060521 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

JUNE 5-8, 2021 Volume 31 - No. 44 • 2 Sections – 20 Pages

US to donate vaccines to PH, other countries

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE United States has announced that it will donate 7 million of its surplus COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Philippines and other Asian countries.

In an effort to end the pandemic globally, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden said 80 million vaccine doses will be distributed to various countries by the end of June 2021.

An initial batch of 25 million doses will be donated by the U.S., of which 19 million doses will be shared through the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility, while approximately 6

million will be shared directly with countries experiencing surges as well as partners and neighbors of the U.S. Included in the 19 million doses shared through COVAX are the 7 million doses that will be distributed to the Philippines and other regions in Asia.

“Approximately 7 million for Asia to the following countries and entities: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, and the Pacific Islands,” the White House said in a fact sheet on Thursday, June 3.

USA

DATELINE Newsom extends support for restaurants, bars as CA begins reopening FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

For its part, the U.S. Embassy in Manila confirmed the inclusion of the Philippines among the countries receiving U.S.-donated vaccines.

“The initial tranche of at least 25 million doses, the Philippines will be included. And I think that as we continue to see vaccine production increase in the months to come, that we’ll be going to see in every increasing stronger momentum of vaccine delivery from the U.S. to countries all around the world, and certainly the Philippines is going to be an important part of that,” Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law said in a virtual briefing on u PAGE A2

FIRST FRIDAY MASS. Devotees of the Black Nazarene attend the 2 p.m. Mass outside the Quiapo Church in Manila on the first Friday of the month, June 4. Religious gatherings are allowed at 30% capacity in areas under the general community quarantine.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

‘The Angelo Quinto Act’: California Assembly advances measure banning police use of restraints that cut off oxygen Bill in response to Fil-Am killed in police custody prohibits law enforcement from using knee-to-neck restraint among other practices

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

THE California Assembly on Wednesday, June 2 passed a bill that bans law enforcement from strangulation restraint tactics that cause asAngelo Quinto joined the U.S. Navy at 27 and phyxia, a timely measure that has its was honorably discharged following medical roots in recent police killings of unconcerns.

Photo courtesy Law Offices of John Burris armed individuals.

GOVERNOR Gavin Newsom announced that the state of California will maintain pandemic-related relief for restaurants, bars, breweries, and wineries to support business recovery.

Restaurants will continue to be permitted to offer outdoor dining, while bars will still be able to sell to-go alcoholic beverages, partner with food trucks, restaurants, or catering companies to sell meals with drinks, and breweries and wineries can partner with restaurants for virtual dinners, according to a release from the governor’s office

by RITCHEL MENDIOLA on Thursday, June 3.

AJPress “The pandemic may be going away…”

Newsom tweeted on Thursday. “But your THE Philippine Bureau of Immigration to-go cocktails don’t have to!”

(BI) has given its support to the DepartThe announcement came ahead of the ment of Tourism’s (DOT) proposal allowu PAGE A4 ing fully vaccinated foreign nationals to enter the country.

Setting up a “green lane” for vaccinated foreigners would “resuscitate” the country’s tourism industry if the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerg-

Passing overwhelmingly with a 495 vote, AB 490 was authored by Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (DCarson) who is the chair of the Select Committee on Police Reform.

AB 490 specifically targets police restraint that causes “positional asphyxia,” a deadly condition in which a person who is restrained cannot get enough air.

Positional asphyxia includes “kneeto-neck” restraint, a technique that led to the murders of Black American George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020 and Filipino American Angelo Quinto in the Bay Area in December.

The bill is also named The Angelo Quinto Act of 2021 in honor of the 30-year-old Filipino. As previously u PAGE A4

BI backs DOT-proposed ‘green lane’ for vaccinated foreigners ing Infectious Diseases (IATF) allows it, according to BI Commissioner Jaime Morente.

“If approved by the IATF, we in the Bureau support this initiative by the Department of Tourism as it will not only resuscitate our tourism industry. It will also generate employment for millions of Filipinos who lost their jobs due to the pandemic,” he said Wednesday, June 2.

Ethnic businesses in the post pandemic: Catch the boom or left behind? Amb. Romualdez: Pres. Duterte FROM its spot on iconic U Street in Washington, D.C., Ben’s Chili Bowl has served diners for more than six decades: demonstrators from the civil rights march led by Dr. Martin Luther King, African Americans from segregated communities, tourists from all over the world, presidents and politicians.

Ben and Virginia Ali opened this place in 1958, and despite all the history it’s seen, its experiences in the last year were unique.

“Nothing has been as challenging as this pandemic — it’s been a very difficult time for us,” said Virginia Ali, 87. With her children, she continues running the small business that features a chili prepared with spices from Trinidad and Tobago, her husband’s native land. Ben Ali died in 2009.

“We have lost many friends, and seen the impact on many lives that depend on the Chili Bowl remaining open,” Ali said during

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u PAGE A2 Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo

ManilaTimes.net photo

decision on VFA’s fate coming soon Robredo: No decision yet on 2022 elections

by CHRISTIA

MARIE Inquirer.net

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Malacañang photo by Richard Madelo

RAMOS

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to decide on the fate of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) soon following productive talks between the Philippines and the United States, Manila’s top envoy in Washington, D.C. said on Thursday, June 3.

“A lot of time has been spent by both our countries’ panels to discuss some of the things that we wanted to improve in that agreement,” Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose

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PHILIPPINE Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo on Friday, June 4 said she has not decided on whether she would run for governor of Camarines Sur and disclosed that she was studying the “feasibility” of joining the presidential race.

“Sa gitna ng maraming hakahaka, uulitin ko lang ang ilang beses ko na ring sinabi: Wala pang desisyon na ako’y tatakbong gobernador (Amid lots of speculations, I am reiterating what I have been repeatedly saying: I have not yet decided on running for governor),” Robredo

said on Facebook.

Her statement comes as former Camarines Sur First District Rep. Rolando “Nonoy” Andaya, Jr. claimed Robredo told him “personally” that she will run for governor of Camarines Sur. Andaya also claimed the vice president has transferred residency to the municipality of Magarao to be eligible for the position.

Robredo underscored that she remains open to running for the highest position in the land.

“Maraming konsiderasyon ang isinasaalang-alang, pero sigu-

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A2 June 5-8, 2021 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JOuRnAL

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

From the Front Page

ABACA FESTIVAL. The municipality of Pandan, with its entry Dinahit Festival, topped the Virtual Dance Showdown in the 5th Catanduanes Abaca Festival Virtual Celebration held in the last week of May. The province of Catanduanes is the country’s largest producer of abaca fiber. Aside from the annual dance competition, the virtual festival also featured a trade fair, agricultural forum, indigenous poem reading contest, arch and façade designs and the much-awaited Festival Queen competition.

Contributed photo

US to donate vaccines to PH...

PAGE A1

Friday, June 4.

However, Law didn’t provide a specific date for the delivery of the Philippines’ portion, noting that the White House needs to consider logistical aspects first.

“The White House is currently

looking at not only the logistical aspects but also, of course, each country may have different regulatory aspects, we’re talking about different as well, so I think the White House needs a little bit of time to sort those out but I would expect the announcement very soon,” he

said Globally, over 172 million COVID-19 cases have been confirmed, with more than three million deaths.

In the Philippines, a total of 1,255,337 infections have been confirmed, with 21,537 fatalities and 1,173,006 recoveries. n

BI backs DOT-proposed ‘green lane’ for...

PAGE A1 Morente also noted that the proposal would hasten the revival of the commercial aviation and shipping industries.

“Once these ‘green lanes’ are set up, operations in our international airports and seaports hopefully will begin to return to normal,” he said.

In May, the DOT proposed setting up a “green lane” that will facilitate the entry of foreign travelers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

“The green lane will pave the

way for the reopening of our tourist destinations to leisure travelers who are now fully vaccinated. It will give the jobs back to many of our tourism workers and gradually revive the tourism industry under safe conditions,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said May 21.

“We must keep pace with our neighbors and the rest of the world in slowly reopening our tourist destinations. We must be ready for the visitors when the whole world is ready to safely travel again,” she added.

Puyat also said that a Small Working Group (SWG) has been formed to study the feasibility of implementing “green lanes.”

Headed by the DOT and the Department of Foreign Affairs, the group is composed of the BI, the Bureau of Quarantine, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Transportation, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and Department of Trade and Industry. n

Robredo: No decision yet on 2022...

PAGE A1 radong magdedesisyon ako sa tamang panahon. Sinisiguro ko sa lahat na ipapaalam ko kung may narating nang desisyon (There are a lot of things to consider, but I will certainly arrive at a decision at the right time. I am assuring everyone that I will

inform you once I have come to decide),” she said.

Robredo spokesman, lawyer Barry Gutierrez, had also repeatedly said she has not yet made any decision on whether she would run for local or national office, as she remains focused on helping Filipinos through the

coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes III has declared he would run for president on behalf of the opposition if Robredo would not.

Robredo is the chairman of the Liberal Party. (ManilaTimes.net)

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Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 5-8, 2021

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Comcast NBCUniversal introduces ‘We Belong,’ a multimillion dollar initiative in support of AAPI Heritage Month

FLAG DAY. A tarpaulin and Philippine flags are placed at Ayala Bridge in Manila City on Thursday, June 3 for May 28, the National Flag Day, now being celebrated until June 12, Independence Day. Filipinos are encouraged to display the flag in all offices, agencies, and instruments of government, business establishments, schools, and private homes throughout the period.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Ethnic businesses in the post pandemic: Catch...

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an Ethnic Media Services-hosted press briefing. It focused on how COVID-19 has affected more than four million minority-owned U.S. companies whose annual sales total close to $700 billion, as well as their role in the looming economic opening.

“When the pandemic hit in March, we had the busiest schedule,” Ali said, “with two large groups of students coming to Washington. Even United Airlines had a story (about us) on the cover of its flight magazine, but we didn’t get the benefits of that because flights were no longer in the air.”

From having its business open almost 20 hours every day, the Ali family went to six days, offered curbside pickup and donated food to the Howard University Hospital and Washington Hospital Center medical staff, and to firefighters, teachers and protesters in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

“We began to receive letters and donations from all over the country, so we took those funds and gave back, preparing lunches for these front-line workers,” Ali added.

Ben’s Chili Bowl received a loan during the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a federal incentive to help small businesses continue to pay wages during the pandemic. The restaurant had to shift its focus to e-commerce in order to ship its famous smoked salmon with homemade hot chili sauce across the country, and the family plans to expand the franchise.

“We are still struggling, but it is good to know that there’s help available because all small businesses need it to survive,” Ali said.

May 31 was the last day for small business owners living in low-income neighborhoods to apply for the third round of PPP loans.

According to Everett Sands, CEO of Lendistry, a minority-led entity that helped thousands of small businesses secure these loans, COVID-19 exacerbated those enterprises’ already precarious situation. They had limited access to capital, lacked the infrastructure to apply for loans or contracts and couldn’t self-finance in the long term.

“We’ve been trying to educate small businesses about the different opportunities to receive capital, not only from federal programs, but from state programs,” Sands said, referring to initiatives in New York, Washington, D.C., and California, which offer guaranteed loans for micro-businesses that don’t have collateral. “As a result of the American Rescue Plan, most states received roughly a billion dollars to help these small businesses increase their revenues.”

Small Business Administration programs include loans, a restaurant relief fund and venture capital investments. To apply, a company need only show the sole proprietor’s gross revenue, and is not excluded if, for example, the proprietor has been guarantor on a defaulted student loan or has a criminal history.

“For amounts less than $150,000, most of the red tape or the bureaucratic process of a loan has been cleared away,” Sands explained. Nevertheless, he clarified that the remaining money available is for Community Financial Institutions and Minority Deposit Institutions or small banks, generally those with less than $1 billion in assets.

According to a University of California at Santa Cruz study, 41% of African American businesses and 32% of Latino businesses closed in the first months of the pandemic. Also, almost

40% of immigrant-owned businesses do not apply for loans because they believe they will be rejected.

In fact, many of the first PPP loans went to multi-million-dollar companies that had relationships with banks and staffed plants with as many as 500 employees, rather than to micro businesses like local dry cleaners or nail salons.

“It was particularly hard to access for black, brown and Asian communities,” said California Rep. Ro Khanna, a member of the Congressional Small Business Caucus. “And so I am a supporter of Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Vice President Kamala Harris’ bill that would set aside funds for these entrepreneurs of color.”

The Saving Our Street Act would allocate loans of up to $250,000 to businesses with fewer than 10 employees.

Khanna believes it is possible to distribute the money taking into account the racial and gender diversity of the business owners.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL LACMTA will receive proposals for PS76262 - Los Angeles Union Station Strategic Advisor at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

This project is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) SetAside contract. To participate in this RFP, proposers must be SBE certified with LACMTA prior to proposal due date. For information on the Set-Aside Program, visit: https://business.metro.net/VendorPortal/ faces/home1/certifications.

