PNEWS 8.24-8.30,2023

AFP SUCCEEDS IN AYUNGIN SHOAL RESUPPLY MISSION

US, Japan, Australia gird for joint Navy drills and patrols with PHL

Letter to Ninoy

Milestone 30th annual Pistahan draws thousands of Filipinos

SAN FRANCISCO - This year’s 30th annual celebration was another successful Pistahan Filipino festival

that was held in Yerba Buena Gardens in downtown San Francisco featuring a premiere cele-

MANILA/WASHINGTON — As tension continue to rise in South China Sea and West Philippine Sea leading experts to predict a military confrontation or possible war, the Philippine military succeeded in its resupply mission of food and supplies at the BRP Sierra Madre on the Ayungin Shoal which is within the Philippine exclusive economic zone even as its ships were shadowed and warned again by the Chinese Coast Guard.

AUGUST 21, 1983 is a date few Filipinos will forget for having changed the course of their country’s history. That day Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. was assassinated shortly after landing in Manila from political exile in the United States, an act that emboldened Filipinos everywhere to demand justice for the martyred defender of democracy.

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Following was delivered on the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. on Aug. 21, 2023 at Our Lady of Mercy Church.

ON this day 40 years ago, one man’s courage confronted the cowardice of a group of assassins and changed the course of Philippine history. It was an act that touched us all.

Hate victims at CA, Hawaii workplace offered free legal assistance

HONOLULU — Two more Filipinos were found to have died in the Maui wildfires bringing to

four the fatalities of Filipino descent in the ongoing search and recovery operation there.

SAN FRANCISCO - Victims of racial harassment and/or discrimination at the workplace in the states of Hawaii and California may now avail of a new initiative that offers free legal consultations.

Homicide victim families demand Pamela Price recall P26

Radio anchor gunned down in Cotabato City

set for San Jose, Broadway shows

PHL excited as NBA cagers star in FIBA Cup

Filipino fatalities in Maui wildfires rise to 4; 100 more maybe missing

‘Friends of friends’ prove Ninoy Aquino is unforgotten

AFP resupply to Ayungin Shoal on despite tensions

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to visit the Ayungin Shoal in Palawan province anew for a rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission.

Col. Medel Aguilar did not give a specific date on when the RoRe would be conducted at the contested portion of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) but reiterated it is “a clear demonstration of our resolve to stand up against threats and coercion, and our commitment in upholding the rule of law.”

“Despite the incident on Aug. 5, where Philippine supply vessels were blocked, subjected to dangerous maneuvers and water cannon, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is duty-bound to ensure the well-being of its personnel on the BRP Sierra Madre,” Aguilar said, based on the AFP statement he read at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

“We are, therefore, committed to the conduct of another rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission for our personnel and to maintain our presence in Ayungin Shoal.”

At the same time, he urged all parties

to respect international law and respect the sovereignty of the Philippines.

“As we continue to pursue this humanitarian undertaking and defend our rights over our maritime zones, we also affirm our support for the peaceful settlement of disputes,” Aguilar said. “We, therefore, call on all relevant parties to abide by their obligations under international law and respect the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over its maritime zones.”

The AFP’s presence, he said, is an “exercise of our sovereign rights and jurisdiction is a testament to our firm belief in the rules-based international order that underpins regional peace and stability.”

“Ayungin Shoal holds a strategic importance for the Philippines and a fishing ground for our fishermen,” he said.

Another guest at the forum, analyst Richard Heydarian, said the WPS should not be politicized and Filipinos should be united on the issue.

“I hope the WPS will not be used as a partisan issue. It is not going to help

the case of our country. Unity is what we need and also appreciating validity of what we are doing based on the prevailing international law,” Heydarian said

House certifies Teves’ seat vacant, calls for special elections

QUEZON CITY – The House of Representatives adopted House Resolution (HR) No. 1212, which certified “to the existence of a vacancy” in the third congressional district of Negros Oriental,

and called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to hold a special election to fill the seat formerly held by expelled Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.

The resolution authored by Speaker

Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe and House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan was approved by a simple voice vote.

The authors said the vacancy in Negros Oriental’s third district was created due to the expulsion of Teves “for disorderly behavior and violation of Section 141 (a) and (b), Rule XX of the Code of Conduct of the House of Representatives, by the requisite vote of two-thirds of all its members as provided for in the Constitution.”

They said the vacancy has left the constituency of the province’s third legislative district “without representation in the House of Representatives of the Congress of the Philippines.”

They invoked Section 9, Article VI of the Constitution, which provides: “In case of vacancy in the Senate or in the House of Representatives, a special election may be called to fill such vacancy in the manner prescribed by law, but the senator or member of the House of Representatives

thus elected shall serve only for the unexpired term.”

The three House leaders cited the applicable law, which is Republic Act (RA) No. 6645, entitled, “An Act prescribing the manner of filling a vacancy in the Congress of the Philippines.”

The law provides: “In case a vacancy arises in the Senate at least 18 months or in the House of Representatives at least one year before the next regular election for members of Congress, the Commission on Elections, upon receipt of a resolution of the Senate of the House of Representatives, as the case may be, certifying to the existence of such vacancy and calling for a special election, shall hold a special election to fill such vacancy…”.

Another applicable law, RA No. 7166 on synchronized elections, states that the special election shall be held “not earlier than six days nor longer than 90 days after the occurrence of the vacancy.”

The House further resolved to send a copy of HR No. 1212 to the Comelec.

6 of 10 4Ps beneficiaries not in DSWD database – COA

MANILA – The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) process of selecting beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in five regions, as majority of the beneficiaries did not come from the country’s national targeting system for the poorest families.

Auditors raised concerns that the cash assistance released under the 4Ps program have possibly gone to families who do not belong to the poorest sector, or those included in the Listahanan.

The Listahanan, officially known as the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction, is the DSWD’s database that determines who and where the poorest families in the country are, for purposes of targeting in anti-poverty programs.

The COA’s 2022 audit of the DSWD pointed to targeting anomalies in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon.

The COA cross-matched 4Ps recipients and the Listahanan 2 in the five regions, and found that most were not in the poverty database.

“Of the 4,970 sampled beneficiaries

included in the 4Ps database, 2,991 or 60.18% were not included in the Listahanan 2 submitted to the audit team,” the COA said.

Listahanan 2 was released in 2016. The updated Listahanan 3, which factors in the COVID-19 pandemic, was released in 2022. It is not clear why Listahanan 3 was not the database submitted to the COA.

The COA said that the inclusion of 4Ps beneficiaries who are not in the Listahanan is contrary to Republic Act No. 11310, or the 4Ps law.

Executive Order No. 867, series of 2010 also backs the use of the Listahanan as the basis for identifying poor households who are eligible for social protection programs.

The state auditors warned that the amount of program funds that may have been allotted to undeserving families could be substantial, considering the large discrepancy.

“The total amount of non-inclusion found was considered material as it represented 60.18% of the total sample size selected. This may mean that the 4Ps section included names in the 4Ps database independently assessed and not lifted from the Listahanan 2,” the COA said.

CHED vows to continue improving quality of higher education

QUEZON CITY – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has vowed to deliver improved quality higher education as it topped the most trusted government agencies in the second quarter survey of Octa Research Tunog ng Masa (TNM).

In a statement, CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III said the commission’s achievement reflected the intensive efforts of all its personnel to boost its programs and initiatives.

“These achievements will spur us not only to continue but also improve the delivery of higher education programs in the country. This is a team effort,” de Vera said.

“CHED succeeds only because its employees in the whole country work hard, and because our public and private HEIs (higher education institutions) efficiently implement free higher education and other programs,” he said.

The survey showed that around eight out of 10 Filipinos are satisfied with the performance of CHED across socioeconomic classes.

It secured the highest rank with an 80 percent trust and performance rating.

It was followed by the Department of Education (DepEd) with 79 percent, Philippine National Police (PNP) with 76 percent, as well as the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), with 75 and 73 percent, respectively.

Pateros challenges Taguig’s claim over Fort Bonifacio, EMBOs

PATEROS – A new twist emerged in the simmering land dispute between the cities of Taguig and Makati as the neighboring town of Pateros came forward to reassert its ownership claim over the Fort Bonifacio and Enlisted Men’s Barrios (EMBOs).

“Kung ang pagbabatayan natin ay dokumento ay confident ako na kaya naming patunayan na sa amin talaga ang area na pinaglalabanan na ‘yun,” Pateros Mayor Miguel Ponce said in an interview with One Ph.

(If our basis would be documents, I am confident that we can prove that the area we are fighting for is truly ours.)

Based on the historical claim of Pateros, it originally possessed 1,040 hectares, but its current land area has been reduced to just 168 hectares.

Pateros is the only municipality and smallest local government unit in Metro

Manila. Ponce said that the legal battle of Pateros for ownership of the said territories has been going on for three decades.

In 2012, Pateros filed a civil case before the Taguig Regional Trial Court seeking to reclaim the 461.56-hectare Fort Bonifacio area from the jurisdiction of Taguig and 304.45 hectares of land from Makati, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

Pateros asserted that it has held control over these areas since it gained status as an independent town in 1801. During that period, Fort Bonifacio and the seven barangays were collectively referred to as Barrio Mamancat, which was one of Pateros’ five barrios.

Ponce said that Pateros lost a significant portion of its land after it was converted into a military base during the American colonial period.

Last April 19, the Supreme Court granted the petition of Pateros for review and ordered the Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch

271 to reinstate Civil Case No. 73387-TG.

The Pateros mayor also noted that its case against Taguig is independent from the case between Makati and Taguig which was already resolved by the Supreme Court.

“Yung kaso namin ay buhay na buhay at inaantay lang namin ang regional trial court na magsimula kaming magpresenta ng ebidensya,” Ponce said.

(Our case is very much alive, and we are just waiting for the regional trial court to start allowing us to present evidence.)

‘Sister town’

In an interview last June, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano said she considers Pateros a sister town.

Amid the pending case between Taguig and Pateros, she expressed hope that they will have better communication with the municipality.

“Ang Pateros po ay sister city or sister town ng Taguig. Kakambal po namin ‘yan, hindi mo mapapaghiwalay nang ganoon-

ganoon ang Taguig at Pateros,” Cayetano, who used to served as the representative of Taguig City-Pateros from 2007 to 2010 said.

(Pateros is a sister city or sister town of Taguig. They are intertwined in such a way that Taguig and Pateros cannot be easily separated from each other.)Despite the supposed sisterhood, Cayetano said that Taguig will defend its claim over Fort Bonifacio and EMBO barangays.

“Katulad po ng ginawa namin na pagdefend sa historical and legal position ng city of Taguig ganoon din po ang gagawin namin,” she said.

(Just like how we defended the historical and legal position of the city of Taguig, that’s also what we will do)

In April 2022, the SC’s 3rd Division ruled with finality that the disputed areas –Bonifacio Global City and nearby EMBO barangays – were under the jurisdiction of Taguig. – Rappler.com

PNP: No transfer of Makati cops in ‘embo’ areas to Taguig control

CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – The Philippine National Police (PNP) said police officers assigned to stations in the

EMBO (Enlisted Men’s Barrio) barangays will not be included in the transfer of jurisdiction from Makati City to

Taguig City.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said only police stations in these areas would be included in the transfer of jurisdiction in compliance with the Supreme Court (SC) decision, declaring that the 10 barangays in the area are part of Taguig and not Makati.

“The only concern on the part of the PNP is because those areas that used to be under the Makati City Police Station (CPS) will be turned over to Taguig CPS, the Makati personnel will remain there in Makati but what is being planned there is to have a transition as well. A few Makati CPS personnel would remain to support the police personnel from Taguig who will take over,” Fajardo said.

She said they are also working with concerned government agencies to ensure an orderly transition.

“Because our Makati police are more familiar with their areas of jurisdiction so that the police who will take over can be briefed and supported, but definitely those PNP personnel will be retained by Makati and the Taguig personnel will be the ones who will take over there in the jurisdictions to be left by the Makati police,” she said.

The villages that would be transferred to Taguig’s jurisdiction per the SC ruling are Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo, Pitogo, Rizal, Northside and Southside.

okays transfer of 10 Makati barangays to Taguig City

Comelec

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved the administrative transfer of 10 villages from Makati City to Taguig City for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30.

In a memorandum dated Aug. 19, the poll body disclosed the implementation of recommended actions for its departments in the affected barangays.

The 10 barangays are Cembo, Comembo, East Rembo, Pembo, Pitogo, Post Proper Northside, Post Proper Southside, Rizal, South Cembo and West Rembo.

“The Commission resolved to approve the recommendation/opinion of the Law Department that the barangays situated in Parcel 3 and 4, PSU-2031, can now be considered as part of Taguig City for purposes of the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Ka-

bataan Elections,” the memorandum read.

The recommended actions cited are the need to secure a copy of the Supreme Court decision; verification of included barangays based on Regional Trial Court case records; and identification of procedures to “legally deputize the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Makati City to allow the use of the schools located in the ten (10) barangays as voting centers” for its legal department.

Other recommendations include the provision of an updated coding system for barangays; reallocation of BSKE forms and supplies; new Makati City 2nd district database with server; provision of “clear instructions and assistance on the technical procedures”; as well as the submission of report to the Comelec en banc regarding the administrative transfer of records of the affected voters, among others.

Central Luzon cops ordered to step up drive vs. online cockfight games

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Police Regional Office-3 (PRO-3) has directed unit commanders in Central Luzon to closely monitor and stop the operation of illegal “e-sabong” or online cockfighting operations in the region.

The move is in adherence to the order of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. to rid the country of e-sabong as instructed by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secre-

tary Benhur Abalos Jr.

“I have directed all unit commanders to ensure that e-sabong and other illegal online gaming will not gain ground in our society and unit commanders shall be held accountable for its resurgence,” PRO-3 chief Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr. said in a statement.

Hidalgo reminded all chiefs of police that the “one-strike policy” is in effect on police officials found to have been remiss in their task and failed to monitor the ex-

Radio anchor gunned down in Cotabato City

COTABATO CITY — A 32-year-old Muslim radio anchor was shot dead in Cotabato City Monday night.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMs) Iidentified the victim, as Mohammad Hessam Midtimbang who was gunned down while about to board his vehicle.

Midtimbang was a radio host of the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta over Gabay Radio 97.7 FM.

The radio program, also known as the “House of Opinions,” consists of Muslim missionaries who cater to various projects in support of the Mindanao peace process.

“We condemn this senseless act of violence as it has no place in our society,” PTFoMs chief Paul Gutierrez said.

He added that the media task force has coordinated with the Philippine National Police and the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army for support in the ongoing investigation.

“Pending the result of the investigation as to the motive of the attack, we consider this as related to the work of the victim as a radio anchor,” Gutierrez also said.

Last May, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility reported at least 75 cases of violations against media workers since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office.

It exceeded the 60 press freedom violations under the Marcos administration reported by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.

istence of illegal activities in their areas of responsibility.

“The one-strike policy remains in effect, and heads of command will be automatically relieved from their posts if illegal gambling operations are discovered within their respective jurisdictions,” he said.

Hidalgo said he also gave a directive to all chiefs of police in the region to ensure that there are no PNP personnel engaged in e-sabong operations, either as players or as collectors of protection money.

“We also need to make sure that no PNP personnel are involved in these illegal activities,” he added.

RIZAL, Palawan – Filipino and Australian forces conducted an air assault exercise at Punta Baja in Rizal, Palawan as the first major training serial for “Exercise Alon” being carried out by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Australian Defense Force (ADF) from Aug. 14 to 31.

“This marked the first major training serial as part of the bilateral cooperation between the AFP and the ADF as part of the latter’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) activities for 2023,” AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said in a statement.

This involved coordinated air, land and sea actions to simulate realistic combat scenarios, enhancing the forces’ preparedness and operational readiness.

Ileto said in a PNA report the Palawan air assault exercise involved insertion of ground combat elements via MV-22B “Osprey” tilt-rotor aircraft from Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRFD), launched from the Royal Australian Navy’s landing helicopter dock, HMAS Canberra (LO2), to the Punta Baja Air-

field last Aug. 20.

The helicopter assault force established a link with the 3rd Marine Brigade to secure the Punta Baja Airfield, and setup a forward arming and refueling point.

“On August 21, 2023, a joint raid was conducted at Tarumpitao Airfield by the

combined forces of the AFP, ADF and USMC (United States Marine Corps) with close air support provided by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A ‘Lightning II’ aircraft,” Ileto said. Meanwhile, exfiltration will take place on Aug. 22 and will have the force

departing from Tarampitao Airfield via MV-22B and returning aboard the HMAS Canberra.

