060422 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

JUNE 4-7, 2022 Volume 32 - No. 44 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages

Los Angeles County could reinstate USA Improved biodiversity, mandate indoor masking anew water systems, DATELINE

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

community recreation: LA releases finalized LA River master plan

AFTER nearly 30 years after the first master plan for the historic Los Angeles River, the county is closer than ever to harnessing the full potential of the river to benefit the ecosystem, local communities, and future generations of Angelenos.

Los Angeles County Public Works, in partnership with Ethnic Media Services (EMS), released the final LA River Master Plan (LARMP) last month, which, in short, blueprints revitalization of the river in the context of three main categories: water quality, environmental sustainability, and community.  PAGE A4

Los Angeles County confirms first presumptive case of monkeypox THE Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first presumptive case of monkeypox infection in Los Angeles County and is awaiting final confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The patient is an adult resident who recently traveled and had a known close contact to a case. Although the patient is symptomatic, they are doing well and not hospitalized. They are isolated from others.

Public Health is continuing to investigate and conduct contact tracing and post-exposure prevention for close contacts.

The risk of monkeypox in the general population remains very low.

For more information, please visit: ph. lacounty.gov/media/Monkeypox/ About Monkeypox: Monkeypox is a viral infection that can spread through contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores, or shared items (such as clothing and bedding) that have been contaminated with fluids or sores of a person with monkeypox.

Monkeypox virus can also spread between

 PAGE A5

by AJPRESS

AS summer approaches, Los Angeles County could return to mandatory indoor masking if COVID-19 trends continue to increase.

LA County Public Health Director Barbara

Ferrer on Thursday, June 2 said that the county would be considered in the federal government’s “high” virus activity category if COVID-related hospitalizations rise above 10 per 100,000 residents, or if the percentage of staffed hospital beds occupied by COVID-positive

 PAGE 2

Vote centers in Los Angeles County open until June 7 primary election

by AJPRESS ALL vote centers in Los Angeles County for the 2022 primary nominating election are open for eligible voters, starting Saturday, June 4.

The centers will be opened through Election Day June 7, 2022.

Candidates for Mayor, City Attorney, City Controller, City Council Districts (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15), and candidates for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education Districts (2, 4, and 6) will be included on the ballot.

All voters can now cast their ballot at any Vote Center in the County of Los Angeles.

In addition, voters can mail their ballot in until Election Day, June 7, 2022 (if postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days, it will be accepted) or by dropping it off at any Official Drop-Box or Vote Center.

To locate the nearest Official Drop-Box or Vote Center: GETTING READY. A worker paints the flag pole of the National Museum in Manila on Thursday, June 2. The museum will be the venue of the  PAGE A4 oath-taking of President-elect Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on June 30.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike Alquinto

BI hopeful PH will quickly recover pre-pandemic tourist arrivals

by ROBERTZON

RAMIREZ

Philstar.com

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) remains hopeful that the Philippines will quickly recover the pre-pandemic 45,000 daily arrivals of foreign tourists after the government eased travel restrictions amid the lingering COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The government’s decision to loosen travel restrictions is considered “good news,” especially now that the Philippines is recording 15,000 daily arrivals, which

is expected to increase in the coming months, according to BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval.

“It’s good news: our travel restrictions have been further loosened, so this is a major factor to really encourage foreign nationals, and also our fellow Filipino citizens living abroad, to come home and Robredo and her team welcomed Duterte-Carpio’s transition team who visited the offices visit the Philippines,” Sandoval said in used by the Office of the Vice President in Quezon City.

English and Filipino during a recent Laging Photo courtesy of the Vice President of the Philippines Handa forum.

She added that as far as travel arrival is concerned, BI’s records showed it is still far  PAGE A5

Leni Robredo meets transition team of Vice President-elect President-elect Bongbong Marcos Sara Duterte’s transition team to take oath at National Museum

by NEIL

by NEIL

President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

patients tops 10%.

Ferrer added that it would be “likely…towards the end of June.”

"Actual hospital admissions could increase at a faster rate, or if case numbers stabilize

ARWIN MERCADO Inquirer.net

MANILA — President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will take his oath of office as the 17th chief executive of the country at the historic National Museum of the Philippines on June 30, 2022.

Incoming Presidential Management Staff secretary Zenaida “Naida” Angping said that the area was found to be a “suitable venue” for the oath-taking following the inaugural committee’s ocular inspection.

“The National Museum of Philippines building and its surrounding areas match our requirements for President-elect Marcos’ inauguration. Preparations are already in Philstar.com file photo full swing to ensure that it will be ready by

then,” Angping said in a statement.

Angping said the inaugural committee also considered the Quirino Grandstand for Marcos Jr.’s oath-taking.

The committee’s ocular inspection team, however, observed that there were still several COVID-19 facilities in the area.

“The safety and welfare of our people are paramount. As such, we chose to avoid disrupting the medical care being given to the COVID-19 patients housed there.

That’s why we opted for the National Museum as the venue,” Angping said.

The National Museum of the Philippines previously served as the venue for the inauguration of former Presidents Manuel L. Quezon, Jose P. Laurel, and Manuel Roxas. 

ARWIN MERCADO Inquirer.net

MANILA — Outgoing Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday met with the transition team of Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Robredo and her team welcomed Duterte-Carpio’s transition team who visited the offices used by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in Quezon City Reception House (QCRH) and Ben-Lor Building.

OVP officials gave DuterteCarpio’s transition team a tour of both QCRH and Ben-Lor. The QCRH serves as Robredo’s office while the Ben-Lor Building

housed the OVP’s administrative units.

During the visit, Robredo said she and her team are ready to offer their assistance and guidance for the transition.

The visit came after the Robredo and Duterte-Carpio transition teams’ initial meeting on Wednesday, June 1, which was held online.

During the meeting, the OVP said an overview of the organization was presented, together with key reforms and programs started during Robredo’s tenure.

Duterte-Carpio will officially assume office on June 30 at 12 noon. 

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

HONORED. President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his speech during the recognition of the 31st SEA Games Medalists at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, May 31. The Philippines hauled a total of 226 medals in the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, finishing in fourth among 11 nations. The president encouraged the Filipino youth to engage in sports and other productive activities to learn the distinct Filipino values and at the same time, uphold the country’s distinction as among the most competitive athletes in the global community.

Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante

Los Angeles County could...

PAGE A1 or decrease in the next two weeks, the rate of increase in hospitalizations could be a lot lower," she said during Thursday’s briefing. "As we look to the near future, it reminds us that we ourselves also have the ability to influence where these numbers go. We all have the power to take steps to reduce the amount of viral spread, which ultimately reduces the number of people that are in the hospital with a positive COVID-19 infection."

If the category occurs, it would prompt the county to return to an indoor mask mandate, which was lifted on three months ago on March 3.

Currently, the county is listed in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “medium” virusactivity category, based on the cumulative seven-day rate of new cases.

Alameda County in Northern California is the first county in the state to bring back its indoor mask mandate, which took effect on Friday, June 3.

Public Health reminded

residents that masks are required inside health care settings, on public transit and at indoor transit hubs, long term care settings, shelters and cooling centers, and correctional facilities.

Employees and customers must wear a mask at any workplaces or venues with required masking. Masking is also required by the LA County Health Officer Order for anyone who is still within 10 days of a COVID diagnosis or exposure when around others.

“With the high transmission of the BA.2.12.1, masking provides a strong defense against viral transmission.

Each resident should consider not only their own personal risk, but also the risk to family members, friends, co-workers and those sharing public spaces, as they make decisions about taking precautions such as masking, gathering, getting tested, and getting vaccinated or boosted. In situations where transmission risk is higher, we know with certainty that masking allows us to protect ourselves and those around

us. Masking helps protect those in our county who are more vulnerable. We help keep everyone working. And it is a fairly simple way to do our part to help prevent overburdening the healthcare system we all depend on,” Ferrer said.

Public Health also on Friday reported 10 additional deaths and 5,051 new positive cases.

Of the 10 new deaths reported today, one person was between the ages of 30-49, four people were between the ages of 6579, and five were among people aged 80 years or older. Of the 10 newly reported deaths, nine people had underlying health conditions. To date, the total number of deaths in LA County is 32,154.

Public Health has reported a total of 2,990,651 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of LA County. Today’s positivity rate is 5.0%.

There are 522 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized. Testing results are available for more than 12,034,362 individuals, with 22% of people testing positive. 

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Improved biodiversity, water systems, community... NAFFAA celebrates Fil-Am leaders

PAGE A1  The entire LARMP released on May 17 is available to read here: https://larivermasterplan.org/.

The LA County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider the plan for adoption on June 14.

As reported by the Asian Journal over the last several years, LA Department of Public Works, along with other local government and community agencies, have been updating the LARMP to design a more comprehensive, interactive, and accessible LA River than can act as much more than a cool movie set.

If enacted, the LA River — which spans 51 miles across the sprawling county — and the immediate areas around it would be redesigned to not only improve irrigation and infrastructurerelated issues like flood reduction and water quality, but to also address the social and cultural implications.

“We are stewards of this land both the natural and built environment,” Keith Lilley, assistant deputy director of L.A. County Public Works, said at a press conference hosted by EMS on Tuesday, May 17. “We seek to foster a more positive and equitable foundation for all current and future residents.

There are nearly a million people living within a mile of the river. We reimagine a plan that will encourage people and

environments to commingle and thrive.”

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the mission to revitalize the LA River to better serve its vast communities has been a years-long effort. For a long time, large areas of the LA River resembled more of an open sewer with almost no water flowing through it, a mere vestige of what made Los Angeles an attractive location to indigenous communities and early settlers.

But since 1996, when the LARMP was first drafted, the county has been working to make the river a priority again, collaborating with local communities, non-profit organizations, state and national agencies and other groups to help the river reach its full potential.

