060223 - San Diego Edition

Controversial Maharlika bill heads to Malacañang

MANILA — Both chambers of Congress have approved the bill creating the Maharlika Investment Fund, a proposal that has raised concerns that pension funds and other government money will be put at risk.

The STAR reported that the House of Representatives adopted the Senate’s version of the bill, which had initially included the Social Security Service and Government Service Insurance System

DATELINE USA

NYC’s Fil Am Deputy Mayor assumes expanded role

Maria Torres Springer is the city’s new Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce

THROUGHOUT her career in public service, Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer has shown clearly that she is ready to take bold action to tackle the city’s affordable housing crisis. I’m proud to announce her expanded role as Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce.”

With that statement, Mayor Eric Adams made an important announcement on Tuesday, May 30 regarding the appointment of Deputy Mayor Maria Torres Springer to an enhanced position.

In her newly expanded role, Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer will be responsible for overseeing housing, economic development, and workforce matters.

New cultural landmark rises in LA’s Historic Filipinotown

LOS ANGELES – A longstanding nonprofit serving the Filipino community will inaugurate its new offices, meeting rooms, community kitchen, and event space with a grand opening Friday, June 9, from 3-7 p.m.

Since 1972, Search To Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) has been providing programs for youth and families including mental health education, counseling, youth programs, small business support, cultural enrichment, and affordable housing in Historic Filipinotown.

as a source of funding.

This provision was voted off during a marathon session at the Senate that ran into early Wednesday, May 31.

With the House’s adoption of its version of the bill, there was no need for the Senate to do anything more—it approved the proposal on third and final reading in the wee hours of Wednesday—Senate President Juan Miguel

Zubiri said.

The bill will now be sent to Malacañang for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s signature.

While the president has the power to veto bills, that is unlikely for Maharlika, which he has certified urgent in both chambers of Congress, which promptly passed the measures.

Marcos who has been promoting the proposed

Mandatory digitalization to cut red tape – Marcos

MANILA — President Marcos expressed optimism on Monday, May 29 that the AntiRed Tape Authority (ARTA) would further simplify government procedures through mandatory digitalization and contribute to efforts to lure investments and promote economic activity in the country.

In a speech read by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin during ARTA’s fifth anniversary celebration in Manila, Marcos said the agency has been “relentless” in implementing its mandate to curb red tape and bolster ease of doing business since it was established through Republic Act 11032 in 2018.

Padilla resigns as PDP-Laban exec to focus on being senator

MANILA — Sen. Robinhood Padilla announced on Tuesday, May 30 he is resigning as PDP-Laban executive vice president to give more time to his duties as a lawmaker.

Padilla remains a member of the party chaired by former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“As an incumbent senator with a heavy mandate, I am aware that other duties — including my position as EVP of the party — must give way to my ability to fulfill my sworn duty to the people,” Padilla said in

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fund to potential investors abroad, said Wednesday that the SSS and GSIS would not be the source of seed funding for Maharlika. He said, however, that “if the pension fund decides that Maharlika fund is a good investment, it’s up to them if they want to invest in it.”

‘Let’s give it a chance’ Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri earlier

Hike in US visa fee takes effect June 17

MANILA — Securing a non-immigrant visa to the United States for some categories will be more expensive starting June 17, said the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

Mark McGovern, Consul General of the U.S. Embassy in Manila, said on Thursday, June 1 that the application fee for visitor visas for temporary business or tourism and other non-petition based non-immigrant visas, such as student and exchange visitor visas, will increase from $160 (P8,996) to $185 (P10,402).

The fee increase was initially to take effect May 30 but had since been deferred to June 17.

“The reality is there has been no increase in the visa fees since 2011. That was the last time an increase was done. And all of the fees that we do for the visas are based on a cost of service study,” McGovern said in a news conference at the U.S. Embassy. He noted, however, that the cost hike is not exclusive to the Philippines as it will likewise be implemented in U.S. embassies across the globe.

“We have to bring American citizens. We pay for them to be here. We have increases in salaries for our local staff. The increase in operating our facilities. The increase in shipping over visa foils. All these prices u PAGE 2

“In just five years, the men and women of ARTA have definitely proven that change in the way we serve in government is possible. It is possible to do things now to empower the improvement of processes and make transactions easier and more convenient for our clients, the Filipino people,” the president said.

“As the work is not finished, I look forward to even more accomplishments for ARTA in the years to come. I am confident that with your undiminished and steadfast dedication to serve the people and given your passion to advance the mandates of RA 11032, ARTA will be ready and equipped to lead over the hurdles the future holds,” he added.

HOUSE Deputy Speaker and Pampanga

Second District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Sunday, May 28 reiterated that she did not plot to unseat Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

“A report is going around that I was ‘duped’ by a congresswoman into thinking that the alleged House coup had the blessings of the first lady Marie Louise ‘Liza’ Araneta-Marcos,” Arroyo said in a statement. “I am truly sorry that she should even be dragged into this political fantasy of a House coup — it is disrespectful to her and to her intelligence.”

CA Attorney General Rob Bonta seeks to improve hate crime reporting, solutions

CALIFORNIA Attorney General

Rob Bonta has vowed to pursue broader and concrete measures to improve the reporting system on racial-related hate crimes.

Bonta recently hosted a roundtable with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) press in the state to provide updates on his statewide initiatives in line with the celebration of May as AAPI Heritage Month.

As the first Filipino American attorney general of California and the second Asian American to occupy the post after now Vice President Kamala Harris, who served between 2011 to 2017, Bonta underscored the need to improve the way hate crimes are being handled, especially in California, a state home to nearly 6 million AAPIs.

A former state assemblymember, Bonta was first appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as attorney general in March 2021, before being elected to a full term last November 2022. He was sworn in and delivered his inaugural address in Sacramento last January 6.

During the discussions with AAPI reporters, the state’s chief legal counsel said that amidst the alarming and continuing rising level of anti-Asian hate crimes

over the past years, his office is very keen on implementing some definitive short-term and long-term programs to address these concerns.

He said short-term solutions may involve an immediate and effective way to resolve a hate crime as it happens.

“We need accountability for hate crimes when they occur and in my view charging hate crimes as hate crimes when elements are there and making sure that there’s an appropriate and proportionate accountability for those who commit hate crimes,” Bonta said.

According to Bonta, providing relatively prompt help to assist hate crime victims could also be a part of a short-term scheme.

“We provide victims with the services that they need to heal in the way that they need for them to heal, could be trauma form of care, it could be culturally competent care, could be inlanguage care like programs and services that allow and assist and expedite the healing of victims,” he said.

For long-term solutions, he said there is a need to implement a strategic plan of action involving education, cross-cultural awareness, and

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Arroyo firm: I did not plot speaker’s ouster

Controversial Maharlika bill heads to...

told reporters to give the new investment fund “a chance.”

Opposition groups and critics of the new law raised concerns that it would be abused and become a vehicle for corruption.

Zubiri noted that other countries also have sovereign wealth funds that are successful.

“[There are] maybe 90 plus countries that [have] sovereign wealth funds and under these 90 countries, there’s only one that has an issue, which is Malaysia’s,” the senate president said, referring to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad that faced issues with embezzlement and money laundering.

“We are learning from that mistake but almost 99% of other

sovereign wealth funds have been very successful… so let’s give it a chance.”

In a statement on the House panel’s adoption of the Senate version of the Maharlika bill, Rep. Joey Salceda (Albay) said that the House decided to have the bill ready in time for Marcos’ State of the Nation Address in July and so the executive branch can prepare the implementing rules and regulations for it as soon as possible.

“As promised, the MIF will not touch the funds of the SSS, GSIS, Philhealth, or HDMF. We are thankful for the Senate for retaining most of the accountability and transparency safeguards established by the House,” he said.

Mandatory digitalization to...

Marcos also lauded ARTA for being a “disruptor of negative norms and practices in the bureaucracy.”

The president cited the agency’s streamlining of regulations and processes in the telecommunications sector, which he said paved the way for smoother operations and enhanced connectivity in the Philippines.

He said the number of required permits for the sector has been reduced from 13 to eight while that of the documentary requirements has been cut from 86 to 35. The turnaround time has also been cut drastically from 241 to 16 working days, he added.

“ARTA has effectively facilitated the rapid deployment of telecommunication infrastructure across the land,” Marcos said.

Salceda, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, said he raised some suggestions that the executive branch could address in the IRR for the Maharlika fund.

He said that the Philippines could involve multilateral financing institutions like the World Bank and Asian Development in setting up the fund to “bring in not only capital, but also experience, institutional expertise, and international credibility to the Fund.”

Salceda also suggested a provision to have the fund listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange, which, he said, would mean more transparency and accountability for the investment fund. (Philstar.com) n

Hike in US visa fee takes...

have gone up. The cost of service study that we have done on a global scale for regular visas brings it to about $185 per visa,” he said.

Among their other considerations, according to McGovern, are the costs of building and maintaining their facilities, staffing their operations, and providing secure and reliable visa documents to the people.

But, he said, the “good news” is that the U.S. visa is now worth 10 years, which means it will last longer despite being costlier.

Application fee hikes will also be felt for those seeking certain petition-based non-immigrant visas for temporary workers, which will increase from $190 (P10,685) to $205 (P11,527).

For a treaty trader or investor visa applicant, meanwhile, the processing cost will rise from $205 (P11,527) to $315 (P17,713).

Asked if there are more application fee increases expected moving forward, McGovern said, “I hope we don’t see any more hikes in the future.”

According to the U.S. Embassy, it processed around 188,038 non-immigrant visa applications between October 2021 and September 2022.

McGovern also touted the drop in the waiting period for non-immigrant visa interview appointments — from almost two years to five months since October 2022.

“We’re trying to get that number even lower. We’re hoping to have it within two to three months by the end of 2023,” he said. n

Marcos said through a joint memorandum circular, ARTA reduced the number of permits from 11 to five, simplified documentary requirements from 62 to 26 and slashed the turnaround time from 868 to 74 working days.

The reduced requirements have resulted in an increase in the number of permits to 36,264 in 2020-2021 from 9,363 permits in 2019-2020, the president said.

“These improvements in telecommunications have not gone unnoticed on the global

stage. According to the Ookla speed test global index report released in March 2023, the Philippines has significantly improved its rankings. In mobile internet speed, our country climbed from 93rd to 79th place, while in fixed broadband, we went to 60th to 41st place,”

Marcos said.

“This progress has enhanced communication infrastructure, facilitated economic growth and generally improved the lives of our citizens. It has hastened the digitalization of government services, thereby enabling the government to deliver timely and accessible services to the citizens in this rapidly evolving digital era,” he added.

