010622 - Las Vegas Edition

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JANUARY 6-12, 2022

T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I CA N C O M MU N I T Y N E WS PA P E R

Volume 33 - No.1 • 12 Pages

2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 201 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

USA

DATELINE Filipino Americans in Las Vegas assist in Typhoon Odette relief FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

FILIPINO Americans in Las Vegas are doing their part in helping those devastated by Super Typhoon Rai. Known locally as Typhoon Odette, it blasted into the Philippines on December 16, 2021, with wind speeds of 160 miles per hour, affecting millions. Families lost their homes, crops, and livelihood.

Thousands sheltering in crowded evacuation centers are facing sanitation problems and are threatened with water-borne diseases.

“We want to help immediately,” said Luz Micabalo, president of the Philippine American Charity Foundation (PACF), a charitable organization based in Nevada.

“We are raising funds so we can feed starving families.”

“Together with our local partners in the

CDC recommends COVID-19 booster for kids ages 12 to 15

by AJPRESS THE United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week is recommending children ages 12 to 15 receive a booster shot five months after receiving their second dose of the

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

The announcement on Monday, January 3 comes after the agency’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted 13-1 approving a booster dose for minors in this age group.

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday

As we learn more about omicron variant, COVID-19 safety basics remain important NO EVADERS ALLOWED. Lt. Col. Elizabeth Jasmin (right), station commander of the Quezon City Police District Station 7, talks to two police officers deployed to a hotel designated as a quarantine facility in Cubao, Quezon City on Thursday, January 6. The Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered the deployment of at least two police officers in each designated quarantine facility to prevent incidents of guests and arriving travelers skipping mandatory quarantine amid the coronavirus pandemic.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

by DANIZA

FERNANDEZ Inquirer.net

“It would not be legally correct to go after the hotel owners or the managers there, whoever is attending to the needs of the people that are inside the hotel because of quarantine reasons,” Duterte said. “It has to be a government personnel or employee.”

He then asked Interior Secretary Eduardo Año if it would be possible to put two officers in two shifts in each quarantine hotel.

“Yes, sir,” Año said. “The chief Philippine National Police and I have talked about this and they’re prepared to do it.”

DOT chief: Passenger from US arrested after skipping quarantine, getting massage ADEL

Philstar.com

MANILA — The Department of Tourism reported another quarantine breach.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said a female passenger from the United States did not undergo quarantine and posted about getting a massage on the day she arrived.

This was reported by an informant who personally knows the passenger. The informant gave a sworn affidavit about the quarantine breach.

INFLUENZA and COVID-19, both infectious respiratory diseases, share similar symptoms and can even be contracted by a person at the same time, making it tricky to determine the infection by symptoms alone.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), flu, which is caused by the influenza virus, and COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, spread similarly via droplets and aerosols when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, sings or breathes.

People can also contract both COVID-19 and influenza by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

The United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following shared symptoms for flu and COVID-19: fever or having chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pain or body aches, headache, vomiting and diarrhea and change in or loss of taste or smell (although this is

u PAGE 2

Pres. Duterte wants cops deployed in quarantine hotels to prevent skipping

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte proposed on Tuesday, January 4 the deployment of police officers at quarantine hotels to prevent anyone from skipping quarantine, as a Filipino woman who arrived from the U.S. did last December.

During his weekly address to the people, Duterte admitted that it would be difficult to guard individuals under quarantine.

“Much as we would like really to control, even going after these defiant people, we can’t really guard them,” he said, speaking u PAGE 2 in a mix of Filipino and English.

by ROSETTE

u PAGE 2

More similarities than differences between flu and COVID-19

u PAGE 2

A CASE of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, was confirmed at the end of November in California thanks to the state’s large-scale testing and early detection systems. This variant is a cause for concern, not a reason to panic, and public health officials are monitoring the situation.

Until we know more about the new variant, it is important to remember the four things we can do to protect ourselves and our families against COVID-19: • Get fully vaccinated and get boosted • Wear a mask in indoor public settings • Get tested if you have symptoms or may have been exposed, and • Stay home when feeling sick California and federal health officials are working around the clock to study the new variant, including how it spreads, the vaccine’s efficacy against it and impact on COVID-19 symptoms. The reality is that the longer COVID-19 remains a threat, the most variants we will have to overcome. That’s why it is critical Californians get vaccinated to slow the spread of the dominant strains.

Kids 5-11 are eligible for vaccines and adults who have already completed their vaccine series are able to receive booters in time for

also expanded the emergency use authorization to 12 to 15 year olds as schools begin to reopen after the holiday break and the omicron variant continues to spread throughout the country.

“It is critical that we protect our children

“Somebody gave the name even gave pictures that on the day she arrived she even got a massage, as in she was even posting it on her Instagram stories.

She was very proud that she was skipping quarantine,” Puyat said partly in Filipino in an interview with CNN Philippines’ “The Source”.

“That person has already been caught,” she added.

Puyat said the arrested passenger just claimed she checked into a hotel but the report showed that she never checked in for quarantine. She added that the

u PAGE 3

COVID CASES UP 570%

PH back in high-risk category

passenger went directly to her condominium.

The DOT chief has yet to respond to Philstar.com’s request for comment on the custody and whereabouts of the quarantine violator.

The DOT chief in the televised interview, however, said the details on the quarantine violator have already been submitted to the Bureau of Quarantine and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

“I leave it up to them,” she Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

u PAGE 2

BUSINESS AS USUAL. Shoppers search for bargains in Divisoria in Manila on Sunday, Jan. 2, amid warnings from government officials on rising COVID-19 cases.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike Alquinto

by KAITHREEN

CRUZ ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Health (DOH) placed the entire country under the high-risk category as COVID-19 cases grew by 222% in just two weeks.

“Nationally, we are now at high risk case classification — from low risk case classification in the previous week — showing a positive two-week growth rate at 222% and moderate risk average daily attack rate at 1.07 cases for every 100,000 individuals,” Health Philstar.com file photo Undersecretary Maria Rosario

Vergeire said.

She explained that the National Capital Region (NCR) had the highest increase in cases with an average daily attack rate of 5.42 cases per 100,000 population.

Vergeire said that average daily cases significantly increased by 570%, which was seven times higher than in the previous weeks. The national positivity rate has reached 10.8 percent, while NCR has a positivity rate of 19.4%.

“An increase in the number of individuals testing positive,

u PAGE 3

2

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

January 6-12, 2022 • LaS VEGaS aSIan JOurnaL

From The FronT Page

CDC recommends COVID-19 booster...

PAGE 1 and teens from COVID-19 infection and the complications of severe disease. Today, I endorsed ACIP’s vote to expand eligibility and strengthen our recommendations for booster doses. We now recommend that all adolescents aged 12-17 years should receive a booster shot 5 months after their primary series. This booster dose will provide optimized protection against COVID19 and the Omicron variant.

I encourage all parents to

daily case counts across the country have climbed about 60%, but hospitalizations and deaths have been relatively low, leading to the conclusion that the omicron variant may be less fatal.

According to the CDC, more than 70% of people aged 12 or older in the United States are fully vaccinated, as of Tuesday, Jan. 4. Since receiving clearance to get vaccinated in November, more children between 5 and 11 are getting vaccinated; as of Tuesday, about a quarter of all U.S. children in that age bracket have received at least one dose.

On Wednesday, Jan. 5 the CDC reported 717,765 new cases across the United States.

Additionally, the seven-day average for positive Covid cases stands at 547,613 new cases per day, according to the CDC. In comparison, the CDC reported 151,140 new cases nationwide a month before, on Dec. 3. The seven-day average then was 107,434.

The surge this week is likely due to holiday gatherings, and health regulators are expecting an increase in the following weeks due to the Unsplash.com photo by CDC holiday break. n

keep their children up to date with CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine recommendations,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a statement.

Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine is authorized for children ages 12-17.

Confirmed by multiple scientific studies and trends across the country, those who are vaccinated and boosted are less likely to succumb to the more severe effects of the coronavirus.

Walensky said last week that

More similarities than differences between...

PAGE 1 more frequent with COVID-19).

However, symptoms may develop longer after infection for those with COVID-19 than those who have flu, the CDC said.

A person with COVID-19 typically shows symptoms five days after being infected, while a person with flu can experience symptoms one to four days after infection.

Those with COVID-19 can also be contagious for a longer time than people with flu, who are contagious for only about a day before they show symptoms.

Health experts from the WHO had said that some may have few symptoms for flu or COVID-19 depending on one’s immunity level.

The Johns Hopkins University, meanwhile, said both illnesses can be asymptomatic and

symptoms may range from mild to fatal. Flu and COVID-19 may also lead to pneumonia.

Cooler weather and lower humidity are also key factors in the spread of viruses, the US National Institutes of Health said in its January 2022 newsletter.

It quoted health experts who said cold and flu viruses survive better and become more transmissible during winter.

Likewise, health experts had said that preventive measures are similar for the two diseases, namely washing of hands, wearing of masks, maintaining physical distancing and staying in well-ventilated areas.

A preliminary study in The University of Hong Kong (HKU) showed that Omicron thrives in airways, where it multiplies itself 70 times more quickly, compared to the Delta variant.

Omicron, however, replicates

10 times more slowly in lung tissues, which might contribute to less severe illness. But the peer review for the formal report of the study has yet to be completed.

In the Philippines, influenzalike illnesses increased by 30 percent last year. From Jan. 1 to Nov. 13, there were 71,708 influenza-like cases, up from 55,331 cases recorded during the same period in 2020, based on a surveillance report of the Department of Health.

