061822 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

JUNE 18-21, 2022 Volume 32 - No. 48 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages

Community calls for justice for Fil-Am family targeted in racist attack Arrest warrant issued for suspect

by DONNABELLE

AJPress

ARAVELO

FILIPINO American community members are calling on the Los Angeles Police Department to continue to investigate an incident during which a man violently attacked and hurled racial slurs against a Fil-Am family last month. A community rally held on Friday, June 17 outside the Los Angeles Superior Court in Van Nuys, California demanded that police conduct a full and thorough investigation into the verbal and physical charges the Roque family filed against Nicholas Weber on May 13 this

year. The rally was jointly organized by Filipino Migrant Center, the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns and Migrante Los Angeles. The groups also have issued a letter addressed to District Attorney George Gascón to “launch a full-scale criminal investigation on this hatemotivated attack.” “We are adamant that the suspect must be held responsible and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and we wholeheartedly support the Roque family’s decision to pursue justice,” the letter reads, adding, “Please help bring the Roque family peace

USA

DATELINE LA County residents urged to wear masks before mandate gets reinstated FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

LOS Angeles County residents are being reminded anew to take caution and stay protected against COVID-19, especially in indoor settings, before restrictions are reinstated. This warning to wear masks in public indoor settings comes as COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in the county are increasing since summer vacation and gatherings are jumpstarting. “Everybody who's indoors when they're around other people should have a well-fitting, high filtration mask on. There is a lot of virus circulating. Until we get to a much lower rate of transmission, there's no reason not to put  PAGE A7

Will the US overcome its complacency even as the COVID threat returns?

of mind in one of the darkest times of their lives.” An arrest warrant was issued on Thursday, June 16 against 31-year-old Weber from North Hollywood who failed to appear in court last June 8 to face charges of felony and misdemeanor battery hate crime. Attorney Sandy Roxas, the legal counsel of the Roque family, said since Weber is still at-large, he poses a great threat to her clients and the public. Senator-elect Robin Padilla takes his oath before President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang on Thursday night, June 16. With the actor“He (Weber) is still out turned-politician was wife and actress Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, their two children and mother, Eva Carino. Padilla topped the senatorial which is very dangerous. He race in the May 9 elections. Photo from Instagram/@marieltpadilla already had an arrest warrant but we do not know if the police are making any efforts  PAGE A2 Padilla is taking crash courses on the legislative by PAOLO ROMERO process even as he maintained that he is “100 Philstar.com percent” ready to take on the job as a member of MANILA — Senator-elect Robin Padilla took the Senate. He is expected to chair the Senate committee on his oath of office before President Duterte at constitutional amendments and revision of codes Malacañang on Thursday, June 16. According to the senator’s office, Padilla took his as he has been advocating a shift to a federal form oath at around 8:30 p.m. He was accompanied by of government. Many have commented on whether or not he members of his family, including his wife actress Mariel Rodriguez, their two daughters Gabriella is qualified to chair the panel, which would likely have legal luminaries and former justices as and Isabella and his mother Lolita Eva Cariño. In an Instagram post, Rodriguez thanked resource persons, but his fellow senators defended Duterte for administering the oath. She expressed him by saying that a non-lawyer can head the the belief that her husband will be “an amazing committee. and effective” senator. by PILAR MARRERO  PAGE A5

Duterte swears in Robin Padilla

County supervisors approve LA River Master Plan and land bank for affordable housing Ethnic Media Services

LOS ANGELES county moved unanimously on Tuesday, June 14 to approve an LA River Master Plan that will develop a variety of projects along 51 miles of river over the next several years, as well as a land bank with 50 million dollars in seed money to buy land near the river for affordable housing. County Supervisor Hilda Solis, who sponsored the motion about the Land Bank, called the approval “a momentous occasion” and said that she believes the plan “can and should offer lots of opportunities for people in our communities, particularly low-income people and people of color.” She said the plan is set to offer options to address access to green space, relief for rent-burdened communities, as well as opportunities for arts and culture. The Land Bank motion was offered as a companion to the updated Los Angeles River Master Plan as one way to prevent and relieve gentrification, displacement, and lack of affordable housing, said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, who co-sponsored the motion. “We can preserve the potential for affordable housing near the river to avoid gentrification,” noted Kuehl. “There

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by CATHERINE

S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile ManilaTimes.net photo

PRESIDENT-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has named three more appointees to his Cabinet, including former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile as his presidential legal counsel, his incoming press secretary Rose Beatrix “Trixie” Angeles announced Friday, June 17. In a statement, Angeles said that Marcos has chosen two legal luminaries and a former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff to fill critical posts in his Cabinet. “Among the new nominees is former Philippine Senate President

Juan Ponce Enrile, who will reenter public service as Presidential Legal Counsel-designate six years after announcing his retirement from politics in 2016,” she said. Enrile, a staunch supporter of Marcos and Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio during the 2022 elections, reaffirmed his commitment to serve the country and ensure the success of the incoming Marcos administration. “I will devote my time and knowledge for the republic and for BBM because I want him to succeed,” Enrile said as quoted by Angeles. Angeles said the 98-year-old statesman has served the Filipino

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Trust in news among Filipinos rises

A FEW months ago, it seemed as though the country was poised to finally tame the pandemic, after two years of restrictions and tens of billions in government spending. The Biden administration in March released the first national COVID-19 preparedness plan to help Americans safely “return to normal,” a strategy to live with the continued presence of the virus and the emergence of new variants. In response, elected representatives and much of the country essentially sighed, seemingly preferring to move on and give up the fight. Congress has failed to approve more spending for free testing, treatments, and vaccines. Local governments lifted mandates and many people have stopped wearing masks,

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Marcos taps Enrile as presidential legal counsel

by YVONNE

T. CHUA

Philstar.comm

Philstar.com photo

MANILA — Overall trust in news among Filipinos has risen, putting the Philippines among the few countries that have furthered gains made at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the higher trust level is accompanied by declining trust ratings of individual news brands, falling interest in news and even news avoidance, according to the Digital News Report

2022 released globally on June 15 by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. A total of 2,023 adult Filipinos were among the 93,432 people from 46 media markets in six continents polled online between January 18 and February 2 for what has become the most comprehensive global study of news consumption trends. The proportion of Filipinos who say they “can trust most news most of the time” has gone up to 37% this year amid

a surge of COVID-19 cases around the time the survey was conducted. The 5-point gain is the second biggest among the seven countries with increased trust levels this year led by South Africa (61%, up 9 points). Levels of trust are lower in 21 countries and are at a similar level in 18. However, the country’s trust score still falls below this year’s global average of 42% and ranks fourth lowest among the 11 markets in the Asia-Pacific

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Community calls for justice for... PAGE A1 to apprehend him. That is why we having this rally so that the public could show support for the family and to show the DA’s office and show the law enforcement that they have a lot of community support,” Roxas told the Asian Journal in an interview. Around 10 p.m. on May 13, Patricia Roque, 19, and her mom, Nerissa, were getting late-night snacks at the McDonald’s drive-thru on Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood when a dark blue jeep, driven by Weber, hit their car from behind. As Patricia thought it was just a simple case of a hit-andrun, she went out of the car and started taking cellphone videos of the damages to their car. This was when the suspect went to the side of their car and started throwing racial slurs with a mock Asian accent. The suspect threatened them by saying, “I’ll kill you,” Patricia recounted. While waiting for the police to respond to their 911 call, Patricia called her dad, Gabriel, who arrived in time to stop Weber who was trying to enter the car to get to Patricia. In the process of stopping the suspect from hurting his daughter who was seated in the passenger’s seat of the car, the 62-year-old father was pushed down to the pavement by the suspect. Gabriel suffered injuries, including a broken rib and bruises on his arms. “My family and I were victims of anti-Asian hate. What initially started off as a minor traffic collision quickly escalated to verbal and physical assaults. We were taunted, ridiculed, and belittled because of our appearance as Asian Americans. Specifically, the suspect called us ‘ching chong’ and made squinting eye motions as he verbally threatened us,” Patricia Roque told the Asian Journal. The young Roque said they have waited for almost an hour for police to arrive at the scene. “We called the police, but they were slow to respond, so we called my dad for help.

