Weekend Balita (Los Angeles edition) December 26, 2020

LOS ANGELES EDITION

VOL. XXIX NO. 52

December 26, 2020-January 1, 2021

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FELLOW FILIPINO-AMERICANS

Happy New Year 2021!

IT IS TIME TO FORGET THE PAST AND START A NEW BEGINNING. TOP STORIES

Global News Most Pinoys satisfied with PRRD office, IATF’s Covid-19 response 8  Solon wants textbooks converted into digital formats 8  91% of Filipinos hopeful for 2021 – Pulse Asia 10  Outgoing SoKor envoy cites deepening ties with PH 11  Reds’ activities this holiday season monitored — AFP chief 11  OFWs in Qatar to get free Covid-19 vaccines: labor office 12 

WE ARE CAUGHT BETWEEN DISQUIET AND HOPE

By ABNER GALINO

THE holidays are upon us and we are trapped between disquiet and hope.

Sections BUSINESS. DTI warns: Dishonest online buyers may face imprisonment 13  ENTERTAINMENT. Bea Alonzo admits she’ll always be in love with this actor 14  HEALTH & FAMILY. House pushes for alternative to handshake 18  FEATURE. Holidays: Days of rest for people, but why not for all? 16 

Fil-Am pols endorse Bonta as replacement for Becerra

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ome former and current Filipino American officials recently endorsed Assemblymember Rob Bonta to California Governor Gavin Newsom as a possible replacement for Attorney General Xavier Becerra who has been selected by President-elect Joe Biden as his nominee for the position of United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Becerra is set to become the first Latino to run the said department. He has FIL-AM

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(L-R) Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, Helen Cordova, Governor Gavin Newsom with other Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center healthcare staff. (Photo Credit: Office of the Governor of the State of California)

16 names potential presidential bets in 2022 polls — study MANILA (Mabuhay) — With less than two years before the presidential elections, several politicians and private sector executives are among the potential candidates for the highest post in the land in the May 2022 national and local polls.

According to the

Leni Robredo

Bong Go

sentiment analysis in the social media platform-Facebook by research firm-BluePrint.

Grace Poe

Manny Pacquiao Alan Peter Cayetano

PH, and its Singapore-based partner on Data Mining and Artificial Intelligence, 16 are

likely candidates for the presidential post.

A mong them are S e n ator s B on g G o, 16 NAMES

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Two weeks ago, an intensive care unit nurse, Helen Cordova, gets a dose of the first shipment of anti-COVID 19 vaccine at a Kaiser Permanente hospital in Los Angeles.

That was a powerful picture of hope.

By Christmas, it is estimated that some 6,000 LA County health workers will be vaccinated. That’s a lot of people who would be possibly out of the virus’ deadly snare.

News reports said that since vaccinations began in the U.S. on December 14, some 1.12 million doses have been administered.

This figure is expected to climb up as a second vaccine made by Moderna Inc. is also distributed.

Both vaccines require two doses taken several weeks apart.

There are good reasons to be upbeat. But then, the reality still stares at us menacingly --- that most of us would have to wait until the middle of year 2021 to be vaccinated and be protected from the deadly coronavirus.

But as the holidays descend upon us, the pandemic has made family gatherings more difficult and potentially unsafe.

WE ARE

Cebu

Lechon • BBQ & Deli

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Community Some 1,400 small businesses get $46M in CARES Act Visit www.Balita.com

ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor

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Happy New Year 2021!

IT IS TIME TO FORGET THE PAST AND START A NEW BEGINNING.

he County of Los Angeles recently announced that $46.2 million of federal CARES Act funding has been distributed to more than 1,400 community-based businesses to help retain or hire employees, implement COVID-19-related safety measures, and comply with local health orders.

At the direction of the Board of Supervisors, the Los Angeles County Department of Workforce Development, Aging, and Community Services (WDACS), along with REDF, a venture philanthropy focused on building the employment social enterprise sector, partnered to provide these CARES Act funds to small businesses, social enterprises, B corporations, non-profits, and Community Business Enterprises (CBEs) located in economically disadvantaged communities throughout Los Angeles County.

“Small local businesses and their employees are dealing with profound uncertainty in

the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and a shuttered economy,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis, and Supervisor to the First District.

“These businesses anchor our families, contribute to the historical identity to our communities, and invigorate development in every corner of our County. Many have been directly impacted by the economic fallout and have also struggled to gain equal access under federal aid efforts. While we were successful in supporting many small businesses in disadvantaged communities, advocacy around further federal relief is critical in order to alleviate the economic inequalities this sector continues to be confronted with.”

“This funding is critical for small businesses and organizations throughout LA County that have been balancing following COVID-19 guidelines to protect the health of our communities while fighting to keep people employed and their

doors open,” said Supervisor Holly Mitchell.

“I am thrilled that the LA County Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services has been able to expand the reach and impact of the CARES Act. This work cannot be done without Federal funding. We know that $46 million must not be viewed as the ceiling but instead as part of an on-going commitment to protecting local government services, small businesses and non-profits that are the lifelines of our communities.”

“This ver y welcome announcement demonstrates the County’s ongoing commitment to responsibly helping small businesses during the pandemic,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl.

“My thanks go to the many businesses struggling in my district and across the County. We will continue to push to achieve greater help across the board.”

“Through no fault of their own, these small business own-

Saturday-Friday | December 26, 2020 - January 1, 2021

ers have been devastated,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn.

“I hope that through these grants we can shore up these businesses, preserve what these small businesses owners have worked so hard to build, and save jobs in our communities.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our County,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

“This was an important effort by the Board of Supervisors to make these grants available to help small businesses get through these difficult times.”

“LA County businesses are struggling, but because of the leadership of the Board of Supervisors, we were able to help thousands of small businesses,” said Otto Solórzano, Acting Director of WDACS. “For many, this funding was the difference between staying in business or shutting down.

We were able to support more than 1,400 small businesses, with a special focus on those with a social mission. This money went where it could do the most good.”

The businesses that received funding represent a wide variety of products and services, from restaurants to education and childcare to retail.

More than 1,400 small businesses and non-profit organizations were awarded funding, out of more than 2,400 total applicants. This is a 60% acceptance rate.

— 34% of funding went to businesses or non-profit organizations led by people of color — A total of $46.2 million was awarded to businesses and non-profit organizations throughout all five Supervisorial Districts in Los Angeles County, helping to avert more than 5,700 layoffs (estimated) — $33.3 million was awarded to small businesses — $12.7 million was awarded to social enterprises, B-Corps, and CBEs Four “This grant allowed us to deliver meals and groceries to hundreds of seniors, adults with underlying health conditions, and families who have CONTNUED ON PAGE 4

Southern California Edison Offers Customer Payment Relief Through Assistance Programs and Resources Southern California Edison (SCE) wants customers to know there are programs and services available to help them. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SCE has suspended service disconnections for nonpayment and is waiving late fees for impacted residential and small business customers. If you have trouble paying your bill, you can contact SCE’s Customer Service team to discuss payment extension or arrangements at 1-800-950-2356. Customers who are experiencing hardships may also qualify for several assistance programs.

Energy Assistance Fund If you are struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic, the Energy Assistance Fund (EAF) provides bill relief for income-qualified customers experiencing financial hardship due to quarantine, illness, caring for loved ones or business closures. Once a year, qualified customers can receive EAF assistance up to $200 and $300 for all electric households to help pay their electric bill.

CARE and FERA Programs If you have recently lost your job or your income has changed, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs can help reduce your monthly bill, even if you are already receiving unemployment benefits. The CARE program provides income-qualified households a discount of about 30% on monthly electric bills and FERA provides a reduced monthly discount of 18% for income-qualified households of three or more.

Both programs have the same application.

Customers can also track if their next projected bill is expected to exceed their spending goal using SCE’s free Budget Assistant tool. To sign up, visit sce.com/budgetassistant.

For more information on all these programs and resources, visit http://sce.com/residential/assistance or contact SCE’s Customer Service team, available to help in English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese, at 1-800-655-4555.

Happy New Year 2021!

Saturday-Friday | December 26, 2020 - January 1, 2021

Visit www.Balita.com

IT IS TIME TO FORGET THE PAST AND START A NEW BEGINNING.

FIL-AM COMMUNITY

LA County’s Immigrant Services ‘From the Womb to the Tomb’”

By MARK HEDIN Ethnic Media Services

Los Angeles County officials from the Office of Immigrant Affairs, Department of Consumer and Business Affairs and Department of Health Services met ethnic media on Monday, Dec. 21, to discuss ways the county is looking out for its immigrant population -- the largest in the U.S., with 35% of its 10 million people.

The immigrant community "is vital to the county's economy, culture and way of life," said Rigoberto Reyes, OIA's executive director. “Think of OIA as a door into the county,” he said. “We have 39 departments that provide services from the womb to the tomb!”

Reyes also stressed that immigrants have become targets for fraudsters trying to take advantage of people who are “wary of interacting with officials, especially given recent changes in "public charge" and TPS (temporary protected status) rules and DACA.75 Reyes warned of "the harm that people who pretend to be attorneys, pretend that they know" can do to this community, not only by charging exorbitant fees, but by providing incorrect or ineffective advice that can help pave the way to deportations.

There are fewer than a thousand people licensed to work as "legal consultants" in California, he explained, but these are not attorneys, and can only provide forms and translation services. Only state-licensed attorneys, not legal consultants, can provide reliable legal help, he emphasized.

If you have just one bar left" in your cell phone, Rigo said, "use it to call us and get the right help." That number is (800) 593-8222. OIA can also be reached at The Office of Immigrant Affairs can also be contacted through its website: oia.lacounty.gov.

Manuel Ruiz, senior policy analyst at the county's Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, described how its StayHousedLA program (stayhousedla.org, (888) 694-0040), offers free legal help for immigrants facing eviction.

People who live in Los Angeles County and fall within StayHousedLA's income guidelines -- $90,100 or less per year for a family of four, $63,100 or less for an individual – qualify for limited legal representation, document preparation and out-of-court negotiation and dispute resolution help. For those whose income is at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) -- $56,300 for a family of four, $39,450 for individuals -- the county can offer “full-scope” legal representation.

The department will also step in to defend tenants against harassment or retaliation and has 20 partner organizations providing legal services for people facing rent increases, lockouts, issues with Section 8 or other subsidized housing and more, Ruiz said. The program also provides short-term rent payment help -- up to three months or $7,500 -- that can also be spent on utilities, moving costs or security deposits.

"Please don't feel afraid, we're here to help," Ruiz said, adding that "immigration status is not an issue."

Ruiz added that Los Angeles County’s eviction moratorium adopted to protect tenants in the pandemic applies to commercial properties too, beyond what state and federal measures do.

Besides StayHomeLA, he said, the department offers a series of know-your-rights workshops, and information for property owners.

Call (833) 223-7368, write to rent@lacounty.gov or visit the multilingual website rent. lacounty.gov for more, Ruiz said.

Staying housed is a key element of staying healthy, a non-medical condition that directly impacts people’s health, Anna Gorman, director of community partnerships and programs at the Department of Health Services, said.

DHS has developed a partnership program between health care and legal professionals to prevent health problems by addressing legal issues -- for instance, mold in rental units, utility cutoffs, or the denial of social security, cash aid or food stamp benefits.

The MyHealthLA program (dhs.lacounty.gov/mhla) can help obtain medications and other health care needs no matter the applicant’s immigration status.

Maintaining the social safety net, she said, “is more important now than ever.”

Gorman cited the example of a formerly incarcerated person who needed a medical

procedure but had struggled to reinstate MediCal, which is denied people behind bars.

“It was a mess,” she said, but the county was able to get the situation resolved.