The exercise involved 175 troops from the AFP and two platoons from the ADF, with support from the USMC, as well as a Philippine Marine Corps ground-based security force along with HMAS Canberra and frigate HMAS Anzac (FFH-150) and air support by USMC MV-22B, and RAAF aircraft.

IPE23 serves as Australia’s flagship international engagement activity in the Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean regions.

It aims to promote security, stability and stronger partnerships through bilateral and multilateral engagement, training, capacity building and humanitarian efforts.

“Exercise Alon 2023” marks the first bilateral amphibious exercise between Australia and the Philippines, aimed at enhancing interoperability and enabling the forces to share tactics, techniques, procedures and best practices in the conduct of amphibious operations.

PHL, Aussie forces conduct air assault exercise in Palawan US embassy concern ‘valid’ over Manila Bay reclamation

MANILA – The Embassy of the United States in Manila has valid reasons to raise concerns about reclamation projects in Manila Bay, foremost of which is security.

Lawyer Jay Batongbacal, University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea director, said as host country, the Philippines has a responsibility to ensure the embassy’s safety.

“What probably concerns them, first, it’s a historical area and second, they will now be surrounded by people, Chinese casinos or malls, and other buildings. The area is no longer secured,” he said during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon

City.

“They will probably make some adjustments. They have no choice. We can’t stop them from raising such concerns,” Batongbacal added.

In a statement sent to reporters Aug. 2, the US Embassy said it is concerned that the projects have ties to the China Communications Construction Co “which has been added to the US Department of Commerce’s Entity List for its role in helping the Chinese military construct and militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea.”

“We continue to support high quality, sustainable, and transparent investments to benefit the Filipino people and will

continue to engage with the appropriate authorities on this matter,” the embassy said.

Similarly, neighboring provinces have rights to be alarmed, especially fisherfolk whose livelihood is threatened, according to Batongbacal.

“People will no longer be able to fish, obviously because the area will be reclaimed, the body of the water is being transformed into lands,” he said. “The coastal areas in Cavite that are rich in producing seafoods such as oysters, mussels, will all disappear, as these areas are being reclaimed.”

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonio

Yulo-Loyzaga announced in a press briefing in Malacañang on Aug. 10 that 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay are under review and temporarily suspended.

She said the DENR is currently looking into the compliances under which the Environmental Compliance Certificates and area clearances were issued for the projects.

The suspension came after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. went to Pampanga and Bulacan provinces on Aug. 7 to assess the flooding situation. He later announced that he ordered the suspension of all reclamation projects in Manila Bay except for one, pending review

MANILA— Susan “Toots” Ople, the first secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), died Tuesday. She was 61.

In a statement, the DMW said Ople passed away around 1 p.m. surrounded by her family and loved ones.

It has yet to disclose the cause of death.

“We shall be releasing more details soon. For the meantime, we ask for prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of our dear Sec. Toots,” DMW spokesperson Toby Nebrida said.

Ople bared that she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2019 and underwent breast surgery to remove the tumor in 2020.

In late July, she announced that she

would take a two-week wellness leave from work following the deaths of her two elder brothers, former Hagonoy, Bulacan Mayor Felix “Toti” Ople and former journalist Blas Ople Jr., who both died from lung cancer.

Ople – who championed the rights of migrant workers — was appointed by Marcos last year to take the helm of the newly created DMW.

In 2020, the United Nations (UN) secretary-general also chose her as one of the five experts who would serve a three-year term in the Board of Trustees of the UN Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking.

She also founded the non-profit organization Blas Ople Policy Center, named after her father, the late Senate President

and Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Fajardo Ople. In 1976, he initiated overseas employment as labor secretary under the administration of Ferdinand E. Marcos.

The center assists returning OFWs, including providing them with skills training to secure jobs.

“Secretary Toots Ople’s legacy of service and advocacy will forever be etched in our hearts and minds. Her passion for social justice and unwavering commitment to migrant workers rights made a profound impact on our society,” the center wrote in a statement.

“Her memory will serve as a reminder that one person can make a significant difference in the world,” it added.

In 2013, Ople received the Trafficking in Persons Hero award from then US Sec-

retary of State John Kerry. She was also former labor undersecretary during the Arroyo administration. She ran twice for a Senate seat in 2010 and in 2016, but lost both bids.

AFP to take part in US Pacific Partnership 2023

SAN FERNANDo, La Union – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be participate in the USled Pacific Partnership 2023 as part of its efforts to beef up humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capabilities to be held in San Fernando, La Union on Aug. 22 to Aug. 31.

“Now on its 18th iteration, Pacific Partnership 2023 (PP23) is the US’ largest annual multinational HADR exercise aimed at enhancing preparedness and interoperability with seven host partner nations in the IndoPacific,” AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said.

Aside from HADR, PP23 will feature engineering, medical, dental and veterinary activities.

“The HADR facet will focus on three primary training namely: mountain search and rescue, urban search and rescue, and water search and rescue. Refreshers on basic life support, incident command system, and operations center management will also be conducted,” Ileto said.

A culminating training on an earthquake-tsunami

Nolcom keeps close eye on foreign ships in PHL maritime territories

TARLAC CITY – The Tarlac City-based Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) announced that its littoral monitoring detachments have so far detected 22,474 foreign and domestic vessels in its maritime areas.

Nolcom acting public affairs office chief Maj. Al Anthony Pueblas said the detections were made possible by their monitoring detachments strategically positioned in Bani, Zambales; Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte; Batan and Mavulis, both in Batanes.

Headed by Lt. Gen. Fernyl BucaI and in conjunction with the Area Task Force-North, an inter-agency coordinating body operating under the umbrella of the National Task Force - West Philippine Sea, Nolcom has undertaken 60 successful air patrols and 30 surface patrols from the first quarter of the year to date, ensuring the nation’s territorial security.

“Nolcom will continue to launch maritime patrols (MarPat) in collaboration with key government agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to ensure the safety of our fellow Filipinos, specially our fishermen and protect our marine resources for the benefit of current and future generations,” Bucal said.

Hillary Clinton, Chief Justice Gesmundo to open Social Good Summit 2023

TAGUIG CITY - 67th U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Philippine Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, and key leaders in tech, business, and civil society, will headline Rappler’s Social Good Summit (SGS) on Saturday, September 16.

With the theme #TurningTechForGood: From problem to solution, this year’s SGS will be held on September 16 (Saturday), from 8:30 am to 4 pm, at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, Taguig, Metro Manila. Clinton will be in a conversation with Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa live from New York.

Chief Justice Gesmundo will deliver the keynote. Headlining the first panel that will tackle tech in the global landscape is author, broadcaster, and entrepreneur Andrew Keen, author of the Cult of the Amateur: How Today’s Internet is Killing our Culture, which he wrote in 2007 – long before social media turned into a toxic space.

response scenario will also be conducted to round up the HADR exercises.

“We welcome our ally and partners as we embark [on] another opportunity to build strong, stable, and resilient communities,” Ileto said.

Meanwhile, medical and dental civic action programs will focus on exchanges and community education to help build resilience and enhance capabilities to respond to HADR needs.

Topics include public health, infectious diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, forensic den-

tistry, oral surgery, and diet and nutrition.

Engineering projects are lined up and will be performed by the American, South Korean, and Filipino military engineers to address critical infrastructure concerns.

“This exercise underscores our commitment to regional stability, disaster response readiness, and the well-being of every Filipino and our neighbors. With our partners, this will help us hurdle challenges by fostering goodwill and fostering safer, more resilient communities for generations to come,” Ileto said

Filipinos..

(From page 1)

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported that a 79-year-old American of Filipino descent was among the over 100 fatalities in the wildfires.

The four Filipino and Filipino-American fatalities have been identified by the authorities as Rodolfo Rocutan, 76, immigrant from Ilocos; Alfredo Galinato, 79, immigrant from Ilocos; Conchita Sagudang, 75, Abra; and Danilo Sagudang, 55, Abra.

The number of Filipino and FilAm fatalities may still rise as Philippine Consul General in Honolulu Emil Fernandez said there could possibly be around 100 Filipino and Filipino-American individuals among the over 850 people who are still being sought.

Milestones...

(From page 1)

bration of Filipino and Filipino-American arts and culture that was started with the largest Filipino parade on the West Coast.

The free 2-day outdoor event proved to be fun for the entire family and features handson and authentic cultural experiences in eight pavilions: Art, Culinary, Dance, Health, Heritage, Innovation, Sports and Tavern.

San Francisco Entertainment Commissioner and President of the Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE) Al Perez. Al Perez saw this year’s festival as a success with emphasis on the value of volunteerism as no one was paid to do this.

“I love going to Pistahan every year as I see a lot people that I don’t really see normally but we see them here for reconnection and reunion,” shared Perez. “Our theme this year is celebrating our legacy and empowering our future. In that sense we gained by learning from our past we stand by the shoulders of the people that came before us and learning from their struggles, mistakes and their triumphs and that is how we empower ourselves for the future.

Perez stressed that this was about sparking cultural pride and fostering community empowerment especially since Filipino history

Confusion...

(From page 1)

This as the recovered death toll has now reached 114, with the Maui Coroner’s Office establishing a command post to process the bodies found. The American Red Cross has initiated a mass fatality operation to expedite the identification of the recovered bodies.

There are still around 1,000 individuals missing, and authorities do not yet have a definitive list of how many are unaccounted for.

According to ConGen Fernandez, the Philippine Consulate as ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is ready to assist Filipino citizens or Filipino immigrants who need medical or financial assistance.

Fernandez said the Consulate will also assist Filipinos who are US citizens who

is not in textbooks, not readily available in schools, making Filipinos very much underrepresented in movies, on TV and pop culture.

This year’s Hermana Mayor Melanie Ramil, a volunteer Board Director for the Asian Pacific Youth Leadership Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing Asian Pacific Islander representation in public service, community leadership and advocacy cannot explain that gratefulness she felt first of all and it is honestly one of the biggest honors of her life.

“When I was at the state Capitol in Sacramento, I see no Filipinos. I asked where is our voice? We need to be in this place in Sacramento the state capitol in politics and I said we need Filipinos to be in this place, to be in elected office. We need to help make decisions, bring our stories, struggles.”

On a crucial role as this year’s Pistahan Community Grand Marshall is Janet Alvarado, the executive director of the Alvarado Project.

“We are here with a lot to confront and it is our dream to have a better understanding of promoting what our kids have been told to come here be educated, we are representing the elders of the next generations.”.

For his part, San Francisco Consulate General Neil Frank Ferrer regard the Pistahan as a very meaningful that “even if we are no longer the residents of the former Filipino community meeting at this very place where we are standing now, the Yerba Buena Gardens.”

“Still the community is here showing that the Filipino community has grown and has contributed immensely to the prosperity and progress of

require repatriation of remains back to the Philippines or who are searching for their families.

DFA Undersecretary Jose Eduardo de Vega earlier confirmed the death of 79-year-old Alfredo Galinato, a naturalized US citizen originally from Ilocos.

“The Philippine Consulate in Honolulu is assisting the family who are all based in Hawaii,” he added.

In a GoFundMe page, Galinato’s son Joshua said the wildfire, described as the deadliest in Hawaii, also razed their family home in Lahaina.

“Our Dad, Alfredo Galinato, was one of the many thousand others who have fallen during the most deadliest fires in all of the US. We are grateful to finally hear about our Father’s remains but sad-

dened that he has not joined us in safety,” he wrote.

“It’s with an extremely heavy heart that my Mother and brothers lost everything in this fire including the entirety of our home that my parents worked very hard on,” he added.

Citing the 2020 US state census, the DFA said there are about 388,000 individuals in Hawaii who identify themselves as Filipino or part-Filipino.

Of this number, about 200,000 have parents who are both Filipinos but only 16 percent are Philippine passport holders.

As of Aug. 18, the death toll from the blaze has reached 111 people and is expected to climb as search operations continue. (CMT)

California and this country in general. So we celebrate our being Filipino,” Ferrer noted.

Among the other notable guests in the Pistahan was immigration lawyer Lou Tancinco who was already in there in the first few years of Pistahan and is so happy to see a group of same Filipino now increased in numbers.

“With the next generation now we have an intergeneration of Filipinos getting together and that is something to be sustained for another 30 years. I am really hopeful that it is going to continue,” Tancinco observed.

Head of Operations of GMA International Joseph Francia took the opportunity to be in the Pistahan “to reengage with the Filipino community. San Francisco and the Bay Area holds a special place in GMA Pinoy’S TV’s heart.

“It is where we first launched eighteen years ago on August 1 2005. We were welcomed warmly by the community back. We hope that we still continue to work together in the face of many challenges we are facing even today in the post pandemic era. I hope we can continue to help and be with one another,” Francis imparted.

South San Francisco Mayor Flor Nico-

Hate... (From page 1)

The two states are host to large communities of Asians and Asian Americans, especially Filipinos and FilAms.

As reported in the Nextshark website this week, the initiative is spearheaded by the California/Hawaii State Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Colored People (AACP).

Called the ‘Stop the Hate Legal Redress’ program, it is aimed at combating racial discrimination in the workplace in both states.

While greater attention and media coverage has gone to more vicious attacks against minorities, acts of hate against them in the workplace should not be understated. They also pose a serious problem, one which could worsen if not properly addressed.

Rick Callender, president of the organization, said their program aligns with their commitment to championing

las admitted that the pandemic has done a lot of mental health setbacks for everybody and coming out here at the Pistahan and feeling like Filipinos are one really lifted up Filipinos’ emotional spirit.

“To all Filipino let us continue to be proud wherever we are in the world,” Nicolas urged.

El Cerrito Council Member Gabe Quinto reiterated that he has to be in Pistahan as he has to be in his community and feel proud to be back here.

“It has been a few years because of Covid but to see this great crowd and to see our community together. There are things that are not happening but still should need to be mindful of as Filipinos,” Quinto uttered.

equality and addressing racial discrimination.

He told local broadcast media, “If you’ve been discriminated against because of your race, if you’ve been the subject of hate because of your race, we want to make sure that we’re providing legal representation and advice for you.”

As outlined by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, racial harassment encompasses a range of behavior, including offensive conduct, slurs, gestures and more.

Despite progress, Callender noted that racial discrimination remains a pressing issue.

Assistance is offered to all present and former Hawaii or California workers in both the private and public sectors. All those who feel that they have been victimized should submit a Civil & Human Rights Complaint form to their local NAACP branch.

Once received, the form is processed

by the branch’s Legal Redress Committee, which examines the complaint, specifically focusing on the triggers related to ‘racial discrimination’ or ‘racial harassment.’

If it is found that legal intervention is needed, the case is referred to the State Conference, which then connects the complaint to a qualified law firm.

The legal services are made possible via funding from the ‘Stop the Hate’ program, a component of the Asian and Pacific Islander Equity Budget established in 2021 to end hate against the Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

The program is in collaboration with two law firms – Bracy Hawkins Law, P.C. and Webber & Egbert Employment Law, P.C. – which provide legal consultations and possible representation.

The free legal aid can be considered as yet another step in the ongoing battle to Stop Asian Hate.

AFP... (From page 1)

“The routine follow-on Rotation and Resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre was successfully conducted today,” the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said in a statement, adding the resupply mission had reached the BRP Sierra Madre despite attempts by Chinese vessels to block it with its fresh provisions for the Philippine Marines stationed there.

In a separate statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the resupply mission composed of two boats from the Naval Detachment which started Monday at the Oyster Bay in Palawan, escorted by two other Navy vessels and two Philippine Coast Guard watercraft reached BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal Tuesday morning.

Noting the Chinese aggression in the disputed waters, the United States, Japan and Australia, meanwhile, are set to conduct a joint navy drill in the South China Sea off the western Philippines this week to underscore their commitment to freedom of navigation in international waters and the rule of law in the region.

In reaction to the successful resupply mission, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said there was no issue with the Philippines’s resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, but added the problem cropped up when the Philippines transported construction materials which the Philippines denied.

AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar said the resupply boats and the Philippine Coast Guard escorting them are on their way back to their station in Palawan.

“Aside from ensuring the well-being of our personnel manning BRP Sierra Madre, this feat also demonstrated to the whole world the Filipinos’ firm

resolve to assert our sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the shoal which is within the country’s maritime zones,” Aguilar said.

As this developed, reports from Washington indicated a historic trilateral summit took place at Camp David in the United States over the weekend, where President Joe Biden, President Yoon of South Korea, and Prime Minister Kishida of Japan agreed to enhance defense cooperation among the countries.

The three countries, along with the Philippines, have expressed their concerns over the water bombardment carried out by the China Coast Guard on Philippine resupply vessels.

US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel Krintenbrink, said that the agreements made during the trilateral summit were not aimed at attacking China but rather at safeguarding the region and their own countries from escalating conflicts.

