122023 - Southern California Midweek Edition

DECEMBER 20-22, 2023 Volume 33 - No. 101 • 12 Pages

DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Man who assaulted Filipina in New York pleads guilty to anti-Asian hate crime WITH anti-semitic attacks on the rise, let’s not forget that anti-Asian hate is still in the picture. Recently, a man fresh out of his parole hit off an unpleasant encore brutally assaulting a 65-year-old Filipino woman in New York. Brandon Elliott, who pleaded guilty to antiAsian hate crime, already had a crime history. He was on parole for killing his mother. This time, a Filipino American woman in New York was left battered and bruised. According to the criminal complaint, Elliott approached the victim shouting, “F*ck you, you don’t belong here,” before the violent attack, reported by AM New York. And as if that wasn’t enough, Elliott took out a knife and threatened a Good Samaritan trying to thwart the assault. Police caught him a few days later. He pleaded guilty to assault as a hate crime and criminal possession of a  PAGE 2

California EDD language access expanded to include Tagalog LOS ANGELES – California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) is expanding language access options, which will include Tagalog starting March 2024. By that time, California residents can apply for unemployment benefits in the myEDD web portal and UI Online and manage their claims via application forms translated into Tagalog, Korean and Armenian, EDD has announced. This is in addition to the Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese application forms already being offered. These seven languages represent the top languages spoken by working-age adults in California. “This significant enhancement to myEDD and UI Online is an important milestone in our multilingual expansion to better serve California’s diverse communities,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias. “This significant enhancement to myEDD and UI Online is an important milestone in our multilingual expansion to better serve California’s diverse communities,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias.  PAGE 3

Marcos says ‘paradigm shift’ needed in diplomacy with China by GAEA KATREENA CABICO

the West Philippine Sea as diplomatic efforts with summoning Chinese envoys—had been disregarded Beijing were heading in a “poor direction.” by Beijing. MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. In an interview with Japanese media Saturday, “We have been doing this for many years now, emphasized the need for a “paradigm shift” in December 16, Marcos said “traditional methods with very little progress,” Marcos was quoted as  PAGE 2 tackling China’s increasingly aggressive behavior in of diplomacy”—such as sending note verbales and Philstar.com

Filipinos upbeat on 2024 economic prospects by KRISTINA MARALIT ManilaTimes.net

HOLIDAY RUSH. With six days to go before Christmas day, passengers flock to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange on Tuesday, Dec. 19. According to the PITX management, they are expecting about 2.6 million passengers during the Christmas rush from Dec. 15, 2023 to Jan. 3, 2024. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

MORE Filipinos are optimistic about the country's economic prospects for 2024, the Publicus Asia's yearend survey showed. Conducted from November 29 to December 4, the poll reflected a slight improvement in the public outlook of the country's current state, from 43 percent to 45 percent. In terms of region, optimism in North-Central Luzon rose from 43 percent in the third quarter to 49 percent in the fourth quarter, South Luzon from 40 percent to 45 percent, and the Visayas from 41 percent to 47 percent. Optimism sharply declined in Mindanao, from 50 percent to 44 percent. The outlook on the country's direction has recovered, surging from 61 percent in the third quarter to 66 percent in the fourth quarter. The positive views on economic prospects for the next quarter went up from 57 percent to 67 percent. This positive trend was observed across all demographics.  PAGE 2

Groups say human rights in PH remain under threat even after Duterte by CRISTINA ELOISA BACLIG Inquirer.net

MANILA — Marking the 75th year of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, various groups in the Philippines claimed that the country’s human rights situation has barely improved, saying President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has transitioned into a “carefully crafted” persona that appeared to have a better human rights record. Last December 10, countries across the world observed International Human Rights Day and commemorated the 75th anniversary of what the United Nations (UN) described as “one of the world’s

most groundbreaking global pledges”: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR was officially announced by the UN General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948. It was the first major step in establishing fundamental human rights intended for universal protection. With translations in over 500 languages, it holds the distinction of being the world’s most translated document. The landmark document lists down Overseas Filipino worker Gelienor “Jimmy” Pacheco, a freed Hamas hostage, hugs his loved ones the fundamental rights inherent to all upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Parañaque City on Monday, PNA photo by Yancy Lim individuals, irrespective of their race, skin Dec. 18. color, religion, gender, language, political beliefs, nationality, social background,  PAGE 2

Filipino who was held hostage by Marcos on 2024 budget: Secret fund issue already settled Hamas finally arrives home in PH by CHARIE ABARCA

by DELON PORCALLA, ALEXIS ROMERO

Inquirer.net

Philstar.com

TOKYO — As he prepares to sign the P5.768-trillion budget program on Wednesday, December 20, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, December 18 declared as a “settled issue” the controversy over the aborted inclusion of P650-million confidential funds in the 2024 budgets of the Office of Vice President Sara Duterte and the education department which she heads. Speaking to reporters who President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, December 18 declared as a “settled issue” the controversy over the aborted inclusion of P650-million confidential funds in the 2024 budgets covered his visit in Tokyo, of the Office of Vice President Sara Duterte and the education department which she heads. Marcos said he was “fairly Malacañang file photo comfortable” with the way the

budget has turned out, even as he acknowledged that “a little work” has to be done to make sure that the items in the spending plan would be funded. “Yes, I think we are scheduled for Wednesday,” the president said. “That was actually the initiative of the vice president,” he said when asked about the confidential fund issue that observers said had soured his relationship with Duterte and her supporters. “I’m not actually talking about  PAGE 4

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MANILA — Thirty-three-yearold Jimmy Pacheco, one of the two Filipinos previously held hostage by Palestinian group Hamas, has finally arrived in the Philippines. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and its attached agencies welcomed Pacheco on Monday, December 18 along with other Filipinos returning home in time for the holidays. Pacheco was released by Hamas in November after he was taken hostage on October 7. But despite his traumatic experience, Pacheco said he’ll go back to Israel and continue his work as an Overseas Filipino

Worker. “Gaya ng sinabi ko sa asawa ko, babalik po ako ng Israel dahil kahit ganun po ang nakaraan ko, [gusto kong] maibigay ‘yung gusto kong gawin sa kanila. Ganun naman po dapat ang mga magulang,” said Pacheco in press conference on Monday, December 18. (Just like what I told my wife, I will go back to Israel because I want to provide for my family. That’s how parents should be.) “Ayaw ko pong maranasan nila ‘yung paghihirap ko simula noong bata hanggang ngayon na naghihirap pa rin. Ayaw ko pong iparanas sa kanila kaya babalik po ako,” he added. (I don’t want them to experience  PAGE 2

2 DECEMBER 20-22, 2023 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Macos says ‘paradigm shift... PAGE 1 saying in a release issued by the Presidential Communications Office. “We have to do something that we have not done before. We have to come up with a new concept, a new principle, a new idea so that we move [...] the needle the other way. It’s going up, let’s move the needle back. So that paradigm shift is something that we have to formulate,” he added. Relations between the Philippines and China have deteriorated under Marcos, who has sought to strengthen ties with the United States and push back against Beijing’s aggressions in the West Philippine Sea. In contrast, his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte pursued a foreign policy shift toward China

in exchange for investment pledges. Earlier this month, the government accused the China Coast Guard of ramming and firing water cannons at Philippine supply boats. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, encompassing waters and islands close to its neighbors' shores. It has ignored an international tribunal ruling in 2016, which stated that its claims have no legal basis. De-escalate tension Marcos also said the Philippines will continue talking to its partners not only in the Indo-Pacific region but also globally if necessary, to deescalate the tension in the vital waterway. “We do not want to go to the

point where there are incidents that might cause an actual violent conflict,” the chief executive said. “And so, we have, in my review, it’s time that the countries that feel that they have an involvement in this situation, we have to come up with a paradigm shift,” he added. Marcos was in Tokyo to attend the commemorative summit for the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan friendship and cooperation. Southeast Asian and Japanese leaders agreed to “strengthen dialogue and cooperation for the maintenance of maritime security and safety and maritime order based on the rule of law” in the face of China’s growing assertiveness. g

Filipinos upbeat on 2024 economic... PAGE 1

"Household Financial Prospects for the Next Quarter also exhibit a positive trajectory, increasing from 62 percent in Q3 to 70 percent in Q4. This optimistic outlook is shared across all demographic groups," Publicus said in a statement

released Monday. Overall, the positivity about the "state of the country heading into the year 2024" saw a substantial increase from 59 percent to 68 percent. Negative sentiments about the country's state heading into 2024 have declined from 41 percent to 32 percent, Publicus

Asia said. The survey had 1,500 respondents randomly drawn from the market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos maintained by the Singapore office of PureSpectrum, a USbased panel marketplace with a multinational presence. g

Filipino who was held hostage by Hamas finally... PAGE 1 the same suffering I’ve experienced since I was a child. I don’t want them to experience that, that’s why I am going back.) Pacheco said he is looking forward to spending the holiday season with his family, noting that it will be the very first Christmas he’ll spend with them since he

became an OFW. In the same press conference, DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Cacdac said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed Philippine government agencies to implement a whole of government approach and help the Pacheco family. “Meron nang paunang

assistance na naibigay, but of course, upon his return, we will mobilize further our resources in terms of pangkabuhayan,” said Cacdac. (We’ve given them initial assistance, but of course, upon his return, we will further mobilize our resources in terms of source of living.)

Man who assaulted Filipina in New York... PAGE 1

weapon. As for the 65-year-old Filipina victim, the aftermath of the antiAsian assault left her a forehead contusion, fractured pelvis and other contusions all over her body. A broader issue of Anti-Asian hate crimes This alarming incident is a reminder of the still rising antiAsian assaults in the community.

