Weekend Balita- May 23, 2020

LOS ANGELES EDITION

Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine trial shows positive early results PAGE 14 VOL. XXIX NO. 21

May 23 - 29, 2020

TOP STORIES Global News As we transition to ‘New Normal,’ MIAA adopts new rules at the NAIA 8  Female cadet from Isabela tops PMA ‘Masidlawin Class’ of 2020 8  DOE considers use of nuclear energy to reduce power rates in Philippines 9  Philippines eyes deportation of Spaniard in alleged quarantine violation 9  CHR: Red-tagging of critics leads to unlawful arrests, torture 9  Philippines’ COVID-19 cases rise to 13,597 with 3,092 recoveries 9  Duterte adviser to small business owners: Don’t use family savings as new working capital 19  Talks of Duque resignation revived in Senate after ‘second wave’ blunder 10  Embassy slams critics opposing US arms sale to PH 10  S. Korea donates 50K face masks for PH Korean War veterans, kin 10 

Sections BUSINESS. DOTr-LTFRB taps GCash as digital payments provider for taxis, TNVS 19  COMMUNITY. Carson has lowest crime rate in history 3  ENTERTAINMENT. Nadine Lustre emerges as a stronger woman after lockdown 12  HEALTH & FAMILY. Covid-19 survivors among health workers continue to rise 14  DELISH. All-Time Adobo Favorites 18 

Operation Love: Care Packages for Families

LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas

ABOUT 100 South Los Angeles families with young children received free meals, groceries, diapers and hand sanitizers at Operation Love: Care Packages for Families, an event sponsored by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas in partnership with several nonprofits and businesses.

“Operation Love emerged from the question: What do families most impacted by this pandemic need?” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said at the event, hosted by Holman United Methodist Church.

“Operation Love is our way of showing vulnerable households that we care about their well-being and we are here for them.”

Ambyr Rose of Parents in Partnership, a support group for parents in the child welfare system, said, “These care packages are making a difference in the OPERATION LOVE:

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

GarCeTTI eaSeS reQUIremeNTS fOr mICrO LOaNS L

os Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has announced that he is relaxing eligibility requirements in order to help more L.A. companies obtain microloan funding from the City, as he highlighted efforts to assist and protect businesses affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The Mayor has instructed t he Economic and Workforce Development Department to relax some requirements to make it easier for companies to receive funding through

an $11 million economic relief program rolled out in March. He also directed the department to prioritize loan applications that were previously denied, so they can be reassessed based on GARCETTI

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LA Mayor Eric Garcetti makes new economic announcements in front of the Caveman Vintage Music store in downtown Los Angeles.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Mayor of LA

LA County eco resiliency task force eyes reopening on Fourth of July THE Los Angeles County’s Economic Resiliency Task Force is developing fast-track plans for a safe economic reopening by July 4th --- eyeing diverse economic areas ranging from bioscience, hospitality and education to sports, entertainment and the arts.

The proposed timetable was unveiled during the task force’s second meeting this week and included a presentation by the Los Angeles Economic Development Cor-

poration wherein the high stakes and urgency of the local economic situation was highlighted in the backdrop of a continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Bill Allen, president of the LAEDC, said there have been more than 1 million unemployment claims fi led in L.A. County to date. More than 75% of the projected job losses are in positions earning an average of $50,000 a year or less, with restaurants

and retail industries hit the hardest.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Barger, the task force chair, said a safe reopening is needed as soon as possible.

“I understand the urgency to reopen and know many of the experts the County has assembled for this task force have been working hard to develop safe and efficient plans to revitalize their sectors as early as next month,” Barger said.

LA COUNTY

Gov’t considering lockdown by ‘zones’ in June MANILA (Mabuhay) — The government is considering implementing localized lockdowns by "zones" where necessary after existing community quaran-

tine arrangements end this month, an official said Friday.

C O V I D -1 9 r e sponse chief implementer Carlito Galvez, Jr. said the "zoning concept" will

GOV’T

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Galvez: Metro Manila faring better vs. COVID-19 than Lombardy, New York MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines' imposition of an enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila to control the spread of COVID-19 has served the region well enough that it's better off than some cities in the United States and Europe, the chief implementer of the national policy versus the

Carlito Galvez, Jr

coronavirus said on Friday.

"Marami po ang nag-sasabi na hindi nakatulong ang ating GALVEZ:

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Caregivers need not re-test for COVID-19 at end of quarantine

By ABNER GALINO ON Wednesday (May 20), the non-profit organization Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) held another “COVID-19 Conversation + Q & A” that featured Dr. Bob Harrison, M.D., of the University of California San Francisco. He specializes in work and environmental-induced diseases and injuries.

The said webinar was primarily hosted by PWC Executive director Aquilina Soriano-Versoza.

Here are some of the takeaways from the PWC’s conversation with Dr. Harrison: 1. Quarantined caregivers don’t need to be re-tested for COVID-19: a. According to Dr. Harrison, caregivers who were quarantined for 14 days because they were exposed to the virus through a contact with a sick person — but did not experience symptoms during quarantine — do not need to be re-tested. b. Caregivers who were infected but recovered well during quarantine also don’t need to be re-tested for the virus, particularly 7 days after they are no longer showing any symptoms of the disease.

Dr. Harrison said that it is very likely that such a test would only turn out a “positive” result because of the presence of dead virus on the person’s nostrils.

While this is certainly easier said than done, caregivers have no choice but to just dutifully explain and convince roommates and CAREGIVERS

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ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor

Fil-Am

Community Visit www.Balita.com

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Report Warns of Census Undercount of Youngest Kids

By MARK HEDIN Ethnic Media Services The 2020 census, now in its second month of collecting data, is on track to be “one of the most incomplete in history,” according to UCLA researcher and advisor to the U.S. Census Bureau Paul Ong. In keeping with past collections, kids younger than 5, people of color, and households that include immigrants, are impoverished or lack English-language skills are the most likely to be uncounted in the census tally, a reality that will affect government spending priorities for the next decade, The nationwide household response rate for the past month has been at least 11% behind its 2010 census rate (https:// tinyurl.com/UCLACensusStudy), Ong says. In that census, considered the most accurate yet and with a 74% response rate, the population most left out — officially 2 million — was kids younger than 5.

Being counted in the census benefits individuals and their communities. In general, for every person of any age, being counted in the census is worth an extra couple of thousand dollars of government funds for hundreds of programs, including many that target kids’ well-being by boosting their education, nutrition, housing and more. Since 2010, the uncounted children’s needs have been left out of funding decisions.

Almost 16.5 million kids younger than 5 live in the United States now. The Washington, D.C.-based Population Research Bureau (PRB) recently estimated that up to 25% of them — 4.065 million

— live where there’s a “very high risk” that their household will not complete the nine-question census form. And another 9.29 million are at “high risk” of not being counted.

In those very high risk regions, as of early May, the household census response rate was 48.6%, while the overall national rate was 54.6%. Households of all sizes, rather than individuals, comprise the basic unit of census responses.

Kids deemed at very high risk of not being counted live in poverty; among adults 18-34 with low educational attainment; in households either led by women with no spouse present or only with grandparents; in households with limited English-language skills; in immigrant families or in families that are renters.

The PRB study (https://tinyurl.com/ PRBstudy) found that these conditions varied by ethnicity. Among African Americans, for example, 48% of kids younger than 5 are considered at very high risk of not being counted. For Latinos, it’s 38%, and for American Indian/ Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiian/ Other Pacific Islanders it’s 31%.

The very high risk rate for Asian Americans kids 0-5 is 28%. It’s 22% for those identifying as being of two or more ethnicities, and for non-Hispanic whites it’s 9%.

The PRB study also offers some new tools to identify where this year’s potentially uncounted children live, the better to ensure their inclusion in the census count.

Of the nation’s more than 3,000 counties, 689 were home to 93% of 2010’s

uncounted kids, the researchers found.

From there, the study highlighted the census tracts — typically about 4,000 people each — within several major U.S. urban areas to show where kids are most likely at very high risk of being overlooked.

In Miami-Dade County, 84% of its kids younger than 5 were in that category. In Philadelphia the percentage was 64%.

New York was 57%, Washington, D.C., 53%, and Harris County, Texas (Houston), and Cook County, Illinois (Chicago), both 40%. Wayne County, Michigan was 39%.

Linked to the PBR study were interactive maps drawn by the City University of New York’s Center for Urban Research with detailed descriptions of each census tract, nationwide, and a link to a downloadable Excel spreadsheet.

The descriptions, including estimates of how many kids live in the census tracts and under what circumstances, are largely based on information in the American Community Survey (ACS), which the Census Bureau gathers in between the decennial censuses, and other non-decennial Census Bureau studies.

They offer more details about people’s circumstances but don’t attempt to count everybody.

Another resource is CUNY’s “Hard to Count” maps (https://tinyurl.com/CUNYsHTCmap) that have tracked census response rates and challenges since the data-gathering process began in midMarch.

Because the ACS and other non-decennial surveys extrapolate from samples, the resulting data isn’t used in the im-

portant decisions based on the decennial census, such as how many seats each state has in Congress or how $1.5 trillion of federal funds are spent every year.

If you want you or your kids to be included in those plans for the 2020s, it’s time to make sure you and your community are counted. The next chance will be in 2030.

OPeraTION LOVe:.... frOm PaGe 1 life of children and families and is a reminder that the community is here to support them in times of need.”

Faith Foster Families Network (3FN), a collaborative of six-faith based organizations and churches, is overseeing the coordination of Operation Love, a series of four food and diaper distribution events in South LA, Inglewood and Compton.

Today's event was the second in the series.

“It is crucial that the faith community is present and providing life sustaining resources for those affected by the child welfare system, some of the most vulnerable in our communities,” 3FN Executive Director Nancy Harris said.

LA County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) staff were on hand to help families access benefits and to offer their expertise in child welfare and child protection.

“Today’s gathering is a visual example of hope in action and the generosity of community partners who care deeply about the well-being of children and families,” DCFS Chief Deputy Director Ginger Pryor said.

“After many weeks of being homebound, perhaps struggling emotionally and economically, this is a welcome and meaningful outpouring of kindness and support for Los Angeles County families.”

The families who received care packages had been referred by various LA County departments as well as faith-based and community organizations. The LA Regional Food Bank provided them with 36-lb. grocery bags while the Good+Foundation handed out boxes of diapers.

Kilroy Realty purchased to-go meals from Sweetgreen and The Waffle, which are closed because of the extended Safer at Home order. Fueling the Fearless coordinated delivery of the meals and showed up with sweet surprises for volunteers and children who have birthdays in late May. “As a member of this community, Kilroy Realty Corporation is proud to partner with Operation Love,” the company’s Senior Planning Manager, Marina Martos Dabel, said.

“Our purchase of more than 1,000 meals helps feed families in need while also supporting local restaurants whose businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We are dedicated to serving nourishment where it is needed most," added Fueling The Fearless Director Brooke Baker Kronschnabel.

The nonprofit's mission is to help struggling restaurants stay afloat while providing nourishment to healthcare heroes, essential workers, and families in need.

RPP Products, an automotive chemicals and lubricants company, began manufacturing hand sanitizers during the pandemic and donated several boxes of them.

“Taking care of our fellow Southern California community, especially the homeless and food-insecure, is very important to us,” RPP Products CEO Eric Zwigart said.

“The COVID-19 crisis and need for hand sanitizer will last for a long time, and we are dedicated to producing and donating hand sanitizer for as long as it’s needed. I want to thank Supervisor Ridley-Thomas’s office for including us in this opportunity to give back.”

3 BALITA Community United Beyond Heritage: How Asian Americans Are Playing Key Roles in the Pandemic

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sian Americans in medicine, business, and education demonstrate the importance of an accurate 2020 Census count In previous years, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month was just a time to celebrate the growing influence of the diverse Asian American community through individual and collective recognition of recent achievements.

This year, it’s become more than that. While AAPI Heritage Month still appreciates those who have helped elevate the community, many organizations are honoring those who are of special service to the community during this time of COVID-19.

Thank you to our healthcare workers We’re talking about “essential” workers like health care professionals, business owners, and educators, who are all on the frontlines of this global emergency and adapting creatively to keep the American economy going. From coast to coast, Asian Americans are doing their part to feed our communities, save lives, and support our students.

Culturally competent health care workers are helping people navigate the health care system during this time. And Asian American health professionals are providing accurate information about COVID-19 to their patients in various Asian languages.

Asian Americans make up 9 percent of the hospital workforce, according to 2019 CPS data. These medical professionals are doing what they can to support their patients, recognizing there are gaps out of their control.

“We know there are subsets of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders that have disproportionately suffered during this pandemic, and that has been hard for all of us,” said Dr. Winston Wong, family physician and chair of the National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians (NCAPIP).

That’s why Nadia Islam, an associate professor at the NYU School of Medicine, believes community health workers are the key to reaching those in need because they offer an understanding of the communities they serve through shared ethnicity and experiences.

“Community health workers serve as a bridge between communities and healthcare systems,” Islam said. “In the COVID-19 pandemic, they play a critical role in facilitating access to culturally rel-

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evant resources and information, and mitigating fear and stigma communities may be facing regarding the pandemic.”

Thank you to our business owners Asian-owned small businesses are innovating with the help of community development organizations like National CAPACD. Across the country, their member organizations are assisting momand-pop businesses to boost their social media presence, hold pop-up stores online, pivot operations to curbside pickup, and partner with local organizations to get meals to

Thank you to our educators As many Americans have shifted to remote work , teachers have had to move their classes online and adapt their teaching styles to suit the virtual environment. They have also offered emotional support as kids try to make ASIAN physicians are at the forefront of caring for their communities, today and beyond sense of these uncer- the pandemic. Photo courtesy of Asian Health Services located in Oakland, Calif. Photo from Asian Health Services tain times.

