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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Volume 21 - No. 20 • 16 Pages
T HE F ILIPINO A MERICAN C OMMUNITY N EWSPAPER
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MAY 20-26, 2022
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, SAN DIEGO, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
Winning president, VP may be proclaimed by May 25 by CECILLE
SUERTE Philstar.com
OUTGOING PRESIDENT. President Rodrigo Duterte salutes to the Regimental Commander while onboard the command car in the troopingthe-line ceremony during the Philippine Military Academy commencement exercises at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field in Fort Gen. Gregorio H. del Pilar, Baguio City on Sunday, May 15. Malacañang photo by Rey Baniquet
DATELINE USA
CA lawmakers push to tighten licensing at nursing homes SACRAMENTO — When Johanna Trenerry found a nursing home for her husband after his stroke, she expected his stay would be temporary. He never came home. Arthur Trenerry died at Windsor Redding Care Center in Northern California in October 2020. The 82-year-old greatgrandfather is among more than 9,900 California nursing home residents who have died of COVID-19. The nursing home where Trenerry died is licensed by the state, but not under its current owner, Shlomo Rechnitz. The state denied Rechnitz a license, citing at least one death and multiple cases of “serious harm” at other nursing homes he owns or operates. To get around that, Rechnitz formed a business partnership with one of the home’s former owners, who continues to hold the facility’s license.
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by NEIL
US, ASEAN commit to non-militarization in disputed sea
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MANILA — The proclamation of the winning president and vice presidential candidates can be done immediately or no later than May 25 as the Senate and the House of Representatives sitting jointly as the National Board of Canvassers see no major issues hampering the canvassing, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Saturday, May 14. In an interview over dwIZ, Zubiri said an early proclamation would allow the senators to PPCRV volunteers count votes in the partial unofficial tally in the Quadricentennial Pavillion, UST, May 11. Bongbong Marcos Jr. leads the polls.
Philstar.com by Jazmin Tabuena
Senate to receive 3 neophyte, 5 returning, 4 reelectionist senators
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
MANILA — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to ensure maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation, non-militarization and self-restraint in the conduct of activities in the South China Sea. “We are dedicated to maintaining peace, security and stability in the region and to ensuring maritime security and safety, as well as freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the seas as described in the 1982 UNCLOS,” the ASEAN-US Special Summit 2022 Joint Vision Statement read, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The statement, crafted in Washington late last week, also called for “unimpeded lawful
FELIPE
“Magic 12” in the May 2022 senatorial polls.
ARWIN MERCADO Inquirer.net
MANILA — Twelve winning senatorial candidates were proclaimed on Wednesday, May 18 and will be part of the Senate for the next six years. The winning candidates were proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which sits as the National Board of Canvassers, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Neophyte senators The halls of the Senate will welcome three newbie senators—Senators Robin Padilla, Raffy Tulfo, and Mark Villar. Inquirer.net photos Despite his neophyte status, Padilla
topped the senatorial race this year after garnering more than 26.6 million votes. He is over 2.4 million votes ahead of the second-ranking senator in the senatorial race. Padilla earlier said he will push for the country’s shift to federalism. Tulfo, a known broadcaster, placed third in the senatorial race after securing over 23.3 million votes. Tulfo consistently topped pre-election voter preference surveys. Now an elected senator, Tulfo said he intends to join the majority bloc to give him better chances of pushing for his advocacies that would benefit Filipinos.
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Petition to reverse Comelec decision on Marcos’ disqualification case reaches SC by TETCH
TORRES-TUPAS Inquirer.net
MANILA — Civic leaders on Tuesday, May 17 have asked the Supreme Court to stop the Senate and House of Representatives from canvassing the votes cast for former senator and presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The prayer for a restraining order was contained in a petition to reverse the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) dismissing the bid to cancel
Marcos’ certificate of candidacy (COC). “The injunctive relief sought is clearly urgent. Petitioners respectfully ask this Court to act without any delay in considering this application,” the petition stated. The petitioners were referring to the Comelec’s January 17 resolution and Comelec’s en banc ruling dated May 10. The Senate and House of Representatives Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte will convene on May 23 to canvass the votes cast for President and Vice President. ‘Only remedy available’
Philstar.com photo
Comelec: Nothing wrong Over 3M Filipinos based abroad with winning candidates went back home because of COVID taking oath before June 30
MANILA — Over 3.11 million Filipinos previously based abroad have come home because of the pandemic as of May 13, more than the 1.77 million estimated number of overseas Filipino workers in 2020 reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority. According to the Task Group on Management of Returning Overseas Filipinos, nearly 2.067 million of the 3.11 million were previously OFWs, while 724,361 were non-OFWs and 313,205 were listed as foreign nationals. “A total of 6,523 deceased returning overseas Filipinos had arrived in the country from July 7, 2020 to May 14, 2022. Of which, 640 died due to COVID-19,” the task group said in its report dated May 14. The pandemic brought the world to
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MANILA — The Commission on Elections clarified that candidates may take oaths even before the end of June as long as they officially assume their respective positions by 12:01 p.m. on June 30. In a press briefing held Tuesday afternoon, May 17, Comelec Commissioner George Garcia explained that there have been other elected officials who held their oath taking even before the supposed inauguration provided under the 1987 Constitution. “I will not answer specifically as regards to the vice presidentelect taking her oath in PAGE 7 advance… but I just want to
a halt in the first half of 2020, pushing OFWs and other overseas Filipinos to either seek refuge in their host countries or be repatriated. As of Monday, May 16, reported COVID-19 infections have ballooned to 521.476 million across the world according to Johns Hopkins University data. In the Philippines, COVID cases have already reached 3.68 million. The task group also reported that 32,594 of the returning overseas Filipinos tested positive for the virus during their quarantine upon arrival. Only 50 remain admitted at 11 quarantine facilities, while 32,515 have since recovered. The death toll stands at 29. Meanwhile, the Overseas Workers
cite an example, there have been many instances where winning congressmen, senators immediately conduct their oath taking before a notary public, a judge, or a barangay captain right after their proclamation,” Garcia said in a mix of English and Filipino. He said this is common practice among winning local candidates, as some of them would want to celebrate already. However, Garcia clarified that their oath should be what is stated under the constitution. “[The] formal oath can happen later so it may be possible that
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From the Front Page
Petition to reverse Comelec decision...
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In their petition before the high court, the petitioners said: “A temporary restraining order is the only remedy available to enjoin and restrain the Congress of the Philippines from rendering this Petition moot and, in the event this Court rules in favor of the petitioners, allowing a candidacy that should never have been to ripen into a presidency of an ineligible candidate.” If the SC would grant their petition for a restraining order, they said it can exclude only the votes cast for Marcos Jr., leaving the unaffected votes for the other candidates. “It is not petitioners’ desire to impede the Congress of the Philippines from performing its constitutional duty; it is rather petitioners’ desire to ensure that Congress, in performing this duty, does not end up performing it in vain,” petitioners said. The case A complaint was filed against Marcos before a Quezon City court for violating the National Internal Revenue Code. Specifically, Marcos was sued for breaching the 1977 Internal Revenue Code as he failed to file income tax returns (ITRs) from 1982 to 1985 and did not pay the income taxes due. In 1995, the Quezon City court found Marcos guilty and imposed nine years imprisonment as a penalty. The court also directed Marcos to pay a fine for his failure to file his ITRs and pay the taxes due. The case was elevated to the Court of Appeals. Two years later, the Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court’s ruling and ordered Marcos to pay the deficiency income taxes due with interest, a total of P36,000 fine for nonfiling of income tax returns from 1982 to 1985. Marcos took the case to the Supreme Court but eventually withdrew it, making the decision of the Court of Appeals final and executory. 2022 presidential elections Marcos filed his COC to run for president in the 2022 elections. In his COC, he declared that he is eligible to run for President of the Philippines
and he answered “no” to the question if he has been found liable for any offense, which carries the penalty of perpetual disqualification to hold public office.” Last January, the Comelec dismissed the petition to cancel Marcos’ COC, saying the Court of Appeals affirmed Marcos’ conviction to file income tax returns but not for failure to pay taxes. The Comelec also said that the Court of Appeals did not specifically mention that Marcos is perpetually disqualified from holding public office. The Comelec added that the 1977 Internal Revenue Code does not require mandatory prison time and does not impose automatic perpetual disqualification to hold public office for offenders. The Comelec en banc affirmed the January ruling of a poll body division, prompting petitioners to take the case to the Supreme Court. Arguments before the Supreme Court The petitioners said Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion when it refused to cancel Marcos’ COC, which is actually void from the beginning. “With Marcos, Jr.’s void COC, the eligible candidate with the next highest number of votes should be proclaimed,” read the petition. The petitioners also asserted that the Comelec has excluded Marcos from the coverage of the 1977 tax code. They explained that the Court of Appeals did not explicitly mention that Marcos is perpetually disqualified from holding public office “because the Court of Appeals did not have to do so.” Section 286 of the Tax Code states that “any person convicted of a crime penalized by this (NIRC) Code shall, in addition to being liable for the payment of the tax…if he is a public officer or employee… he shall be dismissed from the public service and perpetually disqualified from holding any public office, to vote, and to participate in any election.” “Thus, by operation of law, and regardless of whether such disqualification was expressly directed in the judgment of conviction, the consequence
of perpetual disqualification is deemed imposed upon the final conviction of Respondent Marcos Jr.,” the petitioners said. The petitioners also cited the case of Romeo Jalosjos Sr., where a high court ruling states that disqualification under the law “is deemed part of the final judgment of conviction. In fact, perpetual special disqualification takes effect immediately once the judgment of conviction becomes final.” On the question of whether Marcos was a public officer or not when the supposed tax offense was committed, Comelec’s 2nd division said Marcos was not. This was later affirmed by the Comelec en banc. The Comelec’s decision in January cited the case of Republic vs. Sandiganbayan as its basis for saying that Marcos was no longer a public officer upon his departure for Hawaii in 1986, the last day for him to file the ITR for the taxable year 1985. Comelec said Marcos’ departure is deemed as an abandonment of his post as governor of Ilocos Norte. But the petitioners asserted that the same ruling mentioned Provisional Constitution which provides that “all elective and appointive officials and employees under the 1973 Constitution shall continue in the office until otherwise provided by proclamation or executive order…” Besides, the petitioners added, Marcos himself did not deny the allegation that he was a public officer during the questioned year. SC action The high court is currently on a decision-writing break but under its rules, the case will be raffled to a justice-in-charge. The justice-in-charge can recommend to the Chief Justice an action on the petition specifically on the plea for a temporary restraining order. If approved, a restraining order may be issued. However, it would immediately be subject to confirmation by the Court en banc (full court). If confirmed, the restraining order will be enforced. g
PAHIYAS FESTIVAL. Tourists take photos of decorated houses during the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban in Quezon Province on Sunday, May 15. The festivities are the Philippines’ best-known harvest festivals to honor San Isidro Labrador, the patron of farmers. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
Winning president, VP may... PAGE 1
continue their legislative work and pass some local bills under the 18th Congress. “I feel the proclamation can be expedited. If I have my way, we will proclaim the new president and vice president in the afternoon. But we will allow time for our colleagues both in the majority and the minority to give their privilege speeches, and eventually we will proclaim. Maybe the latest is May 25,” he said. Zubiri expressed belief that there would be no major issues or motions to be raised during the canvassing, considering the wide leads of presumptive president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and presumptive vice president Sara Duterte-Carpio over their rivals in the race. As of Monday afternoon, May 16, partial and unofficial counting of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) indicated that Marcos garnered
more than 31 million votes as against the over 14.8 million votes for Vice President Leni Robredo. In the vice presidential race, Duterte-Carpio got over 31.5 million votes as of Monday afternoon, compared to Sen. Francis Pangilinan’s more than 9.2 million votes. Zubiri said session is set to resume on May 23 with the Senate’s approval of the resolution convening the National Board of Canvassers with Senate President Vicente Sotto III and seven senators to represent the Senate. To represent the chamber, aside from Zubiri, are Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Grace Poe, Aquilino Pimentel III, Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos and Francis Tolentino. The two chambers will check the certificates of canvass submitted manually to the Senate and electronically to the House. “We will convene by May 24…if they match and no other
differences or erasure, we will canvas immediately and proclaim the elected president and vice president,” Zubiri added. “I’m confident that in this case, with the huge mandate given to the president and vice president, the margin from the second, third and fourth are so wide, no one will ask too many questions,” he added. He, however, stressed that motions would still be entertained during the canvassing. Zubiri declined to comment on the possible choices for the next Senate president, saying they would rather focus on the tasks left for the current congress, which adjourns on June 3. The reelectionist senator ranked eight in the Senate race, as of Monday. “In the meantime, there is still much work to be done. We are still in the middle of a pandemic and we must focus our energy on current challenges the country is facing,” Zubiri pointed out. g
US, ASEAN commit to non-militarization...
