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OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5, 2020 Volume 13 - No. 52 • 16 Pages 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Several Fil-Am candidates seek New survey: AAPI public office across the country registered voters in DATELINE
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
10 battleground states highly motivated to vote
by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
ALTHOUGH Filipinos have been in this country since before the United States’ conception, the first election of a Filipino American didn’t happen until the 1950s.
In 1954, the late Peter Aduja became the first Filipino American elected into public office when he served as a representative for the Hawaii State Legislature. The Republican official hailed from Ilocos Sur and, like many Filipinos, served in the United States Army for World War II.
For nearly 20 years, Aduja was the only Filipino elected official in the U.S. until 1973 when Filipino American engineer and “energy czar” Larry Asera of Vallejo, California served in a variety of elected positions, including deputy secretary of state
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First-time Fil-Am voters share why they’re motivated to vote
WITH less than a week to go until Election Day, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) registered voters in 10 battleground states are favoring former Vice President Joe Biden and are highly motivated to cast their ballots, according to a new survey.
by AJPRESS
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Rep. Tom Malinowski at a drive-in rally in Cranford, NJ on Sunday, Oct. 25. AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya
ELECTION Day is a few days away and some new voters exercised their voting power by casting their mail-in ballots or heading to the polls in person. Whether they’re Gen Z voters, new citizens or those who want to finally express their civic duty, the Asian Journal spoke to several Filipino American voters about what issues motivated them to participate for the first time. Charisse Arboleda, 41 Employee | New York Voting method: Mail-in ballot and dropped off at Brooklyn Board of Elections On speaking out: “Trump’s incompetence, racism and treatment of women and people of
Malinowski: We don’t want another In Asia, Trump gets Ferdinand Marcos Metro Manila retains running the USA GCQ status for November second-highest approval rating in PH CEMETERY VISITORS. People carry flowers for their departed loved ones as they walk to the Manila North Cemetery on Wednesday, October 28. Filipinos are expected to visit the tombs of their departed loved ones earlier as cemeteries and columbariums in the country would be closed from October 29 to November 4. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
by MOMAR
by
G. VISAYA
RITCHEL MENDIOLA
AJPress
AJPress
CRANFORD – “What we came for America, our democracy, rule of law, having a government that actually cares about people, that’s responsible and not corrupt. We don’t want another Ferdinand Marcos running the United States of America, we want a normal American president,” said incumbent Rep. Tom Malinowski, who is seeking reelection
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, October 27, announced that Metro Manila will remain under general community quarantine (GCQ) until November 30. According to the chief executive, the mayors of Metro Manila wanted
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by
GABRIEL PABICO LALU Inquirer.net
President Rodrigo Duterte shows a document while holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City on Monday, October 26. Malacañang photo by Arman Baylon
MANILA — The approval rating of United States President Donald Trump may vary among Asian countries, but it appears that he gets the second-highest scores in the Philippines.
In a report from the German market and consumer data company Statista, Trump got a 58% approval rating in the Philippines, only behind Mongolia’s 62% rating. According to the survey results published Monday,
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OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5, 2020 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
Fil-Am doctor cautions against large Several Fil-Am candidates seek... gatherings ahead of flu, holiday season by AJPress HEADING into the last week of October, Los Angeles County reached the milestone of 7,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths and 300,614 positive cases. On Monday, October 26, the LA County Department of Public Health confirmed eight new deaths and 861 new cases of COVID-19. Since the beginning of the month, cases have increased from around 940 new cases per day to, as of last week, almost 1,200 new cases per day. This increase, while not as steep as seen in July, is cause for concern. To prevent the future spread of COVID-19, Filipina American Dr. Jasmine Eugenio, a pediatrics specialist at Martin Luther King Jr. Outpatient Center, reminded the community to minimize contact with non-household members, especially as the
holiday season approaches. “Whether it’s Halloween or especially for Filipinos, Christmas is important to have the whole family there, unless you actually live with them, it’s not a good idea to have any gatherings with people that are outside of your home,” Eugenio told the Asian Journal. With Halloween this Saturday, October 31, the Health Officer Order prohibits largescale gatherings like carnivals, festivals and haunted house attractions. Door-todoor trick or treating is not recommended. Meanwhile, the health department advises in favor of online parties, car parades, drive-in theaters, or outdoor meals. While the optimal situation is celebrating solely at home with one’s household, those who host or attend a private gathering must follow public health protocols, such as: physical distancing outdoors, limit to three households and
wearing cloth face coverings when not eating. Eugenio also warned about a possible “twindemic” as flu season begins to not overwhelm the health care system. “The problem with having both is that they can co-exist in one patient — that doesn’t mean that if you get COVID, you’re not going to get the flu. You can get both at the same time,” Eugenio said. “COVID and flu are spread the same way as respiratory illness. While there’s no vaccine for COVID yet, it’s important to get a flu vaccine.” She also reminded the community to continue to observe measures like wearing a mask and frequently washing hands. She added, “It can be overwhelming but we have to remain very vigilant to make sure we protect ourselves and our loved ones. We have loved ones who can get infected if we are not careful.” n
PAGE 1 and chief legislative consultant to the California State Legislature. Until very recently, elected officials in the U.S. were overwhelmingly white, straight, elderly and male. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it was a novelty to see a woman or person of color in any elected position. Before that, it was nonexistent. But the influx of Asian immigration to the U.S. in the 1980s and 1990s ushered in a new generation of Filipino Americans that came from families looking to assimilate their U.S.-born children in the American mainstream. Fast forward to 2020 in a post-diversity American culture and society when the push for people of color — particularly women of color — in leadership positions is at its utmost urgency. Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian American group but are still widely underrepresented in all elected positions across the board. But there is a strong contingent of Filipinos from all walks of life looking to rectify the diversity gap. Marvin Lim, Georgia State House of Representatives Marvin Lim, who immigrated to Atlanta from the Philippines at the age of 7, is gunning for District 99 of the Georgia House of Representatives. Representatives serve two-year terms in the legislature and are not subject to term limits. In June, Lim, a civil rights and violence prevention attorney who has worked with the ACLU, won the Democratic primary with 61% of the vote and is unopposed going into the general election. Gina Ortiz Jones — Texas’ 23rd Congressional District Filipina American U.S. Air Force veteran Gina Ortiz Jones is currently running to represent Texas’ 23rd District in the House of Representatives after narrowly losing the same ticket in 2018 to the Republican incumbent Will Hurd. But with Hurd opting out of re-election this year, Ortiz Jones, 39, has a viable chance at being the first openly gay woman of color
Rep. Gina Ortiz Jones (Texas-23)
Marvin Lim, a civil rights attorney, runs unopposed for District 99 of the Georgia House of Representatives
Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (DVirginia)
TJ Cox (D-Calif.)
Assemblymaker Rob Bonta
Todd Gloria for San Diego mayor
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes
Godfrey Plata, a public education advocate, seeks the CA Assembly District 53 seat
to represent the Lone Star state. She is currently in a tight race against Republican candidate Tony Gonzales, a former Navy cryptologist, for the district that spans from San Antonio to
the Texas-Mexico border. In a recent debate with Gonzalez, Ortiz Jones — whose mother is from Pangasinan, Philippines — argued that healthcare is the
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OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5, 2020 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
First-time Fil-Am voters share why they’re... PAGE 1 color are the main reasons for my determination to speak out through my vote. This government’s COVID-19 response (or lack thereof) and Trump’s attacks on scientists and Dr. Fauci are some of the most disturbing issues that came up when the pandemic started. I believe Biden/Harris align most with my values.” On motivating others: “I convinced a friend to register to vote a few months ago and sent her a link that was easy to follow so she can do so. I also donated to a few campaigns in swing states like SC, AZ, KY. I called a close friend in AZ to ask if she’s voting. She said yes and voting for Biden.” Jon Jon “JJ” Augustavo, 35 Filmmaker | Los Angeles Despite being eligible to vote in previous election cycles, this is Augustavo’s first time voting in a presidential election after seeing the current administration. The filmmaker is using his platform to help get out the vote and has directed a video for MoveOn adapted from Carlos Bulosan’s poem, “If You Want To Know What We Are.” Voting method: Mail-in ballot Participating for the firsttime: “A feeling that the current person in power does not represent what I stand for as an American. The person in charge goes against everything I believe I was promised and taught this country was supposed to be. A common decency and care for your fellow American, white, brown, immigrant, legal/illegal — I always believed as Americans we fought for one another no matter what, but this president is only creating division. Honestly Yang and Bernie were my first choices but at this point I’m [with] anyone that ain’t Donald.” Maisha Mason-Belden, 50 Stylist | Los Angeles Voting method: Mail-in ballot On the issues: “Issues like [the] national economy, especially post COVID, freedom to practice my religion, re-
(L-R) GET OUT THE VOTE. Fil-Ams Charisse Arboleda, Jon Jon “JJ” Augustavo, Julienne Buenaventura, and Orly Medrano share their experience voting for the first time.