And it’s happening not just to average Asians. Even Asian American doctors are feeling the blows of racism as they battle against discrimination in educational institutions and hospitals, a recent study confirmed. Meanwhile, in lieu of the same issue, LA County breaks a 21-year record of hitting the highest hate crime rate, showcasing an 18

percent increase in 2022. “Brandon Elliot brutally and repeatedly assaulted a 65-yearold mother in a hate-fueled attack that shook our city,” said District Attorney Bragg in a statement. His message echoes loud and clear — hate-driven assaults must stop. If you’ve been a victim or witnessed a hate crime, call 212335-3100. (Mary Villegas/Inquirer. net)

SEA OF DEVOTEES. Hundreds flock to the Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) at Imus Cathedral, Cavite on Sunday, Dec. 17. Free kakanin (native snacks or desserts) were distributed after the Mass. PNA photos by Avito C. Dalan

Groups say human rights in PH remain... PAGE 1 property status, birth, or any other condition. “The Universal Declaration shows the way to common values and approaches that can help resolve tensions and create the security and stability our world craves,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Human rights have become more recognized and more guaranteed across the globe since the adoption of the UDHR. It has since laid the groundwork for a growing system dedicated to protecting human rights, which now also emphasizes safeguarding vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities, indigenous communities, and migrants. While human rights have advanced in the 75 years since the proclamation of the UDHR, the UN stressed that this progress does not mean the fight for rights and equality ever ends. "[H]uman rights violations persist in many parts of the world, often without consequences,” said Volker Türk, UN high commissioner

for human rights. Human rights violations persist in PH In a statement, the human rights alliance Karapatan said “the climate of impunity that shielded [former President] Rodrigo Duterte and his subalterns from being held accountable for the killings of activists and suspected drug personalities still rears its ugly head under Ferdinand Marcos Jr.” “Marcos Jr.’s carefully crafted attempts to project a different image of himself as that of his bloodthirsty predecessor are crumbling in the face of the extrajudicial killings that continue under his regime,” it added. As of November this year, Karapatan has documented up to 87 extrajudicial killings under Marcos Jr.’s counterinsurgency campaign since the start of his term in July 2022 — an average of about five killings per month. The group noted that the documented killings included five massacres where 27 victims were brutally murdered, including children and elderly women. Karapatan also documented

other civil and political rights violations under the current administration, including: • 12 victims of enforced disappearances • 316 victims of illegal and arbitrary arrest • 22,391 victims of bombing • 39,769 victims of indiscriminate firing • 24,670 victims of forced evacuation • 552 victims of forced surrender • 1,609,496 victims of threats, harassment, and intimidation — including red-tagging ‘Bloody’ drug war continues Karapatan, as well as the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) denounced the continuing killings related to the campaign against drugs that reached their peak under Duterte. Data from the Third World Studies Program’s Dahas Project, of the University of the Philippines, revealed that as of November 23, 2023, there have been 474 drug-related killings under Marcos Jr.’s antidrug campaign — most of the killings, ICHRP noted, occurring PAGE 4

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Fighting car scams with the CARS rule by Selen Ozturk Ethnic Media Services

THE risk of getting scammed when buying a car — the highest purchase many consumers make short of a house — can be as stressful as the risk of a pile-up commute. At a Friday, December 15 briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services and the Federal Trade Commission, FTC officials explained how the agency’s Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule, requiring transparency from car dealers, will protect buyers from auto scams. What is CARS and who’s affected? Malini Mithal, associate director of the FTC Division of Financial Practices said the CARS Rule, announced by the FTC last week, combats two main scams that car buyers experience: bait-andswitch tactics, “where dealers advertise a low price to bring you to the lot, but after you spend hours there you learn that the car is way more expensive than what was advertised,” and junk fees, which are charges hidden by long, complicated auto contracts. CARS — taking effect July 30, 2024 — will save car buyers facing these tactics an estimated $3.4 billion and 72 million hours a year, she explained. “The rule especially helps honest car dealers who will be able to compete on a level playing field; they won’t have to worry about losing business to a competitor pretending to have a lower price to lure consumers onto their lot, but then charging much more once the consumer gets there.” The CARS Rule makes this happen four ways, Mithal continued: first, dealers can’t lie about key information like costs, financing terms, add ons and rebates; second, dealers must tell consumers the total price of the car (e.g. the full price of a 10-year contract, not just the first few monthly payments); third, dealers can’t charge junk fees that don’t benefit the consumer (e.g. a second warranty with no coverage, or oil change add-ons incompatible with an electric car); and fourth, “Dealers can only charge for things if consumers know what the charge is for and agree to pay for it — so no more hidden costs in contracts.” The rule also requires dealers advertising a car in a certain language, like Spanish, to clearly disclose any added costs in that same language “so buyers know what

The risk of getting scammed when buying a car — the highest purchase many consumers make short of a house — can be as stressful as the risk of a pile-up commute. Unsplash.com photo by Erik Mclean

they’re agreeing to,” said Jamie Brooks, an attorney with the FTC’s Division of Financial Practices. Why bait-and-switch? The CARS Rule focuses so much on bait-and-switch tactics because of how many actions the FTC has brought against it, “where dealers advertise one price to get consumers in the door, but then charge consumers much more after they’ve invested time on the lot,” said Brooks. Most of this deceptive advertising involves misrepresenting a car’s full price, its monthly payment, or the dealership’s affiliation with government programs, she added. For example, in 2014 the FTC sued Casino Auto Sales of La Puente, California for advertising an $18,000 down vehicle while burying an extra $5,000 down payment in fine print specifically targeting Spanish consumers. In 2020, the agency sued dealer ad agency Traffic Jam Events of Kenner, Louisiana for mailers which supposedly directed consumers to a COVID stimulus relief program site, the address of which was really a car lot. These tactics not only harm car buyers but dealers themselves “who have to beat the bogus prices of dishonest competitors,” Brooks explained. “When a dealership advertises low prices, people end up selecting that dealership over others under false pretenses.” Junk fees, add-ons Many of these pretenses also involve “junk fees” for hidden addons — “like extended warranties, car or asset protection, or coatings that are supposed to protect the car” — which can easily cause unknowing buyers thousands of dollars, said Sanya Shahrasbi, an attorney with the FTC’s Division of Financial Practices. “In the past two years alone,”

she continued, “dealers have substantially increased prices for these add ons, even though such products and services largely are not constrained by supply.” A 2022 FTC lawsuit against multistate dealer Napleton, the thirteenth-largest dealership group in the country, found that 83% or 16,848 of the dealer’s customers were charged for add-ons that they didn’t agree to; for instance, “one consumer paid for a $2,000 service contract that the dealer said was free.” This Napleton action found not only that buyers were being charged for add-ons they didn’t agree to, but also that these buyers were disproportionately Black and Latino, added Mithal. A 2023 action against Wisconsin-based dealer group Rhinelander Auto Center found analogous targeting of local Native American consumers. Much of the vulnerability of these racial and ethnic groups owes to language access obstructed by lengthy contracts hiding fees; many Napleton buyers, for example, found themselves with paperwork requiring more than 12 signatures across over 60 pages. Regardless, Mithal continued, the CARS Rule “prohibits conduct which is already illegal, and if a dealer’s lying to you about the price of a car, they’re already violating the FTC, you’re within your rights to report them.” How, then, will the CARS Rule help stop scams that are already illegal? Because it underscores the money, said Mithal, “and people stand up when they are on the hook for a lot of money … It’s easier to get money back to you when scamming dealers see that they’re exposed through this rule, and honest dealers see the law is on their side.” g

COPS IN BIKES. Quezon City Police District bike patrollers are spotted along C. P. Garcia Avenue in Diliman, Quezon City on Monday, Dec. 18. The Philippine National Police has deployed 39,000 officers across the country for a safe celebration of the Christmas season. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

California EDD language access expanded... PAGE 1

“We are committed to knocking down language access barriers and improving the EDD customer experience for everyone.” Applicants can access the UI Online process in their preferred language, and they will receive real-time, in-language updates about the status of their claim, including payment notifications sent by email or text message. The new Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese language options when logging into myEDD will only be available to individuals

applying for unemployment benefits in UI Online. They are not yet available when applying for disability insurance or paid family leave benefits, or when accessing benefit overpayment services. Expanding UI Online access adds to the previously announced several actions EDD has taken to improve language accessibility in its programs and services, including: Requesting funds from the US Department of Labor for these efforts Creating dedicated phone

lines in the seven top languages allowing customers to directly reach an agent to help with their claims Launching in July 2022 an EDD Language Access Office and hiring its inaugural Language Access Officer Increasing its website’s translated content, including vital program information, forms and publications, contact information and access to interpreters in over 200 languages at no cost Providing customers helpful how-to-videos for UI Online in different languages. (Inquirer.net)

Users can opt to view the EDD website in Tagalog and Cebuano. Starting in March 2024, they can also access an unemployment benefits application form in Tagalog. Photo screengrabbed from the EDD website in Tagalog

4 DECEMBER 20-22, 2023 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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Groups say human rights in PH remain... PAGE 2 during law enforcement antidrug operations. Karapatan stressed that the numbers disprove claims that the Marcos administration’s version of the drug war is “bloodless.” “Despite Marcos Jr.’s cultivated facade, the sordid figures on rights violations prove that he is his dictator father’s son and his regime, a continuation of that of his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte,” Karapatan said. The groups noted that Duterte should be held accountable for up to 30,000 civilian deaths in his bloodthirsty anti-drug campaign and the killings of 422 activists, on top of other grave violations of human rights. “Domestic redress mechanisms have clearly failed to exact justice for the victims of Duterte’s bloody drug war, with only three convictions attained in the face of up to 30,000 drug war-related killings perpetrated by police forces and policesanctioned vigilante death squads since Duterte’s bloody campaign began in mid-2016,” the group stressed. “The ongoing investigations into Duterte’s drug war by prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (ICC) offers a glimpse of hope to the victims and their families. In the interest of justice, ICC investigators must be allowed into the country and provided access to the victims and all pertinent records needed for their probe,” it added. A ‘killing ground’ In a statement, ICHRP said that the country “continues to be a killing ground for perceived dissidents, community organizers, indigenous people, rights advocates, and alleged drug suspects.” Karapatan reported that numerous individuals are dealing with fabricated charges, including 795 political detainees who are challenging the unfair reasons for their incarceration and the dismal conditions in holding facilities. Among these, at least seventeen are peace consultants associated with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). The groups also emphasized that anti-terror laws are being aggressively employed to quash opposition and hinder progress and humanitarian efforts in the

country. “The wrongful designation of peace consultants and negotiators, as well as community and indigenous people’s leaders, and the baseless charges against human rights defenders, have exposed the weaponization of these laws to violate the people’s constitutional rights,” Karapatan said. ICHRP further noted that the media continue to face challenges under the Marcos administration, exacerbating existing worries about the Philippines being one of the world’s most perilous countries for journalists. “Journalist, Frenchie Mae Cumpio, remains behind bars facing trumped-up charges. Marcos Jr. has not reinstated the broadcast franchise of ABSCBN suspended by the Duterte Regime,” ICHRP said. “Journalists also continue to be killed by state actors under the Marcos Jr. government, including the recent death of Juan Jumalon (DJ Johnny Walker), whose November 5th killing was live-streamed as he was in the middle of an on-air broadcast,” it added. Jumalon’s death marked the fourth journalist fatality since Marcos Jr. assumed the presidency in June 2022. The case raised to 199 the total number of journalists killed since the reinstatement of democracy in the Philippines in 1986. These fatalities included those in one of the most heinous cases of attacks against journalists, where 32 journalists were among the 58 individuals murdered in 2009 by the Ampatuans and their henchmen in a Maguindanao town named after the powerful family. The Philippines is listed as the eighth worst country in convicting killers of journalists, with 20 unsolved murders between September 1, 2013 and August 31, 2023, according to the annual report of global media watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Uphold human rights In observation of the 75th commemoration of the UDHR, ICHRP denounced the ongoing attacks and violations of the rights of the Filipino people under the Marcos Jr. administration. “In this context, we urge the