Davao region had the most number of cases in the same period with 16,013, followed

by Northern Mindanao (10,168) and Central Visayas (8,773).

Deaths due to influenza-like illnesses also rose to 831 from Jan. 1 to Nov. 13 last year, up from 577 deaths registered in the same period in 2020.

(Inquirer.net)

SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY Procurement Dept.

340 N. 11TH Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101

SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) B22017 GC CONSTRUCTION SERVICES: ENERGY UPGRADES & REHAB OF 4 HOMES PRIMARY CONTACT PERSON(S): Note: Contact with any other SNRHA staff other than the named here, including SNRHA’s Residents and Board of Commissioners will result in your Proposal being rejected.

Linda P. Simpson, Contracts Administrator Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority Contracts & Purchasing lpsimpson@snvrha.org or

HOW TO OBTAIN THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS ON THE APPLICABLE WEBSITE:

DOWNLOAD AND RESPOND TO THIS SOLICITATION: Housing Agency Marketplace website: ha.economicengine.com (no “www”) Registered Users: “Log in and insert Solicitation No. IFB B22017. Non Registered Users: You must first register your company before downloading the Solicitation. Click on “New Vendor” to register. Problems accessing the system or registering, call customer support at 866-5269266, M-F, 9 AM (EST) – 4 PM (PST)

PRE-BID MEETING VIA WEBEX.COM Meeting No. 2550 392 3868 Password: STm2Ddf4Ts9

Wed., Jan., 12, 2022, 9:30 AM (PST)

SITE VISITS:

Wed., Jan 12, 2022, 10:30 AM; following Pre-Bid Conference Begin at 4044 LaBrea, Las Vegas

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS DEADLINE:

Wed., Jan., 12, 2022, 9:00 AM (PST) – Fri, Jan., 21, 2022 5PM (PST)

SEALED BIDS SUBMISSION DEADLINE:

Wed., Feb 9, 2022, 10:00 AM (PST)

SEALED BIDS SUBMISSION LOCATION:

Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority Attn: Linda P. Simpson Contracts & Purchasing 340 North 11TH Street, Suite 180, Las Vegas, NV 89101

ELECTRONIC BID SUBMISSION: ha.economicengine.com

Your two (2) hard copy bids must be sealed in an envelope and/or boxes and must be received in-hand and time-stamped by the SNRHA’s Procurement Office no later than the deadline date and time. Additionally, electronic pricing must be entered at the noted website by the same deadline date and time. Submitting one without the other deems your bid nonresponsive. LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED – NO EXCEPTIONS.

NO PUBLIC BID OPENING:

Results will be posted on the applicable websites.

APPROVAL BY BOC, IF NECESSARY:

Wanda Beckett, Contracts Administrator procurement@snvrha.org

Thursday, Mar 17, 2022, 12N

WOMEN AND/OR MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE

NO PROCESSION ANEW. Devotees stand near the vicinity of Quiapo Church on Wednesday, January 6. For the second straight year, the annual ‘traslacion’ or grand procession of the Black Nazarene is suspended due to soaring coronavirus infections. PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

As we learn more about omicron variant...

PAGE 1 the holidays.

Based on what we do know about this emerging variant, I’m answering your questions below: How can I protect my family from this new variant?

COVID-19 safety basics continue to be important tools to help slow the spread of COVID-19. First and foremost, everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated and complete their vaccination series. Get a booster when you are eligible. If you are sick, stay home and get tested for COVID-19. And wear a mask when it can protect you and others, especially in indoor public settings. N95 and KN95 masks offer the best protection.

Additionally, Californians are strongly encouraged to enroll in CA Notify to be informed when they have been exposed to COVID-19, or to anonymously report that they’ve tested positive.

CANotify.ca.gov makes it easy for California to quickly alert others of possible exposure, allowing them to take the necessary precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 across the state.

Will the vaccines still work against the Omicron variant?

We are still learning about the new variant, including how it spreads and infects individuals as well as how it responds to vaccines. But we do know that variants will continue to emerge as long as there are large proportions of unvaccinated people. We have to remember that COVID-19 is a virus, it wants to live as long as possible by mutating into other variants, which is why vaccination is key to stopping it and its future variants in their tracks.

Right now, we know that all three COVID-19 vaccines remain highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death associated with the main variant circulating in California: the Delta variant.

Will the tests we have in California be able to detect the Omicron variant?

The Omicron variant can be detected with PCR and antigen testing that is currently available in California. Testing is being expanded by the state at international airports, prioritizing arrivals from affected countries.

The state is monitoring for the variant’s presence through COVIDNet, the unprecedented Whole Genome Sequencing Surveillance that utilizes sequencing data to help control the spread of COVID-19.

I have family overseas and I am worried about us and them traveling during the holiday season.

Travelers should follow guidance from the CDC. All air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show

a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before travel to the U.S. starting December 6.

Additionally, the CDC recommends testing within 3-5 days after arrival, and unvaccinated travelers should quarantine for 7 days regardless of a negative test. If COVID-19 symptoms develop, travelers should continue to isolate and get tested again.

Where can I go to get tested if I have symptoms of COVID19, or if I have been potentially exposed?

Californians can find a COVID19 testing site online at MyTurn. ca.gov or by calling (833) 4224255.

Where can families get more information about the vaccine and to make an appointment?

Visit the state’s websites at www.vaccinateall58.com or www.myturn.ca.gov for more information on the safety and effectiveness of COVID19 vaccines and to make a vaccination appointment.

(Dr. Dali Fan/Ethnic Media Services)

DOT chief: Passenger from US arrested...

PAGE 1 ‘Poblacion incident’ The latest quarantine breach came after a woman, identified as Gwyneth Anne Chua, was able to skip isolation at a hotel in Makati to party and then eventually tested positive for COVID-19. Chua also arrived from the U.S. Berjaya Makati Hotel, the hotel under probe for the quarantine breach, said sorry “for failing to stop the guest from jumping her quarantine.”

The DOT earlier served a Notice to Explain directing the establishment to submit its response to the allegations within

the three days.

Puyat said she already read the press release of the Makati hotel but had yet to receive a formal reply from the establishment.

Under the country’s quarantine rules, passengers who arrived from countries and territories under the Yellow list such as the U.S. are required to undergo facility-based quarantine with an RT-PCR test taken on the fifth day, with the date of arrival being the first day.

“Regardless of a negative result, they shall be required to undergo home quarantine up to the 14th day from the date of arrival,” the

Department of Health said.

Meanwhile, quarantine facilities such as hotels that would break the health and safety protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases may be penalized.

“Failure to comply with the health and safety protocols of the DOT, the DOH, or the IATF-EID may lead to criminal penalties of fines and/or imprisonment, and administrative penalties such as suspension or revocation of accreditation depending on the gravity of the offense,” the DOT said in a previous statement. n

Filipino Americans in Las Vegas assist in...

PAGE 1 Visayas islands, the Philippine Bisayan Society of Nevada (PBSN) has released $10,000 worth of food packages consisting of noodles, rice, and canned goods for distribution,” said Romeo Jurani, PBSN adviser and governor/trustee of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA).

“Our efforts are focused on both immediate and long-term assistance,” remarked Gloria T. Caoile, co-chair of the fundrais-

ing efforts. “We are also trying to complement the large-scale response directed towards reconstruction and recovery by providing water filtration systems to communities.”

The organization is partnering with 1Filipino Foundation, a registered foundation in the Philippines, to distribute the water filtration system. Distributions are planned for Surigao (Surigao City, Siargao), Cebu (Gawad Kalinga Village, Pasol), Palawan (Puerto Princesa), and Bohol

(Tagbilaran, Loboc).

“Friends, family, and Filipino American businesses in the Las Vegas area have been very generous,” said Micabalo. “To date, we have raised funds to feed 1,000 families.”

“We started a GoFundMe campaign to connect with our friends and family outside the Las Vegas area,” said Caoile. “We welcome everyone to join us.”

Individuals can donate to the GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/69f0cf5f. n

Las Vegas community leaders on January 4 discuss strategies for Super Typhoon Rai/Odette relief. The immediate goal of the group is to distribute prepackaged food and water. Long-term relief involves installation of water filtration systems in affected areas. Zoom screenshot shows upper row (L-R): Jacqueline de Joya, Romeo and Nadia Jurani, Gloria T. Caoile, Bernie Benito; Middle row (L-R): Sonny Vinuya, Sally Balecha, Joel and Olive Enriquez, Luz Micabalo; and lower row (L-R): Frank and Minda Banaria, Princess Viray, Carl Magno, Leo and Ami Belmonte.

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Date line USa

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • January 6-12, 2022

PH back in high-risk...

PAGE 1

MAP OF THE PHILIPPINES. Using recycled materials such as plastic bottles, eco-aides of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Mendez-Nuñez in Cavite construct a model of the Philippine islands as an attraction at the former dumpsite in the upper part of Cavite province on Tuesday, Jan. 4.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Dennis Abrina

Southern Nevada Health District recommends getting tested at community sites not emergency departments THE Southern Nevada Health District reminds everyone that COVID-19 testing is available at locations throughout the community.

People seeking testing should visit one of the many community sites rather than visiting a hospital emergency department for testing. The Health District recently expanded its testing site hours at three College of Southern Nevada locations and mobile testing units and kiosks are scheduled for local libraries and community centers. For a complete list of testing sites, visit: www.snhd. info/covid-testing.