STELLA Loi, owner of Sobo Ramen, is partnering with Good Good Eatz, an initiative to help Oakland Chinatown’s small businesses to adapt during COVID-19. Photo courtesy of Good Good Eatz those in need and front-line medical staff.

“These business owners are amazingly resilient and are doing what they can to keep things going.

Our members are doing all they can to help the businesses survive this pandemic, knowing that without these businesses, our neighborhoods and communities will never be the same,” said Joyce Pisnanont, director of economic empowerment at National CAPACD. “We risk losing much of what makes our communities authentic, unique and full of flavor.”

Small businesses are the backbone of local economies, accounting for 44 percent of U.S. economic activity, and creating two-thirds of net new jobs, the Small Business Administration reported. The 2016 Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs reported that in the United States, there are 555,000 Asian-owned businesses, but they are now at risk because of COVID-19.

Many of these small businesses serve as a pillar in AAPI communities, and they have the support of National CAPACD and others helping them to adapt.

“[Educators] are helping to provide some sense of normalcy at a time when nothing is. They are also doing this through their own grief, stress, anxiety, and racialized trauma to bring hope and comfort for their students,” said Sarah Ha, Vice President of the National Community Alliances team at Teach For America.

Asian American teachers may also serve as role model to an Asian student has in their lives. Research has shown that students’ educational outcomes improve when they have teachers who share similar identifies and life experiences to them. Yet only 2.5 percent of teachers nationwide identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander (AANHPI), Teach For America reported.

Recognizing the importance of teachers reflecting the students in the classroom, Teach For America launched an initiative to develop Asian American teachers. Seven percent of their current teachers identify as AANHPI, which is higher than the national average. The hope is that the number of AANHPI teachers will continue growing.

Why the 2020 Census matters for hospitals, businesses, and schools

CARSON HAS LOWEST CRIME RATE IN HISTORY

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n a report to Mayor Albert Robles and the Carson City Council, LASD Station Captain Jason Skeen noted that crime is down in Carson -- the lowest documented crime rate in the City’s history.

“We are down in every single major Part I Crime category which includes homicide, rape, assault, robbery, burglary, grand theft auto, larceny thefts, and arson. It is extremely rare to be down in every major category. What makes this even more impressive is 2018 and 2019, represented our two lowest crime years prior to the unprecedented crime trajectory we are currently on,” said Captain Skeen.

Skeen attributes the encouraging statistics to the success of various enforcement strategies, the dedication of the deputies, professional staff, and investigators. He also credits the success to the engagement of the community and the support of the elected officials and city adminis-

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tration along with the Safer at Home Order associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have the finest law enforcement agency in the country serving Carson. We are proud that during these unprecedented times that our crime statistics have gone down to new record lows thanks to the strong partnership between our community and the Sheriff ’s Department,” said Carson Mayor Albert Robles.

“We are most appreciative of the deputies’ daily efforts to ensure our residents are safe and LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s leadership to make crime suppression and prevention his number one priority.”

To know more about helping prevent crime in the community or volunteer or partnership opportunities, please contact the Carson Sheriff ’s Station at (310) 830-1123 or contact the City of Carson Public Safety Division at (310) 952-1786.

SUSIE Kim, a teacher based in New York City, is featured in a 2015 Teach For America video about AAPI Heritage Month. Screenshot taken from video. Photo from Teach for America As the public health crisis continues with the count in progress, people on the front lines have noticed in real time the need for accurate and detailed census data about Asian ethnic groups.

Census data allow the health sector to stay prepared for emergency relief and recovery, such as determining the number of hospital beds needed and medical supplies in an area. Demographic statistics can help health care providers, hospitals, and healthcare systems improve their response to public health disasters. Dr. Wong, from NCAPIP, said he is reminded that an accurate census count “will be foundational to protecting the health of all of us because we can then plan to put the resources where they are needed most.“ Census data can help organizations assess language needs for informational materials and interpretation services in a neighborhood.

Detailed race and ethnicity data can also help communities identify which racial groups are faced with higher infection rates and inform how the health sector would create solutions.

For example, “the Asian American community has been particularly hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic here in NYC, yet citywide data demonstrates that Asian Americans have the lowest risk. We

know from the community that this is not reflective of what is happening on the ground,” Islam said. She believes this discrepancy is due to the lack of accurate data on Asian Americans in New York.

“An accurate census count is a critical first step to help educators address the needs of every child and marshal critical resources to address the inequities they face.

Being counted ensures that every child and their families receive their fair share of federal and state funding for programs, services, and resources critical to their health and well-being,” Ha said.

How can you help? Be counted in the 2020 Census In this era of COVID-19, health workers, business owners, and educators are serving our community more than ever before. By responding to the 2020 Census, you are serving these essential workers during AAPI Heritage Month.

Filling out the census would help support our communities so that our community can be accurately represented, which would help us in gaining resources and programs, congressional representation, federal funding, and more.

You can respond now online at my2020census.gov by phone, or by mail. For more information, visit https://2020census.gov/.

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Relief for fund for Mariachis, laborers

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he third round of grants issued since the beginning of the coronavirus response by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles’ Pandemic Relief Fund focuses on undocumented and low-income workers throughout Los Angeles County.

The series of grants will support multiple organizations providing direct relief to mariachis, day laborers, janitors and domestic workers. Additional funds will support Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services, which provide assistance to help families access stimulus funds and state-level Earned Income Tax Credit dollars that they’ve earned.

“Federal assistance has been a hard-fought lifeline for so many right now, but there remains a substantial number of our low-income working families and individuals unable to access it,” said Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

“The incredible support and generosity to our Pandemic Relief Fund will help make it possible to support those in need and their families, and make sure they can qualify for help where it’s available.”

In just over two months, the Pandemic Re-

lief Fund has raised more than $9.5 million.

Thanks to individuals as well as our corporate and foundation partners uniting to support Los Angeles’s most vulnerable neighbors, United Way of Greater Los Angeles continues to identify key organizations meeting critical needs to support through this fund.

The first round of grants identified immediate needs in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown, supporting low-income entrepreneurs such as street vendors as well as assisting people experiencing homelessness and low-income students and their families.

Following this, the Fund focused on direct supply grants to more than 100 organizations and mini-grants to 45 other community-based organizations throughout the county. Additional grants will be announced in the coming weeks.

Workers who cannot access federal support

Many working Angelenos, including day laborers, janitors, domestic workers, street vendors and mariachis, are ineligible for unemployment and other public benefits due to their immigration status.

At the same time, safer-at-home regulations prevent them from working. They may be especially vulnerable to becoming homeless without the right support. Funds provided can keep food on their tables and a roof over their head.

The five organizations who received grants to support the workers they serve include Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), Community Power Collective, IDEPSCA (Popular Education Institute of SoCal), Inner City Struggle, and Building Skills Partnership.

“With the federal government barely acknowledging low-income immigrants’ struggles in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, support has mostly fallen on the shoulders of organizations like ours to quell anxiety over a public health crisis, to provide accurate information on prevention in multiple languages, and to provide immediate funding for food, housing, and basic needs,” said Martha Arevalo, Executive Director, Central American Resource Center.

“With the generous funds provided by United Way of Greater Los Angeles, we have been able to increase our capacity to

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support our most vulnerable populations, including low-income immigrants and lowwage workers. This pandemic has proved to us that support for all is critical to the survival of all.”

"Many workers in Boyle Heights cannot access government resources because of the informal nature of their work or because of their immigration status,” said Carla De Paz, Director, Community Power Collective.

“Mariachi workers from the Plaza and street vendors are struggling to pay rent and access basic necessities. These funds are helping keep some our most vulnerable neighbors housed and fed."

"Building Skills Partnership is grateful for the generous support of United Way of Greater Los Angeles to address the immediate needs of our communities during this time of crisis,” said Luis Sandoval, Interim Executive Director, Building Skills Partnership.

“This will provide immediate relief to low-income families with no access to other benefits. Our priority is to address the rising housing insecurity by low income families with school age children.”

CareGIVerS... frOm PaGe 1 co-workers that they have recovered from the disease and are no longer carriers of the virus.

CMMS GUIDELINES FOR NURSING HOMES Dr. Harrison shared the most recent guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services which noted that “nursing homes have been severely impacted by COVID-19, with outbreaks causing high rates of infection, morbidity, and mortality.

The vulnerable nature of the nursing home population combined with the inherent risks of congregate living in a healthcare setting, requires aggressive efforts to limit COVID-19 exposure and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within nursing homes.”

In the said memo, the CMMS recommended the following: “Access to adequate testing: The facility should have a testing plan in place based on contingencies informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At minimum, the plan should consider the following components: — The capacity for all nursing home residents to receive a single baseline COVID- 19 test. Similarly, the capacity for all residents to be tested upon identification of an individual with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or if a staff member tests positive for COVID-19.

Capacity for continuance of weekly re-testing of all nursing home residents until all residents test negative; — The capacity for all nursing home staff (including volunteers and vendors who are in the facility on a weekly basis) to receive a single baseline COVID-19 test, with re-testing of all staff continuing every week (note: State and local leaders may adjust the requirement for weekly testing of staff based on data about the circulation of the virus in their community); — Written screening protocols for all staff (each shift), each resident (daily), and all persons entering the facility, such as vendors, volunteers, and visitors; — An arrangement with laboratories to process tests. The test used should be able to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus (e.g., polymer-

ase chain reaction (PCR)) with greater than 95% sensitivity, greater than 90% specificity, with results obtained rapidly (e.g., within 48 hours). Antibody test results should not be used to diagnose someone with an active SARS-CoV-2 infection.

• A procedure for addressing residents or staff that decline or are unable to be tested (e.g., symptomatic resident refusing testing in a facility with positive COVID-19 cases should be treated as positive).

• Universal source control: Residents and visitors wear a cloth face covering or facemask.

If a visitor is unable or unwilling to maintain these precautions (such as young children), consider restricting their ability to enter the facility. All visitors should maintain social distancing and perform hand washing or sanitizing upon entry to the facility.

• Access to adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for staff: Contingency capacity strategy is allowable, such as CDC’s guidance at Strategies to Optimize the Supply of PPE and Equipment (facilities’ crisis capacity PPE strategy would not constitute adequate access to PPE). All staff wear all appropriate PPE when indicated. Staff wear cloth face covering if facemask is not indicated, such as administrative staff.

• Local hospital capacity: Ability for the local hospital to accept transfers from nursing homes.”

Dr. Harrison also pointed out that while fever is one of most common symptoms of the disease, it is not always present in all of the cases encountered by doctors so far. He advised that temperature screening should not be made the sole basis for isolation or identifying possible COVID-19 infection.

Diarrhea that has been on going for days, according to the doctor, is one of the symptoms of the disease.

The so-called “COVID-19 toes” has also emerged to be another rare but accurate symptom of the disease. In this case, the patient develops redness on his toes that are also described to be very itchy.

AS the weather warms up, people rush to their favorite beaches in Los Angeles County.

Huntington Beach, a favorite staging site of demonstrators asking for immediate opening of the California economy, remains as one of biggest crowd drawer. This photo was taken last Saturday (May 16). Photo by Abner Galino

GarCeTTI.... frOm PaGe 1 the new eligibility standards; and to add capacity to the team charged with processing the loans, so that money can get to companies more quickly.

“We will survive this crisis — and my administration will do everything possible to help businesses start getting back on their feet while we fight to save lives and rebuild the economy,” said Mayor Garcetti.

“These funds can make a real difference, and I want them to get out more quickly to more businesses.”

The Mayor joined Caveman Vintage Music store owner Eric Stollsteimer — one of many local business owners now resuming limited operations under new health and safety protocols — to discuss the City’s efforts to assist and protect businesses, workers, and customers.

Mayor Garcetti has taken a number of actions to assist and protect businesses, workers, and customers during the COVID-19 crisis. He has modified the City of L.A.’s Safer At Home emergency order to allow retail businesses to resume limited operations with delivery and curbside or doorside service, with the City now providing retail establishments with temporary retail pickup parking zones to help with compliance and boost safety.

The Mayor also placed a moratorium on commercial evictions against businesses affected by COVID-19, led the creation of the $11 million economic relief package for small businesses and helped establish an L.A. CARES Corps to help local businesses navigate the process of applying for federal loans that can help them survive the crisis.

Before strengthening the order to require Angelenos to wear face coverings at all times when outside their homes and around others, the Mayor required non-medical essential business workers and customers to wear face coverings.

In a related development, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn has urged California Governor Gavin Newsom to allow retail businesses statewide to reopen under the same health protocols that “essential” retail businesses have been allowed to operate under.

Under the State of California’s stay at home order, “non-essential” retailers are closed and have only recently been allowed to open for curbside pick-up only.

Meanwhile, “essential” retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco have been allowed to stay open for in-store shopping with safety protocols in place because they sell groceries and other essential items in addition to non-essential products.

“What seemed to be a necessary measure at the early onset of this crisis has unintentionally created winners and losers in this ‘pandemic economy,’ with large retail businesses able to operate, while small retail businesses are struggling and limited to curbside pickup,” said Supervisor Hahn.

“This needs to change.”

In a letter to Governor Newsom, Supervisor Hahn urged that these restrictions be adjusted to the smaller retail shops that are losing business everyday to big box stores. She has proposed updating the State’s public health order to immediately allow all retailers to open with: • Limited capacity • Face covering or mask requirement for employees and customers • Physical distancing “If these measures are working to keep essential retail businesses like Target, Home Depot, and Costco open and safe, they can certainly be applied to all retailers,” continued Hahn.