international community and international institutions to stand with the victims and those who struggle for democracy and human rights in the Philippines,” ICHRP said. “We call for continued pressure through international mechanisms and international solidarity to push the Philippine government to action,” it added. The group also called for: 1. The Philippine government to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC) and allow it to conduct investigations in the Philippines related to the crimes against humanity cases being charged against Duterte. 2. The International Criminal Court to pursue its case against former President Duterte and his senior officials, to follow the evidence and give voice to the victims 3. The Philippine government to stop the bombings of civilian communities and production areas in the countryside and other grave violations of International Humanitarian Law 4. The Marcos administration to respect all previously signed peace agreements with the NDFP and release the 791 political prisoners who remain in detention, and to remove the terrorist designation of the NDFP and Luis Jalandoni and others as a confidence-building measure for the peace process 5. The suspension of all international aid to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and counter-terrorism programs which would place weapons [in] the hands of those committing these grave human rights and [International Humanitarian Law (IHL)] violations 6. The Philippine government to uphold human rights and the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and its Additional Protocols of 1977 Karapatan urged the Marcos administration to “answer for its own perpetuation of Duterte’s fascist counterinsurgency and drug war policies that continue to claim the lives of hundreds of Filipinos.” “[W]e uphold the people’s right to resist in the face of repression, tyranny and wars of aggression. We stand resolutely with the Filipino people and all oppressed peoples in upholding human and people’s rights and our democratic aspirations,” Karapatan said. g

PARTNERSHIP. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (2nd from right) and Dr. Francis Pasaporte of Diabetes Philippines (right) inspect the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) machines during the signing of a partnership among the DILG, Diabetes Philippines, and AstraZeneca at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The partnership will enable more Filipino patients to gain access to uACR tests, which detect how much of a small protein called albumin is present in the urine – one of the earliest indicators of kidney disease. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Marcos on 2024 budget: Secret fund... PAGE 1

the confidential funds and to not insist that they have such confidential funds. So I think as far as I’m concerned, it is a settled issue,” he pointed out. Speaker Martin Romualdez also said the president is set to sign the budget program on Wednesday. “The budget I think...very, very closely follows what our original NEP (National Expenditure Program) was... There is still a gap, a differential between the appropriated funds and the funds we have collected thus far. There is a certain amount that we have extra and we have to collect,” he added. Congress has realigned the combined P650-million confidential funds of the OVP and the DepEd, fueling rumors that there is a rift between Duterte and some allies of Marcos. Duterte, who ran alongside Marcos in the Uniteam ticket during the 2022 elections, has withdrawn her request for the funds. The secret funds were instead allocated to agencies dealing with security threats in the South China Sea. While the realignment increased the funding for efforts to secure the Philippines’ maritime interests, Marcos admitted that the Philippines’ defense spending remains

incomparable with that of China, which is claiming practically the entire strategic waterway. “Even if we go up to the desired level of spending on defense of up to two percent of GDP (gross domestic product), we will still be very not comparative in terms of actual military force to the Chinese. That is obvious to everyone,” Marcos, also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, said. “So that’s not the only side to the problem. We have to continue to ally ourselves with as many countries around the world, especially in Asia and the Indo-Pacific area (and) around the world... being able to speak with a unified voice is essential and that will only come with strong coalitions among different countries,” he added. Romualdez also told Palace reporters covering the ASEANJapan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo that the budget program is ready for signing, possibly on Wednesday. “It’s ready for signing. In fact, he could have signed it before he left (for Tokyo),” Rumualdez said, referring to the bicameral conference committee-approved General Appropriations Act of 2024 embodying the P5.768trillion national budget for next year. “I think there are still some

Speaker Martin Romualdez Philstar.com file photo

printings that have to be done,” the House leader said. The administration stalwart, a first cousin of Marcos, also expressed belief – when asked by reporters – that no provisions in the new budget program would be altered or vetoed. “He’s not stating any. We’re just complying with the parameters (on the budget) and we’re working closely with the Office of the President,” he said. Romualdez also confirmed that, as agreed upon by both houses of Congress, no confidential and intelligence funds had been allocated to the Office of Vice President and the DepEd. g

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Over 2M passengers to flock airports this month amid travel surge MANILA – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is expecting 2.2 million passengers this month amid the holiday rush travel surge, assuring the public it is ready to augment assistance at the airports it operates. In a televised briefing on Tuesday, December 19 CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said passengers who may be needing assistance or who have queries may reach out to the help desks at the airports. "We have many personnel who could assist. We have those on standby in case more people

are needed. The area managers were also instructed to assist the passengers," he said. Apolonio said passengers who have complaints should go to the help desks. All the 44 CAAP airports are on heightened alert, in partnership with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group and the Office for Transportation Security, he added. About 2.2 million passengers are expected to use the CAAP airports this December, expecting 7 to 10 percent in passenger volume year-onyear.

There were 2 million passengers at CAAP airports in December 2022. "So far, there are many local tourists. Maybe because it's more convenient and faster to travel by air. There are also promotions that make the airfare more affordable," Apolonio said. Meanwhile, to avoid hassle, Apolonio reminded the public to avoid bringing prohibited objects in their hand-carry luggage. Apolonio also urged the passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight. (PNA)

COVID-19 cases up 50 percent – DOH by Claire Mondares ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, December 18 reported a 50 percent rise in new COVID-19 cases nationwide. Data showed that 2,725 new cases were reported on December 12-18, 50 percent higher than the 1,821 new cases recorded from December 5-11. The average number of new cases per day also increased from 260 on December 5-11 to 389 this week. Based on the DOH's COVID-19 tracker, as of December 15,

Quezon City had the highest number of confirmed cases with 278,483, followed by Cavite with 245,221, Laguna with 183,170, Manila with 165,295, and Rizal with 161,149. The department said 211 severe and critical patients were admitted to hospitals as of December 17. Of the total 1,101 intensive care unit (ICU) beds for COVID patients, 142 or 12.9 percent are occupied. More than 78 million people, or 100.44 percent of the target population, have been vaccinated against COVID-19,

while 23 million have received their booster shots. On the other hand, 7.1 million senior citizens, or 82.16 percent of the target A2 population, have already received their primary series. "Everyone is reminded not to be complacent about the threat of COVID-19. We must continue to properly follow the minimum public health standards under Alert Level 1. We also remind the public to always wear the bestfitted face mask and, if possible, stay in well-ventilated areas," the department said in a statement on Monday. g

Over 82,000 displaced in Mindanao due to ‘Kabayan’ — NDRRMC by Gaea Katreena CabiCo Philstar.com

MANILA — Over 82,000 people were displaced after cyclone Kabayan struck Mindanao, causing heavy rain and triggering flooding, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported on Tuesday, December 19. Of the 82,703 individuals who fled their homes, around 67,105 sought refuge in evacuation centers in Northern Mindanao, Davao region, and CARAGA.

According to the NDRRMC, about 22,000 were pre-emptively evacuated in Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao region, and CARAGA. The disaster agency stated that Kabayan resulted in at least one person being injured, while an individual from the Davao region was reported missing. Kabayan dissipated into a low pressure area as it crossed the rugged terrain of Mindanao after making landfall in Davao Oriental Monday morning. But state weather bureau

PAGASA said Tuesday the threat of flash floods and landslides remains in Visayas Mindanao, MIMAROPA, Bicol region, Quezon province, and Aurora due to rain brought by the LPA and the shear line. The government has so far allocated P92,676 in assistance to support affected residents. The Philippines has so far experienced fewer storms in 2023 than in any of the past 25 years. Only 11 cyclones have hit or come close to the Philippines so far this year, a significant drop from the average of 20. g

STAR-STUDDED. The “Parade of Stars” of the 10 participating films of the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival passes by Caloocan City on Saturday, Dec. 16. The parade started at Navotas Centennial Park and culminated with a show at Valenzuela People’s Park. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Israel-Gaza conflict seen to affect PH seafarers, economy MANILA – A senator warned on Tuesday, December 19 the present state of the global maritime industry and expanding geopolitical conflict are threatening the jobs of Filipino seafarers. Senator Imee Marcos, in a news release, cited in particular the Houthi rebels constantly attacking cargo ships in the Red Sea which forced shipping companies to stop operating in the region. "Shipping giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have just announced a halt to their operations in the Red Sea, with Yemen's Houthi rebels attacking more cargo ships to avenge the deaths of Palestinian civilians in Gaza," Marcos said. "This is happening while shipping companies are coping with higher costs, lower freight charges, and a weaker demand for container transport amid an oversupply of ships," she added. The Bab al-Mandab Strait acts as a strategic link between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Reports said about 10 to 12 percent of global trade passes through the area, or more than 17,000 ships each year.

In commemoration of the UN International Migrant Workers Day, Marcos urged the national government to "look at disruptive world events squarely" so that its programs for Filipino migrant workers remain relevant. Marcos said Maersk is planning to cut 10,000 jobs and HapagLloyd's revenues dropped to 58 percent in third-quarter from a year earlier. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels recently set a Hapag-Lloyd containership ablaze during a series of missile attacks, while the Maersk Gibraltar was also targeted, with a missile just missing it while it was transiting near Yemen. Marcos noted that Filipinos comprise 40 percent of Maersk's seafarers which is around 4,000 who might lose their jobs and would cause drop in remittances amounting to hundreds of millions annually. Filipino seafarers, who are among the highest-paid overseas Filipino workers are required to remit at least 80 percent of their salary each month, contributing PHP6.7 billion or some 20 percent of the total remittances in 2022, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. As shipping companies take

Senator Imee Marcos

PNA file photo

initiatives toward green energy, Marcos also called for better pay prospects and not just training programs for Filipino seafarers to be deployed on methanolenabled ships According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the Philippines was the top source of seafarers in the world in 2021. The Maritime Industry Authority also reported that the country deployed more than 400,000 Filipino seafarers overseas, on average, from 2016 to 2021. (PNA)

