsy studies to estimate the percentage of patients who died with undiagnosed diseases for more than a century. Although those studies show some improvement over time, lifethreatening mistakes remain all too common, despite an array of sophisticated diagnostic tools, said Hardeep Singh, a professor at Baylor College of Medicine who studies ways to improve diagnosis. “The vast majority of diagnoses can be made by getting to know the patient’s story really well, asking followup questions, examining the patient, and ordering basic tests,” said Singh, who is also a researcher at Houston’s Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. When talking to people who’ve been misdiagnosed, “one of the things we hear over and over is, ‘The doctor didn’t listen to me.’” Racial disparities in misdiagnosis are sometimes explained by noting that minority patients are less likely to be insured than white patients and often lack access to high-quality hospitals. But the picture is more complicated, said Monika Goyal, an emergency physician at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., who has documented racial bias in children’s health care. In a 2020 study, Goyal and her colleagues found that Black kids with appendicitis were less likely than their white peers to be correctly diagnosed, even when both groups of patients visited the same hospital. Although few doctors deliberately discriminate against women or minorities, Goyal said, many are biased without realizing it. “Racial bias is baked into our culture,” Goyal said. “It’s PAGE 4
Mourners gather at a vigil for the victims of the Monterey Park mass shooting.
Photo from the City of Monterey Park
Vigil held to honor Fil-Am, 10 others killed... PAGE 1 is majority Asian American and is considered the first suburban Chinatown in the nation. According to the city of Monterey Park, the remembrance serves as a space for reflection and healing as residents and the larger community honor the memory of the victims. Following the shooting, President Joe Biden visited Monterey Park, consoled each of the victims’ families and announced executive actions aimed at reducing gun violence. He also took time during his State of the Union speech on Feb. 7, 2023, to call for increased gun control. Rep. Judy Chu, a former Monterey Park City Councilwoman and three-time mayor, who also chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, issued a statement Friday reflecting on the tragic events of a year ago. “Sunday marks one year since a truly unconscionable mass shooting in my hometown of 38 years, Monterey Park, that devastated and terrified the Asian American community nationwide,” Chu said. “I mourn and honor the eleven people, all of whom were of Asian descent, who were murdered on one of the most important and celebratory days of the year for our community.” “My heart is with the victims’ families and survivors today, many of whom are still recovering from the senseless violence and trauma of that day and grappling with the terrible anguish of losing loved ones,” Chu added. “As we grieved and healed this past year, I was encouraged by the remarkable stories of hope and unity; so many of my neighbors, and strangers from across the country, courageously offered support, raised money for the families affected, and helped us process
the trauma.” Chu noted that local advocates and organizations mobilized and continue to support the victims with translation services, government resources, fundraising and mental health care, as well as long-term assistance at the MPK Hope Resiliency Center at Sierra Vista Park Community Center. She also reiterated her support to ban high-capacity magazines, implement universal background checks and restore the assault weapons ban. In the past, Chu has touted two pieces of proposed gun-violence prevention legislation — the Language Access to Gun Violence Prevention Strategies Act, and the FLAG, or Fair Legal Access Grants, Act. She has said the first would ensure multilingual outreach efforts about red flag laws and gun violence prevention, while the second would provide funding to ensure proper legal representation for people seeking to file red flag petitions to keep guns away from people with mental health or other issues precluding them from owning weapons. “I have introduced the Language Access to Gun Violence Prevention Strategies Act, to build on the president’s action to further strengthen ‘red flag’ laws and other gun violence prevention strategies by ensuring resources are disseminated in a culturally appropriate manner and made available in-language for immigrant and Asian American and Pacific Islander communities,” Chu’s statement said. “These efforts are all incredibly crucial to our collective recovery and healing process,” she said, “but I am most of all so heartened by our own community’s support for each other and our unyielding determination that Monterey Park’s vibrancy can be restored. “I know that our community
is a resilient one, and this past year has proven that in countless ways. In the aftermath of tragedy, our community continues to be a beacon of strength.” (Nimfa Rueda/Inquirer.net)
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL LACMTA will receive Proposals for PS118736 - CMGC for the North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. A virtual Pre-Proposal conference will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. All Proposals must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. PS118736. For a copy of the Proposal/Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Anush Beglaryan at beglaryana@metro.net. 1/24/24 CNS-3776145# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
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72-year-old Fil-Am sues company for age, race discrimination LOS ANGELES – A 72-yearold Filipino American is suing a textile company supply firm for age and race discrimination, alleging he was told by a boss that he was “old and on his way out of the company” and eventually fired in 2022. Antonio Amores’ Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit against Groz-Beckert USA Inc. and its parent company, GrozBeckert KG, alleges wrongful termination, harassment, age and racial discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress and failure to prevent discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Amores seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. Groz-Beckert develops, produces and sells machine needles, precision parts, precision tools and systems for the textile industry. A company representative could not be immediately reached for comment on the suit brought Friday, January 19.
Amores was hired in April 1995 as an area sales manager and was later promoted to sales manager of the sewing and knitting division, in which he developed relationships with sourcing networks, maintained contact with brand owners and end customers, grew brand awareness, and expanded GrozBeckert’s market position, the suit states. Amores’ managed accounts in Texas, the northern border states of Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and the Dominican Republic, according to the suit. In October 2021, GrozBeckert hired John Rivett, about 30 years younger than Amores, as the plaintiff’s supervisor, and Amores was told to acquaint Rivett with Groz-Beckert’s accounts as well as his dealer and manufacturing business partners, the suit states. The next month, the two were on an international business trip when Rivett told the plaintiff that Rivett was hired to take over the department because Amores
was “old and on his way out of the company,” a statement that left Amores “shocked,” the suit states. Although Amores complained to upper management about what Rivett allegedly said, no action was taken and Rivett began excluding Amores from Groz-Beckert’s business operations, the suit alleges. Rivett told Amores during a February 2022 meeting that he was being fired because he was not fluent in Spanish and was no longer needed to handle GrozBeckert’s California business, the suit states. Amores did not need to speak Spanish to perform his duties, the complaint further states. When Amores told Rivett that California was only a small part of his sales area, Rivett responded that he had taken over the plaintiff’s other territories, according to the suit, which further states that Amores has suffered lost income and emotional distress due to his termination. (Inquirer.net)
Women and minorities bear the brunt... PAGE 3
important for all of us to start recognizing that.” Demanding schedules, which prevent doctors from spending as much time with patients as they’d like, can contribute to diagnostic errors, said Karen Lutfey Spencer, a professor of health and behavioral sciences at the University of ColoradoDenver. “Doctors are more likely to make biased decisions when they are busy and overworked,” Spencer said. “There are some really smart, well-intentioned providers who are getting chewed up in a system that’s very unforgiving.” Doctors make better treatment decisions when they’re more confident of a diagnosis, Spencer said. In an experiment, researchers asked doctors to view videos of actors pretending to be patients with heart disease or depression, make a diagnosis, and recommend follow-up actions. Doctors felt far more certain diagnosing white men than Black patients or younger women.
