OCTOBER 23-26, 2021 Volume 31 - No. 84 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages
CDC endorses boosters for Moderna and J&J vaccines by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
UNITED States residents can now get booster shots of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed its advisory committee’s recommendation. CDC director Rochelle Walensky on Thursday, October 21, signed off on the recommendation, a day after the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the booster doses. “These recommendations
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are another example of our fundamental commitment to protect as many people as possible from COVID-19,” she said in a statement. “The evidence shows that all three COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States are safe – as demonstrated by the over 400 million vaccine doses already given. And, they are all highly effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even in the midst of the widely circulating Delta variant,” she added. Earlier, the CDC’s Advisory
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Husband of missing Fil-Am mom in CA pleads not guilty THE husband of a missing Filipina American mother in California has pleaded not guilty to her murder. Larry Millete entered the plea on Thursday, October 21, during his arraignment at the courthouse in Chula Vista. He was accused of murdering his wife, May “Maya” Millete who has been missing since the beginning of January this year. He was also charged with possession of a semiautomatic rifle prohibited under California’s assault weapons ban. According to NBC San Diego, the trial began nearly 40 minutes after its scheduled start at 1:30 p.m., and lasted no more than 10 minutes. Larry was accompanied by his lawyer, Bonita Martinez, who waived a reading of
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Contrasting fates for Fil-Ams Clarkson, Green in NBA season debuts IT was a mixed bag of results for the two NBA players of Filipino heritage, Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green, in their respective season openers on Wednesday, October 20. Clarkson, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, picked up where he left off for the Utah Jazz in their 107-86 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was among six Jazz players who finished in double-digit scoring in the dominant win that saw them control the game the whole 48 minutes. At one point, they led the Thunder by as much as 26 points. Clarkson finished with 18 points on an efficient 6-of-11 shooting. His scoring was second only to Bojan Bogdanovic, who scattered 22. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert had 16 points each. Gobert also grabbed 21 rebounds to open the season with a double-double.
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Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) unanimously voted to support COVID-19 vaccine boosters. The panel recommended a third dose of the Moderna vaccine at least six months after an individual received the second shot. The booster is recommended for those 65 and older, or 18 and older if they’re at high risk for severe COVID-19, or their jobs or living conditions put them at high risk of exposure to the virus. Meanwhile, the second dose of
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PFIZER VAX ARRIVAL. NTF Chief Implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava, Health Director Ariel Valencia, and Health Undersecretary Ma. Carolina Vidal-Taiño do the “V” sign during the arrival of 813,150 doses of government-procured Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine via Air Hong Kong LD456 at the NAIA Terminal 3, Pasay City on Thursday, October 21. Variava said another two million doses of the U.S.-made vaccines will arrive in the Philippines on the last week of October. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
‘A disgrace to our community’: Fil-Ams lament the failed San Pedro Filipino festival that promised so much but delivered nothing — literally
The highly anticipated FAHMFest was canceled without notifying ticket buyers before the event’s scheduled start by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
EVERY October, Filipino American community leaders pull out all the stops for celebrations for Filipino American History Month. Music and culture festivals, like those honoring Filipino artistry and talent, are massive gatherings that mark Filipino American History Month (or FAHM) — which is celebrated every October to commemorate the first known arrival of Filipinos in Morro Bay on Oct. 18, 1587 — and bring together
Fil-Ams across all walks of life. Festivals like these are also meant to introduce Filipino Americans, who perhaps weren’t in touch with the culture, to the eddy of languages, music, food, fashion, and customs that make up the Filipino American and Philippine cultures. One such Fil-Am is Bobby Hermoso, from Arcadia, California, who was excited to finally experience for himself all the offerings that the month usually provides. “With all the stuff happening with violence against Asians, I thought it was important to finally
LA County reports largest increase in anti-Asian hate crimes since 9/11
get in touch with my Filipino culture and identity,” Hermoso told the Asian Journal in a phone interview, adding that both his parents are immigrants from Cebu, Philippines. Hermoso had never attended “a proper Filipino American event” (during Fil-Am History Month or otherwise) outside of family parties, but he was excited for the hyped-up, highly anticipated FAHMFest that was scheduled for the third weekend of October in San Pedro, California very near the historic Port of Los Angeles. u PAGE A3
2020 saw a 76% increase in anti-Asian hate incidents and crimes in LA County, ‘the capital of Asian America’ by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
In 2020, anti-Asian hate crimes increased by a whopping 76% in Los Angeles County, according to a new county report that parallels the troubling trend of increased verbal and physical harassment against Asians in cities, counties and states across the country. The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations (LACCHR), which has
been collecting hate crime data since the 1980s, found that the 76% increase — from 25 reported crimes to 44 crimes — was the largest reported since 2001. Three-quarters of those incidents involved physical violence (which alone increased President Rodrigo Duterte by 58% since 2018), including a report in which a Chinese man who was waiting for a bus was the target of xenophobic insults and three punches to the face by a white woman.
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PAL urges ‘no facility quarantine protocol’ for fully vaccinated passengers from N. America by MIGUEL
R. CAMUS
Inquirer.net
MANILA — Philippine Airlines (PAL) is calling for the removal of quarantine stays in an accredited hotel or other designated facilities for fully vaccinated passengers arriving from North America. Dexter Lee, PAL chief strategy and planning officer, said the flag carrier was working with Presidential Adviser Joey Concepcion and OCTA Research group on the proposal, adding this was now being evaluated by the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF). “Our suggestions have received positive
feedback and [these are] now with the IATF technical working group for further deliberation,” Lee said in a statement on Thursday, October 21. The proposed “no facility quarantine protocol” will cover returning Filipino tourists and those allowed to travel to the Philippines, such as current and former Filipino citizens and foreign spouses of Filipino nationals residing in North America, including Canada and the United States. Currently, passengers arriving from North America are subjected to a minimum six-day facility-based quarantine, with RTPCR testing conducted on the fifth day.
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Malacañang photo by Simeon Celi
Palace: Duterte not remiss in investigating drug war killings by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte is “not remiss” in his obligation to investigate human rights abuses in the country, according to Malacañang. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday, October 20, made the statement after the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) released a 21page information table on over 50 cases of deaths during police antidrug operations. “I can only commend the DOJ for this conclusion because this proves that the President has not been remiss in his obligation to investigate perpetrators of these crimes,” he said in an interview at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay
news forum hosted by Marichu Villanueva. According to Roque, the matrix belies “all claims” that Duterte is responsible for the killings. “I think these findings of the DOJ will belie all claims that the President is responsible under the principle of command responsibility because on the contrary, it proves that the Philippine state has in fact investigated and prosecuted individuals for these extralegal killings,” he said. Further, the matrix shows no evidence of the chief executive’s “culpability.” “I don’t think it says anything about the culpability of the President because in the 52 cases there’s not been an instance where u PAGE A3
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FROM THE FRONT PAGE
CDC endorses boosters for...
PAGE A1 the J&J vaccine was recommended for everyone who received their first dose two months ago. The ACIP also allowed mixing and matching of booster shots, which means people can get a different brand as a booster than was used for an initial vaccination. In September, the CDC signed off on Pfizer booster shots for a broad group of people who are at
high risk for infection. The third dose was recommended for people 65 and older, nursing home residents, and those aged 50 to 64 who have risky underlying health problems. It was also endorsed for individuals aged 18 to 49 with underlying medical conditions, as well as those aged 18 to 64 years old who were at greater risk of COVID-19 because of
their occupational or institutional settings. The boosters are to be given at least six months after people get their second doses of the Pfizer vaccine. To date, nearly 190 million people in the U.S. are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. According to CDC data, almost 6% of fully vaccinated Americans have already received their booster shot. ■
Husband of missing Fil-Am mom in CA...
PAGE A1 the criminal complaint against him. She also informed the court that she had advised Larry about his constitutional rights “and at this time would like to enter a plea of not guilty.” During the arraignment, Superior Court Judge Maryann D’Addezio said that the court had received a criminal protective order, but did not name the individuals in it. “Mr. Millete, you must not harass, strike, menace, assault, follow, stalk, molest, destroy or damage critical or real property, disturb their peace, keep them under surveillance or block their movements,” D’Addezio told him. Larry is currently being held without bail. He will be back in court for a review hearing on November 4. A readiness hearing was set for December 16, and a preliminary examination review is slated for February 28. On Tuesday, Oct. 19, he was arrested at his home in Chula Vista, California in relation to the case of May. “Based on the totality of the investigation and circumstantial evidence including surveillance video, phone, text and social media communications, and motive, we have probable cause to believe that Larry Millete unlawfully killed his wife May and disposed of her body,” Jesse Vicente, a detective with the Chula Vista Police Department, wrote in the warrant. May was last seen by her family at her home on the evening of January 7 and was reported missing two days later.
May “Maya“ Millete
That Saturday, the family was planning a trip to Big Bear Mountain Resort for her daughter’s 11th birthday, but May was never heard from, as previously reported by the Asian Journal. “There is no evidence to suggest that May Millete disappeared on her own accord,” added Vicente. “Larry Millete is the only known person with a means and motive to hurt or kill her and to dispose of her body during that time.” During a news conference announcing the arrest, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan revealed that May had called a divorce lawyer on the same day she disappeared. “When she called the attorney on Jan 7, we know that Larry was aware,” she said Tuesday. “He sent text messages to his boss that this was final, that it was coming.” Stephan also said that Larry was opposed to the divorce, hiring “spellcasters” to keep her from leaving.
File photo
“These spellcasters were asked to make May want to stay in the relationship. He was asking for May to become incapacitated, to be in an accident, to have broken bones so she would have to stay at home,” she said. Larry also allegedly sent an ominous text the last night May was seen alive, saying: “I think she wants me to snap, and I’m shaking inside ready to snap.” Further, a security video from Jan. 8 showed Larry backing his Lexus SUV into the garage at his home before 6 a.m. He drove off with his 4-year-old daughter and disappeared for 11 hours and 21 minutes. Stephan said that when detectives asked where he went, Larry claimed that he and his daughter went to Solana Beach. She further urged anyone who may have seen Larry’s black 2015 Lexus GX460 with personalized plates on the side of a road on Jan. 8 to come forward with any information. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)
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PAL urges ‘no facility quarantine protocol’ for... PAGE A1 Passengers that test negative for COVID-19 will be allowed to continue the remainder of their 10-day quarantine at home. According to local industry
group, Air Carriers Association of the Philippines, restrictions such as facility-based quarantine remain a burden and deterrent to travel. PAL, which was forced to file
a Chapter 11 creditor protection plea in the U.S. amid the pandemic-induced downturn, is seeking the removal of facilitybased quarantines ahead of the busy Christmas travel season. ■
Palace: Duterte not remiss in investigating...
