Weekend Balita (Los Angeles edition) May 29, 2021

LOS ANGELES EDITION

Duterte OKs add’l P5B budget for quarantine expenses of returning OFWs PAGe 13

VOL. XXX NO. 22

Saturday-Friday | May 29 - June 4, 2021

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

fIL-amS SEEK GarCETTI’S HELP OVEr NEW LaX rULE LA mayor opens West Gates at LAX’S Bradley Int’l Terminal

A

By ABneR GALino

group of Filipino Americans has written a letter to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to intervene in a recent decision of the Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA) to relegate Philippine Air Lines planes to the new Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) which

would be inconvenient “given the number of elderly passengers that the Filipino flag carrier serves.”

In a letter, Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) National Los Angeles coordinator Art Garcia, said LAX “may have people movers (flat escalators) and will have terminal transfer vehicles (i.e. golf carts), but

LA Mayor eric Garcetti

neither will be convenient given the number of elderly Filipino passengers that PAL carries.”

Garcia said the new policy would reportedly give “additional twenty-minute walk by tunnel from the main concourse of Tom Bradley.”

In a recently posted online alert, PAL issued the following: “Effective June 1, 2021, PAL

will be forced, over our protest, to move our flights departing and arriving at Los Angeles to the new Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The MSC gates are in a separate concourse that is connected to the main TBIT area by an FIL-AMS

Lung Center of the Philippines’ Dr. Vincent Balanag Jr. : COPING with the COVID CRISIS

By MARiSSe G. ABeLGAS

LCP Deputy Directors, from left: Medical Services Dep. Dir. Dr. Sullian naval; Hospital Support Services Dep. Dir. Dr. Victoria idolor, executive Dir. Dr. Vincent Balanag Jr. and nursing Services Dep. Dir. Mrs. elvira Baura.

Duterte signs law dividing Maguindanao into 2 provinces MAniLA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a bill seeking to divide Maguindanao, part of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), into two provinces.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this announcement in a Palace press briefing on Thursday.

Under the new law, the two new provinces

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will be called Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur. The Palace has yet to release an official copy of the new law.

Meanwhile, Roque assured that Duterte listens to all concerns on the proposal to extend the transition period in the BARMM until 2025.

He made this assurance even as the Pres-

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WHEn Vincent Balanag Jr. was appointed Executive Director of the Lung Center of the Philippines by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on December 19, 2016, little did he imagine that his new position would, four years later,

thrust him into the center of a global pandemic that would affect –and ultimately kill -- thousands of his countrymen and millions more all over the world.

Despite successive government- ordered lockdowns to curb infection and transmission among the 25 million residents of

Metropolitan Manila and several outlying provinces, the deadly virus called Covid-19 surged endlessly, ravaging densely-populated communities particularly those with multi-generational families living under one roof.

The 61-year-old doctor

ident himself has expressed support of the initiative for the transition.

Roque said Duterte is aware that there are also some who oppose the Bangsamoro Transition Authority's (BTA) request to extend the transition period.

However, he noted that it will be up to Congress to act on measures seeking to extend the transition period in the BARMM. Roque encouraged those

who supported or opposed to the extension of the transition period to relay their concerns to both the Senate and House of Representatives.

The BARMM, an expanded autonomous region created upon the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in January 2019, is the outcome of the decades-long peace negotiation between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Currently, the BARMM is

under transition.

During the transition period, the interim Bangsamoro government will identify the new structural framework of the BARMM, taking into consideration the existing structure, budget, and other relevant features of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The region’s BTA will run the affairs of the ARMM until the new set of regular officials is elected in 2022. (MNS)

LUNG

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Fil-Am among 8 California Pacific Palisades brush fire shooting fatalities — DFA MAniLA (Mabuhay) — One of the eight fatalities in the mass shooting at a rail yard in San Jose, California in the United States is of Filipino descent, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Thursday.

"There are eight fatalities in the shooting in California. The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco is confirming reports that at least one of them is of Filipino descent," the agency said in a text message.

The DFA said the consulate is now coordinating with authorities to get more information, citing its readiness to extend any assistance if needed.

L oc a l repor ts identified the shooter as Samuel Cassidy, a maintenance worker at the Valley Transport Authority (VTA) and the co-worker of the victims.

On Wednesday morning (local time), Cassidy opened fire at the VTA Light Rail Yard, which also wounded one person.

Local authorities confirmed that the lone shooter died, with preliminary investigation showed he committed suicide after the shooting rampage. (MNS)

FiREFigHTERs work to put out a two-acre brush fire that broke out in Pacific Palisades on Monday at about 6 p.m. along Pacific Coast Highway near the temescal Canyon Road. the flames were seen eating a big portion of the brush on the bluff.

Within an hour, firefighters had surrounded the area while helicopters were attacked the flames from above. Photos by ABneR GALino

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ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor

Community Visit www.Balita.com

Saturday-Friday | May 29 - June 4, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Availability Gives Hope for Asian American and Pacific Islander May Heritage Month CDC continues to provide guidelines on safely gathering, traveling for fully vaccinated people

By Staff

M

ay is Asian American and Pacific Islander (A API) Heritage Month, a celebration of AAPI achievements and a time for the country to recognize our community’s contributions throughout U.S. history.

This year, in the face of anti-Asian hate incidents and our community’s continued economic and social challenges, AAPI Heritage Month takes on a new meaning: Hope. As of this month, anyone aged 12 and older is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. States are also seeing increases in the availability of vaccine appointments, a shift from previously hard-toget appointments.

As of May 17, the CDC reported 157 million Americans have made the choice to be vaccinated. Among this number, at least 5.9% of Asians (non-Hispanic) and 0.3% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander groups have had at least one vaccination—that’s approximately 5.44 million loved ones! Moreover, since the start of vaccine distributions, more than 84.5%

of older Americans (65-Plus adults) have been vaccinated—a dramatic shift in numbers that shows the wider community is doing their part to protect our elders and others by getting vaccinated.

This means that 5.44 million AAPI community members are on their way to resuming the activities that they miss—seeing family and friends near and far, gathering with the older generation, and traveling.

And, vaccines are preventing nearly 100% of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID. This is proof that the vaccines are effective.

In a recent AARP panel, Dr. Adelaida M. Rosario shared about the unique challenges of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities in receiving information about the vaccine.

“The AANHPI community is extremely diverse and therefore, there isn’t a one-size-fitsall approach with communications,” said Rosario. “The Department of Health and Human Services has been working on a number of print materials

Dr. Adelaida M. Rosario

and virtual materials in the relevant languages so we can reach the community in their native tongue.” Rosario was referring to a new national campaign that includes outreach

and advertising to more than 15 AAPI communities, called We Can Do This.

“In addition to this pandemic, there’s this heightened negative attention right now, focused on the Asian American community because of all the stereotypes and it’s terribly unfortunate,” Rosario added.

“It becomes a ‘double pandemic’ essentially for all of our older Asian American community members because they’re dealing with all of this awful discrimination in addition to, layered with, this health crisis.”

Rosario acknowledged that there are side effects for some people but said that it is “small numbers” and “rare occurrences” of illnesses compared to the millions who are fully vaccinated and have experienced minor side effects but are otherwise “doing fine.”

“The benefits so far outweigh these small risks. The same kind of risks that any parents taking their small child to get their series of shots, you’re up against the same numbers,” Rosario said. “These rare occurrences are happening, but we’re really celebrating the successes

Together again after months apart (A devotee’s perspective)

A

s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eases its health guidelines, the Holy Name of Mary Parish in San Dimas re-opened its door

By Jo soLomonson

to parishioners last Sunday (May 23).

Among the events that were celebrated was held the Feast of Pentecost, a commemoration of the descent

that we’re seeing with the numbers of infections dropping and the successful inoculations at a population level that’s currently occurring not only in the United States but across the world.”

Before any vaccination, if you have questions, talk to your local healthcare provider or physician. If looking for additional resources, turn to your trusted local leaders. If you have access to the Internet and are able to search for information online, visit trusted sources like the CDC and visit vaccines.gov to find vaccines near you.

Ultimately, one more person who has received the shot is one more step toward returning to life as it was before the pandemic. Encourage those around you to get vaccinated— from your college student to your grandparents, from your friends to your colleagues. With the country inching closer to 65% vaccinations this summer, there is tremendous progress that we are making together and next year should have a different outlook. By AAPI Heritage Month in 2022, the entire country can be vaccinated—we can do this!

of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. This event represents the birth of early Christian church. It marks the beginning of the Christian church’s mission to the world.

Parishioners came with masks. Liturgical colors of red and orange dominated the altar. As church’s music director, Trevor Thompson played “Holy Spirit, You are Welcome Here,” the Vessel of Mary Liturgical Dance Ministry performed sacred movement. The dancers carried flags made of light organza which were waved gracefully, as if the wind blew gently at them.

As the dancers moved with towards the altar, HNM parishioner Bernadette Blackshaw observed that “there were parishioners who had tears in their eyes.”

“I really felt the Holy Spirit enkindling each one with the fire of His love. He was present in church.

The people were happy to be back but also careful to be around others,” Blackshaw recalled.

During the Mass in Spanish, liturgical dancer Agnes Puno Gonzalez said she saw a boy with Down Syndrome who flashed a hand sign representing a “heart” while watching the performance.

The dance group is composed of Sally Lim, Aura Puno, Grace Adajar, Estrel Yra, Josie Singh and Grace Ortiz.

“It was a great experience,” noted Cora Soriano.

“People have missed the personal interaction as a consequence of pandemic and as vaccinations tick up and warmer weather approaches, normalcy is getting back into our lives. To see faces (behind masks), to hear people singing together, greeting each other awkwardly are better than not seeing anyone at all,” said Femy Losare, another parishioner.

The isolation that people have experienced during pandemic made people realize how much they need God and God’s family to get through.

Now more than ever, the song’s lyrics (“Oh Holy Spirit, You are Welcome Here/Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere) gave hope to many people who have experienced sorrow while away from their loved ones.

The recent celebration of the Pentecost at the Holy Name of Mary Parish remind us that we can overcome challenges through His grace and forgiveness.

Saturday-Friday | May 29 - June 4, 2021

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"Imelda Bosing Wood: Musikera sa Panahon ng Pandemya" TEXT anD PHoTo BY: ViCs magsaYsaY, PH.D.

“A musician is always a musician, no matter what.”

— Imelda Bosing Wood

H

indi kaila sa atin na marami ang naapektuhan nitong mga lockdown simula noong nag-umpisa ang pandemya last year. Isang malaking naapketuhan ay si Imelda Bosing Wood, musikera't binansagang "Sampaguita (Philippine's 'Queen of Rock and Roll') Millenial." Siya ay regular na kumakanta sa mga Filipino American associations events dito sa Southern California.

Maraming nakahilerang gig ang banda nilang L.A. Front Page noong 2020, pero gawa nga ng pag-iingat sa Covid-19, lahat nang mga ito'y hindi natuloy. Noon lang nakaraang Nobyembre--kaarawan niya-na nakahawak ulit siya ng microphone sa public. Ito ay nangyari lamang dahil ang pinagtugtugan nila ay isang malawak na lugar kaya laking tulong sa social distancing, sabayan pa ng face mask, at kaunting mga kaibigan lang ang nakapunta.

Hindi na ito nasundan gawa nga ng pag-iingat bagamat sila'y nabakunahan na. As of this writing, may isang buwan lang mahigit ang nakakaraan, si Rolly Javier, miyembro ng kanilang L.A. Front Page band, ay sinamang-palad na tinamaan ng coronavirus, at 'di nagtagal, tuluyan ng bumigay ang katawan. Si Rolly ay dating second generation member ng sikat na bandang Hot Dog na kilala sa kantang "Manila." Multi-talented siya na puwedeng vocalist, lead and bass guitarist, keyboard player o drummer sa grupo--malaking kawalan si Rolly sa kanilang banda.

Nagkaroon ng "Celebration of Life" tribute para kay Rolly sa St. Barnabas Church sa Long Beach nitong May 15th.

Ang kanyang anak, si Janice Javier, na naging third placer sa First Season ng The Voice of the Philippines, ang siyang kumanta para sa namayapang ama sa simbahan.

May 1, 2021: Ito ang pangalawa nilang tugtugan pagkatapos ng birthday ni Imelda noong Nobyembre. Nagkaroon ang grupo nila ng isang birthday gig sa Anaheim Hills. Nakasama rin nila dito ay mga samba dancers na naka-costume a la Mardi Gras sa Rio de Janiero.

May 2, 2021: Naimbita naman silang tumugtog sa isang malaking lugar sa

imelda Bosing Wood San Fernando Valley ng isang producer ni Bong Navarro na ginanap sa Alex Theatre sa Glendale. Kasama nila dito sina Ivy Violan, Djhoanna Garcia at Mat Ranillo III. Pareho rin ang higpit ng protocol na naka-mask, social distancing.

"Makikita mo ang kasabikan ng mga musikero't musikera sa tagal ng lockdown.

Ang isang musikero ay laging musikero kahit ano pa man ang mangyari," lahad ni Imelda.

"Habang kumakanta, bumaba ako sa stage at pumunta sa dance floor. Kinanta ko iyong "Nosi Balasi" ni Sampaguita.

Pagkatapos, napasayaw na ang crowd ng tinugtog ko ang "Proud Mary" na version ni Tina Turner," masayang ibinida ng singer.

"Mahirap din ang maging front-act singer dahil, sa marami kong karanasan, may karamihan sa mga producer ay napakahilig na gawin kaming taga-benta ng ticket--at wala man lang commission," hinaing ni Imelda. "Hindi na nga kami binabayaran sa performance namin, nandoon pa iyong ibang bibigyan pa kami ng quota na makabenta ng $3,000. Sana bigyan naman kami ng respeto ng mga producer dahil malaking tulong din ang aming kontribusyon para maging matagumpay ang isang event," dagdag niya.

