042520 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

APRIL 25-28, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 32 • 2 Sections – 20 Pages

Trump’s executive order suspending green DATELINE USA Fil-Am NYPD detective, cards exempts immigrants already in US film director, doctor FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Asian American groups condemn the new immigration restrictions

among latest deaths

THE Filipino community in New York continues to mourn the loss of some community members to complications arising from the coronavirus infection. New York City has more than 130,000 as of press time, roughly about 17.5 percent of the 830,000 reported cases in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

For the past few weeks, we have documented the deaths of front-liners, from doctors to nurses to heath aides. This week, we are looking into the lives of an occupational therapist who was also a filmmaker, a New York Police Department detective, a doctor, and a couple married for 44 years.

Gerry Balasta (New York City) On March 15, Gerry Balasta posted on his Facebook wall the story of Penn Baluyut’s brother, one of the earliest deaths caused by the coronavirus.

“My friends and colleagues, Please stay safe

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

SOME 48 hours after tweeting that he would temporarily curb United States immigration during the coronavirus pandemic, President Donald Trump on Wednesday, April 22 signed an executive order suspending the issuance of green cards, the diversity visa

lottery and certain family reunification programs.

The executive order was borne from a confusing message the president sent via his active Twitter account in which he said he would sign “an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!” This was met with confusion from administration officials who then scrambled to organize and draft the order.

After two days of uncertainty regarding what the order will actually pertain, it was made clear from various White House officials and eventually Trump himself that the order is focused on family-based immigration or, which he and his administration have disparagingly called it, “chain-based migration.”

It will take place for at least 60 days, and it does u PAGE A2

u PAGE A3

California insurance commissioner orders auto insurance refunds, discusses workers comp for immigrants during pandemic WHEN the coronavirus pandemic turned daily life on its head, it caught Americans off-guard with little time to sort out finances.

As the number of cases and deaths continues to mount, the likelihood of lockdown measures lifting and the return to normal life gets further and further away. But community leaders, local and state lawmakers and advocacy groups are working to make sure Californians don’t come out of this pandemic in financial ruin.

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has ordered automobile insurance companies in the Golden State to proffer refunds to consumers, many of whom are not driving.

“With Californians driving fewer miles and many businesses closed due to the COVID-19 emergency, consumers need relief from premiums that no longer reflect their present-day risk of accident or loss. Today’s mandatory action will put money back in people’s pockets when they need it most,” Lara said in a press briefing with ethnic media outlets on Wednesday, April 22. u PAGE A4

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque takes a COVID-19 swab test at the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) during the opening of its testing center on Tuesday, April 21 in Mandaluyong City.

ManilaTimes.net photo by John Orven Verdote

Experts: Actual COVID-19 cases in the PH around 9,000

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

KEEPING THE FAITH. A motorcycle rider offers prayers outside the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church) on Friday, April 24. The church is normally crowded with devotees of the Black Nazarene on Fridays but has been deserted since the island of Luzon was placed under quarantine to address the COVID-19 health crisis.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

DFA seeks to bring home 35,000 Filipinos

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE Philippine Department of foreign Affairs on Thursday, April 23, said it is expecting to bring home 35,000 overseas Filipino Workers amid the coronavirus pandemic sweeping across the globe.

“As we expect to bring home over 35,000 more OFWs, we appeal to our kababayan (countrymen) to strictly observe and comply with the quarantine procedures imposed on all re-

turning OFWs by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force),” said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Sarah Lou Y. Arriola in a statement.

The agency said it is collaborating with the Department of Health, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Philippine Coast Guard and the private sector “to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos around the world.”

A total of 818 repatriated

OFWs on three separate chartered flights arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Thursday afternoon and early morning Friday.

The latest batch of OFWs came from different parts of the world, including the UK, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo and Australia.

Upon their arrival, they underwent rapid testing for COVID-19 administered by doctors from the Philippine Coast Guard.

They were also briefed on protou PAGE A3

RESEARCHERS from the University of the Philippines are claiming that the actual number of novel coronavirus cases in the country is higher than the current official tally reported by the Department of Health.

In a study published on Wednesday, April 22, the U.P. Team found that there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 infection rates are higher with age.

“On the other hand, data from other countries suggest a percentage of the cases carry SARS-Cov2 virus but are either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic.

This is more prevalent for those in the younger age group who are healthier and do not have health issues,” the report read.

It added, “This then suggests that the number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines is much higher, due not only to under-reporting, but also to asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic cases. A rough estimate of the number of true COVID-19 cases in the Philippines based on percentages of asymptomatic cases is 9,000.”

The researchers stressed the importance of mass testing, saying that mass testing and tracking of cases u PAGE A2

‘He was the ultimate father figure’: Fil-Am engineer, Enhanced community quarantine extended father of 2 dies from COVID-19 after 3 weeks in the hospital in Metro Manila, ‘high risk’ areas until May 15

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

Angelo Cortes, an engineer, husband and father of 2, died of COVID-19 in Whittier, California on April 10, three weeks after being admitted to the hospital. Photo courtesy of the Cortes family

ANGELO and Marilou Cortes planned to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary with a trip to Europe in June. However, the coronavirus took Angelo’s life, and along with it, their travel plans.

Cortes, a 58-year-old design engineer and father of two from La Habra, California, died on April 10 from complications related to COVID-19.

“My dad was the most amazing husband to my mom. He was her rock and best friend. It’s very tough on her. Their relation-

ship definitely inspired me,” his daughter Angelica Cortes, 26, told the Asian Journal.

When Angelo Cortes would come home from work, he gave his wife, daughter, and son Sean his undivided attention.

“He was the ultimate father figure to us. He did a good job separating work from home. We didn’t really know much about his job and what he did because when he would come home, he would change gears into being a dad and a husband,” Angelica said.

Angelica — a registered nurse President Rodrigo Duterte holds a meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force at PIH Health Whittier Hospital, on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on Malacañang photo by Toto Lozano u PAGE A4 Thursday, April 23.

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte has extended the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and other “high risk” areas in Luzon until May 15, following the recommendations of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

“The decision regarding the ECQ when May 1, 2020 comes: maintain the ECQ for NCR, Region III, Region VI-A, and all u PAGE A2

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Experts: Actual COVID-19 cases...

PAGE A1 t will help give a more accurate value for the number of COVID19 cases as well as identify the silent spreaders.

“Mass randomized testing and contact tracing will help determine the actual number of cases, including asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic cases,

and will help control the spread of COVID-19 by identifying and tracking the silent spreaders of the disease,” they said in the report.

The U.P. Team also recommended the extension of the enhanced community quarantine enforced in Luzon.

“One possible scenario caused

From the Front Page

by lifting the ECQ prematurely shows a surge in deaths from 650 to 3,800 and in the number of COVID-19 cases from 10,000 to 80,000 by May 31, 2020,” the experts said.

As of writing, there are a total of 6,981 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country, with 462 fatalities and 722 recoveries. n

Enhanced community quarantine extended...

PAGE A1 t other areas where the threat of COVID-19 is still great, until May 15,” announced Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a taped public address on Friday, April 24.

The other areas in Luzon that will still be under quarantine in May are Pangasinan, Benguet, Albay, and the islands of Mindoro and Catanduanes.

Luzon’s quarantine was set to be lifted on April 13, but Duterte previously extended it until April 30.

The inclusion of Benguet, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Zambales

under quarantine is still subject to monitoring by April 30, Roque said. Meanwhile, Antique, Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Cebu, Cebu City, Davao del Norte, Davao City, and Davao de Oro will be re-evaluated.

He added that “low-risk” or “moderate-risk” areas will be under a “general community quarantine” until May 15 and will further be relaxed to “normalization” if there is no deterioration.

Duterte met with health experts and former heads of the Department of Health on Monday, April 20 to discuss the next government action on Luzon’s

quarantine. He was then recommended the options to “maintain, relax or lift” the quarantine.

Several researchers from the University of the Philippine urged the extension of the quarantine in the populous island.

“One possible scenario caused by lifting the ECQ prematurely shows a surge in deaths from 650 to 3,800 and in the number of COVID-19 cases from 10,000 to 80,000 by May 31, 2020,” the experts said.

To date, there are 7,192 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, with 477 fatalities and 762 recoveries. n

FRONT-LINERS TOO. Workers from power utilities such as the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) are considered front-liners too as they perform maintenance work at a 105-foot-tall pole along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on Thursday, April 23. Meralco assures consumers of no power interruptions during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Trump’s executive order suspending...

PAGE A1 t not apply to immigrants who are already in the U.S. or people seeking temporary working and student visas. Those who work in pandemic industries like health care, agriculture and food processing are also exempt from this order.

The order also does not apply to spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens, members of the U.S. Armed Forces (and their spouses and children), those with special immigrant visas for Iraqi and Afghan nationals who’ve worked for the U.S. government, or anyone entering the country for reasons related to law enforcement.

Those who are affected include foreign nationals who are seeking to legally migrate to the U.S. However, as previously mentioned in the Asian Journal, the order does little to change current laws established during the earlier days of the pandemic.

In March, the State Department and immigration officials already temporarily suspended visa services, refugee admissions and imposed strict border restrictions following the COVID-19 outbreak.

The executive order — which the administration claims was designed to protect American workers — comes at a time when 26 million Americans have filed for unemployment.

“This order will ensure that unemployed Americans of all back-

grounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens,” the president said on Wednesday during one of the White House’s daily briefings. “Crucially, we’ll also preserve our health care resources for American patients.”

But as the pandemic rages on and continues to impact nearly every key industry and aspect of daily life, this order halts the plans of tens of thousands of families seeking to reunite. The Migration Policy Institutes estimates that the temporary order would prevent some 52,000 people from getting green cards during the 60-day period.

Notably, family reunification programs and petitioning are cornerstones for mixed-status families, especially within the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community. Though the Trump administration has framed the executive order as a safeguard for the American workforce, many saw the move as an extension of Trump’s anti-immigrant policies.

“It really seems like an attempt for Trump to move ahead an agenda where he’s trying to create immigrants as a reason for any kind of economic problem that we have here in the United States,” Aquilina Soriano-Versoza, executive director of the Pilipino Workers Center, told the LAist.

In regards to the exemption of health care workers — who

have been on the front lines of this pandemic — Soriano-Versoza said that the executive order largely lacked humanity, saying, “Unfortunately, it’s looking at immigrants as just, ‘How can they serve a very specific need?’ instead of as whole people.”

After the reports of increased hate and violence against the API community following the COVID19 outbreak, API legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice - LA believes this executive order furthers the “acts of hate” against Asians and Asian Americans.

Calling out senior White House advisor Steven Miller, who has orchestrated much of the president’s stringent immigration platform, Advancing Justice - LA wrote in a statement, “Trump’s new immigration ban is an attempt to distract from his failed response to COVID-19 and manipulates the pandemic to justify his and Steven Miller’s white nationalist agenda.”

“Congress designed our immigration system around the value that families deserve to be together, and family-based immigration is responsible for many of the strong, vibrant, and diverse Asian American communities today,” the organization wrote.

“As 92% of Asian Americans are immigrants or children of immigrants, Asian American communities will be greatly impacted by this ban.” n

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A

50 Filipinos in northeast US die of coronavirus

by MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

everyone. Something to ponder in these difficult times as this gets so real so quick and very close to home,” he wrote. “This is so tragic and kindly share if you can, I’m not able to tag everyone.

Please be careful and take care.

All the best, and we will make it through this.”

Exactly a month after he wrote it, Balasta died. He was 49 years old.

A registered Occupational Therapist, Balasta is also an entrepreneur and a filmmaker, among other things. He is the CEO of Wonderful Beginnings NY, which specializes in early childhood and early intervention program for children from birth to 3 years old and beyond and he was looking forward to going full blast this year.

He is also a film enthusiast and made a film, The Mountain Thief, which made the filmfest circuit a decade ago. Among the festivals where Balasta’s film screened was the D.C. Asian Pacific American Film Festival, where he received the 2010 George C. Lin Emerging Filmmaker Award.

Balasta co-founded the International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM) with his friend and colleague Luis Pedron.

“He was supportive to me, and his family, his film community, [the] Filipino community in NY and the Philippines and medical community as an OT,” Pedron told the Asian Journal. “He was always thinking of how he can help and how he can make a difference. Marami siyang natulungan.”

Pedron recalled meeting Balasta more than ten years ago in community events in the city.

Their love for film bonded them.

FIFTY Filipinos and Filipino Americans have succumbed to the novel coronavirus in the 10 states covered by the Philippine Consulate General in New York, according to Consul General Claro Cristobal.

“The pandemic is very much in our midst and our community has been affected badly. Out of the 50 casualties, 18 are front-liners, doctors, nurses, hospital transport workers, laboratory technicians, Susana, 64, and Alfredo Pabatao, 68, of Palisades Park, are among those in New Jersey who contracted among others,” Cristobal said. coronavirus and later died. The couple died four days apart.

Photo courtesy of Sheryl Pabatao “That’s huge. The fatality rate is about 3.4%. That’s about 1 out of every 3 Filipino deaths in the Northeast so far.”

About 12 years we met through- Island.

Addressing the members of The video’s caption read, “To- the Fil-Am Press Club of New out different Filipino events but we spoke about filmmaking dur- day, with masks on our faces, the York through Facebook Live, ing an IFP (Independent Feature DEA and hundreds of our broth- Cristobal shared updates to the Project) event at FIT in Manhat- ers and sisters in blue lined up to community and urged people to salute hero Detective Raymond continue staying at home. The tan,” Pedron said.

Raymond Abear (New York Abear — another tragic loss due media briefing happened after an to COVID-19. Honoring fallen online health forum that tackled City) Det. Raymond Abear was Finest is a tradition unstoppable the epidemiology of COVID-19. one of the two NYPD officers by any force. Our responsibility In this forum, Cristobal shared who died on April 13 due to the does not stop there as we vow that the first case in New York coronavirus. He was 43 years old to never forget Raymond, and contracted the disease at a family and is survived by his wife, their forever be here for his loving 2-year-old son and 5-month-old family. Please keep them all in your prayers.” daughter A GoFundMe page has been “He had this amazing ability to make you feel connected,” Det. set up to raise funds for Abear’s PAGE A1 t Kevin Fulham told CBS News. wife and two small children.

Dr. Tomas Pattugalan, Private cols before being transported to “Before I walked through the designated facilities where they door, I just heard this voice, and Practice (Queens, NY) Dr. Tomas Pattugalan, 70, will undergo mandatory quaranthat’s what he was. He was loud a primary care physician in tine for 14 days. and he was funny.”

The agency welcomed home Abear, who has been with the Queens fought the war against NYPD for 19 years, was the first coronavirus. He passed away on 233 land-based OFWs from Jedperson Det. Fulham met at the March 29, 2020 in the emergency dah and Riyadh, both in Saudi Queens Special Victims Divi- department at Nassau University Arabia, and 341 Filipino seafarsion. u PAGE A5 ers of Costa Smeralda from MarHe’s one of at least 32 members of the NYPD to die from COVID-19. According to the NYPD, 4,435 of its members have tested positive for the virus since the outbreak began.

Abear’s cousin Maricel Evasco posted her own tribute on her Facebook wall. She called Abear a loving uncle to her kids.

“His loss is so painful. I think about him in my sleep,” she wrote. “Like his dad, my Tito Boy, Raydil was one of the most genuinely caring relative in our large clan. We always knew he got our backs.”

The Detectives Endowment Association, the second largest labor union in the New York City Police Department, uploaded a video that showed the transport of Abear’s body from the hospital to the funeral parlor in Staten

Dr. Tomas Pattugalan

NYPD Detective Raymond Abear

Gerry Balasta

Fil-Am NYPD detective, film director, doctor...

PAGE 1

dinner attended by 10 people, where nearly all of them contracted the disease and one died.

Two people at the Philippine Consulate also tested positive and their parents and spouses also contracted it.

The series of health forums is a collaborative effort of the Association of Philippine Physicians in America (APPA), Kalusugan Coalition (KC), Philippine Nurses Association of New York (PNANY), and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations of New York (NaFFAA-NY) in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in New York (PCGNY).

New normal Through its own network and the “warden system” implemented a few years ago, the Consulate received reports of deaths of Filipino nationals. Cristobal said that they continue to monitor the figures.

He also appealed to the wardens to continue their work and reach out to members of the community, particularly those who live alone. He also asked the community to continue taking

care of themselves and practice social distancing if they need to go out for essentials.

Cristobal added that the Philippine Consulate does not stop working even if the offices on Fifth Avenue are closed. They continue to serve Filipinos in emergency cases and they have also been mailing the few passports they have received from Manila.

The consulate has received about 57 requests for assistance, including rebooking of flights and assistance in searching for information, with around 15 seeking financial help.

If and when the lockdown is lifted on May 16, Cristobal said the public should expect a different work setting as new operational procedures will be set in place.

“Major changes will happen,” Cristobal said. “Before you come to the consulate, you must have a valid appointment.”

The consulate will be implementing an online queue-less appointment system, which will give clients a specific time period for

u PAGE A4

DFA seeks to bring home 35,000... seilles in France on Wednesday.

They were subjected to mandatory health assessment of the Department of HealthBureau of Quarantine (DOHBOQ) upon disembarkation and will undergo a 14-day facility-based quarantine as well as be subjected to Rapid Antibody Testing for COVID-19

in compliance with the DOH’s health protocols.