“If they were less certain, they were less likely to take action, such as ordering tests,” Spencer said. “If they were less certain, they might just wait to prescribe treatment.” It’s easy to see why doctors are more confident when diagnosing white men, Spencer said. For more than a century, medical textbooks have illustrated diseases with stereotypical images of white men. Only 4.5% of images in general medical textbooks feature patients with dark skin. That may help explain why patients with darker complexions are less likely to receive a timely diagnosis with conditions that affect the skin, from cancer to Lyme disease, which causes a red or pink rash in the earliest stage of infection. Black patients with Lyme disease are more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced disease, which can cause arthritis and damage the heart. Black people with melanoma are about three times as likely as whites to die within five years. The COVID-19 pandemic
helped raise awareness that pulse oximeters — the fingertip devices used to measure a patient’s pulse and oxygen levels — are less accurate for people with dark skin. The devices work by shining light through the skin; their failures have delayed critical care for many Black patients. Seven years after her misdiagnosis, Watkins is an assistant professor of social work at North Carolina Central University in Durham, where she studies the psychosocial effects experienced by Black mothers who survive severe childbirth complications. “Sharing my story is part of my healing,” said Watkins, who speaks to medical groups to help doctors improve their care. “It has helped me reclaim power in my life, just to be able to help others.” KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
CAFFEINE FIX. A barista prepares a customer’s order at an electric bike-mounted cafe near the Social Security System office in Quezon City on Monday, Jan. 22. As majority of Filipinos are coffee drinkers, data and analytics firm Fitch Solutions sees a per person consumption of 3.78 kilograms every year by 2025. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
What’s indoor air quality like in long-term care facilities during wildfires? Worse than you’d think. by Kylie Mohr KFF Health News
EVERY year, wildfires across the western U.S. and Canada send plumes of smoke into the sky. When that smoke blows into southwestern Idaho’s Treasure Valley, it blankets Boise-area residents in dirty air. They include seniors living in long-term care facilities, many of whom are considered an at-risk population for smoke exposure because of respiratory or cardiac diseases. “An astonishing amount of smoke gets inside these facilities,” said Luke Montrose, an environmental toxicologist and researcher at Colorado State University. Data from monitors Montrose installed in four Idaho long-term care facilities in 2020 showed that large amounts of smoke pollution recorded outside during wildfire season seeped into the facilities. One building let in 50% of the particulate matter outside; another, 100%. In some cases, Montrose said, “it was no better to be inside than to be outside during those smoke events.” That’s why Montrose has spent the past few years installing more monitors in care facilities across Idaho and Montana. The study is expanding into Colorado this summer. Understanding and addressing how wildfire smoke affects indoor air quality could help better treat the roughly 1.4 million seniors who live in more than 15,500 Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes nationwide and nearly a million more who live in assisted living facilities. “It may be a game-changer for quality of care,” said Robert Vande Merwe, executive director of the Idaho Health Care Association. Vande Merwe helped persuade facilities to join Montrose’s study. Although residents of the western U.S. have lived with smoky summers for decades, the fallout from wildfires is becoming a nationwide issue. Smoke from blazes in eastern Canada barreled into the densely populated Northeast and Midwest last June, making the skies above Toronto, New York, Chicago, and much of the Atlantic Coast glow an eerie orange. More than 120 million people were under air quality alerts. As wildfires increase in size, intensity, and duration, fueled by a combination of climate change and forest mismanagement, the smoke they generate will likely affect more people. “We’re going to see more and more smoke events that reach further across the U.S. and across the world,” said Savannah D’Evelyn, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Washington who studies wildfire smoke and its effects on health. She was not involved in Montrose’s study. Air pollution from wildfire smoke — a brew of pollutants, water vapor, and fine debris — is a growing public health problem. Tiny particles known as PM 2.5 are small enough to embed deep into people’s lungs and, sometimes, infiltrate their bloodstream. Research has shown PM 2.5 can cause asthma and respiratory inflammation or jeopardize lung function, and the particles have been tied to some cancers. They are especially dangerous for children and people with preexisting heart or lung conditions — including seniors, the focus of Montrose’s work. “I think honing in on this particular community that is really quite impacted by smoke exposure on the health side of things is really great,” D’Evelyn said. “It’s a gap that needs to be addressed.” For years, public health officials have told people to go inside on bad air quality days, even though, without testing and
Air pollution from wildfire smoke — a brew of pollutants, water vapor, and fine debris — is a growing public health problem. Tiny particles known as PM 2.5 are small enough to embed deep into people’s lungs and, sometimes, infiltrate their bloodstream. Unsplash.com photo by Malachi Brooks
filtration, indoor air quality often isn’t much better than what’s outside. Although skilled nursing facilities follow numerous federal regulations to participate in the Medicaid and Medicare programs — covering anything from building safety features, like fire sprinklers, to residents’ rights — indoor air quality isn’t addressed. “There really aren’t any regulatory standards for indoor air quality, broadly, in any country that I’m aware of,” said Katherine Pruitt, national senior director for policy at the American Lung Association. Without the few indoor air quality monitors in the study, long-term care facility managers or operators might check their local air quality index, or AQI, on their smartphone’s weather app or by watching the news. But air quality monitors don’t always provide accurate information about the air outside, let alone inside a building. Rural areas are particularly underserved by air quality monitors. According to Montrose, 25% to 30% of skilled nursing facilities in the Mountain West are more than 30 miles from a regulatory-grade monitor. Indoor air quality monitoring is rare outside of studies like Montrose’s. That’s why Montrose is on a quest to get more air quality monitors placed inside facilities. In 2019, he contacted more than 80 Boise-area nursing and assisted living facilities to gauge interest and concern about wildfire smoke. In 2020, he collected data from indoor and outdoor air quality monitors at four nursing homes — two in the Boise area, others in northern and eastern Idaho. The monitors recorded particulate air pollution inside one facility nearly 17 times what’s considered healthy. In 2021, data collected from six facilities from July to October — four in Idaho and two in the Missoula, Montana, area — also showed that in some buildings indoor and outdoor air quality were almost identical on smoky days. Montrose repeated the monitoring at four other southern Idaho facilities last summer. The monitors fed real-time data to a dashboard that people running the nursing homes could see and respond to. Protecting seniors from wildfire smoke is an important piece of wildfire preparedness, yet Montrose acknowledged that conducting research in nursing homes and care facilities has challenges. Unique ethical considerations arise with dementia or Alzheimer’s patients, who can’t give informed consent. Staff turnover makes it hard for researchers like Montrose to establish relationships with facility operators, and asking overburdened nurses or employees to do extra work, like understand and check air quality monitors, can be a nonstarter. Still, Montrose said, people living in long-term care facilities are particularly vulnerable. “If we can protect them, there’s great benefit to our communities,” he said. Some facilities in Idaho have
made changes because of the research. Those include a prefire season facility checklist to make sure filtering systems are in good shape and that doors and windows are properly sealed. They also share the area’s AQI as part of their daily morning safety meetings. Mark Troen, regional maintenance director for 10 Edgewood Healthcare facilities in the Boise area, four of which had monitors last summer, laid out a litany of things he does when the indoor air quality rises past healthy levels: changing air filters to a higher level that traps more particulates, turning off outdoor air intake, and alerting staff to keep doors and windows closed. “Anything I can do to keep the residents safe, I’m all for,” Troen said. Clinical staff members also have identified which residents have respiratory problems or are immunocompromised. In an intense smoke event, those people may get portable air filtration in their rooms for extra protection. Troen plans to install air quality monitors from his own budget once the study’s monitors need to be replaced due to age. “To actually see in real time what your indoor air quality is is huge,” he said. “It helps us mitigate some of those problems, rather than waiting until it’s bad.” Anyone can take steps to improve the air they’re breathing during wildfire season. “It’s pretty easy to clean indoor air,” D’Evelyn said. HEPA air filters are the gold standard but can cost upward of $100; creating a box fan filter is a cheaper alternative. According to D’Evelyn, making even one room in a building a “clean air space” can make a difference during a wildfire. The American Lung Association’s Pruitt said starting policy conversations about regulating indoor air quality faces many barriers, including perceptions of federal overreach. In the absence of federal regulations, Pruitt believes, the most effective actions would likely come from state or local building codes and ventilation standards. “Policymakers should be looking at the steps that need to be taken to protect people from exposure to hazardous levels of smoke or other outdoor pollutants,” she said. Montrose is recruiting more nursing homes to install air quality monitors this summer, including additional facilities in Idaho, Colorado, and Montana. Vande Merwe, of the Idaho Health Care Association, said other places in the region — like his hometown, Salt Lake City, which is situated where smoke and other pollutants accumulate — should take note. Breathing in the best possible air could make a big difference for residents’ health and quality of life as they age, he said. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
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Senators issue manifesto rejecting people’s initiative Marcos open to political Cha-cha, but not at this time
by CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE Philstar.com
SENATORS unanimously signed a manifesto on Tuesday, January 23 rejecting the “brazen attempt to violate the Constitution, through the people’s initiatives” perpetrated allegedly by people identified with Speaker Martin Romualdez. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri read the two-page manifesto signed by all 24 members, including Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III. The manifesto was a product of a three-hour all-senators caucus late Monday, January 22. During the caucus, indignant senators castigated the House for allegedly plotting to emasculate the Senate in the latest Cha-cha drive through people’s initiative, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said. “Today, the Senate once again stands as a bastion of democracy, as it rejects this brazen attempt to violate the Constitution, the country and our people. This Senate of the people will not allow itself to be silenced,” Zubiri said at the plenary on Tuesday. “If this PI (people’s initiative) prospers, further changes to the Constitution can be done with or without the Senate’s ap-
ances,” he pointed out. “While it seems simple, the goal is apparent – to make it easier to revise the Constitution by eliminating the Senate from the equation. It is an obvious prelude to further amendments, revisions or even an overhaul of our entire Constitution,” Zubiri added. “This singular and seemingly innocuous change in the Constitution will open the floodgates to a wave of amendments and revisions that will erode the nation as we know it,” he warned. With both houses of Congress voting jointly, the Senate would be left powerless to stop even the most radical proposals, he explained. “We cannot protect our lands from foreign ownership, we cannot stop the removal of term limits or a no-election scenario in 2025 or worse, in 2028.” Zubiri described as “ridiculous that the Senate, a co-equal chamber of the House, which is needed to pass even local bills, will have a dispensable and diluted role in Charter Change – the most monumental act of policymaking concerning the highest law in the land.” He maintained that throughout Philippine history, the Senate has always been “one of the first targets by those who seek to undermine our country’s democracy.” Void signatures Villanueva, for his part, said President Marcos should ask the Commission on Elections to invalidate the signatures gathered by proponents of people’s initiative. He said the Senate is no longer interested in pushing for Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 (RBH6) as the signature campaign under people’s initiative is still ongoing. “It’s obviously the main reason why a lot of the senators are not interested anymore in pushing for the joint resolution,” Villanueva told reporters. Zubiri had filed RHB6 proposing amendments to certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution as well as a stop to people’s initiative, for which no group has so far diPNA photo PAGE 7
proval or worse, even absent all the senators,” he said. “Should Congress vote jointly in a constituent assembly, the Senate and its 24 members cannot cast any meaningful vote against the 316 members of the House of Representatives,” he added. “We respect and recognize the people as our sovereign, with the right to call for constitutional amendments. We must, however, guard against any sinister and underhanded attempt to change the Constitution by exploiting our democratic process under the guise of a people’s initiative,” the senate president said. “The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It is an enduring symbol of our democracy and the foundation of our nationhood and reflecting the consensus of our citizenry,” he pointed out. He lamented that proponents of people’s initiative are pushing for one change, which is to make the Senate and the House convene as a constituent assembly and vote jointly. “To allow joint voting will destroy the delicate balance on which our hard-won democracy rests. It will destabilize the principle of bicameralism and our system of checks and bal-
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri
Support. This is what it takes to take on Alzheimer’s. It’s not easy to accept that memory loss that disrupts daily life could be a sign of Alzheimer’s. Or that two-thirds of people diagnosed are women, including Asian American and Pacific Islander women. But we can watch for signs in ourselves and others. And reduce our risk by staying active and lowering blood pressure.
