Weekend Balita (Los Angeles edition) December 12, 2020

LOS ANGELES / ORANGE COUNTY

Marijuana still illegal under PH laws — PDEA, DDB PAGE 18 VOL. XXIX NO. 50

December 12-18, 2020

TOP STORIES

Global News DND keen on acquiring more Black Hawk helicopters 8  DOH discourages ‘torotot’ during yuletide revelry due to COVID threat 8  Gov’t reaping gains in solving crimes vs. journos — DOJ exec 8  Switzerland to give P27-M to typhoon, flood-hit PH 8  House to insist on jurisdiction over impeachable officials — lawmaker 9  Face-to-face classes will be approved on case-to-case basis — Galvez 9  ‘Is this an election budget?’

Lacson asks after hike in DPWH’s 2021 fund 10  DepEd making efforts to improve quality of education, training of teachers — official 11  PH seafarers first to be ‘whitelisted’ under ILO convention 12 

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

ALERT: SCAmS PRoLIfERATE USINg CoVID-19 VACCINE CoVER

By ABNER GALINO

THE internet has lately seen an increase of bogus claims aimed at luring people to buy vaccines against the COVID 19 virus that the online scammers have supposedly acquired through privileged access to certain drug manufacturers.

Sections BUSINESS. Bello reminds employers anew to give 13th month pay 13  ENTERTAINMENT. What Matteo Guidicelli wants his in-laws to know about his marriage to Sarah G 14  HEALTH & FAMILY. ov’t eyes COVID-19 vaccine for 25 million Pinoys in 2021 19  TRAVEL. DOT vows promotion of Batangas dive tourism 16 

A row of empty outdoor restaurant extensions on Venice Beach which have been busy for some time before the implementation of fresh restrictions.

Caregiving in the time of coronavirus Text and photo by VICS MAGSAYSAY, Ph.D.

"C

“Doctors diagnose, nurses heal, and caregivers make sense of it all.”

– Brett H. Lewis

aregiving is much more a caregiver in the area within and unpredictable around Los Angeles. in t his pan"Yes, it' really hard demic. It's like rolling the – you can die any time, dice, so to speak. Also, especially now that the it's not that much about country is deluged with our work; it's more of the a tsunami of coronavirus risk of being infected by cases. It's like a Russian this COVID-19. Eight of roulette, you know. This my colleagues were inyear is turning normal life fected and brought to the on its head," he related. hospital. Thankfully, all Nikki Arriola, a long- (As of this writing over of them survived," says time caregiver and 14 million people have Nikki Arriola, who has as well as a veteran contracted the deadly 20 years of experience as photographer.

CAREGIVING 2

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Do not fall for this scams, said Tim Mackey, a professor at the UC San Diego School of Medicine during an online interview with NBC7 News station reporter Omari Fleming.

"COVID is a scammers’ bonanza,” said Mackey. “You cannot be a scammer and not be in the COVID scam business. Like, this is your time to shine."

According to Mackey, some

of these scammers are based overseas.

As the impending rollout of the anti-COVID 19 vaccine could be days away, many people know that it would take them months before they could get in line for the vaccine.

Frontline workers and vulnerable people are going to be prioritized in the vaccine’s upcoming rollout and Mackey said that a lot of people are ALERT:

Seniors and disabled owners of mobile homes seek help

By FE KOONS

SENIOR citizens, some of them Filipinos, held a demonstration in front of the Carson City Hall last December 8 to call attention to their sad plight.

The protesters were calling on the city officials to help them get a fair deal with the developers who would turn their mobile home park into a generally commercial endeavor.

The housing location on Avalon Boulevard, known as the Imperial Avalon Mobile Estates, was bought by the real estate company Faring Capital.

The said firm supposedly wants to turn the property SENIORS

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Residents of the Imperial Avalon Senior Home Park demonstrate in front of the Carson City Hall.

Worth celebrating: All-Woman LA County Board of Supervisors THE Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors recently unveiled the official photo featuring an all-women Board of Supervisors for the first time since the Board’s inception in 1852.

The official Board photo features newly elected Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell who will represent the Second District, a position previously held by Mark Ridley-Thomas for 12 years.

It also features Supervisor Hilda L. Solis front and center as WORTH

Cebu

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Lechon • BBQ & Deli

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ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor

Fil-Am

Community Visit www.Balita.com

Saturday-Friday | December 12 - 18, 2020

APL.DE.AP FOUNDATION INT’L AND HIFI KITCHEN PARTNER IN ADOBO POP-UP SHOP TO RAISE MONEY FOR TYPHOON RELIEF IN THE PHILIPPINES Black Eyed Peas Member Apl.de.Ap Hosts “Unbreakable: Adobo in Action” Fundraiser on Dec. 5 in Historic Filipinotown to Help Philippines’ Typhoon Victims, Online Orders Now Accepted LOS ANGELES – The Apl.de.Ap Foundation International, a non-profit organization committed to empowering Filipino youth and founded by Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, today announces “Unbreakable: Adobo in Action,” a collaboration with HiFi Kitchen, the casual takeout/delivery café based in Historic Filipinotown. Using Apl’s secret Pineda family recipe, HiFi Kitchen will sell special orders of adobo, a beloved marinated chicken dish popularly made by Filipino families worldwide. Proceeds from the sales of Apl’s adobo will benefit PeDRO, a non-profit organization dedicated to typhoon relief in the Philippines. Advance online orders are now accepted at https://www.hifi-kitchen.com/events, while quantities last.

The destructive typhoons in Asia,

known as Typhoon Vamco (Ulysses), Typhoon Molave (Quinta), and Super Typhoon Goni (Rolly), have devastated the Philippines, thrashing cities, towns and provinces with landslides and flooding.

The typhoons resulted in lost power for millions of Filipinos, more than 250,000 evacuations, and dozens of deaths. The country’s largest island of Luzon, location of its capital in Manila, saw its worst flooding in years. Since October, eight different storms have wreaked havoc in the country, as flash floods, landslides, and power outages continue.

“We’re calling on the community to join us in helping the typhoon victims in the Philippines,” said Apl.de.Ap, recording artist and founding Filipino member of the Black Eyed Peas. “I’m proud to collaborate with HiFi Kitchen

to raise donations through our ‘Adobo in Action’ effort.”

The Apl.de.Ap Foundation Int’l has chosen PeDRO, the Philippine Disaster Relief Organization (a California registered 501c3 non-profit organization with tax ID 14-1939844) as the beneficiary of this collaboration. Ted Benito, executive director of the Apl.de.Ap Foundation Int’l, explained, “PeDRO has a proven track record of directing funds for disaster relief to the areas most severely impacted by the devastation.” Tax deductible donations also may be made directly to PeDRO through its website at www. gopedro.org via PayPal or credit card.

“In honor of Giving Tuesday, this is a perfect time to place an order online now for Apl’s adobo,” noted Chef Justin Foronda of HiFi Kitchen, “but don’t wait

until tomorrow as quantities are limited.”

Pre-orders for “Adobo in Action” are now available online at HiFi Kitchen, with pickup scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, between 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. HiFi Kitchen is located at 1667 Beverly Blvd. in L.A’s Historic Filipinotown. Street parking and adjacent parking lot available. Social distancing will be enforced, and face masks are required for order pickup.

For the fundraiser, participants may choose from a single order of adobo for two ($50) or a dinner tray for four ($100), based on availability. Every donor with a receipt (and wearing a mask while observing safe social distancing) may have the chance to meet Apl.de.Ap in person on Dec. 5, at time of food pickup at HiFi Kitchen. More details available at https:// hifikitchen.com.

CAREgIVINg... fRom PAgE 1

even cook for them as well as washing all the soiled bedding and linen, and cleaning the patients’ bathrooms and rooms. You also have to wash their dishes. And after that, you are lucky if you get to have a straight sleep. It's always being interrupted because some of them are moaning, in pain, or complaining about their wet diapers – and you need to attend to them quickly," Nikki reported.

He continued; "Ten years ago, I tripped on a concrete pavement while running for a bus. That caused my patella to crack. While nursing it after several days, I still had to work to send money to my family back home. I had no choice: despite the excruciating pain from the injury, I had to work with a 240-pound patient while wearing a splint," he chronicled, with some tears in his eyes.

"There was a time when a colleague rang me up and asked for help. She said her client was mentally challenged, and sort of imagined my friend as a "devil." What was particularly horrifying was that this lady client threatened my colleague with a knife. It was good I was able to arrive quickly at her workplace. We left the place like speeding bullets," he recounted.

"When we were quite far away, we called the patient’s relatives. They even apologized to my colleague because she had not been informed about the patient's mental condition. When the client's relatives arrived at

the site, they were shocked to see the telltale knife marks on the cupboard," Nikki narrated.

"It is also for this reason that our agency does some initial screening of their clients.

Furthermore, it's also a way of safeguarding us from any future harm whatsoever," he explained.

"There have been several occasions when I have prayed for a dying patient. One patient said, 'Enough, I can pray on my own.'"

He continued, "Nevertheless, I normally stay with them for two to three hours after they have died. It's such a poignant feeling when my client or patient dies. The reverberating effect lasts for some time; much more if I have cared and prayed for them for some time.”

Nikki mentioned that some of his clients do not want him to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) or gloves: "Yes, it seems like they are being offended by this protective gear; but, we are trained in our job to protect ourselves, and in a way, them, too," he asserted.

Nikki has been lucky not to have any patients contract the vicious virus. "Two close colleagues of mine had two patients who died from the new virus in their own homes. There were also outbreaks in nursing homes. It was good that a nurse friend of mine who got infected there survived," he reflected.

To protect himself from the vicious effects

of the new virus, Nikki partakes of nutritious foods, takes vitamins, wears PPE, uses soaps/sanitizers continuously, and most important for him, prays constantly as he has been accustomed to do since his early life. In addition to all of these precautions, another significant factor is the huge support of his colleagues and friends.

From his decades of experience in the field of caregiving, Nikki has become aware of an undeniable interaction effect: "If you happen to be a caregiver, every single day, it's inevitable that you will be touching the lives of your patients, and they will be touching yours, too." Even the many challenges he faces have enabled him to grow.

In caregiving work – especially in these challenging times – it is obviously paramount for practitioners to open their hearts to administer the right amount of solicitude a patient needs.

This dedication and passion is certainly exemplified by Nikki Arriola.

Norman MacEwen says it best: “Happiness is not so much in having as in sharing.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

virus, and 275,000 deaths have been recorded throughout the United States, a country that has 4 per cent of the world's population, yet incurred around 20 per cent of COVID-19 cases on the planet.)

Despite the odds, Nikki, who is also a part-time videographer and a member of the Filipino American press corps in Los Angeles, is persistently upping the ante of his dedicated service to his clients/patients during this challenging year.

Caring for others is nothing new to him.

Nikki was a seminarian while in the Philippines four decades ago. He explained how this experience has influenced him: "For our priesthood, it's part of our regimen to care for the marginalized elderly, and of course, this is without pay; at least, here, we are being paid for our services. Nevertheless, with or without pay, I feel like I am in my element and enjoy my work. I always remember this saying of Mother Teresa, 'It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing.'”

Working as a caregiver is hardly a walk in the park. Just a day after he arrived here from the Philippines, he was already attending to three patients in a nursing home.

"In this line of work one has to be hardworking and careful when you tend to your patients. You have to bathe them, change their diapers, administer medications, and

O

Vics Magsaysay, Ph.D., is a Los Angeles-based writer, fine art nature photographer, painter, sculptor, graphic designer, “makata” (Pilipino poet) and an alternative healer. He also holds a doctorate degree in clinical hypnotherapy.

Copyright © 2020: Vics Magsaysay

SIMBANG GABI 2020

n December 15, 2020 at 6:30 p.m., the Office of Filipino Ministry, Our Lady of the Angels Region will host the virtual celebration of the 18th Annual Simbang Gabi at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

The Holy Mass to be officiated by the Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, will be held via live-stream (facebook and youtube). It jump starts the novena (9 days of prayer) masses that will be held every day until Christmas Eve and prepares us for the coming of our Lord thru one of the oldest Filipino traditions.

This year’s theme is “Gifted to be messengers of Hope”. “Pinagpala upang maging mga taga-paghatid ng pag-asa.”

Please join our celebration and encourage your family and friends to participate and share the beauty of our Simbang Gabi.

For more information, feel free to contact Edna Cristobal at (213) 637-7292 with email address eccristobal@la-archdiocese.org.

