Weekend Balita- July 25, 2020

loS aNgElES EDITIoN

VOL. XXIX NO. 30

July 25 - 31, 2020

TOP STORIES

Global News Makabayan solons call out Duterte over apparent silence on inmate deaths at NBP 8  Boracay now open to all Western Visayas tourists — DOT 10  Roque to UP professors who criticized govt’s COVID-19 response: Join IATF 10  ‘BIDA Solusyon’ campaign to beat Covid-19 launched 12  PH gov’t repatriates 111 Filipino seafarers stranded at sea 12  Government pushes for modernization in agriculture 12  Plan B’ is to hold Duterte’s 5th SONA in Palace — Andanar 13  ABS-CBN property protected by Constitution — Senator Sotto 16  Gov’t agencies streamline building of telco common towers 16  IATF okays PH participation in Covid-19 vaccine global access 14 

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

SC TO rULe ON merIT, NOT NUmBer OF aNTI-TerrOr LaWSUITS — DOJ

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday expressed hope that the Supreme Court (SC) would resolve the legal challenges on the validity of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (ATA) on the merits of the suits and not the personalities behind the petitions.

"All these petitions, no matter how many they are, will boil down to a common set of constitutional issues.

The Supreme Court will resolve these issues on the merits of the arguments advanced by the parties concerned, and not on the basis of their number or personal or professional stature," Guevarra told reporters.

Petitioners are expected to file the 20th petition questioning the consti-

Sections BUSINESS. ADB loans to Philippines to reach record high $4.2B in 2020 16  ENTERTAINMENT. Dimples Romana invited to be a juror for 2020 International Emmys 19  HEALTH & FAMILY. Palace lauds The Medical City’s stem-cell therapy for Covid-19 15 

California buys 420 million new protective masks SACRAMENTO – Taking aggressive action to boost California’s long-term supply of life-saving personal protective equipment both now and into the fall months, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced new actions to strengthen the state’s response to COVID-19.

“Providing front-line workers the protective equipment CALIFORNIA

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SC

FAHRA to hold “Honk Garcetti, singer Angélica María for Justice” on July 26 encourage Latinos to stay safe THE Filipino American Human Rights Alliance (FAHRA) will hold a rally and caravan, dubbed as “HONK FOR JUSTICE,” on Sunday (July26) at 5 pm on Temple St., in Los Angeles.

According to Ago Pedalizo, FAHRA San Francisco, and FAHR A Chicago will also participate in the nationwide

action on July 26. The protesters would urge Filipino Americans to help defend press freedom, to call for the junking of the anti-terror law and urged the Duterte administration to conduct mass testing for COVID-19.

FAHRA said in their statement “the unjust denial of the ABS-CBN franchise affected FAHRA

Filipino community pays tribute to Nanay Fedelina Mass and memorial event, said Lugasan’s freedom from an oppressive he Filipino American com- situation was an exemplary feat for munity held a memorial on the Filipino American community.

Tuesday (July 21) for Fed“Sa mga taong tumulong at sumelina Lugasan agip sa kanya sa pawho succumbed to the giging alipin,” Avenicoronavirus last July do said in his homily, 4th. “sa katayuan na hindi Lugasan, who was kailanman ninais ng known as Nanay FedDiyos.” elina, became a symbol Na nay Fedelina for local anti-human was rescued in 2018. trafficking efforts here Her ordeal was acciin Los Angeles after dentally revealed to she was rescued from a hospital staff while an alleged slave-like she was watching over Fedelina Lugasan servitude to a famiher sick employer. ly who brought her here from the It turned out that Nanay FedeliPhilippines during the 1970s. na hailed from Leyte and Samar.

Nanay Fedelina was 83 years old. She was hired as a domestic worker Father Albert Avenido, head of the when she was still a teen and iniArchdiocese of Los Angeles-Filipi- tially worked for a family in Manila. no Ministry and who officiated the Fedelina was later passed on to

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By ABNER GALINO

FILIPINO

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MAYOR Garcetti joined American-Mexican actress and singer Angélica María to record a public service announcement in Spanish reminding the Latino community about how to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Latinos are disproportionately affected by COVGARCETTI

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L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti

Angélica María

MEMBERS and of ficer s of the Filipino American Press Club of California (FAPCCA) recently joined the Kayumanggi Lions Club and Filipino American restaurant “Neri’s” on a food giveaway event in Carson City last July 18.

The food-giving event was also par ticipated by Carson City Councilor Jim Dear.

In pho t o ar e FAPPCA Treasurer Rose Sarreal and local Food Bank chair Roger Castle posing in front of the food boxes intended for distribution to the residents of the city.

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ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor

Community Visit www.Balita.com

Saturday-Friday | July 25 - 31, 2020

Pechanga Resort Casino Welcomes You Back to Golf at Journey With New Health and Safety Measures

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ourney at Pechanga, the par 72, 7,219yard golf course at Pechanga Resort Casino, is now open with limited operations to maintain the health and safety of guests, team members and the community.

The greens on all 18 holes were aerified before opening in late April to provide the best playing conditions possible for many months to come. Golfers at Journey at Pechanga are required to wear face coverings, practice social distancing of six feet or more from other individuals, and ride one person per golf cart. Golfers must also make tee times online or via phone or online before arriving to Pechanga.

To make a tee time, guests may visit Pechanga.com/ indulge/journey and click the “Reserve Now” button, or call (951) 770-8210. The Journey at Pechanga golf shop is open every day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. First tee time available is 7:45 a.m.

Pechanga Cares

For your convenience:  All golf carts have been properly sanitized prior to each use.  Food & Beverage orders may be placed by call-

Golfer wears a mask riding in a golf cart at Journey at Pechanga golf course

Golfer tees off wearing a mask at Hole 1 of Journey at Pechanga

ing 951-770-8202. Orders are available for pickup at Journey a la Carte next to the putting practice facility.  Daily essentials, as well as apparel and other items in the pro shop, are available for purchase.  Only four people are allowed in the golf pro shop at one time.

Player Provisions:  Face coverings must be worn at all times.  A safe distance of 6ft from others must be observed.

 Play is limited to foursomes.  One player per golf cart unless riding with a household member.  Greens hole is fitted with an insert preventing golf balls from reaching the bottom.  All bunker rakes have been removed.  All trash receptacles, ball washers, and sand bottle boxes have been covered.  Return golf cart to the check-in location.  Please refrain from gathering in the parking lot or com-

Pechanga Team Member thoroughly sanitizes a golf cart at Journey at Pechanga

mon areas.  Dispose of any trash at the designated receptacles before departing.

About Pechanga Resort Casino Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the number one casino in the country by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, hotel rooms and suites, dining, and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.

CaLIFOrNIa... FrOm Page 1

LA LUZVIMIN Lions Club spearheaded the distribution of these PPEs (face marks and shields, head covers, gowns, disposable gloves, hand & wipes sanitizers, etc) for front liners in various hospitals. Funded by Lions Clubs International and local District 4-L3 under District Governor Nick Delicana, President Ed Bigornia of Luzvimin Lions Club & GMT Carl Dobluis assisted in the distribution of these donations. Proud to be a Lion.

they need is critical to our state’s response to COVID-19,” said Governor Newsom.

“Securing a reliable supply chain of PPE allows us to distribute millions of protective masks to our essential workforce while preserving millions more in our state’s stockpile for future use.”

Further building a stable stockpile so that health care and essential workers in California do not face the same supply shortages that characterized the early stages of the pandemic, Governor Newsom has directed the Department of Public Health and Office of Emergency Services to further increase the state’s strategic stockpile to 100 million N-95 respirators and 200 million surgical masks by early fall in order to account for the potential need given the recent rise in COVID-19 cases.

The announcement builds on early action taken by the state to secure a stable, reliable supply chain and envision short and long-term strategies to procure respirators and masks.

California’s strategy has paid off. The state has been able to supply millions of medical providers, essential workers, and schools with critical PPE to preserve public health and safety.

To date, the state has distributed 86.4 million N-95 respirators and 297 million surgical masks to Californians working on the front lines against COVID-19, including to our hospitals, emergency responders, farm and factory workers and nursing home workers.

In order to fulfi ll the stockpile goal, which was developed in consultation with health leaders and informed by advanced modeling data, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has entered into a new contract with California-based BYD North America to produce 120 million N-95 respirators and 300 million surgical masks for the state.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has created worldwide competition and shortages for vital PPE supply, with certified N-95 respirator masks in highest demand.

California, like other states and national governments all over the world, is working to secure a reliable supply of PPE for the front-line health care workforce and other critical infrastructure workers.

California has also been able to help other states with their unmet emergency PPE needs, supplying 17 million surgical masks to Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Alaska.

Saturday-Friday | July 25 - 31, 2020

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28 million Americans face evictions

By SUNITA SOHRABJI EMS Contributing Editor

SAN FRANCISCO — An estimated 28 million renters in the U.S. are facing evictions over the next three months, as states begin lifting their COVID-19 related eviction moratoriums.

In April, most U.S. states imposed some manner of lockdown to control the spread of the virus, restricting most workers to their homes. Unemployment rates shot to 14.7 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than one-third of renters did not pay their rent that month, according to data from the National Multifamily Housing Council.

Many states enacted eviction moratoriums, banning landlords from evicting a tenant due to non-payment of rent.

But as those moratoriums expire in August, 20 to 28 million renters are facing evictions, said Emily Benfer, visiting professor and director of the Health Justice Clinic at Wake Forest School of Law and co-creator of the COVID-19 Housing Policy Scorecard with the Eviction Lab at Princeton University.

The Congressional CARES Act, which provides 120 days of eviction relief for tenants in federally-backed housing, is set to expire July 25.

“50 million renters today live

in households that suffered COVID-19 related job loss or income loss. And 40 percent of that occurred in especially low income households,” said Benfer, at a July 17 briefing on evictions, organized by Ethnic Media Services.

Other speakers at the briefing included Delegate Kumar Barve, of the Maryland state House of Delegates; Dr. Margot Kushel, director of the Center for Vulnerable Populations at the University of California, San Francisco; Nisha Vyas, senior attorney at the Western Center for Law and Poverty; and Akash Kalia, who in 2015 converted his father’s Santa Rosa, California motel into a shelter for chronically homeless people and veterans.

Black and Latino renters — who have disproportionately experienced COVID-19 job losses and deaths — are at highest risk for being unable to pay their rents, said Benfer.

Children are severely hit by evictions, Kushel said, noting that an abrupt loss of home can lead to disruptions in education and resulting mental health issues.

Kushel predicted there would be a 20 to 40 percent rise in homelessness as eviction moratoriums are lifted. She acknowledged state and federal efforts focused on people currently experiencing homelessness such as California’s

Project Homekey, a $600 million state initiative to buy hotels and motels to house un-sheltered people.

“But this will be a drop in the bucket for people who are currently experiencing homelessness and will not address the new inflows into homelessness,” she cautioned, adding that permanent solutions require a dramatic increase in the number of affordable housing units, along with an expansion of rental support.

California is home to about 22 percent of the nation’s homeless population, with more than 150,000 people experiencing homelessness, according to 2018 data from the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

45 percent of California’s residents are renters.

On July 1, California Governor Gavin Newsom extended the state’s eviction moratorium to Sept. 30.

Delegate Kumar Barve, who chairs the Maryland state House of Delegates Environment and Transportation Committee, sent a letter July 7 to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, asking him to extend the state’s eviction moratorium to Jan. 31, 2021. He noted that in a typical year in Maryland, a miniscule portion of the population faces eviction.

“If you up that to 10 percent or 15 percent, you suddenly

garCeTTI... FrOm Page 1 ID-19, and that reality demands immediate action,” said Mayor Garcetti. “We need everyone to wear masks, stay home when they can, and avoid gatherings — and I’m grateful to Angélica María for using her voice to share this important message.”

The PSA details critical steps that will save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19 including wearing a mask, getting tested, staying physically distanced, washing hands, and responding to contact tracing calls from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health.

Similarly, Mayor Garcetti recently joined actor and activist Anthony Anderson at a clinic in South L.A. to urge Angelenos to seek COVID-19 testing, and yesterday announced the launch of the L.A. Mask Print Project, an initiative that uses open-source art to remind Angelenos to wear a mask, with posters offered in Spanish.