PAGE 1 maritime commerce.” The two sides noted the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/75/239 emphasizes how the UNCLOS sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. UNCLOS is of strategic importance as the basis for national, regional and global action and cooperation in the marine sector, and its integrity needs to be maintained, the parties said. “We are committed to advancing our cooperation in the maritime domain through ASEAN-led mechanisms,” the statement read. ASEAN and the U.S. plan to forge new ties and promote cooperation and coordination among relevant agencies, including maritime law enforcement agencies, to collaborate to improve maritime domain awareness, search and rescue, maritime security and to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing through sharing of information, best practices and expertise, including technical assistance, which will complement and not duplicate existing mechanisms. The two sides also committed to continuing efforts to protect,
restore and sustainably manage the marine environment. “We recognize the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and prosperity. We emphasize the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings and miscalculation,” they said. ASEAN and the U.S. stressed the importance of undertaking confidence building and preventive measures to enhance trust and confidence among parties. They reaffirmed the need to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including UNCLOS. “We underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in its entirety,” the joint statement read. The need to maintain and promote an environment conducive to the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) negotiations was also emphasized as the two sides welcome further progress toward the early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC consistent with international law.
ASEAN member-states and the U.S. gathered for the ASEAN-US Special Summit, the first-ever to be held in Washington, on May 12 to 13. At the working lunch hosted by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris during the special summit on Saturday, May 14 (Manila time), the Philippines thanked the U.S. for being the most vocal partner in reaffirming the 2016 arbitral ruling. In his speech, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., who represented President Duterte, said the benefit of the arbitral award is not exclusive to the Philippines as it provides legal clarity to all countries with similar problematic maritime features. “The U.S. is our most vocal partner in reaffirming the 2016 Arbitral Award and upholding a rules-based international order. We deeply appreciate that. We most certainly welcome the U.S. Senate’s call for a common ASEAN approach to reaffirm the Award,” Locsin said. The U.S. State Department said Washington will continue to stand by the historic South China Sea ruling despite earlier pronouncement of presumptive president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that he will shelve the decision and negotiate directly with China. (Pia Lee-Brago/Philstar.com)
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Senate to receive 3 neophyte, 5 returning... Starfleet Innotech leadership mobilizes across North America with strategic meetings in US, Canada PAGE 1
STARFLEET Innotech, Inc. (OTC Pink: SFIO) ("SFIO" or “The Company") capped off the first leg of its United States roadshow with a successful showing at the Planet MicroCap conference in Las Vegas, Nevada and strategic meetings with Silicon Valley partners in Palo Alto, California. Towards the end of the month, executives from the global conglomerate will be congregating in New York to cement the agreements necessary to establish a more concrete presence in the U.S. “While we already have a presence in the United States through our office, key personnel, and strategic partners, our showcase in Las Vegas formally kicks off the next phase of our growth as a conglomerate,” said Santiago Arnaiz, General Manager of Communications at SFIO. “We recognize the crucial role that North America plays as fertile grounds to stage our global expansion. There are incredibly exciting projects being launched across the SFIO ecosystem – in the Philippines, Dubai, Malaysia, and beyond – all vital parts of our growth journey. Our job here in the U.S. is to find partners interested in joining us on that journey. The reception so far has been promising.” As a global investment holding company, SFIO is focused on innovation through disruptive collaborations across its three key industries: Food and Beverage (F&B), Real Estate, and Technology. This translates to making strategic investments in high-growth businesses and building synergies across its diverse portfolio in order to provide maximum shareholder value. SFIO currently maintains offices across New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, and the United States. Over the next few months, the SFIO team will be mobilizing across North America, building on its momentum in Las Vegas and San Francisco towards establishing a more concrete presence in the region. Recently, both Arnaiz and Chief Investor Officer Richard De Lima presented SFIO at the Planet MicroCap showcase to an audience of investors, fund managers, and family offices. In Toronto, CEO Jeths Lacson mobilized a signed partnership with the company’s Canadian distributor for Gorgeous Coffee and Epiphany Manuka Honey products. Under this agreement, the company’s F&B products will be made available for purchase online through Amazon, and eventually through major retail outlets across North America. Meanwhile, Chief Technology Officer
Richard Prodigalidad met with technology partners in San Francisco and Palo Alto, including biotech wearable developer NeuroSky. Wearables developed by NeuroSky are set to be integrated into SFIO’s real estate projects under the Moraya brand of wellness-oriented, tech-enabled townships. Deployed through Project Fort, a community health dashboard service and subsidiary of SFIO, these wearables will gather the data necessary to pioneer entirely new approaches to proactive community
care. In addition to ecosystem partners, Prodigalidad secured commitments to connect the increasing demand for tech talent across Silicon Valley with highly-skilled developers and designers based in the Philippines – positioning SFIO as the central hub in a global innovation ecosystem. More details on this new initiative will be shared in the months to come. “The work continues in connecting with investors and other growth enablers to take SFIO to the next level. We have a full lineup of meetings over the next few weeks, ranging from exploratory chats, follow-up sessions stemming from our recent participation at Planet MicroCap, and deep-dives into partnership agreements,” said Arnaiz. “It was exciting to get to sit down with our partners in Silicon Valley to kick off our co-creation efforts in technology. I’m looking forward to doing the same in New York, representing our businesses like Epiphany Cafe with potential F&B partners.” Among these potential partners are major distributors, retail stores, manufacturers, and cafe franchises – with whom SFIO hopes to bring its F&B businesses like Epiphany Cafe and Gorgeous Coffee into the country. To support these growth efforts, the company will be engaging with a U.S.-focused IR firm to bolster its traction in this crucial market. “Our goal at SFIO is to bridge promising businesses from emerging economies with crucial growth enablers, many of which are based in the United States,” said Arnaiz. “Over the last year or so, we’ve been hard at work championing those promising businesses. Now we’re shifting our focus to the U.S., to build the other side of that global infrastructure. While here, we’ll be looking to accomplish three things: strike strategic partnerships with institutional players, increase visibility on our global businesses, and gather the resources we need to get Starfleet soaring.” (Advertising Supplement)
Villar, who formerly served as public works secretary under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, joins his mother—Senator Cynthia Villar—in the Senate. He placed sixth in the senatorial race after garnering more than 19.4 million votes. During his campaign, Villar has been vocal about continuing the government’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program. Returning senators Meanwhile, five former senators are making a comeback. From serving as the Antique’s representative over the past three years, Loren Legarda returns to the Senate after placing second and garnering more than 24.2 million votes. Legarda served in the Senate from 1998 to 2004 and from 2007 to 2019. Another senator making a comeback is Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero who placed fifth with over 20.2
million votes. Escudero served as representative of Sorsogon’s 1st District from 1998 to 2007 and was the House Minority Leader from 2004 to 2007. His senatorial bid in 2007 was successful and he served as a senator until 2019 before vying for Sorsogon’s gubernatorial post. Former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano also returns to the Senate as he joins his older sister, Senator Pia Cayetano. The younger Cayetano was first elected as senator in 2007. In 2016, he decided to run for vice president alongside then Davao City mayor Duterte. He lost in the vice presidential race and returned to the Senate. However, his senatorial term was cut short after he was appointed by Duterte as secretary of foreign affairs in 2017. In 2019, he was elected as Taguig-Pateros representative and served as House Speaker until his ouster in October 2020.
After their unsuccessful senatorial bid in 2019, halfbrothers JV Ejercito and Jinggoy Estrada will re-enter Senate after placing 10th and 12th, respectively. Ejercito served as senator from 2013 to 2019 while Estrada was a part of the Senate from 2004 to 2016. Reelectionist senators Four senators who sought reelection succeeded and will have another term of six years. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian placed fourth after getting more than 20.6 million votes. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri placed eight (18.7 million votes), Senator Joel Villanueva placed ninth (18.4 million votes), and Senator Risa Hontiveros placed 11th (15.4 million votes). Zubiri, Gatchalian, and Villanueva were a part of the majority bloc in the 18th Congress. Hontiveros is the sole member of the minority who will return to the Senate. g
CA lawmakers push to tighten licensing... PAGE 1 Some California lawmakers want to put an end to those types of business arrangements and ban people or entities from buying or operating nursing homes unless they have a license — which is the situation in most states. They’re also proposing an overhaul of the licensing process to reject applicants with poor performance and those without adequate experience or financial resources. The ambitious effort, which the industry considers an overreach, could make California’s oversight the gold standard and a model for other states trying to improve nursing home care. Nationwide, more than 152,000 residents of nursing homes have died of COVID during the pandemic, according to federal data. “The public health emergency that we’ve experienced could be something that becomes a catalyst for making real change,” said Dr. Debra Saliba, a UCLA professor of medicine who served on a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee that released a comprehensive report on nursing homes in April. “One of the things that we have right now is the determination, the resources to make things
happen.” In his State of the Union address in March, President Joe Biden said the quality of care had declined in nursing homes taken over by investors — and vowed to set higher federal standards. In anticipation of the speech, the White House released a proposal calling on Congress to boost funding for nursing home inspections and to give federal regulators the authority to deny Medicare funds to underperforming facilities. The administration also directed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to propose minimum staffing standards within a year. States are also taking steps to improve quality. New Jersey, for example, this year adopted a law that toughens penalties for health violations and requires nursing homes to disclose financial records. In California, lawmakers are considering several proposals, including the changes to nursing home licensing rules. Companies and individuals can buy or run nursing homes in California before they get a license, a process that even an industry lobbyist described at a legislative hearing this year as “backward” and unique to the state.
