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Key elements/assets that helped strengthen President-elect Joe Biden's road to victory

The recent 2020 election surely, will mark itself as a historical one, triggered by four years of social and civil unrest including the murder of George Floyd, catapulted by the surge of COVID-19 pandemic deaths and ongoing cases throughout the country.

During the primary, both presidential candidates: Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren were the frontrunners, along with billionaire Michael Bloomberg, but they all ended up endorsing the decent and respectable Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. at the end.

First of all, Joe Biden's top asset is his wife Jill Tracy Jacobs Biden, (nee Jacobs, formerly Stevenson, born June 3, 1951). who had been Joe's second lady of the United States from 2009 through 2017, she’s an American educator who was born in Hammonton, New Jersey but grew up in willow Grove, Pennsylvania. She married Joe in 1977, thus becoming the stepmother to Beau and Hunter, Joe's two sons from Joe's fi rst marriage, whose mother and baby sister died in a car accident in 1972. Subsequently, Jill and her husband Joe have a daughter together, Ashley, who was born in 1981. Now accomplished on her own, Ashley has a Bachelor's and Doctoral degrees from the University of Delaware, as well as Master's degree from the West Chester University and Villanova University, who has taught English and Reading in high schools for 13 years and also taught adolescents with emotional disabilities at a psychiatric hospital. Likewise, Jill Biden was an English and writing instructor at the Delaware Technical and Community College from 1993 through 2008 and is known to be "the fi rst second lady to hold a paying job” while her husband served as vice president. She has been the founder of the Biden Breast Health Initiative, a non-profi t organization, co-founder of the Book Buddies program, co-founder of the Biden Foundation which is currently active in Delaware's "Boots On The Ground," and is co-founder of "Joining Forces" organization along with Michelle Obama. She has been with Joe throughout his campaign trail to victory.

Then, there was the endorsement of

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Stacy Abrams, who everyone thought would have run as a presidential candidate too, but didn't. She's a Yale school Law graduate and a black woman form Mississippi who thinks that the "deep South can become the new Democratic haven" which she ultimately did just that - due to her brilliant voter registration and turnout eff orts in Georgia which used to be a RED state since 1992, to an apparent Democratic win for Biden, registering around 800,000 new voters US President-elect Joe Biden (2nd L) and Vice-President elect Kamala Harris (2nd R) stand onstage in that state. with their spouses Jill Biden (L) and Doug Emhoff (R) after their victory speeches in Wilmington,

The surge in young, un- Delaware, November 7, 2020. der 30 eligible voters, such and that is Joe Biden." as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Finally, there's the surprise streaming eff orts as well as choice of Kamala Harris as Bidthe Black Lives Matter move- en's vice-presidential running ment's activism, plus singer mate after her criticisms on Cardi B's televised zoom con- him during the primary, Biden versation with Biden, must acknowledged her political pohave helped a lot, just a f ew tential and enthusiasm that will months before the election. bring diversity to his campaign,

Then of course, there was being that she's the daughter Biden's former boss, Presi- of Jamaican and Indian immident Barack Obama, whose grants, who in turn was able to energetic campaigns truly rally her black-owned alma mamattered. He helped boost Biden's campaign both in Phil- US President-elect Joe Biden Vice-President elect Kamala Harris ter, Howard University's Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters adelphia and Atlanta, The FBI's investigation on the kidnapping plot of Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer where they arrested 13 accused suspects on October 8, 2020, were tied to a paramilitary militia group that called conservative who urged Republicans to cross party lines in support of Joe Biden for president. On a Twitter, she said: 'there's only one candidate in this race who stands up for our values as nation who helped her with a "fullblown momentum in cash fundraisers." Undoubtedly, it is our hope that Joe Biden will rise to HEAL and UNITE this nation as our NEXT PRESIDENT! themselves the "Wolverine Watchmen," where six of the suspects were charged in federal court, while the other seven were charged with state crimes. These paramilitaty militia groups targeted Whitmer allegedly because Trump off ered his support for the protests in Michigan when Whitmer ordered a total lockdown due to the surge of COVID-19 deaths in the state. That was when Trump tweeted "LIBERATE MICHIGAN,” and he derisively called Whitmer "that woman from Michigan.”

A few days before the election, Cindy McCain, the well-known widow of ,Senator John McCain, was the prominent

dramatically, we are ending where we began — with the conviction that San Diego can be a city for everyone,” Gloria wrote.

Gloria thanked his supporters for their eff ortds that include “texting from home, dropping literature, putting a sign in your yard or joining our Get-Out-The-Vote operation outside under a tent.”

Gloria defeated Councilwoman Barbara Bry.

Gloria is not a political neophyte. He was a member of the California State Assembly (representing the 78th District) and the second person of Filipino heritage ever elected to the assembly.

Gloria served two terms on the City Council and was the City’s Interim Mayor from August 2013 to March 2014.

Gloria graduated from the University of San Diego and an enrolled member of the Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. He lives in the neighborhood of Mission Hills.

Republicans fl ip Congressional seats in Southern California

Democrat Harley Rouda has conceded to Republican Michelle Steel in their battle to win the U.S 48th Congressional District.

A second seat appears ready to go, with Republican challenger Young Kim leading incumbent Democrat Gil Cisneros for the battle for the U.S 39th Congressional District.

Other Fil-Ams who won in other electoral fronts

Some Filipino American holding elective posts were successful in their re-election bids, among them were Rob Bonta, Juslyn Manalo and Glenn Sylvester.

Bonta was overwhelmingly reelected as California Assemblymember for District 18. He has posted about his electoral success on a Twitter post on November 4.

Cabaldon garnered 52.49% of total votes cast to defeat his opponent, Martha Guerrero for the mayorship of the city of West Sacramento.

Daly City Mayor Glenn Sylvester, who are among four Filipino Americans comprising the fi ve-member city council in Daly City, was successful in his re-election bid.

Daly City Vice Mayor Juslyn Manalo also won her reelection bid.

The Real Estate Market and Mortgage Interest rates moving forward

Biden has signaled that he will push for changes to other Trumpera policies that affect the real estate industry. The president-elect vowed to reinstate the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, which Trump repealed in July — claiming it would keep low-income housing out of suburbs. The 2015 rule required local governments receiving federal housing financing to devise plans to address discriminatory housing practices in their communities. Additionally, Biden has pledged to spend $640 billion on affordable housing over the next decade.

The Biden presidency could also mean changes to 1031 exchanges: He has pitched making them available only to those making less than $400,000 a year. He has also pledged not to raise taxes on households earning less than that amount.

There’s a perception in the real estate industry that Biden is bad for real estate, and Trump is much better for real estate, we shall see in the coming months or year. Developer MaryAnne Gilmartin said a Biden presidency would mean having someone in the White House who understands the importance of investing in cities, such as New York. At the same time, if Republicans retain control of the Senate, they will be able to block tax reforms and other progressive policies feared by the real estate industry, she said.

It is unclear to what extent the president-elect will drive the agenda in Washington. It is safe to assume, however, that a Biden presidency will not be as friendly to corporations or real estate billionaires as Trump’s has been. When Biden accepted the Democratic nomination for president in August, he criticized the 2017 tax overhaul, calling it a “$1.3 trillion tax giveaway to the wealthiest 1 percent.”

“We don’t need a tax code that rewards wealth more than it rewards work. I’m not looking to punish anyone. Far from it,” he

Filing Bankruptcy To Eliminate Debt While Protecting Assets

One common misconception people have is that if they file bankruptcy, they will lose everything that they’ve worked hard for. For this reason, a lot of people continue to suffer needlessly in debt when the law provides a solution to their debt problems. Not good.

Don’t get me wrong. Bankruptcy is certainly not the answer to all debt problems. But after having represented more than 5,000 bankruptcy clients over the years, I have seen the benefits it provides to people who are no longer in a position to help themselves.

In bankruptcy, there are exemptions allowed by that can help you protect your assets. For example, if you own a home that you live in, state homestead exemption laws allow you to protect anywhere from $300,000-$600,000 (*These homestead amounts, which are MUCH HIGHER than allowed under current law are effective 1-1-21 as per CA Governor Newsom’s approval of a bill 2 months ago due to the pandemic). If the amount of your home equity falls within the allowable exemption amount, your house is not at risk in any way. Thus, even if you file for bankruptcy, you can keep your home as long as you are making your payments.

Most bankruptcy cases are considered “no asset cases”. That means that the debtor literally has nothing of value, or the assets are considered protected under the exemption laws. So, don’t ever believe it when creditors or other people tell you that filing bankruptcy means that you automatically have to lose your home, vehicles or other assets. Your bankruptcy lawyer should be able to do a thorough review of everything

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MODIFYING DOWN CHILD AND SPOUSAL SUPPORT OBLIGATION AFTER A DIVORCE

diVORCed parties are sometimes ordered to pay child support and spousal support in the divorce judgment. The support orders are generally based on the parties’ financial situation and custody arrangements at the time of the settlement or trial. However, what if your income decreases after the divorce or what if your spouse’s income increases after the divorce due to a promotion or a better paying job? Do you have the right to modify your support obligation?