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. Residents flock to the City Hall compound to apply for the Pangkabuhayang Quezon City on Friday, October 22. The financial assistance program helps the city’s business owners and employees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to start other means of livelihood. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
‘A disgrace to our community’: Fil-Ams lament... PAGE A1 Put together by a group of Filipino Americans and Asian Americans, FAHMFest was described as “an immersive festival” that promised “all-time favorite foods, music, art, dance, and fashion,” according to the festival’s event page that made the rounds on social media. First advertised on Instagram and Facebook in the spring, the weekend festival that was scheduled for Oct. 16-17, 2021 promised an exciting lineup of musical acts from Filipino American musicians, like rapper and activist Ruby Ibarra and internet-famous musicians like P-Lo, Gabe Bondoc, and Jeremy Passion. It was later announced that 2000s R&B cult favorite Shaggy would be headlining the event. The festival also promised a wide array of cuisine that, for whatever reason, wasn’t just Filipino food but selections that represented the “various districts” of Los Angeles’ Asian community like Historic Filipinotown (called just “Filipinotown” on the event page), Koreatown and Chinatown. Along with the literal smorgasbord of food, the event also promised “local art, popup installations, and cultural performances” held at the 500,000 square foot Outer Harbor/Berth 46 venue near the Port of Los Angeles, making it one of the largest, comprehensive festivals dedicated to Fil-Am History Month. But on the morning of the first day of the event, would-be attendees were shocked to find that the festival was seemingly non-existent. After all the hype and grandeur that was advertised for the “one-of-a-kind” festival that promised music, fashion, food, art, and dance, Hermoso — and other ticket holders who arrived that morning — was confused. Hermoso had purchased three morning passes — one for his brother and their friend — for the morning of Saturday, Oct. 16. But when he and his party arrived at what was supposed to be the festival grounds in San Pedro, they found nothing but a huge empty lot. He checked his emails in case he missed a cancellation email sent beforehand, but there was none. Regarding what they saw when they arrived, Hermosa said, “There were no tents, vendors, or stages. It was just a huge lot that was empty except for some cars. There were other people we saw there that were just as confused as we were.” “It [felt] like a low-grade, but equally-as-frustrating Fyre Festival,” Hermoso said, referencing the infamous luxury music festival in 2017 that touted lush accommodations and a high-profile music lineup but ended up being an apocalypselike disaster with FEMA tents and cheese sandwiches. “At least they got sandwiches at Fyre. There were no vendors at all when we arrived [at] what we thought was going to be a festival with lots of food and stuff to do,” Hermoso said. Like Hermoso, Ellie Faustino bought tickets for the first morning of the festival for her husband, Nick, and their two young sons. But when the family arrived, they were surprised to see an empty lot with no indication of a festival, let alone what was characterized as an “immersive” one-of-a-kind festival. “We’ve been trying to find ways to introduce our two boys to Filipino culture, and we thought this festival would be a fun way to do that! Plus, we were very excited about eating Filipino food,” Faustino told the Asian Journal in an email. She continued, “We couldn’t believe they had cancelled the entire event without giving us notice. We live east of Los Angeles so this was a pretty far drive for us with two hungry boys in the car. We started getting angry when we realized all these
people are here because we didn’t get any notification.” She added, “BUT there were no vendor trucks there, so clearly the vendors were notified ahead of time, but not ticket holders.” Faustino said that around 2:20 p.m. she received an email from Fever, the events and tickets marketplace from which ticket holders purchased their passes for FAHMFest, confirming the cancellation and offered credit for the full value of the tickets to use on another event through Fever. Ticket holders described feeling angry and distraught over the seemingly canceled event — many were notified hours later by the ticket distributor in an email that cited “external reasons” for the cancellation. Since the fallout of the festival, the event’s social media accounts and website were deleted and the organizers went quiet. Ticket holders who were seeking refunds for the event discovered that on Aug. 24, two months before the festival was scheduled, the event planner Big Time Affairs — which was one of the sponsors of the event — reposted a statement from FAHMFest on their Instagram (which has since been deleted) citing the coronavirus as the reason for the event’s cancellation. “This morning, FAHMfest reached the unfortunate conclusion that the COVID-19 virus continues to be an entity beyond our control,” the post said. “In consideration with the overall safety of all attendees and partners we must postpone the October 16th and October 17th 2021 FAHMfest event to a later date to be determined in 2022.” However, at the time of that statement’s posting, the statewide COVID-19 case rate had been on the decline, and other massive gatherings and festivals were already permitted with public safety protocol. (California also has the lowest case rate in the nation, according to current case numbers and trends.) All of the ticket holders that the Asian Journal spoke with said they were unaware of Big Time Affairs’ post, adding to the ire over the event itself going quiet on ticket holders. “It seems like the organizers were hoping this would fly under most people’s radar — like they were hoping most of us would forget we had purchased the tickets — and they weren’t planning to issue any refunds or credits at all,” Faustino shared. She added, “It was only when people started posting about it on social media that they sent the email — hours after the event starting time!” Lack of communication, a quiet retreat FAHMFest was first announced last spring when the festival’s organizers announced an earlybird promotional price of $20 a pass — this price eventually increased to three figures. Passes were sold via Fever, which served as the festival’s main port for tickets and helped market the event to consumers. (A representative from Fever told the Asian Journal that the company was not involved in the production of the festival itself.) According to the event page on feverup.com, general admission cost $115 for a two-day adult pass that allows access to all vendors, activities, and performances. The festival also offered a $250 “VIP 2-Day Pass” for ages 21 and over that included all general admission assets plus access to private, VIP areas, vendors, lounges, and stores. (It’s unclear how many of each pass category was actually sold, or how many passes were sold, in general.) The festival touted mainstream appeal with the promise of “influenced food vendors, music artists, art and fashion designers,” according to a pitch deck sent to the Asian Journal by one of the festival’s co-founders in the spring. That pitch deck also claimed that the event was charitable, suggesting that it was a “festival
celebrating Filipino-American History and benefitting our Filipino Nurses in our community.” A representative from Fever shared that the festival’s production was primarily organized and founded by The Thankful Group LLC, which was incorporated on Jan. 27 in Los Angeles. A source close to the event’s organization, who requested to stay anonymous, said that despite rumors that FAHMFest would be rescheduled for 2022, there would be no rescheduled event, “as the [event’s] organization have filed
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PAGE A1 there’s been a determination that the President ordered the killing or that the President did not do anything to punish those who committed criminal acts,” said Roque. On Tuesday, Oct. 19, the DOJ authorized the release of an information table concerning certain details of the 52 cases. In its press statement, the agency said that the release of case details is for the purpose of informing the families and loved ones of the deceased suspects that the circumstances surrounding each incidence of death are undergoing a determination of possible criminal liabilities on the part of erring police officers. The matrix was also part of the DOJ’s recognition of the importance of transparency in its review process. 52 cases Of the cases that the DOJ reviewed, the majority were buy-bust operations that turned into shootouts after the subjects resisted arrest. However, the agency noted some glaring lapses in the police reports about the conditions surrounding the suspects’ deaths. In the case of suspect Ryan Robosa, who was killed in a
shootout during a December 2016 buy-bust operation in Taguig, the DOJ said that the police records do not support that narrative. “There are no pre-operation report, coordination form, chain of custody form, ballistics or paraffin test result, or autopsy result on record,” it said. Officers involved who were “found guilty of grave irregularity in the performance of duty” were only given a reprimand. In another case, police said they killed Anwar Sawadjaan, Noel Rey Bacalso, and Angelo Hofer at a checkpoint allegedly out of self-defense in July 2016, but the DOJ said that the medico legal report showed the victims appeared to have been shot at close range. The cops were dismissed from service as a result. The DOJ also highlighted one case that had a non-drug-related death. In December 2016, a victim who was allegedly of unsound mind was shot by the police in Laguna. “At the time he was shot, the suspect did not appear to have posed any direct imminent danger to the police operative. The victim was not in possession of any deadly weapon or firearm,” noted the DOJ. For this, the cops involved
were only handed a 180-day suspension. According to the DOJ, around 150 policemen were involved in the 52 cases. However, names were not released because of “due process considerations.” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, for his part, said that the National Bureau of Investigation will conduct a case build-up and will file criminal charges against the cops involved. Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar welcomed the DOJ’s move to release the matrix, saying that it was “in the interest of truth, transparency and justice.” He also urged the families of the victims to come forward and hold erring police officers accountable. “Ito rin ang pagkakataon para sa mga pamilya ng nasawi sa police anti-illegal drug operation para sila’y makapagsumite ng complaint-affidavit o kaya’y magharap ng testigo upang maisampa ang kaukulang kasong kriminal sa korte (This is also the chance for the families of the individuals killed in the police anti-illegal drug operation to submit their complaint-affidavit or find a witness to file appropriate criminal cases in court),” said Eleazar. ■
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‘A disgrace to our community’: Fil-Ams lament...
