123023 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

DECEMBER 30, 2023 - JANUARY 2, 2024 Volume 33 - No. 104 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

Manalo, US Secretary of State Blinken DATELINE USA Ready to hit the road discuss tension in West Philippine Sea in 2024? Here are new FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

California traffic laws you should know about

SACRAMENTO – New traffic laws that will affect California’s 27 million drivers will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024. Some of the laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom this year will implement programs to address pedestrian safety. A pilot program will allow installation of cameras to monitor speeding in six cities – San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles, Glendale, Long Beach and San Francisco – on streets where there are safety concerns. Here are the new laws that the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) wants drivers to know about. Advancing modernization and customer service Driver’s License renewal alternatives – AB 1606 (Gipson) This law authorizes the DMV director to

by CHARIE ABARCA

Thursday, December 28 and spoke about issues ongoing tension in West Philippine Sea. “Secretary Blinken underscored the United of mutual concern. U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Matthew States’ ironclad commitments to the Philippines MANILA — United States Secretary of State Miller confirmed this communication in a press under our Mutual Defense Treaty,” said Miller. “Secretary Blinken and Secretary Manalo also Antony Blinken and Foreign Affairs Secretary statement issued on Thursday. He said among the issues tackled was the Enrique Manalo engaged in a phone call on  PAGE A2 Inquirer.net

More Pinoys support Marcos policies on West Philippine Sea by JANVIC MATEO Philstar.com

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COVID, respiratory viruses on the rise in Los Angeles County Over the past week in Los Angeles County, the Department of Public Health has marked increases in COVID-19 reported cases, hospitalizations and deaths. While recent increases are significant, they remain considerably below last winter’s peak and common-sense protections are strongly recommended to help curb transmission and severe illness as the new year begins. Since last week, the reported daily average of COVID-19 cases has increased by more than 25 percent, from 495 to 621. This number is an undercount due to the large number of home test results for COVID-19 that are not reported to Public Health. The daily average of COVIDpositive hospitalizations increased by nearly 15 percent over the same time period, from 604 to 686, and the Hospital Admission Level for the county, reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), increased from 6.5 to 8.3 new COVID-19 hospitalization admissions per 100,000 people for data through Dec. 16. Sadly, there has also  PAGE A4

PROTECTING PETS. Members of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and EcoWaste Coalition call for a firecracker-free New Year celebration, during an event at the Paw Park at the Skydome of a mall in Quezon City on Thursday, Dec. 28. Firecrackers and fireworks startle pets, particularly cats and dogs, causing them anxiety. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

MANILA — With rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea following aggressive and dangerous maneuvers by the Chinese coast guard and militia vessels, more Filipinos now say that they support the Philippine government’s policies and programs related to the WPS. A recent survey conducted by the OCTA Research group showed that 58 percent of the respondents either strongly or somewhat agree with the Marcos administration’s response and policies toward the West Philippine Sea. The results of the survey, conducted from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, were 15 points higher than the 43 percent obtained in a similar survey made in July. Meanwhile, those who said they were dissatisfied with the government’s policies in the West Philippine decreased from 14 to 11 percent.

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SWS: 96 percent of Filipinos enter the new year with hope MANILA – Instead of fear, around 96 percent of adult Filipinos are entering the New Year with hope, the highest recorded since the pre-pandemic in 2019, according to a survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) released on Thursday, December 28. Results of the Dec. 8-11 survey found that hope for the coming new year is one point higher than the 95 percent recorded in 2022 and the highest since the pre-pandemic 96 percent in 2019. Meanwhile, 3 percent answered they are entering 2024 with fear, down by 2 points

from 5 percent in 2022. Entering the New Year with hope was the highest among respondents in Metro Manila and Balance Luzon at 97 percent, followed by Mindanao at 96 percent, and Visayas at 93 percent. The pollster said New Year hope at the end of 2023 rose slightly across educational levels compared to the end of 2022: from 92 percent to 93 percent among nonelementary graduates, from 95 percent to 97 percent among elementary graduates, from The polling firm said its Pahayag End of Year voting disposition survey showed that the former  PAGE A2 President Rodrigo Duterte got the “vote” of 48 percent of the respondents and an “impressive” trust rating of 59 percent.

Malacañang file photo

World population to hit 8 billion in 2024 Ex-President Duterte Up by 75 million in 2023

by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

MANILA — The world population grew by 75 million people over the past year and on New Year’s Day it will stand at more than eight billion people, according to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Thursday, December 28. The worldwide growth rate in the past year was just under one percent. At the start of 2024, 4.3 births and two deaths are expected worldwide every second, according to the Census Shoppers flock to the Carriedo market in Manila for some last-minute Christmas shopping Bureau figures. on last December 19. Philstar.com photo The growth rate for the

United States in the past year was 0.53 percent, about half the worldwide figure. The U.S. added 1.7 million people and will have a population on New Year’s Day of 335.8 million people. If the current pace continues through the end of the decade, the 2020s could be the slowestgrowing decade in U.S. history, yielding a growth rate of less than four percent over the 10-year period from 2020 to 2030, said William Frey, a demographer at The Brookings Institution. The slowest-growing decade currently was in the aftermath  PAGE A2

top Senate bet in 2025 by CATHERINE S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte is the top choice for senator in the 2025 midterm elections, a survey conducted by Publicus Asia Inc. showed. The polling firm said its Pahayag End of Year voting disposition survey showed that the former president got the “vote” of 48 percent of the respondents and an “impressive” trust rating of 59 percent. Following closely is Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support party-list

Rep. Erwin Tulfo, who secured a 44 percent voting predisposition and a parallel 44 percent trust rating. Dr. Willie Ong, the former vice presidential candidate and cardiologist, secured a substantial 43 percent voting predisposition and a commendable 50 percent trust rating. “Notably, Erwin Tulfo experienced a drop in support in Mindanao, sliding from 50 percent to 44 percent,” the polling firm said. “Likewise, Dr. Willie Ong witnessed a decline in trust in Mind-

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A2 DECEMBER 30, 2023 - JANUARY 2, 2024 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

More Pinoys support Marcos policies... PAGE A1

Those who are unsure if they agree or disagree with the government policy on the issue dropped from 43 to 30 percent. Across areas, support for the government policy toward the West Philippine Sea was highest among those in Metro Manila with 66 percent from 46 percent. It was followed by those in the rest of Luzon with 59 from 39 percent, and the Visayas and Mindanao with 54 percent from 32 and 60 percent, respectively. It was also highest among those in class D with 60 from 40 percent, followed by those in class E with 54 from 60 percent and ABC with 50 from 44 percent.

Dual approach Like in the previous surveys, the poll also asked respondents what measures the government should prioritize to address issues in the West Philippine Sea. According to OCTA Research, the results indicate that Filipinos want a dual approach of diplomacy and military action to assert the country’s territorial rights in the region. Some 70 percent cited diplomacy and other peaceful methods, followed by military action with 65 percent and strengthening the Philippine military’s capability to protect the country’s territories with 62 percent. Military action was defined as expanding naval patrols and

troop presence in the West Philippine Sea. Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Thursday, December 28 thanked Filipinos for supporting government actions in resolving the issue concerning the West Philippine Sea. Año gave assurance that the national interest would be pursued with “greater resolve” in 2024. “The survey results show that the country’s foreign and security policies – including strengthening our ties with partners, allies and friends – are on the right track and we will pursue our national interest with greater resolve in the coming year,” Año said. 

SWS: 96 percent of Filipinos enter... PAGE A1

95 percent to 96 percent among junior high school graduates, and from 96 percent to 98 percent among college graduates. The survey was conducted

using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults aged 18 years old and above nationwide: 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon (or Luzon outside Metro Manila), the Visayas, and Mindanao.

The sampling error margins are ±2.8 percent for national percentages, and ±5.7 percent each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. (PNA)

MODERNIZATION. Traditional jeepneys occupy a public utility vehicle (PUV) terminal at SM City North Edsa on Thursday, Dec. 28, a few days before the Dec. 31 deadline set by the government for them to consolidate under the PUV modernization program. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board earlier allowed the individual operators in routes without consolidated transport service entity to operate until January 2024. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Manalo, US Secretary of State... PAGE A1

World population to hit 8 billion... PAGE A1

of the Great Depression in the 1930s, when the growth rate was 7.3 percent. “Of course growth may tick up a bit as we leave the pandemic years. But it would still be difficult to get to 7.3 percent,” Frey said. At the start of 2024, the United States is expected to experience one birth every nine seconds and one death every 9.5 seconds. However, immigration will keep the population from dropping. Net international migration is expected to add one person to the U.S. population every 28.3 seconds. This combination of births, deaths and net international migration will increase the U.S. population by one person every 24.2 seconds. 115 million Philippines population The Philippines’ population may reach 115 million by the end of the year, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) said in November. “The Philippines, based on

the 2020 census, has recorded 109 million Filipinos and it is estimated that it will reach around 115 million by the end of 2023,” CPD deputy executive director Lolito Tacardon said in an interview with “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” program over government-run PTV4. The number is based on the country’s population growth rate of 1.6 percent annually, according to Tacardon. The Philippines is now 13th among the most populous countries in the world. “Meanwhile, in the AsiaPacific region, the Philippines is at seventh place,” Tacardon said. He noted that the 1.6-percent population growth rate annually meant that the country’s population “has already stabilized.” “Total fertility rate (showed that a woman of reproductive health normally gives birth to two children only. This is based on the 2022 Health and Demographic Survey. This means that the total fertility

level slows down the country’s population growth,” Tacardon explained. At the same time, the CPD official stressed that the fertility rate has an impact on the country’s age structure. “The dominant now is the working-age group population of 15 to 64 years old. The dependents, who are aged to zero to 14, are getting fewer in number. Its implication is that if the country becomes successful in building human resources such as the workingage population, there is a chance to accelerate economic development,” he said. “If all or many are working, all will contribute to development rather than receiving help from the government. There is positive contribution to economic development,” he added. If the number of children in the family is manageable, there will be more investment when it comes to their health, studies and well-being as a family, according to Tacardon. 

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo at the U.S. Department of State in Washington last April 11. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of State

exchanged ideas on how to reinforce [the] U.S.-Philippines cooperation in the coming year, building on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s official working visit to Washington, D.C. this past May,” he added. INQUIRER.net has reached out to Department of Foreign Affairs to ask for further details on the dialogue. The department has yet to respond to the request as of posting time. 