All proposals must be submitted to LACMTA in one of two ways, either (1) sealed envelopes by mail or hand delivered to the address below, or (2) electronically via email to bids@metro.net. All proposals must be received on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. Additionally, it is recommended that proposer’s email(s) are sent with a Delivery and Read receipt for their records.

Lastly, proposers should send a verification email to the named Contract Administrator of the RFP after the email submission(s) of proposal to bids@metro.net. The verification email should indicate that a proposal has been submitted by Vendor Name for RFP# on X number of emails.

A Virtual Pre-Proposal conference will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. Refer to solicitation for details.

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 Erica Rodriguez-Duvergel at rodriguezduvergele@metro.net.

5/19, 5/22, 5/26, 5/29, 6/2, 6/5, 6/9, 6/12, 6/16, 6/19, 6/23, 6/26, 6/30/21 CNS-3469379# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

“In this next quarter, we’re going to have a pretty good recovery,” he said. “Consumer spending is at 10% growth. I think small businesses are going to come back strong. The problem is a lot of businesses that have had to close may not be able to reopen. And that’s where we have to focus: on assisting with debt forgiveness and capital for those businesses that would not survive.” (By Jenny Manrique/Ethnic Media Services)

NEW YORK – During Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Comcast NBCUniversal celebrated the extensive and often unrecognized contributions that the AAPI community has made to American history, culture and everyday life with a cross-portfolio campaign that spotlights how the community is woven into the fabric of this country with the central theme: “We Belong.” Comcast NBCUniversal has committed over $10 million of media support to air the campaign across its national and local TV outlets, as well as its digital platforms, showcasing the AAPI community’s influence across every aspect of our society and bringing to light to not only the racism the community is currently experiencing, but also to the long history of exclusion and discrimination it has received throughout American history.

“The recent increase in antiAsian violence – and the seemingly endless acts of social injustice that we continue to see against so many of our communities – have been difficult to witness,” said Craig Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for NBCUniversal. “It’s not only our responsibility to report on these stories, but also to celebrate the AAPI leaders and changemak-

ers who are doing great work every day.”

On Monday, May 3, networks across the NBCUniversal portfolio participated in an on-air roadblock in the 8 p.m.

ET hour. The “We Belong” Anthem spot (:60 and :30 versions) served as the official launch of NBCU’s Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration. Additionally, social media handles across the portfolio participated in a roadblock at 12 p.m. ET, flooding consumer feeds with the “We Belong” Anthem spot and hashtag #AAPIxNBCU. Additional creative was released throughout the month of May on-air and on social platforms.

Comcast NBCUniversal has also committed $2 million in direct support and resources to Asian-led and Asian-focused social justice and nonprofit organizations working to address violence against the AAPI community. These grants will help fund educational outreach and advocacy efforts to deescalate hate crimes and are in addition to the nearly $10 million in existing commitments this year to AAPI organizations through the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation and social impact programs. Select grant recipients include: • Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC – Long-term

partnership to combat misinformation and disinformation about the Asian American community focused on education and training to address hate, intolerance and systemic racism.

• Asian Pacific Fund – Support for the Solidarity Fund, which will in turn provide grants to organizations working to address persistent anti-Asian sentiment, including supporting the physical and mental health of survivors, ensuring the safety of seniors, and advocating for racial justice across racial lines.

• Asian American Federation – A grant to its Hope Against Hate initiative will support its efforts to respond to and stop bias attacks and hate crimes on vulnerable Asian New Yorkers.

• Asian/Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship Foundation (National ACE) – Funding for ACE’s AAPISTRONG program, a national campaign designed to help address antiAAPI racism and violence that is further damaging the AAPI small business community.

“For nearly 30 years, Advancing Justice – AAJC has been advocating for an America in which everyone can benefit equally from, and contribute to, the American dream,” said John

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A4 June 5-8, 2021 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JOuRnAL

Dateline USa

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

Newsom extends support for restaurants, bars... LAX begins offering COVID-19 vaccinations on site

PAGE A1 state reopening on June 15 and was built on California’s eighth notice of regulatory relief from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) that re-permits licensed businesses provide deliveries to customers, conduct virtual events like “Meet the Winemaker” or “Brewer Dinners,” expand their licensed footprint, and renew their relief for “charitable promotions and sales.”

The activities will be extended to December 31, but may be rescinded sooner lest public safety concerns arise.

Businesses must still comply with local guidelines, zoning restrictions, and conditional permits set by the local government.

Several activities will be rescinded by June 30, including returns of alcoholic beverages, drive-thru windows for off-sale transactions, the extension of delivery hours to midnight, virtual wine tastings, retail-toretail transactions, and distilled spirits manufacturers providing high-proof spirits for disinfection purposes.

Newsom’s announcement was met with approval from organizations like the Golden Gate Restaurant Association (GGRA).

“We are grateful to the ABC and to the ABC and to Governor Newsom for their proactive support,” the GGRA said in a statement on Thursday. “We need this certainty and clarity that we will be able to continue to operate in these outdoor

spaces and legally serve alcohol until more permanent legislation can be enacted.”

Restaurant owners also approved of Newsom’s announcement, since some of them get most of their business from dine-ins.

“It’s going to bring in a lot of people because, I want to say 90% of our customers, they don’t want to dine indoors anymore. They want to be outdoors,” Mediterranean restaurant and Deli owner DK Marikan said to Cal Matters.

“We would love to see this be permanent. I pray they do it.”

The announcement indicates the government’s measures to reopen the state. The CDC has also made amendments to pandemic protocols, stating fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks indoors or outdoors.

California has the highest vaccination rate in the country, with 43.5% of the state’s population being fully vaccinated as of June 2, according to Our World in Data.

Newsom’s statement came after his “California Comeback Plan” announced in May, where a $100 billion budget was set to address different issues from the pandemic. The budget allocated $4 billion for small business grants and $6.2 billion for small business tax cuts.

“California’s restaurants help create the vibrant and diverse communities that make California the envy of the world. As the state turns to post-pandemic life, we’ll continue to adapt

best practices that have helped businesses transform customer experience for the better,” Newsom said on Thursday, June 3 in San Francisco’s Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant.

“With new opportunities and support for businesses large and small, and the California can-do spirit that has carried us through the past year, we will come roaring back from this pandemic.”

Small businesses might be financially fragile, and an estimated 200,000 of them have permanently closed during the first year of the pandemic. The California Restaurant Association also reported an estimate of 900,000 to 1 million restaurant jobs lost in California alone.

“Restaurants were the first businesses forced to shut down, and in California, 12 months later, we are still pushing to safely get our dining rooms back open,” CEO and President of the California Restaurant Association Jot Condie said. “The economic losses to restaurants, our workforce and their communities have been disproportionately enormous. Even with the much-needed aid being delivered by the federal and state governments, the next steps that our public officials take will be critical. Every restaurant owner in this state knows that for them, the road to true recovery will be long. And the state must remove any obstacles from that road.” (By Caroline Giovanie/AJPress)

LOS Angeles World Airports (LAWA), in partnership with the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, is now offering free, on-site COVID-19 vaccinations to the public at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The vaccine clinic is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and is located outside LAX’s Terminal 6 adjacent to the existing COVID-19 rapid test laboratory on the Lower/Arrivals level. The clinic will offer onedose vaccinations from Johnson & Johnson to anyone ages 18 or older. Those interested in receiving the vaccine can walk from any of the terminals or park in Parking Structure 6, which costs $5 for one hour.

“Vaccines are the surest path to ending this pandemic, and we will keep doing everything in our power to get shots into people’s arms whenever and

C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Advancing Justice – AAJC. “Comcast NBCUniversal’s support for our organization comes at a critical time. It will enable us to continue to speak out against the wave of senseless crimes and hate being perpetrated against members of the AAPI community and call for social justice and civility as we all grapple with the effects of the coronavirus. Now is a time for unity and we will get through this together and create a better future and a better nation for us all.”

In addition, Comcast NBCUniversal leveraged its internal and external platforms to honor

Asian culture throughout May. Among the many offerings focused on celebrating the Asian community, X1, Stream and Flex elevated AAPI stories in collaboration with well-known and respected community organizations, Gold House and the Bruce Lee Foundation, Comcast Newsmakers released eight new interview segments, including a special panel discussion titled: “Equality, Identity & Hope: The Asian American Experience,” and women’s empowerment platform Know Your Value highlighted Asian community members and business leaders. Asian influencers, tastemakers and entrepreneurs were featured across the

of the first airports to offer onsite COVID-19 vaccinations for travelers and employees,” said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer of LAWA. “From our innovative COVID-19 testing lab to an on-site vaccination clinic, LAX is committed doing its part to support safe global travel and the reopening of our local economy.”

The new vaccine clinic is the latest addition to LAX’s Travel Safely campaign, which includes a state-of-the-art rapid PCR COVID-19 testing lab at the airport. The lab, which opened in late 2020, has processed more than 100,000 tests to date and continues to be popular among travelers who need or want a rapid COVID-19 test while traveling.

For additional information about these services and other ways to Travel Safely at LAX, please visit www.FlyLAX.com/ TravelSafely. n

Amb. Romualdez: Pres. Duterte decision on...

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Romualdez said in a joint online press briefing celebrating the 75th anniversary of ties between Manila and Washington.

“It’s now in the Office of the President and I expect it to come out anytime now and we’re very hopeful, hopeful that the VFA will continue because it’s an important piece of agreement,” he added.

The VFA, which took effect in 1999, provides a mechanism for visiting American soldiers and serves as the foundation for military exercises and humanitarian work.

Duterte pulled out from the company’s owned digital chan- VFA in February last year. The nels and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) connected with one another and convene virtual sessions related to celebrating Asian Pacific American PAGE A1 heritage.

In June 2020 Comcast NBCU- reported in the Asian Journiversal accelerated the compa- nal, Quinto died after police ny’s longstanding commitment responded to what his famto Diversity, Equity & Inclusion ily described as an episode of with a $100 million commit- paranoia. ment over three years to help “Last year, we witnessed the drive lasting reform and cham- death of my [Asian Pacific Ispion a more connected, equi- lander] brother, Angelo Quintable and just world. For more to, a Navy veteran, who was information on our commit- tragically killed by police when ment, visit Our Impact (https:// an officer knelt on his neck for corporate.comcast.com/values/ nearly five minutes,” Gipson, diversity-equity-inclusion/our- who is Black American, said at impact) page. n a press conference this week.

Comcast NBCUniversal introduces ‘We Belong...

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wherever we can,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “LAX is our city’s gateway to the world -- and with vaccine operations coming to our airport, it can be a gateway to greater health and safety for Angelenos, visitors, and travelers entering and exiting Los Angeles. Simply put: this vaccination site is another leg in our journey to defeating COVID19.”

The vaccinations will be administered by the Los Angeles Fire Department and are available without appointments.

There is no cost for the vaccine and no proof of insurance is required. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose, so those who receive it will be considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their shot.

“We are proud to partner with the Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to be one

process of the VFA termination, however, has been held off twice, first in June 2020 and a second time in November 2020.

Officials from the Philippin es and the U.S. began discussions last February to iron out the two countries’ differences over the VFA. According to U.S. Charge d’affaires in the Philippines John Law, discussions between the U.S. and its oldest ally in Asia lasted for weeks.

“We had, I think, very productive, very good conversations between representatives of both governments. There have been very specific pro-

posals related to how we can clarify and strengthen the implementation of the VFA,” Law said.

“That is currently awaiting the decision of President Duterte so the status is that we are waiting for the Philippine government’s decision. We think the VFA has been a fundamental part of helping make the Mutual Defense Treaty successful,” he added.

He expressed Washington’s commitment to ensure the success of its alliance with Manila.

“That commitment is going to remain strong,” Law added. n

‘The Angelo Quinto Act’: California Assembly...

“We need to make sure all methods of restraining someone do not turn unnecessarily deadly.”

Gipson added that AB 490 “still allows officers to protect themselves in life-threatening situations, but it does not allow them to cut off anyone’s airway. The circumstances of Angelo Quinto’s death are a stark parallel to George Floyd’s, which both exposed loopholes in use-of-force policies.”

The Angelo Quinto Act ex-

tends the measures of AB 1196, a bill that was also coauthored by Gipson and signed

by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020 that bans police from using chokeholds similar to the one that killed Floyd. AB 490 expands that ban to include any kind of chokehold, including carotid restraint.

AB 490 was first introduced in the Assembly on Feb. 8 by Gipson and Fil-Am former Assemblymember Rob Bonta (DAlameda). n

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 5-8, 2021

Dateline PhiliPPines

A5

Duterte bares bets for 2022

by CAtherine

VAlente Manilatimes.net

RETURNING HOME. A father holds his son by the hand as they walk to the registration area during their arrival at Balik-Probinsya, Bagong Pag Asa program at the multi-purpose court 1, BP2 Depot, Quezon Avenue corner Agham Road, Quezon City on Thursday, June 3. They are among the 49 beneficiaries of batch two that will undergo the usual dispatch procedure where they undergo a swab test.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

‘Filipinos’ eyes and ears’: PNP launches use of body cameras

by Krissy

AguilAr Inquirer.net

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) launched on Friday, June 4 its body-worn camera system that will serve as the “Filipinos’ eyes and ears” in police operations.