“I don’t believe that these countries – the United States, Japan, and South Korea – view their actions as directed at China. I think they believe they are taking steps to protect themselves, ensure the progress they’ve made is maintained, and work more closely together in an increasingly uncertain world,” the US official said.

In a related development, a US senator underscored the need for Washington, its friends and allies to act together to stop Chinese bullying and dangerous actions in the South China Sea.

Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, in a visit in Manila, met with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Department of Foreign Affairs Office of American Affairs Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and the American Chamber

of Commerce of the Philippines.

Defense, security and Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) were discussed in Scott’s meetings with Philippine officials.

The Republican senator, who sounded the alarm on the risks that China-made equipment such as drones pose to US national security, called Beijing a national security threat to the US.

“If you look at Chinese bullying of Filipino fishermen, everybody acknowledges that China is a bully. They want to lord over as many people as they can,” he added.

The US urged China to follow international law and stop harassing vessels of claimant states operating in their exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

China Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun in a separate statement admitted that China shadowed the Philippine resupply mission, saying it issued a “stern warning” to the Philippine boats, “followed them all the way and effectively regulated them.”

Meanwhile, China has expressed appreciation for the appointment of former Foreign Affairs Secretary and Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Teodoro Locsin, as a special envoy to China.

“We welcome the appointment of former Secretary Teddy Locsin as the President’s special envoy to China and look forward to continuously playing a positive role in managing our differences,” Huang said.—

Last August 5, Chinese coast guard ships used water cannons against Philippine vessels in the contested waterway where disputes have long been regarded as a potential flashpoint and have become a fault line in the rivalry between the U.S. and China in the region.

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(From page 1)

In the San Francisco Bay Area, Aquino’s younger sister Lupita Kashiwahara began gathering confidantes and allies to mourn the loss of her brother and celebrate his life with a holy Mass followed by recollections and a reception. She called it “Friends Meeting Friends of Ninoy.” The tradition was honored for the 40th year this week at Our Lady of Mercy Church Hall in Daly City.

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Is one American entitled to more benefits than all Americans?

This is a question that must be asked: Is one US citizen entitled to more rights and benefits than all other American citizens?

It would seem that a good number of Republicans are of the tragically mistaken belief that Donald Trump is entitled to more than anyone in this country.

The conveniently ignore that he is now an ordinary citizen.

Oh, he may be entitled to Secret Service protection by virtue of his being a former president. All surviving ex-presidents are, such as Barack Obama, George Bush, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter.

Even disgraced former president Richard Nixon was entitled to such protection, despite his being forced out of office for his role in the Watergate cover-up.

Thus, even the twice impeached and now four times charged Trump remains entitled to some benefits. But he cannot and may not continue spitting at the nation’s democratic institutions including its system of laws in the face.

Despite warnings that he seemingly agreed to, he has insulted the judges as well as the prosecutors who have raised the most serious accusations against him.

Perhaps it is about time that he be silenced the same way that others similarly accused are silenced. Perhaps it is about time that the bail he posted for any one of his four cases be revoked.

This would mean sending him to jail, and this may not be the worst thing that can happen to Trump.

He is said to be deathly afraid of landing in prison, and even a short stint behind bars may be exactly what he needs.

He needs to understand that he is not special.

He also may need a short period of introspection and contemplation once he is inside the slammer, in the company of common criminals.

We do not question his popularity with a small percentage of the population, who happen to be a large percentage of the GOP. But his threat that a civil war may occur if he is incarcerated is not going to happen.

Even his most extreme followers, who invaded the Capitol on January 6, have learned their lesson. About a thousand have been charged and some 600 are now in prison for their role in that failed insurrection.

Many legal experts have said that Trump may end up in prison, or at the very least extended house arrest, for his role in instigating his followers to break the law and cause harm, even death, to law enforcers protecting the Capitol.

Trump is not charged with ordinary crimes. He may, as has been suggested, be tried for treason for not only refusing to recognize the winner of the last presidential election, but in taking steps to defy the will of the electorate.

Indeed, Trump is a cancer who continues to destroy everything that the US stands for from within.

He may end up as the Republican Party’s bet in the next presidential elections. But he will most certainly lose both the popular as well as the electoral college vote like the last time, refuse to accept his defeat like a man, and proclaim he was cheated. Again.

It is our fervent hope that the courts finally cut him down to size, even if it means sending him to maximum security prison.

Of course we do agree that he remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But we believe that Citizen Trump will eventually get what he rightfully deserves. A date with Lady Justice.

Turnout at the event elated the retired fi lm and TV director. People from every generation - leaders of the People Power movement and their families, Filipino Americans who have brought pride to the community for their advocacies and achievements, and diverse attendees who care about Filipinos and the Philippi nes - fi lled the venue, exchanging hugs, many seeing each other for the fi rst time in decades.

“This year has sparked extremely high interest among those who remember Ninoy and what he stood for,” Aquino Kashiwahara told Inquirer.net. “Ninoy believed the Filipino is worth fi ghting for. Four decades later, this is our way of proving he was right by honoring his sacrifi ce that freed our country from the oppression of dictatorship.”

Fr. Rey Culaba, offi ciant of the fi rst Mass at the fi rst anniversary of the assassination, presided at the milestone liturgy. Community advocates Cynthia Bonta and Rodel Rodis presented the off ering. Philippine News Today publisher Francis Espiritu read the prayers of the faithful. Former KTVU News South Bay bureau chief Lloyd Lacuesta subbed for his wife philanthrop ist-publisher Lisa Yuchengco, who had to fl y to Manila and was unable to introduce speaker whose refl ection culminated every program all these years.

Lupita’s husband and retired ABC news reporter Ken Kashiwahara’s compelling “Letter to Ninoy” brought attendees along on that fl ight with Ninoy. He was the last family member to see Ninoy alive. (Full text in this issue.)

Manzel dela Cruz designed the programme and Jeannette Vivez produced the video tribute. Members of Akbayan, Filipino American Human Rights Alliance and Concepcion Community USA reunited at the event.

(Continued on page 25)

Remembering Ninoy Aquino

Forty years ago today, Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., was assassinated on the tarmac, as he was about to leave the plane that had brought him from Boston, Massachussetts to the Philippines.

His followers had eagerly awaited him, had put yellow ribbons on the trees that lined his path, only to be distressed when shots rang out , and he fell face down on the tarmac.

It was an event that would change the course of Philippine history.

That incident marked the beginning of the end for the ruling Marcos administration.

Setting aside my personal opinion as to the “heroism” of Ninoy Aquino, I grant that his death triggered the succeeding “bloodless” EDSA Revolution in 1986, followed by the Snap elections that brought his widow, Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, to power.

Ninoy was an eloquent speaker, a charismatic leader who was critical of the Marcoses, particularly the First Lady, Imelda Romualdez Marcos.

He was a folk hero to his kababayans (provinceates) and was even rumored to be the elusive Kumander Dante.

As a youthful foreign correspondent, he had reported events fro m diff erent countries, especially Japan.

My father was the speechwriter of his father, Benigno Aquino Sr. during the Japanese Occupation. His sister, Lupita Kashiwahara, was my high school classmate at the Holy Ghost College (now College of the Holy S pirit)which reportedly has closed down, and his youngest sister, Teresa, was my student at the Assumption High School.

Despite such ties, when Cory Aquinio became President, I never got to approach her for the Aliw Awards Foundation, Inc., after certain live entertainers accused the AAFI of being pro-Marcos, which the apolitical foundation was not! Anyway, Ninoy’s martyrdom has been commemorated every year since Coiry Aquino became the President of the land. The Manila International Airport was renamed Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) .

Today, I remember Ninoy Aquino as the rest of the Filipinos do, with regret that he never became the country’s President. May he rest in eternal peace!

“But love is blind and lovers cannot see The pretty follies that themselves commit;”

-Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice, 1596

“I don’t make love by the garden gate, For love is blind, but the neighbors ain’t.”

-J. Mason Brewer in Worser Days and Better Times, 1965

“We may not be perfect, but we are perfect for each other.”

-Passionate Ilocano lawyer’s plea to his beloved to come live with him and be his love, 2023

The high water mark in this “love is blind” or accepting the beloved’s imperfections rationale was demonstrated last week in Honolulu where a husband and wife were pictured holding hands as they left a courtroom after the husband’s trial for allegedly murdering the acupuncturist of his wife with whom she was reportedly having an affair. It ended with a hung jury. The husband will be retried. The husband apparently loved his wife but he was not blind. He simply accepted his wife’s imperfection. Adultery is the most serious imperfection in a husband and wife relationship.

Should this incident make us wary of acupuncturists? The contact between an acupuncturist and a patient is very intimate. There is a lot of touching. Touching in one part could lead to other parts. They could be acupuncturing something else beyond what they ought to be acupuncturing. Cuidado. There might be decent acupuncturists. Fuera de los buenos.

An Ilocano lawyer was once asked by a friend to help reconcile him with his attractive wife who had strayed from the path of righteousness. The friend told the lawyer that he was willing to take back his wife. Apparently he had accepted his wife’s imperfection. The lawyer arranged the meeting in a romantic San Francisco restaurant. The lawyer succeeded in reconciling the couple. Later the friend called the lawyer saying that he could not make love with his wife any more. Whenever he tried to make love with her, he imagined his wife and his paramour making love. He suffered erectile dysfunction. They eventually divorced.

When people see a good looking man and a woman who is not pretty or even ugly – I am not necessarily talking about royalty or presidents – they are likely to say “ah, love is blind”. The same reaction might be evoked when they see a good looking woman and a nondescript man. Love is not blind, the better looking person simply accepts the other person’s imperfection.

Similarly, when an attractive young woman is seen with a wrinkled old man or when a good looking young man is seen with an unattractive female companion who looks twice his age, people might react by asking “what does she see in him?” or “what does he see in her?” The young woman and the young man are not blind. They simply accept their beloved’s imperfection.

ARE LOVERS CRAZY OR FOOLS?

There are a litany of imperfections of a beloved from the most blatant – like adultery – to the most obvious – like age and appearance – that one can think of. There are scores of imperfections that are present in every love relationship. Love is not blind. The lover simply accepts these imperfections of the beloved.

Is the lover crazy? Perhaps, like “I am crazy about you.”

Is the lover a fool? Maybe. As Frank Sinatra crooned while pursuing Ava Gardner:

“I’m a fool to want you

I’m a fool to want you

To want a love that can’t be true

A love that’s there for others too

I’m a fool to hold you

Green Revolution of Million Trees Foundation, partners

Iam reminded of former President Fidel V. Ramos who said “too much water during the rainy season and too little water during summer has become our sad fate of yearly cycles of inundation and drought.” We have to join hands and ensure there is sufficient water supply when and where it is needed. Unfortunately despite the heavy rains, mild El Nino has also set in.

The Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI) recognizes reforestation as a means to ensure sustainable water supply. It is committed to build on the gains of the Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC) program started by MWSS and the green revolution of planting trees includes in the coming years other critical watersheds throughout the country as beneficiaries of AMTC.

It also supports the government’s Enhanced National Greening Program that aims to reforest denuded areas in the country through the AMTC. In the website of the National Greening Program of DENR, as of August 12, 2022 a total of 1,829,867, 211 seedlings have been planted in two million hectares of land since 2011 under the National Greening Program and Enhanced National Greening Program. DENR targets to reforest another two million hectares.

In my previous column, I wrote about the AMTC awards and the partnerships MTFI has forged with both government and private entities. Among these partners are MTFI’s institutional partners: San Miguel Corporation, Manila Water, Maynilad, and Sta. Clara International.

Manila Water has been an institutional partner of MTFI since 2021 with an annual endowment of P1-million. It has planted 1,382,114 trees under its Watershed Reforestation Project started in 1995. For 2022, it has planted 88,000 trees at the La Mesa watersheds. From 2017-2022, Manila Water has been recognized as a dependable stakeholder partner of the AMTC with 150,000 committed trees to be planted for CY 2023. It established and implemented best practices that foster sustainable forests and/or community-based reforestation program, serving as the model for other communities or organizations.

Like Manila Water, Maynilad has been an institutional partner of MTFI since 2021 with the same annual P1-million support and a stakeholder partner of AMTC since 2017. Its Plant for Life Watershed Reforestation Project that was earlier initiated in 2007 recently achieved its 1 million trees planted on December 29 last year. In 2022, Maynilad planted 82,051 trees at the La Mesa, Ipo, and Manila Bay watersheds. It pledged to plant 215,000 trees for CY 2023.

As an institutional partner, Santa Clara International took care of the ground preparations for the construction of the Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center. It deployed heavy equipment for the purpose. As a stakeholder partner, it has planted thousands of fire trees in Morong, Bataan.

Another institutional partner is San Miguel Corporation (SMC) which is the major donor of MTFI with an annual P5million endowment to support the various programs, projects and operations of MTFI. In the last four years, SMC has planted and nurtured more than five million new trees and mangroves from 2019 to 2022 under its multi-year, nationwide forestation and carbon capture program as part of San Miguel Corporation Global Power’s (SMCGP) PROJECT 747 covering 5,00,116 upland and mangrove trees across 1,500 hectares of land in seven provinces. SMC has been an institutional partner of MTFI since the latter’s establishment in 2021. Through the initiative of its President and CEO Mr. Ramon S. Ang, SMC provided initial funding for the construction of the Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center.

Keep sharing the gospel during these last days

As book author, columnist and active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California, I was blessed and fortunate to speak during the Worship Services of the Golden Gate congregation last Sunday morning, August 20, 2023. I would like to share to our readers and the general public my message.

SCRIPTURE READING:

(Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16)

GREETINGS AND INTRODUCTION: Good Morning and happy Sunday to everyone!! I would like to thank Bro. James Quitoriano, Minister of the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST, for scheduling me to preach this Sunday morning, nearest to my 76th Birthday on August 18 2023. I would like also to thank our young brother in Christ Kenneth Wilson for reading the Bible verses pertinent to our topic this morning and to brother Renato Marcos for leading the gospel songs I requested.

Most of all, I would like to thank all our guests who responded to my personal invitation through my weekly columns in the PHILIPPINE NEWS TODAY; columns reprinted in the Guiding Light, weekly bulletin of the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST and personal letter invitation: like my siblings Salvador Madlaing and wife Ursula T. Madlaing & Family from San Jose, California; Josie M. Lewis and son Ferdinand Lewis and youngest sister Luzviminda Madlaing from Bethel Island, California older sister Magdalena M. Sison from Santa Clara, California; Neal and Silvia Wilson & Family from San Francisco, California ; my cousin Hermie Butler, who flew all the way from Chicago, Illinois to be with us this Sunday morning.

I also commend and thank my cousin Alfred G. Gabot, past president of the National Press Club of the Philippines; Regent, Pamantasan Ng Lungsod Ng Maynila and Editor-inChief, Philippine News Today; and Claire Morales True, Managing Editor of Philippine News Today, for responding to our invitation to join our Bible Class and Worship Services Today.

Fred and Claire were with us (with my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing) at the Westgate Resort, formerly Hilton Las Vegas, for 3 nights and 2 days through the compliment of their friend Fely Quetives. The statue of Elvis Presley is at the lobby of the hotel resort because he performed regularly at the Hilton Hotel and stayed at the Penthouse. My wife and I stayed at Room 2937, 29th Floor, near the Penthouse while Fred and Claire stayed at Room 2939. We were not able to visit the Penthouse where Elvis stayed because it was closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Interestingly, August 16, 2023, Wednesday, was the Death Anniversary of Elvis Presley. Many hotel guests took pictures with the statue of Elvis Presley.

Beauty pageants for Mrs. America and Miss America were on-going during our stay at the Westgate Resort. We’re fortunate to personally meet Rhyan Strasters, first Asian Filipina Miss Pennsylvania, who was born in Manila, Philippines. We had group pictures with her with the statue of Elvis Presley as background. I proved my endurance in long driving during our trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. I drove about 9 hours from San Francisco to Las Vegas last Wednesday. Then I drove about 9 hours from Las Vegas to San Francisco last Friday August 18, 2023.

(Continue on page 27)

(Continue on page 27)

The nursery and eco learning center is essential in carrying out the programs of MTFI. Located at the La Mesa Watershed, it is the first project of MTFI in the five-hectare land leased by government to the Foundation. The eco learning center hosts the MTFI satellite office and has available space for environment-related seminars and workshops particularly the SMC Multi Purpose Center or more popularly known as Eddie’s Green Barn to honor the memory of former President Fidel V. Ramos. A coffee shop and souvenir shop are also situated in the leased area as well as kiosks for each institutional partner where their respec-

I would like to thank brother John Jeffrey for sending a birthday card greetings in Tagalog: “Kapatid Art Gabot Madlaing: Binabati kita sa isa na namang kamangha-manghang taon ny paglilingkod sa Diyos! (Brother Art Gabot Madlaing: Greetings for another wonderful year of service to God!) Yes, brother Jeffrey, let’s continue serving God in sharing the gospel to the many lost souls.

