060620 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

JUNE 6-9, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 44 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages

Palace: Duterte’s decision unchanged, DATELINE USA Undocumented VFA termination only suspended Filipinos encouraged FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

to apply for CA’s disaster relief fund

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte has not changed his decision to terminate the country’s Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, despite the suspension this week.

UNDOCUMENTED Filipino immigrants “Ang nangyari lang po, nasuspinde ang terminain California are encouraged to apply for the state’s disaster relief fund that grants up to $1,000 per household.

Governor Gavin Newsom in April announced the Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI) program, a one-time fund of undocumented adults impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who are not eligible for other forms of government relief, such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. An undocumented adult who qualifies can receive $500 in assistance, with a cap of $1,000 per household.

Applications began on May 18 until funding is spent or until June 30. u PAGE A5

Garcetti announces cuts to LAPD budget as calls to ‘defund police’ grow LOS Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that he was not going forward with his plan to increase the Los Angeles Police Department budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

“We need to make sure that black Americans see an end to the days of murder in broad daylight and of traffic stops simply because of the color of their skin,” said Garcetti on Wednesday, June 3.

Garcetti added that he was also looking to cut another $250 million within the police and other city departments, and redirect the funds towards addressing education and health issues in black communities.

This would mean cuts from the LAPD of $100 million to $150 million, a range Council President Nury Martinez and Councilmembers Herb Wessen and Curren Price also proposed on Wednesday.

“While a complete overhaul of the city’s budget will take time, we can begin to slowly dismantle those systems that are designed to harm people of color,” said Martinez. “A preliminary cut to the LAPD budget will not solve everything, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

Garcetti’s initial budget proposal, introduced u PAGE A4

tion. Hindi pa po niya sinasabi na hindi na tuloy ang termination, so wala pong nagbago sa pag-iisip ng ating pangulo (What happened is the termination has been suspended. He did not say the termination is no longer happening. The president has not changed his mind),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday, June 4.

“Ang nasuspinde lang naman po ay iyong proseso

ng termination, eh wala naman pong bagong desisyon ang presidente pagdating doon sa termination (The only thing suspended is the process of termination. The president has no new decision about the termination),” he added.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Tuesday, June 2 announced that the Philippines has u PAGE A2

Fil-Ams sound off on tough conversations, being black allies and solidarity through art

by RAE

ANN VARONA AJPress

SINCE footage emerged of a white police officer killing George Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed black man from Minneapolis, protests have grown not only throughout the U.S., but throughout the world, demanding justice for the hundreds of black people who have died as a result from police brutality and discrimination.

As marches continue, so have discussions on how non-blacks — including many Filipino Americans — can stand with the black community and move away from a deep history of systemic racism through antiracism and allyship.

“Fighting back is in our DNA,” said Fil-Am activist Kalaya’an Mendoza told the Asian Journal.

Mendoza is a co-founder of Across Frontlines, an Individuals attended a Black Lives Matter protest in Queens, New York this week, holding up “Asians for Black Lives” signs by Fil-Am activist Kalaya’an Mendoza.

Photo by Hayley Ellen Day/courtesy of Kalaya’an Mendoza u PAGE A3

UN report finds ‘near impunity’ for PH’s war on drugs

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

HUMAN rights abuses in the Philippines have reportedly worsened due to President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against illegal drugs, killing tens of thousands of Filipinos in the process, a new report from the United Nations Human Rights Office found.

“A heavy-handed focus on countering national security threats and illegal drugs has resulted in serious human rights violations in the Philippines, including killings and arbitrary detentions, as well as the vilification of dissent,” read the report released on Thursday, June 4.

The report, which was requested by the UN Human Rights Council last year, is based on nearly 900 submissions as well as court and police records, interviews with victims and witnesses, and government input.

“Despite credible allegations of widespread and systematic extrajudicial killings in the context of the campaign against illegal drugs, there has been near impunity for such violations,” it added.

Since the start of Duterte’s presidency in mid-2016, he has focused on fulfilling his campaign promise to eradicate the trade and use of illicit drugs. Though there was no direct command, the presi- Activist groups troop to University of the Philippines Diliman to oppose the proposed AntiPhilstar.com photo by Efigenio Toledo IV u PAGE A5 Terrorism Act of 2020.

Philippine Justice Dept. to Fil-Am founded fashion retailer Revolve apologizes for lack of diversity, donates $1 million to social justice causes comment on anti-terror bill before Duterte’s signature

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

AMONG the many brands who showed up for the #BlackOutTuesday trend meant to highlight the gravity of police brutality and anti-blackness in the United States, the popular Filipino American-founded fashion brand Revolve was among the last to participate, posting its black square on Wednesday, June 3 But Revolve’s participation in the social media campaign raised eyebrows as the Instagram-centric clothing brand was previously subjected to criticism related to its lack of diversity in

regards to black women. Its cofounder and CEO Michael Mente and Chief Brand Officer Raissa Gerona, both Filipino Americans, also received backlash.

The company and its executives came under fire in 2018 for neglecting black women in its fashion campaigns, catalyzing the widely spread hashtag #REVOLVESoWhite. Revolve then promised to commit to more diverse representation, but campaigns unveiled in the last two years left a lot to be desired in regards to that promise.

“We’re sorry that you haven’t heard from us sooner. We’re sorry that you felt that we haven’t used our voice and reach to

stand up against the racism and injustice and the horrible death of George Floyd amongst many others,” the brand said on Wednesday, June 3.

“But we’ve been listening to you,” the post continued. “We’ve been reflecting. We’ve been talking with black members of our team and community. And we stand next to you in the fight against racism, inequality and police brutality. From the depth of our being, we know and believe that Black Lives Matter.”

In addition to promising to cultivate campaigns more inclusive to black women, Revolve also announced that it would be launching the Revolve Founda-

tion, pledging $1 million toward the causes that “fight against inequality.” (Revolve did not specify where the donations would go, and the company has yet to respond to inquiries from the Asian Journal.)

Mente — who co-founded the next-generation fashion retailer in 2003 — reposted the statement from the Revolve brand page to his personal account.

However, Gerona wrote her own statement on her page, apologizing for not living up to her initial commitment of putting “women in a position to make choices for ourselves and unit us to have a platform, to have a voice, feel u PAGE A5

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 will undergo additional review from the country’s Department of Justice before it is signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The DOJ on Friday, June 5 announced that it will scrutinize and comment on the proposed anti-terrorism law (House Bill 6875).

“Whenever an enrolled bill is submitted to the President for approval, his office refers the bill to the concerned govern-

ment agencies for comments,” said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

He added that all of the comments will be consolidated and delivered as recommendations to the president.

However, Guevarra said he would not comment on the bill until he receives a copy from Malacañang.

“The DOJ will give its comments on the enrolled anti-terrorism bill once it is referred to us by the Office of the President upon transmittal by the Congress,” he told reporters. u PAGE A2

A june 6-9, 2020 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn jOuRnAL

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

From the Front Page

Philippine Justice Dept. to comment...

PAGE A1 t The House of Representatives on Wednesday, June 3, approved HB 6875, which was certified as urgent by the president, on its third and final reading.

A total of 173 lawmakers voted to pass the measure, while 31 voted against its passage. On the other hand, 29 others abstained.

The bill grants any law enforcer to arrest and detain, without a warrant, “a person suspected of committing any of the acts” punishable under the measure for 14 calendar days, extendable by 10 days. The suspected “terrorist” can also be placed under surveillance for 60 days, extendable by up to 30 more days, by the police or the military.

Any person who will propose, incite, conspire, participate in the planning, training, preparation, and facilitation of a terrorist act; as well as those who will provide material support to terrorists, and recruit members in a terrorist organization will also be penalized by life imprisonment without the benefit of parole.

Meanwhile, anyone who threatens to commit terrorism, and those who propose any terroristic acts or incite others to commit terrorism, will suffer imprisonment of 12 years.

This goes the same for anyone who will voluntarily and knowingly join any organization, association or group of persons knowing that such is a terrorist organization.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano came to the defense of the bill amid the backlash it is getting from netizens and rights groups alike.

“Let me make that clear ha.

We agree with you. Ang aktibismo po ay hindi terrorism (Activism is not terrorism). We want to promote activism... Activism is essential. Hindi magbabago ang mga dapat baguhin sa ating bansa ‘pag walang aktibismo (The necessary changes won’t happen in our country without activism),” he said Friday.

“Terrorism is not activism. So in the same way that we should not persecute or go after the activists in the guise that they are terrorists. Kayong mga aktibista (You activists), do not allow the terrorists to hide within your ranks,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army expressed optimism that the bill will reportedly allow them to neutralize terrorists before they can endanger the public.

“We are optimistic that the anti-terror bill will enable us to go after terrorists before they seize opportunities to endanger public safety,” said Army commander Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay in a statement.

“Contrary to the massive disinformation campaign that supposes some civil and political rights are curtailed, the provisions of the ATB will allow us to secure our people from terroristic acts that are perpetrated when we least expect it,” he added. n

FOOT MARKINGS. The management of Ali Mall in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City placed markings on escalators as part of the social distancing measures under the general community quarantine (GCQ). Under GCQ, all public areas such as malls are required to put markings to maintain physical distancing among shoppers.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Palace: Duterte’s decision unchanged...

PAGE A1 t suspended the termination of its Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States “in light of political and other developments in the region.”

“I issued this diplomatic note to the U.S. ambassador. It has been received by Washington and well at that. The note is selfexplanatory and does not require comment except from me,” he said in a tweet.

“The abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement has been suspended upon the President’s instruction,” Locsin added.

In the diplomatic note attached to Locsin’s tweet, it said: “In light of the political and other developments in the region, the termination of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the United States Regarding the Treatment of the United States Visiting Forces Visiting the Philippines...is hereby suspended.”

The note also said that the suspension will start on an even date and will continue for six months — though it can be extended for another half a year.

“After which, the tolling of the initial period in Note Verbale No. 20-0463 dated 11 February 2020 shall resume,” it added.

On February 11, the Philip-

In this April 5, 2019 photo, U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, hike with Philippine Marines on their way to conduct room clearing drills during Exercise Balikatan at the Navy Education Training Command in Zambales.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Ayers/U.S. Marine Corps

pines sent a notice to Washington that terminated the 20-year defense agreement.

The United States welcomed the Philippines’ decision to suspend the abrogation of the VFA for now.

“On June 1, the Government of the Philippines notified the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines of its decision to suspend termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement,” the Embassy in Manila said Tuesday.

“The United States welcomes the Philippine government’s decision. Our long-standing alliance has benefited both countries, and we look forward to continued close security and defense cooperation with the Phil-

ippines,” it added.

Roque likewise acknowledged the Philippines’ friendship with the U.S., saying the country can lend a hand especially in the fight against terrorism.

“Alam niyo po, bago na ang anyo ng terorismo ngayon. Wala na pong kinikilalang mga border at wala na pong kinikilalang mga bansa. So lahat po ng bansa na ating kaibigan, Amerika, Tsina, Russia, India, Australia, lahat po sila, importante lahat (You know, terrorism now has a new face. It knows no borders and countries.

So, countries like America, China, Russia, India, and Australia are important because we consider them as our friends),” he said. n

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

Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 6-9, 2020

A

Covered California providing health care coverage during pandemic

San Francisco-based Fil-Am artist Stephanie Acedillo shared an illustration she made to show support for the black community.

Photo from Instagram.com/@xstephyyx

Fil-Ams sound off on tough conversations...

PAGE A1 t

organization that works and trains with front line communities to protect themselves against state violence.

“We should care about black people, because it’s about people’s humanity,” said Mendoza.

“We need to recognize their pain and the pain that they have experienced, since they have been forcefully brought here to the US. And there are many black people in our community who are fully connected and black. We need to support and love them in this time of pain.”

Sharing the knowledge both on and offline Czarina Jimenez, a Fil-Am elementary music teacher, podcast host, and education advocate, has been using her voice on social media to forward people to resources, information, and black creatives and businesses.

Jimenez and Pinay-owned skincare brand Kaya Essentials hosted a giveaway contest, encouraging their Instagram followers to share on steps they were taking to be anti-racist offline.

Comments, mostly from Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women, poured out with suggestions with actions like having conversations with family members, watching documentaries on black stories, listening to informative podcasts, and discussing books on black narratives in book clubs.

“I believe that we Filipinos are some of the most generous and caring people in the world. It breaks my heart that many refuse to extend that same kindness to our Black siblings,” Jimenez told the Asian Journal. “I firmly believe that our liberation is bound together.”

As an educator, Jimenez said that it’s important to acknowledge that much of the history learned in schools is either incomplete or inaccurate. Many times, history lessons fail to teach students, especially those of color, of the activists and organizers that represent them. For Fil-Ams, leaders would include the Delano Manongs and Grace Lee Boggs.

“We need to show our youth how they organized across racial lines. We need to teach our young people how to ask the hard questions and lean into self-reflection. We need to provide opportunities to strengthen agency, cultural humility and curiosity, and a deeper understanding of our own complex identities. We need to decolonize our idea of what it means to be Filipino,” said Jimenez.

Allyship between blacks and Filipinos goes deep into Filipino history, for example, with the first black soldier for the U.S. military, Captain David Fagan, defecting during the Philippine American War and joining Filipinos who were fighting U.S. imperialism.

“Black people have shown solidarity and support for our people,” explained Mendoza.

“Without black organizers and activists, the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act would never have passed and so many of our families would have been able to come with us.”

Discussing racism at home Talking about racism at home can be uncomfortable for many non-blacks, including Filipinos.

However, part of striving to be anti-racist is being able to address instances of anti-blackness and racism among close friends and relatives.

For example, skin color has been a common issue in many Filipino families that may have for generations, admired whiter skin.

“I am a darker-brown skinned Filipina with curly hair and I was always teased by titas. I was called burnt toast and directed to stay out of the sun,” said Jimenez.

Mendoza too recalled relatives always telling him to avoid going outside to prevent his skin from

getting dark.

“There [are] little ways we can address that,” said Mendoza.

“There are ways we can shift our culture, away from anti-blackness, embracing our brownness, embracing our Filipino-ness, and supporting black lives.”

Kailyne Sarmiento, a 22-yearold student ethnic studies major at City College of San Francisco, said her family has been having conversations centered around racism, colorism, and justice, especially in light of current events.

She shared that studying ethnic studies has been about centering the history of indigenous, African American, Filipino, and other communities of color and the important ways in which they have shaped America.

“We are constantly trying to unlearn a lot of history and norms in order to liberate our minds from the many things we have been taught by colonization,” said Sarmiento. “These conversations are even more relevant especially with older members of our families because Filipinos tend to think racism in America is obsolete.”

Her mom Christine Bustos Sarmiento, a musician in San Francisco, has also been getting involved in discussions on race.

A post she shared on Facebook showed numerous photos from history when Filipinos were experiencing racism under America — one being a U.S. Navy Dispensary Blood Test site labeled for blacks and Filipinos.

Since posted, it has been shared over 21,000 times, mostly

by Filipinos unaware of the history behind the photos.

“I had to figure out a way to remind our family and friends that Filipinos are no strangers when it comes to racism and that because of this, we have an obligation to help,” said Bustos Sarmiento.

“The struggles that Filipinos had to endure in America are nowhere near in comparison to what black people have had to face in the past and continue to face today.”

Mendoza did emphasize the importance of first addressing

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) INVITATION FOR BID LACMTA will receive bids for PS70258 - Renewal of Communication’s Salesforce License at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vender/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

A Pre-Bid conference will not be held. This project is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) SetAside contract. To participate in this IFB, bidders 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 Bids must be submitted on forms furnished by LACMTA, and must be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, June 12, 2020, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. Each bid must de sealed and marked Bid No. PS70258.

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

6/6/20 CNS-3368973# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

individuals’ biases against black people.

“When you’ve been able to identify and interrogate that, then think about ways that you can show up for black folks in the community,” said Mendoza.

Allyship in business On Tuesday, June 2 many companies joined major music companies in participating in “Blackout Tuesday,” a day that was meant for companies to put a pause on regular business and “reconnect” with their communiu PAGE A4

OVER 123,000 Californians have enrolled for health care coverage through Covered California since the COVID-19 pandemic crisis began in March.

Erik Wolford enrolled in earlyApril, and he got covered just in time.