Marcos also mentioned the implementation of the e-BOSS, which he said has slashed the time required for registering a business and has encouraged entrepreneurs to establish and grow their enterprises.

He noted that out of the 17 local governments assessed, only seven have achieved full implementation of the e-BOSS. Five of the seven local governments that have fully implemented the e-BOSS “have witnessed a collective increase in business registration and revenue collection for the year 2022,” the chief executive said.

“The success of e-BOSS is a testament to the power of digital transformation in promoting ease of business and stimulating

economic development,” Marcos said.

Marcos also cited ARTA’s partnership with the 888 citizens complaint center, a move that he said has provided a channel for citizens to voice their concerns and initiate complaints against agencies that fail to deliver efficient, timely and effective public services.

Marcos ended his speech by emphasizing the importance of digitalization in the bureaucracy.

“While we say that digitalization is no longer a mere option but already a mandatory requirement in the rendition of government services, we do not impose undue burdens on the shoulders of our fellow servants. As we shorten the lines, cut the steps and simplify the procedures, we assure everyone that doing so can only be the next best way to enable our stakeholders to reach their goals,” the president said.

In a video message, First Lady Liza Marcos thanked ARTA for its contributions in improving the delivery of government services.

“I was told that this year’s theme, SPEED, stands for streamlining the Philippines for effective and efficient digitalization... So SPEED is aligned with the president’s priorities in the delivery of government services,” Liza said.

“Thank you for all you do to make our country a better place to live in,” she added. n

Padilla resigns as PDP-Laban...

a statement.

He added, “I believe my decision is for the good of the party and its members — and more importantly, for the Filipino people.”

As PDP-Laban’s executive vice president, Padilla was part of the party’s National Executive Committee. He also had the power to take over the functions of the party president in case of their prolonged absence, permanent incapacity, suspension, resignation, or expulsion.

Padilla was also tasked to perform other duties and functions assigned by PDP-Laban’s National Council.

Cha-cha push falters

The senator’s resignation as a PDP-Laban official came after he proclaimed the death of his push to amend economic provisions in the Constitution supposedly to allow more foreign investments.

Padilla said the final nail on Cha-cha’s coffin was the demotion of Rep. Gloria MacapagalArroyo (Pampanga) as senior deputy speaker at the House of Representatives, calling this a “big issue” among lawmakers which had a “huge effect.”

Padilla previously threatened to leave PDPLaban entirely if it decides not to back his

proposal for economic Charter change. The party did end up supporting Cha-cha in general and Padilla got the backing of his fellow PDPLaban senators.

Adjustment to Senate protocol

He recently came under fire on social media over a video clip from the May 16 plenary session where he was accused of disregarding parliamentary procedures when he responded in Filipino and seemed confused about how to make a proper motion on the Senate floor. The incident has been brought up in chat groups among senators, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva told reporters at the Senate on Monday, May 29, adding it served as a “reminder” for all of them to follow rules and observe proper decorum during plenary sessions.

“It is a concern that decorum should be strictly followed, not just in committee hearings but even during Senate sessions,” Villanueva said partly in Filipino. “I think we’re all grown-ups and professionals. And as public servants we are all aware that public office is a public trust.”

Sen. JV Ejercito said the incident was a challenge for him and other senators to use parliamentary terms in Filipino, while Sen. Francis Escudero said Padilla did not violate any rules. n

Arroyo firm: I did not plot speaker’s...

“Whoever is spreading these pathetic rumors... should now move on to the serious business of making positive contributions to national progress,” the former president said.

She said she made “a humble contribution to the joining of forces that became the UniTeam, and the resulting supermajority in the House is a major force for delivering President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda.

“Thus, I would never take any action to destroy it,” she said.

She added she “did not have any conversation, here or abroad, with any congressman or congresswoman, or any other politician active or retired, to plot, support, encourage or participate in any way in any alleged House coup.”

Rumors of a conspiracy to overthrow Romualdez circulated after Arroyo was demoted from senior deputy speaker to deputy speaker last May 17. She was replaced by Pampanga Third District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr.

Arroyo said in a May 18 statement that she aspired for the House speakership when Marcos won the presidential election last year, but that she was no longer interested in the position.

She said her political objectives now were to

NYC’s Fil Am Deputy Mayor assumes expanded...

This includes spearheading initiatives to enhance the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), facilitating the transition of homeless individuals into secure housing, and driving Mayor Adams’ ambitious mission to construct 500,000 new homes for New Yorkers within the next ten years.

“Having grown up in Section 8 housing, I know firsthand that safe and affordable housing is about more than mere brick and mortar — it’s about creating opportunity and improving lives,” said Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer.

Since January 2022, Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer has played a crucial role in advancing the Adams administration’s endeavors to expedite the development of much-needed housing.

CA Attorney General Rob...

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ethnic studies.

The government official also admitted that pushing for solid steps in tackling hate crimes is tedious as it entails a more complex approach in terms of implementation and execution of legislative measures and law enforcement.

“We need to have a lot of guidance on this with local enforcement on how to identify, investigate and how to build a hate crime case when the evidence is there,” he said.

He likewise underscored the need for the active participation of all concerned individuals to have an effective reporting system for these hate crimes.

“We also need a reporting system that people consistently and in a high percentage participated so we could understand the problem, its nature, the hotspots, who’s been targeted, why, and we can get to, address the root process,” he said.

One main dilemma of coming up with an effective reporting system, he noted, is the victims’ inability to come out in the open.

“Not everyone reports. Some folks do not report to law enforcement because they do not trust the law enforcement. Some people don’t report because they could be retaliated against, for example, an undocumented individual victim of a hate crime may not want to report to law enforcement because they might be worried about any potential adverse immigration consequences and so the people will report when they think

something might be done and they won’t be retaliated against,” he said.

Bonta called on community leaders and groups and social services agencies to assist his office in addressing these concerns.

“We need to create those systems but I think that largely lies with community groups who are trusted, who’ve earned the trust, who have deep roots and deep histories with communities like to Stop AAPI Hate, a lot of folks call them because of their reputation and they have good data that helps us understand the problem better,” he said.

Stop AAPI Hate, a coalition of community organizations that started in May 2020, tracks and responds to incidents of hate, violence, harassment and discrimination against the AAPI community.

Over the last two years, antiAAPI hate crimes went up 107% followed by an additional 177% increase the year before. The next updated data on hate crimes will be released in coming months, Bonta said.

With this unprecedented rise of hate crimes, Bonta also spearheaded the creation of a Racial Justice Bureau a few weeks after assuming office in 2021.

“We want to take a very strong stance against the forces of hate to push back. So I created a Racial Justice Bureau to stand against racial justice in all its forms, including hate crimes, hate violence, hate incidents,” the attorney general earlier said.

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She has provided oversight to the New York City Department of City Planning and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), demonstrating exceptional leadership. As a co-chair of the Building and Land Use Approval Streamlining Task Force, she has contributed significantly to Mayor Adams’ “Get Stuff Built” plan, which aims to accelerate housing construction. Furthermore, she has been instrumental in driving the “City of Yes” citywide zoning text amendments, which seek to support small businesses, foster the creation of new housing, and promote sustainability.

Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer has also been involved in transformative initiatives such as the construction of 2,500 affordable homes in Willets Point and community planning efforts in various areas, including the East Bronx, Central Brooklyn, the North Shore of Staten Island, Midtown South, and Jamaica.

“In a year and a half with this administration and throughout her career in public service, Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer has shown clearly that she is ready to take bold action to tackle the city’s affordable housing crisis,” added Mayor Adams. “She has a proven record of creating affordable housing and economic opportunity for New Yorkers, and her leadership of our economic recovery efforts has delivered real results. She is the right person at the right time to create and preserve the safe, highquality, affordable housing New Yorkers so desperately need, and I congratulate her on this expanded role that will allow her to serve even more New Yorkers.”

“Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, we came in with a bold agenda to change the paradigm for how we grow equitably as a city. I am incredibly humbled to further serve New Yorkers as we strive to provide stable housing for our neighbors, protect our existing affordable and public housing, and identify new ways to make housing affordable for all New Yorkers at this critical moment in our city’s history,” the deputy mayor added.

As deputy mayor, Torres-Springer has

overseen “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery” and the city’s strong jobs recovery, efforts to support small businesses with the “Small Business Forward” executive order, commercial district recovery and the “New” New York panel’s “Making New York Work for Everyone” action plan, and transformational projects in Willets Point and on Governors Island.

She was previously vice president of U.S. programs at the Ford Foundation, where she oversaw the foundation’s domestic grantmaking and made historic investments in support of racial equity, workers’ rights, voting rights, and arts and culture across the country.

Proud Fil-Am

Torres-Springer was born and raised in California a year after her parents moved to the United States from the Philippines. Her father, Manuel, is from Pampanga, and her mother, Elsa, is from Batangas. She is the second of six siblings (she has four sisters and a brother).

“I belong to a very traditional and tightly-knit Filipino family,” shared TorresSpringer in an interview with the Asian Journal shortly after her appointment in 2014 as the head of the Department of Small Business Services. Reflecting on her cultural background, she mentioned that she retains some knowledge of Tagalog, but humorously added, “I believe my Kapampangan is even better.”

“I’m very proud of my ancestry and Filipino culture and my background. I’ve always hoped to take the values that I learned growing up and apply that to my work and I think more generally to ensure that people and businesses of diverse backgrounds have a fair shot in New York City. If I’m able to do that in this role given my background, that would bring a lot of motivation,” she added.

Torres-Springer spent some of her formative years in the Philippines. From age 9 to 13, she lived in Betis, Pampanga, her father’s hometown. She moved back to the States around high school and then she visited a couple of times as an adult.

“I miss the food, and how much family surrounded us when we were there. My dad is one of 23 kids. He’s the youngest. Being surrounded by family was a very special experience,” she said.

When asked about the valuable lessons instilled by her parents, Maria emphasized the importance of not taking things for granted and the value of hard work in achieving one’s goals. Gratitude and giving back were core principles ingrained in her upbringing, thanks to the mentors, supporters, and her own family who taught her the significance of acknowledging those who helped her along the way and extending a helping hand to those in need.

The deputy mayor grew up at a time when her parents were still trying to adjust to their newfound lives in America. Their

story, she said, is typical of the immigrant experience, where parents make a lot of sacrifices to immigrate to the United States with the hope of providing their children a better opportunity.

Track Record

Torres-Springer has a long track record of public service in New York City, having led three city agencies with over 3,000 employees and approximately $2 billion in annual operating budgets, addressing some of the city’s most significant public policy challenges.