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US AIR FORCE Thunderbirds Fly Over LA Hospitals as a tribute to frontliners

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n Friday, May 15, 2020 there was a spectacular fly over by the US Air Force Thunderbirds as a tribute to all frontliners through most of LA’s hospitals. The Thunderbirds flew over hospitals such as: UC Irvine Hospital in Orange County, White Memorial Hospital on East LA, USC Hospital in downtown LA, Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley Hospital, and over the hospitals of Santa Clarita, Palmdale and Lancaster. The scheduled fly over was televised and watched by thousands of Angelenos including numerous medical frontliners who all reciprocated by waving back from outside of the ER entrances in their medical facilities.

The US Air Force Air Squadron called 'Thunderbirds," is the "air squadron of the United States Air Force (USAF). The Thunderbirds are assigned to the 57th Wing Division and are based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

The mission of the Thunderbird Squadron is to tour the United States and much of the world, performing aerobatic forma-

tion and solo flying in specifically marked aircrafts. The squadron's name was taken from the legendary creature that appears in the mythologies of the of several indigenous North American cultures.

The Thunderbird Squadron is a named USAF Squadron, meaning it does not carry a numerical designation. It is also one of the oldest squadrons in the Air Force.

La COUNTY... frOm PaGe 1 “I remain focused on working with industry leaders and health officials to safely make way for Los Angeles County to reopen by the Fourth of July.”

The hearing included presentations from 13 industry representatives, who described the impacts of COVID-19 on their sectors.

Jerry Greenberg, representing the restaurants/leisure/hospitality sector, reported that 80% of restaurant jobs have been lost.

Pat Niemann, representing corporate business, discussed the consequences of reopening delays and the dangers of long-lasting unemployment.

Donna Langley, film and entertainment representative, reported that the industry’s 890,000 film and entertainment employees were for the most part not working and noted that this unemployment trickled down to small business vendors as well.

Though each sector reported specific impacts, some common critical needs emerged in the meeting, including rapid but safe reopenings and customized guidance and health/safety protocols for sectors.

Several members expressed the desire for new public-private partnerships and revenue streams to create jobs.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, the task force’s vice chair, thanked the task force members and recommended using the LAEDC report as a roadmap for the work ahead.

“It should spur discussion and guide us on what we face here in the County in all segments of our society, whether it’s education, healthcare, entertainment, workforce development, or safety for our employees,” she said.

“We can move through this cautiously and expeditiously.”

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas said that strategies for reopening should pay special attention to underserved and disadvantaged communities, including communities of color.

“We can construct a much brighter future for all of us in Los Angeles County,” he said, “if we focus on equity and prosperity.”

Supervisor Sheila Kuehl noted the critical importance of public cooperation as we move closer to re-opening.

“Our ability to re-open depends on a very high level of cooperation from the public. If it weren’t for the public’s willingness to practice social distancing, wear face covers and take necessary precautions, we would not be in a position to

begin to plan a re-opening, and our ability to meet our goal of reopening as fully as possible as quickly as possible is dependent on each and every resident of this county doing their part to protect their own health, the health of their family and their community,” Kuehl said.

Supervisor Janice Hahn said it’s essential to get small businesses up and running. “The longer we stay closed in certain sectors, particularly small businesses and restaurants, the odds are that they will not be able to come back,” she said.

“I feel that we have to get to the point that we learn to live with the virus. We cannot stay locked down forever. My hope is that this task force will bring forth real plans for reopening these sectors that our Department of Public Health can agree on and present to the governor.”

The task force’s next meeting will be on June 2.

Economic Resiliency Task Force Sector Representatives

1. Arts and Culture: Tim Dang, USC 2. Business - Corporate / Manufacturing: Pat Niemann, Ernst & Young 3. Business - Small: Linda Griego, MLK Community Health Foundation and Griego Enterprises, Inc. 4. Commodities / Goods Movement: Mario Cordero, Port of Long Beach 5. Education: Dr. Barry Corey, Biola University 6. Faith Organizations: Jackie DuPont-Walker, African Methodist Episcopal Church 7. Film / Digital Media: Jeff Shell, NBCUniversal 8. Foundations / Nonprofits: Regina Birdsell, Center for Nonprofit Management 9. Healthcare / Bioscience: Dr. Hector Flores, Adventist Health White Memorial 10. Infrastructure Development / Construction: Fran Inman, Majestic Realty 11. Labor: Ron Herrera, LA County Federation of Labor 12. Restaurants / Leisure / Hospitality: Jerry Greenberg, Sugarfish.

13. Sports / Entertainment: Casey Wasserman, LA 2028 The Economic Resiliency Task Force was created by a board motion by Supervisors Barger and Solis, and unanimously adopted on April 28, 2020.

Its origins date back to the organization's 30th Aero Squadron formed at Kelly Field, Texas, on June 13, 1917.

Officers serve a twoyear assignment with the squadron, while enlisted personnel serve three to four years. As the squadron performs no more

than 88 air demonstrations each year, replacements must be trained for about half of the team each year, in order provide a constant mix of experience. In addition to their air demonstration responsibilities, the Thunderbirds are part of USAF combat force and if required, can be rapidly integrated into an operational fighter unit. Overall, since 1953, they have flown in front of more than 300 million people. Since February 15, 1974, the Thunderbirds have been a component of the 57th Wing Division at Nellis AFB." As mesmerized Angelenos, watching the spectacular flyover aerobatic demonstrations, let us all thank the Thunderbirds in saluting and giving tribute to all our medical heroes, here in the Los Angeles area.

On a personal note, this writer, along with a dear lawyer friend, Janet Cartwright, from another state, are both sending a silent special tribute to our former mentor who recently passed away due to COVID -19. Upon our mentor's Filipino family request, the name need not be mentioned., Our friend Janet remembers the chance encounter with our mentor, while she was a law senior at one of the Universities in the State. She recalled 'meeting our mentor at the International House of the university,' while this writer was likewise enrolled in another university. It was almost at the same time when both of us (Janet and this writer) were likewise introduced to each other. Both Janet and this writer became close friends since. This was around the time of the first moon landing, and we all lived together in our mentor's three-bedroom townhouse near our schools. But sadly, after a couple of years, our dynamic mentor/landlord had to be transferred to another country, Luckily, both Janet and this writer stayed in touch and suddenly, we last month, we both sad learned of our mentor's sudden demise due to COVID 19. Much as Janet and I wanted to reach out to the family of this person, we were discouraged to do so. Hopefully, the family of this person will somehow read our SILENT tribute to their family member who recently passed away. May this person REST IN PEACE. God bless.

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a contingency allowing a seller to cancel if they are unable to obtain notarized deed.

California property values direction?

INCREASING rate of COVID-19 (“Coronavirus”) cases continues to create havoc in the global economy and in domestic financial markets. However, C.A.R. ( California Association of Realtors) is not revising its current 2020 housing market forecast, but will continue to monitor the market for negative macroeconomic impacts on the demand for housing as well as the supply chain impacts that could adversely affect the cost of new home construction in the coming months and quarters. C.A.R. has created a list of the Top 10 potential impacts that could elicit questions from buyers and sellers over the near term.

1. Forecasts Have Been Downgraded, But Few Economists are Calling for Recession Yet: Last week, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its forecast for global economic growth by 0.1%, but is still calling for an expansion in 2020, albeit at a slower pace.

Similar orders of magnitude have been forecast for the domestic economy, with groups like Wells Fargo and others expecting GDP to grow by 10-20 basis points slower than their pre-Coronavirus forecast. Growth is expected to be slower, but the economy is still expected to grow.

2. Mortgage Rates Will Likely Remain Low, Or Even Fall Further As A Result of Coronavirus: The Federal Reserve issued an emergency 50 basis point cut to their target interest rates, and guidance suggests that the Fed may be open to future reductions in order to counteract the negative impacts to financial markets. This should help to reduce the cost of borrowing and make housing more affordable over the near term, which should help to offset some of the negative impacts to housing demand associated with rising uncertainty.

3. Domestic Buyers May Be Discouraged By Rising Uncertainty and Recession Risk, But Is It Still a Good Time to Buy?: This week, mortgage rates fell to an all-time low level of just 3.13%. That is down from 3.80% at the start of the year and represents significant cost savings over the life of a 30-year loan. For buyers who can afford their monthly payments, the economic uncertainty that is driving rates lower

provides an opportunity to capitalize on significantly reduced borrowing costs that they will enjoy for years to come. Short-run risks to the economy exist but are arguably offset by long-run benefits of lower rates at the individual level.

4. Financial Market Volatility Could Reduce Demand For Luxury Homes, But Also Create Potential Opportunities for Luxury Home Buyers: The recent turbulence in financial markets has already impacted household wealth. This could reduce demand for luxury homes in California in particular. However, with less luxury buyers, there could be opportunities for price discounts for buyers who choose to remain in the market for high-end properties. Real estate may also act as a buffer against potentially larger declines in the financial markets.

5. Demand From Foreign Home Buyers Could Be Curtailed Over the Near Term: Reduced economic growth in China, specifically, could stifle demand for California real estate this year. However, foreign buyers represented just 3.9% of California’s home sales last year, so the impacts statewide will be muted compared to 6 years ago, when foreign buyers represented 8.0% of the market. In addition, because domestic buyers typically finance their homes in much larger proportions to their foreign counterparts, low rates could stimulate more domestic demand that would help to offset the impact to foreign buyer demand.

6. Foreign Home Sellers May Face Closing Delays: Because the Embassy and many consulates are closed or may have limited hours in China, and elsewhere, there may be difficulty in providing a properly notarized deed to the property that escrow will accept and title will insure.Advise sellers to make efforts to obtain the deed early in the transaction. If sellers are currently in the U.S., make efforts to comply before returning to their foreign home country. If contract has not been accepted, foreign sellers might want to consider

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7. New Home Construction in California Could Slow Further, Exacerbating Already-Tight Supply: Many of the inputs to California’s Building Industry are sourced from Asian countries including China.

As the Coronavirus disrupts these supply chains, the cost of those materials may increase over the short run or become limited, which will increase the cost of construction and potentially reduce the pace of new residential development below its already-lackluster pace in 2020.

8. Low Rates and Fewer New Homes Constructed Should Place Upward Pressure on Home Prices: Improved affordability stemming from lower rates combined with fewer new homes being constructed as the construction supply chain is impacted could lead to more upward pressure on home prices in California. Unsold inventory is already at low levels, and reduced construction activity means that is likely to continue—especially if buyers respond to lower rates.

9. Offsetting Effects Leave C.A.R.’s Housing Market Outlook Unchanged, For Now: The situation remains fluid, and conditions could deteriorate beyond what is currently envisioned depending on the severity and duration of the outbreak, but if current economic forecasts of modest declines in GDP growth are realized, the effects of lower rates should help to offset the effects of a slower economy and increased economic uncertainty such that California would still achieve a modest improvement in both home sales and prices this year.

10. Eventual Rebound Will Take Longer Than It Did With SARS in 2000: At the turn of the century, the negative impact of the SARS virus began to fade within 6 months of the outbreak coming under control.

However, unlike with the Coronavirus, SARS did not have significant impacts on either consumer spending or domestic financial markets. The size of the impacted population and the death toll is also much larger with Coronavirus, which suggests that the eventual recovery will play out over a longer period of time.

The Coronavirus will have an impact on the economy and the housing market in 2020, but it is also clear that it is not time to panic. The effect of lower rates will help to offset some of the headwinds in the housing market, and forecasts of economic growth by C.A.R. and others have been revised down, but only by 10s of basis points—not hundreds. Keep your cushion by putting money aside, manage your debts and expect the worse has yet to happen Thanks for your inquires and comment, pls call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group at 562-5087048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636 .

Start Thinking of Bankruptcy Now As A Possible Option Later

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THE coronavirus has put a lot of strain on people’s ability to pay their debts. With a lot of employees getting laid off in massive numbers, they are staying at home to keep themselves and their families safe. In the meantime, however, the bills still continue and without any income, it is becoming increasingly difficult to catch up as their debts begin to snowball.

If you’ve lost your job and don’t know if you even have one to go back to, bankruptcy may be an option for you down the road. And although that may sound grim, it is the reality that everyone is now facing. For some, this may still be a big question mark and they are waiting to see what happens in the next few months. For others, it is the writing on the wall that cannot be ignored. The government and most banks have provided some kind of temporary relief. Most lenders have allowed suspension of payments for a few months on house, car and credit card payments. But be mindful that you will still need to make up the missed payments at some point. There’s no such thing as a free lunch.

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ANNULMENT AND A DIVORCE?

WHAT is the difference between a divorce and an annulment? Many people think these concepts are the same and interchangeable. There are many differences between the two concepts. A divorce ends a valid existing marriage. In a nullity, a determination is made about the validity of the marriage itself. When a marriage is annulled, it has the same effect as if the marriage never existed. A nullity results in a void.

In California, any spouse can obtain a divorce regardless of the reason. A common basis used is a catchall phrase “irreconcilable differences.” However, anyone who wants to end a marriage can end the marriage and there is nothing the other spouse can do to stop that.

However in a petition for nullity, the court will not automatically grant you the nullity. There has to be a legal basis for seeking the nullity as

outlined in the family code. Some of the basis are 1) entering into a bigamous marriage 2) incestuous marriage 3)fraud in obtaining the other spouse’s consent to marriage 4) incurable physical incapacity 5) unsound mind among others. The petitioner would have to prove one of these grounds in court to be able to get a nullity.

In a Nullity, there is a statute of limitations. That means you have to file your nullity within a certain time period depending on the basis for seeking the Nullity. Each ground has a different statute of limitation.

For example, if you are fili ng the nullity based on fraud, you have to file within 4 years of discovering the fraud. If you blow the statute of limitation, this can be used as a defense to dismiss your case. On the other hand there is no statute of limitation in a divorce. You can file a divorce

MINDING YOUR FINANCES… FROM PAGE 10 It is best that you start thinking defensively in terms of how you can protect your home, car, savings, retirement plans or other assets you have.