Wolford, 49, is a cinematographer in Hollywood, enrolled right after coming back from filming a documentary in Africa. A few days after his return, he tested positive for COVID-19.

“I got diagnosed with COVID and had mild symptoms, which means I did not need to be intubated,” Wolford said. “This is not like the regular flu or a cold. I felt like a dump truck ran me over and when it saw I was alive, it came back to run me over again. Make no mistake: This is serious.”

The enrollment data covers the period from March 20, when Covered California opened the health insurance exchange to any eligible uninsured individuals who need health care coverage amid the COVID-19 emergency, through May 20. The pace of signups during this eight-week period has been more than 2.5 times the level that Covered California saw during the same period in 2019.

“During this challenging time, Covered California continues to see tremendous interest, with thousands of people signing up for quality health care coverage each day,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California.

“We want to remind consumers that if they lost their health insur-

ance, or were uninsured when this crisis began, there is a path to coverage for them through either Covered California or MediCal.” Wolford considers himself very lucky, as his doctor told him to stay home and monitor his symptoms. If his fever stayed under 104 degrees, and his oxygen levels were OK, he did not need to go to the hospital.

Wolford got an O2 meter, or “finger pulse oximeter.” He learned that if his oxygen levels were between 95-100 he was fine, but if it dropped between 90-94 or lower it was a concern.

If his lips turned purple or blue

and if he was not completing his sentences, he needed to call 911.

“I think I got COVID-19 on the plane,” Wolford said. “I was in Africa, shooting a feature in Tanzania. When I got back home to L.A., the first thing I did was to enroll in Covered California.”

He reached out to a certified Covered California agent because he had been enrolled previously in 2018. Wolford left the state marketplace when he got health insurance through his union, but he returned in time to be covered during this harrowing ordeal.

“Covered California allows me to take on passion projects where u PAGE A4

A june 6-9, 2020 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn jOuRnAL

Covered California providing health care...

PAGE A3 t I am able to make a difference and to contribute to the world like filming wild animals in Africa, instead of staying in a union job because I need health insurance,” he said.

Wolford plans to stay with Covered California. He said he doesn’t know what the aftermath of COVID-19 will be on his health. He still looks a bit frail, even though he got a letter from the Health Department stating that he is now clear of COVID-19.

In May, he started working on another feature. This time he is staying in Los Angeles and as a sign of the times – his crew will be just one other person.

For Covered California’s current special-enrollment period,

which allows any eligible individual who needs health insurance amid the COVID-19 emergency to sign up for coverage, the eligibility requirements are similar to those in place during the annual open-enrollment period, and consumers can sign up for coverage through June 30.

Consumers can visit CoveredCA.com and find out if they are eligible for Covered California or Medi-Cal, and see which plans are available in their area, by using the Shop and Compare Tool and entering their ZIP code, household income and the ages of those who need coverage. People who sign up through Covered California will have their coverage begin on the first day of

Dateline USa

the following month. Also, when applying, those found eligible for Medi-Cal can have coverage that is effective retroactively to the first day of the month from when they submitted their application.

In addition to enrolling online, consumers who need health care coverage can visit Covered California’s Find Help page to get assistance over the phone from one of Covered California’s thousands of Certified Insurance Agents like Wolford did. Also, Help on Demand allows consumers to get a call back from a certified enroller.

Those interested in learning more about their coverage options can also call Covered California at (800) 300-1506. n

Garcetti announces cuts to LAPD budget...

PAGE A1 t in April, included an increase of about $122 million from last year’s LAPD annual budget of $1.189 billion to $1.86 billion for 2020-21.

The plan also involved allocating a 7% spending increase for the LAPD and nearly $41 million in bonuses and raises for rankand-file officers.

Looking at the city’s “unrestricted” general fund revenue, 53.8% percent under the mayor’s initial proposal was for police.

The remaining was shared between fire, public works, parks and recreation, libraries, the city attorney, and “other.”

“We need to make a firm commitment to change, not just with words but with action,” said Garcetti.

Calls to ‘defund police’ The budget adjustments came as protests over the death of George Floyd, who died at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers, continued into day six.

Garcetti described the protests as a “movement to change who we are in America when it comes to black Americans and our criminal justice system.”

Accompanying the protests demanding justice for Floyd and many other black men and women killed by police, were messages asking local governments around the U.S. to “defund police” and instead put funds towards creating well-resourced communities.

One hashtag widely used online and written on signs by advocates reads “#CareNotCops.”

As an alternative to Garcetti’s proposed budget, Black Lives

Matter and other organizations have released what they call a “People’s Budget.” The budget proposes the majority of the city’s budget go largely to “universal aid and crisis management,” which covers affordable housing, homelessness services, public health, and emergency response.

Large portions of funding under the People’s Budget would also go to improving community environments and reimagining community safety. Only 5.73% of the city’s budget would go to law enforcement and policing.

As the website for the People’s Budget explains, “More spending on policing means fewer resources available for other public safety strategies that are better for communities.”

The demand to defund the police department has been met with concerns, mainly that police are needed to control instances of vandalism and looting.

The Los Angeles Police Protective League, the city’s police union, called the People’s Budget “irresponsible” and said that reducing funding for police would leave communities vulnerable to crime.

“The quickest way to make our neighborhoods more dangerous is to recklessly eliminate police officers as advocated for by proponents of the so-called ‘People’s budget,’” the union wrote in a statement. “Their ‘budget’ will guarantee that the last several nights of mayhem in Los Angeles will be new normal.”

In response to proposals to replace roughly 9,000 of the ap-

proximate 10,000 current LAPD officers with professionals in mental health, tenants’ rights, and gang intervention, the police union said the replacements would be “a dream come true for gang members and criminals and would expose every single neighborhood in Los Angeles to an unprecedented level of crime.

Proponents for the People’s Budget say that more police can actually lead to distrust of police and more crime.

Other changes mentioned by Garcetti included requiring officers to intervene in instances of inappropriate or excessive use of force.

Police Commission President Eileen Decker said that the commission would also be putting a halt on adding names into the state’s CalGang database that tracks individuals possibly affiliated with gangs. In January, the LAPD was alleged to have entered a teenager into the database despite him having no gang affiliations. The case is currently under investigation.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the LAPD puts more people into the CalGang system than any other law enforcement agency in California. In 2018, that was 20,583 names or 20% of the names in the statewide database.

Garcetti also announced plans of organizing a Department of Civil and Human Rights.

“We need to keep moving toward a new model of peace office.

Of a guardian-based system. And invest long before any criminal activity ever comes,” said Garcetti. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

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

Fil-Ams sound off on tough conversations...

PAGE A3 t ties. While there was some confusion as to how to participate, the momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement did encourage businesses and owners to reflect on how their practices could be more inclusive and active in antiracism.

In addition to encouraging anti-racist discussions and sharing a list of organizations providing service for the black community, Kaya Essentials decided to donate 20% of its sales to leading organizations for the month of June, as well as match donations up to $5,000.

“This past week, our hearts have been heavy,” the company wrote on Instagram. “We’re committed to what the pandemic has also highlighted — the injustice and systemic racism that has continued for too long.”

Carlo Lamagna, owner of Filipino restaurant Magna Kusina in Portland, Oregon, also decided to donate a portion of his restaurant’s proceeds to organizations advocating for the black community such as Campaign Zero, Action Bail Fund, and Black Visions Collective.

His restaurant has been donating meals to community shelters, underserved communities, and front line workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We the people are taking the power back into our own hands,” Lamagna, who had just finished a march with his community, told the Asian Journal.

“There are some hard truths that Filipinos need to realize.

Far too long have we stood quietly on the sideline, letting these things pass,” said Lamagna.

“How many of the generations before us adopted the idea that we need to assimilate and stay as hidden as possible? How many times have we been insulted and berated, only to suck it up and allow it to happen, complaining quietly in the corner with our fellow community?”

“Let’s also address the racism that we too have adopted, against the African American community,” added Lamagna. “Mistrust, disdain, fear — all these things have been prevalent in our community for far too long.”

Solidarity through art Art has long been a medium capable of sending messages of solidarity. In the days following Floyd’s death, many have used their talents in creating tributes to the movement and those who died as a result of discrimination.

Mendoza’s illustration — which featured a black fist against a brown background with words reading “Filipino/a/x for Black Lives” — was widely shared on social media and brought out to protests, with many requesting the sign be made with other ethnic groups, such as Hmong, Thai, and Indian.

“This was essentially a solidarity offering to the black community. It represents following black leadership, and I wanted it to be a mirror and really a reflection of how we can show up for black lives right now,” said Mendoza, adding that it’s also an invitation to non-blacks, especially those of color, to stand in solidarity.

“It’s also an invitation to nonblack people of color throughout the United States and all over the world to show up for black lives right now One Fil-Am artist from San Francisco used her art to raise donations to organizations supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.

Shared on Instagram stories and feeds was an illustration featuring two bandana-wearing ladies — one Filipina and one black — posing like Rosie the Riveter under a text box that read, “Filipinx for Black Lives.”

Graphic uses images by Manila-based artist Sean Eidder with ‘Yellow Peril Supports Black Power’ suggested by brand consultant Jan Vicent Gonzalez.

Photo courtesy of Instagram/@janvincentgonzales

‘Filipino/a/xs for Black Lives’ posters made by Fil-Am activist Kalaya’an Mendoza

“I made the piece because I wanted to take action, something more than just sharing on social media,” said Stephanie Acedillo, the artist behind the widely shared illustration.

For every donation of at least $20 made by followers who sent her a donation receipt, she sketched a person or character of the donor’s choice. Acedillo was quickly able to raise $3,500 in donations through her illustrations.

“I think Fil-Ams could be allies through our own self-reflection, within our own families and communities. Put the ego aside and truly see America for what it is, then act on it in what ways we can,” said Acedillo, humbly adding that she was not a speaker, but an artist.

Filipino artist Sean Eidder paid tribute to the movement, despite being based in Manila, Philippines.

His piece featured yellow tigers and black panthers, which he said was a visual interpretation of a quote by Maya Angelou that communicated his sentiments towards George Floyd and the black community. Posterized on the piece was the phrase, “Yellow Peril Supports Black power” — a phrase brand consultant Jan Vicent Gonzalez of the Filipino catering New York-based brand consultation company Mercado Vicente asked him to add.

Eidder admitted that he didn’t understand the phrase at first, but used it as an opportunity to read about it in depth.

“Asians, Filipinos in particular, would understand the plight of the Black community more than anyone else,” said Eidder, explaining that both histories of blacks and Filipinos have involved being “modernized” by colonial rule through a lens that saw them as “uncultured savages” or “primitives.”

“Years of cultural shift under multiple Western influences played a huge role [in] the Filipinos’ acquiring the colonizers’ ideas of white supremacy that

then resulted in the success of a variety of whitening industries and a milieu where we religiously obsess over cultures of the West,” said Eidder. “The Filipinos and the black community should find solidarity in our parallel crusade to abolish the racist beliefs that reign supreme.”

Going forward Despite the momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement showing no signs of slowing down, advocates have emphasized the importance of making sure we continue to learn and strive for anti-racism in our everyday lives even as marches eventually end.

Many have been sharing resources on books, podcasts, and films reintroducing the history of blacks in America.

Widely shared, for example, has been African American author Ibram X. Kendi’s book “Stamped from the Beginning,” which explores the history of racist ideas in America and is available for free streaming on Spotify.

Mendoza, who has also been sharing resources on his Instagram @kalamendoza, said a quick Google search would bring people to great organizations and resources.

“This is your home, and therefore you have a stake in it. Learn how to use it to advocate for yourself and for others,” said Jimenez. “Your dreams and aspirations are important. Do not let the ‘model minority myth’ dictate who you will be. Learn your own history and craft your own future.”

“We have an opportunity to change, to fight, and to become better. We are here now, uniting next to our brothers and sisters in the African American community for the injustices that have been happening to them for hundreds of years,” said Lamagna. “Continue teaching our youth and the generations to come to stand up for themselves and others, to love one another, and to fight those that seek to oppress the weak.” n

LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN SERVING MY FELLOW KABABAYANS FOR OVER 17 YEARS

CIVIL AND PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION • Breach of Contract and Fraud • Auto and Other Injury accidents

IMMIGRATION

• Family and employment based green cards • Business and Investor Visas • Deportation defense • Motions to Reopen • Appeals • Humanitarian Reinstatement of revoked petition • Naturalization • H-1B and student visas

FAMILY LAW • Divorce/Separation/Nullity • Property Division • Spousal Support • Child Custody and Support • Restraining Orders

CALL TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, California 90010

323-639-0277

Email: info@dtanlaw.com • Website: www.dtanlaw.com

Darrick V. Tan, Esq. Licensed in California for over 17 years Licensed in Nevada for over 12 years* UCLA, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science with Cum Laude honors Southwestern University Law School, Juris Doctor Admitted to U.S. District Court, Central District of California Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association Member, Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles Former Member, Board of Governors, Philippine American Bar Association *Inactive

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

Dateline USa

Fil-Am founded fashion retailer Revolve...

PAGE A1t

empowered and be entrepreneurs.”

She added, “Instead, I have been part of the narrative of exclusion. I’ve done a poor job to have more diversity, specifically Black women, within our brand.

I have heard you, and promise that this changes now.”

While the many praised the brand and its founders for their statements, the sentiments weren’t as welcomed by black influencers and models, who commented their frustrations on Gerona’s, Mente’s and the brand’s Instagram posts.

Responding to the black box post on the brand’s main page, the New York-based influencer Vic Styles wrote, “This black box literally means nothing to us black people. You have continuously shown us over the years that as a brand black people do not matter. From the lack of representation in your company to the lack of diversity in your campaigns and influencer marketing.

You exploit black culture and music when it’s profitable for you, but you are no ally. This box is a PR ploy and we can all see right through it. So many black influencer[s] have specifically called your brand out for performative activism. Do better.”

The African-British model and influencer Natasha Ndlovu commented on Gerona’s statement on Instagram reminding the CBO that Revolve was criticized in 2018 for its lack of diversity in its campaigns.

“You guys promised to be more diverse, but here we are ... AGAIN. How do we know we won’t be having this convo again in 2022?” Ndlovu wrote, remarking that “I attended your London

Revolve posted on its Instagram that it was committing $1 million to social justice organizations.

Photo courtesy of Instagram/@Revolve

event and saw with my own eyes how things operate. Your Revolve Awards? Have you seen how it looks like the same girls year in and year out winning ? It’s like a sorority that sticks to itself.”

Ndlovu also criticized the lack of diversity within the brand’s influencer network, which include Asian American fashion blogger Aimee Song and Brazilian influencer Camila Coelho, asking if there are “any plans for a long term brand launch with a black blogger, if you do plan on even having black bloggers on your roster moving forward?”

In response to Revolve’s #BlackOutTuesday post, YouTuber India Batson reacted more favorably to but urged the brand to “please begin to use models of all color and shapes and sizes on your page” pointing out that “there are no models with type 4 hair on your page...or a woman with a different body type.

Originally kickstarted by the music industry, a social media campaign emerged called #BlackOutTuesday on Tuesday, June 2, when artists, studio executives, labels and other prop-

erties within the music space posted a plain black square as a “moment of silence” in honor of victims of police brutality.

Essentially, the music industry would go silent to commemorate the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Abery, Breeona Taylor and the many other unarmed black individuals who were killed: no Zoom meetings among music industry employees, no promotion of new work, and no new Instagram live duets between artists.

But as early as Monday evening, more folks hopped on the bandwagon from celebrities in other sectors of entertainment to everyday Instagram users to companies and brands. Critics and prominent members of the Black American community lambasted the silence campaign as yet another example of virtue signaling — an empty, bare minimum effort to, ironically, be a part of a conversation.

The critiques were largely squared on the companies and brands who have not made any public statements prior to #BlackOutTuesday.

Undocumented Filipinos encouraged to apply...

PAGE A1t

Twelve immigrant-serving nonprofit organizations have been selected to help individuals apply for and receive the funds in their region, including Asian Americans Advancing JusticeLos Angeles (Advancing JusticeLA) for Los Angeles and Orange counties.

The funding is expected to benefit about 150,000 undocumented immigrants.

The organization encouraged undocumented individuals in the Filipino American community to inquire if they are struggling fi-

nancially due to the pandemic.

