Weekend Balita (Los Angeles edition) October 31, 2020

LOS ANGELES EDITION

Vaccine tied to South Korea deaths not found in PH, assures DOH PAGE 14 VOL. XXIX NO. 44

October 31-November 6, 2020

Western states join cA’s scientific safety coViD-19 vaccine review THE states of Washington, Oregon and Nevada have joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, which will independently review the safety and efficacy of any vaccine approved by the FDA for distribution.

L a st week , G overnor Gavin Newsom announced the panel made up of nationally acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health “California has led with science and data through the COVID pandemic and when a vaccine becomes available, we will leverage our scientific expertise to verify its safety to give everyone the confidence they need to make important decisions regarding the health of their families,” said Governor Newsom.

WESTERN

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

NEWSOM aPPEaSES fEar Of rESIDENTS faCINg EVICTIONS

A

By ABNER GALINO

s he called Californians to go out and vote in the “most consequential election of our lifetimes,” Governor Gavin Newsom also placated millions of tenants who are facing eviction to seek relief through a recently passed state law.

In his regular column distributed by the Ethnic Media Services (EMS), Gov. Newsom noted that “the first of the month is approaching, and rent is coming due.”

“If you are struggling to make rent and worried about eviction, know that you are not alone. In the Capitol, we

Governor Gavin Newsom

Your vote.

Your voice.

This election year is different.

But don’t let that stop you from voting and making your voice heard.

There’s a lot at stake this year, like strengthening Social Security and Medicare, lowering drug prices, and protecting the health of you and your family.

NEWSOM

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TOP STORIES Global News

Gov’t urged to decide on suspension of VFA termination 8  Japan turns over 425 MT of rice to Taal eruption victims 8  SWS: Filipino willingness to join COVID-19 contact-tracing ‘extremely high’ 8  Zubiri: ‘Unnecessary’ celebrity red-tagging adds to Anti-Terrorism Law confusion 9  UN group recognizes DepEd for ‘outstanding service’ 10  Task force on corruption sets parameters for gov’t-wide probe 12  Ombudsman warns vs underestimating DOJ-led probe on gov’t corruption 12  Senators urge DBM to release ASAP remainder of Bayanihan 2 funds 12 

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BUSINESS. Palace defends DBM policy of withholding funds pending compliance with requirements 13  ENTERTAINMENT. Ivana reminds simple truth: ‘No matter kung ano ang suot,’ women deserve respect 19  HEALTH & FAMILY. PH to increase WHO solidarity trial participants to 4K 15  FEATURE. US polls: What’s at stake for PH? 16 

OU KNOW Y E R U S SAFELY MAKING G S N I I P T R O A V A R TIONS FO .

YOUR OP E OR IN-PERSON M FROM HO .

M HOME ballot and O R F E T st a 1) VO to reque ber 3. e re Novem e deadlin Check th turn it on or befo re where to

EARLY. ng early 2) VOTE s and locations for vontig lines. date nd lo Find the crowds a id o v a to n in-perso

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EMBER 3 V O N N olling SAFELY O 3) VOTE to vote, as your usuaal spk, am here en. Wear ards.

Check w ot be op n ize afterw y it a n m a s e d n a plac , d e if requir bring ID

Learn your options for voting safely, local deadlines, and more at

aarp.org/election2020

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ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor

Fil-Am

Community Visit www.Balita.com

Saturday-Friday | October 31 - November 6, 2020

ABISO NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG PARA SA UPDATE NG 2020 TITLE VI TRIENNIAL PROGRAM NG LUNGSOD NG BURBANK Ano ito?

Ipinapaalam sa inyo ng abisong ito na magsasagawa ng isang pampublikong pagdinig ang Komisyon sa Transportasyon ng Lungsod ng Burbank para tanggapin ang input ng komunidad tungkol sa Update ng 2020 Title VI Triennial Program ng Lungsod ng Burbank para sa BurbankBus. Hinihikayat ang pubiko na dumalo sa pagpupulong na ito at magkomento tungkol sa dokumento.

Gaganapin ang pampublikong pagpupulong sa: Petsa: Lunes, Nobyembre 16, 2020 Oras: 5:00 p.m.

Lugar: Online web conference (tingnan ang link sa ibaba) Isasaalang-alang ng Komisyon ng Transportasyon ang lahat ng komento ng publiko bago gumawa ng rekomendasyon sa Konseho ng Lungsod para pagtibayin ang dokumento. Batay sa input ng komunidad ng natanggap at sa rekomendasyon ng Komisyon ng Transportasyon, gagawa ng pinal na desisyon ang Konseho ng Lungsod ng Burbank sa Pagpupulong ng Konseho ng Lungsod sa Disyembre 15, 2020.

Paano ko malalaman ang higit pang impormasyon o magbibigay ng aking input?  Tumawag sa BurbankBus sa 818-246-4258 o mag-email sa contact@burbankbus.org; o magpadala ng mga nakasulat na komento sa Dibisyon ng Transportasyon ng Lungsod ng Burbank sa: Roy Choi, 150 N. Third Street, Burbank, CA 91502  Dumalo sa online na Pagpupulong ng Komisyon ng Transportasyon kung saan tatalakayin ang bagay na ito sa Lunes, Nobyembre 16, 2020 sa ganap na 5:00pm.

Gaganapin online ang pagpupulong na ito ng komunidad dahil isinasaalang-alang ng Lungsod ang mga panganib na kaugnay ng Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Para sa interes ng pampublikong kalusugan at kaligtasan, habang nasa kasalukuyang State of Emergency, sarado sa publiko ang mga pasilidad ng Lungsod hanggang magpalabas ng karagdagang abiso at hindi pisikal na makakadalo ang publiko sa papupulong ng Komisyon ng Transportasyon.  Maaaring lumahok sa pagpupulong ang mga interesadong miyembro ng publiko sa pamamagitan ng web conference. Gamitin ang sumusunod na link para ma-access ang pagpupulong: https://burbankca.webex.com/burbankca/onstage/g.php?MTID=e3fa4d3543e7085b86716e42aa14705c0  Kung nahihirapan kang gamitin ang web conference, puwede ka ring makinig sa pagpupulong sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag sa United States Toll (408) 418-9388, Access code: 146 704 0647. Komento ng Publiko: Para makapagsalita kapag nasa bahagi na ng pagpupulong para sa Komento ng Publiko, gamitin ang link sa itaas para lumahok sa web conference sa ganap na 5:00 pm. Ikokonekta ng mga kawani ng Lungsod ang mga speaker kapag naianunsyo na ang bahaging nakalaan para sa Komento ng Publiko na nasa agenda.  Gagawa ng desisyon ang Konseho ng Lungsod ng Burbank para pagtibayin ang Update sa 2020 Title VI Triennial Program ng Lungsod ng Burbank para sa BurbankBus sa pamamagitan ng online na Pagpupulong ng Konseho ng Lungsod na nakaiskedyul sa Martes, Disyembre 15, 2020 sa ganap na 6 PM. Bilang pagsunod sa Title VI Program ng Lungsod, kung kailangan ng tulong sa pagsasalin ng wika para makalahok sa pagdinig na ito, makipag-ugnayan sa BurbankBus ng Lungsod sa (818) 246-4258. Papayagan ng abiso, na maaga nang 48 oras sa pagpupulong na ito, ang Lungsod na gumawa ng mga makatuwirang pag-aayos para sa tulong sa wika. Dapat isagawa ang kahilingan para sa mga serbisyo sa pagsasalin sa wikang Spanish, Armenian, Korean, at Tagalog sa Burbanks hanggang Nobyembre 11, 2020.

MAY PETSA NA: Oktubre 28, 2020

As U.S. breaks new ground in voting, patience is key Election-watcher cautions against over-eager reporting

that a ballot sent through the U.S. Postal Service will arrive in time to be counted.

The volume of “by mail” voting is expected to be double that of any previous election, Persily said.

Also different this year is the extent to which those absentee ballots are being used by Democratic Par-

ty-aligned voters and the record volume of early voting in states across the country that have polling sites open.

Persily expects that “easily 60%” and perhaps as many as 75% of votes in the 2020 election will be cast in advance of Election Day. So on Nov. 3, only 30 million to 50 million peo-

ple are expected at the in-person voting booths, he said.

Nonetheless, “there are going to be problems on Election Day, there always are,” he cautioned, and suggested a few to expect, including: long lines, machine breakdowns, a shortage or subpar training of poll CONTNUED ON PAGE 16

By MARK HEDIN | Ethnic Media Services

W

ith the 2020 presidential election now just days away, Stanford Law Professor Nathaniel Persily shared some thoughts with dozens of ethnic media journalists on what to watch for and what to beware as results begin to come in next week.

“We’re working in an incredibly polarized political environment,” said Persily, who leads Stanford and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)’s joint Healthy Elections Project and appears regularly on such mainstream media outlets as NBC and PBS television. “Everyone right now is thin-skinned, looking for problems, likely to react in dramatic ways.”

Persily opened an Ethnic Media Services teleconference by pointing out some of what is new and different about the election this year. Primarily, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, unprecedented numbers of people will skip voting at the polls on Nov. 3 in favor of voting “absentee,” also called voting “by mail,” setting a trend he expects will become increasingly established in years to come.

Persily estimates that between 70 million and 80 million such votes will be cast in the current election.

He noted, too, that “by mail” may more accurately describe how the ballots are distributed to voters, rather than how those voters then cast their votes.

With Election Day now less than a week away, he said, anyone planning to use an absentee ballot should probably hand-deliver it to either the local registrar’s office or an official drop-off box. Rules vary from state to state, but it may already be too late to be confident

FILIPINO AMERICANS join over a thousand supporters of President Donald Trump in a rally at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center parking lot on Sunday (October 25). The Fil-Am contingent decorated their vehicles with pro-Trump stickers and American flags.

The crowd listened to speeches of Republican leaders that included 33rd Congressional District candidate James Bradley and 66th Assembly District candidate Arthur Schaper.

After the speeches, the participants went on to conduct a car parade through the Pacific Coast Highway which eventually stopped at Wilmington.

Photo and text by TONY GARCIA

Saturday-Friday | October 31 - November 6, 2020

Community

Hollywood stars urge Fil-Ams to vote

By FE P. KOONS

F

ilipino Americans in the film industry namely; Dean Devlin, Fritz Friedman and Tia Carrere urged Filipino Americans to vote on November 3.

In an online conference organized by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Hollywood (FACCHO) and The Los Angeles Philippine International Film Festival (LAPIFF), the three notable Filipino Americans in the US film industry took turns in urging Filipino American voters to use their voices to shape the country’s future.

The conference tit led: “Election 2020: Why Filipino Americans need to vote” was moderated by Jason Agcaoili and Angela Relucio.

Devlin, producer of “The Outpost” on CW, stressed that it is essential for Filipinos to vote despite the cynicism that prevail in the culture.

“We’ve been exposed to so much corruption over so many years that we tend to be very cynical. Filipino Americans send money back to their families in the Philippines.

But they tend to be very wary of being involved in organizations. The downside of this is that it is very hard for Filipino issues to get attention because we don’t have great lobbying efforts. The more that Filipinos participate in elections

and support candidates. Their voices can be heard, the more we can get our issues to the forefront, ” Devlin explained.

Friedman, producer of Kid Kulafu added: “Voting is not just a right, it is a responsibility. If they want to mold a better future for their families, they need to vote. If you don’t vote, I don’t see why you are still in this country which is a democracy.”

Carrere, for her part, sees voting as a leverage for ethnic communities.

“We are in a country where votes are tabulated very carefully. If we galvanize our demographic group, we are a force to be reckoned with. We can change the trajectory of debates if we all get out and vote. We can’t complain after the election.”

On the issue of hate crimes, Devlin noted the recent uptick of violent attacks towards Asian Americans.

“We are going to be marginalized. We need to speak out.

If we allow cynicism, depression and lies about voting to keep us away from the ballot box, we are going participating in our own marginalization,” Devlin said.

Carrere agreed to Devlin’s observation and added: “We are a nation full of immigrants. We have risen together to become Americans. We need to raise our consciousness.”

When asked about the apparent apathy of many in the film industry, Electric Entertainment CEO Devlin said that he could blame those who refuse to get involve as he understands that their also fighting their own battles.

“But we should not think that we are powerless. We must not feel helpless.”

Devlin is a producer of the recent TV series ALMOST PARADISE filmed in Cebu, Philippines. He also produced The Patriot starring Mel Gibson which got three Academy award nominations.

Carrere, who was born in Hawaii, has been known for her performance in Wayne’s World. She also starred in True Lies and portrayed “Lady Danger” in Netflix AJ. Friedman, has been involved in the civil rights campaign for equity for WWII Filipino veterans and president of the Fritz Friedman Co. a production and marketing company based in San Diego and Los Angeles.

F r ie d ma n i s for merly the senior vice president of Worldwide Publicity at Sony Pictures.

Jason Agcaoili is a real estate entrepreneur and president of FACCHO. Angela Relucio is a female actor who is known as Nurse Risa in the TV drama “Code Black” and in the biopic of Gloria Steinem, “The Glorias.”

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trademark creativity, our innovative spirit, and our strong partners with USC and the County to advance groundbreaking research, prevent the spread of this virus, and save lives.”

The first phase of the project kicked off last week with firefighters at the Los Angeles Fire Department receiving three COVID-19 tests at City testing sites: a self-administered rapid antigen test, a lab-based PCR test, and an antibody test to identify prior infection.

The project, which aims to enroll up to 1,000 first responders, will provide insight into how each test performs and how to best administer these tests to essential frontline workers.

PCR tests cost upwards of $100 apiece and can take days to deliver results. Rapid antigen tests can cost as little as $5, deliver results within 15 minutes, can be conducted using a paper strip, and have the potential to be self-administered when paired with a smartphone app that can accurately interpret results.

“Rapid antigen tests have a lot of promise in our path to reopen schools and businesses because they are cheaper and provide quicker results than PCR tests. But, there is a lot we don’t know,” said Neeraj Sood, director of the COVID Initiative at the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics and USC lead on the collaboration.

