We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway...and Online!
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Volume 23 - No. 5 • 12 Pages
T he F ilipino A mericAn c ommuni Ty n ewspAper
Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
1799 Old Bayshore Hwy, Suite 136, Burlingame, CA 94010 • Tel: (650) 689-5160 • Fax: (650) 239-9253 • www.asianjournal.com
FEBRUARY 2-8, 2024
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, SAN DIEGO, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
Marcos insists ‘Uniteam’ remains DATELINE USA Meet the only Fil-Am intact despite word war with Dutertes golfer swinging his FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
dreams in the PGA Tour
BASKETBALL may be the Philippines’ quintessential sports but one Filipino American golfer is set to prove that amidst the hurdles of golf not being accessible to everyone, he is waving the Philippine flags in the PGA Tour. This year, Rico Hoey is changing the game with Philippine flags standing tall — an unusual sight in a PGA Tour. He kickstarted his fourth PGA Tour game as a full-fledged member at the initial round at The American Express Tournament on Thursday, January 25. “It was kind of cool having everyone out here, my family, my dad, girlfriend, coaches, everyone,” Hoey said during the tournament. “Feels like a home event for me. I only live an hour away. I grew up out here, playing junior tournaments out here, so it was fun.” Filipino American golfer Rico Hoey’s journey Born in the Philippines and raised in Rancho Cucamonga, California, Hoey grew up in an athletic family with both sisters also playing u PAGE 2
MANILA — The so-called “Uniteam” coalition is still intact and functional, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said after signs of cracks in his alliance with the Dutertes emerged. Marcos maintained that his relationship with Vice President Sara Duterte is “exactly the same” even after he and his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, engaged in a war of words.
“If you remember ‘Uniteam’ is not just one party or two parties or three parties. It’s the unification of all political, hopefully all political forces in the Philippines to come together for the good [of] the country,” Marcos said. “And that is still there. It is still vibrant. It is still working, and we will continue,” he added. The president also said that Sara will retain her post
Amid Duterte-Marcos verbal spat, public must stay neutral – groups by Zeus Legaspi Inquirer.net
Housing gaps are racial gaps, say Bay Area policymakers AS the Bay Area housing crisis deepens racial and wealth divides, how much is the system working as intended? With a two century history of race-based discrimination preventing many Bay Area communities of color from finding homes, race-conscious housing plans are needed to mend this disparity, said front-line housing policymakers and advocates at a Monday, January 22 forum held by San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR). The racial history of Bay Area housing Moderator Geeta Rao said these racialized housing policies began before the 18th century with the divestment of land from indigenous Americans, and continued well through the 20th with exclusionary zoning and redlined maps; racialized public housing; covenants prohibiting property sales to minorities; and blockbusting, in which developers convince residents to sell below market due to an alleged influx of minorities. Decades after California Fair Housing Act of 1959 and the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) of 1968 outlawing racial discrimination in housing sales, renting and financing, the legacy of u PAGE 3
as the country’s education chief. The Marcoses and the Dutertes formed an alliance ahead of the 2022 elections. Since then, however, their relationship has seemingly fractured ahead of next year’s midterm polls and the 2028 presidential race. On Sunday, January 28, former President Duterte launched a tirade against Marcos over a campaign u PAGE 2
IN HIGH SPIRITS. Vice President Sara Z. Duterte does the thumbs up sign as she addresses the crowd at the Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) kick-off rally on Sunday, Jan 28 at the Quirino Grandstand. Around 400,000 people, including members of the Cabinet, lawmakers, local government officials, and the public, attended the launching. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
MANILA — Multiple progressive groups have reminded Filipinos to remain impartial amid the heated exchange of accusations between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) President Renato Reyes Jr. said in a statement on Tuesday, January 30 that the two factions are merely fighting over who controls the country’s “spoils” as neither represents genuine change. “At the end of the day, we cannot place our hopes in any of these factions given the interests they represent,” Reyes stressed. Anakbayan, meanwhile, condemned the “pointing of fingers” between the two camps. “Imbis na gumawa ng mga kongkretong hakbang para apulahin ang lumalalang krisis na dinaranas ng mamamayan, mas pinipili ng mga kampo ni Marcos Jr. at mga Duterte na magbardagulan para sa sariling u PAGE 2
Marcos: PH firm on sovereignty, seeks peaceful talks with China MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed on Tuesday, January 30 the Philippines’ resolute stance in defending its sovereignty against Chinese provocations, while emphasizing the country’s commitment to resolving issues through peaceful dialogues. Marcos acknowledged that the South China Sea “remains to be a point of contention” during his meeting with Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong in Hanoi. Marcos’ state visit also witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding on “incident prevention and management in the South China Sea” and on cooperation
between the coast guards of the Philippines and Vietnam. “We are firm in defending our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction against these Chinese provocations,” Marcos said. “But at the same time, we are also seeking to address these issues with China and all other partners through peaceful dialogue and consultations as two equal sovereign states,” he added. The Philippines and China earlier agreed to improve communication and “calmly deal” with incidents in the strategically and Veteran broadcast journalist and senior anchor Rico Hizon leaves the CNN Philippines headquarters in Mandaluyong City on Monday after the local franchise holder of the global economically important waterway. media brand announced it will cease operations on Jan. 31 due to financial losses. u PAGE 4 Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande
AFP expects ‘bigger, more ‘Difficult news’: CNN Philippines diverse’ Balikatan in April signs off on January 31
Balikatan 2023
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday, January 30 said this year’s iteration of the “Balikatan” military exercises with the United States will be longer and more diverse. “The difference now and last year’s ‘Balikatan’ is we are going to have more exercises in key positions all over the country. Aside from quantity we will heavily lean on towards quality training,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. She said the number of Filipino and American soldiers have yet to be Philstar.com file photo determined along with the equipment
that will be used in the annual military exercises along with possible locations. Last year’s “Balikatan” consisted of 17,767 soldiers -- 12,187 Americans; 5, 469 Filipinos; and 111 Australians. During last year’s iteration, Filipino and American troops conducted the first ever sinking exercise (SINKEX) off San Antonio, Zambales where a decommissioned World War II corvette was sunk jointly. “Aside from kinetic activities and littoral airspace and landscape, we will also be doing exercises in the nonphysical domain such as cyberspace and information warfare,” Padilla said. (PNA)
by RusseL p. LoReto, tyRone JaspeR C. piad Inquirer.net
MANILA — Employees of award-winning broadcaster CNN Philippines gathered on Monday, January 29 in a general assembly to hear the sad news that had been circulating the past few days. CNN Philippines president Benjie Ramos announced that nine years after debuting in the local broadcasting industry, CNN Philippines was to cease operations on all media platforms on Wednesday, Jan. 31 as Nine Media Corp.,
the franchise holder of the global media brand, struggled to keep the company financially afloat. “It is with heavy heart that we share the difficult news that Nine Media’s news production will stop its operations due to serious financial losses, made even worse by the pandemic,” said Ramos, who turned emotional as he delivered the news. “Despite our best efforts … it u PAGE 4
2
FEBRUARY 2-8, 2024 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
From the Front Page
Meet the only Fil-Am golfer swinging his... PAGE 1 golf. This Filipino American golfer’s passion began at home. Honing his skills at Rancho Cucamonga High and USC, he’d already showcased his talents that proved his success one day — competing not just for the U.S. but also for the Philippines during his teen years. He was part of the Philippine National team in 2013 Putra Cup and was one of the top players in the “Dream Team.” He won the Callaway Junior World Championship and the Junior America’s Cup in 2012. Before he claimed his ticket to the PGA Tour, his journey was not without hurdles. In 2017, after turning pro and playing for PGA Tour Canada for the first time where he triumphed in the Freedom 55 Financial Championship at around 22 years old, he suffered injuries, inconsistent results and low spirits. Thanks to the director of golf at Goose Creek Golf Club in Southern California, Ross Fisher, who saw his golf potential and gave him a job at Goose Creek.
Photo from Instagram/@ricohoey3
“It was a low point for me, where it’s like, I’m injured, I have nothing to do, I’d rather do something than sit around, and (Fisher) was the one who envisioned everything, even through those tough times,” Hoey shared with PGA Tour.com. Fast forward to 2023, his career took an unexpected turn — a win at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Visit Knoxville Open with high stats marked his comeback and paved the way for his chance at the PGA
Tour. Meanwhile, Hoey will start at No.10 this Thursday with four birdies before his turn. While birdie holes 1,4, 5, 6 and 7 will put him in a tie with Christiaan Bezuidenhout for second place. This Filipino American golfer’s history is still being written, with CHINESE NEW YEAR. Mall goers enjoy photo-worthy Chinese New Year decorations at Victoria Plaza in Davao City on Monday, Jan. 29. The each tournament and round a new giant displays feature Chinese zodiac signs with corresponding predictions for 2024. PNA photos by Robinson Niñal Jr. chapter in his burgeoning career. We just can’t wait to see what’s next for Rico Hoey. (Mary Villegas/ Inquirer.net)
Marcos insists ‘Uniteam’... PAGE 1 to change the Constitution. He accused his successor of being a “drug addict” without evidence and of trying to amend the Constitution to extend his term. The Duterte patriarch also warned Marcos that pursuing charter change could lead to his ouster, similar to what happened
to his dictator father. Marcos struck back at his predecessor, suggesting the former leader’s use of fentanyl had taken a toll on his health. Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, the vice president’s brother, also called for Marcos’ resignation over the weekend. In a statement Monday,
January 29, Sara said her brother did it out of “brotherly love, coupled [with] the common sentiment that I do not deserve the despicable treatment that I am receiving from some sectors within the circle of the president.” (Gaea Katreena Cabico/Philstar. com with reports from Agence France-Presse)
Amid Duterte-Marcos verbal spat, public... PAGE 1 interes nila,” Anakbayan national spokesperson Kate Almenzo said. (Instead of taking concrete steps to address the worsening crisis experienced by the people, the camps of Marcos Jr. and the Dutertes choose to engage in a brawl for their interests.) Fisherfolk group Pamalakaya likewise condemned Duterte’s “hi-jacking” of the fight against Charter change, noting that the former president himself did not honor the Constitution during his administration. The group alleged that Duterte “openly surrendered” the country’s “national sovereignty to China in exchange for foreign loans,” which they said increased Beijing’s military presence in
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Bagong Pilipinas kick off rally.