“Your status and personal information will remain confidential. Application is only available by phone,” it said.

Advancing Justice-LA operates a hotline at (213) 241-8874 for Tagalog and (213) 241-8880 for English from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until hotline queues reach capacity.

The organization also warned the community of potential scams that may be masking as DRAI assistance.

The California Department of Social Services will never con-

tact applicants regarding the program or ask about social security numbers or any financial information.

Applicants will be asked for eligibility information and documents by the nonprofit organization they contact to apply for assistance.

There is no fee to apply for DRAI and there is no waiting list, the organization said.

If the application is approved, individuals should expect to receive the bank card within two to three weeks after submission.

(AJPress)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 6-9, 2020

A

UN report finds ‘near impunity’ for PH’s war...

PAGE A1 t dent’s language may have been interpreted as “permission to kill,” the report said.

While the government figures indicate that at least 8,663 people have reportedly been killed because of the drug war, there are some estimates that put the toll at triple that number, the UN said.

“Unfortunately, the report has documented deep-seated impunity for serious human rights violations, and victims have been deprived of justice for the killings of their loved ones,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet noted.

She added, “People who use or sell drugs do not lose their human rights.”

The report also showed that the police conducted raids against drug suspects without warrants, systematically forced suspects to make self-incriminating statements, and falsified evidence.

“Such ill-defined and ominous language, coupled with repeated verbal encouragement by the highest level of state officials to use lethal force, may have emboldened police to treat the circular as permission to kill,” the report said.

The extrajudicial killings have not ceased in recent months, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The violations that we document in the report are very much ongoing,” Ravina Shamdasani, co-author of the report, said. “The killing and the campaign against illegal drugs are not over, even in the context of the COVID pandemic.”

Human rights group Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the Philippines’ human rights abuses.

“This long-awaited report is a damning indictment of the Philippine’s ‘war on drugs.’ “This failed ‘war’ has seen thousands murdered by the police as part of a widespread and systematic attack against poor communities in the name of combating drugs,” said Nicholas Bequelin, Amnesty International’s AsiaPacific Regional Director.

“Like the UN, we are deeply concerned by the total impunity enjoyed by those who have perpetrated these crimes, which has allowed for the proliferation of further serious human rights violations in the coun-

try. The report makes clear the critical need for further investigation into these violations.

The UN Human Rights Council must now launch an independent international investigative mechanism on extrajudicial executions and other violations committed since 2016,” she added.

In response, Malacañang said that the country has a “working, independent and functioning” justice system.

“The Duterte administration

takes each case, be it a violation of the freedom of the press or of any other human rights, brought before its attention seriously and resolves each one within our domestic processes,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

He slammed the rehashed claims of impunity as “unfounded.”

“Law enforcers operate on strict protocols and transgressors of the law are made accountable,” Roque stressed. n

A6 JUNE 6-9, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

OPINION

Opportunities in a crisis

FEATURES

IN many areas outside Metro Manila where quarantine restrictions are most relaxed, domestic tourism is being allowed to gradually resume. Swimming is back in many of the top beach destinations led by Boracay.

Thanks to the need for physical distancing, local government units and private operators are now left with no choice but to impose caps on the carrying capacity of travel destinations. The coronavirus pandemic gave travel destinations a breathing spell, which has been used to clean up and upgrade the sites.

Such initiatives should be sustained under the new normal in the travel industry.

Across the country, hotels, inns and other accommodation establishments are moving to comply with guidelines on health standards set by the Department of Tourism amid the continuing threat to public health posed by the coronavirus disease 2019. Although not required, many are seeking DOT accreditation for full compliance with the COVID-19 health standards.

These include practices that have become widespread amid the pandemic, such as the provision of sanitation stations for handwashing and dispensing of alcohol. Housekeeping staff must be provided with sufficient personal protective equipment, especially when cleaning rooms after guests have checked out. Turning

Editorial

down the bed by housekeeping is discouraged. As in other dining establishments, buffets and self-serve food services are also discouraged in accommodation

facilities.

Some of these measures will inevitably have to be lifted as the COVID threat eases. But others deserve to be sustained. This is important particularly with the government making up for lost tourism revenue arising from distancing protocols by aiming for higher-spending travelers. Such clients are typically more demanding, wanting eco-friendly destinations with clean accommodations, and environments that are safe in terms of public health and peace and order.

They will expect efficient services and adequate facilities for comfort and a memorable experience.

In this pandemic, a reminder that is frequently repeated is for people not to waste a good crisis.

Many of the changes and upgrades now being undertaken throughout the travel and tourism industry can be sustained to make the sector stronger and more competitive. (Philstar.com)

Philstar.com photo

Why Fil-Ams should take a strong stand to demand equity and justice for black Americans The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS “BLACKOUT TUESDAY” was an initiative to post a black picture on social media, reflect on recent events, and stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement by sharing information about the cause.

Last Tuesday, June 2, my children posted a black picture on social media and posted unequivocal demand for the demand for equity and justice for African Americans in the United States, following the death of George Floyd, a victim of America’s systemic racial injustice.

My daughter Katrina told us she would be joining the rally in San Francisco on Wednesday, June 3, along with other youth. They could not sit in the sidelines anymore.

As I followed my children’s lead, I posted a black picture on my Facebook page with the hashtags: #BlackOutTuesday,

#BlackLivesMatter, #AllLivesMatter, #EndRacism, #EndPoliceBrutality, #EndApathy, #EndComplicity, #VoteOutPeopleWhoFosterRacism, #VoteOutTrump Katrina talked to me and thanked me for helping give a voice to the movement. However, she requested respectfully if I could delete the hashtag #AllLivesMatter, because I thought that is important and is a given.

My daughter explained: “Because when someone says all lives matter, it implies that the injustice is being directed upon ALL lives, when in fact — the lives that are being threatened by police brutality are Black lives.”

“Of course all lives matter but it fails to emphasize that the people who urgently need support the most right now are Black lives,” she added.

This is the very reason written by Asian American Jeff Yang in an opinion article entitled “Will Asian-Americans get behind Black Lives Matter?” published by CNN online on July 14, 2016. (Yang is a columnist for The Wall Street Journal and a frequent contributor to radio shows including

Public Radio International’s “The Takeaway” and WNYC’s “The Brian Lehrer Show.”)

He wrote: “One of those conversations was one I had with my own parents, who have always had sympathy, but not always empathy, with black Americans. I shared with them the letter and told them of its origins and about the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter, which preceded it. My mother’s response initially led me to worry that it hadn’t had an impact.”Why say ‘Black Lives Matter’?” she said. “All lives matter.”

“I began to explain to her the problem with the term “all lives matter,” that the phrase erased the urgency of the crisis being faced by the black community in particular.”

The piece written by Yang is an eye-opener for us Filipinos in America. I will expound more on this later.

“Black Lives Matter” started to be a rallying cry, a cause and a movement in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer, George Zimmerman. Then came other highprofile cases over the years, including Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, both gunned down by police officers.

Fast forward to May 25, 2020. Asian American Larry Lin wrote the piece, “Asian American Complicity in Racism.” (Lin born and raised in San Jose, CA, and he serves as a pastor at The Village Church Hampden in Baltimore, MD. He has a BS from Cornell University and a MDiv from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.)

Lin wrote: “While the white officer was pinning down Floyd’s neck with his knee, an Asian officer was standing by in silence, and even at times preventing protestors from intervening.

“To me, it was the perfect representation of Asian American complicity in racism.

“I acknowledge that there have been Asian Americans throughout history who have fought alongside their African American neighbors against racism. However, they have been far outnumbered by Asian Americans who have chosen to be ignorant at best or complicit at worst in their racism.”

Filipinos in America, why should we care? Why should we make a strong stand to demand equity and justice for black Americans? Why should we not stay in the security of being in the sidelines?

Let us go back to the piece written by Jeff Yang. Let this excerpt haunt us to think deeply and conscientiously: “The truth is that as the U.S. population is poised to become majority nonwhite, the AsianAmerican community has arrived at a fork in the road.

Do we continue to ignore the ambient fear and disregard for blackness around us, or do we acknowledge that it is part of what we have assimilated — a structural element in American culture?

Do we acknowledge the ways in which we were the beneficiaries of black Americans’ historical exploitation and incredible sacrifice, or do we ignore that the root of America’s prosperity is its original sin, and that the rights all people of color now enjoy were won through the struggle to end slavery and the institutionalized oppression of black Americans that followed?

Do we pursue the privileges that have long been associated with being a part of the dominant minority in this country, or do we aspire to a future in which no group can hoard social, legal and economic advantage, alongside a

black community that has led the way in that fight for generations, against the greatest of odds and with the direst of losses?

Do we continue to stand aside, ignoring the injustices black Americans face, thinking that it’s “not our problem,” or do we stand against these senseless, horrific killings, recognizing that when it becomes our problem, it is too late?

Ten-thousand Asians marched for Peter Liang, demanding the same miscarriage of justice that has let other killer cops go unpunished. What if those 10,000 Asians had marched with black protesters instead, demanding equity under law for them, not exception for us?”

MGA KABABAYAN, how do we respond to the calling for justice in our time? * * * 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.

From Carlos Bulosan to MLK Jr.: Protests are voices of the unheard Commentary

ENRIQUE

DE LA CRUZ

“In the final analysis, a riot is the language of the unheard.

And what is it that America has failed to hear?” - Martin Luther King, Jr. ALL over social media, especially Facebook, folks are posting media stories and pictures of protests, vandalism, looting, and police violence in response.

Looking through these postings and the accompanying comments, I sense, for the most part, an air of moral superiority and smugness from these posters. And yet, like myself, they were not down there at the very scenes where pictures and videos were taken.

But let’s be clear: The horrific video footage of the murder of George Floyd involving four police officers is the picture of Evil. It reminds me of that grainy dark video footage

of Rodney King being beaten repeatedly, and repeatedly by four LAPD police officers until he lay motionless and unconscious.

Rodney King survived his encounter with evil, but George Floyd did not.

Neither Floyd, nor King posed a mortal threat to the police officers. They were both unarmed and outnumbered 4 to 1 by fully armed police. It is Evil we saw. No human being can think of doing what they did to another human being.

There is no equivocation here.

They deserve the highest condemnation by civil society.

In the aftermath of Floyd’s murder, American society is erupting in social unrest once again. As we watch media coverage of these in the comfort of our homes, we feel a moral smugness to condemn them over our social media platforms. This is an unwarranted rush to judgment. Militant action such as these protests taking place quite simultaneously over dozens of American cities is a sign of a stretched and tearing social fabric. Its participants are diverse and

varied. The majority are there to express moral outrage and condemnation over the murder of George Floyd. Some may participate with more sinister motives; anarchists and provocateurs join to turn a peaceful expression of moral outrage into a violent and destructive confrontation. The resulting violence and vandalism are then condemned by many who merely observe it through media coverage. Understand, by the way, that media coverage tends to focus on the negative, for this is what makes news and attracts “eyeballs.”

Even without exaggeration, it is important to focus on what these events are telling us, and of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s admonition: in the final analysis, a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it that America has failed to hear?

When Los Angeles erupted in social unrest in 1992, it was over frustration, and being unheard on matters of racism and police brutality. Minority communities had always complained about police brutality and racism, but the LAPD somehow managed to get away

with it by spinning a different narrative in courts. The Rodney King beating video was prima-facie evidence, African Americans thought, of their allegations of racism and police brutality. But an all-white jury exonerated the police officers.

So what is one to do, if the justice system is deaf?

Since 1992 there have been numerous incidents of brutality and death involving police and black men. Communities have staged political protests over each of these incidents but America is failing to listen. Today’s nationwide protests over the murder of George Floyd by a policeman, aided and abetted by 3 other officers, is a cry to be heard. It may have resulted in property damage, thief, and even injury in some instances; we do not condone these. But they should not obscure the evil of murder.

We commend the unusual restraint that police in many cities are showing during these protests. Deaths from the hands of police, and protests are bound to happen, again and again, possibly increasing in intensity, unless we root out

the evil within their ranks.

For most of us in the Filipino community who arrived post1965, when race-based immigration quotas were excised from the law, we struggle to understand the depths of the anger against racism in Black communities. We are often unaware, that the very immigration policies that enabled us to immigrate to the U.S. were the fruits of the decades-long struggles against racism in the 1950s and 1960s. The fact that we and our children are able to gain admission to America’s elite universities, is largely the result of Affirmative Action Programs that were instituted to address discriminatory racebased admission policies at these institutions.

In his autobiographical novel, “America Is In The Heart,” Carlos Bulosan, poignantly and eloquently, sums up what it means to be a Filipino in America, in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s.

“I feel like a criminal running away from a crime I did not commit. And the crime is that I am a Filipino in America.”

As Filipino Americans, we

may no longer feel like criminals when we venture out of our neighborhoods, but we have been there. For many communities of color, especially African Americans this is not paranoia. The many, many incidents of African American men dying from police brutality shows that racism, and the many implicit biases that it carries, poses a constant danger. George Floyd’s murder thru asphyxiation while in police custody, is horrifying to watch; it is all too reminiscent of Eric Gardner’s 2014 death by asphyxiation in the hands of New York City Police.

Gardner’s death gave birth to the “I Can’t Breathe” protests.

America failed to hear. The widespread social unrest in the wake of George Floyd’s murder is the language of the unheard.

Listen. And more importantly, engage in constructive actions to eliminate the vestiges of racism through elections and support for reform efforts in our cities, and communities. *** Enrique de la Cruz is Professor Emeritus of Asian American Studies, at CSU Northridge.

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES

Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Boulevard Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 Fax: (818) 502-0858 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

Manila Office: 2nd Floor Units D&E, Fort Palm Springs 30th St., Cor 1st Ave, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • Fax: (632) 856-1661 New York: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858

Northern California: New Jersey office: 1799 Old Bayshore Hwy, Suite 136 2500 Plaza 5, Harborside Financial Center, Burlingame, CA 94010 Tel.: (650) 689-5160 • Fax: (650) 239-9253 Jersey City, NJ 07311 Tel: (212)655-5426 • Fax: (818)502-0858 Las Vegas Sales Office: 2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 200 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

CHRISTINA M. ORIEL Editor-in-Chief

MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor

IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal

MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA Senior Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal

DING CARREON Videographer

ANDY TECSON Photographer

Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome.

Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 6-9, 2020

Dateline PhiliPPines

35K Filipinos repatriated due to COVID-19 by ritChel

Mendiola AJPress

The Philippines has welcomed home over 35,000 overseas Filipinos since the coronavirus outbreak, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Friday, June 5.

At least 13,566 land-based OFs have been repatriated while 21,829 are cruise ship crews, the agency reported.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola said that more repatriates from Japan, France, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Washington, and South Korea are expected to return to the country within the next few days.

“It was announced that starting next week, the quota (for OFs arrivals) will increase to 1,200 each day, so there will be

more repatriates,” she said in Filipino.

The DFA also reported six new COVID-19 cases among overseas Filipinos, bringing the total number of infected individuals to 5,361.

“With only a few countries reporting on the status of our people abroad today, the DFA confirms six new cases in the Asia and Pacific and europe afflicted by COVID-19 for a total of 5,361,” the agency said.

It also recorded four fatalities from the Middle east, raising the death toll to 361.

Meanwhile, the new recoveries recorded from europe brought the number of recovered Filipinos to 2,212.

Overall by region, europe — which comprises 16 countries with Ph Foreign Service cover-

age — has recorded 838 Filipino cases, including 455 undergoing treatment, 292 recoveries and 91 deaths.

The Middle east and Africa, covering 12 countries, has reported 3,346 cases; of which, 1,906 are undergoing treatment, 116 deaths and 1,324 recoveries.

The Asia Pacific region, which spans across 12 countries, has 520 cases, with 154 under treatment, 364 recoveries, and two deaths.

The Americas — covering six countries like the United States — have 657 reported cases, with 273 undergoing treatment, 232 recoveries, and 152 deaths.

Meanwhile, the Philippines has recorded 20,626 COVID-19 cases, with 987 fatalities and 4,330 recoveries. n

UP, DLSU ranked among top universities in Asia

by Gaea

Katreeona CabiCo Philstar.com

MANILA — Only two higher education institutions from the Philippines were included in this year’s list of top universities in Asia, according to a Londonbased global university league table.

The University of the Philippines placed 65th in the 2020 Times higher education Asia University Rankings released Wednesday.

