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DECEMBER 1-7, 2023 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages

T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r

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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

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Comelec bars Smartmatic from poll biddings, cites bribery raps by Dona Z. PaZZibugan Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified Smartmatic Philippines Inc. from all poll-related public biddings due to its involvement in the bribery charge filed by U.S.

authorities against former Comelec Chair Andres Bautista. It is considered a big blow to Smartmatic, which has been involved in six Philippine elections, starting with the country’s first automated polls in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 2008, the national elections in 2010,

2016 and 2022, as well as the midterm elections in 2013 and 2019. Voting 5-1 with one abstention, the sevenmember Comelec en banc on Wednesday, November 29 granted the petition filed in June by a group led by former information technology

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‘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

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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) n

BONIFACIO DAY. City of Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna offers flowers at the Gat Andres Bonifacio Shrine in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila on Thursday, Nov. 30 in commemoration of his 160th birth anniversary. Gat Andres Bonifacio is the Father of the Philippine Revolution and one of the founders of the Katipunan. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Inquirer.net

HAVE Filipinos become less generous last year? They have, according to the World Giving Index 2023 which survey conducted in 2022 revealed that the Philippines ranked 98th in terms of generosity. The latest standing of the Philippines in the World Giving Index was the lowest it has ever been as the country placed 20th in 2021, 65th in 2020, and 33rd in 2018. World Giving Index 2023 polled 147,186 people from 142 countries and asked them key questions related to donating money,

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Sara appeals to DOJ: Don’t cooperate with ICC 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 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.

From 20th to 98th: PH ranking drops in World Giving Index 2023 by Zeus LegasPi

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 nation that all Filipinos affected by the war have been accounted for,” the president said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

helping a stranger, and volunteering time for an organization. The Philippines had a median score of 34, which is lower than the global average of 39. The report likewise disclosed that among its adult Filipino respondents, 57 percent or more than half said they helped a stranger, 34 percent said they have volunteered to an organization, and 12 percent said they have donated money to charity. The result of the World Giving Index 2023 came against the backdrop of a recent Social Weather Stations survey showing that 30 percent of Filipinos say their quality

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“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 his officials for crimes Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 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

NO CRACKS IN UNITEAM

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‘Philippines must build up defense capability’ 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

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File photo

‘We just work as Pres. and VP,’ says Duterte on Marcos by Zacarian sarao Inquirer.net

MANILA — No “cracks” exist between the Marcos-Duterte 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 team-up. 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 continues even after the campaign period for the 2022 elections is over. “Ang UniTeam kasi, it was a tandem during the 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,

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DECEMBER 1-7, 2023 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

From The FronT Page

Sara appeals to DOJ: Don’t cooperate... PAGE 1 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

Vice President Sara Duterte

Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterteOfficial/

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 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.

GO-TO TECH NO MORE. Prior to Wednesday’s (November 29) Comelec decision, Smartmatic has been involved since Philippine elections became automated in 2008. One of its vote-counting machines is shown in this April 29, 2016, photo taken during a demo for the Inquirer staff. File photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer

Comelec bars Smartmatic...

PAGE 1 chief Eliseo Rio Jr. to disqualify Smartmatic from participating in the bidding for the new automated election system to be used in the 2025 midterm elections. Comelec earlier moved the deadline for the submission and opening of bids for the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) project to Dec. 12 from the original schedule of Nov. 28 pending a decision u PAGE 3 on the petition against Smartmatic, whose parent firm is headquartered in London. In its decision, however, Comelec rejected the grounds raised by the petitioners on the alleged discrepancies in the transmission of the 2022 election results and the purported preelection meeting between Smartmatic and representatives of then presidential candidate and now President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Maintaining that “no irregularities attended the conduct of the 2022 national and local elections,” majority of the Comelec commissioners instead cited the corruption case filed in the United States last October against Bautista in relation to Comelec’s procurement of voting machines from Smartmatic in 2016. Comelec Chair George Garcia and Commissioners Socorro Inting, Rey Bulay, Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. and Nelson Celis voted to disqualify Smartmatic from all electionrelated projects. Threat to Comelec integrity Commissioner Aimee Ferolino dissented, saying the majority did not give Smartmatic the opportunity to argue against the alleged bribery since the disqualification petition was based on alleged irregularities in the transmission of results, while Commissioner Marlon Casquejo was listed as on official business. “The charges against Smartmatic and former Chairman Bautista are of public knowledge and tend to cause speculation and distrust in the integrity of the electoral process,” said Comelec in its decision released on Wednesday. “Given the gravity of allegations related to bribery and compromised procurement process, as independently determined by foreign bodies, the Commission recognizes the imminent threat to the strength and integrity of our democratic processes,” it added. “Consequently, pursuant to administrative powers which covers all aspects of election, the Commission is compelled to take decisive action to disallow Smartmatic from participating in the procurement process,” said Comelec, which said it would seek to permanently ban Smartmatic from all government projects. In a separate opinion, Ferolino said the Comelec’s administrative authority was limited to implementing election laws. “It strikes me that a distant matter has been interjected into this case,” she said, pointing out that the case against Bautista “is still pending investigation and there is no supporting evidence on record.” “In ruling against Smartmatic based on an issue never properly raised, Smartmatic was deprived of its right to be properly notified of the allegations against it and was not given an opportunity to defend itself against those allegations,” Ferolino said. Role in past elections The poll body also said that it “cannot overlook the serious, unresolved allegations against Smartmatic related to previous elections.” “Although these allegations, stemming from [and] potentially spanning at least three

election cycles, have not been conclusively proven, their gravity and potential to damage public trust warrant the Commission’s proactive measures to safeguard the integrity of elections and democratic institutions,” Comelec pointed out. According to Comelec, it has been cooperating since October last year with the request of the U.S. government for evidence against Bautista and other individuals and entities for violation of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering. Bautista was “formally charged in September 2023 in connection with allegations of receiving bribes in exchange for awarding a contract for election machines to Smartmatic Corp.,” Comelec said. “Bautista and others are alleged to have laundered the bribe money through multiple entities. It was revealed that Bautista established a foreign shell company which was used to receive bribe payments from Smartmatic,” the election body noted. Although it questioned the last procurement of voting machines, Comelec maintained the integrity of the results of the 2016 presidential and national elections, where then-vice presidential candidate Marcos protested his narrow loss to former Vice President Leni Robredo. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security filed the case against Bautista for money laundering, conspiracy and bribery at the US District Court in Florida on Sept. 19, 2023. This came after his estranged wife, Patricia Paz Bautista, flagged his alleged ill-gotten wealth reportedly worth P1 billion. Both Smartmatic and Bautista, who served as Comelec chair from April 2015 until he resigned in October 2017 amid an impeachment threat for unexplained wealth, have denied the bribery allegation. Clean track record In a statement on Wednesday, Smartmatic expressed “profound disappointment” in the Comelec decision and insisted that it has not been indicted along with Bautista. “In its 23-year history, no Smartmatic company has ever been indicted in the United States or any other country in connection with election or election-related contracts,” the company said, challenging Comelec officials to “show to the public any indictment against Smartmatic.” “We are confident there is no such indictment in the United States,” it stressed, adding that it has “consistently adhered” to the procurement processes of Comelec in the past 15 years. “Our significant role has played a key part in establishing the Philippines as a global model for election integrity,” Smartmatic added. In the Lower House, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said on Wednesday that Smartmatic should still be investigated for alleged irregularities in the 2022 national and local elections despite its disqualification by Comelec. Castro said Comelec’s decision was a “good development” given the “numerous issues” raised against Smartmatic, but the automated elections provider should still be placed under scrutiny. “We in the Makabayan bloc filed numerous resolutions in the present and previous Congresses to investigate it. We hope that even with its disqualification, Smartmatic would still be investigated so that Philippine elections could not be manipulated anymore,” the House deputy minority leader said. —With a report from Julie M. Aurelio n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 1-7, 2023

