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August 3-9, 2023
T h e F i l i p i n o A m e r i ca n C o m mu n i t y N e ws pap e r
Volume 34 - No. 31 • 12 Pages
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US concerned over Manila Bay reclamation projects tied to Chinese firm by Gaea Katreena Cabico Philstar.com
MANILA — The United States government has expressed concerns over the potential environmental impacts and risks to local communities posed by the ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay, which are linked to a controversial Chinese company. The U.S. Embassy in Manila said that it is in constant communication with the government about the reclamation projects.
“We have expressed concerns about the potential negative longterm and irreversible impacts to the environment, the resilience to natural hazards of Manila and nearby areas, and to commerce,” the embassy said in response to a media query on a Bilyonaryo article. Environmentalists, scientists, and fishers have long asked the government to halt these projects, citing concerns over the destruction of mangroves, wetlands and marine ecosystems, displacement of coastal communities, and loss
of livelihood. There are around 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay, an important fishing ground and a hub of economic activities. Blacklisted firm The U.S. Embassy also expressed concern about the ties of reclamation projects to the China Communications Construction Company, a firm blacklisted by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Washington sanctioned CCCC for helping the Chinese military con-
from the AJPress NEWS TEAM across America
AFTER anti-Asian hate and violence escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) have spent the last few years rallying for greater investment in AAPI mental health and safety. On Thursday, July 21, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) led an in-person summit that zeroed in on improving the accessibility and quality of mental health care for the vast AAPI community. The summit comprised several sessions that unpacked the impact of hate crimes, violence, and microaggressions on collective and individual mental health as well as brainstormed ideas on how best to expand access to these communities. u PAGE 3
REUNITED. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with former President Rodrigo Duterte at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, August 2 where they discussed the latter’s recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Malacañang photo
Filipinas eager to carry World Cup momentum into Asian Games, Olympic qualifiers
USA
DATELINE White House seeks greater investment in AAPI mental health care
u PAGE 2
by Lance Agcaoili Inquirer.net
MANILA — After a historic Fifa World Cup stint, the Philippine women’s football team seeks to keep its momentum going into the Members of the Philippines women’s football team arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Asian Games in China in September and the Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Wednesday, Aug. 2 after their historic FIFA Women’s World Cup Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Australia stint in New Zealand. PNA photo in October.
Buoyed by their precious experience from the World Stage in Auckland last week, the Filipinas received a warm welcome from their fans during a meet and greet on Thursday, August 3 at Adidas Brand Center, Glorietta in Makati. “We’ve been just super hyper-focused on the World Cup and with that over now, we u PAGE 2
House panel approves bill on internet voting for OFWs Ex-President Duterte fit to be by John Eric Mendoza Inquirer.net
MANILA — The House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms approved on Tuesday, August 1 the proposed Overseas Voting Act of 2023 (House Bill No. 6770) that would allow overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to vote via the internet. “Our OFWs and overseas Filipinos, including seafarers, constitute a significant segment of our society, with their economic
contribution and the national honor that they bring to the country, and for the sacrifices they endure while working abroad, leaving their loved ones behind,” OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino, who filed the bill, said in her opening speech. “Therefore, we owe them the best, possible, convenient, and securements to exercise their right of suffrage as valued compatriots as fellow Filipinos,” she added. The bill will amend the Overseas Absentee u PAGE 2
Asian Americans face PH gov’t tags Teves, 12 others as terrorists lower cardiac arrest survival despite equal CPR efforts by Gaea Katreena Cabico Philstar.com
MANILA — The Anti-Terrorism Council has designated Rep. Arnolfo Teves (Negros Oriental)—the alleged mastermind in the assassination of governor Roel Degamo—as a terrorist. A heartbeat is just a normal thud—until The move allows the Anti-Money it becomes abnormal and suddenly stops. If Laundering Council to investigate and freeze this is the case, it might be cardiac arrest. the financial assets and properties of Teves— Just recently, the son of NBA star LeBron who is believed to be overseas—and members James suffered from cardiac arrest but is now of his alleged armed group. in stable condition. Bronny James is only 18 The ATC resolution, which was approved years old, so what are the odds? on July 26 but was only released Tuesday, You might want to watch out for your carb August 1, named the suspended lawmaker the intake and unhealthy diet as a groundbreak- leader of the “Teves Terrorist Group” and also ing study reveals that Asian Americans are tagged as terrorists his brother, Pryde Henry, less likely to survive a cardiac arrest than alleged bagman Marvin Miranda, and the white people. following: Cardiac arrest or heart attacks happen • Rogelio Antipolo when the heart suddenly stops beating. If this • Rommel Pattaguan occurs, blood will also stop flowing to the rest • Winrich Isturis of the body, which can result in a more severe • John Louie Gonyon condition. • Dahniel Lora • Eulogio Gonyon Jr. u PAGE 4
special envoy to China – Cayetano by Charie Abarca Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Marcos administration should appoint former President Rodrigo Duterte as special envoy to China, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said in an ambush interview on Monday, July 31. Citing the former president’s “good standing” with the Chinese government, Cayetano pointed out that Duterte would be a good for the post. “If ever we know someone who can go to the highest levels
of the Chinese government that the Chinese government trusts and the Filipino trusts, [it is] President Duterte. But then we have to come out with a strategy that is both comprehensive and that will work in the short and long term,” Cayetano said. Cayetano, who served as secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs chief under the Duterte administration, said that he “never” once saw Duterte compromise and sell out the Philippines despite “gaining the trust” of China. u PAGE 2
• Tomasino Aledro • Nigel Electona • Jomarie Catubay • Hannah Mae Sumero Onay. Various groups have raised concerns about the potential abuses of the AntiTerrorism Act, saying the law is being used to persecute political opponents and to suppress dissent. More than 35 groups questioned its constitutionality before the Supreme Court, but the tribunal left the law virtually untouched in the end. The government told the court during debates that there were safeguards against abuse of the law and that designated persons would have recourse to question their being tagged as terrorists. Ferdinand Topacio, Teves’ lead counsel, said in a statement that the government “has expectedly weaponized the Anti-Terror Act by using it for the purpose for which it was not designed.” Killings, harassment in Negros Oriental The ATC alleged that Teves and his armed group violated the Anti-Terrorism Act, This file photo taken in 2020 shows then-President Rodrigo Duterte with then-Taguig-Pateros Inquirer.net photo u PAGE 2 Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano.