Weekend Balita (Los Angeles edition) November 7, 2020

LOS ANGELES EDITION

Holidays could bring ‘uptick’ in COVID-19 cases in PH — OCTA Research PAGE 19 VOL. XXIX NO. 45

TOP STORIES

Global News Navy hailed for Covid-19, disaster response efforts 8  Task force to prioritize COA, media reports in corruption probe 8  4 of 5 Pinoys believe quality of life worsened in past 12 months — SWS 9  3.7K new Covid-19 cases, new recoveries at 1,088 — DOH 9  Joma Sison denies linking orgs as legal fronts of CPP, says military ‘spliced’ his video 9  Sotto welcomes possible extended suspension of VFA abrogation 10  Senate red-tagging hearing sans security sector reps? Lacson says it would be unfair 10  Typhoon-hit tourism sector may avail of aid under Bayanihan 2 — chief 11  SC approves magistrate’s early retirement 12 

November 7-13, 2020

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

TRUMP CLAIMS CHEATING, BIDEN CALLS FOR CALM

By ABNER GALINO

THE historic Pantages Theater, which has not been operating since the outset of the pandemic, is among the many places that the Los Angeles County tapped to become voting centers.

Photo by Abner Galino

PRESIDENT Donald Trump began his brief statement at the White House briefing room by saying that: “If you count the legal votes, I easily win.”

After keeping his silence for about two days, Trump simply repeated his unfounded allegations that he is being cheated in the ongoing tabulation of votes.

Trump asserted that he is being deprived of his second term as president of the United States by a broad conspiracy that involves the Democrats, election officials and the members of the media.

The president said he will seek a recount in Wisconsin and added that his team has taken legal action to stop the counting of votes there.

Other legal actions include lawsuits that

Sections BUSINESS. DICT backs NTC’s streamlining of fiber optic cable deployment permit process 13  ENTERTAINMENT. KC Concepcion joins roster of WWF-PH celebrity ambassadors 14  HEALTH & FAMILY. Philippines may start COVID-19 vaccination by May 2021 — Galvez 19  TRAVEL. Intramuros is Asia’s leading tourist attraction: 2020 WTA 16 

TRUMP

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THE FIGHT ISN’T OVER – CONGRESS Google and Apple exposure CAN STILL RESCUE THE CENSUS notification COVID-19 tech

By SUNITA SOHRABJI rights advocates — who expands in UC Campuses EMS Contributing Editor have been at the forefront

Baby River gets sympathy from LA activists

WHILE all eyes are focused on the 2020 elections, the clock is still ticking on the 2020 Census. If Congress doesn’t act to extend the Dec. 31 deadline for the Census Bureau to submit its final data, leading civil

of promoting a complete count — warn that the consequences will be felt for a decade.

The Census Bureau itself has said it will not be able to deliver an accurate count by Dec. 31. It is charged with tabulating THE FIGHT

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The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Department of Technology (CDT) today announced an expansion of their partnership with the University of California to test the Exposure

Notification Express mobile technology recently released by Google and Apple.

The mobile technology, known as CA Notify, confidentially notifies individuals who opt in if they have been exposed GOOGLE

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Senate, House leaders meet to discuss agenda for remaining 20 months of 18th Congress

GABRIELA Los Angeles joined international condemnation of the alleged inhumane treatment of Philippine political prisoner Reina Mae Nasino, and her late child, three-month-old River Nasino.

Ariana Rodriguez, Secretary General of GABRIELA Los Angeles issued the following statement: “We are in mourning, but if the Duterte administration and its brutes think that Baby River’s death and the unspeakable way they’ve tormented Reina Mae deflates human rights defenders from this fight, they’re lying to themselves.”

“Reina Mae Nasino, who has been fighting for the neglected Filipino poor, whose baby was torn from her at one month old, whose baby died at three months from being denied crucial care from her mother, was arrested on fake charges in Duterte’s campaign to silence dissent and criticism of his vile administration. On the other BABY RIVER

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MANILA (Mabuhay) — Ahead of the resumption of session, congressional leaders met on Thursday to discuss the common agenda of the Senate and the House of Representatives for the remaining 20 months of the 18th Congress.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Speaker Lord Allan Velasco themselves led the informal caucus held at a hotel in Mandaluyong City.

The meeting, which Velasco himself initiated, was also attended by Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Senate Finance Committee chair Senator Sonny Angara, House

M aj or it y L e ad e r Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, House Committee on Appropriations chair Eric Yap, and House Minority Leader Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Minority Leader Franklin Drilon also joined the meeting via videoconference.

“We look forward to a very good working relationship between the House and the Senate as both chambers strive to ensure the remaining sessions of the 18th Congress will be fruitful and productive,” Velasco said in a statement.

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CONGRESS LEADERS headed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Speaker Lord Velasco meet Thursday to discuss common agenda of the Senate and the House in the remaining 20 months of the 18th Congress. (MNS photo)

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ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor

Fil-Am

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Saturday-Friday | November 7 - 13, 2020

In 2017, California led in 11 of 18 industry sectors

By ANDREW W. HAIT California has the highest population of any state and it comes as no surprise that in 2017, led the nation in sales, shipments or revenues in 11 of the 18 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors covered by the 2017 Economic Census.

But smaller states from North Dakota and Wyoming to Indiana and Wisconsin were at the top of their rankings in different categories and sectors.

The 2017 Economic Census Geographic Area Statistics are the most detailed geographic business data available from the Census Bureau. Data are not only shown at the broad 2-digit NAICS sector levels in this story but are published down to the more detailed 6-digit (and selected 7- and 8-digit) NAICS levels for the nation and states.

The series also includes data at the metro area, county and economic place (city or town) levels for selected NAICS sectors, which are crucial resources for a wide variety of business data users.

For example, the data from 2017 shows Texas led the nation in revenue in four sectors: Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction ($137.8 billion); Wholesale Trade ($1.2 trillion); Manufacturing ($575.2 billion); and Transportation and Warehousing ($101.9 billion).

Wholesale trade was the largest sector in the United States in terms of revenue ($8.7 trillion) in 2017.

Businesses in California had the largest increase in revenue between 2012 and 2017 in 11 sectors, with wholesale

trade gaining the most. The growth in wholesale trade in California mirrors the national increase in sales in this sector from 2012 to 2017, up $834.8 billion.

States with large populations were not the only ones to lead the nation. North Dakota experienced the biggest jump ($4.1 billion) in revenue over this period for the mining sector. South Carolina led in manufacturing (up $39.4 billion).

Once again, California dominated.

In 2017, California businesses employed the most workers of any state in 16 of the 18 NAICS sectors, with a total of 13.1 million workers in these 16 sectors.

The state led the nation in employment growth between 2012 and 2017 in 10 sectors; these businesses added 1.4 million workers over this period.

The Health Care and Social Assistance sector was the largest employer in California, with over 2 million workers, and was also the nation’s largest employer in 2017, with 20.5 million employees.

Texas had the most employees in the Mining sector (208,828) and Florida in the Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services sector (1.7 million).

Nationally, the highest increase in employment between 2012 and 2017 was in the administrative and support sector: up 2.1 million to 11,889,169.

This sector includes a diverse mix of businesses, including temporary help services, landscapers, janitorial services, security services, and travel agencies. Florida ranked first in employment growth in that sector, gaining 516,706 workers, and California ranked second

with an increase of 454,276 workers.

Texas had the largest growth in employment in five sectors (Figure 3) while Michigan and Wisconsin led in the manufacturing (up 68,307 workers) and mining (up 1,715 workers) sectors, respectively.

Places that paid most

The District of Columbia is a good place to be if employed by businesses in several key sectors, from utilities and transportation to professional and educational services and arts and entertainment.

Washington, D.C., had the highest average annual payroll per employee in 2017 in eight NAICS sectors.

Alaska is a good place for workers in the mining and Construction sectors.

In 2017, businesses in the state reported the highest average annual payroll per employee in these two sectors ($106,347 and $76,190, respectively).

Also in 2017, those working in two sectors — fi nance and insurance and administrative and support — earned the most in New York. The state was the nation’s top payer ($194,317 and $53,035, respectively).

If you worked in the Retail Trade or Information sectors, the opposite coast was more lucrative: Businesses in the state of Washington had the highest average annual payroll in 2017 ($32,821 and $161,569, respectively).

Nationally, the Information sector reported the highest increase in average annual payroll per employee between 2012 and 2017, up $20,127 to $101,143 in 2017.

This sector not only includes businesses classified as News Syndicates and Publishers, but also as Motion Picture and Sound Recording, Broadcasting, and Telecommunications.

California had the nation’s highest average annual payroll per employee in the Management of Companies and Enterprises sector ($134,132); businesses in this sector reported the highest average annual payroll per employee in the nation in 2017 ($102,957).

Other leaders in average annual payroll per employee in 2017 Connecticut in manufacturing ($70,281); Delaware in wholesale (104,444); and Nevada in Accommodation and Food Services sector ($29,971).

Nation’s Top Sectors in Sales, ShipCONTNUED ON PAGE 16

GOOGLE... FROM PAGE 1 to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The new tool aims to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

The state launched the pilot project in September with UC San Diego and UC San Francisco and will now expand the project to UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Riverside in mid-November.

Under the pilot projects, participating UC locations have an opportunity to offer the technology to help curb the transmission of COVID-19. Importantly, privacy and security are central to the design of the technology, which does not collect location data from any device and never shares user identities.

“Extending the pilot project allows us to reach a larger and more diverse pool of users to further evaluate the technology’s potential to help California slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Erica Pan, Interim State Public Health Officer.

“Fighting COVID-19 will continue to take all of us working together to find innovative and creative ways to keep our communities safe and healthy. Our appreciation goes out to the University of California students and employees who have opted in to test this new technology.”

UC San Diego estimates nearly 15,000 users have activated CA Notify, representing close to 50% of the on� campus community. UC San Francisco estimates 5,000 users out of an estimated 10,000 on-campus population have voluntarily activated the software. More than a dozen private codes have been issued to students and employees using the software who have tested positive for COVID-19.

"We are encouraged to know that nearly 50 percent of the individuals who have access to the technology have proactively activated it to see how it might protect them and their UC communities,” said CDT Director Amy Tong. “We continue to use the pilot project to better understand the technology and its privacy protections, which is critical in determining whether to roll out the system more broadly to all Californians."

The exposure notification platform uses Bluetooth technology to notify individuals who have been in close

proximity of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. When the technology is voluntarily activated by users, Bluetooth detects when two mobile devices are in the same vicinity – without revealing a user's identity or location.

Users who test positive for the virus can choose to anonymously share that information to benefit public health.

The technology does not collect, store or transmit any personally identifiable user information.

Individuals who receive an exposure notification via CA Notify are provided instructions for next steps which may include monitoring symptoms, self-isolation, getting tested, or contacting their public health department. Use of the technology may allow those who were exposed to be alerted more quickly, as well as being able to alert strangers who may not be identified using traditional contact tracing methods.

“What started six weeks ago with two UC campuses has now grown to seven locations,” says Dr. Carrie L. Byington, executive vice president of University of California Health and an infectious disease expert. “This demonstrates the commitment across the University to battling COVID-19 in collaboration with the state of California. We are in this fight together.”

UC San Diego was the first campus to launch the smartphone application as part of its Return to Learn program in September. UC San Diego Health is now guiding the other UC campuses in the launch of the application across the state.

"UC San Diego and UCSF have had measurable success in early exposure notification using the app," said Christopher Longhurst, MD, CIO, UC San Diego Health. "The more people who use the application, the slower the virus will spread. By expanding into additional geographical areas, we can benefit more of the full population. The big picture is a safer California for everyone."

UC campuses have resources to test students, faculty and staff for COVID-19 and also have call centers and university employees to help launch the pilot projects with little to no assistance from their local public health departments.

Saturday-Friday | November 7 - 13, 2020

TRUMP... FROM PAGE 1

Community

challenge the extension of ballot deadlines in Pennsylvania; and the segregation of late absentee ballots in Georgia.

On the other hand, former Vice President Joe Biden who is slowly but consistently clearing the obstacles on his way to the White House has called on his supporters to remain calm and vigilant.

“I’m not here to declare that we’ve won, but I am here to report that when the count is finished, we believe we will be the winners,” Mr. Biden said in a speech Wednesday afternoon in Wilmington, Delaware.

Biden has been holding slim leads Two voters accompanying a handicapped family in several key states (as of presstime member review their ballots before proceeding to vote on Thursday 5:00 pm) particularly inside the Pantages Theater. Photo by Abner Galino in Arizona and Nevada. And this is At presstime, Waters has 162,704 votes as coupled with his chances of winning Pennsylvania and Georgia which both began against Joe E. Collins’ 62, 349 votes.

Secretary of State spokesman Chris Miller counting mail-in ballots.

Because mail-in ballots are presumed to said election day vote reporting has been be largely filed by Democrats, many believe going smooth since the voting centers closed that these ballots could deliver, at the very on Tuesday.

Many establishments, particularly in least, the minimum 270 Electoral College Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, boarded votes needed to win the presidency.

If Biden could keep his narrow leads in up their stores in anticipation of troubles Arizona and Nevada, he could win the elec- that could be sparked by the outcome of the elections. Fortunately, none of their fears tion even without Pennsylvania.

Some 1.4 million voters had their ballots happen.

Poll workers who were trained to handle mailed in Pennsylvania and its Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar told the media people who would go to the voting center that about 350,000 ballots were yet to be without masks on, did not report any health guidelines violations during the voting procounted.

And Trump leads Biden in the said state cess.