the West Philippine Sea to the detriment of Filipino fisherfolk. In a speech during a prayer rally at Davao City on Sunday, a fuming Duterte alleged that Marcos has been on the watch list of the Philippine Drug Enforcement
Malacañang photo
Agency (PDEA). He claimed the list was shown to him when he was still mayor of Davao City. But PDEA denied such a claim, saying President Marcos Jr. was never on the government’s drug watch list. n
(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Dateline USa
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2-8, 2024
3
Housing gaps are racial gaps, say Bay Area... PAGE 1 this discrimination remains, added Rao, senior director of Enterprise Community Partners In the U.S., Black family incomes are about 60% of white incomes, yet the housing wealth of black families comprises 5% of white ones. In the Bay, the Black population comprises 30% of the region’s homeless population — five times higher than its 6% share of the general population. “When the U.S. first cut its teeth on mortgaging, they weren’t mortgaging property but people,” said Wilhelmenia Wilson, executive director of Healthy Black Families. “My father sold our house in north Berkeley in the 1950s; as a state attorney, he got the memo about the incoming BART train station. Now, I work there in a landscape made ripe for mass displacements of African Americans who never got that memo.” This displacement of housing for communities of color is historically allied with exclusionary single family zoning where there is new development — “particularly in the South Bay,” said Mathew Reed, policy director at SV@ Home. “Many regions, like San Jose, essentially didn’t exist before World War II as we know them now,” he added. “They grew under public investments like the GI Bill, which subsidized overwhelmingly white Americans into the homeowning middle class.” Bay Area cities with at least 85% of residential land zoned for single families have home values over $100,000 higher, with households nearly 20% whiter, than elsewhere in the Bay. Even though the FHA outlawed discriminatory housing policies, Congress debates around the bill racialized the distribution of resources by turning control of home financing over to local realtors. Even 15 years ago, “predatory lending of subprime mortgages was central to the Great Recession” and disproportionate foreclosures among Black and Latino homeowners, Reed said. A SPUR report released on January 23 found that even for such a high-cost region, the Bay produced by far the least per-capita and per-job housing from 2010 to 2020 among 25 comparable U.S. cities who shared a population greater than 1 million; a population density greater than 100 people per square mile; an average commute less than 40 minutes; an
annual job growth rate over 1% per year; and residents who largely voted for Joe Biden. As one of the youngest U.S. elected officials, South San Francisco Mayor James Coleman — having entered office at age 21 — said this experience of precarious, expensive housing was a mainstay for his upbringing in the Bay: “People I graduated high school with still DM me on Instagram and say: ‘When are you going to build affordable housing?’ Because they grew up here and would love to afford returning, but the landscape is so unequal.” Because 74% of single-family homes in South SF were built before the 1968 FHA, generational property wealth is still segregated staunchly along racial lines citywide. In the southwest neighborhood of Westborough, for example, 72% of families are Asian, whereas 20 to 30% are elsewhere. Residents downtown, which houses under a fifth of the city, are similarly far more likely to identify as Latino compared to citywide averages. What’s working? Such segregation is best broken at the ground level, Coleman continued. “In 2021, particularly for our Spanish-speaking community, our city created a program where we hired two to three people whose job was to literally knock on doors and ask residents what they struggled with most … We found it was rising rents.” Even with aid like state and federal COVID rent and mortgage relief programs, language barriers unaddressed by local governments prevent those who most need the assistance from accessing it, he noted. Additionally, Coleman added, South San Francisco passed a 20%-margin majority measure in 2022 superseding Article 34 — a segregationist state measure passed in 1950 giving wealthy neighborhoods veto power over affordable housing. “Because the history of housing here is the history of racialized displacement, encouraging affordable housing is a race-conscious policy in of itself,” noted Reed. As the state invests in housing, it focuses development in “resource-rich communities” — i.e. areas with high income, educational outcomes and public infrastructure. However, oftentimes the outcome of this is that low-income residents are displaced from
neighborhoods they’ve lived in all their lives, he continued. “The expansion of opportunity is wellmeant, but we’re pushing back on the narrative that lower-income communities aren’t worthy of investment too,” by supporting returning-tenant preference programs. Affording affordable housing With Healthy Black Families, the city of Berkeley has been ground zero for one such program. Building on a prior “right to return” survey the city released last year, the nonprofit asked Berkeley residents in-person and online — especially those near the North Berkeley and southern Ashby BART stations, where future affordable housing units will be built — “What do we need to create a thriving black Berkeley?” “Across four months, through our initiative Equity 4 Black Berkeley, we compressed 1,600 inputs into nine categories,” she continued. ‘Housing’ was the foremost response, just above ‘Health’ and ‘Community.’ This feedback informed an Affordable Housing Preference Policy for displaced residents which the City Council passed unanimously last July, effective this year. “Engaging your community to find out what they need isn’t a checkbox, it’s a cycle — and so is the history of black progress and majority retaliation,” Wilson said. “I find that when you walk into communities that have been devalued, even the capacity to dream takes building the capacity to trust, the will to share.” Black respondents’ priorities generally differed from non-Black allies in a greater emphasis on community and finance, she remarked. These were interdependent for many Black residents “because creating affordable housing without also creating opportunities to afford housing” — like limited-equity co-ops that give people a stake in their community — “is just a welfare state.” “My father used to say ‘You can’t legislate relationships, you have to build them,” Wilson continued. “Even the city told us early on — ‘If the community doesn’t show up, it’s a wrap.'” On the way here, I dropped by our office and a woman was standing outside asking how moving back to Berkeley worked under the affordable housing policy,” she added. “To want to show up for their community, people need to see the outcomes of community.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)
SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN INQUIRY. Senator Imee Marcos (in green, left photo), chairperson of the Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation, presides over an investigation at the Senate in Pasay City on Tuesday, Jan. 30 regarding controversies surrounding the People’s Initiative, including signature-buying, in order to amend the constitution. Also present during the Senate inquiry are Commission on Elections Chair George Erwin Garcia (leftmost, lower right photo) and Noel Oñate (middle, upper right photo), lead convenor of People’s Initiative for Reform, Modernization and Action. PNA photos by Avito Dalan
Where are the nation’s primary care providers? It’s not an easy answer CLINICIANS at Valley-Wide Health Systems never know who will appear at their clinic in San Luis, a town of about 600 people in southern Colorado. “If someone’s in labor, they’ll show up. If someone has a laceration, they’ll show up,” said nurse practitioner Emelin Martinez, the chief medical officer for the health care system serving 13 rural Colorado counties. But she struggled to find a fulltime medical provider for that clinic, the only one in Costilla County. Born and raised in the area, Martinez filled some of the gap by driving about 45 minutes from Alamosa, the nearest city, once a week for months. A physician assistant from another town chipped in, too. As one of the nation’s more than 1,000 federally designated primary care shortage areas, Costilla County has many carrots to dangle in front of medical providers willing to practice there, including federal student loan repayments, bonus Medicare payments, and expedited visas for foreign clinicians. Still, Martinez said, its latest opening remained unfilled for more than a year. Not a single physician applied. Policymakers have long tried to lure more primary care providers to the areas of the nation that have fewer than one physician for every 3,500 residents. Recent examples include the Biden administration boosting funding in 2022 to address shortages and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) pushing sweeping primary care legislation in 2023. But researchers steeped in the issue have a persistent frustration: It’s hard to know if any policy is
working given that the data the federal government collects on primary care shortage areas has been flawed for a long time. One of the biggest gaps is that the system counts only physicians, not the myriad other health care professionals who now provide much of our nation’s primary care. Additionally, a Health Affairs study shows the federal designations, which help allocate an estimated $1 billion in annual funding through at least 20 federal programs aimed at boosting primary care capacity, haven’t helped much. In fact, Costilla County is among more than 180 federally designated areas that have remained stuck on the primary care shortage list for at least 40 years, according to a KFF Health News analysis. That’s even as the overall number of licensed U.S. physicians more than doubled from 1990 to 2022 to over 1 million, according to the Federation of State Medical Boards, outpacing overall population growth. No one disputes that much of the nation is starved for primary care clinicians, with patients having to wait weeks to get appointments or travel long distances for basic preventive care. Many doctors decide against primary care career paths, let alone practicing in isolated communities, because those jobs entail heavy workloads and earn less money and respect than specialists. But how does the nation solve the problem without knowing exactly where it is? And what tools must be used? Does a physician need to be the one providing the care? Whitney Zahnd, president of
the board of the Iowa Rural Health Association, said the fact that some rural areas have had such federal shortage designations for decades doesn’t prove they are ineffective. “Had the program not been there, would it have been even worse?” she said. Federal funding supports 18,000 primary care doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to provide care to more than 18 million patients in the highest-need urban and rural communities across the country, said David Bowman, a spokesperson for the Health Resources and Services Administration, which manages the shortage designations. He said more than 80% of clinicians who get such scholarships or loan repayments continue to practice in shortage areas beyond their obligation of several years. But that doesn’t mean they stick around forever. Justin Markowski, a Yale School of Public Health doctoral student, co-authored the Health Affairs study that found the federal shortage designation makes no difference in upping physician density long-term. He is skeptical of policy ideas that promise big primary care fixes. That includes the Biden administration’s investment in more scholarships and loan repayments through the National Health Service Corps. “You’re just throwing more money at a set of programs that don’t really seem to work,” he said. “We’ll see in a few years, but I’ll be shocked if it actually moved any physicians or any other advanced practice providers.” u PAGE 4
4
Dateline USa
FEBRUARY 2-8, 2024 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
Filipino internet mourns the passing of Marcos: PH firm on sovereignty, seeks... Chris Punsalan’s beloved grandmother PAGE 1
by Mary Grace anne ToMines Inquirer.net
CHRIS Punsalan has shared the sad news of his 97-year-old Kapampangan grandmother, Anicia Santos Manipon passing on Monday, January 29, 2024. Punsalan, who is a musician and FilAm content creator, became well-known for being a full-time caregiver to his grandma. Their social media journey began in 2019 when his TikTok video about his typical day as a caregiver went viral. Since then, Punsalan continued to document their moments, and their inspiring videos have earned him a massive following on various social media platforms, including 2.4 million TikTok followers,
962,000 Facebook followers, and 1 million Instagram followers. In a TikTok video, Punsalan expressed his heartbreak over his grandmother’s passing, saying, “My heart is broken, grandma fought so hard and lived such a fruitful life. I’m relieved that she can finally rest and she’s in better hands than we could’ve ever provided. I love you forever Grandma.” Many digital and video creators have also expressed their sympathy and shared their memories of Grandma. Social media users have penned their gratitude to Punsalan for sharing his grandmother with them. The collective heartache resonates, and Punsalan has not posted anything following
Relations between the Philippines and China have deteriorated in recent months, with both sides clashing on several occasions in the disputed waters and trading accusations over the incidents. Marcos also expressed his “great concern” over tensions across the
and Achiever Awards. Veteran journalist Rico Hizon was also recently awarded “best factual presenter” at the Asian Academy Creative Awards. All CNN Philippines employees were retrenched and would be given separation pay as a result of the outlet’s closure, a source told the Inquirer. The source said that although they are officially employed until Feb. 29, CNN Philippines would no longer be producing content. Asked if the affected employees could be absorbed by other media outlets under the ALC Group of Companies, the source said the management did not mention anything about it. The ALC Group owns other media entities such as Business Mirror, Philippine Graphic, Pilipino Mirror, Aliw Channel 23 and Cook Magazine. In an advisory on Monday, the broadcaster said it would “discontinue operations on all media platforms effective Wednesday, Jan. 31.” The network reportedly lost more than P5 billion as it tried to compete with media giants on free television. “To our staff, we thank you for your commitment and dedication,” CNN Philippines said. “To our partners, including CNN Worldwide/Turner Broadcasting Corp., we are grateful for your support.” “To our loyal viewers, thank you for giving us purpose. We are
month drew a sharp rebuke from Beijing. Philippine authorities, however, reiterated the country was committed to the One China policy. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to take the island one day—by force, if necessary. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/Philstar.com)
Where are the nation’s primary care providers...