“We want to understand whether rapid antigen tests identify infectious and asymptomatic individuals, whether they can be self-administered and how they can be used for screening at schools and workplaces. We are especially excited to be piloting a new rapid antigen test and mobile app that uses computer vision CONTNUED ON PAGE 5

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The End of 2020 Census Data Collection, Next Steps and a Heartfelt Thanks

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he U.S. Census Bureau completed data collection for the 2020 Census on October 15, 2020. “Every decennial census makes history, but this was like no other in living memory,” said Dr. Steven Dillingham, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau.

“Over the coming days, weeks and months, we will provide periodic updates on our post-processing efforts. We are working hard to deliver complete and accurate state population counts as close to the Dec. 31, 2020, statutory deadline as possible.”

All states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico achieved total response rates over 99.0%. All but one state was at or above 99.9%.

Compared to the final self-response rate of 66.5% for the 2010 Census, 67% were accounted for through self-response to date, with the rest having been accounted for through our Nonresponse Followup (NRFU) operation.

“Generally, better data comes from self-response, but after a decade of global decline in census and survey participation along with the challenges presented by COVID-19, we had not expected to beat the 2010 self-response rate,” Dillingham said. “This would not have been possible without our partners and new technologies.” The 2020 Census benefited

USC Schaeffer Center launches COVID-19 rapid test pilot esearchers at the University of Southern California (USC) Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics are collaborating with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on a project to examine the use of coronavirus rapid antigen tests among first responders and school-aged children.

The multi-pronged pilot study aims to determine the best methods for using the inexpensive tests with the hope of supporting additional reopening efforts. Rapid tests have the potential to quickly alert people who are contagious and need to isolate, thereby stopping the chain of transmission. Los Angeles is one of the first metropolitan areas in the country to launch a large-scale pilot study of rapid tests in both symptomatic and asymptomatic participants.

“I am grateful for this collaboration between the County and the City, and our partners at USC for these efforts to vastly expand and enhance testing capacity,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

“We continue to work together to keep our communities safe and healthy, while gradually moving forward with additional reopenings and in-person learning for our children and youth.”

“Our new rapid tests are cheaper, faster, and more accessible -- and they are a potential game changer in our ability to respond to COVID-19, reopen our schools, and get our economy back ontrack,” said Mayor Garcetti.

“Los Angeles never shies away from a challenge, and we are tapping into our

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from the strong support of nearly 400,000 dedicated community and national partners who contributed to our efforts to achieve a complete and accurate count of the nation’s population. The internet proved to be the easiest and preferred option for self-reporting.

2020 Census partners served as trusted voices and census ambassadors within their communities, and their outreach raised awareness of the 2020 Census and encouraged response — particularly among those who have been historically hard to count. When COVID-19 turned everyone’s plans upside down, the partners rose to the occasion with creativity and perseverance. In-person events became virtual events. Outreach turned digital with video messages, Facebook Live events, and other online engagements. Some communities sponsored socially distanced car parades through neighborhoods.

Dillingham said, “With data collection for the 2020 Census concluded, we at the Census Bureau want to keep working with you. We will continue to provide information on the 2020 Census going forward, including to our national partnership and community partnership teams. We encourage you to sign up today to receive updates at 2020census. gov.”

Pilipino po tayo!

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

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

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

kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com

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

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

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

Community AARP Spotlights Concerns and Attitudes of Asian American Voters 50+ Ahead of 2020 Election 4

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Findings from AARP and AAPI Data Surveys Show Health Care and Economy as Top Issues WASHINGTON – Today, AARP released new findings from recent national surveys exploring the key priorities and concerns of Asian American voters age 50 and older. Results from the 2020 Asian American Voter Survey (AAVS), conducted by AAPI Data on behalf of AARP, APIAVote and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC, show that 93% of Asian Americans 50-plus view health care as important heading into the election, making it the top most important issue. Jobs and the economy follow as the second most important issue, with 89% of respondents citing them either as “extremely” or “very” important.

According to the Nation-

al Survey of Older Voters During COVID-19: Asian Americans, conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of AARP, although 86% are “very likely” to vote in 2020, the majority of Asian American voters 50+ are not being engaged or contacted by either party affiliation (61%) or community organizations (74%), according to (AAVS).

“Voter turnout among adults 50-plus, including Asian American and Pacific Islanders, continues to outpace other age groups every election season,” said Daphne Kwok, Vice President of Multicultural Leadership for AAPI Audience Strategy at AARP. “This will be a crucial voting bloc in 2020, and candidates need to address the issues that matter

to them and their families in the closing stretch of the campaign.”

The AAVS results also highlight what Asian American voters 50-plus are most often worried about due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including job loss and finding employment (72%), not being able to receive access to health care (48%), and experiencing hate crimes, harassment and discrimination (45%).

Additional findings from the surveys include: • Slightly more Asian American voters 50+ plan to go to the polls in person (51%) than those who plan to vote by mail or absentee ballot (46%) (AAVS).

• 46% are concerned about election interference

in 2020, while 40% worry about their health and safety at the polls (AAVS).

• On issues that affect them personally or their community, Asian American voters 50-plus cited the following as “extremely” or “very” important to them: addressing the coronavirus (83%), securing the future of Social Security (83%) and Medicare (78%), lowering health care costs (78%) and prescription drug costs (77%), and having enough retirement savings (76%) (Harris).

• Most survey participants (76%) receive their sources of information to help guide voting decisions from media news outlets and talk shows, followed by candidate debates and town halls (50%)

(Harris).

In August, AARP launched “Protect Voters 50+,” a comprehensive voter engagement campaign to help Americans 50-plus vote safely, whether at home or in-person, provide them with information they need about this year’s elections. In addition, AARP has teamed up with APIAVote, a leading nonprofit organization that mobilizes the AAPI community in every election cycle to ensure the group is educated about the issues and deadlines so that their votes count.

View the full results from The Harris Poll and the AAVS Survey. For additional community and voter resources, visit aarp.org/AAPI and aarp.org/Election2020.

Asian Americans Need A Voice in National Debate (Editor’s Note: Russell Jeung is a professor of Asian American Studies, San Francisco State University)

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s we approach the Presidential election, much is on the line. Our nation’s health, our economy, racial justice, climate change. And while we might get distracted by which candidate is getting the edge over the oth-

er, we must remember that this debate is bigger than two individuals on a stage. This debate involves all of us.

As Asian Americans, we have a voice in this national debate as well. Like so many others, we believe in building an inclusive, multiracial democracy where people are treated with empathy and dignity. During the multiple crises we face now, this vision for our country is more impor-

tant than ever to fight for, and we are committed to that fight alongside Black, Indigenous and people of color leaders.

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people in the United States. We all mourn that loss, and we also know that communities of color have been hit especially hard. Black Americans are dying at three times the rate of white Americans.

In California, the Asian American fatality rate is three times the overall population.

We should all have what we need to stay safe and healthy, but today, one’s zip code, language ability, race, or income can result in radically different health outcomes. The pandemic has made these divisions even more stark, and the only way to fix it is to make sure we are all addressing the inequities we see in everyday life.

Throughout the pandemic and the multiple crises we have faced, Trump has used racism to try to cover up his own failures.

When he botched his response to coronavirus, he stirred up centuries-old anti-Asian racism to scapegoat Chinese and Asian Americans. This racist rhetoric has trickled down to our everyday lives and is taking its toll on Asian Americans’ daily lives.

Since the pandemic began, and consequently the targeting of Asian Americans as the cause of the pandemic, incidents of racism and discrimination against the AAPI community have escalated. Between March 19, 2020 and September 30, 2020, the Stop AAPI Hate reporting centerhas received a total of 2,727 self-reported incidents of discrimination and hate against Asian Americans across the U.S. As Asian Americans, we won’t stand for this sowing of hate, fear, lies, and division. We won’t let this administration pit us against each other when we all deserve safety, health, and economic protections. We won’t let

politicians try to discredit racial justice protests when serious, longstanding and lethal injustice continue to threaten and take Black lives in communities across this country. We will not be distracted from the gap that continues to grow during this pandemic between the rich and the rest of us as a multiracial essential workforce continues to put their lives on the line to care for and serve others.

A s A sian A mericans, we choose solidarity. We choose to join the fight with other communities because we have greater power to achieve justice when we join together. We know that the challenges we face as Asian Americans, whether the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 or the anti-Asian racism that has re-surged during this time, are intertwined with the struggles of communities of color. Right now, the Black Lives Matter movement is at the crux of our collective struggle to preserve democracy and uphold justice in this country, and we must all support the movement’s efforts and demands if we have any hope of creating a just, multiracial society.

The struggle for justice is why I support reparations for African Americans. Solidarity leads me to endorse Proposition 16 and reinstate affirmative action in California. Collective power has obtained Ethnic Studies in the California State University system.

As Maurice Mitchell of the Movement for Black Lives told Asian American advocates on a Black Lives Matter call in June, white supremacy is a form of solidarity, and we must create a solidarity that is stronger than it, stronger than any of us individually, in order to defeat it and create the power to transform all of our lives. That is the work that we are committed to as we make critical choices this November and fight over the long-term, even over generations, to create the world we want to see.

Saturday-Friday | October 31 - November 6, 2020

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celebrating hAlloWeeN around the world during these pandemic times In the Philippines, the period from October 31 through Novenber 2 is usually a time for remembering dead family members and friends Many Filipinos travuring these Pandemic times, most of us will el back to their hometowns for be constricted on our various HALLOWEEN family gatherings.and festive events, usually observed on October 31st, the remembrances,'Trick or treatday before the feast of 'All Hallows', Hallowmas ing" is gradually replacing the or 'All Saint's Day.' "old tradition of 'PangangaluIn the Middle Ages, the origins of HALLOWEEN, which luwa,' an old English custom used to be spelled Hallow'een or 'Allhollowe'en begins the of souling, where people in the "triduum of Hallowtide, which ends on All Soul's Day." province go in groups to every Currently, due to the surge of COVID cases here in the house by offering a song in exState of California, most theme parks such as: Disneyland, change for money or food. The Universal and Knotts Berry Farm have cancelled their participants, usually children annual HALLOWEEN festivities. would sing carols about the But even back in the old days, HALLOWEEN, celebrasouls in Purgatory with the tions and observances of this day have been celebrated in 'abuloy' or alms for the dead, various parts of the world, depending on its geographical used to pay for Masses for area. these souls. Along with the Former AP reporter, Louinn Lota on one of our original Fil-Am Press Club In Canada, for example, "HALLOWEEN celebrations requested alms, the household were brought in by its Scottish emigration in the 1870's (estab. 1978) Halloween events. Photo by M.Aquitania usually gives the and they later introduced it to their American neighbors, children rice cakes, the United States in 1911, through a newspaper article in clothing or plants, the 'Kingston, Ontario publication, which "reported small which would 'myschildren singing door to door in their community, while they teriously' disapwere rewarded with nuts and candies." Apparently, at one pear at night upon point in time, "Canadians spent more on candies than at any their discovery in time when UNICEF moved to an online donation system, the morning. collecting small change, which became very much a part of I n Au s t r a l i a , the Canadian tradition of 'trick or treating.' In recent years though not tradihowever, Canadian HALLOWEEN festivities transitioned tionally observed into celebrations in community halls, thus cancelling the in their culture," practice of the door-to-door 'trick or treating' but replaced non-religious celby fireworks displays on Halloween evenings. ebration of HalIn the United States however, while there was a "lingering loween modeled Puritan tradition," HALLOWEEN didn't become a holiday on North Ameriuntil "the migration of nearly two million Irish immigrants BMI staffers on our "Once Upon A Halloween" event at the Cheesecake Factory. can festivities are who escaped the 'Great Famine' in 1845 through 1849.

Photo by Rhony Laigo growing increasThe commercialization of HALLOWEEN did not start ingly popular in the United States until the 20th century, starting with the National Retail Fed- brations arose from the syncretism of there.

Although Halloween does have Halloween postcards which became popular between 1905 eration (NRF) reported indigenous Aztec tradition with Chrisand 1915. But, in 1909, it was the Dennison Manufacturing enormous amount of tian Hallowtide of the Spanish coloniz- Celtic European origins, Australians Company, who published the first Halloween catalog which themed costume sales ers. Flower decorations, altars, candles consider the festivities as part of an included decorations, such as die-cut paper items. The for adults such as: witch- and face painting have been part of the unwanted American influence.

In neighboring New Zealand, howcelebration went on even surviving the two World Wars." es, vampires, pirates, holiday celebration because the two It was not until an American librarian and author, Ruth cats and clowns. Even have become associated with each oth- ever, 'trick or treating' has grown to be Edna Kelley wrote the first book called "HALLOWE'EN college campuses have er due to the cross border connection popular with minors over the years, in AMERICA," which chronicled the historical traditions themed celebrations on between the United Stated and Mexico, as a result of American pop-culture adapted from those of other countries, From then on, the Halloween including through popular culture and migration influence. Trick or treaters are invitmain event of children's merrymaking on HALLOWEEN visiting haunted hous- as they involve similar imageries, in- ed to take part in putting balloons or in both the United States and Canada, is 'trick or treating,' es and watching horror cluding skeletons, which are common decorations as promoted by a larger store called 'The Warehouse' thus makwhere children are disguised in costumes, sometimes ac- movies in theaters. It features of the Mexican festivals. companied by their parents, going door-to-door in their is estimated that HalSimilarly, In China, they celebrate ing Halloween an unofficial national neighborhood. Teenagers and adults most usually attend loween spending in the the "Hungry Ghost Festival "in mid-Ju- holiday.