The voting precincts were also not crowdwith roughly 100,000 votes. ed because many voters have opted to mailTrump’s critics survive re-elections in their ballots. in California As of November 5 at 5:00 pm, the Los Where Biden find his strength A national exit poll conducted by the Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/Country Clerk reported that 933, 314 votes for Edison/NEP published by Reuters showed Trump while there were 2,486,527 votes that Biden votes were bolstered by 42% of Whites, 87% of Blacks, 65% of Hispanic/ counted for Biden.

US 28th Congressional District of Cal- Latino and 63% of Asians.

More than 50% of Filipino American votifornia Rep. Adam Schiff, who has been the target of an intense campaign by lo- ers chose Biden.

Some 48% of Biden voters were men and cal Republicans because of his role in the failed impeachment of Trump, appears to 56% were women. be winning handily against his opponent Fil-Am on the verge of becoming Eric Early.

Schiff has garnered 210, 462 votes as mayor of San Diego Former Democratic Assemblyman Todd against 75,551 as of presstime.

US 43rd Congressional District of Cali- Gloria is quite likely heading for a victory fornia Rep. Maxine Waters another political in the race to be San Diego’s next mayor.

He is bound to defeat City Council Presleader who has earned the ire of Republicans ident Pro Tem Barbara Bry. is also doing well against her opponent.

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Typical sc enes at voting centers as captured in these photos taken at a high school’s gym in Vermont Avenue in the City of Los Angeles. Photo by Abner Galino As of presstime, Gloria has a safe lead over Bry, with the Filipino American garnering about 56.4% of the vote against Bry’s 43.6%.

The 2020 San Diego mayoral election was held simultaneously with the national elections on November 3 as incumbent Kevin Faulconer was ineligible to run for a third term due to term limits.

In December 2016, Todd Gloria was sworn in as the California State Assemblymember for the 78th Assembly District making him only the second person of Filipino heritage ever elected to the California State Assembly.

With the prevalence of mail ballots in Tuesday’s election, it could be days or weeks before final numbers are determined.

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 five-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 FIGHT... FROM PAGE 1 data from 150 million households within a shortened time span and fewer human resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The bottom line is that without action from Congress, the Census Bureau is guaranteed to miss millions of people across every state including people on rural and tribal lands,” said Vanita Gupta, President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

“Skewed data is going to hurt our communities for a decade in a lot of ways,” she said.

Census data is used to apportion approximately $1.5 trillion in federal funding each year until the next Census in 2030. It is also used to apportion Congressional seats.

Ending tabulation on Dec. 31 means that the Trump administration will get to re-apportion Congressional seats, no matter who wins the Presidential election.

Gupta made her remarks at a press briefing following the Supreme Court’s decision that abruptly ended data collection on Oct. 15 and mandated that census data be tabulated by Dec. 31. The briefing was cosponsored by LCCR and EMS. Reps. Don Young (R-AK) and Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced HR 8250 in the House Sept. 14, seeking to extend the deadline for data collection to Oct. 31. That deadline passed without any action on the bill.

The bill would also shift the deadline for tabulation to July 1, 2021. The bill now resides with the House Oversight and Reform committee. A similar bill was introduced Sept. 15 in the Senate by Sens. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska).

The Trump Administration, which earlier lost its battle to include a citizenship question on the nine-question poll, is now pushing to exclude undocumented people from the

final population count used to reapportion districts. The Supreme Court is set to hear the case Nov. 30.

Marc Morial, CEO of the National Urban League, said: “The Supreme Court has aided, abetted, facilitated, and become willing co-conspirators in the administration's effort to politically interfere with the Census and to cheat the American people out of their constitutional right to a representative government, and necessary federal funds.”

“The Trump administration has made countless efforts to sabotage the census to erase historically undercounted communities, especially those which have been disproportionately impacted by Covid-19,” said John Yang, executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice. “Make no mistake: the Trump administration has been deliberately undermining the census for purely partisan political gain.”

Referring to the Nov. 30 Supreme Court case, Yang said: “I've said it before and I will say it again today: the mandate of the United States Constitution says that all persons must be counted in the decennial. The same is true for the apportionment count: the Constitution expressly States all persons. It does not state just citizens.”

Arturo Vargas, CEO of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials — NALEO — said Latinx people have never accurately counted in previous censuses. He challenged the Census Bureau’s assertion that 99 percent of people have been counted. “The Census Bureau may have touched 99 percent of the households on its address list, but we have no idea if everybody living in those households were counted.”

He called for Congress to step in and allot more time to ensure an accurate count. “The work isn't over. We will continue working with our partners to ensure that we do all

we can to salvage this foundation of our democracy.”

Morial said Blacks, especially in the South, have failed to reach the self-response rate of 68 percent. He predicted a historic undercount of the community.

“The hard-working professional staff at the Census Bureau should not be continuously undermined by politics. Congress must provide the Census Bureau with the time it needs for an accurate count,” he said.

Kevin Allis, CEO of the National Congress of American Indians also predicted a severe undercount of tribal communities, with self-response rates 25 percent lower than the national average. He added that federal resources critical to ensuring the economic well-being of native Americans would be incorrectly apportioned based on an inaccurate census count.

Indian Country has seen infection rates almost four times the national average and hospitalization rates almost six times the national average. Decades of underfunding has meant that thousands of people living on tribal lands have not received the health care they need, said Allis.

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Saturday-Friday | November 7 - 13, 2020

Bosom Friends Are This Year’s APO Kids Scholarship Recipients

By Bro. Dan E. Nino

instilled in me the core values of perseverance, compassion and optimism through faith in God ood friends since their Middle School which I abide by to this day,” she pointed out.

— Riley Rojas Posadas and Alexis Julie She also recalled the challenges experienced Hermoso Salas -- are this year’s APO by her parents as new immigrants in this counKids Scholarship recipients sponsored try. “Because of earlier adversities experienced by the Alpha Phi Omega of Greater Los Angeles. by my parents, I aspire to utilize the greatest Each will receive $600 and gift and privilege they have a plaque on Nov. 21 in the given me, an education to city of Los Angeles. the fullest.”

Riley and Alexis’ friendRiley added, “I firmly ship was nourished whenbelieve that attaining this ever both tag along with A PO K ids Scholarship their parents during activiGrant, it will not only aid ties like camping and Easter my parents in their finanEgg Hunt organized by APcial burdens but it shall OGLA. It was sustained till also further motivate me this period in their quest for to work harder to achieve higher education. Both reboth in my academic and cipients also have common life’s goals.” interests in music. Riley Alexis Julie, daughter of was the vice president of Sis Hazel Hermoso Salas is the National Music Honors also a freshman taking up Society while Alexis sings in Public Health Sciences maseveral choir groups as alto joring in Microbiology and as well as plays the piano, Immunology at University ukulele and guitar. of California, Irvine. She Riley, daughter of Bro. graduated from Bishop Alexis Salas Rey and Rollygen Posadas Amar High School in La is a freshman taking up Nursing at California Habra as first honor with a GPA of 4.67.

State University, Fullerton. Riley considers Alexis is a California Scholarship Federaherself studios and very dedicated as student tion Seal Bearer and a National Honor Society especially in middle school wherein she was salu- Lifetime awardee. She also belongs to the Hontatorian at Saint Francis Xavier in Burbank. She ors Chamber Singers and Barkada Club, among took numerous Advance Placement and Honors others. Also an athlete, she is member of her subjects during her senior years at Providence high school’s Track & Field team. She adroitly High School also in Burbank where she obtained balances her extra-curricular activities with a 4.1 GPA. This propelled her to receive an AP her numerous Advanced Placement and Honors Scholarship Award. “My parents have always subjects.

G

Riley Posadas

In 10 years, Alexis sees herself with a PhD. In Cellular and Molecular Biosciences with focus on Cancer and Cell Biology.

She aspires to be a physician assistant at a hospital. ”I would be working in a lab focusing on cancer research. She added, “I plan to host charity programs through my family’s voluntarism program with Alpha Phi Omega such as weekly visits to homeless

shelters, providing food and other necessities and take part in the Operation Gratitude, helping the heroes in the military preparing care packages.”

Alexis is proud with her two cultural backgrounds who was raised at a tender age in the Philippines. Although born in the U.S., she made adjustments when she came back at the age of six and exposed to unfamiliar lifestyles.

She recounts, “All of my experiences have led me to who I am today and I could not have been more blessed. Having two languages at my disposal, I was able to have a deeper connection with my friends and teaches. Being bilingual helped me open up interesting cultural and social opportunities. I had gained greater confidence in what I can and will overcome. Expressing my Filipino pride, I was able to influence the people in my school. I serve as a model who lives and shares cultural traditions.”

– denino1951@gmail.com

Proposal to expand zero-emission technology at Port of LA

M

ayor Eric Garcetti recently announced a new Request for Information (RFI) to solicit proposals to expand the use of zero-emission technology at the Port of Los Angeles.

The RFI will help advance the Mayor’s goal to transition all drayage trucks serving the San Pedro Bay port complex to zero emission by 2035.

“We can only turn the tide on the climate crisis if we work across every sector to reduce dangerous emissions, protect vulnerable neighborhoods from the perils of pollution, and rev up our investments in clean energy,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti.

“Our RFI sends a strong signal: Los Angeles is a laboratory for new technology, a pioneering destination for sustainability, and a place where we deploy the power of innovation to strengthen lives, secure livelihoods, preserve public health, and lead a just transition toward a greener economy and a more equitable future.”

The RFI invites the private sector to provide crucial input to the Port of Los Angeles, the largest and busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere, as it explores strategies to accelerate the development and adoption of zero-emission trucks at scale.

This drive grows out of Los Angeles’ bold commitments in the Clean Air Action Plan, including a pledge to see 100% zero-emission trucks coming into and out of the port in the next 15 years. The Port is North America’s leading seaport by container volume and cargo value, facilitating $276 billion in trade during 2019.

“The Port is currently engaged in 16 different zero-emission demonstration projects designed to bring feasible technology to the marketplace,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.

“Conversion of the Port drayage fleet to zero-emission tech-

nology involves tremendous financial investment and will take the collaboration and commitment of many stakeholders - both public and private - to create a viable market for zero-emissions drayage technology. This RFI is designed to recruit the best ideas available to help us serve as a catalyst and make a meaningful impact on climate change."

Submissions should address approaches to maximize the use of public and private funding sources; describe new asset management structures that can accommodate the San Pedro Bay Ports’ scale; incorporate proposals for charging and fueling infrastructure; propose clear maintenance and procurement methods; and lay out a public-private partnership model to achieve the zero-emission transition.

“Los Angeles is showing how cities can take the lead in accelerating the shift away from polluting heavy duty trucks to zero-emission technologies,” said CARB Chair Mary D. Nichols.

“This will help clean up the air in port-adjacent communities, and provide major financial assistance to businesses as they transition to one-hundred percent zero-emission trucks in our ports.”

Responses must be submitted to Tricia Carey at tcarey@portla.org Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021 no later than 4 p.m. The complete Request for Information document can be found here.

In September, Governor Newsom issued an executive order calling for the state to match Mayor Garcetti’s drayage truck goal for the entire state.

Last month, Mayor Garcetti and Port of L.A. officials convened a forum of nearly 100 leaders in clean energy and infrastructure finance, truck manufacturers, fueling providers, drayage operators, and state and local governments to help inform the RFI process.

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WHO will take care of the sick when there are foreign-born healthcare immigration restrictions during this pandemic?

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ow that it's Fall and COVID-19 cases continues to rise in the United States, it is apparent that our country needs MORE medical professionals to take care of the increase in patients, particularly in underserved regions.

According to Immigration lawyer, Carl Shusterman, when Donald Trump ran for president in 2016, he repeatedly criticized President Obama for implementing DACA without going through Congress and thus, in 2017. President Trump tweeted "Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA." Shusterman further added, "ironically, President Trump, who has made immigration a centerpiece of his political agenda, has almost completely bypassed Congress and continues to implement his restrictionist immigration policies

by Executive order. And when he separates children from their parents, and creates travel bans based on religion and 'remain in Mexico' policies for asylum seekers, rewrites the public charge laws and prevents large numbers of immigrant doctors and nurses for caring for the millions of Americans who are being ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, by bypassing Congress, this violates immigration laws. Dozens of his immigration policies have been struck down by the Federal courts."

As a background, per Shusterman, "prior to the current administration , there was more agreement between the two political parties on immigration policies, when President Johnson signed the landmark immigration law in 1965, more Republican than Democratic Senators voted for the law. Legislation passed

by Congress in 1986, which granted amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants and supported by a bipartisan majority in Congress which was signed into law by President Reagan."

In 2001, Immigration lawyer Carl Shusterman testified before Senate Subcomimtee Chairman, Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), and he was clearly "in favor of making it easier for foreign-born doctors and nurses to immigrate to America, in order to provide healthcare for people living medically underserved areas." Shusterman worked together with his staff to draft the bill.

Eventually Mr. Shusterman and Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) introduced legislation which expanded the waiver program for physicians which was signed into law by then President George Bush.

During Shusterman's testimony he

Atty. Carl Shusterman

"recommended that Congress reinstate the temporary visa program for RNs, which was virtually abolished in the early 1990s, explaining that 'if nurses trained abroad and to be part of the solution to the national shortage of registered nurses in the U.S., it is essential that Congress restore a temporary visa program, to allow U.S. healthcare providers to bring nurses to the U.S. within a one to two-month period, rather than registering them to wait up to 18 months to secure the services of these nurses. And as for physicians, Shusterman added: ‘The American public suffers not from shortage of physicians, but from a maldistribution of existing physicians and that the United States' medical system is producing too few primary care physicians. In addition, the Secretary of Health and Human Services published a list of Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) located across the U.S., where the ratio of primary care physicians to patients, is less than one physician to 3,500 patients. Virtually all states contain areas that are medically underserved and HHS has designated over 80 per cent to 90 per cent of some states as HPSAs. The list of HPSAs designated by HHS fills over 90 pages of the Federal Register in small print. The list is composed largely in rural and inner city areas. Some examples of which are in California, where we have placed hundreds of physicians and nurses in El Centro in the Imperial County, in Delano in Kern County and many rural counties in the Central Valley and Northern California.'

In the past four years however, Shusterman added that "the immigration atmosphere has deteriorated rapidly in that during the 2016 campaign, then candidate Trump referred to immigrants

BABY RIVER... FROM PAGE 1 hand, the Philippine ‘justice’ system sees to it that American soldiers like Joseph Scott Pemberton are pardoned for brutally murdering trans Filipina Jennifer Laude and Zaldy Ampatuan, who massacred 58 people, were given extensive and cozy furloughs from jail time.”

“It is a long way to genuine justice in the Philippines, but we fight it alongside Reina Mae and other human rights defenders in the Philippines who fight despite being under the most dangerous administration to date. All the way from Los Angeles, we demand the release of Reina Mae and all political prisoners.”

Nasino was arrested in November 2019 with two fellow human rights defender. River was born on July 1 while Nasino was in custody. The baby was taken from Nasino’s care after a month, due to Philippines’ law stating that children born in custody are only allowed to remain with their mother the first month of life.

After she was separated from her mother on August 13 and passed along to the care of Ms. Nasino’s mother, River’s health began to deteriorate, eventually hospitalized on September 24th. On October 9, 2020, River died from complications due to respiratory distress.

Nasino was made to watch part of her baby’s wake via video chat. Initially, she was granted a three day furlough to mourn River, which the court then decided to cut to two days, a move condemned by activists and celebrities alike.

Nasino was heavily guarded by three dozen armed prison guards and cuffed as she buried River on October 16 in Manila.

Nasino was targeted due to her affiliation with Kadamay, the urban poor organization that occupied a public housing project built for the poor in Bulacan but was being claimed by police and military.

from Mexico as "they're bringing drugs, they're bringing crime, they're rapists." He also issued a press release which read: "Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.

And that "though Trump's first two Muslim travel bans were struck down by the Courts, he managed to get Travel Ban 3.0 approved but he has restricted the right to asylum, cut legal immigration by imposing worldwide bans on immigrant visas and has made it extremely difficult for medical professionals to get temporary working visas.

However, in the future if Trump is not reelected, the immigration restrictions can be abolished because American lives lost can never be restored due to the pandemic.

Currently, the immigration policy states that 'foreign-born physicians who wish to practice medicine in the U.S. must first complete a medical residency program here. Most of these physicians are then required to return to their home countries for 2 years or work in a medically underserved area in the U.S. for a minimum of 3 years. This 3-year requirement has significantly benefitted the healthcare of Americans living in underserved areas. Similarly, healthcare providers in medically underserved areas of America rely heavily on the services of these foreign-born registered nurses to help staff their hospitals and clinics.

On October 6, 2020, in the midst of

the pandemic which has infected over 8 1/2 million Americans which resulted into over 220,000 deaths, the Trump administration instituted a program which forces employers to pay foreign-born physicians and nurses higher salaries than they pay many other American physicians and nurses.

Since these medical providers might not be able to afford paying high salaries, it is no longer possible for them to sponsor foreign-born healthcare workers for temporary visas and green cards. Also, these foreign-born healthcare workers will no longer be able to renew their temporary working visas and they will be forced to leave the U.S. and stop caring for our citizens.

Therefore, during these pandemic times, who knows how many thousands of Americans will become ill and die because of the increasing shortage of healthcare workers, as a result of this new immigration policy.

Shusterman's final advise is for Americans to unite behind an immigration policy which increases the number of medical professionals to help our country get through this pandemic. OUR LIVES DEPEND ON IT!."

This author's friend, Immigration Lawyer Carl Shusterman has practiced immigration law for over 40 years from 1976 (when we first met at the INS) to 1982, where he served as a Trial Attorney for the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS). He has been named as one of the top 15 corporate immigration attorneys in the U.S. by the Human Resource executive magazine.

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How the Stock market prediction and reaction to our Votes

This article was written on November 2, 2020 and to be published by this weekend. I thought of just reviewing some winning picks by different media analyst and see who came close to how the Stock market would reach to the voters choice for President.

Stocks and the economy are usually good crystal balls. But this year, we are walking on unfamiliar grounds that is throwing everything out of proportion.

America has been gripped by a downturn since the spring, and the stock market witnessed a historic 34% plunge after the pandemic battered the economy. Recessions and major market declines typically don’t bode well for incumbents like President Donald Trump, who is battling for re-election against Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

But while Biden leads in polls, the markets and economy don't give him the clear advantage a challenger would typically enjoy.

“The recent strength that we’ve seen in stocks signals that Wall Street is siding more with Trump winning re-election,” says Ryan Detrick, senior market strategist at LPL Financial, an independent broker-dealer.

Since 1928, the stock market has forecast the winner of the election 87% of the time, including every one since 1984, according to LPL Financial.

When the S&P 500 stock index has been higher in the three months leading up to the election, the incumbent party has usually won. When stocks were lower during that period, the incumbent party typically lost.

In 2016, for instance, Hillary Clinton was favored to win the presidency, but the stock market suggested otherwise.

Stocks were weak leading up to the election, with the Dow Jones industrial average lower nine consecutive days.

Still, the recent volatility could lead to a reversal in stock prices, experts say. September is historically the stock market’s weakest month.

“If the market were to enter into a

steeper correction between now and Election Day, it would likely have to do with concerns over the pace of the economic recovery from COVID-19," says Ed Clissold, chief U.S. strategist at Ned Davis Research.

To be sure, stock market downturns don’t always happen during recessions. But both happening at the same time are typically one of the worst events for an incumbent.

Since 1900, the incumbent party has won three times and lost eight when there was a 20% decline in the Dow in the election year, according to Ned Davis Research. The last incumbent to win when a recession and a stock-market drop of that magnitude both occurred was President Harry Truman in 1948.

But because the 2020 recession was caused by a rare, unexpected blow to the economy, one of the biggest questions heading into the fall is whether voters will blame Trump for the downturn.

The economy has predicted the winner of every presidential election since President Calvin Coolidge, who was the last exception to the rule when he won despite a recession within two years of the election.

Despite the S&P 500’s rebound to all-time highs last month, investors remain concerned about the direction of the stock market, with 48% feeling bearish in recent months, up from 41% in the spring and early summer, according to a recent Retail Client Sentiment Report from Charles Schwab.

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In fact, younger investors were the most likely to be gloomy, with 59% of those under 40 reporting that they feel the market is due for a significant correction, or a drop of at least 10% from a recent peak.

Still, more than half of investors (55%) plan to move their money into the stock market, taking advantage of the potential downturn, when buying shares is cheaper.

Markets have tended to do better under Democratic administrations.

Since 1950, S&P 500 returns have averaged a strong 10% a year increase under Republican presidents, but a stronger 15% a year increase under Democrats over that time span, according to LPL Financial. When adjusting for inflation, the gains balanced out.

Markets don’t like uncertainty.

Among investor concerns are what happens not only if Biden wins, but if Democrats regain the Senate, too. A Democratic sweep could raise the risk for more regulations and potential tax increases, some experts argue.

How are stocks under the two parties?

A split Congress historically has been better for stocks, which tend to like that one party doesn’t have too much sway. Stocks gained close to 30% in 1985, 2013 and 2019, all under a split Congress, according to LPL Financial. The average S&P 500 gain with a divided Congress was 17.2%, while GDP growth averaged 2.8%.

“Elections and pandemics are very stressful for markets, but they’re generally short term risks,” says Rob Williams, vice president of financial planning at the Schwab Center for Financial Research. “For most investors, making major portfolio changes to anticipate an election outcome can be counterproductive. You’re better off sticking with a long-term plan that keeps you on the right path during periods of stress.”

God Bless us All, thanks for this inquiry. 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

Do You Want To Get Out of Debt And Start Fresh In 2021?

Are you sick and tired of being in debt and having bad credit? Do you want to start over but simply don’t know where to begin? Is filing bankruptcy an option for you, or are other options available?

As we go move towards the end of 2020, this is a good time to look at your finances and see how you can leave your debt problems behind and have a better year for yourself and your family.

I find that a lot of people are mostly concerned about the effects of bankruptcy on their credit more than anything else. Most are under CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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Dealing with Assets Omitted from a Divorce Case

YOU and your spouse may have gone through a lengthy and contentious divorce proceeding. This is usually the most difficult period of a person's life. Finally, time heals all pain. You and your spouse get tired of bickering and being mean to one another that you both decide to compromise each other positions and resolve all issues in your divorce case through settlement. Shortly thereafter, the divorce judgment is finally entered by the Court and you get a sigh of relief. Later you discov-

ery that "Oops!," your ex-spouse had community asset and/or debt that was left out of the divorce judgment.

This may be a pension, retirement account, a hidden bank account, or a piece of real estate property which was not divided in the judgment.

What is one to do in this situation?

The answer can be found in California Family Code §2556.

California Family Code §2556 provides “In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage, for nullity of marriage, or for legal separation of

MINDING YOUR FINANCES From Page 6 the mistaken belief that once they file for bankruptcy, their credit is ruined forever and that they will never be able to buy a house or obtain credit again. Of course, this is simply not true. Let me explain.

Yes, bankruptcy is reported on your credit record for 7-10 years depending on the type of bankruptcy you are filing but a lot of people quickly bounce back from bankruptcy in as little as 2-3 years. I also find that most people who are in debt trouble already have bad credit anyway and filing bankruptcy, if anything, can only help them rebuild their credit in the long run. Yes, in most cases that I see, bankruptcy can actually improve credit by allowing the person a chance to start over after wiping out debts.

What most people don’t understand is that creditors look at several factors when evaluating a credit application and that whether or not a bankruptcy shows up on your report is only one of those factors.

For example, when buying a home, banks are not as concerned about it if your bankruptcy is at least 3 years old and all other credit characteristics are appropriate (good character, stable employment, amount of down payment, etc.). And if you are buying a car after bankruptcy, this is usually not a problem although in the beginning, you will obviously pay a higher interest rate or may even need a co-signor until such time you prove creditworthiness.

If you are in debt and your credit has suffered as a result, it may be better for you to just file bankruptcy and start over. Rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy is not as hard as you think and this is often a better strategy than not paying your bills and letting your credit continue to get worse every single month as you are reported to the credit bureaus by your creditors.

If you’ve been struggling with debt for a while now and nothing has changed, when are you going to get so sick and tired of your debt problems to finally do something about it? How about getting out of debt now before they year is over so that you can start fresh in the coming year?

Due to the pandemic, a lot of people who have lost their income have had no choice but to resort to using credit cards just to pay for living expenses like mortgage, rent, food, clothing, etc. They don’t want to but feel like their situation has left them with nothing else.

You are not alone. Of course, this is not ideal, and the more debt you incur, the bigger the financial hole gets every month, making it harder and harder to get out.

If your creditors have allowed you to suspend payments temporarily, the temporary forbearance may allow a bit of relief for the moment but you know that this is not going to last and at some point, you need to make up those missed payments. This is the time to be pro-active and plan ahead instead of simply waiting to see what happens next.

Because if you wait too long and not do anything until you have a bigger financial mess, it is likely that you will have fewer choices. This is important especially if you own a home and other assets that my be in danger of being lost.

For a free attorney consultation regarding how you can get out of debt with or without filing for bankruptcy, call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 to schedule an appointment. NOTE: Due to the current lockdown order caused by COVID-19, 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).

the parties, the court has continuing jurisdiction to award community estate assets or community estate liabilities to the parties that have not been previously adjudicated by a judgment in the proceeding.” California Family Code §2556. Even if the parties did not expressly reserve jurisdiction on that piece of asset, the Court retains the power to divide a specific property if there is a community interest in it.

The Court's “continuing jurisdiction” over omitted community estate assets or debts is invoked by filing a post judgment Motion, or Request for Order in the divorce case. Family Code §2556 provides “A party may file a postjudgment motion or request for order in the proceeding in order to obtain adjudication of any community estate asset or liability omitted or not adjudicated by the judgment.” The postjudgment partition of the unadjudicated community estate claims is properly entertained by the court even absent an express reservation of jurisdiction in its prior judgment.

Marriage of Moore & Ferrie (1993) 14 CA4th 1472, 1483, 18 CR2d 543, 549, fn. 9. The postjudgment motion is available to any omitted asset or debt not adjudicated by the divorce judgment. However, Family Code §2556 does not extend to division and adjudication of any separate property. Marriage of Klug (2005) 130 CA4th 1389, 1396, 31 CR3d 327, 331–332.

If an asset was partially omitted, the Court can still divide and adjudicate the portion that has been omitted postjudgment under family

code §2566. Community Property adjudicated under § 2556 shall be divided equally “unless the court finds upon good cause shown that the interests of justice require an unequal division of the asset or liability.” Family Code §2556.

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 Board 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

Pilipino po tayo!

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Navy hailed for Covid-19, disaster response efforts MANILA (Mabuhay) — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay has lauded Philippine Navy (PN) efforts in mitigating the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and the series of typhoons that struck the country in the past weeks.

"Team Philippine Navy's committed focus and dedication to the fulfillment of the AFP's mission which has not once faltered in support of the government's stance in managing the impact of the prevailing pandemic and recent calamities," he said during his visit Wednesday to PN chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo at the Naval Station Jose Andrada in Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

Gapay also lauded the PN's humanitarian and disaster response efforts alongside the rapid delivery of government aid to citizens in dire need of medical attention.