“In California, nursing home owners and operators can operate without a license even after they’ve been denied a license,” said state Assembly member Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), author of AB 1502. “Many of these owners and operators have, unfortunately, an extensive history of neglect and abuse.” Muratsuchi’s bill would require an owner or company to apply for a license 120 days before buying or operating a nursing home and include financial records that contain the names of all owners and investors. The state would reject applicants who fail to meet standards for character, performance in other homes, and the financial ability to run the home. Homes operating without a license would lose Medicaid funding and couldn’t admit new residents. The powerful California Association of Health Facilities, which represents more than 800 nursing homes, has blocked previous licensing legislation and has set its sights on Muratsuchi’s bill. The group is led by Craig Cornett, a veteran of the state Capitol who has worked for four Assembly speakers and two Senate leaders. u PAGE 7
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Over 3M Filipinos based abroad went...
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regions. Another 829,067 availed Welfare Administration has of “OFW Kalinga,” which is a also reportedly given COVID-19 program for repatriated OFWs. assistance to OFWs by helping Nearly 1.024 million OFWs, 802,538 to return to their home meanwhile, have availed of
Dateline USa
the One-Stop-Shop for the Management of Returning Overseas Filipinos “Balik Probinsya and Uwian Na” program.
Comelec: Nothing wrong with winning... PAGE 1
you can take your oath now and then you’ll have another oath later. There is no prohibition that you will have several oaths,” Garcia said. This comes after Davao city mayor and presumptive vice president-elect Sara DuterteCarpio has expressed intent to hold her inauguration earlier than the end-June proclamation. Duterte-Carpio said she is hoping to take oath in Davao city
on June 19. She says she also wanted to attend the oath taking of running mate presidentialelect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Over on Twitter, columnist Manuel Quezon III pointed out that Duterte-Carpio will be taking her oath before the presidentelect on June 30. “She is expected to be with the President-elect,” Quezon said. While the official canvassing for the president and vice president will begin once
Congress resumes session next week, the partial and unofficial tally of this year’s national elections shows Duterte-Carpio and Marcos Jr. leading by a wide margin. Duterte-Carpio leads by over 22 million votes with 31.561 million versus Sen. Francis Pangilinan with 9.232 million votes. Meanwhile, Marcos. Jr. leads with over 16 million votes, garnering 31.104 million versus Vice President Leni Robredo with 14.822 million. (Philstar.com)
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o t k l a T ! c o D r u yo
CA lawmakers push to tighten licensing... PAGE 4
The organization has made just over $2 million in political contributions and spent $5.9 million lobbying lawmakers from Jan. 1, 2011, through March 31, 2022, according to records filed with the California secretary of state’s office. The bill fails to consider the state’s “complex regulatory environments” and would create “extensive” disclosure requirements on ownership applications that “in many cases would fill an entire room with boxes and boxes of paper,” Jennifer Snyder, a lobbyist for the association, told lawmakers in January. The measure would “eliminate the ability for most current owners in California to actually apply or even apply for a change of ownership,” she added. But this year, the industry faces an altered political landscape. COVID has pushed lawmakers to act — and Muratsuchi has gained a valuable cosponsor for his bill, Democratic state Assembly member Jim Wood, head of the Assembly Health Committee. Wood has condemned nursing homes for not doing enough during the pandemic and has directed state regulators to conduct stricter oversight. Muratsuchi’s measure has cleared the state Assembly and awaits a hearing in the Senate. Investigations by news organizations CalMatters and LAist last year found that at least
two California nursing home operators without licenses were running dozens of facilities even though officials at the state Department of Public Health had declared them unfit to do so. The homes remain open, in large part because finding another nursing home for residents is incredibly difficult. In July 2016, state regulators denied a license to Rechnitz — who had purchased the Windsor Redding Care Center, where Arthur Trenerry died — citing 265 health and safety code violations at his other facilities in the previous three years. Nevertheless, Rechnitz continues to operate the home in partnership with a former owner, Lee Samson, who is listed as a license holder in state records. Mark Johnson, a lawyer who represents Rechnitz and his company, Brius Healthcare, said that Windsor Redding Care Center’s “license is in good standing” and that Rechnitz is managing the facility under an agreement “that is customary in the skilled nursing facility industry.” Rechnitz has filed a new and updated license application with the state, Johnson said. Johanna Trenerry said she had no idea Rechnitz had been denied a license. Had she known, she said, she would never have placed her husband of 60 years at Windsor Redding. Even before her husband caught COVID, Trenerry and her children were trying to transfer
him to another home because he seemed overly medicated, could no longer hold up his head, and fell numerous times trying to get out of bed, she said. Once, she recalled, the nursing home brought out the wrong person when the family visited. They kept him “so drugged up,” said Nancy Hearden, one of the Trenerrys’ eight children. “And I think it was just because it was easier for them. He wasn’t getting to go to his rehab. I felt, ‘We’ve got to get him out of this place.’” Then he got COVID. Sixty of the 84 residents at the facility came down with the disease in September 2020 — and at least two dozen of them died. According to a lawsuit filed by family members of 15 residents who died, including the Trenerrys, employees of the home were forced to work despite having COVID symptoms. The lawsuit refers to state citations that found the home didn’t supply enough personal protective equipment to staffers, didn’t test staff, and placed COVID patients and untested patients in the same rooms with residents who weren’t infected. Johnson denied the allegations. (Samantha Young/ Kaiser Health News) This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
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MAY 20-26, 2022 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
A continuing war
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THE spokesperson for the Philippine National Police dismissed the words as hyperbole. With President Duterte, however, warnings to kill drug traffickers are rarely empty threats. Meeting with some Cabinet members last Wednesday night, May 11, Duterte again defended his brutal war on drugs, and said that before stepping down on June 30, he wanted to see three or five more drug lords fight it out with the police and be killed. Duterte was borne to power on an anti-crime platform, memorably promising to end the drug menace in six months. Six years later, with over 6,000 drug suspects killed in police anti-narcotics operations, the President himself has admitted that he has yet to fulfill his promise. Throughout his bloody campaign against drugs, shabu continued to be smuggled into the country by the ton. Despite a possible investigation by the International Criminal Court, the President says he has no regrets and sees no reason to apologize for his methods in fighting the drug menace. At the start of his presidency, he had said that the involvement even of local government executives, police generals and barangay officials complicated
efforts to fight the drug menace. Several local government officials and dozens of barangay captains were among those killed in his war. In his speech, he noted that the lieutenants of slain drug lords simply took over the lucrative operations. He expressed hope that the incoming administration would continue his war on drugs. Being a former city prosecutor, he also offered to provide legal assistance to law enforcers who are sued for carrying out the campaign against illegal drugs. It is unclear if the incoming Marcos administration will have the same brutal approach to the drug menace. The persistence of the problem shows that the drug killings have not provided sufficient shock and awe to deter drug dealers from engaging in one of the most lucrative although illegal enterprises. President Duterte’s war has also been deficient in addressing the other major aspect of the illegal approach involving families, the community, drug scourge: the demand. This is a far more schools, civil society and the religious sector. complex element that calls for a multipronged Perhaps the incoming administration will have
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
a deeper grasp of the problem, and a better tack in addressing both supply and demand. (Philstar. com)
Where do you stand? Christian love, forgiveness and justice in the age of fake news, disinformation and deceit The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS IF we think that the U.S. and Philippine elections were the worst times we as citizens of both countries would have to endure, the lowest pit our people could find ourselves in, the May 9, 2022 Philippine elections was a sober and scary reminder that the worst is upon us: the regime of deposed President Ferdinand Marcos and the outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte lives on in their children at the same time, along with an ever growing list of political dynasties and convicted plunderers and abusers of power in Philippine history. The recent election in the Philippines had left us all so exhausted and exasperated with the division we have found ourselves in – them vs us, red vs pink – which sadly made us feel, at some point, “Mahirap mahalin ang kapwa Pilipino”, “Mahirap maipagmalaki na ako ay isang Pilipino”. But we press on, move forward, hoping against all odds that somehow the majority of us would prove that in the end we will prove them all wrong, and that majority of us will decisively choose the truth over lies, the good versus evil, the greater good of all over personal interests. Our natural human reaction is to hate and curse those who chose the lies, the evil, and the personal interests, but then again, we needed the divine grace to realize that they, too, – most of our kababayans – were victimized and robbed of the truth and the facts they needed to make informed and conscientious
decisions. How do we heal as a nation? How do we go back to our core values and come together as one people? How do we hold on to our faith, our concept and belief of what is good and bad in us and in other people? How do we raise our children in this age of lies and disinformation when the world we are raising them in appears to reward these and demonize the truth warriors? I want to share this Open penned by Christina Astorga, a former faculty member of Ateneo de Manila University and order chair of the Theology Department of Christian University founded on the principle espoused by St. Ignatius: to educate its students to be “Man for Others” for the “Greater Glory of God”. May it help us all reconcile the conflicting values we now face as a nation: A RESPONSE TO NIKKO BUENDIA’S OPEN LETTER TO THE ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY Dear Nikko, I am a former faculty of the Ateneo de Manila University, and former Chair of the Theology Department. I am not responding to you on behalf of the Ateneo de Manila University, but as a Filipino citizen and as an educator. I would be the first one to tell my students to stand up for the truth, to speak the truth, but always in love. “Veritas in Caritate” — truth in love. And if what you said about how they behaved towards others of opposite belief is true, then I would agree that they should be reminded of speaking truth in love. VP Leni has always reminded her supporters of relating with those with opposite belief with respect. She says that we focus on actions, not on persons. To condemn lies, defamations, fake news, but not to attack and bully
persons. If the students have failed in love, then they must be reprimanded, reminded, be told to do better next time. But we were young once, and we know how our passions can be combustible, when our outrage can get the better of us. But between those without any moral outrage over the Marcos atrocities, and those with moral outrage that may have gone over the top, I will go for the latter than for the former. You have spoken about our students’ failure in love, but I speak about your failure in truth. Your letter is a subterfuge of historical revisionism. You implied that Ateneo de Manila is teaching their own “version of truth” as if it is not the OBJECTIVE TRUTH, BASED ON EVIDENCE UPON EVIDENCE, that the Marcoses plundered the country, left it in shambles, and while they live extremely extravagant and opulent lives on STOLEN MONEY, thousands are eating “pagpag” from the garbage. We still have to recover the accumulated plunder of $10 billion (U.S. dollars) and much of that must have been used for the massive hakot and vote buying in the last election, caught and recorded in many videos. Imelda has been convicted of 7 counts of plunder, and while she lives like a queen in her mansion, Leila de Lima, who has been proven innocent by her own accusers, is still languishing in prison. The Marcoses have still to pay the gov’t 203 billion in estate tax debt! They regard themselves as above the law. They steal flagrantly, tell lies to our faces, fail to pay their taxes repeatedly, violate electoral laws blatantly, because they think of themselves as the untouchables. They are not accountable to anyone, not even to the law of the
US-ASEAN Summit in Washington
Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez THERE is no doubt President Joe Biden and his White House team went all out, laying out the red carpet for the US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington, DC. The atmosphere during the intimate dinner hosted last Thursday, May 12 by President Biden for the ASEAN heads of state at the White House was extremely cordial. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Locsin and I engaged freely with President Biden on an informal basis. In sum, the discussions during the two-day summit were substantive. At the US-ASEAN Business Council lunch, senior U.S. officials led by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai were joined by U.S. business leaders to exchange views on economic cooperation, the digital economy, sustainability, health care and supply chain resilience on the first day.
