102120 - Southern California Midweek Edition

October 21-23, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 83 • 2 Sections - 14 Pages

DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

AAPI nonprofits, OC Health Care Agency expand free coronavirus testing ORANGE County is home to the nation’s third-largest Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities (AAPI) who are facing barriers to getting COVID-19 information and accessing testing.

The AAPI population makes up more than 20% of the county’s population and OC Health Care Agency’s data-driven approach utilizing test positivity and death rates has led to a partnership with the OC AAPI COVID-19 Taskforce to ensure that outreach, education, referral, and testing efforts reach the best health outcomes.

Orange County Health Care Agency has contracted with the OC AAPI COVID-19 Taskforce to decrease the barriers to testing.

Together, they are launching the API Testing Strike Team with testing locations county-wide offering testing three times a week through December 31. A calendar is available on the Taskforce’s website: www. apitaskforce.org.

Metro Manila mayors push for general community quarantine until December

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

METRO Manila mayors are seeking to extend the general community quarantine (GCQ) in their areas until December, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

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A quick rundown of the 2020 California ballot measures

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

published on the website.

“The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has given the DOT a SafeTravels Stamp in recognition of its adoption of ‘health and hygiene global standardized protocols’ that will ensure safe travel during the COVID-19 pandemic,” it added.

SafeTravels is the stamp of approval given by the international organization to certify compliance with its global health standards to allow for safe travels.

Popular tourist spot Boracay Island on October 1 reopened its doors to domestic tourists, receiving a total of 35 visitors the following day.

Other areas that now welcome visitors nationwide include Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan, Clark Freeport Zone and some destina-

THOUGH the presidential race is always the primary focus of every general election, it is only one of at least two dozen items that appear on the big ballot every four years.

This is the time of the election cycle when everybody from elected officials to celebrities are urging voters to complete their civic duty and cast their ballots. In a year with fake drop-off boxes and efforts to suppress the vote are rampant, civic responsibility has never been more consequential.

Those who have received their ballots in the mail (or have already voted early) know that the California ballot is extensive, and each item that needs a vote is just as crucial as the race to the White House.

A majority “yes” vote approves these propositions while a majority “no” rejects them. Here’s a quick guide to the 11 ballot measures for California.

The ones you’ve seen on TV Proposition 14: Stem Cell Research Institute Bond Initiative As expected from the title, this ballot measure, if approved, would send $5.5 billion in general obligation bonds for the state’s stem cell research institute, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).

The increased funds to the CIRM — which would come from investors who would be reimbursed over the next 30 years through taxpayers — would expand research capacity and allocate $1.5 billion for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, epilepsy and other neurological and nervous system illnesses.

The CIRM was established in 2004 as the first-ofits-kind state-sanctioned stem cell agency and was issued $3 billion in bonds. By October 2019, the CIRM had $132 million remaining and earlier in July 2019, the CIRM had seized applications for new projects because funds were drying up.

Supporters — including the CIRM, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the University of California Board of Regents (UC labs and hospitals are a primary beneficiary of the CIRM) — maintain that stem cell research has led to increased understanding of diseases that affect millions of families, biotech jobs and careers and clinical

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US carrier strike group resumes South China Sea operations FOR the third time this year, the U.S. Navy deployed its Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group for maritime security operations in the South China Sea. The carrier strike group comprises forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 and Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54).

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) are also part of the group, according to an October 15 report from the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

“While in the South China Sea, the strike group is conducting maritime security operations, which include flight operations with fixed and rotary wing aircraft, maritime strike exercises, and coordinated tactical training between surface and air units,” the report read.

Read. Adm. George Wikoff, commander of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, said

and then tightening the restrictions, there will be resistance. That’s hard to control,” he added.

The Metro Manila mayors also decided to impose shorter curfew hours in the capital region, going from the current 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew to 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.

“All our mayors agreed to recommend to the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) to extend GCQ until December 31,” MMDA General Manager Jose Arturo Garcia said in Filipino during a virtual press conference on Monday, October 19.

“It is easier to adjust gradually while under GCQ instead of (placing NCR under) MGCQ immediately

CHRISTMAS SYMBOL. Colorful lanterns, Christmas lights, and decorations are on display at the Parolan Bazaar in Farmers Garden Parking in Araneta, Quezon City on Monday, October 19. “Parol” or lantern is among the favorite Christmas decors in the Philippines which is noted for its long Christmas celebration.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

DOT website lists open tourist spots in PH

by AJPRESS

THE Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched a website listing all the local destinations in the country that are accepting visitors again amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The website, philippines.travel/safeph, listed 81 provinces in the country, detailing the tourist spots open in each area as well as health protocols and tourist requirements for the tourists.

“The DOT is ensuring that tourism stakeholders implement the safety protocols and series of precautionary measures set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH), and is promoting habits that the public can adapt to contain the spread of the COVID-19,” the u PAGE A3 agency said in its public safety announcement

DOJ releases anti-terror law rules California issues new reopening guidelines for theme parks, stadiums

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) over the weekend published the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (ATA) on its website.

DOJ undersecretary Adrian Sugay confirmed that the IRR was uploaded on Friday, Oct. 16, adding that the IRR will also be published in two newspapers of general circulation.

The anti-terror law, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3, took effect on July 18.

According to the law’s IRR, there is terrorism when engageA tarpaulin which declares the terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata in Metro Manila was ment in any of the following acts, regardless of the stage of execuseen hanging on a footbridge in Parañaque City on Monday, October 19.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan tion, occurs:

• Acts intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person, or to endanger a person’s life; • Acts intended to cause extensive damage or destruction to a government or public facility, public place, or private property; • Acts intended to cause extensive interference with, damage, or destruction to critical infrastructure; • Developing, manufacturing, possessing, acquiring, transporting, supplying, or using weapons or explosives intended to cause a disproportionate amount of damage, or of biological, nuclear, radiological, or chemical weapons; or • Releasing of dangerous substances, or causing fire, floods,

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by AJPRESS

unveiled two sets of guidelines based on the size of the theme INDIVIDUALS itching to visit park.

Smaller theme parks may rea theme park in California will still have to wait as the coronavi- sume operations in Tier 3 (moderate/orange) by following mearus pandemic continues.

State health officials on Tues- sures, such as limited capacity of day, October 20 issued new re- 25% or 500, whichever is fewer, opening criteria for theme parks opening only outdoor attracto meet. Under the guidelines, tions, and ticket sales limited to Disneyland, Universal Studios visitors in the same county. UnHollywood and other destina- der this tier, new cases must be tions can’t welcome visitors un- around 1 to 4 a day per 100,000 til the county they are in reaches residents.

All other theme parks are althe highest level of the four tier system as part of the state’s CO- lowed to reopen in Tier 4 (yellow/minimal), which allows for VID-19 reopening plan.

In a virtual press briefing, Cal- 25% limited capacity. The parks ifornia Health and Human Ser- must also implement a reservavices Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly u PAGE A4

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From the Front Page

Metro manila mayors push for...

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“This is for our economy, for our establishments to earn more.

More people are expected to dine at restaurants due to the change in the curfew hours,” said Garcia.

“All the mayors agreed to this.

Of course, health protocols must be strictly observed at such establishments,” he added.

The mayors likewise decided to allow people aged 18 to 65 to leave their homes.

Malacañang, for its part, said that the GCQ extension recommended by Metro Manila mayors is subject to the approval of the IATF. “Well, that seems to be the consensus, but I can’t preempt it because it is a collegial decision,” said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

“But what we are seeing right now is, while Metro Manila is under GCQ, we have a wider reopening of industries, and that is what we need because it’s part of our

message to protect our lives so we can continue with our livelihood,” he added.

Roque also reiterated that downgrading to MGCQ will be possible if the number of infections go down.

“Let’s see if it is possible, if the (COVID-19) numbers go down.

We make decisions monthly and October has not yet ended. While we already have initial data, our experts are still studying them to determine the classifications for the month of November,” he said.

“So let us just continue wearing face masks, washing our hands and observing physical distancing and I think anything is possible. But what is non-negotiable is we need to work regardless of the (quarantine) classification,” he added.

Christmas parties banned The mayors in Metro Manila agreed to shorten curfew hours and allow more people to go outside, but Christmas parties will

still be banned.

The mayors decided to allow churches to open at 30% capacity as the holiday season nears, but Christmas parties will not be happening, according to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.

“Parties remain barred under GCQ. NCR mayors have agreed to keep it under GCQ and to ease restrictions only for the economy.

We just need to endure for a little longer,” he said.

Meanwhile, there is still no final decision about Simbang Gabi, as of press time.

“There are recommendations to adjust the curfew during the start of ‘Simbang Gabi’ to 12 a.m. to 3 a.m. But, this is not yet final. It is too early to talk about this. We will release a guideline by the end of A giant Christmas tree stands at the atrium of a mall in Pasig City on Monday, October 19. The government has allowed mall sales and other November,” Garcia said. promotional events subject to health and safety protocols as part of efforts to gradually revive the economy which was hit by the coronavirus To date, there are a total of disease 2019.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon 360,775 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, with 6,690 fatalities and 310,642 recoveries. n PAGE A1 would help revive the country’s quarantine (GCQ) and modified tions in Pampanga, Anilao in tourism industry.

GCQ subject to the regulations Batangas, Tagaytay Highlands, “These new policies, approved imposed by the local governand select golf and country clubs by the IATF, support the De- ment unit (LGU). in Cavite. partment’s programs aimed at “The flexible travel moveSome tourist spots, meanwhile, rebuilding the tourism industry ments, however, do not mean will only accept visitors from spe- to bring back lost jobs and liveli- that we will be relaxing our cific areas like Ilocos Norte ac- hoods and stir local economies,” health standards. We will concepting residents of Luzon. she said. tinue to work with the LGUs in According to Tourism SecreUnder IATF Resolution No. enforcing safety protocols and tary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, 79, non-essential travel is per- enhanced hygiene measures in the Inter-Agency Task Force’s mitted between areas placed all sectors of the tourism indusdecision to travel restrictions under the general community try,” Puyat added. n

DOT website lists open tourist spots...

DOJ releases anti-terror law...

PAGE A1 or explosions.

There is also terrorism when the purpose of any of the engagements listed above, in its nature and context, is to intimidate the general public, create an atmosphere or spread a message of fear, provoke or influence by intimidation the government or any internation organization, seriously destabilize or destroy the fundamental political; economic; or social structures of the country; or create a public emergency.

