Weekend Balita (Los Angeles edition) May 8, 2021

ORANGE COUNTY EDITION

COVAX to send AstraZeneca, Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses in May PAGE 15 VOL. XXX NO. 19

Saturday-Friday | May 8 - 14, 2021

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

“ISANG TINIG, ISANG LAHI” reSCUe CoNCerT for rP SHAPeS UP”

By ABNER GALINO

A VIRTUAL conference of Filipino and Filipino American leaders was held on Wednesday (May 5) to organize a humanitarian response to the crisis besetting the Philippines due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

The virtual conference was titled: Call to action and unity for Filipinos abroad: Humanitarian Response to the Philippine COVID crisis.

On the same venue, television personality Cory Quirino, who is also the president of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), talked about the build up efforts to launch a virtual world concert titled: Isang Tinig, Isang Lahi to generate awareness and support for the Filipinos who have been socially

and economically hurt by the pandemic.

“We have to use our lives to help our fellow Filipinos. The government cannot do it alone,” Quirino said.

The meaningful concert, patterned after the 1985’s well remembered concert “Live Aid,” is projected to involve the biggest Filipino entertainers and as well as famous artists from other countries who have Filipino ancestry.

Conference participants did not discount A me r i c a n p op s t a r “ISANG TINIG

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Cory Quirino, president of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC)

LA County approves motion to address anti-Asian hate

T

he Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a motion authored by Chair Hilda L. Solis and co-authored by Supervisor Barger that will continue to address anti-Asian hate in honor of Asian America Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The motion seeks to explore the feasibility of making accessible bystander intervention training for LA County employees.

“In Los Angeles County, we recognize that education is a key part of our ongoing work to address racism, which is why this Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are directing resources to explore an opportunity to provide bystander intervention trainings that are accessible to all County employees,” shared Chair Solis.

“Equipped with the appropriate tools, County employees can safely and effectively intervene in hate acts that they may encounter in the public sphere.”

Over the course of the pandemic,

Got your 1 shot? st

Here are 8 things to know before your second COVID-19 vaccine shot

1 2 3 4

Side effects will likely be stronger

While many people report the second shot packs a punch, the good news is that older adults are less likely to experience vaccine reactions.

Avoid taking pain relievers before your shot Pain relievers taken preemptively ahead of a shot could dampen the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Timing between doses doesn't need to be exact

The second dose of the Pfizer shot is recommended to be given 21 days after the first; for Moderna, 28 days. But if you miss it, the second dose can be given up to 6 weeks after the first.

The second dose should be from the same manufacturer as the first

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A rash at the injection site isn't a reason to skip your second dose

A rash at the injection site after getting the first shot should not deter from getting the second shot.

6

Temporarily avoid all other vaccines

7

Full immunity is not immediate

8

Continue preventative measures

Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are not interchangeable with each other or with other COVID-19 vaccine products.

Avoid other immunizations in the two weeks before and after both doses.

It takes 2 weeks after the second dose to build full protection to the virus.

Continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing after vaccination. It’s still possible to carry the virus and silently transmit it to others.

AARP is fighting to protect the health of Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders 50+ and their families by providing trusted information and resources surrounding COVID-19.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccination at aarp.org/vaccineinfo

LA COUNTY

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Fil-Am

Community Earth Day puts spotlight on Philippine pineapples and coconuts

ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor

Saturday-Friday | May 8 - 14, 2021

Visit www.Balita.com

By LYDIA V. SOLIS

O

n April 22, journalist Katie Couric pineapple fibers (piña), abaca plant fidonned an Oliver Tolentino piña bers, water-lily leaves, jute and raw silk dress for Earth Day. cocoon, Oliver has become an advisor to “To cap off Earth Day,” she wrote in Philippine weavers and embroiderers. her post to social media, “I decided to get He has shown pieces in the Bahamas, all dressed up in my @theOliverTolenti- Bali, Barbados, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, no dress made with fabric woven from Los Angeles, Manila, New York, Palm leaves of the Spanish red pineapple!”

Springs, San Diego, San Francisco, and Couric gained fame as the face Amer- Switzerland. And he will continue to icans woke up to when she co-anchored dress the fashionable and style conscious NBC’s Today show for 15 years. She was around the world. also the first woman to anchor the CBS Evening News from 2006 to 2011. An Papo J’s Lambanog The invitation from Christine online journalist, she now runs the Katie Consunji, Director of Sales & Catering at Couric Media.

Among her many achievements: She Great Wolf Resorts, to the Holiday Wine has won a Peabody Award, two Edward Cellar in Escondido, Calif., on April 1, was so tempting! I R. Murrows Awards, a wish I could’ve joined Walter Cronkite Award, her and Femie Cupit, and multiple Emmys. president of the FilipiShe was twice named no-American Chamber one of Time magaof Commerce North zine’s 100 Most InfluSan Diego. ential People and was “You would have a Glamour Magazine’s enjoyed free sips of Woman of the Year, the award-winning three times. A New Papo J’s Lambanog,” York Times best-selling said Christine. “Made author, she co-founded with 100% coconut the Stand Up To Cannectar, Gluten free, cer (SU2C), which has and Keto friendly,” she raised more than $600 added, “one taste and million since its foundyou would’ve discoving in 2008. ered why they received Her couturier, Holthe Gold Award at the lywood fashion design2020 Bartender Spirits er Oliver Tolentino, Awards.” who has been comAccording to Chrispared “to the likes of tine, as customers Oscar de la Renta and shopped at the store, Valentino,” is from Bataan province and is Katie Couric wears piña for Earth they had the chance to Day (Photo: Katie Couric Instagram sample shots of the lambelieved to be the first account) banog, as well as cocktails couture designer to expand to the United States. He has bou- such as Tropical Punch (made of Papo Js, tiques in Beverly Hills, California, and pineapple, and coconut) and PPJ Cold Makati, Philippines. At the 86th Acad- Brew (lambanog-infused coffee).

The event garnered widespread supemy Awards, Oliver was reported to be “the first designer in 53 years from his port from the San Diego Filipino comhome country to dress an Oscar winner.” munity. Besides Filipino-American Country singer and American Idol Chamber of Commerce North San Diego winner Carrie Underwood also wore an President Femie Cupit, other members Oliver Tolentino peach piña dress during in attendance were FACC NSD Vice one of her performances. And at the President Vina Gan and board member 2016 Academy Awards, he created a piña Gideon Abraham, owner of Lutchi & tuxedo, the first ever worn by an Oscar Mary Restaurant.

“We are excited that Papo Js Lamnominee. The following year, this time at the Golden Globes, a nominee also wore banog is carried at a landmark store such as the Holiday Wine Cellar,” said Femie.

Oliver’s piña tuxedo.

He specializes in eco-friendly fabrics. “Lambanog is a big part of the Filipino Through his development and incor- culture and I am proud that Papo Js is poration of native fabrics derived from showing San Diego how delicious lam-

banog is.”

The Papo Js team present at the event included Dave Osmena, one of the co-founders, and their marketing team from My Jeepney Stop – founder Cristina Espiritu, Christine Consunje, and David Ray of Mind Masters.

“A tasting event at Holiday Wine Cellar is special to me personally and to Papo Js,” said Dave. “They were the first shop to put Papo Js on the shelf. It means a lot when that first store owner takes a chance on you. We very much appreciate their continued support. The Chamber has been amazing as well. The membership has had some good ideas and they are always available to help out.

It’s a fun group to be around and share a glass.”

Holiday Wine cellar is a family-owned and operated store since 1965. It is San Diego County’s only authentic underground wine cellar. This Escondido landmark specializes in import and domestic wines, craft beers and spirits from around the world. Since 2009, it has made its extensive selection of fine wines, craft beers, and exceptional spirits available online.

About Papo Js

Papo Js is a product unique to the Philippines where they developed a style over hundreds of years. It is a clear bright spirit with a hint of sweetness where in each sip you get the sense of the sandy soils, intense sunshine, and tropical rain from where it was created.

Handcrafted in small batches, this potent 80 proof alcohol is made with no fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. No artificial irrigation is used so freshwater can be better utilized. Nectar is collected from the small farms where men work in treetops to collect the nectar by hand.

The alcohol is produced naturally without added yeasts and distillation is done in small batches by local craftsman in a husk fired still.

Papo Js Lambanog is a delicious and natural alternative to tequila, rum or vodka. This award-winning liquor received 95 points and the Gold Award at the 2020 Bartender Spirits Awards.

For more information about where to find Papo Js, go to www.papojs.com.

To contact the marketing team behind Papo Js and learn more about the product, please contact Cristina Espiritu at cristina@myjeepneystop.com or visit their website at www.myjeepneystop. com.

Papo J’s Lambanog owner Dave Osmeña (left) with Gideon Abraham

From left: Cristina Espiritu, David Ray, Vina Gan and Femie Cupit

I

n celebration of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles, members of the Filipino American community, among them Public Works Commisioner Jessica Caloza, joined over 70 volunteers in cleaning up the “El Pueblo,” the city’s birthplace.

Volunteers also came from the Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti, Office of Kevin de León, L.A. City Department of Public Works, Office of Community Beautification, Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment, Los Angeles Civil and Human Rights and Equity Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, the staff from the El Pueblo Historical Monument and the Chinese American Museum.

Also present were LA Councilmembers John Lee and Nithya Raman.

The participating members of the Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown were led by their president Fernandico Gonong.

Saturday-Friday | May 8 - 14, 2021

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LA County, free legal team fight to protect jobs and wages Many of people they serve are low-wage or undocumented workers — many are undocumented Filipino residential health care workers.

By MARK HEDIN Ethnic Media Services

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mid the economic tumult of the COVID-19 pandemic, workers’ advocates are concerned that hard-won gains in workers’ rights may suddenly be lost.

At an April 22 town hall hosted by the LA County Office of Immigrant Affairs, speakers provided updates on laws new and old that protect workers from unsafe conditions or being cheated.

“It’s important to let those workers know that we’re here for you,” Rose Basmadzhyan, Wage Enforcement Program and Investigation chief for LA County’s Department of Consumer & Business Affairs, said. “We want them to come to us; we want them trust us; we want them to know that we’re on their side.”

“We don’t care if you have an issue with your immigration status,” she said. “We won’t allow your employer to retaliate against you. We have tools and mechanisms to prevent that.”

Basmadzhyan said that sometimes, her department can be helpful just by making a call to the employer. An employer might be unaware of the rules, or simply mindful that it’s better to avoid getting investigated, and will take steps to avoid that.

Her team will launch investigations even without getting a complaint if it

thinks something might be wrong. She encouraged workers to contact the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs if they have any doubts, and promised anonymity for such “whistle-blowing.”

“We want to deter these kinds of behaviors because it hurts… businesses that are complying with the laws and it also hurts our workers.”

Basmadzhyan described three county ordinances related to workers rights, two of them enacted since the COVID-19 pandemic began last year.

Information about all three – addressing minimum wage violations, employers retaliating against workers, and a new, temporary “hero pay” rule that provides some workers and extra $5 per hour, can be found on her department’s website (https://dcba.lacounty.gov/minimum-wage/).

The site also provides links for filing complaints about possible violations: For unlawfully low pay or withheld wages, click here: https://tinyurl.com/LApayrate. If a worker has been wrongfully punished, click here: https://tinyurl. com/LAretaliation.

The minimum wage rule, in place since July 2016, sets a standard of $15 per hour. (Companies with 25 or fewer workers are allowed to pay just $14.25 per hour, but that rate grows to $15 per hour in July.)

LA County progresses into Yellow Tier L.A. County on Tuesday has progressed into the so-called Yellow Tier, the least restrictive tier of the State’s reopening system.

The modifications to the Health Officer Order include the following: Amusement/Theme Parks/Fairs can increase capacity to 35%. Fully vaccinated out of state visitors are permitted.

Bars that do not provide meals can operate indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer.

Masking always required, except when eating or drinking; drinking and eating only while seated. Tables must be at least 6 feet apart and no counter seating/service. Maximum of 6 people from one household per table; if everyone in a group is vaccinated, 6 people can sit together from up to 6 different households.

TV viewing is permitted. No live entertainment permitted indoors.

Outdoors tables can have a maximum 8 persons per table from up to 3 different households; if everyone in a group is vaccinated, 8 people sit together from up to 8 different households.

Live entertainment and TV viewing permitted outdoors. No counter seating/service.

Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries that do not serve meals can increase indoors capacity to 50% or 200 people, whichever is fewer.

No live entertainment permitted indoors. These establishments will follow the same public health directives as bars for their outdoor areas.

Restaurants can increase capacity for indoor dining to 50% capacity with continued safety modifications. There must be 6 feet distancing between tables. Maximum of 6 people from one household per table; if everyone in a group is vaccinated, 6 people can sit together from up to 6 different households.

Cardrooms/Racetracks/Satellite Wagering Facilities can operate indoors at 50% capacity. There must be 6-feet of distancing between tables and masks are always required. Food and beverages remain banned at the tables.

Fitness Centers can operate indoors at 50% capacity. Masks are always required unless swimming.

Movie Theatres can operate at 50% capacity. Reserved seating only where each group is seated with at least 6 feet of distance between any other groups (in all directions); capacity is limited to ensure that there is at least 6 feet of distance between groups.