sponse to civil disobedience, and public health insurance / issues are all [at the] top of my priority list. And it seems that the candidate that aligned most with my values is the Republican candidate…[But] I am very confused [by] both parties. It seems like they both just want power and position and [are] not at all concern about what the people really need. My decisions are based on my personal life experiences.” Mason-Belden has since voted, but did not reveal her final choice. Julienne Buenaventura, 18 Student majoring in dance | Queens, NY Voting method: Drop off absentee ballot at early voting site Motivation to vote: “The climate crisis, COVID response, justice for the BIPOC community, women’s rights (abortion, funding of Planned Parenthood), LGBTQ+ rights. Joe Biden aligned most with my values. I converse with my friends/family or in school about current events, I watched clips of the debates on YouTube, and recently I’ve been getting a lot of information from reputable sources on Instagram.” Orly Medrano, 52 Hospitality employee, Uber driver | Washington, DC
After 16 years of living in the United States, Medrano became a citizen this past July during a naturalization ceremony attended by Vice President Mike Pence. One of his sons is an Army medic at Fort Carson in Colorado, while the other is a cargo specialist in the Army Reserve. Voting method: In-person on the first day of early voting Making a choice: “I just observed what’s been going on and listened to news on TV and social media. I was excited to vote for the first time and I voted [on] the first day of early voting in Washington DC. I encouraged friends to do the the same by posting on social media. I voted for the re-election of President Donald J. Trump because I believe in the issues of law and order, upholding the Constitution, and the economy.” Elijah Paschal, 18 Freshman at Cal State University, Long Beach On exercising voting right: “There is nothing more beautiful and inspiring than seeing a group of people band together in hopes of achieving a common goal for the betterment of our future. Taking part in the most important election in the history of this country has shown that every vote will and does matter.” n
New survey: AAPI registered voters in... PAGE 1 As of September, 59% of AAPI voters in key states prefer Biden, the Democratic nominee, while 33% President Donald Trump, based on a survey called “AAPI Voters and the 2020 Elections” presented by Garin-Hart-Yang
Research Group, the National Education Association and the Majority Institute. When asked about job approval rating, 64% of AAPI voters “disapprove” of the current president’s performance. Meanwhile, 47% of voters had a “positive” view
of Biden, a 4% increase since July, while 34% view him negatively. “One of the more important numbers for any incumbent, especially the president, is the approval rating — their vote share usually
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In Asia, Trump gets... PAGE 1 the disparity between the highest mark for Trump from Mongolia and the lowest mark — Laos, with a meager eight% approval rating — is quite huge. “According to a yearly poll by Gallup, approval of U.S. President Trump is varying widely across Asia, with Mongolia and the Philippines exhibiting the highest level of support. The poll asked approximately 1,000 persons over the age of 15 per country if they approved or disapproved of U.S. leadership,” Statista data journalist Katharina Buchholz said. “Other countries with a majority of people approving of the U.S. president were Nepal and Myanmar. The least support – in the single digits – came out of Laos,” she added. Buchholz also noted that overall, the world disproved Trump’s policies and governance — with median approval ratings of 33% compared to the disapproval of 42%. “Overall, the world disapproved of President Trump: His administration’s global approval rating was at a median of 33%, compared with a disapproval rating of 42%,” she explained. “Median approval was lowest in Europe at 24%, followed by Asia at 32%. Approval grew in the Americas to 34% this year and was highest in Africa at a median 52%,” she noted. After Mongolia and the Philippines, Nepal comes third with 54%; the complete list of countries is as follows: • Mongolia, 62% • Philippines, 58%
• Nepal, 54% • Myanmar, 53% • South Korea, 41% • India, 34% • Japan, 34% • Pakistan, 27% • Indonesia, 21% • Malaysia, 19% • Laos, 8% Observers in the Philippines have varying views of the Philippines-U.S. relations, while Trump is the superpower’s leader. Some said that the ties improved, especially since President Rodrigo Duterte butted heads with former president Barack Obama after the latter criticized the war against illegal drugs. During the ASEAN gala
Infrographic by Statista.com
dinner in 2017, Duterte notably sang upon Trump’s request, who was present during the ceremonies. However, some believe that relations took a dive after Duterte pushed for the Visiting Forces Agreement’s abrogation between the two countries. Activists, on the other hand, said that there had been signs of the country veering towards the U.S. — from the suspension of the VFA termination to the release of U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, who was found guilty of killing a Filipina transgender Jennifer Laude in 2014. n
Metro Manila retains GCQ... PAGE 1 to keep the GCQ status in the region. “Ang gusto ng mga mayor, karamihan, gusto nila (The majority of mayors want to), make it permanent because they have seen the goodness of the result. It has considerably lowered the number of people infected with the microbe,” Duterte said in a taped public address. “So gusto nila ito. Palagay ko naman sa inyo rin itong kapakanan (I think this is for your own good). Look, we are not here to make your life miserable or sad. We are here to make your life comfortable and to make
you happy,” he added. Aside from the capital region, the provinces of Batangas and Lanao del Sur, and the cities of Iloilo, Bacolod, Tacloban, and Iligan will be under GCQ for the whole month of November. Last week, Metro Manila mayors sought to extend the GCQ status in their areas. They also decided to impose shorter curfew hours in the capital region, going from the current 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew to 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. The mayors likewise decided to allow people aged 18 to 65 to leave their
homes. Meanwhile, the InterAgency Task Force allowed non-essential travel between areas placed under GCQ and modified GCQ subject to the regulations imposed by the local government unit (LGU). Hotels in areas under GCQ were also allowed to operate at full capacity. As of writing, there are 373,144 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the country, with 7,053 fatalities and 328,602 recoveries. The Philippines has the second highest number of COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia after Indonesia. n
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OPINION
5
FeATUres
Losing the battle
IN the battle for hearts and minds, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict lost this one. The inter-agency task force continues to receive flak for advising celebrities about the perils of fraternizing with the Gabriela party-list. The group has been tagged by the NTF-ELCAC as a front of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army. The advice was given by one of the two NTF-ELCAC spokespersons, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, chief of the military’s Southern Luzon Command. He gave the advice to movie star Liza Soberano, best known for her role in the latest remake of “Darna,” and former Miss Universe Catriona Gray, with a reference to actress Angel Locsin and her activist sister Ella Colmenares, whom Parlade implied had joined the New People’s Army in Quezon. His advice might have been shrugged off, but it included a warning that Soberano could suffer the same fate as Josephine Anne Lapira, a 22-year-old biochemistry student of the University of the Philippines-Manila, who was killed in an encounter in November 2017 between government forces and the NPA in Batangas. Soberano had spoken at a webinar sponsored by Gabriela Youth, to mark the Inter-
national Day of the Girl Child on Oct. 11. She was introduced as a young woman influencer. She and her defenders have invoked her right to free expression, especially since the topic of her talk at the webinar was women and children’s welfare. The NTF-ELCAC, created in December 2018 as President Duterte gave up on formal peace negotiations with the CPP and National Democratic Front, has a multi-pronged approach to achieve its goal. A number of the approaches, including the provision of “responsive” basic services to make communities “conflict-resilient” as well as the improvement of infrastructure, livelihood and poverty alleviation are intrinsic elements in addressing the root causes of insurgency. Other aspects, however, need finessing, particularly in the area of countering rebel messaging. The NTF-ELCAC has received
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS HOW do we start rebuilding our lives and our nation amid the continued threat of the coronavirus pandemic, more than nine months after it has become a health emergency around the world?