‘Philippines must build up defense... PAGE 1 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

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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 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, adaptable, sustainable, redundant and realistic,” he said.n

‘We just work as Pres. and... PAGE 1 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 seen one another. n

GIFT GIVING. City of Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna (in white) and Vice Mayor Yul Servito Nieto inspect the 695,000 Christmas food boxes at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila on Thursday, Nov. 30. The food boxes will be distributed to city residents starting Friday, Dec. 1. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

From 20th to 98th: PH ranking drops... Sara appeals to DOJ: Don’t... PAGE 1 of life worsened in the past 12 months. Philippines’ neighbor Indonesia topped World Giving Index 2023 with a median score of 68. Indonesia has been touted as the most giving in the global generosity survey for six straight years now. Ukraine trailed Indonesia with a score of 62 followed by Kenya with as score of 60. Liberia and the United States tied on the next spot as both scored 58 in the world giving polls. Based on the World Giving Index 2023, Ukraine was 2022’s “highest climber” among the countries surveyed because it added 13 points from its score in 2021. The world’s least giving in the 2023 report was Poland, garnering a median score of 15. Each country’s index score and global ranking are calculated by averaging positive responses – a higher score shows more people in that country are involved in giving, the report noted.

The World Giving Index is conducted by the Charities Aid Foundation, a “charity operating in the UK [United Kingdom] and internationally.” “The 2023 Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) World Giving Index gives us reasons for hopeful optimism against a backdrop of global instability,” CAF’s Chief Executive Neil Heslop said. “It shows that the increased generosity we saw as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic was broadly maintained at a global level. That means that almost three-quarters of humanity did something to help others in the course of 2022,” he added. Heslop called on governments to make it easier for their citizens to display generosity. “This year we are calling on governments to do more to support those who can give money and time and to foster vibrant, engaged civil society organizations, which are dealing with social and environmental challenges and the fallout from conflict and displacement,” the CAF chief executive said. n

Bongbong Marcos: Gov’t secured last... PAGE 1 Marcos also thanked Israeli authorities for overseeing Babadilla’s release. “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. n

PAGE 2 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 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. (by Neil Jayson Servallos/Philstar. com) n

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DECEMBER 1-7, 2023 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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Mayor Gloria signs Smart Streetlights, County teams up with MIT Global Research Center new Safe Sidewalk program into law

THE County of San Diego has been chosen to team up with a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) global research center, which will provide technical assistance on the evaluation of a county pilot program aiming to keep lowincome seniors from becoming homeless. The County’s Office of Evaluation, Performance and Analytics (OEPA) will work with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at MIT, also known as J-PAL North America. Together they will design a databased “randomized evaluation” of the County’s Shallow Rental Subsidy Program. The program looks to keep low-income seniors from becoming homeless by paying them a rent subsidy. Ricardo Basurto-Dávila is the head of OEPA. He said the evaluation is just the kind of deeper data analysis the County wants to do to better assess programs and improve policies.

“We’re excited to partner with J-PAL,” said BasurtoDávila. “This evaluation will help us understand if senior incentives work, if they keep people housed, and give us data about how to move forward.” The Shallow Rental Subsidy Program was approved by the county’s Board of Supervisors in 2022. It is managed by the Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities in the county’s Health and Human Services Agency. The program is providing $500-a-month subsidies to low-income seniors who are rent-burdened and at risk of becoming homeless. The subsidies will be paid to the people’s landlords for 18 months. The people in the program were selected by a random selection process from a pool of qualified applicants. A simple evaluation of the program would just track the people receiving the subsidies

and record how many of them were able to remain in their homes. The randomized study will also measure and compare outcomes for people who receive the subsidies against a similar group of seniors who did not receive them. “This comparison gives us more confidence that the results of the study will reflect the actual impact of the program,” Basurto-Dávila said. The county created the Office of Evaluation, Performance and Analytics in 2021 to use modern analytics to sift through the County’s vast collection of data in new ways; to look for patterns, trends and associations that can help leaders improve programs, services and policies. That particularly includes top priorities including homelessness, mental health, equity and racial justice. (Gig Conaughton/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

Initiatives designed to make communities safer for San Diego residents

SAN DIEGO – Mayor Todd Gloria on Wednesday, November 22 signed into law two measures approved by the City Council designed to make communities across the City of San Diego safer. The first allows for the city to move forward in activating 500 Smart Streetlight cameras and deploy Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology. The second enacts the city’s new Safe Sidewalk Program, which will make it easier and cheaper for property owners to repair damaged and dangerous sidewalks. “The No. 1 job of city government is to ensure residents are safe in their communities. My administration takes that responsibility very seriously, which is why we requested the City Council’s approval for both the Smart Streetlights and Safe Sidewalks programs,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “I’m pleased

to sign these improvements into law, because I’m confident that they will make our communities safer. I thank the City Council for their partnership and support of these efforts.” On Nov. 14, the City Council approved a proposal to deploy Smart Streetlights and Automated License Plate Recognition technologies. The approval, with the mayor’s signature, will now allow the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) to enter into a fiveyear agreement with Ubicquia, Inc. for 500 Smart Streetlight cameras, paired with Flock Safety’s ALPR technology. The technology will be used to help SDPD solve violent crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. The combination of the two technologies provides SDPD with both video and ALPR data-collection capabilities at a lower cost than if the two were purchased and maintained

separately. SDPD looks to have this technology operational by January. On Nov. 15, the City Council passed the mayor’s Safe Sidewalks Program, which was first announced in his last State of the City address. The program invests resources to fix uneven and damaged sidewalks while making it easier for people to make repairs in front of their private property. It waives costly permit fees and helps expedite the process for property owners to make needed sidewalk repairs, saving up to $2,100 per project. Many property owners are not aware that state law makes them responsible for maintenance of sidewalks fronting their private property, creating a potential safety hazard and legal liability. This program cuts red tape and waives permitting fees to help residents and businesses fulfill that responsibility. (City of San Diego Release) n

Sheriff Reentry Program wins taxpayers association award

THE San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is being recognized by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association for giving men and women in county jails a second chance to successfully prepare for their return to our communities. During the Taxpayer’s Golden Watchdog and Fleece Awards on November 16, the Sheriff’s Department received the “PublicPrivate Partnership Award” for the groundbreaking work being done by Sheriff’s Reentry Services. Sheriff Kelly Martinez, Assistant Sheriff Theresa AdamsHydar and Sheriff’s Reentry Services Manager Patricia Ceballos accepted the award. “This award represents the Sheriff’s Reentry Services Division’s dedication to helping individuals achieve positive change and highlights the meaningful partnerships we have built to reinforce the positive impact we make each day,” Ceballos said. With more than three dozen reentry programs ranging from gardening and construction trades to culinary arts, Sheriff’s Reentry Services gives incarcerated men and women the opportunity to learn valuable skills. The Sheriff’s Department partners with more than 40 organizations to connect incarcerated people with various

File photos/www.countynewscenter.com

resources for a successful transition back into society. Sheriff’s Reentry Services also collaborates with its partners to provide wellness classes. One partner is the Old Globe Theater which brings its performances right to the participants in custody through their Arts Engagement tours. The Old

Globe Theater also offers a program that those reentering can attend upon their release from custody. This has helped many of them stay connected to one another and to the theater. Another successful collaboration is with the San Diego Workforce Partnership.