If your income has gone down substantially from the time that the child or spousal support determination, you may be able to file a modification of your support obligation. Losing a job or having less income constitutes a material change of circumstances that would allow the court to modify down your support obligations.

Child support in California is based on guideline formula. One of the factors that is considered in the guideline formula is your gross income. Usually the court would look at several months or even an average of the last 12 months income. If your average income has decreased, you may be able to modify your child support to a lower amount. Bear in mind that there are other factors that come in the equation such as the amount of actual timeshare you spend with your child and the income of the other parent. If the other parent’s income has gone down, this may adversely affect your child support obligation.

Spousal support may also be modified unless you stipulated in a divorce judgment that it is non modifiable. However, spousal support are usually calculated differently than guideline. The court will look at other factors in deciding whether to modify this. Those factors are listed in family code section 4320.

If you are unemployed, the other party may be expected to try to impute income on you. However in light of the recent cases in California, they would have to prove that you had the ability and the opportunity to obtain employment.

If your income has gone down or your spouse’s income has increased as a result of a new job, a promotion, or you got laid off or hours cut, it may be possible to modify both your child support and spousal support obligation. Without modifying the order, the current order will continue to be in effect and the same amount will accrue regardless of whether your income declined or your spouse income increased. It is important to file a post judgment request for order to modify support as soon as your financial situation changes.

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

MORTGAGE UPDATE From Page 6

said. “But it’s long past time the wealthiest people and the biggest corporations in this country paid their fair share.”

Its still really too early to say what might transcribe from all these speculations, but what will certainly move the Real Estate Markets in my opinion would be your Lending Rates. Are good times over when you can buy a house with 20% down and qualify a rate of 2.5%? Lets see what 10 Year Bond did the first day we started calling Biden “President Elect”. The treasury yield went up almost .15 basis points highest this year since the pandemic reaching close to 1%. This will bring the rates up above 2.75-2.875% on the 30 years and will be closely crossing the 1% barrier to go above it.

The main concern now is how Reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac .

Fannie and Freddie are the backbone of the mortgage market with control over the terms at which roughly half of the country’s borrowers can get loans. The federal government took them over during the 2008 financial crisis, eventually injecting them with more than $187 billion in bailout money. In return, the government got warrants to acquire nearly 80% of the companies’ shares, as well as a new class of “senior” preferred stock that now has a balance of about $222 billion.

All of your so called “Conventional Loans” are bought and sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and who you are paying your home mortgages’ to are just your “Servicers”. Fannie and Freddie has a huge influence in how our current rates are being marketed with the guidance of your 10 Year Treasuries.

While Biden hasn’t outlined a path for Fannie and Freddie, many policy analysts believe he’s likely to try to stop plans for release and instead use the companies to improve housing affordability. If he insists that Congress pass legislation to reform them, as President Barack Obama did, that could mean indefinite limbo for Fannie’s and Freddie’s shareholders.

My main concern of course still is the World Wide Pandemic that has not been contained, a new vaccine was announced that shook the market in a good way. Lets all Pray this is going to be the magic potion that will fight this terrible virus.

Thanks for your inquiries, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group for your Mortgage Needs. Call Ken at 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636 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

MINDING YOUR FINANCES From Page 6

you own and advise you what is exempt and what is not. For example, in almost 100% of the cases my office handles, clients lose nothing and keep everything. Again, seek legal counsel to understand your legal rights so you can make an intelligent decision as to whether bankruptcy is advisable for your situation.

If you are filing for Chapter 13 to consolidate your debts, none of your assets are at risk of being taken. This is due to the fact that Chapter 13 is simply a repayment plan, not a case where assets are sold. In Chapter 13, you are committing your income to pay creditors the best you could over a 3-5 year period. Again, you are not forced to sell assets to pay your debts although it may be possible for you to sell assets voluntarily to pay off your plan earlier. I am trying to simplify here but the point is that in Chapter 13, you can keep everything you have, and you can pay creditors based only on what you can afford. This allows you to live within your means-

by making your debt payments more affordable.

If you are in debt and are considering filing bankruptcy but are not sure if this is right for you, I can help you make the right decision by explaining to you how the process works. Just call my office at 866-477-7772 and ask for a free initial consultation. As this year comes to a close, make it a goal to be the last year you will remain in debt. It’s not too late to start over. Rebuild your finances and your life. NOTE: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems.

(None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772).

Palace distances from support for Duterte-Duterte tandem in 2022

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Tuesday distanced itself from a Palace official’s support for a DuterteDuterte tandem in the 2022 national elections.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Palace respects Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo’s opinion that Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte is the best person to take on the presidency while her father President Rodrigo Duterte would run for vice president in the 2022 polls.

“That’s the personal opinion of Secretary Panelo and we respect his opinion,” Roque said in a Palace press briefing.

In his televised talk show “Counterpoint” on Monday, Panelo said the next President should be able to continue the accomplishments made during the Duterte administration.

“Sa totoo lang (To be honest), there is no one in the political horizon whether in this administration nor in the position nor in the left na tao o dalawang tao na maaring mag-lead dito sa darating na 2022 sa pamamahala upang sundan yung mga apak ni Presidente Duterte maliban kay Mayor Sara Duterte at saka ang kaniyang ama rin bilang bise president (who can lead in 2022 that can follow the steps of the President besides Mayor Sara Duterte and her father as Vice President),” he said.

Panelo acknowledged that the President himself has repeatedly expressed his desire to retire from politics after his six-year term but noted that destiny may have other plans.

“You know when the gods of destiny rule that you are anointed as the next president of the land, wala kang magagawa dahil (there’s nothing you can do because) there will be people’s clamor,” he added.

Last September, Panelo also expressed his desire for the older Duterte to run for vice president if his daughter would run for presidency.

He recalled that the same situation happened in Davao City when Duterte and his daughter would run for mayor and vice mayor.

Duterte served as the vice mayor of Davao City when his daughter was the mayor from 2010 to 2013.

He has repeatedly mentioned his

ROQUE

intent on stepping down after his term since he is not aspiring to become “a politician forever.”

If given the choice, Duterte said he wanted to resign because he was frustrated by massive corruption within the government.

However, he vowed to spend the remaining two years of his term fighting corruption. (MNS)

5 Black Hawk choppers for PAF arrive from Poland

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Five of the 16 Polish-made Sikorsky S-70-i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters acquired for the Philippine Air Force have arrived in the Philippines, with another one expected to be delivered via sea next month. "Yes, the five arrived in Clark (Air base in Angeles City, Pampanga) aboard an Antonov heavy transport plane (An-124). The sixth was loaded on a ship that will arrive on Dec. 2," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a message to the Philippine News Agency late Monday.

The 16 helicopters, acquired from Polish company Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Sp.z.o.o, were manufactured under license from Sikorsky USA and had a contract price of USD241,461,699 (around PHP11.6 billion).

The project was procured through a government-to-government transaction with Poland. The negotiations were completed in 2019.

The acquisition of the Polish-made S-70i Black Hawk combat helicopters is part of Horizon 2 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (AFPMP).

The Antonov plane took off from Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, Poland on Nov. 7 and arrived at

Clark Air Base on Monday. "We will wait for the PAF to designate the commissioning date and unit whey will be assigned," he added.

Meanwhile, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the remaining 10 units of the Polish-made S-70i Black Hawks will be delivered early next year.

Andolong added that the S-70i will greatly boost the AFP's capability to conduct various operations, including combat missions, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response, and help in the government's efforts against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. (MNS)

UP says no entrance exam for next academic year due to COVID-19

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The University of the Philippines (UP) has decided it would not hold a college entrance examination for academic year 2021-2022, citing logistical problems posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The University Councils (UC) of UP's 8 constituent schools "unanimously voted NOT to administer UPCAT in light of logistical issues in the paper-and-pencil testing of about 100,000 17-year old applicants," according to a report published Tuesday on UP's official website, citing an October 30 memorandum from the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Majority of the UC members did not deem it feasible to administer the UPCAT, which involves around 1,600 testing personnel deployed to 94 testing centers throughout the country, according to UP.

The UC members did not consider administering an online entrance exam as well since the length of the exam and variety of items required strong Internet connection, UP added.

According to the report, the UP Board of Regents, the highest governing body in the UP System, instructed the Office of Admissions (OAdms) to come up with a modified freshmen admissions system responsive to the pandemic by February 2021. "This includes the use of big data analytics to arrive at a UP admission score model, which the OAdms, together with other concerned offices, is currently developing, as well as the determination by academic units of an additional layer of screening for particular programs, if deemed necessary," it added.