Philstar.com photo
the heaviest flak in its strategic communication aspect, wherein it has been accused of “red-tagging” or linking certain groups to the CPP-NPA. The latest imbroglio of the task force is the takedown of its anti-CPP-NPA streamers from strategic spots in the city of Manila and the province of Cavite on orders of Mayor Isko Moreno and Cavite Gov. Jonvic
Remulla. Both Malacañang and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, meanwhile, have advised Parlade to keep his mouth shut unless he has evidence to link individuals or groups to the rebel movement. In this controversy, if the NTF-ELCAC fails to see who’s losing in the battle for hearts and minds, the task force is in trouble. (Philstar.com)
Decisions 2020: Trump vs Biden on plans to heal and rebuild America from the pandemic Here is what the two candidates for commander-inchief have to say. Donald Trump’s plan is “Let’s Go Back,” while Joe Biden wants to “Build Back Better.” On his website, the former vice president details a plan called, “Build Back Better.”
Biden believes this is no time to just build back to the way things were before, with the old economy’s structural weaknesses and inequalities still in place. This is the moment to imagine and build a new American economy for our families and the next
generation. An economy where every American enjoys a fair return for their work and an equal chance to get ahead. An economy more vibrant and more powerful precisely because everybody will be cut in on the deal.
In this time of crisis, Joe Biden has a plan to create millions of good-paying jobs and to give America’s working families the tools, choices, and freedom they need to build back better. That starts with a real strategy to deal with the pan-
demic. We can’t solve the jobs crisis until we solve the public health crisis. Trump may have forgotten about COVID, but COVID hasn’t forgotten about us. On March 12, April 27, and June 11, Biden laid out PAGE 10
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal. ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Locsin promises ‘severe’ response to recalled envoy’s alleged maltreatment of staff by Bella
Perez-ruBio Philstar.com
MANILA — Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Wednesday, October 28 said his department would conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the alleged incidents of physical abuse of her household staff by the recently-recalled Philippine ambassador to Brazil. “The DFA will be firm in meting out the appropriate sanctions and administrative or criminal charges on Ambassador Mauro if the results of the DFA’s investigation will demand as such,” Locsin said on Twitter. However, he said he would seek permission from the Office of the President before proceeding with the probe.
Senate panel approves bill declaring ‘Marcos Day’ a special non-working holiday
by ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin
On Monday, the top diplomat disclosed that Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro was instructed to go home immediately “to explain the maltreatment of her service staff.” DFA later
Philstar.com photo
the same day confirmed that the ambassador was recalled after the release of video footage showing her “berating and mistreating her household staff.” PAGE 10
THE bill seeking to declare September 11 as a special non-working holiday in Ilocos Norte to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has been approved by a Senate committee. The Senate Committee on Local Government on Monday, October 26, approved HB 7137, authored by Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ria Fariñas, Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba, and Probinsyano Ako Rep. Rudys Caesar Fariñas. The virtual hearing was attended by eight members of the committee
— Senators Francis Tolentino, Sherwin Gatchalian, Cynthia Villar, Christopher Lawrence Go, Ronald de la Rosa, Emmanuel Joel Villanueva, Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay and Marcos daughter Imee Marcos. However, Binay clarified that she did not vote on the measure’s approval. “I did not vote for the approval of House Bill No. 7137,” Binay said on Wednesday, October 28. “I had to leave the hybrid hearing of the Senate committee on local government after the discussion on the re-districting of the province of Bulacan due to a prior commitment. Thus, I was no longer a part of the hearing when House Bill No. 7137 was tackled and
discussed,” she added. Binay also stressed that she would not support “any bill that would cause historical revisionism.” Meanwhile, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan questioned the Senate committee’s endorsement of the bill. “Congress, in enacting the Human Rights Compensation Measure in 2013, recognized the widespread abuses and atrocities committed by the Marcos regime and apportioned 10 billion pesos as compensation to thousands of its victims taken from proceeds of recovered ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses,” he noted. “The amount of 10 billion pesos was declared as illPAGE 10
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Several Fil-Am candidates seek... PAGE 2 most pressing issue in the “medically underserved” district and vows to fight for a “public option so that people will have access to quality affordable health care, even if they’ve lost their job.” “We need leaders that are going to make sure that we’re doing everything possible to protect people’s lives and livelihoods and holding them accountable when they don’t do that. And I look forward to making sure that we get this pandemic under control but also make sure our economic recovery is inclusive as possible,” she said. The race for Texas’ 23rd District is monumental this year because the currently Democrat-heavy House can potentially swing right with all seats up for grabs this election cycle. TJ Cox, California’s 21st District Elsewhere in Congress, Filipino American Rep. TJ Cox (D-Calif.) is seeking reelection two years after he narrowly beat Republican incumbent David Valadao for the district centered in Fresno, California. The 2020 race for the 21st District has been racked with mud-slinging from both sides. Cox’s campaign has been playing up Valadao as a “yes-man who who voted with [President Donald] Trump 99% [of the time],” and Valadao’s campaign has been painting Cox as an out-of-touch millionaire whose financial controversies make Cox “the single most corrupt member of Congress.” Cox’s win was monumental, not just for visibility of Filipino American leadership, but for the nation’s congressional landscape in general. Cox’s victory helped Democrats take one of the seven House seats in California that Republicans lost in the historic 2018 midterm elections. It was also a particular surprise for the district which hasn’t seen a Democratic representative since 1981. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Cox called out his opponent as “[House Minority Leader] Kevin McCarthy’s pet project,” noting that McCarthy has been trying to win back the seats his party lost two years ago. But Cox stressed that pol-
icies that McCarthy and his cohorts endorse — including “limiting healthcare access and a woman’s right to choose, tax cuts for the very wealthy” — aren’t the causes that benefit the rural, overwhelmingly Latino constituency. On the East Coast, longtime Rep. Robert Scott (DVir.) is seeking re-election after nearly 30 years of legislating for the district in southern Virginia. Scott, who is African American and Filipino (from his maternal grandmother), also chairs the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Scott is generally seen as a safe vote for Democrats; the district has almost consistently voted for Democrats in the primary and general elections. Todd Gloria, San Diego mayor Another Filipino American looking to shake things up is Democratic California State Assemblymember Todd Gloria who, as previously reported in the Asian Journal, is currently running to become mayor of San Diego (part of which he currently represents as an assemblymember). Gloria, 42, was the second person of Filipino descent ever elected to the California Legislature after the first, Assemblymember Rob Bonta, who is currently running for re-election for California’s 18th Assembly District (Alameda). “He deeply cares about people, their safety and their welfare. He is a true leader and a professional and he gets things done,” Bonta recently said of Gloria. If he elected, Gloria would be the first person of color and the first openly gay person to be elected as mayor of San Diego, an ethnically diverse city of more than 1.4 million. Both Todd and Bonta (who has served his post since 2012) made strides for the Filipino American community in California, and there’s another Filipino American in the Los Angeles-area looking to increase visibility of the community in the legislature. Godfrey Plata, CA State Assembly (District 53) Organizer and former teacher Godfrey Plata won the primary election in March and is currently running a progressive
campaign for California’s Assembly District 53 (Koreatown). If elected, the tenants’ rights activist would be the only renter in the State Legislature which has tried and failed to address the state’s mounting housing problem. In the vein of Bernie Sanders and Alexandria OcasioCortez, Plata’s grassroots campaign envisions massive bureaucratic changes to the government that prioritizes at-risk, underserved communities. “There’s so much money at the table that is controlling the way in which we elect people and the way we make decisions,” Plata told the Asian Journal in February. “Lots of people want to know, “What do you want to change?’ But people aren’t thinking enough about what is the process of making change. I really want to shine a light on that and explore how we can expand our leadership and make our leadership work for us, not the other way around.” Sean Reyes, Utah Attorney General On the other side of the political spectrum, Sean Reyes, attorney general of the historically conservative state of Utah, is also running for re-election for his post that he’s held since 2013. A Trump ally, Reyes recently spoke at the Republican National Convention on Aug. 27 where he said in a 4-minute speech that he interacts “with some of the most marginalized victims on earth and they love America. They love President Trump because he’s fighting for their freedom and America’s freedom.” “I’m a proud American and proud descendant of warrior ancestors, women and men alike, from my Hawaiian, Filipino, Japanese and Spanish heritage,” Reyes said. “My father demonstrated his warrior spirit over 50 years fighting a dictator in his homeland, the Philippines. Barely escaping with his life, he started anew in America.” Back in April, Trump endorsed Reyes’ re-election, saying in a tweet that Reyes is “a fighter and hard worker for the Great State of Utah. He is a big supporter of our [Make America Great Again] Agenda — Strong on Crime, the Second Amendment and Loves our Law Enforcement….” n