As commissioner of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, she oversaw the financing of approximately 60,000 affordable homes — the most over any two-year period in the agency’s history. She also helped develop comprehensive plans for investments in Inwood, Downtown Far Rockaway, Jerome Avenue, and other neighborhoods; advanced initiatives to promote innovations in design and construction; and launched several new programs to protect tenants’ rights. She has served as board chair of the New York City Housing Development Corporation and as a board member of the New York City Housing Authority.

As the first woman to serve as president of NYCEDC, she led the implementation of the citywide NYC Ferry service and oversaw major investments in key sectors of the city’s economy. Working closely with community leaders, she also spearheaded several neighborhood revitalization plans across the city.

As commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services, she prioritized efforts to raise wages and support women- and immigrant-owned businesses. She also launched Women Entrepreneurs NYC and worked to prepare New Yorkers for 21st-century jobs through the Tech to Talent Pipeline program.

Torres-Springer earned a bachelor’s degree in ethics, politics, and economics from Yale University and a master’s degree in public policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer will continue to report to First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright.

“Maria Torres-Springer has been one of the primary drivers of our administration’s efforts to build more of the housing New Yorkers so desperately need and build it faster in every corner of our city,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “She has a long record of delivering results at the highest levels of city government and of partnering with impacted communities to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are being met. There could not be a better choice to continue the work started by the chief housing officer and her team, and I am excited to continue working with Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer to keep this city affordable for working- and middle-class families in all five boroughs.”

JOB SEEKERS. Students, one of them a person with disability (PWD), try their luck in landing a job through the Manila Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Mega Job Fair at the Universidad de Manila covered court in Ermita, Manila on Wednesday, May 31. Under Republic Act 10524, at least 1 percent of all positions in government agencies shall be reserved for PWDs, while private corporations with more than 100 employees are encouraged to reserve at least 1 percent of all positions for PWDs.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Filipina teen from PH and CA makes car racing history

BIANCA Bustamante, 18, is the first Filipino to win an F1 Academy race with PREMA Racing. F1Academy is an allfemale Formula-4 level racing championship series founded by Formula 1. Bustamante a resident of both Laguna, Philippines and San Jose, California, is the daughter of Raymund and Janice Bustamante. Race driver Darryl O’Young is her sporting and business manager. Bustamante started go-carting at age 3, competing in go-kart races at Sonoma Raceway, in San Francisco Bay Area. She won the Macau International Kart Grand Prix at the age of nine.

Her inspiration is former NASCAR and IndyCar racer Danica Patrick and dreams of racing in the main F1 series, IndyCar, or NASCAR.

“My dad was an O-F-W. He was an overseas Filipino worker in America in San Jose so there he worked a lot in construction,”

Bustamante told KGO-TV’s J.R. Stone.

“He worked three jobs to give money for my racing to put food on the table and because of this I rarely saw him and that’s why it meant so much that I won because it wasn’t just for me. It was for every Filipino out there, especially when the anthem was played.” (Inquirer.net) n

New cultural landmark rises in LA’s...

A mixed-use space, with permanent supportive housing, replaces SIPA’s headquarters in its 3200 W. Temple St. location for 30 years. SIPA entered into a partnership with nonprofit Linc Housing in June 2020 to develop the property into community center on the ground floor commercial space.

Local design firm Theoforma, was brought on to the project, incorporating natural elements like bamboo and rattan into the design. The aesthetic of the Philippine islands can be found throughout the space, from the fabrics and artisanal items, to furniture from Cebu, and Los Angeles based Filipinx American artists decorating the walls. Every detail was chosen to bring pride and heritage into the space.

The permanent supportive housing portion of HiFi Collective opened in fall 2022 with Linc Housing providing the supportive services to residents, thanks to funding from Los Angeles County.

Now at 100% occupancy, HiFi Collective is home to 63 formerly unhoused people, with SIPA

and Linc working in close partnership to ensure the entire community thrives together in their new shared space.

“We are beyond excited to reopen our doors and physically root ourselves back in the very neighborhood that SIPA has served for decades,” stated SIPA Executive Director Kimmy Maniquis in a release.

Maniquis added: “SIPA will remain committed to serving

youth and families, and are prepared to bring back our after school programs, cultural programming, mental health services and basic needs support to the community of Historic Filipinotown.”

SIPA was founded in 1972 by a group of young Filipino American activists including founders and early leaders –Royal Morales, Al Mendoza, Helen Brown, Paul Chikahisa,

Joe Abella and Jeanie Abella, who were inspired by the Civil Rights and Anti-War movements of the 1960s.

The founders wanted to address the lack of resources and opportunities for the Filipino American community in Los Angeles, particularly in the areas of education, employment, and social services.

In its early years, SIPA focused on organizing community events and cultural activities to promote Filipino heritage and identity. However, as the organization grew, it began to offer a wider range of services to the community, including job training, youth development programs, health education, and social services. Today, SIPA is one of the largest and most well-respected Filipino American organizations in the country, serving 3,800 people every year. SIPA’s legacy continues to be felt in Los Angeles and beyond, as it has inspired many other Filipino American organizations and businesses to emerge and thrive across the state of California, and beyond. (Inquirer.net) n

Asked about the role of the Racial Justice Bureau and its goal, Bonta said “we created Racial Justice Bureau to call out racial injustice in the state of California in all its forms and we plan of fighting the ground and say we are going to fight the racial injustice and fight against the forces of hate, and organizations that are organized around hate and violate other people’s rights or commit crimes.”

“We’re going to take on racial injustice in our schools where our children were submitted to unfair disciplinary process, suspensions, expulsion, unwillful defiance, and discipline. So from children, to hate groups, to hate crimes to any civil rights issues where race and ethnicity are being used as a way to target to hurt or harm people, we will be involved and that’s our racial bureau has done,” he elaborated.

Putting up a Racial Justice Bureau, he said, would enable them to have a dedicated set of personnel within his office to facilitate and focus on racial injustices.

“It has taken resources from across our office and brought them into a team with a common goal to take on racial injustice. We are largely focusing on hate crimes given the environment and the landscape and the pain and hurt and the harm that Californians are suffering when it comes to hate crimes and so but it is to fight for racial justice and all its forms and what’s happening in California will define the work that we prioritize and what we do but right now what we do are on hate crimes,” he added.

Aside from hate crimes, Bonta also wants to address other equally significant and socially-relevant issues, such as human trafficking, housing access, home care affordability, education, elder abuse, reproductive freedom, gun safety, the rights of LGBTQ communities, climate change, and among others.

2026 plans

During the virtual media roundtable, when asked about his apparent plan to run for governorship in 2026, Bonta said right now his priorities are set on addressing critical concerns of the state.

“Quite a number of people are reaching out to me asking

me to run, encouraging me to run, and for that, I am honored and flattered and humbled. I will make a decision about running for governor for 2026 but the time for that decision is not now. I am focused on my work and role as an attorney general now and at an appropriate time in the future, I’ll make a decision and it will be known,” he said.

Bonta, whose parents Cynthia and Warren are both advocates of social justice, was also asked by reporters if he has plans to meet Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who will be in California in November this year.

“I would like to spend time with President Marcos at some point [and] have a dialogue. I am open to a son not being the father and trying a different course and being different and I know that if you share a name as he does, there are assumptions and presumptions,” Bonta explained.

The attorney general added, “I hope he’ll go in a completely different direction and free himself of the reputation of his father and be someone who can lift up the people of the Philippines who needed him so much, who are wrestling with so many challenges from poverty to inequality, to natural disasters and lack of necessary infrastructure, there are so much that can be done by a leader who loves their people and I hope he could be that leader.”

Bonta was also asked to comment on earlier reports about Marcos’ apparent plans to rewrite Philippine history.

“Part of being a good leader is building and working from the facts and the truth and not erasing the history. History is what it is — you can’t change it, you can’t go back and change it, but you can change where you go next,” he said.

“It is painful today when you erase the history of yesterday when people have been hurt, family members have been taken away, killed, tortured and then you say it didn’t happen, that is harmful today so that is not something any leader should be doing,” Bonta said. “Who knows when will I spend time with him, what our discussions will be but I hope I would have a productive discussion about how to move the Philippines forward and most importantly lift up every people of the Philippines.” n

Dateline PhiliPPines

US Embassy sees record number of visas for

MANILA – The United States Embassy in the Philippines is expecting a record number of visas to be processed in 2023 as the embassy works to restore and improve its operation since the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic in 2019.

During a press conference at the embassy, U.S. Embassy Consul General Mark McGovern said the Consular Affairs Section (CAS) of the embassy is on track to issue up to 330,000 non-immigrant visas for Fiscal Year 2023 (October 2022 to September 2023) compared to 188,000 in 2022.

“Last year, we got around 190,000 and we were at twothirds of our capacity last year,” McGovern said.

The number of non-immigrant visas expected to be issued this year, he said, is higher than the pre-pandemic record of 290,000 issued in 2019.

“We’re really trying our best and we’re thankful for the patience the Filipino public is giving us,” he said.

Pinoys in 2023

The CAS, he said, has not yet been restored to its full capacity of 200 employees but improvements in the work flow have led to more visas being processed per employee.

“A year ago, the wait time for a non-immigrant visa was close to two years. It is now four to five months. We’re looking to lower that to 2 to 3 months by the end of the year,” he said.

He encouraged those with expired visas to have them renewed as visas can now be renewed up to four years past the expiration date.

He noted that the current nonimmigrant visa fee of $185 is the first fee increase in 10 years, with such visas – tourist, student, business, etc. – valid for up to 10 years.

“We have an increase in salaries, importation of visa foils and other materials. The fee increase is a worldwide change, not just in the Philippines,” he said.

Aside from non-immigrant visas, he said the embassy is

Marcos greets b-day girl Sara: Ignore the tambaloslos

also working “extra hard” on processing immigrant visas or green cards.

Tips for visa applicants

For those interested in getting a U.S. visa, he shared some things to keep in mind to get approved. Applicants, he said, must stay relaxed and always tell the truth during their interview.

Getting confused and lying, he said, are noticed by their trained personnel and may lead to doubt about their application.

He also asked visa applicants to avoid scammers or those promising to have their visa approved for a fee and to protect themselves from disinformation by getting their information from the embassy website.

The embassy, he said, has a fraud team that investigates scammers. “We work to make sure the victims have a chance to receive justice,” he said.

He noted that there is no checklist or “magic list” that

45% of Filipinos see quality of life to improve in next 12 months

MANILA – Forty-five percent of adult Filipinos are optimistic that their lives will improve over the next 12 months, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

The poll conducted from March 26 to 29, 2023 also found that 42 percent of the respondents believe that their quality of life will stay the same, while only 6 percent said it will worsen.