"Ngayong alam na namin ang kalibre ng karamihang producer, they are now exploiting the newbies, the aspirants whose parents are so

eager to help their children's career, whatever the hustle," may kalungkutang banggit ni Imelda sa mababang pagtingin ng maraming producer sa front act singers.

Noong 2019, sa 40th Year Concert U.S. Tour ni Sharon Cuneta sa Alex Theatre, nagkaroon ng malaking problema sa biyahe niya papuntang L.A., at inabot ng mahigit 3 oras ang delay bago kumanta ang main star. "Mga dalawang kanta lang sana ang para sa akin pero napadami dahil wala pa si Sharon," lahad niya. Dugtong niya: "Naging stand-in comedian pa tuloy ako together with another front-act comedian, at matagumpay naming napahaba't na-entertain ang crowd. Kaya sabi ni Sharon sa akin, 'Heroine daw ako that saved the night for her.'

At least dito, respetado kami ng producer."

Si Imelda ay nag-graduate sa U.S.T. sa kurso niyang AB English (Literature). Naging teacher siya sa subject na English at Pilipino sa Roosevelt College ng Marikina.

Nagturo rin siya dito sa Montessori ng Long Beach.

Maraming mga parangal na rin ang kanyang natanggap sa community in the field of entertainment. Nahirang din siyang isa sa "100 Most Outstanding Filipino Americans in the U.S." two years ago lang.

Ganoon din sa mga gig nila: "Noong 2019, nagkaroon ng gig ang Earth, Wind and Fire sa Celebrity Centre sa Hollywood, nakuha kaming front-act band; ditto ng tumugtog si Jessica Sanchez, American Idol runner-up; ang mga OPM o Original Pilipino Musicians--sina Nonoy

Zuñiga, Marco Sison at Hajji Alejandro (si Rey Valera, hindi nakarating dahil may physical challenge); ang Aegis band din, at marami pang nakasama kami," kuwento niya.

"Masarap rin maging front act singer: Nandoon iyong nabibigyan mo ng kaligayahan ang mga nakikinig. At kapag nakita mo naman silang masaya't pumapalakpak, nakakataba baga ng puso, at ang ligaya mo'y on cloud nine. Simpleng buhay, pero masaya," pahayag ng musikera.

Nagiging main singer din sila. Naiimbita upang kumanta sa mga party, at sa libing. "Iyong isang nanay na Pinay na may asawang puti, ang anak nilang babae ay nag-suicide. Todo ang hinagpis ng nanay at isinulat niya ang mga paboritong kanta ng anak na 'di inaasahang yumao. Buti naman alam kong kantahin ang lahat ng request na paborito ng anak. Pagkatapos kong makanta ito sa burial ng dalaga, laking tuwa at pasasalamat ng mag-asawa sa akin. Sabi nila, 'You lessened the grief that we are carrying at this moment.' Kaya itong pagkanta, malaking bagay din para makatulong sa iyong kapuwa," salaysay ni Imelda.

Sa kasagsagan at pagluwag nitong mga lockdown, hindi maikakaila na "bosing" si Bosing, top ang mga musikero't musikera--mapalive, TV, radio, internet, tablet, smartphone o computer man--upang mabawasan ang pighati na dulot nitong pandemya. Sabi nga, "Music is food for the soul." Nakakawala ito ng stress, nakakalma, at nakaka-induce pati ng creativity sa buhay.

Si Vics Magsaysay ay isang fine art nature photographer, writer, artist at alternative healer. May doctorate degree sa pagiging clinical hypnotherapist. Isa rin kasapi ng Filipino-American Press Club of California (FAPCCA).

Copyright ©2021: Vics Magsaysay

fIL-amS... frOm PaGE 1 underground tunnel. We ask for your patience and understanding and alert you on the following: * Additional Walk Time to and from Aircraft Gates: Please allot at least 20 minutes additional time to walk to your departure gates at the MSC. From the TBIT main concourse, after clearing security, passengers will need to access the tunnel walkway via escalators, elevators and moving walkways. * Alternative transportation: There will be terminal transfer vehicles (similar to golf carts) available for passengers who are unable to walk the full distance; accessible via elevators and escalators from the TBIT main concourse. Please allot extra time in case of limited availability of these transfer vehicles.

Passengers using wheelchairs will also need to take the elevators. * Limited shops and services: Please note there are limited shops and food service facilities at the MSC; please plan on completing your shopping and dining needs at the TBIT main concourse pre-departure area, before proceeding to the MSC for boarding. * No Change in Check-in or Arrivals location: All departing PAL passengers will check in at the TBIT, and all arriving PAL passengers will claim baggage and clear immigrations and customs at the TBIT, in

the same areas in use today.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience that the Airport’s decision may cause you. PAL has appealed urgently to the airport authority to reconsider the decision to move PAL flights from the TBIT to the MSC; PAL also is seeking assistance from city officials. We have raised the important consideration that a large number of our Filipino-American and visiting Filipino travelers are senior citizens or persons with disability who would be better served if the boarding gates are located closer to the check-in and security areas. We will continue to pursue all available remedies in the hope that our flights will be retained at the original gates of the main TBIT concourse for the well-being and convenience of our valued passengers.”

According to the same JFAV letter, “PAL has been operating out of LAX since 1984, has been flying to the US West Coast since 1946 and LAX is currently our largest single station outside of Manila.”

“In January 2020, we flew up to three daily wide body flights to Manila from LAX and back then we were ranked 4th largest among the Asian carriers and 15th among all international carriers using Tom Bradley.”

“During the pandemic, we were/

are the largest Asian carrier still operating and was 8th among all international carriers in TBIT. We are the top wheelchair user in LAX, with 3,300 average per month in 2019 at $65 per wheelchair, which PAL pays for and is not passed on the passengers.”

“At peak we have carried up to 80 wheelchair passengers in a single flight. We serve the Filipino community in Southern California and other Filipinos from around the US who connect through LAX through our codeshares on American. And yet we are the only transpacific airline being asked to move.”

LAWA is a branch of the City of Los Angeles and governed by a seven-member Board of Airport Commissioners who are appointed by the Mayor of Los Angeles and approved by the City Council.

As this developed Mayor Eric Garcetti celebrated the opening of the West Gates at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Monday — a $1.73 billion investment that brings 15 gates and adds 750,000 square feet just west of the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

“Completing the West Gates is the latest step in our unprecedented campaign to reimagine LAX — to help our airport realize its potential as a premier, 21st century destination, as a source of jobs and econom-

ic growth for local workers, and as a site of seamless travel for millions of passengers.”

The five-level, 1,700-foot long terminal marks the latest step in the airport’s $14.5 billion modernization. Today’s opening marks the completion of a four-and-half year construction process that employed more than 8,500 individuals, over 2,500 of them from local communities.

The new concourse will serve both international and domestic flights. It is designed around a digitally-based travel experience, with state-of-theart biometric boarding gates; thousands of places to plug in and access next-generation wireless internet, plans to include access to 5G later this year; touchscreen kiosks; two nursing rooms; an animal-service relief area; three children play areas; and the most advanced baggage handling and boarding system of any airport in the United States.

"This project sets the standard for how to build better, providing meaningful work opportunities to local workers and small businesses, keeping sustainability at the heart of the project and focusing on providing the best passenger experience possible,” said Sean Burton, President, Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC).

"I am excited to see these new,

LEED Silver-certified gates at the Tom Bradley terminal,” said Councilmember Mike Bonin.

"This is the first mega-project at LAX under the leadership and vision of Mayor Garcetti, working with our City Council and our Board, to build a world-class airport – one that will redefi ne our airport experience," said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).

The West Gates at Tom Bradley was funded from LAX’s operating revenues, Capital Improvement Program funds, fees generated from airlines, passenger facility charges, and airport revenue bond proceeds.

No taxpayer money was used for the project.

LAX is in the midst of a $14.5 billion Capital Improvement Program, the largest airport project of its kind in the nation. The overhaul touches all nine passenger terminals and builds new facilities, including an Automated People Mover train, a Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility, and the Intermodal Transportation Facility-West, a 4,300 stall parking structure.

In November 2020, Mayor Garcetti announced that the Delta Sky Way transformation project, a $1.86 billion project to modernize and upgrade Terminals 2 and 3, is 18 months ahead of schedule.

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Supervisors Solis, Hahn double down on protection for Asian Americans

Community

Saturday-Friday | May 29 - June 4, 2021

Photos by Ren Arrieta

L

os Angeles Supervisor Janice Hahn joined the celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) month at Wilson Park in Torrance.

The event titled: Stand Together, Sweat Together was a “solidarity workout” and featured cultural performances. It was held last Sunday (May 23).

In her brief speech, Supervisor Hahn iterated that hate and racism have no place in our community.

The event was sponsored by the Roxas Law, the 321 Vote, South Bay Cares, Mujo Creative, New Level, Allswang Fitness, Pamana Kali, Hate Crime Book, Minamide and DJ Alcatraz.

In another development, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis, Supervisor to the First District, will join the LA County Human Relations Commission, anti-hate activists, and community organizations to unveil a large public art piece.

This 60 x10 foot comic strip illustration, designed by renowned local artist MariNaomi, depicts the history and many contributions of the AAPI community to LA County, the contemporary targeting of API residents due to COVID-related backlash, the journey from hate to healing, and the need for advocacy to ensure solidarity and inclusion for all.

This event follows a March 9, 2021 motion, authored

by Chair Solis and unanimously passed by the Board of Supervisors, to expand the County’s LA vs. Hate initiative to combat hate against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

LA vs Hate enables LA County residents who are sur-

A group of Asian American artist introduce themselves to the crowd shortly before doing a cultural presentation.

Photo by Ren Arrieta vivors of hate crimes and report these incidents to 211-LA, and connects these residents with a network of local and culturally-attuned organizations that provide assistance and prevention strategies.

The graphic novel, using a cartoonist approach, was made possible by L.A. Care Health Plan.

MoTHER, FASGI join cleanup drive

By Eusebio S. San Diego The cleanliness campaign of the Office of Community Beautification (OCB) got a boost when the Movement to Help Eradicate Rape and Other Child Abuses (MoTHER) and the Filipino-American Services Group, Inc. (FASGI) joined other organizations in the cleanup drive in Los Angeles.

OCB is the agency of City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works that serves as a leader and citywide resource for beautifying and cleaning the city.

The main area covered by MoTHER and FASGI's cleaning efforts focused on the Historical Filipinotown.

Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell, representing L.A.'s 13th district, visited and joined the cleanup volunteers at work.

The senior mothers were dressed in green t-shirts, the color of nature, and armed with brooms, rakes, scrubbing brushes and other tools and materials.

The street cleaners "showed no signs of tiredness as they looked very interested and enthusiastic in their

civic involvement," remarked MoTHER founding president Perla Bermudez Santos. The sight of senior citizens actively performing civic task was "reminiscent of uniformed Metro aides cleaning the streets in the Philippines," quipped a retired public school teacher in Quezon City.

Among the senior citizens who participated were Ethelina Mendoza Provido, Elizabeth C. San Diego, Tess Nones, Judy Borromeo, Rosaminda Lopez, Noel Lao and Zosimo Pardilla.

OCB is also tasked by the City government to reduce blight, remove graffiti, plant greenery and help improve the quality of life for L.A. residents and stakeholders.

MoTHER and FASGI are headed

by Ms. Santos and Ms. Yey Coronel Alcid, respectively.

It was FASGI which provided t-shirts and healthy lunch to the senior cleaners.

Just recently, MoTHER and FASGI led the well-attended and memorable celebration of International Mother's Day at the Rosewood United Methodist Church in L.A.

Participants listen to a community leader at the start of the work out and anti-Asian American hate campaign. Photo by Ren Arrieta

Some members of the MoTHER Movement, led by its founding president Perla Bermudez Santos (standing, third from left), pause for a pose during the cleanup drive in the Historic Filipinotown last Saturday, May 22.

Photo by Rosito Go

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Catholics in Manila prepares for the installation of its new Archbishop

O

n June 24, 2021, the seat of the Manila Archbishop will finally be fi lled after a year's vacancy with the installation ceremonies being prepared for Cardinal Jose Advincula, 69 of Capiz. This day also marks the commemoration of the founding of Manila's Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), as well as the Feast Day of Saint John the Baptist. The solemn installation and Mass will be held at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, which is scheduled at 9:00 am. Prior to the Mass and Installation, Cardinal Advincula will be formally welcomed by Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso and the Intramuros Administration at the Postigo gate entrance to the Walled City at 8:00 am.

Cardinal Advincula will then officially become the 33rd Archbishop of Manila, succeeding Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who was "appointed to the Roman curia to work closer with Pope Francis in his governance of the Global Catholic Church" and given the title of 'Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of the Peoples in Vatican."

In accordance with minimum health protocols, the scheduled installation ceremonies will be celebrated through "a series of events" from June 24 through June 27, 2021.

As the new Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Advincula will lead to serve around 3 million Catholics in his territory, which includes: Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasay and San Juan.

In a brief family background, written by Cardinal Advincula's sister, Jo-

Official photo of Archbishop of Capiz, Jose Advincula

sefa "Baybee" Advincula-Dimalanta, she wrote" children are gifts from God and each child is a gift to God. This was how our parents viewed each child in the family. From 1947 to 1969, the "gifts" came one after another and in a matter of twenty-two years, there were twelve in all. Jose Firmalino Advincula and Carmen Falsis Fuerte, both from Dumalag, Capiz raised healthy, happy and well-educated children, namely: Josefa (teacher), Felixberto (engineer), Benjamin (priest), Jose, Jr. (priest), Coronacion (teacher), Antonio (engineer), Ana Fe (physician), Consolacion (physician), Fatima (dentist), Candelario (electronics technician),

Before World War II, Toting was a seminarian at the San Vicente Ferrer Seminary in Iloilo, but left and studied at Colegio de San Agustin, which is currently University of San Agustin, where he excelled in sports and became a member of both basketball and football varsity teams, from 19351938. He was also one of the recipiA visit with Pope Francis (undated) ents of the Plaque of Recognition givand Neil Peter (priest). The children were en by the San Agustin University Alumni named after the names of the saints, or Athletic Homecoming during its Diathe names from the almanac or calendar. mond Jubilee in 1978.

