032120 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

MARCH 21-24, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 22 • 3 Sections – 26 Pages

‘SAFER AT HOME’

LA County, City issue new orders stopping nonessential activities until April 19

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

RESIDENTS in Los Angeles County can still go to the grocery store, pick up takeout orders at restaurants or go on hikes with proper social distancing, but trips to the shopping mall or other nonessential retail businesses

DATELINE

will be prohibited for the next 30 days.

LA County officials and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti issued new “Safer at Home” emergency orders on Thursday night, March 19, in a more extended effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The orders, which took effect at midnight, will remain in place until April 19 and is subject to extension.

In the city of Los Angeles, the mayor said the additional measures are a “new way of living,” acknowledging the progress that u PAGE A2

After Filipina became first COVID-19 death in LA County, family frustrated at lack of tests being administered

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

IRS postpones tax-filing deadline to July 15 TAXPAYERS in the United States will have three additional months to file their federal taxes, the U.S. treasury secretary announced on Friday, March 20.

Tax Day will now be moved from April 15 to July 15 to give taxpayers more time amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a tweet Friday morning, adding that the announcement comes after President Donald Trump’s orders.

Mnuchin said that taxpayers expecting refunds should continue to file as soon as possible.

“I encourage all taxpayers who may have tax refunds to file now to get your money,” he wrote in another tweet.

Friday’s announcement only applies to fedu PAGE A3

PH Consulate General in LA suspends services THE Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles has temporarily suspended its consular services indefinitely in light of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spread.

The suspension, which took place on Thursday, March 19, is in place until further notice.

The services include passport renewal, notarization, dual citizenship, civil registry, visas, overseas voter registration and outreach.

The consulate office oversees Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout Southern California, Southern Nevada and the state of Arizona.

“All previously confirmed appointments made for dual citizenship and passport scheduled on 19 March 2020 onwards are cancelled,” the consulate office state in a statement, adding that the online appointment system on its website will also be temporarily deactivated.

The Consulate General will still be available for emergencies: • Travel Document: emergencyTD@philippineconsulatela.org • Assistance to Nationals: lapcg.atn@ u PAGE A3

THERMAL SCAN. With the implementation of enhanced community quarantine, people and riders must pass through the thermal scan set up by PNP personnel at the boundary of Marikina City and Cainta, Rizal along Marcos Highway on Thursday, March 19. The measure is to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Testing in LA County gradually expands, but the criteria for obtaining a test remains stringent

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

File photo shows Orlando-based Filipino couple Loretta and Roddy, whose last name has not been released. On March 10, Loretta became the first reported person to die from the coronavirus in Los Angeles County, where the couple had been visiting family.

Contributed photo

coronavirus, making her the first death by COVID-19 in LA A FILIPINA from Orlando, County.

The woman, whose first name Florida — who was in Los Angeles visiting family — died was Loretta and was described on March 10 from the novel as being in her 60s, was a fre-

quent traveler and had been traveling with her husband Roddy in Thailand in February, according to the couple’s son.

The couple had a recent layu PAGE A2

Fil-Ams reminded of new US State Dept. advisory restricting int’l travel

by AJPRESS FILIPINO AMERICANS are reminded to follow the U.S. State Department’s latest advisory on avoiding all international travel due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles said on Thursday, March 19.

This comes after the State Department on Thursday issued a Level 4 travel advisory — the highest possible level — urging

citizens abroad to come back to the U.S. or they may be “forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.”

The Philippine Consulate issued its own advisory announcing the temporary suspension of its services and provided updates on the current situation in the U.S. “In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens u PAGE A5

Global recession more likely as virus spread prolongs disruption

by CZERIZA

VALENCIA Philstar.com

MANILA — A global recession is now becoming more likely as the rising number of cases of COVID-19 worldwide lead to greater disruption and aggressive market selloff, Oxford Economics said.

The still slow normalization of businesses in China also suggests that this will be an even bigger drag on global growth than what was expected in the first quarter of the year.

“Developments over the past week have greatly increased the likelihood that the global economy is moving into recession in response to the surge in COVID-19 cases worldwide, the associated disruption, and the aggressive market sell-off,” the think The lights went out on Broadway in New York City last week and because of new crowd capacity regulations in place to arrest the tank said in a new research brief.

Foreign passengers arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Thursday, March 19 as flights were again allowed amid the enhanced lockdown.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

PH temporarily suspends visa issuance starting March 22

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

FOREIGNERS will be temporarily barred from traveling to the Philippines starting Sunday, March 22, following the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)’s suspension of visa issuances amid the threat of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The DFA announced the travel ban on Thursday, March 19, spread of coronavirus, the result is a quiet Times Square without which cancels previously issued u PAGE A5 the tourists and local crowds. Photo courtesy of Josh Vasquez visas and those currently being

processed for foreigners — such as temporary visitor and tourist visas — from any Philippine Foreign Service post.

“This goes one imperative step forward: a total ban on incoming foreign visitors of all nationalities no exceptions,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin said on Twitter.

However, foreign visitors will still be allowed to leave the country. There is no end date for the new measures, as of press u PAGE A3

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From the Front Page

After Filipina became first COVID-19 death...

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over in South Korea, and once they landed in Los Angeles on March 8 the wife had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

While visiting family in Walnut, California, Loretta “didn’t have a pulse, and [the husband] had to give her CPR,” the son told WKMG/News 6. She was

taken to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and died eight hours after being admitted.

Officials from the City of Walnut and the Pomona Valley Hospital assured that Loretta’s case was carefully monitored and understand that people in Walnut and in the surrounding area are “anxious” about poten-

tial exposure to the virus, which hospital staff said was “low.”

“The individual did not travel within the city of Walnut,” the city’s mayor Andrew Rodriguez told KTLA. “She traveled extensively abroad but when coming to the city of Walnut, she primarily stayed at the residence and was not out and about in the community.”

The LA County Fire Department, which first responded to the Filipina, said in a statement that its personnel are “undergoing active monitoring at home” but do not have symptoms.

Barbara Ferrer, the LA County Public Health Director, who has been at the helm of the county’s efforts to contain the virus wrote in a statement, “Public Health extends our deepest condolences to the patient’s loved ones in the wake of this tragedy. We strongly recommend that all Los Angeles County residents, workers, students, and visitors take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against the novel coronavirus.”

Amid the tragedy of losing his wife, Loretta’s husband is now grieving alone after having been put into quarantine in Southern California after developing the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. To make matters worse, the son said that the LA County Department of Health isn’t testing the father for the virus.

“They wouldn’t do the testing unless he was in critical condition,” the son said. “It was mind-blowing. I’m like, wait, you’re asking us to take a chance and wait for him to get [worse] before he gets a test.”

Loretta’s family has since been mourning the loss of their loved one and are concerned over officials’ slow pace when it comes to administering tests.

Loretta’s nieces Victoria Do and Katarina Fajardo (the daughters of the family that Loretta and the husband were visiting in Walnut) told NBC Los Angeles that their aunt “was the sweetest, always happy” and that “she was a fighter, a breast cancer survivor.”

The family initially thought that she has been suffering from simple jet lag but it turned out to be the deadly virus that u PAGE A4

LA County, City issue new orders...

PAGE A1 t

has been made following his announcement last Sunday that included taking out in-dining options at restaurants and closing bars, gyms, and other public gathering spaces.

“We are all safer at home.

Staying in our residences, being aggressive about hygiene, and practicing safe social distancing are the most effective ways to protect ourselves, the people we love, and everyone in our community,” he said. “Each one of us is a first-responder in this crisis, and Angelenos understand that we have to make big sacrifices right now to save lives. This isn’t forever — and we’ll get through it together.”

The order calls for city residents to remain in their homes, and establishments — such as clothing and other nonessential retail stores — that were not covered in the mayor’s previous announcement on Sunday should “cease operations that require in-person attendance by workers at a workplace.”

“It is against the law to violate this order, and you may be punished by a fine or imprisonment for doing so,” the order reads.

Essential activities that require leaving one’s residence are permitted, such as reporting to a job that is considered essential, going to the grocery store, pharmacy, medical appointments, and restaurants for take-out, delivery or drive-thru, for example.

Exercising and walking pets outside are also allowed so long as individuals keep at least a sixfoot distance.

Services like police stations, utilities and public transportation will continue to operate, as well as a long list of businesses deemed essential — e.g. medical providers, restaurants, financial institutions and laundromats.

Meanwhile, LA County issued its own “Safer at Home” guidelines, which direct its over 10 million residents to refrain from gathering in an enclosed space with more than 10 people and similarly instructs nonessential retail businesses to close temporarily.

Like the city of LA, violators of the order can be punished by fines or imprisonment. However, the two orders deviate in that

the county does not require residents to remain in their homes.

“This is the next step in protecting our communities from the coronavirus and will have invaluable long-term effects,” Supervisor Kathryn Barger said on Thursday. “This order will increase social distancing while still enabling residents to shop for essential items at the market, pharmacy, and hardware store, and still be able to visit the bank or gas station.”

The cities of Long Beach and Pasadena also have their own orders similar to the county.

In the last 48 hours alone, 101 cases have been announced by the LA County Department of Public Health, bringing the total

to 292 identified cases across the county and two deaths as of Friday.

The Department of Public Health said it is continuing to investigate these cases and will notify close contacts who are household members, intimate partners and healthcare professionals to assess and monitor them for signs and symptoms of the illness. All confirmed cases are being isolated and close contacts are quarantined.

Across the state, there are now 1,006 confirmed cases and 19 deaths in California as of Friday, according to the California Department of Public Health.

The majority of the cases are beu PAGE A6

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A

Avoid taking ibuprofen for COVID-19 symptoms — WHO

AMPLE FOOD SUPPLY. A vendor prepares dressed chicken at the Cogeo Market Ventures Corp. (CMVC) in Cogeo, Antipolo City, Rizal on Friday, March 20, 2020. Supermarkets and public markets remain open so that Filipinos can access basic necessities even under an enhanced community quarantine imposed in the entire Luzon.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

PH temporarily suspends visa issuance...

PAGE 1 time.

The pronouncement also covers visa-free privileges starting Sunday.

“All visa-free privileges including those based on Visa Waiver Agreements, those under Executive Order 408, s.1960, and for holders of Hong Kong and Macau SAR passports, Macau-Portuguese passports, and British National Overseas passports, are likewise temporarily suspended, effective 22 March 2020,” the department said in its advisory.

Foreign spouses and children of Filipino nationals, as well as accredited foreign government and international organization officials and their dependents, are exempted from this temporary suspension, the DFA clarified.

“The temporary suspension of visa issuance will deem all previously issued visas canceled, and foreigners with visas issued by Philippine Foreign Service Posts (primarily 9a Temporary Visitor/ Tourist visas) will not be allowed entry into the country starting 22 March 2020,” it said.

It added, “This temporary suspension has no impact on foreign nationals that are already in the country or on holders of visas issued by other government agencies.”

PH lifts 72-hour window for outbound flights On Wednesday, March 18, the government announced that the 72-hour deadline for international travelers to leave the Philippines has been lifted.

The updated announcement from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will allow overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), balikbayans, and foreigners to leave the country through any of the ports in Luzon at any time during the “enhanced community quarantine” period, provided they

travel only to the airport within 24 hours of the date and time of their departure.

“OFWs, balikbayans, and foreigners leaving for abroad through any of the ports in Luzon shall be allowed to leave the Philippines at any time for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine, provided that proof of international travel itinerary scheduled within 24 hours must be presented,” Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles confirmed on Wednesday.

The Philippine Department of Transportation on Tuesday had previously given international airports in the country a 72hour window to accommodate foreigners seeking to leave the Philippines, after which all gateways from the mainland will be closed in compliance with the enhanced community quarantine enforced in Luzon.

Under the new guidelines, Nograles said that departing passengers are allowed to be accompanied by only one person to any international port, who should depart immediately after dropping off the passenger.

The accompanying person must also carry a copy of the eticket or itinerary.

Nograles added that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration “may provide transportation services to OFWs intending to leave for abroad.”

“This provision shall not be interpreted to allow outbound travel by Filipinos to jurisdictions where travel restrictions are in place,” he stressed.

Inbound international passengers, meanwhile, are allowed entry, subject to strict immigration and quarantine protocols.

Filipino tourists, however, are barred from leaving the country. The previous travel restrictions for arriving passengers remain in place.

“Our travel restrictions for for-

PH Consulate General in LA...

PAGE 1 gmail.com • Overseas Workers: pololosangeles@gmail.com • Inquiries: https://www.philippineconsulatela.org/contactus-2 • Hotline numbers: (213) 2689990; (213) 269-7852 •Assistance-to-Nationals:

(213) 587-0758 Southern California has 391 COVID-19 cases with five deaths; Southern Nevada has reported 42 COVID-19 cases with 1 death; and Arizona has confirmed 44 COVID-19 cases and no deaths, as of press time.

(AJPress)

IRS postpones tax-filing...

PAGE 1 eral tax income payments, while states are free to establish their own deadlines.

California is also moving its tax deadlines for affected taxpayers to July 15, the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) announced on Wednesday, March 18.

All California taxpayers are considered “affected taxpayers” if they have an income tax return filing or payment due date between March 15 and July 15.

The July deadline covers the filing and payment for all individuals and business entities for: 2019 tax returns, 2019 tax return payments, 2020 1st and 2nd quarter estimate payments, 2020 LLC taxes and fees, and 2020 non-wage withholding payments.

Despite the new changes, taxpayers will still be able to request a six-month extension to file returns similar to previous years. (AJPress)

U.S. tacpayers get three monthgs to file their taxes.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash

eign nationals arriving from China, Hong Kong, Macau, North Gyeongsang including Daegu and Cheongdo of South Korea, Iran, and Italy still stand,” announced Philippine Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, March 16, placed Luzon on an “enhanced community quarantine” to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Philippines. n

THE World Health Organization recommended on Tuesday, March 17 that people suffering COVID-19 symptoms avoid taking ibuprofen, after French officials warned that anti-inflammatory drugs could worsen effects of the virus.

The warning by French Health Minister Olivier Veran followed a recent study in The Lancet medical journal that hypothesised that an enzyme boosted by anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen could facilitate and worsen COVID-19 infections.

Asked about the study, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva the UN health agency’s experts were “looking into this to give further guidance.”

“In the meantime, we recommend using rather paracetamol, and do not use ibuprofen as a self-medication. That’s important,” he said.

He added that if ibuprofen had been “prescribed by the healthcare professionals, then, of course, that’s up to them.”

His comments came after Veran sent a tweet cautioning that the use of ibuprofen and similar anti-inflammatory drugs could be “an aggravating factor” in COVID-19 infections.

“In the case of fever, take paracetamol,” he wrote.

The French minister stressed that patients already being treated with anti-inflammatory drugs should ask advice from their doctor.

Philstar.com photo

Paracetamol must be taken strictly according to the recommended dose, because too much of it can damage the liver.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected around 190,000 people worldwide and killed more than 7,800, causes mild symptoms in most people, but can result in pneumonia and in some cases severe illness that can lead to multiple organ failure.

Even before the pandemic, French authorities sounded the alarm over serious “infectious complications” linked to the use of ibuprofen, which is sold under various brands like Nurofen and Advil, and other anti-inflammatory drugs.

A spokesperson for British pharmaceutical company Reckitt Benckiser, which makes Nurofen, said in an email statement that the company was aware of concerns raised about “the use of steroids and non-steroi-

dal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) products, including ibuprofen, for the alleviation of COVID-19 symptoms.”

“Consumer safety is our number one priority,” the spokesperson said, stressing that “Ibuprofen is a well-established medicine that has been used safely as a self-care fever and pain reducer, including in viral illnesses, for more than 30 years.”

“We do not currently believe there is any proven scientific evidence linking over-the-counter use of ibuprofen to the aggravation of COVID-19,” the statement said.

The spokesperson said Reckitt Benckiser was “engaging with the WHO, EMA (the European Medicines Agency) and other local health authorities” on the issue and would provide “any additional information or guidance necessary for the safe use of our products following any such evaluation.” (Philstar.com)

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After Filipina became first COVID-19 death...

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has rocked the world, resulting in thousands of deaths and large-scale shutdowns of major cities.

The nieces expressed frustration that they “can’t do anything” for their quarantined uncle as well as their now-quarantined father and stepmom, both of whom also are showing symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.

“People are not getting tested when they should be. People are posting everywhere, ‘Oh, I’m getting tested. I have no symptoms,’ [but] where are these people getting tests?” Do told NBC, highlighting the current predicament across the U.S. of the lack of available tests.

Loretta’s death on March 10 was the only COVID-19-related death in the county until Thursday, March 19 when county officials confirmed the second death in the Pasadena area.

Testing availability Sixty one new cases were also confirmed on Friday, March 20, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases to 292 across the county.

Ferrer said in a press briefing that the true number of COVID-19 cases is likely five to 10 times higher than what is reported due to the limited amount of testing that has been administered.

In LA County, medical centers are slowly increasing the capacity for coronavirus testing, but in most cases, hospitals and labs in the Southland have established that people should visit their primary care physicians first. If symptoms fit within the COVID-19 spectrum, patients will then be referred to testing centers, more of which are being built, LA County officials promised in a press briefing.

Moreover, testing for the new coronavirus has been largely limited to high-risk patients over the age of 60 and/or have underlying health conditions who are exhibiting high fever, dry cough and difficulty breathing; but, still, tests are only given after receiving approval by a doctor.

Across the country, drivethru testing and drive-up centers have allowed for wider

swaths of the population to get tested but none have appeared in LA County.

Kaiser-Permanente, which has 15 centers across Southern California, is currently piloting drive-thru test centers at several of its sites, but that option is still only available for those who received approval from a Kaiser doctor.

“The people whom we invite to participate in these drive-thrus are Kaiser Permanente members who have been screened and meet the CDC’s criteria for testing,” Kaiser-Permanente spokesperson Terry Kanakri said in a statement.

Local officials like LA Mayor Eric Garcetti have acknowl- Filipino American lawyer and legal recruiter David Lat tested Liza Paqueo (left) with her mother Nida Cortes Paqueo, who died in Manila on edged the importance for more positive for COVID-19. AJPress file photo by Momar G. Visaya Wednesday, March 11 from COVID-19. Photo courtesy of Liza Paqueo/Facebook testing to fully understand the size and scope of the COVID-19 spread. As they negotiate more tests for the public, both Garcetti and California Governor Gavin Newsom made major announcements Thursday night ordering Californians to stay home. ygen 24/7. Even with oxygen, the nity leader, also took to social

by MoMar G. Visaya As of press time, there are simplest tasks are extremely dif- media to share the story of his AJPress 1,063 cases of coronavirus in ficult,” he shared. “I have never brother who passed away after NEW YORK-based Filipino been this sick in my entire life.”

California and, so far, 21 people contracting the virus, in an efAmerican lawyer and legal reacross the state have died. n Among these tasks are going to fort to alert the community about cruiter David Lat announced on the toilet, saying he could barely how dangerous this virus is. social media this week that he walk the five feet from the bed “With sincere intentions, I am has tested positive for the novel to the toilet “and I had to pee as sad and obliged to inform evcoronavirus (COVID-19). quickly as possible, chest heav- eryone of my brother Arriba Ed “Hello everyone. You are look- ing with the labor of breathing, Baluyut death as a victim of the ing at New York State’s 951st because I was going to collapse virus,” Penn wrote in a message, OVER 17 YEARS and New York City’s 464th con- if I stood too long.” now widely shared within the Filfirmed case of Covid-19 aka coroPrior to getting sick, Lat has Am community in New York. navirus,” he posted on Monday, run the NYC Marathon twice and Baluyut’s brother Ed was March 16. walked 25 miles a week, aside based in the Philippines.