Daniel Sharp, chief of the county’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, summarized recent positive developments related to DACA, TPS and “public charge” rules.

DACA applications are now being accepted under the terms of the original rules established in 2012, and previous authorizations have been extended another year.

Sharp “absolutely” recommended that people file new applications promptly. For more information on DACA, he referred to the county website https://oia.lacounty.gov/ DACA/.

As for the public charge rule change adopted by the Trump Administration, Sharp noted that “it is blocked and may never take effect. The Biden campaign committed in writing to dispense with it within the first 100 days of the administration, and has the authority to do so.” Noting the confusion surrounding the rule changes, he urged people seeking information to go to the DHS website https://oia. lacounty.gov/publiccharge/.

As for the 30,000 Angelenos who benefit from Temporary Protected Status due to turmoil in their countries of origin, he said, TPS has been extended into October 2021 for El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan and, here again, the Biden administration has both the authority and stated intent to extend TPS further.

New park & connect service free outdoor Wi-Fi in some libraries

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hrough funding prov ided from t he C oronav irus Relief Fund Spending Plan, LA County Library is excited to announce a new service, Park & Connect: free outdoor Wi-Fi in the parking lots of participating libraries.

This pandemic has widened the digital divide across Los Angeles County with constituents left without reliable internet service that is essential to navigate essential services virtually. With libraries closed, those who would be able to use a computer or connect through Wi-Fi are left without the resources needed to do schoolwork, apply for a job, or simply connect with friends and family.

Park & Connect will allow LA County residents who lack reliable internet service at home to benefit from outdoor LA County

Library Wi-Fi hotspots.

For those who need internet access for work, schooling, health-related information, or to complete essential tasks such as ordering groceries and household supplies, free Wi-Fi coverage has been extended to the entirety of participating parking lots.

The Library’s Park & Connect program allows anyone with a Wi-Fi enabled device to get connected with ease. Just park in a designated parking spot and use your device within your car. If you do not have a car, you may sit within 25 feet of the library to use the Wi-Fi network. Masks and social distancing of at least 6 feet are required if you are sitting outside. Accessing the network is simple. Using a laptop or mobile device, choose the network CountyLibraryWiFi, accept the terms of agreement, and then close and reopen

your browser. A library card is not required to access the network.

LA County Library is currently operating 79 Sidewalk Service locations that are open and offering curbside pick-up for customers. Customers 18+ can also check out a laptop and hotspot kit for use at home for 3 weeks— just like a book—with the opportunity to renew up to 3 times if there are no holds.

“We are adjusting our business model to ensure that we provide service to our customers during these trying times,” said Library Director, Skye Patrick. “Our doors may be closed due to the pandemic, but LA County Library is ensuring that its customers have the necessary tools to stay connected—whether it be for school, work, or enjoyment.”

There are currently 32

sites offering free Wi-Fi in the parking lot, with additional sites being added on in 2021. For a list of participating locations and more information about Park & Connect, visit LACountyLibrary.org/Wi-Fi.

Weekend

BALITA

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WE ARE... FROM PAGE 1 How can we celebrate without putting our loved ones and ourselves in danger of getting sick with COVID-19?

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti voiced cracked during a recent press briefing wherein he told the public that the city continues on its upward trend of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Garcetti warned that medical facilities will "go under” if the trend continue. And the said fear has a particular stress on the anticipated Christmas Day celebrations.

Adjusted capacity of intensive care units in Southern California hospitals, according to LA Supervisor Hilda Solis, remains at 0%.

“If we continue our current trajectory, we will run out of hospital beds and staffing, and we will not be able to care for people who need intensive care. We cannot let this happen,” Solis said.

“If you’re still out there shopping for your loved ones for this holiday season ... then you are missing the gravity of the situation that is affecting hospitals,” L.A. County health services director Dr. Christina Ghaly said.

“Though they may seem benign, these actions are extremely high-risk.”

Ghaly advised “everyone to cancel their holiday plans to gather with members outside of one’s households. This will save many lives. I recognize that the holidays will look different and it is frustrating, but modifying plans is critical for this pandemic not to extend more than it already has. Staying home with only your household will ensure more people can ring in the New Year from their homes and not a hospital bed.”

In other words, the celebrations need to be profound and tamed rather than the raucous, drink-till-you-drop parties of years back.

And we are not going to sugarcoat this: Celebrations are going to be mostly dull.

But then, once in while it’s definitely worthwhile living out an experience that differentiate the superficial from the thoughtful.

This week too, LA Supervisor Janice Hahn inspires hope in a letter she wrote: “It can be easy to lose hope right now, especially for those of you who have lost your jobs or businesses through no fault of your own, or can’t see your family, or lost someone dear to you.”

“As I write this, people across the nation are being vaccinated. As the days grow longer, so will our collective immunity against this virus. In fact, doctors have found more doses than they anticipated in each vial of vaccine — not unlike the story of Hanukkah, when one night’s oil lasted eight nights.”

“I am reminded of the line from the Christmas carol, O Holy Night, “the thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices.”

“We are weary. But we can still be hopeful for our future. In the carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem, we sing: “Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light, the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”

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Visit www.Balita.com

Happy New Year 2021!

Saturday-Friday | December 26, 2020 - January 1, 2021

IT IS TIME TO FORGET THE PAST AND START A NEW BEGINNING.

FIL-AM COMMUNITY

A HOLIDAY message to our kababayans in Southern California (PART II)

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his is a continuation to Wendell Gaa's HOL- Fund (UNFPA), along with such IDAY message to our kababayans in South- national government agencies as ern California. As he follows the footsteps the Department of Social Welof his Dad, former Philippine Ambassador fare and Development (DSWD), to the United States, Willy Gaa, who passed Commission on Population and away on December 8, 2015, Wendell is currently back Development (POPCOM) , and home in Manila spending the holidays with his beloved the National Youth Commission mom, Linda before he reports to his new Foreign Af- on matters which would greatly fairs diplomatic assignment in Ankara, Turkey on January, 2021.

Following is the rest of his message. " The global lockdowns in response to the pandemic, then began in earnest by the middle of March and our lives entered u ncha r tere d te r r itor y i n world history, and my classMom and me in Ortigas, Metro Manila (l-r) Warren, Mom, and me in Washington D.C. in Dec. 2016 es at NUI were t hen t au g ht benefit the nation's youth and children amidst virtually online, a first experience for many of us. the pandemic.

Yet, inspite of the shared circumstances, 2020 will Both my mom and I are spending this holiday still go down as a year of highlight achievement for season hunkered down safely at our residence me as I worked to sucessfully complete my Masters here in Alabang Hills, while my brother Warren scholarship at NUI and pass my thesis paper. will likewise spend it quietly in his home in Las After I safely arrived in Manila in April and unVegas.

The dawning of 2021, will witness the dergone a few weeks of rest and quarantine (which opening of yet another new life chapter of mine became the new norm), I took on the role of a frontas I prepare to take on my new diplomatic asliner, contributing to the battle against Coronavirus signment at our Philippine Embassy in Ankara, by volunteering and joining the DFA Mall of Asia AreTurkey in January.

The role which the DFA has na Swabbing Facility Team of Encoders and Ushers. conferred to me as an economic and adminisWorking alongside the other dedicated members of trative assistant at the Embassy will no doubt the DFA and the Philippine National Police (PNP) be challenging, but I know that with God's grace Medical Reserve Force for this noble effort. it was and with my accumulated experience with the indeed a humbling and proud undertaking, for which foreign service, I will definitely be up to task in I will always be grateful to have been a part of, and in contributing to our mission of bridging closer the process, we all were able to learn for the very first bilateral relations between the Philippines and time, how to place on Personal Protective Equipment Turkey, a country so rich with history, culture (PPE) clothing in working with actual patients, just like and very delicious cuisine, which I was able what the heroic full-time medical frontliners undergo to sample when my parents and I first visited on a daily basis, to save as many lives as possible in there in 2014. the face of the pandemic.

Our family continues to pray for all of you, our I then resumed my duties as a Desk Assistant for friends there in Southern California, for good Socio-Cultural Matters at the Office of United Nations health and blessed tidings on this 2020 holiday and International Organization (UNO) at the DFA, season and for all of you to remain safe and where I learned to adapt to working virtually with hopeful that God will guide all of us through my office colleagues on events and initiatives aimed this tumultuous time in our lives. towards enhancing Philippine multilateral cooperMALIGAYANG PASKO sa inyong lahat!" ation with UN agencies, such as the UN Population Mom with Warren in Orange County, LA

SOME... FROM PAGE 2 tested positive for COVID,” said Becky Teter, Executive Minister of 5,000 Pies.

“This grant has been a blessing for us, not only to keep operating and our workers employed, but to also care for those in need. Amidst worldwide struggle against this virus, being able to continue making food with love has provided joy to many in our community.”

“We worked hard to transparently and equitably support businesses during the application process,” said Greg Ericksen, Associate Director, Regional Partnerships for REDF. “This included establishing a County hotline with live staff members to help navigate the application process and requirements, recorded training videos, hosting an educational webinar for potential applicants, and creating a dedicated webpage with the resources and information needed to apply.”

WDACS, in partnership with REDF, established three grant opportunities

to provide economic recovery support to small businesses that have been financially impacted by COVID-19, and their employees. Funding was granted for the following three categories:  Pandemic Relief Funds (Up to $5,000) to help businesses offset costs related to compliance with local health orders and recommended safety measures.  General Employer Assistance Grants (Up to $30,000) to help support all Los Angeles County businesses impacted by COVID-19 for a variety of eligible uses.  Social Impact Grant Funds (Up to $60,000) to help Social Enterprises and Social Community Business Enterprises (CBEs), which includes designations for Woman Business Enterprises (WBE), Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), or a certified B Corporation.

Saturday-Friday | December 26, 2020 - January 1, 2021

FIL-AM COMMUNITY

Happy New Year 2021!

Visit www.Balita.com

IT IS TIME TO FORGET THE PAST AND START A NEW BEGINNING.

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Supervisor Hahn unveils $330k program to support restaurants

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os Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office has dedicated $330,000 to a program designed to support struggling restaurants and families in need.

“People are struggling,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn.

“Through no fault of their own, people have lost jobs and wages, and small businesses have been shuttered.

We designed this program to get food on families’ tables while at the same time supporting restaurants that are struggling right now.”

The funding is being distributed to ten non-profit organizations across the Fourth Supervisorial District.

The non-profits will use the funding to purchase gift cards from small restaurants in their communities and distribute them to local families in need.

“2020 has been a very difficult year for a lot of families and local businesses,” said Oscar Hernandez, the Executive Director of Whittier Boys and Girls Club, one of the participating

non-profits.

“Thanks to Supervisor Janice Hahn, the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier will be working with our local school district partners to provide gift cards and vouchers to local restaurants. I think this a great idea, that helps both families who are struggling while at the same time, helping local restaurants in our area.”

Participating non-profits include:  The Volunteer Center South BayHarbor-Long Beach  Community Family Guidance Center in Cerritos  Boys & Girls Club of Whittier  Downey Unified School District’s True Lasting Connections Family Resource Center  Feed and be Fed in San Pedro  SBCC/ South Bay Center for Counseling  Rowland Heights Chinese Association  New Horizons Caregivers Group

in Hacienda Heights  Latinos in Action in Long Beach  Asian Empowerment Association in Long Beach  YMCA of Greater Long Beach Of the $330,000, Hahn’s office has allocated $300,000 for restaurant gift cards. $30,000 will be donated to the non-profits for their work identifying families in need and distributing the gift cards.