3 BALITA Community Holiday Cheer Arrives at McDonald’s as Fans Can Enjoy the Favorite Menu Items of Santa Claus, the Grinch, and more

Saturday-Friday | December 12 - 18, 2020

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From Dec.14 through Dec. 24, the Golden Arches will offer daily deals from iconic holiday characters through the McDonald’s App (CHICAGO, Dec. 10, 2020) – This year, goodies won’t just be found tucked under the tree. McDonald’s is tapping its elves to offer delicious daily in-app deals that feature the festive favorites of classic holiday characters—

free soft-baked Chocolate Chip Cookies (glass of milk not included).

“After a year like 2020, I think we could all use some extra cheer this season,” said McDonald’s U.S. Chief Marketing Officer, Morgan

including the McFlurry that Frosty the Snowman just melts over and the syrupy Hotcakes for which Buddy the Elf goes gaga.

Starting Dec. 14, each day, McDonald’s will feature a different character and give away* the menu item they crave, exclusively through the App with a $1 minimum purchase. The daily deals will conclude on Dec. 24 with a certain jolly someone’s most treasured treat,

Flatley. “What better way to celebrate and get into the holiday spirit than with free McDonald’s menu favorites for everyone including Rudolph, the Abominable Snow Monster and yes, even Scrooge.”

Following the launch of celebrity signature orders at restaurants in September and October, these beloved holiday characters are the latest icons to be paired with favorite menu items featured

at participating restaurants nationwide. Additional daily in-app deals will celebrate characters from classic holiday movies like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Gremlins, and Die Hard (yes, Die Hard is a holiday movie).

Aside from the free Chocolate Chip Cookies, all offers require a minimum $1 purchase in the App and will be activated through Mobile Order and Pay.

To access the daily deals, simply download the McDonald’s App and visit the deals section to add to your order. Everyone can get in on the treats this holiday season – it truly is a Festivus for the rest of us! *At participating McDonald’s.

Valid 1x/day with $1 min. purchase (excl. tax) from Dec 14-24.

See app for details.

About McDonald’s USA McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to nearly 25 million customers every day.

Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds

Pilipino po tayo!

LA County helps people stay housed during pandemic Rent grants, legal help, mediation available

By Mark Hedin | Ethnic Media Services

L

os Angeles County offers an array of programs to help renters stay in place and help homeowners avoid foreclosure despite the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a news conference on Dec. 7, four county officials described some of these and shared fears for the future if the federal government fails to provide relief soon.

“It’s no secret that we live in one of the most unaffordable housing markets in the nation, with more than half the county’s resident being referred to as ‘rent burdened,’” said Dana Pratt, chief of tenant protections at the Consumer and Business Affairs department. She cited a recent UCLA study finding that at least 365,000 renter households don’t have an adult who is either employed or has sufficient replacement income to pay rent.

Since March 4, the county has had a moratorium on evictions, but it is set to expire on January 31. It applies to residential, commercial and mobile properties and if the tenants can’t pay rent due to COVID-19, bars evictions, rent increases, late fees, or charges for interest and “pass-throughs” of owner costs.

Along with the eviction moratorium, Pratt said, the county has newly implemented rent stabilization and eviction defense programs and created a rent stabilization program to limit rent increases and evictions without just cause.

Pratt was careful to point out that although you can’t be evicted for falling

behind on your rent, you still owe it. “It’s a rent deferral, not a waiver,” she said.

She also highlighted a new department program, Stay Housed LA County, a collaboration with community-based organizations and the Los Angeles Right to Counsel Coalition. It provides legal representation, short-term rental assistance, know-your-rights workshops and other wraparound services.

Previously, Pratt said, 90% of people who had to face their landlords and landlords’ lawyers in court did so alone.

“This is a first line of defense for the oncoming tsunami of evictions that we expect to see once these protections start to lift.”

She urged people to check with counselors who can be reached at (833) 223-7368 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and other resources available at rent.lacounty.gov and lacountyhelpcenter.org.

“This housing crisis is different from the Great Recession,” said Azusena Favela, deputy director of the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, shifting focus to homeowners facing possible foreclosure.

Favela said she sees a proliferation of “cash for keys” flyers in her South LA neighborhood tempting people who’ve fallen behind on their mortgages to sell their homes for a fast payout. She urged those who might be tempted to tread carefully.

“I understand the desperation,” she said, “but before making a decision, contact us.” Counselors are available in CONTNUED ON PAGE 16

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

kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com

FAMILY LAW - Divorce - Community Property Division - Child Custody and Spousal Support - Domestic Violence Restraining Order - Legal Separation and Nullity - Parentage - Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

IMMIGRATION - Marriage Petitions - Relative Petitions - Removal of Condtional Green Card - Humanitarian Reinstatements - Child Status Protection Act Issues - Deportation Defense - Employment Based Petitions and PERM - H-1B Visas

ESTATES AND TRUST - Living Trust - Wills - Probate - Conservatorship CIVIL LITIGATION - Contract Disputes - Business Disputes - Corporate and Partnership Disputes

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WORTH... from Page 1

she will lead the Board in the coming year as Chair.

“This is history – or, better yet, herstory,” said Chair of the Board Hilda L. Solis, Supervisor for the First District.

“We’ve shattered a glass ceiling right here in Los Angeles County.

Community

ers. Yes, our entirely women-led board is historic and so is this moment, when our residents need government to serve like never before. We each bring a unique lived experience, expertise and understanding of what’s at stake for our constituents, and all of this

historic moment is for girls and young women to see us and know that they are full of potential. Being a woman is not a disadvantage in leadership—it is an asset.”

"It’s a privilege and honor to have been re-elected to the Board of Supervisors. I look forward to

The All Women Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors – (from left to right) Supervisors Holly J. Mitchell, Sheila Kuehl, Hilda Solis, Janice Hahn and Kathryn Barger.

(Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors)

For girls and women everywhere, this demonstrates that no dream is too big. At a time when we are facing so much uncertainty, I’m thankful for colleagues who are committed to investing in communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, fighting homelessness, creating affordable housing, assisting women-owned small businesses, and bolstering our safety net programs. The pandemic has hit women and children the hardest – the economic toll, particularly on mothers of young children, will take immense focus to overcome. We know that women legislators introduce and pass more legislation dealing with issues related to women and children. That will be even more true now in Los Angeles County with five female Supervisors. Each one of us have our own unique talents and interests, but we’ll come together to meet the needs of the 10 million people who call Los Angeles County home. Women are rising, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside compassionate, strong, and intelligent women in this new era for Los Angeles County.”

“It is an honor to serve alongside this dynamic group of lead-

prepares our board to guide LA County through these unprecedented times,” said newly elected Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

The image of the five-women Supervisors not only captures a historic moment in the Board’s history, but also symbolizes possibilities for the future of Los Angeles County.

"Women in positions of political power often pay more attention to the real life needs of women and children, which creates help for everyone in our communities,” said Sheila Kuehl, Supervisor for the Third District. “I look forward to working with this all-woman Board knowing that our work together will help address historic inequities that have made it hard for women to keep their heads above the poverty line, feel safe in their homes and communities, and meet the twin challenges of work and family.”

"I grew up seeing my dad, the original Supervisor Hahn, serve on this powerful board of five men,” said Janice Hahn, Supervisor for the Fourth District.

“Serving on a board of five women means a lot to me personally, but what I want most out of this

continuing to collaborate with my colleagues as we work to ensure the safety and well-being of all Los Angeles County residents,” said Kathryn Barger, Supervisor for the Fifth District who was re-elected for a second term.

The new iconic and historic Board photo also marks a few other firsts. With social distancing rules in place, the Board photo was put together as a composite instead of an in-person group photo for the first time in the Board’s history.

The white ensemble worn by the Board is also a tribute to another historical moment this year – the 100th anniversary of the formal adoption of the 19th Amendment into the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote. The image backdrop represents all five districts blended to symbolize a united County.

“We are thrilled to be able to share an image that captures the essence of true leadership and a historic time for the Board,” said Celia Zavala, Executive Officer of the Board. “Los Angeles County residents will get to know each one of these incredible women as people they can count on to lead us during these critical times.”

Saturday-Friday | December 12 - 18, 2020

2017 data show homeowners nearly 89 times wealthier than renters

By DONALD HAYS AND BRIANA SULLIVAN

W

ealth inequality between homeowners and renters continued to be remarkably pronounced in 2017: Homeowners’ median wealth was nearly 89 times larger than the median wealth of renters and not entirely because of home equity.

The 2017 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) data shows continued disparities in wealth – the value of assets owned minus the liabilities (debts) owed – revealed in last year’s report on household wealth in 2015.

The U.S. Census Bureau report and detailed tables on household wealth in 2017 show wide variations across demographic and socio-economic groups.

The SIPP’s sample size enables comparisons of the assets of many populations and groups, such as low-income households and households with or without children.

Biggest contributors. Just two assets — home equity and retirement accounts — accounted for 61.7% of households’ wealth in 2017.

The median value of home owners’ wealth in their homes was $118,000, and the median household retirement account balance was $65,000.

While many households owned these assets, others did not: 38.2% of households did not own a home and 42.7% of households did not have a retirement account. This gap of ownership in two key assets contributes to wealth inequality.

Bank accounts. Some commonly held assets made up a small portion of household wealth. In 2017, 93.7% of households had bank or credit union accounts. However, the accounts made up only 8.9% of total household wealth.

Home Ownership. Home equity did not fully account for the difference in median wealth between homeowners and renters. Households that owned their home had a median wealth of $269,100, substantially more than that of those who rented their homes ($3,036).

Even when home equity was excluded from total wealth, the median wealth of homeowners was $109,000, a staggering 35.9 times more than the median wealth of renters.

Health insurance. Households with people who did not have health insurance all or part of the year had dramatically lower median wealth ($18,750) than households in which all members had coverage for the full year ($140,500).

Those without insurance also had 50% less in their checking accounts and 74% less in their retirement accounts.

Marital status, age and gender. Unmarried female householders (those who own or rent the home) of any age had a median wealth of $28,290. That represented 75.9% of their unmarried male counterparts’ median wealth of $37,290 and only 12.1% of their married counterparts’ median wealth of $233,100.

Such disparities between genders and marital status persisted over most age groups.

Race and Hispanic origin. Relative to Black and Hispanic householders, non-Hispanic White and Asian householders had higher median household wealth.

Non-Hispanic White householders had a median household wealth of $171,700, compared with $9,567 for Black householders and CONTNUED ON PAGE 16

ALERT:... from Page 1 already desperate to get a dose of it.

“Mackey is the lead author of a study released in August that shows an increase in posts tied to financial scams, possible counterfeit goods and unapproved treatments,” said the NBC7 News story.

“If they do take a vaccine that's not effective, they could obviously have side effects associated with that. There could be sterility issues with a vaccine needle that could infect you with another disease, and also, of course, you're going to engage in behavior that may make you more susceptible to actually getting COVID," Mackey warned.

Mackey added that there is a danger that some of the genuine vaccine could end up in the black market once the vaccinations go in full swing.

“There’s a lot of pharmaceutical companies that are worried about the security of their product, like people actually just reselling legitimate vaccines or maybe even reselling spoiled vaccines because so much of it is going to be temperature controlled," Mackey said during the

same online interview.

In recent days, the drug manufacturers Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca have announced that their vaccines were found to be about 95% effective during the clinical trials.

FDA allows over-the-counter COVID 19 test kit The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted an emergency use authorization for the first non-prescription, over-the-counter Covid-19 test kit for at-home use.

Anyone 18 years and older are allowed to buy the LabCorp Pixel COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit. The samples are going to be send to a LabCorp facility and the results are to be delivered back to the consumer by phone or through a healthcare provider.

Users will be notified by email or through an online portal if results are negative.

Other information: --- The vaccine has to be administered in a clinical settings as the vial containing it has to be

kept under a cold temperature (minus-70 degrees Celsius for the Pfizer and BioNTech brand).

--- Vaccines from any of the drug manufacturers have to be administered to people on two doses. Pfizer’s booster shot will be given three weeks after the first shot while Moderna’s second shot will be given four weeks later.

--- The vaccine can cause bad side effects on certain people.

During clinical trials, participants were observed to experience headache, fatigue, chills and fever.

--- The government projects that about 20 million people will be vaccinated by the end of the year 2020. About 200 million people in the US are expected to avail of the vaccine. The federal government has pre-purchased hundreds of millions of vaccine doses and they will be distributed to the people for free.

--- The government cannot mandate people to get the vaccine.

--- Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease said

the general population who do not have underlying conditions may be able to get access to the vaccine in late spring or early summer next year.

--- Both vaccines use a snip-

pet of the virus’s genetic code to instruct our body cells to “build the spike protein on the surface of the coronavirus” in order to teach our immune system to recognize the COVID 19 virus.