“DFA is unwavering in its commitment to assist kababayans who are severely affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic and to date, has successfully facilitated the repatriation of 19,407 Filipinos from all over the world,” the agency said. n

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Seniors with COVID-19 show ‘He was the ultimate father figure: Fil-Am... unusual symptoms, doctors say

by Judith

Graham Kaiser Health News

Older adults with COVId-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, have several “atypical” symptoms, complicating efforts to ensure they get timely and appropriate treatment, according to physicians.

COVId-19 is typically signaled by three symptoms: a fever, an insistent cough and shortness of breath. But older adults — the age group most at risk of severe complications or death from this condition ― may have none of these characteristics.

Instead, seniors may seem “off” — not acting like themselves ― early on after being infected by the coronavirus. They may sleep more than usual or stop eating. They may seem unusually apathetic or confused, losing orientation to their surroundings.

They may become dizzy and fall.

Sometimes, seniors stop speaking or simply collapse.

“With a lot of conditions, older adults don’t present in a typical

way, and we’re seeing that with COVId-19 as well,” said dr. Camille Vaughan, section chief of geriatrics and gerontology at emory University.

The reason has to do with how older bodies respond to illness and infection.

At advanced ages, “someone’s immune response may be blunted and their ability to regulate temperature may be altered,” said dr. Joseph Ouslander, a professor of geriatric medicine at Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine.

“Underlying chronic illnesses can mask or interfere with signs of infection,” he said. “Some older people, whether from agerelated changes or previous neurologic issues such as a stroke, may have altered cough reflexes.

Others with cognitive impairment may not be able to communicate their symptoms.” recognizing danger signs is important: If early signs of COVId-19 are missed, seniors may deteriorate before getting needed care. And people may go in

and out of their homes without adequate protective measures, risking the spread of infection. dr. Quratulain Syed, an Atlanta geriatrician, describes a man in his 80s whom she treated in mid-March. Over a period of days, this patient, who had heart disease, diabetes and moderate cognitive impairment, stopped walking and became incontinent and profoundly lethargic. But he didn’t have a fever or a cough.

His only respiratory symptom: sneezing off and on.

The man’s elderly spouse called 911 twice. Both times, paramedics checked his vital signs and declared he was OK. After another worried call from the overwhelmed spouse, Syed insisted the patient be taken to the hospital, where he tested positive for COVId-19.

“I was quite concerned about the paramedics and health aides who’d been in the house and who hadn’t used PPe [personal protective equipment],” Syed said. dr. Sam Torbati, medical di-

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PAGE A1 t where her father eventually spent three weeks as a patient — kept a timeline of his illness that began on March 13 when he first complained about itchiness on his chest and what could be perceived as a cold or seasonal allergies.

As this was around the onset of the COVId-19 outbreak in Southern California, Angelica and Marilou, a nurse educator at the same Whittier hospital, advised Cortes to wear a face mask and they would observe his symptoms.

By the following day, Cortes developed a fever and persistent cough so they isolated him in a separate bedroom. When his temperature wouldn’t go down — with the highest being 101.6°F — his primary doctor prescribed him with azithromycin, an antibiotic also known as Z-Pak, but he wasn’t improving, which signaled that his condition wasn’t a bacterial infection.

Three days later, the family took Cortes to urgent care, where he underwent an X-ray exam that showed evidence of bronchitis.

But, he wasn’t qualified to get tested for COVId-19 so he was sent home and continued to be in isolation.

“At that point, my mom and I were like, ‘You know what? This might be the coronavirus,” Angelica said. “even though they’re saying it’s bronchitis, it can be the start of it.”

By March 19, Cortes started breathing faster and was brought to the emergency room, where he was swabbed and tested negative for respiratory syncytial virus. A chest X-ray then revealed that he had pneumonia, which led to his admission that same day to the respiratory floor of PIH Health Hospital. Still, he did not qualify for a COVId-19 test.

A doctor then ordered a test privately and sent it to a lab but didn’t receive the results until a week later.

“On Sunday the 22nd, my dad was intubated before he got his results back,” Angelica said. “But based on his scans, like the CT of the chest, it pretty much showed severe viral pneumonia and it showed ground glass opacities so that’s why the doctors kind of knew it was COVId-19 or they were leaning more towards it based on the findings.” doctors intubated Cortes early on to save his lungs. In the next three weeks, his liver, lungs and kidneys started to fail, and he received daily dialysis. each day was a “rollercoaster of emotions,” Angelica recounted, as the family got regular updates from the hospital. Though they were not able to directly communicate with Cortes anymore, Angelica said that he could still hear and respond to verbal cues by squeezing the nurses’ hands so she would tell them to relay messages that his family loved him.

“It was definitely a hard three weeks not being able to talk or be with him. But what I actually did was text his phone every single day. I feel like that kind of helped me,” she said. days before Cortes ultimately passed, there was a glimmer of

Angelo Cortes (2nd from right) is survived by his son Sean, wife Marilou, and daughter Angelica.

Photos courtesy of the Cortes family

hope that he could be discharged as he showed signs of improvement. But another CT scan of his brain illustrated that he had multiple strokes and hemorrhaging.

“At that point, the intensivist came to the conclusion that he was essentially brain dead or very close to it. Considering the multiple organ failure, we just all decided that it was best to call it there,” Cortes’ son Sean, 28, said.

A neurologist took another look at Cortes to exhaust all options and do more tests, which showed that he had no brain activity. This last word confirmed that it was time for Angelica and Sean to say goodbye to their father.

On the day Cortes was taken off the ventilator, the family was allowed into the hospital and see him from the glass outside of his room. Many families who have lost loved ones to the pandemic have not been able to have this final moment because of strict distancing measures.

The family does not know how or where Cortes contracted COVId-19 as he was working and doing other daily activities up until the first sign of sickness on March 13. But they speculate that his history of childhood asthma and hypertension could have contributed to the severity of his case.

Apart from the usual guidelines of wearing a face mask and washing hands, Cortes’ family said it’s important to be aware of the main symptoms of COVId-19 to spot if a relative may be infected.

“Acting fast can save a lot of lives or at least give your loved one time to fight,” Sean said.

“That’s what we’re most appreciated of with my dad because the doctors and nurses bought him so much time.”

Cortes, who was born in Mandaue City, Philippines, came to the United States in 1973 at the age of 10. He went on to study mechanical engineering from Cal State long Beach and worked for a company that designed commercial kitchen equipment until his death.

Both Angelica and Sean said they want Cortes to be remembered as someone who kept a smile on his face and was a jokester. He rarely got upset and when he did, they knew it must be something serious.

He took an interest in his children’s activities and would watch their games or dance performances no matter how far the drive. It got to the point when

they told him that he didn’t have to watch every show.

“We’ve been trying to think about my dad’s main hobbies and really what we can remember was that he spent so much time on my sister and myself. For every extracurricular activity we were part of, he participated in,” Sean, a computer programmer, said.

Sean and Angelica were active in their high school’s Filipino cultural club and said that their father volunteered to host weekend rehearsals at their home and helped with designing props and costumes for the annual show.

Cortes was also an avid lakers fan and liked recreational cycling and fixing things around the house.

A GoFundMe page set up by Angelica’s co-workers to help with expenses has raised over $43,000 to date. despite not being able to grieve with relatives and friends, the messages, cards, flowers and food that people have sent are giving Cortes’ family some ease that they are not alone.

“At first, we felt like we were alone, but we know that we have literally hundreds of people supporting us during this time,” Angelica said. “At the same time what also kind of brings us comfort is knowing that we’re not going through this alone. There are so many other families that are going through the same situation.”

Once stay-at-home orders are lifted, Cortes’ family is planning to have a proper memorial for him so extended family can join.

In addition to his wife and children, Cortes is survived by his father, Felix Cortes; brothers, Jessie “Nilo” Cortes and Felix “Jun” Cortes Jr.; and sisters Frances Impert, Janet Gutierrez and Susan Alday. He was predeceased by his mother Angeles in 2013.

It’s been two weeks since Cortes’ passing but his children continue to hear his laugh and his daily encouragements, including “You can do it, Aiks,” referring to his nickname for Angelica.

“He would say this almost every day, but multiple times in the morning on days I had work since he knew how stressful some of my shifts could get,” Angelica said. “My dad passing is another one of those obstacles thrown at me in life, and I can still hear him saying ‘You can do it, Aiks!’ to remind me that although he is no longer here with us, we will still be okay.” n

California insurance commissioner orders auto...

PAGE A1 t The order to refund premiums to drivers was announced on April 13, and lara’s office recommended that the refunds take place for April and possibly May due to the recent extension of local and state stay-at-home and social distancing orders. lara recommended a 50% to 70% refund on auto insurance premium costs as well as a 60-day grace period for premium payments.

Some auto insurance companies have offered refunds of up to 20%, but lara believes that is not enough given the diminished risk of automobile accidents.

Another element of lara’s order involves extending coverage to delivery workers and couriers — such as those who work for grocery, food delivery and cannabis delivery apps — of which many make deliveries with their personal cars.

Usually, auto insurance does not apply to the commercial use of personal cars, but this comes during a time when more people are ordering food, groceries and other goods via delivery.

The insurance commissioner further encouraged individuals who’ve lost their jobs to ask for a delay in the payments of premiums from their auto insurers for up to two months, noting that people can call his office to get help with making these calls. (The

office of the insurance commissioner can be reached at 1-800927-4357.) lara said that his office has extended this option to other forms of insurance such as workers compensation insurance since workers of several industries have been out of work since the emergency declarations.

As the son of undocumented parents, lara also acknowledged at the briefing the particular struggle undocumented immigrants are going through at this time. He said, now more than ever, undocumented workers must be protected, especially those working in essential industries like fruit production, delivery services and health care.

About 10% of California’s workforce is undocumented, according to data from the Public Policy Institute of California; and, los Angeles and Santa Clara counties have the highest concentration of undocumented workers.

“The broader community is finally realizing how essential they are,” lara noted. “Our immigrant communities bear the brunt of this pandemic and this historic situation, and the irony is that finally the broader society is understanding that immigrants and the work that immigrants are doing are essential services.” lara said that immigrant work-

ers who are still working during the pandemic should apply for workers compensation if they become infected with the COVId-19 virus while working.

“As we continue to figure how we survive as a community, we have to make sure our immigrants are protected,” he said, praising California’s long-standing efforts to protect undocumented immigrants. “We have demonstrated in our state that the sky doesn’t fall and nothing [bad] happens when we incorporate everyone in our economy.”

Undocumented workers were exempt from the one-time $1,200 stimulus check from the federal government, but this month, California became the first state to provide a financial relief package for undocumented workers. CA Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a $125 million stimulus package specifically for the state’s 1.75 million undocumented workers.

In a pointed message to President donald Trump — who, earlier this week signed an executive order suspending certain immigration channels during the pandemic — lara said, “we’ve demonstrated that our economy has grown and continues to thrive as the fifth largest economy in the world by incorporating our immigrant communities, and I think other states are catching on to that.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

50 Filipinos in northeast US die...

PAGE A4 t their appointments. The system will help ensure both operational efficiency and effective crowd control management. They are expecting to have this operational a week before reopening.

“All community events including the annual Filipino restaurant Week, will also be cancelled, until

it is already safe to resume,” Cristobal added.

On Monday, April 20, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the cancellation of June all parades in the city, including the NYC Pride March and Parade, Puerto rican day and Salute to Israel parades, and the Philippine Independence day Parade along

Madison Avenue.

“This year is the 50th anniversary of the pride parade, and it’s a very, very big deal,” de Blasio said in Monday’s briefing. “That march is such an important part of life in this city, but this year in particular it was going to be something that was a historic moment.” n

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Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 25-28, 2020

A

Fil-Am NYPD detective, film director, doctor...

PAGE 1

DISCOUNT ARAVAN. Residents buy fresh fruits and vegetables at the “Kadiwa Diskwento Caravan” along Kasing-Kasing Street in front of the barangay hall of East Kamias in Quezon City on Friday, April 24. The caravan, a program of the Department of Agriculture, in tandem with the Department of Trade and Industry, acts as a “mini” grocery that sells fresh produce, fish, canned and processed products, and other basic necessities at cheaper rates than the suggested retail prices.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Seniors with COVID-19 show unusual...

PAGE A4 rector of the Ruth and Harry Roman Emergency Department at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, describes treating seniors who initially appear to be trauma patients but are found to have COVID-19.

“They get weak and dehydrated,” he said, “and when they stand to walk, they collapse and injure themselves badly.”

Torbati has seen older adults who are profoundly disoriented and unable to speak and who appear at first to have suffered strokes.

“When we test them, we discover that what’s producing these changes is a central nervous system effect of coronavirus,” he said.

Dr. Laura Perry, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of California-San Francisco, saw a patient like this several weeks ago. The woman, in her 80s, had what seemed to be a cold before becoming very confused. In the hospital, she couldn’t identify where she was or stay awake during an examination. Perry diagnosed hypoactive delirium, an altered mental state in which people become inactive and drowsy. The patient tested positive for coronavirus and is still in the ICU. Dr. Anthony Perry, an associate professor of geriatric medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, tells of an 81-yearold woman with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea who tested positive for COVID-19 in the emergency room. After receiving IV fluids, oxygen and medication for her in-

testinal upset, she returned home after two days and is doing well.

Another 80-year-old Rush patient with similar symptoms — nausea and vomiting, but no cough, fever or shortness of breath ― is in intensive care after getting a positive COVID-19 test and due to be put on a ventilator.

The difference? This patient is frail with “a lot of cardiovascular disease,” Perry said. Other than that, it’s not yet clear why some older patients do well while others do not.

So far, reports of cases like these have been anecdotal. But a few physicians are trying to gather more systematic information.

In Switzerland, Dr, Sylvain Nguyen, a geriatrician at the University of Lausanne Hospital Center, put together a list of typical and atypical symptoms in older COVID-19 patients for a paper to be published in the Revue Médicale Suisse. Included on the atypical list are changes in a patient’s usual status, delirium, falls, fatigue, lethargy, low blood pressure, painful swallowing, fainting, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and the loss of smell and taste.

Data comes from hospitals and nursing homes in Switzerland, Italy and France, Nguyen said in an email.

On the front lines, physicians need to make sure they carefully assess an older patient’s symptoms.

“While we have to have a high suspicion of COVID-19 because it’s so dangerous in the older population, there are many other things to consider,” said Dr.

Kathleen Unroe, a geriatrician at Indiana University’s School of Medicine.

Seniors may also do poorly because their routines have changed. In nursing homes and most assisted living centers, activities have stopped and “residents are going to get weaker and more deconditioned because they’re not walking to and from the dining hall,” she said.

At home, isolated seniors may not be getting as much help with medication management or other essential needs from family members who are keeping their distance, other experts suggested. Or they may have become apathetic or depressed.

“I’d want to know ‘What’s the potential this person has had an exposure [to the coronavirus], especially in the last two weeks?’” said Vaughan of Emory. “Do they have home health personnel coming in? Have they gotten together with other family members? Are chronic conditions being controlled? Is there another diagnosis that seems more likely?”

“Someone may be just having a bad day. But if they’re not themselves for a couple of days, absolutely reach out to a primary care doctor or a local health system hotline to see if they meet the threshold for [coronavirus] testing,” Vaughan advised. “Be persistent. If you get a ‘no’ the first time and things aren’t improving, call back and ask again.” n This story is part of a partnership between NPR and Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Medical Center.

“It is with profound sadness that I announce the death of our colleague, Tomas Pattugalan, MD,” said Harry S. Jacob, MD, Chief Executive Medical Officer of Primary PartnerCare. “Dr Pattugalan loved and cared for his patients, truly exemplifying the profession of medicine, and the critical role of primary care in our country.”

“Being a doctor was not a job for Tomas, it was a calling and a profession. He loved being a doctor.” Dr. Jacob stated.

The front line, private practice doctors are silently fighting this war with little recognition or support. He continued to see patients in his Queens practice up until mid March when he converted to telehealth.

Alfredo & Susana Pabatao (Palisades Park, NJ) Alfredo & Susana Pabatao, both health care workers and married for 44 years, died four days apart in the same hospital in New Jersey.

On March 26, Alfredo succumbed to COVID19 at the age of 68. His wife Susana, 64, died four days later. They were both admitted to the Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, where Alfredo worked for 18 years as a transport aide. Susana worked as an assistant nurse at a nursing home.

“They are wonderful, dedicated, medical front liners, amazing grandparents, loving parents, caring siblings, extraordinary Tita and Tito, exceptional friends, coworkers and colleagues,” their youngest daughter, Sheryl Pabatao, wrote on their GoFundMe page. “They were everyone’s shoulder to cry on, lean on and even just someone to listen to.”

Sheryl started a GoFundMe page for her parents’ funeral and memorial expenses, saying that the sudden death of their parents has taken a toll on their family mentally, emotionally and financially.

In a moving tribute to her father, Sheryl said that Alfredo had the most vibrant attitude: he was always optimistic, always smiling and telling jokes. He was nurturing and welcoming to his family, colleagues, coworkers, family friends and relatives.

“He was hardworking and had an incredible work ethic.

But of all the roles he fulfilled throughout his lifetime, the most

important one was being Dad. He never failed or disappointed us. He’s a hand to hold when everything is uncertain. He stays with you to your lowest point of your life and will pick you up over and over with unconditional love.

This virus will never define him nor defeat him. He was a true warrior,” she wrote.

“It breaks my heart twice to write another obituary for my mom just a couple of days apart from my dad’s passing. My mom Susana Pabatao lived her life full

of compassion,” Sheryl wrote.

“She genuinely loved her job, she took care of the elderly with her whole heart. She’s the one that’s there to hold their hands and consoled them when their own family doesn’t show up.”