PAGE 3
Chris Punsalan has shared the sad news of his 97-year-old grandmother, Anicia Santos Manipon passing on Monday, January 29. Photo from Instagram/@chrispunsalan
the confirmation of his grandmother’s passing. May she rest in peace. n
‘Difficult news’: CNN Philippines signing off...
PAGE 1 has become increasingly clear that we are not able to sustain our operations,” he pointed out. CNN Philippines had trouble paying its annual franchise fees of P55 to P60 million after its advertising revenues fell short of its costs as fewer people watched free TV. In the nine years it went on air, CNN Philippines had accumulated financial losses exceeding P5 billion. CNN Philippines first aired in 2015 after Nine Media secured a licensing deal with The Cable News Network (CNN), an international news channel based in Atlanta, Georgia, owned by Turner Broadcasting Corp. It has been using RPN 9’s free TV frequency, which will revert to government control following the shutdown. International recognition In an advisory on Monday, CNN Philippines extended gratitude to all its staff, partners and viewers for their support. “To our staff, we thank you for your commitment and dedication,” it said. “And to our viewers, our sincerest gratitude for your loyalty and trust over the past nine years.” The media outlet signed off with several accolades under its belt. Just last month, CNN Philippines was named “Premier Business Best Broadcast Media Company in the Philippines” at the first Southeast Asian Premier Business
Taiwan Strait to Thuong. He noted that any conflict in Taiwan would affect the northern parts of the Philippines and may compromise the safety of approximately 170,000 Filipinos working and residing on the democratic island. Marcos’ congratulatory message to Taiwan’s presidentelect Lai Ching-te earlier this
honored to have served you,” the media corporation added. The decision not to renew the CNN franchise and shut down the Philippine operations — which will affect about 300 employees — had been made last year and approved by Nine Media of the Cabangon family, but the latter decided to defer implementation until after the Christmas holiday season. Transparency from employers Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) issued a statement on Friday, January 26 urging media workers to organize and demand transparency from their employers, especially in light of the shutdown of CNN Philippines. “Each newsroom that goes dark is one less source of reliable information for the public and is a loss for our community and profession,” said Jonathan de Santos on X (formerly Twitter). “It is cruel to have to find out about your company’s potential plans from news reports and from gossip instead of from leadership that expects media workers to be on call and updated on issues of the day but are silent on pressing workplace issues,” NUJP said. “The apparent lack of communication between management and staff over the coming changes highlights the need for workplace organizing to, at minimum, ensure that employees are kept abreast of corporate developments that will affect them,” it added. n
One possible explanation for the persistence of shortage areas is that such incentives are too small or too fleeting. But another issue is how shortages are measured. The government considers geographic shortage areas, now numbering just over 1,000, but also population groups such as migrant farmworkers and individual facilities such as prisons that lack enough providers. Yet it’s up to state offices to identify populations and locations that might qualify as shortage areas and submit them to HRSA, which then scores the extent of any shortages. The funding and staffing for those state offices vary, creating an uneven foundation from which to map actual shortages. “Some states became very adept at the equivalent of gerrymandering, where they were piecing together census blocks or census tracts in odd shapes in order to maximize the areas that are eligible,” said Stephen Petterson, a senior scholar at the Robert Graham Center, a policy think tank in Washington, D.C., that focuses on primary care. The federal Government Accountability Office has highlighted such issues since at least 1995, when it released a report identifying widespread data problems with the shortage area system and concluding it had “little assurance that federal funds are used where most needed.” The report noted one of the persistent shortcomings is that the system counts only physicians, not other key primary care providers. Since 1998, federal officials have made three attempts to update the 1970s-era rules that define what counts as a shortage area. The authors of the Affordable Care Act tried most recently, tasking a committee of experts to decide on an update. Among other things, the committee concluded in its 2011 report that nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified
nurse midwives should be counted as primary care providers. But the recommendations fell short by just a handful of votes. “We failed and the committee as a whole failed and HRSA failed by not moving the process forward,” said Petterson, who presented to the committee on how to comprehensively measure primary care needs. Steve Holloway, who directs the Colorado health department’s Primary Care Office, served on the committee. Without action at the federal level, he then led a team to create Colorado’s own health professional shortage area designations that factor in nurse practitioners and physician assistants, not just doctors. He said it’s taken about six years to create a tool and map of Colorado to answer a deceptively simple question: “How many actual flesh-and-blood, live clinicians are seeing patients?” Ed Salsberg, who was the lead federal government representative on that committee and who headed HRSA’s National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, said the rest of the nation needs more precise data, too. “It’s so important for the nation to target its resources to the highest-need communities,” he said. “It’s time again to try one more time to develop an improved methodology.” In the past few years, more readily available data from insurance claims has allowed researchers to distinguish the medical providers who are practicing primary care from those who have specialized or retired. Candice Chen, an associate professor of health policy and management at George Washington University’s Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity, used claims data that reflects one large slice of the American population — about 66 million Medicaid beneficiaries — to map the primary care workforce. Meanwhile, Monica O’Reilly-
Jacob, a nurse-scientist who recently moved from Boston College to Columbia University’s School of Nursing, studied Medicare claims to conclude that fewer than 70% of physicians typically considered primary care providers were actually providing primary care. The rest, she said, often find more lucrative positions, such as subspecializing or working in hospitals. By contrast, nurse practitioners are likely undercounted. Her study found that close to half are providing primary care. But such publicly available data leaves out much of the country, given that fewer than 40% of Americans are insured through Medicaid or Medicare. “There’s no government organization that’s tracking: Who trained in what, where, and where are they now, and what are they practicing,” said Alison Huffstetler, medical director of the Robert Graham Center. “And if we don’t know who is doing what kind of care — and where — then there is no way for us to equitably manage the patient-to-clinician ratio across every state.” In Costilla County, Martinez finally found someone to provide primary care: an experienced physician assistant who moved from Texas in December. The physician assistant’s presence should bump the county out of its dire shortage, according to Colorado’s measure. But since he isn’t a physician, he’ll remain invisible in the national data and Costilla County will likely remain on the books as a federal shortage area. (Rae Ellen Bichell/KFF Health News) Data reporter Hannah Recht, data editor Holly K. Hacker, and rural editor/correspondent Tony Leys contributed to this report. 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.