Now, let’s go to our lesson and message this morning. Please have your PNB (Pen, Notebook, Bible) ready.

During our weekly Devotional on Wednesday and Sunday morning Adult Bible Classes, brother Benny Joyner emphasized that faith is not complete until an alien sinner understood the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus, and obeyed the gospel in baptism for the remission or forgiveness of sins. Sister Rose de la Cruz also mentioned that all soul winners are wise (Proverbs 11:30, Living Bible).

With our annual theme

Love is not blind, lovers simply accept the beloved’s imperfections

Junior’s import madness

That Ferdinand Marcos Jr has little if any understanding of economics is best exemplified by his recent order to import tons of fish right after he also approved the importation of rice.

No, the country will not be importing luxury fish like Norwegian salmon but local galunggong.

Last time I checked, there was no shortage of this fish, which the late Cory Aquino once reminded the current president’s father was getting to be beyond the reach of the masses.

Maybe the late dictator should have flooded the market with cheap, imported galunggong, huh? That might have delayed his eventual forced exit from the country, along with his now import-crazy son.

The current planned importation is said to be because the country’s fishing grounds need to rest so that supply can be replenished.

This is not the real reason, it appears. Those crazy Chinese fishing fleets are the ones depleting our seas, and thus far Marcos Jr has done nothing to stop their grabbing of our natural resources.

One big argument against importing fish is not due to the abundant supply of ours that’s being taken by the Chinese, but because importing anything requires the use of our dollar reserves. This must be used only for our essentials, like oil. Or maybe Gucci bags and shoes.

Ok, ok, I am being sarcastic with the bags and shoes. But not with oil, which is again soaring to new heights price-wise such that our public transport sector is demanding a new round of fare hikes. But that’s best discussed another day, ladies and gentlemen.

As concurrent Agriculture secretary, Marcos Jr should be aware that imports do more harm than good to the sector he supposedly manages. Ever since he assumed the presidency, he has been on a dollar wasting binge.

On one side, he has allowed imports of various commodities which the Philippines should have a sufficient supply of. For another, he wastes billions of dollars on foreign trips which only result of his bringing home pledges, not actual commitments.

That, too, is a subject best discussed another day.

The importation of fish is ridiculous on multiple points, not the least of which is the fact that the Philippines is literally surrounded by water. Our seas and even our rivers and lakes are teeming with fish. And crabs, and shrimps, and shellfish.

As for rice, one fool of an executive said the Philippines was set to import the staple from India.

What’s wrong with this picture?

If that elected executive had bothered to read or watch the news, he would have known that India just announced that it will not allow any of its rice stocks to be exported for the simple reason that it needs those same stocks to feed its own people.

The Marcos administration has been saying that there is sufficient supply for the country, now that harvest season has arrived.

It cannot, however, explain why the retail price of rice is skyrocketing to the point that even one of his Cabinet secretaries said that maybe the people should start eating ground corn or root crops instead.

Why didn’t he just say the people should just eat cake? His insensitivity to the plight of poor consumers say he deserves the same fate as the French queen who gave that same suggestion when told that the people were running out of break to eat.

Marcos Jr probably hates it by now, but he must be constantly reminded of his campaign promise to bring down the retail price of rice to PHP20 per kilo.

Guess what, folks? Well milled rice now sells at three times that sum, or PHP60 per kilo, which is climbing to an all-time high.

The administration gives lame excuses as rice being cheaper at the Kadiwa stores. The only problem is that nobody knows where those damn Kadiwa stores are located.

The politics of rice “All of Us Belong Right Here”

It was, in fact, a centerpiece program of the first Marcos administration with “Masagana 99,” and his son has also made it one of his priorities.

Bongbong Marcos has placed his political reputation on bringing down rice prices to 20 pesos per kilo.

It is a pipe dream. He can only achieve his 20-pesosa-kilo rice if the government will heavily subsidize grain prices.

However, this is not sustainable and the initial experience was that the government’s buffer stock was depleted.

Rice is a strategic commodity as precious as oil and gas. Rice farmers are a powerful voting bloc in most Southeast Asian states, like Thailand, as well as in Japan.

But, in the Philippines, rice farmers are the most neglected and among the poorest sectors of society.

Why is it too difficult to stabilize rice prices in the Philippines?

A quick tour at wet markets will show that rice prices have gone up to more than 50 pesos per kilo for the local well-milled variety.

Imported rice can go as high as 65 pesos per kilo.

In a video message, Bongbong Marcos was confident rice prices would soon start to stabilize as farmers were set to harvest their produce in many parts of the country, like Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and in Mindanao.

However, it would not be enough to lower rice prices as rice production would still fall short of rice demand and consumption.

Even if the agriculture department reported a dramatic increase in rice production in the first quarter of the year, there would still be a shortfall in the year-on-year production.

There are natural forces beyond the government’s control to achieve rice sufficiency in the country.

For instance, the Philippines has less land area cultivated to rice than its neighboring countries, like Thailand and Vietnam, the second- and third- largest rice exporting countries in the world.

Thailand and Vietnam have contiguous areas for rice production. The Philippines is an archipelago with limited areas for rice production.

In the Philippines, rice fields have been converted into residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

There are also poor irrigation facilities in many upland rice farms, which depend on annual ricefall.

Too much rain also destroys rice farms. Annually, the Philippines is visited by an average of 20 typhoons, some of which are destructive.

Recently, two typhoons — “Egay” (international name “Doksuri”) and “Falcon” (international name “Khanun”) — inundated large swathes of farmlands in the Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley regions.

Doksuri also destroyed farmlands in China while Khanun brought destruction in Japan and South Korea.

In a big way, weather disturbances affect rice production in the country. These typhoons sometimes affect areas in Vietnam but they cause more damage first in the Philippines.

A third factor is the population. The Philippines might produce as much as those in Thailand and Vietnam with a smaller rice production area but it has more mouths to feed.

Thailand and Vietnam have a population of about 70 to 80 million people but the Philippines has more than 110 million people.

That could probably be the reason why both Thailand and Vietnam could export their excess rice production and the Philippines would need about 2 million metric tons each year.

Worse, rice traders control prices of rice in the country.

These traders would buy the grains from rice farmers at lower cost and store them in warehouses and create artificial shortages to jack up prices.

In 2018, a rice tariffication law was passed by Congress to help local farmers improve production and get more revenues, but the reverse happened.

Prices have been rising steadily and rice farmers have no control over their produce.

Wondering what this is all about? This is the theme of this year’s Asian American Stories Video Competition; the first major project launched this week by the recently organized Silicon Valley Community Media (SVMC) founded by Diana Ding, founder and CEO of Ding Ding TV based in Santa Clara.

This is a chance for AsianAmericans to tell their stories about their contributions both to the Asian American communities and to the mainstream and to bring communities together, promote diversity, racial justice, equity, and to stop the hate. With their stories, we can learn from them, can emulate what they went through, review their contributions to society, and serve as our model in our assimilation to American lifestyle.

Sometimes, most immigrants (new immigrants for that matter), struggle in life because they don’t have models or mentors to follow as they immerse themselves to the American society.

The video essay contest is open to all independent journalists, social media influences, ethnic media, event organizers, and civic organization contestants.

There are two categories of contestants – youth contestant for ages 12 – 18 years of age and adult contestants for 18 years old and above. Contestants are required to submit in English a video of less than one-minute length to be accompanied by a written essay of less than 150 words. Submission of entries are accepted from June 1, 2023 to January 1, 2024.

The committee is co-chaired by Diana Ding and Francis Espiritu, President and publisher, Philippine News Today (PNT), an English weekly newspaper.

The new website for the competition (work in progress) is https://asianamericanstories.multiscreensite.com/#Judges where interested parties can view the whole project, the judges bios, the committee members, community partners, and the contestants with their entries.

Joel Wong, chairman of the board of judges, convened this week via Zoom distinguished members of the board of judges of the Telling American Story Video Competition to kick off the very important project of the Silicon Valley Community Media (SVMC).

The judges met via a Zoom meeting Thursday for the project’s overview, a review of the new website (https:// asianamerican stories.multiscreensiote.com/#Judges); judging criteria; and a video trailer of the project.

The judges are: Joel Wong, Treasurer & Secretary of Silicon Valley Community Media, President of National Asian American United (NAA United), President of National Asian American PAC – chairman; Chris Norwood, President, Board of Milpitas Unified School District; Sandy Close, Media Editor; Beverly Molina, Santa Clara Firefighter and Author; Tony Shyu, a TV and film director, producer, editor and writer; Other judges include Chris Norwood - President, Board of Milpitas Unified School District; Sandy Close - Media Editor; Beverly Molina - Santa Clara Firefighter and Author; Tony Shyu - a TV and film director, producer, editor and writer; Mayor Carmen Montano of the city of Milpitas; Kansen Chu - former Assembly Member of District 25 State of California; Filipino American Media Leader Don Orozco; Piyush Malik - startup executive, entrepreneur, and board advisor; Mattie Scariot - Director of the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival; David Mosby - CEO of e2i Academy, Speaker and Author; Mayor Lisa Gilmor - Mayor of the city of Santa Clara; and Elpidio R. Estioko - Educator, public relations (PR) professional, author, and award-winning journalist.

At Silicon Valley Community Media, the group are dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness & diversity of Asian-American experiences to Silicon Valley and beyond. For over a decade, they have produced, funded, and distributed thousands of creative projects through film & digital media. They have also proudly celebrated diverse culture through hundreds of events.

(Continue on page 27)

I suspect that in the handful of actual Kadiwa stores that actually exist, old rice was

Before the farmers could plant rice, they already had committed the production to traders.

(Continue on page 27)

Their mission also includes empowering and unifying Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and ethnic leaders by suing media and communication to bridge the gap between Asian-Americans and other communities across the United States. (Continue on page 27)

IMMIGRATIONS

What can I do if my petition is denied by USCIS?

Is your marriage case denied for inconsistencies during the interview, no sufficient documents submitted or some other reasons? Do not lose hope. There are many ways you can convince the government that you deserve approval. If the reason for denial is inconsistencies during the interview, you can submit proof that the responses are consistent with respect to your case. This is called reconciliation of responses. If your case is denied because of lack of sufficient evidence, you can submit affidavits proving that your marriage is in good faith. If your case is denied because the government has been very unfair during the interview such as using threats of imprisonment or some coercive tactics during the interview, you need to seek a help from an immigration attorney to represent you on this matter because a simple mistake in analysis could be fatal. In legal language, you need to appeal on due process ground. Due process requires voluntariness in giving information of the part of the alien and the government adhering to the fair and just process in seeking responses. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants aliens the right to due process. Generally, “Immigration proceedings, although not subject to the full range of constitutional protections, must conform to the Fifth Amendment’s requirement of due process.” Salgado-Diaz v. Gonzales, 395 F.3d 1158, 1162 (9th Cir. 2005) (as amended); “A full and fair hearing is one of the due process rights afforded to aliens in deportation proceedings. … A court will grant a petition on due process grounds only if the proceeding was so fundamentally unfair that the alien was prevented from reasonably presenting his case.” Gutierrez v. Holder, 662 F.3d 1083, 1091 (9th Cir. 2011).

The court reviews de novo claims of due process violations. Grigoryan, 959 F.3d at 1239; Liu v. Holder, 640 F.3d 918, 930 (9th Cir. 2011) (as amended); Ibarra-Flores v. Gonzales, 439 F.3d 614, 620 (9th Cir. 2006). “The BIA’s decision will be reversed on due process grounds if (1) the proceeding was so fundamentally unfair that the alien was prevented from reasonably presenting his case, and (2) the alien demonstrates prejudice, which means that the outcome of the proceeding may have been affected by the alleged violation.” Ibarra-Flores, 439 F.3d at 620–21.

For those of you who received a denial because your rights are violated on due process ground you need to speak to an immigration attorney to discuss your individual situation.

Note: This is not a legal advice and presented for information purposes only. If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse, which could lead to deportation and family separation.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

1. PETITION FOR NURSES

LVN AND CAREGIVERS

Our Law Firm entered into agreement with nursing facilities in the U.S. to process applicants for Nurses, LVN and Caregivers in the US You may qualify if you have RN or LVN license. Caregivers will need six months of caregiving experience.

Applicants Inside or outside the United States may qualify.

Bankruptcy Basics

We also process Bankruptcy cases.

1. Bankruptcy will actually improve your credit within one year because your unsecured debts are discharged. Although the bankruptcy will be in your records for 10 years, not filing bankruptcy will make your credit even worse until most your debts are paid.

2. If you are being sued by your creditors, most money judgment can be eliminated in bankruptcy.

3. Collection actions continue and you can be sued if you are in debt settlement.

4. Chapter 7 will eliminate all unsecured debts. If you are near retirement age, you must eliminate most of your debts.

FAMILY LAW

We also handle uncontested DIVORCE.

ITIN and INCOME TAX PROBLEMS

We can help you if you need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer ID number) We also prepare income tax returns and if you are under IRS audit, and need a representation with IRS, need to reduce your tax liability or need to offer a payment plan to IRS, we can help you with that.

If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse, which could lead to deportation and family separation.

Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers. He has practiced immigration law, bankruptcy, personal injury and income tax representation since June 1999. His contact phone is 1-877-456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw.com/ with offices in Hayward and Cerritos, CA.

Finance chief optimistic of reaching 6% GDP growth target

MANILA – Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin Diokno said this year’s economic growth target is within reach, citing the government’s aggressive “catch-up” plans.

“[The] 6.0 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth target for 2023 remains achievable,” Diokno said.

“An aggressive catch-up plan for infrastructure projects, quicker response by GOCCs (government-owned and controlled corporations), and strong and deliberate spending by resource-surplus local governments are essential parts of the solution to the relatively weak second quarter growth performance of the Philippine economy,” the finance chief added.

The country’s economic growth slowed to 4.3 percent in the second quarter of the year from the 6.4 percent expansion in the first quarter.

“A close look at the economic performance of our Asian peers could give a balanced view of the country’s economic performance,” said Diokno.

Citing data, Diokno said that in the second quarter of 2023, South Korea grew by 0.87 percent, and so did Sin-

gapore (0.7 percent), Hong Kong (1.5 percent), Taiwan (1.5 percent), Vietnam (4.14 percent) and Indonesia (5.17 percent).

“The Philippines is not as exportdependent as some of its ASEAN neighbors. Its growth is consumption-based. That is why it is less susceptible to the weaker export demand owing to the slowing global economy, which is partly due to the aggressive monetary tightening, supply bottlenecks and rising commodity prices resulting from the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine,” he explained.

Diokno added that the more dependent the country is on exports, the slower the economic expansion.

He noted that this is mainly due to a slowing global economy.

To achieve the lower end of the economic growth target this year, Diokno said the Philippine economy has to grow by 6.6 percent in the second half of the year,

“While there are formidable external challenges, the prospect of achieving this lofty goal is largely in the hands of the current administration,” said Diokno.

PHL calls for updating of ASEAN free trade deal

MANILA – The country’s trade chief has called on fellow ministers in Southeast Asia to upgrade the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) during the 37th Meeting of ASEAN Free Trade Area Council in Semarang, Indonesia.

Secretary Alfredo Pascual highlighted that the upgrade of the ATIGA is an opportune time to address trade issues within the ASEAN, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement over the weekend.

During the meeting, Pascual mentioned that the updating the ATIGA should address the long-standing issues in availing of preferential market access within the region.

“He recommended the establishment of a mechanism to address the timely resolution of these trade issues in order to fully realize the benefits of ATIGA and encourage stakeholders to utilize the agreement,”

the DTI added.

Pascual also updated his fellow ASEAN trade ministers that the Philippine government remains committed to digitalize trade through the implementation of the National Single Window or TradeNet, a platform for automated and integrated licensing, permitting, clearance, and certification system of trade regulatory government agencies relative to the import and export trade of regulated goods.

The DTI chief also said the Philippines is on track to fully issue and accept electronic Certificate of Origin Form D -- a document certifying that goods in a particular shipment were wholly obtained, produced, or processed in a particular country -- within the year.

“The DTI works closely with the Bureau of Customs and the Department of Finance on this endeavor,” DTI added.

High oil prices seen to persist until end of 2023

FORT BONIFACIO – A Department of Energy (DOE) official said oil price hikes are expected to continue until the end of the year.