With the current increase in COVID-19 cases and influenza season, it is important to keep emergency departments from becoming overwhelmed with individuals seeking COVID-19 testing. People who are experiencing severe illness that can include trouble breathing, persistent pain or chest pressure, new confusion, inability to wake up or

stay aware, or has blue lips, should seek immediate medical care.

“It is important to keep our health care system from becoming overwhelmed as we see increases in COVID-19 cases at this time of year,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “We continue to encourage COVID-19 testing, especially for people who have symptoms or who have had recent travel during the holidays. It is also important to get vaccinated against COVID-19, to complete the appropriate vaccine series, and to get a booster dose when eligible.”

The Southern Nevada Health District is working with partners to evaluate current testing needs in the community based on increased demand. Any updated information about testing will be provided and posted on our website as well. Testing information is also available on the Nevada Health Response

website: https://nvhealthresponse. nv.gov/find-covid-19-testing-innevada/. Appointments are recommended. While walk-ins are accepted, they are based on availability and might not be available at all sites. We encourage people seeking testing to check our website frequently for open appointments.

People who have mild symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and self-isolate for five days after their test. If they continue to be asymptomatic, they can leave isolation but must wear a mask for five more days. For more information about self-isolation and quarantine, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Quarantine and Isolation page.

Additional COVID-19 resources and information are available on the Health District website at www.

SNHD.info/covidand the Nevada Health Response website. n

Pres. Duterte wants cops deployed in...

PAGE 1 Meanwhile, earlier on Tuesday, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Grou of the PNP filed a complaint at the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office against the woman who skipped quarantine

last December — Gwyneth Anne Chua — along with her parents, and five employees and officials of the hotel where she was supposed to have been under quarantine.

Chua breached COVID-19

quarantine protocols by leaving the Berjaya Makati Hotel to attend a party in Barangay Poblacion, Makati.

The hotel had earlier apologized for “failing to stop” Chua from skipping quarantine. n

as well as positivity rate, were seen across all regions. All regions, except for NCR, showed a decline in the number of samples tested in the recent week compared to the previous week,” she added.

Health care utilization rates in national and regional levels were low, after the DOH alerted hospitals and local government units to prepare for the possible increase in cases.

Meanwhile, Health Undersecretary and Treatment Czar Leopoldo Vega warned that Omicron could become the dominant variant in the next three to four weeks.

“I think in about three to four weeks, as predicted, the Omicron will be dominant in terms of 50 to 90% of the cases, overtaking the Delta variant.

But the Delta variant is still around with us,” he said in an interview with ANC. He noted that studies on the Omicron variant showed that it only brought mild symptoms.

However, he warned that the huge number of cases that could be caused by the Omicron variant could overwhelm hospitals.

Vega urged the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Vaccines prevent severe cases [of the virus] and even death. Definitely, all of these vaccines would wane in terms of the neutralizing antibodies for Omicron, but they can prevent serious disease and death,” he said.

On Monday, January 3, the DOH reported 4,084 new cases of COVID-19, pushing the total number of infections to 2,855,819 with 24,992 active cases.

Majority of the active cases were either asymptomatic or mild.

Hospital bed utilization increased in Metro Manila to 29% occupancy for intensive care unit beds, 27% for isolation beds, and 30% for ward beds. At the national level, they were at 23% each for ICU and isolation beds and 16% forward beds.

Vergeire reminded the public to follow health protocols.

She also advised against visiting the three Cs — close spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings — where the virus could easily spread. “[DoH] would like to remind

all our citizens that if you experience symptoms, please isolate at once and have yourself tested — it is better to test and be sure,” she added.

Vergeire said that PhilHealth now offers free Covid testing.

Stay home Malacañang on Monday urged the public to stay indoors unless they have to do essential business outside.

Cabinet Secretary and acting Presidential spokesman Karlo Alexei Nograles particularly addressed the call to those who “are not feeling well” and are exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

“Ang panawagan namin sa lahat (our appeal to everyone), when you feel something is not right, ‘wag ka nang lumabas (don’t go out anymore). Isolate then treat it as if you have Covid,” Nograles said in an interview with ANC’s Headstart.

“Any symptoms... Mag-isolate ka muna, ‘wag ka munang mag-report sa work, magpatest ka agad (Isolate first, don’t report to work, get tested immediately). Try to protect your families, those in the community, your workplaces,” he added.

Alert Level 3 means limited mobility anew especially for minors and senior citizens.

Officials of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will meet on Tuesday, January 4, to discuss the restrictions to be applied in areas

3

under Alert Level 3.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Monday that unvaccinated people will not be allowed outside.

MMDA Chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said in a virtual press briefing that Metro mayors unanimously agreed to pass ordinances that will restrict the movement and activities of unvaccinated people.

Abalos said unvaccinated people should stay at home.

They will only be allowed out to buy food, water and medicine.

They will also not be allowed in restaurants, malls, hotels, event venues and sports and country clubs. They will also not be allowed to take public transportation.

“This is like [Enhanced Community Quarantine] but only for the unvaccinated, and for their own protection,” Abalos said.

“It will be hard for us to go into lockdown again. We must learn how to live with the [Omicron] variant,” he added.

Individual outdoor exercises may be allowed for unvaccinated people but it should be limited to “within the general area of residence.”

Those who have to report to work will have to take RT-PCR tests every two weeks at their own expense. They must also present a negative COVID-19 test result. n

D ateline PhiliPPines National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose dies at 97 4

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

January 6-12, 2022 • LaS VEGaS aSIan JOurnaL

by Zacarian

Sarao

Inquirer.net

MANILA — National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose passed away on Thursday, January 6, at the age of 97.

This was confirmed by the Philippine Center of International Poets, Essayists, Novelists in a statement.

“Jose died Thursday evening at the Makati Medical Center where he was supposed to undergo an

angioplasty Friday Jan. 7, according to his wife, Tessie Jovellanos Jose,” said the organization that Jose also founded.

“Tessie said Jose apparently died in his sleep. He was declared dead at 9:30 p.m,” it added.

Jose recently celebrated his 97th birthday last Dec. 3.

On Thursday afternoon, Jose posted on his Facebook account what would seem like a letter to his own heart.

“For 97 years you have been

constantly working patiently pumping much more efficiently and longer than most machines.

Of course, I know that a book lasts long too, as the libraries have shown, books that have lived more than 300 years,” said Jose in his post.

“Now, that I am here in waiting for an angioplasty, I hope that you will survive it and I with it, so that I will be able to continue what I have been doing with so much energy that only you have been able to give,” he added.

Angioplasty is a procedure used to open blocked coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease.

Jose is known as one of the most widely read Filipino authors in the English language, with works that have been translated into 28 different languages.

Jose’s works have won the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature in five separate years, and has also received recognition MAP OF THE PHILIPPINES. Using recycled materials such as plastic bottles, eco-aides of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources from award-giving bodies, which Office of Mendez-Nuñez in Cavite construct a model of the Philippine islands as an attraction at the former dumpsite in the upper part of include the Cultural Center of the Cavite province on Tuesday, Jan. 4.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Dennis Abrina Philippines’ Centennial Award in 1999, France’s Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres in 2000, as well as the Pablo Neruda Centennial Award in Chile in 2004.

The Philippine government then bestowed upon Jose the title of National Artist for Literature in 2001, ng Kamalayang Kayumanggi) Andres, Danilo Lihaylihay and for his outstanding contributions

by KriStine Joy pataG • Bongbong Marcos (Partido Edgar Niez.

Philstar.com to Philippine literature. n Federal ng Pilipinas) Comelec’s list for vice presi• Jose Montemayor (Demo- dential bets retained the nine MANILA — Presidential bets names it released on December for the 2022 national elections are cratic Party of the Philippines) • Sen. Manny Pacquiao (Abag 24. They are: down to 11, from the previous 15, • Lito Atienza (Abag Promdi) in the latest tentative list released Promdi) • Vice President Leni Robredo • Walden Bello (Partido Lakas by the Commission on Elections (Independent) ng Masa) on Thursday, January 6.

PFP’s Marcos is the lone Mar• Rizalito David (Democratic The Comelec’s updated tentacilities may face more day-to-day tive list of aspirants for the 2022 cos on the list after the Comelec Party of the Philippines) • Davao City Mayor Sara complaints involving food, medi- national elections showed the excluded Maria Aurora Marcos cine, and health issues if there following names as presidential (Independent) as a presidential Duterte (Lakas Christian Muslim aspirant.

Democrats) will be more OFWs in quarantine aspirants, in alphabetical order: Marcos emerged as the top bet • Manny Lopez (Workers and facilities.

• Former presidential spokesTo address this, OWWA has person Ernie Abella (Indepen- in the latest Pulse Asia pre-elec- Peasants Party) tions survey released in Decem• Dr. Willie Ong (Aksyon Dedeployed additional teams to dent) oversee the needs of the quaran• Gerald Arcega (Indepen- ber, although his presidential bid mokratiko) faces a slew of disqualification • Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangtined OFWs. dent) President Rodrigo Duterte ear• Leody de Guzman (Partido suits and a petition to cancel his ilinan (Liberal Party) Certificate of Candidacy, which • Carlos Serapio (Katipunan ng lier proposed the deployment of Lakas ng Masa) police officers to guard quarantine • Isko Moreno Domagoso is currently up for resolution. Kamalayang Kayumanggi) Surveys offer a snapshot of pub• Senate President Tito Sotto hotels and prevent anyone from (Aksyon Demokratiko) jumping quarantine.

