110621 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

NOVEMBER 6-9, 2021 Volume 31 - No. 88 • 2 Sections – 20 Pages

LA City imposes vaccine proof mandate DATELINE USA CDC endorses vaccines at most indoor locations starting Nov. 8 for children 5 to 11 FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

CHILDREN as young as 5 years old in the United States can now get the COVID-19 vaccine as the country further expands its vaccination campaign.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday, November 2, endorsed its advisory committee’s recommendation to administer the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to children ages 5 to 11.

“We know millions of parents are eager to get their children vaccinated and with this decision, we now have recommended that about 28 million children receive a COVID-19 vaccine,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said.

“As a mom, I encourage parents with questions to talk to their pediatrician, school nurse or local pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting their children vaccinated,” she added.

At the outset of the meeting, Walensky noted that the pandemic has had a profound social, mental health and educational impact on children.

“There are children in the second grade

The city’s mandate expands on Los Angeles County’s separate vaccine mandate, which was enforced on Thursday, Nov. 4

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

STARTING on Monday, Nov. 8, anyone visiting most public businesses in the city of Los Angeles will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccina-

tion or a negative COVID-19 test to enter, per a new city ordinance.

The new mandate will affect patrons of restaurants, movie theaters, retailers, and other businesses that cater to customers indoors, making LA one of the strictest cities in terms of vaccine mandates.

Passed by the LA City Council earlier this fall, the mandate orders all patrons aged 12 years old (the current age minimum for the available vaccines) and older to show proof of full vaccination, meaning that those receiving the Pfizer or Moderu PAGE A2

Fil-Am candidate Arleen Rojas leads for Carson’s District 4 seat

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

FILIPINA American Arleen Rojas continues to lead the pack of candidates for a city council seat in Carson, California.

The Los Angeles County Registrar’s Office released the semiofficial results for the local and municipal elections in the county on Tuesday, November 2, which included measures in Inglewood, Commerce, and Alham-

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Fil-Am would-be terrorist bomber sentenced to 25 years A FILIPINO American who planned the bombing of a political rally in Long Beach, California, in 2019 was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison on Monday, Nov. 1.

On Aug. 11 Mark Steven Domingo, 28, of Reseda, California, was found guilty of one count of providing material support to terrorists and one count of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction at the conclusion of a five-day jury trial. Domingo has been in federal custody since April 2019.

According to court documents and the evidence presented at trial, the investigation into Domingo was prompted by his online posts and conversations in an online forum, in which he expressed support for violence, specifically a desire to seek violent retribution for attacks against Muslims, and a willingness to become a martyr.

After considering various attacks – including targeting Jewish people, churches and police officers – Domingo decided to bomb a rally scheduled to take place in Long Beach in April 2019.

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FUN FRIDAY. As Metro Manila shifted to the more relaxed Alert Level 2, families gather to have picnics at the Quezon Memorial Circle grounds in Quezon City on Friday, November 5. The city government is allowing minors to enter the park as long as they are accompanied by parents or guardians.

PNA photo by Rico H.Borja

Arleen Rojas

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City of LA starts cleanup of KTown hoarder home after Filipina neighbor sought action After many letters to the city and a successful plea to the media spearheaded by neighbor Leticia Ruiz, the potential health hazard is finally getting under control

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

FOR years, a Filipina resident of Los Angeles has lived next door to a hoarder whose accumulation of items and trash has become a health hazard for the entire street.

To date, Leticia Ruiz, the Filipina nextdoor neighbor who has lived in her Koreatown

home since 1981, has sent at least half a dozen letters to the City of LA and local media outlets to try to catalyze some action on this home, which for years was completely buried by 8- to 10-foot tall piles of hoarded goods.

This posed as a serious public health risk and invited hordes of insects, rats, and other Presidential candidate Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Vice President Leni Robredo u PAGE A4 Inquirer.net photos

Palace confirms Duterte thinking about running for senator in 2022 2022 Robredo-Pacquiao

by CHRISTIA

MARIE Inquirer.net

RAMOS

MANILA — Malacañang on Friday, November 5 confirmed that President Rodrigo Duterte is “considering” his allies’ calls for him to run for senator in the 2022 elections.

“As far as I know, wala pa pong final na desisyon but as Sen. Bong Go said, he is considering it,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing.

President Rodrigo Duterte inspects the newly acquired Cessna Caravan plane by the Philippine Go, Duterte’s long-time aide, Coast Guard upon his arrival to lead the inauguration of the Philippine Ports Authority Seaport earlier said the chief executive Expansion Project and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Kalayaan Station, at the Tactical Operations Wing West, Puerto Princesa Port in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Thursday, has not ruled out the possibilNovember 4.

Malacañang photo by Albert Alcain ity of seeking a senatorial seat

in next year’s elections. This, even if Duterte himself said last October 2 that he has decided to retire from politics.

“He is considering, studying it well,” Go had said in a mix of Filipino and English. “If it will help the country, he might. He’s considering running.”

The PDP-Laban faction led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi first drafted Duterte as the ruling party’s candidate for vice president in the May polls next year.

But the President balked at this so Go instead took his place and filed his certificate of candiu PAGE A3

tandem a no go for Manny

by DAPHNE

GALVEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — Presidential candidate Sen. Manny Pacquiao is determined to run for the presidency in 2022, rejecting calls to withdraw his candidacy and become Vice President Leni Robredo’s running mate instead.

“Buo na ‘yung pasya ko na tuluy na tuloy ako, hindi ako umaatras sa laban. Hindi ako aatras sa aking kandidatura bilang Pangulo kasi alam ko malaki ang magagawa ko para sa ating bayan,” he said in a fo-

rum with Rotary Manila, Club the first time he spoke before a big business group as a presidential aspirant.

(My decision is final. I will run for president. I know I will contribute significantly to the country.)

“Tunay na pagbabago ang gusto ko gawin sa ating bansa, hindi ‘yung puro pagpupulitika lang,” he added.

(I want real change for the country, not just politicking.)

He said he is seeking the public’s vote, not for his peru PAGE A2

A2 NOVEMBER 6-9, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

LA City imposes vaccine...

PAGE A1 na vaccines must have had two doses.

In addition to the businesses listed above, vaccine proof will be required at the following public spaces starting Monday: coffee shops, food courts, banquet halls, gyms and fitness venues, sports arenas, concert venues, convention centers, museums, bowling alleys, arcades and card rooms, play areas, spas, hair salons, and barbershops. (Grocery stores are excluded.)

In addition to showing proof at these retail businesses, the vaccine mandate extends to all City of LA facilities and government property.

However, those who have a legitimately documented medical or religious reason for not being vaccinated can instead provide a recent negative coronavirus test.

LA City Council President Nury Martinez, who introduced the motion earlier this year, argued that the ordinance was justified because of the high number of residents who still aren’t

vaccinated. She added that this gives those who have been vaccinated some freedom “to go back to normal.”

“No one is forcing anyone to get vaccinated,” she said at the time. “But if you don’t, there are certain things you will not be able to do without showing proof of vaccination.”

The city’s ordinance follows one issued by LA County, which requires vaccine proof (a negative COVID-19 test would not suffice) in order to enter nightclubs, bars, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and lounges.

In terms of the potential confusion that may arise from the overlapping mandates, Dr. Barbara Ferrer, LA County Public Health Direct, said that the county and city requirements are “not at odds with each other.”

As of Thursday, about 72% of county residents aged 12 and older were fully vaccinated, according to the county’s data.

The following forms of vaccine proof are acceptable, accord-

ing to LA County Public Health (which are the same as the city’s vaccination proof guidelines): • The white CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card • The yellow World Health Organization vaccine card • Documentation of vaccination from a health care provider • A California Immunization Registry (CAIR2) vaccination record • A digital vaccination record issued by the California of Public Health • A digital vaccination record from an approved company like Healthvana, Carbon Health, CommonPass, CLEAR Health Pass, or VaxYes • A photocopy of the vaccine card, or a photo of it on a per- FREE RIDE. Jeepney driver Jay Alejos, 46, waits for passengers to board the vehicle of Juan Transport Services Cooperative which provides free rides from Lagro Dulo to Novaliches Bayan in Quezon City and vice-versa on Thursday, November 4. The free ride would son’s phone.

PNA photo by Ben Briones Starting on Nov. 29, busi- be until November 6. nesses and venues who aren’t compliant with these measures may be fined $1,000 for the second violation (the first violation would be a first warning, es- PAGE A1 Rojas is a 31-year veteran surer Monica Cooper, Counsentially), but fines will increase bra and local offices in Carson. police officer, who was the cilmember Jawane Hilton, with subsequent violations. ■ In the special council election first Filipina American to join and former Councilmember for Carson’s 4th District, Rojas the Los Angeles Police Depart- Elito Santarina. She was also led the race with 660 (34.36%) ment. backed by unions — Los An“Arleen Rojas has deep roots geles County Federation of Lavotes. She was 135 points ahead of candidate Freddie Gomez, in the community, and has long bor, SEIU Local 11, AFSCME who received 525 (27.33%) been dedicated to serving it,” District Council 36, Carpenters reads the biography on her Union, Association for Los Anvotes, as of this writing.

There are still outstanding website. geles Deputy Sheriffs — and loShe currently serves on the cal community leaders. ballots to be counted during the official election canvass when Carson Economic Development “I am thankful for the many all conditional, provisional and Commision. She is also active young volunteers who walked vote-by-mail ballots postmarked in numerous Carson communi- and phone banked for me. I

by Election Day are confirmed ty activities and organizations would like to expand educasuch as the Lion’s Club, Carson tional and recreational opporby the registrar.

The elected District 4 rep- Sister Cities Association, and tunities for the youth. I will also resentative on the Carson City Philippine Independence Day work tirelessly to protect our Council will succeed Lula Da- Foundation.

Mobile Park residents who are Her candidacy received en- mostly senior citizens,” Rojas vis-Holmes, who vacated the post after winning last year’s dorsements from Mayor Pro added. (With reports from Fe Tem Jim Dear, Carson Trea- P. Koons) mayoral race.

Fil-Am candidate Arleen Rojas leads for...

Fil-Am would-be terrorist bomber...

PAGE A1 As part of the plot, Domingo asked an accomplice – who actually was working with the FBI as part of the investigation – to invite a bomb-maker into the scheme.

Domingo then purchased and provided to the confederate and the bomb-maker – who in fact was an undercover law enforcement officer – several hundred 3½-inch nails to be used as shrapnel for the bombs. Domingo specifically chose those nails because they were long enough to penetrate organs in the human body.

Leading up to the attack, Domingo called for an event similar to the October 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas. Following an attack on Muslims in New Zealand in March 2019, Domingo called for retribution in an online post.

Domingo selected the Long Beach rally as his target and, in April 2019, drove his accomplice and the undercover officer to Long Beach to scout the location he planned to attack. While

there, Domingo discussed finding the most crowded areas to place the bombs so he could kill the most people.

On April 26, 2019, Domingo received what he thought were two live bombs, but were actually inert explosive devices delivered by an undercover law enforcement officer. He was arrested that same day with one of the bombs in his hands.

“At trial, [Domingo] testified and repeatedly affirmed that he intended to commit mass murder in March and April 2019,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum that recommended a sentence of life in prison.

“He admitted that the [confidential informant] stopped him from committing at least one murder in April 2019 by encouraging him to be patient. Finally, he admitted that he was excited when he learned that the [confidential informant] had access to an individual who could construct a bomb, and that he was the one who chose to attack the

2022 Robredo-Pacquiao tandem a no...

Mark Steven Domingo, 28, of Reseda, California, was found guilty of providing material support to terrorism and attempting to use of a weapon of mass destruction.

Inquirer.net file photo

rally, chose to use the bombs, and chose to go through with the plot to commit mass murder, right up until the moment of his arrest.” (Inquirer.net)

Burbank toProyektong Los Angeles Project SectionLos Angeles Seksyon ng Burbank hanggang Open NG House Project Update Meetings ABISO AVAILABILITY/ABISO NG PAGPUPULONG NG LUPON AUTHORITY March 9 - 13, NG 2020 ALL PROJECT UPDATE MEETINGS BE IDENTICAL WITH A Inaanunsyo ng California High-Speed RailWILL Authority (Authority) ang availability ng Pinal na Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) para sa Seksyon ng Proyektong Burbank hanggang Los Angeles ng Proyektong California High-Speed Rail.

BURBANK LOS ANGELES * publiko sa Nobyembre 5, 2021.

Ang Pinal na EIR/EIS at mga nauugnay na dokumento ay makukuha ng Monday, March 9, 2020 Thursday, March 12, 2020 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Buena Library Cypress Park ng Recreation Center Makukuha angVista PinalBranch na EIR/EIS online bilang PDF sa website Authority (www.hsr.ca.gov). Maaari ka 300 N Buena Vista St 2630 Pepper Ave ring humiling ng electronic na kopya sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag sa (877) 977-1660.