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FTC scales language barriers to battle... PAGE 1 sake but to help the FTC get the word out before more people are scammed. “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 inperson 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) n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 1-7, 2023

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Dateline PCyberattacks hiliPPines in PH to intensify in 2024 by Ed Paolo Salting ManilaTimes.net

This photo shows a an 18-foot buoy effigy afloat the West Philippine Sea in Zambales put by the Association of Masinloc Fishermen in protest of the continuing harassment of China against Filipino fishermen at the Scarborough Shoal. Philstar.com photo

40 boats to join Christmas convoy to Ayungin Shoal by MichaEl Punongbayan Philstar.com

MANILA — At least 40 boats will be participating in the three-day Christmas caravan being organized by the Atin Ito Coalition in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) next weekend. The group intends to depart from Palawan on Dec. 10 and sail toward the general vicinity of Ayungin Shoal where soldiers are stationed at the grounded BRP Sierra Madre. While the caravan is not being allowed to visit and bring Christmas gifts to government troops manning the rusty warship, the National Security Council (NSC) has permitted

the civilian boats to traverse its general vicinity. Atin Ito’s convoy is then expected to visit Patag and Lawak Islands as well as Pagasa Island where they can bring gifts for residents and soldiers stationed there and leave those intended for troops on the BRP Sierra Madre for delivery by the Philippine Coast Guard or the Philippine Navy in a rotation and resupply (RORE) mission. Akbayan, one of the groups under the Atin Ito Coalition, said one of the 40 boats joining the caravan is a mother vessel that can accommodate a maximum of 100 persons. “We will still go to the

vicinity of Ayungin Shoal and hopefully we will get as near as possible, it depends what is practical and safe,” Akbayan party president Rafaela David told TeleRadyo Serbisyo on Wednesday, November 29. The NSC had initially rejected the planned Christmas convoy, citing security risks considering recent incidents in the Philippine Navy’s RORE missions to the Ayungin Shoal. But after a dialogue, the NSC granted clearance but on condition that the convoy will not really go to Ayungin Shoal but will be allowed to pass in the general area at a safe distance from the Sierra Madre. n

CYBERATTACKS will become more frequent and more severe next year, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy warned on Thursday, November 30. Speaking during The Manila Times forum, “Tech trends, financial forecasts,” and in interviews later with reporters, Uy said the DICT has been stepping up its response by closing security gaps and cracking down on cyberattackers. “Overall, the cyberthreat landscape has been steadily increasing and will only get stronger next year. In fact, this problem is not just here in the Philippines but all over the world,” he said. He said the DICT has “raided plenty of places where these groups (cybercriminals) dwell and worked together with local enforcement [by providing] intelligence.” Uy said that because hundreds of cybercriminals have been arrested, “we are already having problems on where we will place them.” Cybercriminals, however, are using more sophisticated tools to hack into businesses, he said. “The reason why the syndicates keep doing this is that cybercrimes are very profitable

and get plenty of revenue from this sector. They are well funded, organized, and in fact, by next year, we project that the number of cyberattacks in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will cost [businesses] around $2 trillion.” Cybercriminals have achieved the same level of efficiency as our business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, “as they have grouped themselves into clusters to steal information,” Uy said. Cybersecurity must be a group effort, with stakeholders cooperating with each other and the government to make sure that their data is safe, he said. “I ask the government to give us the budget and resources that we and our partners need to go after these cybercriminals and prevent them from doing harm to our digital infrastructure,” the official said. Individuals must also practice “cyber hygiene” and remember “the basic rule of online such as not clicking on unsafe links, and reporting and blocking suspicious emails, [since] it only takes one click by an individual to let a cybercriminal in,” he said. Uy also said the DICT will continue to establish connectivity projects in 2024 and enhance the government’s website. “We plan to increase the effectiveness of the E-Gov super app next year by providing more online services. In light of this, we plan to deploy our E-Gov

Sheriff Reentry Program... PAGE 4 The organization has career centers at both the East Mesa Reentry Facility in Otay Mesa and the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility in Santee. The team from San Diego Workforce Partnership conducts workshops to support program participants with resumes, job interview skill building and connections to employers both during and post-incarceration. Employers are brought into county jails for a job fair, offering participants the opportunity to find a job before their release from custody. Community partnerships are key to providing additional education, skills, connection to services in the community while assisting in creating a pathway to sustainable employment and increased

self-sufficiency. These programs empower individuals by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Ultimately, these individuals achieve a greater level of independence, confidence and long-term success. Participants are also provided services ranging from obtaining identification cards, birth certificates and enrolling in medical insurance prior to their release. Reentry programs are proven to help reduce rates of return to custody, increasing public safety and supporting successful reentry to the community. Learn more about Sheriff’s Reentry Services at https://www.sdsheriff.gov/bureaus/detentionservices-bureau/reentry-services. (County of San Diego Communications Office) n

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

pay system as well as our E-visa program [and] move forward with our electronic national ID system as well,” he said. The department also plans to increase connected areas to 25,000 next year from 15,000 areas this year. “Currently, we are at around 10,000 areas already,” Uy said. n NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of San Diego (City) is seeking to receive Electronic Bids for the below named Public Works project. The solicitation, including plans and specifications, may be obtained from the City’s website at: https://www.sandiego.gov/ cip/bidopps Contractors intending to submit a Bid must be prequalified. Please refer to the solicitation for instructions. Project Name: La Jolla Farms Outfall Repair Project Number: K-24-2232Estimated Values: DBB-2 $879,000.00 Bid Open Date: 01/25/2024, at 2:00 P.M. License Requirement: A or (C-34 and C-42) It is the policy of the City of San Diego to encourage equal opportunity in its Construction and Consultant contracts. Bids or proposals from local firms, small, minority-owned, disabled, veteran-owned, and womenowned businesses are strongly encouraged. Contractors are encouraged to subcontract with and/or participate in joint ventures with these firms. The City is committed to equal opportunity and will not discriminate with regard to race, religion, color, ancestry, age, gender, disability, medical condition or place of birth; and will not do business with any firm that discriminates on any basis. Bids shall be received no later than the date and time noted above at: City of San Diego’s Electronic Bidding Site PlanetBids at: h t t p s : / / w w w. p l a n e t b i d s . com/portal/portal. cfm?CompanyID=17950 Claudia C. Abarca, Director Purchasing & Contracting Department November 28, 2023 12/1/23 CNS-3760477# ASIAN JOURNAL

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DECEMBER 1-7, 2023 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

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. 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 fourday 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 – ManilaTimes.net photo collateral damage, as one lawmaker put it, in the Israel-Hamas conflict. While Philippine officials psychological trauma as the overseas Filipino highlights the costs of the OFW phenomenon, have received word that the 17 are safe, there is worker who was freed by Hamas. Their plight, which arises from the lack of better opportunities no assurance that they will not suffer the same like those of the crew of the tanker Central Park, 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

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.

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

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) ***

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.