When my dad arrived, the suspect continued to verbally assault us and attempted to open our car door as I was seated in the passenger seat. When my father tried to stop the suspect from further attacking us, the suspect viciously attacked my dad by beating him and throwing him on the ground,” she narrated. After attacking her father, Weber reportedly turned to her mother and strangled her. “My mom tried to intervene to stop the attack on my dad. At that point, the suspect turned his anger and hate towards my mom and started strangling her with his bare hands. We all screamed for help. We all pleaded for the suspect to stop,” Patricia said. She said luckily, a bystander helped stop Weber from further attacking her family. When the police finally arrived, Weber was taken by an ambulance to the hospital and later on, was released with a citation to appear in court last June 8 but he never did. Roxas said the victims are fearing for their lives as the suspect reportedly resides in the same neighborhood. “He lives in North Hollywood, too. It is very dangerous for our clients to be in the same city as he is. If he sees them, he could hurt them, that’s dangerous,” she said. According to Roxas, their hands are tied and they cannot do anything about the case until Weber is apprehended. “There’s nothing we can do right now until he is taken into custody. All we can do is to ask law enforcement to try to look for him, go to his home, go to his job, go find him because they know how to find him, because they have his information. Once he is arrested, he will be arraigned and read the charges against him,” she said. Living in the U.S. for more than 10 years, Gabriel and Nerissa never thought something like this would happen to their family. “We are just seeing stories about hate crimes on television. We can’t believe this had happened to us,” said Gabriel,

who works as an accountant. He had to take time off work leave due to the injuries he sustained from Weber’s attack. “We hope that the authorities would seriously look into these hate crimes,” said Nerissa, a caregiver and a member of the Filipino Migrant Center. “Nobody, whatever the color of their skin, deserves this kind of treatment.” The 47-year-old mother of three said that the family will choose not to live in fear, despite the harrowing attack. “The fear will not disappear any time soon but we need to be strong for our family. We cannot live with fear. We should stand together against these hate crimes,” she said. “There is no doubt that the suspect’s actions and attacks were motivated by hate. This was the most traumatic experience of our lives. I feared that the suspect would kill us because of what we looked like—because we are Asian,” Patricia said. This fight, Gabriel said, is not only for their family but for all underrepresented groups living here in the U.S. “Authorities should show these perpetrators that they don’t just do this crime to whoever they want. They should know that there’s a law that prevents them from doing these. They should be held liable for persecuting or hurting people just because they look different,” he said. The Roque family is continuing to call for a full investigation and “demand that this case be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Patricia said. During this ordeal, Patricia said they are grateful for the support they are getting from the Filipino community here. “We thank the community for supporting us at this difficult time. The Filipino American and Asian American communities have rallied behind us, so we know we are not alone,” she said. The Filipino Migrant Center, meanwhile, has created a fundraiser on its website for the Roque family’s physical and emotional recovery. 

WELCOMING PBBM. Workers put up a tarpaulin welcoming President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, June 15 at the Philippine Information Agency building on Visayas Avenue, Barangay Vasra, Quezon City. Congress declared Marcos the presidential winner after he amassed more than 31 million votes in the official tally. PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

County supervisors approve LA River... PAGE A1 are many precedents for this type of project around the country.” The five supervisors backed the plans for the River and the Land Bank even after a group of environmental and community groups that had participated in the steering committee that advised the Master Plan, pulled their support for it the day before. During a press conference at Maywood Riverfront Park, representatives of these groups had harsh words for the Master Plan and the county leadership. They argued the process for updating the plan was not inclusive enough and that their views for the river were not taken into account. “Today, LA County is adopting a plan for a river that they don´t even recognize is a river,” said Bruce Resnik, executive director of LA Water Keepers. “A lot of our groups tried to participate in good faith over years to get the county to take seriously the idea of restoring the LA river back to health. We felt our voices were ignored over that time,” he added. Isiah Mendoza, a representative of Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples and a member of the Tongva tribe, said that the

plan reflects “the current colonial moment, where our participation is like the river: channelized, controlled and manipulated.” She said indigenous participation was “limited to a tokenizing and performative event at the Autry Museum.” Tay Costa, from Friends of the LA River said the plan “doesn’t do anything for our community, and that they took no consideration for nature-based solutions… providing more concrete.” But back at the Board of Supervisor’s discussion of the plan, Public Works Department Executive Director Mark Pastrella defended their outreach to community groups over the last several years and said the groups now critical of the plan “worked with us to reach out to communities…we respect them.” He said, however, that the groups were hoping to see concrete removed from the river, which was channelized years ago to provide flood control. He added that the channel provides protection to residential areas that “almost every year, face tremendous flows of waters.” Removing concrete would require building more dams, reducing habitats, and displacing

more than 100,000 people now living near the river, he added. The Master Plan’s most controversial component is a project by famed architect Frank Gehry, whose firm participated in the design process, to build a South East LA Cultural Center with elevated platform parks over the river’s concrete basin. The county supervisors asked Pastrella to continue engaging with the community groups. “I know there are groups that want to reimagine a different type of setting to naturalize the river,” said supervisor Solis. “I too had that dream, but I understand there are barriers to that.” Jon Christensen, an environmental historian at UCLA, said a poll conducted last year by the Center for the Study of Los Angeles and Ethnic Media Services, showed strong public support for the revitalization of the river. The Master Plan presents lots of options that will require further action,” said Christensen. “This is not an either-or argument. The Master Plan includes a lot of anti-displacement measures, workforce development, support for small businesses, protection of affordable housing.” 

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DATELINE USA

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Marcos taps Enrile as presidential legal... PAGE A1 people in various roles for the past 50 years, including interim Secretary of Finance from 1966 to 1968, secretary of Justice from 1968 to 1970, and minister of National Defense from 1972 to 1986. “Enrile’s impeccable legal acumen enabled him to serve four terms in the Senate, where he also became the 21st Senate President during the Fifteenth Congress from 2008 to 2013,” she added. Meanwhile, Marcos has picked outgoing Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra as his Solicitor General and former AFPchief of staff, retired Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., as senior undersecretary and officer-in-charge of the Department of National Defense (DND)

Angeles said Guevarra has accepted the nomination as Solicitor-General-designate during his meeting with Marcos on Thursday, June 16.. Before being appointed as ad interim Justice secretary in 2018, Guevarra was the deputy executive secretary of President Rodrigo Duterte. Meanwhile, Angeles said Faustino accepted Marcos’ offer to be the DND’s OIC during their meeting with incoming National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos also on Thursday. This post “would later assume as Secretary on November 13, 2022, in compliance with the one-year ban on the appointment of retired military officers under Republic Act 6975,” Angeles said.

Faustino, a graduate of the “Maringal” Class of 1988, is a well-respected Mindanao veteran who has served under the special forces, infantry, and intelligence posts. He was also the commander of the Joint Task Force Mindanao and was a commanding General of the Philippine Army before being appointed AFP Chief of Staff. The recent nominations made by Marcos highlight his commitment to encouraging economic development and inclusive growth, as he has vowed to prioritize Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, Infrastructure development, Digital infra, Job creation, and the Utilization of renewable energy, Angeles said. 

Duterte swears in Robin... PAGE A1 The briefing for neophyte senators was dubbed “Executive Mentoring on Legislative Governance: Setting the tone for the first 100 days in the 19th Congress.” It was led by Senate

Deputy Secretary Edwin Bellen, who gave a talk on plenary procedures and processes at the committee level. Padilla earlier said he found all the lessons easy so far as he wanted to do what was being

taught him. “I was just adjusting a bit. I was summa cum laude in cutting classes before. But now it’s different, I’m the one looking for something to do,” he joked in Filipino. 