“Latinos are on the frontlines of this pandemic — working in essential jobs that put their health and lives on the line — and we need to do everything possible to encourage this community to wear masks, get tested, and ensure their employers provide them personal protective equipment wherever possible,” said Angélica María, known as La Novia de México or Mexico’s Sweetheart.

“People are dying — not only in the United States but around the world — and we can’t afford to treat this like a game. We all need to fight together to defeat this virus.”

The Hispanic/Latino share of COVID-19 deaths in L.A. County has increased by 8.3 percentage points since May 1.

With a focus on equity and access, the City has stood up free testing sites across Los Angeles including in South L.A., Sylmar, and Boyle Heights. Los Angeles is also deploying mobile testing services to all public housing developments, and neighborhoods that have the greatest needs for testing. The City has hundreds of employees supporting the County’s contact tracing efforts.

Angelenos with or without symptoms are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19, with tests prioritized for people with symptoms, those who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive, or those who work in a high-risk environment. Angelenos are encouraged to visit the City’s testing website, which provides information on the more

than 100 local sites where Angelenos can get tested.

Earlier, Mayor Garcetti launched the L.A. Mask Print Project, a grassroots initiative to remind Angelenos to wear a mask in public through open-source art in collaboration with local artists and businesses.

This effort kicked off with three commissioned posters in English and Spanish produced pro-bono by Studio Number One, a Los Angeles creative studio founded by Shepard Fairey.

“Los Angeles is a creative capital where dreamers from around the world come to innovate and create — and we are harnessing that spirit to save lives during this public health crisis,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “The L.A. Mask Print Project will help us reach even more people with a clear message: when you wear a mask, you stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep everyone healthy and safe.”

Studio Number One designed the launch posters pro-bono and granted the City of Los Angeles license to distribute the artwork for non-commercial use. The City will work with local small businesses to distribute the posters throughout the city. Residents and business owners are encouraged to download and print the artwork for display in their windows as a way to inspire one another to wear a face mask whenever they are outside their home, and build grassroots-level support for this simple but life-saving act.

“In addition to being one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, wearing a face mask is also a sign of respect and selflessness,” said Shepard Fairey.

The L.A. Mask Print Project will continue to grow in the coming weeks, with additional artist collaborations becoming available for download on the City’s coronavirus website.

Anyone interested in participating in this campaign to use public art for the public good, should reach out to garcetti.reply@lacity.org for more information.

"As Mayor Garcetti has emphasized, it's crucial that we create clear, engaging messages about mask use and other strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Los Angeles," said Christopher Hawthorne, Chief Design Officer in for the City of Los Angeles.

"And who better to help us in that effort than the city's artists and designers?"

have a problem. What we’re talking about in that instance would be a full scale social disruption,” said Barve, the longest serving Indian American legislator.

Nisha Vyas of the Western Center for Law and Poverty discussed the lack of due process for tenants, who must file a response to their eviction notice within five days. Eviction lawsuits are fast-tracked: more than 75 percent are settled within 45 days, largely in favor of the landlords who are represented by attorneys, while the vast majority of tenants are not.

“The process is designed to be very efficient and to provide consistent results for landlords to be able to eject tenants and recover their properties.

There’s often very little regard for the outcome of tenants,” said Vyas.

“Evictions have played a significant role in creating California’s affordable housing crisis and our homelessness crisis,” she said, noting that some extremely low income households pay 90 percent of their income in rent.

WCLP is co-sponsoring AB 1436 in the California State Legislature, which would create a process for tenants to pay back owed rent, and allow landlords to pursue unpaid rent via civil actions rather than evictions. The bill would also restrict negative impacts

to a renter’s credit history after being served an eviction notice.

“We’ve talked about the eviction crisis as a tsunami, and that metaphor is intended to capture the magnitude of the crisis, but this is not a natural disaster. It’s a disaster of our own making. To prevent it, we need to advocate for meaningful governmental intervention,” said Vyas.

Kalia offered a path forward for the hospitality industry to bail itself out of the COVID crisis, which has left many hoteliers with empty rooms. The average homeless person costs a community about $80,000 per year, he said, noting that he has been able to house individuals for about $13,000 per year, including support services for mental health, substance abuse, and physical ailments.

“Hotel owners in California have the ability to salvage their livelihoods by really accepting this model,” said Kalia, noting that hoteliers can make use of Project Homekey funds to convert their hotels and motels into permanent housing for currently un-sheltered people.

“None of us know how long the hospitality industry is going to be hit. And this is a way for hotel owners to maintain their business viability and also provide a social good for the most vulnerable population,” he said.

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Saturday-Friday | July 25 - 31, 2020

A Letter to Taaleños and Friends “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue but the parent of all other virtues.”

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(Roman writer Marcus Tullius Cicero)

fter the eruption of Taal Volcano on January 12, followed two months later by the outbreak of COVID-19 on March 11, donations have poured in, both from Taaleños and their friends in the Philippines and the United States, to alleviate the sufferings of their kababayan in Taal, affected by both calamities. Grateful organizers from California have written a letter of thanks.

Distribution of relief goods in Taal, coordinated by Dee & Tato Rosales

not get out of Metro Manila to deliver the boxes to Batangas. Instead, the staple foods were delivered to Sr. Grace of the Carmelite Sisters stationed at Sacred Heart Church Social Services in Kamuning. They regularly hold distribution of staple foods to needy families.

Lorna also thanks generous friends, both for joining the Casino Two-day garage sales in California (one section), by organizers Lydia, Lorna, Baby, and Janet (photo by Eddie) fundraisers and/or giving cash donations: Manny; Fe ($50); Arnold and Lita ($50); Dear Taaleños and Friends of Taaleños, The spirit of grace and generosity lives in all Taaleños and their friends. During Marilyn and Paul ($50); Richie ($50); Wilthese challenging times, appreciation and good news could ease our current situ- lie and Aida (200); Bert and Helen ($50); ation. The good news is, through everyone’s avid support and generous donations Dan and Baby ($100) We are grateful to the following people to our May 4, 2019 and February 15, 2020 Casino trip fundraisers and to our twoday garage sales on February 28 and 29, 2020, we were able to help families in who made our mission possible: our Town Taal, Batangas, who were affected by the January 12, 2020 Taal Volcano eruption Mayor Pong Mercado; Councilor Zensky

Bello; Cyril and Marijelle Bello Mayuga; and Lucy de Villa. We could not have done any of this without their help and their donation not only of their time but also monetary support as well. Special mention goes to organizers based in Taal -- Renato and Rudelia Cabrera Rosales -- for their assistance in packing and distributing the relief goods; and their donation of $200.

Again, a million thanks to all our kababayan and friends who helped one way or another either through support of our Casino trip fundraisers and/or through their generous donations. You will be rewarded handsomely in heaven. God bless us all.

Mabuhay ang Taaleños and Friends of Taaleños!

From US organizers: Chito & Jeanette Ilagan, Eddie & Lorna De Sagun, Francia Patolot Catindig, Lydia V. Solis; and from the Philippines, Renato & Rudelia Rosales

followed by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak on March 11, 2020.

You’ll be happy to know that Three Hundred Seventy-Five (375) families received 5-kilo bags of rice on the first distribution and Two Hundred Thirty-Seven (237) families received a bag of staple foods on the second distribution. These families come from the poorest barangays in Taal, Batangas.

We thank Men and Josy Sy Cabalbag of 4T Foundation International, who donated 14 jumbo balikbayan boxes and three mini boxes of staple foods. We also appreciate Jun and Josette Estrellado, who introduced the foundation to us. Our only expense was shipping charges for 16 jumbo boxes; the three mini boxes were shipped for free.

Eddie and Lorna De Sagun of West Covina, sent two jumbo boxes of relief goods to help families in Agoncillo, Batangas, which was heavily affected by the Taal Volcano eruption. Baby Patolot of La Puente, sent relief goods to her needy neighbors.

The De Saguns thank Beny and Romy De Sagun, residents of Quezon City, who received shipment of balikbayan boxes; but due to lockdown restrictions, they could

FAHRA... from Page 1 70 million Filipinos and around 20 million global subscribers.”

“It is an issue of press freedom. While Duterte chose to wage vengeance on the Lopezes and charge them as oligarchs, the foremost oligarch himself plans to takeover, control and sequester ABSCBN like what he did to the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Rappler” “We would not listen to lies and propaganda of the Duterte administration There are more than 70,000 deaths due to COVID-19, the longest lockdown in

the world, the militarization of communities, over 30,000 extra judicial killings, and the continued subservience to China by selling out our resources.” “​ For FAHRA and the democratic opposition in the Philippines, we are uniting to uphold freedom and democracy in the Philippines. We will fight for ABS CBN and press freedom,” Pedalizo said.

In San Francisco, the caravan will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Public Plaza in front of the Century Plaza at 2001 Junipero Serra Blvd, Daly City.

“Open air Main Street, Santa Monica” – In efforts to ease up the economic hardships brought about by the pandemic and as well as to abide by the State and local guidelines on health and safety, various cities and towns allowed restaurants to occupy certain of city streets to provide open air dining spaces for customers. Photo by Abner Galino

FILIPINO... from Page 1 other family members who were able to bring her to the United States where she was kept on the same slave-like conditions for decades.

The uncovering of Nanay Fedelina’s predicament led to the filing of cases against her employers.

Throughout this battle, Nanay Fedelina was assisted and helped by Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) of Southern California, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles and by concerned law enforcement agencies of the United States.

A documentary about Nanay Fedelina was produced by Steve Angeles of The Filipino Channel’s Balitang Amerika entitled “Kept: Six Decades of Servitude.”

The said documentary recently won in the 49th Annual Northern California Area EMMY Awards under the Human Interest Program/Special category.

Last March, Nanay Fedelina was reunited with sister Leonico Cinco, niece Luz Alabado and the latter’s young daughter, who all flew in from the Philippines through the intercession of the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles and the PWC. Nanay Fedelina met with Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez on September 15, 2019 while the diplomat was visiting Los Angeles.

SC... from Page 1 tutionality of the law, which came into effect this month.

On Thursday, Solicitor General Jose Calida said the law is in effect even if the government has yet to craft its implementing rules and regulations.

Citing precedent cases previously decided on by the high court, Calida said laws are not contingent on the implementing rules.

He also noted that the law has already complied with the requirement of publication, having been posted on the Official Gazette’s website on July 3 and published

on the printed Official Gazette on July 6.

"All these things considered, the ATA shall take effect after the lapse of 15 days from (July 6, 2020) the complete publication on the Official Gazette, that is 22 July 2020," Calida said.

He added that the law is "self-executing", except for provisions delegating functions to the Anti-Terrorism Council and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and Bureau of Corrections to craft purely administrative rules for the effective implementation of policies.

(MNS)

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5

Is the West Philippine Sea included in the new draft of the Philippine Federal Constitution?

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t has come to this writer's attention the other day when two friends, one was a high school classmate and the other is a sorority sister who both wrote about their sentiments when they read the new Federal Constitution draft being proposed by the current Duterte administration.

According to them, the draft DID NOT MENTION the West Philippine Sea, as part of Philippine territory, though there was a minor mention of the Benham Rise. This international dispute won the award for the Executive Economic Zone (EEZ) during the Hague's Tribunal in the Netherlands on July 12, 2016. This writer has extensively written about this particular maritime dispute in this paper's March 15 and March 22, 2014 issues as well as on the May 23, 2015 issue during the time of then Philippine President Noynoy Aquino.

As a brief background, the Philippines and China have long been at odds over Beijing's claims of sovereignty over large parts of the South China Sea, so the Philippines took its fight to the International Tribunal Court at The Hague in Netherlands in 2013.

At The Hague's fi nal ruling on July 12, 2016, a CNN Report

by Katie Hunt on July 12, 2016, stated that "the Hague's Tribunal Court ruled in favor of the Philippines against China's territorial claims. Beijing rejected the validity of the international tribunal and its decision on the maritime dispute. It concluded that China has no legal basis to claim historic rights to the bulk of the South China Sea." Hunt further said that "Chinese President Xi Jinping rejected the decision by the permanent Court of Arbitration, which was then likely to have lasting implications for the resource hot-spot, which sees $5 trillion worth of shipbourne trade pass through each year and that China will never accept any claim or action based on those awards, so at the end, China boycotted the proceedings."