Residents pass by a recently constructed outdoor restaurant extension in the City of Santa Monica which has been empty since Monday. Photo

by Abner Galino

Community

Saturday-Friday | December 12 - 18, 2020

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NEW YEAR's Safari FUN at the Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru Experience coming to the Pasadena Rose Bowl

A

fter sold out weekends in in various cities throughout the country such as: New York, Philadelphia, Boston, San Antonio, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Detroit, Atlanta and Cincinnati, the JURASSIC DRIVE-THRU Dinosaur experience for Southern California's children and their families will be coming to the Pasadena Rose Bowl from January 15, 2021 through January 31, 2021.

This mesmerizing dinosaur exhibit will transform the outdoor parking area of the Rose Bowl into an interactive drive-thru experience, featuring over 70 moving and life-like dinosaurs, as well as 50 foot-long MEGALODONS. The drive-thru experience has overwhelmed over 250,000 cars of families and around 1,000,000 people in attendance , since the launching of the national tour in mid-July, 2020.

Due to the current Pandemic rules and policies, this drive-thru experience for families and their children, means that ALL visitors will have to stay inside their vehicles and every passenger inside their vehicles should still need to AVOID the swinging tail of the 80-foot long SPINOSAURUS. The Jurassic Quest Drive -Thru will transform the largest DINOSAURS to roam around, along with the eeriest marine creatures to ever lurk underneath the transformed ocean depths. Guests will go through this Jurassic Quest on an online audio tour throughout the thrilling DINOSAUR safari. The $49.00 fee PER VEHICLE with a maximum of 8 PASSENGERS or less will engage its dino

guests on a time-travel to enjoy and experience the hour-long ride back in time.

Jurassic Quest worked in collaboration with leading paleontologists, to ensure each DINOSAUR was painstakingly replicated in every detail. Guests will have the chance to drive thru realistic scenes without leaving their vehicles while becoming mesmerized looking at the moving dinosaurs.

In addition to to the life-like dinosaur exhibits, there will be opportunities to visit the baby dinosaurs, while learning how the dino trainers and to have the opportunity to capture a safari-style souvenir PHOTO of your family inside your vehicle, being transported back in time via a safari setting, complete with a dinosaur backdrop. Surely, all attendees will leave with bragging rights, that would say, "WE SURVIVED JURASSIC QUEST 2020." One photo per family is FREE and included in the ticket purchase.

During the entirety of the Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru, extra precautionary measures by imposing strict rules in cleaning, sanitizing equipments, dinosaurs and work stations of the dino crew. There will be rules such as guests remaining in their vehicles and wearing

SENIoRS... fRom PAgE 1 into “a mixed-use develop-

ment area.”

Filipina American Tita Tanega, a retired library assistant at University of Southern California (USC) and mobile home resident for nine years, expressed disappointment to what she called as an apparent lack of interest on the part of city officials to help the displaced residents get a fair deal.

“We have not received any information as to the specific developments planned for this place,” Tanega complained.

Tanega added that the mobile homeowners need help in assuring that their properties would be appraised fairly.

“They might be rushing things because of the new bill, AB 2872, which intends to protect mobile home park

owners.”

Another homeowner, Placida Worrell, 78, who has been living at the Park Avalon for 19 years said: “The market value that the owner is offering us is very low. We have spent many years in that home. Most of the seniors here are on fi xed income. Yet, in the middle of the COVID-19, they want us to look for another residence.

That is unjust.”

Carla Zanotti, Latina mobile homeowner president, added that the real estate firm needs to offer a reasonable relocation price.

Zanotti said that they are hoping that the members of the City Council would make good on their promise that they would help the affected residents.

The protesters said that if they don’t get help, many of

them would be forced to live in the streets.

The developers had told the media several months back that their project also includes senior housing and that current residents given priority to them.

“They (residents) are mostly old and retired. Some are even disabled. Do you think they can afford these apartments and condominium at over $2,000 a month. These are not affordable housing.”

The Assembly Bill (AB) 2872 or the California Homelessness Data System Act, if passed into law, will create a statewide database to give a clearer picture of the state’s homeless population. It will also seek to provide services to homeless people and prevent people from becoming homeless.

masks when they exit their vehicle in the allowed areas. Social distancing rules will also be requested Ticket to the Jurassic Quest Rose Bowl Drive Thru maybe purchased online in advance through t hei r web site at: www.jurassic que s t .c om.

Tickets are $49.00 per vehicle. Guests in their vehicle must travel through the drive-thru, No rentals or golf carts will be provided and walkers are not allowed.

To ensure participant safety, no riders on

truck beds and trailers are not allowed.

For further inquiries, log on to their website at: www.JurassicQuest.com. To all of you who wish to experience this unique safari experience,, may you all have a DINO-mite time! E N J O Y!

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Understanding Mortgage Appraisal Reports

WHETHER you are buying a home using a mortgage, refinancing your existing mortgage, or selling your home to anyone other than an all-cash buyer, a home appraisal is a key component of the transaction. If you are a buyer, owner, or seller, you’ll want to understand how the appraisal process works and how an appraiser determines a home’s value.

Facts • An appraisal is an unbiased professional opinion of the value of a home and is used whenever a mortgage is involved in the buying, refinancing, or selling of that property.

• A qualified appraiser creates a report based on a visual inspection, using recent sales of similar properties, current market trends, and aspects of the home (e.g., amenities, floor plan, square footage) to determine the property’s appraisal value.

• The lender usually pays the appraisal fee, which can be several hundred dollars.

• When the appraisal value is lower than expected, the transaction can be delayed or canceled.

What You Should Know About Home Appraisals The Appraisal Process and How Values Are Determined According to the Appraisal Institute, an association of professional real estate appraisers, a qualified appraiser should be licensed or certified—as required in all 50 states—and be familiar with the local area. Per federal regulations, the appraiser must

be impartial and have no direct or indirect interest in the transaction.3 A property's appraisal value is influenced by recent sales of similar properties and by current market trends. The home's amenities, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, floor plan functionality, and square footage are also key factors in assessing the home's value. The appraiser must do a complete visual inspection of the interior and exterior and note any conditions that adversely affect the property's value, such as needed repairs.2 Typically, appraisers use the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report from Fannie Mae for single-family homes. The report asks the appraiser to describe the interior and exterior of the property, the neighborhood, and nearby comparable sales. The appraiser then provides an analysis and conclusions about the property's value based on their observations.

• An explanation of how the square footage was calculated • Photographs of the home’s front, back, and street scene • Front exterior photographs of each comparable property used • Other pertinent information—such as market sales data, public land records, and public tax records—that the appraiser requires to determine the property’s fair market value When refinancing a mortgage, if the appraisal value puts your home equity at less than 20%, you’ll get stuck paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI) in most cases. However, you may get the option of an “Appraisal Waiver” where your loan will not need one, check with your lender about this.

What Refinancing Homeowners Need to Know If you are refinancing a conventional mortgage, a low appraisal can prevent you from doing so.

The home needs to appraise at or above the amount you want to refinance for your loan to be approved. However, if your existing mortgage is an FHA mortgage, you can refinance without an appraisal through the FHA Streamline program—a great option for underwater homeowners.

The Bottom Line When everything goes smoothly, the home appraisal is just another box to check on a closing checklist. When the appraisal value is lower than expected, the transaction can be delayed or even canceled. Regardless of which situation you encounter in your home buying, selling, or refinancing experience, a basic understanding of how the appraisal process functions can only work in your favor, especially if you’re buying your first home.

Due to Covid, you have the option to request for an exterior appraisal only, some homeowners do not allow any outside person to come into their homes due to transmitting the virus, in this case check with your lender to see if they will accept that.

Thanks for your inquiries, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group Call Ken 562508-7048 or write to Kennethgo@ verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

The report must include: • A street map showing the appraised property and comparable sales used • An exterior building sketch

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Bankruptcy Debt Relief: Is the Pandemic Threatening Your Financial Security?

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

COVID-19 has had crippling and devastating financial consequences for couples, families and business owners. We are seeing escalating unemployment numbers (20.6% currently) and a desperate need for financial assistance. Unemployment benefits run out by the end of this month and Congress so far has failed to come up with a relief package that can help people stay financially afloat at least for the time being. The longer the pandemic continues, the bigger the financial hole that people have found themselves in gets, and the more likely they will turn to filing bankruptcy as a way to get needed relief from their crushing financial burdens.

No one ever plans to go bankrupt, but the current situation is forcing people to consider it as an option if

their financial security is threatened by the lack of sufficient income to pay even for life’s necessities. For most, it is pushing a financial reset button.

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

For individuals, there are two main types of bankruptcy. Chapter 7 allows you to wipe out debts you can no longer pay, although there are a few exceptions such as student loans, most taxes and domestic support obligations.

Chapter 7 is typically for those whose income is so low that they are not even

able to pay for basic living expenses.

On the other hand, if a payment plan was possible, Chapter 13 allows you to consolidate all your bills over a 3-5 year period. What makes Chapter 13 the best type of debt consolidation is the fact that your monthly payments are often just based on how much you can afford, regardless of the total amount of your debts. Whatever is left at the end of the repayment period is simply wiped out and you can be 100% debt-free much faster than if you tried to pay all your creditors on your own.

The interest rate on credit cards and unsecured loans also drops down to zero, a far cry from the outrageous 23-29% interest rates that you may be currently paying. With either Chapter 7 or 13, you also get the full protection of the law which means that creditors will not be able to pursue their usual remedies of obtaining a judgment, a bank levy or a wage garnishment in

order to force payments from you.

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

The pandemic will end eventually, but until we know when that is, personal incomes will continue to suffer.

The bankruptcy courts are still open, and you can still file bankruptcy at this time if that is an option for you.

In some cases, it may be best to wait if there are good reasons why you should delay. But at the very least, as a bankruptcy attorney, I think you should at least be pro-active in seeking legal counsel about your situation in case bankruptcy becomes inevitable for your situation. NOTE: Due to 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).

Has DACA been fully reinstated?

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

It is very disheartening to witness children of immigrants work so hard to obtain good grades in school, achieve honor roll standing in high school, get accepted to top universities, only to find out that all doors to the American Dream are closed and locked. On June 15, 2012, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano issued a memorandum regarding the exercise of prosecutorial discretion on certain individuals who came to the US as children which partially opens some of the doors. Effective immediately, certain young people who were brought to the United States through no fault of their own as young children and meet several key criteria will be considered for relief from removal from the country. Those who demonstrate that they meet the criteria will be eligible to receive deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal.

You may request DACA if you: 1. Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; 2. Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday; 3. Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time; 4. Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS; 5. Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012; 6. Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and 7. Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor,or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

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

DACA does not confer lawful legal status in the United States. DACA is a discretionary determination to defer removal/deportation of an individual as an exercise of prosecutorial discretion. Aliens will not accrue unlawful presence while in deferred action.

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

Individuals should be prepared to introduce evidence proving that the individual has met all the criteria described above.

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

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010.

Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com. Visit us at kenreyeslaw.com

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DND keen on acquiring more Black Hawk helicopters MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines may acquire another 16 S-70i "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Thursday.

Lorenzana said PAF chief, Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes told him that it would be more advantageous for the Air Force to be operating a single specific type of helicopter as it would be easier for them in terms of maintenance and training.

"Hindi ko masabi kung bakit (I cannot exactly say the reason) but we actually still (have) funds remaining to procure helicopters sa ibang mga, ibang (from different) companies, sabi niya (Paredes) mas maganda na yung pareho para yung maintenance and pilot, hindi na mag-aaral (ulit) saka yung ano mo, yung supplies yung spare parts pareho-pareho lang, mas madaling i-maintain yung fleet ng lahat 'Black Hawk' kesa yung halo-halo di ba (He told me that it would be better to just have the same type of helicopter because of the maintenance and pilot training aspect.

You won't have to study again and your supplies and spare parts would just be the same. It would be easier to maintain a Black Hawk fleet instead of different aircraft types)," Lorenzana told reporters at Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga during the acceptance, blessing and turnover of the first six Polish-made helicopters delivered last month.

Lorenzana said Paredes told him that the PAF wants another 16 Black Hawk choppers to beef up its helicopter fleet.

"The chances of that being fulfilled are very big actually, so we'll see. These brand-new combat utility helicopters will be used for missions such as transport of cargoes and personnel, medical evacuation, casualty evacuation, aerial reconnaissance, disaster relief operations, troop insertion and extrication, combat resupply, combat search-andrescue, and limited close air support," he added.