The IRR stated that activities such as advocacy, protest, dissent, stoppage of work, industrial or mass action, artistic and cultural expressions, or other simi-

lar exercises of civil and political rights are not considered as terrorism when not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to anybody, to endanger a person’s life, or to create serious risk to public safety.

“The burden of proving such intent lies with the prosecution arm of the government,” the IRR said.

“Any person found guilty of committing terrorism as defined in Section 4 of the Act shall suffer the penalty of life imprisonment without benefit of parole and the benefits of Republic Act No. 10592 (the Expanded Good Conduct Time Allowance Law),” it added.

Sugay, the designated spokesperson of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), said in crafting the IRR, they “cannot go beyond what the law provides.”

“We cannot take out anything.

What we did was just break down the provision of the law in its elements to make sure it is properly understood by law enforcement, prosecutors and judges. That’s really all that we can do,” he added.

The anti-terror law has been questioned of its constitutionality by at least 37 petitions filed before the Supreme Court by various groups including lawyers, lawmakers and human rights advocates. n

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Dateline USa

AAPI nonprofits, OC Health Care Agency expand...

PAGE A1 This partnership offers increased in-language education and support, resource referral and linkages, testing navigation, testing follow-up and support, and support for necessary resources. The OC AAPI COVID-19 Taskforce includes:, Korean Community Services, Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center, Hope Community Services, Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance, Pacific Islander Health Partnership, South Asian Network, Southland Integrated Services, The Cambodian Family, and Vietnamese American Cancer Foundation.

“The data is showing that the

Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in Orange County are greatly affected by COVID-19, yet not testing as much due to language and access barriers. By organizing testing in Asian and Pacific Islander languages and at convenient sites, we’ll be able to help remove some of the barriers,” stated Ellen Ahn, executive director of Korean Community Services, who is leading the Testing and Navigation efforts of the OC AAPI COVID-19 Taskforce.

Pacific Islanders have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. “It has been crucial to make sure that the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander com-

munity is included in these efforts. Although our community is smaller in number, our case and death rates per 100,000 are [the] highest in the county.

Having a testing site specifically designated to our community assigns ownership and responsibility to get tested to the community themselves. We are doing our part to make it easier for them to come and get tested,” said Audrey Kawaiopua Alo, president of Pacific Islander Health Partnership.

The OC AAPI COVID-19 Taskforce is urging communities to get tested and obtain needed information about staying safe, accessing care, and linking to resources. (AJPress)

US carrier strike group resumes South China...

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their deployment demonstrates Washington’s commitment to the lawful use of the seas.

“The focus of our operations has always been, and will continue to be, cooperation alongside our Indo-Pacific allies and partners in promoting regional stability,” Wikoff said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet also deployed its destroyer squadrons (DESRON) in the South China Sea to practice operations in a tactical environment.

Personnel of DESRON 7 and DESRON 15 went aboard USS Ronald Reagan for the activity during the exercise Valiant Shield, according to another U.S. Pacific Fleet report also dated October 15.

Capt. Tom Ogden, deputy commodore of DESRON 7, said his team looks for all opportunities to improve warfighting skills.

“Sitting next to DESRON 15 in high-level live training while underway as they executed sea combat commander provided a second to none training opportunity to refine our operational skills; a critically important task as we operate in the dynamic U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility,” Ogden said.

DESRON 7 serves as the U.S. 7th Fleet’s primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships deployed to Singapore. DESRON 15, on the other hand, is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed destroyer squadron.

In July, U.S. Secretary of State

Mike Pompeo declared that Washington would be strengthening its maritime claims in the South China Sea, countering China’s “bullying” in the contested waterway. “[China] has no legal grounds to impose its will on the region and claims resources off the coasts of Southeast Asian states,” Pompeo earlier said.

More than a month after Pompeo’s declaration, the U.S. Commerce Department placed 24 Chinese state-owned firms in its “entity list”, blocking exports of U.S. goods and materials.

The sanctions were given to companies involved in building artificial islands in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com)

BIG UMBRELLA. A lady walks with a beach umbrella on a rainy day on Scout Torillo Street, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City on Tuesday, October 20. The drizzle experienced in the country is due to Tropical Storm Pepito which is expected to make landfall somewhere in Aurora.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

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A quick rundown of the 2020 California ballot...

PAGE A1 trials over the last 16 years.

But opponents of the bill — including the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle editorial boards and Jeff Sheehy, board member of the CIRM — argued that the lack of advancement in stem cell research to find cures doesn’t warrant an increase in funding.

California originally established the CIRM as a response to then-President George W. Bush’s ban on federal funding for stem cell research, and opponents also argue a state-funded institute is no longer necessary.

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the systems in which individuals donate stem cells is largely homogenous with ethnic groups — like Filipinos — vastly underrepresented, making it difficult for patients of color to successfully find matches needed for potentially life-saving transplants.

Prop 16: Restoring affirmative action Prop 16 would allow universities, government offices and other public sectors to factor in a prospect’s race, ethnicity or gender in admissions, spending and hiring.

In 1996, California voters approved a ballot proposition that prohibits affirmative action and put in place “race-neutral” policies. If passed, Prop 16 would reverse Prop 209.

Prop 16 was inspired by the recent civil rights discourse following the killings of unarmed Black Americans, which catalyzed a national overview of whether or not systemic racism does exist within bureaucracies.

Supporters of Prop 16 — which includes California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Cal State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems argue that structural racism exists and it is propagated by color-blind approaches and philosophies.

Examples of how Prop 16 may work, according to a recent virtual roundtable of Asian American business owners and experts: state offices would be allowed to establish goals for how many government contracts they grant to people of color-owned and women-owned businesses.

In schools, principals of schools with a majority Black student body but majority white teaching pool may seek out

Black teachers and teachers of color to more accurately represent the students they teach.

Despite what opposers have argued, affirmative action would not induct quotas in university admissions since the U.S. Supreme Court banned those in 1978. But the opposition — which includes the California Republican Party and Chinese American Civic Action Alliance — still argues that allowing institutions to make decisions based on demographic identifiers is discrimination in itself.

Prop 22: Protect-App-Based Drivers and Services Act One of the most advertised propositions to appear on this year’s ballot, Prop 22 would exclude gig companies — particularly ride-share and delivery companies like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart — from a new state law that requires these companies to treat their workers as employees.

The massive advertising comes from the combined $185 million spent by these companies to support Prop 22. These San Francisco-based companies have been fighting to keep their drivers and couriers as independent contractors, arguing it provides workers with flexible schedules and customers rides at low prices.

In January, the state passed a law that required former contract workers in several industries to be categorized as employees which granted them the right to overtime pay, health care benefits, paid sick leave, unemployment insurance and worker’s compensation.

Currently, drivers and couriers who work for gig companies are treated like independent contractors. If this measure passes, these companies would keep workers classified as contractors and grant them a tapered set of benefits, including a salary of at least 120% of minimum wage, health care subsidies and accident insurance.

While proponents argue that such jobs were never meant to be full time positions, opponents argue that the measure would impede on job security during a time when unemployment is rampant. Opposers argue that the COVID-19 pandemic has upended the job market and further proved the necessity of the state law that would provide workers with paid sick leave and unemployment insurance.

The fiscal impact of Prop 22 would be “minor increases in state income taxes paid by rideshare and delivery company drivers and investors.”

Prop 23: Dialysis Clinic Requirements Initiative This ballot measure would “require chronic dialysis clinics to: have an on-site physician while patients are being treated; report data on dialysis-related infections; obtain consent from the state health department before closing a clinic and not discriminate against patients based on the source of payment.”

In other words, this proposal promises a safeguard for clinics at risk of being closed, an increase in transparency between clinics and state health departments and networks and to be more inclusive regarding the payment of a patient’s treatment.

The coronavirus pandemic has already made it difficult to access health care and specialized treatment, both of which are deemed essential services that have remained open throughout the various phases of safer-at-home policy. About 80,000 Californians receive dialysis treatment three days a week in 4-hour sessions, and missing a treatment could increase a patient’s risk of death by 30%, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

Prop 23 supporters — which includes the California Democratic Party and California Labor Federation — argue that the measure ensures that clinics are inclusive to all budgets and protected from closures the same way hospitals are currently. (State approval is needed to close or reduce services of a hospital, and Prop 23 supporters say this measure will hold dialysis clinics “to the same standard.”)

Opposers of Prop 23 — which includes the California Medical Association, California Hospital Association and the Renal Physicians Association — argue that the ballot measure is a special interest plan that does not require the on-site physician administrator “to have specialty training in kidney care of dialysis,” the No on Prop 23 campaign said.

“Every dialysis patient is under the care of a physician kidney specialist, and dialysis treatments are administered PAGE A4

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A quick rundown of the 2020 California ballot...

PAGE A3

HOLIDAY FARE. Staff of a food stall prepare traditional Christmas delicacies like “puto bumbong” and “bibingka” (variety of rice cakes) at the food area of the Parolan Bazaar, Farmers Garden Parking in Cubao, Quezon City on Monday, October 19. People visiting the place observe health and safety protocols particularly wearing of face masks and physical distancing to prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 infection.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfile

California issues new reopening guidelines for...

PAGE A1 tion system and screen guests for symptoms in advance, and require face coverings throughout the park unless eating or drinking. The case rate in this tier must be less than one daily new cases per 100,000 residents.

Los Angeles County, which is home to Universal Studios, is in the most restrictive purple tier. Meanwhile, Orange County — which has theme parks such as Disneyland, California Adventure and Knott’s Berry Farm — is in the red, the second most restrictive tier.

“We have proven that we can responsibly reopen, with science-based health and safety protocols strictly enforced at our theme park properties around the world,” said Ken Potrock, president of Disneyland Resort in a statement on Tuesday.

“Nevertheless, the state of California continues to ignore this fact, instead mandating arbitrary guidelines that it knowns are unworkable and that hold us to a standard vastly different from other reopened businesses and state-operated facilities.”

Meanwhile, outdoor stadiums can host 20% of their capacity for sporting events if the county is in the orange tier. The stadiums must restrict ticket sales to customers within a 120-mile radius and there will be assigned

seats, where eating and drinking is only allowed. Day of or will-call ticket sales are not permitted.

Also on Tuesday, Ghaly announced that all personal care services, such as tattooing, hair removal and massages, may resume indoor operations

with modifications under Tier 1 (widespread/purple).

As of Monday, the California Department of Public Health announced 870,791 confirmed cases and 16,970 fatalities.