Sheryl hopes to be able to ho honor their last wishes and bring their ashes back home to the Philippines. She and her siblings are also planning to start a nonprofit foundation or scholarship that will cater to low-income families.

(Momar G. Visaya/AJPress)

A6 APRIL 25-28, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Climate action

FEATURES

WHEN the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is over and it will be over another existential threat will continue to bedevil humanity: climate change.

Today, half a century since 20 million people in the United States marched in the streets and school campuses to call for measures to protect the environment, Earth Day will be observed with significant gains that provide cause for global celebration.

That first Earth Day event on April 22, 1970 led to legislation in most countries that aimed to promote clean air, water and soil, as well as improve protection of endangered wildlife and dwindling natural resources. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency sprung from that mass action to save the planet. On Earth Day 2016, 195 countries and territories signed the Paris Agreement on climate change, committing to implement actions that will reduce their carbon footprint.

This year’s Earth Day is being observed in the shadow of a crippling pandemic, with an estimat-

ed three billion people around the globe under some form of quarantine. Technology, however, allows global voices to be heard. People can join livestreamed discussions and use digital media to express their support for climate action, the theme of this year’s Earth Day. As organizers of today’s Earth Day stressed: “While the coronavirus may force us to keep our distance, it will not force us to keep our voices down. The only thing that will change the world is a bold and unified demand for a new way forward.” (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Coronavirus beyond statistics: For each death, a family grieves, a dream is buried, the story of a generation ends

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS AMID the debate about continuing social distancing or reopening the United States for business Amid the President of the United States Donald Trump undermining the advice of scientists and health officials on when will be the safe time to relax social distancing and stay-at-home safety measures; Amid the confusion brought about by the warning of the Food and Drug Administration against two prescriptions by the President of the United States Donald Trump: the ‘injection’ of disinfectant like Lysol into your veins to beat coronavirus and ‘clean’ the lungs; and the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to treat COVID-19 outside a hospital or formal clinical trial, citing reports of “serious heart rhythm problems,” Amid Trump’s using the taxpayer funded daily Coronavirus briefing to spread dangerous misinformation, attack Democrats, demonize the free press, rewrite history to cover up his failure to act on warnings from the US intelligence agencies about the

danger of the pandemic as early as January because his focus was his re-election — The world continues to lose lives in the war against the coronavirus pandemic.

As of press time on Friday, April 24, more than 2.79 million people around the world have been infected by COVID-19, killing more than 196,000 since January.

Here in the United States, there have been more than 922,000 cases, with a death toll of 52,202 and counting.

In the Philippines, more than 7,192 cases, killing more than 477 people, many of whom are doctors and nurses.

Beyond the statistics of infected cases and death toll are real people who died alone without their loved ones to say goodbye to and the deep grief among those bereaved.

Beyond the numbers are dreams that would never come true, and the abrupt ending of a great generation in many family histories.

We mourn with all the nations of the world who not only lost their jobs or got furloughed, but worse — those who succumbed to COVID-19, including our

front-liners in the health care industry and first responders who paid their ultimate sacrifice, their lives.

We mourn with Italy, one of the first hotspots in the war.

Allow me to share with you this note about the depth and breadth of Italy’s grief, shared with me by our dear friends from San Gimignano in Tuscany, the Montagnani family, especially Barbara Montagnani. Their grief speaks profoundly about our own grief during this most difficult time.

“They leave. Mesti, silent, how maybe their life has been humble and quiet, made of work, of sacrifices. A generation leaves, the one who saw the war, smelled it and deprivation, between fleeing to an anti-air shelter and the longing search for something to feed. Hands leave hardened by calluses, faces marked by deep wrinkles, memories of days spent under the scorching sun or stinging cold. Hands that moved rubble, kneaded concrete, iron folded, in vest and newspaper hat.

Lambretta, Fiat 500 or 600, first refrigerators, black and white television are leaving. They leave us, wrapped in a sheet, like

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Christ in the shroud, those of the economic boom that with sweat rebuilt this nation of ours, giving us that well-being we have taken advantage of impunity. Experience, understanding, patience, resilience, respect, qualities now forgotten. They leave without a caress, without anyone shaking their hand, without even a last

kiss. Grandparents leave, historical memory of our country, heritage of all humanity. The whole Italy must say THANK YOU and accompany you on this last trip with 60 million caresses...”

RECEIVED BY DR. Begher, S Hospital Pneumologist. Mauritius. Asking me to disclose it... help me!”

*** 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.

A generation of crisis and opportunities

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA In his book, “The Greatest Generation,” journalist Tom Brokaw extolled those born in the 1900s and up to the 1920s, relating how they survived the Great Depression, fought and won World War II, helped Europe and Japan get back on their feet and powered America to economic, military and industrial greatness.

That generation also fathered the Baby Boomer Generation — born from 1946 — that enjoyed the fruits of that greatness.

These days, sociologists are hyper-analyzing and marketers are creating products and services for Generations X, Y and Z, the children and grandchildren of the Baby Boomers, the latter being considered already passé.

I was born in 1939, past the apex of the Greatest Generation and not quite part of the Baby Boomer Generation. Obviously, I cannot be counted among Generations X, Y and Z. Some pundits have patronizingly referred to my batch as the Silent Generation. But I, frankly, think that is selling us short. I believe my generation is much more than that.

I prefer to call the period covering my 80 years of existence on this earth as the Generation of Crisis and Opportunity. This generation has been ravaged by

pandemics like people in the Dark Ages, fought more wars than the Greatest Generation, experienced the nuclear brinkmanship of the Cold War, survived economic downturns like the Great Depression, explored more new worlds than in the Age of Discovery, and conceived, innovated and developed more new knowledge than the geniuses of the Rennaisance I was born at the height of the Great Depression, when the Philippines was still a U.S. colony. Then came Pearl Harbor, the Japanese occupation, and the wars against Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany. While I was too young to fight in the war, I was old enough to remember its horrors.

Growing up during the Cold War years, I learned that Russia and the United States were engaged in a vicious game of “chicken” that brought mankind to the brink of extinction during the Cuban missile crisis.

In 1991, we saw the disintegration of the Soviet Union, like the fall of the Roman Empire in 375 AD. On the other hand, like the establishment of the Mongol Empire by Genghis Khan in the 13th century, my generation is witnessing the emergence of China as an economic and military power.

While my generation was too young to fight in World War II, we experienced the Korean War, the Vietnam War, two wars in Iraq, and are seeing the continu-

ing conflict in the Middle East.

We have also witnessed terrorism used as a deadly weapon of international conflict.

On September 11, 2001, we saw the attack on the twin towers in New York — live, on TV, as if we were watching a Hollywood action thriller. Since then, we have had to get used to the inconvenience of tight security inspections in the course of air travel, but we continue to be horrified by terrorist attacks that have claimed hundreds of innocent lives in cities around the world. TV has brought the carnage to our living rooms.

Did our forefathers experience revolutions? My generation participated in the People Power Revolt of 1986 and saw revolutions around the globe.

Did they witness the martyrdom of Jose Rizal? We saw the assassination of John and Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Anwar Sadat, Ariel Sharon and Ninoy Aquino — as if the killings had been committed before our eyes.

In the Philippines, our generation experienced Martial Law and lived through a dictatorship that was eventually ended by the People Power Revolution. But it was an uprising like no other, with citizen-rebels defying tanks, armed only with rosary beads. And then came the series of attempted coups that ended with a twist that could only have been written by an over-imaginative playwright: the leaders

of the coup found their way into the Senate, as well as other important government posts.

And what about the “villains” of the People Power Revolt? In an inexplicable revision of history, they have become regarded as heroes, elected to the Legislature, and may even assume the presidency.

In 1957, the Russians led in the space race with Sputnik I, the first artificial satellite to orbit the earth. Then followed the feat of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in outer space, onboard the Vostok 1. This happened in April 1961.

A month later, America played catch-up by also launching Alan Shepard into space onboard Freedom 7.

Then, in July 1969, we actually saw on live TV the first earthlings — Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin — setting foot on the moon. It was like watching Ferdinand Magellan and Christopher Columbus planting the banners of Spain in the New World.

Did European ships explore the globe during the Age of Discovery? Today, we are witnessing the exploration of the galaxy. Man may even land on Mars during my lifetime. I am already resigned to the possibility that God’s universe was not created for homo sapiens alone.

I grew up at a time when there was no TV in the Philippines.

Kids rushed home to listen to their favorite radio shows or lined up at flea-infested theaters

to watch third-run double-feature movies. We also sang pop songs with song hits books in hand. Karaoke had not been invented. Not even cassette tapes.

Much less CDs, MP3s and YouTube.

It never occurred to me that I would eventually be a radio performer and would be among the first people to appear on television when it was introduced in the Philippines. But even while I had worked in the medium, owning a TV set was beyond my family’s modest means. And when the Age of Computers came, owning a desktop — and much less a laptop — was the stuff of wishful thinking.

I suppose, Generations X, Y and Z (among them, my children and grandchildren) can never understand how it is not to own an iPad, a laptop, a smartphone and a color TV in every room in the house.

Or how it is not to talk to each other on FaceTime, exchange jokes on Facebook and do research on Google. Or how it is not to have Alexa and Siri help with the homework.

Talk about smartphones, I once produced a TV spy series that had the hero wearing a video wristwatch with which he could visually communicate with his spy chief at headquarters. Of course, that was pure science fiction then. In fact, at that time, having a PLDT landline installed in one’s house in Manila was like queuing for a liver or kid-

ney transplant. Needless to say, portable or cellular phones were not even in our fantasies.

These days, Generations X, Y and Z, as well as the house help, can never understand how we survived without mobile phones. Today, a cellphone is considered as essential as life itself — but not just any phone — it also has to be a computer, a still camera, a video recorder and an interactive video device.

Indeed, the Industrial Revolution appears so primitive when compared to today’s achievements in electronics and digital technology. And the Rennaisance is so old-fashioned alongside today’s innovations in arts and entertainment.

At my age, I may soon be denied the renewal of my driver’s license. But this generation is already developing driver-less cars — a leap far into the future from the days of the horseless carriage. Indeed, the leaps and bounds of discovery and technological developments have been awesome.

But as I write this, we are being scourged by a pandemic and are cowering in our homes like the Jews during the Passover at the time of Moses.

The coronavirus, which is as deadly as the Black Plague of the Dark Ages, is a humbling reminder that this generation has not yet mastered one thing.

Our mortality. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

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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Dateline PhiliPPines

‘Trolls threat to future of global journalism’

by Artemio

DumlAo Philstar.com

TROLL armies linked to President Duterte were cited among modern-day instruments used as “a weapon of disinformation on social media” that in a way, threaten the future of journalism in the world.

In its 2020 World Press Freedom Index, the Belgium-based press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) cited these cyber-troll armies as among the 20 “Worst Digital Predators of Press Freedom” this year.

It said that, along with 19 other groups in the world, the Philippine “call center hubs” are “disseminating fake or maliciously edited content and fake memes, conducting targeted harassment campaigns.”

The RSF claimed that these Philippine “call center hubs” are being used by the administration’s supporters to smear and boycott the ABS-CBN radio and TV network with the aim of blocking the renewal of its franchise.

“They have even gone so far as to denounce an imaginary conspiracy by various media outlets to overthrow the Presi-

dent,” it reported.

RSF also claims that the cyber-troll armies “support and amplify the messages of members of the government with the aim of smearing the media and manipulating public opinion.”

It said these trolls identified with the President, just like those in Russia, India and Vietnam, are threats to journalism.

The press freedom watchdog marked March 12 as the “World Day Against Cyber-censorship” by unveiling its list of press freedom digital predators such as companies and government agencies that use digital technology to spy on and harass journalists and thereby jeopardize the ability to get news and information.

Taking into account the trolls identified with those supporting Duterte, it noted the Philippines as sliding down two notches this year to 136th from last year’s 134th place in the press freedom index.

“The absence of appropriate regulation in the era of digitalized and globalized communication has created information chaos,” it said, adding that propaganda, advertising and rumor are already in direct competition with journalism.

It noted a growing confusion between commercial, political and editorial content which have “destabilized democratic guarantees of freedom of opinion and expression,” which encourages the adoption of dangerous laws on the pretext of restricting the spread of fake news and “facilitate tougher crackdowns on independent and critical journalism.”

Decisive decade RSF believes that “the decade will be decisive for the future of journalism, with the COVID19 pandemic highlighting and amplifying the many crises that threaten the right to freely report independent, diverse and reliable information.”

It said that the pandemic has amplified the spread of rumors and fake news as quickly as the virus itself.

The 2020 edition of the Index, which evaluates the situation for journalists each year in 180 countries and territories, said, “the next 10 years will be pivotal for press freedom because of converging crises affecting the future of journalism: a geopolitical crisis (due to the aggressiveness of authoritarian regimes); a technological cri-

u PAGE A8

UNICEF: 2 million Filipino kids at risk of missing vaccinations due to COVID-19 crisis

by GAeA

KAtreenA Philstar.com

CAbiCo

MANILA — At least two million Filipino children could miss out on immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases as the new coronavirus pandemic forces movement restrictions and piles pressure on the country’s overburdened health system, a United Nations agency warned.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stressed that life-saving health interventions such as immunization cannot be neglected as authorities attempt to contain the spread of the virus that has already infected 7,192 people in the Philippines.

“Vaccines protect children against harmful disease and death, saving up to three million lives every year, or more than five

lives saved every minute of every day,” Dr. Wigdan Madani, UNICEF Philippines chief of health and nutrition programme, said.

The childhood immunization coverage in the country has been decreasing “sharply” from 87% in 2014 to 68% in 2019, exposing Filipino children to vaccinepreventable illnesses such as measles and polio.

Nineteen years after it was eradicated in the country, polio emerged in September last year.

The resurgence of the disease came after the Philippines was hit by measles and dengue outbreaks early in 2019 stoked by falling vaccination rates.

UNICEF called on local government units with no known COVID-19 cases and those that have adequate immunization staff and vaccines to do vaccina-

tion activities if feasible.

It added that catch-up immunization and intensified vaccination activities that prioritize the poorest and most vulnerable children are needed once the COVID-19 outbreak in the country is under control.

“We must do all we can to support, empower and invest in their (healthcare worker) safety, training and well-being, as they encourage parents to vaccinate against preventable diseases that remain a very real threat to children,” UNICEF Philippines Country Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov said.

The UN agency said it is investing around P85 million in the next three years to help strengthen routine immunization and improve processes to procure and distribute vaccines. n

A

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Palace backs filing of diplomatic protests vs China by rItchel

MendIola AJPress

THE Department of Foreign Affairs’ diplomatic protests against China for violating international law and Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea has gained support from Malacañang.

“Yung filing of diplomatic protest, ginagawa po ‘yan basta kinakailangan gawin (The filing of the diplomatic protest, we will file them if they need to be filed),” said presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. in a virtual presser on Thursday, April 23.

He added, “Ke Covid, ke wala, tayo po ay mananatili na poprotektahan at itataguyod ang ating national territory at ang ating sovereign rights (With or without Covid, we will continue to protect and defend our national territory and sover-

eign rights).”

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario also supported the move, condemning China for supposedly exploiting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We fully concur with the filing of diplomatic protests against China by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs covering the threats to a Philippine Navy ship and the declaration

by China of Philippine territory as part of Hainan province in violation of international law,” he said.

“We further condemn that China has predictably been relentless in exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic as it pursues its illegal and expansive claims in the (South China Sea) to the prejudice of Filipinos, the ASEAN states and the international community,” he added.

China recently pointed a radar

gun at a Philippine Navy ship near Rizal Reef in the Kalayaan Island Group and claimed some Philippine territories — namely, the one in the Paracels and one in the Spratlys — as part of the local government in Sansha City, located in the southern island of Hainan.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Wednesday announced that diplomatic protests have been filed.

“We worked on this the whole day. And that is all that will be said on it because diplomatic notes are strictly confidential between the two states parties.

Period,” said Locsin in a tweet.

“I expect that no one else in the government will comment on it because they are not competent to do it. Only the President himself can reveal these notes of his alter ego the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and rule thereon,” he added. n

HARD LOCKDOWN. The empty Nagtahan flyover in Sampaloc, Manila on Wednesday, April 22. Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has placed Sampaloc district under a hard lockdown starting Thursday, April 23 until Saturday, April 25 for disease surveillance, rapid risk assessment and testing operations amid the COVID-19 crisis.The area has the highest number of cases and deaths in Manila.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Airlines, banks, malls begin to `Too early to tell if curve flattened’ adapt to May quarantine rules

by John

by Ian

nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com

MANILA — Malls, banks and airlines on Friday, April 24 moved to adjust their operations to fit another extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila, and a more relaxed lockdown in other areas.

Airlines appear to be in statusquo, with flag-carrier Philippine Airlines and budget carrier Cebu Pacific Air keeping cargo and passenger flight cancellations until May 15, when the second extension of the lockdown in Metro Manila would come to a close.

In an advisory, PAL also said “there would be a gradual and calibrated resumption of operations” come May 16 when the ECQ in the National Capital Region (NCR) is expected to be lifted. Flights to be operated will be announced soon.

PAL and Cebu Pacific opted to keep all their planes grounded even though they can fly cargoes in 59 cities and provinces where ECQ would be relaxed to pave the way for a general community quarantine (GCQ) by May 1.

Apart from opening of airports and seaports for cargoes, areas under GCQ are also allowed to operate 50% to 100% of some non-essential industries like electronics, logistics and exports, provided social distancing measures are followed.

Malls Among firms that will benefit from GCQ are malls, which would be permitted to operate provided only non-leisure stores

will be opened. This includes restaurants, which can only accommodate take-outs and deliveries. At least one mall operator, Megaworld Corp., welcomed the move for their Cebu and Iloilo branches.