The country’s premiere state university climbed 30 places from last year’s 95th ranking.

Meanwhile, the De La Salle University slipped to the 301-350 bracket from 251-300 bracket in 2018, when the institution made it to the list for the first time in 2019.

Times higher education assessed Asian Universities based on performance indicators in areas of teaching, research, citations, international outlook and industry income.

The UP said the improvement in its ranking was due to “high score” in citation and industry income criteria.

The following are the top 10 universities in Asia, according to the Times higher education: 1 Tsinghua University in China 2 Peking University in China 3 National University of Singapore

University of the Philippines

De La Salle University

4 University of hong Kong 5 The hong Kong University of Science and Technology 6 Nanyang Technological University in Singapore 7 The University of Tokyo in Japan 8 Chinese University of hong Kong

Philstar.com photos

9 Seoul National University in South Korea 10 University of Science and Technology in China and Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea The 2020 ranking included just under 500 universities in the region. n

A

A june 6-9, 2020 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn jOuRnAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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

Filipinos say staying at home worth it – survey

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

MAJORITY of Filipinos believe that the “strict stay-at-home measures” implemented by the government are “worth it” to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

The mobile phone survey, conducted from May 4 to 10 among 4,010 respondents, showed that 84 percent found the imposition of community quarantine protocols “worth it to protect people and limit the spread” of the virus.

On the other hand, 15 percent said the measure burdened the people.

The number of Filipinos who said that the stay-at-home protocol was worth it was slightly higher in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon (whole Luzon except Met-

ro Manila) and the Visayas, at 84 percent, than in Mindanao, at 81 percent.

Restrictions were eased in the country’s capital region after nearly 80 days of strict quarantine.

Except for Metro Manila, Pangasinan province, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Davao City and Zamboanga City, which are under general community quarantine, or GCQ, all areas in the country have been placed under modified general community quarantine, or MGCQ, beginning June 1.

SWS said 84 percent of those under enhanced community quarantine, or ECQ, areas said it was worth it.

Such sentiment was popular among those who reached college at 88 percent, followed by high school graduates (83 percent), those who reached junior

high school (77 percent) and non-elementary graduates (75 percent.)

The view was also more popular with women (86 percent) than men (82 percent).

SWS said the survey question was patterned after the Health Tracking Poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation in the United States, where the results showed that 80 percent of Americans said strict shelter-in-place measure was worth it in order to protect people and limit the spread of the virus.

Conducted via phone or computer-assisted telephone interview among respondents aged 15 years old above, the poll had sampling error margins of ±2 percent for national percentages, ±6 percent for Metro Manila, ±2 percent for Balance Luzon, ±3 percent Visayas, and ±3 percent in Mindanao. n

BIKE LANE. The Taguig City government launches its bike lane at the Mercado Del Lago, Lakeshore Area, C6 Road in Barangay Lower Bicutan on Wednesday, June 3. The national government is urging local government units to put up bike lanes in their respective localities.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

US pledges additional $4 million Duterte ‘okay’ with new contracts to 2 water firms just ‘pay back’ people in relief aid for Mindanao region

by Catherine

THE United States will provide an additional P201 million ($4 million) worth of humanitarian assistance to support communities in Mindanao to counter the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Embassy announced this latest development on Friday, June 5, which brings total U.S. COVID-19 assistance to the Philippines to over P978 million ($19.5 million).

“The United States and the Philippines have met and overcome many challenges together and I am confident that working together we will overcome this challenge as well,” U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said.

The additional fund will allow the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to protect vulnerable populations in Mindanao — those who were displaced by conflict and recent earthquakes in the region — from the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 20,000 persons in the Philippines.

In partnership with local governments, local health authorities and communities, USAID will distribute essential hygiene supplies and handwashing stations to over 100,000 persons in Mindanao.

USAID will also promote proper hygiene to reduce the risk of

Valente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is “okay” with giving water concession contracts to Manila Water Co. Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc. if they “pay back” the money to the people.

In his public address aired on Friday morning, Duterte said he would review the new contracts proposed by the government with the two water firms this weekend and was willing to let bygones be bygones.

The President said he has The US Agency for International Development partners deliver water supplies daily to 1,000 “calmed down” because he knew internally displaced persons in Marawi transitory sites. that water was important to evPhoto courtesy of U.S. Embassy in Manila eryone.

“Okay na lang ako. But yung President Rodrigo Duterte eartransmission and help communilier ordered the suspension of mga nawala sa tao, kung ano ties reopen.

Aside from these, USAID will the abrogation of the Philippines’ yung nawala sa kanila (I’m fine provide water supply for families Visiting Forces Agreement with now. But what was taken from affected by he Marawi siege in the U.S., which was supposed to the people, whatever that is), that has to be paid back, whether Lanao del Sue and earthquake- be terminated in August.

Defense Secretary Delfin in installments over a period of affected communities in North Lorenzana said the president Cotabato.

Earlier this week, Kim met with came with this decision as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region country needs to cooperate with in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) other countries to address the officials to reiterate U.S. commit- pandemic.

“We discussed about it... I think ment in working with the Philippines to address the COVID-19 he said it’s not timely to end the VFA because of what’s happencrisis.

by Kristine Joy Patag The BARMM leadership dis- ing worldwide,” Lorenzana said Philstar.com cussed challenges and presented in an interview with CNN Philipits contingency plan with the U.S. pines last Wednesday. (Patricia MANILA — The Department Lourdes Viray /Philstar.com) envoy. of Justice ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct its own probe into ambush of a “vital” witness to the Maguindanao massacre case, that led to the death of a state protection program staff.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra issued Department Order No. 143, directing the NBI to conduct investigation and casebuild up on the ambush of Mohammad Sangki on June 4.

Sangki, his driver and security aide from DOJ’s WPP were ambushed in South Cotabato on

years, but you have to return the money to the people,” Duterte said.

“Okay na ako (I’m fine now), and you can have your contracts if it is to your liking. But if it is not, then we can proceed with another phase which is really the filing of cases,” he added.

Manila Water is a subsidiary of the Ayala family’s Ayala Corp., while the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. of businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan owns a controlling stake in Maynilad Water.

Duterte ordered the crafting of new concession deals with the two water companies after labeling the current agreements as “disadvantageous” to the Filipinos.

Should the water firms reject the new contracts without the “onerous” provisions, the President said he would nationalize the distribution of water ser-

vices.

But last month, Duterte apologized to the Ayalas and Pangilinan for his previous “hurting words.”

The President has repeatedly railed against Pangilinan and the Ayala family for their water concessionaires’ “onerous” contracts with the government, tagging the businessmen as the “big fish” in corruption.

He also threatened the water concessionaires and former government officials with economic plunder following the tribunal’s ruling demanding the Philippines pay P7.39 billion to Manila Water.

The Ayala-owned firm brought the government to court for refusing rate increases from 2013 to 2017, citing its concession deal which pushes the state to “indemnify” the utility firm against any losses that could result from regulatory actions. n

DOJ orders NBI probe into ambush of Maguindanao massacre case witness Wednesday morning.

According to the department order made public only on Friday, Intelligence and Security Officer Richard Escobilla was killed in the incident.

Escobilla is employed under DOJ’s Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program.

This is the second time in 2020 that Sangki was attacked by unidentified gunmen.

Earlier in March — three months since a local court issued a verdict on the case — Sangki and four of his companions were also fired upon by unidentified gunmen in Shariff Aguak town, in Maguindanao.

Guevarra referred to Sangki

as a “vital witness in the second wave or prosecution for the Maguindanao massacre.”

The DOJ chief added: “[I]t is not far-fetched that this ambush...had something to do with the horrible case.”

Quezon City Court Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes ordered the reopening of the cases in January 2020 after suspects of the massacre, who were at large when she issued the verdict in December 2019, were brought to court.

Guevarra directed NBI Officerin-Charge Eric Distor to “submit reports on the progress of the subject investigation and case build-up directly to the Office of the Secretary within ten days.” n

now,” Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said in a statement, without elaborating.

Roque made the statement after the Senate adjourned its first regular session in the 18th Congress on Thursday afternoon without passing Senate Bill 1564, which provides a P140billion package to prop up the economy and boost Covid-19 testing efforts and healthcare

services.

The Senate bill stated that the interventions must be implemented by the government until Sept. 30, 2020.

The House of Representatives, meanwhile, approved on final reading on Thursday the proposed P1.3-trillion stimulus package to address the economic impact of COVID-19.

(ManilaTimes.net)

Palace: Duterte won’t certify as urgent Bayanihan law 2 ‘for now’ PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will not certify as urgent the extension of the proposed law seeking to extend the validity of the special powers to address the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, Malacañang said on Thursday, June 4.

“We wish to announce that Malacañang will NOT certify as urgent the extension of the Bayanihan We Heal as One Act, for

PACC head pushes federalism to improve local governance THE country’s shift to a new system of government is needed to improve governance at the national and local levels amid the administration’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the head of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) said.

This comes after local government units (LGUs) were caught off guard with President Rodrigo Duterte’s ultimatum on the immediate return of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to their home provinces.

PACC Chairman Dante Jimenez said the lack of coordination between the national and local governments could be addressed under a federal form of government.

“The national government has really found it very difficult to share with our local government units information needed for them to accept all these OFWs who are coming in. The LGUs are not well-prepared for the arrival of the OFWs. That’s understandable because they’re Covid-free,” Jimenez said in his program aired over DZRJ radio.

“Matagal na din pangako

ng Pangulo, upon assumption niya, na (This has been the President’s promise since he assumed the presidency that) he is for federalism. Along the way hindi natin alam ang mangyayari because [‘yung mga] federalista noon hanggang ngayon na sumuporta kay Presidente (we really don’t know what’s going to happen because those supporting the President in pushing for federalism) are always there to remind our national leaders that this is the best time [to pass it into law]. Covid-19 really has taught us a lot of lessons on how to govern, especially the local government units,” he added.

Jimenez made the statement after Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez expressed frustration over the supposed lack of proper coordination with his city on the return of OFWs who were stranded due to strict quarantine guidelines.

Gomez said the national government gave them three days lead time to prepare but he was surprised upon receiving a text message on the morning of the same day that the OFWs were

due to return to the province.

In his recent public address, President Duterte refused to pick a fight with Gomez over the issue, saying the local official was probably just being vigilant in guarding his area from the coronavirus threat.

The President, however, reminded Gomez and other local government officials that repatriates must be accepted back into their places of residence, citing their sacred constitutional right to travel and go home to their families.

“I don’t have any quarrel with Richard Gomez. He was the one who said that he is not going to accept anybody from entering or leaving the place. Okay man lang ‘yan (That’s okay). It’s part of maybe the vigilance that a person nurtures in his heart of how to do it,” Duterte said.

The President earlier gave labor and health authorities one week to facilitate the return of 24,000 OFWs to their hometowns after they were stuck for a long time at the quarantine sites in Metro Manila. (ManilaTimes. net)

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

Dateline PhiliPPines

Philippines targets higher-spending tourists

by Catherine

talavera Philstar.com

MANILA ­– ­The ­Philippines ­will ­ be ­ targeting ­ higher-spending ­ tourists ­ as ­ it ­ moves ­ forward ­ under ­a ­new ­normal. ­In ­ an ­ interview ­ with ­ “The ­ Chief” ­ on ­ One ­ News, ­ Tourism ­ Secretary ­ Bernadette ­ RomuloPuyat ­said ­the ­industry ­is ­enforcing ­ safety ­ and ­ health ­ protocols ­ under ­ the ­ new ­ normal ­ and ­ destinations ­ would ­ have ­ to ­ reduce ­ the ­number ­of ­tourists ­accommodated ­ at ­ a ­ given ­ time ­ to ­ ensure ­ physical ­distancing. ­“(The ­way) ­we’re ­looking ­at ­it ­ now, ­ we’re ­ going ­ to ­ be ­ getting ­ quality ­ tourists. ­ We ­ want ­ to ­ get ­ high-value ­ tourists… ­ And ­ the ­ high-value ­ tourists ­ are ­ the ­ ones ­ who ­ will ­ spend, ­ and ­ it ­ matters ­ to ­ them ­ – ­ the ­ cleanliness ­ and ­ hygiene,” ­ Puyat ­ pointed ­ out ­ last ­ Tuesday, ­June ­2.

She ­emphasized ­that ­the ­country ­ cannot ­ focus ­ on ­ the ­ quantity ­ of ­tourists ­given ­the ­physical ­distancing ­measures ­that ­need ­to ­be ­ enforced. ­“What ­ is ­ important ­ now ­ until ­

there’s ­ no ­ vaccine, ­ physical ­ distancing ­ would ­ be ­ the ­ new ­ normal,” ­she ­added. ­Department ­of ­Tourism ­(DOT) ­ data ­ show ­ that ­ international ­ arrivals ­ for ­ January ­ to ­ May ­ 2020 ­ dropped ­62.21 ­percent ­to ­1.3 ­million ­arrivals ­from ­3.49 ­million ­arrivals ­in ­the ­same ­period ­last ­year. ­ The ­ estimated ­ inbound ­ tourism ­ revenues ­ during ­ this ­ period ­ plunged ­60.56 ­percent ­to ­P81.05 ­ billion ­from ­P205.50 ­billion ­in ­the ­ same ­period ­a ­year ­ago. ­Puyat ­emphasized ­that ­a ­tourist ­destination ­will ­have ­to ­reduce ­ the ­ number ­ of ­ tourists ­ it ­ accommodates ­ at ­ a ­ certain ­ time. ­ She ­ cited ­Boracay ­Island, ­with ­its ­carrying ­ capacity ­ of ­ 19,000, ­ would ­ have ­to ­accommodate ­only ­half ­or ­ lower ­than ­that ­number ­to ­ensure ­ distancing. ­She ­also ­noted ­that ­local ­government ­ units ­ (LGUs) ­ and ­ tourism ­stakeholders ­are ­not ­rushing ­ the ­resumption ­of ­tourism ­activities ­as ­they ­want ­the ­revival ­to ­be ­ slow ­but ­sure. ­“Because ­ if ­ there ­ is ­ an ­ outbreak ­in ­one ­tourist ­spot, ­it ­is ­not ­ just ­ that ­ tourist ­ spot ­ that ­ will ­ be ­

affected ­ but ­ the ­ whole ­ Philippines,” ­Puyat ­stressed.

At ­ an ­ earlier ­ press ­ briefing, ­ she ­ revealed ­ that ­ LGUs ­ are ­ not ­ keen ­on ­opening ­up ­their ­areas ­to ­ tourism ­ right ­ away. ­ Baguio ­ City ­ Mayor ­ Benjamin ­ Magalong ­ is ­ comfortable ­at ­opening ­the ­destination ­by ­September ­while ­Bohol ­ Gov. ­Arthur ­Yap ­is ­looking ­at ­July ­ at ­the ­earliest.

“So ­I ­actually ­appreciate ­it ­that ­ our ­LGUs ­are ­being ­really ­careful. ­ And ­when ­they ­are ­ready ­to ­have ­ tourists, ­it ­is ­sure ­that ­they ­will ­be ­ safe ­when ­they ­visit ­there,” ­Puyat ­ added.

Meanwhile, ­the ­DOT ­is ­pushing ­ digital ­ tourism ­ while ­ the ­ leisure ­ travel ­and ­other ­tourism ­activities ­ are ­still ­restricted ­due ­to ­the ­lingering ­ threat ­ of ­ coronavirus ­ disease ­2019 ­(COVID-19).

It ­ launched ­ several ­ programs ­ that ­ utilize ­ the ­ internet ­ to ­ boost ­ its ­ presence ­ on ­ social ­ media, ­ including ­ the ­ DOT ­ Online ­ Training ­ wherein ­ seminars ­ that ­ usually ­ gathered ­ large ­ crowds ­ were ­ done ­ through ­ video-call ­ apps. [Richmond Mercurio, Ghio Ong]

PH sees slight dip in migrant workers in 2019 by ian

niColas Cigaral Philstar.com

MANILA ­ — ­ Filipino ­ migrant ­ workers ­reached ­2.2 ­million ­as ­of ­ September ­last ­year, ­a ­figure ­that ­ is ­ expected ­ to ­ dramatically ­ decline ­ this ­ year ­ as ­ the ­ coronavirus ­ pandemic ­begins ­to ­displace ­thousands ­of ­workers.