Trust in news among Filipinos... PAGE A1 region. The Philippines started from a low 27% in 2020 when it was first included in the annual study. GMA Network continues to enjoy the highest trust score among the 15 brands included in the survey (70% who have heard of the brand find it trustworthy), followed again by Manila Bulletin (66%). The Philippine Daily Inquirer and Super Radyo DZBB (both 65%) have climbed to third spot, displacing The Philippine Star (64%), now fourth-ranked. PDI was in fourth spot and DZBB in fifth last year. Included for the first time among the brands Filipino respondents were asked to rate as trustworthy or not was SunStar,a network of community newspapers. SunStar’s score of 55% puts it ahead of ABSCBN (52%), Abante (47%) and Rappler (46%). On the whole, trust in news brands has slid this year, save for Abante, DZBB, Rappler and Teleradyo. Abante and Rappler were among the few brands whose trust scores tumbled last year when others were holding steady. This year’s DNR shows ABS-

CBN and TV5 incurring the biggest drop in trust ratings (each shedding 5 points), followed by GMA Network, Philippine Star and local newspapers (each by 4 points). Like other countries, the proportion of Filipinos very or extremely interested in news has fallen sharply, a global trend which, the report said, “has accelerated despite the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.” Interest in news is down 10 points to 55% across all age groups in the Philippines. It is lowest among “social natives” (43%), or Filipinos ages 18 to 24 who largely grew up with the social, participatory web. Interest among “digital natives,” or those ages 25 to 34 who largely grew up in the information age but before the rise of social networks, is also below average (51%). In general, Filipinos express the greatest interest in local news (59%), followed by news about the coronavirus (53%), climate change and the environment (52%), and politics (51%).By age groups, however, social natives are most interested in education (48%) and culture (37%), the

survey shows. DNR 2022 tracked news avoidance—rationing or limiting one’s exposure to news—among an average of 38% of adults in the 46 markets. The figure is higher in the Philippines: 47% often or sometimes turn away from news, jumping to 75% if the proportion of Filipinos who occasionally avoid news is added. News avoiders in the country say they are put off by “too much” news (57%), especially too much coverage of subjects such as politics and the coronavirus (44%), as well as news that have a negative effect on their mood (32%), and unworthy and biased news (31%). In fact, a third of Filipinos question the independence of news organizations from undue political and business interests, according to DNR 2022. Only a little over a fourth believe in their independence. More Filipinos also say that all or most news organizations put commercial interests (37%) and political interests (34%) ahead of what is best for society (30% and 28%, respectively).

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OPINION

FEATURES

No to red-tagging

TOO bad he has only two weeks left in office, and too bad his views were apparently brushed aside by the concerned agency. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said this week that instead of labeling certain individuals or groups as communists or sympathizers, appropriate charges should be filed against them if there is sufficient evidence. Conflict, which has been accused of red-tagging activists critical of the Duterte administration. NTF-ELCAC officials have denied this, saying they simply get their information from materials posted by the Communist Party of the Philippines itself and its political arm, the National Democratic Front. The CPP and NDF together with their armed wing, the New People’s Army, are listed as terrorist organizations in the Philippines, the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom and several other countries. There are laws against terrorism and charges based on these laws can be filed against those who engage in the listed offenses. The secretary of justice is a member of the Anti-Terrorism Council, which identifies the persons or groups to be classified as terrorists. Guevarra agreed with the lament of activists

who deny links to the CPP-NPANDF, that red-tagging puts their lives at risk. If there is no solid evidence for such labeling and there is no cause to file formal charges, Guevarra says the better tack is a whole of nation approach that among other things entices suspected insurgents to return to the fold of the law. The incoming national security adviser, retired University of the Philippines political science professor Clarita Carlos, also frowns on redtagging, and echoes Guevarra’s call for the filing of formal charges if evidence warrants. There are existing laws detailing a wide range of offenses, which can be invoked in filing such complaints, Carlos has said. The national security adviser sits as the vice chair of the NTF-ELCAC. Perhaps she will be more receptive to the views expressed by Guevarra, and act accordingly. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Marcos Jr.’s foreign policy: A new era?

Horizons

RICHARD HEYDARIAN “AMERICAN occupation of the Philippines was the highest blessing that ever befell the Filipinos similar in a way to the advent of Spain,” declared Elpidio Quirino, during his Rizal Day speech in 1947. Years earlier, our first postwar president Manuel Roxas was equally effusive about our former colonizers. Amid growing social awareness of colonial injustices, he described America as “our mother, our protector, our liberator and now our benefactor” and reassured Washington that “[o]ur feeling toward America is not represented by the loud complaints of an articulate few in our midst.” The words of our former presidents are particularly shocking since the Philippines

is the home to Asia’s first anticolonial revolt. It also came on the heels of Manuel Quezon’s years-long quest to end American colonization; in fact, the Commonwealth-era president was so committed to our independence that, perhaps in a moment of exalted frustration, he declared, “I would rather have a government run like hell by Filipinos than a government run like heaven by Americans.” Former senator Claro M. Recto had a term for our long tradition of strategic subservience to former colonizers: a “mendicant” foreign policy. In a particularly eloquent speech before the Nacionalista Party, Recto lamented how, “the weaklings, the sycophants, and the mendicants, who, to extricate the nation from misery they have brought about, have surrendered [the] political sovereignty and economic independence [of

the Philippines to] exploiters and oppressors.” Benigno Aquino Jr. another fiery senator of his era, was equally distraught. In a heartfelt essay for the Foreign Affairs magazine, he lamented how “Filipinos are bewildered about their identity.” Aquino fretted at how Filipinos ended up as “Asian people not Asian in the eyes of their fellow Asians and not Western in the eyes of the West.” In short, we were not only overly dependent on a former colonizer, effectively outsourcing our national security to Washington, but also struggled with fundamental identity issues decades into our formal independence. Half a century later, as America’s imperial power peaked, longtime provincial mayor Rodrigo Duterte tried to transform the Philippines’ strategic culture by consciously embracing an “independent” foreign policy. Yet, his brazenly pro-Beijing

predilections, combined with personal resentments toward the West, ended up weakening our traditional alliances without necessarily strengthening our position in the West Philippine Sea. A geopolitical novice, Mr. Duterte easily fell for China’s “pledge trap,” namely all those unfulfilled pledges of big ticket infrastructure investments. For some, the populist president was simply changing one strategic patron for the other. If there is one Filipino president who came closest to achieving a semblance of strategic “independence” for the Philippines, it was no less than former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. To be clear, his regime was deeply corrupt and brutal, overseeing a destructive war in Mindanao. And his economic policies ended up catastrophically for the whole nation. Yet, Marcos’ foreign policy closely resembled what

political scientists describe as “subaltern realism,” whereby weaker postcolonial nations can maximize their strategic room for maneuver by adopting robust and interlocking ties with rival powers for the purpose of national development. While maintaining a strong military alliance with Washington, Marcos also pursued economic relations with the Soviet Union and was also among the first U.S. allies to normalize diplomatic ties with Maoist China. Not to mention, Marcos also oversaw the Philippines’ proactive occupation of disputed land features in the West Philippine Sea, including the establishment of an airstrip on Pag-asa Island. Just weeks following his election victory, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is signaling that his foreign policy will be neither one of strategic subservience to the West nor driven by

fruitless flirtation with China. If anything, he seems to be taking a page from his father’s strategic playbook by, inter alia, simultaneously pursuing warm ties with all major regional powers, including the U.S., India, China, South Korea, and Japan. In fact, his appointment of Dr. Clarita Carlos, who is deeply familiar with the strategic culture and foreign policy bureaucracy of the Marcos era, as his national security adviser is quite telling. If we want to be respected as a truly independent nation, we need to dispense with both a “mendicant” strategic mindset as well as “amateur hour” antics in our foreign policy. Let’s see what the Marcos Jr. administration has to offer once in office. (Inquirer.net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints e x p re s s e d b y t h e a u t h o r d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

All the president’s men Commentary

GERONIMO L. SY IN the series of presidential debates and in campaign rallies, one constant is the candidates’ announcement of their various plans for the government once elected into office. These are the necessary pronouncements to entice and convince the people in their search for leaders. Indeed, is there a politician without a promise? “Plataporma” is distilled into slogans and acronyms that are a candidate’s avowed priorities. Health, corruption, peace and order, drugs, infrastructure, sovereignty, social welfare, and justice are among the common issues tackled. The solutions are known in the literature of best practices. The key question is — who will make the plans happen? The country suffers from severe institutional weakness because of the lack of dedicated and competent managers. An institution in the executive department is composed of the secretary as CEO, the senior and middle management, and the supervisory, operations, and frontline personnel. Every president must search, vet, and select at least 5,000 appointees to various positions. It is the

most difficult task. Imagine the challenge of hiring a good manager, one reliable driver, and a single trustworthy assistant. From a management perspective, a leader only has to pick the most qualified individuals, and he can effectively govern as the key decision-maker and arbiter of conflicts that may arise. Delegation is the competency required for any successful chief executive. The criteria for appointment are well known. If not followed, a newbie will start with a steep learning curve. In my estimation and with a lot of hard work, that would take at least six months up to a year or longer, if the candidate’s background does not jibe with the needed competencies for the office. In the private sector, a company will recruit only the best and brightest to ensure the survival of the enterprise. Key persons are identified and retained. A succession plan is in place with a continuous program to train the next set of executives. The government does not do this well, if at all. It leads to mediocrity in the service that becomes a disservice to the public. The president needs to deeply understand technical, legal, and regulatory frameworks, the multiplicity of stakeholders and interest groups, the insiders and fixers, and above all, the constituents who are relied upon to run the bureaucracy. He also needs to

