Paying it forward: ‘Happy Thanksgiving’

“If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.”

—W. Clement Stone

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

“HAPPY Thanksgiving,” one of the two black men greeted me while I was standing on corner Whitney and Case Streets in Queens November 21 at around 11 o’clock in the morning.

“Thank you so much. Happy Thanksgiving,” I replied as they strutted toward Broadway Street while having a casual conversation.

At past 8 ‘o’clock in that evening, I passed the greeting forward to a Jewish man in Manhattan monitoring the negotiations for the release of several Jewish and Jewish-American hostages in Gaza by Hamas: “Happy Thanksgiving!” He answered me with a smile.

 All over the United States, people and strangers who don’t know each other greet each other “Happy Thanksgiving” even before November 23. 

Why is Thanksgiving so important for the Americans?

In the United States, it is a time to gather with family and friends, share a traditional meal and express gratitude for the good things in life. 

It can also be a time of service to others in the community. Thanksgiving traces its origins to harvest festivals.

When is Thanksgiving 2023? The United States celebrates Thanksgiving as a national holiday on the fourth Thursday in November. In 2023, Thanksgiving will be observed on Thursday, November 23.

 

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Thanksgiving has been held on the fourth Thursday in November since 1941, which means that the actual date of the holiday shifts each year. The earliest Thanksgiving can occur is November 22; the latest is November 28.

Writing for almananc.com, Catherine Boeckmann said President Roosevelt changed Thanksgiving from the fourth Thursday to the third Thursday in November in 1938. 

“However, this was not a very popular move,” she wrote. 

In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. In 2023, it was observed on Monday, October 9.

Why was Thanksgiving proclaimed a day of honor by both Washington and Lincoln? 

“No, it’s not about a Pilgrim feast. (Speaking of Pilgrims, whatever happened to them?),” Boeckmann emphasized.

Native Americans in North America celebrated harvest festivals for centuries before Thanksgiving was formally established in the United States. 

Colonial services for these festivals date back to the late 16th century. The autumnal feasts celebrated the harvest of crops after a season of bountiful growth.

 

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In the 1600s, Boeckman continued, settlers in Massachusetts and Virginia had feasts to thank for surviving, fertile fields, and their faith. The Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts, had their infamous Thanksgiving feast in 1621 with the Wampanoag Native Americans.

This three-day feast, she wrote, is considered the ”first” Thanksgiving celebration in the colonies. However, there were other recorded ceremonies of thanks on these lands. 

In 1565, Spanish explorers and the local Timucua people of St. Augustine, Florida, celebrated a mass of thanksgiving. 

In 1619, British settlers proclaimed a day of thanksgiving when they reached a site known as Berkeley Hundred on the banks of Virginia’s James River.

“Of course, the idea of ‘thanksgiving’ for the harvest is as old as time, with records from the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans,” she explained. “Native American cultures, too, have a rich tradition of giving thanks at harvest time feasts, which began long before Europeans appeared on their soil.”

Boeckmann added: “And well after the Pilgrims, for more than two centuries, individual colonies and states celebrated days of thanksgiving.”

 

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LESS SEXY. People who regularly watch pornos find their partners in real life increasingly less sexy, regardless of how attractive they are.

'DON'T TOUCH MY JUNK' is the most popular battlecry of airport passengers nowadays in protest against the TSA's controversial pat down (whole body inspection using their two hands) inside the security entrance. 

Daria Emmons posted this definition of love by Duncan MacKellar on my social media account on November 21, 2011:

A simple spark of deep desire,

The gentle gaze that sets the fire.

Often spoken, sometimes meant,

Heat of passion, sweetly spent.

Pleasure sought and object lured,

Emotions cherished and endured.

Forever, or a brief affair,

Not forgotten, always there.

Few resist and many fall,

Some are wary, not at all.

Found in tears, a smile, a sigh,

If unrequited, passes by.

Not for sale at any price,

Trust, compassion, sacrifice.

Common bonds of tempered past,

Kindred spirits, first and last.

Feelings ever changing flow,

Nurtured well, the best will grow.

Is it ever understood?

This much we know, love is good.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

Lightning strikes three times

“I'm scammed almost every day. Or, if not scammed, at the very least someone tries to scam me. Usually more than once a day.”

— James Altucher

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WELLS Fargo and Discover have alerted me this past week that they have monitored some unauthorized transactions using my cards from these reputable bank and credit institutions based in the United States. 