PAGE A3 for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and is ceasing operations,” the source said in an email to the Asian Journal. According to the bankruptcy filing, The Thankful Group, LLC has run out of funds after paying off “administrative expenses.” A report from the Daily Breeze said the company owes between $100,000 to $500,000 to “eight unsecured creditors.” The anonymous source said that ticket holders should only reach out to Fever, which is “the only company with the access to all ticket buyers’ information.” They also said that “[n]o funds were ever given from Fever to YOUNG BENEFICIARIES. Children watch a BP2 video presentation on a TV screen during the dispatch procedure at Multi-Purpose Court 1, BP2 Depot, Quezon City on Thursday, October 21. The BP2 program aims to support informal settler families and workers severely affected FAHMFest.” But in a statement sent to the by COVID-19 who wish to return to their respective provinces for permanent relocation and livelihood. Photo by PNA by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler Asian Journal, Fever squares the liability on the event’s founders: “Due to circumstances beyond our control and despite our best efforts, the third-party PAGE A1 But the Asian American organizations’ reports on anti- organization responsible for Notable findings note that community continues to be one of Asian hate. California Attorney producing the festival decided many victims were targeted the most reluctant communities General Rob Bonta, who is Filipino to renege on their commitments. because perpetrators thought to report incidents to the police, American, reported earlier this After fulfilling our contractual they were a certain ethnicity. In so the number in the county’s year that statewide anti-Asian obligations, including marketing 10 of the crimes reported last may not reflect the reality of hate crimes more than doubled and ticketing for the event, year, “suspects explicitly blamed victims who are hesitant to come last year; in those reports, assault the organizers of FAHM Fest and intimidation were the most breached their contract and the victims for COVID-19,” the forward. The data in the report comes common offenses. report found. failed to respond to our attempts Reports by Stop AAPI Hate, to rectify the situation. They Experts have pointed to the from reports to the LA County use of monikers that falsely Sheriff’s Department, 40 city which has been tracking anti- unilaterally canceled the festival connected the virus’ origins in police departments, and a AAPI hate incidents since the without due notice and ceased to China to anybody who looked handful of school and community beginning of the COVID-19 communicate with us after that.” pandemic, reported nearly Chinese; this, many indicate, organizations. The lack of notification of the “The rise in hate crimes 10,000 hate incidents in the U.S. cancellation by the organizers has encouraged and cultivated xenophobic and racist behavior reported against LA County’s since March 2020. and event founders extended As previously reported in to ticket holders, like lyzzandra from assailants, many of whom Asian American communities blame their victims for COVID- is deeply troubling,” said Otto the Asian Journal, Cal State Avancena who had purchased Solórzano, Acting Director of San Bernardino examined 16 passes for her and her boyfriend 19. Los Angeles County, which the LA County Department of jurisdictions across the country because “despite being Filipino is known as the capital of Asian Workforce Development, Aging and found a 164% increase in American, I’ve never gone out America, is home to the largest and Community Services, in a anti-Asian hate crime reports in of my way to celebrate Filipino population of Asian Americans statement. “With hate crimes the first quarter of 2021 compared culture,” she told the Asian and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in likely to be underreported, we to the same time period in 2020. Journal in an email. That report found that New the continental United States. know that the actual number of On July 30, Avancena received With more than 1.5 million Asian hate crimes is higher than we’re York saw the largest increase an email from one of the co(223%), followed by San founders offering a “FREE Americans living within the able to report.” The county’s report mirrors Francisco (140%), Los Angeles upgrade” which was essentially borders of LA County, the increase other jurisdictions’ and (80%) and Boston (60%). ■ in hate crimes is troubling. a food voucher “equalling the difference between the price you paid and the current price of tickets, plus a commemorative FAHMFest t-shirt” or the option PAGE A1 Green also had four assists, four home with the hard-fought win, to refund tickets, according to Meanwhile, Green’s NBA debut rebounds and a steal. 138-134. an email shared with the Asian wasn’t as great as the Jazz’s Julius Randle had 35 points, Journal. In other games of the day, opener. the Charlotte Hornets leaned on eight rebounds, and nine assists Avancena decided to forego Green, the second overall pick LaMelo Ball’s 31 points to edge to pace New York. those offers, saying she was in the 2021 NBA draft, scored the Indiana Pacers, 123-122. The Washington Wizards also “excited to support local Filipino only nine points in the Minnesota The Chicago Bulls, for their took a win at the expense of the food vendors.” Timberwolves’ 124-106 thrashing part, had a winning start to the Toronto Raptors, 98-83. But on the weekend of the of the Houston Rockets. Other teams that won their festival, Avancena learned that season after a 94-88 win over the The rookie played heavy minutes Detroit Pistons. season openers include the San those offers were void when in his first real NBA action with 32 The Boston Celtics and the New Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers she saw people on social media minutes of play, but was ineffective York Knicks battled it out in double and Memphis Grizzlies. (Luisa calling the event “a scam” and as he was -37 on efficiency. overtime, with the Knicks coming Morales/Philstar.com) received the cancellation email
LA County reports largest increase in...
Contrasting fates for Fil-Ams Clarkson, Green...
from Fever sent hours after the event was supposed to begin. Because her passes were scheduled for the second day of the festival, Avancena didn’t have to drive to discover the empty lot. “I was fortunate enough to learn about the event cancellation early enough for me not to go to the Port of LA. I feel so bad for the people who wasted their time and money driving down there,” Avancena shared. But the lack of communication to ticket holders before the event, and the lack of clarification since the event-that-neverhappened, continues to baffle Avancena, other ticket holders, and members of the Filipino American community, many of whom have been entrenched in discourse over what the hell really happened. FAHMFest: a scam? When the social media storm began brewing over what happened to FAHMFest, many scorned ticket holders pondered whether the event was an outand-out scam. After the event was confirmed to be canceled hours after the festival was supposed to start, automatic refunds were not issued, but ticket holders who reached out to Fever said that they were issued refunds. Though some of the confusion was cleared, it is still unknown what really happened to the FAHMFest founders and organizers and why they decided to cancel the event (other than the coronavirus claim) — increasing speculation over the honesty (or lack thereof) of the organizers. Regarding the reason for the cancellation, the anonymous source from the event’s production team didn’t specify a reason for the cancellation, only indicating the fact that the LLC attached to the event would be dissolving. For Avancena, the lack of communication from the event organizers about the state of the event and its quiet cancellation was among the most frustrating parts of the debacle. Avancena agreed with the consensus that deems the event a scam: “FAHMFest deleted their social media accounts and website. I called the lack of formal notice ‘negligence,’ but it feels more akin to deception. It was a classic bait-and-switch, whether or not the event was cancelled due to COVID.” When asked if she would ever attend another festival from
these organizers again, Faustino said, “I wouldn’t trust these organizers not to try to scam me out of my money again. Also, even if there ends up being a legitimate actual FAHM event in the future, this whole thing was so poorly handled that I wouldn’t trust the organizers to put on a safe and well-run event.” Avancena mirrored that sentiment saying that she wouldn’t attend “even if it wasn’t a scam but an honest mistake. If FAHMFest can’t handle sending a few emails, there’s no way in hell they could handle organizing an entire event.” She also agreed with more glaring assessments on social media that the “organizers exploited Filipino culture.” For Hermosa, who has yet to receive the refund he requested, the FAHMFest fallout hasn’t jaded him and, in fact, he feels more compelled to become more connected with, not just Filipino culture, but with fellow Fil-Ams. After he and his group found out that the event for sure wouldn’t be happening, they decided to make the best out of the situation and went to Cavitena Filipino Restaurant in Lomita for lunch, which fulfilled their hankering for a Filipinothemed day. He said that there, they met a group of Fil-Ams who also tried to attend FAHMFest, and together, they vented over what happened. He said that the group introduced him to organizations like FilAm ARTS, which regularly hosts and curates their own immersive events, like the Festival for Philippine Arts and Culture, that showcase the diversity of Fil-Am talent. “I know that there’s a lot of great things happening in the community — it just sucks that my first real Filipino American event experience had to be this [expletive],” Hermosa said. While this hasn’t hampered his desire to engage more with his heritage, it did happen at the worst time, he said. “We all just kind of sat there and talked about how this was such a disgrace to our community, of whom so many are trying to navigate normal life and celebrate our culture during one of the most difficult times, given the pandemic and the Stop Asian Hate goings-on,” Hermoso shared. “At a time when we’re all hungry for some connection and cultural pride, this happens and it is really a shame.” ■
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IRS helps taxpayers in 350 languages — touting Fil-Am combat-wounded veteran honored with expanded child tax credits and other benefits keys to new vehicle at the Veterans Sports Park JENNY MANRIQUE Ethnic Media Services
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ON the same day that marked the last pandemic-related extension for filing taxes, IRS officials briefed ethnic media reporters about another major benefit under the American Rescue Plan — the expansion of the Advance Child Tax Credit. One of the most widely used tax credits in the country, the plan increased this benefit for 2021: formerly capped at $2,000, qualifying families can now receive up to $3,000 for each child between the ages of 6 and 17 and $3,600 for those under the age of six. To be eligible, children must be these ages as of December 31, 2021. Half of these advance payments began to be issued as of July 15, 2021, in monthly installments, and the other half can be claimed with the 2021 tax return. This benefit is expected to help more than 39 million households. “The new law enhances the credit by making it fully refundable for certain taxpayers,” said Ken Corbin, Commissioner of the Wage and Investment Division and Chief Taxpayer Experience Officer, at the IRS, speaking at an EMS briefing Oct.15. “This means that taxpayers can benefit from the credit, even if they don’t have earned income or don’t owe any income taxes.” The IRS has provided three virtual tools for families to verify whether they can access this benefit. The first is the Eligibility Assistant, which allows a parent, another family member, guardian, or caregiver to determine if they qualify for the tax credit by answering a series of questions about themselves and their family members. “This includes those taxpayers who could be experiencing homelessness, low income households and other underserved groups,” Corbin said. The IRS has partnerships with over 5,000 homeless shelters, which can provide their mailing address for homeless people to receive their payment. The second tool is the Nonfiler Sign-up Tool to report qualifying children of those taxpayers who are not required to file a 2020 tax return, or have a gross income less than the applicable
standard deduction amount, and have a main residence in the United States for more than half a year. The third tool is the Update Portal that allows families to enroll or exclude themselves from advance payments if they have already received them, add or remove beneficiaries, report a change in their marital status or income, change the form of receipt from a paper check to direct deposit, change account numbers to which the payments are directed and update their address. “Taxpayers may prefer to claim the full credit when filing their 2021 tax returns next year,” added Corbin. All of these tools are available in English and Spanish. Advanced payments are not subject to federal income taxes nor are they counted as income when determining eligibility for amounts of benefits or assistance under federal programs such as unemployment benefits, food stamps, or Medicaid. Singles and couples who have social security numbers can claim the earned income tax credit even if their children don’t have a SSN. This is important for undocumented families where parents can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). “In January 2022, the IRS will be sending recipients of the advanced child tax credit payments and the economic impact payments, a letter that tells them how much they received in 2021. This information is important to make sure that when they file their 2021 returns, it will match IRS records,” Corbin explained. For those without children, the rescue plan has also provided benefits such as the earned income tax credit (EITC). Eligible workers who are at least 19 years old can receive up to $1,502, triple the amount authorized by the government in 2020. “These credits are a great deal of money in many households so it’s very important to ensure sure no one else gets them,” said Susan Simon, Director of Customer Assistance, Relationships and Education at IRS “We have worked very hard with representatives from banks and other state and federal or-
ganizations to ensure that the taxpayer gets the money they have applied for,” added Simon, offering a tool for people to protect themselves from identity theft: irs.gov/security. Those who have had trouble with scammers can also attend low-income tax clinics found in all 50 states. Multilingual With tax season looming in early 2022, the IRS also released the get ready webpage available in eight languages, that allows taxpayers to find the information they need to file their return (such as collecting tax records, bank statements, etc.) and select a tax return preparer to do it online and submit electronically. “If they have direct deposit (in a bank) that will make the whole process faster, easier and more secure,” Simon said. The official shared that starting this year, the IRS has the ability to provide translation services through telephone interpreters in 350 different languages. She also said that the 1040 form can now be completed in English and Spanish and that in the next five years all documents will be translated into languages such as Russian, Traditional Chinese, Formal Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. “Something new that we are very proud of this year is the Form 9000 that can be attached to the tax return and that allows taxpayers to select preferred alternative media in Braille, large print or in audio format.” Finally Simon recalled that for people who cannot use virtual tools, either due to lack of internet access or lack of knowledge, there is a telephone line in English and Spanish (800-829-1040) and another for different languages (833 -553-9895) where assistants can provide information about tax accounts. People can also schedule an appointment in person at one of the IRS taxpayer assistance centers, go to a local paid preparer in the community, or review the free option with VITA volunteers, which number about 90,000 nationwide. “Because of COVID, many of our sites had to continue preparing tax returns online this year, but are trying to open face-toface sites by 2022,” Simon concluded. ■
FOR combat-wounded veterans, transitioning from the military back to civilian life can be a challenge. That, combined with the cost of a new vehicle, can put added burdens on our nation’s military service members and their families. To help, ahead of Veterans Day, Wells Fargo teamed up with the SoCal Honda Dealers Association and Military Warriors Support Foundation to present a payment-free 2021 Honda Pilot EX to retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Bryan Labastida on Thursday, October 21 at the Veterans Sports Park. “We have a big blended family, with a total of six kids. Our family loves spending time together and growing closer, so we are excited for what this vehicle will allow us to do together. We’ll get to sit together comfortably in one car and go on road trips, and have more family outings,” shared Staff Sergeant Labastida. “This new vehicle will also replace our current older vehicle that is nearly 15 years old with more than 250,000 miles on it, which helps remove a significant financial burden on us.” The donation was made through Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Transportation4Heroes program, which awards payment-free vehicles and provides one year of family and financial mentorship to combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star families. According to the Foundation, the counseling has helped families in its program pay down, on average, about $30,000 in debt.