The remaining 7 percent did not give an answer.

The net personal optimism score was +38, which was classified by SWS as “very high”.

The SWS said the latest net optimism score was six points below the “excellent” +44 recorded in December 2022, noting that the 6-point drop was due to decreases in all areas.

Optimism fell by 6 points from +43 to +37 in Balance Luzon, by 10 points from +37 to +27 in the Visayas, and by 4 points from +49 to +45 in Metro Manila.

The score hardly moved in Mindanao from +48 to +47.

The survey showed that net personal optimism stayed “excellent” among those who either

graduated from college or took post-graduate studies, although down from +52 to +45.

It also stayed excellent among those who either finished junior high school, had some vocational schooling, had some senior high school, finished senior high school, completed vocational school, or attended some college, although down slightly from +46 to +42.

Net personal optimism fell for those who either finished elementary school or had some high school education from +40 in December 2022 to +35 in March 2022, as well as those who had no formal education or some elementary education from +35 to +28.

The March 2023 survey also found that net personal optimism was higher among nonhungry families at +39, and households who rated themselves as not poor at +50.

The survey was conducted using face-toface interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide. It had sampling error margins of ±2.8 percent for national percentages, ±5.7 percent each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. (PNA) n

President Marcos greeted his “BFF” (best friend forever) Vice President Sara Duterte on her 45th birthday on Wednesday, May 31, and advised her to ignore the “tambaloslos” around her.

“Inday, Sara, happy birthday. I hope you enjoy yourself and take a break from work,” Marcos said in Cebuano in a video message posted on his social media accounts.

“I hope you make some time for yourself and ignore the tambaloslos around you,” the president said, laughing.

Duterte posted a photo on her Instagram account on May 21, saying one should not be a tambaloslos for the sake of ambition.

“Sa imong ambisyon, do not be tambaloslos,” the vice president said. Tambaloslos is a Visayan mythical creature known for its large mouth and a penis the

Desaparecidos

AS the country faced a super typhoon last weekend, there are families that are counting the days, weeks and years since their loved ones disappeared, never to be seen or heard from again.

The last week of May is marked as the International Week of the Disappeared. And there are still too many victims of enforced disappearances who remain unaccounted for in this country.

Apart from activists, 34 online cockfight enthusiasts were kidnapped between April 2021 and January 2022. Their whereabouts are unknown, despite surveillance camera footage showing some of them being dragged into vans by armed men.

The ranks of the desaparecidos were highest during the Marcos dictatorship, when causeoriented groups counted 926 activists who were victims of enforced disappearances. The restoration of democracy did not end the disappearances. The advocacy groups count 206 activists who went missing during the nine-year presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, 29 in the time of Benigno Aquino III and 20 under Rodrigo Duterte.

Accountability has been abysmal in the cases. One high-profile case at least has led to the conviction of the perpetrators. In June last year, the Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of retired Army Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. and two other military officers for the kidnapping and serious illegal detention of University of the Philippines students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan.

While Palparan was sentenced in 2018 to life in

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

FILIPINOS worldwide were dismayed to learn about the massive fire that gutted the Manila Central Post Office building, a 97-year-old structure considered to be an architectural treasure and declared as an “Important Cultural Property” by the National Museum of the Philippines in November 2018.

It was similarly heartbreaking to watch videos of the burning building which took 80 firetrucks and 30 hours before the firemen declared a “fire out” – with damage initially estimated at P300 million.

News about the fire was carried in the United States by the New York Times, Bloomberg, the Los Angeles Times and other media because the building carries a significant place in the relationship and shared history of the United States and the Philippines.

Designed in the neoclassical style by Filipino architects Juan M. Arellano and Tomas Mapua (who were both

Virtual Reality

FERDINAND “Bongbong”

Romualdez Marcos Jr. is the luckiest president in Philippine history.

He was elected in May 2022 with the largest number of votes garnered by any president, 31.6 million. The mandate enabled him to unify the country, combining the Solid North and the Disparate South in one full swing of an electoral exercise with a record number of participants.

He inherited an economy with strong fundamentals after coming from the deepest recession in 100 years. That strength manifested itself in a 7.6 percent GDP growth in 2022, the highest in 46 years.

The last time the economy showed higher growth rate than 7.6 was in 1976 (8.8 percent), under President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr. In the first quarter of 2023, GDP growth was 6.4 percent, the best in ASEAN.

prison without parole together with Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado and Staff Sgt. Edgardo Osorio, the two victims remain missing. Empeño was a 22-year-old sociology student while Cadapan, 29, was pursuing a course in human kinetics and was reportedly two months pregnant when gunmen seized them from a house the students were renting in Hagonoy, Bulacan on June 26, 2006.

Palparan, dubbed “The Butcher” by human rights advocates, has maintained his innocence and is seeking the reversal of his conviction. To this day, no one knows the fate of the two UP students.

Under the new Marcos administration, rights advocates are looking for missing activists Ariel Badiang, Dexter Capuyan, Gene Roz Jamil de Jesus, Lyn Grace Martullinas, Denald Laloy Mialen, Elgene Mungcal, Ma. Elena Pampoza, Leonardo Sermona Jr. and Renel delos Santos. Rights groups say the nine were kidnapped.

The second Marcos administration is getting relatively better assessments in the human rights department compared with the martial law regime and the Duterte administration. Perhaps this can translate into justice for the missing, or at least information on what happened to them, if not a complete end to enforced disappearances. (Philstar. com)

The sad fate of the iconic Post Office building

sent to the United States as pensionados or scholars under the 1903 Pensionado Act of the Philippine Commission) and American architect Ralph Doane (who was appointed as consulting architect to the Philippine government in 1916), the Manila Central Post Office became a fierce combat zone during the Battle of Manila in 1945.

According to an account by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Japanese forces were using the “earthquake-proof and heavily reinforced concrete” building that was “practically impervious to direct artillery, tank, and tank destroyer fire” as a garrison –forcing American soldiers to “enter the building and engage the Japanese in room-to-room combat.”

The Japanese were initially able to repel the American forces because the rooms and corridors have been heavily barricaded with sandbags and barbed wire. But on Feb. 22, 1945 the Americans “managed to enter the building through a second story window and eliminated the Japanese who retreated to the Post Office’s

large, dark basement,” the NHCP account went.

The war severely damaged the iconic building due to heavy bombardment, but it was restored a year later in 1946. In fact, a photo of the post office building is featured in the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum with an explanatory note that the photo is “part of a collected group of photos belonging to Francis P. Mathews as Secretary of the Navy and associated with the United States Philippine War Damage Commission.” The photo showed the damaged building prior to its reconstruction under the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946.

There are growing calls for the restoration of the building from private groups as well as our legislators. Senate President Migz Zubiri and Senator Sonny Angara, who is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said they will be working with the Department of Budget and Management “towards finding funds to help restore the Post Office.”

Describing the building as a “cultural treasure that deserves national attention and

BBM and GMA

BBM is hugely popular. So many countries, big and small, want him as their guest, either as a working or official visitor, like what the United States did, or for a state visit, like what France wants.

Such fame gives the president a tremendous platform to do two things: one, to sell the Philippines as a tourist or investment destination; and two, to rehabilitate the Marcos name which had been battered by western media smear campaign painting BBM’s dad as a strongman, dictator, human rights violator.

But then strongmen and dictators have suddenly become fashionable. Take a look at the leaders of India, China, Brazil, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and to some extent France. More than half the world is under the grip of strongmen.

Finally, BBM is lucky to have one thing his predecessors did not have – three living expresidents – Joseph Estrada, Rodrigo Duterte, and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA). Actually, BBM had four living predecessors, until Fidel V. Ramos succumbed to COVID-19 on July 31, 2022.

Among these predecessors, GMA stands out, a sui generis, a class by herself. Her father was Diosdado Macapagal (president from 1962-1966), the former partymate and later bitter political rival of Marcos Sr. In the elections of November 1965, then Senate President Marcos Sr. easily trounced reelectionist Macapagal, 55/45 percent.

GMA, however, is an ally today of BBM. What an ally. She brokered the BBM-Sara Duterte Unity Team of 2022 that shattered the opposition to oblivion, for good.

GMA has the second longest presidency (nine years) after the elder Marcos’s 20 years. She presided over the longest uninterrupted economic expansion in the country’s history, 36 quarters. Arroyo had pro-growth foreign and economic policy. She opened up the economy, expanded ties with China, joined the Coalition of the Willing in the invasion of Iraq, and sold a number of huge government assets. That experience GMA brings to the BBM team. Marcos Jr. appreciates it. In nearly all his foreign trips, GMA was beside him, as an elder statesman and

support,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco has vowed to help in its rehabilitation, noting that an attached agency, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, “has long lent assistance in terms of rehabilitation of heritage structures.”

There are a number of NGOs in the U.S. that are prepared to help in the restoration efforts, with recommendations that while the neoclassical style is retained to preserve the historic legacy of the building, perhaps the government can turn it into a more multifunctional structure rather than limiting it into a mail sorting and distribution center, especially since technology has changed the way documents and parcels are delivered. What happened to the Post Office building is definitely a wakeup call on how we need to conduct regular monitoring and inspection of these old buildings to make sure that the wirings are updated and kept in good condition. According to reports and interviews with officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection, the building had no fire alarm system and did not have water sprinklers – ironic considering

as a senior adviser.

Such a role, however, breeds envy and intrigue.

As the second longest serving president and a good president at that, GMA has natural allies and constituency that can be parlayed by any ambitious politician. She is thus reckoned as an emerging opposition leader, by proxy or in reality. Benigno S. Aquino III knew that. So the son of Corazon Aquino put her under house arrest for nearly four years.

The latest intrigue painting Mrs. Arroyo as a villain is linking her to allegations that the House of Representatives May 17 coup, removing her as the Senior Deputy Speaker, had the blessings of First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos (LAM).

“I am truly sorry that she should even be dragged into this political fantasy of a House coup,” Mrs. Arroyo said on May 28, “it is disrespectful to her and to her intelligence.” Here is the rest of GMA’s Facebook statement:

“Whoever is spreading these pathetic rumors are the ones duping the Filipino people, and they should now move on to the serious business of making positive contributions to national progress.

“I will just say three things:

that it contained mail and parcel that could turn a small fire into a conflagration.

There is also a strong indication that an aggravating factor may have been climate change, contributing to the rising heat in Metro Manila that has become an “urban heat island” – a phenomenon wherein materials like asphalt and concrete absorb and trap more solar energy, thereby increasing the risk and intensity of fires according to experts.