In Europe, particularly in Germany, themed Halloween festivities available in their commu- United States amounts ly "when it is customary to float river nities. to around $8.4 billion." lanterns to remember those who have Halloween was not generally observed Currently, HALLOWEEN is the second most popular In Mexico, and Mex- died. By contrast, they also celebrate prior to the 1990's.but has been celeholiday in the United States, (after Christmas) for decorat- i c a n c o m m u n i t i e s :All Saint's Day," or All Hallow's Eve, brated in various cities and has been ining along with the sale of candy and costumes marketed abroad, they celebrate referring to the souls of the holy saints. creasing in popularity. Today, surprisspecifically to children and adults alike. " In 2005, the "Dia de los Muertos" in Chinese Christian churches hold reli- ingly, Halloween in Germany brings in National Confectioners Association (NCA) reported that Spanish or " Day of the gious celebrations, Mainland China, around 2 million euros, where adults 93 percent of children planned 'trick or treating,' while Dead," where the "cele- however, has been less influenced by its celebrate with themed costume parties, Anglo traditions, except in Hongkong while children go 'trick or treating.'"

Overall, most of us look forward in where Halloween is considered 'foreign' USC... frOM PagE 3 celebrating HALLOWEEN, but this as Halloween has become more popular year, due to the current Pandemic, in China. Traditional 'trick or treating,' technology to automatically interpret studies, focus groups, and surveys as is not as popular in Hongkong due to this tradition will most likely NOT be results.” avenues to tackle a number of challengallowed, BOO! BOO! its high-rise buildings."

Sood is also a professor at the USC es, such as establishing the best way to Price School of Public Policy. deploy rapid testing; determining how The second phase of the project seeks often a person should repeat testing; to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and and identifying the best way to conduct accuracy of repeat rapid antigen testing large-scale testing and develop an effecfor screening in school-aged children. tive implementation strategy.

The project is a public-private partSood, along with USC Keck School of Medicine Professor Jennifer Unger will nership led by the University of Southco-lead this project to determine the best ern California, the Office of Los Angeles process and strategy to test large num- Mayor Eric Garcetti, and the L.A. County bers of students in institutional settings. Department of Public Health.

Both phases will rely on volunteers as The U.S. Department of Health and study participants.

Human Services and Gauss provided the “This partnership with USC and the rapid antigen tests and computer vision City of Los Angeles is an enormous op- app. Cedars-Sinai provided the PCR portunity to implement cutting edge re- tests, antibody tests, and lab analysis. search that has the potential to transform Support for the project was provided by the way we approach the pandemic and the Office of Mayor Garcetti, University how we can slow the spread of COV- of Southern California, Los Angeles Fire ID-19,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director Department, Rockefeller Foundation, of the Department of Public Health.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and other indi“Identifying strategies to protect our vidual donors. essential workers and get children back School administrators interested in to school safely are among our highest participating in this study can email priorities.”

COVIDstudy@healthpolicy.usc.edu for Researchers are looking at the pilot more information.

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Can I refinance my house even if I am in a forbearance plan? $244.24 saved and add all that back to the principal reduction of their loan. Which will cut their loan terms to 23 yrs and 8 months with a total interest savings of $39,327.27 over the life of this loan.

Every refinancing has to have its own benefit, when you talk to a knowledgeable lender they should guide you in order for your to understand which option fits your needs.

Rates I figure should be going up sooner or later, there are still a lot of homeowners that should take advantage of these lower interest rates. Please all Ken go of 1st Innovative Finance Group to explain how you can benefit from a lower mortgage rates. Call Ken at 562-508-7048 or write to Kennethgo@verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

How to obtain Custody and Visitation Rights for Unmarried Dads KEN GO: The guidelines continue to adopt to help homeowners who might have difficulties paying their mortgages but would like to take advantage of the recent dip in lending rates. If you have not paid your mortgage in three months and have an agreement with your servicer that the unpaid balance would be added to your principal amount, then you will be qualified to refinance after you had made a first payment after the forbearance agreement. Or after three months of non payment agreement, you paid your servicer back in full and started to make your 4th payment on your mortgage. Keep in mind that you always have to first get an approval from your servicer before missing or skipping your mortgage payments. Any mortgage late reported on your credit will quickly decrease your fico scores and will disqualify you from a conventional loan for one year from the payment late being reported.

I have 18 years left on a $160,000.00 loan currently at 4% rate, should I refinance?

Ken Go: if your intentions are not to cash out and you would just like to lower the interest payments, this might not be too smart to do and pay fees. Because your loan amount is much smaller than what is usually beneficial for a no cost loan, you are being charged 2% buydown rate to go to a 15 year loan. Currently your almost paying an even amount of interest and principal reduction, I would just encourage you to make extra payments and keep your current rate. But if a cash out to pay debts off or to make use of your equity to improve on your home to bring it up to date, then it would be a smart move to use your equity and make it work for you.

Does a no cost refinance really mean you have zero cost to refinance?

Ken Go: A no cost refinance favor loan amounts usually that are over $300,000.00 or higher. When I interview a potential client, I would always think about offering a refinancing option with absolutely no non reoccurring closing cost. But how does that really work? A great question, usually this has a greater advantage

with loan amounts of $300,000 or higher. A usual cost of a refinancing is about $2800-3200.00 that includes your escrow fees, title fees, underwriting and appraisal fees. secondary market pricing will offer lenders a 1% lender credit to homeowners who qualify base on their higher fico score, loan to value and purpose of the loan. And that also will usually mean your rates would go up minimally if you qualify, usually about .125% to .25%. If you are refinancing a 3.75% rate to a 3.00% rate without any cost to you, it’s a no brainer that you have to jump on this deal and take it. You can probably get a lower rate by paying a buydown fee usually about 1% of your loan amount to lower the rate by about .125-.25% but why would you do that and increase your loan amount just to save $40.00 on a $300,000.00 loan amount? It would take you 6.25 years to make up for that money your paid to buy down the rate?

I prefer not to refinance my 3.75% rate because I have to start my 30 year loan over again?

Ken Go: When homeowners refinance their mortgages to lower their rates, that could mean two things: one to save on monthly payments and two to save on interest payments. This might mean the same to you but it does not. I will give you an example of a scenario that will make you realize the difference: Current loan balance: $345,000.00 at 3.5% rate with 26 years remaining at a current payment of $1683.92 Principal and interest per month.

To refinance and save on the payments, he is getting a new 30 year loan at 2.875% with a new loan amount of $347,000.00 ( adding one month of interest payment ) and his new payments will be $ 1439.68 a $244.24 savings without adding any cost to the loan. Yes, they will start over with a 30 year mortgage.

The second scenario where in they will save on the interest payments will be as follows: they will refinance also to $347,000.00 at 2.875% but instead of saving on the payments, they will use the

ESTABLISHING parentage rights for Moms is a lot easier than establishing one for unmarried Dads. Moms can establish this by simply showing proof of her having given birth to the child. Family Code §7610.

Establishing parentage rights, including custody and visitation rights, becomes more problematic with unmarried Dads because proving yourself as the biological father does not automatically make you the natural father of the child. Under the family code, there are competing presumptions of paternity which allows the non biological father to be deemed the natural father of the child.

A typical situation is when boyfriend gets girlfriend pregnant. Girlfriend for some reason decides to exclude boyfriend from baby’s life so she breaks up with boyfriend, does not give the boyfriend any information about her delivery, and does not state the boyfriend as the father in the birth certificate or decides to name someone else as the father. Girlfriend does this because her parents disapprove of the ex boyfriend.

One way a presumption of Paternity is created is by executing a voluntary declaration of paternity. A Voluntary declarations executed before 1997 give rise to a conclusive presumption of paternity and can be overcome only by blood or genetic tests ordered on noticed motion by the …

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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Filing Bankruptcy When Faced With The Unexpected

BARRISTER’S CORNER… FROM PAGE 6 mother or presumed father must be made within three years of the date of execution of the voluntary declaration Family.Code. § 7576; Kevin Q. v. Lauren W. (2009) 175 CA4th 1119, 1133, 95 CR3d 477, 485 If the voluntary declaration of paternity is executed after 1996, it is not characterized as a conclusive presumption. Instead, it “shall establish the paternity of a child and shall have the same force and effect as a judgment for paternity issued by a court of competent jurisdiction” and trumps §7611 presumptions discussed below. A post 1996 voluntary declaration of paternity “shall be recognized as a basis for the establishment of an order for child custody, visitation, or child support.”

Family .Code §§ 7573, 7644; Kevin Q. v.

Lauren W., supra, 175 CA4th at 1132, 95 CR3d at 485; In re J.L. (2008) 159 CA4th 1010, 1019, 72 CR3d 27, 33.

Another way of establishing presumed father status is if you fall under any of the categories listed (a) to (f) under family code §7611: (a) He and the child's natural mother are or have been married to each other and the child is born during the marriage, or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce, or after a judgment of separation is entered by a court. (b) Before the child's birth, he and the child's natural mother have attempted to marry each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true: (1) If the attempted marriage could be declared invalid only by a court, the child is born during the attempted marriage, or within 300 days after its termination by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce.

(2) If the attempted marriage is invalid without a court order, the child is born within 300 days after the termination of cohabitation. (c) After the child's birth, he and the child's natural mother have married, or attempted to marry, each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true: (1) With his consent, he is named as the child's father on the child's birth certificate.

(2) He is obligated to support the child under a written voluntary promise or by court order. (d) He receives the child into his home and openly holds out the child as his natural child. (e) If the child was born and resides in a nation with which the United States engages in an Orderly Departure Program or successor program, he acknowledges that he is the child's

father in a declaration under penalty of perjury, as specified in Section 2015.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure. This subdivision shall remain in effect only until January 1, 1997, and on that date shall become inoperative. (f ) The child is in utero after the death of the decedent and the conditions set forth in Section 249.5 of the Probate Code are satisfied.

An alleged biological father who does not meet any of the § 7611 conditions for presumed father status has no constitutionally-protected “liberty interest” in establishing a parentage relationship with a child as against the rights of a presumptive father who has an extant parentage relationship with the child. Dawn D. v. Super.Ct. (Jerry K.) (1998) 17 C4th 932, 940–942, 72 CR2d 871, 876–877 The facts get even more complicated if the girlfriend, whom boyfriend gets pregnant is married to another man because the law provides a conclusive presumption of paternity to the husband of the girlfriend. Under Family Code §7540, the child of a wife cohabiting at time of conception with her husband, who is not impotent or sterile, is “conclusively” presumed to be a child of the marriage. This conclusive presumption may be challenged by showing that the husband was sterile.

It may also be challenged by filing a motion for blood or genetic testing under Family Code §7541 but this has to be done within 2 years of the childs birth. In addition, only persons with standing can bring this motion which is limited to the husband, child, mother and a presumed father as listed in Family Code §7611 and 7612.

Even absent a recognized rebuttal, the court has discretion as a matter of due process not to apply § 7540 conclusive presumption of paternity when it would not further the statute's underlying policies of preserving the integrity and stability of an extant marital family, protecting children from the stigma of “illegitimacy,” and promoting individual rather than State responsibility for child support ... as where the ostensible § 7540 presumptive father never developed a parental relationship with the child and the only established parent-child relationship is with a third person. Brian C. v. Ginger K. (2000) 77 CA4th 1198, 1200–1201, 92 CR2d 294, 296; In re Kiana A. (2001) 93 CA4th 1109, 1115, 113 CR2d 669, 675.

Procedura lly, t he ex boy friend should file a Petition for Parentage as soon as the child is born. While the case is pending, the ex boyfriend may seek temporary visitation order although this may be on a limited or even monitored basis. If successful in proving parentage, the ex boyfriend may be granted custody and visitation rights.

However, the ex boyfriend would also have the obligation of paying child support based on California guidelines.

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, P.C. This article is not a solicitation.

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 3881611 or e-mail Kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com

MANY people find themselves in the position of facing overwhelming debt, with constant calls from creditors and no obvious way out. For some, job loss sent them into a downward spiral, and they are now unable to pay their bills and meet their responsibilities. For others, a recent divorce or costly medical emergency drained their resources, leaving them in a very difficult financial situation.

Over the last few months, millions of people have lost their jobs due to the pandemic. Unemployment is at an alltime high and without the stimulus payments provided by the government, a lot of people would have found themselves unable to pay their rent and provide for their families. The extra $600 in unemployment benefits have been a lifeline for many but that ended last month. As our Congress continues to deliberate and finalize plans on how to continue this government assistance, a lot of families are worried how they are going to survive these uncertain times.

In situations like what we are now facing, bankruptcy can be used as a tool to cut or minimize your losses while protecting what you have worked so hard for. If you have a home, savings, retirement plans, a business, other assets, etc., how do you protect all of these if you’re struggling with debts that you can no longer pay?

In good times, people sometimes get too complacent with financial planning and they fail to prepare for financial emergencies while continuing to accumulate unnecessary debt. When tough times come, only then do they realize that they could have done better. I realize we are facing unprecedented times and the financial problems caused by the virus could not have prepared a lot of people for what was to come so quickly. But a good financial plan definitely helps you withstand the unexpected; there is nothing worse than not having a contingency plan. Thank God we have bankruptcy laws that can help us for the worst of times when we can no longer help ourselves.

Unfortunately, a lot of people are fed all kinds of misinformation about bankruptcy. So, what often happens is that people who need help so badly end up doing NOTHING for fear of making a mistake.

The important thing to remember is that no one solution fits every situation.

Your financial situation should be carefully evaluated by an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who can help you understand the options you may have available. By doing this, you can make an informed choice in taking the steps needed toward financial freedom.

As a bankruptcy attorney, I always see people who have been stuck in their financial suffering for years because of their inaction- when they could have acted much sooner before draining all their financial resources to keep their head above water.

Debt problems can happen to anyone. I understand that they can be overwhelming and can cause a lot of sleepless nights and constant worrying about the future.

But things don’t have to be that way and you may have options that you didn’t even know existed. There is no shame in filing bankruptcy if that is what you need to do in order to start over and provide a better future not only for yourself and your family.

If you have not read my book, “What You Need to Know Before Filing Bankruptcy”, you can download it free of charge at www.beforefilingbk.com.For a free evaluation of your case, please call our office at Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. ***NOTE: Due to the virus lockdown, I am currently offering consultations via phone or video. Please call the office to schedule your appointment with me. Questions? Email me at gethelp@rjb-lawoffices.com.

