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Volume 22 - No.48 • 12 Pages
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DATELINE
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
FTC scales language barriers to battle scammers THE Federal Trade Commission has a new strategy for battling fraud. As of this fall, its Language Access Initiative provides interpreters who can take fraud reports and provide advice in many more languages than just English and Spanish. At a November 21 press briefing the federal agency hosted with Ethnic Media Services – simultaneously translated into Spanish, Korean and Mandarin – two FTC officials and a lawyer/journalist described how the new multilingual services work and some of the ways they’re expected to help protect consumers. “We’ve long had the ability to hear from people in English and Spanish,” said Monica Vaca, deputy director in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Getting reports from people in other languages has been a limitation for us.” Vaca emphasized the importance of people making those reports not just for their own sake but to help the FTC get the word out before more people are scammed. u PAGE 2
DECEMBER 1-7, 2023
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, SAN DIEGO, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
‘ALL FILIPINOS AFFECTED BY THE WAR HAVE BEEN ACCOUNTED FOR’
Bongbong Marcos: Gov’t secured last Filipino held by Hamas in Gaza by Jean Mangaluz Inquirer.net
MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday, November 29 that the government has located and secured the second and last Filipino
held by Hamas in Gaza. Marcos said Noralyn Babadilla is now in Israel. “I have entrusted our officials at the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv to attend to her needs in coordination with Israeli authorities. With this positive development, I am pleased to inform the
NO CRACKS IN UNITEAM
‘We just work as Pres. and VP,’ says Duterte on Marcos by Zacarian Sarao Inquirer.net
More than 60 Asian American groups raise alarm over surveillance program LOS ANGELES – More than 60 Asian American groups have opposed the anticipated reauthorization of a controversial surveillance measure that could be used to racially profile their communities. In a letter to Congress, the groups said the statute – Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) – has been “misused” to spy on Americans in the past. “The consequences of such misuse have had a profound impact on our Asian American community, resulting in wrongful targeting, unjust surveillance and devastating tolls on careers, livelihoods and reputations,” said the letter signed by a coalition of 63 Asian American organizations. The coalition is led by the Stop AAPI Hate, Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ) and the Asian American Scholar Forum. Section 702 is a surveillance program designed to collect information related to national security threats from foreigners outside the United States. It is granted through annual certifications and relies on the mandatory assistance of American telecom providers. (Nimfa U. Rueda/Inquirer.net)
FAREWELL MALI. A boy sits beside a replica of Vishwa Ma’ali, popularly known as “Mali,” the country’s lone elephant who died at the age of 49 at the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden on Tuesday, Nov. 28. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, in a press briefing on Wednesday, Nov. 29, raised the possibility of subjecting the animal’s remains to taxidermy and preserving her bones as an attraction to visitors. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
MANILA — No “cracks” exist between the MarcosDuterte tandem, otherwise known as the ‘UniTeam,’ Vice President Sara Duterte herself said on Tuesday, November 28. Duterte made the pronouncement after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. recently revealed that the prospect of the Philippines reintegrating as a state party to the International Criminal Court (ICC) is currently being studied. His statement fueled speculation that differences may have started to form within the political teamup. The speculation is further fanned with alleged plans within the House of Representatives to impeach the vice president. “Wala naman. Wala namang [cracks]. (There’s none. There aren’t any cracks),” said Duterte at the sidelines of “Bata, Bida Ka!” program for the 31st National Children’s Month. According to Duterte, her partnership with Marcos u PAGE 2
2023 digital lending in PH tipped to hit $489M ‘Philippines must build up defense capability’ by ronnel W. Domingo Inquirer.net
MANILA – The Philippine digital lending market is expected to grow by 45.4 percent to reach $488.8 million in 2023 from $336 million in 2022 and is poised for a “rampant surge” over the next four years, according to PayNEXT360. The research and consulting firm — which holds offices in the United Kingdom, the United States and India — said in a report that the adoption of alternative lending channels in the Philippines is growing by an aver-
age of 36.2 percent yearly during the forecast period of 2023-2027. This means that the market is expected to ring up $1.68 billion by 2027, thanks mainly to digital banking service providers such as neo-banks and financial technology or fintech firms. PayNEXT360 describes alternative lending as ranging from personalized business-to-consumer offerings like payroll advances to strategic business-to-business solutions like lines of credit. Payment instruments for these transacu PAGE 2
Sara appeals to DOJ: Don’t cooperate with ICC by neil JaySon ServalloS Philstar.com
Vice President Sara Duterte
nation that all Filipinos affected by the war have been accounted for,” the president said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Marcos also thanked Israeli authorities for overseeing Babadilla’s release. u PAGE 2
MANILA — While maintaining that President Marcos’ foreign policy decisions should be followed, Vice President Sara Duterte said she would urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) not to cooperate in the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s investigation of the bloody war on drugs during the administration of her father. Asked about Marcos’ softened tone regarding the issue of cooperation with the ICC, Duterte said, “We all should respect the position of the president, being the chief Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterteOfficial/ architect of foreign policy. His
position should be the position of all.” But she stressed her office would continue to assert its position against cooperating with the ICC’s investigation on her father’s drug war. “But we will continue to reach out to DOJ regarding our position on this matter… and we will lay down the legal basis of our position,” she told reporters on Monday, November 27. Last week, Marcos said proposals for the country to rejoin the ICC are “under study,” raising the possibility of ICC prosecutors being allowed to investigate and possibly prosecute Duterte and u PAGE 5
by FranciSco Tuyay ManilaTimes.net
DEFENSE Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said on Monday, November 27 the Philippines must build up its defense capability to counter China’s expansionist claims in the West Philippine Sea, which threaten the survival of future generations of Filipinos. Speaking at a symposium in Camp Aguinaldo, Teodoro said China defends its incursions in Philippine waters with arguments that contradict international law. “What China is doing is to contain the survival of future generations of Filipinos,” the official said. He said the Philippines is one of the five countries whose sovereignty is protected by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos). “It is not only for us, but it is for the peace and prosperity of our future generations that we are able to explore, exploit and protect natural resources that rightfully belong to [the] Republic of the Philippines patrimony and if we fail in doing so, we are doing a disservice to future generations and for
the rest of mankind,” Teodoro said. Experts on maritime law also shared their insights on territorial and sovereign rights during the symposium. China continues to assert its claims on the West Philippine Sea using harassment and intimidation. It has prevented Filipino fishers from entering the Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, which is well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and Chinese ships have been harassing boats delivering supplies to Filipino soldiers stationed at the Ayungin Shoal. To respond to challenges to its sovereignty in the disputed areas, the Philippines must have “robust armed forces and defense mechanisms,” Teodoro said. “We have to build a resilient, redundant and self-reliant defense system,” he said. To achieve that, the Defense department is strengthening its logistical capability. “We’ve built logistical reserves, and we in the Defense department are totally committed to that reserve u PAGE 2
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DECEMBER 1-7, 2023 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
From the Front Page
‘We just work as Pres. and VP,’ says Duterte... PAGE 1 elections is over. continues even after the “Ang UniTeam kasi, it campaign period for the 2022 was a tandem during the
Vice President Sara Duterte nad President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
elections. Ngayon naman, ang trabaho namin is hindi na pangangampanya. Ang trabaho namin is president and vice president,” said Duterte. (UniTeam was a tandem during the elections. This time, our job is not to campaign anymore. Our job is president and vice president.) “With regard to our working relationship, wala akong narinig kay Pangulong Marcos na reklamo niya with regard sa trabaho namin sa DepEd (Department of Education). Tuloy tuloy lang iyong trabaho,” she added. (About our working relationship, I haven’t heard any complaints from President Marcos about our work in the DepEd. The work continues.) Asked if she had already met with Marcos after he made his statements that he is considering a return to ICC, Duterte said they had not yet File photo seen one another. g
SIGNS OF CHRISTMAS. Stalls selling pointsettias are starting to lure buyers at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on Monday, Nov. 27. You know that the most wonderful time of the year, as the song goes, is just around the corner when these flowers bloom, usually from mid-November to January. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Bongbong Marcos: Gov’t secured... PAGE 1 “We extend our sincerest gratitude to Israeli authorities for facilitating Noralyn’s release, and for all ongoing assistance to Filipinos in Israel. Our gratitude also goes to Egypt and the State
of Qatar for their crucial role in this process over the past several weeks,” he said. A raging battle between Israeli troops and Hamas militants ensued in Gaza following the October 7 surprise attack of the
Palestinian militant group on Israel. A few days of ceasefire was sought and agreed upon last week to allow the release of civilians trapped and held captive in the war. g
‘Philippines must build up defense... PAGE 1 and project management efficiencies in acquisitions, efficiencies in human capabilities and efficiencies in motivating the right skills and right people for the right job are essential to building this architecture,” Teodoro said. The department is also formulating a philosophy of operation “that is flexible, Speaking at a symposium in Camp Aguinaldo, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. adaptable, sustainable, said China defends its incursions in Philippine waters with arguments that contradict redundant and realistic,” he international law. ManilaTimes.net photo said. g
2023 digital lending in PH tipped to... PAGE 1
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tions are listed as including cash, checks, credit transfer, direct debits, debit card, credit card and e-money. “The high percentage of the unbanked population, coupled with the growing demand for credit amid the current macroeconomic environment, has resulted in more and more consumers turning to alternative lending providers in 2022,” PayNEXT350 said in a statement. Inflation impact “This trend is projected to further continue in 2023, as inflation continues to impact the disposable income of many across the South-
east Asian market,” it added. Citing an example, PayNEXT360 noted that fintech startup Salmon launched its first lending product in the Philippines in January 2023. For the launch of its pointof-sale lending service, Salmon partnered with 30 merchants and aimed at millennials and Gen Z consumers “who do not have the time and patience to go through the complicated processes of conventional institutions.” Tonik group also launched new lending products that offer flexible terms, such as no collateral required for consumer purchases, or the object of purchase—such