“All our malls are under ECQ, which means they will remain closed…, while those in Iloilo and Mactan, Cebu, which will possibly fall under GCQ by May 1, will follow IATF (interagency task force) rules,” said Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, in a message. The message was relayed by Harold Geronimo, Megaworld’s external affairs head.

Ayala Malls and SM Supermalls have not responded to queries as of this posting.

Lenders Banks, meanwhile, have always been exempted from prohibitions, although some lenders have earlier reduced employees to a skeletal workforce, prompting the closure of some branches. That said, with new parameters on ECQ and GCQ, credit borrowers may still opt to delay loan payments until May 15.

While come May 1 only select areas would be under strict lockdown, central bank Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier said the reprieve on loan payment deferral, which had been extended since March 24, would still apply nationwide.

“It doesn’t matter where ECQ is implemented. ECQ period is intended as reference to determine due dates that will qualify for application of mandatory grace period,” Fonacier said in a text message. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III agreed.

Both the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and industry representatives remained confident banks can handle a fresh delay in loan payments, a crucial source of liquidity. BSP has conducted stress tests to assess banks’ strength, and while results are not yet out, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno is confident lenders have remained healthy.

“BSP has adopted a more accommodative monetary policy to soften the blow of the pandemic on the economy. In fact, we have adopted many unprecedented measures designed to shore up liquidity at this critical time,” Diokno said in a text message.

Results of a BSP survey released Friday also showed that in the first quarter banks have maintained overall credit standards for loans to both households and enterprises, including micro- small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). A stable demand for credit is also seen following the BSP’s back-toback rate cuts meant to support the country’s virus-battered economy.

“Thrift banks help their MSMEs and individual clients by working closely with them in restructuring their loans that will match their expected cash flows, aside from providing grace period during ECQ,” said Suzanne Felix, executive director of Chamber of Thrift Banks.

“Thrift banks are well capitalized…and provisions for loan losses and liquidity…should help overcome/mitigate the challenges posed by a difficult economic environment moving forward,” she said in a text message. n

‘Pandemic to affect PH economy until 2021’ by anna leah

e. gonzales

ManilaTimes.net

THE effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis on the Philippine economy would likely continue to be felt until next year, an economist from the Ateneo de Manila University said.

“This COVID-19 is unprecedented. What we are facing today is a combination of so many factors. Today we are seeing a severe recession coming to our face,” Alvin Ang said in a recent online seminar organized by the Registered Financial Planners Philippines.

He stressed the need to produce a vaccine before the lockdown is lifted entirely.

“The reality is without a vaccine, there cannot be a full lifting of the lockdown. If there is no vaccine, even if we gradually remove the quarantine, we cannot go back to where it was weeks ago. It’s impossible because there can be a second wave. If you keep your guard down, there could be a second wave,” he said.

The country would witness a very severe economic downturn, Ang warned.

“The crisis is not a one-time shock. It is shocking every sector of the economy. [Economic recovery will be] U-shaped, meaning by 2021 we will still have part of that problem probably, earli-

Market goers in Imus, Cavite public market assested by member of philippine air force assigned to maintain order and help local government unit to implement social distancing on Thursday, April 23 to prevent COVID-19 virus.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Boy Josue

est recovery will be by the third quarter of 2021,” he said.

The steady decline in oil prices would also take a toll on the economy and that a further drop could affect overseas Filipino workers, especially those in the Middle East, he continued.

The economic slowdown in China, Ang said, would also affect the local economy as “China’s factor in our economy is so large.”

“About 25 percent of anything international in this country is directly from China,” he added.

He predicted negative or flat growth in the first three quarters of the year: “January and Febru-

ary we still have economic activity although it’s slowing down. In the second quarter we have the lockdown and just one month will be very severe because 70 percent of the economy is in Luzon. A lockdown means very little production and consumption and since you have travel and logistical restrictions that contributes to negative [growth].”

In the fourth quarter, “if we flatten the curve already, we just have to be careful not to have a second wave and sectors are open already, [then there could be a] possible growth if 50 percent of industries are [already] open,” Ang said. n

secretary general.

He added that the pandemic illustrates the negative factors threatening the right to reliable information, with the pandemic itself as an exacerbating factor.

According to RSF, there is a clear correlation between suppression of media freedom in response to the pandemic and a country’s ranking in the Index.

China (177th) and Iran (down by three at 173rd) censored their major coronavirus outbreaks extensively, RSF said.

In Iraq (down by six at

THE enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) had reduced the “doubling time” of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), but not “slow enough” to indicate that the curve had flattened, the Department of Health (DoH) said on Thursday, April 23.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire bared that while it now takes five days for the Covid-19 cases to double, from the previous three days, the duration was not “slow enough.”

“It’s too early to say if we are flattening the curve. We can only be certain if the doubling time is 30 days and more…and we’re far from that situation,” she said during an online media conference.

The government aims to do 8,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of the month, but Vergeire lamented that the tests had lagged to as low as 2,700 tests a day after 40 workers at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) — the country’s main testing facility — tested positive for the virus.

“We will be back on 4,000 tests a day when RITM becomes fully operational on Saturday,” she said.

Dr. Raul Destura, University of the Philippines-National Institute of Health (UP-NIH) researcher and founder and chief executive officer of Manila Healthtek Inc., said the country is now capable of doing 6,000 to 8,000 tests as of Sunday, well within the DoH

target.

“We’re hoping to increase this to 16,000 tests by May 1,” said Destura, who is in charge of manufacturing the real-time polymerase chain reaction test kits.

Special Assistant to the Secretary of Health Beverly Ho recognized that the data on Covid19 were not as accurate as the Health department wanted it to be, given that the mass testing currently prioritizes health workers, vulnerable population and patients with severe symptoms.

“That’s why the DoH does not categorically say there is flattening, right?” she said. “We are so careful about it because we know the issue with data as well, we know its limitations. To call it as such will be irresponsible at our end.”

For Edcel Salvana, director of the Institute of the Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the UP-NIH, the testing strategy already gave a “good picture of the shape of the curve.”

“Even without mass testing, the fact that we are measuring the severe [and] critical population on a daily basis gives us a good picture of the shape of the curve,” he said in a Facebook post. “At a little over 200 cases a day holding steady for the last few days, there is little doubt the ECQ has succeeded in slowing down the spread of Covid-19 in the Philippines.”

As of 4 p.m. on Thursday, the country recorded 271 new Covid-19 cases, raising the total to 6,981. The total number of

recoveries was at 722 and the death toll at 462.

While the figures look encouraging, Salvana believes there is a real possibility that “cases might surge” once the lockdown is lifted.

To avoid this, he said the public should continue physical distancing and universal mask wearing “in case one is incubating the virus,” schools should stay closed and public gatherings must be banned.

“This is a long-term commitment and it will be our new normal. If we are successful, we can keep cases low and prevent these from overwhelming our health care system while restarting our economy,” he added.

Vergeire also said the DoH expects a faster turnaround time for testing specimens once the Beijing Genome Institute Covid-19 laboratory becomes fully operational by the first week of May. “We’re now partnering with big companies in the private sector to have huge labs. This huge lab is a project of the ADB (Asian Development Bank) and other private sectors in the Philippines,” she added.

The laboratory at the Jose B. Lingad Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga can do between 3,000 and 5,000 tests a day.

The $2.5-million lab equipment was flown in by a Philippine Air Force C130 plane from Shenzhen, China on April 21.

The Health department plans to have it fully set up in 10 to 14 days. n

64% job loss reported in Metro by dIVIna

noVa Joy dela ManilaTimes.net

cruz

ALMOST two-thirds of families in Metro Manila have been hit by job losses during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) implemented by the government to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a survey found.

The survey, conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc. and VOX Opinion Research, in partnership with Lightspeed Research/ Kantar (Singapore), showed that 64 percent of the 1,000 respondents had household members who lost their jobs because of the ECQ. The respondents of the online

survey that ran from April 13 to 18 were all residents of Metro Manila, aged 18 to 70.

PUBLiCUS Executive Director and spokesman Aureli Sinsuat said the data suggest a “strong negative correlation between income and the likelihood or incidence of job loss.”

Sinsuat added that 78.12 percent of respondents from poor households, with a monthly income of P9,520, reported that at least one member of their household was displaced.

Meanwhile, only one-third or 33 percent of the respondents from rich households, earning more than P190,400 monthly, had reported job loss in their families.

Job losses were also high in families with monthly income range of P19,520 to P19,040 (72.47 percent); P19,040 to P38,080 (64.73 percent); P38,080 to P66,640 (55 percent); P66,640 to P114,240 (52.34 percent); and P114,240 to P190,400 (52.63 percent).

“The high incidence of job loss among low income households is likely due to the fact that members of these households often work blue collar jobs in industries such as construction, manufacturing, public transportation, and retail services, or they could be informal sector workers. They can’t work from home under the ECQ,” Sinsuat said. n

Duterte ups reward for discoverer of COVID-19 vaccine to P50-M by catherIne

Valente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has raised to P50 million the reward to any Filipino who will discover a vaccine against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In a recorded public address over state-run PTV-4 on Friday, Friday 24, Duterte said the bounty could even go as high as P100 million if he becomes “happy.”

“Yung P10 million ko na sa ating mga scientists dito sa Pilipinas (The P10 million reward that I offered to our scientists here in the Philippines), the bright Filipinos who are there working day and night trying to find out how to 162nd), the authorities stripped combat COVID, I am raising the Reuters of its license for three bounty to P50 million,” Duterte months after it published a sto- said. ry questioning official COVID“P50 million ang ibigay ko sa 19 figures it monitored. grupo (I will give P50 million to “The public health crisis a group) because it’s a collegial provides authoritarian govern- thing, hindi naman sa isang tao. ments with an opportunity to Baka sa ligaya ko, another P50 implement the notorious “shock million (it’s not only for one perdoctrine” – to take advantage of son. If I’m too happy I might add the fact that politics are on hold, another P50 million),” he added. the public is stunned and proThe President initially offered tests are out of the question, in up to P10 million in reward money order to impose measures that to any Filipino who will discover a would be impossible in normal vaccine against COVID-19. times,” Deloire claimed. n He would also offer a “substan-

‘Trolls threat to future of global...

PAGE A7 sis (due to a lack of democratic guarantees); a democratic crisis (due to polarization and repressive policies); a crisis of trust (due to suspicion and even hatred of the media); and an economic crisis (impoverishing quality journalism).”

These five areas are now compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, it added.

“We are entering a decisive decade for journalism linked to crises that affect its future,” said Christophe Deloire, RSF

erIc Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

tial grant” to the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital for the development of a vaccine.

Currently, different pharmaceutical companies across the globe are doing research and trials for the vaccine against the novel coronavirus.

In his latest speech, Duterte told the Department of Health that he was willing to give additional research funding to local scientists.

“What matters to me is the dedication and the load of work that they are performing. So kung kailangan nilang additional funding, all they have to do is magsabi lang sa ‘yo (If they need additional funding, all they have to do is to ask you),” Duterte said, referring to Health Secretary Francisco Duque 3rd.

“I’d be glad, kung di naman masyado malaki dahil ipit tayo sa pera (if it’s not too much, because we lack cash), I will readily give it to them,” he added.

The President said only a vaccine could put an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Kasi ang tao ang interesado ninyo na gusto ‘nyo lumabas sa bunganga ko, ‘Kailan ba talaga ito matatapos?’ Ang COVID hindi matatapos ‘yan (People are more

interested that this come out of my mouth, ‘When will this end?’

This COVID-19 will not end).

It will yield and it will stay until kingdom come,” Duterte said.

“Pero kung may bakuna na, baka sakaling mauna tayo, maemboldened ‘yung mga (But if there’s an available vaccine, if we develop it first, our) scientists natin to work overtime to come up with a vaccine. COVID equals vaccine. Period,” he added.

Duterte then urged the public to be patient in waiting for the lifting of the lockdown.

“One thing I can assure you [is] that we are just waiting for the right time. Tiisin muna natin (Let’s endure it for the meantime). Ako nakikiusap sa inyo (I’m appealing to you) because we are trying to limit the contamination,” he said.

The enhanced community quarantine has been extended once again to May 15 over the National Capital Region, Region 3 (Central Luzon), Region 4-A (Calabarzon) and other areas that are considered high risk for COVID-19.

As of Thursday, the Philippines recorded a total of 6,981 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 462 deaths and 722 recoveries. n

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A

Duterte warns of martial law declaration if NPA attacks continue

by KRistine Joy

Philstar.com

A relative lights a candle on Thursday, April 23 where retired Cpl. Winston Ragos was shot after a brief stand off with police manning a checkpoint at Barangay Pasong Putik in Quezon City. Police MSgt. Daniel Florendo Jr., the police who shot Ragos, is now facing criminal and administrative charges for the incident.

Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman

Army asks NBI to probe ex-soldier shooting over alleged ‘prejudgement’ by police materials available from open sources.”

“Apparent prejudgement by MANILA — The Philippine police investigators moved the Army on Friday asked the Na- Army to seek help from the NBI tional Bureau of Investigation to so that justice may be served conduct an impartial probe on for Ragos and his family,” the the fatal shooting case of retired Army said in a press statement. soldier Winston Rago involving NBI Deputy Director FerdiQuezon City police earlier this nand Lavin has since said that week. the case is already being invesArmy chief Lieutenant Gen- tigated by the agency’s Death eral Gilbert Gapay, in a letter Investigation Division. addressed to NBI Director lawHowever, the 34-year-old vicyer Eric Dastor, requested the tim’s family has yet to go to the agency to conduct an impartial NBI for interview and statement investigation on the incident in taking, according to Lavin. light of “apparent conflicting He also confirmed that the claims of police operatives in- probe was ordered by Justice volved, witness accounts, and Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

by RAtzieL

sAn JuAn Philstar.com

The Army earlier today mourned Ragos in a statement, where it revealed that the veteran back in January 2017 had been given a complete disability discharge from military service along with pension and other assistance “after being diagnosed with a mental disorder.”

“To a soldier, the wounds of war are not just physical but also mental and their scars are not always visible. The Philippine Army seeks awareness on the plight of former soldiers struggling with mental problems. Even though they are no longer soldiers, they continue fighting a silent and lifelong battle.” n

Palace to foreigners: Follow quarantine rules or leave MALACAñANG on Thursday, April 23 said foreigners who refuse to follow the guidelines for the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) are free to leave the country.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. stressed that President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive on the implementation of the ECQ does not exempt anyone.

“Kung ayaw niyo pong tumupad diyan, lalung-lalo na yung mga dayuhan, umalis na po kayo

ng Pilipinas (If you don’t want to follow the guidelines, especially the foreigners, then leave the Philippines). You are free to go,” he added.

Roque made the statement following reports that foreigners living at the Pacific Plaza Towers in Taguig City were violating quarantine protocols to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease.

The management of Pacific Plaza Towers Condominium Corp earlier said armed and “ap-

parently agitated” policemen entered the compound “without some form or warrant or authorization” and shouted at residents who were lounging at a pool and garden area.

However, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Archie Gamboa said the officers only made “an ordinary police response” to the supposed lockdown breach.

Foreigners living in the building have threatened to file charges against the police officers.

(ManilaTimes.net)

PAtAG

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte warned of declaring martial law if “lawlessness” of, and disruption of aid delivery by members of the New People’s Army continue in this time of COVID-19 crisis.

In a public address aired Friday morning, Duterte said he is notifying the military and the police that he “might declare martial law,” citing a recent attack of the communist rebels against soldiers escorting aid distribution.

“Because in COVID [crisis], many are hungry, many could not eat...so the government will come in to help them. But these motherf*cker communists gunned them,” he added in Filipino.

While Duterte did not identify the area where the attack happened, Army officials said Tuesday night that two soldiers died in NPA attack in Aurora province.

The Constitution states that

the Philippines or any part of it may be placed under martial law “in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it.”

The military also reported that three Army troopers, including an officer, were killed while four others were wounded in an encounter with NPA guerrillas in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Soldiers of the 94th Infantry Battallion were also securing the distribution of cash assistance when they encountered the rebels in Sitio Tugas in Barangay Carabalan, Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said.

Earlier in April, the Palace and military officials also condemned a supposed raid of 30 NPA members in Sitio Bangon, Barangay Guinmayohan in Balangiga, Eastern Samar, but the town mayor was quoted in a report they “have not received such reports from locals.”

Duterte said he is ordered the military to “kill” the NPA and he would “try to finish all of you”

in his remaining two years of presidency.

“I might declare martial law and there will no turning back,” he added.

Duterte said in a mix of English and Filipino: “If you continue lawlessness, killing here and there, and it’s happening all over the Philippines, maybe I will declare martial law because you NPAs are number one, you take away help from people, supplies and their food.”

The president also warned “legal fronts” of the communist rebels that they should “hide.”

The Communist Party of the Philippines on April 16 said it is extending the unilateral ceasefire with government forces until April 30 to “prioritize” the fight against COVID-19.

In a statement, CPP said: “During the ceasefire period, all NPA units must strictly limit themselves to active defense operations which shall be carried out only in the face of imminent danger and actual armed attacks by the enemy forces. n

World Bank approves $100-M loan for PH virus response

by AnnA LeAh

GonzALes ManilaTimes.net

THE World Bank has approved a $100 million loan for the Philippines’ Covid-19 Emergency Response Project to help meet urgent healthcare needs and bolster the country’s public health preparedness.

The World Bank said the project, which will be implemented by the Department of Health (DOH), will help strengthen the delivery system for critical medical services.