Remember that you need to put yourself and your family FIRST. If you have limited income or just living off your savings at the moment, figure out the best way that you can survive while spending as little as possible.

Go through your monthly expenses and figure out what you can cut out for now. Pay only essential bills, those that are necessary to keep a roof over your head, keep the lights on and to put food on the table. To some people, this is something new because they never had a monthly budget and never took the time to looking at their finances in detail. But we’re living in difficult financial times and if there was ever a time where you had to watch your expenses like a hawk, this is the time to do it.

If you can help it, do not touch your retirement money (example: IRA and 401K accounts). First of all, be aware of the tax consequences of cashing out your retirement plan by consulting with your tax professional. Secondly, people who think they may be headed towards bankruptcy soon try to spend their retirement money for fear that they may lose it later if they do end up filing bankruptcy. Wrong. 401K plans and IRA’s are actually exempt in bankruptcy and they cannot be touched for distribution to your creditors. This is just one common mistake that a lot of people make because they don’t take the time to consult with an attorney and try do things on their own. The moment you convert that retirement plan into cash, you may actually risk losing that money since the cash is no longer retirement money; it’s just cash in the bank.

Another mistake that people make is giving away property or selling them for cheap to family and friends in order to get cash or in many cases, just to get the property out of their name in anticipation of a potential bankruptcy filing. If you end up filing bankruptcy later, this could be deemed a fraudulent transfer and the bankruptcy trustee could end up suing that family member that you paid money or transferred property to.

One final word: If you think there’s a possibility of filing bankruptcy later if things don’t get better for few in the next few months, consult with a bankruptcy attorney before making any financial moves. You may not need to file bankruptcy at all or you may need to postpone it and only do it if necessary. But if it becomes unavoidable eventually, the best thing to do is to plan ahead and avoid doing things that could become a problem in your bankruptcy case later.

For a free evaluation of your case, please call our office at Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you. ***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).

at any time regardless of how long you have been separated from your spouse.

In a divorce, husband and wife are presumed to be the parents of children born during the marriage. In a Nullity, the marriage has no validity so it will affect the presumption of parentage of the children. The Court will have to make a finding of parentage for the children on a different basis before it can make orders relating to custody, visitation, and support.

The treatment of spousal support (alimony) is different between the two. In a divorce, the spouse that has less earning capacity and access to resources may seek an award of spousal support. This is not available in a Nullity since the marriage is invalid and there is no spouse as a result.

The division of property is also different. In a divorce, community property is divided equally between the spouses. In a nullity, since there is no valid marriage, there is no community property created and properties are not divided between the spouse. Similarly, neither party can receive survivorship benefits and inheritance rights from the other party in a Nullity.

Finally, there are different immigration consequences between a divorce and a nullity when an immigrant spouse is involved. In a divorce, the immigrant spouse who obtains a greencard from a US Citizen spouse stands a bigger chance of keeping his or her greencard and ultimately become a US Citizen. In a nullity, the immigrant spouse may

lose their greencard status when the marriage is found to be invalid since it is the basis for the greencard.

It can jeopardize the immigration status of the legal permanent resident spouse.

Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you.

This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a solicitation.

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist.

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

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

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

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

Unfortunately, in actual practice, most caregivers receive far less than the applicable minimum wage, often earning as little as $180 to $240 per

day. A 24-hour caregiver who is earning less than $378.00 per day likely has a very valuable claim for wage theft.

For example, if you are a caregiver working 24-hours per day, 5 days per week for a salary of $1,100 per week (or $220 per day), your weekly unpaid overtime claim is calculated as follows: Your weekly salary of $1,100 is divided by 45 hours to calculate a regular rate of pay, equal to $24.44 per hour. Your overtime rate is 1.5 times your regular rate of pay, which amounts to $36.66 per hour.

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

In the above example, the hypothetical caregiver is owed $2,750 in unpaid overtime wages per week.

On a yearly basis, the overtime claim alone exceeds $140,000.

We have helped many caregivers whose claims exceed $500,000 in damages with the addition of penalties, liquidated damages and interest, after working for several years.

Caregivers, who are victims of wage theft, may recover their unpaid wages going back 4 years from the date a lawsuit is filed in court.

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

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

If you are a caregiver working 24-hour shifts without overtime compensation, we want to talk with you about your legal rights. We provide compassionate and confidential consultations.

Please contact us at (818) 807-4168, for a free case evaluation.

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

As we transition to ‘New Normal,’ MIAA adopts new rules at the NAIA

By MELDA GUERRA

AFTER being “locked-down” at home for more than two months, people are itching to travel and experience a new environment when June 1 comes. While the government is hinting at transitioning from Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) after May 31, still, it reminds everyone that we can not go back to the life we used to lead before March 15, the date the community quarantine was imposed due to the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

To be clear, and for all travelers to know, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is set to implement new guidelines as the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has enforced the new protocols set by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for a “new normal,” when restrictions are lifted and the NAIA resumes operations both for international and domestic terminals across the country.

According to DOTr, the new protocols are aimed to stem the further spread of

COVID-19.

Here are the DOTr nine rules which should be strictly enforced: 1. Wearing of face masks when entering the airport facility. No mask, no entry.

2. Everyone entering the airport complex must submit themselves to a mandatory body temperature check.

3. Social distancing measures shall be strictly observed at all queuing points inside and outside the terminal building.

When seating, a “one-seat apart policy” shall be enforced.

4. With the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) taking the lead, security procedures shall be done through a “no contact means” but not limited to the use of walk-through x-ray machines, portable scanners, handheld metal detectors, and the like, effectively limiting pat-down or manual frisking to exceptional instances or situations.

5. Only passengers with valid travel documents and confirmed bookings for the day will be allowed to enter the airport facility.

6. Continuous disinfection of all NAIA facilities especially those used for flight operations. These include, among others,

aerobridges, baggage conveyors, checkin counters, immigration, customs, and other help desks. Disinfection activities are also done extensively on other airport facilities and equipment such as x-ray machines and trays, inspection tables, pushcarts, wheelchairs, and other frequently touched surfaces.

7. Foot baths shall remain in all entry and exit points of passengers and airport personnel, including boarding bridges and/or similar areas for passenger embarkation/disembarkation to and from the aircraft.

8. Safety precaution posters and other health guidelines shall be displayed at noticeable places in the NAIA Terminals.

Alert bulletins shall be made through the airport information boards and other display systems and through public announcements in MIAA’s official social media sites.

9. As required by the Bureau of Quarantine, all passengers that are departing and arriving shall be required to electronically fill-out Health Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Forms for straightforward contact tracing.

Female cadet from Isabela tops PMA 'Masidlawin Class' of 2020 MANILA (Mabuhay ) — A female cadet from Echague, Isabela dominated the 196 graduates of the Philippine Military Academy "MASIDLAWIN Class" (Mandirigmang Isinilang na may Dangal at Lakas Upang Maging Tanglaw ng Inang Bayan) of 2020.

The PMA graduation rites were held Friday afternoon. Aside from topping the graduates, Cadet First Class Gemalyn Sugui will be awarded with the Presidential Saber, the Achievement Award for Academic Excellence, the JUSMAG Award, the Philippine Army Saber, the Spanish Armed Forces Award, the Social Sciences Plaque, the Management Plaque, and the Rule of Law Award.

Completing the Top 10 of the PMA graduates are: Cadet First Class Jade Villanueva from Tacloban City Cadet First Class Jefferson Salazar from Zamboanga City Cadet First Class Rotes Gaile Jamandre from Lamut, Ifugao Cadet First Class Jeb Bay-an from La Trinindad, Benguet Cadet First Class Catabay Ladyong from Tabuk, Kalinga Cadet First Class Vanelyn Angel Tabao from Tuguegarao City Cadet First Class June Giel Anne Factor from Piddig, Ilocos Norte Cadet First Class Rubenson Abgao from Baroy, Lanao Del Norte

Cadet First Class Dencel Aina Bayaca of Floridablanca, Pampanga This year, the PMA leadership has decided not to open the graduation ceremony of the MASIDLAWIN Class of 2020 to the general public due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

Families and loved ones of the graduates are also not allowed to attend the ceremony, the PMA said.

“I believe this is a necessary decision in order to safeguard the health and general well-being of the CCAFP and the whole PMA community. As a parent, I know how heartbreaking and disappointing that decision is, but we have to do what is best for all. Safety and health are paramount at all times,” said Vice Admiral Allan Cusi, PMA superintendent.

The 196 graduates include 172 male and 23 female cadets, the PMA said.

According to the PMA, a total of 100 of the graduates will be joining the Philippine Army, while 45 and 51 others will join the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy, respectively.

Amid the current health crisis, the MASIDLAWIN Class will be reporting straight To their respective major services in the Army, Air Force and Navy as new additional officers who will lead the armed forces units in protecting the people and securing the state. (MNS)

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DOE considers use of nuclear energy to reduce power rates in Philippines MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Energy (DOE) is exploring the possibility of tapping nuclear energy to further lower the cost of electricity in the Philippines amid the global pandemic, according to the agency's head on Friday.

During a Joint Congressional Energy Commission hearing, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said that though thecoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation has caused lower demands for electricity resulting in reduced rates, the DOE is working to further make it affordable for Filipino families.

"Una po, sa nararanasan nating problema, isinusulong po namin 'yung nuclear... DOE is exploring all the possibilities so makakaasa po kayo na tinitingnan po natin lahat 'yan," Cusi said after Senator Risa Hontiveros asked if the DOE has any initiatives to ensure that the public won't be burdened by costly electricity bills, especially amid the health crisis.

Cusi has been pushing for the inclusion of nuclear power in the country's energy mix.

He presented a nuclear energy program to President Rodrigo Duterte last March. Malacanang, however, said the possibility of reviving the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was not discussed.

(MNS)

Philippines eyes deportation of Spaniard in alleged quarantine violation MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines has filed a deportation charge against the Spanish citizen who figured in a scuffle with a police officer over an alleged quarantine rule violation in a Makati City subdivision in April.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Friday it has charged Javier Salvador Parra for being an undesirable alien and for overstaying in the country.

The BI said legal officers ordered Parra to submit a counter-affidavit to answer the reports filed against him but that he "reportedly refused to receive the notice and disregarded the requirement," which was due on May 21, Thursday.

The case stemmed from a confrontation between Parra and a Makati policeman that led to an attempted arrest and injuries after the officer allegedly noticed Parra's househelp watering plants outside his house without a face mask.

The incident, which took place in Dasmariñas Village last month, was captured on video and made the rounds on social media.

The BI said foreign nationals who "blatantly disregard laws" and "disrespect persons of authority" may be considered undesirable aliens.

Intelligence agents also found that Parra failed to extend his visa, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said.

“Foreign nationals who are here in the country are expected to follow Philippine laws, especially in these special times wherein public health and safety is at risk,” Morente said in a statement.

“There is no exemption, whether you are living in a posh village, or in a slum area, you must obey the law,” he added.

The commissioner said the deportation case is separate from the criminal complaint filed by the police against the Spanish national. (MNS)

Philippines' COVID-19 cases rise to 13,597 with 3,092 recoveries

ENERGY SECRETARY ALFONSO CUSI

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines climbed to 13,597 on Friday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 163 new infections.

Ninety-two more patients have recovered from the virus, bringing the

CHR: Red-tagging of critics leads to unlawful arrests, torture MANILA (Mabuhay) — Red-tagging or labelling critics as communists will trigger human rights violations, including unlawful arrest and threat to life, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) warned Friday.

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia was referring to the red-tagging of National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP), University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication, Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates, among other groups.

“It is most concerning that the CHR has noted incidences of red-tagging of human rights groups, civil society organizations, and individuals even in the face of a pandemic. Time and again, we have cautioned, particularly the government, on the dangers of hapha za rdly

CHR SPOKESPERSON JACQUELINE DE GUIA

labelling of persons and groups without sufficient proof,” De Guia said.

“Red-tagging is a slippery slope as it may trigger a number of human rights violations, including harassment, unlawful arrests, torture, and threats to life. We wish to remind the government that expressions of dissent and the freedom to speak on legitimate concerns without fear of reprisal are guaranteed rights by the 1987 Constitution,” de Guia added.

The CHR official noted that Article 3, Section 4 of Philippine Constitution states that "No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances."

“The challenge before those who accuse is to prove allegations of any illegal act before fair and competent courts. Otherwise, peddling unfounded accusations is a practice of sowing disinformation, which should not be condoned,” De Guia pointed out.

Likewise, CHR cited the repeal of the Anti-Subversion Law in 1992 which meant that being part of the Communist Party of the Philippines is no longer illegal .

“The role of the government is to uphold its mandate for truth, fairness, and justice for all,” De Guia said.

“Just as the government calls on everyone, including communist rebels, to help in addressing the pandemic, we expect that they too can focus on addressing the needs of many, especially the poor and vulnerable, instead of mischaracterizing organizations and individuals who have also helped communities and are within the ambit of exercising their rights,” De Guia added. (MNS)

total to 3,092 while the death toll increased to 857 with 11 new deaths.

At present, there are a total 9,648 active cases.

Of the new cases, 91 patients or 56 percent are from the National Capital Region, 56 patients or 34 percent are from Region 7, and 16 patients or 10 percent are from other areas.

As Health officials apologized for announcing that the second wave of infection has arrived, the chief implementer of the national policy against COVID-19 on Friday raised fears it could come from overseas Filipino workers arriving from affected areas.

Carlito Galvez, Jr. said the government is preparing for the possibility of a new spike in COVID-19 cases in some areas that may come from the influx of OFWs from countries like the United States, Italy, Spain, and parts of the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the DOH said there are 97 confirmed COVID-19 cases among foreign nationals in the Philippines as of Thursday.

