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Volume 19 - No. 42 • 16 Pages

T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I CA N C O M M U N I T Y N E WS PA P E R

Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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Duterte takes responsibility for drug killings anew

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

President Rodrigo Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Monday, October 19.

Malacañang photo by Robinson Niñal

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Inaugural conference of young Filipino American physicians brings community together amidst pandemic

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte took responsibility anew for the killings committed under his campaign against illegal drugs.

However, he insisted he was not to blame for the deaths with unknown perpetrators.

“If there are deaths, I said... you can hold me responsible for anything, any death that has occurred in the execution of the drug war. But do not blame me for deaths whose perpetrators are not known,” Duterte said in his televised public address on Monday, October 19. u PAGE A2

OPEN AGAIN. Some people enjoy a dip in a pool at the Riverside Resort in New Dasma Color Trade, Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Salitran, Dasmarinas, Cavite on Wednesday, October 21. The government has allowed more business establishments to resume operations to let the economy recover from the months of lockdowns due to the coronavirus disease pandemic.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

A quick rundown of the 2020 California ballot measures

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

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

THE Council of Young Filipino Americans in Medicine (CYFAM) hosted its inaugural conference on October 10-11, with the theme “Isang Bagsak: United in Health”.

This two-day virtual conference brought together more than 500 attendees from all over the United States including Hawaii as well as from Canada and the Philippines,

by MOMAR G. VISAYA organized through the generous support of AJPress the UCSF PRIME-U.S. Program, Princeton Review, as well as the support of its parent THE President’s Advisory Commission organization Association of Philippine Phy- on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders sicians in America (APPA), Filipino Young (AAPIs), during its third open meeting virtually on Thursday, October 15, and in cou PAGE A3 operation with the White House Office of Public Liaison and the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI), honored and celebrated Filipino American History Month (FAHM).

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao, and other Senior Adminis-

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 firstof-its-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 ben-

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President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs California issues new reopening celebrates Filipino American History Month guidelines for theme parks, stadiums

AAPI labor and community leaders say No to 22, Yes on 15

Calls for California’s corporations to do their share in protecting workers and communities SAN FRANCISCO — On Monday, October 19, Asian American and Pacific Islander labor and community leaders spoke alongside gig workers at a virtual press conference to urge California voters to protect workers and invest in our communities by voting No on Proposition 22 and Yes on Proposition 15. The pandemic has exacerbated the economic and health gaps in California, including AAPI communities, and voters have a chance to stand with workers and close a tax loophole on commercial properties and generate much-needed funding for California public schools and local communities. u PAGE A3

tration officials from the White House, U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Commerce, thanked the numerous Filipino Americans on the frontlines.

Chao talked about the “hundreds of thousands of Filipino health care workers on the frontlines” and that America is grateful for the many contributions of the community.

“I am pleased that we are here today to celebrate Filipino American History Month.

I am especially thankful to the frontliners, many of them Filipinos, are taking personal risks to save so many lives and keep our country safe, healthy, and whole,” Ross,

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DOT: Hotels in GCQ, MGCQ areas can operate at full capacity

by AJPRESS HOTELS in areas under the modified general community quarantine and general community quarantine are now allowed to operate at full capacity, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) announced on Wednesday, October 21.

“The decision to open at 100 percent operational capacity will be subject to the hotel management’s decision and compliance with the safety guidelines,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

The announcement came after the DOT was given the authority by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerg-

ing Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to determine the allowable operational capacity of up to 100 percent for hotels under GCQ and MGCQ areas.

The IATF on Oct. 15 approved Resolution No. 79, which replaces the provision that accommodation establishments in areas under GCQ may only operate with a skeleton workforce.

The resolution also approved the easing up of interzonal and intrazonal movement, which is the predicate to reviving domestic tourism, according to Puyat.

“Along with this comes the need to ready the whole tourism value chain, which includes the accommodation, transportation

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by AJPRESS

INDIVIDUALS itching to visit a theme park in California will still have to wait as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

State health officials on Tuesday, October 20 issued new reopening criteria for theme parks to meet. Under the guidelines, Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood and other destinations can’t welcome visitors until the county they are in reaches the highest level of the four tier system as part of the state’s COVID-19 reopening plan.

In a virtual press briefing, California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly unveiled two sets of guidelines based on the size of the theme park.

Smaller theme parks may resume operations in Tier 3 (mod-

erate/orange) by following measures, such as limited capacity of 25% or 500, whichever is fewer, opening only outdoor attractions, and ticket sales limited to visitors in the same county. Under this tier, new cases must be around 1 to 4 a day per 100,000 residents.

All other theme parks are allowed to reopen in Tier 4 (yellow/minimal), which allows for 25% limited capacity. The parks must also implement a reservation 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, u PAGE A2

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OctOber 23-29, 2020 • NOrcAL ASIAN JOUrNAL

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From the Front Page

Duterte takes responsibilty for...

PAGE A1 t

The chief executive also claimed he is willing to go to jail for the drug-related deaths.

“If you die, that’s because I am angry with drugs. That’s what I am saying. If you bring me to court or send me to jail, fine, I have no problem. If I serve my country by going to jail, gladly,” he said.

Duterte likewise maintained that he is not committing crimes against humanity with his crackdown on drugs.

“Kailan pa naging humanity itong p***** i** mga drug na ito (Since when did these sons of b*****s become part of humanity)?” he said.

“If this is allowed to go on and on and if no decisive action is taken against them, it will endanger the security of the state,” he added.

PH still in the ‘thick of fight’

vs drugs Citing the 2019 National Household Survey on the Patterns and Trends of Drug Abuse by the Dangerous Drugs Board, Duterte said that there are “about 167 million or two out of 100 people” who are reportedly current drug users in the country.

“In the past, ‘yung panahon nila Dela Rosa, umabot ‘yan ng (during the time of [now senator Ronald] Dela Rosa), almost 4 million. And how much has been reduced in the use of shabu? I really do not know until now. But we are still in the thick of the fight against shabu,” he said.

On Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that the figure that Duterte stated was a typographical error.

“Typo lang po ‘yun (It was just a typo). It should be 1.67 million,” he said.

Duterte addressed the parents of Filipinos who are using drugs, saying they are also to blame for the country’s situation.

“I forgot this important advice that parents should have also — a shared responsibility.

Dapat kayo rin ang masisi nito kung ang inyong anak pupunta na doon. Pinabayaan ninyo (You should also take the blame if your child gets involved with drugs.

You neglected them). Check on your children always. Supervise, check,” he said.

He also admitted that he grieves for drug users, reasoning that it is “a waste of life.”

“I grieve for the Filipinos na tinamaan ng droga. Talagang masakit sa akin because a waste of life (I grieve for the Filipinos affected by illegal drugs. It really pains me because it’s a waste of life),” Duterte said. n

California issues new reopening guidelines for...

PAGE A1

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

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObeR 23-29, 2020

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AAPI labor and community leaders say No...

PAGE A1 t

Several Fil-Am physicians came together from Oct. 10-11 for the Council of Young Filipino Americans in medicine’s first national conference.

Inaugural conference of young Filipino...

PAGE A1 t Leaders Program (FYLPRO), Mabuhay Credit Union, and the Philippine Consulates General Los Angeles and New York.

The conference’s theme “Isang Bagsak: United in Health” signifies how the Filipino American community rises and falls together. It is associated with the Unity Clap of Filipino and Latino laborers of the 1960s who organized around common struggles and experiences.