Cardinal Jose was baptized as Joe Carmen, on the other hand, was fondLazaro because the father, Jose, want- ly called "Inday," by her relatives and ed a junior. He was born on March 30, friends. The beautiful and soft-spoken two weeks after March 19, which is the woman was an intern at the Colegio de feast day of St. Joseph. His mother was San Jose in Iloilo before the war. When a devotee of St. Joseph, wearing green Toting came home to Dumalag, they met, habit everytime she went to mass. He even with fifteen years of age difference, was actually born on a Sunday, and was Toting courted her and they were marnicknamed 'Domingo." to his family and ried on May 16, 1946. friends.

Their family had a simple lifestyle beOn the other hand, Jose, Sr. was fondly cause their income only came from the called Dumalag, or "Toting," who was a farm and Toting's salary as a government politician by heart. He was elected as employee. Food was always given prioriDumalag Municipal Councilor and Vice ty. Cardinal Joe, being the youngest in a Mayor and was also appointed as Secre- row of three boys wore faded polo shirts tary and before his retirement, he worked and wore any shoes passed on by the two in the Commission on Election.

ConTnuED on PagE 16

Pilipino po tayo!

LUNG... frOm PaGE 1 who graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines in Diliman with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and from UP Manila’s College of Medicine with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Epidemiology now says in hindsight that when he took the job at the helm of one of the country’s premier medical institutions, he never envisioned himself being both at the center and forefront of his country’s fight against the deadly Covid 19 virus.

Dr. Balanag describes the maelstrom of the first few weeks when the deadly virus hit his country: “During the first few weeks of the pandemic there was very little knowledge about the virus and the disease. Medical supplies, particularly PPE’s (Personal Protective Equipment), were in short supply in hospitals.

Suppliers were not ready to provide the volume needed by the hospitals, and we had no capacity to do Covid testing for our patients.

At the time, my biggest concern was keeping our front liners and support staff healthy, safe and free from Covid because we obviously would not be able to operate the hospital efficiently if our own staff got sick, needed isolation or worse, infected other people.”

Meeting the challenge head-on meant mustering all of his managerial and logistical skills and Dr. Balanag says that meant providing his staff with all the PPE’s they needed, ensuring regular testing for all personnel plus providing food, transportation, shelter and isolation facilities. The LCP also provided mental health counseling for staff who were traumatized by the unprecedented and devastating impact of Covid on people’s lives.

In a nod to his peers in the medical profession, Dr. Balanag says that while most of them started out knowing practically nothing about the virus, the medical community and scientists have already learned so much about combating the disease in a very short period of time, in the process discovering and devising many treatments that have undoubtedly saved lives.

“I have always believed that the medical profession will always strive to give the best care available and find solutions whatever the time and place, whatever the constraints and the challenges posed by men and societies.

Whether praised or maligned and ridiculed, the medical profession will continue with its work and calling, and can be relied upon to deliver, “Dr. Balanag asserts.

To his credit, Dr. Balanag’s initial moves during the height of the pandemic’s first surge enabled LCP to operate at its best capacity while keeping infection rates of the hospital’s health workers relatively low. In March 2021, LCP health workers started receiving the Sinovac Coronavac vaccine as part of the hospital’s coronavirus disease (COVID-19) inoculation drive, further contributing to its personnel’s increased level of efficiency and confidence in handling the pandemic.

As a government -owned and controlled corporate hospital, the LCP derives 75 percent of its budget from its own operations, with the remaining 25 percent coming from the National Government. Dr. Balanag explains that government subsidy “is actually in the form of reimbursements for expenses incurred for free or subsidized medical services to poor/indigent patients. Most of the hospital revenues come from paying patients, benefit claims from the national health insurer Philhealth, and HMOs.” Dr. Balanag adds that since the start of the covid pandemic, the LCP has been receiving generous donations in cash and in kind, such as PPE’s, disinfecting solutions, medical equipment and machines, testing kits, laboratory supplies and machines, food, temporary shelters, and even transportation from private individuals, groups, corporations and from the Department of Health.

He is particularly grateful for financial aid from the national government that enables the hospital to procure medicines, medical supplies and equipment, as well as for the deployment of an additional 150 health workers from the Health Department. Dr. Balanag says that while the LCP’s bedspace and trained healthcare workers are limited, current resources are nevertheless adequate to meet the demand for hospital services as Covid cases continue to rise.

He says this was not the case during the peak of the current surge, when grim stories abounded of patients being driven around desperately by relatives from one hospital to

ConTnuED on PagE 16

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

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

kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com

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

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

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

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How Widows of US Citizens can still get their Green Card

WIDOWS of U.S. citizens have many options of obtaining their greencard should their U.S. citizen spouse die. Under INA Section 201(b)(2)(A)(i), Widows are allowed to remain classified as immediate relatives and to continue to be eligible to immigrate if they file an I-360 selfpetition within two years of the death of the U.S. citizen or to automatically convert an already-filed I-130 to an I-360. They must also show a good faith marriage, and demonstrate that they have not remarried to immigrate as an immediate relative Since 1938, US immigration regulations have provided for the automatic revocation of the approved visa petition upon the death of the Petitioner. However, immigration regulations since 2006 provided that automatic revocation provisions does not apply to a spousal petitions of US Citizens if the deceased US Citizen petitioner and the alien widower had been married at least two years at the time petitioner died.

When the FY2010 DHS Appropriations Act was enacted on October 28, 2009, the 2 year requirement was eliminated. Under section 568(c) of that act, it is no longer

necessary for the husband and wife to have been married for 2 years when the citizen spouse died in order for the alien spouse to qualify as an immediate relative. The widow may remain an immediate relative as long as the widow was not legally separated from the citizen spouse at the time of death and the widow spouse files a petition within 2 years after the death of the citizen spouse or until the widow spouse remarries whichever comes earlier. INA Section 201(b)(2)(A)(i). Each child of the alien will also be considered an immediate relative under this section.

Widows with Pending Petitions Section 568(c) amendment is applicable to all pending petition on or after the date of the enactment. Pending includes denied I-130 that have pending motions to reopen or pending BIA appeal, and BIA denials pending federal court litigation. The amendment also applies to any form I-485 that was pending on October 28, 2009.

Widows with Approved Petitions Any approved I-130 before the citizen petitioner death will be

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deemed an approved I-360. The widower may adjust along with any child.

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.

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

Reprints of materials published in the newspaper should have explicit permission of Weekend Balita staff or management.

Widows without Pending Petitions Widows may file I-360 self petition. For citizen spouses that died prior to October 28, 2009, the deadline to file the I-360 is October 28, 2011. For citizen spouses that died on or after October 28, 2009, the deadline to file the self petition is within 2 years of the citizen's death. Affidavit of Support is not required for widows of a citizen and accompanying children.

USCIS does not require a Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for either the widow or the accompanying children in order to establish they will not become a public charge under INA Section 212(a)(4). A Form I-864W exemption should be filed. A widow and and accompanying children will not accumulate unlawful presence if they were the beneficiary of a spousal I-130 that was pending October 28,2009 and that was later approved as a self-petition.

If you are a widow who has a US Citizen spouse who passed away within the last 2 years, you should seek the representation of an experienced immigration attorney to assist you with this process.

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes 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, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010.

Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com. Web: kenreyeslaw.com

What Are Rates and Housing Worried About?

IN the recent 2 weeks, there's been big news about inflation and seemingly big news about Fed policy. Both are threats to low interest rates. Everything you see prices are rising and they are going up fast.

After taking last week's huge inflation numbers in stride the bond market moved on to focus on Fed policy this week. The Feds is often a source of confusion for consumers when it comes to mortgage rates. The evening news says things like "the Fed kept rates unchanged," and people assume it has something to do with mortgage rates.

The Fed Funds Rate (the thing the Fed actually decides to hike, cut, or hold steady) has almost nothing to do with the mortgage market. Mortgage rates are infinitely more concerned with the Fed's bond buying policies.

Movement in the bond market is the foundation of day-to-day mortgage rate changes. Bonds can move for a variety of reasons, but the most reliable and most basic reason is "supply and demand."

By acting as a massive buyer of bonds (including the bonds that directly underlie mortgages), the Fed increases demand relative to supply. Higher demand means higher bond prices, and higher bond prices equate to lower rates, all other things being equal.

In other words, Fed bond buying = lower rates, and they've been buying more than anyone for a long time. Ideally, the Fed won't need to do this forever, but change is scary when it refers to the Fed withdrawing support.

It was this sort of change that sparked the taper tantrum in 2013, which accounted for some of the most abrupt rate spikes in decades. Markets are understandably cautious about a repeat performance, and market participants thought they saw hints about tapering in Wednesday's Fed meeting minutes (a more detailed account of the meeting that took place 3 weeks ago).

But those comments were nothing like the discussion surrounding tapering in 2013. Back then, multiple Fed members were in agreement, and Bernanke (the Fed Chair at the time) was already on record discussing the conditions for tapering in specific terms.

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Solve Your Debt Problems Before They Get Worse

IF you are searching for debt reduction solutions, no doubt you’ve been inundated with advertisements for various debt management programs, companies and solutions.

The choices seem confusing to the average consumer. The truth is that every situation is different and what may work perfectly for others is not necessarily going to work the same way for you. So, what do you do before your debt problems get worse?

If you know your finances are a mess and you’re struggling with a mountain of debt, then you need

to create a plan of attack to help you get rid of your debt properly.

If you’ve ignored your debt problems for a while and you are now at a point where creditors have taken legal action to collect what you owe, self-help debt reduction may be out of the question and you may need to immediately take the legal steps necessary to protect what you have.

Many times, people come to our office with wage garnishments, bank levies or a lien filed by a creditor against their home, and they don’t know what to do to stop it.

These are the situations where fil-

Lorenzana orders review of Gov't Arsenal safety measures MANILA (Mabuhay) — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday ordered the Government Arsenal (GA) in Limay, Bataan to review its safety and protective measures, follow ing t he ex plosion at the facility that killed two personnel and wounded two others on Wednesday morning.

"The SND (Secretary of Nationa l Defense) has directed the GA to conduct a thorough review of the safety and protect ive measu res i mplemented i n t he manufacturing facilities to ensure that a similar incident will be avoided in the future," Defense

spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

He added the DND chief also conveyed his condolences to the affected families of the victims of the explosion.

"The GA sha ll a lso ensure that appropriate assistance and attention are extended to the families of the personnel who died in the line of duty," Andolong said.

Based on initial investigation, the explosion occurred during the preparation of the priming composition for caliber .45 bullets at the primer composition mixing facility of the GA's Explosives Division.

Killed in the explosion

were Ricardo Solomon, 40, and Marvin Tatel, 38, while those wounded were Macreldo Rodriguez, 57, and Allan Wisco, 36.

"The GA is conducting a separate investigation on the circumstances surrounding the explosion and will be submitting its full report to the Department of National Defense. Meanwhile, we are looking after the welfare of the families of the victims and ensuring that the two other affected personnel are receiving the appropriate medical attention," GA director Arnel Rafael Y. Depakakibo said in a separate statement.

(MNS)

MORTGAGE UPDATE… FROM PAGE 6

This time around, the comments relating to tapering simply reiterated those from various Fed speeches in recent weeks. Not only is the Fed far from unanimous on this front, there is also a lot more uncertainty about when they'll pull the trigger.

Even then, to say the comments were highly conditional would be an understatement. See for yourself: "A number of participants suggested that if the economy continued to make rapid progress toward the Committee's goals, it might be appropriate at some point in upcoming meetings to begin discussing a plan for adjusting the pace of asset purchases."

Meaning: the Fed isn't even talking about tapering yet. There are just 4 Fed members who agree they should talk about it in the future if certain things happen. Pretty logical, actually... The market reaction ended up being logical as well: spooked at first, but quickly calming down.

In a nutshell, inflation is here to stay. Prices for commodities, oil, housing materials etc are all going higher and that should prevent interest rates to climb to avoid a recession.

While housing market will still carry and imbalance between buyers and sellers. I suspect this to go on for another two years.

Thanks for your inquiries, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net . CABRE01021223 NMLS 238636

ing bankruptcy may be the only way to get out of debt as quickly as possible and to protect yourself from further creditor actions.

It is important for you to have an accurate picture of your current financial situation before you embark on implementing a solution.

This means understanding exactly how much income is coming in and how much you pay out in expenses.

As a starting point, you should also write down your outstanding balances on all your current debts and add up the totals. The total figure might shock you at first but it’s important for you to know where you’re starting in order to create a plan of attack. Alongside each debt balance, write down the amount of interest you’re being charged and how much you’re paying each month on that debt.

Sadly, most people who are buried in a mountain of debt have lost track of what they owe. And because they have stopped paying their creditors, the bill collectors are now demanding the full amount which, of course, makes it even harder for the person to catch up on their delinquent debts.

If you’re on a very tight budget or if your income is not even enough to cover your living expenses, it may be impossible for you to get out of debt without having to file bankruptcy in order to wipe out what you can no longer afford to pay. For many people, this may be the only realistic way to get rid of debts hanging over their head

instead of trying to pay their creditors slowly or even worse- not paying them and having to face the legal consequences later on.

