The Filipino Press: March 4-10, 2022

Duterte OKs P3-billion fuel

for drivers, farmers amid Ukraine crisis

MANILA -- President Rodrigo

Duterte has approved some P3 billion in subsidies and discount for drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk amid the surge in oil prices and Russia's continuing invasion of Ukraine, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Acting Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Duterte agreed allocating some P2.5 billion for the government's "Pantawid Pasada Program" and P500 million discount program for farmers and fisherfolk.

Nograles said the government would strengthen the Philippines' domestic economy and explore diplomatic channels to help cushion the war's negative impact to our country.

"Mitigating measures and contingency plans will be in place as part of the government's proactive response to the conflict in Ukraine," he said.

For the short-term measure, Malacañang is also calling on Congress to review the Oil Deregulation Law particularly the provisions on price unbundling and giving government intervention powers during prolonged increase of prices of oil products.

For the 9th straight week, major oil players implemented another hike on pump prices beginning March 1, citing a spike in global prices.

Data from the Department of Energy showed that the price of petroleum products in Metro Manila already reached an average of P66 for gas, P55 for diesel and

P59 for kerosene.

"The Department of Energy will continue to monitor the sufficiency in supply and quality and will make sure there will be

no short selling," Nograles said in a televised speech.

Aside from this, he said, Duterte also approved the recommendation of the Department of Trade and

Industry (DTI) to "accelerate"

renewable energy adoption and support investments on utilityscale battery production "to maximize use of renewable energy

resources."

Government would also support investments for modern storage of oil, and empower the private sector in "strategic stockpiling," according to Nograles.

In the same speech, Nograles condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and lamented how this has led to an "unnecessary loss of life" of innocent men, women, and children just as countries recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Philippines called for an "immediate end" of the war and called on parties to forge a pact instead.

Nograles also bared that the President approved boosting local food production which includes increasing rice buffer stock by at least 30 days, giving financial aid to rice farmers, and by giving fertilizer subsidy and market access to fertilizer-producing countries.

Government, he said, would also provide logistical support from provinces with high yields to cities through the "Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita" or deploying mobile vans and trucks, as well as subsidy for transportation cost for common goods.

"Kung kailangang kailangan, nakahanda ang pamahalaan na

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- As part of the Port of San Diego’s efforts to enhance public access and recreation on the National City Bayfront, the public is invited to continue to engage in the process to transform Pepper Park into a resource that visitors and residents will cherish for years to come.

The Port and park design consultant KTUA are hosting a virtual community Design Workshop at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Participants will have the opportunity to view and provide input on three conceptual plans for Pepper Park and its future 2.5-acre expansion, which are based on prior public outreach efforts. Participants will be asked what elements they like in each of the three concepts and the feedback received will be incorporated into one concept that the public will have the opportunity to review and provide feedback on during a second design workshop later in the spring. The workshop will be conducted

via Zoom and will be available in Spanish and Tagalog in addition to English. To learn more and to register for the Pepper Park Design Workshop, and/or to sign up for email updates about the National City Bayfront, visit portofsandiego. org/nationalcitybayfront.

Thanks to federal stimulus funds the Port has received via the American Rescue Plan Act and the State of California’s Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund, the Port has designated $3.85 million toward redesigning and improving Pepper Park, subject to environmental review and permitting.

As a Port of communities, the redesign of Pepper Park is a team effort – the community, stakeholders, and local leaders all have and will continue to have a role. This design workshop is the latest of several public outreach events at which the Port and KTUA have collected public input. KTUA, a landscape architecture firm with extensive urban

park and waterfront design expertise, is managing design and outreach in close coordination with the Port. Pepper Park and the area in and around Pier 32 Marina are in the approximately 60-acre National City Marina District. The redesign and future expansion of Pepper Park is part of the National City Marina District Balanced Land Use Plan which seeks to rebalance land uses through a collaborative partnership between the Port of San Diego, the City of National City, and business and community stakeholders. Public outreach is an integral component of this process and has included small stakeholder working sessions, public meetings, and individual meetings with interested parties.

ABOUT THE PORT OF SAN DIEGO

The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.

The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.

Asian American women are experiencing a fresh wave of violent, hate-related attacks. According to the web portal Stop AAPI Hate, since March 2020, there have been over 10,000 attacks, 16% of which have been physically violent. Elders were the targets in the majority of incidents. A poll commissioned by The National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum found that 70% of AAPI women voters experienced some sort of racialized harassment or discrimination between June 2019 and January 2021.

Panelists convened by Ethnic Media Services on Feb. 25 discussed the significant happenings in the history of the United States that created an unsafe environment for AAPI’s, long before the pandemic, and how communities have responded to keep their people safe.

Sung Yeon Choimorrow, Executive Director, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum

:

for starting the virus, may have dramatically increased incidences of hate against AAPI’s, it’s certainly not something new. As Asian American women, many of us felt this living in the United States long before COVID… we are targeted both for our race and our gender.”

“The first Chinese immigrant woman in the United States was brought over by a New York businessman who put her on display so that Americans could watch her eat, look at her small feet, look at her skin color or hair, and the way she talked. From the get go of the Asian immigrant women’s experience, we were seen as entertainment or an experience to be consumed.”

“Asian women are also depicted as submissive, and terms such as “geisha girl”, “china doll” and “lotus blossom” are not favorable terms, but rather a way to hyper sexualize Asian women that makes them easy targets for sexual and other forms of harassment.”

Marita Etcubañez, Senior

“While the pandemic and the rhetoric of the former president blaming China and Chinese people

“In terms of education and awareness, we now have more voices speaking out to help people understand the harm that racist rhetoric have on our communities… Since launching our joint bystander intervention trainings in the spring of 2020 (with Hollaback Stop Harassment), AAAJ affiliates in Illinois, California and DC, have trained about 150,000 people.”

“We marked a victory in May, with passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, a federal bill that requires the Justice Department to formulate guidance for law enforcement agencies and others on creating online reporting systems for hate crimes and hate incidents. It includes making those systems accessible for people with limited proficiency in English.”

“We need greater investment in our community, including in social services, improving education, so that we can better create the conditions where people not only feel safe, but are able to thrive.”

Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ) :

The Maigue family would like to thank the San Diego community for all of the heartfelt sentiments, flowers, cards and countless messages of support and love on social media for our beloved Francine. From the various official meeting adjournments from the Speaker of the AssemblyAnthony Rendon to Nathan Fletcher the San Diego County Supervisor, City of National City Mayor SoteloSolis, SWC Governing Board to the beautiful dedication by DJ Sherry Knight and the playing of “I Hope You Dance”. And it’s not over. Chula Vista Mayor Salas and the San Diego City Council will also have adjournments in memory of Francine in the next coming weeks.