Lat called on anyone who had from three high-intensity interval “I am making this public anany contact with him “anytime af- training classes at the gym. nouncement to save anyone from ter around Sunday, February 23, He was also a fast eater but this deadly virus. If Ed’s death you can play the “David Lat card” “Today it took my 90 minutes story can save one family then and can — and should — get test- to eat my lunch - because I kept his death will not go in vain,” he ed automatically.” getting winded as I ate. Who wrote.

His husband Zach, a confirmed DOES that? I’m so weak, the fork Their older sister from Chicase as well, got the same symp- wobbled each time I lifted it to cago arrived from Singapore on toms two days after Lat did. my mouth.”

February 22 after spending a “For now, I wanted to let you all Lat’s husband had “a low-level week in Manila to take care of Darrick V. Tan, Esq. know, apologize if I unknowingly flu that seems to have almost run their youngest brother who lives infected you — I self-quarantined its course after about a week.” in Singapore with lung cancer.

Licensed in California for as soon as I had real symptoms, “But for those who get severe She stayed in Singapore for five over 17 years but people can transmit it before cases, like me, it’s been hell,” he weeks.

Licensed in Nevada for they’re symptomatic — and as- said.

Their families in Manila gave over 12 years* sure you that I’m doing well,” Lat For the past ten days and her dinner and despedida parties UCLA, Bachelor of Arts, Political counting, it has been a combina- and their brother Ed was her ofScience with Cum Laude honors wrote.

The lawyer also expressed his tion of fever, fatigue, joint aches, ficial driver.

Southwestern University Law frustration about the availability chills, cough, and respiratory School, Juris Doctor The sister then left for Chicago Admitted to U.S. District Court, of testing for COVID-19. difficulty “with no real improve- last February 28. Ed and his wife Central District of California “If you interacted with me in ment.”

Ging got sick on March 8 with feMember, American Immigration person after 2/23, you can cite Lat thanked “the talented and ver and coughing.

Lawyers Association that fact and get automatically hardworking (but very under“Ed became worse and rushed Member, Consumers Attorney tested,” Lat said on Twitter. “Oth- staffed) team” at NYU Langone to the hospital where he died the Association of Los Angeles erwise you might have to go to Medical Center and his family following day and tested posiFormer Member, Board of Governors, Philippine American the ridiculous efforts I had to in and friends for their “prayers, tive of the virus last March 12. order to get a simple test that sympathies and good wishes.”

His wife is still critical with the Bar Association *Inactive other countries have given to Lat’s parents are watching virus,” he added. their citizens by the hundreds of after his two-year-old son HarTheir sister in Chicago and thousands.” lan in Saddle River, New Jersey her husband are also sick. Their Living with COVID-19 while his dads are ill. brother-in-law in Manila who alLat updated his family and “The city’s not a great place ways hosts the dinners and parfriends on Tuesday with a series for kids these days. Kids don’t ties is also sick with the sympof tweets and talked about his tend to get much in the way of toms of the virus. current condition. coronavirus symptoms but they “For two weeks my families He said that he is generally can carry it, something that my in Chicago had dinners and welhealthy, he doesn’t take drugs, fellow parents should bear in come parties with everybody. rarely drinks and no health condi- mind,” Lat said.

Five families in Chicago. Everytions other than exercise-induced Lat is the founder of the legal body is under 14 days of selfasthma, which he manages with blog Above the Law, a website quarantine now,” Penn shared. an inhaler. about law firms and the legal He is calling on the community “In my current state, #Living- profession. to be safe and called on people WithCovid, I am constantly weak Family tragedy who travelled from other counand winded. I’m hooked up to oxPenn Baluyut, a local commuu PAGE A6

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2 Filipinos named 2020 Young Global Leaders

by Doris

DuMlao-abaDilla Inquirer.net

TWO millennial Filipino chief executive officers (CEOs) —agricultural entrepreneurship champion Cherrie Atilano and edukasyon.ph founder Henry Motte-Muñoz —were handpicked by Switzerland-based World Economic Forum (WEF) to be part of the “Young Global Leaders (YGL)” global community of “exceptional young people with the vision, courage and influence to drive positive change in the world.”

They are among the 115 members of the YGL Class of 2020, which also includes: Sanna Marin, the first female Prime Minister of Finland and the youngest head of state in the world; Megan Rapinoe, decorated Olympian and cocaptain of the U.S. women soccer team that won the 2019 FIFA World Cup; Larry Madowo, BBC Africa Business Editor, an accomplished and pioneering digital journalist in Africa; and, Alicia Garza, United States civil rights activist and editorial writer.

“Each year, the Forum of Young Global Leaders identifies the world’s most promising leaders under the age of 40— people driving innovation for positive change across civil society, arts, culture, government and business. By connecting them to a community of remarkable peers and investing further in their leadership abilities, the aim is to create a ripple effect over five years that benefits their organizations and the world,” said Mariah Levin, head of the Forum of YGLs at the WEF. It is the first time since 2015 that Filipinos passed the WEF’s stringent global screening for the YGL community.

Atilano, founder and CEO of Marinduque-based Agrea Agricultural Systems International Inc., has had 21 years of experi-

Cherrie Atilano and Henry Motte-Muñoz

ence in sustainable food systems and inclusive agribusiness as an advocate of women and youth in agriculture, agri-technology, malnutrition eradication and the responsible production and consumption for the future of food.

She is a multiawarded entrepreneur and high-level ambassador of the United Nations Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement. She is an honoree of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Class of 2018 and was also awarded one of The Outstanding Women in the Nations Service (TOWNS) in 2016. She is also part of Asia Society’s Asia21 Young Leaders Class of 2017.

Motte-Muñoz is the founder and CEO of Edukasyon.ph, the largest youth platform in the Philippines empowering more than 10 million student visitors each year to find and take their path from education to career.

His work in education technology and social entrepreneurship has been recognized by global and regional organizations including the Asia CEO Awards (Young Leader of the Year 2019), Financial Times and

Inquirer.net photos

International Finance Corporation (Transformational Business Award 2017), Forbes (30 Under 30 Asia 2016) and Asia Society (21 Young Leaders 2015).

Motte-Muñoz is also co-founder and director of anti-corruption NGO bantay.ph.

“I’m humbled and honored to be joining far more impressive folks in this year’s batch of Young Global Leaders, alongside Cherrie Atilano,” Motte-Muñoz said in an email.

“The goal of this forum is to create a world where leaders take responsibility for a sustainable future. Being part of this leadership program is especially meaningful for me because, by nature of what we do at Edukasyon.ph, I represent not just myself or my team, but 20 million young Filipinos who are finding their place in the world and their role in building our future.

So, I’m grateful for this opportunity to learn from and exchange ideas with such a diverse group of individuals, but also take pride in leveraging this global platform to share and help develop the great things that young Filipinos are capable of,” he said. n

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Small Fil-Am businesses in New York struggle amidst lockdown Lower East Side have decided to close shop until further notice.

The restaurant industry is alFILIPINO restaurants in New ready projecting a $225 billion York are feeling the pinch as the sales decline and between five lockdown caused by the corona- to seven million jobs lost just in virus pandemic forced them to the next three months, a Forbes drastically cut their operations, article said.

According to the New York doing away with dine in and focusing only on pick up, to go or State Labor Department, New York City employed 315,200 delivery.

Restaurants in the city are among the particularly hard-hit and the restrictions made by the governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut earlier this week compound this hardship.

Chef owners have resorted into various strategies in order to survive.

For a couple of days this week, Aris Tuazon of Ugly Kitchen announced that his team will be accepting orders for lunch delivery to midtown and upper Manhattan. Leah Cohen of Pig & Khao is selling their $100 gift cards for 25 percent off.

It has even come to the point where some of the owners have resorted to fundraising through sites such as GoFundMe in order to support their employees.

Among the restaurants who have set their online fundraisers are Tsismis NYC and Jeepney.

Geena Rocero, a friend of Jeepney’s Nicole Ponseca announced on Instagram that she will be cooking chicken adobo in the restaurant on Thursday evening for their IG live fundraising to benefit the restaurant’s Employee Relief Fund. They will also be selling gift cards and merchandise like t-shirts.

“As many of you know @ jeepneynyc is Home and an important space for Filipinx Culture that now needs our support,” she posted.

Jappy Afzelius also fast tracked the release of Tsismis NYC gift cards, which they were planning to launch in June as they celebrate their first anniversary.

“At the current state of the restaurant industry we will need your support in order to bounce back from this global catastrophe,” Afzelius said. “The support of our patrons and the local community will enable us to continue our operation once it’s safe to resume.”

Some of them, like Purple Yam in Brooklyn and Tsismis in the

by MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

SOCIAL DISTANCING. People keep their distance from one another at the entrance of Savemore Market in Barangay Salitran, Dasmariñas, Cavite on Friday, March 20, 2020. Health authorities recommended the one-meter social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Fil-Ams reminded of new US State Dept...

PAGE A1 t

who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period,” the State Department advisory read.

Fil-Ams living in its service area to be aware of the latest updates coming from the U.S. government, including the closure of the U.S.-Canada border and restricted travel to Europe, the Consulate also said.

“Filipino Americans in South-

ern California, Southern Nevada and Arizona are likewise reminded of travel restrictions imposed by the U.S. Government pertaining to the temporary closure of the U.S. border with Canada to non-essential travels; on the Schengen Area, consisting of 26 countries; and on the United Kingdom and Ireland following the issuance of the 3rd and 4th U.S. Presidential proclamations signed on 11 and 14 March, respectively,” it said.

For those who decide to travel abroad or are already outside

of the U.S., the State Department urged citizens to have a travel plan “that does not rely on the U.S. government for assistance.”

There are currently over 15,000 COVID-19 cases in the United States and its territories and 201 deaths as of Friday, March 20, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of that number, 337 are travel-related and 321 are from close contact, while the causes of the rest are still under investigation. n

Global recession more likely as...

PAGE A1 t

“It also suggests that the economic costs elsewhere associated with shutdown, other less stringent measures, and voluntary forms of social distancing will be substantial.”

The research firm said that while the tough measures implemented by China to contain the spread of coronavirus have so far been successful, the country will be reeling from a high economic cost as seen in the 13.5 percent plunge in industrial value yearon-year in January and February combined, as well as the 20.5 percent fall in retail sales during the same period.

“The dismal Chinese activity data for February and the continued slow return to business as usual suggest that China will be an even bigger drag on global GDP growth than we had previ- Times Square is normally filled with tourists and vehicles but it was almost empty on Wednesday ously expected in Q1,” said Ox- evening as bars and restaurants became take-out, delivery or pick uponly and public spaces like theaters and gyms were forced to closed.

Photo courtesy of Josh Vasquez ford Economics. n

workers in the food service and drinking venues in 2018 at an average yearly wage of $31,500.

“I’m normally pretty upbeat but this has been one of the roughest weeks for everybody,” chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson told his followers on Instagram. “I hope we get

u PAGE A6

A march 21-24, 2020 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOUrNaL

Dateline USa

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

US Embassy in Manila suspends visa appointments Casinos, ‘nonessential’ businesses

THE U.S. Embassy in Manila has postponed visa appointments until further notice following the Philippine government’s imposition of a Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

“The Government of the Philippines has imposed a strict quarantine across Luzon and particularly Metro-Manila as a precautionary measure to limit

the spread of COVID-19,” the embassy said in an advisory Wednesday, March 18.

“Due to these circumstances, all visa appointments have been postponed pending further notice; please do not attempt to travel to the Embassy,” it added.

The embassy advised visa applicants to monitor their email— specifically, the email address they provided at the time their respective appointment were

made—for updates.

“Although we are operating at an extremely reduced staffing level due to the current conditions, the American Citizen Services Unit will address the needs of U.S. citizens as much as possible,” it noted.

The embassy added that nonessential services have been postponed pending further notice. (Christia Marie Ramos/Inquirer.net)

Ancajas, Casimero continue training as fights postponed

by Josef

T. Ramos ManilaTimes.net

DUE to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Top Rank Promotions chief Bob Arum decided to cancel all the boxing activities in March and April including the fights of world champions Jerwin Ancajas and John Riel Casimero.

Arum announced on Tuesday, March 17 that all its scheduled fights would be postponed starting this month for the sake of everyone.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Top Rank has postponed all events scheduled for March and April. We are monitoring the situation closely and will reschedule the shows as soon as it’s safe and reasonable to do so,” Arum said in a statement.

“The health and safety of our fighters, staff and ESPN’s incredible production team is the most important thing as we plan our next steps. We look forward to the day when we can bring our loyal fans world-class boxing once again, but exercising caution is the most prudent thing to do at this moment.”

Team manager and trainer Joven Jimenez, meanwhile, said Anjacas, the reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight champion, would remain training in a secluded area in Luzon to stay fit for the entire community quarantine.

Ancajas (32-1-2 win-loss-draw record with 22 knockouts) is supposed to defend his title against Mexican challenger Jonathan Rodriguez on April 11 at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Our training will continue, but I can’t reveal the place because it’s going to be in a close door. We are okay to fight by May, even in June or July as long as this virus is gone. We are still very thankful to God for taking care of us in times like this,” Jimenez told The Ma-

John Riel Casimero

Inquirer.net photo

close across Nevada for 30 days

by AJPress NEVADA Governor Steve Sisolak has announced the closure of ‘nonessential’ businesses, including casinos, throughout the state for at least 30 days to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), beginning on Wednesday, March 18.

Businesses ordered for closure include all casinos and gaming machines, clubs and bars, hair and nail salons, gyms and shopping malls.

“Today, it is clear additional steps must be taken, immediately, in order to slow the spread of this deadly virus in our state,” Sisolak said in his remarks on Tuesday.

The announcement comes as 84 cases have been confirmed in Nevada, including 69 cases and one confirmed death in the southern part of the state, according to the Southern Nevada Health District.

Essential services, such as fire and police departments and health care providers, will remain open, as will businesses like grocery and convenience stores, pharmacies, and banking institutions.

Restaurants, including pubs and bars that serve food, across the state will move to drive-thru, takeout or delivery only.

Sisolak reminded the public to maintain six feet of social distancing between people, that all gatherings should be postponed or canceled, and that faith leaders should find alternatives to deliver services without physically congregating.

“I know this directive will cause many of our friends and neighbors to distress. But I ask you

– what are you willing to do to save your own life and the lives of those you love? We absolutely must take this step for every Nevadan’s health and safety. Please – take this seriously. Lives are at stake, and with each passing day, this pandemic is growing. Please – Stay Home for Nevada,” Sisolak said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously issued guidance that events and gatherings with more than 50 people in the U.S. should be canceled or postponed for the next eight weeks.

Starting last Monday, the closure of all K-12 public, private and charter schools until at least April 6 took effect, following Sisolak’s announcement over the weekend. As students will be learning online, Charter Communications is offering free access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi. At least 10 states, including California and New York, have enacted similar mandates, as the pandemic continues to spread across the U.S., with over 6,400 cases as of Tuesday.

Before the Nevada governor’s announcement, Cosmopolitan, Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts International — which operates 13 properties in Las Vegas including the MGM Grand, Bellagio and Mandalay Bay — said on Monday that they would shutter their property doors beginning Tuesday.

Full-time employees furloughed or laid off by MGM will receive two weeks of pay from their last day of work, while employees covered by the company’s health plan will continue to receive benefits until June 30, ac-

cording to the Las Vegas-Review Journal.

The Las Vegas Justice Court is suspending eviction proceedings for the next 30 days, while the Nevada Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation is encouraging those who have been laid out to file unemployment insurance claims online.

The governor also asked essential businesses to consider hiring laid off individuals.

There are 162,936 Filipinos in Nevada — the largest Asian American group — many of whom are employed by local hospitals and health care facilities, Clark County School District schools, hotels and casinos.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are considered one of the fastest-growing groups in the state, seeing a 167% population increase since 2000, according to APIA Vote.

Sisolak on Wednesday released a statement, saying “it remains more important than ever to continue separating fact from fiction and showing support for all Nevadans, especially our significant Asian-American communities that have been unfairly stigmatized and harmed by misconceptions and misinformation about the virus.”

Since the outbreak, Asian Americans communities across the country have reported acts of hate and discrimination.

“COVID-19 originated in China, but it in no way targets Chinese American or other Asian American individuals at higher rates than other races or ethnicities.

This is a virus that does not discriminate; it targets everyone,” the governor added. n

LA County, City issue new orders...

PAGE A2 t

Jerwin Ancajas

nila Times in a phone interview.

After spending a few months of training in Dipolog City, Ancajas and his team flew back to Manila last Saturday before the “community quarantine” ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Casimero’s supposed April 25 unification bout against Japanese

Photo by Jhay Otamias

IBF and World Boxing Association super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue at the Mandalay Bay will also be rescheduled.

Casimero, the reigning World Boxing Organization super bantamweight titleholder, is in Las Vegas to continue his training camp. n

tween the ages of 18 to 64 years old (711 cases), followed by 273 cases reportedly above the age of 65.

Of the confirmed cases, 266 are by community transmission, 108 person to person, 86 travelrelated, while the remaining 522 are under investigation.

California Governor Gavin Newsom followed with his own announcement an hour later on Thursday night, ordering the state’s nearly 40 million people to stay at home as well. This measure is considered the strictest move by a state in the nation by far.

Similarly, the mandate allows residents to leave their homes for essential purchases and jobs.

“This is a moment we need to make tough decisions,” Newsom said. “This is a moment where we need some straight talk and we need to tell people the truth: We need to bend the curve in the state of California.”

There is no end date for the governor’s order, but said the next eight weeks are significant to bend the curve.

Quarantine site On Friday, LA County Supervi-

sor Hilda Solis announced that the Sheraton Hotel near the Fairplex in Pomona, California will be used as temporary housing for those who have been ordered to isolate or quarantine by the Department of Public Health.

“Our overwhelmed health care system will not be able to admit every person with mild symptoms of COVID-19. As we contain the spread of this virus, we need quarantine sites where people can receive care and heal,” Solis said.

The Sheraton Fairplex, a 244room hotel, is located on the Pomona campus of Fairplex, home of the Los Angeles County Fair.

Under the agreement, the county is slated to use it from March 23 to May 31, with the potential for a four-week extension.

This is the first hotel contracted out to the county for COVID19 assistance.

Community resources Organizations serving Filipino Americans and the greater Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities this week announced the closure of their offices but will continue to provide services remotely.

Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) has temporarily suspended public events and community services this week, such as its weekly seniors’ program. However, it will continue individualized services — like small business counseling, parenting classes and gang reduction — online or by phone at (213) 382-1819.

Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) in Historic Filipinotown will continue to conduct Census outreach, accept tax preparation requests, and address immigration and workplace issues at (213) 250-4353 or info@pwcsc. org.

Staff at Asian Americans Advancing Justice - LA will continue to provide services by phone or videoconference. Their inlanguage helplines are still operating — (855) 300-2552 for (Tagalog) or (888) 349-9695 for (English).

The city of LA has also launched a website — https://corona-virus.la/ — with a rundown on what is permitted during the “Stay at Home” order as well as other available resources, from small business loans to unemployment benefits. n

Small Fil-Am businesses in New York struggle...

PAGE A5 t

through this together.”

It’s an industry problem now since everyone is affected.

Even leaders and high-profile chefs have been feeling the burn.

“We are taking the most distasteful medicine we have ever ingested for the purpose of be-

ing around when the sun shines again,” said restaurateur Danny Meyer in a video announcing layoffs at his Union Square Hospitality Group.

