121220 - Los Angeles Weekend

DECEMBER 12-15, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 98 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Todd Gloria sworn in as San Diego’s 37th mayor

LA County passes 500K COVID-19 cases amid regional lockdown

THIRTY-TWO years ago, a young Todd Globy KLARIZE MEDENILLA ria was a finalist in the Mayor For A Day essay AJPress contest in his hometown of San Diego.

SOME 320 days have passed since the first reOn Thursday morning, December 10, the 42-year-old third-generation San Diegan and ported case of the COVID-19 in California was son of hardworking parents who grew up in confirmed on Jan. 26. the Clairemont area, was officially sworn in as the 37th mayor of the city in an online ceremony.

Gloria, who previous to his election as San Diego mayor served in the California State Assembly, received his oath of office from California Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins.

He started his address by thanking those closest to him, including his family, his partner, his mentors and his staff.

“I’d like to start this morning by thanking my parents, Linda and Phil, my brother Tye and his beautiful family, my incredible partner Adam, my staff both past and present, all City of San Diego employees, and all the people who mentored me and supported me over the years, most especially Congresswoman Susan

Most people rebuffed the acuteness of the news, believing it to be another passing viral fancy that won’t reach critical levels, similar to the Ebola crisis of the previous decade.

Then, reports of hundreds of other confirmed

Report: Record hunger in the Philippines as COVID-19 continues

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

u PAGE A3

Rachelle Arizmendi to serve as Sierra Madre, CA mayor anew A FILIPINA American was sworn in at the beginning of December as the mayor of Sierra Madre, California.

Rachelle Arizmendi, who has served on the City Council since 2014, is tasked with leading Sierra Madre in the top role for the next year after being appointed by fellow councilmembers.

“I am grateful for the support of the City Council and for the ongoing confidence of the voters in Sierra Madre. I look forward to continue representing the 11,000 residents of our Village of the Foothills,” said Arizmendi.

She was selected as mayor pro tem, the city’s second in command, in February, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

Located at the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley and east of Pasadena, the Los Angeles County city has consistently ranked among the state’s safest cities.

Arizmendi vowed to continue carrying on her work from the last six years on the fiveu PAGE A4

SOUVENIR PHOTO. San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora poses for a souvenir photo with the “Mayor Francis Zamora’s Birthday Bikes Photo Contest” winners during the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan City on Thursday, December 10. Zamora has reiterated his call to observe stricter health safety protocols during the Holiday season.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

AS the coronavirus pandemic persists, the Philippines is experiencing record levels of hunger, according to a recent report by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and job losses, Filipinos have started relying on food handouts to survive.

“Charities are struggling to meet the ever-growing demand for food as millions of families go hungry across the country,” the article by AFP reporter Allison Jackson said.

Rise Against Hunger, an international hunger relief organization, admitted that the Philippines is failing to provide food for its people.

“I’ve never seen hunger at this level before,” Jomar Fleras, executive director of Rise Against Hunger in the Philippines, told AFP. “If you go out there everybody will tell you that they’re more afraid of dying from hunger than dying from COVID. They don’t care about COVID anymore,” u PAGE A2

Drug board: PH may not be drug-free by 2022

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

ELIMINATING illegal drugs in the Philippines may not be achieved by 2022, the country’s Dangerous Drugs Board admitted this week.

“Ang ginawa nating optimistic target doon sa ating campaign was to sana, magkaroon tayo ng drug-free communities by 2022. But realistically, mukhang hindi natin maa-attain ‘yan (Our optimistic target in our campaign was to hopefully achieve drug-free communities by 2022. But realistically, it seems we wouldn’t be able to attain that),” DDB chairman Catalino Cuy said

Wednesday, December 9.

According to Cuy, 14,308 barangays have yet to be cleared of illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s latest report said at least 20,538 of the 42,045 affected barangays have been declared drug-free.

Cuy also maintained that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against drugs was effective, noting that the number of drug users have gone down from 3 to 4 million in 2016 to only 1.6 million as of the latest national survey on Filipinos aged 10 to 69.

“All the while the President was thinku PAGE A2

Fil-Am groups call on Newsom to appoint Rob Bonta as California’s attorney general

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

Assemblymember Rob Bonta

cases surfaced, signaling California leadership to announce stay-at-home orders in mid-March that limited public mobility and spaces among residents to mitigate the virus’s spread. But even u PAGE A2

WITH California Attorney General Xavier Becerra tapped to join the incoming Biden administration, several Filipino American organizations are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to appoint Assemblymember Rob Bonta to the high office.

The impending vacancy comes as President-elect Joe Biden announced Becerra as his nominee for secretary of health and human services.

Bonta — who made history as the first Fil-Am to serve in California’s legislature — was File photo among the contenders for at-

torney general in 2017 when Kamala Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate. Becerra, then a congressman representing the 34th congressional district in Southern California, was ultimately selected by former Gov. Jerry Brown.

During the 2020 November election, Bonta was reelected for a fifth term to represent the state’s 18th Assembly district, which covers the East Bay areas of Oakland, Alameda, and San Leandro. He currently serves as the assistant majority leader, and sits on several committees, including appropriations and health.

With possible picks circulat-

ing for the Golden State’s next top lawyer, several Fil-Am organizations are gathering support to show Newsom why he should consider the 48-year-old Fil-Am lawmaker.

The National Filipino American Lawyers Association, along with six Fil-Am affiliate organizations in California, sent a letter to Newsom this week, recognizing that the attorney general would be facing pressing challenges of today — including the COVID-19 pandemic, civil rights movement against systemic racism and the rise in hate crimes, including against the Asian American and Pacific u PAGE A4

Jollibee is working towards its goal of 300 stores in North America by 2024. It recently opened a new location in Mira Mesa, California.

AJPress file photo by Noel Ty

Jollibee to open 28 stores in the US, Canada in 2021

2020 was previously the brand’s most aggressive year yet.

Already this year, the largest fast Popular fast-food chain Jollibee food chain brand in the Philippines has set its sights on 2021 and will safely and successfully opened 12 add 28 stores to its North Ameri- stores across North America amid can network, 19 in the United the pandemic.

States and nine in Canada.

Jollibee opened its 21st store The 2021 expansion will mark in California on Thursday, Dec. 3, Jollibee’s largest ever addition to located at 8436 Mira Mesa Bouleits North American store network vard in San Diego. The new store in company history as it works marks the brand’s return to Mira towards its goal of amassing 300 Mesa and a concerted effort to stores by 2024. u PAGE A4

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

A december 12-15, 2020 • LA WeeKeNd ASIAN JOUrNAL

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

From the Front Page

LA County passes 500K...

PAGE A1 t then, many people — including the president of the United States — believed the calamity would calm by Easter.

Today, nearly 11 months since the first case was reported in California, the state continues to break daily records of positive cases, deaths and dwin-

dling hospital capacity: nowhere near calm. Los Angeles County continues to lead the state and the country in total number of positive coronavirus cases at 501,635 and 8,199 deaths to date. On Friday, December 11, officials reported a record number of 13,815 new cases, a day after adding 12,819.

“We’re on a very dangerous track to seeing unprecedented and catastrophic suffering and death here in LA County if we can’t stop the surge,” Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said during her daily briefing on Friday. “I’m making a request to everyone to stay home.”

Nevertheless, the grim numbers haven’t curbed defiance of public health orders. Before LA County triggered the regional stay-at-home order, Old Town Pasadena experienced droves of restaurant patrons enjoying meals in close quarters and, often, maskless in resistance to the county’s shutdown of outdoor dining.

In Orange County — particularly the southern part of the county — residents have consistently ignored the public health crisis, holding protests that don’t comply with pandemic rules governing public gatherings and preaching about the alleged freedoms that are threatened by lockdown orders, orders that are designed to keep people safe.

All year, the Asian Journal has been reporting on the rollercoaster ride of economic re-openings and re-closings, spikes in positive cases of the virus and “comfortable” plateaus. Among the latest of those reports detailed the regional stay-at-home order that directs groups of California counties to adhere to a new set of rules if hospitalization reaches below 15% capacity.

Business impact There are valid reasons to be frustrated with the stay-athome orders and the confusing messaging coming from state, county and city leadership, especially if you’re a business owner, so many of whom have dealt a hard economic blow.

“I feel so frustrated as this time of the year is when we can finally feel like we can recover and rebuild. The holiday season is our busiest and now being shut down is devastating for me and my team of hairstylists,” said Sherry Younge, a Los Angeles-based hair stylist and owner of The Artform Studio, a hair salon and record store hybrid business that she runs with

OVERLOADED. Two commuters ride on the estribo (rear) of the passenger jeepney speeding along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City on a rainy Thursday, December 10. Passenger jeepneys may not exceed half of their regular seating capacities under a new government regulation amid the pandemic.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Report: Record hunger in the Philippines...

PAGE A1 t he added.

One of the many unfortunate Filipinos who rely on charity drives every day to be able to eat is Daniel Auminto.

Auminto, 41, lost his job and then his home due to the pandemic, forcing him and his family to live on the streets and join long queues of mostly homeless people to receive a free meal from an outdoor food pantry.

“On some days, the family gets two meals from different pantries; other days, it is just one.

Sometimes, they have no food at all,” the AFP noted.

Demand for food is constantly increasing, according to Father Flavie Villanueva, who runs a program in Manila where volunteers “prepare around a thousand meals of chicken, vegetables and rice that are packed into boxes and given to the hungry.”

“We started doing this in April and began with 250 (people lining up). It increased to 400, and then 600, then 800. Three weeks ago, it was 1,000,” he was quoted saying.

Fleras, meanwhile, said food donation drives might have to feed 200,000 families this year.

A September survey from the

Social Weather Stations revealed that the number of people going hungry in the Philippines has reached a record high during the pandemic.

Nearly one-third of families or 7.6 million households did not have enough food to eat at least once in the previous three months.

Of the total figure, a record 2.2 million families experienced “severe hunger.”

“For the country’s legions of poor, the pandemic is just another challenge in their lives — and not even the most serious,” the AFP said. n

Drug board: PH may not be drug-free...

PAGE A1 t

ing that dumarami ang ating mga drug dependents (drug dependents are increasing) but it turned out na nabawasan (that they were lessened) so somehow he was relieved to know that,” he said.

“What is important is that we had sustained an effective anti-illegal drug campaign,” he added.

However, Cuy admitted that the country’s drug problem will never be solved as long as there are patrons of illegal drugs.

“Hindi natin totally ma-eradiu PAGE A3

cate ang drugs (We can’t totally eradicate drugs). It’s just like telling ma-eradicate mo ang crimes.