A sorority sister who lives at The Hague in Netherlands also witnessed the hearings, and she said that the "tribunal concluded that China doesn't have the right to resources outside the ‘nine-dash line’," which extends hundreds of miles to the south and east of its island of Hainan and covers some 90% of its disputed waters. But, that China's Ambassador to the United States Cui Tankai accused the tribunal of 'professional incompetence and questionable integrity." CNN also reported that when Mr. Tankai spoke at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C., he accused the United States of engaging in military exercises that constituted 'military coercion.'

In his response at the time, State Department spokesman John Kirby asserted that "the United States and the world expect China to commit to non-miltarization and that the world is watching to see if China is really the global power it professes itself to be, and the responsible power that it professes itself to be," Kirby said.

The Hague's international tribunal ruling at the time, appeared not just affecting China and the Philippines but that it would trigger other countries that have competing claims with its nations over large areas of the sea. Countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia have also taken exception to China's growing presence in the region and they could also be emboldened to take further action.

A representative from the ministry of Vietnam Le Hai Binh also said that "Vietnam strongly supports the resolution of the disputes...by peaceful means, including diplomatic and legal processes and refraining from the use of threats to use force in accordance with international law."

The Philippines' legal team on the other hand, was heard in a statement that said: "if China's 'nine-dash line' becomes invalid as to the Philippines, it is equally invalid to other countries and the rest of the international community."

In this writer's past articles, during President Barack Obama's time we have all seen

that the United States was a major player in the region and it has sent warships and military aircraft around the South China Sea, including near disputed reefs and shoals, citing international law and freedom of movement, even triggering harsh warnings for China.

Personally, this writer has also learned of such actions by Chinese boats that landed in the shores of the South Philippine Sea, near this writer's birthplace, as reported by local citizens in the area who corresponded with us.

Though it has been known that Washington didn't take any position on the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, it has called for an immediate end to land reclamation and while on a visit to Vietnam at the time, President Barack Obama said that "big nations shouldn't bully small ones." Nevertheless, China had also pointed out that the United States wasn't included among the 180 countries that had ratified the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), thus, potentially undermining its clout on the issue.

As a result of The Hague's arbitration process they found that "none of the sea features claimed by China were capable of generating what is called an 'exclusive economic zone,' which gives a country maritime rights to resources, such as fish, oil and gas within 200 miles of the land mass. The area was found to be just rocks or low-tide elevations such as reefs, rather than islands."

The tribunal panel found that China had "no rights to the area as an exclusive economic zone and that the activities in the region were in breach of the Philippines' sovereign rights, and that China had violated those rights by interfering in fishing and oil exploration, constructing artificial islands .and failing to stop Chinese fishermen from fishing the zone."

In their final analysis, the tribunal panel also found that "China had caused :severe harm to coral reefs around the site of its artificial islands and that they had violated their obligation to preserve and protect fragile ecosystems."

Finally, the tribunal concluded that "Chinese fishermen had also killed endangered sea turtles and giant clams 'on a substantial scale,' with the full knowledge of Chinese authorities."

At the conclusion of the hearings, China's government issued a statement that said: "it is ready to resolve relevant disputes peacefully through negotiation "on the basis of respecting historical facts." They also added that "China is ready to make every effort with the states directly concerned to enter into provisional arrangements of a practical nature, including joint development in maritime peace and stability in the South China Sea." While the ruling at The Hague was regarded as legally binding, there were no mechanisms to enforce it. And, according to Natalie Klein, International Law professor at Macquarie Law School in Australia, the "terms of enforcement will depend on what the Philippines is prepared to assert against China, based on the tribunal's award and China's response to its assertions."

Apparently, after The Hague's tribunal award the Philippines, according to Globaltimes, there was a "softening of relations between Beijing and current President

Rodrigo Duterte, who failed to enforce an international tribunal ruling after The Hague's award, thus giving in to Beijing voiding the international tribunal ruling in exchange for financing infrastructures under China's "Belt and Road Initiative" complementing Duterte's "Build, Build, Build Initiative".

And surely, having backed the Belt and Road Initiative and allowing Beijing with their proposed South China Sea map, President Duterte is waiting for Beijing's investments to come through.

That is why, surprisingly, the West Philippine Sea seems to have magically disappeared in the new Federal Constitution draft, according to this writer's friends who have read it and that the Hague's approval is NOWHERE in sight.

If this Federal Constitution is approved. then all of our struggles against China to preserve our oil-rich natural resources and possessions would be gone, such as all the minerals included in Masinloc, Zambales a town north of this writer's birthplace, where the Chinese had set up artificial islands and airstrips according to its local residents who had communicated with this writer.

As of April 2019, there was an article written by Frances Mangosing of Inquirer.net that stated: "China has launched new facilities in the West Philippine Sea, just as the whole world's eyes are focused on COVID 19." And, according to Xinhua , a Chinese news agency, on March 20, 2019, they said that " two research stations were recently launched on two of China's large man-made islands in the West Philippine Sea, namely: Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) and Zamora (Subi) Reef. The research facilities which are under

the Integrated Research Center for islands and Reefs of the Chinese Academy Sciences (CAS) feature a number of labs on ecology, geology and environments."

Mangosing added that by "setting up these labs, they have the capacity to support scientists in field investigations, sampling and scientific research in the Spratlys, another volatile region crisscrossed by maritime territorial disputes." One other Chinese source was also quoted that said: "an integrated scientific research base on coral reefs and deep - sea research has now been set up in the two research stations now in operation, plus a previously-established research center on Panganiban (Mischief Reef) .

Those bases are now envisioned as support facilities for 'interdisciplinary research of oceanographers.' They were also designed to 'improve the in-situ observation and experimental capabilities' on ecology, geology, environments, materials and marine energy utilization in the tropical marine environment," the Xinhua report said.

The CAS planned to "promote innovation capability and the supply of public service products of marine science and technology to meet the needs of both China and other littoral countries around the South China Sea. As it is, CAS was established to solve science and technology problems in the South China Sea and it believes that it would be contributing to the emergence of a maritime community with supposedly shared resources.

In recent years, China has been known as having transformed reefs and islands into outposts equipped with harbors, airstrips, missile shelters and communications facilities for the purpose of expanding its ability to monitor theirs and its rival's activities in the South China Sea, which Beijing continuously claims to almost ENTIRELY own.

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Are You Lost In A Money Fog?

DEBT PROBLEMS: MAYBE you’ve experienced this before.

You’re driving down the road one cold, chilly day and before you know it, you find yourself surrounded by a thick white wall of dense fog. How did you react to the situation? If you’re like most people, perhaps you felt momentarily lost and confused or perhaps even panicked, not knowing what was in front of you or the direction you were going.

People who are facing serious debt problems can feel the same way. They feel lost in a “money fog”. What exactly is a “money fog”? Money fog means that you’re in a state of being disconnected from your money. Here are some of the symptoms: (a) Having no idea about your real bank balance (2) Always broke at the end of the month no matter how hard you work (3) You’ve lost track of how much you owe (4) Chronic debt that just cannot be paid off, and (5) Zero savings- and yet, having a lot of expenses that cannot be accounted for or explained.

You may be shocked to know that being in a money fog can happen to people of all income levels. A person who makes $50 an hour can be just as broke financially as another person who makes $10 an hour if both of them have lost control over their money. Thus, when you’re in a money fog, it doesn’t matter much what your income is. At the end of the day, it’s not what you make that really matters- it’s what you get to keep.

I meet with a lot of people who are in denial about their situation and will try to rationalize by saying things like: “Well, it’s not really that bad”, “It’s only money” or (here’s one that I always hear) “May-

be, I’ll win the lottery.” Often, it takes an eye-opening event to wake them up. This could be a nasty collection letter they get in the mail, a threat of a lawsuit, foreclosure, wage garnishment or a notice of bank levy. Or it could be a sudden realization one day that their bank account has been consistently overdrawn month after month, they are drowning in debt, and they have nothing to show for all the money they’ve borrowed. This is when reality hits them like a ton of bricks and they find themselves totally unprepared for the financial crisis that they are now facing.

Clearing the fog can sometimes be an uncomfortable process because it involves looking honestly at the financial behaviors that contributed to our present financial crisis. But unless we become aware of what we may be doing wrong, we may never get out of the fog.

The two initial steps you can take would be tracking your monthly expenses and creating a monthly budget that is within your means. Create an itemized list of your debts, balances and interest rates.

Learn to distinguish between “needs” and “wants” and avoid buying things on credit as much as possible unless you can pay the bill in full at the end of the month.

Financial recovery cannot begin while your finances are cluttered, messy and disorganized. Spend some time working through an accurate picture of your total income after tax, your realistic expenses and current debt repayments. Then work through some ways of eliminating expenses that you can live without and use the money you’re able to save towards

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debt repayment. If filing bankruptcy is your only solution to get out of debt, consult with an experienced attorney who can help you understand the pros and cons of such a solution.

Whatever you do, have a clear goal and a defined purpose in order to maintain the level of motivation that you need to become debt-free. If the current pandemic has affected your income, I’m sure it’s even more difficult for you now to get a handle on your finances if they were already out of control before this whole mess even started. More than ever, you need a financial plan to make sure that you are living within your means because there is no telling how long this virus crisis will end. If filing bankruptcy is inevitable in order to start over, there is no shame in using the laws intended to help you get back on your feet at a time like this.

Don’t get me wrong. Bankruptcy is not for

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everyone. But if it is the right solution for your situation, this could be a big turning point in your life.If you have not read my book, “What You Need to Know Before Filing Bankruptcy”, you can download it free of charge at www.beforefilingbk.com.

For a free evaluation of your case, please call our office at Toll-Free 1-866477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. ***NOTE: Due to the virus lockdown, I am currently offering consultations via phone or video. Please call the office to schedule your appointment with me. Questions?

Email me at gethelp@rjb-lawoffices.com.

(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).

Mortgage rates hit 39-month lows on coronavirus fears

MORTGAGE rates are dropping fast — and the reason is surprising. If you’re looking to buy or refinance, it’s wise to lock in a mortgage rate now. They’re low due to market uncertainty and that could change any day. Lock your rates and don’t wait.

We can already see that US mortgage rates are in decline. The annual U.S. mortgage rate was 4.54% in 2018 and 3.94% in 2019 according to Freddie Mac. Mortgage rates averaged 3.81% in December, but in January — as the Wuhan coronavirus started to get increased media attention — rates sank even further to about 2.85%..

For context, mortgage rates were at their lowest recorded average ever in November 2012, at 3.31%. If you had just refinanced your loan without any cost and rates are lowered again, this is the best time to lock in, we might never seen these lowest rates again Coronavirus has investors spooked, and spooked investors buy mortgages If we summed up why the coronavirus is affecting U.S. mortgage rates in one word, it would be “uncertainty.” But before we explain that, it helps to have a little background about where the uncertainty in markets is coming from.

“The coronavirus,” said “The New York Times”, has shaken companies and investors around the world who have come to rely on China for its efficient factories, its increasingly affluent consumers and its years of hard-charging economic growth.

“General Motors, Ford, Nissan, and other auto companies have temporarily closed factories. Apple and Starbucks have closed stores. On Tuesday, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s biggest local airline, announced steep cuts to China flights and plans to pare back across its network.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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HOW TO OBTAIN CUSTODY AND VISITATION RIGHTS FOR UNMARRIED DADS

ESTABLISHING parentage rights for Moms is a lot easier than establishing one for unmarried Dads. Moms can establish this by simply showing proof of her having given birth to the child.

Family Code §7610.

Establishing parentage rights, including custody and visitation rights, becomes more problematic with unmarried Dads because proving yourself as the biological father does not automatically make you the natural father of the child. Under the family code, there are competing presumptions of paternity which allows the non biological father to be deemed the natural father of the child.

A typical situation is when boyfriend gets girlfriend pregnant. Girlfriend for some reason decides to exclude boyfriend from baby's life so she breaks up with boyfriend, does not give the boyfriend any information about her delivery, and does not state the boyfriend as the father in the birth certificate or decides to name someone else as the father. Girlfriend does this because her parents disapprove of the ex boyfriend.