Among Mayer’s restaurants are considered as Manhattan mainstays such as the Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern. Meyer said that approxi-

mately 2,000 workers will be laid off, representing about 80 percent of its total workforce, according to the Eater food blog.

Fellow celebrity chef Tom Colicchio said he had to lay off 300 people at his Crafted Hospitality restaurant group this week. n

How 3 Fil-Am families are coping with...

PAGE A4 t tries or states to practice selfquarantine for 14 days.

“Do not let your families…see you or visit. From [the] airport, you must remove your clothes and shoes straight to laundry to wash or put in [a] big black bag. Inform your family to prepare your change of clothes and not bring your clothes inside the house,” he said.

First Filipino COVID-19 casualty The daughter of ‘PH35’, the first Filipino to succumb to COVID-19 shared her grief on social media last Friday.

Liza Paqueo broke her family’s silence with a Facebook post announcing the passing of her mother, Nida Cortes Paqueo, who died in Manila on Wednesday, March 11 shortly after her 67th birthday.

“A few hours ago, my beautiful mother, Nida, was cremated.

She died alone without her loving family and friends around her.

She was cremated, alone, without ceremony or tribute,” Liza Paqueo posted.

Paqueo grieved the fact that she and her brothers who are all in the United States, were not there for their parents.

“She was healthy and fit. She went into the hospital on March 5 with localized pneumonia,” Paqueo said. “A couple of days later, my father was admitted into the hospital.”

“My father is alone as well.

He is at a Manila hospital, he is in deep grief over the loss of his wife of 47 years, the love of his life,” she lamented. “We are not allowed to visit my dad. We are not allowed to manage and advocate for him.”

Paqueo said that they received the news on Wednesday that her mom passed away and had COVID-19. Her father also tested positive for COVID-19. All family and friends who have been exposed to her parents are in isolation and quarantine.

“No one knows how they contracted COVID-19, but Manila is a crowded, internationally mix city of 13 million people. Speculations as to where they got it from [are] unknown, and we are leaving that to the Department of Health,” she said.

These speculations have led to social media posts about her parents and Paqueo said she wanted to clarify the gossip that has been going around, saying that her parents have not trav-

eled anywhere domestically or internationally.

“To compound the grief and pain, rumors and malicious misinformation have circulated on social media about my parents.

This has all resulted in panic, violence, threats and stigmatization of our family and loved ones.

Disclosure of private information has circulated as well,” she said.

While her father also tested positive for COVID-19, Liza said he is now “in stable condition and in quarantine.”

“The Department of Health is now working with the hospitals and her father on epidemiological protocols around this infection,” she said.

Like Lat, Paqueo is calling on the people who may have met with her parents in Manila to come out and take precautions.

“If you have been around my parents between February 29 (when my mother first reported symptoms) and her death on March 11, then we encourage you to self-isolate for 14 days.

And if you have a fever and a cough, please report to the Department of Health. It is the responsible thing to do. There is no stigma with this disease,” she wrote. n

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 21-24, 2020

D ateline PhiliPPines PH COVID-19 cases rise to 230, death toll climbs to 18 Duterte to gov’t agencies: Strictly

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

ThirTeen additional cases of the novel coronavirus (COViD19) have been reported in the Philippines, bringing the official count to 230, the Department of health reported on Friday, March 20.

The department announced that one of the patients with COViD-19 has died, bringing the total number of fatalities to 18.

Ten of the new cases are male, while three are female, according to health Undersecretary Maria rosario Vergeire. She added that the youngest case is 25 years old and the oldest is 72 years old.

The fatality, on the other hand, is a 65-year-old Filipino male who traveled from Singapore. The DOh said he died on Tuesday, March 17, but did not further explain why his death was only announced on Friday.

The number of recovered patients from COViD-19 remained at eight.

On Wednesday, March 18, Vergeire said COViD-19 cases in the country could rise to 75,000 in two to three months if the spread of the contagion is not contained.

“Within two to three months, it can reach that peak in which 75,000 may possibly get infected,” she said. however, she noted that it is possible to “flatten the curve” as long as strict measures are in place.

“That means we can spread out the infections across many months if we only can implement stringent measures such as social distancing,” Vergeire

said.

President rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, March 17, signed Proclamation 929, which declares a state of calamity for a period of six months unless extended “as circumstances may warrant.”

The declaration enjoins all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to render full assistance in combating the spread of the disease.

“All government agencies and LGUs are enjoined to render full assistance to and cooperation with each other and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate disaster response aid and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the threat of COViD-19,” stated Duterte’s proclamation. his declaration also directs law enforcement agencies, with the support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, “to undertake all necessary measures to ensure peace and order.”

A day before, the president placed Luzon on an enhanced community quarantine to contain the spread of the virus in the country. “i have come to the conclusion that stricter measures are necessary. For this reason, pursuant to my powers as President under the constitution and rA 11332, i am placing the entire mainland of Luzon under enhanced community quarantine until April 12, 2020,” he said in a nationally televised address.

This comes after problems with the community quarantine protocol cropped up on the first

day of the work week, such as failed social distancing due to cramped public vehicles, road congestion, and checkpoint issues.

According to a Palace memo issued over the weekend, an enhanced community quarantine suspends mass public transport, and land, air, and sea travel. it also implements a strict home quarantine for every household, regulates provisions for food and essential health services, and heightens the presence of uniformed personnel to enforce quarantine procedures.

Duterte urged the public once again to stay inside their homes. “everyone will stay at home, leaving their houses only to buy food, medicine, and other things necessary for survival,” he said.

Private establishments providing basic necessities such as those related to food and medicine production are allowed to operate with a skeleton force.

Among those businesses include public markets, supermarkets, groceries, convenience stores, hospitals, medical clinics, pharmacies and drugstores, food preparation and delivery services, water-refilling stations, and banks.

Malls, meanwhile, have already announced their temporary closure until further notice.

Different cities in Metro Manila have also implemented a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. during the quarantine period — among them are Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Muntinlupa, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, and Taguig. n

2 more Filipinos in Singapore test positive for COVID-19, total now 13 the Philippine embassy in Singapore brings the total number of confirmed Filipino cases to MAniLA — The Department of 13.

Foreign Affairs on Friday, March The embassy said the 12th 20 confirmed that two more Fili- and 13th cases are currently pino nationals in Singapore have confined in hospitals, citing tested positive for coronavirus the Singaporean Ministry of disease (COViD-19). health.

The update received through Of the 13 Filipino cases, two

by Ratziel

san Juan Philstar.com

have been discharged, “The embassy is in close coordination with the Ministry of health (MOh) of Singapore and stands ready to extend assistance to the COViD-19-positive Filipino nationals as needed,” the Foreign Affairs department said in a Friday evening release. n

A

enforce water conservation measures by daRRyl John

esgueRRa

Inquirer.net

MAniLA — President rodrigo Duterte has ordered all government agencies to strictly implement water conservation measures as the dry season nears. in his Administrative Order no. 24, Duterte said that based on the projections of the national Water resources Board (nWrB), the water level in Angat Dam will be below its normal high operating level of 210 meters from the months of January to March 2020 and below its minimum operating level of 180 meters from the months of April and May. Considering the said projections, the president said that the nrWB has reduced the water allocations for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) from its normal demand of 44 cubic meters per second to 40 cubic meters per second for January.

The government likewise reduced allocation for the national irrigation Administration (niA) to 20 cubic meters per second or 50 percent of the total allocation requirement of the niA for the dry cropping season in agricultural areas served by the Angat Dam, such as the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga. in issuing the order, Duterte cited the “urgent need to implement water conservation measures to avert looming water crisis and in order to attain at least a 20 percent reduction on water consumption especially within the areas served

by Angat Dam, including Metro Manila and parts of Cavite, rizal, and Bulacan provinces.”

Last March 2019, the capital region suffered the worst water crisis in years, leaving families to wait hours to get their daily water supply from tanker trucks as the Angat Dam water level dipped.

Duterte asked government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities, especially those located within areas served by the Angat Dam, to urgently implement water conservation measures in coordination with el niño Task Force and the nWrB. The el niño Task Force, meanwhile, is ordered to spearhead a

massive information campaign on water conservation in traditional and social media platforms, schools, subdivisions and government offices.

All local government units, especially those served by Angat Dam, are also ordered to issue advisories and enact ordinances that

will protect water supply within their respective jurisdictions.

The Department of interior and Local Government will monitor the compliance of concerned LGUs with the Presidential directive.

Failure to comply will result in the filing of appropriate administrative charges. n

A8 MARCH 21-24, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

O PINION Most vulnerable communities

FEATURES

THEY are the most vulnerable to the economic fallout from the enhanced community quarantine. At the same time, however, informal settlers live in the most congested areas in Metro Manila, where social distancing can be impossible to observe, thus raising the risk of infection. This could curtail the informal settlers’ ability to earn a living.

Because of the high risk of spreading the disease in such a crowded environment, local government units have started imposing tighter quarantines in certain slum communities with confirmed COVID-19 cases. The immediate consequence is the inability of the squatter household to survive on its own. With no one in the household capable of earning for the day’s meals and other basic needs, the government can expect resistance to quarantine efforts.

Last night, authorities were still trying to trace the whereabouts of a man who tested positive for COVID-19, but who could not be found at the address that he listed, in an informal settlement in Quezon City. Authorities are unsure if he is truly a resident of the slum community and had escaped from the extreme community quarantine, or if he

had reported a fake address. The result of his test, however, is not fake, and he could be aggravating the COVID-19 contagion.

The city of Manila and other local government units across the country are resorting to similar complete lockdowns of certain areas to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. If the government wants such extreme measures to work, it will have to ensure that those living in communities under total lockdown will be adequately provided with their basic needs in a timely manner.

Special protocols are needed to address the difficulty of promoting social distancing in informal ManilaTimes.net photo settlements. Along tiny alleys opening out to narrow streets, families of six to 10 members live in flimsy plywood and galvanized iron sheets. Propoorly ventilated shanties separated merely by moting social distancing in such communities will

Editorial

require innovative ideas, political resolve and effective implementation. (Philstar.com)

Do’s and don’ts of surviving the coronavirus medical emergency

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS DIGEST and follow these information if you hope and pray that you and your family will survive the coronavirus pandemic because your lives really depend on them.

As of press time on Friday, March 20, COVID-19 has infected more than 258,000 people around the world and has killed more than 11,300. Here in the United States, total reported case has escalated to at least 16,500, with a death toll of more than 215.

We can find a silver lining in the news that for the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus in Wuhan, Chinese officials say they have “seen the dawn” of an end to the pandemic, after the country reported zero new cases of local infection, the Independent reported based on figures for Wednesday, March 18.

Other countries like Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan have also given the world some optimism as the outbreak has shown to have slowed down.

Here in the United States, experts say we haven’t seen the worst yet, and as more testings are done, the number of people that will be reported to be infected and die from COVID-19 will just escalate. What will determine if we as a nation eventually surmount this crisis depends on us, the American people, and the choices and action we make each moment moving forward.

Some DO’s and DON’Ts to remember: DO understand that unlike the seasonal flu, the coronavirus is 10 times more deadly and could

spread faster. This explains why it has become a pandemic in such a short period of time.

Those with symptoms (fever, sore throat and coughing, but may start out as usual cold symptoms and then progress to shortness of breath in as fast as 1-2 days) need IMMEDIATE testing, isolation and treatment when confirmed positive. Other people who have been exposed to these infected patients need to be quarantined and will be under observation for two weeks and get tested.

DON’T believe previous messages coming from President Donald Trump and his minions in the Republican Party, as well as Fox News, that the coronavirus is a “hoax” hatched by the Democrats to defeat Trump in the election. Burst your bubble of isolation and see how it has affected the whole world, and how much this virus can kill you — regardless of whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, your ethnicity, skin color, religion, age, sexual orientation and gender.

DON’T believe Trump when he previously without factual or scientific basis claimed the testings were being done smoothly, that the United States had contained coronavirus, and that like flu, it will go away in April.

DO listen to scientists and experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci, an immunologist who heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, because these scientists have spent their entire lives studying these health issues to help mankind, not for any political games.

DO believe Dr. Fauci who revealed that the United States is lagging behind in testing that should have already been administered on a large scale to mitigate the spread of the virus.

The reason we are at least two weeks behind in testing and in addressing this medical emergency is because Trump and his minions downplayed and politicized this crisis and covered it up, foolishly thinking they could hide this forever for their selfish political survival. Many lives have been lost because of this president’s ill intent, ignorance and incompetence.

DON’T believe Trump when he misinformed the American people during a White House news briefing on Thursday that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved the “very powerful” drug chloroquine to treat coronavirus.

This drug is currently being prescribed to treat malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Trump claimed that the FDA “has gone through approval process…they took it down from many many months to immediate. So we’re going to make that drug available…” NOT TRUE! DO believe FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn, who shortly after contradicted Trump, saying the FDA would need to determine that [claim] in a clinical trial, and an FDA spokesman categorically stating that the drug has NOT YET BEEN APPROVED for COVID-19 treatment.

DO believe Dr. Anthony Fauci who debunked the accuracy of Trump’s claim in several interviews. The president doubled down on his claim during Friday’s news briefing that chloroquine has worked on other people and stated that he is a big fan of the drug. Dr. Fauci responded in effect that while Trump and the American people want to have treatment for the coronavirus, but he had to speak from the perspective of science.

Dr. Fauci explained, “We’re trying to strike a balance between making something with a potential of an effect to the American people available at the same time that we do it under the auspices of a protocol that would give us information to determine if it’s truly effective.”

Referencing Trump’s praise of the drug, Dr. Fauci bluntly said, “But the information you’re referring to is anecdotal, it was not done in a controlled clinical trial.

So you really cannot make a definitive statement about it.”

DO FOLLOW the directives of your local government officials.

Here in California — home of the most number of Filipinos outside of the Philippines and in America — Governor Gavin Newsom has already declared a statewide mandatory “Stay at Home” order, which began on Thursday, March 19 until further notice.

Newsom’s executive order stated that this is enforceable through the provision of govern-

ment code section 8665, which penalizes violators by fine or imprisonment.

The order mandates that California residents should stay at home, and practice social distancing (defined as being away from another person by six feet) and washing hands often.

What are open? Other than hospitals, only essential services will remain open, such as gas stations; pharmacies; grocery stores, farmers’ market, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants, banks, laundromats, laundry services.

What are closed? Dine-in restaurants, bars and nightclubs, entertainment venues, gyms and fitness studios, public events and gatherings, conventions centers.

Other states have declared similar measures and increased restrictions like New York, Illinois, Florida.

DO HEED the State Department’s Level 4 (the highest level) warning that advises U.S. citizens

to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the U.S., unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.

The State Department also advised U.S. citizens living abroad to avoid all international travels.

DO PRAY. For your self, your family, and for others, including our front-liners in the hospitals, our government officials and volunteers.

GOD BLESS US ALL. *** 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.

AAPIs bear the brunt of GOP rhetoric on coronavirus outbreak

Commentary

SEEMA NANDA, REP. GRACE MENG, AND BEL LEONG-HONG ACROSS the country, COVID-19 is taking its toll. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that despite the continued lack of widespread testing, they have identified more than 10,000 infections across all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.

After weeks of inaction by the federal government to the spread of this deadly virus, President Trump’s administration is finally moving to address the fast-moving crisis. Sadly, the work of dedicated government officials continues to be scrambled by the White House’s

parallel efforts to protect Trump from criticism and to buttress the misinformation coming from the president himself.

Unfortunately, part of the White House and the GOP’s strategy to shift blame over the government’s paralysis in addressing this crisis is their increasing use of dog-whistle politics through xenophobia.

On March 9, GOP Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy called COVID19 “Chinese coronavirus.” The day prior, Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar called it the “Wuhan Virus” during his announcement that he may have been exposed to the virus.

Most recently, President Trump has defended labeling COVID-19 the “Chinese virus,” and his ongoing focus on the travel-related spread of the virus goes against the reality on the ground, where the recent

spike in infections is happening through community transmission.

The language they choose glosses over the fact that panic and fear are spreading because of Trump’s inability to lead. Instead, they chose that classic GOP tactic of blaming communities of color and immigrant communities for their party’s failures to lead.

It may be easy to dismiss the negative reactions to these tweets as an over-reaction as McCarthy suggests, but the increasing xenophobia that results from the government’s continued inaction to stop the spread of the infection is having real-world consequences.

While Americans are left untreated and untested for possible infection, more than 1,000 acts of racism and discrimination--or 37 per day--have been

perpetrated against people of Asian descent.

As Americans panic over the lack of clear guidance from the Trump administration, Asianowned businesses are suffering throughout the country due to the erroneous association between Asian Americans and the deadly virus.

While Trump blames the virus on China, Chinese Americans are feeling increasingly isolated and targeted because of the president’s willingness to amplify misinformation.

Instead of alleviating the suffering of Americans whose lives are being directly impacted by the panic that resulted from the government’s inaction, the GOP is diverting blame and responsibility in order to protect Trump’s fragile ego. But this should not come as a surprise, as the GOP has shown that

they offer nothing to everyday Americans other than mismanagement and lack of leadership in the service of protecting Trump’s cult of personality.

This crisis — along with the countless self-manufactured crises that have become the defining hallmarks of the Trump administration — has laid bare exactly what is at stake during this year’s election, and why we must all put a stop to Trump and the GOP before they continue to destroy our country through paralysis and lack of leadership.

For Asian Americans, it is clear that we must choose elected officials up and down the ballot who will not resort to racist innuendos to scapegoat our community or any other communities of color for the failures of a president.

We deserve better than the

cult of personality that the GOP offers, and we have the power to change the direction of our country in November. *** Seema Nanda is the first AAPI CEO of the Democratic National Committee and she will be responsible for executing the DNC’s national strategy during this year’s crucial election. Previously she was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

Rep. Grace Meng is the Vice Chair for the DNC and the first AAPI member of Congress from New York. She represents the 6th district of New York, which includes the New York City borough of Queens.

Bel Leong-Hong is the National Chair of the DNC’s AAPI Caucus, a leadership role she has held since 2005. She is also the Founder and CEO of Knowledge Advantage, Inc. and previously served in the U.S. Department of Defense for 20 years.

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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DOT to continue recovery flights for foreign tourists stranded in Boracay

by Nestor

P. Burgos Inquirer.net

EMPTY ROAD. A barangay public safety officer patrols the streets of Kaligayahan, Novaliches, Quezon City on his motorcycle early Friday, March 20. Non-essential travel has been disallowed under the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

Jr.

ILOILO CITY — The Department of Tourism (DOT) will continue to mount recovery flights for foreign tourists stranded on Boracay Island and other tourist destinations due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

But there is still no fixed date when about 520 foreign tourists in Boracay and about 400 on Siargao Island will be transported to Manila to fly back to their home countries.

“Secretary (Bernadette Romulo Puyat) has directed us to do everything for all our tourists,” Tourism Undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr. told the Inquirer.

Boncato said the affected tour-

ists in Boracay have been documented by its Western Visayas office and registered through an online database so that the tourists can easily be advised once they can be transported.

He said the DOT is working on mounting special flights through commercial planes “at the earliest possible time.”

The tourists were stranded after domestic flights were suspended as part of efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.

In Western Visayas alone, the DOT regional office has registered around 1,000 stranded tourists so they can be transported to Manila or Clark before outbound international flights.

At least five flights are needed to transport all stranded foreign

tourists in the region if a 180-seater plane will be used.

“The airlines have ceased operations and (local government units) have imposed quarantine measures. We gave to go through these in order for us to safely bring them out,” Boncato said.