Seating sections can be established for fully vaccinated people without 6 feet distancing requirements provided there is 3 feet of distance between these sections and other seats in the theatre. Eating is allowed in only designated areas or in your reserved seat.

Family Entertainment Centers can operate at 50% capacity, 75% if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination. Masks are required.

Grocery and Retail Stores capacity remains limited to 75% with continued requirement for distancing of at least 6 feet between customers.

Hair Salons, Barbershops and Personal Care Services can operate at 75% capacity with masks required, except for services where customers need to remove their masks. For services where customers must remove their face coverings, staff must wear a fitted N95 mask or a face covering with a face shield.

Museums, Zoos and Aquariums can be open indoors at 75% capacity with safety modifications.

Waterparks can operate at 40% capacity with safety modifications.

Youth and Adult Recreational Sports and Community.

Sporting Events can apply to Public CONTNUED ON PAGE 16

The anti-retaliation ordinance, in place since Nov. 24 last year, includes potential fines of $10,000 per day, per violation, per employee for companies who retaliate against a worker reporting public safety issues or other abuses at their workplace.

The third, a “hero pay” ordinance effective Feb. 26 this year, has only a 120-day window – until late June, unless extended — but requires that stores selling primarily foods, household good and medications provide an extra $5 per hour to people working on site.

Bet Tzedek Legal Services “is lucky,” Yvonne Garcia Medrano said, because as a nonprofit organization that does not get federal money, it is free to help undocumented workers.

As a consequence, “the majority of people we serve are low-wage or undocumented workers.”

Many, she said, are undocumented Filipino residential health care workers, along with garment workers, restaurant workers and car-wash workers.

Bet Tzedek’s help is offered at no cost for people living or working in Los Angeles County. Additionally, Bet Tzedek hosts weekly clinics online, “that we’re very, very proud of,” Medrano said. “Anyone can call our clinic number.”

To make an appointment, call (323) 939-0506, extension 415. The clinics are held weekly, on Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m.

They’re “where the majority of our cases come from … a lot of wage and hours cases, minimum wage violations,” she said. A team of about five attorneys will discuss the caller’s concerns to evaluate the case and give advice.

“For the most part, we tend to file cases

with the California Department of Industrial Relations, often referred to as the Labor Commissioner’s office,” she said.

That office, she added, is particularly tough on retaliation cases and makes it clear to employers that a worker’s undocumented status is irrelevant and that even just raising the subject is likely to trigger a retaliation probe.

Bet Tzedek also files cases with the county or with the city office of wage standards.

“We tend to file wherever we can file — the state, the county — and we see which one moves faster,” she said.

Bet Tzedek also works with agencies such as workers centers, whose calls to employers sometimes yield immediate results and can seem less threatening than one from a lawyer or a regulatory agency would.

Medrano highlighted the challenges faced by residential health care workers, who are often live-in and expected to be on duty around the clock.

“We’ve seen a lot of really sad situations of people who are sacrificing themselves and their bodies to help our most vulnerable.”

Their situation has been made worse by a tough job market that heightens the fear of retaliation, especially, in the cases of in-home workers, when they also risk losing where they live.

“We’ve also had a dramatic increase in workers that have a problem with unemployment benefits,” Medrano said. Undocumented workers are not eligible, but legal residents have reported not getting paid or being told why.

Since its founding in 1999, Bet Tzedek has won workers $13 million in judgments and settlements.

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2020 had largest increase in voting between presidential elections

By JACOB FABINA

D

espite unique challenges to voter registration and voting created by COVID-19 and heightened concerns about turnout as a result, the 2020 election had the highest voter turnout of the 21st century.

The 2020 election featured the largest increase in voters between two presidential elections on record with 17 million more people voting than in 2016.

The COVID-19 pandemic did not prevent Americans from registering and voting at relatively high rates.

In 2020, 67% of all citizens age 18 and older reported voting, up 5 percentage points from 2016.

Only citizens — U.S.-born or naturalized — age 18 or older are eligible to vote.

In addition, 73% of all voting-age citizens were registered to vote, 2 percentage points higher than in 2016.

The COVID-19 pandemic did not prevent Americans from registering and voting at relatively high rates. Only 2% of citizens 18 and older who did not register to vote reported not registering because of concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and only 4% of registered nonvoters reported not voting due to such concerns.

Many voters used alternative voting methods and there was a large shift to early voting and voting by mail.

These statistics come from new data released today from the Current Population Survey's November 2020 Voting and Registration Supplement. This supplement asked noninstitutionalized civilians about their voting and registration behavior in the 2020 presidential election.

Due to the nature of survey responses,

these estimates may differ from administrative reports and estimates from other data sources. However, this supplement provides a unique look at the characteristics of American voters.

Higher Turnout Across All Race Groups Turnout rates in 2020 were higher than in the 2016 election for non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic Asian, and Hispanic race and origin groups.

The largest increase was for non-Hispanic Asians. Of the non-Hispanic Asian population who were both citizens and of voting age, 59% reported voting in 2020, compared to 49% in 2016.

Non-Hispanic Asian registration saw a large increase as well: 64%, compared to 56% in 2016. The 2020 election also featured higher turnout rates for: Non-Hispanic Whites: 71% voter turnout, compared to 65% in 2016.

Hispanics: 54%, compared to 48% in 2016.

Non-Hispanic Blacks: 63%, compared to 60% in 2016. While voter turnout in this group was higher than in 2016, it did not exceed turnout in 2008 (65%).

In previous elections, non-Hispanic Black voter turnout far exceeded non-Hispanic Asian turnout by 18 percentage points in 2008 and by 20 points in 2012.

In contrast, non-Hispanic Black voter turnout in 2020 was only 3 percentage points higher than non-Hispanic Asian turnout.

Turnout by Sex and Age In 2020, 68% of women eligible to vote reported voting — higher than the 65% turnout for men.

In the 2016 election, 63% of women

LA COUNTY... from Page 1 anti-Asian hate crimes have risen, with incidents reported across Los Angeles County, Oakland, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and numerous other large and small cities.

A common thread among many attacks has been the unwillingness or inability of bystanders to intervene.

Studies have shown that bystander intervention training is effective in providing people with the skills to intervene in cases of sexual harassment and assault.

“Now more than ever, we need to recognize and commemorate the many contributions of the AAPI community

in Los Angeles County and look for ways to protect our fellow residents against animosity and hatred,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, 5th District.

The passage of this motion directs the Director of the Department of Human Resources, in collaboration with labor partners, relevant County departments and County employee associations, to work with subject-matter experts and community organizations to explore the feasibility of providing anti-hate bystander intervention training to all Los Angeles County employees, and report back within 60 days including costs and timeline for execution.

and 59% of men reported voting.

Voting rates were higher in 2020 than in 2016 across all age groups, with turnout by voters ages 18-34 increasing the most between elections: For citizens ages 18-34, 57% voted in 2020, up from 49% in 2016.

In the 35-64 age group, turnout was 69%, compared to 65% in 2016.

In the 65 and older group, 74% voted in 2020, compared to 71% in 2016.

Population Shifts and Turnout Changes in the nation’s population makeup also play a role in voter turnout.

Take for example, the non-Hispanic White alone population, a group that tends to vote at a higher rate than other

groups.

The share of the citizen voting-age population that is non-Hispanic White declined from 69% in 2016 to 67% in 2020. At the same time, the non-Hispanic White share of voters declined as well, from 73% in 2016 to 71% four years later.

Still, their voter turnout rate exceeded their share of the voting population: non-Hispanic Whites were 71% of voters but only 67% of citizens 18 and older.

For the first time, Hispanic voters surpassed the 10% mark in a presidential election. In 2020, they made up 11% of the total turnout, close to the non-Hispanic Black share of 12%.

As the U.S. population ages, the share of older voters is also growing (Figure 4).

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Newsom signs bill giving small business $6.2B tax cut

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overnor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that will give small businesses hit hardest by this pandemic a $6.2 billion tax cut over the next six years – a critical lifeline that will help get our small businesses back on their feet and an important component of California’s economic recovery strategy.

“California’s small businesses have been hampered and hammered by this pandemic, and we are using every tool at our disposal to help them stay afloat,” said Governor Newsom.

“Help is on the way in the form of a $6.2 billion tax cut, which will provide support, not to large publicly traded companies, but to the mom-and-pop businesses – the beauty salons, restaurants and dental offices – which have been resilient during this difficult time.

This small business tax relief is exactly what is needed to keep businesses open so they can continue paying their

employees.”

Under the legislation, AB 80 by Assemblymember Autumn Burke (D-Inglewood), the forgiven PPP loans that businesses received from the federal government during the pandemic will not be counted as taxable income, and these businesses can also deduct the costs of expenses that those loans paid for.

This is additional state tax relief for the small businesses that have been struggling most, and may very well make a difference in their choosing to reopen, stay open, or shut down as they look to the future.

The Governor signed the legislation in San Fernando after meeting with local business owners that have utilized federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to keep operating during the pandemic. He was joined by actor, restaurateur and Los Angeles native Danny Trejo.

“ISANG TINIG... from Page 1 Bruno Mars, whose mother was a Filipina, as among the biggest names who may help the Philippine project.

The virtual conference organized by the Filipino American Voice United (FAVU) listed Philippine Ambassador to the US Manuel Romualdez and Senator Manny Pacquiao as among the speakers but both of them did not show up.

But Philippine House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Bernadette Herrera and Philippine General Hospital Director Dr. Gap Legaspi both attended the conference.

The conference was moderated by FAVU president Jerry Perez de Tagle.

FAVU Chair Nimfa Gamez and FPACC president Marie Cunning opened the conference.

Attendees include Noemi Frias, president of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (FACCGH) and national executive secretary of the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce.

The San Diego-based “The Filipino School” was represented by Howie Esteves, partnership director and Sam Banez, project manager.

“The Filipino School” was one of the many Filipino American entities that have written letters to US elected officials to request their support in expediting the release of Moderna vaccines to the Philippines.

Philippine diplomatic officials, particularly Ambassador Romualdez and

Consul General in Los Angeles Edgar Badajos, have asked the help of Filipino American communities in urging the American government for the speedy release of the COVID 19 vaccines to the Philippines.

Renato Villa, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., announced during the same conference that Philippine Air Lines (PAL) has given assurance that its planes would help airlift medicine and other relief goods to the Philippines for free.

Villa said the Philippine embassy and its consular offices will act as drop off points for medicine and relief goods being donated by the members of the Filipino American communities.

PGH director Dr. Legaspi, for his part, thanked the participants and organizers of the virtual conference for their efforts to help the Philippines.

“Right now, there is no big or small, rich or poor hospitals (in the Philippines).

Each of them is being equipped with all that are necessary things to treat people who are sick of COVID,” Dr. Legaspi said.

According to him, people sick with COVID 19 get the same medical treatment whether they were admitted in a public or private hospital.

“And we are very grateful to you, for doing your share in helping our country.”

The organizers of the virtual conference said the humanitarian effort that they are pursuing was non-partisan and non-political.

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Philippine Heritage Month features a Pinoy Pride SOCCER Player

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n behalf of the Philippine Heritage month celebration during the whole month of May, this author thought of featuring this upcoming, 20-year old Filipino American SOCCER player named Riley Joseph Rudio, who is the older brother to his sister Rachel, from their lovely parents: Joe and Rica Rudio.

Currently, Riley is in his senior year in college at the Kansas Wesleyan University, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Management, with a minor in Computer Technology. He not only excels in academics as a college student (with high honors on the Dean's List), but he's a student athlete as well, with the Kansas Wesleyan University Men's Soccer Team.

As a background growing up playing soccer, has been his passion since he was seven years old.

Pursuing his passion for this particular sports has led him to have the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level, after playing many years of organizational sports clubs and high school soccer teams. For Riley, this upcoming season gets him fired up, because it concludes his 14 years of playing the sports.

Looking back, Riley remembers how he was recruited into the collegiate SOCCER scholarship program at the Kanas Wesleyan University, before graduating high school from the Maranatha High School in Pasadena. Though at the time, he was unsure if he wanted to play collegiate soccer, or if there were opportunities available for him. Though he was aware at the time that he was smart and talented enough to have gained the attention of college recruiters, he pursued and asked for assistance from his organizational soccer club coaches, as well as his high school coaches. And collectively, they assisted him in the recruiting process, by connecting him with colleges that were willing to offer him both academic and athletic scholarships The coaches had connected him with the

RUDIO FAMILY. From left: Sister Rachel, Dad Joseph, Mom Rica and Riley

Filipino American, RILEY JOSEPH RUDIO, MVP Soccer Defender, Los Coyotes Team, Kansas Wesleyan University

coaching staff at Kansas Wesleyan University, a private, Christian school in Salma, Kansas, which offered both good academics and liberal arts scholarship programs.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e school also competes in the Kansas Collegiate At h let ic C onference

(KCAC). Coaches from Kansas were recruiting in California, which was actually not out of their norm. And, there were two coaches: Coach Diego and Coach Oscar, both from Kansas Wesleyan University, who came and watched R iley's games and practices and

finally enticed him to join the KWU Men's Soccer Program, whose goal was to win the KCAC Championship in the next year. After a few weeks, both of the coaches came back and finally offered Riley both a Soccer and academic scholarship at their school and in their program, as a Defender in their Defensive Back Line.