Labastida joined the U.S. Army in 1995 at the age of 18. He completed his training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He served as a Combat Engineer in Charlie Company, 299th Engineer Battalion and 4th Infantry Division, stationed in Fort Hood, Texas. In 2004, while deployed to Iraq, Staff Sergeant Labastida was wounded in combat and later received the Purple Heart for his injuries. In 2006, Staff Sergeant Labastida was deployed back to Iraq for a second deployment. He was awarded his second Purple Heart when he was severely injured due to a large explosive device detonating near him. He was sent to Ft. Sam Houston where he stayed to recover for a year. By late 2008, he was honorably discharged from active duty, but decided to re-enlist into the National Guard where he was deployed once more to Afghanistan. He later retired from the military in 2015. Staff Sergeant Labastida received many awards throughout his 20-year military career, including the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, and more for his bravery and service. Today, he resides in Tustin, California with his wife and six children. Wells Fargo Auto, a division of Wells Fargo Consumer Lending, started the Sponsored Vehicle Donation Program in 2015, and since then have worked with auto dealerships
across the country to sponsor the donation of more than 50 payment-free vehicles and family and financial mentoring, valued at over $1.5 million, to combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star families through Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Transportation4Heroes program. ■
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL LACMTA will receive proposals for PS81905 - ITS Cybersecurity Awareness and Training Analyst at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. A Pre-Proposal conference will not be held. This project is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Set-Aside contract. To participate in this RFP, proposers must be SBE certified with LACMTA prior to proposal due date. For information on the Set-Aside Program, visit: https://business.metro. net/VendorPortal/faces/home1/ certifications. All proposals must be received on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, November 8, 2021 at the address listed above, sent to the attention of Ana Rodriguez. Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Ana Rodriguez at rodrigueza8@metro.net.
Retired U.S. Army staff sergeant Bryan Labastida on Thursday, October 21 received a a paymentfree 2021 Honda Pilot EX in a ceremony organized by the SoCal Honda Dealers Association, Military Warriors Support Foundation and Wells Fargo.
10/23/21 CNS-3523732# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
A6 OCTOBER 23-26, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
Clarity needed
FEATURES
WITH the vaccine czar saying the country is now getting more supplies of the much-needed anti-COVID jabs, the government should speed up the crafting of rules governing vaccination policies in the private sector. Confusion is reigning over the rules especially in sectors requiring intimate or close physical contact between employees and clients, such as therapeutic massage spas, personal grooming services and restaurants. Private entrepreneurs who want to keep both their staff and customers safe want to make vaccination mandatory for their employees. On the other hand, persons have a right to refuse vaccination. Around the world, vaccines have been shown to work in taming the spread of COVID. In the United States where there is a strong anti-vaxxer movement, frustrated health experts are describing the ongoing surge in Delta-driven cases as a pandemic of the unvaccinated. U.S. President Joe Biden has ordered sweeping vaccine mandates in various sectors, but some states are pushing back. In the Philippines, can state power be invoked, in the interest of the greater good, for a vaccine mandate in the private sector? The issue will likely go to the Supreme Court. In the meantime, however, the economy is in dire need of revival. The government cannot wait for a green light from
Editorial
the SC; it must come up with clear guidelines on vaccination rules at least in the National Capital Region, where the vaccination of the general population has started as jab targets for priority adult sectors are nearing
attainment. Employers want to keep workplaces, their staff and clients safe from COVID infection, to spur business revival. But Malacañang, health and labor officials have yet to get their act together. They seem to be in agreement only in saying employees cannot be fired for refusing to be vaccinated, even in sectors where there is a high risk of COVID transmission. Labor officials say employers can require unvaccinated workers to go on furlough while waiting for their jabs. Can vaccination be required for hiring? Even if it can’t, it would be difficult for the government to monitor if a private entrepreneur is bypassing job applicants who are unvaccinated. Private businesses, worried about being slapped with formal complaints or lawsuits in their effort to keep workplaces safe from COVID, want clarity. If the government wants a safe economic reopening, that clarity should be given ASAP. (Philstar.com)
Inquirer.net photo
‘We believe in Asia’
Street Talk FOR over two months, I have been virtually half-blind and unable to do any writing. I’ve GREG B. MACABENTA had my left eye treated by a cornea specialist for an infection. The last three weeks, I have been wearing an eye-patch. This week, thank God, Dr. Shaley Shah, my eye doctor, promised to remove the eye-patch. It was in anticipation of my full recovery that I labored over this piece with my one good eye (the patch has been removed and the infection is gone but it turns out that recovering my vision will take a while – oh well, c’est la vie!). This has been the longest time that I have missed writing a weekly newspaper column, since my first piece came out in Business World over 33 years ago. I have rarely missed a deadline. The unbelievable – even ridiculous – extents to which I have resorted to meet my column deadlines would make a funny piece, I think. But that can wait. At any rate, over the past weeks, I decided to go through my files. And I came upon a very interesting – almost prophetic – piece that I wrote in September 1982, more than 39 years ago. “We Believe in Asia” was an ad in free verse that I wrote for the AMA Consolidated Group, of which I was president and CEO. It was for the souvenir program of the 13th Asian Advertising Congress in New Delhi, India. My boss, Antonio R. de Joya, AMACon Group chairman and founding chairman of the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA), also planned to use it as the intro for his annual report on the federation at the Ad Congress. Frankly, at the time, the piece sounded too much like hyperbolic rhetoric and hollow flag-waving. Here’s what Wikipedia had to say about that period: “The worst recession in half a century cast a shadow over the growth prospects of the developing countries of Asia and the Pacific. In 1981, many of these nations managed to maintain the tempo of economic progress, but 1982 brought a general slow-down in growth rates under the grim pressures of lingering recession, high interest rates and faltering export earnings because of slack demand and increasing protectionism in the industrialized countries. The impact was felt not only in widespread development cutbacks and mounting fiscal imbalances but also by millions of people as unemployment rose and hardships worsened for the region’s ragged legions of rural poor.” Indeed, the economic prospects for Asia were not encouraging. One good sign, however, was that, China, long regarded as
THERE is no statute of limitation in honoring America’s veterans – those who served in America’s armed forces, in peace and war, and the debt of gratitude for us to repay. The war on the Pacific ended on Sept 2, 1945, when the Japanese Imperial Government signed the unconditional surrender declaration. What preceded this epic event was the end of the war in the Philippines on Aug 1945. Sadly, this war did not end for the Filipino soldiers and guerrillas – men and women who fought side by side with American troops. This was re-ignited by the passage by the 79th Congress of the Rescission Act in Feb 1946. Instead of celebrating their victory over the brutal Japanese
have been. And now they have begun to see The promise we have always known; The jungles and the mountains baring wealth; The billions rising in a chorus of dreams being realized. But they may never see enough And we shall reap more than they ever will For we believed, when they did not. Remarkably, much of what I wrote have been realized. Asia, spearheaded by China, has become an economic powerhouse. China is, in fact, set to overtake the United States, even in digital technology. While the U.S. has accused China of intellectual piracy, there are many aspects of digital technology and artificial intelligence where the former “sleeping giant” is making huge strides. And in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), South Korea, India, Japan, Indonesia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Thailand and Taiwan are surging ahead of many countries in Europe. You may ask, why isn’t the Philippines in the roster of Asia’s economic tigers? Wasn’t there a time when the Philippines was an aggressive and progressive member of this pack – in fact, ahead of many of them? True. But if Deng Xiaoping’s leadership spelled the difference for China, a series of failed leaders caused our country’s retrogression. This should caution us to choose more wisely and carefully in the coming presidential election. If Tony de Joya were still alive, I would suggest writing a piece on the theme, “We Believe in the Philippines.” I sincerely believe this. We just need to understand that what the Philippines needs is a leader with a vision. Not just profanity and bluster, or kleptomaniacal brilliance or pompous political rhetoric. And we must be prepared to back up that leader with the hard work and commitment of an awakened citizenry. Only then can we change the trajectory of our beloved Philippines. We should prove that Rizal was wrong in his “Mi Ultimo Adios.” Our Patria Adorada does not deserve to be “nuestra perdido Eden.“ *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)
Repeal the Rescission Act of 1946 to repay a debt of gratitude
Commentary
MAJ. GEN. ANTONIO TAGUBA (RET)
a “Sleeping Giant,” had begun to stir. With the death of Mao Tse Tung in 1976 and the growing power of Deng Xiaoping as paramount leader, China had begun to revive its entrepreneurial spirit. According to Wikipedia, “Deng led China through a series of far-reaching market-economy reforms, earning him the reputation as the ‘Architect of Modern China.’…Under (Deng’s) leadership…China underwent massive economic reforms. The Chinese economy became less centrally planned. It evolved into what Deng Xiaoping described in a 1984 speech as ‘socialism with Chinese characteristics.’” Tony de Joya believed in Asia well before then. At the 10th Asian Advertising Congress in Sydney, Australia in 1976, Tony had agreed to take on the challenge of formally organizing the incipient AFAA. This was achieved in 1978, at the 11th Asian Ad Congress in Manila. Tony was unanimously elected founding chairman. In 1982, for the 13th Asian Ad Congress in New Delhi, Tony asked me to create the ad based on the theme, “We Believe in Asia.” While I verbalized the theme, Tony de Joya was the visionary. But it was Deng Xiaoping who made it a reality. It turned out to be an impressive ad, designed by AMA’s executive art director Alejandro Serrano. Allow me to reprint the poem: We Believe in Asia Only a few decades ago, many of those who looked on Asia, Saw with barely seeing eyes; For they just saw jungles, untamed mountains, Endless stretches of undeveloped land; While we saw treasures yet untapped In the pristine wilderness, In the caverns and the bowels of the earth, In the soil that knows no equal in its wealth. They only saw hungry billions gaping helpless at the sky, Mankind crawling out of wombs, just to die. We saw a multitude of minds awakening, Hearts and sinews strengthening. Venturing. Daring. Challenging the doom-songs that were sung. They missed the structures of glass and steel; The huge machines that dig into the earth and reach up to the skies; And they wondered if they would ever see them here. But we saw the art and wisdom of the ages That first bore fruit upon these grounds And without which their structures and machines would not
Imperial military forces, they were left demoralized and disenfranchised for over 75 years over what the U.S. Congress determined their lifelong fate. Simply, the Rescission Act revoked their wartime service as not having served in the active service under the US Army Forces in the Far East commanded by General Douglas MacArthur. The Act also revoked their path to U.S. citizenship. This amounted to being excluded from their benefits and compensation promised them in July 1941 by President Franklin Roosevelt. They were betrayed by the same country who called them to duty, to defend the United States in the Philippines, and without any semblance to recognize them for thousands of lives lost in war, hundreds of thousands
missing in action, and thousands more wounded for life. We, the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, have decided to enact a call to action to repeal the Rescission Act of 1946. This is the third task in our overall mission that began with the Congressional Gold Medal on Oct 2017 that led to righteous recognition, followed by the creation of Duty to Country education program in November 2020. A successful repeal of the Rescission Act would be the final stage of our mission to enshrine, educate, and preserve the powerful legacy of the Filipino and American soldiers, men and women alike, who accomplished their daring and heroic mission to defend the United States in the Philippines from July 1941