The meetings continued the next day with Vice President Kamala Harris leading the discussions. Special Envoy on Climate John Kerry, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm also held dialogues on climate change, regional transition to clean energy and sustainable infrastructure. President Biden came to the State Department later in the afternoon to talk with the ASEAN leaders about regional stability, maritime security and cooperation as well as post-pandemic recovery. Over the past four years of working in Washington with President Duterte guiding our foreign policy, I have come to the conclusion that our relationship with the United States has never been better, with the partnership getting stronger over the years despite the occasional bumps and regardless of who is in the Oval Office or who sits in Malacañang. Overwhelming majority During the entire campaign period, I have purposely stayed away from making any comments
for obvious reasons. Now that the people have spoken – giving Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a stunning majority with over 31 million votes equivalent to about 60 percent of all votes counted and the biggest margin ever in any presidential elections in the past three decades – we are hopeful that this overwhelming mandate could be translated into something positive for the country and would unite majority of Filipinos. We are told many of the other political colors have started to turn red shortly after the elections. There is no doubt that the challenges that the incoming administration of presumptive president Bongbong Marcos faces will be tremendous, requiring remarkable attention and focus on critical issues such as postpandemic recovery and health care, unemployment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education as well as climate change. Of course, a priority will be economic recovery, and from what I am hearing, there is a good economic team being put together by the presumptive president, although so far no
land. The Marcoses have refused to apologize or even acknowledge the abuses against human rights during Martial law. They, with Duterte’s approval, buried Marcos, Sr. the plunderer and human rights criminal, among our heroes, shaming our honorable past. They are being held in contempt by a U.S. court for “contumacious conduct causing direct harm to a class of human rights victims, amounting to 353 million dollars.” Held in contempt by the court, they would be put behind bars, if they step on U.S. soil. They have built the largest machinery of historical revisionism, fake history, and fake news to glorify the martial law regime as the golden age of the Philippines. They used this same machinery to perpetuate fake news about VP Leni, to assassinate her character, rendering her as a victim of the largest disinformation never seen in this country. You criticized Ateneo de Manila University for failing to stand for the weak and downtrodden. That is the last thing to say of the University, even if their students may have been intolerant of the position taken by the CDE classes, who were the easy prey of the Marcos’ machinery of lies. But have you condemned the plunder of the Marcoses of the money that was meant for the alleviation of poverty in our country? Have you considered that it is they who have no heart for the weak and downtrodden, who look upon them only as votes to buy to keep them in power? And have you thought that it is you, and people like you, who support the Marcoses, who are in collusion with them, who keep our people, poor and downtrodden? You write and I quote, “your
partisan stance has encouraged young impressionable minds to blindly take your ‘cause’ against the ‘enemy’.” History has many instances that the youth are the easiest to be molded into a terrifying mob. And it is apparent what you… along with other Catholic institutions… are building. This road will not lead to heaven. Truth is not partisan, but it is not neutral. Neutrality in the face of truth is collusion with lies and falsehood. The Catholic Church has taken a stance against the Marcos atrocities, for it is a stance for truth and justice; it is a stance for the poor and downtrodden, who are victims of their abuses. Had it played neutral, it could have stood against the very heart of the gospel. The truth is under attack, now more than ever, and it is Ateneo’s obligation and that of all institutions of learning, to protect the truth. If truth is not protected, and we live on lies and falsehoods, we will not only be on the road that leads to heaven, we will create hell on earth. I praise our young for fighting for the truth, for putting themselves on the line for what they believe; for the moral outrage they have shown against lies and injustices. They are the warriors of truth at the frontline of the battle – brave, unyielding, indomitable. I salute them. But I exhort them once again to speak truth in love – “Veritas in Caritate.” VP Leni has shown us what it means to fight in the spirit of radical love. In her speech in the thanksgiving rally, she said that she is launching the Angat Buhay, the largest volunteer network in the country this July. She said that “tutulungan natin ang lahat. Wala tayong pipiliin na kulay.”
When people accuse the pink movement of self-righteousness, of the “holier-than-thou,” of the disconnect with the least in society, the best argument to that accusation is VP Leni and her embodiment of radical love for the poorest of the poor. The image of VP Leni climbing mountains, crossing rivers, riding bancas and motorcycles, to reach our people at the laylayan, the least among us, and the opposite of the Marcoses among the elite in society, the oligarchs in their palatial homes and mansions, and at Amanpulo. I exhort our students, to be inspired by VP Leni, and to become more and more like her, as bridges of love, solidarity, and compassion. But radical love must be rooted in truth and justice. Love that is not rooted in truth is false sentimentalism. Love that is not founded on justice is collusion with injustice. I read a quote which spoke powerfully to me. “I fight against you, because I am fighting for you, and for us.” Is this self-righteousness or holier-than-thou? It is, if it is not based on genuine truth and justice. ***
one specific has been named. Needless to say, as expected after elections, so much jockeying for positions is taking place. “The economic managers are going to be critical for the next several years because of the pandemic and economic crisis, so that is something that we are carefully putting together,” Bongbong Marcos said. The members of President Duterte’s economic team led by Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez have been doing an admirable job, navigating so many challenges that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the current situation in Ukraine. Despite that, we are seeing green shoots in the economy, with the country’s GDP growing at 8.3 percent in the first quarter of this year – faster than the 6.5 percent average forecast by analysts earlier. According to Secretary Dominguez, talks are already starting regarding transition, and they have begun the briefing for the new economic team who I’m sure would be very responsive to the needs of these challenging and changing times. Immediately after the congratulatory call from U.S.
President Biden to presumptive president BBM, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s message followed shortly, both leaders expressing optimism about strengthened relations between the Philippines and their respective countries. I’m told congratulatory messages from foreign leaders have started to pour in. Understandably, there is still a lot of bitterness coming from some segments of society about the results but hopefully, they will have a different mindset once they see that the new administration is bent on doing good for the country. For the hardliners, however, nothing will convince them either way – an attitude that will eventually kill them because as my doctor said, “bitterness will only destroy you in the end.” When I moved abroad to the U.S. after 1986, I was happy to help then-vice president Doy Laurel – a family friend – coordinate his official visit to Washington, DC where I arranged meetings for him at the U.S. Congress. In fact, that is when I first met then-senator Joe Biden. Through the years, I joined business delegations of president
Ramos; president Estrada where I also helped coordinate his official working visit to Washington, DC; and then I also helped president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in more ways than one. I refused to indulge in bitterness and self-pity. The Philippines is my country as much as it is theirs. When Noynoy Aquino became president, I supported him and was part of his business delegation during his official visits to China, Japan and New Zealand. We exchanged text messages, and I very much appreciated it when he would call me back. PNoy also attended many of our PeopleAsia magazine events. In my book, he was a regular guy. Bitterness should have no place if we really want to help the Philippines and its people, no matter who the president may be. While I know there is a little more sensitivity to the current situation, at the end of the day – bayan pa rin natin ito! (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.
*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989. She was a news anchor, TV host and radio commentator and public service host for ABS- CBN and DZMM. She is now working on her advocacies independently, serving the Filipino audience using different media platforms. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos. Also on Twitter, Instagram: Gel Santos Relos
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: babeseyeview@gmail.com
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Senate to prioritize admin agenda that will benefit Filipinos MANILA – Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said he would lead the formation of a majority bloc in the 24-member Senate to help pursue the legislative agenda of presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Zubiri said on Tuesday, May 17 that they are looking forward to working productively with the new administration for the good of the people even as other senators vowed to stay independent amid an impending "supermajority" in the 19th Congress. “By tradition, we in the working majority will decide and elect the officers and leadership in due time. This will be done in a democratic manner, based on qualifications and values that
will uphold the traditions of the Senate as an institution," Zubiri said in a statement. Senator Sonny Angara said they belong to different political parties with different principles, ideologies, and advocacies. "I think the 18th Congress provides a good model for the upcoming 19th Congress in terms of work ethic, leadership, productivity. Debates were long and robust but much legislation was passed to help our countrymen during a very tough time in our history. The Senate helped the President and his administration help our countrymen in their time of need with expanded and unprecedented aid programs," Angara said in a statement.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said he will always respect the decision of the majority and will continue to work "silently" for the interest of the Filipinos. "Pwede po sigurong tabihan ko si (I can stay close to) [Senator] Lito Lapid," he said in jest in an interview. Go said there is nothing wrong with speaking up if something is wrong or supporting the government if it is doing the right thing. "Ang makikinabang po dito ang mga Pilipino. ‘Yung mga mahihirap, ma-i-ahon lang po natin. Magtulungan lang po tayo (The one who should always benefit are the Filipinos. The poor ones, let's help them. Let's just help each other)," he said. (PNA)
Padilla still in awe after leading Senate race by Shennah
RomanilloS ManilaTimes.net
ACTOR Robin Padilla has emerged on the top spot of the senatorial race, and while no proclamations have been made as of this writing, it seems he'll be staying there until every vote is counted. Rather than be in a triumphant mood, however, the action star—who was the very first candidate feature of The Manila Times "Lights Camera, Boto! The Chatshow Edition"— the senator-elect is still in disbelief mode. "Wala po akong inaasahan kahit ano. Unanguna, wala po akong kahit ano. Wala po akong makinarya, wala po akong kahit ano... pera. Wala. Hindi ko po inaasahan ito. Ang akin lamang po ay paninindigan. Ang akin lamang po ay nananalig po ako sa Panginoong Diyos at tulung-tulong lang po ng mga naniniwala sa akin. Tulong ng katipunan, tulong ng mga rebolusyonaryo. Yun lang po, wala akong inaasahan sapagkat para sa akin ang ganitong klaseng labanan ay usapin po ito ng makinarya at pera," Padilla said in an interview with GMA's Jessica Soho Monday, May 16. The actor took the opportunity to thank his supporters who voted for him, "Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat po ng mga nagtiwala sa atin. Sa lahat po ng lumabas, bumoto para po sa akin, at naging matagumpay po ang eleksyon na ito." Padilla likewise admitted that with his lead in the election comes with a sense of responsibility, "Ang pakiramdam ko po ay masaya, siyempre po, pero mas higit po yung responsibilidad na nakaakibat po sa atin sapagkat alam ko naman po, batid ko naman po na itong tagumpay na ito, hindi po ito patungkol kay Robin Padilla kundi tagumpay po ito ng reporma." Padilla is pushing for federalism once elected. He said that he wants to give the provinces the freedom to rule in accordance with their culture, tradition and environment.