To promote botanical appreciation and studies, habitat and ecosystem functions and laboratories would be located along the river, with a focus on increasing and supporting biodiversity among flora and fauna native to California.

But historically one of the most pressing concerns over the LA River among Angelenos is its lack of amenities and activities for residents.

Along the river, open spaces will connect throughout the 51-mile expanse of the river, complete with support facilities and trail access, including upgrading the LA River Trail which organizers hope will

extend to include the entire length of the river, from Canoga Park to Long Beach.

The organizers hope this will encourage more residents to partake in outdoorsy activities; potentially, these open spaces can also act as event locations and venues for the community.

“The LA River is an incredible natural resource, but it was never designed to serve the recreational and environmental needs of our river-adjacent communities or the county as a whole,” Kuehl said. “This final version of the LA River Master Plan brings the potential of the river up to date by establishing a thoughtful, comprehensive road map that creates a 51-mile artery of sustainable and healthy habitats for plants, animals and people.”

However, the massive undertaking of essentially creating an LA River 2.0 doesn’t come without serious concerns from the diverse communities that the LA River serves.

Communities of color that are adjacent to the river, like Chinatown, have already been plagued with displacement, leading to hordes of long-time Angelenos to become homeless.

“Many people don’t know that Chinatown is one of the poorest neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Many of our residents are one rent increase away from becoming homeless,” said Sissy

in the LGBTQI+ community for June’s Pride Month celebration

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) will celebrate and recognize the thoughts, stories and accomplishments of its LGBTQI+ leaders in honor of Pride Month.

Through the “National Advocacy” pillar of empowerment, NaFFAA calls for a more inclusive FilipinoAmerican community and be an example of showing love and intolerance against all forms of hate crimes toward the LGBTQI+ community.

Recent studies show that 40% of AAPI LGBTQI+ youths have considered suicide in the last year.

A survey from the Trevor Project found that 40 percent of LGBTQI+ youths who are Asian American or Pacific Islander, or AAPI, have seriously considered suicide in the past year. Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian youths experienced the highest rate, at 49 percent, followed by Korean American youths, at 47 percent, and Filipino American youths, at 41 percent.

For many Filipino Americans, coming out is a lifelong process that can require a different approach because of cultural norms or traditions that emphasize duty to family and community.

“We celebrate each member  PAGE A5 of our Filipino community. We are proud of the unique talents, perspectives, and offerings each of you provides to make our 4 million strong Filipino community stronger than ever,” said NaFFAA President and Chairman Brendan Flores.

“Diversity includes differences in sexual orientation, religion, political parties, and other groups you affiliate yourself into. We hope that instead of focusing on these differences,

we will take time to focus on our biggest similarity - being FilipinoAmericans.”

Diverse Segments Director Gio Duaqui says: “Approximately 4.2 million Filipino Americans are working tirelessly to achieve the American Dream and to improve their communities.

Imagine how much more we can accomplish and amplify our efforts as a unified voice by building bridges to other segments of our diverse population. I am proud to see NAFFAA is moving in that direction to ensure everyone is welcome and included. After all, the American Dream belongs to all of us. Happy Pride Month!”

NaFFAA does not tolerate any forms of prejudice against any of our “kapatid” in the LGBTQI+ community. We celebrate their

successes and recognize the great and important contributions they make to make us a better and stronger country. Our leaders look forward to continuing to support our “kapatid” in the LGBTQI+ community.

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. Established in 1997, NaFFAA promotes the welfare and well-being of the four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the United States. NaFFAA’s vision is to serve as the voice of all Filipinos and Filipino Americans by uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and national advocacy. (NaFFAA Release)

Vote centers in Los Angeles County open until...

PAGE A1

ON THEIR TOES. Members of the Special Weapons and Tactics team of the Manila Police District patrol streets in Divisoria, Manila on Wednesday, June 1. The Philippine National Police is on heightened alert following a series of bombings in Mindanao.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike Alquinto

Visit the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk’s (RR/CC) website at: locator.lavote.gov.

Call the RR/CC vote center information number at (800) 8152666, Option #1.

Call the City Clerk- Election Division at (213) 978-0444 Eligible Los Angeles County residents who missed the May 23,

2022 registration deadline can still vote at any Vote Center in LA County.

Under California Election Law, Conditional Voter Registration (CVR) allows a prospective voter to conditionally register and cast a ballot. For more information please visit: https://www.lavote. gov/home/voting-elections/voterregistration/conditional-voterregistration.

The City’s Primary Nominating Election will be held June 7, 2022, and the General Municipal Election will be held November 8, 2022. While the City conducted the candidate filing portion of the elections, the County of Los Angeles Registrar Recorder (County) will administer the elections. For more information please call (800) 815 2666 or visit: https://lavote.gov/ 

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Los Angeles County confirms first presumptive...

PAGE A1

PREPARATION. Pagasa Astronomical Observation and Time Service Unit Chief Mario Raymundo checks a telescope in UP Diliman on Thursday, June 2, 2022. Pagasa said Filipino skywatchers will be treated with the sight of a supermoon, five-planet alignment and meteor shower in the coming weeks.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

BI hopeful PH will quickly recover...

PAGE A1

from the pre-pandemic figures, but she noted that the country is already “getting there” with new travel guidelines set by the government to encourage more tourists.

Sandoval also emphasized that the increasing number of tourist arrivals started when the government eased travel restrictions in February when it allowed fully vaccinated tourists to enter the Philippines.

“Our daily arrivals (during the onset of the pandemic) was just around four or five thousand per day; now, the number has gone up to 15,000 per day,” she said.

The BI official stressed that the onset of the rainy season in the country would not affect

tourist arrivals because travel restrictions in the country have been loosened.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) recently approved new travel guidelines, allowing fully vaccinated and boosted tourists to enter the Philippines even without a RTPCR or swab test.

In another development, Sandoval said the BI is continuously coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) and the IATF if the two agencies will come up with new travel guidelines amid the new threat from the monkeypox.

No monkeypox case has been recorded in the Philippines.

The BI is part of the so-called

“four-door strategy” of the DOH against monkeypox, where they will be implementing the necessary travel restrictions against the disease, according to Sandoval.

“During the first few months of the pandemic, we implemented … country-specific travel restrictions, on countries with high numbers of cases and with high risks of bringing COVID-19 here in the Philippines,” she said.

“We see that actions may be similar (with those pertaining to COVID-19), if, based on studies by the DOH and IATF, they need to be implemented (for monkeypox). We at the Bureau of Immigration are ready anytime to implement such travel restrictions,” she added. 

Improved biodiversity, water systems, community...

PAGE A4  Trinh, executive director of the Southeast Asian Community Alliance.

She added that, in addition to Chinatown, other river-adjacent communities actually recoiled at the idea of increased parks and recreation near the river because residents feared it would add to the mounting gentrification problem.

Once the master plan is implemented, she predicted that real estate developers are likely to take advantage of the beautification and the real estate opportunities to buy multiple plots, build housing and commercial units, and

charge considerably high rents, pushing families, business owners and residents out of these neighborhoods.

“We were in this place where we questioned, do we fight [against] having nicer neighborhoods or do we accept that it’s going to happen and that we would just get pushed out?”

Trinh noted.

If the county approves the plan — it’s likely that it will — several projects outlined by the LARMP will be set in motion.

Despite apprehension that the revitalization efforts may harm vulnerable communities, LA Public Works is confident that the years of planning spent on

the blueprint will address any community concerns.

“We explored areas of social, cultural, and ecological disparity, including homelessness, gentrification, public open space, public health, and community and environmental inequities in infrastructure,” said County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella, who is also the chief engineer of the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. “The result is a plan that recognizes the river as a complex `system of systems’ in which people, places and the environment are encouraged to coexist, intermingle and thrive.”

(Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

people through saliva or respiratory droplets, typically between people in a close setting.

Although monkeypox is not generally considered a sexually transmitted infection, it can be transmitted during sex through skin-to-skin and other intimate contact, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

People with monkeypox sometimes develop a flu-like illness with fever, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes followed by a rash. In other instances, people just develop a rash with or without swollen lymph nodes, which can occur on the genitals. People usually develop monkeypox 7 to 14 days (and up to 21 days) after being exposed.

Most people with monkeypox have a mild illness that improves without treatment over 2 to 4 weeks. Treatment is supportive and focused on easing the symptoms of the illness.

Monkeypox is contagious and can spread to others until scabs have fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed.

For more information on monkeypox, please see our FAQs: http://publichealth. lacounty.gov/acd/docs/ MonkeypoxFAQ.pdf What people should do: To prevent the spread of monkeypox in Los Angeles County, we ask individuals to be aware of the risks and how monkeypox spreads. It is also important to remember that monkeypox can spread through sexual networks, as such, and until we learn more, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) urges you to be vigilant.

People who have symptoms of monkeypox, particularly the characteristic rash or lesions, should take the following steps: • Visit a medical provider for an evaluation • Cover the area of the rash with clothing • Wear a mask • Avoid skin-to-skin, or close contact with others Per the CDC, these steps are particularly recommended for anyone who: 1) recently traveled to an area where monkeypox cases have been reported. You can find a list of the countries where monkeypox has been reported, here on the CDC website. 2) reports contact with a confirmed or suspected monkeypox case.

For any questions about

monkeypox, Public Health recommends that you speak to your primary care provider.

If you do not have a regular provider, call 2-1-1 for assistance.

In addition, people without a regular provider that have developed a rash in the genital or perianal area, can access services at Public Health’s sexual health clinics. Please find a list of Public Health Centers that offer sexual health services here.

What healthcare providers should do: • Monkeypox infection should be considered for patients presenting with skin lesions, especially for those with a history of recent travel to an area with confirmed monkeypox cases.

If lesions are characteristic for monkeypox, monkeypox should be considered even in the absence of known travel.

• Those who have known close personal contact with people with monkeypox could potentially also be at risk for the

disease.