as a property—to be the collateral itself. Another driver of growth is the trend of digital lenders teaming up with artificial intelligence-powered fintech firms in order to enable accurate credit risk profile assessment, including for the unbanked borrowers — such as UNO Digital partnering with Trusting Social. Also, players are teaming up with one another to diversify their service offerings and add another revenue stream to their core operations — such as Tala teaming up with Union Digital, which launched an e-wallet lending service. g
FTC scales language barriers to battle... PAGE 1
“We can only bring cases and do education about scams that we know about,” she said. Fraud toll nears $9 billion Just based on the number of reports people made in English or Spanish, fraud and deceptive or unfair business practices cost U.S. consumers close to $9 billion last year, noted Larissa Bungo, senior attorney with the FTC’s Division of Consumer and Business Education. People who are worried they have been victimized can reach out for FTC help either on the phone or online. Doing so will alert the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network – a pool of 3,000 law enforcement officers at federal, state and local levels – to be on the lookout. If the FTC can catch the culprits quickly enough there is the possibility of getting your money back – another reason to not hesitate if you think you’ve been cheated. For example, the FTC was able to recover $245 million that it is returning to customers of Epic Games, creator of the popular game Fortnite, which the FTC alleged tricked young players into making unintentional purchases. The deadline for filing a claim is Jan. 17 of 2024. Don’t hesitate to report fraud Of course, to get money back with FTC help, you have to identify yourself when making a report, but in any case, you will never be asked about your immigration status. Sometimes, success in getting money back depends on how the victim was defrauded. For instance, if payments were made using a credit card, it may be possible to contest the charge with the card company. So be careful. “Only scammers insist you pay by gift card, cryptocurrency or wire transfer,” Bungo advised. Another reason to not delay
reporting suspicions is that scammers often work from overseas where they and the money they obtained are harder for law enforcement to reach. Even if you successfully dodge a scam, reporting the attempt helps inform and thus protect otherwise unsuspecting potential victims, Bungo said. The multilingual call-center staff and information available at the agency’s website can also provide a range of “next steps” for people to consider. By phone, call (877) 382-4357, then press 3. A succession of messages in different languages will tell you what number to press next to reach an in-person interpreter who knows your language. Lines are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, which is 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the West Coast. New language choices available as of last month include Portuguese, French, Tagalog, Somali, Vietnamese, Arabic, Russian, Polish, Korean, Ukrainian, Hmong and Mandarin. The FTC has the ability to find interpreters in almost 200 languages, as needs arise. This multilingual reporting system can also be used to report identity theft situations. For those, call (877) 438-4338, then follow the same process of dialing 3 to access the various languages available. You can make either fraud or identity theft reports online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or IdentityTheft.gov or, in Spanish, ReporteFraude.ftc.gov and RobodeIdentidad.gov. Those four web pages all have drop-down lists in a box labeled “languages” or “idiomas” that let users complete reports in dozens of other languages. Bungo also described numerous resources the FTC provides at no cost for people to distribute within their communities, whether online or
in print. For instance, there’s a fraud handbook for recent immigrants and refugees and guidance for small business owners. There’s information about “four warning signs of a scam,” descriptions of common tricks such as fake invoices, business impersonation, bad business practices, phony job opportunities, phony online retailers and “phishing” links disguised to look like they’re from companies trying to make a delivery. If asked, the agency will also print and ship these guides to community organizations, at no charge, Bungo said. Information the ‘most powerful weapon’ against scammers Lawyer and journalist Jongwon Lee described a scenario he witnessed and reported on in Atlanta’s Korean community, where a retiree lost tens of thousands to an investment scammer who gained his trust in part by being conversant in Korean. Publicity about the case, a pyramid scheme that became known as Club Mega Planet, helped prosecutors uncover other victims in several states. Making law enforcement aware of additional cases increases the likelihood of criminals being arrested, and prompt reporting can help prevent the stolen money from being spent before it can be recovered. “The FTC’s Language Access Initiative is historic,” Lee said. “It shows that government agencies are looking to do justice for immigrants like us. Language access gets rid of fear and shame and gives you confidence and encouragement that you are not alone and somebody is listening to you.” “Information is the most powerful weapon against scammers. Get educated and informed.” (Mark HEdin/Ethnic Media Services)
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 1-7, 2023
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Why long-term care insurance falls short for so many by JordAn rAu
And Jonel AlecciA KFF Health News
FOR 35 years, Angela Jemmott and her five brothers paid premiums on a longterm care insurance policy for their 91-year-old mother. But the policy does not cover home health aides whose assistance allows her to stay in her Sacramento, California, bungalow, near the friends and neighbors she loves. Her family pays $4,000 a month for that. “We want her to stay in her house,” Jemmott said. “That’s what’s probably keeping her alive, because she’s in her element, not in a strange place.” The private insurance market has proved wildly inadequate in providing financial security for most of the millions of older Americans who might need home health aides, assisted living, or other types of assistance with daily living. For decades, the industry severely underestimated how many policyholders would use their coverage, how long they would live, and how much their care would cost. And as Jemmott belatedly discovered, the older generation of plans — those from the 1980s — often covered only nursing homes. Only 3% to 4% of Americans 50 and older pay for a longterm care policy, according to LIMRA, an insurance marketing and research association. That stands in stark contrast to federal estimates that 70% of people 65 and older will need critical services before they die. Repeated government efforts to create a functioning market for long-term care insurance — or to provide public alternatives — have never taken hold. Today, most insurers have stopped selling stand-alone long-term care policies: The ones that still exist are too expensive for most people. And they have become less affordable each year, with insurers raising premiums higher and higher. Many policyholders face painful choices to pay more, pare benefits, or drop coverage altogether. “It’s a giant bait-and-switch,” said Laura Lunceford, 69, of Sandy, Utah, whose annual
premium with her husband leaped to more than $5,700 in 2019 from less than $3,800. Her stomach knots up a couple of months before the next premium is due, as she fears another spike. “They had a business model that just wasn’t sustainable from the get-go,” she said. “Why they didn’t know that is beyond me, but now we’re getting punished for their lack of foresight.” The glaring gaps in access to coverage persist despite steady increases in overall payouts. Last year, insurers paid more than $13 billion to cover 345,000 long-term care claims, according to industry figures. Many policyholders and their relatives reported that their plans helped them avert financial catastrophes when they faced long-term care costs that would have otherwise eviscerated their savings. But others have been startled to learn that policies they paid into over decades will not fully cover the escalating presentday costs of home health aides, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes. And in other cases, people entitled to benefits confront lengthy response times to coverage requests or outright denials, according to records kept by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the organization of state regulators. Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, an industry trade group, said long-term care was the most challenging type of insurance to manage. “You need multiple crystal balls,” Slome said. “And you have to look 20 years into the future and be right.” The pandemic paused a long-term decline The industry’s wobbly finances haven’t steadied despite a brief profitable surge during the coronavirus pandemic. Earnings rose because thousands of people who were drawing benefits, many in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, died from covid-19, and other policyholders died before using their insurance. Others stopped tapping their benefits because
they fled facilities and went to live with their families, who provided unpaid care. Overall, earnings went from $2.3 billion in losses in 2019 to two years of profits totaling $1.1 billion, before receding into the red in 2022 by losing $304 million, according to Fitch Ratings. Still, none of that was enough to reverse the industry’s longterm decline. Doug Baker, a director in Fitch’s U.S. life insurance group, said long-term care insurance “is one of the riskiest in our universe” because of the lingering financial burden from underestimating the number of people who would tap their policies. More insurers now offer hybrid plans that combine life insurance with long-term care. Those policies are less generous than the ones offered a decade ago — and using the long-term care benefit drains some or all of the money policyholders hoped to leave to their heirs. “I don’t think people will offer unlimited again,” said Tom McInerney, the chief executive of Genworth Financial, which suspended selling plans through brokers in 2019. “One way or another, taxpayers are going to have to pay more for longterm care needs of the baby boomers.” Many experts believe it’s untenable to expect that a private insurance market can protect most people from the growing burden of long-term care costs. “The whole situation is poorly suited to that kind of insurance offering,” said Robert Saldin, a political science professor at the University of Montana who studies the industry. Falling profits and skyrocketing premiums Starting in the 1970s, longterm care insurance was touted as a way to keep older people from eroding their retirement savings or resorting to Medicaid, the state-federal program for the poor and disabled. Early plans were limited to nursing home care but later expanded to cover in-home care and assisted living centers. Sales of the policies doubled from 1990 to 2002. As demand grew, however, there were signs the industry u PAGE 4
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SOUVENIRS. A group of senior citizens from Mauban, Quezon province buy souvenirs at the Kadayawan Tribal Village at the Magsaysay Park in Davao City on Tuesday, Nov. 28. The group visited the city to witness the opening of the Pasko Fiesta celebration at the Rizal Park at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.
Many autoimmune disease patients struggle with diagnosis, costs, inattentive care by Andy Miller KFF Health News
AFTER years of debilitating bouts of fatigue, Beth VanOrden finally thought she had an answer to her problems in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder. For her and millions of other Americans, that’s the most common cause of hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, doesn’t produce enough of the hormones needed for the body to regulate metabolism. There’s no cure for Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism. But VanOrden, who lives in Athens, Texas, started taking levothyroxine, a much-prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat common symptoms, like fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and sensitivity to cold. Most patients do well on levothyroxine and their symptoms resolve. Yet for others, like VanOrden, the drug is not as effective. For her, that meant floating from doctor to doctor, test to test, and treatment to treatment, spending about $5,000 a year.