KEEPING FIT. Fitness instructor Billy Benavidez demonstrates how to properly lift weights at GCI Fitness Gym on Congressional Road, South Garden Homes, Barangay Salitran 3, Dasmarinas City, Cavite on Tuesday, October 27. Some businesses are allowed to operate as long as they observe the minimum health safety protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic. Photo by Gil Calinga
New survey: AAPI registered voters in... PAGE 4 corresponds to their approval rating,” said Fred Yang of Garin-Hart-Yang Research Group said during a virtual presentation of the results hosted by the NEA and the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats on Monday, October 26. The survey was conducted online and in English from September 16-24 among 875 registered AAPI voters in Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. It builds on a previous survey the groups did in the same states in July. “The API electorate has historically and often been overlooked and under-resourced in targeted electoral campaigns,” said Carrie Pugh, political director at the NEA. Among the Biden supporters, 65% were from the Blue Wall consisting of Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. 56% were from the Southwest consisting of Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, while 60% were from the South consisting of Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. On the other hand, 28% of the Trump supporters were from the Blue Wall, 35% were from the Southwest, and 31% were from the South. Sen. Kamala Harris, Biden’s running mate, got a favorability bump from July to September with 43% “positive” after she was announced on the ticket. Though the survey did not present disaggregated data, 26% of respondents are of Chinese descent, 21% Indian and 15% Filipino. Other communities surveyed include Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese and other South Asian groups. The 10 states represent about a third of the total count of AAPI registered voters in the country, which is around 6.4 million. The survey also found that
54% of the AAPI electorate favor the Democratic Party ticket in six states with Senate races, while 35% favor the Republican side. For Congress, 56% favor the Democrats, while 34% favor the Republicans. Voter motivation Heading into the election, 55% of voters are “extremely motivated” to vote compared to previous election years. “Voters, in particular AAPI voters, are actually voting the way they’re polled,” Yang said. Breaking the enthusiasm by age, 67% of voters over the age of 65 showed the most motivation, compared to 45% of voters between 18 to 34 years old. The survey also asked the AAPI voters who did not vote in the 2016 elections and found that 38% of them now are extremely motivated. Of those who said they were “not at all motivated,” the non-2016 voters had the highest rate at 6%, followed by the age group of 18 to 34 years old with 4%, and the 35 to 49 bracket with 3%. Meanwhile, the 50 to 64 age group and 65 and up were tied at 2%. That motivation has been illustrated so far as over 500,000 more absentee ballots and early votes have been cast by AAPI voters this cycle than in 2016, and 34% of voters previously didn’t vote four years ago, Pugh said, according to Catalyst data. “When you look at these numbers in these key battleground states, there really is a potential for the AAPI electorate to be the margin of victory,” she said. Key issues The survey also asked the respondents about the national issues they considered important. The four issues that received the highest rates were jobs/economy (91%), health care (89%), COVID testing (86%), and fairness/equality (85%). “At least on issues, if not
other factors, the AAPI electorate is pretty much in line with the rest of the country,” Yang said. Of those who answered jobs/economy, 54% considered it an extremely important issue while 37% said it was very important. Of those who answered health care, 57% said it was extremely important, while 32% said it was very important. For COVID testing, 53% said it was extremely important, while 33% said it was very important. Meanwhile, for fairness/equality, 54% said it was extremely important, while 31% said it was very important. The other issues rated were equal opportunity (84%), COVID recovery (83%), national security (81%), education (81%), environment (77%), racial discrimination (74%), taxes (74%), gun control (71%), and police discrimination (69%). Method of voting As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the country, the survey asked the voters their preferred method to vote. Thirty-five percent of the AAPI electorate said they would vote in person. On the other hand, 30% said they would vote by mail and 17% would vote absentee/return by mail. The majority of the electorate also said they trust voting in person, with 59% saying they trust it “a great deal,” while 32% trust it “a fair amount.” At the end of the survey, respondents were given a box to write comments and largely commented on the importance of having AAPIspecific data, according to Yang. “A significant number of respondents at the end of the survey understood the uniqueness of this research and expressed themselves that way,” Yang said. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress) n
OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5, 2020 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Malinowski: We don’t want another... PAGE 1 to represent New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. At a Get Out The Vote (GOTV) campaign pitstop in Cranford on Sunday, Malinowski spoke to more than a hundred supporters. An hour before the scheduled start, he went around the area and greeted those in attendance. The event, which was held outdoors at the parking lot of Union County College, had some attendees remain in their cars to listen to the speeches. When not in their vehicles, they wore masks and observed social distancing guidelines. “I am an immigrant and I think everyone who came to America, whether from the Philippines, or Poland, in my case or from Central America, wherever my might have come from, we chose America because this is a place that respects the law for everybody that respects equality, it’s a place where we can trust our government not to be corrupt,” he told a small group consisting of some Filipinos. Malinowski was born in Skupsk, Poland and when he
Malinowski chatting with Jen Baquial of the Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club.
was six, he and his mother fled to the United States. Malinowski won in 2018, breaking the decades-long Republican stronghold and turning the historically red district to blue. He was the first Democrat to win the 7th district since the 1950s and led a “blue wave” in New Jersey, which flipped four formerly Republican held seats. This cycle, he is facing a challenger in State Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, who comes from a long line of politicians in New Jersey. Tom is the son of former Gov. Thomas Kean, Sr. and former U.S. Representative Robert Kean is his grandfather.
“I missed this. I’ve been campaigning from my kitchen for the past few months,” Malinowski said as he addressed the crowd. “Good government matters, good leaders matter. This is not a reality show.” He also talked about what his office has accomplished, from helping thousands of constituents with issues related to the COVID-19 crisis “to securing vital funding for the Portal North Bridge, my highest priority is helping the people of New Jersey’s 7th District.” The race in the district remains to be one of the closest races and most competitive
Fil-Am community leader and District 7 resident Ledy Almadin engages Malinowski in a discussion an hour before the rally began. AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya
in the state and nation. “We know that it is a tight race, we know what’s at stake here and that is why we’re here to extend our support to Malinowski,” said Filipino American Jen Baquial, former president of the Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club, the oldest and largest women’s motorcycle club in New York City. Ledy Almadin, a Filipino American community leader and a resident of the district, told the Asian Journal that she is supporting Malinowski “because of his knowledge and experience in public policy.” “He is a great lawmaker
and less [of a] politician and he can, and is willing to, work on both sides of the aisle,” she said. “He also knows what his district needs and he shows compassion to the people and their issues.” Gov. Phil Murphy delivered a speech at the drive-in rally. He was scheduled to appear in person but a senior staffer tested positive for COVID-19 Wednesday afternoon. “Tom has been fighting for the right things for a long time,” said Murphy, who spoke on the phone and called on the constituents to vote for him. “It’s an awful campaign they are running against him. We have to make sure every-
body digs deep, step up and do the right thing.” Murphy said that the first time he heard Malinowski’s name was from Senator John McCain. “He was speaking glowingly about Tom’s work as it relates to human rights.” Murphy shared. The governor also shared that as of the weekend, about 2.5 million ballots have been received so far and that 3.9 million ballots were cast in 2016. The district, ranked fifth, is one of the richest congressional districts in the country with a median household income of $104,987. It includes all of Hunterdon County, and parts of Essex, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties. He served as a Senior Director on President Clinton’s National Security Council and as the chief advocate for Human Rights Watch, where he led the bipartisan campaign to end the use of torture by the Bush Administration. Under the Obama Administration he served as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor where he helped lead America’s fight for human rights around the world. n
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OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5, 2020 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Decisions 2020: Trump...
