042920 - Southern California Midweek Edition

April 29-May 1, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 33 • 2 Sections - 14 Pages

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

LA County to send mail-in ballot to every registered voter All 5.4 million registered voters in Los Angeles County will now receive a mail-in ballot in the midst of the uncertainty of whether the spread will be contained by the general election in November.

The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday, April 28 to approve a proposal by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Sheila Kuehl to send a Vote-byMail ballot to all eligible LA County voters for all elections starting this upcoming election cycle.

“It is hard to imagine that, amid the coronavirus crisis, we have a major election coming up this November,” said Hahn, who authored the motion. “No one should have to choose between their health and their right to vote. We don’t know what challenges we will be facing in this pandemic this fall, but by sending every voter a mail-in-ballot we can ensure that everyone can cast their ballot safely, no matter what the future holds.”

The current “Safer At Home” public

Over 200 new cases of Filipinos positive with COVID-19 globally

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

MORE than 200 overseas Filipinos have tested positive for the novel coronavirus this week, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said.

The latest numbers on Tuesday, April 28 revealed

that there are 209 new cases of COVID-19 among Filipinos abroad, bringing the total to 1,604.

The department noted that this is the largest single day increase of confirmed cases in the past month.

Meanwhile, there are now 419 recoveries and 189 fatalities.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez

noted that the newly reported cases from the Americas and Europe also raised the number of countries with Filipino COVID-19 patients to 46. It was previously 44.

“The DFA personnel in our foreign service posts remain steadfast in partnering with local health au-

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Palace: Duterte not using virus to declare martial law

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

MALACAÑANG denied rumors that President Rodrigo Duterte is taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to declare martial law in the Philippines.

“Nakakatawa po ‘yan kasi hindi naman lang naman sa Pilipinas ang merong pandemic (That’s funny because it’s not only the Philippines experiencing the

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Members of Congress detail legislative solutions to anti-Asian bigotry amid COVID-19 pandemic

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque

Over 1,000 incidents of hate reported in LA and OC

DFA repatriates 302 OFWs from 5 countries

AS hate crimes, harassment and other forms of bigotry against the Asian American community are on the rise due to the ballooning coronavirus pandemic, lawmakers, advocacy organizations and government agencies are working toward tangible solutions to support victims and prevent attacks.

During a recent town hall meeting on Facebook Live, U.S. Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-39th District) invited fellow U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-27th District) and various Los Angeles and Orange County-based community and government leaders to share stories of the anti-Asian bigotry un-

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Inquirer.net photo

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs this week welcomed home 132 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Singapore and 121 from Algeria.

According to the agency, the successful repatriation of the Filipinos on Monday, April 27 was made possible by the Philippine Embassies in Singapore and Tripoli in coordination with their respective employers who shouldered their plane tickets to Manila.

Another batch of OFWs was repatriated by the DFA in the afternoon — four from Japan, nine seafarers of MS Amera and

WEEKLY MEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte holds a meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on Monday, April 27. The meeting came after Duterte’s approval of the extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in high- risk areas up to May 15, and for low to moderate risk areas to be under the general community quarantine (GCQ) starting May 1.

Malacañang photos by Karl Alonzo

MS Albatros from Germany, and 36 seafarers from the Celebrity Apex cruise ship in France.

Their return was facilitated by the Philippine Embassies in Berlin and Paris, and the Philippine Consulate in Frankfurt in coordination with the manning agencies, BSM and RCCL. “All arriving OFWs went through medical assessments and rapid testing in the One-Stop-Shops at NAIA Terminals 1 and 2. In line with the whole-of-government approach, the One-Stop-Shop ensures that all OFWs are assisted upon their return to the Philippines during the Enhanced Commu- The DFA warmly welcomes home 183 stranded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Malaysia who were brought home via a chartered flight on Tuesday, April 28. This was the 4th DFAnity Quarantine period,” the DFA said.

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organized repatriation from Southeast Asia.

Photo courtesy of DFA

LA County hits 1,000 deaths related to COVID-19 Former tourism chief behind successful ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ campaign dies at 64

by AJPRESS

LOS ANGELES County has reached 1,000 deaths related to the novel coronavirus as 59 additional fatalities were reported on Tuesday, April 28.

Among the new fatalities reported by the LA County Department of Public Health, 36 individuals were over the age of 65 years old, 16 people who died were between the ages of 41 to 65 years old, and one person who died was between the ages of 18 and 40 years old and had an underlying health condition.

Forty-one other individuals also had underlying health conditions — 28 over age 65 and 13 between 41-65 years old.

“LA County has hit the tragic Photo by Brian McGowan on Unsplash

milestone of 1,000 people dying from COVID-19,” Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement.

The latest figures from the department also include 597 new positive cases, bringing the total to 20,976 across the county.

This comes less than a month until the county’s safer at home order is set to expire on May 15 and as the County Board of Supervisors put forth a motion to ease restrictions.

Nearly 50% or 462 county deaths have occurred in institutional settings, which include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, shelters, treatment centers, supportive living and correctional facilities.

Former DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez

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Photo courtesy of DOT

by AJPRESS FORMER Philippine Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez died on Monday, April 27, his family confirmed. He was 64.

In a statement, current Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat offered her condolences to the loved ones of Jimenez on behalf of the Department of Tourism.

“On behalf of the officials and employees of the Department of Tourism (DOT), I would like to extend our sincerest condolenc-

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From the Front Page

Palace: Duterte not using virus to declare...

PAGE A1 pandemic),” said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in an online briefing on Monday, April 27.

The statement came after Duterte’s critics insinuated that the pandemic was just a cover for the president’s real intent: imposing martial law on the entire country.

“Ang katotohanan po, ang sinabi naman ng Presidente, ang martial law ay gagamitin kapag nagpatuloy po ang NPA (New People’s Army) doon sa kanilang pag-atake sa sundalo, lalong lalo na iyan, ‘yung mga sundalo na nagbabantay lang naman doon sa mga nagbibigay ayuda sa ating taumbayan (The truth is President Duterte said martial law would be used only if the NPA continues attacking our soldiers, especially those manning COVID-19 checkpoints),” the spokesman added.

On Friday, April 24, Duterte warned that martial law would be declared if communist reb-

els continued its attacks against government troops following the deaths of two soldiers due to an NPA assault in Aurora province. “‘Pag nagpatuloy kayo ng lawlessness ninyo, patay dito, patay doon, and it’s happening all over the Philippines, maybe I will declare martial law because kayong mga NPA ang numero uno. Kinukuha ninyo iyong mga tulong sa tao, pati iyong supply, pagkain nila (If you continue your lawlessness, killings here and there, and it’s happening all over the Philippines, maybe I will declare martial law because you NPAs are number one. You get the aid for the people, even their supplies, food),” the president said.

Roque rebuked by saying that Duterte can use his “extraordinary” power to declare martial law.

“Yan po ay nasa Saligang Batas. Wala pong pinagsasamantalahan ang Presidente dahil ang kaniyang batayan naman ay Saligang Batas mismo (That’s in

the Constitution. The president is not abusing anyone because his basis is the Constitution),” he said.

According to the 1987 Constitution, martial law may be declared in case there is “invasion or rebellion” or “when the public safety requires it.”

List of areas under ECQ revised The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on Monday approved the revisions to the list of areas that will remain under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until May 15.

The areas under ECQ until May 15 are Metro Manila, Central Luzon except Aurora, Calabarzon, Pangasinan, Benguet, Baguio City, Iloilo, Cebu province, Cebu City, and Davao City.

“Ang ibang mga lugar na hindi ko po kasama sa aking mga binasa, sila po ay mapapasailalim sa general community quarantine (Other areas that were not PAGE A3

BOUNDARY CHECKPOINT. Quezon City Police District (QCPD) personnel inspect IDs of motorcycle riders coming from España Boulevard in Manila entering Quezon City at the cities’ boundary on Tuesday, April 28. The government has extended the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and other ‘high risk areas’ for the coronavirus disease 2019 until May 15.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Over 200 new cases of...

PAGE A1 thorities and agencies in ensuring adherence of our people with preventive measures against (the) COVID-19 pandemic, and commit to tirelessly attending to the needs of our people affected by this pandemic, whenever possible,” Meñez said.

On Monday, 52 cases were re-

ported in Europe and the Middle East. The department also said that 829 overseas Filipinos are currently undergoing treatment.

“For the past month, the total number of Filipino COVID-19 patients who recovered remains higher than the total number of fatalities by 104%,” the DFA noted.

More than 3 million individuals have been infected with COVID-19 globally, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. Meanwhile, there have been 213,824 recorded deaths.

In the Philippines, the center recorded 7,958 confirmed cases and 530 deaths. n

Former tourism chief behind successful ‘It’s...

PAGE A1 es to the bereaved loved ones of former Tourism Secretary Ramon ‘Mon’ Jimenez, Jr. who recently passed away,” she said.