We invite you to share your Francine experiences with us. Please email FilPress@aol.com

Exclusively here in The Filipino Press--Follow Francine Maigue’s adventures as she represents our region with grace and honor as one of the "100 Most Influential Filipinas in the World" and the "Global Face of Pinay Power," as named by the Filipina Women's Network. Francine is the FilipinoAmerican History Achievement Award Winner in Humanitarianism, Arts, and Community Service and an Outstanding Filipino American Young Leaders Awardee as selected

Tributes to our beloved Francine

From Karen Horse~

My heart is broken. My body physically aches with the grief of losing you. All day yesterday I struggled with the thought of even trying to put what's in my heart into words. There is too much and no words could ever be enough. My brilliant and beautiful bestie. My dearest Francine. You have always been my person. 32 years of friendship. Oh how blessed I have been to have you in my life and to be in yours. You were more than just my friend. In every way that matters, you were my family. My sister. You loved with your whole heart. You were always an unstoppable force. Whatever you set out to do you did with excellence. You were endlessly kind, unquestionably talented. You lived, loved, and accomplished more in 41 years than most people do in twice as many. Cancer attacked your body, but I knew it had no power over your indomitable spirit. You fought back with grace and courage. You used it all as a tool to inspire and to give hope to others. Oh how I prayed that you would be healed and now you are, just not in the way that I had hoped it would be. You are dancing now on streets of gold and all of heaven is your stage. Somehow I know that you stopped at the pearly gates long enough to do the most perfect layout. Mahal kita, my dear one. I love you forever and I'll miss you till heaven.

by His Excellency Ambassador Cuisia and the Philippine Consuls.

Originally from Cavite City, Philippines and raised in Chula Vista, Francine Maigue received her master’s degree from Harvard University and bachelor’s degree from UCLA. Francine is the District Director for California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez. She is the Immediate Past President of the Filipino-American Chamber

“Her movement, her energy, her projects went beyond just people that knew her one on one but those that were able to see the beauty of her work.”

“We are devastated, San Diego. Francine helped out all of our districts. She was a model of service…committed to those thousands of Californians that need help. Francine was caring, kind, compassionate, she wanted to do good. She was a great leader for that office and for San Diego as well.”

Christopher M. Ward, California State Assembly

of Commerce of San Diego County, Board Member for the Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Foundation and Los Chabacanos of Cavite City, and is a former Miss Philippines of San Diego. Got an organization, business, or event Francine should know about?

Email: thepamperedpinay@yahoo.com.

Company Spotlight: The Remodeled Ramada

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- Out of crisis comes opportunity. Just ask Edgar Santos and Anthony Corruthers, the Filipino team that runs the Ramada in National City. The Ramada is emerging from the pandemic stronger than ever before.

“COVID was a curveball for all of us,” says Santos, co-founder of Sharp Hospitality, which manages a portfolio of hotels that includes the Ramada in National City. “But we adapted and I’m pleased to say that the Ramada isn’t just surviving – it’s thriving like never before.”

How can that be?

They were fortunate to stay open throughout the pandemic, he explains, and used the down-time to complete a renovation that has transformed the hotel’s interior. The environs are warm, open, clean, airy, and expansive. Santos points out that the Ramada of National City, formerly known as the Clarion Hotel, is much more than a conveniently located hotel – now it’s a local entertainment destination and gathering spot, right in the middle of a new, revitalized National City: A place to see and be seen.

Amenities

The hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere and a number of impressive amenities including a heated outdoor pool, free high-speed WiFi, free breakfast, free parking, and onsite dry cleaning services. Its offerings also include spacious banquet facilities, an onsite bar, and plenty of meeting space. This nonsmoking (but pet-friendly) hotel also features a state of the art business center and fitness center, both of which have been recently upgraded. Beautiful sunsets and views of the San Diego Bay can be enjoyed throughout the hotel. The hotel’s 180 rooms are clean and spacious, and feature redesigned bedrooms and bathrooms, upgraded beds, and new flat-screen televisions.

Meeting Rooms

The Ramada is ideally suited for organizations and groups that are in need of a space to host events or hold meetings. The hotel has everything you need for a successful company

retreat or conference, from an easily accessible, central location to nearly 3,000 square feet of event space, including two meeting rooms which can accommodate up to 200 conference or banquet guests.

Special Events

The Ramada at is the go-to place for hosting a special event, whether it’s a wedding, retirement party, debutante ball, or corporate function. Its 3,000 square feet of banquet space can easily accommodate up to 200 people. “We have a good Filipino base here. And

we also get a lot of Filipino politicians who visit with their counterparts here in San Diego County. And we host a lot of those events.”

“South of downtown San Diego, the Ramada in National City is the only hotel with a banquet facility,” he says. “That’s a big point of difference.”

Entertainment With a full bar and restaurant and entertainment on the weekends, including original Filipino songs, the Ramada aims to be “the local hangout” as well as an entertainment, meetings,

and special events venue. Call the hotel for entertainment line-up. Location, Location, Location

Positioned downtown between freeways I-5 and I-805, the hotel is a short drive, going south, to Baja California. Going north, it’s a hop, skip, and a jump to downtown San Diego and the Gaslamp Quarter, and also close proximity to the airport, San Diego Bay, and popular destinations like the Naval Base, San Diego Zoo, and San Diego Convention Center.

When you stay at the National City Ramada, you park for free. If you don’t feel like driving, you can take a twoblock stroll to the Trolley and public transportation. Ramada is located in

National City, heart of the Filipino community.

The New National City

In spite of the pandemic, National City is currently experiencing something of a renaissance, spearheaded by new developments, including Market on 8th. Located in historic downtown National City (41 East 8th Street), this multi-ethnic food and retail hall offers 11,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. Santos knows hotels guests will enjoy Ramada’s onsite bar and restaurant, but when they want a change of scenery, the Market on 8th food hall is walking distance from the Ramada.

Origin Story

Santos was born and raised in the Philippines, and came to the U.S. when he was 19. Starting at the ground level, as a front desk agent, Santos worked his way up the hotel and hospitality ladder. Corruthers’ story has a similar arc, except he began as a bellman. They became colleagues at CHM Hotels, where Santos served as president and Corruthers as vice president. Sharp Hospitality was born in 2018 when they reunited to form a Filipino-led hospitality company, leveraging their 40 years of combined experience running hotels. The company’s portfolio currently includes five hotels, mostly located in Southern and Central California, including a second Ramada

location, Spring Hill Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Hawthorne Suites.