We cannot do that,” he said.

Based on government data, Duterte’s drug campaign has killed at least 5,903 suspects while over 259,000 have been arrested.

Malacañang, on the other hand, remained optimistic that Duterte’s vision of a drug-free Philippines can be fulfilled before he steps down from his post in 2022.

Presidential Spokesperson

Harry Roque on Thursday insisted that it is possible if the local government units (LGUs) cooperate with the national government.

“Kung makikipagtulungan po talaga ang mga lokal na pamahalaan, yung natitirang 14,308 barangays eh magiging drug-free na rin pagdating ng pagtatapos ng termino ng ating Presidente (If the LGUs will cooperate, then the remaining 14,308 barangays will be drug-free by the end of the president’s term),” he said. n

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Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 12-15, 2020

LA County passes 500K...

Todd Gloria makes history as San Diego’s top leader.

Photo courtesy of Todd Gloria/Instagram

Todd Gloria sworn in as San Diego’s...

PAGE A1 t Davis, my friend Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins and of course our trailblazer who broke San Diego’s rainbow ceiling, State Senator Christine Kehoe.

Thank you all so very much,” Mayor Gloria stated.

He then addressed city residents and described his excitement at assuming the mantle of leading the city while acknowledging his beginnings.

“My fellow San Diegans, it is with pride that I stand before you today as the 37th mayor of our city. I’m humbled by our support, I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I am hopeful about the future of our city. Today is more than an inauguration day for me, our city attorney and our new councilmembers. Today is the day that marks a new chapter in San Diego’s history. Today is the day that we start building a San Diego that truly is for all of us,” the University of San Diego alum said.

“As a kid growing up in Clairemont, I didn’t see people who looked like me leading practically anything, let alone the eighth largest city in the United States.

But today I stand in front of you as the first person of color and LGBTQ person to ascend to our city’s highest office,” he continued.

“This is a testament to what we all know: San Diego is a unique place, with incredible people where anything is possible. It is the birthplace of California and a bridge between two nations. It’s the home of artistic creativity, ground-breaking innovation and research that changes the world.

It’s the place where the son of a hotel maid and a gardener, a Native American/Filipino/Puerto Rican/Dutch gay guy has just become your mayor,” Mayor Gloria further said.

The newly-installed mayor also laid out his plan for his administration’s first 100 days where they will tackle major issues faced by San Diego.

“Over the next 100 days we will dispense with the small issues that past leaders have struggled to resolve so that we can focus on the biggest problems facing our city. We will be rolling out an aggressive strategy to address the worsening public health crisis in COVID-19, the economic crisis that is impacting San Diego’s

families, small businesses and our city budget, the housing and homelessness crisis that has become even more dire.

“My team and I are moving swiftly and decisively to protect our most vulnerable. And we’ll do it with the long-term goal of building a more resilient city in the process. Not enough to get things back to normal – normal wasn’t and won’t be good enough.

“If we dream big, work together and believe in San Diego we can accomplish anything. We will change the narrative, not just for the privileged few but for everyone, especially those who have traditionally felt unheard.

“We will recover and build back, better and stronger from COVID-19. We will stand up for workers and create good-paying local jobs and bring neighborhood improvement to all corners of our city. We will center racial justice and equity not just in public safety, but in everything we do, recognizing that Black Lives Matter. And we will fully and faithfully implement our crime and action plan to ensure that the city that we love is here for generations to come,” Mayor Gloria elaborated.

A former San Diego city councilmember, Mayor Gloria said this is the dawn of a new era where San Diego can reach new heights.

“It’s time for us to dare to be a truly great city. A city where your zip code doesn’t determine your destiny. A city that embraces what makes us unique and celebrates who we are. A city that tackles major challenges head-on and doesn’t let distractions get in the way. No more San Diego specials. San Diego is a big city.

It’s time that we acted like it,” he said.

To end his address, Mayor Gloria reiterated his pride to be Mayor of San Diego and what he hopes can be achieved during his tenure.

“I believe in us, San Diego. I know who we are and who we can be. I’m so proud to be the mayor of this great city, but I’m even more excited about what we can accomplish together. Because together, I know, we will build a San Diego for all of us.

Thank you,” he said.

Outgoing Mayor Kevin Faul-

coner, in his farewell speech, asked San Diegans to support the newly-elected Mayor and other elected officials while expressing confidence in Gloria’s abilities.

“To my fellow San Diegans, please join me in lending our public employees and our Mayor, our city attorney and our city council our support, our prayers and our trust,” he said. “Our new mayor, Todd Gloria, is a colleague and a friend. And he knows, like I do, that the work of our city is never done. And I know that he has what it takes to overcome today’s challenges and keep San Diego leading well into the future.”

Among the things Faulconer cited as his accomplishments include keeping the city’s financing strong (healthy reserves, balu PAGE A4

PAGE A2 t her DJ/music producer husband Adrian Younge.

Younge, who is Filipina American, told the Asian Journal that she has made sure to follow public safety protocols at her studio, undergoing “extra precautions” like issuing questionnaires about any symptoms guests and stylists may have or if they’ve been in contact with a COVID-19-positive person.

She’s also invested in placing barriers between styling stations “that are already 6 feet apart,” extra disinfecting supplies, and ensuring that all stylists and guests are wearing masks and temperaturechecked.

After the second shutdown earlier this year, The Artform Studio (which doesn’t have salon employees but rather, contracted stylists) was able to work outdoors with 25% capacity that was then lowered to 20%.

But the recent regional stayat-home order that was issued earlier this month prohibits all salon and barbershop operations, forcing salon owners like Younge to shut down for at least the next three weeks.

“I hope that the Governor [Gavin Newsom] and Mayor [Eric Garcetti of LA] see that our industry abides by safety measures and shutting us down will hurt small businesses that do not contribute to the rise in COVID-19 numbers,” Younge said, noting that her salon plans to offer curbside pick-ups for

hair care, music records and books.

The frustration that Younge feels about the economic effect of the pandemic is coupled with her equal frustration and concern over the rising coronavirus numbers in the region.

Younge said that she had two family members pass from COVID-19, and the uncertainty of the economic future has made her, her team of stylists and their clients “uneasy.”

The rising numbers may be a product of what has been known as COVID-19 fatigue. People are simply sick of the economic closures and have been taking advantage of whatever respite they can find, whether it’s visiting family for the holidays and finding a restaurant that offers dine-in services.

Last month, more than 3 million Americans flew through domestic airlines the weekend before Thanksgiving, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Families have been separated for so long and the holiday season, a traditionally family-heavy time of the year, is enough of a reason for people to seek out travel and break public safety protocol.

A daily risk “People have COVID fatigue,” Dr. Jasmine Eugenio, a Filipina American pediatrics specialist at Martin Luther King, Jr. Outpatient Center in Los Angeles, told the Asian Journal in an interview on Thursday, Dec. 3. “There is a large amount of

A

people who are using masks already, but maybe it’s them getting careless and they’re tired of staying home.”

But the rapid increase in hospital admissions due to the virus serves as a disturbing reminder of the effects of ignoring safety precautions. As of press time, ICU capacity across the state of California has risen 70% in only two weeks, leaving less than 10% of beds available across the state.

In LA County alone, about 3,300 people are currently hospitalized for COVID-19, a profound finding that could mean that future patients may not receive the care they need.

“The worst case is if you are sick in the hospital and you need a ventilator, those are very hard — there are only so many ICU and ventilation units available for LA County.

They are predicting that in the next four weeks, if we do not hunker down and do what we’re supposed to, there will definitely be a lack of beds and also staffing because we are stretched as staff become affected themselves,” Eugenio said, anticipating an influx of patients as the holiday season commences.

Christmas is an important family holiday, especially for Filipinos. There are more than 606,000 Filipinos in Southern California, and in LA County alone (which is home to about half of all SoCal Filipinos). But, 1 in every 200 county residents u PAGE A4

A december 12-15, 2020 • LA WeeKeNd ASIAN JOUrNAL

Dateline USa

Rachelle Arizmendi to serve as Sierra Madre...

PAGE A1 t

member council.

She also reassured the public that she will continue strengthening the financial health of Sierra Madre, supporting the progress in rebuilding the aging city infrastructure, sustaining the efforts in a strong public safety program, as well as preserving the character of the community.

Arizmendi was the first person of color in Sierra Madre’s history to hold a council seat when she was elected in 2014.

She served as mayor in 2017, becoming the first Asian American in the role, and was subsequently re-elected to office to serve another four-year term on the council in 2018.

Before being elected, Arizmendi served on the city’s Community Services Commission for five years.

“Running for office was not a consideration in my adult life. I simply became more involved in my community when my husband, dog, and I settled Rachelle Arizmendi will serve another term as into our new home in a city mayor of Sierra Madre, California. where I knew no one. I thought AJPress file photo by Ding Carreon joining the Community Servic-

es Commission would be a perfect place to meet new people and volunteer my talent. As I became more involved in the community, I was compelled to fight for the qualities of the little village I fell in love with — that were possibly being challenged,” Arizmendi told the Asian Journal in a 2019 interview.

A California native, the Filipina American leader is the vice president and chief operating officer of the Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE), a non-profit community development organization based in Los Angeles that serves over 40,000 people annually in the areas of job training and employment, business development and early childhood education, among others.

Her public service also includes serving as board president of the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council and a member of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture after being appointed by former Governor Jerry Brown. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)

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LA County passes 500K...

PAGE A3 t

is infectious, prompting concern over the expected impact of COVID-19 on the community after the holiday season.

“Because there are a lot of people who I’ve seen have tested positive but are not symptomatic, it’s hard to say, but it’s taking a risk every time you go out. You don’t know, but the chances are very high because it’s out there and it’s raging,” Eugenio said.

She added that the yearly flu season can and will complicate things if you’re also exposed to the coronavirus, saying that “the

flu virus can aggravate COVID. You can get both and each one of those viruses can make the other worse. Once we have access to the COVID vaccine, it’s important to get that as well.”

“No matter how much we emphasize the fact that you should stay in your households, especially for Filipinos, they think that [their] household includes lolo and lola, even if they live across the street. Or their cousins who don’t live with them, so they think it’s acceptable to get together for the holidays because they’re family, even if it’s downscaled

because we are used to large amounts, like 30-40 people, at a time,” she said.

Before planning to travel for the holidays, Eugenio warns Filipinos that celebrating with people who don’t live in your household could pose a danger to those you live with who may be more vulnerable to the virus.

Although it’s not the ideal way to celebrate Christmas, hosting virtual celebrations with family may be the safest option.