assemble his own team of at least 10 to possibly 50 people to head major units. This is another trial. In the meantime, the demands of the office come in deluge. There is no time to pause and to think. Every day is a breathless exercise of playing catch up and trying to set priorities. Actions are invariably reactionary and piecemeal. This is not counting emergencies or controversies that may or will flare up. Soon after the oath is taken, the budget season descends with only half a year to pass one. As it is, only half of the previous budget is aligned with the priorities of the current leadership. Fast forward to the midterm elections now less than three years away with new alignments. Then, the sprint at the end of the term with the last few months devoted to a new campaign, with new promises amidst a government in standstill. There is not much in between to get the right things done properly. The bureaucracy grinds and bears, and survives. A month after our national elections, the Cabinet is yet to be formed. Announcements of appointees are made amid speculations and the lobbying of power blocs, one name at a time. It is only when they are revealed that the possible direction of the departments takes shape. It is good for drama but bad for governance. It is recognized that certain accommodations may be

made as part of the political landscape. But awareness of their impact on the here and now and in the legacy of future generations compels a handholding or close supervision at the minimum to lessen the risk of failure. Putting in place a team of professionals and specialists will serve a similar purpose. In many other countries, presidential candidates present their initial team at the beginning of the campaign season. More important than a set of promises, it is the lineup of men and women who are honest, competent, and dedicated that will determine the sincerity and success of any administration. In a sense, winning an election is the easier part of the journey. What comes after — the burden of governance — is the test upon which any president rises or falls. of matching plans with the men and women to implement them. It will establish certainty in the departments, whether for continuance or change. It will also forestall infighting among allies. Most importantly, it will allow the citizens a preview of what kind of government to expect. (Inquirer.net) ***

Inforgraphic by 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.

*** Geronimo L. Sy is a former assistant secretary at the Department of Justice.

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LA County residents urged to wear masks before... PAGE A1 a mask on when you're indoors,” LA County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said during a news conference on Thursday, June 16. The county is considered in the “medium” level of COVID activity according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It could move into the “high” category if the average daily

rate of new COVID-related hospitalizations rises above 10 per 100,000 residents. It could also be considered high if the percentage of staffed hospital beds occupied by COVID positive patients tops 10%. Masks remain mandatory in high-risk settings such as health care facilities, aboard transit vehicles and in transit centers and airports, in correctional

facilities and at long-term care facilities. As of Thursday, June 16, the county reported 4,583 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 3,051,930 cases to date. Nine additional deaths were reported, for a total of 32,245 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Currently, 605 people are hospitalized related to COVID-19. (AJPress)

Will the US overcome its complacency even...

PAGE A1

even in crowded indoor spaces. Two-thirds of those who waited in line for hours to receive their initial vaccinations seem less willing to walk into a pharmacy to get a free booster, leaving themselves more susceptible to the omicron variants. The pandemic response has become mild-mannered and performative, backed by neither money, urgency, nor enforcement. Although the Biden administration has requested $22.5 billion more COVID funding — warning of 100 million possible infections and a wave of deaths this fall — the Senate has considered providing less than half that much. Even that amount is stalled because lawmakers have tied it to immigration issues. Without those funds, the government can’t maintain the programs that have effectively flattened the curve of the pandemic thus far; it can’t, for example, purchase shots so that all Americans can be vaccinated for free and may need to ration future vaccines. Tired of policing, many, if not most, stores and workplaces have dropped their mask mandates, even during local COVID surges. Where they’re in place, they’re often poorly enforced. Likewise, the campaigns urging people to be vaccinated have largely tailed off when it comes to boosters, even though many scientists contend the “booster” is not really an addon but an essential component of protection. Vaccinations against other illnesses require three or more shots to complete a full course (three shots for hepatitis B; four for polio; five for diphtheria). And yet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not updated the definition of “fully vaccinated” for air travel to the U.S. and only

“recommends” a booster. Many states define COVID vaccination as having received two shots, not three. Already the toll of this collective complacency is clear: In January and February, people who’d been “fully vaccinated” accounted for more than 40% of COVID deaths — more than twothirds of them hadn’t gotten a third shot. One million Americans have died from COVID-19 — far more per capita than in any other developed country; a new variant is doubling case rates in some states; and more than 300 people are dying a day. Here’s the issue: Public health needs — but doesn’t have — a sexy narrative. That’s because if public health officials are respected, well funded, and allowed to do their jobs, here’s the result: Nothing happens. Outbreaks don’t lead to pandemics. Patients stop smoking, eat healthier, and lose weight. People wear their masks and get their shots. Testing is free, convenient, and widely available. But without a good narrative, public health infrastructure gets little attention from politicians and voters — unless a pandemic is raging. It is ignored and lawmakers potentially defund it as soon as a crisis appears to ebb. Public health is fought without drama or good visuals and by ordinary people in lab coats or, more likely, in street clothes, going door to door for things like vaccine distribution and contact tracing. There are, of course, structural issues that have hampered the pandemic response of our leading public health institutions like the CDC and the FDA. Their pace is slow, their technology outdated, they were undermined and disrespected by former President Donald Trump,

and, perhaps most important, command lines to local public health departments proved weak or nonexistent. After 9/11, many states, counties, and cities — to save money or redirect it to counterterrorism efforts — defunded and hollowed out public health departments to the point of near extinction. Since the 2008 recession, at least 38,000 state and local public health jobs have been eliminated, according to a KHN and Associated Press analysis. That’s partly why states and cities have yet to spend much of the $2.25 billion allocated in March 2021 by the Biden administration to help reduce COVID disparities. There are now too few on-the-ground public health officials who know how to spend it. We see the value of lifeboats, though we hope ocean liners never sink. We happily fund fire inspections, though we hope never to have our homes threatened by fire. Why shouldn’t we apply the same thinking to our investment in the local health department? Two years ago, pre-vaccine, the images of dying people on ventilators saying goodbye on iPads, doctors in hazmat suits, and portable morgues in hospital parking lots briefly engaged everyone in the need for public health resources, and Congress stepped up. Now, with mass shootings, the war in Ukraine, and economic challenges like inflation dominating attention, the public has moved on. But the threat hasn’t gone away. And there will be a price to pay in unnecessary illness, deaths, and disruptions if the nation doesn’t maintain the actions needed to contain the inevitable COVID waves to come. (Elisabeth Rosenthal/ Kaiser Health News)

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES

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PH elected to seat at UNCLOS implementing body MANILA — The Philippines was elected to a seat at the United Nations body that implements guidelines establishing the limits of the continental shelf of coastal states. On Thursday, June 16, Manila time, the Philippine Mission to the UN said Manila won a seat in the Asia-Pacific Group of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), which aims to implement the guidelines of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The UNCLOS provides that a coastal state’s continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles “from the baselines from which the

breadth of the territorial sea is measured.” “Philippine candidate Deputy Administrator Efren P. Carandang is one of the country’s most eminently qualified technical expert for the CLCS, with quality management skills,” the Philippine Mission to the UN said in a Twitter post. The country won with a majority vote of 113 votes out of the 164 state parties present and voting “after four tough rounds of voting.” Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teddy Locsin Jr. thanked China for casting a vote for the Philippines. “We have differences, sure; we tried but failed to bridge

them but the endeavor was sincere; we are patriots each of our respective causes; but we have a deep respect and genuine affection for each other,” Locsin said in a post on Thursday. China has been dismissing a 2016 tribunal ruling that invalidated its nine-dash claim over the South China Sea, which includes an area of the West Philippine Sea. However, Locsin earlier said he was “extremely disappointed” that Australia did not support the Philippines’ bid for the CLCS seat. It is the Philippines’ first time to serve in the commission, with a term starting 2023 until 2028. (Philstar.com)

Despite super majority, Senate won’t be rubber stamp – Angara by CECILLE

SUERTE Philstar.com

FELIPE

MANILA — Despite having a super majority, the Senate in the 19th Congress will not be a rubber stamp of the administration of president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a senator gave this assurance on Thursday, June 16. In an interview with “The Chiefs” on OneNews, Sen. Sonny Angara said senators in the 19th Congress will be “critical collaborators” and keep the tradition of overseeing the checks and balances in the executive department. “Just the mere fact of a super majority does not mean Congress will become a rubber stamp. So I think if you look at previous

Congresses, the previous Senate even where there was a super majority, administration measures were also scrutinized, and some may have been passed, but they were in a form that was not necessarily the form originally proposed by Malacañang,” Angara pointed out. “So I think that is the role of the Senate that makes it very unique in our democracy, and that’s a role we want to preserve,” he added. He assured the public that the role of the Senate to ensure checks and balances in the executive department will not disappear during Marcos’ time. Angara noted that the Senate also did not approve the

reimposition of death penalty even when the Duterte administration was also pushing for it. Although only Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III and Sen. Risa Hontiveros indicated plans to be part of the minority, Angara described them as “two very capable senators.” He added that “in the way to really achieve progress, everyone must work together on common advocacies. Common cooperation between the legislative and the executive branches has resulted in very good laws over the years and benefits to our people.” Among the fruits of this cooperation, he noted, are the laws on free tuition for college and on universal health care. 