“Our Supervisor Janice Hahn has created ways to help supply food to families in need while assisting many struggling businesses. As a restaurant owner myself, I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to partner in this endeavor and I look forward to serving the Whittier community. Thank you, Supervisor Hahn, for your tenacity in supporting small businesses during this pandemic,” said Sandra Hahn who owns Crepes & Grapes restaurant in Whittier.

Participating non-profits are still in

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hah

the process of selecting restaurants to purchase gift cards from. Small restaurants that do not offer gift cards will be given specially designed vouchers.

This program is being funded through discretionary funding allocated to Supervisor Hahn’s office.

ShakeAlert L.A. transitions to MyShake

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ayor Eric Garcetti today announced that the Cit y of Los Angeles will retire the ShakeAlertLA earthquake early warning mobile app on December 31, 2020.

The app was a pilot project that laid the foundation for an earthquake early warning alert system in California. Angelenos are now encouraged to download MyShake, a new statewide cell phone app from Earthquake Early Warning California that is powered by ShakeAlert and builds on lessons learned from the City’s two-year ShakeAlert pilot to deliver earthquake early warning alerts to people across L.A. County.

“Los Angeles leads the nation in earthquake resilience –– and ShakeAlertLA showed how we can harness technology to provide critical warning before an earthquake hits,” said Mayor Garcetti.

“The next big one is not a matter of if, but when, and we can all do our part to stay prepared, resilient, and a few seconds ahead of the game by downloading the MyShake app now.”

“On behalf of the Governor and State of California, we thank Mayor Garcetti for his leadership and work to advance seismic safety,” said Mark Ghilarducci, Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).

“We are better positioned today because of the Mayor’s efforts and encourage all Angelenos to access the statewide earthquake early warning system which can provide life-saving seconds to drop, cover and hold on before an earthquake. We are pleased to be able to expand this life-saving technology to all Californians.”

Since its launch in 2018, the ShakeAlertLA app has received 920,000 downloads and issued 100,000 early warning alerts.

As the first earthquake early warning app in the country, ShakeAlertLA created new software techniques, threshold alerting levels, personal privacy protections and communication methods, and demonstrated that telecommunications networks could handle a large number of mass notifications. MyShake builds upon this innovation, broadening the coverage to the entire state.

As part of this effort, under Mayor Garcetti’s leadership, the City of L.A. made a $6 million strategic investment to add more sensors to the ShakeAlert network, establishing Southern California as the first region in the United States with the density of stations required to support the early warning system. ShakeAlert uses these sensors and others that have since been installed across the state to create the

warnings that MyShake uses to distribute alerts to its users.

Last October, on the 30th anniversary of the deadly Loma Prieta earthquake, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of the nation’s first statewide Earthquake Early Warning System, which marries a new smartphone application dubbed “MyShake” with traditional alert and warning delivery methods such as Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).

Like ShakeAlertLA, the state system uses ground-motion sensors to detect earthquakes that have already started and estimates their size, location, and impact.

When it detects a significant magnitude, the system issues a ShakeAlert Message, providing a warning before shaking begins.

Earthquake Warning California marries the MyShake App and Android Earthquake Alerts with traditional warning delivery methods such as WEAs. The MyShake App has been downloaded more than one million times since being publicly launched in 2019. In addition, Cal OES recently announced a partnership with Google that includes Earthquake Warning California technology as a feature included in millions of new Android phones and via software updates in existing Android phones used in California.

The Mayor’s Office, in partnership with AT&T, the Annenberg Foundation, and the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles, developed ShakeAlertLA to issue alerts to users in L.A. County in areas experiencing an earthquake with weak shaking (MMI 3) or greater for earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 and greater.

The mobile app was developed as open source so that other cities and regions on the West Coast could copy the app until they could all be connected under one system. The City of L.A. subsequently worked with cities, counties, and states, sharing expertise and lessons learned to assist them in developing effective earthquake early warning programs.

“Through working cooperatively with the U.S. Geological Survey, the City of Los Angeles delivered the country’s first cell phone app for mass delivery of earthquake early warning alerts," said USGS Director Jim Reilly.

"The app was developed by the City and powered by the USGS ShakeAlert system and has paved the way for widespread public alerting throughout the State of California.

What we learned from our important pilot partnership with the City of LA has benefited people throughout the West Coast as

we expand ShakeAlert.”

ShakeAlertLA was designed to spur innovation and serve as a bridge until a statewide earthquake early warning system was implemented. Under the leadership of Governors Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom, the State of California was able to develop the MyShake app.

Now that MyShake has launched, ShakeAlertLA will not send earthquake alerts to users after December 31, 2020. Residents who want to receive earthquake early warning notifications should download the MyShake app, which is available on the Apple store, or on Google Play.

Pilipino po tayo!

LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH U. REYES, P.C. ATTORNEY-AT-LAW

*Certified Family Law Specialist The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization - Certified Family Law Specialist - Certified Public Accountant (Inactive) -J.D Southwestern University Law School Los Angeles, CA - B.S Accounting California State University, San Bernardino, CA

CALL OR E-MAIL FOR AN APPOINTMENT 213-204-6366 or

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Are your Credit Cards still manageable, Are these short term loans helping you?

CONSUMERS weren’t shy about spending this holiday season, as the latest consumer credit report reveals a nearly 10 percent increase in overall consumer debt. According to the Federal Reserve, consumer borrowing surged in November by $20.4 billion raising the consumer debt total to $2.48 trillion. Financial experts at Consolidated Credit advise con su mer s to reex a m i ne spending habits.

W it h more consu mers turning to credit for purchases, revolving debt showed an 8.5 percent increase. credit card debt accounts for almost all of revolving debt, which rose by $5.6 billion to $798.3 billion.

This was the largest percentage jump since March 2008.

We might be feeling better about the economy, in reality unemployment is still high.

Now more than ever families need to work at saving and paying off any outstanding debts. We are spending too

much and spending like crazy again! This is concerning as the bills begin to roll in, consumers may find themselves unable to pay them off.

The Consumer Financia l Protection Bureau has ordered a review of rules on shortterm loans. Three customers say companies lured them into a traps of quick cash and affordable payment terms.

These Quick Cash or Payday loan companies focus on the needy, often operating out of strip malls or corner stores.

Interest can be 300%, plus fees.

Borrowers often hand over postdated checks which are cashed if they do not repay on time.

Unless you have assets or a property to turn your equity to cash to pay off these debts, you will end up rolling that debt over and incur higher fees.

Short Term loan are easy to get but hard to pay back, usually when you are desperately in need and not thinking right, these loan sharking method of

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lending is the fastest way to get money. Unless you completely thought out how you will be paying the debt off or knowingly have money coming into to pay it off, you will end up owing much more after said and done.

Seniors Financial Advisor thinks that one explanation for Americans’ willingness to take on more debt could be the relative improvement of the economy over the past year, when the workforce added 2.2 million jobs over the course of the year. For consumers w ith extra money in their wallets, taking on more debt in anticipation of a bonus or a raise may not seem so risky. But that could be a big mistake. We’ve already forgotten 2008 and 2009, and now we’re projecting into the indefinite future and we’re spending based on as if it had already happened. Our default setting is optimistic, and maybe overly optimistic.

If consumers aren’t on steady financial ground, it could put

Americans at greater risk if the economy doesn’t improve at a fast enough rate. And it doesn’t help that Americans are not very good savers. Americans have made some progress on debt repayment… but (savings) continues to be the Achilles heel of financial security. And it was never a strong point to begin with.

I feel t hat i f we a re a l l wondering what will be the cause of another financial recession, I think it might be related to consumer debts, credit card loans, student loans etc. We can’t live paycheck to paycheck just clearing our minimum payments on our debts, sooner than later it will catch up with us and we wont be able to pay it.

Thanks for your inquiries and comments, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Financial at 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net BRE01021223 NMLS238636.

California Court’s Power to make Divorce Orders When One Spouse Does Not Live in California

THIS is a common question among people contemplating divorce in California when the other spouse does not live in the state. The California Courts has the power to grant a divorce, annulment, or legal separation if either party is domiciled in the state. Domicile is where a person lives and intends to remain. However, there is an additional requirement if you are seeking a divorce rather than annulment or legal separation. To obtain a divorce in California, one of the parties must have been a resident of California for six months immediately before the filing of the divorce petition. Responding spouses can use this requirement as a defense if the Petitioning spouse does not meet such requirement when the petitioner filed for divorce. In addition, divorce petitions may be filed in the county where at least one spouse resided for 3 months immediately prior to filing the petition.

Now apart from getting a divorce, legal separation, or annulled status, there may be issues relating to distributing community and separate properties between the spouses and awarding support payments. In order for the California Courts to have the power to make orders, the California Courts must have personal jurisdiction over the respondent. Personal jurisdiction means the respondent has minimum contacts with California even if not physically here.

Some of the factors looked at is respondents presence in the state, domicile, residence, citizenship, consent, appearance in the action, doing business in the state, doing an act that causes an effect in the state, ownership in the state, other relationship to the state. If CONTINUEDON ONPAGE PAGE77 CONTINUED

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To People Who Are Considering Bankruptcy But Are Unsure IF you are struggling with debt problems and are starting to feel hopeless about your situation because you are not getting anywhere in spite of your efforts, at what point do you consider filing bankruptcy as an option?

Bankruptcy scares a lot of people, a nd t hat’s u ndersta ndable because everything that they’ve heard about it from friends, family and co-workers is negative. But is bankruptcy really all that bad?

Well, the truth is that most people don’t even understand it. The law says that bankruptcy is nothing more than a fresh financial start when you are no longer able to help yourself. Of course, this is not what the bill collectors want you to think. They want you to think that this is the ‘worst’ thing that you can ever do and that it will ruin your chances of ever buying a house or getting credit again. These are the lies that they want you to believe because they know that once you file bankruptcy, they can no longer get any of your money.

From a legal standpoint, here are a few helpful questions you should be asking to help you assess whether it’s time for you to consider filing for bankruptcy:

(1) Are you struggling to pay even the minimum pay ments on your credit cards? (2) Have you started borrowing money just to be able to cover your basic living expenses such as rent or mortgage, food, gas, etc? (3) Have you lost track of how much you owe? (4) Are bill collectors calling you because you have accounts in collection? (5) Have creditors taken legal action against you such as filing a lawsuit, obtained a judgment and threatening to garnish your wages or levy your bank account?

If you said “yes” to any or most of the above, you could be in a financial danger zone and I suggest that you take immediate action before your situation gets worse. If you own a home and

have assets that may be at risk if you were sued by your creditors, it is in your best interest to find out how you can protect what you have from creditors who are trying to collect from you. A lawsuit can lead to a judgment against you- and it can attach as a lien to your home which makes the debt secured while also earning interest. The lien may stop you from refinancing your mortgage and could be a hindrance in trying to sell your home unless the underlying debt is paid in full. A judgment can also be enforced by garnishing your wages and attaching your bank accounts. This is not what you want, is it? So why wait for the worst to happen if there is something you can do right now

to prevent all of the above from happening.

Never ig nore you r debts because they could come back and haunt you when you least expect them. I’ve seen this happen many, many times. At the very least, you should consult with an experienced attorney so you can plan in advance what you should do if your financial situation gets worse. I believe that bankruptcy should be a last resort and that you need to exhaust all debt relief options before resorting to it. But I also believe that a lot of people put off the decision to file bankruptcy for too long that they needlessly suffer in debt when they could have acted sooner to rebuild their finances and their life.

Since 1997, I have helped thousands of clients get out of debt to live more financially secure lives. Let me help you determine if bankruptcy is right for your situation or if other options are available for you to avoid it. NOTE: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, 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 1-866-477-7772).

BARRISTER’S CORNER… FROM PAGE 6

the respondent does not have minimum contact with California, respondent may challenge any orders relating to distribution of property and support based on the court’s lack of jurisdiction.