It all started when Discover first sent me an “urgent” alert on October 26, 2023 that there was an “activity on your account” about a purchase in Cleavitz, which offers a patented half-top design that greatly expands the range and versatility of women's wardrobes.

And on October 31, 2023, I again received the following email from Discover:

“ALEX VIDAL, please call Discover at 1-866-240-7938. Since unrecognized transaction(s) on your account were identified as possible fraud, please call 1-866-240-7938 immediately to speak with a dedicated Fraud Specialist so we can help resolve this issue as soon as possible. Remember, you're never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover card.”

And on November 7, 2023, I received a “Payment Card Fraud Alert” from Wells Fargo Fraud Detection that stated:

“We detected some unusual activity on your Wells Fargo Credit Card ending in XXXX.

Action required: Please review recent card activity

Please review these transactions and respond as soon as possible. If we don't hear back from you, future transactions may be declined.

I was asked if I recognized the three transactions from Piangdin, Bangkok, Thailand on November 6, 2023; and two transactions from Pagrafael, Sao Paulo, Brazil on November 7, 2023 using my Wells Fargo credit card.

I am confident all these fraudulent transactions have been “declined” and Wells Fargo and Discover have informed me they have issued new cards to replace the ones they have canceled. 

 

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Four days before the Thanksgiving 2023, it was Amazon’s turn to warn me:

“During this time of year, we often see a surge in impersonation scams. Stay safe by learning to identify and avoid them.

“In impersonation scams, a scammer reaches out to you pretending to be someone you trust to get sensitive information like social security numbers, bank information, or Amazon account details. Scammers change tactics quickly making them hard to detect.

“Scam Trend: Email attachment scams

“Scammers send emails posing as Amazon and include pdf attachments stating that your account will be suspended or on hold. 

“These attachments prompt you to click on a fraudulent link to “update your account.” These links lure you to provide personal information such as payment information or account login credentials.

“Please do not click on any links or provide your information without authenticating the email or verifying the link. Visit the Message Center which displays a log of authentic communications sent from Amazon.

Prime membership scams

“These are unexpected calls/texts/emails that refer to a costly membership fee or an issue with your membership and ask you to confirm or cancel the charge. These scammers try to convince you to provide payment or bank account information in order to reinstate a membership.

“Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information for products or services over the phone. To verify your Prime Membership status or make payments, log into your Amazon account, and go to Your Account.”

 

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Here are some important tips to identify scams and keep account and information safe, according Amazon’s email:

1. Trust Amazon-owned channels.

Always go through the Amazon mobile app or website when seeking customer service, tech support, or when looking to make changes to your account.

2. Be wary of false urgency.

Scammers may try to create a sense of urgency to persuade you to do what they're asking. Be wary any time someone tries to convince you that you must act now.

3. Never pay over the phone.

Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information, including gift cards (or “verification cards,” as some scammers call them) for products or services over the phone.

4. Verify links first.

Review the link for misspellings or repeated characters. Legitimate Amazon websites contain "amazon.com" or "amazon.com/support." Go directly to our website when seeking help with Amazon devices/services, orders or to make changes to your account.

5. Verify email senders.

Legitimate Amazon emails contain “@amazon.com”. In your web browser, hover over the display name under “From” to see full sender address. Look for misspellings or added or substituted characters. Visit the Message Center to view authentic messages from Amazon.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

Rosalynn Carter

  “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be.”

—Rosalynn Carter

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

ONE of the biggest news in the United States on November 19 was the passing of well-loved Rosalynn Carter.

The former first lady and one-half of the longest presidential marriage in U.S. history, was a pillar of her husband’s presidency and a trailblazing mental health advocate.

According to a release from the Carter Center, she died peacefully, with family by her side, at the age of 96.

Rosalynn was diagnosed with dementia in May, and it was announced on November 17 that she had entered hospice. 

At the time, the Carter Center said she and her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, were "spending time with each other and their family."

The Carter Center has published a tribute page in her honor.

According to 11 Alive, Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter formed a lifelong partnership that took them from a small town in South Georgia to the White House. 

“In many respects, the legacy of the Carter presidency – which is perhaps better defined by the decades of post-presidency humanitarian work done by the couple than by any one presidential act while in office – is as much hers as his,” 11 Alive narrated in a special tribute.

A key surrogate in Jimmy Carter’s political campaigns and then a critical component of his presidency from 1977-80, Rosalynn essentially was his closest adviser once described in the national media as the “second-most powerful person in the United States.”

 

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Beyond her unofficial influence, the reach of her official duties included formal trips to Latin America as the president’s personal representative and a position as the Honorary Chairperson of the President’s Commission on Mental Health. 

