Weekend Balita (Los Angeles edition) November 28, 2020

LOS ANGELES / ORANGE COUNTY

VOL. XXIX NO. 48

November 28-December 4, 2020

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

SOmE Of THE THINGS TO KNOW aBOUT THE VaCCINE THaT COULD END THE PaNDEmIC

By ABNER GALINO

“LA OPTIMIZED” TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES

ON November 16, the pharmaceutical company Moderna announced that the vaccine to fight off the coronavirus that it has been working on has shown to be about 95% effective. And days later, on November 20, pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNtech announced that they are going to seek emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for another vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

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ayor Eric Garcetti has launched LA Optimized, an initiative to help local small businesses recover from the pandemic by expanding their e-commerce capabilities and growing their online presence. The project will be overseen by the Mayor’s newly appointed 2021 Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR), Roberto Martinez.

“COVID-19 has changed everything — the way we communicate, work, socialize, and shop — and our brick-and-mortar stores need to rapidly rethink how they reach their customers, market their goods, sell their products, and thrive when so much business is happening online,” said Mayor Garcetti.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of our economic strength, and LA Optimized taps into the power of partnerships to equip local enterprises with a larger “LA OPTIMIZED”

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TOP STORIES

Global News Palace refutes Bloomberg study, says Philippines managed COVID-19 outbreak ‘very well’ 8  DPWH issues show-cause orders to personnel tagged in alleged irregularities 8  Robredo camp says no early opposition from DepEd on learning hubs 9  PNP opens security, gun license processing on weekends, holidays 9  DOT probes Boracay ‘full moon party’ over quarantine violations 10  Mamba’s remark disparaging Muslims angers Muslim official; governor apologizes 10  House OKs on final reading ‘Eddie Garcia Act’ 11  PH Sports Hall of Fame nominations extended 10  Lorenzana: PHL will get involved if China-US shooting war erupts 12 

Sections BUSINESS. Senate OKs P4.5-T nat’l budget for 2021 on 3rd reading 13  ENTERTAINMENT. Rachelle Ann Go and Martin Spies are expecting their first child 15  HEALTH & FAMILY. Philippines in talks with AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Sinovac for 60M doses of COVID-19 vaccines 19  TRAVEL. Masungi Georeserve reopens to tourists 16 

While most of us would likely line up as soon as these vaccines become available, for sure, not everyone would be queuing.

And the decision on whether or not a person would get himself/herself vaccinated SOME

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New rule takes effect: restricts resto to delivery and take out

By ABNER GALINO

Alarmed by the high rate of coronavirus tests coming back positive, which now stands at 6.6% or almost double the number of what it was in late October, a new rule has been put in place again by health authorities in the Los Angeles County.

The new rule took effect at 10 p.m. on Wednesday and will remain in place for at least three weeks. It restricts restaurants — along with breweries, wineries and bars — to takeout, drive thru and delivery only for the first time since May. Wineries and breweries can continue retail operations.

“It is a tragedy that we have come to this point. I am keenly aware that suspending outdoor dining will have a detrimental impact on our small businesses," said Supervisor Hilda L. Solis.

"But I’ve said time and time again that I will listen to our public health experts – and their recommendation is clear. None

of us want to see this closure, but it is necessary to protect our collective well-being.”

Newly-elected Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas agreed with Solis’ opinion.

"These are not decisions that we have made lightly. We are acutely aware of the compromises all Angelenos have been NEW RULE

US reaffirms ‘steadfast military partnership’ with PH MANILA (Mabuhay) — US Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett on Wednesday met with Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Cardozo Luna and senior Philippine military officials to reaffirm the United States’ steadfast military partnership with the Philippines, the oldest US treaty ally in Asia.

While in Manila, Barrett also met with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, General Gilbert Gapay, and Philippine Air Force Commander, Lt. General Allen Paredes.

Barrett underscored the importance of the US-Philippine alliance to national and regional security, and discussed opportunities for greater bilateral security cooperation. She also highlighted US Covid-19-related assistance and disaster relief for recent typhoon victims, as well as ongoing US support for Philippine counterterrorism and maritime security efforts.

“From joint counterterrorism efforts to humanitarian support, the US and PhilUS

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U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett meets with senior Philippine defense and military officials in Manila

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ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor

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Saturday-Friday | November 28 - December 4, 2020

Through #HereForRMHC Social Challenge, McDonald’s Will Give $100 in Your Name to Ronald McDonald House Charities® as Part of $100 Million Commitment Join McDonald’s in rallying support for families with sick or injured children when they need it most CHICAGO, IL: Nov. 24, 2020 — McDonald’s is launching a new social challenge that will have everyone feeling the love this holiday season — especially the families who rely on Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC®) when their child becomes critically ill or injured.

For more than four decades, RMHC has supported families with sick and injured children by providing vital resources and helping them stay together during treatment. In an average year, RMHC raises millions thanks to generous donors including McDonald’s customers, employees and franchisees. But 2020 was no average year, and donations to the organization are down due to the pandemic.

To rally much-needed support and awareness for RMHC, now through Dec. 31, McDonald’s will give $100 in your name as part of its $100 million commitment over the next five years. To participate, just post a photo or video making the RMHC heart symbol (or another supportive message) to Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or Facebook using #HereForRMHC. Your hands will turn the RMHC mission into a movement, spreading awareness of the critical work this organization does in communities all over the world.

To make the RMHC heart symbol:  Build the house by forming a diamond with your hands  Show us the chimney by pointing your pinky up  Put your heart into it by pushing your index fingers down This year, we’ve all learned the importance of being there for each other, and we’ve learned this lesson the hard way: by not being there. We missed moments of celebration and heartache with our loved ones. And we’ve gotten the smallest taste of what families with sick children experience when they need to seek out faraway care and are forced to stay apart. These families need us now more than ever.

Helping McDonald’s spread the word are Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. “Anyone who knows us, knows that the most important thing to us is family. When you're able to lean on loved ones, the hard times always get a little easier. We can’t imagine how agonizing it must

took on extra resonance in a year when people are leaning on communities more than ever.

“Here at McDonald’s, we believe there’s a difference between being in a community and being part of one.

As a company made up of more than 39,000 restaurants around the world, supporting our communities is in our DNA,” said McDonald’s President and CEO Chris Kempczinski. “I’ve been so inspired by the way RMHC is there for families, day and in and day out, during the most difficult times in their lives — that’s what being part of a community is all about. That’s why we’re so proud to support this wonderful organization now and into the future.”

McDonald’s isn’t stopping at the #HereForRMHC challenge — and you don’t have to either! Franchisees around the world are doing wonderful work every day to support RMHC — from McHappy Day® to Fries for Good to giving customers the opportunity to donate to RMHC all year long via donation boxes, self-ordering kiosks and at the point of sale. Check with participating McDonald’s to see how you can continue to make an impact for RMHC families when you order at McDonald’s restaurants.

For full terms, please visit McD.to/HereForRMHC.

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend be when you’re not able to be there with your sick child.

We were inspired by McDonald’s longtime commitment to RMHC, and now we want the world to know how we can all take action to support this amazing charity through the #HereForRMHC challenge,” said Teigen and Legend.

The #HereForRMHC challenge begins today and ends on Dec. 31, 2020. To participate, post a photo or video with #HereForRMHC from your public account on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or TikTok, where McDonald’s is hosting an official challenge starting today.

This is just one way McDonald’s is living its purpose of feeding and fostering communities — a purpose that

Global migrants key to avoiding deeper global recession

By SUNITA SOHRABJI EMS Contributing Editor Global migration dropped by 77 percent in 2020, as countries around the world closed their borders to mitigate the spread of the

coronavirus.

But the closures, along with internal migration in countries such as India and Brazil, have had a ruinous impact on economies and livelihoods, refugee resettlement and asylum.

“The challenge that every country around

ABOUT McDONALD’S McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with over 39,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 93% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business owners.

ABOUT RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) corporation that creates, finds, and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. Through a global network of over 260 Chapters in 65 countries and regions, RMHC enables, facilitates and supports family-centered care through three core programs: The Ronald McDonald House, the Ronald McDonald Family Room and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. RMHC programs help families with ill or injured children stay together and near leading hospitals and health care services worldwide, ensuring they have access to the medical care their child needs while fully supported and actively involved in their child’s care. For more information, visit rmhc.org. Follow RMHC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

the world faces is very simply this: how can you reopen the economy? How do you slowly reopen the borders? How do you go back to having some mobility while at the same time protecting yourself and your population from the ravages of this particular disease?” questioned Demetrios Papademetriou, co-founder and President Emeritus of the Migration Policy Institute.

COVID-19 will have a “boomerang” effect, said the scholar, noting that countries with low infection rates may feel emboldened to open their borders, but will then find themselves grappling with the pandemic all over again.

MPI released a study in November, “Managing the Pandemic and Its Aftermath: Economies, Jobs, and International Migration in the Age of COVID-19,” written by Papademetriou, which noted that millions of jobs worldwide have been lost to the pandemic, and will not return. Private and public debt is rapidly growing. A deep global recession lasting for several years is on the horizon.

A fact sheet released by MPI in November noted that immigrant women have suffered the worst economic losses during the pandemic. Just 46 percent of immigrant women worldwide were employed in September. In December of 2019, unemployment rates for immigrant women in the U.S. were at 3.6 percent; by May of 2020, the numbers jumped staggeringly to 18.5 percent, according to MPI data.

Women are also burdened with the fulltime care of children whose schools have shut down and turned to remote learning, noted MPI. Critically, remittances from people working abroad to their families in developing countries have largely stopped. Papademetriou characterized remittances as lifelines for low-income families. And it remains unclear

as to how long countries will continue to shut off their borders to asylum seekers.

While some countries have slowly started to reopen, 77 countries around the world still have sealed borders amid an epic crisis during which 1.4 million people worldwide have died.

In the U.S., foreign born people have borne the brunt of the pandemic, said Papademetriou, speaking at a Nov. 20 briefing organized

by Ethnic Media Services. “They have contributed. They have worked the front lines.

And we need to make sure they are supported as we dig ourselves out of this vast hole that this virus has dug for all of us.”

Other speakers at the briefi ng included Vicente Calderón, Editor of Tijuanapress. com, who spoke from Tijuana, Mexico, and freelance investigative journalist Krishnaraj Rao, who spoke from Mumbai, India.

One of the fi rst issues the new Joe Biden-Kamala Harris Administration will face is the influx of immigrants attempting to enter the U.S., after a virtual lockdown of the borders by the Trump Administration, even prior to the pandemic. Calderon highlighted “express deportation,” a policy that sends an asylum seeker back to Mexico within two hours of arriving at a U.S. border.

“The pandemic was the perfect excuse to implement Trump’s harsh immigration policies,” he said.

A combination of issues, including the economic hardships people have faced due to the closing of economic activity in Central America amid the pandemic has caused many people to flee, looking for better options, said Calderon. Terrible hurricanes have hit the region, making conditions even worse.

“So they were waiting and hoping that Biden was the winner of this election, to ease the policies that Donald Trump institutionCONTNUED ON PAGE 16

Saturday-Friday | November 28 - December 4, 2020

SOmE... frOm PaGE 1 depends on perceptions of risks, their trusts on public and private institutions and, quite likely, on where they stand in the political divide.

Weekend Balita/US Asian Post collated these information to help you form a decision when the vaccines eventually become available: Clinical Trials According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clinical trials are ways to evaluate COVID-19 vaccines through thousands of participants. Scientific data and information gathered through these trials are then evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their safety and effectiveness.

If FDA determines that a vaccine meets its safety and effectiveness standards, it can make these vaccines available for use in the United States by approval or emergency use authorization.

“After the FDA makes its determination, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will review available data before making vaccine recommendations to CDC.” Vaccine Safety Monitoring After a vaccine is authorized or approved for use, many vaccine safety monitoring systems watch for adverse events (possible side effects). This continued monitoring can pick up on adverse events that may not have been seen in clinical trials.

If an unexpected adverse event is seen, experts quickly study it further to assess whether it is a true safety concern. Experts then decide whether changes are needed in U.S. vaccine recommendations.

This monitoring is critical to help ensure that the benefits continue to outweigh the risks for people who receive vaccines.

Vaccine safety monitoring systems CDC’s “V-SAFE”- is a new smart-

Community

phone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines.

V-SAFE will use text messaging and web surveys from CDC to check in with vaccine recipients for health problems following COVID-19 vaccination.

The system also will provide telephone follow up to anyone who reports medically significant (important) adverse events.

National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) — An acute care and long-term care facility monitoring system with reporting to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System or VAERS.

For the general public Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) external icon — is a national system that collects reports from healthcare professionals, vaccine manufacturers, and the public of adverse events that happen after vaccination; reports of adverse events that are unexpected, appear to happen more often than expected, or have unusual patterns are followed up with specific studies.

Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) — A network of 9 integrated healthcare organizations across the United States that conducts active surveillance and research; the system is also used to help determine whether possible side effects identified using VAERS are actually related to vaccination Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment (CISA) Project — A collaboration between CDC and 7 medical research centers to provide expert consultation on individual cases and conduct clinical research studies about vaccine safety.

Promising preliminary results Here is part of a report published at the ScienceMag.org by Ryan Malosh, an assistant research scientist at the University of Michigan and Project Coordinator & Staff Scientist, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University: “Moderna reported that during the phase 3 study of its vaccine candidate

14-day quarantine for travelers using LAX and Van Nuys airport

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ravelers entering the City of Los Angeles from another state or country will be required to fi ll out an online form to acknowledge and spread awareness of California’s recommended 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

Starting Wednesday (November 25), passengers arriving at LAX and Van Nuys Airport will see signs and messages reminding them to fill out the required form.

“COVID-19 is more dangerous than ever — and from LAX to our businesses to our homes, we have to take action to protect Angelenos and stop the spread of this virus,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti.

“Our new form delivers a clear message: if you travel to our city, we want you to be informed of guidelines that will save lives and keep all of us healthy and safe.”

Travelers can complete the form in under a minute, and the form is now available at travel.lacity.org or by scanning the QR code that is posted on signage throughout LAX and Van Nuys Airport.

Starting Wednesday, November 25th, anyone over the age of 16 must submit this form prior to or upon arrival at the airports. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to $500.

"I applaud Mayor Garcetti for implementing this new requirement for

those who do choose to travel into our airports, to ensure everyone has reviewed California’s travel advisory and understands how to protect the health of themselves, their family, friends and the greater community,” said Justin Erbacci, CEO, LAWA. “Passengers will be able to get all information they need via our web, social media sites and signage at our airports, and we will be working with our airlines and other partners at LAX and Van Nuys Airport to help get the word out.”

California’s travel advisory recommends that “all persons arriving in California from other states or countries, including returning California residents, should practice self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival.”

Under Mayor Garcetti’s leadership, LAX has taken aggressive precautions and launched several programs to help protect travelers and stop the spread of COVID-19. Last week, LAX announced that guests will have access to COVID-19 testing through a pilot sample collection program that will later be scaled up with a full onsite rapid testing laboratory in early December.