The ­latest ­figure ­came ­from ­the ­ results ­of ­a ­2019 ­survey ­relased ­by ­ the ­ Philippine ­ Statistics ­ Authority ­ on ­Thursday, ­June ­4 ­which ­showed ­ the ­number ­of ­Filipinos ­expatriates ­ who ­worked ­abroad ­from ­April ­to ­ September ­last ­year. ­The ­latest ­tally ­was ­slightly ­down ­from ­2.3 ­million ­in ­the ­same ­period ­in ­2018.

But ­the ­drop ­is ­expected ­to ­continue ­and ­worsen ­this ­year ­as ­the ­ lingering ­ pandemic ­ put ­ migrant ­ workers ­out ­of ­their ­jobs. ­Based ­on ­ estimates ­two ­weeks ­ago, ­the ­labor ­ department ­ said ­ around ­ 302,000 ­ migrant ­ workers ­ were ­ already ­ displaced ­by ­the ­pandemic, ­some ­ of ­ whom ­ have ­ decided ­ to ­ stay ­ in ­ their ­ host ­ countries. ­ The ­ figure ­ is ­projected ­to ­rise ­to ­500,000 ­by ­ year-end.

Of ­ the ­ total ­ number ­ of ­ workers ­ in ­ 2019, ­ PSA ­ data ­ showed ­ 96.8% ­had ­existing ­work ­contract ­ while ­3.2% ­had ­none. ­During ­the ­ survey ­ period, ­ remittances ­ sent ­

Results of a 2019 surbey released by the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the number of Filipinos expats who worked aborad at any time from April to September last year was estimated at 2.2 million.

Of that number, 96.8% had existing worl contract while 3.2% had none.

Philstar.com photo

home ­by ­workers, ­mostly ­coursed ­ through ­ banks, ­ was ­ estimated ­ at ­ P211.9 ­billion.

Broken ­ down, ­ 39.6% ­ of ­ overseas ­ Filipino ­ workers ­ (OFWs) ­worked ­ on ­ an ­ elementary ­occupation, ­while ­about ­18% ­ were ­ employed ­ as ­ service ­ and ­ sales ­ staff. ­ The ­ balance ­ worked ­ as ­ plant ­ and ­ machine ­ operators ­ (12.2%), ­technicians ­(8.7%), ­professionals ­ (8.5%) ­ and ­ craft ­ and ­ related ­trade ­workers ­(8.1%).

Female ­overseas ­Filipino ­workers ­outnumbered ­their ­male ­counterparts, ­56% ­to ­44%. ­Majority ­of ­ OFWs ­came ­from ­CALABARZON, ­ accounting ­for ­20.7% ­of ­the ­total, ­ while ­ those ­ from ­ Central ­ Luzon, ­ Metro ­ Manila ­ and ­ Western ­ Vi-

sayas ­ comprised ­ 13.3%, ­ 9.7% ­ and ­9.0%, ­respectively.

By ­ destination, ­ Saudi ­ Arabia ­ continued ­to ­be ­the ­most ­preferred ­ host ­ country ­ of ­ OFWs ­ at ­ 22.4%. ­ Other ­ popular ­ destinations ­ were ­ United ­ Arab ­ Emirates ­ (13.2%), ­ Hongkong ­ (7.5%) ­ and ­ Taiwan ­ (6.7%), ­the ­PSA ­reported.

Remittances ­ from ­ OFWs ­ has ­ been ­one ­of ­the ­Philippines’ ­major ­ sources ­ of ­ dollars, ­ shielding ­ the ­ economy ­against ­external ­shocks ­ that ­could ­have ­interrupted ­a ­developing ­ country’s ­ growth. ­ But ­ OFW ­ remittances ­ are ­ forecast ­ to ­ fall ­ this ­ year, ­ a ­ first ­ since ­ 2001, ­ after ­ the ­ coronavirus ­ crisis ­ triggered ­ massive ­ job ­ losses ­ around ­ the ­world. ­n ­

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 6-9, 2020

A

A10 june 6-9, 2020 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn jOuRnAL

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

99 ranch fpfc

B Saturday, J UNE 6, 2020

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 6-9, 2020

The Asian Journal

WKND Immigration Corner

Is your DAPA child now over 21?

for the additional documents or information. Now, the case could be denied outright and the person be put in deportation.)

IN November 2014, Pres.

Although it may appear simple Obama announced a program, and straightforward to be petiDeferred Action for Parents of tioned as an immediate relative, Americans and Lawful Permathere are still a lot of checkpoints nent Residents (DAPA), which to get through, including the inwould have allowed parents of terview, when the USCIS officer U.S. citizens (or lawful permanent may grill you about your entire residents) to remain in the U.S. immigration history, etc. That’s and obtain work authorization why I would recommend you without fear of deportation. Their retain an attorney for something child could have been of any age as important as your future in or marital status. Many people apthe U.S. plied (or were eligible) for DAPA *** because they had a minor child Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an atwho was a U.S. citizen. torney for over 35 years and is licensed, Unfortunately, there were and an active member of legal challenges to the State Bars of Calithe DAPA program “I know many other parents of U.S. fornia and New York. All and court injuncimmigration services are tions, bringing that citizens could have been eligible for provided by, or under the program to a halt.

DAPA had this program not halted supervision of, an active That was approxiof the State Bar mately six years ago. because they had a minor U.S. citizen member of California. Each case However, if your U.S. is different and results citizen child has now child. If the child has now turned 21, may depend on the facts turned 21 years of that could provide a new avenue for the of the particular case. age, or will soon celThe information and opinebrate his or her 21st parent to legalize his status.” ions contained herein birthday, there could (including testimonials, be new hope for you, by having your child now peti- being petitioned by a U.S. citizen “Success Stories”, endorsements and tion you as an immediate relative child. There could also be issues re-enactments) are of a general nature, if you had made any misrepre- and are not intended to apply to any parent.

Just recently, I had a phone con- sentations such as entering under particular case, and do not constitute a sultation with a person who had an assumed name, or committed prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal been eligible for DAPA (because certain crimes, or have an existing advice regarding the outcome of your he had a U.S. citizen minor child), deportation order. There are new legal matter. No attorney-client relabut after the court injunctions, he requirements relating to affidavits tionship is, or shall be, established with could not go forward. Now, the of support and public charge. (If any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com U.S. citizen child on whom the your child just turned 21, he or Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinDAPA case was based had just she may not be earning enough celebrated his 21st birthday. This to meet the poverty guidelines for kelLaw, Twitter @GurfinkelLaw and happy parent would now be in a an affidavit of support. What can YouTube: US Immigration TV Call Toll free to schedule a consultaposition to have the child petition you do about that?)

USCIS is also taking a very tion for anywhere in the US: him for a green card.

1-866-487-3465 I know many other parents tough and strict stand on filings, (866) – GURFINKEL of U.S. citizens could have been and has a policy to deny cases outFour offices to serve you: eligible for DAPA had this pro- right if any required documents or LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW gram not halted because they evidence are not included at the had a minor U.S. citizen child. If initial filing. (Before, USCIS might YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement) the child has now turned 21, that have served a request for evidence

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

LifestyLe Consumer Guide Community marketpLaCe

could provide a new avenue for the parent to legalize his status.

But I would still advise these parents to, nevertheless, consult with an attorney. There have been many changes since Obama announced DAPA, most important of which is the election of Pres.

Trump and his strict enforcement of immigration laws. An attorney can evaluate your situation, to make sure you are eligible to be processed for your green card in the U.S. This is because certain types of visas (or entering the U.S. without inspection or cannot locate entry passport) could make a person ineligible to obtain a green card in the U.S., even if

ABS-CBN photos

Popular teleserye, ‘FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano,’ other shows to return to TFC worldwide this June

The megahit Filipino actiondrama TV series, “FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano,” and a host of beloved television characters and programs from the media company ABS-CBN Corporation are finally returning to TFC this June.

Some of ABS-CBN’s most watched Filipino teleseryes are making their much-awaited return to TFC. Subscribers can now watch again TV icon Cardo Dalisay’s adventures in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,: starting with a recap of this season’s story before fresh episodes are released.

Other teleseryes making a comeback are “A Soldier’s Heart” and “Love Thy Woman.”

Meanwhile, for those who missed ABS-CBN’s top variety and musical shows, the hosts and artists of It’s Showtime and ASAP Natin ‘To will also come back to provide TFC subscribers

with joy, fun, and music from world-class performers.

Mornings will be spiced anew with “Magandang Buhay” momshies Jolina Magdangal, Melai Cantiveros, and Karla Estrada bringing back their heartwarming discussions.

The long-running, multiawarded news program, TV Patrol, will continue to deliver relevant news and information to viewers LIVE and with same day replay.

Besides the many well-loved programs that will be going back on air, some new shows will also be launched.

Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo will be seen in the new show called “Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan,” while Angel Locsin will be hosting “Iba ‘Yan.” Both of these are public service programs that will put the spotlight on stories and experiences of real people and the life chal-

lenges that they face.

Encouraged by the overwhelming love and support of the public, ABS-CBN Corporation remains committed to serving its audiences even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and after it was ordered to stop operating its radio and television stations in the Philippines on May 5, 2020 by the Philippine National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

The new and returning programs will be seen in the Philippines on the new Kapamilya Channel, on cable and satellite TV that are owned and operated by other companies and are not covered by the cease and desist order issued by the NTC to ABS-CBN. For viewers and fans from all over the world, the aforementioned Filipino shows can be enjoyed anew on TFC cable and satellite, IPTV and tfc.tv.

B June 6-9, 2020 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JOuRnAL

EntErtainmEnt

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

Jasmine on staying sane, making music and meeting Dahlia by rito

P. asilo Inquirer.net

Actress Kathryn Bernardo shows off her fit body.

WHILE she isn’t immune to the stressful situations brought about by the quarantine period, award-winning actress and “Descendants of the Sun” star Jasmine Curtis-Smith has been seen in videos trying to cheer up her fans who are stuck at home.

Jasmine, who celebrated her 26th birthday in quarantine last April 6, reminds people to “find ways to save, keep yourselves busy by doing something you enjoy doing at home, stay fit and check up on your loved ones”—words of advice that aren’t out of character for Anne Curtis’ “wise beyond her years” Photos from Instagram/@bernardokath younger sister.

Despite Anne’s more “mainstream” personality, Jasmine need not bask on her ate’s reflected glory. After all, while the former has of late been delivering memorable perform-

Kathryn shows fit quarantine body, encourages fans to work out

By Cha liNo Inquirer.net

ACTRESS Kathryn Bernardo has revealed her workout routine while in quarantine, in the hopes of motivating others to follow suit.

Bernardo said she is taking online workout classes to keep her body healthy during the COVID-19 crisis. The actress flaunted her fit physique via Instagram on Tuesday, June 2.

“Ever since the lockdown began, I swore to myself that I will work out at least (three

times) a week to keep my body healthy (and to offset all those junk I eat) especially at a time like this,” she recalled.

The actress exceeded her former goal and ended up exercising almost every day. Bernardo also assured aspiring fitness enthusiasts that they only need to find the right routine for them and they will enjoy the process.

“Tip: Start with (15 minutes) per day first and adjust it from there based on what your body can handle!” she shared. Bernardo also recommended free

ab and full-body workouts on YouTube for reference.

The “Got to Believe” star recently marked her 8th anniversary with her boyfriend and fellow actor, Daniel Padilla.

Due to the pandemic, the couple kept the celebration simple by spending some quality time and painting a cherry blossom mural.

The actress had also been helping with COVID-19 relief efforts in the country. She also expressed how proud she is of her older sister who works in the United Kingdom as a nurse.

ances (in “BuyBust,” “Sid & Aya: Not a Love Story” and “Just a Stranger”), it was really Jasmine who first made her mark as a serious actress (“Transit,” “Baka Bukas,” “Siargao”), backing up her impressive thespic chops with her own brand of movie-star sheen.

Jasmine is viewable even when the movies she appears in are far less satisfying (“O,” “Cara x Jagger,” “Culion”)—if that isn’t the mark of a fine actress, we don’t know what is.

During the lockdown, aside from taking an online course again, the actress told Inquirer Entertainment last Monday that channeling her creative energy to music has kept her sane and positive. “It helps that I have Funky Records to keep me busy, which requires me to learn more about the music industry and run a business venture,” she disclosed.

You heard that right—music.

Jaminse Curtiz-Smith

GMA photo

Piolo gets first call slip from ABS-CBN to resume ‘ASAP’ taping

by MariNel

Cruz

Inquirer.net

AS a result of the pandemic, the number of projects that were scheduled for production under his company, Spring Films, were cut in half, according to actor and film producer Piolo Pascual.

Piolo added that he was expected to return to work, like many other employees, on June 1—the first day of the general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila.

The actor said he understood that, after being on lockdown since March 15, there is now a need to resume work in order to revive the economy, despite the fact that a vaccine has yet to be developed for the deadly COVID-19 disease. “It is what it is. We really have no choice.

We have to adjust for the sake of the community,” he told Inquirer Entertainment over the weekend.

Piolo, who has been living in his farm in Mabini, Batangas, with his mom since the start of the lockdown, had already been called for taping for the ABS-CBN Sunday variety show “Asap.” He said all program regulars would be working in a Arnel Pineda ABS-CBN photo studio and staying in a hotel.

“Can you imagine us doing Yurin79 meanwhile com- Filipino performer also serves new episodes in just a matter mended Arnel’s delivery of as the lead singer of the iconic of days? It’s going to be really the song. “Very strong vocals, American rock band, Journey. hard. That’s why we were given sounds amazing!,” he com- Last month, he performed “Don’t homework,” he said, adding Stop Believin’” with the band for that he never really got to rest mented on YouTube.

Arnel is one of the artists UNICEF’s “Won’t Stop” COVID- because aside from this, he also under DNA Music, ABS-CBN’s 19 benefit show. participated in various fundHonor today’s heroes and raising events “that I couldn’t record label catering to the musicality of gifted Filipino rock stream Arnel’s latest single say ‘no’ to since they’re for a “Your Soldiers” on various dig- good cause.” and alternative artists.

Since 2007, the renowned ital platforms. (Philstar.com) “Once the soap committees

Arnel Pineda pens, releases new song about COVID-19 front-liners

GLOBAL Pinoy artist Arnel Pineda voices the courage and spirit of local heroes in his selfpenned song “Your Soldiers,” newly released under DNA Music.

In this pop rock track, the singer-songwriter also inspires unity to fend off the perils in a crisis and dedicates it to the people leading Filipinos’ defense against the coronavirus pandemic—the medical frontliners.

“Your Soldiers,” with music also from Arnel, is arranged by Gabriel Tagadtad and produced

by ABS-CBN Music’s creative director Jonathan Manalo.

Its lyric video, uploaded on YouTube, immediately received positive feedback from listeners.

Victor Maala said, “nice song Arnel….bravo, we are all soldiers fearlessly fight [ing] till the end against enemies attack…for no battle shall take long.”

Jan Abellana noted that the song echoes the distinct 1980s sound. He said, “I love this! 80s type vibe.”

Piolo Pascual at his farm in Batangas.

(or groups assigned to produce teleserye) resume work, we would also be brought to locked-in sets,” Piolo reported.

“It’s going to be hard to adjust.

We are still feeling our way around. People will have to be more cautious and sensitive to the needs of others. Traydor kasi ang kalaban natin.”

As a film producer, Piolo admitted he was concerned with the higher cost of production.

He explained: “I just had a meeting with Spring Films.

We agreed to cut our projects in half. We can’t accommodate all anymore because of the expenses that would be incurred with all the safety guidelines we have to abide by.”

Piolo runs the movie production outfit with talent manager Ericsson Raymundo and filmTV director Joyce Bernal. The newly formed Inter-Guild Alliance recently drafted a health

Photo from Instagram/@piolo_pascual

and safety protocol, which productions firms are expected to follow to avoid getting infected

by COVID-19 while at work.

Meanwhile, Piolo said being stuck at home also has its advantage. “Your creative juices overflows. Performers are able to record at home and have their work broadcast worldwide. I’m excited to see whatever will come up after we all get back to work from being isolated for almost three months.”

Before lockdown, Piolo already brought his family to his farm in Mabini, Batangas.

