MARCH 7-10, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 18 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages
DATELINE
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
California, LA County declare state of emergency over coronavirus by AJPRESS THE state of California and Los Angeles County this week declared a public health emergency over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), with
over 50 cases statewide and 13 cases confirmed in LA County alone. Officials from the LA County Board of Supervisors and Department of Public Health on Wednesday, March 4 announced a public health emergency and reported six new cases in
the county. “I want to reiterate that this is not a response rooted in panic,” Kathryn Barger, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, said at a press conference on Wednesday, after signing a proclamation declaring a
local emergency earlier that morning. LA County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer told reporters that the county is among 10 California health labs to receive test kits from the Centers for Disease Control u PAGE A2
Filipina Americans Nicole Carcel and Artesia Councilmember Melissa Ramoso attend a rally for former Vice President and Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden on Tuesday, March 3 at the Baldwin Hills Recreation Center in Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of Melissa Ramoso
‘A candidate to unite America’: Why Filipino Americans are coming PH confirms two out in support of cases Biden’s presidential bid new coronavirus R M
A sign on the door of a pharmacy in Caloocan City North indicates a shortage of face masks in the country. Inquirer.net photo
by
WHEN 19-year-old Angelo Salva Cruz mailed in his ballot for the California primary this week, his decision to vote for former Vice President Joe Biden was in part because he remembered learning the term ‘political polarization’ in a recent college class. “Instead of there being a spectrum, we’re seeing two extremes. Even though I agree with a lot of things Bernie [Sanders] says, he’s
ITCHEL ENDIOLA AJPress
TWO additional incidences of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been reported in the Philippines, bringing the total number of cases to five, the Department of Health confirmed on Friday, March 6. The fourth reported case is a 48-year-old male Filipino who previously traveled to Japan. He returned on February 25 and experienced chills and fever starting March 3. u PAGE A4 u PAGE A4
US provides $37 million for Philippines, other countries vs virus outbreak THE United States has committed $37 million in aid for the Philippines and 24 other countries affected or at high risk from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Mark Green, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), said the $37 million would be drawn from the Emergency Reserve Fund for Contagious Infectious Diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) is also a recipient of the fund. The amount was part of the pledge of up to $100 million announced by the U.S. State Department on Feb. 7. u PAGE A5
INSPECTION. The chopper carrying President Rodrigo Duterte hovers over the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Circumferential Road 3 (C3)-R10 Section as he leads the inspection in Caloocan City on Thursday, March 5. In his speech during the inspection, the president said improved mobility indicates progress in society. Calling for unity, the president said that all Filipinos must benefit from the gains of the government’s development efforts and no one should be left behind on the path to progress. Malacañang photos by Valerie Escalera
Cory Aquino, Maria Ressa among Time’s 100 influential women by AJPRESS
TWO Filipinas are among those featured in Time Magazine’s “100 Women of the Year” project in celebration of March as Women’s History Month and to highlight a century of influential women often overlooked by history. Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, both of whom were previously named Woman of the Year by the magazine, were included in the esteemed list of women from the past century. With this year marking the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, the magazine “revisited each year since 1920, looking Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino was named Time’s “Woman of the Year” in 1986, while for women whose reach transcended their Rappler CEO was the magazine’s “Person of the Year” in 2018 alongside other global journalists. Both time,” wrote Time’s former editor-in-chief Nancy Gibbs. Filipinas are now part of the magazine’s “100 Women of the Year” project unveiled this March.
“Their influence in public and private life was not always positive; part of this exercise is acknowledging failures and blind spots as well as genius and vision,” she continued. For 72 years, Time named a “Man of the Year” honoring world or industry leaders until 1999, but “while the name rightly changed, too often the choice was the same,” the magazine wrote in its introduction of the project. “With this 100 Women of the Year project, we’re spotlighting influential women who were often overshadowed. This includes women who occupied positions from which the men were often chosen, like world leaders Golda Meir and Corazon Aquino, but far more who found their influence through activism or culture,” it added. u PAGE A4
Over 500 Filipinos among those aboard Several Fil-Ams advance to general election for Congress, state, local seats cruise ship held off California coast 2018 midterm election but was narrowly defeated by incumbent Republican Rep. Will Hurd with SEVERAL Filipino Americans less than 1,000 votes. vying for seats on the federal, state “I’m honored to be the Demoand local levels will advance to the cratic nominee in Texas’ 23rd general election in November fol- Congressional District. I’ve dedilowing the March 3rd primary. cated my life to public service, For Texas’ 23rd Congressional and I’m running for Congress to District, Filipina American Gina expand the opportunities that alOrtiz Jones secured the Demo- lowed me to grow up healthy, get cratic nomination with 66% of the a quality education, and serve votes on Tuesday night, March 3. our country,” she said in a stateIn November, she will face either ment. “Folks in South and West Tony Gonzales or Raul Reyes, both Texas are ready to send a leader Republicans who will advance to a to Washington who will fight for run-off in May. quality, lower cost health care, A former Air Force intelligence responsible and compassionate officer, Ortiz Jones first ran for immigration reform, and an econthe seat that covers the southwest omy that works for everyone.” portion of the state during the u PAGE A3 Gina Ortiz Jones by CHRISTINA
M. ORIEL
AJPress
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
OVER 500 Filipinos are onboard the MV Grand Princess, a cruise ship being held off the California coast due to possible coronavirus cases, the Philippine Department of Health confirmed on Thursday, March 5. The California Air National Guard dropped off kits by helicopter to test the ship’s passengers and crew for coronavirus, known as COVID-19. “They are doing the test. I just don’t know if they will test all or just the symptomatic,” Philippine
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said, adding that results of the laboratory tests before the DOH can decide how to assist the Filipino crew members. MV Grand Princess, which was on a two-week trip from San Francisco to Hawaii and scheduled to return on Saturday, was diverted toward San Francisco on Wednesday after it was announced that an unidentified 71-year-old man previously onboard the ship died from coronavirus. California Governor Gavin Newsom said 11 passengers and 10 crew members are reportedly exu PAGE A3
TJ Cox
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From the Front Page
WOMEN OF IMPACT. Senator Cynthia Villar (center), is one of the award presenters during the Go Negosyo and Asean Women of Impact Awards held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Thursday, March 5. Women from different parts of Southeast Asia were recognized for their achievements in entrepreneurship in various fields. Among the awardees are four Filipinas recognized as “Manlilikha ng Bayan”, who made a mark in the field of weaving. Photo courtesy from the office of Senator Villar
California, LA County declare... PAGE A1 t
and Prevention (CDC) to test for coronavirus locally and is slated to receive more. “We will ensure that people who test positive for the novel coronavirus and their close contacts are identified and carefully monitored and supported while they are in isolation and/or quarantined,” Ferrer said. The six cases were confirmed on Tuesday night after positive results from lab tests and the sources of the virus have been identified. One of the individuals is a medical professional who last worked as a passenger screener at Los Angeles International Airport on Feb. 21, and is now self-quarantined at home after feeling symptoms a week later. “As of today, we still don’t have known cases of community transmission,” Ferrer said. She added that “the risk for individuals to be exposed to novel coronavirus here in LA County still remains relatively low.” A day later, the health department reported four additional cases who returned from a trip
to Northern Italy, while two more incidences were being investigated on Friday afternoon, bringing the total cases to 13 in the county. All confirmed cases are being isolated and there are no known significant exposures to the general public, the department said. Those who have been in close personal contact with the individuals have been identified and are being monitored for signs and symptoms of the illness. The county will also be doing daily radio briefing updates and providing additional guidance for childcare facilities, schools, businesses and other public spaces on how to prepare for and slow the spread of the virus. “To ensure that the county is further prepared, these two declarations of emergency will allow us to further draw down resources from both the federal and state levels of government,” County Supervisor Hilda Solis said at the press conference. “We need every tool at our disposal to make sure we are ready to support any coronavirus pa-
tients who are diagnosed and to prevent any further spread.” Solis also reminded the public about verifying information and preventing the spread of false reports. “There’s been too much misinformation spreading around and as we expected, it’s cultivating fears and is leading to racial profiling,” she said, citing that many Asian and Pacific Islander (API) residents and businesses have been stigmatized. LA County previously announced efforts in February to help combat xenophobia and other discriminatory acts associated with the panic over coronavirus. In the county, which is home to roughly 1.5 million API residents, mass hysteria has come in the form of fake flyers falsely claiming cases of coronavirus, paranoia over seeing people wearing face masks and general “acts of hate” directed toward community, as previously reported by the Asian Journal. California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday also u PAGE A3
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Over 10,000 US, PH troops to join last Balikatan by Dempsey
Reyes ManilaTimes.net
Rob Bonta
Godfrey Plata
Todd Gloria
PAGE 1 In California’s 21st Congressional District, Rep. TJ Cox — the first Fil-Am from the state to serve in Congress — will face Republican David Valadao anew in November. Cox received 36.1% of the votes, while Valadao clinched 53.1%. An engineer and small business owner, Cox won the seat in 2018 and became the first Democrat to represent the Central Valley district since 1981. Under the state’s top-two primary system, the two candidates with the most votes for any office advance to the general election, regardless of party. For the state Assembly, incumbent Rob Bonta received 85% of the votes for the 18th Assembly District. Bonta, who made history as the first Fil-Am to serve the state legislature, has been in the seat since 2012, covering Alameda, Oakland and San Leandro. “Thank you voters of the 18th Assembly District for your support! It’s an honor to serve you and I’m proud to represent the most engaged, progressive, and ‘woke’ constituents in the state!” Bonta wrote on Twitter following his victory. For the Assembly District 53 race, 35-year-old Godfrey Santos Plata will head to the general election in November against incumbent Miguel Santiago, who is also
a Democrat. Plata, who received 33.8% of the votes, wrote on Twitter that “We advanced to Nov’s general election! In CA, the top-2 votegetters move forward, regardless of party or majority vote. You can still #GoWithGodfrey!” An advocate for public educators, Plata seeks to be the first openly gay immigrant and first Filipino from the LA area in the state Legislature. The district covers southern regions of Huntington Park and Vernon to parts of the east side of Boyle Heights and Downtown LA to Koreatown and Pico-Union. “More than 1/3 of voters in the district said NO to the status quo. In a Dem-Dem race, this is feedback for the incumbent, for the Democratic Party, and for Sacramento: there is thirst in our district for a different direction in leadership and a different type of representation,” Plata continued, adding “The work our campaign has done and will continue to do is building something much longerterm for all those who have volunteered, engaged, and voted.” Down in San Diego, Assemblymember Todd Gloria topped the race for San Diego mayor and will compete against city Councilmember Scott Sherman in a November runoff. Gloria secured 40.2% of the votes, as of Wednesday morning.
Gloria — who is of Filipino, Dutch, Puerto Rican, and Native American descent — was elected to represent the 78th Assembly district in 2016. A native of San Diego, he previously served two terms on the city council, including as council president and interim mayor following Bob Filner’s resignation. He would also become the city’s first openly LGBTQ mayor if elected in November. Other Fil-Ams who ran in primary elections included Gina Alexander for Gardena City Council and Courtney “CJ” Berina for the state’s 30th Congressional District. Alexander, a handbag designer and philanthropist, nabbed 9% of the vote among the crowded eight-candidate field. Berina, a millennial who ran on a progressive platform, was one of the Democratic challengers against incumbent Rep. Brad Sherman for the 30th Congressional District, which covers parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)
Several Fil-Ams advance to general election for...
Over 500 Filipinos among those... PAGE 1 hibiting symptoms of the disease. Sixty-two people on the current cruise were said to be on the ship with the 71-year-old man during the previous trip to Mexico. There are 3,533 people currently onboard the ship — 2,422 of whom are guests and 1,111 teammates. They represent 54 nationalities, according to Princess Cruises. Forty-five individuals were tested on Thursday and the following day, results from 21 people came back positive. In the meantime, “all guests have been asked to stay in their staterooms while test results are pending,” the company said. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs also confirmed the presence of around 530 to 540 Filipinos on board the cruise ship. “We confirm that there are Filipino crew members onboard the MV Grand Princess, and in similar number as the Diamond Princess of around 530 [to] 540 Filipino crew out of 1,111 total crew,” said Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary
Ed Meñez Duque assured that the Philippine government will likely adopt a similar procedure to one implemented when the Diamond Princess ship returned after being quarantined in Yokohama, Japan should the the Filipino crew members be repatriated from California, and will place them under a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. “Again, we will do the same cycle, same as the repatriates from the cruise ship Diamond Princess in Yokohama. Hopefully, we will learn a lesson from what happened in the Diamond Princess,” he said. Duque suggested bringing those on board the Grand Princess to a facility instead of putting them under quarantine on the cruise ship. He also said he would intervene if Filipinos would be at risk. “The extent of the intervention I still cannot say, except to tell them what not to do as what happened in the Diamond Princess. We still don’t have a clear picture of the situation,” Duque said. n
THE annual Balikatan (shoulderto-shoulder) exercises between the Philippines and the United States will continue despite the looming termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Wednesday, March 4. Nearly 11,000 soldiers from the Philippines, the U.S. and
observers from Australia are expected to participate in what could be the last Balikatan exercises this year, according to Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman. “Theoretically, [Balikatan] can still push through, but, of course, we have our leadership in the country, the commander in chief, who determines if we can continue this,” he said during the weekly “Kapihan sa Ma-
nila Bay.” “[The Balikatan] will proceed as scheduled. Nothing will be affected from the original plan that was set up in terms of number of attendees until and unless, [there would be] last minute changes,” Arevalo pointed out. Last month, the Philippines sent notice to the U.S. of its plan to terminate the decadesold military agreement. n
California, LA County declare... PAGE A2 t declared a state of emergency, as the state confirmed the first coronavirus-related death of a 71-year-old man in Placer County who developed symptoms after returning from a Grand Princess cruise from Mexico in late February. The state of emergency was declared “to make additional resources available, formalize emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and help the state prepare for broader spread of COVID-19,” according to the governor’s office. “The State of California is deploying every level of government to help identify cases and slow the spread of this coronavirus,” said Newsom. “This emergency proclamation will help the state further prepare our communities and our health care system in the event it spreads more broadly.”
The cities of Pasadena and Long Beach, which have their own health departments, declared local emergencies on Wednesday. Both cities have not reported any cases, as of press time. Ferrer also reminded county residents to “adhere to common-sense public health practices” and that they plan “for the possibility of more extensive social distancing requirements.” “These measures include having an ample supply of essentials at home — no different than the preparedness activities we ask people to do to be ready for natural disasters…” she added. “We do need folks to plan for the possibility of business disruptions, school closures and modifications or cancelations of select public events.” Ferrer advised the public of tips like staying home if you are sick, frequent handwashing and limiting close contact with others. COVID-19 is spread from per-
son-to-person through close contact, usually within 6 feet, and mainly via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, according to the CDC. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. There are currently no specific medications or vaccinations to treat COVID-19. The CDC this week also issued new directives for travelers returning from high risk countries (e.g. China, Iran, Italy and South Korea). The guidance asks these travelers to distance themselves from the public for 14 days by staying home from work and/or school, avoiding public spaces and public transit, and monitoring themselves for signs and symptoms of respiratory illness. Should returning travelers from areas experiencing outbreaks develop illness, they should immediately call their health care provider. n
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Chinese militia presence slowed down Pag-asa Island repairs - US think tank by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com
Viray
THE continuous presence of Chinese militia ships near Pagasa Island in the West Philippine Sea likely played a role in the delay of repairs on the island, a Washington-based think tank reported. Philippine officials, however, blamed severe sea conditions due to stormy weather as the cause of delay of construction projects on one of the largest features in the Spratly Islands. Based on satellite imagery from PlanetLabs collected between Dec. 2, 2018 and March 2, 2020, Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative reported that an average of 18 Chinese ships are around Pag-asa Island each day. “These counts indicate the minimum number of Chinese ships present on a given day. Many vessels likely went uncounted because they were under cloud cover or outside the frame of the images,” the report
read. The think tank counted vessels within a 32-square-nautical-mile area covering the reefs and sandbars to the west of the island but satellite images with less than 50% of the target area or with more than 50% cloud were not included. The Philippines’ “more ambitious dredging and landfill work” seemingly provoked China as it has maintained its presence around Pag-asa Island ever since the project started. Satellite photo from June 2019 showed two barges pulling up to the island to bring sand and materials for the dilapidated runway. The image also showed several areas have been dredged and has been cleared of sand for a beaching ramp. The runway would only be filled with new sand by October 2019, as seen on satellite image from Maxar Technologies. By February 2020, the repairs on the runway still continue with dredging on the north side
of the island almost completed and has been converted into a small harbor. “This should improve the quality of life for [Pag-asa’s] civilian fishers, make resupply easier, and facilitate other planned construction like a desalination plant, solar arrays, and improved housing,” AMTI said. The Philippine Navy and law enforcement agencies could also use to small harbor when it deploys vessels in the future, the think tank added. In December 2018, Chinese militia ships were deployed around Pag-asa Island in response to the Philippine government’s efforts to repair facilities on the island. Following reports of increased presence of Chinese naval, coast guard and fishing Former Vice President Joe Biden addresses a crowd at the Baldwin Hills Recreation Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 3, following his vessels near Pag-asa Island, De- victory in 10 states holding Super Tuesday contests. AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel fense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana called on other countries to respect Philippine sovereignty and “to conduct themselves in a PAGE A1 t World War II veterans to receive was the most important issue, u PAGE A5 too much of a wildcard to depend compensation. Not many elected followed by income inequalon him. Joe Biden is a lot more officials or other candidates can ity (19%) and climate change sound and has the experience,” say that. He really understands (18%), the analysis found. Cruz, a first-time voter from Cu- our community — that means “The community wasn’t compertino, California, told the Asian so much for me and my lolo,” ing out for any candidate early Journal. said Ramoso, who is also state on as a whole and that’s very OVER 17 YEARS Despite data that shows Ver- chair of the California Democrat- telling of how our numbers and mont Senator Bernie Sanders ic Party’s Asian Pacific Islander exit polls are. If we’re not comlargely capturing the hearts of Caucus. ing out for people we believe young and Asian American voters Following the former Vice in, then we don’t get counted across the nation with a progres- President’s 10-state win on Su- and that’s unfortunate. We need sive agenda, Cruz is among the per Tuesday, Ramoso joins other to take a stand as a community younger end of Filipino Ameri- community leaders in launching because we are being lost in the can voters who are throwing a national “Filipino Americans numbers,” Ramoso said, adding their support behind the former for Biden” coalition in a similar that she finally declared her supvice president, citing his track vein to groups formed during port for Biden to help rally other record and relationships to unite the presidential campaigns for voters and bring the “Joementhe Democratic party. former President Barack Obama tum” to the community. For Nicole Carcel, who falls and former Secretary of State Super PAC Asian American under the millennial age group, Hillary Clinton. and Pacific Islander (AAPI) VicDarrick V. Tan, Esq. Biden won her over during a gun Mark Pulido, a councilmem- tory Fund endorsed Biden in control forum in Las Vegas last ber for the city of Cerritos, set early February and has since orLicensed in California for year. up a Facebook group to virtually ganized grassroots events in Los over 17 years “His message really resonated connect those Fil-Ams in sup- Angeles, Las Vegas, and parts Licensed in Nevada for with me because gun violence is port of Biden and said that they of Virginia and Michigan along over 12 years* such a big issue in America, par- are in the process of gathering a with AAPIs for Biden. UCLA, Bachelor of Arts, Political Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia Science with Cum Laude honors ticularly in the wake of so many list of endorsements from commass shootings,” Carcel, an ex- munity members and creating (who is of Filipino ancestry) Southwestern University Law ecutive team member for the Los a platform that addresses their and Filipina American businessSchool, Juris Doctor Angeles City Attorney’s office, concerns. woman and philanthropist Loida Admitted to U.S. District Court, Central District of California told the Asian Journal. “I have a “I didn’t back a candidate early Nicolas Lewis have also joined Member, American Immigration niece who’s now in kindergarten on but I was following all of the a growing list of prominent AALawyers Association and it’s crazy to think that she’s options and each of the contests. PIs like Olympic medal-winning Member, Consumers Attorney growing up in a time when this is I am now excited to be a part of figure skater Michelle Kwan and Association of Los Angeles the new reality.” Fil-Ams for Biden because he is Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) Former Member, Board of The Fil-Am voter also said that the one who can unify the party as Biden supporters. Governors, Philippine American debunking the perception that and nation and take the country Leading up to the Nevada cauBar Association Biden only appeals to older vot- back from Trump,” Pulido said. cuses last February 22, the cam*Inactive ers has been part of her mission In the coming months, the paign distributed campaign maon social media. group expects to begin grass- terials in Tagalog and released “The vice president has broad roots, direct voter contact by Biden’s “vision for the AAPI support, not only for older, white making phone calls and walking community,” which includes inindividuals. He has a platform precinct in neighborhoods heav- creasing more AAPI representathat reflects that he has thought ily populated by Fil-Ams. tion in government (citing the about things that are reasonable Polls from the past year Obama administration’s strides and achievable,” Carcel said. showed that no one candidate of appointing the most AAPI “We have other candidates who had overwhelming support from judges and senior staffers than say some really great things, but the collective AAPI community, all presidents combined), elimiwhen you think about it, how will though a majority preferred an nating language barriers and those things actually be imple- alternative to the current admin- disaggregating data to tackle mented?” istration, according to an Octo- the specific needs of each comRecalling her grandfather who ber 2019 survey from AAPI Data munity. fought in World War II, Artesia and PRRI. The same data had As the once crowded and diCouncilmember Melissa Ramoso 45% of AAPI eligible voters in verse field dwindled this week, said that no other candidate has California favoring Biden, while the Democratic primary is now direct experience addressing the 42% were for Sanders. between Biden and Vermont needs of the Fil-Am community, However, Sanders received Senator Bernie Sanders, who such as pushing for compensa- the most support among Asian was victorious in four states, intion and recognition for veter- American voters at around 39%, cluding California. The Fil-Ams ans. according to an NBC News anal- for Biden hope voters, who are “Filipinos should remember in ysis of exit poll data from Su- still undecided or may have sup2009 when [Biden] was able to per Tuesday states. Meanwhile, ported another candidate, take rally the last votes for the Ameri- 21% rallied behind Biden. the time to consider the former can Recovery and Reinvestment Most Asian American respon- vice president. Act, which allowed Filipino dents (46%) said health care u PAGE A5
‘A candidate to unite America’: Why Filipino...