Lorenzana said the newly acquired helicopters would help the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its operations.

"Equipped with the Black Hawk our

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana leads the joint acceptance, turnover, and blessing ceremony of six brand new S701 Black Hawk combat utility helicopters in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Thursday, December 10. (MNS photo)

Air Force can now provide prompt and sustained day and night tactical lift as well as combat and non-combat searchand-rescue operations," he added.

The first five S-70is were delivered via the Antonov An-124 heavy cargo aircraft to Clark Air Base last November 9 while the sixth unit arrived aboard a ship on November 27. The remaining 10 are set to be delivered to the country next year.

The helicopters were acquired from Polish company Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Sp.z.o.o and manufactured under license from Sikorsky USA for USD241 million (around PHP11.5 billion) The helicopters were procured through a government-to-government transaction with Poland. The negotiations were completed in 2019. The acquisition of the Polish-made S-70i Black Hawk combat helicopters is part of Horizon 2 of the AFP Modernization Program.

The Philippines shifted into the purchase of the Polish-made helicopters

DOH discourages 'torotot' during yuletide revelry due to COVID threat M A NIL A (Mabu hay) — COV ID-19 t ra nsmission scare has not spared "totorot" or the traditional yuletide revelry horn, with the Department of Health discouraging its use as Filipinos prepare to welcome Christmas and the New Year.

In a press briefing for their Christmas campaign on Thursday, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III advised in a video message to use other alternatives for firecrackers such as drums and vehicle horns.

“Maliban sa paputok, iwasan din natin ang mga paggamit ng mga torotot at mga katulad nito upang mapigilan natin ang posibleng pagkakahawa sa COVID-19 at iba pang sakit,” Duque said.

“Humanap tayo ng ibang alternatibo sa paputok gaya ng mga tambol, busina o 'di kaya pagpalakpak,” he added.

Unlike the previous years, the DOH is now discouraging even the use of these alternative noisemakers as the coronavirus can be transferred through them.

DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said these instruments may cause transfer of saliva.

“Huwag po tayong gagamit ng pampaingay na gumagamit sa bibig that will cause the tranfer of saliva,” Cabotaje said during the press briefing.

“So 'yung mga pito (whistle), ‘yung mga torotot, bawal po ngayon 'yan.

Kailangan naka-mask pa rin at nagsosocial diatancing,” she added.

Titled as ‘Tuloy Ang Paskong Pinoy’, the DOH’s Christmas campaign this year included a sub-campaign addressing the threat of COVID-19 transmission amid the yuletide season, the ‘BIDA sa Pagdiriwang’.

(MNS)

after the contract for the acquisition of 16 combat helicopters from Canada was scrapped when it was about to be implemented in February 2018.

"The cancellation of that contract brought us back to square one. we have to start with the procurement process again and we were racing against time before we lose the money to other projects. Today, I feel the exact opposite.

I'm so happy and proud to have with our possession six of the 16 units of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters we ordered from PZL (Mielec) of Poland. the remaining 10 Black hawks will be delivered early next year. All helicopters will come with the initial integrated logistics support package," Lorenzana added.

He said the cancellation of the PHP12 billion contract for the Bell 412 combat utility helicopters was a blessing in disguise as the S-70is are the more capable aircraft due to its greater payload, longer range, and cheaper.

Aside from that, the DND chief said

Saturday-Friday | December 12 - 18, 2020

Switzerland to give P27-M to typhoon, flood-hit PH M ANIL A (Mabuhay) — The Swiss government will contribute Swiss Franc (CHF) 500,000 (approximately PHP27 million) to support the calamity-stricken regions in the Philippines, weeks since typhoons Rolly and Ulysses battered the country and displaced thousands of people.

The donation, to be coursed through the Philippine Red Cross PRC and IFRC, includes support in health, water, sanitation, hygiene and shelter, and humanitarian relief items, among others.

It seeks to help in the immediate and early recovery needs of thousands of families hit by storms.

"In solidarity with the Philippines, the Swiss Confederation confirms its support to the emergency appeal of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) amounting to CHF 500,000which corresponds to roughly PHP27,000,000," the Switzerland Embassy in Manila announced Thursday.

“This year has been a tumultuous one, to say the least. In 2020, we were confronted by volcanoes, typhoons, and a terrible Covid-19 pandemic that took a heavy toll on so many people with health concerns but also fear for their jobs, livelihoods, and existences. Solidarity and care are more important than ever," Swiss Ambassador Alain Gaschen said.

Last month, "Rolly" and "Ulysses" unleashed torrential rain and ferocious winds resulting in billions worth of damages to infrastructure and agriculture and a total of 126 deaths in the country. (MNS) the Black Hawks were delivered ahead of time. (MNS)

Gov't reaping gains in solving crimes vs. journos — DOJ exec MANILA (Mabuhay) — The country is reaping serious gains in addressing violent crimes against media workers, an official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Wednesday.

"From 1986 to the present, 244 cases of violence aga i nst med ia workers were reported. Out of the 244 cases, 180 were killings and 68 of these were deemed by the task force as work-related consistent to their operational guidelines wherein the victims are active media practitioners on the time of his death and the motive is related to his work as a media worker," reported Wilson Suba, the officer in charge of the DOJ's Planning Division, on the second day of the 2020 Human Rights Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

Suba said the 68 cases include the 32 cases of killings from the Maguindanao massacre. Of the 68 cases, 56 resulted in convictions.

The trial is ongoing for seven cases while five cases are undergoing investigation.

In December 2019, Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Quezon City Regional Tri-

al Court (RTC) Branch 221 found eight members of the Ampatuan clan and 20 others guilty of 57 counts of murder and meted them with the penalty of reclusion perpetua (up to 40 years imprisonment) without parole in connection with the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.

Suba added that in December 2018, Reporters Without Borders delisted the Philippines from its list of top five most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.

"In ensuring the freedom of information, Executive Order No. 2 was issued to operationalize in the executive branch the people’s constitutional right to information and the state’s policy to full public disclosure and full public service. However, the right to freedom to information is subject to the conditions of the Data Privacy Act," Suba said.

The Duterte administration is present ly implementing laws meant to strengthen the protection of freedom of opinion and expression in the safety of media workers, including landmark measures enacted in mid-2016.

Actions on these cases are

largely undertaken by the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) headed by Executive Director Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco. PTFoMS is mandated to receive, process, and take necessary action upon complaints of abuse and other acts of violence filed by media workers, to conduct an inventory of cases concerning violence of media workers, to monitor the development of cases, receive reports from individual or groups regarding media workers in danger and provide necessary assistance, designate a special team of prosecutors and investigators.

T he ta sk force is cochaired by the DOJ and the Presidentia l Communications Operations Office (PCOO), w it h t he Commission on Human Rights, Office of the Ombudsman, and heads of media organizations as observers.

After a year of the creation of the PTFOMS, the Committee to Protect Journalists or CPJ made a special citation to the Philippines being one of the countries with an improved ranking in the Global Community Index. (MNS)

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House to insist on jurisdiction over impeachable officials — lawmaker MANILA (Mabuhay) — The House of Representatives will insist on its jurisdiction over cases against impeachable officials, a lawmaker said Thursday after a complaint was filed against Supreme Court associate justice Marvic Leonen.

Leonen is accused of "culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust" by lawyers Lorenzo Gadon and Edwin Cordevilla.

The House Committee on Justice may tackle the impeachment complaint next year as congressional sessions are scheduled to end on Wednesday, said vice chair Rufus Rodriguez.

"I believe that the Supreme Court will not commit the same mistake of having a quo warranto against impeachable officials because under the Constitution. only the House will impeach and only the Senate will hear and remove," he told ANC's Matters of Fact.

"We assure we will insist on the committee that we will have the exclusive jurisdiction and this particular case will not happen like what happened to the former Chief Justice (Maria Lourdes) Sereno...It is only the Congress that can remove impeachable officials."

Sereno's appointment was nullified by the high court in 2018 as she was facing an impeachment complaint before the House of Representatives.

It is the House committee's duty to hear and determine if the complaint has substance and is sufficient in form, Rodriguez said.

"We determine not on motives. We determine it on t he corner s of t he complaint itself because it is a right of ever yone to f i le a complaint as long as it is endorsed by one congressman," he said.

"There are i n nuendoes t hat t h is is political, this is something the motives are not very clear, not laudable. That’s something beyond the committee."

The complaint was by Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Angelo Barba, cousin of Senator Imee Marcos and former Senator Bongbong Marcos whose electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo remains pending at the Presidential Electoral Tribunal. The Supreme Court sits as the PET. The PET recently dismissed Bongbong Marcos' appeal seeking Leonen's inhibition from the poll protest.

PET junks Marcos inhibition plea vs Justice Leonen in VP poll protest Similar to Sereno's case, the complaint against Leonen alleged that he committed betrayal of public trust when he failed to file his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth

2 Saudi nationals with alleged links to ISIS nabbed in Cotabato City

RUFUS RODRIGUEZ (SALN) for 15 years during his tenure at the University of the Philippines.

The complaint also alleged that the SC magistrate committed culpable violation of the Constitution for arbitrarily delaying the resolution of cases pending before him due to his "incompetence and inefficiency" as chairperson of the House Electoral Tribunal.

Incompetence is not a ground for impeachment, Rodriguez said.

"Competence is not but it might be.

The Supreme Court has decided already what is the meaning of betrayal of public trust, it enlarges the scope of the impeachment grounds," he said.

"As defined by the Supreme Court it is something not criminal but because of its impact on public service then it rises to a level of a Constitutional violation of public trust." (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Two Saudi nationals with suspected links to international terrorist group ISIS were arrested in Cotabato City on Wednesday, according to the police.

An improvised explosive device was seized from the suspects, along with several components used in making IEDs. A search warrant issued by Judge Allan Edwin P. Boncavil Isulan, Sultan Kudarat Regional Trial Court Branch 19 allowed authorities to conduct a search on the suspects' room.

According to the police, the two are linked to ISIS-East Asia subleaders who are attempting to bring Arab nationals to the country.

Aside from an IED, also seized from the suspects were five assorted passports, one alien certificate of registration, two passbooks of savings account, a laptop, cellphones and credit cards. (MNS)

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Saturday-Friday | December 12 - 18, 2020

CAREGIVER LAW OVERVIEW FOR 2020 WORKING as a caregiver in a private home, an assisted living facility or nursing home is hard work. If this is your job, you probably work long hours and return home physically and emotionally drained. You may provide 24hour, live-in help to the elderly or incapacitated.

Ma ny resident ia l pr iv ate households, residential care facilities and nursing homes ignore overtime laws. These violations can deprive caregivers of significant wages totaling thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you are a caregiver employed by someone who refuses to follow wage and hour laws, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

Reading up on your rights is the first step toward claiming what you are due. Discussing the matter with an experienced attorney at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson is the next and most important step.

When employers refuse to pay caregivers the legally required minimum or overtime wages, it is a form of wage theft. The employers are essentially stealing wages from workers who care for the elderly.

Thankfully, California law sets minimum requirements for a caregiver’s wages and working conditions. These laws include a minimum wage and overtime in most circumstances. An employer has no right to pay an employee less than the legally required minimum or overtime wages and anyone who does engage in wage theft.

Wage theft takes many forms and may include failing to pay for sleep or “on call” time, paying a weekly or daily salary that is too low or classifying an in-home caregiver as an “independent contractor” to circumvent California’s wage and hour laws.

California provides greater protection to caregivers than exists in most other states. For instance, the minimum wage in California will increase incrementally to $15 by 2022. Cities can enact higher minimum wages.

Caregivers who are victims of wage theft can claim the compensation that is legally due.

On January 1, 2014, California enacted the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights (DWBR). The DWBR mandates overtime payments for personal attendants. This law provides that an employer cannot hire personal attendants to work more than nine hours in a day or 45 hours in a workweek without paying overtime.

Overtime under the DWBR is set at one and one-half times the employee’s regular rate of pay.

That means that if you are an inhome caregiver, you are entitled to 150% of your hourly wage for every hour you work over nine hours in any given day, and all hours you work beyond 45 hours in a week.

Now that the California legislature has created the right to overtime for personal attendants, an in-home caregiver who is not paid the required overtime wages can claim their unpaid wages. You can recover not just the overtime you are due, but also attorney’s fees and costs incurred in the lawsuit. It is also possible to recover interest and penalties if you are not properly paid overtime compensation.

Caregiver overtime law is highly complex. In fact, an entirely different set of laws apply to a caregivers who work in residential care facilities and nursing homes for the elderly. These caregivers have always been entitled to overtime under California law. These caregivers must be paid overtime for all hours they work in excess of 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week.

