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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Volume 22 - No.50 • 12 Pages
T HE F ILIPINO A MERICAN C OMMUNITY N EWSPAPER
Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
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DECEMBER 15-21, 2023
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, SAN DIEGO, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
PH, US vow closer coordination USA amid worsening China acts
DATELINE $5.5 million in stolen wages returned to residential caregivers FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Settlement makes California’s largest residential care facility wage theft case
by MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN, ALEXIS ROMERO
Marcos says Philippines ‘undeterred’ by China’s actions in West PH Sea
LOS ANGELES - One hundred and fortyeight individuals who worked at Adat Shalom Board and Care for the Elderly in the San Fernando Valley recovered $5.5 million in wages stolen from them while they were working as caregivers. Through conversations with the workers, organizers with the Pilipino Workers Center discovered that Adat Shalom managers and owners were committing wage theft. An investigation into Adat Shalom by the state Labor Commissioner’s Office found that workers at six Adat Shalom locations in Southern California, the majority of whom are Filipino immigrants, worked 24hour shifts, six days per week for as little as $2.40/hour with no overtime. Workers were
by GAEA KATREENA CABICO Philstar.com
PAGE 5
Who are America’s new ethnic voters? AT a Dec. 8 Ethnic Media Services briefing, experts discussed who these new ethnic voters are, what motivates them, and how their affiliations compare to their white counterparts. AAPI party preference “When it comes to candidates, voters’ party identification shapes their opinions on issues more than the other way around,” said Karthick Ramakrishnan, public policy professor at UC Riverside, AAPI Data founder and California 100 co-founder. “For example,” he continued, “no matter your opinions on taxes or environmental protection, your Republican, Democratic or Independent identity will likely shape them over time.” Among AAPI voters, he found that Vietnamese Americans tend to identify as most strongly Republican, while Japanese and Indian Americans tend to identify as most strongly Democratic. “So it’s interesting that Indian Americans like Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley have risen to such prominence in Republican leadership, far from Indian American voter opinion,” he noted. Nevertheless, Ramakrishnan added, the PAGE 2
the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Gen. Charles Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U.S., came after a weekend of tension in the West Philippine Sea where PAGE 2
officials of the Philippines and the United States held a teleconference last Monday, December 11 to MANILA — With China reportedly becoming discuss the need for them to work more closely in bolder in harassing Filipinos and committing illegal addressing pressing security issues in the region. The phone meeting between Armed Forces of activities in Philippine territorial waters, top military Philstar.com
WHEELED EXCAVATORS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (2nd from left) and other government officials check the wheeled excavators turned over to the field office of the National Irrigation Administration in a ceremony at Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Olongapo City, Zambales on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Marcos said the excavators would be instrumental in maintaining the 257 national irrigation systems and 10,144 communal irrigation systems nationwide. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government remains “undeterred” despite China’s continued harassment of Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea. “The aggression and provocations perpetrated by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and their Chinese Maritime Militia against our vessels and personnel over the weekend have only further steeled our determination to defend and protect our nation’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” Marcos said in a statement late Sunday, December 10. He stressed that China’s “illegal presence in our waters and dangerous actions against our citizens is an outright and blatant violation of international law and the rules-based international order.” Manila and Beijing have traded accusations over the collisions of their vessels. The Philippine Coast Guard accused the CCG of firing PAGE 2
48% of Filipinos think quality of life will improve next year by ADRIAN PARUNGAO
while six percent said that quality of life will worsen in the next 12 months. The remaining percent of people did not give an answer. The SWS also reported that the Net Personal Optimism score in September 2023 was +42 which it classified as “excellent.” This is an increase from the previous Net Personal Optimism score in June 2023, which was +41, and classified as “excellent.” SWS added that Net Personal Optimism score increased in Luzon outside Metro Manila, which it termed “Balance Luzon,” from +44 in June 2023 to +50, and in Mindanao, from +36 in June 2023 to +43. PAGE 5
Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Social Weather Stations (SWS) said on Tuesday, December 12 that majority of adult Filipinos think that quality of life will improve in the next 12 months. According to its survey from September 28 to October 1, there are 48 percent of adult Filipinos who think that quality of life will improve in the next 12 months, which the SWS termed as “optimists.” Meanwhile, 40 percent said that quality of life will remain unchanged in the next 12 months, termed by the SWS as “no change,”
Maria Ressa
Contributed photo
Philippines drops foreign Third petition filed vs Sara Duterte’s secret funds reaches SC ownership case against Ressa by IAN LAQUI Philstar.com
MANILA — Current and former lawmakers from the Makabayan Bloc on Monday, December 11 filed a petition for certiorari, challenging Vice President Sara Duterte’s allocation of P125 million for confidential and intelligence funds (CIF). Among the petitioners include Rep. France Castro (ACT-Teachers), Rep. Arlene Brosas (Gabriela), Rep. Raoul Manuel (Kabataan), Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares, former Bayan Muna Former Bayan Muna Representatives Neri Colmenares, Carlos Zarate, together with Rep. France Castro Partylist Representatives Carlos (ACT-Teachers) and Rep. Arlene Brosas (Gabriela) at the Supreme Court filing a petition against the Zarate, Ferdinand Gaite, Eufemia 2022 Confidential and Intelligence Funds of Vice President Sara Duterte. Philstar.com photo Cullamat and Raymond Palatino.
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This will be the third petition against Duterte’s confidential and intelligence funds. The petitioners urged the Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of transferring the Office of the President’s contingency fund to the Office of the Vice President’s confidential and intelligence funds, questioning both the transfer itself and its subsequent utilization. “Petitioners assail the constitutionality of the release of P125 million confidential funds by the Office of the President (OP) to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in late December 2022, as well as
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MANILA — A foreign ownership case against Philippine Nobel laureate Maria Ressa has been dropped, her media outlet said Wednesday, December 13, but the journalist still faces the threat of imprisonment on other charges. Ressa, who won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2021, has been fighting multiple charges filed during former president Rodrigo Duterte's administration. A vocal critic of Duterte and his deadly drug war, Ressa has long maintained that the charges against her and Rappler, the news website she co-founded in
2012, were politically motivated. Ressa, 60, was acquitted on five government charges of tax evasion earlier this year. The Department of Justice has now dropped a charge alleging Ressa illegally put Rappler under foreign control through the 2015 sale of foreign depositary receipts to U.S. investment firm Omidyar Network, her lawyers Amal Clooney and Caoilfhionn Gallagher said in a statement on Tuesday, December 12. Rappler confirmed the department's decision on Wednesday. "Again, facts win. Truth wins. Justice wins. We will continue to PAGE 5
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DECEMBER 15-21, 2023 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
From the Front Page
Marcos says Philippines ‘undeterred’ by... PAGE 1
water cannons and ramming its patrol boat and supply vessels during a resupply mission to troops stationed on BRP Sierra
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed that China’s “illegal presence in our waters and dangerous actions against our citizens is an outright and blatant violation of international law and the rules-based international order.” Malacañang file photo
Madre, a grounded warship that serves as the country’s outpost in the WPS. This caused “severe damage” to the engine of M/L Kalayaan, one of the supply boats. China, however, claimed that a Philippine vessel intentionally collided with its ship. The Atin Ito Coalition also announced Sunday that the convoy of civilian boats planning to deliver provisions to Filipino fishermen and troops in the WPS had to abort its trip after being “constantly shadowed” by Chinese vessels. The incidents occurred a day after the CCG used water cannons to obstruct vessels of the fisheries bureau from approaching Filipino fishing boats near Bajo de Masinloc off Zambales. ‘Ayungin is ours’ Marcos reiterated that Ayungin Shoal is within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone and that Bajo de Masinloc is a sovereign Philippine territory
and an integral part of the archipelago. “No one but the Philippines has a legitimate right or legal basis to operate anywhere in the West Philippine Sea,” he said. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including waters and islands near the shores of its neighbors, and has ignored an international tribunal ruling in 2016 that its assertions have no legal basis. Relations between Manila and Beijing have deteriorated under Marcos, who has sought to improve ties with traditional ally Washington and push back against Chinese actions in the West Philippine Sea. His predecessor Rodrigo Duterte led a foreign policy LOCAL SYMBOL. The kalesa or karitela (horse-drawn carriage), usually two-wheeled, gets an upgrade as it waits for tourist passengers pivot to China in exchange for in Intramuros, Manila on Monday, Dec. 11. The famous Filipino mode of transportation of yesteryears can also be found near other tourist investment pledges. destinations like the National Museum, Rizal Park, and along Roxas Boulevard. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr. Marcos added that he has ordered the uniformed services to conduct their missions with utmost regard for their safety, “yet proceed with a missionoriented mindset.” g PAGE 1
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PH, US vow closer coordination... Chinese coast guard and militia ships harassed and tried to drive away Philippine vessels on humanitarian missions in Ayungin Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc. “The two agreed to maintain close coordination amidst worsening illegal activities of the China Coast Guard targeting rotation and re-provisioning missions and patrols of Philippine government vessels in the West Philippine Sea,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said. “They also discussed mutual strategic security interests and opportunities for increased military cooperation,” Trinidad added. The AFP said the call reaffirms the military’s commitment to the Philippine-U.S. alliance under the framework of the Mutual Defense Treaty as well as to upholding a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific Region. Interviewed over GMA’s Unang Hirit, Brawner denounced China’s lying about the incidents over the weekend. “They (Chinese) distorted the story. I was there myself on board the supply boat Unaizah Mae, and I personally witnessed their harassment,” Brawner said. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, in an earlier interview, noted that despite China’s increasing aggression, the Philippines would continue to assert its rights. “We are going to comply with the president’s instructions to us to be firm in enforcing international law, by our own selves and more importantly with partner and like-minded countries of the