In July, Mayor Garcetti announced a thermal camera pilot to help identify travelers with an elevated body temperature inside the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

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mRNA-1273, which enrolled 30,000 adult U.S. participants, just five of the 95 COVID-19 cases occurred among the vaccinated, while 90 infections were identified in the placebo group. This corresponds to an efficacy of 94.5%.

None of the infected patients who received the vaccine developed severe COVID-19, while 11 (12%) of those who received the placebo did.”

“Similarly, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine candidate, BNT162b2, was 90% effective in preventing infection during the phase 3 clinical trial, which enrolled 43,538 participants, with 30% in U.S. and 42% abroad.”

“Vaccines train the immune system to recognize the disease-causing part of a virus. Vaccines traditionally contain either weakened viruses or purified signature proteins of the virus.”

“But an mRNA vaccine is different, because rather than having the viral protein injected, a person receives genetic material – mRNA – that encodes the viral protein. When these genetic instructions are injected into the upper arm, the muscle cells translate them to make the viral protein directly in the body.”

“This approach mimics what the SARS-CoV-2 does in nature – but the vaccine mRNA codes only for the critical fragment of the viral protein. This gives the immune system a preview of what the real virus looks like without causing disease. This preview gives the immune system time to design powerful antibodies that can neutralize the real virus if the individual is ever infected.”

“While this synthetic mRNA is genetic material, it cannot be transmitted to the next generation. After an mRNA injection, this molecule guides the protein production inside the muscle cells, which reaches peak levels for 24 to 48 hours and can last for a few more days.

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Why is making an mRNA vaccine so fast?

“Traditional vaccine development, although well studied, is very time-consuming and cannot respond instantaneously against novel pandemics such as COVID-19.”

“For example, for seasonal flu, it takes roughly six months from identification of the circulating influenza virus strain to produce a vaccine. The candidate flu vaccine virus is grown for about three weeks to produce a hybrid virus, which is less dangerous and better able to grow in hens’ eggs. The hybrid virus is then injected into a lot of fertilized eggs and incubated for several days to make more copies. Then the fluid containing virus is harvested from eggs, the vaccine viruses are killed, and the viral proteins are purified over several days.”

“The mRNA vaccines can leapfrog the hurdles of developing traditional vaccines such as producing noninfectious viruses, or producing viral proteins at medically demanding levels of purity.”

“MRNA vaccines eliminate much of the manufacturing process because rather than having viral proteins injected, the human body uses the instructions to manufacture viral proteins itself.”

“Also, mRNA molecules are far simpler than proteins. For vaccines, mRNA is manufactured by chemical rather than biological synthesis, so it is much quicker than conventional vaccines to be redesigned, scaled up and mass-produced.”

“In fact, within days of the genetic code of the SARS-CoV-2 virus becoming available, the mRNA code for a candidate vaccine testing was ready. What’s most attractive is that once the mRNA vaccine tools become viable, mRNA can be quickly tailored for other future pandemics.”

Pilipino po tayo!

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

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

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

kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com

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

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

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

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Saturday-Friday | November 28 - December 4, 2020

Community Vaccine Advisory Committee takes shape

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FILIPINO crooner Dingdong and his daughter Jayda Avanzado pose with Weekend Balita’s regular photo contributors Tony Garcia and Katie Ortiz during a recent awarding ceremony in Los Angeles.

Jayda has been named 2020 Most Promising Female Recording Artist and Performer, Garcia is awarded 2020 Outstanding Photojournalist of the Year and Ortiz was acknowledged as 2020 Outstanding Social Media Influencer.

California Rebuilding Fund to help state’s smallest businesses

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s businesses across the state face challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the opening of the California Rebuilding Fund to help impacted small businesses rebuild from the economic crisis and keep local economies strong.

This program is built to be a resource in the market for the next year as businesses pivot and recover. The Fund was developed as a result of recommendations

from the Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery, which emphasized the need to ensure that this economic recovery is equitable.

“Ensuring small businesses have access to capital will help stimulate economic growth across the state and support entrepreneurs working harder than ever to keep their doors open,” said Governor Newsom.

“This public-private partnership will give underserved communities across California access to capCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

he California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has announced membership in the Community Vaccine Advisory Committee (CVAC) with broad representation from organizations throughout California to provide input into the distribution and allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The committee will help guide the state’s decision making and build equity into decisions about vaccine distribution and allocation.

“While the COVID-19 vaccine is new, we are not starting our planning process from scratch. This is an area of expertise we have strong partnerships in, building on lessons learned from previous vaccination campaigns, including H1NI and seasonal flu,” said Governor Newsom.

“We’ve been planning and thinking about this for months, and we are being guided by some of the world’s best experts in this field.”

California is leveraging its well-established existing immunization framework and emergency response infrastructure to coordinate efforts between state, local, and territorial authorities to distribute and administer the vaccine.

The Community Vaccine Advisory Committee will build on the work of the Scientific Safety Review Work Group and the Drafting Guidelines Work Group. The Committee will provide input and feedback for the ongoing planning and engagement efforts to ensure equitable vaccine distribution and allocation. In the beginning, vaccine supplies will be limited and will be distributed to those at highest risk.

“We must work together to ensure that vulnerable Californians, those most at risk, have equitable access to the vaccine,” said Dr. Erica Pan, Acting State Public Health Officer.

“All of our preparations for the vaccine are guided by the need for safety, equity and transparency in the process. The members of the Community Vaccine Advisory Committee will provide critical input to ensure we are making the best possible decisions representing broad stakeholder perspectives.”

California's planning process for the eventual distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines continues to be guided by three overarching principles. They include ensuring the COVID-19 vaccine meets safety requirements, ensuring the vaccine is distributed and administered equitably, at first to those with the highest risk of becoming infected and spreading COVID-19, and making transparency a top priority by bringing in community stakeholders from the beginning.

California's COVID-19 vaccination plan is being implemented in several phases. In the beginning, vaccine supplies will be limited and it likely will be well into 2021 before vaccine is widely available.

The Community Vaccine Advisory Committee will be chaired by California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris.

Below is a partial list of organizations that will have representation on the Community Vaccine Advisory Committee: AARP American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Alzheimer’s Association Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) Asians Advancing Justice Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR) California Area Indian Health Service California Assisted Living Association (CALA) California Association of Area Agencies on Aging (C4A) California Association of Family

Physicians (CAFP) California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF) California Association of Health Plans (CAHP) California Association of LongTerm Care Medicine (CALTCM) California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (CAPH) California Association of Rural Health Clinics (CARHC) California Association of Veteran Service Agencies California Behavioral Health Directors Association (CBHDA) California Black Health Network California Chamber of Commerce California Conference of Local Health Officers (CCLHO) California Consortium for Urban Indian Health, Inc. (CCUIH) California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) California Hospital Association (CHA) California Immunization Coalition California Labor Federation California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association (CLTCOA) California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) California Medical Association (CMA) California Nurses Association (CNA) California Pan-Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN) California Primary Care Association (CPCA) California Rural Indian Health Board California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA) California School Nurses Organization (CSNO) California State Parent Teachers Association (CAPTA) California Superintendent of Public Instruction Catholic Charities Comite Civico del Valle County Health Executives Association of California (CHEAC) Disability Rights California Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) Emergency Medical Services Administrators of California (EMSAC) Faith in the Valley First African Methodist Episcopal Church First Five Association Health Access Housing California Jakara Movement Justice in Aging Latino Coalition for a Healthy California Local Health Plans of California (LHPC) Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP, Central Coast/Indigenous Farmworker population) Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California State Council Service Employees International Union Local 1000 (SEIU 1000) (Unit 17-Nurses) State Council on Development Disabilities The California Endowment The Children’s Partnership UFW Foundation United Domestic Workers (UDW/ AFSCME) Vision y Compromiso Western Center on Law and Poverty The Community Vaccine Advisory Committee is part of the state’s initial COVID-19 vaccine plan, which was submitted to the CDC in October 2020. Many vaccine candidates are in clinical trials currently, and California is putting a system in place for the safety review, prioritization, distribution and administration of vaccines as supply becomes available.

Information about California’s vaccine planning is available on the CDPH website.

Saturday-Friday | November 28 - December 4, 2020

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week before Thanksgiv ing, while this writer's family had a "Friendsgiving" Day," all of us became engaged in watching "The Queen's Gambit," a newly-released psychological miniseries (with 7 episodes), streamed by Netflix on television. The movie was based on author, Walter Tevis' book based on the same name, and was created by Allan Scott and directed by Scott Frank.

The intriguing fictional story was about an orphan chess prodigy, Beth Harmon in her relentless pursuit to become the world's greatest chess player, while at the same time struggling to cope with her drug and alcohol dependency, which she was drawn into during her early years in the orphanage.

Beth Harmon, played by Anya Taylor-Joy began her story, set in the mid-1950's in Lexington, Kentucky where the nine-year old Beth lost her mother in a car crash and she was taken to an orphanage where she meets Jolene, a friendly girl older than her, Helen Deardorff, the woman running the orphanage and Mr. Shaibel, the custodian of the orphanage who was instrumental in teaching her how to play chess, while she was cleaning erasers in the basement. And as a common practice during the 1950's, orphanage girls were given tranquilizers to calm them down, which turned into substance abuse for Beth, and her spatial intelligence allowed her to replay chess games in her head or at the ceiling of her bedroom. But, one day, she met her local high school's chess club teacher, Mr. Ganz, who invites her to play against the entire team and she beat all of them. Soon after, the state passes a law prohibiting the use of tranquilizers on children, and that's how she began to suffer from drug withdrawal and was caught stealing a jar of pills and passes out after overdosing and swallowing a mouthful of the tranquilizers. She was then prohibited from playing chess.

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A thrilling film, "The Queen's Gambit" sparks worldwide interest on the game of Chess After a few years of living in the orphanage, she was adopted as a teenager by Alma Wheatley and her husband in their home.

While adjusting in her new home and school, she ran an errand for Mrs. Wheatley and discovered that her adoptive mother, likewise takes the same tranquilizer pills she was used to, and she steals some of the pills for herself, allowing her to play mental chess again and she then entered the first tournament with money borrowed from Mr. Shaibel, but as she goes through all the matches, her chess prowess enabled her to apply game strategies such as: Sicilian Defense, Ruy Lopez and the Queen's Gambit, for which Tevis' novel was named. Through the various matches, she developed a crush on one of her opponents, He was an older boy named D.L.Townes, as well as gaining popularity and friendships along the way, including chess prodigy Benny Watts. Most of the men around her simply notices her elegantly propped hands on her chin, with her large eyes gazing at her opponent. But after the second day of the tournament, she found out that she had her first menstrual period and went home to discover that Mr. Wheatley had left Mrs. Wheatley, and for fear of being sent back to the orphanage, Mrs. Wheatley tells her they will lie so she can stay.

Thus, during her final match at the tournament against the arrogant Harry Beltik, the highest ranked player, Beth became nervous and runs to the restroom to take her pills and went back to the table, thus winning the match. Upon learning of the prize money to be won in other tournaments, Mrs. Wheatley devised a plan to support themselves, proposing to Beth that for every tournament win, she gets 10% of the prize money as Beth's agent commission, but toward the end, Beth gave her 15 % instead.

Beth continued to miss school, while travelling to tournaments where she has gained recognition for her achievements. She then

Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon Thomas Brodie as Benny Watts went back to school, and was invited to join the social Apple Pi Club but while there, she realized she had nothing in common with their social culture, so she took a bottle of alcohol and headed home Ten years later, in 1966, Beth joined the Las Vegas US Open where she was reunited with Townes, who she discovered, became a journalist covering the event. She also ran into Benny Watts who pointed out a weakness in her game against

Harry Melling as Henry Beltik

Beltik. Watts criticism of her made her lose confidence and she experienced her first loss against Watts the following day, but they finished the tournament tied for first place.

On Episode 4, Beth traveled to Mexico City with Mrs. Wheatley, along with her pen pal Manuel, to compete against several international players, including a young boy from Russia named Georgi Girev, in a match that spanned for two days. But when she was at

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CaLIfOrNIa... frOm PaGE 4 ital, making for a more inclusive economy.”

The California Rebuilding Fund is a public-private partnership that drives capital from private, philanthropic and public sector resources – including a $25 million anchor commitment and $50 million guarantee allocation from the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) – to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). With this new Fund, California’s CDFIs will be better able to help under-banked small businesses recover and reposition themselves to survive the realities of the COVID-19 marketplace.

“As we work to recover from this recession, one of the most pressing issues we need to confront is the state of our small businesses,” said Scott Wu, Executive Director of IBank.

“This unique collaboration will provide affordable capital to community lenders so they can get necessary funds into the hands of small businesses.”

The lenders will offer a standardized loan product with affordable and flexible terms for small businesses with loan sizes of up to $100,000. These loans are meant to be timed and structured to support businesses that are adapting their business and face upfront or ongoing expenses to operate safely in a post-COVID economy. The Fund will seek to distribute funds equitably across the state.

"We need to leverage the full strength and capacity of public-private partnerships to help the small business sector rebound and preserve the vital jobs they provide,” said Bill Daley, Vice Chairman of Public Affairs for Wells Fargo.

“Wells Fargo is pleased to further extend its support to small business recovery through the California Rebuilding Fund, which will unlock new capital and expertise for small business owners, and we hope will help catalyze support for this important initiative in the state.”

The California Small Enterprise (CASE) Task Force, a collaborative of individuals and organizations across industries and sectors, is leading the development and implementation of the Fund, which is being arranged by Calvert Impact Capital and will be administered by Kiva Capital Management.

The Task Force is comprised of leaders from the community development sector,

national and state-based nonprofit organizations, philanthropic donors and investors, attorneys and others.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime crisis for small businesses that requires a concerted and collaborative effort to overcome. The California Rebuilding Fund is the kind of innovative effort we need to help small businesses retool, rebuild, and reopen,” said Laura Tyson, Distinguished Professor of the Graduate School at the UC, Berkeley Haas School of Business who is Co-Chair of Governor Newsom's Council of Economic Advisers, has been serving on the Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery and has been working on the design and development of the Fund with Professor Adair Morse and UC Berkeley’s Sustainable and Impact Finance initiative.

“This is a smart way to leverage private and public resources for maximum impact where it is most needed.”

All interested small business owners can apply for a loan at www.CALoanFund.org, which will collect standard information about their business and match them with a community lender.

If matched, the lender will assist the business owners with the application and provide free advisory support alongside a network of business support organizations organized by the California Association of Micro Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO), Small Business Majority, California’s Small Business Development Centers and Women’s Business Centers.

The portal will begin accepting applications at 12:00 p.m. PST on Friday, November 20 and can be accessed through the Fund’s website.

The California Rebuilding Fund is just one of the tools available to support small businesses as they work to safely reopen and recover from this public health crisis. Learn more here.