to December 1946. We are requesting Congress to pass the repeal action. The principal objectives of this project is to acknowledge the grave injustice to our veterans, to repay the debt of gratitude that has eluded these braves heroes, and to provide for the following as conditions: • An official apology from the President of the United States on the injustice suffered by the Filipino Veterans, men and women alike. • Formally recognize ALL Filipino Soldiers who fought under the U.S Army Forces in the Far East. • Update the Reconstructed Recognized Guerrilla Roster to include Women Guerrillas, nurses, and others who served under the U.S. Army Forces of
the Far East. • Provide for a memorial fund to include an education program, exhibits, media campaign to inform and educate the public on the history of the Filipinos who served in the U.S. Army since 1898 specifically during World War II and their contributions in defending the United States and Philippines. Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen writes that “All wars are fought twice, the first time on the battlefield, the second time in memory.” Today, it is our responsibility to recall the past in a way that does justice to the 260,000 soldiers who would otherwise be forgotten. Repealing the Rescission Act, which had devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the Filipino Soldiers of World
War II, will finally enshrine their history and preserve their legacy for eternity. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret.) is the chairman, of the Filipino Veterans Recognition & Education Project (FilVetREP). FilVetREP is a nonpartisan,501(c)(3) taxexempt, community-based, all-volunteer national initiative whose mission is to obtain national recognition of Filipino and American WW11 soldiers across the United States and the Philippines for their wartime service to the U.S. and the Philippines from July 26, 1941 to December 31, 1946. For more information about Filipino WWII veterans and how to get involved, visit our website at www.filvetrep. org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 23-26, 2021
Dateline PhiliPPines
IATF studying incentives for vaccinated people by Helen
Flores Philstar.com
MANILA — Incentives intended to encourage more Filipinos to get vaccinated against COVID19 are now being studied by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF). In his report to President Duterte last Tuesday, October 19, National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. presented a list of suggestions from the private sector to boost vaccination by giving people incentives. “It means those who are vaccinated are the only ones who will be allowed to get out, to dine in and be allowed to travel without restrictions,” Galvez told Duterte during the President’s Talk to the People. He said among the suggestions of the private sector to encourage vaccination are allowing companies the right not to hire unvaccinated job applicants and requiring RT-PCR tests for existing employees who are not vaccinated at their own expense. The list of suggestions also includes “mandatory vaccines for health care workers, school employees, public transport workers, civil servants, and for 4Ps; manda-
tory vaccinations for unrestricted access to public transport, travel, restaurants and tourism establishments.” Galvez, the country’s vaccine czar, said the private sector wants to ramp up vaccination to achieve 1.5 million jabs per day by inoculating the willing in order to achieve a bandwagon effect. At present, only 388,000 shots are being administered daily. In the interest of protecting the economy amid the pandemic, the private sector also wants the government to accelerate inoculation in key cities and economic hubs, he said. Another recommendation to the IATF is to remove capacity restrictions for all public transport and ease curfews as well as prioritizing the safe optional reopening of schools in areas with high vaccination rates. Galvez said the private sector also called for a unified vaccination, testing and contact tracing data ecosystem. Over 24 M Filipinos vaccinated Updating the President on the figures, Galvez said 31.76 percent of the targeted population or over 24 million Filipinos are now fully vaccinated. To be exact, 24,298,753 Filipinos have already received their
full doses of COVID-19 vaccines. “The Philippines had also administered 52.78 million doses of various vaccines against COVID19 including 28 million Filipinos who received their first dose of vaccines,” he added. Galvez said Metro Manila remained the top region with the highest percentage of vaccinated individuals, with 80 percent of its eligible population fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccine czar said the target is to inoculate 1.5 million individuals per day to achieve a “happy Christmas” and reach 70 percent of the target population before the start of the 2022 election period – “meaning before February.” “Right now supply is not anymore an issue. We have more than 38 million doses in our warehouses,” Galvez told the President, but added that logistics issues in distributing the jabs to the vaccine centers have become a challenge. On Wednesday, October 20, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said the government is ramping up its vaccination drive in the provinces where the inoculation rate is only around 18 to 30 percent. With 50 to 70 percent as the
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OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS. Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson (3rd from left) hands over a box of oxygen concentrators to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (right) at Pair Cargo in Parañaque City on Thursday, October 21. The latest donation of 100 oxygen concentrators has brought the total concentrators to 200 donated by Australia to the Philippines. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
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A8 OCTOBER 23-26, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
DATELINE PHILIPPINES
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Has Sara changed her mind? Robredo to supporters: Be calm in political discussions by EDITH
R. REGALADO
Philstar.com
DAVAO CITY — Has President Duterte’s daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, changed her mind and finally decided to run for president after filing for reelection? After recovering from COVID19, Duterte-Carpio flewto Cebu City on Friday, October 22 to meet a cousin, 5th district Rep. Red Duterte. She confirmed her trip in a Facebook post. Her ar-
rival in Cebu coincided with the birthday celebration of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez’s wife Yedda. A cousin of Romualdez, former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who is running for president, was also in Cebu City Friday. Many took Duterte-Carpio’s outfit as an indication of her interest in seeking the highest office in the land. In her first public appearance after recovering from COVID-19, Duterte-Carpio showed up in a green hoodie
by JANVIC
MATEO Philstar.com
MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo on Thursday, October 21 enjoined her supporters to remain calm when engaging in political discussions, saying the color pink should reflect a movement that promotes love and openness to pursue a better future. In a recorded video message, Robredo said pink represents the sense of hope felt by many of those who expressed their support since she announced her presidential bid. “Let us show that pink is not just a color, but also a way of life. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio It is not just something that we Inquirer.net wear or a ribbon, but a color of printed with ‘SARA ALL 2022’ someone who is open, willing to with in blue pants and white listen, and loving,” she said in sneakers. Filipino. She was all smiles during a “We have to show the true photo op at the VIP lounge of the meaning of pink when we wear Davao International Airport. it. Do good, extend help to oth“SARA ALL 2022” is the rally- ers, be calm in sharing our mesing cry of her supporters egging sage,” she added. her to run for president despite Amid hateful and divisive poher already having filed her cer- litical discussions, she urged her tificate of candidacy for reelec- supporters to focus on feelings tion as Davao City mayor last and sentiments that bind every Oct. 2. Filipino. Marcos, meanwhile, reported“From there, shed light on the ly met with Cebu Gov. Gwen Gar- truth,” she said. “Remember: it is cia, reportedly to inform her of easy to argue, but it is more radihis plans to put up his campaign cal to love.” headquarters in the city. During a virtual meeting with There is reportedly no sched- her supporters, Robredo said she uled meeting between Marcos was overwhelmed with the comand Duterte-Carpio. Sources said Marcos was attending the dinner with the Romualdezes last night and that the presidential daughter was not ex- PAGE A7 t pected to be at the same event. minimum vaccination rate target Instead, Duterte-Carpio was for the provinces, Año said offiset to join the Romualdezes over cials of his department, DOH, the lunch on Saturday, October 23. police and local government units Romualdez is a ranking official (LGUs) would meet tomorrow to of the Lakas-CMD party headed discuss how to intensify the vacby former president Gloria Maca- cination drive in the countryside. pagal-Arroyo. “On Friday, we’re having a big Lakas-CMD earlier signi- meeting with selected governors fied support for Duterte-Carpio and mayors, together with the should she decide to run for regional directors of the DILG, president. the PNP, the DOH,” he said in Lakas-CMD is one of the na- an interview with dzBB. “We’ll tional political parties reportedly be giving emphasis on what help set to coalesce with Duterte-Car- they need to ramp up vaccination, pio’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago because we cannot settle for a (HNP) regional party. high vaccination rate only for the Speaker Lord Allan Velasco NCR.” and several other congressmen The DILG chief said neighborwere also attending the party for ing provinces of Metro Manila, Yedda Romualdez. such as Regions 3 and 4-A, as Duterte-Carpio is also report- well as key areas like Regions 7 edly set to meet with Liloan, Cebu and 11, need to be prioritized in Mayor Christina Frasco, who was time for Christmas. earlier designated as her spokesShuffle vaccines person. ■ Duterte, meanwhile, ordered
mitment, passion and energy of those who are helping her presidential bid. She reiterated her call not to stoop down to the level of those who use troll farms for propaganda. “We should just be truth warriors. If we see disinformation, we fight smart. Let us think of ways on how to refute their lies without going down to their level,” she said. Robredo’s supporters will hold a coordinated motorcade across the country tomorrow to show their support for her and her running mate, Sen. Francis Pangilinan. Leni offers support to EJK victims’ kin On Wednesday, October 20, Robredo reiterated her support to families of victims killed in the government’s war against illegal drugs. She attended the blessing and turnover of the cremated remains of seven victims who were exhumed after the lapse of the five-year lease on their graves in various public cemeteries in Metro Manila. The Vice President expressed her sympathies to the families of the victims, including widows who were left to raise their children on their own after their husbands died because of the drug war. “We can no longer get back the lives of those we have lost, but by working on to improve our lives
now, it is as if we offer something to them: that even when they are no longer with us, you make sure that those they left behind are taken care of,” she said in Filipino. “I am here, my office is just here. If you need anything – even if just having someone to talk to, our door is always open for all of you,” she said. Robredo, a critic of the government’s war on drugs, has partnered with various civil society groups to provide various interventions and support for families who lost their loved ones to extrajudicial killings. The cremation of the remains of the seven drug war victims was facilitated by the Society of the Divine Word’s Project Paghilom, an initiative that aims to provide support to families of those killed in the drug war. Its founder Fr. Flaviano Villanueva said Robredo’s presence during blessing and turnover provided a comforting atmosphere to the families. “More than offering sympathy, she assured our dear widows that they are not alone in their journey of seeking healing and justice,” he said in a Facebook post. “VP Leni mirrored how it is to be father, who bravely stands with the weak; and a mother, who offers a soothing comfort during one’s most difficult moments,” he added. ■
Galvez to shuffle the COVID-19 vaccines distributed to various regions to prevent the public from choosing among vaccine brands. “I told Secretary Galvez, mix everything. Mix what’s inside the box… don’t be choosy because all vaccines are okay,” he said. “Don’t choose because I said these (vaccines) are all effective. Maybe you don’t like those from China. Now you want Sinopharm, because we all had Sinopharm here. We were even the last to get it,” he added. Duterte received his second dose of COVID-19 vaccine by Sinopharm, a China stateowned company, in July. “The vaccines will benefit our country and help us bring closer to the goal of having a better Christmas,” he said. But even Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio called on the national government to purchase more of the Western vaccine brands because
those produced in China have low acceptability. Sen. Leila de Lima said the President’s idea to mix various vaccine brands in the rollout so that vaccinees would not have an option to choose is unacceptable. “The choice of vaccine brand is personal. It cannot be forced by the state in some sort of a lottery, in the same way that it remains a right of everyone to choose whether to be vaccinated or not in the first place,” De Lima said. This month, the World Health Organization-led COVAX Facility has already delivered 7.3 million doses, which is one of its biggest vaccine donations to the Philippines to date. The United States also donated 6.4 million Pfizer jabs while Germany gave 884,800 AstraZeneca doses, Galvez said. Both the U.S. and Germany have committed to donate more in the coming months. ■
IATF studying incentives for vaccinated...