The Mass for a civilian-led Christmas convoy bound for Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea was disturbed after the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) followed MV Kapitan Felix Oca during their journey to Lawak Island on Sunday, December 10. Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas
world,” he said. The Joint Chiefs of Staff website said that phone conversation between the two top military officials was the first since Gen. Brown became the chairman. “The leaders also discussed mutual strategic security interests and opportunities for increased military cooperation, including enhancing maritime cooperation, improving interoperability and information sharing, and increasing training and exercises,” the JCS said in its post. No MDT trigger Meanwhile, National Security Council assistant director-general Jonathan Malaya said China’s latest water cannon attack against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea won’t trigger the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between Manila and Washington. “No, it cannot because it is not an armed attack. Under the MDT, it has to be an armed attack on a public vessel,” Malaya
Who are America’s new ethnic... PAGE 1 2016 election and the subsequent four years caused a divergence in these trends, with both Indian and Chinese Americans moving toward the Republican party under President Trump. Latino voters are younger Latinos are the country’s fastestgrowing racial and ethnic group in our electorate. Against common views of new Latino voters as older adults newly naturalized, U.S.born-and-raised Latinos “are the ones truly changing America’s political landscape” with each election, said Claudia Sandoval, assistant professor of political science and international relations at Loyola Marymount University. 22% of Latinos eligible to vote in next year’s presidential election are new voters who have recently become eligible to vote. 38% of the Latino electorate is new to the political sphere since 2016. Compared to the median age of 50 for all eligible U.S. voters, the median age of eligible Latino voters is 39. In this electorate, she continued, gender gaps exist: while Latinos as a whole lean leftward, Latino men are more likely than Latino women to support Republican candidates — diverging respectively as much as 48% and 24% in Nevada. These numbers, however, don’t necessarily mark a rightward exodus: over 35% of Latinos voted Republican in 2000, while 40% did in 2004 — much due, Sandoval suggested, to “George W. Bush’s bipartisan positions on immigration reform. And while former President Donald Trump isn’t seen as a supporter of progressive immigration reform, voters do tend to see him as an independent from the Republican Party, which is quite partisan now.” “These numbers show us the complicated nature of Latino political preferences, attitudes, and political identification,” she added. “While only 4% of young Latino voters now believe that the Democratic Party is hostile to the Latino community, 37% of those
voters believe that the Democratic Party doesn’t necessarily care about the Latino community. While 22% believe that the Republican Party is hostile to the Latino community, a third of young Latino voters believe the Republican Party cares a great deal about Latinos.” Black voter participation Party affiliation likewise motivates the question of Black voter participation, said Jamil Scott, assistant professor of government at Georgetown University: “In 2024, I think we’re facing less of a question of whether Black voters will change their partisanship, and more of a question of how many Black voters will show up on Election Day at all.” “There’s an excitement issue here,” she continued: “What has Biden done? He hasn’t kept his promises to Black voters on issues like student loan forgiveness and voting rights. And although he’s created record low unemployment among black Americans; new opportunities for small businesses; appointed many Black judges including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Jackson, many of these things which are visible are not necessarily tangible.” Black voters “can’t hang their hat on legislation like they can on loan burdens and rising costs of goods due to inflation,” Scott continued. “People are pocketbook voters. While Black people are largely not going to change their partisanship, many may wonder whether to show for their party at all if the state of their pocketbooks is not giving them a compelling reason to, especially given challenges to voting like longer wait times in communities of color.” For Black voters — particularly those younger and more liberalleaning — “there’s dissatisfaction more broadly with the Democratic Party’s ‘hold-your-nose-and-vote’ offerings. The question for Black voters in 2024 is not how differently they vote but whether they see it as a moment in which they need to show up for democracy, or
said in a chance interview last Monday at Malacañang. “It is not an armed attack. it cannot be considered an act of war, according to our lawyers,” he added. Signed by the Philippines and the U.S. in 1951, the MDT seeks to enhance the defense capabilities of the two countries and allow them to jointly develop their capabilities to counter external armed attacks. The Visiting Forces Agreement, which allows Filipino and American military forces to hold joint military drills in the Philippines, and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement which provides the U.S. access to agreed Philippine locations, are offshoots of the treaty. In their recent statements, U.S. officials reiterated that an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea, would trigger Washington’s mutual defense commitments. g
whether they’re tired of showing up again and again, and not seeing the policy benefits that they want to see,” she said. Gen Z voters of color 45% of the 40 million members of Gen Z eligible to vote in 2024 will be people of color, including 8.8 million Latinos, 5.7 million Black youth, 1.7 million Asian Americans and 1.8 million multiracial youth. As a more racially and ethnically diverse generation than any other before, this voting bloc is nevertheless “characterized by our left-leaning political unity,” said Jessica Siles, deputy press secretary of the Gen Z political advocacy nonprofit Voters of Tomorrow. “We’ve been marching in the streets for change, and our political activity owes to our shared experiences growing up — especially when it comes to gun violence and climate change.” In 2022, for instance, youth voted Democrat for the House of Representatives by a 28-point margin over Republican voters. “Many people like to point to low youth voter turnout. However, although you may see a low percentage of Gen Z voting, it’s on the rise. In 2022, the first midterm election where this generation comprised the entire 18 to 22 age cohort, Gen Z voted at 28.4% — a higher rate than Millennials, Gen X and Boomers did” in their respective generations’ first midterm elections, Siles explained, the next-highest rate being the 23.5% of Gen Xers who voted in 1990. Gen Z is emblematic of America’s new ethnic voters wholly in that “it’s not that young people are just very loyal to the Democratic Party,” she added. “It’s that we continue to vote on the behalf of a few core issues we most care about, number one being the economy. As voters, we’re workers and taxpayers concerned about our ability to find a good job or pay for a house. The future of these voting blocs depends on who can best engage them on these issues.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 15-21, 2023
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It’s always the right time to plan for retirement W
hether you’re just entering the workforce or plan to stop working in a few years, it’s never too early – or too late – to save for retirement. Ideally, retirement planning and saving should start as soon as you get your first paycheck, but it’s easy to focus on more pressing expenses in your 20s, 30s and 40s, like paying for a house or raising children. By your 50s or 60s, however, you might feel you haven’t saved enough to avoid worrying about financial security in retirement. There’s always time to make changes. Consider these options to protect your assets, build credit, and maintain and grow your investments for a financially worry-free future. Start with the basics No matter your age or current financial status, the following steps are the foundation of most retirement plans. • Begin with a 401(k). If available, consider joining your employer’s retirement plan, like a 401(k). You can set up automatic deposits each pay period, and many employers will match your financial contributions, giving you more funds for the future. • Consider opening an IRA. Find out if you’re eligible for an individual retirement account (IRA) and consider contributing what you can. You can have an IRA in addition to an employer-based plan. • Put your money to work. A general investment account has the potential to grow your savings even more. Play catch up Understanding your current financial picture and planning for benefits, like Social Security and pensions, are important steps to figuring out how much income you may have in retirement. If you’re nearing your projected retirement date and you don’t think you have enough saved to maintain your current or desired lifestyle, here are a few considerations to help get you in a better position.
• Make catch-up contributions. Many taxadvantaged retirement savings accounts, like IRAs and 401(k)s, allow catch-up contributions for people 50 and over. That means you can contribute more than the government-set maximum each year, up to a certain amount, to make up for what you didn’t contribute in the past. • Make sure you have adequate insurance. In addition to making sure your life insurance is current, look into long-term care and disability insurance before you retire to save money on future health care costs. • Consider your home equity as part of the equation. If you plan to remain in your home, a home equity line of credit may be another option to fund certain expenses in retirement. If you choose to downsize to a smaller home, it may free up cash in your home’s equity for you to use. • Tap other sources of income and equity. Do you have taxable brokerage accounts or other general savings? Include these funding sources, if you have them, when projecting how much you’ll have in retirement. • Keep working. A growing number of people are working in semi-retirement and developing portfolios that produce passive income. Some might continue working fulltime for longer than planned to build more savings. If you can generate enough income and are able to wait until age 70 to claim Social Security, it may allow you to maximize benefits over your lifetime. Make a plan No matter your current financial situation, set aside some time to review your options. There are many helpful tools, including articles, calculators and financial advice from professionals, to help you craft a roadmap to transition to your years in retirement. Planning for your unique situation may help you get closer to where you want to be in retirement, even if you don’t feel that you’re there yet. For more information and online retirement articles, tools and calculators, visit chase.com/ retirement.