One way a presumption of Paternity is created is by executing a voluntary declaration of paternity. A Voluntary declarations executed before 1997 give rise to a conclusive presumption of paternity and can be overcome only by blood or genetic tests ordered on noticed motion by the mother or presumed father must be made within three years of the date of execution of the voluntary declaration Family.Code. § 7576; Kevin Q. v. Lauren W. (2009) 175 CA4th 1119, 1133, 95 CR3d 477, 485 If the voluntary declaration of paternity is executed after 1996, it is not characterized as a conclusive presumption. Instead, it “shall establish the paternity of a child and shall have the same force and effect as a judgment for paternity issued by a court

of competent jurisdiction” and trumps §7611 presumptions discussed below. A post 1996 voluntary declaration of paternity “shall be recognized as a basis for the establishment of an order for child custody, visitation, or child support.”

Family .Code §§ 7573, 7644; Kevin Q. v.

Lauren W., supra, 175 CA4th at 1132, 95 CR3d at 485; In re J.L. (2008) 159 CA4th 1010, 1019, 72 CR3d 27, 33.

Another way of establishing presumed father status is if you fall under any of the categories listed (a) to (f) under family code §7611: (a) He and the child's natural mother are or have been married to each other and the child is born during the marriage, or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce, or after a judgment of separation is entered by a court. (b) Before the child's birth, he and the child's natural mother have attempted to marry each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true: (1) If the attempted marriage could be declared invalid only by a court, the child is born during the attempted marriage, or within 300 days after its termination by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce.

(2) If the attempted marriage is invalid without a court order, the child is born within 300 days after the termination of cohabitation. (c) After the child's birth, he and the child's natural mother have married, or attempted to marry, each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid,

MORTGAGE UPDATE… FROM PAGE 6 The abrupt halt to business for these global companies can have far-reaching effects. It’s not just China that’s been impacted.

Mark Zandi, Chief Economist with Moody’s Analytics, explains that “the coronavirus is a serious mounting threat to the fragile Chinese and global economies.”

He continues, “It is hard to handicap how broadly the virus will ultimately spread and how virulent it will be, but it has already become highly disruptive to China and increasingly to the rest of Asia. The U.S. will not be immune to its ill effects.”

The impact on U.S. markets and real estate When there is investor uncertainty, money tends to flow into the United States, the world’s most stable market. With more money in domestic markets interest rates tend to fall.

“The U.S. Treasury is the safe go-to place in times of uncertainty, so further drops in yields are a possibility,” says Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist with the National Association of Realtors. “That automatically lowers mortgage rates [as] demand gets juiced up.”

“The U.S. Treasury is the safe go-to place in times of uncertainty, so further drops in [rates] are a possibility,” says Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, NAR Dr. Yun also suggested that low mortgage rates and little supply will produce quickly-rising home values in the current market.

“The supply is lacking and will not be able to fully accommodate the rising demand. Home prices will get bid up too fast.”

“Another impact is a drop in Chinese buyers of U.S. real estate if there are travel restrictions. At the same time, some of the wealthy Chinese may desire to have a property out of China, including in the U.S. and thereby bring about even more demand.”

Should you lock in now or wait for rates to drop again?

This moment presents an interesting opportunity for mortgage borrowers. Rates are near historic lows and far, far away from the historic high (18.63% in 1981).

If you’re in the market to finance or refinance what do you do? If you believe rates will fall during the next few weeks then you might want to let the rate float but I would lock now if you can get a no fee refinanced loan with a minimum of .50% lower on your current rate.

• Do you think rates could stagnate or rise? Then lock in a rate as soon as you get a chance As always with mortgage financing, shop around to get the best deal. Get a “NO COST LOAN” we offer that all day, call us.

Thanks for your support and inquiries, call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance at 562-508-7048 or write to Kennethgo@verizon.net. NMLS 238636 CADRE 01021223

and either of the following is true: (1) With his consent, he is named as the child's father on the child's birth certificate.

(2) He is obligated to support the child under a written voluntary promise or by court order. (d) He receives the child into his home and openly holds out the child as his natural child. (e) If the child was born and resides in a nation with which the United States engages in an Orderly Departure Program or successor program, he acknowledges that he is the child's father in a declaration under penalty of perjury, as specified in Section 2015.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure. This subdivision shall remain in effect only until January 1, 1997, and on that date shall become inoperative. (f) The child is in utero after the death of the decedent and the conditions set forth in Section 249.5 of the Probate Code are satisfied.

An alleged biological father who does not meet any of the § 7611 conditions for presumed father status has no constitutionally-protected “liberty interest” in establishing a parentage relationship with a child as against the rights of a presumptive father who has an extant parentage relationship with the child.

Dawn D. v. Super.Ct. (Jerry K.) (1998) 17 C4th 932, 940–942, 72 CR2d 871, 876–877 The facts get even more complicated if the girlfriend, whom boyfriend gets pregnant is married to another man because the law provides a conclusive presumption of paternity to the husband of the girlfriend. Under Family Code §7540, the child of a wife cohabiting at time of conception with her husband, who is not impotent or sterile, is “conclusively” presumed to be a child of the marriage.

This conclusive presumption may be challenged by showing that the husband was sterile. It may also be challenged by filing a motion for blood or genetic testing under Family Code §7541 but this has to be done within 2 years of the childs birth. In addition, only persons with standing can bring this motion which is limited to the husband, child, mother and a presumed father as listed in Family Code §7611 and 7612.

Even absent a recognized rebuttal, the court has discretion as a matter of due process not to apply § 7540 conclusive presumption of paternity when it

would not further the statute's underlying policies of preserving the integrity and stability of an extant marital family, protecting children from the stigma of “illegitimacy,” and promoting individual rather than State responsibility for child support ... as where the ostensible § 7540 presumptive father never developed a parental relationship with the child and the only established parent-child relationship is with a third person. Brian C. v. Ginger K. (2000) 77 CA4th 1198, 1200–1201, 92 CR2d 294, 296; In re Kiana A. (2001) 93 CA4th 1109, 1115, 113 CR2d 669, 675.

Procedurally, the ex boyfriend should file a Petition for Parentage as soon as the child is born. While the case is pending, the ex boyfriend may seek temporary visitation order although this may be on a limited or even monitored basis. If successful in proving parentage, the ex boyfriend may be granted custody and visitation rights. However, the ex boyfriend would also have the obligation of paying child support based on California guidelines.

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 is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 3881611 or e-mail Kenneth@kenreyeslaw. com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw. com

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global NEWS GLOBAL NEWS

OVER the past few years, the attorneys at CHALEFF REHWALD PETERSON (w w w.c a reg iverover t i me.com) have had the honor of informing hundreds of caregivers about the specific overtime laws that protect caregivers from being overworked a nd under pa id. Ma ny of t hese caregivers decided to call us after reading our articles on Weekend Balita or finding our Facebook page.

These are some of our favorite calls to receive. And, as a result of these calls, we have been able to help hundreds of caregivers recover millions in unpaid overtime.

We would have been able to help many more caregivers. But the truth is that some caregivers who have suffered wage theft, and been exploited by their employers, do not want to pursue their claims. We have recognized several common fears that prevent caregivers from taking action. If you have been thinking about making an overtime claim, or calling to get more information, please do not hesitate to call us. We want to hear from you.

Here are some of the most common concerns we hear from caregivers and the reasons why these concerns should not prevent you from seeking the overtime compensation you deserve.

CAREGIVERS:

Are you ready to claim your overtime in 2020?

1. “I Feel Obligated To My Patient.”

By nature, caregivers are typically caring people.

Many private employers take advantage of a caregiver’s compassionate nature and do not pay a fair wage. Many caregivers feel a sense of loyalty or obligation towards their employers that make them reluctant to pursue valid claims.

While these are noble sentiments, it does not change the fact that caregivers who are paid less than the legally required wages are victims of wage theft. In fact, many people who hire in-home caregivers are financially able to pay for caregiving services as required by law, but simply choose not to because they want to save money. We often see the children of elderly patients making efforts to preserve their own inheritance by taking advantage of caregivers.

The truth is that the family members are obligated to ensure their loved ones are adequately cared for. It is not a caregiver’s obligation to provide care in exchange for a wage that is less than what the law requires.

2. “I Am Afraid Of The Court System And Having A Lawsuit.”

Many private employers refuse to pay caregivers overtime because t hey believe ca regivers a re unsophisticated and will not be able to file a legal claim. The legal process can be intimidating and confusing. But that is why the lawyers at CHALEFF REWALD PETERSON are here to help. We know the law and stand ready to help.

3. “I Signed A Document Stating I Am An Independent Contractor.”

It is unlikely that an in-home caregiver is an independent contractor even if there is a signed a document that purports to identify them as a contractor. Still, it is common for private employers to try to convince caregivers they are independent contractors because it is much less costly and much more advantageous for them. The reality is that many private employers misclassify caregivers as independent contractors to avoid paying overtime and other employee benefits.

4. “I Did Not Pay Taxes on The Wages I Did Receive.”

While we recommend that our clients pay all taxes owed for the wages received, if a caregiver has not

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paid taxes on wages, the caregiver still has the legal right to seek the overtime wages due. It is the employer’s obligation to properly classify the employee and withhold state and federal income taxes. If this has not happened, the employer has also violated the law.

5. “I Do Not Have A Social Security Number.”

You do not need a social security number to recover overtime wages from your employer. If you succeed in your unpaid overtime claim, Chaleff Rehwald Peterson can help you get an ITIN that can be used to pay the taxes owed.

6. “I Am Concerned About Immigration Status.”

Ca lifornia law permits undocumented workers to recover unpaid overtime wages. In our experience, our undocumented clients have not suffered any serious adverse effect from presenting an overtime claim. While we cannot guarantee no problem will arise, we believe the benefit in recovering unpaid overtime far outweighs the risk. Also, we have a relationship with an immigration attorney that can review and possibly assist with your specific immigration situation.

7. “I Do Not Want A Long Court Battle, and May Leave the Country.”

Most cases settle without going to court, and many cases settle within a matter of a few months to a year.

We regularly help caregivers who return to their home countries while the case is ongoing and keep in contact with us via the phone and internet. Because the laws are so strong in favor of the caregiver, most employers seek an early settlement of claims.

If you are working as a caregiver and you are not paid overtime when working more than 9 hours a day, or 45 hours a week, you should consult with CHALEFF REHWALD PETERSON to discuss your rights. We are here to help.

With the penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees allowed, claims can exceed $200,000 for 24-hour caregivers who have worked just one year. Even if you have only worked three to six months, you likely have a valuable claim.

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.

Makabayan solons call out Duterte over apparent silence on inmate deaths at NBP MANILA (Mabuhay) — Lawmakers from the Makabayan Bloc on Thursday called out President Rodrigo Duterte's apparent silence on the deaths of inmates at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), including Jaybee Sebastian, who supposed had knowledge on the illegal drug trade at the national penitentiary.

In a virtual press conference, ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro questioned the President's lack of response to the incident, considering that the anti-drug campaign was the centerpiece of his administration.

"Ang tanong natin, alam ba ito ng Pangulo? Bakit parang si President Duterte ay tahimik dito? Diba pangunahing kampanya niya ay yung anti-drug campaign at ito nga yung kanyang mga inuna noon?" she said.

Castro recalled that Sebastian was the one who accused Senator Leila De Lima of conspiring with high-profile inmates to sell or trade illegal drugs inside the national penitentiary during her term as justice secretary.

The proceeds from the sale allegedly went to De Lima’s campaign kitty when she ran for senator in 2016.

De Lima, who had repeatedly denied the allegations against her, claimed that Sebastian was “pressured” by authorities to pin her down.

"There's something fishy here.

Dapat maging transparent ang New Bilibid Prison kaugnay ng pagkamatay ng mga drug lords. Ibig sabihin itong mga drug lords na ito ay bulnerable sa COVID-19 at sabay-sabay silang [namatay]?" Castro said.

"Kami ay nananawagan na maging transparent at inaantay namin dito yung sagot ni President Duterte dahil hindi pwedeng nakatahimik lang si President Duterte dahil ito ay kampanya niya sa anti-drug," she added.

Gabriela Women's Party Representative Arlene Brosas echoed Castro's statements, saying that it is normal for people to raise suspicions at this point considering how quickly events unfolded.