According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, of this, 32 are Chinese nationals, 13 Americans, five Japanese, four Taiwanese, four Indians, and 39 other nationalities.

Sixty of the cases are currently confined or isolated while 21 have recovered and eight have succumbed to the virus.

Meanwhile, 43 more Filipinos abroad have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), bringing the total to 2,504, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Tot a l recover ies, mea nw h i le, climbed to 866 with five new cases while the death toll increased to 287 with two more fatalities. At present, there are 1,351 patients still undergoing treatment.

Based on data from the DFA, 327 Filipinos have recovered from the virus in the Asia Pacific region while 127 are still undergoing treatment. Fatalities are recorded at two.

In the Middle East or Africa, patients undergoing treatment are recorded at 567 with 103 recoveries and 49 fatalities.

Europe, meanwhile, reported 228 recoveries and 455 patients undergoing treatment while fatalities are recorded at 87.

The Americas has recorded the most deaths with 149. Recoveries are at 208 while patients undergoing treatment are at 202. (MNS)

National Task Force Against COVID-19 officials and Sen. Manny Pacquiao inspect the mega swabbing facility at the Philippine Arena Complex in Bulacan. It has 96 booths, with a swabbing capacity of around 1,500 a day. The biggest mega swabbing facility located at the PH Arena Complex in Bulacan has been completed and is ready to begin operations in a few days. Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection will man the facility. (MNS photo)

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Talks of Duque resignation revived in Senate after ‘second wave’ blunder

HEALTH SECRETARY FRANCISCO DUQUE III

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Discussions on whether Health Secretary Francisco Duque III should resign or not has resurfaced among senators on Friday following the "second wave" gaffe of the Cabinet official.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the "pressure" should not be on President Rodrigo Duterte but on Duque.

"In other countries, if an official makes a big blunder, they immediately resign out of delicadeza," he said in a message.

During a Senate hearing earlier this week, Duque said the Philip-

pines is already experiencing the "second wave" of COVID-19—causing confusion and panic for some.

He clarified later on that it is the "first major wave of sustained transmission" in the country.

Senate Minority Franklin Drilon acknowledged that Duque serves at the pleasure of Duterte and that the decision on resignation can also be decided by the two.

"Having said that, they cannot deny that there are grave and unforgivable lapses made by Secretary Duque being at the forefront of this fight against COVID-19," he said.

S. Korea donates 50K face masks for PH Korean War veterans, kin MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The South Korean government on Friday turned over to the Department of National Defense (DND) around 50,000 protective face masks for the use of Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) veterans and their families.

The turnover ceremony took place at the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

DND Undersecretary for civil, veterans, and reservist affairs Reynaldo B. Mapagu and PVAO administrator Ernesto G. Carolina led the officials who received the donation from South Korean Ambassador Han Dong-Man. The face masks were donated by Seoul's Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

The masks were turned over to the representatives of the PEFTOK veterans, led by Cpl. Bartolome Catolos (Ret) and lawyer Walter Young.

Han recognized the contribution of the PEFTOK veterans to the “peace, freedom and democracy” that South Korea enjoys today, stating that the donation is a gesture

of their appreciation to the Filipino veterans.

Mapagu noted that as the Filipinos fought in the Korean War 70 years ago, today the nation is waging another battle against an “invisible enemy,” which is the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

He thanked the South Korean government for the donation, which will help ensure the welfare of the PEFTOK veterans and their families.

“On behalf of the Secretary of National Defense (Delfin Lorenzana) as well as the PEFTOK association board members, I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the Republic of Korea represented by Ambassador Han and Lt. Col. Bae Jung Hoon (Korean Defense Attaché to the Philippines) for helping our PEFTOK veterans at this time of the pandemic,” Mapagu said.

Meanwhile, Carolina also echoed the long-standing relations between the Philippines and Korea that allow the two nations to assist one another in times of need.

The donation is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the PEFTOK veterans and their families amid the Covid-19 pandemic. (MNS)

"He was negligent. He did not exercise the due diligence expected of him as PhilHealth Chair. These issues affect the credibility of the DOH to lead this fight," he added.

Drilon recently flagged the "overpriced" COVID-19 testing package of PhilHealth.

Malacañang said Duterte has called for an investigation on the said allegation.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said the confusing statements of the DOH chief about COVID-19 transmission and the alleged overpricing issues "erode the public’s trust" in the government’s pandemic response.

"These gaffes do not inspire confidence in the health department’s programs to address the pandemic. Lives are at stake. The Secretary has to shape up or ship out," she said.

Senator Sonny Angara also thinks the recent developments will not convince some senators to reconsider their call for Duque's resignation over alleged failure of leadership.

"I don’t think the latest statements of the DOH Secretary will make the 14 senators who passed a resolution some weeks ago, asking for his resignation, change their mind," he said.

"Sad to say, his statements have hurt the department and the government’s efforts more than helping, since his remarks have caused confusion amongst the public," he added.

The Palace, on the other hand, said Duque should be allowed to perform his job of addressing the threat of COVID-19 in the country amid mounting criticisms against him. (MNS)

Embassy slams critics opposing US arms sale to PH

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AH-1Z VIPER ATTACK HELICOPTER MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine embassy in Washington D.C. on Friday slammed groups opposing the possible sale of American military equipment to the Philippines.

"It is unfortunate that certain groups seek to take advantage of this issue to advance their own political agenda, even to the detriment of the long-standing alliance between the Philippines and the United States," its statement read.

The State Department on April 30 notified the US Congress of its "determination approving" two possible foreign militar y sales to the Philippines.

These include six AH-

1Z Viper attack helicopters and support equipment valued at USD450 million while the other are six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment at about USD1.5 billion.

Some groups, including the Human Rights Watch, opposed the said sales, citing the Philippine government's campaign against illegal drugs and counter-insurgency operations.

The embassy, meanwhile, said that Manila's defense modernization program has been pursued not only by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte but also by previous leaders.

"The program is critical to national secu-

rity and necessary to achiev ing a credible defense posture," it said.

In addition, it positions the Philippines as a "more robust and effective security partner" for countries in the Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia regions.

While the government acknowledged the State Department's approval, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said Manila's current budget for the attack helicopter program is only PHP13 billion or approximately USD256 million by the current exchange rate.

The Philippine Air Force is considering the acquisition of Turkish Aerospace Industries T-129 helicopters. (MNS)

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Christopher de Leon reflects on journey battling COVID-19

M

ore than a month after recovering from COVID-19, actor Christopher de Leon looked back on his journey battling the illness and how he felt during the time he was in isolation.

As Ruffa Gutierrez’s first guest on the new online show “Love Thy Chika,” de Leon admitted that until now, he isn’t sure how he got the respiratory disease considering he is very conscious about his hygiene.

The screen veteran also shared that he did not receive any special treatment when he got himself tested for the coronavirus.

“I even think na nung I went to the hospital, I was like, ‘Wow, baka doon ko nakuha [yung virus].’ There were so many [people] lining up for [the test]. It took me the whole day. Hindi ito yung special treatment because of who I am. I had to wait. Tapos

may mga test kits na hindi dumating so I had to wait for the next batch. It took me the whole day for that test,” he recalled.

De Leon said he learned about his test results days after, through his wife Sandy Andolong, who was equally surprised by it.

“We were both surprised kasi nga I was telling people na sa lahat ng taong kilala ko, ang asawa ko ang pinakamalinis sa katawan. Every time he would go out, he would make sure paguwi niya, meron na siyang pambahay inside the car. He would change already,” Andolong said.

“Nung siya yung nag-positive, I felt worried for him kasi

nga ang feeling ko, he’s the anchor of the family. You feel na huwag siya, ako na lang. Pero nung nag-negative ako, I was really happy when I called him and told him na my test came out negative. Umiyak siya,” she added.

W hen a ske d about h i s self-isolation exper ience, the "Love Thy Woman" actor shared that it made him more prayerful.

“I was very prayerful. My prayers were more intense.

‘You gave me this. You have a purpose, go ahead.’ It’s more of, just please spare the others.

I think this will be an important reminder that after this,

Arjo says he misses Maine the most during this pandemic M A NIL A (Mabuhay) — A r jo Atayde, like many in this COVID-19 pandemic, misses a lot of things --acting, his friends, his co-workers in showbiz, he said, listing down some. But there's one thing, or rather, someone, whom he misses the most.

"Yes, she's on top of my list," the actor said of his girlfriend, Maine Mendoza.

Atayde was speaking in a virtual press conference held for a movie he's part of, iWant's "Love Lockdown," which was filmed from inside the homes of all the ARJO & MAINE actors who star in it.

During the press conference via homes and practice social distancing.

Zoom, Atayde was among those "It's hard to be away from your loved ones --family, girlwho were asked about how their friend. This quarantine is making us stronger," he said. relationships with their loved Atayde and Mendoza have been dating for more than a year. ones and family changed during Last February, when asked about whether he would like the quarantine period, when peo- to marry Mendoza, Atayde quickly answered: "Of course." ple were ordered to stay in their (MNS)

ChRISTOPhER DE LEON it should be a different life.

Kailangan magkaroon ng purpose itong nangyayari sa ating ito,” he said.

The couple, however, said there was never a time they questioned God because of what happened. (MNS)

Alessandra de Rossi lauds Angel Locsin's efforts in helping others

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Alessandra de Rossi lauded actress Angel Locsin for her continued efforts in reaching out to other people in need during this uncertain time.

On Twitter, de Rossi shared that she was able to talk to Locsin and she is amazed by her dedication to be of service to others.

“Darna is Darna at k au s ap ko lang sya kanina, hindi pa r in sya tumitigil sa pagtulong sa ALESSANDRA DE ROSSI kapwa, kung alam nyo lang mga nasakripisyo nyang pansarili to help. Grabe talaga,” she wrote.

De Rossi then said in jest that if there would be an offer for her to play the role of Valentina again in the future where Locsin

plays Darna again, she would definitely turn it down.

De Rossi popularly played Valentina when Locsin was Darna in a television series in 2005.

“Next time, turn down ko na yung offer na Valentina. Dapat di ka kinakalaban at all,” she wrote.

Locsin has been hard at work in helpi ng ot her s dur ing t he pandemic.

Hailed as one of Forbes Asia's Heroe s of ANgEL LOCSIN Philanthropy, the 35-year-old actress has earned widespread praise for spearheading a fundraiser that aims to ease overcrowding at hospitals through the setup of quarantine tents for COVID-19 patients. (MNS)

Claudine barretto recalls working Nadine Lustre emerges as a stronger woman after lockdown with Vilma Santos in 'Anak'

T

he enhanced community quarantine due to coronavirus pandemic has taught actress Nadine Lustre to be stronger.

Lustre shared her lockdown everyone as well. I want that to story in a live online radio inter- be my message for everyone as view, saying that she learned to well. Just hang on. Stop doubtbe tough while on self-isolation. ing yourself... Just enjoy life, “I’ve always been scared of be- live life, feel everything. You ing sad. I’ve always been scared can be sad right now, you can be of being alone, of being angry, of anxious, you can be afraid, you being anxious but I felt all of that can be like angry at something. because of the lockdown and I learned to handle all of it. Now, I can really say that I’m a stronger person now. Harder challenges are going to come but I’m not scared,” Lustre said.

She admitted that before she "would just run away from all these things" but this time, she was able to face all of them. She also said she is happy with what she has become, noting that "this is only the beginning.”

“That’s the message for NADINE LuSTRE

But that’s what I realized din kasi because of the lockdown... everything I’ve been feeling is valid and let yourself feel it kasi that is what life is all about,” Lustre added.

When asked for her message to all her fans, Lustre said: “You guys are crazy, I love you all. I hope everyone is okay. I’ve said this so many times like I super appreciate them. They’re like out of this world. They are like, they are all crazy.

Like they just know and I love them so much kasi they’ve always been there like 24/7.”

Lustre’s guesting on the radio show was one of the top trending topics on Twitter.

Earlier this week, she also trended on Twitter after she posted a throwback photo of her and former boyfriend James Reid.

(MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Who would have thought that 20 years have already passed since the movie “Anak” was released?

Two decades later, a lot of people are still talking about the Vilma Santos and Claudine Barretto starrer and the impact the movie made in their lives.

Barretto surprised Santos on “I Feel U,” the new online show hosted by Toni Gonzaga.

Looking back at their experience filming it, Barretto said: “I am really honored to be able to be a part of ‘Anak.’ Kung hindi niyo alam, Vilmanian talaga ako bata pa lang.

For me, yun na ang ultimate dream come true ko.”

“Sabi ko nga noon kay tita Malou (Santos) nung inoffer ang ‘Anak,’ okay na akong hindi mag-artista basta makasama si Ate Vi,” she added.

When asked how she prepared for their heated iconic scene, Barretto said: “I had the support of Ate Vi throughout the shooting. She never

CLAuDINE bARRETTO & VILMA SANTOS told me na, ‘Ito ang gagawin mo.’

Yung preparation ko is I had to step up and I really had to focus.”

Because of how Santos portrayed the role of her mom in the movie, Barretto said she understood better what a mother’s love really means.

“Naintindihan ko sobra na kapag nanay ka, kahit ano talaga gagawin mo para sa anak mo. Especially si Ate Vi, kung hindi niyo alam is one of my mentors talaga. When I [was] going through my lowest talaga, nandoon siya,” she said.

At end of the interview, Barretto said it was because of Santos that she learned to love her own parents more. (MNS)

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Maymay Entrata describes past struggles as humbling experience S yung pamilya ko nasa Camiguin.

Nagsimulang magkasakit ng sobra yung lolo ko,” she said.

While unsure if she would try her luck again or not, Entrata prayed hard about this that eventually led her to audition once again.