I received hundreds of emails from loyal readers expressing their sadness at the destruction of the Post Office building, sharing the memories it played in their lives. One recalled the excitement he felt when he received a package and a letter from his girlfriend – now his wife of 50 years.

It would certainly be a good idea to modernize these old buildings in a way that would not compromise their original architectural designs, but would enable them to withstand threats such as fires, earthquakes and natural disasters that are now increasing in intensity due to climate change. We have precisely been doing

“First, every politician worth his or her salt would know that in the Philippines, no House coup can ever succeed without the consent of the president. That is simply a fact of life in Philippine politics.

“Second, I made a humble contribution to the joining of forces that became the UniTeam, and the resulting supermajority in the House is a major force for delivering our president’s agenda. Thus, I would never take any action to destroy it.

“Third, I did not have any conversation, here or abroad, with any congressman or congresswoman, or any other politician active or retired, to plot, support, encourage or participate in any way in any alleged House coup.”

In an earlier statement on May 18, 2023, Mrs. Arroyo also stressed:

“I do not want to precipitate or intensify any tendencies toward early politicking. We are just barely a year into the administration of President Marcos, Jr., and it would be unfortunate if early politicking resulted in any dilution of the tremendous mandate that the UniTeam, led by our president, earned in the 2022 elections. After all, the president ran on the platform of unity.”

that here in Washington, D.C. with the recent renovation of the Ambassador’s Residence, which was in disarray and neglected for so many years. We also finished the previously uncompleted renovation of the Old Chancery Building. We made sure both were declared as national historical landmarks to ensure that some “wise guy” will not have ideas of selling them like what happened in 1986 when the GSIS/PAL Union Square building in San Francisco was sold for a song. Today, that property would be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Government buildings belong to the people. They should be properly maintained and duly respected as such. We should preserve these structures that are priceless; often, they are reminders of our history as a nation and as a people. (Philstar. com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

“To be clear, my political objectives are three:

“First, to represent the 2nd district of Pampanga.

“Second, to support the legislative agenda of Speaker Romualdez and President Marcos.

“Third, to use whatever experience I have as a former president to help out when I am called upon to do so.

“Outside of my role as Congresswoman, my public interest going forward is to help reduce tensions between the United States and China, given that I was strongly allied to both countries when I was president.”

As to her ambitions to become speaker again, GMA sneered, paraphrasing an American public figure, the Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman who, when being enticed to run for the American presidency in 1884, declined by saying something like, “If nominated, I will not run, and if elected, I will not serve.” (Philstar.com)

* * *

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

* * * Email: biznewsasia@gmail.com

PH debt hits record P13.91T

CONTINUED borrowings and a weaker peso saw the national government’s outstanding debt rise to a new record high of P13.91 trillion in April, the Bureau of the Treasury reported on Wednesday, May 31.

For the month alone, P54.24 billion was added to total outstanding debt due to the “net issuance of external debt and local currency depreciation against the U.S. dollar,” the Treasury said in a statement.

Local borrowings comprised the bulk, or 68.0 percent, of the debt total. At P9.46 trillion, it was P55.32 billion lower compared to the end-March level due to the net redemption of securities amounting to P57.79 billion.

“This was slightly offset by the P2.47-billion effect on onshore foreign currency-denominated securities caused by peso depreciation against the U.S. dollar,” the Treasury added.

Reckoned from the end of last year, P249.45 billion has been added to domestic debt.

External debt — 32 percent of total outstanding debt — ballooned to P4.45 trillion, P109.56 billion higher than the previous month.

This was due to a “P27.98billion net availment of external loans and P94.28-billion impact of local-currency depreciation against the U.S. dollar,” the Treasury said.

“On the other hand, thirdcurrency adjustments against the U.S. dollar trimmed P12.30 billion from the peso value of foreign currency debt,” it added. Since the start of the year, external debt has grown by P242.83 billion.

Guaranteed obligations, meanwhile, plunged by P3.42 billion to P380.69 billion as of end-April.

The drop was attributed to the net repayment of domestic guarantees amounting to P5.51 billion and third-currency adjustments amounting to P1.87 billion.

“These were tempered by the impact of local currency depreciation amounting to P3.95 billion,” the Treasury said.

Guaranteed debt as of endApril was P18.35 billion lower from the end of last year.

Sought for comment, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the latest borrowings could reflect the need to finance wider budget deficits.

“For the coming months,

a new record high for the outstanding national government [debt] in peso terms is still possible, in view of the upcoming U.S. dollar-denominated or euro-denominated retail bond issuance in the third quarter of 2023,” he added.

China Banking Corp. chief economist Domini Velasquez said government debt could continue to rise but at a slower pace given a spending slowdown.

“If we look at the fiscal performance of the national government, the deficit has continued to outperform the program mainly because spending is lower,” she said.

“This is challenging ... because we still need government spending to support economic growth.”

Velasquez also noted that interest rates were also moving in the government’s favor as these have come down from last year’s highs and will likely continue to do so.

ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa, meanwhile, said fiscal authorities “will attempt to help foster faster economic growth to ensure the more important metric of debt to GDP (gross domestic product) remains on a downward trajectory.” n

Senate adjourns, okays 8 Marcos priority bills

THE Senate adjourned sine die on Wednesday, May 31 highlighted by its approval of eight priority measures of the administration and the enactment of six bills into law.

In his closing remarks, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri called the First Regular Session of the 19th Congress a “success”” for the Senate, highlighting not only the quantity but also the quality of the measures that have been approved by the chamber.

The Senate produced a total of six measures enacted into law – four national and two local laws. Twenty-two bills are now also for the President’s signature – seven of them national, fifteen local. Two national bills are pending at the bicameral conference committee, and six more national bills have been approved on third reading.

“A highlight among our accomplishments is our approval of eight of the priority measures of the administration,” the senate president said.

Three of these measures have been passed into law -- the SIM Registration Act, the Act Postponing the Barangay Elections, and the AFP Fixed Term Law.

Meanwhile, the measure on the Condonation of Unpaid Amortization and Interests on Loans of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, the Extension of the Estate Tax Amnesty Act, and the Maharlika Investment Fund Act are presently awaiting the signature of

Marcos greets b-day girl...

The vice president’s remark came days after an alleged foiled “coup” against Marcos’ cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez, and her resignation from the Lakas-CMD, where Romualdez serves as president.

Marcos described himself as the “official BFF” and “number one fan” of Duterte. Romualdez was also present at the launch.

Marcos and Duterte were running mates in the May 2022 elections.

passing through Kidapawan City in North Cotabato.

the President.

The Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act has also been approved by the Senate on third reading, and needs only its House counterpart before it can move forward.

The Maharlika Investment Fund only secured the Senate’s third reading approval at 2:32 a.m. Wednesday, after an 11-hour marathon session taken up by extensive line-by-line amendments to the bill.

Apart from these measures, the First Regular Session also saw the Senate hold exhaustive investigations into various issues of national concern, including skyrocketing prices and smuggling in the agriculture sector; the malversation of public funds; and the shutdown at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), among others. Before adjournment, the Senate ratified the bicameral conference report on the ‘One Town, One Product’ (OTOP) bill, an Act institutionalizing the OTOP Philippines program.

Zubiri assured that the Senate will remain hard at work throughout the sine die adjournment.

The Senate and the House of Representatives will return to work on July 24, 2023 when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his second State of the Nation Address at the Batasan Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. (By Javier Joe Ismael/ ManilaTimes.net) n

Her post came after her close political ally, former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was demoted from senior deputy speaker to deputy speaker.

Arroyo has denied planning a coup to oust Romualdez.

In a speech during the launch of Pier 88 in Cebu on May 27,

Duterte, concurrent education secretary, celebrated her birthday without fanfare and instead climbed the country’s highest mountain, Mt. Apo, on the eve of her natal day.

Due to tight security implemented to cover her climb, she and her close-in party descended through the trail

Duterte did not have any schedule Wednesday that was recorded with the Office of the Vice President. She was said to have spent the day with her family in Davao City.

The eldest daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte served thrice as Davao City mayor and once as vice mayor. A lawyer, Duterte makes sure she is able to discharge her tasks as the country’s second highest official and at the same time be a doting mother to her three children. n

US Embassy sees record...

applicants need for a visa, and debunked rumors that having a certain amount of cash in the bank or having endorsement letters from famous or powerful people would help in a visa application.

“The money in their bank account doesn’t matter, we don’t rely on that because we know people can just remove the amount the next day,” he said.

However, he said the embassy does look into a person’s ability to pay for their stay in the U.S. such as their employment, previous travel record, and their properties, among others.

“There is no checklist because cases differ. But what I can say is that third-party endorsements do not matter,” he said.

In case an applicant forgets a necessary document, he said the embassy is willing to

hold their application until their documentary requirements are complete.

He noted that after a visa interview, 90 percent of applicants will know whether they have been approved or not.

For those aspiring to work in the U.S., he said the country has no temporary work program but it is possible if they find the right employer.

“They would have to find an employer that would be willing to process their visa and its documentary requirements – they would need to be an exceptional worker,” he said.

Prior to the press briefing, U.S. Embassy Deputy Consul General James Fellows led Philippine media representatives on a tour of the CAS and talked about their process for non-immigration visas. (PNA) n

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9009553

a. Barnaby located at 2521 Palomar Airport Rd., Carlsbad, CA 92011.

Registrant: Studio Big Whoop Corp, 155 Harriet St #12, San Francisco, CA 94103.

This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/16/2023.

Signature: Pete Nguyen. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/01/2023. AJ 1174 05/12, 05/19, 05/26, and 06/02/2023. AJSD 1174

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010203

Agape Consulting located at 9921 Carmel Mountain Rd, 309, San Diego, CA 92129.

Registrant: 7 Crowns Healing, 9921 Carmel Mountain Rd, 309, San Diego, CA 92129.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT

BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: A. Gargia.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/09/2023. AJ 1180 05/12, 05/19, 05/26, and 06/02/2023. AJSD 1180

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010994

a. She Rocks San Diego located at 3845 Spring Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

b. She Rocks San Diego Flag Football located at 3845 Spring Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

c. She Rocks Girls Flag San Diego located at 3845 Spring Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

Registrant: Scorpions Elite, 3845 Spring Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE

NAME(S) AS OF 05/01/2023.

Signature: Dwayne Brown. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/19/2023. AJ 1186 05/26, 06/02, 06/09, and 06/16/2023. AJSD 1186

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010605

Eva Nails located at 2656 Jamacha Rd., Ste 106, El Cajon, CA 92019.