Now, four years later, Riley is finally on his senior year at KWU, two weeks before graduation. He is proud to have participated and played in 58 games, in total and earned a KCAC Championship going 15-0 conference and conference tournament in 2018 2019 regular season. In his final season, he earned KCAC

Pilipino po tayo!

Foreign-born people are older when they first marry, less likely to remarry than native-born

By YERÍS MAYOL-GARCÍA AND BENJAMIN GURRENTZ

F

oreign-born adults in the United States are more likely than those native born to tie the knot, marry at an older age and not remarry as often, according to a new U.S. Census Bureau report.

The report released last month highlights the relationship between nativity and marital history.

It shows that mixed nativity marriages (a native-born married to a foreign-born) were more common among Asian and Hispanic women than among non-Hispanic White women and Black women — a pattern that may be driven by recent immigration from Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia.

Due to cultural, political, legal, social, economic and other factors, the marital histories of the two groups tend to differ.

As a nation of immigrants, the U.S. population has historically included people born in the United States (native-born) and in different countries (foreign-born). Due to cultural, political, legal, social, economic and other factors, the marital histories of the two groups tend to differ.

The report uses estimates from the 2016 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year, as well as the 2014 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) Wave 1 and Social Security Administration Supplement files.

Marital History About two-thirds (67%) of native-born adults had ever married, compared

with over three-quarters (76%) of foreign-born adults.

However, among ever married adults, higher proportions of native-born people had ever divorced (36%) or ever been widowed (11%) compared to foreign-born people (20% and 7%, respectively).

Native-born adults were also more likely to remarry. About one in four (26%) were married two or more times. Among the foreign-born, only one in seven (14%) had remarried.

So, foreign-born people were more likely than those native born to ever marry and to be in their first marriage rather than in a second or higher marriage.

Age at First Marriage How old people are when they first marry could contribute to the differences in remarriage rates. The reason: The younger they marry, the more time they have to experience changes in marital status.

Less than half (46%) of foreign-born and 59% of native-born people had married by age 24.

Among foreign-born women, 55% had married by age 24, compared with 67% of native-born women.

Among men, 35% of foreign-born and 51% of native-born had married by age 24.

Mixed Nativity Marriages A mixed nativity marriage is made up of one foreign-born and one native-born spouse.

Increases in immigration from Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia in the CONTNUED ON PAGE 16

Honorable Mention and was voted MVP for the KWU Men's Soccer Program in the 2021-2022 regular season.

And finally, on May 15, 2021 Riley will be graduating with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, minor in Computer Technology. His future goals include pursuing a Masters program in Business Administration (MBA) to enable him to create multiple income streams to establish an eCommerce business which provides various job opportunities for everyone.

Sincerest congratulations to our PINOY PRIDE, Riley Joseph Rudio and wishing him a bright future ahead.

MABUHAY!

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

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

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

kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com

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

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

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CAN I ENFORCE A FORM I-864 AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT IN DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS? case/ divorce action. In addition, the Court in Kumar held that immigrant spouse has no duty to seek employment to mitigate his or her damages. The bottom line is that in any divorce proceeding, one has to consider whether one spouse has signed an I-864 affidavit in the past for purposes of conferring a green card to the other spouse and whether that obligation continues on. It may be a separate claim for support available to the immigrant spouse within the family law case.

THE Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 requires that US Citizens sponsoring an alien for legal permanent residency execute an immigration form I-864 Affidavit of Support. This is an agreement between the US Government and the Sponsor to promise to support the immigrant beneficiary seeking admission to the US at a level not less than 125% of the national poverty level. The purpose of the I-864 Affidavit is to prevent the noncitizen from becoming a public charge. The sponsor’s obligation continues until either 1) the intended immigrant becomes 2) the intended immigrant is no longer permanent resident by departing the US or relinquishing his or her residency 3) the immigrant is subject to removal or deportation but applies for and obtains anew adjustment of status based on a new affidavit of support 4) the intended immigrant or sponsor dies 5) the intended immigrant worked for 40 qualifying quarters under the Social Security Act. The I-864 affidavit is legally binding and enforceable contract between the Sponsor and the US Government. The enforceability even goes beyond this. The sponsored immigrant spouse can also enforce this contract against the

sponsor and file an action to enforce the sponsor’s support obligation separately from any support rights the sponsored immigrant spouse may have under Family Code Section 4320. Erler v. Erler, 824 F.3d 1173 (9th Cir. 2016). This obligation becomes an important issue where the marriage between the Sponsor and the immigrant beneficiary breaks down and a Divorce Petition is filed. The I-864 obligation does not terminate with divorce or dissolution of marriage.

Pursuant to Erler, neither a divorce judgment nor a premarital agreement may terminate an obligation of support under the I-864 affidavit. The obligation is not dischargeable even if the immigrant spouse is later supported by a third party or attempts to be self-sufficient.

Further if a Joint Sponsor also signed an I-864 affidavit, the Joint Sponsor is jointly and severally liable for the support of the immigrant spouse.

The immigrant spouse has an independent standing to enforce the obligation under the I-864 affidavit against the sponsor either in state court or federal court.

In re Marriage of Kumar, 13 Cal. App. 5th 1072 (2017). This means the sponsor’s support obligation under the I-864 affidavit may be enforced within the family law

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Weekend Balita is a Publication of Balita Media Inc., the leading source of news and information for the FilipinoAmerican community, which also publishes US Asian Post. Views & Opinions expressed by contributing writers and syndication partners are solely theirs and do not necessarily reflect that of the publishers. All advertising materials are subject to the paper’s editorial standards and discretion. All rights reserved.

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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

Can Bankruptcy Help If You’ve Been Laid Off Due To The Coronavirus?

WE are facing challenging times brought about by the coronavirus. Since March of last year, millions of people have lost their jobs. A lot of business owners have been forced to shut down. Surprisingly, bankruptcy filings have been down with so many people still waiting to see what happens in the next several months. Unfortunately, however, as a bankruptcy attorney, I predict that this is only temporary, and it is just a matter of time before people realize that bankruptcy is their only option. This may sound pessimistic but I think it is much better to be prepared than not.

At this time, a lot of people are still getting unemployment although for a lot of them, this temporary help has either just ended recently or is about to end. The government has been effective in extending unemployment benefits and we are now on round 3 of the stimulus payments. Eviction and foreclosure moratoriums are still in effect in a lot of states and so landlords and mortgage lenders are just waiting until they end before taking legal action. I talk to a lot of people who have not paid their rent or their mortgage since last year. A lot of them are still on forbearance, waiting to see what their mortgage lender would do for them so that they don’t lose their home. There is a lot of uncertainty in people’s minds about how and when they will be able to catch up on their bills.

A lot of people I talk to everyday are afraid of bankruptcy, and they have a lot of questions or concerns about how this will affect their credit in the long run. Many of them are embarrassed to even talk about it. I explain to them that although filing bankruptcy may affect their credit for 2-3 years, it is not difficult to rebuild their credit, and it actually seems like a small price to pay considering the fact that it may be their only solution if they are buried under a mountain of debt.

It makes me sad when I see people who have gone through all their savings, emergency funds and even their retirement plans, only to realize in the end that they still need to file bankruptcy after putting it off for a long time. In most cases, those assets would have been protected in bankruptcy and they could have filed earlier and not lose what little they had.

No one wants to file bankruptcy. But if you’ve lost your income in the last 12 months due to the coronavirus, bankruptcy might make sense if you are struggling with debt. While some people may still be getting unemployment at this time, it is unlikely that this will be enough to keep them afloat if the effects of the pandemic last longer than expected. So, in my opinion, while bankruptcy should be a last resort, it would be wise to have a plan for the coming months. In other words, “Hope for the best but still be prepared for the worst”, just in case.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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New Homebuyers down payment assistance program proposed CONSUMERS have been closely following President Joe Biden’s proposed first-time homebuyer tax credit, but the latest legislative effort to assist homebuyers differs in several significant ways. The newest draft of a down-payment assistance bill would provide $25,000 to first-time homebuyers, but only those who are also first-generation homebuyers and economically disadvantaged. Plus Biden’s proposal is not actually a homebuyer tax credit, but it is money that would be available at closing.

Recently, lawmakers published a draft version of the legislation, the “Down payment Toward Equity Act of 2021,” ahead of a hearing held by the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services, which Rep. Maxine Waters chairs. During the hearing, lawmakers discussed a number of housing measures on the table in President Biden’s infrastructure package, including funding to shore up public housing.

The proposed down payment assistance would be means-tested based on income, and limited to those who have not owned a house for at least three years. To qualify, neither of the borrower’s parents may have owned a home. That qualification doesn’t apply if the borrowers’ parents lost their home in a foreclosure or short sale, or if the borrower has ever been in foster care, however.

Borrowers who make no more than 120% of the area median income where they live — or if they live in a high-cost area, 180% — would qualify for a baseline of $20,000. Those recognized as socially disadvantaged, because they are in a group that has

been “subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice,” could receive an additional $5,000.

The grant funding — which is not a tax credit — could be used at closing toward a down payment on a residential property with one to four units, including a condominium, cooperative project or manufactured housing unit.

The program, which is currently being discussed in the House of Representatives, would dole out funds to states based on population, median area home prices and racial disparities in homeownership rates.

The bill would not require that states contract with such groups, however. Last year’s Paycheck Protection Program drew heat for its over-reliance on large financial institutions to disburse loans, instead of community-based financial institutions, which are used more often by minority-owned businesses.

This would not be the first time the federal government has given firsttime homebuyers a boost. A Bush-era program, the first-time homebuyer tax credit, allowed borrowers to claim

MINDING YOUR FINANCES… FROM PAGE 6

I have found that bankruptcy is often caused by things beyond your control- such as the reality that people are facing now. The virus has literally changed our world in such a short period of time and the financial damage it has caused millions of workers and business owners is unprecedented. We may not know that actual damages until years from now when the dust has settled. If filing bankruptcy is inevitable for you, it might be your best course of action if you cannot see a clear financial pathway for you to get a fresh start. And that’s exactly what bankruptcy is for- to get you out of the financial fog that you may currently find yourself in. You may be feeling lost with no sense of direction about where you are going. Getting out of the fog gives you a clearer picture of your financial situation and a vision for the future.

If you can no longer afford to pay your bills, seek legal counsel to know what your options are. And if you have assets such as a home, business, savings or other personal assets, you certainly want to know how you can protect what you’ve worked so hard for in case you do need to file bankruptcy. But the planning should happen now, not later. Don’t make the same mistakes that most people make- waiting until the last minute. If you do, you may find that you have fewer options because you could be making decisions under severe time constraints and tremendous pressure to quickly protect what you have.

For a free consultation and debt analysis, call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772. NOTE: Due to COVID-19 concerns, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE OR VIDEO to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems.

(None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation.

Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-4777772).

a credit on their income taxes. The Obama administration continued the program until 2010.

President Biden first intimated he was considering a first-time homebuyer benefit while he was on the campaign trail. Unlike the Bush and Obama-era programs, however, under the draft legislation, borrowers would receive down payment assistance upfront.

A White House spokesperson said Chairwoman Maxine Waters’ proposal is not part of Biden’s infrastructure package, which includes largely supply-side investments. Other aspects of the legislator’s priorities are in the plan, including public housing capital investments, however.

In order for such a bill to pass, it would have to clear significant hurdles in both houses of Congress. If it were included in a larger infrastructure bill, that process would be slightly abbreviated. Political sources say the draft version is a starting point for discussion.

T he bi l l seek s to na r row t he homeownership gap by targeting first-generation homeowners. Mul-

tigenerational homeownership is a “quintessential component of why and how people become homeowners,” said David Dworkin, president of the National Housing Conference, and a third-generation homeowner.

Those who do not have family members to guide them through applying for a mortgage are less likely to submit themselves to a process that is “rife with fear and dread,” he said.

But the benefits of multi-generational homeownership can also be more material.

“I got the daddy down-payment loan. My dad was proud to give it to me,” Dworkin said.

Another concern is the impact a down payment assistance program could have on the housing market, which has already seen a surge in home price appreciation. Any help from the Biden administration to first-time homebuyers could further raise prices, potentially complicating the mission of the legislation.

The targeting of the bill — layered on top of the income means-testing component — would also greatly reduce the share of borrowers eligible for the assistance, said David Stevens, the former president of the Mortgage Bankers’ Association.

Article from Housingwire.com.

Like what it says, its not a game changer but whomever qualifies will be one of the few lucky ones. Every little help counts for many. Good luck.

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

PRRD hopes clinical trials show Ivermectin works MANIL A (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday night expressed hope that local clinical trials of Ivermectin would show that they are safe and effective for human use against Covid-19.

Duterte, in a pre-recorded talk to the people, said he believes that “there has to be some truth” to the effectiveness of Ivermectin because some physicians are willing to risk their integrity to allow its use among their patients.

“Maraming doktor bumilib diyan e. Kaya baka (There are many doctors who believe in its effectiveness. That’s why), if there are doctors willing to put out their neck on the chopping board, ipusta nila ang integrity nila (risk their integrity), so there has to be some truth in it. Or at least ang medisina (the medicine) or whatever it is, has an effect in fighting Covid or building the antibodies in your system,” he said.