The project will focus on providing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles, gloves, gowns; drugs such as antivirals, antibiotics and essential medicines; and medical supplies and equipment and devices such as mechanical ventilators, cardiac monitors, portable x-ray machines; laboratory equipment and test kits.

It will also support the necessary logistics and supply chains

Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines patrol the streets of Barangay 178 in Pasay City on Wednesday to help barangay officials control the number of people on the streets during the enhanced community quarantine.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Gerard Seguia

to help ensure that the equipment will reach frontline health facilities without delay.

“Boosting the country’s capacity to respond to Covid-19 will save lives,” Achim Fock, World Bank Acting Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines

and Thailand, said.

“The government has taken quick and decisive action in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and the World Bank is proud to support its efforts. Right now, no other investment offers greater return,” Fock added. n

A10 april 25-28, 2020 • la WEEKEND aSiaN JOUrNal

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B Saturday, APRIL 25, 2020

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The Asian Journal

WKND Immigration Corner

Trump’s executive order Darren reflects on being half ‘suspending’ immigration Filipino, which he plays in

d. Spouses and children of the employer can advertise and U.S. citizens, and members of interview a qualified U.S. worker the Armed Forces and their within the next 60 days anyway. families How would any job interview e. People with nonimmigrant occur if everyone is “shelter in ON April 22, 2020, President Trump issued an Executive Order visas such as tourist visas, H-1B place” and many businesses are (EO) or Proclamation, effective visas etc. closed?

The proclamation will expire at 11:59 PM on April 23, 2020, If you may be affected by suspending for 60 days the entry 60 days from its effective date, these changes in immigration of immigrants into the U.S., as and could be extended or modi- or your case is subject to this they may compete for jobs with fied. Trump said the purpose of proclamation, you may want unemployed Americans caused this 60 day suspension is to en- to consult with an attorney to sure that unemployed Americans evaluate your situation and the by the COVID-19 pandemic. will be first in line for jobs as the effects of Trump’s proclamation Some highlights are: economy reopens, and it’s not on your case.

1. It applies to: a. Immigrant visa applicants fair to them to have to compete *** (both employment- and family- with newly arrived immigrants Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an based cases) who are outside the who may have “open market” attorney for over 35 years and is liU.S. on the effective censed, and an active date. Therefore, it member of the State does not seem to Bars of California and “Trump said the purpose of this 60 affect people in the New York. All immigraday suspension is to ensure that U.S. applying for adtion services are projustment of status. vided by, or under the unemployed Americans will be b. The person supervision of, an active does not yet have member of the State first in line for jobs as the economy an immigrant visa Bar of California. Each reopens, and it’s not fair to them to that is valid on the case is different and reeffective date of sults may depend on the have to compete with newly arrived the proclamation, facts of the particular immigrants who may have “open meaning an immicase. The information grant visa has not opinions contained market” employment authorizations, and yet been issued in herein (including testheir passport. timonials, “Success allowing them to work anywhere.” c. They do not Stories”, endorsements have any kind of ofand re-enactments) are ficial travel or entry document, employment authorizations, al- of a general nature, and are not intendsuch as advance parole, boarding lowing them to work anywhere. ed to apply to any particular case, and In my opinion, this Procla- do not constitute a prediction, warranletter, etc. that allows them to enter the U.S. in lieu of having mation is not that disruptive to ty, guarantee or legal advice regarding intending immigrants: an immigrant visa. the outcome of your legal matter. No – Embassies are closed at the attorney-client relationship is, or shall 2. This proclamation does not present time anyway. No inter- be, established with any reader. apply to the following: a. Existing green card holders, views are being scheduled or WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com who may be outside the U.S. on visas are being issued, and it’s Follow us on Facebook.com/Gurfinunlikely a person will be sched- kelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw a trip or vacation b. Any alien seeking to enter uled for an interview within the Call Toll free to schedule a consultathe U.S. on an immigrant visa next 60 days. tion for anywhere in the US: – For employment-based Laas a physician, nurse, or other 1-866-487-3465 healthcare professional, who will bor Certification, the employer (866) – GURFINKEL help in combating COVID-19, or went through tremendous trouFour offices to serve you: recovering from COVID-19, in- ble and advertising to recruit U.S. LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ cluding their immediate family. workers, and had the job “certi- NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES fied” for the alien. It’s unlikely c. EB-5 investors (Advertising Supplement)

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

LifestyLe Consumer Guide Community marketpLaCe

Ryan Murphy’s ‘Hollywood’

by Ruben

V. nepales Inquirer.net

LOS ANGELES — In one scene in Ryan Murphy’s new series, “Hollywood,” Darren Criss’ director character, who is trying to make his first film in the 1940s when racism was still pervasive and “white-passing” was common, makes a confession: “I’m half Filipino.”

To most viewers of the show which will premiere on May 1 on Netflix, that statement may seem innocuous. But to many Filipinos who will hear those three words, that’s a big moment to hear a major character in a mainstream show declaring his Filipino heritPAGE B2 Darren Criss

Photo from Instagram/@darrencriss

Dimples expresses admiration for birthday girl Angel’s kindness: ‘Not once did you make me feel inferior’

by Cha lino Inquirer.net

ON Angel Locsin’s birthday, her dear friend and fellow actress Dimples Romana reaffirmed her admiration for Locsin and expressed how her best friend’s kindness does not choose anyone.

Going down memory lane, Romana showed some snapshots of Locsin that Romana thinks best described the “Darna” star to her and her family. Romana also penned a heartfelt message for the birthday girl via her Instagram account on Thursday, April 23.

Dimple Romana and Angel Locsin Locsin marked her 35th birthPhoto from Instagram/@dimplesromana day in quarantine yesterday with

a “surprise” birthday bash from her loved ones.

Romana said that despite the extent of Locsin’s fame, she never felt inferior whenever she was with Locsin.

“Sa totoo, sa pagkakaibigan natin (The truth is in our friendship), I never remember you [as] the [superstar] that you are because not once did you ever make me feel inferior,” she said. “You are always kind to everyone.”

“Hindi ka namimili, Hindi ka nanghuhusga (You never discriminate, you never judge),” Romana added.

The throwback photos Romana selected were the ones showing PAGE B2

EntErtainmEnt

B APRIL 25-28, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Protect yourself from COVID-19: Stop smoking and vaping now

DOCTORS like me and many other health professionals are working to treat sick patients for the COVID-19 virus. The best ways for you to help are to stay home, wash your hands, and not smoke or vape.

Here are three good reasons why you should stop smoking and vaping now: 1. Smoking doubles your risk of developing respiratory infections.

In one study, 391 healthy volunteers had 1 of 5 respiratory viruses, including a coronavirus, dropped in a liquid into their noses. The volunteers who smoked were twice as likely as those who did not smoke to develop an infection. Smoking is known to weaken the immune system and the body’s ability to fight infections.

2. Smoking doubles your risk of getting sicker from COVID-19.

In a review of five studies published to date, smoking is most likely associated with getting sicker with COVID-19. In the largest study of 1099 people with COVID-19, people who

smoke were 2.4 times more likely to get really sick (e.g. admitted to an intensive care unit, needing mechanical ventilation, dying) compared to those who did not smoke. Smoking can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health problems that may contribute to serious illness. Stopping smoking still helps your health if you have COPD or heart disease.

3. Vaping can also harm lung health.

Growing evidence suggests that the aerosol from vaping devices can harm lungs at the cellular and organ levels and worsen the body’s ability to fight respiratory infections. The recent outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping-associated product lung injury, predominantly affecting young people, is still a major public health concern.

You can get free help to stop smoking and vaping!

The California Smokers’ Helpline is here for you. Counselors will help you develop your own personal quit plan by phone or chat. Text and app

programs are available too. It is great to work through the stress and anxiety with caring professionals during these times about how to stop. The counselors can also talk with you about medications like nicotine patches, gums, or lozenges that are over-the-counter and help manage cravings.

You may be eligible for special offers that send free nicotine patches to your home.

Keep a smoke-free home to protect others as well.

Secondhand smoke worsens lung health for nonsmokers, especially children. If you are a nonsmoker, contact the Helpline to find out how to help someone you love quit smoking or vaping.

Being smoke and tobaccofree is as important as washing your hands and covering your cough for your health and the health of your family and our community.

(By Elisa Tong, MD, MS, Associate professor of internal medicine, University of California, Davis) (Advertising Supplement)

Isabelle creates ‘animated book’ to explain pandemic to son by

Christina aLpad ManilaTimes.net

MODEL-act ress and f irsttime mom Isabelle Daza found a creative way to explain the COV I D -19 pa ndem ic to her t wo-year-old son Balt hazar, and consequently to other little ones as well.

On April 20, Daza published “ Tr a l a l a t he T iger� on her Instagram account (@isabelledaza) where she wrote, “So I created a story to help explain to my son what is going on w it h t he c u r rent COV I D-19 pandemic. This is what I call an animated book.�

A lso available in full Filipino narration, “Ang Tigreng Si Tr a la la,� t he v ideo r u ns for t h ree m i nutes a nd 4 0 seconds.

The story begins with Tralala and her animal friends from school—E l l ie t he E lepha nt,

Isabelle Daza with husband Adrien Semblat and their son Balthazae Photo from Instagram/@isabelledaza

Gerry the Giraffe and Frankie t he Fox — h appi ly doi ng their daily activities—singing, drawing and playing. Suddenly, their parents tell them they can no longer go to school or go out of the house because of

a “lockdown,� at which point Daza talks about the virus and the do’s and don’ts to help stop people from getting sick.

Da z a a l s o e x pl a i ne d t he terms “home quarantine� and PAGE B3

By Grace O

Chicken Soup University of Nebraska researchers tested a dozen brands of chicken soup and found that practically all of them blocked the migration of LQĂ DPPDWRU\ ZKLWH FHOOV

Soup

7EV IUHVK JLQJHU FXW LQWR À QH VWULSV 1 Tbs. fresh garlic, diced ½ onion, diced 2 lb. whole chicken, skin removed and cut LQWR SLHFHV þ WVS ZKLWH SHSSHU

Tea Green tea contains polyphenols, which are 1 Tbs. sea salt antioxidants.

FXSV ZDWHU

FXSV FKRSSHG VSLQDFK NDOH RU ERN

Yogurt choy, or moringa leaves Bacterial cultures found in yogurt help to keep your intestinal tract free of disease causing Directions germs, aiding digestion and boosting immunity. 1. In an enamel casserole dish, heat oil and

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Oats, Barley & Wheat Germ heat until the vegetables start to soften, According to a Norwegian study, oats and about 5 minutes.

EDUOH\ FRQWDLQ EHWD JOXFDQ D W\SH RI À EHU ZLWK 2. Add chicken pieces, white pepper and antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities. )LVK DQG 6KHOOÀ VK Oysters, lobsters, crabs, and clams contain VLJQLÀ FDQW DPRXQWV RI WKH WUDFH HOHPHQW selenium, which is protective against cancer and helps white blood cells produce cytokines Mushrooms When you eat mushrooms, your body puts to work their ability to absorb and eliminate toxins.

sea salt to season. Cook chicken in the casserole dish (uncovered) until it is half cooked, about 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Add the 8 cups of water, cover and simmer about 25 to 30 minutes.

4. Add green leafy vegetables as desired— spinach, bok choy, kale (chopped), or moringa leaves 5. Check broth and season with more salt and pepper if desired.

ABOUT GRACE O

GRACE O is the creator of FoodTrients, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. She is the author of two award-winning cookbooks—The Age Gracefully Cookbook and The Age Beautifully Cookbook, which recently won Gourmand’s ‘Best in the World’ Award for Innovation. She is a fusion chef with a mission to deliver delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry.

Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com

PNB waives remittance charges

THE Philippines’ fifth largest lender, Philippine National Bank (PSE: PNB), is waiving the remittance fees for various channels through May 8, 2020.

The waiver applies to money transfers that will be credited to personal deposit accounts with PNB in the Philippines.

PNB President and CEO Wick Veloso said the bank is committed to make remittance convenient and hassle-free for customers. “Waiving the remittance fees is a big help to our kababayans who send cash to their loved ones in our country,� Veloso said. “So starting April 9, Araw ng Kagitingan, through May 8, we would like to do our own simple part in helping them. They are our selfless heroes.�

He adds, “This is especially needed now that the entire world is coping with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.�

The waiver covers over-the-

counter transactions done at the following PNB overseas branches: Los Angeles, Guam, Singapore, Japan, Global Hong Kong, Canada (through PNBRemittance Company Canada) and Europe. For PNB Europe, remittance fees are also waived for the Web Remit and Phone Remit channels.

Mail-in remittance is covered by the waiver in the areas of New York and Japan. For Japan, remittance fees are also waived when done via ATMs of Mizuho Bank and Japan Postal Bank.

Remittances done through PNB Global Remit (PNB Remittance Centers, Inc.) branches are also free of charge when done over-the-counter and via Web Remit and Phone Remit.

Meanwhile, users of Xchanged mobile remittance app in USA and Guam can avail of free remittance for their first two transactions. XChanged clients can use the following codes: XCHFREE for USA and

BEATCOVID for Guam.

Earlier last month, PNB also waived the transaction fees for local money transfer done via Instapay and PESONet. Clients are encouraged to regularly visit PNB’s official Facebook page (@PNBph) for updates on the latest news and promos.

Philippine National Bank is one of the country’s largest private universal banks in terms of assets and deposits. It provides a full range of banking and other financial services to its highly diverse clientele comprised of individual depositors, small and medium enterprises, domestic and international corporations, government institutions, and overseas Filipinos. Backed by over a century of stability and excellence, PNB looks forward to more years of serving its customers first. To know more about PNB, visit its official website: www.pnb.com.ph.

(Advertising Supplement)

Gabbi, Khalil creatively cope with separation during quarantine

By Cha Lino Inquirer.net

WHILE some people are separated from their loved ones during the quarantine brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, actors and real-life couple Khalil Ramos and Gabbi Garcia came up with a new way to be reminded of each other while they are apart.

With the help of the video conferencing app Zoom, Ramos captured Garcia posing in the unlikeliest of places and joining him in mundane activities at home, as seen on their respective Instagram accounts on Wednesday, April 22. “So since @khalilramos and I are apart for the lockdown, we thought of something we could do to exercise our creativity at home!� she said.

The actress also encouraged their followers to tag them if they decide to make their own quarantine photos.

For the couple’s “lockdown series,� Ramos stood behind the lens and used a tablet computer to show Garcia in different scenarios. In one photo, Garcia

Gabbi Garcia as the subject of Khalil Ramos’s photo series.

was virtually able to enjoy a cool beverage in what appears to be an outdoor garden.

Garcia appeared to beat the summer heat by being placed around frozen goods. Despite not being able to go to the beach, the actress appeared as if she is getting some splash of water in what seems to be the shower.

Ramos also showed one of his works which he called “Touching hands� via his Instagram account on the same

Photo from Instagram/@gabbi

day. Ramos’s project shows six hands holding up the tablet, displaying Garcia as she posed with her hands held dramatically.

To help with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the celebrity couple also spearheaded a fundraiser for hospital workers in Ospital ng ParaĂąaque and Pasay City General Hospital. The couple provided food, PPE and other necessities to their chosen beneficiaries through their initiative #PayItForward.

Darren reflects on being half...

Stay Well with These Super Flu-Fighting Foods I am just too busy to get sick, so I pay special attention to what I eat. My father was a doctor in Southeast Asia and he always said that if you are in general good health, get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water and wash your hands frequently, you’re doing a lot to prevent a nasty FDVH RI WKH à X Here are some immune-boosting foods that are great for keeping your immune system strong against common viruses. Some may Asian-Style Chicken be familiar—like your grandmother’s home remedies. However, there is science behind Ingredients 2-3 Tbs. olive or vegetable oil many of them.

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

PAGE B1 age. Especially in that era, and even today, when there are still talents who pass themselves as white out of “career necessity.� “Identity and terminology—it’s a new concept that I’ve had to learn,� admitted Darren, who is himself half Filipino and half white, in a recent exclusive interview via video conference. He has proudly acknowledged his Filipino heritage in the past and once addressed a controversy on this topic when he was misquoted. “It has always been an interesting point of conversation that I’ve gotten more familiar with in the past two or three years,� the multitalented performer said. “Because I have a public profile, I have to worry about the term ‘white passing.’ It was something that I was not familiar with because I guess I never really felt that way.�

In Darren and Ryan’s riveting follow-up to their “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,� which netted Emmy and Golden Globe Awards honors, including historic best actor wins for the former, it’s post-World War II in Tinseltown.

The limited series follows a group of actors and filmmakers, including Darren’s Raymond Ainsley, as they try to make it in Hollywood, where the unfair systems and biases across race, gender and sexuality are still very much in place.

It was a time when the likes of Anna May Wong (the first Chinese-American film star), Hattie

McDaniel (the first person of color to win an Oscar) and a closeted Rock Hudson dealt with many obstacles. The drama also occasionally pivots around Golden Tip Gas, based on a real gas service station in Hollywood which had pump jockeys who “serviced� celebrities, many of whom were hiding their sexuality.

Darren’s Raymond is an upcoming director, fresh out of film school, who is dreaming of making his first film. Although he “passes� for white, the half-Filipino filmmaker Raymond aspires to broaden the stories that Hollywood tells.

While the eight-episode series tackles the sexism, racism and homophobia of the ’40s, “Hollywood� intentionally features revisionist history, including “a beautiful fantasy, a happy ending�—in the words of Jeremy Pope, who plays Archie Coleman, a “colored� screenwriter also trying to make it.