During the Laging Handa public briefing, Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Rino Abad said tighter supply has boosted global oil prices, with the output cuts from Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Abad said the global market has oil shortage of around one million barrels a day since June.

“So, the projection of S&P Global Platts (is that) high oil prices will continue from July until December,” he said in Filipino. “The only chance that prices will go down is when demand slows down. Unfortunately, during ‘ber’ months, these are the months

when demand increases.”

Abad said since local players hiked oil prices in nearly two months, the common pump price for gasoline is currently at PHP73 per liter, PHP67 per liter for diesel, and around PHP79 to PHP80 per liter for kerosene.

He said the agency is reviewing the joint memorandum circular to implement the Pantawid Pasada Program, wherein Congress allotted PHP3 billion for this year.

“(A)side from the government subsidy through LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) (and) DOTr (Department of Transportation), we have promo programs from the private sector --that’s reduction in price per liter from PHP2 to probably as high as PHP4 per liter,” he added.

Vina Morales set for San Jose concert, to make Broadway debut vice Lea Salonga in ‘Here Lies Love’

SAN JOSE, California -- The world of entertainment is buzzing with excitement with the eagerly anticipated “Two Hearts” concert of actress-singer Vina Morales scheduled for September 9, 2023 at the prestigious San Jose Performing Arts Center,.

With recent developments igniting fresh enthusiasm, this concert is set to dazzle in a whole new way.

Spotlighting the exceptional talents of Vina Morales,

your soul as David Pomeranz and Vina Morales take center stage, weaving memories that will resonate long after the final note.

Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to witness the fusion of extraordinary talents and savor the essence of music in its purest form.

Actress and singer Vina Morales is ready to shine on her Broadway debut as Dona Aurora Aquino in the controversial musical “Here Lies Love.”

In a limited engagement, Morales will replace Tony-

winning Filipino actress Lea Salonga, who bowed out of the show on Aug. 19. Salonga will remain though as a key member of the show’s co-producing team.

“Here Lies Love” is a critically-acclaimed musical about former First Lady Imelda Marcos’ rise to power and fall following the EDSA People Power Revolution.

The first-ever all-Filipino cast of the disco musical made history on Broadway in New York last May.

Morales will be joining the cast for a month, from Sept. 22 to Oct. 22.

this change promises to elevate the concert experience to unprecedented heights, offering a fusion of excitement and anticipation.

And in an unexpected twist, Vina Morales is also poised to take on the role of Dona Aurora Aquino in the critically acclaimed Broadway musical “Here Lies Love” in New York City.

The announcement brings with it an air of anticipation, as audiences await the exceptional performance that Vina Morales is bound to deliver. Her unmatched vocal prowess, magnetic stage presence, and dynamic range are all set to culminate in an unforgettable musical experience.

The “Two Hearts” concert on September 9 will open with a mesmerizing performance by the singing diva.

Armed with unparalleled talent and charismatic energy, Morales is bound to ignite the stage, setting the tone for an evening brimming with musical enchantment and artistic brilliance.

Vina Morales’s star continues to rise, particularly with her Broadway debut in the critically acclaimed musical “Here Lies Love.”

Stepping into the role of Dona Aurora Aquino, Morales leaves an indelible mark on audiences, stepping into a spotlight that was once occupied by Tony-winning Lea Salonga who remains one of the producers of the all-Filipino show.

“Here Lies Love” is a poignant musical that unravels the tale of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, tracing her ascent to power and eventual downfall following the EDSA People Power Revolution of February 1986.

Morales’s participation in this iconic musical marks a momentous triumph in her career, allowing her to exhibit her remarkable talent on a global stage.

Lea Salonga, the original luminary of “Here Lies Love,” has expressed her excitement and endorsement of Morales’s new role.

With Salonga’s blessing, Morales steps into the limelight, armed with her unique style and captivating charm, ready to captivate audiences once more.

As the countdown to the “Two Hearts” concert continues, the inclusion of Vina Morales as the headline performer has injected a new wave of anticipation and exhilaration. This transformation promises an evening of exceptional music, stellar performances, and an immersive experience that transcends boundaries.

As September 9 draws nearer, be sure to mark your calendars and secure your tickets for the “Two Hearts” concert. Prepare to be swept away by Vina Morales’s exceptional talents, setting the stage for an evening that rejoices in the magic of music and the potency of artistic expression.

Let the harmonies of “Two Hearts” resonate within

Julia Montes finds a new friend in Alden Richards

stantly became friends.

“I’m so happy to have found a new friend in him” Julia was quoted saying. “Super happy ako and I know that’s why Alden is Alden because ganoon siya kabait and ka-talented.”

“So, wala, na-amaze ako sa kanya,” she said. “Sobrang bait and talented, e, hindi mo maano yun. Yung talent kasi nandiyan, pero sabayan mo pa ng bait, that’s why star siya.”

GMA Network’s ‘The Voice Genera�ons’ premiers

Mark your calendars because the newest spinoff of the world’s biggest singing competition, “The Voice Generations,” is making its way to GMA this August 27, 2023.

The Voice Generations is a showcase of voices and hearts that we will see in Asia for the first time.

Hosting “The Voice Generations” is no less than Dingdong Dantes. The Kapuso Primetime King is the perfect choice to be at the front of GMA’s production of the world’s biggest singing contest title with his expertise in hosting -- navigating the happy, but sometimes heartbreaking journeys of the talents in the competition.

ABS star Julia Montes has filmed “Five BreakUps And A Romance” opposite GMA actor Alden Richards.

This is the first collaboration of GMA Pictures, Cornerstone Studios, and MYRIAD Corporation owned by Alden himself, reported Sunstar columnist Rey Pineda.

Aside from their movie Julia admits she is happy to work with Alden and eventually, they in-

Aside from Julia, Alden has already worked with the former best friend Kathryn Bernardo in Star Cinema’s blockbuster film “Hello, Love, Goodbye”.

The film of Julia and Alden was finished in May 2023. Julia is agog to watch the entire film and for the people to see their movie, which she says one of her favorite films.

“Right now, we,re just waiting for the playdate ng movie namin with Alden. Yun yung pinakaupcoming,” she said as reported by Rey Pineda. “But then, after that, mga surprises pa, medyo hindi pa puwede ireveal.”

“Pero yung movie with Alden, super... antayin nila kasi super favorite film ko siya asof the moment,” she said. “For now, siguro everybody can reklate to it because it,s five break-ups, lahat tayo we go through something na alam mong part ka ng movie.”

Julia remains mum about her relationship with Coco Martin.

“We’re the type of person po na we’re blessed sa industry natin. Pero yung privacy is really... iba rin. Siguro, I can just say na whatever na nangyayari sa life ko this year or every year na binibigay ni God sa akin, I’m just so blessed and very happy,” she said.

Despite being in the headlines of newspapers and social media platforms, Julia managed to keep their relationship details private.

However, in an interview with Coco, the actor has confirmed his not-so-secret relationship with Julia.

The show kicks off the season with the exciting part of the singing competition: the “Blind Auditions” where some of the country’s best singing duos and groups with members from different generations try their best to be chosen among thousands of aspiring singers.

Expect the competitive spirit of the talents to run high as they bring their “A game” to the stage to impress the coaches and make them turn their seats as a signal that the coach has chosen them. If more than one coach turns, then the contestants get to choose which coach they want to work with.

The competition between coaches also begins, with each coach fighting to get their preferred talents on their team.

Coaches who will hone the skills of the talents are award-winning international singer, dancer, and host Billy Crawford; multi-awarded and best-selling recording artist and Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose; lead singer and choreographer of the world’s well-loved P-pop boy group SB19’s Stell; and Filipino rockstar and lead singer of Parokya Ni Edgar Chito Miranda.

Once their teams are complete, each group will go through knock-outs and sing-offs as they battle it out to become the first ever The Voice Generations champion in Asia.

Don’t miss “The Voice Generations,” every Sunday beginning August 27 on GMA Network.

Basketball-crazy PHL excited as FIBA World Cup starts August 25

MANILA – After 45 years, basketball-crazy Philippines is excited as it hosts the FIBA World Cup with some of the best and brightest basketball stars in the world, including the NBA, gathering on one hardcourt to compete.

The 2023 FIBA World Cup will start on Aug. 25 in three locations in Asia: Manila, Philippines; Jakarta, Indonesia and Okinawa, Japan.

In Group A, the Philippines will battle Angola, Dominican Republic, and Italy while China, Serbia, South Sudan, and Puerto Rico square off in Group B.

The 55,000-seater Philippine Arena in Bulacan will host the opening doubleheader as the Philippines seeks to set a new record attendance in a FIBA World Cup game.

All except the opening day games of Groups A and B will be played at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The United States, a strong title contender in the tournament with its NBA-laden lineup, headlines Group C together with Greece, Jordan, and New Zealand. Group D, on the other hand, consists of Egypt, Lithuania, and Montenegro.

All the games of Groups C and D will be played at Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.

Among the top players to watch are:

1. Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns who will play for the Dominican Republic.

2. Jonas Valančiūnas, the New Orleans Pelicans center, who will play for Lithuania.

3. Utah Jazz forward Simone Fontecchio who will don the Italy colors.

4. Atlanta Hawks shooter Bogdan Bogdanovic who will play for Serbia.

5. Jordanian Rondae Hollis-Jefferson who had played with the NBA and the PBA.

6. Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic who will play for Montenegro.

7. NBA All-Star Anthony Edwards who will play for US.

8. Utah Jazz Filipino-American star Jordan Clarkson who will don the Philippine color.

Team USA, one of the projected top contenders for the FIBA World Cup, arrived in Manila ahead of the tournament.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will take place in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10. The 32 participating teams will play in 92 games played over 16 days.

The US team flew from Abu Dhabi, where they finished their pre-World Cup training coupled with friendly games against fellow FIBA World Cup-bound teams, and arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 around 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

Originally scheduled to arrive at NAIA Terminal 1, the team tweaked its arrival plans a bit for security measures.

Also, instead of stepping into the main terminal, they were quickly picked up by tourist buses upon arrival.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is tasked to lead the squad with fellow National Basketball Association champion coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat as his lead assistant.

After winning all five of its exhibition games, Team USA will finally kick off its FIBA World Cup 2023 schedule on Saturday August 26, MARCA reported.

The Team USA will first do battle with New Zealand. The game is slated to begin at 8:40 a.m. and can be watched on ESPN2 and fubo, the report added.

After that Team USA will do battle with Greece on Monday August 28. Tip off for that game is also at 8:40 a.m., with ESPN2 and fubo broadcasting it as well.

Team USA will wrap up its group stage with a game against Jordan on Wednesday August 30. That game will begin at 4:40 a.m. and be available on ESPN2 and fubo.

The Team USA is composed of the following players:

Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers

Josh Hart, New York Knicks

Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans

Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets

Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz

Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks

Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers

Cignal TV will be the official Philippine broadcaster of the FIBA World Cup.

Cignal has put up a total of 24 cameras in the three arenas for the Philippine leg of the World Cup, which would be increased to 30 come the final phase at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay to bring probably the best basketball broadcast ever.

“To prepare for coverage of the FIBA World Cup 2023, we worked very hard to bring broadcast experts and experienced production teams together. Working as one while

using the latest broadcast technology, we aim to capture every historic play and every winning moment,” FIBA LOC Broadcast & Media Head Sienna Olaso said on Tuesday.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 coverage will introduce various innovations, including capturing game emotion and spectacle, enhancing storytelling, and showcasing unique behind-the-scenes moments, all produced by experienced international teams. Notably, the coverage will feature unprecedented camera plans throughout the tournament.

The games will be aired live on TV5 and One Sports on national free TV, One Sports Plus and PBA Rush on cable TV, and through Cignal and Satlite pay-per-view.

Gilas’ FIBA WC games also on PTV

Olaso, however, revealed on Tuesday that the Gilas Pilipinas games of the FIBA World Cup would be seen as well on PTV.

“Meron kaming niluluto nang kaunti (We are cooking something) for Gilas Pilipnas games to be actually seen on PTV 4. We were graciously allowed by our partners from FIBA to air it para mas marami ang makakapanood (so more Filipinos can watch the games),” Olaso said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the PSC Conference Hall inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The former children’s show host added, “We extended our offer to PTV 4 to actually carry it either live or delayed. We just want to make sure that every Filipino will have a chance to watch it.”

Those who cannot watch the games live on TV can stream them on the Pilipinas Live, Cignal Play and Smart Livestream apps.

California accelerates housing production in five cities and counties

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced that Long Beach, Moreno Valley, Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and the Town of Windsor have been designated as Prohousing communities.

Through this designation, these jurisdictions are now eligible for funding incentives and additional resources through a state grant program designed to speed housing production, Newsom said in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

To date, a total of 27 California communities are now designated as Prohousing.

To meet the needs of Californians and address our state’s housing crisis, each local jurisdiction must take accountability to build their share of housing. To tackle this challenge, decades in the making, it will take a concerted effort between state and local leaders in partnership with nonprofits, advocates, and developers to enact Prohousing policies.

Governor Newsom said: “Every city and county across California needs to work together to tackle the state’s housing crisis. Rather than evade their duties, these communities are committed to rolling up their sleeves and building more housing, faster. We are putting the needs of Californians first

and seeing to it that more housing gets built throughout the state.”

Jurisdictions that earn the Prohousing Designation have demonstrated a commitment to enacting policies to accelerate housing production. They have shown themselves to be partners with the state in combating the housing crisis. These partners recognize that increasing the availability of housing statewide is critical to bettering the quality of life for all Californians, and to ending homelessness.

“Expanding housing opportunities is critical for the social and economic wellbeing of working Californians, families with children, older adults, and people exiting homelessness,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Lourdes Castro Ramírez.

“Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, we have provided more tools and incentives than ever before for communities to design policies and programs to build more housing in the right places. Congratulations to the five jurisdictions announced today. They join 22 others that have done the hard work to remove barriers to housing so that homes can be created that are accessible to all Californians.”

California Crime rate skyrocketing, will this affect your home property values? Get involved and VOTE for the right person to help our cities reclaim safety and security!

San Franciscans face about a 1-in-16 chance each year of being a victim of property or violent crime, which makes the city more dangerous than 98 percent of US cities, both small and large. To put this in perspective, Compton, California, which today remains more dangerous than 90 percent of all US cities, is almost twice as safe as San Francisco.

Who would have thought that San Francisco would have twice the crime rate of Compton, the latter still a major clearing house for cocaine distribution? This seeming impossibility is what happens when city governance fails spectacularly in just about every important dimension. Welcome to the world of crime in San Francisco, why it is so bad, and why it won’t get better.

LOS ANGELES — For years, Los Angeles residents, like many in communities across the country, have complained about growing crime – from catalytic converter theft to stolen packages, or far worse – and the impact on their quality of life.

Los Angeles saw an 11% increase in its overall crime rate in 2022, with 60 reported crimes per 1,000 residents last year compared with 54 per 1,000 residents in 2019. The data includes both violent crimes, defined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to include rape, robberies, armed assault, and homicide, as well as property crimes, such as burglary, arson and vehicle theft.

It’s impossible to discuss crime in Los Angeles without considering the city’s massive unhoused population, which by some measurements is the largest in the nation. Blocks of tents parked in green spaces and along sidewalks downtown and in more affluent Westside neighborhoods were allowed to remain in place during the height of the pandemic and ultimately helped fuel rising crime rates.

Mental illness, an increase in the use of narcotics such as fentanyl, plus an increase in homeless people carrying weapons, are among the factors contributing to an increase in crime numbers, said Los Angeles police Capt. Elaine Morales, the commanding officer of Central Division. The area includes downtown’s infamous “Skid Row,” a 54-block area where much of L.A.’s unhoused population lives in tents near community resources geared toward them.

One of the neighborhoods that experienced a major surge in crime was downtown Los Angeles, which in the years preceding the pandemic had increasingly become a regional hub for entertainment, dining and business.

Downtown L.A.’s crime rate was more than six times the citywide rate and triple other L.A. neighborhoods in 2022. There were more than 370 reported crimes per 1,000 people recorded downtown last year.

In comparison, neighborhoods with the lowest crime rates last year were three residential areas: the hilly northeast hipster community of Mount Washington, the affluent Westside neighborhood of Beverly wood and the quiet suburban San Fernando Valley neighborhood of Porter Ranch. All three neighborhoods had fewer than 24 reported crimes per its 1,000 residents but are also collectively less populous than all of downtown Los Angeles.

How homelessness affects crime rates

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park, whose district includes many of these Westside neighborhoods, said a lot of violent crime involves homelesson-homeless crimes around and within encampments that sprang up and were allowed by city officials to remain in place during the pandemic.