“They say Christmas only comes once a year, but there will be other Christmases,” Eugenio remarked. n

Fil-Am groups call on Newsom to appoint...

PAGE A1 t

Islander (AAPI) community.

Amid the protests over the summer, Bonta introduced a bill to classify racially motivated 911 calls as hate crimes.

He also authored a 2019 bill, which was signed into law by Newsom, to phase out the use of all private, for-profit prisons, including both prisons and immigration detention facilities, in California.

In October, he announced a plan to introduce legislation that will require elected prosecutors to recuse themselves from the investigation and prosecution of law enforcement misconduct if they accept financial contributions from law enforcement unions.

“While the AAPI community celebrates Harris’ election as the first American of Asian and Black descent to serve as Vice President of the United States, California will be losing one of its highest-ranking AAPI statewide officials when Harris vacates her U.S. Senate seat. We submit that it is, therefore, critical for Governor Newsom to

consider an AAPI candidate for a similarly high-ranking statewide office,” NFALA’s letter said. (AAPIs make up around 15% of California’s population, with the Fil-Am population among the largest.)

Bonta, who was born in Quezon City, Philippines, immigrated with his family to California’s Central Valley, where his parents worked for the United Farm Workers of America, organizing Filipino and Mexican American workers. In previous interviews, this upbringing shaped his decision to pursue a career in law and public service.

He obtained a law degree from Yale Law School and clerked for Judge Alvin W. Thompson of the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut before moving to San Francisco law firm Keker & Van Nest. Prior to his election to the state Assembly in 2012, Bonta was San Francisco’s deputy city attorney for nearly a decade and served one term on the Alameda City Council.

KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress similarly threw their support.

“He has distinguished himself as a groundbreaking and effective legislator, leader, and strong community advocate, especially for California’s most vulnerable populations,” Mary Tablante, national co-chair of the Washington, DC-based group, said in a statement.

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma also publicized her endorsement, saying Bonta would be “an exemplary choice to protect and serve the people and interests of California.”

Other candidates floating around for attorney general include Rep. Eric Swalwell, Rep. Adam Schiff, Assemblyman David Chiu and Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez.

The governor is also tasked with naming someone to take over Vice President-elect Harris’ Senate seat. Secretary of State Alex Padilla is rumored to be a top contender for the latter so should that appointment happen, Newsom would have yet another seat to fill. n

Jollibee to open 28 stores in the US...

PAGE A1 t build up its store network in the San Diego area which is home to a sizable Filipino community. There is an existing store in National City and the previous Mira Mesa store operated from 2007 to 2013.

The new store, which stands at 3,100-square-feet offers an outdoor patio and a drive-thru window. It is located in the area’s biggest retail hub, near Mira Mesa Mall and in close proximity to the University of California San Diego, the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and Scripps Memorial Hospital.

Before year’s end, Jollibee will open four new stores, led by openings in San Antonio, Texas, the brand’s third Houston-area store on Westheimer Road and first store in Delano, California, and a store on downtown Toronto’s historic Yonge Street, an area often referred to as the ‘Times Square of Toronto’ as it is a major retail hub with heavy pedestrian traffic.

In total, these December openings will bring Jollibee’s count to 17 new stores this year.

Though the pandemic has delivered challenges across the restaurant industry, Jollibee has been able to persevere by focusing on off-premise channels apart from dine-in. At the onset of the pandemic, the brand encouraged its customers to experience the joy of Jollibee from the comfort and safety of their own homes via call ahead pick-up, take-out and drivethru. By April, Jollibee announced the launch of its nationwide delivery service via DoorDash.

“We have remained nimble and optimistic which has led Jollibee to defy expectations amidst an extremely difficult year and experience double-digit sales growth across North America,” said Maribeth Dela Cruz, President of Jollibee Group North America, Philippine Brands. “Make no mistake though, we would not be weathering these hard times without the support of our customers.

They’ve showed up for us and now we want to show up for them.

This month we will be opening long-awaited stores across Texas,

California, and Ontario, Canada.

We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support we’ve received from across these regions and are thrilled to deliver a small spark of joy as we enter the holiday season.”

Texas plays a key role in Jollibee’s U.S. expansion strategy.

Opening its first location in San Antonio, the second largest city in the state, represents a major milestone for the brand and is a sign of Jollibee’s continued growth in the U.S. Located at 5033 NW Loop 410, this also marks Jollibee’s first store in south central Texas as the brand has three other stores across the greater Houston area.

To provide a safe environment for customers and store team members in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dining rooms of all of these stores will remain closed until further notice.

Each store will offer a mix of alternative channels for receiving food, including call ahead and pick-up, take-out, drive-thru and delivery services. n

Todd Gloria sworn in as San Diego’s...

PAGE A3 t anced budgets) and leading the fight for LGBTQ equality. He also cited a few firsts for San Diego during his time, including San Diego as the first big city in the U.S. to move to 100% renewable energy, the largest city in America to switch to community choice energy and the only big city in America to repair over half of its streets in record time.

Faulconer said that he will “remain passionate with our re-

lationship with Mexico, about sharing our story of bi-national success with the world” and that he will continue to work with the San Diegans to improve the city and the community.

In the week prior to the oathtaking, Mayor Gloria had announced appointments to his administration. Among the Filipino-Americans joining the staff of Mayor Gloria are Michaela Valk, director of community engagement; Matt Yagyagan, deputy

director of policy; Jen Lebron, communications director; and Michelle Porras, scheduler.

In announcing the appointments, then Mayor-elect Gloria said, “At a time when people are especially looking to government for leadership, this group of talented, hard-working and dedicated professionals will help me move our city forward #ForAllofUs. Join me in thanking them for stepping up to serve the people of San Diego.” n

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Tourism stakeholders back calls for global COVID-19 passport

by Catherine

talavera Philstar.com

MANILA — The creation of a global COVID-19 passport could facilitate entry of tourists in travel destinations as this may cut current processes such as testing or quarantines.

In a text message, Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) president Jose Clemente III told The Star on Thursday, December 10 that the creation of the passport is something that can help streamline entry procedures in tourism destinations.

“Having that information ready, especially with regard to having been vaccinated, can eliminate some of the processes we now have like testing or quarantines upon arrival,” Clemente said. “That said, we also hope that it is a standardized document regardless of what country the traveller comes from.”

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat earlier supported the proposals for a global COVID-19 passport.

“The Department of Tourism (DOT) supports initiatives to facilitate international cross border

travel with stringent health and safety measures in place,” she said.

Puyat added that the proposals are welcome and would be looked into by the DOT, together with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, as this will involve medical data on vaccines and diplomatic agreements with other countries.

She noted that the “COVID19 passport” is vital to reviving international travel as this will restore the trust and confidence of people to travel to other countries while assuring the receiving countries that their inbound tourists are vaccinated.

The passport, according to Clemente, should include security features that prevent it from being duplicated or copied.

The International Air Transport Association said earlier that it is working to launch the IATA Travel Pass, a global and standardized solution to validate and authenticate all country regulations regarding COVID-19 passenger travel requirements.

The application aims to enable passengers to create a digital

passport as well as verify that their test or vaccination meets the regulations, thus facilitating travel.

Cebu Pacific president and chief executive officer Lance Gokongwei said earlier that a single global COVID-19 passport would be essential when the country opens its borders to international travelers.

As the ban on international travel remains, foreign visitor arrivals to the country dropped 82.4 percent to 1.3 million from January to November this year compared to the 7.4 million arrivals in the same period last year.

In addition, tourist receipts in the 11-month period registered at P81.05 billion – a sharp decline from P437.9 billion in the same period last year.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reported earlier that the AsiaPacific region continues to post the highest number of travel restrictions while other parts of the world are beginning to ease restrictions.

In its latest travel restrictions

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SEASONAL WORKERS. Workers under the labor department’s TUPAD program clean the sidewalk along the Congressional Road, Barangay Salitran 3, City of Dasmarinas, Cavite on Friday, December 11. TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

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A6 DECEMBER 12-15, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPiniOn

Free swab tests?

FeatURes

EVEN with price caps set on the real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction swab test for coronavirus disease 2019, prices remain beyond the reach of many Filipinos. The prices are steep even for the moderately well off, especially if the RT-PCR test is needed not because of illness or potential infection but as a requirement for certain activities such as traveling.

Public response has been tepid in efforts to revive domestic tourism, which is being encouraged through the reopening of resort areas and accommodation establishments as well as the expansion of flight services and land transportation. Among the reasons is the price of the swab test – touted as the gold standard in COVID testing.

Filipinos usually travel for leisure with family members, each of whom must get a swab test prior to taking a flight and staying in an accredited hotel or other accommodation establishment. That’s a minimum of P3,800 per person even under the price caps. There are swab tests for less than P2,000, but these are for Marikina residents, or those who are willing to wait in a long line at the Philippine General Hospital.

Now the government is studying the possibility of providing the swab tests for free to all Filipinos. On orders of President Duterte, the Department of Health and other agencies are studying

the feasibility of free testing.

For sure it will be a welcome development. The question is whether the government has the money. Unlike vaccination for a particular disease, swab testing is not a one-time (or two-dose) thing; it can be required for different purposes over a short period. The government is now deep in debt to finance pandemic responses. The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. cannot even keep its payments up to date to the Philippine Red Cross, a humanitarian organization, for the swab tests conducted on Filipinos returning from overseas.

The government cannot afford a quick, full rollout of the Universal Health Care Law, and now P72.5 billion has been allocated in the 2021 national budget for COVID vaccine procurement.

While free swab testing would be welcome, the government will be hard-pressed to find funds for it. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS ADVENT is here. Can the New Year be far behind?

There is something about the advent season that makes us look beyond the festivities and celebration of Christmas and the holiday season. It reminds us of the year that is about to end, inviting us to introspect about where we are now and to look forward to where we want to be in the new year that is before us.

This is what I have been working on since Thanksgiving that I will soon be sharing with you just before Christmas – three stories that chronicles our collective life

Demand and Supply BOO CHANCO NOW that at least three COVID-19 vaccines will soon be available, the question arises: Will you get vaccinated? The short answer is, of course you should. That’s the only way we can potentially be protected from the virus.

Getting vaccinated is also a patriotic duty. No matter how well the vaccine works in preventing the coronavirus, it won’t end the pandemic if not enough people take it. We need to get herd immunity that will protect all of us from the virus.

Until dengvaxia, there was more or less general agreement on the necessity of being vaccinated against such common diseases as measles, tuberculosis, mumps, polio, etc. Then dengvaxia came along, got politicized and now our vaccination rate has declined, resulting in an uptick of diseases we had been able to control long ago.