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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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 1-7, 2023

Maharlika faces risk of fund misuse - House pushes for expanding legal Singapore-based think tank aid to overseas Filipinos, OFWs by Ian LaquI Philstar.com

MANILA — A Singaporebased think tank raised red flags on the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) due to the risk of its potential misuse of funds and lack of accountability. A 79-page report by the Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (Amro+3) released on November 27 pointed out that Maharlika has not clearly defined its role in infrastructure development which could lead to misuse of funds despite having a “strong legal framework” and a “potential to be successfully managed.” “The authorities should clearly define its role in infrastructure investment with appropriate governance stipulated to avoid misuse of funds. The MIF should be run by professionals and the board should comprise independent directors,” the report said. Despite not having a complete nine-member board of directors, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said on Tuesday, November 28 that the administration is confident that the MIF will be fully operational before the end of the year. Among the board of directors of the Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) are three independent directors from the private sector which must be submitted by the MIC’s advisory board to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. At present, MIC president and chief executive officer (CEO) Rafael Consing Jr. stands as the sole presidential appointment on the board. His actions, particularly the revision of MIF’s implementing rules and regulations, have drawn scrutiny from critics due to the removal of educational qualifications required for his position. Others have highlighted his connection to past fraud cases, a factor that disqualifies an individual from board membership in MIF. Nevertheless, Consing clarified that the cases he was associated with have already been resolved and cleared. As a former governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Diokno currently serves as a member of the MIC’s board of directors, holding the position

of chairman in his ex-officio capacity as the finance secretary. The remaining board of director positions consist of two regular directors appointed by Marcos, along with the CEOs of the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). The think tank also highlighted the potential conflicts arising from different objectives within the MIF, which could pose challenges in certain investment scenarios. “Given the MIF has to ensure long-term value and promote socio-economic development, there could be a risk that the different goals might be at odds with each other in some investments, for instance, there could be a trade-off between the rate of return and the public good nature of certain projects,” the think tank said. In a press briefing on November 15, Consing said the priority for the MIF will be some projects approved by the National Economic and Development Authority board. AMRO, established in February 2016, is an international body tasked with performing regional macroeconomic oversight. It monitors, evaluates, and reports on economic and financial situations and forecasts within the ASEAN+3 region, comprising the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), along with China, Japan and South Korea. Not a sovereign wealth fund Amro+3 also noted that the MIF leans more towards being a “national investment” fund rather than a sovereign wealth fund. Citing examples from other countries that have sovereign funds, the think tank explained that a sovereign fund typically invests surplus revenue from natural resources like oil, similar to the United Arab Emirates, or fiscal surpluses, akin to Singapore’s Government Investment Corp. “The MIF is a national investment fund mainly investing within the country to support national development strategies, similar to the Indonesia Investment Authority, and Temasek Holdings,” the thinktank said. Indonesia Investment Authority and Temasek Holding

have a similar mandate to the MIF which invests in local infrastructure for the economy’s development. According to the Department of Finance, the goal of the MIF is to “promote sustainable economic development by making strategic and profitable investments in key sectors” to be done “through public-private partnerships and co-investments.” They also pointed out the benefits that can be expected from the MIF: • Enhancing investment capital: the MIF is poised to serve as a long-term source of investment capital that will foster economic growth and job creation. • Promoting infrastructure development: the MIF can be used to finance various infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and airports, improving connectivity and enhancing the country’s attractiveness to investors. • Boosting foreign investment: by attracting foreign investment, the MIF can draw in fresh capital and technology. Financial positions of contributing gov’t institutions The think tank also emphasized that the MIF’s capital size might impact the standing of certain government financial institutions, noting that the capital is “relatively small” compared to the investible funds it oversees. “The contributions to the MIF’s capital from government financial institutions (GFIs) are relatively small compared with the size of their investible funds, there could be some impact on the institutions’ financial position in the event of losses,” Amro+3 said. The MIF, expected to have a capitalization of P500 billion, currently holds a capital derived from P50 billion from LBP and P25 billion from the DBP, both remitted last September. In October, the two staterun banks asked the BSP for regulatory relief to keep up with the required capital adequacy ratio (CAR). This came after purported weakening due to the remittance of the initial capital for the fund. However, the LandBank said that it is above the BSP’s required 10% CAR just a day

MANILA – Speaker Martin Romualdez on Thursday, November 30 said the measure expanding the scope of legal aid to overseas Filipinos and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would protect them at all stages of the legal proceedings from investigation to trial proper and beyond. “Our overseas Filipinos are our modern-day heroes. Their immeasurable contributions to our country, their families, and communities merit the utmost protection from the government,” he said. Romualdez said House Bill 9035 would expand the use of the Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) and the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo Para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund to be managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), respectively. The LAF, he said, shall be made available from the time of the investigation, detention, arrest or indictment of the overseas Filipinos all the way to the trial proper, and at all levels of appeal thereafter. The bill was overwhelmingly approved on third and final reading by the House during its plenary session on Wednesday, November 29 with 246 affirmative votes. The bill seeks to amend Section 26 of Republic Act (RA) 8042, or the “Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995,” to expand the scope of the LAF from being utilized only for legal aid to “consular assistance” for overseas Filipinos. The bill provides that the expenditures to be charged against the Legal Assistance Fund shall include the fees for the foreign lawyers to be hired to represent overseas Filipinos facing charges, expenses for the filing of labor and/or criminal cases against erring or abusive employers or other persons abroad, bail bonds to secure the temporary releases and other litigation expenses. In countries with no DMW offices yet, the DFA is mandated to extend legal and other forms of assistance to OFWs in said u PAGE 8 areas.

As for the AKSYON Fund, HB 9035 amends Section 14 of RA 11641, or the “Department of Migrant Workers Act,” to expand the coverage of the AKSYON Fund for OFWs. The expenditures to be charged against the AKSYON Fund shall be similar to the fees covered by the LAF. The hiring of foreign legal counsels and other releases of funds for other expenses related to the mandate prescribed under the measure, “when circumstances warrant urgent action”, shall be exempt from the coverage of RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Act. Financial literacy course The House also unanimously approved on the third and final reading House Bill (HB) 9292 mandating the inclusion of a personal financial literary course in the TechnicalVocational Education and Training (TVET) curriculum of technical vocational institutions (TVI) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training centers. Romualdez emphasized the urgency to enact a measure that would broaden the opportunities and venues for teaching a personal literacy course vital to strengthen financial education among Filipinos. “Financial literacy is a precious skill that, unfortunately, few have. Filipinos who are financially literate are more likely to avoid financial frauds, develop financial discipline, use debt responsibly, and save their money for education or retirement,” he said. The bill seeks to equip the students with basic knowledge and additional skills in wealth management and contingency planning, especially in properly handling their finances, prepare them to make wellinformed financial decisions upon entering the workforce, and help them master financial literacy as an essential life skill in their day-to-day transactions and other activities. Under the bill, TVIs and TESDA training centers shall provide the necessary financial education to tech-voc students while helping them learn and develop other practical tech-voc