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

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Gov't urged to decide on suspension of VFA termination MANILA (Mabuhay) — A lawmaker at the House of Representatives on Friday urged the government to make a decision whether or not to extend the suspension of the Visiting Forces Agreement’s (VFA) termination, or even rescind the termination notice itself.

In a media forum, Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffy Biazon said the suspension of the VFA termination would expire this December and would be “extendible by the Philippines for another six months.”

“We have three choices. Our first choice is to withdraw the termination; the second choice is to extend the suspension of the termination, and the third choice is to pursue with the termination and end the VFA. Parating na tayo sa panahon na ‘yon (We are nearing that period),” Biazon said.

Biazon noted that the decision would have an impact on the Philippines’ foreign policy, as well as its policy on protecting the West Philippine Sea. “Dahil kung tayo ay magte-terminate na talaga by December, magpu-pullout na ang whatever troops or forces stationed temporarily here in the Philippines (Because if we are really terminating [the agreement] by December, whatever troops or forces stationed temporarily here in the Philippines will be pulled out),” he said.

Biazon said the VFA termination could also affect the country’s anti-terrorism campaign.

“Remember, nagkaroon ulit ng bombing sa Jolo. Ibig sabihin, terrorists are still operating in the southern part of the Philippines at nandoon ngayon, doon nago-operate, ‘yong mga ibang tropa ng America, under the VFA (Remember, there was a bombing again in Jolo. That means, terrorists are still operating in the southern part of the Philippines, and that is where some American troops are operating under the VFA),” he said.

Asked whether the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would be crippled should the VFA be terminated, Biazon said there were capabilities being supported by the United States, such as surveillance and training.

Aside from this, Biazon also noted that the VFA also provides humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities,

Biazon considering that the country is prone to typhoons.

“Remember Haiyan (Yolanda), ‘yong mga nasira noon sa Leyte. We survived it at tinulungan din tayo ng US Armed Forces dahil sa response nila being in-country right away. These are things that should be considered diyan sa bagay na ‘yan (Remember [Typhoon] Haiyan (Yolanda), those that were destroyed in Leyte. We survived it and we were assisted by the US Armed Forces due to their response of being in-country right away),” he said.

Biazon said in order to wean from dependence on foreign military, resources should be poured into upgrading the AFP. “Pero sa ngayon, kung ang problema really ay (But now, if the problem really is the availability of funds to develop the capability of the Armed Forces fully, we have to rely on allies. And ‘yung (the) reliance on allies, ‘yong (the) maintenance of alliances, ang tingin ko, long-term talaga ‘yan (in my view, is for the long-term),” he said. (MNS)

Japan turns over 425 MT of rice to Taal eruption victims SWS: Filipino willingness to join COVID-19

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Japanese government officially turned over 425 metric tons of rice to the National Food Authority (NFA) to assist the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption in Batangas province last January 2020, Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda announced on Friday.

The donation was made by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) under the framework of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR).

"Japan doesn't neglect victims of the volcanic eruptions despite the pandemic," Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda said in a tweet.

The rice sacks were turned over on Oct. 26 by the Embassy's economic minister Nakata Masahiro at a simple ceremony in Batangas.

Also present during the ceremony were NFA Administrator Judy Carol Dansal, Department of Social Welfare and Development Bureau Director Emmanuel Privado, and Batangas Provincial Administrator Levi Dimaunahan.

APTERR is a regional cooperation initiative among ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, and China focused on supporting Southeast Asian states affected by natural disasters.

The initiative started in 2002 during the ASEAN+3 Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF+3).

In 2019, Japan provided 560 metric tons of rice under the APTERR to households in Ilocos Norte affected by Typhoon "Ineng" (Bailu) and those from Pangasinan affected by Typhoon "Jenny" (Podul). (MNS)

contact-tracing ‘extremely high’

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Filipinos have shown an "extremely high" willingness to comply with efforts to trace those who had close contact with coronavirus patients, a key point in the government's pandemic response, according to a survey released Friday.

Of 1,249 adults polled by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) from Sept.

17 to 20, 97 percent said they would self-quarantine if they came in contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19.

Around 96 percent said they would list all their contacts if they caught the respiratory disease, 93 percent would give access to their cell phone location data, and 87 percent would volunteer for weekly testing to track the progression of the virus, said the SWS. "Willingness to comply with the 4 COVID-19 contact tracing efforts is extremely high in all areas," the pollster said in a statement.

This is higher than the willingness to cooperate in contact tracing efforts in the US, currently the country with the highest number of infections.

A survey of Americans by Axios/

Ipsos last May found that 84 percent were likely to self-quarantine if they came in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

About 76 percent are likely to give a list of all the people they’ve come in contact with, 59 percent are likely to volunteer for weekly testing, and 56 percent are likely to give access to cell phone location.

"This shows that, although majorities of Americans say they are willing to cooperate, their proportions are not as high as those of Filipinos," SWS said.

The United States broke its single-day record for new coronavirus infections on Thursday, reporting over 91,000 new cases, as hospitalizations also hit new highs in many state.

Over 229,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the US, the world's highest death toll.

The Philippines on Friday recorded 2,006 new coronavirus infections and 38 more deaths. In a bulletin, the agency said total confirmed infections has risen to 378,933 while deaths have reached 7,185. (MNS)

GLOBAL NEWS CAREGIVER LAW OVERVIEW FOR 2020

Saturday-Friday | October 31 - November 6, 2020

WORKING WORKING as as a a caregiver caregiver in in a a private private home, home, an an assisted assisted living living facility facility or or nursing nursing home home is is hard hard work.

If this is your job, work. If this is your job, you you probably probably work work long long hours hours and and ret ret u u rr n n home home physica physica ll ly ly a a nd nd emotionally drained.

You may emotionally drained. You may provide provide 24-hour, 24-hour, live-in live-in help help to to the the elderly elderly or or incapacitated. incapacitated.

M Ma a ny n y rr ee ss ident ide nt ii a a ll pr pr ii vv a a tt ee households, resident ia l ca households, resident ia l ca re re facilities facilities and and nursing nursing homes homes ignore ignore overtime overtime laws. laws. These These violations violations can can deprive deprive caregivers caregivers of of significant significant wages wages totaling totaling thousands thousands and and even even hundreds of thousands hundreds of thousands of of dollars. dollars. If If you you are are a a caregiver caregiver employed employed by by someone someone who who refuses refuses to to follow follow wage wage and and hour hour laws, laws, you you may may be be entitled entitled to significant compensation. to significant compensation.

Reading Reading up up on on your your rights rights is is the the first first step step toward toward claiming claiming what what you you are are due. due. Discussing Discussing the the matter matter with with an an experienced experienced attorney attorney at at Chaleff Chaleff Rehwald Rehwald Peterson Peterson is is the the next next and and most most important important step. step.

When employers refuse to pay When employers refuse to pay caregivers caregivers the the legally legally required required minimum minimum or or overtime overtime wages, wages, it it is is aa form form of of wage wage theft. theft. The The employers employers are are essentially essentially stealing stealing wages wages from from workers workers who who care care for for the the elderly. elderly.

Thankfully, Thankfully, California California law law sets sets minimum minimum requirements requirements for for aa caregiver’s caregiver’s wages wages and and working working conditions. conditions. These These laws laws include include aa minimum minimum wage wage and and overtime overtime in in most most circumstances. circumstances. An An employer employer has has no no right right to to pay pay an an employee employee less less than than the the legally legally required required minimum minimum or or overtime overtime wages wages and and anyone anyone who who does does engage engage in in wage wage theft. theft.

Wage theft takes many forms Wage theft takes many forms and and may may include include failing failing to to pay pay for for sleep sleep or or “on “on call” call” time, time, paying paying aa

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weekly weekly or or daily daily salary salary that that is is too too low low or or classifying classifying an in-home caregiver as an “independent an in-home caregiver as an “independent contractor” contractor” to to circumvent circumvent California’s California’s wage wage and and hour laws. hour laws.

California California provides provides greater greater protection protection to to caregivers than exists in most other caregivers than exists in most other states. states. For For instance, instance, the the minimum minimum wage wage in in California California will will increase incrementally to $15 by 2022. increase incrementally to $15 by 2022. Cities Cities can can enact enact higher higher minimum minimum wages. wages. Caregivers Caregivers who who are are victims victims of of wage wage theft theft can can claim claim the the compensation compensation that that is is legally legally due. due.

On January On January 1, 1, 2014, 2014, California California enacted enacted the the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights (DWBR).

Domestic Worker Bill of Rights (DWBR). The The DWBR DWBR mandates mandates overtime overtime payments payments for for personal personal attendants.

This law provides that an attendants. This law provides that an employer employer cannot cannot hire hire personal personal attendants attendants to to work work more more than nine hours in a day or 45 hours in a than nine hours in a day or 45 hours in a workweek workweek without without paying paying overtime. overtime.

Overtime Overtime under under the the DWBR DWBR is is set set at at one one and and one-half times the employee’s regular rate one-half times the employee’s regular rate of of pay. pay.

That That means means that that if if you you are are an an in-home in-home caregiver, caregiver, you you are are entitled entitled to to 150% 150% of of your your hourly hourly wage wage for for every hour you work over nine hours in any every hour you work over nine hours in any given given

day, day, and and all all hours hours you you work work beyond beyond 45 45 hours hours in in a a week. week.

No No w w tt h ha a tt tt h h ee C Ca a ll ii ff or or n n ii a a legislature has created the right legislature has created the right to to overtime overtime for for personal personal attendants, attendants, an an in-home in-home caregiver caregiver who who is is not not paid the required overtime wages paid the required overtime wages can can claim claim their their unpaid unpaid wages. wages.

You he You can can recover recover not not just just tthe overtime overtime you you are are due, due, but but also also attorney’s attorney’s fees fees and and costs costs incurred incurred in the lawsuit.

It is also in the lawsuit. It is also possible possible to to recover recover interest interest and and penalties penalties if if you you are are not not properly properly paid paid overtime overtime compensation. compensation.

Caregiver overtime Caregiver overtime law law is is highly highly complex. complex.

In In fact, fact, an an entirely entirely different different set set of of laws laws apply apply to to a a caregivers caregivers who who work work in in residential residential care care facilities facilities and and nursing nursing homes homes for for the the elderly. elderly.

These These caregivers caregivers have have always always been been entitled entitled to to overtime overtime under under California California law. law. These These caregivers caregivers must must be be paid paid overtime overtime for for all all hours hours they they work work in in excess of 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a excess of 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. week.

In In addition, addition, they they are are generally generally entitled entitled to to double double time time payments payments for for all all hours hours worked worked in in excess excess of of 12 12 in in any any single single day day and and may may be be entitled entitled to to meal meal and and rest rest breaks. breaks. The The rules rules for for sleep sleep time, time, on-call on-call time and live-ins are also different. time and live-ins are also different.

If If you you are are aa caregiver caregiver and and believe believe your your employer employer has has not not paid paid you you fairly fairly under under the the law, law, you you may may have a strong case for compensation.

Since have a strong case for compensation. Since the the laws laws in in this this area area are are complex, complex, you you should should contact contact an an experienced experienced attorney attorney who who has has aa documented documented and and demonstrated demonstrated expertise expertise in in representing representing caregivers. caregivers. The The attorneys attorneys at at Chaleff Chaleff Rehwald Rehwald Peterson have the experience Peterson have the experience you you need. need. We We are are here here to to help! help!

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This This article article is is an an attorney attorney advertisement advertisement written written by

by Daniel Daniel Chaleff, Chaleff, employment employment law law attorney attorney at at Chaleff Chaleff Rehwald Rehwald Peterson Peterson in in Woodland Woodland Hills.

Hills.

Our examples are of a general nature and are not a guarantee regarding the outcome of your individual matter.

The law firm focuses Our examples are of a general nature and are not a guarantee regarding the outcome of your individual matter. The law firm focuses on on caregiver caregiver rights. rights. Please Please call call us us at at (818) (818) 807-4168 807-4168 for for a a free free and and confidential confidential consultation. consultation. Or Or visit visit us us at at www.caregiverovertime.com/ www.caregiverovertime.com/ to to learn learn more more about about caregiver caregiver overtime overtime law. law. We We offer offer a a 24-hour 24-hour chat chat line line on on our our website. website.

DFA probe on PHL envoy to Brazil caught assaulting maid starts, report in 15 days — Locsin

Zubiri: 'Unnecessary' celebrity red-tagging adds to Anti-Terrorism Law confusion

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Recent red-tagging incidents involving celebrities and women's rights group only sowed more MANILA (Mabuhay) — Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Friday confusion and fear towards the consaid his department began its preliminary investigation on the Philiptroversial Anti-Terrorism Law, Senator pine ambassador to Brazil who was caught on video assaulting her maid.

Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri said.

"I received Presidential Directive no. 2020-196 directing the DFA to "Sa tingin ko, katulad ng nabanggit investigate the alleged abusive conduct of the Philippine Ambassador mo, nagdagdag ng confusion to the Anto Brazil. We have 15 days to report to the Presidential Management ti-Terror Law. Of course, it also adds Staff. It starts NOW," Locsin said on Twitter. to the witch hunt scare that they are The DFA fact-finding team will be led by Consul General to Sydney saying," Zubiri said.

Ezzedin Tago, Chief of Mission I Jaime Ledda, Narciso Castañeda BAC, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., the and Atty. Ihna Alyssa Marie Santos, FSO IV, HRMO. spokesman of the National Task Force The administrative proceedings against Ambassador Marichu Mauro to End Local Communist Armed Conwas initiated by show cause order, Locsin said. flict or NTF-ELCAC, was under fire last "If there's prima facie case, I issue a Formal Charge prepared by week after tagging the Gabriela WomOTLA," said Locsin, referring to the DFA's Office of Treaties and Legal en's Party as a front of the New People's Affairs.

Army.

The presidential approval, he said, initiated the formation of the Parlade also called out actress Liza hearing panel which shall submit a report to the Board of Foreign Soberano and even Miss Universe 2018 Service Administration (BFSA).