The seven-day positivity rate is 2.4% and the 14-day positivity rate is 2.5%. n

by specially-trained nurses and technicians. It makes no sense to require physician administrators on site full-time,” said Dr. Jeffrey Perlmutter, president of the Renal Physicians Association.

According to the ballot initiative’s text, the fiscal impact would be an increase in “state and local government costs likely in the low tens of millions of dollars annually.”

The ones that would expand votership Prop 17: Voting Rights Restoration for Persons on Parole Amendment Allowing former convicts the right to vote has been among the most contentious issues in contemporary electoral discourse. Prop 17 would allow Californians on parole to vote.

Supporters like Gov. Gavin Newsom, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the League of Women Voters in California argue that civic engagement would reduce recidivism and give former convicts an opportunity to de-stigmatize their past.

“Parole by definition is not punishment — it’s to help reintegrate people back into the mainstream,” Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) told CalMatters, adding that individuals who finish their sentences should be able to contribute to a democracy.

The opposition, however, prefers a longer period of rehabilitation for parolees before they are granted the right to vote.

Violent offenders must prove they’ve effectively evolved beyond their criminal past. Republican State Sen. Jim Nielsen of Yolo County said that the victims of these crimes “cannot so blithely put the crimes behind them.”

The fiscal impact of Prop 17 would be an increase in county costs — estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars across California — for voter registration and ballot materials. There would also likely be a one-time cost (similarly in the hundreds of thousands) to update voter registration cards and the electoral system.

Prop 18: Primary Voting for 17-Year-Olds Amendment As stated in the title, Prop 18 would allow 17-year-olds who turn 18 “at the time of the general election to vote in primary and special elections.” It would also allow 17-year-olds who are eligible to vote to seek office as current law states that only registered voters are allowed to run for elected office.

Supporters of this proposition say that this could be a solution to the historically low voter turnout among 18 to 24 year olds. This could be a way to increase interest and excitement for civic participation at a young age and cultivate a more engaged young adult electorate.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, the ACLU and the California Association of Student Councils all support the initiative.

“Young people whose birthdays fall between the primary and general election are currently at a disadvantage to those who are permitted to vote in the primaries,” the California Association of Student Councils wrote. “Without full exposure to the electoral process, they are unable to submit their most educated vote in the general election.”

However, opponents like the Election Integrity Project California, an academic non-profit group dedicated to “electoral integrity,” argue that 17-yearolds are still minors and are biologically not fully developed.

They argue that 17-year-olds still need guardian approval for other legal contracts and certain activities and voting should be no different.

“They are almost all still living at home and under the strong influence of their parents,” the Election Integrity Project California wrote in their argument.

“This is not conducive to independent thought and voting without undue pressure from their immediate superiors.

Just like Prop 17, if passed, the fiscal impact of Prop 18 would include a one-time cost in the hundreds of thousands to update voter registration systems. It would also likely lead to an increased cost for counties of up to $1 million every two years, which is needed to send and process voting materials to eligible 17-year-olds, the ballot measure said.

The ones regarding criminal justice and privacy Prop 20: Criminal Sentencing, Parole and DNA Collection Initiative For those who have committed certain property crimes and repeatedly violated parole, Prop 20 would tighten the eligibility criteria for early parole and release from prison.

Specifically, prosecutors

would be allowed categorized property crimes of more than $250, crimes that would include “serial shoplifting” and car theft, as felonies rather than misdemeanors. It would also impose increased penalties to former convicts who violate their terms of release three times, increasing the frequency of recidivism.

Police would also be required to collect DNA samples from those convicted of certain misdemeanors like shoplifting, forgery and illegal drug possession that would be kept in a state database.

Supporters of this measure argue that the state has been lax on criminal justice, particularly when California downgraded many property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, which they say led to an increase of car thefts and shoplifting.

The bipartisan support for Prop 20 includes Assemblymembers Jim Cooper (DSacramento) and Vince Fong (R-San Joaquin Valley) who argue the state went too far when it increased opportunities for “non-violent felons.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom, the ACLU, the California Teachers Association and the Chief Probation Officers of California all oppose Prop 20, arguing that the stringent “lock ‘em up and throw away the key” approach didn’t cut crime but instead inflated the state prison’s budget.

The penal system disproportionately harms the overrepresented Black and Latino community, which presents a civil rights slant to the issue, supporters say.

The costs of Prop 20 would include increased state and local correctional, court and law enforcement expenses in the tens of millions of dollars annually to support increases in county jail populations and community supervision.

Prop 24: Consumer Personal Information Law and Agency Initiative This bill, in short, would tighten privacy law in California. Specifically, the bill would create a new state agency that enforces privacy law, conducts investigations into potential privacy violators and oversees penalties to violators.

This bill would also give consumers the right to tell businesses to limit their use of sensitive data in their systems (like geographic location, demographic identifiers, health, etc) and prohibit businesses from storing this data for long periods of time.

The government would also impose fines of up to $7,500 to companies that violate children’s privacy rights. Supporters of the bill argue that this gives consumers more agency over their personal data by limiting the use of location tracking and other sensitive information.

However, the opposition posits that data privacy law, especially as it pertains to technology, is still in its infancy and should not be changed so hastily. They argue that parts of Prop 24 would hurt consumers, specifically through stifling a rule that allows workers to know what information employers are collecting about them.

With the new state agency and the increased operations, the fiscal impact of Prop 24 would be at least $10 million annually and increased state costs for increased court and Dept. of Justice responsibilities.

Prop 25: Replace Cash Bail with Risk Assessments Referendum Among the most talked-about issues during the primary election season, the cash bail system has been criticized for favoring criminal suspects who can afford to make bail and punishing those who cannot.

After a suspect is arrested, they are held in jail. Sometimes, a cash bail is imposed upon them, and if they’re able to afford it, they are released from jail awaiting trial. But this system puts at a disadvantage poorer Californians who often either have to pay bail bond companies or sit in jail for the duration until their trial.

Essentially, Prop 25 would uphold a 2018 law signed by then-Gov. Jerry Brown that would have replaced cash bail with a “risk-based algorithm” — or, a method to gauge a person’s risk for not appearing at trial. In essence, the higher the risk, the less likely they’ll be released from jail. Almost immediately, bail bonds companies challenged the law. Now, it’s up to voters to decide Supporters of Prop 25 — Gov. Gavin Newsom, the California Medical Association and Service Employees International Union — argue that the cash bail system is classist, unfair and, ultimately, racist.

If two people charged with the same crime are put in jail,

one who has generation wealth and one who is lower-income, the wealthier one who can afford to make bail will be able to go home that same night. The lower income one would likely not, even though they were charged with the same crime.

The opposition to Prop 25 is varied. The California Peace Officers’ Association and the California Bail Agents Association both argue that the proposed alternative to cash bail is more costly and no better than the current system.They also warn that if more people are freed before trial, there could be an increase of crime.

Civil rights organizations like the California State Conference of the NAACP and Human Rights Watch argue that the risk-based algorithm is flawed and the factors associated with this method could still put people of color at a disadvantage.

The fiscal impact is estimated to be an increase of costs in the mid hundreds of millions of dollars annually for a new releasefrom-jail-prior-to-trial process.

Likewise, jail costs would potentially decrease by tens of millions of dollars every year.

The ones concerning housing and property taxes Prop 19: the Property Tax Transfers, Exemptions and Revenue for Wildfire Agencies and Counties Amendment Under Prop 19, Californians aged 55 or older would be granted a property tax break when purchasing a new home.

In California, the cost of living is astronomical for new homeowners because property taxes are calculated based on the value of the home when it was bought, not on its current market value. So when Californians buy a new home, their property taxes skyrocket.

That’s why Baby Boomers who bought homes in the 1970s to the 1990s pay lower property taxes than younger families who bought homes of the same size and quality in the last 10 years.

Prop 19 would also do away with the inheritance tax break to allocate more funds to local and state fire departments and schools, the initiative says.

According to the measure’s fiscal impact statement, local governments, schools and fire protection agencies could each gain tens of millions of dollars of property tax revenue each year.

Prop 19 would allow the older homeowners to buy a new house and still pay relatively low property taxes. In addition to benefiting older homeowners, supporters say this actually benefits new homeowners because it provides an incentive for seniors to downsize, vacating an older home to younger owners.

Supporters of the bill include Gov. Gavin Newsom, California Professional Firefighters and the California Association of Realtors, while opposers include Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Prop 21: Local Rent Control Initiative Housing (or, difficult accessibility thereof) is one of the longest standing pressing issues plaguing California. The pandemic has upended this issue, leading to many families being evicted and losing their homes.

Prop 21 is an effort to alleviate the many renters woes of the Golden State. This measure would allow cities to pass rent control measures on nearly all rental units as long as the properties are more than 15 years old.

Last year, the state passed a law that capped rent increases at 8%, but that didn’t get rid of an older state law that prohibits cities from enacting their own, tighter rent control laws for rental units that were first occupied in the last 25 years. The law passed last year also didn’t prevent landlords from raising the rent for new tenants to keep up with the market.

The fiscal impact would likely be a reduction in state and local revenues in the high tens of millions of dollars annually.

This, according to the Legislative Analyst’s office, would be because landlords would pay lower property taxes.

Supporters of this measure include the California Democratic Party and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (who supports strict rent control laws) who say that cities should be able to enact their own limits to rent increases as a way to reduce homelessness and gentrification, particularly in California’s metro areas.

But the opposition — including Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Apartment Association — argues that Prop 21 takes away an incentive for builders to construct more housing at a time when more housing is needed. n

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Pagboto Gamit ang Mga Mail Ballot Simple, Ligtas, at Bilang.

Ngayong taon, ginagawang mas madali ng California ang pagboto mula sa kaligtasan at kaginhawaan ng tahanan. Lahat ng aktibo at rehistradong botante ay pinadalhan ng balota para sa pagboto sa pamamagitan ng sulat.

Maaari niyong ibalik ang iyong balota gamit ang 3 iba’t ibang paraan hanggang sa 8:00 pm sa Nobyembre 3, 2020: 1. Ipadala bilang sulat. Hindi kailangan ng stamp o selyo.

2. Dalhin ito sa opisyal na dropbox.

3. I-drop off sa iyong polling place (lugar ng botohan).

Tandaan lamang na basahin ang mga instruksiyon. Pagkatapos ay sagutan ito, at pirmahan at lagyan ng petsa ang sobre bago ibalik ito.