“I look and act like a pretty energetic person,” said VanOrden, 38, explaining that her symptoms are not visible. “But there is a hole in my gas tank,” she said. And “stress makes the hole bigger.” Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages healthy cells and tissues. Other common examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. There are more than 80 such diseases, affecting up to an estimated 50 million Americans, disproportionately women. Overall, the cost of treating autoimmune diseases is estimated at more than $100 billion annually in the U.S. Despite their frequency, finding help for many autoimmune diseases can prove frustrating and expensive. Getting diagnosed can be a major hurdle because the range of symptoms looks a lot like those of other medical conditions, and there are often no definitive identifying tests, said Sam Lim, clinical director of the Division of Rheumatology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. In addition, some patients feel they
have to fight to be believed, even by a clinician. And after a diagnosis, many autoimmune patients rack up big bills as they explore treatment options. “They’re often upset. Patients feel dismissed,” Elizabeth McAninch, an endocrinologist and thyroid expert at Stanford University, said of some patients who come to her for help. Insufficient medical education and lack of investment in new research are two factors that hinder overall understanding of hypothyroidism, according to Antonio Bianco, a University of Chicago endocrinologist and leading expert on the condition. Some patients become angry when their symptoms don’t respond to standard treatments, either levothyroxine or that drug in combination with another hormone, said Douglas Ross, an endocrinologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “We will have to remain open to the possibility that we’re missing something here,” he said. Jennifer Ryan, 42, said she has spent “thousands of dollars outof-pocket” looking for answers. Doctors did not recommend thyroid hormone medication for the Huntsville, Alabama, resident u PAGE 4
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DECEMBER 1-7, 2023 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
Many autoimmune disease patients... PAGE 3 — diagnosed with Hashimoto’s after years of fatigue and weight gain — because her levels appeared normal. She recently switched doctors and hopes for the best. “You don’t walk around hurting all day long and have nothing wrong,” Ryan said. And health insurers typically deny coverage of novel hypothyroidism treatments, said Brittany Henderson, an endocrinologist and founder of the Charleston Thyroid Center in South Carolina, which sees patients from all 50 states. “Insurance companies want you to use the generics even though many patients don’t do well with these treatments,” she said. Meanwhile, the extent of Americans’ thyroid problems can
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be seen in drug sales. Levothyroxine is among the five most prescribed medications in the U.S. every year. Yet research points to some overprescribing of the drug for those with mild hypothyroidism. A recent study, paid for by AbbVie — maker of Synthroid, a brand-name version of levothyroxine — said a medical and pharmacy claims database showed that the prevalence of hypothyroidism, including milder forms, rose from 9.5% of Americans in 2012 to 11.7% in 2019. The number of people diagnosed will rise as the population ages, said McAninch. Endocrine disruptors — natural or synthetic chemicals that can affect hormones — could account for some of that increase, she said.
In their search for answers, patients sometimes connect on social media, where they ask questions and describe their thyroid hormone levels, drug regimens, and symptoms. Some online platforms offer information that’s dubious at best, but overall, social media outlets have increased patients’ understanding of hard-toresolve symptoms, Bianco said. They also offer one another encouragement. VanOrden, who has been active on Reddit, has this advice for other patients: “Don’t give up. Continue to advocate for yourself. Somewhere out there is a doctor who will listen to you.” She has started an alternative treatment — desiccated thyroid medication, an option not approved by the FDA — plus a low dose of the addiction drug naltrexone, though the data is limited. She’s feeling better now. Research of autoimmune thyroid disease gets little funding, so the underlying causes of immune dysfunction are not well studied, Henderson said. The medical establishment hasn’t fully recognized hard-to-treat hypothyroid patients, but increased acknowledgment of them and their symptoms would help fund research, Bianco said. “I would like a very clear, solid acknowledgment that these patients exist,” he said. “These people are real.” g KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages programs at KFF — an indepenhealthy cells and tissues. Other common examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, dent source of health policy receliac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Unsplash.com photo by Towfiqu search, polling, and journalism.
HERO. The Andres Bonifacio monument near the Manila City Hall will be one of several sites where the founder of Katipunan, the revolutionary group that fought the Spaniards, will be honored on his 160th birth anniversary on Thursday, Nov. 30. The non-working holiday to mark Bonifacio Day, however, was moved to Monday, Nov. 27 to enable Filipinos to savor a longer weekend. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Why long-term care insurance falls... PAGE 3 had vastly miscalculated the cost of its products. Insurers set early policy prices competitively low, based on actuarial models that turned out to be markedly inaccurate. Forecasters’ estimates of policyholders’ longevity were wrong. U.S. life expectancy increased to nearly 77 years in 2000 from about 68 years in 1950, federal records show. And as people
lived longer, their need for care increased. Industry officials also failed to account for the behavior of savvy consumers determined to keep their long-term care coverage. Insurers counted on policy lapse rates — people giving up their policies or defaulting on payments — of about 4% annually. The actual lapse rate was closer to 1%. As the miscalculations sent profits plummeting, insurers raised premiums or exited the market. By 2020, sales of traditional policies had dropped to 49,000 and the number of carriers offering plans had fallen to fewer than a dozen from more than 100. Premiums for some consumers doubled in just a year or two. Three class-action lawsuits accused Genworth of failing to disclose to policyholders that it had planned multiyear rate increases, leaving them without information they needed to decide whether to keep their policies. Genworth settled the lawsuits with offers to allow customers to adjust their policies, and in some cases it paid cash damage to those who accepted reduced benefits. The company did not admit wrongdoing. The increases continue. AM Best, a rating agency, said in a report last November that Genworth “will continue to need annual rate increases for at least several more years to reach economic break-even.” Prices for new policies have jumped, too. A decade ago, a couple aged 55 could expect to pay about $3,725 a year for a policy that included $162,000 in total benefits and 3% annual inflation protection, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. Today, a policy that is virtually the same would cost $5,025, 35% more, even as rising health costs and inflation have eroded the value of the benefits. And that’s only for the people who can qualify. To limit their losses, insurers have narrowed the eligible pool of clients. In 2021, about 30% of applicants ages 60 to 64 were denied long-term care insurance. For applicants 70 to 74, the rejection rate was 47%. Even among people in their 50s, more than 1 in 5 were turned down. Chronic health conditions, a history of stroke or diabetes, or psychiatric illness may all be grounds for disqualification. At the same time, insurers began scrutinizing claims more closely. “They tightened their belts,” said Alan Kassan, a senior partner with the California law firm Kantor & Kantor, which represents clients challenging denials. “Then they tightened their claim administration and started denying claims more and more.” In 2022, the proportion of traditional long-term care claim denials varied, from 4.5% in Rhode Island to 9.6% in Alaska, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Despite efforts to limit liability, financial problems forced several high-profile insurance providers to drastically revise policy terms and premiums or go into insolvency, affecting the investments of thousands of clients. They included Alice Kempski, a retired nurse who, after her husband died, bought a policy from the insurance company Penn Treaty and American Network in 2004 on the advice of a financial adviser, paying premiums of $180 a month for 16 years. By 2017, she was hobbled by osteoporosis and was struggling to manage her multiple medications, according to her daughter, Ann Kempski. She sold the family home in
Wilmington, Delaware, in 2017 and, now needing help bathing, moved to an assisted living center there. But when the family tried to file a claim, they discovered that Penn Treaty was insolvent and the policy had been taken over by the Pennsylvania state insurance guaranty fund. The fund had frozen Kempski’s benefits and increased her premiums to about $280 a month, her daughter said. Her doctor told Penn that she had “mild dementia” and osteoporosis and should be in an assisted living facility. But the insurer said that there was not enough evidence that she needed help with two daily living activities or had severe cognitive impairment, conditions that would trigger coverage, according to correspondence between Kempski and the company. Kempski was paying roughly $5,400 a month out-of-pocket to the assisted living center. She moved in with her daughter when the pandemic hit, but she continued to pay full rent to the facility to save her spot until she returned in 2021. In March of that year, when her daughter was preparing to refile a claim for long-term care insurance and her premiums had reached $320 a month, Kempski had a massive stroke. She died the next month. The insurer never paid for any of her care. Coverage in a facility but not at home The policy held by Angela Jemmott’s mother, Jewell Thomas, went unused for a different reason: Like many older policies, it covered only skilled nursing care in a facility. Her children had purchased the policy after Thomas’ husband died at 56. But decades later, once Thomas developed dementia in her 80s, her children realized how desperately their mother wanted to stay home. Jemmott said they tried to add a rider to the policy to cover home care but were told that their mother’s age (older than 75) barred addons. Now the siblings jointly pay about $4,000 a month for two home health aides, while still paying the insurance premium of more than $2,500 a year. “We feel like if we stop paying it, another unforeseen need will arise and cause us to wish we kept it,” Jemmott said. Not all policyholders are displeased. Bert Minushkin, of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, paid monthly premiums for 27 years, beginning in 1993 when the policy was offered as a benefit by Westinghouse Electric Corp., where he worked as a nuclear engineer. Over time, he paid about $120,000 toward the policy, said his daughter Lisa Heffley, 61, of Louisville, Kentucky. Diagnosed with dementia, Minushkin began declining swiftly in 2019. His wife spent $220,000 on assisted living facilities and private aides for him over three years, with about $90,000 of the cost offset by his policy, Heffley said. He died in February 2022 at age 91. “He didn’t break even, but thank God he had it,” she said. Turning to crowdfunding Many experts say what’s needed is a governmentsubsidized or public program that requires people to carry long-term care insurance, as the Netherlands and Singapore have. But federal efforts to create such a system, including the CLASS Act, which was repealed in 2013, and the WISH Act, introduced in 2021, have failed to gain traction in Congress. At the state level, Washington this summer started a first-inthe-nation program that will u PAGE 5
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Sara appeals to DOJ: Don’t cooperate...