During this completely virtual conference, young Filipino American physicians, medical students, and pre-med undergraduates from all over the U.S. gave interactive discussions based on the themes of kalusugan (health), pagdiriwang (celebration), kapwa (fellowship), and paroroonan (career destinations).

The conference included inspiring keynote speakers: Dr. Imelda Dacones, president and CEO of Northwest Permanente, and Dr. Peter Bretan, president of the California Medical Association and adjunct clinical professor at Touro University. Other supporters of the conference included PhilDev, National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Salamat Yoga, and Kayamanan ng Lahi.

During this conference, the members of CYFAM shared their experiences and challenges as physicians and trainees of color across the educational pipeline, working to unite under a call to action to support community health and leadership in medicine.

After hearing the first keynote speaker on Saturday, Mericien Venzon, an MD/Ph.D. student at the New York University School of Medicine, said, “Dr. Dacones so eloquently reminded all of us women of how we must ‘take our seat at the table’ and not let the fear of failure or intimidation keep us from having our voices be heard. Hearing her speak at the conference inspired me to emulate her leadership, especially in the way that she encourages others to take risks and also uplifts the women around her so they can assume places of leadership as well.”

Following the remarks from the keynote speakers, conference attendees participated in various workshops based on that day’s theme. On Saturday, the workshops focused on celebration, identity, and mentorship.

One session included a presentation from Dr. Rommel Rivera, current president of APPA, who gave a lecture about the history of the Filipino American physicians and the establishment of FilAm medical societies. In another workshop, Dr. Melissa Palma led attendees in a storytelling session where she reflected on her 10-year journey in immigrant health advocacy. The attendees then had the chance to interact within mentorship groups known as “pamilyas,” which were composed of one physician mentor, four to five medical students and about 10 pre-medical students.

The 23 pamilyas were each carefully selected in order to build a community of members with for future collaborations.

“Meeting other Filipino Americans in this field is very motivating, because many times I do feel like an imposter, but seeing others that look like me in such a rigorous field and knowing I have this community uplifting me is extremely reassuring,” said Stephanie Anciro, a 4th-year medical student from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia.

On Sunday, the conference themes were kalusugan, paroroonan, and community building. Health workshops included presentations from Dr. Katrina Heyrana about “Filipino Sexual Health through a Reproductive Justice Lens,” as well as Alexander Adia and Irene Quilantang, who spoke about the current state of the HIV epidemic in the Philippines and the impact of COVID-19. The attendees then had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Drew Park about “Entrepreneurship in Medicine,” or Drs. Carlos Oronce and Hafifa Shabaik about “Career Paths in Research.” International Medical Graduates from the Philippines, Drs. Nico Cabrera, Denise Sese, Martin Amor, John Macheal Racoma, and Jeremy Santiago also hosted a panel where they discussed how to navigate the medical education system in the Philippines

and then in the U.S. “The communities of people in the U.S. with roots in the Philippines are diverse and that’s particularly true of those in medicine,” said Dr. Nico Cabrera.

“As IMGs and AMGs we certainly experience the U.S. healthcare landscape differently but hopefully we can learn from and understand each other and maybe even help each other out along the way,” stated Dr. Denise Sese.

This conference of Young Filipino Americans in medicine also featured an interactive virtual research symposium, which highlighted work from 21 Filipino American researchers across the U.S. in a variety of disciplines and levels of training. This was a particular highlight in the conference given the relative lack of Filipino American focused research shared in the U.S. medical community. Research presentation topics spanned across basic science, clinical medicine, and public health. The Judge’s Choice for “Best Abstract” was awarded to Sabrina Christensen, a medical student at the California Northstate University College of Medicine. Her presentation was on the “Role of Sirtuin 3 in Adipogenesis and the Insulin Cell Signaling Pathway.” The online audience voted for the “Audience Choice Oral Presentation” in each session which was awarded to Jed Keenan L. Obra, a pre-medical student at the University of California, Davis who studied “The Role of Collagen Composition and Orientation in Lateral Force Transmission with Aging,” and Mr. Alexander Adia, a master’s student at the Brown University Philippine Health Initiative who presented “Disaggregating Health Conditions, Outcomes, and Service Access & Implications for COVID-19 Among Filipino Adults in California.”

In October 2019, Dr. Antonio Moya and Dr. Angelico Razon established CYFAM as a means to create a national community of Filipino Americans in medicine.

It was noted that though there were many professional physician organizations for Filipino physicians who later migrated from the Philippines to the U.S. to practice medicine, there was not a single national young Filipinx American physician organization that worked to unite the community.

Through a nationwide survey of this community and after many town hall discussions, it was established that the mission of the Council of Young Filipinx Americans in Medicine (CYFAM) is to promote the leadership development of young Filipinx American physicians and trainees, reinforce the educational pipeline, and address structural inequities in health through advocacy, scholarship, and community partnership. CYFAM’s vision is to embolden leaders to amplify the voice of our members, patients, and community. Ultimately, the goal of the organization is to equip and empower every Filipinx American medical student, trainee, and young physician to be an effective change agent in tackling the community’s most pressing health priorities.

“Being a committee head as a pre-medical student was definitely a challenging yet extraordinary and immensely rewarding experience for me. It was a unique opportunity to grow as a leader while building community with so many amazing healthcare leaders across the country.

One of my biggest take-aways from being a part of the planning committee is that we don’t have to go through our journey to becoming healthcare professionals alone. To me, being a part of this committee is a real-life example of Bayanihan, or the spirit of collectivism and communal action towards a shared goal. It really does take a village to pull off such a big event, and we were able to do that primarily because of everyone’s shared commitment to creating a professional and educational space for Filipinx/ Filipinx-Americans in medicine,” said Jaira Mendoza, a pre-medical student at UCLA and a member of the planning committee.

Building off the momentum from this historic conference, CYFAM plans on creating an online mentorship program as well as a directory of Filipino American physicians from all over the U.S. that can also be linked to APPA. With the pandemic amplifying

existing health disparities in the community, programs will also be specifically focused on pandemic relief.

“It’s time for young Filipino Americans in the U.S. to have a voice in our U.S. health care system. We cannot remain silent when it is well known that our Filipino community suffers disproportionately from stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and now COVID-19 compared to other Asian Pacific Islander and minority communities,” Dr. Antonio Moya stated.

“The dream of creating a national network of Filipino Americans in Medicine started as a conversation many years ago, but it wasn’t until the pandemic occurred that this dream of a nationwide Fil-Am pamilya in medicine became real,” said Robert “Robi” Bucayu, a 4th-year medical student from UC Irvine School of Medicine and the Conference Coordinator. (Antonio Moya, Dianne Lumaquin, and Allen Siapno)

Prop 22 would have a significant impact on AAPI and immigrant communities. A recent study by the UC Santa Cruz Institute for Social Transformation shows that 1 in 3 San Francisco drivers are Asian, and 56% of gig drivers are immigrants.

“Prop. 22 will hurt workers like me, who are mostly workers of color and immigrants,” shared Saori Okawa, who has been a driver for over 3 years. During the pandemic, AAPIs face vastly disproportionate rates of COVID-19 infection and death, and we believe that all workers deserve basic protections to keep our families and communities safe.

When the pandemic hit, drivers like Jing Xiao, Saori Okawa, and John Meijia had to choose between putting their health on the line and drive to make money to support themselves and their families, or stop driving to keep themselves and their families safe. “It’s already a challenge trying to make ends meet as an Uber driver, but their ballot initiative would make it nearly impossible,” says Okawa.

“Prop 22 would leave me and other drivers without protections. We need to hold corporations accountable and put people above profits.” said John Meijia, who has driven for both Lyft and Uber.