It’s all in keeping with what Ryan said to Darren over dinner when they planned their next project after “Versace.� The prolific director-producer wanted a “young, hopeful period piece.�

The entire cast is terrific, an engaging mix of new and veteran actors. Aside from Darren and Jeremy, the show’s roster includes Patti LuPone, Jim Parsons, Dylan McDermott, Michelle Krusiec (moving as Anna May Wong), David Corenswet, Laura Harrier, Samara Weaving, Holland Taylor, Jake Picking (as Rock Hudson),

Queen Latifah, Mira Sorvino and Rob Reiner.

In this mix, most of the characters are somehow involved in “Peg,� a movie which Darren’s Asian-American director is trying to make, against all odds. Darren, who was eager as an actor to explore what it means for somebody who passes as white, reflected on the topic. “I just was always Filipino and white,� Darren began talking about the issue. He was at his home in LA, self-quarantining with his wife, Mia. “I was always both. I never thought about it as a concept that you could be passing (as white). That it was a concept that could somehow give one more access to things than others. “I started realizing that maybe there are inbuilt unfortunate prejudices that restrain those people from opportunities that they should otherwise have. “I feel the survivor’s guilt more recently than ever. Because you think of a lot of any historically marginalized people. If you have this access card, how do you use it in a way that can be advantageous for the other part of you that represents the marginalized group? “Doing these interviews made me think about how Ryan has a very similar construct, which is being a young gay, closeted kid in a small town in Indiana. It’s an incredible amount of adversity to overcome personally and socially.

PAGE B4

Dimples expresses admiration for...

PAGE B1 Locsin carrying Alonzo, Romana’s son. The “Kadenang Ginto� star recalled how Locsin offered to babysit Alonzo back when he was still a baby so that Romana and her husband, Boyet Ahmee, could go out on a date.

While Locsin is constantly seen in public due to her COVID-19 initiative with Romana and their other friends, UniTENTweStandPH, Romana clarified that Locsin never helped people for the sake of prestige and soliciting admiration. “Ang nakikita nila ngayon ay lahat ng pagtulong mo para sa napakaraming pamilya,� Romana said. “Kung nakita nila lahat ng nakita kong ginawa mo sa iba pang tao, Mas lalo ka pa nilang

mamahalin. Pero kasi Ikaw hindi mo iniisip yun eh.�

(They now see all the help you are giving to many families.

If they only saw everything I saw you doing for other people, they would love you even more, but you never think of those things.) “Ang gusto mo lang lagi tutulong ka,� she added. “Ang gusto mo yung Walang nakakaalam.�

(You only want to help and you want it done anonymously.)

Romana wished Locsin would have more time to rest, eat and sleep during her special day. She also hoped that Locsin would create more memories with her fiance, Neil Arce, and her family and friends.

Locsin responded to Romana’s touching message, expressing

how grateful she is to have Romana as her friend. “Mars, between the two of us, you’re [always, always] the bigger person and I’m so grateful for having you in my life,� Locsin said. “Ikaw nga diba ang totoong superwoman (You are the real superwoman).�

Romana has also previously explained why Locsin and the rest of their team in UniTENTweStandPH have been tirelessly updating the public about their efforts on social media.

Because their initiative is fundraising in nature and involves numerous donors, keeping the public informed and staying transparent about their expenses is a part of their responsibility as its organizers, she said.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 25-28, 2020

B

Subaru of Glendale continues to serve local community DESPITE these unprecedented times, Subaru of Glendale remains open to serve the local community of greater Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

Though the showroom along Brand Blvd. is closed to walk-in traffic, the Sales Department is offering customers a chance to browse car deals through appointment only or online shopping options.

“In order to protect you, your family and our team members, Subaru of Glendale will be conducting all business in absolute compliance with the CDC guidelines so your customer experience feels as safe as possible,”

the dealership said.

The new hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

For the first time, Subaru is offering 0% financing on 5 models: Ascent, Outback, Forester, Impreza and Legacy.

For less than $200 a month, customers can lease a 2020 Subaru Forester CTV with Alloy Wheel Package ($179 + tax) for 36 months at 10,000 miles a year. Another great deal is the 2020 Subaru Impreza CVT for $119 plus tax per month. These are among the specials the dealership extends for the month of April.

The dealership is also offering no payments for 90 days on all new and used vehicles in stock.

Beyond cars, Subaru of Glendale is fulfilling its Subaru Love Promise by supporting the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank as part of a donation of 1,280,750 meals to help those in need during this time.

Subaru of Glendale remains the #1 Subaru dealer in the United States based on the sales report for new car sales for 2019.

To browse offerings, please visit https://www.subaruofglendale.net/ or call Sales at (855) 230-1547.

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ADMITTING TO DRUG USE RESULTED IN LIFETIME BAN FROM ENTERING THE U.S.! Junior (left) was looking forward to joining his wife, Marissa (center), in the U.S. Marissa filed the petition and all the necessary paperwork was in order, including an interview at the U.S. Embassy.

However, they received the news that Junior was banned from entering the U.S. for life due to drug use. The couple was heartbroken.

They were wondering if Marissa had to give up a good job in the U.S. just to be with Junior back in the Philippines. Marissa consulted one other lawyer, who gave up based on the medical documents from St. Luke’s, saying they could not defend Junior’s case. Fortunately, friends and family have seen an episode of Citizen Pinoy where the case was like Junior’s. A consultation with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel provided hope and the much-anticipated reconsideration and visa issuance. See how a couple is finally reunited for good on an all-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

A wife is finally reunited with her husband in US after his ‘lifetime ban’ for admitting drug use was lifted on a brand-new Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

THIS case involved persuading the U.S. Embassy to reconsider a lifetime ban from entering the U.S. for admitting drug use. Junior was petitioned by his wife, Marissa, in 2004. The petition was approved, and he had undergone all the processing, including medicals at St. Luke’s and an interview at the Embassy.

However, while waiting for the visa, they received the devastating news that Junior was

banned for life from entering the U.S. because he admitted, to the doctors at St. Luke’s, he had used drugs year ago. The couple was heartbroken.

Marissa decided to consult with another lawyer, who eventually gave up based on the medical documents from St. Luke’s, saying they could not defend Junior’s case.

Fortunately, friends and family had seen an episode of Citizen Pinoy where the case was like

Junior’s. The couple consulted with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel and they learned that there may be hope even if one has admitted to drug use in the past.

Watch how the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to convince the Embassy to reconsider and issue the visa, on a brand-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Isabelle creates ‘animated...

PAGE B2 “physical distancing” in the simplest of ways.

Her a n i mated c ha r ac ter s assu r ed k id s t hat t he lockdown is temporary.

She acknowledged friends a nd fa m i ly member s who

helped her w it h t he d ig ita l book : Tr i st a n Yapc h iongco for the animation; artist Jewies A r t Space for t he i l lust rat ion; Joe Da za P uyat for sound for design; Billie Puyat Murga for fact checking and gat her i ng; and aut hor Ni na

Da za Puyat for t he Fi l ipi no translation.

The daughter of Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, Daza married French businessman Andrien Semblat in September 2016 and gave birth to Baltie in April 2018.

B4 APRIL 25-28, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Darren reflects on being half...

PAGE B2 So, once he grew to accept this and made it part of his strength, he got to a point where he could break through barriers perhaps by way of him being a man, perhaps by way of him being white.

“Ever since he broke through those barriers, he’s been using his position to be an advocate for the queer community, women, people who have been marginalized in any way, shape or form.”

After apologizing for step-

ping away from his desk to open the door for someone, Darren continued, “Similarly, Raymond has been doing that. Like Ryan, Raymond has been fueled by the things that he used to be scared of, or have shame of. He has turned it around, and owned it to make sure that he can use that as fuel for his sort of social justice crusade.”

Darren, who grew up in San Francisco with a Filipino mom and an American dad, pointed out,

“That is a very different scenario than what I grew up with, obviously. I grew up in a predominantly Filipino community in the Bay Area. It was a part of my life that I always felt supported.

“When I was in high school, with a lot of Filipino kids, when they’d find out I was Filipino, they would be like, ‘No way!’ It’s the kind of thing that I always loved.

I’d be more willing to shove my white background aside in order to tell people I was Filipino. I’m very lucky that my scenario was different.

“Ryan wanted to show that very unique story, because being half anything is a very unique identity.

Not struggle, but a constant question. Anybody who’s half or mixed race will tell you that everyone’s experience is different.

“That was a part of me in the same way that Ryan likes characters who have a queer narrative or women who have a narrative of being mistreated because they were older, or people of color. I was just a small piece of a large puzzle that contributed to the types of people that were trying to push the needle forward. In Ryan’s mind, it would have been a shame to ignore the fact that I was half Asian.”

“Hollywood,” shot in LA’s landmarks from Paramount Studios to the iconic Musso & Frank Grill, also marks the first time Darren serves as an executive producer of a major production. “I’ve produced stuff in so far as I had a theater company and a production company out of college,” he clarified. “But that’s a very loose title. It was just me and my friends putting on a show. It doesn’t have the same flash on it that a Netflix show does. I’m also the creator and exec producer of my show (‘Royalties’ on Quibi).

“I finished that show, then I went straight into ‘Hollywood.’ I was on postproduction for ‘Royalties’ at the same time I was shooting ‘Hollywood.’ It’s been probably one of the most packed, overworked years of my entire life.

“Ryan was very gracious to include me with that title. He was receptive to my feedback, but for the most part, I stayed back and let Ryan do his thing.

“He called me early on saying, ‘Do you mind if I just do my thing on this?’ I was like, ‘No, of course not. This is your project. I’m just grateful and lucky to be a part of it.’”

MOONLIGHTING

by MYLAH DE

LEON

SPRING has sprung. It is upon us in a scent that grows deeper, dizzying, and improbable.

It is too heady and too provocative to be diminished. Seeping through open windows, under doors, as you slip out of a doorway or slide out of a car. There it is—a scent that dominates the air, your bed and clothes. It’s so dense that you can taste it. The food for the gods, Ambrosia rising, within and without.

Walking along a tree-lined street — as the moon begins to rise — one stops for a moment to take a deep breath. The scents of orange and honey are suddenly everywhere —sweet and floral, as if they were showers, or the breeze of an April day. As if we hear the songs of the seraphim or a remembered voice, softly speaking words of strength into an ear.

Look around. One moment, it is a tree of rather innocuous, dark green leaves, then it becomes covered with clusters of small creamy blossoms, in a transformation as sudden as first love.

The flowers release their strongest fragrance at night, moving alone and separate from the sun-lit scents of winter-blooming jasmines, in calculated seduction, with its nocturnal redolence.

In the valley, the fruit trees have sprouted blossoms of pink and white. The coastal hills have turned, as they do this time of the year, to a peculiar and almost too vivid shade of green. Even late storms come along right on cue, to

The flowers of spring

wash away any premature fretting and drought.

Suddenly, the most gorgeous and startling flora has sprung— from the sedated camellia, the brazen hibiscus, flaming bougainvilleas frothing in every corner, sultry jasmines and the outrageous birds of paradise, all vivid and glorious.

How frequently we take them for granted, the palms that sweep the sky, that sky so bright and high.

And as the scents of the spring flowers surround us in surrender, our heads fall back and our shoulders loosen. Let those hands rise from our side, as we stand beneath the heaven and receive, just for a moment, the breath of angels.

In a calculated seduction, its nocturnal redolence suggests seeking the first kiss, the silken pillow, the foaming bath shared and then abandoned, for the implication of tastier things to come.

Then that dash for the warm covers where underneath, every blast of heaven howled and whistled all night!

It is so easy to take things, especially beautiful things, for granted.

It is easy to point out what’s wrong with where we live—the traffic, the noise and the scandals, the meltdown mortgages and failing power grids. It is so easy to see only the concrete and billboards of Southern California and the crowd and the sprawl. It is easy to let our lives become overwhelmed with things-to-do. And to that list, add our parents, our children. People who are always in pursuit of a deeper purpose in life that assures us not everyone wants something for another and that there are lots of gifts left in life.

An imaginer by trade, weaver of tales, of people and street corners,

of dreams and nightmares of hope, and in spring… well, flowers.

Yes, flowers. There are always flowers. Roses, lilacs, daffodils, petunia, gladiolas. They bloom easily in the sun-lit gardens of Southern California. But we have also seen them against fences and curbs, singly or in bunches.

I wrote about flowers on the beach once, at the foot of a cliff, where two very young girls threw themselves to their death.

I wrote about flowers at a curb, where nine families (each of which lost loved ones) decimated by a car accident, were erased as quickly as sketches on a drawing pad. They were on their way to a pilgrimage!

Further south, many moons ago, remember the tale of Santana High—an ordinary school in an ordinary town on an ordinary day, rocketed to the front page by an ordinary boy with an ordinary gun.

Mounds of flowers mark the school and dab at the corners of our conscience like a Monet painting—full of blended colors of sadness, subtle hues and grim news.

We look, gasp in horror and turn away, Yet the images of the stricken faces of the young, superimposed over the images of flowers will endure, long after the weeping chills of winter has truly vanished. It will endure for a thousand years to come, as they ponder us.

But today, we stop and breathe.

Because there it is—that scent of hope, love and lust.

Inevitable, inexorable spring... the land’s perpetual gift of sudden grace! *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol.com.

Jericho auctions ‘sentimental’ items to benefit displaced film workers

2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In his Instagram post, Drew said the winning bidders get T V h o s t D r e w A r e l l a n o a proof of donation from the raised P73, 800 after auction- recipients themselves. ing off fellow actor Jericho RoLockdown Cinema Club is a sales’ “sentimental motorcycle coalition of independent Filigear and other cool stuff ” in an pino filmmakers who wish to online bidding for the benefit reach and help their colleagues of Lockdow n Ci nema C lub, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. wh ic h suppor t s 1, 50 0 f i l m The club aims to raise funds workers displaced by the on- for daily wage film industr y Photo from Instagram/ going Luzon lockdown due to workers in the country. @jerichorosalesofficial the novel coronavirus disease PAGE B5

by DENI ROSE M. AFINIDAD-BERNARDO Philstar.com

Jericho Rosales

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 25-28, 2020

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The exquisite bliss of Trump administration announces solitude according to Cherie suspension of entry of immigrants by

Pablo a. Tariman Philstar.com

CHERIE Gil spent a quiet New Year alone in Manila but when Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash, she decided to head back to New York to see her family.

She planned to stay for a week but extended it to a couple of weeks. “I haven’t seen them for almost seven months and I realized that life is so fleeting. It was time well spent with them and much needed.”

Before the prolonged quarantine, she was supposed to start taping for a soap with GMA and a role in a new Mike de Leon project. Then she flew back to Manila just in time when the threat of COVID-19 became too real to be ignored.

Her maid had to go back to her family.

Then she found herself alone. She had to keep the house, do the cooking herself, and found more time to reflect.

Going through the past chapters of her life, she thought it was like rewinding a movie in her mind.

“I think I went as far as my childhood! The memories just flashed through differently on a daily basis.”

Then it dawned on her that this crisis was one good way of going back to ourselves.

“This is what this is all about and what it’s meant to be — to reassess ourselves, our values, our actions, our connections and our behaviors in life and to others. A time to reflect on all that matters and what doesn’t.

Sometimes, I wonder if the past is more important than the future and then realizing, that now is the only thing that we can control.”

Before the enhanced quarantine, she headed to a Batangas town by the sea and renewed her ties with Mother Earth by doing some gardening with her friend. “I was at the beach and I can’t tell you how fortunate I was to be there with two of my good lady friends. We decided to be proactive. We built a veggie garden at the back of the house. We were starting a new project that kept me hopeful each morning, something that mattered, and watch grow.

A symbol of hope. I believe strongly that this may very well be the ‘new normal’ — going back to basics and being food secure and self-sufficient.”

Then, the bad news filtered back to her about friends and colleagues hit by the virus. The death of playwright Terrence McNally due to COVID-19 hit her hard. MacNally was the author of the acclaimed play, Master Class, where she played

Cherie Gil

Maria Callas in two memorable Manila revivals in 2008 and 2010.

Some years back, she personally saw the playwright in the commemoration ceremony in a New York university where her daughter, Bianca, (also into theater) graduated. “He was almost 90 by then and on a wheelchair with an oxygen tank attached. The man, the artist, the creator of amazing stories and complex characters has lived a fulfilled, amazing life.

I would imagine that he probably didn’t mind moving on this way, as dramatic as his plays.

It made his passing away even more poignant and connected to one of the most terrifying and uncertain periods in our history. He has given us so much in his long full life. And now, with all due respect, he deserves to rest in peace.”

The exquisite bliss of solitude also dawned on her. “I am cherishing it all. I finally hear the birds chirping on my eightfloor balcony in this concrete jungle called Metro Manila.

I never even took the time to listen till now. The lessons?

It’s clearly knowing that life is just so fleeting. That we can be sucked out from this earth anytime and for whatever reason.

To seize every moment is what I have learned. Not to think things too much. To be in the moment of what our true human natures are called for.”

But alone in a house and doing the daily chores by herself was also another source of self-awakening. “I have been tending to myself. I do daily

ON April 22, 2020, President Trump issued a Proclamation that prevents certain individuals with immigrant visas from entering the United States beginning April 24, 2020. The proclamation is valid for 60 days, or June 23, 2020.

The proclamation targets both employment-based and family-based immigrant visas.

The proclamation does not affect immigrant visa processing for anyone in the United States.

Individuals who are currently in the US and are eligible for permanent residency should continue to apply. The proclamation also does not affect non-immigrant visas or the entry of any non-immigrant visa holders to the US. It does, however, require a review of non-immigrant programs to be conducted within 30 days, so restrictions for travel under a non-immigrant visa is likely in the near future.