• Take note that some patients have had genital lesions and the rash may be hard to distinguish from syphilis, herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, chancroid, varicella zoster, and other more common infections.

• Isolate any patients suspected of having monkeypox in a single-person room, and ensure staff understand the importance of wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (gown, gloves, eye protection, and respirator) and that they wear it each time they are near suspected cases.

• Use standard cleaning/ disinfectants in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Report all suspected monkeypox cases to Public Health immediately.

• For healthcare professionals please refer to the following resource for consult and reporting: http://publichealth. lacounty.gov/clinicians/report/ 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) INVITATION FOR BID

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

LACMTA will receive Bids/ Proposals for C88836C1218 Invitation for Bid (IFB) Soundwall Package 10 at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

All Bids must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each Bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. C88836C1218.

For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Helen Gates-Bryant at gates-bryanth@metro.net.

6/4, 6/11/22 CNS-3592186# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

LACMTA will receive Proposals for PS77693-3 - Agency Security Architecture Review at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

A Pre-Proposal conference will not be held. All Proposals must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 12:00 p.m.

Pacific Time on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. PS77693-3.

For a copy of the Proposal/Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Annie Duong at duonga2@metro.net.

6/4/22 CNS-3592013# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

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OPINION

FEATURES

Keep fishing

There is only one proper response to a fishing moratorium within Philippine waters that is not imposed by the country: Filipinos should continue fishing within our own waters and exclusive economic zone.

This is apart from the protest lodged by the Department of Foreign Affairs over the three-month fishing moratorium unilaterally imposed by Beijing over nearly the entire South China Sea, which it continues to claim despite an international arbitral ruling invalidating its greedy “nine-dash-line” claim that might one day include even the beachfronts of its Asian neighbors.

The moratorium is supposed to give fishing grounds in the disputed area a breathing spell to allow the replenishment of depleted stocks and renew the marine ecosystem. This is from a country whose construction of artificial islands has destroyed vast stretches of coral reefs that are spawning grounds of marine life, in waters over which its claim has been invalidated.

Aside from ignoring such unilateral pronouncements, the Philippine government must assert its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea by conducting patrols to ensure

that Filipinos will not be prevented by any foreign intruder from fishing in Philippine waters.

This need not entail a military confrontation; the country can deploy patrol assets of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources as well as the Philippine Coast Guard, both of which are under civilian departments. Never mind if China deploys massive militia fleets of about 200 boats backed by its coast guard, which is now under its military.

Filipinos should show the world that might does not make right in maintaining a rules-based international order.

The Philippines also observes a fishing moratorium within its territorial waters and 200-mile maritime exclusive economic zone, as defined under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which China is also a signatory. Until such a moratorium is announced by our own government, Filipinos should keep fishing. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

All the boxes

Search For Truth ERNESTO P. MACEDA JR. THE Marcos team is coming together nicely. Public attention to the economic cluster is understandable, given the national rebuilding forced upon us by the pandemic. But even line or staff appointments to the departments handling political and social development have been predominantly satisfactory.

The outgoing administration was unapologetically Jacksonian in allocating positions, valuing loyalty as its first criterion. In contrast, the model of best and brightest has clearly inspired president-elect BBM’s selections.

His message of unity and of not dwelling on the past is also immediately seen in the complexion of his “hybrid” Cabinet. Continuing the metaphor of his marriage to 31 million, we see the elements of something borrowed, blue, old and new.

But not of rivals, just yet. If the electoral contest had been more cardiac than it actually was, then coopting the worthy

from across the fence would be a fantastic idea. After all, unity is a recurring and universal theme.

The privilege of representation, however, is better if deserved.

And not just symbolically but also in recognition of the numbers.

Had it been a photo finish, then whoever nosed through at the end could defer to the voice of the other half of a divided people.

To be sure, the total runner-up votes would have been enough in ordinary times to elect a president. But BBM’s victory with a margin of twice that number amounts to a conclusive and emphatic public acclamation serving also as imprimatur for the president’s choice of his own men.

Interestingly, however caustic the campaign was, the vitriol was largely one sided. Gratuitous attacks disproportionately targeted the leading candidate.

None emanated from presidentelect BBM nor did he return the vituperation. Still, magnanimity should be easy. But the resistance may be felt more from the ranks of the defeated rather than from those victorious.

The Shepherd. Inevitably, these Cabinet members, especially

WHAT provoked the disclosure from communications secretary nominee, lawyer Trixie CruzAngeles, that President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not designate anyone to be his official spokesman because there are certain issues that he would prefer "to deal with himself"?

Did Cruz-Angeles exceed the authority of her still unofficial appointment? Or did the media ask too many questions and presume too much?

The media would not have pestered her with questions about Marcos Jr.'s policy positions on so many issues and questions had she not given the impression from day one of her nomination to head the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), that she could relay or explain BBM's positions on various issues.

On her part, Cruz-Angeles would not have volunteered her thoughts on Marcos Jr.'s positions had the media not pressed her constantly for explanations and revelations on prospective appointments to the Cabinet and on policies on burning issues.

She may have been misled by the trusting nature of the presidentelect.

Clarity about the role The problem would not have

overwhelming majority of the president-elect’s win in the unanimous choice of Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (FMR) to lead them. He will not be the first Speaker Romualdez. His distant uncle, Nacionalista party stalwart Daniel, was the first back in 1958 to 1962. Speaker FMR is eminently qualified as veteran congressman and majority leader. He brings vast experience in navigating the uneasy path between separation and check.

As of press time, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri of Bukidnon has been announced as ascending to the position of third in the line of succession. His selection as Senate president will reinforce the Mindanawon contingent in the geographical distribution of the first five. President-elect BBM is from Luzon (Ilocos Norte) as is Chief Justice Alex Gesmundo (Laguna); vice president-elect Sara Duterte from Davao; Speaker FMR from Leyte.

The incoming Senate president trod the same path as Speaker FMR as he also served as Majority Leader previously.

Unlike in the US or Phl of old with a two-party system, under the present multiparty scenario, it’s not party lines or platforms at the root of majorities. Rather, it’s the common interest to secure what each one can get. Win-win

rather than zero-sum. Erstwhile aspirant Senator Cynthia Villar belongs, as he, to the coalition supporting the president-elect.

There is no set formula on how to get there. There is the more democratic consensus choice, based on seniority and leadership as in Senate President Tito Sotto’s route. Certainly, there is always the element of possible intervention from Malacañang. Senate president Koko Pimentel famously secured his position on the back of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s support.

Independent republic. For Senator Imee Marcos, that kind of intervention would be improper. Even Senator Zubiri felt compelled to speak out for independence. Hence, we see the optic of president-elect BBM in a working meeting with his former colleagues purportedly on legislative agenda rather than it being a coronation of the only candidate in the table.

Re: independence, 2019’s neophyte senators should, by now, realize that their interests coincide with those of the institution. The coattails on which they rode is no longer around. Of the 2022 batch, only two are newcomers to Congress.

The great majority are veteran.

This bodes well for the Senate’s

bulwark image.

They are heirs to the chamber’s long tradition of independence.

As when, among others, senators rejected the 1991 US bases treaty; clashed with each other on the Estrada and Corona impeachments; elevated their case against EO 464 in Senate v. Ermita; fulminated against the unilateral termination of the VFA by PRRD and, recently, challenged the EO forbidding attendance at the Pharmally hearings.

The very quality that vests them with the raiment of popular approval is that independence.

But it is independence and never obstruction. It’s the working together and this is also the metaphorical meaning of the choice of inaugural venue. The National Museum is not only the old Legislative Building where Ferdinand Marcos Sr. once served as Senate president, it also hosted the inaugurals of presidents Manuel L. Quezon, Jose P. Laurel and Manuel A. Roxas. All were members of the Legislative department before they became Chief Executive. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

Why the president-elect will be his own spokesman on certain issues and questions

Commentary

YEN MAKABENTA

the veterans, will become power centers. But the reality is that the primus inter pares position of Executive Secretary (ES) will be acknowledged. We have yet to publicly see how that relationship between Atty. Vic Rodriguez and the department secretaries will play out. Reports have it, though, that the ES has earned the respect and deference of the team.

As between him and his principal, however, we’ve witnessed during the last two campaigns the esteem in which he is held by the presidentelect. Unlike the two previous position holders whose appointments surprised us, the nation expected Atty. Rodriguez to essay the role he had played de facto, apart from being spokesman when called upon in the past.

This speaks to the trust and confidence reposed upon him.

He has pawned blood, sweat and tears through the difficult years.

Theirs was not a partnership where, as has happened with other administrations, the Boss would have to speak up for him in a reversal of roles.

The people’s department. In Congress, the House has managed to mirror the

Philstar.com photo

arisen had there been 1) clarity from the beginning about the role that the president-elect expected Cruz-Angeles to perform in his administration; and 2) clarity also at her end about what communications work in a new administration would really entail.

The disclosure came during an interview which Cruz-Angeles gave to TeleRadyo's "On The Spot" last Tuesday. Specifically, she said: "We don't know yet how often, but I think there are some issues which he prefers to deal with himself."

She also allayed concerns that there would be issues that will be considered "taboo" and therefore must not be touched by reporters covering Malacañang.

"There are no directives from the president-elect. Wala pong sinasabi na merong hindi pwedeng pag-usapan (There was no mention of anything that cannot be talked about)," stated Cruz-Angeles.

She then said that the primary role of the PCOO, which she will soon be heading, is to "bring out the information" and "provide the clarification."

Cruz-Angeles' main role as PCOO head, according to executive secretary-designate lawyer Vic Rodriguez, is to "oversee the operations of the PCOO, which includes the conduct of regular press briefings

to media practitioners covering Malacañang activities."

Cruz-Angeles' big problem, it would seem, is her apparent lack of experience in public affairs at a high level and the management of complex media operations.