Boncato said they have already mounted recovery flights for around 3,000 stranded foreign tourists nationwide.

141 stranded foreign tourists in Negros Occidental were flown from Bacolod City to Manila.

Several business operators have earlier appealed for the DOT to provide flights for the stranded mostly European tourists in Boracay who have scheduled international flights starting Thursday evening. n

Pabillo as apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila following the designation of former Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle as Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in the Vatican.

While there are no public activities, Pabillo said the Catholic Church will remain open during the Holy Week for people who wish to find solace in prayers and churches.

Pabillo, however, stressed that the public should refrain from going outside their houses and follow the guidelines set by the government for the enhanced community quarantine to avoid getting infected.

Pabillo said the public can stay in their houses and devote their

time reading the Bible and reciting the “Oratio Imperata” against the coronavirus.

“Pope Francis is calling for prayers against COVID-19. At the same time, we are also calling for prayers and for us Catholics, reading the Bible and reciting the rosary are the best form of prayers,” Pabillo said.

For the Holy Week, Pabillo said the Catholic Church is calling for prayers during all Fridays of Lent starting on March 20 and on March 27, April 3 and April 10, Good Friday.

“Let us try to fast and pray during that day,” he said as he urged the public to help the less fortunate and the homeless who were greatly affected by the enhanced community quarantine. n

Duterte: National government calls the shots in crisis, not LGUs Catholic Church to go online for Holy Week disobedience.

“Errant local officials will face administrative sanctions and criminal prosecution,” he said.

“The LGUs’ actions must be in sync and in unison with the national government’s directives in this state of national health emergency and calamity,” he added.

Duterte also stressed that mayors can impose quarantine restrictions because the national government is allowing them to do so.

“I was a mayor myself, in case you have forgotten, but this is an emergency of national proportion and therefore it is the national government that should call the shots,” he said.

“There is only one republic here, and that is the Republic of the Philippines. Therefore you should abide by the direc-

tives of the national government,” he added.

This comes after Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto got into a row with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and later, the Palace.

Sotto on Wednesday, March 18, urged the DILG to allow tricycles in Pasig City to operate amid the month-long suspension of public and mass transportation, arguing that prohibiting tricycles to operate does more damage to public health.

According to him, residents without COVID-19, especially the elderly and those with existing medical conditions, are not able to find transportation to hospitals.

Malacañang, for its part, pointed out that social distancing would not be possible in motorcycles and tricycles. n

ter step-down to Alert Level 2 on 14 February 2020 as been characterized by low-level volcanic MANILA — The Philippine In- earthquake activity, stabilizing stitute of Volcanology and Seis- ground deformation of the Taal mology on Thursday, March 19 Caldera and Taal Volcano Island downgraded Taal Volcano to edifices and weak surface activAlert Level 1, two months since ity at the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.” its eruption.

State volcanologists however This means there “no eruption reminded that Alert Level 1 is imminent” in Taal.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, Philvolcs means that Taal is “still in absaid: “Taal Volcano’s condition normal condition and should not in the succeeding four weeks af- be interpreted that unrest has

ceased or that the threat of an eruption has disappeared.

Taal woke up from its slumber on January 12, unleashing kilometers-high ash column and lava fountain the next day, signalling. The restive activity led to the evacuation of thousands living on the volcano island and high-risk areas and destruction of houses and establishments in Batangas.

The volcano’s status was scaled down to Alert Level 3 two weeks later. n

by ritchel

MeNdiola AJPress

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday, March 20, appealed to the local government units (LGUs) to abide by the directives set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

“We are in a critical time [and] the national government needs your help during this time. Do not make this quarantine more difficult for our people than it already is,” he said in a public address.

“You are setting your own standards and making this lockdown more difficult for all,” he added.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo later said that the national government will not tolerate any deviation and

by roBertzoN

raMirez

Philstar.com

MANILA — For the first time, the Catholic Church will go online in observing Holy Week activities this year due to the enhanced community quarantine imposed by the government to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said masses for the Holy Week would push through but these would be held online.

“We will go online for as long as the situation will not get any better. All of our activities that are usually held in public for the Holy Week will also be online,” Pabillo said in an interview.

Pope Francis has appointed

Warmer days ahead as PAGASA Phivolcs lowers Taal status to Alert Level 1 declares start of dry season in PH

by KristiNe Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

by gaea

KatreeNa Philstar.com

caBico

northeast monsoon,” PAGASA said.

The termination of the northMANILA — State weather bu- east monsoon or amihan means reau PAGASA on Friday, MArch the start of the country’s dry sea20 officially declared the start of son. the dry season.

With this development, day-to“The gradual shift of wind day weather across the country direction from northeasterly to will gradually become warmer easterly over most parts of the although isolated thunderstorms country due to the establishment are also likely to occur. of the high pressure area over The start of the dry season the northwestern Pacific Ocean comes as the Philippines is cursignifies the termination of the rently preoccupied on controlling

the spread of the new coronavirus. As of Thursday afternoon, 217 cases have been detected, including 17 deaths.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday ordered state agencies, universities and government corporations to begin water conservation to “avert a looming water crisis.” He also instructed local chief executives to enact ordinances that will protect water supply during the dry months of March to May. n

A10 March 21-24, 2020 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOUrNaL

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Health Secretary Duque on home quarantine

and hypertensive,” she said.

The result of the test on the 63year-old Duque will be known in HEALTH Secretary Frantwo to three days. cisco Duque III on Thursday, Given his conditions and age, March 19, quarantined himthe Health chief is considered self after a department official vulnerable to the respiratory distested positive for the coronaease, whose fatalities are mostly virus disease 2019 (COVIDold people, people with other ill19). nesses, or both.

“Yes, Secretary Duque is on Vergeire also confirmed on home quarantine, but currently Tuesday that a DOH director asymptomatic,” said Health Unfrom their central office tested dersecretary Maria Rosario Verpositive for the new coronavigeire in a text message. rus.

Vergeire also said Duque has As of Friday, March 20 the underlying conditions like asthPhilippines reported 13 addima and hypertension. tional cases of the coronavirus, “He has already been tested Health Secretary Francisco Duque III bringing the official count to for COVID-19 as he is asthmatic ManilaTimes.net photo 230, with 17 deaths. n

by John

Eric MEndoza ManilaTimes.net

Joma Sison snubs Duterte’s renewed call for ceasefire by dElfin

T. Mallari Inquirer.net

Jr.

LUCENA CITY — Top communist rebel Jose Maria “Joma” Sison snubbed the government’s renewed call for a ceasefire with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to flatten the curve of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and instead slammed the government ceasefire as lies.

“The government unilateral ceasefire is not true. The military and police operations continue in different areas,” Sison, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder, said in an online interview from his base in Utrecht in The Netherlands on Friday, March 20.

Sison claimed that the deployment of government forces in Luzon supposedly to help in the

implementation of enhanced community quarantine was also another deceit.

“That redeployment in urban areas, especially in Luzon, that’s not to fight COVID-19 but to stop public transport, a nuisance and damage to the livelihood of the people and blocking of medical testing and treatment of those sick with COVID-19 or whatever ailment,” Sison said.

The President on Wednesday declared a ceasefire, ordering all government forces to cease their operations against communist rebels from March 19 to April 15.

Sison described the ceasefire declaration as “premature, if not insincere and false, and just a psywar trick.”

He added that the military and police “continue to Red-tag, abduct, and murder social activists,

GOD IS EVERYWHERE. A woman prays outside the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City. Churches were also closed after Luzon was placed under community quarantine on Monday, March 16.

ManilaTimes.net photo by John Orven Verdote

Is this martial law? Lawyers’ union answers questions on quarantine by franco luna Philstar.com

MANILA — The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers on Friday, March 20 released a series of infographics on legal matCommunist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ters that said the enhanced community quarantine did not mean founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison Inquirer.net martial law as the Constitution including human rights defend- and laws were still unaffected and in effect. ers.” n

According to the lawyers’ group, the Constitution only allows such a declaration in cases of invasion, rebellion or when public safety requires it.

During his initial declaration of a Metro Manila-wide community quarantine, President Rodrigo Duterte was careful to deny that the quarantine equated to martial law despite his insistence on deploying armed personnel to ensure peace and order.

“Hindi ito (this is not) martial law. It’s not even something extraordinary,” he said.

However, he also warned students that anyone caught loitering could be arrested, saying, “I do not want anybody to interfere in your enjoyment. Ayaw ko na masita kayo ng police at military.

It could be messy. Itong mga police at military (I do not want the police or military to arrest you), they have their orders to enforce.”

Furthermore, the lawyer’s group asserted that curfew can only be imposed if there is a valid resolution proclaiming so.

“Neither the [Metro Manila Development Authority, Philippine National Police nor Armed Forces of the Philippines] can impose curfews. They can only enforce valid curfews,” they added.

People’s rights As a rule, they said, one’s right to travel cannot be curtailed, but “it may be limited if it is really for the interest of national security, public safety or health.”

“Such limitation must be provided by law,” they said.

The lawyer’s group also highlighted that only in the following instances can a person be arrested without a warrant: • When you are caught in the act of attempting to commit a crime (flagrante delicto) • During a hot pursuit or when a crime has just been committed and the police or law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe based on personal knowledge that you have committed such crime • If you are a prisoner or person deprived of liberty who just escaped prison “There is no crime unless there is a law that specifically defines it as such and penalizes it. And such law can only be applied to acts or omissions after it becomes law and not to acts or omissions before such law becomes law,” they reminded the public.

In the event that one is arrested, the group also outlined the individual’s rights: • You have to be informed of your right to remain silent • You have the right to competent and independent counsel preferably of your own choice • If you cannot afford these services, you must be provided them • These rights cannot be waived or given up except in writing and in the presence of counsel • No torture, force, violence, threat, intimidation or any other means which undermine or prejudice the free shall be used against you • Secret detention places, solitary, incommunicado or other similar forms of detention are

prohibited • One may confer with their lawyer at all times and may be visited by any immediate family, medical doctor, religious member, any national NGO recognized by the Commission on Human Rights, or any international NGO recognized by the Office of the President Criminal, civil and administrative charges can be sought for arresting law enforcement personnel who do not accord an individual their rights upon arres GOD IS EVERYWHERE. A woman prays outside the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City. Churches were also closed after Luzon was placed under community quarantine on Monday, March 16. ManilaTimes. net photo by John Orven Verdote t, as per Republic Act 7438 or “Act defining certain rights of person arrested, detained or under custodial investigation as well as the duties of the arresting, detaining and investigating officers, and providing penalties for violation thereof.”

“Persons validly arrested without warrants of arrest have to be charged within the periods fixed under Art. 125 of the Revised Penal Code (which range from 12, 18 or 36 hours maximum, depending on the imposable penalty of the crime charged).”

Non-cooperation a crime?

Furthermore, the group bared a few misgivings with the idea of the criminality of non-cooperation.

Section 9e of RA 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act prohibits “non-cooperation of the person or entities identified as having the notifiable disease, or affected by the health event of public concern.”

“It is our opinion that this crime [is] not sufficiently defined in the law. The penal provision is so vague that it is open to interpretation and may give way to abuse by law enforcement authorities. It is open to legal challenge,” the NUPL said.

They added that charges of resisting and disobeying enforces of the quarantine may be landed “only if you willfully disobeyed lawful orders of law enforcers.”

However, they were careful to mention that this still left the door open for demanding explanation and clarification.

What happens now?

As the health emergency and its resulting nationwide state of calamity continue to unfold, the union outlined a number of protections with regard to courts. As a result of the emergency, courts nationwide have reduced operations and adopted skeletal staffs.

While hearings are suspended for the time being, courts are still open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Posting bail, being a matter of liberty, is still possible, while courts may still act on matters pertaining to habeas corpus, promulgation of judgments and acquittals, reliefs for those arrested at this time and other related measures.

For now, hearings on non-urgent matters will be rescheduled, and the High Court has said that things will stay this way until April 12, 2020. n

Motorists and passersby are seen stranded along Marcos highway boundary of Rizal due to the implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine. Armed military men are present.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

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Journal Bela sends out food Actress Vanessa Hudgens under packages to street vendors fire for coronavirus remarks

By Ritchel

By iza iglesias

Mendiola

ManilaTimes.net

AJPress

STAYING true to their statement that they will continue working with each other, especially on music, actor and musician James Reid hinted at the upcoming album of his former girlfriend Nadine Lustre, which is set to drop this 2020.

Reid, the CEO of the music label Careless Music Manila, uploaded a snapshot of what appears to be a meeting for Lustre’s album on his Instagram Stories, yesterday, March 12. The actor did not disclose any more details about Lustre’s soon-to-be track compilation. “@nadine album 2020 (rocket emoji),� the actor stated.

The star couple announced their split last January, but they have been spotted together on several social gatherings with friends.

A portion of the former couple’s joint statement released on “Tonight with Boy Abunda� on Jan. 20 stated: “We agreed that

ACTRESS Bela Padilla sent out the first round of food care packages she promised to Metro Manila street vendors and their families affected by the Luzonwide quarantine on Thursday, March 19.

It can be recalled that Padilla started a GoGetFunding page called “Pagkain para sa Pinoy� on March 16 where she asked the public to join her in helping “our favorite taho, dirty ice cream and banana cue vendors

Vanessa Hudgens

going separate ways was best for both of us. We are in good terms and are still really good friends and will continue to work with each other especially when it comes to music.�

Lustre and Reid also used to collaborate in their musical endeavors such as Reid’s “IL2LU�

Photo from Instagram/@vanessahudgens

in his 2017 album “Palm Dreams� and the track “Summer,� which is included in the “Careless Mixtape� released in 2018.

Lustre also starred in one of Reid’s music videos, “Fiend,� featuring singer-songwriter Just Hush, which premiered last August.

Darren shares life away from family due to self-quarantine

By Ratziel

san Juan Philstar.com

CANADIAN-born Filipino singer Darren Espanto has returned to his hometown of Calgary in Alberta Province, where he is currently undergoing “selfisolation� as a precaution against the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. “Hi everyone! I haven’t been posting real-time updates recently because I’ve been in selfisolation for a few days now here at home, in Canada which lasts Darren Espanto PAGE B2

Photo from Instagram/@darrenespanto

[who] won’t be able to secure enough money to guarantee food for their families‌ until [the] community quarantine is over.â€? “The best solution I came up with is for us to donate. I set up an account, and whatever money we do raise, let’s split 16 ways for the 16 cities of Metro Manila affected by the community quarantine. I will personally see to it that the money we raise will go to the right people,â€? she wrote on a succeeding post.

Wall Financial Inc. DBA Win Prime Lending 695 So. Harvard Bl. Los Angeles, CA 90005

The online fundraising was

due to last for a number of weeks, but in just three days, it surpassed the P1-million target and gathered a total of P3.3 million.

Wasting no time with the funds, Padilla reached out to local government units, fellow celebrities and fans willing to help her in facilitating the distribution of the packages. “Today is all about organizing. Quick thank yous to all the people willing to help so far.

Pia Campos, Matteo Guidicelli, Anton Capistrano (I am relying

$FMM

&NBJM DBSPM NZXm!HNBJM DPN

FHA - Conventional • Purchase - Refinance

PAGE B2

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EntErtainmEnt

Maine makes music debut at #1 with high-anticipated track ‘Parang Kailan Lang’ THE highly-anticipated debut single from Maine Mendoza is finally here as she releases the track “Parang Kailan Lang” on top of the charts.

The song debuted at #1 on the Apple Music Philippines All-Genre Chart, with Maine also being one of the top Universal Records artists to claim the throne on the Apple Music Philippines Pre-Order Chart, with the single being at #1 for 23 consecutive days prior to release.

Breaking from the manufactured pop mold present in the music scene, Maine strips down to her emotions with an easy-listening, LSS-inducing, alternative pop sound.

The memorable track, which reminisces on the past and moves on to the future, is a collaboration with electro-pop-rock band Gracenote, with lead vocalist Eunice Jorge also taking the helm as the song’s writer. Fans old and new will be delighted to usher in this new era in Maine Mendoza’s storied career. (Inquirer.net) Maine Mendoza

B. BoLido Inquirer.net

THE new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an equal-opportunity ailment. Neither fame nor wealth can shield people from its insidious effects.

Award-winning actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have just been released from hospital in Australia after a fiveday stay, following a positive test for the virus.

Now Idris Elba, who is always listed as a possible new James Bond if and when Daniel Craig retires, says he tested positive for the virus and is in “self-isolation” with his wife, Sabrina, who has yet to be tested.

Another recent COVID-19 victim is “Game of Thrones” star Kristofer Hivju. Former Bond girl Olga Kurylenko, who starred as Camille Montes opposite Craig in the 2008 James Bond film “Quan-

tum of Solace,” also announced on Instagram that she tested positive for coronavirus.

Not surprisingly, many stars’ Instagram posts are about the disease that has led to a global pandemic and the lockdown of cities, even whole countries.

Global community “This is reminding a lot of us what it is to both feel like and be a human being,” singer-actress Lady Gaga, last seen onscreen in “A Star Is Born,” posted. “I think it’s so important to acknowledge that we are and must be a global kind of singular community. We can’t do this without kindness.

And coronavirus is not prejudiced.

“My thought for the day is to accept that there will be times when we feel powerless and out of control, but we can fill that space with kindness and be a part of the solution to a world problem. We then have control. We

Actor Christopher calls on friends to impose self-quarantine, get tested for COVID-19 Nika Roque ManilaTimes.net

by

Photo from Instagram/@mainedcm

More Hollywood A-listers succumb to COVID-19

by LiNda

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can create healing by learning how to be kind and take care of each other and ourselves during this time.”

Natalie Portman shared a video of her father found online of a multitasking man disinfecting his home and getting some workout done. She added: “… And visit Stories to learn how you can support organizations fighting the COVID-19 outbreak. It’s a scary time, but it’s also an opportunity for us all to come together and take care of one another.”

British actor Millie Bobby Brown, known for her role as Eleven in the Netflix sci-fi horror series “Stranger Things,” posted: “This is the perfect time to be with our families and fluffy friends. Self-isolation is very important. Social distancing is very important. Let’s protect the people that hold our history.

Stay safe, and I’m sending my love.”

AFTER multi-awarded actor Christopher de Leon announced on Tuesday, March 17 that he was positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) despite having no travel history or exposure to anyone infected with the disease, he called on close friends and associates to get tested and go on self-quarantine.

According to his long-time manager and showbiz veteran Lolit Solis, de Leon had in fact been checking on family and friends even before he was diagnosed, enjoining them to take all necessary precautions to stay safe and to follow government directives during the quarantine period.

On her Instagram account, Solis shared, “I cannot imagine na (that) a day ago we were talking on the phone at panay pa ang remind niya (de Leon) sa akin na huwag lalabas ng bahay dahil nga (and he always reminded me not to go out of the house because) prone ang mga senior citizen na tulad ko sa pandemic na ito, at siya pala ang tinamaan (senior citizens like me were prone to this pandemic, and now he was infected).”

Her post continued, “Halos lahat ng barkada nila Christopher na sila Lorna Tolentino, Tirso Cruz 3rd, tinawagan niya para magpa-testing at mag-quarantine (Christopher called almost all of his friends to have themselves tested and quarantined).”

Worried for Sandy Solis further shared that de Leon has been all the more worried for his wife, actress Sandy Andolong, since the health crisis began.

Andolong is a kidney transplant patient and therefore under lifelong immunosuppression treatment.

Nevertheless, Solis said she was certain de Leon would recover from the virus “with flying colors” given the way he has cared for his health and those around him following illnesses and accidents he and his loved ones endured and survived.