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his officials for crimes against humanity committed in the conduct of his war on drugs. Marcos made the statement after members of the House of Representatives, whose relations with the vice president and her father appear to have soured, filed resolutions urging the administration “to extend their full cooperation to the ICC Prosecutor with respect to its investigation of any alleged crime within the jurisdiction of the ICC.” After years of delay, the ICC decided earlier this year to resume its inquiry into the Philippines’ war on drugs. The decision drew pushback from several lawmakers allied with former president Duterte, as well as from Marcos and members of his Cabinet, including Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. Over 6,000 suspected drug offenders have been killed in Duterte’s drug war based on government data. However, human rights groups said the number of fatalities could be several times higher. For lawyer and former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, ICC’s absence of judicial cognizance over the drug war case precludes it from investigating former president Duterte and his vice presidentdaughter. Roque, who is included in the court’s list of counsels, also cautioned President Marcos that his political advisers were using the ICC issue to foment division between the Marcos administration and the Duterte family. The former presidential spokesman opined that the war on drugs case officially came under the ICC’s cognizance only after the Pre-Trial Chamber authorized a preliminary investigation in 2022. “Regardless of our membership status, the Court cannot invoke jurisdiction since it was only in 2022 that the former prosecutor was allowed to proceed with the preliminary investigation. It was two years after the Philippines officially left the ICC,” Roque explained. “What the former prosecutor conducted before 2022 was a preliminary examination, which differs from an authorized preliminary investigation. She acted in her own capacity,” he said, apparently referring to
For lawyer and former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, ICC’s absence of judicial cognizance over the drug war case precludes it from investigating former president Duterte and his vice president-daughter. Philstar.com file photo
Fatou Bensouda. “The ICC did not have direct participation in this informal process.” Prospective, not retroactive Roque added the jurisdiction of the ICC is applied prospectively and not retroactively. The ICC’s prospective jurisdiction over the Philippines, he said, took effect when the country ratified the Rome Statute of the ICC in 2011. It was rescinded in 2019, one year after the country deposited the notice of withdrawal to the United Nations SecretaryGeneral as stipulated under Article 127. “Without a retroactive effect, the court cannot open past cases involving our former presidents because it will violate their right to due process,” he said. “Thus, the ICC cannot subject FPRRD to a probe because the Philippines withdrew from the Statute long before the Court authorized a preliminary investigation,” he said, referring to the former president by his initials. He expressed belief that given the court’s prospective jurisdiction, it can only investigate a sitting chief executive or current leaders suspected of committing grave crimes against the international community. Roque said he agreed with President Marcos that the Philippine government and the court must settle first the fundamental issue of Philippine sovereignty and judicial independence relative to the court’s jurisdictional reach. “I am worried that PBBM might be getting the wrong advice from people out to
harass and muzzle FPRRD and VP Sara. I appeal to president to ignore those sowing discord in the UniTeam and dissension between the Marcos and Duterte families,” he said. “After the botched impeachment moves in the Lower House on the vice president, some ambitious politicos might capitalize on the ICC probe as a way to humiliate Inday Sara or worse, remove her from office,” he added. Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, for his part, said rejoining the ICC would be unconstitutional if done without Senate concurrence. Dela Rosa is one of 11 former officials being investigated by the ICC for possible crimes against humanity. Despite Marcos’ hinting at allowing the country to rejoin the ICC, Dela Rosa said he is counting on the chief executive’s previous statement that he is “very firm not to allow the ICC to interfere in our justice system, that’s a very fundamental issue. No. 1 is sovereignty and no. 2 is jurisdiction.” “If you want to rejoin, that will still have to go through the process before we enter into any agreement,” Dela Rosa said in an interview over ANC. “After the president’s ratification, it has to be concurred by the Senate by a two-thirds vote. So that’s the process. Back to zero, back to square one,” he added. The senator said failure to follow such process would be unconstitutional. No skeletons in closet But for Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, allowing the
SOUND THERAPY. Mallgoers were in for a musical treat as the Musicondalla Performing Group cheered them with Christmas carols, classical pieces, and pop favorites at the Farmers Plaza in Araneta City, Quezon City on Wednesday, November 29. The quartet, founded in 2020, specializes in playing rondalla instruments. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
Why long-term care insurance falls... PAGE 4 provide long-term care benefits for residents who pay into a fund, but the maximum benefit of $36,500 will not cover a year in most assisted living facilities. Lack of a safety net leaves some people unprotected, like Jeffrey Tanck, a real estate broker in Washington, D.C. In 2021, his mother, Sue Tanck, at 75, suffered a serious fall, leaving her with broken arms and a traumatic brain injury. She had been the primary caretaker for his father, Roger, then 77, who had rapidly worsening
dementia. Without warning, Jeffrey Tanck had to assume charge of his father’s care, moving him into an assisted living center in Ocala, Florida, that now charges $4,600 a month, and had to get his mother into a skilled nursing facility paid for by Medicaid. With no money to cover his father’s costs until he sold their house, Tanck resorted to a plea on the crowdfunding site GoFundMe. Wanting to shield himself from a similar financial crisis somewhere down the road,
Tanck, who is 51, applied for long-term care insurance, only to be denied. The reason? He takes antidepressants, which help him cope with the anxiety and stress of caring for his parents. “What are people supposed to do?” Tanck asked. “I’m going to need something.” n KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and
ICC to investigate on Philippine soil the drug war killings during the Duterte administration will send a clear message to the world that in the issue of human rights the government has no skeletons in the closet. “By allowing ICC to come, it’s telling the world that we have nothing to hide here,” Abante, who also chairs the House committee on human rights, said. Abante has authored a resolution allowing the ICC to investigate former president Duterte and some of his officials for possible case of crime against humanity in the conduct of his war on drugs. The gesture, he added, will show that the current administration is “very
transparent with its processes” and its justice system is functioning. “We just want to show to the whole world and to the ICC that our justice system is running smoothly,” he pointed out. But he stressed the ICC should not be allowed to indict or prosecute the former president and his officials in the country. “They can come in and investigate and even ask questions to the family of the victims but they cannot prosecute here,” he said. Rep. Edcel Lagman of Albay, a human rights lawyer and a vocal critic of Duterte, maintained that letting the ICC in is not a surrender of sovereignty. “If we believe in the rule of law, then we must let ICC come in,”
Lagman said. Abante and Ramon Gutierrez (1-Rider party-list) filed House Resolution 1477 on the ICC entry during plenary on Nov. 21, while Lagman filed his – HR 1482 – on the same day. Marcos said the ICC issue is “under study” with Speaker Martin Romualdez making it clear that lawmakers would be guided by whatever the Palace would decide on the matter. This happened amid a word war between House leaders and Duterte, who called the lower legislative chamber a “rotten institution” after it rejected his daughter’s request for P650 million in confidential funds for the OVP and the Department of Education, which she heads. g
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In harm’s way
THANKS to intervention by U.S. naval forces, another hijacking meant to show support for Hamas was foiled. Two of the rescued crew of the chemical tanker M/V Central Park are Filipinos. Five of the hijackers have been taken into custody by the U.S. Navy. The pirates had boarded the Liberian-flagged tanker, which is owned by an Israeli businessman, as it was transiting the Gulf of Aden on Sunday, November 26. The U.S. Navy received a distress call from the Central Park and responded. The conflict did not end there: the U.S. Navy reported that in the early hours of Monday, November 27, two ballistic missiles were fired from areas in Yemen controlled by Houthi rebels toward the tanker and U.S. guidedmissile destroyer USS Mason. Fortunately, the missiles missed their targets and landed in the sea. The Houthis are the same rebels who hijacked the Bahamas-flagged commercial ship Galaxy Leader last week and brought it to Yemen together with the crewmembers including 17 Filipinos. Hijackings targeting Israeli-owned vessels have intensified amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Filipino sailors, who are part of the crew of almost every commercial vessel on the planet, are in harm’s way. Apart from rescuing Filipinos held hostage by
Hamas and its supporters in other countries, the government must also provide mental health support to the victims. Filipino worker Jimmy Pacheco, who was among the hostages freed by Hamas during the four-day pause in the fighting, is reportedly suffering from trauma after 49 days of captivity in besieged Gaza. This type of trauma could last much longer than the period of captivity. The 17 Filipinos on the Galaxy Leader remain in captivity along with the rest of the crew – collateral damage, as one lawmaker put it, in the Israel-Hamas conflict. While Philippine officials have received word that the 17 are safe, there is no assurance that they will not suffer the same psychological trauma as the overseas Filipino worker who was freed by Hamas. Their plight, like those of the crew of the tanker Central Park, highlights the costs of the OFW phenomenon, which arises from the lack of better opportunities in their own country. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Disengagement
The Broader View HArry roque AT last, the chief executive has gone on record against efforts to remove his vice president from office through a constitutional process. Last week, I appealed to President Bongbong Marcos Jr. to publicly express his categorical support for Inday Sara Duterte. It might have taken him several days to speak, but his statement somehow reassured the millions of Duterte and UniTeam followers. It means PBBM finds no compelling reason for the House of Representatives to initiate an impeachment case against the VP. It is his way of telling allies in Congress, led by presidential cousin and Speaker Martin Romualdez, to let the matter drop. Any politician worth their salt will not defy the wishes of the country’s top leader. Personally, I would have wanted more elaboration from the president. If I were in his shoes, I would have emphatically stated that the UniTeam is as united as ever. That mutual trust and confidence remains the bedrock of the Marcos-Duterte administration. As partners, they
ManilaTimes.net photo
work tirelessly to address every internal and external threat to national stability, security and progress. Despite some issue-based differences in opinions, there is absolutely no feud nor acrimony between the Marcoses and the Dutertes. Neither is a brewing ‘them versus us’ faction among the political parties within the alliance. By saying so, the chief executive would have disabused duplicitous politicians of any notion that they could succeed in the 2025 mid-term and 2028 presidential elections without the combined support of the Marcos and Duterte forces. With the impeachment moves dead in the water, I thought that the anti-Sara instigators and leftist agitpropists in the Lower Chamber would lay low. I was wrong. Seemingly, they have moved to an insidious backup plan that could further erode the public trust in VP Sara, if not oust her from power. It might also be geared towards annihilating the Duterte political brand. I cannot help but think that some leaders and members are out for blood. In the past weeks, former President Rodrigo Duterte and Inday have crossed swords with the speaker and his allies over the controversial confidential
fund allocation. Moreover, there was a recent ‘snubbing incident’ between Inday and Martin at the Villamor Airbase. While I admire Inday Sara’s sincerity and honesty, I would advise her to remain civil to her political rivals within and outside the UniTeam alliance. I also understand if Martin got upset by the cold shoulder treatment. He is but human. However, the speaker should not be surprised by the VP’s reaction. His congressional allies would not have trained their guns on Inday without his blessings. But the incident should not warrant any form of political vendetta that jeopardizes our judicial independence and national sovereignty. A public servant must always prioritize national interest over personal issues. So, what is their Plan B? Right after PBBM voiced his anti-impeachment stance, the House human rights committee filed Resolution 1477, urging the Philippine government to cooperate with the preliminary investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the war on drugs campaign of FPRRD. It is currently under review by the justice committee. The speaker has also denied fast-tracking the bill’s passage.
While a resolution is nonbinding, it expresses the overall policy opinion of a co-equal branch of government. It might also provide a legal cover for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reconsider its original position on the issue. In the past, the DOJ has threatened to arrest ICC investigators if they insist on coming to the Philippines without the authorization of our government. According to the ICC, the probe focuses on alleged crimes against humanity of murder committed in Philippine territory between Nov. 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019. Take note, Sara was the Davao City mayor from 2010-2013 and 2016-2019. Digong served as the local chief executive from 2013-2016 and our president from 2016-2022. There have been news reports that the complainants have included VP Sara in the case documents filed before the Hague Court. What does this mean? Should the government allow the preliminary investigators to set foot on Philippine soil, there is a possibility that the ICC can issue summons, even warrants of arrest, for Digong and Sara. Provided that the Court finds reasonable grounds against them.