“I programmed myself to stay here for a while because I felt that [the order for an enhanced community quarantine or ECQ] wasn’t going to take a short time. Adjustment wasn’t really hard since I’m a homebody. I’m actually more productive when PAGE B3

Kris Aquino with son Josh admiring the sunset by the beach.

Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino

Kris goes home after quarantining for nearly 3 months in Puerto Galera

By Niña

V. GuNo

Inquirer.net

KRIS Aquino bid goodbye to the town of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, which served as her temporary home during the community quarantine.

“We got all our clearances & permits, now we’re ready for the 1st part of our journey HOME! Just in time for kuya’s birthday tomorrow,” she announced on Instagram yesterday, June 3, posting a picture of her and sons Josh and Bimby on the shore in front of a boat.

She commended the hospitality she received in her beachfront accommodations: “It’s been almost 3 months but everyone at Sunset [at Aninuan Beach Resort] & the Puerto

Galera LGU really made us feel welcome.”

Aquino and her kids were isolated in Puerto Galera while the Metro Manila enhanced community quarantine was in place from March 15 until May 15 to curb the spread of the coronavirus. They were vacationing in Boracay prior to the lockdown.

Restrictions have slowly loosened, with NCR under general community quarantine on June 1, allowing for more local travel.

The actress has been chronicling her stay by the beach on Instagram, which included celebrating Bimby’s 13th birthday and extending donations to the local government in line with COVID-19 relief efforts.

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 6-9, 2020

B

Meet Shawn Wasabi: FilipinoAmerican multi-hyphenated artist

by Mark

Bonifacio ManilaTimes.net

AN artist / producer/ engineer/ visionary from the city of Salinas, California is current ly ma k i ng waves i n t he U.S. music scene and he is of Filipino descent. Meet Shawn Wasabi who is signed under Facet/ Warner Records. In an exclusive interview with this 25-year-old Filipino-American artist (special thanks to Eme Abarracoso of Warner Music Philippines), Music Geek just had to ask about his Filipino roots.

“From my mom, she’s Cebuano so her family is from Cebu. I have bunch of cousins, aunts and uncles in Cebu City and I visit t hem ever y year; and my dad’s side, his family is from Manila so I have a bunch of family on my dad’s side here in the States and some of them in Manila. So I’m half Cebuanohalf Tagalog. I don’t know the la ng uage. I ca n on ly spea k English. I can understand a little bit of Tagalog and a little bit of Cebuano but I can’t speak it at all. I wish I did. But I’m learning it. I still eat so much Filipino food,” Wasabi said.

T he multi-hy phenate f irst awed the internet world with his release of “Marble Soda,” using t he rare Midi Fighter 64m (which he co-designed) to sample over 140 songs for t he less t ha n t h ree-m i nute creation. Using this one-of-akind machine, Shawn reached 1 million v iews on YouTube w it hin 48 hours of “Marble Soda” being uploaded.

“I’m so glad t hat people relate to it and sometimes to me that it can connect to you. I love all the stuff I made. I think for a lot of fans that love my older stuff, they love the visual aspect to it. If I brought back my Midi fighter 64 or performance videos that I incorporated and also it’s not as simpler and eclectic as my songs,” Wasabi said reacting to Marble Soda’s success.

A fter t he hit, he went on to release five more original songs a massi ng nea rly 10 0 million YouTube views over the span of two years.

I n combi n at ion w it h h i s unique visual brand, Shawn Wasabi’s rare blend of creative skills have made him a highdema nd a r t ist , w it h recent campaigns including partnerships with both McDonalds & Toyota.

Wasabi just r eleased h i s debut album ent it led “MangoTale” last May 29. The album kicks off with new track “Princess Oeach,” a nostalgic Nintendo-inspired instrumenta l i nt ro fol lowed by “Ha lo Halo (ft. Chevy).” It’s a catchy love song about seeing t hat special someone again after quarantine.

Sweet turns to sour with the bitter beloved single “Lemons ( f t . ken ned i ),” fol lowed by a dose of “Medicine (ft. Tia Scol a ),” a su lt r y c ut about feeling the good kind of sick — love sick. Halfway through the album come two of Wasabi’s biggest releases, the timely and addictive “Animal Crossing” and the flavorful favorite, “Snack.”

The boldest in the bunch, “Tokyo Tea (ft. Spacegirl Gem-

Shawn Wasabi’s mom is originally from Cebu and his dad from Manila.

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE SUSPECTED OF FRAUD IS SAVED BY “ATTORNEY-OF-LAST-HOPE” ON CITIZEN PINOY. For Randa (left) and Phey (center), it was love at first sight when they met. They were in previous marriages that ended in divorce. U.S. citizen Randa petitioned Phey, but they were suspected of fraud. It did not help that Randa’s first marriage was also suspected of being a fixed one. After working with a paralegal and two other attorneys who told the couple their case was hopeless (and they could even go to jail, and/or get deported), Randa and Phey decided to consult with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL. The couple admired the confidence and honesty of Atty. Gurfinkel. His thorough analysis and preparations for the case assured Randa and Phey that they were in good hands.

Watch how true love wins the day on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Piolo gets first call slip from...

PAGE B2 I’m just at home.”

In fact, only recently, Piolo did a photo shoot for Star Magic’s e-catalogue in one of his The artist’s rare blend of creative skills have made him a fast rising name in the American house’s downstairs bedrooms. music scene.

Photos from Instagram/@shawnwasabi “It’s difficult to produce my own content because I don’t my)” fuses elements of future millennial vending machine have all my equipment with me. bass with eccentric rap styl- snack pies of the same name. I just use my sister’s phone as ings, an ode to Wasabi’s ef- Featuring favored collabora- flashlight and mine for recordfortless versatility and kitschy tors Raychel Jay, Hollis, and ing. It’s really so basic,” he electronic sound. Closing out Brandon Colbeins, the single said. “And while we’re recordthe album, the dream-pop cut a l so r ecei ved t he pol i shed ing, we could hear the crowing “Love Potion (ft. raychel jay)” professional touch of globally of the roosters.” precedes the playful tongue- renowned pop-hitmaker and While there, Piolo also tested in-cheek hit, “Home Run (ft. Facet House co-founder, Justin his skills in farming. “I discovraychel jay),” f inishing with Tranter. ered that I … [have] a green Meanwhile, Animal Cross- thumb!” he declared. The acthe languid instrumental outro “Igloo,” featuring subdued vo- ing was inspired by the video tor is growing vegetables like game of the same title. cals from Wasabi himself. cabbage, pechay, eggplant “I made it with my friend and okra in a multilevel plant “MangoTale is my first fullleng t h pr oje c t a nd I ’m i n- and we wrote it about the new nursery he had built in his credibly excited for people to A n i ma l Crossi ng game t hat backyard. listen to it! I produced almost came out. Just like my favorite the entire thing on my laptop video game right now and a lot at home. I’ve cha nged, de- of people say it’s their video veloped and grown so much game. It’s really cool. Nintendo over the last five years — my said they love the video and understanding of the world, song a lot,” Wasabi said.

He wor ke d on t he ot her of myself and my personality; being disassembled and reas- tracks in the album during the sembled; making friends; the Covid-19 quarantine in the US. people I’ve interacted with and However, he admits that it’s my different musical inspira- hard to find inspirations during tions/mentors. I feel like this the lockdown.

Finally asked to describe his project per fect ly ex presses that shift while also channel- music, Wasabi said, “It’s pop ling the energy and emotion I music but with my own music had in those different chapters station and circulation at that. of my life. It also flexes a lot of A lot of bright colors on it, a lot my musical range between col- of the lyrical themes revolve laborative pop energy produc- around the cultural food and tion and weird knob-twiddling custom markers and also the aud io m a n i pu l at ion s ou nd lyrical themes of my music are design,” the artist said of his very much conversational and around the initiative of like relatest work.

Before the debut album, he lationships and like when peoreleased his first two appetiz- ple fall in love for the first time i ng si ngles of 2020, “Home and emotions centered around Run” (March 13) and “Animal” that. Super bright colors and hy per melod ic sounds on it.

(March 20).

Home Run arrives as a nos- That’s what my music feels like talgic nod to one of his favorite being at least.”

Zanjoe Marudo and Lovi Poe in a scene from their film “Malaya.”

Photo courtesy of Dreamscape Entertainment

Lovi and Zanjoe star in ‘Malaya’

LOVI Poe and Zanjoe Marudo grapple with the choice to abandon or realize a once-ina-lifetime love in t he mov ie “Malaya,” the latest love story from “Glorious” director Concepcion Macatuno.

The iWant or iginal movie features t he f irst on-screen pairing of the actors and was shot entirely in scenic Italy, wh ich is home to hund reds of thousands of overseas Filipinos.

“Malaya” follows two wan-

dering souls who chase their dreams in a foreign country, putting the relatable real-life experiences of overseas Filipinos at the forefront.

New to t he cou nt r y a nd still adjusting to its customs, sweet Malaya (Poe) is determined to make a life of her own and help her mother who has been work i ng t here for years. Through her first job, she meets t he ha rdwork i ng en igma Iago (Mar udo), and the two form an unexpected

yet u nden iable con nect ion.

However, b e c au se of t hei r m i sm atc hed pr ior it ies a nd ambitions, they choose to walk away from each other.

Years later, they meet again.

Malaya finally thinks it is their time to be together, until Iago announces that he is engaged to be married.

Will they be able to completely let each other go? How long should one wait for the right time and the right person? (ManilaTimes.net)

“They’re my babies! I would visit them every morning and would get excited when I see them slowly sprouting one by one. It’s my first time to try farming, but I’ve always wanted to grow my own food,” said Piolo, who incidentally was a Department of Agriculture ambassador for the agency’s 2018 “Be RICEponsible” campaign.

“We now eat our own produce. This is one of the projects I started when we came here in March. We also have a poultry,” said Piolo, embarrassed, as he tried to explain the sound of chickens during our phone interview.

“That’s what I appreciate about being where I am,” he said of the barangay he belonged to with 2,000 other residents. “I built a house

that’s about 300 meters away from the main road. It’s located on a hillside. Everything here is self-sustainable. Everyone plants his or her own produce.

We raise our own goats and chickens.”

He further said: “That’s why, even during lockdown, nobody had to beg. We each have our own farm, no matter how small. Life is really easier and simpler. Those who live by the sea would come up here to sell fresh catch. They would then get vegetables from those in the highlands. It’s the cycle of life here. Ang galing!”

The one thing that Piolo said he realized while living in the province was that “the earth has a lot of resources. You only need to cultivate your land and appreciate what you have.”

B June 6-9, 2020 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JOuRnAL

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

Warning: Drug/food recalls Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS ON E of t he f u nc t ion s of t he United States Food and Dr ug Ad m i n ist rat ion (F DA ) i s to mon itor a nd eva luate drugs for efficacy, quality, and safety. Whenever it discovers impurities or contamination, it notif ies t he manufacturer and recall of t he product is expected or imposed. Usually, the pharmaceutical company affected initiates the voluntary recall.

L ately, t he popu la r a nt idiabetesT2 pill, Metformin 500 mg Extended Release version of the tablets from some manufacturers (not all), has been fou nd to conta i n t he i mpurity N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a carcinogen (cancer producing substance) above the acceptable intake level. The regular immediate acting variety of Metformin is not affected by t his reca l l. T his gener ic Metformin comes in various br a nd n a mes (G lucoph age, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, and Glumet za). T he basic act ive ingredient in Metformin is fine; it is the contaminant, NDMA, that is the impurity which must be el i m i nated, or, at least , reduced to an acceptable safe level by the manufacturer.

Is my Metformin part of the recall?

To find out if the Metformin Extended Release you are taking is part of the recall, go to the FDA website and check on Drug Recalls. So far, the subject of the recalls are Apotex Cor p, A m nea l Pha r ma, a nd four other yet unnamed firms, wh ich are t he producers of t he contam i nated E x tended Release version of Metformin.

T he Tag i Pha r ma, wh ich is Costco’s supplier of Metformin ER in Las Vegas, has not been implicated in the recall at this time. When FDA informs the drug stores a certain drug is under recall, the pharmacists automatically call the patientc ustomer s. Reca l l s usua l ly do not result in drug supply shortage.

What is the risk for Met-

formin users?

FDA states it “does not expect n it rosa m i nes to cause h a r m w hen i nge s te d at or below t he acceptable intake limit levels (such low levels of nitrosamines are present in foods in low levels and ingested as part of usual diets) even over a long period of time (such as a 70-year lifespan).

Nitrosamine impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them at above acceptable levels over long periods of time, but we do not anticipate that shorter term exposure at levels above the acceptable intake limit would lead to an increase in the risk of cancer. We are working to ensure medicines on the U.S. market do not exceed the acceptable intake limit.”

W hat to do i f you r Metformin ER is recalled?

W hen your Metformin Extended Release is part of the recall, contact your physician who would deal with your new pr esc r ipt ion . I n t he mea ntime, while waiting for your physician’s adv ice, t he FDA recommends not to stop the Metformin you are taking until the replacement prescription has been filled. The recalled tablets may be returned to the pharmacist when getting your new medication.

How long has this contamination been?

The FDA does not have science-based information as to how long this NDMA impurities have been in the Metformin Extended Release tablets, but it started its investigation in December 2019 and found Singapore, among other countries, was a source of the supply of the NDMA contaminated Metformin Extended Release sold in the USA. W hat is FDA’s new mandate?

The FDA “is also asking all ma nu fact u rer s of ex tended release versions of metformin to evaluate their risk of excessive NDMA and to test at-risk product before each batch is released onto the U.S. market.

If testing shows NDMA above the acceptable intake limit, the manufacturer must inform the agency and should not release the batch to the U.S. market.”

Zantac is also tainted The popular OTC stomach acid reducer Zantac (Raniti-

dine) has also been recalled.

The FDA announced it is “requesting manufacturers withdraw all prescription and overthe-counter (OTC) ranitidine drugs from the market immediately. This is the latest step in an ongoing investigation of the contaminant N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in ranitidine medications (commonly known by t he brand name Zantac).

T he agency has deter mined that the impurity in some ranitidine products increases over time and when stored at higher than room temperature, and may result in consumer exposure to unacceptable levels of this impurity. As a result of this immediate market withdrawal request, ranitidine products will not be available for new or existing prescriptions or OTC use in the U.S.” Blood pressure pill recall T he FDA has adv ised t he public about its ongoing investigation about the recent voluntar y recal ls of var ious generic angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) drugs used for high blood pressure and heart failure. According to the US-FDA “Hetero Labs Ltd. in India has announced a recall of 87 lots of losartan potassium tablets (25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg). T he r eca l led losa r t a n pot assiu m t ablet s made by Hetero Labs and distributed by Camber Pharmaceuticals contain the impurity, N-NitrosoN-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid ( N M BA ). T he i mpu r it y is a known animal and potential human carcinogen. This is the first ARB recall resulting from the presence of NMBA, which is the third type of nitrosamine impurity detected in ARB medicines. Recent testing of these recalled lots of losartan potassium tablets showed NM BA levels higher than the FDA’s interim acceptable intake limits.

The FDA’s evaluation suggests that the nitrosamines found in ARBs may be generated when specific chemicals and reaction conditions are present in the manufacturing process of the drug’s Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), and may also result from the reuse of materials, such as solvents.”

Not a l l ma nu fact u rer s of Losartan Potassium are subject of this recall, and not all generic or brand name Losartan PAGE B5

Pechanga Resort Casino opens with limited operations ON Monday, June 1 at 12 p.m., Pechanga Resort Casino, located just outside of Temecula, CA, reopened to the public. The West Coast’s largest casino/resort closed March 16 after a decision by Pechanga Tribal leaders was made to help stop the spread of COVID19. Pechanga Resort Casino opened with limited operations as the facility opens in a phased, incremental approach.

On June 1, guests lined up earlier than 8 a.m. while also maintaining at least six feet of physical distance before entering the main doors after having their temperatures screened.

Only half of Pechanga’s slot machines (approximately 2,500) are available to guests with every other game switched on.

Table games offer fewer gaming seats and guests will see plexiglass safety shields between them, other players and the dealer. Five of Pechanga’s 13 restaurants, as well as three stations within the six dining options at its food court, are open with limited capacity to serve guests.