The talent manager elaborated, “Siguro nga dapat natin gayahin iyon ugali ni (Perhaps, we should

Christopher De Leon with wife Sandy Andolong Photo from Instagram/@sandy_andolong_deleon

emulate) Christopher. Dahil sa mga naranasan sa buhay niya (because of what he’s experienced in life), [he] always listened to his body.

Isang anak ni (A child of) Boyet ang (is a) cancer survivor; si Sandy Andolong ay nag-undergo ng kidney transplant; muntik mamiligro ang buhay niya [de Leon] sa aksidente sa taping niya ng tamaan siya ng blank bullet sa singit at muntik mamatay sa sepsis (he nearly died during a taping where he was hit by a blank bullet and almost died of sepsis).

“Kaya dahil sa mga pangyayaring ito, konti lang na feeling of pain or discomfort, takbo agad siya sa doktor (It is because of this incident that he has made it a point to run to the doctor everytime there’s a feeling of pain or discomfort). Iyon ang naging dahilan kung bakit maaga niya na (This is the reason they were able to) detect ang (the) corona virus,” Solis said.

Finally citing her ward’s unwavering faith in the Lord—de Leon is in fact called “Bro. Bo” in his Christian community where he is a very active member—Solis said, “I salute you Christopher de Leon, kakayanin mo iyan, malalagpasan mo at gagaling ka, ikaw pa, ang lakas mo kay (you can do this, you can beat it and you will get well.

You know how favored you are with) God.”

Outpouring of support Since de Leon’s announcement on Tuesday evening, he has received an outpouring of love and support from the entertainment industry. Ali Sotto, Miles Ocampo, MJ Cayabyab, director Mae CruzAlviar, Pinky Amador and Jackie Lou Blanco, were among the first celebrities who expressed their concern for the acclaimed actor, as well as the confidence that he will bounce back from the virus.

Castmates from de Leon’s star studded ABS-CBN afternoon soap, “Love Thy Woman,” where he plays a Filipino-Chinese tycoon and father of strained sisters Kim Chiu and Yam Concepcion, also took to social media to ask the public for prayers for the actor’s quick recovery.

Chiu posted on Instagram, “Get well soon, Tito Bo! Praying for your recovery! Let’s all include Tito Bo sa prayers natin!”

Co-star Sunshine Cruz also took to the social media site and said, “Get well soon Kuya Boyet!!! Let’s all pray for his quick recovery!”

None of de Leon’s castmates, however, announced if they had opted to go on self-quarantine even if the actor expressly said he revealed his test results so that those who had recent contact with him will take the necessary steps to ensure their safety and those of others.

Bela Padilla reached out to local government units, fellow celebrities and fans willing to help her in facilitating the distribution of the packages.

Photo from Instagram/@bela

Bela sends out food...

PAGE B1 heavily on your trucks right now) Landers grocery, Ligo Sardines.

THANK YOU,” she reported on Twitter.

On Thursday, with the help of members of the Philippine Army, Padilla was able to pick up hot meals donated by her friends, entrepreneur and chef Nadine Tengco and Mitch Fabella of MDF Diet2Go for distribution.

She then proceeded to Landers Superstore, still with help from the soldiers, to shop for noodles, canned food, bread, rice, coffee and other food products, repacking them onsite.

They then transported the care packages on military vehicles to the vendors and homeless families around Manila Bay along Roxas Boulevard. Videos of the beneficiaries receiving the donations were uploaded on Padilla’s Instagram stories.

Another batch of donations

went to Caritas Manila, a nonprofit organization, that serves as the lead social service and development ministry of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, whose headquarters are in nearby Intramuros.

The third batch of this first round of food packages was finally handed out by Padilla and the soldiers to residents of Barangay 182 in Pasay City.

Doing her best to update donors of her activities for the day, Padilla also shared on Twitter how they stopped for a security guard on the road who seemed very tired on his way to work.

“Nakisabay na si kuya guard sa amin, nakita namin siya nakaupo sa kanto, pagod na pagod na, gutom pa. Nung tinawag namin, iika-ika. Kanina pa pala siya naglalakad. Enjoy your pabaon mula sa Twitter at IG fam, kuya,” Padilla wrote.

At the end of a very produc-

tive day, Padilla thanked the members of the Philippine Army who helped her make a sweep of Manila and Pasay to bring help to less fortunate communities .

She wrote on Twitter, “Send the Philippine army some love too if you can!

Our last meal was at around 1pm today but everyone’s smiling and even singing here in the bus. I have a newfound respect for these beautiful souls!”

Meanwhile, according to the actress, she only has one more day left to go out for shopping and deliveries due to the lockdown. All the same, Padilla has been retweeting various charity efforts of other individuals also doing their share in helping out.

“I need to comply too [on the quarantine]…I hope you reach the right people [to help the affected],” Padilla wrote on Twitter.

Darren shares life away...

PAGE B1 for up to 14 days,” the singeractor posted on social media on Thursday, March 19.

The 18-year-old, who was just seen in Baguio late last week, managed to fly back to Canada ahead of the Metro Manila (later Luzon) quarantine which took effect last Sunday.

“Luckily, I was able to make

it here before the lockdown.

I haven’t been going near my family as much as I’d want to but it’s for the health and safety of everyone. Take care and help our front-liners by STAYING AT HOME as much possible. See you guys again soon!” Darren said in his latest post, where he is seen driving alongside a snowy backdrop.

Based on the singer’s Monday post where he first revealed that he was under voluntary quarantine, this is his fourth consecutive day complying with social distance measures.

If so, his last day of self-quarantine if not displaying symptoms of COVID-19, would be on March 29, the last Sunday of the month.

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Catriona’s reminder: ‘We’re in this together’ by

Christina alpad ManilaTimes.net

AMID the global challenge of the Coronavirus disease, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray this week reminded the world, “We’re in this together.”

“So many places in our world are so contrastingly empty now as we all stay in our homes in the interest of public safety. In isolation and uncertain times it’s easy for fear to overwhelm us and feelings of anxiety to creep in,” she wrote on Instagram @ CatrionaGray.

“I understand many of us don’t have the ability to stay home because of the need to go to work to provide for our families and put food on the table. Many of our workers are still going out every day to help in supplying food, services and especially, those who are tirelessly on the front lines in all our medical centers and hospitals.”

At this point, the beauty queen asked her followers to join her in offering a prayer for these modern heroes. “Please join in including them in our daily prayers along with praying

catriona gray

for wisdom for our leaders and praying for the quick progress of a vaccine and health for all our nations.”

In ending, Gray wrote, “Wher-

photo from instagram/@catriona_gray

ever in the world you are take this as a time to draw close… Do your loved ones, family and also to God #WereInThisTogether.”

(ManilaTimes.net)

Lea to those asking her to do ‘privilege check’ after comparing quarantine to war: ‘I hear you’ Cha lino Inquirer.net

by

LEA Salonga drew flak recent ly a f ter she c a l led out those who are “complaining about t he [COV ID-19] quarantine period” by reminding t hem t h at muc h mor e w a s endured by t hose who went t hrough t he prev ious World Wars.

The Broadway star said “I hear you” to those who called her out and asked her to check her privileges. She resolved that she will just “post things that are factual” to avoid making “any unnecessary noise.”

Salonga first posted a quote addressing citizens “who are complaining about the quarant ine per iod and cur fews” on her I nstag ra m page last Sunday, March 15. The quote, which has been mak ing t he rounds in the internet, was also reportedly earlier posted by motoring expert James Deakin.

Incidentally, Mocha Uson, who is deputy administrator of the O ver sea s Wor ker s Wel fa r e Administ rat ion, also posted the same quote on her Twitter page on the same day. “ To t hose w ho a r e complaining about the quarantine period and curfews, just remember that your grandparents were called to war; you are being called to sit on the couc h a nd watc h Net f l i x ,” the quote posted by Salonga, Deakins and Uson stated. “You can do this.”

Salonga, tagging a certain @chefgodfreylaforteza in the post, clarified that “Netflix” in the quote could be replaced with any other activity such as playing board games, reading books, writing, dancing or drawing.

“As much as I do enjoy Netflix, that isn’t the only way I’m occupying my time in quarantine,” she added. The singer also responded to comments urging her to do a privilege check, clarifying that the term “watch Netflix” on her post was merely a figure of speech.

“To those of you asking me to check my privilege, I hear you. I didn’t mean Netflix in a literal sense because I’m fully aware that not everyone has access to it,” she explained. “So replace it with something else you like to do. I only meant it

lea salonga

as a figure of speech. Thanks for your time.”

Salonga further mulled over the enhanced community quarantine on her Facebook page yesterday, March 17. The international singer narrated how she and her family have been making themselves occupied during the quarantine.

“A t m y h o u s e , i t ’s b e en homework and T V shows for Nic, [‘Cast leva n ia’] for me, video games, workouts, writing, and finding yarn for possible need lework projects,” she said.

Salonga also mentioned how one of her cousins in the United States, who she described as “one of the most robust people” she knows, tested positive for COVID-19. Her cousin has recovered from the virus but this apparently prompted her to think about others.

“There will be a segment of our population that will fare just fine. But majority of our countrymen? I honestly don’t know,” she stated. “It’s easy for many of us to flippantly recommend staying at home, but how do we recommend t hat to a daily wage earner? To someone t hat can’t see t heir families because of the lockdown?”

photo from instagram/@msleasalonga

T he si nger a l so a sked i f the public should be “[pointing] fingers” during this time: “What do we do… Blame the gover n ment for its delay i n taking action? Blame the folks for insisting on going out when they’ve already been told to stay at home? How do we recommend social distancing to people whose homes are inches away from each other?”

Salonga said she is trying to be positive during this time, to keep herself from getting “sad and angry.” She is also “trying to post things that are factual, and avoiding unnecessary noise” as the pandemic keeps her “up at night.”

L a s t l y, s h e c o m m e n d e d those who have been helping out t h r ough f u nd i ng, fo o d and ot her effor ts, including those who are creating funny material, music, workouts and prayers to lift people’s spirits.

“Now, whatever we gotta do to beat this thing, let’s beat this thing,” she encouraged.

“Let’s keep our wits about us [and] our heads screwed on straight.”

Salonga added that she is “looking for ward to the day that this virus becomes insignificant and inconsequential.”

Sheryn is cancer-free & back for good by

Boy aBunda Philstar.com

IT didn’t matter anymore for Sheryn Regis the possibility that she won’t be able to sing again when she decided to undergo throat surgery due to cancer.

The Cebuana singer, who migrated to the States 10 years ago, looked back on what happened to her over the past years during her guesting on Tonight with Boy Abunda (TWBA). She shared that she went home to Cebu in 2016 and was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She added that she was supposed to do some projects but none of them pushed through.

“I had a lump here (pointing to her neck) that looked like an Adam’s apple,” she recalled. “And I wasn’t aware sheryn regis: “i firmly believed that i would be healed.”

PAGE B4 photo from instagram/@sherynregis

Family petitioning Family For employment-based green card. many people believe the only way to bring a family member to the U.s. is through a family petition. auntie eva started as a caregiver when she first set foot on american soil. through the years, she was able to put up her own six-bed facility, but desperately needed help. eva’s niece, russell, just finished her nursing courses back in the philippines. While watching an episode of citizen pinoy, eva learned a valuable lesson: family members in the U.s. who have businesses that are financially stable can legally petition relatives for an employment-based green card (perm/labor certification). Watch this informative episode on how atty. gurfinkel’s office was able to complete all the necessary requirements, and help tita eva get the muchneeded help for her facility (and a green card for her family member) on an encore episode of citizen pinoy. (advertising supplement)

KC wants to get married after quarantine

by Jan

Milo severo Philstar.com

ACTRESS KC Concepcion revealed that she will consider marriage after the enhanced community quarantine due to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In her Instagram account, the daughter of “Megastar” Sharon Cuneta and actor Gabby Concepcion posted a conversation with her personal assistant.

“Dear God after this pandemic promise ko sa iyo I will seriously consider marriage na.

Ayoko na mag-isa. And thank you din God na may nahanap si Puff (my P.A.) na mag-aalaga sa kanya, dream ko ‘yon for her.

Me naman next !!Lord ha?” KC wrote in the caption.

In another post, KC assured the public that they will find comfort in God amid everything that is happening in the world now.

“You can find comfort through all this hell we’re going through. The world outside is an uncomfortable place right now, but let’s stay stuck for a bit and see what God is doing

Kc concepcion

here… Grow your faith, no matter where you are. Faith over fear, no?” she wrote.

KC’s last relationship was with French Pierre Plassart.

They broke up last year. Rumors have been circulating that

photo from instagram/@itskcconcepcion

KC is dating “The Voice” coach and Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.ap.

Earlier this month, KC flaunted her body in sexy bikini photos while vacationing in Boracay.

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Sheryn is cancer-free & back for...

PAGE B3 it was cancerous until I felt so tired after a performance that I almost fainted.”

Sheryn immediately underwent a biopsy and it was confirmed to be malignant.

“Sobrang hindi ko alam kung iiyak o sisigaw ako ganun ‘yung feeling that time.”

Th e drea d fu l t h ou g h t o f ending her singing career was on her mind “because I knew surgery could affect my voice.

There’s a patient who had undergone the same procedure and still had no voice even after six months. And mine was cancerous so I didn’t care anymore kung mawala ang boses ko as long as I continue to live.”

Thankfully, the operation was successful and her doctor advised her to refrain from singing until six months. However, Sheryn couldn’t imagine herself taking a break from singing that long. “Buhay ko

ang pagkanta so after a month or three weeks, kumanta ako for Sto. Nino. I firmly believed that I would be healed.”

With her strong faith, Sheryn was declared cancer-free. She continued her life in the US as a singer and a TV host two years after her operation. “I hosted the magazine talk show Chit Chat Houston in 2018. I also worked as a teacher kaya nagamit ko ‘yung natapos ko sa Pilipinas. Nagturo ako sa kindergarten, elementary and middle school.”

Fast-forward to the present, Sheryn is making a showbiz comeback. In fact, her recent concert, Back to Love, received positive feedback from music fans. But she denied rumors circulating in the gossip mill that her decision to make a comeback had something to do with her marriage life.

Sheryn was honest enough to tell that she’s not yet ready to share things that concern her love life. Instead, she revealed that it was her daughter Sweety who convinced her to fly back to the Philippines and resume her interrupted singing career.

Asked if she’s staying for good, the singer replied with a resounding, “Yes.” For those unfamiliar, Sheryn was the voice behind some of the ABS-CBN teleserye theme songs before she flew to the US some 10 years ago. She popularized such songs as Come On In Out Of The Rain, Kailan Kaya and Sabihin Mo Sa Akin.

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

HERE are some medical facts and practical Do-It-Yourself (DIY) measures to ward off the COVID-19 infection that is now a serious pandemic.

CAVEAT: A clean well-ventilated home is our safest sanctuary. Self-quarantine by everyone around the world will help end this pandemic much sooner. Wisdom and a healthy dose of rational fear and paranoia (medical vigilance) will also be beneficial for safety.

Is COVID-19 worse than the Flu? As far as the number of cases and mortality rate are concerned, COVID-19, as of March 18, 2020, 3:22 PM, GMT, there were 208,172 cases worldwide, with 8,272 deaths in 170 countries, including the following: China – 80,894, deaths - 3,237; Italy – 31,506, deaths - 2503; Iran – 17,361, deaths - 1135; Spain – 13,910, deaths - 623; USA (all 50 States) – 7,387, deaths - 116; Philippines – 202, deaths - 17.

The numbers are expected to go higher as hours go by, because the crisis has not yet peaked.

Two physicians, as of March 17, died from COVID-19. Evidently this is a more virulent and more easily transmissible virus than we thought. Self-quarantine at home and “crowd-control, city and country lockdowns” are vital to end this pandemic sooner.

According to the US-CDC report, “during the 2019-2020 Flu season in the USA, more than 26 million have fallen ill with the regular flu, 250,000 hospitalized, and 4,000 died.” These medical data will keep the situation in its proper perspective and prevent panic and chaos, but we must, nonetheless, be ever vigilant and not let down our guard, and adjust/modify our behavior and habits accordingly. As we now know, COVID-19 could be deadly, with a 2 to 3 percent average mortality, and almost 15 percent for those 80 and above with health issues and people with the highest risk (like those immune-compromised).

Why are people very scared about this pandemic?

It is normal for people to be scared of the unknown. SARSSheryn Regis CoV2 is a new virus we do not Photo from Instagram/@sherynregis know and for which we do not have immunity, nor a vaccine nor a cure. Vaccine for the flu does not work for COVID-19. Officially the infection has been designated as COVID-19, the “19” referring to the year it was first detected in Wuhan, Hubei, China. Since the virus is transmitted by respiratory droplets from sneezes and coughs of infected persons, it is easily transmitted to another person (within 4 to 6 feet), and spreads very fast.

Again, a clean well-ventilated home is our safest sanctuary.

Self-quarantine by everyone around the world will help end this pandemic much sooner. A healthy dose of rational fear and paranoia (medical vigilance) will also be beneficial for safety.

Do masks work?

A bit of good news: A study in Singapore among healthcare providers showed that regular surgical masks and the superior N95 model both appear to prevent getting COVID-19. But, obviously, for those not providing medical care, is it is best to stay home. The less exposure to the outside, the safer. Why even risk it?

Can I catch the virus from touching objects, surfaces?

The SARS-CoV2 virus has been found in respiratory secre-

DIY strategy vs COVID-19

tions and saliva and is suspected to survive on surfaces between a few hours and up to 9 days. According to CDC, touching packages, letters, other objects from China is safe; “transmissibility of coronaviruses from contaminated surfaces to hands were not found. However, it could be shown with influenza A virus that a contact of 5 [seconds] can transfer 31.6% of the viral load to the hands.” More precise data would be forthcoming as scientists learn more about this virus. Again, washing hands after touching any object with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and drying them well, is essential. If water is not available, hand sanitizers would be a good temporary option.

I have no symptoms, could I get tested?

The test is recommended for those with symptoms and those who have or may have been exposed to infected persons.

COVID-19 testing kits are in great demand and the needs for those who are exposed or with symptoms are still hardly met, just like the masks, so we must all exercise medical wisdom and compassion for those who need the test more urgently. Testing the entire population of any city or country is not medically sound nor practical, nor wise, and only a massive waste of resources with minimal returns. On the other hand, testing ALL suspects and symptomatic individuals, as many as possible, would certainly prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and help end this tragedy sooner.

Who should be quarantined?

Those who have tested positive and those who have been exposed, whether in doubt or not, should be quarantined. In fighting infectious diseases, isolation is effective in preventing spread as history has proven, which is why testing is most crucial. Among the non-exposed individuals, we could all practice DIY voluntary preventive measures like disciplined selfisolation (staying home, avoiding non-essential travels even in our own town), washing our hands and face often (even after touching money), not touching our face, greeting with a “Hi” instead of a handshake, not touching door knobs, handrails, counters, surfaces, with our bare hands, avoiding crowds, and distancing ourselves from people, especially those who cough or look sickly.

Repeat: A clean well-ventilated home is our safest sanctuary.

Self-quarantine by everyone around the world will help end this pandemic much sooner. A healthy dose of rational fear and paranoia (medical vigilance) will also be beneficial for safety.

Do sesame oil, coconut oil, olive oil kill the virus?