Prop 15 will bring in $12 billion dollars a year to community resources and schools without raising taxes for renters, small business owners, and homeowners. “We have a once in a generation opportunity to make

the future brighter by supporting Prop 15. As a provider of mental health services in Alameda County, I know how much the bill will provide infrastructure to address homelessness, gaps in mental health services, and other issues impacting our communities,” shares Yeon Park, APALA National Executive Board Member and Vice President at SEIU 1021.

Local communities and small businesses are also struggling to respond to COVID-19, including minority and women-owned businesses. “By closing loopholes used by large corporations, it will not only level the playing field for small businesses, there will be more funding towards social services, preparation for future events like pandemics, earthquakes, and wildfires, and more resource-funded schools,” adds Park.

Isaiah Aiotolu, a student at Sacramento State University shares why he supports Prop 15. “As a first -gen, low-income, minority student, I know the struggles of not having resources, but if I had the opportunity to change that or to even lessen the struggle in someway for future students, for my nieces and nephews, for the future generations in my communities, then I would without a doubt, take advantage of that opportunity. That’s why it is important to vote Yes on Prop 15 because it will put our schools and communities first and provide resources that we need and that we deserve.”

Lilibeth Mora, Equity Teacher Leader at Vallejo Unified School District and member of Filipino

Advocates for Justice, shares the needs of students and teachers, and the role of educators during the pandemic. “Imagine right now being a student who has either witnessed a family member that’s lost their job, or got sick with COVID-19, and still having to deal with accessing your virtual class using a smartphone with limited data or unreliable wifi. Now imagine you being a teacher, who has to care for over 100 students with those and other various needs everyday. We as educators have a daunting task ahead, being frontline essential workers meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students while preparing for a safe return to our school. And, we have to do this within an education system that’s 39% in the nation for school funding.

“Inequality in our education systems are here, and have been here for a long time,” shares Mara Randle, teacher for youth with special needs at Oakland High School, and member of Oakland Educators Association and APALA.“I currently have a student with a laptop that has no microphone, so she takes notes on paper and shows the notes on the screen - this is infuriating. We are the community that is hurting. Our students and our future are hurting. We have a chance to make a difference.”

Our teachers, drivers and other essential workers are doing their share and more, and we are calling on California’s corporations to do their part.

(AJPress)

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President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs...

PAGE A1 t WHIAAPI co-chair, echoed.

Ross also acknowledged FilAms for being “famously entrepreneurial” and cited Pedro Flores, who invented the yoyo and began an enterprise in California.

“Many of the nation’s 1.9 million AAPI-owned companies have suffered a dramatic loss of business due to the pandemic,” he said, adding that with the right policies in place, the country’s businesses will soon enter the recovery phase.

Filipinos in the Trump administration Three Filipino Americans who are a part of the Trump administration as senior officers also joined the virtual celebration.

Vic Mercado, among the highlevel Filipinos in the Trump cabinet, works at the Department of Defense as Assistant Secretary for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities. Prior to his current position, Mercado served in the U.S. Navy for 35 years where he held various acquisition and engineering leadership roles. until his retirement in November 2018.

He is responsible for advis-

ing the Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy on national security and defense strategy; the forces, contingency plans, and associated posture necessary to implement the defense strategy; nuclear deterrence and missile defense policy; and security cooperation plans and policies.

Mercado joined the virtual meeting from his office at the Pentagon. He said he was looking forward to the month of October when Filipino American History Month is celebrated.

“We have such a rich and diverse culture and our history in this country goes way back, centuries back,” he said.

He shared a few stories about his trip to the Philippines a few years ago and called it “extraordinary,” particularly his experience when he visited the American cemetery, which at 152 acres, is the largest in terms of the number of graves with about 17,000 military members who died in World War II. “I have an uncle I never met, his name was Serapio Guerrero and he was a Filipino Scout who died at the Bataan Death March on July 4, 1942 and was one of

75,000 Filipinos and Americans who fought in the war. The cemetery in Manila symbolizes the beautiful relationship between the United States and the Philippines,” Mercado said.

Kelly Ilagan is a senior advisor at the Department of Commerce for International Trade Administration. Born and raised in Michigan, Ilagan shared that both her parents are nurses and instilled in her Filipino values.

“They taught me to just work hard to achieve that American dream that our ancestors dreamt for us,” she shared.

She acknowledged the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of Filipinos, especially those who opened small stores and restaurants across America.

As a small kid growing up in Detroit, she said she looked forward to their trips to the Filipino and Asian markets and restaurants.

Ninio Fetalvo, White House communications advisor, shared Ilagan’s sentiments and paid tribute to his parents who taught and instilled in him Filipino values.

“Who would have thought that

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DOT: Hotels in GCQ, MGCQ areas can operate...

PAGE A1 t and tour operation sectors. Allowing the accommodation sector to operate at full capacity will be most welcomed by tourism’s workforce that has been greatly affected since the community lockdown,” she added.

Puyat also said that the DOT will soon issue the amended guidelines for the expanded operational capacity of hotels, including staycation hotels.

Earlier, she directed hotels and other tourism establishments in areas under GCQ to secure a DOT Certificate of Authority to Operate for Staycations (DCAOS) before accommodating any guests.

The Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), for its part, welcomed the new development.

“We thank the Secretary for her support to really slowly reopen business as it will benefit

CHECK-IN. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat tries the process to check-in during the inspection of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in BGC Taguig City on Wednesday, October 14. Puyat also underwent a swab test at the hotel to comply with the government health protocol.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

the establishments along with employees going back to work.

We fully understand the importance of sanitation, safety, and

strict adherence to the protocols which have been implemented since the start,” HSMA president Christine Ibarreta said. n

A quick rundown of the 2020 California...

PAGE A1 t eficiary 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 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 statefunded 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 uni-

versity 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,

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObeR 23-29, 2020

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

DOJ releases anti-terror law rules

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 engagement in any of the following acts, regardless of the stage of execution, 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, 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

A 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 seen hanging on a footbridge in Paraùaque City on Monday, October 19.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

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 similar 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

National ID pre-registration targets 5-M households 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

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-

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)

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A6

OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

FeatURes

OPiniOn

The ultimate betrayal

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

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

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 Constitution’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, according 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 million 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 separated babies and young children from their parents who were desperate to save their children from hunger and violence in their country when they tried to cross the U.S.-Mexico border to seek asylum in the United States.

Up to now, after almost four years, the Trump administration still cannot locate the parents of some 545 babies and children — all living without their mothers and fathers for almost four years.

Is this humane? Is this pro-life?

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 thirdtrimester abortions are permitted only if the risk to the 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.”

u PAGE A7

Why Filipinos need to vote ‘yes’ on Prop 15

Commentary

GEORDEE MAE CORPUZ FILIPINOS in California have a lot at stake in this election. As the largest Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) ethnic group in California, as well as one of the biggest voter blocs, Filipinos have a lot of power.

And the 2020 election puts us at a historical juncture to use that power.

California’s current trajectory, although familiar, looks bleak.

It’s riddled with underfunded schools, crumbling roads, housing scarcity, lack of healthcare, and lack of a safety net. For Filipinos, our future looks no different. We are one of the most inequitably impacted essential healthcare workers battling COVID-19 at the frontlines. Although we are about 25% of the state’s AAPI population, we represent at

least 35% of COVID-19 deaths amongst AAPIs . Yet this doesn’t even begin to capture the multitude of hardships Filipinos are going through. essential workers, such as USPS carriers, are working without hazard pay or PPe; small businesses are struggling to stay afloat or closing down; elders are living alone with inadequate access to health care; young people are struggling academically and emotionally during distance learning; families are unsure if they’ll be able to make rent or buy groceries because someone lost their job.