Jimenez was known as the brains behind the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign in the country, which was launched by the DOT and advertising firm BBDO Guerrero in 2012.

“The DOT family pays tribute to the immeasurable contributions of Secretary Jimenez who laid down the foundation for the country’s most famous tourism campaign, ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines,’ which I have chosen to retain until now, and the DOT policies that helped shape the National Tourism Development Program (NTDP) for 2016-

2022,” Puyat said.

She added, “Today, we mourn the loss of Mon Jimenez but we will be forever grateful to him for the growth of the tourism sector, and for promoting the Philippines as a place that is wonderful, joyous and fun.”

Jimenez was appointed as the acting DOT secretary in September 2011 by former President Benigno Aquino III. He replaced former Secretary Alberto Lim. Prior to his government appointment, he worked as a Joint Chief Executive Officer and Senior Consultant at WOO (Winning Over Obstacles) Consultants with his wife Annabelle “Abby” Lee-Jimenez.

Jimenez also worked as a

journalism and marketing communications instructor in some of the country’s most renowned universities as well as a lecturer for various big corporations like the San Miguel Corporation and the Jollibee Group.

His family said his death was not related to the novel coronavirus.

“Mon J was a beloved husband, father, brother, friend and public servant. He will be greatly missed. We wish to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support for the family during this difficult time,” his family said.

He is survived by his daughters, Sassa and Nina Jimenez.

He was predeceased by his wife Abby in 2016. n

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Dateline USa

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 29-MAy 1, 2020

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Members of Congress detail legislative solutions...

PAGE A1 folding across the Southland, which is home to one of the largest Asian communities in the country.

To understand the scope of the situation, Chu shared the efforts of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), of which she is the chairwoman, to encourage other members of Congress to stop the use of the “China virus” misnomer and to only spread accurate information about the virus.

“One of the first things we knew we had to do was to educate our own colleagues in the House and the Senate because I felt that they were not aware of how extensive the [antiAsian] hate crimes and incidents have gotten,” Chu shared in the Facebook Live town hall on Monday, April 27.

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, Chu praised the joint resolutions introduced

by Asian American Sens. Kamala Harris (D-CA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Mazie Hirono (D-HO) and Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), denouncing the anti-Asian sentiment quickly percolating across the country and the rise in hate crimes against the Asian community, as detailed in an intelligence report from the FBI. In the town hall, Cisneros invited two constituents of the 39th District who’ve been victims of hate incidents during the COVID-19 outbreak. In the diverse district that stretches from Fullerton and Buena Park to La Habra and Chino Hills, 29% of its constituents are Asian.

Chu also shared two bills that are currently being authored to combat anti-Asian hate. HR 3545, the No Hate Act was introduced by U.S. Rep. Don

Beyer (D-VA), which Chu said would “correct deficiency in the FBI hate crime reporting which is very flawed because there’s no incentive for states to actually submit credible hate crime reports.”

That bill would also establish grants for state-run hate crime hotlines and to help law enforcement impose community service and other programs for those convicted of a hate crime.

The second bill, HR 6577, was introduced by Filipino American U.S. Rep T.J. Cox (D-21st District of CA) and, if passed, would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to “carry out a national awareness campaign to increase factual awareness and knowledge of COVID-19” which would include “countering anti-Asian stigma related to the virus,” Chu said.

The usage of the names “China virus” and “Wuhan virus” has been widely condemned by both public health officials and Asian American advocacy groups because it perpetuates blame toward the Chinese community (and, by association, the greater Asian community).

Executive Director of the civil rights and legal organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice - LA Stewart Kwoh shared that the uptick of anti-Asian bigotry will likely continue due to the mounting U.S. cases and deaths associated with the virus.

Introducing a three-pronged approach to the situation: fight the racism through community-led campaigns, uplift the role of Asian American frontliners and to learn from Asian countries that have successfully mitigated the diseases spread in their societies.

Kwoh noted the importance of a solidarity campaign and to garner as much support from local leaders to combat the rise in hate incidents against Asians and Asian Americans.

The Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON), a coalition of local community organizations that advocates for the Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, has been on the front lines of combating anti-Asian hate since the virus’s arrival to the U.S. A3PCON has worked with various human rights commissions and local leaders to help understand the full scope of the anti-Asian hate incidents and crimes propping up. It also launched Stop AAPI Hate, a website where people can report microaggressions, bullying, harassment and hate speech or violence.

Since it went live on March 19, the tracker has compiled more than 1,500 incidents that occurred across 45 states.

Manjusha Kulkarni, the executive director of A3PCON, said in the town hall that the incidents involve a variety of incidents including verbal harassment (which comprises of two-thirds of all the incidents reported), workplace discrimination, refusal of service in businesses and physical assault.

Additionally, Kulkarni noted that 44% of the incidents are taking place at businesses like grocery stores and pharmacies and 9% of the victims were elderly individuals.

“We know that this has got to be a concerted effort of all of our organizations if we’re going to get through this together as a greater community,” Kulkarni said. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

LA County hits 1,000 deaths related to...

PAGE A1

The total confirmed cases in these places is 4,488, including 2,656 residents and 1,832 staff.

“While managers and staff at all our skilled nursing facilities are doing their very best under difficult circumstances to care for their residents, we are still seeing many cases and deaths among residents and staff in these facilities. We need to accelerate our ability to quickly

identify and isolate asymptomatic, as well as symptomatic, residents and staff, and quarantine those who are close contacts,” Ferrer said.

To date, the department has investigated 333 institutions, which have had at least one confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19.

Based on data from 98% of the death cases, Asian residents were the third largest ra-

cial group affected at 18%, behind Latinos at 37% and 29% White residents.

As of Tuesday, 4,507 people who tested positive for COVID19 (21% of positive cases) have been hospitalized at some point during their illness. Testing capacity continues to increase in LA County, with testing results available for over 133,000 individuals and 14% of people testing positive. n

BEST TIME TO DO ROAD WORK. Personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region conduct repair and reblocking works along the Roxas Boulevard northbound lane in Pasay City on Monday, April 27. The government has allowed essential road repair and rehabilitation works to continue amid the enhanced community quarantine.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

DFA repatriates 302 OFWs from...

PAGE A1

for by employers or employThe department added that the ment agencies. overseas workers will undergo a “OFWs without agencies were 14-day quarantine at hotels paid endorsed to OWWA, while Over-

seas Filipinos (e.g. students and tourists) will undergo mandatory quarantine in their respective homes,” it added. n

LA County to send mail-in ballot to...

PAGE A1

health order is set to expire May 15, but health officials have acknowledged that some form of social distancing will be needed for an extended period of time and that “Safer At Home” orders may be reenacted if deemed necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19.

These issues could present challenges for the general elec-

tion, including possibly hampering the recruitment of election workers or making it difficult for in-person voting locations to meet capacity demands while ensuring social distancing.

“Nothing, including all the challenges related to COVID-19, should be allowed to prevent voters from casting their ballots in November,” said Kuehl, who coauthored the motion. “This

motion takes necessary steps to ensure that all LA County voters could vote by mail in November.”

In addition, the RegistrarRecorder will take appropriate measures to align in-person voting options for the general election with guidance from the Department of Public Health to ensure the safety of both voters and election workers. (AJPress)

Palace: Duterte not using COVID-19 to declare...

PAGE A2 mentioned will now be under a general community quarantine),” he said.

Duterte on April 24 previously extended the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Pangasinan, Benguet, Albay, and the islands of Mindoro and Catanduanes until May 15.

The inclusion of Benguet, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Zambales under quarantine is still subject to monitoring by April

30. Meanwhile, Antique, Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Cebu, Cebu City, Davao del Norte, Davao City, and Davao de Oro will be reevaluated.

Roque 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.

The IATF-EID will also be making decisions to impose, lift, or extend quarantine in provinces,

highly-urbanized cities (HUCs), and independent component cities (ICCs) beginning May 16.

“Chief executives of HUCs and ICCs are likewise authorized to impose enhanced community quarantine in barangays upon the concurrence of their respective regional inter-agency task groups. No LGU [local government unit] shall declare their own community quarantine regardless of nomenclature without observing the foregoing procedure,” the IATF said. n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

P20-M for any Pinoy who develops respirator The respirators should “outlast the lives of the patients,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque MANILA — President Duterte said. is offering a P20-million reward Duterte made the offer amid to any Filipino who develops res- the global shortage of respirapirators for patients infected with tors and ventilators due to the the coronavirus disease 2019 high demand in treating patients (COVID-19), Malacañang an- severely infected with COVIDnounced on Tuesday, April 29.

19, according to Roque.

Roque said the President wanted Filipinos to lead the research and development of local respirators as part of the government’s efforts to fight the disease.

The President is also willing to provide a grant to the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital for such endeavor. n

infrastructure networks for healthcare, emergency, peace and order and supply-chain vehicles.