“That is something that is highly, highly concerning to me,” said Park, who was elected in 2022 on a strong public safety platform. “But it’s not only the unhoused population who is the victim of crime. Every day, people out in the neighborhoods or

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California Crime rate skyrocketing, will this affect your home property values? Get involved and VOTE for the right person to help our cities reclaim safety and security!

For some of us, it changed our lives. The Philippines gained a martyr. We, the Aquino family, lost a brother, a father, a husband. A single bullet signaled the beginning of the end of dictatorship. A single bullet snatched from us an extraordinary human being.

Since August 21, 1983, a lot has been written and spoken about Ninoy. On this anniversary, I would like to remember him in a very personal way. I miss talking to him. So I decided to write him a letter and imagine that he’s listening.

Dear Ninoy,

You left us so suddenly that Sunday in Manila, we didn’t have a chance to talk. We couldn’t imagine it at the time but your homecoming became a part of history, your ideals a reality. Your dreams have been realized ten times over. They weren’t so impossible after all.

I will always remember that day, China Airlines flight 811, entering Philippine airspace through scattered puffs of white clouds, punctured with rays of sunshine, full of hope.

I never told you but you were the most extraordinary man I had ever met, a man subject to the pains and sufferings of human emotions, but far better at handling them than the rest of us.

Your difficult decision to return home is not one most of us could have made, leaving the comfort of your home in Boston to seek nothing less than a return to democracy for your country. We tried to talk you out of going. I thought you had sacrificed enough. Seven years and seven months as a political prisoner was more than anyone could ask. But boy, were you stubborn! One more time, you had to put aside your personal safety because of your concern for your country.

A lot of people say your sacrifice was not in vain and they’re right, of course. But frankly, I wish you hadn’t made it. I miss your insight, your inspiration, your infectious ebullience, your persistent optimism. Yes, I even miss your damned pre-dawn phone calls! You often forgot that Boston and San Francisco were not in the same time zones. Or at least, you never realized that some of us had to sleep at night.

But I must tell you, in those dark days of despair and paranoia, your upbeat outlook is what kept us all going. Remember? Wondering from day to day what Marcos was up to, what he would do with you when you returned, whether he would let you set foot in your own country?

A lot of people don’t realize that the preparation for your trip was nerve-wracking: four months on an emotional roller coaster, a battle of nerves with the other side firing all the salvos.

It didn’t have to be that way. After all, what threat would you be to the dictatorship. Marcos had effectively erased you from the Philippine landscape with his controlled press. Or so we thought.

I remember clearly how you were forced into keeping your travel plans secret because of the intimidation that began when the government refused to issue you a passport and continued with rumors of assassination plots. It was clear Marcos was determined to keep you away. Remember wondering if Marcos agents would try to kidnap you along the way? Remember how each official pronouncement, each rumor prompted speculation about what it really meant? First, your government contacts suggested you would not be re-imprisoned if you returned. Then they reinstated your death sentence. There was speculation that a hit squad was being sent to the United States.

Any ordinary mortal would have succumbed to the enormous pressures. I for one wouldn’t have blamed you one bit had you cancelled your trip. But then, that’s what

made you so special: your commitment to a cause, your daring to dream; which is why, on your death anniversary especially, I feel such a sense of loss.

Remember how paranoid we were about our phones being tapped? We were forced to talk in code. The emotional strain was intense. But fortunately, for me at least, there were moments of comic relief. As you’ll recall, you sent Lupita ahead to Manila to help prepare your arrival. One night, she called me with an important message. The message, of course, was in code. I never told you the entire story.

Anyway, Lupita called and said: “The old man boyfriend of the girl in San Francisco is leaving for the United States”. “What??” I replied. “The old man boyfriend of the girl in San Francisco is leaving for the United States,” she repeated, implying that your life was in danger.

“I haven’t the slightest idea what you’re talking about,” I said. Impatient with my skills as a cryptographer, Lupita finally said: “Naku! Just tell Ninoy, he’ll understand.” I felt somewhat ignorant.

So I called you. Remember that phone call? “Noy,” I said, “Lupita said ‘the old man boyfriend of the girl in San Francisco is leaving for the United States.” And you replied: “I haven’t the slightest idea what she’s talking about.” You don’t know how good that made me feel.

I’ll never forget how the pressure on you to abandon your homecoming continued right to the end. Remember when you were recognized at the Singapore airport? Remember the Taiwan immigration officer questioning the passport with your fake name: Marcial Bonifacio? Marcial for martial law. Bonifacio the name of your prison. And I’ll always remember that crucial phone call you received at the Taipei Grand Hotel the night before we left for Manila, a call from your Taiwanese friend telling you that China Airlines had discovered you were in town. The questions were obvious. Would the Taiwan government try to pick you up to please Marcos? Or stop you at the airport? The answers were critical to your decision to continue with the journey or abandon it.

I was amazed that you decided to roll the dice and expose your plans to the Taiwan government through a back channel and remember how relieved you were when the official answer came back: we have never heard of Ninoy Aquino and we do not know if he is in Taiwan.

You were subdued that last night. After what you’d been through, I could understand why. Up to the last minute, rumors were still flying, that you’d be hit at the airport when we landed, that the plane would be turned around. But they were just more rumors we thought. There was no turning around now.

I saw the exhaustion on your face when you finally went to bed after midnight, lying face down, hands outstretched, fingering your rosary beads and praying.

What you said then spoke volumes about your outlook on life. “I’m so tired,” you said, “maybe it’s better if they take me straight to prison so I can rest for a while.”

Even with all the talk of assassination plots, you were the perennial optimist to the end, still hoping you might be placed under house arrest.

Still, your energy seemed limitless. After only four hours sleep, you were up at 5 a.m. on that Sunday in August, praying your rosary again, calling Cory in Boston. To me, it was a touching moment. She read the Bible, you spoke to each of your children and cried, then sat down and wrote each of them a letter.

But by the time we sat down to breakfast, your spirits were so high you couldn’t wait to get to the airport. Remember joking with us? Probably to relieve the tension.

Remember how we laughed when some-

one suggested handcuffing us together? It was a joke. Looking back on it now, perhaps we should have. A few days after we landed, your mother asked me about us being handcuffed. How did she know? She never to talked to anyone who was in your hotel room that morning. It’s still a mystery.

But despite all the pressures and uncertainties of the journey ahead, you took time to pause and reflect on your life, particularly your regret that Cory had to suffer during the frequent absences required by your political life. You even felt badly that Kris wasn’t able to accompany us because you thought it was not safe.

Your faith in God gave you strength. I understood that when I turned to talk to you on the plane and you were deep in prayer, head bowed, fingering your rosary beads. You hoped for the best but settled for what God gave you: a “victory” if we just land, you said. After all you’d been through, I thought, it would be indeed.

Well, let me tell you, it was a victory the likes of which the world had never seen. After your brutal assassination at the airport, millions of people visited you lying in state at your house and at Santo Domingo Church, and said goodbye as you rode the final leg of your journey to Manila Memorial cemetery.

It took eleven hours to get there, not your speed, I know, but so many people wanted to see you. When we passed Rizal Park, the heavens opened up with a torrent of rain, thunder and lightning. I assumed that was you making your presence known. People became energized, looking to the skies, arms raised, shouting “Laban!” and “Ninoy!”

You had not been forgotten, as you feared, and more importantly neither had what you stood for. That was your biggest victory: stirring the conscience and consciousness of the nation, forcing people to choose between human degradation and human dignity, between freedom and slavery, between action and apathy. They proved you right. The Filipino was worth dying for.

I’m sure you’re wondering what happened in the days and weeks after your assassination. What would Cory do? Would the U.S. continue to prop up Marcos which was critical to his survival? Trying to appear concerned, Marcos offered condolences to Cory. Her reply set the tone for the future. One day, as we marched with your coffin to Santo Domingo Church, she turned to me and said: “Ken, I want to say to the press that I will refuse to accept condolences from anyone in the Marcos government unless all political prisoners are released.” I called a press conference. The gauntlet was thrown, the torch you carried passed on. She was not going to remain silent.

And what about U.S. support? In the days following your assassination, the U.S. Embassy kept calling me saying Ambassador Armacost wanted to meet with me. I kept refusing because he was often derisively called Arma-close, for his closeness to Marcos. But I finally relented and met with him. He asked me only one question: did Ninoy ever express concern about the Communists? Marcos had blamed them for your killing. I told the Ambassador, No. Never. His reply: then Marcos is guilty of criminal negligence at the very least. That was the beginning of the end of America’s support for Philippine dictatorship. While other countries were afraid of offending Marcos, Ambassador Armacost asked if he could visit your family to offer his condolences. I said, absolutely. He then asked if he could attend your funeral. I said, absolutely. He was one of the few foreign leaders there. After that, he returned to

Washington and became one of the strongest proponents of cutting ties with Marcos.

It took me a long time to get over the trauma of August 21. I have never felt such anger and bitterness as I did when I heard those gunshots at the airport, nor such sadness for your friends, your country and our family. We were all cheated and deceived. The flame of hope had been savagely snuffed out. You came in peace only to be greeted by violence..

In the months that followed, I couldn’t bear to hear the songs “Bayan Ko” and “The Impossible Dream”, so painful were the memories they would trigger. It was a full year before I could bring myself to return to Manila and face reminders of the tragedy. History has remembered you with reverence and respect. The very airport where you were assassinated has been renamed the “Ninoy Aquino International Airport.” A park in Manila has been named after you. You have been memorialized in books, songs and poems. Your statues grace plazas throughout the country. You’d laugh at how you’re depicted in some of them, but then it’s the thought that counts.

I am saddled with mixed emotions on this 40th anniversary. Yes, the country is free because of your courage, your commitment and ultimately your sacrifice. But there is still much to be done.

When we left Manila and taxied past the spot where your body lay, I vowed to keep your name and memory alive, which we have tried to do. I think we have succeeded here as your friends and supporters continue to attend these gatherings. But in the Philippines, I’m afraid too many have forgotten. Otherwise, the last presidential election might have turned out differently.

The last time I saw you, you were lying in bloody but peaceful repose in your coffin with what appeared to be a grin on your face, as if to say to all of us that you knew what you were doing. I was a bit angry at you at the time, for leaving all of us the way you did, even though it wasn’t the ending you had planned. But I said to you then: “Rest in peace, my brother, you deserve it.” I feel the same sentiments today, although if I know you, “rest” is still not in your vocabulary.

But for all that your sacrifice achieved, I for one, would give it all up to have you back with us. We all miss you and love you and leave you with the thought that became your rallying cry. Ninoy, you are not alone. Ninoy, Hindi Ka Nag Iisa!

Your brother-in-law, Ken

Call our Senior Assistance Center at: (English) 1-800-336-2722, (Korean) 1-800-582-4259, (Chinese Mandarin) 1-800-683-7427, (Cantonese) 1-800-582-4218, (Vietnamese) 1-800-582-4336

Email: askNAPCA@napca.org

Mail: NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101

<Q1> I have received SSRB (Social Security Retirement Benefit) since I turned 62. Will my retirement be increased when I reach my FRA (Full Retirement Age)?

No. Because you started receiving retirement benefit earlier than your FRA, it was fixed with the reduced amount permanently. Beneficiaries can collect full

amount only when they start to collect retirement at their FRA. They can delay applying for benefit up to age 70 and it will grow by around 8% every year during those delayed years.

<Q2> I am a US citizen and 58 years old. My husband just passed away. He had received Social Security Retirement. Can I receive survivor’s benefits now or should I wait until I reach my retirement age? Can I get additional assistance for living even when I can receive spouse’s benefits?

When you reach 60 years old you can apply for lifetime reduced Surviving Spouse benefit. If you qualify for retirement benefits on your own record, you can switch to your own retirement benefit as early as age 62. You can receive whichever is the higher benefit. If you wait to apply for the survivor benefit until your FRA, you will receive 100% of the SSRB your deceased spouse received.

You may be eligible for Medicaid now if your income is limited. At 65, you should apply for Medicare, and you can try to apply for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and/or MSP (Medicare Savings Programs) depending on your income and assets.

<Q3> I am 65 years old and have been in the US for 10 years by this September. I applied to be a permanent resident and will be getting my green card soon. When can I enroll into Medicare?

I heard there is 5 year waiting period. Do I have to wait 5 years after I receive my green card?

To be eligible for Medicare, a person must be 65 or older and must be either a US citizen or lawfully present in the US for at least 5 continuous years. You don’t have to be a permanent resident for the entire 5 years but need to be a permanent resident when you enroll in Medicare. Your IEP (Initial Enrollment Period) starts when you receive your permanent resident notice with card and lasts for the following 3 months.

<Q4> When will my Medicaid Redetermination happen? When will I get my renewal letter from the state? I

haven’t gotten a letter from the state. What should I do?

When you receive Medicaid Redetermination notice depends on when your Medicaid end date is. In general, Medicaid recipients receive renewal notice 30-60 days prior to their coverage end date but every state has their own rules. Medicaid Redetermination is currently in progress and will continue for 2023 and expected to continue on a rolling basis through 2024.

It is very important to pay close attention to all communications sent by your State Department of Health, so your renewal goes smoothly and to avoid a loss of your insurance. That is why it’s important to keep your contact information up to date. If you think you should have received your redetermination paperwork but haven’t, you can call your local Medicaid office.

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

Social Security Update

RECOGNIZING THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM AND THEIR FAMILIES

Social Security is committed to reducing barriers and ensuring people who are eligible for our benefits receive them. We provide income security for the diverse populations we serve. This includes people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.

Many parents and caretakers of children with disabilities lose work hours and income because of their children’s care needs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly financial support to lowincome families with children who have developmental and behavioral disabilities. These include ASD – and physical impairments. For more information on SSI, please visit www.ssa.gov/ssi.

People with ASD may have questions about how ASD affects their employment options. They may also see their ASD as a barrier to employment. Employers have started to recognize that many people with ASD can bring a variety of skills and strengths to the workplace. Our Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security

and want to work. The Ticket Program helps get vocational rehabilitation, training, job referrals, and other employment support services. For more information about this program please read www.ssa. gov/pubs/EN-05-10061.pdf.

We recognize the need to support, understand, accept, include, and empower those on the autism spectrum. Please share this information with friends and family and help us spread the word on social media!

We chose several questions about senior benefit’s eligibility from the calls and letters we received and want to share the information in this month’s column. If you have additional questions on Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, Social Security Retirement Benefit, Supplemental Security Income, or COVID/Flu vaccination, there are 3 ways you can reach us today:

ACT Against Hate Alliance Marks First Year With Anniversary Awards Event

Student Impact and Milestones in Identifying Solutions Against Hate Crimes

CALIFORNIA: Senator Bob Huff and Mei Mei Ho Huff founded ACT Against Hate Alliance (AAHA) in response to the rise in hate crime attacks in California and beyond. AAHA responded to headlines of violence targeted against hate crime victims by looking for solutions.

“The clear sentiment that we hear expressed over and over again, comes from individuals who are unwilling to stand by silently,” said Mei Mei Huff, Executive Director of AAHA. “The people we recognized today wanted to join with AAHA, seek out the solutions to crimes of hate and implement solutions that will work.”

The goal of the AAHA is to identify the causes behind the rise in hate crime attacks, plus investigate possible solutions to reduce the crime numbers. To accomplish this objective, AAHA brought together experts, thought leaders, and community members from a wide spectrum of professions and areas of expertise.

The AAHA accomplished this by hosting over a dozen programs over the past year. These programs sought the input and solutions from over 40 speakers from across the country and around the world. They identified clear solutions that included education programs, student outreach, social media strategies, law enforcement initiatives, accurate incidence reporting, and victim support.

One of the most notable outcomes of the inaugural year was bringing student voices into the discussion. The students recognized during today’s award ceremony include Aidan Chao, who attends Flintridge Preparatory School in La Cañada Flintridge. He organized a student chapter of AAHA in his school, which he saw as an important step in addressing hate in his community.

California State University-Fullerton student Nicholas Hernandez also recognized the need for AAHA

efforts. He convinced his local community to adopt a resolution opposing hate. The resolution also sought to establish January 28th as Stand Against Hate Action Day.

The actions by Hernandez echoed similar work by California State Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton). He drafted and adopted Senate Constitutional Resolution (SCR) 15, which passed out of the California State Legislature earlier this year.

Today’s program culminated with the AAHA Leadership Award presented to participants who advocated for and worked to implement solutions that addressed hate crimes.

Recipients included California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, State Senator Josh Newman, Covina Mayor Walt Allen III, theater director Carey Perloff, and American Islamic Forum for Democracy founder Dr. Zuhdi Jasser.