• Norberto Gonzales (Partido lic sentiment during the survey (Nationalist People’s Coalition) For senatorial aspirants, the He made the proposal in light Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pili- period but public sentiment can change over time.

Commission further trimmed of reports of returning Filipinos pinas) Comelec also dropped three down from 70 to 64. from the United States skipping • Sen. Ping Lacson (Partdo para more aspirants who were runThe Comelec said that the Tenquarantine and spreading COVID- sa Demokratikong Reporma) 19 in the country. n • Faisal Mangondato (Katipunan ning as independents: Hilario PAGE 7

Philippine presidential bets down to 11 in Comelec’s latest tentative list for 2022 polls

National Artist F. Sionil Jose

Photo from his Facebook page

Number of OFWs in quarantine facilities close to ‘red alert’ level

by Daphne

GalveZ Inquirer.net

M A N I LA — T h e n u m b e r of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) now staying in quarantine facilities is already reaching the “red alert” level, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said on Thursday, January 6.

The situation, however, is still manageable, the OWWA said.

OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac said about 9,000 OFWs are currently staying in 240 hotel quarantine facilities.

“Manageable ang sitwasyon sa ngayon, although medyo red

flag or red alert levels na ‘yan for us,” he said.

(The situation is manageable for now but it is already considered a red alert for us.)

“So, binabantayan nating maigi ang sitwasyon. Nakadepende kasi ito sa bilis ng pag-swab test at bilis ng paglabas ng swab test result,” he added.

(So we are monitoring the situation closely. It depends on the speed of the testing and the release of the results.)

He said facilities are seeing a delay in the release of swab test results due to the volume but they are already addressing it.

Cacdac said quarantine fa-

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6

JANUARY 6-12, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

Tracing, testing urgently needed

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FEATURES

HERE we go again, forced to tighten public health safety restrictions as the latest COVID variant of concern threatens lives and economic recovery.

After nearly two years, everyone should be familiar with the drill by now. And authorities should know the weaknesses in the pandemic response that still wait to be addressed, starting with contact tracing and testing.

The government never fully dealt with the weakness of contact tracing capability, leaving the task largely to local government units while hoping that vaccination would make up for the inadequacy. Only international travelers have been properly documented for contact tracing. The StaySafe.PH tracing app is a national embarrassment and LGUs have yet to fully link their respective tracing apps to a central database.

Contact tracing will be critical if the government wants to contain what is said to be the most transmissible variant yet of SARS-CoV-2. At the same time, timely testing must be made more affordable and accessible. Even when showing possible symptoms of COVID and the potential to spread the disease to the entire household, the cost of a reliable RT-PCR test – the cheapest being P1,500 for a saliva test – discourages many people from getting tested.

Some LGUs with small populations have offered

free testing to residents in low-income communities. Even those who are not extremely poor, however, but have lost their livelihoods due to the pandemic will be deterred by the cost of testing. If they get infected, the absence of contact tracing will raise their risk of spreading the virus.

On Monday, January 3, the first working day of the year, the Department of Health reported that the entire country was back to “high risk” for COVID. At the same time, the DOH said people should behave as if there is now community transmission of the Omicron variant, said to be several times more infectious than the virulent Delta.

The DOH is basing its warning on the leap in new infections. Within a span of one week, cases nationwide have surged from just 318 on Dec. 27 to 4,600 by Jan. 2. Monday’s cases were at 4,084, the stricter Alert Level 3 also began Monday. with no reports from 21 laboratories.

In Metro Manila, epicenter of the contagion Restricting mobility and vaccination are not since the onset of the pandemic in the country, enough. From the start, efficient contact tracing

Editorial

Irresponsible travelers

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ THERE is absolutely no doubt that the highly contagious Omicron is now raging quickly all over the world, with countries in Europe as well as the United States and Australia reporting record-high cases of infection this week. To manage and control the transmission of this virus to the extent possible, strict health protocols need to be implemented. Clearly, the number one health protocol is to quarantine travelers from abroad.

In the United States, a staggering 580,000 cases were reported last Thursday, Dec. 30, and experts have already warned of an “Omicron blizzard” as cases of infection continue to rise dramatically, averaging 290,000 daily during the week.

One good news is that recent studies on laboratory animals and human tissues indicate that compared to earlier variants, Omicron causes milder illness because it largely attacks the upper respiratory tract – the

nostrils, throat and larynx – and causes less severe damage to the lungs, most especially for those triple vaccinated.

However, the speed at which it spreads still makes it dangerous in overwhelming hospitals and may cause deaths, especially to unvaccinated individuals.

A study conducted in South Africa, specifically on the city of Tshwane which was described by researchers as the “global epicenter” of the Omicron surge, showed that the peak has passed roughly one month after a surge in cases, with milder illness and no corresponding jump in hospitalizations and deaths. But this is likely due to high levels of prior infection and vaccination coverage, since about two thirds of the people in Tshwane already had some form of immunity from COVID19 either through vaccination or prior infection.

Yet there is still so much that we don’t know about Omicron so we have to be cautious.

Even if studies indicate that it is milder, particularly for those who received mRNA vaccines, it is still the responsibility of every single person – especially those

IN most cases, an ending year simply ushers in a new year in a chronological manner. Of course, the change in numbers from one year to another remains important because many things in life, especially history, are documented numerically. But some new years are beyond symbolic, beyond numeric. They really are new because they carry with them a new energy, a new spirit.

2022 is one such year. The pandemic is morphing into a new variant, Omicron, milder, it seems, but many times more infectious. There are lessons from Great Britain and other European countries now undergoing new surges despite their highly vaccinated populations. 2022 will not just be about more vaccinations but booster shots, and maybe fourth shots.

The new normal is not any clearer two years down the road with COVID-19. In fact, it is only COVID-19 that is sure about what its future is. At no time during its inception did COVID-19 waver from its nature, from its capacity to infect and to mutate. New normal can only come after eliminating COVID-19 or learning how to live with it in a humanly productive way.

who remain unvaccinated – to take precautions because they could actually be the carrier of a lethal weapon.

Ultimately, no one will argue that it is our responsibility to make sure we do not contribute to the spread of COVID-19, even if in places like the US, freedom and choice are preeminent.

Some countries are imposing masking and vaccination mandates, limiting the choices of people: either you get vaccinated or risk isolation because you could potentially kill another person if you pass on the virus. Aside from the elderly and people with co-morbidities, younger individuals have also become susceptible, with reports confirming that younger people are getting hospitalized due to Omicron.

In the Philippines, the Omicron variant is already spreading with new cases spiking to 2,961 last Friday, Dec. 31 – the highest in almost two months, with the positivity rate recorded at 10.3 percent which is way above the five percent standard set by the WHO. Local cases of Omicron infection have

also been confirmed in Metro Manila, which was to be placed under the stricter Alert Level 3 starting Wednesday, Jan. 5.

The report about this particular individual who flouted mandatory hotel quarantine protocols and even went partying despite knowing she may be carrying the virus is really the height of irresponsibility. This person arrived from the United States and after checking in at a quarantine hotel on Dec. 22, had dinner with some friends the next day and even went partying at a bar in Makati later that night. On the fifth day since her arrival, she tested positive for COVID-19.

After an initial denial, the woman admitted that she violated quarantine protocols, said Tourism Secretary Berna Puyat, who also disclosed that the hotel is now under investigation and was issued a show cause order to explain why the person was able to leave the hotel when she was supposed to be in isolation.

Reports say at least 15 people who came into close contact with the violator have tested

positive for COVID-19.

The bar where the individual went partying also expressed its dismay and disappointment at the turn of events, with the health and safety of the guests and staff already compromised because many have been infected.

“For the past two years under this pandemic, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that our venue is a safe place for our customers to have a good time without fear of contracting the virus,” the bar said in a statement.

The establishment had no idea that the woman came from abroad as she was with a group that had prior reservation. She showed proof of vaccination, had her temperature taken and even filled a health declaration form. As a consequence, the bar decided to close for the meantime, with the rest of the staff undergoing testing and strict isolation for the next few weeks.

Aside from potentially passing on the virus which could prove fatal to high-risk individuals, this irresponsible behavior of one individual

could also kill businesses that are crucial to the country’s economic recovery.

People should not forget that more than ever this pandemic continues to be lethal. More than five million people all over the world have died, with over 286 million infected and counting – which means their families have also suffered and may be continuing to suffer through this pandemic. Add to that the trillions of dollars in terms of global economic losses.

All of us may have different political beliefs or “colors” but at the end of the day, we all live on the same planet and only have one country. As true Filipinos, we should think of doing good to our fellow citizens and act responsibly. I pray the New Year will bring a renewed spirit of hope in our country. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

The promise of 2022

Glimpses

JOSE MA. MONTELIBANO

Philstar.com photo

and aggressive testing have been shown to be effective in containing a surge. They will be indispensable in fighting Omicron. (Philstar.com)

For the Philippines, what is differently new? The pandemic may be changing form but that is not new. What may be uniquely challenging is adapting to active life outside the home despite high levels of COVID. It is not only the fact that there will be no hundreds of billions anymore of subsidies left but that the economy cannot survive more paralysis and bankruptcies. It may be that circumstances will force government to avoid lockdowns so businesses can stay open, and people allowed to work and earn.

The early highlight, though, of 2022 is the campaign and elections that have already captured so much attention among Filipinos. The changing of the guards, so to speak, causes unusual excitement and apprehension. Saying goodbye to a visibly tired and ailing Duterte gives hope to a healthier and younger replacement – and Filipinos deserve a fully active and creative president in one of our worst moments.