The use of body cameras can now guard against incidents of possible police abuse, PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said as he paid tribute to Kian delos Santos who was killed in 2017 by police officers in Caloocan City.

“Today, the Filipino people will finally have the eyes and ears in law enforcement and in the implementation of peace and order in the country,” Eleazar said during the body camera system’s launch at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

“The procurement and eventually the use of body cameras is a tribute not only to Kian delos Santos who died of police abuse in Caloocan City, but also to the policemen whose ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty were tainted by extrajudicial killings, planting of evidence and other unfair allegations,” Eleazar added.

The PNP has so far distributed nearly 3,000 body camera to

File photo shows Police Maj. Gen. Angelito Casimiro, PNP Director for logistics, overseeing a training session on the use of body cameras earlier this year.

Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

various city police stations and is eyeing to acquire 30,000 more units.

“Ito pong mga body worn camera natin na matagal na nating pinag-uusapan, bagamat ito ay hindi sapat sa lahat ng ating police stations, gusto po namin ito’y simulan na (These body worn cameras have long been talked about. Although there is not enough for all police sta-

tions, we intend to start using these already),” Eleazar said.

Eleazar previously said the body cameras will be used in anti-illegal drug operations, service of search warrants and warrants of arrest, and even during regular patrolling.

The Supreme Court is also drafting guidelines and protocols for the use of body cameras in police operations. n

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has named his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his long time-aide Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go as his likely choices to run for president in 2022.

In a virtual press conference on Thursday, June 3, Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said Duterte has not made a final choice but mentioned several options.

“Let’s just say that madaming options na nabanggit na ang Presidente (that the President had many options), and I would just repeat it. Ang mga options na pupwedeng tumakbo (His list of those he wanted to be his successor) includes also Mayor Sara Duterte. It includes Senator Manny Pacquiao. It includes former senator Bongbong Marcos. It includes even Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. ‘Yun ang mga naririnig (That’s what I heard), and I think it includes also Senator Bong Go,” Roque said.

He said based on his latest conversation with the President, Duterte still has misgivings about allowing his daughter to join next year’s presidential derby.

“Ang sinabi po niya hindi pa rin po tatakbo si Mayor Inday Sara.

At ang rekomendasyon po niya ay huwag siyang tumakbo (The President said that Mayor Inday Sara will not run for president.

And that’s his recommendation).

So, that’s the latest I heard from the President’s own mouth,” he said.

Pacquiao’s being president of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) makes him a likely choice.

Marcos, meanwhile, met with Sara in Davao City this week, sparking speculations that they could be laying down the groundwork for a possible alliance.

Moreno is not a member of PDP-Laban, but he has consistently been among the top choices in presidential surveys.

Go, who is a member of PDPLaban and has long been a close

associate of Duterte’s, is believed to harbor presidential ambitions.

PDP-Laban stalwart Jose Ma. Clemente “Joey” Salceda earlier said he was certain the President’s daughter will seek the presidency in 2022, and at least five political parties were willing to support her.

Roque denied having such information.

“Ang alam ko po wala pa siyang desisyon and wala pa rin siyang pronouncement (All I know is she neither has a decision nor a pronouncement yet),” he said.

Duterte-Carpio herself has not publicly announced her plans for

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A6 JUNE 5-8, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Ecosystem restoration

FEATURES

IT”S been nearly half a century since the United Nations General Assembly designated June 5 as World Environment Day. Since then, global awareness of environmental protection has risen exponentially. Action, however, continues to lag behind the awareness.

Global efforts have been launched to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with industries redesigning their factories, workplaces, products and services to comply with new standards. Rivers and lakes have been revived in several countries, and there are regular coastal cleanups even in the Philippines.

In Metro Manila, a mangrove forest has sprung and has been turned into the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area – the only urban wetland in the country that enjoys international protection under the Ramsar Convention and other global environmental treaties. Around the world there are intensified efforts to preserve forests, coral reefs and threatened species.

Still, environmental degradation continues at an alarming scale. Today, climate change poses an existential threat to the planet. And it will remain a threat long after the COVID-19 pandemic has been contained. The pandemic itself has been blamed by scientists on the disruption of ecosytems aris-

ing from illegal wildlife trade, with the coronavirus believed to have jumped to humans from bats in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

The confirmation that airborne or aerosol transmission is possible for the COVID virus is leading to a review of global standards for indoor ventilation and air filtration.

In the Philippines, an upside of the deadly pandemic has been a heightened interest in keeping surroundings clean, in the use of environmentfriendly transportation particularly bicycles, and in activities such as gardening. Property developers are putting greater emphasis on green spaces.

More trees are being planted in urban centers including Metro Manila.

Such moves are in sync with this year’s theme of World Environment Day: ecosystem restoration.

A message for this special day declares: “We are the generation that can make peace with nature.”

It may sound like a pipe dream, but it doesn’t have to be. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS JUNE is the time of the year when many people here in America choose to tie the knot.

Why not? It is springtime giving way to summertime with all the promises of new beginnings.

Most women dream of forever love and to get married with that hope and dream that their husband will be the person they will share their journey of life and grow old with ’til death and beyond.

Last week, I wrote about why women facing a crossroads choose to stand by their man and stay in the marriage.

This time, I am sharing the piece I wrote in February 2010 about those who chose to leave their husband and say goodbye to forever love with him: “At what point does a woman say ‘enough’…walk out the door and never look back?”

Let me start with my premise: Women, in most cases, enter into the sacred covenant of marriage because they want to make it work…because they want to build a family and spend the rest of their life with their husbands, “for better for worse…”

Part 2: To stay or to say goodbye? Why some women choose to walk out the door and say goodbye to forever love with their husbands And as I wrote in my prequel to this blog (“Why Women Stand

By Their Man Despite…”), women are wired biologically, socially and spiritually, to stand by their man, to keep the family together, even if sometimes, or many times, this means overextending themselves and putting their family’s needs and happiness above theirs.

While there may be more women who are happily married and have been blessed with loving, responsible and faithful husbands, there are also women who cry in silence...women who feel trapped...women who are compelled to break away.

Yes, there are women who say goodbye...who swim against the tide, take the road less traveled, leave their husbands and break the family apart by walking out the door, legal separation, annulment or divorce. And they all have their reasons…

Some women endure years of physical abuse from the hands of the very same man they trusted, loved, and served with all their heart. Some just blindly accept that they should submit themselves to the authority of their husbands, others are

made to believe it was their fault and that they deserved to be punished.

These women even rationalize why they have to be beaten up — they did not keep the house clean…did not wash his clothes the way he wanted…did not prepare a good meal or served chilled bottles of beer…did not want to have sex even when they were tired or not feeling well, or when the husband smelled like puke after drinking with his “barkada” ‘til the wee hours of the morning, or when they are afraid they might be infected with venereal disease or get pregnant again.

There are also women who get confused when their husbands hit them in rage one moment, and then make a complete turn-around — plead for forgiveness, and shower them with love and affection….and the cycle goes on and on. Others are just simply too terrified to even talk about what is really going on behind closed doors.

Some women who do the unthinkable — those who look the other way when their own husbands abuse their children — physically and sexually. Com-

Power corrupts...

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA AND absolute power corrupts absolutely!

British politician Lord Acton may have been the first to state this truism in these words but he was not the first to apply it.

The Roman emperors were so corrupted by their powers that they began to believe they were gods.

Brutus and members of the Roman Senate felt that Julius Caesar had become too ambitious and corrupted by the power they decided to assassinate him. Power also got into Napoleon’s head, prompting him to assume the title of emperor. He subsequently met his Waterloo.

In the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos and his family must have felt so attached to Malacanang and the “mining” privileges that came with it (this is mine, that is mine, those are also mine), he declared martial law, abolished the Legislature and the Supreme Court and made himself president for life.

While he reassured the world

Philstar.com photo

that the Philippines remained a democracy, it was in fact a dictatorship.

Ruling with absolute power, the dictator and his wife helped themselves with abandon to the national treasury. It took a People Power uprising to evict them. The unkind joke was that the family and their retainers wanted to be brought to Paoay in Ilocos Norte, but their military escort misheard them and flew them instead to Hawaii.

The joke further goes that the wife, Imelda, who is from Leyte, never relished being a Lawiswis Hawaiian.

The family members enjoyed their wealth while living in exile in Hawaii, a lifestyle that Imelda Marcos described as “impoverished.” However, they wanted to return to the Philippines to regain their lost power.

But President Cory Aquino would not let them. However, after Ferdinand Marcos died, Imelda and the children and their families were finally allowed by President Fidel Ramos to return to the country, on the condition that they would live in their home province.

This time, the Philippine government made sure they would

return from Hawaii to Paoay.

Like the indestructible cockroach, the Marcoses survived and rebuilt their power base, controlling the gubernatorial, congressional and senatorial offices, but always with their eyes on regaining absolute power.

But another family, this time from Southern Philippines, having occupied the Palace and having enjoyed the corresponding power and perks, wants to keep the privilege within the clan, never mind if they resort to dirty tricks to stay in place.

In preparation for the 2022 presidential election, President Rodrigo Duterte (irreverently nicknamed DoDirty) has not been modest about wielding his powers. Because he is not allowed by the Constitution to run for a second term as president, he is working on his opinions. One option is to amend the Constitution or Cha-Cha. DoDirty is said to have been inspired by his Chinese benefactor who made himself president for life by changing provisions of his country’s Constitution.

If this is not possible it is rumored that DoDirty has other options. The suspected DoDirty

ing from the position of learned helplessness, there are women who even appease, persuade or coerce their own children to never speak out about their father’s horrendous act in fear of losing financial support and to avoid the social stigma and embarrassment.

On the other hand, some women turn their rage to themselves or even to their own children and become abusers themselves, perpetuating the culture and cycle of violence...

Some end up killing their husbands and their children.

There are women who are never battered physically, but their pain and scars are as deep.

They have been brainwashed by their husbands through the most hurting words possible, of how worthless they are, of how old and lousy they have turned out to be. These women are cursed, ridiculed, and even made to believe how indebted they should be to their husbands because if not for them, they, the poor wives, are nobody... they are nothing. “Tignan lang natin kung may magtiyatiyaga pa sa iyo…Ang tanda tanda mo na...ang taba taba mo…wala

kang kuwentang babae!” (Let’s see if somebody will still take you — you are old and fat and worthless!) Some husbands stop cursing or nagging…or probably never did…but their silence, indifference and blatant disregard of their wives make these women feel just that — worthless and nobody.

Some women leave their husbands when their trust has been violated. The degree of tolerance varies from woman to woman. There are those who cannot accept even a one-night stand fling, others can be more forgiving — “Basta ba sa akin siya umuuwi at wala siyang binabahay na ibang babae at wala siyang inaanakan. Lalaki yan, wala tayong magagawa (So long as he goes home to me, doesn’t have a home or sire a child with another woman. He is a man, there is nothing we can do about that!)”, I hear these women say as they condone their husbands’ indiscretion in sad resignation.

No matter how these women react to or rationalize their husbands’ infidelity, the damage has been done. This betrayal of trust leaves many women blam-

ing themselves, “What is wrong with me?” — their self-esteem crushed, their faith shaken. All their lives these women’s most ardent wish and prayer is to have a solid, happy home with their husbands, and wonder why such a simple and humble dream will be denied by the very man they built those dreams of “forever” with? This pulls many women down to the deepest pits of depression. Many get so crippled and hide in isolation.

They cease to be loving mothers to their children, some cannot even be productive in their work or vocation as before.

Others turn to self-destructive behaviors like drinking, drug addiction, even suicide.

Some women leave because their trust is violated in another way — when their husbands use and abuse them and treat them like doormats. I hear stories of women who work double jobs, attend to their children’s needs, do household chores while their husbands choose to be lazy, inconsiderate or simply pathetically apathetic. Some husbands work, but after which just go binge drinking and bar-hopping

Trick is to dance around the presidential term limit by running as Vice-President to the presidential candidacy of his daughter, Sara, thus avoiding the complicated Cha-Cha. After both win (the poll results are said to be Sarado and sigurado), the daughter will only be the nominal chief of state and the VP will actually pilot the ship.

That is one scenario. There are other scenarios, based on the principle of Confusion (not to be confused with the Chinese thinker, Confucius).

To keep the opposition Confused, the other option being foisted is a team-up of the presidential daughter and a senator whose campaign jingle is an adaptation of the old pop song, “Oh bongo, bongo, bongo I don’t wanna leave the Congo.” This option also reportedly provides for DoDirty to maintain his absolute powers.

This third option is to combine the powers of the North and the South plus the Visayas to add up to a tsunami-like win in 2022, with Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte running for president and VP, or vice-versa.

Of course, there is another option based on the idealistic principle that power - absolute

power - is really in the hands of the people.

The long-suffering Pinoys have been known to rise up and wield that power before. It could happen again.