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DECEMBER 15-21, 2023 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
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Dateline USa
(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Philippines drops foreign ownership case... PAGE 1
15-year jail sentence if convicted in a separate case stemming from the Omidyar investment. Ressa and a former colleague are appealing a cyber libel conviction that carries a nearly seven-year jail sentence. Rappler, meanwhile, is challenging a Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission order to close for allegedly violating a ban on foreign ownership in media. (Philstar.com)
hold the line," Ressa said in the statement. Under the Philippine constitution, only Filipino citizens or entities controlled by citizens can invest in the media. Ressa has argued that the Omidyar investment did not transfer ownership of the news outfit, nor did Omidyar exercise control. The offence carried a maxi-
mum penalty of 21 years in jail under the country's Securities Regulation Code, Clooney and Gallagher said. A spokesman for the justice department did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment, while court officials declined to discuss the case and the city prosecutor was unavailable. Ressa's lawyers said she still faced the prospect of a maximum
PAGE 1 However, the number saw a decrease in Metro Manila, from +41 in June 2023 to +30, meriting a drop from its “excellent” rating, to “very high,” and in Visayas, from +39 in June 2023 to +30. The polling company also saw a drop in the Net Personal Optimism of college graduates
and those who took postgraduate studies from +50 in June 2023 to +46. The number also lowered slightly for those who finished junior high school, finished senior high school, took vocational schooling, took senior high school, completed vocational school, or attended college, from +47 in June 2023
to +46. Net Personal Optimism rose for elementary school finishers, and those who took high school education from +32 in June 2023 to +38. This also went for those who did not have formal education or some elementary education, from +29 in June 2023 to +30. g
PAGE 1 required to continuously care for residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia as well as residents in wheelchairs and bedridden hospice patients. “Though we have won and we are so happy to be receiving our owed wages today, in this whole process, my biggest highlight is not really the money,” said Sinagtala Limbo, a former worker at Adat Shalom. “I know many of my coworkers were initially very scared, but we worked together to find the courage to speak out about these injustices.” The Labor Commissioner first cited Adat Shalom Board & Care December 2017, finding that the company subjected their employees to “oppressive working conditions.” The Pilipino Workers Center referred the case to the state agency and assisted in identifying workers during the investigation. In June 2019, the state of California brought a lawsuit against Angelica and Alexander Reingold, the owners of Adat Shalom, for fraudulently transferring assets. In the complaint, lawyers for the Labor Commissioner’s Office alleged that the Reingolds transferred five properties, valued at $4.8 million, out of the reach of creditors. The transferred properties include one of the facilities where workers had their wages stolen. “This historically impactful
victory upholding the law in an industry that is plagued by wage theft was only possible because of the strong partnerships between the workers, the Pilipino Workers Center, the Labor Commissioner’s Office, our legal partners at Bet Tzedek, and the whole team that worked on this for several years,” said Aquilina Soriano Versoza, executive director of PWC. “This collection of $5.5 million is a signal to all employers that the game has fundamentally changed. Enforcement of labor laws is real in the industry and if you don’t comply, there are very real consequences.” “We hope this sends a loud and clear message to residential care home employers,” Yvonne Medrano with Bet Tzedek Legal Services said. “Pay your workers. If you don’t, we will go after you and we will fight vigorously to make sure that workers get money back in their pockets.” Bet Tzedek Legal Services represented workers during the Labor Commissioner’s Office citation appeal case. Prior to the pandemic highlighting workplace safety issues in the residential care industry, Adat Shalom Board & Care, a company with a history of health and safety violations, the facility now is rebranded as “Land of Peace,” with the administrators under Adat Shalom as the official owners. The company is accused
of attempting to bribe workers to drop the lawsuit and lie about working conditions at their facilities. Pilipino and other immigrant communities are disproportionately affected by wage theft, often facing language and legal barriers to coming forward with complaints. PWC and other community-based organizations work with the Labor Commissioner to proactively address labor violations that workers in these marginalized communities face and workers have a history of brave leadership. Home care workers were misclassified and had their wages stolen, filed a complaint and the California Labor Commissioner’s Office ordered, Angel Connection and related entities, nearly $1.9 million in lost wages and penalties. According to a report published by the UCLA Labor Center, Los Angeles workers in low-wage jobs lose an estimated $1.4 billion to wage theft every year. Statewide, the loss is even more staggering. As a result of these injustices, working people in lowwage jobs and their families, a majority of whom are immigrants and/or people of color, experience health problems and face food and housing insecurity. In Los Angeles, 80% of workers in low-wage jobs do not get their overtime pay. Eighty percent do not receive their meal and rest breaks. g
48% of Filipinos think quality of life will...
$5.5 million in stolen wages returned to...
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 15-21, 2023
Third petition filed vs Sara Duterte’s secret... PAGE 1
the request, receipt, and use of this amount by the latter,” the petitioners said. The disclosed funds, totaling P125 million, was reportedly utilized by the OVP within an 11-day period, according to the Commission on Audit (COA). The petitioners also asked the high tribunal to make the CIF auditable by COA. “Petitioners likewise pray that the Honorable Court direct the Commission on Audit to audit as a regular fund the ‘Confidential Funds’ expended by the Respondent OVP in 2022,” the petition read. “Petitioners further seek the restitution of the P125 Million unlawfully used as confidential funds by the OVP,” it added. In 2015, a joint circular involving the COA, Department of Budget and Management, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Governance Commission for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations, and the Department of National Defense mandated national agencies, local governments, and government-owned corporations to
“prepare” physical and financial plans for their confidential and intelligence fund requests. The plans needed to detail estimated amounts for each project, activity and program. The second petition against Duterte’s confidential and intelligence funds requested the nullification of the circular. The first petition, filed on November 7, raised concerns about the constitutionality of shifting the Office of the President’s contingency fund to the OVP’s confidential funds, suggesting that only the legislature has the authority. The SC asked Duterte and other officials to respond to the said petition. The second petition, filed by former SC Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, along with lawyers and priests, urged the SC to void Executive Order No. 2 and Commission on Audit Joint Circular 2015-01. Thesregulations enable the utilization, transfer and disbursement of confidential funds without subjecting them to audit. The third petition makes similar points as the first two, highlighting that the OVP lacks congressional authorization for confidential ex-
penses since it’s not specified in the 2022 budget for the OVP. The House Bicameral Committee announced on Monday that the final bicameral version of the P5.768 trillion national budget does not allocate any confidential and intelligence funds for civilian agencies, including the Department of Education and the Office of the Vice President. The Makabayan bloc welcomed the development but former Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares remained cautious, saying that the confidential and intelligence funds might be hidden in other budget areas. “Pwede naman kasing tinanggal ang confidential fund niya tapos pinasok sa regular items niya ang the same funds. So pupunta parin sa kanya ‘yon,” Colmenares said. (The confidential funds can be eliminated and shifted to regular budget items. This move would redirect the funds accordingly.) On October 10, the House of Representatives re-aligned the confidential funds of Duterte’s offices to the agencies responsible for safeguarding the West Philippine Sea. g
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75 years of human rights
EMERGING from the hell of World War II, which saw the unspeakable evil of the Holocaust and the unleashing of nuclear bombs for the first time on two cities in Japan, the international community drew up an extensive list of human rights. On Dec. 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On Sunday, December 10, the world marked 75 years since that declaration of freedom, equality and justice for all with two wars raging – one between Israel and Hamas, and the longer one, Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine. The theaters of war, however, aren’t the only places where human rights are under threat. Civil liberties are undermined even in places where there is no full-blown war. The Philippines has had a first-hand experience with this, during the long years of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos’ conjugal dictatorship, when political dissent was crushed and thousands were tortured, arrested at will, executed and involuntarily disappeared. Human rights victims of the first Marcos regime have received some reparations, but there is still no closure for many other victims. Democracy, whose restoration in 1986 was so hard-won, remained fragile and institutionally weak. Extrajudicial killings, torture by security forces and enforced disappearances continued. The worst case of election violence, and the
worst attack on journalists, was perpetrated in 1989 by the political warlords of Maguindanao, the Ampatuans. Activists and journalists continue to be targeted, not only through armed violence but also through cyber bullying and legal cases. In the previous administration, the country’s largest broadcasting network, ABS-CBN, lost its franchise after incurring the ire of then President Rodrigo Duterte. The Philippines drew the global human rights spotlight under Duterte, who remains unapologetic about his bloody crackdown on the drug menace that left over 6,200 drug suspects dead, based on the official police count. Rights activists say the drug killings continue, although not on the same scale as in the previous administration. There is a continuing debate on how much civil liberties can be relegated to the back seat in the interest of public safety. The landslide victories last year of Marcos’ only son and namesake and Duterte’s daughter indicate what Filipinos think of human rights issues.