In a way the confused and confusing situation in presidential communications is a strange child of the saying: "Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies."

It has come to mean: If you want the truth, better not ask directly. It is listed in the Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs. This saying recurs throughout 150 years of English literature, from Oliver Goldsmith's She Stoops to Conquer (1773), in which the lies are "fibs," to George Bernard Shaw's Man and Superman (1903).

A key reason why there is much confusion in our midst of presidential communication and public information is that there is no reliable public understanding and knowledge of the functions of a press secretary, presidential spokesperson and communications secretary.

Every incoming president has his own people for the posts, but those appointed do not enter the public service with a clear description of their jobs or the expectations of the boss and the public.

No one is clear about what a

press secretary is supposed to do.

A spokesman thinks he can presume to speak on anything on behalf of the boss. This was the grotesque situation that developed when former presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. began answering questions and issuing statements on behalf of President Duterte on nearly any subject asked of him.

No one really knows what a communications secretary is supposed to do. All that is known is that he presides over a large office with thousands of employees and a big budget.

Amazingly, the first President Marcos lived and led for 20 years without appointing once an official spokesman. He began by naming a press secretary in the Malacañang press office. Then he named a public information secretary in the person of Francisco "Kit" Tatad after he declared martial law.

His press secretaries spoke for him in public and to the media, but he never appointed an official spokesman.

Also, the word "mass communications" entered the language during that time.

The presidential communications office was an invention of the presidency of Noynoy Aquino. He had at one time three secretaries in charge of communications, which

they decorated with the word "strategic."

It was during Aquino's time that the budget for communications ballooned to billions.

Through the years, the positions in presidential communications became a revolving door for various officials who came and went with regularity.

U.S. presidential communications The US government and the White House run a much simpler communications operation than our comparatively smaller government.

First, the U.S. has the White House press office, which saw birth in 1933 when Franklin Delano Roosevelt came to office.

The press office is headed by the press secretary.

The press secretary is the most important person in the executive branch for day-to-day contact with the presidential media.

He provides information on executive branch appointments and initiatives. He oversees the conduct of the president's press conferences.

In1969, Richard Nixon created the White House Office of Communications. It is headed by a communications director.

Its functions are quite different from those of the press office.

The office of communications had four primary goals:

1. Long-range communications planning; 2. The coordination of news from the many departments of government; 3. Outreach to local media; and 4. Oversight of presidential surrogates.

The press office is largely reactive; it responds to the questions and the needs of the White House press corps.

The office of communications on the other hand is primarily proactive. It is responsible for setting the public agenda and making sure that all players on the presidential team are adhering to that agenda.

The press secretary is responsible for collecting information about actions and events within the president's administration and issues the administration's reactions to developments around the world.

The press secretary interacts with the media and the White House press corps on a daily basis, generally in a daily press briefing.

This is where presidential communications should begin. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** yenobserver@gmail.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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Economic team of Marcos Jr. admin aims DOH: Not yet time to lift state of calamity in PH to lower debt-to-GDP ratio to 3% by 2028

by JOHN

ERIC MENDOZA Inquirer.net

by DAPHNE

GALVEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — Economic managers of the incoming administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are aiming to lower the country’s debt-toGDP (gross domestic product) ratio to 3% by the end of the President-elect’s term in 2028.

Incoming Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno revealed this recently, asserting that such a target is doable under the present tax system which the Duterte administration will leave behind.

“To me, the tax system as it is now will give us the right level of revenues. I agree with the outgoing administration that we need what is called a fiscal consolidation plan.

There should be a plan to

reduce the deficit-to-GDP ratio, which right now is around the neighborhood of 7-8%,” he said in an interview over One News’ The Chiefs on Thursday night.

“Ang target namin is by the end of the term of President Marcos, the debt-to-GDP ratio will be in the neighborhood of 3%. That’s where we were before the crisis and doable ‘yon given the present tax system, sa tingin ko lang,” Diokno added.

The current Department of Finance had proposed new and higher taxes plus a three-year deferral of income tax reductions scheduled for individual taxpayers to pay off the country’s debts.

But Diokno earlier said he does not favor raising taxes even as the incoming Marcos

administration is set to inherit a huge pile of debt.

He nevertheless said the incoming economic managers will still look at the suggestion of the outgoing administration and “figure out which are doable and not doable.”

In order to achieve a debt-toGDP ratio of 3%, the country’s economy should grow at 7% this year and 6% for the next six years, according to Diokno.

“So ganun ang plano namin then we will accomplish our plan, which originally adopted na, we will achieve the uppermiddle income country ang Pilipinas by maybe in a year or two and another target that was disrupted because of the pandemic, that we will get A rating,” he said, pointing out that the country is currently at B to B+ rating. 

Tagle gets another Vatican appointment

by FRANCO JOSE

C. BAROÑA

ManilaTimes.net

POPE Francis has appointed Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle to the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments.

Tagle is the second Filipino member of the congregation, also known as dicastery, the other being Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao whose appointment was renewed by the pope last March.

The congregation is charged with overseeing most of the global Catholic Church's liturgical concerns. Under office policy, priests, deacons and other ordained ministers wishing to use the Old Rite are required to submit their request to the dicastery and agree to follow the new norms of the church.

Members of Vatican congregations normally have a five-year term and may be renewed for a second term.

Cardinal Tagle is among the 22 new members of the congregation headed by Cardinal-designate Arthur Roche, who will be part of the consistory to be held on August 27. A consistory is a formal meeting of the College of

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle

Cardinals called by the pope.

In addition to Tagle's membership in the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, he also manages the Dicastery for Evangelizations as its Prefect.

Tagle is also a member of the Congregation for Catholic Education, Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, Congregation for the Oriental Churches, Congregation for Pontifical Councils,

ManilaTimes.net photo

Congregation for Legislative Texts, Congregation for Interreligious Dialogue, Congregation for the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, Cardinal Commission for the Supervision of the Institute for the Works of Religion, and Gran Chancellor of the Pontifical University Urbaniana.

Before he was appointed by Pope Francis to the Vatican, Tagle was the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Manila and also headed Caritas Internationalis. 

MANILA, Philippines — It is not the proper time to lift the state of calamity in the country due to COVID-19, Department of Health (DOH) spokesperson Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Friday.

Vergeire said that while there are discussions whether to recommend the lifting of the state of calamity or not, the decision should be gradual, considering the current COVID-19 slow booster uptake and the entry of Omicron subvariants in the country’s borders.

“This lifting of the state of calamity is being discussed among government agencies,” Vergeire said in an online press

briefing.

“As of now, because of the influx of the new sub variants, because of challenge for our government to increase the uptake of boosters … we need to work on those before we give recommendation to our president, and the next administration if the state of calamity would be lifted or not,” the spokesperson added, partly in Filipino.

On Friday, the DOH also announced the entry of Omicron sub variant BA.5 in the country.

Aside from BA.5, Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.2.12.1. have also been detected in the country.

Vergeire also stressed the implications of the suspension of the state of calamity to the validity of vaccines in the country.

For instance, she explained that the COVID-19 vaccines’s emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be invalid once the president lifted the state of calamity in the country.

This means vaccines and certain treatments can only be used if manufacturers secure a certificate of product registration (CPR) from the FDA. To date, no vaccines in the country have CPR. “Looking at our situation right now, baby steps tayo,” Vergeire said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a state of calamity in March 2020. The declaration has since been extended until September 2022. 

DOT chief named BSP deputy governor

by LAWRENCE

AGCAOILI Philstar.com

MANILA — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has named outgoing Tourism Secretary Bernadette RomuloPuyat as its fifth deputy governor, the maximum allowed under its new charter.

Liloan Mayor Christina Garcia Frasco, spokesperson for vice president-elect Sara DuterteCarpio, will replace Puyat at the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Puyat was appointed to the BSP a few weeks after the central bank launched the search for a new deputy governor.

On May 12, the BSP published the vacancy for a new deputy governor that needs to have a Master’s degree or certificate in leadership in management from the Civil Service Commission, 120 hours of supervisory and management training and learning and development intervention as well as 15 years of relevant experience, including five years supervisory or management experience.

Outgoing BSP Governor and incoming finance secretary Benjamin Diokno said the central bank’s Monetary Board has approved the appointment of Puyat.

“Yes, in last week’s Monetary Board meeting,” Diokno said in a

message sent to The STAR. Unlike the BSP governor and members of the Monetary Board who are appointed by Malacañang, deputy governors and assistant governors are appointed and confirmed by the central bank’s policy-making body.

As an independent body, the central bank enjoys fiscal and administrative autonomy from the national government. To ensure independence, the sixyear term of the BSP governor expires a year after the president steps down from office.

Puyat joins BSP Deputy Governor for monetary and economics Francisco Dakila Jr., Deputy Governor for financial supervision Chuchi Fonacier, Deputy Governor for payments and currency management Mamerto Tangonan and Deputy Governor for corporate services Eduardo Bobier.

President Duterte appointed Puyat as DOT secretary in May 2018.

Puyat was a former lecturer at the UP School of Economics from 1994 to 2006. She finished BS Economics cum laude at the University of the Philippines, where she also completed her Master’s degree in economics.

Prior to her stint at the DOT, Puyat served as undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture

Outgoing Tourism Chief Bernadette RomuloPuyat Philstar.com photo

between January 2007 and May 2018. She also served as economic consultant and deputy Cabinet secretary during the term of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as well as economic consultant at the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.

BSP Monetary Board member Felipe Medalla has been named as Diokno’s successor, who is serving the unexpired term of the late governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. until July 2023.

BSP Assistant Governor Amenah Pangandaman is set to vacate her post after presidentelect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed her as secretary of the Department of Budget and Management. 

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Creating safe working environments: Rajeev Agarwal Drug raps vs De Lima under DOJ review shares how Sales Rain thrived amid COVID-19 by

RITCHEL MENDIOLA AJPress

THE COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way businesses work. With the virus limiting social interaction, corporations across the globe were forced to close their offices and send their workers home.