If you think, these things can happen only in a Banana Republic, think again.

The USA could become the Untied States if a lame duck named Donald is to be believed. This Donald whose original Germanic name must have been Donald Johann Trumpf (with the letters numbering the biblical 666) is an advocate of the Nazi principle that “a lie repeated often enough will be taken for the truth”.

Trump has been repeating and repeating and repeating the Big Lie that he actually won the election but was cheated

by Joe Biden. This Lie has so thoroughly indoctrinated millions of supporters of the Republican Party also known as GOP (which used to stand for Grand Old Party but is now being used for a Grand Old Plot, which is to reverse the results of the elections).

By hook or by crook, Trump boasts that he will be installed as president by August. Trump and his trumpettes are even considering a coup.

According to recent polls, 56% of card-carrying GOP

members have bitten the Big Bait — hook, line and sinker — making them Grand Old Puppets.

Sadly, the Grand Old Party that led the effort to abolish slavery in the country has now been trumped, its leaders appearing to be slaves of the lame-duck named Donald.

The lust for power may have so corrupted the leaders of the GOP that they have become brazen in their moves. The hell with what the rest of the world thinks!

First of all, they have begun to pass laws that restrict the ability and dampen the motivation of minorities to vote, particularly blacks in traditionally Republican states that flipped in favor of Biden.

Secondly, they have been making Trump’s Big Lie official by conducting audits of election results and the allegedly fraudulent voting systems in states where Trump lost to Biden — yet they are not auditing the very same system that resulted in the winning votes for Republican congressional candidates in the same states.

The Grand Old Plot is to let the audits drag on until the 2022 mid-term elections to enable the Republicans to regain

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A7

Part 2: To stay or to say goodbye? Why...

DAY BEFORE. Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa program beneficiaries undergo COviD-19 swab tests on Thursday, June 3 at the BP2 depot in Quezon City to ensure that they are free from COviD-19. A total of 49 families are scheduled for dispatch to Leyte on Friday, June 4.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald Alfiler

Pope appoints Filipino bishop as envoy to Holy Land

by EvElyn

Macairan Philstar.com

MANILA — Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana as envoy to Israel and Cyprus and at the same time the apostolic delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine.

The 73-year-old Filipino prelate would have to vacate his post as apostolic nuncio in Australia, a post he has occupied since 2015, to carry out an important mission in the Holy Land, the birthplace of Christianity.

CBCPNews said the Vatican made the announcement during the celebration of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.

Yllana would succeed Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, who was appointed apostolic nuncio to India last March.

So far, Yllana has represented the Holy See in four continents: Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia/Oceania.

Born in Naga City on Feb. 6, 1948, Yllana was ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Caceres on March 19, 1972.

He later earned a doctorate in civil and canon law, and entered the Ecclesiastical Academy, the Holy See’s school of diplomacy.

After his studies, he entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See, serving successively

Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana Philstar.com photo

at Pontifical Representations in Ghana, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Lebanon, Hungary and Taiwan.

In December 2001, then Pope John Paul II appointed him as apostolic nuncio to Papua New Guinea and consecrated him bishop on Jan. 6, 2002 at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Subsequently, Yllana was entrusted with the leadership of the nunciature in the Solomon Islands.

In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as apostolic nuncio to Pakistan, then apostolic nuncio to the Democratic Re-

public of Congo in 2010.

In February 2015, Pope Francis appointed him as apostolic nuncio to Australia.

Yllana is one of three Filipino apostolic nuncios who are active in the service. The others are Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the nuncio to Spain, and Archbishop Francisco Padilla, the nuncio to Guatemala.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis also appointed Filipino bishop-elect Joseph Tarife Durero as the new bishop of the diocese of DaruKiunga in Papua New Guinea.

A missionary from the Society of Divine Word (SVD), Durero was appointed last May 23, replacing Canadian Bishop Gilles Côté of the Missionaries of the Company of Mary, who served the post for 22 years.

Côté retired after reaching 75 years, the mandatory age of retirement, last Nov. 24.

At 53, Durero is currently vicar general of the archdiocese of Madang on the nation’s north coast.

A native of Dapa, Surigao del Norte, he made his final religious vows for the SVD on May 25, 1995 then was ordained priest on Dec. 12, 1995.

Following his ordination, he was sent for a mission to Papua New Guinea where he held various assignments through the years. n

PAGE A6 t with their barkadas. Other men choose to stay home, watch television, drink beer, demand to be served like kings by their servant wives. Worse, there are husbands who choose not to work, depend on their wives, and use their wives’ hard-earned money budgeted for the family’s needs, to splurge on their vices, gambling, and/or, their womanizing.

Some women say goodbye because of their husbands’ psychological incapacity. After years of marriage, they painfully realize and accept that their husbands may not have within their personality and psyche what it takes to fulfill their obligations as husband and father, and that their condition may be hopeless and incorrigible. This is the only ground accepted by the Catholic Church to annul a marriage.

Other women leave their husbands because of irreconcilable differences. After a considerable time of being together, the husband and/or the wife finds out that what sets them apart is far greater and stronger than what keeps them together. This may include lifestyle, values, attitude, sexuality, religion, finances, child-rearing, etc. that may never be resolved. This is an accepted ground for a no-fault divorce.

However, there are also women who walk out the door when they feel they have outgrown their husbands, when they feel their husbands’ lack of drive and ambition or desirable and productive attributes just stifle their own potentials to grow and be successful. Other women grow tired of pretending to be somebody else just to please their husbands and keep a happy façade of their family life. On the other hand, some husbands and wives just grow apart — after years of marriage they realize they are now different people from the

PAGE A6 t

men and women they used to be when they fell in love and said “I do.” They hardly know each other anymore. They are now looking toward separate directions. Some women, men, or both, just fall out of love.

Most women hold on to their marriage, endure all the suffering, hope against all odds.

Many seek professional help — they turn to psychiatrists, marriage counselors, and spiritual advisers, as well as to trusted family members and friends for guidance. A lot of women draw strength and courage in the power of prayer and positive thinking, I know some who faithfully and religiously make novenas to St. Jude, St. Joseph, to the Mother of Perpetual Help, to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to the Black Nazarene.

Marami rin ang namamanata, at mayroon ding naglalakad pa ng paluhod sa simbahan upang ipagdasal ang kanilang asawa at ang panunumbalik ng pagmamahal at pagkakaisa sa kanilang tahanan (Many women make promises and offerings to God, others even walk on their knees to pray for their husbands and the restoration of love and unity in their families).

Others do trial separation and see if both parties will gain a better perspective of their situation from afar and re-evaluate the value of their marriage and family to them. Some women find new love, hope, and the will to move on in the arms of another man.

There are couples who become successful in repairing the damage of their relationship.

After all that has been said and done, they are able to keep the marriage and have even found stronger love and commitment after their trials. However, for some women, the answer to their prayers seems to be “No.” Some have tried everything over

and over again, only to be hurt over and over again. To these women, the only right thing to do is to walk away.

As women get better educated and become more financially independent, as they have more access to information on their rights and other options in life, as they feel safe and accepted by support groups like friends, family, civic and religious groups, government institutions, they become braver and bolder to say enough is enough. They find the courage to end the cycle of violence and betrayal.

These women find an epiphany in the importance of validating their own selves — no more lies and betrayal of who they are and their worth as children of God. They learn to respect and love themselves, which enables them to be truly loving mothers, to be better human beings.

While they struggle with the fact that their children will grow up in a broken home, they are consoled and strengthened by the thought that their decision will give their kids important life lessons and examples of honesty, authenticity, self-love and respect, which they hope will help them navigate their own voyage in life. And to these women, that is all that truly matters… ***

the presidency and are said to be setting up Trump for a fall.

They may be portraying Trump as the absolute villain, doing all the dirty work as a prelude to life in prison.

Trump should ask. Do Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz and others covet power too? The obvious answer is: Absolutely! Are they capable of a Double-Cruz?

Absolutely!

In the power game, Trump should not forget the dying words of Julius Caesar: “Et tu, Brute?” ***

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.

*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.

Power corrupts...

control of the Senate and the House.

Thirdly, Mitch McConnell, GOP Senate minority leader, has admitted being 100% focussed on blocking Biden’s legislative agenda.

Note, however, that Trump is not the only Grand Old Powerhungry politician in the GOP. There are others who covet

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.

*** (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

A8 June 5-8, 2021 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JOuRnAL

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Mayweather to give Spence pointers on how to beat Pacquiao

by Bong Lozada Inquirer.net

FLOYD Mayweather Jr. showed his support for Errol Spence in his title defense against Manny Pacquiao, but did not give any predictions.

“I just want to wish both of those guys nothing but the best,” said Mayweather in a video posted on ES News. “But of course I’m behind Errol Spence. I’m always behind my people first.”

He even said he will be giving Spence some advice on how to deal with Pacquiao.

“Actually I will give him a call

and give him some pointers,” said Mayweather, who retired with a perfect 50-0 record including a unanimous decision win over Pacquiao in 2015.

Spence (27-0) will defend his IBF and WBC World welterweight titles against Pacquiao (62-7-2) on August 21 in what is seen as a career-defining moment for the undefeated southpaw.

The 31-year-old Spence is considered as one of the top welterweights in the world along with WBO champion Terence Crawford but a victory over Pacquiao, who has held

championships in eight weight classes, could propel the twobelt champion to the greatest heights of his career.

Mayweather, who will fight YouTuber Logan Paul in an exhibition match, has always sang praises for Spence even before the Dallas native captured any gold earlier in his career.

An IBF champion since 2017 when he knocked out Kell Brook in the 11th round, Spence unified his title with the WBC strap in 2019 when he scored a split decision win over former Pacquiao sparring partner Shawn Porter. n

PNP submits to DOJ records of 53 drug killings

by EmmanuEL

Tupas

Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) records of 53 police operations that resulted in the deaths of drug suspects.

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said on Thursday, June 3 they submitted copies of the documents on Wednesday, June 2, as requested, as requested by the DOJ. The PNP was supposed to submit 61 case folders but the submission of records of the eight other cases was put on hold due to pending appeals from the respondents.

“At least they already have copies of what they wish to review, and it’s up to them to match them against their records,” he told reporters in a phone interview in mixed English and Filipino.

The submission of case folders, Eleazar said, is part of his agreement with Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra whose department is conducting a probe on alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) perpetrated by police in the conduct of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

Eleazar said the cases they have submitted have already been resolved by the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) which saw lapses on the part of police officers involved in anti-drug operations.

Eleazar earlier assured Guevarra of the PNP’s full cooperation in the DOJ’s investigation,

as he vowed to go tough on rogue police officers.

“Some say there were lapses, abuses. But they’re only reported in media,” he said, referring to some of the cases.

He urged people with allegations against erring police officers to come forward and file complaint with the IAS. Secretary Guevarra on Tuesday, June 1 said, “With the exception of eight administrative cases that the PNP-IAS (Internal Affairs Service) has not completely disposed of, 53 case files were delivered to the DOJ.” He said they would decide how to proceed after studying the contents.

Guevarra said that since they began review of PNP drug war cases, President Duterte had not intervened nor called his attention on efforts to determine if there were extrajudicial killings.

“I think we just need to understand what the President really wanted to say. You see, I spoke about the drug war review last year before the United Nations, he didn’t say anything to restrain it. I submitted an initial report to the President and spoke again before the Human Rights Council last February, noting certain lapses in police operations,” he said.

He said the DOJ and PNP agreed to share information on administrative cases filed against erring police officers, and “up to that point, the President has not raised any objection.”

He surmised that the Presi-

dent might have been hesitant to release data on the network of drug syndicates, their protectors and financiers, foreign suppliers and other classified information.

Meanwhile, Sen. Leila de Lima has maintained that President Duterte’s refusal to release all records from his war on drugs for scrutiny is unsurprising, “considering that he is afraid of the truth and that his administration has so much to hide.”

De Lima said the fact that the Department of Justice had to ask permission to investigate the records of the Philippine National Police is an anomaly itself.

No one is surprised that the President would hide the records of his drug war under the cover of national security, “not only because it was convenient for him but also because he and his government have much to hide. Not to mention he has a penchant for ‘bravado’ and is a chronic liar,” she said.

“Why is it necessary for the DOJ to seek permission to investigate the crime that took place even though the PNP is the culprit? Democracy demands accountability. Every Filipino has the right to be given justice no matter who else is guilty,” she added.

In his taped briefing that aired last May 31, Duterte claimed his government cannot release all records from his controversial anti-drugs campaign for scrutiny because it would supposedly compromise national security. n

PHILSYS SIGNUP. A Philippine Identification System registration center begins operations at the lower ground level of the Mall Extension building of SM Southmall in Las Piñas City on Thursday, June 3. Step 2 registration involves fingerprints, iris scan, and front-facing photos after which the applicant will wait for the Philippine ID to be delivered.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

49% of Filipinos say ‘worst is yet to come’ on COVID-19 crisis — SWS MANILA — More Filipinos believe that the worst is yet to come on the country’s COVID-19 crisis compared to last year, a Social Weather Stations survey has suggested.