• Subject to consultation with the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education, classes and school activies shall remain suspended “without prejudice to academic freedom.” The bill notes that no student shall be penalized for inability to participate in online means of learning due to connectivity or gadget issues.

• Commercial, industrial and other forms of businesses that operating within local government unit jurisdiction shall be asked to submit a “New Normal Workforce and Workplace Management Plan.

• This will include mechanisms for employees showing symptoms or infected with COVID-19.

• Resumption of food services may start with take-out/ delivery service and “gradually re-introduce dine-ins” which will also be contactless service.

Buffets and salad bar service is temporarily discontinued.

• For commercial stores and centers, a maximum number of people inside the store/shop/ center/mall shall be established.

• In offices in buildings, number of people using the elevator at a time shall be limited and physical meetings are discouraged. Online/livestream methods of communication shall be implemented.

• For salons, parlors or spas, where person-to-person contact is unavoidable, use of face mask and gloves shall be mandatory.

• The Philippine Statistics

Authority is directed to speed up and fully implement the Philippine Identification System Act. • The Department of Trade and Industry in coordination with Department of Information and Communications and Technology shall establish a program for small and medium enterprise for e-commerce activities.

If passed into law, it shall take effect immediately upon publication in Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers.

It shall expire after a threeyear period since its effectivity or “sooner upon official declaration of the President of the Philippines issued by upon recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging and Infectious Diseases.”

Other congressmen who filed the bill are: • Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte • Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda • Deputy Speaker Paolo Duterte • House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez • Rep. Eric Yap (ACT-SIS party-list) • Rep. Mike Defensor (Anakalusugan party-list) • Rep. Jonathan Sy-Alvarado (Bulacan) Metro Manila and some localities deemed “high risk” remain under Enhanced Community Quarantine until May 15, while areas considered moderate and low-risk in the spread of the new pathogen will be placed under general community quarantine on May 1. (Kristine Joy Patag with reports from Edu Punay/ Philstar.com)

by Christina

Mendez

Philstar.com

Cayetano, other solons file bill to define‘new normal’

MANILA — Eight lawmakers, led by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, filed on Tuesday, April 28 a proposed measure to define the “new normal” in this time of COVID-19 pandemic.

The congressmen filed “The New Normal for the Workplaces and Public Spaces Act of 2020” that seeks to define standards of our way of living following the coronavirus outbreak that infected millions globally.

“The foreseeable re-opening of workplaces and businesses and the resumption of economic activity halted during the period of community quarantine cannot, however, simply proceed as if things can still go back to ‘normal,’” the solons noted.

The following practices are among those that shall be done in the “new normal,” under the proposed measure: • Wearing of masks of public places and workplaces shall be mandatory. Failure to do so will be penalized with a P1,000 fine or 1-day mandatory community service.

• Physical and social distancing measures shall be practiced which means maintaining at least one but preferable two meters between individuals in all public places.

• There will be mandatory temperature checks in all enclosed and semi-closed areas, including open areas where two or more people are gathered.

• For transportation, operation of motorcycle taxis are suspended and “contact-less” payment mechanisms shall be conducted.

• “Green lanes” shall be designated in roads, avenues, highways and other transport

CALL FOR HELP. A couple begs for help from motorists along E. Rodriguez Ave. in Quezon City on Sunday, March 26, to buy food for their family amid the allegedly slow and unequal distribution of aid by the local government to poor communities during the enhanced community quarantine to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

US embassy cancels visa interviews drigo Duterte ordered an extension to allow the Department of Health and local government THE United States embassy units to conduct mass testing for in Manila has canceled all im- the coronavirus disease 2019. migrant and nonimmigrant visa “We will resume routine visa interviews scheduled through services as soon as possible but May 31 after the enhanced com- are unable to provide a specific munity quarantine (ECQ) was ex- date at this time,” U.S. embassy tended to May 15. spokesman Heather Fabrikant The quarantine was set to end said on Sunday, April 26. on April 30, but President RoFabrikant said after the liftby Bernadette

taMayo ManilaTimes.net

ing of ECQ in Metro Manila, “all affected applicants should reschedule their visa interviews through the embassy call center at +632-77928988 or through the online appointment system at ustraveldocs.com/ph.

“There is no fee to change an appointment and visa application fees are valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid,” she added. n

PNP: Fewer people violating quarantine by deMpsey

reyes ManilaTimes.net

THE deployment of elite police units helped in reducing the number of violators of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday, April 26.

LtGen. Guillermo Eleazar, commander of the Joint Task Force Covid Shield, said the people began to seriously observe the lockdown beginning April 21, when troops from the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) were assigned to checkpoints in the quarantine areas.

On that day alone, 3,314 violators were rounded up, Eleazar

said. The following day, there were just eight apprehensions.

On April 23, only 1,585 violators were caught across the nation, mostly in Luzon “where most SAF commandos and soldiers were deployed,” Eleazar said.

Police caught 2,313 violators on April 22. Two days later, the figure dropped to 1,488 but rose to 1,811 on April 25.

Eleazar emphasized that the number of quarantine violators no longer breached the 2,000 mark, compared to the earlier days of the lockdown, when it reached as high as 8,000.

He also credited the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and soldiers for the decline.

“We are monitoring the situation on the ground on a daily basis in order to make immediate necessary security adjustments in any area where any increase of ECQ violators were monitored,” Eleazar said in a statement.

Violators in private vehicles were not spared from the HPG’s “intensified” operations.

Eleazar said the HPG had policemen on motorcycles “to chase private vehicles” violating the quarantine.

In line with the directive of PNP chief Archie Gamboa to arrest and charge lockdown violators, Eleazar said t from Friday to Saturday, 3,299 violators were either arrested or fined. n

Palace does ‘not agree’ that China is taking advantage of pandemic MANILA — Amid news of Chinese structures still being built in the West Philippine Sea, Malacañang on Tuesday, April 28 said it disagreed with the notion that Beijing was using the smokescreen of the global pandemic to forward its goals in the disputed waters.

In a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that the administration would still defend its sovereign rights.

“We do not agree with that conclusion,” Roque said. “The current policy is we will defend our national territory and sovereign rights.”

On April 23, he also said that the government “hoped” that Beijing would make good on its promise to cease its reclamation activities.

Roque previously referred to China as the Philippines’ BFF or best friend forever.

China’s state-run media agencies have reported that government-funded arms established research stations on Fiery Cross (Kagitingan) and Subi Reefs in Spratly Islands, both of which are in territories claimed by the Philippines.

Article 2, Section of the nation’s charter reads: “The State

shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination.”

‘Leave China alone,’ top diplomat says Even Foreign Affairs Secretary, Teodoro Locsin, felt the need to speak up in defense of China, citing the medical supplies donated by the regional giant on his personal Twitter account, which he typically uses to release official statements.

“Leave the Chinese embassy in Manila alone. It never made a connection between medical help and legal claim,” the country’s top diplomat tweeted.

“China’s anti-COVID assistance has been impeccable and cannot be accused of being covert. Covid/covert. Get the play on words?” he added.

The pronouncements of Roque and Locsin come on the heels of two diplomatic protests filed against China for its vessel’s pointing of a radar gun at a Philippine Navy ship and for its declaration of Philippine territory as part of Hainan province.

Both instances are violations of international law as well as

the country’s sovereignty.

‘Mutual support’ In an earlier statement, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said that China and the Philippines had long been mutually supporting each other throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

“We will continue to help and support each other in the fight against COVID-19 so as to establish a solid partnership of mutual support between China and the Philippines,” he said.

The envoy did not mention Beijing’s new structures in Philippine-claimed territories in his statement.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines and contended that there is no basis for Beijing’s nine-dash line claim, which covers a large part of the South China Sea, in international law—a ruling that China has refused to acknowledge.

President Rodrigo Duterte has said that he already brought up the arbitral ruling in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but also said later on that the Philippines cannot risk the possibility of war with China by forcing the issue. (Franco Luna/ Philstar.com)

The medical team sent by China was comprised of 10 infectious disease prevention and control, clinic treatment, and laboratory testing experts worked with the Department of Health for 15 days to “exchange medical treatment experiences with their Filipino counterparts.”

Photo courtesy of DFA

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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 29-MAy 1, 2020

A

Makati Mayor Binay orders probe of village ‘assault’

by Jan

arCilla Philstar.com

‘TORCH’ OF LEARNING. Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano leads the launching of the Taguig Online Resources for Continuing Education at Home (TORCH) Program at Senator Renato “Compañero” Cayetano Memorial Science and Technology High School (SRCCMSTHS) at the BCDA Pamayanang Diego Silang Village in Barangay Ususan, Taguig City on Monday, April 27. The program’s components seek to provide training for teachers, open campus for professionals, an online resource hub for seniors, and a resource page for businesses, to help them prepare for the transition to the new norm and make the city’s services more accessible.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

PH gov’t to push for immediate establishment of Department of OFWs DISMAYED by continuous abuses of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said he will work for the speedy passage of the Department of Overseas Filipino Workers, which will ban recruitment of OFWs abroad and will put Philippine-based recruitment agencies under strict government regulation.