But the reality is, COVID-19 just compounded the already existing economic inequities we are experiencing as a community. A March 30th report by the UC Davis Bulosan Center for Filipinx Studies stated that, “Filipinos make up 24% of API population who struggle with poverty in the state,” and that before COVID-19 “70% of Filipinos in California re-

ported experiencing at least one of the following problems including having difficulty paying their rents or mortgages, having to cut back on food expenses to save money, or not having enough money to pay bills among other challenges.”

Despite the extreme increase in the cost of living in California over the decades, there has been historic disinvestment in our schools and communities. My family, rooted in Vallejo since the 1980s, has seen our community transform from a place of opportunity for working-class Filipinos, to a city with crumbling infrastructure and greatly underresourced schools. My cousins who grew up in the Vallejo City Unified school system have been experiencing budget deficits for decades. They didn’t have access to caring adults because of high teacher turnover, a high studentcounselor ratio, and overcrowded classrooms. At the same time, they experienced violence and

trauma in their neighborhoods.

There was a lack of healthy food options, health services, accessible and affordable transportation, clean and safe parks or recreation centers. Then when 2008’s Great Recession hit, the city of Vallejo was unable to recover. Many of the small businesses that we grew around have crumbled along with the streets of Vallejo. It’s hard to believe CA’s economy has grown in the last 40 years to become the 5th largest economy in the world while cities like Vallejo with concentrations of Filipinos, Black and Brown communities are declining.

So why do our communities continue to struggle while still generating so much wealth for the state? Over the last 40 years, corporations have not been paying their fair share in commercial property taxes because of a commercial property tax loophole from 1978. This has allowed wealthy corporations to pocket

billions of dollars that rightfully belong to our schools and communities. These large corporations, like Chevron, who are planted in our communities, and receiving COVID-19 relief, are taking resources and leaving our communities behind. While their futures are guaranteed safety, ours are not.

But, we can change this. In the spirit of bayanihan, we can use our collective power by casting our votes, voting for our values, our kababayans , and our future.

With bayanihan , we can create a safety net for our community that will move us through this crisis.

We can do this by voting YeS on Prop 15, the single most important economic recovery policy in California history.

Prop 15, the Schools & Communities First Act will generate $12 billion for schools and communities every year by closing the same corporate tax loophole getting the wealthiest corporations in California to pay their fair

share. Prop 15 will generate an additional $13 million specifically for California public hospitals and hospital districts, ensuring that our healthcare infrastructure is prepared and resourced to meet the needs of California’s communities now. It will also put millions into our schools so kids can have the support they need like counselors, school nurses, teachers and up to date technology so they can get a world-class education. It will protect homeowners, renters, and small business owners, even giving small businesses a $500,000 tax break.

As people who are at the frontlines of this pandemic, we deserve to have a future post COVID-19, where our young people, our elders and everyone in our community are thriving. Voting YeS on Prop 15 will ensure that. *** Geordee Mae Corpuz is the Strategy Director for Californians for Justice , and a leading member of the Filipinos for Schools and Communities coalition.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObeR 23-29, 2020

PH among highest in online piracy in Southeast Asia Fact-checking Trump’s claim about Biden’s...

by Ritchel

Mendiola

AJPress

THE Philippines engages in online piracy more than neighboring countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, according to a new study of the online content viewing behaviour of Filipino consumers.

The survey, commissioned by the Asia Video Industry Association’s (AVIA) Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) and conducted by international data and analytics group YouGov, found that 49% of Filipinos access streaming piracy websites or torrent sites.

The highest level of piracy, meanwhile, was found within the 25 to 34 age demographic, where 53% participated in online piracy.

The survey also found that 47% of Filipinos who accessed piracy sites cancelled their subscriptions to both local and international content services.

The country’s online piracy rate is higher than Malaysia and Indonesia, both of which saw

substantial reductions in online piracy over the last 12 months.

YouGov found a 64% reduction in Malaysian users accessing piracy sites, and a 55 percent reduction in Indonesia.

YouGov attributed the decline in online piracy levels to the piracy site blocking initiatives in Malaysia and Indonesia.

It also said a regulatory site blocking mechanism would be supported by Filipinos, with its recent survey finding that 53% agree that a “government order or law for ISPs to block piracy websites” would be the most effective.

A bill called the “Online Infringement Act” is now in the Philippine Senate, and seeks to empower authorities to ensure that internet service providers take “reasonable steps to disable access to sites whenever these sites are reported to be infringing copyright or facilitating copyright infringement.”

Globe Telecom, for its part, launched the #PlayItRight program which aims to inform peo-

ple that online piracy is harmful.

“The ill effects of online piracy cannot be underestimated.

We have been an advocate of content streaming through legal sites only through our #PlayItRight program. This advocacy educates people on the impacts of online piracy and on making the right choices when it comes to online consumption,” said Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu. Meanwhile, AVIA General Manager Neil Gane expressed optimism that the Philippines would follow in the steps of Malaysia and Indonesia in combating online piracy.

“We are confident that Indonesia and Malaysia will rise to become market leaders in video IP protection in the region, as a result of their site-blocking strategies. We are also confident that other countries in Asia, such as the Philippines, will take note and follow suit, boosting the growth of legal consumption of Filipino and international content,” he said. n

ics 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 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.”

PAGE A8

A quick rundown of the 2020 California...

PAGE A4 t 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 clin-

PAGE A6 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.

President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs...

PAGE A4 t a son of immigrants who grew up in Port Charlotte, Florida would be serving the President of the United States? I am so proud of the great strides we have made to make this a better country,” he shared.

Fetalvo added that his mother and sister both work as nurses, and just like the rest of the frontliners, have been working round the clock to beat the coronavirus pandemic.

“We grieve alongside every family who has lost a loved one due to COVID-19. The administration has been doing unprecedented efforts in making sure that a safe and effective vaccine will be available to all Americans,” Fetalvo said. “We are not cutting corners, we are on track and we hope to distribute 100 million doses before the end of the year.”

Herman Martir, a commissioner on President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs, led the program, which was also attended by Brendan Flores, National Chairman of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Tina Wei Smith, Executive Director of WHIAAPI and Alex Flemister, Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison.

Celebrating Filipino The White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders’ Facebook page highlighted the achievements of several Filipino Americans in honor

of FAHM. Among those they have featured are Shirlene D. Ostrov, President & CEO of Ares Mobility Solutions Inc. and Co-owner of Adaptive Cargo Solutions; Richard Felicelda, who is a teacher by profession and a businessman at heart, and founder of StarLab; Marie Cunning, owner and operator of Arizona Discount Flooring, LLC, Altair Realty, LLC, and the President and CEO of Arista Development, Inc. and Michele and Andy Rivera, who are co-founders of My E Three.

The Rivera couple’s wedding and events photography business was badly affected

by COVID-19, so they had to pivot their business and innovate. When there was a need and demand for face masks, the Riveras refocused My E Three, a Chicago-based lifestyle and wellness brand selling activewear products, to designing and selling quality face coverings.

To date, they have donated 1,000 masks to the underprivileged populations and health workers in the Philippines. In honor of Filipino American History Month, for every mask they sell, the Riveras will donate a mask to a Filipino charity or non-profit in the U.S. Cunning, on theater hand, is the National President of Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC) and on the Board of Trustees for National Federa-

A

tion of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). She is also the Founder and President of the Filipino American Business Chamber of Commerce of Arizona.