The AFP chief also commended PN units that "stood ready and prepared to deploy their respective disaster response and recovery teams in order to render immediate assistance in the midst of a devastating calamity" following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Rolly.

Earlier, the PN said that four of its largest ships are on standby for possible relief missions to "Rolly" affected areas.

Meanwhile, Bacordo expressed his appreciation of the AFP's unfaltering support to the PN's undertakings toward the fulfillment of its mission.

As this developed, the PN on Wednesday night said that the BRP Pangasinan (PS-31) departed Cebu City to transport around 40 tons of relief goods to Legazpi City, Albay, and other parts of the Bicol Region that were devastated by Super Typhoon Rolly's onslaught last November 1.

"Said relief initiatives were spearheaded by the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) in close coordination with the AFP Central Command through Naval Forces Central (NFC) and from different local government

Philippine Navy (PN) vessel BRP Pangasinan (PS31) departs Cebu City to transport around 40 tons of relief goods to Legaspi City and other parts of the Bicol Region that were devastated by the recent Super Typhoon 'Rolly'. (MNS photo) agencies and non-government organizations such as the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. Visayas (PMAAA Inc- Visayas Chapter), Anti-Crime and Community Emergency Response Team (ACCERT) and Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV)," PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said in a statement.

Present during the send-off cer-

emony were NFC deputy commander, Navy Capt. Emmanuel Eugenio Bello, PRO-7 regional director, Brig. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro and OPAV representative, lawyer Lessandro Maraon, who personally inspected and handed-over the consolidated donation of relief goods consisting of 87 sacks of assorted goods, 80 butane gas stoves, and 500 sacks of rice.

The BRP Pangasinan is commanded

by Commander Roldydin Cris Sergio and currently under the operational control

of Naval Forces Southern Luzon. The ship was sheltering in Cebu due to the effects of "Rolly".

"All available assets of the PN will be utilized for relief and rehabilitation efforts intended for the populace who were adversely affected by this calamity.

The PN is one with the local government units in bringing prompt, responsive, and effective assistance to the communities affected by this yet another disaster amid the ongoing pandemic," Roxas said. (MNS)

6,723 free Wi-Fi sites now Task force to prioritize COA, media reports in corruption probe installed across PH — DICT MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Thursday said its Free Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) for All program is now available in 6,723 sites nationwide and will continue to increase in the next three years.

In a statement, the DICT said the Free Wi-Fi for All sites were installed in 1,021 municipalities and cities in 80 provinces, including Metro Manila.

“The DICT is targeting the rollout of a total of 10,069 live sites until the end of 2020, with plans to establish up to 100,000 Wi-Fi access sites by the year 2023 following the deployment of the National Broadband Program,” the DICT said.

Due to the challenges brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the DICT said the program’s “intensified rollout” presently prioritizes the education sector.

“Presently, the program has estab-

lished free Wi-Fi sites in 138 public libraries, 1018 public schools, 967 State Universities/Colleges, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) institutions,” it said.

One of the institutions recently granted free Wi-Fi was the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Education, Training, and Doctrine Command (AFPETDC) in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The AFPETDC, which also houses the AFP Command General Staff College (CGSC), provides professional military education to AFP uniformed personnel for higher command responsibilities and doctrine development.

During the virtual launch of the AFPETDC free Wi-Fi hub on October 28, DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II said the provision of free Wi-Fi hubs in schools nationwide is meant to alleviate the plight of educators and learners amid the pandemic.

Major General Edgard Arevalo, commander of the AFPETDC, thanked the DICT and added that through the free Wi-Fi program, the government is “gradually filling” everyone’s right to internet access.

“The Free Wi-Fi for All is one of the greatest leaps that the government, through the DICT and the able leadership of the good Secretary Honasan II has made to accelerate the efforts of enhancing accessibility DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II (left) and Major General Jesus for the Filipinos,” AreB. Sarsagat (right) lead the lighting of the Free Wi-Fi for All access valo said. (MNS) point at the Army General Hospital.

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The mega task force against corruption would prioritize audit reports from the Commission on Audit (COA) and past media reports before launching a government-wide investigation on corruption allegations.

In a Laging Handa briefing on Wednesday, Just ice Undersecretar y and spokesperson Emmeline Aglipay-Villar said Secretary Menardo Guevarra has given a directive for the mega task force's secretariat to convene immediately.

"We would also prioritize the examination of existing COA reports and look into investigative pieces reported by the media in the past regarding corruption allegations.

These are the first things to be looked into by the task force's secretariat and operations center so we would determine what allegations should we prioritize," she said.

Aglipay-Villar reiterated that aside from COA, other independent constitutional bodies such as the Office of the Ombudsman and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) are helping the task force.

"It is better if all agencies are working against corruption. (Through working together), it would expedite the gathering of evidence and the filing of cases," she said.

Aglipay-Villar added that the secretariat of the mega task force against corruption would meet on Wednesday to determine the mechanism on how

to receive tips from the public and the process on how to separate complaints that need to be investigated from those without basis.

She also assured that citizens who would turn whistleblowers in the government-wide corruption investigation would be secured under the witness protection program.

"The public may submit tips on illegal acts. If they have persona l k nowledge meaning they personally saw or heard they may be Aglipay-Villar witnesses if the cases reach the court. If they are afraid of retribution, the DOJ (Department of Justice) witness protection program will protect them. The DOJ will not let them down," she said.

Aglipay-Villar, meanwhile, reiterated that her role would only be limited to being the task force's spokesperson.

"I would not be a part of any investigating panel, especially the investigating panel that would handle the Department of Public Works and Highways. But if there would be questions on DPWH, another official would speak for that once the investigation pushes through," said Aglipay-Villar, wife of Public Works Secretary Mark Villar.

She added said the task force would investigate corruption in all government offices, including the judiciary and legislative branches.

"They are not exempt and cases will be filed when warranted," she said. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | November 7 - 13, 2020

GLOBAL NEWS

4 of 5 Pinoys believe quality of life worsened in past 12 months — SWS MANILA (Mabuhay) — Four out of five adult Filipinos, or 82%, believe their quality of life worsened compared to a year ago, while only 6% believe it got better, according to results of a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

Meanwhile, 11% believe quality of life was the same from a year ago, the SWS said.

"The resulting Net Gainers score in September 2020 is -76 (% Gainers minus % Losers) which is considered by SWS as catastrophic (-50 and below)," the SWS said.

"Losers," according to SWS, refers to those believe the quality of life got worse from a year ago while "gainers" refers to those believe it was better.

The survey, conducted from September 17 to 20, also revealed that the only other time the net gainers score reached catastrophic level was during rice and oil price hikes in June 2008.

Further, the -76% net gainers rating now is worse than the -72% in July and just slightly better than the -78% rating posted in May. Based on SWS standards, a net gainers score lower than -50% is considered catastrophic.

The lowest net gainers score of -80% was registered in the Visayas, followed by -76% in the National Capital Region.

The biggest drop of net gainers, compared with July figures, was recorded in Mindanao, which posted a nine-point drop, followed by Visayas (five points), Metro Manila (four points) and Balance Luzon (one point).

The worst net gainers score of -84% was recorded among those hungry families, while those non-hungry families’ net gainers score reached -72%.

In addition, those who experienced severe (often and always) and moderate hunger (only once and a few times) hunger both tallied a net gainers score of-84%.

The catastrophe is also the worst for those who are non-college graduates.

Net gainers score among those who had some junior high school education is the lowest at -83%, followed by college graduates at -76%.

Those who did not finish elementary school posted a net gainers rating of -72, while college graduates had the highest net gainers score but still at a catastrophic level at -64%.

Moreover, the net gainers score

among those with a job and the jobless is almost just the same.

Net gainers rating among those with a job is at -73%, just slightly ahead of those who never had a job at -77%.

Net gainers among those who do not have a job at present but used to have one is at -79%.

The SWS poll was a probability-based survey conducted using mobile phone and computer-assisted telephone interviewing of 1,249 adult Filipinos aged 18 years old and above nationwide.

Of this number, 309 in Metro Manila, 328 in Balance Luzon, 300 in the Visayas, and 312 in Mindanao.

The sampling error margin is ±3% for national percentages, ±6% for Metro Manila, ±5% for Balance Luzon, ±6% for the Visayas, and ±6% for Mindanao. (MNS)

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Joma Sison denies linking orgs as legal fronts of CPP, says military ‘spliced’ his video MANILA (Mabuhay) — Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison on Wednesday strongly denied that he had identified some progressive groups as legal fronts of the CPP. In a television interview, Sison accused the military of "splicing" the video to make it appear that he redtagged some groups including Gabriela, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, League of Filipino Students and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers.

"I spoke in Belgium, in Brussels in 1988 and the Philippine military was able to get hold of the video. They spliced the video to make it appear that I said that the legal democratic organizations are fronts in the sense that they are façades.

I never used that kind of language," Sison said.

"As a matter of fact, I differentiated the legal forces of the national democratic movement from the armed revolutionary movement.

It's stupid of the military to splice this. I used to call them military morons but I call them idiots," Sison added.

The military has since denied the red-tagging accusations against them, insisting that it was Sison who had named these al-

leged legal fronts.

In the same interview, the Netherlands-based communist leader also branded National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon and Southern Luzon Command chief Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr. as liars, adding that the Philippine military was supposedly the reason for the bankruptcy of the government.

"Parlade and the other military psywar experts up to the level of Esperon are all liars. You know they get a lot of public money. As a matter of fact this military overspending is a major cause of the bankruptcy of the Philippine government," Sison said.

He said government forces are utilizing the money for fake surrenders, witnesses, encounters and projects. Sison added that the military is engaged in extortion activities by "intimidating" the public.

Sison also denied the allegation of confessed former communist rebel Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz that he is benefiting from the alleged extortion activities of the movement. He noted that he has been dependent on the assistance of his relatives and friends.

"I don't have to depend on funds that belong to the revolutionary government," Sison said. (MNS)

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OV e r t h e p a s t f e w y e a r s , t he at tor ney s at CH A L EFF R EH WA LD PETERSON (w w w. caregiverovertime.com) have had the honor of informing hundreds of caregivers about the specific o v e r t i m e l a w s t h a t pr ot e c t caregivers from being overworked and underpaid. Many of these caregivers decided to call us after reading our articles on Weekend Balita or finding our Facebook page. These are some of our favorite calls to receive. And, as a result of these calls, we have been able to help hundreds of caregivers recover millions in unpaid overtime.

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

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

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Saturday-Friday | November 7 - 13, 2020

CAREGIVERS:

Are you ready to claim your overtime in 2020?

1. “I Feel Obligated To My Patient.”

By nature, caregivers are typically caring people.

Many private employers take advantage of a caregiver’s compassionate nature and do not pay a fair wage.

Many caregivers feel a sense of loyalty or obligation towards their employers that make them reluctant to pursue valid claims.

While these are noble sentiments, it does not change the fact that caregivers who are paid less than the legally required wages are victims of wage theft.

In fact, many people who hire in-home caregivers are financially able to pay for caregiving services as required by law, but simply choose not to because they want to save money. We often see the children of elderly patients making efforts to preserve their own inheritance by taking advantage of caregivers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

While we recommend that our clients pay all

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

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

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

6. “I Am Concerned About Immigration Status.”

Ca lifornia law permits undocumented workers to recover unpaid overtime wages. In our experience, our undocumented clients have not suffered any serious adverse effect from presenting an overtime claim. While we cannot guarantee no problem will arise, we believe the benefit in recovering unpaid overtime far outweighs the risk.

Also, we have a relationship with an immigration attorney that can review and possibly assist with your specific immigration situation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sotto welcomes possible extended Senate red-tagging hearing sans security sector reps? Lacson says it would be unfair suspension of VFA abrogation MANILA (Mabuhay) — The possible six-month further suspension of the decision to terminate the country's Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States is a welcome development, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said on Thursday.

"It's a good move while the executive department is reviewing the pros and cons of the agreement, especially our defense relationship," Sotto said in a message.

The VFA governs the conduct of visiting US personnel holding military exercises in the country.

P r e s ident R o d r igo Duterte may suspend the abrogation of this military accord with the United States anew, according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday, five months after the Philippine government first declared a six-month suspension.

Last March, Sotto and several other lawmakers in the upper chamber sought the Supreme

Court's ruling on the Senate's role in treaty withdrawals after Duterte unilaterally decided to terminate the VFA in February.

Duterte's decision to end the VFA came on the heels of Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa's US visa cancellation, reportedly over the former national police chief’s involvement in the controversial war on drugs of the administration.

Moving forward, Sotto said he does not see the need to draft a new military agreement containing better terms to replace the VFA. Amendments may be introduced to the existing agreement, such as "a provision on automatic US defense posture on any aggression against the Philippines," he said. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senate committee on national defense and security chairperson Panfi lo Lacson is not keen on holding a hearing on red-tagging that would be exclusive for militant groups and personalities, as supposedly suggested by Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares.

"Ang public hearing ng Senado ay para dinggin ang bawat panig ng issue. It is unfair for the committee to shut out either party to prevent them from confronting any issue that may need an immediate response," Lacson said in a message.

The senator mentioned on Tuesday that Colmenares sent him a letter expressing that he may not make it to the first hearing, in light of his personal schedule for Undas. Colmenares, nevertheless, suggested to have a separate hearing for the subjects of red-tagging.

"I would like to respectfully suggest another hearing, this time with those who are the subject of red tagging including the celebrities, separate from the first hearing on Gen. Antonio Parlade's allegations," Colmenares' letter read.