UP said the Office of Admissions moved the start of the application period to December 2020, noting that the exact date will be announced later.

The university advised applicants for Academic Year 2021 to 2022 to "watch for further announcements from the OAdms."

The admission test to the Philippines' premier state university is one of the country's most competitive college entrance exams, with just a small percentage of takers passing every year.

Several colleges and universities already waived entrance examinations this year due to the continued threat of COVID-19, and assessed applicants based on their high school grades instead. Other higher education institutions chose to hold online admissions tests. (MNS)

DAVAO ARCHBISHOP TO RETURN AS CBCP HEAD

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles will return as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on the last week of November.

In a circular released Wednesday, CBCP vice president Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said Valles has recovered well and ready to work again.

“I am happy to announce to you that the Archbishop of Davao and President of the CBCP, His Excellency Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles - who was temporarily incapacitated by a mild stroke in May 2020 - has recovered very well,” he said. "He has expressed his gratitude for all the prayers and moral support that his brother bishops have extended to him during the past few months of his recuperation.”

David said upon the approval of his doctors, Valles has expressed readiness to report back to work.

“Please be informed, therefore that after getting a clean bill of health from his doctors, Archbishop Valles has signified his readiness to resume office as our CBCP President,” he said.

Valles is set to preside the CBCP Permanent Council meeting online before the end of the month.

“He will already preside at our next CBCP Permanent Council meeting by Zoom, which is scheduled on November 25, 2020. As Vice-President.

I assured him that I would stay by his side and continue to assist him in whatever way I can,” the Catholic prelate added.

He reminded that “All communications with the Office of the CBCP President may now be redirected to Archbishop Romulo Valles.”

David was appointed by Valles as acting president of the CBCP on July 17 after he suffered a mild stroke in May.

“During those months of his absence, Archbishop Valles had appointed the undersigned. Bishop of Kalookan and current CBCP Vice-President, to temporarily assume the role of Acting President for the CBCP, as provided for by our statutes. The appointment ends as soon as Archbishop Valles is ready to resume his office as President,” David added. (MNS)

De Lima questions why Aguirre was spared from pastillas scheme raps

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senator Leila De Lima on Monday questioned why former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II was spared from the criminal complaint fi led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against 86 immigration personnel allegedly involved in the pastillas scheme. "The Pastillas Scheme ladder cannot go only as high as the former BI ports operations chief

from such probe, for some reason, or orders from higher-ups?" De Lima asked. "Nakakapagtaka nga naman na kung sa akin na wala ni gahiblang ebidensya kung hindi mga testimonya ng mga pusakal sa Bilibid ay pinakulong ni Duterte dahil protektor nga daw ako ng Bilibid drug trade, bakit itong si Aguirre ay tila yata ligtas na ligtas sa lantarang gawain ng BI Pastillas syndicate," the detained senator added. De Lima further asked if the convicted drug lords in Bilibid who testifi ed against her are more credible than Tulfo who was also an ally of the President. "Bakit yata biglang tumaas ang standards ng DOJ sa mga testigo?" she said. "The DOJ cannot just give Aguirre a free pass, and instead seriously probe and prosecute him, the way that they continued to prosecute DE LIMA AGUIRRE me after Aguirre has passed on to DOJ the fabricated casMarc Red Mariñas," De Lima said in a statement. es fi led against me," she added.

During a recent Senate hearing, Mariñas was De Lima claimed that Aguirre may be an "untagged as the ringleader of the pastillas group touchable" because he knows a lot about Duterte's which is allegedly collecting bribes from Chinese alleged crimes: "Mga krimeng katulad ng hindi high-rollers and off shore gaming workers. pagtugis ng DOJ sa mga tunay na drug lords at

Mariñas was appointed to the BI position by mga vigilanteng pulis na mga sangkot sa EJKs, Aguirre. at ang pagsampa ng mga pekeng kaso sa mga

In the course of the same Senate investigation, kalaban ni Duterte na katulad ko." Aguirre was linked by media practitioner Ra- Senator Risa Hontiveros, who leads the probe mon Tulfo to the pastillas scheme—an accusation on pastillas scheme, said Aguirre is still a "person shrugged off by the former DOJ chief as merely of interest" in the search for protector of alleged fueled by Tulfo's personal vendetta. pastillas masterminds. "Didn’t the NBI also investigate former Justice Aguirre, in response, accused Hontiveros of Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, whom column- "witch-hunting" and going on a "fi shing expediist Mon Tulfo openly tagged during the Senate tion" against him as he underscored that there hearings as the alleged protector of the BI Pas- is no evidence connecting him to the bribery tillas syndicate? Or was he purposely spared scheme. (MNS)

Duterte approves National Vaccine Roadmap

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Palace confi rmed on Monday, November 9, the approval of the National Task Force’s (NTF) Philippine National Vaccine Roadmap by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr, who discussed details of the vaccine roadmap in his press briefi ng, said that the roadmap is in preparation for the vaccine.

Meanwhile, while the whole world awaits for the vaccine, the Palace spokesperson has a reminder to the public. “Samantala po alalahanin po natin yung hinihingi ng ating Presidente: mask, hugas, iwas. Dahil ang gusto natin umabot tayo sa paglabas ng bakuna,” underscored Roque.

Referring to the approved national vaccine roadmap, the Palace offi cial said that the most important consideration is safety followed by effi cacy, sensitivity, and cost and complexities of the supply chain requirements. Other considerations include access for clinical trials and regions/local production and distribution, complexities on the ground preparation and implementation, and world supply and demand on vaccines.

The Philippine National Vaccine Roadmap has seven important stages as discussed by Sec. Roque, which will have corresponding government agencies as lead. Stage 1, which is also the most critical, is the scientifi c evaluation and selection that the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) are heading.

The access and acquisition, which will guarantee access to the vaccines, is being spearheaded by the Department of Foreign Aff airs (DFA) and the Department of Finance (DOF). Procurement will be done by the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PSDBM) and the DOF. Procurement, shipment, and storage will also be handled by the PSDBM and the Task Group Resource Management and Logistics (TGRML) of the NTF.

Distribution and deployment of the vaccine will be handled by the PSDBM and TGRML. Stage 6 is the implementation and nationwide vaccination will have the DOH as lead agency in cooperation with national government agencies, local government units, among others. The last stage is assessment, evaluation, and monitoring, which will be done by the DOH, DOST, and the University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health.

The vaccine roadmap is expected to be implemented this year. According to the vaccine roadmap, the Philippines will have several options or decision points in terms of vaccine selection and access and options to obtaining the vaccine.

In vaccine selection, decision points will include safety and effi cacy, single dose versus two doses, the varying temperature needed for the cold chain facility, and whether it will be single source or multi-source.

Meanwhile, access and options to obtaining the vaccine will consider our enrolment to the COVAX Facility with eight leading vaccine manufacturers, bilateral deals with the government and with vaccine companies, tripartite agreement between the government, private sector, and private company supported by another government, and multilateral modalities like pooled purchase.

Roque also mentioned the priorIn the same press briefi ng, Mr. Yerik Cosiquen, President and CEO of ORCA Cold Chain Solution, assured that their company, if needed, is prepared to provide cold chain storage for the anti-COVID-19 vaccines as they already have the facility and proven distribution process and experience in handling vaccines. (MNS)

IN-HOME CAREGIVERS: ARE YOU PAID OVERTIME?

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

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

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

Unfortunately, in actual practice, most caregivers receive far less than the applicable minimum wage, often earning as little as $180 to $240 per day. A 24-hour caregiver who is earning less than $378.00 per day likely has a very valuable claim for wage theft.

For example, if you are a caregiver working 24-hours per day, 5 days per week for a salary of $1,100 per week (or $220 per day), your weekly unpaid overtime claim is calculated as follows: Your weekly salary of $1,100 is divided by 45 hours to calculate a regular rate of pay, equal to $24.44 per hour. Your overtime rate is 1.5 times your regular rate of pay, which amounts to $36.66 per hour. Your pre-determined salary does not compensate you, at all, for the 15 daily overtime hours you work. So, each day, you accrue $550.00 of unpaid overtime wages. Employers, who willfully fail to pay an employee the requisite overtime compensation, are also subject to liquidated damages, which could add an additional $180.00 per day to the wage theft claim. Plus, the law provides for

interest, attorneys fees, and penalties.

In the above example, the hypothetical caregiver is owed $2,750 in unpaid overtime wages per week. On a yearly basis, the overtime claim alone exceeds $140,000. We have helped many caregivers whose claims exceed $500,000 in damages with the addition of penalties, liquidated damages and interest, after working for several years.