Felicelda immigrated to the U.S. in 2008 and made the jump to the healthcare industry.

He started his own business, StarLab in 2011, offering phlebotomy services and diagnostic specimen testing. Last April, it was one of the first labs in Illinois to respond to the pandemic by providing COVID-19 PCR testing and continues to be at the forefront of meeting the needs of the community through this pandemic. He is a recipient of the Emerging Leaders U.S. SBA initiative, and believes in setting higher standards for laboratory services.

Ostrov served 23 years of active duty service in the United States Air Force as a Colonel.

A politically active community leader, she takes pride in her extensive combat experience commanding military logistics operations around the world.

Filipino American History Month is a chance for Fil-Am communities to commemorate the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the U.S. when Filipinos arrived in present-day Morro Bay, California aboard the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza on October 18, 1587.

U.S. Congress officially recognized October as Filipino American History Month in 2009. n

A

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http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

A quick rundown of the 2020 California...

PAGE A7 t

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. SupportPAGE A9

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A quick rundown of the 2020 California...

PAGE A8 t ers 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 af-

ford 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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Community Journal

B IN NORTHEN cALIfORNIA

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObeR 23-29, 2020

Friday, October 23, 2020

OMETHING

ILIPINO

LIfESTyLE • cONSUMER GUIdE • cOMMUNITy • MARkETPLAcE

Why didn’t you file a petition already? rent and my visa was issued, I was told he had “aged out,” and had to be left behind. I have not consulted with any attorney yet, but I want to know if he could have been covered by the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), and can he still come Atty. MichAel to the U.S. under my mother’s peGurfinkel, eSQ tition?

Very truly yours, Dear Attorney GURFINKEL: LG I immigrated to the U.S. in 2008 through my mother’s F-3 petition Dear LG: (married son/daughter of U.S. citiWith regard to your child’s elizen), which she filed in 1990. At the time my petition was filed, my gibility for a visa under the CSPA, son was only six years old. By the I want to emphasize to everyone time the priority date became cur- that eligibility is NOT based on the

Immigration Corner

child’s age when the petition was filed, but instead on the child’s age when the priority date becomes current. Therefore, the fact that a child may have only been a baby, six years old, etc. when the petition was filed does not have any bearing on CSPA eligibility. (The only exception to this rule is when a U.S. citizen is petitioning his or her minor child. In that case the petition must be filed before the child’s 21st birthday.)

There is a complex mathematical formula to determine a child’s CSPA eligibility. In your particular PAGE B3 Dancers will perform a living dance prayer and meditation for the world. Spirit Boats will have offerings of food, flowers, herbs and power objects and will be festooned with prayer flags.

Photos courtesy of Kularts

‘Lakbai Diwa’ cultural ceremony comes to SOMA Pilipinas on Oct. 24-25 by

AJPress

This weekend, community members in San Francisco can experience a diasporic cultural ceremony and street mural tour while observing COVID-19 safety measures in SOMA Pilipinas, the city’s Filipino cultural heritage district.

Contemporary and tribal Pilipino arts group Kularts will present “Lakbai Diwa,”a multi-disciplinary project that explores ancestral oceanic culture of survival, resilience and prosperity.

The project will entail a street mural tour and 20-minute dance ritual, which will be held at the Yerba Buena Gardens on SaturMore Answers to Your Immigration Questions on Citizen Pinoy, “YOUR TANONG MY SAGOT” day, October 24 at 3 p.m. and at On a brand new episode of Citizen Pinoy, Atty. Gurfinkel answers many important immigration questions from viewers.

SoMa’s Sunday Streets UndisMaria from Dover, DE (top right) asks whether her son is eligible for a visa under the Child Status Protection Act when he aged out in 2011.

Meanwhile, Janet of Chicago, IL would like to know how many more years does her family need to wait for her siblings’ visas to be approved? covered SF Pop Up on Sunday, Their priority dates are all in 1998, and the NVC is already processing cases from 2002!.

October 25 at 3 p.m. A film will These are just some of the questions that Attorney Gurfinkel (left) will answer on a brand-new episode of --- CITIZEN PINOY: Your Tanong, My be announced in the future.

Sagot, this Sunday at 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

“Fused with indigenous spiri-

tuality, boats as vessels exemplify the balance we seek in life. In the Mindanaoan Ipat ritual, the spirit boat is a vehicle for communing with the spirit world and the higher self. The spirit boat carries the offerings and prayers to the sacred deities or energies of the five elements for a balanced world,” shared Kularts founder Alleluia Panis.

‘Lakbai Diwa’ coalesces spirit boats with elemental states of fire, water, earth, wind and transcendence as sacred deities and powers, another component of the project. Bridging contemporary artistic experiences that represent the resilience and transformative values of the diasporic Pilipino people, ‘Lakbai Diwa’ draws inspiration from boats which have been an essential part of life and culture of our people in the archipelago for PAGE B4 Lakbai Diwa Prayer Flag

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october 23-29, 2020 • NorcAL ASIAN JoUrNAL

Features

celebrity world

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Sanya Lopez replaces Marian Rivera in First Yaya

By Ferdie Villar the president’s three kids.

Before the announcement of Sanya as Marian’s replacement in “First Yaya” the Kapuso network had announced Lopez’s attachment to two other projects: “Agimat ng Agila” and “Lolong.”

Previously, the Nagcarlan, Laguna native first gained prominence in “Encantadia,” a remake and sequel of the epic tele-fantasy series where she played the role of Sang’gre Danaya, who is keeper of the earth gem.

In a weird connection, Sanya and Marian had worked with each other in the “Encantadia” series, where the latter played mother to the Sang’gres.

Other series/movies where Sanya was featured include “Haplos,” “Cain at Abel,” “Dahil sa Pag-ibig” and “Wild and Free,” aside from many guesting stints in other GMA-7 network programs. *** Actress Lovi Poe says a longdistance relationship (LDR) is worth it if you can make it work.

Such is her situation with her current boyfriend, Monte Blencowe, who is based in Los Angeles, CA. In a recent interview with InMulti-awarded actress Lovi Poe says that having a long-distance relationship isn’t that bad if quirer.net, the daughter of action it’s worth it.

Philstar.com photo star and King of Philippine MovSANYA Lopez, the sister of actor Jak Roberto and an accidental discovery of the late German Moreno, has been tapped to replace Primetime Queen Marian Rivera in the GMA-7 (or Kapuso network) teleserye “First Yaya.”

The series was supposed to be Marian’s comeback vehicle, but the actress backed out because of locked-in taping restrictions

that would keep her away from her young children.

According to an article in PEP. ph, “First Yaya” will feature Gabby Concepcion as leading man and also stars Pilar Pilapil, Sandy Andolong, Pancho Magno and Cassy Legaspi.

In “First Yaya,” Gabby will portray the role of president, with Sanya serving as nanny to

Gabby Concepcion will portray the role of president in the teleserye “First Yaya,” where he co-star with Sanya Lopez.

Photo from Instagram/@concepciongabby

“Encantadia” star Sanya Lopez has been tapped to replace Marian Rivera in the Kapuso network series “First Yaya.”

Photo from Instagram/@sanyalopez

ies Fernando Poe Jr., revealed that communication, trust and respect are a few things needed to be kept in mind when in a LDR. “Communication is important to all relationships. Trust should be there because you’re far away from each other. But still, you have to respect each other’s space and time,” Lovi was quoted as saying in the interview.

“You have to appreciate the little things your partner does for you, and make sure that you also do something special for him or her. It’s a give-and-take situation. You have to keep the fire burning,” added the GMA-7 network star.