(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Dateline PhiliPPines
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2-8, 2024
5
49% of Pinoys believe life will improve – study House leaders to snub Senate
by Ma. Reina Leanne ToLenTino ManilaTimes.net
NEARLY 50 percent (49 percent) of adult Filipinos believe their lives will improve in the next six months, as shown in the latest OCTA Research “Tugon ng Masa” survey on optimism and pessimism about the country's economy and quality of life. The survey was for the last quarter of 2023. "About 49 percent of adult Filipinos believe that their quality of life will improve over the next six months. Meanwhile, about 45 percent believe that their quality of life will stay the same, and only 4 percent think that it will worsen," OCTA Research said. In Metro Manila, 54 percent of the respondents said they believed their lives would improve. Optimism was highest in the Visayas, with 58 percent of respondents saying they believed their lives would improve. This was followed by 49 percent in Balance Luzon and 40 percent in Mindanao. On the other hand, the percentage of respondents who believed their life would be worse (pessimism) was highest in Mindanao at 10 percent. This was followed by Metro Manila at 3
percent, Visayas at 2 percent and Balance Luzon at 1 percent. "In terms of socioeconomic classes, the lowest percentage of adult Filipinos who believe that their quality of life will improve over the next six months is observed in Class E (35percent), while the highest percentage of those who said that their quality of life will improve also came from Class E at 8percent," OCTA Research said. "Class ABC had the highest percentage of those who said that their quality of life will be better in the next six months (56 percent)," it added. Meanwhile, 38 percent of the respondents said they believed the country's economy would improve in the next six months. "This is the first time in three quarters that a recovery in this data point was observed," OCTA Research said. "Additionally, 51 percent think that the economy will remain the same, while 8 percent believe it will become worse." In Metro Manila, 45 percent of respondents believed the economy would improve. The percentage was higher in the Visayas, with 53 percent of respondents saying they believed the economy would improve in
the next several months. Thirty-seven percent of respondents from the Visayas believed the economy would remain the same, while 8 percent believed it would worsen. In Mindanao, 36 percent of respondents believed the economy would improve. Half of the respondents from Mindanao believed the economy would remain the same, while 13 percent believed it would worsen. In Balance Luzon, 30 percent of respondents believed the economy would improve. More respondents here (59 percent) believed it would remain the same, while 7 percent believed it would be worse. "In terms of socioeconomic classes, the highest percentage of adult Filipinos who believe that the Philippine economy will improve over the next six months is in Class ABC (51 percent)," OCTA said. "In contrast, the highest percentage of adult Filipinos who think that the Philippine economy will worsen over the next six months is in Class E (12 percent)," it said. The survey, conducted from December 10 to 14, had 1,200 adult respondents interviewed face to face. n
by Cristina Chi Philstar.com
MANILA — House Majority Leader Manuel Dalipe on Monday, January 29 turned down the Senate’s invitation for House lawmakers to attend its committee hearing on the alleged vote-buying practices of those behind the People’s Initiative (PI) campaign, saying that one senator is out to implicate House members. “While we appreciate Senator Marcos' open invitation to the Senate probe, it seems we in the House have our hands full crafting legislation aimed at enhancing the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” Dalipe said in a press conference. “Perhaps while we focus on building bridges, others seem more inclined to hunt for witches,” the House majority leader added. This comes after Sen. Imee Marcos — the president’s sister — extended an open invitation for House members to attend the Senate probe, saying that the inquiry would be an opportunity for them to "defend" themselves. While House Speaker Martin Romualdez has repeatedly distanced himself from the ongoing PI campaign to change the 1987 Constitution, Marcos said last week that the House leader “definitely” orchestrated by over 70 bishops, other members of the clergy and the campaign and offered a devotees. P20 million reward for each Canonically known as the Saint John the Baptist legislative district that clinches Parish, the Quiapo Church was recognized by Pope enough signatures. John Paul II in 1987 as the Minor Basilica of the Black In response, the House leader Nazarene for its cultural impact on the religiosity of said in a press conference that Filipinos. Marcos got her information It has become world-famous for drawing millions of devotees during the holding of the procession of the Black Nazarene every Jan. 9. During its 126th plenary assembly in Aklan in July last year, the CBCP has decided and subsequently THE ABS-CBN News Channel announced that from being an archdiocesan shrine, (ANC) will remain on the air, the Quiapo Church will be officially declared as a parent network ABS-CBN said on national shrine on Jan. 29, 2024. Monday, January 29, despite the It approved Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose looming shutdown of broadcasts Advincula’s petition to designate the home of the by SkyCable. centuries-old image of the Black Nazarene as the "ANC, the ABS-CBN News nation’s 29th national shrine. Channel, will continue its A national shrine is a Catholic Church or other operations on February 26 as sacred place which has met certain requirements, recently announced," the network and is given the honor by the national episcopal wrote. conference in recognition of the church's special ANC programs will remain cultural, historical, and religious significance. (PNA) on air through partner cable
Deeper devotion of faithful seen as Quiapo Church now a national shrine MANILA – Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna on Tuesday, January 30 expressed hope that the elevation of the Quiapo Church to a national shrine will inspire more Catholics to develop an even more intense devotion. “We expect more people to be drawn to our very popular Quiapo Church, which had created a huge religious and cultural impact on the nation as a whole, even bridging the gap between societal classes particularly during the holding of the annual ‘Traslacion’, easily the most deeply-revered religious event in the country,” she said in a statement. Lacuna added that even before the official declaration, the Quiapo Church or Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, had long been esteemed as a shrine not only by Manila residents and devotees of the Black Nazarene but also by the Catholic faithful both here and abroad. During Monday's rites, January 29, Msgr. Bernardo Patin, secretary-general of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), handed over to Quiapo Church rector Fr. Jun Sescon the decree that now classifies the basilica as a national shrine during the solemn declaration which was attended
probe on People’s Initiative through gossip (“Nagma-marites siguro”) and challenged the senator to prove her claim to “whatever court.” Marcos earlier filed a Senate resolution seeking a probe into allegations of “signature buying” and misrepresentation in the PI campaign, which the Commission on Elections (Comelec) suspended on Monday. On Monday, Dalipe confirmed that House members will not be attending the hearing of the Senate committe on electoral reforms and people’s participation. “But rest assured, should our legislative schedule allow, we'd be more than willing to engage in fruitful discussions, preferably ones that construct, not deconstruct, our collective efforts for national progress,” Dalipe added. The petition being circulated for the PI campaign seeks to allow Congress to convene in a constitutional assembly and vote jointly on changes to the Charter, giving the House of Representatives an advantage as they outnumber the 24-member Senate. The PI campaign has been widely criticized by opposition lawmakers in the upper and lower chambers who have raised concerns over its legitimacy, purpose and timing. The speed in which hundreds of signatures have been turned over to the Comelec for verification, said Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers), betrays its "fake" and coordinated character. In the lower chamber, the
Makabayan bloc has called for a similar probe on the PI signature drive after lawmakers received reports that people are being enticed to sign the petition in exchange for government aid. Former President Rodrigo Duterte and his supporters held a prayer rally in Davao City on Sunday to oppose all ongoing attempts to change the Charter. Marcos was present during the event. House ‘welcomes’ Comelec suspension Comelec Chairperson George Garcia on Monday said the poll body was halting all activities related to the PI “until we are able to review, enhance, and add something to our existing rules," referring to Comelec Resolution 10650, or the revised rules and regulations governing the conduct of initiative related to the Constitution. Dalipe and other House leaders said that they “welcome” the Comelec’s decision. In particular, House Senior Deputy Speaker Dong Gonzales said that with the suspension of the PI, senators “will no longer have anything to say” and would clear the way for the passage of the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH 6). The Senate's RBH 6 seeks to limit amendments to the Charter to specific economic provisions related to foreign ownership. After the Senate unanimously opposed the PI campaign, Romualdez reached out to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri to express the lower chamber’s support for RBH 6 and an alternative Senate-led PI. n
ANC to continue airing – ABS-CBN television providers nationwide and online via its YouTube channel and the ABS-CBN News website. These programs will also be on iWantTFC and The Filipino Channel. ANC's late night news bulletin, "The World Tonight," can also be viewed on the pay TV Kapamilya Channel at 11 p.m. on weeknights. The announcement came after another news channel,
CNN Philippines, announced its shutdown on Monday, January 29 following "significant financial losses." It will formally go off-air on Wednesday, January 31. SkyCable's operations are expected to go off-air for good by the end of the next month, following the Philippine Competition Commission's approval of the sale of the cable provider to PLDT for P6.75 billion. (ManilaTimes.net)
6
Features
OpiniOn
FEBRUARY 2-8, 2024 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
The untouchables
AS President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte swapped charges of illegal drug use, one question inevitably came up: if they are both sure of their allegations, why hasn’t either of them been charged or arrested on drug-related offenses? Duterte cast the first stone by accusing Marcos, in a prayer rally in Davao City on Sunday night, January 28 of being a drug abuser. Back when he was mayor of the city, Duterte said, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was on the drug watch of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. He did not name Marcos, Duterte said, because they are friends. The PDEA denied this on Monday, Januaruy 29. During the 2022 presidential race, Duterte had also warned voters about an alleged cocaine addict among the contenders. He did not name the candidate. President Marcos said he would not dignify the accusation with a reply. But he said Duterte’s tirade might have been caused by prolonged use of fentanyl, a powerful opioid that has caused deaths in the U.S. and other countries. Duterte had admitted during his presidency that he had been prescribed fentanyl against chronic pain following a motorcycle accident when he was 68 years old. Fentanyl is a controlled substance in the Philippines; cocaine is a prohibited drug. Duterte had carried out the bloodiest crackdown in the country’s history against prohibited drugs, since his days as Davao City mayor until he became president. He had campaigned for the presidency
in 2016 on a platform of ridding the country of the drug menace in six months. At the end of his presidency, the police reported killing over 6,000 drug personalities in law enforcement operations. Nearly all those killed were from lowincome families, including several teenagers. Meanwhile, alleged large-scale traffickers such as Cebu businessman Peter Lim, who was on the PDEA’s list of most wanted but whose family reportedly supported Duterte’s campaign for the presidency, appeared untouchable. If Duterte had known all along that Bongbong Marcos was a drug addict, why was the latter spared from the brutal crackdown on illegal drugs? Was it also out of gratitude for the Marcoses’ political support? Duterte’s war on drugs was hounded by criticism of selective law enforcement. Today drug killings continue, although the scale is much less than during Duterte’s time. The Marcos administration has been pursuing a kinder, gentler approach to fighting the drug scourge, with emphasis on rehabilitation. The word war that has erupted between President Marcos and Duterte shows the complexity of the drug problem and the need for new approaches. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
Charter change: Only the economic provisions should be included
Babe’s Eye View BABe roMuAldez SO much controversy is being unnecessarily generated with this Charter change issue but in reality, changes to the overly protectionist economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution should be debated upon because it hinders the country from realizing its full economic potential. So many limitations on foreign ownership to just 40 percent in various sectors such as advertising and mass media, and even educational institutions, is already irrelevant today. We’re glad that after initially indicating that economic Charter change was not a priority, President Marcos is now seeing the need to make adjustments, saying that the “1987 Constitution was not written for a globalized world. And that is where we are now. We have to adjust so that we can increase the economic activities in the Philippines and attract more foreign investors.” In a report published by pwc.com, the Philippines
in 2020 ranked “third most restrictive out of the 84 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)’s foreign direct investment regulatory restrictiveness index (FDI Index)” based on four types of restrictions – foreign equity limitations; discriminatory screening or approval mechanisms; restrictions on the employment of foreigners as key personnel and other operational restrictions. “The restrictions are evaluated on a 0 to 1 scale (1 being the most restrictive). It is no surprise that the Philippines scored 0.374, as we have several laws restricting FDI and most of them are enshrined directly in the Constitution,” the report said. All the investment pledges and other economic gains from the foreign trips that the President has made would come to a full stop if the problematic provisions and restrictions that businessmen and potential investors have been complaining about are not addressed. This is also a major reason why we have been losing out in terms of foreign direct investments to our neighbors in ASEAN like
Vietnam, and other countries that have a similar political system as ours, because our economic policies have been too restrictive and inflexible – not to mention outdated and unresponsive to the changing needs of a highly globalized world. There are a lot of investment opportunities that are available to us, especially from the United States because of the strong economic and security relationship we have today. This is underscored by the highly anticipated Presidential Trade and Investment Mission arriving in March headed by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, with a toplevel delegation composed of CEOs representing over 100 companies. The trade mission is expected to open up more investment opportunities in clean energy, critical minerals, agriculture, infrastructure, innovation economy and other sectors. Other countries are also looking at investment opportunities in the Philippines, such as Germany that is interested in the renewable energy sector. But like others, a major concern is economic
liberalization and “unclear rules” regarding foreign participation. Several foreign chambers in the Philippines have in fact voiced their concerns, saying that the 40 percent minority ownership provision is making foreign businessmen hesitant to invest, resulting in low foreign participation in some key sectors. As pointed out by the country’s “economic czar,” the recently appointed Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, legislators should review these laws that have become outdated, irrelevant and, more importantly, are in conflict with newer policies, because they confuse potential investors and hinder efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the Philippines. Every time a new law is passed, five old ones need to be repealed or amended because this could result in overlapping that create confusion and worse, result in six laws that businessmen have to deal with, Go explained during a forum organized by the Anti-Red Tape Authority, adding that these old laws have generated serious concern from foreign direct