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skills and competencies. The bill provides that financial education shall focus solely on personal finance based on the policies, guidelines, and standards set jointly by the TESDA, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Department of Finance (DOF), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Insurance Commission (IC). (PNA) n NOTICE TO BIDDERS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of San Diego (City) is seeking to receive Electronic Bids for the below named Public Works project. The solicitation, including plans and specifications, may be obtained from the City’s website at: https://www.sandiego.gov/cip/ bidopps Contractors intending to submit a Bid must be prequalified. Please refer to the solicitation for instructions. Project Name: Southcrest Green Infrastructure Project Number: K-24-1973Estimated Value: DBB-3 $2,900,000 Voluntary (Encouraged) Pre-Bid Meeting 1: 12/06/2023 at 10:00 A.M. Bid Open Date: 01/30/2024, at 2:00 P.M. License Requirement: A It is the policy of the City of San Diego to encourage equal opportunity in its Construction and Consultant contracts. Bids or proposals from local firms, small, minority-owned, disabled, veteran-owned, and womenowned businesses are strongly encouraged. Contractors are encouraged to subcontract with and/or participate in joint ventures with these firms. The City is committed to equal opportunity and will not discriminate with regard to race, religion, color, ancestry, age, gender, disability, medical condition or place of birth; and will not do business with any firm that discriminates on any basis. Bids shall be received no later than the date and time noted above at: City of San Diego’s Electronic Bidding Site PlanetBids at: h t t p s : / / w w w. p l a n e t b i d s . c o m / p o r t a l / p o r t a l . cfm?CompanyID=17950 Claudia C Abarca, Director Purchasing & Contracting Department November 29, 2023 12/1/23 CNS-3761461# ASIAN JOURNAL

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DECEMBER 1-7, 2023 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

Maharlika faces risk of fund misuse - Singapore... PAGE 7 after Marcos granted the bank an exemption from remitting its legally mandated annual net earnings for 2022. In a press conference on November 15, Consing assured that the two-state run banks do not need to withdraw their remitted capital as it will be used to “generate returns.” “When you put in a seat capital for a company you’re not thinking about how I am going be exiting (but) you want to be

able to generate returns out of it. And that’s exactly how are we doing it,” he said. A part of the MIF’s initial capitalization, amounting to P50 billion, will stem from the national government. This will include a portion of the dividends (100%) from the BSP remitted to the national government during the first and second fiscal years following the MIF’s commencement. The BSP contribution is yet to be remitted. The BSP’s earnings plunged

by 71% in eight months to P22.91 billion from January to August compared with last year’s P78.82 billion. Last June, Diokno reassured that the contribution from BSP to the MIF would not compromise the bank’s stability. The report on the Philippines, encompassing notes regarding the MIF, resulted from AMRO’s latest yearly consultation mission. This mission occurred during a visit spanning from August 29 to September 8. “Amro recognizes the

authorities’ ambition to step up investments in infrastructure, long-term development, and sustainable growth,” the think tank said. “However, at the operational level, it is essential for the authorities to closely monitor the MIF and its management body, the Maharlika Investment Corp., to ensure that the objectives are achieved, the country’s longterm development needs are met, and the governing law is strictly adhered to,” it added. n

LEGAL SERVICES

ANNOUNCEMENT / LEGAL SERVICES SD#0283

CASE NUMBER: 37-2023-00046513-CU-PT-CTL

Advertisement for Bids Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for: AUDUBON UTK-8 SCHOOL RE-ROOFING A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023, in front of the main office of Audubon UTK-8 School, 8111 San Vicente Street, San Diego, CA 92114. Contractors and subcontractors must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.com. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on DECEMBER 21, 2023. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC24-0690-39-00-00 Audubon UTK-8 School Re-roofing. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $3.3 Million and $4 Million. This is a PSA project and requires prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: B, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CC24-0690-39-00-00.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022407

Bundook located at 3863 Massachusetts Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941. Registrant: a. Jennifer Lesure Oswald, 3863 Massachusetts Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941. b. Joseph Nicholas Oswald, 3863 Massachusetts Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941. This business is conducted by Married Couple. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Jennifer Lesure Oswald. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/02/2023. AJ 1280 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, and 12/01/2023 AJSD 1280

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022246

Power Real Estate Group located at 2390 E Orangewood Ave #400, Anaheim, CA 92806. Registrant: Jose Samano, 2390 E Orangewood Ave #400, Anaheim, CA 92806. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/01/2021. Signature: Jose Samano. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/31/2023. AJ 1286 11/17, 11/24, 12/01, and 12/08/2023. AJSD 1286

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022902

Nandri Indian Cafe located at 108 E 8th St, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: a. Isaac Carl Amirian, 245 Woodlawn Ave Apt C3, Chula Vista, CA 91910. b. Angel Kagitha Aseervadam, 245 Woodlawn Ave Apt C3, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by Married Couple. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/09/2023. Signature: Isaac Carl Amirian. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/09/2023. AJ 1291 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, and 12/15/2023.

AJSD 1291

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022301

Lucky Spa located at 9565 Jamacha Blvd, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Registrant: Royal Holidays Wellness Center Inc, 9565 Jamacha Blvd, Spring Valley, CA 91977. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/01/2023. Signature: Heidi Qi. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/01//2023. AJ 1281 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, and 12/01/2023. AJSD 1281

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9023214

a. Minh Ky Restaurant located at 4644 El Cajon Blvd #101, San Diego, CA 92115. b. Mi Minh Ky located at 4644 El Cajon Blvd #101, San Diego, CA 92115. Registrant: 3T Family Kitchen LLC, 11304 Treyburn Way, San Diego, CA 92131. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/01/2023. Signature: Thinh Phan. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/16/2023. AJ 1288 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, and 12/15/2023. AJSD 1288

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9023492

Willys Handyman Service located at 3122 E 19th St, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Guillermo Osuna, 3122 E 19th St, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Guillermo Osuna. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/21/2023. AJ 1292 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, and 12/15/2023.

AJSD 1292

PEACE RALLY. An anti-war group consisting of Indigenous Peoples, Christians, and Muslims, holds a rally at the Freedom Park in Davao City on Wednesday, Nov. 29, calling for the cessation of hostilities between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. Despite the rain, the multi-sectoral interfaith gathering pushed through, with the participants pledging to launch another rally to call for peace in the Middle East. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022723

Wises Barber Shop located at 5575 Baltimore Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942. Registrant: Nathaniel Wise, 4965 Pine St, La Mesa, CA 91942. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/23/2023. Signature: Nathaniel Wise. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/08/2023. AJ 1284 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, and 12/01/2023.

AJSD 1284

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9023162

Unleashed Designz located at 1421 Felspar St #1, San Diego, CA 92109. Registrant: Lea Gambuti, 1421 Felspar St #1, San Diego, CA 92109. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/15/2023. Signature: Lea Gambuti. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/15/2023. AJ 1289 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, and 12/15/2023. AJSD 1289

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9023556

Nina International Beauty located at 1105 E Plaza Blvd Suite B, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: She’s International LLC,1105 E Plaza Blvd Suite B, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/16/2023. Signature: Nina Garner. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/21/2023. AJ 1293 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, and 12/15/2023.

AJSD 1293

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022716

Anchor Down Security located at 4455 49th St #E, San Diego, CA 92115. Registrant: Donnell Powell, 4455 49th St #E, San Diego, CA 92115. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/09/2017. Signature: Donnell Powell. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/08/2023. AJ 1285 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, and 12/01/2023.