Burbank, CA 91505 Los Angeles, CA 90065 *English/Spanish Meeting Naglagay ng mga naka-print na kopya at/o electronic na kopya ng Pinal na EIR/EIS sa mga sumusunod GLENDALE / ATWATER The virtualang Open House starts at(maaaring 5:30 p.m. umikli ang mga na aklatan at mababasa ito sa mga oras na bukas mga pasilidad Wednesday, March 2020 araw/oras na bukas ang 11, mga pasilidad bilang pagsunod sa mgastarts direktiba para Live webcast presentation at 6:00 p.m.sa pampublikong 5:30 p.m. to 7:30kalusugan p.m. at kaligtasan kaugnay ng coronavirus): http://ustream.tv/channel/chsra Glendale Adult Recreation Center 201 E Colorado St Burbank Glendale Los Angeles Glendale, CA 91205 For more information, please visit hsr.ca.gov Buena Vista Branch Library Pacific Park & Community Center Atwater Village Branch Library 300 N Buena Vista Street Meeting: The Los501 S Pacific Avenue *English/Spanish Angeles meeting will be conducted in English3379 Glendale Boulevard Chinatown Branch Library and Spanish. English presentation starts at 6:00 p.m.; Spanish presentation Northwest Branch Library Glendalewill Central Library starts at 7:00 p.m. Simultaneous translation be offered during both presentations. 639 N Hill Street 3323 W Victory Boulevard 222 E Harvard Street Cypress Park Branch Library *Join Us Via Webcast: The Los Angeles meeting will also be offered as a webcast.

Burbank Central Library The virtual Open House starts atGrandview 5:30 p.m. TheLibrary live webcast presentation 1150 Cypress Avenue 110 N Glenoaks Boulevard 1535 Fifth starts at 6:00 p.m. To participate in theStreet live webcast, go to: http://ustream.tv/channel/chsra.

Lincoln Heights Branch Library 2530 Workman Street

LANGUAGES AND OTHER NEEDS

Interpretación en español será disponible en todas las reuniones. Little Tokyo Branch Library 203persons S Los Angeles Other language requests can be accommodated upon request. Meeting facilities are accessible for with Street disabilities. All requests for reasonable accommodations and/or language services must be made three working days (72 hours) in advance of the scheduled meeting date. Please call (877) 977-1660 or the Authority’s TTY/TTD number at (916) 403-6943 for assistance.

Masusuri din ang mga naka-print at/o electronic nayoutube.com/ kopya ng Pinal na EIR/EIS@cahsra at mga electronic na facebook.com/ @cahsra CaliforniaHighSpeedRail kopya ng mga nauugnay na teknikal na ulat sa mga CAHighSpeedRail oras na bukas ang negosyo sa Headquarters ng Authority sa 770 L Street, Suite 620 MS-1, Sacramento, CA at sa pamamagitan ng pagpapa-appointwww.hsr.ca.gov | (877) 977-1660 | Burbank_Los.Angeles@hsr.ca.gov ment sa Southern California Regional Office ng Authority sa 355 S Grand Avenue, Suite 2050, Los Angeles, CA. Para magpa-appointment para matingnan ang mga dokumento, mangyaring tumawag sa 323-610-2819.

PAGPUPULONG NG LUPON NG AUTHORITY Ang Lupon ng mga Direktor ng Authority ay magdaraos ng dalawang araw na pagpupulong sa Enero 19 at Enero 20, 2022 nang 11 am upang pag-isipan kung pagtitibayin ang Pinal na EIR/EIS at aaprubahan ang Gustong Alternatibo (ang HSR Build Alternative, kabilang ang Burbank Station) alinsunod sa CEQA. Dahil sa tungkulin ng Authority bilang pangunahing ahensya ng NEPA, pag-iisipan din ng Lupon ng mga Direktor ng Authority kung ipag-uutos sa Chief Executive Officer ng Authority na maglabas ng Record of Decision para sa Seksyon ng Proyektong Burbank hanggang Los Angeles kung saan pinipili ang Gustong Alternatibo (ang HSR Build Alternative, kabilang ang Burbank Station) dahil sa tungkulin ng Authority bilang pangunahing ahensya ng NEPA. Ang mga dokumento at materyal na sumusuporta sa mga iminumungkahing pagkilos ng Lupon ng mga Direktor ng Authority ay makukuha bago ang pagpupulong sa web page ng Lupon sa https://hsr.ca.gov/about/board-of-directors/schedule/.

Pakitingnan ang website ng seksyon ng proyekto (www.hsr.ca.gov) para sa higit pang impormasyon, kabilang ang mga link sa dokumento kaugnay ng kapaligiran at iba pang materyal ng proyekto. facebook.com/ CaliforniaHighSpeedRail

@cahsra

youtube.com/ CAHighSpeedRail

@cahsra

linkedin.com/ California-High-Speed-Rail

www.hsr.ca.gov | (877) 977-1660 | Burbank_Los.Angeles@hsr.ca.gov

PAGE A1 sonal interest but because he wants to “help” them.

“Habang nabubuhay pa ako dito sa mundo, gusto ko maging halimbawa o example o inspirasyon sa lahat ng mga tao, hindi lang sa Pilipino kundi sa buong mundo na ang Manny Pacquiao, maging inspirasyon,” he said.

(While I’m still alive, I want

to be an example or be an inspiration not only to the Filipino people but to the whole world.)

“Dito sa pagseserbisyo, gusto ko rin gawin ‘yan na maging inspirasyon sa ating mg kababayan pagdating sa public service. Ang public service is not a business, tulong at pagababago ang dapat sa ating

bayan,” he added.

(I want to be an inspiration to Filipinos when it comes to public service. It’s not a business.

We need help and change.)

Despite being eyed by various camps to become a vicepresidential candidate, Pacquiao has earlier said he will go ahead with his presidential run in 2022. ■

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

DATE LIN E USA

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 6-9, 2021

A3

Batangueña beauty crowned Miss Globe 2021

FIRE AFTERMATH. A firefighter looks at some parts of the house after a blaze that broke out in Barangay Quirino 2-A, Quezon City on Wednesday, November 3. Initial reports said the fire started in a two-story house on Pajo Street. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P Alfiler

Unvaccinated? Don’t count on leaving your family death benefits

by MICHELLE

ANDREWS Kaiser Health News

THESE days, workers who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19 may face financial repercussions, from higher health insurance premiums to loss of their jobs. Now, the financial fallout might follow workers beyond the grave. If they die of COVID and weren’t vaccinated, their families may not get death benefits they would otherwise have received.

New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority no longer pays a $500,000 death benefit to the families of subway, bus and commuter rail workers who die of COVID if the workers were unvaccinated at the time of death.

“It strikes me as needlessly cruel,” said Mark DeBofsky, a lawyer at DeBofsky Sherman Casciari Reynolds in Chicago who represents workers in benefit disputes.

Other employers have similar concerns about providing death or other benefits to employees who refuse to be vaccinated.

In Massachusetts, the New Bedford City Council sought to extend accidental death ben-

efits to city employees who died of COVID, but the mayor didn’t sign that legislation because, among other things, it didn’t prohibit payment if the worker was unvaccinated.

President Joe Biden has leaned hard on businesses to make sure their workers are vaccinated. In September, the administration announced all employers with 100 or more workers would be required to either ensure they’re vaccinated or test employees every week for COVID. Among employers, “there’s a frustration level, particularly at this point when these vaccines are fully approved,” said Carol Harnett, president of the Council for Disability Awareness, an industry group. “You’re trying to protect yourselves and your employees, both from themselves and the general public.”

The New York transportation authority is the highest-profile employer to take this action.

Since the pandemic crisis began in 2020, 173 MTA workers have contracted COVID and died. Five of those deaths occurred after June 1 of this year, when the policy changed, according to the MTA. “We are not aware they have

CDC endorses vaccines for...

PAGE A1 who have never experienced a normal school year,” she said.

“Pediatric vaccination has the power to help us change all of that.”

Earlier that day, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) unanimously voted in favor of the child-sized doses of vaccine for the younger kids.

The Pfizer vaccine will be administered to children in two low doses, three weeks apart, using a smaller needle.

For his part, U.S. President Joe Biden called the decision “a turning point” in the fight against COVID-19.

“It will allow parents to end months of anxious worrying about their kids, and reduce the extent to which children spread the virus to others. It is a major step forward for our nation in our fight to defeat the virus,” he said in a statement.

“Over the last several weeks, my Administration has been working hard to be prepared for this moment: we are ready to act. We have already secured enough vaccine supply for every child in America,” he added.

Likewise, the American Academy of Pediatrics welcomed the CDC’s decision.

“Vaccinating children will protect children’s health and allow them to fully engage in all of the activities that are so important to their health and development,” it said in a statement.

“Parents can enjoy greater peace of mind gathering with family members this winter and sending their children to school,

Palace confirms Duterte thinking about running...

PAGE A1 dacy (COC) for vice president.

Senator Ronaldo dela Rosa, another long-time ally of Duterte, also made a last-minute filing of his COC for president under the PDP-Laban Cusi-wing after the much-awaited filing of the President’s daughter, incumbent Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, did not happen before the Commission on Elections in Manila.

Later, Cusi floated the idea to instead have Duterte run for senator in next year’s elections. ■

sports and other events that were paused during the height of the pandemic,” it added.

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the Pfizer vaccine for the country’s youngest age group, saying the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risk to children.

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include children 5 through 11 years of age,” the agency said Friday, October 29.

“The authorization was based on the FDA’s thorough and transparent evaluation of the data that included input from independent advisory committee experts who overwhelmingly voted in favor of making the vaccine available to children in this age group,” it added. (AJPress)

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL LACMTA will receive Proposals for PS77530 - CEQA/NEPA &Environmental Compliance Service at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

All Proposals must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.

Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened.

Each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. PS77530.

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 Daniel Robb at robbd@metro. net.

11/6/21 CNS-3526190# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

been vaccinated,” an MTA spokesperson said of the five workers who died since the policy took effect.

The transit authority’s policy was a shift from an earlier pact with workers. In April 2020, as COVID ravaged New York, transit officials and the labor unions representing employees reached agreements that workers who died of COVID would be eligible

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THE Philippines’ Maureen Montagne was crowned Miss Globe 2021 in Albania on Friday, November 5 (early morning of Saturday in Philippines), continuing the Philippines’ domination in international pageants this year.

Her win came just days after her batchmate in Binibining Pilipinas, Cinderella Obeñita, was proclaimed Miss Intercontinental 2021 in Egypt.

Montagne, a 28-year-old Batangueña beauty, bested over 40 candidates for the crown, making her the Philippines’ second Miss Globe titleholder after Ann Colis in 2015.

“This is such an honor and I can’t wait to celebrate with all of my [fellow] Filipinos. Thank you so much for all your love and support,” she said in an interview shortly after the competition.

“I hope to hit the ground running with my advocacies and feeding the hungry all around the globe,” she added.

Aside from the Miss Globe title, Montagne also placed first runner-up in three pre-pageant competitions: People’s Choice, Miss Bikini, and Head to Head Challenge.

Her runners-up include candidates from Nigeria (first runnerup), Turkey (second runner-up), Venezuela (third runner-up), and Canada (fourth runner-up).

During the question-andanswer round, Montagne was asked about beauty and how it can be enriched.

She replied: “I think that true

Newly-crowned Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne of the Philippines Instagram Photo/@maureenmontagne

beauty comes from within. To be a Miss Globe is to be a beauty that inspires. What makes us beautiful is our smiles, it’s what we do for our community. It’s how we give back to others, and it’s how we carry ourselves through life.”

“I believe that everyone has beauty in inside of them, and I believe it is our duty to share it with the world, and to give back, and to truly inspire others,” she continued.

Montagne, 28, is a commer-

cial model and professional host, and has also worked as a magazine writer.

Prior to her stint in Miss Globe, she finished first runner-up in Miss Eco International 2019.

The title was eventually offered to her after the winner, Peru’s Suheyn Cipriani, was dethroned due to pregnancy.

Montagne declined the offer, with fourth runner-up Amy Tinie Abdul Aziz of Malaysia taking over the crown that year. (ABSCBN News)

A4 NOVEMBER 6-9, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Unvaccinated? Don’t count on leaving...

PAGE A3

to receive a $500,000 lump-sum death benefit, just like payments to which families of MTA workers who have other job-related deaths are entitled. The program will continue through the end of this year.

But with COVID vaccines now widely available and fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the MTA Board determined that, starting June 1, workers who died of COVID had to have been vaccinated for their families to be eligible for the payment.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL LACMTA will receive proposals for PS82386 - Installation of 4G Routers for Bus Fleet at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

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 29, 2021 at the address listed above, sent to the attentionofAna 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.

11/6/21 CNS-3526258# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

The change comes as the MTA has struggled to improve vaccination rates among its roughly 67,000 workers. More than 70% of transit employees are estimated to be vaccinated, according to MTA officials.

A spokesperson for the MTA stressed that the program remains in effect, and noted that it has been extended past its original one-year term. The only change is the vaccination requirement.

“The program is not being revoked,” the MTA spokesperson said in an email. “In fact, the MTA has twice extended it.”

Local 100 of the Transport Workers Union, which represents roughly 38,000 MTA workers, pushed hard to negotiate the benefit. “No other workforce in the city, probably the country, secured what TWU secured: a $500,000 payment from the employer to the families of workers who died after getting COVID,” said Pete Donohue, a union spokesperson. “We look at it that during a terrible time, we got [the benefit] for people.”