Ex-President Duterte top Senate bet... PAGE A1

anao, dropping from 50 percent to 42 percent, along with a decrease in support from 44 percent to 39 percent,” it added. Aside from Duterte, Tulfo and Ong, the survey also revealed that reelectionist Senators Christopher “Bong” Go (40 percent), Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos (38 percent), and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa (36 percent) “are also notable figures in the early electoral landscape.” “The National Capital Region (NCR) sees an increase in voting predisposition for Go, rising from 29 percent to 38 percent, and for

Marcos, climbing from 35 percent to 41 percent,” Publicus Asia said. Also in the survey are former Senate president Vicente Sotto III who got 33 percent, former Manila mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, 31 percent, former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, 31 percent, and former vice president Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, 27 percent. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr., who was one of the top-performing Cabinet members in an earlier survey, got 26 percent. Completing the roster is Sen. Pilar Juliana “Pia” Cayetano, who

is in the 12th spot with 25 percent voter support. The Pahayag 2023 End of the Year Survey, conducted by Publicus Asia Inc. from Nov. 29 to Dec. 4, 2023, was non-commissioned. The survey used a purposive sampling of 1,500 respondents randomly drawn from the market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos maintained by the Singapore office of PureSpectrum. The sample was restricted to registered Filipino voters maintained by PureSpectrum, a U.S.based panel marketplace with a multinational presence. 

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 30, 2023 - JANUARY 2, 2024 A3

AMMONIA LEAK. Bureau of Fire Protection personnel in hazmat suits check a reported ammonia leak inside an ice plant along Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday, Dec. 28. Liquid ammonia is used as a refrigerant in ice plants. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Mental health courts can struggle to fulfill decades-old promise by Sam Whitehead KFF Health News

GAINESVILLE — In early December, Donald Brown stood nervously in the Hall County Courthouse, concerned he’d be sent back to jail. The 55-year-old struggles with depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts. He worried a judge would terminate him from a special diversion program meant to keep people with mental illness from being incarcerated. He was failing to keep up with the program’s onerous work and community service requirements. “I’m kind of scared. I feel kind of defeated,” Brown said. Last year, Brown threatened to take his life with a gun and his family called 911 seeking help, he said. The police arrived, and Brown was arrested and charged with a felony of firearm possession. After months in jail, Brown was offered access to the Health Empowerment Linkage and Possibilities, or HELP, Court. If he pleaded guilty, he’d be connected to services and avoid prison time. But if he didn’t complete the program, he’d possibly face incarceration. “It’s almost like coercion,”

Brown said. “‘Here, sign these papers and get out of jail.’ I feel like I could have been dealt with a lot better.” Advocates, attorneys, clinicians, and researchers said courts such as the one Brown is navigating can struggle to live up to their promise. The diversion programs, they said, are often expensive and resourceintensive, and serve fewer than 1% of the more than 2 million people who have a serious mental illness and are booked into U.S. jails each year. People can feel pressured to take plea deals and enter the courts, seeing the programs as the only route to get care or avoid prison time. The courts are selective, due in part to political pressures on elected judges and prosecutors. Participants must often meet strict requirements that critics say aren’t treatmentfocused, such as regular hearings and drug screenings. And there is a lack of conclusive evidence on whether the courts help participants long-term. Some legal experts, like Lea Johnston, a professor of law at the University of Florida, worry the programs distract from more meaningful investments in mental health resources. Jails and prisons are not the

place for individuals with mental disorders, she said. “But I’m also not sure that mental health court is the solution.” The country’s first mental health court was established in Broward County, Florida, in 1997, “as a way to promote recovery and mental health wellness and avoid criminalizing mental health problems.” The model was replicated with millions in funding from such federal agencies as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Department of Justice. More than 650 adult and juvenile mental health courts were operational as of 2022, according to the National Treatment Court Resource Center. There’s no set way to run them. Generally, participants receive treatment plans and get linked to services. Judges and mental health clinicians oversee their progress. Researchers from the center found little evidence that the courts improve participants’ mental health or keep them out of the criminal justice system. “Few studies … assess longerterm impacts” of the programs “beyond one year after program exit,” said a 2022 policy brief on u PAGE A7

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COVID, respiratory viruses on the rise... PAGE A1

been an appreciable increase in the daily average deaths due to COVID-19. This week Public Health is reporting a daily average of 5 deaths, an increase from 2 earlier this month on Dec. 6. To help stem the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, residents should prioritize common-

sense precautions to protect themselves and others. Stay home if you are sick and test if you have symptoms or were exposed to COVID-19, especially when visiting with people who are more vulnerable to severe illness due to age or underlying health conditions. Wash your hands often and a well-fitted, high-quality mask can help protect against transmission

in crowded indoor spaces, including airports, train stations or places with poor ventilation. If Los Angeles County residents have questions about COVID-19, flu or RSV, including where to get vaccinated and how or when to test for COVID-19, the Public Health InfoLine is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, with the exception of Jan. 1, at 1-833-540-0473. 

known as “daylighting.” Crackdown on catalytic converter theft SB 55 (Umberg); AB 641 (Fong); AB 1519 (Bains) These new laws are intended to help combat the theft of catalytic converters and keep Californians and their cars safer. SB 55 will make it illegal to remove or alter a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from a catalytic converter. People will also be barred from knowingly possessing three or more catalytic converters with altered VINs. AB 641 makes it a misdemeanor for a person to possess nine or more used catalytic converters that have been cut from a vehicle, with some exceptions. AB 1519 makes it a misdemeanor to remove or alter VINs on a catalytic converter. Honoring first responders California Firefighter Memorial restoration – SB 374 (Ashby) The law increases the revenue available to the California Fire Foundation by raising firefighter specialty license plate renewal fees from $35 to $40. This ensures the state can adequately honor fallen firefighters. The foundation plans to use additional revenues generated by this fee change to enhance support for the foundation’s work, including providing resources for renovating the California Firefighters’ Memorial on the State Capitol grounds in Sacramento. Promoting equity Verifying registration before removing a vehicle – AB 925 (Ta) This law requires traffic enforcement officers to verify the lack of current vehicle registration with the DMV before towing a vehicle for

expired registration longer than six months. It prohibits the vehicle from being towed if the officer does not have immediate access to those records. The law is intended to avoid unnecessary towing of vehicles that are registered but do not have current registration tags on the license plate. This will prevent additional hardship for people who may not have the money to retrieve their vehicle from an impound lot. Driver’s Licenses can no longer be impounded for not paying fines – AB 1125 (Hart) This repeals existing law authorizing courts to impound a person’s driver’s license and order the person not to drive for 30 days if they fail to make an agreed-upon installment payments for bail or a fine. The law is intended to reduce hardship for low-income motorists who need to drive to work or access essential services. Traffic School nonattendance – AB 466 (Gipson) This new law removes provisions making the failure to attend traffic violator school a misdemeanor. It clarifies that the failure to attend traffic violator school is not punishable as a new offense. ID Card Pilot Program for San Diego County inmates – AB 1329 (Maienschein) This law authorizes the DMV and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department to implement a pilot program to provide eligible inmates a valid identification card or driver’s license when they are released from a county detention facility. The law is intended to expand on the progress of the Cal-ID program, which streamlines access to support services, such as medical, housing and right-to-work documents upon release. (Inquirer.net)

Ready to hit the road in 2024? Here are new... PAGE A1

establish a program allowing drivers 70 and older to complete certain driver’s license renewal requirements, such as vision and knowledge tests, remotely. Drivers 80 and older would still be required to renew in person at the DMV. The law is intended to provide older drivers with alternatives to visiting a DMV office, while increasing customer convenience and reducing the number of visits to DMV offices. Making our roads and communities safer Speed Camera Pilot Program – AB 645 (Friedman) This new law establishes a five-year pilot program allowing local transportation authorities in San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles, Glendale, Long Beach and San Francisco to install a limited number of speed cameras on local streets where there are safety concerns. The cameras will automatically take a picture of a speeding car’s license plate and deliver a notice of violation to the registered owner through the mail. The law is intended to reduce speeding, traffic collisions, serious injuries and fatalities. Improved visibility at crosswalks and intersections – AB 413 (Lee) This law prohibits a person from parking a vehicle within 20 feet of either side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present. It permits local governments to allow parking for bicycles or motorized scooters within 20 feet of a crosswalk. The law is intended to increase visibility for all road users to see oncoming traffic by removing parked cars near crosswalks and intersections, a safety measure

NO PH-CHINA CONFLICT. The Philippines’ Miss Universe 2023 bet Michelle Marquez Dee (2nd from left) receives a plaque of recognition from Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry president Dr. Cecilio Pedro in Binondo, Manila on Thursday, Dec. 28. The group said Dee embodies the value of what a “Dugong Tsino, Pusong Pinoy” is, cherishing her ethnic Chinese heritage while being an exemplary Filipino citizen. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Top 10 budgeting tips to set you up for financial success in 2024 IF you’re making a list of New Year’s resolutions, consider adding some budgeting to-dos, like tracking expenses and paying high-interest debts. Budgeting remains an indispensable tool for achieving financial goals, and as we stride into 2024, honing this skill becomes more pivotal than ever. To empower your financial journey, Moneyzine. com shares top 10 budgeting tips for the year. Automate your savings: Embrace automation by setting up recurring transfers to your savings account. Automated savings not only ensure consistency but also help you grow your nest egg effortlessly. Track every expense: Utilize budgeting apps or spreadsheets to meticulously track your expenses. This level of awareness allows you to identify spending patterns and areas where you can cut back. Embrace the 50/30/20 rule: Consider adopting the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, allocating 50 percent of your income to necessities, 30 percent to wants and 20% to savings and debt repayment. This balanced approach fosters financial stability while accommodating personal desires. Prioritize high-interest debt repayment: Tackle high-interest debts aggressively. Devote extra funds to paying off credit card debt or loans with high-interest rates to alleviate financial burdens and save on interest. Set realistic goals: Define clear and attainable financial goals for 2024. Whether it’s building an emergency fund, saving for a specific purchase, or investing, setting tangible goals motivates consistent budgeting efforts. Practice mindful spending: Before making purchases, especially substantial ones, practice

Unsplash.com photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya

mindful spending. Ask yourself if the expense aligns with your priorities and whether it’s a necessity or a fleeting desire. Review and adjust regularly: Revisit your budget regularly to assess its efficacy. Life changes, and so should your budget. Adjust allocations based on evolving needs or unexpected circumstances. Explore subscription audits: Conduct audits on your subscriptions. Identify and eliminate those you don’t fully utilize. This helps in freeing up funds for more meaningful expenses or savings. Utilize cashback and rewards programs: Make the most of cashback and rewards programs offered by credit cards or apps. These incentives can add up over time and contribute to your savings or offset expenses. Cultivate financial education: Invest time in enhancing your financial literacy. Attend workshops, read reputable financial blogs, or seek advice from professionals. The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to make sound financial decisions. (Inquirer.net)

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

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Heart disease remains Philippines’ leading cause of death, says PSA by ZEUS LEGASPI Inquirer.net

MANILA — Heart disease is still the leading cause of death among Filipinos during the first half of 2023, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed on Friday, December 29. A PSA report shows ischemic heart disease topped the causes of deaths in the country from January to July in 2023. Over 65,000 cases of this type of ailment were recorded during the six-month period. It represented 19 percent of all recorded deaths during that timeframe. According to National Nutrition Council, ischemic heart disease develops when the arteries of the heart fail to deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart due to a buildup of plaque

in the lining of the arteries. Unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, age, and genetics can lead to risk factors. These factors include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and obesity, which then contribute to the development of the disease. The cardiovascular disease is followed by neoplasms, or the abnormal growth of tissue that may lead to cancer. The cases for neoplasms reached more than 35,000, equivalent to 10 percent of total deaths. Cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke, carotid stenosis, vertebral stenosis, intracranial stenosis, aneurysms, and vascular malformations, came in third. PSA recorded 35,076 of such

cases, contributing to 10 percent of deaths in the Philippines. Diabetes milletus was fourth with over 21,000 cases or 6.3 percent of all deaths during the first 6 months of last year. Ischemic heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the Philippines for many years now. Looking back, from January to December 2022, deaths due to the ailment reached more than 123,000 or 18 percent of the total deaths among Filipinos. Meanwhile, in 2021, ischemic heart disease led to the deaths of over 155,000 Filipinos or 17 percent of all registered deaths. PSA’s data was released a SAFE REVELRIES. Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. and Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando (3rd and 4th from left) lead the inspection of distributors at Bocaue Fireworks Market on Friday, Dec. 29. The inspection aims to ensure safety during the New few days ahead of the New Year Year’s Eve celebrations. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler celebrations when many people engage in binge eating and indulgences that are harmful to health. 