Caregivers, who are victims of wage theft, may recover their unpaid wages going back 4 years from the date a lawsuit is filed in court. We have helped many caregivers file claims against their former employers. Even if you last worked several years ago, you still have time to pursue a claim. The one exception is if the care recipient patient has passed away. In that instance, a claim against the care recipient’s estate must be filed within 1 year of their passing, or sooner if an estate has been opened.

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

If you are a caregiver working 24-hour shifts without overtime compensation, we want to talk with you about your legal rights. We provide compassionate and confidential consultations. Please contact us at (818) 807-4168, for a free case evaluation.

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

'Ulysses' fl oods affect 74K residents of Central Luzon

WRATH OF 'ULYSSES'. Various fruit-bearing trees and pieces of galvanized iron sheets are seen scattered on a property in Barangay San Nicolas, Gapan City after heavy rains and winds brought by Typhoon Ulysses pummelled Nueva Ecija on Thursday (Nov. 12, 2020). The howler caused fl ooding and displacement in Central Luzon, aff ecting thousands of residents. (PNA photo by Zorayda Tecson) CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA – Some 18,874 families or 73,945 individuals in several areas of Central Luzon were affected by floods caused by heavy to intense rains brought about by Typhoon Ulysses starting Wednesday night to Thursday afternoon.

Based on the latest report of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Field Office 3, the affected residents came from the provinces of Bulacan, Bataan, Pampanga, Zambales, and Aurora.

In Bulacan, some 17,070 families or 68,242 persons were affected by the floods that submerged low-lying areas in the province. Some 113 displaced families or 359 individuals are in various evacuation centers.

In Aurora, there are some 1,235 families or 3,881 persons affected as continuous moderate to heavy rains inundated low-lying towns. A total of 1,067 families or 3,389 residents stayed in various evacuation centers in the province.

In Bataan, some 378 families or 1,233 persons were displaced as floods hit the coastal towns.

Meanwhile, a total of 180 families or 543 residents were transferred to various evacuation centers in Pampanga.

In Zambales, 11 families or 46 individuals were likewise displaced by the typhoon.

The DSWD-3 has stockpiled some PHP1.11 million worth of family food packs in its regional and satellite warehouses in the region for distribution to the affected families. (PNA)

DOH eyes exemption of COVID-19 vaccines from law vs. advance payment

MANILA (Mabuhay) — To ensure quick access, the Department of Health (DOH) is eyeing to secure exemption of COVID-19 vaccines from a provision in the Procurement Law that bans advance payment, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Wednesday.

“We are bound by the Procurement Law on [prohibition on] advance payment, and we have sought the assistance of the Office of the President for a direction, for a special exemption on not giving advance payment until the orders are here under RA 9184,” Vergeire said at an online forum.

“Many of vaccine manufacturers and other partners we are negotiating with are requiring advance payment kaya ginagawan natin ng paraan na magkaroon ng exemption because of this pandemic,” she added.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said that his administration will be securing a $300-million loan for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines.

The most advanced of all vaccine candidates is the one developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, which has been found 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 during Phase 3 of the clinical trials.

Storing the said vaccine, however, is another challenge since it needs to be kept at -70 degrees Celsius (-94F) or below, given that it is using a new technology identified as synthetic mRNA needed to activate the immune system against the virus.

In the Philippines, only China's Sinovac has been able to secure approval from the vaccine experts panel so far. Sinovac would still need approvals from the Ethics Board and the Food and Drug Administration before it can proceed with Phase 3 of its clinical trials in the country.

Other vaccine manufacturers which seek to sell COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines would also need the approval of the vaccine experts panel, the Ethics Board and the Ethics Board and the FDA before they the FDA before they can sell their product here. President Duterte earlier said that those in class ABC can buy their own COVID-19 vaccine since the government will only pay for the vaccines of the poor and other vulnerable sectors. (MNS)

Año eyes Danao as next Metro Manila top cop

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday said he is considering Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao, Jr. to be the next top cop of Metro Manila.

“Ang NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) ay idi-deliberate pa pero ang nire-recomend na papalit kay Gen. (Debold) Sinas ay si Brig. Gen. Vic Danao na manggagaling sa Region 4-A. Yes, matutuloy na yan (We have yet to deliberate on who is heading to NCRPO but it was recommended that the replacement of Gen. Debold Sinas is Brig. Gen. Vic Danao who comes from Region 4-A. Yes, that would push through),” Año said in a radio interview.

This came as President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Sinas as the new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, replacing Gen. Camilo Cascolan.

Danao is currently the chief of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 4-A (Calabarzon) and served as a former director of the Manila Police District.

Meanwhile, Año also said the marching order of President Rodrigo Duterte to Sinas is to further intensify the crackdown on illegal drugs, criminality, insurgency, and terrorism.

“Yan ‘yung tagubilin ng ating Pangulo. Natapos ‘yung aming command conference ay natapos at 1 a.m. at dalawa ang pinagdiinan ng ating Pangulo. Itong laban sa illegal na droga at laban sa CPP-NPANDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines). Pinagdiinan talaga ng Pangulo yan (That is the order from the President. Our command conference ended at 1 a.m. and the President insisted on two things: the fight against illegal drugs and the fight against the CPP-NPA-NDF. The President emphasized that) and I would expect General Sinas to serve no less),” he said.

Año said he also expects Sinas to set the standard in terms of performance, professionalism, and discipline among police officers. "There must be no room for scalawags,” he added.

He, meanwhile, added the case against Sinas and several other officers of the NCRPO over his mañanita birthday celebration in May has no implication on his appointment.

“Wala naman siguro kasi separate naman yun. Ang kaso naman ay naisampa at ito ay under preliminary investigation so hindi pa ito umabot sa korte kaya hindi pa masasabi na ito ay isang pending case. Ito ay isang violation sa Bayanihan to Heal as One Act at saka violation ng ordinansa ng (I don't think so because it is a separate matter. The case has been filed and is now under preliminary investigation so it has yet to reach the court so we cannot really say it is a pending case. This is a violation sa Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and a violation of an ordinance of) Taguig,” he said.

He added that the President has the absolute discretion and authority to choose the next PNP chief. "Hindi niya kailangan mag-explain. Kapag sinabi niya (He doesn't need to explain. If he says), my trust and confidence are with this person, let's give that person a chance,” he added.

Sinas and 18 other police officers face criminal charges before the Taguig prosecutor’s office for violating City Ordinance No. 12 of Taguig City, which requires the wearing of masks in public, and Republic Act 11332, or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public

BRIG. GEN. VICENTE DANAO, JR.

Health Concern Act.

Duterte earlier vouched for Sinas saying if he knew about the plan, he will immediately call it off.

Sinas, who hails from Butuan City, is an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Hinirang Class of 1987.

Before his appointment as Metro Manila police chief in October 2019, he also served as director of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7), deputy regional director for administration of the PRO 12 (Soccsksargen), and director of the PNP Crime Laboratory.

He will serve as the head of the police force until May 2021. (MNS)

Ex-poll offi cial backs pilot test of mail-in voting for seniors

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines can run a pilot project on mail-in voting among senior citizens, a former poll official said Tuesday, amid concerns it can lead to massive cheating in the 2022 elections.

Former Commission on Elections commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said mail-in voting for senior citizens amid the COVID-19 pandemic was ideal and could be done in areas with low-level political conflict.

“It addresses the security concern of some legislators and some advocates but also pushes forward the concept of mail-in voting for senior citizens,” he said. "Do it in a province you can monitor easily. Study what are the good and bad things that came out of it. Then do a bigger rollout in 2025,” he added.

Comelec had been conducting absentee voting but only for migrant workers, members of the media and law enforcers selecting candidates for national positions.

Larrazabal also expressed reservations that state-owned Philippine Postal Corp. (PhilPost) would be involved in such system, similar to the recent US general elections where the US Postal Service handled the mail-in balloting.

“Many of us have had bad experiences with the post office. I know a lot of good guys there but as a whole there have been a lot of concerns about how the postal service handles your mail in packages and if those concerns are already with your mail, how much more for the ballots?”

The former poll official believed that mail-in voting could be implemented in the country if sufficient safeguards were in place.

“I know a lot of Comelec field personnel. I’ve worked with many of them, almost all. I know they can do it, but you have to give them the right tools to make sure it’s done right,” he said.