Findings by the local pollster made public on Thursday, June 3 showed 49% of its 1,200 adult respondents having a worsening outlook on the pandemic at home. This was up from the 31% in November 2020.

The survey ran from April 28 to May 2 and had a margin of error at ±3%. At that time, the “NCR Plus” bubble was still under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine as the country wrestled with a surge in COVID-19 infections that, despite waning, has continued to date.

“This is the highest since the 57% in July 2020,” SWS noted.

“Conversely, those saying ‘the worst is behind us’ fell from 69% i November 2020 to 50% in May 2021.”

More residents in Metro Manila held the said belief since November 2020, or 22% last year to now at 50%, up by 28 points.

It rose too in Balance Luzon, or from 31% up by 23 points to 54%, Visayas from 32% increasing by 17 points to 49%, and Mindanao from 35% up by three points to 38%.

“On the other hand, those saying ‘the worst is behind us’ are now highest in Mindanao (62%), followed by the Visayas (51%), Metro Manila (49%), and Balance Luzon (45%),” SWS said.

The pollster added that those with a worsening view of the pandemic grew as well in terms of educational background.

It saw a 21-point increase among college graduates saying this, or from 35% now at 56%, 20 points up among junior high school graduates or from 29% to 49%, 16 points higher among elementary graduates or 33% to 49% as well, and 11 points higher also for non-elementary graduates or 29% to 40%.

Still, the percentage of adult Filipinos worried about contracting the COVID-19 was down by two points from 91% in November to 89% by May. Broken down, some 70% said they are a great deal wor-

ried, 19% somewhat worried, and 11% a little or not worried at all that a family member may get infected.

SWS sought to explain that the worsening view on the pandemic is unrelated to the number of those worried of catching the disease.

It said too that this worry has remained high in all areas.

“The percentage of those a great deal/somewhat worried about catching COVID-19 stays highest in the Visayas (92%), followed by Mindanao (90%), Balance Luzon (88%), and Metro Manila (85%),” SWS added.

Respondents were asked: “Are you worried or not worried that you or someone in your immediate family might catch COVID-19?” and “Which of the following best describes your feelings about the COVID-19 crisis in the Philippines? Do you think..the worst is behind us or the worst is yet to come?”

SWS said the survey was done through in-person interviews, and the poll was non-commissioned. (Philstar. com)

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SAFETY SEAL. Antipolo City Mayor Andrea Bautista Ynares (2nd from right) and SM Supermalls regional operations manager Dennis Martel (2nd from left) show the thumbs-up sign after awarding the Safety Seal given to establishments that are compliant with health protocols against COVID-19 on Thursday, June 3 at the entrance of SM City Masinag. Also in photo are Antipolo City public information office head Enrilito Bernardo Jr. (right) and SM City Masinag mall manager Raymond Bonifacio (left).

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

PH vote on Gaza probe won’t affect Israel ties – Palace MANILA — Malacañang is confident that the Philippines’ vote for the United Nations to investigate alleged war crimes committed in the Gaza Strip would not affect the country’s “excellent ties” with Israel.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, June 3, presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said: “The vote in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) does not in any way, or should not in any way affect our excellent bilateral relations with Israel.”

Recently, the Israeli foreign ministry summoned Philippine ambassador to Tel Aviv Macairog Alberto to seek clarification on the Philippines’ vote at the UNHRC, which favored the creation of an investigative committee against Israel over its military campaign “Operation Guardian of the Walls.”

Gilad Cohen, the Israeli foreign ministry’s deputy director-general

for Asia Pacific, said it was “unacceptable” that a country like the Philippines, “which itself endures radical and murderous Islamist terrorism,” would support a draft resolution that ignores the “war crimes” of Palestinian militant group Hamas.

On Thursday, Roque stressed that Israel is one of President Duterte’s “favorites” among the countries he visited. The President visited Israel in 2018.

“One of the countries we rely upon for assistance in modernizing our armed forces is Israel. We are also arranging the non-stop flight from Israel to the Philippines,” he said.

“So that (vote) has nothing to do with our very close ties with the state of Israel,” asserted Roque.

He emphasized that Duterte does not micromanage the Philippines’ delegation to the UNHRC even if he is the chief architect of foreign policy.

Duterte bares bets for...

PAGE A5 t next year’s presidential race.

“No comment,” she told The Manila Times in a text message.

In an earlier interview with The Times, the 43-year-old mayor even rejected calls for her to run for president, stressing that “continuity is not based on kinship.”

Gibo flies to Davao On Thursday, former Defense secretary and presidential candi-

date Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. met with the Davao City mayor, former Camarines Sur First District Rep. Rolando “Nonoy” Andaya Jr. said.

“On my way with my Vice President to meet my President.

Done deal, folks,” Andaya said in a social media post.

Andaya’s succeeding posts showed photos of Teodoro getting his first COVID-19 dose.

He said: “Salamat, Mayor Inday

He added that the Philippine mission has consistently voted in favor of the right of Palestinians to have their own state in the same way that the Philippines backed the creation of the Jewish state of Israel.

“The Philippines’ traditional position in the United Nations has been to go with the Palestinian cause. Each year, there are several of these recurring Israel versus Palestine resolutions that the UN normally passes these resolutions with the majority vote in favor of the Palestinians, so usually it is the US and Israel who are traditionally voting against it,” Roque said, quoting a statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“In short, our vote has been consistent with the previous positions of the Philippines. Although we say that at the same time we very much value our bilateral relations with Israel,” he added.

(Alexis Romero/Philstar.com)

Sara, for the vaccination shots (Thank you, Mayor Inday Sara, for the vaccination shots).”

Asked what the “meeting” was all about, Duterte-Carpio told The Manila Times: “No comment.”

Teodoro ran for president under the Lakas-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) in 2010. He served as Defense secretary from 2007 to 2009. n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 5-8, 2021

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A10 June 5-8, 2021 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JOuRnAL

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WKND New hope for non-citizens who accidentally registered to vote Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: I am a green card holder and am now eligible for naturalization. However, when I renewed my driver’s license, there was a section on the form to allow people to register to vote in elections.

I filled out the entire form, not realizing I was not only renewing my driver’s license, but also registering to vote. Will this be a problem when I file for naturalization?

Very truly yours, JG Dear JG: Registering to vote or voting in U.S. elections could have severe consequences for non-citizens, not only in connection with their eligibility for naturalization, but also for their status as green card holders.

Under U.S. immigration law, non-citizens are prohibited from registering to vote or voting in U.S. elections, as it would affect their good moral character (GMC). It could also involve making false claims to U.S. citizenship. However, USCIS recently acknowledged that people will sometimes accidentally or inadvertently register to vote when renewing their driver’s license or ID at the state DMV, as many states have incorporated voter

registration into the application for a new or renewed driver’s license or state ID card.

Under new USCIS guidance: • USCIS “will not penalize an applicant who unknowingly or un-willfully registers to vote.”

• USCIS will not consider an applicant for naturalization “to have unlawfully registered to vote if the applicant did not complete or sign the voter registration section… in the motor vehicle or other state benefit application.”

However, it could be a different issue if the person did sign that portion of the renewal form dealing with registering to vote.

• USCIS would not consider an applicant “to have unlawfully claimed to be a U.S. citizen if the applicant did not affirmatively indicate that he or she is a U.S. citizen.” However, if the applicant did register to vote, the applicant would have to prove that the registration form did not contain a question about whether the applicant is a U.S. citizen, or that the applicant did not indicate, in response to that question, that he or she is a U.S. citizen. Therefore, if the form asks if a person is a U.S. citizen, and they checked the “yes” box, they could have problems.

• If the person knowingly answered “yes” to a question asking whether he or she is a U.S. citizen in order to vote, they would be in violation of the law for having falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen.

You should also be aware that USCIS has access to voter registration documentation and could discover if there is any record

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 5-8, 2021

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Sat urday, J UNE 5 , 2 0 2 1

LIFESTYLE CONSUMER GUIDE COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

of a person having registered to vote or voted in a U.S. election.

That is why I caution people that when renewing a driver’s license (or even applying for a job), they should NOT claim to be a U.S. citizen, as the consequences could be severe and there typically is no waiver available for false claims to U.S. citizenship.

If you have any questions or concerns about having inadvertently registered to vote, you should consult with an attorney who can evaluate your situation and determine if you have committed any violations or if you are possibly eligible to apply for naturalization and prove up that any voter registration was accidental or inadvertent. *** 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. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 40 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case CATCH THE FIRST INSTALLMENT OF CITIZEN PINOY’S VERY FIRST VIRTUAL Q&A ON U.S. IMMIGRATION – AXG: ABUNDA AND GURFINKEL. is different, and results may depend Asia’s King of Talk, Boy Abunda, and leading U.S. immigration attorney, Michael J. Gurfinkel, lead the discussion in the first virtual on the facts of the particular case. The forum where Atty. Gurfinkel provides answers and relevant information to viewers’ immigration questions. Elaine, from Fairfield, information and opinions contained herein California, wants to know if her sister’s family can be interviewed on an expedited basis. She is worried that her nephew might not be able to immigrate with the family, as he turns 28 in October 2021. Ifur, from San Jose, California, asks if her brother can come (including testimonials, “Success Stories,” to the U.S. faster if he is petitioned by their mother as an employee in her care home rather than through a family petition. These endorsements and re-enactments) are of questions and more will be answered in part one of “Citizen Pinoy presents AXG: Abunda and Gurfinkel,” this Sunday, June 6 at 5:30 a general nature, and are not intended PM PT (8:30 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

(Advertising Supplement) to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation Four offices to serve you: guarantee or legal advice regarding Follow us on Facebook.com/ for anywhere in the US: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW the outcome of your legal matter. No 1-866-487-3465 YORK · PHILIPPINES attorney-client relationship is, or shall GurfinkelLaw, YouTube: US Immigration TV and Instagram.com/gurfinkellaw (866) – GURFINKEL (Advertising Supplement) be, established with any reader.

ENTERTAINMENT

B2 JUNE 5-8, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Citizen Pinoy presents AXG: Abunda and Gurfinkel (Part 1) this Sunday THIS Sunday, Citizen Pinoy kicks-off its very first virtual Q&A on U.S. immigration.

“AXG: Abunda and Gurfinkel,” was moderated

by Asia’s King of Talk, Boy Abunda, with leading U.S. immigration attorney, Michael J. Gurfinkel, providing answers to questions from guests and viewers.

In the first installment, Elaine, from Fairfield in California, asks about her sister’s petition which took 20 years before they received their “welcome letter” from NVC. Since the pandemic happened, their interview has been put on hold.

Her nephew is turning 28 in October 2021. Will he still be able to immigrate together with the family? Is it possible to expedite the process because the petitioner (their mother) is already 76 years old?

Ifur, from San Jose, California, shares that her brother, Robert, has a pending petition from their U.S. citizen mother. However, since their mother owns two care homes, will it be faster to petition the brother as a care home employee?

The episode will also feature real-life stories of the guests, and the events, circumstances, and decisions that led them to seek answers to their problems.

These are just some of the many questions addressed in the first installment of “Citizen Pinoy presents AXG: Abunda and Gurfinkel,” this Sunday, June 6 at 5:30 PM PT (8:30 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers). Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the app for free.

(Advertising Supplement)

Denise recalls overcoming being bullied for her lips: ‘Embrace it!’

By IAN

BIONG Inquirer.net

DENISE Laurel recalled how she overcame being bullied for her lips as she offered her support to others who have gone through the same ordeal.

“I still remember a lady from the photographers team kindly putting lipstick on me cause she said she liked my lips.. then some kids started making fun of me calling me duckie, mojacko, arrowlips… [Petrie] (from the movie Land Before Time) and when [I] got in the swim team people called me baluga or charcoal and that lasted for years even years before that incident haha,” Laurel shared via Instagram on Tuesday, June 1. “[I] remember trying not to cry before this picture and wiping the lipstick off aww babyyyy haha kids can be mean but we can teach them better,” Laurel added in the post, which came with a

Denise Laurel

Photo from Instagram/@d_laurel

throwback photo of her from the said photoshoot.

Laurel noted how she forced herself to learn “how to talk and smile while folding my lips” just to avoid bullying, but was eventually able to “embrace myself and stopped caring!”

“I let them spread their wings and run free!!

Run freeee my lips!! When they got free issue [pa rin] hahah cause [I] couldn’t get casted in some roles kasi distracting daw my features or it’s fake but carry lang cause what’s meant for [you] will always be yours and naging uso din haha,” the actress shared.

(When they got free, however, they were still an issue hahaha ’cause I couldn’t get cast in some roles because my features were apparently distracting or fake, but I just carried on ’cause what’s meant for you will always be yours, and anyway, my kind of lips even became a trend.)

Laurel said that she was only sharing this because she thought of her fans, adding that she sees their comments on being bullied about many things as well.