"One of the reasons for this proposal is my view that during these 'public confrontations,' Gen. Parlade or his witnesses will take the opportunity to use the forum to red tag us further even if they have no evidence," he added.

The lawmakers belonging to the Makabayan bloc were also invited but they skipped the hearing. The legal counsel

who attended on their behalf said they were on respective relief missions for disaster victims.

A former Philippine National Police chief, Lacson has repeatedly expressed during the hearing that it was unfortunate that the militant leaders are not present to immediately rebut the claims of the resource persons from the security sector and the alleged rebel returnees.

In the spirit of fairness, the senator said his committee will call for another hearing on the issue "depending on the availability or willingness of the party-list groups and/or their organizations to participate."

One of the resource persons who appeared at Tuesday's hearing was a self-confessed former New People's Army member, Jeffrey Celiz.

Celiz was included in the narco list of President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 but he said this was part of a "government project" to dismantle a drug syndicate in Iloilo City. He added that it does not diminish the truthfulness of his testimonies about the Communist Party of the Philippines before the panel.

Asked if he finds Celiz credible, Lacson said: "Without rebuttal from those whom he implicated in the recruitment of minors based on what he claims his personal knowledge, not to mention the corroborative testimonies of the other rebel returnees, so far they may have sounded credible." (MNS)

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Typhoon-hit tourism sector may avail of aid under Bayanihan 2 — chief MANILA (Mabuhay) — Displaced tourism workers affected by Super Typhoon Rolly may avail of some P3 billion worth of assistance allotted under Bayanihan 2, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Thursday.

The fund is originally allocated for the sector's workers hit by the COVID-19 pandemic's lockdown, according to Puyat.

An additional P100 million was allotted for displaced tourist guides and some P6 billion is allocated for soft loans for medium, small and micro tourism enterprises, Puyat said.

The strong winds and torrential rains of Rolly, the world's strongest storm so far this year, had inundated large swaths of Bicol region and other parts of Luzon, knocked down electrical posts and damaged heritage structures, leaving at least 19 dead and displacing hundreds of thousands.

Meanwhile, some countries sent their condolences and pledged aid to the Philippines after typhoon Rolly, the world's strongest storm for 2020, wreaked havoc in parts of the country.

The government of the United Kingdom on Tuesday said was allotting £1 million (around P62.8 million/$1.2 million) to help victims of Typhoon Goni (Rolly) in the Philippines, as well as those affected by the recent flooding in Vietnam.

Nigel Adams, the Minister for Asia at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), announced UK's aid for the two Southeast Asian countries.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government said it has pledged 35 million AED or more than P450 million of financial aid for those affected by the typhoon.

According to WAM (Emirates News Agency), a delegation from the Emirates Red Cross (ERC) has travelled to Manila to oversee the relief operations and ensure urgent delivery of the aid in coordination with local authorities in the Philippines.

“Phase One of the ERC aid project includes large volume of shelter materials, while Phase Two will provide health, food and other human-

itarian assistance to those affected by the recent natural calamity,” it said.

“H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, has been monitoring typhoon ‘Goni’ (local name ‘Rolly’) since it started to hit the Philippines over the weekend,” it added.

The European Union offered their condolences to the families of the vic-

tims of the typhoon.

The Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia also offered their condolences to the families of the victims of the typhoon.

“Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of Typhoon #RollyPH, which has killed over a dozen persons and injured & displaced many others, particularly in the Bicol region & in Southern Luzon,” it said in a Facebook post.

“We offer our sympathy to all af-

fected by this catastrophe and express our solidarity with the Filipino people & the local authorities.”

Typhoon Rolly, which struck the Philippines as a super typhoon on Sunday, killed at least 19 people and has affected hundreds of thousands in several provinces.

More than 4 millions of residents in the region remain without electricity and even energy officials are unable to say when power could be restored.

(MNS)

Gov’t may reconsider joint patrol exercises US Embassy exec: Ties with Philippines in West Philippine Sea -- Esperon to remain strong whoever wins in US elex

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The national government could reconsider participating in joint patrol exercises with other countries in the West Philippine Sea, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said on Wednesday.

Esperon said joint patrol exercises are currently on hold as the government sees it as unhelpful in attaining a peaceful West Philippine Sea. "If you are referring to joint exercises, we have put them on hold after all if we are to conduct joint

exercises, joint patrol exercises, we can do it in our territorial waters or in areas where we have maneuver area like the Sulu Sea or even at the side of the Philippine Sea," Esperon said.

"For now, we have put them on hold for several reasons but we will consider them again as the situation develops. For now, we think that getting into military exercises in the area don't contribute much to peaceful South China Sea or West Philippine Sea. We will continue

to evaluate that however," he added.

In August, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said President Rodrigo Duterte had prohibited government troops from joining other countries in conducting naval exercises.

Lorenzana said the directive aims to prevent the escalation of tension in the resource-rich region.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, for his part, said the decision was in line with the national government’s independent foreign policy. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — America's relations with its long-time ally, the Philippines, will remain unchanged and strong whoever wins the US presidential elections, Washington's acting ambassador to Manila said Wednesday.

Embassy Chargè d'Affaires John Law said he expects the alliance to remain "productive" regardless of the result of the presidential contest between Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

"Every US Embassy works very hard for the best possible relationship with the host government. We will continue to do that here in Manila regardless of the results of the US election," Law said at the election watch party hosted by the US Embassy in Manila.

The US elections are crucial to the Philippines because it can change the trajectory of Washington’s relations with President Rodrigo Duterte, whose deadly on war on drugs sparked concerns from the administration of former US President Barack Obama, a Democrat.

Duterte resorted to curses-laden verbal attacks against the former US leader, who he once told to "go to hell."

If Biden wins, he will be the 46th President of the United States.

Unlike his predecessor, Trump, who refrained from criticizing Duterte, enjoys good relations with the Philippine leader.

As the US begins its election count, the embassy held its traditional watch party, where guests from the Philippine government, media, US and foreign diplomats, watched partial results being streamed by American networks CNN and Fox News.

Law called the election a celebration of American democratic process.

"What we celebrate today is the strength of American democracy with all its flaws and weaknesses and mistakes," Law said.

"For two and a half centuries, the American people have worked tirelessly to improve it

and make our union ever more perfect and that will not change."

As the events of the polls unfolded, interactive booths were set up in the embassy compound where guests learn about the US voting system and participated in a trivia contest about American elections and Presidential history.

The US president is decided through a system called the Electoral College. A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to be declared the official winner of the presidential race.

The ballroom and courtyard of the embassy were decked in red, white and blue where guests watch the results coming in from various states on TV monitors while enjoying refreshments.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, only a small number of participants were invited unlike in previous presidential election watch parties that drew huge attendees.

"Our entire embassy team has worked tirelessly and taken every precaution to ensure that we can offer you an event that is both enjoyable and safe," Law said.

The general mood was more subdued compared to the festive atmosphere of previous years' election watch parties where supporters of the winning candidate would cheer and clap as results are usually known a few hours after polls across the US have closed. This year's US poll counting is slower because a huge number of ballots were cast by mail due to the pandemic.

But whoever wins, Law said he is optimistic that Manila's ties with Washington will remain stronger than ever.

"The US and Philippine relationship is very very old, is very very strong. There have been Republicans and Democratic Presidents of the United States and different administrations in the Philippines. One constant has been the relationship between our peoples, the relationship between our countries is always very strong and of that I'm certain," Law said. (MNS)

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Philippines among safest countries in the world — Gallup poll MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines is considered as among the safest countries in the world where citizens feel safe and have confidence with the local police, according to the 2020 Global Law and Order survey by American analytics firm Gallup.

In the report based on a survey conducted in 2019, the Philippines is tied with Australia, New Zealand, Poland, and Serbia on 12th spot with a law and order index score of 84.

Out of the 144 countries, the Philippines is among the top 40 nations with the highest scores.

The researchers asked nearly 175,000 adults in 144 countries and areas with four questions to capture their sense of personal security and experiences with crime and law enforcement.

The questions asked are the following: In the city or area where you live, do you have confidence in the local police force?

Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?

Within the last 12 months, have you had money or property stolen from you or another household member?

W ithin the p a s t 12 months, have you been assaulted or mugged?

Singapore and Turkmenistan topped the list with a law and order index score of 97. They are followed

by China, Iceland, Kuwait, Norway, Austria, Switzerland, Uzbekistan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Afghanistan placed at the bottom of the ranking with a score of 43. Among the countries with the lowest scores are Gabon, Venezuela, Liberia, South Africa, Gambia, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Botswana, and Mexico.

Globally, almost seven in 10 people or 69% said in 2019 that they feel safe walking alone at night where they live and have confidence in their local police, Gallup said.

Around one in eight people or 12% said they had property stolen from them or another household member in the past year, while 6% said they were assaulted

or mugged.

“These numbers remained largely unchanged from 2018,” Gallup said.

The survey results are based on telephone and face-to-face interviews with approximately 1,000

No timeline yet on possible PH-China joint oil exploration —DFA MANILA (Mabuhay) — Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. on Tuesday said Manila and Beijing are still discussing a possible joint oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea. Locsin said the two countries would need to identify a "specific project" first under the Philippine-China Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Oil and Gas Development (MOU).

"For one year both sides exchanged impossible-to-reconcile positions. So I felt that what we need here is to try with a specific project, a project in the disputed area. With us it's not disputed, it's ours by

right but it's a Chinese claim," he said in an interview with CNN Philippines. "A specific project will then focus on how you’re actually gonna do it."

Locsin said a proposal was made during his meeting with Chinese State Councilor and

Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Madrid, Spain last year, with discussions continuing from that point. He did not provide further details but said "every step of those talks" was cleared by members of the Cabinet and President Rodrigo Duterte.

"What is important is the care with which we are working on the language, so that that language and what it translates to in real actions do not, in any way, constitute a surrender of our rights under the Arbitral Award and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)," he said.

"China, I suppose, is doing

the same thing because we're still talking and that's the situation now," he added.

Whatever the outcome, Locsin said these talks would provide a template that may serve as guidelines for future projects between the disput-

ing parties.

“That template will govern how I, the DFA, will decide whether any specific project by other any department follows the law, the Constitution, and our rights under the arbitral award. I’m not gonna give in to anybody. I don’t care how influential they think they are,” he said.

The Philippine government recently lifted the moratorium on oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea to strengthen the country’s energy security.

The resumption of petroleum activities covers the areas within Service Contract Nos. 59, 72, and 75 in the West Philippine Sea, wh ich wer e suspended on the ground of force majeure due to the existing South China Sea dispute.

Talks on oil and gas cooperation were halted due to t he coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak early this year.

In a Palace briefing last month, Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana said Manila and Beijing are trying to determine when the negotiations can resume safely amid the pandemic. (MNS)

adults in each country, aged 15 and older, which were conducted throughout 2019 in 144 countries and areas.

For results based on the total sample of national adults, Gallup said the margin of sampling error

ranged from ±2.1 percentage points to ±5.6 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

All reported margins of sampling error include computed design effects for weighting, it added.

(MNS)

SC approves magistrate’s early retirement MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday confirmed the early retirement of one of its magistrates.

"The Court approved the application for disability retirement of Justice Priscilla Baltazar-Padilla effective today, 3 November,” the SC Public Information Office said in a press statement.

No other details were provided by the court.

Baltazar-Padilla was appointed

by President Rodrigo Duterte to the High Court last July, replacing Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., who retired in May. Padilla joined the judiciary in

1996 as Presiding Judge of Branch 29 of the Metropolitan Trial Court of Manila.

She was promoted to Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court of Manila Branch 38 in 2000. In 2006, she was appointed Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals and held the position for 14 years until her appointment to the Supreme Court.

She graduated from the Lyceum of the Philippines in Intramuros, Manila, and placed 5th in the 1984 bar examinations.

She is Duterte's 14th appointee to the High Court and would have reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 in 2028. (MNS)

Pinoy repatriates reach 237,363 in October

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) wrapped up its 8th month of coronavirus disease (Covid-19)-related repatriation efforts as it brought home a total of 37,095 overseas Filipinos (OFs) this October.

This, the DFA said, brings the total number of repatriated OFs to 237,363 since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Of the total, 77,326 OFs (32.58 percent) are sea-based while 160,037 (67.42 percent) are land-based.

The repatriates this October came from the following regions: --31,849 or 85.86 percent from the Middle East; --2,716 (7.32 percent) from Asia and the Pacific; --2,406 (6.49 percent) from Europe; --92 (0.25 percent) from Africa; and --32 (0.09 percent) from the Americas.

October’s repatr iations were marked by several “firsts” — the mass repatriation of more than 500 Agros-

tudies students from Israel, the safe return of 92 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Benghazi, Libya, and the first-ever repatriation by sea from Indonesia of 40 Filipino fishermen via the BRP Tubbataha.

The DFA also chartered three flights from Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia which flew home 920 OFs, including OFWs with chronic medical conditions.

It also facilitated several medical repatriations from Australia, Brazil, French Polynesia, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Norway, Oman, Spain, and the USA. “As we sustain our repatriation efforts in the last two months of the year, the DFA remains fully committed to bringing home our kababayan, whatever challenges we may face,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola said.

The DFA expects to repatriate more than 107,000 Filipinos by year-end.

(MNS)

BALITA 13 Business DICT backs NTC’s streamlining of fiber Inflation rate optic cable deployment permit process slightly up to

Saturday-Friday | November 7 - 13, 2020

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is backing the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) initiative to streamline the permitting process for the installation of fiber optic cables.

The DICT said NTC is also requesting concerned government agencies to rationalize the permitting processes for fiber optic cables similar to Joint Memorandum Circular No.1 s. 2020, which streamlines the issuance of permits, licenses, and certificates for the construction of shared passive telecommunications tower infrastructure (PTTIs).