The multi-awarded actress is thankful that her boyfriend is creative and spontaneous, and that their activities are not rigid.

“He doesn’t run out of surprises for me. And chatting each other up doesn’t feel like a chore.

We’re not like, ‘Reporting for duty!’” Lovi said, laughing. “It’s just more of catching up. And it’s good that we guys are best friends.”

The Colegio San AgustinMakati high school graduate admits that given their situation right now, a new set of challenges will be presented to her and Monty if they ended up having to quarantine together.

“The more time you spend together, especially in this situation, the more likely your true colors will show… Since we’re currently in a whole another scenario, living together will allow us to discover what each other is like under pressure,” Lovi said.

Back to work after a sevenmonth break from acting due to the pandemic, Lovi revealed that it was tricky for a while getting into the swing of things and following guidelines.

“Exhaustion will hit you after, because this time, you have to work straight days. And because you have been out for work for a couple of months, things need getting used to again. You were at home for so long, and then you’re suddenly doing some-

Handsome actor-singer Ian Veneracion of TFC Filipino Channel will be one of the lead performers of the new show “Ang Huling El Bimbo.”

thing physically and emotionally taxing,” she pointed out.

“You can’t also hold or get touchy with each other when having conversations. There’s more distance. But we will just take this as a challenge,” she added.

“And I’m glad I did this project, because now I know how taping under the ‘new normal’ works.

During the break, she spent a lot of time going through different forms of pop culture and realized that artists and entertainers play a huge role in keeping people sane while they quarantine at home.

“It made me appreciate all my fellow artists even more. So once I’m back to work, I will do my best for that person watching from the couch. Because I want to relate to them,” she said.

Despite the difficulties, Lovi believes that things will get better, which she attributes to her having a naturally positive disposition.

“I try to put myself in a good mood upon waking up. It’s not that I’m brushing aside the situation we’re in. I’m just a very optimistic person. And I have faith that things will get better soon,” she said.

Marilen Bernardo, well-known fashion model and business executive in the Bay Area, is show in photo with her father Rodolfo Ongsiako Bernardo who celebrated his birthday recently.

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 dis-

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla

cussing 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!”

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Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS A group of 10 physicians, dressed in white coats, with the logo America’s Frontline Doctors on their uniform, spoke in front of the Supreme Court a few weeks ago, claiming, among others, that face masks do not protect anyone from getting infected with CoVID-19, and, therefore, useless. Investigation revealed most of them never even got close to CoVID-19 patients, much less front-liners, and that some of them were not even practicing, none of them surgeon or infectious disease experts. Their claims are preposterous and a public disservice, a disgrace to the medical community.

Fake information that poses a risk to life is criminal.

Science behind the advice The rationale for the recommendations to wear a face mask, do social distancing, not touching your face, frequent hand washing, and good personal hygiene (and even staying home for the most vulnerable seniors) is to minimize, if not avoid, the SArS-CoV2 virus of CoVID-19 from getting into our body, through the mucus membrane of the eyes (conjunctiva), the nose (nasal mucosa), and the mouth (buccal mucosa) into our blood stream, leading to CoVID19 infection.

The size of the SArS-Cov2 virus determined by electron microscopy is between 60 to 140 nanometers, our invisible enemy. The virus is spread by droplets, which is “sprayed out” when an infected person breathes, talks, sneezes, or coughs. Depending on the air current velocity, the larger size virus, after a few seconds of release in the air will drop to the floor (could contaminate the shoes), and the smaller ones could be airborne and travel farther than 6 feet, infecting people through airborne transmission. Infectivity depends on the dose (number of virus particles), the integrity of the person’s immune system, comorbidities (medical conditions the individual has), and health in general.

Viral dose A single cough could spray out 3,000 droplets that travel 50 miles per hour. Majority are large and simply fall to the ground. one sneeze shoots out 30,000 droplets at a speed of 200 miles per hour.

The smaller ones are airborne and could travel distances, depending on the air current. The droplets from a single cough or sneeze by an infected person (symptomatic or not) could contain 200,000,000 (yes, millions!) of virus particles.

A person infected with CoVID-19

Features

The mask confusion could be infectious (transmit to others) 5 days before the symptoms appear. It is, indeed, treacherous. This was why I had been saying early on (February) “that a little dose of healthy paranoia and vigilance are most beneficial in minimizing the risk of getting infected,” to suspect everyone near you in public places to be a carrier/infected. Wearing a face mask and social distancing (avoiding close contacts and crowds) are beneficial. In my personal case, I also wear long sleeve shirt, a cap, protective google, and gloves when going to stores. As a surgeon and a high-risk senior, I do not think this is an overkill, not fearful but cautious. The virus is obviously more infectious (more efficient) in close quarters, compared to the outside, where the air could scatter and diminish the concentration and dose of the virus.

Type of mask The uS-CDC and the WHo recommend the use of N95 mask approved by the National Institute of occupational Science and Health (NIoSH), which filters out 95 percent of the viral particles, especially good for healthcare workers.

Homemade non-woven (material) masks are a second choice, especially the triple layered ones (coffee filters as added layers). It is important that the mask must cover the nose and the mouth, and that it fits snugly all around the face, to prevent virus particles from being inhaled. The use of mask does not guarantee 100 percent warding off infection. That does not mean we should discard them. Home or car security alarms, firearms, condom, Medicare, and other things in life do not provide us 100 percent guarantee, but they are still beneficial, so we continue to use them. Together with social distancing, frequent handwashing and other healthy behaviors, the use of face mask has been proven to significantly minimize getting the infection. Surgical masks are more protective than cloth masks.

(Children younger than 2 years of age, or those with shortness of breath when wearing one, should not wear mask; discuss alternative with your physician).

Evidence Since we are dealing with a very infective disease, potentially fatal for some, we must stick with medical facts and scientific findings, not with anecdotal claims or political spins.

The current CDC and WHo guidelines, implemented after realizing CoVID-19 is a high prevalence disease as evidenced by the raging pandemic, have been proven to be effective in cutting down the spread of CoVID-19.

More than 50 countries and 33 States and the District of Colum-

bia have mandated the use of mask in public places.

In 198 countries, the CoVID19 death rates among those with government or cultural policies favoring mask wearing were much lower. The CoVID-19 growth rate before and after mask was mandated in 15 states in the District of Columbia found that “the first five days after the mandate, the daily rate slowed down by 0.9 percentage points compared toto the 5 days prior; at three weeks, the daily growth rate had slowed down by 2 percentage points.”

Case reports are useful clinical data. researchers Chin-Hong and rutherford filed these two: “A man flew from China to Toronto and subsequently tested positive for CoVID-19. He had dry cough and wore a mask on the flight on the flight, and all 25 people closest to him on the flight tested negative. The other case: Two hair stylists in Missouri, last May, infected with CoVID-19, had a close contact with 140 adults. Everyone wore a mask and none of the clients tested positive.

The Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation forecasted 33,000 deaths would be avoided by october 1, if 95 percent of people wore masks in public. The best scenario is for 100 percent of people to wear a mask in public.

Common sense As I stated in a previous column, plain common sense will convincingly show the value of masks. Those working with fumes or dusts wear mask; welders, spray painters, sewage workers, all wear mask. When you cover your nose when someone near you farts, you get much less of the “aroma.” If there are 20 persons, ten wearing a mask, and the other 10 not wearing one, and you spray their faces with flour or washable paint, which group would have less flour or paint on their faces?