The California Rebuilding Fund is funded with support from IBank and initial private funders including Wells Fargo, First Republic Bank, the Grove Foundation, Kapor Center, the Panta Rhea Foundation and generous individual donors. Community Reinvestment Fund’s Connect2Capital platform is hosting applications at www.CALoanFund.org.

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Cancellation of PMI now that your value has gone higher FIRST you must contact your mortgage lender to request cancellation or inquire how much longer mortgage insurance will remain on your loan. Most of you probably don’t realize that your PMI could stay with your between 2-5 yrs. Surprisingly your mortgage lender may also not know this fact.

When can I cancel MI? When the balance on your mortgage reaches 78-80% of the home's original value or current appraised value, you may request cancellation of your MI. You must have a good payment history with respect to the mortgage, mortgage payments must be current and there can be no other loans against the home. Some lenders also require verification that the property did not decrease in value.

Will it get cancelled automatically? When the mortgage balance reaches 78% of the home's original value and payments are current, the lender is required to cancel the mortgage insurance automatically.

But, do lenders freely give up this protection towards their investment. Mostly likely not.

What is Mortgage Insurance Mortgage insurance is a first level of protection that protects against the risk of loss on a mortgage in the event a borrower is not able to repay the loan and there is not sufficient equity in the home.

Mortgage insurance has helped millions become homeowners by enhancing their ability to borrow in an affordable way by reducing the risk of their loans.

There are two types of mortgage insurers: government agencies and private insurers. The main government mortgage insurer is the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

FHA also insures lenders from losses when borrowers default, but the

taxpayers bear substantially all the financial risks when those loans are not repaid.

Tax Deductibility of MI. The ability of borrowers to deduct MI premiums from federal income taxes expired at the end of 2013. This critical provision should be restored because MI premiums are the economic equivalent of mortgage interest payments, and so should remain deductible Here are some of the MI companies with their contact info and guidelines: Genworth Financial – 800-4445664 - MI removal per Genworth Rep is that typically you have to maintain MI pmt for 2 yrs and the loan to value has to be 78% or less.

But its at the discretion of your servicer.

MGIC -1.800.424.6442 See MGIC guidelines below: Borrower-requested cancellation under HPA Borrowers must provide a written request for MI cancellation to the lender, who cancels the MI policy: • On the date the mortgage loan balance is first scheduled to reach 80% of original value, based solely on the initial amortization schedule2, regardless of the outstanding balance of the loan OR • On the date the mortgage loan balance actually reaches 80% of the original value MI coverage can be cancelled only if: • The borrowers have a good payment history AND • The borrowers satisfy any lender’s requirements that the property value has not declined and that no subordinate liens exist Lender-required cancellation under HPA The lender must automatically

cancel the MI policy: • On the date the mortgage loan balance is first scheduled to reach 78% of original value, based solely on the initial amortization schedule, regardless of the outstanding loan balance AND • If the borrowers are current on the payments required by the terms of the mortgage Different cancellation requirements apply to loans designated at origination as “high risk.”

Essent Guarant y - Toll-free: 877.673.8190 their guidelines to remove MI: See Below There are two types of mortgage insurance cancellation available to borrowers: 1. Automatic Cancellation: Borrower-paid mortgage insurance is automatically cancelled by the mortgage servicer when the loan amount is reduced to 78 percent of the original property value (or when the loan reaches its half-life, ex. 15 years on a 30-year mortgage).

2. Voluntary Cancellation: Borrowers can request that mortgage insurance be cancelled when they believe that their current loan amount is 80 percent or less of their current property value. An appraisal will be required to validate the

value of the property.

National MI - Main: 855.530.

NMIC (6642) Per Rep send request to : Servicing@nationalmi.com.

From what I understand from talking to several MI companies and thru their websites, seems real easy to get your PMI removed once you have built equity on your property? But you have to deal with your servicer who is really benefitting from the MI coverage, will they will so willing to remove your extra MI payment voluntarily? Probably not, so do your own homework and research your value and see if you have some more savings from getting rid of your MI every month.

There is always the option of refinancing with the current rates, you just have to check if your rates are higher to benefit both lowering of your mortgage interest rate and removing that extra $100-300 MI payment you are paying that is no longer tax deductible.

Thanks for all your inquiries, this is definitely something most of you MI paying homeowners have to realize.

Call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group at 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net.

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Filing Bankruptcy When You Have No Other Way Out BEING in debt and doing nothing about it can have more serious consequences than you think.

First of all, it can impact your financial future. Uncontrolled debt can deprive you the opportunity to put money aside for emergencies, save money for a home or college for your children, or perhaps for retirement.

Every day I see a lot of people past retirement age who continue work just to be able to pay their debts.

Some of them are not in the best of health but are forced to work because they just can’t afford to miss a paycheck. Sadly, a lot of them also have zero savings in the bank so the day they stop working, they don’t even know how they are going to survive financially.

Debt problems tend to get worse over time if you ignore them. For example, you can get sued by creditors, your wages garnished, or your bank account levied. If you own a home, a judgment lien can be filed against your property, making it difficult to sell when the time comes. The judgment against you also earns interest so over time the debt just keeps getting larger. All of the above can happen at the same time while your credit also suffers for many years making it impossible for you to re-establish.

In other words, bad debts can haunt you for many years unless

you deal with it now. The very first step is to know your options. Unfortunately, these days, there is a lot of misinformation out there that people are too scared to do anything for fear that they will make a mistake. Or sometimes, they listen to bad advice given by family or friends who don’t really understand the legal issues involved in their situation.

Listen to me: Your family and friends may care a lot about you, but they are often NOT the best source of advice for your debt problems. They mean well and they want the best for you but if you simply take their advice without consulting with an attorney first, this could keep you stuck in your problems for a very, very long time. Trust me, I know, because I have seen this many times in my practice as a debt relief attorney.

There are situations where bankruptcy can still be avoided by making drastic changes with the way you spend your money. For example, if you’re already in debt, you need to stop borrowing as soon as possible or you’re just digging yourself a bigger financial hole every single month. Don’t use credit cards to pay other credit cards and you need to pay close attention to where every dollar goes. Watch your monthly expenses closely and eliminate those you can live

without. If you cannot afford to pay cash for something that you want at this time, you simply cannot afford it, period. By cutting your expenses, you may be able to come up with some extra cash that you can use towards debt repayment.

If you are like most people and are paying 22-29% in interest on your credit cards per year, paying only the minimums will guarantee that you will be in debt for a very long time so you need to pay more than this in order to make progress in your goal to be debt-free someday.

I know this takes a lot of discipline especially when you don’t have a lot of disposable income.

If you are no longer able to help yourself or if you are already behind in your debt payments and creditors are threatening legal action, filing bankruptcy may be your last resort. If you don’t file bankruptcy, things can only get worse and you may find it very difficult or impossible to recover financially. Why suffer if the law allows you a chance to start over and rebuild your finances again?

If you know nothing about how bankruptcy works, you should at least speak with an experienced and knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney who can explain to you the pros and cons of such solution.

If done right, believe it or not, this can actually be the best thing that you can ever do to change your life for the better. You owe it to yourself and your family to at least explore this possibility if you are out of options. It is often not as bad as you think and may be what you need to eliminate financial stress in you life once and for all. NOTE: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems.

(None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866477-7772).

Can I obtain a divorce if my spouse refuse to sign?

THERE seems to be a misconception in the general public that you can only obtain a divorce in California if your spouse will sign the divorce papers. I get this question a lot from our family law clients. The fact is that California is a no fault state and you do not need your spouse’s signature in order to get a divorce. What is more important is being able to properly serve your spouse with the divorce petition and satisfy the jurisdictional requirement of the Court by showing that either you or your spouse resided in the State for at least 6 months prior to filing the petition and in the County for 3 months prior to filing the petition.

When you file a divorce petition, you have to serve your spouse with the summons and petition. Your spouse then has 30 days to file a response after being served with a divorce petition. If your spouse fails to file and serve you with a response, you can file a request for default against your spouse after 30 days. You can also file a proposed judgment for the court to approve. The default procedure can be done even if there are issues of property division, custody, visitation, and support. However, the Court will still review your proposed judgment and property division to make sure it conforms to the policy towards equal division of community property. Meaning, you have to propose a division of community property that is pretty much equal between the spouses. If your proposed property division is one sided such as distributing all community property to you and giving all the community debts to your spouse, the Court would probably not grant your judgment. The Court would probably set a hearing for you to explain why this is an equal division of community property.

The only time you may need your spouse’s signature is if your spouse files a response to your divorce petition. This is called "contesting" the divorce.

If your divorce is contested by your spouse, you can resolve the case either by "settlement" or by "trial." However, you do not have to settle all the issues in the case at once. Under the concept of divisible divorce, you can settle some of the issues and set the other issues which you and your spouse cannot agree on for trial. Our office try to resolve cases through settlement because it is more cost effective and the parties are usually happier with the outcome.

In that situation, the parties may avoid the cost and uncertainty of going to trial by executing what is called a stipulated judgment which is in essence

an agreement as to all the issues in the divorce case.

For issues which you and your spouse cannot agree on, you will have to go through the litigation process which involves obtaining discovery, exchanging declarations of disclosures, and preparing the case for trial. Ultimately, you will obtain your divorce at trial in addition to adjudication of the distribution of community assets and debts amongst other issues. It is in the best interest of the party to retain the representation of competent counsel who will assert his or her rights under the family code.

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

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice.

LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com

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Palace refutes Bloomberg study, says Philippines managed COVID-19 outbreak ‘very well’ MANILA (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Thursday refuted the assessment

by US-based company Bloomberg which placed the Philippines near the bottom of its COVID resilience ranking, arguing the government has handled the viral outbreak effectively.

Bloomberg ranked the Philippines 46th out of 53 countries based on 10 key metrics, including increase in cases, mortality rate, healthcare system capacity, lockdown impact, community mobility, and agreements on vaccine supply.

According to Bloomberg, the Philippines scored poorly when it came to community mobility—the “movement of people to offices and retail spaces compared to a pre-pandemic baseline in the past month”—with a -39.4% score.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said he has yet to study the report even as he touted the government measures that resulted in a relatively low mortality rate for COVID-19 and a small percentage of severe and critical cases.

“Tingin ko parang hindi po ac-

DPWH issues show-cause orders to personnel tagged in alleged irregularities

curate ‘yan sa aktwal na nangyari,” Roque said at a news conference in Quezon. “Pinaninindigan po natin that we have managed COVID-19 very well in this country.”

‘Not a race among countries’ Dr. Albert Domingo, a consultant

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has issued show-cause orders to personnel allegedly involved in irregularities, Secretary Mark Villar said Wednesday.

The DPWH had long been aware of possible corruption within its ranks prior to President Rodrigo Duterte’s order for the agency to be investigated.

“We know it exists in government.

We do our best to manage it and I think that, initially when I first came, I real-

at the World Health Organization Philippines, said the fight against the pandemic is not supposed to be a race among countries.

“This is more of like a marathon kung saan ang laban natin is laban sa ating sariling performance. Kung tayo po ay tumatakbo sa isang ma-

ized that it’s a systemic problem that requires a systemic solution to minimize,” Villar said.

“As of today, I think more than 11 show-cause orders have already been given so this is part of the process… If there’s found to be cause, then we can institute a suspension,” he added.

As part of efforts to combat corruption, the DPWH said it shifted to a computerized project management system and now uses satellite technology to

haba na takbuhan na marathon, hindi mo pinapansin kung nauuna ka o nahuhuli ka doon sa katabi mong tumatakbo,” he said.

“Ang pinapansin po natin is nadaig ba natin ‘yung dating oras natin, mas mabilis ba ‘yung takbo natin, nagagawa ba natin ‘yung pinakamahusay sa ating paraan.”

Domingo said defeating COVID-19 is a global effort.

National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. added it’s hard to make a comparison between nations. “’Yung geospatial at tsaka ‘yung tinatawag natin na demographic conditions ng isang country ay magkakaiba,” he said.

The Philippines implemented one of the world's longest and strictest lockdowns, with quarantine classifications for December expected to be announced by President Rodrigo Duterte on November 30.

The country has so far reported 422,915 COVID-19 cases, including 386,955 recoveries and 8,215 deaths.

(MNS)

monitor projects.

It also blacklisted 25 contractors.

The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission earlier said “less than 12” congressmen were involved in corruption in the DPWH. However, Duterte said he could not probe the lawmakers allegedly involved in corruption as they belong to a coequal branch of government, a statement that earned the ire of detained Senator Leila de Lima. (MNS)

Legarda stresses need to revisit dam “LA OPTIMIZED”... from Page 1 NDRRMC’s Jalad says damage to infra protocols following oods the elevator, she used her minimal knowl- Cagayan thus losing to Borgovfl again.

She then left digital footprint and the tools necessary experience and expertise to this effort. As to Ulysses rose toofover P10B edge of Russian to eavesdrop on Soviet rounding for Paris and went back home to Kentucky to gaindue a competitive edge and lead our Founder Braven Agency, he uses digital MANIL A (Mabuhay) — Deputy communities.

LIGHTHOUSE... from Page 5

world champion, Vasily Borgov and two Speaker Loren Legarda on Thursday associates, who related her story to them stressed the need for dam operators seemingly underestimating her and that to update their protocols after the he knew she was an orphan and a survivor massive flooding in Cagayan and like them. The following day, Beth played Isabela, which was partly blamed on Borgov after an intense game and loses thehim. release water from Maga Dam. to Uponofreturning to her room, she "I believe all dams including found out that Manuel had abandoned Magat Dam should update their proMrs. Wheatley and she died of hepatitis, tocols.

I am not saying that they apparently from excess drinking. did not update.

That's Beth why went an inquiry is Tired of travelling, back home in Kentucky order," Legarda said. with Harry to and reconnects According to Legarda, revisiting Beltik, the former state champion she defeated five years prior.

Beltik moved dam protocols would allow au-in with her into her Wheatley to being accomthorities check if thehouse water pany her andwou they both relea sed ld spent time training n o t and getting close until Beltik realized that cause further Beth's obsession da mage to with chess will always supersede s u r - any relationship they may have, so they parted ways, but Beltik must have taught Beth all he can, so when she entered the 1967 US championship, where she reunited with Benny Watts, and on the evening prior to the match, Benny challenged her to several rounds of speed chess in front of a large crowd of tournament attendees. Then, he was able to beat her in all the rounds, but didn't realize that Beth used the opportunity to learn on his weaknesses, thus winning her victory over him the next day, and they ended up discussing Beth's future in upcoming international competitions.

