NOVEMBER 15-17, 2023 Volume 33 - No. 91 • 12 Pages
DATELINE
Marcos leaves for APEC meet in US USA by HELEN FLORES
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Massive fire closes portion of I-10 freeway in LA GOVERNOR Gavin Newsom on Monday, Nov. 13 provided an update on the ongoing efforts to fix the 10 Freeway in Los Angeles after a massive fire closed a portion of the freeway over the weekend. Since the incident, work crews have been on-site 24 hours a day. The state is taking an urgent all-ofgovernment approach to fixing the 10 Freeway, a major artery in Los Angeles, with traffic estimated at upwards of 300,000 vehicles daily. Californians can visit Fixthe10.ca.gov for updates and alternate routes. The governor joined Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other local and state officials to survey the site where work is already underway to clean the site of hazardous materials, assess damage, and prepare it for necessary repairs. To ensure worker safety, shoring work has begun on PAGE 2
Philstar.com
MANILA — President Marcos departed on Tuesday night, November 14 for the U.S. for a sixday working visit, including as a participant in the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit in San Francisco, California. It will be his third trip to the U.S. since assuming office in June last year. After attending the Nov. 15-17 APEC summit,
Marcos will stay overnight in Los Angeles and fly to Honolulu in Hawaii on Nov. 18 to visit the IndoPacific Command, where he is likely to discuss the West Philippine Sea issue with U.S. security officials. He is also expected to attend a roundtable discussion initiated by the Daniel K. Inouye AsiaPacific Center for security studies. The president is also set to meet with the Filipino communities in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Honolulu. In his departure speech, Marcos said the APEC’s theme, “Creating a Sustainable and Resilient Future
Marcos to meet with US VP, not Biden – envoy by ALEXIS ROMERO Philstar.com
Biden campaign releases first TV ad featuring Fil-Am business owner, his wife LOS ANGELES – President Joe Biden has released the Biden-Harris 2024 campaign’s first TV ad featuring a Filipino-American and his Vietnamese-American wife, who are small business owners. The ad is part of a paid media program targeting the Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities across the United States, according to a Democratic National Committee (DNC) update sent by Brencia Berry, director of Coalitions and Community Engagement at the DNC, to supporters. The media program will include a diverse array of print, TV and radio advertising. The TV ad “Family Business” spotlights FilAm Odeen Domingo and Jenny Poon, who run a small business in Phoenix, Arizona. Domingo praises Biden for directing his attention to smaller businesses instead of corporations since “it wasn’t like that before.” The 30-second spot will run on general market programming in Phoenix, which includes target-rich programming like “Dancing With the Stars,” “Bachelor in Paradise” and high-rated local and network news programs, and on national cable news, according to the DNC update. In the TV ad, Poon talks about her experience as a daughter of Vietnamese PAGE 5
LET IT SNOW. Baguio Country Club’s Christmas Village teems with tourists. The village, open until Jan. 7, 2024, charges entrance fees of P100 for children, P120 for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and P150 for adults. The so-called Summer Capital of the Philippines is bracing for the influx of tourists during the Christmas season until the Panagbenga flower festival in February 2024. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
by FRANCO JOSE C. BAROÑA ManilaTimes.net
THE Supreme Court has affirmed a 2012 Sandiganbayan decision dismissing the illgotten wealth case filed by the Philippine government against the estate of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and others. The high court's decision resolved the consolidated cases which originated from the complaint for recovery and reconveyance of ill-gotten wealth filed by the Presidential Commission on Good Government's (PCGG) before the Sandiganbayan. "The recovery of ill-gotten wealth, with its laudable purpose initiated as it is 'not only out of considerations of simple justice but
also out of sheer necessity,' places a heavy responsibility on the Republic and poses a demanding task for the Sandiganbayan and this Court," the Supreme Court said in its decision promulgated on October 3 but only made public on Tuesday, November 14. "As the party seeking the recovery, the Republic has the burden of establishing its claim through admissible and relevant evidence. As vanguards of justice, the Sandiganbayan, and ultimately, this Court, have the obligation not only to meticulously analyze and weigh all the pieces of evidence Vice President Sara Duterte - separating the unsubstantiated from those proved, discarding the irrelevant and inadmissible - but also to ensure that issues PAGE 3
by RUSSEL P. LORETO Inquirer.net
Former Sen. Leila de Lima is all smiles and thankful after the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court on Monday, November 14 grants her petition for bail in her remaining drug case. De Lima has been in detention at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame since February 2017. Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes
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MANILA — The White House is seeking a meeting between President Marcos and United States Vice President Kamala Harris during this week’s AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco, California, according to the Philippines’ envoy to the U.S. Marcos left for the U.S. on Tuesday, November 14 to attend the APEC Leaders’ Summit in San Francisco and to visit Los Angeles and Hawaii, where his family went into exile after the historic 1986 EDSA people power revolution. Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Marcos may have bilateral meetings with fellow leaders on the sidelines of the APEC meet, but there was no confirmed schedule yet. “Due to the tight (U.S. President Joe) Biden schedule … there is a (White House) request for VP Kamala Harris for a meeting with PBBM (President Bongbong Marcos) at the APEC summit,” Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez told The STAR on Monday, November 13. PAGE 2
High court affirms dismissal of ill-gotten wealth case vs Marcoses
After 6 years, De Lima free as court okays bail
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for All,” aligns with his administration’s goal of transforming the Philippines toward a sustainable future so that all Filipinos will have a “stable, prosperous and peaceful” life. “Our APEC work has been focused to prioritize and secure beneficial trade and investment, quality and green jobs, and human development and poverty alleviation,” he said. “We will be engaging with the leaders of economies of the Asia-Pacific region to agree on how we can achieve food and energy security, PAGE 2
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MANILA — “FINALLY, FREEDOM!” These were the first words former Sen. Leila de Lima said in the courtroom on Monday, November 14 immediately after the judge in charge of the third and last case against her granted her petition for bail. She then sobbed uncontrollably as her family, friends, and legal team celebrated her imminent release after nearly seven years in detention, with some also breaking down in tears. Later, a composed but still emotional De Lima faced the media and her supporters who were
waiting outside the courtroom. “Finally, I will be set free. For years, my whole team has been crying out for justice and freedom, for more than six long years I’ve been praying so hard for this day to come,” she said as chants of “Free Leila Now!” from her supporters echoed in the background. “It is very painful to be jailed if you are innocent, and I don’t want this to happen to others. But I don’t want to be sad or bitter today. This is a moment of triumph and thanksgiving,” De Lima added. She thanked God, her family and friends, her legal team, supporters, and the judge hearing her case, PAGE 3
ManilaTimes.net file photo
Duterte is country’s caretaker while Marcos is in US by CATHERINE S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio is the country's caretaker while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is in the United States, Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said on Tuesday, November 14. Marcos is leaving the country tonight for a weeklong trip to the U.S. to attend the 2023 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco, and to visit Los Angeles and Hawaii. Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Marcos may have bilateral meetings with fellow leaders on the sidelines of the APEC meet, but there was no
confirmed schedule yet. In his speech during the 1st Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Legislative General Assembly in Davao City on Tuesday, the president described as'very important' his participation at the APEC summit that will be held on November 15 to 17. "I am on my way today, later on today, I am going to San Francisco, United States to attend the APEC, and that is a very important [thing] that I have to do," Marcos said. This will be Marcos' second time to participate in the APEC summit, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Charles Jose said during a predepature briefing last week. "For this year, the president is PAGE 5
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From the Front Page Massive fire closes portion of I-10 freeway... PAGE 1 damaged pillars, and engineers are on site assessing next steps for repair work. Samples taken from the core of the pillars are being used to determine structural integrity of the bridge. Preliminary results are encouraging, but more testing is required before finalizing repair plans.Shailen Blatt, the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), also surveyed the site today and emphasized the federal government is
working closely with the state to quickly and safely reopen the 10 Freeway. This work is likely to be eligible for federal reimbursement under the FHWA emergency relief program. Governor Newsom announced the cause of the fire was deemed suspicious by CAL FIRE investigators, and their team continues to investigate the fire as arson. The Governor also shared that the state took legal action months ago to eject the lessee of the site, Apex Development, Inc., for failing
to pay rent and violating the lease agreement by subletting the property without state and federal approval. A court date is scheduled for February. Over the weekend, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles County to support the state’s response. The proclamation facilitates clean-up and repair work and directs Caltrans to formally request assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, if appropriate. g
Marcos to meet with US VP, not Biden...