The move, it said, is aimed at facilitating a seamless integration of fiber optic cable and wireless technologies as both are critical components of the country’s broadband network.

“The DICT is currently fast tracking the implementation of the National Broadband Program – our Department’s initiative in building a government-owned broadband network for better, more affordable and more extensive Internet connectivity in the country. We welcome all in-

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2.5% in October

itiatives that will complement the NBP, including efforts to improve ICT infrastructures in the private sector side,” said DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II. In a letter addressed to DICT, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and the Anti-Red

Tape Authority (ARTA), NTC stated that the JMC signed in July this year has proven to be effective in facilitating the addition of required base towers in the Philippines leading to improvements in wireless coverage and technologies.

With this, the NTC also aims for a fast-tracked deployment of fiber optic networks, the fundamental telecommunication infostructure needed to address the country’s ICT needs along

with addressing the wireless component of telecommunications.

As part of its efforts, NTC said it is presently coordinating with DPWH for possible amendments in Department Order No. 73 s. 2014 which provides for guidelines for right-ofway concerns in the deployment of fiber optic networks along national roads and bridges.

NTC is an attached agency of the DICT. (MNS)

Rice supply stable amid ‘Rolly’ damage to farmlands — DA MANILA (Mabuhay) — Rice production in the country is "still enough" despite some farmlands destroyed due to the onslaught of typhoons Rolly and Quinta, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday.

“The total volume na tumama sa rice is 170,000 metric tons.

If we compare it sa annual target na 20 million metric tons, this is less than 1 percent (The total volume of rice production that was hit by the typhoon is 170,000 metric tons. If we compare it to the 20 million metric tons annual target, that is only 1 percent),” DA director for field

Weekend

operations Roy Abaya said in a virtual briefing.

The combined amount of damage and losses from “Quinta” (PHP2.56 billion) and “Rolly” (PHP1.99 billion) is PHP4.56 billion.

The two weather disturbances affected 77,958 farmers and 115,148 hectares of agricultural areas in Regions 1, 2, 3, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, according to the DA bulletin as of noon of November 3.

The volume of production loss is at 262,539 metric tons.

The affected commodities include rice, corn, high-value

crops, fisheries, livestock, irrigation, and agri-facilities.

In earlier reports, the DA said a total of 4,263 bags of rice issued by the National Food Authority (NFA) will be distributed to the provinces of Marinduque, Albay, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, and Cavite for relief operations.

A total of 133,326 bags of rice seeds, 17,545 bags of corn seeds, and 1,980 kilograms of assorted vegetables will also be given to affected farmers.

Around 10 million pieces of available tilapia and milkfish fingerlings, as well as fishing gears

and paraphernalia, will also be distributed to fisherfolk in the affected areas.

Quick Response Fund amounting to PHP400 million was allocated for the rehabilitation of areas affected by “Rolly”.

On the other hand, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol said some 23,552 food packs worth PHP10.2 million and non-food items worth PHP26.4 million are distributed.

Loan programs and other cash assistance are also underway, the DA said. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The country’s inflation rate increased slightly to 2.5 percent in October from the previous month’s 2.3 percent due mainly to higher food prices, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday.

The average price increase of basic goods and services for the first 10 months of the year remained at 2.5 percent.

In a virtual press briefing, PSA Undersecretary and national statistician Dennis Mapa said the main drivers in the uptrend of inflation last month were food and non-alcoholic beverages, particularly meat and fish.

Mapa said the weighted average price of pork in the National Capital Region (NCR) reached PHP260 per kilo in October from PHP202 last year; while those in areas outside NCR (AONCR) increased to PHP208 per kilo from PHP186.

“The source of increase in prices is basically Luzon, particularly provinces that are near the NCR,” he added.

Mapa said the food and non-alcoholic beverages index, which rose by 2.1 percent and with a 33.2-percent share in the overall inflation, contributed mainly to the slight increase in prices in October.

He also attributed last month’s inflation to higher prices of restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services, particularly increases in costs of barbershop and education services.

He added that transport, with 7.9-percent inflation and 26.2-percent share in overall inflation in October, likewise pushed prices higher.

Mapa particularly cited tricycle fare in AONCR where the minimum charge per passenger averaged PHP14.25 from PHP11 last year, resulting in a 30-percent increase in the inflation for tricycle fare.

Inflation in the NCR increased to 2.5 percent in October from 2.2 percent the previous month; while in those areas outside the NCR also went up to 2.5 percent from 2.4 percent. (MNS)

Duterte signs EO placing price cap on Covid-19 tests MANILA (Mabuhay) — Swab testing will soon be made affordable to more Filipinos after President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday signed an executive order placing a price cap on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing and test kits for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Executive Order No. 118 directs the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure accessibility and affordability of Covid-19 tests and test kits.

In signing the EO, Duterte recognized the priority of the state to ensure that the general public, especially those from low- and middle-income households, have “equitable access” to quality and affordable healthcare services such as Covid-19 tests.

"The DOH, in coordination with the DTI, is hereby directed to determine, formulate, and implement a price range for Covid-19 testing

conducted by hospitals, laboratories, and other health establishments and facilities, included the test kits used in the conduct of said tests, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations," the EO read.

Both agencies must also ensure that the price range for Covid-19 testing and test kits is "just, equitable, and sensitive to all stakeholders."

Compliance with the price range must form part of the standards and requirements for licensing and accreditation of hospitals, laboratories, and other health establishments and facilities as Covid-19 testing centers.

"The DOH shall release the appropriate issuances directing all hospitals, laboratories, and other health establishments, and facilities with existing accreditation to operate a Covid-19 diagnostic laboratory, to observe the aforesaid price range. Failure to comply therewith may be considered as a

ground for the revocation of existing licenses or accreditation," the EO read.

Under the EO, the DOH must institute measures to ensure that all accredited Covid-19 laboratories observe transparency in the pricing of tests, and ensure that the public is fully informed of the component costs of medical services and procedures relating to Covid-19.

The DOH and DTI must undertake continuous monitoring and review of the price and market supply of Covid-19 test kits and other basic medical items and supplies, and issue such price control measures and adjustments as may be necessary.

Necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of the order must also be formulated and issued by the DOH and DTI. EO 118 takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

While many public hospitals and other healthcare facilities offer affordable Covid-19 testing ranging from PHP1,750 to PHP2,000, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said he could not dispute that it would be “ideal” for the President to sign an EO. Roque also expressed hope that once pool or batch testing is given the green light, it would further reduce the cost of testing.

Pool testing involves combining samples from several people and test them together instead of running them individually. (MNS)

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Janine Berdin once told to quit pursuing her dream of becoming a singer MANILA (Mabuhay) — Janine Berdin admitted there was a point in her life when she almost gave up on her dream of becoming a singer.

In an online interview, Berdin shared that she was once told to just focus on trying to become an actress instead.

JANINE BERDIN “Kasi ever since I was a kid, music talaga 'yung gusto ko i-pursue but marami ang nagsasabi sa akin na dahil nga po garalgal 'yung boses ko, hindi ko po maaabot 'yung dream na 'yun. Kapag sinasabi kong gusto kong maging singer, sinasabi nila na siguro you should try acting na lang instead,” she said.

As a child, Berdin said that crushed her self-esteem.

“Sobrang nakasira po 'yun sa esteem ko and sa paniniwala ko sa sarili ko. But it didn’t stop there. Nag-try pa rin ako. Nag-audition pa rin ako sa 'The Voice Kids' and Tawag ng Tanghalan (TNT) season 1 pero hindi pa rin ako natanggap.

So sinabi ko na siguro huwag na lang,” she said.

According to Berdin, when she joined the second season of TNT, she never really expected to win.

“I had no expectations. Sa Cebu po, kapag nakita ka lang sa TV saglit, kukunin ka na ng mga restaurants tapos papakantahin ka na doon. 'Yun ang sinasabi ko sa sarili ko. Kapag nakakanta na ako sa TV, kukunin na ako sa mga restaurant para makapag-gig ako,” she recalled.

But she was obviously destined for more. In 2018, Berdin was named the grand winner of TNT season 2 and that started her career in the music industry.

“Sobra sobra po 'yung binigay ni Lord. Hindi ko po talaga in-expect na I’d be here now. Buti na lang 'yung younger Janine, hindi siya nag-give up,” she said.

When asked what motivated her to continue fighting for her dream, Berdin said she does her best in everything because of her family.

“Number one is I want to make my family and myself proud. Gusto ko pong marating 'yung point na happy lang po talaga kaming lahat.

Aside sa passion ko talaga 'yung music that’s why I keep on doing what I do, but mainly it’s because gusto ko maging proud 'yung family ko,” she said. (MNS)

E ntertainment

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Geoff Eigenmann, wife Maya welcome third child

A

ctor Geoff Eigenmann and his fiancée, singer Maya Flores, welcomed their third child over the weekend.

Eigenmann shared the good news on Instagram as he posted a photo of his wife and their new baby girl, Penelope Rose Eigenmann, or Pepper for short, who was born on October 31 at 11:11 a.m.

"We are now a family of 5," EiPenelope Rose “Pepper” Eigenmann born 10/31/20 at 11:11am genmann wrote in the caption.

Flores also shared the good news to her followers as she posted a photo while their second child, Angus, just of his husband and baby Pepper.

"The new love of our lives, Penelo- turned a year old in June.

Eigenmann and Flores got enpe Rose," Flores wrote.

It was just in June last year when gaged in April 2019.

The couple announced their enthe couple welcomed their second gagement with a photo of them with child.

Their eldest Arabella Simone Flores’ hand wearing a ring in the turned 3 years old last September, foreground.

MAYA & GEOFF “From my girlfriend, to now my fiance. A new chapter begins,” Eigenmann wrote in the caption.

Flores, meanwhile, said: “It just got real! Like, diamond real. I said yes! All ready to head off on a lifelong trip to a bright future together.”

(MNS)

Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos to star in upcoming GMA-7 show 'Love You Stranger' MANILA (Mabuhay) — Khalil Ramos' Khalil signed with GMA Network fi rst GMA show is with none other last October 13. In 2019, he headlined than his girlfriend Gabbi Garcia! the award-winning movie "LSS" with The newest Kapuso hottie was reGabbi. vealed to headline the upcoming GMA Khalil officially signed a contract Public Affairs primetime series titled with GMA Network last October 13.

"Love You Stranger," with Gabbi as his “It feels quite overwhelming. Everyleading lady. one that I’ve met so far has been very The couple were all smiles as they welcoming. I feel loved! The amount teased their project on Instagram, of support that I’ve been getting so far with Gabbi holding up a red envelope. is very gratifying," Khalil said during "Love You Stranger" is a romance the contract signing. mystery show written by award win"I’m incredibly happy to be a KapuGABBI & KHALIL ning GMA Public Affairs producer Anj so. I’m very much excited to be able to Atienza with famed writer-director Irene Villamor. collaborate with such talented and skilled people. I It is set to air in 2021. can’t wait to meet everyone else," he added. (MNS)

RICHARD YAP ON DEALING WITH BURNOUT, ADAPTING TO PANDEMIC MANILA (Mabuhay) — The uncertainty of the pandemic has left many people stressed and drained, including Richard Yap. The actor and entrepreneur made the statement in a recent webinar organized by Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corp., saying that there came a point when he "did not know what to do."

"Actually, this pandemic has been really draining for all of us. I think a lot of people have been stressed out, and I wasn't spared from that also," he said.

"I was really stressed at one point that I really didn't know what to do. Because, of course, businesses were shut down but we still had to pay our suppliers and all that," he added.

Known for running a chain of Chinese restaurants in the country, Yap said they have taken steps to adapt to the "new normal" by focusing on delivery and shifting to digital, contactless methods.

After using and collaborating with food delivery apps, he and his team were able to create their own delivery system.

"The major challenges were the unreliability of internet services and the applications. But, of course, due to the other systems that were being offered, we got through all this," he said.

As to how he deals with burnout, Yap said he turns to exercise and prayer.

"What I did was I just let go and prayed. To lessen my

I guess prayer has played a major part, and having the support of your family," he said.

While it has been a challenging period, Yap said he also sees the pandemic as a "time for rediscovery" as it made him appreciate the people and things around him more.

"When you're away working, sometimes you're not even there when your kids are growing up," he said. "So this time has been good for everyone who has had the time to be with their family."

"But it has also shown us that what could be there today could not also be there tomorrow. So we have to treasure everything that we have now.

Everything has changed so much. A lot of businesses have closed down, so we are very thankful that we are still surviving," he added.

"And that basically is what this year is all about...

This year is about survival."

As for his showbiz career, Yap said he acknowledges the need to be more "flexible" when it comes to roles and projects given the pandemic.

"If I was known for doing rom-coms, maybe in the next few months or projects, we might be doing some other things, like action or being a contraviRICHARD YAP da," he said.

"We have to be open to doing all these things... We cannot be stagnant. We have to change ourselves stress, I just worked out. I have a home gym, so I work out so I can forget all about these things for a while. But all the time," he ended. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | November 7 - 13, 2020

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KC Concepcion joins roster of WWF-PH celebrity ambassadors

W

orld Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines has welcomed KC Concepcion to its roster of celebrity ambassadors.

She now joins the likes of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, actresses Iza Calzado and Janine Gutierrez, hosts Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez, and Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco.

In a statement, WWF-Philippines said Concepcion will help them spread awareness on food security and the importance of sustainable consumption, among others.

"It has been my long-time dream to be supporting an NGO that focuses on protecting and improving our environment, our planet, our wildlife, and in turn creating a better world. And finally, that dream is now a reality. It humbles me to be part of an amazing family whose goal is to protect Mother Nature at all costs," the host and jewelry designer said.