PAGE 5 a comprehensive strategy to get the pandemic under control and effectively reopen the economy — an approach that will both protect the health and safety of our people and boost economic activity. He will start implementing that plan on Day One. Biden will also provide further immediate relief to working families, small businesses, and communities. He will also: Provide state, local, and tribal governments with the aid they need so educators, firefighters and other essential workers aren’t being laid off. Extend COVID crisis unemployment insurance to help those who are out of work. Provide a comeback package for Main Street businesses and entrepreneurs. And, Biden will immediately put people to work by enlisting them to help fight the pandemic, including through a Public Health Jobs Corps. But that’s just the start. The Biden economic recovery plan for working families will build our economy back better. Whenever America has had its back against the wall, we have acted together to lay the foundation — through public investment and a strong social contract — for the American people to pull together and push forward. The Biden plan will mobilize the American people in service of four bold, national efforts to address four great national challenges. As President, Biden will: Mobilize American manufacturing and innovation to ensure that the future is made in America, and in all of America. Mobilize American ingenuity to build a modern infrastructure and an equitable, clean energy future. Mobilize American talent and heart to build a 21st century caregiving and education workforce which will help ease the burden of care for working parents, especially women. Biden will soon announce a plan to make it far easier to afford child care and to ensure aging relatives and people with disabilities have better access to home and community-based care; to elevate the pay, benefits, and professional opportunities for caregivers and educators; to create millions of
good-paying new jobs in these areas with a choice to join a union; and to free up millions of people to join the labor force and grow a stronger economy in return. Mobilize across the board to advance racial equity in America. We’ve seen again this year the tragic costs of systemic racism. Biden believes that addressing those costs has to be core to every part of the economic agenda, and also a distinct priority in its own right. As president, he will pursue a dedicated agenda to close the racial wealth gap, to expand affordable housing, to invest in Black, Latino, and Native American entrepreneurs and communities, to advance policing and criminal justice reform, and to make real the promise of educational opportunity regardless of race or zip code. Building back better means an updated social contract that treats American workers and working families as essential at all times, not just times of crisis –– with higher wages, stronger benefits, and fair and safe workplaces. We’ve seen millions of American workers put their lives and health on the line to keep our country going. As Biden has said, let’s not just praise them, let’s pay them — a decent wage, at least $15 per hour, and ending the tipped minimum wage and sub-minimum wage for people with disabilities, and strong benefits so they can live a middle-class life and provide opportunity for their kids. This starts with passing the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, providing public service and federal government workers with bargaining rights, and taking other steps to make it easier for workers to organize unions and collectively bargain. Biden will also address discrimination and harassment in the workplace, and pass the Paycheck Fairness Act as the next step in efforts to ensure women are paid equally for equal work. He will pass universal paid sick days and 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave. And he has a plan to ensure that every American has access to quality, affordable health care, by providing a public option and lowering costs for care and for prescription drugs. Building back better means helping small businesses and entrepreneurs
come out the other side of this crisis strong, while demanding more from corporate America. We’ve seen the second bailout in 12 years for big corporations and Wall Street. And we’ve seen the Trump administration provide all the tools necessary to help big businesses and well-connected cronies, while small businesses had to jump through hoops and many couldn’t access the relief they needed. Biden will ensure that corporate America finally pays their fair share in taxes, puts their workers and communities first rather than their shareholders, and respects their workers’ power and voice in the workplace. And Biden will help small businesses manage through the pandemic and recover, so that millions of entrepreneurs can get back on their feet and carry this economy forward. To see this agenda through, Joe Biden will make new, bold investments and speed up the timetable for many of the 10-year investments he has already announced. He will pay for the ongoing costs of the plan by reversing some of Trump’s tax cuts for corporations and imposing common-sense tax reforms that finally make sure the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share. Today’s elevated unemployment will mean lower demand, which will mean lower growth for our economy (which relies on consumption). A robust jobs agenda will increase demand. That is why many economists agree that if we fail to make far-reaching, productive investments, it will undermine not only our long-term growth potential, but also our long-term fiscal situation. Additionally, for communities of color that are experiencing disproportionate rates of unemployment, and for young people entering the workforce, getting to full employment as fast as possible is critical to their futures and all of America’s future. Those who argue we can’t afford these investments are the same people who doled out trillions in giveaways to the wealthy and corporations the past three years. Now they’re saying there’s no money left for working families? Joe Biden fundamentally rejects that notion. (To be continued) *** The opinions, beliefs and
FULLY ARMED. Makati City Mayor Marlen Abigail Binay inspects the body camera of the SWAT team member during the ceremonial turnover and blessing of P91 million worth of firearms, mobile assets, and protective gear at the Makati City Police Station on Tuesday, October 27. The donation is part of the Makati Police Force’s Modernization Program which aims to strengthen its capability to maintain peace and order in the country’s top financial hub. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Senate panel approves bill...
PAGE 6 gotten by no less than our Supreme Court. It would be inappropriate to honor a tyrant and a thief,” he added. Pangilinan also asked why the bill was being pushed while the country is in the middle of a pandemic. Marcos, the 10th Presi-
dent of the Republic of the Philippines, was born on September 11, 1917 in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. In 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 310 which declared Sept. 11 as a special nonworking day in Ilocos Norte to mark Marcos’ birth anni-
versary. The proclamation stated that the Ilocano community would be given the opportunity to commemorate “his life and contributions to national development as a World War II veteran, distinguished legislator, and former president.” n
Locsin promises ‘severe’ response... PAGE 6 A report from Brazil’s GloboNews identifies the victim as a 51-year-old Filipino who worked in the ambassador’s official residence behind the embassy’s main building. The CCTV footage recorded from the diplomatic residence was used as evidence in a complaint against Mauro in late August, the report said. “Rest assured, the DFA’s response on this matter will be severe to the fullest extent of the law especially when it involves a highranking DFA official setting an example to ensure that matters like these will never be tolerated,” Locsin said Wednesday. He added that the foreign affairs department is reviewing its current policy which allows Filipino diplomats to take Filipino domestic helpers from the Philippines instead of hiring them locally in their respective posts. Locsin: Diplomats held to viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
an even higher standard “Under my leadership, the DFA will not tolerate in any way whatsoever actions by any of its ranking officers or staff that go against our primary mandate, which is the promotion and protection of the welfare of all overseas Filipinos,” Locsin said Wednesday. “Let me reiterate the Department of Foreign Affairs is giving this matter its utmost attention, true to its core mission of protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers. All our diplomats are held to an even higher standard by virtue of their profession’s mandate, not least to be the face of our compassionate country, and sworn commitment to public service,” he added. DFA earlier revealed that Mauro’s household staff left Brazil on October 21 and is back in the country. As of Tuesday afternoon, the agency said Mauro herself *** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including
is not yet back in the Philippines. According to the official website of Philippine Embassy in Brazil, Mauro presented her credentials to Brazilian President Michel Temer on Apr. 28, 2018. The Philippine Embassy in Brazil also has jurisdiction over Colombia, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela. In July, the DFA confirmed that a former Philippine ambassador to South Korea was facing a sexual harassment complaint that was received in February by the Philippine embassy in Seoul. The ambassador resigned from the DFA on March 16. “The Department is committed to ensuring that justice is rendered in this case. It also remains committed to cultivating and preserving a work environment where all personnel are treated with respect and dignity, and free from harassment of any kind,” the DFA said in a media statement then. n digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5, 2020
COMMUNITY Journal
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Signing an untrue confession will not help your case! Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ MANY people consulted with me after their case was denied by a USCIS officer or consul at the Embassy. In some cases, the person signed a confession, but now claims it was not true. I asked them that if it was not true, why did they sign it? They reply the USCIS officer or consul told them, “It will be good for your case if you sign this.” Trusting the officer or consul, the person dutifully signed the confession, relying on the officer’s assurance
that by signing it, it would be helpful. But helpful to whom? Signing a confession would certainly be helpful to the government, as that would help support and justify a denial or refusal. But I cannot see how confessing to something a person did not do would ever be helpful to their case. Sometimes, a loving couple is in a good faith marriage, yet sign a confession that it’s a fixed marriage. There have been other cases where a person, under petition by an employer, “confesses” they will repay the employer for all immigration costs, even though the employer is shouldering all costs, because the consul told them “it will be helpful for your case if you sign.” If a person is not entitled to