PAGE 1 “It’s still for the approval of the president,” Romualdez added. Marcos will attend the APEC Summit as fresh tensions grip the West Philippine Sea, the part of South China Sea inside Manila’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, due to China’s aggressive acts, including preventing Filipino vessels from accessing the resource-rich area. Last Friday, November 10 the Philippines accused the China Coast Guard (CCG) of using a water cannon to prevent a routine resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, a rusty ship that serves as a Philippine Navy installation at the Ayungin Shoal. The incident happened weeks after CCG and maritime militia vessels hit Philippine Coast
last September and tackled various topics, including the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. and the South China Sea dispute. During the meeting, Harris reiterated Washington’s “ironclad” alliance commitment to the Philippines and highlighted the role that their alliance plays in ensuring a free, open and prosperous IndoPacific, according to a recent White House statement. Marcos and Harris also talked about the maritime security environment in the South China Sea and reviewed opportunities to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation, including alongside like-minded partners. The meeting was intended to build on the meetings of Biden and Harris with Marcos in Washington last May and the U.S. vice president’s visit to the Philippines in November last year. Marcos, Harris and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio also met during the ASEAN gala dinner in Jakarta and discussed the South China Sea issue and “unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.” Earlier this month, the Philippines and Japan agreed to begin the negotiation on a reciprocal access agreement or the status of visiting forces and to further strengthen the trilateral cooperation among Manila, Tokyo and Washington. The West Philippine Sea dispute may also be discussed during Marcos’ engagement with FRIENDLY MEETING. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. shares a light moment with U.S. Vice U.S. security officials at the IndoPresident Kamala Harris during a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace in Manila during the Vice Pacific Command in Hawaii after President’s visit in 2022. PNA file photo by Rey S. Baniquet the APEC Leaders’ Summit. g Guard ship BRP Cabra and Unaiza, a boat contracted by the Philippine military to conduct a resupply mission also in Ayungin, on May 2. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea, but it was voided by a Hague-based court in 2016. Beijing does not recognize the court’s decision, downplaying it as “a mere piece of paper.” Philippine security officials have assailed what they described as China’s “illegal” activities in the West Philippine Sea and have vowed to protect the country’s interests. ‘Ironclad’ commitment Marcos and Harris met on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-U.S. Summit in Jakarta
SPECIAL STAMPS. The “Dogs in Philippine History” stamps are launched by the Philippine Postal Corp. during the second day of an exhibit to mark its 256th anniversary, at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Tuesday, Nov. 14. The stamps feature Usman, the big black pet dog of the young Jose Rizal in Calamba; Saver, the bright iconic Aspin who figured in television and films from the 1990s to the early 2000s; Moltke and Bravo, the Dalmatians of Marcelo H. del Pilar; Tigre, the dog of Pampanga Revolutionary Governor Tiburcio Hilario; and Castelar, the stray Aspin adopted by an American soldier William Baker, among others. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
Marcos leaves for APEC... PAGE 1
economic inclusion of our micro, small and medium enterprises, women, indigenous people and other segments whose economic potential remains to be unlocked through digitalization and innovation, and sustainable development and addressing the climate change crisis,” he added. Meanwhile, the Philippines’ representatives to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) has called for a review of existing standards on nuclear energy to reduce risks and promote its responsible use. Sabin Aboitiz, ABAC vice chair for the sustainable growth working group and Aboitiz Group president and CEO, made the remarks prior to the APEC Leaders’ dialogue in San Francisco. “A comprehensive review and analysis of current regulatory standards and requirements are essential to mitigate nuclear energy risks and ensure the highest safety standards. And providing incentives for cleaner energy sources, coupled with stable policies, long-term contracts and larger commitments, is crucial for developing a robust nuclear supply chain,” Aboitiz was
President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos board a plane at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City as they leave for the U.S. on Tuesday, November 14 for the APEC Summit in San Francisco. The President is expected to make a short stopover in Los Angeles to meet the Filipino community and will visit the Indo-Pacific Command in Honolulu, Hawaii. Philstar.com photo
quoted as saying in an ABAC statement. “We need to build trust and guarantee the safe and responsible use of nuclear energy,” he added. “To attract financing for nuclear power plants, there is a need for sound and stable energy policies that instill confidence in investors,” Aboitiz said. Panelists at the meeting also pushed for the standardization of reactor designs and the establishment of common supply chains scalable across APEC economies, according to the ABAC statement. The approach aims to
streamline the transition process to create a more efficient and cost-effective nuclear power supply chain. Aboitiz also talked about collaboration with APEC economies that already have robust nuclear deployment systems. By leveraging the expertise and infrastructure of these economies, the nuclear power supply chain could be strengthened and emerging nuclear economies could facilitate the development of their own expertise and infrastructure, the council pointed out. (With reports from Alexis Romero, Richmond Mercurio)
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After 6 years, De Lima free as court... PAGE 1
Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 206 Judge Gener Gito, for his “loyalty to the law and justice.” She also thanked the Marcos administration “for respecting the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.” ‘A great gift’ At a press briefing in the evening in Quezon City, De Lima reflected on her ordeal which according to her lasted for six years, eight months, and 21 days. She described it as one of her “greatest achievements” in her career and life, saying, “Not only did I survive all these years of persecution and unjust detention, I came out stronger than ever, with an even stronger commitment to truth, justice, human rights, democracy and the rule of law.” “They may have taken years of my life, but they will never take away my humanity,” she added. Acknowledging that her case was still pending since she was only granted bail, De Lima, however, called the development “a great gift” from God. She also reiterated her gratitude to the government for respecting the independence of the judiciary. Lack of substantial evidence “When the Marcos administration came in, there was hope, at least in my case, that justice will happen. I always knew that while the former president was in power, I will not be set free because my persecution was his project,” De Lima said, referring to Rodrigo Duterte. Asked if she had a message for him, she replied: “God forgive him and God bless him. That’s it for now. I can say a lot more but not
now. I don’t want to be political sounding tonight because this is a moment of joy, this is a triumphant moment for me so as much as possible I want to be gracious. God forgive him and God bless him. He knows what he did to me, I suppose.” In his ruling allowing De Lima to post bail of P300,000, Gito pointed to the lack of substantial evidence presented by the prosecution, noting that her guilt was not sufficiently established. Duterte had accused her of colluding with drug gangs inside New Bilibid Prison (NBP) while she was justice secretary, leading to the filing of three cases against her. De Lima, who was charged and arrested in 2017, had always maintained her innocence, claiming that the charges were baseless and in retaliation for the investigation she conducted in the Senate of his bloody drug war. Her legal team earlier foresaw the weakening of the final case against her due to the recantation of witnesses and the change in the political landscape after Duterte left office last year. De Lima had already been acquitted in the first two cases in 2021 and 2022. In Monday’s hearing on the last case against her — where she and her co-accused were charged with conspiring to enable drug trading at NBP to raise money for her senatorial bid in 2016 — the judge cast doubt on the prosecution’s case against De Lima. In a 69-page ruling, Gito, who had replaced Judge Romeo Buenaventura, said the testimonies provided by the nine witnesses against her failed to convincingly establish a conspiracy for illegal
DATELINE USA
drug trading. A key witness, retired Police Supt. Jerry Valeroso had alleged that he saw P65 million in drug money inside a Chinese inmate’s “kubol” or makeshift dwelling. But the court emphasized that even if his claim was true, it would not constitute direct or circumstantial evidence of a shared intent among the accused to commit the alleged crime. As for the testimonies of other witnesses, including Nonito Arile, Renante Diaz, Engelberto Durano, Noel Martinez, and Joel Capones, the court said that it found a lack of substantial evidence to support the charge against De Lima. Leaving Crame “Leila will not sleep tonight (Monday night) in Crame,” one of her lawyers, Dino de Leon, told reporters immediately after the hearing, referring to the detention center at the Philippine National Police headquarters where the former senator had spent almost seven years. Her camp has also started preparing for countersuits, with De Leon saying, “There will always be a day of reckoning.” “My lawyers and I are still talking about it. We have no specifics that we can announce now. There’s always that option but as to definite plans, we’re still talking about it,” De Lima added. The welcome development in her case came amid mounting international pressure for her release and as Duterte faces an International Criminal Court investigation for alleged crimes against humanity related to the drug war he waged during his presidency and as Davao City mayor.
High court affirms dismissal of ill-gotten wealth... PAGE 1
already passed upon are not litigated anew," it added. Named as respondents in the consolidated cases were former First Lady Imelda Marcos and her children Senator Imee Marcos, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Irene MarcosAraneta. The PCGG filed a complaint before the Sandiganbayan in 1987 against Marcos Sr., Imelda, Lucio Tan, Don Ferry, and 22 others for alleged ill-gotten wealth. In 2012, the Sandiganbayan dismissed the complaint, saying the prosecution failed to prove President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family during his proclamation on May 25, 2022. that the assets and properties ManilaTimes.net file photo were ill-gotten.
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Facing financial ruin as costs soar for elder care by REED ABELSON AND JORDAN RAU KFF Health News
MARGARET Newcomb, 69, a retired French teacher, is desperately trying to protect her retirement savings by caring for her 82-year-old husband, who has severe dementia, at home in Seattle. She used to fear his disease-induced paranoia, but now he’s so frail and confused that he wanders away with no idea of how to find his way home. He gets lost so often that she attaches a tag to his shoelace with her phone number. Feylyn Lewis, 35, sacrificed a promising career as a research director in England to return home to Nashville after her mother had a debilitating stroke. They ran up $15,000 in medical and credit card debt while she took on the role of caretaker. Sheila Littleton, 30, brought her grandfather with dementia to her family home in Houston, then spent months fruitlessly trying to place him in a nursing home with Medicaid coverage.