Under Articles 86 and 87 of the Rome Statute, the Court mandates State Parties to fully cooperate with the criminal investigation and prosecution under its jurisdiction. The request for cooperation shall be transmitted through diplomatic or appropriate channels upon ratification, acceptance, approval or accession of the State Party. In surrendering persons to the ICC, the Court may transmit a request for the arrest and surrender of a person. State Parties must comply with these requests. A person can challenge the request before a national court based on ne bis in idem principle (a person cannot be tried more than once for the same offense). The requested State shall immediately consult with the ICC to determine if there has been a relevant ruling on admissibility (Article 89). In 2018, the Philippines deposited the instrument of withdrawal addressed to the United Nations SecretaryGeneral. As stipulated in Article 127 of the Statute, the withdrawal took effect in 2019 or one year after the date of the receipt of the notification. A State’s withdrawal, meanwhile, shall not affect any cooperation with the Court in connection with criminal investigations and proceedings
that commenced before the date on which the withdrawal became effective. The ICC states that it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes that occurred in Philippine territory while it is still a State Party. But it was only in 2021 – two years after we officially left the ICC – that the Pre-Trial Chamber authorized its Prosecutor to start its investigation. I maintain that the Court no longer has jurisdiction over the said crimes. Furthermore, we have functioning and competent domestic courts that are able and willing to give justice or provide legal remedies to those victims of alleged extrajudicial killings between 2011 and 2019. On more than one occasion, I have heard PBBM say that the country has disengaged with the ICC. Their intrusion or intervention insults our sovereignty as a nation. Our country will not cooperate with the Court in any way or form. Our lawmakers should heed and respect the president’s position. (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.
Back to the ICC?
Sketches
AnA MArie PAMintuAn WHAT can the Marcos administration gain from bringing the country back to the fold of the International Criminal Court? For one, it’s a good way of burnishing the Marcos brand and remaking the global image associated with Ferdinand Marcos as a gross violator of human rights. Ferdinand Junior has nothing to fear; the ICC is not about to investigate him or his relatives for Rome Statute crimes. For another, it may free up state resources and manpower that are currently undertaking the difficult task of identifying which of over 6,000 drug deaths officially reported by the police are cases of extrajudicial killings and which ones resulted from legitimate law enforcement operations. As Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra has lamented, probers are having a tough time finding witnesses and material evidence to establish EJK cases. Last year, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla urged police officers involved in the killings to come out and testify, promising them protection under the Marcos administration. There are no takers so far.
Guevarra told “The Chiefs” on OneNews that separating the legit kills from the extrajudicial is needed to build a case for possible murder as a crime against humanity – the Rome Statute offense that the ICC is pursuing against Rodrigo Duterte when he was mayor and then president. The country has a law covering crimes against humanity: Republic Act 9851, the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity. Harry Roque, Duterte’s lawyer in the first criminal case filed against him after his presidency, says those pushing for an ICC probe can instead file a case in the Philippines for violation of RA 9851. Incidentally, Harry says the criminal case against Duterte is proof that the country’s justice system is working. Duterte has said he is willing to face any complaint filed against him in connection with his brutal campaign against illegal drugs – but only in the Philippines. What will he do if the Marcos administration decides to make the country rejoin the ICC? * * * From the unequivocal statement that “we’re done talking with the ICC,” President Marcos is now saying the proposal is being studied.
The first in the administration to seemingly change his tune on the issue was Remulla, who had previously maintained that it’s an insult to the country’s justice system and sovereignty for the ICC to conduct a probe on Duterte’s war on drugs. President Marcos, in a chance interview, reiterated that the country’s justice system is functioning and there’s no need for the ICC to step in. But for the first time, he said rejoining the ICC is “under study” by his government. BBM wasn’t misquoted or taken out of context; the story was carried even by the Presidential Communications Office. In Southeast Asia, only Cambodia is part of the ICC, which conducted the probe on the Khmer Rouge’s murderous campaign in that country. In 2018, after a long and expensive trial, the court found two Khmer Rouge leaders guilty of genocide. The Rome Statute was adopted in 1998 by 120 countries, with 21 abstentions. Seven voted against: China, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Qatar, the U.S. and Yemen. Since then, Burundi, Gambia and South Africa have withdrawn from the ICC. Israel, Sudan, Russia and the U.S. have signified that they are not ratifying the treaty. The Philippines ratified the Rome Statute on Aug. 30, 2011,
becoming the 117th member of the ICC. The court has jurisdiction over Rome Statute crimes committed in the country since Nov. 1, 2011. On March 17, 2018, after the ICC chief prosecutor announced a preliminary examination of drug deaths in the Philippines since July 1, 2016, the country filed a written notice of withdrawal from the ICC. The withdrawal took effect a year later, on March 17, 2019. The ICC maintains that despite the withdrawal, it has jurisdiction over possible crimes committed when the Philippines was still a party to the Rome Statute. The court’s Pre-Trial Chamber, upon the ICC prosecutor’s request, authorized the opening of an investigation on Sept. 15, 2021, after finding “reasonable basis to conclude” that crimes within the court’s jurisdiction had been committed. Guevarra and other legal eagles of Marcos 2.0 have said that since the investigation was initiated two years after the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute took effect, the ICC has no jurisdiction over the cases. In June 2020, Duterte had created an inter-agency panel to reinvestigate the drug deaths. After monitoring the progress of this undertaking to determine its “genuineness,” the ICC
prosecutor determined that “the overall failure to take meaningful action to bring perpetrators to justice, particularly when combined with promises of immunity or protection from accountability, constitutes a form of encouragement to perpetrators to continue committing violent crimes against suspected drug users and dealers.” Last Nov. 20, several members of the House of Representatives filed a resolution urging the government to extend “full cooperation” in the ICC’s probe. BBM’s statement was in reaction to this development. * * * Inevitably, there is speculation that Marcos 2.0 is laying the groundwork for handing over the drug war probe, along with Duterte, to the ICC. Make that the Dutertes – father and daughter – because Vice President Sara Duterte is included in the ICC probe, as mayor of Davao City when drug killings attributed to so-called death squads occurred. And because Daughterte is implicated, there are suspicions that the House resolution – and perceived shift in the administration’s stand on the issue – could be part of the ongoing intramurals (denied all around) within the UniTeam. Speaker Martin Romualdez’s
reaction to the filing of the House resolution has been, don’t look at me. He also previously distanced himself from the “informal discussions” in the chamber about impeaching Daughterte over the P125 million in confidential funds that she requested in her first six months as VP, and which she spent in just 11 days in December. Because this issue would necessarily implicate the approving authority for the fund transfer and source of the secret funds – the Speaker’s cousin BBM himself – Romualdez’s statements on the VP’s impeachment could be true. On the ICC probe, whether or not Romualdez had a hand in the House resolution, there are indications that Marcos 2.0 is having a change of heart. Even Duterte’s chief Tokhang enforcer, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, sensed the shift and said it surprised him. BBM has said the government is studying its options. Really, what has he got to lose? From the continuing tirades of Rodrigo Duterte, it looks like BBM has already lost the support of that clan anyway. *** 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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DOT hits 4.8 million 2023 arrival target before yearend by Rosette Adel Philstar.com
FIESTA. Colorful boats join the “Pistang Daluyong 2023” fluvial parade along Pasig River in Mandaluyong City on Sunday, Nov 26. The parade commemorates the 92nd anniversary of the Act Changing the Name of the Municipality of San Felipe in the Province of Rizal to Mandaluyong under Philippine Congress Act 3836 sanctioned on Nov. 6, 1931. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
Dela Rosa to drug war critics: File case in PH courts, not ICC MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa dared Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros and other critics of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs to file cases in local Philippine courts and not the International Criminal Court (ICC). “We have a criminal justice here in the Philippines. I-file nila kung meron silang kaso. I-file nila kahit saang korte rito sa Pilipinas. I-file nila. Kasi alam nila na ang kanilang mga ginagawa ay puro mga bula. [Alam nila] na walang leg to stand on ang kanilang mga [accusation],” a visible irked dela Rosa exclaimed on Tuesday, December 28. (We have criminal justice here in the Philippines. If they have cases, file them — file them in any court here in the Philippines. They know that what they are doing is only a bubble. They know that their accusations have no leg to stand on.) "They know that local courts will not entertain their claims. That’s why they prefer the ICC.
What they are doing with the ICC is only propaganda. They know it,” dela Rosa added, partly in Filipino. Dela Rosa’s statements came after opposition lawmaker Hontiveros filed a resolution urging Malacañang to cooperate with the ICC and accommodate the international tribunal’s bid to start its investigation on the alleged rights violations that took place during former President Duterte’s bloody war on drugs. Dela Rosa, who was the chief implementer of Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, said he was hurt by Hontiveros’ decision to file her ICC resolution. "Masama talaga [ang loob ko]. I have to tell you frankly. Of all the people, siya talaga. Baka sabihin niya [ay] trabaho lang, walang personalan — sa akin that’s very personal. Kahit pa sabihin mong trabaho mo ‘yan, that’s very personal to me because I am one of the subjects na imbestigahan,” he told reporters. (I was hurt. I have to tell you frankly. Of all people, it’s her. Maybe she’ll say it’s only a part of her job, do not take it personally — but for me, that’s very personal.
Former Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr.