Catriona Gray and "General's DaughThe BFSA will submit its recommendation to him. A final recommenter" actress Angel Locsin about their dation from Locsin will then be submitted to the President. ties to the group, saying they should Locsin earlier said the department's response disengage from Gabriela or else they against Mauro "will be severe to the fullest might find themselves as armed fightextent of the law." ers killed in military encounters. This Incidents of physical abuse perpetratdid not sit well with Defense Secretary ed by the envoy against her household Delfin Lorenzana and even President staff was shown in CCTV footage aired Rodrigo Duterte. by a Brazilian news outfit this week.

Zubiri admitted to being a "big Locsin assured the public that the fan" of the three actresses, saying DFA "will be firm in meting out the they are known for their philanappropriate sanctions and adminthropic work and their good repistrative or criminal charges on Amutation in showbiz and entertainbassador Mauro if the results of ment. the DFA's investigation will He then told military officials, demand as such." including Parlade, to reserve their A severe action from comments until they have factual the DFA against a evidence about the celebrities or high ranking dipof any person's ties to armed comlomat, Locsin said, munist rebels. wou ld "en su re "It’s unnecessary getting that matters like these celebrities in the limethese will never light for their advocacies... be tolerated."

Let’s concentrate on the (MNS) enemies of the state and on w inning the hearts LOCSIN

and minds of our people," the senator added.

The Anti-Terrorism Law has been hotly contested for its supposedly unconstitutional provisions that clamp down on freedom of speech, as well as the people's right to due process when accused of committing a crime. Names of accused terrorists will be published and circulated, while the Anti-Terrorism Council has the power to order the warrantless arrest of suspected terrorists and keep them detained without charges for up to 24 days.

There are more than 30 petitions asking the Supreme Court to stop the implementation of the law for these questionable provisions.

"We live in a democracy, we believe in freedom of speech, the freedom of the media to be able to air news items.

Whatever controversial statement that comes out from people of authority, talagang aatakihin 'yan at puputok 'yan [it will really be criticized and it will be a hot topic] not only on the media but also social media," said the Senate Majority Leader. "My advice is to them is to be more prudent on issues like this."

The planned Senate hearing on these incidents would be a good avenue to settle the issue, he added.

(MNS)

ZUBIRI

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VIEWING PARTY SET FOR “VALOR” ON CENTER THEATRE GROUP DIGITAL STAGE NOVEMBER 1 AT 5PM PACIFIC

C

Free Event Features Screening of Fran de Leon’s Adapted Play and Live Q and A with de Leon and FilAM ARTS Director of Programming

enter Theatre Group’s Education and Community Partnerships Department announced a special viewing party for “Valor,” on Sunday, November 1 at 5 pm Pacific.

Hosted by Center Theatre Group Director of Community Partnerships Jesus A. Reyes, Fran de Leon’s exploration of hidden history which is launched by a tour of Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown will be screened followed by a live Q and A with de Leon and and FilAM ARTS Director of Programming Giselle “G” Töngi-Walters, moderated by Education and Community Partnerships Administrative Assistant Aurora Ilog. Presented in partnership with FilAM ARTS, the viewing party will be free to the public but reservations are required. For reservations and additional information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ live-watch-valor-by-fran-de-leontickets-126004658325.

Fran de Leon’s “Valor” started as a short movement piece about the Filipino-American Veterans of World War II and was set to be further developed as part of Center Theatre Group’s Library Reading Series. When the pandemic halted the reading, de Leon adapted her piece once more to a short form video that would be part of Center Theatre Group’s new Community Stories program. In this video short, Fran de Leon shares elements of her creative process and research materials. From historical markers to her mother’s personal accounts to finding untold family stories, “Valor” shines a light on an integral yet seldom talked about chapter of American history.

As part of Center Theatre Group Education and Community Partnerships’ Community Stories Series, “Valor” is also available to stream on demand beginning November 6, 2020 at CenterTheatreGroup. org/Community. The series is made up of brief pieces created by artists including Anthony Aguilar, Luis

Alfaro, Diana Burbano, Juan E. Carrillo, D’Lo Srijaerajah, Forrest Hartl, Judy Soo Hoo, Manuel J. Marron, Julie Taiwo Oni, Marisol L. Torres and Vilma Villela and meant to be shared online. The first season of Community Stories will feature approximately 50 new works that have begun being released. New work will continue to premiere at CenterTheatreGroup.org/Community through March of 2021.

“For the past seven years Center Theatre Group has been partnering with local theatre companies, artists and libraries to provide access to theatre to community members from Boyle Heights through the free Library Play Readings series,” said Reyes. “With the pandemic forcing the closure of libraries and theatres, the reading series has been reimagined into Community Stories hosted on Center Theatre Group’s

newly created Digital Stage. ‘Valor’

by Fran de Leon Viewing Party for “Valor” – 2 has been adapted from a play into a short video, providing greater access to the artist’s story and in the process making a new partnership with FilAM ARTS. While we may be waiting to return to libraries and theatres we are not waiting to create and share interesting stories.”

Center Theatre Group’s Community Workshops and Library Play Readings are made possible by a generous grant from the California Arts Council. Additional funding is provided by the Friars Charitable Foundation. Center Theatre Group’s Education and Community Partnerships programs are made possible in part by Bank of America. Generous funding is also provided by The Dwight Stuart Youth Fund, JP Morgan Chase & Co, The

Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation, The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation and The Edward A. and Ai O. Shay Family Foundation.

Center Theatre Group’s Digital Stage is presented

by American Express. As presenting sponsor of The Digital Stage, American Express Card Members enjoy special opportunities on the Digital Stage, including: presales and early access for limited-release premium events, invitations to private pre- or post-show meet and greets and access to exclusive content curated especially for Card Members.

Bank of America is Center Theatre Group’s 2020/2021 Season Sponsor, including Digital Stage programming. For more than 20 years, Bank of America has partnered with Center Theatre Group to provide innovative Education and Community Partnerships programs as well as present worldclass productions at the Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum. Their generous support now extends online to the Digital Stage.

Center Theatre Group, one of the nation’s preeminent arts and cultural organizations, is Los Angeles’ leading nonprofit theatre company, which, under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Ritchie, Managing Director / CEO Meghan Pressman and Producing Director Douglas C. Baker, programs seasons at the 736-seat Mark Taper Forum and 1600 to 2100-seat Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles, and the 317-seat Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. In addition to presenting and producing the broadest range of theatrical entertainment in the country, Center Theatre Group is one of the nation’s leading producers of ambitious new works through commissions and world premiere productions and a leader in interactive community engagement and education programs that reach across generations, demographics and circumstance to serve Los Angeles.

Center Theatre Group’s newest venue, the Digital Stage, features a collection of new audio and video series including Live from the KDT, Theatrical Experiences, The Forum and Audio Adventures. Center Theatre Group partners with artists and arts organizations from around the world to produce, present and create streaming theatrical content. Many offerings are provided free to the public, with a larger catalogue of videos provided free of charge to Center Theatre Group season ticket subscribers and supporters. Certain programs require an individual streaming fee. The Digital Stage also houses Center Theatre Group’s ever-expanding library of education, community outreach and Art Goes On videos. For more information, visit CenterTheatreGroup.org/DigitalStage.

UN group recognizes DepEd for ‘outstanding service’ MANILA (Mabuhay) — The United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) has recognized the Department of Education (DepEd) for its outstanding service in continuously educating young people about the UN and supporting its various programs and projects.

The UNAP presented the General Carlos P. Romulo (CPR) award to the DepEd on its 73rd-anniversary celebration last October 24 and in line with the 75th founding anniversary of the UN. “Under her (Secretary Leonor Magtolis-Briones) leadership, DepEd had been the most successful, actively participating in several youth day celebrations. We are very optimistic that with the presence of the UN, and at the same time, local representatives of the education and Congress, we can forge ahead and create new innovative ways that can bridge the gap,” UNAP President Amelia Reyes said in a press release issued on Thursday.

Reyes said this way, “the sustainable development of mothering the earth, mothering the church, mothering individuals can bring back a more cohesive integrated as well as collaborative efforts

in bringing about this entire concern of world peace.”

Briones was thankful for the award, noting the UN’s support for DepEd’s initiatives towards learning continuity.

“It is an honor to me now as Secretary of the Department of Education to receive this award named in honor of perhaps one of the greatest Filipinos ever produced by our country. Whether personally or institutionally, the United Nations has always been part of my life worth, my professional commitments, and as it is in the lives of many of our distinguished leaders and personalities in the country,” she said in her message.

Briones said UN organizations have strongly supported the continuity of education and have provided the country with global studies on the dangers and threats of stopping the process of education.

She cited the active participation of DepEd in UN programs that tackle population issues and trends; HIV/AIDS awareness, protection, and prevention; the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke;

and matters concerning drugs.

According to UNAP, the CPR award is presented to organizations or individuals who have made Filipinos proud in their diverse achievements, personally and professionally, and have contributed to world peace and development.

During the awarding, education partners shared significant updates on education and its relevance to the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) health crisis.

Rep. Roman Romulo, chair of the House of Representatives’ committee on basic education, said they have spearheaded the passage of laws that would strengthen the character of the country’s youth.

“One of these is Republic Act No. 11476, the Good Manners and Right Conduct and Values Education Act,” Romulo said.

“Through these measures, the basic tenets of good manners and right conduct such as caring for oneself, having concern for others, upholding respect to people, upholding discipline order, and cultivating honesty, obedience, and above all, love for country will be rein-

DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis-Briones forced to our youth.”

He added that as “Gen. Romulo continues to serve as an inspiration to many of us, let us continue to talk about his life and writings to the Filipino youth.”

(MNS)

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GET YOUR VOTE IN TODAY! LA County has made it easy to vote with safe and secure voting options. You can vote by mail or return your ballot at any Official Ballot Drop Box today! If you prefer to vote in-person you can go to any select Vote Center opening October 24th.

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ON

If Prop 21 seems familiar, it’s because nearly 60% of California voters rejected the same flawed scheme in 2018.

Prop 21 does not protect low-income and working Californians.

• It allows landlords to raise rents on the lowest-income Californians by up to 15%, no questions asked.

• In the current recession, this massive rent hike will lead to mass evictions all across California.

This initiative does not address the real problem.

• It repeals portions of California’s Rent law that protects single family homeowners and has no plan to build affordable and middle-class housing.

Prop 21 will hurt homeowners of color and other minorities who worked hard to purchase a family home.

•

Prop 21 penalizes people of color by devaluing their property and preventing them from renting their homes at a fair price.

VOTE ON

Ad paid for by No on Prop 21: Californians for Responsible Housing, a coalition of seniors, veterans, affordable housing advocates, labor & social justice organizations, sponsored by California Apartment Association.

Committee Major Funding from Essex Property Trust and Affiliated Entities Equity Residential AvalonBay Communities Funding details at: http://www.fppc.ca.gov

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Task force on corruption sets parameters for gov't-wide probe MANILA (Mabuhay) — The inter-agency task force that would look into allegations of corruption in government would prioritize five agencies in its investigation and have set parameters to determine which allegations would be considered, an official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Friday.

In a press statement, DOJ spokesperson Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar said the probe will look into "amounts involved (in the agency to be investigated), the rank of the persons involved, and the impact on delivery of services to the public".

A minimum threshold of PHP1 billion in public funds involved will be one of the parameters, Villar said.

She added that while no particular transaction has been identified, the investigations would also include anomalous government procurement as well as transactions entered into by government agencies with private entities.

In the list are allegations of irregularities in the Philippine Health

Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Land Registration Authority (LRA).

Justice Secretar y Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday said President Rodrigo Duterte's orders for his agency to go after perpetrators of corruption in government will mean twin goals -- prosecuting offenders and preventing corruption in the bureaucracy.

Guevarra clarified that the DOJ's findings on its graft investigations are not merely recommendatory but the initiation of criminal charges.

Guevarra met with senior DOJ officials, including Prosecutor General Benedicto A. Malcontento and NBI officer-in-charge (OIC)-director Eric B. Distor on Tuesday to discuss the organization of the task force to investigate allegations of corruption in the bureaucracy.

It was agreed during the meeting that the core group constituted for the task force to investigate allegations of corruption in the Philippine

Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) would be the same core group to investigate allegations of corruption in the government.

The core group, headed by the DOJ, is composed of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP), National Prosecution

Senators urge DBM to release ASAP remainder of Bayanihan 2 funds MANILA (Mabuhay) — Several senators urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release as soon as possible the remaining allocations under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 to concerned agencies.

The lawmakers stressed that said funds were meant to facilitate economic recovery amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate committee on finance chairperson Sonny A ngara welc omed t he DBM's release of P76.22 billion out of the P140 billion general fund that was provided for under the Bayanihan 2.

"It’s good since the law is effective until December 19, 2020. It’s best that most of the funding be released soon," Angara said in a message.

"It’s clear the government is speeding up its releases and that is good for the various affected sectors who are eligible to receive help under the law," he added.

DBM Secretary Wendel Avisado assured that all budget requests are being processed and that there will be no delays as long as complete documentary requirements are submitted by the government agencies, according to Senator Christopher "Bong" Go.

"Wala pong rason na hindi po mai-release ang pondo kaagad. Kung kaming mga legislators ay nag-overtime para maipasa ang Bayanihan 2, dapat mag-overtime din ang mga executive agencies para mapondohan at maimplementa ang mga ito," he added.

Senator Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri also reminded the DBM that the Bayanihan 2 is time-bound and urgency is really needed.

"Kung hindi ma-release lahat, it's possible na maipasa namin ang isang simple amendment kung saan extend po natin ang validity ng Bayanihan 2," he said in an online interview.

Nonetheless, the senator said that

would not be necessary if Avisado can take swift action.

Senator Grace Poe also hopes the various affected sectors would be able to feel the impact of the economic recovery package as soon as possible.

"Bureaucratic delays must spare the money intended to tide our people and sectors over the coronavirus crisis," she said in a separate statement. "Huwag na nating hintayin ang Pasko bago nila maramdaman ang benepisyo ng Bayanihan 2."