"Hindi maiwasan na magduda ang mga tao katulad diyan dahil napakabilis ng mga pangyayari, biglang nagkaroon ng pandemya tapos walo agad yung nalimas mula doon sa mga high-profile. High-profile yang mga yan e na kaugnay sa anti-drug campaign," she said.

"Kaya malaki yung tanong ng mga tao, even yung mga senators nagsalita na sila isa-isa kaugnay diyan.

Kaduda-duda, dapat sagutin nang maayos ng BuCor chief, ng DOJ, ng Malacañang dahil lahat yan accountable sa mga pangyayari," she added.

Malacañang on Tuesday said Sebastian's death was not discussed

in the Cabinet’s meeting with the President on Monday.

“Hindi po nabanggit iyan kahapon,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing when asked if Sebastian’s passing was brought up during the meeting, which focused on the government’s response to the pandemic.

For his part, Bayan Muna party-list Representative Ferdinand Gaite expressed alarm over the incidents happening at the NBP, supposed to be a secured facility.

"Liban sa sinasabing allegedly namatay daw sa COVID na mga nabanggit na convicts na related sa droga, hindi lang yan. Merong nai-report na may isang officer ng New Bilibid Prison na nakitang nabaril," he said.

"Imagine sa isang napaka-secure na lugar, parang hindi nalalayo sa labas ng kulungan yung malawakang patayin at officers at that," he added.

Although Gaite did not mention

any name, a 29-year-old Bureau of Corrections officer was reportedly found dead inside the NBP recently.

"Dapat talagang i-investigate ang nangyayaring ito. Hindi pwedeng, okay lang mga convicts naman yan e.

Hindi ganun. Lahat sila ay may mga karapatan pa rin," he said.

Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Zarate and ACT-CIS party-list Representative Niña Taduran earlier called for a thorough investigation into the deaths at NBP. BuCor chief Gerald Bantag had called on officials not to speculate on the deaths of the high-profiles at the facility.

“Itong matataas na tao, nagsasalita ng mga ganyan ay huwag naman sanang bigyan ng pagdududa 'yung mga publiko. Hindi naman ito basta-bastang kaso,” he said.

“Dapat nagtitiwala sila sa inilagay na tauhan ng gobyerno,” he added.

(MNS)

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Boracay now open to all Western Visayas tourists — DOT MANILA(Mabuhay) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that all Western Visayas travelers below 21 and above 60 years old are now allowed to enter Boracay after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Thursday lifted the age-specific ban on the island.

Since the reopening of Boracay to tourists from the region last June 16, only those aged 21 to 60 were allowed to visit based on the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) guidelines.

"This move aims to further reinvigorate the tourism economy in the region and address the earlier clamor of Boracay tourism stakeholders to attract more tourists to the island," Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

Romulo-Puyat noted there were no reported coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases on the island and assured government support in ensuring that health and safety protocols are in place upon arrival of local visitors.

"The DOT will always put paramount concern on the safety of our people — tourists and residents alike," she said.

As of July 23, the DOT Western Visayas has issued a total of 115 certificates of authority to operate (CAO) to accommodation establishments, covering some 2,635 health protocols compliant rooms.

Western Visayas (Region 6) comprises the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental, all of which are now under MGCQ. (MNS)

Roque to UP professors who criticized govt’s COVID-19 response: Join IATF MANILA (Mabuhay) — Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Thursday said the University of the Philippines professors who gave the government a "fail" mark in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic are welcome to join the coronavirus task force.

Roque extended the invitation to former UP Diliman chancellor Michael Tan, Joshua San Pedro of the Coalition for People's Right to Health and Edelina Dela Paz of the Health Alliance for Democracy.

“Iimbitahan ko na lang itong tat-

long nagsalita para tumulong po sa IATF nang sa ganoon, hindi na nila masabi na failure tayo,” Roque, who taught law at UP for 15 years, said in a televised briefing.

“You are all welcome to join po the pool of experts ng IATF, and I will personally make sure that letters of invitation are sent to the three colleagues of mine from UP.” The Palace official said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) trusts the inputs of UP experts, especially their forecast

on the COVID-19 situation.

Tan said on Wednesday that the COVID-19 lockdown is a "war on the poor."

Dela Paz, for her part, cited the problems faced by health care workers, including under compensation for heavy workloads, inadequate protection, and stigma and discrimination.

San Pedro said Filipinos should keep pressing the government to increase its testing capacity and provide free mass testing for COVID-19. (MNS)

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED

Charlotte S. Yeh, M.D. Chief Medical Officer AARP Services, Inc.

“For the 45 and older population, about one in three have evidence of loneliness. And we know that for the 65 and older population, 40% and more are impacted by loneliness.”

“Even though we may be alone in our own space, that doesn’t mean we can’t be connected. It is important that we remember that help is not just physical, but it’s emotional, it’s spiritual. We need to focus on what allows us to flourish… and how can we continue to thrive even if we are just in our own space.”

HOW TO FIGHT THE SOCIAL ISOLATION OF CORONAVIRUS

Travel bans and recommendations to avoid nonessential air travel may mean that distant family members may not be able to connect in person while the COVID-19 outbreak is still ongoing.

Here are some things to keep in mind to reduce the threat of social isolation and loneliness as the pandemic continues: 1. Social isolation and loneliness are serious health issues 2. Plan and connect

3. Make a list of organizations that can help

4. Remember pets (their value and their needs)

5. Know who’s most at risk for social isolation and loneliness

AARP has been working to promote the health and well-being of older Americans for more than sixty years. During this pandemic, AARP is providing information and resources to help the AAPI community and those caring for them to protect themselves from the virus and prevent it from spreading to others.

For more information and resources about COVID-19, please visit

aarp.org/coronavirus

or simply scan the QR code below to follow AARP’s AAPI Facebook page.

COVID-19 DEMANDS ATTENTION TO MENTAL HEALTH

It’s completely normal to feel sadness, anxiety, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Common signs of distress include feelings of hopelessness or fear, changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach problems.

Taking care of your emotional health during the COVID-19 pandemic will help you plan clearly and protect yourself and your family. Here are some actions that can help ease depressive symptoms during this stressful time: • Limit news consumption and stick with trusted information • Connect across distance • Exercise regularly

• Practice mindfulness and meditation • Consider telehealth

ment s a com leave u now what sk to let u arn ke to le you’d li t! u o b a more

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May isa tayong magagawa, sabay sabay!

Ikumpleto ang 2020 Census online ngayon.

Ikumpleto ang census ngayon para makatulong i-inform kung saan ilalaan ang bilyones na mapupunta sa mga bagay katulad ng health care, transportation at education kada taon sa susunod na sampung taon.

Ilang minuto lamang para mabigyang hugis ang ating kinabukasan, kaya kumpletuhin and census online, sa telepono o by mail.

Ikumpleto ang census ngayon sa:

2020CENSUS.GOV/tl Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.

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‘BIDA Solusyon’ campaign to beat Covid-19 launched MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has partnered with the Department of Health (DOH), other government agencies, and private partners to launch a campaign encouraging Filipinos to change and practice preventive behaviors to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

During the BIDA Solusyon sa Covid-19 Partners online launch Friday, DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said the department last year launched the Disiplina Muna campaign aimed to rebuild the culture of discipline among Filipinos and foster citizen participation.

Malaya said the campaign was an offshoot of the road-clearing program of the DILG wherein it cleared all obstructions from roads and banned the presence of tricycles in national highways.

“A nd when t he DOH c a me out w it h BI DA solusyon, which is a n information campaign against Covid-19 which focuses on the four aspect s: B-awa l wa la ng mask, I-sanitize ang mga kamay, D-umistansya ng isang metro, A-lamin ang totoong impormasyon (face mask is a must, sanitize your hands, keep a one-meter distance, and

get the real information), we were inspired to work closely with them in this campaign,” he said.

Malaya said they consider the two campaigns as complementary in addressing the Cov id-19, resulting in collaboration underscoring the importance of preventive health measures in the minds of the Filipinos as a way to beat the pandemic.

He said they will be distributing posters and campaign materials in all local government unit offices nationwide.

Posters bearing the photos of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal and other heroes wearing face masks will be provided to different provinces, he said, adding this will “appeal to our sense of nationalism”.

The DILG will also be conducting online training for all public information officers in different LGU’s on the anti-fake news campaign.

Meanwhile, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Ramon Cualoping III committed to help communicate to the public about important measures to beat Covid-19.

“Everyone should do his part in this fight and that begins by changing our behaviors,” he said. (MNS)

Government pushes for modernization in agriculture

Saturday-Friday | July 25 - 31, 2020

PH gov't repatriates 111 Filipino seafarers stranded at sea MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has repatriated 111 stranded Filipino seafarers and the remains of two seafarers from Fujian, China aboard the carrier vessel Star Mariner, which docked at the Manila Port on Thursday.

In a news release on Friday, the DFA underscored the significance of the repatriation as the department celebrated its 122nd founding day and the birthday of Apolinario Mabini, the country’s first secretary of foreign affairs.

The stranded Filipinos came from nine different Chinese fishing vessels that were forced to anchor in the high seas for the past several months because they were not allowed to dock in any port, including China, due to travel restrictions imposed by countries around the world to control the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The Star Mariner left Fujian, China on July 11 with 101 stranded Filipinos to fetch 10 stranded seafarers and two remains on board another stranded ship in the Indian Ocean before proceeding to Manila.

They left the waters off Singapore on July 18.

The repatriates underwent reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing, as prescribed by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

They will be temporarily housed at Bureau of Quarantine-approved facilities for mandatory quarantine while they await the results of their RT-PCR test.

The DFA, through the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs and the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen, worked closely with concerned agencies, such as the Philippine Ports Authority, Department of Health - Bureau of Quarantine, Philippine Coast Guard, and Maritime Industry Authority, as well as with the Chinese employers and concerned licensed manning agencies for the seafarers’ repatriation and arrival, in compliance with the Philippine and Chinese governments’ health emergency protocols.

The DFA also coordinated with the seafarers’ families. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Agricultural Training Institute of the Department of Agriculture (ATI-DA) is pushing for programs offering free skills training for farmers in line with its vision to modernize Philippine agriculture.

During the Laging Handa public briefing on Friday aired over state-run PTV4, ATI Deputy Director Rosana Mula said that Filipino farmers need proper skills training to make them more competitive in the market.

She added that the ATI has programs in place specifically for farmers to help them improve their knowledge and skills in modern farming thus increasing their production output.

“Marami sa kanila ang hindi pa rin marunong mag maintain ng mga seeds kaya pinu push namin yung in-bred na seeds. Ganun din ang paggamit ng mga machines. Yan ang kulang sa ating mga farmers, hindi nila masyadong na a-appreciate yun (Many of our farmers lack knowledge on how to maintain quality seed and we are pushing for the in-bred seeds, as well as the use of machinery.

But most farmers do not appreciate this)," she noted.

Mula said that ATI is giving free training via the Farmers’ Field School (FFS) through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

She cited the importance of training saying that without proper knowledge on how to use farm mechanization and the use of quality in-bred or hybrid seeds, it will be very difficult for farmers to compete globally in terms of production.

She added that through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), the ATI is also giving out farm machinery to farmer’s cooperatives or associations through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

If Filipino farmers will upgrade their skills, we will be able to lower labor costs and increase farm yields, she said.

“Halimbawa kung sa Vietnam, ang labor cost ng seeds ay PHP12, kung mapababa natin ito ng PHP9, yan ay magandang reduction in terms Estate Planning Family Law/Divorce of cost of production of rice. Kung maitaas naman natin ang yield Business Litigation Immigration from four tons to five or six tons per hectare, magiging competitive ang Personal Injury Real Estate ating mga farmers (for example in Vietnam, the labor cost of seeds is PHP12, if we can lower that to PHP9, that is a good reduction in terms of cost of production of rice. If we can increase the yield from four to five or six tons per hectare, our farmers will be more competitive)," she added.

The key to all these, according to Mula, is the correct use of quality seeds and adapting to modern types of machinery like drying and milling, rice machinery, and solar irrigation, which will all contribute to a higher yield of farm crops to farmers.