Robin Padilla
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 20-26, 2022
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Arroyo endorses Romualdez as Speaker of 19th Congress by Daphne
Galvez Inquirer.net
MANILA — Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has endorsed Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez to be the Speaker of the incoming 19th Congress. In a statement on Saturday, May 14, Arroyo, who also served as Speaker of the House in the 17th Congress, said she and Romualdez have worked together “for decades” “to serve the Filipino people.” “Majority Leader Martin Romualdez and I have been working together for decades in a joint effort to do our best to serve the Filipino people. Since 2010, our partnership involved our service as fellow members of the House of Representatives,” she said. The former president, who ran
Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez Inquirer.net file photo
unopposed and was reelected as representative of the 2nd District of Pampanga in the 2022 elections, urged Lakas-CMD members to also support Romualdez. “I will be returning to the House on June 30, 2022. I would therefore like to advise the members of the Lakas-CMD that I am throwing my support for Majority Leader Martin
Romualdez to be elected as House Speaker in the next Congress. I urge all members of our party to do the same,” she said. Arroyo had endorsed the candidacy of presumptive president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his running mate, presumptive vice president Sara DuterteCarpio. She is the chairman emeritus of the LAKAS-CMD party where Romualdez is the president. Duterte-Carpio ran for the vice presidency under the banner of LAKAS-CMD. Romualdez, a cousin of Marcos Jr. and the campaign manager of Duterte-Carpio, ran unopposed and was reelected as representative of the 1st District of Leyte in the 2022 polls. It will be his fifth term as representative of his district. The National Unity Party earlier endorsed Romualdez to be the next Speaker. g
Inquirer.net file photo
Partial and unofficial results as of 3:47 p.m. on May 10, representing 97.87 percent of the nationwide election returns, the former action star tallied more than 26 million votes. Coming in second spot is Antique Rep. and House of Representatives' Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda with 23.8 million votes, while broadcaster Raffy Tulfo place third with around 23 million votes. Padilla's wife — Mariel Rodriguez Padilla whom the actor thanked for her unending support — also expressed her gratitude for her husband's supporters. "My Senator [green heart emoji] is #1 [crying emoji]. We are beyond grateful!!! Pilipinas, maraming maraming salamat," Rodriguez wrote on her Instagram @marieltpadilla. Other celebrities close to Rodriguez — namely, Toni Gonzaga, Charlene Gonzalez and Pops Fernandez, among others — also congratulated her and Padilla. g
ANG KONDADO NG CONTRA COSTA KAGAWARANG NG KONSERBASYON AT PAGUNLAD PEDERAL NA PABAHAY AT MGA PROGRAMA SA PAGPAPAUNLAD NANG PAMAYANAN PAUNAWA NG MGA PAMPUBLIKONG PULONG Ang plano sa taong 2022/23 na taunang plano ng pagkilos ay maaaring ma-download o makita sa Mayo 21, 2022 sa http://www.contracosta.ca.gov/CDBG. Sa Martes, Hunyo 21, 2022 humigit kumulang alas nueve ng umaga, 9:00 AM, and mga Tagapangasiwa ng Contra Costa County ay isasaalang-alang ang pagsang-ayon ng pampublikong serbisyo, pang-ekonomiyang pag-unlad, imprastraktura at pampublikong pasilidad, bahagi ng abotkayang pabahay para sa taong 2022/23 taunang plano ng pagkilos kabilang ang iminungkahing ginamit sa taong 2022/23 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), para sa taong 2022/23 HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), para sa taong 2022/23 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), at para sa taong 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21 Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). Upang mapabagal ang pagkalat ng COVID-19, kapalit ng pampublikong pagtitipon, ang pulong ng mga Tagapangasiwa ay makikita sa pamamagitan ng telebisyon at live streaming sa lahat ng miyembro ng publiko na pinahihintulutan sa utos ng gobernador bilang N29-20. Ang pulong ay makikita sa Comcast Cable 27, ATT/UVerse Channel 99 at WAVE Channel 32 at maaari ring makita sa www.contracosta.ca.gov. Ang mga taong gustong magsalita habang nasa pampublikong komento o kung may tanong ukol sa adyenda ay maaaring tumawag habang nagpupulong sa (888) 251-2949 at pindutin ang kodigo ng akses 1672589#. Kung nais ninyong magsalita ukol sa adyenda, maaaring pindutin ang “#2” sa inyong telepono. Aksesibility at Makatwirang mga Tirahan Alinsunod sa kilos ng mga Amerikanong may kapansanan at batas ng California, ito ay patakaran ng miyembro ng consortium na ialok sa pampublikong pulong na mabilisang maabot sa tao, higit sa lahat sa mga taong may kapansanan. Ang Kondado ay magbibigay ng makatwirang akomodasyon para sa mga taong may kapansanan na nagpaplanong dumalo sa pulong at maaaring tumawag sa Clerk of the Board hindi bababa sa 24 oras bago magumpisa ang pulong sa numerong (925) 655-2000. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Ang pangunahing layunin ng programang CDBG ay ang mga sumusunod: • Magbigay ng tulong sa programa at aktibidades na makikinabang ang mga taong mabababa ang kita. • Pigilan o bawasan ang pagkasisiyasat sa mga itinalagang kapitbahayan. • Pangalagaan ang umiiral na pabahay at dagdagan ang mga oportunidad sa pabahay para sa mga taong mabababa ang kita. • Magbigay ng mga insentibo para sa pagpapalawak ng negosyo at pagpapapanatag upang mapalawak ang mga oportunidad sa trabaho para sa mas mababang kita, kabilang na ang mga espesyal na pangangailangan ng populasyon. • Magbigay ng tulong at transisyonal na pabahay na may angkop na mga serbisyo ng suporta para sa mga walang tirahang populasyon. • Magbigay ng tulong sa mga programang lumilikha ng permanenteng oportunidad sa trabaho para sa mas mababang kita. • Pagbutihin ang imprastraktura ng publiko, kabilang na ang mga pagpapabuti na tumutugon sa revitalization ng mga kapitbahayan, dagdagan ang access para sa mga taong may kapansanan at nakatatanda, at dagdagan ang kalusugan at kaligtasan ng mga residente. • Magbigay ng tulong sa mga kapitbahayan at pampublikong pasilidad na naglilingkod sa mas mababang kita at pamilya. • Magbigay ng pabahay counseling at impormasyon at alleviate problema sa pabahay diskriminasyon. Ang Kondado ng Contra Costa ay isang lungsod o bayan sa ilaim ng programa ng CDBG. Ang lungsod ay nasasakupan ng di-inkorporadong mga lugar kasama ang mga siyudad ng Brentwood, Clayton, Danville, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo at San Ramon. Ang mga siyudad ng Antioch, Concord, Pittsburg at Walnut Creek ay tumatanggap ng hiwalay na alokasyon galing sa pondo ng CDBG upang gamitin sa kanilang nasasakupan. Upang matugunan ang mga layuning ito, ang Kondado ng Contra Costa, sa pamamagitan ng rekomendasyon ng mga kawani ng kondado, komite na pampinansyal at Komite ng Lupon ng mga Superbisor na pang pamilya at serbisyong pang tao at komite na pampinansyal ng abot kayang pabahay, nagmumungkahing gamitin and pondo ng CDBG para sa taong 2022/23 para sa aktibidades na ilalarawan ng plano ng pagkilos sa taong 2022/23. Lahat ng aktibidad ay pakikinabangan ng mga taong mababa, napakababa at lubhang mababa ang kita. Pinagmulan ng Pondo ng CDBG: Karapatang Grant sa taong 2022/23 Nakuha at Kita ng Programa (tantiyahin) Kabuuan
$4,543,847 $2,154,620 $6,698,467
Rekomendasyong Alokasyon ng CDBG: Programa/Proyekto (tantiyahin) Pangangasiwa ng Programa (tantiyahin) Kabuuan
$5,569,698 $1,128,769 $6,698,467
Kilos ng Pamumuhunan sa Pakikipagsosyo (HOME) Ang Kondado ng Contra Costa ay tagapangasiwa ng programa ng HOME para sa kasunduan ng HOME ng Contra Costa, na kinabibilangan ng lahat ng Kondado ng Contra Costa. Ang mga lungsod ng Antioch, Concord, Pittsburg
at Walnut Creek ay pinagsama sama ang kani-kanilang nakalaang pondo at ang Kondado ay pangangasiwaan ang mga pondong iyon alinsunod sa mga hinihingi ng Title 1 ng kilos ng pambansang abot-kayang pabahay. Ang pangunahing layunin ng programa ng HOME ay madagdagan ang disente, ligtas, malinis at abot-kayang pabahay para sa mga taong lubhang mababa, napakababa, at mababa ang kita. Kabilang sa mga prayoridad para sa paglalaan ng pondo ng HOME ay: • Kumuha, isaayos at magtayo ng abot-kayang paupahan na pabahay para sa iba’t-ibang pamilya, kabilang ang mga espesyal na pangangailangan sa pabahay. • Magbigay ng tulong para sa mga napakababa at mababang kitang tao na unang beses na bumili ng bahay. Pinagmulan ng Pondo: HOME Grant sa taong 2022/23 Nakuha at Kita ng Programa (tantiyahin) Kabuuan
$3,643,182 $2,133,854 $5,777,036
Rekomendasyong Alokasyon ng HOME: Programa ng Abot Kayang Pabahay (tantiyahin) Pangangasiwa ng Programa (tantiyahin) Kabuuan
$5,362,718 $414,318 $5,777,036
Oportunidad na Pabahay para sa mga tao na may AIDS (HOPWA) Ang Kondado ng Contra Costa ay dati nang nakatanggap ng mga pondo ng HOPWA, bilang isang Sponsor ng proyekto ng Lungsod ng Oakland, bilang Grantee, upang magbigay ng mga lokalidad ng mga mapagkukunan at mga insentibo upang bumuo ng mga pangmatagalang estratehiya para matugunan ang mga pangangailangan sa pabahay sa mga taong may acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), o mga kaugnay na sakit at kanilang mga pamilya. Maaaring gamitin ang mga pondo ng HOPWA para sa malawak na hanay ng mga pabahay, serbisyong panlipunan, pagpaplano ng programa, at mga gastos sa pagpapaunlad. Simula sa FY 2022/23, ang Lungsod ng Oakland bilang HOPWA Grantee, ay direktang nanghihingi ng mga aplikasyon para sa mga proyekto at serbisyo sa pabahay na pinondohan ng HOPWA. Ang pangunahing layunin ng programa ay: • Kumuha, isaayos o magtayo ng tirahang pasilidad upang magbigay ng abot-kayang pabahay na paupahan sa mga lubhang mababa at napakababang kita na mga taong mayroong HIV/AIDS na alinman ay walang tirahan o may hindi matatag na pabahay. • Magbigay ng payo sa pabahay at mga programa sa pagsuporta. • Magbigay ng Maikling Paupahang Sangla at Tulong sa utility (STRMU) sa mga taong lubhang mababa at mababa ang kita na may HIV/AIDS • Magbigay ng Permanenteng Serbisyo sa Pabahay Pinagmulan ng Pondo: Alokasyon ng HOPWA sa taong 2022/23 Nakaraang Taon: Hindi nakatalaga na pondo ng HOPWA (tantiyahin) Kabuuan
$0 $1,101,623 $1,101,623
Rekomendasyong Alokasyon ng HOPWA: Proyekto/Programa (tantiyahin) Pangangasiwa ng Programa (tantiyahin) Kabuuan
$625,000 $0 $625,000
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Ang Contra Costa ay isang bayan ng Kondido na kinatawan para sa mga layunin ng programa ng ESG. Ang Kondido ay tumatanggap at inilalaan and pondo ng ESG alinsunod sa tulong na kilos para sa mga walang tirahan ng Stewart B. McKinney. Ang pangunahing layunin ng programa ay: • Magbigay ng mahahalagang serbisyo para sa mga walang tirahan, • Magbigay ng suporta sa pagpapatakbo para sa mga walang tirahan • Bumuo at magpatupad ng pag-iwas na mawalan ng tirahan /mabilis na aktibidad ng pabahay • Baguhin, isaayos o ibahin ang gusali na gagamitin bilang emergency na kanlungan para sa mga walang tirahan Pinagmulan ng Pondo: Emergency Solutions Grant sa taong 2022/23
$397,921
Alokasyon ng ESG: Proyekto/Programa Pangangasiwa ng Programa Kabuuan
$368,077 $29,844 $397,921
10
MAY 20-26, 2022 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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‘PH needs to stay healthy to sustain economic growth’ by Catherine
S. Valente ManilaTimes.net