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Cory Aquino, Maria Ressa among Time’s... PAGE A1 t Aquino was named Woman of the Year in 1986 after she ended the nearly 21-year dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos and became president of the Philippines. “That democracy has endured on the archipelago. So have its power structures: a tradition of elite rule helped her son Benigno Aquino III to a widely admired term as President. And his coarse, swaggering successor, Rodrigo Duterte, daily demonstrates both the machismo Corazon Aquino overcame, and the value of the principled civility she modeled,” wrote Karl Vick in his piece about the former Philippine leader. Ressa — who has become an international icon for press freedom and for being a vocal critic
against the current administration of President Rodrigo Duterte — was named Person of the Year in 2018 alongside other “Guardian in the War on Truth.” In addition to her long journalism career, she was one of three women who started the news organization Rappler in 2012, “aiming to serve a Filipino population rapidly moving online.” “But the news site turned into a global bellwether for free, accurate information at the vortex of two malign forces: one was the angry populism of an elected President with authoritarian inclinations, Rodrigo Duterte; the other was social media,” Vick wrote. Rapper CEO and Executive Editor Maria Ressa The list also includes British attended the first night of Los Angeles’ Press Prime Minister Margaret Thatch- Freedom Week last September 16, 2019. er, Princess Diana of Wales, AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel
former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama, fashion icon Coco Chanel, artist Frida Kahlo, and entertainment personalities like Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Oprah Winfrey, among others. “The 100 choices in this project are the result of a monthslong process that began with more than 600 nominations submitted by TIME staff; experts in the field; our creative partner, filmmaker Alma Har’el; and a committee of notable women from various backgrounds,” the magazine explained. In the process, 89 new magazine covers were designed by President Corazon C. Aquino, Commander-in-Chief, after the coup attempt that almost killed prominent artists, while 11 covher son, Benigno S. Aquino III. Standing beside her, Chief of Staff Gen. Fidel V. Ramos. Circa ers were left intact for those 1987. Malacañang photo named Person of the Year. n
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‘A candidate to unite America’: Why Filipino... PAGE A4 t “For Filipino Americans who can vote, it’s important to make their voices heard and take part in the process. Vice President Biden is going to be that leader that we need to unite the country. He’s genuine when he talks about getting things done. He has been in Washington, D.C. and he knows how the system works. I think it’s important that on day one, he can hit the ground running and work to better the country,” Carcel said. Both Ramoso and Pulido are also encouraging Fil-Ams across the country apply to be Biden
convention delegates in their respective congressional districts. “I’m energized to be part of what will be a historic convention [in July] and hope other Fil-Ams will join us. Inspired by manong Larry Itliong, who was a delegate in 1972, we hope to play a similar role in advancing the community’s political interests this year,” Pulido added. But ultimately, the Fil-Ams interviewed agreed that no matter who secures the Democratic presidential nomination, voting blue will still be the way to go. “I will still participate in the
general election because voting is my obligation as a citizen,” Cruz said. “To me, to not vote would mean that I don’t care about these issues and if I lived with an attitude like that, it would be sure to bite me in the butt at some point in the future.” Pulido added, “I love our party, but I love our country even more so I believe that as an American, I have to do everything in my power to bring people together to heal from this past presidential administration so we can unite and be victorious this November.” (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)
by EddiE
AlinEA ManilaTimes.net
one,” he said. The health secretary added, “That’s why we’re doing contact tracing to establish whether or not there are other local cases or clustering of cases.” Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO’s representative in the Philippines, told reporters on Friday that the fifth case does not mean widespread contamination. “Even the fifth case is a local transmission, but getting another case in a local contact does not mean widespread contamination. We already know that this disease is transmitted upon close contacts,” Abeyasinghe said. On January 30, the DOH confirmed the first COVID-19 case in the Philippines — a 38-year-old Chinese woman who arrived in
the country via Hong Kong last January 21. Her companion, a 44-year-old male, was confirmed to be the second case as well as the first confirmed carrier of the virus in the country. The second case passed away on February 1 after he was confined for fever, cough and sore throat. The country’s third case was reported on February 5 — a 60year-old Chinese woman who came from Wuhan, China and traveled to Cebu City via a flight from Hong Kong on January 20. She was admitted to a hospital in Bohol for fever and runny nose and was discharged after getting negative test results. She returned to China through a flight from Cebu on January 31. n
dreds of Chinese vessels in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island. Despite the claims of Special Envoy to China Ramon Tulfo that Beijing had withdrawn its ships early June 2019, the number of Chinese boats grew again by mid-July last year. “Militia boats have remained near [Pag-asa] nearly every day since. Their numbers surged again in August, September,
and December,” AMTI reported. A satellite image collected on Dec. 18, 2019 showed 88 Chinese vessels, which are not fishing, stationed near the island. “Most are trawlers, and yet they sit stationary, clearly not trawling. A small number are falling net vessels, but they have no gear deployed,” the report said.
A China Coast Guard vessel, which was also involved in the 2012 Scarborough Shoal standoff, were seen accompanying these ships. The number of Chinese ships near Pag-asa Island continued to grow through January and February as the military confirmed that they have monitored 136 Chinese vessels in the first two months of this year. n
Chinese militia presence slowed down Pag-asa... PAGE A4 t
civilized manner.” In April 2019, the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed that hundreds of Chinese boats have been loitering in the area and could be monitoring repairs on the island. Following this development, the Philippine government lodged a diplomatic protest against the presence of hun-
US provides $37 million for Philippines, other countries... PAGE A1 t “Because an infectious disease threat anywhere can be a threat everywhere, we call on other donors to contribute to the effort to combat COVID-19 as well,” Green said in a state-
ment. The new funding will help address the threat of COVID19 in the Philippines and in other high-priority countries. USAID said the funds will help recipient countries pre-
pare their laboratories for large-scale testing for COVID19, implement a public health emergency plan for points of entry, activate case finding and event-based surveillance for influenza-like illnesses,
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Pacquiao-Garcia fight looms
SIX months after ending previously unbeaten Keith Thurman’s victory streak, Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao could have, likewise, ended shopping for an opponent that started since then. This looked to have developed when after scoring his first career victory as a welterweight Saturday night, February 29, Mikey Garcia announced to continue campaigning in the 147-pound class and even pointed his finger to Pacquiao as his choice for his next opponent. Garcia, a four-division world champ beat Jessie Vargas by unanimous decision at Ford Center at The Star, and, at the traditional meeting with the press after the bout, mentioned his interest in fighting Pacquiao, who had just turned 41 last December. That is, he clarified, if a rematch with Errol Spence Jr., who dealt him his first career loss in March of last year, wouldn’t be possible. “I think I have great options. I would love to fight Pacquiao or a rematch with Spence. I’d like to continue campaigning at 147,” the 32-year-old, who started his career as featherweight and moved to lightweight until 2018, told media men. Although he looked to have been at home facing opponents at the 135-140 range, Saturday’s win at welterweight must’ve emboldened him to think of swapping punches with the Filipino great. Pacquiao, who’s celebrating
PH confirms two new coronavirus...
PAGE A1 t “He is currently stable and admitted [to] the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III told reporters on Friday. The fifth case is also the country’s first local case of the disease: a 63-year-old Filipino male with no travel history outside of the country. He reportedly experienced coughing with phlegm on February 25 and sought medical consultation on March 1. Duque noted, however, that while the fifth case can be considered a local case, it is premature to say he can be treated as a confirmed local transmission of the virus. “There is no transmission to speak of because we only have
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 7-10, 2020
train and equip rapid response teams, investigate cases and trace the contacts of infected persons and adapt training materials for health workers on COVID-19. (Pia Lee-Brago/ Philstar.com)
his 25th year as a prizefighter this year, has bigger plans in mind, though, like a rematch with archrival and former tormentor, the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. that could serve as obstacle to Garcia’s wish. Or battle MMA artist Connor McGregor, which is a more lucrative option, similar to the Pacquiao-Mayweather II encounter. “I would love to get in the ring with Manny,” Garcia declared following that triumph over Vargas. “It’s a fight that’s been men-
tioned and talked about for several years.“ Garcia was referring to the Philippine senator’s previous announcement made a few years back of fighting him. “I would love to fight Manny Pacquiao. He’s a living legend. I would love to share that ring with him.” Pacquiao hasn’t fought since dealing Thurman his first knockdown en route to that split decision win to crown himself the WBA welterweight “super” champion. n
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D ateline PhiliPPines Duterte admin gets ‘excellent’ satisfaction rating in new SWS poll by Gaea
Katreena Philstar.com
CabiCo
MANILA — Public satisfaction with the performance of President Rodrigo Duterte’s government rose in the fourth quarter of 2019, a new Social Weather Stations Survey suggests. Duterte’s administration obtained an “excellent” net satisfaction rating of +73, a rise of six points from September’s “very good” level based on a nationwide poll conducted from December 8 to 16. This matched the record high rating set in June 2019. Eighty-one percent of the 1,200 respondents said they were satisfied with how the current administration works against 7% dissatisfied. Twelve percent were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.
The pollster noted that the Duterte government grew popular across the country, with Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao registering “excellent” net satisfaction ratings. The administration’s satisfaction rating also rose to “excellent” from “very good” among the class D or “masa” and class E, both with a rating of +74. But it fell to “very good” from “excellent” among class ABC. The government got “very good” scores in seven of 16 “performance subjects” rated such as helping the poor, fighting terrorism, developing a healthy economy, reconciling with Muslim rebels and protecting the freedom of the press. Duterte has repeatedly launched verbal attacks against media companies like ABSCBN and even threatened to
block the franchise renewal of the country’s top broadcaster. It was rated “good” on foreign relations, fighting crimes, reconciling with communist rebels, defending Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, and eradicating graft and corruption. “Moderate” ratings were given for the state’s move to ensure no family will be hungry and recover the “hidden wealth” stolen by the Marcoses. The government’s performance in fighting inflation was rated the lowest at “moderate” +12. Growth in consumer prices slowed for the first time in three months in February. The poll has sampling error margins of ±3% for national Militant organizations, including the feminist group Gabriela, join calls for the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise and the dismissal of the percentages, and ±6% each for quo warranto petition filed against the network by Solicitor General Jose Calida, in a rally outside the Supreme Court compound in Manila Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, on Wednesday, March 4. Visayas and Mindanao. n
Manila’s fast-food chains now required to hire senior citizens, PWDs by Cathrine
Gonzales Inquirer.net
MANILA — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has signed an ordinance requiring fastfood chains in the capital city to hire senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Ordinance No. 8598 requires fast-food chains in Manila to provide temporary employment for qualified senior citizens and PWDs for “not more than six months.” “Each branch of the Fast Food Corporations under this Ordinance shall give employment to at least two Senior Citizens and one PWD with a salary of at least the minimum wage provided under the Labor Code and with a minimum four hours work for at least four days each working week,” read the ordinance released to the media on Friday, March 6. But under the ordinance, companies are prohibited to
Finally, House to tackle ABS-CBN franchise bills by DJ
Yap Inquirer.net
MANILA — Bowing to public pressure, the House leadership on Wednesday, March 4, announced that it would take up the 11 bills renewing ABSCBN’s franchise on March 10, a day before Congress adjourns for Lent, in a hearing meant to guarantee that the giant media network would not go off the air after the expiration of its license. Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said the House committee on legislative franchises would formally give “instructions” to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority to continue operating after its license expires on May 4. At a hastily called news conference in his office, Cayetano said the committee, chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, would “make it clear” to the Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso ManilaTimes.net photo NTC that it had officially taken up the renewal of ABS-CBN’s assign tasks to senior citizens The Manila City government license. and PWDs that are “hazard- will form a Technical Working “So it should not switch the lights ous” to their health and are Group tasked to formulate Im- off [on ABS-CBN], so to speak, and “beyond of their body capabil- plementing Rules and Regula- they (NTC officials) should grant ity.” tions of the ordinance. n the provisional authority,” the
Taguig lawmaker said. Congress has no control over the commission, an executive office under the Department of Information and Communications Technology. Alvarez, however, said his panel expected the NTC to grant the provisional authority to ABSCBN, considering a number of precedents. Precedents The provisional authority should be valid “while the bills are still pending,” Alvarez said. “So the life span is until the end of 18th Congress. So that’s about two years, but it may be acted upon in less than two years.” “The House believes there’s no reason the NTC would not grant the [provisional authority] because they had done so before. There’s no reason they would grant it to others but not to [ABS-CBN],” he said. Critics, including Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman and Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza, had earlier questioned the validity of a provisional authority, arguing that despite the precedence, there was no legal basis for it and that no less than the grant of a congressional franchise was necessary to keep ABS-CBN on
the air. Public outcry Cayetano made the announcement of the committee hearing following an outpouring of support for the broadcaster and public outcry against the nonrenewal of the network’s franchise as an attack on press freedom, even as rumors of an ouster plot against the Speaker by a “silent majority” circulated in the 302-member chamber. None of ABS-CBN’s officers, including its president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, who appeared at a Senate hearing to defend the renewal of its franchise, have been invited to the hearing, which would focus on the NTC’s role. Only Telecommunications Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba was invited to face the House panel, Alvarez said. Congress is expected to adjourn on March 11 and resume sessions on May 4, which coincides with the end of ABSCBN’s 25-year franchise. Eighteen House members have filed bills extending ABSCBN’s franchise. Bill authors These are House Bill No. 676
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Cayetano vows to step down in October by Edu
Punay
Philstar.com
MANILA — Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has vowed to honor the term-sharing agreement with Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco and step down from the post in October after the budget for 2021 is passed by the House of Representatives. “I remain committed to whatever the President says. From the start, the one with problems on commitment is Velasco, not me. I always keep my commitment,” Cayetano said. There is no need for President President Rodrigo Duterte consults with Sen. Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go and other officials during a meeting with Marawi residents in Duterte to intervene in the infightMalacañang. Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante ing at the House that stemmed from an alleged attempt by the camp of speaker-in-waiting Velasco to oust the incumbent, The meeting was held after military installations would reby JaviEr J. ismaEl ManilaTimes.net representatives of Marawi City main to ensure the safety of the residents asked Go to relay their area. “What happened to Marawi SENATOR Christopher Law- concerns to the President at the rence “Bong” Go gave assurances public hearing that the Senate was a tragedy to this nation and that President Rodrigo Duterte Special Committee on Marawi so, in the aftermath, we will do would not leave the rehabilitation City Rehabilitation conducted on everything to correct so many wrongs and injustices commitof war-torn Marawi City hanging. February 21 in Iligan City. “Hindi istilo ni Pangulong Ro- ted against the Moros, not only In fact, he said the president had ordered the speedy recon- drigo Duterte na mang-iwan ng in Marawi and Lanao but everynakatiwangwang. where in Mindanao,” the Presistruction and rehabilitation of the proyektong Islamic city and has appointed a Hindi kami papayag ng pangulo dent said. Go and other senators have point person to speed up the pro- na mangyari ito. (It is not the style of President Rodrigo Duterte to filed a bill titled “Marawi Siege cess — Eduardo del Rosario. Del Rosario, the Marawi City re- abandon unfinished projects. The Compensation Act of 2020,” habilitation czar, will work directly president and I will not allow this which seeks to provide tax-free The Southern California Recompensations for all property with the Department of Budget to happen),” Go said. During the meeting, Duterte owners whose properties were gional Rail Authority (Authority) and Management (DBM) to speed up the reconstruction and reha- also instructed the DBM to expe- damaged by the Marawi siege in invites proposals from qualified consultants for Program Mandite the release of funds for the 2017. bilitation of Marawi, Go said. The rehabilitation process agement Consultant Services Go arranged the meeting be- rehabilitation process. The president also said he started in September 2018 with (PMC) to support the Metrolink tween the president and members of the Bangon Marawi Compre- would personally contribute to the clearing of unexploded SCORE Program Team across a hensive Rehabilitation and Recov- the reconstruction of the Grand bombs and debris in the city. The wide range of project functions Marawi Mosque and would visit second phase of the rehabilitation and activities. The PMC will ery Program. involves the construction of struc- provide resources and services During the meeting, Duterte in- Marawi City soon. to support program start-up The president also assured the tures and buildings. structed the DBM to expedite the The Marawi siege in 2017 dis- and advance the delivery of the release of funds for the rehabilita- residents of affected areas that they could visit their houses but placed around 40,000 families. n SCORE projects, including action process. quisition and establishment of the SCORE project office.
Marawi rehab will be finished – Go
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY RFP EN747R-20 SCORE Program Management Consultant Services
UP ranked among world’s top 100 universities for performing arts
FOR the first time, the University of the Philippines (UP) reached the list of the world’s top 100 universities for performing arts, according to the 2020 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings. Data from the British company showed that UP was ranked in the 51-100 bracket. UP also maintained its ranking in the 51-100 bracket in development studies for the second consecutive year.
The QS World University Rankings by Subject has various academic disciplines which are grouped into six categories; “Arts & Humanities,” “Clinical, Pre-clinical & Health,” “Engineering & Technology,” “Life Sciences,” “Physical Sciences,” and “Social Sciences.” The rankings are based on academic and employer reputation, as well as citations of published papers on research impact. The state-run university placed
Proposal documents may be obtained via download at: http://www.metrolinktrains. com/doing_business. (Vendors must register on the website in order to download the document). Electronic bid submittals are due at 2:00 p.m. (Pacific) on April 9, 2020.
356th in QS’s General World University Rankings for 2020. Other universities that made it to top 1000 institutions were Ateneo de Manila University (601-650), De La Salle University (801-1,000), and University of For further information conSanto Tomas (801-1,000). tact Yamil Ramirez, Contract The QS World University Rank- and Compliance Administrator, ings is an annual publication of at ramirezy@scrra.net. university rankings by Quac3/7/20 quarelli Symonds (QS). (Franz CNS-3349004# Lewin Embudo/ManilaTimes. ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.) net)
according to Cayetano. Cayetano himself gave assurance that the conflict is manageable and the term-sharing agreement on the speakership brokered by no less than Duterte at the outset of the 18th Congress last year will push through. “There’s no need for the President to intercede because he leaves this matter to us, and the instruction of the President was clear: there is a 15-21 arrangement and the majority leader will serve for 36 months,” the Speak-
er told reporters. “The president needs to intercede only when the term-sharing arrangement will not be honored,” he added. Cayetano, runningmate of Duterte in the 2016 polls, said he could manage to handle the supposed coup d’etat against him. “If I cannot keep my position for 15 months, I’ll blame no one except myself. I will no longer run to the president but I will also not allow them to sow intrigues during my 15 months,” he warned.
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A8 MARCH 7-10, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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O PINION Dirty money haven
FEATURES
FILIPINO travelers are familiar with the requirement that they must declare to Customs authorities amounts greater than $10,000 that they intend to bring into the country. So how come two groups managed to bring in between Dec. 17, 2019 until January this year at least $370 million — about P18.7 billion — through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport? And where did the money go? This was reported on Jan. 29 by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero to the Department of Finance. Earlier this month, amid a Senate investigation, the DOF said the foreign currency was brought in by two groups. One, identified only as “Rodriguez,” managed to bring in about $200.24 million. Another, tagged only as “Chinese,” brought in $167.97 million. Guerrero reported that the Rodriguez group had been funneling the dollars to Excellent Forex Inc. since July 17 last year. He said couriers of the foreign currency were paid from P12,000 to P50,000 per flight. The cash was usually packed in two pieces of luggage and flown in two or three times a week. The DOF report said the couriers were escorted through NAIA Customs authorities by members of the police, military and Manila Inter-
national Airport Authority police. Who carries around such large amounts of cash these days? Mostly those who want to avoid a paper trail. The dirty money, however, still needs to be laundered. And the Philippines remains deficient in laws to prevent money laundering. Senators have noted that simply placing bets in a casino can quickly wash dirty money. The crook can get P1 million worth of chips, for example, and then place bets for P1,000. Even if he loses, he can then cash in the rest of the chips. He gets a receipt for the cash and, voila, the dirty money has been washed. Lawmakers have also continued to resist efforts to ease bank secrecy laws, which the DOF has been calling for to strengthen the campaign against tax evasion and other crimes. The involvement of cops, military personnel and airport police in protection rackets, as alleged in the course of the Senate probe, aggravates the problem and makes the country a haven for dirty money. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
More coronavirus alerts: Symptoms, treatments and warnings from the World Health Organization The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS CORONAVIRUS, specifically COVID-19, is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Here are the symptoms, treatment options and warning from the World Health Organization (WHO): What are the symptoms of COVID-19? The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breath-
ing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19? Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care. Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19. The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue, and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing. Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating the COVID-19?