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The November 2021 priority dates: No change from September Immigration Corner
The priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: FAMILY CATEGORY: First Preference
Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ THE November priority dates are typically the start of the new “fiscal year” for visas, where a new annual supply of visas is made available. Usually, with a new supply of visas, the priority dates move forward in the various family categories. However, for November 2021, the priority dates did not move at all. They are the same as September 2021. Fortunately, employment-based visas remain “current.” Each month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment-based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again. ***
Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (21 years old or older)
(2A) Spouse and Second Preference minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holders
Application Filing Date
Visa Issuance Date
April 22, 2015
March 01, 2012
June 01, 2021
Current
(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holders
October 01, 2013
October 22, 2011
Third Preference
Married sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens
October 01, 2003
June 08, 2002
Fourth Preference
Brothers and sisters of U.S. Citizens
February 01, 2004
August 22, 2002
LABOR CERTIFICATION:
Application Filing Date
Visa Issuance Date
Second Preference Advanced Degree (Masters)
Current
Current
Third Preference
Professional/ Skilled Workers
Current
Current
Other Workers
Non-Skilled Workers
Current
Current
Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 40 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information
NIECE PETITIONS HER AUNT AS HOUSEKEEPER THIS SUNDAY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Many people believe the only way to bring relatives to the U.S. is through a family petition. This is not true. Family can petition other family members through an employment-based visa, which can be much faster and is perfectly legal. This is exactly what Ana (center) did when she petitioned her aunt Susan (left) as her housekeeper, through the help of Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right). Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday, October 24 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and reenactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any gurfinkellaw (866) – GURFINKEL particular case, and do not constitute established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a Four offices to serve you: a prediction, warranty, guarantee or F o l l o w u s o n F a c e b o o k . consultation for anywhere in the LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ legal advice regarding the outcome NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES of your legal matter. No attorney- com/GurfinkelLaw, YouTube: US US: 1-866-487-3465 (Advertising Supplement) client relationship is, or shall be, Immigration TV and Instagram.com/
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Family petitions family for employment this Sunday on Citizen Pinoy MOST people think they can only file family petitions for relatives. Actually, they can also petition their family member for a green card through employment. In this brand-new episode, viewers can learn how Ana petitioned her aunt, Susan, as a housekeeper. Since the minimum requirement for the job was three months experience
in housekeeping, Aunt Susan was qualified since she worked as a housekeeper in the Middle East and Canada for years. Ana consulted with, and retained, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who prepared and submitted all necessary documents, including police clearances from Canada and other countries where Aunt
Susan has worked before. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday, October 24 on its new time at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET thru select Cable/ Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the app for free.
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Kababayan Leo Consul is a lead star in Indonesia’s No. 1 soap opera, Terpaksa Menikahi (Forced Marriage).
Philstar.com photo
Cristine opens up on her trauma Pinoys making waves abroad from abuse, painful childhood By MJ
Marfori Philstar.com
By Dana
Cruz Inquirer.net
CRISTINE Reyes looked back on what it was like for her to grow up in an “unloving environment” as she recalled the “hurtful” words her mother had told her as a child. In an interview with Filipino American entrepreneur Liza Florida for the latter’s “Eight Billion Podcast” on YouTube on Wednesday, Oct. 20, the “Starstruck” alum recounted how she constantly felt “unwanted” while growing up. Reyes added that she was in a “loving” adopted family before her biological mother took her back when she was 6 years old. Despite her mother having a “big house,” Reyes felt she was not welcome in her own home. “Ever since I moved to my biological mom, I felt that I didn’t have a voice. So as much as possible, I don’t really talk,” she told Florida. The actress also looked back at the painful experiences she had as a child, revealing that her mother had attempted to abort her. “I was very neglected when I was a child, at six years old. I remember whenever there’s a problem, I would constantly hear words, ‘You know, you should have died. You never
Cristine Reyes
Photo from Instagram/@cristinereyes
should have been born, I tried so many times to abort you,’” Reyes narrated. “I had to survive. I was always in survival mode during my early childhood,” she added. “That’s when it started. I always wanted to be alone because when I’m alone, I’m safe.” Reyes admitted she felt very “bitter” for most of her adult
life, but she hopes to continue being more aware of her emotions from her trauma, also to prevent herself from projecting her pain or anger onto others. “I’m working on it, to be selfaware. Yeah, I have this past. I have a bad childhood but you can always make a difference,” she said. “We want to cut the curse. If you spread bitterness, [you] affect the world.” n
Top corporate income tax rate Tax Tips
Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV – Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation. * * * He retired after 50 years of defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He published a book on “How to Avoid or Survive IRS Audits” that’s available at Amazon. Readers may email tax questions to vicsy@live.com.
Can I enforce a form I-864 Affidavit of Support in divorce proceedings? Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes THE Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 requires that US Citizens sponsoring an alien for legal permanent residency execute an immigration form I864 Affidavit of Support. This is an agreement between the US Government and the Sponsor to promise to support the immigrant beneficiary seeking admission to the US at a level not less than 125% of the national poverty level. The purpose of the I-864 Affidavit is to prevent the noncitizen from becoming a public charge. The sponsor’s obligation continues until either 1) the intended immigrant becomes 2) the intended immigrant is no longer permanent resident by departing the US or relinquishing his or her residency 3) the immigrant is subject to removal or deportation but applies for and obtains anew adjustment of status based on a new affidavit of support 4) the intended immigrant or sponsor dies 5) the intended immigrant worked for 40 qualifying quarters under the Social Security Act. The I-864 affidavit is legally binding and enforceable contract between the Sponsor and the US Government. The enforceability even goes beyond
and Solenn Heussaff to have a bite of the international scene, casting them in his international projects such as Subject: I Love You, Empty By Design and now The Fabulous Filipino Brothers. “I continuously want to bridge the gap from Hollywood to Manila and expose the local talents we have,” said Dante. In fact, prior to the pandemic, he started working with Cignal Entertainment by partnering for the production and release of Empty By Design and The Fabulous Filipino Brothers, which is a fresh take on the romantic-comedy genre. It is told in four unique vignettes: Four Fil-Am brothers deal with love won and lost in the weeks leading up to a Filipino wedding and showcase an intimate side of our culture. “I didn’t make a film to try to set the ultimate Filipino American story. I just wanted to tell this beautiful family story which just happens to be (about) Filipinos,” he said. For Dante, that is what we have to continue doing. He believes that if Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings, Squid Games and Crazy Rich Asians could make it, so can we. It is ironic that when the world closed down, the influx of stories from outside of the world became more in-demand than ever. “Totally, we are definitely living in a crazy time MJ, in a new world. It’s weird that when we’re stuck at home, it’s now that we reach out to connect to others,” said he. n
Biden tax plan series
result in a combined average top corporate tax rate of 29.53%t - higher than the 23.51 average among industrialized countries. Victor sy, The combined top corporate tax MBA, cPA (retired) rate would be higher than in most other country in the industrialized WE have been concerned about world. President Biden’s proposal to Current tax law: raise the federal corporate income • Current corporate top intax rate from 21% to 28%. Law- come tax rate is 21%. makers have suggested raising Proposed tax changes: the rate to 25%. Including state • The corporate top income tax corporate taxes, a 25% federal rate would be raised to 28%. corporate income tax rate would * * *
Barrister’s Corner
FORTUNE favors the bold and hardworking! That is clearly the case of our kababayan Leo Consul, who is a lead star in Indonesia’s No. 1 soap opera, Terpaksa Menikahi (Forced Marriage). His latest series comes after the huge success of his previous TV primetime drama project Love Story that aired in mid-2020. His series right now has bested 20 other soaps. Leo is now a household name in Indonesia. We spoke with the actor during his dinner break in between the filming of his soap, which airs for two and a half hours every day. Yes, that’s Monday to Sunday primetime. “It’s very hard. What we shoot in the morning is what comes out at night! Iba-iba pa eksena minsan kaya very challenging, galing ka sa iba’tibang emotions,” said he. If you’re wondering where Leo gets his motivation, well, he opened up about how tough life was for him. “Basurero po ako sa Bolinao back in the day,” shared he. “Nag-start ako as taga-linis ng bus. Mind you, my first burger hindi galing sa restaurant, galing yon sa basura.” Leo mustered through college as the breadwinner of the family. He then flew to Jakarta to be an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). “I was initially a Math and English teacher but it wasn’t for me,” said he. It was in 2013 when he had his lucky break as a segment
host in Eat, Bulaga Indonesia, where he practiced his Bahasa skills. He is now fluent in speaking the language. “Lagi ako magiging segmented kapag hindi ako marunong mag-Bahasa,” said Leo. “Yung mga role na ibibigay sakin, ito lang so I forced myself in everyday conversations. I didn’t take lessons. Kakausapin ko lang mga co-hosts ko.” Leo plans to come home to the Philippines after his ongoing teleserye to try his luck in our local showbiz. Meanwhile, another Filipino is making waves as he says: “Keep pushing our stories.” That is what Fil-Am Hollywood actor, voice actor, producer and now director Dante Basco is telling the Philippine entertainment industry as we got to chat with him earlier this week. It was late at night where he was in the East Coast of the United States, but Dante was as enthusiastic as ever in chatting with us about his projects that would benefit the Philippine scene as well. With Dante’s 35-year career in Hollywood having memorable roles such as Prince Zuko in Nickelodeon’s Aang: The Last Airbender; Jake Long in American Dragon; and Rufio in Hook, he surely knows what he’s talking about. “In the long time that I’ve been here, it’s just now that I can really see and feel the demand,” said he. Dante paved the way for some of our amazing actors such as Jericho Rosales, Rhian Ramos
this. The sponsored immigrant spouse can also enforce this contract against the sponsor and file an action to enforce the sponsor’s support obligation separately from any support rights the sponsored immigrant spouse may have under Family Code Section 4320. Erler v. Erler, 824 F.3d 1173 (9th Cir. 2016). This obligation becomes an important issue where the marriage between the Sponsor and the immigrant beneficiary breaks down and a Divorce Petition is filed. The I-864 obligation does not terminate with divorce or dissolution of marriage. Pursuant to Erler, neither a divorce judgment nor a premarital agreement may terminate an obligation of support under the I-864 affidavit. The obligation is not dischargeable even if the immigrant spouse is later supported by a third party or attempts to be self-sufficient. Further if a Joint Sponsor also signed an I-864 affidavit, the Joint Sponsor is jointly and severally liable for the support of the immigrant spouse. The immigrant spouse has an independent standing to enforce the obligation under the I-864 affidavit against the sponsor either in state court or federal court. In re Marriage of Kumar, 13 Cal. App. 5th 1072 (2017). This means the sponsor’s support obligation under the I-864 affidavit may be enforced within the family law case/ divorce action. In addition, the Court in Kumar held that immigrant spouse has no duty to seek employment
to mitigate his or her damages. The bottom line is that in any divorce proceeding, one has to consider whether one spouse has signed an I-864 affidavit in the past for purposes of conferring a green card to the other spouse and whether that obligation continues on. It may be a separate claim for support available to the immigrant spouse within the family law case. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.