Ang iyong balota sa pamamagitan ng sulat ay magkakaroon ng natatangi at ligtas na barcode sa sobre para sa pagbabalik. Maaari mong i-track ang katayuan ng iyong balota online – gamit ang Where’s My Ballot? para matiyak na natanggap at nabilang ang iyong balota. Bisitahin ang: WheresMyBallot. sos.ca.gov.

Matuto ng higit pa sa vote.ca.gov.

Magiging available ang mga harapang lugar para sa pagboto sa lahat ng county. Maraming county ang mag-aalok ng harapang pagboto nang hindi bababa sa apat na araw simula sa Sabado bago ng Halalan sa Nobyembre 3, 2020. mag-aalok ang mga lugar ng botohan ng rehistrasyon ng botante, pampalit na balota, accessible na makina para sa pagboto, at tulong sa wika.

A5

A6 OCTOBER 21-23, 2020 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

The ultimate betrayal

FEATURES

FOR many years now, the United Nations, the World Bank and other organizations have focused on corruption as one of the biggest hindrances to development and a major contributor to poverty. The organizations have estimated that global economic losses from corruption amount to billions every year.

Basic services as well as the construction of critical infrastructure such as roads have suffered as public funds are diverted to private pockets.

In 2009, for example, the World Bank barred several Chinese and Philippine contractors from participating in road projects funded by the bank, for collusion in bidding for certain projects in this country. Today the companies continue to operate in the Philippines.

Corruption has not taken a rest during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the UN warned over the weekend that responses to the virus were opening new opportunities to exploit weak oversight and lack of transparency in governance, allowing crooks to divert public funds to personal coffers.

The impact of this “ultimate betrayal” of public trust, the UN said, could be more damaging than COVID. It could also further derail global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN warned.

The UN has also pointed out that collusion

among those who control supply chains has led to unconscionable price increases of items needed for COVID treatment and containment responses. This has denied life-saving treatment to those who can’t afford it, the UN lamented.

While calling for transparency and accountability in governance, the UN has also urged private businesses to act responsibly. It also reminded governments about the UN Convention Against Corruption, a legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2003. The Philippines is one of the 187 state parties to the convention. Most of the state parties have ratified, accepted, approved and acceded to the anti-corruption treaty, which came into force in 2005.

Amid the COVID health crisis, the Philippines continues to be rocked by corruption scandals, including one involving an agency directly involved Insurance Corp. President Duterte has said fightin the pandemic response, the Philippine Health ing corruption is one of his top priorities. The

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS MY mother who lives in Manila frantically asked me during a phone conversation lately about what she called “black propaganda” against Joe Biden relayed to her by my sister-in-law which I think she must have heard from Filipino Trump supporters visiting in Manila.

Mom said it is about Trump claiming repeatedly that Biden supports late-term abortion, even when the baby is already viable to survive. This is false.

FACT: Trump knowingly and maliciously fabricated misrepresentation and lies about Biden’s stand on abortion to elicit disgust and hate. He crafted that messaging with the goal to deceive and misinform. That is discussed below based on the reporting by Newsweek.

FACT: Biden has reiterated his position on Roe V. Wade, a 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion nationwide which gives women the constitutional right to make a choice on her body’s reproductive system.

“I’m very pro-choice. I hate the concept of abortion… But you still — I just believe in choice,” Biden said, pursuant to the law of the land. “I accept church rule personally, but not in public life,” he continued, alluding to his obligation as public officials to follow the laws according to the Con-

Commentary

MARC ANG ADMISSIONS and promotions based on race/gender (instead of merit) have the potential to destroy society.

I challenge everyone to not look at this as a left-right issue, which oversimplifies and prevents us from exploring the nuances of an issue.

I also challenge everyone not to look at this as a race issue, though I will certainly explore effects on subgroups in this article. While Prop 16 disproportionately affects Asians in college admissions, it would have an equally detrimental effect on Black Americans, currently “overrepresented” in public sector jobs.

We are honored to work with a multicultural team, including African American University of California Regent, Ward Connerly and key social media influencers like Indian American Vijay Chokalingam, who in 2015, exposed the flaws of affirmative action by getting admitted as an African American to college.

Philstar.com photo

World Bank warning adds urgency to the task.

(Philstar.com)

Fact-checking Trump’s claim about Biden’s stance on abortion and what it truly means to be pro-life stitution’s separation of Church and State. A devout practicing Catholic, Biden’s sentiments about abortion have evolved, but his decisions as a public servant always followed the law.

FACT: Biden is pro-choice and pro-life. Supporting abortion rights is not the same as mandating abortions. Biden honors and protects life from womb to tomb, and the Affordable Care Act of the Obama-Biden administration dramatically lowered abortion rates through women’s access to health care and information, contraceptives, so that she can choose when she is responsibly ready to conceive a child, thereby, not having to resort to abortion. This is backed by the studies conducted by Guttmacher Institute.

FACT: The same results are revealed in studies done globally. The Kaiser Family Foundation published several studies on this on July 24, 2020. “Global rates of unintended pregnancies have fallen from 79 per 1,000 women aged 15 to 49 in 1990 to 64 in 2019, thanks in part to a concerted effort to increase access to contraceptives, according to new data published by health research organization the Guttmacher Institute and the U.N. Human Reproduction Programme (HRP).”

FACT: “No evidence’ that legal restrictions prevent women seeking abortions. In fact, ac-

cording to research published on Wednesday in the Lancet Global Health journal, the abortion rate increased by an average of 12% between 1990 and 2019 in 107 nations with restrictive laws. But in countries where the procedure is broadly legal, the abortion rate dropped by eight percent.”

My husband and I are practicing Catholics. My husband is a doctor who took the Hippocratic oath to protect and save lives and “do no harm.” While we personally choose not to have an abortion, if someone asks for our advice, we will share how we feel about it and other options she may consider, BUT we do not encroach on other people’s choices and other women’s reproductive rights, trusting they also uphold life and will benefit much from compassionate care and help during moments of desperation.

Ask yourself: Trump used to be pro-choice. He just aligned himself with the Republicans and out of political expediency, called himself “pro-life”. What has Trump done to protect the life of the American people?

Did Trump choose life when he downplayed the threat of the virus and continue to discredit and deny science, facts, and health officials that has resulted in the deaths of more than 221,000 Americans and the infections of more than 8.28 mil-

lion and counting?

Did Trump choose life when he took the battle to abolish the Affordable Care Act all the way to the Supreme Court during the pandemic without a real concrete well thought of a pro-people plan that may immediately be implemented to save the lives of the American people? Include the sick, the elderly, or the disabled? An executive order by Trump would not deliver what the Obama-Biden health care has done to help the American people.

Did Trump choose life when he tried to take away safety nets like food stamps, unemployment insurance from those who have lost their jobs? Social security and Medicare for the sick, the elderly and the disabled?

Did Trump choose life when he would give corporate hand-outs to the billionaires and help them get insanely richer and richer as the poor ordinary hardworking Americans are denied a living wage, affordable education, and good health care that will help them get out of poverty?

Did Trump choose life when he obsessively killed all of President Barack Obama’s regulations meant to help save nature and the environment from man’s greedy short-sighted abuse so we can leave behind a healthy planet for our children, grandchildren and future generations?

Trump’s action is not what true pro-life is. True pro-life is not just anti-abortion. It is honoring and nurturing life from womb to tomb, especially helping those who are most vulnerable and the poor.

Pro-life is also helping every woman not to choose abortion by empowering her from the beginning with knowledge about her reproductive system, how to avoid unwanted pregnancy, how to be healthy and well to take care of her baby not just inside the womb but until the baby is an adult, raised with good health care, education, good moral foundation to be good people and productive members of society.

Pro-life is helping a woman in despair with compassion in realizing that she has options other than abortion, because there are people who will help her through instead of crucifying her. Abortion restrictions did not stop women in despair from self-aborting. Only true love, empathy, compassion and support help and heal.

So, let’s do ourselves a favor and let us fulfill our obligation of due diligence in finding out the truth about issues so we can make informed and conscientious decisions when we cast our sacred vote. Doing otherwise is a mark of blind idolatry to Trump and complicity to his malicious disinformation to perpetuate his

corruption and abuse of power.

Trump tweeted at 4:45 a.m. on Oct 6, 2020: “Biden and Democrats just clarified the fact that they are fully in favor of (very) LATE TERM ABORTION, right up until the time of birth, and beyond - which would be execution. Biden even endorsed the Governor of Virginia, who stated this clearly for all to hear. GET OUT & VOTE! FACT: Newsweek followed how Trump crafted these false claims and disinformation about Biden’s position on abortion: The Supreme Court’s rulings in Roe and in Planned Parenthood v. Casey say that states may ban abortion after the fetus reaches viability, which typically occurs near the end of the second trimester, according to the fact-checking service Logically.

The cases mandate that states with such bans must allow an exception if it’s necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother—which some conservatives interpret as the law allowing for late-term abortions.

When the Washington Post asked whether Biden supported restrictions, a campaign representative said that Biden believes in the terms laid out by Roe and Casey.

One such state is Virginia, where current law says that third-trimester abortions are permitted only if the risk to the

u PAGE A7

Prop 16 is racist and kills merit-based achievement

Our team also includes principled and passionate community leaders in the Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Chinese, Filipino, Hispanic and Black communities, who offer fresh perspectives and creative solutions on a proposition that could potentially divide us further, or unite us in ways never before.

We recognize this unique moment in the national mood and hope to spark a nuanced discussion on what “equality” truy means. Spoiler: It should not just be a shallow slogan that ushers in poorly thought-out legislation that actually creates *less* fairness.

Whether or not the proposition passes, my goal is community education and we will fight all the way to the Supreme Court if needed, to stand against systemic racism (macro), and to share the real stories of the effects on specific individuals and in turn, diverse subgroups (micro).

Equal opportunity does not mean equal outcomes The biggest myth in today’s society is that if everyone were given equal outcomes, all society’s ills would be absolved.

Freebies bring entitlement and disgruntlement. Instead, I en-

courage equal opportunities, where hard work is the prerequisite for certain outcomes, allowing anyone regardless of gender or race, to do the work and achieve success. Prop 209, passed in 1996, created today’s environment, a generation of high quality scholars and professionals. In 2020, bureaucrats are actually taking these outcomes for granted, to “fix” something that isn’t broken, with a “solution” that is actually a problem.

Wouldn’t you want your doctor who is operating on your body to be the best and most vetted, regardless of race or gender?

Interestingly enough, one of the real-world outcomes for Prop 209 was increased percentages of minorities and women in colleges and in professional fields.