No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. COVID19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19. They should only be used as directed by a physician. How long is the incubation period for COVID-19? The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available. How long does the virus survive on surfaces? It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment). If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple
disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. Attention travellers: Practice usual precautions While the cause of pneumonia seems to be a novel coronavirus, transmission potential and modes of transmission remain unclear. Therefore, it would be prudent to reduce the general risk of acute respiratory infections while travelling in or from affected areas (currently Wuhan City) by: • avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections; •frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment; • avoiding close contact with live or dead farm or wild animals; • travellers with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands). Health practitioners and public health authorities should provide to travellers information to
reduce the general risk of acute respiratory infections, via travel health clinics, travel agencies, conveyance operators and at points of entry. If a traveller on board of an aircraft/a ship has signs and symptoms indicative of acute respiratory infections, the model of Maritime declaration of health (Annex 8 of IHR) or the health part of the aircraft general declaration (Annex 9 of IHR) can be used to register the health information onboard and submit to POE health authorities when required by a State Party. A passenger locator form can be used in the event of a sick traveller detected on board a plane. This form is useful for collecting contact information for passengers and can be used for follow-up if necessary. Travellers should also be encouraged to self-report if they feel ill. The cabin crew should follow the operational procedures recommended by International Air Transport Association (IATA) with regard to managing the suspected communicable disease on board an aircraft. Warning from WHO: Criminals are disguising themselves as WHO to steal money or sensitive information. If you are contacted by a person or orga-
nization that appears to be from WHO, verify their authenticity before responding. The World Health Organization will: • never ask you to login to view safety information • never email attachments you didn’t ask for • never ask you to visit a link outside of www.who.int • never charge money to apply for a job, register for a conference, or reserve a hotel • never conduct lotteries or offer prizes, grants, certificates or funding through email • never ask you to donate directly to emergency response plans or funding appeals. Beware that criminals use email, websites, phone calls, text messages, and even fax messages for their scams. You can verify if communication is legit by contacting WHO directly. *** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.
SC will likely not rule on Duterte’s VFA termination
Commentary
YEN MAKABENTA AS in the case in March last year when several senators challenged at the Supreme Court (SC) President Duterte’s withdrawal of the Philippines from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Rome Statute, the high court will most probably decline to take action on the urgent petition of 12 incumbent and former senators asking it to rule on the legality of the president’s unilateral abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States. The high court will use the same line of argument in both cases: on constitutional grounds and the ground of precedent, the court cannot interfere in the executive’s authority to conduct foreign policy. I did research on the ICC controversy in order to write about it last year; I believe I can apply the same legal findings and conclusions to the current petition of senators for
a Supreme Court ruling on the presidential abrogation of the VFA. They are analogous. PH withdrawal from ICC I wrote on March 14, 2019 in the Times: “The Supreme Court was wise to take no action this week on the petitions challenging the Philippine government’s decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. “It did so even though the withdrawal is poised to take effect on March 17. “On sound constitutional grounds and established precedent, the high court did right not to contend with the executive on the issue of whether the president has the authority to withdraw the country from the ICC treaty. “With keen regard for the national interest and national sovereignty, President Duterte was indubitably right to order the country‘s formal withdrawal from the Rome Statute, after an ICC prosecutor took the initial step toward conducting a preliminary examination of alleged abuses in the country on account of the government’s war on illegal drugs.
“The move of lawyer Jude Sabio to bring the president before the ICC was chancy (like a Hail Mary pass) and futile to begin with. “The decision of some senators to challenge the withdrawal decision was foreordained to fail. “The Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC will be a fact by Monday. “President Duterte has the authority. “It is a useful exercise to examine the withdrawal decision on 1) its constitutional grounds and 2) its merits as policy. “First, the constitutional grounds. “The senators’ challenge is based principally on the constitutional provision in Article VII, Section 21 of the Constitution, which reads: ‘No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate.’” US practice and jurisprudence They argue from this that Philippine withdrawal from the ICC treaty should ergo, re-
quire also the concurrence of two-thirds of the Senate. Not so, says the United States practice and jurisprudence. The powers of the government in international affairs are “inherent, plenary and exclusive.” In the book, The Politics of the Presidency (CQ Press, Washington D.C., 2010), authors Joseph Pika and John Anthony Maltese wrote this illuminating explanation: “Although the president’s power to negotiate international agreements is subject to political and constitutional limitations, the power to terminate such agreements is not. The Supreme Court ruled in 1979 that the president could unilaterally abrogate a defense treaty with Taiwan that was part of the agreements establishing diplomatic relations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. “Reinterpretation also gives the president expanded power in the treaty area. The Reagan administration provides the best example: in 1985 it broadened the terms of the 1972
Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM), over the objections of the Senate and the Soviet Union, to accommodate the development of the strategic defense initiative. George W. Bush announced in May 2001 that he would proceed with the development and deployment of an anti-missile defense system and hoped to establish a ‘new framework’ with Russia that was likely to take the form of an executive agreement rather than a new or amended ABM treaty.’ “All this arises from the president’s role as the nation’s official organ for the conduct of foreign relations.” Similarly, when President Donald Trump decided to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015, to press his rejection of the claims and demands of the United Nations’ climate agenda, the US Senate did not protest. There are only murmurs now of a policy reversal, but only if the Democrats win in November. No interference with executive’s authority The present challenge to
President Duterte’s termination of the VFA will be turned down by the Supreme Court on similar grounds of constitutionality and precedence. The high court cannot interfere with the executive’s authority to conduct foreign policy. It cannot supply an interpretation of Article VII, Section 21 of the Constitution, that would impose Senate consent to the executive’s termination of treaties and executive agreements. Once the high court turns down the senators’ petition, objectors to the VFA termination can keep the issue alive by moving it to the court of public opinion and forcing the administration to debate or defend the decision publicly. They can question the wisdom or prudence of Duterte’s policy decision in light of its impact on the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the U.S. and the country’s defense preparedness. This is a different debate, however. It has no bearing on the senators’ current petition before the Supreme Court. (ManilaTimes.net)
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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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 7-10, 2020
A
Another petition filed vs ABS-CBN Finally, House to tackle ABS-CBN franchise... by Darwin
Pesco ManilaTimes.net
LAWYER Larry Gadon asked the Supreme Court on Thursday, March 5, to block the extension of the permit of ABS-CBN Corp., saying that Congress cannot order the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to grant the network a provisional authority to operate. In his petition for prohibition, Gadon urged the high court to order Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba from implementing the notice of extension on the permit of ABS-CBN. Gadon asked the tribunal to immediately issue a temporary restraining order that would stop the House of Representatives and the NTC from giving the network a temporary permit pending the renewal of its franchise application. Cayetano earlier asked Cordoba to grant ABS-CBN provisional authority to operate while Congress deliberates on several bills that seek the renewal of the network’s franchise. Gadon maintained that Cayetano could not encroach into the executive branch because of the policy of separation of powers. He said he filed the petition “to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution, to remind Congress of the principle of separation of powers of the three branches of governmet, that no one shall encroach on the powers of another.” He added that it did not matter if the House would extend or renew the franchise of ABSCBN, “so long as its will is expressed in accordance with the processes provided under the constitution.” On Wednesday, March 4, the House said the chamber would start acting on the franchise petitions next week. In February, the Office of the Solicitor General filed a quo warranto case against ABS-CBN questioning the legality of the network’s franchise. Out of place Buhay party-list Rep. Jose “Lito” Atienza said the case was a plan “to disrupt the franchise renewal process.”‘ Atienza said the case filed by Calida was “out of place” and should be dismissed. “To me, it’s part of a plan, there is a case filed in the judiciary… the executive is moving,
PAGE A6
Another case was filed against ABS-CBN; this time by lawyer Larry Gadon (left) with Atty. Al Vitangcol III at the Supreme Court in Manila on Thursday, March 5, petitioning for prohibition against House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano from implementing the notice of extension on the permit of the network. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike Alquinto
the legislative is not moving, so nagkakaroon ng problema (there is a problem), ‘yung sa [on the] judiciary, palagay ko [it is] out of place,” Atienza said. “Kung may magrereklamo sa prangkisa, sa Lower House dapat i-file lahat ‘yan, at magtratarabaho naman kami kung may mag-file, eh sa Supreme Court finayl, so lalong gumulo ang isyu (If there are complaints about the franchise, these should be filed at the Lower House, and we would act on it, but it was filed at the Supreme Court, muddling the issue all the more),” he added. Atienza said he was elated that the House would tackle the franchise bills on March 10. But he revealed that Rep. Franz Alvarez, who heads the House Committee on Franchises, told him that Cayetano does not want the issue tackled. “Wala akong order, saka ayaw ni speaker (I do not have any orders, and the speaker does not want it [to be tackled]) ” Atienza quoted Alvarez as saying. He added that the issues raised against the network that were taken up during a Senate hearing should have been raised at the House first. “Kami dapat ang pinaggalingan [niyan], eh papaano, ayaw magtrabaho ng Lower House, kaya ang Senado, sila ang gumalaw at nakinig sa mga reklamo (We should have acted first, but the Lower House does not want to work, so the Senate took action and listened to the issues),” Atienza said. The legislative franchise pertains to the operation and main-
tenance of broadcasting stations, which falls under “mass media” and is thus reserved to Filipinos. Therefore the grantee of the legislative franchise — ABS-CBN Corp. — should conform to the 100-percent Filipino ownership requirement as mandated by the Constitution. Meanwhile, the Federation of International Cable TV and Telecommunications Association of the Philippines (Fictap) said the provisions in the franchise of ABS-CBN should be maintained for the public good. “It should be noted that the channel in question is a freeto-air channel readily received via antenna by the viewing public and is covered by the must-carry rule by cable TV operators for the benefit of the subscribing public. This is recognized in Section 1 of RA 7966 wherein it was stated that the operation and maintenance of the television and radio broadcasting stations should be “in the public interest,” Fictap Chairman Estrellita Juliano Tamano said in a letter to Representatives Marcelino Teodoro and Giorgidi Aggabao, authors of one of the measures that seek to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise. “This should be maintained otherwise it would lead to the detriment of the viewing/subscribing public, and the demise of the cable TV industry. Therefore, there should be free and unrestricted access to the channel in question, whether to be broadcasted to the viewing public or to be carried by cable operators,” she added. n
by Rep. Micaela Violago, HB 3521 by Deputy Speaker Rose Marie Arenas, HB 3713 by Rep. Joy Myra Tambunting, HB 3947 by Rep. Sol Aragones, HB 4305 by Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos-Recto, HB 5608 by Deputy Speakers Aurelio Gonzales Jr. and Johnny Pimentel and Rep. Doy Leachon; HB 5705 by Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, HB 5753 by Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato; HB 6052 by Representatives Carlos Zarate, Ferdinand Gaite, Eufemia Cullamat, France Castro and Sarah Elago; HB 6138 by Rep. Mark Go, and HB 6293 by Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda. A House resolution urging the franchises committee to immediately tackle the network’s license renewal has garnered 91 signatures, according to Lagman, its proponent. Fear of reprisal Atienza claimed that most of the House members supported the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise but were keeping quiet out of fear of reprisal. Cayetano, however, said
the House leadership “did not change our mind” about the issue being not as urgent as other proposed legislation. He had said the franchise renewal bills would likely be discussed only after Congress resumed sessions in May. The Speaker cited three reasons the House franchises panel decided to take up ABS-CBN’s application on March 10. “No. 1: To reannounce to the pros and antis to submit their position papers. No. 2: To make it clear to the NTC that the committee has officially taken up [ABS-CBN’s franchise] … And No. 3: To set the ground rules,” he said. Cayetano said it was important to set the ground rules to prevent the hearing from turning into a “circus.” No ‘bull session’ “We don’t want the hearing to become a bull session, which means all those against ABS-CBN would gang up on them. We also don’t want it to be a flattery forum, in which all those in favor would only say one thing. We want to define the issues,” he said.
The House plan to instruct the NTC to grant a provisional authority to the radio and television giant got a boost when senators on Wednesday unanimously approved a resolution “expressing the sense” of the Senate supporting ABS-CBN’s operation until the end of the 18th Congress in June 2022. Senate Resolution No. 6, filed by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, consolidated three other similar resolutions urging the NTC to issue a provisional authority to the network. Drilon noted that Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra suggested during a Senate hearing last week that Congress should ask the NTC to grant the provisional authority. Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that while he agreed that ABS-CBN should be given a franchise extension, it seemed the NTC wanted “another head on the chopping block instead of theirs.” “With that, I would like to register my vote as a ‘critical yes,’” Sotto said. (Marianne Bermudez/Inquirer.net)
A10 March 7-10, 2020 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOUrNaL
Dateline PhiliPPines
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Robredo, Belmonte cite gains, challenges for Philippine women by Janvic
mateo Philstar.com
MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Thursday, March 5 underscored the gains and the continuing challenges faced by women in the Philippines. The two women leaders were among those who spoke at the #Women2020 summit held in Taguig City in time with the celebration of women’s month this March. Robredo said women leaders around the world, including detained Sen. Leila De Lima, who advance women’s rights and break ground movements to provide equal opportunities to all genders. “More movements have opened up safe spaces for women online. Campaigns such as #MeToo, #TimesUp, and #DontTellMeHowToDress have created communities that are actively engaging and educating their peers, and encouraging survivors to tell their stories and stand up against their abusers,” she said.
Belmonte, for her part, highlighted the gains in advancing women’s rights in the country in the past century. She noted that female registered voters now outnumber their male counterparts, a stark contrast in 1920 when women were not allowed to vote. “At the turn of the century, the country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in developing countries with more than 200 deaths per 100,000 live births,” she said. “By 2017, that number has been reduced to 121 deaths per 100,000 live births. In Quezon City, we have managed to post rates much better than the national average with 39.7 deaths per 100,000 live births,” she added. While the Philippines dropped eight notches in the most recent Gender Gap Index, the mayor said the country still performed the highest among Asian countries. Challenges Despite these gains, both leaders underscored the challenges
that continue to hound women across the country. Robredo said many Filipinas remain disempowered due to poverty and other circumstances. Belmonte said the reports of gains bring little comfort to women who continue to suffer from violence and abuse. She noted cases she routinely encounter as mayor, citing a 2017 study showing that at least one in 20 women in the country aged 15 to 49 admitted to have experienced some form of sexual violence. Belmonte said they have received 508 cases of violence against women in the first two months of the year, saying the number could be more as many Policemen look at the helicopter that crashed in San Pedro, Laguna on Thursday, March 5. refrain from reporting their experiences. Both leaders urged for concrete actions to address issues facing women in the country. “Empower one woman—and she herself will raise others with her,” said Robredo. “This is our spokesman Maj. Gen. Benigno by darwin Pesco vision: Women rising together, ManilaTimes.net Durana told reporters. pulling together up, chipping Petalio said the helicopter’s away at barriers together.” n PHILIPPINE National Police propellers kicked up a cloud of (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Fran- dust as it was lifting off, obscurcisco Gamboa and three other ing the pilot’s view. “Maalikabok. Syempre mapolice generals survived when cuit televisions (CCTV) record- their helicopter crashed in San labo, sumabit sa wire (It was ings that could have captured the Pedro, Laguna, Thursday morn- dusty. Of course, it was hazy; it hit a wire),” Petalio said. shooting incident or the identity ing, March 5. Gamboa had flown to the HPG The Bell 429 GlobalRanger of the suspects,” he said. Maj. Elmer Monsalve, chief of carrying Gamboa and seven oth- compound for an inspection and the QCPD Criminal Investigation er people hit a high-voltage wire was on his way to Camp Vicenand Detection Unit, called on as it was lifting off from the High- te Lim. A small fire at the crash site motorists who could have acci- way Patrol Group (HPG) camp in apparently created by electric dentally recorded the incident to San Pedro. The aircraft plummeted back sparks was quickly put out by help in the investigation. The actress, her driver and to the ground, narrowly missing firefighters. Gamboa was first taken to the personal assistant were unhurt a cliff, reports said. With Gamboa in the helicop- West Lake Hospital in Pacita, San in the attack. n ter were PNP spokesman BGen. Pedro, and the other passengers Bernard Banac; MGen. Mariel to the Unihealth Southwoods Magaway, directorate for in- Hospital in Biñan, Laguna. Gamboa was later transferred telligence; MGen. Jose Maria Ramos, comptrollership; LtCol. to St. Luke’s Medical Center with Ruel Zalatar, the pilot; LtCol. Ri- Banac, Estona, Gayramara, Zaco Macawili, co-pilot; MSg. Lou- latar and Macawili. Magaway and Ramos stayed ie Estona, crew; and Capt. Kevin Gayramara, Gamboa’s aide de behind for further observation. A police task force was formed camp. The Laguna police chief, LtCol. to investigate the crash. It will be Serafin Petalio 2nd, said Gamboa led by Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar. had a bruised right shoulder. The PNP has seven helicopMagaway and Ramos were in critical condition and the others ters. The GlobalRanger was acin stable condition, PNP acting
PNP chief, top police generals survive chopper crash in Laguna
Task force to investigate Kim Chiu van shooting bers. Montejo said the SITG would facilitate the investigation to THE Quezon City Police Dis- establish the motive and to trict (QCPD) had formed a Spe- identify and arrest the perpecial Investigation Task Group trators. The local police chief said all (SITG) to probe the shooting of possible angles would be looked actress Kim Chiu’s van. QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Ron- into. “Aside from the testimony of nie Montejo said the SITG named “Chiu” is headed by Deputy Dis- eyewitnesses, our investigators trict Director for Operations Col. are now gathering other pieces Enrico Vargas. It has nine mem- of evidence such as closed cirby Franz Lewin
embudo ManilaTimes.net
A police investigator looks at the bullet-riddled van of actress Kim Chiu.
ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike Alquinto
ManilaTimes.net photo
quired two years ago, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a former PNP police chief said. It was bought for P435.8 million from a company with headquarters in the United States. “‘Yun ‘yung unang chopper na na-procure namin during my time (That was the first chopper procured during my time),” dela Rosa told reporters. Durana said the aircraft was durable and had no structural or functional problems. Zalatar and Macawili were highly qualified to fly helicopters and even trained in France and the U.S., he said. On Thursday, Malacañang offered prayers for the swift recovery of Gamboa and the others in the helicopter crash. “I pray for the immediate recovery of PNP Chief Police Gen. Archie Gamboa and the rest of the passengers rescued from the chopper,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a text message to reporters. In a separate statement, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Office of the President was “glad” that Gamboa was “safe and suffered no serious injuries from the accident.” n
3,000 Chinese soldiers in Manila – Lacson
community should exert extra effort to gather information in this regard,” he added. The PLA, with over 2 million SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on active personnel, is China’s Wednesday, March 4 said he armed forces. It consists of five received a report that about service branches: the Ground 2,000 to 3,000 alleged mem- Force, Navy, Air Force, Rocket bers of China’s People’s Lib- Force and Strategic Support eration Army (PLA) are in the Force. Philippines on an immersion “I have no way of validatmission. ing the number given by my “I would like to emphasize source. I merely relied on his that this report is yet to be reliability as a source of inforvalidated,” Lacson, chairman mation, based on the accuracy of the Senate Committee on of past reports that he has proNational Defense and Security, vided,” Lacson said. bared in a text message. “If true, we have every rea“I can only say that my source son to be concerned because is fairly reliable, based on past of the circumstances surinformation that he has pro- rounding the WPS (West Philvided to me. The intelligence ippine Sea), not to mention by bernadette
tamayo ManilaTimes.net
the unusually high number of Chinese influx and the unexplainable amount of monies flowing into the country from [the] Chinese…” he said. The Makati Police earlier arrested two Chinese allegedly involved in the killing of their fellow citizen in a Makati restaurant on February 27. The suspects were found carrying fake Chinese military identification cards. But the police said the suspects were not members of the PLA because the names and photos in the IDs did not match the suspects’. The suspects were charged with murder, frustrated murder, and illegal possession of firearms and bladed weapon. n
Cayetano vows to step down... PAGE A7 The speaker also does not see the need to resolve the matter by personally talking to Velasco. “We don’t need to talk, especially if he will just deny (the alleged coup plot),” he said. Cayetano said he did not remove all the allies of Velasco from committee chairmanship positions in the House, so he expects the latter to also keep the current chairpersons when he assumes the speakership post in October. “My only challenge to him (is) to make a categorical statement that when he becomes speaker he will not replace the leaders and chairpersons. If he does that, we will also stop and move forward. But if he would go around and offer chairmanships, he is just creating instability,” he added. No realignments After flexing his muscles, Cayetano promised that no realignments will be made at the House for as long as lawmakers will toe the line of his leadership and that of the Duterte administration. “I don’t want to ask any more members of Congress to leave their post. I don’t want to remove any more chairpersons, but that is with the agreement that they will be supportive of our legislative agenda,” he told reporters at a press conference. The speaker attributed the removal of Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab, whom he removed as chairman of the powerful House appropriations committee, to what he dubbed as “untenable working relationship.” “He is a good man, but the problem is that the working relationship is no longer productive,” the Taguig-Pateros congressman
explained. At the same time, Cayetano defended his ally, Deputy Speaker LRay Villafuerte, who has been accused by Oriental Mindoro Rep. Doy Leachon of illegal insertions in his district allocations amounting to billions of pesos that exceeded the normal threshold. Leachon, who used to head the nine-man House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, was removed after he defended his ally, Velasco, from allegations that they plotted to oust Cayetano. He said it was just a smokescreen borne out of the billions that Villafuerte had inserted in the budget, but which the Camarines Sur congressman has vehemently denied, saying he could not have pulled a fast one on his House colleagues, much less the senators. Meanwhile, the Speaker assured the general public that the House leadership will allocate the 2021 national budget equitably among local government units, congressional districts and agencies. Cayetano told reporters that with the cooperation of the executive branch and the Senate, the House would implement “federalism in the budget to make sure that there is no province, city or municipality that’s left behind (in the allocation of funds).” “Federalism is more sustainable because it is more equitable. It is more inclusive. If you are not equitable, you are not inclusive. There should be no excuse that remote rural areas would have no electricity or water supply,” the speaker, who is a federalism advocate, said.