It’s not unusual for employers of workers in risky occupations — such as police, firefighters, utility company workers and transit workers, who could succumb to an industrial accident or get hit by a train on the tracks — to offer extra insurance coverage that pays if they die on the job. The coverage is often provided in addition to a regular life insurance policy.

These so-called line-of-duty or accidental death and dismemberment policies typically don’t pay out if someone dies of a disease. How can it be proved that someone picked up a deadly infection at work rather than at the supermarket?

But with COVID, some frontline workers have been considered eligible for accidental death benefits because they are presumed to have gotten sick on the job, DeBofsky said.

Workers may be denied death benefits, however, if they didn’t follow established safety protocols, said John Ehrlich, the national lead consultant at Willis Towers Watson on group life insurance. Failing to wear a bulletproof vest, a helmet or other safety equipment, for example, might make their families ineligible for payment under a policy.

Now that vaccines are widely available, some employers

DATE LIN E USA

have considered limiting other benefits paid to unvaccinated workers, including reducing short-term disability payments, said Rich Fuerstenberg, a senior partner at benefits consultant Mercer. But Fuerstenberg said he had not heard of other employers eliminating death benefits for unvaccinated workers.

In the New Bedford case, the City Council unanimously passed a petition in August stating the COVID death of any city employee would be considered to have occurred in the line of duty, enabling family members to receive accidental death benefits.

Mayor Jon Mitchell, however, objected for several reasons — the question of vaccination among them.

“As I am certain the Council would agree, it would be inappropriate to extend accidental death benefits where the employee refused to take a vaccine that had been found to be nearly 100% effective,” Mitchell said in a letter to the council. The proposal has been tabled for further negotiation, according to a spokesperson for the mayor.

For more than 17 years, Joseph Fletcher worked for the MTA in Brooklyn, doing body work and other maintenance on buses.

When he died of COVID on April 11, 2020, at age 60, he left behind his wife, Veronica, a former high school teacher who was disabled after a car accident, and three children, now 9, 13 and 16.

Coping with his death was hard enough, but looking toward the future has been overwhelming, Veronica said.

“How am I going to keep afloat financially?” she worried.

“Everything about this journey is terrifying.”

The $500,000 death benefit helped cover the family’s regular bills and pay the mortgage on their Brooklyn home. But she’s aware it will go only so far, and her three children need to go to college.

If the MTA vaccination requirement had been in place when her husband died, it wouldn’t have been a problem, Fletcher said.

“I wish that my husband were able to have been vaccinated,” she said. “Knowing my late husband, he would have taken the opportunity to protect himself and his family.” ■

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A November 5 Google Earth screenshot of the residence in question with the problematic hoarding.

City of LA starts cleanup of KTown hoarder...

PAGE A1 vermin who contributed to the overwhelming smell that began to permeate the street.

On the morning of Thursday, Nov. 4, however, a cleanup crew from the city arrived at the home of the hoarder — who agreed to let the crew on his property — and cleared away six truckloads of items and debris. According to the city, the entire cleanup process will span several days.

“At least they’ve started cleaning up,” Ruiz told the Asian Journal in a phone interview on Thursday after the city’s crews arrived at the hoarder’s home. “[We all] feel great and thankful to everyone. At least our community will be back to normal.”

But Ruiz said that the home and yard are still buried underneath the tall stockpile of items that were believed to collected by the homeowner. These items included multiple refrigerators, tables, mattresses, boxes, and other home furniture and goods.

Ruiz, who is now retired after working for Bank of America for almost 30 years, said that she and the other neighbors were hesitant to speak to the hoarder directly because they were concerned about his mental health issues.

“I’m an old lady and I cannot fight with a young man, because I’m scared; what if he’s gonna hurt me?” Ruiz shared, adding that she is concerned over the health of the hoarder’s mother, who is in her 90s and lives in the home.

Ruiz said that the neighbors

believe that the interior of the home is still full of debris, which could be a potential hazard for the mother. She said, “I pity the mother, but she’s very nice and she’s very religious. But she’s getting sick and she’s getting weak.”

According to the American Psychological Association, hoarding disorder is a complex issue that is denoted by three main characteristics: difficulty in letting go of material possessions, excessive and/or impulsive collecting of new items, and inability to organize and prevent clutter.

Reality shows like A&E’s “Hoarders” continues to document the complicated disorder through case studies of actual hoarders, most of whom suffer from an array of mental health conditions.

Not much is known about the Koreatown hoarder and his history of mental health, but the neighbors were worried about him and his mother. Mental health experts advise that neighbors of hoarders should contact a family member or someone who knows the hoarder.

Though Thursday’s cleanup is a sign that the hoarding situation is improving, Ruiz said that she’s tried for years to get the city to act on her many requests to no avail. She’s written to the mayor’s office, the office of LA’s Council District 10, and the city departments of Building and Safety and Public Health.

“Every time I called them, they would say that the person

in charge was on vacation or unavailable so I would call again, but whenever I did call back, nothing would happen! It was useless,” Ruiz recalled.

She said that while the mess has never reached her own property — she said the hoarder would park several motorcycles near her driveway, but never touching her property — she was worried that the stacks of boxes and debris would be a huge fire hazard.

She’s also written to KCAL9 and CBS2, which finally aired a segment on the hoard this week, which she and the neighbors believe helped finally literally break ground and initiate the cleanup on Thursday.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said that they were aware of the hoard on Oct. 14 and sent an inspector to the property four days later. The homeowner was then issued a notice giving him 30 days to clean up the property.

Though other neighbors have been interviewed by reporters, Ruiz said that her neighbors consider her the main intermediary between the street’s community and the city and media.

“My neighbors were telling me that I should always be the one doing the interviews — but maybe it’s because I talk too much,” she said, laughing. “But I ask them, ‘Why are you so ashamed [to speak]?’ Just say something; whatever you feel, just say it! But they said, ‘No, Letty, you better do it for us. And so I did!” ■

When you GET VACCINATED you have greater protection against hospitalization and death.

WEAR A MASK when it can protect you & others.

GET TESTED & STAY HOME when you feel sick.

Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you MyTurn.ca.gov

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 6-9, 2021

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

A5

NCR eases to Alert Level 2

the LGU where such games shall be held; • Funfairs/peryas or kid COVID-19 restrictions in amusement industries such as Metro Manila have relaxed after playgrounds, playroom, and kidMalacañang downgraded the die rides; country’s capital region to Alert • Venues with live voice or Level 2 starting November 5. wind-instrument performers and Presidential Spokesperson audiences such as in karaoke Harry Roque on Thursday, Nov. bars, clubs, concert halls, and 4, announced that the Inter- theaters; and Agency Task Force (IATF) ap• Gatherings in residences proved the de-escalation of the with individuals not belonging to National Capital Region to Alert the same household.

Level 2.

Other activities or establish“This shall take effect begin- ments that may continue to opning tomorrow, November 5, erate based on the 50 percent 2021 until November 21, 2021,” indoor, 70 percent outdoor rule he added. are: Roque also said that the IATF • Venues for meetings, incenapproved the recommendation tives, conferences, and exhibiof the sub-Technical Working tions; Group on Data Analytics to base • Permitted venues for social the alert level assignments on events such as parties, wedding data that is nearest to the imple- receptions, engagement parties, mentation date. wedding anniversaries, debut and “Starting December 1, 2021, birthday parties, family reunions, alert level assignments shall be and bridal or baby showers; determined at every 15th and • Visitor or tourist attractions 30th of the month,” he said. such as libraries, archives, mu“Escalations, on the other seums, galleries, exhibits, parks, hand, may be done at any time in plazas, public gardens, scenic the middle of the implementation viewpoints or overlooks, and the period as warranted while de-es- like; calations can only be done at the • Amusement parks or theme end of the two-week assessment parks; period,” he added.

• Recreational venues such Under Alert Level 2, children as internet cafes, billiard halls, in Metro Manila will be allowed amusement arcades, bowling aloutdoors. leys, skating rinks, archery halls, The following establishments swimming pools, and similar or activities are allowed to oper- venues; ate up to 50% capacity indoors • Cinemas and movie housand 70% outdoors as long as es; the workers are fully-vaccinated • Limited face-to-face or inagainst COVID-19: person classes for higher educa• Limited face-to-face or in- tion and for technical-vocational person classes for basic educa- education and training; tion subject to prior approval of • In-person religious gatherthe Office of the President; ings; gatherings for necrological • Contact sports approved by services, wakes, inurnment, and

by AJPRESS

funerals for those who died of causes other than COVID-19 and for the cremains of the COVID19 deceased; • Licensure or entrance/qualifying examinations administered by their respective government agency, and specialty examinations authorized by the IATF subject to the health and safety guidelines as approved by the IATF; • Dine-in services of food preparation establishments such as kiosks, commissaries, restaurants, and eateries, subject to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) sector-specific protocols; • Personal care establishments such as barbershops, hair spas, hair salons, and nail spas, and those offering aesthetic/cosmetic services or procedures, make-up services, salons, spas, reflexology, and other similar procedures including home service options, subject to the sector-specific protocols of the DTI; • Fitness studios, gyms, and venues for individual non-contact exercise and sports, subject to DTI sector-specific protocols.

Provided that patrons/clients and workers/employees wear face masks at all times and that no group activities are conducted; and • Film, music, and television production subject to the joint guidelines as may be issued by the DTI, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Health.

On the other hand, casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments remain prohibited to operate under Alert Level 2. ■

NBI, PNP pact on drug war probe signed MANILA— The Department of Justice on Thursday, November 4, made public a copy of the memorandum of agreement signed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine National Police to probe the government’s war on drugs and determine the possible criminal liability of PNP members involved in anti-narcotics operations.

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar and NBI officer-in-charge Eric Distor signed the agreement last Wednesday, November 3 in the presence of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

Guevarra said the NBI and PNP have joined forces to probe and prosecute alleged human rights violations, particularly the deaths of drug suspects.

“As state agencies, both

parties seek to ascertain the truth regarding the allegations of human rights violations and criminal liability of the police in the conduct of the government’s anti-drug operations,” the three-page agreement read.

Under case buildup by the NBI are 52 anti-narcotics operations that resulted in the deaths of 56 people. (Philstar.com)

GRILLED FISH. Vendor Maribel Molina, 52, hands over to a motorcycle rider (right) a plastic with freshly grilled bangus (milk fish) and tilapia at her stall along Sarmiento Street, Novaliches, Quezon City on Thursday, November 4. A grilled bangus goes for P100 each while tilapia is priced at P60 each.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

PH DOH: Mandatory vaccination a last resort Vergeire.

“Pero ito last resort naman ito ng government dahil gusto na THE Philippine Department of po nating ma-achieve ‘yung proHealth (DOH) has expressed sup- teksyon ng populasyon (But this port to mandate COVID-19 vacci- is a last resort of the government nation in the country for specific because we want to achieve population protection),” she added. at-risk sectors.

According to Vergeire, protec“Definitely if we are going to have this as mandated, it’s tion can’t be achieved if part of for specific sectors only. DOH the population refuses the vacwill also support this so we can cine.

“Government has the authorachieve the population protection,” Health Undersecretary ity dahil nakikita natin hindi naMaria Rosario Vergeire said Fri- tin maa-achieve ‘yung (because we are seeing that we will not day, November 5.

However, she pointed out that achieve) protection for the popua law needs to be passed first be- lation if part of the population fore it can be a strict requirement, will not receive the vaccines,” adding that this move would be she said.

Further, Vergeire admitted the government’s “last resort.”

“Kailangan talaga magkaroon that vaccine hesitancy among ng batas. Kailangan mapagusa- Filipinos still remained despite pan, kailangan makapagkonsulta the government’s efforts to give tayo sa mas marami para mas incentives to those who are vacmaging inclusive itong policy na cinated.

“Tandaan po natin (We must gagawin natin (A law needs to be passed. We need to discuss remember), vaccines work indiit and we need to consult with vidually, but this time, because many groups to ensure the policy of this disease, we need to reach we will craft is inclusive),” said u PAGE A10

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

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Select Vendor Portal. Bids are due on December 3, 2021. The contract to be awarded will be funded in part by grants under the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transportation Administration and is subject to an DBE Participation Goal of 1.43%. For further information contact: Dorothea Cantero, Contract Administrator, at canterod@scrra.net.

11/6/21 CNS-3524995# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

A6 NOVEMBER 6-9, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Seventh in impunity

FEATURES

JUST days before the world marked International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, another media worker was shot dead right inside his home in Bansalan, Davao del Sur. Online reporter and radio broadcaster Orlando “Dondon” Dinoy was preparing a meal in his apartment last Saturday, October 30 when he heard a man calling at the gate. Probers said the man shot him but missed as Dinoy ran into the apartment. The gunman followed and riddled Dinoy with bullets.

A police task force has been formed to find the gunman. Whether the task force can give justice to Dinoy and his bereaved relatives remains to be seen. In the latest Global Impunity Index drawn up by the New York-based Community to Protect Journalists, the Philippines ranked seventh among the worst countries in terms of unsolved murders of media workers.