She attended Cabinet meetings, an extraordinary level of involvement for a first lady, and was the first first lady to take up her own active office in the East Wing.

In both her political work and later philanthropic activities, mental health was her defining cause.

The story goes she was on the campaign trail with husband in Atlanta during his first (unsuccessful) run to be governor of Georgia when she met a woman who was returning home from her overnight shift at a cotton mill. 

She asked the woman if she would be going home to rest, and the woman, looking exhausted, said that she would not be resting – she was on her way back to care for her daughter, who had mental health conditions.

It was an impression that stayed with Rosalynn. 

 

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She has said she later found Jimmy at a campaign event and, still preoccupied with her encounter, slipped in with him to shake hands. 

He asked her what she was doing, and she responded only with: “I want to know what you’re going to do about mental health issues.”

That moment sparked a decades-long crusade to fight mental health stigmas and improve mental health services in the U.S. and across the globe.

Her first role as an advocate was in Georgia – as a member of the Governor’s Commission to Improve Services for the Mentally and Emotionally Handicapped. During her time on that commission, a number of recommendations to improve Georgia’s mental health services became state law.

As chair of the President’s Commission on Mental Health, Rosalynn spearheaded work for a group that, according to Columbia University’s Global Mental Health Programs, was the first presidential commission focused on mental health.

After leaving the White House, the couple founded The Carter Center and Rosalynn made mental health the focus of her efforts through the organization, creating and chairing the center’s Mental Health Task Force and later establishing the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism.

 

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CLEPTOPHOBIA is fear of stealing. We need public officials and business partners who are cleptophobics.

CACOPHOBIA is fear of ugliness. This is big problem if you were born with a face only a mother could appreciate.

ABLUTOPHOBIA is fear of washing or bathing. Ablutophobiacs probably love germs and viruses. They should live in the desert.

THE QUICKEST. The chimpanzee holds the record for the quickest mammal sexual intercourse session at an average of 3 seconds.

WHAT IS THE SECRET BEHIND A SUCCESSFUL RELATIONSHIP? 91 percent of those surveyed said it was still finding your partner attractive after being together for several years. Being "attractive" does not mean only physically. We can be attractive because of our values, intelligence, and the way we treat others, especially the lowly people.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

2023 APEC Summit outcomes

“The only summit meeting that can succeed is the one that does not take place.”

—Barry Goldwater

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

A REPORT by the US Department of State stated that the convening of APEC Economic Leaders in San Francisco November 16-17 capped off a successful APEC host year for the United States, advancing its theme of “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All.”  

In addition to the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting chaired by President Jose Biden, APEC Economic Leaders’ Week included:  the Finance Ministers’ Meeting, chaired by Treasury Secretary Yellen, November 12-13, and the APEC Ministerial Meeting co-chaired by Secretary Anthony Blinken and U.S.

The 21 APEC member economies are home to 3 billion people – nearly 40 percent of the world’s population – and represent almost half of global trade and more than 60 percent of the world’s GDP, according to the US Department of State.

As of 2022, fellow APEC members were the destination for more than 60 percent of U.S. goods exports, and seven of the top 10 overall trading partners for the United States are APEC members.

The US took full advantage of the 2023 APEC host year to deepen their economic ties with key regional partners and advance a more innovative, interconnected, and inclusive economic agenda for the region.

According to the Department of State, private sector partners across all APEC economies play a critical role in APEC’s goal of driving sustainable, inclusive, and dynamic economic growth throughout the region.  

“APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, which convened nearly 3,000 senior government officials and global business leaders, featured extensive and substantial public-private collaboration, as a part of the APEC CEO Summit as well as the inaugural APEC Sustainable Future Forum and the APEC Business Advisory Council’s Annual Dialogue with Leaders.”

 

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During APEC Economic Leaders’ Week and the APEC CEO Summit, the Biden-Harris Administration announced significant private sector investments and contributions from both the United States and across the region.  

Added the Department of State: “Trade Representative Ambassador Tai, November 14-15.  It also included the APEC CEO Summit, which convened CEOs, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and political leaders for discussions on global opportunities and challenges that are shaping economic, environmental, and societal trends in the region, as well as the APEC Business Advisory Council Annual Dialogue with Leaders, chaired by Vice President Kamala Harris.

“Throughout our 2023 APEC host year, the United States worked with APEC economies to support sustainability through a focus on a just energy transition, build a Digital Pacific by advancing digital skills and connectivity, and promote resilience and inclusion by meeting the moment on trade and investment, gender equity, food security, anti-corruption, supply chains, and support for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. 