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
There are other aspects of human rights, with significant progress achieved in the past 75 years for the rights of women and children as well as workers and the LGBTQ+ community. But the current situation of the world shows that freedom,
equality and justice for all, along with economic freedoms, are a work in progress. Nations can reaffirm commitment to these objectives on the 75th year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (Philstar.com)
Blue tagging vs red tagging
Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ PHILIPPINE Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela is now being subjected to “blue tagging” – a term we coined for individuals labeled as supposedly being pro-America or worse, CIA agents – simply because he has been very vocal about China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea. Some anonymous and most likely fake accounts on social media have been trolling Commodore Tarriela ever since he confronted then-Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu during the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore last June, asking: “While China is talking about dialogue, China’s actions show confrontation. Why is there a big difference between China’s words and its actions?” Li Shangfu – who has since been fired – was unable to give a clear and direct answer. The blue tagging became apparent when the PCG spokesperson posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Filipinos
defending and making excuses for China’s aggressive behavior should be deemed “unpatriotic and a traitor to the Philippines and to our people.” If calling out China’s unacceptable behavior in the West Philippine Sea, particularly the continued incursion of Chinese vessels in areas that are clearly under the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, is being pro-America or being a CIA agent, then 85 percent of Filipinos should be “blue tagged” because based on surveys, they trust the United States the most and approve of our alliance in defending our territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea. Needless to say, I have been blue tagged long ago by reprehensible individuals resorting to gossip, slander and innuendo just because I have a lot of American friends. Clearly as Philippine ambassador to Washington – of course it is my job to make sure that relations between the Philippines and the United States remain solid and stable. There is also the Atin Ito Coalition composed of nongovernment and people’s
organizations which is embarking on a Christmas caravan to the West Philippine Sea as “a stark reminder of the precarious situation our Filipino fishing communities and frontliners face as they valiantly defend our sovereign right to fish… in the face of ongoing harassment by a foreign trespasser and invader,” as a member of the coalition explained when they launched the initiative a couple of months ago. Should these Atin Ito Coalition members be “blue tagged” or labeled as CIA agents because they are unequivocally insisting that Ayungin Shoal – where the BRP Sierra Madre stands as our sovereign marker – is part of our maritime territory? Chinese vessels have been continuous in their incursion and aggression, with the most recent display recorded just a few days ago when a Chinese bulk carrier identified as MV Tai Hang 8 rammed the boat of Filipino fishermen in the waters between Occidental Mindoro and Palawan, which is part of the West Philippine Sea. The hit-and-run incident caused the fishermen’s boat to capsize,
leaving five of them drifting at sea for almost a day before they were rescued by other fishing boats. Incidents such as this is the reason why more and more Filipinos are getting angry and want our territorial rights fully protected in the West Philippine Sea because of the threatening dominance that other countries are displaying – taking over areas that are within our exclusive economic zone, stealing our fish and other marine resources, destroying coral reefs, intimidating our fishermen and preventing them from plying their livelihood. Chinese aggression has been incessant, and this has become a serious concern for many countries that see the bullying as a threat to regional peace and security, which is why the decision of President Marcos Jr. to conduct joint maritime patrols not only with the United States but other nations as well is really very important to enhance regional security. While we continue to look for ways to navigate the situation carefully and prevent it from escalating, “the Philippine
government must strengthen its ability to patrol and protect the country’s maritime zones by building a self-reliant defense posture program and upgrading the capabilities of the PCG,” as House Resolution 1494 stated. Clearly, we should not let our guard down and must be prepared to face external as well as internal threats, as we have seen in the recent bombing incident at Mindanao State University in Marawi City that killed four people and injured 50 others. The terrorist group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the horrific attack, with suspects identified as members of the IS-affiliated Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute group. Many countries have condemned the attack, which has rekindled memories of the siege of Marawi that started in May 2017 and lasted for five months, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents. Senate President Migz Zubiri recalled that government troops ran out of ammunition several weeks after the battle in Marawi began, but foreign suppliers were unable to deliver. Fortunately, local firearms manufacturer
Armscor Global Defense stepped up to the plate and delivered ammunition of various calibers on time – otherwise, the fight would have gone on for much longer. Armscor is an industry pioneer that has since become one of the largest in Asia, and the Tuason family – whom I know very well – are always ready to help the government. SP Migz is absolutely right in filing Senate Bill 2455 to revive the self-reliant defense posture (SRDP) program that the government initiated in 1974 to develop a local defense industry that would also bring in thousands of jobs for Filipinos. With conflicts happening in many parts of the world, there is now a shortage of firearms and other defense items, which is why the Philippines cannot continue to rely on foreign suppliers for the defense requirements of our armed forces. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** babeseyeview@gmail.com
President Marcos’ ICC options
With Due Respect ARTEMIO V. PANGANIBAN THE recent hearings in the House of Representatives ignited spirited public debates on whether the present regime should allow the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and, if warranted, prosecute alleged crimes against humanity committed during the term of, and/or by, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte. Reacting to the debates, President Marcos said that returning “under the fold of the ICC” is “under study. So, we’ll just keep looking at our options.” In my humble opinion, he has three major options: 1) Maintain the status quo, 2) Rejoin the ICC, and 3) Cooperate without rejoining the international tribunal. MAINTAINING THE STATUS QUO MEANS LETTING THINGS STAND AS THEY ARE; that is, our country will not rejoin the ICC but will respect the July 18, 2023 decision of the ICC’s Appeals Chamber (AC), voting 3-2, authorizing incumbent ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan to resume his investigation of the alleged crimes committed on
Nov. 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019. Please note that the majority of three in that AC decision merely agreed with Khan that our government had not shown genuine willingness or ability to investigate the situation in the Philippines and to prosecute the perpetrators, especially the “brains,” of the alleged crime. Note too that the majority did not rule on the more fundamental issue of whether the petition to conduct the preliminary investigation was filed within the undisputed reglementary period of two years. It simply ignored this issue, saying that our government has waived its right to pose it. The vocal minority of two insisted, and I respectfully agree, that the ICC did not acquire jurisdiction over the alleged crimes because former ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda petitioned the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) for authority to conduct the preliminary examination only on May 24, 2021, and the PTC granted her petition only on Sept. 15, 2021, both dates being more than two years after the Philippine withdrawal from the ICC took effect on March 17, 2019. This may be the reason why until now, and despite the 3-2 ruling
of the AC, Khan has not publicly announced the resumption of his investigation. In any event, Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra summed up the current Philippine position: Unless blacklisted or deemed “undesirable,” Khan’s investigators may enter the country in accordance with our laws, roam the countryside, observe their surroundings, listen to witnesses, receive documents, and see how free and capable our justice system is, with no cooperation from our government. UNDER THE SECOND OPTION, the president, pursuant to his constitutional authority to conduct foreign affairs, has the plenary power to get us back to the ICC and remove all uncertainties to enable Khan to investigate the Philippine situation and to prosecute the culprits; and to allow the ICC to convict after due process and to order the detention of the convicted culprits. My humble opinion is that, based on the available information showing that our withdrawal from the ICC was made solely by the president without the Senate’s concurrence, the president (regardless of who the incumbent is) may simply reverse
his own act by recalling the letter of withdrawal without need of a new Senate ratification. The Senate ratification of the Rome Statute that created the ICC had never been reversed by the Senate. Hence, the concurrence it gave on Aug. 23, 2011, via Senate Resolution No. 57 still mightily stands to this day. Though rendered merely via an obiter dictum (side remark), the Supreme Court — in Pangilinan v. Cayetano (March 16, 2021) fittingly penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen — backed up this obiter with logic, reason, and wisdom. UNDER THE THIRD OPTION, the president need not recall his letter of withdrawal but simply allow his Cabinet members, especially the secretary of justice, to open the facilities of the executive branch, like the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, and the Office of the DOJ Chief Prosecutor, to help Karim Khan investigate the Philippine situation and prosecute the alleged culprits. Under this option, the president can justify the exercise of his diplomatic power by citing the comity of nations and our abiding respect for the rule of
President Marcos said that returning “under the fold of the ICC” is “under study. Malacañang file photo
law. In fact, I think this stance can end in either of two seemingly disparate results: first, the ICC investigators may conclude that after all, the Philippines is genuinely willing and able to discharge its primary duty to investigate and prosecute; and second, the investigators may decide to rely on their own findings and ensnare the alleged perpetrators into the sticky ICC web. Vice President Sara Duterte has formally asked the Department of Justice not to cooperate with Khan and his prosecutors, and with the ICC itself. In short, she
is in favor of maintaining the status quo, thereby upholding the self-respect and dignity of our country and demonstrating the viability and capacity of our local institutions to render justice though the heavens may fall. Which option will the president take? Abangan. (Inquirer.net) *** 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.