In addition, they are generally entitled to double time payments for all hours worked in excess of 12 in any single day and may be entitled to meal and rest breaks. The rules for sleep time, on-call time and live-ins are also different.

If you are a caregiver and believe your employer has not paid you fairly under the law, you may have a strong case for compensation. Since the laws in this area are complex, you should contact an experienced attorney who has a documented and demonstrated expertise in representing caregivers.

The attorneys at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson have the experience you need.

We are here to help!

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 and confidential consultation. Or visit us at www.caregiverovertime.com/ to learn more about caregiver overtime law. We offer a 24-hour chat line on our website.

'Is this an election budget?' Lacson asks after hike in DPWH's 2021 fund MANILA (Mabuhay) — Dismayed by the increase in the allocations for the Department of Public Works and Highways under the proposed P4.5-trillion general appropriations for 2021, Senator Panfilo Lacson asked if the budget was designed to advance political interests in the 2022 elections.

He said the hike and the "juggled" funds under the agency could "only indicate massive realignments and insertions introduced by the legislators."

The DPWH got the second highest allocation in the budget bill approved by Congress with P694.8 billion. This was P28.3 billion higher compared to what was indicated in the National Expenditure Program.

"It begs the question: Is this an election campaign budget?" Lacson, who earlier called for realignment of infrastructure funds, said in a statement.

"Even the multi-purpose buildings that I had repeatedly questioned in the committee hearings all the way to plenary gained more funds instead of being reduced, in spite of the obvious waste of funds due to the failure of the DPWH to implement them," he added.

Nonetheless, Lacson said he is not questioning the collegial process of crafting the 2021 budget. The senator stressed he cannot support a budget bill that he has not fully scrutinized.

"I cannot give my vote to a measure as important as the naLACSON tional budget with-

out having read the details of the said bicameral conference report," he said.

"What happened is now water under the bridge. But it is high time we learn our lessons from this."

Senator Sonny Angara, who led the Senate contingent in the bicameral committee meetings, had said that touching the infrastructure budget lodged in various congressional districts is a move that would have delayed the passage of the general appropriations bill. (MNS)

Villar lectures DENR over 'shocking' remark on Marikina watershed MANIL A (Mabuhay) — Senator Cynthia Villar on Thursday lectured officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for a remark that seemed to diminish the importance of protecting the Marikina watershed area.

DENR's presentation during a Senate hearing led by the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change stated that "if all urban development and quarrying are stopped and the Marikina watershed is fully planted with 10year old mature trees, it will require nine times the whole area to absorb all the water during Typhoon Ulysses."

"No matter how we fully plant the whole Marikina watershed, it still cannot absorb all the water during

that event, typhoon Ulysses," Mines and Geosciences Bureau Director Wilfredo Moncano told senators.

But Villar, presiding over the inquiry on green infrastructures that would prevent destructive flooding, expressed dismay, saying this tone is "unacceptable" and should not come from the DENR. "That would make all our efforts on protecting the protected area useless... I'm always telling this DENR that you should not make statements like that," Villar said, also recalling a supposed position of some DENR officials that prohibiting quarrying in the watershed would delay developments in Metro Manila.

"I cannot imagine an officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources saying that. We should hear that from the Department of Public Works and Highways, not from you. You are justifying all the destruction of our environment...

Na-shock na naman ako sa inyong department eh," Senator Villar said.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also shared her dismay.

"Yung logical conclusion ng statement nilang yung would be, let's just sacrifice the watershed in order to proceed with so-called development projects," Hontiveros said.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said the stance of the agency is to protect the Marikina watershed.

"Sa computations, hindi lang kasi na min napag-usapa n 'yan," he said, agreeing with Villar that more effective interventions can be done by the DENR to ensure the preservation of the watershed and prevent severe floods.

VILLAR (MNS)

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DepEd making efforts to improve quality of education, training of teachers — official MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday said it continues to address factors to further improve the quality of education, amid results of a study that ranked the Philippines last among countries in Grade 4 math and science.

DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio said the department is trying to address factors that were identified in the 2018 World Development Report.

“It goes with like the motivation of the learners, the commitment and competence of the teachers, the effectiveness of school management and the availability of learning resources,” San Antonio said.

San Antonio also said that the government has been investing on educational facilities, and transformed the National Educators Academy of the Philippines to improve teacher competencies through trainings.

“In fact, recently, we also rev iewed t he Phi lippine Professional Standards for Teachers to be more attentive to the competencies expected of them so that they could be very effective,” he said.

He said DepEd is also reviewing the curriculum.

“The first phase has been finished. We discovered that while the standards, the contents and the learning standards are at par with those identified with other countries around the world, our curriculum as it is now prior to COVID 19 is congested,” he said.

A Netherlands-based research institute on Tuesday released the results of its study that showed Filipinos faring worst among 58 countries in assessment for mathematics and science for Grade 4 students.

According to the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2019 by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), the Philippines scored 297 in math and 249 in science.

San Antonio said they are also streamlining the DepEd’s participation in international large-scale assessments like PISA or the Program for International Student Assessment because it covers subjects like math, science, and reading.

“This international large scale assessment we would be able to monitor the extent of effectiveness of the initiatives were currently pursuing now,” he said. (MNS)

DILG exec: LGUs may limit attendance in fireworks displays, other Christmas season events MANILA (Mabuhay) — Local government units can control the number of attendees in fireworks displays and other Christmas season events amid the existing pandemic, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said.

At a press briefing for an anti-firecracker campaign, DILG Assistant Secretar y Odilon Pasaraba presented additional guidelines involving LGUs for the holiday sea-

son in light of the COVID-19 threat.

“LGUs may limit the number of attendees of public gatherings, fireworks displays, and other events,” Pasaraba said.

“Hea lt h protocols a nd mitigating measures must be enforced in all community fireworks displays and other activities this holiday season,” he added.

Pasaraba reminded LGUs to be conscious of the possi-

ble effect of these gatherings to the COVID-19 situation in their respective areas.

Despite a llow ing t hese events, Pasaraba said LGUs are also encouraged to promote safer alternatives such as virtual celebrations or small gatherings.

LGUs should also identify locations as firecracker zones or areas that are safe for the display or exhibition of fireworks and other pyrotechnics. (MNS)

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DOT backs proposed ‘COVID-19 passport,’ says its vital to reviving int’l air travel MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is backing a proposal to require international air travelers to indicate their inoculation and virus infection history through a so-called “COVID-19 passport.”

The idea of a “global COVID-19 passport” - which will indicate if a person is already vaccinated - was floated by Cebu Pacific president and CEO Lance Gokongwei, saying it is essential in reviving tourism and the airline industry.

“T he Depa r t ment of Tou r ism suppor ts t he suggestion of Mr. Lance Gokongwei to come up with a global COVID-19 passport to facilitate international cross-border travel with stringent health and safety measures in place,” Tourism Secreta r y Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a v ir t ua l br ief ing on Wednesday.

“The DOT recognizes that a COVID-19 passport is vital to reviving international travel as it will restore the

trust and confidence of people to travel to other countries once more, while assuring receiving countries that their inbound tourists are vaccinated,” Puyat said.

As many countries race for a COVID-19 vaccine, a 90-year-old grandmother became the first in the world to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine shot outside of a trial as Britain began vaccinating its population.

In the Philippines, Health Secreta r y Fra ncisco Duque III said vaccination for COVID-19 could start within the first half of 2021.

Un less a vaccine is widely available, Puyat said international travel will most likely be restricted to select zones or countries that have little to no cases.

For his part, Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon said, “What is clear is we would want travel to be safer, convenient. We will explore all possible ways in making it easier for the traveling public.” (MNS)

DOT blasts tourists for faking Covid-19 test results in Boracay MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday slammed the tourists from Luzon who faked their coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) test results to enter the island, which has recently welcomed travelers after months of closure.

"The DOT, as the co-vice chair of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force, condemns the tourists from Luzon who counterfeited Covid-19 test results upon entry in the island on Monday," it said in a statement sent

to reporters.

The agency then commended the "swift action" of the Aklan provincial police in dealing with the suspects.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said similar malicious actions would not be condoned as they undermine the collaborative efforts at protecting and reviving Boracay tourism.

Puyat further urged stakeholders and visitors alike to keep the country’s banner destination Covid-19 free by strictly adhering to the

M A NIL A (Mabu hay) — The Philippines is now the first country to be officially ‘whitelisted’ under the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) revised Seafarers’ Identity Documents (SID) Convention, 2003 (ILO Convention No. 185) which permits the movement of seafarers all over the world.

In a statement, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on Wednesday said the achievement marks the Philippine government’s willingness to comply with its obligations under the ILO.

health and safety protocols.

According to reports, six tourists from Metro Manila were arrested on December 7 for entering the resort island using a counterfeited reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result, which is required upon arrival as part of the destination's strict protocols against Covid-19.

The six were brought to the provincial Covid-19 facility in Kalibo where they will undergo quarantine for 14 days. (MNS)

Locsin: No enforcement of arrest warrant vs. Joma Sison in embassies MANILA (Mabuhay) — Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison would not be arrested in any Philippine embassy abroad, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said on Wednesday.

During the Commission on Appointments' deliberation on the nomination of Ambassador to the Netherlands Jose Eduardo Enciso Malaya III, Senator Panfilo Lacson asked if the Netherlands-based communist leader would be nabbed should he step foot in the embassy.

"It is the policy of the United States Embassy not to execute or enforce the warrant of arrest inside the embassy premises," Lacson said.

"I wonder if we follow the same policy as regards embassies located abroad? Because as we know, Mr. Sison has outstanding warrants of arrest issued against his person," he added.

In response, Locsin said he believes the US has practical considerations on not enforcing warrants of arrest a nd t h a t t he sa me pol icy should be cond u c ted in

PH seafarers first to be ‘whitelisted’ under ILO convention

Philippine embassies.

"No, I will not enforce that warrant of arrest in an embassy abroad," he said.

"I think that if I were to enforce that and arrest him, considering the limited resources we have in all our embassies abroad, we would present an international spectacle that would invite laughter first and then outrage. I do not wish to embarrass my country," he added.

Lacson thanked the Foreign Affairs chief. He emphasized that he asked the question "as a matter of policy not only in the embassy in the Netherlands but also in other countries."

Malaya's nomination as Ambassador to the Netherlands was later on approved by the CA. In August 2019, a warrant of arrest against Sison and 30 others was issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 32. It was connected to the 2006 discovery of a mass grave in Inopacan, Leyte that purportedly contained the bones of victims of the alleged purging by the New People's Army in the 1980s.

Sison said the "false charge" was laughable because he is a political refugee.

(MNS)

JOSE MARIA SISON

“The Philippines’ SID is now being considered as a template for other ILO member states to follow,” the MARINA said.

The ILO Convention No. 185, it said, facilitates the movement of seafarers—particularly for their shore leave in various international ports—their repatriation to their home country after the conclusion of their work contracts, and when boarding ships in other countries.

According to the ILO Director-General’s report dated November 17, Article 5 of the ILO Convention No. 185 establishes the minimum requirements on the processes and procedures of ratifying members for the issuance of SIDs. Under paragraph 6 and 7 of Article 5 of the ILO Convention No. 185, it said the governing body of the ILO will approve a list containing the names of member-states which fully meet the minimum requirements for the issuance of SIDs and will be made available to all members of the ILO. It said the Philippines was the first country to formally request inclusion on the list, has since “fully satisfied” its requirements, and will serve as a “template” for other ratifying member states. (MNS)

Business BUSINESS P72.5-B budget for vaccines for 2021 enough — Palace Saturday-Friday | December 12 - 18, 2020

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Congress-approved allocation of P72.5 billion for COVID-19 vaccines under the proposed 2021 national budget is enough to inoculate 60 million Filipinos, Malacañang said Thursday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque gave the assurance after the Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday settled at a lower figure compared to the senators’ proposal of P83 billion.

Of the P72.5 billion, P2.5 billion will be sourced from the regular funds of the Department of Health while the rest will come from unprogrammed appropriations.

“Tingin ko po sapat po iyan. Kasi nga doon sa scheme na ipapatupad ng DOF [Department of Finance], hindi pa nga po galing sa national appropriations iyong P72 billion na initially kinakailangan natin para sa 60 million katao na mababakunahan,” Roque said at a news conference.

The Palace official was referring to the other funding sources which include multilateral institutions such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, domestic government financial institutions, and bilateral negotiations with countries from where the vaccines would originate.