She eventually abandoned him at a psychiatric hospital to force the system to act. “That was terrible,” she said. “I had to do it.” Millions of families are facing such daunting life choices — and potential financial ruin — as the escalating costs of in-home care, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes devour the savings and incomes of older Americans and their relatives. “People are exposed to the possibility of depleting almost all their wealth,” said Richard Johnson, director of the program on retirement policy at the Urban Institute. The prospect of dying broke looms as an imminent threat for the boomer generation, which vastly expanded the middle class and looked hopefully toward a comfortable retirement on the backbone of 401(k)s and pensions. Roughly 10,000 of them will turn 65 every day until 2030, expecting to live into their 80s and 90s as the price tag for long-term care explodes, outpacing inflation and reaching a half-trillion dollars a year, according to
federal researchers. The challenges will only grow. By 2050, the population of Americans 65 and older is projected to increase by more than 50%, to 86 million, according to census estimates. The number of people 85 or older will nearly triple to 19 million. The United States has no coherent system of long-term care, mostly a patchwork. The private market, where a minuscule portion of families buy long-term care insurance, has shriveled, reduced over years of giant rate hikes by insurers that had underestimated how much care people would actually use. Labor shortages have left families searching for workers willing to care for their elders in the home. And the cost of a spot in an assisted living facility has soared to an unaffordable level for most middle-class Americans. They have to run out of money to qualify for nursing home care paid for by the government. For an examination of the PAGE 4
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Facing financial ruin as costs soar for... PAGE 3
crisis in long-term care, The New York Times and KFF Health News interviewed families across the nation as they struggled to obtain care; examined companies that provide it; and analyzed data from the federally funded Health and Retirement Study, the most authoritative national survey of older people about their long-term care needs and financial resources. About 8 million people 65 and older reported that they had dementia or difficulty with basic daily tasks like bathing and feeding themselves — and nearly 3 million of them had no assistance at all, according to an analysis of the survey data. Most people relied on spouses, children, grandchildren, or friends. The United States devotes a smaller share of its gross domestic product to longterm care than do most other wealthy countries, including Britain, France, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and Japan, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The United States lags its international peers in another way: It dedicates far less of its overall health spending toward longterm care. “We just don’t value elders the way that other countries and other cultures do,” said Rachel Werner, executive director of the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics at the University of Pennsylvania. “We don’t have a financing and insurance system for long-term care,” she said. “There isn’t the political will to spend that much money.” Despite medical advances that have added years to the average life span and allowed people to survive decades more after getting cancer or suffering from heart disease or strokes, federal long-term care for older people has not fundamentally changed in the decades since President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare and Medicaid into law in 1965. From 1960 to 2021, the number of Americans age 85 and older increased at more than six times the rate of the general population, according to census records. Medicare, the federal health insurance program for Americans 65 and older, covers
the costs of medical care, but generally pays for a home aide or a stay in a nursing home only for a limited time during a recovery from a surgery or a fall or for short-term rehabilitation. Medicaid, the federal-state program, covers long-term care, usually in a nursing home, but only for the poor. Middleclass people must exhaust their assets to qualify, forcing them to sell much of their property and to empty their bank accounts. If they go into a nursing home, they are permitted to keep a pittance of their retirement income: $50 or less a month in a majority of states. And spouses can hold onto only a modest amount of income and assets, often leaving their children and grandchildren to shoulder some of the financial burden. “You basically want people to destitute themselves and then you take everything else that they have,” said Gay Glenn, whose mother lived in a nursing home in Kansas until she died in October at age 96. Her mother, Betty Mae Glenn, had to spend down her savings, paying the home more than $10,000 a month, until she qualified for Medicaid. Glenn, 61, relocated from Chicago to Topeka more than four years ago, moving into one of her mother’s two rental properties and overseeing her care and finances. Under the state Medicaid program’s byzantine rules, she had to pay rent to her mother, and that income went toward her mother’s care. Glenn sold the family’s house just before her mother’s death in October. Her lawyer told her the estate had to pay Medicaid back about $20,000 from the proceeds. A play she wrote about her relationship with her mother, titled “If You See Panic in My Eyes,” was read this year at a theater festival. At any given time, skilled nursing homes house roughly 630,000 older residents whose average age is about 77, according to recent estimates. A long-term resident’s care can easily cost more than $100,000 a year without Medicaid coverage at these institutions, which are supposed to provide round-the-clock nursing coverage. Nine in 10 people said it would be impossible or very
difficult to pay that much, according to a KFF public opinion poll conducted during the pandemic. Efforts to create a national long-term care system have repeatedly collapsed. Democrats have argued that the federal government needs to take a much stronger hand in subsidizing care. The Biden administration sought to improve wages and working conditions for paid caregivers. But a $150 billion proposal in the Build Back Better Act for in-home and community-based services under Medicaid was dropped to lower the price tag of the final legislation. “This is an issue that’s coming to the front door of members of Congress,” said Sen. Bob Casey, a Pennsylvania Democrat and chair of the Senate Special Committee on Aging. “No matter where you’re representing — if you’re representing a blue state or red state — families are not going to settle for just having one option,” he said, referring to nursing homes funded under Medicaid. “The federal government has got to do its part, which it hasn’t.” But leading Republicans in Congress say the federal government cannot be expected to step in more than it already does. Americans need to save for when they will inevitably need care, said Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana, the ranking Republican on the aging committee. “So often people just think it’s just going to work out,” he said. “Too many people get to the point where they’re 65 and then say, ‘I don’t have that much there.’” Private companies’ prices have skyrocketed The boomer generation is jogging and cycling into retirement, equipped with hip and knee replacements that have slowed their aging. And they are loath to enter the institutional setting of a nursing home. But they face major expenses for the in-between years: falling along a spectrum between good health and needing round-theclock care in a nursing home. That has led them to assisted living centers run by for-profit companies and private equity funds enjoying robust profits PAGE 5
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Facing financial ruin as costs soar for... PAGE 4
in this growing market. Some 850,000 people age 65 or older now live in these facilities that are largely ineligible for federal funds and run the gamut, with some providing only basics like help getting dressed and taking medication and others offering luxury amenities like day trips, gourmet meals, yoga, and spas. The bills can be staggering. Half of the nation’s assisted living facilities cost at least $54,000 a year, according to Genworth, a long-term care insurer. That rises substantially in many metropolitan areas with lofty real estate prices. Specialized settings, like locked memory care units for those with dementia, can cost twice as much. Home care is costly, too. Agencies charge about $27 an hour for a home health aide, according to Genworth. Hiring someone who spends six or seven hours a day cleaning and helping an older person get out of bed or take medications can add up to $60,000 a year. As Americans live longer, the number who develop dementia, a condition of aging, has soared, as have their needs. Five million to 7 million Americans age 65 and up have dementia, and their ranks are projected to grow to nearly 12 million by 2040. The condition robs people of their memories, mars the ability to speak and understand, and can alter their personalities. In Seattle, Margaret and Tim Newcomb sleep on separate floors of their two-story cottage, with Margaret ever mindful that her husband, who has dementia, can hallucinate and become aggressive if medication fails to tame his symptoms. “The anger has diminished from the early days,” she said last year. But earlier on, she had resorted to calling the police when he acted erratically. “He was hating me and angry, and I didn’t feel safe,” she said. She considered memory care units, but the least expensive option cost around $8,000 a month and some could reach nearly twice that amount. The couple’s monthly income, with his pension from Seattle City Light, the utility company, and their combined Social Security, is $6,000.
Placing her husband in such a place would have gutted the $500,000 they had saved before she retired from 35 years teaching art and French at a parochial school. “I’ll let go of everything if I have to, but it’s a very unfair system,” she said. “If you didn’t see ahead or didn’t have the right type of job that provides for you, it’s tough luck.” In the last year, medication has quelled Tim’s anger, but his health has declined so much that he no longer poses a physical threat. Margaret said she’s reconciled to caring for him as long as she can. “When I see him sitting out on the porch and appreciating the sun coming on his face, it’s really sweet,” she said. The financial threat posed by dementia also weighs heavily on adult children who have become guardians of aged parents and have watched their slow, expensive declines. Claudia Morrell, 64, of Parkville, Maryland, estimated her mother, Regine Hayes, spent more than $1 million during the eight years she needed residential care for dementia. That was possible only because her mother had two pensions, one from her husband’s military service and another from his job at an insurance company, plus savings and Social Security. Morrell paid legal fees required as her mother’s guardian, as well as $6,000 on a special bed so her mother wouldn’t fall out and on private aides after she suffered repeated small strokes. Her mother died last December at age 87. “I will never have those kinds of resources,” Morrell, an education consultant, said. “My children will never have those kinds of resources. We didn’t inherit enough or aren’t going to earn enough to have the quality of care she got. You certainly can’t live that way on Social Security.” Women bear the burden of care For seven years, Annie Reid abandoned her life in Colorado to sleep in her childhood bedroom in Maryland, living out of her suitcase and caring for her mother, Frances Sampogna, who had dementia. “No one else in my family was able to do this,” she said.
“It just dawned on me, I have to actually unpack and live here,” Reid, 61, remembered thinking. “And how long? There’s no timeline on it.” After Sampogna died at the end of September 2022, her daughter returned to Colorado and started a furniture redesign business, a craft she taught herself in her mother’s basement. Reid recently had her knee replaced, something she could not do in Maryland because her insurance didn’t cover doctors there. “It’s amazing how much time went by,” she said. “I’m so grateful to be back in my life again.” Studies are now calculating the toll of caregiving on children, especially women. The median lost wages for women providing intensive care for their mothers is $24,500 over two years, according to a study led by Norma Coe, an associate professor at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Lewis moved back from England to Nashville to care for her mother, a former nurse who had a stroke that put her in a wheelchair. “I was thrust back into a caregiving role full time,” she said. She gave up a post as a research director for a nonprofit organization. She is also tending to her 87-year-old grandfather, ill with prostate cancer and kidney disease. Making up for lost income seems daunting while she continues to support her mother. But she is regaining hope: She was promoted to assistant dean for student affairs at Vanderbilt School of Nursing and was recently married. She and her husband plan to stay in the same apartment with her mother until they can save enough to move into a larger place. Government solutions are elusive Over the years, lawmakers in Congress and government officials have sought to ease the financial burdens on individuals, but little has been achieved. The CLASS Act, part of the Obamacare legislation of 2010, was supposed to give people the option of paying into a long-term insurance program. u PAGE 7
SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 15-17, 2023
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Duterte is country’s caretaker while... PAGE 1
keen to push for financing a just, sustainable, and affordable energy transition through partnerships with the business sector. He will emphasize the need to invest more on clean energy to preserve and protect the environment while ensuring that we are energy secure and sufficient," Jose said. "With our experience from the COVID-19 pandemic, the president wishes to push for deeper cooperation in health and modernizing health systems and to ensure that our health professionals are recognized and provided with [the] welfare they deserve," he added. On its official website, APEC said that its 21 member economies account for nearly 40 percent of the global population, almost half of global trade, and approximately 60 percent of global GDP. As of 2021, APEC member states were the destination for more than
60 percent of U.S. goods exports and seven of the top 10 overall trading partners for the U.S. are APEC members. While in San Francisco, the president will also lead a Philippine economic briefing and have several meetings with top U.S. companies. He will also attend the APEC CEO Summit and the APEC Leaders Dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council. Marcos will also have working visits in Los Angeles, California and Honolulu, Hawaii where he will meet with the Filipino community. The president will also visit the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for security studies, and the Indo-Pacific Command headquarters while in Hawaii. While Jose did not give specifics on Marcos' Hawaiian sidetrip, he said he expects discussions on security issues.