With regards to initial child custody issues, these issues are resolved under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. California Courts have the power to make initial custody orders if it is the child’s home state at the time the action was filed. California may also assume power to make custody orders if California has been the child’s home state within six months before the action was filed, the child is absent form California, and a parent continues to live in California. California may also exercise jurisdiction when no other state is the child’s home state or when all court’s having jurisdiction over the child has declined to act and deferred to California as the more appropriate place to make custody orders. California may also exercise jurisdiction if no other state would have jurisdiction over the child.

Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation.

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com

DEBT PROBLEMS?

TAX PROBLEMS? Don’t Stress!

I will help you find a way out.

DEBT RESOLUTION • Bill Collectors • Lawsuits • Debt Settlement • Foreclosure • Student Loans • Chapter 7/13 Bankruptcy TAX RESOLUTION • IRS Audits • Liens • Levies • Wage Garnishments • Negotiate with IRS • Unfiled Returns

GLENDALE OFFICE: 100 N. Brand Blvd, 2nd floor (corner Broadway)

OTHER LOCATIONS:

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GLOBAL NEWS Happy New Year 2021!

Saturday-Friday | December 26, 2020 January 1,1, 2020 2021 Saturday-Friday | December 26 -- January

IT IS TIME TO FORGET THE PAST AND START A NEW BEGINNING.

GLOBAL NEWS

Most Pinoys satisfied with PRRD office, IATF’s Covid-19 response MANILA (Mabuhay) — The majority of Filipinos have shown appreciation for the Office of the President (OP) and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF-EID) efforts to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the Philippines, a political consultancy firm disclosed.

The PAHAYAG End-ofthe-Year survey, conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc. on December 3-9 and released December 22, found that the OP and IATF-EID topped the list of government agencies that were applauded for their Covid-19 response.

The OP and IATF-EID earned the highest approval scores, which were 67.8 percent and 62.667 percent, respectively.

They were also the only government offices to receive approval ratings beyond 60 percent, according to the poll.

“In the assessment of Covid-19 responses, the Office of the President and the IATF garnered total approval levels exceeding 60 percent (68 percent and 63 percent, respectively),” the survey read.

Other national agencies with high approval were the departments of science (57.6 percent), social welfare (56.533 percent), health (54.2 percent), labor (54.067 percent), and local government (52.933 percent); the Presidential Communications Operations Office (51.467 percent); and the agriculture department (51.333 percent).

The departments of transportation (50.933 percent), tourism (50.866 percent), and information and communications technology (50.133 percent) also obtained high approval ratings for their resolve to stop the further spread of Covid-19 in the country, PUBLiCUS noted.

Offices with approval scores below 50 percent were the departments of public works (49.733 percent) and education (48.2 percent); the Senate (47.933 percent), the Commission on Higher Education (47.4 percent); the Supreme Court (46.8 percent), the National Economic and Development Authority

Covid still a ‘very dangerous threat’ President Rodrigo Duterte with the officials The same survey found of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging that respondents still conInfectious Diseases (IATF-EID) sidered Covid-19 as a “very dangerous” threat.

Thus, they believed that they should continue observing the Covid-19 health safety protocols imposed by the government despite the easing of nationwide community quarantine.

Respondents said they were willing to keep practicing the frequent use of alcohol or sanitizers (99.172 percent), frequent hand washing (99.021 percent), physical distancing (97.59 percent), and use of face masks and shields in public spaces (96.988 percent).

They also agreed to limit physical contact (96.084 percent), the time spent in malls and grocery stores (92.395 percent), the time spent in restaurants (92.319 percent), and face-to-face meetings (89.533 percent) amid the pandemic.

During the holiday season, respondents also opted to simplify gatherings with the family (63.47 percent), cancel Christmas parties with friends (62.2 percent), cancel Christmas reunions with family (57.4 percent), reduce their budget for firecrackers (49.13 percent), reduce their budget for Christmas gifts (44.87 percent), and avoid going to church for Simbang Gabi (42.6 percent).

They also sought to reduce their budget for Noche Buena (38.73 percent), reduce their budget for the New Year’s Eve celebration (37.73 percent), and avoid going to church for Christmas Mass (63.53). (MNS)

Solon wants textbooks converted into digital formats

House productive amid Covid-19 pandemic — Romualdez

MANILA (Mabuhay) — A lawmakTo protect the intellectual proper at the House of Representatives erty rights of both the authors and on Tuesday pushed for the swift publishers of the textbook, Vilpassage of a measure mandating lafuerte said the implementation the conversion into electronic cop- of the scanning or conversion must ies and other digital formats of all comply with the provisions of the textbooks amid the shift to blend- Intellectual Property Code of the ed learning during this pandemic. Philippines.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis RayHe said the e-books and digital mund Villafuerte proposed House format copies of the textbooks Bill No. 8020 requiring the digi- shall also be made available and tization of all contents used by accessible to all public school publishers participating in the students in a manner deemed apPublic School Textbook Program propriate and reasonable by the (PSTP) to address the recurring Department of Education shortage of printed modules in (DepEd). (MNS) public schools.

“It is no secret that textbooks in public elementar y and high schools are limited in number and, as (a) result, our students are forced to share or borrow from one another," Villafuerte said. "This difficulty is even more evident in the time of Covid-19 when there is a shift to blended or distance learning.”

He said requiring the digital reproduction of textbooks will allow students to have a copy or access to the contents of these learning materials in electronic format without the need for them to borrow from, or share resource materials with, their classmates.

REP. LUIS RAYMUND VILLAFUERTE

(46.2 percent), the budget department (44.867 percent), and the House of Representatives (43.066 percent).

The Office of the Vice President obtained the lowest total approval score of 41 percent, based on the survey.

“Most of the agencies that scored approval levels below 50 percent can be viewed to be policy centric,” PUBLiCUS said.

About 1,500 respondents were inter v iewed for the independent and non-commissioned poll conducted by PUBLiCUS.

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The House of Representatives has processed a total of 2,598 measures during 74 session days amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a statement on Tuesday, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez reported that the average number of measures processed per session day was 35.

Romualdez said the chamber approved a total of 40 bills that were enacted into law, 16 bills transmitted to President Rodrigo Duterte for his signature, and 453 approved on third and final reading.

He noted that under t he leadersh ip of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, the chamber pro-

cessed 688 measures or an average of 115 per session from Oct. 12 to Dec. 16, 2020 alone.

Romualdez said Velasco’s leadership led to the passage of key legislations like the PHP4.5-trillion 2021 national budget, the Anti-Money Laundering Act, the coco levy trust fund bill.

Also passed on final reading are HB 6656 which would extend the availability of the 2020 appropriations until Dec. 31, 2021, and HB 8063, which extends the availability of Bayanihan 2 funds under Republic Act (RA) No. 11494 until June 30, 2021.

“Despite this challenging year, we remain unfazed and true to our mandate to enact laws that will improve the lives of the Filipino people. The accomplishments that we have this year would not be possible without the hard work of our Speaker, our colleagues both in the majority and minority, as well as our staff,” Romualdez said.

Romua ldez assured that the House would continue working to pass the priority bills of the Duterte administration.

“We assure the public that their representatives are doing their best to provide them with quality legislation and timely service and that no resource is wasted,” Romualdez said.

“The Filipino people deserve only the best.”

(MNS) HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER MARTIN ROMUALDEZ

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IN-HOME CAREGIVERS: ARE YOU PAID OVERTIME? IF you are employed as a 24hour caregiver, working aroundthe-clock to provide care and assistance to an individual inside their home, you are most likely entitled to overtime compensation. If you are paid a fixed daily rate, regardless of the actual hours you work or the quality and quantity of work you perform, you are not receiving overtime compensation and likely have a valuable claim for wage theft. This is true whether you are hired directly by the care recipient or paid through a home care agency.

In 2014 the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights (“DWBR”) became law in California. The law was passed as part of a movement to enhance the rights of domestic workers, whom the California Legislature deemed to be some of the most invisible and vulnerable workers in the state. Now, under the DWBR, in-home caregivers are entitled to receive overtime wages for all hours worked in excess of 9 in a day or 45 in a week.

In California, most 24-hour caregivers must be paid a minimum of $378.00 per day to comply with the requirements of the DWBR. The first 9-hours of work should be paid at the legal minimum wage rate of $12.00 per hour, which equals $108.00. Then, for the remaining 15 hours, the law requires overtime payments at a rate of $18.00 per hour, which amounts to an additional $270.00 per day.

Unfortunately, in actual practice, most caregivers receive far less than the applicable minimum wage, often earning as little as $180 to $240 per day. A 24-hour caregiver who is earning less than $378.00 per day likely has a very valuable claim for wage theft.

For example, if you are a caregiver working 24-hours per day, 5 days per week for a salary of $1,100 per week (or $220 per day), your weekly unpaid overtime claim is calculated as follows: Your weekly salary of $1,100 is divided by 45 hours to calculate a regular rate of pay, equal to $24.44 per hour. Your overtime rate is 1.5 times your regular rate of

pay, which amounts to $36.66 per hour.

Your pre-determined salary does not compensate you, at all, for the 15 daily overtime hours you work. So, each day, you accrue $550.00 of unpaid overtime wages. Employers, who willfully fail to pay an employee the requisite overtime compensation, are also subject to liquidated damages, which could add an additional $180.00 per day to the wage theft claim.

Plus, t he law prov ides for

interest, attorneys fees, and penalties.

In the above example, the hypothetical caregiver is owed $2,750 in unpaid overtime wages per week. On a yearly basis, the overtime claim alone exceeds $140,000. We have helped many caregivers whose claims exceed $500,000 in damages with the addition of penalties, liquidated damages and interest, after working for several years.

Caregivers, who are victims of wage theft, may recover their unpaid wages going back 4 years from the date a lawsuit is filed in court. We have helped many caregivers file claims against their former employers.

Even if you last worked several years ago, you still have time to pursue a claim. The one exception is if the care recipient patient has passed away. In that instance, a claim against the care recipient’s estate must be filed within 1 year of their passing, or sooner if an estate has been opened.

If you are a caregiver and are hesitant to proceed with claims for wage theft against your current or former employer please visit our website at www.caregiverovertime.com/pa/concerns/ to review our article that addresses many of the common concerns we have heard from caregivers.

If you are a caregiver working 24-hour shifts without overtime compensation, we want to talk with you about your legal rights. We provide compassionate and confidential consultations. Please contact us at (818) 807-4168, for a free case evaluation.

This article is an attorney advertisement written by Daniel Chaleff, employment law attorney at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson in Woodland Hills. Our examples are of a general nature and are not a guarantee regarding the outcome of your individual matter. The law firm focuses on caregiver rights. Please call us at (818) 807-4168 for a free case evaluation. Or visit us at www.caregiverovertime.com/ to learn more about caregiver overtime law. We offer a 24-hour chat line on our website.

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GLOBAL NEWS

91% of Filipinos hopeful for 2021 – Pulse Asia MANILA (Mabuhay) — Almost all Filipinos will begin with a hopeful view of 2021 amid the global health crisis, a Pulse Asia national survey said on Wednesday.

"Despite the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and other concerns, Filipinos have a positive attitude as far as the year ahead is concerned," the survey said.

Pulse Asia interviewed 2,400 Filipino adults from Nov. 23 to Dec. 2, and only 1% said they are facing the coming year hopeless, while 8% were undecided or ambivalent. The figures were the same as last year's survey results, the group said.