And in spite of the pandemic, Sharp Hospitality is a growing company. “We're in the process of adding two more hotels,” he says. The company is also a jobs creator. “As far as hiring goes, we try to focus on local residents as much as we can,” he says. He estimates that 50 percent of the Ramada National City staff are from the local community.

Be Their Guest

If you have family coming out of town – or are hosting a celebration, meeting, or special event – the Ramada in National City is the perfect venue. And right now, until March 30, they’re offering readers of “The Filipino Press” a special discount – 25% off the published rate!

Ramada by Wyndham San Diego National City 700 National City Boulevard National City, CA 91950 Ph: (619) 474-2800

Website: wyndhamhotels.com/ ramada/national-city-california/ ramada-san-diego-national-city/ overview

Prayer to Saint Expedite May the intercession of the glorious martyr , St Expedite, recommend us, O my God, to Thy goodness, in order that his protection may obtain for us what our own merits are powerless to do. Amen.

We supplicate Thee, Lord , to inspire by Thy grace all our thoughts and actions, that thou being their principle, we may, by the intercession of St. Expedite, be conducted with courage, fidelity and promptitude, at the time proper and favorable, and come to a good and happy end, through our Lord, Jesus Christ Amen St Expedite, honored by the gratitude of those who have invoked thee at the last hour and for pressing cases, we pray thee to obtain from the all powerful goodness of God, by the intercession of Mary Immaculate, (today or such a day) the grace we solicit with all submission to the Divine Will Amen

Pursuit of nuclear energy to reduce PH oil dependency

MANILA -- The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's policy of pursuing safe and reliable nuclear energy would promote the country's national and economic security and also make it more energy-independent.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda made the statement as he expressed strong support for Duterte’s policy commitment towards nuclear energy as embodied in Executive Order No. 164, which was made public on Thursday.

“Let me make it very clear: I support the pursuit of safe and reliable nuclear energy. It is the most dependable energy source. The country’s national and economic security would be stronger with nuclear energy. We would be more energy-independent with nuclear energy. We must approach nuclear energy with eyes and minds wide open, not with irrational, sentimental fear,” he said.

He said energy sovereignty and the country's shift towards less pollutive energy sources require nuclear energy, since solar, wind, and other less stable energy sources require large tracts of land "that we do not have.”

“Nuclear is also the most dependable source of energy, and it’s not even close. Nuclear has the highest capacity factor, or the amount of times a power plant is producing at maximum capacity. The lowest is solar, which of course is dependent on sunny days,” he said.

He said the problem with being overly dependent on fossil fuels, which accounts for as much as 75 percent of electricity in the country, is that when problems arise in oilproducing states like Russia or those in the Middle East, Filipino consumers suffer consequences "no matter how remote we are from the causes of such problems.”

“It’s a matter of national security as well. If, by any chance, our sea routes through the South China Sea were somehow hampered, we would suffer terribly from oil shortages," he said.

He expressed hope that the policy commitment from Duterte will eventually pave the way for serious policy and financial investment in nuclear research.

Salceda added that Duterte’s instructions to review the viability of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant “is also good fiscal housekeeping.”

Duterte’s EO directs an interagency panel to look into reopening the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

“We spend around PHP40 million every year to maintain Bataan Nuclear. That means we’re spending that much on a white elephant. I think part of the mandate of the EO, which is to review the BNPP, has to include whether we should already totally decommission the asset as scrap metal, if it’s really dangerous and unsafe,” Salceda said.

Salceda said Congress may consider a “franchise approach” to operating the BNPP.

“I think we should bid it out as a Public-Private Partnership and grant its operator a franchise. The thing with nuclear power plants is the gestation period for the investment requires several decades. So our private partner will need the political and legal security of a franchise from Congress. That is definitely on the table, and I

will tell President Duterte to consider that approach as well,” he said.

The EO states the country “shall ensure the peaceful use of nuclear technology anchored on critical tenets of public safety, national security, energy self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability.”

Duterte issued the policy following the recommendation of the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), which conducted a pre-feasibility study and public consultation on the matter.

Through EO 164, the Chief Executive has recognized that nuclear power can be a reliable, cost-competitive, and environmentfriendly source of energy based on the experience of highly developed countries.

“For the country to achieve its sustained growth targets, it must ensure that it has a reliable, secure, sustainable, quality and affordable electricity supply, including sufficient reserve to guarantee that there will be no disruptions in the power supply,” the policy read.

It added that the use of nuclear energy will address the increasing demand for clean energy, rising by 4.4 percent annually, or an additional capacity of 68 gigawatts by 2040.

The BNPP was the only nuclear power plant in the region during the 1980s, as the Philippines was one of the first Southeast Asian countries to embark on a nuclear energy program.

The project, however, was mothballed because of corruption allegations and safety concerns on the use of nuclear energy.

A study conducted by Russia State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) in 2017 said the rehabilitation of BNPP will require around USD3 billion to USD4 billion.

Duterte approves inclusion of nuclear power in PH energy mix

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed Executive Order (EO) 164 that now includes the potential of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix.

Released on Thursday, EO 164 was signed by the Chief Executive last February 28.

“This policy is the start of the national nuclear power program,” said Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Gerardo Erguiza Jr. in a press conference.

Under the new policy, it stated that the country “shall ensure the peaceful use of nuclear technology anchored on critical tenets of public safety, national security, energy self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability”.

Duterte issued the policy following the recommendation of the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), which conducted a pre-feasibility study and public consultation on the matter.

Through EO 164, the Chief Executive has recognized that nuclear power can be a reliable, cost-competitive, and environmentfriendly source of energy based on the experience of highly developed countries.

“For the country to achieve its sustained growth targets, it must ensure that it has a reliable, secure, sustainable, quality and affordable electricity supply, including sufficient reserve to guarantee that there will be no disruptions in the power supply,” the policy read.

It added the use of nuclear energy

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will address the increasing demand for clean energy, rising by 4.4 percent annually, or an additional capacity of 68 gigawatts by 2040.

The EO still included the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) in the national nuclear program, but other nuclear power installations will be pursued.

The BNPP was the only nuclear power plant in the region during the 1980s, as the Philippines was one of the first Southeast Asian countries to embark on a nuclear energy program.

However, the project was mothballed because of corruption allegations and safety concerns on the use of nuclear energy.

A study conducted by Russia State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) in 2017 said the rehabilitation of BNPP will require around USD3 billion to USD4 billion.

The public is also becoming more open to the potential of nuclear energy.