*** Comments to chiefjusticepanganiban@ hotmail.com
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DATELINE PHILIPPINES
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 15-21, 2023
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27 OFWs from Israel home for Christmas MANILA – The 11th batch of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Monday afternoon, December 11, just in time to celebrate Christmas with their families. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) welcomed to the country 27 returning OFWs, composed of 25 caregivers and two hotel workers, who arrived via Etihad Airways flight EY424. Senior officials and personnel from concerned government agencies were also present at the NAIA, including the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) led by Deputy Administrator Honey Quiño, the Department of Social Welfare and Devel-
opment (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Philippine National Red Cross. The DMW said this is in compliance with the order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a “whole of government approach” in helping all OFWs returning from Israel. Upon arrival, the OFW returnees were asked to fill up their information sheets which will be used for their monitoring, and as bases for the provision of additional services for them. They also received immediate assistance upon arrival and other forms of support. Each OFW returnee received
PHP50,000 financial assistance from OWWA, PHP20,000 livelihood assistance from the DSWD, and PHP5,000 and skills training vouchers from TESDA. The DOH also extended medical assistance to the OFW returnees. The repatriates will also receive comprehensive reintegration assistance and job facilitation services for other employment opportunities, whether here or in another country. To date, a total of 362 OFWs and 14 children from Israel, and 61 from Lebanon have been repatriated by the Philippine government since the Palestinian The government stood firm on its deadline after the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) earlier gave into some militant group Hamas launched of Piston’s demands such as waiving penalties, extending franchise validity to five years, and removing certain challenging parts of the Philstar.com file photo their attack in southern Israel on Omnibus Franchising Guidelines. October 7. (PNA)
by ALEXIS ROMERO
MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, December 12, declared Dec. 26 a special non-working
day nationwide to give families more time to bond and encourage domestic tourism. “(The declaration will) give the people the full opportunity to celebrate the holiday with their families and loved ones,”
MANILA — Marking Human Rights Day, France and Germany urged the Philippine government on Sunday, December 10 to “redouble” its efforts to ensure accountability and fight impunity with regard to extrajudicial killings that occurred in the war on drugs. In a joint declaration on the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the embassies of France and Germany in Manila also urged the Philippine government to redouble efforts to “protect (environmental) human rights defenders, journalists and indigenous peoples; and to put an end to the practice of redtagging.” “France and Germany remain committed to human rights and the rule of law and wish to continue to strengthen their cooperation in this area,” the Declaration read. France and Germany will launch the “Franco-German Human Rights gathering” in the Philippines: a regular discussion inviting relevant actors in the field
of human rights to exchange ideas and join forces to achieve the rights and fundamental freedoms of all human beings. The embassies also cited Manila on its regained readiness to engage in a constructive manner with international partners on human rights, with 215 recommendations that the Philippines adopted within its latest Universal Periodic Review Cycle and the visits of several UN special rapporteurs are testament to this new openness. The 75th anniversary of the UDHR, the embassies said, is a unique opportunity to reaffirm the universality and indivisibility of all human rights, their relevance in the face of current challenges, the necessary support for those who are first defenders, and the need to ensure respect for all rights through justice everywhere and for everyone by fighting against impunity. Committed to the protection and promotion of all human rights, France and Germany commemorated the adoption of the United Nations UDHR which
Proclamation no. 425 read. Marcos ordered the Department of Labor and Employby JAMES RELATIVO ment to issue the appropriPhilstar.com ate circular to implement the proclamation for the private MANILA – President Ferdinand sector. Marcos Jr. announced that there will be no more extension of the December 31 deadline for public utility vehicle (PUV) consolidation. This comes after progressive took place at the Palais de Chaillot group Piston in Paris on Dec. 10, 1948, in order transport an upcoming to strongly recall its importance announced and relevance as an essential transport strike from December basis for the realization of the 14 to 15 to protest the impending rights and fundamental freedoms phaseout of traditional jeepneys and UV Express units. of all human beings. "Today, we held a meeting Based on the recognition of “the inherent dignity of all members with transport officials, and it of the human family and their was decided that the deadline for equal and inalienable rights,” this the consolidation of public utility declaration grants them to each vehicles (PUV) operators will not individual, without distinction be extended," said Marcos on of skin color, sex, language and Tuesday, December 12. "Currently, 70% of all religion and without recourse to operators have already any other criteria. “Advocating for the cause committed to and consolidated of human rights is not only a under the Public Utility Vehicle Program moral duty and an obligation Modernization of international law. This cause (PUVMP)," he added. The government stood firm also serves the interests of all on its deadline after the Land societies,” the embassies said. Franchising “Examples from around the Transportation Board (LTFRB) world bear witness to this: where Regulatory human rights are violated, peace earlier gave into some of Piston's and stability cannot be established demands such as waiving in the long term. Conversely, penalties, extending franchise when freedom and human dignity validity to five years, and are protected, they appear to removing certain challenging be (a) source of creativity and parts of the Omnibus Franchising prosperity,” they added. (Pia Lee- Guidelines. According to transport groups, Brago/Philstar.com)
No extension for PUV consolidation Marcos declares Dec. 26 special non-working day deadline after 2-day strike announcement Philstar.com
Germany, France ask Philippines to fight EJKs
Zero litter is the goal. CleanCA.com
those with individual franchises who fail to consolidate before 2024 will no longer be allowed to operate, plunging thousands of drivers operators into unemployment. Last November, the Department of Transportation claimed that they have already clarified "misconceptions" about the phaseout of traditional jeeps, emphasizing the provision of financial assistance for cooperatives. This aligns with the DOTr's initiative to shift traditional jeepneys to eco-friendly alternatives like minibuses and electric vehicles. Yet, transport groups argued that these vehicles can cost up to P2.8 million. Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista earlier tried to "correct" talks about a possible phaseout, despite LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III's acknowledgment that a jeepney phaseout would be the "last stage" of the PUV modernization program. "We cannot let the minority cause further delays, affecting majority of our operators, banks, financial institutions, and the public at large," Marcos said. "Adhering to the current timeline ensures that everyone can reap the benefits of the full operationalization of our modernized public transport system. Hence, the scheduled
timeline will not be moved," he added. Strike continues; 70% data 'misleading' Piston said that they will go ahead with the planned transport strike, saying that DOTr and LTFRB themselves said that 70% of public utility jeeps and 60% of UV Express units would not be allowed to operate should the December 31 deadline push through. "This is equivalent to 60,000 drivers and 25,000 operators that would operators woud add to the growing unemployment in the National Capital Region alone," said the group in Filipino on Tuesday. "Because of Marcos Jr.'s latest announcement, there will only be more reasons to carry on with the strike," they added. The announcement, according to them, is untimely with less than two weeks before Christmas. Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), on the other hand, claimed that Marcos' 70% consolidation data is misleading, saying that it's an aggregate of all types of PUVs nationwide, including buses. The labor group said that only 26% of jeepneys and 36% of UV Express units are consolidated in Metro Manila. Piston urged JODAs and commuters to join mobilizations against imminent deadline and franchise consolidation.
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Rajo Laurel restores Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan’s Young filmmaker determined wedding dress for daughter Ella to make mark in industry by KRISTOFER PURNELL
by RAOUL J. CHEE KEE
Philstar.com
ELLA Pangilinan, daughter of Maricel Laxa and Anthony Pangilinan, wed Enrique Lhuillier-Miranda wearing a revival of Maricel's own wedding dress, thanks in part to designer Rajo Laurel. Maricel and Rajo are high school classmates and Ella would often accompany her mother's visits to Rajo's studio, igniting her love for design. In an Instagram post, Rajo recalled the mother and daughter reaching out to meet him. Maricel brought along her wedding gown designed by the late National Artist Jose "Pitoy" Moreno. Rajo had Ella try on Maricel's gown, noting that it overwhelmed her petite frame. The designer was enamored by its beautiful and interesting beadwork, and thus thought of restor-
Inquirer.net
Ella Pangilinan and her mother Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan
ing the original dress. "I thought that if I could salvage this and transfer this into a silhouette that would be perfect for Ella," said Rajo. "I then went into a full restoration mode cleaning and bringing the embroidery back to life." The designer called the project seamless. He thought Ella was "breathtaking" in the final output, leaving Rajo grateful to be able to study the works of his past idols. "One of the key philosophies that have always guided my designs are Heritage and Timelessness. Most specially when I design wedding gowns," Rajo continued. "To be part of ones life's most important life highlights is a true blessing. I am so privileged and honored to have been able to do this for my friends." Rajo ended by wishing Ella and Enrique a lifetime of bliss. He was also among the guests at the couple's wedding. Both Ella and Maricel thanked Rajo for the work he put into de-
Photos from Instagram/@rajolaurel
signing the wedding dress, with Maricel saying, "the very special work of art made with love and passion." She also noted that Rajo's work honored the late Pitoy. Rajo quipped that Ella's wedding gown could be saved for another generation in her family. Ella is the elder sibling to actor Donny, Hannah, Benj and Solana. Other celebrities who expressed their awe at Rajo's efforts include Karen Davila, Ruffa Gutierrez, Pinky Webb, Bianca Gonzales and Rica Peralejo. To top it all off, Rajo also created a new dress for Maricel to wear at Ella's wedding, a contemporary Terno made from a bright "Bougainvillea" pink silk chiffon, highlighted by linear embroidery and accented by minute sugar Swaworvski crystals. The Terno also had a removable overlay with a dramatic bow or shawl, which Rajo commended as both traditional and modern, and he was elated to see Maricel enjoying Ella's wedding party in the dress.