investors. Foreign businessmen and potential investors certainly welcome the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6 filed by Senate President Migz Zubiri that seeks to start the discussion on amending specific economic provisions to the 1987 Constitution. RBH No. 6 would require concurrence from the House of Representatives, which has indicated its support for the proposal through a letter from Speaker Martin Romualdez. There have been efforts in the past to change the Charter and repeal or amend the economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution, but these have been met with resistance and even distrust because the timing is suspicious, the initiative is surrounded by controversy and there are disagreements regarding the process – Cha-cha or people’s initiative? Actually, the Constitution itself is silent on the mode of amendment. I firmly believe that the issue about constitutional amendments on the economic provisions should not be dismissed but properly dissected and debated upon through a rigorous process of discussing the pros and cons. That way,
controversies as well as suspicions attached to Charter change would be assuaged, plus the hysteria that some people go into when they hear the phrase “constitutional amendments” would simmer down. As for the continuing controversy surrounding the push for Charter change through the people’s initiative – this should be investigated to get to the bottom of the issue and must be resolved one way or another. The bottom line is – we have to do things the right way. If we want to change certain provisions in the Constitution, it should be done properly and in a transparent manner. People should be given a chance to look into the whole issue and have the opportunity to thoroughly study the potential ramifications of any amendment to the Charter. But definitely – changes should not be rammed down the throats of the Filipino people. (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
Campaign of disunity must be nipped in the bud
The Corner Oracle Andrew J. MAsigAn THE Marcos-Duterte UniTeam has disintegrated. It was flimsy in the first place, never founded on creed or principles but on political interest. Both camps collide in practically all facets of governance, and nowhere is this more apparent than in foreign policy, particularly on our relations with China and America. Their foreign policy differences are as stark as night and day. How do they differ and which works better? Mr. Duterte adopted a policy of appeasement towards China, coupled with overt hostility towards America. His stance remains the same today and for the most part, adopted by the vice president. Has it been effective? Let’s put this way – we are where we are today due to the lack of deterrence on the Philippines’ part during the Duterte years. Meekness and weakness were akin to an open invitation for China to have its way on
our sovereign territories with impunity. So notwithstanding years of humble servitude and red carpet treatment for the Chinese, Beijing never stopped its illegal annexation and militarization of the West Philippine Sea. Mr. Duterte failed to detect that China views meekness with contempt and opportunistic lust. The absence of pushback from the Philippine government only accelerated China’s maritime incursion. Worse, Beijing wroteoff Mr. Duterte as a “given” and saw no need to make good on its $24-billion investment pledges. Why should they when China’s interest was already being served? Mr. Duterte showed his personal bias too early and the Chinese took advantage of it. It was an amateur move. So with Mr. Duterte’s policy of appeasement, we ended up with an occupied West Philippine Sea and nearly no economic benefits from China to show for it. Marcos’ China policy The Marcos government understands that a country need not be pro-China or pro-America, exclusively. Relationships between nations are nuanced, depending on where the
country’s best interests lie. So while the Marcos government pursues vibrant economic and cultural relations with China, it also pursues defense alliances with like-minded countries. Marcos’ parameters are clear in as far as our relationship with China and the WPS are concerned. He clearly defined them during the recently concluded ASEAN Summit in Jakarta. They are as follows: That the Philippines condemns the illegal grab and militarization of the WPS; that the Philippines and like-minded nations will not allow the peaceful order in the disputed waters to be disrupted by a country with hegemonic ambitions; that the use of coast guards and maritime militia for coercive activities is a cause for escalation; that peace and stability in the maritime domain can only flourish in a regime anchored on the rule of law; that UNCLOS is the primordial framework within which activities in the maritime domain are to be conducted; that there is a need for a code of conduct among nations; that actions, not words, are the ultimate measure of our collective commitment to ensure peace in the WPS.
Early in his presidency, President Marcos declared that he will not allow a single inch of Philippine territory to be subsumed by China. Neither would he allow the Philippines to be bullied. He also acknowledges the validity of the 2016 arbitral ruling of ITLOS. The position of the Marcos government is consistent with the will of the people. A recent survey by the Stratbase Institute revealed that 79 percent of Filipinos choose the U.S. as its ally in the West Philippine Sea row. Further, 80 percent of the population consider the protection of fishing rights in the disputed waters a top priority. The same supermajority say that the Philippines must not engage with China on security sensitive industries like telecommunications. The Philippines was right to expand the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) as it gives both credence and substance to the Mutual Defense Treaty between America and the Philippines. Look at it from America’s perspective – why should they stand in the Philippines’ defense if its own government is pro-China, hostile
to the West and unwilling to capacitate the U.S. in fulfilling its defense commitments to its allies. Expanding EDCA shows that our values are aligned. Similarly, the ratification of multilateral defense agreements with like-minded countries like Japan, Australia and South Korea are indications that the Philippines is among nations who espouse the rules-based global order and a free and open Indo-Pacific. EDCA and the rest of our defense alliances serve as effective deterrence against China’s aggression. Marcos’ foreign policy opened the floodgates of international support for the Philippines’ cause. It resulted in closer cooperation with countries like Canada, the UK and the EU, for whom we will do well to ratify an EDCA with. It also caused China to view the Philippines not as a “given” but with respect. Sowing disunity There are forces trying to divide the country. Trolls associated with Mr. Duterte are back on social media in full force. Masquerading as political commentary, the trolls criticize Marcos’ foreign policy with such rancor that their intent to
discredit, destabilize and divide is obvious. What’s alarming is that the trolls propagate China’s narrative, untrue as they are, and force-feed them to the unsuspecting public. They have gone so far as to blame our own government and countrymen for the bullying we suffer and for escalating tensions with China. The trolls are causing confusion and dividing the nation and this posts grave threats to national security. It is so dangerous that it deserves a Senate and/or congressional inquiry… because a divided nation will never prosper amid the security challenges we face against China. It will make us weaker in a situation where we are already at a disadvantage. This treasonous campaign must be nipped in the bud. (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.
*** Email: andrew_rs6@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @aj_masigan
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal. ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board
CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President
Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com
Northern California: 1799 Old Bayshore Hwy, Suite 136 Burlingame, CA 94010 Tel.: (650) 689-5160 • Fax: (650) 239-9253
With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York/New Jersey, Las Vegas, San Diego. Philippines
JOSEPH PERALTA Vice President & General Manager Northern California Asian Journal
MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor
Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases. Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation. Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication. Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material. AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement. Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind. ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLITIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern lifornia Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern lifornia, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively. Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions. Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please ll the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com
(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2-8, 2024
7
FEBRUARY 2-8, 2024 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
FILIPINO
8
Co m m u n ity Jo u rn al
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
THE ASIAN JOURNAL
MAGAZINE
I N
N O R T H E R N
C A L I F O R N I A
Friday, February 2, 2024
INSIDE >>> L I F E S T Y L E • C O N S U M E R G U I D E • C O M M U N I T Y • M A R K E T P L A C E
13 Fil-Am chefs named James Beard Awards semifinalists by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress
S
EVERAL Filipino American chefs are in the running for the 2024 James Beard Awards as the James Beard Foundation announced its Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists on Thursday, Jan. 25. The James Beard Awards are among the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors, recognizing the outstanding and talented leaders making their mark on American food. The awards celebrate excellence across a range of experiences, from fine-dining establishments to casual gems, and emerging talents to established luminaries. Nikko Cagalanan of Kultura in Charleston is in the running for the Emerging Chef Award, given to “a chef who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come while contributing positively to their broader community.”
Chef Nikko moved to the United States from the Philippines in 2011 and worked as a nurse. Driven by his passion for Filipino cuisine, he decided to transition to a career in cooking. In 2018, Chef Nikko made the move to Charleston, taking significant steps in his culinary path that in early 2019, he founded Mansueta’s Filipino Food to share his love for Filipino cuisine with the community. Cagalanan achieved recognition as the Best Filipino Restaurant in South Carolina by Food & Wine magazine, coupled with the prestigious title of Chopped Champion in November. Last year, he opened Kultura, a personal space where
he can welcome guests and collaborate with chefs from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to showcase their own cultures through the art of food. Aaron Verzosa, co-owner and chef of Seattle restaurant Archipelago, is one of the “Outstanding Chef” nominees. Last year, Verzosa, was a semifinalist for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific. Kaya, a contemporary Filipino restaurant situated in Orlando, is up for the Best New Restaurant Award. This accolade is dedicated to recognizing recently opened restaurants that showcase outstanding excellence in cuisine and hold the promise of making a significant impact in the years to come. Kaya is run by Chef Lordfer Lalicon and Jamilyn Bailey, who expressed their profound gratitude for the nod on their Instagram account, stating, “What an incredible honor and testament to the hard work and love of the village that lifts us. We are humbled to represent our culture and our city in this special way.” Kimmie and Josh Mcintosh of Milkfish Bakeshop in Las Vegas are in the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category. The couple started Milkfish as a popup bakeshop to uplift Filipino culture through heritage, technique, and ingredients. Among their offerings are Ube Chefs Melissa Miranda of Musang (Seattle) Tara Monsod of Animae (San Diego) Photo from Instagram/@meltronica Photo by Matt Furman Halaya Babka, Cashew Coco Jam Sticky Buns, Pandan Tres Leches Cake, and Carioca Skewers. Chefs Melissa Miranda of Musang (Seattle) and Sheldon Simeon of Tiffany’s (Wailuku) got another nod for the Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific along with Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord (Los Angeles) and Tara Monsod of Animae (San Diego) for Best Chef: California. “I am floored and humbled to be a semifinalist. I’m proud of the work my team has done and grateful for the support from the community. To be able to create the food I want and Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord (Los Angeles) Sheldon Simeon of Tiffany’s (Wailuku) Photo from Instagram/@cheflordmaynard Photo from Instagram/@chefwonder push the culture forward means
the world to me,” Monsod said. “The San Diego food scene deserves to be recognized and I’m proud to represent.” As a BIPOC LGBTQ chef in her first Executive Chef role, Tara Monsod’s emphasis on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment extends into every facet of operating Animae. In addition to fostering a diverse team which reflects her drive for a more inclusive industry, Chef Tara has proven herself as an outstanding leader in San Diego’s booming culinary scene by producing a menu filled with complex and delightful dishes that highlight her identity as a first-generation Filipino American. Offering guests a journey into her upbringing, Monsod’s food displays a heightened sense of refinement, showcasing expertly prepared dishes from across Asia. Tara is proud to lead a restaurant that serves a community that represents the second-largest Filipino American population of any county in the nation—for many Filipino families, Animae is the first fine dining establishment where they have felt truly at home. Chris Mauricio of Harana Market (Accord) is a semifinalist for Best Chef: New York State while Erik Bentz and Elaine Uykimpang Bentz of Cafe Mochiko (Cincinnati) and Joe Fontelera of Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant (Chicago) are duking it out for Best Chef: Great Lakes. The husband-and-wife team of Mark and Jennifer Berdin of Kadence (Orlando) are up for Best Chef: South. These chefs were recognized for setting high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities and are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions while contributing positively to their broader community. Harana Market, formerly of Woodstock recently moved to its bigger location in Accord. Their lease in Woodstock ended and since they have been growing
Nikko Cagalanan of Kultura (Charleston) Photo from Instagram/@nikko_cagalanan
Aaron Verzosa of Archipelago (Seattle) Photo from Archipelago Seattle
Joe Fontelera of Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant (Chicago) Photo from Instagram/@joefontelera
Chris Mauricio of Harana Market (Accord) Photo from Instagram/@haranamarket
since they opened, Chris and Eva decided to expand. They have since become the go-to Filipino spot in the Hudson Valley area. The announcement was a big surprise that they did not expect, almost three years to the day of their first service, according to the Instagram post of Harana Market. “Regardless of what happens in the next round, this is a significant win for Filipino food and culture. It’s also a win for generations of our family. As you probably know by now, the food Chris makes is as they learned it from their Grandma who learned it from her ancestors and it’s how we eat it around our table if you were to ever come visit our home. That Chris can make it to this world-renowned list without compromising or conforming, and remaining true to their food, flavors, and
culture is outstanding,” the post further said. This year’s winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The James Beard Awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive. Founded more than 30 years ago, the James Beard Foundation “celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture, while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive,” according to its announcement.