Yearender: ICC rejects Philippines appeal to stop drug probe by JANVIC MATEO Philstar.com

MANILA — Judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have given the go-signal for the resumption of investigation into possible crimes against humanity committed in connection with the Duterte administration’s deadly campaign against illegal drugs and the so-called Davao death squad. In the Philippines, months after President Marcos declared that the government will not cooperate with ICC investigators, some of his allies in Congress are now calling for the country to rejoin the international body. Last July, in a split decision, the ICC Appeals Chamber rejected the Philippine government’s appeal on an earlier ruling that allowed prosecutor Karim Khan to proceed with the preliminary investigation into the situation in the Philippines. It paved the way for the continuation of the investigation, which will cover killings committed in the context of the

war on drugs from July 1, 2016 to March 16, 2019, when the Philippines officially withdrew from the Rome Statute that established the ICC. Also included were Davao death squad killings between Nov. 1, 2011 to June 30, 2016, when former president Rodrigo Duterte was either mayor or vice mayor of the city. The decision, which was welcomed by drug war victims and their families, prompted Marcos to announce that the country will fully disengage from the international body. But in a surprising turn of events, the House committees on human rights and justice on Nov. 29 approved the resolutions urging Marcos to cooperate with the ICC investigation and rejoin the body. A similar resolution was also filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros in the Senate. Days earlier, Marcos said that proposals to rejoin the ICC were under study, although Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin later said: “In my view,

as far as I know him, he does not mean that we are going back to the ICC very soon.” Solicitor General Menardo Guevara also maintained that resolutions from Congress are only “non-binding expressions” of lawmakers’ sentiments. This means that the decision to rejoin the ICC would still be up to Marcos. Inaction At the ICC, the victims said there is still no prospect of genuine investigations and prosecutions in the Philippines, despite the change in administration. In May, a 20-page redacted version of the victims’ submission was released to the public. It outlined the views and concerns raised by 350 individual victims and 165 families regarding the Philippine government’s appeal to the Jan. 26 decision that allowed the resumption of the probe. “The situation in the Philippines has not materially  PAGE A7

China to US: Stop supporting PH by BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO ManilaTimes.net

CHINA urged the United States to stop supporting the Philippines' "infringement" in the South China Sea (SCS) as it warned Manila that it would "not turn a blind eye" to its repeated provocations in the region. Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Wu Qian said the U.S. should "stop meddling in the South China Sea issue and safeguard regional peace and stability with concrete actions." "The U.S. is misrepresenting facts and making groundless accusations on China's legitimate actions of rights protection. We strongly deplore and firmly oppose to that," Wu said at a press conference on December 28. The Chinese Embassy in Manila shared Wu's statement Thursday evening, December 28. The U.S. has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. The Philippines and China have overlapping claims in the SCS and in the West Philippine Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs in October filed diplomatic protests against the CCG's use of water cannon against Philippine

vessels on resupply missions to Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc and soldiers stationed in BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. Asked to comment on Wu's remarks, the U.S. Embassy in Manila on Friday, December 29 said, "We have no specific Embassy response as this is more of a question for [Washington] D.C." Wu said that China has "indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao (Spratly Islands), including Ren'ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) and its adjacent waters." He said the U.S., "out of selfish calculations, has been conniving and emboldening the Philippines' infringement and provocations, and attempting to threaten and coerce China with the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty." "It will not work on China. Issues related to Ren'ai Jiao are between China and the Philippines, and have nothing to do with any third party," Wu said. He also dismissed the statement of Philippine defense officials that the China Coast Guard (CCG) used water cannons to attack Philippine vessels near Ren'ai Jiao and collided with them, causing tensions in the region. Wu also denied using long-

range sonic devices and militarygrade lasers to attack Philippine navy personnel. "This is purely false hype. As for the so-called sonic or laser weapon, this is entirely groundless accusation," he said, adding that China has "no intention or necessity" to use such devices. China is "always committed to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation and making joint efforts to maintain maritime stability," Wu said. The Philippine side, he said, "in disregard of repeated warnings from the Chinese side, insisted on sending vessels to intrude into the adjacent waters of China's Ren'ai Jiao, and provocatively rammed a China Coast Guard vessel and caused scratch." "Such behavior is very dangerous and extremely unprofessional," the Chinese official said. "We noted that the Philippine side had claimed to conduct humanitarian supplies. However, those supply vessels carried many journalists and propagated disinformation," he said. "In my view, this is not humanitarian supply at all; it is to deliberately create an incident, play victim and make a show in the name of humanitarian supply," Wu said. 

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

A6 DECEMBER 30, 2023 - JANUARY 2, 2024 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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FEATURES

OPINION

Reprieve for PUVs

JEEPNEY drivers and operators got some reprieve from the government on Thursday, December 28 in the implementation of the public utility vehicle modernization program. With the Dec. 31 deadline for consolidation of public utility vehicles under the PUVMP just around the corner, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Thursday modified its stand, allowing individual PUV operators to continue plying routes without a consolidated transport service entity or TSE until Jan. 31, 2024. The one-month grace period was granted by the LTFRB as the Supreme Court still had not issued a temporary restraining order as of Thursday on the implementation of the PUVMP including the Dec. 31 deadline for consolidation or application to consolidate. Instead, the SC ordered the Department of Transportation, mother agency of the LTFRB, to comment on several petitions seeking the TRO prior to stopping the implementation of the PUVMP. During the one-month grace period, the LTFRB will continue issuing show-cause orders to the PUV operators that have not complied with the modernization program. While there has been no TRO on the program from the high tribunal, the one-month grace period is an acknowledgment of the insufficiency of public transportation especially in Metro Manila and other densely populated urban centers. The LTFRB acknowledged as much, as it declared in its five-page memorandum circular, which took effect on Dec. 25, that the one-month operation

of unconsolidated PUVs in selected routes is needed so as “not to hamper the operation of public transportation routes without consolidated TSE.” This insufficiency of affordable mass transportation is the reason for the continuing existence of traditional jeepney operations. While these jeepneys provide uncomfortable rides and slow down traffic through frequent stops and long waits for passengers at any point along their route, people find the ride easily accessible and the most affordable – two key considerations for the majority of commuters. With the arrival of more efficient, comfortable and environment-friendly modern versions of the jeepney, the phaseout of the traditional iconic Filipino public transport at least from major thoroughfares is inevitable. Local jeepney makers are moving to present a more affordable alternative that preserves many of the features of the traditional vehicle. But so far, the products cannot compete with the modern versions, many of which are hybrid electric and therefore more

Editorial

The Broader View

HARRY ROQUE OWING to our religiosity, sunny disposition and resilient nature, most of us are predisposed to welcome 2024 with much optimism. The poll results from Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations (SWS) show that a majority does not fear the coming New Year. Never mind that most respondents surveyed by Pulse Asia anticipated a less prosperous Christmas 2023. An earlier SWS survey disclosed that the quality of life worsened for 30 percent of Filipinos in the past 12 months. Another polling firm, Publicus Asia, reported that most people believe that the administration of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. should focus on the economy and the problem of inflation. These are the country’s most pressing macroeconomic issues, according to 15 percent of the respondents. They also want the government to address corruption (12 percent) and poverty (9 percent). On a microscale, the public is most anxious about finding employment (14 percent), affordability of basic needs and fear of losing a job (12 percent). In terms of public

The year that was safety concerns, nine out of 10 Filipinos are worried about the rising criminality and illegal drug use in communities. For the public, economic challenges are interconnected with safety concerns. It seems the Marcos government has their work cut out for them in 2024. Provided that our leaders listen to the sentiments of our kababayans. It is also evident that domestic politics and external security threats, such as the West Philippine Sea (WPS) conflict, rank low on the people’s concerns. Daily survival and improving living conditions are always at the top of their priorities. And regardless if they weigh in on major issues from time to time. Summing up Tumultuous. That is the Philippine political scene in 2023. The WPS issue, the widening rift among UniTeam’s pillars, the inflation problem, the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and the release of former senator Leila de Lima from detention dominated the national conversation. I will focus on two issues. The year began with the successful state visit of PBBM to China, wherein he discussed the peaceful resolution of the WPS conflict with President Xi Jinping.

Days after, the China Coast Guard (CCG) drove away Filipino fishers at the Ayungin Shoal. The CCG continued to attack government and private vessels with water cannons, military-grade lasers and blockades. From then on, the bilateral relations between our nations have gone further south. America, the country’s Big Brother, finally broke its noninterference policy on conflicting claims to territories. In May, U.S. President Joe Biden declared his country’s ironclad commitment to defend the Philippines against China. For now, I see this as an empty promise. Where was America when we lost the Panganiban Reef in 1995 and Panatag Shoal in 2012 to the erstwhile Middle Kingdom? Since then, what has the United States done to stop the Asian superpower from bullying us? Threatened by China’s increasing economic and military might, their leaders are suddenly invoking the Mutual Defense Treaty. In my view, the U.S. does not believe the Philippine sovereign claims to the disputed WPS features. America is merely exploiting the sorry state of our military defense relative to the WPS conflict to curtail China’s ascendancy in the Indo-Pacific. Very simply, the U.S. wants to impose its hegemonic influence in the region.