Action star Jeric says daughter AJ was immediately ‘very supportive’ after he was cast as a gay character in the comedy-action caper Barumbadings. Philstar.com photo
Jeric essays gay role for the first time By Leah
SaLterio Philstar.com
THIS pandemic, Jeric inevitably acted in films that are streamed online. He is recently cast in the comedy-action caper, Barumbadings, the 12th film of controversial director Darryl Yap. For the first time, Jeric is portraying a gay character, something that he has never essayed in the past. “From being an action star, medyo talagang nahirapan akong mag-adjust sa galawan,” Jeric admits. “Kung paano kumilos ng medyo malambot at paano magsalita. Pinaghandaan ko dito ‘yung paglalakad ng naka-stiletto.” When he was alone inside his hotel room while in lock-in shooting, Jeric made it a point to practice walking in stilettos. “Suot ko bra at leggings,” he offers. “Sabi ko nga, i-respeto pa kaya ako ng mga fans ko kapag nakita akong ganu’n ang suot ko?” The role, admittedly, is very challenging for Jeric. He plays Izzy, the Japanese-looking gay with samurai skills. His long, shiny black hair makes him not easily intimidated by anyone. He is a man of cryptic words. In fact, he’s the silent type. “Ang dialogue ko lang sa buong movie, ‘Mother,’ pero hindi naman talaga ako pipi dito,” Jeric allows. “Pero napakahirap mag fight scene ng naka stiletto. ‘Yung takbuhan pa namin, pero na deliver naman namin ng maganda.” Jeric also enjoyed working with his co-stars, like Mark Anthony Fernandez and Baron Geisler. “For a change, maiba naman,” Jeric says. “Pero na enjoy naman namin nila Mark at Baron. “Hindi ako nagkamali sa pagpili ng movie na ‘to. Maganda naman ang kinalabasan. Very supportive naman lahat ng co-stars ko. At ang director namin, napaka-haba ng pasensiya.” Jeric is grateful to direk Darryl for including him in the cast of the movie. “I must take this opportunity to thank direk Darryl at isa ako sa mga napili niya bilang gumanap na Barumbadings. (Advertising Supplement) Ang dami ko ng naging director at si direk Darryl
lang ang nag-alok sa akin ng ganitong role. At mukhang pag uusapan ng tao. I’m looking forward na magkaroon ng Part 2.” His family, including his daughter, sexy star AJ Raval, was immediately very supportive after he told them he was playing a gay role for the first time. “When I told them about the movie, na-excite agad sila,” Jeric grants. “So I said, ‘Aba, parang bago ito.’ “Sanay na kasi sila na ‘pag may bago akong movie, laging action or series. So hindi na sila masyadong nagugulat ‘pag gano’n. Hindi nga nila pinanonood ang mga seryeng ginagawa ko. But this one, excited sila sa project na ginawa ko. Ngayon lang naman ako naging gay sa movie.” Jeric patterned his role after a Japanese character whom he initially showed to direk Darryl. When the latter agreed, it became easy for Jeric to play his part. The actor was an original choice of direk Darryl to make up one of the three characters who work for Mother Joy, played by Joel Torre, in Barumbadings. “I wanted Jeric also because I launched AJ in Paglaki Ko, Gusto Ko Maging Pornstar,” direk Darryl shares. “Kung ayaw ni Jeric, I will go to AJ at sa kanya ako lalapit. I really want straight men to play the role. I’m a director and the representation of the characters should be learned and researched. “With the whole cast, they are all astute. Nahirapan lang ako sa pagpapalambot kasi sobrang controlled lahat. Every now and then, I would say, ‘Cut’ dahil napa-taas ang balikat ni Mark Anthony or ‘yung tindig nila Jeric or Baron matigas.” Direk Darryl explains further, “Barumbadings is a combination of a well-researched script, right actors for the character and a little sprinkle of hope that maybe, the viewing public will appreciate that this (movie) is really something new.” The director assures this is not the end of the series. “Barumbadings is a trilogy. This is just the first initial installment of it. We will expound more on the next two episodes.” n
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1 S. Locust Street, Inglewood, CA 90301 (199 one-bedroom units) Wait list closed effective October 29, 2021: Due to excessive length the waiting list will close. The waiting list for Accessible units will remain open for qualified applicants. Applications available onsite, or online at www.tsahousing.com (click on “for rent” tab), and via mail (upon request by calling (310) 672-3988 TTY (800) 8557100 or via email: inglewoodmeadows@tsaproperties.com. SUBMIT APPLICATION TO: Inglewood Meadows, 1 S Locust Street, Inglewood, CA 90301 or by email: inglewoodmeadows@tsaproperties.com. NOTE: Interested applicants must submit applications before October 29, 2021. Applications will be placed on the list in order by date and time of receipt. ELIGIBILITY: Income cannot exceed $49,680 per year (one person) or $56,760 per year (two people). One or Two person households where at least one member is 62 years of age are eligible to move into the complex.
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‘Silenced no more’ laws: Employees may disclose acts of discrimination & harassment Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr.
SFIO’s The Global Academy in partnership with FPACC aims to guide businesses in their journey of digital transformation THE existence of the COVID-19 pandemic has lasted for almost two years, forcing the world to live in a “new normal.” Due to the constant lockdowns, businesses have been forced to close their doors under lockdown restrictions that have put most entrepreneurs in very difficult situations. To sustain the business, entrepreneurs have had to stay ahead of the curve, make necessary changes, and be creative during the pandemic – critical actions they have needed to do for their businesses to pull through. Undoubtedly, technology has been a great help for the business to stay afloat; some businesses have performed even better than before with the support of technology. Most of the businesses moved online to protect their cash flow, their businesses, their staff and themselves. SFIO’s “The Global Academy” (TGA) headed by its CEO, Jonathan Petalver, is proud to present a new partnership with the Federation of Philippine American Chamber of Commerce (FPACC) to build business leaders and digital entrepreneurs. The establishment of a new relationship with FPACC is to support its thrust to develop business owners’ mindset to stay ahead in this new digital economy. Transitioning into a new way of running a business has always been a challenge. The academy teaches business owners how to utilize their products with an improved process and digitalize it through a suitable platform, shortening the time of trials and lessening the failures as theyt embark on their digital business. We know the pain of going through the transition period. Hence, we would like to enable our kababayans to have a solid foundation in operating a digital business in the long term. The course is sponsored by SFIO and SAM.
The strategic learning provider, The Global Academy New Zealand, will provide coaching and training about digitalizing the product, process and platform. The coaching session will equip business owners with ways to thrive and stay ahead by transforming their business organizations digitally in this new economy. The course of digital business will guide them from product to process and eventually to operate their businesses on different digital platforms to stay competitive in this new business and economic environment. There are new strategies and practices required as most consumers move dramatically to online platforms nowadays. Digital transformation will be the core element to stabilize the business operation in the future. SFIO aims to create futurereadiness and resilience for entrepreneurs, while TGA sets out to reset, reboot and reprogram the mindsets of FPACC members to be well-prepared entrepreneurs and welcome the ultimate “new normal” of reopening for future business. SFIO has gone through the same process of digital transformation which enabled it to become a global leader. Throughout the program designed by TGA, we are confident that our business owners will be trained with strong foundations to be able to operate a steady digital version of sustainable business. TGA equips them through business coaching to stay ahead and thrive amidst this COVID-19 pandemic. TGA is looking for Strategic Entrep Coaches to reach out to as many kababayans for 2022. This is to raise interest for those who already became successful in the U.S. and would like to be part of TGA globally.