“What does this mean? Do it early. Ask their opinion as to how to make sure to minimize fraud. You make sure that there are sufficient resources to implement that.” are sufficient resources to implement that.” Senate Committee on Electoral Reform chair Imee Marcos in October filed a bill seeking to allow elderly, pregnant, disabled and indigenous Filipinos to vote by mail. However, Senate President Vicente Sotto III rejected the proposal, saying the scheme is prone to cheating. Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Stella District Rep. Stella Quimbo also filed a Quimbo also filed a similar measure similar measure in September in September in light of the in light of the COVID-19 COVID-19 pandemic. pandemic. (MNS)

ROBREDO LAWYER SEES COLLUSION BETWEEN MARCOS, CALIDA IN POLL PROTEST

MANILA (Mabu- he filed his own hay) — A lawyer motion. Again, for Vice Presi- you will have to dent Leni Ro- ask the SolGen bredo on Tues- how that came day said he sees about," the fora "collusion" mer senator said. between former Marañon, for senator Ferdi- his part, also nand "Bong- raised that the bong" Marcos, OSG had "abanJr. and Solicitor doned" its client, General Jose the Commission Calida in Mar- on Elections, to cos' election protest before the ROBREDO MARCOS "favor" Marcos over the shading Supreme Court. threshold issue

Lawyer Emil Marañon said the vice president's in the protest two years ago. legal team plans to question the "very abnor- Taking the same stance as Marcos, the OSG mal" and "very suspicious" participation of the in 2018 backed the 50-percent threshold in degovernment's chief lawyer in what he said was termining how the contested ballots will be supposed to be a private suit between Marcos counted. Robredo was pushing for a 25-perand Robredo. cent threshold. The SC, sitting as the Presiden-

Marcos sought the inhibition of Associate Jus- tial Electoral Tribunal, eventually set aside the tice Marvic Leonen from proceedings in the 50-percent threshold. four-year-old protest on Monday, alleging the Marañon said these actions led them to quesjustice has delayed the case and shown bias tion the OSG's impartiality. against the Marcos family. "And actually his action of being actively par-

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) filed ticipating in this case when supposedly a protest its own motion, raising similar arguments, case is a private suit between the Vice President hours later. and Bongbong Marcos, there’s no government

Marañon said it was "physically impossible" agency involved here, so bakit siya nakikisawfor the OSG to have prepared its own motion to saw sa kaso ng Vice President natin po?" he said. inhibit and filed it on the same day that Marcos Marcos has been challenging Robredo's elecdid. tion win since 2016, alleging poll fraud. Robre"But 'yung punto natin po [is] the apparent do's term ends in 2022. collusion, as submitted by Mr. Marcos earlier The former senator claimed that Leonen siton, is very apparent po sa action ng Solicitor ting as the justice-in-charge means the case will General. He’s coming in as the Tribune of the be delayed until it becomes moot. People supposedly, but ang tanong namin po, Robredo's camp has countered that Marcos bakit doon po siya kumakampi sa natalo, 'yung has lost twice -- first in the elections and again ni-reject ng taumbayan?" the lawyer said. in the recount of ballots from three provinces, "Bakit hindi po doon sa nanalo kung totoong in which Robredo's lead widened by some 15,000 Tribune of the People po siya? Ang tanong nam- votes -- and argued the protest should already in po, baka tribune of Mr. Marcos po si Solicitor be dismissed. General Calida po," he added. They have also dared Marcos to stop acting

He said Marcos and Calida raised similar ar- like a "spoiled brat" -- a statement that the son guments and even submitted "similarly worded" of the late president Ferdinand Marcos said is sentences. a "personal insult" that he has grown used to.

Marcos, on the other hand, has claimed he has "When you have grown tired of descendnot discussed his election protest with Calida, ing into the gutter with your personal insults, who campaigned for him in 2016. when you have run out of things to say, please "We have not been in any kind of communi- answer my motion. You can call me any name cation with the SolGen's office. I’m sure that the you want, you can call me anything you want, SolGen is perfectly capable of acquiring a copy, but at the end of it, answer my motion," Marcos so I’m sure he was able to read our motion before said. (MNS)

DOJ official says deaths in recent Bilibid riots 'inexcusable'

MANILA (Mabuhay) — A Department of Justice (DOJ) official on Wednesday described as "inexcusable" the deaths of 13 inmates in two recent incidents of gang violence inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

“Yes, 13 deaths are too many. Even one death is not excusable. No death is excusable,” DOJ Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar said.

A recent riot between members of two rival gangs left four inmates dead and 62 others injured -- an incident that took place exactly a month after nine were killed in similar gang-related violence inside the national penitentiary.

Aglipay-Villar said DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra has already ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to look into the matter.

Initial reports from the Bureau of Corrections claim that the riots stemmed from the rivalry between two warring gangs, Sigue-Sigue Sputnik and Sigue Sigue Commando.

Aglipay-Villar said the leadership of BuCor, led by Director General Gerald Bantag and his deputy, Gabriel Chaclag, should explain “how this happened,” referring to the two riots.

“After the October 9 riot, BuCor conducted Oplan Galugad to try to get all improvised weapons that the PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) managed to make. However, it seems that was not effective with the guns fired this week,” she said.

In the long term, Aglipay-Villar said there should be more custodial personnel to look after inmates at the NBP to prevent riots.

“Riots tend to easily escalate and deaths happen as we have seen because of congestion of the prison and the custodial personal to PDL ratio,” she said.

She said the facility's 29,500 PDLs greatly outnumber its custodial personnel.

“The ratio is one custodial personnel to 60 prisoners. The recommended number in the law is one is to 7. We really need to hire more custodial personnel,” Aglipay-Villar said. (MNS)

Duterte to tackle COVID response, sea dispute at ASEAN meet — Palace

MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte will participate in an online summit of world leaders from November 12 to 15 to share his views on COVID-19 response, South China Sea issue, and other international developments, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Duterte will take part in the 37th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits to be hosted by Vietnam, the chairperson of the 10-nation regional bloc for this year.

Some members of his Cabinet, including Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista will join Duterte in the online summit.

“The President will exchange views with his counterparts on the region’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, future direction of ASEAN community building, and regional and international developments,” the Palace said through the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs.

“He will advance Philippine positions on public health emergencies cooperation, regional economic integration, migrant workers’ rights, climate change, disaster risk reduction management, counter-terrorism, and the South China Sea issue,” it added.

At the 36th ASEAN Summit in June, Duterte urged the region to strengthen its capacity to address future infectious diseases outbreaks through research and capacity-building on health technology development.

He also welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN Response Fund for COVID-19.

Likewise, the President said at the time that terrorism, transnational crimes, and natural calamities could undermine the security and development of ASEAN, one of the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic regions before the pandemic hit early this year.

Southeast Asian leaders will have a plenary session on Thursday to be followed by ASEAN’s meetings with the region’s dialogue partners, including China, Japan, South Korea, and India, as well as the ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit.

Vietnam is also expected to transfer the ASEAN chairmanship to Brunei at the closing ceremony on November 15. (MNS)

More than 14M beneficiaries get SAP 2 aid

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday said it has breached the 14-million mark of its target beneficiaries for the second tranche of the social amelioration program (SAP 2).

For SAP 2, DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the agency provided aid to 14,117,957 beneficiaries.

“Over 14 million na ang nabigyan [ng SAP 2] (We have recorded over 14 million beneficiaries who received their aid already),” Dumlao said in an interview, adding the agency also kicked off the distribution of the emergency subsidy program under the Bayanihan 2.

DSWD Undersecretary for Special Concerns Camilo Gudmalin, in a virtual press briefer, appealed to the remaining qualified family-beneficiaries to coordinate with DSWD's field offices to facilitate the release of their long-overdue grants.

He added that payouts are still ongoing for other beneficiaries.

Due to the missing and/or incorrect personal information such as contact numbers, middle names, and birthdays filled out by some beneficiaries, their cash assistance was not delivered on time.

DSWD’s financial institution partners have requested complete and correct information to process their transactions, Gudmalin said.

“DSWD appeals to beneficiaries who are yet to receive their cash aid to check with your respective regional office so they can track the reasons why yours were delayed,” he said in the vernacular.

The 11 areas covered by SAP 2 are Region 3 (Central Luzon) except Aurora province, National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Benguet, Pangasinan, Iloilo, province of Cebu, Bacolod City, Davao City, the province of Albay and Zamboanga City.

The “Bayanihan to Heal As One” Act has given the national government powers to provide emergency subsidies to low-income families.

The Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 of 2020 states that the subsidy shall amount to a minimum of PHP5,000 to a maximum of PHP8,000 a month for two months to provide for basic food, medicine, and toiletries. (MNS)

PRRD grateful for sustained PH-Japan ties under Haneda’s stint

MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday thanked outgoing Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda on his successful tour of duty, saying the Philippines and Japan enjoyed “sustained” high-level exchanges under his stint.

In a statement from the Office of the President (OP), Duterte conferred on Haneda the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Gold Distinction.

He thanked Haneda’s valuable contributions in strengthening and deepening the strategic partnership and overall bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan since he assumed the post in 2017.