“Sa audition na yun, doon ko na-realize na ang sarap sa feeling kapag motivated ka dahil alam mong may inspirasyon ka. Hindi lang dahil gusto mo, kundi dahil may inspirasyon ka at yun ang pamilya ko. Dahil doon, mas lumalabas yung totoong ako. Mas hindi ko ikinakahiya yung totoong ako dahil alam kong maraming mai-inspire or matutulungan lalo sa mga nangagarap tulad ko,” she said.

It was a blessing indeed for Entrata and her family because she was named the Pinoy Big Brother Big Winner in 2017.

“Nung nanalo ako, nag-flashback lahat ng failures ko, ng struggles ko.

Buti na lang talaga hindi ako sumuko. Worth it lahat,” she said.

Having climbed her way to where she is today, Entrata said she considers everything she’s been through as a humbling experience.

“Simula po noong struggle na yun hanggang sa naging successful na ako, nandito pa rin [si Lord], nire-remind pa rin ako. Masasabi ko talaga na mas lalo akong napamahal sa kanya. Mas lalong nag-grow

MAYMAY ENTRATA yung faith ko sa kanya. Dahil doon Father, mas lalong naging clear sa akin na kaya pala tayo binibigyan ng biyaya ng Panginoon para tayo yung maging biyaya sa mga mas nangangailangan sa atin,” she said.

Entrata is also grateful because it paved the way for her to be much closer to her family.

“Dati nung nag-audition ako, tinatawanan lang nila ako pero alam kong sinusuportahan nila ako. Ngayon, paulit-ulit, tuwing nagkukuwento sila, grabe ang pasasalamat nila. Hanggang ngayon naiiyak pa rin sila sa tuwa, sa blessing na binigay ni Lord sa amin,” she said.

“Every time siguro nag-uusap kami, lagi sila nagpapasalamat. Yun lang, enough na para ma-feel good ako. Sabi nila sana makabawi sila. Sabi ko, ‘Hindi [na kailangan] kasi ito ay pangarap ko para sa inyo at hindi ko kailangan naman ng kapalit.’ Yung pagtulong ko, hindi ko naman obligasyon yun. Yung pagtulong ko, buong puso kong binigay yun,” she added.

(MNS)

Sylvia Sanchez says daughter Ria stepped up when she was battling COVID-19 MANILA (Mabuhay) — Sylvia Sanchez is grateful to have children who rose to the occasion when she and her husband Art Atayde were both diagnosed as positive for COVID-19.

In an interview with Toni Gonzaga and Luis Manzano on “I Feel U”, Sanchez said she and Atayde actually drew strength from their children.

She especially mentioned her daughter Ria, who served as the lY-

Sanchez said: “Every day ang dasal ko lang is Lord kung magka-virus ang isa sa mga anak ko, akin na lang. Ibigay na lang sa akin. And kung halimbawa kung may mamatay man sa amin ng asawa ko, ako na lang. Huwag naman yung dalawa kami.”

Meanwhile, Ria also shared in the same interview that she and Arjo felt that dealing with the situation head-on seemed like it was what they had to do.

“If you’re in that po-

SLVIA & RIA ight of the house during the whole time she and Atayde were confined at the hospital.

W he n a s k e d w h at her prayers were as she was battling the illness,

sition din kasi, parang yun na lang ang maiisip niyong gawin. Arjo and I, as soon as we found out, nandito kami sa room ko noon. Both of us got out of bed and we were like,

‘Okay, how do we go about this?’ Everything just seemed so natural na yun na ang gagawin namin,” she said.

“I guess kasi sa situation din na yun, crying or being weak can’t really do much. I strongly believe na you attract what you think of. Rebuke it agad if natatakot ka or whatever para ma-reject yung energy na ganun,” she added.

While Sanchez and Atayde are now both COVID-free, they have decided to still stay inside their rooms and minimize their interac t ions w it h their children.

“Mas gusto naming magtambay na lang munang mag-asawa dito sa room namin.

Kinikita lang namin yung mga anak namin ng lunch and dinner. Hindi talaga kami nagkikita maya’t maya,” she said.

When asked what’s her biggest realization out of what happened, Sanchez said: “Unang una, no matter what, pamilya talaga. Sumusunod sa akin sa mga nangyayari ngayon sa mundong ito, kailangan natin mag-intindihan, magtulungan.”

(MNS)

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Ivana Alawi hits back at edited lewd video

he may be one of the most successful stars from her batch but Maymay Entrata is not letting fame into her head.

In an interview, Entrata revealed that she always reminds herself of a particular Bible verse every time she gets overwhelmed by her achievements.

“Para sa akin, hindi naman talaga mawawala yung overwhelmed ka na feeling mo, ‘Grabe kaya ko pala ito. Wow naa-achieve ko ito, baka kung kaya ko, hindi na yata kailangan humingi ng tulong kay Lord.’

Temptation yun,” she said.

“Dahil doon, isa sa mga nagpapa-remind sa akin every time na nafi-feel ko yun, lagi akong bumabalik sa Ephesians 2:8-9… Wala talagang dapat ika-proud or i-brag dahil lahat ng ito ay dahil sa provider at yun ang Panginoon,” she added.

Recalling her early struggles before making it to showbiz, Entrata shared that she spent most of her high school years auditioning for various ABS-CBN reality or talent shows.

She was not lucky enough at that time that she just decided to focus on her studies when she entered college.

Surprisingly, Entrata learned about another “Pinoy Big Brother” audition while she was studying in Cagayan de Oro. “Masasabi ko na yun ang climax ng buhay ko dahil doon lahat nagsimula yung paghihirap, yung struggle ko sa life. Naging independent ako sa Cagayan de Oro, ako lang mag-isa,

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MANILA (Mabuhay) — Ivana Alawi may look admittedly "wild" and "liberated" in appearance, but that doesn't mean she would be so careless as to subject herself to a sex scandal.

This was Alawi's assertion as she addressed a circulating lewd clip that supposedly shows her.

"Nakikita ko siya, pero dinidedma ko siya, kasi unang-una hindi naman ako 'yun, e. Sa mga taong nakakakilala talaga sa akin, alam nilang hindi ako 'yun," Alawi said in her May 14 vlog.

Alawi was answering questions sent by followers during a "mukbang" with her sister, Mona. Among the queries sent pertained to the alleged scandal, asking whether she was indeed involved.

"Gusto ko siya i-address once and for all.

Hindi ako 'yung na sa video na 'yun. In-edit nila 'yun. Nakakatakot actually 'yung mga nagagawa nila sa internet," she said.

Alawi is aware of her sexy image, owing to her Instagram page where she flaunts her fit figure in revealing outfits. But that doesn't mean she is willing to go a step further, she stressed.

"You know, alam kong mukha akong wild, 'yung walang pakialam, liberated. Proud ako dito — you will never, ever see any scandal of mine on the internet," Alawi said.

"Unang-una, wala akong makukuha doon, pag nag-video ako o nag-video ako nang nakahubad. Bakit? Never ko siya naisip na gawin, ever in my life. Tapos isi-send mo sa mga lalaki?

'Pag ginagawa mo 'yun, I have nothing against you, pero I'm just saying that for myself," she added.

Numerous times, Alawi's past boyfriends would ask her to send them a photo of her naked. Her answer: "Never."

"Kahit mukha akong ganito, never kong gagawin 'yun. 'Yung madi-disappoint 'yung nanay ko sa ganoong bagay," she said.

Alawi recalled that her mother, Fatima, initially had reservations about her taking on a sexy image as an actress and model, for fear she would be "judged."

"But she accepted me because mahal niya ako," she said.

"The thought of me bringing it to another level na maggawa ako ng scandal, o mag-picture nang hubad — grabe na 'yun, girl. Hindi ko kaya 'yun," she said. (MNS)

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COVID-19 SURVIVORS AMONG HEALTH WORKERS CONTINUE TO RISE

PhilHealth explains P8,150 package for COVID-19 test kits

MANILA (Mabuhay) — State insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) on Thursday explained the P8,150 package for testing on the coronavirus disease, saying that the higher price was due to high demand during the initial onslaught of the pandemic in the country.

According to PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Ricardo Morales, the P8,150 price was only for tests that were acquired in

March when there was limited supply.

"Ito naman kasing P8,000, kung binili ng hospital. Alam mo naman nung panahon na 'yun, RITM lang ang nagtetest at 'yung capacity, iilan lang, kaya siyempre law of supply and demand," he said.

"Ang lakas ng demand, kakaunti ang mahanap na test kits, so kaya mataas noon," he added.

PhilHealth was recently

questioned by senators on why test kits were priced at a high of P8,150, while other tests were priced at P2,700.

According to Morales, the drop in prices to a low of P2,700 came after the private sector stepped in and increased the available test kits in the country.

"Ngayon 'pag pasok ng Red Cross eh NGO ang Red Cross, siguro may nakukuha sila preferential rate, meron silang quantity rate, nakakuha

sila ng P3,500," he explained.

Moving forward, Morales said PhilHealth will be coming up with an updated case rate for COVID-19 test kits by next week.

"Tinitignan namin 'yung mga Statement of Account ng mga hospital kung magkano ang ginastos, so nare-refine natin ang ating pricing. Next week maglalabas kami ulit ng bagong case rate para sa testing at ito ay mas mababa," he said. (MNS)

Solons berate DOH for saying testing asymptomatics for COVID-19 not cost-effective MANILA (Mabuhay) — Lawmakers on Wednesday berated the Department of Health (DOH) for insisting that testing asymptomatic vulnerable individuals for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not cost-effective and not rational.

During the virtual hearing of the Health and COVID-19 Response Cluster of the House Defeat COVID-19 committee, Marikina City Representative Stella Quimbo pointed out that the benefits of conducting mass testing outweighs its cost to the government.

"A cost-benefit analysis informs a budget decision but a budget itself is never a parameter in a cost benefit analysis. In other words, if there is an activity like mass testing which is not very costly but the benefits are huge, then you find the budget for that. 'Yun ang relasyon ng cost benefit at budget," Quimbo, an economist, said.

"So it is never an excuse to say walang budget, therefore we will not do it," she added.

In a press briefing earlier in the day, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire defended the government’s policy of not testing asymptomatic people with no exposure to COVID-19 patients, pointing out that 85% of transmission came from symptomatic ones.

“85% of those who transmitted the disease were symptomatic. Kaya po

Saturday-Friday || May May 23 23 -- 29, 29, 2020 2020 Saturday-Friday

pinaglalaban namin na huwag i-test ang walang symptoms kasi it would give a false sense of security,” she said.

“Kahit po RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) ang gamitin, it would still miss one-third of the time. Hindi rin siya perfect. Hindi sila 100%. Kaya kung ite-test ang asymptomatic [na walang COVID-19 exposure], it is not cost effective and it is not rational,” Vergeire added.

But Quimbo said that by not conducting mass testing for asymptomatics, the government will not have an idea of how many of them have actually been transmitting infection.

"What now is the cost of not testing?

The cost of not testing is not knowing the asymptomatics. That’s the cost," she said.

"Ipagpalagay na natin na 30% [ang asymptomatic incidence sa Pilipinas].

The cost of not doing mass testing is having 30% asymptomatics not known.

In other words, palakad-lakad ang 30% na 'yan, umuubo-ubo at nagpapasa-pasa ng droplets, nakakahawa," she added.

For her part, Iloilo Representative Janette Garin said that the reason why RT-PCR may not be as effective is probably because there are poorly-swabbed samples.

She pointed out that samples must be tested within 24 hours from extraction.

"Kaya siya hindi naging cost-effective, nagkaroon kasi ng mass swabbing and mega swabbing centers. We all now that in science, testing the samples should be within 24 hours," Garin said.

"Kung sinasabi ng inyong mga eksperto at DOH na merong one-third false negative 'yung ating PCR test, that simply means all the PCR testing in the Philippines do not qualify with WHO standards," she added.

Vergeire, who also attended the virtual House hearing, said they would take note of Garin's statements and respond after the department has discussed them internally.

Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Zarate, in a separate press briefing, echoed Quimbo's remarks that conducting mass testing even for asymptomatic vulnerables should not be a matter of budget.

"Hindi usapin ng pondo ito. Dahil kung pondo lang, alam natin na may pagkukunan ng pondo ang pamahalaan kung i-prioritize niya ang pag-test nang maramihan," he said.

"Hindi puwedeng kulong nang kulong na lang tayo at hindi pa rin natin alam kung ilan na ang positive na," he added.

As of May 19, a total of 12,942 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the Philippines, with 837 deaths and 2,843 recoveries. (MNS)

Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine trial shows positive early results WASHINGTON — US biotech company Moderna on Monday announced positive interim clinical data of mRNA-1273, its vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The results came from Phase 1 study, led by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which began in Seattle in March.

Moderna has vaccinated dozens of study participants and measured antibodies in eight of them. All eight developed neutralizing antibodies to the virus at levels reaching or exceeding the levels seen in people who have naturally recovered from Covid-19, according to the company.

The vaccine mRNA-1273 was generally safe and well tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with that seen in prior Moderna infectious disease vaccine clinical studies, the company said.

These interim Phase 1 data, while early, demonstrate that vaccination with mRNA-1273 elicits an immune response of the magnitude caused by natural infection starting with a dose as low as 25 mcg, said Tal Zaks, chief medical officer at Moderna.

"When combined with the success in preventing viral repli-

cation in the lungs of a pre-clinical challenge model at a dose that elicited similar levels of neutralizing antibodies, these data substantiate our belief that mRNA-1273 has the potential to prevent Covid-19 disease and advance our ability to select a dose for pivotal trials," Zaks said.

The Moderna team continues to focus on moving as fast as safely possible to start the pivotal Phase 3 study in July, said Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel.