At the same time, old faces of power hardly ever want to willingly cede away power and the control of awesome resources. Now increasingly known among their detractors as the Gang of Four, in reference to the old Gang of Four of China after Mao’s death, the MarcosDuterte-Estrada-Arroyo alli-

ance pits powerful, traditional powers against democracy and transparency advocates. While each past president did say they were for democracy, they did try their creative ways to seek legal means to circumvent the oneterm condition of the Constitution. Except Estrada for obvious reasons.

Change advocates will challenge established institutions that are known to controlling everybody else. It is not power that is challenged because power will always exist. Rather, it is power that is controlling in both intent and application. In other words, it is dictatorial power versus enabling power. Naturally, dictatorial power is established. It has long been the dominant force of Philippine society.

The new wave of consciousness, however, is characterized by its distaste of how traditional power had dominated society and seeks to find its own expression of independence. This young and fresh mindset does not often confront traditional power but refuses to blindly kowtow to it. Moreover, the spirit of innovation and radical expression finds ways to do its own thing in its own way.

In its desperate attempt to perpetuate power in its old form, traditional, controlling power, using the great wealth it amassed in the domineering exercise of

power and authority, has a great edge over its opponents. But the current of life does not presently favor the deliberate extension of what is obsolete.

It is like cryptocurrency, one of the most creative rebellions against established dictatorial power in the financial world.

Central banks all over the world have not managed to kill or abort it. Rather, it is cryptocurrency that has increased its variations and is forcing financial institutions to adapt. Slowly, maybe, but steadily.

In politics, the change will not come easily except possibly on the surface. Since there is no party system that works beyond the name and the primary personalities who control all of them, there is nothing that needs to be dismantled. But the value system driving politics in the Philippines will be confronted with a thirst for something else, something new, something young.

That is the promise of 2022.

While it matters, the victory or defeat of old or new forces will not stop the unstoppable march of evolution. If Marcos wins, it will mean that the old way has found temporary players to represent itself. But Marcos will never sit comfortably as president unless he junks what evolution asks – which he will resist so he can try to alter the legacy his

Pexels.com photo by cottonbro

father left behind.

If Leni Robredo wins, however, change will have found a willing and committed partner.

That does not spell success as dismantling something old and decrepit will not be smooth. How many children and grandchildren have tried to wrest power away from older generations yet encountered hell while trying.

Her political will and moral code will be severely tested, even and especially if she will be in the right.

The 36-year period from 1986 to 2022 may seem like forever to many, but to life, it is but a wink. Change has not come as expected because the needed work by the citizens, and not just by the powers-that-be, has been minimal. Filipinos must awaken to the fact that they are their final

saviors and not the politicians.

The needed leader of the Filipino people must then be a powerful inspiration, motivator, and determined enabler. That is the parent that the younger generations need to become the engine of growth and the future.

COVID-19. A weakened economy. A divided people. Poverty.

Hunger. Drugs. Corruption.

Against these is the promise of 2022, a promise of even more difficult times lies ahead. At the same, a silver lining is there, an opportunity will be placed in our hands in the new year. (Inquirer. net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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7

2022 election spending: Will it boost PH GDP amid COVID?

by Cristina

eloisa Inquirer.net

CLOSED ANEW. An outdoor carnival in Barangay Salitran 3, Dasmarinas City, Cavite is temporarily closed on Wednesday, January 5. Funfairs/ carnivals and kid amusement industries are among businesses that are not allowed to operate as the province reverted to Alert Level 3 from January 5 to 15, due to the rising number of COviD-19 infections.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

106% of NCR’s population protection target now fully vaxxed vs COVID

by Daniza

FernanDez Inquirer.net

MANILA — Around 10.4 million individuals or 106% of Metro Manila’s population protection target are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Sa ngayon po, ang nabakunahan po natin ay 106% na po, 10.4 million,” Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos said during President Rodrigo Duterte’s Talk to the People on Thursday, January 6.

(To date, we have vaccinated 106%, 10.4 million.)

Meanwhile, 11,147,904 individuals have received their first dose as of January 4, data presented by

Abalos showed. This represents 113.75% of the target.

The chair also noted that the capital region is on track to achieve its goal of administering 763,986 booster doses this month.

“Sa booster shots naman ang tina-target po namin ay [763,986] for January. Ngayon po ay nakaka[727,897] na po tayo. Maganda na po, right on target,” he said.

(For booster shots, our target is 763,986 for January. Now, we have administered 727,897. It is good, right on target.)

On the other hand, local governments in Metro Manila are exerting more effort to inoculate the pediatric population or those aged 12 to 17.

“Sa pediatric, ito po ‘yung mga

bata, ang target po rito is 1.4 million, nakaka-[919,975] na po tayo na first dose at 804,313 [for second dose],” Abalos noted.

(For the pediatric population, our target is 1.4 million. We have vaccinated 919,975 for the first dose and 804,313 for the second dose.)

“Double time pa rin po kami dito dahil talaga ang tanging solusyon dito, ang pinaka-solusyon ay ang pagbabakuna,” he continued.

(We are working double time because the solution to the pandemic is vaccination.)

Nationwide, about 51 million individuals are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of January 5, Department of Health data presented. n

Philippine presidential bets down to 11 in...

PAGE 4 tative List of Aspirants/Candidates for the coming polls “are based on the initial evaluation of the Certificates of Nomination, Certificates of Candidacy and Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance.”

“Consequently, the contents of the list, particularly the names of the aspirants/candidates, political

parties, as well as the name to appear on the ballot are subject to change as a result of any further evaluation and/or resolution of the Commission En Banc in relation thereto,” it added.

The Comelec has also been asked to re-open the reopen the period for the filing of COCs, filed by a faction of the ruling party Par-

tido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan.

The PDP-Laban wing led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has been left without an official candidate for president after Sen. Bato Dela Rosa withdrew his COC and had Sen. Bong Go as substitute, only for the longtime presidential aide to back out in December. n

BaClig

MANILA — With the national and local elections inching closer this year, can the country’s economic growth—which has taken a beating from the COVID-19 pandemic these past two years— get a boost from this year’s poll spending?

In 2020, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) shrank by a record 9.6 percent—the worst annual recession in the Philippines’ postwar history—caused by then longest and most stringent lockdowns due to COVID-19.

The economic output slid to P17.9 trillion that year. In 2021, GDP was expected to rise to P19.4 trillion.

The government aims for a 7 to 9 percent GDP expansion in 2022, which was much faster than the 4 to 5 percent target last year but at the same rate as economic growth in years before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this article, INQUIRER. net will try to answer the question of whether the upcoming major elections will help boost the Philippine economy this year—as the country continues to battle against the impact of the dreaded disease.

Elections and PH economy “[O]ne of the things that we look forward to … is the favorable impact of the national elections,” said De La Salle University school of economics associate dean Mitzie Conchada in a quarterly census survey on Asian economies by think tank Japan Center for Economic Research’s (JCER) released December last year.

Elections, according to former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) directorgeneral Cielito Habito, always boost the Philippine economy.

“A quick scan of GDP growth data over the past 25 years would readily show that election years tend to be marked by higher than usual economic growth,” Habito said in a column piece published on INQUIRER.net.

Based on data presented by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno in a 2016 column piece on Per SE— which publishes commentary and research on current events and public policy by economists from the University of the Philippines (UP)—there has been a strong

economic growth recorded during past presidential election years.

“Every election year, especially in a presidential election year, the economy gets an extra boost,” said Diokno.

Economic peaks which coincided with the presidential and local elections include 6.7 percent in 2004, 6.6 percent in 2007, 7.6 percent in 2010, 7.1 percent

in 2013, and 6.9 percent in 2016, still according to Diokno’s report.

In 2016, the same year Rodrigo Duterte ran and won the presidential elections, GDP grew by 6.8 percent in Q1, 7 percent in Q2, 7.1 percent in Q3, and 6.6 percent in Q4.

A report by First Metro Investment Corporation (First Metro) in u PAGE 8

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January 6-12, 2022 • LaS VEGaS aSIan JOurnaL

Date lin e Ph iliP P in e s

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Lacson will not quit presidential race

by Bernadette

e. tamayo

ManilaTimes.net

PARTIDO Reporma President Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez said the party’s presidential candidate, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, will not quit even if he is lagging in surveys.

In a radio interview on Wednesday, January 5, Alvarez said whatever happens, Lacson should not withdraw from the presidential race because doing so would deprive voters of the chance to pick “the right leader.”

He said that Lacson remains the most qualified for the position of chief executive among the contenders for the presidency.

Alvarez deplored the “dirty DRIVE-THRU SWAB TEST. Motorists queue up at a drive-through swab testing center along Kamuning Road in Quezon City on Wednesday, January 5. Some establishments have required employees who traveled to other areas during the holiday season to present a negative COVID-19 test result before they are allowed to report for work.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Lorenzana: Viral video on martial law ‘fake news’

by Francis

earl cueto

ManilaTimes.net

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana dubbed as “fake news,” a viral social media video which said that the country will be placed under martial law due to the sharp increase in new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19) cases daily.

“Not true. Fake news. Definitely out of the picture. There is no compelling reason to declare martial law,” Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana said that the rapid

rise is not a big enough reason to make such a declaration.

“Increase in new cases? The highest we had was 26,000 plus last year. Today we have 17,220. This variant, while more transmissible, is less virulent than delta. Less people get seriously sick,” he said.

A video circulating online said President Rodrigo Duterte will declare martial law due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases that was attributed to the more transmissible Omicron variant.

It asked people to start stockpiling and prepare as well for a

lockdown.