Hopeful

First Person ALEX MAGNO SWS conducted a survey in the second week of this month asking respondents whether they were hopeful or fearful for the next year. A record 96 percent said they were hopeful rather than fearful. I am not sure about the wisdom of presenting respondents with a binary choice between hope and fear. But this is a recurring survey with the same question. The uptick in hopefulness must be celebrated. There are enough reasons to be fearful, of course. The year we are about to close has been warped by war. The specter of inflation continues to haunt. There are signs some of the major economies will fall into recession. Tensions in the South China Sea will likely continue to spiral in the coming period. Our domestic economy is far from spectacular – although we

posted remarkably low poverty and unemployment numbers this year. We will probably grow at a little over 5 percent even as our economic planners have set “fighting targets” as high as 7 percent. Nevertheless, we will lead the Southeast Asian region in growth. Our neighbors are feeling the pressure of the global economic slowdown more than us. This is likely because they are more trade-driven than us. The longer-term future is not promising. We lag behind our neighbors in investment flows. Our agriculture is stagnant and inflation will continue to be driven by rising food prices. But our balance of payments picture is solid – because of stronger remittance flows from our migrant workers. Domestic consumption remains strong, inflation notwithstanding. The high interest rate regime, imposed to curb inflation, chokes business activity. It slows down growth, even as it does not solve the cost issues that fuel price increases.

We are looking to the new economic czar to help clear the bottlenecks to investment and correct the many policy flaws that hamper our development. It still remains, however, that we are spending drastically less than our neighbors in improving our human capital. It is time to look beyond our reliance on exporting low-grade labor and feeding our young to the digital sweatshops that call centers actually are. Then again, there are enough reasons to be hopeful. We have an adaptive and resilient population used to struggling through difficult times. New communications technologies open more opportunities for value creation. New supply chains are helping our small enterprises generate employment. Our economy has made significant gains in expanding green energy. Every kilowatthour of green energy we generate means a kilowatt-hour less of dirty power. The costs of shifting to renewable sources of

ManilaTimes.net photo

fuel-efficient. Some PUV operators also say the price difference between the two versions isn’t big enough. While providing whatever assistance can be extended to those who are being displaced by

the PUVMP, the government must also intensify efforts to boost mass transportation services. The only way traditional jeepneys can be fully phased out is if people find no more need for their services. (Philstar.com)

Our history with China through the centuries and before our colonization is one of peaceful trade and cooperation. Historically, we never had any military conflict with the superpower. During the time of president Rodrigo Duterte, we were able to maintain friendly ties with both China and the U.S. Why must we change the status quo to accommodate America’s vested interests? Unfortunately, I heard that the president has been receiving advice from a public relations professional with strong links with the U.S. embassy. Thus, the balance has increasingly tilted in Uncle Sam’s favor. For our national economic interest, I urge the government to continue forging closer relations with China so that we can benefit from the country’s prosperity and development. Another major controversy is the internal squabbling within the UniTeam alliance. The rift between Vice President Sara Duterte and House Speaker Martin Romualdez seems irreconcilable at this point. The root cause: the Lower House leadership removed former president and current Pampanga Representative Gloria MacapagalArroyo as senior deputy speaker. According to my sources, Romualdez accused GMA of possessing Articles of Impeachment against PBBM, who was then concurrent head of the Department of Agriculture.

It is related to the controversial Sugar Order (SO) No. 6, which became the subject of my Feb. 25 column. I wrote that the government allowed the entry of 450,000 metric tons of imported sugar to our shores sans a sugar order; favored three importers that were pre-selected in January and breached the selection process of allocation to importers. I have copies of the letters submitted by the said companies to the president through the office of Speaker Romualdez. The seasoned politician that she is, GMA would not try to unseat a popular chief executive. Further, PBBM has referred to Arroyo as his “secret weapon” in several official overseas trips. I also believe her assertion that she is not interested in becoming Speaker again. Therefore, GMA was unjustly accused and stripped of her previous post. As a result of the Lower House drama, Inday Sara resigned as Lakas-CMD party chair and member. She also dropped the infamous “tambaloslos” word, which incensed Martin and his followers. As payback, the Lower House disapproved Sara’s confidential fund request for the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education. As early as September, impeachment rumors against the VP became rife in Congress. Later on, two congressmen sponsored resolutions calling

on the Executive to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation of the drug war campaign. The representatives of the alleged victims have accused FPRRD and Inday Sara of complicity with the extralegal killings of individuals linked to illegal drugs. Previously, I disclosed that PBBM is seriously considering cooperating with the ICC Prosecutor. Apparently, he was dismayed by allegations that FPRRD and retired military generals were plotting to remove him from power. In my opinion, the story is pure hogwash. Digong knows that if the military stages a coup d’etat, there will be extraconstitutional changes in the government. Both the president and VP Sara would lose their mandate. Why would a former president willingly destroy a nation he painstakingly brought to greater socioeconomic heights? Would a loving father destroy the political career of his favorite daughter? The state of Philippine politics in 2023 is both saddening and maddening. I wish 2024 will be a year of understanding, healing and reconciliation for the nation. A prosperous New Year to us all! (Philstar.com) ***

energy has been declining. That is good news. More important, our private sector is proving to be more responsive to the requirements of economic development. Humongous investments flowed into large infra projects that government could not build on its own. The new airport rising in Bulacan is breathtaking in scale. It will be a world-class facility that will attract around it sunrise technology industries. Spanking new expressways have been built through entirely private investment. They help clear the congestion that hampered economic activity. More than farm-to-market roads, what we need to keep pace with our neighbors is factory-to-port infra. The latter will yield much more economic value. We will probably see better investment flows the coming year. That is easy to see. Investment flows the last few years have been paltry. The so-called “learning deficit” may have been overstated. An economist looked into the matter and found that our private schools have produced graduates with

competitive skills. It is our public school system that is killing us. There are large private investments in large poultry and vegetable farms that will revolutionize the way we do agriculture. May we have more of them in the coming years. Gains in renewable power generation and wider use of electric vehicles dented demand for fossil fuels. The larger trend now is towards cheaper oil – that, in turn, will help moderate inflation into the medium term. Still, the global economy will bring headwinds to our progress. The prospects for wider conflict in the Middle East rose the past few days as Israel launched attacks against Hezbollah bases in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. A drone possibly launched from Iran hit a civilian vessel in the Indian Ocean. Houthi rebels, under the direction of Iran, continued attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Putin’s war against Ukraine is likely to continue for another year. Russia has been able to tolerate massive losses in men and equipment to keep its aggression going. Domestic American politics is getting in

the way of ensuring Ukraine gets enough military support to effectively counter the Russians. The two raging wars in Ukraine and the Middle East will continue to threaten global supply routes and raw materials. Unfortunately, it is unlikely to find a negotiated solution to either of them in the near term. As always, the indications induce both fear and hopefulness. We will have a difficult path to navigate in the next period to ensure the health and well-being of our people. While most of the factors inducing dread are beyond our control, there are enough things we could do to correct the wrong policies that keep our economy weak. Reform is entirely within our control. The next survey should look beyond the binary sentiments of fear and hope. We need to measure our people’s receptivity to change. (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.

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 30, 2023 - JANUARY 2, 2024 A7

Philippines leads in promoting women – DFA THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) highlighted the Philippines' leadership in promoting women's role in peacebuilding and the global women, peace and security (WPS) agenda. The DFA on December 11 joined the launching of the Philippine National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security 2023-2033 (NAPWPS) hosted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity. "Recognizing that women are disproportionately affected by conflict and at the same time play a crucial role in promoting peace and security, the NAPWPS integrates gender-responsive approaches into the Philippines' peace processes," the DFA said. In the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), the first Philippine NAPWPS in 2010 was a "trailblazer," being the first NAPWPS in Southeast Asia, the DFA said in a statement last De-

cember 21. "Our commitment to the WPS agenda is not just a contemporary initiative — it is a continuation of a legacy that has always aspired for peace, equality, justice and freedom, which are now enshrined in our 1987 Constitution," Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said. "This commitment extends beyond our borders, finding resonance in our engagements with the United Nations, Asean, and other international organizations," Manalo said. During the Philippine chairmanship of the Asean Summit in 2017, Asean leaders issued a "groundbreaking statement prioritizing the needs and rights of women in conflict-affected areas," the DFA said. In 2018, the Philippines also led the establishment of the Asean Women for Peace Registry in Cebu City. In the United Nations, the Philippines spearheads biennial UN

General Assembly resolutions addressing violence against migrant workers and trafficking in women and girls, including during armed conflicts. In 2013, at the 57th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the Philippines led the negotiations on eliminating violence and discrimination against women and girls, "a significant achievement for the Philippines since the Commission was not able to come up with an agreement on the same theme 10 years prior," the DFA said. Building on the first three versions of the NAPWPS, the fourth-generation document focuses on the "root causes of conflict, allowing stakeholders to take a more proactive approach," the Foreign Affairs department said. The fourth-generation NAPWPS "carries forward this legacy of Philippine leadership in em- SAFER THAN FIRECRACKERS. Amid the ban on firecrackers, vendors in Davao City on Friday, Dec. 29 sell “torotot” for P20 to P100, depending powering women to bring about on the size and design. In 2002, the City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, or use of peace in their communities," it firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices in Davao City. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr. said. (ManilaTimes.net)

Yearender: ICC rejects Philippines appeal... Marcos urged to go beyond ‘toothless’ EO for LGBTQ+ concerns PAGE A5

MANILA — Discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons cannot be sufficiently addressed by a "special" government body led by non-experts in gender equality and human rights, an LGBTQ+ rights advocate said on Wednesday, December 27. The chairperson of Bahaghari Philippines, an alliance of LGBTQIA+ advocates and organizations, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should go beyond “political doublespeak” and command the speedy passage of the long-stalled SOGIE bill in Congress instead. “We hope that President Marcos will no longer skirt around the issue, because we have never failed to be vocal about our demand: an actual law that would protect us from discrimination,” Bahaghari chairperson Reyna Valmores said in Filipino in an interview with ANC’s "Headstart." Valmores said that the recently issued Executive Order (EO) 51 creates a special committee “with constituents who are not experts in gender equality and human rights.” The LGBTQ advocate also pointed out that the EO is “not a new EO” as it amends a previous order issued by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019. “To say it bluntly, this was not felt by ordinary Filipinos, especially ordinary LGBTQ persons. We feel that this EO (51) will also be toothless. In fact, the SOGIE equality bill —

the whole idea of having a body that oversees LGBT concerns — it is already included there,” Valmores added. On December 23, Malacañang issued EO 51 reinforcing the government's Diversity and Inclusion Program (DIP) with the goal of addressing the "continued discrimination" experienced by LGBTQ persons. Under the program, a special committee on LGBTQ affairs will lead the implementation of the DIP and review all existing policies related to LGBTQ issues. According to EO 51, the special committee will be chaired by a government official with the rank of an undersecretary and will have members with the rank of an assistant secretary, “who shall all be appointed by the President from among the members of reputable organizations representing the LGBTQIA+ community.” Valmores said that the special panel might be reduced to "another means to obtain funding" for government officials. “We've seen the document on who the members of the committee will be. It's the same people that don't speak to the experiences of the LGBT," the LGBTQ+ advocate added. Valmores said that the panel should have drawn its core members from civil society and non-government organizations who have expertise in gender and human rights.