“Kung maalala po ninyo napakaliit lang ng initial amount na kukunin natin sa budget kasi hindi nga natin alam kung kailan lalabas iyong bakuna. Pero ngayong malinaw na lalabas siya pagkatapos po maipasa ang budget, nandiyan na rin po iyan, so tama rin po iyan,” Roque said.

Senate finance committee chairman Sonny Angara has also expressed confidence that there is “sufficient” funding to inoculate 60% of the population under the proposed 2021 budget, which will soon be submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte for his signature.

Angara also said the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act has another P10-billion allocation for vaccines.

Nearly 25 million Filipinos composed of frontline health workers, the poor and uniformed personnel will be among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as the country eyes to begin its mass immunization program within the first half of 2021.

The Philippines eyes to vaccinate 60 to 70 million people in three to five years. The country has an estimated population of 110 million. (MNS)

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Bello reminds employers anew to give 13th month pay MANILA (Mabuhay) — With just 16 days before Christmas Day, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday reminded anew private sector employers to give the 13th month pay to their workers.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said companies have until December 24 to give the 13th month compensation.

“I would like to remind employers to pay the 13th month pay of their workers on or before December 24,” he said in a virtual forum.

Bello said private sector employees who have been working in the company for over a month are entitled to the payment.

“An employee, rega rd less of status and has served his/her employer for a month, is entitled to a 13th month p a y,” h e

said.

He added that if the employers have yet to give the 13th month pay, they still have over two weeks to pay their workers.

“Please don’t forget to pay your employees’ 13th month pay,” he added.

Under Presidential Decree 851, all employers are mandated to pay the 13th month pay on or before December 24.

The 13th month pay required by law shall not be less than one-twelfth of the total basic salary earned by an employee within a calendar year.

(MNS)

DOLE SECRETARY SILVESTRE BELLO III

Duterte will fast-track 2021 budget approval, won't ditch veto power — spokesman MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte will exercise his veto power if needed, even if he fast tracks the approval of the 2021 national budget that includes

funds for COVID-19 programs, Malacañang said Thursday.

"Bibilisan naman po ng Palasyo ang pagsusuri sa budget para malaman kung may mga specific line item na ibi-veto ang Presidente," "We will take all steps necessary para maging batas po ito (so that this will become a law) on time," said Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque.

"Pero hindi po isasakripisyo o isu-surrender ng Palasyo, ng Presidente iyong kaniyang kapangyarihan na pag-aralan ang budget at siguraduhing walang dapat na item ng appropriation na dapat ma-veto. The President will still exercise his power of review and his power of line veto," he told reporters.

(But the Palace, the President will not sacrifice or surrender his power to study the budget and ensure that no item in the appropriation should have been veto.)

Duterte as of 12 noon has not received a copy of the national spending plan that a committee of senators and House representatives ratified, said his spokesman. (MNS)

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PSA: Trade gap narrowed to $1.776B in October MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine trade gap narrowed in October from both the previous month and the comparable period in 2019, as the drop in imports during the month outpaced that of exports.

Data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Thursday showed that the balance of trade in goods fell 50.3% to a $1.776-billion deficit in October from the $3.572-billion deficit the same month last year and the $1.782-billion deficit in September.

A deficit indicates that the value of a country’s imports exceeded export receipts, while a surplus indicates more export shipments than imports.

Total trade for the month fell 12.8% to $14.181 billion from $16.256 billion last year, and $14.289 billion in September.

In terms of exports, the Philippines recorded a 2.2% drop to $6.202 billion, reversing the 0.5% growth to $6.341 billion in October last year after annual decreases were recorded in fresh bananas (-42.5%); ignition wiring set and other sets (-9.5%); miscellaneous manufactured articles (-7.0%); machinery and transport equipment (-6.3%); and electronic products (-0.3%).

Growth was still reported in the export of other commodity groups such as cathodes (367.8%); other mineral products (76.6%); metal components (14.9%); chemicals (11.2%); and other manufactured goods (8.6%).

"By major trading partner, exports to the United States of America (USA) comprised the highest export value amounting to $1.01 billion or a share of 16.3% to the total exports during the month," the PSA said.

This was followed by Japan with $965.28 million or 15.6%; China with $944.78 million or 15.2%; Hong Kong with $753.34 million or 12.1%; and Singapore with $398.07 million or 6.4%.

Meanwhile, imports made bigger declines in October falling by 19.5% to $7.979 billion from $9.914 billion last year dragged by lower shipments of transport equipment (-53.6%); mineral fuels, lubricants, and related materials (-49.9%); industrial machinery and equipment (-28.8%); miscellaneous and manufactured articles (-26.9%); and plastics in primary and non-primary forms (-18.1%).

Declines were also reported in the importation of other food and live animals (-15.7%); and iron and steel (-14.1%), while growth was reported in telecommunication equipment (15.2%); cereals and cereal preparations (8.1%); and electronic products (1.1%).

"The People's republic of China was the country's biggest supplier of imported goods valued at $1.95 billion or 24.4% of the total imports in October 2020," the PSA said.

(MNS)

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Barbie Forteza says she's proud of herself: 'I've been busy growing up'

B

arbie Forteza took to social media to share how proud she was of herself for the decisions she's made for the past few weeks.

Sharing photos of herself on Instagram, Barbie said, "I’ve made decisions that really changed the way I live each day. Sabi nga sa kanta ni Taylor Swift, 'Been saying yes instead of no.' I've been handling things myself."

The actress shared that just recently, she went to work all by herself since plusones weren't allowed amid the pandemic.

"When there’s a problem, I try not to

BARBIE FORTEZA

get overwhelmed by stress. Instead, I deal with it right away then laugh about it the next day," Barbie said. "Basically, I’ve been busy growing up. Oh, how it scares me but I love it."

"I am so looking forward to meet my future self," she added.

In a recent interview, Barbie said that the quarantine, which has been effective since March, made her realize that life is "precious."

"Ako kasi during quarantine parang na-discover ko sa sarili ko marami pa pala akong gustong gawin. And hindi hadlang ang pag-stay lang sa bahay para hindi ko magawa 'yon," she said. (MNS)

ABS-CBN announces ‘Darna’ series; Jane de Leon still to star MANILA (Mabuhay) — Darna is finally set to return to a new generation of viewers, as ABSCBN announced that the Mars Ravelo creation will be adapted into a series, after its movie production was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Jane de Leon, who was attached to play the title role in the Star Cinema project, will still don the superhero’s costume in the series.

“Mars Ravelo’s Darna: The TV Series” is slated to air in 2021.

The project was confirmed during a media conference of ABS-CBN’s talent agency Star Magic, where de Leon signed an exclusive contract with the network along with other Kapamilya talents.

“Masaya po kaming ibalita sa inyong lahat. Tuloy na tuloy na po ang paglipad ni Darna,” said ABS-CBN COO of Broadcast Cory Vidanes.

“Ang gaganap bilang Darna ay walang iba kung 'di si Ms. Jane de Leon, na patuloy na nagpapakita ng sipag at determinasyon sa paghahanda sa muling paglipad ni Darna.”

De Leon, 22, who appeared tearful at the announcement, said, “‘Yung pakiramdam ko po ngayon, nag-flashback ‘yung time na in-announce po sa akin ‘yung Darna.”

“Hindi ko po talaga in-ex-

pect,” she said. “I’m so overwhelmed. Sobrang mixed emotions — siyempre, kinakabahan po ako, and I’m really, really happy na makita po kayong lahat. I’m really happy to be here, and I feel so blessed to be a Kapamilya.”

After her contract-signing, de Leon — together with other ABS-CBN executives including Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi, president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, and chairman Mark Lopez — unveiled a life-size figure of Darna.

“Mars Ravelo’s Darna: The TV Series” is the latest development in ABS-CBN’s long-anticipated version of Darna, an enduring pop culture icon who has been played by some 15 actresses since her big-screen debut in 1951.

ABS-CBN obtained the rights to Darna in 2013, when it signed a partnership with the Ravelo estate that included 12 more titles or characters created by the komiks master.

Development of the Darna movie started shortly, with the announcement of Angel Locsin as the lead actress in June 2014.

The project, however, encountered roadblocks in the succeeding years, with the exit of Locsin, and then Liza Soberano from the project, due to respective medical reasons.

JANE DE LEON Original director Erik Matti also left the project because of “creative differences” with ABS-CBN Films.

De Leon was introduced as the new Darna in July 2019, after an open audition that drew 300 aspirants, including established actresses and fresh aspirants.

De Leon and director Jerr-

old Tarog, who was attached to helm the film version, had finished 16 days of shooting when the coronavirus lockdown prevented further progress.

Production of the film adaptation has since been “postponed indefinitely,” according to ABS-CBN, as the country continues to grapple with the global health crisis. (MNS)

Alex Gonzaga, fiancé Mikee Morada reach new milestone

MIKEE & ALEX

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actress-host Alex Gonzaga and her fiancé, Mikee Morada, have reached a new milestone, as they announced Tuesday the construction of their future home.

O n I n s t a g r a m, Gonzaga shared a photo of her with Morada, with a demolished structure in the background.

“O u r demol i sh is halfway done to build our new and

future home. Parang Samson and Delilah datingan namin pagkatapos magbabag,” t he comedienne wrote, in jest.

Gonzaga, 32, opted for a more serious caption on Twitter, as shared the same photo with another snap of her and Morada holding hands.

“Ma ny a re t he plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. May God

ble ss ou r f ut u re home,” she said.

Gonzaga and Morada got engaged in January 2020.

They recently celebrated their fourth anniversary as a couple in November.

At the time, Gonzaga said of the milestone: “When the time is right, I, the Lord will make it happen. Four years until forever with you

by God’s grace.”

(MNS)

What Matteo Guidicelli wants his in-laws to know about his marriage to Sarah G

SARAh & MATTEO MANILA (Mabuhay) — His wedding to Sarah Geronimo may have been marred by an altercation that made headlines, but Matteo Guidicelli still considers it “the best day of my life.”

“Before we got married, grabe 'yung ride namin. Of course, the ride never ends. But a week before the lockdown, February 20, 2020, we got married. Very small wedding.

A week after was supposed to be our wedding with our friends. But the lockdown happened. Everything was planned,” Guidicelli said during a conversation with Toni Gonzaga “At the end of the day, it was a beautiful day of two people synergizing together becoming as one.

That was one of the best days of my life. It wasn’t perfect but I consider it the best day of my life,” he added.

Going by reports of their clandestine wedding, the February 20 nuptials was supposedly kept secret even from Geronimo’s parents, amid continued speculation that they disapprove of Guidicelli.

When asked if he would have done things differently, Guidicelli said: “Of course, my dream was to really have a wedding-wedding. Actually a military wedding was my dream with all my relatives, friends, people who have been with me since day one. Her naman, very private.

She really wanted it private, solemn with just family and loved ones.”

But when Gonzaga pointed out how Geronimo’s family wasn’t at the ceremony, Guidicelli said: “Of course [her family attending] would have completed my wife’s dream. In God’s time, [we are] positive, things will heal. Things will be better.”

According to the actor, he hasn’t lost hope that he and Geronimo will reunite with the singer’s family one day, and they will be able to have a conversation while sharing a meal.

“I imagine that all the time. Not just for me, but obviously primarily for my wife and also my family, my parents. I believe our parents raised us up and worked so hard for us that one day, we could marry a woman or a man, and two families would combine. You know, having drinks together, pasta together. I think that’s our family’s dream. So 'yun.

One day, it will happen,” he said.

If there is anything he wants to let his parents-in-law know about their married life, Guidicelli said it is the fact that they are happy together.

“We are extremely happy. Sarah is beautiful. Sarah is amazing. Sarah is independent. She’s happy,” he said. (MNS)

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Alessandra de Rossi teases another project with Empoy

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Looks like Alessandra de Rossi, Empoy, and director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo are having at it again!

After their surprise 2017 hit "Kita Kita," the three are coming together for another project — at least according to a few Instagram posts by Alessandra.

Posting a couple photos of her and Empoy, Alessandra said, "Ang pagbalik ng economy class tandem. She used the hashtags #alempoy and #walangkaparis and said it was going to be directed by Sigrid.

"Here we go, Empoy!" She added, tagging the comedian.

In another post, Alessandra joked "Never ko in-expect na makakatambal ko si Johnny Depp. Pero hashtag blessed na lang! Salamat sa chance @sigridandreapbernardo! @empoy and the universe! #alempoy."

Sigrid also posted photos of the two and wrote, "Abangan ang #Alempoy sa #WalangKaParis."