Registrant: MNK Inc., 2656 Jamacha Rd., El Cajon, CA 92019.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/01/2023.

Signature: Kevin Phan. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/15/2023.

AJ 1192 05/26, 06/02, 06/09, and 06/16/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011830

a. Pro Tile Setter located at 8580 New Salem St Unit 33, San Diego, CA 92126.

b. Pro Tile Setter San Diego located at 8580 New Salem St Unit 33, San Diego, CA 92126.

c. Pro Tile Setters located at 8580 New Salem St Unit 33, San Diego, CA 92126.

Registrant: Arnulfo Gallardo Cruz, 8580 New Salem St Unit 33, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT

BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Arnulfo Gallardo Cruz. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/31/2023. AJ 1198 06/02, 06/09, 06/16, and 06/23/2023. AJSD 1198

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9009360

a. Charm Bling located at 1895 Avenida Del Oro #4387, Oceanside, CA 92056.

b. Your Pretty Nails located at 1895 Avenida Del Oro #4387, Oceanside, CA 92056.

Registrant: Vanessa L Williams, 104 1/2 Clementine St., Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/26/2023.

Signature: Vanessa L Williams. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/27/2023. AJ 1175 05/12, 05/19, 05/26, and 06/02/2023. AJSD 1175

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9009799

Gold Plate Auto Sales located at 1925 Euclid Ave Ste 109C, San Diego, CA 92105.

Registrant: Gold Plate Auto Sales, 985 Pepperdine Ct, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Darwin P Payawal. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/03/2023. AJ 1181 05/12, 05/19, 05/26, and 06/02/2023. AJSD 1181

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011176

Little Shepherds Nature Lab located at 3993 Kendall St., San Diego, CA 92109.

Registrant: Gina GiinShing Tang, 3993 Kendall St., San Diego, CA 92109. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Gina G. Tang. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/22/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011353

Rocky’s Auto located at 6219 Childs Ave, San Diego, CA 92139.

Registrant: Moises Rock Martinez, 6219 Childs Ave, San Diego, CA 92139.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Moises Rock Martinez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/24/2023. AJ 1193 06/02, 06/09, 06/16, and 06/23/2023. AJSD 1193

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9007626

Studio D Beauty located at 3356 Hancock St., Unit D, San Diego, CA 92110.

Registrant: Coraima Hurtado Favela, 1775 Oro Vista Rd., Apt 297, San Diego, CA 92154.

This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Coraima Hurtado Favela. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/05/2023.

AJ 1176 05/12, 05/19, 05/26, and 06/02/2023. AJSD 1176

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010835 Arlez & Arlez Rental located at 47 D Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: Armando Serrano, 47 D Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/17/2023.

Signature: Armando Serrano. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/17/2023. AJ 1182 05/19, 05/26, 06/02, and 06/09/2023. AJSD 1182

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011258

Ken Chi Ken located at 8429 Broadway Apt #69, Lemon Grove, CA 91945.

Registrant: Kender Pierre, 8429 Broadway Apt #69, Lemon Grove, CA 91945. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Kender Pierre. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/23/2023.

AJ

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011091

SUPREMO located at 1100 E. Avenue Apt 1, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Charlsjohn Javinal, 1100 E. Avenue Apt 1, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/13/2023.

Signature: Charlsjohn Javinal. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/22/2023.

AJ 1194 06/02, 06/09, 06/16, and 06/23/2023. AJSD 1194

EMPLOYMENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9008430

Lobster Lab located at 890 Palomar Airport Rd., Carlsbad, CA 92011.

Registrant: Cosmos Burger LLC, 890 Palomar Airport Rd., Carlsbad, CA 92011.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/17/2023.

Signature: Zeki Eren Unur.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/17/2023.

AJ 1177 05/12, 05/19, 05/26, and 06/02/2023. AJSD 1177

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9008805 Maunaco Adult Residential Facility located at 1549 Yanonali Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91913. Registrant: Olive Home LLC, 1549 Yanonali Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Francois Marcelin. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/20/2023. AJ 1183 05/19, 05/26, 06/02, and 06/09/2023. AJSD 1183

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010816

AMED Marketing located at 4011 Goldfinch St. Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92103.

Registrant: a. Dorian Tucker, 4011 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA 92103.

b. Mason Dang, 4011 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA 92103

This business is conducted by General Partnership.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/01/2023.

Signature: Mason Dang. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/17/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010242

Major League Barbershop located at 3665 Wisecarver Lane, Jamul, CA 91935.

Registrant: Saúl Nuñez Jr, 3665 Wisecarver Lane, Jamul, CA 91935. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Saúl Nuñez Jr. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/09/2023.

AJ 1195 06/02, 06/09, 06/16, and 06/23/2023. AJSD 1195

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9008429

Cosmos Burgers And Beer located at 208 N Coast HWY, Oceanside, CA 92054.

Registrant: Oceanside Cosmos LLC, 208 N Coast HWY, Oceanside, CA 92054.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/17/2023.

Signature: Zeki Eren Unur. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/17/2023. AJ 1178 05/12, 05/19, 05/26, and 06/02/2023. AJSD 1178

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010431

168Mobile Livescan And Notary located at 8720 Ariva Ct #414, San Diego, CA 92123.

Registrant: Siri Bhumnugkij, 8720 Ariva Ct #414, San Diego, CA 92123.

This business is conducted by Induividual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT

BEGUN TO TRANSACT

BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Siri Bhumnugkij.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/11/2023. AJ 1184 05/19, 05/26, 06/02, and 06/09/2023. AJSD 1184

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011186

Joster Chateau located at 8666 Octans Street, San Diego, CA 92126.

Registrant: Great PRP LLC, 735 Mariposa Circle, National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/28/2023.

Signature: Ira Jean C.

Meneses. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/22/2023. AJ 1190 05/26, 06/02, 06/09, and 06/16/2023. AJSD 1190

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011674

Monica’s Salon located at 1667 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105.

Registrant: Blanca E. Houston, 5305 Santa Margarita, San Diego, CA 92114.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/30/2023.

Signature: Blanca E. Houston. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/30/2023. AJ 1196 06/02, 06/09, 06/16, and 06/23/2023. AJSD 1196

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9009546

Eyes On Eastlake Optometry located at 1360 Eastlake Parkway, Chula Vista, CA 91915.

Registrant: Eyes On Eastlake Optometry INC, 2160 Bluestone Circle, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Ailleen Jacob. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/01/2023. AJ 1179 05/12, 05/19, 05/26, and 06/02/2023. AJSD 1179

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010853

Wushiland Boba located at 7608 Linda Vista Rd Ste 120, San Diego, CA 92111.

Registrant: Dinh Legacy Corporation, 1686 Dillard St, San Diego, CA 92114. This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Le Huyen Dinh. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/18/2023. AJ 1185 05/26, 06/02, 06/09, and 06/16/2023. AJSD 1185

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011330

Wild Blooms Childcare located at 644 Via Armado, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Registrant: Viviana Guerrero, 644 Via Armado, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Viviana Guerrero. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/23/2023. AJ 1191 05/26, 06/02, 06/09, and 06/16/2023. AJSD 1191

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011675 Paris Iron Work located at 3525 Fairmount Ave, San Diego, CA 92105.

Registrant: Julian M. Ibarra Amezcua, 3525 Fairmount Ave, San Diego, CA 92105. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/30/2023.

Signature: Blanca E. Houston. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/30/2023. AJ 1197 06/02, 06/09, 06/16, and 06/23/2023. AJSD 1197

SAN DIEGO

‘Eat Bulaga’ TV producer ‘saddened’ over turn of events

TELEVISION and Production

Exponents Philippines (Tape Inc.), the production firm behind the longest-running noontime show “Eat Bulaga!, said it was “saddened” by the turn of events that occurred on Wednesday, May 31 but “respect the decision of the hosts to leave Eat Bulaga and GMA Network, which has been their home for 28 years.”

The company, through its president and CEO Romeo “Jon” Jalosjos Jr. and director of finance Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos,” that it was “grateful to the men and women who worked tirelessly for the past 43 years to make our noontime show number 1.”

“The success of Eat Bulaga is not dependent only on three people but on the collaborative efforts of its talents, crew, and loyal viewers,” it said.

The company said it was reaffirming its commitment to “provide quality entertainment” to the public.

“We are happy for the full support of GMA 7 in making Eat Bulaga bigger, to bring more fun and excitement to every Filipino. We want to assure the public and the supporters of the show through its segments that we are committed to provide quality entertainment,” it said.

Despite the departure of the hosts, led by the iconic trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey De Leon or TVJ, Tape Inc. implied that the show will continue with new members whom the company has yet to reveal.

“It is unfortunate, but life must go on. As with life, we have to accept changes but we have a duty to every Filipino,” the statement continued.

“Abangan ninyo ang mga bagong magpapasaya at magpapatibok ng ating mga puso. Aasahan ninyo ang mas

masaya, mas nakakaaliw at higit pa sa isang libo’t isang tuwa na eat bulaga. patuloy ang dabarkads na maglilingkod para sa inyo, mga kapuso mula aparri hanggang jolo at sa buong mundo. ang pag-alis ng mga hosts ay hindi dahilan para tumigil ang pag-ikot ng mundo (Watch out for the new ones who will make us happy and make our hearts beat. Expect more fun, more entertainment and more one thousand and one happiness in Eat Bulaga.

Dabarkads will continue to serve you, our Kapuso, from Aparri to Jolo and all over the world. The departure of the hosts does not stop the world from revolving),” it ended.

A few hours after the announcement on Wednesday, GMA Network also issued a statement disclosing that its block time agreement with the production company is still in effect until 2024.

“We are saddened by today’s unexpected turn of events with regard to ‘Eat Bulaga.’ GMA has been the home of ‘Eat Bulaga’ for many years and we still

have a block time agreement with TAPE until the end of 2024 for the noontime slot,” the statement read. “Together with all the Filipino fans, we pray for a smooth and swift resolution of their issues,” it added. “Maraming salamat sa patuloy na suporta, mga Kapuso.” (Thank you for your continuous support, Kapuso.)

Remaining hosts, staff resigned

It was on Wednesday, May 31, when TVJ announced through the show’s YouTube channel that they have parted ways with Tape Inc. saying the management did not allow them to have a live show, hence, the taped episode in GMA Network.

On Thursday, June 1 Pauline Luna – co-host and wife of Vic Sotto – posted a copy of resignation letter signed by all hosts, writers, sales, production and cameramen who followed suit immediately after TVJ’s resignation.

As submitted to Tape Inc. president and CEO, the letter reads, “Dahil po sa mga nangyari, kami po ay magpapaalam na rin

Moira

sa Tape Inc. simula ngayong araw, May 31, 2023.