 

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“President Biden, as APEC Chair, has advanced a dynamic economic agenda, in line with the United States’ host year priorities of building a more interconnected, innovative, and inclusive APEC region. 

Under President Biden, the United States will continue leading the global economy to drive inclusive economic growth which benefits American workers, families, and businesses, and delivers prosperity across the Asia-Pacific.

“Leaders endorsed the Golden Gate Declaration, a consensus declaration to advance efforts to achieve APEC economies’ ambitious sustainability and inclusion objectives. 

The Declaration was issued alongside a companion Chair’s Statement, which reflects the Leaders’ discussion on Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and other geopolitical issues.  

“Secretary Blinken and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Tai joined their counterparts in issuing a consensus joint ministerial statement.  The Statement was similarly issued alongside a companion Chair’s Statement. 

Treasury Secretary Yellen also hosted ministers from November 12-13 for the 2023 Finance Minsters’ Meeting. 

“We look forward to continuing to advance many of these priorities when Peru hosts APEC in 2024,” announced the U.S.Department of State.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trailblazing Iloilo, Guimaras

“Only a strong economy can create higher asset values and sustainably good returns for savers.”

—Ben Bernanke

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

MAGNIFICENT things can happen when Ilonggo leaders shun politics, collect their talents and resources together, collaborate with business specialists, and barnstorm the country’s capital city to share the vision and mission of the region, and promote Iloilo and Guimaras as investment and, to some extent, ecotourism hubs.

Most of the resource speakers may be political personalities, but their agenda, visions, and sentiments are geared toward economic boom and prosperity for Iloilo and Guimaras. 

Nothing more. Nothing less.

We’re referring to the forthcoming Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Investment Forum on Nov. 20, 2023 at the Conrad Hotel in Manila.

In holding the first forum of such magnitude outside Western Visayas, Iloilo and Guimaras leaders hope to achieve a giant leap with a crisp battlecry: Invest. Grow. Expand.

With a consolidated land area of 1,124 square kilometers, Metro Iloilo-Guimaras is composed of Iloilo City, the island province of Guimaras and the municipalities of Cabatuan, Sta. Barbara, Pavia, Leganes, Oton and San Miguel.

The areas are blessed with a rich pool of human resources in its population of 1.007 million, with competencies in a wide range of academic, scientific, and technical skills.

 

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The event had been conceptualized in the past by previous business and political leaders in the region, but when it comes to panoramic impact and consolidation, nothing could come closer to the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Investment Forum which will be unwrapped for the first time in a wider and systematic scale.

Iloilo City and the surrounding municipalities are interconnected by excellent roads, among them the 15 kilometer, 4-lane President Corazon Aquino Avenue, commonly referred to as the Circumferential Road, which has not only eased traffic congestion but has opened new areas for development.

The economic and investment conclave will be spearheaded by the Metro Iloilo- Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC), which is in partnership with the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (ILED).

Interestingly, despite his retirement from public service, former senator Franklin Drilon will be one of the keynote speakers along with Iloilo city Mayor Geronimo “Jerry” Trenas, Iloilo Governor Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr., Guimaras Governor JC Rahman Nava, and Ryan Washburn, mission director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

 

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Will the Filipinos be alarmed by the apparent sweetheart undertone that attended the recent meeting in the APEC Summit between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden in San Franciso?

Daniel Ten Kate of Bloomberg’s Balance of Power has stressed that in a room full of business executives, Xi Jinping didn’t shy away from addressing a concern that has increasingly absorbed companies, governments and military strategists: Are the US and China headed for war?

The answer, according to the Chinese president, is a resounding no—at least if it’s up to him. Beijing just wants to be friends with the US, he said yesterday, and “has no intention to challenge the United States or to unseat it.”

Underscoring the point, Xi said: “China does not seek spheres of influence and will not fight a cold war or a hot war with anyone.”

The “hot war” reference appeared as a bid to lower tensions over Taiwan, the biggest long-term flashpoint between the world’s largest economies, and other places like the South China Sea.

Kate said while Xi has used the term previously, it’s the first time since then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan prompted China to respond with unprecedented military exercises surrounding the island, which the Chinese leader has vowed to take back by force if necessary.

Xi didn’t stop there: He also spoke about his time in Iowa, even mentioning the address where he stayed in his younger years, speaking about all the ways Americans and Chinese were similar. And he announced that pandas are heading back to American zoos — fully leveraging one of the most potent manifestations of Chinese soft (and cuddly) power.