Politicians ruin everything.

Any hesitancy for some people to be vaccinated is also because politicians have politicized the issue. Trump, for instance, wanted a vaccine before the election.

People are wondering if the rush to produce a vaccine (Operation Warp Speed) compromised the quality and safety of the vaccines. The scientists reassure us it just isn’t so because they skipped no steps.

But the rush is making even knowledgeable people hesitant to get vaccinated first. Better to continue to wear your mask and social distance, and wait to see

Philstar.com photo

Abangan: 3 stories to tell about hope, healing and faith amid despair, sickness and fear as 2020 ends experience in 2020, and a peek into the lives of other people who may not be as fortunate as we have been despite our own challenges, but have nevertheless been given the grace to choose hope over despair, healing over sickness, faith over fear through the power of love, of compassion and a sense of purpose.

For my first story, I will take you to the streets of San Francisco where we will all together witness how some kababayans have far graver things to worry about — the roof to shelter their families, where to get their next meals, what to hope for in the

future. They are the homeless people among us, and we will know their stories.

I will also take you to the world of our doctors, nurses, caregivers, especially in the Filipino community — who have been in the front line of our war against the coronavirus pandemic.

They are our modern-day heroes. What challenges are they and their families facing? What keeps them going and continue to serve those who have been afflicted by COVID-19 despite the risk to themselves and their families? What do they hope for in the future when many of them have already paid the ulti-

mate sacrifice just so other lives may be saved?

Lastly, I will give you a peek into the lives of families who even before the pandemic, have been facing the biggest concern of any parent — the threat to the life of their children. We will hear their stories, and how they keep the faith and continue fighting against all odds.

Hearing about other people’s lives help us look at our lives from a different perspective. I remember reading a poignant line I wish I knew the author of, which says, “I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.”

When we look beyond our own needs, wants, problems, desires and care to witness the lives of others, we realize how fortunate we still are, how thankful we are for the cross we need not have to bear, how we have witnessed so many miracles in our own life.

As we count our blessings amid adversity and the challenges of the year that is about to end, may we also open our hearts to be a blessing to others, to be somebody else’s miracle.

Abangan po ninyo ang mga video stories na ito. I will be sharing them on YouTube and different social media platform,

and will write about them here in my column. *** 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.

Will you get vaccinated? how the vaccine works on the first ones who get it.

Ken Frazier, CEO of Merck, a leading pharmaceutical company working to develop a COVID19 vaccine, talked to Professor Tsedal Neeley of the Harvard Business School. This is what he said: “Let me just give you one data point. In the last quarter century, there have only been seven, truly new vaccines introduced globally at the clinical practice...

Merck has four, the rest of the world has three…

“First of all, it takes a lot of time. I think the record for the fastest vaccine ever brought to market was Merck with the mumps vaccine. It took about four years. Our most recent vaccine for Ebola took five and a half years.

“And why does it take so long?

First of all, it requires a rigorous scientific assessment. And here we didn’t even understand the virus itself or how the virus affects the immune system…

“What worries me the most is that… they are pushing us to move things faster and faster.

But ultimately, if you’re going to use a vaccine in billions of people, you better know what that vaccine does.

“There are a lot of examples of vaccines in the past that have stimulated the immune system, but ultimately didn’t confer protection. And unfortunately, there are some cases where it stimulated the immune system and not only it didn’t confer protection, but actually helped the virus invade the cell because it was incomplete in terms of its immunogenic properties. We have to be very careful.

“I think at the end of the day, we don’t want to rush the vac-

cine before we’ve done rigorous science. We’ve seen in the past, for example, with the swine flu, that that vaccine did more harm than good. We don’t have a great history of introducing vaccines quickly in the middle of a pandemic. We want to keep that in mind.”

But Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, assured that these vaccines work and are safe. “When it gets approved by the FDA, I would take the vaccine and would recommend my family take the vaccine,” Dr. Fauci said.

Dr. Fauci is confident about the vetting process the vaccines went through. In the end, “data will be published for all scientists around to look at. It’s transparent and independent,” Dr. Fauci assured.

Once you are convinced it is worth the risk, you want to know what are the side effects of the coronavirus vaccine. Essentially, fatigue, and aching muscles and joints for a day or two. But if that’s all, that’s way better than being in the ICU for COVID. Experts recommend that even people who have been infected

by COVID should still get vaccinated. That’s because it’s still unknown how long the antibodies will be present in the body after infection. Vaccination will provide the best protection.

But experts still don’t know the long-term effects of the vaccines and won’t know for years after millions of people have been vaccinated.

One other point: While the vaccines have proven protective against the virus, there’s no data that shows how long that protection can last. That protec-

Filipina nurse May Parsons administers the COVID-19 vaccine to 90-year-old grandmother Margaret Keenan, the world’s first person to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine outside a clinical trial, on Tuesday, December 8, in Coventry, central England.

Photo by National Health Service

tion may wane over time, and you may be susceptible again.

What’s the bottom line? Epidemiologists are worried about many unknowns, including how long immunity lasts; how the virus may mutate; the challenges of vaccine distribution; and the possible reluctance to accept the vaccine among some groups.

In an informal survey of 700 epidemiologists by The New York Times, half said they would not change their personal behavior until at least 70 percent of the population was vaccinated.

Thirty percent said they would make some changes once they

were vaccinated themselves.

The next big question is: How many of the public will take the vaccine? It is good to know that in the US, three former presidents offered to be vaccinated in full view of television cameras. They hope this will give confidence to ordinary citizens to be vaccinated.

Here in the Philippines, the House Speaker said he wants members of Congress and their staff to be first in line for the vaccine. That’s not a bad idea. Add Duterte, his Cabinet – specially Duque and Galvez, senators, police and military officers in the list, specially if the first vac-

cine is from China or Russia.

That’s called setting the example. Then again as one observer puts it, putting our politicians first in line for a new vaccine is a win-win situation. If they survive, the vaccine is safe.

If they don’t, the country is safe.

(Philstar.com) *** 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.

*** Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is bchanco@ gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @ boochanco

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 12-15, 2020

A

PH rights summit a mere deodorizer for violations — int’l rights group

by GabRiel

Pabico Inquirer.net

E-TRIKES. Drivers of electric tricycles wait for passengers at the vacant lot in Barangay Salitran 3, City of Dasmarinas, Cavite on Thursday, December 10. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) earlier said it would soon require registration of all kinds of electric vehicles including e-scooters and two-wheeled e-bikes.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Philippines seeks to spearhead international trials on VCO vs COVID-19

by RainieR

allan Philstar.com

Ronda

MANILA — The Philippines is eyeing to spearhead the international “solidarity trials” for virgin coconut oil as a potential cure for the coronavirus disease 2019, a scientist involved in the VCO study revealed on Thursday, December 10.

The planned undertaking is an effort to boost or expand the success of the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI)’s clinical trials showing that VCO is an effective functional food that can treat mild cases of COVID-19.

Professor Fabian Dayrit of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and member of the FNRI study team that conducted the clinical trials on VCO in Santa Rosa, Laguna, said that the Philippines can tap the International Coconut Community (ICC) for the global study on VCO. Dayrit said the team will schedule an online meeting with the ICC to discuss the conduct of a global solidarity trial similar to those being organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) on candidate COVID-19 vaccines.

“Of course there will be stronger acceptance if the study is done in many places. If it’s replicated in many places and the results are the same,” Dayrit said in a recent virtual conference

held by the DOST to present the positive results of the study.

Dayrit, whose expertise is in chemistry, said the Philippines can lead this effort since it is the biggest exporter of VCO in the world. “It will certainly benefit our own VCO producers,” he added.

The ICC is an intergovernmental organization of coconut producing countries organized in 1969 under the aegis of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP). The ICC Secretariat is located in Jakarta, Indonesia and is headed by an executive director.

Dayrit said the solidarity trial will “replicate the (DOST-FNRI) study so we can reproduce (the sample size or population).”

He noted that the clinical study involved a small population of 57 COVID-19 probable or suspected cases, more than half of which tested positive for the virus.

Dayrit said that the international solidarity trials on VCO could increase the sample or patient population to maybe 3,000 at least.

The DOST-FNRI study, which entailed the provision of healthy meals mixed with VCO to 57 suspected and probable COVID-19 cases confined at the Santa Rosa Community Hospital in Santa Rosa City, Laguna and the Santa Rosa COVD-19 Quarantine Facility, showed all the participants

recovering and testing negative for COVID-19 at the end of the 28-day clinical trials.

Imelda Agdeppa, study leader and DOST Scientist II, said that of the 57 suspected and probable patient-participants, 37 had tested positive for COVID-19.

Of the 37 confirmed COVID19 positive paticipants, she said that 19 were in the group that were given meals mixed with VCO, and 18 were in the control group, who were given meals without VCO. “The results speak so loud, that if we give VCO, the CRP Creactive protein, which is actually a marker for the indication of the presence of infection or inflammation, has actually significantly declined at the Day 14, of our (intervention),” Agdeppa said in a Zoom press briefing on the results of the study.

“At Day 2, you can actually observe it. It actually went down, the line, until Day 28. So that means that our VCO has really improved in terms of their conditions or presence of infection,” she said.

“As for our recommendation: VCO is actually a functional food, it is an adjunct supplement, to ease the symptoms of suspect and probable cases of COVID-19 so it won’t develop into a severe case,” Agdeppa said.

She stressed that they have to do further studies to make an outright health claim that VCO can treat COVID-19. n

lalu

MANILA — The government’s first ever Human Rights Summit is a mere attempt to deodorize numerous rights violations that occurred in the country, an international rights group claimed.

According to the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP), it is ironic to think that the three-day summit convened by the Department of Justice (DOJ) occurred in the same week when alleged abuses were done against activists.

“We find it ironic that arrests and rights violations continue in the same week that Philippine government launches a human rights summit,” ICHRP chairperson Peter Murphy said on Thursday.

“It is clear that this platform is nothing but an extravagant deodorizer aimed at exonerating the state-sanctioned perpetrators from their crimes,” he added.

ICHRP was referring to the arrest of peasant leader Amanda

Echanis, daughter of slain peace consultant and Anakbayan chair Randall Echanis.

“Last December 2, a land rights defender Amanda Echanis was illegally arrested and planted with guns and explosives by Philippine authorities in Cagayan, north of the country’s capital. Amanda is also the daughter of peace activist Randall Echanis who was assassinated in his home last August,” the group stated.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Debold Sinas however denied such acts.