If the spray were a sneeze from a CoVID-19 patient, which group would get a much larger dose of the virus and more likely to be infected? remember, the lower the viral dose, the lesser the chance of infection, everything else being equal. one final question: For those who do not believe wearing a mask minimizes, if not prevents, infection, would you allow the surgeon operating on you or your loved ones not to wear a mask during surgery?

You Honor, I rest my case.

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

By Katrina

Hallare Inquirer.net

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 ex-

Angel Locsin Photo from Instagram_@therealangellocsin

citement on the recognition she received.

“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 CoVID-19 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.

‘Lakbai Diwa’ cultural ceremony comes...

PAGE B1 thousands of years. used as vessels and with specific purposes such as homes, transportation, fishing, trade, exportation, war and recreation. The diverse types of boats include lepa, bangka, paraw, baroto, vinta, kakap, karakoa and balangay.

Lakbai Diwa, Diasporic Spirit is a year-long multidisciplinary project generously funded by the Kenneth rainin Foundation, open Spaces program, and copresented by the Filipino American Development Foundation.

Another component to the project is the ephemeral street art created by world renowned muralists and artists Cece Carpio, Nikila Badua, Dee Jae pa’este, paolo Salazar, and Mel Vera Cruz. They will design and paint images of Mga Diwatas/Deities of Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, and Transcendence. The murals will be on view at Bonifacio Street and Lapu Lapu Street starting october 25th, until it all fades

Photo courtesy of Kularts

away. over 35 artists and cultural practitioners are involved in the project, which will be choreographed and directed by Alleluia panis with participating dance artists, music by rachel Lastimosa, and costumes by June Arellano.

The general public can partici-

pate in the ritual by submitting their intentions or wishes to be added to the ‘prayer flags’ that will be tied to the boats. The project encourages people at home to make their own mandalas to be posted on Kularts website, and to take the self guided mural tour.

For more information visit www. kularts-sf.org/lakbai-diwa.

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Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel answers more viewer immigration questions on this Sunday’s edition of Citizen Pinoy

CITIzEN pinoy continues to provide relevant information to individuals and families who have concerns about the latest immigration policies and how it affects them.

This Sunday, leading u.S. immigration attorney, Michael J. gurfinkel, will provide answers to questions of viewers from around the u.S. Maria from Delaware received r green card in 2011. She was unable to bring her two sons with her because they already aged out. She asks if they are qualified for visas under the Child Status protection

Act? From Illinois, Janet has been waiting for her family to be reunited after so many years. She would like to know how long do they need to wait if the priority dates of her siblings are March, May and August 1998, and NVC is already processing 2002?

Find out the answers to these questions and more on another informative and brand-new edition of CITIzEN pINoY: Your Tanong, My Sagot, this Sunday, october 25, at 6:15 pm pST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

Why didn’t you file a petition already?

PAGE B1 case, based on that mathematical formula, your child’s CSpA age came out to be over 21. However, what makes me sad in your particular case is that you immigrated in 2008, and could have immediately filed your own petition for your adult single child in the F-2B category. right now, they are already processing adult single children of immigrants who were petitioned in 2011. Had you filed your petition as soon as you got your green card in 2008, your adult single child could have already been here by now.

So, all those years were wasted or lost, while you were wondering or thinking about options or solutions and waiting over 12 years to consult with an attorney.

This is a very common situation among immigrants: they have

questions, issues, or concerns about their family’s immigration situation. rather than consulting with an attorney or taking immediate action to pursue immigration benefits, they “think about it,” or do absolutely nothing. That is why if a person has questions about their immigration situation, or they have been denied or refused a visa, and they think they may be eligible, they should immediately consult with an attorney, versus waiting years and years to do so. perhaps had they done something right away, they or their family would have already been eligible for a green card. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or

under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw, Twitter @GurfinkelLaw and YouTube: US Immigration TV Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES

Mavy and Cassy transition to solo careers

uNDEr the guidance of their well-respected celebrity parents zoren Legaspi and Carmina Villaroel, 19-year-old twins Mavy and Cassy Legaspi have successfully appeared on TV shows and endorsement projects but always as a package deal.

With pretty good experience on their belt, however, this dynamic duo is all set to make their mom and dad even more proud as they officially begin to carve their own individual paths in showbusiness.

For a start, Cassy is gearing up for a role in the upcoming gMA Network primetime series “First Yaya,” whose lead stars are gabby Concepcion, pancho Magno and Sanya Lopez. Come November, she will go into locked-in due to pandemic guidelines and will therefore be away from her family *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac for a month.

“Among my preparations for Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObeR 23-29, 2020

‘First Yaya’ is continuing to work out and eating healthier as much as possible. I also started drinking vitamins to boost my immune system so that I’m stronger once taping starts,” said the mini-Carmina in an online media conference.”

“I’m watching Filipino movies and shows as well as reading old script. I’m feeling super excited and nervous at the same time since this is my first drama show and of course because of the adjustments I have to make due to Covid,” she added.

As expected, she credited her parents for giving all the advice she needs in her latest venture. “right now, I’m focused on my own work and how to portray my character properly kasi next month na ang taping. It’s challenging because parang mag-boarding school ako. I think I’m more nervous because I’m on my own din.

Thankfully, my parents are helping to prepare me. My dad gives advice on the technical side of acting while my mom shares her experiences working when she was my PAGE B4

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Features

october 23-29, 2020 • NorcAL ASIAN JoUrNAL

With improved gains, Abacore optimistic about long-term prospects Investment holding firm Abacore Capital Holdings is optimistic that Batangas, one of the country’s fastest-growing provinces, will continue its economic growth in the years to come as they have seen the value of its real estate in the province surged in the past two years due to the rezoning of land driving up values.

Abacore President and CeO Regina O. Reyes told stockholders that the company remains hopeful and confident about its long-term growth given its substantial land holdings, which are next to commercial, residential and industrial areas in Batangas.

“It is hard to look beyond the current pandemic due to uncertainties and many variables that may affect our business, but we are still confident that Abacore will continue its 10 percent annual dividend policy,” Reyes said at the recent board meeting of officers and stockholders.

“Unlike metro manila, values in Batangas remain stable and provide great value for those looking for capital gain,” Reyes added.

According to her, the company’s commercial properties in West Batangas have increased in zonal value by more than 1,000% from

two years ago.

As a holding company, ABA generates revenues through dividends from its subsidiaries and other companies where it has interests. the company’s flagship montemaria mother of All Asia tower of Peace property in Batangas commands good value for investment due to its potential for tourism and industrial growth, according to Reyes. the landmark real estate project montemaria International Pilgrimage & Conference Center is a faith-based tourism destination dedicated to mary, mother of All Asia. the development was conceived as a destination to attract devotees and pilgrims and through the years, it has become both a tourism and a retirement village. there is also a world-class township development located in montemaria called Lombard by the Bay, the residential development overlooks the verde Island Passage which, according to the United nations, is the “center of the center of marine biodiversity in the world.” It is located 30 minutes away from the central district of Batangas City, and is accessible by concrete road and by sea.

Despite the surge in land values in the province, Reyes noted that prices are “still a bargain” compared to the cheapest commercial properties in metro manila.

“We have seen the trend of logistics and international port container yards being built next to our properties. this has made our properties near or fronting the beach dramatically increase in value and we believe this growth to sustain in the coming years as the province and national government start building their major infrastructure,” Reyes said.

Batangas, due to its strategic location, makes it a natural gateway to the rest of the Philippines as well as the Asia Pacific Region, enhancing the province’s potential in industrial, residential and tourism development.

Abacore will reportedly continue to sell its land assets and reinvest a portion of the cash from the sale of land in joint ventures with recurring revenue. the company also remains on the lookout for properties in Batangas, which it sees as the next metro manila due to the presence of high end residences, commercial businesses, educational institutions and industrial growth.