Under the Philippine Constitution, the President, as head of state and commander in chief of the armed forces, may declare Martial Law “in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it.”

When asked on the possibility of an enhanced community quarantine type of lockdown, Lorenzana pointed to the InterAgency Task Force.

“The IATF is still evaluating. But not total lockdown,” Lorenzana said. n

No basis to arrest unvaccinated outside their homes, law expert says MANILA — A constitutional law expert said there is no legal basis to arrest unvaccinated individuals who are outside their homes.

Former Integrated Bar of the Philippines president Domingo Egon Cayosa said there is no law or ordinance that prohibits an unvaccinated person from leaving their houses.

“What is clear is the new ordinance in Metro Manila that under Alert Level 3 and you are yet to be vaccinated, you cannot go to public places,” he said in Filipino in an interview with DZBB. Metro Manila mayors agreed in principle to restrict movements and activities of unvaccinated individuals and are set to issue ordinances to bar them from public places like malls and restaurants.

But President Rodrigo Duterte, in a pre-recorded briefing that aired Tuesday night, said barangay captains should tell those who are not vaccinated to not leave their houses.

“If you leave, you will be escorted, if you force the issue, I said, because the barangay captain is a person in authority, he can place you under arrest and bring you to the station,” Duterte added partly in Filipino.

Cayosa however noted that ordinances have a penal component and have to be “strictly construed.”

“So if the ordinance states the prohibition will be on malls, public places… but if you are in front of your house and you do no go to [public places], then there is no ordinance stating you cannot go

out of your home,” he said.

He also stressed that the exercise of police power will still be based on the law or ordinances.

“Absent any crime, you will not have basis to arrest,” Cayosa continued.

The Duterte government has been criticized for militarizing its approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, as seen in lockdowns enforced with police and military manning checkpoints.

This is also not the first time the president threatened arrest amid the pandemic: from quarantine protocol violators, people without face masks, to barangay captains who fail to enforce a ban on mass gatherings, those wearing their face masks improperly, and people who refuse to be vaccinated.

(Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar.com)

2022 election spending: Will it boost...

PAGE 7

2019, ahead of the general elections that year, said the country’s GDP was 7 percent average during the five past election years, while GDP during non-election years was an average of 5.1 percent.

“While there are surely many other determinants of economic growth, the above data seem to suggest that elections have a substantial growth-inducing effect on the economy, pushing growth by up to 2-3 percentage points,” said Habito.

But how exactly does poll spending affect economic growth?

A lot of money flows out during the election season.

Habito explained that whether this money came from hidden or unhidden local or offshore bank accounts, out of government coffers, or other legal or illegal sources, this election money goes around the country’s economy.

“All this money buys campaign posters, streamers and tarps; radio, TV and newspaper ads; land, sea and air transport services for candidates and their entourage; hotel and other accommodations; T-shirts and caps emblazoned with candidates’ names; show business personalities’ talent fees; salaries and wages of various campaign workers; food and meals consumed and given away during the campaign, and so on and so forth,” he added.

A 2010 NEDA paper detailed that at least P13.5 billion additional spending in 2007 can be directly attributed to elections.

This was equivalent to a 0.34 percentage point increase in overall GDP, according to Habito.

This figure was comprised of campaign spending by both candidates and political parties, and government spending, specifically by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on election preparations and the conduct of elections.

The GDP growth, as a result of election spending, however, can be predictably short-lived according to Diokno. “[T]he economy decelerates right after the election-related boom,” he said. “[GDP] growth slowed from 6.7% in 2004 to 4.8% in 2005; from 6.6% in 2007 to 4.2% in 2008; from 7.6% in 2010 to 3.7% in 2011; and from 7.2% in 2013 to 6.1% in 2014,” he added.

COVID-19: low boost While election spending was expected to boost the economy this year, Diokno said it might be at a slower rate compared to previous election years.

“There will still be a bump but not as big as the previous elections,” said Diokno last year at the European-Philippine Business Summit.

He added that the bump brought by the May 2022 elections might be 0.50 percent, half of the usual poll-related contribution to the country’s total GDP growth.

“I don’t think this election would be as expensive as previous elections. I can say that because there will be no open campaigning,” he explained.

“It will be through the social media and as you know, to me, that’s less expensive than the physical campaigning of politicians,” he added.

According to Republic Act No, 7166 which the Comelec implements, candidates or political parties are allowed to spend only P10 per voter if running for president or vice president and P3 per voter if running for other positions.

Candidates without support from any political party, or those running as independent, may spend up to P5 per voter, the law said.

Political parties could spend P5 for every registered voter.

“Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, any contribution in cash or in-kind to any candidate or political party or coalition of parties for campaign purposes, duly reported to the commission, shall not be subject to the payment of any gift tax,” the law said.

Still, some economists were hopeful that the elections can bolster the country’s economic recovery.

For this year, economists forecast a 7.1 percent GDP growth, higher than the 6.6 percent in 2021 and within the government’s 7 to 9 percent goal for 2022.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), in its Fiscal Risks Statement 2022 report released last December, said the upcoming elections “may affect the country’s political and economic climate.”

“The implementation of the government’s infrastructure projects may be disrupted, as public

works and the release of public funds during the election period are prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines,” said the DBCC. The DBCC was referring to the ban on public works, which will be implemented 45 days before the general elections.

During this period, the government is prohibited from releasing funds for public works construction and the hiring and movement of government personnel.

The ban aims to prevent government officials from using government resources and facilities to influence voters in their choices.

“The prohibition on public works, as well as for social welfare dole-outs, may contribute to a slowdown on infrastructure disbursements during the first half of 2022,” said the DBCC. What’s ahead As the country moves closer to the 2022 general elections, the next administration would not only face the graft and corruption issues that gripped the nation in 2021 and in previous years, but also a gargantuan economic challenge and a mountain of debt, according to Sen. Panfilo Lacson.

“The presidency—I’m saying this without politics, this is just practical application—cannot be practiced because the problems which will be faced by the next administration are already massive. It’s not OJT (on-the-job training),” he said.

“You have to appreciate the problems. Don’t just enter without knowing your problems because you will have a hard time finding solutions,” he added.

Data from the Department of Finance (DOF) showed that the country has so far borrowed a total of P1.15 trillion for the COVID fight.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) released data that showed that the country’s total debt has reached a historic high of P11.97 trillion as of October 2021.

This was at least 0.46 higher than P11.92 trillion in September.

The BTr also said year-on-year debt stock rose by 19.4 percent from over P10 trillion in October 2020.

The DOF reported last month that the national government’s outstanding debt might reach a record-high P13.42 trillion by the end of 2022—which will be faced by the next president and his or her administration. n

tricks” of other camps to make it seem that the Partido Reporma standard bearer is quitting with still four months before the elections.

He hinted that the tricks were part of an effort to “steal” Lacson’s running mate, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto 3rd, who has been leading most vice presidential surveys.

“That is not true. For me, these are political dirty tricks to make it appear that we are stopping and surrendering,” Alvarez said in Filipino and English.

He said those who want Lacson to quit should realize there is still plenty of time before the elections, “that surveys are not elections, and that Filipinos can change

their mind about their chosen candidates even on the eve of election day itself.”

Alvarez also denied reports that the Partido Reporma was negotiating with other groups to solidify the so-called opposition, as the party was “focused on building up the groundwork that would boost Lacson’s numbers all the way to May 9 and lift him to the presidency.”

“For me, they should think the elections are on May 9, which is a long way off. Surveys are not elections themselves. People can change two months, one month before, two weeks before, three weeks before, one week before or even a day before — they can still change their minds,” Alvarez said. n

Duterte signs law prohibiting child marriage by alexis

romero Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into a law a measure banning child marriage, a policy seen to protect children from abusive practices and unwanted responsibilities.

Republic Act No. 11596 or An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof was signed into law last December 10, documents released by Malacañang showed.

According to the law, the state affirms that marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of capacitated parties, and child betrothal and marriage shall have no legal effect.

Under the law, any person who causes, fixes, facilitates, or

arranges a child marriage shall suffer the penalty of prision mayor in its medium period or imprisonment of eight years and one day to ten years and a fine of not less than P40,000. If the violator is an ascendant, parent, adoptive parent, step parent, or guardian of the child, the penalty will be prision mayor in its maximum period or imprisonment of ten years and one day to 12 years, a fine of not less than P50,000, and perpetual loss of parental authority.

Any person who produces, prints, issues or distributes fraudulent or tampered documents such as birth certificates, affidavits of delayed registration of birth or foundling certificates to misrepresent the age of a child to facilitate child marriage or evade liability under the act shall also

be liable under the law without prejudice to liability under other laws.

Any person who performs or officiates a child marriage shall be slapped with the penalty of prision mayor in its maximum period or imprisonment of ten years and one day to 12 years and a fine of not less than P50,000.

An adult partner who cohabitates with a child outside wedlock shall suffer the penalty of prision mayor in its maximum period or imprisonment of ten years and one day to 12 years and a fine of not less than P50,000.

If the violator is a public officer, he or she shall be dismissed from the service and may be perpetually disqualified from holding office, depending on the decision of the courts. n

CHR to press on with rights education despite vetoed creation of Human Rights Institute

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

caBico

MANILA — The Commission of Human Rights said it is “saddened” by President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to veto the establishment of the Human Rights Institute, but vowed it will continue to make human rights education accessible to people.

Duterte rejected a provision in Republic Act 11639 or the General Appropriations Act of 2022 that establishes the HRI, a flagship program of the CHR. The president said no “appropriation is provided for the purpose,” meaning there is no funding set aside for it.