Meanwhile, 55% of Filipinos earlier said they expected this Christmas season to be as prosperous as last year's celebration. This view was mostly shared by respondents from Metro Manila (60%), the rest of Luzon (60%) and Visayas (55%) as well as socioeconomic classes A, B, C and D. On the other hand, 38% thought this year’s holiday season will be less prosperous for their families. At least 48% of Mindanaoans said this season will

be less prosperous while 44% said it will be the same.

There were also 8% overall who believe it will be a more prosperous occasion.

Comparison between 2019's Christmas season outlook and the expectations for this year showed there was a big drop in the percentage of Filipino adults who were looking forward to a more prosperous holiday celebration. The number fell by 40 percentage points in total, Pulse Asia mentioned.

There were also more Filipino adults now who expect the current holiday season to be less prosperous, compared to last year's survey figures. The number increased by 27 percentage points at the national level, it said.

The tally of Filipino adults who said the Christmas season this year will be the same as the previous year also rose by 14 percentage points.

Pulse Asia said the survey was not commissioned. It has a ± 2% error margin at the 95% confidence level and sub-national estimates for each of the

geographic areas (Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao) have a ± 4% error margin, also at 95% confidence level.

It noted events that transpired before and during the interview period: a series of deadly typhoons that devastated parts of Luzon, massive flooding in Cagayan

The Benefits of a Dual Language

Tips for Creating Special Holiday Memories Together, Even During a Pandemic

One of the easiest ways you can help your child get ahead in life is by introducing them to both a home language and English. Young brains are primed and wired to pick up languages, especially during their earliest years, and the benefits will pay off for the rest of their lives. Now is a great time to talk, read, and sing to your child in multiple languages!

MYTH

“I’m not fluent in my second language. I’m worried that I won’t pronounce words “I don’t want to confuse my child with multiple languages and slow down vocabulary development.”

region, Pfizer and Moderna's announcement that their vaccines were 90% and 94.5% effective, the appointments of COVID-19 task force chief implementer Carlito Galvez, Jr. as vaccine czar and former Metro Manila Police Chief Debold Sinas as Chief of the Philippine National Police. (MNS)

TRUTH

The truth is, the language parents speak to their children doesn’t have to be perfect or grammatically correct. The most important thing is to introduce them to it.

Studies show that children are born with the ability to identify sounds from every language, and as they grow, their skills narrow to focus on the language(s) they hear most often. Learning more than one language at the same time is not confusing to young children. Rather, it helps them develop multiple, but interrelated, language systems, and increased cognitive functions.

Dual language learners tend to demonstrate greater working memory, reasoning, flexibility, and problem solving. Knowing more than one language also can expand their career opportunities, keep them mentally sharp in their twilight years, and help them gain an appreciation for the culture and roots of their families.

Ways to Help Your Child Expand Dual Language Skills: • Let your child read books in different languages and take them to dual language reading groups at the library.

• Play children’s music in multiple languages. Catchy songs played over and over again help a child learn and understand new words and concepts.

• Puzzles, maps, and other games are often available in different languages. Join dual language playgroups and encourage your child to talk with other kids their age in different languages.

www.first5california.com

By CAMILLE MABEN First 5 California Executive Director

I

n the hustle and bustle of the holidays, one gift young children always love is the gift of time with you. And this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this holiday season may be smaller, (with young children I hesitate to say quieter) than past years. Restrictions on travel and large gatherings, as well as the need to protect our friends and family probably mean your celebrations will be different.

But your holidays can still be warm, merry and bright. Here at First 5 California, we offer these suggestions for fun activities that will help your family make the most of this special time together.

Read together — Now is the perfect time to enjoy special holiday-themed books and stories. Carve out time every day to read to your children and share your childhood memories of holiday traditions.

Sing-along with holiday songs — Play your favorite holiday songs throughout the holiday season. Create a new tradition of singing and dancing together with your children.

Go for a drive to view holiday lights — Members of your household can enjoy decorated homes and neighborhoods from the safety of your vehicle. Talk about the colors and shapes with babies and toddlers. Bring along favorite car snacks for the ride.

Make holiday art — Make and share homemade cards, wrapping paper and decorations. Think about what you can make with items you already have in your home. Remember that handmade gifts are always treasured.

Cook and bake together — Holiday meals are special when prepared together. Involve children in identifying, describing and measuring ingredients, and other kitchen tasks. Talk about special family recipes and your memories of holiday foods and gatherings.

Watch a holiday movie together (even across the miles) — Some streaming platforms offer online tools to watch a movie together in real time. Enjoy your favorite holiday films with friends and family wherever they are. Talk about the movie and the characters with your children. Ask them what they thought of the film.

Stay safe — This holiday season, take steps to protect you and your loved ones from getting or spreading COVID-19. Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and practice social distancing. More information, tips, support, and resources for parenting during a pandemic are available at https://www.first5california.com/covid.

ABOUT FIRST 5 CALIFORNIA: First 5 California was established in 1998 when voters passed Proposition 10, which taxes tobacco products to fund services for children ages 0 to 5 and their families. First 5 California programs and resources are designed to educate and support teachers, parents, and caregivers in the critical role they play during a child's first five years – to help California kids receive the best possible start in life and thrive. For more information, please visit http:// www.first5california.com

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Outgoing SoKor envoy cites deepening ties with PH Reds’ activities this holiday season monitored — AFP chief

OUTGOING SOUTH KOREAN AMBASSADOR TO THE PHILIPPINES HAN DONG-MAN MANILA (Mabuhay) — Outgoing South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man on Monday cited the deepening and expanding ties between South Korea and the Philippines in all aspects, including economics and mutual security the past three years.

“I am going back to Seoul with a heavy heart but with very pleasant memories not only of this country and its people but also of the relationships that were forged here,” Han said in his farewell letter.

Han is scheduled to return to South Korea on Wednesday after serving almost three years as Seoul's envoy to Manila.

Han said he will treasure the "friendship that has enriched cooperation and exchanges between our two nations”.

“I have seen Philippine-Korea relations deepening and expanding in various ways ranging from the economic, and political spheres, to mutual security and cultural exchange, among other things. I am optimistic that as our countries further elevate bilateral relations to a new

level, together we will emerge stronger when this pandemic is finally over. I cannot believe how quickly time has passed. Words are not enough to express my deepest gratitude for the warm Filipino hospitality, friendship, and support that you have given to me in the period of almost three years that I have been in this wonderful country,” Han said.

The strong ties between Seoul and Manila date back to 1950 when the Philippines became the first Asian country to send 7,420-strong combat troops during the Korean War which ended in 1953.

At that time, the Philippines was still struggling from the ruins of World War II and was also fighting an insurgency, but the Philippines did not hesitate to send combat forces to Korea which was in dire need of help when it was invaded by communist Chinese and North Korean forces.

Two members of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), who are still alive today are former President Fidel V. Ramos, 92, and retired Maj. Max Young, 98. (MNS)

Maligayang Pasko!

Pasko is the most festive time of the year.

And this year, whether we celebrate together or apart, let our traditions brighten the season and lend strength to families and friends near and far. With our spirits together, we can welcome the new year with joy and love.

A safe and Maligayang Pasko to you and your family from AARP! Celebrate with us at aarp.org/aapi

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) this holiday season is monitored by military intelligence units, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Gilbert Gapay, said Tuesday.

"Our intelligence community is closely monitoring their actions. They have planned really to conduct atrocities in different parts of the country, particularly (against our) vulnerable, remote communities," Gapay said in an online briefing Tuesday.

They plan to conduct extortion and recruitment, he said, noting the threat to security forces, especially those deployed to remote detachments.

“Talagang pinagpaplanuhan nila 'yan (They are really making plans.) They are just waiting (for an) opportune time to (launch their attack),” Gapay added.

He said due to the dwindling ranks of the NPA, it is unlikely that the communist-terrorists would be able to hold a "plenum" or large meeting during the CPP’s founding anniversary on December 26.

In previous years, the CPP-NPA has always been vocal on its websites about holding a plenum and its agenda, Gapay said.

He, however, assured that troops would be guarding communities to ensure Filipinos have a meaningful and peaceful Christmas celebration.

Earlier, the CPP urged all NPA units to conduct secret meetings to mark its 52nd founding on December 26.

The communist-terrorists also said they would continue with their harassments during the holiday season since the AFP did not declare a ceasefire this year.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (MNS)

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OFWs in Qatar to get free Covid-19 vaccines: labor office

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Filipino workers are among those included in the inoculation of free coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines in Qatar, a Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) official in the host country reported on Monday.

“The general population of Qatar, including migrant workers, will be given free vaccines,” Labor Attaché David Des Dicang said in a virtual forum.

Dicang said Qatar Prime Minister and concurrent Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani directed

the health sector to provide the vaccine to everyone based on the country’s health standards.

The vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech will be first administered to elderly people, those with chronic diseases, and frontline health workers.

The people of Qatar will get the vaccines starting in January 2021.

Dicang added that the Covid-19 vaccination is not required as the public would be given the option not to receive the vaccine once the government starts to administer it.

There are 240,000 OFWs in Qa-

tar, more than 90,000 of whom are household service workers (HSWs).

Aside from HSWS, Filipino engineers, nurses, accountants, architects, teachers, laborers, service workers, and ground stewards work in the country.

Meanwhile, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III lauded the effort of the Qatar government in fighting Covid-19.

“This is an important step on the road to containing the pandemic and returning (the) life of our overseas Filipino workers in Qatar, to normal,” Bello said in a statement. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | December 26 -- January Saturday-Friday | December 26, 2020 January 1,1, 2020 2021

GLOBAL NEWS

Robredo DTIurges warns: Filipinos to draw Dishonest online strength buyersfrom mayone face another as imprisonment MANILA (Mabuhay) — Buyers found liapandemic persists ble for deceiving online sellers may face

imprisonment, the Department of Trade MANILA (Mabuhay) — Vice President Leni Roand on Industry (DTI) warned as bredo Christmas Eve urged Wednesday, Filipinos to draw consumers to Internet strength fromturned one another as theshopping COVID-19due panto the COVID-19 pandemic. demic persisted.

Speaking at the public LagingtoHanda Robredo urged connectbriefing, with their DTIones Undersecretary Ruth Castelo urged loved and reminisce the times they experienced sellers document calls and text joyonline and diffi cultiestothis year. messages ng from bogus "Humugot lakas mulabuyers. sa isa’t isa. Binago man “I-save ninyo kasi natin this isng estafa under ng pandemya ang rin paraan pagdiriwang, themaaaring Revised Penal Code,ang so kabuluhan it’s punishable hindi mabawasan ng araw she said. naby ito,imprisonment,” dahil walang pandemya o sakunang kayang Castelo the Philippine Policeshe umampat sa said pagdaloy ng pag-ibigNational ng Maykapal," (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investisaid in her message. gation (NBI) tomagligaw accept complaints "Walang dilimare naready kayang sa atin, dahil that will beang forwarded Department tayo mismo liwanag to ngthe bawat isa. Tuloyof ang Justice (DOJ), will evaluate whether bayanihan.

Tuloywhich ang pag-asa.

Tuloy ang pag-ibig. to file charges in court.

Muli, maligayang Pasko sa lahat ng Pilipino, saan “Kailangan lang tulungan rin tayo ng mang sulok ng mundo." complainant kung siya iyong seller or iyong food delivery platform naother makapag-comFilipinos can rely on each as they follow plain siya, in mag-execute ng affidavit at God's example treating one another with respect makapag-complain.

Tutulungan natin sila and dignity, Robredo said. sa PNP or sa NBI,” she said.

“Kaya rincited dooninstances sa mga buyers na The Vice babala President of Filipinos nanloloko oand iyong mga wala naman talagang volunteering donating during response and planong bumili gusto ang makaagrabrelief operations aspero a series of typhoons lashed the yado ng kulong po ang penalty country thistao, year, supporting health care diyan workers, kaya huwaghealth na nilang ituloy or tigilan na and following protocols. nilanga iyong mgaang ganiyang gawainnatin nila.”