LAW OF ATTRACTION. Trinkets, charms and crystals, which are supposed to bring luck and prosperity to believers, for sale at a store in Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila on Saturday, January 20. The Chinese New Year of the wood dragon begins on February 10, symbolizing power, nobleness, honor, luck and success, according to Chinese culture. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
New Pinoy nurses urged to work in PH by JUN ELIAS
local hospitals. PRC-Region 1 director Arl Ruth Sabelo said 415 examinees DAGUPAN CITY — The 492 from Pangasinan passed the new registered nurses who November 2023 Professional recently took their oath were Nursing Licensure Examination urged to stay and work in public and private hospitals in the Philippines. “Our new nurses, please pause and hear the cry of our country. We need you. Serve our country first before searching for greener pastures,” Board of Nurses member Merle Salvani told the new nurses during an oath-taking ceremony. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Region 1, in coordination with the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) Pangasinan chapter and members of the Board of Nursing, spearheaded the ceremony at the CSI Stadia on Jan. 19. The newly inducted nurses were from Pangasinan, Baguio, Manila and Bacolod. Salvani said the Philippines is experiencing a nurse shortage. PNA-Pangasinan chapter president Maria Cecilia Biascan said the new nurses could help meet the demand if they work in Philstar.com
(PNLE). A total of 32,023 nursing graduates took the PNLE and 25,761 of them passed, resulting in a national passing rate of 80 percent.
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Because we have what it takes to take on Alzheimer’s.
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OPINION
FEATURES
Probing the drug killings
WHETHER or not it’s true that probers of the International Criminal Court were in the country last December, the stories should prod Philippine authorities to speed up and intensify their own investigation into possible extrajudicial killings and other state abuses in the so-called war on drugs carried out in the previous administration. WHETHER or not it’s true that probers of the International Criminal Court were in the country last December, the stories should prod Philippine authorities to speed up and intensify their own investigation into possible extrajudicial killings and other state abuses in the so-called war on drugs carried out in the previous administration. The stories have swirled since late last year about the arrival in the country of ICC probers. Over the weekend, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV said he had “inside information” that the stories were true, and the ICC probers had gathered sufficient evidence to order the arrest of the primary respondents led by former President Rodrigo Duterte and his first Philippine National Police chief, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, reputed to be the architect of the bloody Oplan Tokhang crackdown on illegal drugs. The ICC had rejected the Philippines’ argument that the court lost jurisdiction after the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute took effect. The ICC says even with the withdrawal, it has jurisdiction over possible crimes committed when the Philippines was still a party to the Rome Statute, which created the court. President Marcos, who said in July last year that “we’re done talking” with the ICC, said in November that the country’s return to the ICC
is “under study.” At around the same time, Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who previously said an ICC probe would be an “insult” to the country and an infringement on national sovereignty, also said cooperation with the ICC “needs a serious study” on the part of the DOJ. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra had previously said the government could not stop private persons from cooperating with ICC probers, who are looking into drug killings perpetrated not only during Duterte’s presidency but also by so-called death squads when he was mayor or vice mayor of Davao City between Nov. 1, 2011 and June 30, 2016. When he was vice mayor, the mayor was his daughter, now Vice President Sara Duterte, who is reportedly included in the ICC probe. Trillanes claimed additional evidence would be gathered against the secondary respondents in the possible indictment for murder as a crime against humanity. The country has a law covering such crimes. But Guevarra has said that before indictments can be made, it must first be established that the killings were systematically ManilaTimes.net photo carried out to constitute a crime against Perhaps witnesses are more willing to cooperate the world that there is a sustained, earnest effort humanity. The government, Guevarra said, was having difficulty finding witnesses and gathering with ICC probers. Even as the ICC proceeds with in the Philippines to uncover the truth and give its work, the government must continue showing justice to victims of the drug war. (Philstar.com) evidence that can sustain such an indictment.
Editorial
Hullabaloo over nothing
Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ Most countries continue to recognize the One China Policy, and so do we. This is affirmed by the fact that the Philippines to this day has only the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) as a representative office in Taiwan with no formal diplomatic ties. Over the years, we have maintained close economic cooperation with Taiwan being the 8th largest trading partner, 8th largest export market and 8th biggest source of imports in 2022, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. Taiwan is home to close to 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) employed in manufacturing and various sectors, and it goes without saying that we have good people-to-people and cultural ties. Which is why it really isn’t such a big deal, and it’s not surprising, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated the winning candidate in the recently concluded presidential elections in Taiwan on behalf of the Filipino
people, saying that he looks forward to “close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, and ensuring prosperity for our people in the years ahead.” Having been educated in the UK, President Marcos was simply displaying common courtesy and returning the gesture of the Taiwanese government that tweeted its congratulations when he won in the 2022 May presidential elections. Presidentelect Lai Ching-te, who was vice president during that time, had expressed his best wishes for PBBM as well as Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio. And just in case China has forgotten, Taiwan was not represented during the inauguration of President Marcos Jr. despite actively seeking to send a delegation. As pointed out by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the congratulatory message was clearly the president’s way of expressing his gratitude to Taiwan for hosting the OFWs, many of whom are engaged in the manufacturing industry and are expected to benefit from a salary increase owing to a landmark law that was passed by the Legislative Yuan (the highest legislative body
in Taiwan) last December. Not surprisingly, I received several messages saying that China was “overreacting” to the congratulatory statements issued not only by the Philippines but other nations as well. As one described it, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) was “acting like an overzealous principal engaged in a scolding spree,” lecturing and calling out countries that congratulated the winners or said that the recent elections is proof of Taiwan’s vibrant democracy. Included in China’s “rebukes list” is the United States for purportedly sending a “gravely wrong signal” to “independence separatist forces,” while British Foreign Secretary David Cameron who offered his “warm congratulations” received condemnation from the Chinese MOFA for his “wrong act.” Australia, which issued a statement saying that the “smooth conduct of the elections is a testament to the maturity and strength of Taiwan’s democracy,” already received a dour warning from Chinese Ambassador Xiao Qian the night before the elections in Taiwan through an opinion piece published in a
major newspaper: “If Australia is tied to the chariot of Taiwan separatist forces, the Australian people would be pushed over the edge of an abyss.” Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa also issued a congratulatory message “for the smooth implementation of the democratic election,” and shared expectations for the Taiwan issue to be “resolved peacefully through dialogue” – prompting the Chinese embassy in Japan to blast her comments as a “serious interference in China’s internal affairs.” Singapore congratulated “Dr. William Lai and his party on their victory,” adding that Singapore will continue to grow its close relationship with Taiwan based on the One China Policy – and was also reprimanded. But the most blistering comments were seemingly reserved for the Philippines, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warning the Philippines “not to play with fire” and outrageously suggesting that the president read more about the Taiwan issue to arrive at “the right conclusions.” Filipinos angrily reacted to Mao Ning’s statements. Of course, if