PRESIDENTIAL Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Maria "Joey" Concepcion III on Wednesday, May 18 said the Philippines needs to stay healthy to sustain its economic growth amid the entry of new variants of COVID-19. The Go Negosyo founder made the statement as he proposed that COVID-19 vaccines be given to those who would like to receive them as long as they are part of the eligible population or at least the priority groups who are due for their second boosters. "We have the vaccines and like all vaccines these are timebound. We need a sense of urgency," Concepcion said in a statement. "Let the individual decide if he believes he could benefit from the shots. There are already people who want to receive their second shots," he added. Concepcion said the Philippines needs to stay healthy so it can pay for its capital expenditures and the debts it incurred in its pandemic response. The country now owes P12.6 trillion and it is projected to rise to P13.2 trillion by the end of the year. "There is nothing wrong with debt, as long as it is invested in capital expenditures that will help propel growth," Concepcion said. "But we need to maintain a good credit rating, and in order to do that, we have to stay healthy." This came following the Department of Health's (DoH)
confirmation of the local transmission of the highly infectious Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1. According to the Philippine Genome Center, 90 percent of the Covid cases in the Philippines are Omicron. The BA.4 and BA.5, which are also described as highly transmissible and are now considered variants of concern in Europe, have not yet been detected in the country. These two Omicron sublineages, however, are driving up cases in South Africa, a country whose experience with the pandemic closely mirrors that of the Philippines. Concepcion said that the most cost-effective and efficient way of using vaccines is to give them to those who are willing. "We have to remove the remaining barriers so that we can put these vaccines into the arms of people who believe they need them," he said. Among these barriers, he said, is a priority group-based system, which restricts the administration of the vaccines to specific groups. Another barrier is rising complacency among the population given current low-risk levels. "It's not like people are scrambling to get vaccinated — they're not. So, why are we still imposing priority groups today? We are applying solutions that made sense when vaccines were scarce. We have so much supply today," Concepcion said. As of May 17, boostering rates have stalled at a little over 13
million. More than 45 million Filipinos have completed their primary doses. During a meeting organized by Go Negosyo on May 16, medical doctors warned of long Covid, where lingering effects such as prolonged muscle and joint pain, result in a decrease in quality of life and reduced productivity. Experts in public health and policy also noted that delays in implementing second boosters can cause logjams further down the line as mass vaccinations cannot be expected to immediately happen following the issuance of guidelines. "By that time and if a new variant causes more infections, it would have been too late and we would have a sick population," Concepcion said. The Go Negosyo founder said that the Philippines cannot afford any further losses in productivity, either through heightened alert levels or workers unable to return to work. "We are in a situation where business remains fragile. We are feeling the brunt of the UkraineRussia conflict, with spiraling commodity prices. The risk of stagflation is much higher when goods become so expensive that consumers cannot afford to buy and then growth does not happen," he said. "While the Philippines is in a very good spot when it comes to infection levels, we must remember how we reached this point: our wall of immunity has been strengthened because of vaccinations," Concepcion added. g
CLEAN UP. Members of the 15th Infantry Division (ID), 1302nd Reserved Army, help in the removal of election campaign paraphernalia on high-rise poles along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City on Saturday, May 14. Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año earlier ordered the removal of all campaign materials and dispose of these wastes properly. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
China’s Xi rings Marcos to discuss bilateral ties, regional development
MANILA — The Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said Beijing’s president had a phone call with Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to discuss promoting “friendship” between the two countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly congratulated Marcos Jr. again on his election win and discussed “bilateral ties and regional development.” “President Xi said the two countries should also grasp the general trend, write a grand They are equipped with story on the China-Philippines MANILA — The Philippine specifically at the vicinity waters modern marine aids to navigation friendship in the new era and Coast Guard has installed five off Subi Reef," he said. “My guidance to them, we will lanterns and specialized mooring navigational buoys carrying the Philippine flag in four critical challenge them. But according to systems. They also have a remote islands in the West Philippine the Coast Guard Fleet, the WPS is monitoring system that uses Sea, namely Lawak Island, Likas peaceful and the ships of Vietnam satellite technology to transmit Island, Parola Island, and Pag- and China have shown respect for data to the PCG National THE Philippines has Headquarters in Port Area, confirmed the local transmission our mission,” he added. asa Island. The PCG earlier hit the Manila. According to the Coast Guard of the BA.2.12.1 sublineage of Following the July 2016 arbitral the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in a statement sent to media on actions of a Chinese vessel Wednesday, May 18, these ocean that maneuvered close to a ruling, there have been reports with three new cases detected markers also communicate PCG ship in March, calling it of China Coast Guard ships in Iloilo City, the Department of that the said vicinity waters are a clear violation of the 1972 blocking access to and driving Health said. considered special protected International Regulations for away Filipino fishermen from the In a briefing on Tuesday, March traditional fishing ground off the 17, Health Undersecretary Maria zones where mining and oil Preventing Collisions at Sea. Abu led the arrival ceremony coast of Zambales. exploration are prohibited Rosario Vergeire said that the "I know it was not an easy task, local transmissions meant that to preserve their rich natural for the five Coast Guard vessels that laid out the Symbols of but [our combined efforts] led there are linked cases but most resources. CG Adm. Artemio Abu, Coastal State Administration in to the resounding success of Philippine Coast Guard the said vicinity waters from May installing our sovereign markers commandant, said he observed 12 to May 14. These included that are now flashing lights at other foreign vessels during his BRP Corregidor, BRP Bojeador, night to guide sailors as they visit to Pag-asa Island on May BRP Suluan, BRP Capones, and traverse the treacherous waters by Julie M. Aurelio of the WPS," Abu also said. 14 to assess the buoy laying Tug Boat Habagat. Inquirer.net "These buoys are now our According to CG Admiral operations and check the morale of PCG personnel deployed on Abu, the PCG will place more source of pride and honor MANILA — The next navigational buoys in other in serving our great nation. the island. administration will need at least "During my visit to Pag-asa parts of the country's exclusive And because our fellow Coast P326 billion in new revenues Island, I saw five PCG ships economic zone, especially in the Guardians braved numerous each year to cover the principal dangers during the said noble anchored in the vicinity with WPS and Benham Rise. and interest payments for the The five newly-installed 30- mission, they were able to several Filipino fishing bancas. country’s debts incurred amid Several Vietnamese fishing boats, foot buoys were part of the ten bring the PCG to the next level the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese fishing vessels, and floating markers procured in of success.” (Franco Luna with House ways and means panel China Coast Guard vessels were Spain. They arrived in Cebu from report from Patricia Lourdes chair and Albay Rep. Joey Viray/Philstar.com) not so far from their position, Valencia, Spain on May 7. Salceda said the government’s best option to raise this was through tax policy reform through “smart, efficient tax and economic policies to address this debt overhang.” “Unless we can raise that kind of revenue, we will have to downscale our public spending or borrow again to pay the debt … And of course, the P326 billion figure relies on current interest rates. To keep them at this level, we need to show our creditors we are in good fiscal standing. So tax policy reform is really our best option,” Salceda said on Monday, May 16. P181 billion for interest alone In a statement, the economist Photo shows a 30-foot navigational buoy bearing the Philippine flag and deployed by the Philippine Coast Guard at the West Philippine Sea. turned lawmaker said the Philippine Coast Guard photo government should brace for
follow through the blueprint for bilateral friendly cooperation, so as to usher in an even brighter future for the bilateral ties,” the ambassador said in a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 18. The phone conversation allegedly happened this morning. Xi also congratulated Marcos Jr. last week, calling the presumptive presidentelect “the 17th President of the Philippines” in a letter. Based on Marcos Jr.’s previous statements, his administration is expected to continue President Rodrigo
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Coast Guard installs buoys carrying Philippine flag in West Philippine Sea
Duterte’s foreign relations with China. While processing the certificates of canvass for the presidential and vicepresidential candidates has yet to start, Marcos Jr. is already leading the partial and unofficial tally by over 16 million. “He stressed that Mr Marcos has participated in and witnessed the development of China-Philippines relations, calling Mr. Marcos a builder, supporter and promoter of the China-Philippines friendship,” Huang said. (Philstar.com)
PH confirms local transmission of new Omicron variant of the cases are sourced within the country and is different from community transmission, where cases are unlinked. Based on initial studies, BA.2.12.1 is more transmissible than the Omicron variant and is now the main cause of surges in Canada and the United States. The three cases were composed of one returning Filipino from the U.S. and two
local cases. The returning Filipino and a local case were fully vaccinated, while the other local case is still being verified. The country reported its first detection of the variant last Friday, May 13 with two local cases in the National Capital Region and 11 cases from a cruise ship in Palawan. (ManilaTimes.net)
PH needs P326 billion yearly to pay debts
EMPLOYMENT
around P144 billion in principal payment for the next 20 years, and around P181 billion in interest payments. “That will, of course, vary per year, and some years will need lower debt than others. But if you want to stretch out the payment schedule, that’s the kind of fiscal space you need to cover the COVID-19 debts without incurring budget cuts,” Salceda said. He warned that budget cuts are not a good option if the government wants to sustain growth. “Of course, borrowing more to cover past borrowings is a downward spiral to fiscal hell. So, you really need to expand fiscal space,” he said. Salceda said presumptive president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. could tap his supermajority in Congress to “enact smart, efficient tax and economic policies to address this debt overhang.” ‘Plenty of political capital’ “It’s the biggest election victory since 1961, so I think there is plenty of political capital for difficult but necessary reforms,” he said.