In turn, the demand for office spaces gradually decreased as employees adapted to remote work.

In the Philippines, a 13.9% office vacancy was recorded at the end of the third quarter last year, according to professional services and investment management firm Colliers. It also recorded the least office transaction volume, at around 69,000 square meters amid the Delta variant surge of COVID-19.

Still, some seat leasing services managed to avoid being severely impacted by the subdued office leasing activity in the country.

One of them was Sales Rain, a premier office space provider Sales Rain CEO Rajeev Agarwal with multiple sites in Manila. and off-site support, and help clients growing during the Rajeev Agarwal, Sales Rain CEO, with the vaccination program,” pandemic.

“One of our existing clients shared with the Asian Journal he enumerated.

Agarwal also attributed Sales added the entire new floor in how his company thrived and expanded despite the global Rain’s high retention rate to the BGC,” he said. “Another client sacrifices its own employees signed up for the entire new floor health crisis. in Ortigas and additional floor One step back, two steps made amid the pandemic.

“The kind of sacrifice our again in Eastwood.” forward In June last year, Sales Rain According to Agarwal, the employees made being physically pandemic was a “one step back, present in the offices, overcoming announced its expansion in BGC to two steps forward” process for little to no transportation, and house multinational organizations Sales Rain. While they lost some many other hardships were some and startup businesses across clients to the crisis, the company’s of the key differentiators that various industries. The new accommodated over quick response and strategic helped us retain clients and win floor 250 workstations and various decisions successfully created some new clients,” he stressed.

Keeping in mind the constant workspaces, like conference halls, new growth opportunities.

“As everyone knows, office real threat of infection while working interview rooms, and training estate was one of the hardest hit at an office, Agarwal said Sales facilities.

Likewise, Sales Rain expanded sectors during COVID,” Agarwal Rain compensated by paying noted. “It was one step back, two all of its employees, getting in Ortigas with the intent to steps forward for us… We did them vaccinated, and extending provide outsourcing businesses lose a few clients, but that make concern to their families. And with flexible and cost-effective up was a very small portion of our unlike other companies that workspace solutions. The new decided to let go some of its floor it acquired in One Corporate business.”

“On the brighter side, we workforce, Sales Rain retained all Center catered mostly to BPO and call center companies, having gained some new clients,” he of its own.

Ushering growth and amenities such as common areas, added. meeting rooms, training rooms For this to happen, Agarwal expansion Despite COVID-19 and its and sleeping quarters. said the company readily provided Additionally, Agarwal the “highest level of support” variants, Sales Rain remained to its clients and helped them a leader in providing premier announced that Sales Rain is “with whatever we can during seat leasing services, coworking opening its first office in Palawan the tough times.” These include spaces and private offices. Its soon, and that it’s already creating safe office spaces and client retention rate was more fully occupied, indicating the than 90%, and new offices company’s relentless pursuit of assisting with vaccinations.

“We provided discounts, more and further expansions were creating sustainable working environments to serve and flexible terms, social distancing, welcomed before 2021 ended.

Agarwal pointed out that these accommodate clients better. sanitized facilities, work from “So overall our retention rate home and hybrid setups, on-site are due in part to their existing

was more than 90% and very satisfactory given the situation,” Agarwal said.

Office market recovery With the Philippines showing marked improvement in terms of handling the pandemic, property market experts have predicted the office space demand to grow in the next few months of 2022. Furthermore, the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector will remain as the country’s biggest demand driver in the local property market – something Agarwal himself has acknowledged.

“The Philippines is a growing economy with a thriving BPO industry. It’s also home for topquality and hardworking people who are naturally hospitable and can speak good English,” he noted.

According to him, the country is an ideal destination for business professionals who can work from anywhere. Of course, this is a prospect that Agarwal admitted to being excited over.

“For those who are not required to be in the office full time, [the] work from home [setup] will evolve into work from anywhere.

Now that travel restrictions are being lifted, digital nomads and some business professionals would want to explore the world and work from anywhere,” he explained.

“The Philippines is a perfect destination for those. We currently have many domestic and international clients from over 20 different countries. We are very excited about our future prospects,” he added.

For Sales Rain’s prospective customers, Agarwal assured that the company will continue to provide safe working environments that are both flexible and economical.

“They can continue to expect the same dedication, service, pricing, and wholesome inclusions,” he said.

Sales Rain is a renowned provider of world-class offices in prime business districts of the Philippines. It provides access to adaptable workspaces, competitive rates, and prime locations that guarantee immense growth for numerous business process outsourcing companies and startup businesses.

by ROBERTZON

RAMIREZ

Philstar.com

MANILA — The Department of Justice is reviewing the drug charges filed against Sen. Leila de Lima after several witnesses recanted their testimonies against her, DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Friday, June 3.

State prosecutors periodically review the evidence in cases they handle, including that of De Lima’s, “whether there was a retraction of the statements or not,” Guevarra said in a radio interview.

Self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, former Bureau

of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos, De Lima’s former driver Ronnie Dayan and Espinosa’s bodyguard Marcelo Adorco have recanted their statements against De Lima, who is accused of involvement in the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison when she was justice secretary.

Guevarra said the retractions should be presented in court and not to the media so that the court can cross-examine the witnesses, who claimed they were coerced by government officials into signing the allegations against the senator, who has been detained since 2017. 

House calls for stronger action on climate change

MANILA — The House of Representatives has called for stronger action on climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability.

In the final plenary session of the 18th Congress before adjournment sine die last Wednesday afternoon, congressmen decided to adopt a resolution seeking more measures to address the climate crisis through a whole-of-government approach toward enhancing climate justice and disaster resilience.

House Resolution 2605, authored by Deputy Speaker and senatorelect Loren Legarda, calls on developed countries to deliver on their financing commitments as well as to do their fair share in improving climate justice and the environment.

“I hope that we continue to give more teeth to our 10 landmark environmental laws for effective and efficient implementation, so we will be ensured a climate-resilient, sustainable, green and regenerative economy that will be fair and just to all the vulnerable populations of our country,” Legarda said in her privilege speech.

The resolution, entitled “Expressing the Sense of the House of Representatives for Climate Justice, Strengthened Implementation of the Philippines Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Laws, and for the Developed Countries to Deliver on Their Commitments,” also calls for the urgent and effective implementation of the country’s environment and climate change laws, projects and programs and supports the establishment of an accountability mechanism for climate change and a specific Loss and Damage Fund.

The measure further calls for an enabling policy environment to transition the country toward sustainability and climate resilience and strengthen the government’s actions in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.

“In 2020, the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the atmosphere reached record high with carbon dioxide levels surging to 413.2 parts per million (ppm), or 149 percent higher than the preindustrial level.

Methane and nitrous oxide rose by 262 percent and 123 percent, respectively, compared to their levels in 1750,” the resolution read.

It warned how climate change threatens food security in the Philippines, citing 2020 data showing moderate or severe prevalence of food insecurity here stood at 62.1 percent, more than double the global rate of 25.5 percent.

Filipinos who are at risk of hunger may increase by 1.4 million in 2030 and 2.5 million in 2050.The resolution called on government agencies to ensure agricultural resilience by improving the ability of agricultural systems and food producers.

Lastly, it urged the government to build climate-resilient (Advertising Supplement) communities and ecosystems. (Philstar.com)

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Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in Chicago on Part 1 of a series of Q&A on Citizen Pinoy LEADING U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel visited Chicago, where he answered questions from Kapamilya from the “Windy City” and neighboring areas. In Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” viewers will hear answers to the following immigration concerns: Maria’s mother petitioned her sister 15 years ago but passed away in 2018. Maria asks if she can bring her sister to the U.S. by submitting an Affidavit of Support and if so, how long would it take for the California Service Center to respond.

Dahlia’s mother tried to bring her children to the U.S. via her H1B visa 29 years ago.

Their mother also attempted to bring her granddaughter as well, pretending that she was her youngest daughter. Her mother was caught and her H1-B was revoked. Dahlia wants to know if she can petition her mother now that she (Dahlia) is an American Citizen.

Pauline wants to know the easiest way for her to get a green card if she came to the U.S. as a tourist and then changed her status to an F-1 (Student).

Ann’s mother was petitioned by her sister (Ann’s aunt) years ago. By the time the petition was approved, only her youngest sister was able to come to the U.S. with their mother, since Ann and her other sister had aged out. Ann wants to know if there is still a chance for her other sister to immigrate to the U.S. via the Child Status Protection Act. Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” with Kapamilya from Chicago. Watch this brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 5 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

Kris: ‘Time is now my enemy’

By Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

Kris Aquino

Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino

TELEVISION host and actress Kris Aquino is reportedly now in Houston, Texas to receive treatment for Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA), an extremely rare autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of small and medium-sized blood vessels.

On Friday, June 3 the erstwhile “Queen of All Media” gave a health update via her Instagram account.

“I’ll miss you -- my friends & followers very much. Time is now my enemy, naghahabol kami hoping na wala pang (we are racing hoping that there is no) permanent damage to the blood vessels leading to my heart,” she wrote in the caption.

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YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT IN CHICAGO. Leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel (2nd from right) answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in Chicago in Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot.” Among the questions Atty. Gurfinkel answers are: From Ann (right): My mother was petitioned by her sister (our aunt) years ago. But by the time the petition was approved, only our youngest sister was able to come with our mother since my sister and I had aged out. Our aunt is still alive. Is there still a chance for my other sister to come to the U.S. via the Child Status Protection Act? From Mike and Maria (3rd and 4th from left): My mother petitioned my sister 15 years ago, but she passed away in 2018. I (Maria) submitted an I-864 (Affidavit of Support) in place of our late mother.