During the Araw ng Pasasalamat sa OFWs held in Camp Aguinaldo, the President instructed Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III for the establishment of the Department of OFWs, which the President said must be implemented by December this year.

Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, who was also present during the event Friday, said he has filed a proposal for the creation of such department, one of his campaign pledges during the last midterm elections.

“Kaya apurahin ko ‘yang Department of OFW,” President Duterte said in his speech.

“Bawal na ang recruitment sa abroad…sa labas. Kung gusto nila, diyan sila maglagay ng mesa. So under the supervision of government at walang horrendous charges.”

“By December… buong Pilipinas ‘to. Bawal na ‘yang recruitment diyan sa labas…napunta ka doon. Doon ka makipag-deal,

may listahan doon, mamili ka na lang kung sinong gusto mo,” he added.

President Duterte stressed that he has the power to create such mechanism to prevent abuses of Filipino workers abroad.

He warned unscrupulous recruitment agencies saying, “Kaya kayong mga recruitment, bilang talaga ang araw ninyo.

‘Pag hindi ko kayo nadala sa usapan na maganda, brasohan tayo.

‘Pag nag-brasohan tayo, kayo ang matatalo. Sigurado ‘yan.”

President Duterte also promised OFWs to designate police attachés to countries with huge population of Filipino workers.

OFWs can approach the police attachés whenever they encounter abuses or security concerns abroad.

“The police attaché will connect you to…dito sa Pilipinas kung ano ang problema. And they will be trained to help you in legal matters of how to do it in the meantime that you are not here to solve the problem,” he explained.

The chief executive also vowed to equip a hospital intended for OFWs located in Nueva Ecija with state-of-the-art medical equipment such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans.

“Karamihan kayo mga nurse,

you will have the MRI, CT scan, and… Just like what I did to the military hospitals,” he told the OFWs. Providing livelihood to returning OFWs is also a priority for the Duterte administration.

“Equally important is the availability of livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities for returning OFWs. Meron tayo.

MSMEs,” he said.

“Tuturuan kayo. Or if you want a new skill na ‘yung mabili, magtraining kayo dito kay Sid [Lapeña]. Libre ‘yan.”

One of the highlights of Friday’s event was the signing of a memorandum of agreement between government agencies for the welfare and protection of OFWs. Among the agencies involved were the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).

The Araw ng Pasasalamat sa OFWs is a joint initiative of the Duterte Diehard Supporters (DDS) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) through the PNP Global Police Community Relations Program. (PNA)

Senators hope ECQ extension will be the last

by Paolo

romero Philstar.com

MANILA — Senators are hoping that cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) would continue to taper off and that the latest extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will be the last so that enough resources would be left to jumpstart economic recovery.

The lawmakers also supported President Duterte’s decision to extend the lockdown in Metro Manila and other high-risk areas while easing restrictions in others.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the entire country must exert all efforts to help contain the spread of COVID-19 in the last 21 days of ECQ even as he warned that the Filipinos’ way of life may not be the same again or a “new normal” may be enforced after restrictions are lifted.

“Lives and health before economy. The economy can be revived later but a life lost cannot be resurrected. Only Jesus does that,” Sotto said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said the extension was expected but the government will eventually have to allow people to get back to work little by little, and plan for the next three years.

“Expect a new normal with physical distancing, wearing masks, lack of consumer confidence, worker confidence and investor confidence. The government must prepare for mass testing, isolation and treatment. Invest more on healthcare infrastructure. Incentivize health workers, nurses, doctors etc. and provide worker subsidies, interest free loans for businesses and repurpose industries,” Recto said.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the country was “still a thousand miles away from flattening the curve” and despite the missteps and shortcomings of some government agencies, “it cannot be denied that ECQ has contributed its share in minimizing the spread of the virus.”

As the country takes the “cautious, calculated step” of extending quarantine, the government must at the same time expedite relief and succor to the vulnerable sectors, Sen. Grace Poe said.

She said poverty has been exacerbated by this pandemic, thus concerned agencies should work double time so that all forms of assistance reach target families

who are in need.

Working so far Congressmen also welcomed yesterday the decision of President Duterte to again extend quarantine.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said the quarantine has been effective in preventing spread of the disease so far.

“The ECQ is working, so let’s help one another in making it successful,” he told reporters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City where he donated food supplies for police Special Action Force.

Valenzuela City Rep. Wes Gatchalian, House trade and industry committee chairman, said the health of the people is the primary concern of the government but he also urged the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases to consider adjusting rules on specific trade sectors in order to sustain the needs of communities under the extended quarantine.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, one of the original proponents of the selective and modified quarantine scheme, lauded the decision of President Duterte to extend the ECQ in Metro Manila and other provinces while gradually easing stay-at-home orders in areas with zero or very few cases of COVID-19.

Last April 14,Co pushed for conditional quarantine lifting to restart economic activities in select areas and help ease government’s burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include islandprovinces with zero to one case of COVID-19 in the last 15 days or – in the case of municipalities – only those with zero cases.

“The objective of quarantine lifting is to allow people, albeit in limited numbers and in select localities, to return to their jobs.

We’re fighting a protracted war and until no vaccine is invented, government’s limited resources can’t support and feed all those who were displaced. We need to save government funds for the longer battle,” Co said.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said the ECQ extension is necessary to save lives at the expense of large economic losses that could anyway be recovered in years to come.

Salceda explained that while the two-month quarantine could result in P1.2 trillion in economic losses, health standards should first be met before ECQ could be lifted.

“The health outcomes will de-

Senate President Vicente Sotto III

cide everything. Any temporary recovery that takes place when we lift the ECQ prematurely is illusory. We need sustained recovery, because certainty is the foundation of lasting economic recovery.

That’s why I support the decision tool that the IATF is adopting,” he pointed out.

Salceda suggested four measures to be put in place during the extended ECQ period – comprehensive measures to protect at-risk and vulnerable population, strict compliance with nonpharmaceutical interventions like wearing face mask and social distancing, full protection for frontliners and readiness for peak capacity and mass testing of at least 0.22 percent of pupulation.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. backed yesterday the extension of ECQ in Metro Manila and other “high risk” provinces until May 15.

“What a relief. I believe in it and advocated it,” Locsin said in a post on Twitter.

He said he has informed his counterparts from the US and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) about the extension of the ECQ in some parts of the country during their recent videoconference.

The DFA said 818 more Filipino workers were repatriated from the United Kingdom, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo and Australia and arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Thursday afternoon and early yesterday morning.

The militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) yesterday lamented that the biggest problems right now under the COVID-19 quarantine are inadequate mass testing, slow social amelioration for the poor, the economic slowdown and relentless assaults on human rights. n

MAKATI City Mayor MarLen Abigail Binay has ordered the police to investigate the alleged assault of a policeman on a resident of an exclusive village.

In a statement on Monday, April 27, city spokesman Michael Camiña said Binay directed the police to pursue an “immediate inquiry” into the confrontation at Dasmariñas Village.

Videos circulating online showed that Javier Salvador Parra, a Spanish resident of Dasmariñas Village, was allegedly physically assaulted and nearly arrested by police in the frontyard of his own home.

“The appropriate charges should be filed against those concerned after a full investigation,” Camiña said.

“The law must be upheld at all times, most especially during a public health emergency where the welfare and safety of the people are of paramount concern,” he added.

A report from the Makati Police said the village association and barangay (village) officials called them to complain about violations of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) within the subdivision.

This was confirmed by Barangay Dasmariñas head Rossana Hwang, who said since March 5, they have called the Makati Police for assistance to implement ECQ protocols.

Makati police chief Rogelio Simon said MSg. Roland Madrona was deployed in Dasmariñas Village on Sunday afternoon upon the request of Hwang.

Simon said Madrona chided Parra’s maid, Cherilyn Escalate, for not wearing a face mask while watering the plants outside.

The city has an ordinance requiring everyone to wear face masks when in public areas and common areas in the city.

Parra went out of his house to confront the police officer, which led to the policeman charging at Parra and telling him he was under arrest.

Senate bill seeks creation of Philippines’ Center for Disease Control prevention and control mechanisms.