AJSD 1285

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9023124

Eloquence Of Jade located at 1640 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 206, San Diego, CA 92108. Registrant: Lynnel Gonzales-Azurin, 6593 Plaza Ridge Rd, San Diego, CA 921114. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Lynnel Gonzales-Azurin. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/15/2023. AJ 1290 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, and 12/15/2023

AJSD 1290

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9023452

MonteMar Property Management located at 4269 Sleeping Indian Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Registrant: Imelda P. Cunniff, 4269 Sleeping Indian Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Imelda P. Cunniff. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/20/2023. AJ 1294 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, and 12/15/2023

AJSD 1294

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Mark Thomas Hafen filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Mark Thomas Hafen to Mark Thomas Lewis. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 12/19/2023 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: NOV, 06, 2023 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1287 11/17, 11/24, 12/01, and 12/08/2023 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required. A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 1287

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9023634

Seoul Mobile Dent Repair located at 688-A Sea Vale St, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Registrant: Joseph Jiovanni Kim, 688-A Sea Vale St, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Joseph Jiovanni Kim. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/22/2023. AJ 1295 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, and 12/22/2023 AJSD 1295

CASE NUMBER: 37-2023-00051220-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Eric Arredondo-Garcia filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Eric Arredondo-Garcia to Eric Arredondo. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 01/16/2024 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: NOV. 28, 2023 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1297 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, and 12/22/2023 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required. A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 1297

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9023676

a. East West Trading Company located at 8455 Westmore Rd #102, San Diego, CA 92126. b. The Happy Nest located at 8455 Westmore Rd #102, San Diego, CA 92126. c. Saca Food located at 8455 Westmore Rd #102, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant: Andy Ngoc Tran, 8455 Westmore Rd #102, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/13/2019. Signature: Andy Ngoc Tran. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/27/2023. AJ 1296 12/01, 12/08, 12/15, and 12/22/2023. AJSD 1296

SAN DIEGO

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 1-7, 2023

JOURNAL DANCING DREAMS AND INSPIRING HOPE

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D EC E M B E R 1 , 2 0 23

Meet Chelsea Pe Benito, Philadelphia Eagles’ newest cheerleader by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

SPIRITED and fun-loving Filipino American, Chelsea Pe Benito embodies the convergence of A passion, dedication, and a commitment to make a difference. Born to parents who sought the American Dream, her journey from her family’s roots in the Philippines to her role as a cheerleader for the Philadelphia Eagles is a testament to her relentless pursuit of dreams and her unwavering support system. Chelsea’s parents embarked on their American journey in October 1994, leaving behind their homeland in search of a better life. Her father hails from Quezon City while her mother originates from the picturesque Santiago City up north. Nearly three decades later, their pursuit of a brighter future for Chelsea and her younger brother, Matthew, has resulted in a legacy of inspiration. Since Chelsea was just three years old, her parents noticed she loved moving around a lot. So, they signed her up for dance classes. This early start made her really love performing, and that passion has stuck with her as she grew up. Now, as a cheerleader for the Philadelphia Eagles, Chelsea brings the same excitement to the field that she had when she first fell in love with dance. Joining the ranks of the Philadelphia Eagles cheer team was a dream come true for Chelsea. Beyond the glitz and glamour, she was drawn to the team’s deep commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and community engagement. As an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) excelling in the field of STEM, Chelsea aspires to be a beacon of hope for future generations. Her message is clear: dreams are within reach, whether in the realms of oncology clinical research or professional dance. The rigorous audition process for the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders spanned two intense months, commencing in April and concluding in June. Chelsea faced multiple rounds of assessments, including an open call, a comprehensive group interview, and a final audition that demanded both dance prowess and a showcase of her individuality. “I was thrilled when I received the news that I was one of eight new members selected to be part of the 33-member squad,”

“Literacy in elementary school is crucial to a child’s development as it improves reading, writing, and speaking skills, so I knew the importance of this project and the impact it would have on the youth,” Chelsea told the Asian Journal, explaining her efforts in donating over 2,000 books and upgrading an elementary school library in the Philippines. “My hope is to continue my philanthropic efforts within my local community and beyond and I am so excited to do so as a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader!” Photos courtesy of Philadelphia Eagles

she told the Asian Journal. “Being one of the newest members of the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader is a dream come true and it’s an honor to be a part of such a prestigious organization like the Philadelphia Eagles.

I love how I can continue my passion for dance performing in front of a stadium full of 70,000+ fans while also serving the community and participating in the organization’s important initiatives. The public’s view of the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders may be confined to their spirited performances at Lincoln Financial Field, but there’s a deeper story waiting to be told. This dynamic team comprises dedicated professionals pursuing full-time careers or educational pursuits. Among their ranks are nurses, physical therapists, historians, chemists, teachers, and cancer researchers, all united by a shared commitment to community service. As cheerleaders, they extend their impact far beyond game days. They actively engage in the organization’s philanthropic endeavors, participating in initiatives that support youth programs, autism research, and military goodwill tours. “Not only are we talented entertainers, but we are global brand ambassadors for the Eagles year-round and participate in many of the organization’s philanthropic efforts locally and globally,” Chelsea shared. “As brand ambassadors, we have a unique platform to serve as role models through our involvement in Eagles youth programs, raise awareness and funds for innovative autism research and care programs through our Eagles Autism Foundation, and communicate initiatives as media representatives for the team.” Balancing a demanding career in oncology clinical research with the rigors of cheerleading for an NFL team requires exceptional time management and organizational skills. Chelsea’s schedule is a testament to her dedication: bi-weekly

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Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo

ABS-CBN photo

by Christina alpad

surround myself with. I’ve always tried to be my own person. I was encouraged to think for myself and decide for myself. Even when it comes to love. Especially when it comes to love. “I promised to never lose myself in this industry, so I’ve always been as authentic to you as I can be. I know what many of you are thinking right now. I’m well aware of the rumors and speculations going around, and as hard as it is to put everything into words, I want you to hear it straight from me: It’s true that Deej and I have decided to part ways. “What Deej and I had was real. It was never for show. We were together not because of the cameras, not because of the fans, not because of the money that comes with a successful love team. We were genuinely in love. We grew up together, dreamed together, and saw many of those dreams become a reality-still together. “That’s almost half of my life that I would never regret and would never trade for anything in the world. These are 11 years that brought me joy, adventure, and the feeling of being home. Years that taught me the real

Kathryn, Daniel confirm breakup ManilaTimes.net

AFTER more than a decade of on and off-screen romance, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla — collectively known as KathNiel — have called it quits, the two stars confirmed. Bernardo first posted her statement Thursday night, November 30 on Instagram saying, “Chapter closed. I hope this finally helps all of us move forward. I won’t be entertaining questions regarding this anymore. Thank you for understanding.” She also posted a lengthier message that said: “I’ve been in showbiz for almost 21 years now, 12 years as the one-half of Kathniel, and 11 years as someone who loved Deej even behind the camera. “I didn’t grow up in this industry constantly being controlled and dictated on. I was lucky to have had the best guidance and support system when I started my career and I’ve continuously worked hard to earn people’s trust. But since I became an adult, I took it upon myself to take charge of my own life-the projects I work on, the way I dress, the people I