SHE may have only recently graduated, but Makenna “Kenna” Fojas already knows that she wants to connect with people through film. Her interest in moving pictures started back in high school in Mission Viejo, California, where she first took film production classes. Back then, she was still unsure on what aspect of the filmmaking process to focus her attention on. What she was certain of was that she enjoyed the logistical preparations prior to a shoot, as well as the frenetic energy generated on film sets. After graduating from high school, she enrolled in a course in psychology at the University of Washington, but realized after one day that she missed film too much. Kenna joined the school’s film club and tried her hand at doing production design, writing and directing short films. ‘Hapa’ She enrolled in a second course, cinema and media studies, and began to learn more earnestly about filmmaking. For “Hapa,” a short film about a mixed girl’s first day of middle school, Kenna as the producer was responsible for hiring the crew, coordinating the shoot and raising over $7,000 to cover the expenses. She said “Hapa” is about a Japanese-American girl and her Filipino-African American friend as they tackle “the ambiguous signals that [emerge] about their race and their looks which leave them with a sense of confusion.” All of this happens on the first day of school. Kenna, who is Filipino but grew up in the U.S., can relate to the characters’ confusion, but seems determined to learn more about her heritage. A couple of months ago, she flew back to the Philippines and is staying with her grandmother. She’s lived through Manila traffic, had the chance to travel to
Makenna “Kenna” Fojas
several local destinations with relatives and is looking forward to experiencing an authentic Filipino Christmas complete with extended family. Before she traveled to the Philippines, however, Kenna finished “Peach Fuzz,” a short film she wrote and directed based on “The Geography of Girlhood,” a collection of poetry by Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith. Kenna got to meet her idol Kiwi—the screenwriter of “10 Things I Hate About You” (Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger) and “Legally Blonde” (Reese Witherspoon)—who eventually gave Kenna the go signal to adapt her poetry that reads like a verse novel into a short film. Determined to tell stories “‘Peach Fuzz’ is a coming-ofage story about two sisters that I identified with even if I don’t have an older sister,” Kenna said. She cast two Filipino girls after fielding “hundreds of requests” to be included in the film that is in the middle of postproduction and should be finished by the first quarter of next year. She may have several short films under her belt, but Kenna said her goal is to one day direct a full-length feature. “Short films are accessible; it takes a lot of money to do a fea-
Photo from Instagram/@makfo
ture film. Short films are like an appetizer and it’s how filmmakers usually start. They’re underrated and underappreciated, but they are a way to make art,” she said. One of the most memorable moments of the entire “Peach Fuzz” experience for Kenna was when she witnessed the actress she cast to play the younger sister call the other actress “ate”—a term of respect accorded older sisters. “Being half white and half Filipino made me a bit insecure growing up in the U.S., but I realized that I have as much right as the next person to talk about my identity,” she said. In the few months that she has been in the Philippines, Kenna has discovered that Filipinos live in “food-centered communities with a strong emphasis on family.” She has also had the chance to make new friends after she dropped by one of the weekend markets in Makati City. “I saw two girls who were laughing and talking and they looked so at ease with one another; I missed my friends back in the U.S. When they noticed me looking at them, I mustered the courage to say hi and introduce myself—we’re friends now,” she said with a smile.
James on the importance of creative freedom by CARL MARTIN AGUSTIN Inquirer.net
AS the globe continues to shrink and barriers to communication come undone, collaboration has become easier than ever before. And in this era of music without borders, James Reid, for his latest single, is joined by talents hailing from different parts of the world. “Jacuzzi” is a club anthem that captures the spirit of fun and excitement, fusing house and pop elements, dynamic synths, and upbeat electronic beats. Reid is joined by South Korean rapper B.I and Los Angeles-based Grammy-nominated producer DJ FLICT. The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity How did “Jacuzzi” come about? “I started the song with DJ FLICT, he’s a Grammy-nominated producer from LA. He’s actually Filipino. He’s super talented and I’ve made quite a lot of songs with him. This particular track was also written with an artist named Zach Sorgen.” “And then luckily, I met B.I in person backstage at a concert when I was in Seoul. He told me that he was doing a concert in the Philippines and asked if I wanted to open. So I did. I opened for him when he came to the Philippines. After that, I sent him ‘Jacuzzi’ just to see if he wanted to work with me and DJ FLICT. He loved it. He also sent me one of his tracks called ‘4 Letters’ which we worked on at the same time.” “I was very fortunate to be able to meet both B.I and DJ FLICT. Different parts of the world—one’s in LA, one’s in Korea, and another here in the Philippines.” What is it all about? Can you let us in on the behind-thescenes for the track? “The song itself, if you listen to the lyrics, is quite sensual. We picked a topic, a jacuzzi,
James Reid
something that’s very symbolic of being sensual, romantic, and luxurious. As for the beat, we actually made a few revisions before going towards a more electronic house vibe.” “And when I sent the track to B.I, he put his verse down, and his vocals were perfect. It flawlessly matched the style we were going for, especially the K-pop flair that he brought to the song. It was perfect and I think our voices blended really well.” How was it working with both B.I and DJ FLICT? “With DJ FLICT, he’s so talented. He’s worked with the likes of Wiz Khalifa, Fifth Harmony, Meghan Trainor — lots of different artists. So being able to learn from him in the studio, I think that’s really what happened. I was learning from him when we were making these songs. He’s like my kuya now that we’ve gotten pretty close.” “As for B.I, I was just lucky he was able to find the time to come to the Philippines to shoot the music video. He was in the middle of a European tour. He
Photo from Instagram/@james
came here for two days just to shoot and I really appreciated that. When he was here and I got to talk to him, he was very soft-spoken and very mysterious—what you would expect from a K-pop idol.” As an artist, what do you usually draw from whenever you create and perform? “I usually start with the music. I begin with my influences. I lean a lot more towards genres such as soul, funk, R&B, and a little bit of electronic—Daft Punk, MJ, and The Weeknd. The writing just comes from experiences or things that I want to experience.” Since you’ve worked with B.I, what’s your dream collaboration checklist? “Oh, man. There are definitely some artists that I want to collaborate with locally. I can’t say who because I’m actually going to collaborate with them. So we’re just gonna have to stay tuned for that. But I mean, if I can get a track with The Weeknd or Olivia Rodrigo, that’d be PAGE 9
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 15-21, 2023
Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in Queens, New York, on Citizen Pinoy LEADING U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel dropped by “the house that fried chicken built” (Max’s Fried Chicken) in Queens, New York, for merienda, and had the chance
to meet the staff and some of the customers, including a family who were having a reunion over lunch. Several of the customers were able to ask their immigration questions.