The ATI is targeting to reach around 160,000 ABOGADO NA MA-AASAHAN NINYO farmers for the current year to benefit from ATI DEPUTY DIRECTOR their programs, Mula said. (MNS) ROSANA MULA 445 S. Figueroa St. Suite 2550 Los Angeles, CA 90071

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Plan B’ is to hold Duterte’s 5th SONA in Palace — Andanar MANILA (Mabuhay) — Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday revealed there was an alternative plan to deliver President Rodrigo Duterte’s fifth and penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Malacañan Palace on July 27.

Andanar said Duterte might deliver his SONA at Malacañan in Manila instead of having it delivered at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, in case one of those invited to attend the annual event tests positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“Kung meron mang positibo sa mga na-swab na panauhin ay magde-desisyon ang Office of the President, kasama ang PSG (Presidential Security Group), kung doon tayo sa Option B (If one of the guests tests positive [for Covid-19], the Office of the President and PSG will proceed with Option B)

PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE

which will be done dito sa (at) Malacañan,” Andanar said.

Malacañang earlier announced that Duterte had decided to fulfill his constitutional mandate to deliver his fifth SONA on July 27 at the Batasang Pambansa.

Under Article 7, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution, the President is mandated to “address the Congress at the opening of its regular session” since the SONA is considered as a constitutional obligation.

While the plans for this year’s SONA remain “very fluid” due to Covid-19 pandemic, Andanar said Duterte’s health cannot be compromised.

Thus, the venue for Duterte’s penultimate SONA will depend on the results of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests of the attendees, Andanar said.

“Bago po mangyari ang SONA ay magkakaroon po ng swabbing na mangyayari. At sa swabbing nga na ito, diyan natin malalaman kung itutuloy ba ‘yung sa lower house (Before SONA, guests will have to undergo swab tests. Results of the swab tests will determine whether the venue will be at lower house [or the Batasang Pambansa]),” Andanar said.

On Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte and his guests will undergo RTPCR tests on July 26, a day before the annual SONA. Andanar, however, said the RT-PCR tests can also be done on July 27, or the day Duterte delivers his SONA. “Lahat kailangang i-swab (All must undergo swab tests). It will be done on the day itself kasi merong swabbing na minutes lang, malalaman mo na (because you will get the results of the swab tests in just a matter of minutes),” he said.

Andanar said a total of 50 seats are reserved for Cabinet members and lawmakers, if Duterte delivers his SONA at the Batasang Pambansa.

In the event that the annual event is held at Malacañan, the total number of guest

would further be trimmed down, Andanar said.

“Of course, nandiyan pa rin yung Senate President, Speaker of the House, tapos ang Executive Secretary at piling mga congressmen at mga senador na lamang (If it is held at Malacañan, only a few can attend. The Senate President, House Speaker, the Executive Secretary, and select congressmen and senators can only attend),” he said.

Malacañang has yet to confirm the attendance of Duterte’s family to the annual SONA. On Wednesday, presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said she will skip her father’s fifth SONA to avoid strict health procedures.

‘No regular’ SONA Andanar said Duterte’s penultimate SONA is not ordinary since it will be delivered at the time the country is grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This concerns everybody, the entire country.

This is no regular State of the Nation Address. This is one of the most important State of the Nation Addresses that we will have,” he said.

Andanar said the public can expect Duterte to touch on his promises to stop corruption in government, combat illegal drugs, and reduce poverty in the country.

He added that Duterte would also talk about his government’s plan to generate more jobs, revive the economy, foster education, and help distressed overseas Filipino workers amid the pandemic. “‘Yung sasabihin ni Presidente sa darating na State of the Nation Address ay yung mga talagang piling-piling mahahalaga at yung mga gustong malaman ng ating mga kababayan (The President’s SONA will focus on important matters that our fellow countrymen want to know),” Andanar said.

Andanar said Duterte would have a rehearsal either on Friday night or on Saturday.

The PCOO chief could not say how long Duterte’s fifth SONA will last since he has yet to read the speech.

Duterte’s first SONA lasted for 90 minutes while his second SONA lasted for 120 minutes.

His third SONA lasted only for 48 minutes, while his fourth SONA lasted for 93 minutes. (MNS)

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DOH appeals vs. faking COVID-19 test results, says it could worsen problem

DOH awaits pilot study result on pooled testing for Covid-19

M A NIL A ( Mabu hay) — The Department of Health (DOH) is waiting for the result of the pilot study conducted by the Philippine Society of Pathologists as proof of concept for pooled testing, a health official said on Thursday.

“Ang Kagawaran po ng Kalusugan ay bukas sa rekomendasyon ng pagsasagawa ng pooled testing. (The DOH is open to

the recommendation of conduct of pooled testing),” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a virtual Covid-19 presser.

She said the concept has been discussed and approved by the DOH executive committee and the suggestion has been noted by the Inter Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Saturday-Friday | July 25 - 31, 2020

On June 23, Vergeire explained that pooled testing is a method which uses an algorithm allowing the testing of fewer specimens from possible coronavirus disease 2019 patients.

“The specimens will be put together, if the pooled sa mples a re negative, it means every specimen in the samples is negative,” she said.

(MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday appealed to the public not to fake COVID-19 test results as this would only exacerbate the pandemic.

"Dapat maintindihan ng mga tao na 'yung ginagawa nilang 'yan might cause the further transmission of diseases if we do that," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a virtual interview.

"Kailangan lang talaga paigtingin ng mga local government and other institutions na gumagamit niyan (rapid test) 'yung pag-release ng results," she added.

On Thursday, police, acting on a viral post, discovered a print shop in Caloocan City for allegedly tampering the result of an anti-body rapid test.

The name and age indicated on the document were reportedly changed.

The Department of Health (DOH) has already referred the matter to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Meanwhile, Vergeire assured the public that the release of RT-PCR test results is secured.

"Ang aming RT-PCR tests na galing sa mga lisensyadong laboratoryo, ito ay ini-email lang sa specific individuals na nagpa-test and also to the facilities which requested for the test. Other than that, walang makakakuha ng resulta na 'yan," she said.

Coronavirus testing czar Vince Dizon also warned the public against faking COVID-19 test results.

"Hindi po pupuwedeng mameke ng resulta, hindi puwedeng magbago ng resulta. Mabigat po ang magiging penalties para sa ganiyang mga violation kaya nanawagan tayo sa ating mga kababayan, ‘wag na ‘wag po nating gagawin ‘yan,"' he said.(MNS)

IATF okays PH participation in Covid-19 vaccine global access M A NIL A (Mabuhay) — The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has approved the country's participation in a global initiative that guarantees access to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines worldwide.

“The members of the IATF likewise approved the participation of the Philippines in the Gavi Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility, including the corresponding allocation of funds,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, who also serves as IATF-EID spokesperson, said in a press statement.

The COVAX Facility is a mechanism designed to ensure rapid, fair, and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines for every country in the world, be it a rich or poor nation, to make rapid progress towards slowing the pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO)

said in a statement.

The COVAX, co-led by WHO, Gavi, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, aims to step up the development and manufacture of Covid-19 vaccines by getting the support of developed and developing country vaccine manufacturers.

The WHO noted on July 15 that about 75 countries have already submitted expressions of interest to protect their populations by joining the COVAX Facility.

The 75 nations, which would finance the vaccines from their respective budgets, have partnered with some 90 lower-income countries that could be supported through voluntary donations to Gavi’s COVAX Advance Market Commitment.

The WHO noted that the goal of COVAX is to deliver two billion doses of safe, effective, vaccines by the end of 2021.

It ensured that the vaccines would be delivered equally to all participating countries, proportional to their populations, initially prioritizing health care workers then expanding to cover 20 percent of the population of participating nations.

The WHO added that additional doses would be made available based on the country’s needs and vulnerability, and the threat of Covid-19.

“The COVAX Facility will also maintain a buffer of doses for emergency and humanitarian use, including dealing with severe outbreaks before they spiral out of control,” it said.

Meanwhile, Roque confirmed that

the IATF-EID has approved the creation of a sub-technical working group (sub-TWG) that would study the possible amendments to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act. This was contained in IATF-EID Resolution 58 approved on Thursday.

Roque said the sub-TWG would be chaired by the Department of Health, with the departments of justice and interior, Philippine National Police, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority as members, he said.

(MNS)

PRRD office probes PhilHealth corruption issues MANILA (Mabuhay) — Corruption issues that continue to hound state insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) have prompted President Rodrigo Duterte’s office to launch its own probe, Malacañang said on Friday.

“Pinakinggan po ang lahat at ang naging conclusion ay isang maigting na imbestigasyon ang gagawin (They listened to all [the complaints] and the conclusion is to conduct a deeper probe [into the supposed irregularities hounding PhilHealth),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

The investigation is headed by Undersecretary Jesus Melchor Quitain of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President, said Roque.

This developed following reports that three PhilHealth officials resigned from their respective posts because of the supposed widespread corruption within the agency.

Reports said a heated argument during the PhilHealth’s executive committee meeting due to the discovery of alleged corruption within the staterun firm allegedly prompted the three officials to tender their resignations.

In a statement on Friday, PhilHealth confirmed that head executive assistant Etrobal Laborte resigned in mid-July “to go back to taking his PhD (Doctor of Philosophy).”

PhilHealth, meanwhile, said it has yet to officially receive the resignation letter of Thorsson Montes Keith, anti-legal fraud officer of the agency.

It added that corporate legal counsel Roberto Labe Jr. “vehemently denied” reports about his supposed resignation.

Roque confirmed that he had received a copy of Keith’s resignation letter, which cites the “widespread corruption in PhilHealth” as among the PhilHealth official’s reasons to quit his post.

Roque encouraged Keith to cooperate with Duterte’s office by substantiating claims about the supposedly rampant corruption within PhilHealth.

“Nananawagan ako sa kanya, ngayong mayroon ng pormal na imbestigasyon, sana makipagtulungan na lang siya, bagama’t siya po ay nag-resign na, para matigil na once and for all ang corruption diyan sa PhilHealth (Now that there is a formal investigation, I am encouraging him to cooperate

to once and for all stop the corruption in PhilHealth),” he said.

Roque has repeatedly expressed disappointment over the alleged failure of PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Ricardo Morales to address the supposed irregularities plaguing the state insurer.

The Palace official, in his latest remarks, believed that some of PhilHealth’s top officials are involved in corrupt activities.

“Ang aking conclusion diyan talaga, may sindikato talaga at ito po iyong pinakamatataas na career executives diyan sa PhilHealth. Hindi naman po lahat, hindi natin nilalahat (My conclusion there is there is really a syndicate there and top career executives of PhilHeath are part of it. But I’m not saying that all of them are involved),” he said.

PhilHealth ensured that it would look into the corruption allegations hurled against the agency.

“PhilHealth assures the public that it takes seriously any issue on corruption and asks Atty. Keith to substantiate his accusations so proper procedure can be initiated,” it said. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | July 25 - 31, 2020

IATF mulling use of antigen test to ramp up COVID-19 testing, says Nograles MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases is eyeing the use of antigen test technology for conducting COVID-19 tests to ramp up the country’s daily testing capacity, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Thursday.

“The use of the antigen test technology is recently discussed in IATF. We are looking at how we can roll this out,” Nograles said.

“The turnaround time is 30 minutes. It is like a pregnancy test [kit]. If the protocols are approved by the IATF, this will ramp up our testing per day,” he added.

Nograles explained that the antigen test technology is a process wherein a sample is taken from the individual and placed inside a kit and mixed with a solution before the test result for COVID-19 is revealed.

He said the antigen test is a better option compared with the use of rapid test kit, which tests the individual for antibodies IgM (immunoglobulin) and IgG (immunoglobulin G).

Testing positive for IgM is a sign of active COVID-19 infection while testing positive for IgG indicates that a person has recently recovered.

“It (antigen) does not test for antibodies. It detects the part of the COVID-19 virus, so it is more accurate,” Nograles said.

The Department of Health considers the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction test -conducted via swab test with the sample processed in a laboratory -- as the gold standard in conducting COVID-19 test.

According to Nograles, the country’s average number of COVID-19 tests done per day is just at 21,000 due to lack of manpower and supplies in the 91 accredited laboratories.

In total, at least 1.19 million Filipinos were already tested for COVID-19 using RT-PCR test.