In a statement Tuesday, CHR Commissioner Karen GomezDumpit maintained the item appropriation is for the discharge of the agency’s constitutional mandate.

“The establishment of a Human Rights Institute is a longtime vision of previous and present commissions in ensuring crucial human rights education is made accessible to the people and for government personnel to better understand their role as primary duty-bearers in fulfilling human rights obligations to faithfully comply with human rights standards and principles,” GomezDumpit said.

“The HRI was envisioned to

fight against revisionism and provide a gateway for robust human rights education programs with other government institutions,” she added.

Duterte’s term—which will end on June 30—has been characterized by extrajudicial executions, rise in the climate of impunity, and deteriorating human rights situation, observers said.

The president has repeatedly said that he does not care about human rights although the government maintains that it is aware of its obligations to uphold and promote human rights.

Relevance in addressing world’s problems During the institute’s launch last month, Gomez-Dumpit stressed the need to study human rights, which is relevant in addressing impunity, climate change, inequality, and other modern-day challenges.

HRI offers general, special and professional courses online, which can be availed by law enforcers, jail personnel, judges, and prosecutors. It will also offer webinars, learning modules, and specialized courses on human rights.

“The institute will not cause additional burden to the government as this will be undertaken with existing resources of the commission while harnessing

its potential for collaboration and partnerships with other institutions and organizations to further support it,” GomezDumpit said.

Despite the “disheartening” veto, the CHR will press on, the commissioner vowed.

“We shall continue to pound the walls of impunity to convey the message of human rights straight and across to our people. We are fully committed to continuously engage government and encourage them to do better as we work towards educating the people about human rights and promoting human rights of all,” Gomez-Dumpit said.

Gender responsive restrooms also vetoed The commission also expressed disappointment with the veto of the transportation department’s Gender Responsive Restroom Program.

“This appropriations item sought to address a specific gender and human rights issue—it was meant to recognize diversity of DOTr clients and ensure safe access to essential facilities without discrimination,” Gomez-Dumpit said.

“Efforts showing commitment to gender equality and non-discrimination deserve support through the provision of sufficient resources.” n

Odette agriculture damage climbs to P11.1B by catherine

talavera Philstar.com

MANILA — Damage to agriculture due to Typhoon Odette has increased to P11.1 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center reported yesterday.

The DA said 389,316 farmers and fishermen in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen and Caraga and 420,465 hectares of agricultural land have been af-

fected so far. ”Affected commodities include rice, corn, high-value crops, coconut, sugarcane, livestock and fisheries. Damage has also been incurred in agricultural infrastructures, machineries and equipment,” the DA said.

Fisheries accounted for 27 percent of the damage valued at P3 billion; rice, P2.6 billion; high-value crops, P1.5 billion; coconut, P1.5 billion, sugarcane, P1.2 billion, and irrigation and agri-facilities, P411.4 million.

Meanwhile, damage to the power sector climbed to P3.36 billion as more electric cooperatives

submitted their reports.

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) said 33 power cooperatives incurred losses.

Data from NEA’s disaster risk reduction and management department showed that the Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative Inc. incurred losses of P723 million followed by Bohol Electric Cooperative Inc., with P545.54 million, and Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative Inc., P433.79 million.

The NEA said restoration of household connections reached 68.6 percent or 2.56 million households. n

City government general services employees and police personnel clear a road of felled trees and other debris left by Typhoon Odette in Barangay Tipolo in Mandaue, Cebu on Thursday, January 6.

Philstar.com photo

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January 6, 20229

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • January 6-12, 2022

VEGAS&STYLE Journal

inside

LifestyLe • Consumer Guide • Community • MARketpLAce

Health @Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS IF there is such a thing as “the best time to get COVID-19 infection,” it could be now with the Omicron variant, which appears (so far) to be milder although super contagious, especially for the unvaccinated. If those who have refused the vaccines are hoping to get natural immunity instead, Omicron could be their saving grace as it is less damaging to the lungs, compared to the original strains and the Delta variant.

For those unvaccinated who have health issues, Omicron infection can still be more dangerous, riskier than getting the vaccines.

When those with the booster get infected, they would have 2-tiered immunity: protection provided by the vaccines, and another from natural immunity. The latter is less stable and shorter-lasting and not as reliable as immunity conferred by the vaccines.

If at least 80 percent of those (60 million) who refuse vaccination get infected now, they would develop some natural immunity, which might help the country inch toward herd immunity in a few months. It would be much faster if they got vaccinated instead.

Omicron (thank God) is now the predominant strain, representing 95 percent of all COVID-19 cases, with infections one million on Monday, January 3 alone, although with fewer hospitalizations and deaths compared to Delta.

The first death from Omicron was reported Monday in Harris County, Texas – a 50-year-old male, who was unvaccinated and got the infection. For the unvac-

Omicron: A ‘blessing’? ‘Mano Po Legacy’: A gathering cinated, the complications are much worse, especially among those with health issues. Had this man been vaccinated, he could have survived the infection.

The risks and complications among those protected by the booster when infected with Omicron are markedly milder. A trenchant, ironic blessing, perhaps.

News roundup In the Philippines, there have been 2,861,119 COVID-19 cases, with 51,604 deaths as of January 4, 2022. More than 100 million vaccines have been administered to a total population of 111,763,229.

To get the Pfizer vaccines, people have to pay $100 per shot, while all the shots, including the booster, are free in the United States. *** According to a study from one South African hospital published on Tuesday, January 4, patient deaths from Omicron averaged 4.5%, compared to 21.3% from previous waves. About 45% of patients with Omicron required supplemental oxygen, while 99% of patients from previous COVID19 waves needed breathing assistance. The average length of stay for Omicron patients was 4 days -- less than half the average for other strains. *** Researchers from the University of Cape Town reported that saliva samples yielded more accurate results in PCR analyses when Omicron was involved compared with nasal swabs. When patients carried the Delta variant, on the other hand, nasal swabs were more accurate. *** HHS announced that Roche and Siemens have two new rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 on the market. If COVID-19 infection is

suspected, the best is to get tested. *** As of Tuesday, January 4, there were 293,264,764 cases and 5,468,191 deaths worldwide, and 57,131,187 cases with 848,885 deaths in the U.S. Last week, there were almost half a million cases, mostly Omicron, in one day. *** With another day of recordbreaking infections in France, Paris is implementing mandatory masking, according to the Associated Press. India is bracing for its third coronavirus wave, as many people have stopped wearing masks and are back to large gatherings, according to CNN. *** With Omicron, the greatest concentration of the viral load is found in the mouth and throat. Gargling 3 times a day with a mouthwash that contains stabilized chlorine dioxide (like TheraBreath, OraCare, CloSys, and DioxRinse) might help reduce this load and minimize symptoms even. *** There are two new (home) pills for COVID-19. One is from Pfizer (Paxlovid), for ages 12 and older, that can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death by 90 percent (the other, molnupiravir, is from Merck) if taken in the early stage of the infection, and for those family members exposed to the patient. Merck’s pills reduce the risk by only 30-50 percent. *** New randomized trial: Fluvoxamine (100 mg, 3 times a day) given to non-hospitalized patients within 7 days after COVID-19 infection was shown to reduce clinical deterioration (shortness of breath and oxygen use) at 15 PAGE 10

of veteran and promising stars

By Jerry

Donato Philstar.com

ASIDE from the familiar and engaging family affair theme of Mano Po, it’s the gathering of veteran actors and promising stars that also holds the attention of audiences. The latter get to have a front-row view of intergenerational acting. Somehow, it has become a tradition of sorts, and another reason why the Regal Entertainment movie franchise thrives and remains appealing to audiences.

With the airing of its smallscreen adaptation, Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune, on GMA Telebabad, viewers experience all of that more intimately, in the comfort of their homes.

Bringing their years of experience in essaying roles to the family drama are Sunshine Cruz, Maricel Laxa and Barbie Forteza, with Boots Anson-Roa as the leader of the pack.

“This is a dream come true to

me,” said Sunshine of her participation in the Kapuso Network’s 2022 teleserye offering in a recent virtual press conference. “Before I would just watch it. I was always wondering: Bakit hindi ako nabibigyan ng offer to be a part of the movie?”

When the offer landed in her lap, Sunshine met it with excitement. “So, when they asked me that I needed to cut my hair, kahit siyempre magmula nung nagstart ako nang pag-a-artista palagi long hair ako, di ba. So, walang kaabog-abog, I said, ‘Sige. Sure, kung kinakailangan na ganyan ang buhok, game na game ako.’

That’s how excited I am,” recalled she. “To be able to work with my Ninang Boots Anson-Roa, Ms. Maricel Laxa and itong mga naggagalingang kabataang artista, it is really a blessing and an honor for me.”

Acting in Mano Po Legacy on GMA felt like a homecoming to Maricel. “Kasi I started in GMA,” shared she. “And then, when I

was seen by Mother Lily in GMA Supershow, that’s when she asked me and invited me to be a part of Regal Films. So, parang akong nabalik sa mga magagandang memories of my beginnings.”

Mother Lily Monteverde is the matriarch behind Regal Films.

Maricel added that “having had the chance to work with her (Tita Boots) again, this time, made me realize, ‘Wow, I want to be that.’

She inspired me again. Sabi ko, ‘I never realize I’ll be back, but I’m here and I wanna be just like her.’”