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

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

By Deni

asked him because the opening of ‘China Rich Girlfriend’ is the wedding. so I asked him, ‘Am I going to be in the wedding?Is Princess Intan invited in the wedding?’

And he said, ‘Of course! Because you’re the one who gave her her validation in ‘Crazy Rich Asians.’

I said, ‘Oh my Gosh, hope it happens!’,” Kris shared.

According to Kris, apart from

the trilogy, Kwan told her that she had also been an inspiration for characters in his other works such as “sex and vanity.”

“He was asking me where did they go to school in the 1950s? this is for ‘sex and vanity.’ I would imagine that it was where your mom went to school. then I said, ‘Yeah, my mom went to school in scholastica, then she went to Assumption and then she went to the states. And then he used the school in the states where my mom went. Because my went to a school in Philadelphia where Princess Grace of monaco actually went. that’s included in the book. then the sisters who are there, they have a cousin named Kris who owns the biggest talent agency in the Philippines and they were telling the girl that she should be a model and that Kris is me. And I said, thanks Kevin!”

Kris is proud that Kevin is very interested about her country as he kept asking her “on certain things in reference to the Philippines.”

• Before you buy based on an ad or post, check out the company. type its name in a search engine with words like or “scam” or “complaint.”

• If someone appears on your social media and rushes you to start a friendship or romance, slow down. Read about romance scams at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/ articles/what-you-need-know-

about-romance-scams.

• If you get a message from a friend about a grant or financial relief, call them. Did they really send that message? If not, their account may have been hacked. Check it out before you act.

If you spot a scam, report it to the social media site and the FtC at ftc.gov/complaint. (Federal Trade Commission Release)

AfiniDAD-BernArDo Philstar.com

AFteR the success of the first all-Asian Hollywood movie “Crazy Rich Asians,” many people asked: Is Kris Aquino going to appear too in the movie’s sequels?

In a virtual press conference with Philstar.com and other select media earlier for her launch as new endorser of e-commerce site shopee, Kris affirmed such possibility.

According to her, Kevin Kwan, author of the bestselling trilogy from which the 2018 blockbuster movie was based on, told her that since her character, Princess Intan, a malay royalty, was key to empowering the movie’s protagonist Rachel Yu at a cameo wedding scene, she would probably be invited to Rachel’s wedding with nick Young in the sequel, which will probably take on its book title, “China Rich Girlfriend.”

“He’s been one of my really consistent WhatsApp friends, and I

Kris Aquino Photo from Instagram_@krisaquino

Scams that start on social media

by BriDget

SmAll Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

sCAmmeRs are hiding out on social media, using ads and offers to market their scams, according to people’s reports to the FtC and a new Data spotlight. In the first six months of 2020, people reported losing a record high of almost $117 million to scams that started on social media. People sent money to online sellers that didn’t deliver, to romance scammers, and for phony offers of financial help. the biggest group of reports were about online sellers that didn’t deliver the goods. they were more than one-quarter of all reports about scams that started on social media in the first half of 2020. next came reports of romance scams: about half of all romance scams reported since 2019 started on social media, usually on Facebook or Instagram. People also told the FtC about social media messages that pretended to offer grants and other financial relief because of the pandemic — but were really trying to get money, personal information or both. scammers can hide behind phony profiles on social media. they can take over an account or join a virtual community you trust to encourage you to trust them. But you Maja Salvador Photo from Instagram_@iammajasalvador can make it harder for scammers to target you: ers),” she recalled.

• Review your social media priWhen Dee asked how long vacy settings and limit what you she would stay in entertainment, share publicly. 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 PAGE B3 ako sa family life, siyempre may age and answers all of my questime na magfo-focus ka muna tions.” maging nanay ‘di ba? Pero hinFor this project, Cassy will be di ibig sabihin na mawawala ka paired with another showbiz scion, sa industry (But if for example I Joaquin “JD” Domagoso, son of start with family life, of course manila mayor Isko moreno. there will be time that I will focus meanwhile, mavy is focused on to be a mom right? But I will not getting back in shape for his fill of leave the industry).” projects. Besides starring in the Later on, salvador said she family’s morning talk show ‘sarap, would only turn away from show ‘Di Ba? Bahay edition,’ he’s also biz because of her family. busy with endorsement shoots “Kung ire-request ‘yun ng ma- as well as his performances on giging asawa ko or ng magiging GmA’s weekend variety show “Allanak ko, [I will do it]. Kasi time Out sundays.” ang pinakamaibibigay mo sa “When the pandemic came, I kanila,” she said. lost my rhythm but then the proj“nauubos ng work natin ang ects still kept coming which meant oras… Kasi masyado tayong I needed to get back in shape. It naka-focus sa work,” she said. “I was easy though since the whole will adjust. I will give it to them.” family loves to workout in our mini (If whoever will be my husband home gym,” he revealed. “Honestor child will request it of me, ly, we bond that way — we all love I will do it. Because time is the to workout since that’s our stress most you can give them. Work reliever and we enjoy it.” consumes all our time… we are mavy also narrated how they too focused on work. I will adjust. have to juggle attending online I will give it to them.) classes while pursuing their ca-

Maja on how she has lasted 17 years in showbiz—and what would make her leave by niñA

V. 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.”

EMPLOYMENT

(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 just making a quota, I was not working hard on my projects.)

“Hindi pala pera pera lang sa industry. Kailangan may passion ka rin sa ginagawa mo (I realized the industry is not just about money. You must have passion for what you do),” she said.

Dee said salvador is among his “top 3 leading ladies” that he enjoys working with because of her “working attitude.” salvador, meanwhile, said he knew how to take care of his leading ladies and get along with them. the “Killer Bride” star also shared advice from her mom, who has helped her in the industry.

“Laging habaan ang pasensya at laging matutong makisama (Be more patient and always learn how to get along with oth-

Mavy and Cassy transition to solo careers

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reers, “I’m glad that with online classes I am able to focus on my education this time while working.

I’m well-adjusted to the online situation since we honestly have no choice. We’re all home due to the pandemic but with that, you really need to find purpose to keep going.” sibling rivalry the showbiz twins were honest with that sibling rivalry is pretty normal between them when the question came up.

“I think what we have is a healthy competition. Let’s say we’re doing a dance production; we won’t let the other win. siyempre all out na, kung babanat si Cassy, babanat din ako. But it’s not to take down each other but to push each other to do better,” mavy said.

“Right now, since Cassy is the first to have a teleserye; ako naman I’m not like ‘ano ba yan nauna si Cassy.’ Walang ganung contest. siyempre I have to prepare myself din because ang daming scripts dito sa house namin. At the same

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time I’m just here to boost my sister’s confidence.”

While both are beginning to enter a new chapter in their individual careers, mavy and Cassy swear they will not veer away from the Legaspi family brand, which has always been perceived as the embodiment of an ideal family.

“We will never let go of our brand as a family. We will always be there if there’s a project or an event that wants the Legaspi family together,” mavy said.

“Our main goal when we first signed with Artist Center was to make our breakthrough as twins and we’ll always be together even if we’ve started taking projects on our own,” he added.

Cassy further explained, “I think for now, just like anyone our age, we’re just trying to make our way as individuals. It’s really exciting because we haven’t experienced any solo projects yet. mas prefer namin itong solo for now, but like we said, Legaspi forever.” (ManilaTimes.net)

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObeR 23-29, 2020

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october 23-29, 2020 • NorcAL ASIAN JoUrNAL

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