The Philippines has 72,269 COVID-19 cases so far.

Of this number,23,623 recovered while 1,843 died.

This makes the total number of active COVID-19 cases at 46,803. (MNS)

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More asymptomatic, mild Covid-19 patients in isolation centers MANILA (Mabuhay) — There are now more asymptomatic and mild coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients proceeding to government-run facilities for isolation, Malacañang said Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this statement after National Task Force (NTF) on Covid-19 deputy chief implementer Secretary and Testing Czar Vivencio “Vince” Dizon bared that they have booked an additional 2,000 hotel rooms to accommodate additional asymptomatic and mild Covid-19 patients.

In a taped interview with Roque, Dizon explained that since the “Oplan Kalinga” program was launched, isolation centers have been quickly filling up with more asymptomatic and mild Covid-19 patients.

Roque said he did not have data on the number of patients who have been transferred from their homes to isolation facilities, but vowed to collate and present data when it is available.

“According to Testing Czar Vince Dizon, we’ve had to book at least 2,000 hotel rooms now because apparently our We Heal As One Centers which can accommodate up to 3,000 people is not enough. So we have booked additional 2,000 rooms. It seems the messaging is working. Nakikinig po ang taongbayan (The people are listening),” he said in a virtual Palace briefing.

He also thanked the public for cooperating with the government’s call to asymptomatic and mild Covid-19 patients to allow themselves to be accompanied by medical professionals to isolation centers.

“Maraming salamat po at marami sainyo na tumugon na dito sa panawagan dahil ito po talaga ay isang epektibong pamamaraan para mapabagal po natin ang pagkalat ng Covid (Thank you very much because many of you have responded to the government’s call because this is really an effective way to slow down the spread of Covid-19), he said.

There are currently four We Heal As One Centers in Metro Manila and two in Clark, Pampanga.

These facilities are the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Rizal Memorial Stadium at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, the Philippine International Convention Center Forum Halls and the World Trade Center in Pasay City; the Asean Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga; and the National Government Administrative Center in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.

Home quarantine is still allowed among asymptomatic and mild Covid-19 patients, provided they have their own rooms and bathrooms separate from other members of the household.

Return of quarantine passes To regulate the number of people leaving their homes amid the continued rise in Covid-19 cases,

Roque said he will suggest the return of the quarantine pass requirement in Metro Manila.

He said he will propose requiring quarantine passes to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) during its next meeting.

According to Roque, a colleague of his observed that some local governments in areas under the least restrictive modified community quarantine (MGCQ) still require their residents to present their quarantine passes even if they are no longer required.

“Siguro isa ito sa imumungkahi mamaya na dahil [general community quarantine] naman tayo, kinakailangan pa rin sitahin at para mabawasan pa rin yung lumalabas (Perhaps this will be one of the suggestions later because we are now in GCQ, we need to reprimand them to minimize the number of people going out) without having to lockdown the economy again,” he said.

He, however, clarified that the IATF is yet to approve this proposal.

Quarantine passes are no longer required in checkpoints. However, individuals must present other proofs of identification or their certificates of employment.

Metro Manila is currently under GCQ, but Roque did not discount the possibility it might revert to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), the second-highest quarantine classification if Covid-19 cases in the country’s metropolis continue to spike.

President Rodrigo Duterte was supposed to place Metro Manila under MECQ from July 16 to 31 but decided to retain the GCQ classification, a more relaxed community quarantine, in the area.

As of Friday (July 24), there are a total of 76,444 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country, of which 24,502 are recoveries and 1,879 are deaths.

Of the active cases, it said a little over 90 percent were showing mild symptoms, 8.93 percent were asymptomatic, 0.49 percent were experiencing severe symptoms, while those in critical condition were at 0.43 percent. (MNS)

Palace lauds The Medical City’s stem-cell therapy for Covid-19 MANILA (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Friday hailed The Medical City for its mesenchymal stem treatment for pneumonia patients with the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

“The Palace commends The Medical City for its mesenchymal stem cell therapy program for patients with Covid-19 pneumonia,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that are being clinically explored as a new therapeutic for treating a variety of immune-mediated diseases, the Washington-based National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) said in its official website.

Since the outbreak of Covid-19, some clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MSC therapy in treating infected individuals have begun.

Currently, there are no approved MSC-based approaches for the prevention or treatment of Covid-19 patients, the NCBI said.

Roque, nevertheless, said the Duterte government backs any move that would help Covid-19 patients recover from the disease.

“The Duterte Administration fully supports researches and/or practices that would ease the sufferings of patients from Covid-19. We fervently pray that the aforesaid program would continue to show promising results,” Roque said.

As of Thursday, the Philippines has recorded 74,390 Covid-19 infections.

Around 24,383 individuals have already recovered from the highly-contagious disease, while 1,871 Covid-19 patients have died.

Roque assured the public anew that the government is doing its best to stop the further transmission of Covid-19 in the country.

“The battle against Covid-19 remains our focus. Let us stand united in defeating this enemy so together we can heal and recover as one,” he said. (MNS)

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ADB loans to Philippines to reach record high $4.2B in 2020 MANILA(Mabuhay) — Loans of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to the Philippines are expected to reach a record-high $4.207 billion this year, with the lion's share going to efforts against the coronavirus disease 2019.

According to ADB Philippines country director Kelly Bird, the ADB's 2020 lending program is the biggest so far for the country, almost double the previous record of $2.5 billion in 2019.

"For this year we've reached $4.2 billion and that will be the largest ever for the Philippines," he told reporters in a virtual briefing.

An itemized list for the 2020 loans was discussed by ADB senior programs officer Oscar Badiola, with six already approved while five more are expected to be approved later this year: COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support Program - $1.5 billion (Approved April 23); Social Protection Support Project, Second Additional Financing - $200 million (Approved April 27); Support to Capital Market Generated Infrastructure Financing, Subprogram 1 - $400 million (Approved May 6); Expanded Social Assistance Project - $500 million (Approved June 10); Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project, Additional Financing - $126 million (Approved June 18;) Local Governance Reform Project (Approved June 26); Competitive and Inclusive Agriculture Development Program, Subprogram 1 - $400 million; Inclusive Finance Development Program, Subprogram 2 - $300 million;

Health Systems Enhancement to Address and Limit COVID-19 - $125 million; Disaster Resilience Improvement Program - $500 million EDSA Greenways Project - $130 million The Department of Finance (DOF) earlier this month said borrowings have reached P1.22 trillion in the first four months of 2020, as the administration ramped its reliance on lending to fund the COVID-19 response and economic relief initiatives.

In June, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the Philippines has secured at least $5.758 billion in loans to support efforts against the coronavirus.

For his part, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III assured that the government borrowing policy is "conservative," as more loans are being processed to boost the country's war chest against the coronav irus pandemic. (MNS)

FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS DOMINGUEZ III

ABS-CBN property protected by Constitution — Senator Sotto MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Thursday said the law of the land protects ABS-CBN Corporation from plans of seizing its properties, which has been openly talked about by some members of the House of Representatives last week in a virtual meeting.

In a tweet, Sotto said private property is protected by the Constitution.

Sagip party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta proposed in a Zoom meeting with other House members last Friday that ABS-CBN be evicted from its land due to issues regarding its title.

Ejection was one of the issues raised during the House committee deliberations on the ABS-CBN's franchise application. The panel lat-

er thumbed down the franchise bid.

Sotto had said the media giant should prioritize the reconstitution of its land title for its property along Mother Ignacia Street, Quezon City amid these talks of ejection.

Meanwhile, Senator Richard

G ordon a l so bel ieves their counterparts in the Lower House were "out of line" for discussing such matters after the ABS-CBN shutdown.

"I don't think they can confiscate the properties of the ABS-CBN without due process of law. They cancelled the franchise," Gordon said.

"ABS-CBN is free to own it. Hindi naman puwede agawin ang physical properties ng ABS-CBN. I think they are out of line there," he added.

ABS-CBN went off air since May 5, heeding the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist order.

The media company's 25-year franchise expired on May 4, pending the decision of Congress on its application for renewal then. (MNS)

Gov’t agencies streamline building of telco common towers MANILA — Nine national government agencies on Thursday signed a joint memorandum circular (JMC) to streamline the processing of requirements and reduce delays in the construction of common towers in the country.

In a statement, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said the document was electronically signed during a videoconference joined by the Departments of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Transportation (DOTr), and Health (DOH); Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA); Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP); and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and facilitated by the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI).

It said the JMC complements the DICT Department Circular No. 008, s. 2020 that lays out the guidelines for “shared passive telecommunications tower infrastructure (PTTI),” also

known as the common tower policy.

The DICT said the policy aims to encourage the growth and development of independent tower companies (ITCs) as a pioneering sector for the development of a robust ICT (information and communications technology) environment, “in line with the overall objective of enhancing wireless network coverage and quality of ICT services across the country.”

From an estimated 200 days, the DICT said the new guidelines aim to shorten the construction of common towers to only 16 days.

Aside from increasing internet speeds, signal strength and quality of connection in the country, it said the JMC will also help generate jobs even in remote areas.

The JMC states that multiple permits will no longer be required for the construction of common towers.

These include Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan resolution, Sangguniang Barangay/Council resolution, environmental compliance certificate or certificate of non-coverage

if the proposed site of construction is outside an environmentally critical area, radiation safety evaluation report from the FDA, certified true copy of National Telecommunications Commission provisional authority, certificate of public convenience and necessity, and certificate of registration to provide telecommunication services.

The DICT added that a certificate of use for PTTIs will now be issued by the local Office of the Building Official instead of a certificate of occupancy “which demands more stringent standards.”

CAAP, meanwhile, will no longer require a height clearance permit for common towers below 50 meters that are located outside CAAP critical areas (CCA), according to DICT. “Instead, an Undertaking by a licensed geodetic engineer attesting that the PTTI will be built outside of CCA will be given for submission to the LGU,” it added.

To ensure timely processing of the remaining permits, it said the pro-

Saturday-Friday Saturday-Friday || July July 25 25 -- 31, 31, 2020 2020

Businesses fear Metro Manila to return to ECQ MANILA — The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) fears that the National Capital Region (NCR) would go back to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) status as cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 continue to rise in Metro Manila and some hospitals have reached their full capacity for Covid-19 patients.

“ECOP is gravely concerned that going back to ECQ will make it all the more difficult for the economy to bounce back. Under this scheme, only businesses offering selected essential services will be allowed to operate,” ECOP said in a statement Friday.

It said decision-makers should use extensive profiling for targeted interventions instead of locking down Metro Manila again, where most businesses are located.

ECOP President Sergio Ortiz-Luis said it is an injustice to blame people who are going out for work in the increasing Covid-19 infections in the country, especially in the National Capital Region.

“Government needs to respond based on data from improved contact tracing. While I understand that geographic-based indicators are now available already, we still need to get the other factors, such as the nature of work and workplace, gender, and health condition. Then the intervention can be more specific, well-targeted, and localized quarantine measures may be put in place,” Ortiz-Luis added.

Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion also said returning to ECQ would be a threat to businesses that have just reopened their operations.

Concepcion said that instead of Metro Manila reverting to ECQ, lockdowns should be at a “granular level”, whether it’s a building, road, or barangay.

“We try to avoid quarantining a city, especially not NCR. But as much as possible, if the cases cannot be controlled, then we may opt to quarantine the city,” he said in his closing remarks in the virtual celebration of the National MSME Week on Friday.

Concepcion said he met with some Metro Manila mayors on Friday morning and most of them are focused on the granular approach for community quarantine.

He underscored the need to boost testing.

Concepcion said Covid-19 testing through rapid test kits (RTKs) implemented by companies has helped businesses revisit their health protocols and determine their strategies.

To date, Project ARK (antibody rapid test kits) led by Concepcion has done 1.6 million Covid-19 tests using RTKs. (PNA)

cess will be closely monitored as local government units (LGUs) are now required to inform the DICT of the approval and disapproval of any building permit applications involving common towers.

“LGUs are likewise prohibited from requiring documents or clearances other than those expressly enumerated under the JMC,” the DICT said.

DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II thanked government agencies involved in the project for their participation and said the JMC was “a testament to the convergent efforts of the government to institute measures that will greatly redound to the benefit of the Filipino people.”