(Advertising Supplement)
IN the wake of the #MeToo movement, there has been a lot of attention focused on nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), also known as confidentiality agreements (CAs). Sexual harassment victims who agreed to settle their cases are often asked to sign NDAs in exchange for payment. In work situations, a nondisclosure agreement is required by the employer to prohibit the employee from disclosing events that the employee complained about. Although such conditions in an NDA may not be legally enforceable, they may intimidate and prevent the employee from speaking about the employer’s unlawful conduct. In 2019, three laws took effect in California, targeting sexual harassment at work. The first bill, AB 3109, signed into law in 2018, invalidates settlement agreements that prohibit disclosure of sexual harassment claims. This means, any provision in a contract or settlement agreement that restricts an employee’s right to testify in an administrative, legislative, or judicial proceeding concerning an employer’s unlawful conduct cannot be enforced. Another law, SB 820, restricts the usage of confidentiality provisions in agreements related to sexual assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination based on sex. It also prohibits settlement agreement provisions that prevent disclosure of facts related to an employee’s claims of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
The bill does not prohibit confidentiality of the settlement amount. The last bill, SB 1300, invalidates any agreement or contract in which an employee loses their right to disclose unlawful acts in the workplace, including acts of sexual harassment. SB 1300 also declares that a single incident of harassing conduct may be enough to create a hostile work environment in certain situations. In a move to expand restrictions on the terms of a confidentiality agreement, California’s Governor Newsom, on October 14, 2021, signed into
complaint with a state agency, law enforcement agency, or any court, in exchange for a raise or bonus, or as a condition of employment or continued employment. • An employer cannot require an employee to sign a non-disparagement agreement or other document to the extent it effectively denies the employee their right to disclose information about unlawful acts at work. • Any non-disparagement provision that restricts an employee’s ability to disclose information related to workplace conditions shall include the following language: “Nothing in this agreement prevents you from discussing or disclosing information about unlawful acts in the workplace, such as harassment or discrimination or any other conduct that you have reason to believe is unlawful.” • However, the above does not apply to a “negotiated” settlement agreement. “Negotiated” means that the agreement is voluntary and provides consideration of value to the employee. It further requires that the employee is given notice and an opportunity to retain an attorney or is represented by an attorney. * * * The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. joesayaslaw.com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.] (Advertising Supplement)
In a move to expand restrictions on the terms of a confidentiality agreement, California’s Governor Newsom, on October 14, 2021, signed into law SB 331, also known as the “Silenced No More Act.” law SB 331, also known as the “Silenced No More Act.” The new law takes effect on January 1, 2022. The following are its key provisions: • Employees who signed a confidentiality agreement may not be restricted from disclosing the underlying facts related to their claims of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation under the FEHA. Such facts may include claims based on race, sexual orientation, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, age, and other protected characteristics under the FEHA. • An employer may not require an employee to sign a release of a claim or right against the employer, and includes the release of a right to file and pursue a civil action or
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On the need for clarity
say. She’s right. When things are “muddy” or our vision is blurred, we get confused and frustrated. When we let ourselves and others grope in the dark, we’re not kind to ourselves and others. ReveRend We need clarity in every Rodel G. BalaGtas aspect of life and every relationship. We need clarity in “Clarity is kindness,” communication and leaderBrene Brown, renowned au- ship roles. We need clarity of thor and speaker on emotion- vision, mission, and goals. al intelligence, would often But it’s not easy to attain
Pastor’s Notes
clarity in life. it takes a great deal of courageous, honest, and respectful dialogue, humility, and sacrifice—all of these virtues are ingredients for good communication. But it’s the best way to achieve peace, harmony, and success. Often, to achieve clarity means to over-communicate. it’s because we often fall into the pit of selective listening. We’re not as attentive as we think we are to the things we hear. as a result, we can easily dismiss important information and other people’s views. Here at incarnation, i’d like us to foster clarity of vision, mission, and goals. Next month, our parish council members will engage in a Saturday morning discussion on the vision and mission that God is calling us to set. the parish has done this task in the past. Still, we have to do this again because of the changing circumstances all around us due to the pandemic. this clamor for clarity is a global want as this prayer by ann Osdieck tells us in the light of this Sunday’s (October 24) Gospel: Jesus, we are begging for sight. We want to “see” our way to the end of the virus, to see how to end the climate crisis; to end racial injustice, human trafficking, and poverty. Son of David, pity us. Give us Bartimaeus’ faith and his sight. let’s support one another as we engage in achieving clarity in life. let’s listen to one another and encourage each other as we cry out for our needs. let’s be a team and not merely individuals wanting to make changes in the community. Each one has a voice, each one has wisdom and talent to share, and each one has the best intentions for others and our communities. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
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Client relies on 3 bankruptcies in 12 years to save house, wipe out debts i recently finished attending the telephonic bankruptcy hearing with my client and am reminded of his bankruptcy saga over the last 12 years. the client is married and 82 years old. By any standard, he’s a senior. the first time he and his wife, who is 10 years younger than him, walked into my office, he was 70, and his wife was 60. that was in 2007. that was the time when the mortgage crisis was full-blown. House values plummeted. Many big banks had gone under and needed rescuing by President Obama’s Marshall plan. lehman Brothers, one of the biggest investment banks, had gone kaput. this was the time when the banks were buying and selling shares or parts of mortgages. it was great for a while then the whole structure collapsed. it was a financial debacle that started here with global consequences. the stock market lost 40% of the value over a span of several months. the client was one of those who were able to put an $80,000 downpayment on the purchase of their house, with a second trust deed. it was so easy to buy a house then. they financed the entire purchase price of the house with two trust deeds. No money for a downpayment? No problem. they just finance your entire downpayment with a second trust deed. in 2007, the client was employed and making about $4,000 gross a month. His wife was also employed and making about $2,000 a month. He was healthy, although i would say that it was obvious that he was about 40 lbs. overweight. But he had no major health issues. On the financial side, clients had about $100,000 of credit card debt that they had accumulated over 10 years. yes, despite being highly leveraged, they were still able to buy their dream house with 100% financing. During that time, even your dog could buy a house. Just get him a social security number and they’ll give him 2 trust deeds to pay for his fancy doghouse. He told me that he was paying for two trust deeds, his house was upside down (no equity), and there was no way for him to pay for his credit cards. With $100,000 of credit cards, he needed $3,000 a month of minimum monthly payments to keep them current. He said he was also having a difficult time paying the second trust deed of $700 a month. Chapter 7 wiped out all of the $100,000 of credit cards and gave clients an opening to ask for a loan modification on the second trust deed. this was held by the bank, which had acquired the trust deed from another bank, which was in
Debt Relief
atty. lawRence yanG bad shape. Upon receiving our request to modify the terms of the second trust deed and presented with the discharge of client’s debts in Chapter 7, and faced with an upsidedown property, Bank decided to forget about the second trust deed entirely. the bank gave clients a reconveyance on the $80,000 second trust deed so this trust deed completely disappeared. Clients had a fresh start at the age of 70 and 60 with zero credit card debt, zero second trust deed, and left only with the first trust deed of $250,000. Everything was going very well. after five years, at the age of 75, the client lost his job. He started defaulting on his first trust deed. in about six months, he had a default of $12,000 on the house. the bank sent him a notice of default with the intent to foreclose. this meant that he had 90 days to cure the default of $12,000 (of course in 90 days the default would become $18,000) or else his house would be foreclosed and sold on auction sale. the problem was it’s not easy for a 75-year-old individual to get a job. the fact is only Walmart wants to hire seniors as gatekeepers. that’s just the way things are. Our society dotes on the young and neglects the old. Even if the old Prius is running well, people want the new tesla. Sophia loren still has her voluptuous shape but doesn’t turn heads anymore. Blame this on adam and Eve. if they had not eaten of the forbidden fruit that the serpent lucifer had convinced them would make them “like God”, when lucifer himself had such a big head and thought he was so perfect as an angel before his fall, and wanted to “replace God,” we, their descendants would have bodies that would never die, get sick or old. But that’s all water under the bridge for us. Fortunately, God loved us so much, that he asked his one and only beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us, the redeem us from sin, and Jesus willingly obliged, because he also loved us so much, that he died for us, so we can have eternal life with them in heaven! that is awesome! Watch out for the sin of pride, it opens the door to many bad and evil things into your life and the life of your loved ones. lucifer refused to serve God, thinking he was greater than God, so God damned him eternally to hell. He can’t really
fight God, so he’s busy turning us humans to betray God. lucifer says “nonserviam” to God, meaning he refuses to serve God. Back to the client, on the seventh month, his employer hired him back so he’s able to pay the current portion of the first trust deed, but cannot pay the $18,000 default in time to stop the auction sale. We filed a Chapter 13 for him in 2012 to stop the foreclosure of his house and to give him 60 months or 5 years to pay off the $18,000, that’s about $300 monthly. So the Chapter 13 saves his house and allows him to pay off the $18,000 default in five years, which ends in 2017. last month, the client sees me again and says his health is not so good anymore as he is now 82. He is sick with diabetes and cancer. He can’t work anymore and is just receiving social security. His wife is also receiving social security. they can pay for the first trust deed, which is down to $200,000. the house is now worth $400,000, so the equity is $200,000. But they’ve accumulated another $80,000 of credit cards! they can file another Chapter 7 because it’s been six years since the filing of their Chapter 13. Chapter 7 now will get rid of the $80,000 of credit cards so they can keep on paying the first trust deed on their house. their children now help them with some contribution once in a while to help them make ends meet. the wife is still working part-time so that brings in some extra income too. Multiple bankruptcy filings are not unusual. life’s circumstances change and debt accumulates. Believe it or not, Walt Disney filed for Chapter 7 not once, but twice before his Disney global empire became successful. He went on to become a billionaire after getting rid of all his debt twice. Milton Hershey, of Hershey chocolates, the biggest chocolate business in the world, also filed for Chapter 7 once before he became successful and a billionaire. if you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. i will analyze your case personally. *** Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is considered legal advice for anyone. There is absolutely no attorneyclient relationship established by reading this article. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
Reduce your debt by filing Chapter 13 arE you struggling to pay your debts every month, especially your credit cards? Do you barely have anything left to pay your mortgage, rent, food and other basic living expenses after you make your monthly debt payments? Do you want to lower your payments and make life a bit easier? One type of relief under the law to people in debt comes from Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. Commonly known as “Chapter 13 Debt Consolidation or Debt adjustment”, it is generally available to individuals and small business owners. it is called a “consolidation” because it allows you to combine your debts into one monthly payment. But it is also called “debt adjustment” because in a lot of cases, most debts can be “adjusted” down so you don’t need to pay them in full. let’s say you owe $25,000 in credit cards which require you to make minimum payments of anywhere from 3% to 4% of the outstanding balance. thus, on the above amount, your payments are about $750$1000 per month. Because of the high interest on your credit cards, 80-90% of your minimum monthly payments go to interest alone. Very little is applied towards the principal. the banks are getting richer as they siphon the money out of your pocket. you can’t even afford to buy new tires for your car and your bank account is always overdrawn. you feel like you’re playing a game you just can’t win. So, in our example above, paying $750-1000 feels like getting a tooth pulled every month. to some people, this could be the equivalent of
Minding Your Finances atty. Raymond Bulaon one paycheck or more. So, if they get paid twice a month, one paycheck goes to paying credit cards and the other paycheck goes to paying “everything else”. and that’s where the problem is. there never seems to be enough money to pay “everything else.” if you are in this situation, you may want to consider the benefits of Chapter 13. although individual situations vary, in Chapter 13, generally, you only pay based on what you can afford each month. the court reviews your income and all monthly living expenses and determines if there is a surplus. For example, if the Court determines that you have $200 left over after all your living expenses are paid, this is all you need to pay. Depending on your income, you may be asked to pay for 3 to 5 years but 3 years is typical. Now you may wonder: “if i am only paying $200 per month for 3 years, that means i won’t be able to pay all my debts in full, correct? What happens to the unpaid balance after 3 years?” Well, that is exactly one of the greatest benefits of Chapter 13. Besides paying 0% interest on credit cards and most debts, you are NOt required to pay all debts in full if you cannot afford to do so. after you have made all your Chapter 13 payments, the rest of your debts are wiped out complete-
ly. this sounds amazing but it’s true. you can consolidate all types of debts in Chapter 13: credit cards, personal loans, late mortgage or car payments, property taxes, income and other taxes, student loans, back child support, etc. Compare the benefits of Chapter 13 (0% interest on credit cards and most debts, lower payments, reduced debt amounts, pay off debts in as little as 3 years) vs. trying to pay your debts on your own and paying the outrageous interest rates being charged by the banks and the credit card companies. you will be shocked to see how much easier paying debts with Chapter 13 can become as opposed to doing it on your own. Do you need to rebuild credit and start saving again? Or do you dream of buying a home someday but need to get out of debt before anything else? if your debts have become unmanageable and you need legal help, find out whether Chapter 13 may be beneficial to you. NOtE: Due to virus safety concerns, i am offering free consultations By PHONE Or ViDEO to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems. *** NOTE: Due to virus safety concerns, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE OR VIDEO to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772) (Advertising Supplement)
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 23-26, 2021
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