No, there is no evidence that any of these oils or any salve, liniment, cream, or ointment kill the SARS-CoV2 virus. Vinegar (Acetic Acid, 5%) and alcohol (at least 60%) are good disinfectants for countertops and other surfaces, but not for skin application. Lysol and chlorine (bleach) solutions are also effective but toxic to humans for long term use. Eating garlic, herbs, alcohol body rub (dangerously toxic), gurgling solutions of any kind do not prevent COVID-19.

Self-quarantine at home is a most effective DIY preventive strategy whether one has been exposed, with or without symptoms, or not exposed at all and healthy.

Does handwashing really protect us?

A 20-second handwash with soap and water, done several times a day, will greatly protect

people from getting infected.

Handwashing frequently after waking up, going to the bathroom, before and after eating, is an essential habit to develop, even in the absence of any epidemic or pandemic. It is most important to DRY your hands after washing, because viruses, bacteria, fungus, and mold all love moisture.

Does UV light kill viruses?

The UV-C light is used routinely in hospitals for sterilizing empty rooms (operating room, ICU, etc.) and in medical/dental offices to sterilize instruments.

UV lights are harmful to the skin and the eyes, but safe in a bag. Info on UV-C SterileTote is available at steriletote@hotmail. com. This bag is used to sterilize CPAP mask, tubing, children’s bib, toys, cellphones, tablets, toothbrush, combs, and any item that would fit in the bag. It automatically shuts off in 5 minutes.

Columbia University lab is developing a “far-UVC” lamp that is not harmful to humans and pets, which could be used anywhere, like a mosquito zapper lamp, to sterilize rooms daily even with people in them.

D o e s b l o o d t ra n s f u s i o n help?

Injecting the processed blood serum of survivors of COVID-19 (loaded with antibodies against SARS-CoV2 virus) into newlyinfected persons and those highrisk individuals to boost their immunity and ability to fight COVID-19 is being investigated now. The rapidly developed new U.S. vaccine against COVID-19 that is being tested now in Seattle is wonderful news.

Should China be held accountable for this pandemic?

The Black Death (Bubonic plague) in Europe (1347 to 1351), which killed 25 million people, originated from China.

The SARS pandemic (November 2002) which infected 26 countries and killed 815, came from Guangdong, China. And now the COVID-19 from Wuhan.

There are stories circulating on the internet that the SARS-CoV2 virus probably came from the communist-controlled bio-lab near Wuhan and that a young healthy Chinese physician who worked with the whistleblower in Wuhan and who wanted to warn the world about the nCorona virus infection was silenced and punished by powers in that sector of China, and later suspiciously “died” of COVID-19. The weeks of delay in the official announcement of the massive epidemic in China made on December 31, 2019 (lately discovered the first case was on November 17, 2019) and China’s obvious intentional lack of transparency and cover-up has enabled the virus to spread worldwide into a ruinous pandemic. Whether those claims are true or not, and notwithstanding their veracity, it behooves the World Health Organization and the United Nations to conduct a thorough study on China’s health system and all the issues surrounding this COVID-19 pandemic, which has so far infected almost 210,000 and killed almost 8,300 people, devastated businesses and national economies in 170 countries, and painfully disrupted billions of lives around the globe. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Public Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN888.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

Coney can’t be prouder of Vico over Pasig’s coronavirus measures by

Katrina Hallare Inquirer.net

VETERAN actress Coney Reyes couldn’t help but be a proud mother to her son, Pasig City mayor Vico Sotto, who is leading his city’s fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID19).

In an Instagram post on Friday, March 20, the veteran actress proudly showed a video of Sotto leading his team in practicing social distancing.

At the latter part of the video, Sotto jokingly sprayed alcohol at the person behind him, an act reminiscent of the slapstick comedy that his father, actor-comedian Vic Sotto, is known for.

“Someone sent me this short video clip of my son. I thank God for his sense of humor (which I’m sure he got from his Papa) amidst all that we are experiencing as a people… as a nation,” Reyes acknowledeged on Instagram.

Reyes also expressed her PAGE B5

Coney Reyes with her son Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto Photo from Instagram/@coneyreyes

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The non-showbiz side of Rhian by

Dolly Anne cArvAjAl Inquirer.net

RHIAN Ramos has always been one of my fave interviewees because she never gives “show biz” answers. Clichés are not in her vocabulary. She’s got panache and portrays every role with bravura.

I enjoy watching GMA 7’s series, “Love of My Life” (LOML) because of her. She plays a feisty and witty single mom. I had a têteà-tête with the Kapuso goddess recently. As always, her “Rhianisms” hit the spot.

Here’s my chat with Rhian: How can you relate to Kelly, your character in LOML? My understanding for Kelly was a challenge to achieve, as her methods are not the norm. I remind myself that she is a woman who has had to raise her boy alone for years before any family member expressed any interest to even meet him, so she’s always playing defense alone. I can relate to how she seems to be optimistic that things can still turn out well if she works hard and plays her cards right. She leans only on her own abilities, so I remind myself of times in my life that I never asked for help.

How would you handle it if you have a monster mother-in-law like the character that Coney Reyes portrays in LOML? I would work hard to get on her good side, but I’d make sure that I don’t live under her roof.

What makes your relationship with your boyfriend, Amit Borsok, work?

We’re both very busy, so we always miss each other. He’s good at things that I’m bad at, and I’m good at things he’s bad at.

What’s the funniest travel experience you had?

When my sister and I were kids, our parents used to send us to the United Kingdom every year to spend summer with our grandparents. My mom and dad were already separated in one

Rhian Ramos

of those times, and it was mom’s job to prepare us and make it all happen.

She repeatedly reminded me to bring my passport, but when we got to the airport, I told her I had left it at home. In frustration, kasi siya na naman ang masisisi, she let out a big “p*tang ina!” at the airport parking lot, and my sister and I said to each other, “Ina? But mom, that’s you!”

In LOML, you’re friends with your ex. In real life, would you befriend an ex?

I think it’s safest to keep distance with an ex, even if you do get along, so that there is no confusion. Only have conversations that you absolutely have to have, and never the “Hi, how are you?” sort.

What’s your dream marriage proposal?

One that happens in my mid- to late 30s.

How do you and your Israeli beau avoid having culture

Photo from Instagram/@whianwamos

clash?

We remind ourselves and each other how different our upbringing and cultures are, so that we avoid taking offense to each other’s methods.

What will you reflect on this Holy Week?

My responsibilities as a human being and as a child of God. What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve done?

Hiding match heads in my dad’s cigarettes, so they exploded when he smoked.

What’s the best and toughest part of being Rhian Ramos?

The best—that I get to do something fun and creative that I love.

The toughest—that I accidentally get caught up in someone else’s opinion.

If your life story would be made into a movie, what would the title be, and who do you want to portray you?

“Miss Take One,” a dark comedy starring Yassi Pressman.

Coney can’t be prouder of Vico...

PAGE B4 thanks to the men and women who “tirelessly” work alongside Sotto, and the people who continue to pray for him and his team.

“Bilib ako sa inyo! Maraming Salamat sa walang patid na tulong at suporta! (I believe

in you! Thank you so much for the help and support!) God is your ultimate Rewarder!” the actress, a devout born-again Christian, said.

And as a way of spreading positivity about the ongoing crisis, she said, “Mga kapwa Filipino! Stay strong! Konti

nalang ito, di ba Lord?! (Fellow Filipinos! Stay strong! This is almost over, right Lord?!)”

The 30-year-old city mayor has been receiving praises, not only from netizens but famed personalities as well, for the local government’s outstanding response to the virus threat.

Bianca Umali

Inquirer.net photo

Why surprise endeavor ‘flattering, nerve-wracking’ for Bianca by

AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net

WHILE she has always loved music and has had experience singing in fan meetings and out-of-town gigs, Bianca Umali has never fully explored that side of her as a performer.

So, it came as a surprise to her when she was recently given an opportunity by GMA Music to record her first single.

And the experience, she said, was “flattering and nervewracking” at the same time.

“It was fun. I never thought I would become a recording artist one day. I dreamed about singing, but I never focused on achieving it. I was happy and flattered, especially after shooting the music video and singing it live for the first time,” she told the Inquirer in a recent email interview about her debut song, “Kahit Kailan.”

The sentimental pop ballad was composed for Bianca by Paco Arespacochaga of the pop-rock band Introvoys.

“It’s titled as such, because, if you listen to the song, it’s actually about someone who’s

longing for a person he or she loves, but can’t have—at least not yet or not anymore,” explained Bianca, who remembers listening to “loud music” with her late father when she was a child.

“My being into music was because of my dad. We both loved loud music, but we prefer listening to it alone—not outside or at parties. There’s no specific genre. As long as it sounds great, I would go listen to it,” the 20-year-old actress related.

Given the chance, Bianca said she would love to continue pursuing music. But she will always be an actress first.

“I will not leave acting,” she stressed.

In fact, Bianca has been undergoing training for the third season of “Halfworlds”—a dark action-fantasy series by HBO Asia. The eight-part offering, whose plot involves engkanto, is directed by Mikhail Red and also stars Sam Concepcion.

“I underwent audition. I was told that they handpicked names of those they wanted to see in the auditions. It was a

very short list, and I was the only Kapuso talent there,” she said.

Bianca went in without much expectations, but ended up landing the job. “I was surprised when it was finally announced here. I didn’t know how to react. I was in Singapore that time when news about it broke here in the Philippines,” she said. “I had to step away from everyone else because I couldn’t believe that I would be working for an international company.”

It was surreal, to say the least: The entertainment channel whose shows she used to watch will soon air a series that will carry her name.

“I have never thought about this. When I was young, I would watch movies on HBO with my dad. Before I got ‘Halfworlds,’ I followed ‘Game of Thrones.’

I’m so excited to show what we have been working on to everyone,” she said.

Does Bianca think the project will help open doors for her on the international entertainment scene? “Hopefully. That’s the goal,” she said.

B march 21-24, 2020 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOUrNaL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 21-24, 2020

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE MARKET

&

April 2020 priority dates

Immigration Corner

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

November 1, 2010

March 1, 2010

February 1, 2020

Current

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder

October 1, 2010

February 1, 2010

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

January 15, 2001

May 15, 2000

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

January 1, 2001

May 1, 2000

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

Second Preference

Advanced Degree (Masters)

Current

Current

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

January 1, 2019

January 1, 2017

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

January 1, 2019

January 1, 2017

FAMILY CATEGORY:

ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ

First Preference

EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date lisqted below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

Beginning in October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month).

This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance or Final Action Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card.

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

(2A) Spouse and Second Preference minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

*** 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 pre-

diction, 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 “Remember that your time is your most valuable asset, so think about if what you’re doing is really what you want to spend your time on, think about if it’s getting you to a place that you want to go in the long run. If it’s not, go do something else.”

— Shan-Lyn Ma, Co-founder of Zola

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LA Mayor Garcetti announces economic relief package for small businesses impacted by coronavirus

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti

by AJPRESS LOS ANGELES Mayor Eric Garcetti on Wednesday, March 18 announced an $11 million economic relief package for small businesses impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we’ll do everything possible to help them survive this crisis,” said Garcetti.

“This program will offer the support they urgently need to be in a better position to stay in business, retain employees, and thrive again when we get past this very difficult moment.”

As part of the program, which was approved by the Los Angeles City Council, the Economic and Workforce Development Department will provide $11 million in no-fee microloans of $5,000 to $20,000 — which may be used to cover working capital.

Since cash flow is critical at this unprecedented time, the program will offer relaxed underwriting with no credit score minimum, a generous allowance to meet debt service, and a 100% Loan to Value ratio. The interest rate can either

Photos courtesy of LA Mayor’s office

be 0% for a term of six months to one year, or 3% to 5% for a term of up to five years.

“Small businesses across the city are already taking a significant hit from this crisis,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian. “This motion allows these businesses to access loans that can keep them functioning over the next critical weeks and months.”

The microloan program is being paired with a Small Business Resilience Toolkit, which is being distributed as a digital guidebook

and includes vital information covering Federal, State, County, and City emergency policies and programs impacting small businesses.

It also offers strategies for adjusting to the effects that COVID19 is having on businesses — including ways to keep employees safe, maintain operations at maximum possible capacity, and prepare business continuity plans.

The application process for a microloan and the toolkit can be found at lamayor.org/loan. ■

C MARCH 21-24, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Tax & Stock Tips victoR sy,

cPa, MBa (RetiRed)

TAX forms for the 2019 tax year (to be filed in 2020) will feature new dollar figures that change every year due to inflation. Some provisions of the Tax Cut and Job Act will take effect this year. Let’s discuss these changes.

1. Higher standard deductions Standard deductions are higher this year on account of inflation: • Married filing jointly: $24,400 (up $400 from last year).

• Married filing separately: $12,200 (up $200).

• Head of household: $18,350 (up $350).

Tapat Sa Batas atty. Rhea saMson ANG H1B application process ay inumpisahan na noong Marso 1, 2020 sa pamamagitan ng H1B cap electronic registration. Ayon sa USCIS, ang electronic registration ay mananatiling bukas hanggang Marso 20, 2020 para sa 2021 fiscal year (FY). Ito ay sang-ayon sa pormal na pahayag ng USCIS noong Enero 9, 2020 ukol sa implementasyon ng H1B registration process para sa FY 2021 H1B cap-subject petitions.

Kasama sa H1B cap-subject petition ang mga visa numbers na may “statutory cap” na 65,000 na empleyado bawat FY, pati na rin ang karagdagang 20,000 “master’s exemption” visa numbers para sa mga dayuhang empleyadong may master’s degree o mas mataas pa sa master’s degree mula sa mga kwalipikadong colegio o unibersidad sa US. Sa loob ng H1B cap electronic registration period, ang H1B cap-petitioners ay kailangang mag-electronic registration sa USCIS at magbayad ng $10 registration fee para sa bawat submission. Ang H1B petitioners ay kailangang mag-submit ng hiwalay na registration para sa bawat dayuhan na nais ng US employer na i-petition para sa H1B. Bawal ang dobleng registration. Ang US employer ay kailangang makatanggap ng

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

Tax changes for 2019 tax returns • Single: $12,200 (up $200).

2. Higher medical expense deduction threshold The threshold for deductible medical and dental expenses goes back from 7.5% to 10% of adjusted gross income. It means that you could deduct more eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses if they exceed 10% of your income, rather than the previous 7.5%.

3. Higher income brackets Income tax brackets are also higher in 2019 than they were last year on account of inflation. For example, here are tax rates for a single taxpayer: • 37% tax rate: Applies to incomes of more than $510,300.

• 35%: More than $204,100 but not more than $510,300.

• 32%: More than $160,725

but not more than $204,100.

• 24%: More than $84,200 but not more than $160,725.

• 22%: More than $39,475 but not more than $84,200.

• 12%: More than $9,700 but not more than $39,475.

• 10%: $9,700 or less. *** 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.

H1B cap registration update electronic notice mula sa USCIS na nagsasabing ang kanyang registration ay napili bago makapag-file ng H1B petition para sa dayuhang empleyado na kanyang nirehistro.

Sa bagong prosesong ito, ang USCIS ay maaaring magbukas ulit ng registration period kung ito ay hindi makatanggap ng sapat na registration para sa FY 2021. Ngunit kung labis ang mga registration na matatanggap ng USCIS, ang USCIS ay magsasagawa ng random selection para sa FY 2021 H1B numerical allocations pagkatapos ng registration period. Ang employer ay kailangang magfile ng H1B sa loob ng filing period na nakalagay sa eligibility notice.

Ayon sa registration regulations, ang USCIS ay kailangang magbigay sa H1B employer ng hindi bababa ng 90 araw para magfile ng H1B petition.

Ayon sa USCIS, ang pagstreamline ng H1B cap selection process sa pamamagitan ng bagong electronic registration system ay kapaki-pakinabang sa US employer at sa USCIS. Ito ay dahil magkakapagbawas ito sa gastos ng petitioner employer at USCIS, sapagkat ang mga napili lamang na registration ang kinakailangang magfile ng H1B petition packet.

The H1B application process opened on March 1, 2020 with the H1B cap electronic registration. According to USCIS, electronic registration will remain open until March 20, 2020 for the 2021 fiscal year (FY). This

is in accordance with USCIS formal announcement on January 9, 2020, on the implementation of the H1B registration process for FY 2021 H1B cap-subject petitions.

This includes the H1B visa numbers subject to the “statutory cap” of 65,000 workers per fiscal year, as well as the 20,000 additional “master’s exemption” visa numbers for foreign workers with a master’s degree or a higher degree from a qualified US college or university.

During the H1B cap electronic registration period, H1B cap-petitioners will be required to register first electronically with USCIS and pay the $10 registration fee for each submission. H1B petitioners must submit a separate registration naming each alien for whom the employer seeks to file an H1B petition; duplicate registrations are prohibited. The US petitioner employer must receive an electronic notice from USCIS by March 31 stating that its registration was selected before the employer can file the H1B petition for the worker it registered. *** Under the new process, USCIS may reopen the registration period if it does not receive enough registrations. If more than a sufficient number of registrations are received, USCIS will randomly select the number of registrations projected as needed to reach the FY 2021 H1B numerical allocations after the

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Our light must shine!

The Prophetic Voice

epidemic will, in the end, bear fruits of conversion and purification of hearts?

The Gospel this Sunday seems ReveRend to convey this message. When Rodel G. BalaGtas the disciples asked Jesus the cause of a man’s blindness from AS I was praying in the rec- birth—whether it was the man’s tory chapel last Tuesday morn- sins or those of his parents—Jeing, the glaring light of the sun sus responded, “Neither he nor came through the room and hit his parents sinned, it is so that my face, prompting me to look the works of God might be made out from the window. Then I saw visible through him.” the morning sun beaming with light and brightening the whole city. It was the first day that the archdiocese suspended the public celebration of the Mass to join the State in preventing the coronavirus epidemic.

I asked myself, what Jesus does not accept the could this beautiful scene mean to us that contrasts the de- negative suggestion of assignpressing mood of the Catholic ing blame but offers a positive churches around the city, and of view of the man’s blindness as course, businesses around us? the occasion for divine action inDoes it tell us to keep on trust- stead. Hence, to apply the words ing in God, who, for centuries of Jesus in the present, can we from the biblical times, has not still believe in the power of God forgotten to show his light in pe- to heal our world and bring back riods of darkness? Does it call us normalcy to our lives amid this to believe that a global crisis like coronavirus epidemic? Can we the fast-spreading coronavirus see His divine actions in govern-

ments, health industry, media, school, religious institutions, and families? Indeed, should we see this crisis as a way of God, telling us to repent and return to him?

The Second Reading this Sunday (Ephesians 5:8-14) urges us to live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. As one volunteer of our parish told our staff in a meeting last week, “This is now the best time for our light, our Christian faith, to shine!”

Indeed, this is the opportune time to show our care, kindness, thoughtfulness, and support for one another.

It’s the best time for us to show our deep faith in God, who has brought light to the world through His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Let’s encourage one another to trust in God. Let the Light of Christ heal the world and us of any spiritual blindness. Amen!

“ This is now the best time for our light, our Christian faith, to shine!”

Family Law Atty.

EthElEnE F. SAlAS MANY parents believe that if you are a working parent, then the other non-working parent will get physical custody of the minor children automatically. This is a misperception of the law and simplifies the law too much that it trivializes it. There are many more issues that a court must look at in determining which parent will get custody of the minor child/children.

The Family Code, the law of the State of California, is full of issues that the court must consider if properly brought up by a parent in a hearing or trial. In addition, there are many case law that gives guidance and examples what the court could and could not do in a particular circumstance.