"Ito mismo ipinagdiriwang ngayong Last month, the House of ngalan Representatives araw: Ang katotohanan na sa ng pag-ibig, approved on final reading the billsa that seeks pinili ng Panginoong makipamuhay atin.

Pinili to regulate transactions in thenge-commerce niyang makiisa sa buong lalim karanasan ng industry in the country. sangkatauhan.

Pinili niyang magkatawang-tao at House Bill 7805 reportedly makeskapwa," it ilmagpakatao; na makipagkapwa at maging shelegal said.to cancel orders for food and/or grocery items ifproportion the itemsofhave already A record-low Filipinos at 50been percent paid,their are already in this the year possession of theacexpect Christmas to be joyous, ride-hailing service partner orStations in transit to cording to a recent Social Weather survey. the consumer. (MNS) (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | December 26, - January 26 -2020 January 1, 20201, 2021

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DTI warns: Dishonest online buyers may face imprisonment MANILA (Mabuhay) — Buyers found liable for deceiving online sellers may face imprisonment, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) warned Wednesday, as consumers turned to Internet shopping due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the Laging Handa briefing, DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo urged online sellers to document calls and text messages from bogus buyers.

“I-save ninyo rin kasi this is estafa under the Revised Penal Code, so it’s punishable by imprisonment,” she said.

Castelo said the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are ready to accept complaints that will be forwarded to the Department of Justice (DOJ), which will evaluate whether to file charges in court.

“Kailangan lang tulungan rin tayo ng complainant kung siya iyong seller or iyong food deliver y plat for m na

ma kapag-compla in siya, mag-execute ng affidavit at makapag-complain. Tutulungan natin sila sa PNP or sa NBI,” she said.

“Kaya babala rin doon sa mga buyers na nanloloko o iyong mga wala naman talagang planong bumili pero gusto ang makaagrabyado ng tao, kulong po ang penalty diyan kaya huwag na nilang ituloy or tigilan na nila iyong mga ganiyang gawain nila.”

Last month, the House of Representatives approved on final reading the bill that seeks to regulate transactions in the e-commerce industry in the country.

House Bill 7805 reportedly makes it illegal to cancel orders for food and/or grocery items if the items have already been paid, are already in t he possession of t he r ide-ha i ling service partner or in tra nsit to the consumer.

(MNS)

DTI UNDERSECRETARY RUTH CASTELO

PDEA inks deal with J&T Express to stop drug smuggling via delivery apps MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of agreement with courier service J&T Express to address the smuggling and transportation of drugs in the country using the mail and parcel system.

According to the PDEA, the trafficking of drugs through the service of delivery courier companies have become prevalent.

In August, PDEA operatives found 12 kilograms of shabu worth P81.6 million at courier service's regional headquarters in Mandaue City, Cebu during a random inspection.

Shabu was also found hidden in sanitary napkins and stuffed toys that were dropped at a courier service for delivery.

The PDEA has previously said that several suspects have admitted to using delivery apps to transport illegal drugs.

“PDEA cannot solve the country’s drug

problem without the help of various stakeholders like J&T Express. Hence, our efforts and mechanisms to intercept [the] delivery of illegal drugs would only be possible with their cooperation,” PDEA director general Wilkins Villanueva said in a statement.

He also expressed gratitude to other courier service providers for ensuring that packages with illegal drugs are intercepted.

According to the agency, the signing of the MOA manifested the strong resolve of both parties to strengthen their partnership in the fight against drug trafficking.

The MOA was formally signed by PDEA Director General Wilkins Villanueva and Atty. Christoffer Liquigan, the Corporate General Counsel of J&T Express Philippines, among others at the PDEA National Headquarters. (MNS)

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Bea Alonzo admits she'll always be in love with this actor

B

ea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz have denied numerous times being involved romantically in real-life amid the enduring popularity of their love team.

However, in an interview with celebrity doctor Aivee Teo, Alonzo admitted that she has always been in love with Cruz, her longtime on-screen partner.

“I’m always in love with him.

I feel like our partnership will never work if I was not in love with him. So nandoon lagi 'yun,” she said.

“I think I said this before doon sa interview ko with G3 (San Diego) na yung relationship namin, lahat na na-

na yung level of just romance. Now, he’s more than just that to me.

That’s the beauty of it,” she added.

Alonzo also surmised that she may also be “in love with the idea of what we are.”

“Parang hindi mo alam kung ano siya, and I’m in love with that idea. I know that we have the same amount of respect and love for each other.

That’s why it’s very special to me,” she said.

Alonzo categorically said falling in love with Cruz is not even a question anymore “because BEA ALONZO I’m always in love with pagdaanan. We were friends, we were the guy.”

Contrary to what othenemies, we were almost lovers. Yung relationship namin, nata-transcend niya ers think, Alonzo said

there is more to having a relationship than just love.

Meanwhile, without naming names, Alonzo revealed that she is currently dating someone.

“I am dating. And guys if you’re interested, you can just comment below. Leave your number, char,” she said in jest.

Following her controversial breakup with Gerald Anderson last year, Alonzo said she is very open to being happy again.

For months now, Alonzo has been romantically linked to actor Dominic Roque, although the two have yet to go on record about the real score between them. (MNS)

Heart Evangelista says she almost gave up on showbiz MANILA (Mabuhay) — Heart Evangelista has revealed that she almost gave up on her showbiz career on days her insecurities would get the best of her.

In her 2020 wrap-up video posted, the actress looked back on how she started in the industry.

“I have to admit that there were times I wanted to give it all up. There were very hard days when my insecurities would get the best of me,” she said.

“I knew I didn’t always fit in. I knew I wasn’t like everyone else and I did not even know if people liked me because I was the different one,” Heart added.

“But everytime the thought of quitting would cross my mind I’d remember the passion and drive of the teenage girl who was discovered by a talent scout in a mall and I’d pick myself up and try again.”

Heart, who has been in the industry for over 24 years now, said she still remembered the day she officially became an actress.

“One of my most memorable entries is about the day I learned that I was finally going to be on TV. I clearly remember feeling giddy, excited, and hopeful,” she recalled, sharing that she still kept her diary when she was just starting out in showbiz.

“From that moment on I knew I wanted to become suc-

HEART EVANGELISTA cessful in what I do even if I wasn’t sure what that really meant,” Heart added.

In the video, the actress also reflected on 2020, “the year that didn’t happen,” and the effects the pandemic had on her mental health. (MNS)

Yeng Constantino marks 14 years in showbiz, thanks fans MANILA (Mabuhay) — OPM singer-composer Yeng Constantino took to social media to thank her fans for their support as she marks her 14th anniversary in show business.

In an Instagram post, Constantino thanked all those who trusted and supported her to make her dreams come true.

"14 years in the showbiz industry today. Thank you sa mga nagtiwala, sumuporta at naging parte ng pagtupad ng mga pangarap ko! I love you all," she wrote, adding a heart emoji.

The "Salamat" hitmaker started her entertainment career after winning ABS-CBN's talent show "Pinoy Dream Academy" in 2006.

In a previous guesting on "Magandang Buhay," Constantino recalled how she joined all the talent shows of ABSCBN. Prior to joining "Pinoy Dream Academy," she also auditioned in "Star Circle

YENG CONSTANTINO Quest," "Star in a Million," and "Search for the Star in a Million."

"Ang mama ko gusto YEN niya ako mag& PAOLO ing artista. Ang papa ko gusto niya ako mag-musikero. Kaya nag-audition ako

kasi gusto ng mom ko. Ako okay lang kung matutulungan ko ang pamilya ko na maihon sa hirap then I would do it.

Pero kung papipiliin talaga ako, I want to be rockstar," she said at the time.

"Hindi na ako umasa (na mananalo). Sa akin blessing na 'yung makapasok ako sa dalawang layer ng Pinoy 'Dream Academy.' Never kong naisip na makakapasok ako sa loob. So 'yung being there sa Pinoy Dream Academy is a blessing itself, one of my greatest achievements back then. ... hindi ko talaga inasahan," Constantino added.

Aside from "Salamat," Constantino is known for her hits "Chinito," "Ikaw" and "Hawak Kamay."

Aside from music, Constantino has also ventured into acting. In 2013, she made her movie debut in "Shift." She also starred in "The Eternity Between Seconds" in 2018 and the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Write About Love." (MNS)

Jamie Rivera conferred CMMA Hall of Fame award

JAMIE RIVERA MANILA (Mabuhay) — Veteran musician Jamie Rivera was enshrined in the Hall of Fame Inspirational Music circle of the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) for her extensive contribution in spiritual and inspirational music.

In a virtual ceremony, Rivera, dubbed the “Inspirational Diva”, accepted her award from Bishop Broderick Pabillo, CMMA Honorary Chairman and the Manila Archdiocese’s apostolic administrator, together with Mr. D. Edgard A. Cabangon, CMMA Acting Chairman.

“I am happy, but also wondering if this means I’ve reached my limit, or maybe the Lord is preparing me to a bigger responsibility because next year is the 500th year of Christianity in the Philippines,” Rivera told ABS-CBN News Saturday night, adding it was also meaningful for her to receive the award at this crucial time of the pandemic.

“The glory will always be for God, and at the same time I am grateful to (ABS-CBN’s) StarMusic for believing in all the projects that we proposed. They supported me and invested in all these songs that brought me to this hall of fame award.”

This is the culmination of a distinguished career for Rivera, who made her mark in the local and international scene with her OPM classic hits and her performance as Kim in “Miss Saigon” in London.

She found a new calling in her unique inspirational music, which has become an integral part of various celebrations of the Church.

Known for her uplifting songs, such as “Hiram sa Diyos” and “Jubilee Song”, Rivera also sang the theme song for Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines in 2015, “We Are All God's Children.” She also met the Pope during his apostolic visit to the Philippines in January 2015.

The singer-composer had been previously honored by the CMMA with five Best Inspirational song awards, namely: “Sa ’Yo Lamang” (2011) composed by Fr. Manoling Francisco; “Kuya Pedro” (2013) co-written by Rivera and Noel Espenida; “We are all God’s Children” (2015) by Rivera and Espenida; “Pag isipan mo ang Boto Mo” (2016) written by Rivera; and “Inang Maria ng Lindogon” (2019) by Rivera.

She also performed and released online her inspirational songs to comfort the public at the start of the community quarantine, and sang her signature song “Tanging Yaman” for the unplugged music video series “Metro Safe & Sound,” which supports ABS-CBN’s Pantawid ng Pag-ibig program for the benefit of families affected by the pandemic. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | December 26, 2020 - January 1, 2021

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ENTERTAINMENT

Selling plants helped Aubrey Miles buy new property MANILA (Mabuhay) — Aubrey Miles has turned her passion for plants into a source of income.

In an Instagram post, the actress said selling plants helped her purchase a new property.

"Would you believe parts of this investment, katas ng halaman? Maraming makaka-relate dito," she said, posting a photo of her with her family and their massive property.

She went on to remind her fans and followers of the importance of passion, faith, and hard work.

"We only live forward.

As long as you've got

passion, faith, and are willing to work hard, you can do anything you want in this life," she stressed.

"Next year will be a better year for everyone. Let's inspire each other and support one another. I believe anyone can do it. Go get it.

Keep planting and stay healthy."

Miles, who started getting into gardening 11 years ago, has often referred to herself as the "Mother Plant."

Earlier this year, Miles revealed that she has a P300,000 plant in her collection.