(Because of what happened, we are also bidding our farewell to Tape Inc. starting today, May 31, 2023.)

Among those who signed the letter were Paolo Ballesteros, Jose Manalo, Maine Mendoza, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Wally Bayola, Ryan Agoncillo, and Allan K. As of posting time, TVJ and the rest of the staff did not give further statements with regard to their future. However, there were numerous reports from showbiz insiders that TVJ will open a new noontime show produced by Brightlight Productions of Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez in TV5. Brightlight is known as a blocktimer and producer of “Rated Korina,” and nowdefunct noontime show “Tropang LOL” also in TV5.

Jalosjos takeover

The internal conflict within Tape Inc. has apparently been going on for quite some time but the looming changes in “Eat Bulaga” were made public early March when reports circulated that former Zamboanga del Norte congressman Romeo Jalosjos – owner of Tape Inc. – is forcing former Tape Inc. President Antonio “Tony “Tuviera out of the show by buying out his shares in Tape Inc.

Jalosjos also wanted to retain comedians Wally Bayola, Jose Manalo, and Allan K as new main hosts, however, the three were said to be not interested with the offer.

It will be remembered that Tuviera has been producing the noontime show since its inception in 1979 and was the one who pitched TVJ to Jalosjos who came up with an idea of creating a noontime show for then RPN channel.

Meanwhile, back in April, Tito

breaks

silence on cheating, ghost writer allegations

SINGER-songwriter Moira dela Torre has finally broken her silence amid several accusations surrounding her career and married life.

On Tuesday, May 30, the 29-year-old artist posted an official statement two days after lyricist and composer Lolito Go wrote on Facebook that dela Torre is “more of an oppressor than a victim.”

“I never imagined that I would find myself in a situation where I have to explain and defend my decision to leave a marriage, as well as justify the state of my mental health,” dela Torre began.

“It is truly disheartening that I am being questioned and asked to prove my worth as a songwriter and artist. However, despite the overwhelming circumstances, I feel a strong inner calling to stand up for myself and protect my integrity,” she added.

Go had alleged that “95 percent of Moira’s hits” were composed by her estranged husband Jason Marvin Hernandez and that she asks for his service as a ghostwriter for her songs and compositions, claiming that she even negotiated for P20,000 per month which was “insulting.”

Wanting to “set things straight once and for all,” dela Torre countered that she “never employed a ghostwriter.”

“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate enough to collaborate with immensely talented artists who treat each other with respect and acknowledge the contributions we all bring to the table. Every song I have created is a true reflection of my deepest emotions and experiences,” she continued.

Dela Torre said she is willing to provide evidence, including screenshots of conversations and

recordings of her songs, which will undoubtedly validate and disprove the accusations against her.

Meanwhile, Go also alleged that while Hernandez committed an offense against dela Torre, he mentioned there was no third party on the part of Hernandez but it is dela Torre who found someone else.

“Jason and Moira are both Christians, but it seems like Jason is the only one faithful to the teachings of [Jesus] Christ. Yes, he did something wrong. But there was no third party on Jason’s side. He never fell in love with anyone else. His only sin was he listened to the call of flesh and availed of illicit massage service because Moira couldn’t fulfill his sexual needs.”

He furthered that before Hernandez could admit his sin, dela Torre wanted out of their relationship and the timing couldn’t be perfect since she had a reason to break up with Hernandez.

Go even dropped a hint about who the other guy was saying,

10

Liza, Enrique together in recent photo amid split rumors

A DAY after Ogie Diaz cited insiders confirming Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil’s supposed breakup, the pair were spotted together in a photo shared by the actress’ former road manager.

Maquie Raquiza Sarmiento, Soberano’s former road manager who’s now based in the United States, showed photos from her recent visit to the Philippines through her Instagram page on Wednesday, May 31.

One of the photos she posted was a snap of her, Soberano and Gil with several other companions, wherein the pair can be seen sitting beside each other.

“Hanggang sa muli Pilipinas,” Sarmiento captioned her post.

(Till we meet again, Philippines.)

It was not immediately known when exactly the photo was taken, but Sarmiento appears to have returned to the country in May.

Nonetheless, Sarmiento received messages of gratitude from hopeful fans who were

delighted upon seeing the couple together in a photo. Diaz earlier said that insiders confirmed to him the pair’s split, claiming that it was the actress who decided to part ways with

the actor to focus on her career. Soberano and Gil, who have been in a relationship since 2014, have yet to publicly comment on the matter as of this writing. n

Gary gives update on son Gab following motorcycle accident

SINGER Gary Valenciano shared positive updates about his son and fellow artist Gab who was involved in a motorcycle accident last week in the United States.

The elder Valenciano was renewing his commitments as a national ambassador for UNICEF Philippines alongside host-actress Anne Curtis.

This year marks Gary’s 25th year working with UNICEF and his 40th year in show business.

Following the contract signing, the singer was asked if he had heard from Gab and his recovery.

Gary recounted that Gab was side swiped on the freeway by a sports utility vehicle (SUV), but Gab is miraculously well, save for some bruises on his elbow.

“He’s already back at work... and crazier than ever,” Gary added with a smile.

Gab shared photos of the incident on his Instagram account last May 22, recalling that the accident caused him to be “a good 70 feet away from the collision.” He was thankfully in full gear.

“This is the first accident in my entire life that I did not expect or see coming. Been riding for close to two decades and still, new unexpected experiences to learn from,” Gab said at the time. n

Paolo explains why he loves Yen

ACTOR Paolo Contis explained why he loves Yen Santos.

In Nelson Canlas’ podcast, Paolo said he loves Yen because of simple things. “Sobrang simpleng bagay

Manila heartthrob Piolo Pascual leads the spring-ful of ‘All Star’ concert live at Pechanga Resort

ONE among a series of nonstop entertainment comes this spring with famed actor-singer Piolo Pascual, leading several other topnotch singers as Sam Milby, Catriona Gray, and Erik Santos, among others, in a live concert only at Pechanga Resort Casino on Sunday, July 16 at 6 p.m. Pechanga Resort Casino, conveniently located off Highway I-15 in Temecula Valley, Southern California wine county, is well-known for hosting only the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers aimed to provide the ultimate experience, especially to its Filipino American patrons. Famously known as Piolo, the actor-turned-film producer appeared as somewhat ‘iffy’ to film production before but said during an interview that so many supporters backed him up to pursue the much higher stakes in producing films.

Apart from getting busy in his new chosen career to create more Filipino movies abroad while “diversifying” and “breaking out internationally,” Piolo couldn’t turn his back from other public engagements and has accepted more television and live performances locally and abroad.

Just like Piolo, Sam and Catriona, a real-life couple who just announced their engagement in February, continue to tame the limelight through their acting and singing performances. Milby is a Filipino American actor, and Gray was formerly crowned 2018 Miss Universe. Erik Santos, an actorsinger, commercial model and television host, has recorded countless famous hit songs and was the first Grand Champion of the ABS-CBN singing competition “Star in a Million” Season 1 in 2003. Santos has been referred to as the “Prince of Pop.”

One of the biggest hitmakers in the Philippine music industry, Yeng Constantino, is a singersongwriter whose hit songs fanned the movies and television channels. The gang for “All Star” won’t be complete without the presence of talented

Casino, July 16

lang,” he said. “When the whole thing started, this whole crucifixion started, there was a time or there was every opportunity; she had every opportunity to tell me or to leave,

but she stayed,” he added.

Paolo said the actress made him feel that she was not affected by the controversies.

“Sa totoo lang, ang laki-laking bagay. Kasi nung mga time na ‘yun, pinag-uusapan namin na mahirap, yes. Nagkaroon pa nga ng time na nag-hiatus din siya sa social media. Pero she did everything she could to not get affected, as long as nakakapagusap kami and okay kami,” he said. “

Hindi mo ba mamahalin ‘yun? During the time that some of my friends, some of the people who actually believed me were leaving, someone stayed. Kumbaga, nung lahat palayo, siya papalapit,” he added.

music artists in the likes of KZ Tandigan, Kyla, Iñigo Pascual, Jason Dy, and Zephanie — who have all become successful in their respective singing engagements. Hurry! This “All Star” concert only happens once. Secure your tickets from the Pechanga Box Office, or by calling 888-8108871, or visit www.pechanga. com.

Pechanga Summit features a 40,000-square foot area for entertainers, concerts, live sporting events, trade shows, weddings, or any large groups to book. In total, Pechanga now offers 274,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor contemporary meeting and event space, which significantly enhanced the amenities, space and visibility of Pechanga’s event offerings.

Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino

experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the number one casino in the country by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 5,400 of hottest slots, 152 table games, a 1,100 room and suite hotel, dining, luxury spa, and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @ PechangaCasino. (Advertising Supplement)

City of San Diego cautions visitors about algae

bloom at Lower Otay reservoir

Algae bloom does not pose any danger to drinking water supply

SAN DIEGO – Due to an algae bloom, the City of San Diego has posted caution signs at its Lower Otay Reservoir alerting the public to avoid water contact. Visitors to the reservoir are advised not to expose their skin to the water while the cautionary alert is in effect.

The algae bloom does not affect the safety or quality of the city’s treated drinking water. That’s because the city’s drinking water is treated using several processes, each providing additional water quality improvements. Using a method of treating the water multiple times provides many levels of safety and testing before water is delivered to homes and businesses.

testing by city biologists determined that the Cyanobacteria algae bloom is producing Microcystin toxin, which can be harmful to humans and animals if their skin is exposed to the water or they ingest untreated water. Levels are at the cautionary stage and the city is taking voluntary measures to ensure public safety.

The city will continue to monitor the algal activity and conduct ongoing testing at the reservoir and provide updates as information becomes available.

Lower Otay Reservoir is one of nine major surface water reservoirs owned and operated by the City of San Diego. More information about the algae bloom is available atsandiego.gov/ reservoirs-lakes/lower-otay-reservoir.

Paolo confirmed in an interview with Boy Abunda last January that he and Yen are officially a couple after months of speculation. (By Jan Milo Severo/Philstar.com) n

Testing of the algae bloom revealed the presence of Cyanobacteria, also called “bluegreen algae” at Lower Otay Reservoir. Further

Moira breaks silence on cheating...

“Someone who will ‘dance in the rain’ with her and call her binibini.’ I’ll leave it to you to guess who I am referring to,” he said. Netizens then concluded it was 21-year-old musician Zack Tabudlo.

Dela Torre in return said in her statement, “I did not cheat on Jason. It is unfair that I find myself in a position where I have to defend my name and even explain why I did not deserve to be cheated on.”