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Paz adopted her niece and two nephews in 2022 when all three of them were still under 16 years of age. She wants to know how long it will take before the chilPAGE 10
San Francisco’s iconic cable car is dressed up for Christmas, Filipino-style SAN FRANCISCO – It’s beginning to look like Pinoy Christmas with the launch of the first-ever Filipino Christmas-themed cable car in San Francisco. The San Francisco Municipal Railway (SF MUNI) rolled out its very first Filipino Christmas-themed cable car, with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco joining the inaugural trip on November 29, 2023. SF MUNI has traditionally decorated its iconic cable cars with holiday decorations, but this is the first time that the Filipino community was asked to adorn one of its cable cars. For this project, SF MUNI partnered with the Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE) in decorating Cable Car No. 17, which was built in the year 1887. Vice Consul Adrian Baccay and Cultural Officer Clasara-Steylaerts joined the FAAE and other volunteers in decorating Cable Car No. 17 at the Cable Car Barn on November 25. Among the Christmas decors used were capiz shell and abaca parol, “Maligayang Pasko” garland, and #LoveThePhilippines ornaments. The Philippine Department of Tourism Office in San Francisco also provided support to the project. “Filipino Christmas is definitely in the air in The City By The Bay. I thank SF MUNI for their initiative to promote Filipino Christmas traditions in San Francisco, and I laud the FAAE under its president Al Perez and the Fil-Am community in the Bay Area for the bayanihan spirit that they have shown to complete this project,” Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer said. The inaugural trip was driven by Filipino Celso Abueg, a ca-
KAPAMILYA AT MAX’S FRIED CHICKEN IN QUEENS, NEW YORK, GET ANSWERS TO THEIR IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS FROM LEADING U.S. IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL ON CITIZEN PINOY’S “YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT.” Atty. Gurfinkel (left) answers the following questions – From Paz (center): My niece and my two nephews were all under 16 years old when I adopted them in 2022. How long will it take before they can come to the U.S.?; From Flor (right): My daughter works as a nurse in Qatar. Can she apply for a tourist visa even if the priority date of her petition will soon be current? Stay tuned for the answers to these questions and more from Kapamilya in Queens, New York, on Part 3 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 17 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
Vice Consul Adrian Baccay (2nd from left) joins Filipino American Arts Exposition led by its president Al Perez (extreme right) at the roll-out of the Filipino Christmas-themed cable car in San Francisco on November 29. Also in the photo is Celso Abueg (extreme left), a Filipino gripman who drove the Filipino-themed cable car’s inaugural trip. San Francisco PCG photo
Vice Consul Adrian Baccay and Cultural Officer Clasara-Steylaerts joined Filipino community volunteers in decorating the Filipino Christmas-themed cable car at the Cable Car Barn on November 25. Photo by Al Perez
ble car gripman for the last 24 years, who took pride in driving SF MUNI’s first Filipino Christmas-themed cable car. A newly arrived immigrant from the Philippines when he first took on the role of a gripman, it was a full circle moment for Abueg as he plans to retire next year. Cable Car No. 17 with Filipino Christmas decors will ply the Powell Street/Market Street-Fisherman’s Wharf route
(via Bay/Taylor Streets, and Hyde/Beach Streets) until the first week of January 2024. San Francisco is home to the world’s oldest and largest, and last manually operated cable car system, where individual cars stop and start by releasing and gripping, respectively, an underground cable. The San Francisco Cable Car System is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. (PCGSF Release)
James on the importance of creative... PAGE 8 cool.” On the other side of the coin, not just as an artist but someone who manages a record label, what’s the biggest thing you’ve learned from that experience? “One of the things I’ve learned from managing a music label and not just being an artist is that there’s more to it than you know. What music is for me is it is that outward expression of what you’re feeling—it’s a creative outlet. But coming from the music label perspective, there’s a lot more to it, what a song can actually do. Yes, it can touch others. Yes, it can make them want to dance. But it can also connect people and places.” “This is something that I’ve been trying to do more by collaborating with artists in Singapore and Korea—trying to connect the Philippines with different regions. That’s something that I’ve discovered and have been working towards.” What is the hardest part about doing so? What is the most rewarding? “The hardest part is managing expectations. In the music industry, maybe one out of 1000
people will make it. I think the chances are even less. When you’re dealing with people’s hopes and dreams, sometimes it can get rough.” “My favorite part is that I’m simply in a field where I’m having fun. I get to make music, work with different artists, and take my career into my own hands. I have creative control to take risks and explore. If I were working with another company that was focused solely on making money, then I think we would be doing things very differently. We wouldn’t get the opportunity to create music that is outside the box and pushing it a little too far. I like being in that space where I’m free to explore, where I’m free to make mistakes and take risks.” If you could go back in time and speak to a younger version of you who is just about to start Careless, what would you say? “I would say, ‘Prepare yourself. It’s going to be difficult, it’s going to be really stressful, but very rewarding.’ I wouldn’t tell him to do anything differently. I’ve learned so much through the years. If it weren’t for all those challenges, mistakes, and
unfortunate events, I wouldn’t have grown as much. I wouldn’t change anything. I would just tell him to buckle up.” What’s next for James Reid? “We have a lot in store, not just for me, but for the label as a whole. This year, we transitioned into becoming an entertainment company, not just a music label. We’ll be exploring more music, but also TV and film.” “We’re kicking off the next year with Liza’s first Hollywood film, ‘Lisa Frankenstein,’ which is coming out in February. A lot more will be coming from her— we’re also even producing her own TV series.” “I’ve already begun recording a new album which will be coming out next year. The fans can be excited about this one since it’s very different from everything I’ve done in the past. A lot of music projects will also be coming out from the Careless artists. We’ve taken a lot of hits. It’s been very challenging. But we’ve just been getting ready, preparing everything, and collaborating with a lot of different production houses and music labels. It’s going to be a big year.”
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Attorney General Rob Bonta comes to Daly City to swear in newly elected mayor
DALY CITY – The City Council of the City of Daly City held a Special Meeting on December 11, 2023 for the City Council Reorganization. As part of this Reorganization, Juslyn C. Manalo was selected Mayor for a one-year term and had the honor of being sworn in by the State of California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta. “I am humbled and honored to have had the opportunity to be sworn in by Attorney General Rob Bonta, fierce advocate for California,” said Mayor Manalo. “I was able to share this historic moment with my husband, children, and parents by my side. To the Daly City community, I will uphold the duties and responsibilities as your Mayor. I take this role seriously and am dedicated to serving each and every one of you this coming year. I remain committed to prioritizing affordable housing (building and sustaining more rental and ownership opportunities), public safety, youth development and senior services, healthy neighborhoods, improved parks, and the intentional reimagining of public services in all facets of local government towards social justice and equity.” “I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Roderick Daus-Magbual on being elected as the Vice Mayor,” continued Mayor Manalo. “It was beautiful to witness Dr. Rod being sworn in by his daughter, Amianan.” The City Council of the City of Daly City reorganized as follows: Juslyn C. Manalo, Mayor Dr. Roderick Daus-Magbual, Vice Mayor Raymond A. Buenaventura, Council Member Glenn R. Sylvester, Council Member Pamela DiGiovanni, Council Member. At the regular meeting held that same evening, the City Council of the City of Daly City unanimously approved the execution of an agreement with Dr. Juan M. Montero, II of Montero Medical Missions, and his son, Dr. Paul N. Montero, Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado Medical Center together with Health Secretary Ted Herbosa and the new and past officers of the Philippine College of Surgeons during the PCS 79th Clinical Congress held at the EDSA Shangrila from Dec.3 to 7, 2023.
Board of Supervisors adopt Mayor Breed’s legislation to waive fees for outdoor entertainment permits The new legislation will waive permit fees to provide support for San Francisco nightlife and entertainment businesses using the City’s JAM permitting program SAN FRANCISCO – On Tuesday, December 12 the Board of Supervisors approved a package of entertainment permit modernization reforms sponsored by Mayor London N. Breed. The legislation will provide important relief to San Francisco nightlife and entertainment businesses by waiving permit fees so that businesses may continue to offer outdoor music and entertainment activities they began during the pandemic using the City’s innovative “Just Add Music” (JAM) permitting program. With the sunsetting of the JAM program at the end of the pandemic, businesses seeking to offer entertainment or amplified sound in outdoor parklets and patios must acquire entertainment permits (or amend preexisting permits) to cover this activity. While a Limited Live Performance Permit or a Fixed Place Outdoor Amplified Sound Permit would normally require an application fee of $562 or $792, respectively, these fees will be waived through funding allocated by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. Through this waiver, businesses will be able to continue hosting local musicians and entertainers to create dynamic outdoor experiences for patrons and passersby. “San Francisco’s nightlife and vibrant entertainment scene are part of what makes San Francisco so unique, and we are committed to making it as easy and affordable as possible for businesses to host local musicians and entertainers,” said Mayor Breed. “This legislation will deliver important fee relief so that our parklets can remain full of music, along with important improvements to help our nightlife sector continue to thrive and more entertainment options for our residents and visitors to enjoy.” In addition to this waiver, this legislation will also adopt numerous reforms to streamline the bureaucracy around entertainment permitting, saving business owners time and money by removing unnecessary referrals and hearings. This legislation will: • Waive entertainment permit application fees for any business that held a Just Add Music (JAM) permit during the pandemic and now seeks to continue that outdoor entertainment or amplified sound on an ongoing basis. Businesses that are getting an entertainment permit for the first time will also have their initial license fees waived. • Waive application fees for short-term permits for any business that held a JAM permit and is seeking to continue entertainment and/or amplified sound activities while awaiting approval of an application for a legislated Shared Spaces parklet or sidewalk tables and chairs permit. • Waive entertainment permit application and initial license fees for existing businesses that are newly able to apply for enter-