She said she makes

AUBREY MILES sure to get the most bang for her buck by propagating her expensive plants. (MNS)

Kathryn addresses rumors about having nose surgery MANILA (Mabuhay) — Kathryn Bernardo has denied once again that she ever had cosmetic surgery to enhance her looks.

In a game of “Never Have I Ever,” celebrity doctor Aivee Teo told Bernardo that a lot of people are wondering if she had her nose done.

“It’s a common question ah.

They would ask me, ‘Parang Kath had her nose done kasi parang her nose is not the same.’ But I would always say, No,” she said.

Telling Bernardo that it’s a good opportunity to clarify the matter, Teo said: “People are asking, they are so intrigued bakit daw ung nose mo gumanda.”

In response, the Kapamilya atcress said: “Si Doc Aivee, hindi ka naman niya pipilitin to do something if you’re not comfortable with it. I am happy with my nose.

Siguro lang when I got thinner and

medyo tumanda, kaya siya lumiit.”

“But I swear, si Doc Aivee walang ginawa sa nose ko or any doctors before Doc Aivee, just to be clear,” she added.

Agreeing with Bernardo, Teo said that it is just natural that as a person’s face becomes slimmer, the more its features are revealed.

“I think it’s nice that it’s coming from you Kath because a lot of people are curious and they are interested to know. They want to know the truth straight from you,” she said.

Nonetheless, Bernardo said she has nothing against people who choose to have their looks enhanced.

“But if you want to have surgery, wala din namang problem doon.

Go to Aivee, si Doc na ang bahala. But for me, no [I did not have anything done]. It’s all natural,” she said. (MNS)

Regine Velasquez to stage digital concert ‘Freedom’ MANILA (Mabuhay) — Music icon Regine Velasquez is pushing through with her tradition of staging a Valentine concert, this time digitally amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Titled “Freedom,” Velasquez’s digital concert will be held on February 14, 2021, with live streaming on the events portal KTX.ph.

The concert is a co-production between ABS-CBN Events and I-Music Entertainment.

Tickets will go on sale soon, according to the announcement.

Velasquez’s most recent REGINE VELASQUEZ major concert was “Unified” with Sarah Geronimo in February 2020, just weeks before the coronavirus lockdown.

Previously, ABS-CBN Events and KTX.ph similarly produced and streamed the digital concert of Daniel Padilla, titled “Apollo.”

Aside from Kapamilya offerings, KTX.ph has also become the livestream venue of various events, from the Miss Universe Philippines pageant to the virtual staging of plays from the Philippine Educational Theater Association, among others. (MNS)

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Ivana celebrates 10M YouTube subscribers by giving away P10K, 10 scholarships MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actress Ivana Alawi celebrated reaching 10 million subscribers on YouTube by giving back, from what she has earned over the past year on the video platform.

Alawi, who crossed the milestone in November after just a year, chronicled in her vlog early this week her celebration.

After sharing a meal with her family — her mother Fatima, and siblings Hashim and Mona, who have been a prominent part of her channel — Alawi started with her latest charity work.

Alawi personally shopped goods for her customized Christmas baskets, which she then distributed to street vendors and street dwellers.

Aside from the food supplies, she also handed each family P10,000.

For her loyal viewers on YouTube, Alawi announced a scholarship giveaway, in par tnership with a college institution. She said she would award IVANA ALAWI 10 scholarships to participants drawn from the comments section.

Charity has recently become a significant aspect of Alawi’s YouTube channel. Prior, she shared her relief efforts for typhoon victims in Cagayan and Isabela.

To date, Alawi’s entire channel has fetched nearly 570 million views.

Aside from YouTube, Alawi’s fast rise to fame is also seen on social media, with her Instagram page attracting some 6.5 million followers; and onscreen, with consecutive starring roles both recent and in the pipeline. (MNS)

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FEATURE

Holidays: Days of rest for people, but why not for all?

MANILA – As Filipinos begin the final week of this year with the most number of holidays, there are types or kinds of people who have to work on holidays.

The Webster's New Dictionary describes briefly the noun holiday as "Day or period of rest from work, or of recreation.”

The last week of the final month of the outgoing year 2020 has four holidays: Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve), Dec. 25 (Christmas Day), Dec. 30 (Rizal Day), and Dec. 31 (New Year's Eve).

In addition, the first day of the coming year (Jan. 1, 2021) is also a holiday, meaning an extra period of rest for most working people.

In observance of such holidays, private employers normally do not require their employees to report for work. Those who are required to work on such days of rest are entitled to extra pay as provided for by labor laws crafted by the government.

The Philippine government itself allows its officials and other personnel to enjoy non-working holidays.

This is the reason why the Office of the President in Malacañang i s s ue s e xe c ut i ve memoranda providing for special non-working holidays nationwide, or in specific areas in addition to the 12 national legal holidays.

However, there are exceptions to this policy. Such memos also provide that government employees in offices performing vital tasks must have skeletal forces to work in emergency cases or situations.

This is the reason why we see people

who continue working even on holidays, instead of staying at home.

Who are these people? They include print and broadcast media personnel; soldiers; policemen; firemen; weathermen and volcanologists; doctors, nurses, and other hospital crew; mall employees; movie house staff; pilots, stewardesses and other personnel of airports and immigration bureau; bus, jeepney, taxicab, tricycle drivers, and personnel of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT).

Why do they have to report for work on a holiday?

Print and broadcast media personnel — reporters, photographers, deskmen and editors, radio-television crew, including reporters and cameramen-- need to work on a rotation basis seven days a week to inform the people about what is happening around them.

Members of the Armed Forces of the

Ph i l ippi ne s (AFP) have to always remain in their posts, even during holidays, as part of their task s to keep the country safe from terrorists and criminals who do not observe hol id ay s t hemselves.

This is also true with policemen and firemen and other law enforcers, including those in the barangay levels, who have to respond to emergencies such as accidents and fire incidents, among other catastrophes.

Weathermen, geologists, seismologists, geophysicists, and other employees of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical

FIL-AM... FROM PAGE 1

16 NAMES... FROM PAGE 1 Manny Pacquiao, Risa Hontiveros, Grace Poe, Pia Cayetano, and Tito Sotto; and former senators Bongbong Marcos and Manny Villar.

Others are Vice President Leni Robredo, former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Leyte 4th District Rep. Lucy Torres- Gomez.

The names of Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, and businessman Ramon Ang are also in the list.

Eero Brillantes, BluePrint.

PH chief executive officer, said the sentiment analysis was based on the social media data extracted from June 1, 2020, to Nov. 30, 2020 scanning a total of 344,761,479 data points or Facebook engagement such as likes, shares, reactions and comments.

“If we go by our big data metrics, about 16 names are frequently being mentioned on social media, particularly Facebook, as potential presidential candidates,” he said in a statement.

“All have paths to the presidency. Social media networking activities alone through Facebook can generate 22 percent-35 percent of the votes in 2022,” Brillantes added.

He said there are four components to a serious campaign -- ground game, the air war through mainstream media, network engineering (social

and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) have to stay alert on the possible occurrences of adverse weather and natural conditions such as storms, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

Doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff need to be on duty day and night to attend to people needing health care.

Personnel of shopping malls, hotels, fast food outlets, and movie houses have to attend to shoppers, travelers, diners, and theater enthusiasts.

Aircraft pilots and stewardesses are needed round-the-clock to attend to both incoming and outgoing travelers, along with immigration personnel at airports.

Bus, jeepney, taxicab, and tricycle drivers are necessary to cater to travelers who do not have their own vehicles. The same is true with the operators and other personnel of the MRT and LRT in Metro Manila. (PNA)

media), and big data for decision support.

Brillantes said the 16 names have at least one of these components, but none have all the four components.

“Social media will be a major battleground at 22 percent-35 percent potential votes. The ground game and mainstream media through advertising and public relations will account for the 65 percent-78 percent of vote generational potential,” he said.

Brillantes said Big Data will be crucial in determining the right messaging and priority spending across many segments of the electorate.

Blueprint.PH also did a tandem engagement analysis of potential presidential candidates based on the social media and traditional media of 16 personalities.

It said political personalities with the highest media coverage on traditional media and posted on Facebook are Robredo followed by Pacquiao, and Moreno.

The Manila mayor also ranked highest in the ability to engage social media influencers to promote ideas that could generate interest and potential votes, followed

by Robredo, Go, Pacquiao, Duterte, Marcos, Remula, Hontiveros, Sotto, Poe, Cayetano, Diokno, Torres-Gomez, Cayetano, Ang, and Villar.

(MNS)

carved a name in politics for his involvement on issues of criminal justice and immigration.

On December 18, current and former Filipino American elected officials sent a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom wherein they endorsed Assemblymember Bonta as a possible replacement to Becerra.

In the letter, the Filipino American leaders said they collectively “represent more than two centuries of elected public service experience in California local government.”

“As our Governor, who also served in local government as a Supervisor and Mayor, we know you understand the important contributions local leaders make to our great state.

We believe Mr. Bonta is the best choice to fill the position of Attorney General because he is the most qualified and we strongly believe his experience in local and state government make him the most well-rounded choice for the job.”

According to the same letter, Bonta “has an Ivy League education and has obtained a Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School after attending Yale College and Oxford University in England. Although he has an elite education, he has never forgotten his humble beginning and his connection to communities up and down California.

His personal story, having been raised as a child in La Paz, the United Farm Workers’ headquarters, where his parents

organized Filipino American and Mexican American farm workers, to become the first Filipino American elected to the California State Assembly is truly remarkable.”

“Mr. Bonta has nearly 15 years of experience as a practicing attorney with litigation experience in the public and private sectors. Mr. Bonta has legal experience in key areas, including civil rights, criminal law, governmental affairs, consumer protection, contract, and fraud. He also has significant experience as a practicing governmental attorney, serving as a Deputy City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco for nearly a decade.”

“Mr. Bonta has demonstrated himself to be one of the most effective and capable leaders in the legislature during his tenure. He has an excellent track record of authoring bold, ground-breaking legislation and building strong coalitions.

Rob has effectively tackled a wide range of our state’s most urgent and difficult issues like: Criminal Justice Reform, Environmental Policy, Tenant Rights (Just Cause Evictions), Pension Reform (CalSTRS), Protecting Consumers from Surprise Medical Bills, Banning Private Prisons, and Cannabis Policy. His accomplishments as a state and local legislator also give him a deep understanding of the state’s laws and the functioning of government, which is critical to

effectively enforcing state law and leading the Department of Justice. He is extremely competent and is also someone who will bring people together, listen, and lead. He is exactly who we need as our next Attorney General.”

The letter was signed by Mark E. Pulido, Mayor, City of Cerritos (Ret.); Frank Aurelio Yokoyama, Esq., Councilmember, City of Cerritos; Eric Arias, Councilmember, City of Bakersfield; Rachelle Arizmendi Mayor, City of Sierra Madre; Raymond A. Buenaventura, Esq. Councilmember, City of Daly City; Pamela Bulahan, Vice Mayor, City of Isleton; Christopher L. Cabaldon, Mayor, City of West Sacramento (Ret.); Antonio “Tony” Cartagena, Mayor, City of Walnut (Ret.); Dr. Rod Daus-Magbual, Vice Mayor, City of Daly City; Pat D. Gacoscos, Vice Mayor, City of Union City; Michael P. Guingona, Esq. Mayor, City of Daly City (Ret.); Jed Leano, Esq., Mayor Pro Tem, City of Claremont; Dr. Victor Manalo, Mayor, City of Artesia (Ret.); Henr y C. Manayan, Esq., Mayor, City of Milpitas (Ret.); Tzeitel Paras-Caracci, Councilmember, City of Duarte; Armin Reyes, Board President, ABC Unified School District (Ret.); Sonny Santa Ines, Councilmember, City of Bellflower; Elito M. Santarina, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Carson (Ret.); and Thomas Aujero Small, Mayor, City of Culver City (Ret.).