“Dozens from the LGBT community are already speaking out about our issues in the hearings of the SOGIE bill, and we don't feel it’s something we have been lacking on,” Valmores said. The rights advocate also said that whatever the president designates as a priority measure would clear Congress in record time, such as the bills creating the Maharlika Investment Fund and the Mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps program, among others. “If President Marcos was really committed and had the political will to pass SOGIE, it can be passed in less than a month,” Valmores added. Legislation that seeks to prohibit the discrimination of people's sexual orientation, gender identity and expression have stalled in both chambers of Congress for years due to lawmakers’ and faith-based organizations’ arguments that these would infringe on religious rights. In the last House marathon hearing on SOGIE measures, evangelical groups attempted to block its passage at the committee level due to concerns that have already been debated in previous Congresses, such as respect for religious freedom, concerns on necrophilia and pedophilia and the conflation of same-sex marriage with SOGIESC discrimination, among others. (Philstar.com)

Mental health courts can struggle to fulfill...

PAGE A5

mental health courts. The courts work best when paired with investments in services such as clinical treatment, recovery programs, and housing and employment opportunities, said Kristen DeVall, the center’s co-director. “If all of these other supports aren’t invested in, then it’s kind of a wash,” she said. The courts should be seen as “one intervention in that larger system,” DeVall said, not “the only resource to serve folks with mental health needs” who get caught up in the criminal justice system. Resource limitations can also increase the pressures to apply for mental health court programs, said Lisa M. Wayne, executive director of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. People seeking help might not feel they have alternatives. “It’s not going to be people who can afford mental health intervention. It’s poor people, marginalized folks,” she said. Other court skeptics wonder about the larger costs of the programs. In a study of a mental health court in Pennsylvania, Johnston and a University of Florida colleague found participants were sentenced to longer time under government supervision than if they’d gone through the regular criminal justice system. “The bigger problem is they’re taking attention away from more important solutions that we should be investing in, like community mental health care,” Johnston said. When Melissa Vergara’s oldest son, Mychael Difrancisco, was arrested on felony gun charges in Queens in May 2021, she thought he would be an ideal candidate for the New York City borough’s mental health court because of his diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and other behavioral health conditions. She estimated she spent tens of thousands of dollars to prepare Difrancisco’s case for consideration. Meanwhile, her son sat in jail on Rikers Island,

where she said he was assaulted multiple times and had to get half a finger amputated after it was caught in a cell door. In the end, his case was denied diversion into mental health court. Difrancisco, 22, is serving a prison sentence that could be as long as four years and six months. “There’s no real urgency to help people with mental health struggles,” Vergara said. Critics worry such high bars to entry can lead the programs to exclude people who could benefit the most. Some courts don’t allow those accused of violent or sexual crimes to participate. Prosecutors and judges can face pressure from constituents that may lead them to block individuals accused of high-profile offenses. And judges often aren’t trained to make decisions about participants’ care, said Raji Edayathumangalam, senior policy social worker with New York County Defender Services. “It’s inappropriate,” she said. “We’re all licensed to practice in our different professions for a reason. I can’t show up to do a hernia operation just because I read about it or sat next to a hernia surgeon.” Mental health courts can be overly focused on requirements such as drug testing, medication compliance, and completing workbook assignments, rather than progress toward recovery and clinical improvement, Edayathumangalam said. Completing the programs can leave some participants with clean criminal records. But failing to meet a program’s requirements can trigger penalties — including incarceration. During a recent hearing in the Clayton County Behavioral Health Accountability Court in suburban Atlanta, one woman left the courtroom in tears when Judge Shana Rooks Malone ordered her to report to jail for a seven-day stay for “being dishonest” about whether she was taking court-required medication. It was her sixth infraction

in the program — previous consequences included written assignments and “bench duty,” in which participants must sit and think about their participation in the program. “I don’t like to incarcerate,” Malone said. “That particular participant has had some challenges. I’m rooting for her. But all the smaller penalties haven’t worked.” Still, other participants praised Malone and her program. And, in general, some say such diversion programs provide a much-needed lifeline. Michael Hobby, 32, of Gainesville was addicted to heroin and fentanyl when he was arrested for drug possession in August 2021. After entry into the HELP Court program, he got sober, started taking medication for anxiety and depression, and built a stable life. “I didn’t know where to reach out for help,” he said. “I got put in handcuffs, and it saved my life.” Even as Donald Brown awaited his fate, he said he had started taking medication to manage his depression and has stayed sober because of HELP Court. “I’ve learned a new way of life. Instead of getting high, I’m learning to feel things now,” he said. Brown avoided jail that early December day. A hearing to decide his fate could happen in the next few weeks. But even if he’s allowed to remain in the program, Brown said, he’s worried it’s only a matter of time before he falls out of compliance. “To try to improve myself and get locked up for it is just a kick in the gut,” he said. “I tried really hard.” KFF Health News senior correspondent Fred Clasen-Kelly contributed to this report. This article was produced by KFF Health News, formerly known as Kaiser Health News (KHN), a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.

improved for the victims represented. If any, gains have been isolated and marginal… Cases against the perpetrators of the crimes have not been forthcoming. Even attempts to obtain recognition that the killings were extra-legal have, unfortunately, been met with resistance from state institutions,” read a portion of a representation made on behalf of the victims. “There is no substantial, effective and comprehensive investigation into the killings and abuses committed in the Philippines under the pretext of Duterte’s ‘war on drugs’ at present,” it added. The victims also claimed that the present administration is “unwilling to investigate” the drug war killings, noting that the police still go to their areas to continue operations similar to Oplan Tokhang. “The victims believe that the present Marcos administration cannot successfully secure justice for them. President Marcos has not eschewed Operation Tokhang and has made no overt action to prosecute or hold accountable any of the top officials or to review the policy,” a portion of the filing read. Calling for the continuation of the ICC probe, the victims

said that “justice and accountability in the Philippines remain largely elusive.” Duterte’s role In a separate filing last April, ICC prosecutor Khan maintained that the alleged crimes are not of “marginal gravity” as claimed by the Philippine government. “In the present situation, the available information demonstrates that at least more than 5,000 and possibly as many as 30,000 civilians (including children) have been killed by police or by ‘unidentified’ perpetrators apparently acting in coordination with police,” he said. “In many instances, the police allegedly staged self-defence scenarios, planted evidence or otherwise obstructed justice in an effort to justify the premeditated and deliberate murder of civilians,” it added. He also underscored the role of Duterte in the alleged killings. “Nothing about these crimes, committed in large part by law enforcement personnel entrusted with protecting citizens from violence, suggests that the potential cases before the Court are of marginal gravity,” it read. “To the contrary, they are extremely serious and appear

to have been at the very least encouraged and condoned by high-level government officials, up to and including the former president,” added the prosecutor, referring to Duterte, whose administration was marred by thousands of killings, including during police operations conducted in support of his campaign against illegal drugs. Even before the House resolutions, which have yet to pass the chamber, various groups are already urging the government to cooperate with the ICC and allow its investigators to enter the country. Among those leading the call is the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), now composed of officials appointed by Marcos. In August, CHR Chairman Richard Palpal-latoc said they are ready to cooperate with the ICC even with Marcos’ earlier proclamation that the country will disengage from the ICC. “The CHR is a national human rights institution. We are part of a regional and global network of human rights institutions. We have an independent mandate to look into human rights concerns of Filipinos here and abroad,” Palpal-latoc said in a mix of English and Filipino. 

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Visa issued despite a criminal record, a traffic violation, and an eight-peso fine, on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy IN an earlier episode of Citizen Pinoy, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney helped Allen obtain her fiancée visa through U.S. citizen Wendel, who is now her husband. Since then, Allen has become a U.S. citizen herself, and she petitioned her parents. Nanay had no problem with her case. But Tatay Florentino encountered several obstacles when the family tried to handle it themselves.

He had worked in Iraq, which created issues. He also had to go through three sputum tests. But most importantly, his NBI records showed a criminal matter and an arrest warrant from over 40 years ago. Apparently, an arrest warrant was issued against Tatay Florentino for the traffic violation of having a broken taillight, which he never had the chance to take care of.

Consequently, he pled guilty for the offense charged and paid the P8.00 fine. He thought the case had been settled until it surfaced some 40 years later, preventing him from joining his family in the U.S. Lost records and damaged files due to fire, flood, or termites did not help Tatay Florentino’s case either. Fortunately, Atty. Gurfinkel handled the case, gathering documents, requesting court records, and guiding the client every step of the way until his visa was finally issued. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 31 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

AN 8-PESO CRIMINAL CASE FROM 1979 ALMOST PREVENTED TATAY FLORENTINO FROM JOINING HIS FAMILY IN THE U.S. When U.S. citizen Allen (4th from left) petitioned her parents, Nanay (2nd from left) had no problems, but Tatay Florentino (extreme left) had several problems when the family tried to handle it themselves. His NBI records showed a criminal matter from over 40 years ago – a traffic violation for a broken taillight, to which he pled guilty and paid the P8.00 fine. Tatay believed this case had been settled and terminated, until the U.S. Embassy refused to issue his visa due to “administrative processing.” Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (center) instructed Tatay to provide documents establishing his identity and other court records. After a thorough process and submission of key documents and evidence, Tatay Florentino’s visa was finally issued. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 31 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

Biggest celebrity breakups, relationship reveals in 2023 Celebs’ wish list, goals for 2024 By Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net

BEFORE KathNiel and KimXi were no more, 2023 was already rife with news of celebrities going their separate ways. In this yearend special, we looked back at famous celebrities whose stories we followed like, and tried to give a clear picture of how their breakup came to be. In some cases, we secretly shed tears when the inevitable announcements were made.

But as the saying goes, “A Broken Heart Mends With Time.” We hope that as we usher in the new year, a new love will spring from the hearts of our favorite celebrity ex-couples, just like the other couples in this list, who have found love again. Despite the breakups, 2023 also saw the birth of some relationships between couples who only started dating recently or those who have been dating for a while but only chose to make their relationship public now. As

they say, when something ends, something begins. The future might be bright for these people. Let’s look back on the biggest celebrity relationship breakups, both local and foreign, that shocked our very own Tinseltown, as well as the biggest relationship announcements that made the fans believe in love again. Breakups Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla One of the biggest, if not

the biggest, showbiz news that rocked the country’s entertainment industry was the breakup of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, collectively known as “KathNiel.” After eleven years of being reel- and real-life sweethearts, KathNiel finally threw in the towel in their relationship. Months prior Bernardo’s announcement last Nov. 30, the couple has already been besieged by rumors of a split. Marian Rivera Photo from Instagram/@marianrivera PAGE B2

By Marinel cruz Inquirer.net

MARIAN Rivera: Many of us are going through tough times. My wish really is for everyone to have peace in both their hearts and minds. I also wish for all of us to be happy during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. I hope these two days will be perfect for all of us. This year, we didn’t plan any vacation because Dingdong PAGE B2

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Celebs’ wish list, goals for...