Benny ended up inviting Beth to train for the Paris Tournament in his New York place. While there, Benny tried helping her sober up and enhance her chess skills with the help of a few friends from their circle of chess supporters. It was in Benny;s house where Beth bonded with Cleo, a model who was once infatuated with Benny. When Beth left for the tournament in Paris, she worked her way up to the final match with Borgov. Suddenly, Cleo appeared in the picture and invited Beth for drinks, makingDEPUTY her relapse on herLOREN alcohol; and pills SPEAKER LEGARDA prompting her hungover during the match,

only to discover that her ng adoptive "Bago [magpakawala] tubig father, ang Mr. Wheatley had returned home andsa was dam operator, ito ba ay nakitugma trying to extort money from her by urging Pag-asa? Sinukat ba ang pagbagsak her to buy the house. It was during this ng ulan at inabisuhan ba sa simpleng time when she plunges into her substance pamamaraan na maiintindihan ng abuse spiral that even Beltik couldn't resmga local na pamahalaan?" she said. cue her after she passed out in her living "Sapat ba ang panahon para ilikas room, only to be awakened by Jolene who ang taoat saher Cagayan wasmga ringing door. Valley?" she added.

Jolene arrived to inform her of Mr. ShaiLegarda recalled that when she bel's death. They both attended the funeral was senator,to ansee investigation and still Bethareturned the orphanage also tookmoved place to astears, to thewhen contribution but was she found a of alland the newspaper clippings he made ofwall dams other water reservoirs forthe her,massive along with a photograph them in flooding duringofthe together during her timeStorm at the orphanage. onslaught of Tropical Ondoy Finally, in 2009. she went back to Russia to play in"Ondoy the prestigious Invitational. [pouredMoscow a bigger volume final but gamethe is with Borgov and surofThe water] destruction in she 2020 prised him by playing the Queen's Gambit with Ulysses was much, much more. andwe thecan game becomes adjourned after So see that there should be40 moves. That same evening, Townes visited a revisit of the dam protocols," she her in her hotel and the following morning, said.

Beth received a phone call from Benny who The House Committee on Agrihas assembled a team which included Beland Food andcommunity on North of tik. culture Upon realizing that her Luzonproved Growth on supporters theQuadrangle adjourned position Tuesday began its inquiry on of her match with Borgov, she was grateful thehelp massive f looding Ca-the for the of her friends and in when gayan and that Isabela. match returned evening, she finally InBorgov the said National defeated in inquiry, the adjourned game.

Irrigation Administration On her way back to the airport, chief she gets out Ricardo of the car and walks around the city and Visaya maintained that finds a number men playing the openingofofold the water gateschess. of When they Dam lookedwas up and they Magat not saw the her, major realized who she was,flooding and with respect and cause of the in Caadoration, ALL of them invited her to play. gayan Valley.

Though thealso riveting andconcerned thrilling movHe said ie didn't end up as aindividuals "happily everwho after" offices and film, may the lesson learned here is that fame be affected by the release and fortune are not important in life. The of water are warned at least six search for TRUE LOVE was the underlying hours releasethe of course the statementbefore createdthe throughout water from Magat Dam. of this creatively-crafted Tevis story. If Hehaven't added watched that the it release of water you yet, I suggest you from Magat Dam was done gradually should, to enable you to "escape" during and not all at once.

(MNS) these challenging times.

pandemic recovery.” marketing tools and strategies to scale LA Optimized is designed to help small diverse small businesses and organizabusinesses adapt to the rapid shifts in tions –– bridging the digital divide and consumer behavior and technological ad- providing businesses owned or run by vances by empowering them to boost their people of color with the ability to compete digital marketing, maximize their online against the titans of industry. business listings, create or optimize their As Google’s Digital Coach for the Los websites, and increase their knowledge Angeles metropolitan area, Martinez enand presence in the e-commerce space - lists some of the city’s most accomplished all at no cost to businesses. business minds to build stronger indusThrough the help of dedicated partners, tries across the City.

"I am honored and privileged to be the the Mayor’s Office plans to allocate over $1.5 million to help provide these services. next Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the This program will also partner with the City of L.A.,” said Martinez.

ArtCenter College of Design and verynice “Now more than ever there is a need to deliver up to $500,000 in total to vetted to bridge the digital divide to help small creative professionals to provide $500 businesses. I'm excited to work with Mayworth of business and digital content or Garcetti’s administration to spearhead services including branding, video, pho- programs that leverage partnerships with tography, graphic design to struggling tech, NGO,and and Management community actors MANILAand (Mabuhay) — National Disastervarious Risk Reduction small businesses. assist ourJalad localon businesses in growing Council (NDRRMC) executive directortoRicardo Thursday said In its first up to 1,000 small busiand prospering regardless the economic damage toyear, infrastructure due to Typhoon Ulysses has alreadyofspiked to nesses be able to access these ser- climate.”

P10.79will billion. vices online visibility First launched in or 2014, EIR proAt to theincrease Lagingtheir Handa press briefing, Jalad said more lessthe 125,000 and engagement, and help them adapt to gram is made possible with support from residences were destroyed after Ulysses pounded several provinces in digital marketing platforms in the wake Ernst & Young LLP and the Mayor’s Fund Luzon, causing massive floods in various areas. of pandemic-related challenges. for Los Angeles. It enlists business execThe NDRRMC has said more than four million individuals or nearly While the pandemic has accelerated utives and expert entrepreneurs to work one million families have been affected by Ulysses. the surge of online sales this year, small with the City to create exciting and powwerebusinesses recorded have fromlong the faced regionserful of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, andThey medium solutions that will lead toCentral thoughtful Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, National Capital Region, digital challenges to compete with larger policy, a growing workforce, and and aCorstrongdillera Administrative Region. small er economy. corporations.

This year, California’s According to dropped Jalad, the of fatalities is proud still atto 73.support the Entrebusiness revenue bynumber 29.3%, and “We’re "Buti naman itong 73 napanatili na sa ganiyan, two weeks na 'yan, wala a September 2020 report found that Los preneur-in-Residence program and this ng naidadagdag.

Si Super Typhoon Rolly naman mas mababa, 25 deaths Angeles has seen 15,000 closures, half of year’s initiative to help provide small busiang inabot diyan," Jalad said. which are permanent. ness owners with the knowledge and skills The NDRRMC official said less P200 million worth of assisLA Optimized will be open to more active or needed to thrive in the digital age,” said tance has already been extended to the victims of the typhoon.

He said small businesses in the City of Los Ange- Patrick Niemann, EY Greater Los Angeles thewith Department of Social Welfare andManaging Development continues its relief les, priority given to brick-and-morPartner. operations for thelocated affected individuals. tar establishments in or serving “This is a pivotal time for our fellow An"Lahatof holow ngincome naapektuhan ay binibigyan tulong even 'yung mga residents communities. gelenos,ng and we believe that digital transBusinesses can enroll Coronavirus. formation can unlock human potential and hindi lumikas," Jaladatsaid.

LACity.org/LAOptimized. accelerate new andLuzon better under ways ofstate working President Rodrigo Duterte already placed the entire initiative will be led byonslaught the City’s of toUlysses drive equitable economic ofThis calamity following the as well as othergrowth.” strong Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Roberto Mar- (MNS) Martinez will begin his EIR appointstorms, including Quinta and Rolly. tinez, who brings more than 15 years of ment on Friday, December 4th.

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Robredo camp says no early opposition from DepEd on learning hubs MANILA (Mabuhay) — The camp of Vice President Leni Robredo said Tuesday the Department of Education (DepEd) did not oppose its community learning hubs project until earlier in the day when the agency distanced itself from the initiative.

“Until today, national DepEd did not express any opposition to the initiative,” Robredo’s spokesperson Barry Gutierrez said in a statement.

In October, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) launched “hubs” that offer support to learners by providing them with free internet access, computers, gadgets and tutors.

Gutierrez was reacting to statements made by Education Secretary Leonor Briones at the Palace briefing during the day.

The education chief said the DepEd communicated with the OVP in August over the initiative but it was rejected because it involved face-to-face sessions, which President Rodrigo Duterte banned pending the availability of a vaccine against COVID-19.

“Ang polisiya namin, dahil sinusunod namin ‘yong utos ng President, hindi natin ‘yan ina-allow kasi wala naman sa authority ng DepEd na mag-anunsiyo ng ganoong klase na ire-reverse natin ang sinasabi ng Presidente,” Briones said.

Briones said the OVP had coordinated with local government units (LGUs) in setting up community learning hubs.

“Halimbawa, sa Pasig, nag-coordinate sila directly with the LGU in Pasig. Pero one-on-one, dahil hindi naman in-approve ng ating division superintendent iyon,” she said.

Briones said the OVP’s plans to set up a hub in Caloocan was not approved by the local government, while the one in Taytay, Rizal was coordinated with barangay officials but the DepEd was not involved.

Vice President Leni Robredo assists a child at the OVP Community Learning Hub in Lupang Arenda, Brgy. Sta Ana, Taytay, Rizal. Robredo observed the operations of the learning hub where learners are provided access to computers, internet and trained volunteer tutors who could help them with their modules. OVP Handout

Gutierrez said the learning hubs initiative was coordinated with the DepEd “at both the national and local levels every step of the way.”

“Briones herself mentioned that ‘it is a good initiative’ and in fact requested for additional details to ‘evaluate the feasibility of implementing such a program at scale," he said.

Gutierrez also said the hubs “are not meant to be sites for classroom or faceto-face instruction.”

“Instead, it is meant to be a place for students where home-based learning is not conducive to get tutorial support in completing their modules and access-

ing resources, including the internet."

Gutierrez stressed health protocols are strictly followed in the hubs.

“There is also proper coordination not just with local DepEd Divisions but also local government units to ensure a safe and effective learning environment,” he said.

There are 11 active hubs serving more than 2,000 lea r ners i n Lu zon a nd Visayas, said Gutierrez, adding that DepEd officials are welcome to visit the hubs to see the services provided to students.

The DepEd has yet to respond to Gutierrez’s statement. (MNS)

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PNP opens security, gun license processing on weekends, holidays

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas on Wednesday has ordered the Civil Security Group (CSG) to extend the operations of its frontline services in Camp Crame, Quezon City to serve more clients.

"Under the new normal, we ensure what is the best for our clients who avail our frontline services including the process of LESP (License to Exercise Security Profession) for the security sector, and LTOFP (License to Own and Possess Firearms) for private individuals," Sinas said in a statement.

Acting CSG chief, Brig. Gen. Rolando Hinanay announced that the CSG would accommodate LESP and LTOFP clients even on weekends and holidays starting November 28 until December 13.

The One-Stop-Shop (OSS) for the processing of these permits would be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Sundays and holidays.

The scheduling scheme for clients would be based on an online queuing system to control and streamline the number of visitors in Camp Crame, Hinanay explained.

Sinas also directed Hinanay to open an OSS annex office at the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) Office designated for a smooth process of Directorate for Intelligence (DI) clearances needed in applying LESP and neuropsychological tests and drug tests for LTOFP applicants.

"We see to it that we control the customer flow in the National Headquarters to contain the spread of Covid-19 and for the safety of everyone. On a daily average, the CSG-OSS has 700 to 800 clients," Sinas said.

Sinas is also eyeing to open CSG Extension Offices to be stationed in Eastern Police District (EPD), Northern Police District (NPD), and Southern Police District (SPD).

"Aside from this development for CSG services, we are working on the possible opening of LTOFP booths in shopping malls in Metro Manila, and printing hubs of LESP and LTOFP cards to be placed in all Police Regional Offices nationwide," he added. (MNS)

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CAREGIVERS IN A TIME OF CRISIS EVEN in normal times, when the economy is growing and our health care systems are free from pandemics, caregivers are vital to our society. Neither the economy nor the health care system can survive without people willing to do the hard work of caring for our elderly population.

However, with the advent of COVID-19, caregivers are being asked to do the extraordinary.

Many caregivers are sheltering in place with their clients. Family members may be fearful to even visit their loved ones due to the possibly of passing a disease they may not even know they have.

Some caregivers, working in care facilities, have also been asked to shelter in place, even as residents get sick. These caregivers are placing themselves in great physical peril to ensure that the elderly get adequate care. Caregivers may also be facing growing insecurity in terms of wages and may not even know when their next paycheck is coming. Caregivers may not have access to groceries, and some may even be rationing food

with their clients.

Despite all of this, caregivers continue to do what they do, which is care for our loved ones. If you are sheltering in place and have to stay at a facility or at the home of a client, you deserve to be paid overtime. Not only is it the law, but the work caregivers perform is fully deserving of fair and adequate compensation.

California law recognizes that caregivers, and in fact all employees, are entitled to compensation for all time that they are required to be at the worksite, under an obligation to respond to the

client. The California Supreme Court again reaffirmed that point in February of 2020. To be entitled to compensation, you do not have to be actively discharging some assigned duty. All you have to do is be present and available for your client. That, as the California Supreme Court recognized, is still “work” and it is still valuable to your employer. Therefore, you need to be paid for all of that time.

Just like you, the attorneys at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson are still working. We have moved our offices to our homes and will not stop working to protect our caregiver clients. We recognize and value the vital work that our caregivers do and will not stop working for our caregivers. If you are sheltering in place, or are working 24-hours, without overtime compensation, 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. We are here to take your calls, and can even sign you up remotely, so we can still maintain social distance.

This article is an attorney advertisement written by Kevin Rehwald, employment law attorney at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson in Woodland Hills, Ca. Our examples are of a general nature and are not a guarantee regarding the outcome of your individual matter.

The law firm focuses on caregiver rights. Please call us at (818) 807-4168 for a free and confidential consultation. Or visit us at www. caregiverovertime.com to learn more about caregiver overtime law. We offer a 24-hour chat line on our website.

DOT probes Boracay ‘full moon party’ over quarantine violations Mamba’s remark disparaging Muslims angers Muslim official; governor apologizes FULL MOON PARTY. Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat shows a video of partygoers visibly violating the Covid-19 quarantine measures in Boracay.

The “full moon party” on Oct. 31, 2020 violated physical distancing and mandatory wearing of face mask that were put in place when the island reopened to tourists in October. (PNA photo)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is investigating a recent party in Boracay over violations of quarantine protocols, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said on Wednesday.

The "full moon party" was held from the night of October 31 until the morning of November 1 at a venue in Sitio Cagban, Barangay Manoc-manoc.

As it castigated the "irresponsible" gathering, the DOT also called for the erring establishment's closure in view of its lack of business permit and necessary clearances.

"The DOT, as co-vice chair of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) slams the irresponsible mass gathering at the Casa de Arte, Sitio Cagban, Barangay Manoc-Mano in Boracay recently," it said.

In a video sent by the Tourism chief to the Philippine News Agency, partygoers can be seen visibly violating the Covid-19 quarantine measures, such as physical distancing and mandatory wearing of face mask, which were put in place when the island was reopened to tourists in October.

"Nakita namin based on the videos nakikipag-inuman, hubad hubad, nakikipag-halikan sa Boracay... Diba 'pag-MGCQ, una two bottles 'yan? (We saw based on the video that the guests were drinking, half-naked, kissing in Boracay. In MGCQ areas, only two bottles are allowed)," she told reporters in an interview.

The organizer was reportedly fined PHP5,000 for the event.

Romulo-Puyat said she is flying to Boracay on December 2 to discuss the incident with the local government officials.