For example, in a situation where there is a single working mother and the father remarried---- A single mother might have to entrust her child to day care or

Barrister’s Corner atty. Kenneth URsUa Reyes THE Covid-19 Pandemic is a scary reality which affects everyone globally and has shut down the global economy. Individuals over 65 are more at risk of having serious complications with this virus. Although we cannot completely control how we would respond to such virus, we can prepare our finances and estate incase the worst happens.

Legally, there are several ways you can do this.

Create a Living Trust If you pass away with at least $166,250 in gross assets and you do not have a living trust (even if you have a will), your beneficiaries would have to open up a probate case before title to the assets can pass to them. When I say gross asset, I mean regardless of how much debt you owe on them. For example if you own a house valued at $350,000 at the time of your death, it does not matter that your mortgage balance is $300,000, a probate case has to be opened in order to pass title to that property. The same is true with other types of

Debt Relief

atty. lawRence yanG THESE are trying times indeed. We have been advised to self-isolate in the meantime that we are waging a war against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Sure, social distancing makes a whole lot of sense. But what happens to all those new bankruptcy cases I just filed on behalf of my clients with 341A hearings coming up next week? Well, the U.S. Trustee has just directed all lawyers that all 341A hearings scheduled between March 17 to April 10 will be continued or postponed to some undetermined date in the future.

From a practical standpoint, it’s good to keep on filing cases to obtain the bankruptcy automatic stay to freeze all collection efforts by creditors, stop levies, wage garnishments, and foreclosures.

In normal times, the 341A hearing would happen a month after filing of the bankruptcy case. But

*** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

Child custody for working parents baby-sitters in order to facilitate her employment obligations. But this fact alone cannot be used as a basis for denying the mother custody on an assumption she will necessarily provide inferior care to that of the other parent who also works but can (because of remarriage) leave the child at home with a stepparent.

Moreover, a denial of custody to the single working parent is improper simply on a showing the other parent has the financial means to hire live-in help as an alternative to out-of-home day care.

In conclusion, the court recognizes that parents must work in order to survive. However, this fact must not be used against a parent.

It is very important that when you have a custody hearing or a custody litigation, you must prepare yourself by providing the court case law as to what it can or what it cannot do in your particular circumstances. This is the lawyering part. A lawyer will be able to distinguish your case and present to the court what could persuade the court to do. It is arguing your case in front of a judge and persuading your case to a judge to go

your way.

I have had many clients that come to me because parents cannot handle the unreasonableness of the other parent. A part of the lawyers job is to make sure that a parent understand what the law is and what you can and what you cannot do when it comes to the custody of children. In understanding this, we can fashion facts that will persuade the court to go your way. *** Ethelene F. Salas, Esq. is a practicing family law attorney. Ms. Salas is a PilipinoAmerican born in the Philippines, raised in the United States, and speaks Tagalog fluently. She completed all her studies in the United States including a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics in 1989 from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Juris Doctorate in 1992 from the University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA) School of Law. The Law Offices of Ethelene F. Salas is located at—the main office at 100 N. Barranca St., Suite 700, West Covina, CA 91791. We also have branch locations in Torrance/Gardena, Cerritos, Riverside, Orange, and Ontario.

To schedule an appointment with her, please call (626) 858-4646 or email us at efsalas-law@att.net (Advertising Supplement)

Preparing your estate for the COVID-19 pandemic assets such as owning a business, a professional practice, bonds, equities, etc. This is a very low threshold to exceed specially in California where real estate prices, even after the economic crisis, remains in the upper end of the curve among the 50 states.

Commencing a probate case is expensive and a very slow process. Someone qualified will have to file a Petition with the probate court to have someone appointed as executor or administrator. The Petitioner’s attorney gets paid a statutory rate for attorney’s fees commencing with 4% of the gross estate. The probate referee will have to be paid for appraising the assets of the estate. If it is necessary to post bond, the premium on the bond would have to be paid as well.

There is also the cost of administering the estate such as selling some of the assets to satisfy the estate’s obligations and to divide the estate according to the will or the intestate line of succession if there is no will. The entire process could take up years specially if certain beneficiaries and creditors file certain claims.

The probate court file would be

public record.

On the other hand if you have a living trust, your estate can avoid the entire court system and court supervision. In certain situations, the process may also save you estate taxes which may be substantial if your assets exceed a certain threshold. Basically, you and/or your spouse can be named as the initial trustee of the trust while you are alive. The trustee is the person who manages the trust. This means you retain control of all your assets the same way as if you never had a trust. For revocable trusts, you can later on, at any time during your lifetime, revoke the entire trust if you change your mind.

The assets held in your living trust will be managed by the trustee and distributed according to your directions without court supervision and involvement when you pass away. This can save your heirs time and money. Since the trust would not be under the direct management of the probate court, your assets and their value and your beneficiaries’ identities would not become a public record. Your heirs and beneficiaries would

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US trustee directs all 341A hearings thru April 10 be postponed due to virus these are not normal times. So we would expect that the U.S. Trustee would do whatever is necessary to make these hearings as safe as possible. Maybe seats would now be at least six feet apart?

I think it’s best for everyone to follow the golden as God has told us. This will help us get through this national and worldwide crisis.

What I would like to say is: Whatever happened to the golden rule? “Do unto others as you would they do unto you.” That’s in Mathew 7:12. That’s my basic principle in life.

I expect that small businesses will start having financial problems very soon. Restaurants and retailers are seeing a 50% reduction in revenues in the last month. But rent has to be paid when they come due. Even temporary loans to tide things over might help. But what happens when a business does not

pickup? Bills cannot be paid and landlords are not charity organizations. The restaurants that I go to that are normally packed on weekends are almost empty on weekends.

When push comes to shove on a business or personal level, when bills can no longer get paid, seriously consider bankruptcy relief. It’s the only game in town that provides instant and permanent relief from accumulated debt. Unfortunately, small businesses cannot rely on government bailouts like the airline industry.

Bankruptcy is not the end. It’s a new beginning, a fresh start in life, without the burden of accumulated debt. Your business may owe hundreds of thousands of bills that it can no longer pay, or you as an individual may owe maybe $20,000 of credit card debt that you could never get out of. It’s time for debt relief and a

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 21-24, 2020

Employees’ rights and the coronavirus Part 2 Q: I work for a company that provides 40 hours of paid sick leave. This is about five days of work. If I ever need to take leave due to COVID-19, five days may not be enough. What are my options?

A: As of this writing, the recorded cases of COVID-19 is approaching 11,000 in the United States (and the cases in California is nearing 700). State and local governments have enacted various regulations to contain the tide of infection.

For example, San Francisco currently has a shelter-in-place law. In Los Angeles, bars and restaurants must close for dinein customers and all persons 65 years or older must stay home.

Schools have also closed down and many workers have been sent home to work from home or on a work furlough (i.e., no work, no pay). How long all these measures must continue is uncertain.

For employees who have been sent home on a work furlough (provided they are not sick, quarantined or caring for someone who is sick or quarantined), one option is to avail of unemployment benefits.

Such employees can contact the Employment Development Department to inquire about eligibility requirements.

However, if employees have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to it and are now quarantined, they may be able to file a short-term Disability Insurance claim with the state of California.

If employees are unable to work because they have to care for a family member who is sick, such employees may be eligible to receive paid family leave from the state.

If paid leave is not available or has run out, and if the leave

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. or absence is due to the employees’ illness or the illness of a family member, then the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may provide qualified employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year.

Additionally, this week, the President has signed into law the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” which expands the FMLA and mandates paid sick leave for eligible employees. Some of the more important points to note regarding the new law are the following: Effective April 2, 2020 and ending December 31, 2020, the FMLA is temporarily expanded to cover all private-sector companies with fewer than 500 employees. Employees are eligible if they have been employed for at least 30 calendar days.

Covered employers must provide employees paid sick time to the extent an employee is unable to work (or telework) due to a need for leave because: • The employee is subject to a quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19.

• The employee has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19.

• The employee is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and seeking a medical diagnosis.

• The employee is caring for an individual who is subject to an order of quarantine

• The employee is caring for a minor child whose school or care provider has been closed due to COVID-19 precautions.

The first 10 days of this expanded FMLA leave will be unpaid, although employees can use paid time off or sick time to cover some, or all of the initial unpaid period. After 10 days, the employer will be obligated to pay full-time employees 2/3 of their regular rate of pay for the employee’s regular weekly hours for up to 10 weeks.

Part-time employees or those with irregular schedules will be paid at 2/3 of their regular rate for the average number of hours worked over the prior six months of employment. Payments will be capped at $200 per day or $10,000 in the aggregate.

Employers with fewer than 500 employees are required to provide full-time employees with 80 hours of paid sick time. This paid sick time is in addition to any paid sick leave already provided by the employer Private insurance plans are required to provide free COVID-19 testing. *** 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 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)

Preparing your estate for the COVID-19...

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still have to be notified about the living trust and advised, among other things, of their right to obtain a copy of the trust.

Having a trust is also beneficial in case you become incapacitated. The person you name as successor trustee can step up and manage the assets in your trust on your behalf.

Power of Attorney A power of attorney designates another individual the power to manage your financial affairs on your behalf. You can limit this power and define what the scope of the power you are giving your attorney in fact. A power of attorney is also revocable if you decide to cancel the power you have given this individual. By giving another person the power of attorney, you do not lose the power to manage your financial affairs. You can continue to make financial decisions on your own affairs.

Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare allows your to

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fresh start.

My last client just wiped out $200,000 of business and credit card debt. I have another client that I just filed a case for with $175,000 of credit cards that were all used for running his business that is just recently defunct.

I also just filed a Chapter 7 for a single mom making $70,000 gross a year with a $400,000 house in the Inland Empire. She’s going to discharge $60,000 of credit cards. Bank of America has filed a lawsuit to collect $15,000.

She’s been paying almost $2,000 a month for the last five years to keep these cards current. That’s $24,000 a year for five years, or a total of $120,000. Yet she still

owes the same $60,000 today.

It’s time for her to wipe out these credit cards because they are just too much of a burden for her. Her net income is $4,000 a month. Credit card payments eat up 50% of her net income! That’s not right, credit card virus eating away her hard-earned money.

Fortunately, there is an antidote for credit card virus: Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Chapter 7 gives her a fresh start in life without the burden of having $60,000 of credit cards while she keeps her $400,000 house and everything else that she owns including her two cars, and $100,000 retirement account.

Another client owes $20,000 of credit cards and also owns

a house with no equity. He is retired but his wife still makes about $10,000 a month. He still needs to wipe out the $20,000 because it’s eating up $600 of his retirement income every month.

If you need debt relief, please set an appointment. I will analyze your case personally. *** 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)

Southern California Edison offers bill help to customers impacted by COVID-19 TO support customers and families staying home from work and school during the current COVID-19 emergency, Southern California Edison will be postponing all noncritical planned power outages while continuing with emergency outage work for public safety and wildfire mitigation.

SCE is working to ensure customers receive timely notifications for any planned work that is continuing and is also taking measures to shorten the impact of these critical planned outages where possible.

Any decision to proceed with an outage at this time is not taken lightly and all outages are being evaluated based on critical needs. The safety of SCE’s customers, its employees and the

Maximizing recovery in personal injury cases DEAR Attorney Tan, I was driving home and was at a complete stop when another driver rear-ended my car.

I was not feeling well after the accident, as my back seemed very tight and stiff. I took some days off from work. After a week, I contacted the other driver’s insurance to report the claim. The insurance adjuster for the other driver said they would fix my car, and offered me $500.00 for my injuries.

Is that enough? I do not know where to go from here. –K.K. Dear K.K., The first step is to make sure that any injuries that you have suffered in the accident are examined and treated.

You can recover treatment costs since they are considered “economic damages” that you suffered due to the accident. You can also recover for time away from work as “economic damages,” even if you used paid time off or sick leave.

The term “economic damages” means “objectively verifiable monetary losses including medical expenses, loss of earnings, burial costs, loss of use of property, costs of repair or replacement, costs of obtaining substitute domestic services, loss of employment and loss of business or employment opportunities.” Civil Code Section 1431.2(b)(1).

A person’s claim for economic damages apart from medical expenses are often overlooked and not pursued by persons who settle their accident cases on their own, or with the assistance of inexperienced counsel.

Loss of earnings is often a significant part of an injured

public remain the top priority.

SCE is also helping customers with their bills by suspending service disconnections for nonpayment and waiving late fees for business and residential customers impacted by the COVID19 emergency.

“We know this is a difficult time for our communities and we want SCE’s customers and employees to know we are here for them,” said Pedro Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, SCE’s parent company. “While SCE continues taking actions to maintain operations and provide reliable electric service to its 15 million customers, we also want to do our part to support communities in these challenging times.”

Customers who are not eli-

gible for income-qualified programs can work with SCE staff on payment arrangements that could spread out their payments and help during difficult times.

Visit sce.com/billhelp or call 1800-950-2356.

In addition to halting nonessential employee travel, the utility is following the recommendations of state and health officials — including CDC guidelines — on washing hands often, avoiding close contact and staying home when sick to help reduce the risk of exposure to the virus.

About 8,000 workers throughout Edison International’s companies will work remotely where feasible through April 6 to help minimize the risks posed by the

u PAGE C4

Legal Advice Atty. DArriCk tAn person’s claim for economic damages. Damages are recoverable for both past and future lost earnings. To recover for past lost earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/she has lost to date.

To recover damages for future earnings, a person must prove

one has lost as a result of his/ her injury, the loss of benefits, and the rate of pay during the time of loss is evidence of the value of one’s loss of earnings claim. Other supporting documents include pay stubs, time cards, and tax returns. The monetary values of sick leave and vacation time that are used due to the injury are also recoverable.

For those self-employed, earnings history as reflected by tax returns and profit and loss statements can help prove the value of lost earnings. Similar supporting documentation must be presented for future lost earnings.

Apart from economic damages, you can recover “general damages,” which are damages for the pain, suffering, and inconvenience due to the accident.

If you suffered injury in an auto accident or someone’s premises, please contact our office to discuss your case. To maximize monetary recovery, it is important to have the assistance of an experienced attorney in presenting your personal injury claim.

“Loss of earnings is often a significant part of an injured person’s claim for economic damages.” the amount of income or earnings that he/she will be reasonably certain to lose in the future as a result of the injury. CACI No. 3903C. How are past lost earnings proven? Medical records, which show the doctor authorizing a release from work or giving instructions to restrict work activities, can support the time taken off from work due to the injury.

For those self-employed, medical providers typically do not provide a release from work; however, medical records should record work restrictions placed by the medical provider.

After showing that the time off was justified, the next step is to value the lost earnings. A letter from a person’s employer that outlines the amount of time that

*** 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)

H1B cap registration update PAGE C2 t

registration period closes. H1B designate specific individual to advice and is not intended as legal advice. employers with selected regishave the power to make health- The article is intended to provide only trations will be eligible to file FY care decisions on your behalf general, non-specific legal information. 2021 H1B cap-subject petition incase you no longer have the This article is not intended to cover all only for the alien named in the capacity to make decisions for the issues related to the topic discussed. registration and within the filing yourself due to health condi- The specific facts that apply to your period indicated on the eligibiltions. You can define the scope matter may make the outcome different ity notice. Per the registration of your agent’s authority. This than would be anticipated by you. This regulations, USCIS must give the is also revocable if you change article does create any attorney client employer at least 90 days within your mind in the future. Your relationship between you and the Law which to file its petition. agent will have the authority to Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This According to the USCIS, by access and review your medi- article is not a solicitation. streamlining the H1B cap secal records and sign any autholection process with the new *** rization on your behalf. This is helpful incase you are unable to Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a make healthcare decisions for Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar yourself.

Association. He is a member of both Last Will and Testament A Last Will and Testament al- the Family law section and Immigration lows your to designate how your law section of the Los Angeles County assets will be distributed after Bar Association. He is a graduate of you pass away. This allows you Southwestern University Law School in Los to customize how your estate Angeles and California State University, will be divided and distributed. San Bernardino School of Business In the absence of a Will, you Administration. He has extensive CPA would pass away intestate and experience prior to law practice. LAW the probate court would simply OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is follow the California intestate located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, succession laws which are in the Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or probate code. visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com *** Please note that this article is not legal (Advertising Supplement)

US trustee directs all 341A hearings...

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electronic registration system, it is creating cost savings and efficiencies for petitioner employers and USCIS, as only those selected will be required to submit a full H1B petition. *** ATTY. RHEA SAMSON is the principal of SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C. She has been a member of the State Bar of California for over 15 years and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for over 20 years. Atty.

Samson received her Legal Management 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 Boulevard, Suite 1710, Los Angeles, CA 90010; Phone: (213) 381-5710; Email: info@samsonlawfirmpc.com” info@samsonlawfirmpc.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

C4 MARCH 21-24, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

Business News

Conglomerates step up to avert economic crash

Jollibee sets P1B employee COVID-19 support fund

Ayala Corp., the Philippines’ oldest conglomerate, announced an emergency response package of P2.4 billion consisting of wages, bonuses, leave conversions and loan deferments primarily for the extended workforce of its partner employers so they may continue to be paid for the duration of the quarantine period.

Philstar.com file photo by Joey Viduya

MANILA — Conglomerates are stepping up to help avert a potential economic crash in light of the new coronavirus disease or COVID-19.

Ayala Corp., the country’s oldest conglomerate, announced an emergency response package of P2.4 billion consisting of wages, bonuses, leave conversions and loan deferments primarily for the extended workforce of its partner employers so they may continue to be paid for the duration of the quarantine period.

“These include P600 million in salary continuance for displaced workers from construction sites, shuttered malls and retail spaces of Makati Development Corp. and the Ayala Malls group. Globe Telecoms has earmarked P270 million for its retail store support staff and vendor partners, while all other Ayala companies will reserve another P130 million in personnel-related financial support,” said the Ayala Group.

Ayala Malls will be providing a rent-free period for malls that are not allowed to operate during the community quarantine from March 16 to April 14, they said.

The total package will be worth around P1.4 billion in rent condonation to provide the merchants of these malls financial relief so they can in turn provide the much-needed financial support for their employees during this period.

For its own employees, Ayala will continue to provide salary continuance and financial sup-

port where possible.

The Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF), for its part, announced the establishment of a P100 million fund to help fight the ongoing impact of the pandemic in the country.

The fund will be used to support national and local frontline health providers currently serving in various hospitals to combat the dreaded disease and the local communities where the conglomerate’s various businesses operate.

GBF will provide urgently needed personal protective equipment (PPE), such as surgical masks, for health care front liners, as well as rapid test kits.

Universal Robina Corp. is likewise donating food products that are basic necessities such as Great Taste coffee, Magic Crackers, Nissin Cup Noodles, Refresh Mineral Water and Vitasoy drinks to health workers in different hospitals now at the frontlines of the battle versus the deadly virus.

Its real estate unit Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) is providing support for the purchase of test kits for various hospitals in the National Capital Region.

RLC, the operator of Robinsons malls, will also be waiving rental charges for all non-operational tenants of its various malls for the period during which the mall is closed because of the community quarantine.

SM has likewise earmarked P100 million to provide urgently needed personal protective

equipment (PPE), Covid-19 test kits, alcohol, and other medical supplies to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), and other hospitals.

It reached out to Manila Healthtek, Inc., the producer of the local test kits developed by the UP-NIH team, to distribute 20,000 tests for free to government hospitals, once approved for use.

SM has also been working with both PGH and RITM to see how to expand laboratory testing capacity.

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has also committed to deliver food donations to local government units to help support communities and front-liners.

SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said the conglomerate would help in the collective fight against the spread of the virus.

Tycoon Andrew Tan’s Alliance Global Group Inc (AGI), on the other hand, will be donating onemillion liters of 70% disinfectant ethyl alcohol to help strengthen government’s efforts in fighting the spread of COVID-19.