And an added bonus is no one would look at a UCLA or UC Berkeley graduate and question if they got in because of some shortcut or a flawed point system. It is incredibly insensitive and dangerous to put someone in a group where they are clearly behind their peers. This would cause a slowdown in the group’s advancement if the class teaches to the person farthest behind, or

it would ignore that child, breeding stigma and resentment.

Filipinos are now seen as affluent and “privileged,” when hard work and perseverance (not shortcuts) have brought them up the ladder from humble beginnings.

Eastvale has one of the highest per capita incomes in Southern California’s Inland Empire because the city itself is home to many Filipino American nurses working double shifts for 3 days of the week and then taking on a *second* job or starting a side business to supplement their income. Many have come from poor families but are now strong contributors to society and are able to afford luxuries once seen as unattainable.

In fact, there is a dynamic of resentment that many Fil-Ams feel, that people back in the mother country don’t appreciate the hard work required in America. This is what makes America special: the ability to achieve.

Chinese Americans have had a similar story, experiencing the worst discrimination in the past but have now moved up thanks to a stellar work ethic.

Who would be the bureaucrat in charge of determining demo-

graphic breakdowns?

Remember our state legislature and government positions are in flux, with elections every 2 or 4 years for key positions.

Who would have the power to decide what the percentages of whites, blacks, Latinos and Asians are? Who would decide point systems such as “likability” for certain races that would influence final decisions, as we seen in Harvard? This is a dangerous slippery slope if we give a government bureaucrat such power for social engineering.

One may start with good intentions, but how about the successor? Can we count on them to be truly fair with no bias?

Outdated designations What if you were of mixed race, say half black and Latino (common in our multicultural melting pot)? Which race do you identify with? Which race would be worth more likability or intersectionality points? Which race is most favorable at a given time, for the best outcome to get into college or a job? I sympathize with the young adult who grows up thinking their race is inferior and would undermine their future opportunities. What a terrible message to send to a

child, causing emotional issues that would distract them from achievement.

Simplicity will actually foster higher quality and less racism I’m not just Asian. I’m Chinese and Filipino, but that nuance is missed by shallow surveys. As a society, we were already moving in a direction of color-blindness, but this now regresses us from that progress, while simultaneously suffering the effects of diminished quality of professionals in key industries because we didn’t choose the best of the best. We instead picked top professionals based on race or gender and maybe in the process, lost the cure for cancer? Merit is the only true equalizer. *** Marc Ang is a Southern California community leader, currently serving as the president of community organizations Asian Industry B2B, People Encouraging People and Chinese American Citizens Alliance (Orange County). He is also Director of Outreach for Californians For Equal Rights, dedicated to the fight against systemic racism, specifically, ACA5, now Proposition 16 on November’s ballot. His events have drawn thousands of attendees from all walks of life, in the areas of promoting veterans, the autism community, anti-human trafficking, health and wellness and business advocacy.

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObeR 21-23, 2020

A

New PH House Speaker to evaluate PH among top 10 in worldwide telco investments lawmakers’ performance, posts

by AJPress

by Reina

C. TolenTino

ManilaTimes.net

PHILIPPINE House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco will determine whether he will make changes in some posts at the House of Representatives.

In an interview on Monday, October 19 on ANC’s “Headstart,” Velasco said during the recess he would “evaluate some of the posts.”

He noted that there ere posts that needed a change “mainly because some of the posts require the trust and confidence of the Speaker.”

“I haven’t really removed a lot of people. Like what I’ve said, I still have to evaluate each and every member’s post and their performances…definitely I’m not attacking anyone,” Velasco said.

Earlier, 1-Pacman party-list Rep. Michael Romero was elected deputy speaker after he was removed from the post this month.

Those who are no longer deputy speakers are Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte and Camarines Sur Second District Rep.

Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. Duterte was named chairman of the House Committee on Accounts on Tuesday, replacing Cavite Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

Velasco said Oriental Mindoro Rep. Doy Leachon took over the deputy speakership that Duterte gave up.

“I have nothing against Bambol Tolentino. But again…, as what I’ve said, that post requires the full trust and confidence of the Speaker,” he said.

Also last Tuesday, Ilocos Sur Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan was elected vice chairman of the Committee on Accounts.

Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan regained the chairmanship of the Committee on Health.

Velasco said he will give Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. a post.

Abante had stepped down as House minority leader.

He was replaced by Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano.

Amid the developments at the House of Representatives,

Rep. Camille Villar pledged the support of the Nacionalista Party to the legislative agenda of the President.

“With a robust leadership backed by a pro-active Cabinet, we believe that the country is in a better position to rise from the challenges of this pandemic and ultimately, facilitate the delivery of the cure against Covid-19,” Villar said.

“We join President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his unrelenting campaign to weed out corruption in government, which is stealing precious resources that should have gone directly to the people,” she added.

Villar said her party supports the early passage of the budget bill “that would be truly reflective of the needs of the people and not merely based on the requirements of the districts.”

“The party extends its collaborative hand to the new House leadership and vows to work closely with their team to ensure the success of the President’s legislative and economic agenda,” the lawmaker added. n

Fact-checking Trump’s claim about Biden’s...

PAGE A6 mother’s life is “substantial and irremediable.” Last year, state Democrats proposed legislation that would allow for late-term abortions if the mother’s physical or mental safety were at risk.

Although the bill ultimately stalled in a committee, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, a Democrat, defended it during an interview with radio station WTOP. Northam, a pediatric neurosurgeon, explained what could happen in the case of a third trimester abortion if the bill was passed.

Northam’s comments sparked immediate outrage among prominent Republican figures, accusing the governor of favoring infanticide. Even Trump weighed in, falsely claiming in his 2019 State of the Union address that Northam had “stated he would execute a baby after birth.”

The president was likely referring to Northam’s comments in his tweet Wednesday, moving to equate Biden with the governor. While Biden previously endorsed Northam during his 2017

campaign for governor, Biden was among those calling for his resignation last year after a racist photo from Northam’s 1984 medical school yearbook resurfaced.

Appearing at a September 25 campaign rally in Newport News, Virginia, Trump doubled down on his criticism of Northam, telling the crowd they have a “crazy governor” who is “so far left” and constantly attacks the right to life.

“As you know, sleepy Joe Biden endorsed your governor, so that means he endorsed the policy of your governor,” Trump said.

According to the New York Times, “The statistics hardly justify Trump’s description of babies being ripped from the womb — a horror story he has repeated dozens of times. About 1 percent of abortions happen after the point of viability, so the cases at issue in this debate would be relatively rare.”

Yet, we are inundated with disgusting memes and videos telling these lies versus Biden and his running mate, California

Senator Kamala Harris, with the help of Russia’s interference in our election to discredit opponents and help Trump win again, as revealed by Trump’s own appointee FBI director Christopher Wray, under oath in a congressional hearing.

Trump is just nominally, by name, pro-life to get your vote, but not in his attitude and action as president and as a human being.

For the past four years, Trump has spread misinformation. And now, being behind Biden in the polls, he is doubling down on the falsehoods to get re-elected.

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

THE Philippines is among the top 10 countries in the world when it comes to investments in telecommunications, according to the Institute of Management Development’s (IMD) World Competitiveness Center.

In its World Digital Competitiveness Rankings of 2020, the Philippines is the tenth country that has ramped up its investments on telecommunications to meet the rising demands amid the pandemic.

India placed first, followed by South Africa, Croatia, Australia, and Slovenia, making up the top five countries.

As connectivity and internet access become essential amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, spending to improve telecommunications infrastructure has significantly increased.

Globe Telecom, for its part, embarked on a wider and more inclusive builds and rollouts of its cell towers and fiber modernization to close the gaps in areas of the country where connectivity needs further improvement. It allocated at least P50.3 billion in capital expenditures for its network expansion and upgrades for 2020.

“It’s been a number of years that the country has been overindexing other countries when it comes to capital expenditures. For 2019, our CAPEX to revenue ratio is about 34 percent. We expect to continue with the investments because of the increasing demand for our services,” said Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu. Globe noted that with the new government policies lifting the restrictive permitting process in place, investments in telecom infrastructure are now focused on tower builds to expand coverage

and increase capacity.

It added that increasing fiber connections to homes is another investment opportunity to provide customers with better data experience. Countries with better infrastructure have shown better chances and capability to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on their economies.

“With better, faster, accessible, and affordable services, more opportunities will be made available to our people. These opportunities will then be translated to a more stable and stronger economy that hopefully will give the Philippines a better spot in World Digital Competitiveness rankings in the future,” Cu said.

The remaining countries that complete the top 10 in IMD’s ranking are Colombia (6th), Ukraine (7th), Malaysia (8th), Mongolia (9th), and the Philippines. n

National ID pre-registration targets 5M households THE Philippines Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday, October 19 said it aims to pre-register around 5 million households in the National ID system.

Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said the pre-registration was underway in 32 priority provinces.

The registration kicked off last week.

A total of 119 local government units (LGUs) had signed mem-

orandums of agreement (MoA) with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for the orderly rollout of the program.

The pre-registration for the National ID system is a collaboration between the Philippine Statistics Authority and LGUs. Malaya said that 216 more LGUs had completed coordination with the PSA and were set to sign MoAs this week.

“It’s imperative to have the

backing of LGUs to provide the necessary preparations and adherence to the minimum health protocols as teams from the PSA conduct their data collection from the identified low-income household heads within their respective jurisdictions,” he said in a statement.

The registration proper would run from November 12 to December 30, Malaya said. (ManilaTimes.net)

Duterte wants stronger anti-money laundering law

by CaTheRine

ValenTe ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has certified as urgent the passage of the bill that will strengthen the Anti-Money Laundering law.

In his letters to Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Friday, Duterte certified as urgent Senate Bill 1412 and its counterpart bill in the House, House Bill 6174, which seeks to strengthen Republic Act (RA) 9160 or the “Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001.”

The President said he wanted the immediate passage of the measure for the Philippines “to comply with legal standards for anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing, as established by relevant international bodies.”

Under RA 9160, the State is mandated to protect and preserve the integrity and confidentiality of

bank accounts and to ensure that the Philippines will not be used as a money laundering site for the proceeds of any unlawful activity.

RA 1405, meanwhile, forbids the disclosure of or inquiry into deposits with any banking institution, unless the depositor gives permission, or a competent court orders the examination of bank accounts.

“Such compliance will avoid adverse findings against the country which could lead, among others, to increased costs of doing financial transactions, to the prejudice of the business sector and our overseas Filipino workers,” Duterte said in his letter to Congress.