"We are investing to sca le up ma nu fac t u r i ng so we can maximize the number of doses we can produce to help protect as many people as we can from SARSCoV-2,” Ba ncel said. (Xinhua)

MANILA — The number of health workers recovering from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) continues to rise as 31 persons were reported to have recovered, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Thursday.

In a Covid-19 virtual presser, DOH Promotion and Communication Service director Beverly Ho said the recoveries have reached 1,049 as the total Covid-19 cases among health workers remain at 2,330.

"Of the total number, 1,250 are active cases. We're happy to report that we have not recorded any death due to Covid-19 among our healthcare workers yesterday," Ho said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Ho added there had been no deaths among health workers in the past 10 days.

"We also want to clarif y the change in the number of deaths among health workers.

The other day, we reported 35 deaths but yesterday it's 33 because we learned that two of them are no longer in active duty and today it's 31 because the two other deaths are non-healthcare workers," she said.

As of May 20, the DOH reported that the total number of nurses infected with Covid-19 stood at 850, with 670 doctors or physicians, 144 nursing assistants, 86 medical technologists, 42 radiologic technologists, and 291 non-medical staff members.

Ho noted that the number of health workers infected with Covid-19 started to drop on April 11.

For the emergency hiring of health workers, the DOH has received a total of 184 facility requests as of May 20.

"We already have 6,546 slots approved for hiring in 172 hospitals and quarantine facilities, Philippine Arena Covid-19 facility, and QI (Quezon Institute) temporary quarantine facility.

We have 2,536 personnel hired in hospitals and quarantine facilities," DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

She added there were 1,129 redeployed nurses under the DOH Nurses Deployment Program, 178 in Luzon, and 951 in the Visayas and Mindanao.

For the safety of the healthcare workers, the DOH has distributed personal protective equipment to different health facilities nationwide. These include 783,645 covera lls; 4,570,700 face masks; 1,526,270 gloves; 748,414 gowns; 552,200 K n95 mask s; 479,100 N95 masks; 204,876 face shields; 870,805 headcaps; 2,672 thermal scanners; 659,528 goggles; 30 non-invasive ventilators; and 10 sanitation tents. (PNA)

Saturday-Friday | May 23 - 29, 2020

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5 AMAZING THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH AN ALOE VERA PLANT

A

LOE VERA has been widely grown as an ornamental plant. The species is popular with modern gardeners as a putatively medicinal plant a n d f or

its interesting flowers, form, and succulence. It is found in many consumer products including beverages, skin lotion, cosmetics, or ointments for minor burns and sunburns.

It is not without reason that the plant is called the ‘miracle plant’.

Aloe vera is useful for many purposes: Cosmetics Aloe vera is a real miracle plant.

For example, it is an air-purifying houseplant.

The plant filters harmf ul substances from the air. But that’s not all. Today you can find aloe vera as an

ingredient in various medicines and cosmetics. Therefore, put an aloe vera plant in your home without delay, and occasionally remove a stem to use for the things below.

cooling effect when you apply it to your skin. Therefore, the gel from the plant works perfectly on sunburnt skin. Not surprisingly, many sunburn products contain aloe vera.

1. Treat dandruff Do you suffer from dandruff? Then you can fix this with a homemade aloe vera hair mask. Cut a long stem of aloe vera in half lengthwise and remove the gel from the plant with a spoon. Put this gel in a bowl and add about two tablespoons of conditioner, one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of coconut oil. Mix it into a smooth paste and spread the mask on your scalp. Leave it for a while and then wash your hair. Your dandruff will improve and may even disappear completely.

3. Against pimples Aloe vera contains many minerals and has an antibacterial effect. As a result, the gel of the plant also helps to get rid of pimples. You can easily make your own face wash. Put two tablespoons of aloe vera gel in a bowl, and add two tablespoons of almond milk and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Stir, and your face wash is ready.

Gently massage the mixture into your skin and after a couple of minutes rinse it off with lukewarm water.

2. Works after sunburn Aloe vera has a moisturizing and

PH in 1st Covid-19 wave by local community transmission: DOH MANILA — The country is still in the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic driven by local community transmission, a health official said Thursday.

"Kung matatandaan niyo po local community transmission happened nung nagsimula tayong mag-report ng cases ng mga kababayan natin na walang exposure sa mga positive cases or walang (If you remember, the local community transmission happened when we started reporting on cases of our countrymen with no exposure to positive cases or no) travel history. We are still in this wave," Department of Health Promotion and Communication Service director Beverly Ho said in a Covid-19 virtual

presser.

Ho said that the current wave peaked on March 31 when the DOH reported the highest number of positive cases for Covid-19 at 538 that day.

"Since then the average number of cases has declined to around 220 cases per day. This is the reason why we are saying that we have started to flatten the curve," she added.

After apologizing for the confusion on the status of the pandemic wave, Ho advised the public to continue to observe proper handwashing, cough etiquette, physical distancing, regular disinfection and staying at home to change the course of the pandemic. (PNA)

4. Use it to treat wounds Aloe vera can heal wounds faster and reduce scars. According to research, the juice of an aloe vera plant is said to make small wounds heal a lot faster. You can put the gel of the aloe vera plant in a blender to create a thinner liquid.

5. Make a mouthwash A 2014 study published in the Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences shows that you can use aloe vera as a mouthwash. The plant contains a good dose of vitamin C, which prevents the produc t ion of pl aque.

Aloe vera can also provide relief if you suffer from swollen g u m s . (source: davealert)

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RECIPES / MEAL IDEAS / COOKING GUIDES

ALL-TIME ADOBO FAVORITES EVERY household in the Philippines has its own version of adobo — some garnish it with potatoes; others put hard-boiled quail eggs in it; health buffs include veggies in the mix; gourmands make adobo pasta; spice-loving people like it fiery and hot; while others prefer seafood as the main ingredient.

The word adobo is derived from the Spanish word adobar, which means “marinade” or “pickling sauce.” But while our favorite adobo’s moniker boasts of a pure Spanish lineage, little else about our adobo can and should be attributed to our Hispanic conquerors. Pinoy’s adobo base is comprised almost exclusively of vinegar, soy sauce, and lots of garlic which make the dish distinct.

Here are four versions of Filipino adobo. Let’s get cooking!

ADOBONG PUSIT

INGREDIENTS • 1 kg small fresh squid, cleaned (reserve the ink) • 1 onion, peeled and diced • 1/2 cup soy sauce • 1/2 cup vinegar • 1 cup water • 8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced • 1 tsp sugar • 6 pcs finger chillies • salt • freshly ground black pepper • oil DIRECTIONS 1. In a sauce pan add soy sauce, vinegar, and water; bring to a boil. Once boiling add the squid and cook for 2 minutes. Remove the squid then reserve the liquid; set aside.

2. In a pan add oil then sauté garlic and onions.

Once onions turn translucent add the chillies then stir fry for a minute.

3. Add the squid and stir fry for 3 minutes. Remove the squid again leaving everything back in the pan.

4. Pour the soy sauce-vinegar mixture used on first step, turn heat to high, then bring liquid to a boil. Add the squid ink and reduce liquid to half.

5. Still in high heat add the squid back together with the sugar then simmer for 5 more minutes.

Turn heat off then serve. (Recipe and Image: angsarap.net)

CHICKEN ADOBO

INGREDIENTS • 2 large potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds • 1/4 cup soy sauce • 1 head garlic, peeled and minced • 1 onion, peeled and sliced thinly • 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns • 2 bay leaves • 1/4 cup oil • 1 whole (3 to 4 pounds) chicken, cut into serving pieces • 1/2 cup vinegar • 1 cup water • salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS 1. In a bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, onions, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Rub mixture onto meat and place in the refrigerator to marinate for about 30 minutes. Drain chicken well, reserve the liquid.

2. In a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add the potatoes and cook, turning as needed, until lightly browned and halfway tender. With a slotted spoon, remove the potatoes and drain on paper towels. Remove excess oil from pan except for about 1 tablespoon.

3. Add chicken including onions, garlic, and bay leaves and cook, turning occasionally until chicken is lightly browned.

4. Add vinegar and allow to boil, uncovered and WITHOUT stirring, for about 3 to 5 minutes. This is very important to "cook off" the vinegar taste.

5. Add the reserved marinade and water and stir to combine. Allow to a boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Add potatoes and cook until potatoes are tender and sauce is reduced. Serve hot.

PORK ADOBO

INGREDIENTS • 2 lbs pork belly • 2 tablespoons garlic minced or crushed • 5 pieces dried bay leaves • 4 tablespoons vinegar • 1/2 cup soy sauce • 1 tablespoon peppercorn • 2 cups water • Salt to taste DIRECTIONS Combine the pork belly, soy sauce, and garlic then marinade for at least 1 hour Heat the pot and put-in the marinated pork belly then cook for a few minutes Pour remaining marinade including garlic.

Add water, whole pepper corn, and dried bay leaves then bring to a boil.

Simmer for 40 minutes to 1 hour Put-in the vinegar and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes Add salt to taste Serve hot. Share and enjoy!

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PRAYER TO SAINT JUDE

Most Holy Apostle St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of the enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases and of things despaired of. Pray for me who am so needy; make use, I implore you of that particular privilege accorded to you to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings particularly (here mention your petition) and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout eternity. I promise you, O blessed Jude to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to you. Amen. THANK YOU - ARDY

PRAYER TO PRAYER TO SAINT THE HOLYTHERESE SPIRIT Holy SpiritSt. Thou who make see everything and show O Glorious Therese, whomme Almighty God has raised up tome aid the inspire way tothe reach myfamily, ideal. IYou whoyour give me the divine gift to and human implore Miraculous Intercession. forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in You are so powerful obtaining every of body and spiritwant from all instances of myinlife with me.

I, inneed this short dialogue, the HeartYou of God. Holy Mother proclaims youthat ‘Prodigy of to thank for everything andChurch conďŹ rm once more I never Miracles...

Greatest Saint Now fervently want to be the separated from YouofnoModern matter Times.’ how great theI material desires may be.answer I want my to be with You and my loved in beseech you to petition (mention here) and ones to carry PRAYERS Your perpetual glory.

Amen. ( AHeaven person doing must pray three out your promises of spending goodthis on for earth...of BLESSED VIRGIN consecutive daysPRAYER withoutTO stating his wish.

After the 3rd day the letting known fall from Heaven a Shower of Roses.

Little Flower, give (Never to fail). O no Most Beautiful Carmel, Fruitful wish will be granted, matter howFlower diďŹƒcultofitMt. may be. Promise me your childlike to the Face God in people and Vine, Splendor of faith, Heaven, Blessed Mother of granted. thethe Son of God, to publish this as soon assee your favor hasofbeen Grateful H[SHULHQFHV RI P\ OLIH DQG WR ORYH *RG ZLWK IXOO FRQÂżGHQFH 6W Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help Thanks) —JOSIE me and show herein you are my Mother.

Holy Mary, of 7KHUHVH P\ me &DUPHOLWH 6LVWHU , ZLOO IXO¿OO O \RXU SOHD ¾WR Mother EH PDGH God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the known everywhere’ and I will continue to lead others to Jesus bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There through you. Amen THANK YOU - ABA are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). 3 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, 3 Glory BeSay this prayer for 3 consecutive days. You must publish it, and it will be granted to you.- KORY

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O Glorious St. Therese, whom Almighty God has raised up to aid and inspire the human family, I implore your Miraculous Intercession.

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O Glorious St. Therese Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the and inspire the human fa help is almost despaired. Come toof my assistance great into the hands the enemies has caused you in to bethis forgotten by way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive You are so powerful in o many, but the Church honors and invokes you universally as the professional communication and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances the Heart of God. Holy patron of hopeless cases and of things despairedof of. heaven Pray for needClear, that Iknowledgeable, may receive the consolations and succor me who am so needy; make use, I implore you of that particular Miracles... the Greates of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for accorded tois you to bring visible and speedy help where beseech you to answe skills with clients and taxprivilege agencies crucial. everything and confirm once more that I never want to betribulations, separated in all my necessities, and sufferings particularly (here help is almost despaired.

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PMA topnotcher: I never thought of quitting military school despite its hardships

Q

uitting the military school never entered the mind of Cadet First Class Gemalyn Sugui, the topnotcher of the Philippine Military Academy MASIDLAWIN (Mandirigmang Isinilang na may Dangal at Lakas Upang Maging Tanglaw ng Inang Bayan) Class of 2020.

Sugui, who hails from Echague, Isabela, is a graduate of BS Management Economics from the University of the Philippines Baguio.

Her mother is a public school teacher while her father is a farmer.

The 25-year-old female cadet admitted that life inside PMA was difficult, but she said she never thought of quitting.

"Mahirap 'yung experience sa PMA pero never sumagi sa isip ko na mag-quit kasi gusto ko talaga 'yung pagpasok sa PMA so naisip ko na 'yung pagco-college ko nga na nahirapan ako, tinapos ko. Paano pa 'yung gusto ko talagang pagiging kadete," Sugui said in an interview shared to the media.

"Kahit na nanibago ako sa mga kalakaran dito sa military, tinapos ko at hindi ko man lang naisip na mag-

quit..." she added.

Sugui said the military school has deeply changed her, especially on how she values time and her family.

"Binago ako ng PMA kasi noong sibilyan ako, dito ako nag-aral sa Baguio, tinetext ko lang 'yung parents ko na 'Nay, kailangan ko ng ganito, ganyan.' Noong naging kadete ako bina-value ko na 'yung time sa family kasi noong pumasok ako sa PMA, minsan ko lang sila makausap. Minsan ko lang sila makasama,” Sugui recalled.

During her college days, Sugui used to procrastinate her school work; but when she entered the military school, she learned to value her time so that she may accomplish a lot of tasks.

"Pero noong nag-kadete ako, 'yung 30 minutes lang na tulog mo importante na siya para

matapos mo 'yung kailangan mong gawin," Sugui said.