The Bayanihan 2 was signed into law last September 11 and will expire on December 19 when Congress adjourns session. (MNS)

Service (NPS), and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

The task force shall also invite the Commission on Audit (COA), the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and the Office of the Ombudsman to work together with the Task Force, with due consideration of their independence as constitutional bodies. (MNS)

Ombudsman warns vs underestimating DOJ-led probe on gov't corruption

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Ombudsman Samuel Martires welcomed the creation of a Department of Justice-led Task Force to probe corruption in the entire government, saying that President Rodrigo Duterte’s move should not be underestimated.

Martires noted that the DOJ has been a long-standing partner of the Ombudsman’s office in its drive against corruption.

The combined effort of both offices led to the filing of criminal charges against government officials over the P10 billion pork barrel scam.

Recently, the probe on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation fund mess led to Martires issuing preventive-suspension orders against top officials of the state-insurer.

“The directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Secretary Menardo Guevarra to investigate allegations of corruption in the government is most welcome. Secretary Guevarra is an intelligent and decent public servant who is well-respected by his peers and colleagues,” Martires said.

“Given this partnership, there is absolutely no basis to detract or underestimate the laudable objectives of the President in creating the DOJ mega task force,” Martires added.

He also said that the Ombudsman and the DOJ were part of the Inter-Agency Anti-Graft Coordinating Council—a multi-agency partnership established in 1999 as a voluntary alliance of government agencies to formulate and develop concerted techniques and strategies in the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of graft cases.

“In any case, investigations conducted by the DOJ involving complaints of corruption are subject to the evaluation of the Ombudsman,” Martires said.

Martires then assured the public that his office— an independent constitutional body—will continue to conduct in-depth parallel investigations as to alleged anomalies in the government “despite this Office’s limited manpower and the ongoing reorganization to strengthen the bureaus undertaking investigative functions.”

House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate earlier said that nothing much could be expected on the DOJled probe.

After all, the President had cleared Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar of corruption, and had absolved National Capital Region Police Office chief Major General Debold of quarantine violations.

Zarate also argued that there was no need for such a task force given that such investigations were part of the Office of the Ombudsman's mandate. (MNS)

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Drilon nixes proposed budget cut for agencies under corruption probe MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Friday rejected a suggestion that Congress should shave the 2021 budget for agencies that are set to be investigated over allegations of corruption, saying even a "reduced budget can still be plundered."

ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Yap earlier said that lawmakers may move to "reduce or remove the budget" of an agency tagged in corruption schemes.

"Good media copy. But not the appropriate remedy," Drilon said in a text message to reporters.

"Even a reduced budget can still be plundered if handled by the same corrupt officials," he said.

Drilon underscored that beneficiaries - not corrupt government officials - would suffer if Yap's budget cut threat materializes.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp (PhilHealth) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - two agencies that provide financial assistance to the public - are among the agencies that may be hit with Yap's proposed budget cuts, Drilon said.

"Why will you punish PhilHealth, or SAP (Social Amelioration Program) beneficiaries, especially during this pandemic, for the acts of its officials?" the senator said.

"Effective prosecution of corrupt officials, and strengthening the anti-graft laws, and not the reduction of the budget, are the proper and more effective remedy," he said.

Yap's comments came days after President Rodrigo Duterte announced that a "mega" task force would look into corruption allegations hounding several government agencies.

The Department of Justice earlier said it would prioritize 5 agencies in the series of corruption investigations. (MNS)

PRIVACY BODY WARNS BIZ OF ‘REPURPOSING’ CONTACT TRACING DATA

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has warned businesses and other establishments from using the contact tracing data collected from the public for purposes other than contact tracing.

In a statement on Thursday, the NPC warned that some workplaces and businesses have allegedly been using contact tracing data for their own benefit.

“We’ve been receiving reports that some personal information collected were used for marketing, profiling, and other purposes not related to Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) prevention,” the NPC said.

In response, it released NPC Advisory No. 2020-03 that laid out the guidelines for workplaces and establishments for the processing of personal data as part of its Covid-19 response.

It was released as a supplement to the Joint Memorandum Circular No.

20-04-A series of 2020 of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employment, which requires workplaces and businesses to collect employee health declaration forms, client or visitor contact tracing forms, and implement measures to manage Covid-19-positive employees in the workplace.

For their role in the collection and management of personal data, it said these establishments are now personal information controllers (PIC) and as such, are required to comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA), its implementing rules and regulations, and other issuances of the NPC on upholding data.

To ensure the protection of personal data, it said these establishments are required to adhere to the “general data privacy principles” of transparency, legitimate purpose, proportionality, implement “reasonable and appropriate” security

measures at each stage of the personal data lifecycle, and uphold data subject rights.

When collecting personal data for purposes of Covid-19 prevention and control, it said establishments shall limit its collection to only those required; inform employees, clients/ customers, and visitors of the establishments with a privacy notice; ensure data quality and accuracy through authorized personnel; prohibit repurposing of data for other purposes, whether commercial or non-commercial; and establishments are responsible for reminding its employees and third-party personnel that using private data is punishable under the DPA. “The rights and redresses under the DPA are available to the employees, clients/customers, visitors, and their close contacts. Establishments and workplaces are bound to uphold data subject rights,” the advisory read. (MNS)

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Palace defends DBM policy of withholding funds pending compliance with requirements M A NIL A (Mabu hay) — Ma laca ña ng on Thursday defended the policy of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to withhold the release of funds for congressional initiatives.

Some items under the 2020 General Appropriations Act, particularly those that were supposed ly cong ressiona l insertions, were categorized under For Later Release (FLR) while President Rodrigo Duterte was reviewing the budget bill submitted by Congress.

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday called “arbitrary” the DBM’s decision to tag the funds for congressional initiatives as FLR, adding the role of Congress in the budget authorization process has been rendered useless.

However, Roque said the FLR policy was necessary.

“Iyong FLR po naging necessar y naman po iyan dahil siyempre, kinakailangan muna natin gastusan iyong pinaka-importanteng mga bagay na related po sa COVID-19 [pandemic],” he said at a news conference in Bohol.

“Iyan naman po ang assurance natin for later release, iyong mga infrastructure dahil uunahin muna natin ang COVID-19 expenses.”

According to the DBM, FLR items are those whose release is subject to compliance with specific conditions, such as documentary requirements and approvals from appropriate authorities. (MNS)

DSWD crafts policy for online purchase of seniors, PWDs MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Wednesday it will craft a measure to ensure that vulnerable sectors, such as senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), are still able to avail of their

discount privileges even in online transactions.

DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista, in a virtual briefing, said the agency has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to craft a policy that will check the rules for online pur-

chasing of senior citizens and PWDs. “Ito ay para masigurado na hindi maaabuso ang mga pribiliheyo para sa bulnerableng sektor ng lipunan (This is to make sure that the privileges enjoyed by the vulnerable sector will not be abused [overlooked]),” he added.

Under Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, senior citizens are entitled to a 20-percent discount and are exempted from the value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services from all establishments.

Republic Act 10754 or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWD, meanwhile, provides persons with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in the mainstream of society by granting them at least a 20-percent discount and exemption from the VAT on the sale of certain goods and services identified.

This also applies to transportation, recreation centers, and medical services.

“Ito ay patunay na isinaalang-alang ng DSWD ang karapatan ng bulnerableng sektor ng lipunan at patuloy itong nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga opisina at iba pang mga implementing agencies para masiguro na maipapatupad ang iba pang batas na ito (This shows that DSWD looks over the welfare of the vulnerable sector of our community.

We continue to engage with other offices and implementing agencies to make sure that these laws are being implemented),” he added. (MNS)

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FDA’s Domingo: Expert panel evaluating Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial application MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine's Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) is currently reviewing the application of an Australian pharmaceutical company for COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials in the country, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) director-general Eric Domingo said on Friday.

"There's a number three company that has shown interest in doing clinical trials here in the Philippines and they are undergoing pre-screening sa Vaccine Expert Panel," Domingo said in an online forum of the Department of Health.

He was referring to Clover Biopharmaceuticals from Australia.

The firm probably submitted its application to the VEP earlier this week, according to Domingo, as he mentioned that he was only informed about it this Friday.

Aside from this, the proposed clinical trials for Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine candidate Janssen is still being evaluated by the expert panel.

China's Sinovac has already secured the VEP's nod and is undergoing ethics and regulatory

reviews.

The formal evaluation of Russia's Sputnik V that was developed by Gamaleya Research Institute, on the other hand, has not commenced yet as additional information is still being requested by the country's panel.

"Ang Gamaleya yata mayroon pang mga tanong at hinihinging information 'yung vaccine expert panel. When they submit that, the formal evaluation of the vaccine expert panel will start," Domingo said.

Once the VEP clears an application for COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials, it shall still be vetted by the Ethics Board and the FDA. (MNS)

More private labs willing to test OFWs for Covid-19 MANILA (Mabuhay) — More private labs are willing to test overseas Filipinos (OFs) arriving in the country for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), Malacañang said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Project ARK, a private sector initiative to boost the country’s capacity to contain Covid-19, has announced readiness to process the specimen of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and OFs while the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(PhilHealth) has yet to pay its remaining debt to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).

“Nagpadala po ng abiso ang Project ARK sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang medical director si Dr. Minguita Padilla na handa raw po sila na i-subject sa PCR testing ang mga bumabalik na OFWs at mga overseas Filipinos natin sa kanilang 11 laboratories with a testing capacity of 3,000 per day (Project ARK, through its medical director Dr. Minguita Padilla, released an advisory saying they are ready to subject OFWs and OFs to PCR testing in their 11 laboratories with a testing capacity of 3,000 per day),” he said in a press briefing from Panglao, Bohol.

Citing Padilla, Roque said Project ARK will devote the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, the Jose Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, and the JB Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital, among other hospitals for receiving the specimens of OFWs and OFs. Besides Project ARK, Roque said the Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has also offered to

Saturday-Friday | October 31 - November 6, 2020

Healthcare facilities required to report all data to gov't, says DOH MANILA (Mabuhay) — Public and private healthcare facilities are required to submit health and health-related data of patients to the Department of Health and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for the smooth implementation of the Universal Health Care law, a DOH official said Thursday.

Dr. Eric Tayag of DOH Knowledge Management and Information Technology Service said the patients’ data will be under National Health Data Repository System.

“Under the Universal Health Care Act, lahat po, public and private sector, pati iyong nagkakalap ang research, dapat i-report ang data sa PhilHealth at DOH,” Tayag said in an online forum.

“Ang kukunin lamang ay iyong importanteng impomasyon na mapapakinabangan ng buong bansa, para maunawaan natin ano na ang nangyayari sa kalusugan ng mga Pilipino,” he added.

Tayag said these include data from the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“Kung one to 10 ang hinihingi sa inyong data sa ospital, sa amin, one to five lang. Lahat ng record na ‘yan, mananatili sa mga ospital at kung kakailanganin ng ibang doktor, hindi na sila mahihirapan maghagilap,” he said.

Tayag, however, assured the public that their medical records will be safeguarded under doctor-patient confidentiality and by the Data Privacy Act. “Siyempre may maseselan na datos ang pasyente, sasabihin nila, naku Doc, huwag mo ise-share ang ating usapan. Sinisiguro ng DOH at PhilHealth na iyong pinadadala sa aming impormasyon eh hindi magamit sa masamang paraan,” Tayag said.

Tayag then argued that the National Health Data Repository would not only help implement the Universal Health Care law but also facilitate care for patients in need of various forms of medical care.

“May magtatanong, Doc, saan ba may development pediatrician kasi may kamag-anak kami na may autism. Hindi na sila mahihirapan hanapin kasi andun na iyon sa National Health Data Repository.

Puwede na kayo mamili ng doctor at appointment,” Tayag said.

“Kapag may stroke patient at kailangan ng CT-scan na pinakamura, saan bang ospital meron noon? Alam niyo na agad kasi doon sa National Health Data Repository. Mas madali na at hindi na paulit-ulit ang ginagawa,” he added. (MNS)

test OFWs and OFs for Covid-19.

“Nagpadala din po ng abiso ang Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory. Ito po ay isa sa dalawang pribadong laboratories na nag-o-operate sa NAIA na handa rin po silang magbigay ng PCR tests sa mga bumabalik na OFWs natin sa kaparehong halaga na sinisingil ng Philippine Red Cross (The Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory also released an advisory. This is one of the two private laboratories operating in NAIA willing to perform PCR tests for returning OFWs that charge the same about as Philippine Red Cross),” he said.

He said the NAIA-based laboratory can conduct 4,000 PCR tests daily.

Roque said OFWs and OFs need not worry about delays in their PCR test results.

“Yung mga bumabalik na OFWs, huwag po kayo mag-alala, hinding-hindi po maaaberya ang inyong PCR tests (Returning OFWs, don’t worry, your PCR tests will not be delayed),” he said.

Meanwhile, Roque reassured the PRC that PhilHealth will soon pay its outstanding balance of over PHP561 million.

“Kampante naman tayo na (We are confident that) since it was no less than the President who said that the Philippine government will pay, e ano pa ba ho ang hihingin pa ng PRC. ‘Yan po ay (what else can the PRC ask for. That’s a) sovereign guarantee from the mouth of the President himself,” he said.

He also expressed hope that the PRC would continue being the government’s partner in boosting the country’s Covid-19 testing capacity.

On Wednesday, PRC chair and Senator Richard Gordon said PhilHealth should pay its debt within three days.

He warned that the state insurer’s debt will pile up once again if it fails to settle the remaining balance as soon as possible.

PhilHealth settled half of its PHP1-billion debt to the humanitarian organization on Tuesday afternoon.

In response, the PRC said it will resume accepting samples from those covered by the PhilHealth-fund. (MNS)

Vaccine tied to South Korea deaths not found in PH, assures DOH MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health on Friday said Filipinos should continue getting flu shots and should not worry about reports of halted use of vaccines in other countries.