“Sharing this to encourage [you]! [There’s] no such thing as normal.. the fake standard of beauty changes every couple of years, fashion can be fickle or repetitive but their standard has nothing to do with [you]!” Laurel emphasized. “[You] are perfectly imperfect just as [you] are and made with so much thought and love! There’s only one [you]! What’s different about [you] is what makes [you] unique! Embrace it!

The actress noted that when one embraces their flaws, others will not be able to do anything about it and “we teach them to embrace themselves and be kinder to themselves as well.” “[Let’s] create a cycle of compassion for self and others! [I] know a lot of u ladies can relate! I see [you] guys commenting about [your] lips and being bullied for them.. it was all a test to reinforce [you are] appreciation for [yourself] and bring us PAGE B3

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Catriona Gray on new single: It’s a ‘call to action’

By RITCHEL

MENDIOLA

AJPress

MISS Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is further establishing herself in the music industry with a new single.

“R.Y.F” is Gray’s version of “Raise Your Flag,” a song inspired by the beauty queen’s statements during her Miss Universe pageant journey.

Composed by Trisha Denise and ABS-CBN Music’s creative director Jonathan Manalo, “Raise Your Flag” was first performed by KZ Tandingan and Kritiko at Gray’s Miss Universe homecoming in 2019.

Speaking with members of the media in a virtual press conference held Tuesday, June 1, Gray expressed excitement over the release of “R.Y.F.” “We actually recorded the song in the first quarter of 2020. It’s been sitting in the archive for that

someone “in the smallest way.”

“I know it started as an ode to my journey in Miss Universe, but I hope that through my interpretation of the song, it can evolve to how I see the song, which is that it means to stand up for something,” she told the press.

The sentiment could be adapted to “standing up for your fellow countrymen, standing up for their rights, for their safety, for their well-being,” according to Gray.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is making “I know that it’s very trying for her mark on the music industry. all of us because there are so many Photo from Instagram/@catriona_gray surmounting challenges that each long. So I guess there’s the feeling of us face around the world, not of ‘oh my gosh, it’s actually going just in the Philippines. So it really to happen,’” she said in response is trying to just see how can I be of to a question from the Asian Jour- help to someone in even the smallest way. And I feel that that’s really nal.

“I’m just really happy that it’s the entire message of ‘R.Y.F,’” she finally seeing the light of day,” she added.

Gray also said that “R.Y.F” is added.

The beauty queen emphasized “super personal” to her, as the that “R.Y.F” is about advocating original track “Raise Your Flag” social movements and helping PAGE B3

Engr. Antonio Santos, 90 (July 4, 1930 to May 13, 2021)

ENGINEER Antonio G. Santos passed away on May 13, 2021.

He was 90.

Antonio was the fourth son among eight siblings from the marital union of Maria Belen Galang and Vicente T. Santos.

Growing up in their ancestral house in Ipil St. in Tayabas, a district of Manila, Tony, as he was fondly called, graduated from Jose Abad Santos High School, then took B.S. Mechanical Engineering at the Mapua Institute of Technology but because he was working as a mechanic and studying college at the same time, he finally graduated with the same major at the Far Eastern University. He became president of Lions Club, and also president of the Rotary Club of Metro San Francisco Del Monte.

In 1966, he joined the Shell Car Rally in the Philippines and in 1969, he became one of the first Cursillistas in the Philippines having finished the threeday Cursillo at the Cursillo House in Lipa, Batangas. He was a successful businessman and was always generous to his relatives

who would always approach him in times of need.

He became service manager of Valiant Motors Corporation, distributors of Peugeot and Mazda in the Philippines and in the early 70’s became general manager of Roc Integrated Corporation. The late Architect Noli Bernardo con-

vinced him to become a finishing contractor and in 1974, Astex Trading was born and specialized in textured spray painting, marble, parquet, waterproofing, fireproofing, etc. Engr. Santos also filed for a design and utility patent for his Vaccuumated Concrete Planer, which won the bronze prize award at the IMPEC Inventors Show in Monroeville, PA. Engr. Santos, who died on the Feast Day of our Lady of Fatima, is survived by his wife Anacoreta “Coring” Casas Santos, 83; his daughters Louh Santos-Chiefe from Atlanta, GA & Architect Tina Santos-Franco from Valenzuela, Bulacan and his sons Joe from San Francisco, CA & Dr. Ramon Santos from Sydney, Australia; his grandchildren Martina, Joel, Joseph Santos, Francis Chiefe, Florence Faye, Frances Louie and Felicia Ysabel Franco.

His funeral mass and burial was held last May 16, 2021 and his remains lie at St. Peter’s Memorial Chapel, La Loma, Quezon City, Philippines.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 5-8, 2021

Catriona Gray...

PAGE B2 was inspired by her statements during her Miss Universe journey.

“It is really inspired by the things I’ve said in my Miss Universe journey. When I said those things, they came from a very personal place for me. So it was an amazing experience to first hear this song. And I remember it really vividly, because it was at my homecoming concert in 2019 in Araneta, and KZ and Kritiko performed it,” she said.

“It was also full circle for me to see that… so many people now, with my interpretation of the song, can really recognize and connect to the message, which has really evolved from my personal journey, which is where those original statements came from,” she added.

Gray noted that “R.Y.F” goes beyond patriotism, stressing that the song is “a call to action.”

“The world needs more people to get involved and to give back tionists and more. These positions have a variety and to contribute. So ‘R.Y.F’ is reof associated incentives, to include signing bo- ally a call to action. And that’s why nuses, student loan repayment, and scholarships it’s so fulfilling to be able to put out this type of message,” she told the for medical, dental or veterinary school.

Local recruiting stations will provide infor- media.

Journey mation about career opportunities and answer During the online presser, Gray questions potential applicants may have about opened up about her experience life in the Army.

The recruiters will also discuss the benefits of recording “R.Y.F,” likening it to Soldiers receive, to include health insurance, re- her Miss Universe journey.

“In a way, it’s very much simitirement plans, training and certifications, tuition assistance for college courses, and family sup- lar… It’s lending my voice with a message that I personally believe port programs.

For her part, Army Recruiter and Staff Ser- in that I hope would contribute to geant Maria Monica Suarez is looking to recruit the community, which has always interested Filipinos and Filipino Americans to been the goal of mine in the platform of Miss Universe — to see serve in the military.

She highlighted “steady income, education, what I could contribute and also health and dental insurance, retirement plan, encourage people to do the same,” and paid 30 days of leave” as benefits of joining she said.

The beauty queen also admitted the Army.

“As a recruiter, my role in this event is to pro- that she has “a lot of nervousness” mote the U.S. Army and U.S. Military as a whole, as an artist trying to establish her and to provide qualified applicants to fill prior- music career.

“I feel like there is such a need ity positions required to maintain the strength of the United States Army,” said the 28-year-old for me to prove myself in this space. I am very grateful to have Filipina SSG. During Army National Hiring Days, interested the opportunity to have this platindividuals can visit www.goarmy.com/hiring- form mainly because I brought days to see if they meet the qualifications, learn pride to our country through the about part-time and full-time careers and associ- Miss Universe, but I feel even ated hiring incentives, and connect with a local more the pressure to really mark my space in the music industry,” recruiter.

(Advertising Supplement) she explained.

Gray went on to say that “R.Y.F” is the closure to her beauty pageant journey.

“I guess this is almost, in a way, closure of that journey before I reGo!” she added. ally go off into defining who I am This is not the first time the actress encouraged as an artist after my Miss Universe others to accept and love themselves too. Back in journey. But it just felt very imporDecember 2019, Laurel recalled being called fat tant for me personally, to put my by a co-worker but just brushed it off and promot- spin or my interpretation on this ed self-love. song that was inspired by my jour-

ney,” she said.

For her full album, Gray teased that she’s been working on it “silently.”

“It’s been on my heart for the longest time. And of course, with the pandemic, a lot of things have been changed around. It’s been a little bit difficult logistically, but…

I’ve been working on it silently, so I’m excited to release it hopefully soon for everyone to hear,” she said.

The beauty queen also men-

B3

tioned wanting to collaborate with Filipina singers Jaya and Moira, as well as Tandingan, who performed “Raise Your Flag.”

“I just really admire their artistry and how they really carved out their own sound,” she said.

“You can just see that their heart is in what they’re doing,” she added.

Prior to “R.Y.F,” Gray released her advocacy anthem “We’re In This Together” and a cover of the 1998 song “Angel of Mine” with R&B singer Jay-R. “R.Y.F” is available on Spotify and Apple Music.

Army National Hiring Days to run until June 14

THE U.S. Army is hosting virtual career fairs nationwide to hire 1,700 new soldiers as part of the military service’s second Army National Hiring Days campaign, which runs until June 14.

Army National Hiring Days, which was first launched as a virtual event in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is an all-Army effort to inspire young men and women across the nation to join the U.S. Army.

During the five-week event, which began on May 10, the Army is offering a special $2,000 incentive for individuals who enlist in one of 11 priority occupations and ship to training by the end of September. The positions range from infantry and psychological operations to explosives ordnance disposal and air and missile defense.

The nationwide virtual hiring campaign also includes up to $40,000 in signing bonuses or student loan reimbursement up to $65,000, depending on qualifications, selected occupation, and length of the service contract.

“The last year has been challenging for our nation and the world,” said Maj. Gen. Kevin Vereen, USAREC commanding general.

“We want young people to know the Army offers stability, especially during an unsteady time.

Stability with a consistent job, consistent paycheck, comprehensive health care, and a built-in support system for Soldiers and their families.

We’re offering opportunities for them to join us in a meaningful career that will prepare them for success in the future,” he added.

The Army also is seeking health care professionals to fill vital roles as doctors, nurses, nutri-

Denise recalls overcoming being...

PAGE B2 back to gratitude! enjoy them lipzz! Or ur height, shape!” Laurel highlighted.

“Ilantad nyo na (Show them off)! It’s [your] one life! Their opinion can’t live [your] life for [you]! I love seeing people unapologetically themselves!

Law Offices of Tavakoli and Associates offers professional, compassionate help to clients “I wanted to be able to help make the world a better place,” lawyer Payam Tavakoli said in an interview.

“Lawyers have a chance to further the public good and have an impact on the way the world runs. Lawyers have an opportunity to even out the playing field against big insurance companies.”

Tavakoli is a steadfast believer that law impacts all aspects of society, something that he inculcated in his mind when he decided to become a lawyer.

He is proud of the firm that he has built from the ground up and nothing excites him more than knowing that they are able to help people in need of legal advice and provide caring and professional help along the way.

The Law Offices of Tavakoli and Associates offers a host of specializations but particularly in the fields of personal injury, motor cycle accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, hit and run accidents, traumatic brain injury and serious injury cases, elder abuse, and habitability.

“I’m hoping to achieve continuous pursuit of justice for the injured, the wronged, and the underdog,” he quipped.

For him, becoming a lawyer means learning how to negotiate and litigate for their clients. It also means protecting people in a court of law, one thing that he loves doing.

“I love the feeling of accomplishment when I help fight for my clients’ rights.

I get to think through problems every day for my clients and being an attorney gives me the opportunity to use the law to make someone’s life better,” he shared.

Tavakoli started practicing law in 2001 and established the Law Offices of Tavakoli and Associates the following year.

Anti-Asian hate on the rise in the US The unabated rise in the number of cases of anti-Asian hate incidents and crimes across the country is something that alarms Tavakoli.

There have been close to 3,800 anti-Asian hate incidents and crimes, mostly against women, in the past year alone.

He believes that there are many ways to support and express solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.

It all starts, in his opinion, in the acknowledgement that there is anti-Asian racism.

“Anti-Asian racism dates back centuries to the 1850s and years of exclusionary policy. We should not shy away from, but rather must speak up on, the issue of race,” he emphasized.

Tavakoli added that non-Asian-American friends and colleagues to show support. Employers need to

provide support for the AAPI employees by widespread workplace discussions of racial discrimination.

Allies should also show support by patronizing local Asian-American restaurants, supermarkets, and other shops that help the AAPI community.

There are also ways to make monetary donations in support of the AAPI communities. Donating to organizations that support the families of victims of anti-Asian racism and violence is one effective avenue to direct donations, he added.

Donations to community restoration organizations will go towards rebuilding and supporting Asian-American businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic and the economic recession.

Immediate legal representation For Tavakoli, it is crucial to get legal representation as soon as possible, specially those who have been victimized by anti-Asian hate.

He cited as a parallel example those who don’t seek legal advice after an accident.

“Many loved ones of those who get hurt in an accident waste time with insurance adjustors. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner they can start investigating the collision and collecting evidence,” he explained.

“Once you have an attorney, the insurance adjuster

will have to communicate through your attorney which in turn would reduce the chances of you making a wrong move.”

Getting involved in an accident is both a dreadful and frightening experience that people usually don’t know how to approach the situation.

As a lawyer, Tavakoli says there are things people need to keep in mind when a family or loved one gets into an accident.

“The most important thing to do would be to get the injured person to the hospital or a facility where they would receive the required medical attention,” he said. “Make sure to stay with your loved ones and keep them company. People who are in major accidents often end up hurt and confused. A family member’s presence can give them support and help them get connected to the right resources.”