The Proclamation only applies to immigrant visas issued on or after April 24, 2020. InPhoto from Instagram/@macherieamour dividuals with immigrant visas chores my helper used to do. I issued prior to April 24, 2020, do it now for myself. That is a may still use that visa to enter part of self-care, too. I do it to the US during the suspension honor the hard work she has period.

For immigrant visas issued given me for 10 years, but now on or after April 24, 2020, the she had to be with her family.

Now I appreciate her more than proclamation directs the Deever. I lived away for 12 years partment of State (DOS) to imand I had to do it for my fam- mediately suspend the entry of ily and children. Why not for immigrants into the US in two myself, too? I’ve begun to learn broad categories. All employto cook different recipes. One of these days when things go back to normal, I can expertly cook for my children and a few very good friends. I am actually enjoying it. More than ever, I have become more connected to my truth than to my ego by niña Guno which used to take center stage Inquirer.net in my daily grind as an actress and being a public persona. FiALTERNATIVE rock singers nally, I don’t care what clothes Kitchie Nadal, Barbie Almalbis I wear. I look at my closet and and Aia de Leon are set to reutell myself, ‘What the hell am I nite for an online concert to aid gonna do with all these shoes music-venue workers. and clothes now?’ They don’t The three will perform together matter at all anymore. I can in “Secrets: III” on May 1, 8 p.m., only cherish moments, memo- they announced on Wednesday, ries, pictures and writings and April 22, on their Facebook page. books that are closest to my The concert will be streamed live heart. And the fact that I and on the said page. my family are well, healthy and Produced by Gabi Na Naman breathing.”

Productions, the fundraiser aims True, she has started to cher- to help displaced workers of ish and value the peace and solitude of not being watched, judged and trying to be more than herself. Many times in her solitude, she has listened to a video of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony as played by members of the Rotterdam Philharmonic.

Getting the message of hope of the music, she can hardly wait to take the first plane to New York to be with her children.

he remains creative and true to who he is, Echo repl ied, “When you’re true to yourself, it’s not really a problem to be creative. Things just naturally come i n, and you’ l l be surprised to have a lot of options.

That’s how it has been it for the last two decades.”

Jericho has played many film and TV roles, but if he were to choose one that he would always go back to as it left such a huge impact on him, Echo said that it would probably be the role of Lieutenant Ricarte in Marilou Díaz-Abaya’s “Bagong Buwan.”

“O n e s c en e t h at h a s a l ways stuck with me was when he was shouting, ‘Ceasefire!

Ceasefire!’ To me it was his call for peace. It had so much to say about our society and t he world t hat we’re l iv i ng in.”

Recently, Echo’s latest film, “Basu rero,” made its world prem iere i n compet it ion i n October 2019 at the 24th annual Busan International Film Festival in South Korea where Asian Fi lm Fest ivals named it one of “10 short films you cannot miss.”

The film continued its critical ly-acclaimed fest ival r un i n compet it ion at t he 50 t h annual Tampere Film Festival last March 4 to 8 in Tampere, Finland. Tempere is among the most important short film fests i n Eu rope, at t r act i ng more than 30,000 attendees.

“Basurero” marks the directorial debut of Filipina-American filmmaker Eileen Cabiling, who also penned the original shor t sc r eenpl ay. T he f i l m also includes Jae-Hyuk Lee as director of photography. Lee was the lighting director for the Korean unit of “Okja” and “Black Panther.”

A poetic, neo-realist, short film, “Basurero” tells the story of an urban Manila fisherman, Bong (Rosales), who, with few fish left in the sea, struggles

Atty. RichARd M. Loew And Atty. ALLison Aquino-siLvA ment-based immigrant visas are suspended, except in the EB-5 investor category and those performing work in the medical field. All family-based immigrant visas are suspended, except those for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of US citizens. This means that all family preference category visas are suspended, including visas for parents of US citizens, spouses and children of permanent residents, and adult children of US citizens.

While the EO seems highly restrictive, it comes during a time when the immigration process for most cases abroad had already come to a standstill.

Most US Embassies had already stopped conducting any visa interviews due to the pandemic, with no indication as to when they would resume. The Northern and Southern borders of the US are currently closed through May 22. The concern with the EO going forward, however, is that it may give anti-immigration hardliners in the administration the opportunity to continue to prevent legal immigration indefinitely. Although

the suspension is initially for 60 days, it can be extended.

The President argues that the restrictions are needed to protect American jobs. Given the current shutdowns and the likelihood that they will last through the end of May, the reasoning falls flat. Immigrant visas have already been effectively curtailed through the shutdowns.

More importantly, because of the shutdowns, many jobs have been cut. It is hard to understand what jobs legal immigrants are going to take, when 22 million workers have filed for unemployment since March.

On average, only about 40,000 immigrant visas are issued each month. The President is using the pandemic to scapegoat legal immigrants for the administrations mishandling of the crisis.

It is important to keep in mind that the proclamation only affects processing by the DOS, which handles visa issuance overseas. It does not affect any functions performed

by USCIS or other agencies in the US. Petitions, both employment-based and family-based, can and should continue to be filed with USCIS as that agency continues to adjudicate those petitions.

Immigrants must continue to persist in pursuing their legal rights to lawfully enter and live in the United States.

Families will continue to seek to be united with their loved ones, PAGE B8

Kitchie, Barbie and Aia to reunite for online concert

Jericho auctions ‘sentimental’ items...

PAGE B4 Wor ker s a f fec te d by t he crisis include crew members, electricians, caretakers, camera men, artists, post-production assistants and ever yone who is vital in creating a film.

Majority of them are freelancers and are compensated on a per project basis.

To raise funds, directors, w r iters, producers, cinematog r apher s, product ion designers, production managers, film editors and film students will showcase their best works online and for free via https:// giff.ph /watch /.

Film enthusiasts and audiences from all walks of life can visit the page to stream, enjoy their favorite films and take part in raising funds through donations via GCash.

A s of Apr i l 7, t he i n it iative has extended aid to over 1,000 f ilm workers, according to Globe, which supports the cause. The goal is to raise P3 million in the succeeding weeks of the extended ECQ. Jericho on finding the right balance Since winning the title “Mr. Pog i ” i n 1996, Jer icho has grown before the eyes of millions of Filipinos. Today, apart from being a full-f ledged actor, Echo is also a noted singer, established businessman and a loving husband, among other real life roles he plays.

Along with being committed to his craft and personal life, t he f irst Great Taste Brow n Barako coffee endorser makes it a point to live a meaningful, well-balanced life. His lengthy showbiz stint has taught him t he va lue of pu r su i ng h is career along w it h ot her endeavors to keep his passions af lame.

A s a mu lt it a lented a r t ist who spent most of his young adult years in the limelight, Echo has explored different directions before he met himself holistically. Sharing how

AmericAn DreAm

to survive. Desperate for cash, he f i nds h i msel f embroi led in a dangerous undertaking, caught in the net of the country’s unrestrained and violent war on drugs.

Wit h nowhere to tur n, he becomes a “ basurero” (garbage man ), work i ng i n t he anonymity of night to dump the bodies of drug dealers and user s k i l led by aut hor it ies, that they call “trash.” Wracked with guilt and fear, Bong feverishly seeks a way out.

“Basurero,’ said Cabiling, is a fictional expose inspired by actual events — with human rights groups putting the death toll as high as 27,000 s i nc e 2 0 16 — a n d a s to r y a nony mou sl y r el ated to A l Ja z eer a by F i l ipi no f i sher men, who told of widespread human rights abuses among the nation’s most vulnerable in an unprecedented and unchecked crackdown, with officials “playing both sides of the drugs war.”

His role in “Basurero,” said Echo, is not far from who he is in real life.

As one who loves the beach and surfing, Jericho has done severa l coasta l clea nups i n various areas nationwide together with partner organizations.

W hen asked if he has any advocacies he feels strongly about, Echo proudly shared, “It’s a lot of things, and one concern is the environment.”

A lt hough for h i m, one should first be a person who ca r es, befor e becom i ng a n advocate.

“I guess, the greatest advocacy that I have is just care. We can do so many things, but it’s all deeply-rooted in caring and loving,” Echo said.

“It may not look like it’s a lot , but bei ng m i nd f u l a nd lear ning how to coex ist encompasses ever y t h i ng, a nd that alone makes a great difference.”

Metro Manila music venues. Like other businesses, these music spaces have been shuttered during the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

The digital concert is the third in their “Secrets” concert series, which began in 2016. Their last concert together, “Secrets: The Repeat,” was in 2017.

Prior to pursuing solo careers, the women each made waves as vocalists of OPM bands in the mid-2000s: De Leon was a member of Imago, Nadal of Mojofly and Almalbis, Barbie’s Aia de Leon, Kitchie Nadal and Barbie Almalbis Cradle.

Photo from Facebook/@aiabarbiekitchie

B APRIL 25-28, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Tax Tips Victor Sy, cPA, MBA & roger L. orieL WHAT should I do to receive the stimulus check?

None. You don’t need to do anything. The IRS will calculate and automatically send your economic impact payment.

How will the IRS know my information?

If you have already filed your 2019 tax returns, the IRS will use this information to calculate your payment. If you have not yet filed your 2019 returns, IRS will use your 2018 tax returns.

What if I’m a senior and didn’t file either 2018 or 2019 tax returns:?

IRS will use information on your Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 to generate your stimulus check. This applies to senior citizens, Social Security recipients and railroad retirees who are not required to file tax returns.

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

Q&A: Coronavirus pandemic Trump issues executive order pausing certain green cards for 60 days simplified update Part 2 of 2

How would the IRS know of my dependents if I didn’t file tax returns?

IRS would not know. They would have no information regarding your dependents. You won’t receive additional $500 for your dependents. Go to IRS website as explained below.

Where can I get more information?

Go to IRS.gov/coronavirus.

Do not call. The IRS is understaffed and is deluged with telephone calls. This situation is quite fluid as the Department of Treasury works on detailed regulations. Rules are still being drawn so be patient as you are with your spouse and children.

The law is so new that provisions of the Economic Impact Payments are still being interpreted. Democrats interpret it one way, Republicans another way; but mind you, they always

flavor their tweets and media releases with “For The American People.” At the end of the day, we truly appreciate their efforts to contain this pandemic that affects our daily lives now and the future. *** 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 in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

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Extension of status due to COVID-19 Tapat Sa Batas Atty. rheA SAMSon KINIKILALA ng USCUS na ang COVID-19 pandemic ay nakapagdulot na ng maraming immigration-related challenges. May mga dayuhan o nonimmigrants na walang balak na magtagal sa US o manatili sa US lampas ng petsa ng kanilang authorized period of stay. Ngunit hindi makaalis ang mga dayuhang ito dahil sa COVID-19.

Ayon sa USCIS, kung ito ang sitwasyon ng dayuhan, ang mga sumusunod ang kanilang maaaring gawin: Mag-apply Extension o Change of Status: Upang maiwasan ang overstay sa U.S., ang dayuhan ay maaaring mag-file ng I-539 Application to Extend Status (para sa extension of stay o “EOS”) o application to change status (“COS”) sa iba pang nonim-

EMPLOYMENT

migrant category. Bagama’t sarado ang mga USCIS office hanggang Mayo 3, 2020 para sa mga in-person interview at biometrics appointment, ang USCIS ay patuloy na tumatanggap ay nagpo-proseso ng mga application at petition, katulad ng EOS at COS. Kung ang EOS/COS application ay timely filed at hindi frivolous at may kabuluhan, ang dayuhan ay hindi magkakaroon ng unlawful presence. Kung may mga delay sa filing dahil sa COVID-19, maaari itong palampasin ng USCIS kung ito ay dahil sa mga pambihirang kalagayan na lampas sa kontrol ng dayuhan. Susuriin ng USCIS ang bawat kaso ng dayuhan, kaya’t ang dayuhan ay kailangang magbigay ng mga kapanipaniwalang ebisensya para suportahan ang delay ng kanyang filing.

Mga Dayuhan sa Ilalim ng Visa Waiver Program (V WP): Ang mga dayuhan na nasa ilalim ng V WP (“dayuhanV WP”) ay hindi eligible para sa EOS o COS. Subalit, ayon sa current regulations, kapag may emergency situation na

nangyari at dahil dito ay hindi makaalis ng US ang dayuhanV WP, ang USCIS ay maaaring magbigay ng period of satisfactory departure hanggang 30 araw. Sinabi na ng USCIS na kasama sa emergency situation ang COVID-19. Kung ang 30 araw ay lumampas na at ang dayuhan-V WP ay hindi pa rin nakakaalis ng US dahil sa COVID-19, ang USCIS ay maaaring magbigay ng karagdagang 30 araw ng satisfactory departure. Ang dayuhanV WP ay kailangang tumawag sa USCIS Contact Center, 1800-375-5283 para humingi ng karagdagang 30 araw ng satisfactory departure.

The USCIS recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in immigration-related challenges. Some nonimmigrants may have no plans of staying in the US beyond their authorized period of stay but cannot depart due to COVID-19. According to USCIS, should this occur, the following are the options for nonimmigrants: Apply for an Extension or Change of Status: In order PAGE B8

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THE COVID-19 Pandemic and the resulting shut down of the US economy has wreaked havoc to the employment landscapre of Americans. Unemployment rates spiked to levels higher than the great recession of 2008. In response, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday April 21, 2020 that he will be placing a 60-day pause on the issuance of certain immigration green cards in an effort to limit competition for jobs in a U.S. economy wrecked by the coronavirus. Trump plans to sign the executive order on Wednesday April 22, 2020.

The purpose of this executive order was to protect American workers. According to Trump, pausing immigration will help out unemployed Americans by allowing American workers to be first in line when the economy reopens. Trump said that it would be wrong and unjust for Americans laid off by the virus to be replaced with new immigrant labor flown in from abroad.

The executive order would be focused on preventing immigrants from winning permission

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrSUA reyeS to live and work in the U.S. permanently. That would include employment-based green cards petitions and certain relatives preference petitions by green card holders. However, immediate family petitions by US Citizens such as those for spouses, parents, and minor children would still be available. In addition, the executive order would not impact foreigners that are legally inside the US on a nonimmigrant visa including temporary working visas.

Trump intends to review the executive order at the end of the 60 day pause and decide if it is necessary to extend it further.

At this point, we should await for further regulations that details out the implementation of this executive order. ***

Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a member of American Immigration Lawyers Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010.

Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com. Visit us in the web Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

Exempt property vs. property not part of the bankruptcy estate FILING a bankruptcy case creates a “bankruptcy estate.”

The estate becomes the legal owner of all of the debtor’s property while the bankruptcy is going on.

What does the estate consist of? It consists of all legal or equitable interests of the debtor in property as of the commencement of the case.

This includes property owned or held by another person if the debtor has an interest in the property. As a general rule, the creditors of debtor are paid from the non-exempt property of the estate.

For example, you own a house with $100,000 of equity when you filed for Chapter 7.

The “bankruptcy estate” will include your house including the $100,000 equity. So the question is, can you keep your house even as you file for Chapter 7 and even if you have

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng $100,000 equity in your house?

Yes, you can keep your house by exempting your equity of $100,000.

If you have another family member who lives with you in the house, and you are less than 65, then you can exempt the entire $100,000 by using CCP 704.730.

What happened was that even if your house and its equity were part of the estate, you were able to keep it out of or exempt it from the estate by invoking 704.730. So, if the Chapter 7 trustee attempts to sell your house, you can suc-

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FOR RENT

cessfully block the trustee by claiming that your house is within his jurisdiction because the house is exempt property.

The trustee is the court-appointed administrator of the “bankruptcy estate” of the debtor. His role is to identify, administer and liquidate the debtor’s non-exempt assets with the intent of maximizing the return to the debtor’s unsecured creditors. If all of the debtor’s assets are exempt or have legitimate liens on them, the trustee will file a “no asset” report with the court, and there will be no distribution of dividends to unsecured creditors. Most Chapter 7 cases of individual debtors are no asset cases.

The trustee accomplishes his or her objective by selling the debtor’s property if it is free and clear of liens, as long as PAGE B8

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Protecting employee whistleblowers in these COVID-19 times

LAST week, CNN reported that 10 nurses from Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California were placed on administrative leave for demanding N95 masks while treating COVID-19 patients. The nurses were suspended with pay for refusing to enter COVID-19 patient rooms without N95 masks. The hospital told the nurses that there were no N95 masks and instead should wear surgical masks. However, surgical masks reportedly provide less respiratory protection.

The nurses pointed out that while coronavirus unit nurses were given surgical masks, in contrast doctors and clinicians were given N95 masks. The nurses did not believe that the hospital had a limited number of N95 masks because they saw many other colleagues in other departments wear them.

When the protesting nurses continued to insist, they were suspended and sent home.

A similar scenario across the nation seems to be happening. Nurses at hospitals from California to New York

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. are calling out and protesting the lack of protective equipment and mounting toll of preventable healthcare worker deaths. Nurses and other healthcare nurses have staged protests across the nation to demand increased supplies of N95 masks, ventilators, and hospital gowns, proper training for nurses expected to provide critical care, adequate nursing staff, and temporary housing for healthcare workers to avoid risk to their household. These nurses who are protesting face the very real threat of discipline and discharge.

In California, employees have the right to refuse to perform certain work if the said conduct violates the law or puts them in a danger. Specifically, Labor Code section 6311 provides limited protection for workers

who refuse to work because of an unsafe condition in their workplace. The protection exists when both of the following conditions are met: • A worker refuses to perform work because of a violation of a Labor Code section or a Title 8 safety order; and • The Labor Code violation would create “an imminent hazard” to the worker or fellow workers.