“We are appealing to our LGUs to please cooperate with us in the safe and responsible reopening of our tourist destinations. The jobs and livelihoods that were recently restored in these sites will be affected once again if an outbreak occurs in the area due to the LGU’s negligence," she said. "We urge our LGUs to please take our health and safety protocols seriously.”

From June to September 2020, Boracay only accepted visitors from Western Visayas to closely monitor tourism activity in the area amid the pandemic. It officially reopened to local tourists, including those from areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), last October.

At the time of the reopening, Romulo-Puyat's main message to travelers was to "be responsible".

She said travelers can never be too complacent, even on vacation, and must adhere to the minimum health protocols.

"We want to restart tourism but there's still Covid, that's why we have these reminders-- observe physical distancing and wear a mask,” she said. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba on Wednesday angered Muslim leaders when he connected peace and order in the province to the alleged absence of Muslims there.

Mamba made the remark as he tried to convince lawmakers to rehabilitate the Cagayan River to entice tourists and investors there.

"If we dredge the river, restore the Cagayan River to its old glory, I think Cagayan and the North will enjoy so much advantage, as much as economic activity of Luzon is concerned," Mamba said in a Senate hearing on flood control projects.

"We do not have Muslims here. Wala kaming problema as far as peace and order is concerned here."

Hours after Mamba's remark, the Cagayan Public Information Office issued an apology.

"Nililinaw po ni Gov. na ang ibig niyang tukuyin ay 'Walang paniniwalang extremism sa mga kapatid na Muslim na naninirahan sa Cagayan'," the office said in a social media post.

"Kaugnay nito ay muling humihingi ng paumanhin si Gov. Mamba kung ibang konteksto ang ibinunga ng kaniyang pahayag sa Senate committee hearing."

Bangsamoro Parliament member Zia Alonto Adiong denounced Mamba for his comment, but later acknowledged his apology.

"Seriously, who would ever think that way except bigots?" he said in a tweet.

"I have a surprise for you, Governor, we’re everywhere! Don’t be scared because we do have Muslim policemen and soldiers as well to keep us all safe and protected," he said.

"We do have Muslim Governors doing exactly the same job as Gov. Mamba," he said.

Adiong reminded Muslims they should "not allow people to tell you 'you are the problem'."

"You are a Muslim. You have all the right as a citizen of this country, under this constitution, to choose to live wherever you see fit," he said.

"There are Muslim diplomats, Muslim businessmen, Muslim doctors, Muslim scientists, Muslim inventors, Muslim academicians, Muslim legislators and so on. You name it, we have it," GOV. MANUEL MAMBA he said. (MNS)

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House OKs on final reading 'Eddie Garcia Act' MANILA (Mabuhay) — The House of Representaservice.” tives has approved on third and final reading It also has a provision concerning hours of work the bill seeking to protect those working in the wherein the normal work hours shall only be 8 hours entertainment industry following the death per day, but it can be extended to a maximum of of screen veteran Eddie Garcia.

12 hours “served intermittently or continuously, House Bill 7762, or the “Eddie Garcia Act,” exclusive of meal periods.” was unanimously passed during the lower The bill says permissible working hours in excess chamber’s session on Tuesday, with House of the normal work hours shall be determined by members voting 235-0-0. the Tripartite Council, save for some exceptions Under the proposed measure, the “Eddie involving workers aged 60 and above, and minors.

Garcia Act” aims to protect and promote the Furthermore, HB 7762 includes proviwelfare of workers or independent sions on the workers’ wages, social contractors in the film, television security and welfare benefits, basic and radio entertainment indusnecessities, standard of treatment, try. health and safety, insurance and Under Section 5 of the HB settlement of disputes, among oth7762, “the worker or independer labor-related matters. ent contractor and the employThe first version of this bill was er or principal shall execute an filed at the House of Representaagreement or an employment tives last year following Garcia’s contract in a language or diadeath after he tripped and fell lect understood by both parties on the set of a GMA Network THE LATE SCREEN LEGEND EDDIE GARCIA before the commencement of series in June 2019. (MNS)

Nearly 6M Filipinos register for national ID MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Wednesday said 5,788,615 low-income Filipinos have taken the first step of the registration phase for the Philippine identification system (PhilSys) amid some delays posed by the recent typhoons.

“We partnered with the Department of National Defense to transport our registration kits to the 32 provinces, but due to the recent typhoons and the resulting relief efforts, we are encountering minor delays," Assistant Secretary Rosalinda Bautista, Deputy National Statistician of the PhilSys Registry Office (PRO), said in a statement.

Bautista asked the public to understand the situation “as the delivery of assistance to those affected by the typhoon is of utmost importance.”

She said the PSA has notified the registrants about the changes in schedules due to the unforeseen calamities.

"We have notified, via text message, the registrants who were set to undergo Step 2 registration from November 25 to 30 about the change in schedule. Barangay officials in registration areas were requested to inform their constituents," Bautista said.

"Personnel from the Provincial Statistics Offices were also instructed to man the registration centers to inform registrants of developments, in case there are still some that will arrive at the registration sites.”

Bautista earlier said the field works and ground operations for the PhilSys registration have been slowed down due to the onslaught of the typhoons, which hit some of the PSA's target areas for initial registration.

However, Bautista said the PhilSys registration is still on track.

The PSA reported that 89 percent of registrants have so far signified that they currently do not have bank accounts.

"This emphasizes the importance of ensuring the rollout of the country’s national ID program, as one of the main hindrances to financial inclusion is the lack of formal identification," the PSA said.

The mass rollout of the PhilSys project allows more Filipinos to access basic banking services and make them less vulnerable to informal lending practices that charge heavy interest rates, the PSA added.

The national identification will also help Filipinos access government and financial services.

The PSA said it will start the second phase of the PhilSys registration, which involves the capturing of biometric information such as fingerprints and iris scans, "once the required systems are fully functional and secured."

Among the major preparatory activities for Step 2 is the deployment of more than 4,000 registration kits to the target provinces, according to the PSA. The third step of the registration is the issuance of a physical ID card stored with a 12-digit PhilSys number or personal serial

number (PSN) and a 16-digit PhilSys card number (PCN).

The PSA targets to register the majority of Filipinos by the end of 2022.

The PSA has started collecting demographic data from targeted low-income Filipinos in 664 cities and municipalities in 32 provinces identified as “low-risk” areas for coronavirus outbreak, including Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Albay, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Compostela

Valley, Davao Del Norte, Davao Del Sur, Davao Occidental, and Tawi-Tawi.

Signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.

The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrolment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts.

It will also boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present the ID during transactions. (MNS)

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Online facility available for voter applicants — Comelec MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday said voter applicants can use its online registration facility to help them register for the May 2022 national and local elections.

According to the poll body, applicants may register by accomplishing forms thru iRehistro by visiting https://irehistro.comelec. gov.ph/cef1.

However, the poll body said using the facility does not mean automatic approval of voter registration applications.

"Take note that using this online facility only attempts to facilitate the process of accomplishment of the Application Form. It does not automatically mean approval of your application," it said in an announcement on its website.

The poll body said applicants need to personally appear before their local Comelec office together with their printed online application forms for QR scanning and biometrics capture to complete the filing process.

"Biometrics capture may be done only at the local Comelec offices during office hours," it added.

In the iRehistro facility, applicant voters are asked to select the type of application they will be filing.

These are registration, transfer of registration record, reactivation of registration record, change of name due to marriage or court order/correction of entries in the voters' registration record, and inclusion of records in the book of voters/reinstatement of name in the list of voters.

Likewise, applicants need to provide their personal information, citizenship details, and residency data.

They also have the option to set an appointment which will be given over walk-in applicants, at the Comelec offices in their area.

The Election Registration Board (ERB) will approve all applications.

The voter registration period has resumed last September 1 and will run until September 30, 2021. (MNS)

PH Sports Hall of Fame nominations extended MANILA (Mabuhay) — Nominations for the fourth enshrinement of the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame (PSHOF) has been extended until January 31 next year, Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez said on Wednesday.

“In light of the continuing pandemic, the selection committee have decided to extend the nominations to give equal opportunity for the public to submit their nominations, and for us to study it,” Ramirez, also chairperson of the PSHOF 2020 Committee, after the selection committee met second week of November, the month when the enshrinement was originally scheduled.

Ramirez said the panel is also looking into the possibility of hosting the awarding online, due to the current restrictions placed on mass gatherings.

“We have to make proper adjustments to ensure the safety of everyone,” he said.

Ramirez was joined by Games and Amusements

Board (GAB) Chairman Abraham Mitra, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Secretary-General Atty. Edwin Gastanes, Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines Secretary-General Atty.

Avelino Sumagui, University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Executive Director Atty.

Rene Saguisag Jr., and Philippine Olympians Association President Akiko Thomson Guevara.

The Republic Act No. 8757 or the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame Act, enshrines Filipino athletes, coaches and trainers who have distinguished themselves in their particular fields in sports.

Among the past recipients of this award were Filipino Boxing legend Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, Asia’s First Chess Grandmaster Eugene Torre, Asia’s Fastest Woman Lydia de Vega, and Bowling World champions Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno and Olivia “Bong” Coo. The committee is scheduled to reconvene on December 1 to finalize other matters, among them the new date of enshrinement ceremonies. (MNS)

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Lorenzana: PHL will get involved if China-US shooting war erupts MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines will get dragged into the rising tension between the United States and China in the South China Sea if a shooting war breaks out between the two world powers, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Wednesday.

In his speech during a forum of the Stratbase ADR Institute, Lorenzana stressed that the escalating tension between the two superpowers "has occupied the interest and time of the security agencies in the region."

"This then is the crux of the security challenge in the Indo-Pacific region, the looming confrontation of the US and its allies and China over the South China Sea," Lorenzana said.

"While the US and China continue to assert that their actions are defensive, the danger of miscalculation is ever present like the near collision of two frigates belonging to the US and China two years ago," he added.

Further, he said "The recent decision of the Chinese government to arm their coast guard vessels patrolling the South China Sea has upped the ante even more, and if a shooting war happens, the Philippines, which is right smack in the middle of the conflict, will be involved whether [the country] likes it or not."

Lorenzana shared that he had obtained personal calls as well as visits from other defense ministers, showing that the recent developments in the South China Sea is important to other nations.

He noted that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could "exert considerable influence on issues and events in the South China Sea if only it could act as one."

Earlier, the ASEAN said it would remain i ndependent a nd would not allow the United States and China to drag it into their power struggle.

The Philippine government, for its part, said it would remain neutral amid the rising tension between the two countries.

China claims nearly the entire resource-rich Sout h China Sea, but Brunei, Ma laysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam each claim parts of it.

Despite the ruling of t he Per ma nent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, which delivered a sweeping victory to the Philippines for its case against China, Beijing continue to push for its massive and "historical claims" over the area.

The United States has been opposing China's expansionist claims, sending warships regularly through the strategic sea to demonstrate freedom of navigation in the region. (MNS)

Bello inclined to allow construction activity at Skyway extension project accident site MANILA (Mabuhay) — Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Thursday he might lift the order that stopped the construction activity in an area of the Skyway Extension Project where an accident took place last weekend.

Speaking at the Laging Handa briefing, Bello said he was inclined to approve the recommendation of the Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region to lift the work stoppage order against the contractor EEI Corporation.

Bello earlier reversed the decision of the DOLE-NCR to stop the construction activity in the entire Sucat Alabang Viaduct section of the Sky-

way Extension Project, taking into consideration the project's “utmost national importance.”

“Equally acknowledged is the fact that the suspension of said project in the unaffected areas will cause prejudice to the employees assigned/ deployed thereat whose livelihood heavily depends on the said project’s continued operation,” the Labor chief’s order dated November 24 stated.

Last Saturday, one person died and four others were hurt after a steel girder from the ongoing project fell on six vehicles in Muntinlupa City.

The accident occurred on East Ser-

vice Road.

The incident pushed back the completion of the project to February 2021.

The Skyway Extension Project was initially scheduled to be completed

by December this year, adding two northbound lanes and three southbound lanes.

It will have a direct connection to Skyway 1, 2, and 3, and allow motorists from the south to head to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Makati, Manila, San Juan, Quezon City, and the North Luzon Expressway without having to pass by Alabang and EDSA. (MNS)

DILG chief Año slams Makabayan bloc for not denouncing CPP-NPA-NDFP MANILA (Mabuhay) — Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday slammed the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives for refusing to condemn the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) despite its "horrendous crimes."

In a press statement, Año said he is dismayed by the group's "blind eye to the thousands of atrocities committed by the atheist communist-terrorist group."

A former military chief, Año was referring to the CPP and its allied organizations, the New People's Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

"If you cannot even condemn the perpetrators of these horrendous crimes against the people in your capacity as elected public officials, there is definitely something wrong," Año said.

He said the bloc's refusal to condemn and distance itself from the CPP-NPA-NDF and their crimes is "a clear and indisputable betrayal of public trust."

"As elected government officials receiving salary, emoluments and benefits from government, they are morally, ethically and legally required to denounce the communist terrorists whose main objective is to overthrow the government that they are part of,” he said.

During Tuesday's Senate hearing on the government's alleged red-tagging of individuals and groups, Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Zarate and former lawmaker Teddy Casiño said they do not consider the communist groups as enemies.

For Casiño, declaring the communists as rebels is not proper while for Zarate, it would mean closing doors for discourse.

Año said the statements are clear attempts of the group "to wash their hands of the blood of the thousands of

victims of CPP-NPA-NDF atrocities through the years."

“Nakakakilabot na tinatawag lamang nila ang walang habas na pagpatay ng mga inosenteng tao, mga pulis at sundalo bilang isang pamamaraan para kanilang tahasang maipahayag ang kanilang agenda,” Año said.

The DILG chief said the Makabayan bloc members, as elected officials, are required under the 1897 Constitution to denounce the CPP-NPA-NDF. He claimed that the CPP-NPA-NDF is the biggest violator of human rights in the country.

"Aside from killing soldiers, police and government officials, the party is also infamous for its internal purges which has killed some 3,000 to 7,000 lives including the Inopacan, Ley te massacre where 67 comrades were summarily executed upon orders of the CPP," Año said.

The Senate inquiry on alleged re d-t a g g i ng w ill resume on December 1. (MNS)

DILG SEC. EDUARDO AÑO

IBP: Palawan lawyer slay suspects arrested, charged MANILA (Mabuhay) — Suspects in the killing of Palawan lawyer Eric Jay Magcamit have been arrested and charged, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) said Thursday.

IBP President Domingo Egon Cayosa said the alleged killers and their accomplices were identified, arrested, and charged within a week after the fatal shooting of Magcamit last November 17.

Cayosa did not name the suspects.

Magcamit was driving along the national highway in Narra, Palawan when he was flagged down and shot by two people, according to police. The lawyer was on his way to a hearing.

"We appreciate and commend the swift action and all those who helped bring the murderers before the bar of justice," Cayosa said in a statement, explaining that IBP leaders and Magcamit's fellow lawyers have coordinated with intelligence, law enforcement, investigation and prosecution agencies under their lawyer security program.