Needless to say, it is of utmost importance to hire an attorney after an accident.

If you have been injured in a vehicle or other accident, it is critical to retain an attorney as soon as possible to make sure that you recover the full value for the sustained damaged.

A lawyer would retain professional experts to investigate the accident scene and analyze the road condition in an accident for example.

The sooner one starts working on a case, the greater

Attorney Payam Tavakoli

the opportunity to effectively litigate or negotiate a settlement on a client’s behalf.

It is likewise very important to make sure that all evidence is promptly secured and it would be an attorney’s responsibility to make certain that evidence is not destroyed and is kept in a controlled environment.

“Immediately following an accident, insurance claims adjustors will usu-

ally try to contact the drivers who have been injured by their insured. The purpose of this call is to trick you into making statements that may later on be used against you,” Tavakoli expounded. “An attorney will advise you not to talk to these adjustors or anyone else about the cause of the accident and instead to refer them to your attorney.”

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B4 june 5-8, 2021 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn jOuRnAL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 5-8, 2021

Biden’s tax plan update Tax Tips ViCtoR Sy, mBA, CPA (RetiRed) PRESIDENT Joe Biden’s $6 trillion budget proposal offers new major initiatives like child and elder care subsidies, generous tax credits for families and the working poor, and free community college.

His huge social programs provide a new safety net for the poor and middle class, courtesy of corporations and the wealthy taxpayers.

President Biden’s spending proposals include: • Subsidize child care by putting a cap of 7% of parent’s income for children under age 5.

• Provide free preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds.

• Extend generous increase in the per-child tax credit from $2,000 to $3,600 for children up

to 6 years old and $3,000 for older children.

• Provide two years of free community college to all Americans.

• Create a national family and medical leave program.

To pay for these social programs, President Biden wants to: • Increase IRS audits to crack down on tax gap.

• Increase the top individual tax bracket from 37% to 39.6%.

• Increase corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%.

• Increase capital gains taxes on wealthier investors.

• Eliminate the tax-free rates on inherited capital gains (Stepup-in basis).

The budget incorporates the administration’s eight-year programs as follows: • $2.3 trillion for infrastructure.

• $1.8 trillion for American Families Plan.

• $1.5 trillion for annual operating expenditures for the Pentagon and domestic agencies.

But there’s resistance to Biden’s blueprint for higher taxes and spending.

• Republicans are expected to criticize the President’s “tax and spend” agenda.

• Democrats control Congress and could pass Biden’s tax increases anyway.

• But it only takes one or two Democrats to defect and place a roadblock to his tax agenda.

Tune in to future updates as I monitor progress of President Biden’s tax agenda. *** Victor Santos Sy, MBA. CPA (Retired) Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV – Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation. *** He retired after 50 years of defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He published a book on “How to Avoid or Survive IRS Audits” that’s available at Amazon. Readers may email tax questions to vicsy@live.com.

Can I enforce a form I-864 Affidavit of Support in divorce proceedings?

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS THE Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 requires that US Citizens sponsoring an alien for legal permanent residency execute an immigration form I-864 Affidavit of Support. This is an agreement between the US Government and the Sponsor to promise to support the immigrant beneficiary seeking admission to the US at a level not less than 125% of the national poverty level. The purpose of the I864 Affidavit is to prevent the noncitizen from becoming a public charge. The sponsor’s obligation continues until either 1) the intended immigrant becomes 2) the intended immigrant is no longer permanent resident by departing the US or relinquishing his or her residency 3) the immigrant is subject to removal or deportation but applies for and obtains anew adjustment of status based on a new affidavit of support 4) the intended immigrant or sponsor dies 5) the intended immigrant worked for 40 qualifying quarters under the Social Security Act. The I-864 affidavit is legally binding and enforceable contract between the Sponsor and the US Government.

The enforceability even goes

beyond this. The sponsored immigrant spouse can also enforce this contract against the sponsor and file an action to enforce the sponsor’s support obligation separately from any support rights the sponsored immigrant spouse may have under Family Code Section 4320. Erler v. Erler, 824 F.3d 1173 (9th Cir. 2016). This obligation becomes an important issue where the marriage between the Sponsor and the immigrant beneficiary breaks down and a Divorce Petition is filed. The I-864 obligation does not terminate with divorce or dissolution of marriage. Pursuant to Erler, neither a divorce judgment nor a premarital agreement may terminate an obligation of support under the I-864 affidavit. The obligation is not dischargeable even if the immigrant spouse is later supported by a third party or attempts to be self-sufficient.

Further if a Joint Sponsor also signed an I-864 affidavit, the Joint Sponsor is jointly and severally liable for the support of the immigrant spouse.

The immigrant spouse has an independent standing to enforce the obligation under the I-864 affidavit against the sponsor either in state court or federal court. In re Marriage of Kumar, 13 Cal. App. 5th 1072 (2017). This means the sponsor’s support obligation under the I-864 affidavit may be enforced within the family law case/ divorce action. In addition, the Court in Kumar held that immigrant spouse has no duty to seek employment to mitigate his or her damages.

The bottom line is that in any divorce proceeding, one has to consider whether one spouse has signed an I-864 affidavit in the past for purposes of conferring a green card to the other spouse and whether that obligation continues on. It may be a separate claim for support available to the immigrant spouse within the family law case. *** 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 t he o utco me 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 or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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How debt settlement can help you avoid bankruptcy

YOUR credit card payments are past due. You’re confused and don’t know what to do. The bill collectors are calling you nonstop and writing you threatening letters. What do you do? Should you just file bankruptcy? Or are there other options?

Most people are unaware that credit card companies will negotiate with you if they believe that it is in their best interest to do so. Many times, it is possible to negotiate a significant reduction and save yourself thousands of dollars. How does debt settlement work?

If you are delinquent in payments, perhaps you are afraid of what creditors may do next.

Maybe bill collectors are calling you all day long. You might get nervous every time someone knocks on your door because it could be someone handing you a summons for a lawsuit. Or it may be that your accounts are already in collections, a lawsuit has been filed or even worse, like a judgment or a wage garnishment may already be pending. Maybe you’ve even tried calling debt collectors at one point and begged them for some kind of payment plan that you can afford and they said NO. If a debt collector tells you that it is “their policy not to settle debts,” don’t believe it.

If you are behind in payments, this is when debt settlement may actually be a good idea especially if you are trying to avoid filing for bankruptcy. This doesn’t work in all situations but there are certainly a lot of scenarios where bankruptcy may be avoided and debts can be settled using the least amount of money possible.

It is a known fact in the collection business that as time goes

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon on, the ability to collect on a debt diminishes. Thus, the longer your accounts have been in collections, the better your chance of settling your debts for a significantly reduced amount. For example, it is my experience that creditors will settle for about 30-60 cents of the original debt amount.

What type of debt can be negotiated? Actually, debt settlement is possible not only for credit cards but for almost all types of debts. The list includes medical bills, bounced checks, personal loans, department store cards, auto repossession deficiencies, etc.

Debt settlement works best in situations where the debtor has the ability to produce enough cash to settle for 30-60% of the amount owed. The reason is that creditors are often only willing to settle for less than full amount only if you pay them in a lump sum as opposed to paying in installments. If you are a homeowner, you may be able to refinance and use your home equity for debt settlement.

If you do not own a home, perhaps you can sell personal property that you don’t need, borrow cash from a relative or maybe take money out of your 401K plan. If, on the other hand, you don’t have a lot of cash available, do not lose hope. So long as

you are employed or have some source of income, creditors may still agree to monthly payments over a period of time although in this scenario, creditors will not be as flexible in reducing the original debt amount.

Filing bankruptcy may make more sense than debt settlement in certain situations where property is exempt and beyond the reach of the bankruptcy trustee and creditors. If you are eligible, Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows you to wipe out debts you can no longer afford to pay so that you can start fresh immediately. Chapter 13 allows you to consolidate debts into one affordable monthly payment, so that you are not stressing out every month with not having enough income to pay living expenses and debts at the same time.

Debt settlement, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13- These are your usual options in dealing with debt problems. If you are currently in financial hot water and don’t know what to do, seek legal help and find out what is appropriate for your situation.

For a free consultation and debt analysis, call Toll-Free 1866-477-7772. *** NOTE: Due to COVID-19 concerns, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE OR VIDEO to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866477-7772.

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Family leave rights for both expecting parents Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, JR. Q: My spouse and I are expecting a baby and we are trying to figure out how much family leave we are entitled to so we can each spend quality time with our new baby. My spouse works at a small office and I work at a medium sized company in Los Angeles.

What are our rights?

A: Under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), employers with five or more workers are required to offer 12 weeks of unpaid protected leave during any 12-month period to bond with their new child, or to care for themselves, their child, parent, spouse, or domestic partner, and their grandparent, grandchild, and sibling. No matter how small the company is, if it employs at least 5 persons, an employer may not refuse to grant the request for leave.

To qualify for leave, employees must have had at least 1,250 hours of service with the employer during the previous 12-month period. (Under the federal Family Medical Leave Act [FMLA], an employer may refuse to grant leave to a salaried employee who is among

the highest paid 10% of the employer’s employees; or, if they were granted leave, the employer may refuse to reinstate them to their previous position.)

The employer may require (or the employee can decide) to use paid leave, such as vacation or Paid Time Off, if the employee is not receiving other forms of leave payments.

Paid sick leave must be used only for the employee’s serious health condition, or where the employer and employee agree to its use.

For pregnant employees, an employer is required to allow those disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition to take a leave of absence for a reasonable time of up to 4 months before returning to work. The employer is required to maintain and pay for coverage under a group health plan for an employee who takes such a leave.

CFRA requires that an employer who employs both parents of a child must grant unpaid protected leave to each employee. This means that if both parents work for the same employer, the employer must provide 12 weeks of leave to each of the parents. The employer may, but is not required to, grant simultaneous leave to both of these employees.

Under protected leave, the employer must return the employee to their previous po-

sition once they come back from leave. If an employee is denied the leave, fired, or otherwise treated worse because they requested or took protected leave, they should consult with an experienced employment attorney to protect their rights.

Denying lawful leave to an employee may be considered discrimination or retaliation, which may entitle the employee to recover the following remedies: back pay, hiring, promotion, reinstatement, front pay, compensatory damages, including emotional pain and suffering, and in more serious violations, punitive damages. Aggrieved employees may also recover attorneys’ fees, expert witness fees, and court costs. *** 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 HYPERLINK “http://www.joesayaslaw.com” 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)

Senior needs Chapter 13 to protect house from creditors of a failed business

THE client is 71. Her husband died five years ago, so she lives with her unmarried son who does not have full time or steady employment.

She has a large equity in her residence of about $400,000.

For her age, the equity exemption for homestead is $175,000.

She was a registered nurse when she was still working.

Her social security is $2,200, while her mortgage payment is $1,100. She has no other income in addition to social security.

Considering the son is not gainfully employed, she has to rely on herself. She says, in response to my question, how she feels, that she still feels the same as when she was young, but when she looks at the mirror, she says that she has become old. Well, how true that age is only in the mind. An older person actually is like an older model car that is well kept and maintained. It still runs well and looks like a car, but the new cars sort of stand out when they are placed side by side. Just put your wellmaintained 1995 Camry beside a 2018 Tesla model 3, and the difference in appearance is obvious. But both cars will get you where you want to go. The Camry will be noisier because of its gas engine. The Tesla will be very quiet because it has no mechanical engine. It’s electric. It looks sleeker than the Camry.

The client had $300,000 in her 401K when she was still working and younger. However, she liquidated the entire amount with a penalty. Why did she do this, I asked. She said she invested half, $150,000, in a business, which did not succeed. The other $150,000 she put in something else. In other words, right now, at age 71, the $300,000 is gone. Would have been nice to have that $300,000 around now that she is retired, right? Anyway, this is water under the bridge. The investment mistake has been made and cannot be reversed. Well, “what’s the problem now?” I ask.

She says that the business had two loans that she guaranteed personally. She thinks the

Debt Relief

Atty. lAwRenCe yAng two loans are about $20,000.

How many times have I said, never personally guarantee a business loan. I must have said it a hundred times before. If the business folds, just put the company, LLC or corporation, in Chapter 7 liquidation and let the business creditors file their claims in the bankruptcy estate of the business, and forget about them. You, as owner or officer, will not be personally liable for those business debts, unless of course, you give the creditors your personal guarantee, then most assuredly, you are on the hook, including your beloved house.

Certainly, the client does not want the business creditors to touch her house. How can they do this? They can sue her on her personal guaranty; get a judgment and subsequently a judgment lien on her residence.

Unfortunately, judgment creditors can literally force the sale of her house in due time unless she protects herself and her house now with Chapter 13.

She can’t do a Chapter 7 because her home equity is a lot more than $175,000. It doesn’t make sense to lose your house to the Chapter 7 trustee who can sell her house, give her $175,000, and use the rest of the sale proceeds to pay the $20,000 and pay trustee fees as well as trustee legal fees, which can be a lot.