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Carmina posts cryptic messages for twin kids Cassy, Mavy posted on X (formerly Twitter) a black and white image of actor Morgan Freeman with word directed at Mavy and his twin sister Cassy, the latter currently in a rumored relationship with singer Darren Espanto. “People can destroy your image, damage your personality, create rumors about you but they can never take away your

good deeds,” the message said. “Because no matter how they describe you, you will always be admired by those who know you ACTRESS Carmina Villaroel best.” has been sharing a series of The next day, Carmina cryptic messages on her social posted a graphic that read, media accounts, this as rumors “Mom knows best,” and on of her son Mavy Legaspi calling November 29 yet another it quits with singer Kyline graphic, this time of a man Alcantara began circling. peering out of lake dock, which Last November 25, Carmina said: “Protect your peace.” The same day of Carmina’s initial post, her husband and fellow actor Zoren Legaspi posted a video on his Instagram account of a dinner he had with his two kids and Winwyn Marquez, Dasuri Choi, and Arra San Agustin. “Keep Smiling guys. It’s good to have GENUINE FRIENDS. Ingat kayo,” Zoren wrote for the post, to which Carmina commented: “Maraming salamat sa mga tunay na nagmamahal sa mga anak namin. Mahal din namin kayo.” Last week, Kyline had posted on at least two social media accounts, “I knew it,” which led to many fans speculating she and Mavy have split, some even linking the latter to Dasuri, who co-hosts “Eat Bulaga” with Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi with their twins, Cassy and Mavy Legaspi Photo from Instagram/@mina_villaroel Mavy. n By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

Kathryn, Daniel confirm... PAGE 9 meaning of unconditional love and friendship. He knew me more than anyone else. He was my first boyfriend. He was my comfort zone. He was my person. I will always have love for him. “Like any other relationship, we tried our best to make it work. We’ve been drifting apart for a while now, and we ultimately had to accept that we can’t go back to where we used to be. It just won’t be fair to pretend that everything is still the same. “These past few months have been tough, but thank you for giving us the time we need to process the pain and finally face the elephant in the room. Our love story began with respect and ended with respect. “Kathniels, we know you are hurting, and trust me, this also hurts us both more than you can imagine. The last thing we want is for this family to break apart with everyone taking sides- please don’t. “Deej and I will continue to support each other as we try to heal and move forward from this. We will continue to love you and make you proud, but we hope you understand that this is something we really need. We hope you can join us in this healing process and not let those precious memories go to waste. Kaya natin to.” Bernardo ended her statement with a message for her former boyfriend: “Deep, you gave me 11 beautiful years and the kind of love I will forever

cherish. I will always be grateful for you.” A few minutes later, Padilla followed suit and posted a poem on his Instagram account, @ supremo_dp. “11 years. KD Pagibig. Sa mundo, buhay at sa limitadong oras na tayo ay nandito, Isang malaking biyaya ang pagmamahal. Ang mahalin ka. At mahalin mo. Ang mga alaala natin ay laging kong baon sa aking puso at magiging liwanag sa mga madidilim kong araw. Thank you for dancing with me during my highs and thank you for singing with me during my lows Our lives may drift away, but our love will still ride that tide.” He then said, “Kathniels, maraming salamat sa pag mamahal ninyo. Maraming salamat sa napaka gandang pinag samahan natin. Hinding hindi namin ipag papalit at hindi makukumpara kahit anong pang gawin nila. Hinding hindi nila pwedeng sirain yun. This is beyond show business. Pamilya kayo at mga kaibigan. Magiging mahirap pero kailangan natin yakapin ang kinabukasan. “I pray for us to grow, and heal.” “Bal [their term of endearment], ang pag mamahal ko sayo ay walang hanggan at walang katapusan.” n

Meet Chelsea Pe Benito... PAGE 9 evening rehearsals, game days on Sundays (or Mondays/ Thursdays for primetime matches), and a smattering of appearances, including community service and corporate events. Through it all, Chelsea’s love for both her professions fuels her ability to manage and thrive in these dual roles. Chelsea’s philanthropic endeavors extend to global initiatives, exemplified by her involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This organization grants the wishes of children battling life-threatening illnesses, an initiative that Chelsea actively supports. In a testament to her deep connection to her heritage, Chelsea also spearheaded a project to upgrade an elementary school library in the Philippines. Her efforts resulted in the donation of over 2,000 books and essential resources, a heartwarming endeavor that has undoubtedly transformed the educational experience for a number of Filipino children. “Having the opportunity to take my philanthropic efforts globally in the country where my parents were born and raised was important to me. My aunt is a teacher at the Masambong Elementary School in Quezon City and expressed the need for supplies in her school’s library,” she shared. “I adopted the public school library to provide students with essential resources. I hosted multiple fundraising events and book drives across the Tri-State area. Literacy in elementary school is crucial to a child’s development as it improves reading, writing, and speaking skills, so I knew the importance of this project and the impact it would have on the youth.” Chelsea Pe Benito embodies the best of both worlds, balancing a flourishing career in oncology clinical research with her dedication to being a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader. Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring youth, reminding them that with passion, determination, and robust family support, they can overcome any obstacles to achieve their dreams. n

Chelsea has been a Girl Scout since the 1st grade, marking her early involvement in diverse charitable activities. One organization that holds a special place in her heart is the Make-A-Wish Foundation, known for fulfilling the wishes of children facing life-threatening illnesses. As a member of the Chi Omega sorority, she actively participated in initiatives to raise awareness for the foundation. Alongside her sorority, she organized and hosted various fundraising events across the college campus. All proceeds from these events were dedicated to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, aiming to bring joy to the children and their families by making their wishes come true.

“My family have been my biggest cheerleaders through it all and were elated when they found out that I made the Philadelphia Eagles Cheer team (especially Matt who goes to school in Philadelphia!) Their endless support in all my endeavors mean the absolute world and I am so lucky and grateful to have the best support system,” Chelsea said.

Some of the cast members for “Every Day Vanilla”: (from left) Anthony Erum Jongco (Andrew/Brûlée), Gingerlily Lowe (Auntie Sam), Gretchen (Principal Alexander, Cherry, Freya), Earl Paus (director), Lani Gobaleza (playwright/Frankie), Sasha Foo (Francesca), Hillary Soriano (Flora), Kate Nguyen (Jesse), and Kyle Blaine Tiglao (Aubrey). Photos courtesy of Enrique + Charlene Siliezar/Studio Luniste LLC