Loyal to Cayetano Members of the ruling PDPLaban party at the House have manifested their allegiance to Cayetano’s leadership amid rumors of an ouster plot. “PDP-Laban has no knowledge of any moves to unseat the speaker,” Deputy Speaker Johnny Pimentel, spokesman for the party, said following PDP’s dinner meeting last Wednesday, March 4, attended by 51 members. The meeting was attended by party stalwarts, led by its president Sen. Koko Pimentel, vice chairman Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and Velasco. “PDP-Laban remains committed to support the leadership of Speaker Cayetano,” Rep. Pimentel said. “PDP-Laban will always adhere to the principle of maintaining peace and unity in Congress.” At the same time, the Surigao del Sur congressman promised Cayetano that if moves to oust him may indeed be true, the “PDP-Laban will not take part nor participate in any move to undermine (his) leadership.” “PDP-Laban will continue to cooperate and work harmoniously with the leadership of Speaker Cayetano with regard to his plans and programs of Congress and especially support the legislative agenda of the President,” Pimentel said. Likewise, he stressed that Sen. Pimentel has “emphasized… that the term-sharing agreement must be honored, and we members of the PDP-Laban will abide by it.” PDP-Laban members will have a meeting with Cayetano, of Nacionalista Party, on Monday at his office. n
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 7-10, 2020 A11
Anti-drug chair asks Duterte to revive death penalty by Catherin
s. Valente ManilaTimes.net
ILLEGAL DRUGS. Chemists from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) check the 15 kilos of packed shabu nabbed from the three suspects in a buy-bust in Bacoor, Cavite, during a press briefing at the PDEA headquarters on Friday, March 6. The shabu has a street value of P102 million. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
Insurance Commission: LGBTQ members can designate partners as insurance beneficiary by Kristine Joy
Philstar.com
Patag
MANILA — Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer community may designate their partners as beneficiaries in their insurance plan, the Insurance Commission said. In a legal opinion issued to the University of the Philippines College of Law, Gender Law and Policy Program, the Commission said: “The [IC] affirms your position that the insured who secures a life insurance policy on his or her own life may designate any individual as beneficiary.” The opinion was issued to Professor E. (Leo) Battad, program director of the UP College of Law Gender Law and Policy Program. Battad sought guidelines from the IC on the right of the insured to designate a beneficiary, particularly the rights of members of the LGBTQ+ community to designate their domestic partners as beneficiaries of their life insurance. Insurance Commissioner Dennis Funa said exceptions contained in Article 2012 in relation to Article 739 of the Civil Code apply. Article 739. The following donations shall be void: • Those made between persons who were guilty of adultery or concubinage at the time of donation; • Those made between persons found guilty of the same criminal offense • Those made to a public officer or his wife, descendants and ascendants, by reason of his office. In a separate text message to Philstar.com, Funa confirmed that
members of the LGBTQ+ community may present the legal opinion “if an insurance agent would have an adverse view.” Funa also said: “An individual who has secured a life insurance policy on his or her own life may designate any person as beneficiary provided that such designation does not fall under the enumerations provided by Article 739 of the Civil Code, without prejudice to the application of Section 12 of the Amended Insurance Code.” No legal impediments Funa noted that Battad mentioned in his letter that some LGBTQ+ members were refused of designating their domestic partner by insurance company, citing “lack of an ‘insurable interest’ of the domestic partner on the life of the insured. Funa clarified that insurable interest in life insurance is different from property insurance where the beneficiary must have an insurable interest in the property insured. “[I]nsofar as life insurance is concerned, it suffices that the person securing the life insurance policy has an insurable interest in the life of being insured,” the Commissioner said. He noted that the Insurance Code of the Philippines provides that “every person has an insurable interest in the life and health...of himself, of his spouse and his children.” Funa pointed out that, in this case, the insured secures a life insurance policy for their life, as such, the beneficiary does not have to have an insurable interest in the life of the insured. “There is no legal impediment to the designation as beneficiary
Dominguez to lawmakers: Pass a law to shut down POGOs briefing on Friday, March 6. His comment came a day after the Senate blue ribbon committee FINANCE Secretary Carlos started the inquiry on the influx of Dominguez III urged lawmak- foreign funds in the country, allegers to pass a measure that would edly to be laundered through Philenable the government to finally ippine offshore gaming operators stop the operations of offshore or POGOs. The Finance chief said his degaming in the country in order to avoid any illegal activities in the partment could only implement regulations mandated by law, industry. “If people in the legislature want such as running after those with more teeth to look at this. Please tax liabilities. “So please if people are congive us more teeth. We are not the ones who made things legal or il- cerned, pass a law. We will implelegal, it’s the legislature,” Domin- ment it. You don’t want POGOs? guez told reporters in a press Pass a law,” he added. n by MayVelin
Caraballo ManilaTimes.net
Proposal to include drug use record in driver’s license‘unfairly discriminates’– CHR MANILA — The proposal to include in driver’s license the history of drivers who have been apprehended due to dangerous drugs use is unfair to people who turned their back on illegal narcotics, the Commission on Human Rights said. CHR stressed that while the intent of the proposal to promote public safety is noble, policies should be fair and mindful of the complexities of social issues they seek to address. “Such proposal unfairly discriminates, especially for those who have fully rehabilitated and turned their backs on the use of dangerous drugs and other similar substances,” Jacqueline De Guia, CHR spokesperson, said Wednesday. The rights body made the statement in response to the proposal of Sens. Ronald Dela Rosa and Francis Tolentino to include a driver’s record of drug use to be indicated in a new license card or if he or she underwent a rehabilitation program during a Senate hearing on drug-related road accidents Tuesday. The senators said it would “forewarn” institutions that the license owner had been a user. “Instead of allowing them to fully reintegrate, the proposal may
bar them from accessing opportunities for employment, as well as other means to be productive members of the society—worse, possibly pushing them back to drug use and sale again,” De Guia said. She added that not everyone who is undergoing or underwent rehabilitation was a result of criminal offense. “It seems to be a punishment for all those who voluntarily submitted themselves for treatment to always bear the mark for simply wanting to be better,” De Guia said. Dela Rosa said the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013—which penalizes acts of driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs and other intoxicating substances—must be amended to give more teeth in law enforcement. “This law already recognizes the importance of protecting the people from accidents and violence that may arise from drunk or drugged driving,” De Guia said. In February, a student was killed while crossing a pedestrian lane in Makati after a jeepney hit him and six others. The jeepney driver tested positive for drugs. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/ Philstar.com)
of the domestic partner of an insured who has secured a life insurance policy on his or her own life,” Funa also said. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra also said that he agrees with the IC’s position. “I see no good reason why partners of the LGBTQIs should be disallowed from being insurance beneficiaries,” he told Philstar.com. “In any event, prudence in designating insurance beneficiaries is every insured person’s lookout,” Guevarra added. n
NEWLY designated InterAgency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) Co-chairman Dante Jimenez on Tuesday, March 3, asked President Rodrigo Duterte to reimpose the death penalty as he vowed his full support to the government’s war against illegal drugs. In a press conference at Malacañang, Jimenez said he believed reviving the death penalty would help rid the country of illegal drugs. “I would like to request to the President to make as a priority bill the reimposition of the death penalty. Importante ‘yun (That’s important) because this is the only penalty that would be able to institute fear among these illegal drug lords,” he added. “That’s why andirito lahat ng mga drug lords. Dito sa Pilipinas pumupunta dahil walang death penalty dito (the druglords are here. They are coming in the Philippines because there’s no death penalty here),” he said. Jimenez, who is also chairman of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, said he accepted the ICAD post “on behalf of the thousands of victims of illegal drugs and in the protection of the youth and society against its many evils.” “As founding chairman of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, an organization of thousands of victims of illegal drugs, I pledge to continue the war against illegal drugs waged by the President, as promised
Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs Co-chairman Dante Jimenez shows a copy of his letter accepting his new post. He signed it with his blood. ManilaTimes.net photo
from the time of his campaign, up to this day,” he said. Jimenez also dismissed Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo’s claim that Duterte’s antidrug campaign was a “massive failure,” saying “it is a mistake to ignore its potential to destroy an entire nation.” “Having been in the advocacy against illegal drugs for over 29 years since the killing of my brother by the drug syndicate operating in Las Piñas and Parañaque [City], only because of mistaken identity, I have seen and felt the disastrous effects of the illegal drug trade on many families and its real threat to the future of our country,” he said. He then signed his acceptance statement with his own blood, “to represent the thousands of victims of illegal drugs and as a manifestation of my commitment to the unrelenting war against this social menace that must be destroyed by all means.” The appointment of Jimenez
came nearly three months after Robredo — who vowed to end the “senseless” killings in the government’s violent campaign against illegal drugs and against drug “personalities” — was booted out less than a month after being named as ICAD cochairman. After she was sacked, Robredo gave the government’s program to fight narcotics a dismal “1 out of 100,” saying authorities were only able to seize 1 percent of the country’s total drug supply in the last three years. The vice president had recommended that the government go after big-time drug suppliers, “instead of chasing or killing small-time drug dealers.” Over the weekend, Jimenez vowed to pursue a “tougher” approach to the anti-narcotics campaign. “I will make them work. I want a working committee, not one just for display,” he told The Manila Times in a phone interview. n
A12 March 7-10, 2020 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOUrNaL
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Journal Bretman Rock gushes Anne and Erwan introduce Baby Dahlia Amelie about meeting Rihanna
AFTER giving birth to their first born in Melbourne on March 2, actress Anne Curtis and husband chef and vlogger Erwan Heussaff introduced their baby girl on their respective Instagram accounts on Friday. Named Dahlia Amelie Heussaff, the pair posted photos of the baby’s hands and feet. Overwhelmed with emotions, Curtis wrote, “Never knew I could love someone so much… So much that it hurts in a good way… it’s an unexplainable kind of love. The kind I’ve never felt before. It’s so overwhelming and fills your heart to the brim with pure happiness. I will always be here to love, protect, guide and hold her little hand every step of the way… even when that little hand isn’t so little anymore.” Heussaff — with the #girl-
dad first made famous by the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant — wrote about the two women in his life, saying, “Our beautiful little daughter was born on March 2, 2020. I never knew that my heart could grow so quickly in just one day. I also had no idea that I could fall even more in love with my wife. Anne was so impressive throughout her pregnancy and in labor. I will forever be in her debt.” Curtis and Heussaff were wed in New Zealand in November 2017. It was also in November of 2019 when they announced Anne Curtis And Erwan Heussaff welcome baby girl t h e y w e r e e x p e c t i n g . Dahlia Amelie on Monday, March 2. Photo from Instagram/@annecurtissmith (ManilaTimes.net)
Camille, husband relive ‘mag jowa stage’ in US trip without kids By ian
Biong Inquirer.net
ACTRESS Camille Prats and husband John Yambao have been reliving their “mag jowa stage” during their trip around the United States without their kids. Prats and Yambao sometimes go on vacations with just the two of them to build a stronger connection as a married couple, Prats noted on Instagram on Thursday, March 5. “From time to time, we make it a point to go on trips just the two of us,” Prats said. “Coz we believe we can be the best parents to our kids if we are both connected as husband and wife.” “Missing the kids but really PAGE B2
Camille Prats and John Yambao
Photo from Instagram/@camilleprats
By Cha Lino Inquirer.net
FILIPINO American YouTube vlogger Bretman Rock was quite starstruck when he met one of his beauty icons, Rihanna, during a Fenty Beauty event in Beverly Hills in California, USA. The 21-year-old beauty influencer gushed about how much he loves the “Umbrella” singer on his Instagram account today, March 6. The pop star was presenting a new collection of makeup blush and bronzer for Bretman Rock and Rihanna PAGE B2
Photos from Instagram/@bretmanrock
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Rachelle Ann reprises Toshimi Pacumbala: From makeup artist to gown designer London ‘Les Miserables’ role by
EVER since he was a kid, Toshimi Pacumbala has loved fashion. Though he started as a professional makeup artist and salon owner, he had harbored a deep appreciation and delight in making gowns. Armed with only his basic knowledge about fashion and sketching, he worked hard to make his daydreams more tangible and real, one delicate sketch at a time. His first foray into fashion designing was when he had the opportunity to design a gown for a classmate. Through the years, his designs slowly but surely took over pageants and runways — locally and internationally. Pacumbala’s sartorial pieces showcase his fancy for everything grand and whimsy, but what really sets him apart is the intricacy that he brings to his vision of opulence and femininity. This approach has captivated clients from around the world, and it will captivate fashion connoisseurs even more as he participates in the Asia Pacific Fashion Week, an annual international showcase of fashion collections from the Asia Pacific. Pacumbala shares his journey to fashion designing: Asian Journal (AJ): What made you take fashion seriously enough to make a career out of it? Toshimi Pacumbala (TP): I noticed that fashion usually has an international market, while salons remain local. So there came a point where my clients would see my clothes — clothes that I have designed — and ask about them. I realized that if my clients are showing interest in my designs, then so can other people and that’s when I decided to consider fashion seriously. AJ: How did your clients from other countries know about your designs? TP: I used to take part in pageant shows. I’d be the makeup artist at the same time as the designer for a contestant’s costume and gown. I started posting my designs on Facebook until one day, I was invited by Miss Europe Philippines to be the official designer. Last year,
Ratziel San Juan Philstar.com
by aJPReSS
BROADWAY and recording star Rachelle Ann Go has returned to London to reprise her role as Fantine in the restaging of “Les Misérables” in London, putting her local showbiz comeback on hold momentarily. The iconic long-running musical theater production confirmed on social media that Rachelle will grace the stage for about three months between April 18 and July 27. Earlier this week, the singer revealed her blonde locks and new look from behind the scenes. “Last night was fun but nerve wracking... I’ll be blonde for the next 7 weeks then back in July!” she posted on Instagram earlier this week. The seasoned theater actress originally signed on for the role of Fantine at the 30th anniversary of the West End production in 2015. For her portrayal as the impoverished single mother, Rachelle earned the distinction of “Best
Performance in a Long-Running West End show (Female)”
category of the Broadway World UK awards.
Julie Anne is preparing for a big surprise
Toshimi Pacumbala
I flew to Europe and I designed the evening gowns as well as the traditional costume. AJ: Are you self-taught or did you study fashion design? TP: I’m self-taught, though I plan to study fashion design someday. AJ: What’s your favorite part about being a designer? TP: I mostly design couture gowns. I really enjoy doing the beadswork, as well as sketching and basically, hand-sewing everything. AJ: What do you want your clients to feel when they wear your designs? TP: I want my clients to feel proud and confident when wearing my designs. I also want them to feel that they stand out in the crowd. AJ: How do you find influences/inspirations for your designs? TP: I mostly find inspiration from YouTube as well as other
The iconic long-running musical theater production confirmed on social media that Rachelle will grace the stage for about three months between April 18 and July 27, 2020. Photo from Instagram/@gorachelleann
designers. AJ: You are part of the Asia Pacific Fashion Week. What made you decide to join this show? TP: I joined because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I wanted to showcase my talent. I also think it’s a great way to establish an international market for my designs as well as make friends with other designers and potential clients. AJ: Any advice for young fashion designers out there? TP: Just always work hard and be passionate about what you’re doing. Keep in mind that when you are working on a gown, the quality of it is the most important thing to work on. Asia Pacific Fashion Week will be held from April 25-May 3 in Los Angeles, California. For more information on events, sponsorships and other opportunities, please visit https://asiapacificfashionweek.com/.
by lhaR
Santiago ManilaTimes.net
IT was a wise decision for Julie Anne San Jose to give a hundred percent to her career. Just full concentration and no distractions, letting nothing affect her focus on her projects, ergo, no love life. And now, everything is happily working out for Julie Anne in the biz. She even has a new endorsement as the face of Shinagawa Lasix and Aesthetics Center where Showbuzz caught up with her. And indeed, Julie Anne can’t ask for more. To start with, “All-Out Sundays (AOS),” which she headlines with Alden Richards is on top of the ratings game as the No. 1 Sunday noontime show in the country, based on Neilsen Ratings. “I’m so happy that since Day 1, we’ve been getting such PAGE B3
Julie Anne San Jose
Photo from Instagram/@myjaps
ABS-CBN working on protecting, getting justice for Kim Chiu by Jan
Milo SeveRo Philstar.com
A BS-CBN has condemned the shooting incident involvi ng K apa m i lya act ress K i m Chiu toget her wit h her personal assistant and driver. In a statement released by t he net work on Wednesday, March 4, the TV network said t hat t hey a r e r el ieved t hat none of the people in the vehicle got hurt. “A BS-CBN condem ns t he shooting incident this morning involving the vehicle carrying its artist Kim Chiu, her per sona l assista nt, a nd her driver in Quezon City,” the TV giant said in a statement sent to Philstar.com. “ T he net work is rel ieved that none of them got hurt and is taking measures to ensure their safety. Our priority now is attending to their needs as they cope with this traumatic experience,” it added. The network also thanked the authorities for quickly responding to the incident and securing their talent. “A BS - C BN wou ld l i ke to
Kim Chiu
t ha n k t he aut hor it ies for quickly responding to the incident and securing Kim and her companions,” it said. T h e K a p a m i l y a n e t wo r k assured Kim that they will be working with the authorities
ABS-CBN photo
for her to get justice. “We are currently working closely w it h t he aut hor it ies w h o a r e i n ve s t i gat i n g t h e incident in the hope that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.”
Camille, husband relive ‘mag jowa...
PAGE B1 loving our time together! Reminiscing our mag jowa stage,” she added. Prats shared that they also went to Los Angeles just to watch NBA star Lebron James live, whom they are both fans of even before they became a couple. “It’s happening!!!! When [VJ and [I] were getting to know each other, the first thing we had
in common was we’re both LBJ fans!” she said. “FINALLY! The reason behind our trip to LA was really to watch him play! Lets gooooo LBJ!!!” Further attesting to their love of the said basketball star, the couple went to the game with Lakers jerseys on with James’ number, 23. Besides New York and Los Angeles, the couple has also gone to
California, as seen on the wife’s Instagram posts. “Thank you to my [IG] husband @vjyambao1 for patiently taking unli photos of me in the name [of] the gram,” Prats posted on March 3, showing a photo of her walking on the streets of Santa Monica. Prats and Yambao were married back in 2017 and currently have three children together.
Bretman Rock gushes... PAGE B1 her beauty line when she met him. The makeup vlogger was able to talk to Rihanna and pose cheek to cheek with her. In a second video, Rihanna can be seen placing her knee above Bretman’s while the vlogger crouched behind her. The two skillfully worked their angles while the cameras were flashing
in front of them. “I love this woman soo f*cking much,” he said. “I touched her knees and it was awesome.” The YouTube star also shared the experience with his followers on Twitter. “Okay the first pic…. is a serve,” Bretman stated. “[The] second pic (crying emoji) why am I just realizing she sat on me… RIH SAT ON ME B*TCH.” Rihanna and Bretman wore
matching black outfits. The pop singer paired her high ponytail with a wrap dress and chain necklaces, while Bretman wore a pair of black boots, a deep V-neck button shirt and leather pants. In a follow-up tweet, Bretman appears to be still not over the high of meeting his idol. “AHHHHH Rihanna just told me to shut the f*ck up… [I’m never] talking again.”