“(A) Public Perception Survey on Nuclear Energy in 2019 indicated that almost 79 percent of Filipinos expressed approval or acceptability of the possible use or rehabilitation of an existing nuclear power plant,” the EO said.

The same survey showed that 65 percent approved the construction of new nuclear power plants and 78 percent are open to learning more about nuclear energy.

Release date of fuel subsidy for PUVs still unclear -- LTFRB exec

The fuel subsidy budget for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers has yet to be released, and the exact date for the payout is still uncertain, an official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said Thursday.

LTFRB-National Capital Region director Atty. Zona Tamayo said they are expediting the release of the funds with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

“Wala pa po ‘yung eksaktong petsa pero tayo ay nagmamadali na rin po sa Department of Transportation (DOTr) at LTFRB kaya nakipag-ugnayan na tayo sa DBM upang ma-release na po ang budget sa amin,” she said when asked when the subsidy will be distributed to beneficiaries.

Under the 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the fuel subsidy funds could only be released if the Dubai crude oil price for three months averaged or exceeded $80 per barrel.

Tamayo said that the LTFRB already asked the Department of Energy for a certification of such a requirement.

Amid the recent hikes in fuel prices, the DOTr has requested the DBM for funds to cover 377,443 beneficiaries who would be receiving fuel subsidies amounting to P6,500 each, or a total of P2,453,379,500.

Meanwhile, Tamayo said the LTFRB is looking into the possible effect of the proposed fare increase on the prices of goods.

“Iintindihin ho natin na kailangan po nating balansehin ito dahil alam naman po natin na may domino effect po sakaling magtaas ng pamasahe, apektado rin po yung presyo ng ibang bilihin,” she said.

She added that the LTFRB will work with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in assessing the possible impact of the proposed fare increase. (MNS)

Michelle Kang, General Secretary of the Atlanta Korean Committee against Asian Hate: “AAPI’s have become louder during the pandemic in response to the rise of Asian hate, especially after the March 16 Atlanta shooting massacre. We were furious and frustrated over the attacks and killings of eight innocent people and six Asian women.”

“In Georgia, the first generation of Korean Americans formed the Atlanta Korean American Committee Against Asian hate on March 17… The committee created a space where black, brown, and other people of color gather to heal and support each other.”

“During the 2021 elections AAPI’s made a tremendous effort to elect representatives who pushed the country in solidarity to stop hate crimes and to achieve inclusion and racial equity… Georgia AAPI is making a historical record having 12 progressive Asian American

candidates, including young candidates in their 20s to represent all Americans.”

Sasanna Yee, inspirational speaker and yoga teacher whose grandmother was fatally attacked at a San Francisco Park in 2019:

“My grandmother immigrated here in the late 80s. She was unfortunately physically attacked across the street from her home when she went for a walk in the park in the neighborhood that I grew up in and I still live in. It’s called Visitacion Valley.”

“The young man that hurt her was 17 years old at the time… My grandmother’s brain was bashed, she fell on her face with her broken ribs. She was in very bad condition… What happened to this young man that caused him to do such a thing? He must be in so much pain. I know because when I’m in pain, I also hurt people.”

“My own journey of healing chronic pain, anxiety, and depression has really helped me to be more compassionate towards others… My practice of yoga, Qi Gong, meditation, have helped me relate to my own suffering and the suffering of

other people.”

“Black Lives Matter was such a powerful rallying slogan. What is it for Asians? My team and I came up with “Asians belong”. This phrase is affirming. This phrase acknowledges that we have been seen as perpetual foreigners but no longer. We are reclaiming our stories and our voice.”

IN RUSSIA’s INVASION OF UKRAINE, THE PHILIPPINES’ MAIN CONCERN RIGHT NOW IS SAFETY OF OVER 300 FILIPINO OVERSEAS WORKERS (OFWs)

SAN DIEGO, CA -- The Philippines should open its doors to fleeing Ukrainians as their homeland puts up a firm resistance to Russia’s invasion, Sorsogon Gov. Francis “Chiz” Escudero declared last Monday, 28 February 2022.

“As we bring Filipinos home, we can also open our doors to Ukrainians who need refuge, as former President Manuel Quezon did for the Jews during the Holocaust,” Escudero said in a statement.

The former senator was referring to when Quezon opened the country in 1940 to accommodate up to 10,000 fleeing Jewish refugees at the time when no other nation in the world would take them during the reign of German dictator Adolf Hitler, who rounded up and murdered Jews on concentration camps.

According to the Filipino provincial governor, the Philippines must also remain neutral and align itself with other peace-loving countries making a stance against war and aggression.

“As one of the world’s most dynamic democracies, which have constantly fought to regain its freedoms, the Philippines should help promote peace and the right to selfdetermination of every country in every part of the world,” he added. Escudero then appealed to Filipinos in Ukraine to coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure their safety.

“I understand that some want to wait for it because they have good jobs and good lives there, but the situation could quickly get serious and we may lose access to you anytime. Just think of your families here,” he reiterated.

Indeed, Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine confronts the world with complex challenges at a time when a lot of things have to be reset in the global order.

I reckon the outcome in Ukraine isn’t likely to ever provide President Joe Biden with what one might calls a “Desert Storm” moment of clear victory that dramatically lifts his public standing; if anything the images from the country are likely to get worse, not better, in the days and weeks ahead. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin may seize Ukraine, but his victory could backfire and further isolate him from the world more than ever. No doubt about it, Ukraine’s agony is a terrible crucible, but it may help America forge stronger bonds among the world’s democracies – and in the process resolve some of the doubts it has opened about “America is back” capacity to lead them all.

Perhaps, too - you my dear folks - are asking the $64,000 Question by now on just exactly what are the facts

on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine?

Well, here’s my two cents’ worth on it: Kyiv was established hundreds of years before Moscow came into being. It was a flourishing trading area as it was then strategically located in the old trade routes in the 10th century, at a time Moscow was a cold and lonely backwater.

Even during the time of the Czarists, historians opined, Ukraine and Kyiv had been “irritants” to Russia.

Twenty-eight years ago, after the breakup of the Soviet Union, Moscow agreed to recognize Ukraine as a separate state on one condition – Kyiv gave up its nuclear arsenal.

In 1991, the Ukrainians voted overwhelmingly for independence from Russia. (For this same reason, the Filipinos’ claim to Sabah has gone stale. Voters there immensely chose Malaysia over the Philippines, a direct citizens’ rebuke of Manila’s assert).