Should clinical trials show that the anti-parasitic drug is safe and effective, Duterte said it may be used for “palliative care” which focuses on providing patients relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness.

“Maski ano nalang, palliative na hindi ka mahawa kaagad (Even if we use it for palliative, so that you won’t get infected immediately). There has to be an effect in that thing there that is being introduced into your body,” he said.

He said he looks forward to clinical trials showing that the drug works that they could be used

by Covid-19 patients in the country.

“Kung maglabas ‘yan (When they come out), that’s what I’m hoping, it will turn out that way we can use it. So that, ako ang unang mag-ano (I’ll be the first).

Because inumin mo para ano ka (you can drink it), at least yung (the) preventive,” he said.

Duterte also expressed hope that experts give weight to some doctors’ strong belief that the drug can cure Covid-19 patients.

“I hope they would also place a little bit of an importance to those doctors who really I said who went out to proclaim the efficacy of itong si (this) Ivermectin,” he added.

Duterte earlier ordered the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Health (DOH), and FDA to hold local trials for the use of Ivermectin.

On Tuesday, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) executive director Jaime Montoya said the DOST will proceed with clinical trials of Ivermectin for human use against Covid-19.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director-General Eric Domingo said he expects local clinical trials to be completed within six to eight months while international clinical trials may be completed in the next one to two months.

Domingo said it is best to wait for “clearer evidence” that the antiparasitic drug can benefit Covid-19 patients.

“Ang sinasabi lang naman po ng mga espesyalista natin (Our specialists are saying), is that we wait for the evidence…There’s a possibility po that it is useful but there’s also that possibility na (that) it’s the same as not taking it. Kailangan lang po hintayin natin ang clearer evidence ng effect (We just need to wait for clearer evidence of its effect),” he said.

To date, the FDA has granted at least two hospitals special permit to use Ivermectin for its Covid-19 patients, acknowledging there was some "pressure" to approve it.

The medical community is divided as to whether Ivermectin should be given to Covid-19 patients or not, but reminded the public that there is a lack of data and evidence on its efficacy against Covid-19. (MNS)

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FACILITY CAREGIVERS: Are you paid at least $494 a day when working a 24-hour shift?

CAREGIVERS working in Residential Care Facilities provide an important service to elderly and disabled individuals, as well as their families.

These caregivers often work up to 24 hours per day, providing necessary care and supervision to ensure the health and safety of each facility resident. However, many facility caregivers are grossly underpaid for the services they provide.

Fortunately, California law protects caregivers who work in licensed Residential Care Facilities from wage theft. Specifically, all facility caregivers are entitled to receive at least minimum wage for every hour they work, including all hours they are required to be present at the facility. Starting in 2021, the minimum wage rate in California is $13.00 per hour for employers with 25 employees or less, and $14.00 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees.

Additionally, with some exceptions, facility caregivers are also entitled to overtime compensation for all hours worked in excess of 8 per day or 40 per week, and double time compensation for all hours worked in excess of 12 per day.

In light of these requirements, facility caregivers who work 24-hour shifts must be paid at least $494 per day to comply with California’s minimum wage laws. That includes 8 hours of pay at the minimum wage rate of $13.00/hour ($104), four hours of pay at the overtime rate of $19.50/hour ($78), and 12 hours of pay at the double time rate of $26/hour ($312).

In lieu of paying overtime and double time wages, many employers pay facility caregivers a fixed

salary, regardless of the actual number of hours they work each day. However, paying an employee a daily, weekly or monthly salary does not disqualify that employee from the minimum wage or overtime compensation requirements. In actuality, under California law, payment of a fixed salary to a nonexempt employee only compensates that employee for their regular, non-overtime hours worked. This means that a non-exempt facility caregiver who receives a fixed salary has probably not been compensated for any hours he or she worked in excess of 8 per day or 40 per week. Furthermore, those uncompensated hours are considered overtime and double time hours, compensable at a rate one-and-one half times or two times the facility caregiver’s regular rate of pay.

If you are a facility caregiver receiving a fixed salary for working 24-hour shifts, you may have a substantial unpaid overtime claim. For purposes of illustration, below is an example of how wage and hour claims are calculated for facility caregivers under California law:

Tony is a facility caregiver. He works 24 hours per day and is not allowed to leave the care facility at any time during his scheduled shifts.

Tony’s employer also requires him to sleep in the facility at night and the residents frequently wake him asking for assistance. Tony receives a daily salary of $120 each day he works.

This makes Tony’s regular rate of pay $15.00 per hour ($120/8 hours per day). Subject to that calculation, Tony’s overtime rate is $22.50 per hour and his double-time rate is $30 per hour, respectively. Because Tony’s daily salary of $120 does not compensate him for any overtime hours worked, Tony’s employer owes him $450.00 per day in unpaid wages: 4 overtime hours x $22.50 (Tony’s overtime rate), plus 12 double time hours x $30.00 (Tony’s double time rate). If Tony works 5 days per week, he is owed $2,250 per week, which equals $117,000 each year he works. If Tony brings a claim against his employer for these unpaid wages, he can seek unpaid wages going back three to four years, along with interest, attorney’s fees and costs, liquidated damages and penalties.

Caregivers work hard to provide support and assistance to our loved ones, and they should be paid in accordance with California law for their invaluable services. If you are a caregiver working in licensed Residential Care Facility and you are not being paid according to California law, we would like to help.

Please contact our firm at (818)807-4168 for a free and confidential consultation. We love helping caregivers get the overtime compensation that they deserve.

This article is an attorney advertisement written by Lauren Peterson, employment law attorney at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson. Our office is located at 5855 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 400, Woodland Hills, California. We accept cases throughout all of Northern and Southern California. Our examples are of a general nature and are not a guarantee regarding the outcome of your individual matter. The law firm focuses on caregiver rights. Please call us at (818) 807-4168 for a free and confidential consultation. Please visit us at www.caregiverovertime.com/ to learn more about caregiver overtime law. We offer a 24-hour chat line on our website.

Palace fires back at Carpio over 'estafa' remark:

He has resorted to name-calling M A NIL A (Mabu hay) — Malacañang on Wednesday fired back at retired Justice Antonio Carpio for describing as "grand estafa" President Rodrigo Duterte's alleged unfulfilled campaign promise to "retake" islands in the West Philippine Sea from China.

"He has resorted to name-calling. As a former justice, alam niya ang elemento ng estafa.

Hindi ito estafa [As a former justice, he knows the elements of estafa. This is not estafa],"

presidential spokesperson Harry Roque told reporters in a chance interview.

Under t he Rev ised Pena l Code, estafa is committed “by resorting to some fraudulent practice to insure success in a gambling game.”

Carpio has reminded Duterte that he declared in a debate in April 2016 that he would personally ride a jet ski to the features claimed by China and plant the Philippine flag -- a statement later dismissed by the President as a hyperbole.

Duterte has denied promising to retake the islands that he said the Philippines lost to China during the Aquino administration. This statement was echoed

by Malacañang.

"President Duterte cannot now say that he never discussed or mentioned the West Philippine Sea issue when he was campaigning for president.

There is a term for that – grand estafa or grand larceny. Making a false promise to get 16 million votes," Carpio had said in reaction to Duterte's denial.

In April 2016, then-Davao City mayor Duterte said he would personally ride a jet ski and plant the Philippine flag in West Philippine Sea islands even at the risk of getting China's ire.

Roque, meanwhile, reiterated that it was a Supreme

Court decision penned by Carpio in 2011 which resulted in the Philippines losing islands in the West Philippine Sea to Chna.

The decision ruled that the 2009 Baselines law is not illegal because it only allowed the Philippines and other United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) party states to "delimit with precision the extent of their maritime zones and continental shelves" and “play no role in the acquisition, enlargement or, as petitioners claim, diminution of territory."

"He is talking as a politician," Roque said of Carpio.

"Kung estapador ang Presidente, ano ang tawag sa kanya na siya mismo ang sumulat ng desisyon kaya nawala ang sangkatutak na territorial sea at internal waters natin?" he added.

"We will not stoop down to his level."

The Supreme Court issues decisions as a collegial body and based on what is agreed upon by the majority of its members.

In a July 2016 ruling, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration rejected China's claim of sovereignty in the entire South China Sea, including the portion called West Philippine Sea by Manila.

The same Hague court decision, which stemmed from a case filed by the Philippines in 2013, also ruled that the Spratly Islands, Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and Recto (Reed) Bank are within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. (MNS)

'Strict' quarantine awaits Pinoys once India flights resume MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine government is expected to impose a strict quarantine protocol for returning Filipinos arriving from India once flights from the Asian nation to Manila resume.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said this is to ensure that the variant first detected in India, dubbed as the "double mutant" strain, would not spread in the country.

"I must warn you, even if flights are resumed; the quarantine requirements for them will be especially hard, long, and strict. We can’t afford to get the variant," he said over Twitter Tuesday.

Locsin also lauded the Filipinos in India who created chat groups per area not only to collate help and communicate directly with the Embassy but also to have virtual community spaces where they can pray together while their host nation is confronted with a massive coronavirus outbreak.

Philippine Ambassador to India Ramon Bagatsing Jr. said around 60 to 70 Filipinos are requesting repatriation from the Embassy, although they would have to wait until flights resume.

"We currently have a travel ban and other countries have also declared a travel ban so as soon as these are lifted, we will have to make plans to repatriate them," he said in a CNN Philippines interview.

Bagatsing said the Embassy is looking forward to the resumption of commercial flights and is also considering chartering or requesting special flights from the Philippine military.

"We're looking at the resumption of flights, we're also looking at chartering flights, or having our military to have some flights to the Philippines, you know, make rounds to get Filipinos here," he added.

About 3,000 Filipinos are residing in India, most of whom are housewives and professionals in managerial positions.

At present, there are at least 73 Filipinos who have caught coronavirus disease 2019 in India, but Bagatsing said the majority are only mild or moderate cases. (MNS)

global NEWS GLOBAL NEWS DOT 'dismayed' over protocol violators; cites erring Davao resort Only 5 travelers

Saturday-Friday | May 8 - 14, 2021

M A NIL A (Mabuhay) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday asked local government units (LGU) to remain vigilant against health protocol violators as it expressed dismay and "grave concern" over hotels and resorts that fail to follow the restrictions.

"The DOT calls on our local tourism offices and the LGUs to continue to be vigilant in monitoring our tourism establishments as it notes with grave concern and dism ay, t h at s ome tourism establishments continue to violate the health and safety protocols established by the national government to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus in the country," the agency said in a statement.

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from India turn out positive for COVID-19 — DOH

TOURISM SECRETARY BERNADETTE ROMULO-PUYAT

ported that a resort in Toril district in Davao City served liquor to guests despite the ban and hosted 60 guests, beyond the limit of 25 imposed by the LGU. The establishment was not identified but noted that it was also supposed to be

closed for lack of a business permit.

Davao City already took action against the erring resort, the DOT said.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat stressed the importance of close eng a gement b e tween the DOT and LGUs to ensure that

accommodation establishments across the country would observe the health and safety protocols.

She said only by strictly enforcing these health protocols, the country may be able to hasten the revival and survival of the tourism industry. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Only five -- not six -- travelers from India who entered the Philippines prior to the implementation of stricter border control tested positive for COVID-19, the Department of Health clarified Thursday.

It said 149 passengers with a history of travel to India from April 1 to 30 have been recorded by the Bureau of Quarantine, 129 of whom are returning overseas Filipinos, and 20 are foreigners.

“Among these cases, five tested positive for COVID-19 through RT-PCR, while 137 of them tested negative… The test results of the seven remaining travelers are currently being verified,” the DOH said in a statement.

Likewise, it disclosed that four of the five positive cases are Filipinos and one is a foreigner. One of them remains in isolation while the current status of the other four is under verification.

“Samples from these positive cases are currently being determined if they are adequate for sequencing,” the department said, adding that it is working with local governments and regional surveillance units to monitor the status of the travelers.

On the other hand, the ban on travelers from India, which took effect on April 29, will end on May 14.

Starting Friday, the ban will also cover Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka — countries where cases of the B.1.617 variant first detected in India have been recorded.

The Philippines has so far recorded 1,075 cases of the B.1.351 (South Africa) variant, 948 cases of the B.1.1.7 (United Kingdom), 157 cases of the P.3 (Philippines), and two cases of the P.1 (Brazil) variant. (MNS)

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Duterte, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince discussed COVID-19 response, migrant workers’ rights — Palace MANILA (Mabuhay) — Prescalling it “unjust Crown Prince’s ident Rodrigo Duterte had a and exploitative” recognition of telephone conversation with during a virtual bolstering ecoSaudi Arabia’s Crown Prince labor forum last nomic engagemonth.

Mohammed bin Salman on ment as an imWednesday on COVID-19 reOn t he eco- portant part of sponse, rights of Filipino workn o m i c f r o n t , Philippines-Sauers in the kingdom, and other M o h a m m e d di Arabia relamatters of mutual concern, s a i d e f f o r t s tions that needs Malacañang said Thursday. would continue to be sustained,” During the call, both Duterte to increase Saudi the Palace said. and Mohammed agreed on the Arabia’s investT he Ph i l ip need to ramp up cooperation ments into the pines and Saudi to address the pandemic, the Philippines.