(MNS)

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BALITA

Saturday-Friday July 25 - 31, 2020 Visit www.Balita.com

What Jinri Park tells those looking down on her work as a waitress

Megan Young, Mikael Daez consider moving out of Metro Manila

might be that a reminder on the importance of taking tiny Itsteps when starting over is exactly what many need.

But some saw the story of Jinri Park beginning life anew, trading in her previous one behind the camera for work as a waitress, as her being served "karma."

Park had a decent showbiz career in the Philippines as a radio host and model. She even appeared in the popular reality TV show "Pinoy Big Brother," in addition to her several forays into acting.

She abandoned this glitzy life, however, after finding love and deciding that moving to Australia with her husband would be best.

"If you think that I'm currently

miserable with 'karma' acting upon me, I'd just like to say I'm so happy now more than when I was in showbiz," wrote Park, in an Instagram post addressing those looking down on her work as a waitress.

"I have a fun job, a great loving husband and a goal for my future! What more can a girl want?" she asked.

According to Park, a lot of her "haters" have been telling her that this is her getting her comeuppance for leaving her fans behind.

She responded by saying there is nothing wrong with working as a waitress, and that she chose it be-

JINRI PARK cause she found it fun ("I feel like I'm playing a real-life 'Diner Dash'").

She also said that she took it on because she didn't want to burden her parents with her tuition fees, for a course she promised to reveal to her fans in the future.

Park concluded her post by highlighting those who did see her story positively, telling them: "Thank you again to all the encouragement people have sent their way! It’s really heart warming to see some comments where you told me that I inspired you to start again like me." (MNS)

Why Jane de Leon didn't join ABS-CBN protest

J

ane de Leon took to social media on Sunday to express her thoughts about the decision not to give ABSCBN a new franchise, leaving thousands of its employees in danger of losing jobs.

The “Darna” star said what’s currently happening to her “second home” truly breaks her heart.

“Masakit po sa akin ang nangyari sa ABS-CBN dahil pangalawang tahanan ko na rin po ito na siyang nagbigay sa akin ng mga opportunities to gradually reach my goals in life, na unti-unting nagpabago sa buhay ko at ng aking pamilya. And I will forever be thankful sa ABS-CBN and its management,” she said.

De Leon went on to explain why she hasn’t been seen in the streets to rally behind her fellow ABSCBN employees like other celebrities like Angel Locsin and Liza Soberano.

“My support to the current crisis that the network is facing right now is not just measured by going out in the streets in this time of pandemic.

Alam kong para sa nakakarami sa atin, masakit ang closure ng ABS-CBN. Nakikiisa at nakikisimpatya rin po ako sa mga kapwa ko Kapamilya na nawalan ng kabuhayan,”

she said.

“However, let us not forget that in the bigger picture, we are still at risk because we all have an invisible enemy to deal with.

Our health and that of our loved ones are at stake. As the COVID infection rate in our country continues to rise, hospitals and facilities are nearing, if not reached, full capacity,” she added.

De Leon said she refuses to go out and run the risk of adding to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines.

“Let’s not forget that our frontliners continue to face life and death situation as they are being challenged in saving more lives. Dadagdag pa ba tayo sa lumolobong bilang at patuloy na pagtaas ng COVID cases sa ating bansa?” she said.

De Leon also believes it is not fair “to stop doing things you ought to be doing everyday just because of the negative situations around us.”

Saying people can show support in many ways, de

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Mikael Daez and Megan Young are considering moving out of Metro Manila.

The Kapuso couple discussed their plans on their latest podcast episode, where they talked about their financial style as a couple.

Mikael said they are thinking about relocating elsewhere if everything works well with their work from home setups and if their work partnership allows it.

Megan said she and Mikael have always "talked about what life would be outside, like trying life in a different culture, different country, or different area."

Some of the places they're eyeing is La Union, their hometown Subic, or even out of the country like Singapore.

MEGAN & MIKAEL The two said they will make the decision if they hit "certain goals" that will determine whether it's sustainable for them to move out of the city.

Mikael and Megan said this is their "big new financial goal" which they will later talk about in another podcast episode. (MNS)

Arra San Agustin adds 2 new skills up her sleeve this quarantine

JANE DE LEON Leon urged her followers not to be “judgmental and imposing on what others should do according to personal standard and beliefs.”

“Wag po sanang mangibabaw ang galit sa ating puso, bagkus ay pairalin natin ang respeto sa isa’t isa at umasang malalampasan din natin lahat ito. Let’s continue to do better to improve ourselves and continue helping those in need. Everyone is capable of this. Even a little goes a long way.

Tuloy po ang buhay at tuloy din po ang suporta natin sa pinagdadaanan ng ating network at mga kapwa natin Kapamilya,” she said.

Saying she remains a Kapamilya, de Leon ended her long post saying: “Prayers are always the strongest and most powerful weapon in this time of crisis. Let us keep the faith. God bless po sa ating lahat!” (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Arra San Agustin has added two more skills up her sleeve during the quarantine period.

The Kapuso actress, singer, and TV host shared that she had a lot of time on her hands due to the lockdown so she constantly searched for new things to do to keep herself busy.

"Workaholic kasi ako eh," Arra said.

"A y a w k o n g nate-tengga lang ako, or ay aw ko na may free time.

A s much as possible mas gusto ko ARRA SAN AGUSTIN 'yung wala akong tulog. 'Yung pagod ako. Mas nage-enjoyako doon," she added.

In just a matter of months, Arra has learned how to properly play a musical instrument: a ukelele that she bought two years ago.

Now she uses it to make blissful song covers that she posts on Instagram.

Arra also hosts a show called "Taste MNL" where she goes to the most amazing places to try delicious food.

But now as the quarantine period continues, she likes to share her passion for food by taking up baking. She just actually started an online class.

"Taste MNL inspired me on this," she said. (MNS)

LIgHTHOUSe... FrOm Page 5 Currently, people think that due to the ongoing Pandemic Coronavirus, Beijing might be distracted from these maritime disputes, but Maritime security expert Colin Koh said that "it is far from the truth, because the 'PLA (People's Liberation Army) is ready to remain combat-ready

despite the Coronavirus. Further, Koh believes that China will remain consistent in its activities in the disputed waters and that because of the Pandemic across the globe, its actions might go unnoticed.

This was evident after China had publicized on March 10, 2019 that the US had

exercised its freedom of navigation in the Paracels, which usually its the United States' responsibility to report on its own freedom of navigation" This writer's two friends who have both read the new Federal Constitution draft had sent me their sentiments and

for them it "appears that China still automatically owns part of the West Philippine Sea, and that this territorial dispute might be used as a leverage for the Duterte administration to stay in power until the year 2030".... Hmmm, let's wait and see!

BALITA 19 Entertainment Dimples Romana invited to be a Kris Bernal temporarily closes juror for 2020 International Emmys Korean restaurant in QC

Saturday-Friday | July 25 - 31, 2020

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MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actress Dimples Romana shared that dreams do come true as she was invited to be one of the jurors at the 48th International Emmy Awards.

Romana shared the good news to all her fans and followers in an Instagram post.

"Today was a magical day. I was invited by the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences to be a juror for the iEMMYs. The International Emmy Award is given to recognize the best television programs initially produced and aired outside the United States," Romana wrote.

"And to be alongside these amazing industry partners is quite humbling. Pilipinas and Kapamilya represent," she added.

According to its official site, this year's International Emmy Awards Gala will be held on November 23, 2020 in New York City. The nominees will be announced in September.

Romana, considered to be one of the best actresses of her generation, gained recognition

DIMPLES ROMANA anew when she starred in ABS-CBN hit series "Kadenang Ginto," which concluded its run last February. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Kris Bernal has temporarily closed her Korean restaurant in Banawe, Quezon City amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

In an Instagram post, the actress noted the "alarming" number of COVID-19 cases in the country, saying that closing House of Gogi "until further notice" is their way of helping prevent the spread of the virus.

She stressed that "2020 is not a year to make profit," but to "make sure to stay alive."

"Thank you so much for the overwhelming support for House of Gogi, especially during the past few months.

While our goal is to serve you

Weekend

the best Korean dishes, our staff 's safety is our top priority right now," she said.

"The increasing number of positive cases is alarming, and we should do our best to prevent the spread of the virus. Hence, we'll be closing House of Gogi Banawe until further notice," she added.

Bernal went on to thank her fiance, Perry Choi, for being a source of support amid challenging times.

She also sent her prayers to "those businesses that are struggling right now" because of the pandemic.

Aside from House of Gogi, Bernal also has a makeup business called SHE Cosmetics. (MNS)

Wendell Ramos reveals why he became a volunteer firefighter

WENDELL RAMOS

Ramos is happy to cross out another item on his bucket Wendell list by becoming a volunteer firefighter.

But why would the actor, husband and father choose to take on such a job after all these years? And in the midst of a pandemic, no less?

Wendell said he wanted to serve others and, in the process, encourage others to do the same.

"Alam niyo, to be honest, hindi ko po talaga ginawa 'to para, alam niyo 'yun, 'yung mapagusapan lang po," Wendell said.

"Kailangan lang talaga sa panahon ngayon… mas maraming boluntaryong [mag-participate], 'yun lang ang kailangan. Minsan yung mga training kahit paunti-unti, as much as possible mas dumami ang boluntaryo," he added.

Wendell also revealed that firefighting was actually a dream job for him as a kid.

"Sa tingin ko po, heto pong nagawa kong 'to, talagang tamang-tama lang

po, at hilig ko rin ho kasi simula nung bata ako," the actor said.

Wendell Ramos announced that he completed his training as a certified ABP (Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas) last month.

On his first call on-duty, the actor responded to an incident at a factory in Valenzuela City. No one was hurt, but the fire lasted for seven hours and damaged P15 million worth of property.

Wendell admitted that the job and the training was "more difficult" than he expected. The process, however, helped open his eyes to the hard and valuable work of the country's firefighters.

"Sa training pa lang, mahirap na talaga," Wendell said. "'Yung akala natin na mahirap lang magpatay ng apoy, pero mas mahirap talaga din dito 'yung pag-te-training,

yung akala ko rin d at i, hu mawa k lang ako ng hose, humawak lang ako ng, alam mo 'yun? ' Yung mga equipment," he added.

"Mahirap, para ka ring talagang, as in, rescue rin talaga siya. And, up to now, continuous learning pa rin siya, hindi pa rin po tapos 'yung training."

Wendell left a special reminder for others who would be up for the job. " S a l a h at ng mga netizens at mga nanonood at sumusuporta ho sa akin: 'Wag ho kayong matakot mag-bu mbero, dahil hindi naman ho kayo para pabayaan ng Diyos at para pabayaan ng kapwa nating mga manggagawa."

Wendell would also recommend it to those who have a lot of time on their hands during pandemic. "Magandang magdagdag tayo sa bucket list ng mga gusto nating gawin, diba?" he said.

"Kumbaga, kung merong mga nagti-Tiktok, may nagluluto, dahil sa panahon ngayong quarantine and meron mga nagiging enthusiast sa pagte-training, heto pwedeng makadagdag sa kanila sa bucket list nila," he added.

(MNS)

KRIS BERNAL

Mikee Quintos receives Silver Play Button from YouTube MANILA (Mabuhay) — Mikee Quintos has just relaunched her vlog last week, but already, she's received the Silver Play Button from YouTube.

Announcing the good news on Instagram, Mikee shared the success with her fans and followers.

"We got it, Sweetie s! C ong r at u lations!!" She wrote excitedly as she posted a couple of photos of herself, happily holding the accolade.

The Silver Play Button is given to c ontent cre ator s who've surpassed the 100,000 subscriber mark. As of writing, Mikee has 159,000 subscribers.

She relaunched her vlog last Tuesday, July 7, with the mission to inspire everybody to "work for your truth."

In her latest video the actress talked about finding one’s truth starting with the question, “What do I want to be?”

“We hear this question a lot

MIKEE QUINTOS as kids. Some of us spend a whole lifetime unconsciously trying to answer that one question, but are we really doing it right?” she continued.

Mikee said she realized that as people grew the answer to that question changed.

“Most of the time it’s influenced by a lot of other things.

The more we get to know ourselves the closer we are to getting it right,” she said. (MNS)

20

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