Bills certified as urgent are exempt from a rule requiring lawmakers to study the measure for at least three days before voting on it.

This is the third time this week that the President certified bills as

urgent.

On Wednesday, Duterte certified as urgent a bill seeking to grant the country’s chief executive powers to streamline the issuance of licenses and permits in times of national emergencies.

The Senate version of the bill was passed on third reading on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the House counterpart bill was passed on Friday.

Duterte had met with Senate and House leaders to ask for the passage of a measure that would eliminate red tape and corruption in government.

He offered to be invited as resource person during the bill’s deliberations but did not push through with his Senate appearance.

The President has repeatedly expressed frustration over red tape and corruption in government. n

A OctOber 21-23, 2020 • Socal ASIAN JOUrNAL

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New Fil-Am-led startup plans to harness the power of data and AI for the emerging middle class in the Philippines

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MoMar G. Visaya/ AJPress

ARL Valencia has been working on startups for as long as he can remember and he has made it his passion to help accelerate the development of the startup ecosystem in the Philippines. and were even co-presidents of Over the past decade, he that club at that time. Gabayan was able to build three startup accelerators focusing on the Phil- was previously a computer vision researcher at NASA Ames, ippines - IdeaSpace for emerging market needs (70+ startups), and led data science at Bump Technologies when it was acQBO, the national innovation quired by Google. center of the Philippines (300 Valencia on the other hand startups) and Cognity Labs, AI was an aerospace engineer accelerator (3 startups). by training before going to These initiatives were instrumental in the country as it paved business school. He founded a startup incubator while he was the way to have the Philippines’ VP of the largest telecom in the startup and innovation law that Philippines, held executive roles was passed in Congress. at Bridgewater and Charles Because of these string of achievements and in recognition Schwab, and was a World of the programs that helped the Economic Forum Young Global Leader.

Philippines’ startup ecosystem, The duo started in late 2019 Valencia was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men with the concept of Plentina, which they hope would create (TOYM) of the country in 2016. better financial opportunities to This year, Valencia is spearthe emerging markets in the heading yet another project, Philippines. this time focusing on finance They had a test launch technology and digital financial recently with 7-11, one of their services. partners in the Philippines. They Earl and Kevin Gabayan, are also looking to scale their his partner in this venture were operations and build more friends in Stanford, Kevin was in financial products for the digital the PhD program for Machine generation of the country.

Learning and Earl was taking his Valencia shared that the MBA at the Graduate School of name Plentina is from the song Business.

They were both members of “Table of Plenty� that Kevin heard in Church. The song says Filipino Graduate School Club,

that everyone can benefit because there food is plentiful to share. “We attached ‘na’ because that gave it a unique spin, but ‘na’ is also a uniquely Filipino expression, so you can say, it’s like ‘plenty na,’� he quipped.

He hopes that through the power of technology, more and more people in the Philippines will be able to establish a good line of credit and gain access to better financial tools and services. “We believe that everyone deserves access to credit and the right customer experience for financial services, and with our technology, we hope that we can build an alternative credit score for millions of Filipinos, especially the emerging middle class,� Valencia explained. “We hope that we create more opportunities for Filipinos and people in emerging markets because we help build a new digital first financial services experience for them.�

Accelerator program Valencia has gone full circle.

When he built Idea Space Continued on Page 3

Plentina founders Earl Valencia (right) and Kevin Gabayan

Plentina is an alternative credit score and microlending for emerging markets. They use AI/Machine learning to build a credit model in markets like the Philippines where the equivalent of a FICO score i not abundant.

Valencia and Gabayan have built a team to pursue their mission to have every deserving citizen in the world to be able to access affordable credit. They hope that digital and data will be the catalysts to make change in the financial services industry in the Philippines and other emerging markets.

Photos courtesy of Earl Valenc

lifestyle

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 21, 2020

From cakesicles to empanadas: Fil-Am couple in Southern California starts catering company amid pandemic

By Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

WHEN the pandemic began earlier this spring, national lockdowns were imposed around the globe in an attempt to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Several safety measures like washing hands, wearing face masks, and social distancing were also put in place to prevent the public from getting infected.

Months later, and it’s still pretty much the same. The economy might be easing up, and industries are slowly opening again, but people are still quarantined in their houses.

Going to the mall, eating at a restaurant, or even hanging out with friends, have stopped being everyday normal occurrences.

Surviving during this unprecedented time is no easy feat. With no vaccine in sight, everyone’s lives and livelihoods continue to be at risk. But still, more and more people are finding ways to thrive in spite of it. Quarantines and restricted movements have driven business-minded people to be more creative and wise with their time — take Filipino American couple Jennifer and Carlo Avanceña, for example, who decided to open a catering company during this pandemic.

Jennifer, raised in Southern California by immigrant parents with Igorot roots, has more than 20 years of professional experience in the hospitality industry, food and beverage, catering sales, and event management. Meanwhile, Carlo, born in the Philippines, is an accomplished chef who is skilled in catering, hotel management, cooking, food preparation, and the hospitality industry.

When the pandemic hit and year’s theme, ‘ Tuloy Po Kayo’ both were furloughed from couldn’t be more apropos.” their jobs, they launched Calajo said Winston F. Emano, FilAm Catering.

ARTS Board Director. “Some “Calajo” comes from Ibaloi, may recall that the first-ever the native dialect of Jennifer’s FPAC in 1993 also came after mother from Benguet, Philipa period of much uncertainty and over a quarter of a century pines. Growing up, Jennifer experienced having countless later, its return is a wonderfamily gatherings and events, ful reminder to us all of the Continued on Page 3 Continued on Page 3

The couple behind Calajo Catering, Carlo and Jennifer Avanceña

Photos courtesy of Calajo Catering

Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture returns virtually for Filipino American History Month on Oct. 23-25 FilAm ARTS (The Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture) announced the return of its popular Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC), the City of Los Angeles’ official Filipino festival and the longest-running Filipino cultural celebration in Southern California.

FPAC 27 will take place virtually October 23, 24, and 25 from 7 - 10 PM, streaming on multiple platforms: Facebook Live, YouTube and the newly relaunched filamarts.org website. Admission is free.

After a two year hiatus, FPAC returns with an impressive lineup of Filipino American artists in the following disciplines: Musika (Music), Literatura (Literature), Sayaw (Dance), Philippine Martial Arts, Pelikula (Film), Komedya (Comedy), Kulinarya (Culinary), Teatro (Theatre), Tradisyonal (Traditional Dance) and Bisual (Visual Arts).

The following notable artists have confirmed their participation in this year’s virtual experience: musicians Apl.de.Ap, Ruby Ibarra, Klassy, Jocelyn Enriquez, and actors

Jonjon Briones (“Ratched”), Isa Briones (“Picard”), Nico Santos (“Superstore”/”Crazy Rich Asians”), Alain Uy (“Helstrom” on Hulu), standup comedians Rex Navarrete and JR de Guzman, choreographer Phil Tayag (Jabbawockeez) and more.

“We’re humbled to have our community celebrate its tradition once again and this

Cakesicles, which come in 15 different flavors, including ube.

Calajo Catering’s “Baon Box,” which includes a longanisa milk bun, chicken empanada, ube rice cereal bar, ube crinkle cookie, a seasonal cookie or bar, and their famous cakesicle.

‘Crazy Rich Asians 2’? Kris bares possibility of reappearing in ‘China Rich Girlfriend’

According to Kris, apart from the trilogy, Kwan told her that she had also been an AFTER the success of the inspiration for characters in his first all-Asian Hollywood movie other works such as “Sex and “Crazy Rich Asians,” many peoVanity.” ple asked: Is Kris Aquino going “He was asking me where to appear too in the movie’s did they go to school in the sequels?

1950s? This is for ‘Sex and In a virtual press conferVanity.’ I would imagine that ence with Philstar.com and it was where your mom went other select media earlier for to school. Then I said, ‘Yeah, her launch as new endorser of my mom went to school in e-commerce site Shopee, Kris Scholastica, then she went to affirmed such possibility.

Assumption and then she went According to her, Kevin to the States. And then he used Kwan, author of the bestsellthe school in the States where ing trilogy from which the my mom went. Because my 2018 blockbuster movie was went to a school in Philadelbased on, told her that since phia where Princess Grace of her character, Princess Intan, Monaco actually went. That’s a Malay royalty, was key to included in the book. Then the empowering the movie’s prosisters who are there, they have tagonist Rachel Yu at a cameo Kris Aquino Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino a cousin named Kris who owns wedding scene, she would the biggest talent agency in the probably be invited to Rachel’s friend’ is the wedding. So I Philippines and they were tellwedding with Nick Young in the asked him, ‘Am I going to be in ing the girl that she should be a sequel, which will probably take the wedding?Is Princess Intan model and that Kris is me. And on its book title, “China Rich I said, Thanks Kevin!” invited in the wedding?’ And Girlfriend.”

Kris is proud that Kevin he said, ‘Of course! Because “He’s been one of my really you’re the one who gave her is very interested about her consistent WhatsApp friends, country as he kept asking her her validation in ‘Crazy Rich and I asked him because the “on certain things in reference Asians.’ I said, ‘Oh my Gosh, opening of ‘China Rich Girlhope it happens!’,” Kris shared. to the Philippines.”

entertainment

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 21, 2020

By Deni Rose M. AfiniDAD-BeRnARDo Philstar.com

New Fil-Am-led startup...

From Page 1 years ago, he took inspiration from the leading accelerator programs, and one such program is Techstars, a global platform for investment and innovation.

Plentina made it to the 2020 Class of the Techstars and Western Union Accelerator, something that made the founders beyond inspired and excited, specially since it is the first Filipino-led startup to participate in the program.

You see, when applying to these top startup accelerators, all one can do is to pray and hope but not expect to get in. That’s exactly what they did.

“I believe Techstars only takes 1-2% of all applicants, so when we got the call that we are in, Kevin and I did a ‘virtual high five,’” Valencia shared. “The biggest thing really is that we are so excited to be around a group of people, the 10 other startup companies and the team that believe in our vision of financial access and inclusion.”

The companies in the 2020 class are led by diverse founders from around the world including the Philippines, Egypt, Gambia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Israel, Nigeria, Singapore, Spain, South Africa and the United States.

It is already a given that building a startup is extremely difficult and one needs all the help and support possible.

Valencia and Gabayan believe that Techstars will help provide them part of their initial funding ($120k), the network and the mentorship in order to give them a shot to succeed.

The Plentina co-founders have both committed to their investors that after Covid is done, at least one of them will be in the Philippines at least three weeks per month.