The group further said President Rodrigo Duterte, in his most recent tirade, accused progressive lawmakers as communists while failing to offer any proof to back up his allegations.

On Thursday, as the country commemorated the International Human Rights Day, seven peasant leaders were arrested.

PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said that the arrests stemmed from their crackdown on loose firearms, as

several guns, ammunition, and even grenades were seized during the implementation of search warrants.

But activist groups insist again that the evidence was planted, asking that PNP release the seven suspects which included journalist and Manila Today editor Lady Ann Salem.

The DOJ launched the threeday summit on human rights as part of the joint program with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) which calls for greater cooperation between the international community and the Philippines in terms of human rights.

The UNHRC decision came on the heels of calls for a greater scrutiny of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against illegal drugs, which have been criticized or allegedly disregarding the suspects’ rights.

Last Monday, Duterte assured the international community that the Philippine government remains committed to prioritize

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PH last in math, science among 58 countries

by John

eric Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines ranked last among 58 participating countries in the international assessment for mathematics and science for Grade 4 students, according to a report.

Filipino Grade 4 students only got an average scale score of 249 in science and 297 in math, ranking last in both tests, according to the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2019 (Timss) by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement.

Timss assesses the knowledge in mathematics and science of Grade 4 and Grade 8 students around the world every four years.

The Philippines only took part in the Grade 4 assessment.

In contrast, Singaporean Grade 4 students scored 625 in mathematics and 595 in science, leading all participating countries.

Grade 8 students of the city state also scored the highest in mathematics and science at 616 and 608, respectively.

The Timss set four interna-

tional benchmarks to gauge students’ competencies on the two subjects: advanced benchmark (625), high benchmark (550), intermediate benchmark (475) and low benchmark (400).

The study reported that many countries are educating their students with a minimum proficiency in mathematics and science, with a median of 92%.

Only 13% of Filipino students, however, fell under the low benchmark in science, indicating that they had “limited understanding of scientific concepts and limited knowledge of foundational science facts.”

Eighty-one percent of Filipino students did not even reach this level.

Five% were under the intermediate benchmark, which means they have demonstrated “ knowledge and understanding of some aspects of science,” while only 1% can “communicate and apply knowledge of life, physical and Earth sciences,” under the high benchmark.

In mathematics, 19% of Filipino students reached the low benchmark, which means they are able to “have some basic

mathematical knowledge.”

Seventy-four% did not even manage to achieve this level.

Only 6% of students “can apply basic mathematical knowledge in simple situations,” falling under Intermediate Benchmark, while only one% falls under the High benchmark, which enables them to “apply conceptual understanding to solve problems.”

The Department of Education vowed “deep reforms” after lackluster performance in previous assessments.

Prior to this, Filipino students ranked dead last among 79 countries when it came to reading comprehension in 2018.

The country also ranked second lowest in both mathematical and scientific assessment in the Program for International Student Assessment.

The Education department launched “Sulong Edukalidad,” which aims to review the K to 12 curriculum, improve learning environments, and “upskill and reskill” teacher’s skills, among others.

The Manila Times sought the Education department for comment, but it is yet to respond as of press time. n

RAINY DAY. Cyclists in their raincoats speed along a bike lane on East Avenue, Quezon City on Thursday, December 10. The weather bureau said Metro Manila is affected by a low-pressure area (LPA), which will bring light to moderate rainsPNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

AstraZeneca backs out of planned vaccine trials in the Philippines

by Xave

GreGorio Philstar.com

MANILA — AstraZeneca has backed down from holding trials for its coronavirus vaccine candidate in the Philippines, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed to Philstar.com The British-Swedish drugmaker told local regulators that they already have sufficient data, which is why they would no longer be pushing forward with the trials, FDA Director General Eric Domingo said on Friday, December 11.

Domingo said AstraZeneca’s withdrawal to conduct clinical trials for its coronavirus vaccine would not have any effect on the regulatory approval of the shot.

Students in uniform answer their learning modules during an online class under DepEd’s blended learning system this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Philstar.com photo by Miguel de Guzman

PH rights summit a mere deodorizer for...

PAGE A7 t human rights.

Talks about human rights abuses have been rampant ever since Duterte assumed office in 2016, as the issue remains a vital point in individuals and groups’ critique of the administration.

He drew widespread condemnation for allegedly disregarding human rights in his drug war,

and for the incidents of alleged extra-judicial killings.

Duterte however has been adamant about the drug war, criticizing rights groups for meddling in the country’s affairs. He once said that he should not be blamed for drug war deaths as people going into the drug war are actually committing suicide.

These are the same reasons

why ICHRP still believes that the summit allegedly reeks of hypocrisy — similar to what some activists in the country claim.

“Honestly, this duality of the State smacks of hypocrisy and worse, it comes off as an insult to the thousands victimized by the Duterte government,” Murphy added.

Prior to pulling out from conducting trials, AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine was pending before the ethics review board.

With the departure of AstraZeneca from the conduct of clinical trials, the Philippines would be left with trials conducted by Sinovac Biotech Ltd., Sichuan Clover Biopharmaceuticals, Gamaleya Research Center, and Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine arm Janssen.

Earlier, the Philippines secured 2.6 million doses of the still-unapproved AstraZeneca vaccine through the help of some 30 private firms which pitched in to donate the shots to the government.

Carlito Galvez, the country’s vaccine czar, earlier expressed confidence in the jab being de-

veloped by the drugmaker, citing its reputation for making “quality drugs and vaccines, which are being used around the world.”

AstraZeneca and its partner, the University of Oxford, had announced that it is seeking regulatory approval in the United Kingdom for its vaccine after it showed a 70% efficacy rate on average.

That rate jumped to 90% when an initial half-dose then a full dose was given, similar to that in rival vaccines in development by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna.

However, U.S. scientists are pointing out that the higher efficacy rate came in a smaller trial consisting of people aged 55 and under and was discovered by accident. n

Tourism stakeholders back calls for global...

PAGE A5 t report, the UNWTO said 70 percent of all global destinations have eased restrictions on travel introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In comparison, just one in four destinations continue to keep their borders completely closed to international tourists,” it added.

The report shows that as of Nov. 1, a total of 152 destinations

have eased restrictions on international tourism, higher than the 115 destinations recorded in September. In addition, 59 destinations have kept their borders closed to tourists, a decrease of 34 over the same two-month period.

The UNWTO said the international tourism industry lost around $730 billion in export revenues in the first eight months as tourist arrivals plunged. Inter-

national tourist arrivals dropped 70 percent in January to August to 700 million.

In July and August alone, arrivals fell 81 percent and 79 percent, respectively, despite both months being traditionally the busiest of the year and the peak of the northern hemisphere summer season.

For this year, the UNWTO said it expects an overall drop close to 70 percent. n

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What is ‘birthright citizenship’?

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

‘CITIZEN PINOY’ ANSWERS QUESTIONS FROM KAPAMILYA IN THE PHILIPPINES AND IN CALIFORNIA ON A PRE-CHRISTMAS EPISODE THIS SUNDAY. Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (left) renews his commitment and public service of bringing families together by providing relevant immigration information to Kapamilya. Hildi from Taguig, Metro Manila in the Philippines (top right) asks about the 1997 petition of her father, who died in 2017. The petition finally became current in 2019 and she wonders if there is still hope for her and her adult children to come to America? Jon from Riverside, California (bottom right) is a dual citizen who just returned to the U.S. after spending nine years in the Philippines. He was able to bring his four-year old daughter to the U.S., as she was considered a U.S. citizen at birth. Jon wants to know the fastest way to bring his daughter’s mother to the US: via a fiancée visa or should he marry her first and then petition her as his wife? These questions and more will be answered by Atty. Gurfinkel on the “Parol” (Christmas Lantern) episode of “Citizen Pinoy: Your Tanong, My Sagot” this Sunday, December 13 at 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

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‘We will not kill this love’: Melai recites K-pop-themed wedding vows

By Niña

V. GuNo

Inquirer.net

COMEDIENNE Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco, known as Melason, renewed their vows after seven years of marriage.

Though they have taken their marriage seriously, they also showed that exchanging vows can be a light-hearted affair, as seen in their ceremony on “Magandang Buhay” last Tuesday, Dec. 8.

The comedienne, for her part, infused K-pop hits into her vows, which start at the 2-minute mark.

“Papang, always remember that I’m always here for you. Si Lord ang center ng buhay natin (The Lord is at the center of our life) and I promise to cross the ocean for you and be your hero, your strength, anything you need,” she began.

“Lahat nalampasan natin at marami pa tayong malalampasan basta kapit lang tayo kay God at walang sukuan.”

(We have gotten through everything and there is more that we will get through [and] we just have to hold on to God and not give up.)

Melai Cantiveros with husband Jason Francisco Photo from Instagram/@mrandmrsfrancisco

“Now, look at you, now, look at me, how you like that?” Cantiveros said, holding back laughter as she recited lyrics from Blackpink’s “How You Like That.” “Papang, always kong ipagdarasal na (I always pray that) for you and me we will not kill this love.”

“And pananatilihin kong maging sweet sa iyo (I will stay sweet to you) like an ice cream, chillin’ chillin’ ice cream,” she said, this time quoting Blackpink and Selena Gomez’s song “Ice Cream.”

“Papang, for me you are always shining through the city with a

DONALD Trump has often stated he wants to end “birthright citizenship” for children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents. He is obviously against “birth tourism,” where pregnant women, about to give birth, enter the U.S. solely for their child to be born in the U.S. and therefore be considered a U.S. citizen. He also opposes undocumented immigrants coming across the border (or overstaying their visas) and giving birth, making their children automatic U.S. citizens.

There have been millions of children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants, who have long been considered U.S. citizens. Many of those children have even gone on to perhaps petition their parents when they reached 21 years of age.

But what is birthright citizenship, and what is the argument for precluding children of undocumented immigrants from being considered U.S. citizens even if born within the U.S.?

We start with the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which provides the foundation for birthright citizenship: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.”

(Emphasis added) The key phrase in the 14th amendment is that persons born in the U.S are considered U.S. citizens only if they are “subject to the jurisdiction” of the U.S. If

little funk and soul and you will always be the one to light me up like a dynamite. I love you,” said Cantiveros, this time paying tribute to BTS’ “Dynamite.”

As laughter could be heard in the background, Cantiveros insisted, “Seryoso ako sa sinasabi ko (I am serious in what I am saying)!”

Francisco decided to make his message more simple, stating that he always thought of Cantiveros’ parents and that he did not want to hurt her or else they would be hurt too. He also expressed that he wanted to have more kids.