It was an improvement from the Philippines’ consistent ranking among the five worst countries for unsolved journalist killings. But this was only because this year, the Maguindanao massacre on Nov. 23, 2009, wherein 32 of the 58 victims were media workers, no longer fell within the 10-year time frame used by the CPJ for calculating impunity.

Even with the Maguindanao massacre no longer factored in, the CPJ still counted 13 unsolved journalist killings in the Philippines be-

tween Sept. 1, 2011 and Aug. 31 this year.

The Philippines is now ranked behind Somalia, where 25 unsolved murders of journalists have been recorded; Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan and Mexico. Others in the worst list are Brazil, Pakistan, Russia, Bangladesh and India.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization counts more than 1,200 journalists murdered in the line of their work between 2006 and 2020. UNESCO estimates that 90 percent of the murders are unresolved. This breeds impunity, which leads to more killings.

Apart from killings, UNESCO noted other threats faced by media workers worldwide, including kidnapping, torture, physical attacks, and threats and insults made online particularly against women journalists.

Even in the middle of a deadly pandemic, the attacks on journalists in the Philippines continued. Among the unresolved murders, as recorded by the CPJ, were those of broadcasters Virgilio Maganes on Sept. 14, 2020 and Jobert Bercasio two months later on Nov. 10. The killing of Dinoy should not go the same way. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS “MAKE no mistake: An effective plan to beat the virus is the ultimate answer to how we get our economy back on track. So we should stop thinking of the health and economic responses as separate.”

This was the prophetic message of then-Presidential candidate Joe Biden to the American people on April 12, 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic was on an uptick in the United States and elsewhere around the world.

While former President Donald Trump was in denial of COVID-19, calling it a hoax, and was rushing to open the economy to boost his chances of re-election, Biden focused on outlining his plans to safely open America, sharing “An effective strategy to beat the virus is the ultimate answer to how we get our economy back on track” in an op-ed in the New York Times.

Fast forward to the present, under President Joe Biden, as of Friday, November 5, 2021, CNBC reported: The U.S. job

Philstar.com photo

Ahead of Thanksgiving: Jobs are up, unemployment rate down, vaccination rate now at 77% market snapped back in October, with nonfarm payrolls rising more than expected while the unemployment rate fell to 4.6%, the Labor Department reported Friday.

“Before we passed the American Rescue Plan, forecasters said it would take until the end of 2023 to get to the 4.6 unemployment rate,” Biden said, referring to the COVID19 relief bill Congress passed earlier this year. “Today, we’ve reached that rate two years before forecasters thought it was possible.”

The CNBC report further stated: “Private payrolls were even stronger, rising 604,000 as a loss of 73,000 government jobs pulled down the headline number. October’s gains represented a sharp pickup from September, which gained 312,000 jobs after the initial Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate of 194,000 saw a substantial upward revision in Friday’s report.”

Along with this better-thanexpected jobs numbers is the

great news about the continuing rise of vaccination rates in the United States. “As of midOctober, 77% of eligible Americans had received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the White House,” the report revealed.

Biden reiterated the essence of his strategy laid out during the campaign season that has gotten us to this very good place in our process of recovery and building back our nation.

“For our economy to fully recover, we need to keep driving vaccinations up and COVID down,” Biden said in his remarks on the October jobs report from the White House.

Looking at the big picture of this recovery process, the CNBC report stated: “As vaccination rates have increased this fall, the spread of the highly contagious delta variant has slowed, from an average of 153,000 new cases daily in late July to about 67,000 at the start of November, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

I can’t help but look back to then Biden’s comprehensive plans with five basic elements that he would do as President to address COVID-19: (1) test-and-trace, (2) sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) for all, (3) science-based treatments and vaccines, (4) steps to reopen safely and effectively, and (5) protecting those at highrisk, including older Americans.

These, he has delivered and more, extending help to people around the world by delivering vaccine doses to countries that need them most, including the Philippines.

We were able to do this with our collective effort, except for some “pasaway” states and people that are the reasons for new confirmed cases and deaths.

We are grateful to have our leaders (at least most of them) who choose to serve our best interests, instead of their own political expediency and sur-

vival.

We are grateful that we have a better system of checks and balances in government to deter abuses and “kickbacks” so that the funds allocated to saving lives and rebuilding our economy goes to us, the people, instead of the pockets of politicians.

We are equally grateful for our citizens (most of us, at least)n who demand accountabilty from public oifficials accorded with public trust and the power that goes with their position in government, without being name-called and red-tagged by the Biden administration.

Thankfully, majority of Americans choose to be part of the solution rather than be part of the problem by getting vaccinated, and obeying public safety measures like wearing masks and observing social distancing especially in enclosed spaces.

We outnumber and outlast the conspiracy theorists and disinformation agents who do not have the capacity nor the will to think of the greater good.

Vaccine and mask mandates from public and private sectors have also helped in mitigating the spread of the virus to save lives as we fight this war against the invisible enemy.

Looking ahead to the holiday season, we feel more empowered, and therefore more hopeful, as slowly but surely, we are on our road to recovery and the normal life we all miss.

Maybe our kababayans in the Philippines can learn from our experience. *** 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.

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

Fr. John Cordero: Truth, light and God’s resonating words beyond the coronavirus pandemic

Rhizomes

PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “Correct leadership is not a divine right, but a duty of service.

We are known as Christians by our service. We have to remember our roles as servant leaders… to remember that the waters of truth are soft and gentle. It does not agitate, it does not incite, it does not flatter.” – Fr. John Cordero’s homily, January 10, 2021.

HENRI Nouwen in his book, ‘The Wounded Healer’ described the “first and foremost task of the minister of tomorrow...is to clarify the immense confusion which can arise when people enter this new internal world. Since the God ‘out there’ or ‘up there’ is more or less dissolved in the many secular structures, the God within asks attention as never before.” He wrote that pastoral theological piece in 1972.

Fast forward 49 years later, what must a relevant pastor do to reach his parishioners of different ethnicities?

Migrants are often the subjects, relegated to the margins, not centered as part of the national landscape, according to

Matthew Diller, Fordham University’s Law School Dean.

Yet, America is a nation largely built by immigrants: Irish, Italians, French, Spaniards, Basques, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Mexicans, Middle Eastern, and many more, as well as by Blacks and Native Americans.

In the Holy Family Church in Artesia, the community consists of parishioners who speak Portuguese, Chinese, Tagalog, Spanish, and English. How does a pastor become familiar with significant movements of the spirit within folks of diverse backgrounds?

What were their universal feelings during this coronavirus pandemic when lockdowns were imposed to contain the surge, now at 246,507,000 new cases and 499,008,346 deaths worldwide and 747,425 deaths as of Halloween Eve 2021 in the United States?

How will a pastor sustain their spirits dampened by “othering,” the surge of coronavirus deaths, and the closing of indoor church worship?

Keep in mind the churches’ closing indoor worship was a de-

cision made by the civil authorities informed by the science of viral transmission and adopted voluntarily by the Catholic Bishops in Los Angeles, to protect lives.

How does one stay upbeat, optimistic, and hopeful?

I felt certain that the Holy Spirit was guiding me, when I searched from church to church, using Facebook: Quiapo, Washington, DC, Manila, Caloocan, Rome and Los Angeles, in search of masses. I prayed to find the church with the best homilist who would provide meaningful guidance, one who would journey with us in discernment, while we would listen to the best cantor, singing on pitch.

It was a lot to ask for, given the uncertainty of lockdowns, daily deaths in the thousands. Really, it was too much to just get out of bed. Rise and shine acquired a new meaning, is it to rise and shine to live, or to mourn another life lost?

Thousands attended mass, digitally I found the daily noon virtual mass at Holy Family in Artesia, where I came to appreciate the

Fr. John Cordero of Holy Family Church in Artesia, California

homilies given by Fr. John Cordero.

“Savor the life of the Lord the Lord gave us. We are being taught a longing for the Eucharist, not as a habit, but a belief that Jesus will give us life. He

is the Bread of Life. May the Lord’s life [be what] we all seek, [as] that will only [give] us true satisfaction in this unsatisfying world,” he said in his homily.

That day, May 4, 2020, Pope Francis held a memorial mass

Photo courtesy of Holy Family Church

for 100+ pastors who died, some, after blessing those afflicted with coronavirus; and 154+ doctors who died on the job in Italy.

In California, our Filipino nurses volunteered to care for

u PAGE A7

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 30 - NOvEmbER 6-9, 2021

Holy Family Church in Artesia’s priests and congregation during the memorial mass for Fr. Pius Pareja, who was beloved by all.

Photo courtesy of Holy Family Church

Fr. John Cordero: Truth, light and God’s...

PAGE A6 t the coronavirus patients. As a result, while they made up only 4% of nurses in US, but over 30% of those who died were Filipinos.

HFC-Artesia was formerly led by a pastoral Fr. Raymond Decipeda, endearingly referred to as “the super energized pastor.” From declining attendance, he invigorated Sunday masses to be packed, including the 7 p.m. mass. I walked in one late Sunday evening, years ago, surprised to see a full church and a very disciplined choir who sang on pitch and in harmony. His leadership inspired the community to care for others and helped renovate churches outside the diocese, damaged by disasters.

He inspired the youth to become more active, as much as their parents.

The good work of Fr. Decipeda, from 2010-2016, are continued now by Fr. John Ernesto Roxas Cordero, with assistance from Fr. Joachim Ablanida, Fr. Joshua Santos, Fr. Dominic Deniña and Fr. Luis Proenca, along with lay leaders in various ministries.

Fr. Cordero’s leadership is effective as he “can articulate the movements of his inner life,” while he clearly explains his varied experiences (walking around the block to do groceries, to prepare his meals, to pray, to meditate and to write), allowing more of us, his parishioners, to connect, while his homilies “removed the obstacles that prevent the spirit from entering.”

HFC-Artesia grew its virtual mass attendance to 13,000 in a week, while other churches struggled to retain the few or hundreds viewing their mass.

YouTube and Artesia’s radio TV station added more attendees to the masses.

Compare this to a local neighborhood church in Miracle Mile that shut down with a huge notice on its front door, “Only God knows when we reopen.” Each time I walked by to read its notice, my heart felt grateful to be able to attend HFC-Artesia’s noon masses, under 500 masses by now, able to pray for the healing of folks, peaceful and honest elections, drought to end, safe road trips, folks to find their desired jobs, and more often for coronavirus to lose its hosts, by having more folks vaccinated.

Listening to inspiring homilies from HFC-Artesia, the well chosen sacred songs, as well as Pope Francis’ homilies in celebrated masses in Casa Martha in Rome from March to May 2020, gave me a profound sense of hope, an emotional uplift that soon, this darkness will be taken over by light.

Truth, light and beyond The coronavirus felt like a war.

A war to stay alive. A war that spared no one. A war that kept us all apart. A family loses four out of six family members, just like that. Many died alone.

Bones Deoso, Jr., a nurse, periodically posted on Facebook that a colleague nurse was lost to coronavirus. He implored folks to get vaccinated. What touched me most was his singing Ave Maria to a dying patient, accompanying him to his journey home.

“In war, the first casualty is truth.” Bishop Marc Trudeau said. He shared the story of Paternoster Square in London, once the center of London’s publishing

trade that was bombed in “The Blitz” during WWII, destroying the book publishing square. After the fire, ignited by the bombing, what survived [in London] was stone etchings: ”The word of God remains in eternity.”

I conducted a one-on-one interview with Fr. John Cordero in the rectory. He invited me to join Fr. Dominic and him for a healthy lunch of fruits, vegetables and lean meats in August 2021.

“How do you stay fearless and upbeat Fr. John,” I asked.

“Because I am a Filipino, good

u PAGE A8

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11/6/21 CNS-3525021# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

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Robredo assures no substitution for her and running mate Pangilinan

by CARLA

GOMEZ Inquirer.net

When we filed our COCs (Certificate of Candidacy), we were determined to finish this,” she said BACOLOD CITY — Vice Presi- at a press conference in Bacolod dent Leni Robredo on Friday, City on Friday.

November 5 assured the people Under the law, if a candidate that there will be no substitution withdraws, dies, or is disqualithat will take place for her and fied by final judgment, political her running mate, Senator Fran- parties can field a substitute. cis Pangilinan, by November 15.

“The law on substitution has “For sure, (there will be) no been abused a lot, when it is for substitution that will take place. very specific purposes such as

death, disability or for one who has undergone severe suffering,” Robredo said.

She said substitution is a mockery of election laws which should be reviewed so as not to satisfy political ends.

“It is clear in the Constitution that it should be used only for very, very extraordinary circumstances,” she said.

Robredo denied that her camp had anything to do with the disqualification case filed by human rights advocates against presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who was convicted for tax evasion case 26 years ago.

“It does not make sense. If we wanted him disqualified, it should have been done during our battle for the vice presidency (in 2016),” she said.

“If the purpose of the disqualification is to remove him from this contest, it is not necessary.

We battled in 2016 and won without having to do that,” she added.