Trust in news among Filipinos... PAGE A5

These days, 73% of Filipinos turn to social media for news, their consumption being the fifth-highest among the 46 markets surveyed. More than half of them (56%) also use social media, messaging or email to share news, up from 47% the previous year. But TV news viewing still commands a sizable 60% of adult Filipinos. According to this year’s report, GMA Network remains the most accessed brand on a weekly basis offline (57%) and online (51%), followed by ABS-CBN (41% both offline and online). Before its freeto-air stations were shuttered in 2020, ABS-CBN had cornered a 60% following offline and 54% online. When looking for news online, the survey found Filipinos paying most attention to not only specific brands (44%) but also specific journalists or commentators (40%).

CHECKPOINT. Lieutenant Alnor Tagara, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 10 Police Community Precinct-2 (PCP-2) Commander, checks the documents presented by a rider at a police checkpoint along Mother Ignacia Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday, June 16. Checkpoints are set up for police visibility and to deter riding-in-tandem criminals. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

US, PH Marine Corps conclude bilateral training exercise MANILA — The U.S. Marine Corps and Philippine Marine Corps concluded two weeks of bilateral training as part of Marine Aviation Support Activity 22.1, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines said on Friday morning, June 17. The bilateral exercise was held from June 6 to 17 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, at the Antonio Batista Air Base in Palawan with the end goal of increasing the PMC and USMC’s interoperability and improving aviation-related capabilities in support of U.S.Philippine mutual defense. “Training side by side increases our combined military capability, but also our friendship, which directly contributes to the strength of our alliance. This exercise builds on decades of cooperation, friendship, and shared experience,” said

Unlike in other countries where its share of news consumers has been waning, Facebook remains the mostly widely used platform for newsin the Philippines. Almost three-quarters (73%) of Filipinos still rely on it for news. TikTok, however, has emerged as a significant new player, used by mere 2% for news in 2020 and now by 15% in the Philippines, which now ranks third among the 46 markets in usage of the video sharing platform for news. A number of news organizations have correspondingly moved into TikTok. Yet nearly a third (30%) of Filipinos feel the amount of news on the platform is not enough. A slightly higher proportion (34%) think the same of Instagram, also accessed by 15% for news in the country. Interestingly, those who think there isn’t enough news on TikTok are older Filipinos or those ages 45 up (41%) rather than social natives

U.S. Marine Forces Pacific Commanding General Lt. Gen. Steven Rudder in a statement of the U.S. Embassy. This exercise, which the U.S. Embassy said was meant "to rehearse and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures for command and control of aircraft together in support of mutual defense and a free and open Indo-Pacific," marked a first with the inaugural deployment of the TPS-80 Ground/Air Oriented Radar in the country. Units from the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Naval Air Wing also participated in the exercise. “The MASA 22.1 exercise in Palawan is important for our Marine forces and aviators to enhance our effectiveness and readiness to protect our territory. It will also improve

our interoperability with the U.S. Marine Corps and contribute to our longstanding alliance with the U.S. armed forces,” said PMC 3rd Marine Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Jimmy Larida. MASA 22.1 included integrated and joint interoperability activities such as coastal defense, forward arming and refueling, and subject matter expert exchanges for small unmanned aviation systems and engineering. Marine Air Control Squadron 4 employed the G/ATOR in Laoag to provide airspace surveillance and air defense in support of theater security cooperation and enhanced bilateral training. MASA 22.2, scheduled for July 18 to 22, is set to include combined tactical and heliborne training between USMC and PMC partner units. (Philstar.com)

(24%) and digital natives (27%). In contrast, 40% of social natives say Instagram doesn’t carry enough news. A surprising finding in this year’s survey is that more people in all 46 markets say they prefer to read online news in text rather than watch online news videos. The Philippines, however, has among the smallest proportions that mostly read news in text (47%) and the biggest proportion of people that mostly watch online news videos (26%). Some 57% of Filipinos consume news via YouTube, the highest among the 46 markets. Concern over online misinformation has eased somewhat among Filipinos: 56% say they worry about identifying what is real and fake news online, down from 59% a year ago. The Philippines, however, is one of three countries where political misinformation (64%) is more widely seen than doubtful claims around COVID-19 (61%). This is no surprise: The DNR survey was conducted some three months before the May 9 general election, which was marked by a high volume of disinformation. 

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Fraud and entering the US under an assumed name – just some of the immigration issues that Atty. Gurfinkel answers on part 3 of a series of Q&A on Citizen Pinoy CITIZEN Pinoy’s “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Chicago is now on its third installment, and leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answers more immigration questions from Kapamilya in the “Windy City” and its neighboring areas. Josephine’s niece was petitioned by a nursing home, but the business closed and the lawyer helping her was disbarred. She wants to know what they can do since the USCIS denied the petition and accused her niece of fraud. Ludi petitioned his son in 2016, and the son is now residing in the U.S. Ludi asks if his son can apply for his green card without having to return

to the Philippines. Albert entered the U.S. under an assumed name and wants to know how he can legalize his status. Peter asks how difficult it is to sponsor his girlfriend in Manila so she can get a tourist visa. Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions and more in Part 3 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” with Kapamilya from Chicago. Watch this brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 19 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET thru select Cable/ Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

Ogie denies marital problems with Regine By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA singer Ogie Alcasid denied rumors that he and wife Regine Velasquez have marital problems. He took to his Twitter account to clarify the issue. “I have read some tweets about my wife and I having marital problems,” he said. “For the record, wifey and I are so much in love and there has not been a day where that love has for each has ever diminished,” he added. In another tweet, Ogie hoped that his followers will experience great love. “Guys, I wish you would really experience great love. It truly is a blessing,” he wrote. Ogie and Regine are set to celebrate their 12th Kapamilya singer Regine Velasquez with husband Ogie Alcasid. wedding anniversary this December. They have a son, Photo from Instagram/@ogiealcasid Nathaniel. g

YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT IN CHICAGO, PART 3. Leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel (center) answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in Chicago, in Part 3 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot.” Some of the questions Atty. Gurfinkel answers are – From Albert (2nd from left): I entered the U.S. under an assumed name. How can I get myself legalized?; From Ludi (2nd from right): I petitioned my son in 2016. He is now residing in the U.S. Can he apply for a green card without having to return to the Philippines? Watch this third installment of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Chicago on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 19 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

‘Chill’ father Tonton’s advice to his daughters

By allan

PolicarPio Inquirer.net

IN terms of parenting style, Tonton Gutierrez would like to think of himself as a “chill” father. “As a father, anything goes. I can be strict, cheerful and playful. I play along to whatever situation that comes. I’m not uptight with my kids,” he said in a recent virtual conference. But if there’s one thing the 54-year-old actor is particular about with his children, Aneeza, 16, and Aneeka, 9, it’s their studies. He has no problem should his two daughters decide

to follow in his and his wife Glydel Mercado’s footsteps in show biz. But schooling, he said, should be the top priority. “Glydel and I agreed that it’s best for the kids to finish their studies first. Finish school and then do whatever you want to do—it’s all up to you. I tell them to make their Ate Janine (Gutierrez, their cousin), who made sure to finish college first before pursuing show biz, [their role model],” Tonton related. Interest in acting Of his two daughters, it’s his eldest, Aneeza—much to his surprise—who has shown interest

in acting so far. She tested the waters two years ago and took part in the movie “Jolly Spirit Squad” top-billed by Joaquin Domagoso. “Her mom gave her permission to accept the offer. Aneeza is quiet and introverted so I never expected her to say yes to the project. When Glydel told me that Aneeza is doing a movie, it felt out of nowhere and it was jawdropping. I said, ‘Pumayag siya? Talaga? I was shocked!’” Tonton said of Aneeza, who recently graduated high school from Miriam College. But as unexpected as it was, the PAGE B3