Fil-Am cinematographer receives Oscar nomination for ‘Maestro’ by NiMfa rueda Inquirer.net
BEVERLY HILLS – Filipino American cinematographer Matthew Libatique has received an Oscar nomination for his work on “Maestro,” starring Bradley Cooper. “Maestro” is Libatique’s third Oscar-nominated film. He also received Academy Award for Best Cinematography nominations for his work on “A Star Is Born,” his first project with Cooper, in 2018 and “Black Swan” in 2010, for which he won his second Independent Spirit award. He has also won best cinematography awards from the LA Film Critics Association, NY Film Critics Online and SF Film Critics. Libatique’s notable films include blockbusters such as “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2.” He is also known for his collaborations with director Darren Aronofsky on the films “Pi” (1998), “Requiem for a Dream” (2000), “The Fountain” (2006), “Black Swan” (2010), “Noah” (2014) and “Mother!” (2017). Libatique was born in Elmhurst, Queens, New York City, to Filipino immigrant parents Georgina and Justiniáno Libatique. His father was from Dagupan, and his mother was from Lucena. Libatique studied sociology and communications at California State University, Fullerton, before earning an
MFA in cinematography at AFI Conservatory. `Oppenheimer’ leads the way “Oppenheimer” continued its roll through the Hollywood awards season today, snagging a leading 13 Academy Award nominations, including for best picture, best actor, best director and best supporting actor and actress – while “Poor Things” was next with 11 nods, followed by “Killers of the Flower Moon” with 10 and “Barbie” with eight. Joining “Oppenheimer” in the best picture category were “American Fiction”; “Anatomy of a Fall”; “Barbie”; “The Holdovers”; “Killers of the Flower Moon”; “Maestro”; “Past Lives”; “Poor Things” and “The Zone of Interest.” Best picture is the only one of the academy’s 23 categories with 10 nominees. All the others have five apiece. Matthew Libatique on location with Bradley Cooper “Maestro” is Matthew Libatique’s third Oscar-nominated film. He also received Academy Award for Best Cinematography nominations for his work on “A Star Is Born,” his first project with Bradley Cooper, in 2018 and “Black Swan” in 2010, for which he won his second Independent Spirit award. Image: American_cinematographer/IG Cillian Murphy captured a best actor nomination for “Oppenheimer” — the story of atomic bomb mastermind J. Robert Oppenheimer – and was joined in that category by Brad-
ley Cooper in “Maestro”; Colman Domingo in “Rustin”; Paul Giamatti in “The Holdovers” and Jeffrey Wright in “American Fiction.” Nominees for best actress were Annette Bening in “Nyad”; Lily Gladstone in “Killers of the Flower Moon”; Sandra Huller in “Anatomy of a Fall”; Carey Mulligan in “Maestro”; and Emma Stone in “Poor Things.” “Oppenheimer” director Christopher Nolan took a nod in that category, joining Justine Triet for “Anatomy of a Fall”; Martin Scorsese for “Killers of the Flower Moon”; Yorgos Lanthimos for “Poor Things” and Jonathan Glazer for “The Zone of Interest.” Scorsese’s nomination was the 10th of his career, moving him past Steven Spielberg for most by a living director. (The late William Wyler had 12 nods, including three wins.) “Killers” also made history Tuesday as Gladstone became the first Native American to capture a nomination in an acting category. “Oppenheimer” co-stars Robert Downey Jr. and Emily Blunt captured nominations for best supporting actor and actress. Libatique in blue jacket posing for a photo with Ruben Nepales Matthew Libatique was born in Elmhurst, Queens, New York City to Filipino immigrant parents Georgina and Justiniáno Libatique. In photo: Libatique (left) with Ruben Nepales, former chair of the Hollywood For-
eign Press Association. Image: rubenvnepales/IG In the best supporting actor category, Downey was joined by Sterling K. Brown in “American Fiction”; Robert De Niro in “Killers of the Flower Moon”; Ryan Gosling in “Barbie” and Mark Ruffalo in “Poor Things.” Joining Blunt in the best supporting actress competition were Danielle Brooks in “The Color Purple”; America Ferrera in “Barbie”; Jodie Foster in “Nyad” and Da’vine Joy Randolph in “The Holdovers.” “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig and star Margot Robbie were two of the most noteworthy snubs of Tuesday morning’s announcements, failing to capture nods for best director and best actress, respectively – though Gerwig did take a nomination for best adapted screenplay along with her co-writer, Noah Baumbach. Leonardo DiCaprio also missed out on a best actor nod for “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Besides its five nominations for picture, actor, director and supporting actor and actress, “Oppenheimer” drew nods for cinematography, costume design, film editing, makeup and hairstyling, original score, production design, sound and adapted screenplay. In addition to its best picture, best actress and directing nominations, the Frankenstein-like tale “Poor Things” will compete for best supporting actor (Mark Ruffalo), cinematography, cos-
Filipino American cinematographer Matthew Libatique has received an Oscar nomination for his work on “Maestro.” Photo from Instagram/@team.deakins
tume design, film editing, makeup and hairstyling, original score, production design and adapted screenplay “Killers of the Flower Moon” also garnered nominations for cinematography, costume design, film editing, original score, original song and production design. Besides best picture, the acting nominations for Gosling and Ferrera and the adapted screenplay nod for Gerwig, “Barbie,” drew recognition for costume design, original song, and production design. Giamatti has already collected Golden Globe and Critics Choice
awards for his leading-actor work in “The Holdovers.” Stone won the Golden Globe for best actress in a musical/comedy for her work, along with the Critics Choice prize for best actress. Gladstone won the Globe for best actress in a drama film. The announcements were made by actors Zazie Beetz and Jack Quaid from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. The 96th Oscars will be presented March 10 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood in a ceremony hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.
Features
(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2-8, 2024
Leading US immigration attorney reflects on the immigration story of his parents on this Sunday’s Citizen Pinoy ATTORNEY Michael J. Gurfinkel has solved many immigration problems and helped countless families be reunited. Unknown to many, this leading U.S. immigration attorney also has his own immigration story to tell. Atty. Gurfinkel’s father, Sam, was a Holocaust survivor during WWII. Sam was only nine years old when Adolph Hitler’s Nazi army rounded up almost all the Jews in his homeland, Poland. He had witnessed the cruelty and the mass murders in the gas chambers and had even seen how the Nazis had killed his own father, mother, and his eight siblings, leaving him the sole survivor of such a large family. Sam was able to escape death by fleeing to the forest, where he eventually joined a Jewish partisan unit that fought against the Nazis. Across the English Channel is the city of Liverpool, England, where Atty. Gurfinkel’s mother, Renee, lived in fear and hid in air raid shelters – for Liverpool also suffered from heavy and continuous bombings from German enemy planes. When WWII ended, both Sam and Renee set sail to go to America, believing that there were brighter opportunities for them there. Fate had the couple meet in California, and after a series of dates, they tied the knot in 1951. Together, they started weaving their American dream with much hard work and persistent hope. Sam held three jobs, working from dawn to dark, while Renee raised their 3 children and ran their egg ranch in Baldwin Park, California. Sam and Renee Gurfinkel shared the same
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY HAS HIS OWN IMMIGRATION STORY TO SHARE. Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel’s (right) compassion for immigrants and their dreams runs deep, because his father Sam (left) and his mother, Renee (center) were both immigrants and WWII survivors. Sam was a Holocaust survivor from Poland, and Renee endured endless German bombings in England. Both dreamt of coming to America to live their American Dream, just like Attorney Gurfinkel’s Filipino clients dream the same dream today. Atty. Gurfinkel also takes this chance to offer a tribute and express gratitude for the sacrifices of his mother, Renee, who recently passed on. Watch this special episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, February 4 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
PH consulate general in SF holds 2024 planning session Wedding photo of Sam (left) and Renee (right) Gurfinkel.
At Atty. Gurfinkel’s (3rd from left, in a brown suit) bar mitzvah.
Atty. Gurfinkel with his mother, Renee.