anything, Filipinos are angry with China at the way they have been treating our fishermen, harassing and shadowing Philippine Coast Guard vessels and resupply boats – ramming our vessels, spraying them with water cannons, pointing military grade lasers and other acts of aggression that have caused harm and damage. It’s no surprise that Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro scored a lot of points when he called out Mao Ning in a statement. He simply expressed what many Filipinos wanted to say in the first place. “It is unfortunate that the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson stooped to such low and gutter-level talk – resorting to insulting our president and the Filipino nation, and further debasing herself, the ministry, and Party she represents in the process,” Secretary Teodoro said. “But then again, we should not at all be surprised – being a nation and people enjoying the privileges, rights, and freedoms of a democratic society – that an agent of a Party and system of government incompatible with our way of life and who routinely spouts State-sanctioned
propaganda and disinformation would go that far and that low,” he continued. “It is unfortunate, but I am, myself, unsurprised. The spokesperson’s statements were ‘on brand.’ We, and the world, should not expect more,” Secretary Teodoro clapped back. But as many have pointed out, China would not have been so offended by congratulatory messages had the winner been the “China friendly” candidate. Too bad, things didn’t turn out their way. Clearly, what is important is that China and the Philippines have both agreed to “improve communications” and deal with issues regarding the South China Sea calmly. This is after all the more important issue which everyone should try to resolve peacefully, instead of making a big hullabaloo over something that is perfectly innocuous. (Philstar.com) ***
the traffic consequences of this large project. MRT-3 is a commuter rail line that is supposed to displace the EDSA bus line. It is so inefficient a mode of transport that the bus route is not only conserved, it was given its own reserved lane known as the Edsa Carousel. This reduced the number of lanes available for all other vehicles. Metro Manila is probably the only urban sprawl that does not have its own local government. Instead, the mayors of the constituent cities haggle in a council and veto anything that is not in their parochial interest to have. The way Metro Manila is governed needs radical review. We need an elected governor for what is in reality really one large city. But tampering with the powers of the constituent local governments will likely be politically explosive. Some key traffic policies need dramatic review. The volume reduction scheme based on plate numbers is an insane policy. It encouraged car owners to
acquire second vehicles to evade the ban. These spare vehicles are now parked in the side streets, clogging traffic flow. We may argue with the conclusion that we have the worst traffic flow in the world. But that is not the point. The insane traffic condition we confront daily needs a fundamental review of the way this metropolis is governed. The MMDA is mandated to relieve the symptoms of a badly planned metro. But it is not empowered to undertake the engineering solutions to solve the actual problems. It is certainly not empowered to begin any meaningful urban planning for an urban center on the verge of choking. The TomTom finding should be an occasion to debate the fundamentals of how our metropolis is governed. (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
Insane
First Person ALEX MAGNO THE Philippines topped two lists the past week. We are the world’s biggest rice importer. Metro Manila traffic is the worst in the world. Neither recognition should make us happy. We already have the world’s worst airport. Meanwhile, our people spend the most time on social media – possibly the new opium of the people. The lead vocalist of the visiting British band Coldplay summed it up over the weekend: “Traffic here is completely insane.” Our traffic rating was reported out in the 2023 TomTom Traffic Index. This report is put out by a Netherlands-based multinational developer and creator of location technology as well as consumer electronics. It is based on a comparative study of 387 metro areas around the world. MMDA Acting Chair Romando Artes said his agency will reach
out to those behind this report to inquire about the methodologies employed for this study. That will probably be a futile effort. It will not matter if we are first, second or third in the world. Our economy bleeds billions because of the difficulty getting from one point in the city to the other. We all know the reality. Besides, TomTom was not organized just to put us down. It is their business to compare traffic conditions across cities for the purpose of developing software to help harried commuters cope in congested environments. The company does not profit by ranking us worst. Artes, in addition, reminds the public that the MMDA is doing all possible “interventions” to improve traffic flow. That is possibly all that this agency can say, given its seriously limited mandate. To understand all that brought us to this “insane” traffic condition, we will have to look at many things: historical and geographical factors, institutions of governance, the general
failure of strategic planning and the driving culture of our denizens. This mad urban tangle we call Metro Manila is basically an unplanned metropolis growing in a semi-circle out of the port. It is composed of very old settlements with very narrow streets as well as new towns with inadequate provision for road space. The wonder of it all is that this unified urban mess is not fully governed by a single political entity. Metro Manila is a confederation of independent cities, each governed by local governments jealous of their turf. Some subscribe to the U-turn policy, others do not. Some have windows to the number-coding policy, others do not. Policies on street parking vary across localities. Barangay chairmen have absolute power over permitting tricycles to operate – leading to some localities having an oversupply of this mode of transport. Where I live, there is such an oversupply of tricycles they spend more than half their
time lining up for passengers. Once, I went to the MMDA to get help to clear our road of abandoned vehicles that eat up parking spaces and clog roads. I was told they could do nothing about it for fear of being charged with carnapping. In its restricted role, the MMDA could not reconfigure mass transport routes to adjust to shifting commuter behavior. I was told the agency could not do that. At any rate, given our jeepney drivers’ propensity for mounting strikes, it was bound to be met with political opposition. The large engineering projects required to help our traffic move is often met with bureaucratic resistance. The Skyway project, that finally links the northern half of the Metro with the south, was delayed by over a decade. Only Ramon Ang’s persistence saw this project come to life. The much-touted subway is very costly and will probably require a generation to complete. It is an undertaking of the national government, with the MMDA limited to managing
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.
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PH Armed Forces vows more Navy assets in Senators issue manifesto rejecting... Scarborough Shoal after new China incident by John eriC Mendoza Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed to deploy more Navy assets in Scarborough Shoal following the harassment the Filipino fishermen experienced from China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla made the remark on Tuesday, January 23 after fisher Jack Tabat said they were forced by CCG personnel to throw the shells back to the sea they gathered off the lowtide elevation before being driven away. “For the Philippine Navy since the internal security [threat] has dwindled, then we can allocate more resources for our external defense. So we’ll have more assets of our Navy circling
around the area,” Padilla said over CNN Philippines, partly in Filipino. Tabat took the video of the incident which made rounds on social media over the weekend. No Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic personnel were present in the sand bank when the incident occurred. Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for WPS, on Monday vowed to increase their presence and coordination with BFAR to prevent the incident from occurring again. Padilla, for AFP’s part, said they will coordinate with PCG to support their operations. “We take this report seriously, and we are continuously coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard on how we can support them in their operations.