A rabia estabPalace said in a statement. The “ P r e s i d e n t lished diplomatPresident previously called for D u t e r t e w e l - ic relations in SAUDI ARABIA’S CROWN PRINCE PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT global efforts to ensure availc o m e d t h e 1969. (MNS) MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN RODRIGO DUTERTE ability of safe and effective vaccines to developing nations such as the Philippines.

Duterte also thanked Saudi Arabia for including Filipinos MANILA (Mabuhay) — Po- because we are in a democ- [Department of the Interior are not looking forward to in the kingdom’s COVID-19 litical messages in commu- racy and we have to respect and Local Government] be- that,” he said. vaccination program while nity pantries, whether pro that,” he added. lieves during this period of The same policy applies Mohammed said that all Filor against the government, Security officials have pandemic, it is not the time to party-list groups and poipinos in his country will be are covered by the constitu- said that they are monitor- for politics and that people litical entities, Malaya said. inoculated. tional provision on freedom ing community pantries should concentrate in help“If they put in the name of Mohammed also assured of speech, Interior and Lo- as some of them are being ing other people,” he said. their party-list or they put in Duterte that Saudi Arabia was cal Government Undersec- used by supporters of comShould there be any poli- any material, which tends to “fully resolved to do its part in retary Jonathan Malaya said munist insurgents to under- ticians’ names on commu- support a party-list group or protecting and upholding the Thursday. mine the government and nity pantries, he said the a political entity that seeks rights of Filipino workers in “We would rather that promote their ideology.

DILG will look for the neces- to run in the forthcoming the kingdom,” the Palace said. community pantries are beMalaya reiterated that sary evidence to determine election that might be cov“For hisISO part, President 12647-7 Digital Control Stripreft 2009of any political messagpolitical messages are dif- the violation. ered by 50 the directive of Sec. 100 60 60 100 70 30 100 60 40 100 40 100 3 100 70 30 100 100 10 25 75 90 100 70 30 100 40 40 70 40 70 40 40 40 70 40 40 70 40 70 40 40 Duterte recognized Saudi Araing. However, statements ferent from politicians using “The secretary has issued [Eduardo] Año,” he said. bia’s efforts to ensure that the for and against the govern- the community pantries for a memorandum circular Last week, Año said polrights, welfare and well-being ment are part of protected their agenda. that applies to local govern- iticians and organizers are of Filipinos in the kingdom are speech,” Malaya said.

“A politician can of course ment officials. If there are not allowed to put up their protected and upheld, includ100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 25 19 19 50 40 40 75 66 100 100 100 80 70on 70 100 70“So 70 30 100 100 60in100 100 mes70 70 30 30 100community 40 100 40 40 100 pantry, 10 40 40 20 70 70 70 70 40 70 40 40[who] 0 0 0 0 willingly 3.1 2.2 2.2 10.2 7.4 7.4 names, if30they put any setup politicians logos or66signages ing recent efforts aimed at lasage in their community however, he cannot put violate the memorandum community pantries that bor reform,” it added. pantries, whether it is for or his name, his initials or circular of the secretary popped up to help those Duterte demanded the aboagainst the government, we whatever. It just has to be then that will lead to an highly-affected by the COVlition of the kafala or sponsorcannot do anything about it non-political administrative case and we ID-19 pandemic. (MNS) T:9.75" because the ship system in the Middle East,

Political messages in community pantries part of protected speech — DILG exec

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KAPAG PINOPROTEKTAHAN MO ANG IYONG SARILI, PINOPROTEKTAHAN MO AKO. Alam kong umaasa ka sa akin, gaya ng pag-asa ko sa iyo para manatiling safe—sa pagsuot ng maskara, sa pagpapanatili ng 6 feet na agwat, at sa pagpabakuna kapag panahon mo na.

Sa mga bagong form ng virus na tinatawag na variants na kumakalat ng mas madali, napakahalagang ipagpatuloy nating lahat na gawin ang ating bahagi para pabagalin ang pagkalat ng COVID. Habang naghihintay ako na magpabakuna, pwede ko pa ring siguraduhin na makuha ng bawat isa ang kailangan nila nang ligtas hangga’t maaari.

Pag-aralan pa sa cdc.gov/coronavirus Inihahandog sa inyo ng U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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Group asks Eleazar: End culture of impunity, stop illegal arrests M ANIL A (Mabuhay) — addicts," the group said.

Fisherfolk group Pa m"As gesture of goodwill, bansang Lakas ng Kilusang he must immediately abort Mamalakaya ng Pilipinas all the standing questionaon Thursday called on the ble search and arrest warnew Philippine National rants against activists that Police chief Police Lieutranscend from his predetenant General Guillermo cessor," it added.

Eleazar to put an end on L i kew i se, t he g roup the "culture of impunity" st re s se d t hat E le a z a r in the country. should repair the terrible In a press statement, damage that outgoing PNP PAMALAKAYA pointed out chief Police General Debold LT. GEN. GUILLERMO ELEAZAR, THE NEW that Eleazar is facing a seriSinas had "caused" the poCHIEF OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP) ous challenge in revamping lice organization. the "publicly-disdained in"This could only be done stitution." when accountabilit y is Also, it said that it won't be easy for Eleazar to "take a sought for the victims of dubious police operations that 189-degree turn on his predecessor’s policies especially led to arbitrary arrests and detentions, grave human rights concerning police operations that violate human rights." abuses, and extra-judicial killings," PAMALAKAYA said.

"Mr. Eleazar must once and for all put an end to the Eleazar will formally assume post as the 26th PNP chief culture of impunity, disregard on the rule of law, and on Friday, May 7. state-sponsored violence such as the tokhang-style exeHe said he is ready to face the challenges that come cution and illegal arrests of activists and suspected drug with his new designation. (MNS)

Duterte to face 'time of reckoning' for ABS-CBN shutdown, journo says

MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte will face a "time of reckoning" in the 2022 elections for ordering the shutdown of ABS-CBN, an award-winning veteran journalist said Wednesday.

"I think the President's people espec ia l ly Ha rry Roque did not succeed in convincing the public that President Duterte has nothing to do with the shutdown because everyone in government from the NTC (National Telecommunications Commission) and Congress, which is controlled by the President because of the tremendous support from his allies in Congress, would show that everything was done because of Duterte's wishes," Manny Mogato said.

"I think there will be a time of reckoning for his action maybe in 1 year. During elections," the Pulitzer-prize winning reporter added.

For Mogato, the shutdown of the country's former leading media and entertainment company has "changed the way of life" of Filipinos.

"The impact is more on the people who are deprived of information, especially news coming from a legitimate and reputable organization," he said.

The broadcaster's ex it from free television also created a chilling effect on the rest of the industry, ABSCBN News reporter Mike Navallo said.

"It can't take away the fact that taking out the largest media organization in the

Philippines already creates a chilling effect to the rest of the media in the Philippines," he said.

"Imagine, the biggest network [and] the President can shut it down or his supporters in Congress. Well, that says a lot. What will now be the position of those who are not as well known, who are not as big as ABS-CBN." The country's telecoms body shut down ABS-CBN's free TV and radio operations on May 5, 2020, a day after its franchise was left to expire despite a long-pending renewal application at the House of Representatives.

A month later, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) served 2 cease-and-desist orders against ABS-CBN's digital broadcast in Metro Manila and its sister company Sky Cable's direct broadcast satellite service nationwide.

On July 10, 2020, the Committee on Legislative Franchises denied the network's franchise bid after conducting 13 hearings, which tackled various issues such as alleged labor and tax violations and foreign ownership in mass media.

ABS-CBN was first shut down in 1972 when dictator Ferdinand Marcos imposed martial law.

Some 48 years later, the network was forced off the air under the Duterte administration, which local and international groups condemned as a brazen attack on press freedom.

(MNS)

Año appeals to lawmakers not to defund NTF-ELCAC MANILA (Mabuhay) — Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday appealed to lawmakers not to defund the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conf lict (NTF-ELCAC) and realign its budget to other programs of the government.

According to Año, the P16.44-billion fund for various infrastructure project s t h roug h t he Support to the Barangay Development Program (SBDP) will develop the living conditions of those residing in a total of 822 remote barangays, which were mostly situated in mountainous areas that have long been neglected by the government.

“The government’s efforts in clearing these barangays of communist terrorists will be put to waste if we suddenly leave them hanging now that they have been freed from the clutches of communist terrorist groups," Año said in a statement.

"We therefore appeal to our Senators not to deprive these barangays of government support and assistance now that they need us most,” he added.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government is one of the key member-agencies of the NTF-ELCAC. Several lawmakers from the Senate and the House of Representatives sought to defund the anti-communist insurgency task force because of the alleged red tagging spree of its spokespersons against organizers of community pantries that aim to help those in need amid the health crisis.

Most lawmakers said

the budget should instead be realigned on the government's COVID-19 response to help more Filipinos who have been affected by the pandemic.

Some of t hem a lso called for an audit on how the billions of budget was being spent by the task force.

Transparency Año vowed transparency on the implementation of the barangay development projects.

"After more than 50 years of insurgency problem, we are finally gaining traction in the wholeof-nation approach in ending local communist armed conflict through the efforts of our government forces and with the Barangay Development Program," he said.

"Ituloy-tuloy na po natin ito para hindi na muli makapanggoyo pa ang mga communist terrorists at magkarooon na ng tunay na kapayapaan at kaunlaran lalo na sa 822 barangays na ito na matagal nang naiwan sa laylayan ng lipunan,” he added.

Año said a total of 2,386 SBDP projects have been identified by the local government units themselves across 40 provinces, 198 cities and municipalities, and 822 barangays nationwide.

He noted that of that number, 1,460 proposed projects have been endorsed to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) worth P8. 282 bi llion. These w i l l benefit

Saturday-Friday | May 8 - 14, 2021

Drilon: P500B in 2021 budget “potential” funding source for Bayanihan 3 MANILA (Mabuhay) — As Congress crafts the third COVID-19 response law, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said there is P500 billion from the 2021 national budget that can be realigned to fund Bayanihan 3 Bill.

“We also made our own analysis. Potentially, we can review about P500 billion in the budget for activities which have not been undertaken,” he said.

He said Congress can review the funds under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) and other contingency funds in the 2021 General Appropriations Act. However, he said they have yet to validate whether these funds were already disbursed and the Notice of Cash Allocation or the Special Allotment Release Order for the projects were already issued.

“We are in support of Bayanihan 3. We need the Bayanihan 3.

The issue is the funding. Where do we get the funds? Our tax collections are at the bottom of the pit. Where do we get the funds?” he said.

Apart from this, Drilon said the government’s policy is for the Department of Finance avail of borrowings to fund the Bayanihan 3 Law. On Monday, the House committees on ways and means, economic affairs and social services have approved the proposed third Bayanihan law, which outlines P405.6 billion worth of interventions to help the country recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

(MNS) 31 provinces, 127 cities and municipalities, and 487 barangays nationwide.

Of the P16.44-billion SBDP fund, the following regions will get the following amount: Region XI - P4.3-billion; Region XIII - P3.82-billion; Region X - P2.38-billion; Region VI - P1.48-billion; Region XII - P1.24-billion; Region V - P980-million; Region IX - P680-million; Region IV-A - P600-million; Region IV-B - P500-million; CAR - P160-million; Region VIII - P120-million; Region II - P120-million; Region I - P40-million; and Region III - P20-million.

(MNS)

SECRETARY EDUARDO AÑO

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Dominguez to disclose adjusted pork imports MAV, tariff rates under EO 128 — Sotto MANILA (Mabuhay) — After reaching a compromise agreement, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III will announce the adjustments on the minimum access volume (MAV) and tariff rates on pork importations under the amended Executive Order 128, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Wednesday.

In a text message to reporters, Sotto said the EO 128 will be amended after the economic managers and the senators, who recently conducted an inquiry on pork importation in the country, have already reached a “compromise.”

“I’ll let Sec. Dominguez announce the figures we accepted after a seesaw of discussion on both the MAV and tariff. We had to strike a balance between accepting a formula in the reduction of inflation and the protection of the local swine industry,” Sotto said.

Last Monday, the senators held a caucus to finalize their proposal on the compromise agreement with the Cabinet members.

Sotto explained in a previous interview that the compromise agreement is needed during the opening of sessions on May 17.

Upon resumption of sessions, Congress may withdraw the delegated powers to President Rodrigo Duterte to fix tariff rates through a joint resolution.

Earlier, the Department of Finance and the Department of Agriculture said they are open to suggestions on how to balance the welfare of local

farmers on the possible surge of imports.

Under EO 128, the tariff rate for imported pork meat within quota or minimum access volume (MAV) — whether fresh, chilled or frozen — will be pegged at 5% for the first three months upon the EO’s effectivity and 10% for the fourth to 12 months.

However, the tariff rate for imported meat outside of the MAV has been set to 15% for the first three months upon the EO’s effectivity and 20% for the

PSA: 9.82M Filipinos laid off from March 2020 to March 2021 — PSA MANILA (Mabuhay) — Almost 10 million Filipinos experienced being laid off a year since the imposition of quarantine measures to arrest the spread of COVID-19 in the country, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday.