an immigration benefit, they should not be applying in the first place. If they are caught, a denial would be justified. But a person should not claim to be tricked or entrapped into signing something that is not true because of assurances that by signing an untrue confession it would be “helpful” to their case. That is why if you believe you were being pressured into signing confessions or statements that are not true, you should not do so. Once they are signed, it is very hard to retract or take back that signed confession and it is likely to be accepted as true. Instead, if you are asked to sign a statement, you should first have your attorney review the contents for accuraPAGE 12
A SpeciAl epiSode of citizen pinoy dedicAted to nurSeS, frontlinerS, And other working women. in this special episode of citizen pinoy, Atty. gurfinkel does a safe, physically distanced, face-to-face interview with two of the many dedicated filipino nurses in the community out there. rochele (center) is a case manager for a large hospital and has her own small business. can she bring in a family member from the philippines as a housekeeper to help with the housework and to care for her aging mother in the u.S.? frances (right) tries to balance 14-hour workdays being a nurse-practitioner, an owner of a med-spa business, and a mother of a four-year old boy. Can she petition a relative as a company driver, even if the relative has a college degree? This week’s episode of citizen pinoy is dedicated to all working women (and men), particularly nurses, who are faced with daunting responsibilities at work and at home. Atty. gurfinkel offers solutions on a brand-new episode of --- citizen pinoy: your tanong, my Sagot – this Sunday at 6:15 pm pSt/eSt (9:15 pm eSt thru select cable/Satellite providers). (Advertising Supplement)
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OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5, 2020 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS YOU can actually perform CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) on yourself, when your heart falters (giving you a most uncomfortable panicky feeling, irregular rhythm, with or without chest pains, and a sensation of impending doom), anywhere you are, especially when you are driving, and save a life (your own) and prevent a crash that might kill other people too. The physiologic mechanics: The heart is in between the left and right lungs, the vertebrae (spine) behind and the sternum (breastbone) in front. When the lungs expand, like when you take a real deep breath, the distended lungs will not only provide oxygen to your blood but also squeeze on your heart. This helps in the faster flow of blood out of the heart, easing the workload of your ticker. In standard CPR performed by any trained person, mouth to mouth resuscitation is done, precisely to fill the lungs with air (oxygen), which also squeezes the heart. At the same time, cardiac massage (pumping down on the sternum aimed at squeezing the heart) is performed. Self-Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (SCPR) is a vital option when one is alone, as an instant first-aid measure, when faced with a situation that calls for it. The Technique: The first thing to do immediately, when the symptoms start, is to take repeated deep breaths, and coughing real hard between each breath. If the heart irregularity and uncomfortable feeling continues after ten series of deep breaths and hard coughing, hitting the chest moderately hard with a clenched fist might help. The coughing and deep breaths must continue as the person drives to the nearest hospital emergency room or physician’s office. The disappearance of the symptoms as a response to the SCPR does not negate the need for immediate medical consultation. Our entire school system, starting from the elementary school, would do humanity a great service if a course in CPR and SCPR is made mandatory in every level of its curricula. *** If the ambient air is too dry, whether you are in desert, in a room with a heater during
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Tips and hacks Citizen Pinoy offers solutions to Filipino
winter, or on board an airplane (where the air is very dry), you can device your personal “humidifier” by soaking a face towel and putting it against your nose. This will provide moisture to the air you breathe in. The same improvisation and/or wet towels in strategic areas will help humidify any dry room. Running the shower will also do it but terribly wasteful, expensive, and not eco-friendly. *** Large paper clips will serve well as collar stays when one forgets to bring them on a trip. Or, making collar stays with a piece of hard plastic or cardboard. *** Sticking a bright colored emblem of any kind (mine is a red heart) on your credit card is a way of identifying your card at a distance, when you hand it over to a sales clerk of any store, and makes it a lot easier for you to “detect” when you are given back another card, by mistake or intentionally, which has happened. *** One of the best ways to prevent viruses from attacking your computer (on top of your anti-virus software) is by not opening any email you receive from someone you do not know, and thrashing them immediately. If needed, you could retrieve them from the Trash Bin, which holds them for 30 days prior to final deletion. Even if the email comes from a person you know, its attachment, if any, must be tagged or designated “virus free.” Spam mail eliminator is not enough. Common sense and vigilance do a lot more in protecting your computer and all valuable data in it. Disciplining yourself to adhere to this practice religiously will severely minimize, if not avoid, virus infestation and computer crashes, loss of priceless data, inconvenience, and avoidable expenses. *** Handling money, touching stair or escalator hand rails, door knobs, in public places, or handshakes expose one to a lot of viruses and or bacteria, and potential illnesses, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. Imagine the thousands of people of various personal habits have touching those paper bills, coins, handrails, and door knobs, conceivably many of them with poor hygiene. Washing hands at least 8 times a day is more of a rule than an exception, if one has to prevent
bug contamination and upper respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. The use of alcohol “wipes” or gel also helps. Anti-bacterial (antibiotic) hand wash preparations are discouraged for fear of inducing bacterial resistance to the antibiotic. *** Interested in anti-oxidants for better health? Vegetables and fresh fruits, in general are the best natural sources, compared to the very expensive pills, potion and lotion in the market, advertised as antioxidants. Antioxidant Score: ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) measures the antioxidant units available to reduce harmful oxygen free radicals. As far as fruits are concerned, according to the United States Department of Agriculture and Brunswick Laboratories, the following are the ORAC score (per 100 Grams) of the following fruits: Bananas - 879; Plums – 7291; Oranges – 1814; Blueberries – 9019; Apples – 3253; Cranberries – 9456; and, Cherries – 3361. Sunsweet, a company popular for its preserved fruits in the United States, came out with what it calls Antioxidant Blend, a dried fruit variety combo, which includes blueberries, cherries, cranberries and plums. One fourth cup serving (40 Grams) contain 90 calories. In Asia, the popular “licorice” flavor fruit preserve “Dikyam” is made from plum. *** To those who love water sports, carrying an intact plastic garbage bag, might be lifesaving, even for a good swimmer. Experts have reported cases of leg cramps among some who did not bother to wear a life vest, who were saved by a plastic bag they inflated and hang on to, aiding in their buoyancy and ability to stay afloat longer, giving them the critical time for recovery from the debilitating cramps. Obviously, wearing an appropriate life vest is better, a must for the “seafarers” amongst us. *** When severe chest pains develop, a tablet of regular aspirin (325 mg) or 4 baby aspirin (81 mg each or total of 324 mg), might ward off a big heart attack by preventing a deadly blood clot in the coronary artery and providing an opportunity to get to the emergency room. Some people carry baby aspirin tabPAGE 13
nurses, front-liners, and other working women on this Sunday’s episode
THIS week’s episode of Citizen Pinoy is dedicated to working women (and men), particularly nurses and frontliners who work long, exhausting shifts, and then must come home and manage a household and take care of their families. The responsibilities are daunting and exhausting, and leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel offers a solution to that predicament - petitioning housekeepers and caregivers from the Philippines, even if a relative! In this episode, Atty. Gurfinkel answers questions from two nurses, Rochele and Frances. (Both nurses advised and supervised the physical-distancing requirements of the in-studio
taping to keep the cast and crew safe.) Rochele is a registered nurse who is a case manager for a big hospital, and has her own business as well. She raised four children who are now all grown-up. Rochele and her husband would like to be able to slow down a bit and take better care of themselves. But she has to come home each night and then do housework. She asks if it is possible if she can petition a housekeeper from the Philippines. She is also thinking of bringing in a caregiver to take care of her aging mom. Rochele wants to know if it is possible to hire a relative to help her family out. Frances is a nurse practi-
tioner who owns a successful med-spa. Aside from working 14-hour days, she is also a mother to a fouryear old boy. She has been wanting to petition a nanny but worries over the length of time it takes for the petition to be processed. Also, her husband’s cousin in the Philippines, could he be potentially hired as a company driver if he is over-qualified for the position since he is a college graduate? Atty. Gurfinkel provides solutions to these questions on an all-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY: Your Tanong, My Sagot – this Sunday, at 6:15 pm PST/ EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).
(Advertising Supplement)
Ivana opens up about sexual harassment experiences By Jan
Milo Severo
Philstar.com
KAPAMILYA actress Ivana Alawi recalled her experience as a harassment victim, saying that women should always be respected no matter what they wear. During the recent virtual press conference of her upcoming horror film “Sitsit,” Ivana said she experienced many harassment encounters before when she used to work as a model in events. “I’ve experienced this before, when I worked in events, when I used to do modeling,” Ivana said. “I’ve experienced so many
harassment. Not just catcalling. I’ve experienced people touching my body without permission. This is not right. Doon ako palagi sa tama,” she added. The so-called new “Pantasya ng Bayan” said that everyone should be respected. “Respect people, kahit babae ‘yan, lalaki ‘yan. We need to be respected. No matter kung ano ‘yung suot, dapat niri-respeto mo,” she said. “Especially mga babae, they deserve to be respected and they deserve to be loved. Women are very strong, women bring life to this world. Dapat niri-respeto sila.” PAGE 13
Ivana Alawi Photo from Instagram/@ivanaalawi
Signing an untrue confession...