“I love you and I love your parents and our babies and soon to our more babies,” he said.

The couple’s romance blossomed while they were in 2009’s “Pinoy Big Brother.” They wed in December 2013, months after Cantiveros announced her pregnancy. After marrying in 2013 and having a child, the two announced their separation in July 2016. By By aJPress September of the same year, the comedienne revealed that she was EAST West Players, the napregnant and that she and Frantion’s premiere Asian American cisco were back together. theatre organization, is partnering up with online musician AJ Rafael for Crazy Talented Asians, a concert series started by Rafael in September 2018.

The Holiday Edition of this virtual event will happen LIVE on Facebook & YouTube on December 13th, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. PST, and will feature performers Isa Briones (Picard, Hamilton), Josh Dela Cruz (Blue’s Clues), Cathy Ang (Over The Moon), Dante Basco (Hook, Avatar), Deedee Magno Hall (Steven Universe) and many more.

“Putting on this show has been really important for me to continue through this pandemic because I know people need some joy right now, especially going through the holidays. The fact that it also celebrates Asian and Asian American representation makes it that much sweeter.

I am excited to help further East West Players’ mission in uplifting performers of color and the Asian American community,” Rafael said.

“2020 has been a year unlike any other, and one of the positive constants here at East West Players has been our partnership with Crazy Talented Asians,” said East West Players’ Producing Artistic Director Snehal Desai, “I am glad we can close out the year with this incredibly talented line-up of Asian and Asian American performers led by the intrepid AJ Rafael. We are so happy AJ, Alyssa, and all the performers continue to showcase all of the

a person is not subject to U.S. jurisdiction, they should not be considered a U.S. citizen at birth.

The phrase “subject to the jurisdiction” of the U.S. has always been interpreted to pertain to citizenship claims by the children of diplomats, ambassadors, and hostile combatants.

For example, ambassadors and other diplomats enjoy diplomatic “immunity” while in the U.S., and are therefore not subject to U.S. jurisdiction. If their children are born in the U.S., they are not considered automatic U.S. citizens.

The argument goes that if a person is out of status, or owes allegiance to another country, they are not subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Therefore, if their children are born in the U.S., the children are not birthright citizens.

However, I do not believe Trump would be successful in attempting to end birthright citizenship. A constitutional amendment to the 14th Amendment is remote. If he tries an executive order, Biden would immediately rescind it.

In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court has a history of deciding cases upholding birthright citizenship. As early as 1804, the U.S. Supreme Court decided a case, where they held that a person born in the U.S. was a U.S. citizen, even if the person later on lived most of his life outside the U.S. Birth in the U.S. was enough to convey citizenship.

In conclusion, unless there is a constitutional amendment to the 14th Amendment, I do not believe birthright citizenship will change. If a child is born in the U.S., and their parents are not diplomats, the child will be considered a U.S. citizen at birth.

Once they reach 21 years of age,

they could petition their parents.

However, whether their parents will be eligible to adjust status (apply for a green card) in the U.S. may be a different issue.

Being out of status, the parents’ manner of entry into the U.S. and their immigration history could affect the child’s ability to petition their parents.

If you have a U.S. born child over 21 years of age, and are considering having that child petition you, I would recommend that you consult with an attorney who can evaluate your situation, including your immigration history and status, to determine eligibility and the best course of action for you to legalize your status. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York.

All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

AJ Rafael, East West Players present a streaming holiday edition of Crazy Talented Asians

The holiday edition of Crazy Talented Asians will stream on Facebook and YouTube on Sunday, December 13.

amazing talent that underscores the brilliance of Asian American performers in LA. We hope it brings a little bit of the holiday season into everyone’s home.”

The show will be co-hosted by AJ Rafael & Alyssa Navarro, who recently became viral TikTok sensations for their cover of “Reflection” from Mulan, which has garnered over 10 million views.

Their videos recently have been featured on Buzzfeed, Philippine news network ABS-CBN, and Good Morning America.

More featured performers include Jasmine Rafael & Justine Rafael, singer/songwriters Melissa Polinar, Gabe Bondoc,

& Jeremy Passion, podcast trio AsianBossGirl, singer/actress and EWP alum Jules Aurora, GALVN, Twitch streamer Albert Chang, Grammy award winning musician Daniel Ho, Yvette Lu, Leo Matsuyama, and TikTok musician Kevin Chung.

The event will be live-streamed on Sunday, December 13th, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. Pacific/8:30 p.m. Eastern on East West Players’ Facebook Page & YouTube Channel and is sponsored by Karat, the premium black card for creators, and Xoom, a PayPal service, with media partners Myx Global and Tremendous Communications.

Lea’s concert album reaches No. 7 spot on Billboard chart By ryaN

arcadio Inquirer.net

LEA Salonga landed on the 7th spot on Billboard’s Classical Contemporary Album chart with her latest concert album.

The collection features recordings from her show at the Sydney Opera House in Australia back in 2019. The Tony Award-winning singer-actress expressed her joy over the feat on her Twitter page on Thursday, December 10.

“OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m on a Billboard chart!!!!” Salonga stated alongside a screenshot of the list.

Italian singer Andrea Bocelli tops the list with his 17th studio album called “Believe.” Meanwhile, Neil Diamond and the London Symphony Orchestra, Metallica and San Francisco

Lea Salonga

ABS-CBN photo

Symphony and Mat & Savanna Shaw take the second, third, fourth and fifth spots respectively.

Salonga’s said album includes

her iconic songs “A Whole New World,” “Reflection” and “On My Own” from popular productions “Aladdin,” “Mulan” and “Les Misérables.” She was also set to hold a tour in North America earlier this year, but eventually pushed it to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the setback on the tour, Salonga has been kept busy amid the lockdown in the Philippines. She released a new song called “Dream Again” last August to help raise funds for COVID-19 relief efforts across the globe.

Salonga has also joined LinManuel Miranda and Meryl Streep in an online concert last April to celebrate the 90th birthday of composer Stephen Sondheim. The event also benefited the nonprofit organization Artists Striving to End Poverty.

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Citizen Pinoy’s Christmas ‘parol’ special answers more of your US immigration questions this Sunday LEADING U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel and the Citizen Pinoy family recognize that Christmas is a time for family. Many Filipinos in the U.S. are still waiting for the day when they are finally reunited with their family in America.

While waiting for that day, Attorney Gurfinkel works hard to help people realize that dream of uniting (or legalizing their status) by providing helpful information to Kapamilya.

Jon from Riverside, California

is a dual citizen and he just returned to the U.S. after spending nine years in the Philippines.

He brought his four-year old daughter to the U.S., as she was considered a U.S. citizen at birth. Jon would like to know what is the fastest way to bring the mother of his daughter to the US: is it via a fiancée visa?

Or should he marry her first and petition her as his wife?

Hildi from Taguig, Metro Manila in the Philippines asks about her father’s petition for her in

1997. Unfortunately, her father died in 2017 and the petition only became current in 2019.

Can Hildi and her two adult children still to come to America on her father’s petition?

These questions and more will be answered on brand-new holiday episode of “Citizen Pinoy: Your Tanong, My Sagot” this Sunday, December 13, at 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

Atty. rheA sAmson ANG isang dayuhan na may false claim ng U.S. citizenship upang makakuha ng mga benipisyo sa ilalim ng federal law o state law ay maaaring maging inadmissible. Ang mga sumusunod ang mga elemento ng false claim ng U.S. citizenship: (1) ang dayuhan ay nagsabi at naglinlang na siya ay U.S. citizen; (2) ang kanyang pagsabi na siya ay U.S. citizen ay hindi totoo; (3) alam ng dayuhan na siya ay nagsisinungaling noong sinabi niya na siya ay U.S. citizen; at (4) ang dahilan ng pagsabi ng dayuhan na siya ay U.S. citizen ay upang makakuha ng mga benepisyo sa ilalim ng Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), o para sa benepisyo sa ilalim ng federal law o state law.

Ang dayuhan ay maaaring magsabi na siya ay U.S. citizen sa mga interbyu, sa mga aplikasyon niya sa trabaho, o sa mga dokumentong kanyang ibinigay sa opisyal ng gobyerno ng U.S., kasama na ang federal official at state official. Maaari rin na ang pagsisinungaling ukol sa U.S. citizenship ay sinabi sa isang pribadong tao, katulad ng U.S. employer.

Para maging false claim sa U.S. citizenship, dapat ay alam ng dayuhan na ang sinasabi niya na siya ay U.S. citizen ay hindi totoo at ito’y isang kasinungalingan.

Kung hindi alam ng dayuhan na hindi pala siya U.S. citizen, halimbawa ay sinabihan siya ng kanyang mga magulang na siya ay U.S. citizen simula noong siya ay sanggol pa hanggang lumaki na siya, at buong buhay niya itong pinaniwalaan, hindi masasabing ang dayuhan ay may false claim sa U.S. citizenship.

Ayon sa batas, ang isang dayuhan ay inadmissible dahil sa false claim ng U.S. citizenship kung siya ay nagsabi at naglinlang ukol sa kanyang citizenship para makakuha ng mga benepisyo sa ilalim ng INA, o federal law o state law. Kailangan ding ang U.S. citizenship ay materyal o mahalaga para sa benepisyong gustong makuha ng dayuhan, kagaya ng sa aplikasyon para sa U.S. passport, pagpasok sa U.S. kung saan sinasabi ng dayuhan na siya ay U.S. citizen para hindi siya tanungin pa ng mga opisyal ng Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), o kaya ay sa paghanap at pagkuha ng trabaho sa pamamagitan ng pag-fill up ng Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form kung saan sinasabi ng dayuhan na siya ay U.S. citizen upang hindi na siya hanapan ng US employer ng mga dokumento na siya ay legal na pwedeng magtrabaho sa US. Maaari ring ang

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Has DACA been fully reinstated?

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

THE USCIS is officially accepting new applications for DACA after the government fully reinstated the program on December 7, 2020. On December 4, 2020, a judge ordered the program to be fully reinstated to what it was before the Trump Administration attempted to rescind it in 2017, a reaffirmation of an ear (Advertising Supplement) lier Supreme Court ruling.