The TV ad, “Family Business,” spotlights Filipino-American Odeen Domingo and his VietnameseAmerican wife Jenny Poon, who run a small business in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo courtesy of DNC
Biden campaign releases first TV... PAGE 1 immigrants who built a small business and how that shaped her into who she is today. Poon and Domingo said the shift of focus to investments in small business and away from large corporations has jump-started small businesses like theirs. Beyond the television spot, the media program will include print ads in national and local outlets in the battleground states Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The print ads will be inlanguage in media outlets targeting Indian, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Vietnamese and other South Asian communities. “We are excited to announce our early investment into AAPI media, building on our campaign’s
intentional, aggressive outreach to the voters that sent President Biden and Vice President Harris to the White House in historic numbers in 2020,” said BidenHarris 2024 Campaign Manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez. "Our first ad, ‘Family Business,’ communicates the clear choice facing the AAPI community next November – between President Biden’s commitment to investing in our small businesses and our families, or MAGA Republicans solely focused on tax breaks for the wealthy and powerful corporations.” The Pew Research Center reported that 72% of Asian voters in the 2020 election contributed to Biden’s victory and only 28% voted for former President Donald Trump. (Nimfa U. Rueda/Inquirer. net)
"It adds a layer to the cooperation that we are trying to establish with like-minded states in order to promote what we have been advocating all along," the DFA official said. The Marcos family was exiled in Hawaii in 1986 following the ouster of the President's father and namesake, Ferdinand Marcos, through the "People Power Revolution." g
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) INVITATION FOR BID LACMTA will receive bids for OP116796 - Tree Trimming Maintenance Services (Excluding MOL) at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. A Pre-Bid conference will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023, 10:00 a.m., at One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Virtual Meeting: Online. This project is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Set-Aside contract. To participate in this IFB, bidders must be SBE certified with LACMTA prior to bid due date. For information on the Set-Aside program, visit: https:// business.metro.net/VendorPortal/faces/home1/certifications All Bids must be submitted on forms furnished by LACMTA, and must be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. Each bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. OP116796. For a copy of the Proposal/Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Manchi Yi at yim@metro.net. 11/15/23 CNS-3756067# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
6 NOVEMBER 15-17, 2023 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
FEATURES
Fake Filipinos
OVER a dozen foreigners holding fake Philippine passports were intercepted recently by the Bureau of Immigration and National Bureau of Investigation. In a related development, several Chinese nationals were reportedly found with Philippine birth certificates issued by a civil registrar’s office in a town in the Caraga Administrative Region in northern Mindanao. A Philippine birth certificate or passport will allow the holder to obtain a driver’s license and even a permit to own and carry a gun outside one’s residence. The holder might even obtain a voter’s ID. Senators, seeing the risks posed by such fake identification documents, are set to investigate the racket, which could have only been perpetrated with the connivance of crooks in government. At the height of the bloody crackdown on drugs during the previous administration, anti-narcotics agents had asked arrested Chinese suspects why they continued to operate in Manila. Among the reasons, the Chinese reportedly replied, was the ease of getting away with illegal activities in this country with the help of corrupt Philippine government employees. Drug traffickers weren’t the only ones found to be bribing their way into the country. Crooked immigration personnel were also indicted for allowing the illegal entry of dozens of Chinese nationals who ended up working in Philippine offshore gaming operation firms. After this
racket was busted, there have been continuing reports of other foreign POGO workers, mostly Chinese, being arrested or charged for various criminal activities in the Philippines, including murder, kidnapping, torture, sex trafficking and, more recently, cyber scams. Foreigners cannot engage in illegal activities in another country without the involvement of locals, especially government employees. The NBI and the Bureau of Immigration must intensify efforts to ferret out those involved in these illegal activities, even as the Senate Blue Ribbon committee prepares to launch its own inquiry. Authorities must ensure that offenders face the stiffest penalties, with the heaviest punishment reserved for Filipinos working in government. At the same time, institutional measures must be implemented to prevent the issuance of government-issued identification papers to those who are not qualified for the documents. Fake IDs open the doors to a wide range of scams and other criminal activities. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Go Negosyo Pilipinas Angat Lahat! JOEY CONCEPCION IT’S been a couple of weeks since I arrived in sunny San Francisco and I am cherishing this bonding time with my family. The Filipino community here is welcoming, as always, but in the past few days, there has been a bit of excited buzz. President Bongbong Marcos will be arriving to attend the APEC CEO Summit. This is an important event where the 21 member-states of APEC convene for extensive discussions concerning global opportunities and challenges that are currently shaping economic, environmental and societal trends within the region. Along with the APEC CEO Summit comes the opportunity for the President to connect with the thriving Filipino communities in the United States. The President’s visit is not only important for diplomatic reasons but also because it provides a platform for overseas Pinoys to have their voices heard and share their unique perspectives on the situation back home. Overseas Pinoys, OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) in
The Broader View HARRY ROQUE WHEN America turned a blind eye to China’s illegal occupation of our Panganiban (Mischief) Reef in 1995, I had just written an assessment of the claims of each country contesting the territorial sovereignty over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. Or the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as we call it now. My academic paper hinged on a public international law principle governing conflicting claims to land territories: which state has the superior claim and not which one has a title (Hersch Lauterpacht). It was part of my requirements for my Master of Laws degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. It happened 27 years ago. Regrettably, I have observed that much of the scholastic discourse from the claimant states of the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei has stagnated on the same issues. There has been a dearth of literature advocating dispute resolution to this geopolitical conflict.
ManilaTimes.net photo
Celebrating the entrepreneurship potential of overseas Pinoys particular, are the lifeblood of the Philippine economy. Pinoys can be found in every corner of the world; in fact, it never ceases to amaze me when I hear stories of Filipinos residing in far-flung regions, proudly representing their heritage and making a positive impact wherever they go. During my visits to San Francisco, I have had the privilege of meeting numerous Pinoys who thrived in their chosen fields. They are admired for their strong work ethic, determination and resilience. The success of overseas Pinoys is a testament to the potential of the Filipino people. It is a reminder that the Philippines is blessed with talented individuals who, given the right opportunities and support, can make a significant impact on our economy and society. While they may have left their homeland in search of better opportunities, I am certain that they carry within them a deep-rooted love for their country and a desire to contribute to its progress. The diaspora of Filipinos has enriched not just Filipino culture but also the common Filipino’s awareness and understanding of
the world. Many Filipino families, I am sure, got acquainted with the Middle East because a relative was once, or still is, working there. Beyond this infusion into the Filipino culture, many OFWs, especially the entrepreneurialminded, brought back best practices and business concepts that have worked well overseas and tried them out in our own country. We have witnessed this phenomenon in various sectors, particularly in agriculture, where returning OFWs used their knowledge and experience to establish successful businesses inspired by their time abroad. It is these individuals that Go Negsoyo seeks to honor at the upcoming Balik-Bayan Summit, where we will present the Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards. The Balik-Bayan Summit is a platform to provide business opportunities and foster investment matches for OFWs, encouraging them toward entrepreneurship and ensuring that their hard work and resources are put to productive and profitable use. Too many times, we hear stories of OFWs being robbed of
their hard-earned money through dubious investment schemes. When we set out to organize this special entrepreneurship event specifically for OFWs, we envisioned insightful discussions led by industry leaders, inspirational and learning sessions featuring successful entrepreneurs and free onsite mentorship sessions, where participants are presented with abundant opportunities to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. I think the lineup of the Balik-Bayan Summit this December will deliver on this vision. One of the highlights of the Balik-Bayan Summit is the Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards, which will celebrate and give recognition to the outstanding achievements and inspirational stories of the Filipino OFWturned-entrepreneur. I would like to think that “BalikBayan” extends beyond the usual Tagalog term that is used to refer to overseas Filipinos returning to their homeland. It is also a call for our expatriates to give back to the country – mag-balik sa bayan – by sharing their knowledge and resources with their countrymen
and contributing to the progress of our nation. OFWs are so much more than their remittances. Firstly, their experiences abroad have exposed them to different cultures, ideas and practices that can be valuable in addressing the challenges faced by the Philippines. They can help bridge the gap between local practices and global standards, fostering innovation and growth in various sectors. Secondly, OFWs who become entrepreneurs can provide employment opportunities to communities. They can nurture talent and facilitate knowledge transfer, ultimately contributing to the development of a competitive and dynamic workforce. Furthermore, giving back to the country helps create a sense of unity and solidarity among overseas Pinoys and those living back home in the Philippines. It strengthens the bond between the diaspora and their homeland, fostering a shared vision for the nation’s progress. By actively engaging with their fellow Filipinos, overseas Pinoys can inspire and motivate others, demonstrating that success is
attainable through hard work, perseverance and a commitment to making a difference. Giving back to the country allows overseas Pinoys to reconnect with their roots and preserve their connection with their heritage. Already, many overseas Pinoys are giving back through philanthropy, providing support and guidance to aspiring individuals who may not have had the same opportunities they had. By putting up businesses back here in the Philippines, they can empower others to chart their own path to social and economic upliftment, creating a ripple effect of positive change among many individuals and throughout entire communities, and perhaps across several generations. Entrepreneurship is an opportunity to multiply the blessings and leave a lasting legacy – one that extends far beyond remittances or personal accomplishments. (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.