“As of this time there is no reported AEFI (adverse events following immunization) with flu vaccine in this country,” said Dr. Beverly Ho, director of the DOH’s Health Promotion and Communication Service, during a virtual briefing.

“The FDA has also checked the lots and batches that are being investigated in Korea and Singapore and none are found here,” she added, explaining that the Philippines “undertake regular surveillance of flu vaccines.”

The DOH said this after international media reported Singapore

halted the use of two inf luenza vaccines that are linked to deaths in South Korea. According to a Reuters report, at least 48 have died in South Korea on Saturday after getting the flu shots, but the country will push through with its vaccination program, explaining that there is no link between the deaths and the vaccine.

Singapore said the halt on SKYCellflu Quadrivalent and VaxigripTetra vaccines was precautionary.

There is an increased interest in flu and pneumonia vaccines in many countries because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Food and Drug Administration Director General Eric Domingo said the demand for vaccines increased “to protect everybody from seasonal flu and pneumonia,” which have similar symptoms to COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Ho said the Philippines will continue its national im-

munization program while monitoring the situation overseas. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday Saturday-Friday || October October 31 31 -- November November 6, 6, 2020 2020

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PH to increase WHO solidarity trial participants to 4K MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines will increase the number of participants in the World Health Organization (WHO) solidarity trial on potential coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines, which will start locally in December, a health official said Wednesday.

“Yes, we are in that direction that we will be increasing the number of participants to 4,000. We are just making final arrangements with WHO,” Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a mix of Filipino and English during a virtual media forum.

Earlier, WHO Philippines Country Representative Rabindra Abeyasinghe said they are hoping that the Philippines would increase its participants from between 2,000 and 3,000 to 4,000.

Trial volunteers must be 18 to 60 years and without

comorbidities. morbidities. Pregnant women would not be considered.

As for US Pfizer and Moderna, Vergeire reported the talks are still ongoing.

“We're still trying to negotiate and we're still trying to have a discussion with them. So there is still no certainty, we still do not have confirmed details regarding this matter,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English. (MNS)

Order for price cap on COVID-19 tests awaiting Duterte’s signature — Palace

ABEYANSINGHE

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Thursday expressed optimism that President Rodrigo Duterte will impose a price cap on COVID-19 tests as proposed by the Health and Tourism departments.

At a news conference in Bohol, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the proposed executive order on price cap is just awaiting the signature of the President following a review made by the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Department of Health (DOH).

“From all indications, mukha naman pong magkakaroon ng price cap,” Roque said. “Eh kasi po ‘yung iba naman napakataas naman ng sinisingil eh alam natin na pupuwedeng mas mura ‘yang testing na ‘yan.”

Roque said making COVID-19 testing more affordable could bode well for the government’s test, trace, and treat campaign.

The DOH said last month that it had submitted a recommendation to the Office of the President to implement a price cap as it noted the differences in the testing cost across laboratories in the country.

Medical experts considered the RT-PCR test the gold standard for confirmatory testing because it detects the virus that causes COVID-19.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, meanwhile, said on Tuesday that the price cap should cover both RT-PCR and antigen tests “to make traveling an affordable option for all” after the government eased movement restrictions.

Puyat also appealed to accredited test centers to provide budget-friendly but credible COVID-19 diagnostic tests. (MNS)

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NEWSOM... from Page 1 are working hard to help you keep a roof over your head, and there are new resources and protections available to you right now,” the governor wrote.

The governor said an “eviction or foreclosure” has always been a devastating incident. More so, with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, losing a home to stay safe and warm is even more tragic.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us, it has not affected all of us equally. The impacts of COVID on lives and livelihoods have had disproportionate impacts on our diverse communities. Census data from July 2020 showed that, of all California renters who had fallen behind on rent, three-quarters were Latino or Black,” Newsom noted.

So here’s how tenants can avail of the rent relief law, says Newsom: “If your landlord gives you a notice to “pay or quit” – saying you have a certain amount of time to pay the rent you owe, or you have to move out – but you can’t pay the full amount because you were affected

by COVID, you can fill out a document and give it to your landlord.”

“It is called the Tenant Distress Form, and you can find it on our new HousingIsKey.ca.gov website. It is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.”

“Sign it and don’t delay. You must give your landlord this document within 15 days after you receive the “pay or quit” notice to be protected from eviction.”

“You still owe the past rent, but if you cannot pay full rent because of COVID, you can’t get evicted for any rental debt that accrued between March and August of this year.”

“And so long as you further pay at least 25 percent of the rent due between September of this year and January of next year, then you cannot be evicted for unpaid rent for that period, either.”

“While this bill will give tenants some room to breathe, it is not permanent.”

“As of now, the protection for evictions lasts only until February 1, 2021.”

WESTERN... from Page 1 “This virus transcends our borders and we are grateful to partner with our neighboring states though our Scientific Safety Review Workgroup for a healthy and safe path forward for all our communities.”

The Governors of Washington, Oregon and Nevada will identify public health experts to join California’s workgroup to guide the review of any vaccine approved by the FDA. While there is no proven vaccine for COVID-19 yet, these top health experts will review any vaccine that receives federal approval and verify its safety before California, Washington, Oregon and Nevada will make the vaccine available to the public.

“We believe in science, public health and safety.

That is why I am pleased that Washington is joining California and other western states in this effort,” said Washington Governor Jay Inslee.

“Any COVID vaccine must be guided by the expertise of scientists and medical professionals and that’s just what this workgroup will do.

The Western States Pact will continue working together to ensure the best health outcomes for everyone in our states.”

“The vaccines currently in development, once approved, are what Americans have been waiting for to protect their families, their children, and their loved ones in long-

term care facilities,” said Oregon Governor Kate Brown. “The independent review conducted by this panel of doctors, scientists, and health experts will ensure that a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is available to everyone, especially communities that have been disproportionately impacted by this disease.”

"Once again, I am thrilled to work with other states in the Western States Pact to ensure we take care of all our residents by bringing together the best and brightest scientific minds across states borders. We know we are stronger together," said Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak.

"When the time comes, Nevadans will be able to feel confident in the safety of the vaccine knowing that an independent review by experts across the West gave it their seal of approval."

This is not the first time Western States have collaborated in response to COVID-19. In April, California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado and Nevada joined in a Western States Pact which shared a vision for fighting COVID-19 and reopening their economies.

Western State leaders in May urged congressional leaders to approve $1 trillion in COVID-19 relief for states and local governments and are partnering to pilot a project testing new exposure notification technology pioneered by Google and Apple.

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Saturday-Friday | October 31 - November 6, 2020

US polls: What's at stake for PH? MANILA – The presidential race in the United States between President Donald Trump and former vice president Joseph Biden is moving into its final stretch.

With the polls less than a week away, political pundits weigh in on its possible outcome and what is at stake for the Philippines.

The country needs to pay attention to two major issues the US would continue to carry beyond November 3 -- human rights and China.

Rommel Banlaoi, president of the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies (PACS), said a Trump re-election would bring a continuation to the US-China rivalry, which could pressure the Philippines to take sides.

"If Trump is re-elected, (the US) would reaffirm its hawkish, mercantilist, and isolationist positions.

The worsening US-China rivalry will be a harder major foreign policy challenge for the Philippines because we will be put in a taking side dilemma," he said in the recent virtual Pandesal Forum.

Biden, on the other hand, could reverse the Trump administration's "damaging" action that resulted in the heated US-China trade war. While his view of Beijing is "inconsistent" and "ambiguous", Biden has sought to promote interstate cooperation, open trade, and multilateralism, an approach that could de-escalate current tensions with China should he win the White House, Banlaoi said.

"I think if Biden wins there would be more flexibility and reason compared with Trump because we know the position of the liberals are more accommodating and willing to engage in talks with China, so there would be more rules for settling of political differences," he said.

The Democratic Party's emphasis on human rights and the rule of law could, however, could generate "political pressure" on the Duterte administration, whose campaign against illegal drugs had been criticized by several US lawmakers and

President Donald Trump and former vice president Joseph Biden (Anadolu photo)

then-US president Barack Obama, a Democrat.

"Biden is very strong on human rights. But if they want to put pressure, they lack time already because Duterte's presidency will expire in 2022," Banlaoi said.

In a position paper dated October 25, the Integrated Development Studies Institute (IDSI) also posited that the upcoming US election "takes on increasing significance" as the Philippines needs a benign regional geopolitical environment to recover from the pandemic.

"A Trump victory will pose problems for the country as the Philippines will be under increasing pressure to take sides in the rivalry between the two giants. The country might not be able to navigate the neutral path based on the best interests of the country, which allows it to tap the opportunities that both sides offer," IDSI research fellow Henry Chan wrote.

"In the case of a Biden term, chances of a more subdued belligerence or confrontation will allow the Philippines to focus on economic recovery," he added.

'Big impact' Whoever wins the 2020 US polls, political analyst Ramon Casiple said Washington is likely to focus on the Asia Pacific, including the Philippines, which would be the

"center of exposure" in the international arena.

Casiple, also the executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform, thinks the US government would take great interest in the upcoming 2022 Philippine elections, given the country's strategic location in the region.

"It's the US interest that would be at stake here, so don't expect that the US will be passive with regard to our electoral process. In fact, I am already anticipating that it will be an issue not only with the embassy but definitely the whole political elite in the US,” he said.

“There is already recognition that our part of the world will be something that both China and the US will be handling or addressing as a relatively important area of contention in the coming year,” he added.

Casiple said the Philippines must be ready to handle the "new world" that is coming, which means it has to be alert on its feet in dealing with "coming relations" rather than rely solely on its old ties.

"We have to be prepared, particularly starting after the US elections, the US will try to come back and try to implement a new series of policies based on its own interest and the situation that has newly arrived in this particular area of the world," he said. (PNA)

AS U.S... from Page 2 workers due to the impacts of COVID-19, scuffles between voters, and intimidation tactics. But it’s too early to see what might lead to litigation.

“The key for reporters,” he said, “is to not focus on isolated instances but to look for systemic issues.”

Once the polls have closed, he continued, news organizations should take care not to focus on the percentage of precincts reporting results.

Because every state has its own way of counting votes, for instance, some will include absentee votes on a precinct-by-precinct basis, whereas others will dedicate a precinct just to those so-called “mail-in” ballots. Also, some states will count early-arriving ballots as they come in, while others will wait until Election Day itself, or just before then, so getting numbers that accurately ref lect results will be a confusing process.

“Every state and locality is different,” he said,

so “initial results are not necessarily predictive.”

“Do NOT declare winners!” Persily urged the news writers in attendance.

“Contextualize results.

When you’re reporting on votes coming in, contrast those numbers with the number of expected voters.”

To do that, he recommended knowing how many votes are expected in any given locality before reporting on its preliminary results. Also, he said, it’s important to note where the votes are coming from, and how they’re being cast — for instance, if absentee ballots have been attributed to their location of origin.

Most importantly, he said, compare results, particularly in the presidential election, to the results from 2016, to see if there’s been a rising tide for either party at either the state or county levels.

Arizona and Florida have already begun count-

ing absentee ballots, he pointed out, and Florida expects to have those tallies ready for dissemination when the polls close on the evening of Election Day. But in states including Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan, votes received in advance may not yet be counted on the evening of Nov. 3, and may take days to fully report.

He warned against premature acceptance of results based on phenomena such as a “Red Mirage,” based on Election Day turnout at the polls that lean Republican, a “Blue Wave” of heavily Democratic-leaning absentee votes, or a “Blue Mirage” the earliest tabulations of those “mail-in” votes in the states that report them while Election Day votes are still being counted.

Persily cautioned about what sources to trust for election information, and to beware of early claims of victory, and of foreign or domestic claims of fraud such as destroyed votes or

official malfeasance in the counting process.

For reliable, authoritative sources and information on litigation and on the procedures of the different states, he recommended healthypolls. stanford.edu and healthyelections.org.

Temper expectations of when results will be available, particularly if the election is anywhere near as close as 2016’s, he said.

“I tend to think it’s closer than people presume.”

Asked what states might be important to watch, he said that a Biden victory in Florida or Trump ascendancy in Maine or New Hampshire could be predictive.

It’s inevitable that pundits will make their predictions, he said, but “exit polls on Election Night are notoriously inaccurate.

“We’re going to have to wait. What makes an election official is certification by the chief election officer in the state,” he said, and that can take weeks.

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Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen.

(A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how difficult it may be. Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks) - God bless - OMEL

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You are so powerful in obtaining every need of body and spirit from the Heart of God. Holy Mother Church proclaims you ‘Prodigy of Miracles... the Greatest Saint of Modern Times.’ Now I fervently beseech you to answer my petition (mention here) and to carry out your promises of spending Heaven doing good on earth...of letting fall from Heaven a Shower of Roses. Little Flower, give me your childlike faith, to see the Face of God in the people and experiences of my life, and to love God with full confidence. St. Therese, my Carmelite Sister, I will fulfill your plea ‘to be made known everywhere’ and I will continue to lead others to Jesus through you. Amen THANK YOU - SHAHELA

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Pray for me who am so needy; make use, I implore you of that particular privilege accorded to you to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings particularly (here mention your petition) and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout eternity.

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Saturday-Friday October 31 - November 6, 2020 Visit www.Balita.com

How Nadine Lustre got over doubts about her songwriting skills

N

adine Lustre has admitted there was a point in her life when she was insecure about her songwriting skills that she had to put that aside.

NADINE LUSTRE

Nonetheless, Lustre said during a virtual conference that the quarantine period has helped her understand and discover herself more.

Hence, she was able to gain confidence and finish her visual album titled “Wildest Dreams.”

“I haven't done this before.

I always doubted my writing.

But I'm very blessed with the Careless guys to support me,” she said.

Lustre said the album production started last year but it was during this lockdown season where it really kicked off.

Her former boyfriend and Car-

less Music founder James Reid will be in one of the songs in the album.

“I want to have my own sound.

I’m still on a path on finding that one,” Lustre said of her new music.