Kate added: “It’s no accident Xi is trying to play nice. China’s economy is struggling to regain its footing after the Communist Party’s Covid controls took a toll. And foreign investors are looking elsewhere, as talk of war, export controls, corruption probes and executives being arrested all paint a grim picture.

“To be sure, it’s going to take more than a speech for Xi to reverse the downward slide in US-China ties.”

The fragility of the relationship was underscored by US President Joe Biden’s impromptu remark to reporters calling Xi a “dictator” — a word that stole the headlines and generated concern the atmosphere could sour yet again.

But for now, at least, Xi is back to playing peacemaker.

This developed as the Philippine Government nixed China’s demand to give them prior notice about resupply missions in the Filipinos’ own territory in the South China Sea.

 

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The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has insisted the operations, including the "upkeep" of a grounded navy ship, are legitimate and called on China to remove all "illegal structures" it built within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), cease reclamation in those areas and be accountable for the damage the activities caused.

China has repeatedly accused the Philippines of illegally entering its waters without its permission during its missions to transport food and water to Filipino soldiers living aboard a navy ship that Manila grounded at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. The atoll is called Ayungin by the Philippines and Renai Reef by China.

"We are being asked to give prior notification each time we conduct a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal. We will not do so," DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a statement.

China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, pointing to a line on its maps that cuts into the EEZs of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. Taiwan, which China also claims as part of its territory, has said it does not accept Beijing's maps.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said the line on China's maps had no legal basis, which Beijing rejects.

The Second Thomas Shoal lies 190 km (118 miles) off the island of Palawan, well within the Manila's EEZ.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

Fearless forecast: Rep. Janette Loreto-Garin won’t go to jail

“It is better that a guilty man should not be brought to trial than that he should be acquitted.”

—Livy

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

OUR fearless forecast is Iloilo 1^st district Representative Janette Loreto-Garin won’t be jailed for her role in the purchase of Dengvaxia, a vaccine used to immunize kids during the Noynoy Aquino administration where she served as Department of Health (DOH) secretary.

As a big fan and supporter of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., it’s so uncanny to see 50-year-old Loreto-Garin being locked in jail if found guilty of graft and technical malversation charges filed against her and several other DOH officials before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The wife of Miga-ao, Iloilo mayor Oscar “Richard” Garin Jr., and currently House deputy majority leader, posted bail November 13.

Both the Loretos in Leyte and the Garins in the first district of Iloilo went all out for Mr. Marcos Jr. during the 2022 presidential election. 

Loreto-Garin’s parents have been avid supporters of the Marcoses in the 80s. Loreto-Garin’s father-in-law, the late former Rep. Oscar “Oca” Garin Sr., was first elected as congressman after the 1986 EDSA Revolution that toppled the regime of President Marcos Jr’s father, Ferdinand Sr.

In many cases in the Philippines, political clan members facing the prospect of imprisonment managed to wiggle out from trouble if they were supporters of the incumbent administration. 

 

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In the previous Duterte regime, many high-ranking officials accused of malversation of public funds and even plunder, were only asked to tender their resignations.

Most of those who made millions or even billions illegally during their terms had exited the government unnoticed. No one went to jail.

Loreto-Garin, et al may still win an acquittal even without any influence or support from the Marcis Jr. administration. 

From the start of the Dengvaxia brouhaha, Loreto-Garin has maintained her innocence.

"Posting bail is part of the agonizing process to prove our innocence. It is a crucial step in ensuring fair trial and safeguarding one's rights," she said in a statement after posting a P108,000 bail. 

If Loreto-Garin, et al is acquitted, it will be a total defeat for the combative Samahan ng mga Magulang ang mga Anak ay Biktima ng Dengvaxia (SMABD), which had been pushing for her prosecution even before the Ombudsman filed the cases on October 24, 2023. 

SMABD administrator Sumachen Dominguez had earlier announced they were delighted upon learning that the Office of the Ombudsman filed criminal complaints against Garin and three others before the Sandiganbayan for alleged illegal use of public funds.

In the charge sheet, government prosecutors alleged that Garin, former DOH Undersecretary Kenneth Go, former DOH Officer-in-Charge Director Maria Joyce Ducusin and former Executive Director Julius Lecciones of the state-run Philippine Children’s Medical Center “willfully, unlawfully and feloniously” caused the release of P3.57 billion of public funds to increase the budget for the Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) but used the said funds for Dengvaxia purchase which is not part of the EPI.