Resolving the WPS dispute Therefore, I was glad to have presented a 10-point proposed solution to the WPS dispute in the recently concluded Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance in Sanya, China. I am the first to admit that the proposal is far from perfect. Nevertheless, I hope it will somehow lead to serious engagement and action among the claimants that favor peaceful and long-lasting solutions to the problem. The claimants must go beyond finalizing a code of conduct (COC) in the WPS among the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member-states and China. In 2012, the countries signed a declaration on the conduct of parties, which called for self-restraint in inhabiting the uninhabited geographical features in the WPS. We lost control of the Panatag or Scarborough Shoal that same year. Thereafter, China has repeatedly blocked or attacked government and private shipping vessels with water cannons and military-grade lasers. The superpower has also constructed islands and installations on seven features, two of which fall within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ). For instance, the 2016 Arbitration Tribunal said China’s
artificially built island at Mischief Chief had violated our country’s sovereign rights. At this point, the parties to the dispute should already be holding bilateral and multilateral discussions toward a permanent territorial and jurisdictional settlement. They should start with a working draft for an agreement that diplomatically resolves all disputes and differences. In my speech, I cited two landmark cases under the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) that provide a general framework by which all claimant countries and other stakeholders can arrive at a peaceful solution. First is the Eritrea vs. Yemen case. It was a United Nations Security Council-mandated compulsory arbitration where International Court of Justice (ICJ) judges sat as arbitrators. The Tribunal was not convinced by the historic titles submitted by both claimants to a group of islands in the Red Sea. Instead, it partitioned the islands between Yemen and Eritrea based on evidence of exercise of authority, as well as proximity to the mainland. The Arbitration Court also delimited the maritime boundary between the two nations. Second is the Philippines vs.
China case. While the Arbitral Tribunal failed to resolve the conflicting claims to the disputed islands, it ruled that China’s claim to expansive maritime territory is bereft of legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The superpower refused to participate in the arbitration proceedings and rejected the court decision. Since the WPS dispute involves land territories, all resolutions must apply the existing principles of public international law. Here are the salient points of my speech: • As evidenced by the Eritrea vs. Yemen case, there is no ‘allor-nothing’ rule. No party is outrightly entitled to all the islands or geographical features it claims. China cannot declare ownership of the entire features and waters of the WPS, or the Philippines cannot claim sovereignty over eight islands under its previous and present control. The Tribunal ruled that a claimant must prove a superior claim to every individual disputed island. • In the Philippines vs. China case, the Court said none of the disputed geographic features can generate an EEZ. Meanwhile, only six features are categorized as islands (or permanently high
tide elevations) that can generate 12 nautical miles of territorial sea. As an archipelago, our country is entitled to 200 nautical miles of EEZ reckoned from Palawan, according to UNCLOS. But due to overlaps with Malaysia and Vietnam, the Philippines has to resolve it through a negotiation based on equitable principles. What do the figures signify? Only 72 square miles (plus another 200 nautical miles of Philippine EEZ) out of the approximately 1.35 million square miles covering the WPS are subject to sovereignty and jurisdiction. In effect, it significantly narrows the scope of conflict among the claimants. It also gives plenty of room for the parties for economic cooperation and partnership. • All features outside the Philippine EEZ and the 72 square miles of territorial seas generated by the six islands can form part of the high seas. The UNCLOS defines high seas as outside the territorial sea, internal or archipelagic waters and EEZ of a state. The maritime zone can be declared a common heritage site for all Asian states where fishers of all nationalities can freely exercise fishing rights. They can also explore the natural resources in conformity with
the environmental protection provisions under UNCLOS. The Philippines, China, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan can act as joint stewards of the heritage area, which the Filipino lawyer and environmentalist Tony Oposa suggests should be renamed the “Sea of Asia.” • Again, the Philippines cannot be deprived of an EEZ because it is an archipelagic state. The two artificial islands built by China within our EEZ may be subject to a bilateral agreement. After all, our country has allowed a foreign power to have nine military bases within our territory. I do not see any compelling reason why the Philippines and China cannot agree on this matter. • According to the principle of effective occupation, the five islands controlled by the Philippines and another island occupied by Taiwan should be awarded to both countries. As long as the islands were not acquired through conquest, the occupation of the said features is almost equivalent to a title. (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.
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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 15-17, 2023
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Romualdez insists: UniTeam remains intact Facing financial ruin as costs soar for... by Reina Leanne ToLenTino ManilaTimes.net
HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez insisted on Monday, November 13 that the UniTeam Alliance may have differences, but its members always work together. Pressed on the perceived rift within the political alliance during a media interview, Speaker Romualdez (president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats) said: "It's still a UniTeam; we always work together." "The president always wants us to work together not just in Congress, with the executive but as a country, so we will always strive for that," he added. "There will always be differences, but we will always work toward resolving those differences for the service of the Filipino people. That's our primordial concern that we will band together and unite as one for the service of the Filipino," he added. Aside from Lakas-CMD, the members of the alliance include the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas,
Hugpong ng Pagbabago and Partido ng Masang Pilipino. Last November 7, the House of Representatives replaced Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as one of the chamber's deputy speakers. House Majority Leader Manuel Jose "Mannix" Dalipe said the House relieved Arroyo, chairman emeritus of Lakas-CMD, and Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab of the deputy speaker post after the two did not sign a House resolution "sponsored by the entire leadership." Dalipe said the leadership believed it was "in the best interest of the House to have leaders who fully support and uphold the collective decisions and directions set forth by the leadership." Before the two were removed as deputy speakers, the House had adopted a resolution to "uphold the integrity and honor" of the chamber. The resolution came after former president Rodrigo Duterte reportedly said "the House was rotten." Speaker praises VP Sara In the same interview on
Monday, Romualdez hailed Vice President Sara Duterte's decision to no longer pursue the confidential funds for 2024. "I believe that's the right decision, and we hail VP Sara's decision," he said. Vice President Duterte had said she would not pursue the confidential funds anymore because "this issue was divisive." Earlier, the House realigned P1.23 billion meant for 2024 confidential funds of several government agencies to "protect and secure the West Philippine Sea," Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo said. Of this amount, P1.05 billion was from the Office of the Vice President, Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Foreign Affairs, and Department of Agriculture. The remaining P187 million was from six government agencies whose confidential funds were cut down, said Quimbo, vice chairman of the House appropriations panel. g
Philippines hailed ‘Destination of the Year’ at 2023 TripZilla Excellence Awards by Rosette Adel Philstar.com
MANILA — The Philippines has earned another accolade after being named the “Destination of the Year” award at the 9th TripZilla Excellence Awards 2023. This was announced by the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, which also hailed the recognition as a "significant milestone" last November 10. “This prestigious accolade showcases the country as a top travel destination, celebrating the nation's diverse attractions, rich heritage, and warm hospitality,” the board said. Last year, Singapore's Sentosa clinched the "Destiation of the Year award." This year, it is actually a double win for the Philippines with TPB also winning the coveted Sustainability Leader of the Year (Asia) award for the second consecutive year. "We are proud to receive the Sustainability Leader of the Year (Asia) award for the second
This November 2023 photo shows the booth of the Philippines at the World Travel Market in London. DOT photo
time in a row and be named the Destination of the Year by TripZilla. These accolades are a testament to our passion for showcasing the beauty of the Philippines and our ongoing efforts in championing sustainability and providing genuine local experiences,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “Together, we are crafting a sustainable legacy so that future generations of travelers may also enjoy it in the years to come,” she added.
The annual TripZilla Excellence Awards, hosted by one of Southeast Asia’s leading digital travel media company, TripZilla, recognizes travel organizations “that redefine industry standards and deliver exceptional experiences and driving positive change within the tourism industry.” The winners from this recognition event are selected following extensive online voting conducted by TripZilla that reaches more than 20 travelers monthly. g
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It was repealed two years later amid compelling evidence that it would never be economically viable. Two years ago, another proposal, called the WISH Act, outlined a long-term care trust fund, but it never gained traction. On the home care front, the scarcity of workers has led to a flurry of attempts to improve wages and working conditions for paid caregivers. A provision in the Build Back Better Act to provide more funding for home care under Medicaid was not included in the final Inflation Reduction Act, a less costly version of the original bill that Democrats sought to pass last year. The labor shortages are largely attributed to low wages for difficult work. In the Medicaid program, demand has clearly outstripped supply, according to a recent analysis. While the number of home aides in the Medicaid program has increased to 1.4 million in 2019 from 840,000 in 2008, the number of aides per 100 people who qualify for home or community care has declined nearly 12%. In April, President Joe Biden signed an executive order calling for changes to government programs that would improve conditions for workers and encourage initiatives that would relieve some of the burdens on families providing care. Turning to Medicaid, a shredded safety net The only true safety net for many Americans is Medicaid, which represents, by far, the largest single source of funding for long-term care. More than 4 in 5 middle-class people 65 or older who need long-term care for five years or more will eventually enroll, according to an analysis for the federal government by the Urban Institute. Almost half of upper-middle-class couples with lifetime earnings of more than $4.75 million will also end up on Medicaid. But gaps in Medicaid coverage leave many people without care. Under federal law, the program is obliged to offer nursing home care in every state. In-home care, which is not guaranteed, is provided under state waivers, and the number of participants
is limited. Many states have long waiting lists, and it can be extremely difficult to find aides willing to work at the lowpaying Medicaid rate. Qualifying for a slot in a nursing home paid by Medicaid can be formidable, with many families spending thousands of dollars on lawyers and consultants to navigate state rules. Homes may be sold or couples may contemplate divorce to become eligible. And recipients and their spouses may still have to contribute significant sums. After Stan Markowitz, a former history professor in Baltimore with Parkinson’s disease, and his wife, Dottye Burt, 78, exhausted their savings on his two-year stay in an assisted living facility, he qualified for Medicaid and moved into a nursing home. He was required to contribute $2,700 a month, which ate up 45% of the couple’s retirement income. Burt, who was a racial justice consultant for nonprofits, rented a modest apartment near the home, all she could afford on what was left of their income. Markowitz died in September at age 86, easing the financial pressure on her. “I won’t be having to pay the nursing home,” she said. Even finding a place willing to take someone can be a struggle. Harold Murray, Sheila Littleton’s grandfather, could no longer live safely in rural North Carolina because his worsening dementia led him to wander. She brought him to Houston in November 2020, then spent months trying to enroll him in the state’s Medicaid program so he could be in a locked unit at a nursing home. She felt she was getting the runaround. Nursing home after nursing home told her there were no beds, or quibbled over when and how he would be eligible for a bed under Medicaid. In desperation, she left him at a psychiatric hospital so it would find him a spot. “I had to refuse to take him back home,” she said. “They had no choice but to place him.” He was finally approved for coverage in early 2022, at age 83. A few months later, he died. Reed Abelson is a health care reporter for The New York Times.