9
dreams and beliefs as many Filipino families still do at present – that hard work, perseverance, and a hopeful attitude would bring them the realization of their American Dream. They firmly believed that education for their children was the most important thing to work for. It is no wonder then that Atty. Michael Gurfinkel feels for and understands those individuals and families who consult with him – because his parents, Sam and Renee, were immigrants themselves, and shared the same “American Dream” over 70 years ago. Atty. Gurfinkel also takes this chance to offer a tribute and express gratitude for the sacrifices of his mother, Renee, who recently passed on. Watch this special episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, February 4 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
SAN FRANCISCO – Philippine Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer convened the 2024 planning conference on January 11, 2024 with officers of the consulate and partner government agencies to coordinate plans and activities for the year. Participating in the planning session were heads of Economic, Consular, Political, Cultural, Assistance-to-Nationals, and Administrative Sections, Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Silicon Valley, Philippine Department of Tourism, and the Philippine Center Management Board. In his welcome remarks, Consul General Ferrer noted the significant gains achieved by the consulate in 2023, including the support it extended during the official visit and participation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in San Francisco, and the lead role it played in the 2023 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour, among others. He thanked the consulate team for all its hard work under the one country team framework, and said that he looked forward to continuing to advance Philippine interests, and to serving the more than 1.3 million Filipinos and Filipino Americans across its 10-state jurisdiction. During the planning session, the various sections and partner
San Francisco PCG photos
government agencies presented their accomplishments in 2023 and priorities for 2024. In 2023, the Consulate provided a total of more than 40,600 consular services. It conducted nine consular outreach missions to Alaska, California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming, and registered more than 8,800 new overseas voters for the 2023 National Elections. The Consulate also garnered international recognition for its initiatives for the development and growth of the Philippine
startup ecosystem at the inaugural Startup Ecosystem Stars Award in December 2023 in Paris. Consul General Ferrer noted that for 2024, the consulate, together with its partner government agencies, will continue to deliver efficient and timely consular services, to advance economic diplomacy, to enhance relations with state, federal, and local officials, to advocate for the rights and welfare of Filipino nationals, and to promote Filipino culture and heritage. (PCGSF Release)
CARPE DIEM! ATTENTION IMMIGRATION LAWYERS!!! LEGAL IMMIGRATION is a BIG ISSUE these days. MANY in our community NEED your services. There are thousands who may want to expedite their residency or pursue full citizenship but don’t know how to begin and where to go.
STAND OUT FROM THE PACK. ASIAN JOURNAL’S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY, will now be running weekly, every Friday of Northern California Edition.
AJ’s PSD can help YOU reach out to them affordably and effectively.
CALL YOUR ACCOUNT MANAGER (650) 689-5160 Ask about our PROMOTIONAL INTRODUCTORY PACKAGE PRICING which runs your ad weekly for maximum exposure at truly affordable rates.
Our print editions run in tandem with AJ’s Print Edition Online. Online: http://issuu.com/asianjournaldigitaledition
10
Features
FEBRUARY 2-8, 2024 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
When the IRS files a federal tax lien
Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon
BUREAU OF THE TREASURY HOLDS FINANCIAL LITERACY SESSION, FEBRUARY 14. The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco invites the Filipino communities under its jurisdiction to the Philippine Bureau of the Treasury’s online financial literacy session on Retail Treasury Bonds (RTB) on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Mountain Time, 3:00 p.m. Alaska Time). The session will cover the features, benefits, and available investment platforms of the RTBs. The RTBs are Philippine peso-denominated, low-risk, fixedincome investments that provide interest every quarter. It is part of the national government’s savings mobilization program, designed to enhance retail access to government securities. Proceeds from the issuance are directed to financing the country’s priority projects and key national expenditures as approved by the national budget. Interested members of the Filipino Community may join the free financial literacy session on February 14 through the following link: https://bit.ly/RTBFinLit. Photo/Text courtesy of San Francisco PCG
SF launches free tax preparation assistance programs, locations to help thousands of residents SAN FRANCISCO — Mayor London N. Breed, Treasurer José Cisneros, and the San Francisco Human Services Agency (SFHSA) announced on Monday, January 29 that free assistance is available to help eligible San Franciscans with incomes of under $64,000 file their taxes and apply for the San Francisco Working Families Credit (WFC) and other tax credits that could help individuals receive up to several thousands of dollars in tax credits and refunds. Mayor Breed, Treasurer Cisneros, and SFHSA are also celebrating two WFC milestones: 100,000 applications have been submitted for the WFC and more than $10 million dollars have been distributed to low- and moderate-income San Francisco tax filers since the inception of the WFC in 2005. “Many San Francisco residents who were impacted by the pandemic are still struggling to make ends meet. In this current economic environment, especially in San Francisco, every extra dollar helps families in the city,” said Mayor Breed. “The city’s free tax prep service helps eligible individuals file their taxes at no cost, and also helps families apply for tax credits, like the Working Families Credit, which can make a real difference for families trying to stretch their dollars to the end of the month.” Free tax assistance On average, American taxpayers spend over $230 to have a tax professional file their return. San Francisco’s free tax assistance centers allow filers to avoid preparation fees and maximize their refunds through tax credits. To make it easier for San Franciscans to file their taxes, free tax assistance is available at dozens of San Francisco neighborhood locations in partnership with the United Way Bay Area, Mission Economic Development Association, Arriba Juntos, and several other local organizations. Additionally, SFHSA is providing free tax assistance at two SFHSA locations (170 Otis Street and 3120 Mission Street). The free tax preparation program is available to everyone who qualifies, including but not limited to those with incomes under $64,000 in 2023, older adults, those with limited English proficiency, and people with disabilities who require assistance. IRS-certified tax experts prepare returns, answer questions, and determine if filers qualify for tax credits, such as
PSYCHIC
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC), Child Tax Credits, and the WFC. To have their taxes prepared, San Francisco tax filers should present income documents from all jobs worked throughout 2023 as well as their social security number or ITIN, bank account numbers, a valid photo ID, and reportable expenses such as childcare. In addition to free tax help, SFHSA can connect filers to no-fee bank accounts, credit repair services, and financial counseling. The deadline to file is April 15, 2024 and while nearly all free tax sites close after that date, tax refunds can be claimed all year without penalty. San Francisco's Working Families Credit Established by Cisneros in 2005, the Working Families Credit was one of the first, and still remains as one of only a handful of tax credits administered by localities. “We created the Working Families Credit to encourage every eligible family to take advantage of the federal and now State Earned Income Tax Credit,” said Cisneros. “As we celebrate this milestone, we must continue to advocate for the reinstatement of the Child Tax Credit and other ways to support San Francisco families to build wealth.” Administered today by SFHSA, the WFC is a $250 tax credit for tax filers with children who qualify for the federal or state EITC and live in San Francisco. SFHSA uses IRS and California Franchise Tax Board filings to confirm applicants' eligibility for the WFC and qualifying families receive a $250 check or bank deposit. WFC recipients — as well as other low- and moderateincome San Franciscans working toward financial stability and to build wealth — can also get free or discounted banking services, financial counseling, and free tax preparation services. Tax credits: Proven poverty fighters Millions of Californians do not file their taxes, and therefore, do not get their tax credits and refunds each year, leaving billions of dollars unclaimed. However, tax credits and refunds can provide life-changing monetary resources: working families could get back as much as $9,600 by applying for all earned income credits available to them. Even though $9,600 includes only the federal and state EITCs and the $250 WFC — child tax credits could add another $4,600. Individuals and families with no income are
encouraged to file their taxes because there are some financial assistance payments that can only be received through tax filing. “Tax credits are an effective tool to get additional money into households that desperately need it. Our clients and many community members have a great deal to gain if they file their taxes, even though many may not be required to do so,” said Trent Rhorer, SFHSA Executive Director. “We’re urging city residents with incomes under $64,000 to come to our offices or other free tax sites around San Francisco for help with filing their taxes and claiming the refunds owed them.” Undocumented and mixedstatus immigrant households who pay taxes but only have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) are encouraged to file taxes to get the refunds that are available to them. Importantly, the California Earned Income Tax Credit and the WFC are both available to taxpayers filing with an ITIN, providing sources of hardearned financial assistance that often sits unclaimed. FHSA is also partnering with United Way Bay Area, John Burton Advocates for Youth, San Francisco Independent Living Skills Program/First Place for Youth, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in a campaign led by San Francisco CASA to provide free tax services and resources to help foster youth file their taxes. Foster and former foster youth can register online to get tax support from SF CASA. To find free tax assistance filing options, visit FreeTaxHelpSF. org or call 2-1-l. To use one of SFHSA’s two in-person tax sites, the city encourages people to call ahead to schedule an appointment, as tax prep assistance is in high demand, or drop by between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday: • 170 Otis Street – (415) 2095143 • 3120 Mission Street – (415) 487-3240. Due to high volume, some locations may be drop-off only and may not be able to complete the filing process on the same day. If same-day tax preparation is needed, please check which tax sites offer that service by calling 2-1-1, reviewing the site information shown on the UWBA.org free tax help map, contacting a tax site directly, or asking a tax preparer before they start a tax return. (SF Mayor’s Office Release)
SERVICES
A NOTICE of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) is a public record filed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with the County Recorder where you live. When the IRS wants to enforce delinquent taxes against you, there are various mechanisms that the government can use to achieve that goal. This is one of them. Technically, the IRS has a “secret lien” the moment that taxes are assessed, but this is between you and the IRS, and the public doesn’t know about it yet. But when the IRS makes the lien public by recording it, it puts creditors and everyone on notice that the government has a lien or a secured interest against your property. In other words, it tells everyone that you have an unpaid federal tax debt. Of course, filing the lien is not something that the IRS just does without prior attempts to collect. If you have received several collection notices and do nothing, this is the next step by the IRS to force you to pay. In other words, federal tax lien can be avoided by paying the tax in full before they are filed. But this is not always possible, especially if you owe a large amount. The federal tax lien could have negative effect on your finances and your credit. Until the underlying tax debt is resolved, it would be difficult to remove the lien. By having a lien on your property, it would also be very difficult, if not impossible, for you to purchase a home, refi-
nance your mortgage, and purchase things on credit. While the credit bureaus stopped reporting tax lien information on your credit report in 2018, the IRS still makes tax liens a matter of public information. If lenders, landlords and employers find out about the lien, they may use that negative information against you if you are applying for a loan, a house or apartment rental, or a job. If you have just received a notice of federal tax lien, the notice will tell you that you can generally apply for a “Collection Due Process” hearing where you can have your side of the story heard and possibly dispute the validity of the tax lien. And if the hearing does not work out in your favor, you can also typically have another chance to do so in tax court. However, the request for such a hearing needs to be filed in a timely manner. Read the letter carefully as it will tell you exactly how much time you have. Now, you may ask: What are my options in resolving the federal tax lien once I get the notice from the IRS? Of course, you can always pay the full amount of the tax debt and resolve it quickly. That’s a no-brainer. But what if you cannot afford to pay the full amount? If you qualify for an Offer in Compromise, you will be able to settle the outstanding debt for less than full amount. If the IRS accepts your offer, the lien will be released. Whether or not you qualify for this program will depend on your income, the value of your assets, and the amount of time remaining under the IRS 10-year collection statute. The IRS uses a specific formula to determine eligibility and requires very detailed financial
disclosures. Another method is to ask for an installment agreement that allows you to pay off what you owe over time. If you abide by the terms of the agreement, the IRS may release the lien. In some cases where the only way to pay what you owe is to refinance your property, the IRS may allow you to subordinate their tax lien to your new loan so that you can access the equity in your property to pay the IRS. All of the above is general information and my purpose is to simply provide you a quick overview of options that may be available. The tax lien is one of the most serious collection tactics used by the IRS because it gives the government rights to all your assets until they collect every penny that you owe. Therefore, DO NOT ignore the notice under any circumstances as doing so may cause you to lose legal rights that you perhaps didn’t even know existed. If you owe the IRS, the State, EDD or State Board of Equalization, my office can help you find the best solution to resolve your tax liability. You will never have to speak with the IRS again. I will review your case and help you make the best decision for yourself and your family. *** 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. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray J. Bulaon has successfully helped over 6,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-471-8272. (Advertising Supplement)
California mobilizes ahead of next round of storms, urges communities to prepare SACRAMENTO – Working proactively to keep communities safe, California is mobilizing a whole-of-government response to a series of potentially dangerous incoming storms. On Tuesday evening, January 30, a series of storms was expected to hit the state for the next 10 days and is expected to bring significant rain, high winds, deep snow as well as potential flash flooding and power outages. At the direction of Governor Gavin Newsom, the State Operations Center in Mather is being activated to coordinate a unified response to these storms across state, local and federal agencies. The Governor has also directed the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to lead an early, proactive push to preposition state personnel and equipment into the communities most at risk of damage before the worst of the storms arrive. The state is also taking action to prepare for potential flooding by activating the Flood Operations Center for increased coordination and utilizing California’s spillways where necessary. According to the National Weather Service, a significant series of weather systems will impact the state starting this week, bringing with them moderate to heavy rainfall, accumulating mountain snow and gusty winds of 60-70 miles per hour. Precipitation will begin across far northern California on Tuesday, spreading into the rest of the state Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. This weather pattern will continue in the next few weeks, with above normal pre-
cipitation likely statewide, especially across Southern California. “The state is working around the clock with our local partners to deploy life-saving equipment and resources statewide. With more storms on the horizon, we’ll continue to mobilize every available resource to protect Californians,” said Gov. Newsom. The state is utilizing significant staffing and equipment resource investments made by the governor in recent years to bolster emergency response capacity. Among the agencies who are actively working on storm response efforts are: Cal OES, the Department of Water Resources, California Department of Transportation, the California Highway Patrol, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Conservation Corps, California Department of Social Services and the California National Guard. 5 things you can do to stay safer: • Stay connected. Californians are reminded to dial 311 to get help or ask questions. If you have a critical emergency, call 911. Stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts including warnings and evacuation notices. Go to CalAlerts.org to sign up to receive alerts from your county officials. Check in with loved ones and neighbors. • Get your information from trusted sources. During a disaster, it's critical to have accurate information. Check state and local government or emergency management websites and social media accounts for trusted information specific to your area.