Salceda added that the sooner the incoming administration starts a fiscal expansion program, “the better it will be for investor confidence, our credit ratings, our debt overhang and our future growth prospects.” “You need money for the most important campaign promises: cheaper rice, more efficient government services and improved agriculture. So, I would suggest quick and effective fiscal measures being undertaken in the first 100 days,” he said. Salceda cited taxation on the digital economy, which grew by at least 16 percent during the pandemic. “Tax revenues from digital sources have remained practically unchanged, based on Bureau of Internal Revenue numbers. We can do that on both the policy side and the tax administration side,” he said. He also stressed the need to strengthen the government’s tax enforcement programs such as the Run After Tax Evaders, Revenue Integrity Protection Service and Run After the Smugglers programs. g
25 new “Below Market Rate” homes for sale at 88 At The Park (88 Arkansas Street)
SF#3017
3 studios, 12 one-bedrooms and 10 two-bedroom homes priced from $342,045 – $468,680 with parking and $302,492 – $414,912 without parking. Applicants must be first-time homebuyers and cannot exceed the following income levels: 100% of Area Median Income One person
2 persons
3 persons
4 persons
$93,250
$106,550
$119,900
$133,200
Applications must be received by 5PM on Friday, July 1, 2022. Apply online through DAHLIA, the SF Housing Portal at https://housing.sfgov.org. Due to COVID-19, applicants will apply online as we are not accepting paper applications. Applicants must complete first-time homebuyer education and obtain a loan pre-approval from an approved participating lender. For more information or assistance with your application, contact HomeownershipSF at (415) 202-5464 or info@homeownershipsf.org. For questions about the building and units, contact the Sales Office at (415) 829-7813 or bmr@88atthepark.com. Units available through the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development and are subject to monitoring and other restrictions. Visit www.sfmohcd.org for program information.
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COVID-19 vaccines: A way to honor heritage, community, and family during AANHPI Heritage Month CDC and the We Can Do This COVID-19 Public Education Campaign emphasize vaccine availability and the need for continued safe practices AS Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities across the nation honor and celebrate the diverse contributions made in the United States we are reminded that COVID-19 vaccines and boosters continue to make it possible for us to gather safely in public and private. As of May 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that over 258 million Americans (all eligible ages) have made the choice to be vaccinated. Currently, over 12.8 million Asians (non-Hispanic) and 618,000 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders aged 5 years and older have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, 95% of older Americans have been vaccinated — that’s 56.5 million adults aged 65 and older — a significant achievement in protecting our community’s elders since last year. “We’ve got over 90% of seniors that are already vaccinated,” said Dr. Cameron Webb, White House Senior Policy Advisor for COVID-19 Equity, at an April 22 summit called Conversations on Encouraging COVID-19 Vaccines. “We’ve got to get those same levels around boosters to really get that protection we need.” Although AANHPIs are generally more likely to have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine compared to the overall U.S. population, about 39% of eligible Asians and over 52% of eligible Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders are still in need of a booster. Webb said, “If you have been vaccinated and boosted, you are very well protected against the [COVID-19] variants we are currently seeing. We have the tools to save lives … and we’ve seen [that] boosters are very critical in keeping people safe.” The nation has come a long way to keep communities safe but data consistently show how communities of color remain disproportionately impacted by COVID, and health disparities for AANHPIs remain a key issue in achieving health equity. In fact, some AANHPI subsegments are at higher risk because of higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Experts also shared the importance of getting children vaccinated, encouraging parents to take action for the health and well-being of their
families. “Almost all children who end up in the ICU are completely unvaccinated,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary, Vice Chair from the American Academy of Pediatrics. “This is both tragic and encouraging. Tragic because at this point in the pandemic, those hospitalizations were almost completely preventable, and encouraging because we have such a powerful tool [vaccines] going forward to prevent children from suffering.” With more relaxed public mandates on COVID safety protocols and increased travel, COVID cases and hospitalizations are on the rise again. What is encouraging is that the death rate from COVID continues to decrease, thanks to widespread vaccinations. Boosters have provided more people an extra measure of protection from the COVID virus and variants. As AANHPIs, let’s honor our community’s history by helping protect its future. Talk to a doctor or your local health care professional if you have questions. Find vaccines and boosters near you at vaccines.gov. We can do this!
FAMILY REUNION THAT WAS 32 YEARS IN THE MAKING, ON A BRAND-NEW SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! Beth (center) was petitioned as single by her U.S. citizen father in 1988. When she came in for her interview at the Embassy, the consul advised her to marry Benjamin (left), her live-in partner, so she could bring him and their children along, as visas were already available for married children. However, the Embassy erroneously issued her visa as “single,” preventing her husband from immigrating, and her naturalization application being denied. Beth hired leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right), who requested that Benjamin and their 10-year-old child be processed as following-to-join. The Embassy advised that Benjamin could not be issued a visa because Beth’s visa was issued as F1 (single), but they were able to process her child’s visa as a derivative. Atty. Gurfinkel worked tirelessly to bring Benjamin to the U.S. to reunite this family. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, May 22 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
Husband and wife are finally reunited in America after 32 years, on this success story on Citizen Pinoy
BETH was petitioned as “single” by her U.S. citizen father in 1988. At her Embassy interview, visas were already available for “married” children. The consul advised her to marry Benjamin, her live-in partner, so she could add him to her petition and bring him and their children along with her. She followed the consul’s advice and married Benjamin. Unfortunately, the Embassy made a mistake and issued her visa as “single” (F1), instead of married (F-3), preventing her husband from immigrating, and her naturalization application being denied. Beth retained leading U.S. Immigration Attorney (Advertising Supplement) Michael J. Gurfinkel who was able to finally bring
Benjamin to the U.S. Atty. Gurfinkel even met with the consuls at the Embassy, who agreed they issued Beth’s visa in the wrong category but could no longer withdraw it since the visa was already issued. They did agree, however, to issue a visa to her child. Benjamin was eventually able to get a green card through their U.S. citizen child’s petition. Watch this success story of a family reunion that was 32 years in the making on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, May 22 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 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)
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Features
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Ian Veneracion celebrates 40th year in showbiz, celebrityworld signs up with management team of OPM icon By Ferdie Villar
ACTOR Ian Veneracion is celebrating his 40th year in showbiz in 2022, and has decided to pursue more avenues, particularly his musical side, by signing up with the management team of OPM stalwart Ogie Alcasid. The two are longtime friends, with Ogie collaborating with and/or producing Ian’s past shows, including “Ian in Color,” “Pajamjam” and “Virtually Yours: Kilobotitos (with Ogie).” It was Ogie in fact who took a chance on Ian as a concert artist, according to an article in the Philippine Star. “I was shocked because when I went into singing — because I’m not known to be a singer, I’m really an actor my whole life — I was so flattered that Ogie, an accomplished singer and songwriter, believed in me, and actually put money into producing a concert for me,” he stated in the article. “Of course, it’s hard to get the trust of those who are already up there. I’m just so happy
that they welcomed me in the music industry with open arms. Our singing idols, laging ‘pagnakikita ko sila, sasabihin nila, ‘Oh Ian, you’re doing music now, congrats.’ Sobrang welcoming. Of course, that’s (reception) very influential because I’m just new to music,” he added. Ian joined Ogie’s ATeam out of both Ogie and Ian’s mutual desire to work with each other, aside from their friendship, of course. And it will be a collaborative effort. “In fact, at any point when one of us is not satisfied, we’re not bound to force it, yung ganun, because it’s out of friendship. So, it’s very light. The partnership is there because we both want it,” Ian explained. For his part, Ogie, who joined Ian in a recent presscon, said, “He’s a painter, an artista, an action star and a musician, which is one thing he really wants to keep exploring. He enjoys it.” “It is his 40 years in showbiz but, you know, the first time we actually approached him
Ogie Alcasid (right) on Ian Veneracion (left): “He’s a painter, an artista, an action star and a musician, which is one thing he really wants to keep exploring. He enjoys it.”
how things work there. But with music, which I see that he really wants to do, that was where we wanted to come in and help him fulfill his dreams.” Alcasid added that it is good that Ian is pursuing interests outside of acting, similar to Hollywood actors like Kevin Bacon and Keanu Reeves who have their own bands, and also pointing out that a music career is not a fallback for these stars, “but they just want to do it… because it’s good for the soul.” The “Make It with You” actor has already produced a new song entitled “Ninuno,” which is available on Spotify, Apple Music and iTunes. “It’s basically about my need to go back to our roots. So, it’s like reminding and (sending) Zeny Lutao Sarmiento of Concord, a former Mrs. RP World- questions to myself, mula sa mga USA, will celebrate her birthday on Thursday, May 26. ninuno natin — I think we come from a bloodline of warriors — paano tayo nag-progress, ano ba talaga nangyayari, you know, it throws a lot of questions there,” he explained about the song. “Self-image is important for me. You should see yourself as a hero, instead of seeing yourself as a victim. You have the same struggles, but (you can see them) from a different perspective. You’ll struggle with poverty, this and that, but if you see them as like you’re slaying dragons, While exercising and juicing are keys to Sofia Andres’ bikini-ready beach body, the Filipino-American and Kapamilya actor Sam Milby celebrates it’s meaningful. Even if you’re suffering, it’s meaningful,” he actress also discovered a new hobby, painting, during the pandemic. his 38th birthday on Monday, May 23. Photo from Instagram/@iiamsofiaandres Photo from Instagram/@sammilby reflected on the song’s message — I don’t remember the year — we were really approaching him more on what he wanted to do with his music career,” Ogie related. “Because with the movies, TV and acting, even if he’s asleep, kaya gawin ni Ian yan, he already knows
Actor/musician Ian Veneracion recently signed with the management team of longtime friend and collaborator Ogie Alcasid. Photo from Instagram/@ianveneracion_official
against victim mentality. He added: “But when you see yourself as a victim, ang hirap because kahit yung araw, magrereklamo ka or kakagatin ka lang ng lamok, parang ang hiraphirap na. You can have the same circumstances but just because of your mindset, from hero to victim, it’s such a different experience.” According to the Ian, the future will see him delve more into great OPM sounds and artists of yore, or what he brands as “the ancesors of Filipino music.” “Recently lang din ako naeducate sa sariling atin na tugtugan. Tayong mga Pilipino magaling sa music, kahit magpunta ka sa mga cruise ships, hotels sa ibang bansa puro Pilipino yung mga banda. But most of the time, our introduction to music is foreign music. That’s why binabalikan ko saan ba tayo nagsimula, yung mga ninuno natin sa musika. I’d like to explore music in that aspect,” he said. *** Sofia Andres recently told the press that maintaining her fitness level is getting harder. Often praised for her posts in Instagram, the sexy Kapamilya actress said that as she has gotten older, it has become more challenging to maintain her figure. Her keys to her fitness:
exercise and juicing. While swimming is her favorite activity, her Instagram feed also showed, per a recent PEP.ph article, that she also enjoys playing tennis. To maintain her everpresent beach-bikini body, Sofia incorporates juicing to her routine. “Every time na I go to the beach, before that I try to work out and do juicing. So I drink mga juice lang for two days, the whole day. And then yun, it really helps,” she said. During the pandemic, Sofia also discovered a new hobby – one that has helped her bond more with her daughter Zoe. “During the pandemic, I just paint and paint and I think yun yung breakthrough ko because I was able to sell,” she explained. “I was able to sell and express myself through painting, and all that.” She has no set parameters, and takes inspiration from spontaneity. “I just do anything lang. I just imagine like, how I feel if ever I’m in the mood to paint,” she stated. “Pag wala, as in, walang lumalabas.” Asked if she will do an exhibit soon, Sofia, who has sold nine of around a dozen paintings that she has produced, answered: “Actually, I have, maybe next year. I just have to practice more lang po.”