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Andrea Brillantes, Belle Mariano, Liza Soberano and Ivana Alawi

Photos from Instagram/@blythe, @belle_mariano, @lizasoberano and @ivanaalawi

Andrea, Belle enter TC Candler’s 100 Most Beautiful Faces list

YOUNG Kapamilya actresses Andrea Brillantes and Belle Mariano joined Janine Gutierrez, Liza Soberano, and Ivana Alawi on TC Candler’s 100 Most Beautiful Faces of 2023. Both actresses are new entrants while the other have figured on the long-running list several times before. Belle figured at No. 71 ahead of the likes of Sadie Sink (No. 74), Ariana Grande (No. 79), and Emma Watson (No. 83) — the latter having appeared on the list 18 times, topped the list in 2011, and is considered a Hall of Fame member. Andrea, meanwhile, finished within the Top 20 at No. 16, just ahead of Miss

Universe 2021 1st runner-up Nadia Ferreira and Korean singer Jeon Somi. While other selections had occupations like actress or model beneath their names, Andrea’s description by TC Candler read “shines bright like a diamond.” Janine in her third year on the list was No. 45, 2017 titleholder Liza in her ninth year was No. 28, and Ivana in her fourth year was No. 21. Both Liza and Ivana, like Emma, are Hall of Fame members. Only Janine saw a rise as she was No. 51 in last year’s list. Liza dropped five spots, while Ivana was previously in the Top 10 twice. Filipina American singer-vlogger Bella Poarch was booted out completely.

TC Candler’s Most Beautiful Face of 2023 belongs to Korean singer and former Momoland member Nancy Jewel McDonie, better known as Nancy, in what is her sixth year on the list. Nancy was followed by Russian content creator Dasha Taran in just her second list appearance, Twice member Sana in her seventh year on the list, and “Wonder Woman” star Gal Gadot who marks a decade appearing on the list. The Korean singer’s predecessor, former Victoria’s Secret Angel Jasmine Tookes, rounded up the Top 5 on her ninth year on the list; all of the Top 5 are Hall of Fame members. (Kristofer Purnell/Philstar.com)

(Dantes, her husband) and I are busy promoting “Rewind” for the Metro Manila Film Festival. We will tour movie houses. For 2024, more than becoming a beauty advocate, I want to be able to advocate good health, both physical and mental. Dolly De Leon: My wish is for all my talented Filipino friends to experience what I have been experiencing [in Hollywood]. It feels really nice to work in an environment where your talent is appreciated and you’re treated with such respect and grace. That’s my wish for my friends in the industry. My goal this 2024 is to work with (actors) Meryl Streep, Olivia Colman and Daniel Day-Lewis. There are so many of them that I dream of working with—there’s also (directors) Christopher Nolan, Ari Aster and Yorgos Lanthimos, who I have been a fan of for a long time. Arman Ferrer: My wish for Christmas is for the government to give more support to the arts, the artists and OPM (Original Pilipino Music). We all support K-pop and other foreign acts. We should support more of our own. Another wish is for our artists to be recognized, not just as entertainment, but as a representation of our culture and art. My goal this coming year is

Dolly de Leon

Inquirer.net photos

Arman Ferrer

to do a major collaboration with my industry idols in a concert or theater production. I want to record a new song, hopefully, a hit song. I intend to participate in more events that will promote OPM and Filipino artistry. g

Biggest celebrity breakups, relationship... PAGE B1

couple became a hot topic online after Brillantes asked Rivero to be her ‘Star Magic Prom’ date during the concert of the K-pop sensation Blackpink here in the Philippines. Blackpink member Rose noticed the ‘Kadenang Ginto’ poster that read, “I just want to ask Ricci Rivero, will you go to prom with Andrea?” to which Rivero responded with a nod. The following month, the two celebrated their first anniversary together; however, in June, Rivero took to social media to announce that he and Brillantes had decided to part ways. He asked the public to respect their decision to keep the breakup private and “preserve what’s left of [their] friendship.” He also appealed to refrain from making “false accusations” and “dragging other characters” into it, a response to speculations that he cheated on the actress with beauty queen-turned-politician Leren Mae Bautista. Miles Ocampo and Elijah Canlas In November, Elijah Canlas confirmed that he and Miles Ocampo have broken up “a couple of months ago,” after two years of being together. He clarified that they remain on good terms, noting that he’s going to love and support the actress in whatever she decides to do. Both actors have appeared in the 2022 series “Paano ang Pangako.” Ocampo and Canlas made their romance public in May 2022, a year after they started dating. In one of his interviews early this year, Canlas admitted that during the first year of his relationship with the actress, no one knew about it, as they tried to prove that it’s possible to keep a private relationship in showbiz. Honorable mentions We’re calling them honorable mentions for now because, as of this writing, all of them haven’t denied nor confirmed the rumored split, but they have been part of the talk of the town in this year’s breakup season. Kyline Alcantara and Mavy Legaspi Since the beginning of their love team, Kapuso stars Mavy Photo from Instagram/@chinitaprincess Legaspip and Kyline Alcantara haven’t announced the real status of their relationship; however, many are speculating that they are boyfriend and girlfriend already. But this year, breakup rumors surfaced online with a few hints that it did not end well. Legaspi’s mother, Carmina Villarroel made a cryptic post on Instagram reminding her children to protect their peace from certain individuals. Uncannily, Alcantara also made a cryptic post of her own about… peace. Both camps haven’t made any official statements regarding the rumors as of this writing, though Photo from Instagram/@milesocampo there are those who came to us to claim to know the real cause of their separation. Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez were considered one of the couple’s goals in the local entertainment industry given their frequent family travels with their two kids, which show how good they look together. However, the good thing must have met its end as the rumors that they have separated continue Photo from Instagram/@mavylegaspi to roll online.

been separated for two months now and said they just couldn’t make an announcement as Chiu is still processing the separation while Lim is not one to debunk such hearsay. When asked about the breakup rumors, Chiu said that they would like to keep it to themselves in the meantime. This was followed by Lim deleting all his YouTube vlogs with his girlfriend. In another interview, the actress said that her love life right now is currently on pause. However, on December 23, Lim and Chiu officially confirmed their separation in separate Instagram posts. “End of a love story. It took me a while to say this until today. We owe our supporters the truth, but we also respect each other’s time of healing. In a relationship, love is always a significant factor, but sometimes love is not enough,” she wrote. Meanwhile, Lim penned a heartfelt message to his former girlfriend: “Dearest Kim, thank you for the long years we have spent loving each other. The 12 years of my life with you were the best gift I could ever ask for.” The two started dating in 2012. Andrea Brillantes and Ricci Rivero One of the most followed breakups of the year was of Andrea Brillantes and Ricci Rivero, whose whirlwind romance started controversially, and sadly (or not?) ended the same way. In April 2022, the basketball player asked the actress to be his girlfriend via a public proposal after his winning match in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), which Andrea obviously said yes to. Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez Photo from Instagram/@richardgutz In March 2023, the former

But where there’s smoke, there’s certainly fire being fanned by rumors, or in this case, Padilla’s alleged cheating, mainly with Kapamilya actress, Andrea Brillantes. Neither Bernardo nor Padilla nor Brillantes have spoken up to confirm or deny the long-rumored cheating situation. The former real-life couple started as a loveteam in 2012 in the teenybopper afternoon series “Growing Up,” which led to more projects that they have headlined together. Bernardo and Padilla had been together since 2012 but only made their relationship public in 2018. Kim Chiu and Xian Lim The breakup rumors between Kim Chiu and Xian Lim started when entertainment insider Ogie Diaz claimed that the two have

Kim Chiu and Xian Lim

Miles Ocampo and Elijah Canlas

Kyline Alcantara and Mavy Legaspi

The breakup rumors between the two started when fans noticed that they were spending time with their children separately based on the pictures they were posting on social media. But the very thing that fueled the speculations was when Gutirrez’s mother, Annabelle Rama, said in an interview that her son is living with her and made a remark on Lahbati’s extravagant spending. Not to mention the series of cryptic messages that Rama was posting online that Lahbati’s father, Abel Lahbati, was also answering in his own way. Despite all this, no official statement from Lahbati or Gutierrez themselves has been made public to confirm the separation. Reveals Charlie Dizon and Carlo Aquino Early this year, Carlo Aquino revealed in January that he and Charlie Dizon were in the “getting to know each other” phase of their relationship. The two first worked on the 2020 series ‘A Soldier’s Heart,’ which led them to develop feelings for each other and sparked dating rumors in December 2022 after being sighted together multiple times, notably on a trip to La Union with the actor’s family. In an interview in August, Dizon said that Aquino is her biggest surprise this year, noting that only the actor can make her feel certain feelings. Aquino previously dated Trina Candaza, with whom she has a daughter named Enola Mithi, before Dizon. Julia Montes and Coco Martin Following years of rumors and silence over their rumoredromance, Coco Martin at last admitted that he had been seeing Julia Montes for 12-long years. The two first worked together in the 2012 series Walang Hanggan. At the time, Coco was already 31 while Julia was still 17. After the actor’s confirmation, netizens expressed their concern given how large their age-gap was and the fact that the actress was still underage when they got together. Despite the netizens’ reactions, the actors remained unbothered and continue to focus on their relationship. Issa Pressman and James Reid In March, James Reid and Issa Pressman posted photos of themselves holding hands during the Harry Styles PH concert, making fans assume that they were officially together. In 2020, Pressman was accused of being the third party in Reid and Nadine Lustre’s breakup. However, Reid responded to the allegations after the internet attacked his current girlfriend, stressing that there was no truth to the rumors that there had been cheating involved in his past relationship. Ever since then, Reid and Pressman have been appearing at many events as a couple. Chie Filomeno and Jake Cuenca Jake Cuenca started to hardlaunch Chie Filomeno by posting steamy pictures of them together. He also admitted that they are “enjoying each other’s company” and was seen multiple times leaving flirtatious comments on the actress’ Instagram. In August, Filomeno confirmed that she was dating the actor, noting that they are not rushing their status and commending how gentlemanly Cuenca is for respecting her decision to wait. g

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla

ABS-CBN photo

‘Daniel trying to win back Kathryn’ by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