“I was speechless,” shared Barbie when she learned about her latest assignment. “We all know kung gaano kalaki talaga and kung gaano siya naging parte ng movie industry ang Mano Po. To be a part of this, ngayon na nasa small screen na siya, I’m very proud and very honored.”

The female characters Consuelo Chan, Valerie Lim, Christine Chan and Steffie Dy, played by Boots, Maricel, Sunshine, and Barbie, PAGE 10

Mano Po Legacy stars (from left) Nikki Co, Darwin Yu, Maricel Laxa, Boots Anson-Roa, Barbie Forteza, Rob Gomez, Sunshine Cruz, David Licauco, Dustin Yu and Casie Banks.

GMA photo

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January 6-12, 2022 • LaS VEGaS aSIan JOurnaL

Tax Tips Victor Sy, MBA, cPA (retired) Should you operate your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or llC? You may have heard that corporations and llCs offer liability protection for shareholders and members. You may also have heard that Nevada entities offer more protection. however, there’s a theory called “corporate veil” behind which shareholders and members hide behind. let’s examine if such theory can hold up against creditors of Nevada corporation.

1. A corporation or llC has its own separate legal identity - separate and distinct from owners.

That entity, not you, operates the business. It owns the business assets, owes business debts, collects business revenues and pays business expenses.

2. As such, your entity offers some degree of liability protection since business problems can be kept in the corporation without exposing your personal assets; likewise, your personal problems do not expose business assets.

3. using corporations and llCs to protect your personal assets has

Piercing the veil of a Nevada corporation been referred to as hiding behind a corporate veil. Creditors want to pierce this corporate veil to get to your personal assets.

4. The corporate veil that protects personal assets of the business owners can make a corporation or limited liability company (llC) look attractive looking for asset protection.

5. Nevada law provides strong protection against piercing the corporate veil where corporate owners can be held responsible for the actions of a corporation.

6. let’s take the case of two states: Anti-business California and business friendly Nevada. If your California corporation is sued anywhere, consumer friendly California law applies. ouch.

7. If your Nevada corporation is sued anywhere, business friendly Nevada law applies.

8. If your Nevada corporation operates only in California and is sued in a California court, the California court would use Nevada law even if the corporation only operates in California and is simply chartered in Nevada as a flag of convenience (home base).

9. Courts of law pierce the corporate veil if: • There is no real separation between the company and its owners.

• The company’s actions were

wrongful or fraudulent.

• The company’s creditors suffered an unjust cost.

10. how to prevent courts from piercing corporate veil: • Follow corporate formalities. hold annual meetings of directors and shareholders or members.

• Keep written minutes of important decisions made at these meetings.

• Do not commingle assets. Do not pay personal expenses such as house mortgage from the business bank account. do not deposit checks made payable to the corporation into your personal bank account.

• If creditors successfully pierce your corporate veil, courts impose personal liability on officers, directors, shareholders, and members. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV – Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation. *** He retired after 50 years of defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He published a book on “How to Avoid or Survive IRS Audits” that’s available at Amazon. Readers may email tax questions to vicsy@live.com.

‘Mano Po Legacy’: A gathering of veteran...

PAGE 9 respectively, are all empowered.

They know their worth as a person. lucky to have the chance to share the screen and test their acting mettle with these fine, reliable actresses are david licauco, Nikki Co, Rob Gomez and dustin Yu. They all portray “The heirs” Anton, Jameson, Joseph and Kenneth Chan in the TV series.

“Actually, in every teleserye, there’s always a pressure just like in my last teleserye, heartful Café, which was also my first-ever lead in a teleserye,” said david. “But with the pressure, I try to improve (myself and my performance at work), kapag may pressure kasi, feeling ko duon ka gagaling.” he found his character Anton challenging because the latter is preoccupied by family problems. With proper preparations for the role, however, david would make the grade. “I think kaya naman,” said he. “I’d like to think na OK yung pinakita ko for this teleserye.”

Playing someone you’re not in real life is the task Nikki has taken

on. “Yun palang challenge na sa akin,” he shared. “I had to really prepare, grabe yung extent nung kasamaan ni Jameson. And then working with the veteran actors, grabe naman po yung pagiging welcoming nila. So, we created chemistry together. Mabilis naman yung process… tinutulungan din po nila kami in the scenes that we make.”

This is something Rob can attest to by saying, “I’ve learned so much from them all. I ask them for information and tips. I’m learning and I’m still gonna ask for more information and insights in the industry.” Thankful for the opportunity and trust given to him by GMA, he added, “with everyone that I’m working with right now, I just don’t want to disappoint them.”

Although the greenhorns have mixed feelings while working on this iconic project, they have to be at their best.

“When I was told about my inclusion in the series, I got super excited and at the same time, nervous since I’m a newbie,” said

ANNOUNCEMENT

dustin. “When we were on set, sobrang nakagawa kami ng chemistry. Sa umpisa talaga very challenging… super helpful nila sa set.

I was challenged but magaang naman ‘pag dating sa set. ‘Pag wala kami sa set, nag-bo-bonding kami para may chemistry.”

These stars, who represent different generations of talent, form the ensemble acting of Mano Po legacy. Viewers have started to witness it since the TV series premiered on Monday, January 3.

Mano Po legacy will have its own distinct form as well as feel. Also in the cast are Almira Muhlach, david Chua, darwin Yu and Casie Banks. “doing a serye is definitely different from doing a film,” said director Ian loreños, “So, tin-ry namin i-squeeze lahat ng kaya naming i-push (we tried to squeeze in everything we could push) — in terms of quality, acting and story — to the small screen para ma-appreciate ng wider audience yung Mano Po.” With that, audiences are in for another compelling narrative weeknights.

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Paulo on real score with Janine

by Dana

Cruz Inquirer.net

PAulo Avelino has revealed that he is just waiting for his fellow actor Janine Gutierrez to be ready for him to court her, years after they first went out on dates.

Avelino and Gutierrez talked about a possible romance between them in a virtual media conference for the TV series “Marry Me, Marry You,” shown on ABS-CBN’s YouTube channel yesterday, Jan. 4. They were asked if they would be the next to fall in love, after their co-stars Cherry Pie Picache and Edu Manzano confirmed their relationship last November.

“Gusto ko lang sumagot na lahat kami naiinggit kay Miss Pie at kay Tito Edu kapag nakikita namin sila magkasama. Sinasabi ko lang na walang tatalo sa kasweetan nila,” Gutierrez said.

(I just want to say that we are all jealous of Miss Pie and Sir Edu when we see them together. I’m just saying that nothing beats their sweetness.)

When it was pointed out to her that many viewers and fans were hoping that she and Avelino would become an item, Gutierrez just smiled and opted not to answer the question.

Janine Gutierrez and Paulo Avelino

Photos from Instagram /@janinegutierrez, @pauavelino

Meanwhile, Avelino admitted that he was only waiting for Gutierrez.

“Ako po, si Janine lang ‘yung hinihintay lagi. So tignan natin kung hindi kami masyadong busy this year. May sari-sarili naman kaming gagawin for this year,” he answered. (For me, I’m just waiting always for Janine. So let’s see if we’re not too busy this year. We will have our own things to do for this year.)

When asked if he had been leaving hints that he wanted to date Gutierrez and if the actress simply brushed him off, Avelino answered affirmatively.

“Ganu’n po,” he said, drawing

laughs from Gutierrez.

Avelino earlier revealed that he and Gutierrez dated in the past. however, the actress described those times as just “hanging out.”

Gutierrez’s love life has had a lot of buzz this year, amid speculations that she was cheated on by her fellow actor Rayver Cruz.

Neither Gutierrez nor Cruz has issued a statement on their breakup, though the actress recently laughed off questions about it.

Aside from Avelino and Gutierrez, “Marry Me, Marry You” also stars Jake Ejercito, Iana Bernardez, Teresa loyzaga, Vina Morales and Sunshine dizon. The series is set to have its finale soon.

Omicron: A ‘blessing’?

PAGE 9 days, according to the Wall Street Journal. *** Studies are being conducted to find out if the preliminary finding that sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is beneficial to Alzheimer’s patients is universally valid. Viagra, besides being very effective for erectile dysfunction in men, has been a therapy for pulmonary hypertension, even among infants. *** The FDA expanded the emergency use authorization (EuA) of the monoclonal antibody cocktail bamlanivimab-etesevimab to include even younger pediatric patients, as well as newborns at high risk of progression to severe CoVID. The FDA also says booster 5 months after the second shots may now be given to 12 and older. *** Patients on low-salt diet and replacing salt with potassium chloride (salt substitute) show these two regimens to be synergistic in reducing blood pressure more effectively, compared to those only on low-salt diet. The potassium chloride salt substitute appears to

be beneficial. The combined regimen reduces the risk for stroke, cardiovascular events, and deaths, as shown by a new landmark (5year) study on 21,000 people in rural China. *** Studies have shown that the risk of death from people’s reaction to the vaccines is 0.0018 percent (a tiny fraction of 1 percent), compared to the 20-30 percent risk of death from CoVId-19. Majority of those deaths, according to an intensive review, were not caused by the vaccines themselves but the predisposition of the people to blood clots and others with health issues. *** In nearly every instance, CoVId vaccine mandates are holding up in court, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Indeed, national safety and welfare should take precedence and prevail over individual rights and freedom, the misuse and abuse of which, like the freedom to refuse the CoVId-19 vaccines, has led to massive viral spread by the unvaccinated, more than three-fourths of a million preventable deaths

SERVICES

and economic disaster in the united States.

May 2022 be the beginning of a brighter future for all nations and all peoples of the world! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life.

Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua. com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

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