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Film Development Council of the Philippines chief Mary Liza Diño (fourth from left), poses with Dr. Dante A. Ang, Chairman Emeritus of The Manila Times (fourth from right). With them were (from left) Jennifer Jones, operations manager of The Manila Times TV; Renneth Moldes, communications lead officer; Maiza Ilustrisimo, junior executive assistant; Anna Abalahin, Distribution and Exhibition Division head; Maria Rosanna Mina, PR and communications officer; and Joanna Ang, assistant operations manager of The Manila Times TV. ManilaTimes.net photo
PH to make it to Oscars in 5 years – Diño by
ARLO CUSTODIO ManilaTimes.net
THE Philippines has yet to reap honors from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, but the country may make it to the Oscars in five years, said Liza Diño, head of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). Since 2016, when Diño took over the reins of the FDCP as chairman and chief executive officer, Filipino movies have made leaps and bounds in festivals abroad. Although Filipino-made films or the actors in those movies have won awards in festivals abroad like the Cannes Film Festival, Venice International Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Cairo International Film Festival, Asia Pacific Film Festival and Brussels International Independent Film Festival, among others, no local film has been nominated to the Oscars Best Foreign Language Film since Manuel Conde’s “Genghis Khan” in 1953. The Judy Ann Santos-starrer
“Ploning”raised some hope in 2008, but it fell short despite its strong plot. The multi-awarded “Heneral Luna”also raised expectations in 2015, but it failed to get enough attention from the 7,000-strong voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to merit a nomination. South Korea’s “Parasite,” making history in this year’s Oscars, shifted the focus to Asian cinema. With the Philippine cinema celebrating its centennial from Sept. 12, 2019 to Sept. 11, 2020, the question as to when a Filipino movie can finally make it to the Oscars is inevitable. For Diño, it could be soon. “It took 30 years for [South] Korea to achieve that feat [of making it to the Oscars]. And with our movies technically now at par with international productions — what with the stringent technical requirements of Netflix to show films on the platform, I can say that we can make it in five years,” Diño told The Manila Times in an interview when she and her team visited The Manila Times TV for a meeting with its
Chairman Emeritus Dr. Dante Arevalo Ang on Tuesday. “As anyone working in the Asian film industry knows, a Korean Oscar winner is no accident. Bong [Joon Ho] is a product of an industry that benefits from a strong studio system and venture capital funds, a generation of savvy producers that understand both arthouse and mainstream filmmaking, and decades of state support,”she said. “FDCP’s mechanisms of support are patterned after Kofic (Korean Film Council) and CNC (National Center for Cinema and the Moving Image) because the FDCP has been working closely with these agencies for technical support and assistance in the past three years — kahit malayo ang budget natin sa kanila (even if our budget is not as big as theirs),” she added. “To those who question the Philippines’ participation in international film festivals and film markets, but aspires to have a ‘Parasite’-like success in Philippine cinema, international success in a globally competitive market doesn’t happen overnight,”Diño said.
KC on reaching her body goals: ‘One step at a time’ by
RYAN ARCADIO Inquirer.net
WHILE KC Concepcion works hard toward her fitness goals, she appears to be in no rush and says she is achieving them “one step at a time.” “Our bodies change whether we like it or not, and it’s [up to] us to better ourselves,” she said on her Instagram page yesterday, March 4. She accompanied her post with a photo of her in a lilac bikini top, which showed off her fit physique. The actress-host, who stood up to negative comments about her body in the past, also had a positive message for her followers. “Never let anybody bring you down — they don’t know what battles you’re facing, and frankly, they don’t care,” she said. “But YOU have the choice to be kind. YOU are taking steps to better yourself.” Prior to her post, Concepcion had been uploading other photos of her enjoying the island’s spots while in different swimsuits. Embracing her figure, she posed in a dark-orange-toned bathing suit while on board a “paraw” (outrigger sailboat). She described the boat as her “[front-row] seat for the classic Boracay golden hour.” Concepcion also stunned in a black one-piece swimsuit as she lounged on the island’s
CSPA VICTORY FOR AGED OUT CHILD: PAOLO NEVER GAVE UP HOPE, DESPITE BEING REFUSED A VISA AT THE US EMBASSY BECAUSE HE HAD AGED OUT. Paolo (left) was only a small child when his U.S. citizen aunt petitioned his father. But when the priority date became current and Paolo went to the U.S. Embassy in 2015, his immigrant visa was refused because he had “aged out.” He then consulted with the law offices of MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL, Inc. Atty. Gurfinkel sought reconsideration from the U.S. Embassy, arguing that Paolo was still under 21, based on the Child Status Protection Act’s (CSPA) age calculation. Find out how leading U.S. immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL was able to turn a denial into a visa, by convincing the Embassy that Paolo was eligible for immigration benefits under the CSPA, on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy – on Sunday at 6:15 PM (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)
Julie Anne is preparing... PAGE B2 great support from televiewers. Sinusundan talaga ng mga tao and I think it’s because the show is a complete entertainment package. We offer very good musical numbers — whether singing man yan o sayaw, we work hard for it. “Besides the musical numbers, we have our comedy segment, called ‘Tap Sikret,’ na talagang nakaka-aliw,” she added proudly. Julie Anne also has nothing but praise for her fellow artists in AOS, from Glaiza de Castro to Cacai Bautista, and Derrick Monasterio to Paolo Contis and Betong. “Even our young stars na sina Kim De Leon and Lexi Gonzales are good at everything. So talagang masarap silang panoorin,” she added. She is all the more impressed how the new singers in the
show get to perform with more veteran performers like Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista and Aicelle Santos. “Sobrang ipinagmamalaki namin ‘yung new singers namin because we witnessed their journey. Hindi rin talaga biro ‘yung mga pinagdaanan nila sa The Clash.” Most of all, she enjoys having production numbers with Alden, which she never got to do in AOS’ forerunner “Sunday Pinasaya.” “Although we were both in the previous program too, magka-iba kami ng mga segments. I’m just thankful that we can do so many different numbers together now, and natutuwa ako that there are those who give their all-out support. Meron din namang haters and bashers but I just don’t mind them. Ako naman, trabaho ito. I’m always give my
100 percent,” Julie noted. Amid all her current projects — mostly to do with music — Julie Anne admits she misses acting. “I really miss it,” she reiterated. “Actually, I have been doing acting workshops. I did one under Anthony Bova when he came here. Now I’m carrying on with Anna Feleo. “I’ve been wanting to do acting projects and I’ve also been open about it,” she continued. “Thankfully, my management actually just closed a deal and yes! I’m making an acting comeback,” she excitedly revealed. Details to this acting project will remain a surprise for her fans for the time being. “I’m not yet allowed to say anything except that I can’t wait to use everything that I’ve learned from the workshops that I took.”
Sinusuportahan ng Loterya ng California
Pambansang Problema sa Pagsusugal Buwan ng Kamalayan KC Concepcion
white sand, as seen in a separate post. “Always at my happiest by the sea,” she said. Concepcion previously re-
Photo from Instagram/@itskcconcepcion
vealed in 2017 that she had to put more effort into losing weight since she was sensitive to “chemicals, supplements and sugar.”
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Angelica on having a family: My years with President FVR MOONLIGHTING ‘Hindi sa lahat binibigay yun’
kids of her own when she was answering questions from her followers on Twitter last TuesW H I L E A n g e l i c a P a n - day, March 2. O n e u s e r (@ y u R i _ k a1 2) ga n iba n w ishes to have a family of her own in the future, asked t he actress about her she accepts that it is not for love life, noting that most of t he col leagues she grew up everyone. P a n g a n i b a n w a s c a n d i d with in the showbiz industry about the thought of raising already have families of their by
RYAN ARCADIO Inquirer.net
own. “Pero I know happy ka and successful,” she added. “Just want to know if sumasagi sa isip mo [yun].” (But I know you are happy and successful. Just want to know if it crosses your mind.) Pa n ga n i b a n d i d n ot s hy away from the question, saying the thought always crosses her mind and that she wants to have her own family. “Pero hindi sa lahat binibigay y u n,” t he act ress sa id. “Okay naman ako.” (But it is not given to everyone. I am okay.) The fan then thanked Panga n iba n for a n swer i ng her quest ion before ment ioning that she has admired the actress since she appeared on t he 1999 T V show “G-mi k.” The Twitter user added that she was also a fan of Camille Prats, who was one of Panganiban’s fellow cast members at the time. Panganiban was last linked to her former boyfriend Carlo Aquino after they reunited in the 2018 film “Exes Baggage.” However, the two clarified that t hey were not on spea k i ng terms late last year.
by MYLAH DE
LEON
I COVERED the presidential term sailing through its choppy waters chronicling Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos’ (FVR) wavy patterns of success and glory, laughter and grief, loss and devastation, troubles and genuine delights. Through the oppressive summers, we fluttered around him, hot and heaving, sticky and dusty marinated in different astringents, alcohol and talcum. The rainy days never dampened our spirits, only our shoes. As palace reporters, we took one note of changes, some exits (that grieved him) and the few entrances in a broad colorful exposure that prepare you for anyt hing. Each day brought unexpected twists — shouting matches beh i nd t he scenes among the biggies, intrigues among the lightweights, plus surprises that unsurprised the Malacanang Press Corps. Given his round-the-clock presidential schedule, daily coverage of the president saw more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. The place generally fi lled with cigarette smoke and profanity. It is where one gets schooled in ribald humor yanking you forever from the sterile and safe world of diplomatic fi nesse and protocol officers trailing the Chief Executive. In this smoke-filled confusion, sassy presidential reporters spend endless hours playing tricks with words, often coming up with statements that could move you from sublimit y to nausea. These specimens of 23-24 made me feel like a fossil after most of them were children of my colleagues. What havoc could happen should they decide to gang up on me? T here was real ly not hing monumental about lunching at the Palace, but having the president’s undivided attention a whole afternoon was something to revel in. T he newshen wou ld be made up, colored, highlighted, smoothed and glowing, not to Angelica Panganiban Photo from Instagram/@iamangelicap be outdone as the men put on in-
The columnist with Philippine President FVR
The columnist (far left) among journalists and personalities at Malacañang.
tense neckties fl irting for attention, and oh, yes, smelling like the future. To make the whole gang truly cross-sectional, the executive staff and the media relations office, were on hand, suffering us, while we choked presidential presence. A breath away from the murky Pasig river, the incumbent Presidents wa r m ly welcomed a l l 27 of us on annual gatherings designed to appease Manila’s “privileged” journalists, especially if a collective complaint that a sitting President has become more accessible to the foreign media, but elusive to Malacanang reporters, was aired. We have covered coup attempts, typhoons, earthquakes, royal visits, tsunamis, golf games, cabinet wrongdoings — including their exits and entrances — with peculiar detachment. Then there were the week ly presscons where there is no prepared eloquence. You don’t shout questions at the president. She or he is politely asked, stammered at, fl ashed,
gushed and whispered to. Inevitably someone mumbles and grunts and all one could make out was this reporter chewing t he mi ke and swa l low ing it whole! I have not been spared the brunt a president, admonishing this novice with: “Is there a question somewhere?” or “In answer to your convoluted question...” The chorus of laughter would want one w ish t hat I would just dust under the rug. Travelling with the president around the archipelago after coverages were excursions to pillage and plunder. There was absolutely nothing we laid our eyes on we didn’t want to buy or keep as souvenirs. The Press Plane became an instant refugee camp of flora and fauna, fruits, bedcovers, what have you, even the exotic durian. Then we punctuated our coverages with the usual favorite pastime. We inebriate ourselves silly! *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol. com.
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COMMUNITY Journal
Advice from 2 Filipino doctors: What Filipinos need to know about COVID-19 by Nico
cabrera - MD and aNtoNio Moya - MD, MPH FILIPINOS globally are struggling to make sense of the flood of information coming from social media and news outlets regarding the novel coronavirus disease (named COVID-19) caused by the virus “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).” Unfortunately, racism and irrational fear against people of Asian descent have not only descended upon our mga kapwa Pinoy, but ironically, some of us have also propagated xenophobia against our fellow Asian sisters and brother in talking about this disease. As Filipino physicians who treat patients of all ethnicities and backgrounds, both in the Philippines and the U.S., we have one simple message: this racism and ignorance needs to stop now. We must empower ourselves to take simple, effective precautions to mitigate the spread of this virus, its resultant disease, and the social biases that come with fear mongering #iamnotavirus #nosoyunvirus #jenesuispasunvirus Our main message to our patients and the global Filipino community is this: do not panic. Now is not the time to let feelings of panic and anxiety cloud our judgment. When we simplify the clutter of information out there, breathe calmly, and think positively, we affirm our ability to not only stop the spread of COVID-19, but also the myths that have, no pun intended, gone viral. There is a calm way to respond to COVID-19 that gives this important issue its due attention. This involves gathering accurate information about the virus through trusted health professionals from agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19: Where things stand On Jan. 30, 2020, the WHO
declared the COVID-19 outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. As of Friday, March 6, there have been 101,587 confirmed cases globally with 2,931 deaths in mainland China and 14 deaths in the United States, according to researchers at John Hopkins University. The CDC reported that there have been over 250 cases detected and tested in 20 states in the U.S, according to the New York Times. In the Philippines, the Department of Health website reported five confirmed cases as of Friday and 537 persons whose testing was negative. This roughly amounts to 1 case for every 7 million people in the U.S. and one case for every 35 million people in the Philippines. In contrast, the CDC estimates that between October 1, 2019, and February 22, 2020, about 35 to 45 million people in the U.S. have fallen ill with influenza and 18 to 46 thousand have died. As of March 4, Los Angeles County has also declared a public health emergency in order to execute more efficient management of government resources to stopping COVID-19. Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 In the largest study of patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of COVID-19 in China reported by Guan, et al., in the New England Journal of Medicine, Feb. 28th, almost 9 out of 10 experienced fever while almost 7 out of 10 had a cough. Symptoms like
body or joint aches and pains, sore throat, difficulty breathing and headache were less common and diarrhea was very infrequent. It is likely that many patients who have been infected with this virus do not experience any symptoms, much like other infectious diseases like the seasonal flu. Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of COVID-19 The test to diagnose COVID-19 is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which picks up fragments of the DNA of the virus. This test is run on several different samples such as swabs from deep inside the nose and from the back of the throat. The best sample is fluid from deep in the lung. It can be collected by having the patient cough up phlegm or, if the patient is sick enough, using a tube inserted down the air pipe to collect fluid. Facilities will vary with respect to their readiness to care for patients suspected of COVID19. Emergency rooms are more likely to have rooms equipped to accommodate patients in a manner that minimizes the risk of transmission to others. Primary care or urgent care clinics are unlikely to be similarly equipped. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19 like in many viral respiratory illnesses. The best treatment we can offer as medical professionals is supportive care—close monitoring and interventions that support breath-
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Panorama Tower reopens 26 years after Northridge earthquake
Panorama Tower reopened as a 14-story apartment building in February.
AFTER nearly three decades vacant, Panorama Tower reopened on Thursday, February 24 in Panorama City, California at the corner of Van Nuys Boulevard and Titus Street. Originally designed by Welton Becket as a 13-story office building in 1962, the tower was damaged during the 1994 Northridge earthquake and had been unoccupied since. After being purchased by the Shomof Group in 2015, the tower underwent a $25-million renovation and is now a 14-story apartment building holding 194 residential units. LA City Council President Nury Martinez hosted a grand opening celebration on Thursday, welcoming the renewed 189,000 square-foot development that has two new penthouse spaces, seismic retrofitting upgrades, green building compliance, electrical upgrades and new plumbing. “Panorama City has a storied history and has survived both natural and economic earthquakes. It is an extremely resilient community and what I’m most proud of with the opening of the Panorama Tower is that our local residents and stake-
LA City Council President Nury Martinez (center) led a grand opening celebration of Panorama Tower on Thursday, February 24, nearly three decades after it was damaged in the Northridge earthquake.
holders did not give up,” Martinez said in a statement. “They wanted something meaningful at this site and now we have it, along with other community improvements, with more to come.” The residential building is already 70% occupied, the council president added. Located at 8155 Van Nuys Blvd, Panorama Tower is within walking distance to The Plant Shopping Center. Studio, one-bedroom and
two-bedroom units are available, ranging from $1,550 to $2,350 per month. In 2022, Los Angeles Metro is slated to break ground on a new light-rail line along the same street. Panorama Tower is located at 8155 Van Nuys Blvd. Panorama City, CA 91402. For more information, please email leasing@ panoramatowerla.com or visit panoramatowerla.com. (Advertising Supplement)
C MARCH 7-10, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Tax & Stock Tips victoR Sy,
cPA, mBA (RetiRed)
1. One big change this year is a reduction of Form1040 schedules from six in 2018 down to three in 2019. Some schedules will be merged while some will revert to the base 1040 form. 2. Decimal places for cents are deleted from each line. Cents are useless and create clutter. Most people round dollar entries any-
Tapat Sa Batas Atty. RheA SAmSon ANG isang dayuhan na ineligible sa pagkuha ng green card sa loob ng U.S. dahil sa unlawful presence ay maaaring mag-apply ng I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver. Ang I-601A Waiver ay kailangang i-apply at maaprubahan bago umalis ang dayuhan sa US para sa kanyang consular immigrant visa interview. Upang maging eligible para sa I-601A provisional unlawful presence waiver, ang mga sumusunod ang kinakailangan: (1) ang dayuhan ay nasa loob ng U.S.; (2) ang dayuhan ay may 17 taon gulang; (3) ang dayuhan ay nasa proseso ng pagkuha ng kanyang immigrant visa at may nakasalang na immigrant case sa Department of State (DOS) dahil sa ang dayuhan ay mayroong aprubadong I-130 family-based petition o I-140 employmentbased petition; (4) maipapakita ng dayuhan na ang hindi pagbigay sa kanya ng immigrant visa ay magdudulot ng extreme hardship sa kanyang “qualifying relative”; (5) naniniwala ang dayuhan na ang kanyang inadmissibility ay dahil lamang sa kanyang unlawful presence sa loob ng U.S. na mahigit sa 180 araw pero di umabot ng isang taon sa isang pagpunta niya sa U.S., o kaya ay unlawful presence na higit sa isang taon sa isang pagpunta niya sa U.S.. Kung ang dayuhan ay nasa removal proceedings, hindi siya maaaring mag-apply ng I-601A waiver hanggat aprubahan ng Immigration Judge ang administrative
IRS simplifies form 1040 for individuals way and the extra room allows for larger and clearer numbers. Nice. 3. There will be a new line for capital gains on the 1040. 4. IRA distributions will get their own line separate from pensions and annuities. 5. Schedule 1 provides a new space for date of divorce to adapt the change in the tax treatment of alimony. ***
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.” Readers may email tax questions to vicsy@live.com.
Provisional unlawful presence waiver the U.S. due to unlawful presence can apply for I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver before they leave the US for their consular interview. To be eligible for provisional unlawful presence waiver, the alien must meet the following requirements: (1) alien is physically present in the U.S.; (2) alien is at least 17 years old; (3) alien is in the process of obtaining his immigrant visa and has an immigrant case pending with the Department of State (DOS) due to an approved I-130 family-based petition or I-140 employmentbased petition; (4) alien should be able to demonstrate that a refusal of his admission to the U.S. will cause extreme hardship to a “qualifying relative”; (5) the alien believes that he is inadmissible only because of a period of unlawful presence in the U.S. that was more than 180 days but less than 1 year during a single stay or 1 year or more during a single stay. If the alien is in removal proceedings, he cannot apply for I-601A provisional unlawful presence waiver unless the Immigration Judge administratively closes the case. Upon approval of the I-601A provisional unlawful presence waiver, the alien is required to depart the U.S. to process his immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate Abroad. The approval of a provisional unlawful presence waiver does not make the alien eligible for adjustment of status in the U.S. The approval by USCIS of the provisional *** unlawful presence waiver takes Immigrant visa applicants who effect only after: (1) the alien are ineligible to adjust status in u PAGE C3 closure ng kanyang kaso. Ang I-601A Waiver ay kailangang i-file sa USCIS. Kapag naaprubahan na ng USCIS ang I601A provisional unlawful presence waiver, ang dayuhan ay kinakailangang lumabas ng U.S. upang ipagpatuloy ang pagproseso ng kanyang immigrant visa sa isang U.S. Embassy o U.S. Consulate. Ang approval ng provisional unlawful presence waiver ay hindi nagbibigay ng eligibility sa dayuhan para makakuha ng green card sa loob ng U.S. Ang approval ng I-601A Waiver ay maaari lamang maging epektibo kapag: (1) Ang dayuhan ay lumabas ng U.S. para sa kanyang immigrant visa interview; (2) Ang DOS Consular Officer ay nagkaroon ng determinasyon na ang dayuhan ay admissible sa U.S. at eligible para sa immigrant visa. Ang approved I-601A waiver ay maaaring mawalan ng bisa kung may ibang inadmissibility ang dayuhan bukod sa unlawful presence. Ang isa sa mga kailangan para sa I-601A Waiver ay ang pagdudulot ng extreme hardship sa “qualifying relative” ng dayuhan kung siya ay hindi makakabalik ng U.S. Ang “qualifying relative” ay asawa na USC/LPR o magulang na USC/LPR ng dayuhan. Hindi kasama sa “qualifying relative” ang USC/LPR na anak ng dayuhan. Maaari lamang isaalang-alang ang extreme hardship sa anak na USC/LPR kung ito ay magdudulot ng pagpapahirap sa “qualifying relative.”
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The Prophetic Voice ReveRend RodeL g. BALAgtAS WORRIES are part of human life. They bring fear in us and rob us of sleep. They prevent us from being fully present to others and mindful of the work at hand. But worries and anxieties can also be productive. They allow us to plan and to take necessary actions. If we don’t worry about our health, then we’ll eat anything we want or not see a doctor. If you don’t worry about your kids, then you’re not going to work hard to provide for their food and education. How should you deal with worries? How would you main-
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwRence yAng LET me give you the background on this case. The husband is 81 but still looks active. He is slim and sprightly. The wife is 79 and looks nervous. Normally, spouses are on the same track and agree with what has to be done. But in this case, I’m not sure what is going on. The wife owes between $20,000 to $30,000 credit cards, which are all past due. One card has sued her and she has agreed to a stipulated judgment promising to pay $150 a month. Other cards are threatening to sue. They call her every hour to collect their pound of flesh. The wife looks really worried. She says she hides under the table when they call. I guess she can’t take the stress caused by these credit cards. She says that she was able to pay these cards until she stopped working for two years. She suffered some kind of trauma in her work and received disability payments for a while. She was a caregiver in a hospice and her patient had violently killed himself in front of her. This scene had caused her extreme mental anguish. She could no longer work as before. This work-related trauma qualified her to receive temporary disability, which recently expired. She did not feel like going back to work. She received social security of $700. Well, if she owed $20,000 credit cards, she would need at least $750 to keep $20,000 of credit cards current with minimum monthly payments. In other words, all of her social security would have to be used to pay credit cards and she would still be short $50. Where would she get $50? All eyes go to her husband.