PAGE 11 cy and truthfulness. The bottom line is a person should of course be truthful and apply for immigration benefits only if they are entitled. They should not be signing confessions, admitting to things that are untrue because they felt they were pressured or persuaded that it would help their case. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of
the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal
matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw, Twitter @GurfinkelLaw and Youtube: US Immigration TV Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
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Actors, artists put on red lipstick as Angel Locsin calls for #NoToRedTagging By Niña
V. GuNo
Inquirer.net
ACTORS and artists showed solidarity with Angel Locsin and female celebrities vocal about social causes by painting their lips red. Locsin denounced the redtagging aimed at her and her family members in an Instagram post last Friday, Oct. 23, where she used the hashtags #NoToRedTagging and #YesToRedLipstick. She declared that she, her sister Ella Colmenares and relative Neri Colmenares are not part of the New People’s Army after a military official claimed that Ella is “underground” and part of the communist rebel group. The same official, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., warned actress Liza Soberano and beauty queen Catriona Gray not to “follow the path” of Ella. In response, showbiz personalities have come to the defense of the three women by donning red lipstick, while artists have also dedicated pieces to the female celebrities under attack. Among these were Agot
Angel Locsin has inspired support against red-tagging, with artwork from Kevin Eric Raymundob backing the cause. Photos from Instagram/@therealangellocsin, Kevin Eric Raymundo
Isidro, Pia Magalona, Cherry Pie Picache, Eugene Domingo, and Bituin Escalante who called Parlade a “fascist pig” for his remarks. Artist Kevin Eric Raymundo, creator of digital comics “Tarantadong Kalbo,” illustrated the three women in their most iconic outfits — Locsin as Darna, Soberano in her “Bagani” costume and Gray in her red lava gown — applying red lipstick on a man. “Stick it to the man,” read the artwork’s caption. Graphic designer Albert Raqueño’s piece featured the three women with bright red lips on a tag and was inspired too by Locsin’s
Ivana opens up about...
PAGE 12 Ivana stars alongside Paulo Avelino and Jake Cuenca in the movie “Sitsit” to be available on iWant TFC on October 31. Jake and Ivana’s desire for money and sex will corrupt their minds and summon evil into their lives in the backto-back horror flicks for the movie series “Sitsit,” streaming on iWant TFC on October 31. “Sitsit” presents two different stories in “Scorpio” and “Aswang” about people who, out of desperation to escape their misery and turn things around, take the easy way out and end up attracting evil
elements that will manipulate them and could tarnish their souls completely. In “Scorpio,” named after the Zodiac sign, Jake and Dido Dela Paz portray Danny, a lustful aging photographer who fears living a lonely life with no one to love. To get the woman he loves and is obsessed with, he takes a mysterious potion that will turn him into a young handsome man to win her heart. “Aswang,” on the other hand, follows a money-hungry prostitute named Joyce (Ivana) who is desperate to escape her life after being used and abused by different people. One day, she meets
statement. The artwork was shared by Locsin herself. Both Soberano and Gray have also stood their ground on their right to free speech. Soberano’s lawyer Juanito Lim Jr. said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, “[Please] know that Ms. Soberano will continue to exercise her constitutionally-protected right to free speech and expression without fear or restraint from anyone.” Gray meanwhile urged the public in a statement, “Please don’t ever allow your voice to be silenced. You never know [whose] life may be impacted by your words.” Nala, a stray dog who becomes her companion for life and ends up turning all her insecurities and worries into life-changing opportunities. In Filipino myths, the word “sitsit” or “pssst” signifies a calling of an individual or object that is usually accompanied by a bad omen when one responds to such call. The two horror flicks, however, provide a darker twist and a modern take on Filipino folklore elements “aswang” and “gayuma,” as the characters summon evil spirits due to their selfish desires. “Scorpio” is directed by Ato Bautista, while “Aswang” is directed by Erin Pascual. Actor Paulo Avelino, meanwhile, co-produced “Aswang.”
Tips and hacks...
PAGE 12 lets in their pocket or purse. It is best to discuss this strategy with your physician. The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recom-
mendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. . ***
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.
Consul Arman Talbo (2nd from left on 3rd row) and PACCGP president Brad Baldia, together with the chefs and attendees toast during the virtual Taste of the Philippines event. Photo by PCGNY
PH Consulate in New York Marks Fil-Am History Month with Virtual Taste of the Philippines
AS part of the month-long celebration of Filipino-American History Month, the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia (PACCGP) hosted the Virtual Taste of the Philippines on 10 October 2020 at 2:00 pm via the Consulate’s Facebook page. Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez in his brief remarks said, “Fil-Am History Month highlights the valuable contributions of Filipino Americans in the economic and social growth of the United States.” He recognized how Filipino-Americans answered the call to be at the frontlines in fighting the coronavirus pandemic in healthcare, law enforcement, military and other essential services. Ambassador Romualdez encouraged viewers to support Filipino-American restaurants and the food service industry which are among the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic. As the virtual event featured cooking demonstrations from four renowned Filipino-American chefs, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Tate underscored that the Philippines being an archipelagic country with fertile soil and abundant seas boasts more than “7000 flavors stretching from Batanes to Jolo, with every region and province offering something unique to the palate.” This wide arrange of flavors was exhibited during the cooking demonstration, where Philadelphia’s Poi Dog Chef Kiki Aranita made kinilaw na kona kampachi (a Hawaiian yellowtail); Maryland’s Philippine Smoked BBQ & Grill pitmaster Romy and Lalaine Balan showed how to roast lechon and make sisig out of it; Tsismis NYC Chef Jappy Afzelius prepared pasta aligue; and Philadelphia catering chef Genevieve Francisco cooked escabeche. To complement these dishes, Dean Gonzaga from Palaweño Brewery New Jersey showed how to make cocktails using Palaweño beer. Several Philippine Department of Tourism #EatsMoreFuninthePhilippines videos, highlighting the country’s culinary tourism offerings were played during the
program. Billy Dec, an Emmy Award Winning TV personality, actor, and restaurateur, shared the story of how his Filipino roots shaped his love for food and the circumstances that prompted him to return to the Philippines to look for his last living elder, learn their recipes, and gain a deeper understanding of his cultural and culinary identity. The result of his journey to the Philippines is the upcoming documentary for PBS entitled “Food. Roots.” slated to launch in 2021. A video promoting Filipino Restaurant Week (FRW), participating restaurants and chefs, including Fil-Am History Month greetings from FRW participating chefs was shown to encourage viewers to support Filipino restaurants. Bill Covaleski, Co-Founder of Victory Brewing Company and Board Chairman of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, called for support to donate to the Hospitality Assistance Response of PA (HARP) to help businesses in the hospitality industry experiencing financial difficulties. Video greetings from L.A.-based musical group, The Filharmonic and artists Tia Carere, Arnel Pineda, Dante Basco, and Mark Dacascos extending their Happy Filipino-American History month greetings as well as encouraging Filipino-Americans to vote in the forthcoming US elections were also presented. The event also showcased cultural performances from Ani Gavino with her dance interpretation of “De/scribing Maharlika”, a musical performance from the rondalla ensemble Philippine Folk Arts Society, and songs from the Arato Brothers. DJ Ronnie D. provided a variety of tunes to keep the event lively while Kapitbayan FilipinoAmerican Association, Inc. and Elaine Ficarra led the audience in an interactive Zumba and line dancing session. Brad Baldia, PACCGP president, and Chris Rivera, NaFFAA National Operations Officer, co-hosted the event.