Cayosa said they are working for similar results in the killing of another lawyer, Joey Luis Wee, in Cebu City. Wee was shot outside his office building last November 23.

The IBP chief said the killings of lawyers must be "resolutely" acted upon beyond expressions of outrage.

"For if those who administer justice are themselves killed with impunity, how can the ordinary citizen believe in due process or feel safe and secure?" he said.

He said there are other cases of lawyer killings that remain unsolved.

More than 50 lawyers, prosecutors, and judges have been killed since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office in 2016.

He called on lawyers who hold key positions in government to promptly resolve pending cases, pass the necessary laws and rules, and enforce the law fairly.

"We share the fear and frustrations of many about the brazen violence, continuing criminality and appalling impunity in our country. Justice is distant and delayed for too many victims," Cayosa said.

"Since lawyers administer the justice system and occupy key positions in government, we must humbly recognize our individual and collective responsibility and shortcomings so that we may courageously do justice without delay," he added. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | November 28 - December 4, 2020

Senate OKs P4.5-T nat'l budget for 2021 on 3rd reading MANILA (Mabuhay) — Voting 22-0, the Senate on Thursday approved on third and final reading its version of the proposed P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021, consistent with the timeline it has set to ensure that the bill gets President Rodrigo Duterte's signature before the year ends.

The first general appropriations bill to be approved by the Senate using hybrid hearings and sessions due to the threat of COVID-19 is anchored on the theme "Reset, Rebound, and Recover: Investing for Resiliency and Sustainability," as determined by the executive branch.

The speakership row in the House of Representatives last October threatened to delay the passage of the budget in Congress and stirred up concerns among some senators on possibly having a re-enacted budget in 2021 — one without consideration of the global health crisis.

But the lower chamber's transmittal of the general appropriations bill to the Senate on October 27 assuaged such fears and allowed Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Sonny Angara to sponsor it in the Senate plenary on November 10.

The senators burned the midnight oil during the budget debates from November 11 to 20, and had to make a few adjustments on their schedule as Typhoon Ulysses battered Luzon.

Having been certified as urgent by Malacañang, the budget was approved by the Senate on second and third reading on the same day.

The bica mera l conference committee meeting is expected to start on Saturday and should it run smoothly, a bicameral report may be signed and approved by lawmakers on December 9. The enrolled budget bill may then be submitted to Malacañang on December 16 for the President's signature. (MNS)

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Senate OKs CREATE bill on third and final reading

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Voting 20-1, the Senate on Thursday approved on third and final reading the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) bill, an urgent measure being lobbied for by the Duterte administration's economic managers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate Bill No. 1357 seeks an outright reduction in corporate income tax rate from the current 30% starting July 1, 2020 by amending the National Internal Revenue Code. It was approved on second and third reading on the same day as it has been certified as urgent by Malacañang.

Under CREATE, progressive tax rates would be applied to domestic corporations depending on their assets and taxable income. Those with assets amounting to P100 million and below, as well as those with taxable income equivalent to P5 million and below, would be subjected to a 20% tax rate.

Domestic enterprises with assets above P100 million or those with taxable income amounting to more than P5 million would have to comply with a 25% tax rate.

Not included in the computation of the total assets were the value of the land where the property, plant, and equipment are situated.

Meanwhile, foreign corporations would have a fixed reduced tax rate at 25%.

The Philippines currently has the highest corporate income tax rate in the ASEAN region at 30% since 2009, while Singapore has the lowest at 17% since 2010, according to the Department of Finance.

The administration's economic team previously estimated that the passage of this corporate income tax reform bill would mean a P40 billion reduction in government revenues for the second half of 2020 alone— an amount which firms can use to fund their operations and retain their employees amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the next five years of CREATE’s implementation, the foregone government revenues are estimated to

reach P600 billion.

Rationalizing incentives At the same time, the proposed law also aims to rationalize fiscal incentives by making them time-bound, targeted, and performance-based.

The Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB), chaired by the Secretary of Finance, shall be in charge of granting incentives to registered projects or activities with investment capital of above P1 billion.

The grant of incentives to those with investment capital P1 billion and below, meanwhile, shall be delegated to the Investment Promotion Agencies, provided that the FIRB may increase this threshold periodically or as may be necessary.

The measure also gives the President of the Philippines the power to approve a modified set of incentives to attract highly-desirable investments that would usher in more employment opportunities, specifically those with minimum investment capital of P50 billion.

Senate ways and means committee chairperson Pia Cayetano said exporters and domestic enterprises would be given distinct perks, considering that they "have a different market, and therefore, their needs and their ability to be profitable are different."

Exporters will have the option to continue availing of the special corporate income tax rate of five percent on gross income earned (GIE) for 10 years, or avail of enhanced deductions.

On the other hand, domestic enterprises may avail of the enhanced deductions for 10 years.

Both exporters and domestic industries will also enjoy a four to seven-year income tax holiday under the CREATE bill, according to Cayetano.

Meanwhile, existing registered businesses who were granted income tax holidays will be given ample time to enjoy it for the period it was granted before transitioning to the provisions under CREATE. "And for those who have been enjoying the 5% gross income earned tax, regardless of the number of years that they have been enjoying the incentives, all will have 10 years to transition to CREATE," Cayetano added.

Senator Richard Gordon was the lone senator who voted against the approval of CREATE after his proposed amendment of exempting some freeports from the jurisdiction of FIRB has been rejected in plenary.

The House of Representatives already approved its version of the corporate income tax reform bill last year. (MNS)

Nat'l gov’t budget deficit narrows month-on-month in October as public spending continues decline MANILA (Mabuhay) — The national government’s fiscal balance yielded a narrower shortfall on a month-onmonth basis in October as public spending continued to contract, albeit lower than the still tepid state collections amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed the budget deficit last month stood at P61.4 billion, leaner than the P138.5-billion shortfall in September.

“This highlights slower government spending both on a year-on-year basis (-7%) and also on a month-on-month basis to P289 billion, among the lowest in eight months or since February 2020 and also among the slowest in a year (since August 2019),” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said.

Ricafort said the narrower budget gap in October partly reflects “the relatively slower deployment/rollout of the P140 billion Bayanihan 2 Law funds back then (but already accelerated to about 2/3 of the said Bayanihan 2 Fund recently).”

Late last month, the Department of Budget and Management was criticized by lawmakers for the slow release of funds allocated under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. So far, around P90 billion of the P140 billion appropriations under the Bayanihan 2 were released.

“Definitely, there is a need to speed up the disbursements and rollout of the Bayanihan 2 funds to achieve the objective of greater response to COVID-19 especially for faster economic recovery and also to further bolster the medical/health care sector and for funding other COVID-19 programs, given the fact that approvals and deployment need to be completed in less than a month for the remaining 1/3 of the Bayanihan 2 Law funds, so the schedule is already tight and expediency is key right

one-off pension differential releases for the military and uniformed personnel in October last year, as well as the expected lower capital outlays during the year because of the pandemic,” the BTr said.

The Treasury noted that the decline in capital expenditures is mainly attributed to the discontinuance and realignment of some capital outlay projects this year pursuant to the Bayanihan 1 and the delays brought by the COVID-19 lockdowns.

The January to October government expenditures amounted to P3.312 trillion, up 12.75% from P2.937 trillion.

“This was propelled by the implementation of various government COVID-19 emergency response and assistance programs,” the BTr said.

MICHAEL RICAFORT now to have a positive impact on economic recovery program/efforts,” Ricafort said.

Year-on-year, the budget deficit widened by 24.56% from a P49.3-billion fiscal gap in October 2019.

“The budget gap widened behind a 12.75% year-onyear contraction in revenue receipts despite a 6.84% reduction in disbursements,” the Treasury said.

October’s budget shortfall brought the year-to-date fiscal balance to a deficit of P940.6 billion, 170.09% wider than last year’s P348.3-billion deficit.

Expenditures The government’s expenditures in October stood at P289.6 billion, down 6.84% from P310.8 billion yearon-year.

“This is largely attributed to the base effect of the

Revenues Government collection in October amounted to P228.2 billion, down 12.75% from P261.6 billion in the same comparable period in 2019.

Tax collections comprised the lion’s share of P203.8 billion or 89% of the total state revenues last month while the balance of 11% or P24.4 billion came from non-tax collections.

Year-to-date, state revenues contracted by 8.41% to P2.371 trillion from P2.589 trillion.

Ricafort said “the COVID-19 lockdowns reduced the government's revenue collections by -8% year-on-year.”

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) saw a 14.62% decline in tax collections in October to P152.1 billion from P178.1 billion year-on-year.

The Bureau of Customs also recorded a decline in collections of 12.25% to P50.6 billion from P57.7 billion.

Non-tax revenues grew 1.84% to P24.4 billion from P24 billion. (MNS)

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What Iza Calzado has learned after 18 years in showbiz

“L

oving Emily” star Iza Calzado credits her “wealth of experience” in her personal life for her ability to lend truth to her acting — a reminder which she imparted with her co-star Jameson Blake, who is a relative newcomer in showbiz.

The 38 -ye a r- old actress, whose career spans 18 years, is paired with Blake in the just-released iWant TFC original series.

Blake, 23, made his professional debut as an actor in 2016.

De spite b ei ng a neophyte, Blake has reaped praise for his acting talent, earning him consecutive starring roles in fi lm and series. But for

the former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate, “There’s always room for improvement.”

That improvement, Calzado told Blake, will be drawn from real-life pains and triumphs that would further lend truth to one’s performances.

“The learning never stops and it should never stop,” Calzado said. “Life never stops.

The wealth of experi-

IZA CALZADO ence that you gain because of the life that you live will show in the work that you do.”

“I think it really takes time. It takes, again, a wealth of experience. You’ll have to have your heart broken, shattered to pieces.”

She said, laughing, that Blake’s first heartbreak, once it happens, will serve to make him a better actor.

“Let it f low. That’s also something I have to remind myself, a lot.

I have to let if low. It’s there,” she told Blake.

“With the experience, it will flow even better. As long as you’re focused and you really put your heart and soul into what you do, gagaling ka lang nang gagaling.”

Calzado and Blake spoke on the topic during a recent virtual conference for “Loving Emily,” a seven-part series directed by Gerardo Calagui which is now streaming on iWant TFC. (MNS)

Ina Raymundo reacts to ‘hot mama’ tag

INA RAYMUNDO MANILA (Mabuhay) — “I am far from being super confident.”

These were the words of Ina Raymundo when asked about how a lot of people perceive her as someone who seems to

have no physical inhibitions.

“Meron pa rin konti,” she quipped. “Meron akong inhibitions pa rin sa tummy ko kaya nga I go to my beauty clinic to help me with my tummy

problem. But I am not obsessing about it.”

Raymundo said people probably see her that way because she exudes a certain aura which she credits to her regular workout and balanced diet.

“Working out really changed my perspective in everything.

It really cleaned me from within. Kasi when you work out and you sweat out, kahit na ano pang toxins 'yung nakain mo, nalabas mo agad. It always makes me feel clean, confident and happy. It makes me feel just really good about myself after working out and trying to eat healthy,” she said.

Despite having to look after five kids, Raymundo said she always sees to it that she gets to sneak in some exercise every day. “'Yun ang challenge ko, kung paano ko maisisingit 'yung work out because all I need is one hour a day. One hour of

workout is perfect for me,” she said.

When asked how her kids react every time she gets tagged as a sexy and hot mom, Raymundo said in jest: “Minsan nag-eye roll sila.”

“Kanina lang 'yung son ko sabi niya, ‘Why do you look so fancy mama?’ Pa-joke. Nagugulat pa rin sila kung bakit minsan nakaayos ako or naka-make up ako ng husto. Tini-tease nila ako but I think they appreciate it silently,” she said.

As for the other moms who have already lost the desire to look their best, Raymundo has this advice.

“The very first step is to really know why do you feel that way.

It’s really from what you’ve been eating. Try to eliminate kung ano 'yung excessive sa kinakain mo because you have to think of your health also more than anything,” she said. (MNS)

Maris Racal releases new single ‘Kahit Na Anong Sablay’ MANILA (Mabuhay) — Maris Racal has released a new song entitled "Kahit Na Anong Sablay."

"For years I kept this song in my voice memos and in my red Moleskine. So glad to finally share this with everyone," Racal wrote on Instagram.

"Sometimes the universe just has her own pace of turning the simplest things into treasures."

Just last September, Racal marked her 23rd birthday with the release of her song "Not For Me." Racal started her music and acting career after joining ABSCBN's "Pinoy Big Brother: All In" in 2014. Even at the time, Racal already stood out among her fellow housemates because of her passion for music.

She released her debut single

"Tanong Mo Sa Bituin" in 2015 under Star Records.

Her follow-up single, the original song "Take It All Away," was released in 2016.

She again showed off her vocal abilities when she became part of the group BFF5 on "ASAP." She had her first major concert in July 2017 with fellow ABS-CBN artists Loisa Andalio, Sue Ramirez and Kristel Fulgar entitled "4 Of A Kind: The Un4gettable Concert" at the Music Museum.

Racal released her first album "Stellar" in 2018.

Last year, Racal released her collaboration with Rico Blanco entitled "Abot Langit."

Racal was last seen with real-life beauty queens Gloria Diaz, Maxine Medina, and Winwyn

MARIS RACAL Marquez in the iWant series "Beauty Queens."

Prior to "Beauty Queens," Racal was one of the stars of ABS-CBN’s hit afternoon series “Pamilya Ko.” (MNS)

Luis Manzano, Nikki Gil share how MYX changed their lives MANILA (Mabuhay) — Former VJs Luis Manzano and Nikki Gil shared how the country’s number one music channel MYX changed their lives.

The two guested in a Facebook live session of MYX Philippines as MYX celebrates its 20th year.

Gil acknowledged that she became known as a host because of MYX. "Not only it did help me hone my craft as a host parang it really established me as a host whether it be on TV or corporate events, live events. Parang because of M Y X , host... I actually started out a s a singer but because of M Y X parang people kinda forgot that NIKKI GIL t h at w a s my entr y point to show business. So people see me as a host more than anything else.

So t hat's how it was for me," Gil LUIS MANZANO shared.

For his part, Manzano credited MYX for opening up all the opportunities that came to his life.

"Everything started with MYX. It was my first show, then after that came 'ASAP,' came 'SCQ.' Siguro for Nikki and I and Iya (Villania), we had different training for MYX also. When we started MYX, no prompters. We had nothing actually, it's basically just a script na bullet point. You are free to do your own thing, say wherever way you'll be more comfortable saying it.

Para sa akin it was such a good training ground. That whatever I get to enjoy now I can easily credit it to me starting as a VJ for MYX," Manzano said.

Asked of the most importance lesson they've learned as MYX VJ, Gil said: "I learned so many things in terms of like work ethic, the actual act of interviewing a person, how you are supposed to carry an interview, how to listen to a guest, so that you will be an effective host. So madami."