Barrister’s Corner
ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
Atty. Kenneth URSUA ReyeS IMMIGRANTS who are identified by the USCIS or the US Embassy of becoming a public charge will not be issued a U.S. visa, granted admission to the United States as a legal permanent resident, or allowed to adjust status status to a greencard holder. Under Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), an individual seeking admission to the United States or seeking to adjust status to that of an individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence (green card) is inadmissible if the individual “at the time of application for admission or adjustment of status, is likely at any time to become a public chargeINA Section 212(a)(4). On August 14, 2019, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule that codifies regulations governing the application of the public charge inadmissibility ground under INA section 212(a)(4). This final rule amends DHS regulations by prescribing how DHS will determine whether an alien applying for admission or adjustment of status is inadmissible to the United States under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act because he or she is likely at any time to become a public charge. The final rule includes definitions of certain terms critical to the public charge determination, such as “public charge” and “public benefit,” which are not defined in the statute, and explains the factors DHS will consider in the totality of the circumstances when making a public charge inadmissibility determination. The final rule also addresses USCIS authority to issue public charge bonds un-
How to deal with worries tain peace and a positive spirit amid anxieties? I suggest a way that works for me: Bring up memories of many events and people in your life by which God has manifested his love, care, and providence. They could be times when you were healed from a terrible sickness, found some financial help, or passed a test. They could be family members and friends who have shown you their unconditional love. Bring these beautiful memories in prayer, thanking God with your whole heart for these blessings. When you do this, you realize that God has always journeyed with you and helped you overcome your struggles. He has not abandoned you. Even the trials and difficulties you expe-
rienced have allowed you to be courageous and wise. As you do this exercise, your worries begin to dissipate, and your mind gets calm. Your heart becomes filled with gratitude to God. You are ready again to tackle the responsibilities and challenges before you. You know that you are not alone. God accompanies you and promises his protection and help. As we hear about the story of the Transfiguration of Christ on this Second Sunday of Lent, let’s fix our minds on God’s promises of hope and redemption. Let’s look forward to the joys and consolations of life on earth and in heaven! Amen. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
Couple wonders how to tackle debt relief for wife
The husband has not given her the $50 so eventually, all her cards became past due. You know what happens when cards become past due, past due amount plus penalties make the bad situation even worse. As she said, they call her every hour to collect. One has sued her. They threaten to sue. They want all of her social security. What struck me the most was her statement that she had to hide under the table when they call. I believed her. She was clearly stressed out. I empathized with her. At her age, she should just be collecting social security and enjoying what’s left of her life, the golden years. She should not be living each day cowering in fear. Her life sucks. I’m wondering what’s going on with the husband. He says he also owed a bunch of cards. His social security is $2,000. He says in addition to social security, he still works full time. But the employer is not doing too well. Even though he owns 25% of the business, his paycheck of $2,000 does not come in consistently. There are times when the paycheck is delayed and he doesn’t get paid. It looks to me that there’s more stuff going on here, although it’s my policy not to get involved in matters that are between husband and wife. I think the wife doesn’t want to be harassed by her creditors anymore. She can’t take the stress of creditor collection calls every day and every hour. In California, we only use tables to hide under during an earthquake. We don’t use them to hide under when creditors call to collect. The wife cannot do Chapter 7 because they own their house, which supposedly has more than $175K of equity. Being seniors, their homestead exemption is $175K. In Chapter 7, there’s a big risk they might lose their house
to the Chapter 7 trustee who will sell it and give them $175K in cash and use the rest to pay off her credit cards. It doesn’t make sense to lose your house because of credit cards. So, I will not file a Chapter 7 for them in this case. I will only file a Chapter 13 with the smallest possible plan payment so that there is no risk of losing the house. The wife obviously cannot pay her credit cards. She needs her $700 of social security to buy necessities. So why won’t her husband help her out in any way he can, like pay her credit cards? First, let me say that this is a matter between them as husband and wife. It looks at initially to me that all their expenses are separate. She pays her own expenses and he pays his own expenses. A de-facto pre-nuptial agreement when it comes to expenses. Second, there seems to be something that’s not being said. I can tell from the bodily movements. So, eventually what has not been said is now said. The husband is paying $1,000 a month for a $250,000 term life. He believes that when he dies, the $250,000 will help the surviving wife pay down their mortgage of $400,000. The wife doesn’t know what to think. All she knows is that since she stopped working, she’s been and continues to be a nervous wreck because of credit card debt. Her entire social security benefits are not enough to cover minimum monthly payments on the cards. I can only say that Chapter 13 will give her peace of mind, immediately. And, only God knows when we die. “Death comes like a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2. The husband plans to die ahead of the wife so she can get her $250,000 from insurance. But who knows, because of
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What is the ‘inadmissibility on public charge grounds’ final rule? der section 213 of the Act in the context of applications for adjustment of status. Finally, this rule includes a requirement that aliens seeking an extension of stay or change of status demonstrate that they have not , since obtaining the nonimmigrant status they seek to extend or change, received public benefits over the designated threshold, as defined in the rule. In short, the new rule makes it easier for the government to deny legal permanent residency to immigrants “likely to use public benefits” and more difficult for immigrants to get approved. The good news is that any Adjustment of Status application that had been filed before February 24, 2020 will still be considered under the old rules. The bad news is that the USCIS will implement its Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Final Rule beginning February 24, 2020 and will apply to all cases filed on or after that date. This is a result of a 5-4 U.S. Supreme Court decision to remove the nationwide injunction blocking the final rule. The following cases will be subject to the public charge final rule: • Immigrants who are in the U.S. applying for a green card through the “adjustment of status” application. • Immigrants requesting a visa extension to stay in the U.S. • Individuals who are applying to come to the U.S. through US Embassy overseas. Anyone who received one or more public benefits for more than twelve months in aggregate within any 36-month period could be held to be a public charge. The rule expands the “public benefits” to include the following benefits: • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) • Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF) • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) • Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance and Housing Assistance Under the Housing Choice Voucher Program • Subsidized Public Housing • Federally-Funded Medicaid (with Certain Exclusions) Any other public non-cash benefit that is not mentioned above will not be considered a public charge of inadmissibility. All applicants for adjustment of status will be subject to the new rule. In determining inadmissibility, USCIS defines “public charge” as an individual who is likely to become “primarily dependent for subsistence, as demonstrated by either the receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance or institutionalization for long-term care at government expense.” USCIS will use a totality of the alien’s circumstances standard in determining whether immigrant or nonimmigrant visa applicants, applicants for admission to the United States, and applicants for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence are likely to become a public charge “at any time” in the future. The alien’s circumstances will be measured by seven factors, including: • Age • Health • Family status • Assets, resources and financial status • Education and skills • Prospective immigration status and period of admission • Affidavit of support, filed under 213 of the INA No single factor, other than the lack of an affidavit of support will determine whether an individual is a public change. Beginning February 24, 2020, all adjustment of status applicants will need to attach an additional
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 7-10, 2020
Should employees be paid even if not working? (Yes, if employer has control over employees)
OVER a decade ago, four truck drivers sued Wal-Mart claiming Wal-Mart violated California’s meal and rest break laws. As part of their job, truckers would travel a wide range of routes, to different locations, hauling different freight. Wal-Mart paid truckers through an “activity-based pay system,” which included pay for (1) mileage, (2) tasks that constituted “activity,” such as arriving and departing a facility, as well as hooking a new trailer to the truck, and (3) hourly wages of fourteen dollars per hour for limited events like time spent waiting at a store or supplier and delays due to inclement weather or truck breakdown. The truckers claimed that Wal-Mart did not pay drivers for all job duties, and it required drivers to take rest breaks without pay, and “controlled” drivers during ten-hour layover periods. Because of this, the drivers argued that Wal-Mart should have paid drivers minimum wage pay. The trial court found that under Wal-Mart’s pay policy drivers were not paid separately for some activities they should have been paid for. The court also held that, because of Walmart’s policy, drivers were subject to Wal-Mart’s “control” during layovers. Thus, the court found that Wal-Mart must pay minimum wages during those times. Although the court found that Wal-Mart’s policies described practices that would violate California law, the court presented to the jury the factual question of whether Wal-Mart had implemented those policies
Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights ATTY. C. JOE SAYAS, JR. A jury ultimately found in favor of the truck drivers on four issues, awarding drivers $44,699,766 for layovers, $3,961,975 for rest breaks, $2,971,220 for pre-trip inspections, and $2,971,220 for post-trip inspections, for a total damage award of about $54 million. Wal-Mart appealed the jury verdict, arguing, among other things, that the trial court interpreted the law on “control” incorrectly, and that the minimum wage pay was computed using the wrong method. California law requires employers to provide a 30-minute uninterrupted meal period to employees for every 5 hours of work. Merely offering or allowing a meal break is not enough. The employer must affirmatively perform the following obligations: Relieve the employee of all duty for 30 minutes within the first 5 hours of work • Give employees the freedom to leave the workplace during breaks • Relinquish control over the employees’ activities during breaks • Employees should not be impeded or discouraged from taking breaks The Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court, ruling that the time drivers spent on layovers should be paid under California law, if
Walmart exercised control over the drivers during those layovers. The employee need not be actively working for the employer to exercise control. Because Walmart required drivers to obtain pre-approval to spend layovers at home, Walmart exercised control over drivers during layovers. The court noted that the issue of “control” is primarily a question of whether an employee can spend a break or non-work time however they like. Here, Walmart restricted drivers’ freedom of movement during layovers by requiring them to seek permission to go home. Walmart, thus, reserved the right to decline permission to leave. Several drivers testified that they thought they were required to sleep in their trucks on layovers and could not consume alcohol or have visitors. That evidence was enough to support the jury’s finding that Walmart exercised control during layovers. *** 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) 2910088 or visit HYPERLINK “http://www. joesayaslaw.com” www.joesayaslaw.com. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has 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, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas in 2018.] (Advertising Supplement)
Couple wonders how to tackle debt... PAGE C2 t
all her stress, the husband might outlive her. If she dies ahead of him, who gets the $250,000, and what’s the use of paying down the mortgage? Many couples who have been together for a long time die within a week of each other because the surviving spouse is heartbroken and has no will to live on without the other spouse. This is certainly a question that none of us can answer so we rely on the Bible, the word of God for an answer. Even the Pope doesn’t have any idea when his time is up. Whatever the outcome and the
future, it’s better all around for peace of mind, not to have these credit cards around to bother you when you get older, right? So get rid of them now if you can with Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. You don’t want them getting half or all of your social security or pension when you retire. Lastly, all of us will have to leave this world, sooner or later. We have frail and imperfect bodies because of sin. Without sin, we would have perfect bodies. We would never get sick and we would never die. True. Mortality is our human condition because Adam & Eve ate of the forbidden
fruit. Fortunately, Jesus died for us so we can have eternal life in heaven with our God who loves us so. So it’s all good. Death for us is not the end. It’s the beginning. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation, and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
What is the ‘inadmissibility on public charge grounds’... PAGE C2 t
new Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency, when applying for a green card, which will request information and documents on personal and household assets, credit score report, resources, financial status, bankruptcy history, and public benefits history. This is a very thorough and extensive form that explores all aspects of your household’s financial affairs and requires supporting evidence of your finances and credit report. Immigrants who plan to file for adjustment of status should seek the representation of experienced lawyer to help them navigate
through this complex regulation. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a
Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
People and Events
LAX to pilot two additional taxi pick up areas to augment LAX-it
Photo courtesy of facebook
LOS Angeles World Airports (LAWA) announced this week that it will pilot two additional taxi pickup locations for guests arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to begin later this month. The two new pilot locations will augment taxi pickups at LAX-it, which will remain the primary pickup location for taxis and ride app vehicles. The two new locations for taxi pickups are: • Parking Structure 3: This location will serve guests of Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminal 3. The pickup location will be the lane closest to Tom Bradley International
Terminal on the ground floor of Parking Structure 3. Passenger queuing will occur on the curb nearest the taxi lanes. • Terminal 7/8: A taxi stand will be brought back to the previous location on the Lower/Arrivals level of the Central Terminal Area (CTA), past the last entrance to T7/8. This location will serve guests arriving at Terminals 7 and 8, and queueing will be on the curb by the taxi stand. This location is past where buses and shuttles exit the inner lanes and provides a separate entrance for vehicles. Guests arriving at terminals 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, will continue
to walk or take a fast and free shuttle to LAX-it to find their taxi pickups. Furthermore, because space for both taxis and pedestrians at the two new pickup locations is limited, guests arriving at Tom Bradley and Terminals 3, 7, and 8 during high-volume times are still encouraged to walk or take the shuttle to LAX-it for the quickest departure from LAX. LAX-it, the taxi and ride app pickup area that debuted in late October 2019, has been running smoothly for more than four months after some challenges in its first week of implementation.
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Can I get a green card if I had a previous marriage petition denied based on fraud? DEAR Attorney Tan, I recently married a U.S. citizen, who is my second husband. He has filed an immigrant visa petition and a green card application for me. My husband recently received from USCIS a Notice of Intent to Deny the petition that he filed on my behalf. The Notice indicated that the immigrant visa petition could not be approved since the USCIS had determined that I previously entered into a fraudulent marriage to get a green card several years ago. My ex-husband previously filed an immigrant petition on my behalf several years ago, which was denied since USCIS determined that I only married him to get a green card. My second husband and I truly love each other. What are my options? —In Love but Out of Status Dear In Love but Out of Status, Under INA Section 204(c), a person who “attempted or conspired to enter into a marriage” in order to receive permanent resident status in the US is prohibited from obtaining USCIS approval of an immigrant visa petition. Simply stated, Section 204(c) prohibits approval of any immigrant visa petition if there has been a finding of “marriage fraud” in a prior marriage-based petition. Based on the above law, your case seems at first glance like an “open-and-shut” case in favor of denial. However, you still have hope of getting a green card—a person can
Legal Advice ATTY. DARRICK TAN apply for and get his immigrant petition approved despite the prior finding of “marriage fraud” under certain circumstances. You may ask, how is this possible? Isn’t Section 204(c) straightforward? Not quite. The answer lies in the fact that USCIS must independently examine the prior finding of “marriage fraud” in considering the subsequently filed immigrant visa petition. Before invoking the Sec. 204(c) bar to approval of a subsequent visa petition, USCIS must make an independent determination of fraud based upon the record, including but not limited to any evidence gathered during adjudication of the prior visa petition, but may not parrot or rely on the conclusions made by other adjudicators. USCIS must have “substantial and probative” evidence of “marriage fraud.” Matter of Tawfik, 20 I. & N. Dec. 166, 168. The determination is to be made by the USCIS district director while adjudicating the subsequent visa petition. Matter of Samsen, 15 I. & N. Dec. 28, 1974 WL 29995 (B.I.A. 1974). The district director should not give conclusive effect to the determinations made in the prior proceedings, but should reach his own independent conclusion
based on the evidence actually before him. Matter of F-, 9 I. & N. Dec. 684 (BIA 1962). Therefore, in cases such as yours in which the USCIS has indicated it intends to deny the subsequent immigrant visa petition due to the prior finding of “marriage fraud,” new evidence can be submitted that demonstrates that the prior finding of “marriage fraud” was incorrect—i.e., evidence that shows that the prior marriage petition was based on a bona fide marriage, or that explains that the prior denial was based on an incomplete or inaccurate assessment of the facts. In cases in which the subsequent immigrant visa petition has already been denied, this new evidence should be submitted as part of a motion to reconsider. I recommend that you seek an experienced attorney to assist you in properly presenting the law and facts to the USCIS adjudicator to address the Section 204(c) bar. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA). LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
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departs the U.S. and appears for his immigrant visa interview; and (2) a DOS consular officer determines that the alien is otherwise admissible to the U.S. and eligible to receive an immigrant visa. The approved I-601A waiver may be revoked if the consular officer at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. consulate determines that the alien is ineligible for the immigrant visa, including that the alien is inadmissible on grounds other than unlawful presence. One of the requirements for the I-601A Waiver is that the refusal of admission would result in
extreme hardship to a “qualifying relative” – a USC/LPR spouse or USC/LPR parent of the alien. Hardship to the applicant or other family members, like USC/LPR children of the alien does not establish eligibility for the waiver, and can only be considered insofar as it results in hardship to a “qualifying relative.”
degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and her Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo Law School. She was a Professor for over 10 years, teaching Obligations and Contracts, Labor Laws and Social Legislation and Taxation Law. Atty Samson is the author of The Law on Obligations and Contracts (2016), Working with Labor Laws-Revised Edition (2014) and Working with Labor Laws (2005). *** SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C., 3580 Wilshire ATTY. RHEA SAMSON is the principal of Boulevard, Suite 1710, Los Angeles, CA SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C. She has been a 90010; Phone: (213) 381-5710; Email: member of the State Bar of California for info@samsonlawfirmpc.com” info@ over 15 years and the Integrated Bar of samsonlawfirmpc.com. the Philippines for over 20 years. Atty. (Advertising Supplement) Samson received her Legal Management
C4 MARCH 7-10, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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LAX to pilot two additional taxi... UCLA Asian American Studies Center 50th Anniversary Film Festival until March 21
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Shuttle rides to LAX-it are consistently under 15 minutes from all terminals, with buses arriving every 5 minutes. Once arriving at LAX-it, guests typically wait less than 10 minutes – and frequently not at all – for their taxi or ride app pickup. LAX-it was implemented as a traffic mitigation strategy during a period of extremely heavy construction on LAX’s Automated People Mover train and stations, and redevelopment of every single terminal. That construction has led to the closure of 30 percent of the inner curb lanes, internal roads within LAX’s Central Terminal Area (CTA), and cranes, heavy equipment, and construction crews throughout the CTA. LAWA’s projections indicated that, without significant
mitigations, traffic at LAX and backing up into surrounding communities would be worse on the average summer day than on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. As a result of LAX-it, the number of vehicles in the CTA has decreased by an average of 12-13% each day. Critical to the success of LAXit has been the high occupancy bus and shuttle system now operating on the inner curb lanes of the CTA’s lower level. Those lanes have been closed to all single-use vehicles, allowing high-occupancy vehicles to move more freely. In addition to the LAX-it shuttles, FlyAway buses, the G shuttle to the Metro Green Line, the shuttle to the City Bus Center, Buses to Economy Parking Lot E, Employee Shuttles, and the LAX Inter-Ter-
Calendar of Events across
minal Connector currently use the inner lanes. LAWA is also planning to introduce additional high-occupancy modes into those lanes going forward. The only non-high-occupancy mode permitted to pick up from those inner lanes is LA Access Taxis. The Terminal 7/8 taxi pickup location is past where buses exit the inner lanes of the CTA, and the Parking Structure 3 pickup location also does not require the use of these lanes, which is why the two locations were chosen in collaboration with the taxi industry. The pilot program is expected to run for 90 days, during which LAWA will evaluate the impact on traffic in the CTA and surrounding communities and the ability to control pedestrian traffic and queuing. ■
America
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‘The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook’ family cooking demo and book signing in Long Beach, CA Flipp Family and Romeo Chocolates Present “The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook” demo and book signing on Saturday, March 7 from 1-4 p.m. This is a two-part event: 1-2 p.m. (Paid ticket required): Cooking demo will be an interactive experience where everyone, including the kids will be able to learn one of the recipes from the cookbook. Romeo, owner of Romeo Chocolates, will also do a special champorado recipe that can easily be made in the Instant Pot as well! This portion requires a paid ticket. Kids are free with adult ticket purchase. 2-4 p.m. is free, but RSVP ticket required: After the cooking demo, you will be able to purchase the cookbook or bring your copy to get signed. Hangout with the authors in an intimate casual setting. “The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook” features over 75 traditional Filipino recipes, including desserts adapted for the Instant Pot. It is the brainchild of six Filipino American home cooks “who set out to explore their Filipino heritage and intimate family histories, one dish at a time.” The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook has been so well received that it is now a bestseller on Amazon. Flipp Family is building community by cultivating the Filipino culture through various events that are highlighted through food, music, dance etc. Flipp Family is about bringing families together and learn more about their culture as a whole family. The event will be held at Romeo Chocolates at 460 Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802.
‘The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook’ family cooking demo and book signing in Long Beach, CA Flipp Family and Romeo Chocolates Present “The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook” demo and book signing on Saturday, March 7 from 1-4 p.m. This is a two-part event: 1-2 p.m. (Paid ticket required): Cooking demo will be an interactive experience where everyone, including the kids will be able to learn one of the recipes from the cookbook. Romeo, owner of Romeo Chocolates, will also do a special champorado recipe that can easily be made in the Instant Pot as well! This portion requires a paid ticket. Kids are free with adult ticket purchase. 2-4 p.m. is free, but RSVP ticket required: After the cooking demo, you will be able to purchase the cookbook or bring your copy to get signed. Hangout with the authors in an intimate casual setting. “The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook” features over 75 traditional Filipino recipes, including desserts adapted for the Instant Pot. It is the brainchild of six Filipino American home cooks “who set out to explore their Filipino heritage and intimate family histories, one dish at a time.” The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook has been so well received that it is now a bestseller on Amazon. Flipp Family is building community by cultivating the Filipino culture through various events that are highlighted through food, music, dance etc. Flipp Family is about bringing families together and learn more about their culture as a whole family. The event will be held at Romeo Chocolates at 460 Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802.