Sugui is set to join the Philippine Army.

The cadet admitted she was surprised when she learned that she dominated the 196 PMA graduates of this year, but now, she believes that it happened because she has a purpose in life.

"Habang tumatagal parang siguro may plano ang Diyos bakit niya ko nilagay sa position na ito. Binigay Niya sa akin kasi kaya ko," Sugui said.

"Sinasabi ko na gagampanan ko kahit na 'yung pinakamaliit na trabaho na ipapagawa sa akin kasi sa maliit na bagay dito nagsisimula 'yung malalaking success at victories," she added.

The PMA graduation rites will be held Friday afternoon.

The 196 graduates include 172 males and 23 females. (MNS)

PMA MASIDLAWIN Class 2020's top cadet is Gemalyn Deocares Sugui of Echague, Isabela. (MNS photo)

SAP beneficiaries express gratitude for cash aid MANILA – Beneficiaries of the government’s So- id nami ang pang-araw-araw na buhay sa gitna allocate for those families who qualified for the cial Amelioration Program (SAP) shared their ng enhanced community quarantine (This is program or considered as low-income and are sentiments after receiving financial assistance more than just money, this enabled us to go on the most affected sector by the government’s amid the coronavirus pandemic. with our lives during the enhanced commu- containment measures.

In a series of posts on the DSWD social me- nity quarantine),” Irene Sabong from Navotas The 4P’s grantees received their cash asdia pages recently, beneficiaries like "Nanay City said. sistance directly through their cash cards.

Marcelina" of Southern Leyte expressed DSWD said it has already distributed DSW D said they already sent gratitude, saying she can now afford to buy PHP78,933,406,900 to 13,034,930 non-Pan- PHP17,477,328,550 to 4,021,496 families. medicine and food for her family. tawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s) The DSWD has also coordinated with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regula“Parang birthday gift sa akin ang ayuda na grantees.

That is part of the PHP81,684,964,650 tory Board (LTFRB) to support the families of nakuha ko sa kaarawan ko (It’s like their gift total fund that was downloaded to the local drivers of transport network vehicle services for me, I got it on my birthday),” she said.

Meanwhile, Lorila Mataganas shared on government units (LGUs) in the country to (TNVS) and public utility vehicle (PUV) who Facebook that she invested the were affected by the suspension money to start a sari-sari store of mass transport in the National in their area.

Capital Region (NCR).

“Ginawa ko pong puhunan kasi It has recently entered into a wala na kaming aasahan. Kahit partnership with G-Xchange, papiso-piso ang tubo at least hinInc. (GCash), one of the leading di po naubos agad yung bigay ng mobile wallet platforms in the DSWD. Maraming salamat sa Philippines, for the distribution inyo, God bless! (I put up a small of the emergency subsidy under store in our neighborhood. Althe SAP for a quicker and safer though the income may be small, approach of cash disbursement. at least we now have something to TNVS driver-beneficiaries depend on. This way, the aid we may withdraw their subsidies got from DSWD will be consumed via GCash from any Automated for a long-term basis. Thank you Teller Machines (ATMs) nationand God bless!),” Mataganas said, wide or use the funds to pay for as she shared a photo of her saphysical and online transactions. ri-sari store in the comment secThey may also use GCash to tion on Facebook. pay bills to over 70,000 merAnother beneficiary said the CASH AID BENEFICIARIES. Some beneficiaries express their gratitude on the chants and billers, buy airtime assistance helped them carry on government's Social Amelioration Program (SAP) which was distributed through load, and easily transfer money through the implementation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Robert (in the middle of the to other GCash account owners the stay-at-home order. collage), a tricycle driver from Leyte, said the PHP5,000 monthly cash assistance or bank accounts from over 40 “Hindi lamang ito pera, kundi is a huge help for him as he cannot provide financial support for his family due financial institutions nationwide. to the quarantine restrictions. (Photos from DSWD) napalaking tulong upang maitaw(PNA)

GOV’T... from Page 1 entail dividing places into either "affected" or "economic" areas.

In affected areas, the zone to be "cordoned" or locked down will be called the "index" or "critical area." Its surrounding area where there are fewer cases will be called the "containment area."

Areas that are unaffected but contiguous to those will be called the '"buffer zone," Galvez explained.

Outside the buffer zone will be the economic area, where 50 to 100% of economic activity will be allowed to resume, he said.

The official said the zoning will depend on data on doubling time and incident rate.

"Ang nakikita po natin na isang magandang option po ay magkaroon po tayo ng tinatawag na granular approach, o 'yung tinatawag nating selective approach, o 'yung surgical approach, kasi dito natin makikita talaga na we have to have a direct impact immediately at saka 'yung rapid response natin ay nakatutuok talaga du'n sa mga affected," he said at the Laging Handa briefing.

He said the concept has been proposed to President Rodrigo Duterte.

Galvez earlier said the government may implement future lockdowns at the barangay lev-

el. Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said they may also focus on neighborhoods, sitios, and subdivisions.

Cebu City and Mandaue City remain under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until May 31. Metro Manila, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga including Angeles City, Zambales and Laguna are under a modified ECQ. The rest of the country is under general community quarantine.

Galvez said the government's quarantine strategy has been effective, claiming that the number of COVID-19 deaths recorded per

day has been decreasing.

"If we have already an effective way on testing, tracing, at saka 'yung treatment, nakikita po namin na pwede na tayong magbukas," he said, referring to business establishments.

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines climbed to 13,597 on Friday after the Department of Health reported 163 new infections.

Ninety-two more patients have recovered from the virus, bringing the total to 3,092, while the death toll increased to 857 with 11 new fatalities. (MNS)

GALVEZ:... from Page 1 sinagawang ECQ o 'yung lockdown.

Ngunit ang sinasabi ko po ngayon, tignan po natin ang mga datos, hindi po nag-sisinungaling ang mga datos," Secretary Carlito Galvez said.

"Tignan na lang po natin ang ibang highly populated areas sa ibang bansa na tinamaan din ng COVID-19," he added.

Galvez said the National Capital Region, with a population of 16.5 million, had only reported 842 deaths while Lombardy in Italy, with a population of 10 million, had reported 32,330 fatalities.

"Ang New York state naman po na nasa 19 million... 61,000 na po ang kanilang naitalang mga deaths. At nakikita natin, patuloy ang US, libo-libo ang namamatay sa kanila," Galvez said.

Both western countries were heavily affected by the virus.

In Southeast Asia, the Philippines has reported the most COVID-19 deaths after Indonesia with 857 and 1,326, respectively, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Malaysia, the next Southeast Asian country with the most fatalities, had only reported 115.

Vietnam, despite a long and porous border with China, has recorded just 268 virus cases and zero deaths, according to official tallies.

Galvez said the country now has an average of 250 new cases per day despite the more than 11,000 daily tests conducted.

"Bagamat masasabi natin na naging epektibo ang programa ng ating bansa sa COVID-19, hindi tayo puwede mag kumpiyansa," Galvez said.

"Disiplina pa rin ang ating kailangan dahil may responsibilidad po tayo, hindi lang sa ating mga sarili kundi sa ating mga pamilya at sa ibang kasamahan na nakapaligid po sa atin," he added.

The Philippines has reported a total of 13,597 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 857 fatalities and 3,092 recoveries. (MNS)

Business BUSINESS

Saturday-Friday | May 23 - 29, 2020

Duterte adviser to small business owners: Don’t use family savings as new working capital MANILA (Mabuhay) — Presidential adviser on entrepreneurship Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion on Thursday advised small entrepreneurs not to tap their family savings to keep their COVID-19-hit businesses up and running once the lockdown measures are eased.

Concepcion sa id t he working capital of micro, small, and medium enterprises were already depleted and it will be a challenge for them to replenish funding since many banks may reduce their risk exposure amid the crisis.

However, he said, that it may be best for small businesses to let go of their employees and close shop instead JOSE MA. “JOEY” CONCEPCION of using their own or

their family’s hard-earned savings.

“Kung naubos na ang working capital ninyo 'wag niyong ubusin ang family savings ninyo,” Concepcion said.

“I know we want to keep our employees, if we can afford, but at a certain point in time kailangan bitawan na rin ‘yan kasi baka ikaw maging mas mahirap kayo at sayang mga pinagkatiyagaan mo all these years,” he added.

Concepcion reiterated that the economy cannot afford another large-scale lockdown as he emphasized the need for massive rapid testing.

The presidential adviser is spearheading the Project ARK (Antibody Rapid test Kits), a private sector initiative that promotes mass testing as part of a comprehensive strategy to reopen the economy after the lockdown. (MNS)

DOTr-LTFRB taps GCash as digital payments provider for taxis, TNVS MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Transportation-Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (DOTr-LTFRB) has partnered with mobile money service GCash to enable taxis and transport network vehicle services (TNVS) to provide cashless or contactless transactions.

“Cashless and contactless payment schemes will now be part of the 'new normal' in the public transportation system. This should not be treated by taxi operators as another transaction cost. Rather, this move intends to limit direct physical contact between drivers and their passengers and help stop the spread of COVID-19. I am very grateful to GCash for making this new arrangement happen," Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a statement on Friday.

Taxi operators and transport network companies (TNCs) are allowed to resume operations in areas placed under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Through it partnership with the DOTr-LTFRB, GCash will enable taxi drivers to accept digital payments through the scan-to-pay (STP) app through its QR technology.

With this, GCash users only need to scan the unique QR code of the taxi unit they are riding in paying for their metered fares.

GCash is also offering the GCash PowerPay+

solution to taxi operators.

The said platform is a fund disbursement facility that enables companies to send out salaries, allowances, and commissions through GCash to their employees, or members nationwide.

In addition, GCash users may use their GCash accounts to pay for their transactions both online and offline, transact with over 70,000 billers and merchants, as well as transfer funds to over 40 banks in the country.

“GCash strongly supports the government’s call for the use of mobile payments to lessen the risk of spreading COVID-19 through surfaces such as paper money. We laud the strong and wise decision of DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade and LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III in implementing the cashless payments program, as we move forward to the new normal,” GCash head of payments Jovit Bajar said.

To recall, the LTFRB has released Memorandum Circular No. 2020-018 which mandates the collection of fares in taxi units, and in the TNVS as "strictly through cashless payment or through online payment facility only."

For his part, LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III said the new fare payment setup will not just provide convenience for drivers, and passengers. It is much safer than cash bills

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Condoning farmers' debts from CARP, a worthy COVID-19 response — Recto M ANIL A (Mabuhay) — Releasing Filipino farmers from the shackles of unpaid balances under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) would be a signif icant COVID-19 pandemic response, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said Friday.

"This is one COVID-response measure wort h approving. If greater food production is what we should be doing to cushion the economic impact of the pandemic, then it is an incentive for those who feed us all," Recto said in a statement.

"Ema ncipat ion f rom debt is what they (farmers) also need," he added, noting that farmers shall be deemed as rightful owners of the lands awarded to them upon the effectivity of his proposed measure.

Last year, Recto filed Senate Bill No. 268 which seeks to condone all unpaid amortizations and interests, including penalties or surcharges due from loans secured under the CARP. A bill containing a similar intention hurdled the third and final reading in the House of Representatives earlier this week.

Citing a study from the Senate Economic Planning Office, Recto said only P2.5 billion of the projected P14.3 billion collectible land amortization paywhich may be contaminated with bacteria and viruses for days.

Aside from lowering the health risk in using cash payments, GCash’s payments and disbursement facilities promote transparency and accountability.

GCash is now collaborating with various taxi operators nationwide to implement the said fare payment scheme.

According to Delgra, aside from GCash, the LTFRB is in talks with other electron-

ments was actually collected from 1987 to 2004.

Aside from the expensive farm inputs that prevent many farmers from settling their loans, Recto pointed out that there is a low collection rate because the costly administrative expenses for the management of such receivables are not being met by the meager appropriations.

"There is a huge administrative cost in managing this important aspect of the agrarian reform program.

In fact, in one study, the system to collect loan payments from CARP beneficiaries was not fully put in place due to the high costs required," he said.

He assured that landowners whose properties have been subjected to land distribution will still be paid despite the condonation for farmers' debts from CARP loans.

"Their right to be paid on time and based on the legal contracts will be honored and will not be impaired," Recto said.

CARP, the government's agrarian reform program, was enacted during the Cory Aquino administration in 1988 to distribute 7.8 million hectares of land in the country in a bid to alleviate poverty. The land distribution effort has since been extended and reached the Duterte administration three decades later. (MNS) ic payment providers which include Squidpay, Paymaya, Beep, among others.

“We had consu ltat ions with these providers over the weekend. We are encouraging these digital payment providers to partner with taxi operators and TNCs to lessen the chance of COVID-19 spread,” Delgra said.

“On the part of the TNCs such as Hirna, Grab and Owto, they are already accepting cashless transactions,” he said. (MNS)

DOF, BIR studying proposals to tax online activities MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Finance (DOF), through its attached agency Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), said it is now looking at how to impose taxes on digital activities such as online sales and streaming services.

In a Senate hearing, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the DOF and the BIR are now looking at proposals to impose taxes on services offered by companies such as Netflix and Lazada.

"We have started the study on improving our tax collections on video streaming, on commerce conducted through the internet," Dominguez told lawmakers on Wednesday.

"What we are trying to figure out is how we can implement a tax collection program, so now our team from the BIR and the DOF is working very hard to determine the way to tax transactions that are supposed to be taxed but are escaping taxation because they are on the internet," added Dominguez.

Dominguez said that while studies are ongoing, there is still no clear picture on the possible collections from online activities.

House Committee on Ways and Means chair Joey Salceda earlier this week filed a measure seeking to impose taxes on digital services.

Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. on Wednesday said he has filed a similar measure. (MNS)

FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS DOMINGUEZ III

20

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