“The health and safety of our guests, team members and community is and has always been our number one priority at Pechanga,” said Jared Munoa, President of the Pechanga Development Corporation. “The casino and resort looks and operates differently than we did only a few months ago.

All of the new procedures and restrictions all direct back to best practices for safety and well-being.”

“I am so glad to be back at Pechanga. Win, lose or draw, I love it. It’s like my Disneyland for adults,” said Betty Davison who drove from Los Angeles to come to Pechanga Resort Casino on June 1.

Pechanga Resort Casino’s environmental services department worked though the temporary closure to deep clean and disinfect every area of the resort and casino multiple times. This includes but is not limited to hotel rooms, lobbies, restaurants and kitchens, slot machines, table games, entrances and exits, elevators and escalators, restrooms, door handles, handrails, ATMs, kiosks, counters and more.

The following are some of the main differences guests will see, as well as safety rules Pechanga guests must follow when visiting during its initial opening phases: • Smoking not permitted inside for initial reopening phase.

• Guests will pass through a temperature screening kiosk at one of four available entrances.

• Face coverings will be required.

• Every other slot machine

Sign outside of one of Pechanga’s entrances reminds guests about temperature protocols – Pechanga guest has temperature scanned before going inside on June 1.

will be in use to allow for proper physical distancing.

• Reduced number of table games. Plexiglass safety shields at games in use.

• Approximately 50% of normal seating capacity at restaurants initially open.

• Six feet of physical distance between each guest required where line queuing is needed.

• No concerts or major events to be held in the near-term.

All shows that were scheduled for performance at Pechanga Resort Casino for June 2020 have been postponed. All previously booked concerts for June will be rescheduled with artists and their management for dates beyond 2020 as calendar and artist availability allows.

Pechanga’s hotel is currently accepting reservations for July 1 and beyond, though it is currently not open.

Pechanga Bingo and Poker, Spa Pechanga, The Cove pool complex, Eagle’s Nest Nightclub, and the Pechanga Comedy Club remain closed during this

initial opening phase.

Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the number one casino in the country by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 5,000 of the hottest slots, table games, worldclass entertainment, 1,090 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebookand on Twitter @ PechangaCasino.

(Advertising Supplement)

Vice calls on lawmakers to address people’s fears on anti-terror bill

by Niña

V. GuNo

Inquirer.net

VICE Ganda, the latest star to decry the anti-terrorism bill, called on lawmakers to address the fears that people have toward it after Congress passed it on Wednesday, June 3 on its final reading.

President Rodrigo Duterte certified as urgent House Bill No. 6875 on Monday, June 1.

After being passed in both Senate and Congress, it now only needs the president’s signature to be signed into law.

Human rights groups and opposition lawmakers warn that the bill could be abused to target critics and crack down on any form of dissent.

Vice voiced his concerns over the bill in a tweet this afternoon, June 4. “Naniniwala ako na mahalagang magkaroon ng batas na magbibigay sa atin ng proteksyon laban sa terorismo.

Pero mahalaga din na ang mga batas na ito ay hindi makatapak sa ating mga human rights at civil liberties.”

(I believe that it is important to have a law that gives us protection against terrorism. But it is also important that these laws do not trample on human rights and civil liberties.)

“Ang AntiTerrorismBill ay dapat magtanggal sa akin ng takot sa banta ng terorismo,” he said.

“Ngunit kung depektibo o kulang sa kalinawan ang pagkakalahad nito ay maaaring magresulta ito sa pangaabuso ng autoridad na syang nagbibigay sa akin ng malaking takot na baka matanggalan ako ng mga karapatan at kalayaan.”

Vice Ganda

(The anti-terrorism bill should remove fears from the threat of terrorism. But if its presentation is defective or lacks clarity, then it could result in abuse of authority, which gives me immense fear that I could be stripped of rights and freedom.)

He appealed to lawmakers, “[S]ana’y bigyan [n’yo] ng atensyon at halaga ang aming mga pangamba bago [n’yo] tuluyang pagdesisyunan ang batas na ito.”

(I hope you give attention and importance to our apprehensions before you decide on this law.)

“ANG KAILANGAN NG MGA

Photo from Instagram/@praybeytbenjamin

P I L I P I N O S A N G AYO N AY MAKARAMDAM NG PROTEKSYON AT DI NG ANUMANG URI NG TAKOT,” he stressed and used the hashtag #JunkTerrorBill.

(What Filipinos need now is to feel protected, instead of feeling fear in whatever form.)

The bill replaces the Human Security Act, with suspected terrorists facing up to 24 days in jail without a warrant of arrest, instead of three days in current laws. It also removes the provision of payment of P500,000 damages per day of detention of any person acquitted of terrorism charges.

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 6-9, 2020

B

Maymay bares ‘worst critic’ Mark, Nicole announce engagement in her 4 years in showbiz

by Ratziel

San Juan Philstar.com

by MaRinel

STAR-crossed lovers Mark Herras and Nicole Donesa are officially engaged!

On F r iday, Ju ne 5, Ma rk posted a photo of two hands locked together, with one donning an engagement ring.

“A n g m a h a l i n ka at m akasama ka habang buhay... I love you itchybear #toinfinityandbeyond” the 33-year-old wrote.

T his f ina l ly con f i r med months of speculation beginning February that the couple is eyeing wedding bells.

Nicole and her groom-to-be star ted out last year as costars of the GM A A fternoon Prime series “Bihag.”

A day after the series concluded, the 26-year-old actress publicly revealed her relationship with Mark.

Mark Herras and Nicole Donesa

CRuz

Inquirer.net

“I ONCE saw myself acting on TV, and I felt embarrassed.

It was obvious, even to me, that I was merely faking it,” said young star May may Ent rata when asked to recall at what point in her four-year show biz career did she begin to take acting seriously.

This was when she played support to the tandem of Kat h r y n Ber na rdo a nd Da n iel Padilla in t he 2017 fantasyadvent u re ser ies, “La Lu na Sangre.”

She confessed: “I looked like a still photograph there. As an audience, I didn’t feel anything from the Maymay I saw.”

The 23-year-old actress added: “I felt lost, so kinapalan ko na ang mukha ko. I approached management to say I wanted to attend an acting workshop.”

Maymay recently attended an on line panel discussion, t it led “Ac tor’s C ue,” a long with fellow ABS-CBN artists Kathr yn, Maja Salvador and Dimples Romana. The chat was part of the “#ExtendTheLove” fundraiser for displaced film workers, organized by film and TV director Adolf Alix Jr. W it h pr o p er t r a i n i ng i n acting, Maymay, whose entry in show biz was via the reality show “Pinoy Big Brother (PBB),” said she bravely took on other roles soon after. Since then, she has been featured in three episodes of the drama anthology “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” a teleserye titled “Hiwaga ng Kambat,” and three big-screen projects, “Da One That Ghost Away,” “Fantastica” and “Hello, Love, Goodbye.”

“I realized that it was important for an actor to prepare before going to the set. That’s why I invested my mind, emotions and money on learning act ing,” she pointed out. “I started in a reality show. Back then, I thought that after the contest, I’d simply go back to the province (Cagayan de Oro).

I was fine with the house and lot, as well as the P1 million that I won from the show. But when I stepped out of the PBB House, I was shocked. I was given so many blessings that felt too overwhelming.”

Photo from Instagram/@herrasmarkangeloofficial

Warning: Drug/food recalls...

Maymay (right) with Kathryn Bernardo

“I didn’t know how to handle them at first. I kept hearing people say that I should just embrace it because not many are given this unique opportunity,” she added.

M ay m ay s a i d s he wou l d continue to learn from people she has worked with.

“Back then, I didn’t know how to manage my emotions.

I thought I would just memorize my lines, throw them in front of the camera, then I’m done,” she said, adding that her perspective changed when she began observing her Ate Kathryn on the “La Luna Sangre” set. “ T her e’s t h i s one s c ene when she was supposed to cast a longing look at our lola and cry quietly. After one take, she was called by our director to check if she was already OK with it. I was surprised when she asked for another take because, for me, that was already fine,” said Maymay.

She t hen recal led feeling sta r st r uck w it h Da n iel a nd totally losing her composure when she was asked to do a scene with him.

PAGE B4 are contaminated. To find out if the ARB you are taking is part of the recall, contact your Inquirer.net photo pharmacist.

Other recalled items “He’s my br ot her i n t he Some of the other tainted series. In the scene, we were common products recalled by about to go to sleep, and he the US-FDA include: various was supposed to kiss me on homeopathic products, Cant he for ehead,” she sa id. “I nabidol CBD Complex, Curcujust couldn’t contain myself min Complex, Cannabidol Plus because I could still remember Curcumin, Watermelon CBD the people I bumped into in all oil, Active Male capsules, male the mall shows I went, just to enhancement capsules, Bull see him. I couldn’t grasp the Platinum 30,000 sex pills, Finidea that I was already work- asteride Plus 1.25mg capsules, ing with him. It didn’t help that Tertracycline Hydrochloride he said, ‘Relax, Maymay. Ako 250 and 500mg, Alka Seltzer lang ito!’”

Plus, Ketorolac, and 95% Ethyl She said she also had a hard Alcohol by Lake Michigan Dist i me doi ng t he k id nappi ng tilling company. scene with the program’s vilFood recall lain, Richard Gutierrez.

Some of the 2020 food re“My kidnapper was so goodlooking! It was hard to show the needed emotion. I would my c h a r ac ter. I wa s happy just stare at his face. It was that I got to discuss with her f un ny because our d i rector my character’s issues and the told me, ‘Maymay you have to emotions that I needed to give. set aside your personal feelings I realized how important it was because you’re working.’” to have a good relat ionship The set of the film, “Hello, w it h my d i r ec tor, coac tor s Love, Goodbye,” also served as and the production team. If I a training ground for Maymay. feel comfortable and safe, I’m “I was afraid of Direk Cathy more open.”

(Garcia-Molina) at first. People These days, Maymay said advised me to ask questions she is her own worst critic. “I from her if there was anything used to overthink things, espethat I didn’t understand about cially when I was just starting.

ca l ls i nclude conta m i nated Conagra Brands Frozen NotR ead y-To -E at C h ic ken a nd Turkey Bowl products, Evans Food Group Ready-To-Eat Pork skin products, Nestle Prepared Foods Lean Cuisi ne Fett uccini Alfredo, Ideal Foods Meat and Poultry Flatbread Pizza, Amity Packing Products R AW G ROU N D B e ef . G o o gle for other recalls.

Device recall Giant medical device maker Medt ron ic has reca l led t he auto-reg ist rat ion feat u re of their StealthStation Deep Brain Stimulation Soft ware (brain neu rost i mu lator pacema ker – used for Parkinson’s, essential tremors, dystonia) due to inaccuracies which could be serious or life-threatening to the patient.

Indeed, t he US-FDA , l i ke the Philippine BFAD (renamed FDA i n 2009), has t he dut y and responsibility to protect the nation and the people by c on s t a nt l y mon itor i ng t he quality and safety of consumer items in the market and advising the public accordingly in a timely fashion to safeguard and maintain the good health of the people. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Public Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino U n ite d N et wo r k- USA , a 5 0 1(c) 3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN888.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

I worry about not being able to give the right emotion, about not understanding my character cor rect ly. W hen I see myself on TV, I would watch closely to check if I’m consistent in my portrayal.”

May may said she has yet to take on a role that’s different from her own personality.

“Like me, they’re all simple, cheerful and very probinsyana.

If I get offered a role that would be too difficult, I will just have

to recall what Ate Maja told me when I once visited her in her dressing room.

“She said, ‘It’s easy to shift emotions when you know everything there is to know about your character.’ In my workshops, I lear ned t he importance of character analysis—is she rich or poor? How does she view herself and t he world?

T hat’s what I a lways br i ng with me when I take on a new role.”

B June 6-9, 2020 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JOuRnAL

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

Would you move to a What is a postnuptial agreement? tax-free state to save taxes?

Barrister’s Corner

Tax Tips

Victor Sy, cPA, MBA & roger L. orieL I would, especially if I’m retired. would you consider moving from high-tax California or New York to tax-free Nevada or Florida? You could. But then, there are other considerations; but for now, let’s just talk about taxes… and a related issue of audits by your former state, the one you’re moving from. let’s discuss the risk of a residency audit when you escape to a tax

haven state.

Here are 10 reasons that the state you’re moving from may audit you: • You are in a high tax bracket.

• You are a resident of a hightax state.

• You move from a high-tax state to tax-free state.

• You still have a home in your former state.

• You still maintain social ties in your former state.

• You still maintain business ties in your former state.

• You still maintain driver’s license in your former state.

• You still vote in your former state.

• You move just before sell-

ing a business • You move just before selling stocks or other valuable assets. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

Social media information and US visa Tapat Sa Batas Atty. rheA SAMSon sA panahon ngayon ng pandemic at dahil sa madaming lockdown order sa buong mundo, marami ang nagtatrabaho mula sa bahay. Marami rin ang bumabaling sa social media upang magbahagi ng impormasyon, balita at kanilang mga sentimiento. dapat malaman ng u.s. visa applicants na sila ay kailangang mag-submit ng impormasyon tungkol sa mga social media account na kanilang kasalukuyang ginagamit, pati na rin yung mga social media account na ginamit nila noong nakaraang 5 taon. Ito ay sang-ayon sa u.s. state department policy na naging epektibo noong Mayo 31, 2019.

Ayon sa department of state (dos), kailangan nila ang social media identifiers upang madetermina kung ang immigrant visa applicants at nonimmigrant visa applicants ay papasa sa mga pamantayan para mabigyan ng visa. Ito rin ay makakatulong upang makilatis ng dos kung may fraud o panloloko, panlilinlang at pagsisinungaling ang visa applicant at kung ito ay may potensyal na pagbabanta.

Maliban dito, ayon sa dos, ang social media information ay magpapabuti ng screening process upang maprotektahan ang mga u.s. citizen, habang sinusuportahan ang legitimate travel sa u.s.

Ang dos ay dati pang humihingi ng contact information, travel history, family member information, previous addresses at work history mula sa visa applicants. Ayon sa dos, ang pagkuha at pagkolekta ng social media identifiers at information ay magpapalakas ng kanilang vetting process ng us visa applicants. sinasakop ng social media identifier ang lahat ng pangalan at account sa social media

platform tulad ng Facebook, Instagram, twitter, Flickr, linkedIn, Myspace, pinterest, tumblr and Youtube. Ito ay magbibigay sa dos ng access sa personal data na karaniwang ibinabahagi sa social media, katulad ng religious at political affiliations, milestones, contacts, associations, habits, preferences, at sentiments. dahil dito, ang mga post sa social media ay maaaring interpretahin, suriin at i-monitor ng u.s. government. subalit, kung hindi titignan ang kontexto ng online posting, maaari hindi ito maunawaan at mabigyan ng maling interpretasyon.

Habang imposible na tignan at suriin ng dos ang lahat ng social media accounts ng lahat ng visa applicants, maaaring ang makitang social media posts ay humantong sa denial ng visa kung may mga inconsistency sa online post at visa application. Halimbawa, ang isang B2 tourist visa applicant na nagpost sa Facebook na kanyang “pangarap ang mag-aral at tumira sa u.s.” ay maaaring hindi maaprubahan ng tourist visa. during this pandemic and due to lockdown orders all over the world, a lot of people are working from home and turning to social media to share information, news and sentiments. Visa applicants to the u.s. should be aware that they are required to submit any information about social media accounts they are using and those that they have used in the past 5 years under u.s. state department policy, which became effective on May 31, 2019.

According to the department of state (dos), it needs social media identifiers to determine whether immigrant visa applicants and non-immigrant visa applicants meet the standards for getting a visa, to identify fraud and misrepresentations that disguise potential threats.

Furthermore, this will improve screening process to protect us citizens, while supporting legitimate travel to the u.s. dos already previously requests and obtains certain contact information, travel his-

tory, family member information, and previous addresses and work history from visa applicants. per dos, collecting social media identifiers and information will strengthen their process for vetting the applicants and confirming their identity. social media identifier is defined by dos as including any name used on social media platform like, Facebook, Instagram, twitter, Flickr, linkedIn, Myspace, pinterest, tumblr at Youtube. this would give dos access to personal data commonly shared in social media, including religious and political affiliations, milestones, contacts, associations, habits, preferences, and sentiments. thus, what one says online can be interpreted, analyzed and monitored by u.s. government. However, absent a review of the context in which the posts are made, the online posts can be misunderstood and misinterpreted. while it may be impossible for dos to look into all social media accounts of all visa applicants, a screening of said social media posts may lead to denial of u.s. visa if there are inconsistencies between the visa applicant’s posts and their application.