6 DECEMBER 20-22, 2023 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

FEATURES

Rights-based campaign vs drugs HUMAN rights are supposed to underpin the criminal justice system and national security operations in democratic Philippines. The bloody crackdown on the illegal drug trade in the previous administration, however, turned the country into a global hotspot for human rights violations. The drug killings were on top of the murders of environmental activists, legal professionals and journalists even after the restoration of democracy in 1986, along with the human rights violations in connection with counterinsurgency operations. Now the government has informed the United Nations that a Human Rights Coordinating Council will be created in the Philippines to promote an approach to drug control and counterterrorism that is steeped in human rights, accountability and the rule of law. The move is in line with initiatives under the UN Joint Program on Human Rights. The UNJP is a three-year program launched in 2021, under which the UN provides technical and capacity-building assistance to the Philippines for rights-based approaches to drug control and other matters such as reforms in the justice sector. Speaking for the government, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced the move in Geneva, Switzerland as the UN marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Oct. 10. While the Philippine commitment

is laudable, its fulfillment needs careful monitoring. From the start, human rights have been enshrined in the basic law of the Philippines. Yet the country saw gross human rights violations during martial law and the Marcos dictatorship. In the six years since 2016 under Rodrigo Duterte, over 6,000 people were killed in what law enforcement agencies described as legitimate operations against the illegal drug scourge. Drug suspects who weren’t killed were packed like sardines in poorly ventilated jails, in conditions that also violated the rights of persons deprived of liberty. Police officials have said that given the nature of the illegal drug scourge, an end to drug killings cannot be guaranteed. But it’s not impossible to prevent police abuses in the conduct of the anti-narcotics campaign. Bersamin told the UN that comprehensive reforms in the justice sector include setting up a training institute for forensic science and investigation. The judiciary can do its part by speeding up

Editorial

Commentary

NATIONAL ASIAN PACIFIC CENTER ON AGING MEDICARE Open Enrollment Period is ongoing. We chose several questions about this subject and want to share the information in this month’s column. We added one question to address the areas where many people are confused about the COVID-19 vaccine more clearly. If you have additional questions on Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, Social Security Retirement Benefit, Supplemental Security Income, or COVID/Flu vaccination, there are 3 ways you can reach us today: Call: (English) 1-800-336-2722; Email: askNAPCA@napca.org; Mail: NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101

ManilaTimes.net photo

adjudication. Impatience with snail-paced justice is among the reasons why there are Filipinos who support extrajudicial short cuts in law enforcement. Old habits die hard; after six years of being given

free rein under Oplan Tokhang and Double Barrel to fight the drug menace, law enforcers must be made to go along with initiatives to promote human rights in the anti-drug campaign. (Philstar.com)

What to know about the Medicare Open Enrollment Period Q: Why do I need to check my Medicare plan every year during the Open Enrollment Period and how do I check my plan? If you don’t take any action, your existing plan will be renewed for 2024. But that could come with cost and benefit changes. Your plans’ coverage may change, and your health care needs may have changed, too. This is why it's important to check-up on your current plan during the period even if you're happy with your current plan. Your plan will send you a "Plan Annual Notice of Change" (ANOC) each fall. If you don't get this important document, contact your plan. The ANOC includes any changes in coverage, costs, and more that will be effective in January. Review any coverage changes including drug formulary. Think about any changes to your healthcare and/ or prescription drug needs, and healthcare expenses to decide

whether the plan will continue to meet your needs in the next year. Just remember to do so before Medicare Open Enrollment ends on December 7. Q: I signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan during my Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) this year, but I would like to change it to Original Medicare because I plan to travel to different states throughout the next year. How can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare? You should contact your current plan to cancel your enrollment and call MEDICARE (1-800-6334227) during the Medicare Open Enrollment period. The change will take effect on January 1 of the following year. Original Medicare does not provide any additional benefits such as drug coverage, dental, or vision you may have with your Medicare Advantage plan. If you make this switch

and you want drug coverage, be sure to sign up for a Medicare stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP). If you do not, and you decide to sign up for Part D coverage later, you may need to wait for another year until the next Open Enrollment Period and face a penalty for late enrollment. You may also want to consider purchasing a Medicare supplemental insurance policy, known as Medigap, that helps to pay your cost-sharing requirements under Original Medicare. You also can switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31). Q: If I make a mistake when I change my coverage during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, what can I do to fix it? If the Medicare OEP is ongoing: you can simply pick a different

plan instead (by the December 7 deadline) and the new choice will take effect on January 1. If the Medicare OEP has ended: you can use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP, Jan 1~Mar 31) to pick a different Advantage plan or switch to Original Medicare and a Part D plan. If you’ve enrolled in a stand-alone Part D plan that doesn’t fit your needs, your options are more limited. Changes to these plans can generally only be made during the fall Medicare OEP. Q: I have already received COVID-19 vaccines and the last vaccination was in January 2023. Do I still need to get another COVID-19 vaccine? Like Flu virus, the virus that causes COVID-19 has changed over time. A new vaccine has been developed and was approved by the FDA on September 11, 2023. The new vaccine provides better

protection against the currently prevalent COVID-19 variant and is available for administration starting from late September 2023. If your last vaccine was before September 2023, please get this new vaccine. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a Flu vaccine, at the same visit. Possible side effects after getting vaccinated are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines. *** 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.

*** National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. We operate a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers and is available in 5 different languages.

Maharlika and ill-gotten wealth

Eyes Wide Open IRIS GONZALES MUCH of the public’s concerns against the much touted Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), the country’s first ever sovereign wealth fund, has to do with billions in ill-gotten wealth supposedly stashed in secret bank accounts abroad. Opposition lawmakers raised the alarm bells early on. Maharlika may be used to bring back the illgotten wealth amassed during the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., they say. Ill-gotten wealth Ah yes, ill-gotten wealth. In case people have forgotten, on July 15, 2003, the Supreme Court ruled that roughly P36 billion worth of assets of the Marcoses and their associates were considered ill-gotten wealth. This is according to the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission. However, it is also important to note that the Supreme Court has affirmed the Sandiganbayan’s dismissal of the complaint filed by the Republic of the Philippines for the recovery of supposed P41 billion in ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses. It is one of many illgotten wealth cases. In any case, assuming there’s still unrecovered ill-gotten wealth in some hidden vaults abroad, would Maharlika be used to launder this back to the country? I asked Maharlika Investment

Corp. (MIC) president and CEO Joel Consing, a topnotch investment banker and multiawarded CFO, about this. Consing, who has the Herculean task of making this wealth fund succeed, said there are measures in place to make sure this does not happen. “Regarding the Fund being used to get back ‘ill-gotten wealth,’ the banks through which funds will be transmitted for investment into Maharlika would have gone through a KYC (know your customer) process, especially for materially significant amounts, on both sides of the remittance process,” he said. MIC itself will conduct further due diligence, he added. “That said, while banks conducting KYC on inward and outward remittances provide a layer of protection against money laundering, the MIC itself will implement further due diligence measures to verify the legitimacy of investment funds, particularly for substantial amounts. This additional layer of scrutiny would strengthen the presumption of regularity and build public trust in the Fund’s operations,” Consing explained. It’s reassuring to hear this. Of course the real test would be to see it actually happen. The public’s deep mistrust is understandable, given the hard lessons from Marcos Sr.’s era. After hearing Consing talk about his plans, however, I am significantly more at ease now about the Maharlika Fund and I fervently hope it succeeds.

As Consing’s track record would show – he has been involved in many successful startups and has worked with tycoon Enrique Razon’s sprawling global ports empire ICTSI as CFO – he is a no-nonsense professional executive. He specializes in mergers and acquisitions, treasury management, balance sheet management, global capital markets and strategic planning. Upon hearing about the planned Maharlika Investment Fund, Consing already knew that he wanted the job because of the huge role the wealth fund could play in nation building and equally interesting for him was the challenge. He strikes me as a man who loves challenges – the more difficult the task is, the more rewarding for him. More importantly, he said that his loyalty is to the country and to the Filipino people – no vested interest or hidden agenda. His plans for Maharlika are quite impressive and challenging for sure because it’s never been done before, but Joel said if the Marcos administration wanted someone who would simply do what’s already been done before, then he is not the man for it – an indication perhaps of how his mind works, the kind that likes to solve complex problems before they even appear. National development fund In summary, he said MIF would start as a national development fund that would invest in critical areas in the country and address different pain points, including

Lawmakers applaud President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. after the signing of the law the establishing the Maharlika Investment Fund (R.A. 11954) in simple rites held at Malacanang Palace October 17, 2023. Philstar.com file photo

creating much needed jobs for Filipinos. This would be done by initially investing in four areas in the country: tourism infrastructure, energy security, digital infrastructure and agroforestry industrial urbanism. I particularly like the plan to help address the digital divide through digital infrastructure. He envisions that the state corporation will play a role in building telecom towers in rural areas that still do not have internet access or mobile phone signals. I can’t wait for this to happen so that Filipinos in rural areas will finally have access to the internet. Once the Maharlika Fund generates excess funds from several low-hanging fruits, it can

invest in the fixed income and capital markets, Consing said. It all sounds exciting and reassuring to hear Joel Consing discuss the Maharlika’s blueprint, which is of course still subject to the approval of MIC’s board of directors. But as with every good plan in this nation of 114 million, the real test will be in the execution. MIC will be facing our impossibly slow bureaucracy as it needs to deal with other government agencies. It also needs to work with local executives, some of whom are notoriously corrupt. As I said, I hope Joel succeeds in making the Philippines’ first ever sovereign wealth fund work for Filipinos. Now if and when that happens,

the next thing to watch out for is what happens when the next guy comes along after Joel’s term ends in three years. Will the safeguards Joel put in place be retained? As former central bank chief Felipe Medalla once said, “will the guys five years from now still be OK?” For the sake of this nation of 114 million, I fervently hope so. (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.

*** Email: eyesgonzales@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @eyesgonzales. Column archives at EyesWideOpen (Iris Gonzales) on Facebook.