It is very disheartening to witness children of immigrants work so hard to obtain good grades in school, achieve honor roll standing in high school, get accepted to top universities, only to find out that all doors to the American Dream are closed and dayuhan ay may false claim sa US locked. On June 15, 2012, Secrecitizenship upang makaiwas sa tary of Homeland Security Janet mga negatibong maaaring mang- Napolitano issued a memoranyari sa kanya kung siya ay wala nang status sa US, tulad ng paglagay sa kanya sa removal o deportation proceedings o pagbigay ng mahabang interrogation sa kanya ng mga opisyal ng Immigration. *** Debt An alien who falsely claims to be a U.S. citizen in order to ob- Relief tain a benefit under federal law or state law may be found to be inadmissible. The following are the elements of false claim to U.S. Atty. LAwrence yAng citizenship: (1) the alien made a representation of U.S. citizenship; Chapter 7 for senior No. 1 (2) the representation was false; Senior one is 73. He has been (3) the alien made the representa- separated from his wife for 30 tion knowingly; and (4) the alien years but not divorced. So, for all made the representation for any intents and purposes, he is single purpose or benefit under the Im- because even if his wife makes a migration and Nationality Act ton of money, her income is irrel(INA) or any other federal or state evant under the means test since law. client does not benefit from that An alien may claim to be a U.S. income. citizen in interviews, written apEven if his estranged wife plications or by submitting docu- makes $1-M a year as financial mentary evidence to a U.S. gov- advisor, that income is not part ernment official, any federal, state of client’s household income unor local official, or even to a pri- der the means test. He says he vate person, such as an employer. has no idea where is wife is and For USCIS to consider the claim has not seen her for 30 years. He to US citizenship to be false, the comes to see me with a woman alien must knowingly misrepre- who sits behind him in my ofsent the fact that he is a citizen fice. She smiles a lot. I presume of the U.S. The alien must have that she must be his girlfriend. I known that he was not a U.S. citi- would say that they are a goodzen at the time that the claim was looking couple. He still has a full made. If the alien did not know head of hair. And she dresses in fashion and takes care of how PAGE B7

Inadmissibility due to false claim to US citizenship Tapat Sa Batas

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 12-15, 2020

dum regarding the exercise of prosecutorial discretion on certain individuals who came to the US as children which partially opens some of the doors. Effective immediately, certain young people who were brought to the United States through no fault of their own as young children and meet several key criteria will be considered for relief from removal from the country. Those who demonstrate that they meet the criteria will be eligible to receive deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal.

You may request DACA if you: 1. Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; 2. Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday; 3. Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time; 4. Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS; 5. Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012;

6. Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and 7. Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor,or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Individuals must also complete a background check and, for those individuals who make a request to USCIS and are not subject to a final order of removal, must be 15 years old or older.

DACA does not confer lawful legal status in the United States.

DACA is a discretionary determination to defer removal/deportation of an individual as an exercise of prosecutorial discretion.

Aliens will not accrue unlawful presence while in deferred action.

Individuals who are granted PAGE B7

A tale of 2 seniors in financial distress she looks. They look happy together.

What is his problem now? His social security benefits have been cut by more than half! Unbelievable is the word. Now that he needs social security to survive, they cut it by 50%. I don’t even want to mention figures because the reduced amount that he now receives is not even enough to pay for his room rent of $500. He used to get $1,000 a month of social security. He says he’s appealing the cutback. Hope he is successful on his appeal because this reduction is not only unbelievable, it’s cruel. It’s like cutting off the umbilical cord from the unborn child. Despite of this misfortune, client appears to be taking it in stride.

To be precise, his problem now is that he has no money to pay for his $20,000 of credit cards, which needs $600 a month of minimum monthly payments to keep them current. Needless to say, he has no money left to pay for these cards. His reduced $500 social security is enough only to pay for his room rent. I think we can all sympathize with his financial problem in his golden years.

Nobody wants to be in this situation, as one becomes a senior. As a senior, one must have enough to pay for a roof over one’s head and have money left to pay for food and other necessities. And hopefully, have some money left to indulge in what one enjoys doing. Maybe eating out or traveling comes to mind as life’s little pleasures that seniors can enjoy.

I also know that many seniors feel lonely so they join a seniors club that allows them to have social activities of meeting other seniors and doing activities together.

The client does have one thing going for him. He is in perfect health. No hypertension. No diabetes. Not overweight. He has no chronic illness of any kind, although some have argued that aging is a chronic illness.

He needs Chapter 7 to wipe out the $20,000 of credit card debt.

I’m glad at least I can help him this way. Who needs $20,000 of credit card debt at 73? Time marches on very quickly. We will all become seniors one day. All we can be is be young at heart and in the mind. Just like a car PAGE B7

B DECEMBER 12-15, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Are you paid less due to your gender or race?

CA Equal Pay Act prohibits pay discrimination of the following factors: a) A seniority system b) A merit system c) A system that measures earnings by quantity or quality of production d) A bona fide factor other than sex, race, or ethnicity, Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. such as education, training, or experience.

With limited exceptions, the BETTInA Boxall, a reporter Act also prohibits an employer for the Los Angeles Times for from relying on the employee’s more than 30 years, has resalary history as a factor in deceived several awards, includtermining a salary offer. The ing a Pulitzer Prize for her employer is also prohibited reporting on the wildfire in from seeking the employee’s the west. Boxall is white and salary history, including comfemale. Gregory Braxton has pensation and benefits. The worked for the LA Times for 36 employer, upon reasonable years, and was part of teams request, must that won three provide the Pulitzer Prizes pay scale for a “The California Fair Pay Act (aka the Equal for the Times. position to an Braxton is male Pay Act) prohibits an employer from paying applicant for and Africanany of its employees wage rates that are less employment.

American.

Although the B o x a l l than what it pays employees of the opposite sex, employer may claimed that or of another race, or of another ethnicity, for ask an employdespite her ee about their long and dissubstantially similar work, when viewed as a salary expectatinguished recomposite of skill, effort, and responsibility, and tion for the poporting at the sition, the law LA Times she performed under similar working conditions.” does not allow faced discrimiprior salary to nation in pay based on her gender. She first The California Fair Pay Act justify any disparity in compenlearned of pay disparities in the (aka the Equal Pay Act) pro- sation. An employer, though, 1990s when a male reporter hibits an employer from pay- may still make pay decisions conducted an informal study ing any of its employees wage based on an employee’s curof salaries in the Metro Bureau rates that are less than what it rent salary so long as any wage and asked volunteers to sub- pays employees of the opposite differential is justified by one or mit anonymously their gender sex, or of another race, or of an- more factors specified above.

Rather than proceed to trial, experience tenure and salary. other ethnicity, for substantially Looking at the posted results, similar work, when viewed as the LA Times agreed to pay the Boxall saw that she was on the a composite of skill, effort, and class of employees $3 million in lower end of the salary range. responsibility, and performed damages to settle the case. *** Throughout the years, Boxall under similar working condicalled attention to the fact that tions.

The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. she was underpaid compared “Substantially similar work” welcomes inquiries about this topic. with her male colleagues. Even means work that is mostly simi- All inquiries are confidential and at noafter ostensibly being given a lar in skill, effort, responsibility, cost. You can contact the office at (818) 9% raise, Boxall learned she and performed under similar 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw. was still paid less than her working conditions. Thus, even com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe male counterparts. A number if their titles are different or they Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered of male reporters with less ex- work at different sites, employ- wages and other monetary damages perience and industry recog- ees may be doing substantially for thousands of employees and nition were paid more money similar work. This means the consumers. He was named Top Labor than her despite her perform- lower paid employee does not & Employment Attorney in California ing substantially similar work have to prove that the higher by the Daily Journal, consistently to them. paid employee has exactly the selected as Super Lawyer by the Braxton, on the other hand, same job as they do.

Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past discovered that despite beIf differences in wages exist, Presidential Awardee for Outstanding ing a multi-awarded reporter, the difference must be legally Filipino Overseas.] senior employee, and editor justified based on one or more (Advertising Supplement)

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at the paper, he was paid less than non-Black African-American employees for substantially similar work. Many of the white persons earning more than Braxton have worked in the industry for less time or have been at their current position at the company for less time.

Boxall, Braxton and other fellow employees sued the LA Times in a class action, alleging that the employer violated California’s Fair Pay Act by discriminating against them on the basis of sex and race with respect to their wages. They contended that there is no legitimate lawful reason for the pay disparities in their situation.

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Rescinding a removal or deportation order to allow you to apply for a green card WE have all heard the popular saying, “Timing is everything.” Unfortunately, this saying often adversely applies to those persons who have found an avenue from which to obtain a green card, only to be prevented from doing so because he/she has a prior removal or deportation order. A typical scenario involves a person who entered the US years ago on a B-2 tourist visa, overstayed, and was ordered removed by the Immigration Court. Fast forward to today, that person who was ordered removed finds true love and marries a US Citizen. Seemingly close to finally obtaining permanent resident status, he/she is precluded from doing so because of the prior removal or deportation order. What options does one have in such a case?

A motion to reopen the removal/deportation proceedings and rescind the removal/deportation order can be filed in Immigration Court. If the motion to reopen the proceedings and rescind the removal/deportation order is successful, the alien can pursue whatever relief from removal/deportation that is available to him/her. For the case mentioned in the first paragraph, the relief would be adjustment of status to permanent resident via marriage to a US citizen spouse. The relief would be presented in Immigration Court, with the Immigration Judge to decide the merits of the adjustment of status application. Alternatively, if an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can be obtained to terminate the proceedings,

Legal Advice Atty. dArriCk tAn a decision on the adjustment of status application can be made outside Immigration Court, by the USCIS. Generally, a motion to reopen removal/deportation proceedings must be filed within 90 days of the date of entry of the removal/deportation order. However, a motion to reopen may be filed past 90 days exist in some circumstances, and are discussed below.

Under 8 CFR § 1003.23(b)(4), a motion to reopen can be filed at any time if notice of the proceedings was not received by the person subject to the removal/deportation order, and a removal/deportation order was entered in his absence. Written notice of the time and place of removal proceedings must be given in person to the alien, or shall be given by certified mail to the alien or to the alien’s counsel of record. InA §242B(a)(2)(A).

Further, written notice of the proceedings, if provided by certified mail, must be provided at the most recent address reported by the alien. Matter of Grijalva, Interim Decision 3246 (BIA 1995).

The requirements for notice of removal/deportation proceedings are strict, and careful analysis of a person’s immigration court file often results in finding evidence that DHS did not comply with required procedure, which can be

the basis for reopening the removal/deportation proceeding.

Further, the Immigration Judge has discretionary authority to reopen or reconsider cases on his or her own motion (“sua sponte”) at any time providing a valid basis can be shown. 8 CFR § 1003.23(b)(1).

Careful analysis of not only the immigration court file, but also the specific facts and circumstances of a person’s case is necessary to convince the Immigration Judge to reopen the proceedings. Some bases upon which cases I have been able to reopen cases include improper section cited by the DHS attorney in the charging document, insufficient evidence presented by the DHS attorney in proving up the case against the alien, and hardship and humanitarian concerns.