For example, a B2 tourist visa applicant’s posts on Facebook that it is his “dream to study and live in the u.s.” may be denied the tourist visa. *** ATTY. RHEA SAMSON is the principal of SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C. She has been a member of the State Bar of California for over 15 years and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for over 20 years. Atty. Samson received her Legal Management degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and her Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo Law School. She was a Professor for over 10 years, teaching Obligations and Contracts, Labor Laws and Social Legislation and Taxation Law. Atty Samson is the author of The Law on Obligations and Contracts (2016), Working with Labor Laws-Revised Edition (2014) and Working with Labor Laws (2005).

SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C., 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1710, Los Angeles, CA 90010; Phone: (213) 274-4561; Email: info@ samsonlawfirmpc.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

The critical work of justice and peace The Prophetic Voice reVerend rodeL g. BALAgtAS ouR country has a dire and urgent need for prayers, my friends. Not only has it suffered tremendously from the coronavirus pandemic, but it’s also undergoing unrest civic and political unrest. the unjust death of George Floyd in the hands of the several policemen in Minneapolis has triggered demonstrations and unacceptable violence, looting, and burning of businesses and vehicles across our country, including here in los Angeles. we pray today for George Floyd and his family and the end of racism in our country. we pray for dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect to bring immediate resolution to this unrest in our society.

Ironically, the turmoils here in los Angeles began last pentecost sunday, when we commemorated the sending the Holy spirit to the disciples and Mary to bring peace and reconciliation to all people and the world. In the Gospel, the Risen lord ad-

dressed his disciples, saying, “peace be with you. As the Father has sent you, so I send you. Receive the Holy spirit. whose sins you forgive are forgiven them and whose sin you retain are retained.”

Indeed, our lord Jesus sent his disciples on a mission of reconciliation and peace. But let us not forget that he also sent them to build and Kingdom of justice in the world.

It’s because there will never be peace without justice.

And so, yes, the public protest against racism is a work of a disciple. It fulfills his or her prophetic role to de-

But the looting, burning, and violence are not works of the Holy spirit. they come from the evil one who wants to divide and terrorize us. they might reveal the frustrations of people regarding poverty, joblessness, and unfair practices. still, they are not the right means to call attention to our leaders and policymakers. the real works of the Holy spirit are born out of love, mercy, compassion, truth, and justice. they are what we all need to achieve. our lord Jesus has passed on these works to all of us, to all people of different generations.

His work and mission never end. It’s why his message of peace and reconciliation is more relevant and critical today. the emphasis of pentecost is not what happened to Jesus, but what happened to the disciples: their new experience of power, manifested by their boldness in proclaiming “the great deeds of God.” we pray that we also show God’s works in our lives by our courage to preach the Gospel effectively and powerfully to transform our civic and political society. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

“To protest against injustice is a brave act of discipleship.” cry discrimination and unfair treatment of people of color and other races. But it must be done peacefully and respectfully, not instigating violence and terror. to protest against injustice is a brave act of discipleship.

It makes our local authorities and government accountable to our people’s needs and longings. It brings real issues to the desks and tables of policymakers. It brings changes and transformations to a nation and our lives.

A postNuptIAl agreement is a contract between you and your spouse entered into after you get married resolving issues in your marriage. It is similar to a prenuptial agreement except it occurs after your marriage. For couples that get married without a prenuptial agreement, it is not too late to have an agreement dealing with issues of property division, management of finances, spousal support, division of a business that takes effect in case of a divorce.

You can enter into a postnuptial agreement even if the marriage is going well. people grow and change over time.

You can never predict if your relationship with your spouse will stay the same in the future.

In a way, it is a form of planning to cover the contingency in case the marriage does not work out in the future.

If you are the spouse who is the primary breadwinner such as a Registered Nurse, a physician, or other professional, California community property law provides for a 50% interest to your spouse for any income earned by you during the marriage and any property acquired by you and your spouse during the marriage. Basically, your spouse has a one-half interest in your salary, earnings, and any assets you acquired during the marriage even if it was you who sweated to earn that money and even if a particular asset or bank account is under your name alone. this 50/50 division can be changed even after the marriage by ways of a postnuptial agreement. what issues can be resolved in advance through a postnuptial agreement? You can agree on how a business or a professional practice is to be divided in case of a divorce. through the postnuptial agreement, the division does not have to be 50/50. the agreement can provide that the business will be awarded to one spouse alone or it can provide a cer-

Atty. Kenneth UrSUA reyeS tain amount of buyout to the other spouse. there is a lot of flexibility as to how you want to structure this.

You can also provide for how real property is to be divided such as a house or rental property. typically, a house purchased during the marriage is community property to be divided equally. A house purchased before the marriage is separate property but if there was a mortgage or refinancing during the marriage and the monthly mortgage payment is paid from earnings during the marriage, there could be

solved in a postnuptial agreement are division of debts and credit cards, ownership of a life insurance policy, beneficiaries to a life insurance policy, and who gets the family pet. since the postnuptial agreement is the first issue that can be attacked in a divorce case, it is best that each party be represented by their own attorney in negotiating the agreement. In that case, there is less likelihood that the postnuptial agreement will be found invalid since you can argue that there was no undue influence since both parties were represented by counsel.

Having a postnuptial is definitely beneficial in minimizing the uncertainty in the future pertaining to your marriage and finances. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, nonspecific legal information.

This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association for 2005. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

Mr. Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com; visit at www.kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

For couples that get married without a prenuptial agreement, it is not too late to have an agreement dealing with issues of property division, management of finances, spousal support, division of a business that takes effect in case of a divorce. a community interest in that separate property house which entitles your spouse to a portion of the house. this confusion can be squared away and clarified in a postnuptial agreement. You can provide for who gets the house and what buy out , if any, your spouse will get in case of a divorce. spousal support can also be addressed in the postnuptial agreement. A common provisions is to agree to a certain amount of spousal support which varies depending on how long the marriage was at the time the parties divorce. It is also possible to waive spousal support altogether. However, such waiver of support will be scrutinized as to unconscionability at the time of the divorce. other issues that can be re-

Trustee, debtor mutually dismiss adversary claims for $1-M

tHE client’s company filed for Chapter 7 relief as it was bankrupt. It had two warehouses and rent for one was $15,000 a month, while the other was $20,000 a month. the original business started 12 years ago when client had a partner. they imported merchandise from Asia and distributed them here in the usA. For eight years, business was good. on the ninth year, business started deteriorating with sales going down about 40%. the partner decided he wanted to split up and not do the business anymore. the client then bought off the partner and paid him a lump sum amount for the inventory. the client then set up an llC to take over the business. the first year operations were breakeven; the second year operations had some profit. overseas suppliers were shipping merchandise with extended credit to the llC. on the third year, it appears that there was too much competition, and losses were being incurred monthly. the llC could not pay the rent for two warehouses, so it stopped paying rent on the bigger warehouse and consolidated inventory in the smaller warehouse. the landlord for the bigger warehouse sued the llC for unpaid rent of $240,000. on year three, the llC could not pay its suppliers on time despite extended credit, so the client, as the company’s CEo, decided to return all unpaid merchandise to suppliers. let’s just end this here because what happens next gets a little complicated.

I represent the llC in its Chapter 7 petition. since the merchandise was returned to suppliers, the llC no longer had any inventory, or if it did, inventory was negligible. the client testified at several hearings with the Chapter 7 trustee that the llC did not have inventory, which was the truth. And what is the reason why it no longer had inventory? Because the llC could not pay the suppliers and so the llC returned the entire

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng inventory to unpaid suppliers. well and good. that’s the truth anyway.

However, it doesn’t end there. It’s a long story. First, the client attempts by himself, without me or other counsel, to respond to the 2004 exam conducted by trustee. this is a deposition where the trustee’s lawyer gets to ask the client anything that he wants and needs to so he can understand what happened to the inventory. the problem is that the tax returns for year three shows that there is about $1 million worth of inventory while the client has testified that there is no inventory. so what is really going on?

I’m out of the picture at that point because the client did not retain me for the 2004 exam. second, at the same time that the trustee subpoena’s client for the 2004 exam, the trustee also files an adversary case against client, as an individual, to recover some amounts that he thinks were preferential payments made by the llC to client. the amount is not big. But it’s just a preferential payment action that involves a small amount, less than $50,000.

After the deposition, the trustee then amends the adversary against the client alleging that the client had concealed the $1-M inventory, and he wants the $1M back in cash from client. whoa, now that’s a pretty big claim! so now the client hires me again to represent him in the adversary. the trustee throws everything against the client, including the kitchen sink, in the amended complaint, which now sounds like a criminal case with all kinds of conspiracies perpetrated by the client to hide the $1-M inventory from the trustee. this is a simple Chapter 7 case that has exploded into a

very complicated legal case!

In short, the trustee has actually accused the client of committing a crime by hiding $1-M of inventory.

In the client’s answer to the amended complaint, we include a counter claim against the trustee for $1-M. so now that issues have joined, the trustee and the client are suing each other for $1-M, with the trustee accusing the client of having committed several crimes. this case was litigated for two years and finally ended with parties, the trustee and the client dismissing their claims against each other.

It’s a mutual dismissal of the adversary claims. the settlement was arrived at after a one-day settlement conference with the help of a very experienced mediator who was a Federal Bankruptcy judge who had just retired. she was most helpful in the resolution of the case and I wish to give her our thanks for all her help and insight to resolve this case amicably. we were prepared to go to trial in case the mediation failed. But the judge did point out some weaknesses in the documentary evidence. At trial, I had no idea how the trial court would rule. the client had lots of documentary evidence to prove his case, but at the same time, there were discrepancies in the tax returns.

I believe there was divine intervention through the judge because she really saw both sides of the argument impartially. *** Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is considered legal advice. Each case is different. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes i n B a n k r u p t c y, B u s i n e s s , R e a l 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)

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

Returning to work after the employee’s or family member’s COVID-19 illness Interactive process in the COVID-19 era Q: MY work required me to or having had, any mental or interact with a lot of people. Protecting physical condition or adverse I became infected with COgenetic information that makes VID-19. I was hospitalized and Employee achievement of a major life acwent on disability leave. After & Consumer tivity difficult; or being subject8 weeks of quarantine and afed to an adverse employment ter being relieved of symptoms, Rights action (such as being fired or my doctor ordered another test, demoted) whether or not the which came back negative. I Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. perceived condition limits, or is was then cleared to go back perceived to limit, a major life to work. When I called my em- one or more major life activity. activity. ployer I was told that I needed The anti-discrimination laws proA “perceived potential disto submit two negative COVID- tect persons who have a record ability” includes being regard19 tests before I can come back of such a disability, even if they ed, or treated by the employer to work. The next day, I re- do not currently have a disabil- as having, or having had, a ceived a call from HR that I was ity. Individuals who do not have physical or mental disease, being terminated because “they a disability but are regarded as disorder, or condition that has just could not take the chance.” having a disability are also pro- no present disabling effect, but tected.

What are my rights? may become a mental or physiThe ADA also makes it un- cal disability.

A: The continuing uncertainty brought by the COVID-19 lawful to discriminate against a An employer may harbor sepandemic has undoubtedly cre- person based on that person’s rious concerns about an asympated fear among us. Nowhere is association with a person with tomatic employee previously this fear more evident than in a disability. The FEHA defines diagnosed with COVID-19. But the workplace, if the employee as employees is now healthy return to work able to work “This medical crisis has brought emergency and after the nearwithout being legislation aimed to protect employees’ ing completion a threat to their of the stay at health or those rights in light of the new conditions. home order. It of others, they has become anare equally entiExisting laws that protect those who had other challenge, tled to disability been sick, however, remain in place.” especially for protection. those employTherefore, if ees who recovthe employee ered from a positive or “pre- disability to include actual or has been given a clean bill of sumptive positive” diagnosis perceived physical or mental health by their doctor, is able to of COVID-19, or who had cared disability or medical condition perform the essential functions for a family member who had a that is disabling, potentially dis- of the job with or without reaabling or perceived to be dis- sonable accommodation, and COVID-19 illness.

These returning employees abling (“perceived disability”) or has provided the appropriate may be subjected to discrimi- potentially disabling (“perceived documentation, the employee nation or harassment based potential disability”). The ADA should be allowed to return to on their actual or (simply) per- applies to workplaces with 15 work. ceived disability, or based on a or more employees, while FEHA *** provides a threshold of 5 or more The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, record or history of disability.

This medical crisis has employees.

Jr. welcomes inquiries about this A “record or history of disabil- topic. All inquiries are confidential brought emergency legislation aimed to protect employees’ ity” includes previously having, and at no-cost. You can contact rights in light of the new condi- or being misclassified as having, the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit tions. Existing laws that protect a record or history of a mental or www.joesayaslaw.com. [For more those who had been sick, how- physical disability of which the than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., ever, remain in place. Disability employer is aware. For example, Esq. has successfully recovered laws under the Fair Employ- an employee may have had a wages and other monetary damages ment and Housing Act (FEHA) history of virus transmission. If, for thousands of employees and and the Americans with Dis- however, they are now healthy consumers. He was named Top Labor abilities Act (ADA) continue to and able to work, that employee & Employment Attorney in California is protected from discrimination. by the Daily Journal, consistently be in effect.

A “perceived disability” means selected as Super Lawyer by the These laws prohibit discrimination against a person with a being “regarded” or “treated” Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past disability. Disability is defined as having a disability. Perceived Presidential Awardee for Outstanding as a physical or mental impair- disability includes being treat- Filipino Overseas.] ment that substantially limits ed by the employer as having, (Advertising Supplement)

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 6-9, 2020

Maximizing recovery in personal injury cases

DEAR Attorney Tan, I was driving home and was at a complete stop when another driver rear ended my car. I was not feeling well after the accident, as my back seemed very tight and stiff. I took some days off from work. After a week, I contacted the other driver’s insurance to report the claim. The insurance adjuster for the other driver said they would fix my car, and offered me $500.00 for my injuries. Is that enough?

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

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

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

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

Loss of earnings are often a significant part of an

B

lost as a result of his/ her injury, the loss of benefits, and the rate of pay during the time of loss is evidence of the value of one’s loss of earnings claim. Other supporting documents include pay stubs, time cards, and Atty. DArriCk tAn tax returns. The monetary value of sick leave and vacainjured person’s claim for tion time that are used due economic damages.

Dam- to the injury are also recovages are recoverable for both erable. For those self-empast and future lost earnings. ployed, earnings history as To recover for past lost earn- ref lected by tax returns and ings, a person must prove the profit and loss statements amount of income or earnings can help prove the value of that he/she has lost to date. lost earnings. Similar supTo recover damages for fu- porting documentation must ture earnings, a person must be presented for future lost prove the amount of income earnings.

Apart from economic damor earnings that he/she will be reasonably certain to lose ages, you can recover “general damages,” which are damages for the pain, suffering, and inconvenience due to the accident.

If you were suffered injury in an auto accident or someone’s premises, please contact our office to discuss your case. To maximize monetary recovery, it is important to have the assistance of an in the future as a result of the experienced attorney in preinjury. CACI No. 3903C. senting your personal injury How are past lost earnings claim. proven? Medical records, *** which show the doctor autho- Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted rizing a release from work or to practice law in California and giving instructions to restrict Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of work activities, can support UCLA and Southwestern University the time taken off from work School of Law. He is a member of due to the injury. For those the American Immigration Lawyers self-employed, medical pro- Association and Consumers Attorviders typically do not provide ney Association of Los Angeles. a release from work; however, Previously, He was a member of medical records should re- the Board of Governors of the Philcord work restrictions placed ippine American Bar Association. by the medical provider. *** After showing that the time LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, off was justified, the next 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, step is to value the lost earn- Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323ings. A letter from a person’s 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw. employer that outlines the com amount of time that one has (Advertising Supplement)

Legal Advice

Loss of earnings are often a significant part of an injured person’s claim for economic damages. Damages are recoverable for both past and future lost earnings. To recover for past lost earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/she has lost to date.

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

B June 6-9, 2020 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JOuRnAL

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