Just the trustee motion to authorize the sale of the house can cost $25,000 to $30,000.

The trustee lawyer gets his fees as well as the trustee CPA. After all debts and expenses are paid, in addition to the $175K given to her for her home equity exemption, not much more will be left to be given to her.

This means that with Chapter 7, she could lose her house for $20,000 of business debt that she guaranteed personally.

But in Chapter 13, the trustee doesn’t have the power to

sell the debtor’s residence.

Chapter 13 protects the debtor and her house be preventing the creditor lawsuits and judgment liens on her residence from ever happening. However, the Chapter 13 plan, in her case since she has a big amount of non-exempt equity, the $20,000 must be paid over 60 months in equal monthly installments. That would be about $350 a month, more or less for 60 months. Once the case is filed, the creditors cannot sue her on her personal guarantee. Therefore, they cannot get a judgment lien on her residence. Chapter 13 protects her residence. How can she “Age Well” with a judgment lien on her residence?

If you add attorney fees, interest and costs, the judgment lien would be about $30,000, not $20,000, which is just the principal owed. Creditors have to pay lawyers to file the lawsuits and get the judgment and liens. They cost money as everyone knows. Trump paid his personal lawyer Cohen hundreds of thousands of legal fees. Lawyers cost money.

That’s a fact of life. Judgments earn legal interest of 10 percent a year. So, soon enough the $20,000 of business debt becomes $60,000 of the judgment lien on the client’s house.

We don’t want that to happen.

Certainly not.

Her business is an S corporation with several stockholders.

That corporation can file its own Chapter 7 to handle all of its business debts. These debts have nothing to do with the client because she only gave her personal guarantee on $20,000 of those business debts. *** DISCLAIMER: NONE OF THE FOREGOING IS CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE. EACH CASE IS DIFFERENT. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South, Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

10-year-old Filipino wows on ‘America’s Got Talent’ with ‘All by Myself’

A 10-year-old Filipino boy born in Dubai dominated in the 16th season premiere of “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) after delivering a powerful performance of “All by Myself.”

Peter Rosalita’s rendition of the classic hit garnered a standing ovation and praises from all four judges in the talent competition, as seen in the clip shared on the official Facebook page of America’s Got Talent Live on Wednesday, June 2.

“No chance Peter Rosalita will be by himself after that performance!” the page said.

Aside from his talent, however, the judges seemed to have liked Rosalita even before he started singing due to his joyful and confident personality.

When asked what he will do with the $1 million (Advertising Supplement) if he wins, Rosalita answered that he would buy

a Nintendo Switch console and a laptop for his online schooling.

Similar to Celine Dion’s cover of the Eric Carmen song, the white suit-clad Rosalita flawlessly nailed the high notes, leaving the judges in a visible yet pleasant shock as the audience cheered him on.

Despite his wonderful performance, Rosalita admitted that he was nervous, to which panelist Sofia Vergara replied: “We were so nervous too, but we loved you!”

“You’re amazing!” Howie Mandel, meanwhile said, to which Rosalita immediately replied with a cheerful “Thank you, Howie!”

“You’re so cute, even when you talk to us,” Mandel continued. Rosalita then cheekily replied, PAGE B6

B6 june 5-8, 2021 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn jOuRnAL

Legal Advice Atty. DArrick tAn DEAR Attorney Tan, I entered the U.S. in 1998 as a crewman. I have recently married a U.S. citizen and would like to get a green card.

However, I have heard that since I entered as a crewman, I cannot adjust my status to a permanent resident. Is this true? — Lost on Land Dear Lost on Land, Under INA Section 245(c)(1), a person who enters the U.S. as a “crewman” is generally barred from adjusting his status to permanent residence.

However, analysis of this issue must begin with determining whether you are actually a “crewman,” who is barred from adjustment.

A “crewman” is defined as a person “serving…in a capacity required for normal operation and service on board a vessel, …or aircraft, who intends

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Permanent residence for crewmen

to land temporarily and solely in pursuit of his calling as a crewman and to depart from the United States with the vessel or aircraft on which he arrived or some other vessel or aircraft.”

INA Section 101(a)(15(D).

A “crewman” under this definition is assigned a “D” visa classification, but is often issued a dual C-1 transit/ D crewman visa. Because of this, a common misperception exists that a C-1 visa classification is designated for crewmen, and that a person who entered the U.S. under a C1 classification is by definition a “crewman,” therefore barred from adjusting his status to permanent resident. However, it is important to keep in mind that if a person entered on a C-1 transit visa, he may not be a “crewman” and may be eligible to adjust status.

Further, the facts of a particular case regardless of letter classification of one’s visa upon entry may also be considered. If you entered on a C-1 transit visa, or under circumstances that do not fit the definition of a “crew-

man,” you may be eligible to adjust status.

If you are considered a “crewman” under the above definition, you can still file for adjustment of status to permanent residence and get a green card in the U.S. if you are covered by INA Section 245(i). To be covered under INA Section 245(i), one must be the beneficiary of a visa petition or labor certification filed on or before April 30, 2001. If the petition was filed between January 14, 1998 and April 30, 2001, physical presence in the US on December 21, 2000 is also required.

If you are not covered under INA Section 245(i), and are considered a “crewman” under the above definition, you would need to obtain your immigrant visa at a foreign consular post.

Traditionally, persons who were unlawfully present in the U.S. for more than 1 year, and who had to obtain their immigrant visa at an overseas U.S. consulate were subject to an unlawful presence bar from returning to the U.S. for 10 years. That person would be able to seek a waiver of the

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unlawful presence bar after leaving the U.S., but if denied, he would be left outside of the U.S., and away from his family for 10 years. However, under the Provisional Waiver program, you can apply for and get a decision on the waiver of the unlawful presence bar without leaving the U.S. If the waiver is approved, you can leave the U.S. with some assurance that you will obtain your immigrant visa at the U.S. consulate post and quickly return. Spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens are eligible for provisional waiver relief. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association.

LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323-639-0277.

Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Peter Rosalita performs “All by Myself” in “America’s Got Talent.”

Photo from Facebook/@AGTVegasLive

10-year-old Filipino...

PAGE B5 “Everyone says that I’m cute.”

Heidi Klum, meanwhile, noted, “Mariah [Carey] better watch out!” as the young boy had hit the high notes without fail.

“That was an incredible audition,” Simon Cowell, for his part, noted, adding that there were times in the performance that gave him goosebumps.

“You have an amazing voice, an amazing personality, an amazing energy. Everyone is gonna fall in love with you after this performance,” Cowell emphasized.

Noting that his vocals partnered with a likable personality, Cowell commented that not only the United States would love Rosalita but also the world.

Rosalita unsurprisingly gained a yes from all four judges and is set to advance further in the competition. (By Ian Biong/Inquirer.net)

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 5-8, 2021

with Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel

Are you uncertain about your immigration status under the Biden administration? en will you reunite with your loved ones?

Immigration Reform under the Biden Administration: What Now? What’s happening with your Immigration Status?

Catch the Initial Installment of the Very First Virtual U.S. Immigration Q&A My sister and her family were just waiting for their Embassy interview when the pandemic happened. Will they be able to immigrate before my nephew turns 28 in October 2021?

My brother has a pending petition from my parents. Our U.S. citizen mother owns three care homes. Will it be faster if she petitions my brother as a care home employee, rather than through a family petition?

TELECAST SCHEDULE

For the latest immigration updates, follow us on:

Sunday • 5:30 PM PT original Sunday • 4:30 AM PT replay US

Saturday • 10:30 AM PT replay

Watch us also on:

Phil

Sunday • 1:30 AM Phil replay * aired within TFC regions only

DOWNLOAD THE APP FOR FREE

Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein, including testimonials, "Success Stories," or endorsements are of a general nature, and not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established hereby.

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Grace Mercado Is Set To Take Over Little Grace Mercado has acquired the Jeanne Jugan Residence owned and operated by the Little Sisters of the Poor in San Pedro, California.

Although the Little Sisters of the Poor have operated a Home for the Aged in Los Angeles since 1905, the time had come for them to withdraw from the area due to the limited number of sisters available across the country to continue their mission of caring for the elderly.

The Little Sisters searched for over a year to find a suitable owner for the 5-acre property housing the Jeanne Jugan Residence with 27 skilled nursing beds, 62 beds in a residential care facility, and 14 independent living apartment units. The property includes a chapel and a residence formerly used by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate who taught at Fermin Lasuen High School before the property was converted to a nursing home in the 1970s.

Preserving a Rich Tradition of High Quality Care The Little Sisters wanted to be sure that the new owner would continue their high quality of care, as well as see to the spiritual needs of the residents by continuing the daily mass held there. The acquisition was announced on Wednesday, May 26, at the Jeanne Jugan Residence. In attendance were Grace Mercado and her team, Father Mark Cregan, Esq., the seven Little Sisters who operate the residence, Sister Julie Horseman, Provincial Superior of the Little Sisters of the Poor, residents of the property, and staff.

During the announcement, Mother Provincial Julie Horseman said, “The Little Sisters of the Poor are grateful that Grace Mercado has agreed to continue to operate the Home as a skilled nursing,

residential care, and independent living facility for seniors. Becoming part of the network of homes that Grace and her colleagues operate should provide both the resources and the expertise necessary to provide quality care to the elderly for many years to come. And Grace’s own deep faith will allow the Home to attend to the spiritual needs of the residents, which gives us great consolation. While it is always difficult for the Little Sisters to withdraw from any of our Homes, knowing that the residents will continue to receive good care does provide us comfort.”

Mother Marguerite McCarthy, Superior of Jeanne Jugan Residence, said, “We welcome Grace Mercado as our successor in caring for the residents of our home. In our interactions with her and her team, we have experienced their enthusiasm for the mission of caring for the elderly, and the thoughtfulness and creativity they exhibited while interacting with us.”

Skilled Nursing and Compassionate Care Continue Grace Mercado, who operates three other skilled nursing facilities and a home for developmentally disabled children, has nearly 30 years of experience in running nursing homes. Her husband, Rupert, also assists in the ongoing operations of the facilities. Ms. Mercado said, “We are honored to be selected as the next operator of this home and we look forward to many years of providing kind and compassionate care for the elderly of Los Angeles. This acquisition will also allow us to expand the efforts of The Grace O Foundation, which is very close to my heart.”

The Grace O Foundation is dedicated to celebrating, nurturing, and honoring diverse cuisine, food as medicine, and the healing foods from around the world through programs that educate, inspire, and have the potential to change and improve lives.

Mother Provincial Julie Horseman with Grace Mercado

“The Little Sisters of the Poor are grateful that Grace Mercado has agreed to continue to operate the Home as a skilled nursing, residential care, and independent living facility for seniors.”

- Sister Julie Horseman, Provincial Superior of the Little Sisters of the Poor

The sisters gathered in front of the portrait Grace commissioned of Saint Jeanne Jugan.

Seated Left: Sr. Anthony Selewicz, Seated Right: Sr. Clotilde Jardim, Standing Left to Right: Mother Provincial Julie Horseman, Mother Maria Christine Lynch, Mother Marguerite McCarthy, Sr. Maureen O’Grady, Mother Margaret Charles Hogarty, Sr. Grace Leask and Sr. Juliann

Mother Maria Christine Lynch speaking to Jeanne Jugan staff and residents.

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW FRIED

Mother Provincial Julie Horseman, Fr. Mark Cregan, Mother Margaret Charles Hogarty, and Grace at the Zoom Q&A for resident families.

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Sisters of the Poor Home in San Pedro

Virtual Town Hall Helps in Transition to New Owner In the evening, Father Mark Cregan, Counsel to the Little Sisters of the Poor, led a virtual town hall meeting for the family members of the residents, some of whom live all across the United States. He answered questions along with Grace Mercado, Mother Provincial Julie Horseman, and Mother Margaret Charles Hogarty, incoming Superior of Jeanne Jugan Residence. Ms. Mercado assured the family members that their loved ones would continue to receive the same amount of services under her leadership and the same amount of religious ministering. She said she is currently working with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to ensure the priests continue to provide pastoral services under her tenure.

Because Ms. Mercado felt so blessed to be chosen out of a large field of candidates to be the next owner of this special home, she commissioned a painting of Saint Jeanne Jugan, also called Sister Mary of the Cross. Saint Jeanne Jugan, the home’s namesake, grew up in France during the French Revolution. At age 47, she began caring for poor elderly women, giving them a place to live and seeking donations of money for their food and clothing. From this beginning arose a religious congregation called the Little Sisters of the Poor. The large painting of her commissioned by Ms. Mercado now hangs in the lobby of the property for all to enjoy.

Communion was offered at the mass.

Grace Mercado

Fr. Mark Cregan Grace’s husband, Rupert

Left to right: Fr. Mark Cregan, Fr. Patrick Foutts, Fr. Valerian Meneses at mass.

The beautiful grounds and gardens at Little Sisters of the Poor.

Fr. Mark Cregan takes questions from residents.

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