Queer Filipina American coming-of-age play to debut in San Diego this December

SAN DIEGO – Spare Pen presents the premiere of “Every Day Vanilla,” the debut play of writeractor Lani Gobaleza. Performances begin at MOXIE Theatre on Thursday, December 14 through Friday, December 29, 2023. This production is presented separately from MOXIE Theatre’s programming. According to a release sent to media, the plot for the play goes like this: The year is 2006. Seventeenyear-old Filipina American writer Frankie Robles dreams of escaping San Diego for somewhere less “vanilla.” Over the course of 10 years, she begins to reexamine her relationship with her hometown through the eyes of her family, friends, and lovers. The release adds that this play contains some mild language, LGBTQIA+ stories, and intergenerational conflict. Trigger warnings include references to domestic abuse and domestic suicide. The cast for “Every Day Vanilla” includes Lani Gobaleza as Frankie, Sasha Foo as Francesca (TV reporter-turned-playwright known most recently for “Choice Words”), Hillary Soriano (actress and producer) as Flora, Kate Nguyen as Jesse, Kyle Blaine Tiglao as Aubrey, Gingerlily Lowe (Asian Story Theater/Chinese Story Theater founding producer and educational director) as Samantha, Anthony Erum Jongco (IT by day, artist by night) as Andrew/Brûlée, and Gretchen Conrad (Meisnerand Chekov-trained actress) as Principal Alexander, Cherry Castillo, and Freya. The play is directed by Earl Paus (They/He/Siya), a queer Pilipinx-American award-winning director and actor. Earl harnesses the magic of theatre and film to act out the truth so others can live theirs. They studied Theatre Arts for social change at SFSU and created liberating art, theatre, and film in the Bay Area for over 10 years. This year, Earl also wrote, directed, and acted in their first short film “Glimpse” which premiered at the San Diego Filipino Film Festival and won the Audience Choice Award. They are honored to have “Every Day Vanilla” be their directorial stage debut in their hometown of San Diego. Supporting playwright Lani Gobaleza and director Earl Paus, the creative team includes Miki Iwasaki and Jessica Falstad of Sunset Projects (scenic design), Diana Corpus (costume design), Eliza Vedar (sound design), Sierra (lighting design), Coza Joy “CJ” Mendoza (stage manager), and Bianca Nialani (assistant stage manager). Filipino American filmmaker Marissa Roxas will also be contributing as cinematographer for video content that will be included in the play, and VietnameseAmerican artist Anie Quynh will contribute original artwork. Playwright Lani Gobaleza answered a few questions posed to her. Following is the brief Q&A: Question (Q): Tell us about your upbringing. Lani Gobaleza (LG): “I grew up in the Valencia Park neighborhood of Southeast San Diego, or ‘Daygo’, where I was raised by a Filipina immigrant single mother, my grandparents, my aunties, and my uncle. My father was in the Navy, and I saw him infrequently. I attended Nye Elementary, O’Farrell for middle school, and Morse High School. I started working at Seaport Fudge Factory when I was 16 years old so that I could start saving for college. Whenever I mentioned that I was from Southeast San Diego, I would almost always get comments about how [it is] ‘growing up in the hood.’ I feel very proud to have grown up where I did, and I wish more people felt the same. A lot of people from the area are doing some amazing creative work. After that, I studied history and theater at UC Berkeley and lived and worked in Japan. I’ve since returned to San Diego, where I work as a copywriter and co-own a specialty tea business in La Jolla with my partner.” Q: Tell us about your background in theater. LG: “I was involved in theater and performing arts since the fifth grade through the First United Methodist Church of National City, the San Diego Youth Master Chorale, and Morse High School drama productions. I participated in Theater for Social Change at UC Berkeley but ended up pursuing academic and technical writing roles after graduating. That’s probably more than you asked for, but it’ll all make more sense when you see the play. ‘Every Day Vanilla’ is inspired by my personal experiences, more or less. There are definitely some parallels. For example, my mother’s name is Leila, and she named me Leilani. In the play, the mother, portrayed by the talented Sasha Foo, is Francesca. I play her daughter, Frankie. Q: What was the inspiration for the play? LG: “Besides my upbringing, this play is very loosely based on a creative non-fiction story I wrote for a local anthology. When I wrote this short story, I was living in a rural town in Japan, teaching English through the JET Program. I didn’t have WiFi, and my rent was $200. I was in my mid-20s, and it was the first time in my life that I had my own room. And I just remember breaking down that first night because I felt so guilty enjoying myself while my family was struggling to pay their mortgage. I talked to my mom, and she reassured me — as mothers do — that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. But other first-generation college graduates understand that it’s incredibly difficult to enjoy things like this without thinking

Earl Paus (director) and Lani Gobaleza (playwright, Frankie)

Actor-writer Lani Gobaleza grew up in Southeast San Diego, and studied history and theater at UC Berkeley. She went back to San Diego after living and working in Japan, and currently works as a copywriter and co-owns a specialty tea business in La Jolla with her partner.

of family, especially coming from a family that is so group-oriented. I was grateful that Jim Miller and Kelly Mayhew recognized the value in my story because I doubted it had any value at all. “Fast forward to 2019, my partner gifted me a mentoring session with author Chavisa Woods. During my session, I expressed feeling disconnected from San Diego as an adult. Chavisa encouraged me to explore that disconnect in my writing. A few years after that, I revisited that advice and turned my short story into a play. I’d written short plays in college and edited screenplays, but this was my first stage play. I went about it with very clear goals — I wanted to include everything I wish I saw in stories growing up: single mothers, mother figures, representation of Filipinos who aren’t Catholic (I grew up Methodist, and I would get made fun of for that growing up), Southeast Asian representation, the introvert’s struggling of feeling punk rock but presenting like a pushover, sapphic love that doesn’t end in death, drag queens, first-generation guilt, depression and anxiety in its many forms, and more.” Q: Why self-produce? LG: “I decided to independently produce the play for many of the same reasons that authors self-publish their books. I didn’t really want to wait for someone to validate my story. Sometimes, you have to make the magic happen yourself. I received a lot of helpful feedback through table reads and workshopping sessions, which included industry professionals and members of my own family. I’d love to explore more traditional routes in the future — in both theater and film — but I felt like this was something I had to do. “It’s been a whirlwind. Self-producing a play — or producing one in general — feels very similar to running a business. I’m learning a lot and feel fortunate because the community, which includes friends and strangers alike, has been really curious, supportive, and receptive.” Q: Anything else? LG: “Thank you for considering writing about ‘Every Day Vanilla’ in your publication. It truly means the world to me to have the opportunity to share something so personal to me. Gobaleza is a 2023 recipient of the William Male Foundation grant. She will use the funds for production costs, including artist and scenic design stipends. Meanwhile, Spare Pen is a writers club based in San Diego, which was started by Gobaleza in 2021. To keep up-to-date with the “Every Day Vanilla” on social media, log on via Instagram at @ everydayvanilla_play. More information about the play, including cast and crew bios, sponsorship opportunities and ticket information, can be found at https://everydayvanilla.com. n

New report highlights the promise of Lithium Valley

Being one of the newest members of the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader is a dream come true for Chelsea and she says it is an honor to be a part of such a prestigious organization like the Philadelphia Eagles. “I love how I can continue my passion for dance performing in front of a stadium full of 70,000+ fans while also serving the community and participating in the organization’s important initiatives,” she said.

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-ageneration 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

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County of San Diego awarded grant for bicycle and pedestrian safety program from the Office of Traffic Safety

Screen capture from web

What to do if you can’t make car payments

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 repossession 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) n

New report highlights the... PAGE 10 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) n

THE County of San Diego announced on Wednesday, November 29 that it received a $125,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program. This grant will allow the county’s Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities to promote safe practices for pedestrians and bicyclists and provide education about the importance of sharing the road. “All San Diegans should be able to commute, pick up groceries or enjoy a bike ride without the fear of getting hurt,” said San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency Community Operations Officer Barbara Jiménez. “Education is how we bridge the gap to a sustainable and safer future.” “Everyone deserves a safe environment to travel, regardless of how people get to places,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “The safety of people walking and biking on our roads is a high priority. Education plays a pivotal role in creating a strong road safety culture that prioritizes traffic safety, especially for our most vulnerable road users.” Grant funds will support a variety of activities focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety, including: • Social media campaign to engage an expanded audience on safety and active transportation topics. • Participation in state and national campaigns, such as National Walk to School Day and California’s Pedestrian Safety Month. • Presentations at community and senior centers and schools on safe bike/walking practices with a focus on the benefits active transportation provides on health, community and climate change. • “Open Streets” events encouraging biking and walking. • Providing bicycle and scooter skills training courses on safe riding behaviors. • Walking field trips with older adults and disabled residents to identify walking

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

hazards and provide information on safe active transportation techniques. • Presentations at stakeholder meetings focused on active transportation to share best practices and increase collaboration. The grant program will run

through September 2024. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (Cassie N. Saunders/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

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