In ending, the artist shared

that her “focus is on the path towards healing, as the weight of trauma still lingers heavily in [her] heart.”

“This process is not only essential for my own well-being but also for the well-being of those dear to me who have unwaveringly stood by my side throughout these challenging times – my loving family, my dedicated band, my friends, who have all been my source of emotional support. Their presence has been my anchor, grounding me during these turbulent moments,” she wrote.

City of San Diego to launch engagement efforts for citywide cultural plan

“I hold onto hope that, one day, when the dust settles and clarity is restored, I will have the capacity to embrace a love that is faithful and genuine. I take solace in the knowledge that I am Moira-an artist-who will bravely navigate these challenges and emerge stronger than ever,” she concluded.

Dela Torre and Hernandez married in January 2019. In May 2022, the two decided to call it quits through a joint statement where Hernandez admitted that he had been “unfaithful” to dela Torre during their marriage. n

‘Eat Bulaga’ TV producer...

“They owe a big sum, of mine with Vic and Joey. P30 million each, and there are still remaining amounts,” Tito said.

It is said that financial loss is the main reason why Jalosjos has taken over the program.

“We can’t say that we lost money in 2022. Remember, that’s an election year. Campaign period, there are a lot of political ads. So it’s surprising,” he added.

However, in a “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” interview of Dapitan Mayor Bullet Jalosjos and son of Romeo Jalosjos, he assured that the company is “financially stable.”

“I want to assure everyone that we are

San Diegans invited to family-friendly forums and pop-up events

SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego will kick off June by hosting its first public events that will help shape the development of Creative City, the city’s cultural plan, which aims to align arts and culture with key priority areas including housing, mobility and infrastructure, sustainability and regional prosperity.

Development of the cultural plan kicks off with a robust community engagement process to hear what San Diegans envision for their creative lives and to set a strategic framework for guiding the arts and cultural sectors.

All San Diegans are invited to attend the first family-friendly Creative City forum at the Soap Factory, located at 2995 Commercial St., on Tuesday, June 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees can expect the following:

• Opening remarks, a welcome from San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and an overview of the cultural planning process.

Mission Trails Visitor Center, 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail.

The cultural planning project team will also facilitate discussions with industry and sectorspecific groups on topics ranging from the creative economy to music and film industries, to tourism and cultural districts.

Additional cultural planning events will take place in July, along with a public survey. A calendar of upcoming events is available on the city’s website. San Diegans are also encouraged to host community conversations with toolkits available to guide them.

financially stable. The company is okay. We’re doing good. We can pay our talents. We can pay GMA so we don’t have any problems when it comes to money,” Jalosjos said. The last news about the issue was during a press conference on May 8 when Vic Sotto then told the media that after the disclosure of the issue, Tape Inc. had paid his talent fee. He also said that they kept the issue secret for many months because they’re used to making things private.

“You know TVJ is used to it. When we started, we were paid almost nothing. I said the other day, it’s not about money. The principle is more important,” Vic Sotto said. However, he refused to say if TVJ had settled things with the management of Tape Inc. “I will comment about that when the right time comes,” the host added. n

• Interactive activities where attendees can weigh in on the creative future of the city.

(City of San Diego Release) n Sotto revealed in an interview with News 5’s MJ Marfori that Tape Inc. has long failed to pay TVJ’s talent fees amounting to about P30 million each in 2022 alone.

• Music, refreshments and hands-on art-making experience.

• Information to take home and share.

San Diegans can also stop by pop-up events to learn more about the Creative City cultural planning process, share insights on what they want for the future of arts and culture in their neighborhood and surrounding communities, enjoy refreshments and participate in a unique hands-on art-making experience. Pop-up events will be held at four locations on two dates in June:

• Wednesday, June 21, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Light Box Theater, 2590 Truxton Road, #205.

Ocean Air Recreation Center, 4770 Fairport Way.

• Thursday, June 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

City Heights Performance Annex, 3795 Fairmount Ave.

Input gathered at these events will allow the city, Cultural Planning Group, LLC, and other team partners to comprehensively assess the state of San Diego’s arts and culture and strategically position the city and transborder region as an equitable place of inspiration and prosperity. The resulting seven to 10-year plan will align art and culture with the priorities of the city with a focus on goals outlined in the framework. The final Creative City cultural plan will be completed by March 2025.

The city is committed to ensuring all San Diegans can participate in the cultural planning process. Residents are encouraged to get involved and share insights to capture San Diego’s cultural traditions and creative assets. To learn more and to register to attend an event, visit sdcreativecity. com.

The City of San Diego advances and drives an equitable and inclusive creative economy and cultural ecosystem by investing in the work of artists and creatives and the institutions and systems that amplify creative work and experiences. To sign up for updates and learn more, visit sandiego.gov/ arts-culture.

(City of San Diego Release) n

Nominate a remarkable teen for regional recognition

THE leaders of tomorrow in civics, politics, spirituality, and the economy will likely be found among the youth compiled for the San Diego County Public Defender Office’s 25 Most Remarkable Teens recognition event.

The Public Defender’s Office is seeking nominations for its Most Remarkable Teens program who have many accomplishments or made worthy contributions to the community. Anyone may nominate a teen through June 30 for consideration in the sixth annual 25 Most Remarkable Teens.

An online application lists 25 categories including activism, civic involvement, commitment to personal excellence and courage to overcome adversity. All San Diego County area youth from 13 to 19 years old are eligible for nomination.

All nominees will receive a certificate of recognition for the honor of being nominated. The 25 teens who are selected for the award will be presented the award in November and featured on County News Center.

The completed nomination form can be emailed to remarkableteens@sdcounty.ca.gov or can be mailed to Grace Liu, San Diego County Public Defender Youth Council, 451 A St., Suite 900, San Diego, CA 92101.

Check out the 2022 honorees for examples of what the committee is looking for in its selections by going to https://www. countynewscenter.com/25-remarkable-teens-honored-for-theiraccomplishments-passions/.

More and more AAPI families choosing CA charter public

schools for their child’s education

Charter schools are helping students succeed in college, career and life

AS student enrollment in public schools across the state continues to change, one notable trend is the large increase in Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) families choosing a charter public school for their child’s education over the past decade.

According to an enrollment analysis by the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) of California Department of Education (CDE) data, AAPI enrollment in charter public schools grew by 78 percent from 2012-2023, outpacing enrollment growth for all students (66 percent).

AAPI students now represent six percent of charter public school students in 2023, up from three percent in 2012. These numbers suggest a growing sentiment that charter public schools provide the education options that parents and students want in a public school.

Some of the most common

AAPI background of students at charter public schools include Vietnamese, Filipino, Chinese, and Korean. Charter public schools like the O’Farrell Charter School in San Diego and Yav Pem Suab in Sacramento were founded to bring high-quality educational options to AAPI communities.

“For three decades, charter public schools across California

Enhancing emergency medical services throughout the County of San Diego

A THREE-stage plan to implement a range of paramedic-based community health initiatives will improve emergency medical services in rural areas. The Board of Supervisors received an update on what is in place now and what will soon be launched.

The first phase began in 2021 and includes County Fire’s Community Health and Injury Prevention Program.

County Fire, Emergency Medical Services and CAL FIRE are reaching hard-to-serve populations and reducing health disparities in our backcountry where many residents are older, lower income, and often speak a language other than English. Trainings are offered to residents to increase survival rates during emergency medical incidents. Hands-only CPR and Stop the Bleed interventions can be critical in the moments before paramedics arrive at an emergency.

In the Mountain Empire community, County Fire paramedics and nurses will soon work with patients recently discharged from Sharp Grossmont Hospital to provide in-home medical support, in concert with their primary care physicians. This program is a partnership with the Grossmont Healthcare District and the County Health and Human Services Agency to better support vulnerable residents in our rural communities by reducing hospital readmissions.

The Community Paramedicine and Triage to Alternate Destination model is the second phase of the plan and will offer

Emergency Medical Services agencies opportunities to better serve residents in the field with additional services.

Under the Community Paramedic model, specially trained paramedics may offer case management for frequent 911 users or public health collaboration for tuberculosis patients. The second phase also includes Triage to Alternate Destination. Under this new state plan, medically stable patients could be transported not to an emergency department, but instead go to a behavioral health facility or a sobering center.

The Board also received an update on emerging best practices that can fully support residents’ needs. Telehealth offers paramedics the ability to connect with patients in a virtual medical visit in the future. Paramedics may be able to assist a doctor who is providing direction virtually and perform physical assessments that matches each patient with the most appropriate level of medical care. Plans to extend the services could soon include paramedics, nurse practitioners or physician assistants helping with minor wound care, prescriptions and possibly vaccinations. All three phases of these health-focused plans can provide much-needed support to our district residents who are often far from traditional medical services and at the same time reducing health disparities for district residents.

have offered families the opportunity for their children to receive a high-quality education with the rigor and supports needed to help students enter college and succeed,” said Mr. Oliver Sicat, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of Ednovate Schools and a Board Member of the USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association. “Charter schools offer families the opportunity to be creative with design, curriculum, and supports to ensure students don’t just finish high school but are positioned well for what comes next: to enter college and succeed.” Ednovate schools are a network of public, tuition-free, high-performing college prep high schools in Los Angeles and Orange County that primarily serve first-generation collegebound students. They have a 99 percent college acceptance rate

for their students.

California charter public schools are preparing students for college with focused learning content in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), global studies, language immersion, and various arts programs. As a result, charter public school students are being prepared to succeed in college, career, and life regardless of race, gender, religion, or zip code.

CCSA’s report Charter Public School Students in Focus: Asian American & Pacific Islanders found that AAPI charter school students from low-income communities outperform their traditional public school counterparts in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Math, on average. This difference is more strongly seen in ELA, where 44 percent of charter school students met or exceeded grade-

level standards, compared to only 30 percent of district students.

“Students of all backgrounds deserve educational opportunities as creative and responsive to their varied interests as they are, and charter public schools provide successful school models that give every child the ability to achieve their own and their families’ aspirations,” said Myrna Castrejón, CCSA President and CEO. “California parents have said time and time again there need to be more high-quality choices for public education to be competitive in a global job market.”

The vision of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) is to build great public schools of joy and rigor that prepare all California students for success in college, career, community, and life. The mission of CCSA is to meet parent, educator, and community need for great public school options by supporting and advocating for high quality non-profit charter schools and sharing their success throughout California’s public schools. Parents interested in learning more about charter schools or to find a charter in their area may visit https://info.ccsa.org/ tagalog. (Advertising Supplement)