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Las Vegas to evolve as future new entertainment, sports capital of the world By realTor

FelY QUiTeviS-BaTeMan

THE potential is great for Las Vegas, and many companies are taking the opportunity to develop projects in the city. The Oak View Group, which is slated to build on 25 acres south of the Las Vegas Strip, recently released more details on its planned development, which it says will definitely be a game-changer – something that will “usher the evolution of Las Vegas as the new entertainment and sports capital of the world.” A state-of-the-art privately financed sports and entertainment arena, according to a recent news report, “will set a new global standard for events in Las Vegas.” That arena will also be NBA-ready should the National Basketball Association go through with their plans to

expand their league (Las Vegas and Seattle are the two cities often mentioned as places that the NBA will expand to). The $1 billion, 20,000-seat arena at Las Vegas Blvd. and Blue Diamond Road, will be part of a $3 billion entertainment complex that is also expected to attract major events into the city. It will bring in a gaming partner to operate the planned hotelcasino in the development, while the group will be fully responsible for arena operations. Aside from the arena and hotelcasino, the Oak View Group plans to build an amphitheater and convention facility. The entire project will take about 30 months to build, and should be completed by 2026. The site of the planned Oak

View Group project is adjacent to the planned train station for a high-speed rail of Brightline that would eventually link Las Vegas and Southern California. Just imagine the opportunities that such a project would bring to the city! That high-speed rail project has been talked about for many years now, and it looks like the $8 billion project may be pushing forward. That will be a gamechanger for Las Vegas as it will provide a transportation mode that will be clean energy – on zero-emission electric trains. The trip between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, which is 260 miles long, is expected to take 3 hours. The same group that is developing the high-speed rail project is looking at the possibility of building a major league soccer stadium on vacant land adjacent to the proposed train station. Soccer, which is a sport followed by millions of people worldwide, is gaining popularity in the United States. That arena would bring a tremendous boost to the city and continue its journey to truly becoming a sports destination as well. Las Vegas already has football, triple AAA baseball, women’s basketball, hockey and soccer teams, among the many professional sports teams that make Las Vegas their home. And talking about Las Vegas, the city has diversified itself to attract many other businesses and activities that present other opportunities for both residents and visitors to enjoy themselves

with. Whether it is shopping, dining, relaxation, indooroutdoor sports, walking/hiking, watching musical acts or shows or nightlife, Las Vegas is no longer just a gambler’s paradise – it is a complete travel destinatioin that needs to be experienced and savored. That diversification has led to development in Las Vegas and to its neighboring communities, with housing extending beyond traditional boundaries. The Las Vegas skyline and the popular Strip has grown by leaps and bounds, and it will continue to do so as more projects are being planned and developed. If you are in the market for real estate, be it land or housing, Las Vegas and its neighboring communities are worth looking at. Besides being more affordable than other high-priced cities, property values in Nevada keep improving, and that is a tremendous benefit for those looking to gain a foothold in property ownership. Areas like Pahrump, for instance, which is 62 miles west of Las Vegas, is barely an hour’s drive. If you crave for an easier, medium-paced lifestyle away from the bustling city lights and heavy traffic, but still want access to the nightlife and various offerings that a big city houses, Pahrump may just be the ticket for you. It certainly is worth taking a look at – especially since property values in the area continue to trend upward. In fact, in April 2022, home prices in Pahrump were up at least 23.5%

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (middle) with her savvy investors both in Las Vegas and Pahrump, Dr. Philip Paleracio (left), the best dentist in Clark County and the City of Las Vegas, and Las Vegas auditor Virgilio Longakit Jr. (right). They are closing almost a million-dollar deal before June 30.

Another of Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s Turnberry Tower neighbors and clients is Gloria Estillore (right) of Cupertino, CA.

compared to last year, which median prices of homes pegged at about $395,000, per industry analysts. Some of my clients have begun reaping the benefits of their investments – either in the uptick of property values, or through their rental properties. Now is the perfect time to take a look at what’s out there in the market, whether it’s in bustling cities like Las Vegas or emerging towns like Pahrump. And I can assist you in your search for that perfect piece of real estate or Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s (middle) young investors from Palm Springs, CA property for your needs. I bring a few decades worth of loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948 or send are Kenneth (right) and Angelica Games (left). Their offer of $550K for a house experience in real estate that will in Pahrump was accepted by the sellers. email to fely@precious-properties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com.

help you, my kababayans, in your search for real estate – whether it is for a new home, a second/ vacation home, an investment property, or a piece of land where you want to construct your dream home. My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days. (Advertising

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GMA Network’s ‘The World Between Missed break payments should be Us’ becomes the first Filipino timely paid and reported in paystubs language title on Amazon Freevee ASIA’S Multimedia Star Alden Richards’ hit Kapuso program “The World Between Us” will now be available for streaming on Amazon Freevee starting June 22, 2022 in the United States. Amazon Freevee, formerly IMDb TV, is a streaming video service with thousands of premium movies and TV shows, including Originals and FAST channels, available anytime, for free. For its premiere offering, GMA International will launch “The World Between Us,” a romance drama series that proves that no matter how deep our divide is, true love can bridge it all. The series follows the story of Luisito “Louie” Asuncion (Alden Richards) and Emilia “Lia” Libradilla (Jasmine Curtis Smith). Louie and Lia grew up together at the home of the Libdradillas – they will both feel that they are destined for each other but there are people keen on keeping them apart. Joining Louie and Lia in proving the power of true love is Kapuso versatile actor Tom Rodriguez in an off-beat role, portraying the character of Lia’s older brother, Bryan. The series also stars award-winning actors, including Dina Bonnevie, Sid Lucero, and 2016 Cannes Best Actress Jaclyn Jose under the

direction of critically acclaimed director, Dominic Zapata. “We appreciate this growing partnership, and are thrilled to have one of our hit programs on their AVOD service Amazon Freevee. It is a testament that GMA Pinoy TV in providing world-class entertainment that Filipinos all over the world truly deserve,” says GMA International’s First VP and Head of Operations, Joseph T. Francia. Freevee is available as an app on Fire TV, Fire Tablets, and as a free Channel within Prime Video, across hundreds of devices. Freevee is also available as an app on third party devices including Roku, Samsung smart TVs (2017-2021 models), Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, Comcast’s Xfinity Flex, Xfinity X1, Chromecast with Google TV, NVIDIA SHIELD and other Android TV devices, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles, as well as LG Smart TVs (2018-2021 models). The app is also available on iPhone, iPad, and Android mobile devices. For more details about Amazon Freevee, visit www.amazon.com/freevee. For more information on how to watch Kapuso programs overseas, visit www.gmapinoytv.com/subscribe or follow GMA Pinoy TV on social media. g

Philippine bookshop to launch two children’s books by Pinay authors SAN PEDRO – Philippine Expressions Bookshop will launch two children’s books by Pinay authors on Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It will be the first in a series of “in-person launching” since the pandemic started, and will be held at the bookshop’s address: 479 W Sixth Street, Suite 105, San Pedro, CA 90731. The bookshop is located in the historic Arts District of San Pedro, the Port City of Los Angeles. How do Filipinos hold on to what they love? This is just one of the questions that author Sophia N. Lee and illustrator Isabel Roxas will talk about as they celebrate the release of their picture book entitled Holding On, which is one of the first Filipino picture books to be published by Simon & Schuster under its children’s imprint Atheneum. “Holding On” is inspired by lovely summers spent with the author’s grandparents in Tarlac Province in Northern Luzon. In the author’s words, “My Lola would cook all my favorites – sticky-sweet tocino, bolabola, and twice-fried adobo, accompanied by Lolo’s music on his ukelele which he played practically all hours of the day. Lolo’s beautiful voice invites listeners to dance to his music.There was a dream-like slowness to life out there then, and everything felt incredibly tender and safe.” Lee further added, “The book also records how I learned to grapple with loss after Lolo died, and as I watched my grandmother lose her own memories to Alzheimer’s disease.” “Holding On is a portal to summers spent in the Philippine countryside, where carabaos roam, amidst the hot sun blazes, or where the rain falls in sheets, and with sweet memories of fresh mangoes, people, music and hugs,” said Roxas about the book. Sophia N. Lee studied Broadcast Communications at the University of the Philippines and began her creative writing journey at the MA Creative

Sophia N. Lee

Writing Program of UP, Diliman. She also holds an MFA in Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults from The New School in New York City, 2018. While growing up in the Philippines, she wanted to be a doctor, teacher, ballerina, ninja, crime-fighter, international spy, time traveler, journalist, and lawyer. She likes to think she can be all these things and more through writing. She looks a lot like her Lola Benita, but she inherited her love for writing from her Lola Josefina, who worked as a school principal and as an English teacher. Lee’s other books are Soaring Saturdays and What Things Mean, which won a Scholastic Asian Book Award’s grand prize. Visit SophiaLeeWrites.com for more info on the author. Isabel Roxas lives in New York and will be part of the launching via Zoom. She wrote and illustrated a number of children’s books published in the Philippines and has illustrated a good number of books for US publishers. Her latest book is The Adventures of Team Pom: Squid Happens which she wrote and illustrated. Born in the Philippines, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from Ateneo University. Loyola Heights. In 2001, she attended Pratt Institute in New York on a Fulbright Scholarship, where she received her MS in Communication Design. Raised on delicious mangoes, old wives tales, and monsoon rains, she learned so much from her Lolas Fe and

Isabel Roxas

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr.