The anti-Russian sentiment in Kyiv is so strong that protests had deposed a pro-Russian president and has been seeking two things: North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership and closer ties with the European Union (EU) and the United States. The fresh assault on Ukrainian sovereignty, with the scars of the Crimean annexation still a source of anguish in Kyiv, has pushed Ukrainians farther away from Russia and deeper into the EU/US/NATO axis.

To Putin and his cold calculations, the almost repulsive sense of Kyiv toward Russia does not and should not stand in the way of restoring the glory and the territories of the oncevast Soviet imperium, even if that would trigger the greatest military confrontation since World War II.

Surely, as Russian troops and tanks rolled into major Ukrainian cities, the endgame for Putin’s acts of territorial aggression is something that he himself cannot predict.

The acts of Russian militancy in Ukraine have so far yielded predictable results: cratering stock markets (except for the energy commodities), rising energy prices, intensified threats of inflation and worsening supply chains and the possibility that a full-scale war would cut off the critical food supplies from Ukraine, a major wheat and corn exporter. Moscow’s stock market dropped 45 percent. Long queues for gas and groceries and before ATM machines had been reported across Ukraine. The price of oil has risen to over $100 per barrel.

On the other side of the coin –with the predisposition to look inward

and being a minor layer in the $94 trillion global economy – with the old homeland of ours – the Philippinesjust being a densely-populated blip in the consumer confidence – the biggest issue that genuinely confronts our “kababayans” relative to the RussiaUkraine crisis is the evacuation of the over 300 Filipinos in Ukraine.

The plaintive plight of Filipinos caught and still trapped in war-torn Ukraine is by no means the first time for overseas Filipinos to find themselves in civil wars abroad. Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, name any other strife-torn part of the world, and chances are enterprising Filipinos are there.

As Filipinos figure in war after war after war nauseam across the globe, one would assume that Philippine officials must have formulated eons ago a holistic and effective master plan to extricate “kababayans” from harm’s way before they get caught in crossfires in conflagration and conflicts abroad.

But as can be gleaned from Philippine Foreign Affairs

Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola’s morning media interview last Saturday, February 26, an undetermined number of Filipinos still in Ukraine are largely on their own to get out alive from the war-torn country that Russian forces continue to attack.

“We’ve accounted for only 181 Filipino nationals in Ukraine so far. We’re trying to reach out to others. We will assist those who wish to go home. There are others who don’t want to go home, but we’ll still assist them in whatever way we can,” she announced.

“We’ve asked Poland to open a humanitarian corridor for them to get out, and Secretary (Teodoro) Locsin even flew there to assist those who wish to come home,” Arriola noted. But how to get out of Ukraine to reach Poland and nearby neighboring countries’ borders when roads are heavily clogged by vehicles fleeing or escaping from the fighting?

Well, it remains to be seen, if I must say it.

Tensions in Ukraine came to a

Jesse

Filipino Potpourri

head after Russian forces launched a military operation on Thursday, February 24. The two warring nations may be halfway around the world, but their strife still has an impact on Filipinos, according to an economist.

So, precisely - what does Russia’s invasion of Ukraine means for our “kababayans” back in the beloved old homeland of ours?

“The main concern right now will be where inflation would be headed locally,” Security Bank Assistant Vice President (AVP) and chief economist Robert Dan Roces told CNN Philippines.

He noted that the costs of many agricultural commodities imported by the Philippines - like wheat and soybean – have gone up.

“All these could likely transmit into local prices with the value being transferred towards local consumers,” Roces warned.

He said the situation is currently confined regionally, but its effect on the Philippines and on other economies could become more massive if it gets worse.

“The situation right now remains very fluid. And we can only hope that it doesn’t get any worse. But if it does, I think our authorities, especially our economic managers, remain steadfast in terms of preparing for the worst outcome in terms of pricing,” Roces explained.

He said this may be a difficult situation for the Philippines since it is only starting to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

What the government can do now is to aid this recovery further through monetary and fiscal support, Roces commented.

“Some subsidies in terms of fuel price subsidies, something that they did with much success last year, which actually tamed the inflationary tendencies,” he observed.

“What we have to do at the moment is to watch out for that pass-through effect coming from the conflict. So mostly, it has something to do with price shocks as well. Our inflation can only serve to slow down economic growth, so I think that’s here the support should come from,” Roces added.

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continue to further escalate, the Philippine government said last Wednesday, February 3, that its “chief concern” is the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may be affected by the conflict.

“Our chief and singular concern is to take out of harm’s way our fellow Filipinos in Ukraine and bringing them to the nearest places of safety by the fastest possible way,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. stated.

(FYI: The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier counted over 300 Filipinos living in Ukraine. Interestingly, around 200 Ukrainians are residing in the Republic of the Philippines).

Around 100 Filipino workers in Ukraine are currently seeking help from the Philippine embassy in Poland; Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac spoke Friday, February 25, 2022. “Sa bilang po natin 380, but mayroon pong registration portal na itinayo ang embahada mula sa Poland at isang daan ang nagparehistro doon. On paper, 380 sila doon pero 100 ‘yung (humihingi ng saklolo) ngayon…” Cacdac said in an interview with ABS-CBN’s Teleradyo. (Based on our records, there are 380 of them there that have registered in the portal set up by the embassy in Poland. On paper, there are 380 Filipino workers there but only 100 are seeking help.)

Last Thursday, February 24 Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Jr. said Poland agreed to take in Filipinos from Ukraine even without a visa. Locsin said efforts are underway to repatriate workers who want to return to the Philippines.

The Philippine embassy in Warsaw, Poland, which oversees the situation of Filipinos in Ukraine, earlier sent a consular team to Lviv, a western Ukrainian town close to Poland’s border, on Thursday, February 17, to establish an emergency contact base.

In coordination with the Philippine honorary consulate general in Kyiv, the presence of a consular team

See JESSE REYES on 9

A Historical Perspective: The Martyrdom of GOMBURZA

“We need to participate for the common good… good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.” Pope Francis, 9/16/2013

Two weeks ago, I asked one of my siblings in Naga City if there was any planned celebration in the city for the 150th year since the martyrdom of the three Catholic priests that formed the acronym GOMBURZA? Her response was “who?” When I explained who the priests were, she said that nobody really pays attention anymore to these important historical people. Even for Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero, she said that most Filipinos would rather go to the mall to enjoy the holiday.

It’s a real shame, but despite government efforts to promote them with various activities and rituals, these dynamics no longer evoke a popular sense of belonging to such important dates and people of the past. Their relevance hardly connects anymore. In the case of the martyred priests, one would think that the Catholic Church would be at the forefront promoting such important milestones particularly

for the reasons why they were killed.