 

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The Ombudsman further alleged that Dengvaxia vaccines are not listed in Volume 1 of the Philippine National Drug Formulary and have not secured an exemption from being listed in Philippine National Drug Formulary in violation of Executive Order No. 49, series of 1993, and related administrative orders and issuances.

The raps against Loreto-Garin have something to do with her alleged role in controversial school-based dengue vaccination program during the tail end of the Aquino government in 2016. 

The lady lawmaker ad added: "We hope that this first step into cleansing our name can be dealt with timely so that scientists and doctors can perform our regular tasks.”

Loreto-Garin is impacted in the alleged realignment of funds and alleged augmentation of funds for immunization relating to Dengvaxia, which was the vaccine used. 

She had lamented that the Dengvaxia issue has led to a significant drop in vaccine confidence among Filipinos. This has led to measles and polio outbreaks in the country. 

"Resolving the issue once and for all is aligned to the Doctors for Truth clamor because global history have taught us that any vaccine demonized, usually spreads to include other vaccine preventable diseases and results to outbreaks," Loreto-Garin had noted.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

NY-based Ilonggo worker fired from job for bedbugs

“I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living.”

—John D. Rockefeller

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

A VETERAN male caregiver from Bacolod City plans to lodge a formal complaint before the Department of Labor in New York City after he was terminated supposedly for bringing bedbugs in his workplace.

But Rustico (not his real name) denied he was responsible for bringing bedbugs in his workplace insisting he was illegally fired and his rights as a worker have been violated.

“There was no due process,” decried Rustico, a native of Mansilingan, an ecologically balanced, progressive, industrialized and peaceful village in Bacolod City, Philippines. “I was not given a warning and was terminated illegally before I could defend myself.”

Rustico, who turned 68 in November 11, denied he was a bedbugs carrier. 

“We never had bedbugs in our apartment (in Queens). The workplace was already filled with bedbugs even before I was hired. I was wrongly accused and terminated (last week of October 2023) for a sin I didn’t commit,” he sobbed.

Rustico suspected there could be another reason or reasons why he was “indiscriminately” fired other than the bedbugs ruckus, and he wanted his former employers to explain everything “in the proper forum.”

On November 13, he went to the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDL) in the Lower Manhattan.

 

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“I need your help,” Rustico appealed to a NYSDL staff. “I was illegally terminated, and I am filing a complaint against my former employers.”

The NYSDL staff handed him two documents to fill up. They were 1. Application for unemployment insurance assistance; and 2. Complaint for unfair labor practice.

Rustico wanted to prioritize the papers for unemployment insurance assistance “because I need money to pay my bills and buy my food.”

The following day or on November 14, a NYSDL staff called Rustico in his mobile phone to inform him the labor office would be assigning a case number after he has filed the formal complaint.

“At least, they (NYSDL) are willing to listen to me and, perhaps, to help me get justice,” Rustico enthused.

Rustico claimed he was “devastated” by the termination “because I didn’t expect it.”

He lamented that the termination “turned all my plans upside down because I was looking forward to avail whatever privileges due me as a legitimate employee in the end of the year. More than anything else, the wrong accusation (that I brought the bedbugs in my former workplace) has exposed me to shame and embarrassment. I suffered sleepless nights and mental anguish.”  

Rustico’s former employers are expected to file an answer to his formal complaint after the NYSDL has assigned a case number and ready to hear both sides.

 

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US PRAISES LEILA’S FREEDOM. The United States welcomes former Philippine Senator Leila de Lima’s release on bail after nearly seven years of detention on politically motivated drug charges, Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller has announced. 

Senator De Lima’s release follows her acquittal in two out of three cases. 

The United States, according to Miller, urges the Philippines to resolve the remaining case against her in a manner that is consistent with its international human rights obligations and commitments.

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PINOY TNTS, OTHER ALIENS IN DANGER IF…Former President Donald Trump is reportedly plotting a mass detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants should he regain power in 2024, the CNN has reported.

Some of Trump's plans reportedly include rounding up undocumented immigrants already in the US and placing them in detention camps to await deportation. 

On November 11, Trump vowed to sign an executive order, on Day 1 of a potential second term, to cease funding the provision of shelter and transportation for undocumented immigrants. 

He has also publicly said, according to CNN, he wants to revive many of his first-term policies to restrict both legal and illegal immigration — including reinstating a travel ban on predominantly Muslim countries and bringing back a Covid-era policy known as Title 42. Such plans would likely face fierce political and legal challenges.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)