Working out the right debt elimination or debt reduction plan to help you get out of debt can be tricky. Everyone seems to have all kinds of advice and they’re all convinced that their solution is the best. How can you know which one is the right one to help you?

If your debts are mounting up and becoming uncontrollable, maybe you also need to take a current look at your current lifestyle (ouch!) and how much it costs to maintain your standard of living today. In order to become debt-free, you first need to fix your spending leaks. This means finding the discipline to stop charging anything else on your credit cards and only buying those things you have the cash to afford.

For a free consultation and debt analysis, call Toll-Free 1-866-4777772. NOTE: Due to COVID-19 concerns, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE OR VIDEO to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems.

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

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CAREGIVERS: Are you ready to claim your overtime in 2021?

Ov er the past few years, the attorneys at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson have had the honor of informing hundreds of caregivers about the specific overtime laws that protect caregivers from being overworked and underpaid. Many of these caregivers decided to call us after reading articles on Weekend Balita or finding us on Facebook. https://www.facebook. com/caregiverovertime/. These are some of our favorite calls to receive.

And, as a result of these calls, we have been able to help hundreds of caregivers recover millions in unpaid overtime.

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

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

1. “I Feel Obligated To My Patient.”

By nature, caregivers are typically caring people.

Many private employers take advantage of a caregiver’s compassionate nature and do not pay a fair wage. Many caregivers feel a sense of loyalty or obligation towards their employers that make them reluctant to pursue valid claims.

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

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

The truth is that the family members are obligated

right to seek the overtime wages due. It is the employer’s obligation to properly classify the employee and withhold state and federal income taxes. If this has not happened, the employer has also violated the law.

to ensure their loved ones are adequately cared for.

It is not a caregiver’s obligation to provide care in exchange for a wage that is less than what the law requires.

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

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

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

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

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

While we recommend that our clients pay all taxes owed for the wages received, if a caregiver has not paid taxes on wages, the caregiver still has the legal

taxes owed.

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

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

6. “I Am Concerned About Immigration Status.”

California law permits undocumented workers to recover unpaid overtime wages. In our experience, our undocumented clients have not suffered any serious adverse effect from presenting an overtime claim.

While we cannot guarantee no problem will arise, we believe the benefit in recovering unpaid overtime far outweighs the risk. Also, we have a relationship with an immigration attorney that can review and possibly assist with your specific immigration situation.

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

Most cases settle without going to court, and many cases settle within a matter of a few months to a year. We regularly help caregivers who return to their home countries while the case is ongoing and keep in contact with us via the phone and internet. Because the laws are so strong in favor of the caregiver, most employers seek an early settlement of claims.

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

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

This article is an attorney advertisement written by Daniel Chaleff, employment law attorney at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson.

Our office is located at 5855 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 400, Woodland Hills, California. We accept cases throughout all of Northern and Southern California.

Our examples are of a general nature and are not a guarantee regarding the outcome of your individual matter. The law firm focuses on caregiver rights.

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

Duterte institutionalizes system to harmonize humanitarian aid

MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order (EO) which mandates immediate and harmonized humanitarian assistance and operations during disasters and emergencies to ensure “faster and more reliable delivery of social protection programs and services of the government.”

Under EO 137 inked on May 24, Duterte stressed that the government’s duty is to give an “effective, integrated, and fiscally responsible aid and humanitarian support to the Filipino people in times of emergency and during disaster as a critical component of recovery and rebuilding efforts.”

“The Philippines is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including sea level rise, increased frequency of extreme weather events, rising temperatures and heavy rainfalls, which account for significant losses, both tangible and intangible,” the order read.

The EO said the “Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide” (AHON) Convergence Program is institutionalized as a platform for an enhanced and unified delivery of

social amelioration services.

AHON’s component programs, according to EO 137, include food and non-food relief items; livelihood assistance and interventions; educational assistance; burial assistance; transportation assistance; employment assistance; medical and health assistance; direct financial assistance; and infrastructures for preparedness and rehabilitation phase.

“The concerned implementing agency shall be responsible for the full implementation of its programs, and shall promulgate rules on the qualifications of beneficiaries which shall not be unduly burdensome and shall be kept at the barest minimum to ensure accessibility and wider coverage,” order said.

The EO also creates the AHON Committee chaired by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President and vice chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Members of the committee include the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health, the Department of Information and

Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The member-agencies are directed to designate their permanent representatives to t he com m it tee wh ich shall have the rank not lower than an Undersecretary or its equivalent.

The committee is mandated to ensure the efficient and coordinated provision of immediate, adequate, and appropriate humanitarian aid; harmonize the types of suitable assistance; call for necessary government support; and craft guidelines for the implementation of EO 137.

AHON committee, through DICT and in coordination with the National Economic and Development Authority, should establish and maintain a unified Convergence Information System (CIS) containing a database of verified individuals, families, communities, cities, municipalities, and provinces identified as beneficiaries of the program.

“The CIS shall be kept upto-date by the agency members of the Committee and shall be available to all na-

tional government agencies and the public,” according to the order.

The funding requirement for the implementation of the EO will be charged against existing appropriations of implementing agencies and from other sources to be identified by the Budget department, subject to the availability of funds, and budgeting, and accounting and auditing laws and regulations.

Fu nd i ng requ i rement s for succeeding years will be included in the respective budget proposals of the AHON committee member-agencies.

T he com m it tee is a lso tasked to submit an annual report on the implementation of EO to the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary.

The military and the police are directed to assist the committee in the delivery of humanitarian support.

All state departments, bureaus, and offices, as well as local government units, are encouraged to support and cooperate with the committee.

EO 137, which was made public on Tuesday, takes effect immediately. (MNS)

President Rodrigo Duterte

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Filipinos prefer to connect via Facebook over SMS, voice calls — survey MANILA (Mabuhay) — Most Filipinos turn to Facebook to stay in touch with one another over text messages, a survey conducted by international mobile top-up service provider Ding Global showed.

Data from the Ding Global Prepaid Index (GPI) found that 88% of Filipinos chose Facebook as their preferred medium, followed by SMS with 53%, and voice calls with 28%.

Almost 70% said they would be interested in super apps which would cater to all their needs.

According to Ding Chief Commercial Officer Rupert Shaw, the data reflected the social culture of the Philippines, wanting to be connected with loved ones.

"You see clearly in the data the importance of family and friends in sharing and supporting, and that comes across much stronger in the Philippines than in other markets," he said in a virtual interview.

"I think there's a real sense of community and responsibility in supporting family back in the Philippines from the overseas community," he

added.

The survey took into consideration responses from 7,000 respondents across Europe, Asia, and the Americas on their use of prepaid offerings.

Data from the survey showed that respondents in the Philippines pri-

oritize family finances above other significant spends such as rent, utility bills, and education.

In terms of frequency, 84% of Filipino respondents said they have sent load top-up to their family at least once each month, while 78% said they

More House members by 2022: Duterte OKs creation of more districts in Bulacan, Caloocan M A NIL A (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the creation of more legislative districts in Bulacan province and Ca loocan Cit y, showed documents Malacañang released Thursday, adding two more slots for Congress in the next elections.

In Republic Act 11545, Duterte reapportioned the

first district of Caloocan City into two legislative districts, effective in the 2022 elections.

Home to about 1.5 million people, Caloocan is the fourth most populous Philippine city.

Duterte also approved R A 11546, which would reapportion Bulacan into 6 legislative districts, up

from the current 5 districts, to take effect in next year's elections.

The creation of more legislative districts will give residents "a stronger and firmer voice in Congress with their additional representation" and "ensure highly-empowered local governance," the sponsor of the bills, Sen. Francis To-

lentino, earlier said.

Meanwhile, Duterte also gave the green light to the conversion of Calaca in Batangas province into a component city under RA 11544.

The President said the city would have "corporate powers", including to sue and be sued, and to acquire real or personal property, among others. (MNS)

Robredo camp slams Roque's misleading vaccine ad claims MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Office of the Vice President Leni Robredo called out Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque for lying about a proposed COVID-19 vaccine infomercial, saying it reeks of politicking.

OVP spokesperson Ibarra Gutierrez snapped at the false narrative Roque made on Wednesday night, claiming that Robredo wanted to do a vaccine ad with President Rodrigo Duterte because the government's vaccine rollout is supposedly succeeding.

"Based on t his statement from last n ig ht's Cabi net briefing, it is sadly clear that this administration will always put politics first, and w ill even l ie to

VP LENI ROBREDO

push its own agenda," Gutierrez said in a statement.

However, the idea of a "vaccine infomercial" featuring the top elected officials in the country came from Senator Joel Villanueva, citing that a third of Filipinos are hesitant to get vaccinated based on recent surveys.

Gutierrez said the Vice President only expressed support for Villanueva's pitch.

He pointed out, "The Vice President simply expressed her willingness to do so to improve people's vaccine confidence, which remains alarmingly low."

"The Vice President's position remains the sa me. She ha s been work i ng non-stop to help Filipinos overcome the various d i f f icu lt ies brought by COV-

ID-19, and will always be ready to do more to serve our people," Gutierrez added.

He was referring to Robredo's office aiding frontliners and local government units in COVID-19 response with personal protective equipment, meals, free swab tests, among others.

Robredo has received her first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, one of the brands issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Likewise, the President also got his first dose of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine, even t houg h t h i s bra nd has not been i ssued an EUA b y t he F D A .

(MNS)

PRESIDENTIAL SPOX HARRY ROQUE

received load top-up.

At present, Ding has some 114 million connections in the Philippines, 96 million of which are prepaid.

Globally, Ding has reached some 5 billion phones across 150 countries.

Ding partnered with local telecommunications companies Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc. for its expansion in the country, and seeks to widen its footprint moving forward. The company has yet to put up a physical office in the country, but plans for this are being made.

"Asia's one of our key areas to expand this year so we're currently looking at a couple of venues and I think Philippines certainly will be one of those," Shaw said.

Ding is also looking at rolling out more services such as payments for postpaid services offered by the incumbent telecommunications firms, subject to local regulations.

Moving forward, Ding targets to sustain its 60% year-on-year growth in terms of global operations, equivalent to 88 million transactions. (MNS)

CHR to probe cop's killing of teenager with special needs MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday said it will launch a motu proprio investigation into the death of a teenager with special needs at the hands of a policeman in Valenzuela City.

CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline de Guia said “discovering the truth in the incident should be a priority” due to conflicting accounts of police, eyewitnesses, and the victim’s family.

Over the weekend, 18-year-old Edwin Arnigo was shot dead by a policeman during a raid on an illegal cockfighting.

Police claimed Arnigo was killed during a scuffle after he grabbed the service firearm of one of the cops in the raid, but his mother said this was unlikely as her son was afraid of policemen.

The cop, who was only identified as having the rank of Police Senior Master Sergeant, is now disarmed and under restrictive custody pending investigation by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Internal Affairs Service.

The CHR stressed that the United Nations-adopted principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials state police “shall, as far as possible, apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and firearms.”

It also said the PNP’s own revised operational procedures categorically prohibit the use of excessive force.

“Pending the results of our investigation, we urge the police force to be more discerning on the use of force during police operations,” de Guia said.

“Every police officer is reminded in their duty to serve and protect life. Use of heavy-handed tactics which are unwarranted and prohibited under PNP operational procedures must be dealt with accordingly,” she added. (MNS)

10

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Isang Mensahe Itinaguyod ngng LosLos Angeles CountyCounty Isang Mensahe na na Itinaguyod Angeles

Mga Tala ng Isang Manggagamot Ukol sa mga Bakuna

Mga Tala ng Isang Manggagamot Ukol sa mga Bakuna Dr. Eloisa Gonzales, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Dr. Eloisa Gonzales, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Q: Maaari ko bang kunin ang bakuna ng Pfizer para sa unang dosis (dose) at Moderna para sa pangalawang dosis, o ang kabaligtaran nito?

A: Hindi. Kinakailangan mong kunin ang magkaparehong tipo ng bakuna para sa dalawang dosis.

Ang pagiging epektibo ng bakuna ay maaapektuhan kapag hindi magkapareho ang tipo ng bakuna na iyong kukunin.

Q: Kailan nagsisimulang magbigay ng proteksiyon ang mga bakuna?

A: Ikaw ay masasabing ganap

na nabakunahan (fully-vaccinated) pagkaraan ng dalawang linggo matapos ang iyong pangalawang dosis para sa Pfizer o Moderna, o dalawang linggo pagkatapos ng nagiisang dosis ng Johnson & Johnson.

Sa panahon na ito, dapat mong ipagpatuloy ang mga pag-iingat habang hindi hindi ka ka pa pa nabibigyan nabibigyan ng ng habang anumang dosis ng mga naturang anumang dosis ng mga naturang bakuna. bakuna.

Q: Nakuha Q: Nakuha ko ko na na ang ang pang-unang pang-unang dosis ngunit di ko nagawa ang ang dosis ngunit di ko nagawa pangalawang dosis.

Kinakailangan pangalawang dosis. Kinakailangan ko bang bang gawin gawin uli uli ang ang pang-unang pang-unang ko dosis? dosis?

A: Dapat A: Dapat mong mong subukan subukan na na kunin kunin ang pangalawang dosis makalipas ang pangalawang dosis makalipas ang dalawampu’t dalawampu’t isang isang (21) (21) araw araw ang matapos ng iyong unang dosis para matapos ng iyong unang dosis para sa bakuna ng Pfizer, o dalawampu’t sa bakuna ng Pfizer, o dalawampu’t walong araw araw (28) (28) para para naman naman sa sa walong bakuna ng Moderna.

Kung hindi bakuna ng Moderna. Kung hindi mo nakuha nakuha ang ang pangalawang pangalawang mo dosis sa loob ng nakatakdang dosis sa loob ng nakatakdang panahon, kailangan mong kunin panahon, kailangan mong kunin ito sa lalong madaling panahon. ito sa lalong madaling panahon.