“During Ambassador Haneda’s tenure, the Philippines and Japan enjoyed sustained high-level exchanges. President Duterte undertook four official visits to Japan since 2016, while former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo visited the Philippines twice in 2017,” the OP said.

Abe was the first head of state to visit the country after Duterte assumed office in 2016.

Under Haneda’s stint, the OP said Manila and Tokyo likewise enhanced their cooperation in infrastructure, education, transportation, maritime security, emergency assistance, and trade and investments.

“Japan remains a major partner of the administration’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program and a key supporter of the Mindanao peace process, ongoing transition President Rodrigo Roa Duterte confers the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu on outgoing Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Koji Haneda who paid a farewell call on the President at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on November 10, 2020. (MNS photo) to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and rehabilitation of Marawi City,” it added.

Duterte likewise conveyed his appreciation for Japan’s generous and consistent support in the Philippines’ fight against the prevailing pandemic through aid in emergency response and economic recovery efforts and the Philippines’ inclusion in the clinical trials of Avigan as a potential treatment for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Haneda reaffirmed the value of the Philippines-Japan strategic partnership while citing gains made in stronger cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, maritime domain awareness, countryside development, and the peace process in Mindanao. He thanked Duterte for all the assistance as policy guidance supported through Cabinet secretaries and vowed to always be a "true friend of the Philippines."

Haneda also recalled his many warm memories and the great strides achieved by the Philippines since he began his foreign service career, which started with his first foreign posting in Manila and ended likewise in the Philippines.

Last July, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Haneda exchanged diplomatic notes on the 50-billion Japanese yen (approximately PHP23.13 billion) loan assistance package extended by the Japanese government to support the Philippines’ Covid-19 emergency response, as well as related social protection, relief, and economic recovery stimulus measures.

The Covid-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan is to be co-financed by the Asian Development Bank’s Covid-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support program, as well as other development partners.

Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Motegi Toshimitsu had personally affirmed his country’s commitment to extending this assistance to Locsin in their telephone discussion on May 22.

The package is consistent with Japan’s pledge to assist the Philippines and the larger Asean region in recovering from the impact of Covid-19, and building public health and economic resilience against future such emergencies.

Japan has been the Philippines’ top official development assistance partner for decades.

Drilon: Anti-insurgency fund would be enough to pay for COVID-19 vaccines

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Finance (DOF) has issued a circular extending to Dec. 19, 2020 the payment of all local taxes, fees, and charges imposed by local government units (LGUs) with deadlines falling on or after Sept. 14 this year in compliance with the provisions of Republic Act 11494, or the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act (Bayanihan 2).

Under Department Circular (DC) No. 003-2020 issued by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, the counting of the period within which to pay local taxes, fees, and charges are also suspended until Dec. 19, 2020, including the period for the redemption of real properties sold or forfeited at public auction.

“In the event that an LGU had already extended the deadlines prior to the effectivity of RA 11494, such deadlines, if earlier than 19 December 2020, shall be deemed modified with the period set forth herein. Any further extension of deadlines beyond 19 December 2020 shall be authorized in accordance with the provision of RA 7160,” the circular states.

RA 7160 is the Local Government Code.

As a result of the mandatory extension of these payment limits, no interest, surcharge or any form of penalties shall be applied on any local tax, fee, or charge accruing on or due and demandable during the period covering such deadlines, the DC also states.

As for local tax delinquencies before the effectivity of Bayanihan 2 on Sept. 15, all payments shall be due and demandable upon the expiration of the Dec. 19 deadline.

All applicable interests, penalties, and surcharges will begin to run again, if due and demandable, after the lapse of the effectivity of Bayanihan 2 on Dec. 19, the DC said.

The DC was issued by Dominguez to provide guidelines on the uniform implementation by LGUs of Section 4 (tt) of the Bayanihan 2 Law, which provides for stretching the statutory deadlines and timelines for the filing and submission of any document, the payment of taxes, fees and other charges required by law, and the grant of any benefit.

This provision under Bayanihan 2 aims to ease the burden on individuals and enterprises affected by the severe disruption of economic activities resulting from the stringent community quarantines that the national and local governments have imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Under DC 003-2020, the local treasurers were instructed to coordinate with LGU officials to actively inform taxpayers of these mandatory extensions and

DRILON

to reconfigure the electronic information systems used by local governments for the assessment and computation of such local taxes, fees, and charges covered by the Circular.

Local treasurers were also directed to defer activities related to administrative or judicial action for the enforcement and/or collection of local taxes, fees, or charges until the lapse of the effectivity of the Bayanihan 2 Law.

They were likewise directed to enable the use of electronic or non face-to-face payment facilities so that taxpayers who will still opt to pay early may be continuously accommodated by the LGU to ensure physical distancing.

The LGU treasurers were ordered to work on the immediate adoption of these digital facilities.

DC 003-2020 directed LGU treasurers to advise their respective local chief executives on matters concerning the grant of further incentives and/or privileges to taxpayers and business establishments, particularly those extending assistance and providing essential services for Covid-19 response.

It directed the Bureau of Local Government Finance, meanwhile, to monitor the compliance of all local treasurers with these directives and to extend to them the technical assistance they need to implement this circular. (MNS)

Deadline for payments of local taxes, fees extended to Dec. 19

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Tuesday said the Philippine government would not need to borrow $9 billion from the World Bank to buy COVID-19 vaccines if the country's anti-insurgency fund were realigned for the purpose.

In a message, the senator said that the fund would suffice to cover the initial immunization target of the executive branch. "[COVID-19 national task force chief Carlito] Galvez said government intends to buy an initial 50 million doses of vaccines for 25 million Filipinos. That means 2 doses per person. At US$5 [per] dose, or US$10 for 2 doses, that's US$250 million or P12.5 billion needed to immunize 25 million Filipinos," Drilon said. "The anti-insurgency fund for 2021 is P19 billion. We do not have to borrow," he added.

The minority leader gave this opinion after Galvez, who was also appointed COVID-19 vaccine czar, said that the government is considering borrowing up to $9 billion (P435 billion) from the World Bank for the advance procurement of COVID-19 vaccines.

Drilon previously said he is amenable to retain the P19-billion proposed budget for the anti-insurgency task force, on the condition that it be used for projects that would be responsive to the actual needs of communities.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict fund should focus on COVID-19 and calamity response, as well as "ayuda" and construction of housing units, he added.

Senate Finance Committee chairperson Sonny Angara, meanwhile, said P18 billion was earmarked for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines under the 2021 budget—P10 billion of which will be lodged under unprogrammed appropriations.

He, nonetheless, acknowledged that the executive branch is in the best position to determine if a World Bank loan is needed for the Philippines to secure enough COVID-19 vaccines. "Kung sa tingin na nila mayroon nang chance avaialable before 2021, why not? Kasi baka agawaan 'yan eh," Angara said in an online interview. "Kung may funding source naman sila for 2020... maaaring may savings naman sila that would answer for it, that's even better because it will free up funds in 2021 or it may extend the coverage of those who can avail of the vaccine." (MNS)

SMC, LGUs to build bike lanes out of recycled plastic

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Almost a year after it first built and started testing the country’s first asphalt road made with post-consumer plastic waste, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is eyeing the next phase of its plan to widen the application of the environment-friendly material by building bicycle lanes made of recycled plastics in partner cities and provinces.

SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang said the company is looking to work with technology partners and local governments willing to put up dedicated bike lanes to accommodate cyclists whose numbers have risen due to quarantine and transportation restrictions brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) global pandemic starting with its home base in Mandaluyong.

“It has almost been a year since we started our plastic road initiative and so far, our pilot site has held up very well. It’s in our logistics facility -- used heavily every day by large vehicles with heavy loads. Very soon, I think we can graduate it for light public use, specifically, for bicycle lanes,” Ang said in a news release on Monday.

Ang said the company hopes to apply the technology more widely someday, particularly for public use on roads, but development is still considered to be in the early stages, considering the need for continuous testing to determine its long-term viability.

SMC, which itself recently launched a program to help provide bicycles for employees and extended workforce across its facilities, said that while biking to work has now become a more viable alternative mode of transportation for many Filipinos, there is a need to make road conditions safer for people on bicycles.

“Because of social distancing and restrictions on transportation, more of our countrymen are now biking to work. It promotes health and fitness, lessens pollution and provides a costfree way to get to one’s destination, and has also been embraced by many LGUS who have set special bike lanes on roads,” Ang said. “Our roads are not designed with cyclists in mind. What we hope to do is work with LGUs and technology partners to come up with solutions for people on bikes that are safe and cost-efficient.”

Since 2017, SMC has been known to initiate high-impact sustainability initiatives, including in helping address plastic waste. That year, it announced the discontinuation of its plastic bottled water business in favor of its sustainability goals.