At a virtual press conference, PSA chief Claire Dennis Mapa said that in the March 2021 Labor Force Survey (LFS), the statistics agency included the question on if an individual experienced temporary or permanent lay-off during the March 2020 to March 2021 period.

“Ayon sa datos, 9.82 million ang mga indibidwal na nagsabing sila ay na karanas ng pansamantala o permanenteng pagkatanggal sa trabaho mula Marso 2020 hanggang Marso 2021,” Mapa said.

The figure is higher compared to 9.1 million adults — ages 15 and above — in the February LFS round.

Broken dow n, of the 9.82 million who exper ienced being la id of f, 83.3% or 8.18 million a re cu r rent ly employed

FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS DOMINGUEZ III

or have their own businesses.

Meanwhile, 8.5% or 840,000 are still unemployed while 8.2% or 802,000 are currently not in the labor force or not actively looking for employment.

The Philippines had been under lockdown for nearly nine months, after the first restrictions were implemented in March 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The government gradually eased quarantine restrictions since November last year.

However, new COVID-19 cases saw a dramatic increase in the latter part of March, hitting all-time highs since the onset of the pandemic.

The surge in new cases prompted the government to place Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cav ite, Laguna, and Riza l under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and then under modified ECQ from March 29 to May 14. (MNS)

fourth to the 12th months.

The existing 30% to 40% tariff rate for imported pork will be restored after the 12th month.

But the Senate had passed a resolution calling for the withdrawal of EO 128.

Senators argue that such measure will put local hog raisers at a disadvantage, and that such move is not needed given the surplus in pork supply in the Visayas and Mindanao. (MNS)

Pangilinan reiterates need to buy locallymade PPEs to save jobs, boost economy MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senator Francis Pangilinan on Wednesday reiterated the need to procure locally made personal protective equipment (PPEs) to save jobs and to boost the economy.

In a statement, the lawmaker highlighted the need to pass Senate Bill 1759 or the proposed Pandemic Protection Act. The said bill, which was filed in August 2020, seeks to exempt from taxes importation of needed materials for the production of PPEs to help lower the cost of production.

The measure also seeks to exempt the local sales of COVID-19-response critical products and services from value-added tax (VAT).

“Cr isis is oppor t u n it y.

Makaka-recover tayo economically, magkakaroon ng trabaho ang marami kung gagamitin natin ang gawa ng sarili nating mga kababayan," Pangilinan said.

"May pangangailangan

para sa PPEs at kayang tugunan ng lokal na industriya.

Sinabi na natin 'yan noong una pa, na gamitin natin ang sariling atin para makabangon ulit ang ating ekonomiya," he added.

His call also came after the Confederation of Wearable Exporters of the Philippines (CONWEP) asked the government to buy locally-made PPEs as the state asked the garment firms to repurpose its factories for the production of medical grade PPEs. "We had hoped this will incentivize the government to support local. Maraming pwedeng solusyon. Sana mapunta ang pera ng gobyerno sa lokal na mga manufacturers kaysa mapunta pa sa ibang bansa. Suportahan at bigyan ng trabaho ang ating mga kababayan. We fully support the proposed Senate hearing to look into this matter," Pangilinan said.

(There are many solutions.

I hope the government funds will go to local manufacturers

instead of other international firms. Let’s support and give our countrymen jobs.)

Senate trade, commerce, and entrepreneurship chairman Koko Pimentel earlier said he will open an inquiry on this matter.

"We urge the government to reconsider and review its procurement program. Pwede namang hindi nawalan ng trabaho ang 3,500 nating kababayan. Sa gitna ng pandemya, kailangang-kailangan ang trabaho,” Pangilinan said.

(We can save the jobs of our 3,500 countrymen. In the midst of the pandemic, we really need jobs.)

In a Senate hearing, local manufacturers of medical-grade PPEs said the government procurement rules have put the locally-made ones at the disadvantage.

Imported yet low-quality PPEs were prioritized by the government as these are cheaper than the ones made locally. (MNS)

Philippines urges ADB to 'level up', expand loan portfolio to support recovery — DOF MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines is urging the Asian Development Bank to "substantially expand" its loan portfolio for the next 5 years to boost recovery of developing member-countries from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a speech during the ADB Governors’ Seminar held Monday, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the plea could mean increasing the lender's capital base.

“In order to be responsive to critical needs, the ADB must level up. Specifically, there is a need for the bank to seriously consider a substantial expansion in its loan portfolio in the next five-year period. This will effectively support its member-countries’ recovery even if this brings forward the need for a capital increase,” Dominguez said.

With its healthy macroeconomics fundamental and manageable debt-to-GDP ratio, the Philippines has taken out loans in order to boost its COVID-19 response capacity.

Dominguez said the Philippines supports the call for developed countries, lenders and other global organizations to ensure accessibility of vaccines for low-income economies.

He said there should be equitable distribution of vaccines to lower-income countries to achieve recovery, pointing out some "uneven" response to the pandemic.

The finance chief said there is a need to rebuild economies to adjust to the new challenges due to the pandemic such as accelerating the use of digital technologies, artificial intelligence and increasing investments in clean and renewable energy for sustainable recovery.

“This crisis is a great opportunity for the ADB to continue to demonstrate that it has indeed become a more responsive, agile, and flexible institution as envisioned in its Strategy 2030,” Dominguez said.

In the same event, ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa said governments should invest in education and health of its people to speed up recovery.

The ADB earlier said the Philippine economy could grow at least 4.5 percent this year, lower than its initial forecast of 6.5 percent. (MNS)

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Cyclists, pedestrians urged to watch out for heatstroke, exhaustion amid dry season

Nearly half of COVID-19 samples from Metro Manila linked to foreign variants — expert MANILA (Mabuhay) — Nearly half of sequenced COVID-19 samples from Metro Manila are foreign variants of the virus, a member of the Philippines' vaccine expert panel said Thursday.

Between January 4 and May 2, the Philippines has sequenced 7,167 samples nationwide, but has yet to disclose the recent number of samples taken from Metro Manila, according to data from the Department of Health (DOH).

"Since these are only representative samples... it will just tell you that it is present in NCR (National Capital Region), said Dr. Rontgene Solante, who is also the head of San Lazaro Hospital's Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine.

"It does not mean that it is causing community transmission," he said in an online press conference.

It would "really take time" before the Philippines could say if the new variants, which are about 50 percent more transmissible, are already the dominant strains of COVID-19 in the country, he said.

"The sample should be high enough and wide enough [pero] talagang kulang lang tayo sa data (but we really lack data)," Solante said. "'Yung sampling natin is really very low... We need to get those data para we have a more objective way of telling the people na ito na 'yung nakita," he said.

(Our sampling is really very low... We need to get those data so that we can have a more objective way of telling

people which variants have been detected.)

The United Kingdom sampled aboput 10 percent of its total population before it said that there was community transmission of the UK variant in at least 2 cities, he said.

As of May 3, authorities have yet to confirm the presence of the Indian variant in the Philippines, but has monitored 1,075 B.1351 variant cases (first detected in South Africa), 948 B.1.1.7 variant cases (first detected in UK), 157 P.3 variant cases (first detected in the Philippines), and 2 P.1 variant cases (first detected in Brazil).

"The Philippine Genome Center should look for more collaboration with other laboratories to do the sequencing kasi sa tingin ko overwhelmed din ang laboratory na 'yan (because I think these laboratories are also overwhelmed)," he said.

Aside from the Genome Center, the University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health, and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine have also been involved in the identification of COVID-19 variants in the country.

In February, the DOH said it needs P362 million to fund the country's genome sequencing efforts for the whole year.

The fund will cover a year's worth of supply of reagents or chemicals used in tests, testing kits and other logistical requirements, the agency said.

The Philippine Genome Center budget for this year is P210.2 billion, which is 19.6 percent higher than its 2020 budget. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Cyclists and pedestrians must take more precautions to protect themselves from heat stroke or heat exhaustion now that the dry season has set in, the Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday.

DOH Director IV Dr. Beverly Ho said active commuters must f irst check the weather, bring water and the correct gear, and wear the appropriate clothing before heading out.

Ho said heat exhaustion is characterized by cold and clammy hands, nausea, a rapid but weak heartbeat, and muscle cramps.

She adv ised cyclists and pedestrians to rest under the shade, drink water, and raise their legs to promote blood circulation if they begin feeling the symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Meanwhile, heatstroke is a more serious condition involving a throbbing headache, very dry skin, vomiting, and unconsciousness, among others.

“Anytime you have these symptoms, the advice is really to seek [consultation]. Kailangan pumunta na po sa health facility (You need to go to a health facility),” she said.

Ho also urged active commuters to “be more sensitive” to their bodies to avoid heat exhaustion or stroke.

“Kung alam natin na specifically sobrang init no’ng araw na ‘yun, we actually will advise that the cyclist or the pedestrian will have to stop from time to time, hindi ‘yung parang pipilitin nating matapos siya in a shorter period of time,” she said.

The state weather bureau said this year’s dry season began in some parts of the Philippines in March. (MNS)

DOH to recommend COVID-19 testing for incoming travelers on 7th, 8th day MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) will recommend that incoming travelers be tested for COVID-19 seven or eight days after their

arrival in the country in a bid to tighten border control, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Wednesday.

Under current guidelines, travelers are subjected to COVID-19 testing on the fifth day from arrival unless they show symptoms at an earlier date.

Vergeire said new evidence showed that the viral load remains high until the seventh or eighth day.

“That’s why we are revising again our protocol and we will be presenting to IATF to adopt this kind of implementation,” she said, referring to the government’s inter-agency COVID-19 task force.

“We want to be sure that we get to identify all of these travelers coming in accurately so

that we can isolate properly and we can break the chain of transmission, but this is still for approval in the IATF,” she added.

The recommendation to revise protocols came after the DOH observed that some local governments do not strictly enforce the completion of the mandatory 14-day quarantine once travelers are endorsed to them after COVID-19 testing.

“We have seen that there are lapses in this kind of protocol that’s why we are revising so that we can have stricter border control especially now that there are different variants,” Vergeire said.

The Philippines has so far recorded 1,075 cases of the B.1.351 (South Africa) variant, 948 cases of the B.1.1.7 (United Kingdom), 157 cases of the P.3 (Philippines), and two cases of the P.1 (Brazil) variant.

The government imposed a temporary ban on travelers from India to block the entry of a new coronavirus variant detected there that is believed to be contributing to its surge in COVID-19 cases.

(MNS)

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Solons, doctors behind ivermectin distribution should be held liable — ex-DOH chief M ANIL A (Mabuhay) — Lawmakers and doctors who took part in the distribution of ivermectin in Quezon City may face charges for distributing the unregistered anti-parasitic drug as potential treatment for COVID-19, a former health secretary said Thursday.

"The politicians [and] the doctors who administered ivermectin are liable and should be investigated and charges should be filed against them if found there is probable cause that they have violated the law," Dr. Esperanza Cabral said.

Last week, four doctors prescribed the deworming drug as a COVID-19 treatment at a distribution program organized

by Anakalusugan Party-list

Rep. Mike Defensor and Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta despite warnings from several health organizations and medical groups.

Defensor had said ivermectin could be distributed through licensed compounding laboratories or pharmacies with doctor's prescription.

The Food and Drug Administration has only given 5 hospitals compassionate special permit to use ivermectin as an investigational drug against the respiratory illness.

Distribution of an unregistered drug violates Republic Act 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Act of 2009.

The FDA is investigating the drug distribution but

said looking into possible liability by the lawmakers is outside its mandate.

"I think the politicians should leave the FDA alone.

Let the experts' opinion dominate over the opinions of politicians, in the same way we think of randomized clinical trials as better than anecdotes and testimonials," Cabral said.

In the interview, the former health chief said she heard "a lot of harm coming from the use of ivermectin."

"If you look at the data, there are now accumulating evidence that the use of ivermectin among humans can be subject to many side effects particularly if the dose being used is higher than it should be," Cabral said.

Last week, four doctors prescribed the deworming drug as a COVID-19 treatment at a distribution program organized by Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor (right) and Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta (left) despite warnings from several health organizations and medical groups.

"While science accumulates this data, the position is we should not be using it, in the same way we should not be using it because the data are not sufficient to tell us it actually works for COVID in this case."

On Tuesday, a doctors' group said a number of Filipinos contracted COVID-19 despite using ivermectin.

"We have actually seen a number of Filipinos who got COVID-19 despite using ivermectin, and in fact, not only getting infected with COVID-19 but the COVID-19 they got became really serious that they are coming to the hospital with severe COVID-19," Dr. Maricar Limpin, vice president of the Philippine College of Physicians, said. (MNS)

Philippines grants EUA to Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines has approved the emergency use authorization (EUA) for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Eric Domingo on Wednesday.

Domingo said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum that the FDA took around 10 days to review the documents in connection with Moderna’s EUA application. Moderna filed its EUA application on

April 26.

He said the vaccine will be administered to persons aged 18 and above.

“The benefit of using the vaccine outweighs the known and potential risks,” Domingo said.

“The interim data from the ongoing Phase 3 trials as published showed that the vaccine has an overall efficacy rate of over 94% in preventing COVID-19.”

Last week, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government procured some 13 million doses from Moderna while the private sector ordered seven million doses. Close to 200,000 doses will be delivered to the Philippines in June.