ManilaTimes.net file photo
by ChARie AbARCA Inquirer.net
‘ICC can’t regain jurisdiction’ by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net
WHETHER or not the Philippines rejoins the International Criminal Court (ICC), its jurisdiction to prosecute cases cannot be regained, former Palace spokesman and lawyer Harry Roque Jr. said on Monday, November 27. Roque, an international law expert, asserted that “ICC Jurisdiction once lost, cannot be regained despite a decision to join anew the Court.” He issued the statement after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government was studying the country’s possible return to the international tribunal. “Regardless of our membership status, the Court cannot invoke jurisdiction since it was only in 2022 that the former Prosecutor was allowed to proceed with the preliminary investigation. It was two years after the Philippines officially left the ICC,” the former Palace executive said. “What the former Prosecutor conducted before 2022 was a preliminary examination, which differs from an authorized preliminary investigation. She acted in her own capacity. The ICC did not have direct participation in this informal process,” he added. Roque said that the jurisdiction of the ICC is applied prospectively and not retroactively. The Court’s prospective jurisdiction over the Philippines took effect when the country ratified the Rome Statute of the ICC in 2011. It was
rescinded in 2019, one year after the country deposited the notice of withdrawal to the United Nations Secretary-General as stipulated under Article 127. “Without a retroactive effect, the Court cannot open past cases involving our former presidents because it will violate their right to due process,” Roque said. “Thus, the ICC cannot subject FPRRD to a probe because the Philippines withdrew from the Statute long before the Court authorized a preliminary investigation,” he added, referring to former president Rodrigo Duterte. Given the ICC’s prospective jurisdiction, it can only conduct a probe on a sitting chief executive or current leaders suspected of committing grave crimes against the international community. Roque echoed Marcos’ stance that the Philippine government and the Court must first settle the fundamental issue of Philippine sovereignty and judicial independence relative to the Court’s jurisdictional reach. He urged the president “to be wary of individuals that might use the issue to gain political leverage against the Duterte family in the lead-up to the 2025 mid-term and 2028 presidential elections.” “I appeal to president to ignore those sowing discord in the UniTeam and dissension between the Marcos and Duterte families,” he said. “After the botched impeachment moves in the Lower House on the vice president, some ambitious politicos might capitalize on the ICC probe as a way to humiliate Inday Sara, or worse, remove her from office.” g
Even if she says that it’s only a part of her job, that’s very personal to me because I am one of the subjects to be investigated.) When asked if he was planning to talk and settle disagreements with Hontiveros, dela Rosa immediately retorted: No, let her be. g
MANILA — Nearly a month before the year ends, the Philippines has already surpassed its 4.8 million international arrival target for 2023. This was announced by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco at the first Philippine Gold Tourism Summit held at the Grand Hyatt Manila on Tuesday, November 28. Based on the data of DOT as of November 27, the country has recorded a total of 4,822,530 million international arrivals. Of these, 4,430,725 or 91.88% are foreign visitors, while 391,805 or 8.12% are returning overseas Filipinos. The DOT said that bulk of these foreign tourists are from South Korea, registering 1,271,602 visitors or 26.37%. U.S. is the second top source market for foreign arrivals as it brought 797,181 (16.53%). Completing the top 5 source market for foreign visitors are Japan with 272,735 (5.66%), China with 242,107 (5.02%) and Australia with 225,464 (4.68%). Pillar of Philippine economy Frasco said the international tourists also contributed P404 billion in foreign visitor receipts. She said this underscores the value of tourism to the Philippine economy. “As our President Ferdinand
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco Philstar.com file photo
“Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has emphasized, tourism is a foundational pillar for the country's inclusive growth and economic revival,” Frasco said. “Tourism continues to drive growth and provide income and jobs nationwide. With the implementation of the National Tourism Development Plan 2023 to 2028 approved by President Marcos, we are beginning to see the merits of our strategies towards increasing connectivity, convenience, and equality in tourism development and promotions, as well as the invaluable partnership of our tourism stakeholders in the private sector,” she added. The tourism chief also said that according to the report of national economic managers, it manifests that “Philippine tourism is the sec-
ond highest driver of economic growth” for the country. “This cements our position as one of the strongest pillars of the Philippine economy that employs no less than 5.35 million Filipinos in the tourism industry sector, ensuring jobs, livelihood, and the well-being of communities all over the country,” Frasco added. In December last year, Frasco said the agency gave a conservative projection of 4.8 million international visitors as its baseline. Last year’s expanded target was only 2.4 million international visitors as the country only reopened to foreign tourists on Feb. 10, 2022. The country registered 8.26 million visitors in 2019, the full year before the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to leading the DOT, Frasco mentioned observing a projection indicating that the Philippines would likely reach its pre-pandemic tourism figures by 2025. The tourism chief, in December 2022, however, expressed optimism that the country will reach the pre-pandemic record way earlier than 2025. “And we feel that wae would be able to exceed our pre-pandemic numbers way earlier than the 2025 year that was told to us when we assumed office with the improved policies under the Marcos administration,” she said last year. g
DECEMBER 1-7, 2023 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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Julia: Braver and more daring by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net
JULIA Barretto stands out as one of the most popular and talented actresses in her generation. Her journey in the entertainment industry began in childhood, and over the decades, she starred in numerous television shows and movies. Filipinos have witnessed her evolution, from portraying sweet and innocent roles to taking on rom-com teen flicks, and eventually embracing bolder and more mature characters like her last film "Expensive Candy," which Julia Barretto had an an R-13 rating from the Photo from Instagram/@juliabarretto Movie and Television Review and
Classification Board. Released in 2022, the film marked her foray into the sexy genre. At 26 years old, Barretto continues to exude confidence, evident in her decision to become the 2024 Calendar girl for rum brand, Tanduay. "I'm very excited because it's an honor to have been tapped to represent the brand for 2024. But I'm also nervous because it means having to be a lot braver in expressing myself. More than anything, I'm just very grateful, it's a big thing for me. I hope the team and my new family are proud and happy about the calendar," Barretto said during the media launch.
Julie Anne sports blond hair by Dolly Dy-Zulueta Philstar.com
JULIE Anne San Jose mesmerized her fans with her blond look in her new music video. Released under Universal Records Philippines, Julie Anne delighted her fans when she put on a new look in the music video for her newly released song "Something.” The track is a chill love song that delves into the depths of emotions associated with falling for someone. It captures the essence of feeling right about a special person believing in the purity of their intentions. The lyrics of the song, which is a combination of English and Filipino, present the profound connection and trust that two people feel towards each other in a budding romance while also showing the vulnerability that comes with it.
Julie Anne San Jose wears a blond wig in the music video of her latest single, “Something.” Photo courtesy of Universal Records Philppines
"Something" has a soothing melody and, given Julie Ann’s evocative vocals, it transforms into pure magic and is sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced the magic of love. The song showcases her ability to connect with her audience on a deep emotional level and re-
affirms her status as one of the country’s most beloved and celebrated artists. Her comeback single easily became part of the New Music Friday Philippines playlist on Spotify and reached the No. 6 spot on iTunes Philippines Charts for All Genres and Pop categories.
Dolly to start working with Nicole Kidman in January
by Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net
ACTRESS Dolly de Leon has announced that since Hollywood labor disputes were settled earlier this month, she will be flying to Munich, Germany, to finally begin working on Season 2 of the mystery-drama series “9 Perfect Strangers” with actress-producer Nicole Kidman, no less. “We will start shooting on Jan. 15, so I will fly there on the first week of January,” de Leon told Inquirer Entertainment during the opening ceremony of the 2023 QCinema International Film Festival over the weekend. Swedish filmmaker Ruben Ostlund’s “Triangle of Sadness,” where de Leon plays one of the main characters, was the festival’s opening film last year. "I’m not really ready for it yet. Because of the strike, I didn’t read the script that was sent to me. I waited until everything was over. Now, I’m just waiting for them to send the rest of it. I only have the first six episodes. I’m waiting for the seventh, eighth and ninth,” she added. De Leon is expected to stay in Germany for six months. “I’m hoping that my stay there will be shorter. There’s a possibility that the shooting will only last for four months,” she said. “Expectations? I’m going to have so much fun doing it, and I’m already sure of that. I also know that it’s going to be challenging because the cast is so small. It’s going to be super cold there, too—it will still be winter when I arrive. That’s also part of the challenge, and the fun.” The award-winning actress continued: “I already saw the first season (currently streaming on Prime Video). In the second season, Nicole’s character is going to be way crazier! The story is about a psychiatrist who treats her patients with therapy, as usual, and with some hallucinogens. She has nine patients, and in Season 2, I’m one of them.” Booked and busy De Leon shot two Hollywood films earlier this year: Nathan Silver’s comedy “Between the Temples,” starring Jason Schwartzman and Carole Kane; and Paul Feig’s action-comedy “Grand Death Lotto,” starring John Cena, Awkwafina and Simu Liu. “It’s going to come out on Prime Video sometime next year. It’s both action-packed and funny,” she said of “Grand Death Lotto.” “It’s set in the very far future of Hollywood. It’s about a bunch of people who are into buying lotto tickets. The story gets interesting when one wins a jackpot prize because anyone can kill that person and take the prize.” The film is special to her because it was the first-ever Hol-
De Leon signed up with CreaZion Studios as one of its clients.
lywood film that she has done, she said. “I was very nervous at the start. I really felt intimidated. But I quickly realized that they were all so warm, nice and friendly, so I felt at home right away—on my first day on the set,” said de Leon, this time, during a press conference organized for her by CreaZion Studios, which also announced that it will now manage all her career-related affairs here in the Philippines. De Leon also shot Alex Thompson’s “Ghost Light” early this month in Chicago. The story, by writer Kelly O’ Sullivan, is about a family’s way of healing through theater after experiencing death among its members, she explained. Besides acting At the media gathering, de Leon was asked to talk about the fact that she isn’t merely a working actress in Hollywood, but also a voting member of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Science (Ampas). She then explained the importance of her being the first and only Filipino actor included in the Actors’ Branch. “First of all, everything happens via email. I would get email invitations asking me if I’d like to go to screenings or get screeners. But because I’m based here, I recently filled out a form requesting for screeners. I’m about to watch films for free! I’m excited about that,” she began. “I was also asked if I could vote for the International Branch. While I’m already under the Actors’ Branch—meaning I can vote under the best actor/actress and best supporting actor/actress categories—I was also asked to vote under the best international feature film category. I declined because
Inquirer.net photo
I have a film that’s under consideration for a nomination, ‘Iti Mapukpukaw,’ and I feel that it’s a conflict of interest because I will definitely vote for that. At least, I get to vote in those four categories and, to me, that’s very important because we now have a voice and finally it can be heard.” When asked for updates on the Oscar campaign for a nomination for Carl Joseph Papa’s animated drama “Iti Mapukpukaw,” de Leon said it kind of breaks her heart that the campaign is having a hard time taking off. The film needs at least P6 million for promotions and, so far, they have only raised half of it, she said. “The challenge is the funding. You need a lot of money for people to watch,” she began. “I’m not sure if you’re aware, but when you say ‘Oscar campaign,’ you don’t just go around and say, ‘Vote for us!’ You say, ‘Please watch our film,’ so you reserve theaters, you give people tickets so they can watch the film for free. You send out screeners. You host dinners, soirees. You host a lot of events and this costs a lot of money.” De Leon pointed out that, while the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has already given financial aid, the film needs more from other arts-related branches of the government. “The fee for the public relations person alone costs $20,000. PR people schedule interviews, meetings and book restaurants. They get paid a lot because they do all the leg work. So far, we’ve been doing a lot of activities to raise funds, but things have to happen soon because voting should be done by mid-December.”