SERVICES
Local news outlets and meteorologist are also a good source of information. Be wary of posts from unknown sources on social platforms or from online ‘experts’ without credentials. • Prepare for high winds. Before a high wind event: remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures, remove loose roofing material, bring in unsecured objects from patios and balconies, secure outdoor objects that could blow away, shutter windows securely and brace outside doors. During a high wind event: take cover next to a building or under shelter, stay away from windows, stay clear of roadways and train tracks, avoid elevated areas such as roofs, watch for flying debris. • Travel safely. Avoid non-essential travel during the peak of the storm expected Sunday and Monday. If you must drive, download the QuickMap app or visit QuickMap (ca.gov) to learn up-to-the-minute information on road conditions, traffic, closures, and more. Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. • Be ready in case of power outages. Take inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Keep your devices charged. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs if the power goes out such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Also, plan accordingly for the potential of water outages. PAGE 11
(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Features
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2-8, 2024
Mayor Breed announces $53M federal MSEUF Alumni Ass’n of CA hosts grand reunion in LV in late summer 2024 grant for SF homeless programs SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor London N. Breed on Wednesday, January 31 announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded the city a $53.7 million grant to support efforts to renew and expand critical services and housing for people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco. HUD’s Continuum of Care (CoC) program is designed to support local programs with the goal of ending homelessness for individuals, families, and Transitional Age Youth. This funding supports the city’s ongoing efforts that have helped more than 15,000 people exit homelessness since 2018 through city programs including direct housing placements and relocation assistance. During that time San Francisco has also increased housing slots by 50%. San Francisco has the most permanent supportive housing of any county in the Bay Area, and the second most slots per capita than any city in the country. “In San Francisco, we have worked aggressively to increase housing, shelter, and services for people experiencing homelessness, and we are building on these efforts every day,” said Mayor Breed. “Every day our encampment outreach workers are going out to bring people indoors and our city workers are connecting people to housing and shelter. This support from the federal government is critical and will allow us to serve people in need and address encampments in our neighborhoods.” The funding towards supporting the renewal projects in San Francisco include financial support for a mix of permanent supportive housing, rapid re-housing, and transitional housing projects. In addition, the CoC award will support Coordinated Entry projects to centralize the city’s various efforts to address homelessness. This includes $2.1 million in funding for the Coordinated Entry system to improve access to housing for youth and
San Francisco Mayor London Breed File photo/www.sf.gov
survivors of domestic violence. “This is a good day for San Francisco,” said Shireen McSpadden, executive director of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. “HUD’s Continuum of Care funding provides vital resources to a diversity of programs and projects that have helped people to stabilize in our community. This funding is a testament to our work and the work of our nonprofit partners.” The 2024 Continuum of Care Renewal Awards Include: • $42.2 million for 29 renewal PSH projects that serve chronically homeless, veterans, and youth • $318,000 for one new PSH project, which will provide 98 affordable homes for low-income seniors in the Richmond District • $445,00 for one Transitional Housing (TH) project serving youth • $6.4 million dedicated to four Rapid Rehousing (RRH) projects that serve families, youth, and survivors of domestic violence • $750,00 for two Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) projects • $2.1 million for three Coordinated Entry projects that serve families, youth, chronically homeless, and survivors of domestic violence.
TENDERLOIN SF FILIPINO COMMUNITY HONORS THE SANTO NIÑO IN 30TH SINULOG CELEBRATION. In a show of faith and cultural pride, the Tenderloin Filipino American Community Association (TFCA) spearheaded its 30th annual Sinulog celebration in honor of the Santo Niño or the Child Jesus, at the Saint Boniface Catholic Church in San Francisco on January 21, 2024. The Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in San Francisco joined the TFCA in the festivities. In her remarks, Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano urged everyone to continue animating their faith through Filipino customs and traditions, and commended the TFCA for being the Philippines’ “cultural ambassadors” in San Francisco. Widely regarded as the “Queen of Philippine Festivals,” the Sinulog pays tribute to the Santo Niño which, in 1521, was presented by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to Cebu’s Rajah Humabon as the first Catholic image given to native Filipinos. San Francisco PCG photos
California mobilizes ahead of... PAGE 10 More safety tips are available by visiting https://news.caloes. ca.gov/storm-safety-season-precipitation-on-the-horizon/. For additional resources, visit the following: • Storm season safety guide: the state is sharing multilingual resources, deploying a network of community-based organizations through the Listos California campaign, and highlighting other work underway to protect at-risk communities this rainy season. Visit https://www.listoscalifornia. org/resources/?_resource_top-
ics=storm-season-safety&_resource_formats=guide. • Prepare yourself through texts: Californians can sign up for a 5-lesson text message course through Listos California on what to do before, during and after floods, high winds, debris flows and other storm impacts. This course is available in English, Spanish, Hmong and Punjabi. Text “CAWINTER” to 20202 via SMS to sign up. • Visit the National Weather Service for current weather patterns in your area (https://www. weather.gov). (Gov. Newsom’s Office Release)
In addition, the 2023 CoC Planning Grant, now increased to $1,500,000 from $1,250,000, was also approved. Planning grants are submitted non-competitively and may be used to carry out the duties of operating a CoC, such as system evaluation and planning, monitoring, project and system performance improvement, providing trainings, partner collaborations, and conducting the PIT Count. “We are very appreciative of HUD’s support in fulfilling our funding request for these critically important projects for San Francisco that help so many people trying to exit homelessness,” said Del Seymour, cochair of the Local Homeless Coordinating Board. “This funding will make a real difference to people seeking services and support in their journey out of homelessness.” In comparison to last year’s competition, this represents a $770,000 increase in funding, due to a new PSH project that was funded, an increase in some unit type Fair Market Rents (FMRs) and the larger CoC Planning Grant. In a year where more projects had to compete nationally against other communities, this represents a significant increase. Nationally, HUD awarded nearly $3.16 billion for over 7,000 local homeless housing and service programs including new projects and renewals across the United States. (SF Mayor’s Office Release)
THE Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) Alumni Association of California will be hosting a MSEUF Grand Reunion in Las Vegas, Nevada from Thursday, August 29 to Sunday, September 1. The highlight of this grand reunion will be a dinner/dance on August 31. The venue will be
the South Point Hotel and Casino (9777 Las Vegas Blvd.) where rooms have been blocked for alumni and guests attending the momentous occasion. For hotel reservations, please mention the group name “MSEUF Class Reunion” when calling tollfree (866-791-7626) or via the hotel’s direct line (702-797-8961).
11
The group code when reserving online is MSE0829. Deadline to reserve rooms is by August 8, 2024. For additional information, please contact the following: Rolando “Butch” Villarama, (916) 600-8472; Mercelita “Mercy” Bruno, (310) 462-9535; or Nonato “Nonet” Palomar, (818) 209-6881.
AFP chief of staff calls on SF consul general
SAN FRANCISCO – Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner, Jr. paid a courtesy call on Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer on January 25, 2024. Consul General Ferrer welcomed General Brawner and his delegation to the Philippine Center in San Francisco. Members of the AFP delegation included the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (J2) Maj. Gen. Ferdinand T. Barandon, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (J3) Maj. Gen. Fernando M. Reyeg, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs (J5) Maj. Gen. Jeffrey C. Hechanova, and Philippine Defense Attaché to the United States Commo. Salvador Henry Quinto. The two sides discussed developments in PhilippinesUnited States relations, regional security, including the situation in the South China Sea/ West Philippine Sea, and efforts to modernize the Philippine military. General Brawner and his
delegation are scheduled to attend the Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue at the Hoover Institution in Stanford University. The AFP Chief of Staff will also deliver a presentation during the event. The Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue is an off-the-record forum that enables government officials, scholars, business professionals, and other stakeholders to candidly discuss conditions and priorities in the Indo-Pacific region. (PCGSF Release)
San Francisco PCG photos
12
FEBRUARY 2-8, 2024 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160