Hindi ka masasabing ganap na Hindi ka masasabing ganap na nabakunahan kapag hindi mo nabakunahan kapag hindi mo nakuha ang dalawang dosis. nakuha ang dalawang dosis.

Q: Maaari ko bang bisitahin ang aking pamilya, pati na ang mga matatanda kong kamag-anak, kapag ako ay nabakunahan na?

A: Depende sa sitwasyon. Ang mga ganap na nabakunahan na tao ay maaaring makipagkita sa mga kapwang ganap na nabakunahang tao na hindi nagsusuot ng angkop na pantakip sa mukha (face mask) o naglalagay ng tamang agwat sa isa’t isa (social distancing). Ang mga ganap na nabakunahan ay maaari din na makipagkita sa mga tao na kabilang sa kanilang kabahayan na hindi pa nababakunahan o di kaya ay di pa ganap na nabakunahan kung sila ay hindi nanganganib na magkaroon ng seryosong sakit mula sa COVID-19.

Q: Sinu-sino ang ang mga mga maaaring maaaring Q: Sinu-sino mabigyan ng bakuna? mabigyan ng bakuna?

A: Lahat ng ng tao tao na na labindalawang A: Lahat labindalawang (12) taon gulang at higit (12) taon gulang at higit pa pa na na nakatira nakatira o nagtatrabaho sa probinsiya o nagtatrabaho sa probinsiya ng ng Los Los Angeles ay maaaring makakuha Angeles ay maaaring makakuha ng ng bakuna bakuna laban laban sa sa COVID-19.

COVID-19. Ang Ang mga mga tao tao na na ang ang edad edad ay ay labingwalong labingwalong (18) (18) taon at pababa ay puwedeng taon at pababa ay puwedeng bigyan bigyan lamang lamang ng ng bakuna bakuna ng ng Pfizer, Pfizer, ayon ayon sa sa patnubay ng FDA. patnubay ng FDA.

Bisitahin upang Bisitahinang angwww.vaccinatelosangeles.com www.vaccinatelacounty.com upang gumawa ng inyong appointment sa pagpapabakuna.

The Much Anticipated McDonald’s x BTS Menu Collab is Officially Here Starting today, customers can enjoy the pop icons’favorite meal and celebrate with brand new merch, plus more (CHICAGO 26,26, 2021) – For– (CHICAGO– –May MAY 2021) ever yone counting down the For everyone counting down days until the BTSthe Meal arrives at the days until BTS Meal McDonald’s, the wait is over!

The arrives at McDonald’s, the wait band’s signature order –signature featuring is over!

The band’s aorder 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, – featuring a 10-piece medium World Famous Fries, Chicken McNuggets, medium medium Coke®, and Sweet Chili World Famous Fries, medium and Cajunand dipping sauces inspired Coke®, Sweet Chili and by recipes from McDona ld’s Cajun dipping sauces inspired South Koreafrom – is now available by recipes McDonald’s at participating restaurants South Korea – isU.S. now available nationwide.

But we’re not ending at participating U.S. restaurants the fun there.But we’re not ending nationwide.

Tonight, we’re offering up yet the fun there. another way to celebrate Tonight, we’re offeringthis up much anticipated Alarms yet another waycollab. to celebrate should be setanticipated for 7 p.m. EST, when this much collab.

McDonald’s andbe BTS a Alarms should setwill for drop 7 p.m. show-stopping merch line on the EST, when McDonald’s and BTS Weverse app. This head-towill dropShop a show-stopping merch toe is inspired by some linecollection on the Weverse Shop app. of thehead-to-toe craveable, hand-picked This collection is menu items from of thethe BTS Meal, with dynamite threads like inspired by some craveable, hand-picked menu items hoodies, bathrobes, socks andthreads sandals.like Whether it’s from thepurple BTS Meal, with dynamite hoodies, the McDonald’s fry box logo with seven fries for each purple bathrobes, socks and sandals.

Whether it’sBTS the member, or the marriage of BTS McDonald’s red McDonald’s fry box logo withpurple sevenwith fries for each BTS and gold, these designs are the perfect representation of an member, or the marriage of BTS purple with McDonald’s iconic partnership fan-favorite brands. And to red and gold, thesebetween designstwo are the perfect representation get it, iconic you must downloadbetween the Weverse app andbrands. create of an partnership two Shop fan-favorite an account fordownload the merch to And to get to it, prepare you must thedrop.

Weverse Shop app “Seeing thean passion andto anticipation from fans worldwide and create account prepare for theour merch to drop. since we announced theand BTSanticipation Meal has been incredible,” “Seeing the passion from our fans said Morgansince Flatley, Marketing worldwide weChief announced theand BTSDigital Meal Customer has been

About McDonald’s USA

McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to nearly 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook www.facebook. com/mcdonalds.

Experience Officer, McDonald’s USA. “And best part is, we Digital are just incredible,” said Morgan Flatley, Chiefthe Marketing and getting started.

We are preparing to give customers even the more ways to Customer Experience Officer, McDonald’s USA. “And best part experience thisgetting collaboration inWe theare coming weeks to – through a merch is, we are just started. preparing give customers drop exclusive digital content that provide a behind-the-scenes evenand more ways to experience thiswill collaboration in the coming look at BTS.” weeks – through a merch drop and exclusive digital content that Building onathe celebrity signature orders McDonald’s released last will provide behind-the-scenes look at BTS.” year, the BTS marks the first oforders its kind to include four straight Building oncollab the celebrity signature McDonald’s released last weeks of dynamic in-app content for customers.

Starting today, year, the BTS collab marks the first of its kind to include four straight McDonald’s will reveal never-before-seen digital surprises eachtoday, week weeks of dynamic in-app content for customers.

Starting featuring the band, viewable exclusively on thedigital McDonald’s app in the McDonald’s will reveal never-before-seen surprises each U.S. We’ve also unveiled ourviewable new commercial featuring theMcDonald’s band’s new week featuring the band, exclusively on the single, the heels its chart-topping last week.

You can app in“Butter,” the U.S.on We’ve alsoof unveiled our newrelease commercial featuring tune in here new to catch a preview of the adthe before it airs onchart-topping TV nationwide the band’s single, “Butter,” on heels of its tonight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ou8WmrZ0Pw&t=0s. release last week. You can tune in here to catch a preview of the ad U.S. customers can order the tonight.

BTS Meal in-restaurant, through before it airs on TV nationwide contactless mobile order and pay in theMeal McDonald’s app, at the Drive U.S. customers can order the BTS in-restaurant, through Thru or via McDelivery untiland Junepay 20. And with the BTS Mealapp, coming to contactless mobile order in the McDonald’s at the nearly 50 markets customers worldwide will soon beBTS enjoying Drive Thru or viaglobally, McDelivery until June 20. And with the Meal the artists’ full list of participating coming to go-to nearlyMcDonald’s 50 marketsfavorites. globally,The customers worldwide will markets and dates for meal availability can be found at https://corporate. soon be enjoying the artists’ go-to McDonald’s favorites. The full mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/en-us/our-stories/article/press-releases. list of participating markets and dates for meal availability can be bts-meal.html. found here.

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PECHANGA RESORT CASINO ANNOUNCES REOPENING OF HOTEL, SPA PECHANGA & THE COVE Closed to the public for more than one year, So Cal resort/casino welcomes guests back ahead of summer with remodeled hotel rooms, spa treatments PeCHANGA reSOrT CASINO announces today it will reopen the doors to its hotel, Spa Pechanga and The Cove pools starting Thursday, May 20 to the general public.

Reservations are currently available for guests wishing to book overnight stays and spa treatments. Attractive stay and play packages such as the Fun in the Sun and Stay Longer & Save can be found soon for booking through Pechanga.com.

Guests can also enjoy the newly renovated and all upgraded rooms in Pechanga’s Casino Tower. In the few months prior to the reopening date, construction and renovation crews worked diligently to complete the upgrades in all 532 rooms of the casino/resort’s original hotel building.

Fifteen additional hotel rooms were added as a part of the renovation by taking the place of Pechanga’s former spa and gym on the third floor. This brings Pechanga’s total number of hotel rooms and suites to 1,100, the most of any Southern California casino property. Each king and queen deluxe room, corner studio and one-bedroom suite feature entirely brand new furnishings, flooring, quartz counters, bathroom configurations, televisions, thermostats, telephones, coffee makers, side-by-side refrigerator/ mini bars, and more amenities to make every detail a guest would need during a stay stand out.

“We are really excited to open our hotel to the general public in anticipation of California’s further reopening June 15,” said Andrew Masiel, President of the Pechanga Development Corporation. “We’re very encouraged by the environment in the past several weeks and are seeing guests visiting with more confidence and zest for the many amenities that makeup the Pechanga experience. ” Pechanga Resort Casino’s hotel, spa and Cove reopening sends a clear message to visitors coming to the Temecula Valley,” said Kimberly Adams, President of Visit Temecula Valley. “Pechanga and its leadership remained the forerunners of implementing and executing safety protocols throughout the pandemic. Visitors can now feel sure they will receive the same and even better hospitality in our region during their next visit. We also expect to see great positive ripple effects on local tourism and small businesses throughout the valley because of Pechanga’s further reopening.”

Pechanga’s Casino Tower rooms have also been outfitted with numerous USB, USB-C ports, and electrical outlets to handle the numerous devices guests often bring. Those staying in deluxe rooms will find 55-inch flat screen televisions. Guests staying in suites will find both 55-inch and 65inch televisions. Each television is wired for screen casting and each room provides secure, high speed wireless internet connection.

Guests eager to receive some relaxation can also now book spa treatments and hair and nail services at Spa Pechanga. Open currently Thursday through Sunday, the spa offers facials, massage and other therapeutic treatments aimed at reducing stress and calming one’s mind and body. Appointments are available to hotel, RV Resort, Temecula Creek Inn, Tribal, and certain Pechanga Club guests.

One of the most highly anticipated reopenings at Pechanga Resort Casino is The Cove. As the weather warmed up in Southern California, social media comments and questions asking about a reopening date for The Cove reopening became steady. Featuring four pools, three spas, two twisty waterslides and 27 cabanas, The Cove provides a 4.5-acre space for guests to relax, lounge, cool off and enjoy the sunshine. The Cove will be open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and be limited to guests staying at Pechanga Resort Casino, the Pechanga RV Resort, Temecula Creek Inn,

About Pechanga resort Casino Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the number one casino in the country by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property

by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Under normal operations, Pechanga offers more than 5,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.

Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @PechangaCasino

The Cove at Sunset

Tribal guests and Red and above Pechanga Club members. Cabanas may be booked by these guests by calling (951) 770-8501.

Pechanga officials continue to follow COVID-19 safety protocols where appropriate and limiting occupancy levels to allow for proper distancing.

Pechanga Resort Casino’s hotel, spa and The Cove openings are all done under specific health and cleanliness protocols in accordance with the latest medical guidance, as well as the California Hotels & Lodging Association’s (CHLA) Clean + Safe Certified standards.

For more information or to book a stay or spa experience at Pechanga Resort Casino, visit Pechanga.com.

12

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global NEWS GLOBAL NEWS

Saturday-Friday | May 29 - June 4, 2021

Duterte to run for VP?

President 'leaves it to God', says spokesman MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte "leaves to God" the decision on whether or nor he would run for vice president in the 2022 elections, Malacañang said on Thursday.

"I think I will quote the President, he leaves it to God," Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque said in a press briefing.

He repeated this answer when asked to clarify if the President was open to joining next year's polls.

Duterte's chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo this week disclosed the President's 2022 plans.

"Well, I asked him, ito ang sagot niya: 'hahayaan ko 'yan sa Diyos,'" Panelo said in an interview.

Roque last year said it was unlikely that the President would seek to be vice president in 2022, as the running mate of his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE "Ang pagkakaalam ko po eh, atat na atat na si Presidenteng matapos ang kaniyang termino at gusto na niyang umuwi dito sa Davao," Roque said in November, referring to Duterte's hometown.

M A NIL A ( Mabu hay) — Step 2 registration start- out smoothly and safely in "Iyong Duterte-Duterte tandem po na sinasabi ni Secretary Over 10 million Filipinos ed in January which would their respective provinces.

Panelo, iyan po ay kaniyang personal na opinyon," he told have completed step 2 of soon become available in "We assure everyone that reporters. the registration process for all provinces, the PSA said. all will have a chance to Duterte, 76, is not eligible for re-election. the national ID system, the Registration is being done register, especially when we He has repeatedly denied his daughter would seek to sucstate statistics bureau said gradually and efficiently in ramp up our operations by ceed him in 2022. Duterte-Carpio has topped recent surveys Tuesday. compliance with health pro- the latter half of the year,” on the most preferred candidates for president.

A total of 10,092,022 reg- tocols due to the COVID-19 said PSA Philsys Registry OfLast year, Duterte said he would make Vice President Leni istrants have completed the pandemic, the agency said. fice's Deputy National StatRobredo's presidential run a nightmare should she seek to collection of biometric inThose who have complet- istician Assistant Secretary be his successor. (MNS) formation as of May 21 for ed the second step just need Rosalinda P. Bautista. the Philippine Identification to wait for Step 3 or the delivPhilSys also tapped the System (PhilSys), the Philip- ery of their physical ID card Land Bank of the Philippines pine Statistics Authority said and unique PhilSys number so that registrants could easin a statement.