“I cannot comment further on that because there is a pending case, but they should not point to Vice President Leni Robredo (center) visits Bacolod City on Friday, Nov. 5. us because we do not fight like Inquirer.net photo by Carla Gomez that,” she said. ■

Duterte wants De Lima as ‘first witness’ before ICC

by ALEXIS

ROMERO Philstar.com

MANILA — President Duterte wants detained opposition Sen. Leila De Lima to be his “first witness” if an International Criminal Court (ICC) trial on the killings tied to his drug war commences.

Speaking during a meeting of a regional anti-insurgency task force in Palawan on Friday, November 5, Duterte insisted that the ICC has no jurisdiction over him because the Rome Statute, which created the tribunal, was not published in the government’s official publication.

“If you insist on prosecuting me before the ICC, to the locals, listen for your education: nothing will happen. You cannot bring me within the jurisdiction of your ICC because here in the Philippines, you have deprived me of my constitutional right that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty and property without due process of law,” Duterte said.

“What is the due process? The publication. Ngayon, manigas

kayo (drop dead),” he added.

While insisting that he won’t face “white judges,” Duterte said he is willing to go to the ICC “without necessarily submitting to its jurisdiction.”

“But I would love to go to where that Hague court is without necessarily submitting to its jurisdiction. I would like to give a speech there,” the President said.

“And worse comes to worse, if there is really a trial, then my first witness will be De Lima. She keeps on talking,” he added.

Duterte did not elaborate on the speech he wants to deliver before the ICC or why he wants De Lima to be his witness.

De Lima, a vocal critic of Duterte’s narcotics crackdown, is in jail on drug-related charges, including accepting money from convicted drug lords. The senator has denied involvement in the illegal drug trade and has accused the Duterte administration of “political persecution.”

Officials, however, maintained that the senator is in jail for violating drug laws, not because she

Sen. Leila De Lima

Inquirer.net file photo

is a member of the opposition.

An ICC pre-trial chamber has allowed a probe on Duterte’s drug war, saying there is “reasonable basis” to proceed with an investigation on the killings connected with his war on drugs.

According to the chamber, the crime against humanity of murder “appears to have been committed.” ■

WORKOUT. Michelle Cammile Jacinto, 24, sets the time and speed of the treadmill for her workout at a gym on Capt. Samano Road in Barangay 175, Camarin, Caloocan City on Friday, November 5. Fitness studios, gyms, and venues for individual non-contact exercise and sports are allowed to operate at a maximum of 50 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals from Nov. 5 to Nov. 21.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

Fr. John Cordero: Truth, light and God’s...

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or bad, I am used to tragedy. I was born in Manila where our house got flooded year after year. Then, our seminary roof flew over our heads during one typhoon. Resilience of the Filipinos is highlighted during this pandemic. For example, the lack of toilet paper is mitigated by using a tabo (plastic mini bucket),” he replied.

His father is Adelardo Cordero who comes from Rosario, Cavite.

He described him as idealistic, creative, a writer and a speaker.

His mother is Maria Loreto Roxas from Marilao, Bulacan. He described her as devout, practical and a grounded Catholic.

It is these stories that endear him to his parishioners, including an optimism that these challenges can be transcended.

“I am quite blessed. This pandemic has made us realize that we have a say in the landscape of our faith – not as mere subjects, but we have something to bring to the table of worship,” he continued.

He methodically increased modes of worship, rooftop masses were introduced around June and July 2020 and he waited for the best way to do it. Some folks objected, afraid that the priests might fall off the balcony. He listened, paused and devised ways to assuage concerns.

It evolved to garden services for confession, outdoor services for weddings, drive-in masses using FM car radios to listen, in-

cluding rooftop masses wherein the priest celebrating mass is seen by hundreds of parishioners, safely inside their cars, honking horns to signify amen as well as turning on headlights.

Hundreds of car headlights became an inspiring image that brought more hope, signifying hundreds of human beings, who are alive.

Fr. Cordero initiated systems of decision-making within his parish leadership council. “I am initially cautious and I avoid knee jerk responses. But, also I feel blessed that I am walking through the dark valley with friends.”

He sustained his engagement with his parishioners to critically discern the source of light: “Man cannot be separated from God, nor politics from morality…indeed all can contribute, by voting in elections for lawmakers and government officials, and in other ways as well, to the development of political solutions and legislative choices which, in their opinion, will benefit the common good.” (Source: Doctrine of the Faith, Sept. 14, 2020 broadcast).

Former Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido validated his effective leadership, saying “As a longtime parishioner of HFC-Artesia, I am grateful for the great leadership of Fr. John Cordero. He continues the servant leadership tradition of his fellow Filipino predecessors, as Pastor of our beloved community.”

Ann Ferraren-Tecson, a lector and a long-time parishioner,

shared the impact of his leadership in her Facebook post of May 13, 2020: “As negative comments and videos came through, a number of them unverified, I feel the comforting words of Fr. John Cordero, who continues to guide us beyond our daily mass.

Yes we do long to physically receive the body of Christ but you always remind us that Jesus is the bread of Life and we truly receive HIM spiritually. Thank you Fr. John as you always advised us to discern between the truth and the lies.”

Prayers sustaining leadership and parishioners Fr. Cordero worked hard for the parishioners, including holding weekly sessions, using Facebook, with parishioners; even while he did the pastoral duties of masses, communion, preparing homilies, writing, as well as leadership meetings by Zoom.

He shared that “we all draw spirituality from the same river of tradition, downstream from the Jesuits.”

Perhaps guided by his favorite St. Teresa of Avila’s: “Her [His] own answer is prayer – prayer when it seems impossible, prayer when others do everything to dissuade you and shake confidence in it, prayer when you are not sure whether you are being led

by God or by a devil, in a phase of prayer of quiet, a gifted state of prayer in which we experience God as the active one while we are more passive,” he prays u PAGE A10

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NO TO REDS. Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines and Liga Independencia Pilipinas stage a picket rally to urge the Commission on Elections anew to disqualify party-list groups Kabataan and Gabriela from joining next year’s elections in front of Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila on Friday, November 5. The groups earlier filed a petition before the poll body to cancel the registration of Kabataan party-list for allegedly luring the youth into the communist armed conflict.

PNA photo by Jess Escaros

No tax evasion vs Marcos – CA

by JOMAR

CANLAS ManilaTimes.net

A 1997 Court of Appeals (CA) ruling found no proof to pin down presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on tax evasion charges, but cited him for failure to file income tax (ITR) returns, which carries just a fine.

The Oct. 31, 1997 ruling of the court’s Special 3rd Division was penned by then Associate Justice Gloria Paras as the division’s chairman and concurred by Associate Justices Lourdes TayaoJaguros, the senior member, and Oswaldo Agcaoili, the junior member.

The ruling, a copy of which was obtained by The Manila Times from the CA, affirms that Marcos paid income taxes from 1982 to 1986.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio has claimed that the son of ousted President Ferdinand Marcos committed tax violations, grounds for his disqualification as a candidate.

On Tuesday, November 2, a group of political detainees, human rights and medical organizations petitioned the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to cancel Marcos’ certificate of candidacy (CoC) for president.

In the 57-page petition, the group claimed that Marcos, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard bearer, is not eligible to run for public office after the Quezon City Regional Trial Court convicted him in 1995 for tax evasion.

Marcos brought the case to the appellate court, which overturned the tax evasion conviction.

The Paras ruling said the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) did not issue a tax assessment against Marcos before he was charged in court, denying him the right to due process.

An assessment would have apprised him of any income tax liability and given him the chance to settle his dues, the ruling stated.

Based on the accounts from the ruling, the notices from the BIR were received by a caretaker of Marcos on Aug. 23, 1991 and Sept. 12, 1991. The cases were filed before the Quezon City court between Sept. 20, 1991 and Oct. 10, 1991, not enough time for Marcos to react to the notices and pay the deficiencies, the ruling noted.

Eight cases were filed against Marcos for failure to file income tax returns and not paying tax dues.

On July 27, 1995, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court convicted Marcos in all eight cases, sentenced him to seven years in prison and fined him P64,000.

The CA acquitted Marcos of the tax evasion charges but affirmed the guilty verdict on the failure to file income tax returns.

He was ordered to pay a fine of P32,000 for not filing ITRs for the period from 1982 to 1985.

Marcos appealed the case to the Supreme Court only to withdraw it later. He settled the fines on Oct. 31, 1997.

Several justices who talked to The Times said it was very clear that Marcos cannot be further prosecuted for tax evasion after

being acquitted by the CA because of the principle of res judicata.

One magistrate, who spoke on condition that the person is not identified, commented: “In view of the above circumstances, and considering that the appellant was then out of the country, a fact known to the appellee (BIR) and could not, therefore sufficiently react to the notices then sent to him, it was as if no opportunity had been given him to present his side of the case and to pay the tax liabilities before he was prosecuted.”

Another magistrate told the Times that Marcos cannot be disqualified since a penalty involving a fine does not carry the effects of moral turpitude.

On Thursday, November 4, an election law professor also doubted if the disqualification case against Marcos will prosper.

Alberto Agra from the Ateneo de Manila University said the petition “lacked a crucial component.”

One of the bases for barring someone from holding public office is if that person had been sentenced to more than 18 months or a crime involving moral turpitude, Agra said.

“Ang nangyari siya ay nahatulan pero ang kanyang parusa ay walang imprisonment (What happened was he was sentenced, but his punishment did not entail imprisonment),” he said.

In a statement on Thursday, Marcos’ camp said Agra’s position showed the “ill-natured intent of those pushing for his disqualification.”■

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PH DOH: Mandatory vaccination a last...

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a certain protection across the population. Para magawa natin yan, kailangan mahikayat pa natin lalo ang tao. Dito pumasok ang pag-uusap ukol sa mandatory vaccination (To do that, we need to convince more people.

This is where talks of mandatory vaccination comes in),” she said.

Earlier, the country’s vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. he was in favor of making COV-

ID-19 vaccinations mandatory.

“Yes, I’m in favor of that because ang higher interest natin (it is our higher interest), we are in a pandemic. Ang sabi ng [World Health Organization] we are not safe if everyone is not safe... kung lahat tayo vaccinated dun lang tayo magkakaroon ng complete safety and protection (We can only achieve complete safety and protected if all of us are vaccinated),” he told ANC’s Headstart.

“We need to inoculate or maybe mandate vaccination kasi talagang (because) we are at risk if we will not vaccinate everybody.

If we will have a sizable amount of 20 million roaming around, those anti-vaxxers roaming around, it will even threaten those vaccinated,” he added.

As of writing, there are a total of 2,697,986 confirmed COVID19 cases in the Philippines, with 44,085 fatalities and 2,716,524 recoveries. ■

Fr. John Cordero: Truth, light and God’s...

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for enlightenment before saying mass.

He emphasized that any growth seen in HFC-Artesia is the result and product of relationships – “people who have committed themselves to the Church, not from an idea imposed by faith. It is a family; it is a network of care, animating the ‘boots on the ground’, or the altar on the roof, staffers and volunteers literally working hard to keep up with sanitizing the church to be safer for others.

They are mobilizing themselves by the strength of their faith and credible relationships. We improve being together by doing things together.”

He added, “if you want them to be in a community, make sure you have a welcoming home that they all want to come home to.”

It is that welcoming attitude that Melissa Ramoso, mayor pro tem of Artesia observed: “I recently just met Father John Cordero in-person at the event,

but have corresponded previously. He struck me as kind and understanding. He is willing to work on issues and collaborate for the greater good. It is important for a leader in the Catholic Church to embody this. He welcomed many visiting priests, our regional bishop and parishioners to Artesia with open arms. He made many (including myself) feel at home.”

Home is a recurring theme in his homily, including homemade goods.

In another homily, he said: “Trade your gifts. Don’t hoard them. Trade is not forcefully selling. It is a spirit of engaging with another to grow your faith. Make our faith grow — engage in lively, peaceful, and respectful dialogue, allowing our faith to grow, we are not in the business of making jams and pickles.” Some fellow priests of his congregation wanted him to write a book but realizing the need for more academic weight, he took further studies, a doctorate at Fordham

Parishioners attend a seminar called “A Treasured Presence” based on a booklet by USCCB to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the presence of Christianity in the Philippines.

Photo courtesy of Holy Family Church

University.

The greatest gift of this pandemic is that: “The preaching event itself …is a living, breathing, flesh-and-blood expression of the theology of the Holy Spirit,” James Forbes’ Yale lectures in 1986 as cited in a foreword of Overshadowed Preacher by Jerusha Matsen Neal.

As earth pilgrims, we instinctively seek clarity. “Go to the light,” a friend said. Just as in a Camino journey, we carry on our backpacks, our provisions, our baon. In today’s current pandemic our baon consists of guidance from above, a critical ability to discern truth from lies, an inner capacity to find facts, based on science-based information, and most especially, guidance from God’s word, through holy pastors, prayers, bible studies, including being part of a faithbased community, conscious and aware of contributing to the highest common good. *** 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. *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 13 years. She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the US, in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.

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Saturday, NOvember 6, 2021

LifestyLe Consumer Guide Community marketpLaCe

Why is my case taking so long at USCIS? Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ IT can be extremely frustrating about how long USCIS takes to process petitions, extensions, work authorizations, adjustment of status, and applications. For example, at the California service Center: • It can take up to 32 months for USCIS to process an “immediate relative” (IR) petition by a U.S. citizen of their spouse, parent, or minor child.