Kris shares new health setbacks by iza iglesias
"There's something I chose not to reveal but I feel I must. There were some abnormalities in my blood panel. My hemoglobin hit an all-time low, my sodium was as always low, but my potassium also dropped. If I want to get healthier it starts with my nutrition," Aquino said. Since the 52-year-old is unable to tolerate iron supplements, she will receive iron infusions instead. "My Churg Strauss syndrome can affect many organs because it causes damage to blood vessels. My lungs have already shown some minor damage, but now my heart is showing signs of exhaustion - just to pump blood that lacks nutrients all over my body, it needs to overcompensate," she said. Aquino has been in the United States since June 2022 to undergo treatment for her autoimmune conditions. So far, she is diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria, autoimmune thyroiditis, churg strauss syndrome or EPGA, scleroderma or Crest Syndrome. The actress-host has since been keeping her followers updated on her journey through Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino social media.
es. In an Instagram post on Sunday, November 26 she shared the challenges she is facing, Kris Aquino has encountered including abnormalities in her new setbacks in her path to re- blood panel that demand immecovery from autoimmune diseas- diate medical attention. ManilaTimes.net
Kris Aquino
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Crewman takes his chances for provisional waiver: An inspiring success story on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday TONY entered the United States as a crewman in 2003. While visiting his mother, his family convinced him to jump ship and overstay, so he remained in the U.S. and met his future wife, Georgia. However, because he was a crewman, he could not apply for his green
card in the U.S. Provisional Waivers (PW) became available in 2016. This would forgive Tony for having overstayed. However, his visa must be approved and issued at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Tony’s provisional waiver was immediately approved in 2017
after leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel proved to the USCIS that Tony’s wife and his mother, both U.S. citizens, would suffer extreme hardship if Tony would not be admitted back to the U.S. Tony already had a scheduled PAGE 10
California has removed 5,679 encampments, announces $300M in new funding to move people out of encampments SACRAMENTO – To date, California has remediated 5,679 encampments in the state rightof-way and has provided $415 million to locals to move people from encampments into housing and get those encampments cleaned up. Now, the state is making an additional $299 million available to locals to build on the state’s progress and assist an estimated 10,000 individuals experiencing homelessness. Half of the new grants will be prioritized for encampments on the state right-of-way, helping to make sure the state’s highways remain safe and secure for everyone. “Since day one, combatting homelessness has been a top priority. Encampments are not safe for the people living in them, or for community members around them. The state is giving locals hundreds of millions of dollars to move people into housing and clean up these persistent and dangerous encampments. And we are doing the same on state land, having removed 5,679 encampments since 2021,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said. The California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH) is now accepting applications for the $299 million in grants. These competitive grants are available to cities, counties and continuums of care, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until June 30, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. To date, 66 communities have been awarded $414 million from the fund since its inception in 2021. “Housing is the solution to homelessness, and these grants will help our local partners assist their unhoused neighbors move from dangerous and unsightly encampments into safe and stable places they can call home,”
CREWMEN AND PROVISIONAL WAIVERS WILL BE THE TOPIC OF DISCUSSION ON AN ENCORE SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! Tony (left) entered the U.S. as a crewman in 2003 and overstayed. As a result, he could not adjust status, even through marriage to his U.S. citizen spouse. In 2016, Provisional Waivers became available. This would “forgive” Tony for having overstayed, but he had to apply for his visa at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. However, the embassy was taking a hard stance on crewmen with provisional waivers and charging them with fraud. In 2022, Tony saw an episode on Citizen Pinoy where Julie, another crewman, took the risk and flew back to the Philippines with her provisional waiver, and she successfully obtained her immigrant visa. Upon seeing that episode, Tony informed leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) that he also wanted to take his chances. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 3 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
What to do if you can’t make car payments
Screen capture from web
said Cal ICH Executive Officer Meghan Marshall. In just the past two-plus years, Caltrans has cleared nearly 5,700 encampments throughout the state while working in partnership with local communities to address the needs of individuals prior to clearing a site. “Through the Encampment Resolution Grants, Caltrans is working to connect people experiencing homelessness on its right-of-way to more secure and stable housing situations offered by local partners,” said Alisa Becerra, Caltrans Deputy Division Chief, Office of Homelessness and Encampments, Division of Maintenance. “The strength of this effort relies on collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to creating real solutions that help the people who need it
most.” The Encampment Resolution Fund was designed by Governor Newsom and the Legislature to provide communities of all sizes with the funding to provide supportive services to people living in encampments and help them move into housing, reflecting California’s nation-leading commitment to find innovative solutions to addressing the tragedy of homelessness. In total, the Administration has budgeted $750 million to help an estimated 23,000 individuals living in dangerous conditions on our streets without shelter. For more details on encampment grants and to apply for these funds, visit https://bcsh. ca.gov/calich/documents/erf_3r_ nofa.pdf. (Gov. Newsom’s Office Release)
TROUBLE making car payments? Worried about repossession? Unexpected life events, like a job loss or drop in income, may affect your ability to pay your bills, including car payments. If you’re worried that you won’t be able to make your next car payment, take action as soon as possible. If you get behind on your payments, your lender could repossess your car — sometimes without warning. Read on to learn what to do. • Contact your lender now. Don’t wait for the company to repossess your car. Many lenders will work with customers if they think you’ll be able to pay soon, even if the payments are slightly late. If your lender agrees to any changes, make sure you have them in writing for later. • Find out what rights you have in your state. Check with your State Attorney General. States have their own rules about how cars can be repossessed and what happens after. • See if you can refinance your loan. This could make sense if a lower interest rate or
longer loan could make your car payment doable. Be aware that a longer loan with reduced payments could help your current situation but also could increase your total costs. Make sure you refinance with a credible lender or company. But whatever you do, don’t try to avoid the problem by doing nothing. Even if you have to miss a payment, don’t be afraid to talk to your lender to learn about your options. Taking action early may help you limit or avoid paying more fees. A re-
possession could make it harder and more costly to get credit in the future. And you might be on the hook for any difference between what your lender gets for selling the car and what you still owe on it, plus any fees related to the repossession. For more information about how to tackle common money issues head-on, visit the Federal Trade Commission webpage at ftc.gov/MoneyMatters. (Colleen Tressler/Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC)
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DECEMBER 1-7, 2023 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
Features
New report highlights the promise of Lithium Valley
PH CONSULATE IN SF SUPPORTS PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL AID’S 37TH ANNIVERSARY GALA, FASHION SHOW. The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, led by Consul General Neil Ferrer and Madame Miriam Ferrer, attended the 37th anniversary gala and fashion show of charity organization Philippine International Aid at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco on October 29, 2023. The annual event featured a fashion show of PamPinay, a modern Filipiniana clothing brand that aims to introduce Filipino fashion – made by local artisans in developing communities in the Philippines – to a global audience, and with a commitment to sustainable fashion and the circular economy. The event also served as a fundraiser to support the PIA’s “Off the Streets, Off to School” scholarship program, which provides educational assistance to Filipino students for just US$150 a year per student. Photos by Rey del Fierro
SMC supervisor gives advice as porch pirates hunting season begins DALY CITY – San Mateo County Supervisor David J. Canepa made the following statement recently as American consumers are expected to spend more than $12 billion online, marking the beginning of ‘porch pirate’ season perpetrated by organized crime rings. Canepa is hopeful a $267 million infusion to police departments across the state to combat organized retail theft will also put a dent into the epidemic of package thefts. “Porch pirates don’t care if they spoil your family’s holidays, they only care about stealing your goods,” Canepa said. “The epidemic of organized retail theft doesn’t end at your local shopping centers, it can come right to your front door and you can bet that these crime rings are expecting a windfall of goods to land on your porches soon as Cyber Monday this season will be the biggest online shopping day of all time.” The following tips are recommended to thwart “porch pirates” this holiday season: Insure your packages; prepare for in-person delivery; use a self-service storage locker; install a doorbell camera; request a signature; pick up package at shipper’s service counter; request delivery to local branch of large retailers; and have packages delivered to your work-
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San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa File photo/www.smcgov.org
place. In other news, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors declared Nov. 12-18 as United Against Hate Week at its meeting Tuesday, Nov. 14 in a proclamation Supervisor Canepa cosponsored with Board President Dave Pine. The United Against Hate campaign was created by civic leaders in the Bay Area in 2017 in direct response to the sharp rise in expressions of hate in our communities, and United Against Hate Week emerged specifically from a poster campaign in response to white supremacist rallies that occurred
SACRAMENTO – Lithium Valley is on track to become one of the world’s largest sources of lithium, positioning California to be a global hub for battery production and a leader in securing a clean energy future. A new report led by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab estimates that there’s even more lithium available than previously thought, with up to 18 million metric tons that can be extracted. It could produce more than 3,400 kilotons of lithium, enough to support over 375 million batteries for electric vehicles (EV) – which is more than the total number of vehicles currently on U.S. roads. “We’ve been all-in on Lithium Valley, building up a global hub for clean energy and making sure that local communities benefit from this once-in-a-generation opportunity. This is further evidence that California is poised to become the world’s largest source of batteries for our cars, homes, and businesses,” Gov. Newsom said. Before this report, experts believed that Lithium Valley could provide enough lithium to meet all of America’s future demand and more than one-third of global demand – supercharging the transition to EVs. Governor Newsom’s Lithium Valley Vision positions the state to become a global leader in the deployment of new technologies and environmental protections that can sustainably coproduce lithium with renewable electricity from geothermal power plants. Lithium is extracted as part of clean, geothermal power production – and is the greenest process in the world. How we got here: • In March, Governor Newsom visited Lithium Valley as part of his “State of the State tour” – highlighting its importance to the world’s clean energy future and how local communities will be prioritized. • Last year, Governor Newsom joined President Biden and