MARCH 10
Glenn Miller Orchestra to perform in Stevenson Ranch, CA The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will swing into the Santa Clarita Valley for a special one-night-only event to be held at West Ranch High School on Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. The most sought-after big band in the world will take the stage with Bandleader Nick Hilscher at the helm, performing beloved hits from their extensive library which includes In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade and Pennsylvania 6-5000. Hosted by West Ranch High School’s music program, the concert will be an event for all ages and offers the chance to experience history, enjoy the magical melodies and walk away knowing you’re supporting a new generation of talented musicians in the process. The most popular and sought after big band in the world today for both concert and swing dance engagements. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time. The present Glenn Miller Orchestra was formed in 1956 and has been touring consistently since, playing an average of 300 live dates a year all around the world. The performance will be held at West Ranch High School Theater (26255 Valencia Blvd. Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381). Ticket prices are $25 – Seniors/Students/Military; $30 – General; or $40 – Premium Seating. Prices increase by $5 at the door the day of the event. Tickets available online at westranchmusic.com or by calling (661) 222-1220 ext. 645.
MARCH 14
#EveryFilipinoCounts: US Census Filipino Outreach in LA County The Filipino Complete County Committee of Los Angeles County on March 14, beginning at 10 am, will he hosting a day of action to ensure everyone in the Filipino American community takes part in the upcoming 2020 Census. Activities will be in Artesia/Cerritos, Carson, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Panorama City and West Covina. Contact filipinoscountca@gmail.com or call (562) 301-2593 for more information and how to be involved.
Annual Fly Pinays Leadership Summit in Santa Clara, CA LEAD Filipino’s 2020 Annual Fly Pinays Leadership Summit will be held on Saturday, March 14th from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mission College (3000 Mission College Boulevard, Santa Clara, CA 95054) in Santa Clara, CA. The Annual Fly Pinays Leadership Summit is a day-long conference dedicated to elevating, highlighting, and engaging ~150 Pinay women and students in stories on sisterhood and mentorship. Since 2017, the Annual Fly Pinays has gathered women and students from across the Northern California region in breakfast and lunch, and series of speaker sessions, interactive workshops, and notable keynotes. 2020 will be even better. 2020 Themes: The 2020 Annual Fly Pinays will have three centering themes that will resonate through our workshops, guest speakers, and content: Mental Health, Ethnic and Cultural Identity, and Professional Development. Featured Workshops: Memories, Migrations, and Movements: Situating WOC Voices in the Diaspora: Leah Sicat; Public Speaking 101: Pam Dominguez, Vice President, Alliant Insurance Services; Intro to Tagalog; Eskrima. The keynote speaker will be Kamille Rose Soler, Founder and CEO of Ultimate LYFE. Since 2017, LEAD Filipino’s volunteer-run and community-based Annual Fly Pinays Leadership Summit has celebrated sisterhood and mentorship with nearly 200 Pinay women and students from across the Northern California region. Held every March during Women’s Herstory Month, the Annual Fly Pinays continues to engage professionals from leading brands and companies to share their stories, experiences, and insights with students from every major Bay Area college and university. For more information, please visit https://leadfilipino.org/.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
INSPIRED by Russell Leong’s words, “In moving the image, we open the future.” Showcasing powerful imagery and poignant commentary around some of the most meaningful issues facing Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, UCLA Film & Television Archive, UCLA Asian American Studies Center (AASC), UCLA Center for Ethnocommunications, Melnitz Movies, and the Hugh M. Hefner Classic American Film Program, present Image Movers: UCLA Asian American Studies Center 50th Anniversary Film Festival from March 6 through 21 at the Billy Wilder and James Bridges Theaters. Image Movers marks 50 years of Asian American Studies at UCLA and AASC’s legacy of uplifting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Throughout its history, AASC has supported students, activists, scholars, and community members in sharing their own lived experiences and narratives in film, as well as in the academia. This paralleled the proliferation of Asian American Studies scholarship that makes UCLA the premier institution for Asian American Studies research, teaching and civic engagement. This three-weekend film festival features a diverse range of classic and new narrative and documentary films and creative works, and highlights key themes and topics selected by the faculty and staff of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, in consultation with their collaborators at UCLA Film & Television Archive, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, Film Quarterly, UCLA Asian American Studies Department, and Visual Communications (VC), the presenter of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. Each program will also include short films from the UCLA Center for Ethnocommunications’ Creating Community Media and VC’s Armed with a Camera programs. Ticketed opening and closing night celebrations will take place on March 6 and March 20, respectively. Image Movers: UCLA Asian American Studies Center 50th Anniversary Film Festival March 7, 2020 – 2:00 p.m. (JamesBridges Theater) Punching at the Sun In person: Set Hernandez Rongkilyo, co-founder – Undocu-
mented Filmmakers Collective, and Shikha Bhatnagar of South Asian Network Screening: ClipsfromtheUndocumented Filmmakers Collective, Lost and Found (2007), Missing Piece Project (2018) and Punching at the Sun (2006) March 7, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. (Billy Wilder Theater) Better Luck Tomorrow In person: social justice defender Kirn Kim, professor erin Khuê Ninh. Screening: Fighting For Family (2019) and Better Luck Tomorrow (2003) March 7, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. (James Bridges Theater) Awesome Asian Bad Guys In person: filmmaker/actor Patrick Epino, filmmaker/actor Stephen Dypiango, screenwriter/ activist Milton Liu, actor Tamlyn Tomita, actor Aaron Takahashi Screening: The Collector (2018), Mama Pingpong Social Club(2018), Secret Lives of Asians at Night (2019) and Awesome Asian Bad Guys (2014) March 8, 2020 – 2:00 p.m. (James Bridges Theater) Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest In person: performance artist, writer, comedian and elected representative in Koreatown LA Kristina Wong; therapist, trauma informed yoga & meditation teacher traci ishigo; and Dr. Elizabeth Gong-Guy of UCLA Campus and Student Resilience Screening: Muscles and Mascara (2017), hiya (2018) and Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (2011), Radical Cram School, season two webisodes (2020) March 13, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. (Billy Wilder Theater) Saving Face In person: producer Teddy Zee, professor Sean Metzger, activist Mia Yamamoto, Tracy Zhao of API Equality-LA Screening: The Weight Off My Chest (2017), Now Apocalypse, Episode 1: “This is the Beginning of the End” (Starz, 3/10/2019) and Saving Face (2004) March 14, 2020 – 2:00 p.m. (James Bridges Theater) Bad Rap In person: director Salima Koroma, rapper Rekstizzy, filmmaker Sam Koji Hale and his puppets from “Master of the Sky” Screening: Master of the Sky (2015), Step In: Asian American Urban Dance Com-
munities (2019), Across the Yumiverse (2017), Queering Movements (2019), Cultural Collage (2018), Roots and Shoots (2017), Mother Tongue / Tieng Me Ðe (2019) and Bad Rap (2016) March 14, 2020 – 3:00 p.m. (Billy Wilder Theater) Film Quarterly Panel: Asian American Film and Media: Past, Present, Future In person: Panelists include Lan Duong (USC), Josslyn Luckett (NYU), Melissa Phruksachart (Michigan), Viola Lasmana (USC), Oliver Wang (Cal State Long Beach); moderators Brian Hu, B. Ruby Rich. March 14, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. (Billy Wilder Theater) Moananuiakea: One Ocean. One Canoe. One People. In person: filmmaker Na`alehu Anthony and professor Randall Akee. Proudly presented by the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Oiwi TV, Moananuiakea (2018) illustrates the crucial role of indigenous voices and perspectives in both storytelling and in creating paradigm-changing solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. March 15, 2020 – 2:00 p.m. (James Bridges Theater) Final Recipe In person: filmmaker, professor Gina Kim; actor Lori Tan Chinn; actor Chin Han; professor Valerie Matsumoto; screenwriter, professor George Huang; Kathryn Ceppi Chan of Phoenix Bakery. Screening: Eat Your Baon (2019), Phoenix Bakery: Sweets for the Sweet (2020) and Final Recipe (2013) March 20, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. (Billy Wilder Theater) Always Be My Maybe In person: actor Vivian Bang and professor, activist Dan Mayeda. Ticketed Closing Night Reception to follow program. Screening: Lights Up: Asian American Theater at UCLA and Always Be My Maybe (2019) March 21, 2020 – 2:00 p.m. (James Bridges Theater) Enter the Dragon (1973) – 4K restoration! In person: blogger Phil Yu (Angry Asian Man), filmmaker Bao Nguyen Considered one of the most popular martial arts films of all time, this U.S./Hong Kong co-
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A very special enrollment period COVERED California is giving those without health care coverage another chance. With the new year came new subsidies for middle-income households and a new penalty from the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). Because many people were unaware of the changes, California’s exchange has established a special-enrollment period for people who did not hear about the state penalty or the new financial help during open enrollment. Consumers who fall into those categories, or who are currently insured off-exchange and want to switch to Covered California to benefit from the new state subsidies, will have until April 30 to sign up for coverage. “We as a state — whether it is Covered California, the Franchise Tax Board or the governor — do not want anyone to pay a penalty,” said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. “We want everyone covered and protected, and that’s why we are giving people more time to enroll.” People who can afford health insurance coverage, but choose to go without it, could face a penalty when they file their state taxes with the FTB in 2021. The penalty can be more than $2,000 for a family of four. Covered California, carrying out the Patient Protection and Af-
fordable Care Act in the nation’s most populous state, announced that 418,052 new individuals signed up for health insurance for 2020 during open enrollment, which ran from Oct. 15 to Jan. 31. The exchange now has over 1.5 million enrollees, but there are hundreds of thousands of people, both low-income and middle-income, who are insured off-exchange but could be saving significant amounts of money if they switched to Covered California to benefit from federal financial help, the new state subsidies, or both. The state expanded the amount of financial help available to many consumers, including a first-in-the-nation program to help middle-income consumers afford coverage. The new state subsidies could extend to an individual making up to $74,940 and a family of four with a household income of up to $154,500. The average subsidy for eligible middle-income households is $504 per month. Covered California launched a new campaign to publicize the special-enrollment period, starting with social media messaging and consumers emails on Feb. 16. Television ads in English and Spanish will start March 9 along with radio and digital ads in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and Vietnamese.
This marks Covered California’s first use of television and radio ads to promote a special-enrollment period. In addition, the FTB has sent letters to more than 2 million households alerting them to the penalty and informing them on how to get coverage. FTB has also worked with tax-filing software companies to include penalty information that consumers will see when they file their taxes this spring. The Department of Motor Vehicles is also playing videos at its offices that describe the penalty to visiting consumers. “Covered California is working with everyone it can to put consumers first by maximizing the amount of time that people can get covered and minimizing those who are subject to a penalty,” Lee said. “We will make it loud and clear: You must have coverage effective April 1 to avoid paying a penalty.” Those interested in learning more about their special enrollment options can: • Visit www.CoveredCA.com. • Get free and confidential inperson assistance, in a variety of languages, from a certified enroller. • Have a certified enroller call them and help them for free. • Call Covered California at (855) 295-2024. (Advertising Supplement)
UCLA Asian American Studies...
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production fully captured Bruce Lee’s immense screen presence, sinewy athleticism and bona fides while elevating him into international stardom. March 21, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. (Billy Wilder Theater) Nitrate Screening: Daughter of Shanghai In person: producer, activist Anna Wong and professor Sean Metzger. Screening: “Anna May Wong Visits Shanghai, China”(5/1/1936) and Daughter of Shanghai (1937) For full event information and updates on in-person guests, please visit aasc.ucla.edu/aasc50/ film. Established in 1969, the UCLA Asian American Studies Center
(AASC) is a national research center advancing historical, transformative and interdisciplinary scholarship by bridging research with community voices. AASC grew out of the social movements of the 1960s, as students called for greater access to higher education that would help address vital issues in their communities. Today, UCLA is recognized as the premier research and teaching institution in the fields of Asian American Studies and Ethnic Studies. AASC’s mission is to gather, produce and disseminate knowledge of the lives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through research, documentation, publications and civic engagement. n
Advice from 2 Filipino...
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ing and oxygen delivery, blood pressure and circulation as well as other organ functions—while giving the body time to heal. Some medical centers have tried certain antiviral drugs against MERS, SARS and HIV, but it is not yet clear if these treatments have any benefit. Development of a vaccine is currently underway however one will likely not be available for at least another year to a year and a half (past March 2021), thus prevention is key! We are in the middle of the outbreak and are still learning much about COVID-19. In the study from China above, the number of patients who die among the total number of patients diagnosed is at 1.4% or fewer than two deaths out of every 100 cases. Many experts feel that 1.4% is an overestimate given that it has been difficult to determine by symptoms alone who is actually infected with the virus. In contrast, for SARS in 2002, this fatality rate was close to 10 out of every 100 and for MERS in 2012, it was just under 40 out of every 100. Here are the top 10 essential tips to share among our fellow Filipinos globally: 1. Wash your hands mindfully with water and soap, for a duration of at least 20 seconds (think of singing the “Happy Birthday” song) or use hand sanitizer to disinfect hands. Stick with reputable hand sanitizers with 70% alcohol content. Do not create your own hand sanitizer! 2. Only wear a surgical mask if you are coughing and sick. Wearing a mask is not recommended for healthy people and should be reserved for medical professionals only, especially due to shortages of supplies. If wearing a mask, replace after 24 hours of use as effectivity is loss with repeated use. Avoid use of cloth masks as these can dampen and are ineffective. 3. Do not touch your face, mouth, or eyes with unwashed hands. Do not apply disinfectant alcohol to your face directly as this can damage one’s eyes. 4. Please DO NOT cough into your hands! If possible, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put tissue into the trash. Avoid use of a cloth handkerchief. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve and elbow, not your hands. Worst of all, do not spit on the floor or at home to prevent the spread of diseases. 5. Avoid being within one meter (about three feet) from someone who is coughing. Avoid
touching contaminated public objects that can be homes for viruses. The virus can stay on a surface for hours at a time. 6. Look to official local government websites, such as the CDC, for the latest recommendation on travel. One of the most important things is that if you are taking medications daily, making sure that you have at least a 14 days supply of those medications in case of a possible 14 day quarantine 7. Do not spread false news about COVID-19. It is crucially important to verify the news you obtain. Sensationalist headlines only stir up panic. 8. If you start to develop cold like symptoms, do not go to work and be mindful of not spreading your sickness. If you are sick, it is more reasonable to wear a mask. Avoid coughing on objects or on others. Journal your symptoms if need be in order to track the progression of your sickness. Talk to your primary care physician to determine if you should be tested for COVID19 if you have a high suspicion of the disease. 9. Common myths regarding things, such as eating more garlic, ginger, over-hydrating, smoking more, avoiding Chinese food, using sun or heat to “kill” the virus, and even drinking alcohol to disinfect your stomach are harmful and have no place in our community. There are no home remedies for COVID-19 but to stay adequately hydrated and seek medical care only if one is having severe symptoms such as shortness of breath or unabating fever. 10. Lastly, Do not panic! As the director of the WHO has stated, “The greatest enemy we face is not the virus. It’s the stigma that turns us against each other.”
*** Dr. Nico Cabrera is a board certified internal medicine specialist and an infectious disease fellow in the immunocompromised track of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston jointly with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He received his medical education at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and residency training at the John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in Chicago. Dr. Antonio Moya is a board certified neurologist and public health practitioner in the Filipino American community of Los Angeles County. He received his medical and research training at UCSF, New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical College/ Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, UCLA, and his public health training at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 7-10, 2020
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Naturalization denied because Philippines first in women’s pay, female didn’t work for employer representation — regional report
Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ IF A person did not work for their sponsoring employer after they obtained a green card (through PERM/labor certification), it could create risks and problems for them when they file for naturalization. It could result in the revocation of their green card and deportation/ removal. Every year, thousands of people obtain green cards for themselves and their spouse and minor children through employer-sponsored visas (PERM or labor certification). In many cases, an employer-sponsored green card is faster than some family-based petitions. For example, an employer-sponsored green card could take 2-½ to 3 years, whereas certain family petitions could take up to 30 years! (Married children of U.S. citizen or brother and sister of U.S. citizen.) One of the requirements for an employer-sponsored green card is that once the person receives the green card, they must actually work for the employer. (Just like if a person gets a green card through a U.S. citizen spouse, it’s expected that they actually live with that spouse. If they don’t, USCIS may suspect it is a fixed marriage. Similarly, if a person does not work for the employer, it could look like a “fixed job.”) Some people who obtained a green card through employment sponsorship offer various reasons or excuses, such as once they received their work permit (EAD), they found a better and higherpaying job and began working there, and the petitioning employ-
er didn’t mind. The employer went out of business and they found a different employer without notifying USCIS. They opened up their own business before their green card was approved, and couldn’t go back to working for another person, etc. This could come back to haunt them. In one particular case, a person obtained permanent resident status through PERM/labor certification in 2008. After five years, he applied for naturalization (Form N400) and appeared for interview. Because he obtained a green card through employment, he was questioned extensively about his employment history with the petitioning employer, such as when did he start working, how long did he work there, how much was he paid, etc. The officer became suspicious on whether the person was qualified for the job and if he actually worked there. A request for evidence (RFE) was served, asking for the person’s certified college transcripts (to confirm he did not submit fake transcripts when applying for his green card, and he actually had the required education), tax returns, W-2’s, and other documentation to establish that he actually worked for the employer. It turned out he never worked for the employer. His N-400 was denied because he obtained his permanent resident status (green card) unlawfully. In other words, the employment-sponsored green card was obtained through fraud because he did not work for the employer. Not only was the application for naturalization denied, but USCIS was now considering revoking the green card and placing him in removal proceedings.
I know people are told by friends or relatives that it’s not necessary to work for the employer. That’s not true. If you obtained a green card through employment sponsorship, and are now thinking about naturalizing, I would suggest you consult with an attorney to review your case (even if you actually worked for the employer), because the Trump administration is going back and digging into all the details on how a person obtained a green card, and whether all the requirements were fully met, or if corners were cut. You want to make sure that before you file for naturalization, you fully met all the requirements for the green card, because now USCIS is not only denying applications for naturalization citizenship but placing ABS-CBN Network in Quezon City people in deportation/removal. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
Business Quote of the Week “Whatever you do, be different – that was the advice my mother gave me, and I can’t think of better advice for an entrepreneur. If you’re different, you will stand out.” — Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop
Philstar.com file photo
In this Feb. 14, 2018 photo, St. Scholastica’s College students dance in unison during the “One Billion Rising” global movement as part of their advocacy against all forms of discrimination and violence against women and children. Philstar.com file photo by Michael de Guzman by FRANCO LUNA Philstar.com
MANILA — Organizations and workplaces in the Philippines placed first in overall gender diversity, a new study of companies from ten Asian economies found. This was discovered by nonprofit Community Business in its flagship study the Gender Diversity Benchmark for Asia (GDBA)
which was released to reporters in a forum at the Thomson Reuters Manila office in Taguig on Monday, March 2. The GDBA analyzed the representation of women in organizations in China, its Special Administrative Region Hong Kong, and India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan and found that the Philippines led them all across the board despite a lim-
ited sample size. Representatives of Community Business said that the study integrated data from a partnership with global advisory firm Willis Towers Watson, who conducted surveys of 4.8 million employees in more than 3,600 companies. The study defined the representation of women as based on job level, industry and function PAGE D2
Uy: We want to better PH business conditions by LISBET
K. ESMAEL ManilaTimes.net
DAVAO City-based businessman Dennis Uy said this week he was still looking out for new investment prospects and areas to venture into as part of efforts to help improve the country’s business environment. In his speech at The Manila Times’ 11th Business Forum: The Philippine Economic Outlook for 2020 in Makati City, Uy hinted that he might expand his business further to new sectors.