• It can take up to 72 months for USCIS to process a petition for unmarried son or daughter over 21 years of age (F2B), • And 139 months to process a petition for a married child (F3).

That’s almost 11 years, just to get the petition approved.

• Employment based petitions at some Service Centers can take up to a year.

• Some non-immigrant change of status applications can take almost 2 years to process. For example, if person wants to change to student status, the California Service Center could take between 15 to 20 months.

Good luck if you’re changing from visitor to student.

What’s going on? Why is it taking so long? What can be done by petitioners, beneficiaries, and applicants who are eligible for various immigration benefits, but

it is taking so long to get USCIS to approve their case?

The American Immigration Lawyers Association, or AILA, put out a flyer explaining some of the problems or issues that are going on. For example, in 2014, an average case took about five months to process. But in 2020 the average processing time was at least nine months. Those delays can have a severe impact on businesses, families being separated, and jeopardize lives.

Employment based cases, naturalization, travel documents or advance parole, and employment authorizations are also experiencing delays.

Between 2017 and 2019 USCIS’s processing times for all petitions and application forms increased by 37%. And what is more frustrating is that even though there is a dramatic increase in processing times, USCIS experienced at least a 10% drop in cases they received between 2017 and 2019. In other words, even though fewer cases were being filed, the processing times increased.

Also, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to these delays.

This was caused by inefficient processing, understaffing, and various changes in policy due to COVID-19.

Also, during the Trump Administration, USCIS created many new policies designed to actually restrict or delay cases.

For example, USCIS was denying cases if any spaces were left blank. Also, when considering an extension, let’s say of H-1B visa, USCIS officers were required to

conduct an in-depth review of the previous approval, rather than accepting the original approval as being done correctly.

Some immigration benefits, such as work authorizations, require the person to be fingerprinted.

But the fingerprinting facilities were closed during the pandemic.

USCIS also closed its offices in March 2020 for several months for interviews and biometrics, creating an additional backlog.

Now, with offices reopening, and officers coming back to work, we hope that USCIS can reduce the backlog and cut down on processing times.

In some very rare cases, a person may be eligible for expedited processing, but that is very rare. Meanwhile, here are tips you can do that can help speed up your case: • File your application as soon as possible, versus waiting until the last minute or when your status is about to expire.

Many applications, renewals, or extensions can be submitted up to 180 days before expiration.

• Make sure all your forms are filled out correctly, are complete, and the required evidence and documents are submitted. This could cut down on USCIS having to serve requests for evidence.

• Monitor your case and processing times, to see if your case is actually outside or past the posted processing time.

If it is, it is possible to make inquiries or follow-ups with USCIS. Ordinarily, you cannot make follow-ups or inquiries if

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 an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday, November 7 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

the case is still within the posted processing times.

• Notify USCIS of any changes in circumstances, especially any change of address. You don’t want USCIS mailing a request for evidence to your old address and you never receive it, which could result in the case being denied because of “abandonment.”

I know the Biden administration campaigned on a platform of being pro-immigration, and vowed to change USCIS’s harsh approach taken during the Trump administration. But these delays are causing damage, suffering, and separation for so many people.

I know what I’ve said is not

good news or encouraging, but I will continue posting articles, as well as videos on my You Tube channel, US Immigration TV, which I hope you will find informative and helpful. So, please make sure to like, share, and subscribe to my channel. *** 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 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, YouTube: US Immigration TV and Instagram.com/gurfinkellaw 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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Carla, Tom ready for a baby

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

Newlyweds Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez

Photo from Instagram/@carlaangeline

KAPUSO newlywed couple Carla Abellana and Tom rodriguez revealed that they are now ready to be parents. in a recent “24 Oras” report, the couple said they will travel abroad next year after their projects “To have and To hold” and “The World Between Us.” “We honestly don’t want to delay anymore. Isa rin ’yun of course sa reasons talaga kung bakit gusto na rin naming magpakasal,” Carla said.

The couple also said that they are happy now that they are married even if there is still a pandemic.

“We’re happy that we’re finally married, may blessing na kami formally,” Carla said.

“Hindi wedding ’yung end goal, hindi ’yun ’yung finish line. it’s actually the start of another race. Sabi ko nga, i’ve been looking forward to the marriage, not the wedding,” Tom added.

Tom and Carla tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony in San Juan, Batangas last October 25. n

Loisa turns emotional for hardship as unemployed breadwinner

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMilYA actress loisa Andalio turned emotional upon opening up on her hardship as breadwinner during this pandemic. in an episode of ABS-CBn’s “Magandang Buhay” recently, loisa said the pandemic is challenging for her because she has no work.

“Pinaka-challenge talaga ‘yung walang work. Bilang breadwinner, ‘di ba, mahirap? Ikaw ‘yung inaasahan ng family mo. Ikaw ‘yung may pinaka-okay na trabaho n’un tapos biglang nawala,” loisa said.

She, however, remained optimistic.

“Sobrang hirap pero lagi

kong sinasabi na, ‘Okay lang yan. Malalampasan natin ito.’

Kumbaga, pagsubok lang din talaga ‘to e. Palaging dumadaan ‘yung ganitong nangyayari sa mundo. Kailangan mo lang din magtiwala. At saka itong quarantine din nagpalapit sa atin sa Diyos. Kasi, ‘yun na lang talaga pinanghahawakan mo,” she said. despite these, loisa said she didn’t show her hardship to her family.

“Ayaw namin sila matakot.

‘Di din namin pinapakita (‘yung nararamdaman namin),” she tearfully explained.

“Mas pinapakita ko sa family ko na ‘wala ito. Okay lang ‘to.

Okay lang wala akong trabaho, ‘wag niyong isipin.’ Pero, deep inside siyempre, hindi okay.” n

Loisa Andalio Photo from Instagram/@iamandalioloisa

Andrea’s true measure of success

By Boy

aBunda Philstar.com

AndreA Brillantes has bloomed into a beautiful and selfassured young woman. At 18, she has starred in top-rating series like Huwag Kang Mangamba and Kadenang Ginto. She was candid during our conversation in The interviewer Presents of Batalk Channel (Boy Abunda Talk Channel) on YouTube.

Andrea recently tested positive for COVid-19 but she is now doing well. Andrea revealed that it was difficult mentally because she has insomnia and anxiety. “Sa araw, sobrang kaya ko naman. i just read books. it’s

difficult at night because i have insomnia. i could not sleep.

Takot po akong mag-isa kasi lapitin ako ng multo.”

Blythe (Andrea’s real name) has already sought professional help to treat her insomnia. her family was worried about her being alone but the young actress said it was only in isolation that she was able to have her own quiet time.

Some netizens misunderstood her when she recently talked about newcomers in showbiz.

Andrea pointed out that it was her mindset when she was in her early teens and that it was taken out of context. “i was surprised because i

received a lot of bad criticisms,” said she. “First of all, it was normal for me. it was a normal pain for me and other artists as well. Kaya ko iyon nasasabi kasi ang dami kong nakakakwentuhan. They can relate but i’m not saying that just to justify my statement. i don’t understand because i didn’t say that newcomers do not deserve success. i didn’t invalidate their success, talent, and craft. All i said was masakit siya para sa akin kasi masakit naman talaga, na ang tagal tagal kong naghihintay and i was not getting there. But of course, that’s a thing of my past now.”

Meanwhile, her loveteam with Seth Fedelin is one of the hottest showbiz pairings today. The loveteam, fondly called Sethdrea, will topbill the upcoming series Saying Goodbye. Andrea has nothing but praises for Seth. “Nalabas niya iyong Blythe. Nalabas niya iyong ugali ko when i was not yet an artist that somehow i have forgotten. Nabalik niya iyong dating ako.” here are excerpts from the interview: What else are you discovering about yourself? “it’s mind over matter. i realized that i must never think about my fears. Kapag di ako makatulog, lagi ko lang iniiisip na, ‘no one’s gonna hurt you, Blythe.’ i’m the only one who’s thinking that someone will harm me. if i don’t think, for example, about someone entering the door or there’s a ghost, it doesn’t exist. it only exists when i think about it too much.”

If Seth courts you, will you say yes to him?

“Kung sasagutin ko man po siguro after five years pa po kami aamin. i can’t answer that yet.”

At this point, you have no label but you’re the closest friends, will you allow Seth to court other girls?

“Ayaw ko kasi ang commitment, dapat talagang commitment iyan. You can’t commit to two people. Dapat sa isa lang.”

So you have committed to each other.

“May usapan na. May usapan kami na magtutulungan kami parehas. We both have goals.

Parehas kami na gusto namin na sana kasama ang isa’t isa na marating iyong goal namin.”

What do you think is the true measure of success?

“When you are already contented. Pangarap ko lang magkaroon ng bahay and for me, it’s a success. i’m still longing for PAGE B6

Readers across the country rank Pechanga Resort Casino Best in the West outside of Las Vegas National readers’ poll asked which casino fans liked best outside of Vegas, and which was the best national casino hotel PeChAnGA resort Casino was just named the West’s Best Casino Outside of las Vegas, and Best Casino hotel by the readers of USA Today’s national 10Best poll. Pechanga resort Casino was the only California resort/casino in California to be nominated in both categories.

Votes for Pechanga resort Casino came pouring in from people throughout the United States.

Fans of Pechanga from California and elsewhere told Pechanga staffers they voted for the Temecula resort/casino in the national poll. USA Today’s 10Best asked voters to cast their ballots for their favorite casinos starting in mid-September. Voting ended Monday, October 11.

The final standing in the Best Casino Outside of las Vegas category came in with an east Coast casino/resort in first place and Pechanga in the number two spot. Three east Coast casino/resorts placed ahead of Pechanga resort Casino in the Best Casino hotel category. “it is a true honor to be voted the best in the west,” said Andrew Masiel, Sr., President of the Pechanga development Corporation.

“Being named the best comes because of the hard work and dedication our team members demonstrate and we are grateful for each and every one of them. We all work very hard to give our guests an unparalleled resort experience where they’ll receive personalized service from our friendly team members, so it brings a lot of pride to our entire team to be recognized by readers in these polls.”

Pechanga resort Casino has been nominated in USA Today’s 10Best national polls every year since their inception in 2015. The Temecula, California resort/casino has earned a spot in the 10 top in each category every year, and was voted the #1 casino in the U.S. in 2015.

Visitors often remark to Pechanga staff that they are surprised at the magnitude of the resort’s size, luxury, cleanliness, amenity variety and genuine friendliness of its team members. They also point out that Pechanga is the only one in California with as many on-site amenities as they have, including a championship 18-hole golf course, 25,000-sqaure foot luxury spa, 1,100 hotel

rooms and suite, a pool complex larger than the size of four football fields, entertainment, an array of restaurants and bars, and aroundthe-clock casino excitement.

Those attributes also helped Pechanga secure three other top regional ratings in recent weeks. readers of the Press-enterprise, Orange County register and los Angeles Times all named Pechanga as the Best Casino in Southern California for 2021.

Pechanga resort Casino features a fullservice resort/casino complete with 1,100 hotel rooms and suites; a 200,000 square foot casino floor; 4.5-acre pool complex; on-site championship golf course; 12 restaurants; exciting entertainment; luxury spa; 275,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space and more with 24/7 excitement.

Pechanga resort Casino is known as a fun getaway from los Angeles, Orange County, San diego and beyond, and is just minutes from the Temecula Valley Wine Country. The Pechanga Tribe is known throughout California for giving back to the community. in addition to the getaway the resort/casino offers, Pechanga’s leadership holds the health and safety of its guests and team members as the number one priority. its Pechanga Cares pledge continues, and more information can be found at Pechanga.com.

Pechanga resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. rated a Four diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 5,000 of the hottest slots, table games, worldclass entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of luiseño indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com.

Follow Pechanga resort Casino on Facebook, instagram and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.

(Advertising Supplement)

Ways to keep your child safe from COVID-19 Children 5 Years and older now eligible for vaccine

Children and teens are catching and spreading COVid-19 at an increasingly high rate. even if your child or teen has not yet contracted COVid-19, they are at risk, especially with the low number of vaccinated residents in certain states and the fact that children make up one out of five new COVid-19 cases nationwide.

Children and teens in particular are back in school, seeing friends, and doing activities such as music lessons and sports—which means the chances of them bringing COVid-19 home to you and the elders in your family are greater than they have been since the start of the pandemic. if you want to worry less when your child gives grandma a hug or goes to visit auntie, here are some steps you can take to protect them and your entire family.

Get your child vaccinated now The best way to protect your child from COVid-19 and all the potential complications — including spreading the disease to loved ones at home — is to

get them vaccinated as soon as they are eligible. The COVid-19 vaccine is free, widely available, and highly effective in preventing hospitalization and death from COVid-19. like most vaccines, some minor side effects may occur, such as a sore arm or slight fatigue, but the symptoms and long-term impact of contracting COVid-19 are much more serious. Ultimately, it is much safer for children and teens to get a COVid-19 vaccine than getting the disease itself, and being vaccinated reduces the risk of spreading the disease.