Senator Manny Pacquiao, meanwhile, has asked US President Joseph Biden, through a letter, to facilitate the immediate release of the 20 million doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine.

Moderna, a US phar-

COVAX to send AstraZeneca, Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses in May MANILA (Mabuhay) — The COVAX Facility is expected to deliver in May millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines

by British firm AstraZeneca and US company Pfizer, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Wednesday.

"Maganda po ang volumes this coming May dahil may positive na nangyari na yung COVAX baka makapagdeliver ng Pfizer at Astrazeneca," Galvez said in a Cabinet briefing presided by President Rodrigo Duterte. "'Yung second dose wala na po tayong problema. May makukuha tayong more or less na two million AstraZeneca," Galvez added.

Galvez said he expected the government to receive 1.3 million vaccine doses of Pfizer vaccines also in May. The Philippines has so far administered 2,065,245 vaccine doses as of May 4. Over 1.7 million Filipinos were inoculated with the first dose of vaccines.

Galvez said that an initial rollout of 193,000 shots of Pfizer vaccines would arrive on May 11.

He said there were about 20% to 30% health workers who have yet to be vaccinated because they were waiting for doses of vaccines made American firms Moderna and Pfizer.

Duterte tells Filipinos not to be choosy Duterte said being picky about vaccines was "discriminatory," adding that people should take whatever brand

would be available.

"May problema tayo diyan. If you look at it, tignan mo talaga, silipin. Discriminatory," Duterte said.

"Kaya ang akin... kung ano nandiyan, pagdating doon, kung ano maibigay na carton mo mapa- Sinovac, Sputnik, 'yun na 'yun para sa inyo," he added.

Duterte ordered Galvez to assign vaccine deliveries to areas without regard for brands.

"Nobody should, iyo yan. I put to task ikaw (Galvez) mismo, just keep a blind eye, ito kunin ninyo, for Sta. Ana, for Bulacan. Huwag mo na tignan kung ano, because there will be a lot of complaints.

Galvez affirmed Duterte's order, citing some Filipinos preferring Western brands of COVID-19 vaccines.

"Karamihan sa mga nakakaintindi at sa mga common na mamamayan na gusto na magpa-bakuna, hindi na namimili. 'Yung iba talaga choosy na pagkawestern ang orientation yun ang parang... pero kakaunti lang naman iyon Mr. President. But we'll ensure na yung directive ninyo will be implemented," he said.

Sinopharm has yet to submit requirements to the FDA as regards an application for an emergency use authorization or EUA for its vaccines.

Only Sinovac, also a Chinese firm, has secured an EUA for its Coronavac vaccines. (MNS)

maceutical firm, has earlier said it expects to increase global production of its COVID-19 vaccine to up to three billion doses in 2022.

Reaching the three billion mark will depend on the mix of its mRNA vaccine and potentially lower doses of Moderna's pediatric vaccine and variant booster shots, the company said.

The company also raised its supply forecast for this year to between 800 million and one billion doses.

The other COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA for emergency use are Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, Janssen, Covaxin, and Sputnik V. (MNS)

16

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OFW in India sees each day as battle for survival

MANILA – Amid thousands of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections and fatalities in India, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) couldn’t help but expect a worstcase scenario.

Annabelle Joy Villamarin, a 42-year-old primary school principal in Gurugram City (formerly Gurgaon), near the capital Delhi, shared her fears in an online interview on Thursday.

“Nahihirapan kami dito kasi (It is very difficult here) we're so scared and we need somebody to tell us at least that we're going to be okay, we're going to be fine,” the Baguio City native, who arrived in India in 2012, said.

About 2,000 Filipinos are living and working in India.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, she said there were more than 5,000 of them, but most decided to go home last year.

On Tuesday, Philippine Ambassador to India Ramon Bagatsing Jr. said two Filipinos, both female, succumbed to Covid-19 while about 20 are infected and isolated.

Villamarin lives in India with her 49-year-old husband, who is from Tondo, Manila, and their two sons, aged 19 and 10.

She lost her father last year – not to Covid-19 – but she was not able to go back home as she anticipated the stringent protocols she would have gone through.

“My dad passed away last year. I couldn’t do anything.

Parang sa utak mo parang (In your mind it seems that) you know what to do but when it actually happened we're so helpless, no one knows what to do. I’m a teacher, so I try to research, but it's not enough,” Villamarin said.

On Thursday, India reported the largest daily increase of 379,275 new cases since the outbreak of the pandemic. The country has been reporting more than 300,000 new cases each day over the past week, according to Xinhua News.

Better PH situation Based on what she’s reading, she said the Philippines is faring way better.

Villamarin said help from the Indian government seems to have stopped and people are left to fend for themselves.

“Kung titingnan mo 'yung management of resources ng government sa Pilipinas, at least may tinutulong ang government dyan kahit konting pera na pwedeng gamitin. Dito talagang zero. The government does not help the people, they stopped the transportation and people started walking, ang mga tao wala na kinakain (If you will look at the management of resources in the Philippines, the government helps. Here, it’s zero. The government does not help the people. They've stopped transportation. People are walking. People do not have anything to eat anymore,” Villamarin said.

She said that what keeps them going are prayers and messages from friends and families in the Philippines, checking on them and motivating them to stay positive and stay strong.

Stay at home To keep themselves safe, Villamarin said that they do not go out and order whatever they need online.

Only her husband, in full protective gear, will receive the items, leave them outside under the sun, and dip everything in a container filled with soap and water.

“Kami talagang hindi kami lumalabas. We order everything through apps, even groceries. ‘Pag dineliver, only one person holds the items and that would be my husband,

SCARY STATE. A Covid-19 patient breathing with the help of oxygen lies outside a hospital in New Delhi, India in this April 2021 photo. The country averages over 300,000 daily Covid-19 infections since April 22, leading to a shortage of medical oxygen, hospital beds, and treatment drugs. (Photo courtesy of Unicef) tatanggapin niya, naka-full gear siya. Sibuyas, bawang, hinuhugasan lahat, lasang sabon na lahat ng mga kinakain namin (We do not go out. We order everything through apps, even groceries. Only one person handles the items it and that would be my husband, in full gear. Onion, garlic, all are washed thoroughly. Our food already tastes like soap), but we don’t care,” she narrated.

For other non-food deliveries, she said they are left outdoors for two days before they touch them.

Villamarin said he knows of just less than a hundred Filipinos who hold managerial positions, most of them in the southern part.

She also heard of 10 Filipino families who are stranded in Delhi holding medical visas, issued to those undergoing treatment or operation.

Support group She said Filipinos get in touch with each other online, including those married to Indian nationals.

“We created a chat group and we help each other through chat, like somebody would ask who has a medicine like paracetamol, or

LA... from Page 3 Health for approval for athletic events, tournaments or competitions that involve more than two teams or multiple individuals.

Indoor moderate and high contact sports are permitted following Collegiate Sports Protocols, which includes regular testing.

Live Event and Performance Indoor venues up to 1,500 guests can operate at a maximum of 25% capacity or 50% if guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination.

Venues with 1,501 guests and above can operate at 10% capacity of 2,000 people; whichever is fewer or 50% capacity for tested or fully vaccinated guests.

Live Event and Performance Outdoor venues can expand to 67% capacity with safety modifications.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis released the following statement: “It gives me tremendous joy to see that Los Angeles County will be entering the Yellow Tier this

week. Less than four months ago, the County was grappling with the worst of the winter surge, and now our case rates have fallen so low that we are preparing to enter the State’s least restrictive tier. This is once again a testament to our collective efforts to keep one another healthy and safe, and in doing so we have been presented with this opportunity. As Chair of the Board this year, I have remained committed to ensuring a safe re-opening of Los Angeles County that is not only supported by science and data but also rooted in equity.”

Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti, for his part, said: “Our sacrifices have gotten us to a promising point in the life of this pandemic, but we know for a fact that continued momentum for our businesses, workforce, families and communities depends on us remaining vigilant, following public health guidelines, rolling up our sleeves and getting vaccinated as soon as possible.”

would ask what to do in a certain situation,” she said.

The Covid-19 situation in India has become unimaginable, said Villamarin, taking away even the people’s sense of empathy, replaced with anger.

“Yung mga tao dito nagkakagulo kasi maraming families ng mga namatayan dito nagwawala at sininisira nila 'yung mga facilities around the hospital kaya nakakatakot din pumunta. Umaapaw ang mga hospital. Walang emergency room (The people are panicking.

Families who lost loved ones would destroy facilities around the hospital so it's scary to go out. The hospitals are overflowing. There are no emergency rooms), they close the hospital gates and people are lying just outside the gate, waiting,” Villamarin said.

Villamarin said people are dying in their homes.

“We don’t know what to do.

It's difficult. We're emotionally drained,” she said.

Overflowing The explosion of new cases and the number of people dying every day forced the Indian government

to convert parking lots into crematoriums, according to Villamarin.

Normally, she said, a crematorium can accommodate a maximum of 20 bodies per day. Now, hundreds of bodies pile up in hours.

“They had to create ‘yung isang parang sementadong box na dun nilalagay yun, kinokolekta yun.

Nililinya nila yung mga katawan.

Hindi na nila alam kung saan nila susunugin kasi it requires 24 hours before siya fully ma-cremate, hindi tulad sa atin na may full blast cremation facility (like a cemented box where they collect the bodies, then they are lined up. They do not know anymore where to cremate the bodies because it requires 24 hours for a body to be fully cremated, unlike in the Philippines that we have a full blast cremation facility),” she said.

Villamarin said that in Hindi culture, cremation has to be done naturally.

“Imagine how many people will pile up bago matapos ang (before the end of) 24 hours. They had to open a parking lot and at least, according to them, 70 funeral pyres can be placed in the parking lot,” Villamarin said. (PNA)

2020... from Page 4

FOREIGN-BORN... from Page 5

People over the age of 65 made up 23% of the citizen voting-age population in 2020, up from 21% in 2016. They now make up 26% of all voters, up from 24% in the previous presidential election.

The population is diversifying and getting older but also more educated.

People with a bachelor’s degree or higher were 32% of the citizen voting-age population in 2016 and 35% in 2020. Their share of the voting population went from 40% to 41% during that time.

In contrast, the share of citizens 18 and older with less than a bachelor’s degree went down from 68% in 2016 to 65% in 2020. Their share of voters went from 60% to 59% during the same period but still remained the largest voting bloc.

Voter turnout for both groups increased in 2020. However, turnout for voters with less than a bachelor’s degree increased at a higher rate: 60% in 2020 compared to 54% in 2016. Among voters with a bachelor’s degree or more, turnout in 2020 was 80%, up from 76% in 2016.

These changes to turnout and demographics are some of the unique aspects of a presidential election that, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, was ultimately a high turnout election.

past couple of decades have provided a larger pool of potential spouses who are foreign-born and racially or ethnically diverse, which has contributed to the growth of interracial/interethnic and mixed nativity marriages.

Overall, 8% of women in their first marriage were in mixed nativity marriages. This varied by race and Hispanic origin. Just 5% of non-Hispanic White women and 7% of Black women were in mixed-nativity marriages, compared with 19% of Asian, Hispanic women and women who identify as Some Other Race (SOR).

The high proportions of these groups in mixed nativity marriages are unsurprising given high levels of immigration from Asia and Latin America.

Younger women were more likely to be in mixed nativity marriages. The youngest group, ages 15-24, has about twice the percentage of mixed nativity marriages than women 55 years and over — 12% and 6%, respectively.

Jacob Fabina is an economist in the U.S. Census Bureau’s Social, Economic, and Housing Statistics Division.

Yeris Mayol-Garcia is a statistician demographer in the Census Bureau’s Fertility and Family Statistics Branch.

Benjamin Gurrentz is a survey statistician in the Survey Improvement Research Branch.

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O Star Now of theI Sea, help Miracles... the Greatest Saint of Modern fervently beseech you me to answer myare petition (mention here) andMother to carry me and show herein you my Mother.

O Holy Mary, of Please call out your promises of spending Heaven doing good you on earth...of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech from the letting of fallmyfrom Shower of Roses.

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O Mary conceived without and sin, inquiries at Mary, I place H[SHULHQFHV RI P\ OLIH DQG WR ORYH *RG ZLWK IXOO FRQ¿GHQFH 6W pray for us whofor have recourseortoemail thee (3resume times). Holy 7KHUHVH &DUPHOLWH 6LVWHU , ZLOO IXO¿OO \RXU 3 SOHD µWR EH 3 PDGH this cause P\ in your hands (3 times).

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Megan Young opens up about change in lifestyle

Dominic Roque to start vlogging soon

M

egan Young took to social media to share her fitness journey, saying her priorities have shifted to achieving a "healthy" body instead of a "perfect" one.

The Philippines' sole Miss World titleholder shared a throwback photo of her in La Union in 2019, when she achieved her "summer body goals" after extreme diet and exercise.

She said that while she was satisfied with the outcome, she did not enjoy the process at all.

"The journey to get there was tough because of dieting and long hours at the gym. Hindi ako masaya sa food ko noon -- ang konti at halos walang lasa," she said.

Instead of focusing on how her body looks like, Young said she would rather "listen" to it and take care of it more, which she does by eating better and getting enough rest.

"Nowadays, I'm not aiming for the 'perfect body' but I'm aiming to have a healthier one," she said.