(PSN), the PSA said. ily open bank accounts after Biometric information inAs of May 15 over 100,000 the second step is completcludes a person's iris scan, IDs have been distributed by ed, in line with its goal of fingerprint and front-facing PHLPost, the agency said. financial inclusion. photograph which are cap“We owe this milestone Socioeconomic Planning MANILA (Mabuhay) — It may take the government two ture in registration centers. to the enthusiasm and supSecretar y Karl Kendrick more years to provide free wifi connections to barangays Step 1, or the initial regport of our citizens to the Chua earlier said the nationand elementary schools across the nation, the Department istration is done through PhilSys program and the al ID could broaden access of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) house-to-house collection hardwork of the PSA Field to financial services as well said Tuesday. and through the PSA's Phil- Offices in making sure that as hasten social aid distribuDuring a congressional hearing, DICT Undersecretary for Sys website. registration operations roll tion. (MNS) Digital Philippines Emmanuel Rey Caintic was asked how long it would take for the free public wifi to completely cover Authority (TESDA) institutions.

10929, also known as the Free Internet Access public schools.

As of May 5 this year, the DICT said there are in Public Places Act. This mandates the gov"Right now we are including it in our 2022 budget, pero ang estimate ko sir another two years po 'yan of rollout to cover 8,924 sites installed across the country after ernment to provide free internet access in doubling the number of sites for the program public spaces across the country. all of 43,000 barangays and elementary schools," he said.

"We are aiming to provide every public For 2021, the DICT earmarked P7.7 billion for the imple- in 2020.

The DICT in January 2018 said it plans to school and SUC with free Internet connectivity mentation of the free wifi for all in public places and state put up 250,000 wifi access points across the and access to aid our students and teachers universities and colleges (SUCs).

The department plans to deploy the most number of sites in country before 2022, when the six-year term adapt to the new normal in the education sector," Secretary Gregorio Honasan II said public institutions— 10,300 sites in public schools and 1,804 of President Rodrigo Duterte ends.

Duterte in August 2017 signed Republic Act earlier. (MNS) sites in SUCs and Technical Education and Skills Development

10 million Filipinos complete National ID registration step 2

DICT says two more years needed to provide free wifi to all barangays, elementary schools

House panel junks impeachment complaint vs. Leonen MANIL A (Mabuhay) — The House Committee on Justice on Thursday junked the impeachment complaint filed against Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen.

During a hearing, lawmakers argued that the complaint, filed by Edwin Cordevilla, secretary-general of the Filipino League of Advocates For Good Government on December 7, 2020, was based on hearsay.

Forty-four lawmakers voted "yes" to dismissing the complaint while two inhibited.

Representative Vicente "Ching" Veloso, panel chairperson, said the com-

SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICE MARVIC LEONEN

plaint would be returned to the House Secretary General within three session days with the explanation not only on its insufficiency but also on the fact that the committee had to dismiss the complaint.

"Being hearsay and not based on authentic record, we cannot take this as a ground even on the question of verification on the matter of the court," Veloso said.

"The verification failed to satisfy the requirement that the allegations of the complainant must be based on his personal knowledge or must be based on authentic records," he added.

The lawmakers said the allegations were not based on personal knowledge and were not supported by authentic records.

Albay Representative Edcel Lagman said the complainant only relied on newspaper accounts as well as columnists' opinions in filing his complaint.

He pointed out that these were not authentic records and were "invariably hearsay."

Section 3 of the House Rules of Procedure in Impeachment Proceedings states that the complaint's verification should be based on the complainant's "personal knowledge" or "authentic records."

Deputy Speaker Bienvenido "Benny" Abante Jr., for his part, questioned the timing of the complaint lodged as the country is still facing the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"People are dying every day and we need all the time we have in Congress to legislate measures that will help our people fight this disease and our country to recover," Abante said.

"Do we really need an impeachment during a pandemic? Is this really the right time to do this?" he added.

The committee secretariat said the complaint was dismissed only due to insufficiency in form, but Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Zarate said it is already an outright dismissal.

"It was dismissed in form as it failed to comply with formality. If it's verification is defective, it is an unsigned complaint so it is just a piece of paper, so the effect is outright dismissal to include substance," Zarate told reporters.

In a statement, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said the decision of the panel should be respected.

"With the dismissal of the impeachment complaint against Justice Leonen, Congress can now focus more on the task at hand, which is to produce legislation that would further help our kababayans and the economy recov-

er from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic," Velasco said.

Cordevilla's complaint was endorsed

by Ilocos Norte Representative Angelo Marcos Barba, a cousin of former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. When the complaint against the justice was filed last year, Marcos had a pending electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo, who defeated him in the 2016 elections, before the Supreme Court acting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal. The PET already junked the poll protest.

Cordevilla has claimed that Leonen committed culpable violation of the Constitution for supposedly failing to dispose of at least 37 cases within 24 months.

According to the complainant, this was a violation of Section 16, Article III of the Constitution which mandates the speedy disposition of cases.

Cordevilla further alleged that Leonen had betrayed public trust when he failed to file his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth during his tenure at the University of the Philippines.

Under the Rules of Procedure in Impeachment Proceeding, the grounds for impeachment include treason, bribery, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | May 29 - June 4, 2021

Business BUSINESS

Duterte OKs add'l P5B budget for quarantine expenses of returning OFWs

MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has approved an additional P5 billion budget for quarantine expenses of returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Thursday.

"The President approved an additional P5 billion budget and this was confirmed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III," Roque said.

"This budget will pay for the

quarantine hotel expenses because of the longer quarantine period that we require for our returning OFWs," he added.

The Philippine government requires returning OFWs to undergo quarantine in a government-run facility and have them undergo an RT-PCR test on the seventh day of quarantine. If they test negative, these returning OFWs are required to finish 14-day quarantine at home.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration chief Hans Leo Cacdac earlier said the agency would need P9 billion additional budget to address the longer quarantine period required for returning OFWs amid the emergence of new variants of the coronavirus.

Over 500,000 OFWs have been repatriated since the COVID-19 pandemic grounded businesses and industries worldwide.

(MNS)

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Abalos backs increasing capacity of businesses in NCR in June MANILA (Mabuhay) — Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos Jr. on Wednesday said he supports opening up more businesses and further increasing the capacity of establishments in the National Capital Region by June.

Abalos made the suggestion as he noted that the COVID-19 cases in the country are already going down.

“I don’t want to preempt the decision of the mayors… For me, personally, we could open up more businesses and study the capacity itself,” he said.

“Because right now, we are now in [General Community Quarantine] with heightened restrictions.

Probably, pwede luwagan pa natin in terms of capacity,” he added.

Abalos also said that he will bring up the possible adjustments of curfew in Metro Manila in a meeting Wednesday night with the NCR mayors.

Adjusting the curfew hours will allow businesses to adjust their operating hours, he explained.

Currently, the curfew in Metro Manila is implemented from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.

The NCR Plus is under GCQ "with heightened restrictions" from May 15 to May 31, 2021.

Under GCQ with heightened restrictions, indoor dine-in services in NCR Plus shall be at 20% venue or seating capacity while outdoor or al fresco dining shall be at 50% venue or seating capacity.

Outdoor tourist attractions in the NCR Plus, on the other hand, may be opened at 30% with strict adherence to minimum public health standards.

Public transportation shall remain operational at such capacities and protocols in accordance with the Department of Transportation guidelines while the use of active t ra nspor tat ion shall be promoted. (MNS) MMDA CHAIRMAN BENHUR ABALOS JR.

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Duque: COVID-19 test results from self-swab possibly ‘questionable’ MANILA (Mabuhay) — A COVID-19 test result from a self-swab test may be “questionable” since there is no guarantee that protocols and standards were followed, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Thursday after an actor went viral for collecting his own sample.

“Me r on t a y on g m g a panuntunan o pamantayan para gawin ‘yan. Hindi puwedeng sarili mong gagawin ‘yan (We have protocols for swabbing. You can’t just do it yourself),” Duque said at the Laging Handa briefing.

“Kung hindi naman ito naaayon sa mga tamang pamantayan ay kaduda-duda ang magiging resulta so hindi po natin dapat ginagawa ito (Your result will be questionable if you did not meet standards so let’s not do it ourselves),” he added.

Earlier this week, Robin Padilla went viral for posting a video of himself conducting a self-swab aboard a boat. He said no medical professional was available at the time.

Meanwhile, Duque also reminded the public that COVID-19 vaccines are not for sale after poll commissioner Rowena Guanzon tweeted that she was looking to buy jabs for her staff.

He said the Department of Health reminded Guanzon that the sale of COVID-19 vaccines is not yet permitted.

“Wala pang certificate of product registration kaya hindi mo pwedeng ibenta sa open market (You cannot sell vaccines in the open market without a certificate of product registration),” Duque explained.

Aut hor it ies have a lso launched investigations into the alleged selling of COVID-19 vaccination slots.

(MNS)

Earlier this week, Robin Padilla went viral for posting a video of himself conducting a selfswab aboard a boat. He said no medical professional was available at the time.

LGUs ordered to fast track vaccination, ease registration process MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered local government units to fast track the vaccination of Filipinos by easing registration process and providing help to individuals needing assistance.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said the department will soon issue a memorandum circular “fast tracking inoculation efforts” through online registration and traditional sign-ups for those who do not have access to the internet.

“Let’s speed up the masterlist, let’s use simple data, the simpler the better,” Año said on Wednesday night’s Cabinet

DILG SECRETARY EDUARDO AÑO

briefing presided by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The circular would focus on the following measures: -Hasten masterlisting effort by streamlining data requirements.

-Aggressive communication and advocacy for widespread immunization.

This will also include swift response to individuals who will experience adverse reaction following vaccination.

-Deployment of mobile units to deliver and administer vaccines. This will be done in partnership with private hospitals to ensure sufficient health care professionals.

-Pa r t ner w it h pr ivate sector, non-government organizations, academe and religious organizations on the establishment of more vaccination sites and mass vaccination drive to boost acceptance and confidence.

The DILG chief said review of the LGUs vaccination plans will continue. To date, a total of 25,994 LGUs have submitted plans to inoculate their constituents.

(MNS)

TURNING

65

SOON?

ANY day on the 3 months before and 3 months after your 65th birthday, you may enroll on Medicare Part B at the Social Security office. If you don’t enroll, you will be meted a penalty if you enroll later, unless you have what is called a “creditable” coverage. If you don’t have “creditable” coverage and you enroll later than the 7-month window period, you may enroll only during the period from January 1st to March 31st, with an effective date of July 1st.

Medicare Part B takes care of your MD visits, laboratories, durable medical equipment (DME), and drugs you don’t administer yourself like flu and pneumonia shots as well as cancer drugs, etc.

Anyone enrolled on a Covered California health plan and enjoying an Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC) that lowers monthly premiums

must call Covered CA not later than 1 month before 65th birthmonth to disenroll from the plan.

Let me illustrate: Jack will turn 65 on September 27, 2021. He is currently enrolled on a Bronze plan at the Covered CA paying only $20 monthly premium because his income entitles him to an APTC. Medicare Part B premium for 2021 is $148.50 monthly, or more for those with higher income. If Jack waits until 2022 to enroll on Medicare Part B so he may continue to enjoy paying only $20 monthly premium instead of the higher Medicare Part B , he will suffer a “double whammy” later on. 1) Social Security will penalize him for not enrolling on Medicare Part B during the required period – 3 months before and 3 months after his birth month (June 1 – December 31, 2021), and 2) the IRS will disallow his APTC for

OCTA: NCR's COVID-19 cases now 80% lower than peak of surge MANILA (Mabuhay) — The average number of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila has fallen by around 80% from the peak of the surge in infections during the previous months, the OCTA Research group said Wednesday.

Professor Guido David said the capital region averaged 1,099 new COVID-19 cases daily over the past week.

“That is about 80% lower than the average during the peak of the surge. The single-day peak was 8,000 but the daily average peak was 5,550, so this is a significant improvement,” he said in an online forum.

David also said NCR's reproduction number, which refers to the number of people that each COVID-19 case can infect, has decreased to 0.53 while its positivity rate has gone down to 10% from a high of 25% in April.

“Obv iously, we wa nt to sustain this. Then again, we should remind everyone that even though we have made significant improvements, the NCR will always be at risk of another surge… that’s why the focus right now is on vaccinations,” he said.

David said the GCQ over Metro Manila and neighboring provinces should be “retained” in June.

David also reported that Quezon Cit y, Zamboanga, Manila, Pasig, and Davao City registered the highest number of new COVID-19 cases over the past week.

Despite this, most cities posted a negative case growth rate, except for Davao City whose infections grew by 49%.

Quezon City and Zamboanga also logged high hospital occupancy rates of 62% and 70%, respectively.

The Philippines has 1,188,672 COVID-19 cases with 1,120,452 recoveries and 20,019 deaths as of Tuesday afternoon. (MNS)

the period from September 1 to December 31, 2021.

What should Jack do? 1.

Call Social Security sometime in June to enroll on Medicare Part B for an effective date of September 1, 2021. AND, very important 2. Call Covered CA sometime in July to disenroll from the Bronze plan effective August 31. By September 1, 2021, Jack has Medicare Part A and Part B. He may decide to stick to Original Medicare and enroll on Medicare Part D and a Medicare Supplement Plan to cover his share of cost OR enroll on a Medicare Advantage Plan.

If you need help, call me at 323 535 7373 or e-mail me at: leo.balita@gmail.com.

About the author: Joleo “Leo” Monsalud, RICP@ holds CA life and health license #0G55218.

He studied for MBA and Law at the University of the Philippines. He worked for United Laboratories, Inc. where his last position held was vice-president in charge as general manager of a division. He helps members choose the right Medicare health plan for them.

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85% of health workers in PH vaccinated vs COVID-19, says DOH

2ND DOSE. A healthcare worker prepares to administer the Covid-19 vaccine during the second dose vaccination rollout for medical workers in the Department of Health-Calabarzon held at Quezon Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) Wednesday (May 19, 2021). Healthcare workers are the priorities in the inoculation program of the government.