Practice prevention if your child is not eligible to be vaccinated, you can still keep them safe from COVid-19 by practicing recommended prevention methods such as physical distancing when possible and continuing to wear a mask, especially in crowds or while indoors. even people who have been vaccinated should wear a mask in crowds and public indoor places. Most children can safely and effectively wear face masks, so it’s important to remind them that

it keeps them and other people safe, and to set an example by wearing a mask too.

Encourage adults in your child’s life to get vaccinated ensuring that those who spend time around your child are vaccinated helps keep an unvaccinated child from getting sick or spreading COVid-19 to other vulnerable people. Talk to the adults in your child’s life— grandparents, friends’ parents, and teachers—about getting vaccinated to protect themselves and your child.

Children and teens are just as susceptible to COVid-19 as adults, and they can spread the virus to others who are at even greater risk, such as the elders in your family. A growing number of children and teens have been hospitalized with COVid-19. Getting all eligible children and teens vaccinated and following simple prevention measures will protect them, your families, and friends, and get us one step closer to getting this pandemic under control.

For more information and to find a vaccine, visit www.vaccines.gov. n

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SFIO: A new age company addressing the ‘new normal’ needs THE COVID-19 pandemic has turned out to be one of major events that we all have witnessed together. Everyone had different approaches to deal with the crisis which led to the situation of lockdown. And then the process of vaccination was initiated along with several new norms of social distancing and remote working to counter the crisis.

The majority of industries went under deep distress on how to handle the pandemic. Thus, there was a beginning of new normal where the business had to adapt to changes such as remote working and rapid digitalization.

Alongside, companies had to face a challenging situation to establish a new model of managing remote working. This was the same time when several companies began restructuring and remobilizing the business.

As a market leader, SFIO saw the opportunity to restructure its business model to suit the new behaviors and needs of its loyal customers in the market.

Expressing his views, Jeths De Jesus Lacson, Chairman and CEO of SFIO says, “We are introducing new models that are suitable for the new normal and may disrupt the traditional way of doing business.”

Identifying Capabilities Incepted in 2021, SFIO is in the progress of renaming to Starfleet Innotech, Inc. The story of SFIO began with its

pilot project, the Epiphany Cafe brand. Epiphany Cafe brand is a franchise business in New Zealand which the founders started from scratch. The founders of Epiphany Cafe are the same founders of SFIO. The leadership has identified capabilities that will enable Epiphany Cafe to be successful in the global market. This has helped them to integrate into the Epiphany Cafe model through the strategic acquisitions of the partner companies within SFIO. The mission of Epiphany Cafe in providing diverse opportunities to people has carried on in SFIO. The experience at Epiphany Café helped the founders to lay a stronger foundation at SFIO. It assisted the company to innovate and understand the demands of today’s customers. To sustain in this challenging environment, it is important to constantly evolve with the demands of the market. The Technology and Software division of SFIO works closely with the Franchise and Food Manufacturing divisions as it develops business solution applications focused on Small and Medium-Sized (SME’s) businesses which will make the business operations seamless through the use of AI technology and Data Analytics.

SMART-FREEZE Technology The inclusion of advanced technology allows the food manufacturing division of SFIO

to develop the SMART FREEZE Technology. It enables the product to be frozen for up to 3-6 months. Once thawed within an hour at an ambient temperature, the products like donuts are with ‘fresh like quality in terms of appearance, texture, and taste.’

This tech addresses the end-ofday wastage on-site and could eliminate the “limiting” factor to expand a brand in a given region or country. A central commissary can meet the demand of the entire region or country.

SMART-FREEZE has enabled the traditional franchise business to become a diversified model where micro-business concepts can be integrated into. Business operations in these companies are on-site to make the products are no longer required. The fourcore product model (Donuts, Coffee, Cakes, Bread) of Epiphany Cafe provides a value proposition not only to the business partners such as franchisees but also to customers who are looking for premium quality products in one store.

Identifying and analyzing the gaps The nature of the business environment is such that no one can avoid challenging situations, especially with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, a franchise start-up business has to encounter other challenges which include maintaining a good profit for its business partners (i.e., Franchisees) without compromising on the product quality and branding. A franchise business is affected by several key aspects such as branding, product quality, and profitability which makes it successful to expand a brand on a global level.

SFIO has experience from its Epiphany Café business which helped the company to identify the root causes and develop the necessary technology. Moreover, the company has updated its business models to suit the needs of the customers and ensure the stability of the business. SFIO understands the importance of staying in the business for the long run. To maintain its success in the coming years, the company has been studying detailed industry and market analysis.

This has helped to identify and analyze the gap where it needs to be the focus.

“We have considered the customer behaviors 10 years ago

and predicted their behaviors in the next 10 years. This has provided insights as to how we should structure and position our business,” says Jeths.

A leader with a positive mindset Since the beginning of his career, Jeths has been an influential leader with ample years of experience backing his leadership skills. He is also the co-founder of Epiphany Cafe, Ardent Bakers, Gorgeous Coffee, and A+ Electrical. Furthermore, he is a Chartered Professional Electrical Engineer and a Certified Asset Management Assessor with over 15 years of professional experience in different industries. His expertise is in Asset Management and Business Development.

While expressing his views on how important a leader’s mindset is on the success of the company, he states, “Absolutely!

While leaders only represent the entire organization, leadership influences culture, culture drives behaviors within the organization which yields results. Leaders provide the direction where the company is heading and at the same time, paint the vision

in such a way that everyone will be on board. Ultimately, leaders need to ‘build leaders’ within the organization as part of the succession plan to ensure stability and ‘consistency of culture’.”

Empowering small and medium enterprises As aforementioned, COVID-19 has definitely changed the market landscape and behaviors of the customers in the majority of the industries. Jeths and his team at SFIO have structured and positioned their businesses within the company to address the current challenges and needs. In the retail industry including Food and Beverage, the key focus is empowering small and medium enterprises. Hence, its business models are upgraded to enable SMEs through its diversified and multi-layered business model which will bring in the “Shared ownership model” into these types of businesses.

“One key area in the business that COVID has taught us so far is in terms of collaboration even with our competitors. In the past, this was seen as ‘threats’ to a business not until COVID happened where businesses

have worked or collaborated together not only to survive but more importantly to adapt to the new playing field in the market,” says Jeths.

A very detailed roadmap for the future With a positive outlook and under strong leadership, the company is optimistic about the coming years. SFIO is introducing a disruptive innovation in the market where it can do a hypergrowth expansion enabled by its SMART FREEZE Technology and the diversified business model. Utilizing the shared-ownership model, the company has also a very detailed roadmap in line with its strategic global expansion in Australia, Asia, and the U.S. in the next 3 to 5 years. The key to this is ‘speed’ with high ‘precision’ in terms of project execution of the detailed plan. SFIO will be launching its global fundraising and marketing campaign from August 2021.

Jeths encourages everyone to consider becoming part of SFIO by way of investing in SFIO through its authorized brokers or becoming one of its business partners in the businesses.

(Advertising Supplement)

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Tax Tips ViCtor sy, MBA, CPA (retired) W H AT a r e i t e m i z e d deductions? itemized deductions are expenses that can be deducted f ro m y o u r A d j u s t e d g ro s s income (Agi) to reduce your taxable income. Such deductions permit you to pay less in taxes than if you take the standard deduction. Allowable itemized deductions include property taxes, mortgage interest, and charitable gifts. in summary: • An itemized deduction is an expense that can be subtracted from your adjusted gross income (Agi) to reduce your tax bill.

Itemized deductions Granting employees intermittent Biden tax plan series • Use Schedule A of Form 1040 to list your itemized deductions.

Current tax law • Taxpayers who itemize deductions can claim a maximum of $10,000 for state and local income or sales taxes and property taxes paid.

• This negatively impacts taxpayers with high property taxes and state income taxes.

Proposed tax changes • The $10,000 limit on state and local taxes would be eliminated under current proposals.

• You’ll be able to utilize itemized deductions in full. This is good. one of the few under the current administration.

• But there are proposals to limit deductions for those in higher income tax brackets.

• One such proposal would limit itemized deductions for taxpayers earning more than $400,000. *** 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.

What is a 100% plan in Chapter 13? cLiEnTS are husband and wife in their fifties. Their combined household income is a gross of $140,000 annually. They own a house with equity of $300,000 in LA. They have no dependents.

At this point, i don’t see much of a financial problem because they’re grossing almost $12,000 a month. Even with a mortgage payment of $3,200 monthly, there should be more than enough disposable income at the end of each month. Even with two car payments totaling $900, they should still be able to save some money every month.

But they tell me that they have about $25,000 of credit card debt on which they try to pay $1,000 a month but try as they would, for the last three years, they can’t bring the principal down. After paying $36,000 of interest from 2019 up to now, they still owe the same $25,000.

Under the means test, clients will not qualify for chapter 7.

They will qualify for chapter 13.

Applying the liquidation analysis, they can actually propose a low plan payment, but they are way over the median income in LA for a family of two. consequently, in chapter 13, they will have to propose a 100% plan. What does this mean? This means that the $25,000 of credit cards they owe must be paid in full (meaning the principal of $25,000) without interest over a period of 60 months in equal monthly payments. This is about $450 a month for 60 months or five years. if clients timely pay all plan payments, then after 60 months has transpired, the court will enter a discharge order. That means that clients will no longer owe anything on the $25,000 of credit cards. Those are legally deemed fully paid. How does that work out in real life?

How the discharge order works Well, let’s say that they owed American Express $5,000 when they filed their chapter 13 case.

After the court enters the discharge order, AMEX files a lawsuit to collect the unpaid interest of five years while they were in chapter 13. That lawsuit is illegal because it contravenes the discharge order of the bankruptcy court, a Federal court. The AMEX lawsuit will be dismissed because it violates the discharge order and AMEX can be sanctioned by the Federal court in an amount in the court’s discretion. The bankruptcy court may penalize AMEX say $50,000 for filing the lawsuit to collect interest from clients because AMEX is in contempt of the court’s discharge order.

After applying the means test to clients’ circumstances, they have at least $1,500 a month of disposable income. Therefore, it is

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Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrenCe yAng indisputable that clients will have to propose a 100% plan in their chapter 13 case. i am aware that after having represented thousands of clients in bankruptcy cases clients always have what i call “the fear factor” in doing a bankruptcy.

They get nervous. “is this the correct path for me?”

From something bad comes something good. God is in control Don’t worry god has a good plan for you, even if something very bad has happened to you. god can and does use something done by the evil one to you to bring about something very good for you and other people. What does this mean? in genesis 50:20, the brothers of Joseph throw him into a well and sell him into slavery because they are jealous of him, being their father’s favorite. Their father is Jacob who is the grandson of Abraham, the father of the israelites. Joseph is 17 years old when he is sold into slavery. He is brought to Egypt as a slave, but in Egypt, he is falsely accused of rape and is imprisoned for 13 years. clearly, the evil one has done a number on Joseph. But god gave Joseph the gift of interpreting dreams. The big boss in Egypt, the pharaoh keeps on dreaming about 7 fat cows, which are eaten by 7 thin cows. He’s going nuts trying to understand what this means. So he puts up a show, Egypt’s got talent, to see if anyone can interpret his dream. no one is able to give him the right answer. Finally, the chief butler of the pharaoh tells him that there’s this guy in prison who can interpret dreams, Joseph. The pharaoh summons Joseph to his palace.

Joseph tells the pharaoh that there will be seven years of extreme abundance followed by seven years of extreme famine.

Then Joseph proposes to pharaoh that during the years of abundance the extra produce must all be stored in huge barns so that the stored produce will be used to feed the people during the seven years of famine.

The pharaoh appointed Joseph as the cEo of Egypt who was in charge of the storing and distribution of produce. During the years of famine, the brothers of Joseph go to Egypt to get their ration of food because there’s no food anywhere. Joseph forgives his brothers and takes care of them.

So there you are, from something evil done to him, Joseph is elevated to become the cEo of Egypt and he is able to save the lives of many people including his brothers who sold him into slavery!

This is why genesis talks about god’s plan for us, that He can turn something evil meant to harm us instigated by the evil one, into something good for us that helps not only us by many people. “As for you, you meant evil against me, god meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to keep many people alive.” genesis 50:20 god is truly awesome and all-powerful!

Despite all your problems, you can rest assured that our god’s plans are to prosper you and not to harm you. “For i know the plans i have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” Jeremiah 29:11.

What can be clearer than this is that god loved so that He sent His only beloved Son, Jesus christ, who also loved us so, to die for us, to give us a chance to spend eternity with them in heaven. What an awesome and glorious plan for us underserving humans!” our god can and does wonders beyond our imagination. When you think all is lost, divine intervention springs out of nowhere to resolve your problems. “Do not call to mind the former things, or consider things of the past. Behold, i am going to do something new, now it will spring up; will you not be aware of it? i will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert,” isaiah 43:18-19.

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 attorney-client 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.

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leave is reasonable accommodation

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe sAyAs, Jr. Q: I HAVE a heart condition that has become worse recently. I need to see my doctor periodically or when I feel dizzy or short of breath. This means I need to request a half-day off every now and then to see my doctor. I am afraid to tell my boss because I may get fired.