Award Recipients:

Fiona Ma: California State Treasurer

Josh Newman: California State Senator Carey Perloff: Director, Playwright, Educator, Au-

thor Dr. Zuhdi Jasser: President and Founder-American Islamic Forum for Democracy

Walter Allen III: Director-Rio Hondo Police Academy, Mayor-City of Covina

Student Award Recipients:

Aidan Chao: Flintridge Preparatory School

David Chan: Sophomore at UC Berkeley

Nicolas Hernandez: Sophomore at CSU Fullerton

Ibahagi ang inyong mga karanasan sa pagtitipon para sa pakikinig sa lokal na lugar! Makatutulong ang inyong boses sa pagbibigay ng impormasyon. Mapag-aalaman ang mga prayoridad sa paggasta ng perang mula sa buwis at para sa mga larangang ito:

pakiknig sa lokal na lugar!

Homicide victim families demand Pamela Price recall

“As a mother, I cannot accept this,” one woman said. “How can you protect your community if you’re going to do that?”

Homicide victim families demand Pamela Price recallAnna Tolentino (right) said she does not believe her son, homicide victim Rienheart Asuncion, got justice under DA Pamela Price, Aug. 19, 2023. Emilie Raguso/The Berkeley Scanner

About 40 people rallied Saturday on the main courthouse steps in Oakland to demand the recall of DA Pamela Price and justice for loved ones who have died due to gun violence.

Many of the rally participants were linked to six Alameda County homicide victims whose family members said they have been frustrated by case outcomes under DA Price or are concerned about what’s to come.

Anna Tolentino, mother of Rienhart Asuncion, said her son’s killer would spend just seven years in jail as a result of a recent plea deal — despite being linked to three Alameda County murder cases.

“As a mother, I cannot accept this,” she said. “How can you protect your community if you’re going to do that?”

Sergio Morales-Jacquez was just shy of 18 when he killed Asuncion in a traffic dispute.

Asuncion worked for Tesla and had only recently gotten married when he was killed.

Butch Ford, a former Alameda County prosecutor who was placed on leave by Price and later left the office, said MoralesJacquez would not be charged with the other murder cases as a result of the plea deal reached under Price.

(Ford has now been charged by Price with a misdemeanor in relation to a different case. He denies any wrongdoing.)

Charlie Huang, co-founder of the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association, said Price has not been doing her part to hold criminals accountable and keep the community safe.

He called for Price to “do your job” and described her as a “defense attorney parading around” as the district attorney.

“Crime is rampant,” he said. “People don’t want to be here.”

Oakland has seen rising violent crime this year, according to police data, with robberies up 25%, shootings with surviving victims up 9% and violent crime overall up 17%. (Homicides, which are down 8%, are bucking the trend.)

Some Oakland residents have said they are moving out of the city and many people say they are afraid to go out, in part due to an epidemic of auto burglaries, which are up 47%.

Price was elected in November with 53% of the vote as Alameda County’s first Black female DA.

Read more about Pamela Price on The Scanner.

Police have said her policies are mak-

California Commission on the State of Hate Community Forum

August

Alumni Center at Sacramento State

The California Commission on the State of Hate invites the people of California to attend its Community Forum on Understanding the Impact of Hate: Mental Health.

The Community Forum will include:

• Presentations by experts Dr. Eraka Bath, M.D. and Dr. Ilan Meyer, Ph.D. on the mental health impacts of hate, highlighting the impacts on racial and ethnic minorities, youth, and the LGBTQ community.

• Information on resources available to individuals experiencing mental health impacts of hate from Disability Rights California and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, organizations supporting individuals with disabilities statewide.

• General information for people targeted for hate, including the CA vs. Hate Resource Line and Network.

JOIN US

Virtually by livestream: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85080423069

Virtually by phone: 1 669 444 9171

Meeting ID: 850 8042 3069

In person: Harper Alumni Center at Sacramento State

7490 College Town Drive, Sacramento, CA 95819

Alumni Center Phone: (916) 278-6295

ing their jobs harder, while Price and her supporters insist there’s only so much she and her office can do to address public safety.

“The DA’s role has really no impact on crime,” Price told Betty Yu of CBS News last month. “I was elected because the people in this community didn’t feel safe.”

“The people handily elected her to implement criminal justice reform and make our system fair and balanced, rooting out racial, gender and economic disparities,” her campaign wrote last month.

Family and friends of homicide victim Jarin Purvis at Saturday’s rally. Emilie Raguso/TBS

The family of homicide victim Jarin Purvis also attended Saturday’s rally.

Under Price, charges against Jarin’s killer were reduced from murder to manslaughter. The case now awaits sentencing.

Patricia Harris, Jarin’s mother, said she believed her son’s case would have had a very different outcome had it gone to trial before Pamela Price was elected.

“She will not meet with us. She will not speak with us,” Harris said of Price. “She does not understand or feel our loss.”

Jarin’s killer is now out on probation after spending 2.5 years at Santa Rita Jail. As a result of the plea deal, he was not even charged with a strike, she said.

“He has not been held accountable,” Harris said.

lenient sentences in Alameda County and problems with how the DA’s office is treating the families of homicide victims.

“These families are the victims, period,” said Grisham, who also signed onto the Price recall effort. “And if we have to be out every week with different families, we’re going to do that. Because you need to know who is being hurt. We can’t name them all, but they are here.”

THE COMMISSION ON THE STATE OF HATE was established to strengthen California’s efforts to stop hate and promote mutual respect among California’s diverse population.

The Commission is charged with researching and publishing data on hate activity, hosting community forums, and providing resources and guidance on how to reduce and respond to hate activity.

To learn more about the Commission and receive updates about community forums and other events, visit: calcivilrights.ca.gov/commissiononthe-state-of-hate/

If you require language interpretation or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the California Civil Rights Department as soon as possible or at least 72 hours before the meeting:

• Voice: (844) 541-2877

• TTY: (800) 700-2320

• California Relay Service (711) • CSH@CalCivilRights.ca.gov

“She does not understand or feel or loss,” said Patricia Harris, of DA Pamela Price. Emilie Raguso/TBS

Harris — who has signed on in support of the Price recall — said she believes many families are struggling with similar situations, with little communication from the DA’s office as defendants get shorter sentences.

“We don’t know anything because they don’t have the time for us,” she said. “It has to stop. If this is how Pamela Price is running it, she has to go.”

Ford, the former Alameda County prosecutor, said nothing about the evidence in Jarin’s case had changed to result in reduced charges.

He said Price’s approach to criminal justice had been the only reason for the lighter sentence.

Price “punched them in the gut,” Ford said, of Jarin’s family. “She’s doing what she said she was going to do: releasing killers.”

Brenda Grisham (left) and Virginia Nishita at Saturday’s rally. Emilie Raguso/TBS

Brenda Grisham, a longtime victims’ rights advocate whose son Christopher Jones was killed in Oakland in 2010, also spoke out Saturday about increasingly

Also in attendance at Saturday’s rally were the mother and relatives of Angel and Jazy Sotelo Garcia, teenage brothers from Berkeley who were killed at a birthday party for a friend last year, and Virginia Nishita, whose husband Kevin was killed while providing security for a KRON4 reporter during an attempted robbery in Oakland in 2021.

People have been charged with murder in both cases, which remain pending.

“If a person commits a violent crime, we need the people to know and to trust that they’ll be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law by Pamela Price. And that’s not happening,” Nishita said Saturday. “This is victimizing the victims and their families and friends again and again.”

The recall effort against DA Pamela Price officially launched Tuesday.

Price now has several more days to respond to the recall effort. Then the recall campaign will be able to begin collecting signatures.

Exactly how many signatures are needed and how the recall process will work remain somewhat open questions.

The Alameda County registrar of voters has said it is awaiting guidance on how to handle conflicts between state and county recall rules.

On Friday, Alameda County Counsel Donna Ziegler declined a request by email to discuss the recall process, saying only that “More information will be released soon.”

Offline(From Page 13) sold at PHP20 per kilo, and only for the few hours that those stocks were available.

I am reminded of a time decades ago when I worked for a wellknown music company. Once a year, the company heavily advertised that it was selling electric organs at an unbelievably low price, so low in fact that it was practically being given away.

The catch? Only one battered, old display unit was sold at the impossible price.

So haha to you, stoopid consumers. Now go buy real organs and guitars at a small discount, why don’t you?

The Marcos Jr regime has another problem where imports are concerned. A lot of smart businessmen like to import without paying the necessary taxes. It’s a practice known as smuggling and it is the job of the Agriculture secretary to find out who the smugglers are and where the smuggle goods are stashed.

Every so often, smugglers with low end connections get caught. This has been happening with sugar, of late.

Whenever containers full of the untaxed sweetener is caught, the Bureau of Customs makes a big deal out of their magnificent sleuthing skills.

What happens next is not clear. What should be done with the smuggled sugar, the are asked.

Solutions range from selling them at the invisible Kadiwa stores, destroying them, or storing them somewhere until they rot.

Do gooders say the sugar should be donated to the poor. But the sugar industry says this step is counterproductive, as it harms sugar farmers.

Meanwhile, some of the stocks find their way to the market. Just like the drugs that the police grab from pushers and which are supposed to be kept in storage but which are pilfered by corrupt cops and sold to addicts, whom they later apprehend.

Incidentally, yet another topic for another day is how the Philippine National Police has become a haven of crooks and/or incompetent officers who go around shooting anyone they feel like, but only if their body cameras are turned off because the battery was supposedly dead.

Maybe they use batteries imported from China, I don’t know.

But I end by informing Mr. Marcos that South Korea once upon a time declared that the country’s policy was “export or die.” It was as strong a message as any, and today South Korea is one of the world’s biggest exporters, making the country both rich and stable.

They even export boy and girl bands, whose music I will never understand.

As for Marcos Jr, he follows the exact opposite. He says the country must import or die. In fact, this failed economic policy is certain to result in the direst of consequences in the years to come.

But don’t tell him that because as far as he is concerned, economics is a subject he failed, so it must be worthless and non-sensical.

Import some more, Junior. You only guarantee your ultimate failure.

Now if only you could do it without bringing down the entire country with you...

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

“KEEP PRESSING TOWARD THE GOAL,” I decided to talk with you this morning on the topic “KEEP SHARING THE GOSPEL DURING THESE LAST DAYS.” Everybody in the weekly Devotional on Wednesdays and Sunday morning Bible Class agree that we are now living in the last days or the end time. As our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ promised (John 14:1-3), He could come back anytime – tonight, tomorrow, next week or next month. Nobody knows the exact day or time of Christ’s return. Only our heavenly Fathers knows (Matthew 24:36).

In the Wednesday Devotional and Bible Class, I told brother Benny that during these last days every Christian must be busy sharing the gospel in its purity and simplicity to the many lost souls from among our FRANCS (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors, Co-Workers, Strangers).

Let me discuss with you this morning a very simple, practical and proven guide or formula in sharing the gospel in its purity and simplicity = WWWHH (3 W plus 2 H).

Firstly, on W1, every Christian (young and old) must share to every alien sinner from among our FRANCS - WHO IS THE REAL JESUS IN THE BIBLE? Here’s what Jesus said in John 8:24 : “Therefore I said to you know that you will die in your sins, for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins

Every sinner MUST know and believe WHO IS THE REAL JESUS IN THE BIBLE? namely: a. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. “Simon Peter answered and said: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” (Matthew 16:16).

b. Jesus is 100% God and 100% Man - Here’s what we read in John 1:1, 14, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . .And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we behold His glory, the glory of the only begotten of His Father, full of grace And truth. Colossians 2:9 affirms,

“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”

c. Jesus is the only Mediator between God and man – Here’s what 1 Timothy 2:5 reads, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus.”

Why do we need a Mediator? Isaiah 59:2 explains ,” But your iniquities have separated you from God, And your sins have hidden His face from you.” (PART II continuation will be published next week).

(ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE#00635976) in California since 1981. He is the founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. He can be reached at (650) 438-3531 or (415) 5847095 or email:artmadlaing@hotmail.com)

Ken Go

(From Page 20) community, people working in local businesses, have been victimized, whether by assaults or armed robberies. It’s pretty commonplace.”

Park, who said she experienced an attempted carjacking in front of her home a year and a half ago, said some of the biggest frustrations residents raised during her campaign involved small crimes that impacted their quality of life: stolen bicycles, stolen packages or items stolen from cars.

In areas with higher-end retail, there are crimes of opportunity where people are engaging in smash and grabs or are “porch pirates” stealing packages, said Vicki Halliday, who lives in the Westside neighborhood of Venice and serves on the Venice Neighborhood Council, an advisory body that’s part of the L.A. city government and is funded by taxpayers.

And it turns out, while over-the-top wealth can buy you many things, it doesn’t buy a safe neighborhood. The incidence of violent crime is still more than twice as high in Presidio Heights as the US average. It is also high compared to other tony California neighborhoods, such as Montecito, California, part-time home of Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, where the likelihood of assault and robbery is about one-third as low as in Presidio Heights.

We have to get involved and make our government take responsibility for our safety and have them make safety and security come first before politics. I am going to recommend Maria Ramirez whom I personally know and will run against Gascon for District Attorney, she will be tough on crimes and has been working for the DA’s office for over 30 years. Please contact me so that we could get a fund raiser to support her campaign.

Thank you for your concerns, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@ verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

The Outsider

(From Page 12)

tive environment conservation and protection advocacies are highlighted.

SMC’s advocacy for environment protection goes beyond reforestation. It is also actively involved in river clean-up and rehabilitation with the Tullahan-Tinajeros river system and Pasig River among the beneficiaries of the initiative.

In his message during the AMTC Awarding Ceremony and Pledging Session, RSA commended former MWSS Administrator and Chairman Gen Reynaldo V. Velasco (ret), MWSS Administrator Bobby Cleofas and MTFI together with fellow advocates on environment protection.

While tree-planting is just one of the courses of action in environment protection, there is no debate about its importance. Trees play a vital role in the water cycle and help improve water quality as they filter pollutants and sediments.

With the AMTC, a community built on a commitment for a greener and stronger future has been established with the Million Trees Foundation carrying on the torch for the green revolution of planting trees to protect critical watersheds.

“This opportunity is an avenue for us to further show our value of “malasakit” – Malasakit Para sa Kalikasan,” RSA said.

MTFI partners have committed to plant over a million more trees this year. It is not far-fetched to achieve MTFI’s goal of 10 million more trees planted by 2030.

Let us do our share of environmental responsibility and work together to build a greener country, a greener world.

As I See It

funding for their project. This funding will be provided by Silicon Valley Community Media.

The chosen winners will choose between the following options: OPTION A: Receiving funding to produce media content regarding Asian American videos, articles, podcasts, and TV Shows. OPTION B: Receiving a check.

Prizes for Winners - First Prize Winners: $10,000 Funding, or a $1000 check. Second Prize Winners: $5,000 Funding or a $500 check. Third Prize Winners: $2,000 Funding or a $200 check. Viewer’s Choice Winner: $2000 Funding or a $200 check.

(Elpidio R. Estioko was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. He just published his book Unlocking the Chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream which is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris Publishing. For feedbacks, comments… please email author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com).

In the Trenches

(From Page 13)

Traders also control the importation of rice, denying government intervention.

Globally, rice prices have gone up after India, the world’s largest grain producer, imposed a ban on rice exports.

Thailand and Vietnam were forced to increase costs and many importers hesitated to buy rice abroad.

The rice traders would rely on domestic production instead of imports, competing with the government’s National Food Authority (NFA).

In a way, this could help local farmers earn more by selling unmilled rice at 22 pesos per kilo from 19 pesos kilo.

For consumers, it would mean higher rice prices.

Bongbong Marcos said the government has been monitoring rice prices and would review the rice tariffication law to bring back some of the NFA’s regulatory powers.

Marcos can do a lot in dismantling the rice cartel controlling prices and supply in the local market.

Many administrations since the time of Cory Aquino until Rodrigo Duterte have tried taking on the rice cartels but failed.

Perhaps, Marcos can succeed this time.

He can also help improve productivity and provide more subsidies to rice farmers.

But Marcos remains helpless in managing the other factors, like weather disturbances, rice production areas, and population growth.

Rice will remain one of the biggest political issues for Bongbong Marcos not only as a president but as an agriculture secretary.

It will affect his popularity and diminish his support level if prices continue to rise and supply becomes tight.

(Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Manny Mogato wrote this column for PressOnePh.com. He is a faculty member of the University of Sto. Tomas and formerly with the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila where he is an outstanding alumnus.

What’s Up Atty.

LOVE SUPPRESSES CRITICAL THOUGHT

(From Page 12)

There is a supposedly intelligent lawyer pursuing a teen-ager whose only obvious qualification is her beauty. The lawyer says the girl is also intelligent. The lawyer is also seeing other women one of whom, in the opinion of others, is more mature and more beautiful than the teen-ager. What is the rationale?