Around 850,000 liters of 96% ethyl alcohol will be denatured in order to convert them into sanitizing and disinfectant alcohol, which can be used by hospitals, clinics, and government agencies that are tirelessly working to curb the spread of the coronavirus all over the country. (Philstar. com) ■

Jollibee founder Tony Tan Caktiong

by DORIS

DUMLAO-ABADILLA Inquirer.net

HOMEGROWN fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. has set aside P1 billion as emergency response fund for its own employees as well as those of its partner-enterprises amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

With this emergency fund, employees will continue to receive their full month’s salary within the duration of the “enhanced community quarantine” from March 15 to April 15. They will also receive their 13th month pay by April 30.

Affected employees can also convert their leave credits in advance and may file for personal leaves when necessary until the situation normalizes.

This employee package covers all work teams of Jollibee group’s

Photo courtesy of Jollibee

offices, stores, commissaries, and logistics centers, including the senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD) assigned to stores under the joint employment program with local government units. The same assistance will also be extended to JFC’s partner employers in the stores and other sites to provide financial support to their respective employees during this time.

“This public health crisis challenges us as a company and as a nation in ways we’ve never seen before,” said JFC chair and founder Tony Tan Caktiong.

“In these times, we know how people are worrying about their safety and how to take care of their families. We want to help lessen their worries and we are setting up this fund to help them through this difficult time. We are moved by how different individuals and sectors are taking ac-

tion to help one another and we are one with them in supporting the government as we fight COVID together. We will overcome these challenges together.”

In a letter to employees, JFC CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong said: “We know that this is a very unsettling time for everyone, but let me assure you that we are doing all we can in JFC to help you and your families and our customers during this period.”

“To all our frontliners in the stores, to our teams in supply chain, and to all our support center members, thank you. You continue to bring pride and joy to JFC as you help give access to our quality food to the public,” Tanmantiong continued.

Earlier, JFC announced a P100-million food donation from its brands to front-liner healthcare workers and on-ground checkpoint personnel. ■

January OFW remittances at two-month low

Philippines secures $100-M World Bank loan to fight coronavirus This Nov. 16, 2018 file photo shows dollar bills being counted at a money changer on United Nations Avenue in Manila.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

by MAYVELIN

U. CARABALLO ManilaTimes.net

This March 18, 2020, photo shows heavy traffic along Marcos Highway in Antipolo-Marikina boundary due to checkpoints amid the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

Philstar.com file photo by Walter Bollozos

by IAN

NICOLAS CIGARAL Philstar.com

THE Philippines has secured a $100-million “fast-track” loan from the World Bank to augment funding used to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, March 18, the Department of Finance (DOF) said the loan will finance the procurement of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers as well as testing and laboratory materials, quarantine areas, isolation rooms and other essential medical equipment.

The new funding forms part of the Washington-based lender’s “Fast Track COVID-19 Facility” which on Wednesday was also increased to $14 billion from $12 billion as an “urgent support to business and their workers,” said David Malpass, the agency’s

president, in a separate statement.

The facility is funded by various World Bank agencies namely the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) contributing $2.7 billion, International Development Association ($1.3 billion), and International Finance Corp. ($6 billion).

Another $2 billion will come from the lender’s existing portfolio.

For the Philippines, the loan can be made available to the Department of Health, which leads the government’s response to COVID-19, “in a matter of weeks,” the finance department said.

“We recognize that some goods and equipment are currently not available and stand ready to support you in sourcing them as quickly as possible,” World Bank acting Country Director for the Philippines Achim Fock said in a letter to Health

Secretary Francisco Duque III. Parts of the letter was quoted on the DOF statement.

Under the terms, the first year of loan commitment fees chargeable has been waived. “The Philippines is also eligible to receive further financing assistance from IBRD within its normal exposure limits,” DOF said.

The World Bank loan augments the government’s warchest to fight the spread of the disease, which includes a P27.1 billion economic package to cushion the impact of the outbreak on tourism and jobs.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the government is ready to increase funding “as the effect of the contagion become more evident.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, the government reported 15 new cases of coronavirus infection, bringing the country’s total count to 202. Of those cases, 17 died while seven recovered. ■

MONEY sent home by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) dropped to their lowest level in two months at the start of the year, central bank data showed on Monday, March 16.

Personal remittances — personal transfers, whether in cash or kind, and capital transfers between households — hit $2.94 billion, up 7.3 percent from $2.74 billion a year earlier but down 5.82 percent from $3.21 billion in December 2019.

The amount was the lowest recorded since November last year, when remittances reached $2.63 billion.

In a statement, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said personal remittances from land based workers with work contracts of one year or more rose to $2.27 billion, 7.4-percent higher than the $2.12 billion recorded in January 2019.

“Meanwhile, personal remittances from sea-based and landbased workers with work contracts of less than one year rose by 3.9 percent to $0.6 billion from $0.58 billion from a year ago,” it added.

Cash remittances, which only count money coursed through banks, climbed by 6.6 percent to $2.64 billion last January from $2.48 billion a year earlier. However, it eased by 8.75 percent from $2.90 billion last December.

“This increase was due to the rise in remittances from both land-based ($2.1 billion) and seabased ($550 million) workers, which rose by 7.4 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively,” the central bank explained.

Remittances from the United States were the highest at 38.6 percent, followed by Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Canada, Hong Kong and South Korea.

“The combined remittances

from these countries accounted for almost 80 percent of total cash remittances,” the BSP said.

Last year, remittances hit an all-time high of $33.46 billion, a 3.9-percent increase from the $32.21 billion in 2018.

This year, analysts warned that remittance inflows could be dragged down by the continued spread of the coronavirus disease 2019.

“OFW remittances could also be adversely affected in countries hard-hit by the coronavirus due to reduced employment/job prospects,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. economist Michael Ricafort said.

Meanwhile, Security Bank Corp. Assistant Vice President and economist Robert Dan Roces noted: “The coronavirus is particularly worrisome as nearly a quarter of remittances come from Asia, with around one in six of total remittances coming from Macau and mainland China alone.” ■

Southern California Edison offers bill...

PAGE C3 t

coronavirus. To ensure seamless customer service and operations, about 5,000 SCE employees will continue to work at facilities or in the field, including workers in our Customer Contact Centers, troublemen and linemen.

Edison International will also donate $1 million to community-based organizations, starting with a donation of $150,000 to the California Community Foundation’s COVID-19 LA County Response Fund.

This is a quickly evolving situation and the utility’s emergency planning teams are working daily to ensure the continuity of critical operations and managing any potential impacts to employees, customers and com-

munities.

The WHO has warned that scammers are taking advantage of the coronavirus outbreak to send phishing emails, texts and social media posts. Look out for

these types of scams asking for personal information and never click on any malicious links or attachments. For the most upto-date facts, visit the CDC or WHO. ■

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

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City of Carson closes all public facilities The Music Center campus remains closed through April 19

LOS ANGELES — The Music Center and its theatres — Ahmanson Theatre, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Mark Taper Forum and Walt Disney Concert Hall — will remain closed through at least April 19, 2020, per the “Safer at Home” order issued by Governor Newsom, the County of Los Angeles, Mayor Garcetti and other mayors to help mitigate and contain community transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Music Center’s resident companies (LA Phil, LA Opera, Center Theatre Group and the Los Angeles Master Chorale), along with TMC Arts/Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center, are canceling or rescheduling all presentations, public gatherings and education programs that were scheduled during this time frame. The Music Center encourages all ticket

holders of upcoming presentations to contact their respective box office for information. All restaurants on The Music Center campus remain closed; Go Get Em Tiger is available with limited hours for takeaway orders.

For TMC Arts, the extension decision means the cancellation of EARTH DAY L.A., which was scheduled for presentation on The Music Center Plaza and in Grand Park on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. While Grand Park remains open, additional events slated for Grand Park during the time frame of the County order are canceled, including Grand Park’s Lunch À La Park Spring Concerts, Lunch À La Park Food Trucks and Grand Park’s Yoga reTREAT. Grand Park’s Our L.A. Voices—A Popup Arts+Culture Fest, scheduled for April 25–26, 2020, will move to an online format. The

Music Center had previously announced German dance company Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch had canceled its North American tour, including performances of Palermo Palermo (April 17–19, 2020) at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Future cancellations and postponements could be announced pending changing conditions and continued communication with government officials, public health authorities and medical professionals.

Ticketholders are asked to contact the respective resident companies and box offices of The Music Center for information specific to performances and to arrange ticket accommodation, including patron refunds, credit toward future performances or the option to donate the value of their tickets as a charitable contribution. n

CARSON elected officials on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 voted to unanimously approve an unprecedented shift in the City’s operations to address the COVID-19 health crisis.

City facilities, including Carson City Hall, the Carson Community Center, and all City parks closed to the public starting Wednesday.

The City’s leadership team will remain in City Hall, but much of the City’s staff will be working from home to practice responsible social distancing. The following operational changes will be effective March 18th thru the end of April, or until further notice.

“We need to take serious action now to suppress any spread of COVID-19, and that is going to include restricting access to City Hall and temporarily closing all public facilities throughout the City of Carson,” said Carson Mayor Albert Robles. “Beginning today, we are transitioning to online and telephone services to ensure the safety of the public and our City employees,” added Mayor Robles.

“To assist residents and businesses financially during this difficult time, the City will be suspending penalties and interest for late payments of parking citations and business license fees, and will consider stiffening penalties for price gauging and evictions during this emergency.

The City will be returning City park fees or other City fees for canceled activities and events at City facilities,” furthered Mayor Robles.

The operational changes are as follows: City Hall & Corporate Yard Building • City Hall and the Corporate Yard Building will be closed to the public through the end of April, or until further notice.

• Essential City services will continue, but in-person services at City Hall will be suspended through the end of April, or until further notice.

• City Hall will transition to online services; residents and businesses are encouraged to use online public services.

• In addition to online services, the City will accommodate the lack of in-person services by heavily staffing phone lines.

Community Center and Parks • All park buildings, including gymnasiums will be closed to the

public through the end of April, or until further notice: • Parks and Recreation Administration Office • Community Center • Community Pools • All recreation programs, classes, permits and reservations are canceled through the end of April, or until further notice.

• All youth and adult sporting activities are suspended through the end of April, or until further notice.

• The Community Center will be closed to the public through the end of April, or until further notice • All planned public events have been canceled through April 30, or until further notice.

City Services • All services requiring inperson visits or public service counter assistance (including licensing and building permits) suspended or made available via phone, online or through email.

• Building inspection services will continue.

• The Carson Sheriff’s Department will remain open, although the City encourages everyone to call (310) 830-1123 for nonemergency police assistance for general information and questions regarding filing police reports.

• Jail visitation will be curtailed with the exception of clergy and lawyers.

• All Public Works services will remain in place • Refuse collection and street

sweeping will continue per the usual schedule.

Financial Support for Residents and Businesses • To aid residents and businesses financially during the difficult time, the City will delay city fines that are incurred beginning March 18 and at least through the end of April.

• The City also will be returning City Park fees or other City fees for canceled activities and events at City facilities.

City Meetings • Carson City Council meeting will take place via teleconference and livestream online.

• The City Council meetings of March 17 and April 7, 2020, will be conducted by teleconference.

Electronic comments are encouraged.

• All Commission, Board and Committee meetings are suspended with the exception of the City Council, Planning Commission, Carson Reclamation Authority meetings which will be conducted by teleconference or virtually at least through April, or until further notice.

• Written comments may also be submitted by email to cityclerk@carson.ca.us.

For additional assistance, please call (310) 830-7600. These changes were put into effect by City Manager Sharon Landers in accordance with the emergency declaration for COVID-19.

This notice will be updated as new information becomes available. n

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LA County Board of Supervisors announces eviction moratorium, support for residents and small businesses LOS ANGELES— Supervisor Kathryn Barger, in her role as Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, signed an executive drder directing County Departments to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 emergency, including a moratorium on residential and commercial evictions.

The order, signed March 19, outlines several actions the County of Los Angeles will take for the protection of life and property, and to preserve public order and safety.

The executive order places a moratorium on residential and commercial tenant evictions.

This moratorium is retroactive to March 4, 2020, the date of the County’s declaration of an emergency, and will continue through May 31, 2020. The moratorium is in line with Governor Gavin Newsom’s proclamation regarding local authority to impose such restrictions. This moratorium ensures County residents are not unduly impacted in their adherence to Public Health orders is-

sued by the Department of Public Health.

“The Board of Supervisors is committed to protecting our constituents as this emergency continues,” Barger said. “I am committed to ensure residents do not fall into homelessness from an inability to work and pay rent as a result of public health guidelines that limit business and retail activity.”

The moratorium only applies to unincorporated LA County areas and does not apply to incorporated cities. As of March 19, the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Burbank, Pasadena and six others have issued similar orders, with more forthcoming.

Additionally, the executive order asks County Departments to engage financial institutions to identify tools to provide relief from the threat of residential foreclosure and displacement, and to promote housing security and stability. Housing is a multi-part chain and the County is working to ensure all involved parties work

together to prevent displacement during this crisis.

The order also directs the creation of an emergency office, comprised of multiple County Departments, to provide rapid response and resources for small businesses impacted during the emergency. This strike team will be available via phone, web, text, and with multilingual services to assist businesses and individuals to apply for various forms of relief provided at the local, state, and federal levels, including the $2 billion United States Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

The county is focused on ensuring the temporary impacts of this emergency do not lead to long-term impacts that contribute to homelessness, displacement, or other detriments. The order includes direction to County Departments to work with local utility companies to prevent service disconnections and asks private grocers to implement measures to prevent hoarding. n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 21-24, 2020

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LA County library offers temporary digital library card Customers can access eResources, including eBooks, movie streaming, and online classes

Philippines growth target down to 5.4 % — Moody’s

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MANILA — Moody’s Investors Service slashed anew the gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.4% this year due to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

This is the second time in less than a month that the debt watcher lowered the GDP growth target for the Philippines due to the rapid spread of the virus around the world.

Despite the reduction, Moody’s said the Philippines would remain the second fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia after Vietnam.

The country’s GDP growth would be faster than Indonesia’s 4.8%, Malaysia’s 3%, and Thailand’s 1.8%.

Economic managers expect a GDP growth forecast of between 6.5 % for this year after slowing to 5.9% last year from 6.2% in

2018 due to soft global markets amid the U.S.-China trade war, the tightening cycle by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that saw interest rates jump by 175 basis points in 2018, and the impact of the delayed passage of the 2019 national budget.

They said earlier the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak could slash the growth by as much as one percent, bringing the range to 5.5 to 6.5 percent.

However, the last projection did not factor in the impact of the enhanced community quarantine imposed by Malacañang starting March 17 that resulted in the closure of the financial markets as well as major businesses until April 12.

Likewise, Moody’s said it has lowered the projected global GDP growth to 2.8 percent for 2020, assuming a pullback in consumption and ongoing disruption to production and supply chains in the first half, followed by a recovery in the second half.

ALL of LA County Library’s 86 locations are currently closed to the public through March 31, 2020. Due dates for borrowed materials have been automatically extended, no late fines will be assessed, and customers can return materials when the Library reopens.

In an effort to make access to all of the Library’s digital resources more easily available to Los Angeles County residents, including those who do not currently have a library card, LA County Library is offering a temporary digital card, valid for 90 days. To sign up for a temporary digital card, LA County residents can visit LACountyLibrary.org/ library-cards.

The digital card provides users access to all of the Library’s digital offerings, including eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, TV, homework help, onPhilstar.com file photo line classes, and more, including The debt watcher said there is significant economic fallout from more rapid and wider spread of COVID-19 around the world.

“Dampening of domestic consumption demand in affected countries exacerbates disruptions to supply chains and crossborder trade of goods and services; the longer the disruptions last, the greater the risk of global recession becomes. Risks skewed to the downside,” it said.

It also said that oil price shock adds to growth and fiscal pressure for countries highly exposed to the virus outbreak.

“A period of lower oil prices will further weigh on the economic and fiscal fundamentals of oil exporters, while mitigating the trade shock for importers,” Moody’s said.

Moody’s said a number of government and central banks have announced countervailing measures, including fiscal stimulus packages, policy rate cuts, and regulatory forbearance. n

SoCalGas donates $1 million to help those in need Funding to assist laid-off workers, provide food and bill payment assistance to those in need

LOS ANGELES – Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) on Friday, March 20 announced it will donate $1 million to nonprofit organizations throughout its service area to support the region’s workforce, feed the hungry, and provide bill assistance to customers most affected by the coronavirus.

“All of us at SoCalGas want to do everything we can to support our community during this crisis—especially workers who might be laid off, people going hungry, and those who just won’t be able to pay their gas bills without help,” said Bret Lane, SoCalGas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “By providing funding to several outstanding nonprofit organizations, we’re helping deliver critical services to help our neighbors who need it most.”

The $1 million in donations will include: • A gift to the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region to support serving meals to L.A. Unified School District students affected by school closures due to coronavirus concerns.

• Monies designated to the Gas Assistance Fund, a program that helps income-qualified SoCalGas customers pay their natural gas bill. Seniors and those who have been laid off as a re-

sult of the coronavirus crisis will be prioritized.

• A donation to the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles COVID19 fund, which is supporting families, healthcare workers, unhoused neighbors and providing equipment needs of first responders.

• A gift to the Orange County United Way to assist in support local non-profits who provide essential services to those who are food and housing insure.

• A donation to Proteus, Inc., to provide education, job training, job placement, and other support services to farm working families and others in need in the San Joaquin Valley.

“Here in Los Angeles, we are responding to the COVID-19 crisis with a full heart and a firm commitment to keeping all Angelenos healthy and safe,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Like so many right now, SoCalGas is stepping up to the plate and showing what it means to lead with L.A. love — doing

its part to deliver essential assistance to the folks hit hardest by this pandemic.”

The health, safety and wellness of SoCalGas customer and employees is foundational to the company. SoCalGas continues to closely monitor the COVID19 situation with local, state and federal health agencies, as well as monitoring and implementing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In addition to the temporary suspension of service disconnections and waiving of late fees for small businesses, SoCalGas is taking precautionary measures including: Reminding employees to stay home if they are sick and encouraging work from home and other social distancing practices Implementing company travel, visitor, meeting and event restrictions Enhanced cleaning of SoCalGas facilities and personal hygiene practices n

but not limited to: • OverDrive and Libby- Place holds on and borrow up to 15 eBooks and audiobooks. No need to worry about returns – eBooks automatically expire at the end of the lending period.

• Kanopy - Stream independent, international, classic, and documentary films, with 10 play credits per month. Enjoy temporary unlimited access (through mid-April) to Kanopy for Kids with educational content like Sesame Street and Arthur.

• Hoopla - Borrow up to 8 eBooks, audiobooks, movies, or TV shows per month.

• RB Digital - Download popular magazines including US Weekly, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Wired, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, and more.

• com - View instructional videos in a wide range of topics, including business, technology, design, and more.

• Mango Languages - Learn over 20 languages with free, self-paced classes, plus ESL courses in Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and more.

• Brainfuse - Get online tutors daily from 12 – 10 pm for K to college students and adult learners. From math to science, resume to essay review, and GED to citizenship prep, there’s a tutor for you!

After signing up, customers will receive an email with a library card and PIN number within one business day. These credentials can be used to access all the eResources noted above.

The card enables checkouts of and access to digital materials only; customers will not be able to borrow physical materials or place them on hold.

For more information about Coronavirus and Library resources, including Express Holds Pickup offerings at select

C MARCH 21-24, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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