In November 2019, the company, together with project partner Dow Philippines announced its first recycled plastics road initiative, built on a 1,500 square meter pilot test area at its logistics center in Gen. Trias, Cavite. Some 900 kilos of plastic waste were used as a binder, together with bitumen, in producing the asphalt.

Recently, SMC also announced that it would be buying up plastic wastes from assemblers and LGUs to process and use as fuels at its cement facilities, in a bid to lessen dependence on fossil fuels. (MNS)

NEDA: 1/5 of NCR workers unable to go to work in September due to lack of public transpo

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Over 20% of workers in the National Capital Region (NCR) were unable to go to work in September due to the lack of public transportation during the month, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported Tuesday.

Data released by the NEDA showed that 58.2% of workers were allowed to resume work in September, but public transportation could only accommodate 35.5% due to social distancing rules and lower operating turnout, leaving 22.7% of workers in the metropolis unable to go to work. "[T]he public transportation was restricted. This prevented many Filipinos from leaving their homes and reporting for work even if their industries are allowed to operate," Acting NEDA Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said at a virtual briefing.

Metro Manila was under general community quarantine (GCQ) for the full month of September, as recommended by the Metro Manila Council made up of the 17 political units in the area.

Meanwhile, select modes of public transportation reopened on June 1, albeit on a limited basis capped at 30% under a two-phased approach.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), for its part, issued guidelines to increase public transport capacity with a combination of a faster turnaround, service contracting, and social distancing such as the "one seat apart" rule.

Provincial buses resumed operations on September 30, still in compliance with national health safety standards.

The country's main railways — the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3), the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1), and the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT2), and the Philippine National Railways (PNR) — also increased their current maximum capacity to 30% in October, from the previous range of 13 to 18%. "As the government pursues efforts to avoid virus surges while easing restrictions on businesses and transportation, the economic team is hopeful that Congress will do its part to help the economy bounce back faster by passing the pending recovery bills within the year," said Chua.

Among the pending recovery bills being pushed by NEDA are the 2021 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, the Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiative to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery (GUIDE) Act, and the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (FIST) Act. (MNS)

Entertainment

What made Enchong Dee, Jasmine Curtis-Smith accept roles in risky 'Alter Me'

Speaking with the entertainment press, Curtis-Smith said they are fortunate that as their filmmaking was progressing, so was their relationship off -camera.

“How we feel about our friendship is so similar kasi we started not knowing each other working on this film and the friendship developed. When you’re able to take away a friendship from a project and maintain it, ibig sabihin totoo. Kasi sometimes we say it, ‘Uy catch up tayo ha or let’s hangout,’ but it never happens. It’s nice kasi may added value to your life more than just doing work,” she said.

Based on its two-minute trailer, the fi lm follows Aimee, an HR manager who seeks the mentorship of Uno, a coveted escort, to better connect with other people and her own emotions.

When asked what made them agree to do the project given that it used the “alter world” as the backdrop for a love story, Dee said: “For the longest time, I’ve been looking for a role that is very sexy, risky, something that’s more in touch with his sexual self. Hindi naman sa wala pero kapag parang may dumadating, parang it’s not something that I am looking for. Nung dumating si direk RC (delos Reyes), he got me at hello.”

“To be fair, nabasa din naman namin 'yung script before having a meeting. I am just happy because nakuha ko 'yung gusto kong kwento, 'yung character and sobrang bonus kasi the people that I’ve worked with are talented, very forward thinking, brave. I am very happy especially with my leading lady,” he added.

Curtis-Smith, for her part, said that when she reads scripts, she is always on the lookout for something that will stand by whatever statement the movie is boldly making.

“I felt na at this point, I need to be conscious about the scenes I can off er sa mga directors mo, producers. You can’t always restrict yourself. I needed to cross that bridge din na, okay am I someone who will always be so conservative with my choices of fi lms or roles?” she said.

“I think it was also one those things na this is the perfect fi lm to explore that and try that because it’s enough for what it needs in the story and at the same time for me as an actor, I am not scaring myself too much. It’s just enough of a scare to make me want to get that thrill and feel it. I like to do fi lms that are, ‘Tama ba ito? Tama bang ginawa ko ito?’” she added.

Meanwhile, delos Reyes shared that during the development stage of the story, he and his screenwriter wanted to play with the idea of connections in telling a modern love story.

“The best way to play it is JASMINE CURTIS-SMITH & ENCHONG DEE

siyempre in the advent of technology, social media. Ngayon, it’s easy to create our own world in the internet. With that, naging setting for these two characters ni Aimee and Uno to meet up. But what’s most important is how they meet up and try to connect with themselves in the real world. Kumbaga, the online alter world is a setting,” he said.

Has it always been the plan to release “Alter Me” on Netfl ix?

“Obviously we didn’t expect naman na pandemic. Like with any other movies, hindi talaga naman namin intended na diretso straight to Netfl ix. Siyempre as a fi lmmaker and with my producers also, talaga namang iba pa rin kapag pinakita mo siya sa big screen. But we are very thankful that Netfl ix made it a Netfl ix fi lm and will not only be shown here but across Asia,” delos Reyes said.

“Alter Me” is slated to premiere on November 15 on Netfl ix across Asia. The movie is co-produced by Viva Films and Ten17P. (MNS)

Heart Evangelista glad to get along well with her mother-in-law

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Heart Evangelista has been married to Sorsogon Governor Chiz Escudero for fi ve years now and one of the things she is proud of is her relationship with her mother-in-law. Evangelista said she and Escudero’s mom get along well because she shows how much she appreciates and respects her.

“I understand na nakakainis siguro for others. But of course they're older. Of course you know, they want to feel that they're still in charge of everything... "But that's why you just always have to make sure that you make them feel like you respect them, like, 'Oh, that's great, Tita! That's so nice!'” she said. "Parang, you know, you appreciate their say and then there's no competi- HEART EVANGELISTA tion. And what's a few days or a few hours or a few seconds of agreeing with your mother-inlaw? So, I guess that’s how it works for me," she added.

Evangelista, however, admitted that she was also intimidated by her mother-in-law at the beginning.

Nonetheless, the actress said this feeling was unfounded because the mother of her husband is really nice. "My mother-in-law is nice, so I'm blessed to have that," she said. "She was like a teacher in UP, so she always has this authoritative image that can be intimidating in the beginning. But honestly, if you're just very true and sincere about who you are and you really show them respect, I think they'll appreciate you," she said.

When asked how she thinks she would be as nice a motherin-law in the future, Evangelista said in jest: "All of a sudden, you don't have a say... ‘di ba? That's painful ah. It's irritating! I think so. I would be a horrible mother-in-law, honestly." "I just think about if I'm older, 'tapos may ganyan na darating na… Hay nako, ah. Huwag ako, ah." (MNS)

Isabel Rivas opens up about being adopted

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Not a lot of people know about the life story of actress Isabel Rivas, which is certainly one for the books.

Rivas opened up about her childhood and how she ended up being adopted by her aunt when she was just two days old. "Nang ipinanganak ako, ako 'yung pampalubag-loob dahil anak siya nang anak. Ayaw na siyang tulungan ng mga kapatid niya. Ang sabi ng kapatid niya, ‘Ito na lang ang tulong na gagawin ko sa 'yo. Kapag babae ‘yang nasa tiyan mo, ibigay mo sa akin, palalakihin ko.' So, walang choice ang biological mother ko,” she said.

Rivas said she is one of her mother’s four biological kids. One of them already passed away, while the other one in America. Her other sibling is Dennis Roldan, who is the father of Marco and Michele Gumabao.

Although her aunt legally adopted her, Rivas said she knew from the beginning who her biological mom was. "All my life, alam ko na siya ang tunay na nanay ko dahil pumupunta siya at saka ang mga kapatid ko sa Zambales kapag holiday, Christmas season, summer vacation. Alam ko na kapatid ko sila, alam ko na mommy ko siya. 'Mommy' ang tawag ko sa kanya at 'Mama' ang tawag ko sa adoptive mother ko,” she said.

Despite being given away, Rivas said she was able to forgive her mother before she passed in 2009. "I used to talk about my adoption like it’s the wound na nagpatibay sa akin. Pero bago siya namatay noong 2009, lumuhod siya sa akin, humingi siya ng tawad sa akin. Hindi raw niya akalain na ganoon ang magiging epekto ng mga nangyari sa akin,” she said. "There was a time na nagrebelde ako, teenager years ko. Pero nung mabuntis naman ako, hindi niya ako pinabayaan. Doon pa lang, na-restore na ang relationship namin, pero hindi fully," she added.