(MNS photo)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines has vaccinated about 85 percent of its estimated 1.7 million medical frontliners, the Department of Health said Wednesday.

At least 1.3 million health workers have received their first vaccine dose, according to a slideshow that Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje flashed during a televised public briefing.

Health workers belong to "A1", the top priority group in the vaccination drive that began March 1.

"Karamihan po ng ating nabakunahan, iyong tinatawag nating priority A1. Nasa 85 percent na po tayo ng ating A1 ng first dose na master listed," Cabotaje said.

Most of the health workers who have yet to get vaccinated are in the provinces, she said, adding some remain hesitant to get the jabs.

"Kailangan natin pong hikayatin ang ating mga barangay health workers, ating members ng barangay emergency response teams. Medyo nag-aatubili pa sila," Cabotaje said.

The Philippines has taken delivery of some 8.279 million COVID-19 shots. Authorities have administered at least 4.305 million of these doses nationwide, as of May 24.

Between 58 and 70 million are targeted for inoculation in the country to achieve herd immunity against the coronavirus.

As of Tuesday, 1,188,672 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the country, of which, 48,201 or 4.1 percent are considered active. (MNS)

Philippines to launch P100-M study on COVID-19 vaccine performance in real world conditions MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines will mount a P100-million project to study the performance of COVID-19 vaccines in real world conditions, an official from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said Tuesday.

DOST Undersecretar y Rowena Guevara said the study, expected to start in June, will track around 1,000

DOST UNDERSECRETARY ROWENA GUEVARA

individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

The project will be led by Dr. Nina Berba from the University of the Philippines Manila.

"What they will do is, while vaccinations are ongoing, they will select participants and follow them for about a year or so to see what happens to them after inoculation," Guevara explained in a mix of English and Filipino during a health department forum.

“It will answer questions on the effect of the ethnicity [on vaccines],” she added.

Guevara said the study will also aim to find out the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines over time, as current data is insufficient.

The project has yet to receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

The head of the Vaccine Expert Panel earlier said the COVID-19 vaccines that have been rolled out in the Philippines perform better in real world conditions than in clinical trials.

Health authorities have also repeat-

PH receives 3 new Covid-19 clinical trial applications MANILA (Mabuhay) — Three more vaccine developers have applied to conduct a coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine clinical trials in the Philippines, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said Tuesday.

In an online forum, Guevara said the Task Group on Vaccine Evaluation and Selection has received new Covid-19 vaccine clinical trial applications from

West China Hospital and Sichuan University; Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co.; and Korea-based Eubiologics Co. Ltd. "Evaluation of the first two new applications are ongoing, while Eubiologics is still completing some requirements," she said.

Gueva ra sa id t he DOST is waiting for the final protocol and list of vaccines from the World Health Orga n i zat ion, so t hat the Solidarity Vaccine

Trials may be applied with the Ethics Board and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval.

She said to date, the FDA has approved three Covid-19 vaccine clinical trials.

"Janssen's and Clover Biopharmaceuticals' clinical trials are ongoing. Sinovac's clinical trial, on the other hand, has not started yet, and FDA is awaiting the submission of (Sinovac's) protocol amendment," she said. (MNS)

edly stressed that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, with less than 1% of recipients reporting serious side effects, none of which have been found to be directly caused by the jab.

The Philippines has so far vaccinated over 3 million people, still far from the government’s target of inoculating 50 million to 70 million people this year. (MNS)

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Leyte mother counts on BP2 benefits to sustain kids

MANILA – A fresh start for a better life.

This is what Virginia Cruz, a mother of six, is looking forward to when she applied for the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program (BP2) of the national government so they can go back to Leyte province.

A single mother, Virginia lost her husband in March due to aneurysm.

Her children are aged 17, 16, 13, 11, 9, and 7.

The eldest, Cedrick Ramo, has inborn physical and mental disabilities but she has never taken him to a doctor for diagnosis or treatment.

“Hindi ko alam kung ano talaga ‘yung kondisyon niya kasi nung pinanganak ko siya nong 2005, hindi pa naman required 'yung newborn screening. Tapos nahalata na lang namin na nalulula siya tapos naninigas hanggang sa naging bedridden na siya. Hindi na niya kayang umupo (I do not know his exact condition because when I gave birth to him in 2005, newborn screening was not yet required.

After that, we just noticed that his body stiffens until he became bedridden and he could no longer sit),” Cruz recalled.

Before the coronavirus disease pandemic, she worked as a masseuse in a spa in Quezon City.

When Covid-19 hit the country in 2020, she lost her job.

“Sobrang hirap ng epekto sa amin ng Covid. Masahista ako noon at me anim na bata tapos kamamatay lang ng tatay nila noong March 4 dahil sa

aneurysm (Covid hit us hard.

I worked in a spa and I have six children, their father died just last March 4 due to aneurysm),” she narrated.

Cruz is accustomed to working and never relies on other people.

Recently, she had to swallow her pride and lined up for relief goods.

Relatives gave them food every now then. Not enough but they are always thankful.

“Pinakamasakit sa akin bilang nanay ‘yung oras ng kainan wala akong maihain.

Dumating kami sa ganung punto, nagsasabi sila na gutom na sila, pero wala talaga eh, wala akong trabaho (The hardest part for me as a mother is when I do not have anything to give them. We came to that point when they tell me they were hungry but I have nothing to give them. I do not have a job),” Virginia said.

She said in times like those, they would sing together.

“Hanap na lang ako ng ma-uutangan. Ganun na lang talaga kasi gutom ka na nga, malungkot pa ‘yung bahay mo.

Kahit paano pasayahin mo na lang ng konti (After that, I look for somebody who can lend me some money. That’s how it is.

You’re already hungry yet your house is so sad. At least we get to have a good time),” she said.

She is grateful that nobody in the family got sick amid the pandemic.

A better life When they heard of BP2 last

HOPEFUL. Virginia Cruz and her six children, including 17-year-old Cedrick who has disabilities, wait for

further instructions at the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program depot in Quezon City on Thursday (May 27, 2021). Once her Covid-19 test turns out negative, they will fly home to Leyte on Friday morning.

(Photo by Robert Alfiler)

year, Virginia said she applied for the program with her sister, received a call after four months, only for the program to be suspended.

In total, there are 16 of them, from two families, that were approved for BP2.

Despite some hesitations, Cruz said she grabbed the opportunity as she dreams of a better life for her children.

“Sabi sa amin meron ding pangkabuhayan. Tutulungan nila kami kung paano mag-alaga at magparami ng baboy, patutulungan nila kami sa TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Devel-

opment Authority) kaya doon ako nananalig na lang para sa mga bata rin (We were told that they will assist us with our source of livelihood, how to breed hogs, that TESDA will train us, that is where I put my trust on, for my children),” Cruz said.

Just the thought of the amount of money they will need for transportation fare made her thankful to the government.

She explained to her children that life is much simpler in the province and that they will have a fresh start, not thinking abouthouse rental

LUNG... from Page 5 another in hopes of a vacancy or of ambulances lining up in hospital parking lots with patients waiting to be admitted in over-crowded emergency rooms.

Although the LCP initially found itself in the same dire situation as other hospitals in Metro Manila, Dr. Balanag clarifies that “we never turned away any patient without providing initial medical evaluation and management. The situation has improved compared to a few weeks back. Although there are still a lot of patients coming in, there are currently more beds available at LCP and the waiting time to be admitted is shorter.”

Dr. Balanag explains that with an authorized bed capacity of 210, the hospital could admit 245 patients pre-Covid. A total of 159 beds are allocated for Covid patients with the remaining 51 beds for non- Covid patients, including those with complicated TB, COPD, asthma, lung cancer and patients requiring surgical procedures for various lung and chest conditions.

In April of last year, the Philippine National Red Cross built an emergency field hospital at the LCP grounds to serve patients with mild to severe Covid infection. A few months later, the Department of Public Works and Highways built a modular hospital to augment the LCP’s isolation facilities, adding another more beds to accommodate mild to severe Covid patients. Now operating at 200 percent capacity and with additional rooms currently being constructed, Dr. Balanag says the LCP

and other expenses.

She added that Metro Manila has become crowded and she feels unsafe, especially for her children.

“Iniisip ko kung makakapagtrabaho ako doon, doon na lang kami. May lisensya naman ako (I was thinking if I could find a job there, we should stay there.

I have a license),” she said.

She hopes the government continues to help people like her who are willing to work.

No matter what happens, she said she will continue working for her children to finish their education and have better chances to succeed. (PNA)

LIGHTHOUSE... from Page 5 is able to admit 80 percent more Covid patients than before.

Patients are admitted based on the severity of the disease. According to Dr. Balanag, the LCP “admits mild cases with co-morbidity, moderate to severe and critically-ill patients. Mild to moderate cases who do not progress in severity, stay for 5-10 days depending on their oxygen requirement. Severe to critically-ill patients usually stay for 14 to 21 days, are on high flow oxygen system or mechanical ventilators, undergo hemoperfusion, receive dexamethasone, anti-coagulants, remdesivir or tocilizumab and monitored for levels inflammatory biomarkers.”

He adds that common complications from Covid are acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis, cardiac complication like acute coronary syndrome or myocarditis leading to heart failure or irregular heart rhythm, liver abnormalities and occasionally, strokes.

When Covid patients are discharged, they are usually given additional oral medication to be taken at home, and are given strict instructions for home rest for several more weeks. Discharged patients are assigned a physician who can take telephone calls regarding medical issues and conduct follow-up visits or schedule laboratory tests when required. These patients are considered recovered once they complete at least 14 days isolation and are already asymptomatic, regardless of a repeat RT-PCR test.

Dr. Balanag says that in the Philip-

pines, patients who were sick with Covid are generally allowed to get vaccinated against the disease as soon as two weeks after complete recovery. And yes, he advises people to get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes available in their medical facility or community.

Like everyone in the medical community, Dr. Balanag prays for a swift end to the pandemic. Married to Maria Balanag, a medical technician who is currently involved in medical research and father to three boys (Earl, Andrei and Bernard), Dr. Balanag has had his share of invaluable lessons and moments of personal inspiration in this time of crisis. He has seen, he declares, the best and the worst in people.

“As Executive Director of LCP, I realized that there is a huge reservoir of kindness in our society and that the inherent goodness of people will come out in times of difficulty,” Dr. Balanag avers.

In the final analysis, what motivates him and keeps him going --aside from expressions of gratitude from people whose lives have been saved or touched by the institution he runs—is the energy and selfless dedication of his medical front liners and support staff.

“I am proud of how our medical and support staff have responded to the crisis, meeting each new challenge headon with their innovative and creative ideas. They have shown courage under the most difficult conditions and they have not wavered in their dedication to duty and compassion for our patients,” Dr. Balanag says.

older brothers, but he never complained nor cried.

Good education was always emphasized to the children. Cardinal Joe was a consistent honor student from Grade I to Grade VI at the Dumalag Elementary School. And, while in high school at the St. Pius X Seminary, he became the top in his class.

Through persistence, determination, encouragement and moral support to each other, they all became successful in their studies and professions.

As a young boy, Cardinal Joe was close to his maternal great grandmother, named Uyang Epay (Josefa Farinas -Falsis) , the mother of his grandmot her, Nat iv id ad Falsis-Fuerte. He also loved the outdoors, such as mountain trekking, hiking, collecting plants, photography and he loved their road trips as they all bonded together."

Eventually, they all became professionals and have moved on, since priesthood has been in their bloodline, the three priests: Cardinal Joe, Msgr.

Ben and Father Peter all became busy with their own priestly duties to tend to. However, Cardinal Joe visits his siblings both in the United States and Canada when he can. Per sister Josefa's brief story, the priests are their family's gift to God and among the twelve children of six boys and six girls, the Advincula family was "gifted to give," Each child in the family was a "gift " from God and each "gift" had "gifts" to share to mankind. And they're all blessed and thankful for having Cardinal Joe as their family's best "gift" to God. May Cardinal Joe's blessings to lead our Catholic kababayans in Manila ex tend t h roug hout the country. God bless the Philippines during these challenging times.

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Jennica Garcia on Alwyn Uytingco after split: ‘I will never say anything bad about the father of my children’

J

ennica garcia took to instagram to defend alwyn uytingco and set the record straight, after she confirmed their split last week.

In a lengthy post, Jennica pertained to various news stories about them and clarified that money wasn’t the cause of their separation.

“Financial problem is not the reason,” she wrote in the caption.

“Our savings was never an issue.”

“Going back and pursuing my career as an actress is simply the wise thing for me to do in this season in my life,” she continued.

The actress suggested for the public to check their sources before trusting articles they read online.

“I will never say anything bad

Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto mark 4th anniversary

BARBIE AND JAK MAniLA (Mabuhay) — Can you believe Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto have been together for more than four years now?

The real-life Kapuso sweethearts just marked their fourth anniversary with super kilig messages to each other on Instagram.

Jak posted a series of photos from their trips together, along with a sweet caption where he called her “the one.”

“Too many to mention mahal ko.

Pero lahat ng trip natin pareho, kaya siguro umabot din tayo ng apat na taon, at hanggang ngayon wala akong masabi kundi ikaw ang THE ONE (We went on too many trips to mention, which is probably why we lasted four years, but until now I have nothing to say except you’re the one),” Jak wrote.

“Salamat sa pag intindi at salamat sa lahat ng binibigay mo saking suporta, mapatrabaho man yan o kung ano mang mga plano ko satin! Mahal na mahal po kita Madam! Happy 4th Anniversary!!! (Thank you for understanding me and thank you for all the support you’ve been giving me, may it be for work or whatever else is planned for us. I love you very much, Madam!

Happy 4th Anniversary!!!)” he added.