Veteran showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin claimed that Daniel Padilla is trying to win back Kathryn Bernardo. In “Showbiz Now Na” YouTube channel, Cristy said that Daniel is talking with their common friends to help him win back Kathryn. “Ito palang si Daniel Padilla nakikiusap sa kanilang common friends. Hindi na po namin iisa-isahin kung sino-sino ‘yung mga ka-tropa nila,” Cristy said. “Nilalapitan ni Daniel para pakiusapan, baka ma-win back pa niya si Kathryn,” she added. Cristy, however, believed that Daniel and Kathryn’s common friends will not help Daniel. “Ako palagay ko pakikinggan siya o magpapahiram ng tenga ang mga kaibigan pero hindi aakto o aaksyon para sa kanilang pagbabalikan,” she said. “Kasi kaya nga magkakaibigan kayo e. Alam nila ang tunay na nangyari,” she added. Kathryn and Daniel attended the Asia Artist Awards 2023 held in Philippine Arena in Bulacan recently. They were both awarded the Fabulous Award, alongside Korean stars NewJeans, Stray Kids and Lim Young-woong. It was their second public appearance after announcing their breakup. Their first public appearance was during the ABS-CBN Christmas special.. g

Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon

Photo from Instagram/@jose_liwanag

Julia Montes and Coco Martin

Inquirer.net photo

Issa Pressman and James Reid

Photo from Instagram/@pressmanissa

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Filipino celebrity deaths this 2023 Ice fulfills long-time dream of Christmas caroling by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

APART from a year full of break-ups, the Philippines saw in 2023 some beloved individuals depart from this life, many of which touched the hearts of Filipinos in some capacity. Throughout the year Filipinos mourned the deaths of several local celebrities, here are a few of them who passed away this 2023. Lualhati Bautista The women’s rights activist and novelist passed away last February 11, confirmed by one of her grandchildren in a social media post. Bautista was 77 years old. “With her ideals and advocacies all beyond reproach always with the intent of advancing the social consciousness especially about women’s rights and toppling the macho-feudal society we collectively live in,” Xyril Salazar wrote. Bautista — an activist known for writing on stories of abuse and life under dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s Martial Law and after his fall in 1986 — penned “Dekada 70”, “Desaparesidos”, “’GAPÔ,” and “Bata, Bata...Pa’no Ka Ginawa?”

John Regala

Mario Dumaual

Philstar.com photo

known mostly as the antagonist of action films with film credits that include “Alyas Baby Face,” “Primitivo Ebok Ala: Kalaban Mortal ni Baby Ama,” “The Vizconde Massacre: God, Help Us!,” and “Batas Ko ay Bala.” Mario Dumaual The veteran ABS-CBN showbiz reporter passed away last July several days shy of his 65th birthday. “We are devastated to announce the passing of Mario Dumaual — Papa to his wife Cherie and children Luigi, Miguel, Maxine, William, and Thessa; Wowo to his grandchildren Sky, Alonzoe, and Tali; and Yayo to his siblings,” one of Dumaual’s family members posted on his Facebook account at the time. Dumaual had been battling a severe fungal infection, a complication during his recovery from a heart attack. Before his passing he was confined for a month at the Philippine Heart Center. Ricky Rivero The actor and comedian also passed away last July, as confirmed by his sister Beverly Salvador-Quintela. He was 51

Philstar.com photo

John Regala The seasoned character actor who starred in a number of ‘90s films died last June. His wife Victoria Scherrer said he died of cardiac arrest due to liver and kidney complications at the New Era General Hospital. She added that Regala had been “under critical care for three weeks until he expired.” In the 1990s, he became Ricky Rivero

Philstar.com photo

years old. Two months earlier, the actor was hospitalized at the Philippine Heart Center with his body slightly paralyzed. Apart from starring in movies, Rivero was also a mainstay host of “That’s Entertainment” from 1986 to 1996.

JM Canlas Photo from Instagram/@jeromcanlas

JM Canlas Actors Elijah and Jerom Canlas’ youngest brother JM died last August 3 aged 17. On Jerom’s Facebook account, the family announced the passing of the young actor who appeared in the indie movies “Kiko Boksingero” and “ANi” as well as the TV series “Unconditional.” “JM, as he was known to many, was a talented actor, athlete, musician, singer, debater, and gamer. He was always a proud Filipino with a bias and compassion for the poor and oppressed,” Jerom wrote. “But most of all, JM will forever be remembered as an incredible young man, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, student, and friend.” PAGE B7

CHRISTMAS came early for residents of Barangay Tatalon as singer-songwriterIce Seguerra brought them joy through music. Growing up in the limelight, Seguerra’s early years were not that of the typical kid. At the height of his popularity as a child star, the star couldn’t even go out on the street to play with kids the same age. Needless to say, there were many other things Segeurra never got to experience, like Christmas caroling, for one. “I entered showbiz at an early age, so I never had the opportunity to go caroling randomly, as in walk house to house. That’s why I really want to do it.” Seguerra didn’t have to be asked twice when the opportunity presented itself. Joining efforts with Solmux Advance, an upgraded solution to the popular cough brand of top homegrown healthcare company Unilab, Inc., Segeurra went Christmas caroling to select residents of Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City. Therefore, Christmas came early to elders Golden Alquiza, Fe Ocheada, Simplicia Cunanan,

As a child star, Ice Seguerra never got to experience Christmas caroling. Photo from Instagram/@iceseguerra

Erlinda Sese, and Isabel Angeles as Segeurra came to their homes unannounced, bringing some holiday cheers through music. They were all pleasantly surprised to see the now celebrated singersongwriter in front of their homes, singing to them no less. That night was truly unforgettable for the individuals and their families who were visited by Segeurra, but the night was even more meaningful for the

artist. “I am happy that I visited them because I really have a soft spot for the elderly. I see my parents in them, and I wish now that they are in their twilight years, they could rest and enjoy life, like just sweeping in front of the house or gardening,” Segeurra expressed. The artist also shared that the experience gave a whole new meaning to Christmas caroling for him. (ManilaTimes.net)

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Pastor’s Notes ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas “MY eyes have seen the salvation of the Lord.” These were Simeon’s words in this Sunday’s (December 31) Gospel, upon seeing the ChristChild in Mary’s arms as he was presented to the temple. On this Feast Day of the Holy Family and the start of the New Year, this is my prayer for all of you: May you encounter the presence and love of Jesus profoundly in your lives. This divine encounter is the most treasured gift you can have, as it has the power to touch your hearts tenderly and transform your lives, families, and other relationships. The key to experiencing this divine encounter, which will fill your life with the power of the Holy Spirit, lies in developing a disciplined prayer life. As your pastor, I have always emphasized the importance of this practice. It involves spending at least twenty minutes of contemplation and meditation, dedicating a holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament, reciting the Holy Rosary with devotion, engaging in scripture reading, and embracing moments of stillness throughout the day. This foundation in prayer will protect

On being a prayerful family and community you from getting caught up in a materialistic, pleasure-seeking, fame-driven, and self-absorbed world. Prayer has the ability to save marriages, strengthen families, and inspire friendships. It is the reason why Father Patrick Peyton, the founder of the Family Rosary Crusade, popularized the phrase, “The family that prays together stays together.” Therefore, on this Feast Day of the Holy Family, let us respond to Father Peyton’s call. Let us place Christ at the center of our family life, with the intercession of Mary by our side. By doing so, God will transform our hearts and infuse our homes with the presence of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to relate to one another with heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and the willingness to forgive. At the beginning of their family life, Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus were already facing threats. Joseph had to flee to Egypt to escape the murderous intentions of King Herod, while Mary’s heart was filled with turmoil and angst upon hearing Simeon’s prophecy that her child “has been appointed for the ruin and resurrection of many in Israel, as a sign of contradiction, so that thoughts

of all hearts will be revealed.” Mary had to be a woman of prayer to bear the weight of these soul-piercing words. Both she and Joseph serve as examples for us, showing the importance of grounding our lives in prayer, listening to the Holy Spirit, and not succumbing to fear amidst threats and uncertainties. To foster a “culture of prayer” within our parish, we have taken measures such as keeping the church open throughout the day, increasing opportunities for adoration before the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions, planning additional retreats, and introducing alternative forms of prayer in addition to devotions. We are committed to growing together as families and as a community. May the New Year bring you peace, joy, faith, hope, prosperity, health, and above all, love in your hearts! Happy New Year! *** 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. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

Nora sings again in ‘Pieta’ over a decade after damaging vocal chords FANS will be delighted to know that “Superstar” Nora Aunor will be singing once again in the upcoming film “Pieta.” In the film’s special screening to several media representatives last week, Nora was seen singing the Kapampangan folk song “Atin Cu Pung Singsing.” The actress was under the weather during the screening and was not in attendance. Director Adolf Alix Jr. said that Nora insisted to sing in the film because of the importance of the scene where the song takes place. “Natuwa rin kami dahil first time niya ulit kumanta sa isang PAGE B6

EMPLOYMENT

Nora Aunor

Wage increases and new laws benefitting employees for 2024 of unpaid wages, initiating an action for discrimination or violation of employment laws, or acting as a witness in an employment proceeding. If an employee suffers an adverse employment like a atty. C. Joe sayas, JR. termination or demotion, the employee concerned can seek THIS coming year offers to recover compensation or new legislation that are reinstatement, with a further beneficial to working men and right to recover attorneys’ women in California. fees in the event a lawsuit is Minimum wage increase filed. Effective January 1, 2024, Under SB 1497, there the minimum wage in is created a rebuttable California will increase to presumption of employer $16 per hour applicable retaliation if an to all employers in employee is terminated the state. It should be or disciplined within Existing law provides noted, however, that 90 days of engaging protection to employee cities and counties in a protected across California have activity. Accordingly, activities such as complaining employers their own wage laws then of unpaid wages, initiating an have the burden of that impose rates higher than the state or federal producing evidence action for discrimination or minimum wage. The to overcome the violation of employment laws, presumption. City of Los Angeles for This example has a minimum provision takes effect or acting as a witness in an rate of $16.78 per hour, on January 1, 2024. employment proceeding. which became effective Before the new law, last July. employees have the Other employees burden of proof to stand to benefit more Leave for reproductive establish that the employer next year at different start loss engaged in retaliation against periods. Employees who suffer them. For instance, workers a reproductive loss event *** employed in a health care such as miscarriage, The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints facility will get $23 per failed surrogacy, stillbirth, expressed by the author do not hour under SB 525, which unsuccessful assisted necessarily reflect the opinions, is effective on June 1, 2024. reproduction such as beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian The definition of covered artificial insemination or Journal, its management, editorial employees is broad as to embryo transfer, or failed board and staff. encompass a wide group of adoption are entitled to an *** employees. Hence, the new unpaid time off for up to 5 The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, law will benefit not only those days. This statute, SB 848, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this who provide direct patient applies to those who work topic. All inquiries are confidential care such as nurses but also for employers with at least and at no cost. You can contact covers housekeeping staff, 5 employees. The employee the office at (818) 291-0088 or clerical and food service entitled to the leave must visit www.joesayaslaw.com. [For workers, guards, janitors, have worked for the employer more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, warehouse, and laundry for at least 30 days at the time Jr., Esq. successfully recovered workers. The minimum wage she made the request and wages and other monetary damages would increase yearly by $1 would have been a parent had for thousands of employees and for the years 2025 and 2026 the loss not occurred. consumers. He was named Top Labor until it reaches $25 per hour. More protection under & Employment Attorney in California Fast food workers, on the whistleblower retaliation by the Daily Journal, consistently other hand, will receive an laws to employees assert- selected as Super Lawyer by the increase to $20 per hour ing employment rights Los Angeles Magazine, and is a beginning April 1, 2024. Under Existing law provides past Presidential Awardee for AB 1228, a fast food council is protection to employee Outstanding Filipino Overseas.] established that will operate activities such as complaining (Advertising Supplement)

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

for 5 years and determine future wage increases and working conditions. Increase in paid sick leave benefits Under SB 1616, employees will enjoy increased paid sick leave benefits from 24 hours or 3 days to not less than 40 hours or 5 days. Local ordinances or those passed by cities and counties cannot contradict the state paid sick leave law requirements. Here, the state law will prevail even if the local law provides greater benefits.