How long would it take for the California Service Center to respond to our request for humanitarian reinstatement? Watch Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Chicago on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 5 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

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Kyla suffers from 4th miscarriage: ‘I know things will be OK in the end’

By MIcah sophIa c. Marcellones Inquirer.net

SINGER-SONGWRITER Kyla confirmed that she suffered a miscarriage for the fourth time.

Through an Instagram post, Kyla said it was hard to share her loss since they didn’t tell anyone about her pregnancy,” We wanted to share our excitement with our family but later on ended up sharing our grief. I

am screaming and crying in my head and i couldn’t tell anyone.”

“I know things will be ok in the end,” she added.

Kyla described how her pregnancy brought “pure joy” in her life.

“But losing you.. again.. for the fourth time is unimaginable.

I can’t even put my feelings into words.”

Despite the situation, Kyla is Singer-songwriter Kyla Photo from Instagram/@kylaalvarez PAGE B2

B2 JUNE 4-7, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Specially-made appetizers will be on hand for guests to taste at Pechanga’s Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar’s 2nd place win at the the 2nd Annual Pechanga Sushi and Sake Festival. readers’ poll of USA Today helped make the festival a possibility.

The congregation during Santacruzan 2022 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

SANTACRUZAN 2022 A celebration and prayer for peace

LOS ANGELES, CA – The 17th Annual Santacruzan-May Crowning was recently held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels on May 14, 2022, a celebratory Filipino Marian tradition that encompasses more than 222 years after the Spaniards landed in the Islands to colonize and spread Christianity. The Holy Cross became symbolic and focused on the youth and the devotion to emulate the Blessed Virgin Mary. The theme for this year is Holy Mary, Queen of Peace as we asked for her intercession in praying for peace in the world especially Russia Reyna Elena Erica Madlangsakay & AJ Bailon with the image of Virgen delos Remedios. and Ukraine.

The Eucharistic Mass was officiated by Rev. Fr. Rodel G. Balagtas, Liaison of the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Pastor of Incarnation Church, with about 1,200 people in attendance.

Deacon Ray Emnace assisted him. Concelebrants were Fr. Joy Lawrence Santos, Pastor of St. Genevieve Church and Fr. Joel Henson, Associate Vicar for Clergy. The presentation of the Reyna Elena with her Court of Sagalas and Ave Maria Angels led to the flower offering and Rev. Fr. Rodel G. Balagtas & Fr. Joy Lawrence Santos, Reyna Elena, and her consort crowning of the image of Virgen delos Remedios courtesy of the Kapampangan in Southern California and Devotees of Virgen delos Remedios. The participants-Reynas, Estrellas and Angeles went thru an immersive Catholic retreat and faith formation to qualify. This year’s top three Reynas are: 1) Reyna Elena – Erica Rose Madlangsakay of St. Genevieve Ave maria angels, the sagalas, hermana mayores and hermana menores PAGE B5 AJPress photos by Andy Tecson

Sushi & Sake keep festival season in full swing this summer at Pechanga Resort Casino

2nd Annual Pechanga Sushi & Sake Festival back by demand, benefits Habitat For Humanity Inland Valley FESTIVAL season gets into full swing in Southern California and for sushi and sake fans, there is one event at Pechanga Resort Casino not to miss. The 2nd annual Pechanga Sushi & Sake Festival gets underway Saturday, July 9, 2022, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for VIP pass holders, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for general admission.

The event includes an afternoon filled with premium Japanese sake, house-made sushi by master Pechanga chefs, a silent auction and live music. Tickets are on sale and may be purchased at the Pechanga Box Office, by calling (877) 7112946 or via online at Pechanga.com. Proceeds from the event benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley.

Four ticket levels are available: • VIP – $150 and includes sampling more than 40 varieties of sake, eight types of beer, talk with sake makers and chefs, and bid on silent auction items before general admission attendees • Designated Driver VIP – $70 and allows guests to sample sushi and bid on silent auction items before general admission attendees • General Admission – $75 and includes sampling more than 40 varieties of sake, eight types of beer, sampling the freshest sushi prepared by master Pechanga chefs, and bidding on silent auction items • Designated Driver – $45 and includes trying the freshest sushi prepared by master Pechanga chefs, plus bidding on silent auction items.

With one ticket, guests can taste more than 40 premium sakes (daiginjo, ginjo, junmai and sparkling), including many award-winning brands and styles from all over Japan and around the world.

Pechanga chefs get rolled up in the festival as they prepare thousands of fresh sushi pieces to pair with the sake selections. Chefs Kiyo Ikeda, head chef of Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar, Kok Che, executive sous chef of Pechanga’s Asian restaurants, and Andre Pinto, Pechanga Executive Chef, will be on hand to meet with

Succulent pieces of sake will be featured at the 2nd Annual Pechanga Sushi and Sake Festival taking place on July 9.

Photos courtesy of iGraphix

Another type of sushi that will be offered at the festival for VIP and general admission guests.

guests, present them with fresh, made-on-site sushi, and share their expert suggestions for matching sushi with sake.

A traditional Japanese Taiko drummer, a Japanese guitarist, and a “Koto” – Japanese harpist – will set the mood of the festival’s musical interludes for the festival. A silent auction also features sought after gifts such as art, vacation packages and more.

The festival’s idea sprang from the popularity of beer and sake within Southern California, as well as the continued rise of sushi as a mainstay of sought-after fare in America. The 2nd place win for Pechanga’s Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar in USA Today’s Best Casino Restaurant readers’ poll in 2018 also helped cement the festival’s possibility at the Temecula resort/casino.

Proceeds support Habitat For Humanity Inland Valley’s programs that provide housing needs and home repairs to senior citizens and those no longer able to do such work themselves.

The festival’s tasting menu and sake selections will be released soon.

Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the best Chefs Kiyo Ikeda, Kok Che and Andre Pinto will be on hand to casino resort in the west by the readers of USA meet guests and share their expert opinions.

Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga. com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.

(Advertising Supplement)

Guests can taste more than 40 premium sakes at the festival.

Relationship with Rabiya ‘a blessing,’ not a distraction to Jeric’s blossoming career

By AllAn

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

WITH a career on the upswing and a blossoming love life, 2022 is shaping up to be a “great year” for Jeric Gonzales.

The 29-year-old actor, who recently renewed his contract with Sparkle GMA Artist Center, is part of the upcoming adaptation of the hit South Korean series “Start-Up” with Bea Alonzo and Alden Richards.

His performance in the indie film “Broken Blooms” won the Critics Choice award for best actor in an indie at this year’s Mokkho International Film Festival in India, and best actor at the Harlem International Film Festival in New York City.

And these achievements Jeric gets to share with his girlfriend, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo—one of his

constant sources of inspiration.

“These are all blessings …

She’s a blessing to me. If I was inspired back then, I’m even more inspired now. It feels good knowing that there’s someone who takes care of you, believes in you and pushes you to do your best,” Jeric said in a recent virtual conference.

While some show biz insiders think that being in a romantic relationship can be a distraction for actors trying to make a name in the industry, the opposite is true for Jeric.

“When Rabiya came into my life, I felt more driven to hone my talent, build my career and focus on achieving my goals. I still have a lot of goals. I thought [juggling career and love life] was going to be difficult. But I didn’t feel like I wouldn’t be able to handle it,” he said. “I became even more driven to

push myself.”

First time In his nine years in show biz, this was the first time Jeric publicly announced that he’s dating someone. “For the longest time, wala akong pinapakilala. It’s the first time I admitted to being in a relationship. I couldn’t be more proud to share with people how lucky I am to have her. I’m so happy,” she said.

The two Kapuso talents are “very much in love with each other” and are thrilled about the “things happening in our lives.” Given the chance, Jeric said he would like to work with Rabiya on an acting project.

“We’re excited about the opportunities, the projects that we can work on together. I hope we can do a show or play as her leading man. I feel like PAGE B4

Kyla suffers from 4th miscarriage...

PAGE B1 still grateful for God’s presence, ”I thank God for touching my heart right at this moment. Everyday, i have to intentionally look for just about anything that’ll make me happy. I have to constantly remind myself that God has already placed people in my life to love- people that i need in life. He has

blessed me with the best ones to love and love me back. Everything else is just bonus. Lord, have it your way. I surrender all my hurt to you.”

Kyla suffered two miscarriages in 2018 and another one in 2021.

Kyla got married to Rich Alvarez in 2011. She gave birth to their son, Toby Elsiah, in 2013. g

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I-15 expansion aims to be done by late summer By rEAlTor

FElY QUiTEViS-BATEMAn

THINKING of ways to improve the experience of those using the Interstate 15 corridor to go to and from Las Vegas, governors from both states – Gov. Steve Sisolak of Nevad and Gov. Gavin Newsom of California – had announced last December that the five-mile stretch between the Nevada-California border and Barstow, California will be expanded to help ease traffic congestion.

Caltrans officials, according to news reports recently, have said that the contract has gone out to bid, with the goal of having the expanded section open in a couple of months.

Originally slated to be done by July 4 (Independence Day for the United States), the project looks like it will be completed by late summer. Although the delay is a bit concerting to some, many are praising that the project is moving forward.

Officials are hoping that the bottleneck that happens at the state line will be eased by adding a third lane during peak hours. The $12 million project, funded by the California State Highway Account resources, will expand the five-mile segment between the Nevada border and the California Department of Food and Agriculture station to three miles. Per officials, this is where the majority of the congestion occurs.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948 or send email to fely@precious-properties. com or fely.precious@gmail.com.

At the moment, the interstate goes from three lanes on the Nevada side down to two lanes during the first handful of miles on the California side.

This project has been much-heralded by both officials, the trucking association and constant travelers to and from Las Vegas. About 20% of the millions of visitors to Las Vegas come from Southern California, and at times the traffic delay, especially during the weekends or holidays is a put-off for many prospective visitors.