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Fil-Am millennial Jason Tengco shares his role building coalitions with the Biden campaign, importance of voting
A
by RAE ANN VARONA
/ AJPress
S protests over police brutality and the killings of Black Americans by police officers grew in cities across the United States, President Donald Trump drew criticism for having U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops clear a path using tear gas, so he could take a photo in front of the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. Jason Tengco, coalitions chief of staff for the Biden campaign, had just finished his graduate degree in May from the University of California, Berkeley, and was on a road trip with his fiancé when he learned of the pho-
to-op incident. “I already knew that we couldn’t afford another four years under the current president, but that was the day that I told myself that I wanted to jump back in and get involved in the campaign
myself,” Tengco told the Asian Journal. Having lived in the capital for almost eight years, Tengco recalled the countless times he walked by Lafayette Park where the protestors had been gathering, and
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realized that he wanted to be fully invested in making sure former Vice President Joe Biden would be elected as the next president. Despite already having a job offer lined up in California’s Bay Area, Tengco emailed out his resume to people he knew on Biden’s campaign, and from that, came his role as chief of staff of the coalitions team. “Joe Biden really understands that we cannot take any community for granted, that we all need a seat at the table, that our issues matter, that our concerns matter, and that we need this coalition of voters not only to win in November, but also when we do win, this will be the governing body to help Joe Biden when he’s in the White House to really push his agenda,” said Tengco. The coalitions department was announced in May and signaled the Biden campaign’s efforts to ensure that the diversity of the campaign mirrored that of the country. “We’re really proud of the team that we’ve assembled,” said Tengco, adding that it’s one of the most diverse coalition of leaders working on issues ranging from building the country back up after the coronavirus pandemic to climate change and immigration. Involved are nearly 30 people in its national staff representing nearly 20 coalitions focused on different sectors and minority groups
Jason tengco (center) with former Vice president Joe Biden and dr. Jill Biden
like AAPIs, African Americans, Latinos, the LGBTQ community, seniors, veteran and military families, young Americans, and students among many others. “I almost feel like I’m sort of a connector in a lot of ways, just making sure the trains are running on time,” Tengco said of his role. With campaigning largely going online due to the pandemic, Tengco said the campaign has built a robust digital organizing program that includes efforts like phone banking in different native languages, especially in key states. “You might not always have someone on the other end of the line who understands or speaks English very well, so in order to reach voters and to talk about the issues that Joe Biden is trying to really advocate for, we have to make sure that we speak in their language,”
said Tengco. “We are so lucky to be able to have really strong leaders with Filipino Americans for Biden who have been helping us organize digitally and reaching voters, knowing that we’re not doing as much in person,” he added. Another big part of the campaign has been making use of surrogates who are typically celebrities passionate about Biden’s candidacy and who speak on behalf of the campaign. Asian American Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan, for example, joined the Biden campaign as a surrogate after also being a part of Hillary Clinton’s campaign in 2016. Before that, she served as public diplomacy ambassador under former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and continued as an envoy under the Obama administration where PAGE 15
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Fil-Am millennial Jason Tengco...
Trick or...Treat Yourself to a Week of Free Apple Fritters, Blueberry Muffins and Cinnamon Rolls
McDonald’s keeps the sweets coming post-Halloween, offering new McCafé Bakery items for free with coffee purchase from Nov. 3 - Nov. 9 HALLOWEEN has always been a day to treat yourself... but let’s be honest. The way 2020’s been going, one day isn’t enough. In fact, at the very least, we think this year calls for a full week of treats after the holiday. That’s why we’re giving away our new Apple Fritters, Blueberry Muffins and Cinnamon Rolls for free* with purchase at participating McDonald‘s nationwide from Nov. 3 through Nov. 9. To get in on this spellbinding deal, simply purchase a McCafé Premium Roast Coffee or Iced Coffee – any size, at any time of day on the McDonald’s App. No tricks here… just sweets to pair with our beloved coffee, which always includes milk and creamer options made with real dairy from dairy farmers in the U.S. Since you deserve more than one moment to revel in the free bakery goodness, you can redeem the offer once per day, every day of the week! That’s right – whether you’re declaring it an Apple Fritter Friday, a Cinnamon Roll Saturday or a Blueberry Muffin Monday – we’ve got you covered. The new trio is available all day nationwide starting today, marking the first new baked goods to join our core U.S. menu in over eight years. These additions give customers more ways to experience the breakfast
they love at McDonald’s, building upon our 50-year legacy of innovation with iconic fan-favorites such as the Egg McMuffin®, Breakfast Burritos and McGriddles®. So, upgrade from Halloween leftovers and satisfy those sweet cravings by opening your McDonald’s App, selecting your favorite McCafé coffee and letting us treat you. Offer is redeemable in restaurants or at the Drive Thru, exclusively with the deal in the App. *Offer valid 1x/day 11/03/20 through 11/09/20 at participating McDonald’s. McD App download and registration required.
McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to nearly 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. McCafé coffees, including lattes, cappuccinos and mochas, were added to the U.S. national menu in 2009 and quickly expanded to include blended-ice frappés and smoothies as well as limited-time seasonal offerings. Since 2017, we’ve evolved the McCafé menu to offer delicious options more than ever before, including espresso beverages, like Americanos and bakery items, such as our pies, cookies and limited-time Donut Sticks. We’ve also made McCafé more convenient and accessible, introducing McDelivery, Mobile Order & Pay, and McCafé in grocery stores. In 2019, a renewed commitment to McCafé features refreshed branding to celebrate ten years of giving customers the cup of goodness they deserve. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @ McDonalds and Facebook w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / M c DonaldsUS/. (Advertising Supplement)
PAGE 14 she worked with Biden and Clinton. “It’s been such a pleasure. I absolutely love the team that the campaign has built,” said Tengco. “We have great teamwork and really that passion to get things done.” Prior to becoming the coalitions chief of staff, Tengco served as the National Asian American and Pacific Islander Outreach Director during Clinton’s 2016 campaign, and as deputy director of the White House Initiative on AAPIs during the Obama administration. He also recently served as Senior Advisor to the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), the largest national affiliation to promote the welfare of the approximately four million Filipinos throughout the U.S, after serving as its executive director. Tengco’s interest in political activism sparked while studying at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he obtained his B.A. in political science. Growing up, discussions on identity and culture wasn’t something his parents engaged in — an experience not uncommon among second generation Fil-Ams whose parents encouraged them to focus more on studies. It was through meeting fellow second generation Fil-Am students who were going through the same struggle of learning about their identity and roots that later fueled his passion for civic engagement, especially in the Fil-Am community. “I’ll always remember this quote that I learned in college: No history, No self. Know history, know self,” said Tengco. On supporting Biden When it comes to supporting Biden, Tengco said Biden’s track record is telling of his commitment to the Fil-Am community. Biden has publicly courted the Fil-Am community during his campaign, most recently sending out a tweet for Filipino American History Month in which he praised the community for its “immense contributions” to the U.S. and for their service in the military or as frontline workers. One major accomplishment attributed to the Obama-Biden administration, Tengco said, has been the Deferred Action for
Jason Tengco
Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program which protects immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children from deportation, and gives them work authorization. Tengco added that Fil-Am representation in political leadership was another area Biden helped amplify in his career. Some Fil-Am leaders under the Obama-Biden administration include Nani Coloretti, who as deputy secretary of Housing and Urban Development, was the highest-ranking Fil-Am in the administration; and Judge Lorna Schofield who became the first Fil-Am federal judge. “Vice President Biden wants to continue to build off of that significant progress and make sure that we have diverse, talented individuals in his administration,” said Tengco. There was also the fact that the Obama-Biden administration made an effort to recognize the contributions of Filipino World War II Veterans, something that Tengco was personally invested in. “That issue for me as a college student actually was the reason why I got into student organizing. It was the reason why I got into politics — that issue opened by eyes to social justice,” said Tengco. On getting out the vote Tengco has long been an active advocate for voter empowerment, especially in the Fil-Am community. In an op-ed he wrote for the Asian Journal in July 2019, he highlighted that
Contributed photo
only 50% of eligible Fil-Am voters exercised their right to vote in the 2016 election. “The AAPI community is extremely diverse,” said Tengco. “We represent over 50 ethnicities. We speak over a hundred different languages and we are not monolithic. We are different across communities, and this campaign gets that.” In his op-ed, he urged Fil-Ams to pay close attention to what the candidates were saying on issues like immigration, which affects Fil-Ams. He wrote that more than 300,000 Filipinos in the Philippines were hoping to be reunited with relatives in the U.S. Another estimated 310,000 Filipinos in the U.S. are undocumented, including 5,000 who benefited from the DACA program. With Election Day coming soon on Tuesday, November 3, Tengco joins others in encouraging people to exercise their right to vote. “It’s so important to be able to elect a president who not only knows what he’s doing, but also knows how to make sure that we can leverage the resources of the federal government to really protect our communities,” said Tengco. In support of Biden, Tengco added: “He has this real commitment to making sure that workers have the resources, the essential services, and the protective equipment that they need. That is something that impacts Filipino Americans — Filipino nurses and health care workers and our own Kababayan.”
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