Manzano added: "All the shows that you see, kaming mga humaharap lang sa inyo, pero sa lahat ng show ang talagang bida 'yung mga nasa likod ng camera. That's one thing that I've learned. So kahit makilala ka sa MXY, makilala ka sa 'ASAP,' 'I Can See Your Voice,' never let it get to you dahil ang totoong nagsisikap sa show na 'yon ay 'yung mga nasa likod ng camera. And that's one thing I never fail to realize and appreciate day in and day out."

Gil echoed the sentiment of Manzano that those working behind the camera complete the system.

"While we are the ones you see the most, tama nga isa itong sistema and isa itong pamilya and you have to learn to respect and love every working part of that system. And I guess what I learned most about being MYX VJ is the importance of loving your work because parang people can tell if you don't love what you are doing," Gil said. (MNS)

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Rachelle Ann Go and Martin Spies are expecting their first child Ann Go and her husband Martin Spies are Rachelle expecting their first child!

The couple announced the news through their latest vlog, which highlighted some of the most memorable events in the couple's lives for 2020, the pair revealed clips of Rachelle sporting her baby bump and even of the baby's first sono-

gram.

"Finally we are expecting!"

Rachelle said. "I also don't need to hide my tummy anywhere. Lagi ko tinatago."

Rachelle also said that Martin first found out about her pregnancy last August 10.

Derek Ramsay confirms split with Andrea Torres, says no 3rd party

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actor Derek Ramsay has confirmed his breakup with his co-star and girlfriend of one year, Andrea Torres, after days of rumors spurred by the actress un-following him on social media.

Ramsay addressed the speculation in an Instagram comment, as he replied to one follower who blamed Torres for the separation.

The user noted that Ramsay’s past relationships had mostly been long-term. His most recent before Torres, with model Joanne Villablanca, lasted six years, the comment pointed out.

Ramsay answered: “Please don’t point the finger at anyone.

There is nothing wrong with Andrea.

She is a great woman.”

“There is no third party!” the actor emphasized.

As recently as September 2020, the former couple appeared to be in good terms, and in fact agreed in an interview that DEREK RAMSAY they were “ready” to get married. They also have a shared YouTube channel, dubbed “Andrek,” whose most recent episode was released in October.

“The breakup has happened so fast,” Ramsay said on Thursday. “Maybe two people are just not meant to be. Please respect us nalang. We shared our love to all of you. Sana naman we can keep this to ourselves.”

Referring to Torres, he added, “Mahal ko si Ada kaya ‘di ako magsasalita, pero if I hear lies about her I will defend her. (MNS)

RACHELLE aNN & MARTIN

"We are so grateful for this new season, this new blessing," said the musical theater actress. "My gosh, I cannot believe it. I'm gonna be a mama, Mama Shin and Papa Martin."

Andrea Torres breaks silence on breakup with Derek Ramsay MANILA (Mabuhay) — Andrea Torres finally broke her silence on her breakup with Derek Ramsay.

In a statement on Friday, the Kapuso actress confirmed that she and Derek are "no longer together."

"I'd rather keep the details private as I want to give the break up the same amount of respect that I had for the relationship," Andrea said.

"I think you all know how much it meant to me. I hope you understand. I will always wish him and his family well," she added.

Derek earlier confirmed their breakup on Thursday, saying ANDREA TORRES that there was no third party involved and defending Andrea from speculations online.

Rumors of their breakup circulated online when Andrea unfollowed Derek on Instagram.

Both also removed each other's photos on the social media platform. (MNS)

Nadine Lustre, James Reid remain Kapamilya MANILA (Mabuhay) — Nadine Lustre and James Reid remain Kapamilya stars, as they took part Wednesday in the filming of ABS-CBN’s Christmas station ID. Photos of the onscreen couple wearing the official “Ikaw ang Liwanag at Ligaya” shirt quickly circulated on social media, drawing excitement from their fans.

The photos were taken on set, and were posted on Twitter by ABS-CBN creative manager Kathrina Sanchez.

Popularly known as “JaDine,” the tandem of Lustre and Reid starred in the hit ABS-CBN dramas “On the Wings of Love” in 2015 and “Till I Met You” in

2016.

As a Kapamilya, Reid was most recently seen as a judge in “Search for the Idol Philippines” in 2019. Similarly, Lustre sat as judge in the ABS-CBN talent search “Your Moment,” which concluded in February 2020.

In 2015, Reid and Lustre led the ABS-CBN Christmas station ID, “Thank You for The Love,” alongside fellow top love teams KathNiel and LizQuen.

Their participation in “Ikaw ang Liwanag at Ligaya,” the previously unveiled theme title of ABS-CBN’s 2020 Christmas station ID, will mark their sixth with the network.

Dating back to 2002, ABSCBN has been releasing annual

Christmas station IDs, producing memorable tunes that have become holiday staples, notably “Star ng Pasko” and “Just Love,” among others.

The 2018 version marked one of the biggest gatherings of celebrities in local showbiz, as some 400 ABS-CBN stars and personalities assembled for the “Family is Love” station ID. (MNS)

Although the two already know the gender of their baby, they said that they won't be announcing it until next year.

For now, they're preparing the arrival of their

first baby and setting up the nursery room in their home.

Rachelle and Martin, who are currently based in London, tied the knot in 2018. (MNS)

Ivana Alawi sizzles as Tanduay calendar girl

IVANA ALAWI MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actress and social media star Ivana Alawi was unveiled as the 2021 calender girl of rhum brand Tanduay.

Alawi is seen posing in a variety of themed sets in the announcement video released by Tanduay, which described her as “capable, confident, and trendy.”

“The modern woman, redefining the calendar girl,” the brand added.

On Instagram, Alawi shared a snap from the calendar which sees her donning a revealing bodysuit apparently made of diamonds.

Her stint as a calendar girl is the latest “dream come true” for Alawi, who in the past year has had a meteoric rise to fame as in-demand actress and social media personality.

Alawi recently personally re-packed and distributed relief goods to victims of Typhoon Ulysses in Isabela and Cagayan.

In a departure from her fun entries on YouTube, Alawi shared in detail her charity initiative, from the bundling of the supplies, to the distribution to evacuees.

“I hope marami akong mapapasaya. Iyon lang naman ang gusto ko mangyari — to help people, to inspire people. No matter how small, how big it is, a blessing is a blessing. Life is beautiful, and life is worth sharing with everyone,” she said.

Alawi’s first stop was Santo Tomas in Isabela, where she met with displaced families and handed them the goods she had packed.

“It makes me really happy, ‘yung pagbigay ng tulong sa kapwa Pilipino na nangangailangan. Para sa akin, ginamit ako ni Lord para maging instrumento para makatulong sa iba,” she said.

“I feel really blessed and I feel really happy doing this, making other people happy, and knowing that maraming pamilya ang makakakain ngayong araw na ‘to.”

In coordination with the provincial government of Cagayan, Alawi then personally distributed goods at a covered court in Tuguegarao City. (MNS)

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Masungi Georeserve reopens to tourists MANILA – The Masungi Georeserve, a premier eco-tourism destination in Rizal province, formally reopened on Wednesday (November 25) after months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Guests are required to book their reservations at Masungi's website, with the number per group limited to five to eight persons to observe minimum health protocols.

The entrance fee ranges f rom PHP1,500 to PHP1,800, with no testing required except if you are exhibiting symptoms while already at the site.

"Ang maganda dito sa Masungi it's quite close to Metro Manila and alam naman natin 'yong mga turista galing National Capital Region so this is close enough (What's good here in Masungi is that it's quite close to Metro Manila and we know that most of the tourists are from the NCR so this is close enough)," Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said during an interview with reporters in Baras town.

The destination is known for its sprawling limestone landscape and trails perched on towering trees.

During the reopening, Masungi also launched its newest feature, the Legacy Trail for hikers who wants to immerse themselves into forest conservation activities.

Both the Legacy and Discovery trails are a circuit to prevent close contact among tourists.

The Masungi Georeserve Foundation also allotted pre-designated, spaced-out areas at the end of the trail to allow a safe dining experience for guests. All areas are outdoors or open-air spaces.

How to get there: Cruise through Marcos Highway.

You will pass through Masinag, Cogeo, Boso-Boso Resort, Foremost Farms, and Palo Alto. Masungi Georeserve is at Kilometer 47 of Marcos Highway, Baras, Rizal.

'More than tourism' More than tourism revenues, Ben Dumaliang, Masungi's trustee, is hopeful the reopening would drum up support among visitors to protect the 2,700 hec-

tares of vulnerable land, often targeted as a site for quarry and illegal logging.

"Ang mas malaking tulong niya actually is the visibility sa tao. Marami kasing nagco-covet sa lugar (It's really helpful as tourism makes the area visible to the public. There are many out there coveting this land), they want a hacienda, they want to quarry the place, they want to do businesses here, 'pag nakita nilang pina-patronize ng tao 'yong lugar, medyo natatakot 'yong mga may interes, natuturn-off din sila kasi siyempre 'yong gagawin nila (it's good that we have tourists patronizing the area so that those with interests would at least fear exposure)," he said in an interview.

"Mas importante sa amin is makita, to raise awareness kasi 'yon ang defense namin against all these illegal interest (We want to make this place visible to the public, to raise awareness because this is our defense against all these illegal interest)," he added.

With almost eight months of zero tourism activity, the foundation had to spend around PHP2 million a month from its resources to maintain the conservation efforts and sustain its almost 100 workers and park rangers.

"Noong eight months na wala kaming income, sarili naming funds 'yong aming ginagamit to maintain about 100 people. Per month ang nalalabas is one to two million, sarili naming resources (For eight months that we don't have an income, we've been using our own fund to maintain our 100 workers. Per month, we shell out around PHP1 million to PHP2 million from our own resources)," Dumaliang said.

Ann Dumaliang, Masungi's project manager and Ben's daughter, said this sacrifice had to be made because suspending the area's conservation efforts is not an option.

"We need to continue it because Masungi's core activity is really conservation, you can't not be here at a time when environmental opportunism is at its peak. If we killed the conservation work alongside the tourism decline, the damages would definitely be irreversible," she said in a separate interview.

"Sakripisyo talaga siya (It's a sacrifice)

US... from Page 1 ippines have a long history of working together to protect global security through regional stability,” Barrett said. “The US Air and Space Forces look forward to building on our strong relationship with the Philippine military through greater interoperability and training opportunities with the Philippine Air Force, as well as exploring where our nations can cooperate in the space domain.”

Luna welcomed the visit of the US Secretary of the Air Force in the Philippines.

“We look forward to working with our US counterparts in pursuit of our common goals and interests,” Luna said.

DND Assistant Secretary for Logistics, Acquisitions and Self-Reliant Defense Posture Jesus Rey Avilla said: “With our shared history and long-standing partnership with the US, we also look forward to continuing our cooperation on various aspects of defense and security, including the Philippines’ current thrust to modernize its Armed Forces.”

Barrett’s visit coincides with the handover to the Philippine Navy of a ScanEagle Un-

Saturday-Friday | November 28 - December 4, 2020

MASUNGI GEORESERVE. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat at the “sapot” or web-style view platform at the Masungi Georeserve. The official graced the reopening and launch of Legacy Trail at the eco-tourism destination on Wednesday (Nov. 23, 2020). (Photo by Robert Alfiler) because it's what we're here for. Tourism is a revenue stream to support our operations but we can't afford to lose the people, we can't afford to lose the environmental protection efforts," she added.

For eight months since the pandemic lockdowns, Masungi Georeserve did not layoff any of its local employees. (PNA)

(Photo by Robert Alfiler)

GLOBAL... from Page 2 alized,” he said, noting the former administration’s policy of making asylum seekers wait in Mexico until their claim could be adjudicated.

Stronger surveillance at the U.S. borders during the former administration forced people to take more difficult paths to reach the U.S., said Calderon. At least 12,000 immigrants have died en route, he said. People from European countries have also begun to make the perilous journey, said the journalist, highlighting a group of Armenians that came via Moscow to Cancun and then to the U.S. border.

Rao highlighted India’s internal migration crisis as the pandemic began there: as day labor dried up in the cities due to a strict lockdown in late March, more than 140 million migrant workers travelled hundreds of miles, mainly by foot and without sustenance, to return to their home villages. Rao and a photographer friend documented the humanitarian crisis, and themselves got involved, distributing watermelon, biscuits, and water to the traveling migrants.

Day laborers have largely returned to the cities said Rao. “They are very clear. They say it's not the pandemic they are worried about. What they are worried about is not having an income, and not having an occupation.”

“I am amazed at the lack of bitterness that they have towards the administration who threw them to the dogs. People like me, the critics of the government, are much more bitter about it than the people who actually suffered by walking a thousand miles in the hot sun with bad footwear or no footwear,” he said.

Interstate travel from village to city is the oxygen of the Indian economy, said Rao, noting that urbanites rely on village labor and villagers need city jobs to sustain their families back home.

“So the urban areas are the economic engines for the rural area,” he said.

NEW RULE... from Page 1 manned Aerial System, a PHP710-million (USD14.79 million) drone that will boost the Philippine military’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, strengthening maritime domain awareness and border security.

The Secretary’s trip follows US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien’s November 22-23 visit, during which he announced PHP868 million (USD18 million) in additional military equipment and training for the AFP, as well as an additional PHP169 million (USD3.5 million) in US humanitarian assistance to typhoon-affected communities.

The Philippines is by far the largest recipient of US military assistance in the Indo-Pacific region.

Since 2015, the United States has delivered more than PHP33 billion (USD650 million) worth of planes, ships, armored vehicles, small arms, and other military equipment to the Philippines, while training side-by-side with our Filipino allies. (MNS)

forced to make in order to protect the health and safety of themselves and their loved ones.

Unfortunately, as we seek to balance the public health and economic health of our region, there is no win-win outcome. There are downsides to every decision,” Ridley-Thomas said in a statement.

"I have always been guided by one fundamental question: How do we do act in a manner that is likely to cause the least amount of permanent, irreversible harm to our residents?”

Two other members of the five-member body voted against the ban, particularly Supervisor Janice Hahn and Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

“The situation we face is dire, but I don't think we have the data to prove outdoor dining is driving the current surge, or to rationalize the number of people who will lose their jobs. I also worry it will drive more people to indoor gatherings in homes — which we know are more dangerous,” Supervisor Hahn said in a statement.

“In light of this, I have asked the LA County Development Authority to expand the eligibility for the Business Revitalization Grant to

make $6 million available for restaurants that need help. It is not enough, but I am going to do everything I can to help these businesses and their workers.”

For her part, LA County public health director Barbara Ferrer said that the “alarming increase in cases is not due to random events out of our control. Many of these cases could have been prevented if individuals and businesses were following the straightforward public health measures of masking, distancing and infection control.”

“Unless we unite behind the belief that each of us has a responsibility to protect others, we will face a devastating holiday season. Our choices matter and following the rules that reduce virus transmission is the only way to get back to slowing the spread. Please celebrate Thanksgiving only with the people you live with. And let us give thanks to all those who are protecting others, especially our healthcare workers, and the many, many businesses and individuals who have spent the last months doing their part to be safe."