So this will be based on the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea guidelines and we will, we need to do our best to prevent this incident from happening again in the future,” Padilla said. “We will ensure that the Filipinos can freely enjoy our aquatic resources especially in this traditional fishing ground. We are hoping that the China Coast Guard will respect this,” she added. Scarborough Shoal is a traditional fishing ground that should be shared with neighboring countries such as China and Vietnam, according to a 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling. Beijing, which claims almost the entire South China Sea, rejected the international tribunal’s ruling, as its vessels harass Filipino fishermen trying to fish there. g
Pia becomes 1st woman to head Senate Blue Ribbon by CeCille Suerte Felipe Philstar.com
MANILA — Sen. Pia Cayetano has been elected as chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, becoming the first woman to head the panel in Senate history. “It is a fact that Sen. Pia Cayetano, our distinguished colleague, will be the first-ever female chairperson of the SBRC in its 106th year in existence, providing checks and balances in a bicameral system,” said Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri. As Congress resumed session on Monday, January 22, senators elected Cayetano to replace Sen. Francis Tolentino as Blue Ribbon chair. Tolentino announced his intention to step down as panel head in December to focus on his reelection bid in 2025. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva informed the chamber of Tolentino’s resignation letter dated Jan. 22, 2024. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III supported Cayetano’s election. “The minority applauds the decision of the majority and we congratulate our first-ever female chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee,” he said. Zubiri earlier said Cayetano was the only female and one
Sen. Pia Cayetano, the new chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, has her arm raised by her predecessor Sen. Francis Tolentino after being elected in a plenary session on Monday, January 22. Joining them are Sen. Bong Go and Sen. JV Ejercito. Philstar.com photo by Jesse Bustos
of three senator-lawyers being considered to replace Tolentino. The other three were Senators Sonny Angara, Francis Escudero and her younger brother Alan Peter Cayetano. Under Tolentino, the Blue Ribbon panel probed the Department of Education’s “pricey” and “outdated” laptop deals worth P2.4 billion as well as the sugar importation controversy. The lengthy investigations uncovered some irregularities and recommended the filing of charges against some officials involved. Other officials resigned. Tolentino will still head another equally important
committee: the Senate special committee on Philippine maritime and admiralty zones, which will have jurisdiction to study and report on all matters relating to archipelagic baselines, maritime zones, archipelagic sea lands and other incidental matters. “It is timely then that the Senate of the Philippines provides the necessary support for our fellow workers in the government and the executive branch in order to better secure the benefits of the vast Philippine maritime zones, including our territorial sea …and the large, exclusive economic zone,” Tolentino said last year. g
PAGE 5 rectly claimed credit. Marcos open to political Cha-cha, but Marcos, in an interview with GMA News on Monday, expressed openness to political changes in the Constitution, but said this should not derail economic Cha-cha. He cited term limits that have been circumvented through the succession of incumbents by their relatives, but who continue to run the area. In Ilocos Sur, he said, there are terms for such officials, such as “mayor vice.” Marcos said the Constitution “was not written for a globalized world” and economic restrictions need amendment. But he is against lifting restrictions on foreign ownership of land and critical industries such as power generation and mass media. He stressed, however: “I don’t want to jeopardize the success of the amendments of economic provisions by putting in other provisions… I don’t want to confuse the issue.” Earlier, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa claimed getting information from a Davao congressman that residents in communities are made to sign people’s initiative petition in exchange for P100 to P300 in claim stubs. He did not name the congressman As the Senate prepares to deliberate on Charter change with the resumption of session on Monday, Sen. Cynthia Villar made a plea for discernment and courage as she led the chamber’s opening prayer. “May our collective action resonate with the true voice of the Filipino people, maintain the integrity of our Constitution and uphold checks and balances that fortify our democracy,” Villar said. “Let our decision be grounded in your will, aligned with the democratic principles that are the foundation of our nation. Keep us vigilant in preserving transparency and true representation and in protecting our nation from the perils of self-interest and deceit,” Villar added. As senators try to come to terms with developments in the Cha-cha drive, Sen. JV Ejercito called on the House leadership to make a statement against taking the route of people’s initiative toward a constituent assembly (con-ass), where Congress votes jointly instead of
separately. “There should be a statement from them to stop the people’s initiative to avert conflict and friction and a constitutional crisis,” Ejercito said. “The House leaders should make a categorical statement to douse water on this tense situation,” he added. Ejercito reminded House leaders and members of a deal between Romualdez and Zubiri during a meeting with President Marcos on Jan.11 that Charter
change initiatives should focus on economic provisions. Sen. Robinhood Padilla, an advocate of federalism, said he is in favor of Charter change but not at the expense of the Senate. Padilla also expressed support for the creation of a Senate subcommittee under Sen. Sonny Angara to review the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution. (With reports from Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Helen Flores)
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Nicole Kidman praises Filipina co-stars in ‘Expats’
Ruby Ruiz, Armelyn Pradenilla embrace the limelight at the premiere in New York by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress
They’re exquisite in the show and I’m so happy to have them be celebrated, discovered, loved, and enjoyed.” “WONDERFUL! That was how Nicole Kidman described to us the experience of working with her multicultural co-stars on the new series “Expats,” among them Filipino actors Ruby Ruiz and Amelyn Pradenilla. “Expats” is a six-part series on Prime Video streaming its first two episodes this week and the remaining episodes will be released weekly. The limited series is created, written, and directed by Lulu Wang (The Farewell) is based on the novel ‘The Expatriates’ by Janice Y.K. Lee. The show follows three American women - Margaret (Nicole Kidman), Hilary (Sarayu Blue), and Mercy (Ji-young Yoo) - whose lives intersect after a sudden family tragedy. The series interrogates privilege and explores what happens when the line between victimhood and culpability becomes blurred. Set against the vibrant and tumultuous tapestry of 2014 Hong Kong, the series also beautifully highlights South Asian, Korean, Filipino, and Chinese cultures. Playing key roles are Filipino actors Ruby Ruiz and Amelyn Pardenilla and half-Filipino Bodhi del Rosario who plays one of Kidman’s children in the show. While all the episodes are equally good, Filipino fans should look out for the special extended episode in the series entitled “Central” which surrounds Overseas Filipino Workers with a focus on Ruiz and Pardenilla. This specific episode highlights their life and experience as OFWs/migrant workers with both actresses playing integral parts of the story as a whole. This pivotal moment in the series aligns with Lulu Wang’s vision to delve into the day-to-
(L-R) Jack Huston, Brian Tee, Lulu Wang, Jennifer Salke, Nicole Kidman, Sarayu Blue, Ji-young Yoo, Ruby Ruiz and Amelyn Pardenilla Photo by Marion Curtis / StarPix for Amazon MGM Studios
day lives of these women in Hong Kong. Wang envisioned “Central” as the feature-length penultimate episode, aiming to provide ample time and scope to explore this non-expat perspective. The series scrutinizes the nuanced relationships between expats in Hong Kong and the domestic workers from the Philippines who reside and work in their homes. “Since the episode was from a non-expat perspective, Nicole would be playing a supporting role to these other characters, and I knew that would be a difficult pitch,” she shared. To Wang’s surprise, Nicole Kidman embraced this ambitious undertaking, bringing her star power to a supporting role in service of the broader narrative. Kidman confirmed this with us, saying it’s her joy to help women who deserve to fulfill their dreams. “I’m so lucky to have the opportunities to be able to champion these filmmakers, the women, the cause,” she said.
“To be able to say ‘Yes, I’ll be a supporting role in the show’ and I’m just so happy that I’ve been given the chance to do that. So I’m just hoping, I just want people to watch it.” Ruiz, a veteran actress recently seen in the Prime Video hit “Linlang” was blown away after reading the script for “Central.” “I am so grateful that Lulu gave that weight and value in episode five for Puri and Essie, and the rest of the domestic helpers to have significance and more value in this series,” she said. ‘Excited, grateful’ Overwhelming was the word that she used when we asked her to describe her “Expats” journey. “After so many years of trying to put it together, we’re here, in New York for the premiere,” Ruiz said. Ruiz got the role through auditions. She sent her selftape and it was followed with interviews through Zoom for the callbacks. She admits she didn’t realize the gravity of the project
How Nadine became a ‘more evolved’ version of herself By Rito P. asilo Inquirer.net
YOU’LL immediately know how different Nadine Lustre is from other popular actresses of her stature and caliber just by talking to her. In the midst of all the noise and distraction, Nadine easily won us over just by listening to her weigh in on our questions—from the mundane to the sensitive—as if she were in the midst of a deeply thoughtful scene in one of her increasingly provocative cinematic oeuvre. In our view, it’s also this gimlet-eyed focus, emotional transparency and “no bs” approach to life that enable Nadine to convey a plethora of thoughts and emotions that helps bring out the exceptional actress she’s always been. In fact, even as far back as 2014’s blockbuster film “Diary ng Panget”—when the most noticeable thing that much of Tinseltown could focus on was Nadine being in a love team—it was impossible to conceal the fact that she wasn’t just another pretty face thrust into the industry’s “love team” culture. Outspoken style icon These days, “President Nadine”—as some of her rabid fans on X affectionately call her—is as much an outspoken style icon as she is an accomplished performer. She’s also the most awarded actress of her age group, with best actress trophies from Urian (for “Never Not Love You”), Famas (“Never Not Love You,” “Ulan,” “Greed”) and the Metro Manila Film Festival (“Deleter”), so far. But the journey to where she ended up and how she feels about herself right now hasn’t been easy for the actress. What advice would she have for fans who
Philstar.com
AFTER four years of hiatus, Enrique Gil surprised his fans with the release of the trailer for his upcoming starrer “I Am Not Big Bird.” Last seen on the 2020 nightly series “Make It With
Puri (Amelyn Pardenilla) and Essie (Ruby Ruiz) share a scene in the episode entitled “Central”. Photo courtesy of Prime Video
Ruby Ruiz AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya
Amelyn Pardenilla
Bodhi Del Rosario
Nicole Kidman
struck on the first few days of the shoot. “I was so overwhelmed,” she exclaimed. “Kasi siyempre, nakikita ko lang sila sa movies and shows and I’m a big fan. Tapos sa set nakakausap ko na sila.” A registered nurse, Amelyn said she totally related to the role of Puri. “Alam ko yung mga sakripisyo ng migrant workers in order to be able to provide for their families back home. Ang hirap talaga kapag nasa ibang bansa ka at wala kang pamilya,” she said. Looking around the yellow
carpet and flashing cameras, Amelyn took a deep breath and gave a big, hearty smile as she tried to take it all in. “Unbelievable na nangyayari ito kasi hanggang ngayon, hindi ko pa rin na-a-absorb lahat. Good timing din kasi ibinigay ni Lord sa akin,” she said, her eyes welling. Ruby and Amelyn are both grateful for the opportunity to be a part of “Expats” and as the series unfolds, it not only explores diverse perspectives and challenges stereotypes but also showcases a beautiful story about family, unconditional love, acceptance, and forgiveness.