Prior to becoming a WWF-PH ambassador, Concepcion has been working with the organization by running special episodes

KC CONCEPCION

As breadwinner, Shaira Diaz says she became stronger emotionally, mentally amid pandemic

MANILA (Mabuhay) — As her family’s emotionally and mentally, so yun breadwinner, Shaira Diaz said she sa tingin ko kasi ngayong pandemic had become stronger both emotion- talagang na-test din talaga ako dito, ally and mentally amid the pandemic. may mga times talaga na namomrobShaira shared what she had lema ako, hindi ako makatulog kasi learned from the pandemic that she paubos na yung savings ko, so parang would incorporate in her character yung ganoon kasi breadwinner ako Ria, an assassin in the upcoming eh ng family namin,” she said. action-adventure “So doon pa lang series “Lolong.” nasubukan talaga “Siguro yung paako ngayong pangiging malakas emodemic na ’to, kaya tionally, mentally so yeah sa tingin ko feeling ko yoon bu’y un y ung kaya kod sa dapat maging kong ma-incorpophysically strong rate kay Ria dito din talaga, maging sa ‘Lolong,’” she believable na assasadded. sin talaga, na wellJust last week, trained assassin si Shaira broke into Ria,” she said. tears out of happiShe shared some ness after learning of the challenges that she was cast as SHAIRA DIAZ she went through the leading lady for amid the pandemic as her family’s “Lolong.” breadwinner and how these made Shaira starred on “Love You Two” her stronger. in 2019 and “Pamilya Roces” in 2018.

“Gusto ko maging strong siya (MNS)

of her online cooking show, "Kitchen Collabs."

She said she hopes to use her new role to promote local produce and work on food security initiatives.

"We need to reconnect with our food and remember how it even got to our local market, or grocery store, and to our table. We forget that every produce harvested and farmed uses lots of energy, transporting them from the farm to our fork. We should have a certain respect for food and farmers and see how we can do our part in our everyday lives to lessen food waste, and learn steps on how to be self-sustainable now more than ever before," Concepcion said.

"I aim to learn and help others learn with me the value of understanding our human connection with food, rallying behind local fishermen and farmers, supporting the consumption of local produce, and things like preventing food waste and learning new recipes to make the most of what grows in our own soil and seas," she added. (MNS)

Arra San Agustin willing to do own stunts for ‘Lolong’ MANILA (Mabuhay) — Just Arra, who plays Nadine, is this month, Arra San Agustin set to become one of the leadwas announced to be among ing ladies of Ruru Madrid’s the stars of the much await- character. ed action-adAccording venture seto t he ac ries “Lolong.” tress, Nadine Arra said comes from s h e ’s n o t a wealthy only willing family and to grow as an is a very inactress with d e p e n d e nt the new prowoman. ject, but she’s Aside from also willing Arra, Shaira to do her own Diaz will also stunts! be starring “Ang last as one of Mako nagawa is drid’s leading ARRA SAN AGUSTIN ‘Encantadia.’ ladies.

Talagang na-enjoy ko eksena In an interview, Shaira was na may fighting scenes,” the in tears when she found out actress said. that she got the role as the “Namiss ko na mag-solo, actress thought she was just ’yung mga numbers sa fight going through a screen test scenes, very willing po ako,” online. she added.

“Nahirapan ako via Zoom “Lolong” is an action-ad- na umarte pero sobrang nagventure series inspired by the papasalamat ako sa prod, sa world’s largest crocodile in Public Affairs for choosing captivity which died in 2013. me,” the actress said. (MNS)

Giselle Sanchez, husband renew wedding vows

GISELLE & EMIL

MANILA (Mabuhay) — After 20 years of "blissful" marriage, Giselle Sanchez and her husband Emil Buencamino have renewed their wedding vows.

On Instagram, Sanchez shared that the intimate ceremony was held at Daughter's Of St. Anne Convent in Cubao, Quezon City.

Sanchez and Buencamino were accompanied by their two children Lia and Xavier Zappa.

"Allow me to share my joy as I renewed my wedding vows with my husband after twenty years of blissful marriage," Sanchez wrote in the cap-

tion.

She also expressed her gratitude to all those who have helped them on their special day.

For his part, Buencamino shared: "Thank you Lord for blessing us with a beautiful sunny afternoon. Once again, we have pledged in front of You, family and friends our eternal commitment to one another."

In their previous television guesting," Sanchez and Buencamino shared that they met by chance.

Sanchez said she was still a student when she decided to borrow a video camera from Buencamino's brother.

"Actually ang kailangan kong tawagan ay ang brother niya. Hindi dahil may gusto ako sa brother niya kung hindi dahil kailangan ko ng video cam. Mahirap lang kami noon, MassComm ako, kailangan ko ng video cam. Tiningnan ko sa listahan namin, sino ba ang mukha kong mayayaman na kaklase, ito si Mig uel Buenc a mino, pero 11 na 'yon kasi talagang wala na desperado na ako, tulog na si Miguel, siya ngayon (si Emil) ang nakasagot... the rest is history," Sanchez shared.

Sanchez and Buencamino got married in 2000.

(MNS)

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Heart Evangelista not keen on pursuing career in music

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actress Heart Evangelista is releasing “Breathe You,” a self-produced single she recorded over 15 years ago.

However, should we expect more songs to come from the Queen of Creative Collaborations?

“Not sure I’ll sing again. I think I’m too busy. I think di ko na kaya,” Heart shared, Although she may not be recording new songs anytime soon, the actress said that she might release other songs from the album that have never been heard by the public before.

“I don’t really think I would go back to recording.

I feel like it’s something I left long ago,” she said.

“But I don’t mind releasing other songs from the album because the songs of the album are really nice,” Heart added.

“Breathe You” is out now on music streaming platforms. (MNS)

Piolo Pascual releases new single 'Iiyak sa Ulan'

MANIL A (Mabuhay) — Star Music has released the latest single of actor Piolo Pascual titled "Iiyak sa Ulan."

ABS-CBN's music outfit also released the lyric video of Pascual's new song, which was composed

by Dan Lagroma and produced by Jonathan Manalo.

On Instagram, Pascual also promoted his new project as he shared teaser of "Iiyak sa Ulan."

Aside from the new song, Pascual is also gearing up for a new movie with actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith.

The two who will be headlining a movie together for the first time as the lead stars of the upcoming film “Real Life Fiction” co-produced by Ten17P and Viva Films.

Directed by Paul Soriano, "Real Life Fiction" will be released in 2021.

It marks the second collaboration between Pascual and Ten17P after “Hele Sa Hiwagang Hapis” with John Lloyd Cruz.

(MNS)

16

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Travel

Saturday-Friday | November 7 - 13, 2020

Intramuros is Asia's leading tourist attraction: 2020 WTA MANILA – The historic walled city of Intramuros has emerged as Asia's leading tourist attraction in the 2020 World Travel Awards, besting such world-class landmarks as India’s Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China.

This is the second time the Philippine destination won the title after getting the award in 2016.

Trailing Intramuros in this year's awards are the Angkor Temples in Cambodia, the Borobudur Temple Compounds in Indonesia, the Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, the Sengan-en and Shoko Shuseikan Museum in Japan, Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, the Tokyo Imperial Palace in Japan, and the Terracotta Warriors and The Forbidden City in China.

Four years since its 2016 WTA Asia's Leading Tourist Attraction title, the walled city has not only maintained its grandeur but also features several improvements, which, for the Intramuros Administration (IA), may have contributed to its recent win.

From 2017 to 2019, Intramuros strived to revitalize its pocket parks and plazas, such as the Plaza Sto. Tomas, Plaza Roma, President's Gallery, Juan Luna Monument, Legazpi Monument, Plazuela de Sta. Isabel, Plaza de España, Gomburza Monument, and Plaza de Armaz.

Plaza Sto. Tomas used to be riddled with vendors and illegal street provisions. Now, its streets have been cleared for tourists and the general public, the vendors are properly organized, and the plaza is well lit and secured.

"We also put effort to renew and establish old and new attractions in Intramuros for the tourists. The two general projects were the renewal of Fort Santiago, offering a revitalized perspective for the world-renowned gate, and the opening of Museo de Intramuros," the IA said.

After being left in ruins for decades, Fort Santiago was reconstructed in phases starting 2011 and was completed in April 2019.

Before the pandemic, the Museo de Intramuros inside the old San Ignacio Church, offered ecclesiastical insights for museum aficionados, stretching back to the early Christianization of the Philippines.

SENATE... FROM PAGE 1

Walled city of Intramuros

The Manila Cathedral located inside Intramuros (Pre-pandemic photo by DOT/Denison Manuel) In the years beyond, the IA said it wants tourists – and local businesses alike – to look at Intramuros and imagine a "vibrant future" not limited to cobblestones and old churches but an old city breathing a brand new life.

Metro Manila is still under general community quarantine (GCQ) but the IA is prepared should the region shift

to modified GCQ and eventually allow leisure travel.

"We have adopted the SafePass and also further recalibrate our existing sites to comply with the health and safety protocols. We will wait for the proper guidelines to be issued," IA Administrator Guiller Asido told the Philippine News Agency.

(PNA)

“We consider the senators as vital partners, allies and friends, and we thank the Senate leadership for this productive meeting,” he added.

During the meeting, the legislators agreed to come up with a common legislative priority plan for the next five months following the agenda set

by President Rodrigo Duterte himself during his fifth State of the Nation Address.

Part of the President's agenda are the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer Act, Rural Agricultural and Fisheries Development Financing System Act, and the bill creating the Department of Overseas Filipinos.

“The President, in his remaining years as our Chief Executive, can rely on Congress to help him fulfill his promises to our people before his term ends,” Velasco said.

“We take seriously his call to put an end to systemic corruption, and we will work together with our fellow lawmakers to come up with legislation to help our overseas Filipino workers, farmers and fisherfolk,” he added.

At the same time, Velasco said the House also urged the Senate to prioritize the passage of the proposed Magna Carta of Barangay Workers Act to assist frontliners in the barangay, as well as the proposed Internet Transactions Act aimed at protecting consumers in their online transactions amid the pandemic.

The House last October 27 submitted its version of the proposed 2021 General Appropriations Act to the Senate, which Velasco believes the two houses will be able to pass before the year ends.

“The House and Senate leaderships were both in agreement that the national budget should be approved as soon as possible,” he said.

Velasco is expecting that both the Senate and the House will work harmoniously on the budget bill as well as on other proposed measures to help the country quickly recover from the pandemic.

“We have a good working relationship with the Senate, and everyone is united,” he said.

“We are confident that we can pass responsive laws that will help our countrymen rise above this pandemic before the year ends," he added.

(MNS)

IN 2017... FROM PAGE 2 ments, or Revenue in 2017.

Just as Wholesale Trade is the largest sector in total sales in the United States, it was also king in 32 states in 2017. Wholesale Trade also saw the largest increase in sales from 2012 to 2017 in 22 states.

Retail Trade was the top sales growth sector in 12 states. Florida retail sales were up $59.3 billion between 2012 and 2017.

Where certain industry sectors rank high: Manufacturing was the top sector in shipment in 11 states. It grew the most in Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee. (South Carolina gained the most, up $39.4 billion.)

Retail was tops in five states (Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire and New Mexico). In Nevada, total retail sales in 2017 were $45.1 billion, the largest of these five states.

Mining ranked highest in Alaska, ($12.3 billion) and Wyoming ($12.8 billion).

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services was the top sector in revenue in Washington, D.C. ($37.2 billion).

Health Care grew the most in eight states led by Louisiana, where it in-

creased by $6.7 billion.

Construction saw the largest increase in revenue between 2012 and 2017 in Colorado ($24.4 billion), Kansas ($4.7 billion), and Nevada ($8.3 billion) Professional Services went up in D.C. ($5.4 billion) and New Mexico ($2.5 billion).

Mining saw the largest increase in North Dakota ($4.1 billion).

Who Is Hiring and Where in 2017?

While wholesale trade may be king in terms of sales, health care rules in terms of employment. This sector employed the most people in 41 states in 2017, with over 2 million working in this sector in California alone.

Top employment sectors by state:

Professional Services employed the most workers (108,016) in Washington, D.C., and Virginia (470,265) in 2017, Administration and Support was tops in Florida (1.7 million workers) and South Carolina (276,277).

Accommodation and Food Services was the largest employer in two tourism-dominated states: Hawaii, (112,743 workers) and Nevada (319,584).

Retail was largest employer in New Hampshire (96,591 workers) and Utah (153,633).

Manufacturing was the largest employer in Indiana (496,083) and Wisconsin (455,538).

lumbia.

Sectors that gained the most employees:

The Utilities sector was one of the smallest employer sectors in the United States (with only 658,384 workers nationwide), yet businesses in this sector reported the highest average annual payroll per employee of any sector in 2017 in 33 states.

Management was tops in eight states (Figure 8). Finance and Insurance was the highest payer in Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts and New York; New York led the pack, paying an average annual payroll per employee in this sector of $194,713.

Mining reported the highest average annual payroll per employee in Alaska, New Mexico, and North Dakota (Alaska was tops at $106,347). Information was tops in California ($158,169), and Washington ($161,569) and Wholesale was the leader in Delaware ($104,444).

None of these data would be possible without the millions of U.S. businesses that respond to the Economic Census and other Census Bureau business surveys.

Health Care employment grew the most in 22 states, with Texas gaining the most (253,913) employees.

Administration and Support gained the most employees in nine states. Florida added the most (516,706) workers (Figure 7).

Accommodation and Food Services sector saw the greatest employment growth between 2012 and 2017 in 10 states. Georgia added 73,246 workers, the biggest gain in this sector during this period.