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 20-26, 2022
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Pahrump project to bring first major harness racing track in state by RealtoR
Fely Quitevis-Bateman
A PROPOSED plan to build a mega-entertainment facility on more than 400 acres of open farmland northern Pahrump will bring the first pari-mutuel harness racing track in Nevada. According to an article in the Pahrump Valley Times, the project will include a 40,0000-square-foot resort casino centered around a 7/8-mile track, with stables for 280 racing horses, plus amenities like restaurants, shopping facilities campgrounds, a water park, batting cages, movie theater and parking for vehicles and RVs (recreational vehicles). It has been presented to Nye County commissioners by the Nevada Standardbred Association Inc., which was formed a few years back, counting horse trainers and caretakers and other parties as its founding members. The association’s goal is to bring harness racing to the state, and it sees Pahrump as key to its plan. This plan is expected to bring some 200 jobs to the area – horse trainers, vets and techs, groundskeepers, ticket vendors and hospitality workers.
Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (center) with Nye County Commissioner Leo Blundo (left), who has endorsed the mega-entertainment facility that includes the harness racing track, and Lia Roberts (right), who is her GOP mentor.
There is no timeline yet for the project as there are quite a number of hurdles to go through and permits to secure, but the cost is expected to be in the millions. Funding is largely being raised, according to the article, by the Western Saddlebred Alliance Inc. If the project does go through, racing at the 7/8-mile track will run from late October to May should a conditional approval be granted by the Nevada Racing Commission. Twelve live races a day during the season can be seen via two weekly meets, and the races will be simulcast internationally from Pahrump. The opportunity to establish such a project in the area would be a boon to the economy, the people and tourism. Aside from bringing in visitors who will watch the live harness races, the facilities would feature a training and education center that could host community events like 4-H or Future Farmers of America or other organizations. Even a festival is a possibility at the project’s site, and could be scheduled around Nevada Day long weekend. Visitors, per people attached to the project, could also be drawn to hotels, restaurants and other area attractions. Per the article, the project’s developers have anticipated any concerns attached to the project, including research on track surfaces to help reduce the threats of dust and erosion, looking at sound barriers to help curb noise from the track, keeping lighting limited after 10 p.m., and efficient usage and conservation of resources. Water rights come with the land, and a state-of-the-art reclamation process will be designed to help efficiency and conservation efforts. A manure-processing facility in the site will also help deter flies and pests, and will make the project more sustainable, according to developers. According to article, Nye County commissioners have reacted favorably to the initial plans laid out to them by the project’s developers. This certainly is a welcome development for Pahrumpians, as this is a major opportunity for the area given that there is a dearth of horse racing tracks in the western part of the United States. Plus, for a gambling capital like the state of Nevada, it has no major presence in horse racing, although horse racing can be seen across screens from inside the major casinos in the state. A track in Pahrump could certainly add a feather to its cap, elevate the state’s horse industry, and place horse-racing – the pari-mutuel kind – within people’s fingertips and see it happen before their eyes, considering that Pahrump is only 62 miles west of Las Vegas.
Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948 or send email to fely@preciousproperties.com.
That Pahrump is being considered for this project over other areas in the state is indeed a testament to how the town has grown from its humble beginnings. With Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch also located in Pahrump, that would mean two major racetracks in the town and more business for the area. Of course, there are many things to get done before the project comes to fruition, and that will include input from the community. That the developers are focused on sustainability, conservation and efficient use of resources bodes well for them. Indeed, the state has made a name for itself in these areas – and major projects in the state need to address these concerns well enough in order to gain passage for their developments. News of this project creates more excitement for Pahrump. And as more developments get planned for the area, it will add more stature for the town and keep it on top of everyone’s mind. Now is the time to look for opportunities in Pahrump and neighboring areas – while prices are more affordable and before the market skyrockets. I can help you, my kababayans, look for the best real estate and properties in Pahrump and beyond, whether as an investment, as a retirement place, or simply your new home. My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that Nye County commissioners recently listened to initial plans laid out by project developers has been serving its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775who will bring pari-mutuel racing and a mega-entertainment facility to Pahrump. Realtor 513-8447, 805-559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information. We Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman occasionally drives through the northern and southern areas Fely Quitevis-Bateman (extreme right) poses with Nye County commissioners in photo above, have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and of Pahrump to see the progress going on in the town. including Commissioners Bruce Jabbour and Donna Cox. quick escrow in as short as 7 days. (Advertising Supplement)
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MAY 20-26, 2022 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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Beat the summer heat with salty and sweet: McDonald’s USA® debuts the Chocolatey Pretzel McFlurry® The first new McFlurry of 2022 arrives to restaurants nationwide for a limited time starting May 25
CHICAGO – Just in time for the start of summer, McDonald’s USA is releasing its first new McFlurry flavor of the year – the Chocolatey Pretzel McFlurry®. The frozen treat will be available starting May 25 for a limited time at participating restaurants nationwide. Each McFlurry is made with McDonald’s creamy vanilla soft serve, blended with chocolatecovered pretzel bits and topped with a rich caramel swirl – making it the perfect combination of salty and sweet. Is your mouth watering yet? Our fans know the Golden Arches is the place to be when a sweet and salty craving strikes – and we have just the perfect menu items to pair with the Chocolatey Pretzel McFlurry to hit the spot. If you have a sweet tooth… you’ll be SO excited to get a first taste of the rich chocolatey goodness and tasty caramel together. Even better, you’ll be first in line to compliment it with a scrumptious Apple Pie or a Chocolate Chip Cookie to satisfy your sweet craving. If you crave salty… you can’t wait to get a taste of the crunchy pretzel pieces. You’re definitely going to want to order a large World Famous Fry, or a
Organizers surprised Bishop Gordon with two check donations – a $50,000 check for the Oakland Diocesan Retreat House, and a $10,000 check for the Humanitarian Relief fund for Ukraine. Photos courtesy of Esther Misa Chavez
‘Gifted to Give’: Archdiocese of Oakland celebrates 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines
mouthwatering Big Mac® to pair with the dessert. Is there even such a thing as too much salt? As if. You can get your hands on the new Chocolatey Pretzel McFlurry,
along with the classic OREO® or M&M’s® McFlurry however you order your McDonald’s – in the restaurant, drive-thru or on the McDonald’s App for McDelivery. (Advertising Supplement)
SAN RAMON – It has been over 500 years since the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, under the banner of the Spanish King Carlos, shared his faith with the tribal King Humabon of Cebu and over 2,200 of his followers in 1521. Since then, the Catholic faith has spread throughout the Philippine archipelago composed of 7,701 islands. Today, 8 out of 10 of 112,273,356 Filipinos (as of May 2022), or 87%, are Catholics. It is the only predominantly Christian nation in Asia, and third largest in the world after Brazil and Mexico.
A short precession preceded the gala with Ms Philippines Tourism USA Bianca Tapia as Reyna Elena. Her escorts, carrying the flowered arc, are Deacon Paul Abenoja of St. Mary Magdalen Church and Deacon Fred Seril of St. Raymond Parish.
Bishop Michael Gordon, SJ, holding a miniature bronze statue of the Sto. Niño de Cebu.
Due to political and economic reasons, there are now 12 million Filipinos spread throughout the world – carrying with them their strong faith. It is said that Filipino expats in Europe, Middle East, the United States and elsewhere fill Catholic Churches that have been losing parishioners through migrations of their own. And Filipino priests have been following and servicing the spiritual needs of their flock across these nations. Fr. Carl Arcosa, Diocesan, Director for Vocations, said that in the Oakland Diocese alone, there are 15 to 17 Filipino priests and around 200,000 Filipino families. With this many Filipinos, the iconic Filipino tradition of the “Simbang Gabi” (nine dawn masses in anticipation of Christmas) is now being celebrated in 30 of the 82 parishes in the diocese. Bishop Michael C. Gordon, SJ of the Oakland Diocese has this to say, “500 years of the Catholic faith coming to the Philippines is a great testament to the faith of the Filipino people that they accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it took deep root. Filipino Catholics, priests and sisters have gone throughout the whole world and kept the faith alive in every place including Oakland and San Francisco. So, it’s really a great testament to their missionary zeal and fidelity to Christ. They brought their faith and handed them down to their families, to their children and their faith continues to grow because of the fidelity of Filipino Catholics.” “Gifted to Give” The generosity of the over 500 guests at the event which were mostly Filipinos, raised over $60,000 at this gala. The organizers surprised Bishop Gordon with a check in the amount of $50,000 as donation to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland for the Diocesan Retreat Center, and $10,000 for Humanitarian Assistance for Ukraine. Five years in the making Fr. Erick Villa, SJ, Parish
Priest of St. Raymond Parish of San Ramon, and organizer of the celebration, wrote this in their invitation, “After a series of symposia, fellowship and liturgies, the past five years, all roads lead to this colorful event that will be filled with conversations, culture, food, dancing, and memories to treasure for generations to come!” True enough, prior to the doors opening for the gala festivities at the San Ramon Marriott, last April 30, 2022, there were three food stations each loaded with a whole lechon, veggie lumpia and lumpiang Shanghai. A Sinulog parade preceded the dinner reception, with the “Reyna Elena,” Ms. Philippines USA Tourism Bianca Tapia, carrying a small bronze image of the Sto. Niño de Cebu, which was then enthroned at the ceremonial arc on stage. As any formal Filipino affair, a Rigodon de Honor was presented headed by Deacon Rey and Rose Encarnacion of St. Agnes Parish Concord, Geof and Pat Saturnino, Alex and Ler Paras of Holy Spirit Parish, Fremont; and Helen Cabiles and Johnny Veloso of St. Anne Parish, Union City. There were Folk dances from the Mabuhay Folklorico Society and patriotic songs by Ariel Mayormita of St. Joaquim Parish, and Fr. Theodbriel (Bong) R. Villariza, Jr., St. Michael Church, Livermore. Most of the guests wore their beautiful regional Filipino attire. Noel Panlilio, California State Council Knight of Columbus, said that the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines is a “… manifestation of our faith.” Indeed, it was an evening of giving, not only culturally, but spiritually. Before the evening ended, each of the over 500 guests were given a miniature bronze image of the Sto. Niño de Cebu blessed by Bishop Gordon. Before the distribution of the image, Fr. Villa prayed, “Grant us the grace that we need to continue Your mission.” (Esther Misa Chavez)
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