“We need to strengthen our MANILA — Sen. Grace Poe preparedness and become far filed a bill seeking to create a more equipped in the face of public health institution that continuing health risks. We will focus on disease preven- all have a stake in this,” Poe tion and control to improve the said. country’s response to public The filing of the bill comes health crises. as Philippine authorities Poe’s Senate Bill 1450 or the scramble to stem the spread of Pandemic Preparedness and the new coronavirus that has Response Act aims to estab- already infected 7,777 people lish the country’s version of in the country. Of the number, the United States’ Center for 511 have died, while 932 have Disease Control, which will recovered. strategize and lead in com“We need to restrategize, municable disease control and restructure and reinvent our prevention and strengthen systems if we are to stay afloat the country’s preparedness and cope with the scourge and and response to public health disruption brought about by emergencies.

COVID-19, including the threat Under the proposed mea- of new diseases,” Poe said. sure, the center is also enviLast January, Rep. Joey Salsioned to provide consultation ceda (Albay) also filed a bill and assistance to other coun- seeking to create CDC. The tries and international agen- proposed legislation remains cies to collaborate in improv- pending at the House commiting the effectiveness of disease tee on Health. n

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

Simon said they would file charges of disobedience to a person in authority, direct assault, violation of the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act and Ordinance 2000-089 (mandatory wearing of face mask) against the Spanish.

“The city government reiterates its call for all residents to observe set protocols during the quarantine period, including the mandatory use of face masks and the practice of social distancing,” Camiña said. n

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY IFB NO. PO824-20 RAIL TRAIN PROCUREMENT The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) is seeking bids for a one-time procurement to provide for Rail Train Procurement. The maximum dollar value for the contract will be for a total not-to-exceed amount of $5,300,000.00.

Due to the evolving COVID19 situation, a Virtual Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 10:00 am PST, on April 30, 2020 remotely via a web-based meeting WEBEX. All contractors interested are invited to join by clicking or copy and paste the link, https://metrolink.webex. com/metrolink/j.php?RGID=r0 9b9d54641446561a4d25bdf45 c80694 Bid documents may be obtained via download by visiting SCRRA’s website at http:// www.metrolinktrains.com/ agency/page/title/doing business. Vendors must register for no fee on the website in order to download the documents.

The contract to be awarded will be funded in part by grants under the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transportation Administration.

For further information contact: Melissa Cousart, Contract and Compliance Administrator at 213.452.0207 or email Cousartm@scrra.net.

4/29/20 CNS-3362066# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

A6 APRIL 29-MAY 1, 2020 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

FEATURES

Waiting for the national ID

PILOT testing began in September last year, and all Filipinos living in the country were originally scheduled to start registering this July for the Philippine Identification System.

PhilSys is the first-ever national ID system to be implemented in the country. Rights advocates had expressed concern over privacy breaches, particularly because the system will record every transaction using the ID card. Supporters of the program point out that those who have nothing to hide have nothing to fear, and that the information contained in the cards are already in the databases of various government agencies.

Concerns were also raised about possible data breaches and inaccuracies as well as duplication, identity theft and other cyber crimes in the implementation of PhilSys. The Philippine Statistics Authority, in tandem with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, exerted effort to address such concerns.

The first phase of the program involves demographic and biometric recording. The pilot test for the program, to initially cover select beneficiaries, is supposed to run from September 2019 to June 2021.

Mass registration can then proceed until mid-2022.

Now, amid the confusion and complaints over the distribution of the multibillion-peso social amelioration program for the coronavirus disease

2019 pandemic, there are people who want the national ID fully implemented ASAP. A national ID would have facilitated the targeted distribution of aid, starting with the hardest-hit impoverished households. The ID system can also allow direct payouts to beneficiaries, bypassing epal politicians who may take credit for dole-outs of tax money.

Resources for the cash aid are limited, especially with revenue sources drastically reduced by pandemic quarantine measures. Distribution of the limited funds requires efficient prioritization of beneficiaries. Instead, there have been complaints of barangay officials playing favorites and giving the cash aid to friends and supporters, and bypassing needy households.

There is no way the PhilSys can be rolled out fully for the ongoing community quarantines. But this crisis is expected to linger for many more months, until a COVID vaccine or cure becomes commercially available. Millions of Filipinos will continue to need assistance in the near future. The national ID program can still be speeded up and used to make life easier in this pandemic. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Pope Francis warns of a deadlier virus spreading: selfish indifference inconvenience from not getting their hair or nails done, not being able to shop, not being able to eat out, party, or travel, and for most, boredom. All of these to save lives.

Amid the anxieties and challenges to our comfort zone GEL SANTOS-RELOS coming from the many layers of THE coronavirus pandemic uncertainty, some people have has killed more than 213,824 been protesting against sopeople in the world, and has cial distance safety measures, changed life as we knew it be- focusing on financial losses, fore its spread was initially re- downplaying the threat to life ported in January 2020. of the pandemic, thereby forcIn an effort to stop the spread ing the community to be more of the virus, many governments vulnerable just so these people around the world have enforced may be able to “go back to norlockdowns, quarantines and mal” despite the reality that the shelter-in-place orders, forc- threat to life remains. ing many businesses, schools, We have become stubborn and public services to close and and demand to have our “civil mandating people to stay-at- liberties” back, forgetting that home or work from home, while we are in a war -- war against most have to be laid off or be the invisible but fatal common furloughed for an indefinite pe- enemy, and that during warriod of time. time, we give up most of these The pandemic also affects not civil liberties because our prijust the economy of every fam- mary goal as one nation, as one ily, every city, every nation, but world, is to LIVE. of the whole world in this interWe forget that while we have related global community. rights and liberties, our liberty These social distancing safety ends when we encroach in the measures have totally shaken rights of other people. and threatened the basic needs This is what is happening of many families, disrupting right now. We become blind schools, and livelihoods. For a to the fact that not complying privileged few, the effect was to social distance safety meanot as ominous — it is just an sures mean we encroach on the

The Fil-Am Perspective

rights of other people to be safe and alive, just because we allow our selfishness to determine that these so-called “rights” are more important than the rights of others to be safe and to live during this war against the pandemic.

Many forget that we are in this together and that not acting as one just impedes our healing, prolonging our agony and pain when the virus spread resurges. This disregard causes us to focus on what is good for us and us alone, forgetting the rest of our people, when in fact, the affliction and infirmity of one become an affliction and infirmity of all during a pandemic. In the end, we all lose the battle because we fail to think beyond our own needs, wants, and interest.

Pope Francis calls this the “virus of selfish indifference.”

“Now, while we are looking forward to a slow and arduous recovery from the pandemic, there is a danger that we will forget those who are left behind. The risk is that we may then be struck by an even worse virus, that of selfish indifference. A virus spread by the thought that life is better if it is better for me, and that everything will be fine if it is fine for me. It begins there and

Pope Francis

ends up selecting one person over another, discarding the poor, and sacrificing those left behind on the altar of progress.

The present pandemic, however, reminds us that there are no differences or borders between

Philstar.com photo

those who suffer. We are all frail, all equal, all precious.” *** 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.

The race for a COVID-19 vaccine

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ NEVER in the history of the world since 1918 did we ever see a highly contagious virus like this. Some historians are even likening this pandemic to a World War, where the enemy is unseen yet deadly, with 210 countries and territories or even more now affected.

The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic infected 500 million people (representing about a quarter of the global population then) with fatalities estimated at 50 million. The pandemic lasted for two-and-a-half years, with the impact so devastating.

There was no flu vaccine and no medication then to treat the secondary infections that came with the disease.

This COVID-19 is expected to be around for sometime until a vaccine or a cure is found.

If only China had reported the new coronavirus outbreak early enough, things might have been different. Today, the actual number of infections and deaths is still relatively unknown with a number of countries still unable

to detect infections or even report casualties.

The United States has been severely affected by this pandemic with over 925,000 infected and about 60,000 deaths projected so far. The US is now on top of the race to find the vaccine and is undoubtedly one of the most advanced in the field of biotechnology. A number of molecular biologists and scientists have been working tirelessly to find the vaccine for COVID-19.

Other developed countries like Japan, the UK, France and Germany are also racing to find a cure for COVID-19, with 70 potential vaccines currently under development. The number one ally of the United States, Israel – also recognized as a world leader in biotechnology – has made a lot of headway in discovering a cure for the coronavirus.

The US Patent and Trademark Office has granted a Tel Aviv University professor a patent for technology that could develop a COVID-19 vaccine in a matter of months. By reconstructing the Receptor Binding Motif or RBM (called the “Achilles heel”) of SARS-CoV-2 or the new coronavirus, the body’s

immune system can learn how to block the virus from target cells. While vaccines normally go through a long process to secure approval, the US FDA can authorize the use of an experimental drug in emergency situations like this COVID-19 pandemic.

A coronavirus drug by Israel biotech company Pluristem Therapeutics is also being tested in the US, with promising results as seven patients experiencing respiratory and multi-organ failure survived after receiving the medication. Pluristem uses allogeneic placental expanded (PLX) cell therapy that can reverse the overactivation of the immune system which causes the body to attack its own organs – resulting in death among many critical coronavirus patients.