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to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen.

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Health & & Family Health Family

Saturday-Friday | November 28 - December 4, 2020

Areas with over 3,000 active COVID-19 cases priority for vaccination — Galvez MANILA (Mabuhay) — Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. on Thursday said areas with more than 3,000 active cases of COVID-19 will be considered priority in the government’s vaccination effort that is expected to start next year.

Galvez made the statement when asked about the appeal of Iloilo City residents to be included in the priority list that he enumerated on Wednesday in a public briefing.

“Lahat po ng mga tumaas nang mahigit 4,000 o 3,000 ang kanilang active cases, uunahin po natin 'yan.

Kasama po ang Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, at Tacloban City,” he said.

Galvez, also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, said cities are priorities as they are usually economic centers and have COVID-19 cases.

In addition to the priority sectors that he mentioned on Wednesday, Galvez said that essential workers in the business sectors and government officials are also included.

More than 35 million Filipinos will be prioritized to receive vaccines against COVID-19, Galvez had earlier said, adding the priority list came from the Department of Health (DOH) and was created with the guidance of President

Rodrigo Duterte.

As a strategy, Galvez said the vaccination will start in areas that are severely affected by the pandemic as well as those considered as business centers so the country will immediately feel its effect.

Areas that Galvez identified include the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro. Then, the vaccination will proceed to accommodate the priority sectors, he said.

“Ang pinakauna nga is healthcare workers at saka yung mga frontliners.

Kasama po sa mga frontliner na ito ay mga police at sundalo, at saka ‘yung ating mga serviceman,” Galvez, a retired military general, said.

“Kasama rin po dito ang mga essential workers ng DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development), DepEd (Department of Education), at government agencies, at ‘yung sinasabi nating vulnerable, poor communities,” he added.

According to him, the government is planning to administer the COVID vaccine to 20 million up to 30 million Filipinos annually in three to five years.

He said the government targets to vaccinate 60 to 70 million Filipinos. (MNS)

DOH, DTI sign order on RT-PCR testing price range MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) signed on Nov. 24 the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) for setting the price range for reverse transcription-polymerase reaction (RT-PCR) testing for Covid-19.

The JAO is pursuant to Executive Order No. 118 of President Rodrigo Roa-Duterte ordering the agencies to implement a price range for Covid-19 testing.

During the DOH Media Forum on November 25, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said this price range will promote quality, equitable access, and affordability to COVID-19 testing.

“With this Joint Administrative Order, the government seeks to strike a balance of equity, access, and consumer’s choice. In determining the price ranges, we strived to ensure that they are just, equitable, and sensitive to all stakeholders,” Duque said in a news release.

Meanwhile, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez stressed the importance of regulating the testing prices as the country resumes economic activity.

“We have been seeing signs of recovery. And with the increased testing capacity of our country, the demand for testing has also increased. This policy is an opportunity for the government to regulate the prices of testing to make it more affordable and accessible to all Filipinos," Lopez said.

According to the DOH, public and private licensed Covid-19 testing laboratories were surveyed to determine the price range. Factors such as geographic location, ownership, brand, type of test and extraction machine, facility set-up, and turn-around time were also considered. The JAO also underwent a series of consultations and negotiations, stakeholder reviews, and technical deliberation before coming up with the said guidelines.

Upon effectivity of the JAO, prices will be made transparent and readily available for the public to access and will be subject to monthly monitoring to ensure that it remains fair amid current developments.

When asked why the government imposed a price range instead of a price cap, Duque said the President’s EO, DOH, and DTI were directed to determine and implement a price range for Covid-19 testing.

He added that in coming up with the price range, implementing agencies have to balance equity with access, such that laboratories that are overcharging will lower their prices without going out of business.

Provided that the quality of service is maintained, laboratories may charge patients below the reference price.

While the goal of the JAO is to protect Filipinos by making Covid-19 testing accessible, Duque said the observance of minimum public health standards set to minimize or prevent viral transmission remains critical.

“While the objective of this endeavor is to make Covid-19 testing accessible and affordable to all, I would like to underscore that we need to remain vigilant -- strictly adhering to our minimum public health standards of mask wearing, hand hygiene, and physical distancing. Ito po ay upang maprotektahan hindi lang ating mga sarili, kung hindi, lalung lalo na ang mga mahal natin sa buhay. Kasabay ng pagpapatupad

ng price range, ang ating pagiging BIDA Solusyon ang pinakamagandang regalo ng kalusugan, kaligtasan, at kinabukasan para sa lahat (This is for us to protect not only ourselves but of course our loved ones. In line with the implementation of the price range, our BIDA Solusyon is the best gift for our health, safety and for everyone's welfare),” Duque said.

Lopez reiterated the government’s call to strictly follow the 7 Commandments of Minimum Health Standards as the country gradually reopens the economy.

“The health and safety of Filipinos remain our top priority, even as we gradually reopen the economy. As emphasized by DOH Sec. Duque, we need to remain vigilant and continue to adhere to the minimum health protocols. This will not only ensure the safety of our countrymen but also secure their jobs and sources of income," Lopez said.

The JAO only covers the price range for plate-based RT-PCR testing.

Supplemental guidelines on per item costing and price range of test kits and other testing modalities such as cartridge-based RT-PCR tests, and antigen tests, among others, will also be issued separately.

(MNS)

Philippines to sign deal to buy 2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses this week

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines this week will sign a deal for the purchase of a vaccine against the novel coronavirus from British pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca, an official at the lead of the country's COVID-19 vaccination program said Thursday.

Officials will sign the tripartite deal for 2 million doses of the AstraZeneca drug on Friday, said vaccine czar Carlito Galvez.

AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford announced on Monday that their inexpensive, easy-to-produce coronavirus vaccine was either 62 percent or 90 percent effective, depending on the manner in which the doses were given.

The double jab vaccine is by far the least expensive among frontrunners, at about 2.5 euros or about P143 per dose.

It also has a significant advantage when it comes to transport and storage.

Moderna's vaccine must be kept at -20 degrees Celsius, while Pfizer's requires an even chillier -70C to remain viable. AstraZeneca's vaccine, by contrast, can be stored at the temperature of a normal fridge. (MNS)

Firecracker, fireworks ban can deter Covid-19 spread: group

MANILA — The public interest group EcoWaste Coalition said they believe breaking with the traditional New Year's Eve merrymaking, which uses firecrackers and fireworks, would be a good thing.

EcoWaste campaigner Thony Dizon said Thurday aside from preventing spikes in air pollution and accidents nationwide, discontinuing such kind of celebration would help curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

"People tend to congregate where firecracker use and fireworks are. That doesn't promote social distancing," Dizon said.

He noted that people could still welcome the New Year with a bang through alternative and physically distanced activities, such as blowing horns and playing upbeat music.

Social distancing, wearing of face masks, and frequent washing of hands are the government's basic health protocols against Covid-19.

The government came up with such protocols to help mitigate the spread of the Covid-19 virus, which lurks in droplets expelled by infected persons through coughing, sneezing, and speaking.

The Department of Health reported 28,789 active Covid-19 cases nationwide as of November 26.

Last week, EcoWaste proposed to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) a nationwide ban on the use of firecrackers and staging fireworks in welcoming 2021.

Firecracker use and fireworks displays endanger the environment and public health, EcoWaste said.

"Money for firecrackers and fireworks can otherwise be used for truly important purposes instead," Dizon said, noting that it could be spent to provide necessities for victims of disasters, hazard pay for front-line workers, or seed capital for employees retrenched amid the onslaught of Covid-19.

EcoWaste, he said, is hoping the government would eventually make the proposed ban permanent.

He, however, pointed out the need to help manufacturers of firecrackers and fireworks paraphernalia shift to other businesses.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Saturday-Friday | November 28 - December 4, 2020

Health & Family Health Family

DOH sees decreasing COVID-19 cases in Philippines MANILA (Mabuhay) — The number of COVID-19 cases in the country is generally decreasing, especially in Metro Manila, the Department of Health said Thursday.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, however, said the department is also seeing some increase in various areas of the country.

Vergeire did not mention the areas but added the DOH is monitoring them.

“Pero sa kabuuan po, hindi pa ho kami nakakakita sa ngayon ng pagtaas ng ating trend,” she said.

Asked whether the recent typhoons had a significant impact on the number of new cases, Vergeire said its effect will be seen on the first week of December to make way for the incubation period of the disease.

“Hindi pa ho natin makikita ang epekto nito until about mga first week of December because we are counting the incubation period and also the reporting na ibibigay sa atin ng mga areas na may evacuation sites,” she said.

Earlier, an expert from the University of the Philippines-OCTA Research team said the

number of new COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region increased by 6% but the virus’ reproduction number in the country remained below one.

The reproduction number is the expected number of new infections an infected individual may cause in a population where everyone is susceptible. An amount lower than 1 means a flattened curve, the research team said.

Professor Guido David said the reproduction number remains at .83 despite an increase in new cases in Metro Manila.

David said nine out of the 17 local government units in Metro Manila had an increase in their number of cases. Among those who had the highest increases were Caloocan, Quezon City, Marikina, Mandaluyong, Parañaque and Pasay.

He said the increase might have been caused by delayed results from several health centers due to the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses.

David said it is also possible that new cases were triggered by the increase in mobility or because people are getting lax. (MNS)

Obey health protocols to avoid post-holiday Covid-19 surge — PRRD M A NIL A (Mabu hay) — As people started to fill shopping centers to avoid the holiday rush, President Rodrigo Duterte renewed his call to strictly follow minimum health protocols to prevent a post-Christmas holiday surge of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases.

“So mga kababayan, importante the washing of hands, social distancing, 'wag na lumapit (So, my countrymen, washing of hands is very important, social distancing, don’t get closer),” Duterte said after listening to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III’s reports about the government’s mitigation response against the Covid-19 pandemic during his talk to the nation from Davao City on Monday night.

Duque reported that the country’s Covid-19 cases continue to decrease and the recovery rate has now reached 92 percent.

“Mr. President, this 92 percent recovery rate ay dahil po sa dumaang pang panahong, ang ating mga kababayan ay naniwala sa (is because the people believed in) minimum health standards like wearing of face mask and face shield, washing of hands, physical distancing and disinfection,” Duque told

the President.

He added that the DOH has issued a circular reiterating the importance of following the minimum health protocols, especially during the Christmas holidays.

Duterte urged the public to help the military and police stop the Covid-19 infection by staying inside their homes if there are no reasons for them to venture outside.

“As I have said, try to understand the police and military.

They are really the errand boys of the republic. Huwag na ninyo pahirapan mga police kung wala na kayong gagawin. 'Wag na kayo mag-inom tapos magkagulo (Don’t make life difficult

for our police if you have nothing to do outside. Don’t drink alcoholic beverages that will result in chaos),” Duterte said.

He said people should consider the sacrifices that the military and police have done especially during the successive typhoons that devastated the country.

“Ponder on the things that they have done in the past several days and you would really understand they are the true workers of the government, sila nauna sa bagyo, landslides, naghuhukay, lahat (They go out first during typhoons, landslides, digging, everything).

You love your police and military,” Duterte said. (MNS)

FIRECRACKER… FROM PAGE 18 Dizon reiterated that lighting firecrackers "We're hoping IATF-EID's decision on our and fireworks emit air pollutants that weaken proposal will be favorable," he said. the immune system, raising people's risk for Dizon said it is possible for the IATF-EID to respiratory ailments, such as Covid-19. break with tradition again by instituting the "Exposure to toxic pollutants emitted from proposed ban as a further precaution against the bursting of firecrackers and fireworks is the spread of Covid-19. dangerous to everyone, especially the elderly "(The) IATF-EID was able to restrict people's and people with underlying medical condi- traditional visitation activities during 'Undas' tions, including those afflicted with chronic this year due to Covid-19," he said, adding that obstructive pulmonary disease, heart prob- restricting the people's entry to and movement lems, diabetes and other illnesses as they tend in public and private resting places of their to develop more severe symptoms of Covid-19," departed loved ones helped prevent the spread EcoWaste said in a news release on November of Covid-19 from worsening.

20.

In its Resolution 72 series of 2020, the IATFDizon said EcoWaste is looking forward EID ordered all public and private cemeteries, to soon receiving the IATF-EID's feedback memorial parks, columbaria, and similar restregarding the proposed ban, particularly as ing places nationwide closed to visitors during people this time of the year generally begin “Undas” from October 29 to November 4 this preparing for the New Year's Eve celebration. year. (PNA)

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Philippines in talks with AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Sinovac for 60M doses of COVID-19 vaccines MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines may have 60 million doses of the vaccine for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by 2021 if negotiations with vaccine manufacturers are successful, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said Monday.

Galvez said the Philippine government was in talks with vaccine manufacturers Sinovac, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer.

“Just in case na makuha po natin ‘yung tatlong ito, makakabuo po tayo ng 60 million next year, so ibig sabihin meron na po tayo na magandang mga vaccine na nakita natin na safe, cost effective, at saka po… maganda ang kanilang performance,” Galvez said in a briefing presided by President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night.

AstraZeneca has a huge quota of 20 million doses and has the lowest price at $5 per dose, Galvez added.

As the government negotiates with manufacturers, experts are reviewing data from the candidate vaccines’ clinical trials.

The Department of Science and Technology earlier said clinical trials in the Philippines might start in December.

Vaccine distribution plan Galvez said the government would employ a geographical and sectoral approach to vaccine distribution once it becomes available in the country.

“Gagawin po nating geographical, meaning ang deployment po ng vaccine para doon po sa mga infected at saka ‘yung mga epicenter,” he said.

“From geographical, magiging sectoral," Galvez said.

"Meaning, kung sino ‘yung priority natin… ‘yun po, meron pong impact ‘yun kagad sa ating economy," he added.

Under the geographical strategy, Metro Manila, Davao, Cebu, and Bacolod will be prioritized. “‘Yung mga tinaaman po mabigat ng COVID para at least ang mangyayari po kaagad, malalaman po yung efficacy niya,” Galvez said.

He added that the British government has expressed willingness to help the Philippines in the distribution of the AstroZeneca vaccine once it is rolled out.

“Handa po sila na kapag nag-rollout po ‘yung kanilang [vaccine] doon sa British government, pupunta po dito ‘yung mga military at saka ‘yung mga logistics personnel po nila para tulungan po tayo mag-roll out din dito,” he said.

Herd immunity Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said P73.2 billion has been allotted for the procurement of vaccines for 60 million Filipinos.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said this will be enough to achieve herd immunity from COVID-19.

“Ang herd immunity po is anywhere from 60 to 70 percent, according to the World Health Organization. So if we’re able to reach that, we’re going to pretty much arrest the spread of this and mawawala yung COVID-19 sa atin pong lipunan,” he said.

Malacanang earlier said the government had already prepared the initial list of vacci ne recipient s.

(MNS)

SEC. CARLITO GALVEZ

20

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