GMA photo

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B6 DECEMBER 30, 2023-JANUARY 2, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Divorce mediation as an option 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. Of course, 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. Of course, 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.

Photos by Paul Kolnik

‘Me, Myself and You’: Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish’s poetic dance of love and remembrance by MoMar G. Visaya AJPress

AMIDST the celebration of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 65th anniversary season, Filipina American choreographer Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish, a former Ailey company member, introduces her captivating work, “Me, Myself and You.” Premiered on Dec. 7 and running until Dec. 31 at the New York City Center, the mesmerizing duet delves into themes of reminiscence, love, and passion. The genesis of RoxasDobrish’s latest piece was an introduction by Robert Battle to Brandie Sutton’s operatic rendition of “In A Sentimental Mood.” Asked to craft a short dance piece, a pause between longer performances, RoxasDobrish seized the opportunity with a resounding “Yes!” Reflecting on the uniqueness of the Alvin Ailey Company, she emphasizes its commitment to the theatrical aspect, paying homage to Mr. Ailey’s legacy. “In this piece, the music speaks for itself as a story. I envisioned a woman, perhaps in her bedroom, holding on to an item that reminds her of either a past love or someone who might have moved on,” she shared. “As she opens her (Advertising Supplement) vanity mirror, she reminisces about a moment in time. As she begins to dance thinking of him, he somehow emerges from the mirror and catches her as she falls. They then go into a dreamlike duet of love and remembrance.” The choreographer’s tale where the boundary between reality and dream blurs sets forth new questions. Was it all a dream? Did he come from another dimension? And can she follow him now into the mirror and enter another world? Addressing her return to the Ailey family, RoxasDobrish dismisses the notion of merely returning; instead, she embraces the idea of life’s cyclical nature. “Sometimes one has to leave to be able to come back,” she told the Asian Journal. Acknowledging her age as a reflection of the company’s 65year journey, she humorously intertwines her Filipino roots with her Ailey tribe, expressing gratitude for the weaving circles of her life within the Ailey loom. “I may be Filipino and my people are my countrymen but my tribe is definitely Ailey,” she said. Though Roxas-Dobrish’s creations have primarily resonated with the Ailey Organization’s repertoire, she acknowledges the influence of her cultural background in her latest piece. “My history of dance and theater have always been connected with the Ailey Organization,” she noted. In her creative journey, Roxas-Dobrish meticulously documents each choreographic endeavor in a dedicated book, capturing the intricate details from musical choices to conceptual ideas, and even sketching out imagined lifts, whether practical or whimsical. “I like to use the word bespoke, for I look at each project totally differently and create for whatever the project calls for,” she explained. “Looking back at the pieces

Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish

I’ve done so far, there isn’t one piece that looks like any other.“ Her artistic process commences with storytelling, a practice she tailors to fit the context of each project, weaving narratives, whether literal or abstract, that guide her musical selections. “I hope to leave the audience with a feeling, to touch their hearts and move them,” she shared. The challenge in “Me, Myself and You” lies not just in steps but in conveying a compelling storyline, a feat she trusts the exceptional Ailey dancers to accomplish. As the company celebrates its 65th anniversary, RoxasDobrish, at 65 herself, is honored to contribute. Her career’s trajectory began at the Ailey School, continued with her membership in the Ailey company, and later saw her return to teach the Horton technique. Now, having choreographed for both the 2nd and 1st Company, she finds herself humbled by the depth of her involvement. While she never actively sought out choreography, her passion lies in projects that

Photo by Ernest S. Mandap

resonate with her, a sentiment that has guided her artistic pursuits. She thrives on collaboration, engaging with diverse artists and contributing to several short dance films via virtual platforms. She fondly recalls the privilege of hearing Mr. Ailey’s words, dancing in his beautifully poetic ballets, and cherishes the profound moment when he walked her down the aisle. The indelible imprint Mr. Ailey left on her life serves as a poignant reminder of her enduring connection to the Ailey legacy. Roxas-Dobrish’s ultimate goal is for the audience not just to see her choreography but to feel its profound impact. With a dedication to storytelling and a masterful expression of emotions through dance, she aims to leave a lasting impression. As “Me, Myself and You” embarks on a national tour as part of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 65th-anniversary celebrations, she looks forward to weaving more circles and continuing to share powerful stories through her unique choreographic lens. g

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Caroline Dartey and James Gilmer in Elizabeth RoxasDobrish’s ‘Me Myself and You’’. Photos by Paul Kolnik

Nora sings again in ‘Pieta’ over a... PAGE B5 pelikula after so many years,” Adolf said. When asked if Nora is ready for a concert, the director said: “Ah, depende po yata. Hindi ko po masagot. Siya po ang tanungin ninyo.” “Pero para po dito, alam ko, medyo hirap siya. Pero dahil alam niya ‘yung importansya nu’ng kanta du’n sa role niya,

pinilit niya po na gawin,” Adolf added. “Kahit ‘yun, nakita niyo in between, kung medyo ano… sabi ko, ‘Sige, okay lang,’ basta ‘yung essence naman ng gagawin, nandu’n.” It can be recalled that the “Superstar” underwent a cosmetic surgery last 2010 that allegedly damaged her vocal cords. Produced by and starring

Alfred Vargas, “Pieta” sees the actor and Nora accompanied by Gina Alajar, Angeli Bayani, Elora Espano, Tommy Alejandrino, Tabs Sumulong, Jaclyn Jose, Bembol Roco, Ina Raymundo, Alan Paule, Carlos Dala, Erlinda Villalobos and Miggy Jimenez. “Pieta” is set for a Philippine theatrical release sometime in 2024. (Philstar.com)

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Filipino celebrity deaths this... PAGE B2 Mike Enriquez The veteran broadcast journalist passed away at the end of August, a month shy of his 72nd birthday. During the Aug. 29, 2023 broadcast of “24 Oras,” reporters Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales, and Emil Sumangil all wore black and dark-colored outfits to pay their respects for their deceased colleague. At the end of the broadcast, Tiangco announced GMA’s statement of Enriquez’s passing and his history with the network, her voice breaking as she read it off-camera. Enriquez is best known for his long stint with GMA reporting on the news and public affairs programs “Saksi,” “24 Oras,” “Super Radyo DZBB” and “Imbestigador,” the latter which he hosted himself. Viewers will never forget Mike Enriquez Enriquez’s iconic voice that blurted out statements like “Hindi ko kayo tatantanan!” and “Excuse me po!”

GMA photo

SB19’s Josh and Ken

SB19, HORI7ON members named among 100 most handsome faces in the world by KRISTOFER PURNELL Philstar.com

Ronaldo Valdez

Joey Paras

Philstar.com photo

Joey Paras The comedian passed away at the age of 45 last October 29, confirmed by his niece Zciara Shyne Sinchon-Fabian. On Facebook, SinchonFabian mentioned that Paras’ heart “wasn’t able to recover anymore.” Seven years ago Paras revealed he had a heart condition and was advised to take more resting time. “Yung contraction ng heart ko, hindi na ganoon ka-powerful, so hindi na niya nasu-supply yung oxygen sa ibang parte ng katawan,” he said at the time. Sammy Manese The social media personality died last November, announced by his sister Bea. “May he be remembered for all the joy and laughter he shared with everyone,” Bea said. The family did not initially disclose a reason behind Manese’s death, though in 2021 his brother revealed in a

YouTube video that Manese was rushed to the hospital due to a heart condition. Kokoi Baldo The singer and contestant of “The Voice of the Philippines” Season 2 passed away during the early hours of December 8. He was 44 years old. Aksyon Radyo Bacolod reported during its “Aksyon Balita Morning Edition” that Baldo was involved in a vehicular accident along Bacolod City’s Circumferential Road past midnight. Citing initial police reports, the radio show mentioned that Baldo was attempting to overtake a car around 1:30 a.m. on his motorcycle when he lost control and was run over by a 10-wheeler truck carrying sugarcane. Ronaldo Valdez The Quezon City Police District confirmed the death of Valdez earlier this month. The cause of his death has yet to be officially disclosed. Valdez had been in the showbiz industry for six decades. Among his last prominent roles was “Lolo Sir” in the hit teleserye “2 Good 2 Be True” that stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. The actor was known for his movies “Seven Sundays,” “Labs Kita Okay Ka Lang,” and “The Mistress,” among others. He is survived by his son Janno Gibbs and daughter Melissa Gibbs. 

ABS-CBN photo

Photo from Instagram/@officialsb19

SB19 members Josh and Ken and HORI7ON members Reyster and Kyler made their debut on TC Candler’s 100 Most Handsome Faces by appearing on this year’s list. Josh figured at No. 71 while his colleague Ken, who also goes by Felip, landed about twice as high at No. 34.

Resyter figured at No. 58 while Kyler became the highest-ranked Filipino for 2023 at No. 27. No Filipino made the TC Candler’s 100 Most Handsome Faces list last year which was topped by British actor Henry Cavill. However, Henry had to settle this year as the runner-up to “Wonka” and “Dune” star Timothee Chalamet, who was

only at No. 3 last year. Henry and Timothee are both Hall of Fame members having appeared on the list 11 and six times, respectively, as is No. 4 finisher Ni-Ki from ENHYPEN on his fourth-ever appearance. Completing the Top 5 are Hong Kong boy band group Mirror member Keung To at No. 3 and “Emily in Paris” star Lucien Laviscount at No. 5. 

B8 DECEMBER 30, 2023-JANUARY 2, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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