Meanwhile, Barbie shared a memorable pic at the beach with Jak, along with a cute poem about how they spent the past four years together.

“Four years. Four years na kitang kasama. Four years na tayong nagtatawanan. Four years na tayong nagdadamayan at nagtutulungan sa problema. Four years na tayong nagsspicy noodles. Four years na tayong masaya.

FOUR YEARS NA AKONG MASAYA (For four years, we’ve been together.

For four years, we’ve laughed together. For four years, we’ve been eating spicy noodles. For four years, we’ve been happy. For four years, I’ve been happy),” Barbie wrote.

“Sana FOUREVER na. Ano sa tingin mo? @jakroberto ( I hope it’s ‘fourever.’ What do you think, Jak?),” she added.

“Happy 4th Anniversary, Mahal Ko (my love)! I love you.”

Jak and Barbie have been in a relationship since 2017.

Although the two still don't feel "pressured" to get married, the on and off-screen couple have been giving their fans kilig content for four years now. (MNS)

about the father of my children,” Jennica said.

“If you see an article with me putting Alwyn in a bad light, please make sure it was published by a reputable source before you believe."

The Kapuso actress will now avoid questions about Alwyn since other stories seemed to “twist” her previous interview about their split.

“The good things that I said about how I honor Alwyn up to this day because he was never materialistic, hardworking and a good provider was not included in the reposted articles.”

“I will try my best to gear away from questions pertaining to Alwyn from this day forward to protect what my children will be able to read in the future,” she added.

Jennica then addressed those

who have been criticizing them and said her mind is “clouded with worries and fear.”

“I understand and accept that it comes with the job but I hope you'll understand that we get affected by your assumptions and accusations even if we do not wish to welcome it.”

Jennica previously said she will be pursuing showbiz again for their now “family of three.”

Currently, Jennica is part of GMA's afternoon drama "Las Hermanas" where she plays the role of Brenda, the antagonist of Yasmien Kurdi's character Dorothy.

Prior to Jennica's confirmation, rumors of their breakup have already circulated online following her recent posts and the actor’s noticeable absence on her social media.

Jennica, daughter of actress

JENNICA GARCIA Jean Garcia, tied the knot with Alwyn in February 2014. Together, they have two daughters, Athena Mori and Alessi. (MNS)

Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez won't be seeing each other for four long months MAniLA (Mabuhay) — Sounds like Carla Abellana will be missing Tom Rodriguez for the next four months.

In a YouTube vlog, Carla said she will stay in Bataan for a month-long lock-in taping for a new show “To Have and To Hold.”

Tom also has a new project, and because their breaks between tapings don't match, the newly engaged couple won't be seeing each other for quite some time.

“It’s going to be like that until September," Carla said adding "It’s going to be the longest time we’ll be apart which is more or less four months."

Carla shared feeling sad at the thought of having to remove her engagement ring for now.

“That’s okay because pretty soon, I get to wear that again.

Not just that because pretty soon, there will be a wedding ring along with that engagement ring,” she added.

Although she’s quite saddened with their setup, Carla said they are thankful for both

of their opportunities.

“Even though we aren’t on the same show, we are thankful because at least we get to continue to put food on our table, support our families and prepare financially,” she said.

“Not just for the wedding but for our dream home. We’ll endure not seeing each other because it will be worth it and the important thing is we’ll get married after our shows.”

The couple got engaged in October 2020 but only revealed it to the public in March.

They plan to hold their classic-style church wedding this year once the country's current situation gets better.

Tom and Carla have been together for almost seven years. They met through GM A's hit series "My Husband's Lover" in 2013.

CARLA ABELLANA AND TOM RODRIGUEZ

(MNS)

Marjorie Barretto on her sisters Claudine, Gretchen: 'I won’t wish ill of them' MAniLA (Mabuhay) — Marjorie Barretto remains to be at odds with her two sisters Claudine and Gretchen but she claims that “it is not out of hate.”

Speaking to Toni Gonzaga for the latter’s vlog, Marjorie explained that she just finds “more peace in that space” that she and her sisters currently have.

“Parang there’s just too much pain na it’s just gonna be more peaceful kung hindi bati. But it doesn’t mean that karga-karga ko araw-araw, na nagigising akong galit na galit sa kanila. Hindi eh, hindi ganun,” she said.

When asked where she is now emotionally, Marjorie simply said: “Definitely, not from a place of hate. I don’t look back at it na masakit pa yung dibdib ko. I won’t wish ill of them.”

“It’s not coming from a place of unforgiveness. I just want peace,” she added.

It was at this point that Gonzaga noted how Marjorie is comfortable with people

MARJORIE BARRETTO not knowing her side of the story as long as she has peace of mind.

Agreeing with this observation, Marjorie said: “I can shut down from the judgment of other people. There’s much that they don’t really know that goes on behind that story. I refuse to share. We are public figures but we are not public property. Because at

the end of the day, kahit anong sikat mo, pag-uwi mo, we are normal like everybody else. We have the same problems, the same needs.”

“I want to protect that side of us because that side of the fame, that’s not forever. So ito na lang ang poprotektahan ko. I know how to shut down from judgment. I know how to not listen to the bad things they say about me. I know myself more. I know my children more. I know they all have good hearts.”

Marjorie, Gretchen and Claudine once had close relationships.

Claudine then had a rift with the two, before Gretchen and Claudine reconciled, leaving Marjorie estranged from her sisters.

Their most recent publicized feud, and perhaps the most controversial over the past decade, was the scuffle at their late father’s wake in October 2019, witnessed by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte.

(MNS)

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19

Maymay, Edward apologize to each other Ruffa Gutierrez's eldest daughter Lorin officially after 'misunderstandings, rumors' joins showbiz

E

dward Barber and his onscreen partner Maymay Entrata took the chance to apologize to each other on the finale episode of the actor’s digital show “Kwentong Barber”.

While he did not mention any specific rumors, Barber put Entrata on the spot when he asked the actress about her thoughts on the "untrue" issues about him that swirled around in 2020.

The host of the Kumu show admitted that it was the first time he would be asking Maymay about these issues, saying he never got the chance to clear up everything with her.

“I never asked you. I never got to talk to you about it.

A lot of things that were not true were said. I never got to clear up everything with you,” Barber told Entrata.

Maymay, who appeared to be surprised with the question, said she knew about his struggle to handle the pressure and rumors thrown at him.

The revealed that they even tried to help each other to end the persisting rumor about Barber but to no avail.

“Pero yun nga kahit anong gawin, kahit anong sabi natin, may iba talagang hindi tumitigil,” Maymay said.

Entrata went on to share that she was not aware of the whole story and was equally surprised to hear the unspec-

MAYMAY ENTRATA AND EDWARD BARBER ified rumor.

But she never asked the actor as she was confident that he would not do certain things which the actress refused to specify.

“Ang importante ay kaming mga naniniwala sayo at kilala ka, importante na enough na yung alam namin yung totoo. Di mo na kailangan gawin pa ang mga bagay na makapagpapasaya sa ibang tao para sa approval nila,” she assured Barber.

Maymay also acknowledged how difficult it was for Edward to deal with issues that dragged his family and loved ones into it, expressing empathy to her close friend.

This prompted Entrata to say sorry to Barber for failing to protect him as a friend, citing their then ongoing misunderstandings.

“Gusto ko rin humingi ng pasensya sayo kung hindi enough yung bilang isang kaibigan, paano kita poprotektahan. Kasi nung time na

yun may hindi tayo pagkakaintindihan. Tas nangyari sa 'yo yun. Sorry kung wala ako roon,” Maymay quipped.

Barber was quick to interject and told his fellow PBB housemate not to apologize but also admitted he heaved a sigh of relief hearing the assuring message of Entrata.

“You did nothing wrong.

You did everything right.

Even when we worked together dun sa movie, you had my back. You supported me.

And thank you for that. Hindi mo alam yung weight na nalift sa chest ko after hearing those words,” he said.

Edward, on the other hand, made mention about his mistakes in the past.

“I've made my own mistakes, realizing stuff through failure. It's one of the reasons why until now there are certain things I have struggles forgiving myself for. One of them is putting you in a situation where you got hurt or other people got hurt,” Ed-

ward explained.

It was then his turn to apologize to Entrata for allowing her to go through the difficult situation due to the issues hurled against him.

“From the bottom of my heart, I'm really sorry that I allowed you to put in situation like that or you had to go through that,” he told the actress.

The two, however, denied that their misunderstandings were rooted from the rumors swirling on social media.

“Parang nagko-connect na sila. Detective ba kayo? Mas alam nyo pa po 'yung buhay namin,” Maymay said jokingly.

But in a serious tone, she expressed how proud she is to see Edward grow his faith with God amid the challenges he had to face in 2020.

“Gaya mo, na-rescue ka rin ng Panginoon,” said Maymay, who also opened up about battling depression recently.

For Barber, he does not want their love team to be remembered by all the projects they have worked together.

The actor hopes that MayWard be recognized as two people saved by God. “I want one thing only to be remembered, and that's not yung mga project natin.

If anything, we are just two people saved by God in so many ways,” he added.

The two last paired up early this year in a film titled “Princess DayaReese” which aired on on KTX.ph, iWant TFC, TFC, Sky Cable PPV, and Cignal PPV. (MNS)

Danica Sotto assures husband Marc Pingris:

'I’ll always be by your side'

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Danica Sotto penned a lengthy message for her husband Marc Pingris following his decision to finally retire after 16 years in the PBA. On Instagram, Sotto first described how dedicated Pingris was to his career as a professional basketball player.

“Every time Marc has a game, especially an important one, 'yung tipong mga do-or-die games… 'di mo makaka-usap 'yan! He’s quiet and not his usual kulit self. Naka-focus talaga sa game. Minsan ilang araw pa,” she said.

“I give him his space kasi nag-iisip talaga 'yan ng malalim. But once the game is over… he will always look for me and the kids in the crowd so he can hug us and say he loves us. Pag ganyan na siya sa akin it means mission accomplished na siya.

Nanalo na team nila, para sa family namin o kaya para sa bayan,” she added.

While saying she will definitely miss watching her husband play, Sotto said she is equally excited for what

lies ahead for him and their family.

“I know God has even greater plans. To everyone who has supported Marc in his basketball career, thank you so much! We are eternally grateful for all your love and support,” she said.

Finally addressing Pingris, Sotto wrote: “I will be forever proud of what you’ve accomplished... I’ll always be by your side. Love you so much!”

Pingris, fondly referred to as the "Pinoy Sakuragi" after a character from popular basketball anime' series “Slamdunk,” is well loved by peers and fans alike due to his down to earth demeanor outside the playing court.

Pingris is a nine-time PBA champion and a twotime Finals MVP. He has represented the Philippines in several occasions and personified Gilas Pilipinas' "Puso.”

The 6-foot-4 power-forward is known for his physical style of play that won the admiration of local fans.

The 39-year-old has been hampered by a host of inju-

ries in recent years. Since tearing his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in his knee in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup, he has played sparingly for Magnolia.

He also was not able to help the Hotshots during the

PBA bubble after aggravating his right calf injury. So he decided to call it a career, one with a host of unforgettable experiences.

"It has been a glorious 16 years," said Pingris in his Instagram post. (MNS)

DANICA SOTTO AND MARC PINGRIS

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Lorin Gutierrez is following the footsteps of her mom, actress Ruffa Gutierrez.

The 17-year-old Gutierrez was announced as the newest addition to the Viva Artists Agency family on Tuesday and a solo virtual press conference was also held to welcome her.

“Wala naman akong masyadong takot.

If anything, I just feel more excited. I can’t wait to start this new journey, this new chapter of my life,” she said about making this huge step.

“Parang buong buhay ko I’ve been waiting when’s the right time to finally do this and finally follow in my family's footsteps. And now that I’m almost 18, it just feels right. It feels like I’m comfortable finally.”

While she hails from a family of actors and actresses, Gutierrez insisted that she was never dictated by anyone with regard to her decision.

LORIN GUTIERREZ “Never naman sinabi ng family ko na kailangan mong gawin ito ngayon. They never tried to rush me. They never tried to pressure me. Everything was on my own pace and now I’m ready. I’m excited.

Wala naman akong takot or nervousness.

I’m just really excited to put all my effort into this and see what this new chapter of my life takes me,” she said.

When asked what made her want to become an actress, she said: “Even in high school when I was focused mainly on school, I already took part in plays. I would do drama classes. I’ve always had the passion for acting. It was genuinely something that I enjoyed and something I did on my free time. At that time, because I was so busy with school, I would only do it sa school setting.”

“Eventually, because of the pandemic, I kind of realized na I am capable of doing more than one thing. Why should I limit my dreams to only one thing in life?

I feel like if I’m responsible in managing my time, I can pursue multiple passions and multiple options for my what future should be.”

Hence, Gutierrez is keen on acting and studying at the same time.

“As long as I’m disciplined and as long as I make the time, as long as I work hard, kaya ko naman i-balance both,” she said.

Meanwhile, Gutierrez mentioned one restriction her mom gave her now that she’s in showbiz.

“Of course, no boyfriend to focus on studies, to focus on my career. She just tries to instill in me that I should focus on myself rather than focusing on other people first. Parang hindi naman siya nagsasabi na huwag mag-boyfriend because she’s too overprotective but because she’s looking out for me. She wants what’s best for me,” she said.

When it comes to project, Gutierrez revealed that everyone in her family trusts her judgment.

“Of course they give me advice when I ask for it but I think my mom wants me to make my own name for myself and let me follow my own path and my passion.

She lets me have control of that naman po,” she said. (MNS)

20

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Subaru of Glendale is the #1 Subaru Dealer in America #1 Claim based on SOA YTD Sales Report for new car sales in the USA for 2020

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.