The Kapamilya singer-actress said they shot the videos from end of August until September in a studio, in parts of the Manila Hotel and in Caylabne Resort.

“Wildest Dreams” is slated to premiere on Careless Music’s and ABS-CBN’s Youtube channels on October 31 at 9 p.m.

“Wildest Dreams is a sonic adventure into the mind and heart

of Nadine’s artistry,” Careless Music previously said. “Drawing from personal experiences we hear and feel true reflection throughout this album.”

Lustre and Reid previously said the album focuses “mainly on empowerment and self-love.”

“A lot of people message me and kind of look up to me when it comes to empowerment or being strong and fearless,” Lustre said, when asked why she opted for a message album. “This is the perfect platform or catalyst to help empower and inspire people who listen to my music.”

(MNS)

Sanya Lopez Arci muñoz is now a sergeant reveals she never had a 'first love'

SANYA LOPEZ MANILA (Mabuhay) — Sanya Lopez says she never really had a "first love."

This might be pretty hard to believe, given she's a gorgeous leading lady who is also 2020's Ginebra Calendar Girl, but it's true, according to Sanya.

"Pet! Pusa," said Sanya when asked who her first love was.

She laughed, then explained: "Wala pa akong kinokonsider na talagang first love, siguro kapag dumating na."

Sanya Lopez was asked to reveal her "firsts" because she's set to star in the upcoming teleserye "First Yaya."

The actress may not have had a "first love" to share, but she did talk about her first showbiz friend, Derek Monasterio, as well as her first on-screen kiss, which was Rocco Nacino on "Encantadia."

"First Yaya" will also be Sanya's first time to work with Gabby Concepcion as her leading man.

"It's an honor na makapartner po si Mr. Gabby Concepcion," she said.

"Nagkaroon na po ng Zoom meeting, medyo nag-usap-usap na kami doon, and sobrang bait na tao po ni Mr. Gabby Concepcion, bukod sa gwapo at, syempre, magaling na aktor," she added. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Kapamilya actress Arci Munoz is now a sergeant of the Philippine Air Force Reserve (PAFR) Command.

The PAFR said Munoz completed the Basic Citizen Military Training on Sunda, October 25, at Gaerlan Auditorium, HAFRC, Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

The post added that under the supervision of 1st Air Reserve Center, Munoz learned the basic knowledge and skills of soldiery.

“For 30 training days, she underwent HADR training, marksmanship training, obstacle course, field training exercise (FTX) and other activities that prepared her for her future roles as a reservist of the Philippine Air Force,” it said.

The post was accompanied by a photo of Munoz wearing a fatigue uniform while holding what appears to be her certificate.

Munoz first revealed

that she enlisted to be a reservist for the Philippine Air Force in an Instagram post last June.

"Maligayang Araw ng Kasarinlan, mahal kong Pilipinas! Ngayon araw din ang aking unang pisikal na pagsasanay bilang kaunaunahang babae sa aking henerasyon at propesyon na sumasailalim sa [Philippine Air Force] reservist BCMT - Basic Citizen Military Training,” she captioned her post at that time.

"Hinihikayat ko po ang aking mga kapwa kababaihan na mag-enlist. Marami pong salamat sa aking Philippine air force family.

Asahan nyo po ang aking buong pusong dedikasyon at serbisyo," she added.

Munoz went through her basic citizen military training along with her “Pamilya Ko” leading man and good friend, JM de Guzman.

(MNS)

ARCI MUÑOZ

Sarah Geronimo's 'Tala' records over 160 million views on YouTube MANILA (Mabuhay) — The music ography filled with fun moves that the routine video of Sarah Geronimo’s "Tala" spawned thousands of covers Four years since it was released as a single, has reached another milestone there was a time when it was nearly impossible on YouTube.

The video, released nearly four years ago, achieved a rare local SARAH GERONIMO feat as it recorded more than 160 million views.

Since passing the 141-million mark, "Tala" has been hailed as the most viewed OPM music video on the streaming site.

“Yass QUEEN. Asia’s Pop Star Royalty's TALA Music Video hits 160 MILLION VIEWS! Congratulations SARAH GERONIMO and Popsters,” said Viva Artists Agency in a post across its social media platforms.

"Tala" was already a hit when it first debuted in 2016, winning a pair of awards for song and music video of the year.

Georcelle Dapat-Sy of G-Force fame came up with the chore-

not to hear “Tala” or see someone dancing to it anywhere.

From drag performances and TikTok challenges to Christmas parties and K-pop concerts, more and more people and celebrities have been bitten by the "Tala" fever.

While G eronimo wanted “Tala” to become a dance craze, she never really expected that it would become an ubiquitous fad in the latter part of 2019.

“Ang galing eh. I would say hindi siya naging expectation. Parang I was hoping na maging dance craze itong 'Tala.' …We released it 2016. We did the music video. Puma-

tok lang siya last year po, 2018-2019. So sabi ko, wow, power of manifestation. Nagkatotoo,” she said in a past interview with ABS-CBN News.

But for Geronimo, this isn’t just her win.

She considers it a feat for the OPM industry.

“I would always sing it, perform it. Of course, sino pa ba 'yung magmamahal ng musika ko kung hindi ako din?

[Sino pa ang magmamahal] ng sarili nating musika? Hindi ba tayo-tayo din po?” she said.

"Tala" was part of the pop superstar’s album "The Great Unknown."

(MNS)

Saturday-Friday | October 31 - November 6, 2020

Heart Evangelista reveals inspiration behind song recorded in 2005

HEART EVANGELISTA MANILA (Mabuhay) — With the upcoming release of “Breathe You,” Hear t Evangelista’s self-produced single recorded back in 2005, the actress revealed just what was her inspiration behind the music.

“I do remember the inspiration, but I don’t remember the feeling. Charot!” Heart said.

Joking aside, Heart shared that the song was inspired by what was happening right in front of her 15 years ago.

“I was inspired with what was in front of me at that very moment, the feeling of becoming a woman. I was young, 21, it was a complete turnaround from being a 19-year old,” Heart said.

“Becoming a lady, feeling you own your time, you’re free to do whatever and your dream is slowly becoming a reality, ’yun ’yung na-feel ko din sa time na ’yun at sa song,” she added.

According to the actress, the time she recorded the song felt like “three lifetimes ago.”

“You know, it was the first time I could call the shots. If I liked the song I could sing the song, I could do whatever. It was just so liberating for me at the time,” she said.

“That was really a good chapter of my life. This song really reminds me of that time.”

She added: “We made the song very me and it was just a good time in my life. I just turned 21. I just found my independence noong time na ’yun na I just want to share it with everyone.”

Composed by Jude Thaddeus Gitamondoc, “Breathe You” was released Oct. 27. (MNS)

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Ivana reminds simple truth: ‘No matter kung ano ang suot,’ women deserve respect

of what a woman wears, she Regardless deserves to be respected.

This was Ivana Alawi’s simple reminder, as she recalled her experience of being sexually harassed during her time as an events model.

Alawi was asked for her opinion on women’s rights and welfare, amid the controversy involving Liza Soberano and Catriona Gray whose respective stance on issues affecting women drew a “warning” from a military official tasked with monitoring communist activities.

Alawi, whose meteoric rise to fame in the past year has made her a new-generation “sex symbol,” mentioned specifically her past experience of sexual harassment.

“I’ve experienced this before, when I worked in events, when I used to do modeling,” she said.

“I’ve experienced so many harassment. Not just catcall-

ing. I’ve experienced people touching my body without permission. This is not right.

Doon ako palagi sa tama.”

Alawi, 23, then stressed the importance of regarding any individual with respect, regardless of their gender or their choice of clothes.

“Respect people, kahit babae ‘yan, lalaki ‘yan. We need to be respected. No matter kung ano ‘yung suot, dapat niri-respeto mo,” she said.

“Especially mga babae, they deserve to be respected and they deserve to be loved. Women are ver y strong, women bring life to this world. Dapat niri-respeto sila.”

Alawi was speaking during a virtual media conference for “Sitsit,” her upcoming horror film scheduled to premiere on October 31 on iWant TFC. (MNS)

IVANA ALAWI

Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Enchong Dee's new film to debut on Netflix in November ENCHONG DEE & JASMINE CURTIS-SMITH MANILA (Mabuhay) — More and more Filipino films are becoming available on Netlfix.

One of the movies which will soon join the roster is “Alter Me,” starring Kapamilya star Enchong Dee and Kapuso talent Jasmine Curtis-Smith.

According to a press release from the streaming platform, the film follows “an HR manager who seeks the mentorship of a coveted escort to better connect with other people and her own emotions.

However, he soon opens her heart to unexpected feelings.”

Slated to premiere on November 15 on Netflix across Asia, the film is directed by RC delos Reyes and written by Danno Christoper Mariquit.

Speaking about the movie’s theme, delos Reyes said: “Nowadays, in the advent of technology and social media, we put on different masks and we create our own worlds. Hoping, that in that world we would be able to find the love and fulfillment we have always been seeking. Not realizing that the true change or ‘altering’ we have to do is always dependent on who we are and how honest we are to ourselves.”

Now that cinemas are closed, delos Reyes admitted that it is a struggle for filmmakers like him to find a platform where

they can tell their stories.

That is why he was overly delighted when he learned that “Alter Me” will be streamed on Netflix.

“When my producers told me that my third film ‘Alter Me’ is now a Netflix film that will be streaming across Asia, I was jumping out of joy. For that only goes to show that there is no way for us to stop telling our stories,” he said.

Dee and Curtis-Smith began working on “Alter Me” late last year. The movie is co-produced

by Viva Films and Ten17P. (MNS)

Angel Locsin sets record straight, says she and her family not part of NPA MANILA (Mabuhay) — Angel Locsin felt the need to set the record straight after she and her family were red-tagged for speaking against the government.

In a lengthy Instagram post on Friday, the actress and philanthropist reiterated that she and her family are not part of the communist New People's Army (NPA) or any other "terrorist group."

Posting a close-up shot of her wearing a red top and bright red lipstick, she began with the hashtags #NoToRedTagging and #YesToRedLipstick.

"To set the record straight, hindi po ako parte ng NPA or any terrorist group. Neither my sister nor my kuya Neri is a part of the NPA or any terrorist group," she said, referring to her sister Ella and nephew Neri Colmenares. The latter is an activist and human rights lawyer, and a former representative of the Bayan Muna party-list.

"By being vocal about my opinions and advocacies, I have always been attacked," she added. "Those I could ignore but this is a different level altogether. And so I have to speak up once again because this baseless and reckless red-tagging jeopardizes not only my safety, but also the safety of my sister and our family."

Referring to the recent statement made by an official of the government's National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict against her family, Locsin said: "Nanawagan po ako sa kinauukulan, na itama po ang mali na ito. Tigilan na po ang red-tagging. The statement made is utterly false and places ordinary citizens like us, those who they swore to protect, in danger."

She also urged the government to utilize public funds more efficiently.

"Nakakalungkot po isipin na dito napupunta ang malaking halaga na P19.3B, sa mga paratang na walang

basehan at pananakot na red-tagging.

Sana ibigay na lang po sa ibang departamento ng AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) katulad ng medical reserve corps o pagtaas ng sweldo at pension ng mga sundalo natin," the actress said.

"Malaking tulong rin po for purchasing vaccines or other COVID response programs. Many of our countrymen need financial assistance. Mga OFW na nawalan ng trabaho. Madaming mas nangangailangan ng pera ngayon.

Sana doon na lang ilaan at sana doon ibuhos ang oras," she added.

Locsin asserted her right to share her views, pointing out that the Philippines is "a country where our freedom to speak and express ourselves are enshrined and protected by the Constitution."

She stressed that people like her should not be red-tagged for having views that may be different for others.

"Kung magkaiba tayo, hindi ibig

ANGEL LOCSIN sabihing pwede mo na ako i-red-tag. Hindi tayo magkakalaban dito. Hindi rin ako 'red'. Magkaiba lang tayo ng paniniwala," she said.

Meanwhile, Locsin also appealed to the public to show their support for other personalities who are being red-tagged for their advocacies, such as fellow actress Liza Soberano and former Miss Universe Catriona Gray.

She reiterated that they, just like many other people, "are expressing their beliefs peacefully" and do not deserve such treatment. (MNS)

20

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Legacy Limited CVT

Model Code: MRH-31 — MH203778 & MH203542 Offer Expires 11/06/2020

Ascent TOURING– 7 Passenger CVT

2021 SUBARU

with Navigation and Power Moonroof

259

$

429

$

PLUS TAX PER MONTH LEASE/ 36 MONTHS @10k MILES PER YEAR

PLUS TAX PER MONTH LEASE/ 36 MONTHS @10k MILES PER YEAR

$2,899 Down Payment $0 Security Deposit $0 First Months Lease Payment

$2,899 Down Payment $0 Security Deposit $0 First Months Lease Payment

$2,899 Total Due Lease Signing (tax, title, license & doc fees extra)

$2,899 Total Due Lease Signing (tax, title, license & doc fees extra)

Model Code: LAF-34 — one at this offer L3027486 FINANCE OFFER Offer Expires 11/06/2020 As low as 0% limited term financing on ALL 2020 Legacys in stock

Model Code: MCG-33 — one at this payment M3401908 FINANCE OFFER Offer Expires 11/06/2020 As low as 0.9% Limited term financing on ALL 2021 Ascents in stock

“Para sa bagong Subaru, tawagan niyo lang po kami!”

Driving People Happy

SUBARU OF GLENDALE 1308 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204 www.SubaruofGlendale.net

855-230-1547 Andrew Marilla Christian Marilla Sales & Leasing Finance Manager

Enzo Patnongon Sale & Leasing Consultant

Subaru, Forester, Outback, Tribeca, Legacy, Impreza, WRX, STI, and SUBARU BOXER are registered trademarks. Purchase or lease any new (previously untitled) Subaru and receive a complimentary factory scheduled maintainance plan for 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first).

See Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan for intervals, coverage and limitations. Customer must take delivery before 12-31-20 and reside within the promotional area. At participating dealers only. See dealer for program details and eligibility.