What do I do?

A: inform your employer that you need reasonable accommodation in order to take intermittent leave for medical reasons.

FEHA prohibits discrimination based on disability or medical condition. Therefore, an employer may not terminate an employee based on the employee’s disability or medical condition.

An employee who has a disability should notify the employer of his or her condition in order to obtain accommodation. reasonable accommodation includes assistance that the employer extends to the employee, in order to enable the latter to do his or her job despite the disability. Even if the medical condition does not limit any major life activities (i.e., there is no disability), the employee is still entitled to reasonable accommodation. This means allowing the employee to be absent from work for medical treatments or doctor appointments.

The employee is still required to comply with the employer’s

attendance policies. Thus, the employer may require the employee to provide a doctor’s note covering time away from work for illness or injury. However, the employer cannot use the employee’s medically sanctioned absences against him or her by demoting or firing the employee. consider the following case out of San Diego: Angela Hernandez worked as a sales and service rep in one of AT&T california inc.’s call centers in San Diego. Hernandez suffered from migraines and vertigo, which made her miss time from work and for which she took intermittent leave. out of a maximum of 480 hours of leave per year allowed, Hernandez took anywhere from 366 hours to 480 hours of intermittent leave from 2006 to 2011. AT&T granted every one of Hernandez’s requests for leave. in September 2011, Hernandez took an extended leave of absence because of a vertigo flareup, and she eventually exhausted her leave. Because of this, the employer placed her on a nonjobprotected leave.

When Hernandez returned from her leave in January 2012, she was written up for performance and attendance-related issues. She was finally fired for failure to follow “service rep standards.”

Hernandez sued the employer, alleging that she was the victim of a widespread practice by AT&T management of targeting employees who were on FMLA. Hernandez alleged that the employer illegally disciplined employees

who had medical issues, or who took FMLA leave. During trial, Hernandez showed the jury an email from a manager, instructing her team to identify the “problem children” – those who used up their FMLA in a year, and to essentially terminate these employees.

Hernandez claimed that the discipline she received, the bad performance reviews she was given, and her termination were really because of the amount of FMLA time she took.

The employer denied Hernandez’s claim saying that she was fired for business reasons such as her bad performance and refusal to follow procedures. The employer also accused Hernandez of abusing the leave process.

After trial, the jury issued a verdict in favor of the employee on all claims, awarding her $527,884 in future economic damages, $500,000 in past emotional distress, and $1 million in future emotional distress, for a total jury verdict award of $2,027,884. *** 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.]

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Can a divorcing couple agree to pay for their adult children’s college expenses in their divorce judgment?

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes Divorcing couples with children sometimes worry about who is going to pay for their children’s college education after the divorce once their children graduates high school.

They want a guarantee that their soon to be ex-spouse will share in the college expenses of their children. This is specially the case when the other spouse has moved on with a new family.

The old family becomes less of a priority. in california, there is no legal basis for a spouse to request the family court to order the other spouse to pay for their adult children’s college expenses.

However, the divorcing couple can agree to pay for their adult children’s college education as part of a marital settlement agreement. Family code section 3587; in re Marriage of rosenfeld and gross, 225 cal. App. 4th 478 (2014). Pursuant to statute and court cases, college expense payment provision in a stipulated marital settlement agreement, as incorporated into a court’s judgment, constitutes adult child support such that

court had jurisdiction to modify the provision in light of the settlement’s failure to specifically provide that adult child support was not subject to modification. in re Marriage of rosenfeld and gross, 225 cal. App. 4th at 488 (2014). Providing for payment of adult children’s college expenses is recognized more of an “add on” to adult child support.

Family code 4062(b)(1).

However, the parties may “opt out” or restrict the court’s jurisdiction to modify an adult child support order (including college expenses) but the parties must expressly and specifically state in their marital settlement agreement that any resulting adult child support order will not be subject to modification or termination by the court because the adult child support order is rooted in the parent’s contractual agreement. cal. Family code Section 3587, 3651(a).

So if you are concerned about your spouse sharing for the college tuition and expenses of your children after the divorce, you should negotiate a provision in your marital agreement that both of you will share on the college tuition and expenses of your children. in doing so, you should also think about whether you want this provision to be non-modifiable or not. in the absence of a specific provision limiting adult child support as non-modifiable and non-terminable, the default is that child

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support is modifiable. Sometimes, leaving the adult child support provision as modifiable protects the spouses from unforeseen future events such as a disability or retirement which limits the earning capacity of a spouse and ability to comply with the adult child support provision in the MSA. *** 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 Board 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) 3881611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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Dominic on working under Schedule your child’s dental visit today lock-in and far away from family By alex

BroSaS Inquirer.net

IF there is one person Dominic Ochoa is extremely grateful for, it is his wife Denise GoOchoa who took care of their son Sandro while he was in a lock-in taping for the TV series “Huwag Kang Mangamba.”

“Siyempre, sa bagong sistema ng trabaho natin ngayon, 20-plus days ka or almost three weeks na wala sa bahay, ang tawag nga namin sa isa’t isa ay para kaming mga OFW, bumabalik kami after a month to our family,” Ochoa said during the Oct. 25 online press conference for the said show’s upcoming fi-

nale.

(Of course, in our new system of work now, you’re out of the house for 20-plus days or three weeks; we call each other OFWs, we return to our families after a month.)

Ochoa says it all depends on their health if they can immediately come back to their family.

“Depende ‘yon. Kung walang casualty, makakayakap ka agad pag-uwi mo. Pero kapag may casualty, eh, meron ka pang panahon para mag-isolate pa ng mga katorse araw so napakahirap,” he said.

(It depends. If there is no casualty, you can hug them immediately when you return home.

But if there’s a casualty, you have time to isolate for fourteen days, so it’s hard.)

This is why Ochoa thanks his wife for taking care of their son while he’s out for work.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa aking maybahay na nagtitiyaga sa aking mabait na anak,” he said. (I thank my wife who works hard on taking care of our child.)

More than being thankful to his wife, the actor is also grateful to his coworkers.

“Nagpapasalamat din ako actually sa aking mga coworkers, mga cast members… dahil meron din silang parte sa pagpapalaki ng anak ko. Napagsasabihan ko sila sa mga sitwasyon ko at naia-apply naming ‘yun while I am out of town or out of the house,” he said.

(I also actually thank my coworkers, fellow cast members… because they also played a part in raising my child. I am able to tell them about my situation and I apply [their feedback] while I am out of town or out of the house.) n

Dominic Ochoa Photo from Instagram/@domochoa

NOW that school is back in session and the holiday season is approaching, it’s time to schedule your child’s dental visit before the year ends and make sure you use your family’s yearly dental benefit. Remember that children and teens under 21 years old are able to have dental exams, teeth cleanings and fluoride varnish every six months. During the pandemic, many young people missed out on their regular dental checkups. Dental offices are safe, with COVID-19 rules in place for patient care.

It is important for children and teens to get back to seeing a dentist every six-months. Regular dental visits and practicing good dental care helps with good dental health into adulthood. One of the most effective ways to protect children and teens back teeth from decay is with sealants. “Dental sealants are thin coatings that when painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) can prevent cavities for many years,” according to the Centers for Disease Control. “School-age children (ages 6-11) without sealants have almost three times more first molar cavities than those with sealants.“ Dental sealants are part of your child’s Medi-Cal benefit. So call your dentist now for a dental visit.

To find a dentist near you, visit SmileCalifornia. org or call 1-800-322-6384 for more information or help.

Dental care is health care. By making important checkup and cleaning visits now—including sealants if needed—your child can avoid serious oral health problems later, including gingivitis, cavities, and the possibility of fillings and teeth removal. With all the sugary treats coming during the holidays, it is important to help your children keep their smiles strong and healthy for a lifetime by taking them to the dentist now, before the end of the year.

Keep smiling. Keep brushing. Keep flossing.

And schedule your child’s dental visit today.

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The synod on synodality Pastor’s Notes ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas SOME of you must have heard of Pope Francis’ call for a “synod on synodality.” And you might have asked what it’s all about.

First of all, synod (from Greek synodos, assembly) is a local or provincial assembly of bishops and other church officials, and sometimes the laity in a diocese, meeting to resolve questions of discipline, administration, or application.

Second, synodality in the Catholic Church is the “specific modus vivendi et operandi of the Church, the People of God, which reveals and gives substance to her being as communion when all her members journey together, gather in assembly, and take an active part in her evangelizing mission.”

(Synodality in the Life and Mission of the Church, no. 3) The Holy Father has called for a synod on synodality to invite us—clergy, religious, and lay—to reflect on how we have journeyed together as a Church and what we learned from this journey.

“It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the

Church of the third millennium,” the Holy Father has said. By journeying together and reflecting on this journey, the Church will learn through experience, which will help Her live in communion, achieve participation, and open Herself to mission.

As we go through this twoyear synodal path with a call to “encounter, listen, and discern,” the Holy Father says that we can “look others in the eye and listen to what they have to say to build rapport, to be sensitive to the questions of our sisters and brothers, to let ourselves be enriched by the variety of charisms, vocations, and ministries.”

The synod on synodality is “not so much by organizing events or theorizing about problems, as in taking time to encounter the Lord and one another,” the Pope remarked. In addition, it is a “time to devote prayer and adoration—this prayer that we neglect so much: to adore, to make room for adoration—listening to what the Spirit wants to say to the Church.”

Angelus News has reported that the LA archdiocese plans to use the first weeks of 2022 before Lent—from January to March—to engage in the “listening” phase of the synodal process, with listening sessions in parishes and regional groups.

Existing pastoral councils at the archdiocesan, regional, and parish levels will implement this process of sharing, reflecting,

and listening. By October 2022, the United States Conference of Bishops will submit the summaries of local consultations, including the LA archdiocese.

I find this an exciting synod, filled with the promises of dialogue, openness, and prayer. We must engage in dialogue with one another in these changing times to make room for mutual understanding, compassion, empathy, reconciliation, unity, and relevance.

In the light of the Scripture readings this Sunday, we need to recognize the gifts and the wisdom of the poor, the weak, the young, the women, and those ignored, ostracized, and ignored by society. We need to hear their voices to be an authentic Church.

The Church needs to acknowledge also the gifts of the poor, particularly their faith and humble dependence on God. Like the widow in the Gospel, they give from their poverty. With them, we say: “The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the Lord sends rain upon the earth.” *** 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.

Lovi shares behind-the-scenes snaps of Hollywood movie

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actress Lovi Poe shared some behind-the-scenes photos of the on-going shooting of her Hollywood film “The Chelsea Cowboy.”

In her Instagram account, she posted a photo with the film’s director Ben Cookson and co-actor Alex Pettyfer.

“In between takes and snuggled between my director Ben Cookson and co-actor @alexpettyfer,” she wrote in the caption.

During her first media conference as a Kapamilya last September, Lovi revealed how she got the role in the upcoming Hollywood movie.

“One of the producers and the writer of ‘The Chelsea Cowboy’ reached out to my management

Lovi Poe with director Ben Cookson and co-actor Alex Pettyfer Photo from Instagram/@lovipoe

and asked me to read for the part. It was as simple as that. I read for the part, forgot about it and a few weeks after, it happened,” Lovi revealed.

She also said then how she prepared for the iconic role.

“Aside from making sure I am fully aware of who I am playing,

I will do my best na mabigyan ng hustisya because she’s an icon.

Nagpre-prepare ako ng maayos,” she said.

“I will be playing a role with a different accent so that’s something I look forward to. Just trying to make sure that I get there prepared,” she added. n

Andrea’s true measure of success...

PAGE B2 more. Gusto ko pang makabili ng lupa. For me, para masabi mo na successful ka is when you are already contented and you are not asking for anything more. If you take a look at your achievements, okay na. I’m done. I’m good.”

Aside from your family, who inspires you?

“Si Naruto. My fans inspire me so much and they keep me going every day. But my core

Andrea Brillantes

is really Naruto because he’s there for me. He grew up alone without his parents. Lumaki siya na ayaw sa kanya ng tao.

Iniiwasan siya ng lahat ng tao.

I felt that way before I became an artist. But Naruto remains positive. He could be a villain with all the things that happened in his life but he became a Hokage (literally means fire shadow). Lagi ko lang iniisip na kapag kaya ni Naruto, kaya ko.

For me, it doesn’t really matter

ABS-CBN photo

where you get your inspiration or strength as long as you have someone or something that gives you strength and inspiration to keep you going every day. That’s important.”

You’re a blooming woman.

How exciting is that?

“When I was turning 18, I was not excited at all because for some, 18 is the legal age to go out, to drink. I am an introvert. For me, being 18 is a responsibility kasi doon na magsisimula talaga ang pagiging mag-isa. I am more excited in adulting. Simple joys na mag-isa akong nag-wi-withdraw. Right now, I don’t feel blooming yet as a woman but I see myself maturing.”

Complete the sentence, I am Blythe and… And then after you say who you are, I am Andrea and…

“I am Blythe and I’m just a normal teenager who keeps on working hard to give myself and my family a better life and the life I’ve dreamt of having. I am Andrea and no matter how rough the road gets, I will make a path for myself.” n

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 6-9, 2021 B7