The New York Times' Kirsten Noyes and graphics editor Albert Sun, KFF Health News data editor Holly K. Hacker, and JoNel Aleccia, formerly of KFF Health News, contributed to this report. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) INVITATION FOR BID LACMTA will receive bids for OP102392 - Electrical Maintenance Services for Caltrans Park & Ride Lots at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. This project is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) SetAside contract. To participate in this IFB, bidders must be SBE certified with LACMTA prior to proposal due date. For information on the Set-Aside program, visit: https://business. metro.net/VendorPortal/faces/ home1/certifications All Bids must be submitted on forms furnished by LACMTA, and must be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, December 15, 2023, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. Each bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. OP102392. For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro. net or for further information email Marc Margoni at margonim@metro.net. 11/15/23 CNS-3757184# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
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AGT contestant Roland Abante to feature in 2023 series of shows, 2024 US tour ROLAND Abante, Bunot to his family and friends, was born in a small, picturesque seaside village, in the Philippines, called Santander, Cebu. Bunot, who was orphaned at age 3, was raised by his grandma. Like many others in his village, they survived through subsistence farming and fishing, only having enough not to starve. What Bunot did have in abundance was a passion, a love for music, and singing. And Photo from oliviarodrigo/Instagram through the musical variety and talent shows he saw on TV, he learned to sing popular tunes, especially songs by Michael Bolton, whom he greatly admires and emulates. Bunot married his girlfriend, Concepcion or Seth. They met as Seth was performing in a band, as the lead singer. They have a 14-yearold son, Grake, who also shares their love for music. To support his family, Bunot worked as of the Year: “6 Grammy noms a fisherman by day, and driving a tricycle today … what an incredible (motorbike with a cab, a popular form of taxi in honor to be recognized the Philippines) at night. by the recording academy Their lives took a turn for the better when in this way. Grateful is an a video of Bunot singing “To Love Somebody,” understatement!!!!! And huge without his shirt on, became viral. The viral congrats to @dan_nigro for video led to singing engagements, and multiple his Producer of the Year appearances in national amateur talent shows nom, there’s no one more and musical variety shows, like Tawag ng deserving!!” Tanghalan and ASAP. This marks Rodrigo’s third Since his appearance in America’s Got Grammy appearance, having Talent, Bunot has become very popular, a previously bagged three source of pride and inspiration not just to the wins, including the coveted people in his hometown, but to Filipinos in Best New Artist. In 2022, the Philippines and elsewhere. Many of his she triumphed with “Drivers older videos have resurfaced and gained new License,” winning Best Pop audiences. His AGT performance has gained Solo Performance, and her more and more attention daily with views of debut album “Sour” was over 50 millions on Facebook and over 10 named Best Pop Vocal Album. million on YouTube and Instagram to date. Will she add more Roland Abante’s semifinals performance had golden gramophones to her collection?
Olivia Rodrigo bags 6 nominations for Grammy 2024 Her sophomore album ‘Guts’ is nominated for Album of the Year By hAns CArbonillA Inquirer.net
IT seems that FilipinoAmerican sensation Olivia Rodrigo is currently driving in the international music scene at high speed, securing not just one, but six nominations for the 2024 Grammy Awards. The 20-year-old artist, who burst onto the scene with her debut album “Sour,” now leads the Grammy race with her sophomore masterpiece, “Guts.” The Fil-Am artist’s nominations span across multiple categories. The big three categories have acknowledged her prowess, with “Guts” clinching a nomination for Album of the
Year, while her chart-topping single “Vampire” earned nods for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year. In addition, the album has been recognized as a contender for Best Pop Vocal Album, and “Vampire” is in the running for Best Pop Solo Performance. However, the surprises don’t end there, as the “Drivers License” hitmaker received a spot in the Best Rock Song category for the unexpected entry of her song, “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl.” The songsmith took to Instagram to express her gratitude and credited her producer, Dan Nigro, who is also nominated for Producer
Heart mends ties with Marian: ‘Real queens support each other’ By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net
HEART Evangelista opened up about her renewed friendship with fellow actress Marian Rivera, with the former noting that such is a testament to how “real queens support each other.” The actress-fashion icon spoke about this during an event for an online fashion retailer, in an interview for “24 Oras” on Saturday, Nov. 11. “I don’t want it to be anything that’s for publicity because something like that should be from your heart. Marian and I, we’ve always liked each other,” Evangelista told the press. “Real queens support each other.” Evangelista further stressed that the previous rivalry between her and Rivera was caused by “people around [them] that make things bad.” “I guess it’s just a matter of time and honestly, I really appreciate her for—she has
America’s Got Talent contestant Roland Abante Contributed photo
him singing Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations. Roland has received various awards and recognitions after his performance, including the Shining Star Award from the Filipino American Association of Portland, Oregon; the Achiever Award 2023 from the Filipino Association of Vancouver, Washington; the Extraordinary Talent Award from the Filipino Association of Hawaii; and The Most Filipino Trending Artist Award given by the Filipino American of Los Angeles. Roland Abante will have series of concerts in November and December of 2023, as well as an upcoming United States tour in 2024.
Carla is moving on and thriving
that.” Abellana was in a relationship with actor Tom CARLA Abellana is every Rodriguez before they tied the bit the confident leading lady knot in October 2021. However, when she faced the media three months later, news of to promote her upcoming their separation surfaced. afternoon series, “Stolen Life.” In June 2022, Rodriguez — Starring with equally who is a U.S. citizen — filed for gorgeous Beauty Gonzalez, a divorce. the two leading ladies play Giving an update on dual roles they’ve never done their status, Abellana said on before. the sidelines of the media “Stolen Life” follows the conference, “Our status is story of two cousins, Lucy and divorced in the U.S. Here in Farrah, who turned bitter rivals. the Philippines, the petition They both know how to do for local court to recognize astral projection, where the soul that status is still on going. It’s leaves one’s body during sleep technically divorce but here in and can travel on its own. the country it’s not annulment. Carla Abellana returns to drama with the Through astral projection, There’s no need to file for the upcoming series, ‘Stolen Life.’ GMA photo Lucy (Abellana) meets the latter as the Philippine law “And when we were already can recognize that foreign Heart Evangelista and Marian Rivera Photos from Instagram/@iamhearte, @marianrivera dashing and doting Darius (Gabby Concepcion). decree.” shooting the series, I felt that with each other dating back a very strong character but I Apart from being a calm Abellana is noticeably it was a good release. Lucy is to 2011, when they worked really appreciate her kindness and affectionate woman, more open these days to challenging to play but there together in the drama-comedy Abellana will also show off and just her heart,” she said. answer questions regarding her are many times that I also film “Temptation Island.” When asked if they would her villainous side this time. separation from Rodriguez. enjoyed playing her bad side,” Talks of their rekindled be working together in future Meanwhile, Gonzalez sticks to “I’m already in that position she added. friendship arose among fans projects, Evangelista said her fierce and feisty role but that I can already give answers Besides interest in her in October after netizens they are still both busy at the also portrays a piteous wife in to those questions. I’m not comeback project, Abellana noticed that the two actresses moment but what’s important the series. comfortable to talk about it but also answered questions have followed each other is that they’re OK behind the At the media conference, at least, I can do it now. It just from the media regarding her on Instagram, and even cameras. Abellana humbly admitted she shows I’m over it, I have moved personal life. commented on each other’s Evangelista and Rivera was at first hesitant to play the on.” Glowing and radiating posts. have had personal differences role of Lucy. Looking forward, Abellana positive aura, the actress said “It was because I wasn’t said that while she is not yet she finds more time for herself sure at first if I could give this ready to jump to another these days. role justice. But everyone relationship, she is not closing “I have lots of time and convinced me and I was also her doors. energy now that I can spend looking forward to work with “Whatever God plans for on myself. If I need or want director Jerry Sineneng for the me. I just want to go with the something, I give it to myself, first time also, so I said yes.” flow,” she ended. it feels nice to be able to do By ChristinA AlPAd ManilaTimes.net
Shamcey believes Philippines is ‘powerhouse of pageantry’ By Moises Cruz ManilaTimes.net
MISS Universe Philippines (MUPh) National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee emphasized that the selection method of this renowned competition — where they reach out to candidates outside Metro Manila — will provide women in the provinces with an equal opportunity. In an exclusive interview with The Manila Times, Lee said this is one of the changes they made to showcase the best representation of the community. Other reforms include removing the minimum height requirement and being open to all civil statuses. “A typical pageant usually starts with physical beauty, but because we believe in inclusivity and diversity, we now welcome women with children. There is no height limitation and no age limit,” Lee said. “It goes to show that Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee with Miss Universe Philippines beauty comes in different 2023 Michelle Dee Photo from Instagram/@supsupshamcey Continued on Page 9
Kathleen grateful to have had glimpse of motherhood
actual labor with no babies!” she said in the caption. Inquirer.net “Reminding you, woman— DESPITE her recent failed we are strong! You are strong!” pregnancy, Kathleen Hermosashe continued. “Seriously just Santos chooses not to dwell had a glimpse of how it feels to on her pain as she declares be a mom. I am grateful.” she’s grateful for having had a Hermosa’s followers, glimpse at motherhood. including Joy Sotto, then The actress, who earlier shared kind words for the revealed she suffered from a actress via the comment blighted ovum and lost her section. triplets, recently went on a According to Mayo Clinic, a beach trip with her non-showbiz blighted ovum or anembryonic husband Miko Santos. In her pregnancy is where an embryo Instagram page last Nov. 6, “never forms or it stops Hermosa can be seen looking forming and is reabsorbed by at the sea while seemingly the body,” leading to an early contemplating about her recent miscarriage. miscarriage. Hermosa and Santos, who “Hey, just a reminder! announced their engagement Miscarriages are introduction in December 2022, got married of an actual labor in a milder in an intimate garden ceremony version, or for some its the in Cebu in June. By Anne PAsAjol
Kathleen Hermosa Photo from Instagram/@kathermosa
‘The Master Chief’ honors community 9 Filipino Americans’ US Navy legacy on the big screen Rhian, Celeste have high hopes for Michelle Dee The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 15, 2023
By Kristel sambile Inquirer.net
AS of Nov. 10, “The Master Chief” has begun its absorbing journey on the silver screen, presenting director Chris Soriano’s poignant tribute to the contributions of Filipino Americans in the U.S. Navy. “The Master Chief” explores the challenges and triumphs of a young Filipino sailor navigating the intricate waters of the U.S. Navy. Soriano, who also wrote and acted in the film, aims to shed light on the often unseen
experiences of Filipino sailors and the camaraderie known as the “Filipino Mafia.” Hailing from Bonita, California, Soriano is a storyteller driven by a deep sense of purpose. With a commitment to representing the often overlooked narratives of Filipino Americans, Soriano has carved a niche for himself in the world of cinema. As the co-founder of Matthew 25:14 LLC, a movie production company dedicated to sharing stories of minorities Continued on Page 11