Any worker who is laid off or discharged in violation of Labor Code section 6311 may sue for lost wages as a result of the layoff or discharge.

If an employee reports a violation or noncompliance with a state or federal law (for example, the employer is violating safety regulations) and the employer subsequently fired, suspended, demoted or in some way mistreated the employee, the employer may additionally be held liable for retaliation. Although whistleblower and retaliation claims are often discussed interchangeably, and claims brought by whistleblowers generally involve retaliation PAGE B8

Should you file bankruptcy now?

Minding Your Finances Atty. rAymond BulAon WHEN the virus makes your income disappear overnight, it can be very frightening to realize that you can’t go very long without it because your bills don’t stop just because your income did.

No one ever wants to file bankruptcy. But if you are one of the millions laid off and don’t even know whether you have a job to go back to or not, it might make sense, especially if you are overwhelmed with debt. If bankruptcy is appropriate for your situation, it can give you a sense of control during these uncertain times and help you get back on

your feet quickly when things go back to normal.

While the government is doing its best to provide safety nets during this crisis, you are still left to figure out on your own how to survive financially. Your stimulus check may be enough to keep you afloat for a month or two, but once that’s gone, you’re back in the same situation. For small businesses hoping to get a loan from the SBA, the money quickly ran out in a couple of weeks, and there has been no word if they’ll even get any money if Congress decides to provide additional funding.

If you have stopped paying your mortgage due to your lender agreeing to a temporary forbearance, you should realize that this relief is temporary, and that the money will still need to be paid back whether in payments or a lump sum. No such thing as a free lunch. Same thing applies to suspended rent payments due to

the government issuing a moratorium on evictions for the time being. Once the stay at home order is lifted, you should assume that the missed rent will be due and unless you can work something out with your landlord, you can be evicted.

The best thing you can do right now is to develop a financial strategy instead of doing nothing. Some people who call my office tell me that they are not even calling their mortgage company or the lender on their vehicle because they don’t know what to say. This is the wrong approach. It is always best to maintain communication with creditors who have quicker legal remedies than others. Your mortgage company can foreclose on your home. The lender on your car can repossess. It is important to let them know how the virus has affected your finances and see what type of assistance they PAGE B8

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 25-28, 2020

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Preventing abandonment of your green card due to travel abroad

DEAR Attorney, I am a permanent resident, and am planning to visit my loved ones in the Philippines during the holidays. I am planning to leave this week and stay in the Philippines until after the New Years.

Will I face any problems coming back to the US after being outside the country for 60 days? — E.K. Dear E.K., A green card holder can travel outside the U.S. and return with some limitations. If a green card holder is outside the US for an extended period of time, he may be considered to have abandoned his permanent resident status. Brief travel (such as your planned vacation) normally will not affect permanent resident status. In your case, you should have no issues due to the length of your stay in the Philippines when you come back to the U.S. However, abandonment of permanent resident status is a potential issue for green card holders who have to leave the U.S. for an extended period of time (over 1 year) for one

The Prophetic Voice reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAS PEACE! It’s one of the essential commodities that we need now. Unfortunately, it’s something that we cannot buy from the grocery stores or online. If we could buy it, it will run out fast like toilet paper!

How do we obtain peace during these trying times?

The Scripture Readings last Sunday on the Feast of Divine Mercy gives us some clues.

First, it’s through something free; that all of us have time to do. It’s prayer. The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles tells us that it’s what the early Christians did. They devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes.

Legal Advice Atty. dArriCk tAn reason or another, such as to finish studies or work abroad.

In such situations, how can a person avoid losing his green card?

If a person plans to be outside the U.S. for an extended period of time (over 1 year), an application for a reentry permit must be filed. A reentry permit establishes that one did not intend to abandon his green card, and it allows one to apply for admission to the U.S. after being outside the U.S. for up to 2 years without having to obtain a returning resident visa. Reentry permits are normally valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. A permanent resident can re-apply for subsequent reentry permits. Each subsequent reentry permit would be valid for 2 years.

As aforementioned, if one

is outside the U.S. for an extended period of time without a reentry permit, he may be considered to have abandoned his green card. If a permanent resident has been outside the U.S. for more than 1 year and attempts to re-enter the U.S., he may be referred to an Immigration Judge to determine whether he has abandoned his permanent resident status.

An application for reentry permit should be filed at least 60 days prior to the contemplated extended trip outside the U.S. While a person does not have to be present in the U.S. at the time his reentry permit application is approved, it is important to file it with sufficient time prior to the trip to allow time to receive the biometrics notice after the application is filed, and have biometrics taken.

An applicant must provide his biometrics while in the U.S. If an applicant leaves the U.S. before biometrics are taken, the USCIS may deny the application.

What if a permanent resident has already left the U.S. PAGE B8

Our need for peace

Yes, our temples, our churches are closed during this pandemic, and we cannot worship together. But we can have the temples of our hearts, the temples of our homes.

One of the blessings that came out of this crisis is that we learned to pray more even without being inside a church.

We pray more in our living rooms or on our beds before we close our eyes to sleep. We pray in the garden and outside while we walk around. We pray in silence and solitude. We pray more with our loved ones, which we may not have done before.

Our computers and smartphones allowed us to pray during the live streaming of masses. And although we cannot go to Confession and receive Communion, the Church has assured us that with perfect contrition and promise to go to Confession later, we receive the

absolute forgiveness of God. One of the most effective prayers that we have now is the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Every time we utter the words, “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and the whole world,” the Lord liberates us from our fears.

My friends, there is no better weapon to handle our fears and anxieties than prayer.

Second, we need to connect with one another. Isolation does not mean a lack of connection. By connection, I mean not just merely talking casually with someone. It means being vulnerable enough to share our feelings and being understanding to listen to another person’s concerns.

In the Gospel, the disciple who showed his vulnerability the most was Thomas, whom we call the Doubting Thomas.

He was not afraid to be vulnerPAGE B8

B APRIL 25-28, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Exempt property vs. property...

PAGE B6 the property is not exempt, or if it is worth more than any security interest or lien attached to the property and any exemption that the debtor holds in the property. The trustee may recover money or property under the trustee’s “avoiding” powers” (not social distancing). These “avoiding powers” include the power to set aside preferential transfers made within a certain time frame. If the transfer is made to a creditor within 90 days pre-filing, the trustee has a strong case to get the money back into the estate.

For example, a week before the debtor filed for Chapter 7, the debtor paid his friend for money that he borrowed from the friend last year in the amount of $100,000. Can trustee get the $100,000 back into the estate? Of course, he can. This is a classic example of an avoidable preferential transfer. The trustee will file an adversary case against the debtor friend to get the $100,000 back. The lawsuit is against the friend, not the debtor.

There are also transfers to insiders and related parties that are the favorite of trustees.

Normally, the trustee can go back four years pre-filing to get these properties back into the estate. For example, the debtor quitclaimed a house with $200,000 of equity to his sister three years before he filed for Chapter 7. The trustee will file an adversary case against the sister to get the house back.

Does the sister have a defense? Yes, she does have a

defense to defeat the adversary case. If the sister can prove that she paid fair market value for the property at the time that the property was transferred to her, then she can defeat the adversary and she can keep the property. Of course, she will need legal representation to do this because it goes to trial before a federal bankruptcy judge.

In reality, though, it takes a lot of money for the trustee to get a property back because the trustee has to hire a lawyer to litigate the adversary case to avoid the preferential or insider transfer. For example, the trustee may be able to sell the property for $500,000, but it will take maybe $475,000 of legal expenses to avoid the transfer. The trustee lawyers get paid, the trustee gets paid his fees, all other professionals who helped in the case get paid their fees. All professional fees get paid first from the sale proceeds. Whatever is left is distributed equally to unsecured creditors.

But what is property that is not part of the bankruptcy estate? An asset may be under the name of the debtor but the debtor merely holds the property in trust for someone else.

That asset is not part of the bankruptcy estate because the debtor has neither a legal nor equitable title to it. For example, the debtor’s parents live abroad and they ask the debtor to buy them a house in Beverly Hills for $3 million. The parents then wire transfer $3 million to the debtor’s account. That $3

million does not belong to the debtor and is not part of the bankruptcy estate. Of course, the trustee will attempt to get the $3 million, but parents will have to hire legal counsel to defeat the claim of the trustee.

The parents will win because the $3 million belongs to them, not the debtor.

If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally.

Wear a face mask and gloves for our appointment. I also wear a face mask and gloves and we will be at least 6 feet apart. I know it’s tough losing your job or having a business with no revenue. Use your credit cards and credit lines to tide yourself through these unusual times. When you need relief from accumulated debt, it’s time to see me. *** Disclaimer: The foregoing is an expression of opinion and is not meant to be legal advice to any reader. There is no attorney-client relationship established by this article with the reader. If you want to discuss your situation, you have to set an appointment to consult with Attorney Yang. The first general consultation is free. *** 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 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 or at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789.

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Preventing abandonment of your...

PAGE B7 and either has 1) been outside the U.S. for over 1 year or 2) been outside the U.S. for over 2 years with an expired reentry permit? The Department of State on its website advises to apply for a Returning Resident Visa. To qualify for a Returning Resident Visa, you must show a valid reason why your stay abroad was extended, and that the reason for the extended stay was beyond your control or for which you were not responsible. Another (perhaps better) option would be to re-enter the U.S. — if U.S. customs denies admission due to abandonment

of your green card, you will have an opportunity to argue before an immigration judge here in the U.S. that you did not abandon permanent resident status.

Obtaining a green card often is a difficult process.

For some, it takes many years. It is accordingly important to take all steps necessary to maintain permanent resident status once attained. If you plan to be away from the U.S. for an extended period of time, or have been away from the U.S. for an extended period of time without a reentry permit, or a reentry permit that

has expired, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced attorney. *** 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 Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 6390277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

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Trump administration announces...

PAGE B5 and employers will continue to seek talented immigrants to fill open job positions.

If you have not started the petition process, it is vital to move forward at this time. USCIS processing times are nine months to one year for most petitions, so it is likely that when the petition is approved, the suspensions will have expired.

If you are currently waiting for the approval of an already filed visa petition, that process will continue unaffected by this proclamation. The most impact will be felt by those whose

petitions have been approved and are only waiting for an immigrant visa appointment at the consulate. Immigrant visa appointments (except in those limited exceptions noted above) will not be moving forward until at least the end of June.

As always, we at Aquino & Loew are available to answer any questions you may have and to help you navigate this complex legal maze. Collectively, we have decades of experience in immigration law, and are singularly focused on our clients needs and the unique challenges of each case. These are dif-

ficult times in which we live but we are here to help. During the Safer at Home orders, we continue to provide consultation and services through online based technologies. *** For further information, please schedule an appointment with an attorney at Aquino & Loew, Certified Immigration Law Specialists; (888) 797-1140 or (626) 7993089; info@aquinoloew.com. Please also visit Aquino & Loew at www.aquinoloew. com, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, and read about us on Yelp. Aquino & Loew also handles family law and criminal matters. Providing Personalized Service Nationwide & Abroad Since 1996.

Extension of status due to COVID-19...

PAGE B6 to avoid overstay in the U.S., the nonimmigrant may file an I-539 Application to Extend Status (for extension of stay or EOS) or an application to change status (COS) to another nonimmigrant category.

While USCIS offices are closed until May 3, 2020 for in-person interview and biometrics appointments, USCIS continues to accept and process applications and petitions, such as EOS and COS. If the EOS/COS application is filed in a timely manner and is not frivolous, the nonimmigrant will not incur unlawful presence. For delays in filings caused by COVID-19, USCIS may excuse the failure to file on time if it was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control. USCIS will consider on a case-to-case basis the circumstances of each

applicant, and the nonimmigrant applicant must submit credible evidence to support their request. The length of delay must be commensurate with the circumstances.

Non-immigrants under Visa Waiver Program (V WP): Nonimmigrants under the V WP are not eligible for EOS or COS. However, under current regulations, if an emergency situation occurs, preventing the departure of a nonimmigrant under V WP, USCIS may, in its discretion, grant a period of satisfactory departure up to 30 days. USCIS stated that COVID-19 is considered as an emergency situation. If the 30-day period has expired and the nonimmigrant under V WP is still unable to depart because of COVID-19, USCIS may grant an additional 30day period of satisfactory departure. The nonimmigrant

under V WP should call USCIS Contact Center, 1-800-3755283 to request for additional 30-day period of satisfactory departure. *** 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 d e g re e f ro m th e Ate n e o d e M a n i la 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) 274-4561; Email: info@samsonlawfirmpc.com.

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Protecting employee whistleblowers...

PAGE B7 by an employer, there is a difference between the two types of claims. A whistleblower claim will usually involve a retaliation claim, but not necessarily the other way around.

Aside from the general Whistleblower Protection Act, California’s Healthy Safety Code also specifically provides for protections of healthcare workers who engage in whistleblowing activity and who suffer retaliation as a result. These whistleblower protections apply primarily to issues relating to the care, services, and conditions of a facility. They are not intended to conflict with existing provisions in state and federal law relating to employee and employer relations.

A health facility shall not discriminate or retaliate against an employee, member of the medical staff, or other health care worker of the health facility

because that person has done either of the following: a) Presented a grievance, complaint, or report to the facility, to an entity or accrediting agency, or the medical staff of the facility, or to any other governmental entity; or b) Has initiated, participated, or cooperated in an investigation or administrative proceeding related to the quality of care, services, or conditions at the facility that is carried out by an agency responsible for accrediting or evaluating the facility.

These are perilous times for everyone. But the persons who are most immediately in danger of contagion are the essential workers in the healthcare industry. For the healthcare workers to take care of the sick, they themselves must be protected from getting sick. Such protection must be in the form of appropriate masks and other

protective equipment that prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

When it comes to the hazards brought about by retaliation, our healthcare workers should know that the law has their back and remedies are available to them. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic.

All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact our office at (818) 291-0088 or visit our website at www.joesayaslaw.com. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has obtained multi-million dollar recoveries for 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.]

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Should you file bankruptcy...

PAGE B7 can provide even if temporary.

Remember that food and health should be at the top of your priority list. If you are fortunate enough to have a bit of savings, make sure that you only spend this on essentials for daily survival. It would not make sense to waste this money paying a bill that you could wipe out in bankruptcy if you have to file later.

Don’t assume that just because you’re now unemployed or that the fact that your hours have been cut that you will automatically qualify for bankruptcy.

The court still looks at your income for the last 6 months and if you’re likely to go back to work soon making the same amount of money, it will be tough trying

to convince the court that you have no ability to pay.

But if you are uncertain as to when and if you’d even be able to go back to work, you may have a good argument to file bankruptcy now while the timing is right. Every situation is different and must be analyzed by an experienced bankruptcy attorney.

Obviously, if now is the right time to file bankruptcy, the sooner you do it, the sooner you can rebuild your credit and get back on your feet. If you’ve hit the bottom or about to, you may be feeling a lot of stress right now like everyone. My suggestion is to take things day by day, remember that there is only so much that you can do and to be

pro-active in developing a financial strategy instead of just waiting for things to happen.

Call my office and together, we can figure out what the best strategy is for your situation.

NOTE: Due to the current lockdown order caused by COVID19, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866477-7772.

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Our need for peace...

PAGE B7 able. “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into his nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe,” he told his fellow disciples.

You might say that this is a lack of faith. But perhaps we need to understand Thomas and listen to him before judging him. He’s like anyone of us who, sometimes, experience doubt in our faith. Don’t we sometimes say, “Lord, are you listening to our prayers?”

The critical thing to do in moments of fears and doubts is to find someone to talk with and to encourage us in our faith.

One of the encouraging and relieving experiences I had during this lockdown is my connection with parishioners through zoom prayer meetings and sharing. Yesterday, I had two of these types of meetings.

Digitally we prayed together and shared our blessings and concerns. After each of these Zoom meetings, most of us felt relieved and encouraged to face another day of this pandemic.

Third, we need to distract

ourselves from listening to the news and from wallowing in fear. My friend would always tell me about it. How do we distract ourselves? It’s by doing things that we love to do, like cooking, baking, gardening, and watching inspiring movies. It’s by nurturing our creative qualities like doing some artwork.

In one of the appearances of the Risen Lord, the disciples distracted themselves by going out fishing! And it is in this work that they loved to do that Jesus appeared to them.

Fourth, destroy. Destroy the image of the triumph of death and despair in your mind. Remember that in His Divine Mercy, the Lord has promised us an eternal home with God! One of my dear priest-friends is dying of cancer. In a letter to his friends and parishioners, he shared that he is ready to meet our Creator and that he is at peace with going HOME. So, here are four suggestions to deal with fear and anxiety.

• Pray more and worry less • Connect and not isolate • Distract yourselves from worries with creative works

• Destroy any desperate images of death!

Here’s a prayer for all of you, using some trending vocabularies today: Risen Christ, flatten the curb of this pandemic, heal the sick, and bring comfort to those in grief.

Mitigate our fears, calm down our anxious spirits.

Help us to zoom in on the essential matters of life.

Let us feel safer at the home of your heart that exudes rays of mercy and love Help us to cast out any doubt and any thought that you are distancing from us.

Let us feel your love and peace so that we can remove the masks of our fears.

Let the marks of your wounds allow us to see each other’s woundedness and the wounds of humanity.

Unite us online, at home, as a country, and a world. Help us always to remember the goodness of your heart. Amen. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

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B10 APRIL 25-28, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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