GUSTAVO Naranjo worked as a guard for Spectrum Security Services, Inc. (Spectrum), which contracts with federal agencies to transport prisoners who have appointments outside custodial facilities. Naranjo was fired after leaving his post to take a meal break, in violation of a Spectrum policy that required custodial employees to remain on duty during all meal breaks. Naranjo filed a class action on behalf of himself and other Spectrum employees, alleging that Spectrum violated state meal break requirements under the Labor Code. The complaint sought an additional hour of pay (also known as “premium pay”) for each day on which Spectrum failed to provide employees a meal break. After several hurdles, the trial court certified a class for the meal break and related timely payment and wage statement claims and then held a trial in stages. In determining the employer’s liability for meal break violations, the court noted that an employer ordinarily must provide covered employees an off-duty meal period on shifts lasting longer than five hours. An exception to this requirement allows for “on duty” meal periods if “the nature of the work prevents an employee from being relieved of all duty,” but only when “by written agreement between the parties an on-the-job paid meal period is agreed to.” Naranjo did not dispute that Spectrum had always required on-duty meal periods as company policy because of the nature of its guards’ work. However, Spectrum did not have a valid written onduty meal break agreement with

its employees. Because of this, the court found Spectrum liable missed meal periods from June 2004 to September 2007 (A jury found Spectrum not liable for the period beginning on October 1, 2007, after Spectrum had circulated and obtained written consent to its on-duty meal break policy.) Two questions remain: 1) Should these premium pay for missed breaks be reflected on the employees’ paystubs? and 2) Should these premium pay be timely paid once the employee has ended employment? The first question determines whether the employee should be paid for having been issued an incomplete paystub. The second question determines whether the employee should be paid “waiting time” penalty for not receiving premium pay at the time their wages were due. The answers depend on whether the premium pay for missed breaks is a penalty or a wage. The issue reached the California Supreme Court. California law requires employers to provide daily meal and rest breaks to non-exempt employees. If an employer makes an employee work during all or part of a meal or rest period, the employer must pay the employee an additional hour of pay. As the high court puts it, the primary issue is whether this premium pay constitutes “wages” that must be reported on paystubs and paid promptly when an employee leaves the job. The high court ruled that missed-break premium pay is indeed wages subject to the Labor Code’s timely payment and reporting requirements. Although the extra pay is designed to compensate for the unlawful deprivation of a guaranteed break, it also compensates for the work the employee performed during the break period.

‘Chill’ father Tonton’s advice...

PAGE B1 seasoned actor realized that he shouldn’t be really surprised having a daughter who’s interested in acting, because she grew up in a show biz-inclined family, after all.

Venancia, who taught her how to shine the floor with a coconut husk, navigate a palengke or wet market, and make a yummy bowl of ginataan. Isabel’s website is StudioRoxas.com and she is also on Instagram@ StudioRoxas. This Book Talk Series is part of the ongoing outreach program of Philippine Expressions Bookshop in order to increase the visibility of FilAm and Filipino authors, and graphic artists in the American scene. Established in 1984, visit their online bookshop http://www. philippinebookshop.com. Email: info@philippinebookshop.com. Tel No. 310-5149139 Cell and 310-548-8148 landline. During this pandemic, the physical bookshop is open only on Saturdays, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and by appointment. g

As a recap of the current law in California, employers must provide a 30-minute uninterrupted meal period to employees for every 5 hours of work. Thus, for a 12-hour shift, two 30-minute meal breaks must be provided. “Providing” a meal period means the employer must provide an off-duty meal period. “Off-duty” means employees are 1) relieved of all duty for an uninterrupted period of 30 minutes; 2) free to leave the workplace; and 3) not controlled by the employer as to their activities during the break. Employers must also provide employees a “net 10-minute” paid rest break for every four hours worked or major fraction thereof. The rest break should be in the middle of the work period. If an employer does not authorize or allow a meal or rest break, the employee must be paid one hour at the employee’s regular rate of pay for each workday that a meal period is not provided, and an additional one hour at the employee’s regular rate of pay if a rest period is not provided. *** 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. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at nocost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw. com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.] (Advertising Supplement)

Tonton’s parents are veteran actress Liza Lorena and Eddie Gutierrez, the patriarch. “I guess she has it in her. Glydel showed me the outtakes of her scenes. I think she has it!” Tonton said. “May pinagmanahan—mana sa nanay!” g

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Client compares Chapter 13 with various alternatives for $60K credit cards Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng THE client is 50 and married. He owes $60,000 of credit cards. He pays $2,000 a month as minimum credit card payments to keep the $60,000 current. His wife is not jointly liable on these cards. She owes about only $2,000 of credit cards by herself. They own a house that is currently worth $1M with a mortgage of $300,000. So their equity in the house is at least $700,000. The client’s exemption for the house is $600,000. This means that there is $100,000 of nonexempt equity. Under the liquidation analysis, when compared to Chapter 7, the client will have to pay the entire $60,000 of credit cards in Chapter 13 over five years in 60 equal payments, no interest. All payments made pursuant to the Chapter 13 plan pay down the principal balance

EMPLOYMENT

because there is no interest applicable. The Chapter 13 plan payment is about $1,000 a month for 60 months, which will pay off the entire $60,000 of credit cards in five years. If the client makes all the 60 payments pursuant to the confirmed plan, the court will enter a discharge order at the end of the 60th payment. The discharge order will state that client owes zero or nothing on the credit cards at the end of the 5th year. Can creditors still sue client for unpaid interest, absolutely not! Legally, client owes nothing anymore on these cards. Further, while the client is on the plan, creditors cannot sue, call or otherwise contact client to collect on the cards. The client has peace of mind. He doesn’t have to worry about being sued. They cannot garnish his wages or levy his bank accounts. The bankruptcy court protects the client’s residence from any creditor liens attached to it. So in Chapter 13, the bankruptcy automatic stay protects client, including all his assets and

house. This is the court order from the bankruptcy court ordering creditors to cease and desist from any and all collection efforts against the client and his assets. Pretty cool! The client pays his plan payments to the Chapter 13 trustee, an officer of the court whose responsibility it is to make sure that all plan payments are distributed to the creditors who have filed their proofs of claim. The trustee guarantees that all payments are distributed to the right creditors. In other words, the trustee cannot run away with your money. This is another reason why the client will have peace of mind in Chapter 13. He pays the trustee who is under the supervision of the bankruptcy court. What other alternatives are available to the client before he decided to seek Chapter 13 relief for his $60,000 of credit cards? One option he had was getting a $60,000 loan with very high interest to pay off all of his credit cards. There were many offers from lenders for these alternatives. Payday lenders

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have branched out into this type of high interest medium term loans to avoid regulation. The offers are $60,000 at 50% to 100% interest. Does it make sense to get this kind of high interest loan? No it doesn’t. The client might end up losing his house if he got this loan. He will live a life of pain. He would have to repay a principal loan of $60,000 with $90,000 to $120,000 in three to five years. Compare it with zero or no interest in Chapter 13. Another option that he had was consolidation. He actually was on consolidation paying $1800 a month for 60 months for six months to a “consolidator.” A “consolidator” is not an officer of the court. He is a businessman and consolidation is his business. What if he decides to close his business? Well, that’s the risk you take. One problem that arose was that two creditors did not agree to toe the line and proceeded to sue him for $30,000. Compare this to Chapter 13 where the court protects client from all lawsuits and collection efforts.