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7

SC nods Ombudsman’s probable cause finding vs Janet Napoles by Ian LaquI Philstar.com

MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) affirmed the Ombudsman's finding of probable cause against convicted plunderer Janet LimNapoles and others in connection with former Davao del Sur Rep. Douglas Cagas' 2007 Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) worth P16 million. In a decision dated December 7, the high court said it had denied the petition filed by Napoles and officers of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) which challenged the Ombudsman’s finding of probable cause for Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Article 212, 217 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC). “The Ombudsman did not err in finding probable cause for malversation and corruption of public officers under Article 217 and 212 of the Revised Penal Code, respectively,” the SC said. “The Court found ‘no grave abuse of discretion that will allow us to interfere with the Ombudsman’s finding of probable cause,’” it added. SC also emphasized that the Ombudsman has broad authority in investigating and prosecuting cases within its jurisdiction. “In determining whether the Ombudsman gravely abused its discretion in finding probable

cause against Napoles, et al., the Court emphasized the nature of the Office of the Ombudsman as an independent constitutional body, with wide latitude in its investigation and prosecution of cases falling within its jurisdiction,” SC said. The funds were redirected through alleged non-government organizations (NGOs), namely the Countrywide Agri and Rural Economic and Development Foundation, Inc., and the Philippine Social Development Foundation, Inc. These diverted funds, intended for ghost projects, were transferred from the DBM to the Technology Resource Center. In Special Audit Report No. 2012-03 by the Commission on Audit (COA) regarding lawmakers' PDAF allocations from 2007 to 2009, which covered Cagas' livelihood projects in 2007, the COA validated the assertions of whistleblowers about the presence of a pork barrel scam. This scam involved implementing agencies, including the Technology Resource Center, falsely claiming to implement the PDAF projects. This led the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to submit a complaint to the Ombudsman on Nov. 29, 2013, urging the prosecution of Napoles and others, as well as the officers of the implicated implementing

agencies The Field Investigation of the Office of the Ombudsman subsequently filed a complaint in February 2015. The Ombudsman, which found prima facie evidence of the existence of the pork barrel scheme, then issued a consolidated resolution finding probable cause against Napoles and others in the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and also finding against Cagas and Technology Resource Center head Antonio Ortiz for direct bribery. It also found Napoles for corruption of public officials under Article 212 of the RPC. The SC also ruled that their petitions were “moot” after the Sandiganbayan found probable cause and the issuance of a warrant of arrest to those involved in the diversion of Cagas’ P16 million PDAF in a 2021 case. “The Court found that during the preliminary investigation, the Ombudsman sufficiently established its reasonable basis to file criminal charges against Napoles, et al., with the whistleblowers categorically identifying Napoles’ involvement in the pork barrel scheme. The accounts of the whistleblowers clearly show Napoles’ connection to all those implicated in the scam, including her co-petitioners,” SC said in a separate statement. g

‘Structural changes in 2023 to have greater effect in 2024’ MANILA – The structural reforms made in 2023 will have a “greater effect” in 2024, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Monday, December 18. In a media interview in Tokyo, Marcos described 2023 as “the year of structural changes,” noting that the reforms are significant in the country’s recovery from all economic challenges left by the Covid-19 pandemic. “This 2023 was really the year of structural changes,” Marcos said, when asked to assess his performance for 2023 and what the goals of his administration are for the year to come. “So, those structural changes were necessary because we have to remodel, or re-adjust rather,

for example our fiscal policy, even our monetary policy, our spending policy, so that we are slowly moving or not so slowly, so, we’re moving away from the Covid economy,” he added. Marcos said his administration has changed the structure of the different agencies by finding the “best people” for each of those positions. Marcos expressed confidence that the government is heading in the “right direction,” adding that it will continue the modernization efforts in 2024. “We will continue to modernize. Medyo obsolete na ‘yung ibang structure natin sa gobyerno (The structure in government is somehow obsolete) that we continue to modernize, we continue to be responsive

to the new economy, that we position ourselves properly,” he said. Asked for his goals and outlook for 2024, Marcos said reform initiatives will be continued to make sure that all Filipinos will feel the effects of the changes his administration has made. “Again, we’re moving in the right direction. But if you ask me, I always say it’s too slow, it’s too slow, it's too slow. So, we will just keep pushing and pushing and pushing para matapos lahat ito (to finish it all) so that we can start to feel the effects of those changes that we made,” he said. “Now, those structural changes should start to --well, they already have but they will even have a greater effect in 2024 than they did in 2023,” he added. (PNA)

problem DEALING WITH INSURANCE CLAIMS? We’ll take it.*

CLEAN AIR. A light flow of vehicles and a smoke-free environment are seen along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue from the Kamuning footbridge in Quezon City on Tuesday, Dec. 19. On its official Facebook page, the Quezon City government said the Air Quality Index showed that the locality’s air quality remained in the “good” range on Dec. 17-18. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

House can’t exclude Senate from Charter change talks — Pimentel by CrIstIna ChI Philstar.com

MANILA — A senator on Monday, December 18 cautioned against brewing plans by the House of Representatives to amend the 1987 Constitution without the Senate’s involvement, saying that pushing ahead without them would be “unconstitutional” and “impossible.” Leaders of the House of Representatives announced last week that they would revive discussions on Charter change in 2024 following a failed attempt earlier this year when its proposal for a constitutional convention died at the upper chamber. House Senior Deputy Speaker Dong Gonzales earlier told reporters that the House is now studying other methods — such as a people’s initiative and a constitutional assembly — to take its Cha-cha plans off the ground this time. While Gonzales did not categorically say that the lower chamber can push for Cha-cha without the Senate’s involvement, he said that a people’s initiative (which would involve nationwide voting on Charter amendments) backed by at least 3% of voters in each district would reflect the “people’s decision.” Sen. Koko Pimentel has spoken

against possible attempts to exclude the Senate from the Cha-cha process, saying in an interview with CNN Philippines on Monday that the move will not prosper without the upper chamber’s support. Pimentel added that only a few senators are in favor of amending the Charter at this time and could withdraw their support with such a move. “If that’s the attitude of our colleagues at the House and they are announcing it, all the more that they will lose the support of senators,” Pimentel said in a mix of English and Filipino. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri remains cool to Cha-cha talks, saying in a radio interview over the weekend that the Senate would have to get the public’s pulse first. But ultimately, Zubiri said, Charter amendments will not be necessary to entice foreign investments due to the recently passed Public Service Act — a controversial measure that allows 100% foreign ownership of public services in the country. However, more than a year since the passage of the Public Service Act, the measure has yet to be implemented and is now facing two separate Supreme Court petitions challenging its constitutionality. Cha-cha

advocates have also cited the stalled implementation of the law, among other arguments, in supporting their push to amend the Charter and lift economic restrictions. House Speaker Martin Romualdez said that the lower chamber would renew its push to change the Constitution in 2024 to lift economic restrictions on the entry of foreign capital and investments in the country. More of the same There have been several attempts to change the Charter in previous Congresses through bills filed by lawmakers, but they were often forced to shelve their Chacha plans when the bill died at the Senate. During the 18th Congress, the Senate also expressed a lukewarm view on amending the Charter in contrast with their House counterparts, who were then pushing to amend the Constitution to create a federal type of government. In 2018, senators rebuked the attempts of then-Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to convene lawmakers into a constitutional assembly to propose changes to the 1987 Constitution, stressing that the upper chamber should maintain their independence instead of being outnumbered by the House by voting as one. g

The Asian Journal

MDWK

Wednesday DECEMBER 20, 2023

MAGAZINE

Veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez passes away By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

VETERAN actor Ronaldo Valdez has passed away. According to ABS-CBN News, Quezon City Police District confirmed the death of Ronaldo. The cause of his death has yet to be disclosed. Ronaldo has been in the showbiz industry for six decades. His last role was “Lolo Sir” in the hit teleserye “2 Good 2 Be True” that stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. Last September, Ronaldo was spotted attending the premiere night of Kathryn’s “A Very Good Girl” film riding an electric scooter. The actor was known for his movies “Seven Sundays,” “Labs Kita Okay Ka Lang,” and “The

Ronaldo Valdez

ABS-CBN photo

Mistress,” among others. He is survived by his son

Janno Gibbs and daughter Melissa Gibbs.

Ryan praised for his multilingual skills during Asia Artist Awards 2023 hosting stint By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

WHAT was initially meant to be a formal event turned into an unexpected moment of laughter, as Ryan Bang caught the attention of the Korean press after hosting the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2023 red carpet in Bulacan. As over 50 stars showed up at the Philippine Arena lobby for the red carpet event of the 2023 AAA, Bang was a standout as he displayed his impressive grasp of Korean, Filipino, and English that caused South Korea-based press to notice him. “Ininterview ako ng Korean news. Tinanong ako kasi ba’t ang galing ko daw sa iba’t ibang lenggwahe, Tagalog, English, Korean. Alam mo kung ano sinagot ko? Sabi ko kasi dito ako nagaral sa Pilipinas,” he recalled during the Dec. 15 episode of noontime show “It’s Showtime.” (I was interviewed by Korean news outlets. They asked me why I’m good at other languages like Tagalog and English, aside from my native Korean. You know what I answered? I said because I studied here in the Philippines.) Bang goes ‘multilingual’ on the red carpet During previous AAA red carpets, the focus was meant to be solely on the celebrity and their breathtaking visuals. But Bang stole the show with his hilarious commentary, uttered in Tagalog and Korean — which was even amusing to the stars themselves. During the red carpet appearance of NewJeans, Bang loudly confessed that he’s a fan of the quintet which made Hyein and Hanni giggle while waving to the fans. “Please wave to the Filipino press and your Filipino fans. Ah, I’m a fan,” he said in Korean. He then followed up with “Thank you. Ang ganda (They’re beautiful). Hay sobrang saya ko (Wow, I’m so happy),” as soon as the “Ditto” hitmakers left. Bang couldn’t help but unleash his inner fanboy as Kim Seon-ho made his appearance where he said, “Sobrang gwapo, grabe (He’s so handsome, it’s crazy).” He then instructed the actor to make several heart poses in a mixture of Korean, Filipino, and English saying: “Please look at the front. Please wave. Please do a finger heart, cheek heart, lahat ng heart na gusto mo (any kind of heart you want). Take your time. Basta ikaw (As long as it’s you), Kim Seon-ho.” Bang also made the Filipino fans laugh after complimenting K-pop boy group Stray Kids for posing right away. “Please face the Filipino fans and press on the right. Please make a finger heart,” he said in Korean and followed up with the Filipino remark, “Sana mag-guest kayo sa ‘Showtime’ (I hope you guest in ‘It’s Showtime’),” while referring to the Kapamilya noontime show.

Ryan Bang

Photo from Instagram/@ryanbang

Laughter also ensued from the audience after Bang made a lighthearted comment on the school girl-esque outfits of J-pop girl group Sakurazaka46, saying in Filipino, “Parang may pasok pa sila (It’s like they have classes later).” Bang didn’t hesitate to praise the professionalism of The Boyz in an apparent reference to a Filipino Christmas carol, after asking them to make “heart poses for fans” in his native language. “Please stand facing the press. Right now, please give heart poses for your fans. The Boyz, everyone,” he said. “Thank you, ang babait ninyo (you’re all kind).” Meanwhile, Seventeen’s Seungkwan couldn’t help but pay close attention to Bang in apparent amusement, as the latter was asking the sub-unit BSS to make poses for their Filipino fans. Bang didn’t hesitate to joke around with Melai Cantiveros as he asked the latter to make “good poses” since her photos will be featured in Korean media outlets. “Tumingin ka sa harap, huwag sa akin. Magpose ka. Lalabas ‘yan sa Korea kaya ayusin mo ang pose mo. Bakit kay Melai, konti lang ang pinipicturan ng mga press ng Korea… please look at the left side. Thank you so much, Melai. Ngayon, tumingin ka sa likod, joke lang!” he quipped. (Look in front, not at me. Pose. It will be released in Korea so fix your poses. Why is the Korean press taking a few pictures when it comes to Melai? Please look at the left side. Thank you so much, Melai. Now, look at the back. Just joking!) Prior to the hosting stint, Bang revealed in May 2023 that he declined an offer from South Korean music label SM Entertainment, as he felt that he wouldn’t fit in the standards of his home country.