Shamcey believes... From Page 8 forms,” she added. Lee mentioned that the accredited partner system and regional pageants are comparable to the Miss USA pageant, in which partners hold state pageants to choose candidates for the national pageant. “In the past, before becoming an official candidate for Miss Universe Philippines, you had to submit an application, attend a screening, and the committee would pick the official delegate,” Lee said. “However, we believe that many ladies with potential do not have the support to travel to Manila, and they need the assistance of locals,” she added. Aspirants will now have the opportunity to join Miss Universe Philippines through regionally accredited partners, resolving the question of who will support and train them. Lee emphasized that the organization is reaching out to them, or they are getting closer to them through their accredited partners. The MUPh National Director praised the outcome of the Miss Universe Philippines Leyte pageant on October 18, as it was the first group to put on a pageant under the regional partnerships. It followed the pattern of an international competition with tourism videos and preliminaries. Angel Rose Tambal, a 24-year-old civil engineer from the municipality of La Paz, was named Miss Universe Philippines-Leyte after surpassing 20 other candidates from the province. Tambal also won two major prizes, Best in Swimwear and Best in Evening Gown, and three corporate prizes. Tambal stated in a brief interview with The Manila Times that she would not have gotten this far without the support of her family, friends, her “glam” team, and the La Paz municipal administration. “Finally, after a month of
preparations, it was paying off. I was just praying to God that whatever the result is, I will accept it wholeheartedly,” Tambal said. “I’m expecting there will be a lot of training and preparations, especially since this will be the first time for Miss Universe Philippines to have a representative from Leyte. This is a huge responsibility, so I must really work hard to showcase what our province has to offer to the universe,” she added. She will compete in the Miss Universe Philippines competition in 2024 and represent her province. Lee stated that following Leyte, they began the preproduction of provinces such as Camiguin, Bohol, and Cebu, where most of the pageants will take place in December and January. “As I evaluate the Leyte pageant, I see that the municipalities have been supportive of their candidates. It’s truly a community effort in which the girls are not competing with each other, but she is there as the best representative of the community,” Lee enthused. “I tell the ladies that the most important thing is how you compete and how you would represent the Philippines. If you make us proud, you are already a winner,” she added. Lee described it as difficult to anticipate the outcome, despite the fact that the Philippines is regarded as a powerhouse in pageantry. Other nations look to the Philippines as the candidates possess all the standards and qualities of a beauty queen. “Joining a beauty pageant can really change you a lot, whether you win or not. It will help you become a better version of yourself because of the training and experiences,” Lee said. “And sometimes it takes one step to reach your dreams and have the courage to do that,” she concluded.
By Charmie Joy Pagulong Philstar.com
THE close friends of Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee have full confidence in her to clinch the fifth Miss Universe crown for the country. Michelle is in El Salvador for the 72nd edition of the Miss Universe pageant happening on Nov. 18 (Nov. 19, Philippine time). Michelle’s best friend and housemate Rhian Ramos shared, “It’s kinda weird not seeing her in the house for a few weeks. But you know, what I feel really, I trust her, eh. And I saw how much she prepared, so I have a good feeling about the Miss Universe,” she told the press during the Opulence Ball 2023 held recently. Rhian’s boyfriend Sam Verzosa chimed in, “She’s actually gonna win the Miss Universe.” While Rhian was “a little bit sad” because she’s missing her best friend, she is excited for her at the same time. “I’m excited for her also in this next portion of her life. I have absolute trust in her that she is going to give it her all and perform so well. She has impressed me so many times and she has amazed me so many times. And I think she’s
Rhian Ramos
Photo from Instagram/@whianwamos Celeste Cortesi
about to do it again.” Rhian always feels emotional toward her fellow Kapuso artist because she considers Michelle her “sister.” She said, “They are the family that we choose and I think just by being with her on her journey for the past two to three years, I witnessed how much she deserves it. I think that’s why I get so emotional for her.” Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi also wished her friend all the best. “I talked to her before she flew and I think she’s got this. She has prepared a lot for
this pageant and you know I just wish her all the best and I trust her. So, I know she will do good with or without the crown.” When asked what tips she gave Michelle, she commented, “Michelle is always prepared. I don’t think she (needs it),” and continued, “Just enjoy the pageant because you’re gonna make (new) friends (out there) and you’re gonna learn a lot of things about yourself. So, at the end of the day, I think she’s got it, so I just hope she gives her best and enjoys every minute of it.”
Photo from Instagram/@celeste_cortesi
“I think Michelle is like a total package, to be honest. I think she’s been working so hard even during the MUPH (Miss Universe Philippines) and I think she can actually get the Miss Universe crown. And I would be so happy for her. I think she’s doing everything she can.” Michelle is the daughter of Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez. Gloria Diaz won the first Miss Universe crown for the Philippines in 1969, followed by Margie Moran in 1973, Pia Wurtzbach in 2015 and Catriona Gray in 2018.
10 community
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 15, 2023
Do I have a community property interest in a house which my spouse acquired before our marriage? but is subsequently paid using community funds. Marriage of Broderick (1989) 209 CA3d 489, 257 CR 397. In litigation, the community interest in the situations mentioned about is proven through expert witness ATTY. KENNETH testimony typically by a forensic URSUA REYES CPA. Since California case GENERALLY, in California, law allows the creation of a property acquired by a spouse community interest in real prior to marriage is considered property acquired prior to separate property under family marriage, one has to consider code section 770 while those vehicles to protect themselves acquired after marriage are if you own property and you considered community assets are contemplating of getting under family code section 760. married. There are several How do you characterize real ways of avoiding the creation property purchased prior to of a community interest on marriage but with the mortgage your separate real property. principal paid down using One, you can sign a prenuptial community income or funds agreement. Two, the parties during the marriage? The can execute a postnuptial community in this situation agreement if the parties acquires a pro tanto interest in are already married. Three, the ratio that the payments on the parties can execute a the purchase price made transmutation agreement with community funds with a waiver of any bear to the total payments family code section 2640 on the purchase price and The Marsden apportionment reimbursement claim. If any appreciation should be your divorce case involves method is also applicable apportioned accordingly. complex issues of asset Marriage of Moore (1980) distribution, it is best to to situations where a 28 C3d 366, 371, 373, 168 retain the representation community real property is CR 662, 664, 665. Other of competent counsel. expenses associated *** later transmuted into one with the property are Please note that this article is not spouse’s separate property not considered in the legal advice and is not intended through execution of a quit calculation such as as legal advice. The article is mortgage interest, intended to provide only general, claim by the other spouse but taxes, and insurance. In non-specific legal information. is subsequently paid using essence, the real property This article is not intended to would accumulate both cover all the issues related to community funds. a separate property the topic discussed. The specific and a community facts that apply to your matter property component may make the outcome different by the date of separation. than would be anticipated by you. This to the original purchase The appropriate remedy in article does create any attorney client price ($38,300) amounts to this situation where separate relationship between you and the Law 24.02%. This percentage of property is subsequently Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This the property appreciation paid with community funds is article is not a solicitation. during the marriage of “apportionment.” *** $117,500 ($28,223.50) plus The process of apportioning the reduction in mortgage Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a between the separate and Certified Family Law Specialist. He was balance during the marriage community property component ($9,200) would constitute the President of the Philippine American is laid out in the Marriage of Bar Association. He is a member of both community component of the Marsden. In that case, the the Family law section and Immigration real property. The rest was the court determined the ratio law section of the Los Angeles County husband’s separate property. or percentage in which the Bar Association. He is a graduate of The husband in that case was mortgage loan principal was Southwestern University Law School awarded his separate property reduced during the marriage and component of the real property in Los Angeles and California State applied that percentage to the University, San Bernardino School plus one half of the community appreciation of the real property property component. of Business Administration. He has during the marriage. The The Marsden apportionment extensive CPA experience prior to law community property component method is also applicable to practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH would then consist of the REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire situations where a community reduction in the mortgage loan Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. real property is later transmuted principal during the marriage Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ into one spouse’s separate plus the portion of appreciation kenreyeslaw.com. property through execution of a during the marriage applying the quit claim by the other spouse (Advertising Supplement) ratio discussed above. In the Marriage of Marsden, the real property was purchased by the husband for $38,300 prior to the marriage. The original mortgage was $30,000. By the time the husband got married, the house was now worth $65,000 while the mortgage has gone down by $7,000. Both the appreciation of $26,700 and the mortgage reduction of $7,000 would be separate property since it occurred prior to marriage. Marriage of Marsden (1982) 130 CA3d 426, 181 CR 910. During the marriage until the time of trial, the property has appreciated another $117,500 (property now valued at $182,500) while the mortgage has further declined by $9,200 up to the date of separation. The ratio at which community funds paid down the mortgage ($9,200) during the marriage
Barrister’s Corner
Landco President and CEO Erickson Manzano spearheaded the premium real estate developer’s inaugural roadshow to Southern California and to a broader U.S. market at The Aster, citing the support of its parent company Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. Photos courtesy of Landco Pacific Corporation
Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Landco Pacific Corporation conquers Hollywood Paving the way for the Punta Fuego developer to roll out a sustained program to serve the US market
LANDCO Pacific Corporation, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Corporation (MPIC), with its Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, celebrated its United States launch with a glitzy affair in the heart of Hollywood on October 7 at the posh The Aster Private Members Club, which sits within a six-story building on the famous intersection of Vine Street and Hollywood Boulevard. Well-known media personalities and VIPs attended Landco’s launch event and learned about Landco and its projects from the premium developer’s executives and sales and marketing team spearheaded by President and CEO Erickson Y. Manzano, traveling to Los Angeles, California for Hollywood’s grit and glory. Manzano shared that Landco’s latest development of BeachTowns is sought-after, given Landco’s track record of high-value appreciation with its legacy project of Punta Fuego in Batangas growing in value to about 1,000 percent since it was launched in the ’90s; development of renowned and coveted prime residential and leisure properties in key cities across the country; and financial strength as a subsidiary of MPIC helmed by business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan. Manzano also relayed his vision for Landco to reach out to and serve kababayans in the United States, allowing them to have access to unparalleled resort living in the Philippines. Delivering Landco’s sustained presence in the U.S. are its key partners from the Philippine consulate office, Department of Tourism and Department of Trade and Industry, and Philippine Retirement Agency; U.S.-based agencies; media partners, including TFC with TJ Manotoc and Janelle So-Perkins of Janelle So productions for the interviews of Manzano which were aired in the United States, Philnews USA, Asian Journal, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, Inquirer.net, Amplifyd, and A-List & Partner Consulting Inc.; corporate, airline and remittance partners; and Fil-Am organizations. DTI Commissioner Eric Elnar cited the steady socio-economic growth of the country, which serves as a good environment for property investment, and how Landco projects in Batangas are benefiting from the
Calendar of events
Landco executives with A-List & Partners (from left): Gerard Penaflor, Charisse Santiano, Ailene Chua and Erickson Manzano.
NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 17 - 26
LA Auto Show 7pm Los Angeles Convention Center 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 https://laautoshow.com/ Landco’s roadshow to Southern California kicked off at the roof deck of The Aster in the heart of Hollywood.
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
Erickson Manzano, President and CEO of Landco, shares his vision on Landco’s sales and marketing expansion in the U.S. market to TJ Manotoc of TFC News.
Glam guests and executives at the Lando roadshow to Southern California (from left): Cris Feleo-So, Gerard Penaflor, Cindy Quirante, and Lorayn Jacinto.
infrastructure development that makes it easier to reach this popular tourist and leisure destination within two to three-hour drivetime from Metro Manila and the domestic and international airports; connectivity with the build-up of strong WIFI infrastructure; and new normal approaches of working remotely from anywhere, making ‘Work from the Beach’ a good proposition. Representatives of key partners also rendered short talks in support of Landco: Francis Maynard Maleon and Maria Alnee Gamble, Deputy Consul General, Consulate Office, Los Angeles; Meny Atias, Keller Williams South Bay Operating Principal; Christina Oriel, Chief Revenue Officer, BayaniPay; Edith Manalad, PNB Area Manager Los Angeles; and Michelle Narvaez, Philippine Airlines Area Manager Los Angeles. Guests were given a premium experience with welcome cocktails at the roof deck that has sweeping views of the city and is notable prior to The Aster’s official opening, as a venue of the famed 80’s band Duran Duran’s private concert overlooking the Capitol Records building. A video presentation of the Landco BeachTowns ensued in an intimate and stylish cinema with comfortable recliners. The video screening showed the premium property developments of Landco through more than 30 years, and Landco BeachTowns CaSoBe (Calatagan South Beach) and Club Laiya with highlights of The Spinnaker, the newly-launched beachfront condotel in Batangas. These upscale properties inspire Fil-Ams to invest back in the Philippines and build their dream beach homes in the country’s seaside paradise. A hefty lunch was served for guests right before the program hosted by Janelle SoPerkins and Landco Vice President for Sales and Marketing Gerard Penaflor at The Aster’s Cabaret event space. Guests at the Landco Pacific Roadshow were presented with investment options: CaSoBe and Club Laiya, both are sustainable developments that are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-registered, and mixed-use commercial and residential
FOR SALE
Continued on Page 11
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 15, 2023
Clean California brings 57 San Francisco volunteers together to beautify Dolores Park
Photo screengrabbed from Youtube/chris soriano
‘The Master Chief’ honors... From Page 9 across the United States, Soriano has used his platform to amplify diverse voices. Beyond filmmaking, he has been recognized as an award-winning speaker for young adults, executives, and public servants, advocating for positive change through storytelling. Soriano’s connection to “The Master Chief” is deeply personal. Growing up, he witnessed the challenges faced by his father who served as a sailor in the U.S. Navy. This familial connection serves as the emotional anchor for the film, motivating him to shed light on the experiences of
Filipino sailors and the unique camaraderie they share. To ensure authenticity, Soriano engaged with Filipino sailors in the U.S. Navy, collecting real-life stories of racial tension, discrimination, and the “Filipino Mafia.” The result is a film that not only entertains but also educates and pays homage to the unsung heroes in the navy. Soriano’s dedication to telling meaningful stories that resonate with audiences contributes to the ongoing legacy of Filipino American filmmakers striving to bring diverse narratives to the forefront of the film industry.
Manuel V. Pangilinan-led... From Page 10 developments. Property investors have the choice to build their dream beach homes that can double as a business that caters to the tourism market from a bed and breakfast, restaurants, and cafes to water sports and beach lifestyle-related products and services. The BeachTowns also offers unique accommodations: the pod-like Cocoons in Club Laiya and CaSoBe, Crusoe Cabins in CaSoBe, the upcycled container vans with rustic façade and modern interiors, recognized as the first EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies)-certified resort in the country; and Camperisti, camper vans, also in CaSoBe; and leisure and dining amenities – Aquaria Water Park in CaSoBe, Laiya Beach Club, and Captain Barbozza restaurant and bar in both properties, managed by Millennial Resorts, the hospitality arm of Landco. The 15-hectare CaSoBe is a good place for retirement for those seeking some peace and quiet by the beach, yet still enjoying an active lifestyle in a vibrant tourist community and staying connected with like-minded beach lovers. For busybodies who enjoy the hyperactive lifestyle with watersports by day and a lively beach party scene by night, the 23-hectare Club Laiya is the perfect choice. This leisure destination is already popular among tourists. It is coined as the Boracay of Luzon, with its long white sandy beach and vibrant tourist community. The Spinnaker, the beachfront condotel in Club Laiya, has an awe-inspiring architectural design resembling its namesake: the front sail of a yacht. It is also a sustainable development, being the first seaside condominium to feature a double piping system for recycling non-potable water for irrigation and other uses. Investors of The Spinnaker have the option to have their units be part of the rental pool. Landco trailblazes anew with this roadshow to Southern California to enable the Fil-Am community to avail of the attractive investment that awaits them at the Landco BeachTowns CaSoBe and Club Laiya with its iconic condotel The Spinnaker. Landco’s first roadshow at The Aster, was followed by a blitz at Henry’s Coastal Cuisine at Huntington Beach on October 14. These events are the jump-off point of Landco’s upcoming undertakings to build a bigger and stronger presence among the Fil-Am community in the United States. For more information about Landco Pacific Corporation, visit https://www.landco.ph/ or their FB page at https://www. facebook.com/LandcoPacificCorporation.
(Advertising Supplement)
CLEAN California, in partnership with Refuse Refuse, the San Francisco Department of Public Works, Keep America Beautiful, Keep California Beautiful and local San Francisco volunteers, came together this past Sunday, Nov. 12, to clean up Dolores Park, home to the iconic Mexico Liberty Bell. This special cleanup event brought together the entire community to preserve and enhance the beauty of Dolores Park. The two-hour event brought together 57 volunteers who collected 300 lbs. of litter. Refuse Refuse was excited to kick off our partnership with Clean California and work with Caltrans, Keep America Beautiful, and Keep California Beautiful to bring awareness and implement solutions that help reduce litter in San Francisco and our state. In line with the primary mission of Refuse Refuse, the Dolores Park cleanup event not only encapsulated our ethos of collective responsibility but also manifested our core principles. It was a practical demonstration of my personal belief in the
power of community-driven efforts to preserve and protect the environment, which is how the Refuse Refuse movement was conceived. Sunday’s cleanup was the perfect testament, as volunteers made a direct impact by removing litter and waste from our neighborhoods, including cigarette butts, which are the most frequently littered items containing toxic chemicals and plastics. This, I thought, is what continues to drive me and Refuse Refuse in our fight to clean and beautify San Francisco. This is the heart
of Refuse Refuse, and it beats in every volunteer who joined hands at Dolores Park. “Community groups, local businesses and residents are instrumental in preserving the beauty of their communities and California. As a Clean California partner, Keep America Beautiful is grateful to work alongside local partners on cleanup events like this one in iconic Dolores Park in San Francisco. We were proud to help inspire people to preserve the beauty of this park for future generations to enjoy,” said Gabriela Polo, Regional
Director, Keep America Beautiful. Community cleanup events like on Sunday are made possible by Governor Gavin Newsom’s Clean California initiative, a multiyear cleanup effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs and join with communities throughout the state to reclaim, transform and beautify public spaces. Since launching Clean California in July 2021, Caltrans has cleared more than 2 million cubic yards of litter from California roadways – enough litter to span the length of the Golden Gate Bridge 670 times. The program has also employed 8,700 people and funded 320 projects to revitalize and beautify underserved communities, some of which are already complete and now sources of community pride. I encourage you to learn more about these cleanup events and join like-minded people who care about our environment and community. You can learn more about how you can get involved in ongoing and local cleanup efforts at CleanCA.com.
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 15, 2023
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