"I'm listening to my body more and resting when I need to. And at

MEGAN YOUNG the end of the day, I try not to be too hard on myself," she added.

Aside from having a mostly pescetarian diet with the occasional cheat meals, Young has been doing regular workouts in her new home gym with husband Mikael Daez. (MNS)

Why Neri Naig, Chito Miranda decided to embrace farm life

NERI AND CHITO MANILA (Mabuhay) — More and more pig daw. Nasarapan sa lechon," she celebrities are starting to see the ap- added in jest. peal of living in a place surrounded Naig said her mother will also live by nature, with the latest being Neri with them in the new farm house, beNaig and Chito Miranda. lieving that living closer to nature will Naig said she and her musician hus- make her live longer. band have decided to embrace farm "Dito rin titira nanay ko, lagyan life as she shared a photo of the gate namin siya ng room niya na diretso of their new home in Alfonso, Cavite. na sa garden. Mas hahaba ang buhay "Miranda's Farm House.... soon!" ng nanay ko kapag nagtatanim at nashe said. papaligiran ng halaman," she said. "At The former actress went on to say least pwede siyang mag-ikot-ikot sa the reason behind their decision. farm na 'di kami matatakot kung ma"We decided na tumira na talaga sa hahawa ba siya ng virus." farm, dito pa rin siyempre sa Alfonso.

Another room will also be providMas magiging healthy living talaga ed for Miranda's parents, should they dahil magiging malaki na ang tani- decide to visit. man ko ng mga gulay, at dito ko na rin Naig ended her post by encouragkukunin mga vegetables na gagamitin ing her social media followers to keep ko sa pagtutuyo ko," she said, citing working hard to achieve their dreams. some of her businesses.

"Napapagod, magpapahinga lang, "Mag-aalaga kami ng mga ma- pero never susuko. Para sa pamilya, go nok para every day may fresh eggs lang! Ayan ang greatest motivation ko, kami. Hindi ko alam kung kaya pang ang pamilya ko. Masarap mangarap mag-alaga ng baka para may fresh at unti-unting tinutupad kasama ang milk, ayun kase request ni Miggy at ating pamilya," she said. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Dominic Roque is joining the growing list of celebrities who have bra nched out into vlog g ing with the launch his ow n YouTube channel soon, the actor announced on DOMINIC ROQUE Instagram.

"Cant’t wait to upload my first YT video," Roque wrote in the caption.

In the comment section of his post, fans shared their excitement for their idol on his latest venture.

Just recently, actress and vlogger Bea Alonzo finally confirmed that she is indeed dating Roque.

Bea Alonzo finally speaks about real score with Dominic Roque Roque and Alonzo have been seen together since last year, prompting speculations of a brewing romance.

In January, fans believed that they went out on a date based on their respective social media posts. This, despite the fact that they never posted photos of them together.

In February, their supporters also surmised that they went to Amanpulo together.

Roque, on the other hand, has been open about his apparent attraction to Alonzo, posting photos of the actress numerous times on Instagram. (MNS)

Gerald Anderson considers work as outlet for his frustrations MANILA (Mabuhay) — Gerald Anderson has been making headlines in the past two years because of his controversial personal life, but the actor is grateful that he has his work as his outlet.

Anderson shared that he always draws a line between work and his personal life.

“Siguro sa akin kasi I think despite kung anong pinagdadaanan ko sa labas ng set, kaya ko i-shut off lahat pagdating sa set kasi parang naging sanctuary ko or outlet ko ['yung work] para mailabas ko lahat ng frustrations ko,” he said.

“Sakto 'yung last soap ko, ‘A Soldier’s Heart’ tapos dumiretso ako dito [sa ‘Init sa Magdamag].

Kumbaga, two years, medyo maraming nangyari sa celebrity life ko hanggang ngayon. So parang sakto nung dumating si Alex Marasigan (his character in ‘A Soldier’s Heart’) and ngayon si Tupe (his charcter in ‘Init sa Magdamag’), ang ganda ng timing dahil sila 'yung naging outlet ko. Even the good emotions, siyempre kasama sa trabaho iyan,” he added.

No matter how tumultuous his personal life is, Anderson said he always has to show up at work and be a professional. “'Yung pagiging celeb-

rity ko, natamaan siya ng malaki dahil sa mga nangyari, dahil sa controversial issues. I can only give 100% para sa mga manonood nito dahil this is the only thing I can give right now. Dahil pagdating sa personal life, kahit anong gawin ko, kahit anong sabihin ko, sa mata ng marami, mali. But kaya ko naman lagyan ng line 'yan. Pagdating sa trabaho, kapag galing sa akin or sa galing sa team na mga kasama ko, ibibigay ko ang best ko,” he explained.

Asked what frustrates him, he said it’s how some

GERALD ANDERSON people only believe what they want to believe.

“Lahat tayo na nasa industriya na ito, laging may mali. Kumbaga, gusto lang makita ng tao kung ano 'yung perspective nila, kung ano 'yung tingin nila sa atin.

'Yung iba na supporters

natin na sobrang perfect 'yung tingin sa atin, kapag nagkamali, marami nang nakaabang,” he said.

According to Anderson, he is saddened by the fact that some people don’t understand that he is only human who also has emotions. “'Yung bashers, 'yung trolls, parang tinatrato tayong produkto na hindi tayo tao, walang emotions, walang pinagdadaanan din.

It’s very hard to explain that sa mga tao.”

Contrary to what some think, Anderson said he recognizes his faults and shortcomings and he certainly learns from them.

“Alam ko naman kung saan din ako nagmali. Ang dating sa ibang tao, wala lang sa akin. Kumbaga, nakikita lang naman ako kapag may interviews or kapag may lumabas na soap. Pero hindi naman nila nakikita kung paano ako sa bahay, kung paano ko ina-absorb lahat ng ito.”

“Hindi ko sinasabi na parang ang dali lang sa akin kung ano man ang pinagdaanan ko. But kapag humarap sa camera, meron tayong personal life din. Alam ko kung saan ako nagmali, alam ko kung ano 'yung dapat kong matutunan, sa akin na po 'yun,” he added. (MNS)

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Alexa Ilacad talks about need for counseling during quarantine

A

ALEXA ILACAD

lexa Ilacad is everywhere at the moment with her new teleserye “Init sa Magdamag” and the popular demand for her movie “Four Sisters Before the Wedding” on Netflix. She’s also riding on the crest of her latest dance pop single “Stay Right Here” under the Off the Record label to be released this week.

It seems to be a fulfi lling ride with her creative juices flowing, but Ilacad confessed to bouts of loneliness and isolation amid the pandemic, a syndrome completely relatable to other people.

“Some people are more energized being at home this time but I don’t enjoy this," Ilacad candidly said in a virtual conference Tuesday to launch her new music. “There are days I feel useless not doing anything being stuck at home.

There are days my schedule is jampacked but for some reason I still feel drained. 2 p.m. pa lang parang pagod na ‘ko.

Maybe it’s the lack of human communication."

“I would love someone to talk to, going to counseling, just to untangle my thoughts,” she said.

Certainly, family is a big moral support like Ilacad’s mother who eggs her on to get fit. “At times, there’s no motivation to get out of bed, but there’s yoga online which I try,” she said.

The tapings and recording sessions also help lift her spirit. “I like writing better when I’m sad especially now when you’re missing friends," she said. “I get by, but the lock-in shoots sometimes drives me crazy!"

The former “Goin’ Bulilit” child star is now 22 years old

and unattached. Her latest original composition, “Stay

By Me,” she said, is not necessarily romantic. “We crave for companionship during this time, from family and friends.”

To fill her days, Ilacad has also showcased her meal favorites in her social media accounts. Salmon and pancit are two of her comfort food.

“I love salmon! I could eat it everyday of my life,” she said in one of her posts.

“I get scared people might misjudge me but it’s also my way of supporting local products," she explained.

Just recently, Ilacad engaged netizens who accused

her of getting a nose job. Being a natural beauty, Ilacad laughs at it now, while also stressing that nothing is wrong with plastic surgery. Still she wonders why there’s a spate of nitpicking on social media amid the pandemic.

But dreams and good vibes are still borne out of the isolation of the present times.

Hopefully, with the easing of the health situation, Ilacad hopes to prosper as a musician in the coming years.

“I want to do a Tagalog song very soon, such a beautiful language," she said “And I want to collaborate with my idol Dua Lipa and perform at Coachella!” (MNS)

Pia Wurtzbach shares thoughts Dimples Romana opens on community pantry initiative restaurant in Singapore

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Pia Wurtzbach shared her thoughts about the growing community pantry movement after being asked by one of her fans.

The former Miss Universe, who has been active in fundraising efforts amid the pandemic, considers the community pantries as "proof of the undying spirit of bayanihan."

"I took some time to really think about it and really understand better what we are faced with as a nation. For me, the community pantry is a really good initiative," she said.

Wurtzbach acknowledged the "hesitations and concerns" regarding the initiative, especially with health and safety protocols, but pointed out that "everyone is just trying their best to survive."

"I think it's a call for us to help in any and every way that we can. Share what we can, stay home if we can. Get vaccinated soon as we get the opportunity. It's a great reminder of what we can achieve together," she said.

She ended by stressing that Filipinos "can and should demand a better system."

Wurtzbach has been using her wide social media reach for a good cause.

Early this month, she was able to raise P200,000 from giving video greetings to fans, with all proceeds given to World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philip-

PIA WURTZBACH pines.

Aside from WWF-Philippines, Wurtzbach is also an ambassador for Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. Last year, she launched a personal fundraiser to deliver thousands of face masks to hospitals that are caring for COVID-19 patients. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actress Dimples Romana has successfully opened a restaurant in Singapore with her business partners.

Called Alegria Singapura, the new dining spot is located at 18 Teck Lim Road and specializes in "non-traditional Latin American" dishes.

In an Instagram post, Romana thanked all those who have supported her latest venture since its soft opening last April 22.

"The past week has been a blast as our Team Alegria in Singapore DIMPLES ROMANA has been experienced and enjoyed by locals and our fellow Filipinos -- the food, the ambiance, the drinks," she said.

"A big thank you to everyone who keeps sending us and tagging us their photos, videos of their food, and dining experience. You guys are the best! We are open from Tuesdays to Saturdays," she added.

Alegria Singapura offers a selection of appetizers, main dishes, and desserts, each with a modern fusion of Latin, European, and Asian influences.

Among these are tacos named Koreana (prawn, ssamjang aioli, esquites, kimchi, and cottija), Japonesa (steak, mango salsa, wasabi mayo, and furikake), and Sisig (pork belly, pig's ears, mango salsa, and chicharon).

Romana first opened up about Alegria Singapura in January, saying she could not believe that she and her business partners are finally "going international."

Aside from a restaurant, she also plans to put up a school for acting and personality development. (MNS)

BELLE MARIANO VALUES PATIENCE IN SHOWBIZ AS SHE LANDS HER FIRST LEAD ROLE MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actress Belle Mariano agreed on the importance of patience in her career which was one of the factors, alongside passion in acting, that propelled her to her first-ever lead role in a series.

During the media conference of her upcoming series with Donny Pangilinan “He’s Into Her”, Mariano revealed patience played a vital part during the “awkward” stage of her career in showbiz.

This was the time when she started to lose hope of progressing as an actress, she recalled.

“Feeling ko mas nag-register sakin...mas tumatak sakin na importante yung patience sa industry na 'to noong dumaan ako ng awkward stage,” she said.

“Dumating din yung stage na hindi na ko hopeful. ‘Anong nangyayari ba't ganito?’”

But all thanks to her passion

and patience, she eventually found her time recently, portraying the iconic role of Gabbie on “Four Sisters Before the Wedding” movie and Max on the much-awaited and trending adaptation of “He’s into Her.” “But then feeling ko ang nag-push talaga sa'kin ay yung passion ko for what I do. Importante talaga ang patience,” Mariano continued.

Belle also admitted it was only during the release of the series’ official trailer on Saturday that she started to realize she is indeed debuting as a lead actress in a series.

“Ngayon lang siya nagsi-sinkin sakin. Kanina nung pinapanood natin yung trailer, parang wow. Nararamdaman ko na, paparating na yung He's Into Her. Parating na tayo,” Mariano quipped.

“First lead ko and I'm sur-

rounded by such an amazing people.”

Mariano was first seen on iconic kiddie gag show “Goin’ Bulilit” before she played Rachel in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”

Having been in the industry for nearly a decade, Belle reminded showbiz neophytes to always believe that some good things do not come immediately -- the same advice she kept telling herself before.

“Good things take time.

Naaalala ko sinabi ko rin ito sa sarili ko yung time na maaabot ko rin yung gusto ko,” Mariano said.

Nearly two years since the project was first announced, “He’s Into Her” is finally premiering on May 30, Sunday, at 8:45 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z Channel 11, and TFC. Mariano and Pangilinan will

be joined by Kaori Oinuma, Rhys Miguel, Joao Costancia, Criza Taa, Jeremiah Lisbo, Vivoree Esclito, Dalia Varde, Limer Veloso, Melizza Jimenez, Ashley del Mundo, Gello Marquez, Soph ie Reye s and Jim Morales.

(MNS)

BELLE MARIANO

20

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