PLX cells work by secreting therapeutic proteins that help the body regenerate and reduce inflammation. With the technology, a single placenta can treat over 20,000 people, the company said.

In the Philippines, President Duterte has offered P50 million to any Filipino who could develop a vaccine against COVID-19.

This is not farfetched, because

we have a number of Filipino medical scientists that are also working on finding a cure.

Having good international relations nowadays counts more than ever, with many countries collaborating today in finding a cure for COVID-19. Our alliances with developed countries such as the United States, Israel and many others are key because in the end, cooperation is critical in this warlike battle.

The United States has allocated an additional $5.3 million (P269 million) in health and humanitarian assistance to help the Philippines fight the pandemic. The call of President Trump to President Duterte was important, with the two leaders committed to continue working together in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

Our relationship with Israel is now at its best most especially because during the Nazi regime in Germany, President Quezon welcomed Jews fleeing from the Holocaust to the Philippines when other nations closed their doors. The Jewish people are forever grateful for that gesture. I’m also very pleased to have developed good relations with the AmericanJewish community in Washing-

ton, D.C. President Duterte’s state visit to Israel, the first and only Filipino president to do so, has made an impact in our relationship. We can count on Israel in many ways to help if and when they develop a cure for COVID-19.

While we try to minimize our casualties, imposing lockdowns is very difficult because of the big population especially in the metropolis where people live side by side, making it extremely difficult to impose social distancing. Senator Bong Go’s “Balik Probinsiya” proposal encouraging people to go back to their provinces is a good idea to help disperse the population in the very congested Metro Manila. As Bong Go pointed out, the congestion in Metro Manila will more likely spread the virus which is exactly what happened in Singapore on the second virus wave where immigrant workers lived in a dorm-like area.

Government financial assistance to people and businesses as an incentive to relocate to the provinces might even be what we need in the long term to bring progress to the countryside as more jobs will be created from micro, small or me-

Photo by Vincent Ghilione on Unsplash

dium enterprises. During times like this, we need to look for innovative and creative solutions.

Let’s all pray that a vaccine will be developed sooner than later. We all know it’s the only final solution to this horrific plague. More than anything else, we should all do our best and be cooperative. When all is said and done, it will ultimately be our faith in God that will pull us through. (Philstar.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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Despite the pandemic, Fil-Am chef Ria Barbosa’s Petite Peso opens for service in downtown LA by

Christina M. Oriel / AJPress

WITH the city of Los Angeles’ stay-at-home order that took effect nearly two months ago, restaurants have been limited to take-out and delivery, or faced the decision to close.

Opening a restaurant would seemingly be among the last things to do in this climate, but a new Filipino American takeaway spot has pushed ahead with its spring launch and opened for business two weeks ago.

Petite Peso — with Ria Barbosa as its executive chef and vice president of culinary — is the “third generation” Fil-Am restaurant to occupy the humble 275-square-foot space along 7th street in downtown LA’s Jewelry District.

It was previously home to AC Boral’s Baon for several months last summer and before that, Charles Olalia’s Rice Bar from June 2015 to May 2019.

“We’ve gotten people who are not Filipino coming in asking for stuff like halo halo before we’ve even opened. Because of what had been here before with AC and Charles’ restaurants, they set the tone and opened that gateway to Filipino food in this space,” Barbosa told the Asian Journal in an interview in early March before the pandemic shifted the city’s culinary scene. (An opening date had yet to be announced at the time of our conversation.)

Conceptualized as “Filipino food with thoughtful ingredients,” Petite Peso is now operational seven days a week

Adobo French Dip

from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. through pickup at its location or delivery on Postmates and ChowNow. The restaurant has put social distancing and sanitization measures in place to ensure cleanliness and quality.

The long-awaited project fuses Barbosa’s forte in French and California cuisine and her Fil-Am upbringing.

“I’ve always done Filipino influenced dishes everywhere I’ve worked. Maybe two years ago, I didn’t think I was ready but I was open to trying something new and actually making things I like to make,” Barbosa said.

Barbosa led the culinary program at Paramount Coffee Project, a Sydney-based coffee shop with outposts in Los Angeles’ Fairfax District and downtown LA, from 2017 up until December of last year. There, she introduced lumpia sausage rolls and an adobo braised beef bowl, with the latter continuing to be a mainstay on the menu after her departure. Her twoyear tenure garnered a “Chef of the Year” nomination from Eater LA in 2018.

She met partners Robert Villanueva and Tiffany Tanaka back in the summer of 2018 as they had the idea of a casual Filipino restaurant and were looking for the right chef. They reached out to the Pinay chef on Instagram and the project got underway.

Seeing how other Fil-Am chef colleagues have left prominent restaurants to start their own places with the free rein to

Kare kare Rice Bowl

Fresh ensaymada topped with cheese

Sign outside Petite Peso along 7th street in downtown LA

AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

Chef Ria Dolly Barbosa makes ensaymadas in house at Petite Peso

Peso Hospitality team consists of Robert Villanueva, Ria Barbosa and Tiffany Tanaka.

cook what they grew up eating, Barbosa knew it was her time to venture off as well.

“The food is Filipino roots and an LA outlook. When you’re trained a certain way, you want to introduce a technique that isn’t traditionally used in Filipino cuisine. It might look different, but the flavors are there,” she said.

The trio operates under Peso Hospitality, with Villanueva bearing over 20 years as a sommelier and general manager at several fine dining establishments in Las Vegas, and Tanaka bringing her marketing experience with companies like Saks Fifth Avenue and the Mina Group.

Petite Peso illustrates the mission the group is taking on inside the tiny space to bring more Filipino food offerings to LA diners.

“The currency is very undervalued and that’s the way we feel about Filipino cuisine, that it’s very underutilized and undervalued so we want to bring value to the name,” Villanueva said.

“We’re owning it and putting it out there by saying, ‘Hey, we are Filipino. We’re not fusion. We’re not doing tacos.’ We’re doing Filipino food. It’s something that we’re going to put at the forefront. We don’t want to mask and deny what it is.”

Barbosa, who moved to Los Angeles from the Philippines at the age of six, got her start in traditional French cuisine and fine dining, working at places like Michael Mina and Daniel Boulud Brasserie in Las Vegas. But, her culinary portfolio at several LA eateries speaks for itself.

Prior to PCP, she helped open Go Get Em Tiger in Los Feliz and later oversaw the food program at all its locations. She was a part of the opening team of Sqirl as chef de cuisine and was a lead line cook at Canelé in Atwater Village, where she later returned to launch lunchtime pop-up series, WILD at Canelé, which featured some familiar

Filipino flavors.

Though Barbosa credits the French training for teaching her structure and how to run a kitchen, she said she’s learned to be less rigid over the years.

“You have to be conscious of how people are treated. People produce tastier, better food when they’re happy,” Barbosa said.

Barbosa had pinned down an iteration of the opening menu for Petite Peso by early March, featuring rice bowls, morning pastries and comfort food dishes based on available seasonal ingredients. Everything is fresh and made to order, given the lack of a freezer and storage space.

“With a restaurant, we want to be progressive, innovative and fun, but you can’t be too far ahead,” said Villanueva. “We have to be able to find that balance to where it’s still approachable, especially for those who have never had Filipino food in their life. We want to make it something for everyone but at the same time stick to the integrity of what we believe and know Filipino food can be.”

Standouts from the “soft digital opening” menu include the pot pie machado, adobo French dip with gouda cheese, chicken sisig salad with a poached egg, and kare kare and Bicol express rice bowls. The impossible lumpia, spring vegetable pancit, pinakbet salad and munggo bean rice bowl are available as vegan options.

Family style kits, priced $28 for two people or $50 for four, are available and come with white rice, pancit, lumpia and a choice of two entrees.

Not to miss are the pastries available individually or in a $25 Pastry Box: ensaymada, strawberry mamon, money rolls, and polvoron cream cookies. Barbosa also bakes pan de sal in house, an addition on the menu that came after experimenting and perfecting the recipe.

“Developing the menu was

Lumpia

Pinakbet Salad

the fun part. We talked about what we like to eat and our favorites growing up — that identity of being born there [in the Philippines] and moving here to the U.S. with your whole family. We have to have the Filipino hits while keeping guests in mind. We’re not going to have dinuguan right off the bat, but the starting lineup is full of dishes we feel really strongly about and tie back to family memories,” Barbosa said.

When it’s safer to dine out again, Petite Peso will have a formal grand opening and roll out its initial plans, which include a monthly rotation of pieces by an artist or photographer featured on the restaurant’s walls.

Graffiti artist Alex Kizu, known

as DEFER, was commissioned to paint the space’s floor as well as the ceiling in the doorway.

Though the space won’t have the room for more than three to four dine-in guests at a time, the Petite Peso team is looking forward to the foot traffic and more interactions with those they’re serving, even if quick.