Chris Martin sings about ‘completely insane Manila traffic’ at Coldplay concert By Kathleen a. llemit Philstar.com
COLDPLAY frontman Chris Martin has more to say about Manila’s traffic as the British singer did an impromptu song about it in their band’s Nadine Lustre Inquirer.net photo second day of concert in the country last night. “Oh we can’t wait to play Manila again but are just starting to come into their own, and the traffic here is completely insane,” goes Chris accept their strengths and weaknesses? Based as seen in various clips uploaded on social media on her own experience, what tips would she on Sunday. give to help them become better versions of Chris and his band Coldplay staged their twothemselves? night “Music of the Spheres” concert last Friday “I’m often asked how I manage to always and Saturday in Philippine Arena in Bulacan. look cool and composed,” stated Nadine. “I “There is only really one thing that remains. always say this to people… I’m unapologetic The traffic here in Manila is completely insane. about who I am. I say what I want to say, and I “If you wanna drive somewhere then I’m do what I want to do. And that comes off like a warning you. A 2-mile drive will take a week or big puzzle to some because, for someone in the two. If you wanna get back home in time for midst of all this in show biz, we’re so used to your bath, well, allow yourself about a year and a having people who are afraid to speak up—and half,” sang Chris. Continued on Page 11 He repeated what seemed to be its chorus, and stressed that the song will never be played again. “Oh we can’t wait to play Manila again but the traffic here is completely insane. Oh we can’t wait to play Manila again but the traffic here is completely insane. “Okay, that’s never gonna be played again,” You” with perennial screen the British singer said. partner Liza Soberano, Gil’s On Friday night, January 19, Chris shared his big screen return shows the observation about the infamous Manila traffic actor portraying a guy who with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the first is mistaken for an adult star family watching the concert. named Big Bird while on a trip “Thank you to all of you for coming through with his friends in Thailand. the traffic. Holy sh*t!” said the singer on Friday. The film, set for release on “I think... We’ve seen some traffic, but I think Valentine’s Day, February 14, you have the number one [worst traffic] in the Continued on Page 9 Enrique Gil Philstar.com photo world. So, thank you, thank you for making the
Enrique returns to acting via comedy flick ‘I Am Not Big Bird’ By Kathleen a. llemit
when she was still auditioning. “I didn’t know who Lulu Wang was,” she revealed. “And it was only later when I found out about Nicole Kidman’s involvement, and that this was one of Prime Video’s biggest projects.” “Never in my wildest dreams, my dream was just to always have continuous work. This is such a huge blessing,” she added. Since Ruiz played the role of Essie, the Woo family’s helper and nanny for the kids, most of her scenes were with Kidman herself. She admitted feeling a bit nervous but took it as a challenge to fully embody her character, living and breathing the role. Ruiz mentioned that she and Essie share similar traits, like being loving, devoted, and committed. Because of these similarities, it wasn’t too hard for her to embrace the role. She even disclosed that she worked as a nanny in Canada before, so the emotions she felt for her on-screen charges were genuine and heartfelt. “That experience of being a nanny before helped a lot. Mahal na mahal ng mga Pilipinong nannies yung mga alaga nila kasi ganun tayo magmahal eh, hindi lang siya basta trabaho,” she said. Amelyn Pradenilla found herself in a unique situation where her life mirrored the role she was auditioning for. As a migrant worker auditioning to portray a migrant worker with aspirations of becoming a singer, she felt like art was imitating life. Singing during her audition was a breeze for her. Originally from Cebu, Pradenilla moved to Hong Kong 23 years ago in pursuit of better opportunities. Working as a singer in Hong Kong hotels for over two decades, she harbored dreams of being part of a musical or acting onstage. Similar to Ruiz, she auditioned not fully knowing what the project was about. “I just wanted to try, to be exposed. Kaya wala akong expectations,” she remarked. “I was excited and so grateful to the Lord that I got the part. I thought extra lang ako with dialogues,” she said laughing. “Hindi ko talaga akalain na nasa main cast ako.” She admitted to being star-
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin composed a song for Manila during the band’s concert last 2017. Philstar.com photo
effort to come through all that bulls**t to be here!” Chris exclaimed. The Presidential Security Group on Saturday released a statement that addressed the controversy surrounding the president’s use of the helicopter to attend the concert last Friday. PSC Commander MGen. Nelson Morales said that the traffic caused by 40,000 concertgoers to the Philippine Arena could pose a security risk to the president. “Recognizing that this traffic situation posed a potential threat to the security of our president, the [Presidential Security Group] took decisive action by opting for the presidential chopper,” Morales said. “This decision not only ensured the safety of our leader but also exemplified our commitment to prioritizing security in the face of unexpected challenges,” the statement said. On Saturday, Coldplay expressed appreciation for the Manila concertgoers.
Carmina, Gelli, Janice, and Candy’s tips to lasting friendship By AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net
BUILDING genuine friendships is hard; maintaining them, more so. This is especially true in show biz, where everything is fleeting and looks can be deceiving. That’s why the enduring friendship among Carmina Villarroel, Candy Pangilinan and sisters Janice and Gelli de Belen has become a subject of admiration, not only within the entertainment industry, but also among fans and observers. What’s the secret to their decadeslong bond that started way back in the 1990s? Having shared interests and values was a given. Being there for each other—through the good times and the bad—brought them closer together. But ultimately, what made their relationship last is simple: They chose to stay friends. Hard work “Friendship is give and take. And as they say, it takes two to tango. So, you need to put in the effort, and this goes for all kinds of relationships. You have to take it upon yourself to reach out. You have to do something to maintain the friendship,” Candy said at a press conference for the comedy-drama film “Roadtrip,” which is currently showing in cinemas. Friendship is hard work— there’s no other way about it. “We’re thankful to have this kind of friendship. It takes a lot of work. You have to work on yourselves. If you don’t, then wala na ’yan. Friendship will not just fall on your lap and [you can’t] expect it to last forever. But we’re all willing to put in the effort, so we’ve been solid through the years,” Gelli said. But just as important as showing up is knowing when to step back. “Being friends or being part of a barkada doesn’t necessarily mean you have to see or speak to each other every day, or check in on them every minute. You also have to give and respect each other’s space when needed,” Janice
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 24, 2024
Will I have to pay spousal support if I file for divorce? Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes
care of the children until they reach an age where a return to employment would be more feasible, or to become selfsupporting within a reasonable time. Although the use of standard guidelines based on income is encouraged in the award of temporary support, such guidelines cannot be used in awarding permanent spousal support. As indicated hereinabove, the award of support is in large part based on the facts and circumstances of the particular case. In determining spousal support, the court considers numerous factors, set forth in Family Code Sec. 4320. They include: 1) The extent to which the earning capacity of each party is sufficient to maintain the standard of living established during the marriage, 2) The extent to which the supported party contributed to the attainment of an education, training, a career position, or a license by the supporting party, 3) The ability of the supporting party to pay spousal support, taking into account the supporting party’s earning capacity, earned and unearned income, assets, and standard of living, 4) The needs of each party based on the standard of living established during the marriage, 5)The obligations and assets, including the separate property, of each party, 6) The duration of the marriage, 7) The ability of the supported party to engage in gainful employment without unduly interfering with the interests of dependent children in the custody of the party, and 8) The age and
THE purpose of spousal support is not defined by the legislature in that its purpose varies according to the facts and circumstances of each case. The facts and Gelli de Belen, Carmina Villarroel, Janice de Belen and Candy Pangilinan circumstances of a particular Photo courtesy of Viva Films case may be such which call for no spousal support, conditions,” Gelli said. pointed out. “It will all come or for support for a very “It’s not, ‘I love you together eventually. You don’t limited period of time, with because you’re this or that.’ have to force things.” It’s, ‘I love you because you’re the purpose to assist the “If one of us suddenly supported spouse to “get back my friend,’” she added. turns quiet, we immediately on his or her feet” as a single “Simple as that.” realize that she’s not in the person, or until community Grounded on honesty mood, so we don’t bother property is distributed. On Genuine friendship is also her. At work, or at press grounded on honesty, and the the other hand, the facts and conferences like this, we’re ability to dish out harsh truths circumstances of another used to—and it’s our job—to case may call for support talk. But when it’s just the four no one else will do. “This is what I really appreciate about for an extended period of of us, we know when to keep quiet. So I think that works for Gelli. She’s so vocal and frank. time, perhaps until death of the supported spouse, the But she tells you as it is, but us,” she added. she does so with words and in purpose for which to provide ‘Moody’ friend assistance to one who cannot a tone that won’t hurt you,” As the self-confessed support himself. Carmina said. “Respect and “moody” friend of the group, The two situations trust should be there.” Carmina is thankful for the mentioned hereinabove are Produced by Viva Films grace her friends extend to and directed by Andoy Ranay, extreme cases, on opposite her. “We have come to a ends of the spectrum. Quite “Roadtrip” is an original point where we already know obviously, the facts and concept by Candy. The plot each other so well that we no circumstances in a particular follows four women who longer have to voice out what case may be such which call reunite and go on a trip to we’re feeling all the time,” for some amount of support visit their ailing friend. she said. for some period of time, Janice is Gigi, a naturally “We have our own pace though not until death of kind but people-pleasing when it comes to opening the supported spouse. For writer who’s grown tired of up about our problems. And example, the court may order all her responsibilities. Gelli that’s something I appreciate. is Maricar, a successful events support for that period of time Even if they sense that planner who feels she doesn’t required for the supported something’s wrong with me, spouse to obtain or complete owe anyone an explanation; they don’t force me to talk an education, to allow the Carmina is Chiqui, an actress about my problem. They wait supported spouse to take from a political family who until I’m ready to open up,” seems to have everything Carmina added. except the ability to make As their relationship grew, decisions for herself; and they eventually learned to Candy is Sophia, a seemingly accept each other’s flaws and arrogant vlogger and all. “You understand their From Page 8 businesswoman who needs a strengths, weaknesses. You also stars Pepe Herrera, Red Ollero and Nikko much-needed breather. accept that they are the way Natividad. “The script was initially they are. If she’s impatient In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Gil said written during a workshop or moody, respect that and with National Artist Ricky Lee. “I Am Not Big Bird” is an ode to ‘90s comedy. vice versa. It’s a deeper kind “’Yan ang nakaka-miss sa ‘90s comedies. We of love, one that has no Continued on Page 10