This would, for sure, improve the travel experience for those using the I-15 as their main corridor for travel to and from Las Vegas for those coming from California. Aside from bringing in more business to the state, it will also ease the burden faced by major transport operations carrying goods into Nevada.

Meanwhile, the Las Vegas housing market experienced a little tumble in late spring as typical sales of single-family homes went down by 8.3% from March and 14.9% from April 2021, according to a report from the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Homebuilders’ net sales are also down by about 30% from March, the report cited, with builders’ total sales down 18 percent from the four-month stretch of January to April 2022 when compared to 2021 figures for the same period.

However, industry observers still consider Las Vegas a seller’s market overall as there is still a tight inventory of listings available.

Currently, mortgage prices continue on the upswing for many areas in the region.

Southern Nevada single-family homes, for example, have a median sales price of $475,000, which is still an improvement over 2021 prices.

Homes are still selling, but the expected

These are Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s (extreme left) investors, including the Comahig couple, who got approved by the Nye County Commission to build a 100-bed senior resort facility in Pahrump. With Realtor Quitevis-Bateman in photo are Gerlie Comahig, RN, Wilmer Comahig, RN, Tim Evangelista and Glenda Evangelista. The Evangelistas are also looking for some business opportunities in Pahrump or Las Vegas.

downtrend in sales may be a result of some house hunters reexamining their budget and looking at homes they can afford, with mortgage costs continuing to rise.

If you are looking to purchase a new home, a vacation home or simply an investment for the future, now is the time to look at what the housing market has to offer in Las Vegas and other neighboring communities.

With Clark County expecting an influx of more than a million people by 2060, Las Vegas and its neighboring areas continue to be hot prospects for homebuyers and major businesses. And that means a lot of people looking for housing and other real estate opportunities.

I have seen the development of areas like Las Vegas and Pahrump through the decades, and I have helped many Dr. Phil Paleracio (middle), one of Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s (left) investors in both Las Vegas and Pahrump, is the best dentist in town.

With them in photo is CPA Bing Longakit, Jr. who will be Realtor Quitevis-Bateman’s neighbor in June once they close escrow in one of the towers at Turnberry Place.

A commercial home office in Pahrump, approximately 2600 sqft on 20,000 sqft of land, will be available in the market soon.

of my clients find the right piece of land or housing for their budgets and needs.

For some of my clients, they are now reaping the benefits of having invested in the market early – some are even looking for new opportunities now, as they look at the many projects that are in development in Las Vegas and other areas.

My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has successfully helped its clientele find the best deals since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-559-2476 and 702538-4948 for more information. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

B4 JUNE 4-7, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Tom unfollows Carla, posts cryptic image about breaking free

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPUSO actor Tom Rodriguez returned to social media after a few months of hiatus.

Eagle-eyed social media users noticed that Tom unfollowed his wife Carla Abellana on Instagram but the actress still follows her husband.

Fans of the couple were also intrigued after Tom posted a cryptic image on his Instagram story. He shared a silhouette of hands breaking free from handcuffs.

In Cristy Fermin’s “Showbiz Now Na,” the veteran showbiz columnist said that Carla is preparing for the annulment from Tom. “Si Carla Abellana pala nagpapahanda na ng dokumento ng annulment. At tayo nga ay binigla. Pagka-kasal, tatlong buwan pa lang naghiwalay na.

‘Di ba nakakalula ‘yun?” she

EMPLOYMENT

Relationship with Rabiya...

PAGE B2 that would be fun,” he said. “I’m happy we both signed with GMA 7 at the same time, and I hope that allows us to grow together.”

Jeric related that the first cycle of taping for “Start-Up” had already concluded. “I’m very excited and grateful to GMA for giving me this role. I’m happy because the scenes we have done so far are really good. We incorporated our own culture into this adaptation. And I’m excited for the people to see what we have been working on,” he said.

Winning an acting award was one of Jeric’s longtime dreams. And his triumph in two international film festivals this year, he said, is an affirmation of his hard work.

“It still hasn’t sunk in. I don’t see it as me leveling up. I want to stay grounded and focus on the things I’m working on right now. I know that I’m still not in the level I want to be at when it comes to acting. But I’m thankful my efforts were recognized and that the network’s patience and workshops paid off,” he said.

Measure of stardom “It feels satisfying that I was able to give my best in the movie,” Jeric said of “Broken Blooms,” which is directed by Louie Ignacio. “The awards Actor Tom Rodriguez Philstar.com photo are just bonuses.”

Asked what he thought is the measure of said. stand was the reason why the stardom, Jeric said it’s longevity. “I see stardom It can be recalled that Carla’s couple broke up. He, however, as having longevity. Staying in show biz is not father Rey “PJ” Abellana told withdrew his statement after a easy. There are a lot of actors coming in. If you Cristy that an alleged one night few days. g have been in it for a while, you must think of

EMPLOYMENT

Jeric Gonzales with Rabiya Mateo Photo from Instagram/@jericgonzales

ways to reinvent yourself and think of things you have yet to show people,” he said.

“I have been here for nine years now, so every now and then, I make sure that I discover new passions and show people something new,” he added. “I think that’s the measure of stardom.” g

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A message on Pentecost Sunday Employees lose wages when employers Pastor’s round down or shave work hours Notes reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAS “THE Holy Spirit is real!” our seminarian, Hieu Nguyen, expressed to me as he went to his diaconate ordination at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angles last Saturday. He was overwhelmed with joy at reaching this time, only a year away from priestly ordination after six years of seminary formation.

I share the feelings of now Deacon Hieu. God’s pouring of the Holy Spirit on us who strive to be good and holy through a life of prayer and service amazes me. The Holy Spirit has made us strong, resilient, faithful, courageous, and creative as we navigated through the challenges of the pandemic. The Holy Spirit has kept our parish alive despite recent surveys that

many Catholics have disengaged themselves from participating in Sunday Masses and the life of the parish. We may not have big crowds on Sunday anymore, but one can see and feel that palpable faith of those who remain faithful to attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist.

Of course, fellow Catholics’ lukewarm faith and indifference challenge and worry us.

Still, many of us, clergy and laypeople, including young adults and youth, refuse to let go of our zeal and passion for our faith, the Gospel, and our love for Jesus.

We believe that Jesus would never abandon his Church.

Instead, a new Pentecost will come to rebuild it and bring back its vigor. The words we sing at Mass, “Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again!” are true. We will rise again with Jesus on eagles’ wings!

As I would always say, nothing and no one can stop us from living and celebrating our faith. We claim the relevance and the power of the Gospel to

bring changes to our society.

We believe in the transformation of lives through a personal relationship with Jesus. And as Catholics, we are steadfast in professing our belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Our strength comes not merely from the blessings and gifts we receive from the Holy Spirit but also from the profound expressions of our love and fidelity to Jesus through prayer, adoration, and celebration of the Sacraments.

On this Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday, may we remain steadfast in faith and love for Jesus, who assured his disciples: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of age” (Matthew 28:20). *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in

Santacruzan 2022...

PAGE B2 Parish, Panorama City, 2) Reyna Emperatriz – Ariane B. Galino of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 3) Reyna De Las Flores – Muriel Brown of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Various religious, and civic organizations with the Philippine Consulate General staff attended the procession. Participants from various ethnic communities carried the most popular image of the Blessed Virgin Mary in their native countries through the collaboration of the Office of Ethnic Ministry.

All these would not have been possible without the financial and moral support of the generous Hermana Mayores: Rita Paraiso Guiamelon, M.D. and Rogeria C. Ruiz; Hermana Menores: Maria Edna Noel, Zeny de la Pena, Violeta San Juan, Elena de Jesus Souza, and Flordeliza Lecaros.

This annual event was followed by a special program with Awards, a sumptuous gala dinner and dancing held at the Casa Italiana in Los Angeles.

The May festival sponsored

by The Filipino Ministry of the

Reyna Elena, her court of reynas with their distinctive & honorary awards AJPress photos by Andy Tecson

Santacruzan committee of the Filipino Ministry of Adla on May 14, 2022

Archdiocese of Los Angeles was the culmination of the painstaking efforts of the Santacruzan 2022 Committee headed by Arnel

Bailon as Chairperson with the cooperation of the Cathedral staff with photo credits courtesy of Andy Tecson. g

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. MOISES Negrete worked at Conagra Foods, Inc.’s food processing facilities located all over California. Moises and other workers sued their employer in a class action, alleging failure to provide them lawful meal and rest periods but automatically deducting time for meal periods, even when employees did not take a meal break. Employees also alleged employer failure to pay correct wages due to improper rounding of employees’ clock-in and clock-out times; and failure to pay for the off-the-clock time employees spent putting on and removing protective gear as required by the employer.

Under California law, employees must be paid for all hours worked. When time entries reflect that an employee is on the job a few minutes more than the shift time, questions arise as to computation of the work hours.

Federal law allows “rounding” employee’s hours to calculate the number of hours worked.

Following the de minimis doctrine, any insubstantial period of time beyond the scheduled working hours (for example 5 minutes of going through a bag check) may be disregarded. Such time may be rounded out to the nearest 5 minutes of the employee’s start or end time.

In contrast, California law mandates that employees should be paid “for all hours worked.”

Hours worked means “the time during which an employee is subject to the control of an employer, and includes all the time the employee is suffered or permitted to work, whether or not required to do so.”

Related to the principle of compensating employees for all

time worked, is the concern that small amounts of time that may, over the years, add up. Thus, courts may decide that the de minimis doctrine does not apply if employees regularly spend anywhere from 4 to10 minutes of their time each shift doing unpaid work. Rounding down or shaving minutes off the actual hours worked violates California law.

In a rounding down practice where several minutes are disregarded and unpaid, the loss to the employee may add up. An employee who clocks in an extra 5 minutes per day, 5 days a week, every week for 4 years has clocked in 5,200 minutes (or 86.67 hours) of unpaid time, which when paid at the California minimum wage of $15 per hour, entitles

day” without being provided with a meal period. Under the law, meal break violations against an employee can occur if the employee 1) was not provided an actual break; 2) was prevented from taking the break within the first 5 hours of work; 3) was interrupted by work during break; or 4) took a shortened break, as the case here. If any of these violations occur, the employee should be paid an additional one hour at their regular hourly rate.