Filipino priests Francisco

Gomes, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora (GOMBURZA) were executed with a garrote while blindfolded and seated on a scaffold at Bagumbayan (now Luneta Park) on February 17, 1872. They were meted the death penalty for their alleged participation in the 1872 Cavite Mutiny. The mutiny occurred January 20. The priests were arrested, tried, convicted, and executed all in less than a month.

Gomes was the first to be executed. He was a 73 years old mestizo, college educated in Catholic schools (Letran and Santo Tomas) and was the head priest in Bacoor. Next was Jacinto Zamora, 37 years old and also college educated in the same schools as Gomes. He was working on his canon law doctorate He was previously assigned in several parishes in Metro Manila. Last was Burgos, the youngest at 35 and wellaccomplished among the three with doctorate degrees in theology and canon law.

Contextually, these priests were executed at a time when there was racial tension between the local secular priests and the friars and

members of the religious orders who disdained the prospect of working for an Indio. They also killed them because they could. The friars were at the height of their power and Filipinos were indifferent. The powerful message then was that the “Indios” only deserved to wear the see-through barongs and not worthy to hide their brown skin with opaque albeit colorful vestments reserved for European priests.

In truth, the unhampered abuses during the Spanish colonial times flourished because the church and state acted as one. And so, when 300 or so secular priests in Manila walked in the rain for their penitential “Alay Lakad” on February 17, 2022 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of GOMBURZA, it offends the memory of the martyred priests because the priests used it to magnify their partisan preference in the upcoming Philippine presidential elections.

Some priests unabashedly wore pink masks to show their true colors as to the presidential candidate they were supporting. Leading the march where priests holding a banner depicting the martyrs and their message “Maka-Diyos kaya Makabayan” (Pro-God, ProPhilippines) to help voters discern who among the candidates embody and promote the values of the Catholic Church. But, there was no mistaking who the beneficiary

of their message was – VP Leni Robredo, even if couched in such language.

His Eminence Jose Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, was right that “True heroism is borne of holiness and true holiness issues into service for justice,” as a tribute to the fallen priests. Heroic virtue in the case of the three martyred priests, is the main importance that the Philippine Catholic leadership ought to advocate for beatification and sainthood of GOMBURZA.

The manner of their martyrdom is akin to that of Jesus who freely welcomed death for the world’s salvation. Their love and shedding blood for their priesthood and service to the Filipinos were the sweetest marks that brought them to the threshold of the charity of martyrdom. They died proudly wearing their badge of honor, their uniforms that reflect the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity.

However, to conflate it with “Maka-Diyos kaya Makabayan” in the context of the election with a particular candidate in mind, is wrong. Individually, priests can be social and have a right and a duty to participate in society while seeking together the common good and well-being of all.

The march would have been great had they not injected themselves into the partisan political divide. Their business is saving the soul, not

arousing nationalism. GOMBURZA never admitted that they were part of the mutiny much less inspire them as alleged. Although their martyrdom became symbolic of the Philippine Revolution, still the martyred priests fought for their equal share of saving the Filipino soul from eternal damnation.

Actually, the march is just one example of the clergy’s partisan politics. Wearing pink ribbons on their vestments or soutane, wearing pink or pastel vestments, using the pulpit or sharing space with politicians affiliated with a particular candidate is a common refrain not just at the lower level but even bishops who would celebrate mass for a particular candidate.

If the Filipino clergy wants to contextualize the GOMBURZA martyrdom and wade into social reform, they should focus on the central problem in the Philippines today – the injustice and oppression of the social order. They can also borrow a page from Pope Francis to redefine capitalism as a force for good. The very candidate many of the Filipino clergy is supporting are financed and supported by the very oligarchs and wealthy Filipinos whose “greed worsens the poverty of others.”

Here’s a Rappler.com headline ON September 9, 2021: “Filipino billionaires’ wealth shoots up by 30% DURING THE PANDEMIC!”

In 2019, the Philippines had 15 dollar billionaires compared to 3 in 1986. Back then, the three Philippine billionaires were the “poorest” among Asian billionaires. Seven of 15 (47%) billionaires NOW are either Chinese or of Chinesedescent and rank high in the Forbes List of Billionaires.

A Social Weather Station (SWS) survey published last year showed that 73% of Filipinos believe that religion is very important while 15% said religion is not at all important. The number actually dropped by 10% when compared to a similar survey from two years before. Clearly, the pandemic has frustrated the faithful and affected their livelihood. What is more worrisome is the finding in a 2020 survey that only 46% attend religious services weekly (66% in 1991), 34% monthly, and 27% occasionally.

But the answer is not campaigning for a candidate. Priests can wade into political issues without getting political. Pope Francis is a classic example.

Granted that the relationship between Church and State have suffered during the Duterte presidency, including cursing the Pope for the traffic jam in Manila, still “Maka-Diyos kaya Makabayan” logic, while morally supported by Church social teaching, still it violates the inviolable separation of the State and Church.

Professional Business Directory

DUTERTE

Continued from page 1

isakatuparan ang implementasyon ng price control law," he said.

"We shall likewise continue talks with our partners and heighten negotiations with nontraditional partners to address threats to agricultural exports while improving our digital agricultural infrastructure and systems," said Nograles.

Businessmen are expecting flour prices to rise as a large part of the world’s wheat supply comes from Ukraine as well as other parts of Europe.

A supply chain disruption may happen if the situation further escalates, presidential presidential adviser for entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion last week said.

Already shunned by the West over its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has shown no sign of stopping an assault that has included strikes on capital Kyiv and rocket attacks in the second city of Kharkiv.

Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have fled the fighting. The United Nations says more than 500 civilians have been killed in the invasion, but that the real number of people is likely much higher.

Palace asks Congress to review oil deregulation law Malacañang on Wednesday called on Congress to review the oil deregulation law amid the weekly

increases in oil prices and the ongoing situation in Ukraine that is expected to have an economic impact on the Philippines.

At a press briefing, acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said the review on the oil deregulation law is among the medium-term measures agreed upon during Tuesday's top-level special meeting presided by President Rodrigo Duterte.

"For the medium term, we call on Congress to review the oil deregulation law, particularly provisions on unbundling the price and the inclusion of the minimum inventory requirements in the law, as well as giving the government intervention powers or authority to intervene when there is a spike and/or prolonged increase in prices of oil products," Nograles said.

Under the law, formally known as the Downstream Industry Deregulation Act, government control is removed to help oil companies become more competitive with their supply and pricing of petroleum products.