Catriona looks back on her Miss Universe journey in crowning anniversary By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

Catriona Gray

Photo from Instagram/@catriona_gray

FIVE years after she was crowned as Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray said she has no regrets in being “vocal and stubborn in [her] vision” as it led her to winning the coveted crown. Gray looked back at her Miss Universe 2018 stint with fondness through a shoot inspired by her preliminary and final gowns on Instagram account last Sunday, Dec, 17, saying it was a time she “gave her absolute everything” despite being an “independent” candidate, meaning she was not under any of the beauty camps for management. “I’m fond of looking back on my journey and remembering how I had to conquer so many fears because in my pursuit, I went against the grain,” she wrote. “From being an independent, non-camp trained candidate and forming my own team; to utilizing visual, storytelling in every aspect from my national costume, to my ootds, Continued on Page 9

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Manila International Film Festival announces screening schedule The inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) recently announced the screening schedule of its films, which comprise the 10 entries of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). These films representing various genres and offering entertaining fare, starring the most exciting actors in Philippine cinema and directed by ace filmmakers, will premiere at the MIFF from January 29 to February 2 in two prestigious venues in Hollywood, the TCL Chinese Theatres and the Directors Guild of America. MIFF moviegoers will be among the first to watch the 10 films after their nationwide debut in the Philippines through the MMFF from December 25 to January 7. The 49th MMFF was recently kicked off with its beloved Christmas tradition, the Parade of Stars which this year snaked its way from Navotas to Valenzuela. Thousands of people cheered and applauded the floats bearing the stars of the ten MMFF entries: Jun Robles Lana’s “Becky and Badette,” starring Eugene Domingo and Pokwang; Lemuel Lorca’s “Broken Heart’s Trip” (Christian Bables and Andoy Ranay); Nuel Naval’s “Family of Two” (Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards); Zig Dulay’s “Firefly” (Alessandra De Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell); Pepe Diokno’s “GomBurZa” (Enchong Dee, Dante Rivero, Piolo Pascual and Cedrick Juan); King Palisoc’s “(K)Ampon” (Beauty Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay); Derick Cabrido’s “Mallari” (Piolo Pascual and Janella Salvador); Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Penduko” (Matteo Guidicelli and Kylie Verzosa); Mae CruzAlviar’s “Rewind” (Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes); and Conrado Peru, Rommel Penesa and Christopher de Leon’s “When I Met You in Tokyo” (Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon). With that lineup of starstudded MMFF entries, the MIFF in LA promises to be a very special one as well. Each of the ten entries will be screened three times throughout the fiveday film festival in Los Angeles. All screenings and events will be at the TCL Chinese Theatres unless otherwise indicated below. TCL Chinese Theatres is located on the third level of the Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland), 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028. On the MIFF’s closing day, the screenings will both be at the TCL Chinese Theatres and DGA, located at 7920 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046. Filipino film lovers or movie aficionados and fans and followers of the featured stars in the entries, mark your calendars now. MIFF announced the following schedule: Monday, January 29 – Opening day 3:00pm – 5:08pm Conrado Peru, Rommel Penesa and Christopher de Leon’s “When I Met You in Tokyo,” starring Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon 4:30pm- 6:16pm Jun Robles Lana’s “Becky and Badette,” starring Eugene Domingo and Pokwang 5:55pm – 7:55pm Nuel Naval’s “Family of Two,” starring Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards 7:25pm – 9:58pm Derick Cabrido’s “Mallari,” starring Piolo Pascual and Janella Salvador 7:00pm – 10:00pm Sponsored opening night – VIP reception 8:35pm – 10:45pm Mae Cruz-Alviar’s “Rewind,” starring Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes Tuesday, January 30 3:00pm – 4:44pm Pepe Diokno’s “GomBurZa,” starring Enchong Dee, Dante Rivero, Piolo Pascual and Cedrick Juan 4:30pm – 6:19pm Jason Paul Laxamana’s

Thousands lined up to watch the recent Parade of Stars, a beloved tradition of the Metro Manila Film Festival, whose 10 entries this year will also premiere in the inaugural Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles from January 29 to February 2, 2024. Photos by King Rodriguez/Daily Tribune, courtesy of the Metro Manila Film Festival

“Penduko,” starring Matteo Guidicelli and Kylie Verzosa 5:55pm – 7:55pm Zig Dulay’s “Firefly,” starring Alessandra De Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell 7:00pm – 10:00pm Sponsored VIP lounge – Industry mixer 7:25pm – 9:32pm Lemuel Lorca’s “Broken Heart’s Trip,” starring Christian Bables and Andoy Ranay 8:55pm – 10:42pm King Palisoc’s “(K)Ampon,” starring Beauty Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay Wednesday, January 31 3:00pm – 4:55pm Mae Cruz-Alviar’s “Rewind,” starring Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes 4:30pm – 6:16pm Nuel Naval’s “Family of Two,” starring Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards 6:00pm – 7:55pm Lemuel Lorca’s “Broken Heart’s Trip,” starring Christian Bables and Andoy Ranay 7:00pm – 10:00pm Sponsored VIP Lounge – Industry Mixer 7:25pm – 9:53pm Conrado Peru, Rommel Penesa and Christopher de Leon’s “When I Met You in Tokyo,” starring Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon 8:55pm - 10:56pm Jun Robles Lana’s “Becky and Badette,” starring Eugene Domingo and Pokwang Thursday, February 1 3:00pm – 4:45pm Zig Dulay’s “Firefly,” starring Alessandra De Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell

4:30pm – 6:02pm King Palisoc’s “(K)Ampon,” starring Beauty Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay 5:45pm – 7:53pm Derick Cabrido’s “Mallari,” starring Piolo Pascual and Janella Salvador 7:00pm – 10:00pm Sponsored VIP champagne lounge (Industry mixer/Afterparty) 7:25pm – 9:29pm Pepe Diokno’s “GomBurZa,” starring Enchong Dee, Dante Rivero, Piolo Pascual and Cedrick Juan 8:50pm – 10:54pm Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Penduko,” starring Matteo Guidicelli and Kylie Verzosa Friday, February 2 – Closing day 12:00pm – 1:45pm Directors Guild of America Theater 1 Zig Dulay’s “Firefly,” starring Alessandra De Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell 12:00pm – 1:49pm Directors Guild of America Theater 2 Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Penduko,” starring Matteo Guidicelli and Kylie Verzosa 12:00pm – 1:32pm Directors Guild of America Theater 3 King Palisoc’s “(K)Ampon,” starring Beauty Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay 3:00pm – 4:55pm Directors Guild of America Theater 1 Mae Cruz-Alviar’s “Rewind,” starring Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes 3:00pm – 5:08pm Directors Continued on Page 9

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How Teejay got over a 9-year romance

is played by Ron Angeles, By allan PoliCarPio whom Teejay previously worked Inquirer.net with in the boys’ love web series IN times of heartbreak “Ben X Jim.” or sadness, Teejay Marquez First time doing comedy travels to a place where he can Teejay is no stranger to peacefully retreat into himself. having a male screen partner. “The beach is the first place But the fact that he and Ron I go to. I stay there when I’m already had an established either happy or sad. It goes rapport made filming much both ways. Because when I look easier. “I have already far out at the ocean and feel experienced being paired with the wind blowing, it makes me another guy. I have worked feel as if life is simple,” the actor with Ron in the past, so we’re told a group of reporters at a comfortable with each other… recent Christmas dinner for the It’s fun working with friends,” comedy drama film “Broken he said. Teejay Marquez Hearts Trip,” an entry to the “Broken Hearts Trip” also Photo from Instagram/@teejaymarquez 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival. features award-winning artists television personality surmised “Being on the beach Christian Bables, Iyah Mina, that people in long relationships Andoy Ranay and Jaclyn Jose. reminds me to take a breath. can run the risk of falling And that usually helps clear “These are all award-winning out of love. “Everything was my mind of whatever is actors, so I really felt shy at first. happening at once [during the bothering me,” the actor and I was worried that I might just pandemic]… I think when a television personality added. end up causing delays because relationship wears on, I don’t “You may end up finding they all seemed so comfortable something positive amid all your know if it’s falling out of love, with comedy already. This is liking another person, or problems.” my first time,” said Teejay, who nagsawa… ganun,” he said. And he prefers to go was once based in Indonesia, “But hindi naman ako ’yun!” where he built a following and alone—not to seek out he quickly added. “Nasayangan appeared in various television company—but to reflect and ako [sa nine years], so I really “self-heal.” “I’m not one to tell shows. tried to work things out. But others about what I’m going “That’s why I prepared well then I realized that if you really through. Before I tell my story, so that once on the set, I can love the person, then you have I make sure I’m done with what show I have some comedy in to set them free.” I’m going through… so that me, too,” he added. Produced by BMC Films everything is clearer and there’s While the past few years and directed by Lemuel Lorca, no more heaviness in me,” he were difficult, Teejay couldn’t “Broken Hearts Trip” revolves said. be happier that he’s ending around a reality show that Unfortunately, Teejay 2023 on a good note. As for features “five brokenhearted couldn’t really do that when his love life, he said, he’s not in a LGBTQ individuals who are nine-year relationship ended rush and doesn’t want to force given a chance to heal” by amid the pandemic lockdowns. anything. traveling to “some of the “So that time, I tried to keep “I’m good, busy with work. myself busy by creating content most beautiful places in the I’m thankful because there were country.” One million pesos is for social media. I thought of moments when I felt low. I want at stake. But to advance in the home projects and ended up to focus on my job and I hope competition, the contestants renovating my bedroom and I can sustain the momentum must remain single at the end of in 2024. I don’t want to force bath,” he said. “It was a long each stop. process. But I was able to go myself into a relationship. Dapat Teejay plays one of the through it.” kusang dumating,” he said. “I contestants, a celebrity who Letting go want someone who understands chose career over love life. His Asked what caused the the nature of my job… someone love interest in the competition breakup, the 30-year-old who simply loves me.”