“We’d like to be known as a dependable and consistent restaurant with an emphasis on service and the Filipino way of making sure people feel welcome and comfortable,” Barbosa said.

Petite Peso, located at 419 W. 7th Street in downtown Los Angeles, is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Father of Fil-Am actor Darren Criss passes away By ritChel

MendiOla

AJPress

FILIPINO American actor Darren Criss is mourning the loss of his father, Charles William “Bill” Criss, who passed away from a rare heart condition on Monday, April 27. He was 78.

The former “Glee” actor took to Instagram to confirm the news.

“Bill Criss has left the building. After many years of coping with a rare heart condition which, true to his form, very few would have even been aware of he finally checked out peacefully yesterday morning, surrounded by his loved ones,” he shared on Monday.

In the same post, Darren paid tribute to his father.

“Dad lived an extraordinary life. Anyone who ever

met Bill Criss adored him instantly. He could talk to anyone about anything. Wellread and well-traveled, he made a world a better place wherever he went. He was as deliriously charming as he was relentlessly selfless; always putting other people first, making anybody who ever got in a conversation with him genuinely feel like they were the most incredible person in the room,” he wrote.

“And although he would have been the first to gracefully protest it, the simple truth is that he was in fact, every inch the exemplary man: a devoted husband, an outstanding father, a loving grandparent. He lived his days the same way he loved his friends and family with an unwavering sense of composure, compassion, generos-

ity, and humility,” he added.

Darren said he wanted to be just like his father, who was a true gentleman and a constant source of joy and inspiration for him.

“I’ve spent most of my life trying to be like him, wanting to see and do all the incredible things he did and I’m so grateful he was around to see me actually pull a few off. He was there for all the greatest moments of my life, which of course, he always dressed up for. His kind, blue eyes, big laugh, and infamous warm smile could not have been a better representation of who he was to his core,” he said.

“I cherished him every day, and will forever,” he continued.

Bill is survived by his Cebuana wife, Cerina, and two In a series of photos on his Instagram, Darren shared memories with his late father Bill Criss. Also included in the photos are Darren’s Filipina mom Cerina, sons, Charles and Darren. and brother Charles.

Photos from Instagram/@darrencriss

Sharon gets ‘Crash Landing’ surprise from hubby Kiko for anniversary

By Katrina

Hallare Philstar.com

SENATOR Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan spent the most of the quarantine period getting creative in greeting his wife, the Megastar Sharon Cuneta, on the celebration of their 24th wedding anniversary Tuesday, April 28.

And what better way to do it than cashing in on Cuneta’s love affair with K-drama.

On Twitter, Pangilinan edited his and Cuneta’s faces to appear like they are the lead roles in the hit K-drama series “Crash Landing on You,” apparently the megastar’s favorite.

Pangilinan even called himself “Captain Ki,” a humorous take on the series’ lead role, North Korean officer Ri Jeong-hyuk, played by Hyun Bin. Meanwhile, Cuneta was “Sha-ri,” a play on her name and that of the lead female character, South Korean heiress Yoon Se-ri, portrayed by Son Ye-jin.

“Happy 24th Wedding Anniversary, to my Sweetheart! I love you dearly Hahaha!” the senator said.

And it appears that Cuneta appreciated her husband’s efforts, as she shared the greeting in an Instagram post.

“Itong asawa ko alam niya si Hyun Bin ang labs ko ngayon kaya sa aming 24th wedding anniversary eto ang message niya sa akin!” Cuneta said.

entertainment Comedians join forces in ‘Covidyante’ group The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 29, 2020

By Katrina

Hallare Philstar.com

COMEDIANS from the Kapuso and Kapamilya networks have joined forces to help frontliners to continue working amid the challenges of COVID-19 and the enhanced community quarantine.

The network war is on ceasefire as cast members of such gag shows as GMA Network’s “Bubble Gang” and ABS-CBN’s “Banana Sundae” unite for the cause, along with other established comedians calling themselves the “Covidyante” group.

Led by Ogie Acasid, Herbert Bautista, Janno Gibbs, the Padilla brothers Dennis and Gene, Senator Kiko Pangilinan edited his and Cuneta’s faces to appear like they are the lead roles in the hit the Covidyantes have a social K-drama series “Crash Landing on You,” apparently the megastar’s favorite. media account where their Photos from Twitter/@kikopangilinan projects are outlined.

Already on full blast is na lang sana! Hahahahahaha!”

(My husband knows that Comedy Queen Ai Ai delas Alas’ the actress joked.

Hyun Bin is my love right now, bread-baking endeavor which (I told him I was very that’s why on our 24th wedthe group distributes to various happy!

This is my favorite ding anniversary, this was his frontliners.are the ones who of all the flower that he has message!) manages the social media acgiven me!

I hope this is what I Her husband was not count of the group, while Ai Ai get every year!) done with his surprises, as de las Alas bakes bread to give Pangilinan and Cuneta tied Pangilinan also gave Cuneta away to different sectors. the knot in April 1996. They a container full of “chicharon Also part of Covidyante are have two daughters, singer bulaklak,” instead of a bouJoey Marquez, Michael V, Vhong Frankie and Miel, as well as quet of roses.

Navarro, Jerald Napoles, Kim an adopted son, Miguel.

The “Sabi ko, ANG SAYA-SAYA Molina, Randy Santiago, Paolo senator is also a stepfather KO! PINAKAGUSTO KONG Contis, Giselle Sanchez, Gelli to KC Concepcion, who is BULAKLAK ITO SA LAHAT de Belen, Candy Pangilinan and Cuneta’s daughter with actor NG BULAKLAK NA BINIGAY Ryan Bang.

Gabby Concepcion.

NIYA SA AKIN! Every year ito They hope more comedians will join the group in the days to come.

The official hashtag of Covidyante is #PunchlinersForFrontliners.

How Rocco shows his gratitude to front-liners By allan

PolicarPio Inquirer.net

DRIVEN by a sense of duty as a Navy reservist, actor Rocco Nacino spent his 33rd birthday last month assisting and distributing essential goods to military personnel manning checkpoints around the metro.

“I really felt I had to do something. It all started with my desire to show my gratitude and appreciation for the Continued on Page 4 Rocco Nacino

Herbert Bautista

Ogie Alcasid

Gene Padilla

Janno Gibbs

GMA photos

Lea looks forward to post-quarantine concert with Regine

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

Photo from Instagram/@nacinorocoo

Dennis Padilla

INTERNATIONALLY-acclaimed singer-actress Lea Salonga admitted that singing with “Asia’s Songbird” Regine Velasquez was hard.

Lea was a special guest in

“One Night With Regine” online concert last Saturday.

The two Philippine gems had a duet, singing “I Don’t Know How To Love Him,” “What I Did For Love” and “Someone Like You.” “First of all, Regine, happy, happy birthday! I hope that it’s

been a wonderful celebration for you, so far. Ahmm, singing with you was hard, but because it was your birthday, and because you asked, as in ikaw mismo ‘yung nag-request that I sing this with you, I couldn’t say no,” Lea said.

Continued on Page 4

entertainment Fil-Am singer vies for top 10 spot in ‘American Idol’ with Katy Perry song

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 29, 2020

By Ratziel

San Juan Philstar.com

FRANCISCO Martin impressed judges as he fought to be a top 10 contestant Sunday,

EMPLOYMENT

April 26, on “American Idol.”

The top 20 participants of the reality singing competition are all filming from home amid the coronavirus disease (COVID19) pandemic.

Martin, a Filipino college student in California, chose to perform the 2010 pop hit “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry, who happens to be a judge on the reality singing competition.

His acoustic rendition got praises from judges Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, who all viewed the song choice as a risk.

“What a dice roll to do that song. Good for you because it really worked,” Perry said.

She did give some pointers to work on: “I would’ve liked to see you come down just a little bit and bring it back to that sultry ‘Teenage Dream’ subtle part, but that’s just me being overly critical of a song I’ve sung tens of thousands of times.”

“But you did it real justice, good job,” she concluded.

Bryan admitted he was nervous for Martin. “I was like please do not let this kid cover a Katy song and mess it up.”

“You didn’t man, you made it you, and you just have the magic.

And I’m jealous,” he quipped.

Richie too commended the cover: “You turned it into your song, you made it your song.”

Martin and other contestants can receive votes through the American Idol app or website, or by texting the contestant’s number to 21523. Martin is contestant number 12.

Audience votes will determine the 10 who will advance to the next round, and the result will be announced next week.

Regine Velasquez and Lea Salonga

Lea looks forward to...

From Page 3 “It’s your birthday request.

So... haaahh! My God! It’s hard to sing with you—but I mean that only in the best way. You still sound the way you always did. But because of what you’ve been through in life, there’s so

much color to your interpretations, and to your vocal quality, and to just everything about you,” she added.

Lea shared that she wanted to sing again with Regine, but in person the next time.