They have also hired a country manager, Alex Capulong, who came from the fintech industry in the Philippines to help build out their Philippine operations.

“I think with Covid, we have proven that we can execute virtually and build a business even if our families are based in the Bay Area, NYC/Connecticut and Manila,” he said.

Based on his experience in startups and innovations, Valencia named the must-haves that these new companies should possess in order to thrive and prosper.

“One thing I learned in Tech-

ly passionate Festival Builders alike has been nothing short of community-strengthening and inspiring and we are certain that our artists will provide equal inspiration through their art and performances.”

“It’s a blessing in disguise presenting FPAC virtually this year. More people on a global scale get to see what we are doing. When FPAC was presented on a stage, only people here on the West Coast were able to attend the event. We now get to exhibit and discover the artists in a more personal setting through our live streams. Our hope is that we can make people aware that Art is essential. When working and being home during this pandemic, we are either bingewatching our favorite shows or learning how to cook our favorite meals. These were all created by artists. When growing up in Queens, NY, I always

wondered what it means to be Filipino American. With FPAC, we get to define who we are through sharing to the world our art and culture,” shared Charles Uy, this year’s Festival technical director.

The 27th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) will be held over three action-packed days, October 23, 24 and 25 from 7-10 p.m. on facebook.com/filamartsLA, YouTube and filamarts.org.

Follow @filamarts on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates. Official Hashtag #FPAC2020 FilAm Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that advocates for FilAm and Pilipino culture by connecting people through facilitating arts and culture programming so that our cultural identity may be properly represented, embraced, preserved for future generations.

ABS-CBN photo

Kathryn reveals marriage deal with Daniel

By JAn

Milo seveRo

Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actress Kathryn Bernardo echoed her boyfriend Daniel Padilla’s sentiment to marry before turning 30.

During the recent virtual press conference of their digital series “The House Arrest of Us,” Kathryn said she and Daniel both agreed to tie the knot

before turning 30 years old.

“Before 30, ayon talaga ang deal namin. Pero may ilang panahon pa kami before 30,” Kathryn said.

The blockbuster queen also said that they are already discussing their marriage that’s why they are working hard now for their future.

“Of course, agree. Napaguusapan naman na talaga namin ‘yon. I think nasa tamang age

na kami para i-ready ang mga sarili namin sa puntong ‘yon,” she said “And now, ‘yon ang dahilan kung bakit kami nagtatrabaho ngayon, i-ready ‘yong mga kailangang i-ready kasi malaking step ‘yon,” she added.

When asked if she also agrees with Daniel to have a child immediately after marriage, Kathryn laughingly said: “Siya magbuntis!”.

From cakesicles to empanadas...

From Page 2 and she often heard the phrase “calajo mengan,” which translates to “come and eat,” whenever it was breakfast, lunch or dinnertime. Now, she and Carlo are inviting the public to their table, so to speak, so everyone can enjoy their food.

Their menu consists of made to order take-home creations that celebrate Igorot-Filipino-American influences.

Among them are Filipino-inspired sweet and savory baked Valencia co-founded Plentina with his friend from Stanford, Kevin Gabayan, a fellow a Fil-Am. Gabgoods like chicken empanada, ayan was in the Machine Learning PhD program while Valencia was pursuing his MBA. Gabayan left Google in their headquarters to start the company.

Photo courtesy of Earl Valencia longanisa milk bun, lumpia, and ube sweet rolls. Their most “I think that you can see the popular offering is the cakesistars that their criteria after we next 10 years of the Philippines got in are: ‘team, team, team, cle, which looks more like an to approach the economic market, traction, idea.’ I aesthetically-pleasing popsicle sweet spot, where there will be thought it was a typo, but it than a slice of cake. the rise of the middle class,” he wasn’t. I think it is important for “Cakesicles are more of the founding team to be aligned shared. “Also, the Philippines is an elevated cake pops,” said an English speaking country in the mission of the company Jennifer, who got the idea from with amazing talent, we feel that Instagram and learned how to and what positive impact you we can build a great team from want to see if you become sucthe Philippines even if we start cessful,” he shared. expanding our company beyond For example, both Kevin the Philippines.” and Earl are passionate to The startups in (and for) the democratize financial services Philippines have been growing in emerging markets, especially at a steady rate. the Philippines.

There have been many Another area is a balance in innovations in the Philippines the skill set. with great funding stories in the “Kevin is one of the smartsocial space, including fintech, est Filipino engineers I know, edtech and others over the past coming from Google’s Android few years, he said, citing coins. and emerging market credit ph selling to Go-Jek a few years team. I balance the team with ago. my background in partnerships “I think that if compared and investing that I learned with our neighbors like Indonewhen I was VP at Smart Comsia or Singapore, we maybe 3-4 munications and in financial years behind, but I believe that firms Bridgewater and Charles the next 3-5 years [post-Covid of Schwab,” he explained. course] will be the golden age The last one is to create for Filipino startups, that we will something the people want. be set-up to build the next ‘uni“It may seem simple, but corn’ or billion dollar business if you begin on how you can because of the startup environchange the customer experiment,” Valencia said. ence because of a new technolHe is likewise hopeful that ogy, a lot of amazing innovawith partnerships between large tions can happen,” he said. conglomerates and the governEmerging market ment, the passing of the Startup The Philippines has always been called an emerging market Law and support for incubators like QBO and the DOST Techand it is something that startups nology Business Incubator (TBIs) need to take advantage of, in in universities, they will be able terms of both helping it grow to find these new companies and the business climate it ofthat will be the next big compafers. nies of the country.

Valencia said that most As he moves forward to a investors don’t know that the new chapter in his professional Philippines is the 13th largest career, Valencia is all set to pack country in the world by populaup his suit as a corporate intion but the amazing thing is novator/investor and put on his that it is one of the youngest hoodie as a VC-backed startup populations at age 24 and one of the most digital/mobile savvy. founder.

Festival of Philippine Arts and...

From Page 2 power of arts to heal and of our culture to affirm. It’s good to be back!”

Premiering a week after the Los Angeles Riots in 1993, FPAC, has presented countless artists in a multitude of disciplines to multigenerational audiences nearing an estimated half-million attendees over the course of 26 years. But, this year marks its first as a virtual presentation.

“We’re excited to debut FPAC on a first-ever virtual stage but, in festival tradition, we continue to spotlight a strong lineup of Filipino and Filipino American multidisciplinary artists,” said Giselle Tongi-Walters, FilAm ARTS Programming Director.

“The hard work, long hours and dedication put in by the production team — helmed by award-winning filmmaker, Charles Uy — and our amazing-

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla

make the sweet treat by watching videos online.

Social media helped lift their newest venture off the ground. The internet has become more important than ever; not only are people using it to connect with their family and friends, they are also using it to check out new food and beverage establishments for in-store pickups and online deliveries.

“It’s like when people refer, and now, it’s all word of mouth through social media,” Jennifer said.

She added, “It’s definitely helpful...to the state that we’re in now because it’s hard to get out there to be in front of people like I would be in a sales position.”

The couple also recently joined the Filled Market at Manila District in Downtown

Los Angeles, where they set up shop every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and offer their popular items by piece or pack. Starting October 24, the market will expand to Saturday service during the same time frame.

If there’s one thing to be grateful for during this time, Jennifer admitted that it has given her more time with her family. Before the pandemic, she and Carlo worked on opposite schedules, and found it hard to have time all together as a family.

“I don’t want to take away from the bad things that have happened, but in my family, this pandemic has been, in a way, a blessing in disguise. We never had this much time together [before], we couldn’t be doing then what we’re doing now,” she said.

Automatic revocation of wills and trust upon entry of Angels among us divorce or nullity judgment

community

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 21, 2020

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (ConTinued from last week …)

Trust your own instincts.

Your own personal experience will color the lens with which you view and relate with your personal guardian angel.

God so loved the world, He sent His only son to redeem us from sin and death so we may gain eternal life. Angels are sent to help us during our time here on earth towards this arduous journey to eternal life.

The Holy Spirit came to guide us and enlighten us.

But on the micro, day-by-day level, God sent us our personal guardian angels from conception, birth, throughout our life and our passage from death to eternal life as a constant presence.

Come to think of it, every time an unborn life is cut down, the murder deprives an angel of his purpose. There must be some cosmic angst and turmoil in the heavens.

There must be anguish and pain, a disturbance, not only on earth but also in the celestial realm. Some say God

(Part 3 of 4)

“I think we all do have a guardian angel. I believe they work through us all the time, when we are thoughtful and good and kind to each other.”

—Roma Downey created so many angels, one cannot count the number of angels that can stand on the head of a pin.

But there is a caveat to this gift from the Almighty.

One must accept the gift and use the gift of the presence of angels in one’s life for good and only good. One must be humble of heart to know that by ourselves we can do nothing of real value to ourselves or our loved ones and ultimately find God in our lives without asking in earnest for help from the spiritual, unseen realm of angels.

Yes, the key is to ask for help for one to receive it.

Also, one must never take the gift of a personal guardian angel for granted.

An angel is an invisible

presence that must be acknowledged to become ever stronger. God sends angels to keep watch over human beings and help them in every human challenge. There is, however, the element of free will in humans.

You can acknowledge the presence of angels or deny it. It is your choice ultimately.

The more angels are acknowledged and become a conduit to heaven, they become a hovering, guiding reality in one’s life growing ever stronger in their influence to shape every thought, word and deed in one’s life.

(To be continued…) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Angel is one of Tatler Asia’s ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ in yearly Gen T list By

Katrina Hallare Inquirer.net

Angel Locsin Photo from Instagram/@therealangellocsin

EMPLOYMENT

KAPAMILYA actress Angel Locsin has been named among “Leaders of Tomorrow” in Tatler Asia’s Gen T list.

According to Locsin’s Gen T list profile, the actress was recognized for her “tireless philanthropic work in education, domestic violence and health.”

“Angelica Locsin became a household name for her philanthropic work, particularly since she donated US$300,000 to

scholarships for the less fortunate, as well as supporting the economic and political rights of indigenous people, and working to end violence against women and children,” her Gen T list profile reads.

“Since the coronavirus crisis began, she has played an important role in raising funds for hospitals and equipment for frontline doctors,” it added.

Locsin, in an Instagram post on Sunday, did not hide her excitement on the recognition she received.