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DOH can apply for emergency use authorization as public health user MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine government, through the Department of Health, can apply for an emergency use authorization (EUA) for COVID-19 drugs and vaccines with the Food and Drug Administration.

FDA Director General Eric Domingo said that so far there are no COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers that have applied for an EUA. Early this month, President Rodrigo Duterte allowed the FDA to issue EUA for COVID-19 drugs and vaccines.

An EUA will reduce the processing time for the approval of the vaccines for local use from six months to 21 days, officials said earlier.

Domingo said manufacturers can apply for an EUA or the DOH, on behalf of the government.

“As the user of the vaccine in the public health program the Department of Health can apply for EUA,” he said.

However, the FDA chief said this does not guarantee that DOH’s EUA can be approved automatically since the agency still needs pertinent documents and data.

Also he said the DOH should secure such documents and data for the FDA’s evaluation.

“Ibig sabihin meron silang kasunduan na ibibigay ang datos. Kasi ‘yung mga papeles, lahat ng dokumento to show certificate of good manufacturing practice, testing... manggagaling sa manufacturer,” Domingo said.

“Hindi makukuha ‘yun ng bibili kung hindi sila magkakasunduan ng manufacturer,” he added.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has been criticized for the delay in the shipment into the country of 10 million doses of Pfizer vaccine by January next year due to his supposed failure to work on the necessary documentary requirement –the Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement (CDA).

In his defense, Duque said the required CDA by Pfizer was originally intended to be signed by the Office of the President (OP) and not by the DOH. He argued that the Health chief cannot sign the CDA on behalf of the whole government, which was why the Department of Science and Technology and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. had signed the CDA separately.

Domingo noted that outside of the US, UK, Canada “wala pa namang ibang ina-aplayan ang Pfizer” regarding EUA. He also stressed that even if the FDA grants EUA for a vaccine, there is no guarantee that manufacturers are ready to supply vaccines to the Philippines.

“Kahit magbigay ng EUA ngayon hindi ko pa rin alam baka hindi pa sila ready mag-supply sa atin baka kaya naman hindi pa sila nag-a-apply dito dahil kahit makakuha sila ng EUA wala pa naman silang dadalhing bakuna sa Pilipinas,” Domingo pointed out.

“Alam naman natin na na-order na ng mga bansang maraming pera, mayayaman na bansa ang karamihan ng supplies available ng mga kumpanya na ito,” he said.

(MNS)

Health & Family Happy New Year 2021!

Saturday-Friday | December 26 -- January Saturday-Friday | December 26, 2020 January 1,1, 2020 2021

IT IS TIME TO FORGET THE PAST AND START A NEW BEGINNING.

HEALTH & FAMILY

PH ‘second fiddle’ in vaccine purchase because it’s not rich MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines is seemingly playing “second fiddle” in the purchase of vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) because the country has “no clout” and is “not rich”, President Rodrigo Duterte said late Monday night.

Duterte made this remark after Health Secretary Francisco Duque III came under fire for allegedly having “dropped the ball” in negotiations with Pfizer on the delivery of the vaccines for the Philippines.

“May I just explain to the public the reason why we — we seemed to be a second fiddle in these negotiations for the acquisition of vaccine.

Second fiddle nga tayo (We’re second fiddle), it’s because ‘yung mga mayaman na doon pa ginagawa sa kanila ang vaccine, kagaya ng Pfizer, uunahin talaga ang Amerika (rich countries where vaccines are made, like those made

by Pfizer, they will prioritize America),” he said in a taped speech.

He said there was “no available” vaccines from Pfizer for the Philippines, adding that “it remains to be seen” when the American pharmaceutical company could supply the country with.

“Let us be clear on this, there is as yet no Pfizer vaccines available for the Philippines. And for a long time, wala pa.

Binabakunahan pa ang mga Amerikano lahat. Agawan sila ngayon sa Amerika (there won’t be. They’re vaccinating all Americans. They’re scrambling to get them),” he said.

“Tayo (Us), well, wala man tayo masyadong ano, ‘yung pera lang natin pangbili lang talaga (we don’t have that much money except enough to buy the vaccines) but we do not have the clout because we are not a rich nation,” he added.

He also reiterated that vaccine czar Carlito Galvez will be the only person-in-charge of handling the purchase of vaccines.

“You can negotiate, you can whatever, sign documents for the delivery. But at the end of the day, isang tao lang talaga ang binigyan ko niyan, si (I gave the authority only to one person) General Galvez. It begins and ends at his

table,” he said.

Meanwhile, Duterte said he was assured by Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez that there are enough funds to pay for the vaccines.

“Sabi ni Avisado, may pera daw. Sabi ni Dominguez, may pera. Oh ‘di kaya natin. So walang problema. Ano ba ang problemahin natin (Avisado said there’s money.

Dominguez said there’s money. So we can do it. There’s no problem. What are we worrying about)?” he said.

He urged the public to trust him as their elected President, instead of those that spin rumors to make the government look bad.

“Makinig lang kayo sa akin tutal ako man ang pinili -- ‘di ba ako ang hinalal ninyong Presidente (Just listen to me since I was the one chosen. I’m the one you elected President, right)? So I am supposed to solve problems for you, for the people,” he said.

Last week, Malacañang said Duterte asked Duque to answer allegations made by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin that he was responsible for the delay in the purchase of Pfizer vaccines.

Duque earlier denied that he did not immediately prepare the necessary documents for the deal, noting that the government was still scrutinizing them.

Roque earlier said that the Philippines may still acquire Pfizer’s vaccine between the second and third quarter of 2021. (MNS)

House pushes for alternative to handshake The bill covers all Filipino citizens MANILA (Mabuhay) — A measure institutionalizing a new Filipino gesture and all other persons in the country. of goodwill, praise, and respect as an It mandates all government agenalternative to the traditional mano cies and instrumentalities to allocate (placing elder's hand to the forehead) their respective resources for inforand handshake to reduce the chances mation dissemination and encourage of transferring communicable diseas- the practice of the new gesture. (MNS) es has hurdled second reading at the House of Representatives.

The lower chamber passed through voice voting House Bill 8149, or the proposed “Bating Pilipino Para sa Kalusugan Act,” which proposes a new and safe way of greeting performed through the simple act of gracefully laying the palm of the right hand over the center of one's chest while simultaneously lowering the head, with eyes either closed or cast down.

Marikina City Rep. Bayani Fernando, the author of the bill, said the medical profession has established that the traditional, well-meaning, and innocent gesture of handshake transmits communicable diseases and is a risk to one's health.

Fernando said the alternative of placing the hand over FRUIT SALAD INGREDIENT. A vendor peels a buko (fresh coconut) with a machete the chest is a universal gesture on the sidewalk along Congressional Avenue in Quezon City on Wednesday (Dec. 23, of good faith coming from the 2020). Buko meat, which is shredded into thin slivers, is usually used as an ingredient heart, while a nod is a traditionwhen making fruit salad in the Philippines. (MNS photo) al Filipino gesture of respect.

Saturday-Friday | December 26, 26 -2020 January - January 1, 20201, 2021

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New COVID strain may cause holiday surge to worsen if it enters PH — expert 30M doses of COVID-19 vaccine from India assured to Philippines — Locsin

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The more infectious new COVID-19 variant may worsen the Philippines' holiday surge if it enters the country, an infectious disease expert said Wednesday.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the suspension of flights from the UK to the Philippines from Dec. 24, 12:01 a.m. until Dec. 31, Malacañang said.

The new strain found in the UK is distinct from the G614 variant that the Philippines last recorded several months ago, said Dr. Rontgene Solante, head of the adult infectious diseases unit at San Lazaro Hospital.

Both have increased transmissibility, he added.

"Ang pangamba natin 'pag ang isang tao nahawaan ng ganitong strain mas mabilis niyang mahahawa ito sa tao rin," he said.

"Kung titingnan natin kung ano ang ginagawa ng ibang bansa, it's just more of a preventive measure dahil ang impact nito you will really have a wider spread of the infection, mas mabilis especially in this time of the year na yung family and social gathering na di natin maiiwasan. There will be a higher tendency na mataas talaga ang risk na tumataas ang kaso because of this particular strain."

A COVID-19 surge in Metro Manila has begun as Christmas neared, the OCTA Research Group earlier warned as it identified areas of concern.

"Ang pinaka-important pa rin dito is (the most important thing is) the surveillance, I agree testing is important so we can get a better idea kung saan area na mataas ang transmission (which areas have a higher transmission)," he said.

"Paalala pa rin natin sa kanila na (We should remind the public that) at this point in time as much as possible if you can postpone gatherings, reunion, that will be more important for us para lang makita natin by January or February 'di tataas ang mga kaso natin (so our cases will not rise by January or February)." (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines has been assured of around 30 million dosages of Indian-made COVID-19 vaccine Novavax, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Monday.

The terms on the supply of the vaccine will be signed before the end of the year, Locsin said.

“Thirty million dosage of the Indian-made Novavax are assured, possibly, with no cash advance. It will be available by July 2021,” he said.

Serum Institute of India (SII) is the manufacturer of Novavax.

On Saturday, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government is targeting to secure a deal with various manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccine in the next few weeks.

“We are eyeing to strike a deal with vaccine manufacturers by the end of this year or early January 2021,” Galvez said.

Meanwhile, a measure was filed at the House of Representatives providing immunization or vaccine passports to persons who would receive vaccine shots in order to systematize the implementation of the country's mass vaccination for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

Ang Probinsyano party-list Representative Ronnie Ong on Monday filed House Bill 8280, wherein he stressed the need for an unhampered implementation and maximization of the government's COVID-19 immunization program.

"Although the COV ID-19 i nocu lat ion is st i l l a few months away from entering our borders, it is but proper to take further preparations and necessary steps for its unhampered implementation and maximization," Ong said.

"In line with this, it is our hope that this bill w ill be considered and approved the soonest possible time before the possible roll out of the vaccine on June 2021 in order to restore people’s trust and confidence to travel with the end view of reviving and bolstering our economy,” he added.

Ong said the vaccine passport may be used as an identification system that allows people to access public facilities and participate in mass gatherings without needing face masks or face shields.

In effect, the vaccine passport will serve as proof that the holder is safe to mingle with other people and engage in activities even without wearing face masks or face shields and observing social distancing.

Under the measure, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on COV ID-19, particularly the Department of Health, Department of Tourism, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Transportation, is mandated to “coordinate and provide for a single internationally-recognized vaccine passport to serve as proof that a person has been vaccinated against COVID-19.”

The said vaccine passport

should be issued "as a matter of right whether or not the person availed of the free vaccination program of the government or was vaccinated through personal and other means."

Contents of the vaccine passport should include the basic personal information of the holder such as full name, address, date of birth; type and purpose of vaccine, batch number, date administered and the name of the entity that administered the vaccine; and other relevant medical information.

The IATF is also mandated under the measure to list down and regularly update the exemptions or activities allowed for holders of the COVID-19 vaccine passport, including: International and domestic travel, including non-essential travel; Employment abroad; Local checkpoint and quarantine exemptions; Opening of and Access to some business establishments; and Post-vaccination protocols applicable to Vaccine Passport holders, as may be determined by the IATF, in relation to rules on public gatherings, use of face mask and face shield, etc.

Production and possession of forged or fake vaccine passport will be penalized under RA 8239 or the Passport Act of 1996, the measure indicated.

These acts may also serve as grounds for the IATF to deny a vaccine passport application, or revoke an already issued one, it added. (MNS)

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