As to rest breaks, an employer must authorize and permit all employees to take at least 10-minute rest breaks, for work of every our (4) hours or major fraction thereof.

The ten minutes must be consecutive, and the rest period must be “duty-free.” Where an employee is not provided any of their 10-minute rest period, the employee should be paid an additional one hour at their regular hourly rate.

Rather than proceed to trial, the parties reached a settlement where the employer will pay a gross settlement amount of $18 million to benefit approximately 8,200 food-processing workers in California. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.]

(Advertising Supplement)

Rounding down or shaving minutes off the actual hours worked violates California law.

In a rounding down practice where several minutes are disregarded and unpaid, the loss to the employee may add up. the employee to back wages in the amount of $1,300.05. This is not de minimis. As the California Supreme Court once said, this is enough to pay a utility bill, buy weeks of groceries, or cover bus fares [or even cover a monthly apartment rental].

Though an extra couple of minutes here and there that are beyond the work hours may be unavoidable and can be disregarded, major discrepancies should be investigated since they raise doubts on the accuracy of the records of actual hours worked.

The same strict adherence to the law is required by meal and rest periods.

California law sets precise time requirements for meal periods. Each meal period must be “not less than 30 minutes,” and no employee shall work “more than five hours per day” or “more than 10 hours per

B6 JUNE 4-7, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Will I have to pay spousal support if I file for divorce?

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes The purpose of spousal support is not defined by the legislature in that its purpose varies according to the facts and circumstances of each case.

The facts and circumstances of a particular case may be such which call for no spousal support, or for support for a very limited period of time, with the purpose to assist the supported spouse to “get back on his or her feet” as a single person, or until community property is distributed. On the other hand, the facts and circumstances of another case may call for support for an extended period of time, perhaps until death of the supported spouse, the purpose for which to provide assistance to one who cannot support himself.

The two situations mentioned hereinabove are extreme cases, on opposite ends of the spectrum.

Quite obviously, the facts and circumstances in a particular case may be such which call for some amount of support for some period of time, though not until death of the supported spouse. For example, the court may order support for

that period of time required for the supported spouse to obtain or complete an education, to allow the supported spouse to take care of the children until they reach an age where a return to employment would be more feasible, or to become selfsupporting within a reasonable time.

Although the use of standard guidelines based on income is encouraged in the award of temporary support, such

the attainment of an education, training, a career position, or a license by the supporting party, 3) The ability of the supporting party to pay spousal support, taking into account the supporting party’s earning capacity, earned and unearned income, assets, and standard of living, 4) The needs of each party based on the standard of living established during the marriage, 5)The obligations and assets, including the separate

The purpose of spousal support is not defined by the legislature in that its purpose varies according to the facts and circumstances of each case. guidelines cannot be used in awarding permanent spousal support. As indicated hereinabove, the award of support is in large part based on the facts and circumstances of the particular case.

In determining spousal support, the court considers numerous factors, set forth in Family Code Sec. 4320. They include: 1) The extent to which the earning capacity of each party is sufficient to maintain the standard of living established during the marriage, 2) The extent to which the supported party contributed to

property, of each party, 6) The duration of the marriage, 7) The ability of the supported party to engage in gainful employment without unduly interfering with the interests of dependent children in the custody of the party, and 8) The age and health of the parties.

The factors set forth hereinabove are only several of the many factors the court will consider in deciding the issue of spousal support. In that the amount and duration of an award is largely based on the facts and circumstances of

the case, it is advised that one who is requesting support, or is opposing a request for support, obtain experienced counsel, who will be able to present the facts and circumstances in the best light possible. *** 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 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, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com Visit our website at kenreyeslaw.com.

Chapter 13 client with house default dies.

What happens next?

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng

THERE’S a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to harvest. There’s a time for everything.

So states Ecclesiastes 3: “For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven… A time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build up; a time to cry and a time to laugh…”

The client is was 72. Three years ago, the client and his wife became my clients for a Chapter 13 case. They had a relatively small default on their residence, less than $20,000.

And they owed about $18,000 to the IRS for back taxes, which were not yet dischargeable.

The client and wife were still working, gainfully employed as members of a profession.

But all of a sudden, the client’s kidneys start to fail. Diabetes is the culprit, and he needs to go for dialysis three times a week.

He says he’s too old to wait for a kidney transplant as the wait is (Advertising Supplement) about 10 years. So, he’s decided to tough it out, just continue living with dialysis. It’s not hard to imagine that once you start needing dialysis, your whole life is now centered-around dialysis.

Three times a week, each time four hours at least tethered to the machine to filter your blood.

I wish God had not allowed diabetes to exist.

So they fall behind on their mortgage since all of a sudden, their income gets substantially reduced from regular paychecks to social security. They owed about $14,000 of arrears in their mortgage, and they could no longer pay the $18,000 of income taxes that were due. Clients decided to file for Chapter 13. The plan allowed them to pay off the $14,000 owed on the mortgage over 60 months, and the $18,000 owed to the IRS over 60 months as well, without interest. The plan’s payment each month was about $650. Shortages were covered by family contributions by their children who are both adults and working.

By year 3, the client died of a massive stroke at 72. The wife, who is a joint debtor, is now wondering what she will do.

What are her options?

Option no. 1: since the house has $200,000 of equity now, she can sell the house while in Chapter 13. We will need to file two motions. One is to suspend plan payments. Another is to ask for court permission to sell the house subject to comments by the Chapter 13 trustee. The right time to do these motions and when there is a firm offer for the purchase of the house.

The motion to sell will tell the court how much the sale price is, the net proceeds and who the escrow agent is. From the sale proceeds, the unpaid balance of the plan, since it has two more years to go, will be paid off.

The balance will be given to the surviving spouse who happens to be the co-debtor’s wife. Let’s

do the math. Net proceeds are $200,000. About $12,000 of this will be used to pay the balance of what is owed on the plan. $188,000, less whatever trustee expenses are, will be given to the wife.

Option no. 2: Continue paying on the plan for another 24 months and complete all plan payments. On the 60th month, the wife will not have any arrears on the house, will be back on the current status with the lender, and will not owe anything to the IRS. And she will still own the house with equity of at least $200,000, and rising. Since she will still own the house, she can continue living in it, or rent it out and get rental income.

Option no. 3: Ask the lender for a loan modification because her husband died to reduce mortgage payment. If this is approved, then the arrears will be added to the principal and she will be back to current status.

The plan can be reduced by a motion to modify plan payments since only what is owed to the IRS will be left proportionately unpaid.

These are three basic options available to the surviving co-debt spouse. Which is the best option to go for? Well, this all depends on how the wife feels about the house and what the children want to do with it. Right now, of course, the wife does not want to live in the house by herself, which is understandable. So she has quickly been able to rent the house.

I feel bad for her but as stated

by Ecclesiastes, there’s a time to be born and a time to die. There’s a time for everything. This is so true. All of us will be called by God one day and on that day; it will be our time to go. Even if you had all the money in the world, you can’t pay someone to die for you. You can’t even pay someone to be sick for you. Because of the original sin by Adam and Eve, we now have these frail bodies that suck. We all succumb to sickness and death. In heaven, I understand we will have glorified bodies that last for eternity and will never get sick or die. So, the client now has a glorified body in heaven with Jesus and God the Father and God the Holy Spirit that will last him for eternity.

Never again to need dialysis ever. Well, that’s a really sweet deal, right? So all you have to do is believe that Jesus is the Son of the one true God who died for our sins that we may have a chance to enter heaven.

If you need debt relief, please set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is considered legal advise for anyone.

There is absolutely no attorney client relationship established by reading this article. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803.

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Kris: ‘Time is now...

PAGE B1 She also provided the complicated and extensive treatment she will receive in the coming months, as assisted by her attending physician Dr. Niño Gavino, whom she described as “an exceptional Filipino-American doctor who successfully diagnosed what’s really wrong with [her] health.”

According to Gaviño’s explanation, which Aquino posted as an artcard, EGPA could also explain weight loss, gastrointestinal intolerances and fluctuationg blood pressure. It was confirmed that she had the condition on April 28 after she underwent skin biopsy on April 23.

After her diagnosis, Aquino, despite her initial hesitation, underwent steroid drug challenge on May 6 which resulted in her having severe adverse reactions which Gaviño said “almost incapacitated her body.” He also noted that Aquino is also allergic to a multitude of medications.

For this reason, Aquino will instead undergo treatment with Nucula (Mepolizumab) in the US which is a non-steroid, FDAapproved medication for EGPA. The medicine is not yet available in the Philippines.

Gaviño further said they were planning to rule out other underlying autoimmune diseases such as Lupus which Aquino has also exhibited symptoms for.

“The subsequent 9 to 12 months will be crucial for us to see if she can achieve remission and continue the regimen further because to survive, Ms. Aquino will have to make whichever combination works, her lifetime maintenance medicine,” noted Gaviño.

Finally, when Aquino asked Gaviño how long before knowing if her treatments worked for her condition, he said, “I truthfully answered, barring any other complications, ‘at least a minimum of 18-24 months.’”

In the end, Aquino thanked those who prayed and wished well for her recovery.

“For now and the next few years -- sadly, it’s goodbye. Praying na kayanin ng katawan ko itong matinding pagsubok (that my body can survive this gruelling test),” Aquino said.

“Kahit 17 hours away na kami nila (Even if we’re 17 hours away) Kuya Josh & Bimb to fly to & the Pacific Ocean separates the [Philippines] from [US], I’d still like to end this with #lovelovelove,” she finally wrote. g

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B8 JUNE 4-7, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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