Continued on Page 5

EMPLOYMENT

YOU just finalized your divorce. You are free and single Barrister’s again. Ever wonder what hapCorner pens to the will or revocable trust you executed during your marriage with your ex spouse naming your ex spouse or her Atty. Kenneth family as beneficiary in case UrsUA reyes you pass away?

Well, those documents are dissolution or annulment: revoked by operation of law.

(1) Property prevented A judgment of dissolution or nullity automatically cancels, from passing to a former spouse because of the revocaby operation of law, non probate transfers between the tion passes as if the former spouse failed to survive the former spouses or domestic partners. It also terminates the testator.

(2) Other provisions of the right of survivorship interest in joint tenancies between the will conferring some power or former spouses/domestic part- office on the former spouse shall be interpreted as if the ners and in community propformer spouse failed to survive erty with right of survivorship. the testator.

Prob.C. §§ 5601, 5602, 5604.

A divorce judgment and Unless the respective wills othnullity judgment also affects erwise provide, the judgment non probate transfers such also revokes all testamentary as trusts. A broad range of transfers between the former surviving spouse/domestic spouses or domestic partners and any provision in the will of partner rights are canceled upon finality of a judgment of either nominating the former spouse or domestic partner as dissolution or nullity including beneficiary rights under executor, trustee, conservator or guardian. Probate Code retirement plans, pay on death accounts, transfer on death § 6122; Estate of Coleman vehicle registrations, trusts and (2005) 129 CA4th 380, 389, a marital property agreement.

28 CR3d 282, 288; Estate of Probate Code § 5600(e).

Jones (2004) 122 CA4th 326, Now since Wills and Trusts 332–333, 18 CR3d 637, 641.

Probate Code Section 6122 executed during the marriage is revoked upon entry of provides: (a) Unless the will expressly divorce or nullity judgment, you should think about setting provides otherwise, if after up a new estate plan after the executing a will the testadivorce or nullity to have a tor’s marriage is dissolved or new plan in place in case you annulled, the dissolution or pass away. If you pass away annulment revokes all of the with at least $166,250 in gross following: assets and you do not have a (1) Any disposition or apliving trust (even if you have a pointment of property made will), your beneficiaries would by the will to the former have to open up a probate spouse.

(2) Any provision of the will case before title to the assets conferring a general or special can pass to them. When I say gross asset, I mean regardless power of appointment on the of how much debt you owe on former spouse.

(3) Any provision of the will them. For example if you own nominating the former spouse a house valued at $850,000 at as executor, trustee, conserva- the time of your death, it does not matter that your mortgage tor, or guardian. balance is 800,000, a probate (b) If any disposition or case has to be opened in order other provision of a will is to pass title to that property. revoked solely by this section, The same is true with other it is revived by the testator’s types of assets such as ownremarriage to the former ing a business, a professional spouse. (c) In case of revocation by practice, bonds, equities, etc.

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

This is a very low threshold to exceed specially in California where real estate prices, even after the economic crisis, remains in the upper end of the curve among the 50 states.

Commencing a probate case is expensive and a very slow process. Someone qualified will have to file a Petition with the probate court to have someone appointed as executor or administrator. The Petitioner’s attorney gets paid a statutory rate for attorney’s fees commencing with 4% of the gross estate. The probate referee will have to be paid for appraising the assets of the estate. If it is necessary to post bond, the premium on the bond would have to be paid as well. There is also the cost of administering the estate such as selling some of the assets to satisfy the estate’s obligations and to divide the estate according to the will or the intestate line of succession if there is no will. The entire process could take up years specially if certain beneficiaries and creditors file certain claims. The probate court file would be public record.

On the other hand if you have a revocable trust, your estate can avoid the entire court system and court supervision. In certain situations, the process may also save you estate taxes which may be substantial if your assets exceed a certain threshold. Basically, you and/or your spouse can be named as the initial trustee of the trust while you are alive.

The trustee is the person who manages the trust. This means you retain control of all your assets the same way as if you never had a trust. For revocable trusts, you can later on, at any time during your lifetime, revoke the entire trust if you change your mind.

The assets held in your living trust will be managed by the trustee and distributed according to your directions without court supervision and involvement when you pass away. This can save your heirs time and money. Since the trust would not be under the Continued on Page 5

Maja on how she has lasted 17 years in show biz and what would make her leave

By Niña

GuNo Inquirer.net

AFTER nearly two decades in show biz, Maja Salvador opened up about what has made her an in-demand talent and what keeps her grounded.

Salvador, 32, shared her experience of lasting 17 years in the business on Enchong Dee’s YouTube vlog posted on Sunday, Oct. 18. The two are longtime friends and were vacationing in Amanpulo for Salvador’s birthday during the candid Q&A. The actress admitted that she learned the hard way when she was younger about what was stopping her from being successful.

“Hindi ko sineseryoso ‘yung work,” she said. “Parang maraming kumukuha sa akin. Bata pa lang ako, mga 16 or 17 years old. Pero doon ko na-realize na parang lagi na lang puro ‘ASAP.’ Wala akong serye. Kasi parang ang tingin nila, kino-quota ko lang, hindi ko ginagalingan ‘yung mga project na ginagawa ko.”

(I was not taking work seriously. But a lot were hiring me. I was young, about 16 or 17 years old. But I realized that I was always on “ASAP.” I had no TV show. Because they saw me as

learn how to get along with others),” she recalled.

When Dee asked how long she would stay in entertainment, she said, “Basta alam ko hindi ako mawawala sa industry (I just know I will not disappear from this industry).”

“Pero like kunyari pumasok na ako sa family life, siyempre may time na magfo-focus ka muna maging nanay ‘di ba? Pero Maja Salvador hindi ibig sabihin na mawawala Photo from Instagram/@iammajasalvador ka sa industry (But if for example I start with family life, of course just making a quota, I was not there will be time that I will focus working hard on my projects.)

“Hindi pala pera pera lang sa to be a mom right? But I will not leave the industry).” industry. Kailangan may passion Later on, Salvador said she ka rin sa ginagawa mo (I realized would only turn away from show the industry is not just about biz because of her family. money. You must have passion “Kung ire-request ‘yun ng for what you do),” she said. magiging asawa ko or ng magigDee said Salvador is among his “top 3 leading ladies” that he ing anak ko, [I will do it]. Kasi time ang pinakamaibibigay mo sa enjoys working with because of kanila,” she said. her “working attitude.”

“Nauubos ng work natin ang Salvador, meanwhile, said oras… Kasi masyado tayong he knew how to take care of his leading ladies and get along with naka-focus sa work,” she said. “I will adjust. I will give it to them.” them.

(If whoever will be my The “Killer Bride” star also husband or child will request it shared advice from her mom, of me, I will do it. Because time who has helped her in the is the most you can give them. industry.

Work consumes all our time…

“Laging habaan ang pasensya at laging matutong makisama we are too focused on work. I will adjust. I will give it to them.)

(Be more patient and always

*** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

The article is intended to provide only

specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association.

He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611

Angel is one of Tatler...

From Page 4 “I’m amazed [and] inspired to be alongside fellow artists all over Asia, and I’m proud to represent the land of maraming (many) feelings, Philippines!”

Locsin quipped.

At the onset of the COVID19 outbreak in the Philippines, Locsin, along with fiancé Neil Arce and fellow actress Dimples Romana, launched UniTENTweStandPH, a campaign that provides tents to address overcrowding in hospitals nationwide.

UniTENTweStandPH was able to reach out to 135 hospitals and raise P11.35 million to

set up 246 tents that include 225 isolation tents and 21 sanitation tents with a misting machine.

The Gen T list, according to its website, is a content and community platform for young leaders shaping Asia’s future.

“We celebrate the entrepreneurial drive and disruptive spirit of entrepreneurs and creatives across the region.”

Aside from Locsin, among those included in the list were Angkas chief transport advocate George Royeca, photojournalist Ezra Acayan, and Sen. Grace Poe’s son, Brian Poe Llamanzares.

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 21, 2020

Vice Ganda gets real By iza iGlesias ManilaTimes.net

VICE Ganda’s vlog (video blog) followers were in for a pleasant surprise when during the last days of September, he had stripped himself of his comedic antics, this time seriously contemplative of the current times.

The particular vlog carried a caption saying that it contained stories the public hardly knew — his brand of comedy set aside.

It’s been several months now since the virulent pandemic broke out, impacting the lives even of those in the entertainment business, “Unti-unti ko nang nararamdaman ‘yung ang tagal ko nang walang trabaho, ‘yung hindi yata kami makakabalik pa muna dahil bawal pa sa studio. Tapos, may mga namamatay na. Du’n ako nagsimulang mag-panic.”

But of course, “It’s Showtime” has found a home on Zoe Channel (owned by Bro. Eddie Villanueva). This is the realization of what Vice Ganda had termed “the coming of better days.”

The prior months though had the “Unkaboggable Star” reeling from paranoia even by merely going out of the house or letting general, non-specific legal information. or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our friends in for fear of the viral infection, “Sobrang nabaliw ako!”

This article is not intended to cover all the website at Kenreyeslaw.com Vice Ganda cited at least two issues related to the topic discussed. The (Advertising Supplement)

Automatic revocation of wills...

From Page 4 direct management of the probate court, your assets and their value and your beneficiaries’ identities would not become a public record. Your heirs and beneficiaries would still have to be notified about the living trust and advised, among other things, of their right to obtain a copy of the trust. If you recently got divorced or had a marriage annulled, you should have a new estate plan (wills and trust) set up to save on estate taxes, save on probate and administration cost, and make it more convenient for your beneficiaries to inherit from your estate.

entertainment

Vice Ganda

major setbacks which were just as ill-timed — the shutdown of ABS-CBN and the demise of his best friend of many years, “Ang bigat!”

To say the least, ABS-CBN’s closure for him meant loss of his platform by which he could entertain his audience. It is for this reason why Vice Ganda has put up a channel of his own to pick from where he left off.

Interestingly for the TV host-comedian, this pandemic-wrought crisis has stirred thoughts to ponder. An epiphany of sorts, Vice Ganda sees himself as having neither strength nor confidence, thus he

Photo from Instagram/@praybeytbenjamin

needs to get it from that One above.

“That’s what I’m thankful for as He made me realize something. Binawasan niya ako ng tapang para bumalik sa Kanya, that I needed to go back to Him.” Also, the fact that Vice Ganda has Ion Perez for — ahem — his life partner (actually a fulfillment of his dream), future pandemics (God forbid!) can come for all he cares.

Meanwhile, I wonder how Ion has been getting through it all. Lucky him, he has the luxury to simply engage in lollygagging for all eternity.

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