tainment permits due to zoning changes. Recent SoMa zoning changes now enable some longtime businesses to acquire entertainment permits. This change will support these businesses and seeks to encourage policymakers to further reform entertainment zoning to allow more arts and culture uses citywide. • Remove the requirement that applications for Place of Entertainment permits be referred to the Department of Building Inspection where a premise has held a Place of Entertainment permit within the past year. This reform would save time and money for operators seeking to acquire an existing Place of Entertainment, reducing the barriers to the retention of existing venues. • Remove the requirement that applications for Fixed Place Amplified Sound permits be referred to the Department of Public Health. This reform would save time and money for operators seeking to establish outdoor amplified sound, including businesses seeking to continue activity they began during the pandemic. • Remove outdated operating standards for arcades that require unnecessary staffing and infrastructure to receive a permit to operate an arcade. • Remove the hearing requirement for a billiard parlor permit to save time for businesses seeking to install pool tables. The Entertainment Commission would still be able to require a hearing in cases involving operators that have received complaints within the past year. • Expand where businesses may acquire Limited Live Performance (LLP) permits to include outdoor patios that are not surrounded by enclosed buildings, such as rooftops and open-air lots. While some businesses in these spaces have received LLP permits to-date, this reform will clarify the ability of businesses to receive LLP permits for such spaces. • Exempt a school from the requirement to obtain an entertainment or amplified sound permit in order to conduct activities that occur on school premises in the regular course of school operations. • Clarify various technical elements of Entertainment Commission application process. “Music and entertainment are vital to our city's recovery, not just because they are important contributors to jobs and our economy, but because they bring San Franciscans together. Building on successful programs launched during the pandemic, this legislation will make it easier for artists, performers and entertainers to enliven outdoor spaces. Most importantly, along with other efforts underway to bolster arts and entertainment, it will help keep San Francisco fun!” said Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. Now that the Board of Supervisors has approved this legislation, it will now go before the Mayor
later this week to sign it into law. Once it takes effect in January, the Entertainment Commission will begin waiving fees covered by this legislation and issuing refunds to eligible businesses that have already paid these fees since January 2023. “With the goal of encouraging and sustaining entertainment and cultural activity across all neighborhoods, this legislation comes at a critical moment as our businesses and artists continue to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic,” said Maggie Weiland, Entertainment Commission executive director. “We are grateful to Mayor Breed for her ongoing commitment to support our industry’s revitalization through financial relief and reducing red tape.” “When the city offered a JAM permit to play music outside, I couldn’t install speakers fast enough. What better way to enhance my customer experience with soft background music and complement my newest outdoor addition. Furthermore, it’s no secret the alarming impact Covid has had on restaurants and I was more than grateful when the city waived the fee. This is another indication what the city is doing to support small businesses,” said Jennifer Corwin, owner of Tia Margarita Restaurant. “Music plays a pivotal role in the success of our business, enabling us to cultivate a warm and welcoming atmosphere that would be otherwise unattainable,” said Ryen Motzek, owner of City Station. “The entertainment permit fee being waived is undoubtedly an added advantage, particularly in light of the ongoing impact of the pandemic.” The Office of Economic and Workforce Development also launched an application portal for San Francisco music and entertainment venues to curate concerts as part of the SF Live Initiative, which will produce a new series of live performances presented at outdoor parks and plazas in 2024. Participating venues will be matched with nonprofit production partners to produce these concerts, with all of the event costs, as well as stipends of up to $3,000 to participating venues, underwritten by SF Live. Venue operators can learn more about this opportunity and apply to participate at oewd.org/SFLive. The goals of the SF Live initiative are to showcase and support the San Francisco music and entertainment sector, boost neighborhood vitality and enhance the city’s economic recovery through arts and culture. SF Live is being funded through a $2.5 million allocation from the California State Legislature led by City Attorney David Chiu, when he was an Assemblymember. SF Live is also funding the development of coordinated marketing and branding for San Francisco’s music and entertainment industry that will also launch next year. (SF Mayor’s Office Release)
Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo being sworn in by California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta at the Daly City council chambers on December 11. Photo courtesy of Mayor Manalo
Magical Bridge Foundation for a Magical Bridge Playground at Hillside Park. “I have long advocated to bring a Magical Bridge Playground to Daly City, as I am a proponent for socially inclusive play for children and adults of varying physical and cognitive abilities,” said Mayor Manalo. “Accessibility in North San Mateo County is critical, and I am proud that Daly City will be the future home of this destination playground that will be a welcoming place for all.” The City Council also scheduled a public hearing on January 22, 2024 to consider the planned development and design review of the Serramonte Del Rey Campus Redevelopment. “I invite the community to attend this important meeting to voice their comments on this project, so that the City Council can make an informed decision about a housing development project that will impact so many in our community,” said Mayor Manalo. (Daly City Release)
Consul General Ferrer meets with CAS official
PHILIPPINE Consul General to San Francisco Neil Frank R. Ferrer met with Dr. Terrence M. Gosliner, Senior Curator of the California Academy of Sciences on November 29, 2023 at the Romulo Hall, Philippine Center to revitalize the longstanding relationship between the Philippine Consulate General and the California Academy of Sciences. During the meeting, Dr. Gosliner shared about the designation of the Verde Island Passage as a Mission Blue Hope Spot. This is expected to inspire action and support towards the preservation and protection of the Verde Island Passage. The two sides expressed intent in collaborating on future programs and activities, including the conduct of forums on Philippine biodiversity, as well as in pushing for the renewal of Memorandums of Understanding between the California Academy of Sciences and partner institutions in the Philippines. Dr. Terrence Gosliner has been
Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer (2nd from left) with Dr. Terrence Gosliner (2nd from right) with Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano (extreme right) and Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil (extreme left). San Francisco PCG photo
instrumental in developing the Philippine Coral Reef exhibition at the California Academy of Sciences. He also has extensive experience in building collaborations to support sustainable management and conservation of the rich reefs of the Philippines. Dr. Gosliner is
also a champion of educational outreach, particularly in the Philippines, where he has worked with local researchers, educators and community leaders to share knowledge and resources with locals, empowering them to prioritize conservation in Philippine
FIL-AM MRS. UNIVERSE 2023 MERANIE GADIANA RAHMAN PAYS COURTESY CALL AT THE PH CONSULATE. Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano and Vice Consul Adrian Baccay warmly welcomed newly crowned 2023 Mrs. Universe Meranie Gadiana Rahman to the Philippine Center in San Francisco on November 24, 2023. Gadiana Rahman, who hails from Cagayan de Oro City but now lives in Hawaii, was in San Francisco for a series of engagements. During the call, Deputy Consul General Solano congratulated Gadiana Rahman on her achievement, and expressed support for the beauty queen’s advocacy against postpartum depression and school bullying. San Francisco PCG photo
Atty. Gurfinkel answers more immigration... PAGE 9 dren can join her in the U.S. Another diner, Flor, was able to ask two questions: She petitioned her daughter back in October 2013. In the last 10 years, she has not received any letters from the National Visa Center (NVC). Flor wants to know what is happening with her petition for her daughter. The second question Flor had was about her daughter, who works as a nurse in Qatar. Flor wants to know if her daughter can apply for a tourist visa, even if the priority date for her daughter’s petition will be current soon. Paz is one of the diners at Max’s Fried Chicken in Queens, who was able to ask Atty. Gurfinkel Atty. Gurfinkel answers these her immigration question. questions from customers at the Queens branch of Max’s Fried Chicken. This is one of the three branches on the East Coast of the famous fried chicken restaurant that originated in Quezon City in the Philippines. The two other branches are in Jersey City and in Bloomfield, both in New Jersey. Be sure to watch this third (and tasty) installment of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Queens, New York, on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 17 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET through select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers Leading Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel and Flor hold up a plate of the restaurant’s may download the free app. signature dish.
(Advertising Supplement)
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WAS $31.99 | SAVE $12.00
SAN MIGUEL GOLD LABEL ICE CREAM QUEZONS BEST (SELECT FLAVORS) 1.5L PAPAYA PICKLES 340G LILY’S COCO JAM 370G
6.99
$
/EA
WAS $11.99 | SAVE $5.00
2.99
$
/EA
WAS $4.69 | SAVE $1.70
4.49
$
/EA
WAS $6.99| SAVE $2.50
SARANGANI MILKFISH IN OIL (REG/SPICY) 8OZ
3.99
$
YOUR FAVORITE FILIPINO SEAFOOD AND GROCERIES
Delivered FREE! Same Day Delivery & Curbside Pickup | Just download the app
Use code
FREE60
/EA
WAS $4.79 | SAVE 80¢
at checkout
SAN MIGUEL COFFEE 3-IN-1 BARAKO 10PC
ISLAND PACIFIC OTAP (BUKO PANDAN/UBE/ ORIGINAL) 600G
WAS $3.99/EA | SAVE $2.98
WAS $9.29 | SAVE $3.30
2FOR/$5 $5.99
/EA
LEMON SQUARE (CHEESE/LAVA) CAKE 10PC
REBISCO CUP KEYK (ASSTD VARIANTS) 10PC / FUDGEE BARR SELECT FLAVORS 10PK
PRESYONG SULIT SAVINGS
PRESYONG SULIT SAVINGS
2FOR/$5 $2.99
/EA
PROMO AVAILABLE AT ISLAND PACIFIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STORES FRESNO | PITTSBURG | ELK GROVE | UNION CITY | VALLEJO | HAYWARD
ACCEPTED