Can we guess what their new project is going to be called? Is it "Walang Ka Paris"? (MNS)

ALESSANDRA & EMPOY

Ruru Madrid admits to feeling self-doubt but reading appreciative comments helps him deal with it

RURU MADRID

MANILA (Mabuhay) — As Ruru Madrid turned 23 years old, the Kapuso actor took to Instagram write an honest self-reflection, admitting to sometimes feeling self-doubt and expressing gratitude to his loved ones and his fans for helping him deal with it.

"This year has been the most challenging so far para sa lahat and as I celebrated my birthday yesterday, hindi ko mapigilan na magkaroon ng mixed emotions," Ruru began his caption that accompanied a photo of himself during sunset.

According to Ruru, he "somehow felt guilty celebrating it with my loved ones knowing na marami din ang nagdanas ng kahirapan sa mga nangyari ngayong taon."

But he simply couldn't ig-

nore all that's he's been given. "Amidst the pandemic, hindi ko pa rin lubos maisip how blessed I am to be given a lot of chances and opportunities to hone my craft, improve my skills, and share these para magbigay ng saya at inspirasyon," he said.

He then continued and thanked his loved ones and fans who have been by his side supporting him to reach his dreams. Ruru also thanked the family he found inside the entertainment industry, the people who have been helping him with his journey as an actor.

"Thank you dahil hindi kayo nagsasawang turuan ako para mas pagbutihin ang aking trabaho bilang aktor. I will always be proud to be a part of this industry," he wrote.

Ruru admitted to some-

times feeling self-doubt, but each supportive and appreciate comment he gets on social media helps him deal with it, he said.

"Sometimes, I doubt myself, pero every time I read comments sa social media appreciating what I am doing, nawawala lahat ng pagod at duda; dahil alam kong kahit ano ang mangyari, I will always have you," he said.

Ruru celebrated his birthday at the Madrid Summer House, Antipolo recently.

Some of his friends including Andre Paras, Lexi Gonzales, and his sister Rere Madrid were present at the event but Ruru's rumored girlfriend Bianca Umali wasn't able to attend since she was in a lock-in taping for the series "Legal Wives."

(MNS)

Dawn Chang thanks boyfriend Justin Cuyugan's kids for welcoming her to their family MANILA (Mabuhay) — Former "Pinoy Big Brother" housemate Dawn Chang is grateful to the three children of her boyfriend, actor Justin Cuyagan for welcoming her into their family.

"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for letting me love your dad. Thank you for letting me look after you and thank you for the respect every single day," Chang said.

Chang and Cuyugan, who has three kids with his late wife, have been in a relationship for five years now.

"Let's admit, it's not the ideal relationship for someone single na katulad ko. Siyempre ang gusto ng nanay natin, ng magulang, 'yung parehas single para walang iniisip ba kasi extra iisipin 'yan.

Pero you know.. despite the situation, despite it being not ideal, ang suwerte ko kasi wala akong naging problema sa tatlong bata," Chang said.

"Saka inisip ko kung mag-a-adjust ako, eh 'di siyempre mag-a-adjust din sila, lahat kami nag-a-adjust. Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam na winelcome lang talaga

ko si Lucas, he's four years old, ngayon he's nine and he's starting to call me mommy. Hindi pa ako sanay pero yung 'oh my God, you can do this Dawn Chang, this another phase of your life that you have to face, kaya mo 'yan,'" Chang said.

In the program, Chang also shared her message for Cuyugan.

"Baba, you know this is the fifth year of us being together. Sobrang dami naming pinagdaanan, the best and the worst. Kay Justin ko na na-feel siguro 'yung worst kind of relationship, pero sa kanya ko rin na feel 'yung super best kind of relationship and think that's part of it. And, even though sinasabi ko sa kanya na kahit dito ko na feel 'yung grabe naman itong relasyon na ito, itutuloy ko pa rin. Makikinig pa rin ako, JUSTIN & DAWN magko-compromise pa rin ako, mag-a-apologize pa rin ako kapag kailangan because I think that's nila ako. Si Justin kasi ay biyudo, the mom passed away. Natakot ako kasi may friends how long-lasting relationships are. They ako na same situation pero hindi sila gusto last not because it's always fun and happy, ng kids. Pero walang ganun sa akin. Ang they last because you always try to fix kung ganda nang pagpapalaki ni Justin at saka anuman 'yung kailangang ayusin," Chang nung late wife niya sa mga bata. Na-meet said. (MNS)

Pancho Magno hints on possible love triangle in ‘First Yaya’

Pancho Magno MANILA (Mabuhay) — Looks like a love triangle could be brewing in the upcoming Kapuso romantic comedy "First Yaya."

We all know Gabby Concepcion and Sanya Lopez will be the main love team of the series, but apparently, Pancho Magno's character makes the dynamics interesting.

Pancho will play the role of main security detail for Gabby, the President of the Philippines, a job which makes him grow closer to Sanya's Yaya Melody.

"S'yempre 'yung loyalty niya lahat na kay President although makilala niya si Melody na alam mo 'yun, mag-o-open up sa kanya to a point na may mabubuong friendship," he said about his character, Captain Conrad Enriquez.

"Na-de-develop 'yung feelings ni Conrad para kay Melody pero andun pa rin s'yempre 'yung loyalty niya para kay President," Pancho said.

Sanya and Gabby, meanwhile, are already showing their chemistry as they gushed about each other's work ethic.

"Masarap siyang katrabaho kasi professional," Gabby said about the Kapuso actress.

"Ang akala ko talaga siya kanya of course veteran so parang hindi niya ako agad mapapansin pero sobrang bait," Sanya said.

The "First Yaya" cast is currently in the middle of their lock-in taping. (MNS)

16

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Bohol formally opens to travelers starting Dec. 15 MANILA – Bohol province will finally welcome individual tourists starting Dec. 15, including those from areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat announced Tuesday.

Saying Christmas is just around the corner, Puyat welcomed the development.

During a virtual press briefing, Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap said senior citizens and minors alike would also be allowed to visit the island.

The reopening for general tourists came weeks after Bohol started allowing groups to hold their MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) events

tourism, we want to restart tourism, gusto nating ibalik 'yong trabaho (we want to bring back the jobs)," she said.

"It just goes to prove that tourism is really everybody's business at importante talaga siya sa ekonomiya (it's important to our economy)," she noted.

For Cesar Cruz, president of the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), Bohol's reopening next week could be a "good template" of what has been often referred to as jumpstarting tourism amid the pandemic.

"I think this is a good start... I think at this point, Bohol is very much ready,"

(Department of Tourism)-accredited establishments and tour operators (Everything needs to be pre-booked here because that's the point of the reopening, DIYs are not allowed, you have to go through DOT-accredited establishments and tour operators)," Yap said.

The visitor must register via Bohol's website and be given the "acceptance" to enter the island. He/she will then be given a unique QR code to be used while touring Bohol.

Upon entry, visitors must submit a negative RT-PCR result taken 72 hours before departure from other provinces.

in the island province.

But aside from granting travelers their much-needed rest and recreation after months of being cooped up at home, Romulo-Puyat said this move would also revive the once-thriving tourism industry on the island and help displaced tourism workers regain their jobs.

"Tourism comprises 70 percent of the livelihood of Bohol and we are here because we want to revive

he said during the presser.

Yap said tourists won't have much to worry about when it comes to rates as it remained relatively affordable even after the Covid-19 hit, with some establishments even slashing about 50 percent off.

"The rates have been very much affordable and friendly, some are even going less than 50 off just to attract visitors so I would not worry about the rates," he said.

'Preparing for the trip' Unlike in the pre-pandemic times when you could easily arrange your trip and fly, everything must be prebooked in Bohol, including hotels, transportation, and tours, starting Dec. 15.

"Kailangan pre-booked kasi (safety) ang point natin dito as we reopen, hindi puwedeng do-it-yourself you have to go through DOT

(PNA)

DOT vows promotion of Batangas dive tourism MANILA – Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Wednesday vowed to support the continued development of dive tourism in Anilao, Batangas, otherwise known as the birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines.

During the stakeholders meeting hosted by Mabini Mayor Noel Luistro, Romulo-Puyat encouraged the dive establishment operators, to "strictly uphold" health and safety protocols as well as to work together to improve the readiness of their area for dive tourism during the quarantine period and onwards to the new normal.

“The Department is hard at work not only for the slow but sure reopening of our destinations but also on the persistent but guarded development of the dive tourism industry,” she said.

While Batangas has been opened for divers since October 2020, Romulo-Puyat said challenges remain, including the non-compliance of some dive establishments on the minimum health and safety guidelines, the low revenue and high unemployment rates, the lack of trained medical personnel to operate the hyperbaric chamber, the need for installation and maintenance of mooring buoys to protect dive sites, and the high cost of Covid-19 tests, among others.

For its part, the Philippine Com-

LA COUNTY... from Page 2 multiple languages at (833) 2384450 or check the department’s website stayhousedla.org.

While there are foreclosure-prevention measures on the books, they are set to expire at the end of January. Forbearance plans can buy you some time, Favela said, and emphasized that in speaking with lenders, people should be clear whether COVID-19 has affected their ability to pay their bills.

The department, she said, can also offer connections to 14 nonprofit organizations certified by the federal department of Housing and Urban Development for help.

“We hear the desperation, the need, in callers’ voices,” said Maritza Gutierrez, chief of mediation and counseling for the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, who spoke next.

But, she said, “they still have options and shouldn’t feel they have nowhere to turn.”

The department’s confidential mediation services, she said, can often help find amicable resolutions to the

mission on Sports Scuba Diving committed to continuing waiving the accreditation fees for dive establishments and professionals; conducting subsidized training; organizing events that will attract guests; providing either online or hybrid platforms for selling and promoting dive packages.

“We must continue to hold hands and use this period as an opportune time to reassess our programs, projects, and activities to make them more responsive to the needs of the dive tourism sector,” Romulo-Puyat said.

As of Dec. 5, the DOT Region 4A (Calabarzon) has issued 51 Provisional Certificates of Authority to Operate (PCAO) to dive establishments in Mabini, Batangas, 28 of which are PCSSD-accredited.

Anilao has more than 40 documented dive sites and serves as a playground to underwater macro photographers due to the notable presence of nudibranchs and other critters.

It consistently leads as a macro diving destination in several global surveys of world-renowned dive media such as Scuba Diving Magazine’s Readers Choice Awards and Sport Diver.

At present, only dive activities are allowed in Batangas as the province remains under general community quarantine wherein leisure travel is not yet allowed. (PNA)

2017... from Page 4 problems tenants and property owners face.

Although mediators can’t provide financial assistance, investigate, or make rulings, the department has had a high rate of success in helping reach agreements on a wide range of issues, including back rent, repairs, breaking leases, rent hikes, deposits.

“Anything to do with a court,” she said.

They can be reached at (800) 5938222.

Emilio Salas, acting director of the LA County Development Authority, described four other programs aimed at housing help.

One has $110 million allocated for emergency rent relief, up from $100 million when it began in September and was quickly oversubscribed.

So far, 90,000 renters have applied for help, many times more than the county had expected.

“We are still working through all those applications,” he said, and prioritizing low-income applicants residing in economically disadvantaged communities such as Bell Gar-

dens and South Los Angeles.

For those earning no more than 30% of median income (approximately $34,000 annually for a family of four), the grant program could offer as much as $10,000, and for those earning up to 50% of the median, ($56,300 for a family of four): $7,500.

Later this month, Salas said the Development Authority will open the first of 10 hotels and motels it has bought to provide supportive housing for the homeless. It expects to eventually be able to provide a thousand such units.

The agency is also working to spread awareness that it is now against the law for a property owner to deny anyone housing based on their use of Section 8 housing vouchers.

The county is also in some cases providing a first month’s rent to hold properties open while the landlord screens rental applications.

“The need is tremendous,” Salas said. “All of these things work in tandem.”

$25,000 for Hispanic householders.

Asian householders had a median household wealth of $157,400, which was not statistically different from the estimate for non-Hispanic White householders.

Education. Higher education was linked to higher median household wealth.

Households in which the most educated member held a bachelor’s degree had a median wealth of $198,000, compared with $34,460 for households in which the most educated member only had a high school diploma.

Those with graduate or professional degrees had just over twice the median wealth ($396,900) of bachelor degree holders.

Employment. Households in which at least one member was unemployed or worked part-time during the year had less wealth.

Households in which at least one person had a full-time job for the entire year had a median wealth of $114,200, compared with $81,150 for households in which one or more members had a part-time job during the year, and $19,490 for households in which one or more people were unemployed.

Briana Sullivan is an economist and Donald Hays is a survey statistician in the Census Bureau’s Social, Economic and Housing Statistics Division.