“I love you, and the next

ABS-CBN photos

time you and I sing together again, it should be in person, with full-on glam, and full-on gowns... in a much bigger venue than this. Talking concert hall, stadium, an arena. Something. And it will be fun,” Lea said.

How Rocco shows his...

From Page 3 men and women assigned at checkpoints. I wanted to share with them the smile I had on my special day,” Rocco told the Inquirer in a recent interview.

Being out on the field amid the COVID-19 pandemic was an eye-opener for the Kapuso star—an experience that gave him a better idea about the front-liners’ working conditions and the sacrifices they’re compelled to make.

“Getting up early, going out to work, and realizing you can get exposed to the virus and risk being infected is hard to do,” he said. “These men and women have families, but they can’t be with their loved ones, because there’s a possibility that they’re carrying the virus.”

For Rocco, a third class petty officer for the Navy’s reserve force, being given an opportunity to perform his responsibilities was incredibly fulfilling.

“It reminded me why I joined the Philippine Navy—to serve our country and its people in times of need,” said Rocco, who also had taken part in various relief drives, and donated personal protective equipment to hospitals.

Aside from being a reservist, Rocco is also a registered nurse.

And the actor has nothing but admiration for all the hard work medical professionals do day in and day out.

Francisco Martin sings for “American Idol” “I salute them for their efjudges from inside his home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo courtesy of ABC forts and strength; and for con-

tinuing to be lifesavers, despite the fact that the virus has taken the lives of many medical professionals. They’re true heroes in this time of crisis,” pointed out Rocco, who earned his master’s degree in nursing—with honors—in 2017.

As such, it’s important, Rocco said, to shower them with support even in our own little ways.

“With all the donation drives and campaigns that we’re already doing, we have somehow contributed to the needs of our front-liners. The best we can do is to show our support online, from the safety of our homes, to help keep their morale high,” he said.

The mere act of taking extra precautions is already a big help.

“The principle of ‘prevention rather than treatment’ is my play every day,” Rocco said. “I do my best to disinfect whatever item I suspect may be contaminated. I do extra research for updates while staying safe at home.”

When he’s not on the field or joining charity efforts, Rocco uses social media as a tool to inspire by holding Bible readings with his Instagram followers.

“I didn’t expect it to reach a wide audience, but I’m sure it will mean a lot to at least one person listening; to a person in need of a good read or a reminder that things will even-

SERVICES

SERVICES

tually get better. We all need that spark of hope nowadays,” he said.

One of Rocco’s goals for 2020 is moving into his new, dream home in Antipolo City.

But that remains to be seen, now that the enhanced community quarantine in high-risk areas, which includes Metro Manila and Rizal province, has just been extended to May 15.

“There are things that still need to be done, but the workers can’t go to the site to finish whatever they have to do. I was looking forward to finally moving there,” he said.

Rocco, who’s part of the local adaptation of the militarythemed Korean drama series “Descendants of the Sun,” admitted that there are workrelated things that he has been starting to miss. “I miss working on the set, the late nights, and the daily grind,” he said. “Still, I appreciate the extra time I have now.”

While he’s optimistic that the country will be able to overcome the ongoing health crisis, Rocco expects that there will be some changes in people’s way of life afterwards.

“The best thing about Filipinos is that, even during tough times, we find a way to rise above difficulties together,” he said. “Tapings will be different from now on, and I believe everyone will be extra hardworking since we’ve all missed our daily grind.”

JC posts photos of daughter for the first time In a previous interview with Star Cinema, Santos shared he had known Herrera since high school and courted ACTOR JC Santos defiher even when they were nitely sent out a lot of good teenagers. vibes via Instagram on Mon“2019 is the best year for day night when he posted me sa lahat. Sobrang thankpictures of his daughter River ful ako kay Lord na lahat ng Altheia for the first time. pangarap ko, lahat ng dasal “Happy 2nd month to my ko natupad pati ‘yung sa funny little cream puff! PS career. Pero bukod doon As soon as the mall opens, I sa career ko actually, ‘yung promise I will buy you a dress. crush ko noong high school Para di ka na mapagkamalang na na-basted ako 15 years boy,” the doting dad capago, nagkita kami ulit at hindi tioned his post on Instagram ko na siya pinakawalan,” he Monday night. said.

On March 24, Santos “Siyempre nag-hang out introduced his first born with kami for a few months, [then] non-showbiz partner Shyleena sinabi ko na agad sa parents Herrera on the social media niya na ‘I wanna marry your platform but Baby River’s daughter.’ Sinabi ko na agad face was partly hidden. sa kapatid niya. Nalaman na This time, Santos went all nila and nag-propose ako and out sharing a series of solo we got married. And now we photos and posts, “#Homehave a new beautiful girl,” he Quarantine #DaddyDuties added.

Afternoon probinsya air for Santos was a breakout my little sunshine. Be safe star in the Nadine Lustre and everybody. May this break be James Reid-starrer “Till I Met a good opportunity for you to JC Santos with daughter River take good care of your family.

Photo from Instagram/@j.c.santos You.” He earned major billing thereafter in the blockbuster God bless us all!” show this year and one of the hit“100 Tula Para Kay Stella” The 31-year-old Santos (2017), followed by”Mr. & last few movies that enjoyed secretly married Herrera in screenings before the COVID- Mrs. Cruz” (2018), “The Day September 2019 and only After Valentine’s” (2018), revealed that he had tied the 19 pandemic.

“Open” (2019). He was also Santos said then that it knot in January 2020 during part of the Metro Manila Film was only after the wedding the grand media conference of the film “On Vodka, Beers, that he and his pregnant wife Festival 2019 top grosser “Miracle in Cell No. 7.” found out they had been and Regrets,” co-starring Santos was a theater actor blessed with a baby girl.

Bela Padilla. before becoming a movie The Viva Films production The couple welcomed River star. was the first Filipino movie to Altheia following month.

By Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

Iwa reveals she’s a PWD By allan

PolIcarPIo Inquirer.net

“THIS is me. I’m fat. So what? Is there anything wrong with that?”

That was Iwa Moto’s snappy clapback at a social media user who criticized the actress’ physique.

In the comments section of one of her recent Instagram posts—a video of her and her daughter, Mimi, dancing to a Momoland song—Iwa replied to basher, saying that body shaming her was “unnecessary.”

“Instead of picking on my weight or stalking someone

else’s Instagram, why don’t you find something productive to do?” wrote Iwa, who finished first runner-up in the third season of the reality artista search “StarStruck.”

“Nakikitingin ka na lang, ang dami pang hanash.”

Iwa knew only too well that, by posting the said video, she was opening up herself to “nasty” comments. But she did it anyway because she wanted to show how she and Mimi bond. “It shows how happy I made her by learning this dance,” she said of her daughter with Pampi Lacson.

Later in her Instagram

stories, Iwa felt compelled to reveal the reason why losing weight is hard for her: She has a health issue, she said, that makes it hard for her “to control my feelings,” among other things.

While she didn’t disclose what exactly she’s dealing with it makes her a person with disability (PWD). Iwa added that she manages her condition with two kinds of mood stabilizers and two kinds of antidepressants.

She also has to take Clonazepam and Alprazolam, which, according to WebMD, are used for panic attacks and anxiety.

entertainment

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 29, 2020

Trump issues executive order pausing certain green cards for 60 days Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

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 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, im-

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, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association.

He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration.

He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

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 recesAccording to Trump, pausing sion of 2008. In response, President immigration will help out Donald Trump anunemployed Americans by allowing nounced Tuesday April 21, 2020 that American workers to be first in line he will be placing a 60-day pause on the when the economy reopens. issuance of certain immigration green cards in an effort to mediate family petitions by limit competition for jobs in a US Citizens such as those for U.S. economy wrecked by the spouses, parents, and minor coronavirus. Trump plans to sign children would still be available. the executive order on Wednes- In addition, the executive order day April 22, 2020. The purpose would not impact foreigners of this executive order was that are legally inside the US on to protect American workers. a non-immigrant visa including According to Trump, pausing temporary working visas. immigration will help out unemTrump intends to review the ployed Americans by allowing executive order at the end of American workers to be first in the 60 day pause and decide The 31-year-old celebrity described those shaming her as “nasty to the bones.”

“You may know my name, but you don’t know my story.

Yes, I’m a PWD. Congrats, you just insulted someone with a disability,” wrote Iwa, who’s currently in a hiatus from show biz. “I didn’t want to post these, but I honestly got affected. I know I shouldn’t, but I did.”

“One of my illnesses is that I can’t control my feelings. I wish I could, but I can’t,” she lamented, adding that what she’s going through is something she wouldn’t dare wish on anyone else. “Even to those angry at me. Because it’s really hard.”

Iwa Moto

Photo from Instagram/@iam_iwa

T h e A s ian Jour nal M DW K M A G A Z I NE - Apri l 29, 2 0 2 0