community, labor, and industry leaders to outline historic progress on sustainably developing lithium resources. • Governor Newsom signed legislation directing $5 million to Imperial County to support Lithium Valley, and signed the Lithium Extraction Tax Law – ensuring that communities are benefited by lithium extraction and are a significant part of the growing industry. • Since 2017, California has awarded more than $27 million to nearly 20 research projects to advance innovations for lithium recovery from geothermal brines, the processing of manufacturing grade lithium, and the efficient use of lithium in batteries, as well as other related research, planning and development efforts. • In a crucial milestone toward
making California a global leader in the production of lithium, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Lithium Extraction in California (Lithium Valley Commission) submitted its report of findings and recommendations to the state Legislature in December 2022. The report recommends accelerating transmission planning, improving permitting, and securing funding for infrastructure investments and economic development incentives to support industry growth and job training. • California aims to produce lithium in a more sustainable and environmentally safe way than nearly anywhere else in the world, by relying on modern extraction techniques rather than harmful hard rock mining or other traditional tools of extraction. (Gov. Newsom’s Office Release)
in Berkeley and San Francisco in 2017. The proclamation was presented to Kalimah Salahuddin, vice president of the Jefferson Union High School Board of Trustees and board member on the San Mateo County Reach Coalition who spoke on dismantling systemic bias and long-standing barriers to access across our county. United Against Hate Week is when communities, groups, individuals work together against hate, restore respect and civil discourse, embrace the strength of diversity and build inclusive and equitable safe communities for all. In another development, Supervisor Canepa was honored to announce a significant one-time grant of district-discretionary Measure K funds of $75,000 to the Daly City/Colma Chamber of Commerce. This strategic investment will not only sustain its crucial operations but also establish a pivotal business resource center. This initiative holds the potential to catalyze substantial economic development for the residents and businesses of Daly City and Colma, marking a substantial step toward a brighter, more prosperous future for businesses in these two cities. (Collated Release)
San Francisco’s annual Parol Lantern Festival takes place December 9 the spirit of community. There will also be live music and performances, as well as family friendly activities hosted by the Children’s Creativity Museum in the YCBA lobby. This year's theme, “Breaking Dawn: Illuminating Mental Wellness,” will shed light on the important issue of mental health within the Filipino community. Beyond celebrating our cultural traditions, the festival aims to dispel the stigma around mental health, fostering a community that nurtures mental well-being. The metaphor of "Breaking Dawn" serves as a powerful theme for this year’s Tala Awards as traditional Filipino Parol lanterns become beacons of hope and enlightenment, each one telling a unique journey and vision of mental wellness. To RSVP to the annual Parol Lantern Festival, go to https:// www.parollanternfestival.com/ rsvp2023. More information about the annual Parol Lantern Festival, including a video on the origins of parol-making and how the festival came about, can be Some of the parols in past festivals at a Mass in St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco. found at https://www.parollanScreen capture from Francis Fausto Tady video ternfestival.com/history. THE 21st Annual Parol Lantern Festival takes place at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YCBA) located at 701 Mission Street in the South of Market area in downtown San Francisco
on Saturday, December 9 from 3 to 8 p.m. The community is invited to participate in the Taste of Christmas, Parol Stroll and Tala Awards, and come together in
PH CONSULATE JOINS PALO ALTO’S NEIGHBORS ABROAD IN CELEBRATING ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY. The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, represented by Vice Consul Adrian Baccay, joined the 60th anniversary celebration of Neighbors Abroad on October 27, 2023 at the Lucie Stern Community Center in Palo Alto, California. Vice Consul Adrian Baccay conveyed Consul General Neil Ferrer’s felicitations to Neighbors Abroad President Sarah Burgess, and joined the Palo Alto-Palo, Leyte Sister City Committee during the event. Neighbors Abroad is the umbrella organization of Palo Alto’s sister and sibling city committees. It was established in 1963 upon the establishment of relations with Palo, Leyte, Palo Alto’s first sister city. Palo is the site of the 1944 landing of Field Marshal Douglas MacArthur in the campaign to liberate the Philippines during World War II. San Francisco PCG photos
Crewman takes his chances for provisional... PAGE 9
interview at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, but since the Embassy was taking a hard stance on crewmen with provisional waivers and charging them with fraud, Atty. Gurfinkel decided to postpone Tony’s trip to the Philippines. In 2022, Tony saw an episode of Citizen Pinoy where Julie, another crewman, took the risk and flew back to the Philippines with her provisional waiver. Julie was able to obtain her immigrant visa. Inspired by that success story, Tony told Atty. Gurfinkel that he was willing to take his chances and apply for his visa in Manila. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 3 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through
Tony (left) was finally able to get his immigrant visa in October 2023, 20 years after he jumped ship as a crewman in 2003.
select Cable/Satellite providers, iWantTFC. Viewers may downright after TV Patrol Linggo. Cit- load the free app. izen Pinoy is also available on (Advertising Supplement)
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 1-7, 2023
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SF Police retail theft blitz operations result in hundreds Michelle Dee given Miss Universe of arrests, expanding with new state grand funding winner’s homecoming welcome, parade by Jan Milo Severo
Police have conducted 40 operations at local retailers leading to over 300 arrests and will be expanding these efforts going into the holiday shopping season
SAN FRANCISCO – With the holiday shopping season starting, Mayor London N. Breed on Monday, November 20 announced that the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) will be continuing and expanding its retail theft blitz strategy that has led to significant arrests in retail establishments across San Francisco. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins has filed charges in a number of these cases, bringing a renewed enforcement effort to San Francisco. SFPD officers have arrested more than 300 people at more than 40 locations during these blitz operations since last year. Examples of these cases include most recently the arrest of an organized group who targeted a retail location on Geneva Avenue and the arrest of four individuals involved in numerous organized theft operations citywide. This past September, Mayor Breed announced that San Francisco received $17 million in a state grant to combat organized retail theft. This includes $15 million in funding to support SFPD’s work to combat organized retail crime, which is paying for overtime for SFPD officers to run targeted retail theft operations. SFPD will significantly increase these blitz operations over the next 3 years with funding from the new state grant.
These operations are part of San Francisco’s broader strategy to address theft across the entire city. SFPD has also used bait car operations and plainclothes officers to target auto burglaries. This has helped bring larceny theft rates down by 11% year to date compared to the same period last year. As the holiday shopping season arrives this week, SFPD will be continuing and expanding these operations in retail locations across the city. “Our Police officers are out there making the arrests and, along with our District Attorney, they are sending a clear message that if you target our retailers, you will be arrested and charged,” said Mayor Breed. “Organized retail theft hurts not just our businesses, but our workers and our residents. We are going to do everything we can to make this holiday shopping season the best one we’ve had in years, and that starts with deterring retail theft.” Blitz operations consist of strategic deployment of a number of officers inside a retail location or shopping district. The officers work from a central command post and quickly move in to make arrests when thefts occur. These deployments give police an advantage in cases where perpetrators often move quickly and operated in large numbers in efforts to overwhelm security or responding
FIL-AM COMMUNITY LEADER CELEBRATES 82ND BIRTHDAY. Forever Young club president Tess Gregorio, also known as the Filipino American community’s Singer for All Occasions, celebrated her 82nd birthday with a luncheon held at Isla Restaurant in Newark on November 12, 2023. The occasion was made special with the presence of more than 100 of her family, relatives and closest friends. Top photo shows the birthday celebrant with guests in front of Isla Restaurant (from left) Emilyna & Edward Young, Shirley Castro, Zeny Herrera, Jean-Pierre Moloudj, Tess Gregorio, Gina Picaszo and Stenili Sazon. Middle photo shows the celebrant with her family members (from left) daughter Maria “Techie” Gregorio, daughter Shirley Castro, celebrant Tess Gregorio, grandson Jean-Pierre Moloudj and son Jojo Gregorio. Bottom photo shows some of the guests at the celebration, including a couple of city commissioners from Daly City (standing, back row, from left) Gina Picaszo, Marilyn Castro, Edward Young, Emilyn Roxas, Maryjo Montano; (standing, middle row, from left) Stenili Sazon, Shirley Castro, Patria Crizaldo, Commissioner Dorie Paniza, Evelyn Bambao and Dra. Tess Benin; (seated, from left) Cleo Manual, Zeny Herrera, celebrant Tess Gregorio, Commissioner Ray Satorre and Ampy Lim.
officers. “Our officers will be out in force this holiday shopping season, making sure people will be safe to enjoy San Francisco,” said Chief Bill Scott. “The San Francisco Police Department has made combatting retail theft and auto burglaries a high priority, and we will not tolerate anyone who chooses to victimize people and businesses in our beautiful city.” The state grant also includes $2 million for the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office to fund a fulltime dedicated Assistant District Attorney and a full-time dedicated District Attorney Investigator to prosecute retail theft crimes in San Francisco. The District Attorney’s Office is now prosecuting felony retail theft cases vertically, from charging to final disposition. The dedicated Assistant District Attorney will work closely with SFPD partners to build cases and serve as a single point of contact for witnesses, SFPD, and victims in felony cases. Examples of cases the District Attorney has brought under this grant include charging one individual for at least 20 commercial burglaries, and charging those for attempting organized retail theft at a store on Geneva. “My office takes these cases seriously and will continue to do our part to hold those who engage in this behavior accountable,”
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MISS Universe Philippines 2023 is glad that Filipinos wholeheartedly welcomed her home even without a crown. In her Instagram account, Michelle Dee posted photos in Ninoy Aquino International Airport with lots of fans welcoming her home. "Feels good to be back home. With or without the crown, all of you made me feel like I was a winner," she wrote. Michelle said that all her Miss Universe effort and sacrifice are all worth it after receiving a warm welcome from her "kakabayans." "Last night was so overwhelming! All I could feel was so much love and support from all of you," she said. "It was definitely not an easy road to get to this point but everything was well worth it! Madami pa tayo pagdadaanan and I can’t wait to bring you along the ride with me. Mahal na mahal ko kayo #FILIPINAS. "Maraming Salamat. Sobrang nakakataba ng puso. I can’t wait to see you all soon at the parade!" Michelle ended her journey in the Top 10 of the pageant. NicaFile photo/www.sf.gov ragua's Sheynnis Palacios won the first Miss Universe title for her said District Attorney Brooke Jen- country. kins. “These crimes are deeply impactful and will not be tolerated. Law enforcement agencies are working together to identify, arrest, and prosecute the thieves and those who traffic in stolen merchandise.” The state grant also supports the purchase and installation of 400 automated license plate readers to cover 100 intersections throughout the city. The Mayor is currently seeking expedited legislative approval from the Board of Supervisors so that these cameras can be installed soon to help increase retail theft deterrence and accountability. The Mayor also recently announced the launch of the annual Safe Shopper initiative in Union Square, which brings heightened support for retailers during the holiday season, including law enforcement and ambas- In her Instagram account, Michelle posted photos in Ninoy Aquino International Airport Photo from Instagram/@michelledee sadors. (SF Mayor’s Office Release) with lots of fans welcoming her home.
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DECEMBER 1-7, 2023 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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