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Marijuana still illegal under PH laws — PDEA, DDB MANILA (Mabuhay) — The decision of a United Nations body reclassifying marijuana (cannabis) as a less dangerous drug would not affect the Philippines' policy outlawing its use, the country's anti-narcotics agencies said on Thursday.

In a joint statement, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the government still has the jurisdiction relative "to classifying and regulating" cannabis at the domestic level.

"As previously stated by the DDB, the decision will have no immediate impact in terms of drug control," they said.

Last week, the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (UN-CND) removed marijuana from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, a list of the world's most dangerous drugs.

Despite its removal from Schedule IV of the international drug control convention, PDEA and DDB

said marijuana remains to be a dangerous drug under Schedule I. "The Convention limits exclusively to medical and scientific purposes the production, manufacture, export, import, distribution of, trade-in, use, and possession of Schedule I substances," they said.

Also, the medical preparations or products with cannabis, however, still need to acquire and comply with the regulatory control requirements from PDEA, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other government agencies.

The two agencies also said cannabis is still classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

"The unauthorized importation, sale, possession, cultivation, and use of cannabis remain to be punishable under the law," they said.

PDEA, meanwhile, assured that they would continue to enforce the law "and enjoin the public to abide by the law". (MNS)

Duque: No budget yet for free COVID-19 testing in quarantine facilities MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) is still searching for a budget to fund free COVID-19 testing in government-run quarantine facilities as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Wednesday.

“Pinag-aaralan natin kung magkano ang kakailanganin na investment for free COVID-19 testing,” Duque said in an online forum.

“Iyong [pag-aaral] ang isa-submit natin sa Pangulo para mapondohan dahil siyempre, ang paghahanap ng pondo ay trabaho ng ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan katulad ng DOF at DBM,” Duque added.

DOF is the Department of Finance while DBM is the Department of Budget and Management.

Pending the budget for free COVID-19 testing, Duque called on laboratories to keep the price of its RT-PCR test at P3,409 (if all testing services are procured and provided) or below so that it can be shouldered by state-run insurance PhilHealth.

“Nakikiusap po ako sa mga laboratoryo na babaan po nila ang presyo para po hindi na po maging mabigat para sa ating mga kababayan,” Duque added.

The DOH, last November 25, issued a Joint Administrative Order with the Department of Trade and Industry which sets the price cap of RT-PCR test at P3,800 for public facilities and P4,500 to P5,000 for private hospitals and laboratories. (MNS)

Gov't, partners to address hunger; sustain food security MANIL A (Mabuhay) — The Task Force Zero Hunger and its partners in the private sector and other non-profit organizations have promised to work together in addressing involuntary hunger and food security in the country under the Pilipinas Kontra Gutom movement.

Ta s k Fo r c e Z e r o Hunger chairman and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles recognized the country's challenges on food production, distribution, and accessibility as well as hidden hunger and malnutrition, and immediate food needed during times of crises. " W h i le t he pu b lic-private partnership is d raw i ng up how we could address the complex problem that is hunger and malnutrition, we can’t forget those who remain to be hungry today," Nograles said on Wednesday.

Introducing the 'Lahat Kasali, Lahat Kasalo' initiative, Nograles reiterated that hunger is one of the key priority areas of the government.

Since the launch of the "Pilipinas Kontra Gutom" program in November, the Task Force Zero Hunger and its private partners have been collaborating with the local government units (LGUs) nationwide to distribute immediate reliefs for communities affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and the recent typhoons.

The "Pilipinas Kontra Gutom" program i s a mu lt i s e c t or a l movement involving the government, the

academe, non-profit organizations, private corporations, and the public, seeking to address issues related to involuntary hunger and food shortages during times of crises.

Nograles said the program allows all organizations, companies, and concerned groups to contribute to the government's anti-hunger efforts which include suppor t ing Fi lipino farmers and other food producers, advocating malnutrition, and providing relief assistance.

Nograles, meanwhile, thanked Pilipinas Kontra Gutom's founding members from some of the country’s biggest corporations including Coca-Cola, Dole Philippines, J&J Philippines, McDona ld’s, Metrobank, and San Miguel Corporation.

"We are grateful for the private sector members who are committed to provide aid to our fellow Filipinos, especially during times of crises,” he said.

Pilipinas Kontra Gutom movement has been providing warm meals for Filipinos in severa l parts of the country including Bacoor, Caloocan, Manila, Makati, Pasig, Marikina, Pa ra ñaque, Sa n Juan, Taguig, Quezon City, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Tuguegarao, Pampanga and Las Piñas.

Under the movement, Nograles said the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger aims to empower all food producers and boost their family income by helping them improve agricultural techniques

and processes as well as supporting them in product marketing.

Meanwhile, the Unilever Philippines, RFM Cor porat ion, DOL E Philippines, Century Pacific Food, Inc., and Lazada along with their partnered-NGO implementer Rise Against Hunger Phi lippines (RAHP) joined the zero hunger movement by introducing the "Noche Buena Para sa Lahat" project which targets to provide 100,000 Noche Buena meal kits to the Filipino families this Christmas holiday season.

On the other hand, some socio-civic organizations such as Gawad Ka linga and Kabisig ng Kalahi have tied up with the task force and aligned some of their programs with the Pilipinas Kontra Gutom movement’s cause.

By virtue of Executive Order 101, President Rodrigo Duterte has created the Inter-agency Task Force on Zero Hunger to assess, coordinate, and monitor government initiatives to ensure a whole-ofnat ion approach to eradicate hunger.

Pilipinas Kontra Gutom invites every Filipino to participate in the movement. People may visit www.laginghanda.gov.ph to join with the government's efforts to achieve zero hunger in the country.

Private corporations, non-profit organizations, and other civil societ y groups who would like to be part of the movement may send an email to pkg@ ph.mcd.com. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | December 12 - 18, 2020

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Gov’t eyes COVID-19 vaccine for 25 million Pinoys in 2021

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines is eyeing to vaccinate around 25 million Filipinos against COVID-19 in 2021, vaccine czar and National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said Wednesday.

Galvez made the statement a day after the United Kingdom started its mass COVID-19 vaccination program on Tuesday with a vaccine supply from Pfizer proven to be 95% effective after human trials.

"Our target this year is 25 million.

Based on the availability of the vaccine, we can expand it to 30 to 35 million,” he said.

Of the said number, Galvez said health care and other essential workers account for around three million.

The Philippines has only secured 2.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from British firm AstraZeneca thus far, a volume which is only good for one million people.

As this developed, the Philippine government is still negotiating on securing COVID-19 vaccine supply from pharmaceutical firms Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, Sinovac, and Gamaleya, among others.

Only COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna (both 95%) and AstraZeneca (90%) have been proven largely effective after human trials so far.

The Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration, however, is yet to issue an emergency use authorization on any COVID-19 vaccine.

30% of public hesitant to receive vaccines — FDA’s Domingo MANILA (Mabuhay) — Around 30 percent of the public have doubts about receiving vaccines, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Eric Domingo said amid the preparation of the government for COVID-19 vaccination.

Domingo said the government should assure the safety and efficacy of vaccines to the public.

“Mukhang meron pa rin po talaga. Meron tayong tinatawag na vaccine hesitancy as many as parang 30% of the public, e medyo hindi pa sila sigurado kung gusto nilang magpabakuna,”Domingo said.

“Kailangan po nating ipakita sa kanila at ipadama sa kanila 'yung safety tsaka 'yung efficacy data ng mga vaccines tsaka yung kahalagahan ho ng pagbabakuna,” he added.

The entire population should be vaccinated to eradicate COVID-19, according to Domingo.

With an estimated population of 110 million, the Philippines eyes to vaccinate 60 to 70 million people in three to five years.

Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) said the vaccination of 65% to 70% of a population can reach herd immunity.

As defined by the WHO, herd immunity or population immunity is a concept used for vaccination in which a population can be protected from a certain virus if a threshold of vaccination is reached.

Domingo said that vaccination should be completely voluntary. He said those who will refuse to be administered with the vaccine have no liabilities.

“Ang pagpapabakuna ay completely voluntary at tsaka talaga kailangan po may informed consent. Hindi po puwedeng pilitin ang taong magpabakuna kung ayaw po niya,” he added. (MNS)

Galvez asked the public for patience, saying that it is expected that countries with more resources and the country of origin of the COVID-19 vaccines found over 90% effective such as Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca will prioritize its residents since their governments also financed the development of the vaccines.

“Sila po ang nag-finance, sa kanila po galing iyong bakuna, kaya sila po talaga ang mauunang mag-roll out [for mass vaccination],” he said.

“Ang nakikita po natin sa Pfizer at sa iba pang leading vaccines, iyong production po nila for first and second quarter nakuha na po ng rich countries. Ang natitira po sa atin, mga last portion of second quarter

to third quarter [darating]. Iyon po ang reality,” he added.

Still, Galvez is confident that the mass COVID-19 vaccination in the country can begin in March or April, starting with vaccines from Chinese firms Sinovac and CanSino.

“These are already approved for emergency use authorization in China and we will ask them to increase their volume [of production for the Philippines] since they will also conduct a clinical trial here,” he said.

“Sana makuha natin ng by first quarter of next year. We are still in negotiation, but there is more confidence in Sinovac because they already gave 1.8 million and 1.2 million doses COVID-19 vaccines in Brazil and Indonesia,” he added. (MNS)

COVID cases spike in some areas may be due to overcrowding — OCTA study MANILA (Mabuhay) — Increases in COVID-19 infections in several Philippine provinces might be due to evacuation center crowding, the OCTA Research group said Wednesday.

Professor Guido David said spikes were recorded in Cagayan and Isabela, which were some of the provinces badly hit by Typhoon Ulysses' onslaught.

A series of typhoons hit Luzon in late October and early November, driving thousands of Filipinos to evacuation centers in the middle of a pandemic.

“Palagay namin, malaking dahilan talaga nga ‘yong sa evacuation kasi ang nakikita naming spike ngayon nasa Cagayan, Isabela, mayroon din sa Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte,” David said.

“The fact na nandiyan ang Cagayan, Isabela, ibig sabihin may kinalaman talaga doon sa evacuation kasi may delay effect talaga,” he added.

However, despite case increases in some provinces, he said the country’s reproduction number is still below 1. “‘Di naman siya all over the country. In fact, pababa, ‘yong buong Pilipinas, pababa ‘yong bilang ng kaso,” he said.

Earlier, the OCTA Research team said the national reproduction number decreased to 0.91 during November 30 to December 6.

In Metro Manila, the reproduction number also decreased to 0.92, but experts said “it is within the margin of error and there is still a statistically probable that the reproduction number could be greater than 1 once late reports come in.” (MNS)

Philippine regulators verifying vaccine 'bribery history' of Sinovac MANILA (Mabuhay) — Philippine regulators will validate reports alleging that Chinese firm Sinovac bribed authorities to hasten approval for the use of its vaccines, Health Secretary

Francisco Duque III said Wednesday.

Duque was responding to a Washington Post report that Sinovac’s founder and chief executive Yin Weidong—in a 2016 court testimo-

ny—admitted to bribing regulatory authorities in China to the tune of $83,000 from 2002 to 2011 to fast track the approval of its vaccines.

Sinovac, which is looking to supply the Philippines w it h COV I D-19 vaccine, already secured the approval of the Vaccine Expert Panel (V EP) under the D e pa r t ment of Science and Technology (DOST).

T he sa me US newspaper report also said that at least 20 government officials and hospital administrators admitted to taking bribes from Sinovac employees between 2008 and 2016 in their testimonies in court.

“We are aware of what is happening.

Part of the work is for the VEP to assess the veracity of such report, kung merong katotoha-

han nito,” Duque said in an online forum.

“Hindi naman natin masabi kung questionable ba ang pinanggalingan ng ganitong balita, but we will investigate, validate, if this is true. If true, it is up for the VEP to include this in their report,” Duque added.

Duque said that aside from the VEP, the Ethics Board and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will also look on the reports alleging irregularity on Sinovac’s operations.

A COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer would need to secure the approval of the VEP, Ethics Board and FDA before their vaccines can be administered in the Philippines.

“That is why they (regulatory agencies) are there para masigurado natin na 'di tayo mabibiktima ng mga questionable transactions ng Sinovac, kung totoong nangyayari po ‘yan,” Duque added.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez earlier said that the government is eyeing to give COVID-19 vaccines to 25 million Filipinos in 2021.

Moreover, Galvez said that the first COVID-19 vaccines that the country is likely to get are from Sinovac since this has already been approved for emergency use authorization in China. (MNS)

20

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