health of the parties. The factors set forth hereinabove are only several of the many factors the court will consider in deciding the issue of spousal support. In that the amount and duration of an award is largely based on the facts and circumstances of the case, it is advised that one who is requesting support, or is opposing a request for support, obtain experienced counsel, who will be able to present the facts and circumstances in the best light possible. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com Visit our website at kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Enrique returns to acting via comedy... wanted to bring it back. We wanted to deliver it,” he said. The release of his movie comes right after the release of Soberano’s debut Hollywood starrer, “Lisa Frankenstein,” which will be screened in Philippine theaters on February 7.
10 community The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 24, 2024
Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon
Are you trapped in debt with no way out?
paying only the minimums will guarantee that you will be in debt for a very long time and BEING in debt and doing so you need to pay more than nothing about it can have more this in order to make progress serious consequences than you in your goal to be debt-free think. someday. I know this takes First, it can impact your a lot of discipline especially financial future. Uncontrolled when you don’t have a lot of debt can deprive you the disposable income. opportunity to put money If you are no longer able aside for emergencies, save to help yourself or if you are money for a home or college already behind in your debt for your children, or perhaps for payments and creditors are retirement. threatening legal action, Every day I see a lot of filing bankruptcy may be your people past retirement age last resort. If you don’t file who continue work just to be bankruptcy, things can only able to pay their debts. Some get worse, and you may find it of them are not in the best of very difficult or impossible to health but are forced recover financially. Why to work because they suffer if the law allows just can’t afford to miss you a chance to start There are situations where a paycheck. Sadly, a over and rebuild your lot of them also have bankruptcy can still be avoided finances again? If you zero savings in the bank know nothing about how by making drastic changes so the day they stop bankruptcy works, you working, they don’t even should at least speak with the way you spend your know how they are going with an experienced money. For example, if you’re and knowledgeable to survive financially. Debt problems tend attorney who already in debt, you need to stop bankruptcy to get worse over time can explain to you the if you ignore them. pros and cons of such a borrowing as soon as possible For example, you can or you’re just digging yourself a solution. get sued by creditors, If done right, believe your wages garnished, bigger financial hole every single it or not, this can actually or your bank account be the best thing that month. levied. If you own a you can ever do to home, a judgment lien change your life for the can be filed against your better. You owe it to property, making it difficult to yourself and your family to at money. For example, if you’re sell when the time comes. The least explore this possibility already in debt, you need to judgment against you also earns stop borrowing as soon as if you are out of options. It is interest so over time the debt often not as bad as you think possible or you’re just digging just keeps getting larger. All of and may be what you need to yourself a bigger financial hole the above can happen at the eliminate financial stress in you every single month. Don’t same time while your credit also use credit cards to pay other life once and for all. suffers for many years making credit cards and you need to *** it impossible for you to repay close attention to where NOTE: Due to the current lockdown order establish. every dollar goes. Watch your caused by COVID-19, I am offering free In other words, bad debts monthly expenses closely and consultations BY PHONE to anyone who can haunt you for many years eliminate those you can live needs help in dealing with their debt unless you deal with it now. without. If you cannot afford problems. The very first step is to know to pay cash for something *** your options. Unfortunately, that you want at this time, you None of the information herein is these days, there is a lot of simply cannot afford it, period. intended to give legal advice for any misinformation out there that By cutting your expenses, you specific situation. Atty. Ray J. Bulaon people are too scared to do may be able to come up with has successfully helped over 6,000 anything for fear that they will some extra cash that you can clients in getting out of debt. For a free make a mistake. Or sometimes, use towards debt repayment. attorney evaluation of your situation, they listen to bad advice given If you are like most people and please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE by family or friends who don’t are paying 22-29% in interest 1-866-471-8272. really understand the legal on your credit cards per year, (Advertising Supplement) issues involved in their situation. Listen to me: Your family and friends may care a lot about you, but they are often NOT the best source of advice for your debt problems. They mean well and they want the best for you but if you simply take their advice without consulting with an attorney first, this could keep you stuck in your problems for a very, very long time. Trust me, I know, because I have seen this many times in my practice as a debt relief attorney. There are situations where bankruptcy can still be avoided by making drastic changes with the way you spend your
Pechanga Resort Casino wishes everyone a prosperous 2024 Year of the Dragon with $200,000 EasyPlay & cash drawings, celebrations
AS the Year of the Dragon approaches, Pechanga Resort Casino welcomes everyone to join in the celebration of the festival with a series of promotions and giveaways in February 2024. Lunar New Year $200,000 EasyPlay & cash drawing Pechanga Resort Casino celebrates the Lunar New Year by giving away $200,000 in EasyPlay and cash prizes on Friday, February 2, 9, 16 & 23. Pechanga Club members can earn varying amounts of entries to the drawing by playing slots or table games from 2 p,m. to 10 p.m. each day for a chance to win big. Sixty winners will be drawn to receive $250, $500, or $750 in EasyPlay at 10 p.m. One lucky winner will be drawn for the ultimate cash prize of $25,000. Come discover the thrill of potentially winning multiple times. $5,000 Lucky Red Envelope giveaway Pechanga lets players get even luckier with the “Lucky Red Envelope” promotion this Lunar New Year. Pechanga Club members can just simply visit the Promotional Area every Tuesday in February from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a chance to win up to $5,000 in EasyPlay! Lunar New Year Luck Lion Dance In celebration of the Lunar New Year, Pechanga Resort Casino presents a splendid Lucky Lion Dancer Performance on Saturday, February 10 (i.e. the first day of the Lunar New Year). Starting at 3 p.m., the Lion Dancer Team, which symbolizes auspiciousness and good luck, will begin their performance the Pechanga north entrance and wind their way into the casino and through the casino floor. Guests will be able to receive Red Packets to give to the Lion Dancers to pray for a Good New Year. Exclusive dining specials Pechanga Resort Casino also welcomes guests to reserve tables for family dinner or business lunch to enjoy exclusive Lucky Lunar New Year Dining Specials the chefs of Bamboo, Blazing Noodles and Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar have meticulously prepared. Chef Marie Surakul at Bamboo serves Steam Whole Fish ($108), Long Life Noodle ($48), Hidden Teaser (shrimp and seafood egg roll) ($28), Green Jewel (bok choy and stir-fried shiitake mushrooms) ($28), and Seven Sea Fried Rice (king crab meat, scalloped, shrimp, green onions, eggs, X. O. sauce) ($78). All these dishes should satisfy your taste buds. Blazing Noodles, just off the Pechanga hotel lobby,
dishes up six traditional Asian specialties for the occasion. These include Angus Tenderloin Fried Rice ($38), Duck Lettuce Wrap ($24), Fried Chicken Galantine ($24), Wok Fried Lobster ($128), Pan Fried Sea Bass ($56), and Braised Veggies ($28). Umi offers casino guests a wide variety of dishes with an assortment of festive delicacies, including 5 Spice Duck Yakitori ($26), Tempura Bass with gyoza sauce and pickled cucumbers ($38), Lobster Fried Rice with pickled radishes, fried shallots and shiso ($68) and Yakisoba with A5 wagyu, cabbage and fried ginger ($66). All dishes incorporate elements that signify prosperity and happiness. The dining specialties in Blazing Noodles, Bamboo and Umi will be available from Feb. 3 through Feb. 18. Reservations are recommended at Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar and can be made by visiting www.Pechanga. com/eat or calling (951) 7708504. Lunar New Year property décor The Lunar New Year symbolizes the fresh start of a new year, a new beginning. In celebration of the Year of the Dragon and to boost the festive atmosphere, starting from January 2024, Pechanga will decorate the entire property with traditional new year elements and designs for the Year of the Dragon, utilizing a wide array of
bright red lanterns, refined oriental-style garden bridge, beautifully bloomed peach blossoms, and much more. Throughout the floor, you will be able to find countless photo-op spots for your selfies or family portraits, while capturing the stunningly displayed Lunar New Year decorations. For more information on Pechanga events and promotions, please call (877) 711-2946 or visit our website Pechanga.com. Must be at least 21 years of age to participate in promotions. 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 5,500 of 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. (Advertising Supplement)
Carmina, Gelli, Janice, and Candy’s... From Page 9 And I thought about having friends on board because I thought it would make shooting easier. And it did,” Candy said. “The challenge was more on the physical side, like scenes where we had to hike to Mt. Pulag. But other than that, it was all a breeze. Since we know each other so well, we were
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able to quickly follow up on each other’s ad libs,” Candy said. “It was hard, but I’m happy I got to do it with these three. I’m grateful to have them in my life,” Carmina said. “The kind of friendship we have is rare,” Gelli said. “It feels like the stars aligned for us.”