“We set our sights on industries that we are not relatively in to see if there are gaps that we could potentially address, markets we can serve,” he said. Uy refused to identify those sectors. According to him, his holding company Udenna Corp. wanted to improve business conditions in the Philippines and provide quality services to Filipinos. Reputedly a close friend of President Rodrigo Duterte, Uy’s business empire has expanded since the former Davao City may-
or assumed the country’s highest office in June 2016. Udenna currently has presence in these sectors: oil, gas and retail, represented by Phoenix Petroleum Inc.; shipping and logistics (Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp.); education (Enderun Colleges); food (Conti’s Holdings Corp. Restaurant and Wenhpil Corp.); gaming and tourism (PH Resorts Group Holdings Inc.); property development and management (Udenna Land); infrastructure developPAGE D3
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Fraud, other economic crimes still Philippines banks least affected ‘high’ in the Philippines — survey by COVID-19 outbreak — Fitch
Philstar.com file photo by Lawrence
agcaoiLi Philstar.com
The biggest frauds in the Philippines are perpetrated by employees who have been working in the company for almost half their life, PwC data showed. Pixabay photo by ian
nicoLas cigaraL Philstar.com
MANILA — Economic crimes like fraud and corruption remain prevalent in the Philippines, with asset theft being the “most disruptive” to local businesses as the country lags behind its international peers in adopting technologies to combat such incidents, a new survey released Tuesday found. Results of the 2020 Global Economic Crime and Fraud Survey by consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) showed fraud incidents in the Philippines have not diminished in the past two years, although the rate decreased to 42% in 2020 from 54% in 2018. For its latest survey, PwC polled 101 companies in the Philippines, increasing the baseline from 63 in 2018. The bi-annual study examined over 5,000 responses from 99 countries this year. PwC said asset misappropriation remains the number one
threat to local businesses since 2016, with at least 26% reporting they have experienced it for the last 24 months despite a global downtrend in such a crime as Philippine companies grapple to adopt useful technology to combat fraud due to hefty costs and insufficient digital skills. Majority of these fraud incidents amount to an average loss of up to $100,000 per business in the past 24 months, and the long-term impact of such a crime to business could be as severe as loss of public trust, damage to the brand, low company morale and credit loss. The biggest fraud in the Philippines are perpetrated by employees who have been working in the company for almost half their life, PwC data showed. Meanwhile, bribery and corruption emerged as the second “most disruptive” economic crime in the Philippines, PwC said, adding that 14% of respondents said they have lost business opportunities to com-
petitors paying bribes, up from 12% in 2018. “This is concerning as businesses operating in the Philippines may be more likely to contemplate paying bribes as a feasible option to take in order to win business opportunities against competitors,” PwC said. But the same survey revealed that Philippine companies are becoming more serious in fighting fraudsters, PwC said, with 26% of respondents saying they plan to beef up funding for antifraud programs over the next 24 months. On the other hand, 35% intend to maintain such funds at their current levels. “As businesses move to the digital space, so are the thieves. For hackers, data is the pot of gold,” PwC said. “Data compromised can mean a lot of things–from requesting a fake fund transfer to infiltration of the entire system. It takes one attack to lose so much from hackers,” it added. n
MANILA — Philippine banks are sufficiently capitalized and are less likely to be affected by the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global outbreak, according to Fitch Ratings. The debt watcher said the Philippine economy’s exposure to Chinese flows is relatively light and the banking system’s credit exposure to the hospitality sector is also less than 2% of its portfolio. “The domestic economy is starting from a strong position, and rated banks are sufficiently capitalized,” Fitch said. However, Fitch said remittances from key markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore and the Middle East could decrease over the long term due to the spreading coronavirus. Latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed cash remittances coursed
through banks went up by 4.1% to an all-time high of $30.13 billion last year from $28.94 billion in 2018. Likewise, personal remittances consisting of cash and non-cash items that flow through both formal or via electronic wire and informal channels such as money or goods carried across borders increased by nearly four % to a record high of $33.47 billion in 2019 from $32.21 billion in 2018. For this year, the BSP sees OFW remittances growing by 3%. “The COVID-19 outbreak will hit Southeast Asian banking sectors through weaker economic growth, slower credit growth and dampened profitability,” Fitch said. The international credit rating agency pointed out banks in tourism-dependent Thailand and China-exposed Singapore are likely to be the most affected by the virus outbreak. “However, Singaporean and Thai banks have sufficient loss-
absorption buffers to withstand this pressure, although the impact will depend on the extent and duration of the outbreak,” it said. Banks in Singapore and Thailand have announced relief measures, which can alleviate some near-term asset quality and profitability pressures. Fitch said other markets have announced stimulus packages, and Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines have cut interest rates. BSP Governor Benjamin Dioko earlier said the capital adequacy ratios (CAR) of Philippine banks, both on a solo and consolidated bases, continue to be well above the standards set by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) of eight %, as well as the BSP”s standard of 10%. Diokno said the gross non-performing loans (GNPL) and nonperforming assets (NPA) ratios of Philippine universal and commercial banks have been falling since the early 2000s. n
Uy: We want to better PH business... PAGE D1 t ment (Udenna Infrastructure Corp.); media (Dito CME Holdings); and telecommunications (Dito Telecommunity Corp.). Regarding Dito Telecommunity — a joint venture between Udenna, Chelsea and Beijing-run China Telecommunications Corp. — Uy said despite the challenges it was encountering lately, he hoped it could improve telco access and services. “Today, the world is moving so fast and yet Filipinos cannot even venture big-time [into] the text space,” he noted. “We are rolling out [services] and, hopefully [have a] technical launch in six months. All consumers here are eager to have our services to replace what we currently have,” Uy said. Formerly the Mislatel consortium, Dito Telecommunity was chosen by the government in November 2017 as the third telco player that would challenge the perceived duopoly of PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc. The new telco is mandated to roll out its services by March 2021.
Dennis Uy speaks during The Manila Times’ 11th Business Forum in Makati City on March 3, 2020. ManilaTimes.net photo by J. Gerard Seguia
Commenting on Uy’s remarks, Timson Securities Inc. trader Jervin de Celis said developments in the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak should be taken into consideration. “Some industries may suffer worse than others, such as tourism. But [once there is] a cure to this global threat, then the sec-
tors that suffered the most should see a rebound,” de Celis said in a mobile message. “And I guess Dennis Uy is strategically looking out for investments where his company may benefit the most, once the effect of the virus on consumerism, tourism, manufacturing and other industries is over,” he added. n
Philippines first in women’s pay... PAGE D1 t and age, while its methodology employed a company-weighted approach, reported the median, and focused solely on full-time corporate positions. Conclusions on the pay gap were also drawn from total compensation for men and women. ‘Bright spot but still not perfect’ The study found that women make up 56% of the total workforce in the Philippines, good for second in Asia. In terms of representation in senior level or leadership positions, women in the Philippines also ranked first in Asia while still being significantly unrepresented compared to men at 33%. Next were Malaysia, which had 26.7% of senior posts held by women, and Hong Kong at 24.7%. Despite the glowing results of the Philippines, the country’s inclusion of women is clearly not without its lapses. “The Philippines is a bright spot in Asia, but it’s still not perfect,” Tina Arcilla, head of the Diversity & Inclusion Asia Network and a member of Community Business Hong Kong, said. For instance, women still make up no more than a third of leadership posts, including country heads and senior executives. The Philippines still led in this category with 33% of women in senior roles, but the numbers are far from encouraging. Although the Philippines led the countries in the study in terms of pay gap between men and women, the gap was still generally present among all countries studied. Across the ten markets surveyed, women were seen to be paid less than men by at least ten
percent, which equated to women being paid 90 cents for ever dollar a man earns. According to the Gender Diversity Benchmark for Asia, women need to work up to an additional 98 days a year to earn as much as men do. Interestingly, the GDBA noted that women’s representation consistently declined with increasing age. Women who were in their early 20s actually outnumbered men in the workforce. Past age 55, they make up less than 40%. Thomson Reuters, who cofunded the study, linked this to “cultural biases that hinder women’s career advancement, such as playing a bigger role in domestic duties, which coincides with a later phase in life and the opportunity to take on more senior roles at the workplace.” “While the Philippines continues to rank highly across the three metrics considered by the study, gender imbalance persists in terms of organizational functions. Women are heavily represented in Human Resources (71%) and Finance (69%) but outnumbered in IT (28%),” Thomson Reuters said in a release. Community Business was careful to point out that while companies in the Philippines made up less than ten percent of the aggregated data employed in the study, the data on each company was still a fairly representative sample size. Moving forward The study was released to the media ahead of International Women’s Day 2020 on March 8. Asked by reporters what the next move for pushing for further equity in the workplace Marla Garin-Alvarez, Diversity & Inclusion Lead at Thomson Reuters
highlighted the need for branching out. “Looking at the new arenas where we need to make our presence felt,” she said. “Women need to be more adept at technology in order to lead in that space, [for example.]” ‘Political empowerment gap’ The World Economic Forum in a separate 2020 study noted that the political empowerment gap for women grew wider as the Philippines dropped from 13th to 28th among 153 countries in that regard. This was linked to the lack of women appointees in Duterte’s cabinet. Although Grant Thornton International’s 2020 Women in Business report placed the Philippines first out of 32 countries after it was found that 43% of Filipino women executives held senior management positions, the World Economic Forum in a separate study noted that the political empowerment gap for women grew wider. Alvarez said that such expansion for women had to be done while supporting each other in order for generations of women leaders to pave the way for the next ones and providing opportunities. “If you get to a senior enough level, that you are able to call the shots and make decisions, do so and use your leadership position to make things happen for women,” Alvarez said. Asked about the role of men in achieving parity for women in the workplace, Arcilla said conversations and programs should highlight that gender equity affects everyone and not just women. “We need to make sure it’s communicated as everyone’s fight,” she said. n
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Study: 5G services to boost Tourism slowly feels impact of coronavirus Philippine telcos’ earnings
ManilaTimes.net file photo by Lisbet
K. esmaeL ManilaTimes.net
PHILIPPINE telecommunications companies (telcos) could see their revenues rise significantly five years from now with Fifth Generation (5G) services, according to a study commissioned by technology company Cisco. The “5G in Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations): Reigniting growth in enterprise and consumer markets” study released on Wednesday says telcos can increase their annual topline figures “by as much as $650 million” beginning 2025 with the expected entry of the 5G network, targeting the enterprise segment and mobile subscribers. Tech groups have been vying to lead the 5G race as the technology promises to deliver faster
internet speeds and better-quality connectivity. In the Philippines alone, dominant players Globe Telecom Inc. and PLDT Inc. have started boosting their network infrastructure with 5G. The Ayala-led telco currently leads, as it lready offers Globe at Home Air Fiber 5G for residential subscribers. This service is offered in selected areas in Metro Manila and surrounding areas, with expansion to the Visayas and Mindanao eyed within the first half of 2020. PLDT is yet to sign a deal with a vendor for its own 5G rollout. The study also acknowledged that 5G-compatible devices remain limited and expensive. These, however, are expected to be more affordable later on, with the 5G penetration rate in the country seen at nearly 15 percent
by 2025. “The expected rollout of 5G services comes at a perfect time for telecom operators. The usage of cellular data is growing rapidly as users consume an increasing amount of services and content on their personal devices,” Naveen Menon, Cisco president in Southeast Asia, said in a statement. “At the same time, enterprises are looking to leverage the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is underpinned by artificial intelligence, IoT (Internet to Things), 3D printing, advanced robotics and wearables, to boost growth,” he added. “This provides a huge opportunity for telecom operators to increase their presence in the enterprise market and sustain their long-term growth.” n
United Airlines blocks PAL bid to fly to Seattle by migueL
r. Camus
Inquirer.net
TAIPAN Lucio Tan’s Philippine Airlines (PAL) is facing tough opposition in its bid to debut flights to Seattle in the United States. PAL has no direct rivals in its nonstop flights to the United States, which continues to stand out as a reliable and bankable market. But a plan to launch ManilaSeattle flights on May 3 this year has hit a snag. United Airlines is lobbying for the U.S. Department of Transpor-
tation to put PAL’s expansion on hold until the American industry giant is given added slots in the busy Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. United Airlines said the Philippines was behaving unfairly by denying it an additional daily flight between Guam and Manila while PAL continues to expand to the United States. “Both carriers should be given a level playing field when it comes to expanding service between the US and the Philippines, and that is not the case currently,” United Airlines said in a Feb. 10 letter
seen by the Inquirer. PAL, which flies to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Honolulu, responded a week later as it accused United Airlines of an attempt to “hold hostage beneficial first nonstop service between Seattle and Manila.” It also called on the US regulator to reject United Airlines’ petition to delay its Seattle expansion. “Under the circumstances, the failure to timely grant PAL’s application would be tantamount to a violation of the bilateral air transport agreement,” PAL said. n
by Prinz
magtuLis Philstar.com
MANILA — Despite the coronavirus outbreak, Pat Anthony Padua, a 24-year-old management trainee at a local bank, was all set to fly with friends to South Korea next week until the government spoiled the fun few minutes after he secured his visa. “On February 26, our visa applications were approved only for the travel ban to be announced a few minutes later. Heartbreaking,” he said in an interview. Three days after on Tuesday, the government announced the lifting of the ban, but it was too late. Padua’s airline proceeded with refunding his and his friends’ tickets after cancelling the Manila-Incheon route. “It’s time to make new plans,” he said. Resigned to having a challenging year for the tourism industry this year, the Philippines is banking on people like Padua to look inward and travel locally. This is all to counter even partly, an expected dive in foreign visitors, a direct impact of government travel restrictions imposed against the country’s top sources of tourists to stop the coronavirus from spreading. But the job is easier said than done, and with guests postponing vacations, the effect of coronavirus on tourism is slowly
getting evident. Fewer tourists are taking holidays in key destinations, many accommodations are running empty, while hotel staff are being asked to cut work hours. At the extreme, cost-cutting measures meant people losing jobs. Airlines Taking the brunt of the impact are the airlines. The International Air Transport Association had earlier warned global aviation stands to lose $29.3 billion this year due to postponed and cancelled travels amid the epidemic. In the Philippines, a total of 788 flights— equivalent to 173,297 seats— were grounded as of Monday, data from the Civil Aeronautics Board showed. Cancelled flights were recorded not only in China, Hong Kong, Macau and South Korea, jurisdictions where travel restrictions are in effect, but also in Singapore and Thailand where planes are supposedly still free to fly in and out. For budget-carrier Cebu Pacific Air, which had to suspend 272 flights a week as a result of the ban, trip cancellations came in costly. “There were already over P2 billion worth of refund for China, Hong Kong and Macau alone,” said Charo Lagamon, corporate communications director at Cebu Pacific, said last Friday. Even the bigger Philippine
Airlines (PAL) is hurting. After trading hours last week, PAL announced it is letting go of “about 300” workers “in the wake of losses sustained in 2019, aggravated by the ongoing travel restrictions and flight suspensions.” PAL suffered a net loss of P10.6 billion last year. Broken down, “around 100” people underwent voluntary separation from the company which entitled them to benefits, while “about 200” were retrenched as part of “business restructuring,” a PAL source told Philstar.com. Hotels Without frequent flyers, hotels are also losing their avid patrons. Industry-wide, Arthur Lopez, president of Philippine Hotel Owners Association, told Philstar.com the group’s members are “feeling a downslide in their occupancies ranging from 30-50%, depending on source markets.” For Ayala-led Seda Hotels, which has 11 hotels nationwide, this means lower occupancies in “those properties with a larger foreign mix” located in the country’s “central business districts.” “Several initiatives covering both revenue and cost areas have been put in place,” the management said without going into specifics. Robert Zozobrado, president of Pacific Asia Travel Association, a group of airlines, hotels PAGE D5
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Wells Fargo commits continued PH operations PH government to triple free WiFi sites by richmonD
mercurio Philstar.com
by LoueLLa
DesiDerio Philstar.com
U.S. financial services company Wells Fargo & Co. has reiterated its commitment to continue to operate in the Philippines as it considers the country a strategic location. In a statement, Wells Fargo said it would continue to operate in Manila, even as it is moving 700 technology roles from the country to India. “Wells Fargo remains committed to operating in Manila as a strategic location and has no plans to close its Manila operations,” it said. In addition, the company would continue to have approximately 50 technology team members in Manila and nearly 4,800 employees overall located in the Philippines. Last month, it was reported Wells Fargo would be laying off 700 of its 750 technology employees as part of a global workplace optimization strategy. Some of the jobs in Manila would be moved to India as the company has a larger technology employee presence there. Wells Fargo said the relocation of the technology roles to India does not imply the company is leaving the Philippines. “The relocation of these limited technology roles does not impact Wells Fargo’s clients in the Philippines, who will continue to be served through the Wells Fargo Manila Representative Office and regional teams across Asia Pacific,” the company said. Wells Fargo added all affected employees would be provided notice period and separation benefits, as required by local laws. Wells Fargo said the Philip-
pines remains a strategic location for the company. In July last year, Wells Fargo inaugurated a new 12-story structure at McKinley Hill, Bonifacio Global City, which is used to support international operations, knowledge support, and middle and back-end business process solutions. The company said it expects the McKinley Hill facility to continue to grow across multiple businesses and functions. State-run Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is targeting to increase its net income to P6.1 billion this year, the Department of Finance (DOF) said yesterday. Citing a report from DBP president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Herbosa, the DOF said the bank is aiming to sustain its growth momentum this year after a strong performance in 2019. According to the DOF, the DBP is targeting to book a total net income of P6.1 billion in 2020, a slight increase from its earnings of P6.06 billion last year. DBP also set a goal to reach out to more borrowers and increase its lending by about 1.2% to P419 billion from P414.06 in 2019, and to expand its deposit base to P594 billion. “We will continue to help spur the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), assist the newly formed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as well as the rest of Mindanao, and forge partnerships in fintech (financial technology) companies to increase manpower productivity and the digitalization of our operations,” Herbosa said. In addition, the DBP is also planning to expand its asset base
MANILA — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is set to triple the number of its free WiFi hotspots this year in a bid to bolster its goal of bringing connectivity to more people across the country. Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary for operations Eliseo Rio said 6,000 public WiFi hotspots would be put up this year in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). “We are going to put these in areas where there is no signal or Philstar.com file photo very poor signal from our comto P817 billion by the end of the mercial telcos. If we depend on year, and to infuse additional our commercial telcos, we cannot capital amounting to P63 billion. do this,” Rio said. In his report, Herbosa said the “So with this we are going to bank remains on track to achieve put up by June 3,000 and before its P1 trillion asset goal by 2022. the end of the year another 3,000 “We project an average growth for a total of 6,000,” he said. in assets of 10 percent per year Aside from the partnership with to meet our goal of P1 trillion by the UNDP, Rio said DICT is also 2022,” Herbosa said. putting up on its own additional In 2019, the DBP’s assets grew 5,000 WiFi hotspots nationwide. almost 14 percent to P762.17 Since starting the Free WiFi billion from P669.59 billion in for All Program in June 2016, the 2018. agency has managed to rollout DBP data showed that 54 nearly 3,500 WiFi hotspots so percent or P414.06 billion of far. the amount came in the form of “This will be tripled. So this loans, consistent with its role as a developmental bank. Another P206.56 billion represented its investments in treasuries and other ventures, and the remaining P141.55 billion were PAGE D3 t and restaurants, said separately, investments in other assets. Of the total loan portfolio, the the drop in hotel accommodations DBP said 46.2 percent or P164.8 would be “more pronounced” in billion went to the infrastruc- traditional tourist spots like Boture and logistics sector. The racay. Data from Aklan provincial total loans extended to the social services sector also amounted to government showed visitors to Boracay slumped 20.4% yearP71.2 billion. Funding support to micro, on-year to 270,904 for the first small and medium enterprises two months of 2020. In Februreached P27.8 billion, while ary alone, tourists on the island, loans for environmental projects which just recovered some lost visitors after its 2018 rehabilitaamounted to P44.3 billion. Meanwhile, the bank’s depos- tion, dropped a larger 38.9% anits in 2019 grew by 17 percent to nually. In another tourist destination, P554.63 billion from P474.44 bilPuerto Princesa in Palawan, the lion in 2018. DBP’s capital likewise expand- tourism office said arrivals “were ed by 16.57 percent to P60.29 low” in January, without citing data. “Domestic tourism cannot billion. Net income rose by 5.94 per- completely offset our losses from cent to P6.06 billion from P5.72 our foreign markets,” Zozobrado said in a phone interview. billion in 2018. Despite dismal operations, Zo“The bank surpassed all its key financial targets in 2019 zobrado said hotels are unlikely to and recorded substantial growth let go of workers “as they would against the 2018 financial fig- need people once all these things ures,” Herbosa said. (With re- are over.” “I’ve heard of hotels ports from Mary Grace Padin) n who ask their staff to take days
Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary for operations Eliseo Rio said 6,000 public WiFi hotspots would be put up this year in partnership with the United Nations Development Program. Philstar.com file photo
year we will have more than 10,000 over and above the existing ones we have for a total of more than 12,000 before the end of the year,” he said. According to Rio, the existing 3,475 WiFi sites that have been established to serve nearly one million users. “Subscribers will enjoy at least 520 kilobits per second. They can download — you can’t download movies — but they can watch
Youtube and they can get educational materials from this,” he said. Through its Pipol Konek – Free WiFi Internet Access in Public Places project, the DICT targets to accelerate the government’s efforts in enhancing internet accessibility for Filipinos in hopes of bolstering economic, social, and educational opportunities and bridging the growing digital divide. n
Tourism slowly feels impact... off. Definitely, business has been affected,” he said. Travel tours Another area losing clients due to COVID-19 fears are travel agencies. Richie Tuano, president of Philippine Travel Agencies Association, said “hundreds of groups” cancelled or postponed tours set up by local agencies. Majority of clients of travel agencies are Chinese travelling in groups, especially after the government offered them visas upon arrival since 2017, so travel suspensions against China alone would have a devastating impact. Adding Macau and Hong Kong prohibitions, the ban would easily cost the government P42 billion in tourism revenues until April. “With the addition of South Korea in the travel ban, incremental losses are estimated at P4 billion more,” Tuano said. Tourism data released last Monday showed Koreans and Chinese tourists as biggest spenders among visitors last year, helping propel tourism revenues to a
new “all-time high” of P482.15 billion. The target for the year is P661 billion, a record goal the government has so far decided to stick on. As businesses count the fallout from COVID-19, Zozobrado said the government should work double-time in boosting local tourism, and cancelling events like the Panagbenga festival in Baguio as well as the nationwide mall sale spearheaded by the Tourism department is not helping. “We should not stop the festivals, the events. I think the Department of Health and other agencies are doing a good job in stopping the spread of the virus. We can always take precaution when holding these events,” he said. Tuano said prospects remain dim for the tourism sector this year. “How long this crisis will continue is uncertain and everyone just hope and pray that this will be over soon so we can start recovery measures,” he said. n
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