Piolo Pascual, Enchong Dee...

felt a “certain level of pressure and inspiration” weeks before the movie’s scheduled filming.

“But I have faith in the people who are behind the camera, [so] it’s only right and just for me to give the same level of professionalism towards my character,” he said.

Rivero and Juan, for their part, expressed excitement on taking on their roles as they shared some of the preparations they did for the film.

“I love my role as Padre Gomez! Pinag-aaralan ko na sa bahay (I am already studying it at home),” Rivero was quoted as saying. “I want to engage the audience. I want to make it memorable for them.

This is going to be epic!”

“I said ‘yes’ right away when I got the offer; it was a no brainer!” Juan, meanwhile, stated. “Kailangan todohan ng effort, time and puso.” (This requires utmost effort, time, and [dedication].)

Other cast members include Epi Quizon, Jaime Fabregas, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Khalil Ramos, Elijah Canlas, Neil Ryan Sese, Paolo O’Hara, Tommy Alejandrino, Gerry Kaimo, Dylan Tay Talon, Jomari Angeles and Bon Lentejas.

The film’s production team and cast gathered for a Mass and a send-off event also on Thursday, a day before the 151st death anniversary of the three priests. g

Parry and O’Sullivan filed a class action alleging that they, and other captive insurance agents, were wrongfully misclassified as Independent Contractors even though they were actually treated like employees. They alleged that Farmers wrongfully failed to reimburse them for the mandatory business expenses they incurred in working for Farmers. On November 16, 2022, the Los Angeles Superior Court granted final approval of the $75 Million settlement in their case.

Under California law, a person providing labor or services is considered an employee rather than an independent contractor unless the hiring entity demonstrates all of the following:

(i) that the person is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the performance of work;

(ii) that the work performed is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business; and

(iii) that the person is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation or business.

Even if workers sign an agreement that labels them an Independent Contractor, the agreement will not be enforced by the courts if an actual employment relationship can be demonstrated under the above test. Employment status is determined by law, not by the parties’ agreement. This is for the protection of workers.

In the case of Parry, et al. v. Farmers Insurance Exchange, et al., although Farmers expressly denied any wrongdoing, they agreed to certain amendments to their AAA with the class members that addresses issues of control over the captive insurance agents. Additionally, the monetary portion of the settlement, totaling $75,000,000, resolves the insurance agents’ claims for reimbursement of expenses they incurred in the course of their work for Farmers.

Employees misclassified an

Independent Contractors miss out on the many protections and benefits guaranteed under California’s employment laws. As such, workers classified as Independent Contractors—who commonly receive a 1099 tax form rather than a W-2 form—should carefully examine the nature of their working relationship with their company. If workers are actually employees under California law, they may be entitled to back wages, reimbursements for expenses, and the value of employment benefits such as health insurance, retirement or pension benefits. Knowing your rights at work makes a lot of difference.

* * * 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 Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw. com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine for 11 years, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.]

(Advertising Supplement)