All collection efforts, including lawsuits stop the minute the client’s Chapter 13 is filed. He also had the so-called “settlement” option. He can negotiate directly with the creditors, or use a third party to “settle” the debt at less than what is owed. The client actually did get several offers from various creditors to knock off a portion of the debt owed with a lump sum payment. For example, creditor A will agree to accept 70% of what is owed of $10,000 as a settlement. So for $7,000 payment, the creditor will consider the matter closed. Good luck raising the $7000. Maybe you can do UBER at night and not sleep at all. After three months you might have $7,000. Problem is they want the $7,000 up front, not in three months. And, the other creditors do not agree to settle, they prefer to sue you right now to get their money. Another option is getting a HELOC or home equity loan of $60,000 and uses the proceeds to pay off all of the credit cards. Interest rate for the HELOC is lower because the client’s house

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FOR RENT

will be used as security for the loan. The client will have to get a second mortgage on his house for $60,000. Don’t forget HELOC loans interest rates are fluctuating. When mortgage rates go up, like it did yesterday, and will be going up for the rest of the year to tame high inflation at this time, eventually client will be paying double digit interest on HELOC. And, if he stops paying on the HELOC, guess what happens? The creditor can and will foreclose on his house. It’s really not surprising that the client chose Chapter 13 relief for protection of his house from levies, from lawsuits, from wage garnishment, from bank levies and just putting a stop to all those harassing phone calls for collection, and from the unwanted risk of foreclosure of client’s home from a HELOC loan. Peace of mind, no interest & total legal protection from the bankruptcy court. Trustee guarantees that your payments are distributed to the right parties. Of course, if the client’s equity PAGE B7

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Milan-based Filipino designer invited to Asia Pacific Fashion Week 2022 in Los Angeles, Las Vegas MILAN-BASED Filipino young designer Lionell Christian Lanuzo comes across as a humble man with a strong desire to accomplish his job with excellence and passion. Christian, as he is known among his friends, is one of the designers to be showcased at Asia Pacific Fashion Week 2022, a global platform for emerging designers to be held in Los Angeles and Las Vegas in August 2022. He is the chief designer of his own fashion house, LCL, a brand that specializes in luxe wear with a neo-ethnic flair. Christian was born in the Pampanga province in the Philippines, and migrated to Italy when he was thirteen years old. He graduated from Milan’s Instituto Tecnico Industriale Ettore Molinare with a diploma in Industrial Chemistry. It was no easy task to study in Italy, let alone chemistry! But having finished his academic goal with flying colors, it was now time to focus on his love of art and fashion. It’s no coincidence that the Italian city Christian chose to reside in is Milan, one of the world’s fashion capitals. Christian is only 34 years old today, yet his ambition to make art dates back to his childhood years. He began his fashion career by creating designs for beauty pageants in Italy. But, since then, he’s wanted to test his ability to think beyond the box

NEO-ETHNIC FASHION. Lionell Christian Lanuzo celebrates Filipino culture in his designs by using neo-ethnic Philippine textiles made of natural or indigenous materials. Shot on location in Bern, Switzerland featuring model Magali

UNCONVENTIONAL FASHION. Lionell Christian Lanuzo (left) started by creating gowns made from unconventional materials such as paper, shells or feathers. Photo

and accomplish things that would stretch his creativity. He started by creating gowns made from unconventional materials such as paper, plastic spoons or shells. His aesthetics are decidedly wild but detailed, and he has an eye for intricacy and construction that make his work stand out. Since graduating, he’s been making waves in the fashion world and making the Philippines proud. The Bayanihan (communal unity) spirit of Filipinos shines within Christian as he wowed the European audience at the “Lange

Nacht der Konsulate” (Long Night of the Consulates) in Stuttgart, Germany with creations made of capiz (natural seashells), sigay (another type of shell), paper foils, and barong (type of dress) with beads and pearls. Christian has also participated in other fashion events in Europe, such as the “Multi-Ethnic Fashion 2018” event in Rome, with other stylists from all over the world. As a patriotic Filipino, Christian wants to show that Filipino designers are talented and worthy of their own space in the global fashion industry, particularly in

Parent’s right to change child’s residence to another state in custody cases Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes PARENTS that are going through divorce and legal separation sometimes have to make a decision to move out of state for various reasons. It may be because their family network is in another state. This decision often have a significant impact on the visitation of the other parent because it would be more difficult for the noncustodial parent to exercise his or her visitation rights in a frequent and continuing manner if the custodial parent moves to a different state hundreds or thousands of miles away from the non custodial parent. The parent that has Custody of the child has a presumptive right to change the child’s residence unless the non custodial parent can show that the move would be a detriment to the child. In cases where there has not been any final custody order, the court has to make a custody determination using “the best interest” standard. Court will look at the factors and decide what is in the best interest of the child. Custody is usually given to the parent that is more likely to allow frequent and continuing contact between the child and the other parent. On the other hand if there has been a final Custody determination, then the non-custodial parent would have to show a “significant change in circumstances” to change the custody arrangement. The Court would then consider certain factors laid out in the case Marriage of LaMusga in deciding whether the child would suffer detriment from the relocation and whether a change of custody should be

ordered. The La Musga factors which the Court will consider are 1) the children’s interest in stability and continuity in the custodial arrangement; 2) the distance of the move; 3) the children’s age; 4)the children’s relationship with both parents; 5) the relationship between the parents including, but not limited to, their ability to communicate and cooperate effectively and their willingness to put the children’s interests above their individual interests; 6) the children’s wishes if they are mature enough to make that inquiry appropriate; 7) the reasons for the proposed move; and 8) the extent to which the parents currently are sharing custody. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@ gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)

Client compares Chapter 13 with various alternatives... PAGE B6 was $625,000, he would only need to pay a little more than $400 a month for 60 months. At the end of the plan, $35,000 is discharged or wiped out. He doesn’t have to pay the entire $60,000, just needs to pay only $25,000 of the $60,000 cards because under the liquidation analysis, only $25,000 is not exempt. If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. Disclaimer: None of the above is considered legal opinion and there is no attorney client relationship between reader and attorney. *** Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is considered legal advise for anyone. There is absolutely no attorney client relationship established by reading this article. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South, Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)

Italy. Christian has now evolved as a designer, despite being new in the fashion business. His ball gowns, evening gowns, and “modern Barong Tagalog” now show his evolution towards creating fashion-forward garments made of traditional textiles, as opposed to his customary nonconventional materials. Like the works of Christian, the range of designs within the Filipino community is unlike any other. But what makes them extra special is their subtle nod they make to their culture. Indeed, Christian and many patriotic Filipino designers like him are drawing well-deserved attention to Filipino glam. Asia Pacific Fashion Week (APFW) will be their newest global platform to showcase the diversity of their designs. Asia Pacific Fashion Week: A global platform To showcase Christian’s most recent work, One Global Management Company Inc. – in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, Philippine Department of Trade and Industry-Los Angeles office, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel – proudly presents Asia Pacific Fashion Week (APFW) in two iconic American cities. The first show is on August 6 (Saturday), at 4 p.m., at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel,

MAJESTIC GOLD. An ultra-modern interpretation of the Philippine Terno, with its iconic butterfly sleeves rendered not in fabric, but in gold wire worn by model Suki Ai. Photo by Theresa Sujata Senti

a historic landmark on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the heart of Los Angeles. The second show is on August 13 (Saturday), at 4 p.m., at the Decades Event Center, located in Vegas Pointe Plaza, Unit 168, 9175 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. The Los Angeles leg of APFW enjoys the support of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. Trending Beverages Inc., Napa Valley Distribution Inc., Montemaria Cellars, House of Pacquiao Wine, Individual Health Care, Lombard by the Bay, MTS Law Firm, Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate & Development, and Tina Modeling. The Las Vegas edition is coproduced by InterEdx, a dba of Dynasty Exchange Ltd. LLC., headed by Dr. Lee Dedicatoria, in cooperation with Asia on Earth, Dynasty Ventures, Club Paradisia, World Edoption, Royal Blue Staffing, Lend with Love and Decades Event Center. (Advertising Supplement)

PEARL OF THE ORIENT. This modern rendition of the Philippine terno is festooned with over 7,000 pieces of pearls, representing the 7000-plus islands that comprise the Philippines, worn by model Celine Z. Photo by Theresa Sujata Senti

PINTADOS. An interpretation of pre-colonial aesthetics inspired by “pintados,” the term Spanish colonizers used to describe the heavily-tattooed natives of pre-colonial Philippines, as worn by model Erica Paula Castillo. Photo courtesy of LCL

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