Inquirer.net

WHILE Beauty Gonzales admitted that it felt awkward to do a bed scene for the horror movie “Kampon” with Derek Ramsay, the husband of her best friend Ellen Adarna, the actress said her own husband, Norman

Crisologo, acted really cool about it. Beauty and Derek play a childless couple in the film by King Palisoc, which is one of the 10 entries in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), which will begin on Christmas Day. “My husband just said,

Manila International Film Festival... From Page 8 Guild of America Theater 2 Derick Cabrido’s “Mallari,” starring Piolo Pascual and Janella Salvador 3:00pm – 4:40pm Directors Guild of America Theater 3 Nuel Naval’s “Family of Two,” starring Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards 12:00pm – 2:08 pm TCL Chinese Theatres Conrado Peru, Rommel Penesa and Christopher de Leon’s “When I Met You in Tokyo,” starring Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon 1:00pm – 2:46pm TCL Chinese Theatres Jun Robles Lana’s “Becky and Badette,” starring Eugene Domingo and Pokwang 3:00pm – 4:47pm TCL Chinese Theatres Lemuel Lorca’s “Broken Heart’s Trip,” starring Christian Bables and Andoy Ranay 4:00pm – 5:44pm TCL Chinese Theatres Pepe Diokno’s “GomBurZa,” starring Enchong Dee, Dante Rivero, Piolo

Pascual and Cedrick Juan 5:00pm – 6:00pm DGA – Closing night awards gala Red carpet arrivals 6:00pm – 10:30pm DGA Grand Lobby Closing night awards gala Watch for announcements on how to buy early bird tickets at https:// manilainternationalfilmfest.com/ MIFF was launched in glittering rites at the DGA last November. Gracing the occasion were stars and officials from the U.S. and Manila. led by Enchong Dee, Kaladkaren, Romnick Sarmenta, and Eisel Serrano, filmmakers Jun Robles Lana, Perci Intalan, and JP Habac Jr., MMFF overall chairman, Atty. Romando Artes, and Executive Director, Atty. Rochelle Ona, MIFF president Ebradu Udarbe, chairman Ortiz, and executive producer Lisa Lew. A highlight of the launch at the DGA was a screening of three films chosen from the eight entries in the inaugural summer edition of MMFF

(Metro Manila Summer Film Festival – MMSFF) held last April in the Philippines. These well-received films were Chris Martinez’s “Here Comes the Groom”; JP Habac’s “Love You Long Time”; and Jun Robles Lana’s “About Us But Not About Us.” The latter went on to be submitted to the 81st Golden Globe Awards. The MIFF founders are Omen Ortiz, Ebradu Udarbe, Lisa Lew, Ruben Nepales and Janet Nepales, media relations consultants, and Celia Abaya Dy, ticketing manager. Also on the MIFF team are Leo Dela Cruz, chief financial officer; Erickson Ilog, chief operations officer; Ron Ramores, chief marketing officer; Cindy Sison, consultant; and Meriden Angeles, coordinating producer. For MIFF sponsorship inquiries, contact Erickson Ilog (eilog@ manilainternationalfilmfest.com) and Ron Ramores (rramores@ manilainternationalfilmfest. com).

Catriona looks back on her Miss Universe...

From Page 8 to my accessories; to creating social media strategies and campaigns.” While comparing her pageant experience to an “Ibong Adarna,” Gray described her stint as a “comeback story” as it was also a time she “rubbed [some] people” off the “wrong way” due to her “vocal” nature. “Some people, I rubbed the wrong way because I wasn’t just a ‘yes’ girl. I was vocal, stubborn in my vision of what a representative could, and ought to bring to the universe stage. Mine is also a comeback story. One that was rooted in failure,” she said. “That’s why the mythical folklore of Philippine mythology in the form of Ibong Adarna resonates so deeply: a phoenix that rises from the ashes. And five years ago, in Bangkok Thailand, I earned the greatest honor of bringing pride to my country as @missuniverse ‘You know what to do. I trust 2018,” she further added. you. You’ve already done a Gray is also happy that paying homage lot of love scenes in the past.’ to the Mayon Volcano — in the guise of her Norman knows that I do it with fiery red evening gown during the finals respect and a lot of passion for — “resonated with so many” people, as it my craft. He also told me, ‘You was meant to be a tribute to her mother’s better make sure to brush your hometown. teeth before coming home. “But just as so much happens beneath I don’t want to taste Derek’s the earth before an eruption of the volcano Continued on Page 11

Beauty admits feeling awkward kissing Derek By Marinel Cruz

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - December 20, 2023

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breaks forth, so was the unseen work, hours of dedication, love and collaborative spirit that my team poured into me, that allowed me to shine brightest on that stage, in front of the eyes of millions,” she said in a separate post. Aside from her team and loved ones, Gray also thanked God for “every opportunity and every door” she received since her reign. “The fact that I couldn’t have even fathomed living a life such as this one that has continued to exceed even my wildest expectations, is a testament that He sees the potential that you yourself, can’t even trust to see… yet,” she added. The former beauty queen also hoped that her Miss Universe stint would inspire her fans to “never give up on [their] vision,” as it helps them to “rise.” “My journey in its simplest form, has and always will be, a love letter to my country of the Philippines,” she wrote. “I hope it can serve as a reminder to never give up on YOUR vision. And that no matter what the path you’re on looks like. Know that you are never denied and only redirected.” In a separate post, she hoped that her fans would find the strength to bring their “visions [they] hold close to [their] hearts” to the “universe.”

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Clean California shares eco-friendly tips for greener holiday season Divorce mediation as an option The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - December 20, 2023

prior to pursuing litigation

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes IF the divorcing parties are both reasonable in their expectations in resolving their family law case and if they don’t think involving lawyers in their divorce case early on would be an efficient and cost effective way of going about their divorce process, then perhaps mediation is the way to go. It can be a more cost effective option to resolve your family law issues. There may be situations where involving the wrong type of lawyers in either side of the case can turn your family law case into a circus and end up costing the parties unnecessary legal fees x2 (legal fees for each party). Remember, legal fees from both parties can rapidly escalate in litigation and those fees will be coming out of the same pie. If both you and your spouse are open to a fair and amicable settlement in your family law case and both of you are not interested in playing games or weaponizing the judicial process against the other spouse, then both of you can benefit from trying mediation first before pursuing litigation. This can result to a less stressful process and preserve the size of the pie that both of you are trying to divide in your divorce case. By hiring an experienced mediator in your case, the mediator will serve as a “neutral” in your case. A mediator with many years of family law trial experience to draw upon to advise you on a myriad of possible solutions to your family law issues that is fair to both parties under the California Family Code and case law can increase the chances of settling your case substantially and in cost effective manner with less stress. Further, both parties can share in the cost of the mediation services instead of

each party paying for their own attorney to fight it out in court. If you have young children, taking a scorch earth position in litigation might not be a good idea. Remember, you will continue to co-parent your children even after the divorce case is over. Through mediation, you might be able to avoid burning bridges with your ex spouse. As part of the mediation services, mediators can also assist both parties in drafting the pleadings necessary to successfully complete the case. This may include filing the divorce petition, preparing the required financial disclosures, and drafting the settlement agreement and stipulated judgment should the parties successfully settle the case. Ofcourse, there is no guarantee that you will be able to come to an agreement but chances are higher is done through an experienced mediator. The good thing about family law is that each issue in a family law case is “divisible.” This means it is not an all or nothing predicament like in civil cases. You do not have to settle all the issues. You can settle some of the issues that you are able to agree upon and litigation the other issues you have an impasse on in court at a later time. For those issues you cannot settle in mediation, you will still have a chance to litigate them in court at a later time and hire lawyers to represent you. Both parties can also utilize experts as part of the mediation process. For example if you own a business and need the business to be appraised, the parties may jointly retain an expert for purposes of appraising the business during the mediation process in order to arrive at a fair and equitable division of community property. If you own a property prior to marriage but there was a mortgage on the property which was paid using community income during the marriage, you may have to involve an forensic accounting expert to calculate and apportion the community

interest in the property during the mediation process. In addition, most statements during mediation are privileged and confidential. The only statement or writing made in connection with mediation which can be disclosed without the express consent of both parties is the settlement agreement reached during the mediation. Except for limited exceptions created by the courts, nothing else said or written during or in the course of the mediation, or for the purpose of the mediation, can be received in evidence, compelled in discovery, or compelled as testimony in any proceeding. California Evidence Code Section 1119, 1121, and 1123. Ofcourse, both you and your spouse need to agree to give mediation a chance and will be jointly retainer the services of a neutral. Mediation should be a process to think about as an option in your divorce prior to litigation. It can save you a lot of agony and resources. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)

Alex reveals she got a nose job after ‘years of contemplating’ ALEX Gonzaga has embraced her newfound confidence after finally getting a nose job after “years of contemplating,” in hopes of inspiring fans to “do what makes [them] happy.” Gonzaga took to her Instagram account on Friday, Dec. 15, to share that she had her nose done “last month,” saying that no one could stop her from doing so. “I say do what makes you happy! After so many years of contemplating, last month I finally decided to do it. Wala [nang] nakapigil (No one could stop me). Now you nose,” she wrote, along with the hashtag “#filternomore.” In a separate post, the actress-vlogger joked about

with her new look as a way of leaving him speechless. “Magpaganda ka habang wala sa bahay asawa mo.. pagbalik nya tapos nagtaka sya saka mo sabihin, ‘Ako lang to’ (Make yourself beautiful while your husband is not around. When he comes back and he wonders, then tell him, This is just me),” she said in the caption. Gonzaga made headlines in October after revealing that she had had a second miscarriage, and that she tried to get pregnant via in-vitro fertilization (IVF). She said nonetheless that the painful experience made her realize that “God is greater than [her] pain.” Alex Gonzaga In October 2021, the Photo from Instagram/@cathygonzaga actress-vlogger suffered from welcoming her husband, Lipa her first miscarriage after City councilor Mikee Morada, sustaining a blighted ovum.