Congress had adjourned session last February 4 and will only resume session by May 23 or after the May 9 national and local elections. The break was for the campaign period for the candidates.

Congress, however, can resume session if no less than the President calls for it. But a week ago, Nograles said there is no indication that Duterte will call for a special session so Congress can act on measures that will address

the unabated oil price hikes, including suspension of fuel tax on oil.

Mitigating measures

Nograles also said that the President also approved the recommendations of his economic team to strengthen the domestic economy, stabilize food prices, and provide social protection, as well as distribution of fuel discount vouchers for farmers and fisherfolk amid the rising oil prices. Nograles said Duterte also approved the recommendations of the Department of Agriculture to boost local food production.

"Kasama na rito ang pagpapataas ng produksiyon ng pagkain sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatupad ng Plant, Plant, Plant Part 2; pagpapataas ng rice buffer stock na hindi bababa sa 30 araw; pamamahagi ng tulong pinansiyal sa ating mga nagsasaka ng palay; at pagtugon sa tumataas na presyo ng abono o pataba," he said.

Nograles said assistance to farmers could be through fertilizer subsidy and market access through bilateral discussions with fertilizer-producing countries.

"President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has given assurances that mitigating measures and contingency plans will be in place as part of the government's proactive response to the conflict in Ukraine," Nograles said.

Also present during the meeting were top military and police officials. (MNS)

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Spiritual Life

Claiming God’s promises

These are challenging times for me and some of my friends and all I can do is to pray that they will be able to overcome the trials they are going through. Devastatingly, a friend who has been my “shero” as an advocate of women’s empowerment recently passed on due to lung cancer. Another friend, who I thought has survived the threat of pancreatic cancer is experiencing the return of this vicious disease. Still another friend is going through one of the most difficult crisis in her life with the unexpected demise of her father. We love our friends and all we can do to assuage their pain and anxiety is to share our faith and prayers, firmly believing that God is good and He answers our prayers.

The Holy Bible is replete with inspirational promises. Max Lucado, renowned author on spiritual matters compiled some of these in “God’s Inspirational Promise Book.” I would like to share with my friends these verses found in Isaiah 41: 10, 13. “Don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you….I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, and I tell you, Don’t be afraid, I will help you.”

Two years ago I went through an

My Personal Testimony

unexpected heart procedure, after I complained of a numbing pain on the left side of my chest. It was discovered by my cardiologist that my coronary arteries were blocked and I have to undergo angioplasty. I became anxious and fearful about the whole procedure. I was assured by my health care providers that I am in good hands. This was when my faith was tested. I silently prayed and recited Psalm 23; “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me …. Surely, goodness and love

will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

After praying, a feeling of peace swept over me. Fear and anxiety were replaced by hope and trust. My muscles relaxed and I felt the reassuring presence of God in me. I prayed for the doctors and nurses as God’s instruments of healing.

After two hours, I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder and a sweet voice telling me that the procedure is over, four stents were inserted in my heart arteries and I can go home later in the afternoon.

God is the Great Physician. I pray that He will touch my friends and all those suffering from pain and illness, with His healing hand. “God’s help is near and is always available, but it is only given to those who seek it.”

The righteous and the wicked

And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not (Malachi 3:18).

"Good morning," I said to the woman behind the counter as she asked if she could take my order. "You're a Christian, aren't you?" "I can see Him in you!" I boldly proclaimed. "Yes, I am," she replied with a beaming smile. I could literally see the presence of God in her countenance in the way she related to me and others.

When Moses led the people out of Egypt he had several crisis moments during those forty years. His greatest crisis was when he came back from the mountain and discovered the people had made a golden calf. It was after this he came to a profound conclusion.

"Then Moses said to him, 'If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.'

What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" (Exodus 33:15-16).

The difference between a

All Blessings Flow

Christian and a non-believer should be that the Christian brings the presence of God with him to work. However, this is not always the case. A Christian can shut out the presence of God by his behavior. Like the Israelites who experienced great miracles in their lives but began to worship idols, we can move away from God. Sin separates us from God. His presence moves away from us. Moses realized, he too had to have the presence of God with him to lead such a people.

The prophet Malachi was saying a day is coming when you'll be able to recognize a clear difference between the righteous and the unrighteous. Would your friends be able to recognize a difference in you from others?

We entered into the joyful celebration of the season of Lent four days ago with the liturgical celebration of Ash Wednesday.

This season is a joyful forty days preparation for the celebration of the Paschal Triduum, or three day holy days the make us remember the saving mystery of the Passover of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

In this season there are six Sundays that the Church has provided us to reflect on the word of God besides the celebration of the Eucharist so that we can seriously and thoroughly prepares ourselves, both as individuals and members of a community, for the renewal of our baptismal vows in the liturgical celebration at Easter Vigil.

Just like was we did in the past Lenten season, we are supposed to do three very significant activities in this joyful preparation. These are deep personal and communal prayers, sincere and generous charitable expression of our love for our neighbor, especially those who are in real need, and finally, compassionate and voluntary self-sacrifice through fasting and abstinence. This period of Lent, celebrated with joyfully will lead us to a very meaningful celebration of Easter which is “the most joyous and solemn feast of the entire liturgical year.”

“The First Sunday of the Lenten journey reveals our condition as

human beings here on earth. The victorious battle against temptation, the starting point of Jesus’ mission, is an invitation to become aware of our own fragility in order to accept the Grace that frees us from sin and infuses new strength in Christ –the way, the truth and the life. It is a powerful reminder that Christian faith implies, following the example of Jesus and in union with him, a battle ‘against ruling forces who are maters of the darkness in this world’ (Eph. 6:12), in which the devil is at work and never tires – even today –of tempting whoever wishes to draw close to the Lord:

Christ emerges victorious to open also our hearts to hope and guide us in overcoming the seductions of evil.” (Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI) . Indeed the readings of today’s liturgy make us really conscious and aware that in the world today the temptations for riches, power

and glory are real, forceful and pervasive. We are living in a world where often the gospel message that the “Sermon on the Mount,” or the beatitudes is truly put into test. There really exist strong and seductive allurements of the world from its sincere accomplishment in our personal and communal lives as disciples of Jesus. There are times that we fail in our Christian living of the gospel message of perfection, yet the triumph that Jesus has manifested in the desert should strengthen us and make us confident that although we cannot surmount the temptation of the devil by our own personal strength, the devil was overcome by Christ and can be overcome by us with the power that Christ has shared with us through baptism.