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How Nadine became a... From Page 8 I’m definitely not like that. “So, I tell them that I just try to be myself… because there was a time when all I did was try to fit myself into a certain mold. This was probably in the beginning of my ABSCBN years. I tried so hard and that took a toll on my mental health because I became such a people pleaser. “I lost sight of myself, and I didn’t know who I was anymore. It was really a struggle. Eventually, I realized, ‘I don’t want to be this person anymore’—I didn’t want to be someone who just tries to be somebody else. And that decision has come through in the way that I talk or the way that I dress, etc.” When did this realization click for her? “In my case, it just kind of happened because I had a terrible burnout,” Nadine recounted. “Imagine a person who’s so busy but doesn’t even have time to think for herself— that was me. At that point, I was just on autopilot! Identity crisis “So yeah, it took a toll on my mental health, then I also had an identity crisis. I really didn’t know who I was. I can’t say when or how [the shift in mindset] clicked, but I just had this realization that I was tired of wearing this mask. “I admit, it was scary at first… kasi you don’t want to offend people. Who wants to be disliked, ’di ba? I think it’s innate in us not to want to get bashed… takot tayo na may masabing masama ang ibang tao about us—that’s normal. “So when I decided to just be myself, scary s’ya (laughs)! You think, ‘Ano’ng sasabihin ng mga tao?’ But then, I was like, ‘You know what, f*ck it! I only have one life, so I have to live it the way I want to live it. And if people don’t like it, then maybe show biz isn’t for me.’ “So far, it’s worked out well for me (laughs)! And I’m really happy that I went through that. I’m grateful that I went through the confusion, that crisis, because I wouldn’t know how this feels if I hadn’t gone through that. But I don’t think I would ever have that realization kung hindi ko s’ya pinagdaanan.” We had a fabulous time talking to—and laughing
with — Nadine despite our limited moment with her. Such a delightful, no-holds-barred interviewee she turned out to be! On a lighter note, we asked Nadine to share with us skin care tips for fans who are just starting to take better care of themselves. “The simplest advice I could give is get lots of sleep and drink a lot of water, although those are two things na hindi ako masyadong consistent—but I’m trying!” she pointed out, laughing. “But proper skin care can only do so much on the surface level, right? It’s a little different when you take care of yourself on the inside. So do both [for much better results].” Expressive face Nadine told us, however, that there are other activities in her downtime that keep her relaxed and stress-free, especially after a hard day at work. “I play computer games— kaya ako napupuyat (laughs),” she quipped. “That’s always been my stress-reliever. I stop thinking about other things when I’m immersed and focused on this parallel world. I kind of tune out when I play games. Another thing that relaxes me is losing myself in movies… I love watching movies!” Speaking of movies or TV series, what genre does she prefer? “Crime thrillers, definitely,” she answered. “Lahat na yata ng horror films sa Netflix, napanood ko na… kaya wala na akong ibang mapanood (laughs).” We told Nadine how effective she is when she isn’t saying much in her films because her very expressive face does all the “talking” for her. “Thank you!” she said. “The reason behind my thing with acting is because I am inspired by the movies I watch. I see the characters, of course, but more than that, I’m more fascinated by the process that actors go through [to] become who they’re supposed to be onscreen. “I would even ask myself and analyze, ‘How do they do that?’ I watch what happens behind the scenes, how they study the script, all the
nuances. I love the little details [that complete their portrayals]. “I really think about things like those, especially with [my upcoming horror film] ‘Nokturno.’ I told Direk Mik, ‘I want nuances that are different from those in ‘Deleter,’ because that’s the only time it would make sense for me to do them,’ kasi ang weird naman if that’s what people would see me do in my romantic comedies (laughs).” Horror genre While she has appeared in a lot of hugely successful romcoms, Nadine confided to us that she’s really more partial to “darker fare.” “A lot of people don’t know this, but I’m not a huge fan of romantic comedies or dramas,” she admitted. “Ako talaga, I really love the dark stuff. I mean, there are romcoms and dramas that I enjoy, but they’re often the more basic ones lang talaga… like ‘The Notebook,’ na pinakafavorite ko among movies with elements of drama and romance. “I say this because every time I’m with friends, they always talk about dramas or romantic comedies that were based on books, but I couldn’t relate to them (laughs)… probably because I’m not into those genres as much as they are. Hindi ganun kalalim ang interest ko sa mga ’yun. But talk to me about crime documentaries, thrillers and horror films, then I’ll have a lot to say (laughs)!” More music Before we parted ways, we asked Nadine how she would assess her 2023, and what her goals are for this year? “Last year was a mess for me (laughs)—ang dami kasing nangyari and it was just moving so fast,” she intimated. “The energy back in 2023 was weird… there was just something about last year I can’t quite grasp. Maybe it was energy we were trying to [shake off] so we can usher in a different kind of energy this year—I dunno. “When I returned to Manila after Paris Fashion Week, it was like, ‘What happened?’ I have a lot of forgotten memories from last year, so when people ask me about it, I don’t really remember much. I was just floating in 2023.
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 24, 2024
Kris reveals she ‘highly likely’ has lupus By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com
THE “Queen of All Media” turned emotional in her latest health update on social media. In an update on her Instagram account, Kris Aquino explained that she failed to greet her fans during the Christmas and New Year celebrations because she felt weak since Thanksgiving. Apart from her body manifesting another autoimmune disease which is lupus, Kris said that she lost much weight. “I was reluctant to post my pics because I lost weight again… I knew I had to help myself, nobody else could eat for me, and slowly I started eating food again,” Kris said. “I cried nonstop when I got my blood panel results. My Churg Strauss/EGPA is still being treated, but to add to it my CREST SYNDROME is now in full ACTIVE mode,” she added. “It’s highly likely based on my ANA count (blood panel), my high inflammatory numbers, my anemia, my now constant elevated blood pressure at
In an image posted on her Instagram account on January 12, 2022, Kris Aquino was seen being checked by her nurse. Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino
night, and the consistent appearance of ‘butterfly rash’ on my face that I’m at the initial stage of SLE, or what is commonly known as lupus,” Kris wrote. Despite the new discoveries in her health condition, Kris remained positive saying that
she will continue to fight. “We have a merciful and loving God who hears our prayers. Our battle has become more complex but I promised my sons and sisters that I wouldn’t be a wimp,” Kris said. “Bawal pa ring sumuko. Tuloy ang laban,” she added.
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 24, 2024
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