At the end of the day, Rivas said she is grateful for her adoptive family. "My adoptive Chinese aunts were very Godly, relihiyoso. We lived a block away from the Cathedral church kaya I grew up praying for every step I made. I made so many mistakes but held on to sanity in spite of the chaos in our family. Our saving grace is that we prayed for our dreams, and God brought me here where I am," she said. (MNS)

Rosanna Roces admits losing faith in God in the past

ROSANNA ROCES MANILA (Mabuhay) — Rosanna Roces revealed there was a point in her life where she lost her faith in God.

Without specifying when this actually happened, Roces said during the press conference for “Anak ng Macho Dancer” that she glorified money instead during those dark times.

“Wala akong Diyos dati! Ang diyos ko, pera,” she said.

“Pero noong 'Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos' (TV series), that time, nagbalik-loob na rin ako sa Diyos, di ba? Pero naagaw din uli ako ng... nag-backslide agad ako. Nagtampisaw na naman ako sa kasalanan,” she added.

Nonetheless, Roces admitted that she has a renewed relationship with the Lord now mainly because of everything that’s happened due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Ngayong pandemic, medyo magkakaroon ka nang personal na ugnayan sa Diyos, sa ayaw at sa gusto mo,” she said.

Roces also mentioned that she intends to correct the wrongs she’s done in past while continuing to work in the entertainment industry.

“Naku marami sila [na sumakit ang ulo dahil sa akin dati], karamihan production. Ang dami kong inaway di ba? Kung may award nga ng pinakamaraming inaway sa showbiz ako 'yon,” she said in jest.

“Pero kasi ngayon, ang uso kasi ngayon pinakamagaang katrabaho 'yon ang kukunin. Hindi na uso 'yung pagalingan na din, eh, ang daming magaling, eh. Kung sino ang pinakamagaang katrabaho, 'yon ang kinukuha. Hindi ka na puwedeng magloka-lokahan ngayon. Award ka, wala kang project,” she said.

Having said this, Roces vowed to be professional and to give her all in “Anak ng Macho Dancer” which will be helmed by Joel Lamangan.

“Talagang doble ang effort ko ngayon. Kaya dito sa 'Anak ng Macho Dancer,' doble effort ako dito kasi nung huli akong gumawa sa kanya (Lamangan) pinasakit ko ang ulo nila. Ibig sabihin no’n kung 7 ang call time dapat 5:30 or 6 nasa set na ako at ready na. Ayos na ako. Lahat, memorized ko na," she said.

(MNS)

Jessy Mendiola says sorry for being 'masungit' in the past

Actress Jessy Mendiola has apologized for her bad temper at work when she was younger.

Mendiola opened up about the issue in a video she uploaded on her YouTube channel a week ago.

In her latest vlog, she read assumptions about her. "Masungit daw ako? Minsan. Kapag dalaw ng buwan or kapag gutom, hangry ako. Noong medyo bagets-bagets pa ako, masungit talaga ako kasi hindi rin talaga ako masaya sa buhay ko. I think 'yon 'yong kumalat sa tabloid or kumalat sa production na masama ang ugali ko. Aminin ko talaga, masungit ako noon," Mendiola said.

Mendiola then shared the reason why she used to be ill-tempered. "Kapag hindi ka happy sa life mo, kapag hindi ka happy sa personal life mo or sa nangyayari sa iyo, parang nadadala mo 'yon sa trabaho or kung saan ka man mapunta. Kasi hindi masaya ang heart mo, hindi masaya ang isip mo, kaya ka nagiging masungit sa ibang tao. Pero may ibang tao, in my case, hindi ko alam na JESSY MENDIOLA masungit pala ako noon, bugnutin ako, lagi akong galit, lagi akong masungit," she added.

Mendiola then said sorry to those who felt bad because of her attitude in the past. "So mga nasungitan ko noon. I'm very, very sorry," the actress said.

After reading another assumption from a netizen saying she's "humble," Mendiola said: "I hope I come off humble sa ibang tao. Tulad nang sinabi ko kanina, masungit talaga ako noon, mataray talaga ako noon. Sana sa aura ko ngayon, sana how I treat my co-workers and other people outside of my circle sana nga I come off as a humble person."

She went on to note that her experiences in life changed her. "I guess my experiences in life and 'yung mga lessons na natutunan ko ay naturuan na rin ako na maging humble. Kasi ganoon talaga ang life. May mga bagay talaga na pagdadaanan mo para lang din bumalik ka kung saan ka nanggaling," she said. "Minsan medyo napapalayo ang ating tingin kasi may personal tayong pinagdadaanan at nalalayo na tayo sa dapat talagang maging focus ng energy natin," Mendiola added.

Mendiola said aside from life's experiences, her boyfriend actor-television host Luis Manzano, taught her to be kinder. "Yung nagturo sa akin na maging kinder towards other people ay si Luis. Mas lalo na 'yung pagiging generous. Si Luis, good example siya na hindi lang sarili niya ang pinagtatrabahuan niya, para rin sa ibang tao. He rarely, rarely shows 'yung pagtulong niya," she concluded. (MNS)

‘Kapamilya forever,’ Piolo Pascual tells Charo Santos

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Piolo Pascual said he remains “Kapamilya forever,” amid his situation of starring in a show airing in the same time slot as his former ABS-CBN program.

Pascual, 43, has been with ABS-CBN’s talent agency Star Magic for 24 years. Under the Kapamilya network, Pascual steadily rose as a sought-after leading man and is now regarded as a film and TV superstar, if not yet a showbiz icon.

Pascual spoke candidly of his recent departure from “ASAP Natin ‘To,” which he had been a part of for over two decades, in an online interview with former ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio.

Pascual was Santos-Concio’s guest in the latest episode of her Kumu talk show “Dear Charo” with Robert Labayen as her co-host.

Pascual regards Santos-Concio as a close friend and mentor in showbiz. Labayen, meanwhile, is head of ABS-CBN’s creative communication management, which is behind the network’s popular station IDs such as “Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko” and “Family is Love.”

During their interview, Pascual asked Labayen how the 2020 Christmas station ID coming along, with the executive responding that preparations were underway.

“So kailan tayo mag-i-SID ulit?” Pascual asked.

“Inuumpisahan na!” Labayan answered.

At that point, Santos-Concio quipped: “‘Yan ha, sabi ni PJ, kailan daw tayo mag-i-SID. Why not? Kapamilya forever.”

Pascual affirmed, “Kapamilya forever.”

As one of ABS-CBN’s prime stars, Pascual has been prominently seen in its annual holiday station IDs, aside from having a singing part in some of them, notably “Star ng Pasko.”

He was also a main figure in the 2011 “Lupang Hinirang” video of ABS-CBN, which Pascual mentioned in the interview.

When Santos-Concio said it was due for an update, given nearly a decade has already passed, Pascual said, in jest, “Huwag, Tita, 'pag pinalitan ‘yon, baka mawala ako!”

“Oo, huwag na,” Santos said, laughing. “Baka… Nangangapit-bahay ka lang.”

Pascual clarified, “Nagtatrabaho lang po.”

“But, Tita, come on, that’s not something we talk about, but napakaliit ng industriya,” he said, referring to his current show being aired on TV5. Pascual as well as other Kapamilya stars’ appearance in TV5 programs were the indirect result of ABS-CBN’s broadcast shutdown after PIOLO PASCUAL

its franchise was denied by the Duterte administration in July. As ABS-CBN was forced to retrench thousands of its employees, some of them found work opportunities in other networks, including TV5, through a blocktime agreement with Brightlight Productions. (MNS)

Marian Rivera on being directed by husband Dingdong Dantes: ‘Strict ’yan!’

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Netizens have been swooning over the fact that Dingdong Dantes directed his wife Marian Rivera for an episode of her weekly drama anthology “Tadhana” in August.

As the show celebrates its third anniversary this month, the Kapuso Primetime Queen shared a fun fact: Her husband could actually be quite strict when sitting on a director’s chair.

“Strict ’yan!” Marian said.

“[Dingdong would say] Ulitin mo, ulitin mo. Eh si direk nga, ‘ah, okay lang’ … siya talaga, ‘cut! Ulitin natin.’ Gano’n. ‘From the top.’ Ha? From the top?” she added, smiling at the memory.

Dingdong temporarily stepped in as director for “Tadhana” in August because Marian had to continue her hosting duties from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the situation, Marian said she made sure to strictly follow Dingdong’s instructions, just as she would any director’s.

“First time ko kasing maexperience na madi-direct niya ako ng ganon, so syempre, sabi ko lang oh di tyical— kung paano ako magtrabaho sa aking director, ganon ang gagawin ko,” she said.

“’Yun nga lang, siya [Dingdong] lang ’yung makakakapagpapuyat sa akin kasi may cut-off ako. Sa kanya, walang cut off!” she joked.

“Tadhana” is a weekly drama anthology featuring the colorful, romantic, heroic, and inspiring stories of Filipinos all over the world. (MNS)