“Modern-day research supports the view that the blindness of love is not just a figurative matter. A research study in 2004 by the University College London found that feelings of love suppressed the activity of the areas of the brain that control critical thought. https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/love-is-blind.html

There you have it. Love suppresses critical thought.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU LOVE HER ?

Here are some evidences of true love.

1. You think of her when you wake up, when you go to sleep, when you are eating, when you are driving, when you are talking with others, when arguing in court if you are a lawyer, or when operating on a patient if you are a doctor.

2. She breathes the breath of life into you.

3. She inspires you to do things that would make her proud of you.

4. You want to know all about her.

5. You are willing to do anything to please her.

6. You are prepared to give all your time for her.

(From Page 12)

Silicon Valley Community Media (SVCM) is the non-profit extension of Ding Ding TV – The Voice of Silicon Valley Asian Americans. It funds, produces, distributes and exhibits creative content pieces that convey the richness and beauty of diversity.

This video Essay Contest is open to all independent journalists, social media influences, ethnic media, event organizers, and civic organization contestants.

There will be two categories of contestants: Youth Contestants for ages 12 – 18yrs of age and Adult Contestants for 18 years old and above

Contestants are required to submit in English, a video essay of less than one minute in length to be accompanied by a written essay of less than 150 words. The theme should focus on “All of Us Belong Right Here.”

The diverse panel of judges chaired by Joel Wong will select a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner. There will also be a Viewer’s Choice Winner.

Prizes will be awarded to the most popular entrance as selected by Viewer’s Choice and the first 30 entries will potentially receive

7. You want her to be happy and see her smile.

8. You want to be with her all the time.

9. When she hurts you, you like to think that she did not intend to do so or has a valid explanation.

IMMIGRATION OFFICERS’ REACTION TO DISSIMILARITIES

How do immigration officers react to couples who seek immigration benefits with blatant dissimilarities – in appearance, in age, and in other matters. They do not believe in this “love is blind” thing. Nor in such thing as “lovers simply accepting the beloved’s imperfections”.

Immigration officers see “marriage fraud”.

Immigration officers have in their minds a stereotype of what constitutes a bona fide marriage - same race or ethnicity, same background, same pleasant looks, and the man is a few years older than the woman. If there is a significant age gap, and especially if the man is over 60 it is believed that the man cannot consummate a marriage because of erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, they do not believe that a very young woman (the alien) really wants to marry a much older man for love. On the other hand, if the woman is much older than her husband, and even more so if the younger man (the alien) is better looking than the woman, it is even worse. It will be difficult to convince immigration officials that the man married the older woman for love.

DOH: Proactive health measures curb spread of TB, HIV

MANILA – Tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection could be prevented significantly, if not eradicated, through the implementation and observance of proactive health measures.

“In line with one of the marching orders of our President, our goal is clear, the DOH (Department of Health) remains committed to aiding Filipinos, especially individuals with tuberculosis, in further lowering TB cases in the country,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said at the “TB at HIV Tuldukan, Tara KonsulTayo!” event..

The event, held in collaboration with the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP), aims to provide accessible screenings to the community, offering individuals a chance to assess their TB status and take charge of their well-being.

It underscored healthy habits and health-seeking behaviors through early consultations as vital steps in addressing the country’s rising number of TB and HIV cases.

“It is also a testament to the shared dedication of

Heart of Hope

RP’s Shirley Temple

A book titled The Legend of Tessie Agana: Beloved Child Star of the Philippines - An Intimate Portrait of My Mother - is the debut book written by her daughter, Mylene Agana Jao Richardson and is being released on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

Tessie Agana was married for 53 years to Rodolfo L. Jao, MD, a popular medical leader and an Infectious Disease expert in Northwest Indiana, who died on February 28, 2018, at the age of 84. Her Dad, Adriano A. Agana, MD, was also an Indiana physician.

As the daughter and granddaughter of world-famous entertainers from the Philippines’ Golden Age of cinema, Mylene was born into a family of legends. Tessie Agana, now 81, was known as the “Shirley Temple of the Philippines” -- and her grandmother, Linda Estrella, the Elizabeth Taylor of her time, was a lead dramatic actress and singer of her era in the 1950s. Mylene shows how you can maximize your happiness by discovering to truly know oneself, the journey forward is to look back. With unsparing truth, Mylene offers the first intimate portrait of her mother, whose early fame and exposure to the public eye led to dark shadows that impacted her entire life. An inspiring must-read book for the entire family. For details about the author and the book, email: majr@mylenerichardson.com

Is there a drug to prolong life?

Yes, researchers found the drug “rilmenidine” can extend life span and slow down aging. It is actually a prescription medication for the treatment of high blood pressure, marketed under the brand names Albarel, Iterium, Tenxum, and Hyperium. Hopefully, this extra action and benefit from this drug would be confirmed in the future by large clinical studies and confirmation from medical centers around the world. Rapamycin and the anti-diabetic medication, metformin, are also being studied for their ability to slow down aging and prolong life. The future is, indeed, exciting, even bolstered by

health care professionals, community advocates, and the DOH in ensuring the well-being of every Filipino,” Herbosa said.

Health experts also spoke about the signs, symptoms and risk factors associated with TB and HIV at the event.

Counseling services for quitting smoking and vaping through the DOH Quitline 1558 were also promoted.

LCP Executive Director Vincent Balanag and Chief of Public Health and Domiciliary Division Dr. Jubert Benedicto, DOH Chief-of-Staff Undersecretary Gloria Balboa, and DOH Assistant Secretary Beverly Lorraine Ho attended the event.

TB remains one of the 10 leading causes of death in the Philippines despite the availability of treatment.

Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that 15,689 out of 563,465 recorded deaths among Filipinos from January to November 2022 were categorized under respiratory tuberculosis.

To reduce the number of tuberculosis cases in the

Inspiring data

the introduction of artificial intelligence in various fields of human endeavor.

Is the pandemic over?

From all indications, it seems to be over…but, even as late as July 29, 2023, according to the New York Times COVID-19 Tracker, there were still 6511 hospitalized for COVID-19. Primary series vaccination rate is still a low 69 percent, and Booster rate, 17 percent. The unvaccinated are at risk, not only getting infected but spreading the virus around. Even President Biden and other leaders were saying it was “a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”

Is there a blood test for brain cancer?

Soon there will be. A new study reveals a promising simple blood test that could help detect brain cancer with 87 percent accuracy. This exciting revelation was reported in the journal Nature Communications by Dr. Matthew J. Baker of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Brain cancer usually has a poor outlook because of the delay in the diagnosis since the symptoms, primarily headache, are nonspecific. This new blood test would expedite the diagnosis and improve the outcome.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a new drug for weight loss from Eli Lilly, which catapulted its stock recently because it was found to also reduce the risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death by 20 percent. It is a landmark clinical trial, the first to show that weight loss drug alone could provide such a huge benefit. It is a boon to cardiovascular health and longevity.

Do repeated chest x-rays cause cancer?

No, an annual chest x-ray does not cause cancer. The dose of radiation that one gets with a chest x-ray is so minimal, about 30 millirems, which is even less than the radiation exposure one gets from travelling by air (where you will be exposed to a greater degree of radiation from the sun) for a 4-hours flight, say to another Asian country. The cut-off safety limit per year

is 5000 millirems, which would be equivalent to about 166 chest x-ray exposures. A chest x-ray once a year, or even 20 such radiation exposures in a year, is safe. The basic rule is, of course, the lesser radiation the better, but if it medically necessary, chest x-ray or other x-rays should be performed without worry.

Can one get AIDS from holding hands?

Experts say that HIV infection is not transmitted by holding hands or (intact) skin to skin contact, but mucous membrane contact with blood or body fluids from someone infected with HIV, unprotected sexual intercourse with AIDS victim can definitely transmit this deadly disease. The best behavior is to avoid partners that are at high risk of having HIV, but if this is not possible, use condom. One must be cautious to make sure the condom is durable, intact and not have a hole in it. One could get the HIV infection even after only one, yes just one, sexual encounter. Remember, having AIDS is like having a death sentence hanging over your head.

What are the leading causes of deaths?

In the United States, according to CDC, the leading causes of deaths are in this order: heart disease (695,547); cancer (605,213); COVID-19 (416,893); accidents (224,935); cirrhosis (56,585); stroke (162,890); chronic lower respiratory disease (142,342); Alzheimer’s (119,399); diabetes (103,294); chronic liver disease and cirrhosis (56,585); and nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis (54,358).

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/ author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

We would only get resentment and annoyance if we worry about being better than anyone else. Instead, we could focus on being better than ourselves by making today an improvement over yesterday. The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday. And when tomorrow rolls around, we may find ways to improve even more. Comparing ourselves to others in a negative way would only lead to arrogance, disappointment and frustration, neither of which would be of positive value to us. But by comparing ourselves to ourselves, we then have something with which to work on. There is little difference in people but that little difference makes a big difference. This difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative. We could positively inspire, improve ourselves and create good relationships when we think about what we could learn from other people. By looking into their personalities and traits, with our words and actions we could somehow recognize, value and appreciate their fine qualities and accomplishments. We could develop the habit of spotting goodness instead of mistakes, weaknesses or limitations of things, situations and people around us. If we focus on what is good and go beyond the curtain of negativity, we would feel good about ourselves. On the contrary if we constantly see what is wrong, we create a barrier which blocks us from reaching our own goodness. Appreciating others with sincerity allows them to remove their masks and feel at ease with who they are. The feeling of being appreciated gives them the freedom to be themselves and then lets them easily know and accept themselves too; and they would reciprocate accordingly to our friendship. Envy serves no positive purpose. So when we start to feel envious, we choose instead to transform the good fortune of others into inspiration. When we see progress and achievement of other people, we could allow what we see to inspire us. In fact, the success of another person serves to show us how the same level of success can be brought about in our own lives. Relationships of all kinds are like sand held in our hand. Held loosely, with an open hand, the sand remains where it is. The minute we close our hand and squeeze tightly to hold on, the sand trickles through our fingers. We may hold onto some of it, but most will be spilled. A relationship is like that. Held loosely, with respect and freedom for the other person, it s likely to remain intact. But hold too tightly, too possessively, and the relationship slips away and is lost. When we delight in the good fortune of others, we put ourselves in position to share that good fortune. The more we celebrate life’s abundance, the more solidly we connect to that abundance. Has someone else accomplished or attained something that we would dearly love to have? Let us encourage ourselves to be inspired by the successes and accomplishments of others. Let that inspiration sink deeply into ourselves, so that it has a place within us where it will always be. Then take that inspiration and put it into real, positive, and effective action. If I allow bitterness and resentment to fester inside, it will make my relationships guarded and unsatisfying. The more I close down to others, the more I become a stranger to myself. By letting go of sorrow and negativity, I can keep my nature open and loving. Remaining open to life, with its constant adventures and opportunities to grow, is the only way to reach my full potential.

New look at Sacrifice

We have an instinctive repulsion to suffering and sacrifice. Nobody wants to choose passing through hardships; as much as possible we see to it that we are comfortable. If there will always be a choice between making some sacrifice and being comfortable or doing things the easy way; of course, the latter would always be chosen without second thoughts. We all know it is difficult to pass through suffering or do some sacrifice. Yet, we also know that we cannot gain any success in both the human endeavor and especially in spiritual endeavor without some sacrifices, some denial or renunciation of oneself, some crosses to carry. Easter glory cannot be attained without the dark and sad Holy Friday, the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ.

We should take a fresh look at sacrifice to change our usual feeling of repugnance. I would like us to take this play of words: Sacrifice is two words in Latin; “sacri” which comes from sacra, sacrum, meaning sacred; and “fice” from Latin “facere” which means “to make” or “to do.” So, sacrifice would be “to do or to make the sacred.” When we do or make some sacrifice, we not only doing what is hard or difficult or painful, but we are doing the sacred, we are making the sacred in our life.

Let us look at our Lord Jesus; He offered Himself as sacrifice, meaning, the offering of Himself is doing the sacred of His life for God or making the sacred of His life to God. This now can also make sense; because, if He did the sacred, meaning doing what God wants, doing what pleases God, doing what is important to God; hence, salvation and sanctification for humanity indeed can happen as fruit of His offering of sacrifice. Furthermore, Jesus who is God Himself Incarnate, did or made the sacred in the offering of Himself; He made the sacred or did the sacred because He is God, He is Divine, He is Sacred. His very sacrifice is our model, therefore, of our doing and making the sacrifice. In fact, only when our sacrifices are joined to His sacrifice does our sacrifice has value and meaning before God. Doing or making the sacrifice is to be seen with this new outlook; that sacrifice is making the sacred. So, our every sacrifice becomes pleasing to God the more we see it and intentionally consider it as making the sacred; for such is doing what matters to God.

Let us think now of anything that costs us to do and make; because, it is a form of sacrifice for us. Let us now think of the many forms of sacrifices that we are doing, and see them in this new outlook. The point, dear reader, is that when we do or make some sacrifices, we are actually and truly in the context of God’s presence, doing a service to Him. When we sacrifice in any form with the intention of loving and serving God; then, all the more that it can be said of doing or making the sacred. If we can change our mindset about sacrifice; then, we can have the sense of willingness instead of unwillingness, acceptance instead of repugnance, enduring through it instead of escaping from it.

If praying is difficult as like a big sacrifice for us; then, having a new way of looking at it we would love praying. For praying itself is a sacred act and putting the sense of sacrifice, doing the sacred; so, you are making the sacred out of what you are doing; you are making sacred out of your human time too. If helping the neighbor, like mowing their lawn, can be a big sacrifice for you; this time, knowing that sacrifice is doing or making the sacred, you can help out, because you will be doing or giving what is sacred to your neighbor, you are becoming an instrument of God’s care to the neighbor through you. Or that, the sacrifice you would do is making the sacred meaning bringing God to your neighbor; as you let them experience the love of God through your good deed. The sacrifice has taken a whole new meaning and new mindset. We will no longer abhor doing the sacrifice but willingly accepting and carrying it out. In sacrifice, we are in union with God and we are at work with Him. We are living the divine life of God in that very moment of sacrifice. May we embrace the gift of sacrifice anytime or all the time it comes to us to merit the blessings of God for this life and beyond. Amen.

Tokwa’t Baboy Adobo with Oyster Sauce Recipe of the Week

Ingredients:

1kilo pork belly, cut into large cubes

2 big blocks firm tofu, cut into large cube, fried

1/2 head garlic, crushed

1/2 tbsp. peppercorns

2-3 bay leaf

1/2 cup white vinegar

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup oyster sauce

1 tbsp. sugar

salt to taste

Cooking procedure:

In a large sauce pan place the pork vinegar, soy sauce, peppercorns, bay leaf and add 1 1/2 to 2 cups of water bring to a boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Add more water as necessary. Add in sugar continue to simmer until the liquid is reduced to half. Add in the oyster sauce and correct saltines if required. Then add the fried tofu on top, continue to simmer at low heat until most of the liquid has evaporated and has turn into an oily sauce. Serve.

urged to visit, invest in PHL

SINGAPORE – Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco urged Singaporean businessmen to visit and invest in the Philippines as it shares the country’s initiatives to fast-track the tourism industry’s recovery.

“The tourism industry of the Philippines is already on its way to recovery, with your help and with your partnership we can continue to allow tourism to be a force for good towards the economic recovery of the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region,” Secretary Frasco said during the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in Singapore.

Frasco said the DOT is “doing everything” to revitalize the sector and make it a major economic pillar for the country’s post-pandemic recovery.

“We’re open, we’re ready, and we invite all of you to visit and to invest in the Philippines,” she told the businessmen at the briefing.

Among the initiatives she laid out were infrastructure development, digitalization and connectivity, diversification of the Philippine tourism portfolio, and the strengthening of tourism governance.

She said the DOT will work with rel-

evant agencies to improve access to key destinations through improved roads, bridges, and water systems.

She announced that DOT is also breaking ground this year 10 tourist rest areas across the country.

“Overall, the outlook about the Philippines is optimistic, notwithstanding all of the difficulties that we have faced and have come into our shores and everything that has come to pass everything that the Filipino people have suffered in terms of various upheavals and calamities,” she said.

“It is by no accident that our country remains one of the most beautiful destinations in the world and top-of-mind destinations in terms of tourism,” she added.

As of Sept. 5, the Philippines has received at least 1.4 million international visitors.

The PEB in Singapore was conducted in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy Singapore and the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre Singapore, together with partner banks – BoFa Securities, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, SMBC Nikko, Standard Chartered Bank, and UBS

Singaporean