If you have a prior removal/deportation order which is preventing you from adjusting status and getting your green card, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced attorney to determine whether a motion to reopen can be filed. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA). LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

Bankruptcy debt relief: Is the pandemic threatening your financial security?

Minding Your Finances Atty. rAymond BulAon AS I write this article, the country’s economic outlook is grim. The governor just ordered another shutdown of “non-essential businesses” who have already suffered significant financial losses since the pandemic started early this year. A lot of workers are getting laid off again by business owners who must shut their doors until being told it is OK to re-open. We are living in very difficult times. The good news is that we now seem to have the needed vaccines to put an end to this nightmare but how things pan out in terms of distribution and their effectiveness remain to be seen.

We can only hope for the best.

COVID-19 has had crippling and devastating financial consequences for couples, families and business owners. We are seeing escalating unemployment numbers (20.6% currently) and a desperate need for financial assistance. Unemployment benefits run out by the end of this month and Congress so far has failed to come up with a relief package that can help people stay financially afloat at least for the time being. The longer the pandemic continues, the bigger the financial hole that people have found themselves in gets, and the more likely they will turn to filing bankruptcy as a way to get needed relief from their crushing financial burdens. no one ever plans to go bank-

Pastor’s Notes reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAS LAST Monday, a parishioner asked me to administer the Sacrament of Anointing to his brother, who is suffering from cancer. So after celebrating the eighty-thirty Mass that morning, I asked our seminarian intern, Hiew, to drive me to the sick man’s apartment in the LA area

by Historic Filipinotown.

As we passed the 101 Freeway bridge on Alvarado Street, Hiew and I could not help but notice the city’s ubiquitous homelessness. Makeshift plastic tents, garbage, and litter of all kinds, including chairs, tables, and soiled clothes, surround many street corners. Homeless people sit by stores and food joints, either asleep or eating food from generous restaurant owners.

“It has gotten worst,” I told

rupt, but the current situation is forcing people to consider it as an option if their financial security is threatened by the lack of sufficient income to pay even for life’s necessities. For most, it is pushing a financial reset button.

Unlike what others might think, people do not use bankruptcy frivolously as an easy way out of debt. Often, they are triggered by major life events that significantly reduce their income, their debt, or both. Examples of such events would be divorce, unemployment, disability or death of a partner. The financial crisis caused by COVID-19 is also one such event because it has severely impacted all our lives in ways we have never imagined.

For individuals, there are two main types of bankruptcy. Chapter 7 allows you to wipe out debts you can no longer pay, although there are a few exceptions such as student loans, most taxes and domestic support obligations. Chapter 7 is typically for those whose income is so low that they are not even able to pay for basic living expenses. On the other hand, if a payment plan was possible, Chapter 13 allows you to consolidate all your bills over a 3-5 year period.

What makes Chapter 13 the best type of debt consolidation is the fact that your monthly payments are often just based on how much you can afford, regardless of the total amount of your debts. Whatever is left at the end of the repayment period is simply wiped out and you can be 100% debt-free much faster than if you tried to pay all your creditors on your own. The interest rate on credit cards and unsecured loans also drops down to zero, a far cry from the outrageous 23-29% interest rates that you may be currently

paying. With either Chapter 7 or 13, you also get the full protection of the law which means that creditors will not be able to pursue their usual remedies of obtaining a judgment, a bank levy or a wage garnishment in order to force payments from you.

Filing bankruptcy does not mean giving up your possessions, a common misconception that people have. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can help explain the exemption laws and how they apply to your property and assets so that you can have peace of mind knowing that you will not lose everything you have worked so hard for.

The pandemic will end eventually, but until we know when that is, personal incomes will continue to suffer. The bankruptcy courts are still open, and you can still file bankruptcy at this time if that is an option for you. In some cases, it may be best to wait if there are good reasons why you should delay. But at the very least, as a bankruptcy attorney, I think you should at least be pro-active in seeking legal counsel about your situation in case bankruptcy becomes inevitable for your situation. *** NOTE: Due to the current lockdown order caused by COVID-19, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866477-7772 (Advertising Supplement)

The urgings to help the poor and the homeless Hiew. “I lived in this area during the 1980s, and there was none of this homeless problem here,” I added.

Then we continued talking about the mayor’s response to this problem, the varied causes — from mental and drug issues to loss of jobs and high cost of housing and rent — and what we can do as a society and church.

It’s quite overwhelming to think about a solution to it. We could give homeless people some food or money, but the fact remains that the problem is systemic and beyond one’s reach.

We could convict ourselves about not doing much, having better lives than them, such as living in a lovely apartment, but the problem is complex.

So what can we do? I’d say that we keep talking about it as a church community and look at the small and concrete ways we

do to help alleviate the homeless people’s suffering.

For example, for years now, our church, through the efforts of St. Vincent De Paul Conference, has assisted the needy that come to our parish on payments for rent, electric bills, bus passes, medicines, groceries, as well as funeral services. Its members also organize food drives, feed the homeless in other churches and shelters, and give out McDonald or Subway gift cards.

On Fridays, a Hispanic prayer group gathers meat, vegetables, beans, rice, and other donated food items from nearby grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and distribute them to the needy.

For years before the COVID19 pandemic, our hospitality ministry would be part of an inter-church organization to prepare lunch for the poor. We are only encountering restrictions PAGE B7

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The urgings to help the...

PAGE B6 during the pandemic of handing out food that the group has postponed doing this project.

Our parish has participated in many archdiocesan and national efforts to address poverty and homelessness through second collections such as the Cardinal McIntyre Fund, Campaign for Human Development, Missionary Cooperation, and National Needs Combined.

Without a doubt, the Together In Mission Appeal has been one of the successful ways that we do to help hundreds of poor parishes and schools in the archdiocese. We’ve heard testimonies from pastors and parents that received assistance from this

program to help them maintain their parish and open their parochial school to provide a Catholic education to children from impoverished families.

We do what we can, but I know that there is a more significant challenge to do more to help our needy brothers and sisters, especially during this pandemic.

We’ll keep hearing prophetic voices in our community that urge not to ignore poverty and homelessness around us. There are no easy solutions, but we will keep reminding ourselves of the words of Isaiah, which our Lord Jesus at the beginning of his ministry even quoted: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has

is about $400,000. The mortgage payment is $2,500. Their joint social security income is $2,700.

They have no other income. They owe $60K in credit cards. Oops.

Clearly, the math doesn’t add up. $60,000 of credit cards needs $1,800 of monthly minimum payments to keep them current. But SS income is $2,700 while the mortgage is $2,500.

This is where the children have to come in and help out because eventually, children will inherit the $300,000 of house equity.

So, it’s only fair that the children help out now.

The children can help out by contributing the amount necessary for clients to pay off the $60,000 over five years under Chapter 13 reorganization. They will have to contribute $1,000 a month to the Chapter 13 plan. At the end of the 5th year, the court will enter a discharge order and clients will owe zero on the $60,000 of credit cards. They will be free of all credit card debt at 82. And they will still have their home, which probably will have gone up by another $200,000.

So, children stand to inherit $500,000, but they should help out now with $50,000 over five years. Even looking at it as an investment, they invest $50,000

Has DACA been fully...

PAGE B5 deferred status is eligible to receive an employment authorization for the period of the deferred action provided the individual can demonstrate “an economic necessity for employment.” Deferred action will be issued in increments to 2 years subject to renewal. Each individual case will be subject to review at the time of renewal.

Individuals should be prepared to introduce evidence proving that the individual has met all the criteria described above. *** 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, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes 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, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 3881611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com.

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B

anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners. to announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God.” May this Advent and Christmas inspire us to help in whatever way to end poverty and homelessness in our cities, country, and other parts of the world! *** 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.

A tale of 2 seniors in financial...

PAGE B5 that starts breaking down, as it gets older, our bodies will do the same, as we get older. Right?

This is our inheritance from Adam and Eve when they ate the forbidden fruit in Paradise. Our bodies that should have been good for eternity are now subject to disease and death. But we look forward to being with Jesus and God the Father after we die, right? Why spend the rest of eternity with Lucifer in hell? If you can’t stand the heat wave now, you are going to hate your life in hell. It’s a lot hotter there. If you don’t believe that hell exists, go ahead and take that chance and see what happens to you when you die. You are going to regret it. Jesus died for us so we can go to heaven. Take advantage of His love for us.

Chapter 13 for senior No. 2 Senior no. 2 is 79 years old and is married to his wife of 55 years.

They are happily married to each other. They have aged well together. Unlike Trump, who has aged by himself, while his wives get younger & younger. Out with the old and in the new. Maybe that makes him feel like he will live forever. In client’s case, they own a home with about $300,000 of equity. The mortgage balance

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 12-15, 2020

and get ten times back in five years. And they are able to relieve their parents of unnecessary financial stress, which will make them live longer.

If you need debt relief, please set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** 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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Incarnation Church in Glendale, CA is hosting drive-in masses for Simbang Gabi, starting December 15.

Inadmissibility due...

PAGE B5 that the claim to citizenship was false, the alien cannot be considered as having made a false claim to citizenship.

The law only makes an alien inadmissible for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship if the alien falsely represents himself to be a U.S. citizen for any purpose or benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), or any federal or state law. Furthermore, U.S. citizenship must matter to the purpose or benefit sought. This means that U.S. citizenship must be material to the purpose or benefit sought, such as in an applica-

tion for U.S. passport, entry into the U.S. where the alien claims to be a U.S. citizen, and in obtaining employment by filling-up Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form under a claim of U.S. citizenship. If the alien also falsely claims U.S. citizenship to avoid negative legal consequences such as being placed in removal proceedings and being placed in further inspection or interrogation by immigration officials, he is inadmissible. Likewise, if the alien claimed to be a U.S. citizen to avoid showing valid and unexpired work authorization documents to accept an offer of em-

ployment, he is inadmissible. *** ATTY. RHEA SAMSON is the principal of SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C. She has been a member of the State Bar of California for over 15 years and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for over 20 years. Atty. Samson received her Legal Management degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and her Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo Law School. She was a Professor for over 10 years, teaching Obligations and Contracts, Labor Laws and Social Legislation and Taxation Law. Atty Samson is the author of The Law on Obligations and Contracts (2016), Working with Labor Laws-Revised Edition (2014) and Working with Labor Laws (2005).

SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C., 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1710, Los Angeles, CA 90010; Phone: (213) 381-5710; Email: info@ samsonlawfirmpc.com.

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B DECEMBER 12-15, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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