The first Sunday of Lent is a reminder that life in the world for every Christian is a constant battle between us and the Evil one. It is also an assurance that the Evil One has been conquered totally by Jesus Christ Himself. However, this conquest can also happen in our own personal a communal battle with the banner of Jesus as our guide and constant reminder of his triumph and victory. Let us, therefore, open our hearts and minds to Jesus during this holy season of Lent so that we may persevere in valley of tears until we finally come in communion with Him forever and ever.

Ask God to fill you with His overflowing presence in all you do today.

And now may the Lord bless you, and may the Lord keep you, and may the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and may the Lord be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May you walk in the blessed assurance that your steps are being ordered of the Lord and that His angels are going before you to make certain that your life reaches its spiritual destiny. May the prayers that you pray, be reward to you according to your faith, for God is a faithful God, and He will open the windows of heaven and bless you with blessings you cannot contain, in Jesus' name. Amen.

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would ensure “immediate assistance” to OFWs, the DFA said.

Philippine officials have since met with Filipino groups who temporarily relocated to the Lviv and IvanoFrankivsk areas from Kyiv as a precautionary measure. By the way, at least six other Filipinos had returned to the Philippines as of February 18th.

In a tweet following Russia’s announcement of a “military operation” in Ukraine, Locsin assured that the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw is on “high alert.”

“Warsaw PE’s (Philippine Embassy) been on high alert; repatriated a few; Poland finally agreed to let ours in sans EU visas; not heard anything from Russia on our request re: its closest border,” the foreign affairs chief remarked.

“Most Filipinos in Ukraine are grateful guests and want to stick it out with their warm welcoming neighbors,” he supposed.

But what about Filipinos literally still in the war zones itself?

Though by now, and I guess quite late in the day – I say the Philippine government should still launch an extensive information campaign using all government-owned television and radio stations plus the assistance of privately-owned media outfits. Call on everyone again with family members and other kin in Ukraine to get out of that country via all means possible – immediately! Telling them which areas in Ukraine remain safe and how to make their way to Poland and other points of exit can be very helpful and critical. In this regard, the social pages of The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) can play a very vital role in saving Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) lives.

What are the lessons learned for our beloved old country – the Philippines – from the ongoing Ukrainian crisis?

I say the conflict and its economic impact, no doubt, taken together, is like a double whammy for developing nations like the Philippines, which

are trying to bounce back from the devastating fiscal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Being aware of the economic consequences brought about by the Ukraine catastrophe is one thing but drawing lessons from the experience of Ukraine is something that is of great value and deserves consideration.

In an online webinar held on 23 February 2022 the theme, “Ukraine Crisis: Analysis and What’s Lessons for Asia,” Mr. Herman Laurel, the president of the Philippines-BRICS (FYI: BRICS is the acronym coined to associate five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Strategic Studies, expressed that in Asia, the United States had used the Philippines as its Ukraine in the disputed South China Sea (SCS) through the EDSA I (People Power) regime change operation ousting a fledgling geopolitically – independent, economic development and modernization-oriented government, and imposing anti-development, liberalizing, deregulating and privatizing regimes – until President Rodrigo Duterte changed the equation. Laurel said that President Duterte sinks the US Pivot to Asia by reversing the course of events between China and the Philippines from mutually defeating conflict and destabilization of Asia towards mutually beneficial dialogue, cooperation, and trade stabilizing Asia for continuing economic’ construction and prosperity.

According to Laurel, Filipinos should begin to comprehend and assist in building the “One World, One Family” vision that the recently concluded Beijing Winter Olympics exalted as its closing message. However, he also emphasized that there are still some Filipino personalities, and he calls them “Amchurian” candidates and officials seeking to restore US warmongering.

The conclusion suggested that the Philippines should avoid the fate of Ukraine. The country should refuse and prevent at all costs the possibility of being a proxy or a pawn of any superpower in the proxy wars. It must steer clear of being used as a pawn by any superpower to encircle another superpower.

The Filipinos should keep away from being in the frontline of any military confrontation and competition consequential to the power struggle of the superpowers, which is not to their advantage, and not in line with the country’s core national interests.

Similarly, amid the volatile and ever-changing geopolitical realities in the Indo-Pacific region and other parts of the globe, ASEAN must be an association that promotes peace, progress, stability, and most importantly, remains a nuclear-free zone.

Likewise, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states must be consistent and steadfast in upholding ASEAN centrality in matters such as regional security architecture, geographical order, and the power dynamics between external powers that have interest in the region.

The only way for the Ukraine predicament to come to a halt is for the United States and NATO not to completely ignore Russia’s security demands and concerns, for Ukraine to be neutral state, for negotiations, dialogues and for diplomacy to resume before it’s late which looks like what it is - as of the present moment.

I urge for Russia and Ukraine to go back to the negotiating table for the sake of their peoples and the world. The earth cannot afford another global war while it is still trying to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

One final word that I believe is a crucial lesson to be learned from the current crisis in Europe - and in view of the coming soon May 2022 Philippine presidential election in the old homeland of ours - is that voters should absolutely reject any Putinlike candidates who spin out elaborate hoaxes, tall tales, lies and pseudo history.

Without doubt, these lying political characters certainly “put Kafka and Orwell to shame,” if I may say so…No “lows too low, no lies too blatant,” so to speak. Those who rewrite history and spin grandiose stories to suit their own sinister ends often lead their nations to perdition… and the aggressions that follow those lies almost always end up badly.

So…what say you?

“There is a mistaken notion among some that to own a paper is to have a license to clobber one’s enemies and attack people we don’t like. A newspaper is an information tool to reach a large number of people at a given time. A newspaper should inform, educate, entertain and provide viewpoints that could give us the means to make intelligent decisions for ourselves and others.” — Ernie Flores Jr., founding editor and publisher

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renewals. Online registration is convenient and easy, just visit: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/ vehicle-registration/vehicleregistration-renewal/

Q2: I saw a DMV kiosk at my local grocery store. What is that, and can I use it to renew my vehicle registration?

A2: There are hundreds of DMV kiosks located throughout the state to help customers with transactions such as vehicle registration renewal, submitting proof of insurance, receiving a driver or vehicle record, and more. DMV kiosks are convenient and allow customers to conduct transactions quickly and efficiently. Customers simply scan their document, pay the fees using a card or cash (where available) and then print their registration card and sticker, planned non-operation acknowledgment, and more, right on the spot.

To locate the DMV kiosk nearest you, please visit: https://

cadmvnowkiosk.com/kiosks/. Customers can also find DMV business partners to complete selected transactions by visiting https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/ locations/business-partners/.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/ driver-licenses-identificationcards/real-id/ Learn more about online registration renewals at www.dmv. ca.gov/portal/dmv-online.