Manufacturing was the largest employer in Indiana and Wisconsin in 2017, and this sector gained the most employees in Indiana and Michigan (43,570 and 68,307 employees, respectively)..

Professional Services gained the most employees in Massachusetts (55,291), Minnesota (45,670), and New Mexico (12,520).

Finance gained the most (7,682) in Delaware.

Other Services gained the most employees (14,774) in the District of Co-

Average Annual Payroll per Employee in 2017

Andrew Hait is an economist at the U.S. Census Bureau.

Balita Weekend Balita, Sat. - Fri., September 1 - 8, 2018 Balita Weekend| November Balita, Sat.-Fri., Saturday-Friday 7 - 13,August 2020 18 - 24, 2018

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Health & Family

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DOH confirms: Face mask, ventilation determine rate of COVID infection MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health on Thursday confirmed that the rate of coronavirus infection can be greatly reduced by wearing face mask and staying in a place with proper ventilation.

Presenting different scenarios at an online briefing, Nurse Rodley Carza of the DOH’s Health Promotion Bureau said that an infected person with five others without face mask in a poorly-ventilated room for four hours can infect the five others.

Carza made the warning as he underscored the importance of having proper ventilation and wearing of face mask.

Further, he said that one infected person in a poorly-ventilated room with six people can also put four people at risk of getting coronavirus even if all are wearing face mask, but under prolonged exposure.

A room of six people with one COVID-infected person, however, will only put one other at risk if all in the poorly-ventilated room are wearing face mask.

In another scenario, a COVID patient in a bar with 17 others without face mask can infect 14 others in a fourhour period inside a poorly-ventilated space.

If these same people in the bar wear

face mask, in a poorly ventilated space and under prolonged exposure, eight people will still be at risk of being infected.

If the 18 people in the said bar wear face mask and in a space with proper ventilation, only one person will be at risk of getting infected.

Meanwhile, in a classroom setup wherein one of the 24 students present is infected

with coronavirus, the carrier can infect 12 students in two hours if they are not wearing face mask in a poorly-ventilated classroom.

If the 24 students are wearing face mask but are in a poorly-ventilated classroom and under prolonged exposure, five students will be at risk of getting infected.

However, only one student will be at risk of infection if

the 24 students are wearing face masks and are in a properly-ventilated classroom with one student infected student with them.

The Philippines has recorded 388,137 COVID-19 cases so far. Of this number, 349,091 recovered while 7,367 died. The number of active COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday was at 31,679.

(MNS)

WHO lauds DOH on PH polio program amid pandemic MANILA (Mabuhay) — The World Health Organization (WHO) commended the Philippine polio program on top of the government’s steady fight to contain and reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a letter signed by Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO particularly cited the Department of Health’s (DOH) efforts in prioritizing the preventive treatment of polio through immunization especially for children, despite the current challenges in managing the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III acknowledged that the ongoing polio response must continue amid the Cov-

id-19 crisis as he noted that the medical, financial, and relational pressures caused by the pandemic can make people neglect or dismiss their children’s potential exposure to polio.

“Polio is a vaccine-preventable disease and we cannot let our gains over the years go to waste by deprioritizing our polio response, despite the pandemic. Parents and caregivers must have their children vaccinated, while strictly adhering to the infection prevention and control protocols, as we cannot afford to overwhelm our health system with another outbreak,” Duque said.

An infected three-year-old girl diagnosed in Lanao del Sur in September 2019 was the first documented case of polio in the

Philippines in recent years. Fifteen more positive cases of children have emerged since then: their ages range from below 1-year-old to 9 years old; and their original locations have been traced to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Region 12 (Soccsksargen), Region 3 (Central Luzon), and Region 4A (Calabarzon).

The WHO letter also highlighted the DOH’s launch of the first phase of an integrated supplementary immunization activity, which combines the delivery of measles-rubella vaccine with the bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV).

It also noted the health department’s simultaneous twopronged objective to shield

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque administers oral polio vaccine to a young girl.

the people, communities, and health workers alike from the infection and transmission of both Covid-19 and vaccine-preventable diseases.

“We admire the department’s ability to sustain and reinforce the National Immunization Program (NIP) and vaccine-preventable disease surveillance system by securing regular operational funding and appointing qualified staff at all levels to ensure NIP performance, sustainability, and preparedness for multipurpose national needs. We look forward to sharing the lessons learned in this challenging time,” wrote Ghebreyesus.

Duque highlighted the leadership of the different local government units and development partners like the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund.

“This is not just the success of a few people. This is the success of all of us in the DOH, to our partners, and down to our ‘bakunators’ at the grassroots level,” Duque said.

He also thanked the onground vaccinators who braved the harsh conditions in traveling to far-flung areas, “You have set the bar for selfless service -- trudging through jungles and scaling mountains to protect our children.”

“We will not allow Covid-19 to stymie our efforts nor distract us from our regular programs that protect our people. Through our continued, collective effort, I am confident that we will be able to swiftly and effectively prevent Polio and other vaccine-preventable illnesses from affecting our countrymen, especially our children,” he said. (MNS)

PH daily infections, COVID-19 positivity rate in NCR steadily declining MANILA (Mabuhay) — The COVID-19 positivity rate in Metro Manila is declining steadily as the Philippines' daily coronavirus cases also continue to decrease, a group of analysts said early Wednesday, presenting a brighter outlook for the country.

The OCTA Research Group said in a report that the ratio of people testing positive of COVID-19 in Metro Manila is trending at the right direction at 6 percent, and is close to the World Health Organization's recommended target of 5 percent to effectively curb the virus spread.

Even after the Philippine Red Cross resumed its coronavirus testing services, following a debt feud with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), daily infections are dropping in the country especially in the capital region, the analysts noted.

The average number of new cases per day for the whole Philippines went down to around 1,800 while the new average in Metro Manila is at 490, a significant improvement from August when it was at 2,500, the OCTA group said.

The Philippines recorded 1,772 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 387,161.

The health department noted that this is the 21st straight day that the country's daily tally is less than 3,000, although it does not include data from 18 accredited testing laboratories that failed to submit results on time.

However, the OCTA group — composed of professors from the University of the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas, and Providence College in the United States — warned that positive downward trend in the Philippines and Metro Manila can "easily be reversed" if the government, private sector, and the public become complacent with the virus and begin to ignore anti-coronavirus policies.

"To this end, we urge the national and the local governments to strictly monitor and enforce compliance with minimum health standards such as physical distancing, the wearing of face mask and face shields and proper hygiene to reverse the increase in transmissions at the community level," the group said.

They urged the local governments (LGUs) of areas with highrisk of coronavirus transmission to intensify testing, contact tracing and isolation efforts to arrest the spread of the disease in their jurisdictions.

"In the identified high-risk LGUs, the implementation of more aggressive and effective localized lockdowns with stricter border controls is urgently needed to suppress further viral transmissions," the analysts said.

The health department earlier said it is hopeful that the entire country would be able to shift to more lenient quarantine protocols by the first quarter of next year, should LGUs sufficiently follow anti-coronavirus policies and programs.

According to the Johns Hopkins University’s coronavirus dashboard, almost 47 million people have been infected by the COVID-19 virus globally since it first emerged in China. Of those, more than 1.2 million have died, and more than 31.3 million have recovered. (MNS)

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Holidays could bring 'uptick' in COVID-19 cases in PH — OCTA Research MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines may face an increase in its COVID-19 cases as the holidays near, a researcher said Thursday.

The country now ranks 22nd among nations with most coronavirus cases worldwide as it records around 1,000 daily average patients, according to Professor Guido David, member of the OCTA Research Group which analyzes COVID-19 data in the Philippines.

"Aware rin naman tayo na pagdating ng holiday season meron na ring fatigue ang mga tao, gustong lumabas, pwedeng magkaroon ng uptick pero ang importante d'yan 'yung response natin mabilis para... di lalala at magkakaroon ng surge," he said.

"Patuloy pa rin nating gawin ang mga ginagawa nating tama para di magbago ang trajectory natin so 'yung health protocols kailangan strictly sinusunod natin. Wag muna tayo magpabaya at maging pasaway."

David said the decline in daily average cases may be due to the Philippine Red Cross' halt of government testing, which has since resumed, and the disruption of laboratory tests results due to typhoons.

The Philippines as of Wednesday reported 388,137 COVID-19 cases, of which 31,679 were considered active, 349,091 were recoveries and 7,367 were fatalities.

"We expect may mga backlog pa rin ng cases na biglang papasok pero ang trend na nakikita natin is still a real trend kasi 'yung nakikita nating positivity rate mababa na rin sa Metro Manila, nasa 6 percent na lang, malapit na 5 percent, ang target natin," he said.

"Kahit na kulang sa test, 'yung posi-

tivity rate ay percentage naman, hindi masyado affected."

The number of cases may increase a "few hundred" if the backlog cases are included, David said.

"Di naman 'yan aabot ng 2,000 plus.

Siguro pwede naman siya tumaas ng few hundred pero di naman alarming yan. 'Yung average natin is okay pa rin

naman," he said.

The research group also favors the decision of Metro Manila mayors' to keep the capital region under general community quarantine until end of the year.

"Gusto natin may konting balance para macontrol ang crowding sa malls and public places. 'Di naman forever

ang GCQ," he said.

The health department earlier said it was hopeful that the entire country could shift to more lenient quarantine protocols by the first quarter of 2021, should local government units be able to sufficiently comply with standards on prevention, contact-tracing and treatment. (MNS)

Philippines may start COVID-19 vaccination by May 2021 — Galvez MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines may start inoculating COVID-19 vaccines to the public by May next year if everything will go according to plan, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr, who was recently tapped to lead the importation and distribution program, said Thursday.

In the timetable proposed by Galvez, the Philippines will place an advance procurement within the first quarter of next year.

He said the inoculation will largely depend on the financing, development and approval of the vaccines.

"If everything will go well, ang mangyayari po is earliest is May," he said when asked about the vaccination timeline.

Should there be roadblocks on supply and demand, the earliest that the program may begin is by the end of 2021, he said.

The Philippine government is targeting to purchase an initial 24 million COVID-19 vaccines for the country, Galvez said.

Galvez stressed that President Rodrigo Duterte wants to make the COVID-19 vaccine accessible to the poor and vulnerable individuals.

"Ang gusto po ng mahal na residente ay magkaroon po ng vaccine ang lahat ng population natin and many countries also dedicated twice as much as the population of their countries. 'Yun po talaga ang gusto ng presidente, be accessible to the poor," Galvez said.

"So ang pinakatarget po natin is 24 million sa tinatawag nating indigents, mga poor communities, mga informals, at saka 'yung tinatawag nating vulnerable," he added.

Asked if this initial target could be attained by the first three months of 2021, Galvez said the government's vaccine

roadmap is attainable in a period of three to five years.

Galvez said he will form a team of representatives from government agencies and the private sector as he takes on his role.

This panel will consist of about 20 people who are "experts" on vaccines, diplomacy, logistics, and financing, Galvez said. This inter-agency group will be in charge of the assessment, planning, and execution of the country's vaccination program.

Galvez

President Rodrigo Duterte will approve the names in a list Galvez will submit. His recommendation will include people from the Department of Finance, the Department of Health, Department of Foreign Affairs, and the private sector, he said.

"Mayroon po tayong tinatawag na mga new people, at the same time, kasama rin ang IATF," he said, referring to the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Galvez, a former military chief and currently a peace process adviser, is also chief implementer of the National Task Force

against COVID-19 and the vaccine roadmap task group will be under this office.

Earlier, the DOH said Galvez's appointment as COVID-19 vaccine czar will not cause any changes in the government’s vaccine plan.

Instead, Galvez will fast-track the procurement and rollout of coronavirus vaccines once it becomes available, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a virtual press briefing.

“We will not change anything in our processes just because he was assigned as vaccine czar. All the processes would still be continued,” she said in Filipino.

The health ministry supports the appointment of the former military chief, who will lead the country in the purchase, negotiation, production and distribution of vaccines against the disease, Vergeire said.

“He was placed in that role so we will have a more expeditious and more efficient manner of doing all of these things that we need for the vaccines that will be brought here,” she said.

Malacañang earlier explained Galvez's new appointment, saying a vaccine czar needs "managerial skills."

Vergeire stressed they had already formed a vaccine expert panel from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), a technical advisory group from the DOH and vaccinologists from different scientific institutions to ensure the vaccines would be safe and effective.

“This would be still be a whole-of-government, a whole-of-society approach. Secretary Galvez will not be working alone. We will help him. We will support him. The whole government will,” she said. (MNS)

Rolly’s effects trouble health sector amid COVID-19 pandemic, Duque says MANIL A (Mabuhay) — The effects of Typhoon Rolly are affecting the operation of the healthcare system amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. In a press briefing on Monday, Duque said some health workers are having a hard time going to hospitals due to the floodings and lahar flows.

“Dahil sa pinsala ng bagyo, unstable ang ating communication lines, power, and water supply, lalong-lalo na po sa Region V,” he said during a briefing led by presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

“Ang ating mga health personnel sa Region V ay nahihirapan rin maka-report on duty dahil sa dinanas na heavy flooding, flash floods, at lahar flow,” he added.

Aside from this, Duque also raised the concern on cold chain storage for vaccines and COVID-19 test specimens amid the interrupted power supply.

“May mga potential na cold chain management na problema para sa ating mga bakuna, ang COVID-19 test kits, at specimens kung magtatagal ang pagbalik ng kuryente,” he said.

Due to this, Duque called on the Department of Energy to prioritize restoring the supply of electricity in affected areas.

(MNS)

20

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