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By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

‘Tis the season when Americans produce 25% more waste

SACRAMENTO — This holiday season, Caltrans and the Clean California Campaign, in partnership with Keep America Beautiful, are encouraging Californians to make the holidays greener by reducing their trash and waste. This is especially important this time of year as studies show Americans produce 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. “By making simple yet impactful changes, Californians can minimize waste and help keep their communities cleaner,” said Tony Taveras, director of Caltrans, which oversees Clean California. “By making greener choices this holiday season, Californians will also set a great tone to maintain a Clean California throughout the new year.” Caltrans and Keep America Beautiful’s recommended waste-reduction holiday tips include: Recyclable gift-wrapping paper Instead of traditional wrapping paper that often ends up in landfills, opt for recyclable or reusable alternatives. This includes reusing newspaper and paper bags in place of wrapping paper for gifts. Don’t forget to recycle the paper afterward – just remove the tape. Another creative idea for wrapping can be gently-used scarves, handkerchiefs, or tea towels to wrap gifts. You can also package baked goods and other edible gifts in reusable glass bottles or tins. Recyclable/e-holiday cards In an age of digital connectivity, sending electronic holiday greeting cards can be an eco-conscious alternative to traditional paper cards. Making your own or using recyclable paper are other sustainable alternatives to traditional holiday cards. Natural decorations Buy a live, potted Christmas

tree to decorate – then plant it in your backyard (if you have one!) after the holiday. If you do cut down a tree, be sure to recycle it after the holiday. Clean California and Keep America Beautiful recommend using items like pinecones, holly, and evergreen branches, emphasizing the beauty and sustainability of such choices. You’ll save money by not splurging on decorations and be able to return everything to nature after the holidays. • Greener Gatherings When entertaining, cut down on excess waste by using real dishware and cutlery instead of disposable plates and utensils. Also, use washable cloth tablecloths and napkins instead of paper options. Make recycling easy for guests by placing recycling bins beside every trash bin, and make sure the products you provide can be reused or recycled. For more tips and tricks to make your celebrations ecofriendly, check out this free ”Keep the Holidays Beautiful” e-book from Keep America

Beautiful. This campaign is made possible by Governor Gavin Newsom’s Clean California initiative, a sweeping, $1.2 billion, multiyear cleanup effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and join with communities throughout the state to reclaim, transform and beautify public spaces. Since launching Clean California in July 2021, Caltrans has helped fund about 320 different community beautification projects and removed an estimated 2 million cubic yards of litter from state highways. That is enough to fill 634 Olympicsized swimming pools. The program has also created nearly 8,700 jobs that have helped Californians overcome barriers to employment and drawn more than 10,000 volunteers to events ranging from community cleanups to large debris collections for appliances, tires, and mattresses. For more information, visit CleanCA.com.

Jennylyn, Ellen on maintaining pretty looks as ‘hot mommas’ By arMin P. adina Inquirer.net

JENNYLYN Mercado and Ellen Adarna are two “hot mommas” that show mothers can still look great. And they admit that they do not feel any pressure to maintain their pretty looks. “I’m super flattered when people call me that (hot momma). But I do not want to put pressure on myself especially with how I look,” Mercado told INQUIRER.net in an online interview. Adarna chimed in: “Taking care of myself on a regular basis doesn’t feel like pressure. I’ve been doing it for years consistently, so it’s just like breathing. It’s something very normal for me.” And both celebrity moms agree that, as mothers who teach their children the value of inner beauty, it is still essential to take care of one’s physical well-being. “If you look good on the outside, you feel more confident, which also, in a way, affects how we view ourselves and others,” Mercado explained.

Ellen Adarna Photo from Instagram/@maria.ellen.adarna

Jennylyn Mercado Photo from Instagram/@mercadojenny

Adarna was more upfront, and said, “nobody wants to look and feel ugly, it’s as simple as that.” And for the holiday season where people are more stressed, Mercado advised mothers to hydrate. “No matter how busy you are with shopping, always drink water,” reminded the actress, and mother to Alex and Dylan. Adarna, mother to Elias, tells moms to learn how to

prioritize. “Swallow some vitamin ‘N,’ vitamin ‘No.’ You always have a choice,” she said. “Me-times” are hard to come by as working moms. But bkth moms find them essential. So on the rare occasions that they get some time for themselves, both Mercado and Adarna head to wellness establishments. Adarna added: “Massages.. silence and alone in my room is my ultimate me time.”

FOR RENT

community 11

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - December 20, 2023

Vilma: Yet another reason why she’s the Star for all Seasons By Tessa Mauricio-arriola A scene from “Kampon” which star Derek Ramsay and Beauty Gonzales Photo courtesy of Quantum Films

Beauty admits...

From Page 9 saliva, too,” recalled Beauty, laughing. “Yes, it was really awkward so we did the scene in a rush, but not before talking about it with our director. We did it and didn’t dwell on it anymore,” Beauty told Inquirer Entertainment during a recent press conference to formally introduce the cast and creators of “Kampon” to the public. Dark twist In “Kampon,” Beauty plays Eileen, wife to Derek’s Clark. They remain childless after eight years of marriage. One day, a little girl comes knocking at their door, claiming to be Clark’s child. The story takes a dark twist when, despite the unexpected situation, Eileen accepts the child, who appears to usher in sinister tidings. How would Beauty have reacted when faced with the same situation? “I’ll accept my husband’s kid, too,” she replied. “I’d do it in a calm and composed manner, of course. Then I’d bring her to a police station to find out if there’s anyone looking for her. After that, I’d bring her to a place that takes care of kids. I honestly don’t know if I can adopt. I haven’t opened my mind to that kind of responsibility just yet. For me, a child is not a pet that you can accept as a gift. Raising a child as if he or she is your own takes a lot of time and effort.” Beauty then explained why her character seems to accept the child so easily. “She feels frustrated because of all the people pressuring her to have a child. It’s really because of her family and friends, as well as her social media life. They would tell her, ‘Hey! You’re the only one with no child.’ I guess most of us want to have an easy way to get the things we want,” Beauty began. “Also, she feels alone. Clark, a policeman, is always away working. Then here comes a child who can fill up those empty spaces in her life. Sometimes, we make decisions when we’re sad,” the actress pointed out. Since “Kampon” is part of the MMFF and all festival entries compete for awards in various categories, Beauty was asked if she was expecting to win, particularly in the best actress category. “Based on what we’ve observed in the past, festival judges don’t look much on performances in horror films. Nakalusot si Nadine (Lustre, who won the award in 2022 for ‘Deleter’). It was the perfect time for her.” Strong contenders Beauty continued: “Winning festival awards is really about luck. I don’t expect it for myself. I must admit, we have strong contenders this year—these actresses have already proven themselves with their past projects. But, of course, there’s no harm in aspiring to win. A nomination would be good. It’s a tough battle because there’s 10 of us, but I’m happy with the lineup—they’re all good films.” “Kampon” was first picked as an MMFF entry in 2019. Beauty’s role was originally meant for Kris Aquino, who took a break from show biz because of health issues. Beauty said it’s hard to compete with Kris who has done quite a number of horror films in the past and had been labeled ‘horror queen’ for a time. “A lot of things happened along the way in relation to the script. As for me, I tried to own the role by incorporating my style into the material. I guess when I finally win an award for a horror film, I can consider myself a horror queen. If not, I’ll still be OK,” said Beauty, who also starred in horror projects like “Abandoned,” “Hellcome Home” and, most recently, the country’s entry to the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, “In My Mother’s Skin.” ‘Like painting’ “It’s harder to do a film than a TV show. For TV, you already know what to expect. When you see an episode and find yourself lacking, you can always improve in the next. When you do a film, you only have one chance to do it right. Also, especially in horror films, you won’t know the outcome until you see the final product. The only thing you can do is try to own the role and give the project your best,” she said. Beauty likened her acting style to selling and collecting framed artworks, an interest that she might have developed because of her husband, who is a visual artist and curator. “It’s really hard to describe my style. I’m very natural. I always think of the person I’m portraying as an individual. Horror is very hard to do. You have to be very creative, imaginative. It helps if you trust everybody around you on the set, especially your director. I find it hard to explain my style. It’s like painting. If I tell you what my style is and you are able to understand it, then ang baduy ko na. You won’t be able to sell me anymore, because art doesn’t have to be understood,” she pointed out.

ManilaTimes.net

ACTRESS par excellence Vilma SantosRecto continues to prove she is truly the Star for All Seasons even without trying to. On Thursday, December 14, at the grand and final media conference of “When I Met You in Tokyo” — her muchawaited Metro Manila Film Festival entry and reunion movie with iconic leading man and fellow acclaimed actor Christopher de Leon — Ate Vi was larger than life, both literally and figuratively. How so? At the panel interview in Ortigas Center’s The Crowne Plaza Galleria, she appeared on a giant screen via Zoom, looking every bit the beautiful and classic movie star that she is, albeit under the weather. As professional as ever, the full-time showbiz balikbayan — who is excited and eager to be back in the industry following a lengthy, unblemished and successful political career in Batangas — made sure to be “present” at the gathering she closely planned with her producers (JG Production’s Rowena Jamaji, Santos, Rajan Gidwani and Redgie Magno) even if “Tokyo’s” rigorous nationwide promo schedule already took its toll on the wellloved Ate Vi. Believe it or not, she and “Yet-Bo” as Ate Vi playfully calls her favorite leading man, held fan meets, guest appearances and special events across Luzon, Cebu and Davao to spread the word about their “age-appropriate” rom-com drama, which hardly any other cast of this year’s MMFF entries had done. “I’d like to apologize to all of you that I couldn’t be with you in person today, but

Though under the weather, revered actress Vilma Santos didn’t miss the finale media conference of ‘When I Met You in Tokyo,’ attending via Zoom as her leading man Christopher de Leon (seated, second from left) and the rest of the cast watched her, in awe of her dedication and professionalism. ManilaTimes.net photo

I wasn’t going to miss this for anything,” Ate Vi, who was clearly having a difficult time speaking with throat and nasal congestion, said sincerely. She shared how much she enjoyed reconnecting with fans and making new ones via road trips and air travel, just like the old days when Ate Vi was the undisputed box office queen throughout the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s until she entirely devoted her time and focus to successive elective offices. Out of a dizzying barrage of engagements, she only missed appearing at The Eddys in late November, feeling exhausted from a packed provincial blitz, and this culminating media conferencecum-thanksgiving party with the press. “I’m sorry Yet-bo you’re on your own today,” Ate Vi thoughtfully continued, “but hanggang sa dulo, magkasama tayo at tuloy ang laban!” she joked. (“But to the very end, I promise you we’re in this fight together.”) Everyone was mesmerized by the Star for All Seasons — her cast mates Gina

Alajar, Lotlot de Leon, Cacai Bautista, Lynn Cruz, Gabby Eigenman, John Gabriel, Darren and Cassy Legaspi, among others included — for her sheer dedication to the project, even if she deserved to rest and recuperate. Hoping to join the Parade of Stars today through Camanava, here are the reasons why Ate Vi defied the doctor’s orders to stay in bed: Firstly, because she truly believes audiences of all ages will fall in love with the simple and heartwarming story of Azon and Joey who meet in Tokyo and fall in love in their 60s; and because she is one with the rest of the movie industry who are doing everything they can to get people back to the cinemas anew by Christmas. “With such a great lineup of movies and stars for the MMFF, I hope and pray for everyone’s support for our beloved movie industry. We promise you something totally different from Boyet and myself. None of the heavy drama we used to do but a film that will move just the same.

12

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - December 20, 2023

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